PROTECTION WORKS · VICTORIA
Protection Works and Neighbouring Properties in Victoria
Building close to a boundary can create obligations beyond the construction work on your own land.
Short answer
If proposed building work could put adjoining property at risk of significant damage, the relevant building surveyor may require protection work. This can involve engineered support, a formal notice process, specific insurance and a condition survey of the adjoining property before the work starts.
The building surveyor determines whether protection work is required
When the permit application is assessed, the relevant building surveyor considers the proposed work and its relationship to adjoining property.
Deep excavation, work close to boundaries and changes that could affect neighbouring footings are common reasons the issue needs to be reviewed.
Protection work is a formal process
Where required, the adjoining owner is served with details of the proposed protection work and has an opportunity to respond under the statutory process.
The protection-work process needs to be completed to the building surveyor requirements before the relevant building work proceeds.
Insurance and condition records are important
Victorian guidance requires specific insurance where protection work is required and a record of the adjoining property condition before the work begins.
The condition survey provides a documented baseline for existing cracks or defects.
Allow time for protection work during planning
Protection work can add engineering, communication, insurance and statutory steps to the pre-construction programme.
If the design is close to a boundary, investigate this early rather than discovering it immediately before construction.
Questions homeowners ask
What is protection work?+
It is work designed to protect adjoining property from significant damage caused by the proposed building work, such as underpinning, shoring or other support.
Who decides whether it is required?+
The relevant building surveyor determines whether protection work is required for the proposed building work.
Does protection work require insurance?+
Yes. Victorian guidance requires a specific contract of insurance where protection work is required.
Why is a condition survey prepared?+
It records the existing condition of the adjoining property before protection work begins.
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