{"market": "au", "title": "What to decide, and when", "checked": "2026-10-05", "licence": "CC BY 4.0", "note": "Prompts, not rules. Most choices can wait; these can't, because a later trade builds to them. Code items cite their source; states adopt parts of the NCC differently, so check yours. Your builder, trades, certifier and each product's install sheet decide.", "kinds": {"code": "Code: set by the NCC, an Australian Standard or state law", "convention": "Convention: the usual Australian practice, not a rule", "manufacturer": "Manufacturer: the product's install sheet sets it", "practice": "Good practice: learned on site", "state": "State rule: varies by state, check yours"}, "rooms": {"bathroom": "Bathroom and ensuite", "kitchen": "Kitchen", "laundry": "Laundry", "bedrooms": "Bedrooms and robes", "living": "Living and dining", "outdoor": "Outdoor and exterior", "whole": "Whole house"}, "stages": [{"id": "design", "name": "Design", "when": "Before anything is pulled out or ordered", "what": "Layout, what moves, and what has a long lead time. The cheapest stage to change your mind."}, {"id": "framing", "name": "Framing", "when": "Before the carpenter frames or re-frames walls", "what": "Anything recessed or wall-hung. The carpenter frames to the actual product."}, {"id": "roughin", "name": "Rough-in", "when": "Before the plumber and electrician run pipes and cables", "what": "Everything that sits in the wall or ceiling. Most variations start here."}, {"id": "setout", "name": "Set-out and screed", "when": "Before the floor is screeded and the room is set out", "what": "Tile size, bedding depth and falls. Every height in the room is measured from the finished floor this sets."}, {"id": "waterproof", "name": "Waterproofing", "when": "Before the membrane goes on", "what": "Membrane heights and details. Can't be redone once tiled."}, {"id": "linings", "name": "Linings", "when": "Before the walls and ceilings are sheeted", "what": "Blocking behind every fixing, and the plasterboard finish level."}, {"id": "tiling", "name": "Tiling", "when": "Before the tiler sets out", "what": "Tile heights, grout, trims and slip ratings. The tiler sets out from these on day one."}, {"id": "joinery", "name": "Joinery order", "when": "Before cabinets and benchtops are ordered", "what": "Measure what was built, not what was drawn, then lock boards, benchtops and appliances."}, {"id": "painting", "name": "Painting", "when": "Before the painter quotes and starts", "what": "Colours, sheen, prep and coats, per surface."}, {"id": "fitoff", "name": "Fit-off (can wait)", "when": "At the end", "what": "The choices you can safely leave late: positions are already fixed."}], "items": [{"id": "layout-moves", "stage": "design", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "The layout, and which wastes, toilets, showers and walls move", "why": "Moving a waste or a wall drives cost and every later stage.", "ask": "Is anything that drains moving? Check the fall to the sewer before you commit.", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "appliance-models", "stage": "design", "rooms": ["kitchen", "laundry"], "decide": "Appliance models: oven, cooktop, rangehood, fridge, dishwasher, washer, dryer", "why": "The joinery is built around their cut-outs and clearances.", "ask": "Do you have the spec sheet, with cut-out sizes, for every appliance?", "kind": "manufacturer"}, {"id": "shower-type", "stage": "design", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "Shower type: step-down, level entry with a linear drain, or a hob", "why": "It sets how the floor is built and how deep the screed is.", "ask": "Can the floor be set down, or do you need a hob or linear drain to get the entry you want?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "recessed-anything", "stage": "design", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Everything recessed: shaving cabinets, niches, cavity sliders, TV recesses", "why": "Each one needs framing, so it has to be known before the carpenter starts.", "ask": "Which items sit in the wall rather than on it?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "long-lead", "stage": "design", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Order dates for long-lead items: custom joinery, imported tiles and tapware, stone", "why": "Some take weeks or months to arrive, longer than the gap to the stage that needs them.", "ask": "What has a lead time longer than the time until it is needed?