Australian Home Building Glossary (2026): 128 Construction Terms Explained

Tradie Slang

Dodgy

George Giannakakis

By George Giannakakis · B.Arch.Studies · M.Arch (UniSA) · RLA300580

Last reviewed: · How we research

Heard on site

"That waterproofing looks dodgy, get it checked before they tile."

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Dodgy explained in detail

Substandard, suspicious or unreliable. Dodgy work, a dodgy quote, a dodgy builder. Not a technical term but you will hear it in every inspection report conversation. Dodgy is the opposite of "done properly".

How to compare builders quotes properly
29m 12s
Watch: Dodgy in contextSponsored byHome Building Hub
How to compare builders quotes properly

In this episode, we break down how to compare builder quotes properly. We cover base prices, inclusions, site costs, and promotions to help you make a fair comparison. Plus, why the right builder for you isn’t always the cheapest or most popular.

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Related Terms

Authoritative Sources

Verify against the binding rules in your state

BuildPilot is an independent Australian building platform, we publish guidance, we don't hold a building licence. Every Australian residential build must comply with the National Construction Code plus state-specific Acts and consumer-protection law. The authorities below are the primary sources of truth for the rules that actually apply to your project.

National

Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB)

The primary national set of technical building standards that every Australian build must comply with. Volume 2 covers Class 1 & 10 buildings (most homes).

Standards Australia

Specific material, product and method standards (e.g. AS 3700 masonry, AS 1684 timber framing) referenced by the NCC.

HIA

National peak body for residential builders. Publishes the most widely used home-building contracts and consumer guidance.

Master Builders Australia

National peak body for general builders. Publishes commercial and residential contracts and industry guidance.

Links above open the public website of each authority. BuildPilot is not affiliated with these bodies and does not act on their behalf. Information on this page is general - check the current edition of the NCC and the relevant state Act for binding requirements.

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