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Renovating Safely: How to Protect Yourself From Illegal or Uninsured Building Work

Comparing renovation providers? Here’s what to look out for - and why choosing the right partner can save you stress, time and money down the track

The Biggest Risk in Today’s Market: Uninsured Renovation Work

Renovating your kitchen, bathroom or laundry should be an exciting milestone - not a source of unnecessary stress or financial risk. But in today’s market, more homeowners are unknowingly engaging operators who are not legally allowed to carry out building and renovation work in Victoria.

The result? Projects that aren’t insured or protected, and in many cases, are technically illegal under Victorian building regulations.

When something goes wrong - incomplete installation, poor workmanship, hidden costs, waterproofing failures, defects or a business disappearing mid-project - homeowners can be left with no legal protection and no recourse to recover their losses.

This problem has grown in recent years due to:

Unregistered operators entering the market
Builders who cannot obtain the required insurance
Cash-only or “quick quote” jobs with no documentation
Struggling businesses taking on work they’re not licensed for

The good news? You can avoid all of these risks with the right information - and it starts with understanding what the law requires and how to identify a properly registered and insured builder / renovator before work begins.

This guide explains the essentials every Victorian homeowner must know, including:

How to avoid illegal or uninsured renovation work
The legal protections that apply in Victoria
> The obligations your renovation provider must meet
> Clear warning signs to watch out for
> How to ensure your project is safe, compliant and fully insured

Whether you choose Rosemount Kitchens or another provider, our goal is simple: to help you renovate with confidence, clarity and complete legal protection.

Going bust ... insolvencies in the construction sector are rising across Australia. 

In Victoria, any kitchen, bathroom or laundry renovation over $10,000 is classed as building work, which means it must be carried out by a Registered Building Practitioner  - now regulated by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC). And a domestic building contract must be signed.

For projects over $16,000, your builder must also provide Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) before work begins.

But here’s the problem:

A growing number of renovators are operating without that registration or insurance - and most homeowners don’t realise it until it’s too late.


What happens when the work isn’t insured?

If something goes wrong and your renovator:

becomes insolvent
disappears
refuses to fix defects
walks off the job
doesn’t comply with a tribunal order

… you are left completely unprotected.

You may have no legal avenue to recover your losses, complete the work or repair the damage.

Uninsured work also cannot be retrospectively covered - so once the mistake is made, it can’t be undone.


The consequences can be serious

Uninsured or illegal renovation work can lead to:

Costly rectification work, paid entirely out of your own pocket
Renovations that must be demolished and rebuilt to meet code
Delays of months while you find a registered builder to fix the issues
Fines and penalties for builders undertaking illegal building work
Problems when selling your home, as buyers or conveyancers may request:

  • a copy of your Domestic Building Contract
  • your DBI certificate
  • evidence the work was completed by a registered builder - missing documents can jeopardise or delay the sale.

And because many uninsured operators work “off the books”, they often cannot be traced or held accountable once things go wrong.


The warning signs are almost always visible upfront

Unregistered or uninsured renovators often:

Provide quotes without a Registered Building Practitioner number
Admit they're not registered builders, but are members of the HIA or MBA. (Just being a member of these associations, which costs around $200 a year, does NOTHING to protect you).
Avoid written contracts
Offer “cash discounts”
Say insurance isn’t necessary
Ask for large deposits
Refuse to provide a DBI Certificate of Insurance
Tell you they can’t get insurance “because of delays” or “licensing issues”
Pressure you to sign quickly

These are all clear indicators that the work may not be legally protected.

How Illegal or Uninsured Renovations Happen (Common Traps to Avoid)

Most homeowners don’t set out to engage an unregistered or uninsured operator.

It usually happens unintentionally - through assumptions, rushed decisions or unclear information from the renovator.

Here are the most common ways renovation work becomes illegal or uninsured in Victoria:


1. Not checking whether the renovator is properly registered

Many people assume that if someone provides a quote, they must be licensed to do the work.

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Some operators:

have never held the required building registration
previously held a licence but it has lapsed
were deregistered
work under someone else’s licence number
advertise services they’re not legally permitted to perform

How to avoid it:

Always check the renovator’s registration through the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) before signing anything.


2. No Domestic Building Contract provided

For projects over $10,000, a Domestic Building Contract (DBC) isn’t optional - it’s a legal requirement.

When renovators avoid providing one, it’s usually because:

they are not registered and are therefore not allowed to enter into a DBC
they do not want to take on contractual responsibility
they cannot meet the insurance requirements that accompany the contract

Without a DBC, the work is not legally protected.


