Changes to Building Act

Changes to the powers and functions of the Victorian Building Authority have come into effect as of 4 July 2016, which will affect the rights and duties  of building practitioners, building surveyors and owner-builders under the Building Act 1993.

 

The changes include:

• the extension of the VBA’s inspection powers to owner-built sites

• new offences for undertaking work without a building permit

• changes to powers to issue directions, notices and orders

• a requirement on private building surveyors not to act where there is a conflict of interest

• provision of a checklist for use by relevant building surveyors lodging building permits to councils

Further changes will be introduced in stages until July 2017.  For more info on the changes and how these affect you, please visit the VBA website.