WA - Building to the approved plans
Bulletin
Building and Energy have highlighted the importance of building to the approved plans:
completing building work in accordance with the plans and specifications referenced on the relevant certificate of design compliance (the approved plans);
properly consulting prior to proceeding with work which differs from the approved plans (changes); and
consulting with the appropriate building professional when it appears the approval varies from the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Builders’ responsibilities
Section 29 of the Building Act 2011 requires that the person named as the builder on the building permit ensures that a building or incidental structure is completed in accordance with the approved plans and applicable building standards. Changes from the approved plans include, but are not limited to:
not conforming with the approved construction methods;
not conforming with the engineer’s endorsed, and/or manufacturer’ details; or
building product substitution.
What about when changes are necessary?
Building and Energy has received feedback from builders that sometimes changes are necessary on site for a variety of reasons including where the approved plans are not suited to a particular situation on site or where the nominated design criteria, or a proposed construction method detailed in design documentation appears to vary from that required by the BCA.
In these instances Building and Energy advises builders to consult on any changes in order to verify and document compliance prior to making any changes. Stakeholders that builders should consult with include:
the building surveyor who signed the certificate of design compliance, to assess the changes for compliance with applicable building standards;
the permit authority, to determine the need for a new or updated building approval and to amend its records accordingly;
design professionals such as structural engineers to design and document the changes; or
other parties as necessary