Shed Conversions Woodford

Converting a Class 10a Shed to a Class 1a Habitable Dwelling in Woodford

Class 10a buildings encompass those structures such as sheds, garages and carports. According to government legislation and the National Building Code of Australia, these buildings are not suitable for human habitation in their existing form. In order to be able to live in a shed or similar structure, you must convert them from a Class 10a building to a Class 1a building. Under the Queensland State Building Act 1975, shed conversions must meet certain minimum requirements. During the construction process, you will have to use the services of a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) such as Postma Consultants. These experts will assist you to convert your shed into a livable home by certifying your designs and inspecting your building.

Woodford Class 1a RPEQ Structural Reclassification Reports

When converting your Woodford shed or garage into a liveable dwelling you will require a Structural Reclassification Report to be prepared by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ).

Postma Consultants can help you with this documentation as report or drawing set which will contain a Form 15 Design Certificate. This package will contain information on any structural remedial or strengthening works needed to reclassify your shed in Woodford from a Class 10a to a Class 1a structure. Building aspects covered may include the following:

Foundation
Footings
Slab
Walls
Roof framing
Bracing
Trusses
Tie-downs

Our documents will also cover any additional works required for the specific conditions onsite at your Woodford property. A soil test might be need as well and Postma Consultants works closely with experts in this field.

Local Woodford Form 15 and Form 16 Engineers

When you want to upgrade your Woodford Class 10a shed to a Class 1a building for you and your family to live in, you will require a Form 15 (Design Certificate) and a Form 16 (Inspection Certificate). Registered Professional Engineers of Queensland (RPEQ) must help you prepare your application to convert a shed to an inhabitable dwelling. Additional plans must also be submitted on a Form 15 Design Certificate. A Form 16 Inspection Certificate must also be submitted at each building stage to testify all construction work has been completed according to the specified design. The state government and Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) have legislated that both a Form 15 and Form 16 must be submitted when converting your Woodford shed or garage. There are large financial penalties for non-compliant structures so it’s always best to do the right thing and get everything approved legally.

Do I Need A Form 15 (Design Certificate)?

A Form 15 design certificate is provided by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) to detailed remedial structural or strengthening works required to convert your shed into a home. It outlines the extent to which the building must be upgraded to be considered structurally sound. In a comprehensive Structural Reclassification Report, an RPEQ will itemise aspects such as wall strengths and bracing. A Form 15 is also used to explain the reasoning behind the consulting engineer issuing a certification. In doing this, they will list the tests, specifications, rules, standards and codes of practice relied on in their final recommendations. The structural engineer has to also refer to your Woodford building plans in depth when issuing a Form 15 Design Certificate.

Do I Need A Form 16 (Inspection Certificate)?

When upgrading a building from a Class 10a to a Class 1a in Woodford, you require a Form 16 (Inspection Certificate). A Form 16 is a legal document used during inspection of each stage of construction. Registered Professional Engineers of Queensland (RPEQ) will only issue a Form 16 once they are completely satisfied that all construction work up to that time is satisfactory and has been done in accordance with local and National Building Standards.

Where Can I Get A Form 15 or Form 16?

Legislation stipulates that only a competent person such as an experienced and highly qualified structural engineer can sign off on a Form 15 or Form 16. The design certificate and inspection certificate cannot be certified by your builder under any circumstances to prevent a conflict of interest by having them inspect their own work. Strictly highly regulated and registered professionals, such as a local Woodford structural engineer, are permitted to certify a Form 15 or Form 16 for your Woodford shed.

Local Woodford Shed Structural Engineer

Postma Consultants is a structural engineering firm located centrally on the Sunshine Coast. We pride ourselves on delivering much more personalised service to Woodford residents than the bigger engineering firms. You will have direct access to our professional structural engineer without the ring around like in some larger firms. Our lead engineer has over three decades experience in many different facets of engineering including shed and forensic engineering as well as bridge and mining/industrial engineering. We are the go-to engineering company on the Sunshine Coast for converting your Class 10a shed or garage into a Class 1a household dwelling. Postma Consultants are a friendly and flexible partner that can assist with all your engineering needs. Whether you require a Structural Reclassification Report or help submitting a Form 15 and Form 16 for your Woodford shed conversion, please call Postma Consultants today on 0417 533 691 or email jan@postmaconsultants.com.