Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Nov 07, 2013 4:45 pm Hi All We are planning to build a verandah on a sloping site (left to right) - as per image. The yard below the verandah will be levelled and retaining walls used so that along the 12m length, the yard will be only 300mm below the verandah for 10 metres and then drop down with retaining walls along one end. We had proposed, that along one end there would be a balustrade (where the ground is 1.1m below) but that the rest would be open. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ The certifier has said that the BCA requires a 'continuous balustrade along the full length of the verandah, because one part of it has a height of more than 1m'. Does this sound right and how can I verify the true definition of the BCS requirements? Cheers Tim Re: Verandah Balustrade - BCA question 2Nov 07, 2013 11:22 pm I think you're out of luck and your certifier is right BCA A continuous balustrade must be provided along the side of any...balcony, verandah, mezzanine, access bridge or the like....if- it is not bounded by a wall; and any level is more than 1 m above the adjoining floor or finished ground level Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Re: Verandah Balustrade - BCA question 3Nov 08, 2013 6:50 am I think he is being particularly pedantic here. I've drawn a few plans for people in similar circumstances and the builder simply installed a balustrade along the offending section - nothing more and certainly not for the full length. The certifiers let it pass under the " deemed to satisfy " rule. Stewie Re: Verandah Balustrade - BCA question 5Nov 12, 2013 7:36 pm For the record, I escalated to the 'senior certifier' who very quickly agreed that this and a couple of other items were fine as per our plans. Approval received today and now we've got work to do! Re: Verandah Balustrade - BCA question 6Nov 12, 2013 7:46 pm Well done. Look forward to see pics of the reno. ----------------------------------------------- http://pab34newdigs.blogspot.com.au/ ----------------------------------------------- Hi, I'll be starting on my verandah repair soon - replace ledger, rafters, roofing iron, flashing etc. (fascia board already done). My question is about the timber ledger… 0 3343 1 3006 You can really use anything you want the main consideration would be how it looks once painted/finished - or the look you want. Cabinetmakers use MDF because its cheap… 2 9993 |