3. DBI insurance not provided - or promised ‘later’

If the project exceeds $16,000, you must receive a Domestic Building Insurance certificate (DBI) before any work begins - and before any deposit is paid.

Illegal operators will often say things like:

“We’ll sort the insurance later.”
“Insurance isn’t required for this type of work.”
“There’s a delay with the insurer - but we’ll start anyway.”

If you don’t have the DBI certificate before work starts, the work is uninsured. And you should never pay a deposit (maximum 5%) until you have received your DBI certificate.

Uninsured work cannot be retrospectively covered, even if everyone involved acted in good faith.


4. Cash jobs offered to ‘save you money’

Cash jobs are a common pathway into illegal renovation work.

These arrangements usually come without:

a written contract
insurance
warranty obligations
clear accountability
any formal legal protection

What seems like a saving up front can become dramatically more expensive later. Even if everything goes well, you won't have the required documents if you later decide to sell your home.


5. Quotes that are unusually low

If a price appears significantly cheaper than comparable quotes, something is usually missing.

Often it’s because the provider:

cannot obtain DBI insurance
is using unlicensed trades
is cutting corners on compliance
relies on volume rather than quality
has not factored in required building regulations
intends to charge variations later

Low-cost operators rarely invest in processes, documentation or warranties - all of which are essential for a legal, compliant renovation.


6. Using subcontractors who are not covered by insurance

Even if the primary business is registered, uninsured work can still occur if:

subcontractors perform tasks outside their licence class
the builder is not supervising the work
the builder has not arranged DBI correctly

Consumers often assume “everyone on site is covered”, but that’s not always true.


7. Builders operating while insolvent or financially unstable

Financially distressed companies may:

cut corners
delay insurance
commence work without proper documentation
fail to complete the job

If they collapse mid-project, homeowners are left to pick up the pieces - at full cost.


Why these traps matter

Once illegal or uninsured work has begun, the homeowner carries the risk - not the builder.

And if the work is later found to be non-compliant, it may need to be repaired, rebuilt, or demolished entirely before selling the home.

Really friendly, customer service was great, wonderful to work with

Rosemount Kitchens were really friendly, customer service was great and at all times they wanted to make sure they delivered a quality product that met our needs and that we were really happy with. They were just really wonderful to work with.

BREE  Windsor

Your Legal Rights and Protections in Victoria

Victoria has some of the strongest consumer protections for home renovations in Australia - but these protections only apply when your renovator is properly registered, contracted and insured.

If any of those elements are missing, the work may be illegal, uninsured or non-compliant, leaving homeowners without the safety net the law provides.

Below is a clear summary of what Victorian law requires, and how you can confirm your renovation is fully protected.

What The Law Says In Victoria:

1. Your renovator must be a Registered Building Practitioner

Under Victorian legislation, any kitchen, bathroom or laundry renovation valued at more than $10,000 is considered building work.

That means it must be carried out by a Registered Building Practitioner - regulated by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC).

If someone is not registered, they are not legally permitted to perform this level of work.

Why This Matters:

If the builder is unregistered:

> Your project has no legal protection
> You cannot access insurance if something goes wrong
> The work may not comply with building regulations
> You may face difficulties when selling your home

How to check registration:

You can verify any builder’s registration on the BPC Register. All you need is their business name or practitioner number.

2. You must receive a Domestic Building Contract (DBC) and Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) before work begins

For renovation work exceeding $10,000, a Domestic Building Contract is legally required.

For any project over $16,000, the builder must also obtain Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) on your behalf - and provide you with a Certificate of Insurance before work starts.

This is a legal requirement. There are no exceptions.

A registered builder must give you a DBC and obtain DBI before:

> Taking a deposit
> Ordering materials
> Booking trades
> Beginning work

What a DBC protects you from:

> Unclear scope of work
> Unexpected price increases
> Disputes about inclusions
> Contractors walking away mid-project

If a renovator cannot or will not provide a DBC, it is a major red flag - usually indicating that they are not registered or cannot obtain insurance.

What DBI covers:

DBI protects homeowners if the builder:

> Dies
> Disappears
> Becomes insolvent
> Fails to comply with a court or tribunal order

In these cases DBI may cover:

> Incomplete work
> Defective building work
> Rectification costs
> Contractors walking away mid-project

Important:

DBI cannot be issued after work begins.

If you start a job without DBI, the entire project is uninsured for its lifetime.

3. You must receive a Certificate of Insurance (before any tools enter your home and any money is paid)

Verbal assurances are not enough.

You must be given a formal Certificate of Insurance issued by an approved insurer.

This certificate must display:

> Your name
> Your address
> The builder's details
> The project details
> The policy number
> The insurer's authorisation

If the renovator says, 'we'll get it later', the work is not insured.

