Owner Builder Defect Reports Melbourne

 Before purchasing a property, arrange an Owner Builders Inspection Report. We are Qualified Licenced BuilderIn Victoria, owner-builders who have undertaken construction work on their property must obtain a Section 137B Defects Inspection Report if they intend to sell within 6 years and 6 months of completing the work.

What is an Owner Builder Inspection Report?

Section 137B Report in Melbourne Victoria The Owner Builders Defect report, conducted by a qualified building practitioner, identifies any defects in the owner-built work, ensuring buyers are informed before purchase. It is a legal requirement under the Building Act 1993 (VIC) to promote transparency and protect buyers from hidden issues. Furthermore, if the building work exceeds $16,000 in value, the owner-builder must also secure domestic building insurance before selling. This insurance provides coverage for the buyer in case the owner-builder passes away, becomes insolvent, or cannot be located. Adhering to Section 137B helps ensure a smooth sale process and reduces the risk of legal complications.

BCI answering what is an owner builder defect report

Who needs an Owner Builder Defect Report?

An Owner Builder Defect Report is required for:

✔ Owner Builders Selling Their Property –  In Victoria, if an owner-builder is selling a home they built within six and a half years of completion, they are required to provide a defects inspection report from a registered building practitioner to potential buyers, and must also have domestic building insurance in place to cover the work they carried out. 

✔ Buyers Purchasing from an Owner Builder – If you’re buying a home from an owner builder, this report gives you a detailed overview of any defects or structural concerns before you commit to the purchase.

✔ Real Estate Agents & Conveyancers – Ensuring compliance with legal requirements helps avoid contract issues and protects both buyers and sellers.

✔ Insurers Processing Warranty Claims – If an owner builder warranty claim is made, insurers often require a professional defect report to assess liability and coverage.

Why Choose Us for Your Owner Builder Defect Report.

Experienced in Owner Builder Inspections

Our team understands the specific requirements of Owner Builder Defect Reports in Victoria. We assess your property thoroughly to ensure compliance with the Building Act 1993 and other relevant regulations.

Detailed & Easy-to-Understand Reports

We provide clear, comprehensive reports that highlight defects, potential issues, and necessary rectifications, making the process straightforward for homeowners, buyers, and insurers.

Fast Turnaround Times

We know time is critical, especially if you're preparing to sell. Our reports are delivered promptly to help you meet legal obligations and avoid delays.

Independent & Unbiased Assessments

Our inspections are completely independent, ensuring that the report reflects the true condition of the property without external influence.

Melbourne-Based Expertise

We have in-depth knowledge of Victorian building regulations, giving you confidence that our reports meet all legal requirements.

HIA Members

As registered members of the HIA, we bring industry-backed expertise to every inspection, ensuring your home is checked to the highest standards. We follow HIA's Code of Ethics.

Why You Need an Owner Builder Inspection Report?

Early Detection of Issues

Identifying defects early in the process is key to preventing further damage and costly repairs. An Owner Builder Inspection Report allows you to have the problems fixed before they escalate.

Ensuring Compliance

Compliance with Australian building codes is mandatory. An inspection report ensures that your building project meets all legal requirements, safeguarding you from potential legal issues.

Protect Your Future Investment

Your property is a significant investment. By investing in an Owner Builder Inspection Report, you are taking proactive steps to ensure that it maintains its value and structural integrity for years to come. .

Peace of Mind

Knowing that an experienced professional has thoroughly checked your building for defects gives you peace of mind, and knowing that any issues have been addressed.

BCI are members of HIA, so their building inspections can be trusted

Our Process

We make the Owner Builder Defect Report process simple and hassle-free. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Contact us to discuss your property and requirements. We’ll explain what’s involved and schedule an inspection at a convenient time.

Step 2: On-Site Inspection

Our experienced inspector visits your property and conducts a thorough assessment, checking for structural defects, incomplete work, and non-compliance with building codes.

Step 3: Detailed Report Preparation

We compile a comprehensive 137B Defect Report outlining all identified issues with photos and expert recommendations. This report meets Victorian regulatory requirements and is formatted for insurers, buyers, and legal compliance.

Step 4: Report Delivery and Guidance.

You receive your report promptly. If needed, we provide guidance on the next steps, including rectification advice or assistance.

What's Included in an Owner Builder Inspection Report?

BCI showcasing what's included in an owner builder inspection report

An Owner Builder Inspection Report typically includes the following:

Exterior Inspection

Checking for issues such as cracks, leaks, and poor workmanship.

