Did you know there are bathroom regulations that apply to the renovation and construction of bathrooms in NSW, Australia?
If you’re renovating your bathroom or building a new home, you’ll need to be across the NSW regulations to assist you in choosing the right trades services, ot completing the work yourself.
In this article, we’re covering regulations such as:
Floor waste regulations
Waterproofing
Ventilation
Electrical
In NSW, only licensed electricians and plumbers can carry out work on your bathroom, meaning homeowners won’t be able to complete a full bathroom renovation without employing qualified tradespeople.
Before you start - NSW Regulations
Any bathroom work in New South Wales (NSW) exceeding the cost of $1000 in materials and labour need to be completed by a fully licensed builder. When it comes to bathroom renovations that require new fittings and fixtures, tiling or waterproofing, this rule will most likely apply to you. If the renovations are small, it may not apply to you.For bathroom renovations, your builder must be licensed.
Waterproofing must also be carried out by a licensed waterproofer, and as the homeowner you can ask the trades people to supply a waterproofing certificate to verify the work is to standard and regulation.Bathroom drain (floor waste) regulations
Drains are mandatory in apartment buildings and in hotels and motels. This is mandated by law to aid in protecting the lower floors from damage.Within a home, different rules apply to the inclusion and placement of a floor waste. Generally speaking a floor waste is optional, however if you’re planning on installing an open shower or a shower bath that isn’t fully enclosed, you will be required to have a floor waste installed.
An enclosed shower where water from the shower is contained to a small amount of space may not require a floor waste.
Bathroom Ventilation Regulations
In relation to wet areas, in specific, bathrooms. Adequate ventilation is mandated. Windows need to be at a minimum 5% of the bathroom floor space.It is also mandated that bathrooms need to include an extraction fan that can remove a minimum of 25L per second of air.
Waterproofing regulations
What needs to be waterproofed?
The code that applies to waterproofing is The Building Code of Australia and the Australian Standard 3740-2010. These mandate that waterproofing of the complete shower and floor recess area with a minimum of 150mm up the inside of bathroom walls is required by law.1800mm up any vertical walls within the shower recess and 100m or more over any step to the bathroom floor.
The most common waterproofing height for a bathroom is 2100 to ensure your bathroom is completely waterproofed and you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your home is safe from damaging water leaks.
Electrical Regulations
Bathroom lighting and electrical outlets (powerpoints) are regulated across Australia and need to be completed by a licensed electrician.The standard that your bathroom electrical needs to comply with is Australia/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3000-2007.
This standard cover 4 areas or ‘zones’ of wet areas within your bathroom.