Protect your build

Building a home is a significant financial investment. Make sure you understand your rights in Victoria before you sign a contract or pay any money to a builder. 

Choose registered practitioners

Before you enter into a contract with a builder, make sure they are registered. See Find a Practitioner.

• Builders must be registered for all work valued at $10,000 or more.

• Unregistered builders may lack the required skills and insurance, and you may have limited protections if issues arise.

• Ensure you have detailed plans of your building project prepared by a registered architect or registered building designer before applying for a permit.

Permits and approvals

Check with your local council about any planning requirements for your project.

To build a home, you will need a building permit issued by a registered building surveyor, who will ensure your plans meet all building regulations.

Key points to remember:

• You, not your builder, must appoint the building surveyor.

• Your builder must build according to the plans specified in the permit.

• The building surveyor (or representative) will carry out mandatory inspections at key stages.

• You may also choose to engage an independent inspector to inspect key stages before progress payments.
  Inform your builder about this before signing the contract.

Your building contract

For any building project over $10,000, you must have a major domestic building contract.

The contract should clearly outline:

• scope of works

• costs and payment schedule

• timelines

• variations process.

Tips:

• Get legal advice if you’re unsure about any part of the contract given it is a legally binding document.

• Put all changes to the contract in writing - verbal variations are not covered by Domestic Building Insurance (DBI).

• Any permit changes must be approved by the Relevant Building Surveyor.

Keep written records of all communication throughout your build to assist if any disputes arise.

Insurance

For projects over $16,000, your builder must have DBI. This protects you if the builder dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent before completing the work.

• Always ask your builder for a copy of the DBI certificate.

• Verify it at VicBuild before paying any money.

• A builder cannot request a deposit without DBI.

DBI is being expanded so you can claim if a builder refuses to fix defective or noncompliant work after your project is completed. These changes are expected to take effect from July 2026.

Progress payments

Your contract will outline when payments are due. These are tied to specific stages of work being completed.

• You must pay according to the contract schedule. Payments made outside this schedule may not be covered by DBI.

• A builder cannot ask for early or extra payments.

• For projects over $20,000, deposits must not exceed 5%.

• If you're not satisfied with work at any stage, speak to your builder or surveyor before making a progress payment.

• The building surveyor can issue the builder with a Direction to Fix if work is noncompliant.

Finalising your project

When work is completed:

• Your surveyor conducts a final inspection.

• They will request documents such as plumbing compliance and electrical safety certificates. You should also receive copies of these.

• Once satisfied, the surveyor issues an Occupancy Permit - it is illegal to move in without it.

• You should request a final statement of account from your builder.

Need help?

The BPC is your single-entry point and support in Victoria’s building system.

The BPC:

• regulates building and plumbing practitioners
• manages domestic building insurance
• provides free dispute resolution services.

For assistance, call our Consumer and Practitioner Service Centre on 1300 067 088 Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5pm.