Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Apr 22, 2022 11:26 am Hi, I've fallen in love with a massive project in a regional town in New South Wales. It was built circa 1937 as a weatherboard school house and has never been officially used as a residence. The inside is totally gutted, there are walls and floors but no kitchen/bathroom/connection to septic tanks. It looks like it needs a new roof put on, some of the piers/supports look a bit rickety and might need replacing. Some windows are broken so it's not even really lockable as is. Firstly, should I still get a pest and building inspection for it even in this state? Secondly, I've emailed the Council about what the requirements are to receive an Occupation Certificate so we can spend weekends in it while we continue with the project. Is it things like smoke detectors, waterproof membranes to wet areas? Does it means it needs a kitchen, bathroom, laundry etc? If the house has never had an Occupation Certificate, do all aspects of the building need to backwards comply with modern legislation? Things like using asbestos in the walls and the aging septic tanks? Finally, which items in a renovation/restoration need approval from council if you aren't knocking anything down or extending- e.g. new roof, fitting out with a kitchen/bathroom/laundry? Internal gyp-rocking? Many thanks and apologies for all the questions. Re: What questions do I need to be asking? 4Apr 22, 2022 9:26 pm I would suggest before going to far do the path to purchase, take the time to go to council and talk to the planning department. Towns old feature buildings quite often have a heritage or character order on them as they as buildings of significance to the town, this may impose certain requirements with how they are redeveloped. With luck it wont be impacted. We are Expert Consultant's, and we are here to help. Personally, considering your layout (study/work desks in bedrooms), I don't think you have any other option but to leave NW windows and make them as big as possible e.g.… 7 10563 We had this happen to us last year and got charged a variation. Try and give away as much as you can that is usable to charity otherwise if you are in Sydney I have a… 1 4544 Not sure what council area you are in. Some LGA's allow zero lot retaining walls. This usually occurs in greenfield developments but not often in established areas. You… 1 8333 |