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "rules-apply", "stage": "design", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Which NCC and state rules apply to your work", "why": "Livable housing rules, for example, apply differently by state and not at all in some.", "ask": "Have you asked your certifier or builder which rules apply to this job?", "kind": "state", "source": "https://sydneyaccessconsultants.com.au/articles/610-navigating-livable-housing-design-standards-in-ncc-2022-key-elements-and-state-variations-for-inclusive-architecture-in-australia.html"}, {"id": "recessed-cabinet", "stage": "framing", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "The recessed mirror or shaving cabinet: exact model, size and mounting height", "why": "The carpenter frames the opening to the product. A different cabinet later means re-framing.", "ask": "Is the cabinet in hand, or its spec sheet final? The framer needs the real size, not an estimate.", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "niche", "stage": "framing", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "Shower niche position and size", "why": "It is framed now and tiled later, so its size should suit whole tiles.", "ask": "Is the niche sized to whole tiles, clear of the mixer, and between studs? A common base height is 900 to 1100 mm.", "kind": "convention", "source": "https://tilecloud.com.au/blogs/news/bathroom-heights-placement-guide", "link": "/au/tiles/"}, {"id": "cistern-frame", "stage": "framing", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "In-wall cistern frame model", "why": "The frame sets the pan height, the button height and the wall depth.", "ask": "Which frame, and does it suit your pan and your wall depth?", "kind": "manufacturer"}, {"id": "wall-hung", "stage": "framing", "rooms": ["bathroom", "kitchen", "laundry"], "decide": "Which vanities, toilets and cabinets are wall-hung", "why": "Wall-hung items need a frame or heavy blocking behind them.", "ask": "What is hanging off the wall, and what does its install sheet ask for behind it?", "kind": "manufacturer"}, {"id": "bath-type", "stage": "framing", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "Bath: freestanding or built-in, and a floor-mounted or wall filler", "why": "A floor-mounted filler can't be added once the floor is poured or screeded.", "ask": "If the filler comes up through the floor, is its position fixed now?", "kind": "practice", "source": "https://imaginekithomes.com.au/guides/comprehensive-guide-to-plumbing-rough-in-for-australian-owner-builders-mls1j8x2/"}, {"id": "doors", "stage": "framing", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Door sizes and cavity sliders", "why": "Openings are framed now. Where livable housing rules apply, doors need an 820 mm clear opening.", "ask": "Which doors are sliders, and do the openings meet any rule that applies to you?", "kind": "code", "source": "https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/faq/livable-housing-design-standard"}, {"id": "window-heights", "stage": "framing", "rooms": ["kitchen", "bathroom"], "decide": "Window sill heights against benches, splashbacks, tapware and mirrors", "why": "A sill that clips the splashback or the tap is a framing fix, not a tiling one.", "ask": "Does every sill clear the bench, splashback and taps under it?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "rangehood", "stage": "framing", "rooms": ["kitchen"], "decide": "Rangehood type, height and duct route", "why": "The duct runs through the ceiling or wall before linings. Over gas, the hood must be at least 650 mm above the cooktop.", "ask": "Where does the duct go, and is the hood at least 650 mm above a gas cooktop?", "kind": "code", "source": "https://www.constructor.net.au/changes-to-gas-cooktops-clearance-heights-in-2023/"}, {"id": "tapware-brand", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["bathroom", "kitchen", "laundry"], "decide": "Tapware type and brand for every wall mixer and spout", "why": "In-wall mixer bodies are brand-specific. The trim must match the body already in the wall.", "ask": "Is the trim you want the same brand as the body going in now?", "kind": "manufacturer"}, {"id": "shower-set", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "Shower: rail set or overhead arm, and the rose and mixer heights", "why": "The outlets are fixed in the wall. Roses usually sit 2000 to 2200 mm and mixers about 1000 to 1200 mm.", "ask": "Rail or arm? Have you set the heights from the finished floor?", "kind": "convention", "source": "https://tilecloud.com.au/blogs/news/bathroom-heights-placement-guide"}, {"id": "floor-waste", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["bathroom", "laundry"], "decide": "Floor waste: point or linear, and where it goes", "why": "It sets the falls and should sit on the tile grid.", "ask": "Will the waste land on a tile joint, and which way does the floor fall to it?", "kind": "practice", "link": "/au/tiles/"}, {"id": "vanity-height", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "Vanity top height and basin type (above counter, under counter, wall basin)", "why": "It sets the waste and supply heights, and the spout is set off the basin rim. Tops usually sit 850 to 900 mm.", "ask": "What height is the finished top, and how