Potential and would-be homeowners in Australia now have to adhere to updated standards for construction. For everyone looking for a home builder, be it a home builder in Perth or anywhere in Australia, there are some new standards that need to be followed. If you are looking into building a new home, you most likely would have heard about the recent updates to the National Construction Code (NCC). You might be wondering what these changes actually mean and how they will impact building a new home.
The NCC regulates the Australian construction industry, setting minimum standards for safety, health, amenity, accessibility, and sustainability. In 2022, the largest update to the code since its inception was released, and these changes took effect across Australia, including our great state of Western Australia, on May 1st, 2024.
So, what is new in the construction code in Western Australia?
The 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) was published by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) back in October 2022. Home builders in Malaga wil be among those who now have to make sure that temperature is managed and controlled. This is something that PDCD has long supported. However, it was not legally mandated in the past. While the NCC 2022 was adopted on May 1st, 2023, it is now available for voluntary use (including for energy efficiency and livable housing provisions).
The Western Australian government has taken into consideration the challenges that the building and construction industry is currently facing. Keeping these things in mind the Western Australian government has decided to allow for the following transitional arrangements for NCC 2022:
- Volume One of the NCC 2022, except for the residential energy efficiency provisions for Class 2 buildings. This has already become mandatory in Western Australia on May 1st 2024. This previously allowed proponents to voluntarily comply with the NCC 2022 or continue to use NCC 2019 Amendment 1 until April 30th, 2024;
- The residential energy efficiency provisions in Volume One of the NCC 2022 for Class 2 buildings will be modified to allow for the following until April 30th, 2025:
- In sole-occupancy units, where the building is more than six storeys, collectively achieve an average of not less than 7 stars, and individually achieve an energy rating of not less than 5 stars, and
- In sole-occupancy units, where the building is 6 storeys or less, collectively achieve an average of 6 stars and individually achieve an energy rating of not less than 5 stars.
- The residential energy efficiency provisions in Volume One of the NCC 2022 for Class 2 buildings will become mandatory in WA on May 1st, 2025;
- Volume Two of the NCC 2022 including the new energy efficiency provisions will become mandatory in WA on May 1st 2025. This means until April 30th 2025, proponents can continue to use NCC 2019 Amendment 1 or voluntarily use NCC 2022.
- The mandatory livable (accessible) housing provisions will not apply in Western Australia. Western Australia will continue to monitor the situation in the building industry and the housing market.
Building and Energy is working on amendments to the Building Regulations 2012 to give effect to above-mentioned transitional arrangements. It will update building designers, building surveyors and other industry stakeholders once the legislation is gazetted.
Volume Three of the NCC 2022, being the Plumbing Code of Australia is not affected by these transitional arrangements.
Custom Homes in Perth Will Need Greater Energy Efficiency
Previously, new homes were required to comply with a 6-star energy rating. Because of the growing global challenges of climate change, the government has decided to revise this and promote higher standards. Now, all new homes must achieve a 7-star energy rating. This change aims to reduce energy consumption, peak energy demand, and greenhouse gas emissions. It will help lower the energy costs for Australians while also limiting 7 star energy rating.
Better Compliance Standards for Home Builders in Perth and elsewhere
In addition to the 7-star energy rating, homes must go for a massive target sixty percent of net zero emissions. This was something that leading builders in Malaga, such as PDCD already try to follow. This considers energy usage from heating and cooling, cooking equipment, water heating, lighting, plug-in appliances, swimming pools and is offset by solar panels, and battery usage.
Condensation Mitigation
With improved airtightness in modern homes, managing condensation to prevent mould is crucial. The updated NCC requires additional ventilation measures to mitigate condensation within a home including ventilation of roof spaces and exhaust fans ducted outside.
Livable Housing Requirements For Home Builders in Perth
New homes must now be more accessible. This includes wider doors and hallways (1000mm between finished surfaces), an accessible toilet with a circulation space of 900mm x 1200mm, and provisions for grab rails. Homes must also feature one step free (zero-threshold) shower with provisions for grab rails and a step free (zero-threshold) access into the home from the street.
Conclusion
The NCC 2022 changes effective from May 1st represent the most significant update to home construction standards since the code’s inception. At PDCD we believe these updates mean new homes will be more comfortable to live in, healthier, will suit residents through their different stages in life, and be cheaper to run.
