Urban 360 Building Inspections
Owner-Builder Defect Reports
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Owner-Builder Defect Reports

Selling within 6.5 years of an owner-builder permit? Section 137B of the Victorian Building Act requires a defect report from a registered practitioner before settlement. We produce compliant reports that hold up under purchaser scrutiny — and explain anything they raise.

What it is

A proper look,
not a quick glance.

A statutory inspection required under Section 137B of the Victorian Building Act 1993 when selling a property where building work was carried out under an owner-builder permit within the preceding 6.5 years. The report identifies defects in the building work and is a legal requirement for settlement.

Ideal for

  • Owner-builders selling within 6.5 years of completion
  • Conveyancers and solicitors managing owner-builder sales
  • Purchasers requesting independent defect assessment
  • Real estate agents facilitating owner-builder property sales
Scope of Inspection

What we inspect,
end to end.

All building work completed under the owner-builder permit

Structural elements — framing, foundations, load paths

Waterproofing — wet areas, external membranes, flashings

Cladding and external finishes — compliance with NCC and plans

Internal finishes — plastering, tiling, joinery, painting

Plumbing and drainage (visual assessment)

Electrical (visual assessment of accessible components)

Compliance with approved plans and building permit conditions

Compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC)

Why It Matters

The stakes are
higher than they look.

This report is a legal requirement — you cannot settle on the sale of an owner-built property without it. But beyond compliance, it provides crucial transparency for both parties.

Legal requirement under Victorian law — no report, no settlement
Protects vendor from post-sale defect claims
Gives purchaser transparency about construction quality
Identifies defects that may need rectification before sale
Reduces risk of post-settlement disputes
Provides evidence of compliance with building permit conditions
Our Approach

How we do it
differently.

Section 137B gets treated as a real building assessment, not a compliance tick-box. Defects are categorised by severity, paired with rectification guidance, and explained in plain language for both vendor and purchaser.

Detailed technical assessment, not just a compliance tick-box
Clear defect categorisation with severity ratings
Practical rectification guidance where defects are found
Explanations in plain language for vendors and purchasers
Formatted for conveyancing and settlement requirements
Consultation to help you understand implications and options
Our Process

From booking
to confident decision.

01
Step 01

Book & Review

Contact us with property details and the owner-builder permit number. We'll review the scope of works and schedule the inspection.

02
Step 02

Comprehensive Assessment

Our consultant inspects all building work completed under the owner-builder permit, assessing quality, compliance, and identifying any defects.

03
Step 03

Section 137B Report

You receive a fully compliant Section 137B report with defect findings, severity categorisation, photographs, and rectification guidance.

04
Step 04

Consultation & Support

We discuss findings with you, explain options for rectification or negotiation, and ensure the report meets your conveyancing requirements.

What you receive

A report that's
detailed and clear.

Comprehensive reporting delivered through a configurable client portal — accessible across devices, with a streamlined experience that puts every finding, photo, and recommendation a tap away.

Section 137B compliant defect report
Detailed assessment of all owner-builder works
Defect categorisation with severity ratings
Photographic documentation of all findings
Rectification guidance for identified defects
Report formatted for conveyancing and settlement
Post-inspection consultation to discuss findings and options
Report Turnaround

Fast. Thorough.
Decision-ready.

48 hours is standard. Settlement deadline closing in? Let us know and we'll fast-track.

FAQs

Questions,
answered.

Still curious? Give us a call — we're happy to walk through anything specific to your property.

When is a Section 137B report required?
When selling a property where building work was completed under an owner-builder permit, within 6.5 years of the date the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection was issued.
Who can prepare the report?
A registered building practitioner registered with the Victorian Building Authority — such as a building surveyor or building inspector. Urban 360 is fully registered and licensed for this purpose.
What if the report identifies defects?
Defects are common in owner-builder works and don't necessarily prevent a sale. The report provides transparency for the purchaser. You may choose to rectify defects before sale, adjust the sale price, or negotiate terms with the purchaser.
Does the purchaser get a copy of the report?
Yes. Under Victorian law, the vendor must provide the Section 137B report to the purchaser before settlement. The report forms part of the vendor's disclosure obligations.
What if I'm not sure whether my works require this report?
Contact us and we'll help you determine whether a Section 137B report is required based on your permit history, the nature of works, and the timeframe since completion.
Ready when you are

Book owner-builder defect reports
with confidence.

Limited daily availability. Get in touch to discuss your property and schedule your inspection — no obligation.