This seems like things that should already be noted on your submitted plans. Contact the designer you used.

So what were you planning to do with moisture proofing the floor? Tiles over a moisture proof membrane? The heights are just noting the levels on the submitted plans (RL). What were you planning on doing to keep the termites out? Termite barriers installed by a suitably qualified sub contractor perhaps? The fire rating of the existing brick is an interesting one and would need further investigation here before I would comment to much on achieving this - it may just need noting on plans that they already comply with the relevant standards or is the wall closer to the boundary than councils own requirements?

Thank you MB,

Initially when the building surveyor requested the above I went back to him and broke it down as follow:

Height

Ceiling height will be greater than 2.1m. The finished floor level (FFL) is the existing slab. Exterior earth levels will be excavated to ensure they fall below FFL, however, decking will need to be flush level with interior FFL.

Fire Rating
Existing garage is single brick consisting of standard brick size with a minimum 110mm thickness and less than 30% coring.

Moisture/Waterproofing
Brick will be sealed using a waterproof membrane or waterproof paint to reduce the likelihood of rising damp. The addition of a stud wall will house the electrics and insulation then finished with plasterboard and paint.
If there is no evidence of the slab containing a waterproof membrane beneath. Then will waterproof the slab using one of the many commercial products available for this purpose. This can be rolled or brushed on and will prevent moisture entering the room from the ground up.

Termite
I’ve been advised by Termite solutions Melbourne (ABN 41617175416) that treating the perimeter of the existing slab is sufficient to meet Part A of the requirements.

Since then, he came back to me last night and responded with the following:

Please provide specific detail as to how the existing garage is going to be converted to a habitable room. It seems most, if not all, compliance will be achieved by way of "Performance Solutions" as opposed to compliance with the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the Building Code of Australia. A report from an appropriately qualified and registered consultant must be obtained for each Performance Solution. Things to consider include: - Moisture proofing and damp proof course of the floor/slab? Think of a new build, it would have moisture barrier under the slab, rebate in the slab for the brick to sit in, then a damp proof course in the brickwork, cavity, sisalation, flashing, weep holes etc. - Provide compliant heights from the FFL to outside (150mm to soil, 50mm to concrete). - Confirm fire rating details of the existing brickwork (min. 110mm thick and max. 30% coring of bricks). - How is termite protection being achieved? Need to consider new penetrations in the slab as well as the perimeter of the slab.

Thank you,

Yes, what you'll need to do is go back to designer and have them provide this information unless you can provide it yourself, must be actual documents relating to specific products and materials.

In my council area they have a specific form you download and fill out, then attach the various product and material information, specifications from an engineer, etc. all relating back to the Performance Solutions in the NCC.

So after a few days of back and forth with the Building Surveyor and a few calls its seems I need to hire a Building Consultant that specialises in 'Performance Solutions', previously 'Alternative Solutions' to prepare a report on the conversion of the garage from a class 10a structure to a habitable structure.

To make matter worse, there are only two people in Victoria that specialise in this area and cost for such a report is $3k, which is more then I'm paying my building surveyor for the whole project inc. inspections.

I would go back to designer and have them do it - unless your councils process is different to mine (NSW), designer hasn't come across the process before, etc. The designer would need to investigate which building codes its all going to be compliant with and note those in the report along with the relevant specifications from the manufacturer such as the waterproof membrane, termite control to be used. Note - I've done these before and the council also mentioned I can use a building consultant if I choose. You just need to really decipher the building codes and the performance solutions process. NCC Part A2 - Compliance with the NCC.

Theres plenty of projects like yours that get approved regularly so it is not something new.

Hmm.. Thank you,

I personally don't think this is a council requirements it must be an NCC/BCA as the council has already issued the 'planning permit'.

I assume that this must also be a country wide (Australia) requirement when converting a Class10A to habitable space. Apparently I've been told there is a 'High' risk to the consultant when making recommendation for the conversion.

Personally I see things in black/white and I think this is BS and a money grab, but at the same time I'm hamstrung at the moment as this is the last requirement.

I also hear what you are saying and I spoke to the draftsmen and as bad as this sounds he hasn't heard of the term 'Performance Solutions/Alternative Solutions'.

Not everyone will come across it, some fairly regular depending on their jobs, some never. This includes all designers and trades in the construction industry!

Its a requirement for construction so the builder constructs it to the NCC which isn't as easy as some think it is. Retrofitting is a pain in the arse for builder.

Yes it an NCC requirement but council and certifiers need to be sure it is fit for purpose otherwise the structure can deteriorate, occupants can become sick, etc.. (mould growing, moisture through slab and walls, structural faults, etc). If it fails, people can become sick (or potentially die!) and we can all end up in court explaining ourselves!

@johnno, this is a guideline from a council in Perth. Just for your info, regarding other parts of Australia.
https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/kb/resident/converting-a-garage-to-a-habitable-room-living-space