Before you get too excited about Backyard Pods in Melbourne or other areas of eastern Australia, you need to address the relevant regulations.
According to Nam Huynh, the qualified architect who has successfully helped organise MANY building permits for backyard pod developments in Melbourne (and ACT, NSW, QLD), the first two decisions for home-owners:
Building Code Definition:
Habitable room means a room used for normal domestic activities, and —
- includes a bedroom, living room, lounge room, music room, TV room, kitchen, dining room, sewing room, study, playroom, family room, home theatre, and sunroom; but
- excludes a bathroom, laundry, water closet, pantry, walk-in wardrobe, corridor, hallway, lobby, photographic darkroom, clothes-drying room, and other spaces of a specialised nature occupied neither frequently nor for extended periods.
Use our free online self-assessment tool:
Simply answer the questions and you’ll receive an email to indicate what you’ll need to do next in preparation for the building permit approval process. If you need help, someone helpful can get in touch.