Using a defect investigation report with BPC dispute resolution and VCAT in Tarneit
What the report must contain to be useful in a Victorian building dispute, and where owners lose time.
In short: Get the defect measured against a named standard, with photos, before you lodge with BPC dispute resolution. If the matter goes to VCAT, ask for the expert witness format from the start.
The Victorian pathway
Builder in writing first, then the Building and Plumbing Commission's dispute resolution service (formerly DBDRV), then VCAT's Building and Property List if BPC dispute resolution does not resolve it.
What the report must do
Describe each defect, measure it, photograph it, and cite the clause it fails: AS 2870, AS 3700, AS 3740, the NCC or the VBA Guide to Standards and Tolerances.
Where owners lose time
Lodging with a list of complaints but no measurements, or a report that says 'poor workmanship' without a standard. BPC dispute resolution assessors and VCAT members need the benchmark.
Expert witness format
If VCAT is likely, the report must meet the tribunal's expert evidence practice note. It is cheaper to write it that way once than to redo it.
Written by the Owner Inspections team from inspections carried out in Tarneit. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
