Help and resources for renovation contractor issues in Perth
Government & regulatory
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Building and Energy
The WA building industry regulator that helps resolve disputes between consumers and builders over regulated building services and home building contracts, as an alternative to going to court. Its powers come from the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011 and the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011.
Visit website → Phone: 1300 489 099 Level 1, 303 Sevenoaks Street (Entrance on Grose Avenue), Cannington WA 6107 -
State Administrative Tribunal of Western Australia (SAT)
Hears disputes between consumers and builders over changes to agreed work, failure to complete work within a reasonable time, or alleged building defects. SAT can order work or payments of up to $500,000 from an unregistered person, or any amount from a registered building services provider.
Industry & professional associations
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Master Builders Western Australia (MBAWA)
Member-based association for the WA building and construction industry, covering builders, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants in commercial and residential sectors. Consumers can use it to check builder credentials or find registered members, with offices in Perth, Albany and Bunbury.
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Housing Industry Association (HIA)
Peak national member association for residential construction, home building, renovation and development, founded in 1945 to advocate for builders and support the industry. Has an office covering Perth/WA plus other capitals and regions, and consumers can use it to verify member builders and access industry guidance.
Consumer protection
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Consumer Protection (Western Australia)
The state consumer affairs regulator that develops, enforces and promotes laws protecting consumers, handles general consumer complaints and can help mediate contract disputes separate from Building and Energy's building-specific process.
Visit website → Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Consumer Protection, Locked Bag 100, East Perth WA 6892 -
Scamwatch (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission)
ACCC-run website providing information for consumers and small businesses on how to recognise, avoid and report scams, including those involving unlicensed or fraudulent contractors. The ACCC also enforces the Australian Consumer Law nationally.
Legal help
This is general information, not legal advice. Speak to a qualified professional about your specific situation.
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Legal Aid Western Australia
State-funded legal assistance service offering free information and guidance on building disputes, including how to escalate a matter to Building and Energy, the SAT, or the Magistrates Court (for claims up to $75,000 not otherwise dealt with by the Building Commissioner or SAT).
Need a provider rather than a resource? Request a quote.