4. Your trades must be licensed for specialised work

Certain tasks within a renovation - including plumbing, gas, and electrical work - must be performed by separate licensed professionals.

A registered builder coordinates these trades and ensures that:

> All work complies with Victorian regulations
> All compliance certificates are issued
> All work is covered under the contract and insurance

Uninsured operators often use unlicensed trades, creating significant safety and compliance risks.

5. Selling your home? You will need proof the work was legal

When selling a property, Victorian conveyancers often request:

> The Domestic Building Contract
> The DBI Certificate of Insurance
> Compliance certificates from qualified trades

If you do not have these documents for work over $16,000, the sale can be:

> Stalled
> Renegotiated
> Significantly delayed
> Withdrawn entirely

Illegal or uninsured work often surfaces during the sale process - not during the renovation.

Why this matters more than ever

Victoria’s construction and renovation sector has seen increased financial pressure, insolvencies, and operators entering the market without proper licensing.

Your best protection as a homeowner is simple:

Always choose a renovation company that can clearly demonstrate registration, regulation, insurance and compliance - upfront.

Georgia Wright

We are absolutely delighted! Not only did we end up with a stunning new kitchen but the process of getting there was made easy and enjoyable by a team of professionals who provided first-class service throughout the process from design to installation! We thank them for going the extra mile every step of the way to ensure we ended up with a stylish, high quality and super functional kitchen that we LOVE!

How To Choose A Safe, Compliant Renovation Partner

Once you understand the legal requirements in Victoria, the next step is choosing a renovation provider who not only meets those obligations - but also has the systems, experience and stability to deliver your project smoothly.

A renovation is a major investment. The right partner protects you from unnecessary stress, delays, hidden costs and compliance risks. The wrong one can cost far more than the quote on paper.

Here are the key qualities to look for when evaluating any kitchen, bathroom or laundry renovation company.

1. Proven Business Stability

A stable, established business is far less likely to disappear mid-project - and far more likely to have the financial backing, staff and processes needed to support your renovation from start to finish.

> Years in business (not newly formed entities)
Multiple, well-maintained showrooms
A strong online presence with transparent reviews
Long-term staff and a consistent team of trades
A clear physical address, not just a mobile number

Why it matters:

Insolvency is one of the most common causes of incomplete or abandoned renovation work. A stable business dramatically reduces this risk.

2. Clear, Documented Processes

A reliable renovation partner should be able to show you exactly how their process works - from design and quoting through to installation and after-care.

Look for providers who:

> Explain their consultation and design process
Provide a detailed project timeline
Set clear expectations about site access and working hours
Communicate proactively and consistently

Why it matters:

Clear processes reduce the chance of delays, miscommunication and unexpected disruptions - and show that the business is organised, prepared and trustworthy.

3. Transparent, Itemised Pricing

A safe renovation partner will always provide a clear, line-by-line breakdown of costs. There should be no hidden fees, vague inclusions or unclear allowances.

Look for:

> Itemised pricing for cabinetry, benchtops, trades and services
> Clear payment milestones (not large upfront deposits)
> Transparent handling of variations
> Written documentation for all agreed changes

Why it matters:

Hidden costs are one of the biggest sources of renovation stress. Transparency protects you financially and ensures you know exactly what you’re paying for.

4. Dedicated Project Management

A high-quality renovation is the result of careful planning, coordination and oversight.

Your project should be managed by a dedicated professional who is accountable for every stage of the job.

Look for:

> A named project manager or coordinator
> Regular site visits
> A clear escalation process
> Direct communication channels (phone/email/SMS)

Why it matters:

Strong project management prevents delays, quality issues and site disruptions - and ensures your renovation progresses smoothly.

5. Licensed, Experienced Trades

Renovations involve specialised trades including plumbing, electrical, gas and waterproofing. These must be performed by licensed professionals and coordinated by a registered builder.

Look for:

Trades who are licensed and experienced
Compliance certificates for all regulated work
Quality materials and hardware from reputable suppliers
A consistent team - not a revolving door of subcontractors

Why it matters:

Licensed trades reduce the risk of defects, safety hazards and compliance issues that may only emerge years later.

6. Meaningful Guarantees and After-Care

A renovation partner should stand behind their work long after installation.

Look for:

Long-term product and workmanship guarantees
Clear warranty documentation
A business with the size and stability to honour its promises

Why it matters:

Guarantees are only valuable if the company is still around to support them.

When these elements come together, you don’t just get a beautiful renovation - you get a safe, legally protected, stress-free experience.

