The Building Commission is here to help: 

Building and renovating can be a daunting task.  The Building Commission provides a service to consumers seeking advice when unforeseen issues arise, and can help to steer consumers in the right direction to seek the best course of action that suits the needs of a particular concern. For advice on where to turn, contact the Building Commission on 1300 815 127.

You might also find useful information among these frequently asked questions.

What can I do first to begin the process?

Registered building practitioners are typically proud of their professionalism and ethical standards, but sometimes their clients, or members of the public, may have concerns about their conduct or ability. 

If you have such concerns, you should discuss them with the building practitioner - either the builder or the relevant building surveyor.  If you are not satisfied or you do not wish to discuss the matter further, you can seek advice or assistance from the Building Commission.

There may be circumstances in which the Building Commission will refer your complaint to another Government body.  Victorian legislation distinguishes between different types of complaints, with various Victorian departments responsible for certain areas.

HOW TO:

• Lodge a complaint with the Building Commission:  View more information about how to lodge a complaint with the Building Commission.
  
• Find information on becoming an Owner-Builder: View more information about becoming an Owner-builder.
  
• Find information on Domestic Building Inspections: (DBI). View more information about Domestic Building Inspections.
  
• Find information on the register of prosecutions and inquiries

For contractual disputes related to domestic building contracts, contact should be made with Building Advice and Conciliation Victoria (BACV), a joint initiative between the Building Commission and Consumer Affairs on 1300 557 559. 

• If your concern is about a new building project near your property (e.g. overlooking or overshadowing), you should first raise your concerns with the relevant building surveyor appointed to that project.
  
• Complaints about architects should be made to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria by phoning 9417 4444 or emailing registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au. You can also visit their website. 
  
• Disputes relating to the application, compliance or effect of any provision of the Building Regulations 2006 should be made to the Building Appeals Board.

The Building Commission takes all complaints about registered building practitioners where they may have breached professional standards or the requirements of the Building Act 1993 seriously. The building practitioner's client or anybody who has an interest in the work of a practitioner can submit a formal complaint to the Building Commission and the Plumbing Industry Commission.

Find useful links and resources:

• Frequently Asked Questions - a list of frequently asked questions
• Useful links - a list of useful links and resources
• Media releases - the latest Commission media releases
• Forms - downloadable forms and information