The Owner Building journey is fun and exciting. From designing your dream home on paper to building it. However, there is always one main goal every Owner Builder strives for. The finish line and moving into their new owner built home!
Like most owner builders, there comes a point where you want to move in early and complete the last final touches whilst living in your new home. But, at what point are you allowed to move back in?
When we were completing our large owner built major renovation (Series: Our Dream Renovation: A Full Insight – Our Step By Step Process Read More…) we were at it for a year while living at our in-laws. We focused on the main items and moved back in as soon as possible. This made it a whole lot easier with finishing the final touches.
What Do I need To Move In?
Ok, believe it or not but there is only one thing you need to achieve to be able to move in to your new home. Don’t get me wrong though, this one thing comes with a whole list of items to complete and some paperwork before approval.
To move in to your new owner built home you will need to satisfy your local council or Private Certifier and gain an Occupation Certificate. This certificate is provided to you from your PCA upon completion and means they are satisfied your home is complete or completed enough so that it is liveable and safe to occupy.
So, what is deemed to be safe and liveable? It will vary amongst different councils and Private Certifiers, but the following will be the generally consensus across the board:
Liveable Requirements
- Necessary sanitary facilities are in place and in good working condition.
- Wet areas are properly waterproofed and tiled.
- Power has been supplied.
- Gas supply is available and ready for connection. If applicable.
- Water supply is connected and functioning as intended.
- Appropriate cooking facilities.
- The roof system appears to stop any water ingress.
- The roof drainage is hooked up and all stormwater is connected.
Safety Requirements
- Safe and secure access into the home.
- Any fall heights greater then 1m are appropriately barricaded off (remember it cannot be claimable either). Installed in line with current BCA requirements.
- Smoke detectors are in place and functioning properly.
- Bathroom doors have lift off hinges installed. If required.
- Any stair/step construction complies with the BCA. For example, max 190mm risers and min 240mm goings.
What Does The Occupancy Certificate Not Usually Include
A house is not required to be turn key or fully completed to achieve OC. Although, it will need to demonstrate that it is safe and habitable. Therefore, minor items will not be a requirement to achieve OC.
Generally speaking, to achieve an occupancy certificate from your PCA the following items usually are not taking into consideration:
- Basic fixtures like bathroom fittings, cupboard handles and doorbells.
- Non wet area floor coverings like carpet, floating floors and floor tiles.
- Interior doors.
- Wall coverings in non wet areas. Also includes printing and decorative pieces.
- Appliances like microwaves, heaters and dryers.
Occupancy Certificate Required Paperwork To Complete
The paperwork side of obtaining your occupancy certificate can be quite daunting for first timers. However, follow on below as some of the items can be completed during the build timeline. This will save the mad scramble at the end trying to sort out all the paperwork and certificates to gain your OC.
One quick point I would like to make before we continue on is that you need to remember the critical stage inspections your PCA MUST complete during the build. See below for more clarification on this.
Certificates Needed For OC
- Engineers certificate. In some cases, approvals for critical stage inspections and hold point inspections. Where applicable.
- Electrical certificate, smoke alarms.
- Waterproofing compliance and installation certificate. Remember, this is a hold point for your PCA to inspect before tiling can commence.
- Termite protection certificate. Remember, a sticker needs to be placed in the meter box of the relevant system being utilised for your build.
- Glazing certificate for the windows being installed.
- Insulation certificate. Some PCA’s might not require this. (Ours didn’t)
- Survey certificate, from registered surveyor.
Further, you will need to be able to provide written confirmation of the following:
- All work has been completed in accordance with the BASIX commitments relevant to your project.
- All work has been completed in accordance with the BCA (Building Code of Australia)
- Complete the Occupation Certificate application form.
In most cases, your PCA will require all this paperwork completed and returned to them before a final inspection can be booked.
Critical Hold Point PCA Inspections
There will be critical hold point inspections that your PCA will need to attend and complete before you progress to the next stage of construction.
These inspections are crucial and if missed, it can cause a whole world of hurt. I have heard of a few stories where home owners cannot get OC for their homes due to missed inspections.
See below the list of inspections your PCA needs to complete. These may vary between PCA’s, but these are the general requirements for most:
- Pre-commencement Inspection: Completed before any construction works take place. The PCA uses this inspection to ensure no building work has commenced. The CC (Construction Certificate) is issued and your can start building!
- Footings & Slab Inspection: Footings and concrete slab construction will need to be inspected before any concrete is placed.
- Framing Inspection: Most PCA’s will want to complete with inspection just before you commence plastering. Therefore, once the roof, cladding and trade rough ins are complete.
- Stormwater Inspection: Your plumber usually organises these inspections, however you will need to ensure your plumber is completing these inspections! These are usually competed by your local council, even if you have appointed a private certifier.
- Waterproofing Inspection: Just before tiling can commence, your PCA will inspect the waterproofing installation.
- Final Inspection: The final inspection will be completed once all the mentioned above has been completed. If you pass the final inspection and all other items closed out you will soon receive your occupation certificate.
