Excavating under high set to achieve legal height - can I do bedrooms only?

Discussion in 'Renovation & Home Improvement' started by Jat, 30th Sep, 2019.

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  1. Jat

    Jat Well-Known Member

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    Hi,

    I have a high set in QLD and I'm thinking on building underneath.

    I understand legal height is 2.4 but for bedrooms only. Is it possible to excavate to achieve 2.4 mts high only where the bedrooms will be?

    That means, bathroom, living, kitchen will be 2.1 high and bedrooms will be 2.4 high. Will that be legal height?

    Does any one have the experience of doing it?

    Thanks
     
  2. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    All habitable rooms must have a ceiling height of 2.4m (refer to the BCA for habitable rooms). Bathrooms, kitchens, storage, hallways aren't habitable.

    Do you want areas of the house which are 2 steps down from the rest of the house if you don't get a consistent ceiling height?

    Will these rooms be below external ground level?
     
  3. Jat

    Jat Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for your reply. The bedrooms would be 1 step down from the rest of the house.
    Not 100% sure yet but I believe these rooms will be below the external, not sure for how much though. Is there any limitation around that?

    thanks!
     
  4. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    You need to ensure that the area won't be subject to rising damp or moisture penetration so you may have to tank the brickwork below ground level and ensure that you have adequate moisture barrier & insulation below the slab.
     
  5. Jat

    Jat Well-Known Member

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    Thanks mate, appreciate your help!