high is the basin rim above it?", "kind": "convention", "source": "https://tilecloud.com.au/blogs/news/bathroom-heights-placement-guide"}, {"id": "toilet-setout", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "Toilet pan and its set-out from the wall", "why": "Pans are set out at 140 or 165 mm from the wall. The waste is placed to suit the pan.", "ask": "Which pan, and which set-out does its install sheet give?", "kind": "manufacturer", "source": "https://www.myhomeware.com.au/blogs/diy-installation/rough-toilet-plumbing"}, {"id": "hot-water", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Hot water system type and location", "why": "It sets pipe runs and power or gas. Water at basins, baths and showers is limited to 50 degrees C.", "ask": "Where does the hot water unit go, and how far is the longest run?", "kind": "code", "source": "https://cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/technical-regulation/plumbing-standards/heated-water"}, {"id": "power-lights", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Every power point, switch and light, including power inside joinery", "why": "Cables go in before the walls close. Power points are usually about 300 mm high and switches about 1000 to 1200 mm, by convention, not code.", "ask": "Have you walked each room with the furniture: bedsides, desk, TV, benches, robe, appliances?", "kind": "convention", "source": "https://build.com.au/height-and-position-power-points-0/"}, {"id": "wet-zones", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["bathroom", "laundry"], "decide": "What electrical items go near the shower and bath", "why": "AS/NZS 3000 sets zones around showers and baths that limit what can go where.", "ask": "Has your electrician checked every point near water against the wet-area zones?", "kind": "code", "source": "https://www.approvedelectrix.com.au/wet-area-zones-in-australia-what-you-need-to-know-as-nzs-3000/"}, {"id": "bathroom-power", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "Heated towel rail, LED mirror, shaving cabinet power and exhaust fan", "why": "Each needs a point at the height its install sheet gives, and the fan needs a duct.", "ask": "Do you have the install sheet for each powered item?", "kind": "manufacturer"}, {"id": "kitchen-services", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["kitchen"], "decide": "Power, gas and water for each appliance: cooktop, oven, dishwasher, fridge water, microwave", "why": "Each sits at a position the appliance's spec sheet sets.", "ask": "Is every appliance's point placed to its spec sheet, not a guess?", "kind": "manufacturer"}, {"id": "outdoor-services", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["outdoor"], "decide": "Outdoor power, taps and lighting", "why": "Outdoor power points must be at least 300 mm above the ground.", "ask": "Where do you need power, water and light outside?", "kind": "code", "source": "https://www.eaelectrics.com.au/post/5-must-know-outdoor-power-point-code-rules-as-nzs-3000"}, {"id": "data-ac-alarms", "stage": "roughin", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Data, TV, air conditioning heads and drains, and smoke alarms", "why": "All run in the walls and ceiling. Smoke alarm rules differ by state.", "ask": "Have you checked your state's smoke alarm rules, and where the AC drain runs?", "kind": "state"}, {"id": "tile-size", "stage": "setout", "rooms": ["bathroom", "kitchen", "laundry"], "decide": "Tile size and layout, at least in general", "why": "It sets the joint lines, the cuts and where the waste sits. You can pick the exact colour later.", "ask": "Do you know the tile size, so the floor and the waste can be set out?", "kind": "practice", "link": "/au/tiles/"}, {"id": "bedding", "stage": "setout", "rooms": ["bathroom", "laundry"], "decide": "Bedding and screed depth", "why": "Allow about 40 to 50 mm. It moves the finished floor, and every height in the room is measured from the finished floor.", "ask": "Have you allowed 40 to 50 mm for bedding? Your heights are from the finished floor, not the slab.", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "wall-buildup", "stage": "setout", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "Wall build-up: sheet, membrane and tile", "why": "About 15 to 25 mm is added to the wall face, which moves outlets, niches and set-outs.", "ask": "Have pipe and outlet depths allowed for the finished wall face?", "kind": "practice", "source": "https://imaginekithomes.com.au/guides/comprehensive-guide-to-plumbing-rough-in-for-australian-owner-builders-mls1j8x2/"}, {"id": "falls", "stage": "setout", "rooms": ["bathroom", "laundry"], "decide": "Falls to the waste, and the entry into the shower", "why": "Wet-area falls are set by the NCC and AS 3740. Get them wrong and water sits or escapes.", "ask": "Have your tiler and waterproofer agreed the falls and the shower entry?", "kind": "code", "source": "https://www.buildingaaa.com.au/post/ncc-2022-requirements-for-bathrooms-internal-wet-areas"}, {"id": "ffl-datum", "stage": "setout", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "A finished floor level datum line, marked on the studs", "why": "Every fixture height is from the finished floor. Mark it once, then set out from it.", "ask": "Is there a datum line on the studs before anything is set out?