As aspiring homeowners, you must already have heard that the National Construction Code (NCC) is set to change some norms for new home construction. The changes they are bringing about are the result of thorough discussions and policy development processes over the past decade. As your trusted builder, Integrity New Homes, Brisbane, wishes to introduce the significant changes that will be implemented in NCC and explain the reasons for these changes.
True that with changes coming in, there is a concern and fear that there will be a dramatic rise in the cost of building new homes.
However, at the outset, we would like to assure you that the changes are actually for the sake of the people living in the homes. The key focus of these changes is that they are meant to create homes for more sustainable living. In simple words, homes will be built to be occupied for longer periods. So, we believe that this is overall a positive move. Let us look in some detail into the key changes that are coming, how they might affect your budget, and try to understand the positive aspects of these changes.
The key changes in a nutshell
There are four key changes to progress liveable housing solutions. These are:
1. Wider doorframes
2. No step access into the home
3. Increased space in the toilet and bathroom
4. Option for handrails to be included in bathroom/toile
The context of the changes is that the government wants to see us live in our homes for longer time periods and we think that's brilliant. As the population continues to age and more strain is put on aged care, the move to ensure that new homes are built to be inhabited for as long as possible is a fantastic move by the government.
Not only will these changes assist the elderly, but also those with disabilities. Every key change improves the living conditions of those who may need assistance
Wider doorframes
Details: A minimum of 820 mm clear width of the opening for the entrance door and doors to habitable rooms, sanitary compartment and laundry (where located) on that entry-level. The opening must be clear of the door leaf and door stops or rebates, but the door handle can encroach.
Wider doorframes will make our homes far more user-friendly at all stages in life and we believe that this change won't make a drastic impact on the budget for new home construction. Life gets easier for everyone with wider door frames and we are excited to see this implemented through our new builds.
No step access into the home
Details: A step-free path of travel from the boundary to the front or entrance door, which can incorporate either an access path or ramps including step ramps. Both must satisfy minimum width gradient requirements
This change to the construction code will see us get creative in how we build entranceways to ensure that no matter how you travel, you won't be impeded from entering an INH home.
Increased space in the toilet
Details: A toilet on the ground or entrance level with a minimum width of opposing walls on either side of the pan and 1.2m clear space to door swing in front of the pan. The minimum width must be measured between wall linings but skirtings and architraves etc. can encroach
Creating more space for the entrance level toilet will increase costs, but smart design can ensure that this increase in cost is kept to a minimum.
This increase in space is a fantastic move to ensure that everyone at home can easily access and comfortably move around inside the toilets.
Option for handrails to be included in bathroom/toilet
Details: Reinforcing the framing surrounding the toilet, shower and bath, by methods such as nogging or sheeting, to enable future installation of grab rails. There are concessions where there is insufficient space in the room, or an opening encroaches on the area to be reinforced.
No one ever expects the need to use handrails when using the bathroom. But for old and injured folks or even others in significant life circumstances, it may be a necessity. Having your home prepared for such occasions will now be part of the construction code and homes will be prepared for any unexpected challenges life may throw at you or your family.
In a nutshell, we believe that the cost increases that will happen due to the NCC changes are acceptable considering that they will enable you to potentially live in your home for longer periods and increase the reliability of your home from day one.
We are here to address any further queries or concerns you might have building your new home. Just give us a call.
