Victoria · 2025
Licensing requirements, statutory warranty periods, key legislation, and cost benchmarks for trade work in Victoria.
Licence requirements apply to contractors performing work for payment. Always verify current requirements with the issuing authority before engaging a trade. Items marked [verify] should be confirmed against current legislation.
Structural defects
10 yr
10 years for major defects from the date of issue of the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection. [verify: amended by Building Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Act 2023]
Non-structural
2 yr
2 years for non-major defects from the date of practical completion or occupation (whichever is earlier).
Key legislation
Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995; Building Act 1993; Building Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Act 2023
VIC requires Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) for most residential contracts over $16,000. Disputes can be lodged with the VBA or referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). The Building Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Act 2023 introduced significant changes to warranty periods — verify current requirements with the VBA.
Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995
Governs residential building contracts in VIC. Implies statutory warranties and regulates contract terms, variations, and dispute resolution.
Building Act 1993
Establishes building approvals, permits, inspections, and compliance requirements in VIC. Administered by local councils and the VBA.
Building Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Act 2023
Extended major defect warranty period and strengthened consumer protections for residential building work.
Gas Safety Act 1997
Governs gas safety in VIC, including installation, inspection, and maintenance of gas appliances and pipework.
Electricity Safety Act 1998
Governs electrical safety requirements and the licensing of electrical work in VIC. Administered by Energy Safe Victoria.
Track legislative changes across all states on the Trade Legislation Tracker.
Indicative 2025 market rates for Victoria. Actual prices vary by scope, location, and contractor. Always obtain multiple quotes.
Electrician — call-out / first hour
$130–$220
per call-out
Electrician — hourly rate
$85–$170
per hour
Plumber — call-out / first hour
$140–$230
per call-out
Plumber — hourly rate
$95–$190
per hour
Switchboard upgrade
$1,300–$3,800
per job
Hot water system — supply and install (heat pump)
$2,600–$4,800
per job
Split system air conditioning — supply and install (3–5kW)
$1,300–$3,200
per job
Roofing — Colorbond replacement
$55–$125
per m²
Painting — interior walls
$20–$42
per m²
Painting — exterior full repaint
$26–$52
per m²
Bathroom renovation (full)
$14,000–$40,000
per job (varies by scope)
READY TO GET A QUOTE?
Post your job on Steadyhand and receive quotes from verified tradies — with a signed scope agreement, milestone payments, and a warranty record built in.
Post a job →Steadyhand · Victoria trade guide · 2025 · Indicative only. Verify licence requirements and warranty periods with the relevant state authority.