Home owners desperate for renovations to go ahead will have to wait at least another month.
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That's despite the state government announcing the reopening of the building and construction industry last week.
Warrnambool builder Stephen O'Keefe said it was frustrating for home owners who needed work done.
Under the current restrictions only urgent repairs are allowed to be completed in occupied homes.
"It's obviously very difficult because there is a lack of rental properties available for people to move into," Mr O'Keefe said.
"I can understand it would be very frustrating."
Mr O'Keefe said the pressures builders were experiencing in the south-west may mean further delays for people wanting renovations completed when the restrictions were lifted.
"The time frames of jobs are extending, with some materials hard to get," he said.
In addition to that the industry is experiencing a skills shortage in one of the busiest times for the south-west.
"I've been advertising since the start of July for qualified builders," Mr O'Keefe said. "But it's not just us - there's a shortage of concreters and plumbers as well."
Mr O'Keefe said he had hoped a number of the restrictions would be eased.
"I think we should be looking towards relaxing some of the restrictions," he said.
Master Builders Victoria chief executive officer Rebecca Casson welcomed the reopening of the building and construction industry from October 15.
"It was a very positive meeting with excellent engagement from the Victorian government and it appears that, despite yesterday's high COVID-19 case numbers, our sector is on track to re-open on October 15 which is a win for our industry," Ms Casson said.
However, she said the shutdown continued to cause pain for MBV's renovation members, who were still unable to work inside occupied premises.
"Master Builders Victoria cares deeply about all of our members," Ms Casson said.
"Whether they are a home builder or a commercial builder, small-scale or large-scale, tradesperson, supplier, specialist contractor, based in regional Victoria or metropolitan Melbourne - and we care about their clients too," she said.
"Many kitchen and bathroom renovations are stalled and, at this rate, won't be completed in time for Christmas. Master Builders Victoria will continue to advocate to the Victorian government until all our members are back at work and all COVID-19 restrictions are removed."
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