Victorians wanting to fix up their homes while summer is still here can avoid dangerous pitfalls by knowing the latest rules around renovation, according to the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
State Building Surveyor at the VBA, Andrew Cialini urged all do-it-yourself (DIY) handymen and women wanting to complete home-improvement projects to be aware of the rules and regulations that apply to domestic building work.
“Anyone trying to carry out larger and more complicated projects needs to use a registered practitioner,” Mr Cialini said.
“Carrying out building work yourself can be a proud achievement, however, building and renovating work is often complex, so you need to know when to hire professionals,” he said.
“Although we love to take on big projects ourselves, if the project costs more than $10,000 and involves structural work or two or more specific trade skills, you will need to use a registered building practitioner.”
Mr Cialini said the VBA had a home renovation essentials online hub with guides on a variety of topics including landscaping, protecting adjoining properties and appointing a building surveyor.
The State Building Surveyor said DIY projects could often end up costing more than anticipated if things went wrong.
“If you don’t follow the right steps, DIY can become expensive, so make a plan before you start,” he said.
“Examples of DIY going wrong include decking using timber that doesn’t meet durability requirements, enclosing a carport which can become a fire hazard and removing or altering internal bracing walls which affect building stability.”
Mr Cialini said any regulated plumbing work in Victoria needed to be completed by a licensed or registered plumbing practitioner and certain landscaping work, such as retaining structures, some fencing and building verandas required a registered building practitioner.
The VBA’s home renovation essentials online hub can be accessed at this PS News link.
