Plasterboard walls and ceilings subcontractor
Frame and line internal walls and ceilings as a sole trader, working for builders and renovators.
- A$4k-15k
- Full-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Installing steel or timber stud walls, plasterboard linings and suspended ceilings inside homes, offices and shops, usually on a labour-only or supply-and-install basis.
Your first three steps
- Check your state's building licensing body to see what licence or registration covers internal framing and lining work
- Get an ABN, public liability insurance and a white card for construction sites
- Introduce yourself to local builders and renovators and offer a small paid trial job
Who pays
Builders, renovators, shop fitters and property owners who need internal work done by a qualified tradie.
How it makes money
Priced per square metre, per job or per day. Repeat work from a few reliable builders keeps your diary full.
Skills that help
- Reading plans and measuring accurately
- Carpentry or wall and ceiling lining experience
- Working safely on sites and at height
Watch out for
- State or territory licence or registration rules for building work and the value limits that apply
- Public liability and tools insurance, plus workers compensation if you take on staff
- White card (construction induction) requirement for site work
- Cash flow, as builders may pay 14 to 30 days after invoicing
- Sham contracting rules if you work for only one builder
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: plasterboard walls and ceilings subcontractor
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start as a plasterboard subcontractor?
Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on your tools, vehicle and insurance. Check public liability and tools insurance, plus workers compensation if you take on staff.
How much can a plasterboard subcontractor earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $18,000, depending on how much work you win and whether you quote labour-only or supply-and-install. Builders may pay 14 to 30 days after invoicing, so plan your cash flow.
Do I need a licence to do plasterboard work in Australia?
Check your state or territory licence or registration rules for building work and any value limits that apply. Also check white card requirements for site work, and sham contracting rules if you work for only one builder.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Online fibreglass supplies shop
Sell fibreglass matting, cloth and repair kits online to boat owners, hobbyists and small workshops.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Solo plasterer working for builders
Subcontract your plastering to local builders and renovators, fixing and finishing walls and ceilings on their jobs.
- A$4k-15k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Online bulk fastener shop
Sell screws, bolts and anchors in bulk boxes online to tradies, makers and small manufacturers.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile carpenter for repairs and fit-outs
Hang doors, fit skirting, repair decks and handle small carpentry jobs for homeowners and landlords.
- A$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Home lighting installer
Fit LED downlights, feature and outdoor lighting for homeowners as a licensed sole trader.
- A$4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Trade air filter supply and delivery
Supply workshops, farms and building managers with regular filter orders delivered by ute or van.
- A$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about