Building FAQs

Installing a pool or spa involves a number of specialist trades and techniques. You may engage a registered building practitioner or choose to do the work yourself as an owner-builder.

If you engage a registered building practitioner to do the work, they must provide:

• a major domestic building contract (over $5,000)
• domestic building insurance (over $16,000).

If you do the work as an owner-builder, you must obtain a certificate of consent from the Victorian Building Authority.

For in-ground swimming pools and spas greater than 300mm in depth, you'll need a building permit in order to undertake construction.

Yes, all swimming pools need a fence that complies with AS1926. Contact our municipal building surveyor on 1300 365 222 for advice or to book an inspection of your property.

Your neighbour can build on the boundary. The maximum average height is 3.2m and the overall maximum height cannot be more than 3.6m. When assessing a building permit where there is a wall on the boundary building surveyors must consider the impact on the adjoining property such as the location of habitable room windows and the impact on secluded private open space.

If the problem with your builder is contractual, you'll need to consult your solicitor. If your builder has breached the Building Regulations you can contact the relevant building surveyor who issued your permit or the Victorian Building Authority.