What is a Plumber?

A Plumber is a licensed contractor responsible for installing all water, gas, sewer, and stormwater systems throughout your home. Their work spans from underground drainage to above-ground pipework, fittings, appliances, and fixtures.

What does a Plumber do?

Your Plumber will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Plumber will:

  • Complete internal and external drainage works (underground sewer, stormwater, and waste)
  • Install downpipes, floor wastes, and balcony drainage (if applicable)
  • Undertake rough-in works, installing all pipework before wall linings
  • Return for final fit-off, connecting all plumbing fixtures (taps, toilets, basins, hot water systems)
  • Provide compliance certificates, gas pressure tests, and required warranties


Plumbing is one of the earliest and final trades on-site, making them essential across multiple stages.

Barry's Toolbox

Drainage and pipework go in before concrete and before wall linings. Delays at this stage can impact the entire slab and frame sequence — always lock in plumbing dates early.

What Makes a Good Plumber?

Look for plumbers who:

  • Are fully licensed and certified to complete drainage, rough-in, and gas works
  • Can coordinate clearly across stages and revisit site as needed
  • Provide accurate documentation and plumbing certificates
  • Are experienced in working with builders and sequencing around framing, cabinetry, and tiling
  • Offer transparent pricing for each stage (drainage, rough-in, fit-off)

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Plumbers, you’ll need:

  • Your approved construction drawings, including hydraulic plans (if applicable)
  • Site classification and floor level details
  • Schedule of plumbing fixtures, appliances, and drainage points
  • Your build program with indicative dates for slab, frame, and cabinetry

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are rough-in and fit-off stages?

    Rough-in is when pipework is run before plasterboard is installed. Fit-off is when all taps, sinks, toilets, and appliances are installed and connected.



  • Can plumbing be done all at once?

    No — it’s completed in stages to suit construction progress. Drainage happens before slabs, rough-in before linings, and fit-off at the very end.

  • Does my plumber need to be licensed?

    Yes — and they must issue compliance certificates for each stage. Always check that your plumber is properly insured and qualified.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.