Complaints about building practitioners

What can I complain about?

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

The types of complaints the Building Commission investigates includes: when a building practitioner has worked on a building when not properly qualified or registered; submitted building permit applications without the authorisation of the building owner, or has engaged in unprofessional conduct (e.g. permitted another person to use his or her registration).

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.

• Complaints about architects should be made to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria by phoning 9655 8570 or emailing registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au.
• Should you be involved in a contractual dispute related to domestic building, you should contact Building Advice and Conciliation Victoria, 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 (protection of adjoining property), you should first raise your concerns with the building surveyor for the project, or the municipal building surveyor for the local government where the project is located. 

How do I submit a complaint?

A complaint relating to a registered practitioner's professional conduct or ability to practice should be made in writing to:

Manager, Practitioner Compliance

Building Commission
PO Box 536E

MELBOURNE   VIC   3001

complaintservices@buildingcommission.com.au

You should identify yourself within the written communication and give the reasons for your complaint.