Why Choosing a Registered Builder Matters in Melbourne
Renovating a Family Home in Alphington
When Melbourne families start planning a major renovation or extension, the dream is always the same: more space, better flow, and a home that reflects their lifestyle. But before the first wall is removed, there’s one question that makes or breaks the journey — who can we trust to bring our vision to life?
For one Alphington family, that question became clear when they realised the risks of working with a builder who wasn’t registered or insured. They wanted peace of mind, accountability, and the reassurance that their investment was protected. That’s when they found Dreamline Homes.
Why a Registered Builder Is Essential
In Victoria, builders must be registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), now part of the Building and Plumbing Commission. Registration isn’t just a piece of paper. It proves a builder has the qualifications, experience, and accountability to carry out works to Australian standards.
For families, this means your home — and your money — are in safe hands. If something goes wrong, there are clear pathways for resolution. Without registration, you’re left with little protection.
The Risks of Unregistered Builders
Our clients in Alphington had heard the horror stories:
Families left with unfinished renovations.
Builders who disappeared halfway through a project.
Cost blowouts with no written contracts.
These red flags often come from unregistered or uninsured builders. While a cheap quote might seem tempting, the reality is costly and stressful. It was important to our clients that their builder could prove not only registration but also full insurance.
What Full Insurance Means for Your Family
A registered builder carries mandatory insurances to protect both the works and the homeowner. At Dreamline Homes, this includes:
Domestic Building Insurance (DBI): Covers you if the builder cannot complete the project due to death, insolvency, or disappearance.
Public Liability Insurance: Protects your property — and neighbouring properties — from damage during construction.
Construction Insurance: Safeguards the build itself against unexpected events like fire, storm, or theft.
For our Alphington clients, knowing they were covered on all fronts gave them the confidence to move forward.
Backed by Decades of Experience
Dreamline Homes isn’t just registered and insured — we’re proud to be long-standing members of industry associations:
HIA (Housing Industry Association): Over 35 years of continuous membership.
APB (Association of Professional Builders): A commitment to best practice and transparency for clients.
These memberships show stability and integrity. They also keep us connected to the latest standards, ensuring our clients receive not just a renovation, but a professionally managed building experience.
How We Built Trust with Our Clients
When we first met the Alphington family, their biggest fear was being left stranded mid-project. They wanted a builder who wouldn’t just deliver the extension but would stand by their word.
We walked them through our process:
Fixed-price contracts — no surprises.
Access to all insurance certificates upfront.
A clear pathway from design to completion.
By the time we started on site, they felt reassured that their project — and their family home — were in safe hands.
The Finished Home
The result was a seamless extension that gave the family the open-plan living and extra bedrooms they needed, without compromising the character of their home. More importantly, they felt secure every step of the way, knowing their builder was not only skilled but also accountable.
Red Flags to Watch For
If you’re planning a renovation in Melbourne, here are a few signs to avoid:
No VBA registration number.
Reluctance to provide insurance details.
“Cash-only” arrangements or no written contract.
Quotes that are far lower than the industry standard.
Poor communication or vague timelines.
Reimagine the Home You Love — Safely
At Dreamline Homes, we believe building a family home should feel exciting, not stressful. Being fully registered, insured, and backed by decades of experience means our clients can focus on the joy of reimagining their homes — not the risks.
If you’re considering a renovation or extension in Alphington, Ivanhoe, Fairfield, or surrounding suburbs, explore more stories in our Behind the Build series and see how families like yours are creating homes they love.