Domestic Building Dispute Resolutions Through Building and Plumbing Commission
Steps to Resolve Domestic Building Disputes with the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC)
When things go wrong with your new home build, it can be hard to know where to turn for help in getting issues fixed. For example, your new home may have defects that your builder is refusing to fix, or there may be ongoing delays in completing your home. It is always best to try and resolve any disputes directly with your builder. But what happens if this doesn’t work? Fortunately, the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) provides a free, fair, and fast dispute resolution service for domestic building disputes.
At New Home Building Inspections, we can assist you in preparing for the BPC dispute resolution process. This includes providing a comprehensive Building Defects Inspection Report, which gives an independent, expert opinion based on Australian Building Codes and Standards and includes photographs of all defects.
Price on application for these services.
Are you Eligible to Use the Building and Plumbing Commission Dispute Resolution Service?
To access the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) dispute resolution service, you must first take reasonable steps to try to resolve the dispute directly with your builder. You will also need to provide evidence showing the actions you have taken.
To do this you need to show evidence of:
- Multiple attempts to contact your builder about the issues.
- Engaging with your builder if they are willing .
- Advise your builder that you may escalate the matter to the BPC dispute resolution service.
Evidenc of this includes:
- Records of all communications with your builder, including emails, letters, or notes from phone conversations.
- Photographs of all defects or issues.
- Written correspondence outlining the issues, requesting a response within a reasonable timeframe (typically 2 to 4 weeks).
New Home Building Inspections can assist you in preparing and corresponding with your builder, ensuring the issues are clearly documented and supported for the BPC dispute resolution process.
How to Apply to Building and Plumbing Commission Resolution Process
Once you have taken reasonable steps to try and resolve the dispute with your builder, the next step is to contact the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) to start the dispute resolution process.
You will need to provide details of your dispute, along with contact information for yourself and your builder.
A Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO) from the BPC will review your case and determine if it falls within the BPC’s jurisdiction.
New Home Building Inspections can assist you in preparing and submitting the necessary information to the BPC, ensuring your dispute is clearly documented and supported.
Preparing for the Building and Plumbing Conciliation Process
If the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) accepts your dispute, it will proceed to conciliation.
To make the most of the conciliation process, it’s important to provide all relevant documentation and clearly present your case. This may include:
- The domestic building contract and associated plans or specifications
- Architectural and/or engineering drawings
- Building permits and approvals
- Records of inspections conducted by a building surveyor
- Variation requests or extension of time requests
- Correspondence with your builder or other parties relevant to the dispute
- Your occupancy permit (for new builds) or certificate of final inspection (for renovations)
The BPC may also arrange a building assessment, where an independent assessor inspects the disputed work to determine if defects exist, identify causes, and outline possible rectification.
At New Home Building Inspections, we assist homeowners in preparing for the conciliation process by providing a comprehensive Building Defects Inspection Report. This report is an independent expert opinion based on Australian Building Codes and Standards and includes photographs of all defects to make the issues as clear as possible.
Outcomes from the Building and Plumbing Conciliation Process
he following are possible outcomes from your Building and Plumbing Conciliation Process:
Record of Agreement
If conciliation results in agreement, the outcomes are documented in a record of agreement outlining actions, payments, and timeframes.
Dispute Resolution Order
A dispute resolution order is a binding order that may be issued if conciliation does not resolve the dispute, an agreement is breached, or both parties consent.
Dispute not resolved
Where a dispute resolution order is not appropriate, a certificate of conciliation will be issued confirming the dispute was not resolved. This allows either party to apply to VCAT.
With our independent expertise we will advise you on your building dispute. We assist with both new home build as well as renovation disputes. Let us take some of the stress away when your new home or renovation doesn’t go to plan.