Protect yourself against bad builders

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Key information to protect consumers against bad builders is now available in seven languages other than English on the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website.

The VBA’s find a practitioner and domestic building insurance (DBI) pages have now been translated into mandarin (simplified chinese), punjabi, vietnamese, arabic, dari, traditional chinese and khmer.

VBA commissioner and chief executive Anna Cronin said the new program helps many Victorians across the state.

“This important consumer information is now available in some of the most commonly spoken languages other than english to help Victorians better navigate the building system and understand their rights and responsibilities,” she said.

The website allows customers to search for registered building or plumbing practitioners in their area.

If you’re looking to engage a builder or a plumber, it is vital to make sure they are appropriately registered or licensed for the work to be undertaken.

The DBI page contains important information regarding insurance and reminds consumers not to pay a deposit until their builder has shown proof of a valid DBI policy for work over $16,000.

Details: www.vba.vic.gov.au/