Newsletter to all of our valued clients
Surprise, surprise, by now you would have received your copy of the new Building Code of Australia 2008 which came in to force on the 1st May 2008. It is of no surprise that we have a number of changes that will affect us all and the following is the summary of some of those changes:-
CLASS 1 and 10 BUILDINGS
1. Where the change in floor level above finished surface level exceeds 4.0m, windows now are required to comply with the installation of a balustrade, or chair rail at a minimum 1.0m high, or restriction of window openings to maximum of 125mm.
2. In the last two years, when articulation joints have been required in brick work, there was a regulation that required a 10mm gap between the window and the brick work for the articulation joint. The good news is, common sense has prevailed and this requirement has been removed.
3. The big change that has been well publicised is the increased requirements for energy efficient additions. Unfortunately, at this stage, there is no software that can assess additions which means designers will need to produce the necessary calculations and notations to demonstrate compliance with Part 3.12.
The specific items to be addressed are building fabric, external glazing and shading, building sealing and air movement with consideration to the climate zone the project site is in ie. Mornington Peninsula Climate Zone 6.
The good news is that with additions and the existing part of the dwelling, the Building Surveyor has discretionary powers as to what is reasonable. It is advised that designers contact us early in the design so that we can give clear direction on what additional works may or may not be requiredin relation to the existing building.
CLASS 2 TO 9 BUILDINGS
1. JV2 – Verification using a stated value has been deleted.
2. Maximum height of exit door furniture now 1100mm, not 1200mm.
3. Signage on fire and smoke doors – Wording has been changed to call them both “FIRE SAFETY DOOR”.
AS3000 wiring code now includes the earthing of concrete slab reinforcement that contain bathrooms. This applies to all slabs poured after the 1st July 2008. Contact your electrician for details.
LATEST DEFECT ITEM BEING TARGETED BY CONSULTANTS EITHER PRE-PURCHASE / DISPUTE RESOLUTION (VCAT):- Damp proof course to be full width of brick work, not set back for aesthetic reasons.