New Property Purchase? Planning for Compliance

Prospective buyers and new owners often want clarification of how much money to allow for any repair works that may be necessary for their pool enclosure to comply. What buyers are really asking is how much should they be allowing for the required repairs if they do go ahead with the purchase, or how much less than the asking price should they be offering.  Of course this all depends on what works are required and to determine that buyers would need a copy of the Notice to Comply that would have been issued to the original owner.  When this is withheld from buyers, ask your solicitor to request it.

To start the process of pricing any works, you’ll need to determine if the works call for repairs or replacement.  Can you do any of the works yourself? (such as removing vines and shrubbery or fixing the gate). Let’s face it, cost is pretty important in Sydney, where in many suburbs the house prices are still running hot. Fencing is priced per metre and the final cost of your project will depend on a number of factors, such as the material of the fence, the amount of fencing,  whether your existing fence needs to be removed or can be repaired, and whether you can tackle any of the work yourself.

As a guideline, fencing can cost $58 – $1200 per metre depending on the materials you choose. You can expect to pay $75 – $120 per metre for a treated pine paling fence, $80 – $125 per metre for a hardwood paling fence, and $58 – $85 per meter for self-installed aluminium pool fencing (generally panel lengths are 2.4m with height of 1.2m) or $200 – $600 per metre for glass pool fencing.   Boundary fence height extensions are more complex to calculate as again it depends on the material used and the labour component. Filling gaps or lifting panel sections can be tackled by the home handyman or you could turn to a professional handyman business.

We would suggest you start with a plan.  Determine whether you have any alternate options available to you, such as the creation of a smaller enclosure using 1200mm high pool fencing material (glass or aluminium).  If you have the space, this can avoid dealing with the Boundary fencing altogether (tricky when you need your neighbour’s approval). Furthermore, they are unlikely to offer to share in the cost as generally the pool owner is responsible for its replacement.

Tree removal is another problem for pool owners and bear in mind that trees taller than 4 metres, or protected species may require Council approval to remove them. Some Councils will require you to replace any removed trees with 3-4 others of particular species (in a compliant location on your property of course).

When it comes to engaging a tradesman, in NSW carpenters are able to erect timber, metal and prefabricated glass fencing. Glaziers can install glass and acrylic fencing. If you go for glass, ensure your tradesman is licensed and will issue you with a Glazing Certificate for the glass & installation.  Be aware of the legislation with respect to the amount of deposit you may be asked to pay and be wary of the unlicensed tradesman who asks for an excessive deposit.