In order to combat climate change and global warming, the Victorian Government has announced five star standards for home renovations and relocations. These changes came into effect on 1 May 2008. The changes have brought Victoria in line with national standards in the Building Code of Australia.
Background
Since June 2005, new homes in Victoria must achieve a five star energy rating for the building fabric, water efficient taps and fittings, plus either a rainwater tank for toilet flushing, or a solar hot water system. Now renovations and relocated homes will be subject to similar requirements.
What are the new requirements?
The requirements for alterations or relocated homes are not as extensive as those prescribed for new homes and only apply to renovation work that requires a building permit. Therefore simple renovation work is excluded. The requirements only apply to the thermal performance of a home and do not require a solar hot water system or rainwater tank for toilet flushing. Essentially that means homeowners only need to ensure that they comply with a five star building fabric.
When do the new requirements apply to renovations or alterations?
If the type of renovation work undertaken exceeds 50 per cent of the original volume of the building (including any alterations carried out in the previous three years) the existing building must be brought up to the same standard as new construction.
The new regulations also apply to any extension greater than 25 per cent of floor area of the existing building or 1,000 square metres (whichever is the lesser). There are circumstances where the building surveyor has discretion to allow partial compliance. Relevant factors include where the compliance would be overly onerous, technically impractical or would not provide a level of benefit proportionate with cost.
Practical implications
Before building, renovating or relocating your home it is important to speak to your local council, developer or building surveyor to see whether the works must comply with the five star energy efficiency standard and if so, how this affects your plans.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialised advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.