Usually not. In Consumer Affairs Victoria’s guidance on what work requires a building contract, updated 24 September 2025, a contract solely for landscaping work such as planting a lawn would not generally be considered domestic building work. The same guidance requires a written major domestic building contract for domestic building work worth more than $10,000 and says domestic building insurance must be taken out for the client when the work is worth more than $16,000 (figures checked 1 October 2026).
What makes landscaping different when it forms part of a home project?
Consumer Affairs Victoria says the listed examples count as domestic building work only when carried out in association or conjunction with constructing or renovating a home. The connection between the landscaping and the home project therefore matters.
| Contract situation | Position under the Consumer Affairs Victoria guidance |
|---|---|
| A contract solely for planting a lawn | Would not generally be considered domestic building work |
| Landscaping associated with constructing or erecting a home | Listed as domestic building work |
| Landscaping carried out in conjunction with renovating, altering, extending or repairing a home | Listed as domestic building work |
| Paving, retaining structures, driveways or fencing associated or connected with construction or renovation | Listed as domestic building work |
The value of the work does not, by itself, turn a standalone lawn-laying job into work associated with constructing or renovating a home.
Does the $10,000 threshold apply to every lawn-laying job?
No. The nature of the work must be considered before applying the value threshold.
| Work and value | Contract position |
|---|---|
| Domestic building work worth more than $10,000 | A major domestic building contract in writing is required with the client |
| Building work worth $10,000 or less | Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends a written contract for all building work, including work in this value range |
| A contract solely for planting a lawn | Would not generally be domestic building work under the cited example |
A written contract helps identify the agreed work and can help resolve disputes. If a major domestic building contract is required, the client must receive a copy of the Domestic Building Consumer Guide before signing it.
Consumer Affairs Victoria also provides a free model domestic building contract for people planning to build a new home.
What else can count as major domestic building work?
The guidance covers more than new-home construction. Major domestic building work includes:
- renovations, alterations, extensions, repairs and other improvements to a home;
- associated landscaping, paving, retaining structures, driveways and fencing;
- garages, workshops, swimming pools and spas associated with the listed home work;
- demolition or removal of a home;
- work associated with constructing or erecting a building on residential-zoned land when a building permit is required;
- site work needed to ensure access to a property; and
- preparing plans or specifications for carrying out the listed work.
Although these activities may resemble ordinary landscaping or trade work in isolation, their connection with a home construction or renovation project can place them within the domestic building category.
Which jobs are listed as not needing a major domestic building contract?
Consumer Affairs Victoria separately lists jobs involving only certain work as not requiring a major domestic building contract. These include:
- plastering;
- wall or floor tiling;
- electrical work;
- glazing;
- insulating;
- painting;
- plumbing, gas-fitting and draining;
- installing floor coverings;
- attaching external fixtures such as awnings, security screens, insect screens and balustrades;
- erecting a chain wire fence around a tennis court; and
- erecting a mast, pole, antenna, aerial or similar structure.
The lawn-laying example should not be used to assume that every landscaping, paving or fencing job has the same treatment. The exact scope of the contract and its connection with a home project remain important.
Does owner-builder status change registration or contract duties?
No. Even if the client is the owner-builder named on the building permit, Consumer Affairs Victoria says the builder must still:
- be registered with the BPC to handle a contract worth more than $10,000;
- be registered with the BPC to reblock, restump, demolish or remove a home, regardless of the value of that work; and
- use a major domestic building contract for work worth more than $10,000.
Owner-builder status is therefore not a blanket exemption from the registration or contract requirements described in the guidance.
What does the $16,000 insurance threshold mean for landscapers?
The insurance amount is separate from the major-contract threshold. Under the cited guidance:
- the written major domestic building contract requirement applies to domestic building work worth more than $10,000; and
- domestic building insurance must be taken out for the client when the work is worth more than $16,000.
The $16,000 figure should not be used by itself to decide whether landscaping is domestic building work. Classification depends on what the job involves and how it relates to construction or renovation of a home. The statement also does not determine whether a particular insurance policy responds to a loss.
What should a landscaper check before quoting?
Before accepting the job, check:
- whether the contract is solely for planting a lawn;
- whether the work will be carried out with the construction, renovation, alteration, extension or repair of a home;
- whether paving, retaining structures, driveways, fencing or other listed work forms part of the scope;
- the value of the work;
- whether the client is an owner-builder on the building permit;
- whether BPC registration is required; and
- which contract, consumer-guide and insurance steps apply.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current Consumer Affairs Victoria page and the relevant policy’s Product Disclosure Statement before entering into the contract or relying on insurance coverage.
Sources
FAQ
Is a lawn-only contract always outside domestic building work?
Consumer Affairs Victoria says a contract solely for landscaping work such as planting a lawn would not generally be considered domestic building work. That wording is not an absolute answer for every possible arrangement, so the exact scope and connection with any home project should be checked.
Does landscaping count when it is part of a home renovation?
Yes. Landscaping, paving, retaining structures, driveways and fencing carried out in conjunction with renovating, altering, extending or repairing a home are included in the guidance as domestic building work. The contract-value threshold must then be considered.
Is a written contract recommended for work worth $10,000 or less?
Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends a written contract for all building work, including work worth $10,000 or less. A major domestic building contract is required for domestic building work worth more than $10,000.
Does owner-builder status remove the builder’s registration requirements?
No. Even where the client is the owner-builder on the building permit, the builder must meet the stated BPC registration requirements and use a major domestic building contract where the work is worth more than $10,000.
When must domestic building insurance be taken out?
Under the cited guidance, domestic building insurance must be taken out for the client when the work is worth more than $16,000. Check the regulator page and the relevant policy PDS for the current position and coverage details.
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