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Expert Advice On-Site at This Year's Farming Expo

Homebuyers and renovators can get free advice on their building projects at this year’s Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.

Consumer Affairs Victoria will set-up the ‘Justice Bus’ on-site to help with questions at the bus for the three show days between 9am to 5pm.

They will be able to give advice on everything from building, to scams, travelling conmen, shopping and contract rights under the Australian Consumer Law, and a new iPhone app to help consumers and traders.

There will be free building presentations on Saturday 19 February at 1.45pm or Sunday 20 February at 10am, which will focus on:

• how to ensure the finished product matches your expectations
• what should be included in your building contract and other documentation
• when to seek professional advice
• where to go for help with a building dispute
• why it is vital to use a registered builder.

During the past financial year, Consumer Affairs Victoria received more than 35,000 calls for building advice, finalised 2038 disputes and prosecuted 12 dodgy builders.

The most common disputes between homeowners and builders relate to contractual issues and project delays, including incomplete or defective work or simply having unrealistic expectations.

Meantime, regional offices directly assisted more than 7900 consumers over the past financial year.