Why Engineering is Required
Every new home, extension, or major renovation that involves structural work must be supported by certified structural engineering documentation. The National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards require that all structural elements - such as footings, slabs, framing, and engineered retaining walls - are designed and verified by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ). Engineering ensures your design is structurally sound, meets safety and durability requirements, and can be approved by a building certifier for construction.
What Structural Engineering Includes
A structural engineering package typically consists of detailed drawings and calculations tailored to your soil type, site conditions, and architectural design. These may include:
- Footing and slab design (based on the soil test results)
- Structural framing plans for floors, walls, and roof systems
- Tie-down, bracing, and connection details for wind loads
- Retaining walls over 1m in height
- Certification and Form 15 for Building Approval submission
The engineer works closely with your building designer to ensure all load-bearing elements are coordinated, efficient, and compliant with current codes.
When Engineering is Needed
Structural engineering is required for:
If your project is purely cosmetic or internal (e.g. kitchen or bathroom refurbishments without structural changes), formal engineering documentation is usually not required.
Guidance from Realex Design
At Realex Design, we can coordinate structural engineering as part of our construction documentation process to ensure your project moves smoothly from design to approval. We engage qualified RPEQ engineers experienced in residential design to deliver efficient, cost-effective, and compliant solutions that suit your site and design intent. Our goal is to provide a seamless, fully compliant documentation package - ready for certifier approval and builder pricing.