Ross Bailey, 69, said a sheriff's notice he received on January 10 demanding payment of $82,262.20 was the first time he became aware of VCAT orders made against him last October.

Mr Bailey said he had not been notified about VCAT hearings held in August and October.

In March he attempted to have the earlier rulings set aside but VCAT ruled he failed to provide a reasonable excuse for not attending the August 17 hearing and not sending his points of defence.

Mr Bailey has sought further legal advice but said the warrant could be enforced any day.

"It's everything I've ever worked for in my life and I look like losing the lot just through the rigidity of the legal system," he said.

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A VCAT spokeswoman said the tribunal did not discuss individual cases but providing a fair hearing lay at the heart of VCAT's service.

"By law, we must give parties a reasonable opportunity to present evidence, question witnesses and make submissions," she said.

VCAT preferred to communicate by email but if no email address was provided, correspondence was sent to a postal address.

Mr Bailey's dispute with GJ Gardner Homes Wodonga began more than two years ago over the construction of a new home in Glenrowan.

Mr Bailey said he tried to terminate his contract because his house plans weren't being followed.

GJ Gardner Homes Wodonga managing director Adam Gregor said his firm had offered to address all Mr Bailey's concerns.

"We certainly would have preferred to resolve it without intervention, but it wasn't possible despite our best attempts," Mr Gregor said.

"The financial strain due to the amount owed and our legal costs has been incredibly taxing."

The two parties had gone to mediation before Dispute Resolution Victoria referred the matter to VCAT.

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