Know your building rights & warranties in Victoria
When you build or renovate in Victoria, the law gives you automatic protections through statutory warranties. These rights ensure your home is built to proper standards and give you options if defects, delays, or non-compliant work occur.
More Information
Auto-protection
Statutory warranties apply to every domestic building contract in Victoria.
What’s Covered
Workmanship, materials, compliance with laws, timelines, and fitness for living.
Why It Matters
Breaches can cause major financial and safety risks if left unresolved.
How We Help
Free consultation, expert advice, and strong representation in building disputes.
Understanding Building Warranties
Every domestic building contract in Victoria comes with statutory warranties, even if they are not written in the agreement. These legal protections, set out under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic), cover key areas such as:
Work must be carried out properly and according to plans.
Materials must be new, good quality, and suitable for their purpose.
All work must comply with the Building Act 1993 (Vic) and relevant regulations.
Builders must complete the project with reasonable care, skill, and within the agreed timeframe.
Homes must be fit to live in once completed.
If the contract specifies a purpose or outcome, the work must be fit to achieve it.
These protections exist to give homeowners legal recourse if defects, delays, or breaches occur, helping prevent unsafe or substandard work.
FAQ
-
They are automatic legal protections in every domestic building contract, covering workmanship, materials, compliance with laws, timely completion, suitability for living, and fitness for purpose.
-
No. Even if not written, statutory warranties apply under the law.
-
You may be entitled to repairs, rectification, or compensation. Seeking early legal advice can protect your rights.
-
Strict time limits can apply. Acting promptly ensures you don’t lose your ability to claim.
-
We provide clear, upfront advice on costs, with options suited to your circumstances. Get in touch with us to discuss your options.
How we can help…
If you suspect a builder has breached their legal obligations, it’s important to act quickly. Defective or non-compliant work can lead to major financial and safety risks if left unaddressed.
At Bastion Legal, we guide homeowners through every step, including: reviewing contracts and compliance certificates, securing expert evidence of defects, negotiating directly with builders, and representing you in dispute resolution or proceedings where needed.
Our goal is to make the process less stressful, ensure your rights are enforced, and help you reach the best possible outcome with confidence.
“I’ve done the homework for you all to find a good lawyer!”
Don’t think twice. Dean knows what he is doing and will be your best support and guidance. Thank you again for helping.
- Sonia
Contact us
We are experts in resolving construction law disputes. Our friendly legal staff would be delighted to have an initial, free and no-commitment consultation with you to discuss your legal needs.
Contacting a lawyer can appear daunting. However, not at Bastion Legal. We are happy to discuss your matter with you at any time, irrespective of what information you have on hand.
* Reforms under the Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections) Bill 2025 are not yet in effect; the information above reflects the current law.