Our home is our castle is a phrase that you may have heard before.
The great Aussie dream of being able to buy a block of land to build on is the goal of many, but there is a concerning increase in what that “home” or dwelling may be.
The classification rating for an approved dwelling is there for a reason. It ensures that the structure proposed to be built on the land meets the building requirements set by the National Construction Code.
Some requirements include that the dwelling meets the wind rating category for the area, complies with energy efficiency requirements, and meets the minimum habitable floor height for flooding, to name a few. It means that the dwelling is approved and safe for habitation.
This structure is what is called a Class 1a structure, or habitable dwelling, with all plumbing and services connected and certified as a Class 1a habitable dwelling.
The increase in people constructing sheds on their land and then living in them is concerning because this type of construction is classified as Class 10a structures, and they do not meet the required standards for a Class 1a habitable dwelling.
These are not approved dwellings. They do not meet the building code for a habitable dwelling and are therefore not legal to occupy either as a permanent or part-time place of residence.
This is not a local council law; this is statewide legislation. However, it is up to the local council and, in particular, the Development and Regulatory Services Department within the local council to manage.
To add to this, if you choose to invest money in making a Class 10a structure more homelike, it may not add value to the property when you go to sell it, as it is not an approved habitable dwelling.
This is not a new issue and is not isolated to our shire. However, the building code is there for a reason—to make our home our castle. If you have any concerns or enquiries, call Council on (07) 4776 4600, and our planning department will be happy to assist.
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