Remedial measures

Remedial measures are tools we use to bring building or plumbing work into compliance. They’re about fixing problems, not punishing people. The goal is to protect consumers and make the built environment safe.

We can use these powers on their own, or together with other actions like enforcement or discipline. The law sets out what these tools are and how we can use them, and we consider the responsibilities of practitioners, owners and other parties before deciding if a remedial measure is the right approach. We apply these powers only when needed, in line with our role, and we don’t duplicate the work of other regulators.

Remedial tools can be issued to practitioners, owner‑builders, property owners or occupiers, but they’re usually directed at practitioners.

These tools help us:

• bring work up to the required standards
• get defects or incomplete work fixed
• make sure the right people take the right actions, or stop unsafe work

By focusing on getting the work corrected, remedial measures often resolve issues early and avoid the need for disciplinary action.

Direction to Fix

A Direction to Fix (DTF) requires a builder to correct non-compliant building work. They can only be issued before building occupancy.

The Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) has the leading role in issuing DTFs.

We can choose to issue a DTF when we inspect a building site and:

• serious or repeated non-compliances are found
• the builder has a poor compliance history
• the project is close to completion and at risk of being handed over to the owner in a non-compliant state.

Ignoring a DTF is a serious breach that may result in financial penalties, suspension or prosecution.

Rectification of plumbing work

A Rectification Notice directs a licensed plumber to fix defective or non-compliant plumbing work.

It sets out what must be done and by when. Failure to comply may lead to prosecution or disciplinary action.

We may issue a formal Request to Rectify plumbing work in response to a substantiated complaint. This is an opportunity to resolve the complaint and achieve compliance promptly for consumers.

A Rectification Notice may be necessary if the complaint is not resolved. These notices ensure plumbing work meets the standards needed to protect public health and safety.

Directions to building surveyors

Where necessary, we can direct building surveyors to carry out their functions, particularly where major non-compliance risks exist.

Building and plumbing notices and orders

The BPC has the power to issue notices to building owners in specific, narrow circumstances. These powers are not routinely applied.

Rectification Order

The Rectification Order power was introduced under the Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections) Act 2025. A Rectification Order is one way BPC may require incomplete, defective or non-compliant building work to be fixed or completed.