Warning Signs to Look Out For (Red Flags Checklist)

When you’re comparing renovation companies, it’s just as important to recognise the warning signs as it is to understand what good operators look like.

Most issues that lead to illegal or uninsured renovation work are visible early — if you know what to look for.

Below are the most common red flags that indicate a renovator may be unregistered, uninsured or operating without proper legal compliance in Victoria.

1. No Building Registration Number

If a provider cannot clearly show a current registration with the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), they are not legally allowed to carry out renovation work over $10,000.

Red flag:

No practitioner number on quotes, websites or emails
Excuses about “paperwork delays” or “using another builder’s licence”
Claim they don't need to be registered because they are members of an association like the HIA or MBA

2. No Domestic Building Contract (DBC)

For any project over $10,000, a DBC is a legal requirement.

Red flag:

The renovator refuses to provide a contract
They ask you to sign a basic quote instead
They say a contract is unnecessary for your type of work


3. No Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) Certificate Provided Upfront

For work over $16,000, you must receive a DBI certificate before:

> any work begins
> a deposit is paid

Red flag:

“We’ll organise the insurance later”
“Insurance isn’t required for kitchen renovations”
“There’s a delay with the insurer but we can start anyway”
> “We need a deposit of more than 5%”


4. Cash-Only Offers or Large Upfront Deposits

Cash jobs almost always bypass legal requirements, and large deposits place the risk entirely on you.

Red flag:

Discounts for cash
Requests for deposits far beyond the legal limit
Pressure to pay quickly to “secure a spot”


5. Quotes That Are Significantly Cheaper Than Others

While price differences are normal, extremely low quotes often signal improper licensing, cut corners or hidden costs.

Red flag:

A quote that’s thousands less than comparable providers
Minimal detail in the breakdown
Promises that seem unrealistic for the price


6. No Physical Showroom, Office or Established Presence

Legitimate renovation companies invest in premises and infrastructure.

Pop-up operators often do not.

Red flag:

No showroom
No business address
Only a mobile number or Facebook page


7. Poor or Non-Existent Online Reviews

Reputable companies leave a digital trail - and so do problematic ones.

Red flag:

No independent reviews at all
Reviews limited to their own website
Multiple negative reviews with similar complaints


8. Vague Answers About Processes, Timeline or Trades

If the company cannot clearly explain how the renovation will be managed, they likely lack the systems to deliver it properly.

Red flag:

No project timeline
No named project manager
No clarity around who will be on site


9. Reluctance to Put Anything in Writing

A legitimate builder is transparent and accountable.

A risky provider prefers to avoid documentation.

Red flag:

Verbal promises
Changes agreed without written approval
No formal paperwork for variations


10. Pressure Tactics

Reputable companies help you make informed decisions.

Risky operators push you to commit quickly.

Red flag:

“This price is only available today” 
“We have one installation slot left this month”
“If you don’t act now, we can’t hold the price”

If you encounter more than one of these red flags, it’s a strong indicator that the provider may not be operating legally or safely - and you should proceed with caution.

Why Rosemount Is
The Safe Choice

In a market where unregistered and uninsured operators have become more common, choosing a renovation partner is no longer just about design or price — it’s about protection, stability and trust.

At Rosemount Kitchens, safety and compliance aren’t add-ons. They’re built into every stage of our process.

We take responsibility for your renovation from start to finish, and we meet (and exceed) every legal requirement in Victoria.

Here’s what sets us apart.

1. Fully Registered and Legally Compliant

Rosemount Kitchens is a Registered Building Practitioner, regulated by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC).

Registration Number: CDB-L 48241

We are legally authorised to carry out kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovations in Victoria.

You’re protected because:

Every project is completed under a formal Domestic Building Contract and we obtain Domestic Building Insurance on your behalf
All work is performed or supervised by licensed professionals
You receive the legal protection the Victorian system was designed to provide

Domestic Building Contracts provide clear, comprehensive terms so you know exactly what you're getting, and what you're protected against. 

Many renovators cannot obtain Domestic Building Insurance. We can - and we do, because it's legally required.


2. High-Quality Cabinet Makers with Our Own Factory

Unlike the vast majority of renovation companies, we build your cabinetry at our own factory in Braeside.

That means we control the quality and are not reliant on third-party providers. 

We use premium materials, proven hardware and experienced licensed trades.

And we stand behind our work:

10-year guarantee on cabinetry, fittings and accessories
Ongoing support if issues arise
A commitment that the job is not complete until you’re 100% satisfied


3. Dedicated Project Management and Communication

Every client receives a dedicated, accountable project manager who:

coordinates trades
oversees installation
performs regular site checks
keeps you updated at every stage

You always know what’s happening, when it’s happening, and who’s responsible.


