Our homes are our most precious asset and likely the biggest purchase any of us will make.
That’s why the recent collapse of Porter Davis Homes and Lloyd Group, which has impacted so many Victorians, including owners, building and plumbing practitioners, subcontractors and suppliers, is such sad news.
We recognise this is a very difficult time and are working with other government agencies and appointed building surveyors to support owners with information and assistance.
A has been developed with information to assist owners impacted by builder insolvency, including a link to make a claim against domestic building insurance (DBI).
A has also been published that includes information about what to do if your builder is insolvent and the VBA’s role when builders become insolvent or face financial difficulty.
NCC 2022 set to be adopted on 1 May 2023
As Victoria’s building and plumbing regulator, the VBA has a role in educating practitioners and providing regulatory guidance that is clear and authoritative, to safeguard Victoria’s future.
At every opportunity, we aim to increase awareness of the sector’s regulatory environment and help practitioners and industry understand their obligations, so that the built environment is safe for all Victorians.
To improve the safety and sustainability of buildings throughout Victoria, we are committed to keeping practitioners informed about changes to the National Construction Code (NCC), ahead of its adoption by states and territories on 1 May 2023.
The VBA has been working closely with the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and industry to share information and updates as we transition.
This is the most significant amendment to the NCC since its inception in 1996 and will have a major impact on industry. Some of these major changes include improved energy efficiency standards for residential buildings, including new requirements for building, sealing and insulation and enhanced accessibility requirements for new buildings, with a focus on improving access and safety for people with disabilities.
As a reminder, Victoria will adopt NCC2022 from 1 May 2023, but has agreed to transitional arrangements for the adoption dates of the following specific requirements:
- 1 October 2023 – New liveable housing requirements commence.
- 1 October 2023 – New energy efficiency and condensation mitigation requirements commence.
- 1 September 2025 – New lead-free plumbing product requirements commence.
The VBA understands that there were some typographical errors made in the drafting of the Code that may have caused confusion for industry. The complete and correct series is available to download from the ABCB website. A made by the ABCB to NCC 2022 is also available. The editorial corrections do not change the effect of the provisions.
In late March, the VBA met with the ABCB to discuss the adoption of NCC 2022 in Victoria. We continue to collaborate with industry and seek feedback on identified gaps and assessing further guidance and education resource requirements. The VBA will provide further material specific to Victoria and advocate as appropriate with ABCB for any further national guidance requirements.
ABCB NCC 2022 educational resources
You can access the NCC in full through the , as well as useful and a that give an overview of some of the key changes and new requirements that may impact your work when NCC 2022 is adopted.
You can also watch recordings of the recent to learn about key changes and new provisions in NCC 2022 Volume One and Volume Two for energy efficiency, condensation management and livable housing design.
VBA NCC 2022 roadshows
To communicate the detail of NCC 2022, the VBA hosted in-person seminars and webinars in September and October 2022. You can view the and webinars on demand.
