Buying, building or renovating a home is one of the biggest investments Territorians will make in their life.
This is why the Territory Labor Government is prioritising reforms to building regulations to give our community even greater confidence in the local building industry.
To further support those looking to invest in their home in the Territory, the Territory Government has released the updated Building and Renovating in the NT Consumer Guide.
The Building and Renovating in the NT – Consumer Guide has been developed to help Territorians get started when it comes to building or renovating. The Consumer Guide outlines the choices and processes that you need to know about when building or renovating a stand-alone home, or detached single dwelling.
Overall, the Consumer Guides outlines:
- Roles and responsibilities of homeowners and building practitioners in a build;
- Factors to be considered when building a new home;
- How to research a builder or contractor;
- Requirements of a building contract;
- What to do before, during and after the build; and
- Dealing with disputes.
The updates to the consumer guide, following stakeholder feedback from Building Reform submissions include:
- Outlining the role of the certifier, builder, plumber and home owner in any build project;
- Alternative pathways to occupancy certification;
- Plain English information about what should be in a building contract for 'prescribed works' under the Act;
- Requirements for transportable/prefabricated homes, converting a shed to a house or when design changes need a building permit.
- Warranties of products;
- The importance of home maintenance after a build;
- Simplified processes available for certain shed, fences and shade structures; and
- When pool fences need a building permit.
To view the updated Consumer Guide visit https://nt.gov.au/property/building/build-or-renovate-your-home/building-and-renovating-a-home
Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:
"Building or renovating your home can be a rewarding experience, but the process can be complex.
"The updated Building and Renovating in the NT Consumer Guide makes sure Territorians and their builders are on the same page when it comes to undertaking a project on your home. With checklists and plain English explanations, the consumer is guide is a one stop shop for all your renovating and building questions.
"The Territory's construction industry supports local jobs and creates homes for Territorians. We want to make sure that when Territorians make their biggest investment, they feel safe in their homes and are confident that it has been built to a quality standard that meets the National Construction Code."
