Selecting a registered building practitioner

Builders have different specialties ranging from commercial building with apartments to domestic building with detached houses. So, just like any other major purchase, it is important that you look at a range of builders before making a decision.

One of the most important steps is ensuring the builder you select is a registered building practitioner (RBP). This is required if the building work is over $5,000.  You can find an RBP by searching for the builder under the Finding an RBP section on this website. Once you have chosen your builder, it is worthwhile researching whether they have recently been disciplined or involved in disputes by:

• Reading the Register of prosecutions and Register of Building Practitioners Board inquiries on this website
  
• Calling the Domestic Building List of Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on 9628 999 or checking the VCAT website www.vcat.vic.gov.au
  
• Checking with Consumer Affairs Victoria by contacting them on 1300 558 181.

For most building or renovating work you will talk directly to the builder. In larger building companies, it may be a consultant or a manager. Whatever the case, you must be able to deal with an individual person for the duration of the project, so do your homework. Obtain at least three quotes from separate builders and check examples of their work and references.   Disputes can be avoided by taking these steps. However if you have a disagreement between you and your builder, contact Building Advice and Conciliation Victoria on 1300 557 559.

Selecting plumbing, electrical and gas fitting contractors

For plumbing, electrical and gas fitting work, there are a number of checks you can take before selecting a contractor:

• Use only a registered electrical contractor and ask to see their licence.
• Ensure that you are issued with a Certificate of Electrical Safety.
• Always use a licensed plumber (look for an official ID card).
• Make sure your plumber is accredited to perform the particular kind of work you need. (This is shown on their ID card).
• Make sure your plumber gives you a Compliance Certificate at the end of any job costing $500 or more (or for an underground drain, or most gasfitting jobs, whatever the value).

Using these precautions before work commences will make the building or renovating process a more rewarding one.