National Construction Code article

Inter­view with Allan Har­ri­man – BCA Log­ic

 

Present­ly, in place is the Nation­al Con­struc­tion Code (NCC), imple­ment­ed with a goal of achiev­ing a ​‘nation­al­ly con­sis­tent, min­i­mum nec­es­sary stan­dard of rel­e­vant safe­ty (includ­ing struc­tur­al safe­ty and safe­ty from fire), health, ameni­ty and sus­tain­abil­i­ty objec­tives efficiently’. 

There is appar­ent work to be done to achieve the goals of the NCC.

Alan Harriman talks to this and the high rate of defective work in residential construction in NSW.

This is part of a series of article reproduced with permission by SWAAB

 

Full article:   CLICK HERE TO READ

NSW building reforms in the works but not everyone is happy

With permission from The Fifth Estate www.thefifthestate.com.au/

The NSW government’s building and construction reforms have kicked up a gear with draft regulation to clean up the certification system released on Monday.

See the full article on https://www.thefifthestate.com.au/business/government/nsw-building-reforms-in-the-works-but-not-everyone-is-happy/

 

NSW con­struc­tion indus­try — an expert’s per­spec­tive (part 2 of 6)

Inter­view with Paul Rat­cliff – Paul Rat­cliff Build­ing and Water­proof­ing Pty Ltd

 

With permision from the SWAAB here is the link to the 2nd in Helen Kowal’s ‘An expert’s perspective’ series

 

https://www.swaab.com.au/publication/nsw-construction-industry-an-experts-perspective-part-2-of-6

 

NSW construction industry – an expert’s perspective

 
No. 1 of the series

Posted 26 July 2019

This is the first of a six-part series of articles documenting discussions with building consultants who are in the know when it comes to the current state of the NSW construction industry and the high percentage of properties which are found to contain building defects arising from original construction works.

Part on is an interview with Peter Karsai, cladding specialist.

For the full interview visit: https://www.swaab.com.au/publication/an-experts-perspective-the-nsw-construction-industry-part-1-of-6

Reproduced with permission from Swaab publications

Call for improved regulation in building compliance and certification

Building Designers Association of Australia article

Posted 5 July 2019
A Need for Change: As Another Apartment Complex is Evacuated, one Caused by Structural Cracking, a Call for Accountability Arises
In the wake of another New South Wales apartment complex evacuation, one caused by major cracking in complex structure, a collective call has been issued for improved regulation, as well as the registration of those working in the fields of building compliance and certification.

For the full story visit: https://www.bdaa.com.au/a-need-for-change-as-another-apartment-complex-is-evacuated-one-caused-by-structural-cracking-a-call-for-accountability-arises/

2017 news and views

Meeting Announcement Notes From November 2016

  1. Guide to Standards and Tolerances.

Guides to Standards and tolerances are not a statutory document in NSW. The minimum construction standards as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Regulations, and the Home Building Acyt and Regulations apply.

In addition to the NSW publicised 2007 Guide to Standards and Tolerances there are also Standards and Tolerances Guides from:

  1. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (2014)

Link: http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRzrzVx5fQAhUDGJQKHQfLAeAQFggwMAM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.qbcc.qld.gov.au%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FStandards_and_Tolerances_Guide_0.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEyINtR-QQEZ9eO1pU9O_0dTSov0w&sig2=7iKp6toSfCC-5D5PibZgIA&bvm=bv.137904068,d.dGo

, and

  1. The Victorian Building Authority (2015)

Link: http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRzrzVx5fQAhUDGJQKHQfLAeAQFggdMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vba.vic.gov.au%2F__data%2Fassets%2Fpdf_file%2F0020%2F29063%2FGuide-to-Standards-and-Tolerances-2015.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEfc7_9wxgaSwLypxjU01tu4qd8zA&sig2=MyBoF-gZY2z824OkIX40aw&bvm=bv.137904068,d.dGo

Standards Australia through SAI Global provides a list called a ‘Guide to Standards – Building and Construction’.

