WIP Construction
Richard, Dave, and Mel named by a customer for running a full live-in renovation smoothly from first call to completion.
The standout positive is a detailed account of a full renovation completed to a high standard with the homeowner living on-site throughout, crediting Richard, Dave, and Mel by name for running a well-organised, respectful job. That depth of positive feedback is meaningful even at low volume. With a sample this small, it's worth asking WIP Construction directly for references from comparable asbestos or renovation jobs in the Cairns region before committing, and confirm the specific scope of their asbestos removal licence given the broader construction focus the reviews describe.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (6 total)
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 234 asbestos removals in Cairns
Credentials & background
Sourced from 3 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About WIP Construction
Richard WIP leads this Portsmith-based construction company that covers asbestos removal alongside broader renovation and building work — a less common combination that means homeowners dealing with older homes don't need to coordinate separate contractors for hazardous material handling and the rebuild that follows. Dave is the frontline contact who gets projects moving, while Mel handles reception and keeps communication organised during jobs — a division of roles that one customer specifically praised for making the process feel smooth from first contact. The team has been operating for roughly 16 years, which in Far North Queensland's construction market represents genuine staying power through a region known for cyclone-related repair surges and tough working conditions. Reviews reference full interior renovations carried out while the homeowner remained living on-site — a logistically demanding scenario that requires tradespeople who can maintain a tidy, respectful work environment day to day. The business is GST-registered and structured as a company, which matters for homeowners seeking proper invoicing for insurance claims or owner-builder records. Based on the limited review picture available, the work appears best suited to residential renovation projects rather than pure asbestos-only strip-outs, given the team's evident focus on the broader construction scope.
Best for: residential renovations in the Cairns region where asbestos removal and rebuild work need to be handled by the same contractor, and owner-occupied homes requiring a team that can work respectfully around daily life.
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about WIP Construction
What kinds of jobs does WIP Construction typically handle?+
Based on available reviews, WIP Construction handles residential renovation projects — including full interior rebuilds — in addition to asbestos removal work. One reviewer described a complete renovation carried out while they continued living on-site, suggesting the team is experienced with occupied-home projects. The business has also been categorised as a general contractor, pointing to a broader building scope beyond asbestos-only strip-outs. Confirm the exact services relevant to your job when you make contact, particularly if you need asbestos removal as a standalone service.
Who are the key people at WIP Construction I'd deal with?+
Reviews name three people directly: Richard is the owner and sets the standards the team works to, Dave handles client-facing project communication from the outset, and Mel manages reception and day-to-day coordination. One reviewer specifically credited this structure — first contact through Dave and Mel — as making the experience feel well-organised and approachable. No other team members are named in the available reviews.
Does WIP Construction work in areas outside Portsmith?+
Reviews mention work completed in Whitfield, which sits on the opposite side of Cairns from Portsmith, suggesting the team travels across the broader Cairns region. Beyond that, the available reviews don't specify their service radius. It's worth calling them directly to confirm whether they cover your suburb, particularly for jobs further afield like the Tablelands or coastal communities south of Cairns.
Is WIP Construction set up for insurance or owner-builder jobs?+
Yes — WIP Construction is GST-registered and structured as a company, which means they can issue proper tax invoices suitable for insurance claims, QBCC owner-builder records, or investment property documentation. If your project involves an insurance-funded asbestos remediation or renovation, confirm with them that they can provide the specific compliance paperwork your insurer requires, as requirements vary by claim type.
How much feedback is there about WIP Construction online?+
There are only 6 Google reviews in total, spread across roughly 9 years of public activity — a small pool for a business that has been operating for around 16 years. This makes it harder to form a confident picture from reviews alone. The reviews that do exist include one very detailed positive account of a full renovation and one critical account raising concerns about finish quality, so the picture is mixed. Asking the business for direct references from past asbestos or renovation clients in your area would be a practical step before proceeding.