Why Do You Need Permits for Some Type of Renovations?

funnysht on 04/10/2021 - 22:00
Last edited 04/10/2021 - 22:11 by 1 other user

So had a chat with someone about why we need permits for home renovations:
Im talking about things not as dangerous (so no electrical work) just building sheds/verandahs/toilets etc

Reasons put forward are:
1) So it is done properly
- Yes but it is my property so what. None of council's business

2) So when someone is buying your property they have some guarantee
-Well is this same extended to other 2nd hand items- cars, etc. There is not guarantee unless provided, more like buyer beware.
-There is no guarnetee against termite infestations- why not ask that all houses need to have this done if it is based on the above point

3) So it is safe for people
-Well when we buy a 2nd hand car- there's not reassurance that the brakes are working etc etc so it may not be safe

When it comes like diy toilet reno- 5-10k vs paying profesionall 40-50k ..well anyway

What do you think should we need permits:

Or is it just the government's way to keep one of our largest workforce going?

Poll Options

  • 1
    I'm a tradie and we do need permits
  • 1
    I'm a tradie and we dont need permits- we should be allowed to do whatever on OUR properties
  • 23
    I'm not a tradie and do need permits- we should be allowed to do whatever on OUR properties
  • 5
    I'm not a tradie and we dont need permits- we should be allowed to do whatever on OUR properties
  • 2
    As long as there's no permit to own an OLED i dont mind
Home & Garden

Comments

  • Kangal on 04/10/2021 - 22:22
    +1

    To set a minimum standard.
    To increase the quality of old homes.
    To collect revenue from those that have money.

  • SydStrand on 04/10/2021 - 23:44
    +7

    I assume safety, so improperly-secured sheds, decks, etc., don't go flying into neighbour's house, that sort of thing.

  • djkelly69 on 05/10/2021 - 00:24
    +9

    when we buy a 2nd hand car- there's not reassurance that the brakes are working etc etc so it may not be safe

    What do you think a roadworthy certificate means?

  • p1 ama on 05/10/2021 - 03:20
    +7

    1) So it is done properly
    - Yes but it is my property so what. None of council's business

    This is a silly argument. Let’s use your examples - a verandah can collapse onto your neighbour’s property, a shed can potentially blow away in a storm and hit other people and their property…etc.

    It most definitely is the council’s business when what you are doing can affect those around you.

    FWIW, I’m not personally saying what rules should or should not exist, but obviously there have to be some level of rules to ensure public safety and to avoid disruption to others.

    2) So when someone is buying your property they have some guarantee
    -Well is this same extended to other 2nd hand items- cars, etc. There is not guarantee unless provided, more like buyer beware.

    Roadworthy…?

    -There is no guarnetee against termite infestations- why not ask that all houses need to have this done if it is based on the above point

    Again, this is a reductio ad absurdum, just because we do not have rules for certain things do not mean that we should not have rules at all.

    3) So it is safe for people
    -Well when we buy a 2nd hand car- there's not reassurance that the brakes are working etc etc so it may not be safe

    Yes there is, there are rules against driving cars that are unsafe. If your car is unsafe, it is unroadworthy and you’ll get a defect.

    When it comes like diy toilet reno- 5-10k vs paying profesionall 40-50k ..well anyway

    Nobody is saying you can’t install your own toilet

    What do you think should we need permits:

    Obviously there are certain things we should need permits for and certain things that we do not. We need to work out where that line is.

    Whether we should need permits or not as a whole is a stupid question because obviously it is situationally dependent.

    • RockyRaccoon on 05/10/2021 - 07:50
      +1

      But….

      I want a deck on top of my roof so I can look into my neighbour backyard and watch them skinny dipping at night. Its my house and my right, why should council stop me…. 🤦🏻

      Or….

      Trust me I'm an Ozbargainer I do everything right, I got advice on their forums, they told me how to build it.

      • battler on 05/10/2021 - 08:25

        deck may cast a shadow onto neighbours (during the day, not at night while skinny dipping), so permit required.

        • RockyRaccoon on 05/10/2021 - 08:42
          +2

          Sorry I forgot to add I had a sarcastic permit for my comments

      • SlartiBartFozz on 05/10/2021 - 13:25

        For decks 600mm high or less above natural ground level, you don't need a permit if I recall correctly.

        On your roof however, it's likely to go to the state tribunal to get approval, the neighbours will surely fight it.

