Steel frames suit many Queensland extensions and renovations because they are made to measure, light to handle and stay straight next to existing structure. Most structural extensions need building approval, and councils decide planning questions such as setbacks and overlays.[38] Plan your renovation framing with engineering, detailing, design and a free quote so the new work ties neatly into the old.

TL;DR

• Most structural extensions need building approval

• Council rules cover setbacks, zones and overlays

• New frames must suit the site wind class

• Thermal breaks still apply to new steel walls

• Measure existing structure carefully before ordering

Frametek supplies frames for renovations and additions across South East Queensland. See our renovations and additions page, request a free quote, read about engineering, check installation and browse projects.

Contents

• Approvals for extensions

• Tying new steel into an existing home

• Termites, moisture and energy

• Common extension types

• Site safety during renovations

• Planning your extension step by step

• Decision checklist

• FAQs

• Next steps

• Recommended reading

• References

Approvals for extensions

QBCC explains you may need council approval when building or extending a permanent structure or making major structural changes, while certifiers assess plans, inspect stages and issue final approval.[38] Business Queensland says certifiers must not design or carry out the work.[37] City of Gold Coast lists which low risk works are exempt and which may need approval.[39] Bring engineering, compliance, downloads, specs and design documents.

Illustrative concept image, AI generated. Not a Frametek project.

The QDC operates in parallel with the NCC and holds Queensland specific codes.[61] Brisbane City Council notes building approval applies to new houses, with planning approval when code assessable.[44] Insurance and contract rules apply too: written contracts and home warranty cover for most residential work over $3,300.[42][40] Compare pricing, quotes, suppliers, FAQs and contact.

Tying new steel into an existing home

Accurate measurements matter more in renovations than new builds. BlueScope says TRUECORE steel won’t shrink, twist or warp, which helps new walls line up with existing ones.[16] Steel suits veneer construction.[7] Lightweight framing suits challenging sites and reactive soils.[11] Discuss wall frames, roof trusses, floor systems, rolled sections and fabricated beams for openings.

Your wind class still applies to the addition. AS 4055 sets classes from region, terrain, topography and shielding.[27] NASH design solutions cover N1 to N4 and C1 to C2 and are deemed to satisfy under the NCC.[4][1] Ask our detailing team, engineers, manufacturing team, project builders and owner builders.

Termites, moisture and energy

Steel is treated as not subject to termite attack under the NCC, and susceptible elements need termite management.[21] Queensland has its own variation.[22] TRUECORE is termite and borer proof.[17] An impermeable membrane under perimeter bottom plates on slabs supports TRUECORE warranty eligibility.[18] Check benefits, installation, specs, compliance and suppliers.

Steel always needs a thermal break, and strips often need R0.2.[11][13] NCC 2022 targets 90 to 95 percent of timber framed performance for metal framed elements.[15] Queensland adopted the Modern Homes standards.[49] Ventilated roof spaces assist cooling.[56] Plan design, wall frames, roof trusses, detailing and project builders.

Common extension types

Summary diagram of the table in this section. A text version follows.

Hypothetical example only: an owner adding a rear living area sends measured drawings for a frame quote, receives detailing and engineering, books delivery and follows the install guide, with the certifier inspecting the frame stage.[38]

Site safety during renovations

Fall prevention is mandatory for housing work where the fall risk is three metres or more, which is common on second storey additions.[52] Roof framing openings raise fall risk.[53] Owner builders take on head contractor duties.[10] Plan with installation, delivery, owner builders, insurance rebuilds and about us.

Planning your extension step by step

Good extensions start with a clear brief. List what the new space must do, how it connects to the existing home and what you want to avoid, such as losing light to a living area. Then get a measured survey of the existing house so the new frame fits accurately. Our design service can help, together with engineering, detailing, renovations and additions and a free quote once plans are ready.

Next, confirm approvals before you order. Your certifier or council will tell you what is required, and documents such as plans and engineering need to be in place before work starts.[37][38] Keep everything in one place for inspections. Read our steel house frames, steel wall frames, roof trusses, floor systems and FAQs pages to see what we provide.

Then plan the build around the family. Renovations often happen while people live in the home, so agree work hours, safe zones and how the site will be secured. Frametek kits are delivered ready to assemble, which can help keep the frame stage efficient. Check locations, services, owner builder support, project builder supply and contact options to plan delivery.

Finally, think about the finish. New and old walls should line up, ceiling heights should match where they meet, and roof lines need to tie in neatly. Accurate measurements and clear detailing make that possible. Ask our fabrication team, rolled sections, steel fabrication, insurance rebuild and about Frametek pages how we approach these details.

Budget for the parts of an extension that are easy to forget. Demolition, temporary weatherproofing, connections to existing services and making good to old finishes can add up, so ask your builder to price them clearly. A frame quote covers the frame only. See our pricing and quotes, steel frame suppliers, steel frame manufacturers, shed frames and granny flat frames pages for what we supply.

Second storey additions need extra care because the new loads travel through the existing structure. An engineer should check the walls, floors and footings below before the design is finalised, and steel framing can help keep the added weight down.[11] Talk to our engineering, design service, industries, developer projects and project builder team about your plans.

