Australian Building Standards & Warranties

Australian Standards ensure that building work, materials, and installation methods meet strict safety, durability, and quality requirements. They're not optional—they’re mandatory. Renovations that don’t meet these standards can lead to expensive rework, legal liability, and failed inspections.

Explore recent kitchen and bathroom renovations or visit our showroom to learn how Nouvelle ensures full compliance.

Yes. If something goes wrong—like waterproofing failure, faulty wiring, or tile cracks—statutory and manufacturer warranties can be your safety net. But they only work if your project follows legal standards and is completed by licensed professionals.

For examples of warranty-compliant renovations, check out our traditional kitchen gallery or read about Home Owner’s Warranty Insurance.

Statutory warranties are written into NSW law and cover workmanship defects for 2–6 years. Manufacturer warranties cover product-specific issues like a faulty tap or cracked sink—often 12 months to 10 years.

See how Nouvelle integrates both in our modern bathroom renovation projects or read the blog on home warranty insurance.

If you're renovating in NSW, certain warranties aren’t optional; they're required by law under the Home Building Act 1989, and they're there to protect you. Here's what they guarantee:

• Workmanship & Plans: Your renovation must be done with proper skill and follow the agreed designs.
• Materials: Everything used must be suitable, fit for purpose, and brand new (unless agreed otherwise).
• Legal Compliance: All work must meet current building codes and laws.
• Timeliness: The job has to be finished within the timeline set in your contract—or within a fair timeframe if not specified.
• Occupancy-Ready: For new builds or major alterations, the home must be fit to live in once completed.
• Fit for Purpose: If you tell your builder what result you expect, the final outcome must meet that purpose.

These aren't optional extras—they’re legally enforceable, and any builder in NSW (including us) is bound by them.

Want to see how Nouvelle manages compliance and risk for clients? Book a showroom tour or view our project gallery.

Your tiler must issue a Certificate of Waterproofing Compliance, electricians must issue Certificates of Electrical Safety, and plumbers must provide compliance documentation under state regulations. Without these, your work may not pass inspection or be covered by insurance.

Talk to our renovation experts during a showroom tour to see how we handle documentation and compliance.

Responsibility depends on the cause. If the issue is due to a manufacturing defect and the product was installed per guidelines, the manufacturer warranty applies. If it’s poor installation, your renovation provider’s statutory warranty may cover it.

Learn more in our blog: Everything You Need to Know About Home Owner’s Warranty Insurance, or see warranty-compliant outcomes in our recent projects.

All plumbing fixtures must carry the WaterMark certification and be WELS-rated for water efficiency. If they don’t, licensed plumbers legally can’t install them—even if you’ve already bought the product.

Need help choosing certified fittings? Browse our curated modern kitchen designs or ask during a showroom visit.

We only work with licensed trades who supply proper certifications, and we manage all compliance documentation as part of our process. From waterproofing to cabinetry, everything meets or exceeds Australian Standards.

Book a showroom visit at Willoughby or Pennant Hills to see what that looks like in a completed project, or contact us for a detailed compliance walk-through.

You’ll receive:

• A 6-year statutory warranty for major defects
• A 2-year statutory warranty for minor defects
• Manufacturer warranties for all installed products (tapware, tiles, appliances, etc.)

Our team keeps all your warranty documentation on file in case you need it later.

For examples, check out our modern kitchen projects or book a renovation consult.

Warranties don’t just apply to the building work; they also cover many of the products and materials used in your renovation. Here’s what to look for:

• Appliances: Fridges, ovens, and dishwashers usually come with 1–2 years of cover. Some, like motors, might be covered for longer.
• Premium Materials: Brands like Caesarstone back their benchtops with warranties up to 10 years.
• Joinery: Nouvelle includes clear, practical warranties on custom joinery. No grey areas, just solid coverage.
• Extended Options: Some suppliers offer add-on warranty periods. They're not always necessary, so talk to us before you decide.

A good renovation isn’t just about how it looks on day one; it’s about how it holds up for years to come.

Explore past Nouvelle projects with long-lasting quality in our gallery, or ask us about what warranty coverage would apply to your renovation.

We take responsibility. If you experience a defect within your warranty period, we assess the issue, coordinate trades, and manage repairs, without the runaround.

Our warranties are part of why so many homeowners choose Nouvelle. Visit our project gallery or schedule a consultation to start planning confidently.