When does a Victorian builder need registration?

The $10,000 figure

BPC guidance for home owners says domestic building work valued at more than $10,000 needs a registered builder, with the value counted across labour, materials and GST for the total project. Do not read that as a safe harbour for work under $10,000. Check the class and scope rules for the specific job.

Sources[1]

Unlimited and Limited domestic builders

The BPC page, last updated on 15 October 2026, describes 30 registration classes of domestic building work. A Domestic Builder (Unlimited) can carry out, manage and arrange all components of domestic building work on class 1, 2, 4 and 10 buildings, and BPC accepts applications with conditions that narrow the scope.

A Domestic Builder (Limited) can do only certain types of work, for example carpentry or glazing.

Sources[2]

Individual, nominee director and company are separate

A company must be registered to enter a major domestic building contract, or to be issued a building permit for non-domestic work costing more than $10,000. A director who is individually registered as a building practitioner becomes a nominee director of the registered company. Check both the company's registration and the relevant individual's registration; a person's registration does not automatically cover their company.

Sources[3]

Pre-quote registration check you can copy

This is our suggested check, not a BPC form. Use the public register as the source of truth, not a card or a business claim.

REGISTRATION CHECK BEFORE QUOTING: VICTORIA

Job and site: [address]
Work items: [list]
Building class: [1 / 2 / 4 / 10 / other]
Storeys: [number]
Project value, labour + materials + GST: $[amount]
Class needed: [Unlimited / Limited, type]
Builder or company named on the quote: [name]
Registration class shown on the BPC public register: [class]
Conditions on the registration: [list]
Registration number and status: [number, current / not]
Company contracting? [yes / no, company registered separately: yes / no]
Nominee director registered? [yes / no]
Checked on: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Checked by: [name]

Sources[1][2][3]

Common questions

Does a builder need to be registered in Victoria?

BPC guidance says domestic building work valued at more than $10,000, including labour, materials and GST for the total project, needs a registered builder. Companies must also be registered to enter a major domestic building contract. Confirm the class covers the work.[1][3]

How can I check if a builder is registered in Victoria?

Check the registration class, any conditions and the status on the BPC public register, rather than relying on a card or the builder's own claim. For a company, check the company and its nominee director as well as the individual.[1][3]