Description

This article outlines some of the allowable construction tolerances for a quality result. 

A Construction Tolerance is an allowable variation in something that can be measured. This may be:

• the permitted variation from a given dimension or quantity
• the range of variation permitted in maintaining a specified dimension
• a permitted variation from location or alignment.

While these tolerances are a permitted deviation from perfect, the aim is always to be accurate when constructing and finishing a building. Taking everything to the outer tolerance limit may make achieving quality difficult for following trades.

References to MBIE in the tables refer to the MBIE Guide to tolerances, materials and workmanship in new residential construction 2015.

Scope

This article includes Tolerances tables for the following situations and elements:

• Building set-out
• Concrete slab on ground
• Suspended floors
• Timber quality
• Timber roof framing
• Timber wall framing
• Timber flooring
• Plasterboard or fibrous plaster