Understanding the importance of building standards
Building a new home requires planning, finances, and time. When it comes to the construction phase, it’s essential that your new home meets the necessary Australian standards.
Established by the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), Australian building standards provide a comprehensive framework that ensures the safety, health and amenity of the building environment.
In Australia, these standards are legal obligations that all builders and tradespeople must follow. They protect homeowners from substandard construction practices and ensure the safety, durability, and longevity of your house.
The standards cover various aspects of home construction, including structural adequacy, safety, health and amenity, and sustainability. Having knowledge of these standards is beneficial to anyone embarking on a new home build.
The role of building inspections in new home builds
Building inspections ensure that a new home build meets Australian standards. They provide an independent evaluation of the building’s compliance with the building codes. Professional building inspectors like SURE Building Inspections in Western Australia, meticulously review the building’s structure, design, materials, and finishes to ensure they conform to the rules.
Inspections cover every phase of the building process, from initial construction to the final stage. Our team of inspectors assess elements such as concrete slabs, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, and much more. We ensure that the house is structurally sound, safe, and poses no health risks to its occupants.
Do you need a building inspection to be conducted for your new home build in Perth?
Our inspectors can help.
Australian Standards for building inspections
Listed below are some of the important Australian Standards when it comes to building inspections:
| AS 1288:2021 | Glass in buildings – Selection and Installation |
| AS 2047-2014 | Windows and external glazed doors in buildings |
| AS 1684.2:2021 | Residential timber-framed construction, Part 2: Non-cyclonic areas |
| AS 1684.3:2021 | Residential timber-framed construction, Part 3: Cyclonic areas |
| AS 1926.1-2012 | Swimming pool safety, Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools |
| AS 1926.2-2007 | Swimming pool safety, Part 2: Location of safety barriers for swimming pools |
| AS 2049-2002 | Roof tiles |
| AS 2050:2018 | Installation of roof tiles |
| AS 3600:2018 | Concrete Structures |
| AS 2870-2011 | Residential slabs and footings |
| AS 1562.1:2018 | Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding, Part 1: Metal |
| AS 4100:2020 | Steel Structures |
| AS/NZS 4505:2012 | Garage doors and other large access doors |
| AS 3700:2018 | Masonry Structures |
| AS 4773.2:2015 | Masonry in small buildings; Part 2: Construction |
| AS/NZS 2904:1995 | Damp-proof courses and flashings |
| AS/NZS 4858:2004 | Wet area membranes |
| AS 3740:2021 | Waterproofing of domestic wet areas |
| AS 4654.2-2012 | Waterproofing membranes for external above-ground use, Part 2: Design and installation |
| AS 4678-2002 | Earth-retaining structures |
| AS 1657:2018 | Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation |
| AS 3727.1-2016 | Pavements; Part 1 – Residential |
| AS 4349.0-2007 | Inspection of buildings; Part 0: General requirements |
| AS 4349.1-2007 | Inspection of buildings; Part 1: Pre-purchase inspections – Residential buildings |
| AS4349.3-2010 | Inspection of buildings; Part 3: Timber pest inspections |
| AS 3660.1:2014 | Termite management, Part 1: New building work |
| AS 3660.2:2017 | Termite management, Part 2: In and Around Existing Buildings and Structures |
| AS 3660.3:2014 | Termite management, Part 3: Assessment criteria for termite management systems |
Ensuring compliance with Australian Standards
To ensure your new home build meets these Australian standards, conducting thorough building inspections at every stage of the build is essential. SURE Building Inspections have the experience and expertise to identify issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye. Book a building inspection now.
