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Is our service right for you?

 Please note!

If you have submitted an application, DBDRV will carry out an

initial assessment of the application before contacting you. The
time this takes will vary depending on the nature, extent and
complexity of the dispute

On this page
Who can apply
Types of disputes we can help resolve
Before you apply
Eligibility checklist
Applying to VCAT

We offer a flexible and tailored service for resolving domestic

building disputes between parties. Our nationally accredited Dispute
Resolution Officers will facilitate the conciliation and assist the
parties to come up with ways to resolve their dispute. For more
information, view our About us page.

Who can apply

Building owners
Builders
Sub-contractors
Architects
Engineers engaged in the building industry
Other building practitioners such as surveyors and draftpersons are
also eligible to apply.

Types of disputes we can help resolve

Defective or incomplete building work
Delays
Issues with payment
Issues about the domestic building contract

Before you apply

You must have made reasonable attempts to resolve your dispute
with the other party before you apply to DBDRV. For more
information please view our Tips to help you resolve your dispute
page.
 Eligibility checklist
For your dispute to be eligible for our service, it must:
not relate to just one of following types of work – plumbing,
painting, plastering, tiling, insulating, glazing, concreting, installing
floor coverings, electrical work, or fencing (that does not require a
permit) – that is not part of a contract also covering other types of
building work
involve the building owner
not be the subject of a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
(VCAT) proceeding, currently or previously (limited exceptions
apply)
not relate to building work that is more than 10 years old, and
be about domestic (residential) building work including
construction, renovation, alteration, extension, demolition,
improvement or (some) repairs to a home.
For more information about disputes which are not eligible for our
service, see our Ineligible disputes page.

Start your application

If we cannot assist with your dispute, view our Other helpful services
page.

Applying directly to VCAT

If your dispute is eligible for our service, you must apply to resolve
your dispute through us before applying to VCAT, except if:
You lodged your dispute with Building Advice and Conciliation
Victoria (BACV) prior to 26 April 2017.
You need to apply for an injunction to immediately stop the other
party from doing something, or make the other party do something
immediately.
For more information on applying directly to VCAT, visit the Domestic
Building Claims page on the VCAT website.

Start your application

Related information
Ineligible disputes
Our dispute resolution process
Conciliation outcomes
About us
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Our service
Is our service right for you?
Ineligible disputes
Our dispute resolution process
Start your application
Conciliation outcomes
Reviewing DBDRV decisions

Other information
About us
Binding orders
Tips to help you resolve your dispute
Other helpful services

Get in touch
Contact us

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