Building Advice and Conciliation Victoria BACV
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EmailThe BACV is a one-stop-shop for consumers and builders providing free advice and assistance to resolve domestic building disputes. The service is managed and delivered by Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Building Commission
Why resolve your dispute through BACV?
When you use BACV services you can:
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Receive free advice and assistance to resolve home building and renovating problems
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Avoid difficult disputes that require legal action
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Save time and money
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Reduce stress
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Participate in a voluntary dispute resolution process.
Enforcement
The Building Commission may refer builders who refuse to fix defective work to the Building Practitioners Board for disciplinary action
Consumer Affairs Victoria may prosecute builders who appear to have broken relevant consumer laws.
Top 10 tips to avoid home building disputes
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Be clear and consistent in describing the building work you want when seeking quotes
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Discuss the importance of builders' registration and warranty insurance
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Ensure the full scope of work and accurate costs and estimation of time are included in the building contract
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Seek expert advice about the contract before signing, if there are aspects you don't understand
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Discuss important aspects of the contract, such as cooling-off periods, progress payments and start/finish dates
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If you agree to changes or variations in the contract after building has started, make sure these are made in writing and signed by both parties as part of your contract
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Talk with your builder regularly about the progress of the building project and discuss any concerns you have as soon as they arise
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Keep a diary of progress and meetings relating to the building project
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Keep the building surveyor in the communication loop
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Ensure that the trade certificates and Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final Inspection are provided on completion of building work.
How do I use BACV?
Telephone BACV on 1300 557 559 for assistance with home building and renovating disputes.
Every building situation is different. The type of service BACV provides depends upon your needs, the cost of your building project and the type of builders warranty insurance you have.
Possible services include advice, conciliation and technical inspections of building work.
How can I contact BACV?
Building Advice & Conciliation Victoria is located at 113 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, 3000 and can be contacted on 1300 557 559 or by contacting the Building Commission on 9285 6400 or by visiting www.consumer.vic.gov.au or www.buildingcommission.com.au