Bathroom Renovations in Geelong

What bathroom renovations in Geelong actually involves

The builder carries the renovation and the waterproofing. The plumbing is separate: only a plumber licensed or registered by the Building and Plumbing Commission for that class of work may do it, and plumbing work valued at A$750 or more comes with a compliance certificate. The electrician must make sure a Certificate of Electrical Safety is completed and given to you. Ask for both certificates at handover and keep them with the contract.

Before the old bathroom comes out

The City of Greater Geelong notes that asbestos is present in many Victorian homes and stays safe until it is disturbed by drilling or cutting. Stripping an older bathroom disturbs wall and floor linings, so ask the provider how they will check before demolition starts. The City's advice is that removal is best done by a professional asbestos removalist.

In the City of Greater Geelong

The City requires an Asset Protection Permit before major renovations, to protect the footpath, road and drains in front of the property. The builder applies with a copy of the building permit, at least three weeks ahead, and pays A$265.00 at application.

Does it need a building permit?

Not always. Victoria exempts alterations from a building permit only if, among other conditions, the work does not affect the building's structural soundness, change its floor area or height, or remove or alter an element that supports another element. Moving a wall that holds up the ceiling takes a job out of that exemption. Where a permit is needed, it must be granted before any work starts, and the owner can be fined as well as the builder if work goes ahead without one.

Whether the home is a house, a townhouse or a flat decides which question comes first. The suburbs page lists the suburbs this site covers, and the shower leak page covers the plumbing-or-waterproofing line.

Bathroom Renovations in Geelong — common questions

Is there such a thing as a bathroom renovation registration?

Yes, in a way: Victoria has a domestic builder class limited to bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovation, and it stops at work that does not extend beyond the home's existing external walls, floor or ceiling. For work worth more than A$10,000 the builder must be registered and use a major domestic building contract.

Does a bathroom renovation need a building permit in Victoria?

It depends on what the work changes. Alterations are exempt only if, among other conditions, they do not affect structural soundness, change the floor area or height, or remove or alter an element that supports another. Ask a building surveyor or the council before work starts.

Who signs off the plumbing and electrical work?

A plumber licensed or registered for the class of work gives you a compliance certificate once the plumbing work is valued at A$750 or more. Whoever is responsible for electrical installation work must make sure a Certificate of Electrical Safety is completed and given to you.