Newsletter to all of our valued clients
July 2007
Hello to you all. As you have all probably noticed, we have changed our trading name to KWA Building Permits and Inspections. This is a division of Ken Weir and Associates which is currently in a transition period and is merely a business name re-structure and will not affect you.
Item of interest ……
Item of interest ……
- There is an increasing trend / requests for paving to external of buildings to be at finished floor level. This can not be permitted as the Regulations require a minimum 50mm step down below finished floor level and minimum of 50-75mm below damp proof course if under verandah or carport. Note: We have had a very good application go for a modification to the Building Appeals Board on this issue, which was also being protected by a verandah, and was refused by the board.
- BCA 2007 introduced 1st May 2007 with a number of changes. Some notable ones are:-
- ALL glazing in bathrooms, ensuites, spa rooms or showers (including shower doors, bath enclosures, unsupported mirrors and windows) shall be "Grade A" safety glazing material, where lowest sight line is less than 2.0m to BCA3.6.4.5.
- Many Australian Standards have been updated and amended so if you have not already updated your General Notes, you need to immediately as they do form part of the contract documents and are critical in disputes.
- There are currently 5 councils (Bayside CC, Maroondah CC, Glen Eira CC, City of Kingston and City of Monash) that have varied Res-code and of course, these variations are more onerous than Res-code as we know it and can severely impact on a design. So if you are not using our pre-design advice service, give us a call for more details to avoid any mishaps that could halt / delay a project.
- Extension to the 4 Star Energy Rating on timber floors expires on 31st August 2007.
- Good news – Part J Energy efficiency on commercial buildings – Now available are suitable programs and courses, refer to the Building Commission web site for more details.
- Adjoining property details ie. Fencing, setbacks, window, eaves etc. is one of the most common causes of delays in the Building Permit process due to the lack of information provided. This can cause potentially re-design issues and / or council Report and Consents which costs everyone money and time. Each application has its own requirement so if you are unsure of the level of detail required, please contact us so we can resolve any regulatory problems at the beginning of the design.
- By now you should have received the new guide to standards and tolerances 2007. A necessary booklet for the industry. Copies can be obtained from the Building Commission (Ph.9285 6400)