Structural Evaluation

Ensuring the foundation, walls, and roof are sound and meet regulatory standards.

Plumbing & Electrical Systems Check

Verifying that all plumbing and electrical installations are properly done and compliant with regulations.

Finishings Inspection

Inspecting the quality of finishings such as paint, tiles, flooring, and cabinetry.

Safety Compliance Review

Ensuring that the building meets safety standards to protect its future inhabitants.

We had the pleasure of working with Joe for the building construction inspection of our home. Joe was incredibly professional and thorough in his approach. He was honest and transparent with his findings, providing us with valuable insights and recommendations. His attention to detail and expertise gave us confidence in the process. We were very impressed with his service and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking a reliable and knowledgeable inspector. His professionalism truly stood out, and we felt well-supported throughout the entire process.
Had a great experience with BCI. They did a thorough inspection and picked up important details we wouldn’t have noticed on our own. Their clear report and expert advice helped us make an informed decision, ultimately giving us the confidence to go ahead with our purchase. Highly recommend their service!
The buying process was stress-free thanks to BCI. Their comprehensive property inspection gave me the confidence to proceed with my purchase, knowing exactly what I was getting into. Great team to recommend!! Steve M.
We booked in BCI to inspect the house before purchasing, and picked up a few items which was good for me to know. Great service. Thank you.
Very knowledgeable and thorough inspectors. Highly recommended
We had the pleasure of working with Joe for the building construction inspection of our home. Joe was incredibly professional and thorough in his approach. He was honest and transparent with his findings, providing us with valuable insights and recommendations. His attention to detail and expertise gave us confidence in the process. We were very impressed with his service and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking a reliable and knowledgeable inspector. His professionalism truly stood out, and we felt well-supported throughout the entire process.
Had a great experience with BCI. They did a thorough inspection and picked up important details we wouldn’t have noticed on our own. Their clear report and expert advice helped us make an informed decision, ultimately giving us the confidence to go ahead with our purchase. Highly recommend their service!
The buying process was stress-free thanks to BCI. Their comprehensive property inspection gave me the confidence to proceed with my purchase, knowing exactly what I was getting into. Great team to recommend!! Steve M.
We booked in BCI to inspect the house before purchasing, and picked up a few items which was good for me to know. Great service. Thank you.
Very knowledgeable and thorough inspectors. Highly recommended
Inspections You Can Rely On – From Pre-Purchase to Handover

Building Inspection Services Backed by Experience and Australian Standards

Pre-Purchase Building Inspections

Identify hidden issues and structural defects before committing to a property purchase.

Pre-Sale Building Inspections

Give buyers confidence and speed up the sale by addressing defects before listing your home.

Building Stage Inspections

Ensure each phase of your build complies with plans and standards — from slab to handover.

Building Handover Inspections

A building handover inspection ensures your builder has delivered to standard.

Dilapidation Inspections

Document existing property conditions before nearby construction or development begins.

Owner Builder Defect Reports

Get an expert report on any defects before selling your owner-built home.

Mould Identification Inspections

Detect mould early and understand the likely source of the issue.

Dispute Resolution, Mediation & Expert Witness

Independent reports and support to resolve disputes between owners, builders, and contractors.

Owner Builder Inspection Report FAQ

Please reach us at info@bci.melbourne if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The purpose of an Owner Builder Inspection Report is to identify any defects or issues with your building project, ensuring that it meets all legal requirements and building standards. It helps you detect problems early, preventing costly repairs and legal issues.
If you are an owner-builder planning to sell your property within six years and six months of completing any building work, you are legally required under the Building Act 1993 to obtain a 137B Report from a licensed building practitioner. This report ensures potential buyers are informed of any defects in the work you have completed.
If defects are identified in the report, you can take corrective action to fix them before you sell. Addressing defects early will save you money in future repairs and help avoid any litigation or compliance problems.
The duration of the report depends on the size and complexity of the home. Typically, a comprehensive report can be completed within a few days after the inspection, but larger projects may take longer.
Yes. Section 137B of the Building Act 1993 (VIC). You are required to provide an Owner Builder Defects 137B Report If you are planning on selling your property within six and a half years of completion.

Contact us

Ready for a quote? Email us your plans, or simply provide the address of the property you would like us to quote for inspection, and we’ll get right back to you!

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    Building & Construction Inspectors Pty Ltd

    If you have questions or special requests, just drop us a line on 13 89 86 Mon to Friday 9am to 5pm.

    Email us at info@bci.melbourne or fill out the form on this page

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