Link: http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRzrzVx5fQAhUDGJQKHQfLAeAQFgg7MAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Finfostore.saiglobal.com%2Fstore%2Fgetresource.aspx%3Fpath%3D%2Fpublishing%2Fshop%2Fproductguides%2Fproductguides%2Fguide_to_standards-building_and_construction.pdf&usg=AFQjCNHXBWf1ALMt-lBAwPjmfYa4JCAHcQ&sig2=TvDOQPzYvgd-KIwTmoarNg

  1. Major Strata Law Changes

Link to Fair Trading ‘Major changes to strata laws’ page: http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/sites/ftw/About_us/Legislation/Changes_to_legislation/Major_changes_to_strata_laws.page

Link to Strata Reform information seminars on Fair Trading Events page:

https://events.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/scripts/NSWFairTradingCalendar/

New strata laws will start on 30 November 2016. They have been modernised to fit the reality of living in a strata townhouse or apartment today.

The new building defect bond scheme will start on 1 July 2017.G

Many new requirements will not impact strata communities immediately. This includes allowing time for pre-appointed strata managing agents, building managers and executive committee members to continue in their roles once the law reforms start.

Some key changes include:

  • strengthening the accountability of strata managers
  • allowing owners to adopt modern technology to conduct meetings, vote, communicate and administer their scheme
  • the need for owners to review by-laws (strata community rules) within 12 months, which can be customised to suit their lifestyle – such as whether to allow owners to keep a pet by giving notice to the owners corporation
  • a process for the collective sale and renewal of a strata scheme
  • a simpler, clearer process for dealing with disputes
  • broadening tenant participation in meetings
  • a new option to manage unauthorised parking through a commercial arrangement between a local council and a strata scheme
  • a clearer and simpler three-tier renovations process, which waives approval for cosmetic renovations within the strata lot (for example, installing handrails for safety).
  1. Home Building Compensation Fund Changes.

Announcement on Thursday 3rd November from Victor Dominello Minister for Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation.
Link to the announcement:

http://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/108617/Victor-Dominello-med-rel-greater-choice-and-transparency-for-homeowners.pdf

The information available indicates that the legislation for the changes will be introduced in the first half of next year. I assume that the usual White and Green paper process, and for consultation on the proposed legislative amendments will be followed.

We have registered for updates and will express interest to be involved in the process as it progresses.

The State Insurance Regulatory Authority Reforms page for the Home Building Compensation Fund outlines the changes:

Link to SIRA reforms page:

http://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/home-building-compensation/reforms

Broker commissions will be phased out

The guaranteed commissions currently paid to brokers will be removed by early 2017, eliminating 15 per cent of the current cost of a policy.

Builder risk will inform premium pricing

Premium prices will better reflect a builder’s level of risk, resulting in high-risk builders paying a higher premium, and low-risk builders paying a lower premium.

Split cover will be made available

Home Building Compensation insurers will be able to offer a split cover product with $340,000 cover for non-completion as well as $340,000 cover for defects. However, the cover will still be offered as a $340,000 combined cover product for both non-completion and defects.

Premiums will be sustainably priced

The shortfall between the scheme’s costs and what is received through premiums is currently covered by the NSW Government. This subsidisation of premiums will be removed and over time premiums will be increased to ensure they meet the expected costs of future claims.

Allowing private providers to re-enter the market

The reforms will establish a framework to allow private providers to re-enter the market and offer Home Building Compensation products that meet or exceed the minimum consumer protections provided by the scheme. This will allow regulated competition and may provide builders with a greater choice of products.

SIRA will monitor the effectiveness of these reforms to ensure they are sustainable.

  1. Home Building Compensation Fund Changes-extract from Master Builders Association email of 10/11/2016 (received after the November meeting)

On 3 November the NSW Government announced a significant overhaul of the HBCF that administers home owners warranty in NSW.

Notable changes include: •The NSW Government is planning to exit the home warranty market within 2 years.

