Carpenters for Housing Reform Victoria
Operational Reference · RRC Proposal

RRC Scope & Handoff Matrix

An operational boundary map showing where Registered Residential Carpenter work may occur and where mandatory builder handoff triggers apply.

Back to RRC Pathway Reform Framework

Operational Boundary Reference

This matrix defines the proposed operational boundary of the RRC role. The Occupational Progression Gap Evidence Paper explains why an advanced carpenter pathway may be required.

Read the progression evidence

The Scope & Handoff Matrix provides practitioners, consumers, builders, insurers and regulators with a clear operational reference for the proposed Registered Residential Carpenter pathway.

This boundary map identifies:

  • Work types and conditions within RRC scope
  • Explicit scope exclusions
  • Mandatory handoff triggers where builder responsibility must begin
  • Technical limits and constraints
  • Documentation and assurance requirements

RRC Scope & Handoff Matrix

Subfloor & Footings

RRC may perform

  • Like-for-like timber subfloor repairs within defined limits
  • Localised bearer, joist and stump remediation
  • Levelling, packing and rectification where no footprint change occurs

Mandatory handoff triggers

  • Building footprint changes
  • Underpinning or deep excavation
  • Major stump replacement beyond defined limits
  • Engineering design, building permit or broader structural responsibility required

Wall & Roof Framing

RRC may perform

  • Non-load-bearing internal wall alterations
  • Localised repair of damaged studs, plates, noggings and lintels within defined limits
  • Window and door framing work within existing structural spans

Mandatory handoff triggers

  • Engineered roof truss modification
  • Bracing wall modification affecting lateral stability
  • Load path changes
  • Structural span changes requiring engineering design

Building Envelope & Cladding

RRC may perform

  • Lightweight cladding repair and replacement within defined limits
  • Weatherboard and wall-wrap repairs
  • Window and door flashing interfaces

Mandatory handoff triggers

  • Multi-storey envelope work
  • Roof drainage catchment changes
  • BAL or planning overlay conflicts
  • Specialist hazardous material requirements such as asbestos removal

Decks & External Structures

RRC may perform

  • Unroofed timber deck repairs and replacements within defined limits
  • Localised bearer, joist, post and decking replacement

Mandatory handoff triggers

  • Roofed structures tied into the dwelling
  • Boundary, height or planning triggers
  • Retaining wall or footing complexity
  • Engineering or permit-triggered work

Wet Areas & Substrates

RRC may perform

  • Repair of wall framing and subfloor framing inside wet area cavities
  • Installation of suitable substrates for later waterproofing work
  • Rectification of timber defects before specialist wet-area work

Mandatory handoff triggers

  • Waterproofing membrane application
  • Waterproofing certification
  • Plumbing work
  • Any wet-area compliance sign-off requiring a licensed or specialist practitioner

How this protects consumers

The matrix is designed to make the RRC pathway safer, not broader. It defines where experienced renovation carpenters may operate, where they must stop, and when a registered builder, engineer, building surveyor, licensed plumber, waterproofing specialist or other practitioner must take responsibility.

Related Resources

RRC Pathway

The full proposal for the Registered Residential Carpenter pathway and its integration within Victoria's building system.

View RRC Pathway

Advanced Trades Framework

A staged regulatory architecture identifying potential future specialist trade recognition pathways.

View Advanced Trades Framework