Six signs your builder or plumber is not registered

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has released its top six warning signs for identifying an unregistered
builder or an unregistered or unlicensed plumber.

Building a house or renovating is often the biggest investment most people will ever make, so it is important
homeowners protect themselves from unqualified and unregistered building practitioners and plumbers.

The VBA’s Executive Director, Operations, Lynda McAlary-Smith 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,” Ms
McAlary-Smith said.

“Victorians should be wary of anyone offering their building or plumbing services on online marketplaces and
through apps, consumers should always check the credentials of anyone advertising.

“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,” Ms McAlary-Smith said.

“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.”

In some cases, people will pretend to be registered builders or licensed plumbers and carry out works that
require proper training and accreditation.

This often includes the installation of gas heaters or the construction of walls, both of which can have critical
safety risks if installed or constructed incorrectly.

Repairing or rectifying non-compliant work can also run into the thousands of dollars, putting added financial
strain on homeowners.

The VBA’s top six warning signs for identifying an unregistered builder or plumber are:
• No results are found when you type their name into the VBA’s ‘Find a Practitioner’ tool.
• They do not ask you to enter into a written contract before the project starts.
• They ask for too much money up front or at each set payment stage. By law in Victoria, a deposit can
be no more than five per cent of the total project cost (for projects over $20,000).
• They are not prepared to tell you about, or show you, examples of recent work or provide contact
details of their former clients.
• They cannot or will not show you their VBA ID card – which details who they are and what classes of
work they are registered (or in the case of plumbers, licensed) to do.
• They don’t provide you with a copy of their domestic building insurance policy or a certificate of
currency covering your property before construction begins.

The VBA is currently investigating a number of unregistered people advertising their services through online
forums.

Victorians can visit vba.vic.gov.au/check to make sure their builder or plumber is registered or licensed.