Sometimes problems occur with a landscaping project; this may be as a result of poor communication, poor workmanship or issues beyond our control.
Regardless, whilst as an Association we cannot guarantee our members individually, we do endeavour to assist the client and our members reach a resolution that everyone can feel happy with should a problem arise. Landscaping Victoria encourages all of its members to listen to their clients concerns and work to address them. If this is not working our advice is to follow these steps:
- Talk to the landscaper - if your relationship is still amicable this is the easiest, fastest and usually the most cost efficient way to resolve the issue.
- If the relationship has soured and you require assistance in approaching the landscaper contact us. If the landscaper is one of our members we will gladly speak to them on your behalf.
- If there is a disagreement over the nature of the problem, we suggest that you seek independent advice. This independent expert should be able to, without prejudice, identify if and what the problem is and what needs to occur to rectify the problem.
- A report from an independent expert may be required to assist both you and the landscaper to negotiate the best solution to resolve the issues.
A new Victorian Government service called Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) commenced Wednesday 26 April 2017.
Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) is a government service which helps resolve domestic building disputes.
DBDRV makes it easier for builders and building owners to access a tailored dispute resolution service, which is free, fair and fast.
Qualified and experienced conciliators, known as Dispute Resolution Officers, help the clients of DBDRV reach a resolution to their dispute. The Dispute Resolution Officers are supported by independent building experts, known as Assessors.
The aim of DBDRV is to resolve disputes as informally as possible, but if agreement cannot be reached through conciliation, DBDRV has the legislative power to issue binding orders to finalise the dispute.
DBDRV is an independent business unit within the Department of Justice and Regulation and is part of the portfolio of the Minister for Consumer Affairs.
It is also a part of the broader framework of the Victorian Government’s oversight of the residential building sector. Other Victorian Government stakeholders include the Victorian Building Authority, Consumer Affairs Victoria and the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority.
You can access further information about DBDRV on its website at www.dbdrv.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, contact the Building Information Line on 1300 55 75 59 between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Building Disputes
We also encourage you to email your complaint to us here at Landscaping Victoria. We keep a database of all complaints. It is important for the integrity of all of our members and the industry generally to know and censure operators who consistently attract complaints.
STEPS TO TAKE
1. Read and understand the DBDRV and VBA guidelines.
2. Collate all documentation and communications records you have between the Landscaper and you (client).