Associated work performed alone under a separate contract—such as installing a swimming pool, carport or pergola, or landscaping—is not automatically included in Western Australian home indemnity insurance (HII). The WA Government’s guidance dated 20 May 2025 says HII is not required for that work, but residential building work valued over $20,000 must be covered, so the contract structure matters (figures checked 1 October 2026).
What does the separate-contract position cover?
The statement has cumulative conditions: the work must be associated work, performed alone and covered by a separate contract. A job does not qualify merely because it is called a pool, carport, pergola or landscaping job.
| Associated work | Position under the WA Government guidance |
|---|---|
| Swimming pool installation | HII is not required when the work is performed alone under a separate contract |
| Carport installation | HII is not required when the work is performed alone under a separate contract |
| Pergola installation | HII is not required when the work is performed alone under a separate contract |
| Landscaping | HII is not required when the work is performed alone under a separate contract |
If one of these jobs forms part of a broader residential building project, the announcement’s separate-contract statement does not by itself settle whether HII is required. Check the scope of the actual work and the contracts rather than relying on the job’s name alone.
Does the $20,000 threshold answer the question?
Not by itself. The general rule requires HII for residential building work valued over $20,000, while the statement about associated work applies only when that work is performed alone under a separate contract.
For residential building work valued over $20,000, the builder must:
- Obtain an HII certificate of insurance for the proposed work before claiming payment from the owner or commencing work under the contract.
- Provide a copy to the owner.
- Provide a copy to the permit authority as part of the building approval process.
An HII eligibility certificate or construction/public liability insurance certificate is not a substitute for an HII certificate.
What should be checked before relying on the exemption?
Review the contract documents and answer these questions:
- Is the scope separate? The contract should identify the associated job as work distinct from other residential building work.
- Will it be performed alone? Being undertaken under a separate contract may not answer this question if the work is being completed as part of a broader project.
- Is another job covered by the same arrangement? A pool, carport, pergola or landscaping package may need to be assessed against the broader work, not only against its individual heading.
- Is the $20,000 residential building work rule being triggered? The contract value and the nature of the work both matter.
- Is there uncertainty about an exemption? The WA Government advises builders to check with Building and Energy when they are claiming an HII exemption and are unsure whether it applies.
A contract structure should be checked before work begins or a financial commitment is made, not after a coverage question arises.
Does “HII is not required” mean no insurance applies?
No. The WA Government’s statement addresses whether HII is required for the standalone associated work. It does not establish what cover an HII, construction/public liability or other policy provides for that work or for a broader project.
If the question is whether a particular policy responds, read its Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). The HII requirement and an insurer’s policy coverage are related questions, but they are not interchangeable.
Who can help if the contracts are unclear?
Building and Energy is the appropriate regulator contact when there is uncertainty about whether HII is required or an exemption applies. It can also advise of approved HII providers. The WA Government page lists 1300 489 099 and bcinfo@demirs.wa.gov.au for further information.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the WA Government page and the relevant policy’s PDS before relying on the separate-contract position.
Sources
FAQ
Does every pool installation need HII in WA?
No. The WA Government says HII is not required where pool installation is associated work performed alone under a separate contract. If the pool work forms part of a broader residential building job, check the contract structure before relying on that statement.
Are carports, pergolas and landscaping treated the same way?
The cited guidance names each of them. The same conditions still apply: the associated work must be performed alone under a separate contract.
Does the separate-contract statement override the $20,000 HII threshold?
It is not a blanket override. Residential building work valued over $20,000 must be covered under the general rule, while the announcement gives a conditional position for standalone associated work under separate contracts. If the classification is uncertain, check with Building and Energy.
Does no HII requirement mean the job has no insurance protection?
No conclusion about other insurance follows from that statement alone. Check each policy’s PDS to understand what cover applies to the contracted work.
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