Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2026

The Guide to Standards and Tolerances provides recognised benchmarks for assessing the quality of domestic building work. It helps consumers and building practitioners understand what is generally considered acceptable workmanship and what may fall outside acceptable tolerances.

The Guide to Standards and Tolerances has been revised. The updated Guide applies prospectively from the commencement date of 1 August 2026 and does not apply retrospectively to contracts entered into or building work commenced before that date. For contracts entered into or building work commenced before 1 August 2026 please refer to the previous version of the Guide.

Further information about when this Guide applies is provided in the 'Applicability of the Guide' section within the document.

This edition includes updates to improve clarity, readability and consistency, together with refreshed references and guidance to better support consumers and industry in understanding acceptable standards and tolerances.

What the Guide is

The Guide describes common standards and tolerances for domestic building work and provides practical guidance on assessing completed work. It supports consistent and informed discussions when concerns arise about the quality of building work.

What the Guide isn't

The Guide is not legislation, a building contract or a technical construction manual. It does not replace the requirements of relevant legislation, the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards or contractual obligations. It should not be used to determine whether building work complies with regulatory requirements or to provide technical or legal advice.

How the Guide fits within the building framework

The Guide sits alongside the legislative and regulatory framework governing domestic building work. Where legislation, regulations, the NCC or Australian Standards prescribe specific requirements, those requirements take precedence. The Guide assists in assessing workmanship where recognised tolerances are relevant.

How to use the Guide

The Guide should be used by identifying the relevant building element or issue and reviewing the applicable standard or tolerance. It should be considered together with the circumstances of the building work, relevant contractual documents and any applicable legislative or regulatory requirements.

For consumers

If you have concerns about the quality of domestic building work, the Guide can help you understand whether the work appears to fall within recognised tolerances before discussing the issue with your builder or registered building practitioner.

For practitioners

Builders, building surveyors and other practitioners can use the Guide as a consistent reference when discussing workmanship with clients, assessing concerns and supporting decision-making. It should always be considered alongside applicable legislation, codes and contractual requirements.

How the BPC uses the Guide

The Building and Plumbing Commission uses the Guide as a recognised reference when responding to enquiries and supporting the resolution of domestic building disputes. It assists staff in providing consistent information about recognised standards and tolerances but does not replace legislative requirements or formal technical assessments