What is incidental work?
Incidental work is considered to be minor associated work of another licence class that relates to the work being undertaken by a contractor and it may form part of the original contracted works.  It can be carried out personally or by engaging an appropriately licensed person.

Can occupational work be personally carried out as incidental work?
No - where the incidental work is 'occupational' work such as plumbing, drainage, pest control or fire protection work, the work can not be carried out personally unless you also hold the appropriate occupational licence. You must engage an appropriately licensed contractor or be occupationally licensed yourself.

What is the value of incidental work that can be carried out?
Licensed trade contractors are able to undertake incidental work of another class up to an aggregate value of $3,300 or less. 'Value' of building work means an amount representing the reasonable cost to a consumer of having the work carried out by a licensed contractor on the basis that all building materials are to be supplied by the contractor (whether or not the work is in fact carried out by a licensed contractor on that basis).

The value of work is also the aggregate value of $3,300. Where you are performing a number of items of incidental work, the total value cannot add up to more than $3,300. If the aggregate value of incidental work is $3,300 or more, BSA will prosecute you for unlicensed contracting.

Example 1
A licensed painter could replace, or organise for a carpenter to replace, a section of rotten timber fascia when contracting to repaint a house. This is if the aggregate cost of the fascia repair (including any other incidental work the painter is performing) is $3,300 or less.

Example 2
If the same painter also damaged some water pipes while going about his business then he could engage a licensed plumber to rectify, if the combined cost of the plumbing repair and the fascia work is $3,300 or less.