Browse Forums Building Standards; Getting It Right! 1 Apr 19, 2010 11:35 pm Hi, Does anyone know if there are more than 1 building codes. I just had my house inspected and the inspector is saying that the roof is not in compliance with Building Contract Particulars, Building Code of Australia requirements and Australian Standards. When I reported this to the builder, he has come back saying that the carpenter is arguing that there is more than one code (three) with regards to roofing. And as long as he has complied with one of them, it is fine. The BS said he will ring up the inspector to discuss this but they have already covered up the roof with the ceiling boards. My queries are: 1) Is there more than one building code, if so what is the minimum standard? 2) What is my recourse? I have already paid the roofing installment as I was told I cannot withhold payment as work was done....even if it is not up to "Australian standards" 3) Will the inspector still be able to inspect? I do not want everything to be covered up and having to accept their word that it is fixed. 4) Whose fault is it if the construction gets delayed because of this issue Anyone here have any ideas? While I suspect the roof will not collapse on me anytime soon (I hope) Its like living with a sword over your head that might fall on you anytime. Cheers Re: How many building codes are there for roofing? 2Apr 20, 2010 4:05 pm What exactly is not up to standard? Can you be more specific? The Building Code of Australia (BCA) outlines regulations and requirements. It will often reference an Australian Standard however there are no additional codes or requirements. A building must comply with the BCA and all materials must satisfy any relevant Australian Standards. It is difficult to be more specific. You can with-hold payment if you have not seen an inspection report. An inspection must be carried out and passed for each building stage before a builder can invoice you. Obviously, it will not pass if it is not up to code. After you have made the payment, your recourse can be difficult however each state has various avenues you can take. which state are you in? An inspector will make the builder remove the roof so it can be inspected if necessary. I am not prepared to comment on fault however if you have and specific questions regarding your roof or other questions on the BCA or Aust. Standards, please feel free to ask. "I never learned a thing until I finished school" - Unknown "You can get anything accomplished, If you don't mind who gets the credit" - Ned Hay Re: How many building codes are there for roofing? 3Apr 27, 2010 1:26 am Hi, The inspector has categorised it in rooms but here is a summary of the main issues. 1. Provide M12 bolts to horizontal cleat across fan struts and secure toes together 2. Provide 90 x 45 collar ties to alternate rafters under ridges and bolt to rafters with M12 bolts over opposing underpurlins 3. Provide roof holding-down strapa where missing at 1200mm centres along external walls, properly tensionsed and three times nail to wall-plates/rafters with timber connector nails. 4. Provide two bolts to overlapping underpurlins to provide a continuous spanning support, in compliance with span/load tables 5. Provide a spacer block between underpurlin ends under valley rafter and secure with metal connectors and timber connector nails. 6. Provide a timber chock on the wall plate against raking strut toes in compliance with figure 7.10 7. Provide 4 x 75mm long nails to all connections. 8. Provide support for timber beam or replace beam to extend into external wall behind robe (Family room) Can anyone translate this for me? It seems like a lot of support is missing to support my roof? Re: How many building codes are there for roofing? 4Apr 27, 2010 10:59 am 1 - M12 bolts are nothing too special. just a particular strength bolt. Sounds to me like you are in a coastal, high sea level of very open plain area as these recommendations seem to allow for a high wind rating construction. 2 - a ridge is hard to describe to you. it is the highest point of a roof section. this recommendation is pretty standard. i cannot imagine this not complied with and the inspector is just making a statement here. 3 - This is a little overkill however there is nothing wrong with ensuring there is enough bracing. holding down strappa is the long thin bits of metal that run diagonally along the walls. 4 - should have used one beam, not two. bolt them together to give them strength 5 - put timber between these sections to prevent them moving. This area of the roof has a heavy load on it and the specer timber will prevent the other timber members it is placed between from twisting or moving. (sounds like the builder missed one as there should be many of these) 6 - place a peice of timber on top of the wall under the angled struts. difficult to explain but it will prevent the timber on an angle from dropping (by dropping, i meant moving slightly once the roof is on) 7 - ensure the right sized nails are used and apply to every connection 8 - this is project specific but it sounds like there is a lack of support under one beam. Some of these are guidelines (mostly precautions) and I have tried to help you understand in layman's terms as best I can. By the sounds of it, you don't actually have that much to be concerned about. Your inspector was obviously quite thorough and if all these recommendations are complied with, your roof should be pretty good. If you are still concerned, I can point you in the direction of a number of reference books/guides that can help. For example, you can contact the "Timber Framing Council" in Melbourne, any large truss and wall manufacturer as they produce quite a number of guides and the like. Hope I have been able to put your mind at ease a little. PS - there is a guy on this forum called "Chippy" who is a carpenter in Perth. He might also be able to answer some of your questions. "I never learned a thing until I finished school" - Unknown "You can get anything accomplished, If you don't mind who gets the credit" - Ned Hay I plan on installing an undercover walkway (awning ??) from my carport to the back door as shown in sketch. I will be using Boxspan Beams and have no concerns regarding… 0 759 I would never build with Fowler homes. I built with them in 2021 and till date maintenance issues are pending. 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