The vetting checklist that applies to every Melbourne specialist

BuildPilot does not yet match Melbourne builders. Until we do, this is the vetting method we would use ourselves. The first five checks below are specialist-specific; the rest are the core VBA + VMIA + ASIC checks that apply to every domestic builder working in Victoria.

• Ask if they coordinate demolition in-house or via a licensed demolition contractor - in-house is faster and cheaper on service disconnections
• Ask their track record on Heritage Overlay refusals and appeals - relevant if your target suburb is Boroondara, Stonnington, Yarra, Port Phillip, Bayside
• Ask about asbestos removal handling - Class A licensed remover required for friable, Class B for non-friable
• Ask about interim living arrangements support - most KDR builders have relationships with short-stay providers
• Verify current VBA registration and category on the public register at vba.vic.gov.au/practitioners/register
• Verify no active or recent disciplinary decisions on the VBA disciplinary decisions list
• Confirm Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) will be issued in the builder's name for your contract price under VMIA (all residential work over $16,000)
• Search the ABN on abr.business.gov.au - name, GST status, date of registration
• Confirm the entity is not under external administration on the ASIC register

The KDR service disconnection timeline

A Melbourne KDR typically takes 12-18 months total: 4-6 weeks for demolition and service disconnection, 4-8 months for design and Planning Permit (longer if HO), 10-14 months for construction. The service disconnection stage is under-appreciated: connection to water, sewer, gas and power are separate applications with different Victorian utility owners (Yarra Valley Water, City West Water, South East Water, Multinet, AusNet, Powercor, Jemena). Slow disconnection can add 4-6 weeks to the project.

The four red flags that end the conversation

These four signals correlate strongly with builders who have failed or entered administration in Victoria in the last three years. Any of them = walk away.

• Requested deposit exceeds 10% of contract value (Victorian DBC Act caps deposits at 5%)
• Vague or evasive answer on DBI eligibility for your specific contract price
• Refusal to name the Registered Building Surveyor or to let you speak to them independently
• Aggressive time-limited discount contingent on paying deposit before you have read the contract