NCC 2022: Have your say

Queensland Government is increasing the cost to build a home

Substantial changes to the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) were implemented in Queensland from 1 October 2023, increasing the cost and complexity in building a house.

WHAT WILL THESE CHANGES MEAN?

The amount of the cost increase will depend on the type of house and location. Two-storey and raised homes are expected to have the greatest cost increases.

Master Builders Queensland is working hard to achieve reasonable exemptions from some requirements where the cost far outweighs the benefits. Unfortunately, the government is not listening.

Tell us your story

While our formal petition to the Queensland Government has now closed, you can still have your say! If you have feedback on the increased costs to build or renovate as a result of the NCC 2022 changes, or unhappy clients, or difficulty complying with the changes, tell us your experiences.

The Queensland Government has agreed to a six month implementation review of the NCC changes, and we will include our members’ feedback as part of that process. We will not identify members unless given permission to do so.

What will these changes mean?

The changes will mean your new home will need:

• Step-free access path from the site boundary or connected parking area (limited exemption applies where no suitable location for path, strict rules apply)
• If step-free access is via parking space it must be minimum 3200mm wide and 5400mm long
• Landing at the entrance at least 1200mm x 1200mm (unless step-free access is via connected parking or there is an exemption)
• Entrance door and internal doors on entry level and to the bathroom with the accessible shower must have an 820mm clear opening (minimum 870mm wide door) and step-free doorway thresholds (no more than 5mm step allowed)
• Corridors must be minimum 1000mm wide on entry level and along path of travel to accessible shower (if on another level)
• One large toilet space on entry level (even if no living areas on that level) – a minimum clear space of 1200mm x 900mm in front of the toilet pan, clear of the door swing and vanity is required
• One hobless and step-free shower (can have lip of maximum 5mm)
• Reinforced walls around the hobless shower, accessible toilet and bath (if there is one)
• Increase in energy efficiency from 6 stars to 7 stars NatHERS and a new ‘whole of house’ assessment of appliances. Note that if no air conditioning is provided in the building contract a worst case rating will be assumed.

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