Enclosing a verandah

Ben, sounds pretty straightforward buildingwise.

Don't know about Victoria, but in NSW if you are increasing the size of the enclosed area of a residence (and specifically enlcosing a verandah) you are supposed to get Council approval. Approval also required if you are 'adding' windows, which I suppose will also be needed in your new office. If you wanted to get pernickity there could also be an argument that a DA is required for the 'change of use' to a business purpose, particularly if this going to be your main source of income and your home will be the address of the registered office for the new biz.

Sounds ridiculous to require approval for non structural works which do not increase the size or shape of the existing overall building footprint, but that's the way it is up here......hope Vic has a more practical approach

Hi Ben

Below is a cutting from the "Owner Builder Information and Education Kit" issued by the Building Commission Victoria. I think you have to at least ask the local council to make sure, otherwise if a permit is required and you dont get one, they could fine you and force you to rip it down.

If your doing the work yourself and the value is over $12,000 you may also need to apply for a Certificate of Consent as an owner builder before you will be granted a permit.

Also as an aside, be carefull declaring your addition as a home office for a new business. Having part of your home as a business asset can leave you open to Capital Gains Tax on the future sale of your home. Just something to be ware of.

Good luck with the reno. and with your new business.



Permits

You may need a planning permit, a building permit or both for your building project. Your building surveyor,
building designer, architect or builder will be able to give you some initial advice about the permits required but
it is essential to get independent advice before commencing your project. Your local council is the best place to
advise whether or not you will need permits.
Generally, a building permit is required for all signifi cant building work, which includes the construction and
demolition or removal of a building. Any work to be carried out on or in connection with a building listed on the
Heritage Register will require a building permit and may also require a permit under the

Heritage Act 1995.
The following table lists common types of building work and whether they are subject to a building permit.
Please consult your municipal or private building surveyor regarding the technical provisions that apply.

Common types of building work Building Permit required?

ADDITIONS

Additions to a home or any other building Yes

ALTERATIONS

Structural alterations to a home or any other building Yes
Removal of or alteration to a load bearing part of a building Yes

CARPORTS/GARAGES

Freestanding, fl oor area not exceeding 10m², no more than
3m high, not constructed of masonry and located no further
forward on the allotment than the associated building No
Attached to another building Yes
Setback less than the associated building Yes

DEMOLITION/REMOVAL

Demolition or removal of part or all of a building Yes

Owner-builders must provide the relevant building surveyor
with evidence that the demolisher has the necessary knowledge,
experience, equipment and storage facilities to properly conduct
the demolition.

FENCES

Construction of a side or boundary fence less than 2m high No
Construction of a brick front fence more than 1.2m high Yes
Construction of a timber front fence less than 1.5m high No
Construction of a side or boundary fence more than 2m high Yes
Construction of a fence that is more than 1m high,
within 9m of the point of intersection of street alignment Yes
Construction of a chain wire tennis court fence No

MASTS/ANTENNAS

Height more than
– 3m above the highest point of a building (if attached to a building) Yes
– 8m above the ground (if not attached to a building) Yes

PERGOLAS

Construction of a pergola (unroofed) associated with
a house, not exceeding 20m² in area, not more
than 3m high and located no further forward on the
allotment than the dwelling No
Construction of a pergola (unroofed) associated with
any other building Yes

RETAINING WALLS

Constructed on or near site boundaries (any height) in
order to maintain the stability of the adjoining property Yes
Construction of a retaining wall 1m or more in height Yes

REBLOCKING

Reblocking or restumping of an existing building Yes

ROOFING

Replacing of corrugated iron roofi ng with concrete or
terracotta roofi ng tiles Yes
Replacement of corrugated iron roofi ng with ‘Colorbond’
or other pre-fi nished sheeting No

SIGNS

More than 1m above ground level within 3m of the street alignment Yes
More than 8m above ground level, and more than 6m² in display
area and more than 3m from the street allotment boundary Yes

SHEDS

Erection of a shed less than 10m² in area, no more than 3m high,
not constructed of masonry and located no further forward on
the allotment than the associated building No
Erection of a shed more than 10m² in area Yes

SWIMMING POOLS/SPAS

Construction of an in-ground swimming pool/spa greater
than 300mm in depth Yes

VERANDAHS

Construction of a verandah attached to any building Yes

WINDOWS

Replacement of windows with similar type windows,
where no structural alterations are required No
Installation of “bay” or “corner” type windows where
structural alterations are required Yes

WOOD HEATER

Installation of a wood heater (solid fuel burning appliance) No