4. Transparent, Itemised Pricing

We provide clear, line-by-line pricing - no hidden fees, no surprises, no vague allowances.

Our payment structure follows strict legal guidelines, including:

A small deposit to begin
Milestone-based payments
Written approval for any variations

You’re always in control.


5. Peace of Mind from a Trusted Registered Builder

We are not a pop-up operator.

Rosemount Kitchens has been renovating homes across Melbourne since 2010, supported by:

Three established showrooms (Essendon, Oakleigh, Nunawading)
Our own manufacturing facility
25 full-time staff
Over 40 regular tradespeople
300+ renovations completed each year

Our history, scale and infrastructure give you long-term stability that many smaller operators simply cannot match.


6. Hundreds of Independent Customer Reviews

We’re proud to have hundreds of 5-star reviews across independent platforms - not just our own website. (Average of 4.9 out of 5).

These reviews reflect:

consistent quality
reliable service
trustworthy workmanship
long-term customer satisfaction


7. We Showcase our Work with Case Studies and Photo Galleries

You deserve to know exactly what kind of work a renovation company delivers. That’s why we document our projects carefully - from real home examples to full before-and-after transformations - so you can see the quality for yourself.

What this means for you:

You can explore detailed case studies from real Melbourne homes
Photo galleries show design choices, materials and layout ideas you can borrow
You get confidence from seeing work that reflects your style, budget and vision
No surprises — our portfolios show the same standard of work we deliver every day


8. Superior Quality of Product

Put simply, you can’t beat the quality we provide.

The materials we use are the best available. They generally come with 10-year guarantees and you can expect them to stand the test of time.

Blum Hardware (hinges and drawer runners) – lifetime guarantee
Australian made whiteboard (carcasses)
Door material supplied by leading brands like Polytec, Laminex and other Australian-based suppliers

Quality like this might cost more to begin with, but you’ll save in the long-run because cheaper, imported materials are rarely built for Australian conditions and never last as long.

9. Exceptional Customer Service 

From start to finish - and beyond - we always aim to go the extra mile to make sure our customer is happy.

> When you choose to use Rosemount to work with you on your project, we consider it a privilege and look after you accordingly.
> When we are in your home, we treat it like it’s your castle.
> We want the process to be as easy as possible for you, right from the start of the design through to installation.
> We want to ensure all the hard work is taken away from you and handled by our experienced team.
> We are committed to solving any problems that might occur throughout the process.
> In an ideal world nothing would go wrong, but in the event it does, we will fix what needs to be fixed, replace what needs to be replaced.

Renovations are complex with many moving parts so a good process is just as important, if not more so, than the end result. When we get reviewed by customers, it's often the experience they talk about most - because a renovation is a significant inconvenience in your life, even when it goes really well.

We've developed proven processes and systems that minimise the risk of things going awry and maximise the potential for a positive renovation experience.

Communication is a big part of that. We'll call you up just to check if everything's going OK. If you or we encounter a small issue early, it'll get fixed quickly rather than fester and become a major issue down the line.

Our philosophy is simple. We're only happy when the customer is 100% happy and we'll work on all the details to make sure that is the case. If you have a warranty five years after your kitchen is installed, we'll be there to fix it straight away.  

Customer service is everything to us. And when we say that, we really mean it. 

The safest renovation is one delivered by a company that is registered, insured, stable and accountable.

That’s what Rosemount Kitchens provides — every time.


  • Google reviews for Rosemount Kitchens
    Average Rating:
    4.9/5 (based on 78 reviews)
  • Product Review for Rosemount Kitchens
    Average Rating:
    4.9/5 (based on 182 reviews)

Award-Winning: Product Review's Top Rated Kitchen Renovation Company in Victoria
(2023, 2024, 2025)

Client Stories

The end result is just amazing. We are so happy with the outcome.

Rosemount were very professional from the moment we approached them ... they were all really nice, friendly people. Now we have a kitchen we love and it's great.

JESSICA

Watch the video >

LINDA DONOGHUE

We had a builder working on the rest of the house and he couldn’t believe how well the kitchen was made and put in, and the after sales service from Rosemount was fantastic

ANTHONY SHARPE

The designer’s ideas and enthusiasm for the job helped persuade us to go for it ... after we saw the design we thought ‘let’s spend the money and do this properly’. The level of care at all stages is something I haven’t seen from other businesses.

What's Next?

Comparing quotes? We’re happy to walk through yours and help you understand exactly what’s included — no pressure, no jargon, just honest advice.

Give your designer a call to set up a chat.

Proven and Hassle-free Renovation Process

Speak with us today