Austral Building
Inspections

Opening restrictors on first floor windows

A safety requirement that gets treated as an accessory.

Austral 2179 · 4 August 2026

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In short: Missing from a first floor window on an Austral build, recorded at fixing stage.

What they do

Limit how far a window above ground level can open, so a child cannot fall through it.

What the Code asks

Restriction on windows meeting certain height and sill criteria above ground, with the opening limited to a set dimension.

What we recorded

An opening restriction required and not fitted to a first floor window on an Austral home at fixing stage.

Why it gets missed

It is a small hardware item on a window schedule, and it is not visible unless somebody opens the window and looks.

How we report it

As a safety item, separately from the finish list, because the timescale for acting on it is different.

Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Austral. Licensed building practitioners.

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FAQ

Questions Austral owners ask about this

Is it really required?

Where the criteria are met, yes. The report states the window, the measurement and the requirement.

Can it be retrofitted?

Yes, and easily. Which is why there is no good reason to leave it outstanding.

Does it apply to every upstairs window?

No, only those meeting the criteria. That is why it is measured rather than assumed.

Who fits it?

The builder, as part of the window package. At handover it is their item to close out.

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