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "thresholds", "stage": "setout", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Thresholds and floor transitions between rooms", "why": "Tile next to timber or carpet needs matching heights and a trim.", "ask": "Do the finished floor levels line up at every doorway?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "membrane", "stage": "waterproof", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "Membrane heights and junctions", "why": "Shower walls are waterproofed to at least 1800 mm (or 50 mm above the rose if higher), with 40 mm each side of wall junctions.", "ask": "Does your waterproofer's scope meet the NCC heights?", "kind": "code", "source": "https://www.buildingaaa.com.au/post/ncc-2022-requirements-for-bathrooms-internal-wet-areas"}, {"id": "flanges", "stage": "waterproof", "rooms": ["bathroom", "laundry"], "decide": "Puddle flanges at every waste, and the niche and hob details", "why": "These are the leak points, and they are buried once tiled.", "ask": "Is every waste flanged, and is the niche sill falling back into the shower?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "blocking", "stage": "linings", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Blocking behind every fixing: towel and grab rails, cabinets, shelves, TV, heavy mirrors, curtain tracks", "why": "Once the sheet is on, adding it means cutting the wall. Where livable housing rules apply, grab-rail walls need 12 mm ply or 25 mm noggings.", "ask": "Has every fixing point got blocking, photographed before sheeting?", "kind": "practice", "source": "https://www.mbqld.com.au/services-and-advice/building-planning-and-development/technical-info/national-construction-code/2022-amendments"}, {"id": "finish-level", "stage": "linings", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Plasterboard finish level", "why": "Level 4 is standard. Gloss paint, dark colours and raking light need Level 5, which is set when the board is stopped, not painted.", "ask": "Are any walls going gloss, dark, or in raking light?", "kind": "convention", "source": "https://www.siniat.com.au/en-au/resources-link-page/blog/2074149/"}, {"id": "wet-board", "stage": "linings", "rooms": ["bathroom", "laundry"], "decide": "Wet-area board for walls and ceiling", "why": "Wet areas take a water-resistant board under the membrane and tile.", "ask": "Is wet-area board specified for every wet wall?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "tile-heights", "stage": "tiling", "rooms": ["bathroom", "kitchen", "laundry"], "decide": "Tile heights: band, full height or skirting, wall by wall", "why": "The tiler sets out from these. Keep one skirting height on every wall; a height that changes is the first thing people notice.", "ask": "For each wall: floor to where?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "grout", "stage": "tiling", "rooms": ["bathroom", "kitchen", "laundry"], "decide": "Grout colour and type: cement, epoxy or urethane", "why": "Pale floor grout tends to go grey; epoxy needs no sealing and suits showers but costs more.", "ask": "Have you seen the grout beside the real tile, in the room's own light?", "kind": "practice", "link": "/au/tiles/"}, {"id": "trims", "stage": "tiling", "rooms": ["bathroom", "kitchen"], "decide": "Edge trims and their finish, or mitred edges", "why": "Trims show on every external corner and should match the tapware finish.", "ask": "Which edges get a trim, and in what finish?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "tile-line-clash", "stage": "tiling", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "Mirror and cabinet heights against the tile line", "why": "Two trades meeting on one line shows every millimetre of tolerance. Keep the top of a mirror cabinet off the tile line, about 100 mm below it.", "ask": "Do any edges from two different trades land on the same line?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "slip", "stage": "tiling", "rooms": ["bathroom", "outdoor", "laundry"], "decide": "Slip rating for every floor", "why": "P3 is the usual minimum for bathroom floors; P4 or P5 for outdoors, ramps and pool surrounds.", "ask": "Does each floor tile carry a published P rating that suits where it goes?", "kind": "convention", "link": "/au/tiles/slip-ratings/"}, {"id": "splashback", "stage": "tiling", "rooms": ["kitchen", "laundry"], "decide": "Splashback: tile, glass or stone, and its height", "why": "It meets the benchtop, the cupboards and the rangehood, so the junctions need deciding.", "ask": "Where does the splashback stop at each end and at the top?", "kind": "practice", "link": "/au/tiles/"}, {"id": "measure", "stage": "joinery", "rooms": ["kitchen", "laundry", "bedrooms"], "decide": "Measure what was built before ordering", "why": "Drawings can be well out. Laser-measure the finished walls, then order.", "ask": "Have the cabinet sizes been checked against a site measure after linings?