We need more help locating quality remedial builders in Victoria AND the Building and Plumbing Commission should be doing more to assist rectification!
The below article identifies how bad building defects have got in Australia and this isn’t just about aesthetic issues but:
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serious home structural issues; and
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water related problems like plumbing and waterproofing. Particularly pervasive is strata properties.
The research by Urban Research Institute identifies 70 per cent of the estimated 10.9 million homes across the country have some kind of major building defect!
That sounds crazy doesn’t it.
But having worked in this space for some time those numbers are probably right.
So, where to next…well the Building and Plumbing Commission in Victoria proposes the future solution is for the contract builder to return to fix defects under the new Rectification Order regime - BUT I am seriously concerned this will work well for serious defects…maybe some will get it right but many don’t have the capability.
But before that system takes effect (est 1 July 2026) - where are we at legally?
We have one of the strongest legal claims against builders for defects in Victoria under section 8 of the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic) being warranty claims.
However, the problem isn’t the legal right but the system is so slow, convoluted and costly.
Many don’t pursue claims unless they exceed $100,000, even then they are forced to wait and wait…many choose to repair themselves or sell the property.
We often advise on the DBDRV process and filing points of claim at VCAT and then allowing homeowners to push their own claim forward and assist them at mediation or Compulsory Conference. This is slow but it minimises costs and gets to a solution.
However, one of the biggest challenges I find is locating builders experienced in remedial works to conduct the repairs effectively.
If not capable, rhe problem just seems to resurface with a new issue of two builders and defects on defects…
What homeowners need is guidance and access to high-quality remedial builders.
I’m talking about registered building practitioners with the right type of experience to undertake remediation works and who have experience with this.
The Building and Plumbing Commission could give guidance here. Why leave it to homeowners to sift through the plethora of builders when the BPC can assist?
Owners really don’t want to wait until July 2026 and be forced to accept the contract builder to return and rectify works. Who knows what will happen…
Anyway, if you are a remedial builder, please get in touch and let me know the sort of work that you do. We are always seeking great remedial builders for our clients and heck Victorians could do with some actual guidance!!!!
This article is a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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We need more help locating quality remedial builders in Victoria AND the Building and Plumbing Commission should be doing more to assist rectification!
This article identifies how bad building defects have got in Australia
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