The Terraces
An Archicentre Year of the Built Environment project in partnership with the Building Commission and the City of Melbourne

Choosing the Right Builder

18 August 2004

Are you a registered Building Practitioner? Is the first question people should ask when choosing a builder.

In a joint statement the Managing Director of Archicentre, Robert Caulfield and Victoria's Building Commissioner, Tony Arnel said choosing a builder before commencing a building project is an important investment for people, assisting projects to be completed successfully.

According to Mr Arnel, one of the most important steps is ensuring the builder people select is a registered building practitioner. "This is required if the building work is over $5,000," he said.

The Building Commission provides a full listing of registered builders on their website www.buildingcommission.com.au where you can search for the builder under the Find and RBP section.

Mr Arnel said that once consumers have selected a builder, they should check to see if they have been in recent prosecutions by:

* Reading the Register of Prosecutions and Register of Building Practitioners Board inquiries on the website

* Calling the Domestic Building List of Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on 9628 999 or checking the VCAT website www.vcat.vic.gov.au

* Checking with Consumer Affairs Victoria by contacting them on 1300 558 181.

Mr Caulfield said that one of the major issues in choosing a builder is to ensure the company has experience and expertise in the type of construction or renovation that you will be undertaking. "Ask to see some examples or talk to some former clients," he said.

"It is also important to gain quotes from at least three builders to assess the costs before signing with any builder." In the case of The Terraces the quotes varied up to 90% on the two buildings, he continued.

Mr Arnel said that one of the first things you should check after selecting a builder is whether you need a planning or building permit (or both). For jobs worth more than $5000, or where the structural soundness of the building will be affected, a building permit will generally be required before you commence building.

"The other step is signing a domestic building contract. Take time to read and understand the contract yourself and don't be afraid to ask questions. It is important that this document is accurate and includes all of your required specifications," he said.

Mr Arnel said, People can get an architect, specialist building consultant or solicitor before signing a building contract to provide advice, which can assist in avoiding costly disputes.

Media Enquiries:
Robert Caulfield Managing Director Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0412 381 306
Tony Arnel Victorian Building Commissioner (03) 9285 6400