New homes will be more accessible and more cost effective to heat and cool as the latest National Construction Code (NCC) comes into effect for Victoria on 1 May 2024.

Houses built after 1 May require a 7 star energy rating, wider doors and halls, and a toilet and shower that is deemed accessible.

NCC changes for new homes built in Victoria:

Accessibility

• There must be a toilet on the ground floor. This toilet must have 1200 mm of clear space in front of it which must not be disturbed by the toilet/bathroom door swing.
• Houses need to have at least one shower, where the entrance is flat, without a step in or out.
• Additional timber in the wall frame to support the future installation of grab rails if they are ever desired to be installed.
• Some doorways must be wider and have a level threshold for ease of access.

Energy efficiency

• 7 star rating is now standard, increased from 6 star. This will assist in lowering heating and cooling consumption and bills overall, depending on your energy use and appliances, at different times of the year.
• Electric appliances, like hot water services, that are able to run off rooftop solar panels.
• Overall more insulation in new homes.
• Use of more thermally efficient windows, such as double glazing and even thermally broken double-glazed windows. Thermally broken means the aluminum window frame on the exterior and interior don’t connect. The thermal bridge between the two frames is broken.

Condensation mitigation

• Detail changes to remove damp air from the home, and ventilate the roof space. As homes have become better at avoiding drafts to improve energy efficiency, the trapped moist air can cause mould.

Homes built after 2024 would be more friendly to people on crutches or getting a pram inside, and elderly residents or visitors with walking frames.

How will this affect construction costs in Australia?

There is a cost impact that differs, depending on the home design, and some of these changes will save money in the long term.

Energy-efficient homes are more cost-effective to heat and cool as climate control appliances are needed less often.

Get more information:

• Factsheet: 7 star energy efficiency building standards – Victorian Government Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change
• Victorian Building Authority – National Construction Code (NCC) 2022
• Housing Industry Association: NCC 2022 – National Construction Code
• Video: Housing Industry Association NCC 2022 Changes for VIC – What does it mean for me as the builder?