Finally, choose a supplier who communicates clearly. Renovations involve more unknowns than new builds, so quick answers and accurate drawings matter. Read about Frametek, see our detailing, roof trusses, FAQs and request a free quote to start the conversation.

Decision checklist

• Council and certifier check

• Measured drawings of existing structure

• Wind class

• Floor tie in: slab or suspended

• Thermal break detail

• Delivery access to the site

• Fall protection plan

FAQs

Do I need approval for an extension?

Most structural extensions need building approval, and council checks may apply.[38] See renovations, design, engineering, FAQs and contact.

Can steel frames join a timber house?

Yes, with proper detailing and engineering. Ask about detailing, wall frames, roof trusses, floor systems and specs.

Is steel good for a second storey?

Light, strong steel suits additions when engineered.[7] Learn about engineering, rolled sections, fabrication, manufacturing and projects.

How do I get a quote?

Send measured drawings and your address. See free quotes, pricing, suppliers, delivery and installation.

Can steel frames help with a granny flat extension?

Yes, steel frames suit attached or detached secondary dwellings where approvals allow.[24] See granny flats, developers, industries, pricing and contact us.

Next steps

Planning an extension? Frametek in Brendale makes renovation and addition frames including wall frames, roof trusses and floor systems. Request a free quote on (07) 3205 5464.

Recommended reading

• Steel House Frames in Queensland: The Complete Guide

• Steel House Frames for Owner Builders in Queensland: What to Know First

• Granny Flat Steel Frames in Brisbane: Approvals, Design and Delivery

• Steel Floor Systems for Sloping Blocks: When a Suspended Floor Makes Sense

References

1. [1] National Association of Steel-framed Housing (NASH), Nash Standards. Supports: NASH deemed to satisfy. Accessed 28 October 2026.

2. [4] National Association of Steel-framed Housing (NASH), Shop - National Association of Steel-framed Housing. Supports: NASH design solutions. Accessed 28 October 2026.

3. [7] Australian Steel Institute, Australian Steel Institute - Steel for Residential Construction. Supports: Veneer and G550. Accessed 28 October 2026.

4. [10] Queensland Building and Construction Commission, About Owner-building. Supports: Owner builder head contractor. Accessed 28 October 2026.

5. [11] YourHome, Australian Government, Lightweight framing. Supports: Lightweight framing and thermal break. Accessed 28 October 2026.

6. [13] YourHome, Australian Government, Condensation. Supports: R0.2. Accessed 28 October 2026.

7. [15] Australian Building Codes Board, Thermal bridging in residential buildings. Supports: 90 to 95 percent. Accessed 28 October 2026.

8. [16] BlueScope, TRUECORE® steel. Supports: Stability. Accessed 28 October 2026.

9. [17] BlueScope TRUECORE, Product Advantages for your home. Supports: Termite proof. Accessed 28 October 2026.

10. [18] BlueScope, Technical Bulletin TB-34: Steel building frames. Supports: Bottom plate membrane. Accessed 28 October 2026.

11. [21] Australian Building Codes Board, Part 3.4 Termite risk management. Supports: Termite. Accessed 28 October 2026.

12. [22] Australian Building Codes Board, QLD Part H1 Structure. Supports: Queensland variation. Accessed 28 October 2026.

13. [24] Queensland Government, Planning, Secondary dwellings providing housing solutions. Supports: Secondary dwellings. Accessed 28 October 2026.

14. [27] Housing Industry Association, Wind loads for housing. Supports: Wind classes. Accessed 28 October 2026.

15. [31] Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Resilient homes building guidance. Supports: QRA resilience. Accessed 28 October 2026.

16. [37] Business Queensland, Role of building certifiers. Supports: Certifier role. Accessed 28 October 2026.

17. [38] Queensland Building and Construction Commission, Council or certifier: Who approves what?. Supports: Council and certifier roles for extensions. Accessed 28 October 2026.

18. [39] City of Gold Coast, Do your building works need approval?. Supports: Exempt works. Accessed 28 October 2026.

19. [40] Queensland Building and Construction Commission, What work requires insurance. Supports: Home warranty. Accessed 28 October 2026.

20. [42] Queensland Building and Construction Commission, Domestic building contracts. Supports: Contracts. Accessed 28 October 2026.

21. [44] Brisbane City Council, Building a new house - approvals and requirements. Supports: Brisbane approvals. Accessed 28 October 2026.

22. [46] YourHome, Australian Government, Concrete slab floors. Supports: Slab types. Accessed 28 October 2026.

23. [49] Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works, Modern Homes standards. Supports: Modern Homes. Accessed 28 October 2026.

24. [52] WorkSafe Queensland, Work at heights. Supports: Fall prevention. Accessed 28 October 2026.

25. [53] WorkSafe Queensland, Domestic construction - controlling falling risks while working on roof framing. Supports: Roof openings. Accessed 28 October 2026.

26. [56] YourHome, Australian Government, Passive cooling. Supports: Ventilated roofs. Accessed 28 October 2026.

27. [61] Business Queensland, Queensland Development Code. Supports: QDC. Accessed 28 October 2026.