  • The NSW Government will inject monies into the HBCF to cover the current deficit; the required injection is in excess of $300 million.
  • Reforms will establish a framework to allow private insurers to re-enter the market and offer home compensation products. In order to enter the market private insurers will satisfy Sate Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) Guidelines. (These guidelines are still to be developed).
  • Levels of consumer protection remain unchanged i.e. the triggers that invoke the warranty policy, the 2 and 6 year cover and the level of home owner’s entitlement i.e. $340,000 will not change.
  • Premiums will increase in 4 tranches over 2 years commencing in March 2017.
  • Commencing March 2017 premiums will be adjusted to reflect the systems assessment of the builders/trade persons’ individual risk.
  • The cross subsidisation by low risk building sectors of high risk sectors will cease in March 2017.
  • New risk management initiatives for builders will be introduced, such as prescribed training and/or a regime of project inspection.
  • Broker commissions will cease in March 2017.
  • Between March 2017 and September 2017 the broker network will be substantially reduced.

Legislation to support changes will be introduced to the NSW Parliament in the first half of 2017.

The NSW Government has stated they will release further details around the changes over the coming months. Master Builders and MBAIS will participate in the advisory group to be consulted by the Government during the coming year.

It is important to note that between now and March 2017 builders and trade persons with eligibility under the HBCF will experience zero change in their user experience when accessing the HBCF system. Following March 2017 premiums will change and an online job application service will commence operation.

Master Builders will provide regular updates as information on changes to the HBCF come to hand.

  1. 2 Draft is open for comment

Draft AS 3660.2 Termite management – In and around existing buildings and structures – Guidelines from the Project Committee BD-074 Termites.

Public Comment Closing Date:   24/01/2017 at 23:59.

Link to page to review Draft and make comments:

https://sapc.standards.org.au/sapc/public/listOpenCommentingPublication.action

Search by the closing date of 24/01/2017. Currently its the second last Standard closing for comment.

  1. New Australian Standard

AS 5203:2016, Protection of openable windows/fall prevention—Test sequence and compliance method released on 24 October 2016 by Standards Australia.

This is currently not a mandatory document however there appears expectation that this Standard will be adopted to ensure that the protection of openable windows meets a minimum Standard.

There is an “on-site test” method or “type testing” by approved testing authority under the International Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (in Australia these are NATA accredited).

  1. NSW Planning Portal.

The NSW Government is working toward all the community submitting development applications through the NSW Planning Portal for approval once the system is launched. This will also include all Complying Development Certificate applications and Construction Certificate applications being made through the NSW Planning Portal.

The NSW planning Portal allows simplified assessments to be undertaken to determine the development approval that may be required, if any.

You may the view the Planning Portal at this link:

https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/

Government reforms to pre-purchase inspection reports

Real estate agents will soon need to disclose all inspection reports taken out by a vendor or potential buyer when listing a property under new reforms.

The reforms were announced by Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, Victor Dominello, who said it would reduce duplication of inspection reports, promoting peer-to-peer services that offer discounts to consumers.

Amendments to the Property Stock and Business Agents Regulation 2014, will require agents to provide buyers who take out a sales contract with the names of companies which have recently completed inspections of the property. The register will also need to indicate which firms enable peer-to-peer sharing discounts.
Under the new laws which are due to come into effect before July, agents will also be required to update their disclosures after each new report is completed.

REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin said: “We are working with the NSW Government and report providers to assist members with these new obligations as effectively and efficiently as possible.”

One of the aims of the new reforms is to give prospective homebuyers in NSW greater access to discounted pre-purchase inspection reports.

Minister Dominello said: “Building and pest inspection reports can cost anywhere from $200-$600 each, which represents a significant outlay for potential buyers.

“This reform is a practical demonstration of the NSW Government’s commitment to embracing the collaborative economy. We want to encourage market disruptors whose business models rely on delivering better consumer experience and greater transparency, to flourish.

“This policy is the first of its kind in Australia and forms part of the NSW Government’s broader reform of the real estate sector.

