General information only, not legal advice. For a specific dispute, use the official bodies below or get advice from a Victorian building lawyer. Details and thresholds can change, so always confirm with the authority directly.
The Victorian builder-dispute path, in order
1. Put it in writing to your builder first
Most disputes resolve once raised formally. Email a dated, specific list of the defect, delay or variation issue, reference the relevant clause of your HIA/Master Builders or standard domestic building contract, and keep every reply. DBDRV and VCAT will both ask whether you tried to resolve it directly first.
2. Lodge with DBDRV (free conciliation)
Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria is the mandatory first stop for most domestic building disputes. It is free, and a conciliator can issue a binding dispute resolution order or a breach-of-contract certificate. Lodge online at dbdrv.vic.gov.au with your contract, photos and correspondence.
3. Report conduct to the VBA
If the issue is the builder's registration, repeated defective work or professional conduct (not just your contract), report them to the Victorian Building Authority. The VBA can investigate and take disciplinary action against the practitioner, separate to your money claim.
4. Escalate to VCAT if unresolved
If DBDRV cannot resolve it, you receive a certificate allowing you to apply to the VCAT Building and Property List. VCAT can order rectification, compensation or payment. Many people get advice from a building lawyer before a VCAT hearing.
5. Claim on Domestic Building Insurance if the builder is gone
If your builder has died, disappeared or become insolvent and the work is incomplete or defective, you can claim on the Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) policy that is required on every Victorian build over $16,000, administered by VMIA.
Who to contact in Victoria
Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV)
Free government conciliation for domestic building disputes. In Victoria you usually must try DBDRV BEFORE going to VCAT.
Victorian Building Authority (VBA)
Regulates registered builders and surveyors. Complain here about a builder's registration, conduct or workmanship as a practitioner.
VCAT, Building and Property List
The tribunal that hears unresolved domestic building disputes, typically after a DBDRV certificate has been issued.
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)
Consumer rights, domestic building contract information and the Domestic Building Contracts Act.
VMIA (Domestic Building Insurance)
Claim on your builder's Domestic Building Insurance if they die, disappear or become insolvent and work is incomplete or defective.
Builder disputes in Victoria: common questions
Raise it in writing with your builder first, with dates, photos and the relevant contract clause. If that fails, lodge with Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV), which is free and is the required first step for most domestic building disputes before you can go to VCAT.
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