BCA 2011 will apply to all projects with building approvals submitted after 1 May 2011, subject to any transitional provisions that apply in your state. There are changes to both Volume 1 and 2 of the BCA that members should take time to review. This information sheet sets out the changes to Volume 2 - Housing Provisions. Click for more information
Amendments to AS 1684 and AS 1720 have been published by Standards Australia. The changes affect the Machine Grade Pine (MGP) classifications but do not take legal effect until they are called up by the BCA in May 2011. In the interim, suppliers and builders can choose to comply with the new standards or continue to comply with the current standards. Click for more information
One of the more contentious issues in relation to bathroom construction is the provision of floor wastes and when they are required. There is much anecdotal evidence out there in relation to this, but what are the facts? Click for more information
Following the recent bushfires the government has moved to introduce higher building standards in bushfire prone areas Victoria. Click for more information
Standards Australia has produced a standard for the manufacture of garage doors, AS/NZS 4505 – Domestic Garage Doors. This standard specifies the requirements for the design, construction, performance and installation of domestic garage doors. Click for more information
Does it sometimes feel like construction legislation and regulations have just been put in place to make your life harder? And does it annoy you that the people who implement these rules have probably never set their loafer clad foot on a construction site? Well our friends at the Cement Concrete and Aggregate Australia (CCAA) have just made the lives of people involved in the pouring of residential concrete that little bit easier. Click for more information
The pre-publication draft of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2009 Volume 2 (Housing Provisions) will provide clarification regarding the interpretation of Clause 3.8.3.3 for sanitary compartments, meaning that in some cases the requirement to design using a ‘lift-off’ door system may not apply. Click for more information
HIA receives many enquiries in relation to the residential timber framing manual or AS 1684 as to which is the better document to adopt, the simplified version or AS 1684 Part 4 or the standard version that part 4 was based on, AS 1684 part 2. The following information may assist members to choose. Click for more information
The question is often asked if it is required to install an airlock between a kitchen and a sanitary facility. Click for more information
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is referred to as a ‘performance based’ document that provides flexibility when designing a building. But what does this degree of flexibility mean for those designing and constructing buildings and how can this be utilised in a practical sense? Click for more information
The relationship between the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian Standards affects the work of builders and contractors daily and it is important to be clear on when an Australian Standard is legally binding and when it is not. Click for more information
The BCA calls up windows that comply with AS 2047. Are you using products that comply? It is your responsibility to ensure your window manufacturer has compliance to AS 2047 or it will end up costing the builder or the owner a lot of money Click for more information
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) Volume 2 - Housing Provisions contains requirements for balustrades and other barrier construction for Class 1 residential buildings. This information sheet contains the requirements in the 2008 BCA edition which incorporates some changes. Click for more information
Australian Standard 3000 - Wiring Rules for all electrical installations in Australia has been updated and will be introduced by all states and territories during mid-2008. Builders need to be aware of some changes in the standard which will affect house construction. Click for more information
Which mortar should you use? What is M class? What does exposure class mean? This information sheet helps you understand the ins and outs of mortar mixes for brickwork and masonry. Click for more information