BREAKING: The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) has just executed a series of urgent raids on three locations tied to the unregistered building company, Homespace Builds Pty Ltd. This operation, involving Victoria Police and digital forensic experts, targeted sites in Aintree, Bacchus Marsh, and Darley, highlighting a significant crackdown on illegal building practices.
The raids are part of a comprehensive investigation into multiple alleged violations under the Building Act and the Domestic Building Contracts Act (DBCA). The BPC has disclosed that Homespace Builds is under scrutiny for engaging in unregistered work and entering into major domestic building contracts without proper registration. Investigators are also probing claims of false and misleading statements made by the company.
According to officials, intelligence gathered from a previous raid indicated that Homespace allegedly paid for the use of another company’s registration. The BPC has announced that any potential breaches of the DBCA will be forwarded to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) for further examination and action.
As this investigation unfolds, the BPC is urgently advising consumers to avoid employing Homespace Builds Pty Ltd. The commission emphasizes the importance of hiring registered builders and licensed plumbers to ensure safety and compliance. Consumers can verify if their builder or plumber is registered by visiting the BPC’s official website. Those who suspect the operation of an unregistered builder or plumber are encouraged to report it online.
This situation comes amidst ongoing legislative reforms to the DBCA, which are currently before parliament. These reforms aim to transfer regulatory powers from CAV to the BPC, enhancing oversight in the building industry.
As the investigation continues, the BPC remains vigilant. Homeowners and potential clients are urged to stay informed and take action to protect themselves from unregistered services. For now, the focus is on ensuring that all builders comply with the laws in place, safeguarding the integrity of the construction industry.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
