On 1 September, the building legislation changes will require builders to give the owner a copy of the Domestic Building Consumer Guide before signing a major domestic building contract.

The Guide provides the owner information about the role and responsibilities of the i) builder; ii) building surveyor; and iii) owner. The builder must provide a copy of the Guide to the owner before signing the contract. The Guide also covers off on the statutory warranties, and guarantees provided by the builder, and where to go should a dispute arise during the course of the build.

A significant penalty applies if a builder fails to provide this Guide to the owner (60 penalty units – around $9,100).

The Guide is available on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website, and can be downloaded here.