Building or renovating your home is an exciting time but planning and managing your building project can be overwhelming. There are three Government Agencies that can help your building project go to plan. These agencies offer free information and advice that will support you through your building journey. Before you build Insuring your building project is an important part of the building process. The Victorian Government’s step-by-step guide can help you find other useful building information, including how to choose a registered builder and advice on understanding your building contract. Find out more Understand the building process Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) provides online access to a wide range of information and checklists that can assist you with planning and managing your building project or renovation. Know what to look for when choosing a building practitioner Builders must be registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) before they can undertake any domestic building projects. VBA assess builders to make sure they have the appropriate skills to complete a job. To find out more about building practitioners and if your builder is registered visit VBA Ready to sign the contract? Review your contract Before you sign Know your rights and understand the law regarding deposits and progress payments. For more information visit CAV Confirm your building project is insured Talk to your builder Ask them if they have purchased DBI for your building project. They are required to provide you with a copy of the Certificate of Insurance. You will be emailed a copy of the Certificate of Insurance from VMIA. You can also confirm your property is insured by submitting an online request for a property search If you do not receive a copy of your DBI certificate of insurance contact us on 1300 363 424 or email dbioperations@vmia.vic.gov.au Check the details on your Certificate of Insurance Compare the details of your certificate with your contract. Confirm the details of your property are correct. Both the NAME of the builder and the ABN/ACN must be an exact match on the insurance certificate and the building contract. This is important in the event that you need to make a claim. This shows you what to look for. If you are unsure or the details do not match, contact us on 1300 363 424 or email dbioperations@vmia.vic.gov.au To help us assist you, please provide us with copies of your: Certificate of Insurance Domestic Building Contract Building Permit The most recent progress payment paid to the builder or invoice received Sign the building contract Request a copy from your builder and keep it in a safe place with your certificate of insurance. You can now start your building project with the confidence that you understand the process, your builder is registered and your building project is insured. During your build You've started building or renovating. How do you make sure things continue to go to plan? Visit Consumer Affairs Victoria for general building advice and checklists that can guide you through the building process Maintaining good communications between you and your builder will help your building project stay on track Sometimes the unexpected happens and things don’t go to plan. If your builder is unable to complete the contracted building project as they have died, disappeared or become insolvent you may be eligible to make a claim with us. To find out more visit making a claim Take steps to secure your property. If you are eligible to make a claim with us and you require emergency works to prevent further damage to your home, contact us If you can’t make a claim with us but your home is incomplete or you have a domestic building dispute with your builder, you can contact the Building Information Line on 1300 55 75 59 between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), for free building information and advice. You can also access helpful information on resolving building disputes on Consumer Affairs Victoria's Building disputes, defects and delays page. After your build You’ve finished your building or renovation All contracted building works have been completed to the agreed standard You’ve received your Certificate of Final Inspection or Occupancy permit If you discover your property has defective works that your builder is unable to rectify as they have died, disappeared or become insolvent you may be eligible to make a claim with us. To find out more visit making a claim Your domestic building insurance is valid for up to 2 years after completion for non-structural defects and up to 6 years for structural defects. Take steps to secure your property. If you are eligible to make a claim with us and you require emergency works to prevent further damage to your home, contact us If you can’t make a claim with us but have defective building works or you have a domestic building dispute with your builder, you can contact the Building Information Line on 1300 55 75 59 between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), for free building information and advice. You can also access helpful information on resolving building disputes on Consumer Affairs Victoria's Building disputes, defects and delays page.