Description

This determination arises from the decision of the authority to refuse to issue a code compliance certificate for a 12-year-old house because it is not satisfied that it complies with certain clauses of the Building Code. The authority's concerns about the compliance of the building work relate primarily to its age and weathertightness. The matter to be determined is therefore whether the authority was correct to refuse to issue a code compliance certificate. In deciding this, it must be considered whether the external claddings to the house (the claddings) comply with Clause B2 Durability and Clause E2 External Moisture of the Building Code. The claddings include the components of the external envelope (such as the monolithic wall cladding, the windows, the roof cladding and the flashings), as well as the way these have been installed and work together. In its letter dated 13 October 2010, the authority proposed that the determination be on the weathertightness of the building work. Although the authority also identified some outstanding plumbing and drainage items, these appear to be in the process of being completed. The authority also raised concerns about the durability of all building elements in the house and stated that the applicant may apply to the authority for a modification of the requirements to allow durability periods to commence from the date of substantial completion in 1999.