The Building Commission is here to help

The Building Commission has a number of services available which may assist you in resolving any difficulties that arise in your building project whether you are a practitioner or consumer.

If you have a contractual dispute about a domestic building project

Building Advice & Conciliation Victoria (BACV), a partnership between the Building Commission and Consumer Affairs Victoria, is a one-stop-shop for consumers and builders providing free advice and assistance to resolve domestic building disputes. Both owners and builders can call on BACV to assist in the event of a dispute about a domestic building project. Find out more

If you are preparing to lodge a dispute at VCAT then you may also be able to apply for a domestic building inspection. Find out more

If you have a complaint about a practitioner

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 with them further, you can seek advice or assistance from the Building Commission. Find out more

The Commission will consider all complaints about Registered Building Practitioners who may have breached the Building Act 1993.  Where an investigation identifies breaches of legislations or professional conduct the matter is referred for Inquiry by the Building Practitioners Board or Prosecution before a court by the Building Commission.

See the Register of BPB Inquiries
See the Register of Building Commission Prosecutions

If you have a dispute relating to the application, compliance or effect of any provision of the Building Regulations

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 Appeals Board can waive, modify or vary the provisions of particular regulations based upon the particular case. Find out more

If you have a complaint about a Building Commission employee, officer or member

Should you wish to submit a complaint about the Building Commisssion's employees, officers or members, you can make a disclosure under the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001. The disclosure must reveal corrupt conduct, conduct involving a substantial mismanagement of public resources or conduct involving a substantial risk to public health and safety, and safety of the environment. Any other complaint should be made in writing to the Building Commissioner.

If you have a complaint about an Architect

Complaints about architects should be made to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria by phoning (03) 9417 4444 or emailing registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au. You can also visit their website http://www.arbv.vic.gov.au

If you have a complaint or concern about a building project near your property 

You should first raise your concerns with the relevant building surveyor appointed to that project.

Details of the building surveyor appointed to a building project can be obtained from your local Council.