SECTION 137B · BUILDING ACT 1993

137B Owner Builder Reports Across Melbourne

Selling your owner-built home within 6.5 years? Get a compliant, defect-checked report from qualified Melbourne inspectors — usually delivered one business day after the inspection.

Get a Fixed 137B Quote

Send your address and property details — we’ll confirm a fixed price, no surprises.

Licensed practitioners

Registered building inspectors

Insured

Fully covered reports

Standards compliant

AS & BCA referenced

Fast turnaround

Report in 1 business day

WHAT’S COVERED

What is inspected in an owner-builder report?

Unlike a council mandatory inspection, which confirms that work may proceed to the next stage, a 137B Owner Builder Defects Report records the condition of the completed work.

The inspection covers the accessible structural, non-structural and cosmetic building elements, and the quality of the workmanship. The report identifies faults and defects in the building work and flags whether second-hand building materials appear to have been used. We often find defects that were not picked up at earlier mandatory inspections.

Please note: A Section 137B report does not certify all work carried out on the property, and does not guarantee that the property is free of defects. It reports on the visible condition of the accessible areas inspected, within the agreed scope.

Completed owner-builder timber deck and outdoor living area
THOROUGH ASSESSMENT

A thorough, room-by-room assessment

Our Melbourne building inspector assesses all accessible areas of your property and reports on the defects that matter.

Subfloor space showing timber bearers and joists assessed during a property inspection

Accessible areas we assess

Subsidence and a cracked footing at the corner of a brick home

Common defects we identify

SIMPLE & FAST

How the 137B report works

Three straightforward steps from your first call to a compliant report in hand.

1

Get your quote

Tell us about your property and the work you’ve completed. We give you a clear, fixed quote — usually the same day.

2

We inspect

A qualified inspector assesses all accessible areas, checking workmanship and compliance. Usually on-site within 48 hours.

3

You get the report

A thorough, easy-to-read defects report delivered one business day after the inspection — ready for your sale documentation.

WHY IT MATTERS

Benefits of a Section 137B Inspection Report

Peace of mind for owner-builders, and transparency for the people buying from you.

Meet your obligations

Documented evidence of the condition of your work, helping you meet your obligations under the Domestic Building Contracts Act.

Documented condition

An independent report documents the condition of your work and identifies visible defects, so you can address them before you sell.

Buyer confidence

For prospective buyers, a Section 137B report offers transparency and reassurance about the condition of the owner-built work.

Comprehensive inspections

Our qualified inspectors carry out a detailed assessment of the accessible work, documenting its condition and identifying visible defects and workmanship issues.

Expert guidance

Not sure when a 137B report is required? We give clear advice tailored to your situation and guide you through every step.

TRANSPARENT PRICING

137B owner-builder report fees

Structures

Carport, garage, shed, deck, pool
$ 460 incl. GST — from
  • Small renovation (kitchen or bathroom) — $575
  • Addition under 10 squares — $635
  • 137B compliance report
  • Photographs and code references

Houses

Under 20 to 50 squares
$ 695 incl. GST — from
  • Small house under 20 squares — $695
  • Large house 20 to 50 squares — $890
  • Whole-house renovation — $765
  • 137B compliance report
Most common

Extra large homes

50 squares and above
$ 1,015 incl. GST — from
  • Full 137B compliance report
  • Photographs and code references
  • Report the next business day
  • On-site within 48 hours

What affects your price: the size and type of the structure, the extent of the owner-builder work being reported on, the condition and accessibility of the property, and its location. Your exact fee is confirmed in writing before the booking is accepted.

The prices shown are minimum advertised prices and include GST. Your final fixed quote will be confirmed before booking and may vary depending on the property size, location, condition, complexity, access and required scope.

6.5

Years — the window in which a 137B report is required if you sell after completing owner-builder work

THE RULES

When is a 137B Owner Builder Report required?

A 137B Owner Builder Report is required under the Building Act 1993 for owner-builders who have completed construction or renovation work and plan to sell within 6.5 years (6 years and 6 months) of completing the work.

Regardless of the value of the building or renovation, this report ensures that all work complies with Australian building standards.

If you’re an owner-builder looking to sell within this time frame, obtaining a Section 137B report is essential for legal compliance and a smooth sale process.

If your land is in a designated bushfire prone area or covered by a Bushfire Management Overlay, you will also need a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment before a building permit can be issued.

WHERE WE WORK

137B inspections across Melbourne & Victoria

We service owner-builders right across Melbourne, Geelong and regional Victoria.

ANSWERS

Owner-builder inspection FAQs

How do I get advice as an owner-builder?

Most conveyancers and lawyers are aware of this complex legislation. General information is available from the Just Inspections office, and we can point you in the right direction if domestic building insurance is required.

Please note: Just Inspections does not issue, arrange or guarantee domestic building insurance. Cover is provided by insurers and licensed brokers, and is subject to their own eligibility criteria and terms.

We are usually able to complete the inspection at the property within 48 hours, then deliver the report one business day after the inspection.

Under Section 137B of the Building Act 1993, any owner-builder selling their property must provide a defects report as part of the sale documentation.

A Section 137B Owner Builder Report is a mandatory inspection for properties being sold within 6.5 years of construction, ensuring compliance with building regulations and identifying any defects.

The Section 137B Owner Builder Report ensures that the property complies with Victorian building standards and regulations, providing transparency and safety for both sellers and buyers.

Failure to submit a Section 137B report can result in fines, required remedial work, or legal complications when selling your property within 6.5 years of construction.

You must submit a Section 137B Owner Builder Report after completing building work valued over $16,000 and if selling within 6.5 years of completion.

It’s recommended to hire a licensed building practitioner to prepare your Section 137B report, as it requires expertise in building codes and regulations.

Consulting a licensed building inspector ensures your construction complies with regulations and helps avoid issues when preparing the Section 137B report.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

What Melbourne owner-builders say

Need a clear inspection scope and fixed quote?

Send us the property details and the inspection you require. Our team will review the information and confirm the appropriate service and fixed price before booking.