Cost concern for new construction code

POLWARTH Liberal MP Richard Riordan fears incoming changes to construction standards will add up to $25,000 to new home builds amid already surging costs.

A new National Construction Code, which comes into effect on September 1, will likely mandate changes to accessibility and energy efficiency among other updates to building and plumbing rules.

Peak national body the Housing Industry Association (HIA) has called the coming changes the “largest single amendment to the building code since its inception”.

The reform is set to include mandatory accessible housing features like step-free entry, aimed at helping people with mobility issues such as seniors or people living with a disability.

The code could also force builders to reach a minimum seven-star energy-efficiency rating as part of a push to reduce climate change impacts.

Victoria has been at the forefront of the new rules. In April 2021, then-planning minster Richard Wynne called for the mandatory accessibility standards, while Climate Action Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said in September last year that the state would “step in” if the national code failed to implement a seven-star rule.

Mr Riordan said the step-free access rules could be pose problems for steep-terrain builds that are common in coastal areas, while the energy efficiency requirements could limit available materials and fittings and drive up prices.

He said the changes could add between $8,000 and $25,000 to the construction cost of homes as builders updated designs to meet the code.

“We all understand the need for increased energy efficiency and accessibility, but at what cost?” he said.

“The Andrews Labor Government with these big new changes is again adding to the cost of new builds, pushing home ownership further out of reach for Victorians.”

“Stepless entry and regulations around window size will have big impacts on all new builds in and around our coastal and hinterland communities where people want to build homes with views and often in elevated positions.”

HIA is among the industry leaders calling for a staged implementation of the new code to support businesses.

Federal and state building ministers are due to meet this month to finalise the code and its implementation.