Australian Standards Your Complete Guide

Building or buying a property in Western Australia? Understanding the relevant Australian Standards is essential for safe, compliant, and long-lasting construction. At Descom Consultant, we’ve simplified each important standard into practical, easy-to-understand guides tailored for homeowners, builders, and property professionals.

Below you'll find summaries of key codes—explained clearly and with real-world examples—so you don’t need to read through hundreds of pages of technical jargon.

Pre-Purchase Building Inspections

What’s covered, what’s not, and how this inspection standard protects buyers from hidden defects.

Timber Pest Inspections

A breakdown of termite inspection scope, what inspectors look for, and what’s excluded.

Termite Management

Your guide to physical and chemical termite barriers required for new homes in WA.

Construction Structure Inspections

Design and durability of brick and blockwork construction—including cracks, mortar gaps, and load-bearing limits.

Timber-Framed Construction

Spans, bracing, and installation rules for timber-framed homes in both cyclonic and non-cyclonic regions.

Residential Slabs and Footings

All about slab design, soil classifications, site preparation, and what cracking is acceptable.

Plumbing & Drainage

Everything you need to know about pipe sizing, water pressure, backflow prevention, and plumbing safety.

Roof and Wall Cladding

Cladding types, fixing methods, corrosion rules, and common installation errors are explained.

Masonry Structures

Masonry types, structural rules, reinforcement, durability zones, and common wall defects are clearly explained.

Western Australia

What’s considered a building defect, when tolerances apply, and how to resolve disputes with builders.

Low-Rise Residential Construction

Your shortcut to the National Construction Code for Class 1 & 10 buildings—updated with new rules for bushfire protection, energy efficiency, and livable housing.

FAQ

  1. What are Australian Standards and why do they matter in WA construction?
    Australian Standards are nationally recognised technical documents that guide the quality, safety, and performance of building elements. In WA, compliance ensures your construction meets legal, structural, and insurance requirements.

  2. Is compliance with these standards legally required?
    Yes — many standards are referenced in the National Construction Code (NCC), making them mandatory for compliance, especially for Class 1 & 10 buildings under NCC Volume 2.

  3. How does AS 4349.1 protect home buyers during a pre-purchase inspection?
    It outlines the required scope, limitations, and reporting format, ensuring a fair assessment of a home’s structural condition and helping buyers make informed decisions.

  4. What’s the difference between AS 4349.1 and AS 4349.3?
    AS 4349.1 relates to structural building inspections, while AS 4349.3 focuses on timber pest inspections (e.g., termites, borers, and decay).

  5. What slab cracks are acceptable under AS 2870?
    Hairline cracks are generally tolerable, but wide or displaced cracks may indicate slab movement or reactive clay soils, and should be assessed per the standard’s criteria.

  6. When do I need to follow AS 3660.1 for termite management?
    It’s required for all new builds in WA and outlines physical and chemical termite protection systems to reduce long-term infestation risks.

  7. What does the WA Guide to Standards and Tolerances cover?
    It explains what qualifies as a defect, sets acceptable limits for variations, and helps resolve disputes between homeowners and builders.

  8. How does AS 3500.1 affect plumbing in my renovation or new build?
    It regulates pipe sizing, water pressure, installation depths, and backflow prevention, ensuring your water system is safe and code-compliant.

  9. Why is AS 1684 important for timber-framed homes?
    It sets out construction rules for frame spans, bracing, and tie-downs — critical for wind resistance and long-term durability.

  10. What’s new in NCC 2022 Volume 2 for WA homes?
    Key updates include enhanced bushfire protection, energy efficiency targets, and minimum accessibility (livable housing) standards for Class 1 buildings.