Hi everyone,
We are coming to the end of a long, arduous owner-builder experience here in Geelong.
We need a Certificate of Occupancy to change from a commercial loan to a residential loan.
I would love to hear some people's experience with getting a Certificate of Occupancy when the job isn't quite finished.
Here is the checklist from http://www.buildingregulations.net.au/?p=306
I have marked down what we have completed thus far.
A) Class 1 buildings
• Roof drainage to be connected to an approved point of discharge YES
• Required safety systems such as handrails and balustrades to be in place YES
• The provision of sanitary and other facilities for residential buildings as per Building Code of Australia requirements YES
• The building as constructed to prevent the penetration of water and dampness to the inner parts YES
• Water proofing of wet areas to be completed to the satisfaction of the relevant building surveyor NO
• Smoke detection and alarm systems to be installed and fully operational NO
• Power to be connected to the satisfaction of the Electricity Supply Authority where electricity is required for the purpose of mechanical ventilation, artificial lighting or hard-wired smoke alarms* NO
• If gas cooking is to be provided, the pipe-work to connected to the unit and completed to a stage ready for connection to the gas supply YES
• Water supply to be connected to the building YES
We have a second bathroom and kitchen area that we would like to finish of in six months time to allow us time to replenish the cash reserves.
My building surveyor tells me that once the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued, then we would only have 28 days maximum to complete the rest of the work on the permit.
My solution would be to: 1. complete the bare minimum with wet areas, kitchen, laundry, plumbing ruffin and electrical all finished off. 2. get the certificate 3. apply for another building permit down the track when it is time to finish the other kitchen and bathroom.
A couple of quick concerns I have are:
1. Will dividing the work up and later applying for an additional permit for the remainder of the renovation affect my owner builder status?
2. Am I dreaming thinking that I would get a Certificate of Occupancy in these circumstances?
Thanks!
ANDY