Changes to Domestic Builder-Manager License

UPDATE 16/12/2020:

The recent changes to the Domestic Builder-Manager have now been reversed by the VBA. The decision means DBMs will have until 30 June 2022 to change their registration, subject to any further legislative changes. The previous registration restrictions will not come into effect immediately, as was originally feared (That as of December 1st people with a Domestic Builder-Manager (DBM) license are no longer permitted to obtain building permits).

The sudden restrictions put on DBMs were very harsh as many still had contracts in the pipeline which could have left people without a builder and could potentially miss the cut off for people trying to access the Australian Governments HomeBuilder Grant.  With the HomeBuilder Grant the contract must be signed between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020 to be eligible. 

The advice provided in the VBA Advisory Note – Domestic Builder-Manager confirms that DBMs can continue to enter into Building Contracts and be named as the builder on building permits for works that will be completed prior to their registration ceasing as of 30 June 2022.

What are the next steps? Don’t put it off – start the transition process today!

Prepare yourself for the changes! We have seen what happens when your registration expires so lets get organised for 30th June 2022.

TIV’s suggested pathway for DBMs is to start the transition process of applying for an alternative registration category such as a Domestic Builder-Unlimited (DB-U) as soon as you can. We don’t recommend you apply for the new Project Manager-Domestic as you are not allowed to carry out domestic work themselves or arrange for unregistered builders to carry out the work. Compare this to a DB-U where they are responsible for carrying out, or managing or arranging the carrying out of all components of domestic building work for the construction, renovation, improvement or maintenance of a home.

We recommend you start this process now , and well in advance of the 30 June 2022 deadline. TIV’s Builder Registration team can assist you with your application and has its very own program to assist!

Two courses that TIV would recommend to get the ball rolling are:

Please reach out to our TIV Builder Registration Consultant on how they can guide you on upgrading your licence.

For further assistance, please contact us on

Phone: 03 9399 9511

Email: [email protected]

“The recent changes to the Domestic Builder (Manager) have now been reversed by the VBA.”

Previous Article 06/12/2020

THE CHANGE

As of December 1st people with a Domestic Builder-Manager (DB-M) license are no longer permitted to obtain building permits. The VBA had given warning that changes where coming but not until 2022. They stated that “Transitional provisions are in place until 30 June 2022 to give existing practitioners time to upgrade their qualifications and apply for registration in another class of building practitioner”. However, the VBA only gave short notice to current DB-M’s that they would no longer be able to obtain permits.

If you are a current DB-M and have already signed contracts with issued permits they may continue their work but only have until 30 June 2022 where they can complete the work in the contract.

TIV ADVICE

TIV’s advice to all DBMs is to apply for a Domestic Builder-Unlimited (DBU) as soon as you can. We don’t recommend you apply for the new Project Manager-Domestic as you are not allowed to carry out domestic work themselves or arrange for unregistered builders to carry out the work. Compare this to a DBU where they are responsible for carrying out, or managing or arranging the carrying out of all components of domestic building work for the construction, renovation, improvement or maintenance of a home.

Next Step

Contact our TIV Builder Registration Consultant on how they can guide you on upgrading your licence.

Call: 03 9399 9511

Email: [email protected]

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