Regulations | BUILD Version | Page 9

BCA lighting restrictions

When renovating, it’s important to understand the Building Code of Australia (BCA) lighting requirements to ensure your project complies with regulations and meets energy efficiency standards. These rules set limits on how much lighting power (watts per square metre) you can use inside and outside your home.

Hot water system regulations

Hot water systems in Australia must comply with national and state regulations to ensure safety, efficiency and sustainability. The main framework includes the National Construction Code, Australian Standards for plumbing and heated water services and product certification schemes that guarantee safety and performance.

T&P valves and discharge pipes

Temperature and pressure (T&P) valves are essential safety components in storage tank hot water systems. They are designed to release water when the temperature or pressure inside the tank exceeds safe limits, preventing potential damage or hazards.

Position and output temperature restrictions

Choosing the right location for your hot water system is crucial for efficiency and compliance with regulations

Window & glass regulations

Windows play a vital role in a home’s safety, energy efficiency and comfort—but not all windows are created equal. In Australia, strict regulations and Standards gov

Window regulations and labels

Windows are often one of the least frequently replaced features in a home. This makes it essential to select windows that meet current building...

Do your windows comply?

When planning a renovation or new build in Australia, window compliance is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be. With updated requirements in the 2022 and 2025 editions of the National Construction Code (NCC), and growing focus on energy efficiency, insulation and bushfire safety, it’s crucial to ensure every window in your home meets current Australian standards.

Bushfire safety and windows

Australian Standard AS 3959:2018 defines Bushfire Attack Levels from BAL‑Low through to BAL‑FZ. This standard remains the basis for designing buildings in bushfire‑prone areas. All new builds and renovations must undergo a BAL assessment to determine the required level of resistance to ember attack, radiant heat and flame contact.

Safety glass requirements

When planning renovations that involve glass—whether it’s windows, doors, balustrades or shower screens—understanding safety glass requirements is essential. Using the right type of safety glass not only keeps your home compliant with Australian building regulations but also protects your family from injury.