Blog
But they told me I didn’t need approval!
June 8, 2020
I think it’s fair to say many of us don’t visit Carl and his team at the ACTPLA Mitchell counter very often to download our home’s building file.
That step only happens when you’re selling, and your agent organises a building inspector to download the ACTPLA file. That’s when the OMG happens – when you find out something you’ve had done is not approved. (By extension, that could also mean your home may not be covered by insurance if you happen to lodge a claim, but that’s another story.)
How many times have you had a professional tradesperson come and do work at your home, telling you that you don’t need approval? I have countless times when an enclosed sunroom has been added and the owner has been told approval isn’t required. Rubbish. A window changing to double French doors? Needs approval.
I’ve seen a bathroom completely renovated with all the plumbing moved by more than 30cm. The toilet is now in a better position in the corner, the single pedestal vanity is now a twin bowl vanity on another wall and the bath with a shower overhead is now a stand-alone bath with the waterfall shower 1m away. It doesn’t matter if it cost $30,000 and was done by a well known company. It will come up unapproved when you sell if the company hasn’t lodged the drawings, lodged the plumbing certificate and ACTPLA haven’t had the certifier visit. Years later, I’m told no other plumber will certify another plumber’s work. They can’t guarantee what’s under the tiles and can’t see the actual pipes. Solicitors for buyers do not like seeing unapproved internal items in a contract, and I’ve seen houses sell for less all because internal changes are not approved.
Property managers can tell landlords the best thing an owner can do to improve the rental income if they own an apartment that has shared laundry facilities outside, is to renovate the apartment and put a European Laundry in the former linen cupboard. However, if this means additional plumbing being added and the body corporate not being advised with nothing lodged with ACTPLA, you could be in trouble. I’ve had a 20 year experienced property manager tell me nothing needs approval in this instance. They’ve co-ordinated tilers, plumbers, and electricians to multiple sites over 20 years and nothing has ever needed approval. Oh dear.
This is not town planning or building advice. It is based on what I have seen occur in my time as a real estate agent. Please consult ACTPLA if you are ever doing any improvements to your home or investment property. (And get your property manager’s agency to pay for retrospective certification to get the work legally approved.)