Master Builders Victoria has expressed concern that the Victorian Government\u2019s changes to the building code relating to accessible housing and energy efficiency don\u2019t address concerns of homebuyers and the building and construction industry.<\/p>\n
The organisation also says the changes fail to deal with issues of affordable housing for all Victorians.<\/p>\n
A statement from MBV acknowledged that future provisions are needed for people as they age or have a disability to ensure there is sustainable and suitable housing stock into the future, but the benefits will not be realised if the changes are not introduced properly.<\/p>\n
The proposed changes mean new homes will be required to comply with the National Construction Code\u2019s Livable Housing Design Standard that could add additional costs to the build.<\/p>\n
MBV CEO Rebecca Casson said there were concerns that the changes to allow accessible housing may compromise other provisions in the NCC.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe consequences of not addressing these changes with careful consideration will challenge compliant building work, add further costs to homebuyers, remove homebuyer choice in the design of their homes, and for builders, the added pressure of explaining why these requirements are necessary when they may not be needed,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMBV believes that the accessible housing requirements should remain voluntary and not mandated in the 2022 NCC.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf these changes go ahead, we want to see a clear transitional period where training can be delivered, time for display homes to be built and increased homebuyer options.\u201d<\/p>\n
The MBV statement said that the Victorian Government also needs to invest time and resources into developing and delivering an effective consumer and industry awareness campaign.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere also needs to be further consideration of exemptions, possible trial periods to demonstrate the changes in-situ, and consideration of affordability in accommodating these changes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Casson said the proposed changes would mean all new houses must meet seven-star requirements, meaning a significant impact on building costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe changes will mean higher glazing requirements, increased ceiling and wall insulation, stricter provisions for heating, air-conditioning and hot water systems, all of which will mean home buyers ultimately bear the cost,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The Australian Building Codes Board has released proposed energy efficiency changes in the NCC 2022.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe plan is for Class 1 and 2 buildings to increase from six stars to seven stars under the NatHERS rating scheme, even though the Government\u2019s numbers show that the costs far outweigh the benefits,\u201d Ms Casson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMBV is seeing modelling from researchers in this energy efficiency field showing a significant risk of increased condensation and mould in Australian buildings.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Casson said that mould posed a significant risk to people\u2019s health and well-being and before the changes occur the building code should be updated and industry knowledge increased to eliminate this risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis would include identifying particularly risky construction techniques and the correct methods to reduce risk,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that the NatHERS assessment pathway needs to be broadened to include a true whole of house rating that includes appliances, lights, and the contribution of onsite renewable energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this manner, the same outcomes can be achieved without risking health consequences to building occupants, unduly restricting design, or adding unnecessary cost.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Master Builders Victoria has expressed concern that the Victorian Government\u2019s changes to the building code relating to accessible housing and energy efficiency don\u2019t address concerns of homebuyers and the building and construction industry. The organisation also says the changes fail to deal with issues of affordable housing for all Victorians. A statement from MBV acknowledged […]<\/p>\n