This is one of the most common questions we get asked, and the honest answer is: it depends on the scope of your renovation. Here’s a general guide grounded in Tasmania’s actual building framework — but always confirm the specifics for your property with your local council or a licensed building surveyor before starting work, since requirements can vary by property.
In this guide
The framework: Building Act 2016 and permit authorities
Building work in Tasmania is governed by the Building Act 2016, administered day-to-day by Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) and, at the local level, by your council’s permit authority and building surveyors. Whether a specific project needs a permit depends on how it’s classified under that framework — which is exactly why a blanket answer (“renovations always/never need a permit”) isn’t honest.
Work that typically doesn’t need a building permit
Like-for-like renovations — replacing fixtures, tiling, cabinetry and finishes without changing the layout, structure or footprint of a room — generally fall outside building permit requirements. However, the trade work itself (plumbing and electrical) still needs to be carried out by licensed tradespeople and certified accordingly, regardless of whether a building permit is required.
Work that’s more likely to need approval
- Moving or removing internal walls
- Changing the footprint of a room or extending the home
- Significant plumbing relocations that affect drainage or structure
- Any work on a property with heritage protections — see our guide on renovating a heritage home in Hobart — where additional requirements can apply even to some internal changes
Plumbing and electrical certification
Separate to building permits, plumbing work in Tasmania needs to be carried out by a CBOS-licensed plumber and is subject to its own certification and notification requirements — CBOS also publishes plumbing information for consumers worth a read if you want the detail. Electrical work must similarly be completed by a licensed electrician. This applies whether or not the broader renovation needs a building permit.
A heritage check-up, if relevant
If your home is in an older Hobart suburb, it’s worth a quick check of its heritage status before finalising plans — some properties carry protections that affect the approvals process even for internal work. Our guide to heritage home renovations in Hobart explains the two systems that can apply.
Our approach
We assess this properly at the quoting stage for every project — if your renovation needs a building permit or falls under any additional heritage requirements, we’ll tell you upfront, help you understand what’s needed, and factor the approval timeline into your project schedule so there are no surprises partway through.
Not sure what your renovation needs? Get in touch and we’ll talk you through it for your specific property.