Building code proposal will kill off iconic Queenslanders: Industry

Industry heavyweights are pushing back against proposed changes to the building code that will add $30,000 to a new build and spell the end of iconic Queenslanders.

Industry heavyweights are pushing back against proposed changes to the building code that will add $30,000 to a new build and spell the end of the Queenslander. ​

The iconic Queenslander is on death’s door and new builds will soar in price under proposed changes to the construction code that industry leaders have labelled “a tax on new homes”.

The changes are designed to improve the ‘accessibility’ of a house and include step-free entry, step-free showers and ground-level accessible toilets for all dwellings, including apartments and townhouses.

Step-free entry requirements are set to spell the end of the traditional Queenslander say industry leaders who are pushing back against the proposed changes. Picture: Supplied

Set to be introduced late next year, the National Construction Code (NCC) recommendations mandate for wider internal and external doorways, wider hallways and support rails in bathrooms.

Dark external walls and dark coloured roofs would be difficult to obtain under the new code while dwellings will be expected to increase their energy rating from six stars to seven stars to make them more climate-change friendly.

If fully adopted under Queensland’s building code, they would add up to $30,000 per new build, says the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders (Qld).

HIA executive director Michael Roberts says the changes are the “single biggest intrusion” into what you are allowed to have inside your house. Picture: Supplied

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“These changes are the single biggest intrusion into what the inside of your house has to look like that and it is effectively a tax on new homes,” said HIA executive director Michael Roberts.

“Access must be step-free through the front door or garage for every new dwelling, not just houses, and that alone would be around an extra $8000 per build, so you can kiss goodbye to steps on houses, including Queenslanders.

“We are in the ditch fighting the argument and are in the process of challenging every single item.”

Master Builders Deputy CEO Paul Bidwell says all-in-one showers need to be in addition to a step-free shower on major renovations under the new code. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Any major renovations to an existing home would be affected, with all-in-one shower-baths having to be in addition to a step-free shower, said Master Builders Qld deputy CEO Paul Bidwell.

He said they are pushing back and asking for the changes to be heavily diluted and phased in over many years.

“We need to protect the essence of the Queenslander and, depending on how it is implemented, that could be a problem,” he said.

Increasing energy ratings for all dwellings (over 50sq m) from 6-stars to 7-stars through double-glazing and additional insulation in walls and ceilings and under floors was unnecessary, Mr Bidwell said.

Moving to a 7-star energy rating would add between $6,000 and $20,000 to a new build, according to costing estimates supplied by the HIA and Master Builders.

A new energy star-rating of seven would add up to $20,000 to a new build, say industry leaders: Picture: Stock image.

With batteries able to store more energy, anyone who was totally off-the-grid would be burdened with the expense of adding unwarranted insulation and double glazing in a subtropical climate, he said.

“We don’t want to add double glazing and additional insulation,” he said.

“We want the Minister to look at all implications, but we are not hitting the panic button just yet, although there are problems for units and houses.”

A decision on the changes Queensland is likely to adopt will be released in March and could be activated as early as September, Mr Bidwell said.

“We are saying it should come in over five years because houses will have to be re-engineered and redesigned,” he said.

Housing Minister Housing Mick de Brenni said they are taking feedback and had proposed exemptions for small lots but has not declared what the changes will be. Picture: Darren England

Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said Queensland led the campaign to adopt accessibility measures in the NCC to save the elderly and those with a disability having to retrofit homes.

He said there are proposed exemptions for small lots and for Queenslanders and generous transition time frames although he stopped short of declaring which measures would, or would not, be adopted.

“The proposed 7-star standard does allow for options including double glazing and improved insulation,” he said.

“However, they are options only, that contribute to a whole-of-house efficiency standard and we will ensure there are options available to suit the Queensland climate and lifestyle.”

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