Council urges Buyers Beware: Don’t be caught out by non-compliant housing options

as they may not meet Australian plumbing and building standards.

Mayor Kathy Duff said, “Recently Council plumbing inspectors viewed an expandable container configuration that had been imported from overseas.  The plumbing reticulation system was non-compliant with Australian standards and could not be used. Council officers also identified that gas installations would need upgrading to meet Australian Standards in or on the building.”

Incorrect drainage pipework, water pipes and other fittings not meeting Australian standards and watermark requirements are just some of the deficiencies being observed in some of the lower cost options being marketed as compliant housing. 

“Our Councillors and Staff are concerned that residents are being caught out and left out of pocket by not undertaking their due diligence”, Mayor Duff said.

It can be a costly additional expense to completely replace the plumbing and drainage to achieve compliance.

Council’s CEO Mark Pitt PSM said, “Councils are obliged to ensure all developments meet Australian plumbing and buildings standards to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of occupants.”

Container and factory homes in Australia are subject to the same regulations as built on site homes and must meet the standards set in the National Construction Code Building Code of Australia and development codes.  However, the rules for some housing options like ‘tiny homes’ on a trailer may differ in Queensland compared to interstate, like NSW for example. 

“Residents are urged to consult with qualified professionals, such as architects, building designers, licenced building certifiers within Council or the private sector and Council plumbing and drainage inspectors to ensure compliance can be achieved”, Mr Pitt said.

If you’re thinking about purchasing one of these lower cost options for housing, it pays to check whether the suppliers are undertaking works that fully meet building, plumbing and drainage requirements to Australian Standards.  Insist that suppliers provide you with paperwork showing that all construction and fittings meet building and plumbing and drainage standards suitable for use in Australia.

Don’t get caught out - if it’s cheaper and sounds too good to be true, it probably is?