The Building & Energy section of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety has recently released Industry Bulletin 119: Notice of Completion – requirements and consequences. The bulletin is a reminder to all builders and building certifiers (and permit authority building surveyors) of the importance of submitting a notice of completion after a build has been completed to the permit authority within the prescribed timeframe – within seven (7) days after completion.
Our building surveyors have noted from experience, notice of completions are viewed as optional rather than required. It is a requirement to submit the notice of completion within seven (7) days of the build being completed in accordance with Section 33(1) of the Building Act 2011. There are infringements of $500 for not submitting the notice within the prescribed timeframe.
The Building Services (Complaint Resolution & Administration) Act 2011 allows any persons adversely affected by the carrying out of a regulated building service to make a complaint to the Building Commissioner within six (6) years of the work being completed. It should be noted that as the six (6) year period is taken from the date of completion, it is important for the permit authority to have an accurate record of the date that notice of completion was given. Failure to submit a notice of completion on time, or at all, leaves the nominated builder liable for complaints outside of the six (6) years post-build as well as penalties of up to $10,000.
If you would like more information on notice of completions or if we can be of any further assistance, please contact one of our building surveyors on 0411 548 159.
The full bulletin can be reviewed at the below link;
https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/ib119_notice_of_completion.pdf
