Building Code Legal Ceiling Height
For Building Classes 1, 2 and 3, the following applies:
A habitable room (excluding a kitchen) must have a minimum height of 2400mm (2.4m).
A kitchen, laundry or the like must have a minimum height of 2100mm (2.1m).
Otherwise, the room may be deemed a Utility Room.
Requirements for legal ceiling heights in Queensland may vary from other states and territories.
For more information, call us on 1300TOCHECK (1300 862 432).
We are available to discuss your requirements or answer any questions or concerns you may have.
High-set houses with underneath built in can pose a risk for resale value
Originally designed to help keep the house cool in the hot Queensland climate, many high-set houses have since been built in underneath, effectively doubling the liveable area of the home.
Where people can come unstuck is complying with legal ceiling height requirements in Queensland, as many of these homes were not originally designed to be built in underneath, or the regulations may not have been in place at the time.
It all comes down to the Habitable Room and Legal Ceiling Height regulations governed by the Building Code of Australia.
Regulations are in place for new dwellings and existing renovations to comply with ceiling-height requirements for habitable rooms.
There are different height requirements for certain areas, and the measurement is taken from the finished floor height to the lowest part of the ceiling.
This can bring people unstuck because of their choice of floor coverings and low-hanging beams.
After building in the downstairs area of a high-set dwelling, you could potentially lose a bedroom if it is under the legal height, with the room instead being classed as a Utility Room.
So it is important to be aware of the legal ceiling height requirements in Queensland.
What is a Habitable Room?
The Building Code of Australia describes a habitable room as a room used for normal domestic activities.
Examples include:
- Bedrooms
- Living and lounge rooms
- Kitchens
- Dining rooms
- Studies
- Playrooms
- Family rooms
- Home theatres
- Sunrooms
Non-habitable spaces generally include:
- Bathrooms
- Laundries
- Toilets
- Pantries
- Walk-in wardrobes
- Corridors and hallways
- Storage areas
For more information, call us on 1300TOCHECK (1300 862 432) or visit the QBCC website.