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "benchtop", "stage": "joinery", "rooms": ["kitchen", "laundry", "bathroom"], "decide": "Benchtop material, thickness, edge and overhangs", "why": "The edge profile can move the price more than the colour does.", "ask": "Which edge, which thickness, and where are the overhangs?", "kind": "practice", "link": "/au/stone/"}, {"id": "boards", "stage": "joinery", "rooms": ["kitchen", "laundry", "bedrooms", "bathroom"], "decide": "Board colours and finishes, and handles or push-to-open", "why": "Boards are ordered with the cabinets.", "ask": "Have you seen the board sample next to the benchtop and the floor?", "kind": "practice", "link": "/au/joinery/"}, {"id": "template", "stage": "joinery", "rooms": ["kitchen"], "decide": "Sink, tap and cooktop on site for the benchtop template", "why": "Stone is templated around the real sink, tap and cooktop. Without them, expect a return visit.", "ask": "Are the sink, tap and cooktop on site when the templater comes?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "kitchen-heights", "stage": "joinery", "rooms": ["kitchen"], "decide": "Bench height and wall oven height", "why": "Benches usually sit 900 to 950 mm, and the top of a wall oven no higher than about 1700 mm, by convention.", "ask": "Have you checked the bench height against the tallest and shortest cook?", "kind": "convention", "source": "https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/key-heights-to-consider-when-designing-your-new-kitchen-stsetivw-vs~32418651"}, {"id": "robes", "stage": "joinery", "rooms": ["bedrooms"], "decide": "Robe layout: hanging heights, drawers, shelves, lighting", "why": "Robes are ordered with the cabinets, and any lighting needs power at rough-in.", "ask": "Long hanging, double hanging, drawers: how much of each?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "colours", "stage": "painting", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Colours for each room and surface: walls, ceilings, trims, doors", "why": "The painter quotes per surface.", "ask": "Have you put real samples on your own walls, in the room's light?", "kind": "practice", "link": "/au/paint/"}, {"id": "sheen", "stage": "painting", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Sheen for each surface", "why": "Ceilings are usually flat, walls low sheen, and wet areas, trims and doors semi-gloss or gloss.", "ask": "Is the sheen written next to every colour in the painter's scope?", "kind": "convention"}, {"id": "coats", "stage": "painting", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Prep and number of coats in the painter's scope", "why": "Quotes differ most on prep and coats. Master Painters recommend three coats on new work.", "ask": "Does every quote state the prep and the coats, so you can compare them?", "kind": "convention", "source": "https://mpav.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Understanding-The-Standard-Guide-to-the-Painting-of-Buildings-Jul25.pdf"}, {"id": "exterior", "stage": "painting", "rooms": ["outdoor"], "decide": "Exterior colours against the roof", "why": "Most houses are coloured from the roof down, and darker roofs run hotter.", "ask": "Do the wall and trim colours work with the roof colour you have?", "kind": "practice", "link": "/au/paint/roofs/"}, {"id": "light-fittings", "stage": "fitoff", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Light fittings", "why": "Positions were fixed at rough-in, so the fitting itself can be chosen late.", "ask": "Do the fittings suit the points already in the ceiling?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "accessories", "stage": "fitoff", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Handles, towel rails, hooks and accessories", "why": "The blocking is already in, so these can wait.", "ask": "Do the finishes match the tapware?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "screens-mirrors", "stage": "fitoff", "rooms": ["bathroom"], "decide": "Shower screen and surface-mounted mirrors", "why": "Screens are measured after tiling.", "ask": "Has the screen been measured off the finished tiles?", "kind": "practice"}, {"id": "furnishings", "stage": "fitoff", "rooms": ["whole"], "decide": "Window furnishings and loose furniture", "why": "Nothing else depends on them.", "ask": "Did the power points land where the furniture went?", "kind": "practice"}]}