I am intending to erect a new fence between neighbours. The quote given by the neighbour's Contractor has asked for the ALL the money up front before the commencement of any works.

As both neighbours are paying half each, I am reluctant to pay ALL the money up front, happy to pay for my share of the materials before commencement of works.

What is the protocol when it comes to fencing contractors?

Check with your State Consumer Trading agency (in NSW it is Fair Trading). There are laws around how much deposit trades can ask for upfront. Certainly 100% in NSW is illegal. As Get Andy said...run!

yes, i agree. RUN and RED FLAG

In Victoria it illegal to ask for more than a 20% deposit for works under $20K. It is also illegal to do work for more than $5K without a Major Works Contract and if you are not a registered builder or have a limited registration in the trade that you are providing ie: fence construction

I would like to know where i can find this information also for South Australia. What is the required deposit (%) before any commencement of works; fencing, roofing etc. What is legal and what is illegal?

I'd run too ..there's been a few in Victoria that poses as fencing people be wary..they either do dodgy work or are scammers

Here is a little more info for you...and some "light" reading.

Victorian Building Act 1993

16.1 and 16.2 state that a building permit is to be issued for all works that require a permit under the Act. (see below re schedule 8 of the regs)
176.2A states that a builder cannot undertake work under a domestic building contract unless he/she is registered under the class of registration that is appropriate for the works.

Victorian Building Regulations 1801 and 1802 and Schedule 8 outline building works that do not require a Building Permit. You will be surprised at how many building projects actually do require a permit. For example; if you want your front fence to be higher than 1.6m, not only will you need to lodge an application for a building permit, you also need to lodge a "report and consent" application with your local council before your permit will even be approved.

Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995

Part 3 Definitions "major domestic building contract" means a domestic contract in which the contract price for the carrying out of the domestic building work is more than $5000 (or any higher amount fixed by the regulations

part 2.2.11 details the limitations for receiving deposits for works.

The best advice I can give is that if you are unsure about the works you are about to undertake, contact your local council building services office and ask. The Acts and regulations are a pretty tough read.

lourdesmay, you will most likely find information on the SA Gov site, I assume that SA has a similar body to the Victorian Building Authority, or contact the State Branch of the Master Builders Association. Good Luck

I had a light bulb moment, and went on the Master Builders (SA) website and got myself half a dozen responses from reputable and registered tradies. Now I have called two and am in the process of getting a quote. AND i do not have to pay all the money up front, just a 20% deposit and balance upon completion.