NCC Extended until May 2024
NCC 2022 is the largest amendment to the building code since its inception. Several of the changes have already commenced and are stirring up lots of questions.
The next stage of NCC 2022 changes including the 7 stars home energy efficiency requirements, condensation and liveable housing provisions which are scheduled to take effect early next year.
Liveable Housing Design Standard
The minimum accessibility standards for new houses will include these accessibility features:
- a continuous and step-free path to a dwelling entrance door
- at least 1 step-free entrance door
- wider internal doors and corridors to allow for wheelchair access.
- toilet on entry level
- a walk-in shower that facilitates independent access and use
- bathrooms and toilets to be constructed to facilitate future installation of grabrails.
This change will make homes more accessible and our society more inclusive for people of all abilities.
Energy efficiency and condensation mitigation requirements
The new energy efficiency and condensation mitigation requirements commence in Victoria on 1 May 2024. The changes will make homes cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in and more resilient to extreme weather.
Victoria will also remove barriers to installation of efficient electric hot water systems, helping households to capture further benefits from investing in solar panels, and supporting those who choose all-electric new homes.
What changes need to be made to reach 7 stars?
- better design and orientation to the sun to take advantage of opportunities to passively heat the home in winter while shading it in summer
- improved ceiling, wall or under-floor insulation to suit the Victorian climate
- high performance glazing (windows) to better insulate the home from heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
John, Lansell Homes construction manager and member of the HIA Technical Committee says “the code needs much further planning and consideration before being implemented. As it currently stands, it will have a huge impact on the building and construction industry with costs to build new homes increasing significantly for builders and clients alike.”
