In recent years, there has been a significant push in Australia to improve accessibility in new homes, ensuring that homes are more inclusive and better equipped to accommodate people of all ages and abilities.
In response to this, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) introduced substantial changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) in 2022, which have major implications for builders, developers, and homeowners.
These new standards, known as the livable housing design standards, cover the overall layout and design of the home internally and are aimed at improving accessibility and are set to revolutionize the way residential buildings are designed and constructed across the country.
The new housing standards have been designed to ensure that new homes are able to better meet the needs of all people within a community, including people with mobility limitations and older people. older people and people with mobility limitations. The new standards have also been developed in order to support future changes that may need to be made in a home in order to support the needs of its owners.
What are the Key Features of the Livable Design Standards?
A new home built with the livable design standards will include several key features including:
- At least one continuous, step-free entrance into the home, making it accessible for people using wheelchairs, prams or walking aids.
- Wider internal doorways and hallways to provide better circulation space for people with mobility aids.
- There must toilet facilities, such as a bathroom or powder room, on the ground floor that meets accessibility requirements.
- At least one bathroom with a step free shower recess, located on any level, to reduce trip hazards.
- Structurally reinforced walls around at least one toilet and shower need to be added in order to support the safe installation of grab rails in the future if required.
Who do the new Livable Design standards apply too?
The new accessibility requirements apply to all new homes and major renovations where a building permit is issued. This ensures that accessibility features are incorporated into homes from the design stage, making them a standard rather than an optional extra. The changes do not apply retrospectively to existing homes but encourage builders and homeowners to consider accessibility in any future renovations.
What are the Benefits of the new Standards for Homeowners?
The updated NCC Livable Design Standards off numerous benefits for homeowners such as:
- Enhanced Livability: Homes built with the new Livable Design Standards are more accessible, safer and easier to navigate for people of all ages and abilities. This means better homes for elderly family members, people with temporary or permanent disabilities and families with young children.
- Aging in Place: By incorporating these accessibility features, homeowners can “age in place” allowing them to stay in their homes for longer without needing extensive renovations or causing them to relocate to more accessible accommodation as they age.
- Increased Property Value: Homes that meet the new standards may have a higher resale in the future due to their broader market appeal and compliance with future accessibility requirements.
- Reduced Future Costs: Including the Livable Design Standards in new builds or renovations can reduce future modification costs, making it more cost-effective than retrofitting them later.
What Implications do the New Livable Design Standards have for Builders, Developers and Designers?
The new livable design standards have several implications for builders, developers and designers with the main one being that accessibility must now be considered from the earliest stages of planning and design. These considerations may require a builder or designer to make modifications to standard design practices such as incorporating wider doorways, step free entryways and accessible bathrooms.
Building and Construction professionals also will need to be aware of these new standards and ensure that their work complies with the updated NCC requirements. This may require additional training, certification or accreditation to meet compliance standards.
There is also a potential cost implication to Builders, Developers or Designers, and whilst the Regulatory Impact Assessment that was conducted indicates relatively low costs for implementing these changes into new home builds the initial costs for redesigning homes to comply with the new standards and training to ensure construction professionals and their work complies can all add up.
Overall, the changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) regarding accessibility mark a significant step towards more inclusive, adaptable and future-proofed homes in Australia. By adopting these standards, the construction industry can provide homes that better meet the diverse needs of Australians, while homeowners benefit from safer, more comfortable, and more accessible living environments. As these changes continue to roll out across the country, they will play a critical role in shaping the future of housing and ensuring that all Australians have access to homes that are livable, regardless of their abilities or stage in life.
