Guides
Straight answers for real jobs
Every guide cites the regulator or standard it’s based on, and shows the date the rules were last checked.
Can I legally DIY it?
What electrical, plumbing, gas and waterproofing work you can legally do yourself — and what needs a licensed tradie.
Start hereWhat electrical, plumbing and gas work can you legally DIY in Australia? (2026)State-by-state: which home electrical, plumbing and gas jobs you can legally do yourself, which need a licensed tradie, and the few exceptions that catch people out.Can I replace a power point myself in Australia?No — in every Australian state, replacing a power point (GPO) or light switch is licensed electrical work. Here's what each regulator says, and what you can do instead.Can I install a ceiling fan or light fitting myself?Installing a ceiling fan, light fitting or downlight is licensed electrical work in every Australian state. What you can do yourself, and how to save on the call-out.Can I install a dishwasher, oven or rangehood myself?Plug-in vs hardwired, water connection vs power: what Australian homeowners can legally do when installing a dishwasher, oven, cooktop or rangehood.Can I replace a tap myself in Australia? Washers vs whole taps, by stateChanging a tap washer is legal DIY in most states. Replacing the whole tap or mixer usually isn't. State-by-state rules for NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, TAS and more.What plumbing can I do myself in Queensland? The QBCC 'unregulated work' listQueensland has a clear list of plumbing jobs homeowners can do without a licence. The full QBCC list, what's not on it, and the penalties.Can I replace a toilet myself in NSW (or anywhere in Australia)?Replacing a toilet suite is licensed plumbing work in every Australian state, including NSW. Here's what you can fix yourself inside the cistern, state by state.UKWhat electrical work can I do myself in the UK? Part P explainedIn England you can replace sockets, switches and light fittings yourself. New circuits, consumer units and bathroom work must be notified. Part P in plain English.NZWhat electrical and plumbing work can a homeowner do in New Zealand?New Zealand's homeowner exemption lets owner-occupiers replace switches, sockets and light fittings. What needs an inspector, and the plumbing, gas and drain rules.
Do I need council approval?
Decks, sheds, fences, retaining walls and pergolas: the size and height limits for building without approval.
Start hereDo you need council approval? Decks, sheds, fences, retaining walls and pergolas by stateSize and height limits for building a deck, shed, fence, retaining wall or pergola without approval in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA and SA — and what cancels them.Do I need council approval for a deck in NSW? The exempt development rulesIn NSW you can build a deck without approval if it's under 25 m², no more than 1 m above ground and meets setback rules. The full exempt-development checklist.How big a shed can you build without council approval? Limits by stateThe maximum garden shed size you can build without approval in NSW (20 m²), VIC, QLD and WA (10 m²), plus height and boundary limits and the myths to avoid.How high can a fence be without council approval? Limits by stateMaximum fence heights without approval in NSW, VIC, QLD and WA — front vs side and rear fences, corner blocks, masonry and heritage rules.How high can a retaining wall be without council approval?Retaining wall height limits without approval: 600 mm in NSW, 1 m in Queensland and SA, and boundary rules in Victoria — plus when you need an engineer.
What do I need to buy?
Exact materials lists and quantities for common DIY jobs, in Australian sizes.
Start hereDIY materials lists: how to work out exactly what to buy (Australian sizes)How to calculate materials for common DIY jobs — garden beds, paving and more — using Australian product sizes, with worked examples and the formulas behind them.How many sleepers for a raised garden bed? Australian sizes and a full materials listWork out how many sleepers, screws and cubic metres of soil you need for a raised garden bed, using standard Australian 200 × 50 mm sleepers — with worked examples.How much road base and sand do I need for pavers? (per m², with a worked example)Paving a path or patio in Australia: how deep to dig, how much road base and bedding sand per square metre, and how to convert it to tonnes — with a 10 m² example.