Ensuite Renovations in Geelong

What ensuite renovations in Geelong actually involves

Victoria's bathroom class covers renovations that do not extend beyond the existing external walls, floor or ceiling. An ensuite made from part of a bedroom or a walk-in robe stays inside them. One that pushes an external wall out is an extension, and an extension changes the floor area, which is outside the building permit exemption for alterations.

New plumbing where there was none

An ensuite in a room that has never had water needs new supply and drainage. That is plumbing work, done by a plumber licensed or registered for that class, with a compliance certificate once the plumbing work is valued at A$750 or more.

The contract

Above A$10,000 the builder must give you Consumer Affairs Victoria's Domestic Building Consumer Guide before you sign a major domestic building contract. After signing you have 5 clear business days to withdraw by signed written notice, unless you had independent legal advice on the contract first. The main page covers the registration class.

Ask the provider whether the ensuite is going into an existing room or pushing a wall out: that decides the permit question.

Ensuite Renovations in Geelong — common questions

Does an ensuite need a building permit?

Only if it takes the work outside the alterations exemption: an ensuite inside the existing walls that does not touch a supporting element may stay inside it, while one that increases the floor area does not.

Who may do the plumbing for a new ensuite?

A plumber licensed or registered by the Building and Plumbing Commission for that class of work, who gives you a compliance certificate once the plumbing work is valued at A$750 or more.

Can I change my mind after signing?

Under a major domestic building contract you can withdraw by signed written notice within 5 clear business days after you receive a copy of the signed contract, unless you had independent legal advice on it first.