The construction landscape in Australia has experienced a significant shift with the latest updates to the National Construction Code (NCC).
These changes, effective from May 2024, are designed to enhance the safety, sustainability, and overall performance of buildings across the country.
Whether you’re a homeowner, prospective buyer, or industry professional, understanding these updates is essential for making informed decisions.
WHAT IS THE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE (NCC)?
The National Construction Code (NCC) is a comprehensive set of technical requirements for the design and construction of buildings in Australia.
It addresses various aspects of design and construction and sets minimum standards to ensure buildings are safe, healthy, accessible, and durable for their occupants.
The NCC is produced and maintained by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and compliance with it is mandatory, enforced through state and territory building legislation.
These codes are regularly updated as the industry advances in technology, building practices, and community responsibility.
WHAT CHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN MAY 2024?
The updates to the NCC include several key changes aimed at improving energy efficiency, accessibility, and condensation management.
Energy Efficiency: To reduce energy consumption and enhance whole-of-home efficiency. This is achieved through additional insulation requirements, double-glazed windows and doors, and improved requirements for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Accessibility: To improve safety and accessibility for individuals with mobility constraints. This is achieved through wider doorways and hallways, ramped/step-free entry, and additional improvements to ensure easy and comfortable movement throughout the home.
Condensation Management: To improve air quality and reduce moisture that causes mould and degradation of materials. This is achieved predominantly through insulation and the materials used to form the external envelope of the building.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU, THE PURCHASER
In the long term, these changes are great for new homebuyers and for the environment. The increased energy efficiency and condensation requirements ensure lower running costs and additional resilience against severe weather conditions. And the new accessibility provisions allow families to remain in their homes for extended periods without the need for major modifications as they age.
While these changes promise long-term benefits for both homeowners and the environment, they also bring about inevitable cost implications that will affect the short-term price of building a new home.
Stricter requirements demand more advanced technologies, materials, and workmanship to meet the minimum standards, and these costs are inevitably passed on to the purchaser.
HOMES THAT AREN’T AFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES
The changes to the NCC will be required in all new homes that receive approval after the 1st of March 2024.
Therefore, there is a limited opportunity to purchase lots approved before this date to avoid the cost increases.
The following Maple Living projects are exempt from these changes:
• Merrifield, Mickleham
• Katalia, Donnybrook
• Deanside Village, Deanside
• Everley, Sunbury
• Forrest Green, Armstrong Creek
• Kingsfield, Sunbury
• Aspire, Fraser Rise
• Wattle Park, Tarneit
For more information about the NCC requirements or to enquire about any of our projects, get in touch with our Sales Team.