HELP! - Legal removal of load bearing walls in MELB

Hi guys,

Before explaining my dilemma I would like to thank you all for the contributions that you guys have made to this forum. Have been using it for a while and sorted out many things thanks to all the posters that have shared their experiences and knowledge here.

I'm currently looking for a builder to remove 2 of load bearing walls in our house in order to make the place more adequate to our needs.

The property we are currently living is located in Ringwood - Victoria. The drawing below may give you guys a clear idea of what I am trying to achieve.

http://i.imgur.com/xgU9Fhd.jpg

Council confirmed that a building permit is required. Also, I would like to comply with the laws if possible.

My dilemma has been trying to find a company or builder that ticks all the boxes and with this I mean the following:

* Currenlty Licensed and insured
* Able to provide docos for permits: layout drawings in metric scale, detailed quote, scope of works, specifications report
* Willing to work in ringwood victoria
* Capable of doing a good job, not high quality, I only want the job done.

I have called a couple of builders and so far 2 of them are willing to do the work. However one of them is unlicensed and is proposing me to apply for the permit with me as a owner builder.

The other one is licensed but won't provide any paperwork for the permit. If I want the permit done I will have to get a drafter and an engineer and will have to pay for the insurance because the permit is requiring it (he doesn't have it).

When I asked both about warranty they indicated that this is a matter of trust, "they trust me and I should trust them"

I'm wondering if I'm looking in the wrong place (calling builders directly, or the wrong builders), or simply the "real world is different" i'm worrying too much and no one applies for permits these days and there is no consequences.

I would really appreciate if you guys can recommend any companies or builders that can do this? (PM if privacy is a concern). Or highlight what am I doing wrong? I don't mind doing all the bits and pieces if there is no other way but I feel that if there is no one stop shop, when something goes wrong its hard to determine accountability.

Thanks in advance for your time folks,

Cheers, John


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