We have just recently done some renovations on our beach house and the verandah has a 1m high retaining wall at the front.
My query is... Does it class as a normal wall and so requires a balustrade/handrail, or is it still deemed a retaining wall and therefore doesn't come under that ruling?
Hi Dalveen,
Hard to say without knowing the exact configuration, but common sense says that if there's a risk of a fall there's a good chance it'll need a hand rail.
Even if it doesn't technically 'need' one according to what's laid out in the National Construction Code (NCC), it's better to err on the side of safety if there's a risk of a fall and put in a handrail or some kind of safety barrier anyway. We passed your question to Jerry Tyrrell (a well known property inspector) and he suggested much the same. He also said that if it turns out that you don't technically 'need' one and you don't want to install a handrail, you might consider planting as a softball option.
To find out whether it's required or not, your best bet is to give your local council's housing department a call - they'll be able to better advise you on what exactly is required, based on the specifics.
Hope this helps,
The BUILD team
(with thanks to Jerry Tyrrell - Tyrrells.com)