Victorian Watchdog Sounds Alarm on Melbourne Builder’s Defective Work: 5 Shocking Revelations

Victorian watchdog defective work concerns have taken center stage as Victoria’s building regulator, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), issued a rare public warning on April 9, 2025. The VBA is investigating Baba Building Group, a Melbourne builder accused of constructing potentially unsafe homes in the city’s outer suburbs. This unprecedented step highlights serious allegations of defective work and non-compliance, raising red flags for homeowners and buyers alike. In this blog post, we’ll unpack the investigation, its fallout, and what it means for Victoria’s construction landscape.

Table of Contents

1. What Triggered the Victorian Watchdog Defective Work Warning?
2. Who Is Baba Building Group?
3. The Allegations of Defective Work Explained
4. How This Impacts Melbourne Homeowners
5. What’s Next for Victoria’s Building Industry?
6. Conclusion: Avoiding Victorian Watchdog Defective Work Issues

1. What Triggered the Victorian Watchdog Defective Work Warning?

Victorian watchdog defective work alarms don’t ring often, but when they do, it’s serious. The VBA’s decision to publicly call out Baba Building Group stems from mounting complaints about substandard construction in Melbourne’s outer suburbs. This isn’t just about minor flaws—it’s about homes that could be unsafe to live in. The regulator’s move is a bold departure from its usual discreet approach, signaling that public safety is at stake. With Victoria’s housing boom in full swing, the VBA is under pressure to address defective work head-on.

2. Who Is Baba Building Group?

Baba Building Group operates in Melbourne’s fast-growing outer suburbs, where demand for new homes is sky-high. Led by registered builder Dheeraj Sandala, the company has been linked to multiple projects now flagged for Victorian watchdog defective work concerns. Baba also has ties to Windsor Homes and past connections to Burj Group Australia, though the latter isn’t licensed to build. Homeowners like Sonia Ballal have publicly criticized Baba for leaving them with unfinished, defective homes—sparking the VBA’s scrutiny.

3. The Allegations of Defective Work Explained

The Victorian watchdog defective work investigation into Baba Building Group reveals a laundry list of issues:

• Non-Compliant Builds: Homes allegedly stray from approved plans, risking structural failure.
• Shoddy Craftsmanship: Substandard materials and poor construction practices have been reported.
• Premature Moves: Some homeowners occupied incomplete homes, violating safety codes.
• Extra Costs: Baba reportedly demanded thousands more for unagreed “variations.”
• Excuses Galore: The builder cites COVID-19 delays, but clients say that doesn’t explain the defects.

Sonia Ballal’s unfinished home, missing a proper roof, is a prime example of Victorian watchdog defective work fears. Social media influencer Zeher Khalil’s “Site Inspections” video further spotlighted these issues, amplifying public outrage.

4. How This Impacts Melbourne Homeowners

Victorian watchdog defective work warnings hit homeowners hard. For those in Baba-built properties, the risks are real—think crumbling foundations or fire hazards. Beyond safety, there’s the financial burden of repairs and legal fights, plus the stress of living in a defective home. In Melbourne’s outer suburbs, where affordable housing is already scarce, this scandal could scare off buyers and erode trust in new developments. The VBA’s action might encourage more people to report defective work, but it’s cold comfort for those already affected.

5. What’s Next for Victoria’s Building Industry?

The Victorian watchdog defective work probe is a tipping point. In 2024, a scathing review of the VBA led to plans for a tougher replacement—the Building & Plumbing Commission—set to launch soon. This new body will have stronger powers to fix defective work, halt sales of unsafe homes, and punish rogue builders. For Baba, consequences could range from fines to license loss if negligence is proven. Paired with anti-corruption efforts from IBAC, Victoria’s construction sector is in for a shake-up. Learn more at the Victorian Building Authority website.

6. Conclusion: Avoiding Victorian Watchdog Defective Work Issues

Victorian watchdog defective work alerts, like this one, are a wake-up call for homeowners and buyers. To protect yourself:

• Vet Builders: Check their VBA registration and track record.
• Review Contracts: Clarify all terms upfront, especially costs.
• Get Inspections: Hire an independent expert to catch defective work early.
• Know the Rules: Study the Domestic Building Contracts Act for your rights.

Melbourne deserves safe homes, not defective disasters. Stay informed and proactive to avoid the next Victorian watchdog defective work nightmare.