        Ironically, there are certain spaces like stairwells and bathrooms that have zero overlooking restrictions — ie. if your clear-glazed bathroom or stair windows overlook the neighbours' bedrooms / open spaces / etc, that's all fine according to code (at least in Victoria), but you would still likely need planning approval & certainly need building permits (for anything >$5k/large works/elec/plumbing/roofing/etc).

    • funnysht on 05/10/2021 - 09:32

      True thanks for your side- they do add to the argument for permits.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/10/2021 - 08:10
    +2

    they are a double edged sword.

    on one hand, there should be a minimum standard for any type of building, so that it isn't a hazard

    on the other hand, it should not cost an arm and a leg (it shouldn't cost anything really), it should not take months and it should not be subject to unfair denial.

    if it's your property, the plans are sound and the building is done properly, not damaging any heritage listed structures or protected species / habitats, not disruptive to neighbours (ie building a massive wall or eyesore that completely blocks their view) then it should be approved. the main thing that annoys me are all the stories of permits taking months and costing thousands of dollars because some dodgy (profanity) in the council are content to sit back and reap undeserved funds and just can't be bothered to do their job.

  • jellykingdom on 05/10/2021 - 08:35

    You need a permit to build a shed? I didn't know that

    • Archi on 05/10/2021 - 08:38

      Depends how big. Some people's idea of a shed is 5x10 metres.

      • klonky on 05/10/2021 - 08:55

        Also some people think its ok to add in plumbing and habitable spaces to sheds.

        • funnysht on 05/10/2021 - 10:54

          So you mean make a shed a habitable space?

      • pharkurnell on 05/10/2021 - 09:27

        9mtr x 6mtr with 3mtr high double sliding doors actually… :)

        • Archi on 05/10/2021 - 09:30

          my sister's neighbour in the suburbs of sydney has a 6x12 and i think about 6 meters high in his back yard. has a couple of cars, hoist and a mezzanine.

          much envy,

          • pharkurnell on 05/10/2021 - 10:18

            @Archi: just sold my place with mine :'( I miss my shed

  • klonky on 05/10/2021 - 08:57
    +1

    One trip to Vietnam will demonstrate why we require certification for services work.

  • apple2016 on 05/10/2021 - 10:12

    Permits are generally fine. But having restrictions like only licensed person can do the job is rubbish.

    • pharkurnell on 05/10/2021 - 10:21

      But having restrictions like only licensed person can do the job is rubbish.

      That depends on what the work involves.
      Most people watch rubbish like the "Block" and think they can modify their 2 bedroom fibro into the TBalmoral Castle in a few hours with stuff from bunnings..

      Makes buying older 'renovated' houses a challenge. Renovated by who…

      • funnysht on 05/10/2021 - 10:53

        At least Bunnings etc don't say you need to show permiit to buy these building products etc

  • Euphemistic on 05/10/2021 - 11:23

    Just go look at areas where there are no building standards after a natural disaster.

    We have standards for a reason. Makes it safer and more pleasant for everyone.

    Do I agree you need a permit for everything? No. Should you need one for significant modifications? Yes. Should you need one to redo a bathroom? No. Move a wall? Probably.

    NSW has a complying development system where certain construction doesn’t require a permit, but must still adhere to standards. Things like carports, decks etc can be built to certain size and position without requiring a permit.

  • pippohippo on 05/10/2021 - 12:42

    I think for works over $10k or fixed into the ground you'll need a permit. You'll need a licensed plumber for the sewerage drain. i think the permit ensures it's on title so if you need to make an insurance claim, you can say it's an approved structure and done by a licensed plumber.

    A few years ago, I was inspecting some houses. Found one I really liked but the agent/seller was not able to provide any approved plans/permit for the additional kitchen which had all 3 plumbing, electrical and gas works done. So I had to pass on it. Even though the owner had no issues, not a risk I was willing to take. It also sold for 100k less than market price (800k) at that time

  • TheBilly on 05/10/2021 - 15:06

    Yes but it is my property so what. None of council's business

    The thing I always tell people is that there is a uniform standard adopted in society that is deemed to meet the agreed or socially acceptable standard of work. For example it is your property now, but what if you sell it in 10 years. If you have done dodgy things then the next person will unfortunately inherit that. So creating a standard provides future proofing and protections for any future owners or non-owner users of the building such as renters.

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