If you’re planning to build close to a boundary, you may need to carry out protection work to safeguard a neighbouring property. It’s one of the more technical parts of the building permit process, but it plays an important role in ensuring safety on and around your site.
At Deemed to Perform, I regularly help clients navigate protection work requirements. Whether that means preparing the right documentation or supporting adjoining owners who’ve received a notice, my goal is always to make the process clear, compliant, and well managed from the beginning.
When Is Protection Work Required?
Protection work refers to any temporary or permanent measures that protect an adjoining property from damage during your building works. It’s not part of your main construction, but additional works that may include underpinning, shoring, bracing, or hoarding depending on the nature of the project.
Whether protection work is required is determined by the Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) as part of the building permit assessment. It’s generally needed when works could impact a neighbouring structure. For example, excavating near a shared boundary, removing a supporting wall, or building close to an existing dwelling.
If protection work is triggered, the owner must serve a formal notice (Form 7) to the adjoining property owner. This outlines the proposed protection measures and typically includes technical documentation such as plans, methodology, and a dilapidation report. The adjoining owner then has the option to respond via Form 8, either agreeing, disagreeing, or requesting further details. If they do not respond within the legislated timeframe, the RBS may determine the matter and allow work to proceed, provided the notice was properly served.
Why Proper Documentation Matters
One of the biggest risks I see is when protection work notices are not served correctly or when changes are made onsite without going back through the approval process. That’s where things can go wrong. Delays, disputes, and potential non-compliance are common outcomes when the process isn’t handled properly.
At Deemed to Perform, I prepare clear, compliant protection work packages that give all parties the right information from the start. I also assist adjoining owners in understanding their rights so they can make informed decisions if they receive a notice.
It’s just as important for builders to understand what has been approved. If anything changes, such as a different excavation method or altered construction sequence, this should be reviewed by the RBS. Keeping things transparent protects everyone involved.
Need Help Navigating Protection Work?
Protection work is more than just a tick-the-box step. It’s a safeguard for safety, compliance, and neighbourly communication. If you’re unsure whether your project needs it or you’ve received a notice and don’t know what to do next, feel free to get in touch.
📞 hello@deemedtoperform.com.au | 0404 300 268
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