Changes to National Construction Codes and how this affects you.
19th June 2024You are likely seeing so much news regarding the recent NCC changes and wondering how these changes might affect you if you are in the market for a new home.
What are National Construction Codes?
The National construction code is the regulations and standards that specify the minimum requirements for the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings. These codes are established to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of the public. They cover a wide range of aspects including structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
What is changing and when?
From the 1st of May 2024, the way we design our homes will change to meet the mandatory NCC regulations, which aim to improve accessibility, energy efficiency, and overall building sustainability. Understanding these shifts is key in understanding what benefits they bring to your new home.
- Solar Panels will become more standardized across new builds
- Orientation Considerations - ensuring each build is carefully considered on each orientation to achieve its optimal thermal rating.
- Improved Glazing including frames.
- Insulation increases.
- The consideration of ventilation and airflow across your home
- Additional there are changes to Accessibility including:
- Wider corridors & doors
- Step free entry
- Step free showers
- Reinforced walls
What are the benefits of these changes?
1. Enhanced Accessibility
- Inclusive Design: The new regulations mandate features like wider doorways, step-free shower access, and ground-floor toilets with adequate clear space. These improvements make homes more accessible to people with disabilities, elderly residents, and those with mobility issues.
- Future-Proofing: The inclusion of additional timber in wall frames for potential future installation of grab rails means homes can be more easily adapted to meet the needs of aging residents or those with evolving mobility challenges.
2. Increased Energy Efficiency
- Lower Energy Bills: The upgrade to a 7-star energy rating for new homes means improved insulation, better windows, and overall more energy-efficient designs. These features reduce the need for heating and cooling, leading to lower energy bills for homeowners.
- Environmental Benefits: Enhanced energy efficiency contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with broader environmental sustainability goals and helping to mitigate climate change.
- Electric Appliance Compatibility: Encouraging the use of electric appliances compatible with rooftop solar panels further reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources and promotes the use of clean energy.
3. Improved Health and Comfort
- Condensation Mitigation: New ventilation requirements to remove damp air and ventilate roof spaces help prevent mould growth and moisture-related issues, leading to healthier indoor environments.
- Thermal Comfort: Better insulation and the use of thermally efficient windows maintain more stable indoor temperatures, enhancing overall comfort for residents throughout the year.
4. Long-Term Cost Savings
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Improved building standards and materials reduce wear and tear, leading to lower maintenance costs over the lifetime of the home.
- Energy Savings: Homes built to the new NCC standards use less energy, which translates to significant savings on utility bills over time.
5. Market Competitiveness
- Future Market Value: Homes that meet the latest NCC standards may have higher market value due to their advanced design, sustainability features, and energy efficiency. These homes can be more attractive to buyers looking for modern, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly properties.
6. Social Benefits
- Liveable Communities: The focus on inclusive design and energy efficiency contributes to the development of more liveable, sustainable, and resilient communities, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
How will this impact me if I’m planning to purchase a Nostra home?
The national construction changes in Victoria present both challenges and opportunities for prospective buyers embarking on building their new home. Whilst future Nostra projects may increase in price due to the changes, the good news is all our projects currently on market are exempt from any changes and so don’t impose any cost implications. That means you can navigate the evolving construction landscape with confidence when speaking to our team today.