Building & Construction
The building and construction industry is governed by a matrix of complex legislation, regulations and planning instruments. Building laws evolve and develop constantly, and it is essential for building professionals and homeowners to understand their rights and obligations. We are a boutique law firm based in Geelong, offering specialist building, planning and property law advice to the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula and all of Victoria.
Building Appeals Board
The Building Appeals Board (BAB) makes decisions relating to the Building Regulations. BAB acts in the public interest, by taking into account building safety, amenity, sustainability and ongoing efficiency of the construction industry. It also hears appeals, disputes and requests for modifications of Building Regulations. BAB also has the power to conduct site inspections. Kings Lawyers regularly appears and assists in Building Appeal Board matters. David holds academic qualifications as a Building Surveyor and has experience in both private and council building departments.
Victorian Building Authority
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) regulates building and plumbing practitioners to ensure efficiency and competitiveness in the building and plumbing industries, including the registration, licensing and disciplining plumbers in Victoria. VBA also provides expert technical advice and information. Kings Lawyers have settled many disputes with the VBA and represented building practitioners.
Protection of adjoining properties
An owner who is going to carry out building work, has obligations under legislation to protect adjoining properties from potential damage resulting from their work.
If building work is close or adjacent to adjoining property boundaries, you may be required to carry out protection work relating to the adjoining property.
There are complex statutory rights providing protection to adjoining owners which requires insurance cover for the adjoining owner and a series of pre and post construction inspections. Kings Lawyers have negotiated significant additional protection in this area.
Building Orders and Notices
The Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2018 govern building activity in Victoria. They provide regulation of building construction, standards and the maintenance of specific building safety features.
The Act and Regulations aim to protect the safety and health of people who use building and places of public entertainment. When there is a breach of the Act and Regulations Building Surveyors will issue a building order or notice to the owner of the land. These orders can require the demolition of illegal work. There are appeal rights against these orders. Kings Lawyers regularly negotiate outcomes which allow the buildings to remain. Again Kings Lawyers Building Surveyor expertise facilitates protection orders.
We are a boutique property and planning law firm with technical and pragmatic expertise across a range of building and construction matters. We understand how the building regulatory system works.
If you need any assistance, contact us at [email protected] or call 03 5221 7077 for a no-obligation discussion and for expert legal advice.