If you have an issue or dispute with a builder or tradesperson, advice is available from Consumer and Business Services (CBS) using an interactive advice form.
The CBS form can provide:
- information about your rights
- steps to help you resolve disputes
- further advice on how to proceed
- information about when and how CBS can help.
Building disputes advice form
Who should use the form
Consumers who have an issue with a builder or tradesperson that they can’t resolve.
CBS can give advice to help you reach an agreement with the builder or tradesperson when:
- the work was done in South Australia
- products or services were advertised or bought in South Australia
- the work or products were for personal use
- your claim hasn’t yet been heard in court.
Read the Building, Extending and Renovating a Home consumer guide for more information on your rights.
If you're operating as a business and have an issue with a builder or tradesperson that you can’t resolve, contact the Small Business Commissioner of South Australia.
What you'll need
If you’ve already contacted the builder or tradesperson yourself, you’ll need to provide documents such as letters or emails.
Documents should:
- be recent
- outline your issue
- explain how you want the builder or tradesperson to resolve the issue.
If you haven't contacted the builder or tradesperson yet, the form can help you draft your letter or email.
You can also use the sample letter of complaint to a builder or tradesperson as a guide to ensure your letter includes all the required information.
What happens next
A CBS officer will review the submission and contact you.
If you've tried to resolve the dispute but have been unsuccessful, CBS will assess the matter and determine whether it would be suitable for conciliation.
Conciliation
CBS offers both voluntary and compulsory conciliation services.
Voluntary conciliations are generally conducted over the telephone and facilitated through a CBS conciliator.
Compulsory conciliation conferences may be held for serious or complex matters and are usually undertaken face-to-face with all parties, including a CBS conciliator.
A builder or tradesperson who is asked by the Commissioner to attend a compulsory conciliation conference must attend or risk being penalised.
Taking action through the court
Civil claims, on the Courts Administration Authority website, guides you through each step of formal legal action.
Reporting a business
If you believe a builder or tradesperson is working without a licence, check using the Find a licence holder tool.
Use the consumer complaints online form to report on, or make a complaint about, a business or product.
Related information
On this site
Consumer guarantees and warranties
Check occupational licence holders
Other websites
Courts Administration Authority
Legal Services Commission of South Australia
