According to the NT Government (figures checked 1 October 2026), a standalone bathroom renovation, a garden shed, a fence, and a retaining wall that is separate from and does not support a residential building do not need a fidelity fund certificate, while a retaining wall for a residential building structure does. The same guidance treats building work worth over $25,000 that increases a property’s residential floor area as prescribed work, and says a bathroom requires a certificate when completed with other work to a building that requires one. Reforms concerning low-risk construction projects and consumer protections commenced on 30 March 2026, but apply only to fidelity fund certificates issued after that date.
Does each type of work have its own answer?
Yes. The project’s classification and scope matter more than the fact that it is being described as a renovation.
| Project | Fidelity fund certificate needed? | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom renovation | No, when completed on its own | Required if completed with other work to a building that requires a certificate |
| Garden shed | No | Listed by the NT Government as not requiring a certificate |
| Fence | No | Listed by the NT Government as not requiring a certificate |
| Retaining wall separate from and not supporting a residential building | No | Both parts of this exemption must apply |
| Retaining wall for a residential building structure | Yes | The wall is work for a residential building structure |
A combined project can differ from the same work done separately. Builders must obtain a certificate for every client job that includes prescribed residential building work, even when that job also includes work that would not require a certificate by itself.
Does work over $25,000 always need a certificate?
No. The amount is not a blanket trigger for every renovation. The NT Government says the minimum prescribed value that triggers a certificate increased from $12,000 to $25,000, while the detailed direction for additions and extensions uses two connected requirements:
- the work is worth over $25,000; and
- it increases the property’s residential floor area.
For additions and extensions to a house, duplex, townhouse, or flats less than three storeys, excluding undercroft or underground parking levels, the certificate requirement applies when both requirements are met. A standalone bathroom remains exempt unless it is completed with other work to a building that requires a certificate.
The amendments are not retrospective. They apply only to fidelity fund certificates issued after 30 March 2026, so the current threshold should not automatically be applied to an earlier certificate.
Which other projects count as prescribed work?
The NT Government lists a wider range of prescribed residential building work, including:
- a new home;
- a duplex or townhouse;
- units in complexes up to three storeys, excluding undercroft or underground parking levels; and
- renovations and extensions to those buildings, subject to the applicable project and value rules.
A prefabricated house and flats greater than three storeys, excluding undercroft or underground parking levels, are listed as not requiring a certificate.
Bed and breakfast work generally requires a certificate unless the building is to be classified as Class 1b. The NT Government advises contacting the building certifier to discuss the requirements for a proposed Class 1b building.
Who has to arrange the certificate, and when?
The obligations differ between registered builders and owner-builders:
- A registered NT builder must apply to the fidelity fund for an annual level of cover and show the financial capability and experience required for that level.
- For every client job containing prescribed residential building work, the builder must obtain a fidelity fund certificate on the client’s behalf.
- The certificate must be in place before obtaining a building permit for prescribed residential building work and before demanding payment from the owner.
- An owner-builder must have a certificate to cover future owners for building defects. Owner-builder cover is available only after the property is sold or transferred and if the owner-builder becomes bankrupt, dies, disappears, or has their registration cancelled by the Building Practitioners Board.
The NT Government identifies Fidelity Fund NT as the current provider in the Northern Territory and the manager of the fidelity fund. Its listed contact details are:
- Website: www.fidelityfundnt.com.au
- Phone: (08) 8922 9680
- Email: info@fidelityfundnt.com.au
- Post: 11/396 Stuart Highway, Winnellie NT 0820
What does the certificate cover?
A fidelity fund certificate is the form in which residential building cover is issued. It is for residential building work only and does not cover commercial buildings, transportable buildings or government contracts.
The listed protection responds when a builder becomes bankrupt, dies, disappears, or has their registration cancelled by the Building Practitioners Board.
| Listed cost or protection | Applicable period or condition |
|---|---|
| Transitioning to a new builder to complete the work | Available following one of the listed builder events |
| Rectifying non-structural defects | First year after completion |
| Rectifying structural defects | Six years after completion |
| Cover for non-completion of work | The cover timeframe recognises any approved extension to the building permit |
These are the listed protections on the cited NT Government page. They should not be treated as a substitute for checking the certificate issued for the particular project.
When can a fidelity fund claim be made?
The NT Government says a claim may be made within 90 days of either becoming aware of a defect or a trigger event occurring.
A fidelity fund claim cannot be made if the builder has not died, disappeared, become insolvent or been deregistered. Where a builder has experienced one of those events, the claim should be checked against the current regulator guidance and submitted within the stated period.
For rectification or completion disputes, the Commissioner for Residential Building Disputes can be contacted to mediate or make decisions about rectifying or completing work on a property.
What should I confirm before relying on the answer?
Check the current NT Government regulator page, the certificate issued for the project and your policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). This is general information, not financial or legal advice. If a retaining wall does not clearly fit one of the categories above, or a bed and breakfast building is proposed to be Class 1b, contact the building certifier before proceeding.
Sources
- NT Government — Fidelity fund certificate — figures checked 1 October 2026
FAQ
Do I need a certificate for a bathroom renovation on its own?
No. A standalone bathroom renovation does not require one unless it is completed with other work to a building that requires a fidelity fund certificate.
Does a separate fence need a certificate?
No. The NT Government lists fences as not requiring one. If the same client job also contains prescribed residential building work, the builder must obtain a certificate for that job.
Is every retaining wall exempt?
No. A retaining wall that is separate from and does not support a residential building is exempt, but a retaining wall for a residential building structure requires a certificate.
Does an addition always need a certificate once it costs over $25,000?
No. An addition or extension must both cost over $25,000 and increase the property’s residential floor area to meet that specific requirement.
How long do I have to make a claim?
The stated period is within 90 days of either becoming aware of a defect or a trigger event occurring. A claim cannot be made unless the builder has died, disappeared, become insolvent or been deregistered.
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