Home building safety and standards

About the NSW Guide to Standards and Tolerances

The NSW Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2017 helps homeowners understand if building work meets acceptable standards.

Use the guide as a general reference. It provides helpful advice but does not offer strict rules.

The guide does not replace the relevant provisions of the Building Code of Australia or relevant Australian Standards.

Download the NSW Guide to Standards and Tolerances.

Deck and balcony safety

Balconies, decks, balustrades and railings must be built to the Building Code of Australia and relevant Australian Standards. They must be inspected and maintained regularly for safety.

Landlords must provide and maintain rented premises in a reasonable state of repair. At the beginning of a tenancy, any faults or damage should be recorded on the condition report.

Termites

If you're building or renovating a home, it's important to know that the builder is responsible for installing a termite risk management (TRM) system for the work. This system helps protect your property from termite damage, which can be costly and difficult to repair.

If you're building a new house, you should research materials that are less attractive to termites, borers, and rot.

The type of TRM system used will depend on whether your home is built on:

• on a concrete slab or
• has a raised (or suspended) floor.

An effective TRM system, combined with regular inspections, can significantly reduce the risk of termite damage.

Systems that can be used include:

• chemical barriers
• physical barriers
• termite-resistant materials
• construction methods designed to minimise risk
• landscaping that discourages termite activity.