“Having start-ups and disruptors compete in the property market and offer inspection reports is reflective of our 21st century economy. It also increases competition and reduces the price of these reports for potential buyers.”

Deadly Decks and Balconies Warning

Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects has issued a deadly warning on the state of Australia’s balconies and decks following another collapse injuring twelve people at Hurstbridge in the north of Melbourne on Saturday night.

General Manager of Archicentre David Hallett said that as a safety measure, all homeowners should carefully check the support beams and posts looking for soft, spongy sections of compressed timber.

“Apart from the possible injury or death to family members or friends, home owners would be foolish to ignore the legal liability and damages claims which could arise from a collapsing deck which is proven to be in poor repair.” Archicentre’s pre-purchase home inspection statistics show that approximately 6% of Australian homes have a timber balcony or deck and that about 2% of these are potentially fatal. Mr Hallett said, “These figures indicate around 8,000 balconies in Australia could be life threatening and there is a need for people to inspect their decks and balconies for rotting timbers and rusty corroding steel fittings which could lead to life threatening balcony collapses.

“In the last few years, balcony collapses in several states have resulted in a number of injuries and deaths with coastal properties in the high risk categories because of the harsh environment and salt damage to metal fittings.” Mr Hallett said that the balcony and timber deck has become a major part of Australia’s domestic scene as people love to enjoy the outdoors and add extra living space to their homes with a view. “However, many of the timber decks of the sixties and seventies were built illegally with inappropriate timber and were rotting and becoming unsafe, especially with extra weight being placed on them. The dinner or party where people gather on the balcony for a drink or a barbeque are high risk activities.” Mr. Hallett said we urge everyone with a balcony or raised deck, whether it’s timber, concrete or features steel supports, to check it out carefully for safety, including an inspection for rotting timbers, shaky hand rails and balustrades, rusting bolts and brackets, rust stains and cracking in concrete balconies. “If people find faults they should take immediate action to repair them and if they are not sure to seek professional advice. “Many home owners often decide to build a balcony themselves and we are urging them to ensure that they obtain council building approval.”

How to look out for a Balcony Collapse

Timber Balconies

  • Identify the species of timber. Oregon may not be appropriate for external structures. It is distinguishable by a broad softwood grain pattern and by a pinkish colour when fresh surfaces are exposed, like during a split, for instance.
  • Observe for any compression or deformation of the structural timbers.
  • Test the timber by probing with a sharp object like a screwdriver. Dec ayed timber may feel soft and spongy.
  • Gain access underneath using a ladder. Check connection points at the beams with a screwdriver for deterioration. Timber generally rots where two pieces of timber join together. Examine brackets and bolts to make sure they are not rusted.
  • Make sure the timber balcony is properly fixed to the house or that the members run into the house.
  • Check base of timber posts for rot and again check brackets and bolts for signs of rust.
  • Posts need to be securely anchored into the ground and not just bolted into the paving.
  • Check handrails and vertical balustrade to make sure they are not rotted and unstable.
 

Concrete Balconies

  • Look for signs of deflection. If the balcony leans, there is a problem.
  • Examine the underside of the concrete balcony. Rust stains on exposed steel reinforcing are signs of a serious problem.
  • Check handrails and balustrades to make sure they are not rotted, loose or unstable.
  • The presence of spalling, where chunks of concrete are flaking off, may be a serious problem and needs to be inspected by an expert.

Download a fact sheet on balcony collapse

www.archicentre.com.au

Commercial Inspections; Building Status Reports; House Inspections; New Homes; Home Renovation; Home Improvements; Design Concepts; Pest Inspections; New Housing Reports; Pre-Purchase Inspections; Building Progress Reports.

Media Enquiries

David Hallett, General Manager Archicentre (03) 9819 4577 Mobile: 0439 439 115

Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201

About Us

The IBC has developed and maintains this site for the benefit of its members and for all people interested in building matters, our aim is to provide a quality point of reference to our members and others.