Qualified & Registered Building Experts
Owner Builder Defect Report Melbourne (Section 137B)
If you’re selling a property where you performed owner builder work, a Section 137B Owner Builder Defect Report is a legal requirement in Victoria. We provide compliant, certified reports prepared by a licensed building practitioner – everything you need to satisfy your legal obligations and protect your sale.
What Is a Section 137B Owner Builder Defect Report?
Under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic), any property sold within six and a half years of an owner builder permit being issued must include a defect report prepared by a registered building practitioner. This is known as a Section 137B report.
The report must be provided to the buyer before the contract of sale is signed. It’s not optional — failure to provide one can expose the seller to significant legal and financial liability.
Who Needs a Section 137B Report?
You need a Section 137B owner builder defect report if:
If you’re unsure whether your situation applies, give us a call on 1300 637 176 — we’re happy to talk you through it.
What Does the Builder Defect Report Cover?
The report is prepared by a registered building practitioner — exactly as required under Section 137B.
Our Section 137B inspection and report covers all areas of the owner builder work, including:
Structural Elements
foundations, framing, walls, and
roof
Waterproofing
wet areas, roofing membranes, and external cladding
Building Services
Electrical, plumbing, and drainage (visual assessment only)
Finishes & Workmanship
Interior finishes and workmanship
BCA Compliance
Building Code of Australia (BCA)
Safety Hazards
Safety hazards and non-compliant features
Defects & Variations
Any defects, incomplete work, or departures from approved plans
Why Choose Certifyd for Your 137B Report?
A Section 137B report isn’t just a legal formality — it’s a document that could be scrutinised by buyers, solicitors, and tribunals. Our team brings a certified building surveyor and civil engineer to every inspection, which means the report carries genuine technical authority.
If the buyer also wants an independent condition assessment before signing, we can carry out a pre-purchase building inspection or a full building and pest inspection as a separate service.
What to Expect – 3 Simple Steps
Request a free quote
Fill out our online form with your property details and inspection type.
Receive your quote
No surprises. We confirm the price before anything is booked.
Inspection done
Choose your preferred day. We inspect and deliver your report the same day.
Selling owner builder work? Get your Section 137B report sorted fast!
Same-day reports. No hidden fees. Backed by real engineering expertise
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a 137B report?
We complete the inspection and deliver your report the same day. This means your sale process can keep moving without delay.
Can the buyer use the report to sue me?
The Section 137B report is designed to disclose known defects to the buyer before purchase. Having a thorough, honest report actually protects you as the seller — it limits your liability by ensuring full disclosure.
What if defects are found?
Defects don’t necessarily mean the sale can’t proceed. Many owner builder sales complete with defects documented and priced into the contract. We can talk you through what the findings mean for your sale. If settlement is still ahead, a pre-settlement inspection can also be useful to confirm the property’s final condition before funds transfer.
Do I need a 137B report for renovations as well as new builds?
Yes — the requirement applies to any owner builder work that required a building permit, including major renovations. Check your permit date against the 6.5-year window. If the work is newly completed and handover is still pending, a new home handover inspection may also help identify defects before the next stage of the sale or occupancy process.