Have your say about the proposed introduction of a building manual and additional mandatory inspections for apartments and other residential buildings.

The Victorian Government has released proposed reforms aimed at improving safety, transparency, and compliance in apartment construction.

Building Manual Requirement:
A comprehensive manual will be required for all new Class 2, 3, and 1b residential buildings. This document will include key information about design, construction, and maintenance—helping owners and building managers better maintain the building and identify any issues early. It must be kept up to date and made available to emergency services, councils, and relevant professionals.

Additional Mandatory Inspections:
To further ensure quality and safety, two new mandatory inspections are proposed:

  1. Pre-lining inspection (before plaster goes up), and
  2. Waterproofing inspection

These checks aim to catch non-compliant work early, reducing costly repairs later and improving long-term quality.

Why These Changes?

These initiatives are designed to reduce non-compliant building work and to provide a proactive approach in identifying and rectifying issues early. Ultimately, these reforms are intended to protect residents, enhance property values, and provide peace of mind for homeowners.

These proposed reforms are now open for public consultation. To learn more or have your say, visit: Have your say

More detailed information can be found in the following document New Building Regulations