Victorians have been invited to provide feedback on the operation of one of the key pieces of legislation which governs the state’s domestic building industry.
An issues paper launched today provides the opportunity for Victorians building or renovating a home, and the broader public, to comment on how well they believe the Domestic Building Contracts Act (DBC Act) is fulfilling its objectives.
The purposes of the DBC Act are to:
- regulate domestic building contracts
- provide for dispute resolution of domestic building disputes
- require builders carrying out domestic building work to be covered by insurance.
Among other matters, the DBC Act defines what a major domestic building contract is; provides the rules around contract deposits and payments, including fixed price contracts, progress payments, variations and cost escalation clauses; and outlines cooling off periods.
Feedback to the issues paper will inform a review of the DBC Act. This review will ensure that there is a robust, modern and fit-for-purpose regulatory framework which provides ongoing protections for Victorians entering into a contract with a domestic home builder.
The DBC Act review is part of a broader program of reform being implemented across the construction sector.
Reforms being considered and developed include:
- stronger domestic building insurance requirements
- improving the information provided to consumers about a builder’s obligation to take out domestic building insurance, and
- reviewing the role of all regulators.
You can provide your input to the DBC Act review via the Engage Victoria website.