Builder and renovator profile on Websta in Australia

What to include on your Websta profile

Your profile page should have clear sections that help customers understand what you do. Start with a description of the services you offer - whether that is general building work, kitchen renovations, bathroom refits, extensions, or restoration. Be specific about what you actually do, not what you might do.

Add photos of completed work. These should show the finished result clearly. Customers want to see the quality of your work, so include photos of different types of jobs if you handle more than one kind of renovation or build. Make sure photos are well-lit and show the space as it looks in real conditions.

List the services you offer with brief descriptions. Examples might include structural work, interior renovations, external work, fitouts, or heritage restoration. For each service, say what it covers so customers know whether it matches their needs.

Include a contact form so customers can send you a message with details of their project. You can also set up online booking if you offer consultations or site inspections. Many builders use a quote request form instead of fixed pricing, since renovation costs vary widely by location and scope.

Languages for your profile

Publish your profile in English. That is the standard language for business in Australia. If you work in an area with a significant non-English speaking population and you speak another language, you can add translations, but English should be your main profile.

How Australian customers search for builders and renovators

In Australia, customers searching for builders and renovators often look by service type and location. On Websta, this happens through the marketplace at /marketplace/construction. Customers can filter by the kind of work they need - say, bathroom renovation or house extension - and by the suburb or town where they are located.

Many customers also post a task describing their project, and builders like you can make an offer. This is a good way to connect with projects that match your skills. Customers may also search directly by town name and service, so having a clear description of your work and your location on your profile helps them find you.

Working as an independent builder or renovator in Australia

As an independent builder or renovator in Australia, you will need to check the licensing and registration rules in your state or territory. Requirements vary. In most states, if you undertake building work over a certain cost threshold, you will need a license from the state building regulator. You should contact your state or territory's building authority to confirm what applies to the type of work you do and the size of projects you handle.

You will also need a tax file number (TFN) and should register for GST if your turnover meets the threshold. Check with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for current requirements. Insurance is important - most builders carry public liability insurance, and some also carry contract works insurance or professional indemnity insurance depending on the work they do. Talk to an insurance broker about what you need.

If you employ staff or use subcontractors, there are additional obligations around workplace rights and payments. Again, check with the relevant authorities in your state for current rules. Many independent builders work alone or with occasional help from subcontractors, so confirm what applies to your setup.

For payments, Websta uses Stripe to handle card payments from customers and pays out to your own bank account. You set your own prices or quote for each job. Make sure you understand the payment terms and fees involved.

What to add to your profile in your first hour

When you first set up your profile, focus on the essentials. Write a clear description of your trade - for example, 'General building and renovation work, including kitchen and bathroom refits, extensions, and structural repairs.' Say which areas you cover, whether that is one town, several suburbs, or a wider region.

Add at least three to five photos of recent completed work. They do not need to be professional shots, but they should be clear and show the finished result. Customers use these to judge the quality of your work.

List the main services you offer, such as 'Kitchen renovation,' 'Bathroom renovation,' 'House extension,' or 'General repairs.' Keep it short - one line per service is fine at this stage.

Set up a contact form or quote request form. You can add online booking for site visits later, but a simple way for customers to send you a message is essential. Make sure you include your location or the regions you cover, and a phone number or email address if you want customers to reach you that way as well.

Building your profile over time

After you set up your basic profile, you can add more detail. Upload more photos as you complete new projects. Write more detailed descriptions of the services you offer. If you handle specialized work - say, heritage restoration or energy-efficient retrofits - mention this in your profile.

Keep your profile up to date. If you are not available for new work for a period, update your profile to say so. If you take on a new type of work, add it to your services list. Customers are more likely to contact you if your profile reflects what you actually do right now.