Members are reminded that the Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2017 is an important reference document when assessing the quality, finish and acceptable tolerances of residential building work.
The Guide provides practical benchmarks for common building issues, including items such as set-out, floors, walls, masonry, plastering, windows, doors, roofing and general workmanship. It helps builders, certifiers, owners and consultants determine whether a variation from the plans or expected finish is within an acceptable tolerance, or whether it may be considered defective.
In the ACT, the Guide is not simply an informal industry document. It is specifically recognised under the Building (General) Regulation 2008. Schedule 3 of the Regulation defines the “tolerances guide” as the Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2017, as in force from time to time. It also defines a “defect tolerance” as the amount stated in the Guide by which an element of building work may deviate from the approved plans or relevant dimensional requirement.
This is particularly important because Schedule 3 of the Regulation uses these tolerances when determining whether certain work is fundamentally noncompliant building work. For example, the Regulation refers to tolerances in the Guide when assessing matters such as horizontal set-out, floor levels, external dimensions, room dimensions and masonry work.
Members should be aware that the Guide does not override approved plans, the NCC, Australian Standards, manufacturer’s installation requirements or the building contract. It is also noted that where there is any difference between the Guide and building laws, the building approval or the contract, those higher-order documents take precedence.
However, where an issue is not otherwise clearly resolved by the approved plans, contract documents, applicable laws, standards or manufacturer requirements, the Guide is a key reference point for assessing acceptable tolerances and workmanship in the ACT.
Builders are encouraged to keep a copy of the Guide available, use it during quality checks, and ensure supervisors and subcontractors understand the relevant tolerances before work proceeds too far. This can help reduce disputes, avoid rework and provide a clearer basis for resolving concerns with owners, certifiers and regulators.
The document can be viewed and downloaded at https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/building-or-renovating-a-home/after/safety-and-standards/guide-standards-and-tolerances
If you’d like support reviewing your processes, please reach out to the MBA ACT team.
📞 (02) 6175 5900
📧 workplace@mba.org.au
