New laws screwing DIY fans

BACKYARD renovators could fall afoul of sloppy laws that require all building materials to meet national standards.

The Housing Industry Association warned the laws, introduced to protect against dodgy building products, were too vague after the tail end of the legislation was rushed through State Parliament in time for the election.

HIA acting executive director Mike Roberts, who supported the law’s intent to make the industry safer, said it meant every single piece of building material’s suitability, right down to the screws, needed to be confirmed.

“We do need to stop these unsuitable products heading on to the market,” he said.

“But, without clarity around how exactly it’s supposed to work, there’s going to be a lot more running around generated potentially needlessly, which will add extra cost.”

Mr Roberts said it meant hardware stores needed to supply a guarantee that it met the standards for every building product sold.

However, the industry is at a loss about what type of confirmation is needed, which could include a label or certificate that guaranteed the product was up to scratch.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission confirmed the new materials legislation applied to “all building and plumbing products that could be used in the construction of a building”.