137B Owner-Builder Defects Report
A 137b owner Builders report or a 137b defects report as they are commonly known are a legal requirement for owner builders.
The purpose of the report is to document any building defects,
as a result of any recent renovations, additions, alterations or new building works
carried out by an owner builder within the last 6 years and 6 months.
The inspections must take place prior to entering a contract of sale and
are required to be be carried out by a licensed building inspector
We offer a fast turn around and our reports are sent out the same day as the inspection.
What Is a Section 137B Report?
A 137B report takes its name from Section 137B of the Building Act 1993, the Victorian legislation that requires owner builders to obtain a defects report before selling a property they have built or renovated themselves, if the value of the work was more than the threshold set under the Act. Because owner builders are not required to hold the same insurance as a licensed builder, this report exists to protect buyers by documenting the condition of that owner-built work before the sale goes ahead.
When Do You Need a 137B Owner-Builder Report?
You need an owner builder defects report if you carried out or arranged renovations, additions, alterations, or new building works as an owner builder within the last six years and six months, and you are now planning to sell. The report, along with owner builder insurance in most cases, must be arranged before you enter into a contract of sale, so it pays to book well ahead of listing your property.
What Does the Inspection Cover?
Our builder reports for Section 137B document the current condition of the owner-built work, identifying any defects so they can be disclosed to a buyer or, where appropriate, rectified before the property goes to market. As with our other inspection services, the report is prepared by a licensed building inspector and sent out the same day.
To enquire or book your 137b report give us a call on 0488 339 686 or use the online booking form
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Section 137B of the Building Act 1993?
Section 137B of the Building Act 1993 is the Victorian law requiring owner builders to obtain a defects report before selling a property where they carried out owner-built work above a set value within the last six years and six months.
How much does a 137B owner builder report cost?
Pricing depends on the size and scope of the owner-built work being assessed. Call us on 0488 339 686 for a tailored quote.
What happens if defects are found in a 137B report?
Any defects identified are documented in your report with descriptions and photographs. You can then choose to disclose them to prospective buyers or arrange for them to be rectified before listing your property for sale.
How long does a 137B owner-builder report take?
The inspection itself is generally completed within a few hours, and we send the written report out the same day as the inspection.
Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.