Builders Urge Rethink On Construction Code Reforms

Master Builders has voiced major concerns about proposed changes to the 2022 National Construction Code relating to accessible housing and energy efficiency.

Deputy chief executive Paul Bidwell said the association has been part of the conversation about changes to accessible housing and energy efficiency for many years, but in 2021 it became clear that these changes would finally come to fruition and be implemented as part of the 2022 National Construction Code.

The Queensland government confirmed its intention to adopt substantial changes and is now looking to push them through without addressing some very real concerns—which will impact home buyers and the building industry, Bidwell said.

“There’s no doubt that future provisions are needed. Whether it be accessibility changes that will provide benefits for the elderly or people with disabilities, or energy efficiency changes that will ensure we have sustainable housing stock into the future,” he said.

“But if the unintended consequences of these changes aren’t recognised and addressed, and the transition isn’t handled properly, these benefits simply won’t be realised for those they are intended to help.

“The changes that are being proposed will ultimately equate to a higher cost, so we must also have fair and practical outcomes for Aussie home buyers who are already struggling with housing affordability, and for the builders and tradies who deliver new homes for our communities.”

If the changes are going to have the desired impact and genuinely benefit those who need it, the industry broadly need more clarity, and more time to transition, he said.

“As a general rule, we don’t support regulation that adversely impacts housing affordability, challenges good design or puts productivity at risk. Despite this, we have supported accessible housing changes in principle, although, our mantra has always been that these measures should not be regulated but achieved via non-mandatory means,” Bidwell said.

The changes proposed as part of the National Construction Code 2022 will not only have a significant impact on the cost of a new home, but the detail also provided to date has significant gaps and shortcomings and falls short of being a practical and workable solution, he said.

“We’ve highlighted concerns about the need for clear and precise definitions, the allowance of tolerances for on-site variables and ensuring builders have the flexibility to exclude costs from the building contract,” Bidwell said.

“We’ve also flagged the need for a three-year transition period, which will allow builders to adjust their built sales product, and exemptions for a variety of scenarios that would otherwise be impossible to implement.”

On the energy efficiency front, the proposed changes will mean all new houses will be required to meet 7-star requirements, having a significant impact on the cost to build.

The changes will mean higher glazing requirements, increased ceiling and wall insulation, stricter provisions for heating and air-conditioning systems and hot water systems, all which will mean home buyers ultimately bear the cost.

“We are calling on the government to listen to our feedback and ensure there are as few unintended consequences as possible when the 2022 NCC is introduced next year,” Bidwell said.

“We need to build the new code right.”

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