The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has released its top six warning signs for identifying an unregistered builder or an unregistered or unlicensed plumber.
The Authority said its list of warning signs would help keep homeowners safe from rogue operators.
Director of Inspections and Complaints at the VBA, David Brockman said homeowners should take basic steps to minimise the risk of things going wrong and costing more money in the long term.
“You need to do your research and ask for some key information up front, so there are no surprises,” Mr Brockman said.
“You can check whether the builder or plumber you’re looking to use is registered with the VBA and whether they’ve faced any disciplinary action,” he said.
“Having a good working relationship with your builder, building surveyor and plumber is essential and will help you understand how your project is going.”
“Establish the rules at the start, ensuring you receive regular progress updates, including photographs, with any variations to plans and budget agreed to in writing by both parties.”
Mr Brockman said that in some cases, people would pretend to be registered builders or licensed plumbers and carry out works that required proper training and accreditation.
“Repairing or rectifying non-compliant work can also run into the thousands of dollars, putting added financial strain on homeowners,” he said.
He said that in the past financial year, eight per cent of all building complaints and one in ten plumbing complaints received by the VBA involved unregistered or unlicensed work.
Mr Brockman said the VBA’s top warning signs for identifying an unregistered builder or plumber were that the contractor couldn’t be found on the VBA’s Find a Practitioner tool; they didn’t ask to enter into a written contract before a project begun; they asked for too much money up front or at each set payment stage; and they weren’t prepared to explain or show examples of recent work.
He said people should also be cautious if a contractor doesn’t provide contact details of their former clients; they can’t or don’t show their VBA ID card; and they don’t provide a copy of their domestic building insurance policy or certificate of currency.
The Authority’s Find a Practitioner tool can be accessed at this PS News link.
