Trusted legal advice for builders, contractors, home owners and investors across Victoria.
Hendersons Legal is in a unique position to advise on every aspect of building and construction law in Victoria. We act for builders, contractors, home owners and investors, drawing on genuine industry experience to deliver clear, practical advice. Our work ranges from reviewing and negotiating building contracts to resolving on-site disputes, defective and incomplete works, and completion and handover problems, through to formal proceedings at the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC, formerly Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria), VCAT and the courts.
Whatever your role in a building project, we provide sensible, plain-English advice and strategies designed to protect your interests and keep your project on track. Our insight into how the Victorian building industry actually works helps our clients avoid costly problems before they arise, and resolve them efficiently when they do.
Real Industry Experience You Can Rely On
What sets our building and construction team apart is first-hand industry knowledge. Melissa Henderson was Chief Executive Officer of Supa Group Constructions, a large, multi-award-winning home extension building company, from 2009 to 2014. This gives her a unique insight into the commercial workings and industry practices of builders, as well as owner expectations and practical problem-solving.
Melissa held a Victorian domestic building registration from 2006 to 2015 and holds a Red Card allowing her access to all building sites. That combination of legal expertise and on-the-ground building experience means we understand both the contract and the construction realities behind your dispute.
How We Help Builders and Contractors
We act for builders, contractors and trades across a wide range of issues, including contract preparation and review, payment claims and recovery, variations, and defending defect and delay claims. For a full outline of how we assist builders and contractors throughout Victoria, see our dedicated builders and contractors page.
How We Help Home Owners and Investors
We also act for home owners and investors in the domestic building arena, including:
- Residential Building Contract Reviews
- On-site disputes that require quick and urgent resolution
- Pursuing claims for defective and incomplete building works
- Problems with completion and handover
- Disputes at the Building and Plumbing Commission (formerly DBDRV) and VCAT
Resolving Building Disputes, From the BPC (Formerly DBDRV) to the Courts
Most domestic building disputes in Victoria must first go through the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), formerly DBDRV, before they can proceed to VCAT. We have acted for both applicants and respondents at the DBDRV and VCAT, and in appeals to the Supreme Court. For disputes that fall outside the domestic building arena, we have experience across all Victorian and Federal jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to review my building contract?
It is strongly recommended. Standard HIA and MBAV contracts contain numerous schedules and special conditions, often heavily in the builder’s favour. Having the contract reviewed before you sign can prevent costly disputes later.
How are building disputes resolved in Victoria?
Most domestic building disputes must first go to the Building and Plumbing Commission dispute resolution service (formerly DBDRV) for conciliation. If they are not resolved there, they can proceed to VCAT and, if necessary, the courts.
Do you act for both builders and owners?
Yes. We act for builders, contractors, home owners and investors, drawing on genuine industry experience to advise whichever side of a building matter you are on.
What is the DBDRV or Building and Plumbing Commission?
It is the Victorian dispute resolution service that domestic building disputes must generally pass through before VCAT. It runs a conciliation process aimed at resolving disputes by agreement.
Is There a Time Limit to Claim for Defective Building Work?
Yes. In Victoria, most claims for defective domestic building work must be brought within 10 years of the occupancy permit for the building work, or the final inspection certificate if no occupancy permit was issued. The date these limits run from is not always obvious, so if you think something is wrong with your build, it is worth getting advice sooner rather than later so you do not lose the right to claim.
Why Choose Hendersons Legal
Melbourne CBD Location
Our office is conveniently located steps from all major Victorian courts and tribunals. We can easily arrange Zoom meetings or telephone conferences where that is more convenient for you.
Speed and Reliability
We always give priority to urgent work to protect your legal interests. You will know your matter is in capable hands and that you are kept up to date as your matter progresses.
Transparent Pricing
In accordance with the legal requirements that apply to all Victorian lawyers, we provide a fee estimate, disclosure statement and costs agreement setting out our terms and conditions before we commence work.
Deep Victorian Expertise
We have a rich understanding of the laws and processes that apply to building and construction issues in Victoria, having acted for both applicants and respondents at the DBDRV, VCAT and on appeal. We also have broad experience in matters that fall outside the domestic building arena.
A Practical, Common-Sense Approach
We work to get results efficiently and keep our communication clear.
How It Works
To get started, contact us by phone or fill out our online enquiry form with the details of your building project or dispute. We will confirm the scope of work, provide a fee estimate, and get to work, keeping you fully informed at every stage.
Speak to a Building and Construction Lawyer Today
Whether you are a builder, contractor, home owner or investor, early legal advice can save you significant time, cost and stress. Call Hendersons Legal on (03) 9629 2211 or complete our online enquiry form and one of our experienced building and construction lawyers will be in touch.
