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Clarification – Changes to registration requirements for domestic builders and draftspersons

Some practitioners have requested a clarification about the change to the registration threshold that was posted on 22 August 2017. From 1 August 2017, the registration threshold requiring registration with the VBA was raised (by regulation), from $5,000 to $10,000 (construction costs including labour and materials) for draftspersons engaged solely in the business of preparing plans and preparing documents related to permits or permit applications for domestic building work.

Some practitioners have requested a clarification about the change to the registration threshold that was posted on 22 August 2017.
 
From 1 August 2017, the registration threshold requiring registration with the VBA was raised (by regulation), from $5,000 to $10,000 (construction costs including labour and materials) for draftspersons engaged solely in the business of preparing plans and preparing documents related to permits or permit applications for domestic building work.

The changes also apply to builders solely engaged in carrying out domestic building work unless an exception applies. However, any builder who is engaged in the business of re-blocking, restumping or the demolition or removal of a home is still required to be registered, regardless of the cost of the work.
 
Consumers should always check whether they need to engage a registered builder to carry out any work, regardless of cost or type. You can check whether a domestic builder is registered with the VBA and authorised to perform the type of building work you are engaging them to do, as well as whether they have been the subject of any disciplinary action by searching the VBA's online 'Find a Practitioner' tool.
 
We regret any confusion caused by this news item.