Benchmarking Today
BENCHMARKING - BUILDING AND PROPERTY
AS 1288-2006 Glass in Buildings – Upgraded glazing sizes, glass balustrades requires an interlinking handrail where a difference in level is greater than 1000mm, etc…
AS 3740-2004 Waterproofing of Wet Areas – Timber floor in wet areas are required to be waterproofed.
AS 1684-2006 Residential Timber Framed Construction – Newly updated timber framing standard and tables has been released.
5 Star energy efficiency reports are required to be provided for the following:
· all new homes
· alterations and additions to homes with a star rating
· alterations and additions to existing dwellings greater than 50%.
The 4 Star exemption for homes with timber floors has been extended again until August 31 2007. The building Commission noted it was unlikely that there would be any further extensions to this exemption.
A solar hot water heater with a minimum of 60% solar gain or a 2000L rain water tank connect to the sanitary flushing systems with a minimum catchment area of 50m² must be provided to all new homes.
Building Commission Updates
The state governments changes to the planning permit system do not affect building permit requirements......(more)
The 2007 Practice Notes have been released. These include the following updates:
· 2007-9 – Building energy analysis for commercial buildings
· 2007-12 – Applying BCA energy efficiency measures to existing Class 2 - 9 buildings
· 2007-55 – Residential sustainability measures
· 2007-59 – Sprinkler systems – alternative solutions and role of chief officer
· 2007-60 – Assessing Class 1 Building with Timber Design
An automatic fire sprinkler system is to be installed in certain Class 3 shared accommodation buildings by 14 June 2009
Small changes to the exemptions table in the Building Regulations include the removal of the $5000 cost of works exemption.
Some forms have been removed from the building regulations and become approved forms which include:
· Certificate of Compliance Design (Previous Form 11)
· Certificate of Compliance Inspection (Previous Form 12)
Australian Building Codes Board
Water tanks within 450mm of the boundary are required to be non combustible (ie colourbond).
Service penetrations through separating walls (between units) are required to be fire protected to maintain a consistent fire resisting structure.
Sound Insulation Requirements between Sole Occupancy units (Dwellings) has been increased to require a 50 Rw+Ctr for all areas.
BENCHMARKING - ESSENTIAL SAFETY MEASURES
Some of the main changes that will effect building owners are:
Building owners will be required to produce an annual essential safety measure report for all buildings post and pre July 1994.
Owners have been given a time limit to have a signed annual essential safety measure report for each of their buildings. Owners are recommended to act early as complying can take time and a last minute rush may result in a costly exercise.
Owners are required to inform their tenants of their responsibilities.
For more information click here or contact Jason Singh at this office for further advise.
The suite of maintenance standards (AS 1851) has been revamped which may effect some the maintenance regimes that are implemented at your property.
For example fire doors maintenance frequencies are now quarterly in lieu of the the previous monthly frequency required.
For a copy of the new standard click here or for further advise please contact Jason Singh at this office.
The occupier of an allotment containing a swimming pool or spa is required to ensure that the enclosure is maintained and operating effectively at all times.
Owners should make their tenants aware of their responsibilities to ensure compliance with the building regulations.
If you are unsure as to whether or not your pool fence is in a compliant maintained state, please contact Jason Singh at this office for an inspection or further advice.
