When faced with poor quality or unsafe building works in your dream home, there are steps you can take and people to turn to for guidance and conflict resolution.
All domestic building works, whether it is a new build, renovations or repairs, are covered under warranty by the governing body in each state.
All builders are required to hold a valid license in their state, and adhere to the rules and regulations of their industry body. Homeowners can check the license and complaint history of their builder with the relevant organization, as well as open and negotiate any disputes regarding poor quality or unsafe work.
The first step is always to attempt to resolve the issue directly with your builder, which may require the homeowner to request an independent assessment of the work. If you are unable to come to an agreement the next step is to file a dispute with one of the following organisations.
Before filing a complaint, be clear what the issue is and what would be a fair solution for both parties. Each organization also boasts a help or support line for advice, as well as a wealth of information about what issues qualify for disputes.
We’ve compiled the full list of building organisations and associations by state, many of which are government run.
VICTORIA
Licensing and building disputes are handled by the free government service – The Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria – in partnership with industry body, Victorian Building Authority.
https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/disputes-and-resolutions
TASMANIA
The Consumer, Building and Occupational Services manage disputes and have a clear guide to make the process simple and work for both parties.
AUSTRALIA CAPITAL TERRITORY
All approvals, licenses and disputes are handled by the ACT Government through their free service.
https://www.planning.act.gov.au/
https://www.planning.act.gov.au/build-buy-renovate/disputes-and-complaints
NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Builders Practitioners Board is managed by the NT government and provides dispute management through the Consumer Affairs department.
https://consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au/
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Filing a complaint with a builder or tradesperson can be done through the Small Business Commissioner of South Australia through three levels of mediation.
https://www.sasbc.sa.gov.au/page/view_by_id/47
QUEENSLAND
Queensland manages all complaints, disputes, licenses and permissions through the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.
https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/building-complaints/overview
NEW SOUTH WALES
The New South Wales Department of Fair Trading is the government department in charge of managing and resolving disputes.
https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
All disputes in Western Australia are handled by the Building Commissioner from the Building and Energy Department of the Western Australian government.
http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/publications/building-complaint-resolution
