Bathroom Renovations in Ipswich

What bathroom renovations in Ipswich actually involves

The QBCC's builder restricted to kitchen, bathroom and laundry class covers work on site in a class 1 or class 10 building. It stops at building work that may affect the structural performance of the building. Over A$3,300 the contractor's QBCC licence must be of the relevant class for the scope of the work.

Plumbing, and the notice you should get

Every category of regulated plumbing and drainage must be done by a QBCC licensed plumber or drainer, whatever the job is worth. In an existing home a renovation's plumbing is usually notifiable work, which includes additions, extensions or renovations to kitchens and bathrooms: no council permit and no mandatory inspection. The plumber registers it with the QBCC within 10 business days of invoicing and must give a copy of the notice to the owner or to whoever engaged them.

Electrical work

The Electrical Safety Office's own examples of electrical work include installing a power point and replacing a light fitting with a ceiling fan. A person who does it must have an electrical work licence authorising the work. DIY electrical work is unlicensed electrical work, which is illegal, with penalties of up to A$40,000 for individuals. A hard-wired fitting you buy yourself still has to be connected by a licensed electrician.

Approval before the first tile comes off

Ipswich City Council says a Development Permit for building works, a building approval, is required before starting construction on most types of domestic building work, and its wording includes renovating. Council's Building Certification team or a private building certifier can issue one. The QBCC puts the duty on you, not the builder: it is the home owner's responsibility to make sure the right building approvals are in place before work starts, even with a builder hired. Whether your particular bathroom needs one is a question for a certifier. We do not answer it for you.

Whether the home is an older house, a townhouse or a flat decides which question comes first. The older-home page covers asbestos and character, and the suburbs page lists the suburbs this site covers.

Bathroom Renovations in Ipswich — common questions

Is there such a thing as a bathroom renovation licence?

Yes, in a way: the QBCC has a builder licence class restricted to kitchen, bathroom and laundry work, and it stops at building work that may affect the structure. Over A$3,300 the contractor must hold a QBCC licence of the relevant class, and plumbing needs a QBCC licensed plumber at any value.

Does a bathroom renovation need council approval in Ipswich?

Council says a building approval is required before most types of domestic building work, and its wording includes renovating. A certifier decides whether your bathroom needs one, and the QBCC makes the home owner responsible for making sure the right approvals are in place.

Can I do my own bathroom renovation?

You can run it as an owner-builder. Above A$11,000 including GST you need a QBCC owner-builder permit before any work starts, and you cannot do the plumbing, drainage or gasfitting without the occupational licence. DIY electrical work is illegal.