Selling a property with recent owner-builder work? Get an independent defects inspection report from qualified Melbourne inspectors — usually delivered one business day after the inspection.
Send your address and property details — we’ll confirm a fixed price, no surprises.
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Report in 1 business day
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.
Our Melbourne building inspector assesses all accessible areas of your property and reports on the defects that matter.
Three straightforward steps from your first call to an independent defects report in hand.
Tell us about your property and the work you’ve completed. We give you a clear, fixed quote — usually the same day.
A qualified inspector assesses the accessible owner-builder work, checking workmanship and recording visible defective or non-compliant work. Usually on-site within 48 hours.
A thorough, easy-to-read defects report delivered one business day after the inspection — ready for your sale documentation.
Peace of mind for owner-builders, and transparency for the people buying from you.
Documented evidence of the visible condition of the accessible owner-builder work, supporting the sale documentation required under Section 137B of the Building Act 1993.
An independent report documents the condition of your work and identifies visible defects, so you can address them before you sell.
For prospective buyers, a Section 137B report offers transparency and reassurance about the condition of the owner-built work.
Our qualified inspectors carry out a detailed assessment of the accessible work, documenting its condition and identifying visible defects and workmanship issues.
Not sure when a 137B report is required? We give clear advice tailored to your situation and guide you through every step.
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.
Years — the window in which a 137B report is required if you sell after completing owner-builder work
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.
We service owner-builders right across Melbourne, Geelong and regional Victoria.
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.
Section 137B of the Building Act 1993 can require a current defects report when a property with recent owner-builder work is sold. Your conveyancer should confirm how the requirement applies to your sale.
A Section 137B defects inspection report records visible defective or non-compliant owner-builder work within the accessible areas and agreed scope. It is not a compliance certificate or guarantee that the property complies with every applicable requirement.
The purpose of the report is to give the seller and buyer an independent record of visible defective or non-compliant owner-builder work within the accessible areas and agreed scope. It does not certify overall regulatory compliance.
Missing or inadequate Section 137B documentation can delay or complicate a sale and may expose the seller to legal consequences. Obtain advice from your conveyancer before entering a contract.
If you are selling a property with recent owner-builder work, you may need a Section 137B defects inspection report and, depending on the work and timing, domestic building insurance. The defects-report obligation and insurance thresholds are separate. Confirm the current requirements with your conveyancer and the Building and Plumbing Commission.
The report should be prepared by an appropriately qualified and insured building practitioner experienced in Section 137B defects reports. Ask your conveyancer to confirm the documents required for your sale.
An appropriately qualified inspector can identify and document visible defective or non-compliant work within the accessible scope. The inspection does not ensure or certify that all construction complies with every regulation.
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.
