NCC22 Livable Housing Requirements Explained

27th May 2024

Pre-Construction Design & Trends News & Industry Insights

This article explains the key changes under NCC22 livable housing requirements in Victoria, providing practical insights for home buyers, sales consultants, and builders, ensuring compliance while maintaining functional and stylish home designs.

NCC22 Livable Housing Requirements Explained

Recent changes under NCC22 (National Construction Code 2022) have introduced new livable housing requirements. These updates ensure homes are more accessible and adaptable, benefiting not just wheelchair users but also the elderly and people with mobility challenges.

In this article, based on the Home Building Hub podcast episode NCC22 Livable Housing Requirements Explained, hosts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan break down what these changes mean for home buyers, sales consultants, and builders.

What Is Livable Housing?

Livable housing focuses on designing homes that accommodate changing occupant needs. The goal is to create homes that:

• Are easier to navigate for elderly residents
• Provide better accessibility for people with disabilities or mobility challenges
• Offer future-proofing for homeowners as their needs evolve

Key Changes Under NCC22

These new requirements impact home designs, particularly in areas such as hallways, door widths, bathrooms, and entryways. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Wider Hallways

• Hallways must be at least one metre wide.
• Some builders may allow variations of 1,020mm, 1,050mm, or 1,070mm.
• Previously, some narrow hallways were 900mm - 950mm, so this change is minor but important.
• Expect minor layout adjustments in some homes to accommodate the new width.

2. Wider Doorways

• Main doors must be at least 870mm wide (some may be 920mm).
• Applies to:

• • Front door

  • Internal access door (e.g., garage entry)

  • Bedroom doors

  • An Ensuite or bathroom door

  • Laundry doors (depending on builder interpretation)

• Doors to non-living spaces (e.g., pantries, second toilets) don’t need to comply.

3. Hobless Showers

• At least one shower must be step-free.
• This feature prevents tripping hazards and improves accessibility.

4. Toilet Accessibility & Clearance

• At least one toilet (on the ground floor) must have a clear 1,200mm x 900mm space in front.
• This allows for easy maneuverability.
• Many builders place this toilet in the ensuite for convenience.
• Doors to these toilets could be sliding or cavity doors to maintain clearance.

5. Reinforced Walls for Grab Rails

• A bathrooms or ensuites must have reinforced walls to allow for the future installation of grab rails.
• Homeowners will not see these reinforcements, but they make it easier to install rails later if needed.

6. Step-Free Entry into the Home

• A step-free pathway is required for easy access.
• Options include:

• • Step-free garage entry (most common solution)

  • Ramped front entry (where land slope allows)

  • Side or backyard entry (if it meets gradient requirements)

• Gradient must be no steeper than 1 in 16 (1m rise over 16m distance).
• Some builders use rubber ramps in garages, while others design flat garage slabs.

Practical Implications for Home Buyers

• Minimal visual impact – Changes are subtle and won’t make homes look different.
• Builders still adapting – Some plans are still being adjusted, so expect slight delays.
• Modifications must comply – If you change a floor plan, adjustments must meet livable housing standards.
• Display homes may not be compliant yet – If visiting a display home, check if the design has been updated to reflect the new regulations.

Key Takeaways

• NCC22 makes homes more accessible and adaptable.
• Changes include wider hallways and doors, step-free showers, accessible toilets, and reinforced walls.
• Most builders are implementing step-free garage entry as the easiest compliance method.
• If modifying a design, ensure changes still comply with livable housing standards.
• Builders and sales consultants are still learning these regulations, so patience is key.

For a full breakdown, listen to the NCC22 Livable Housing Requirements Explained episode.

Glossary of Terms

• NCC22 – National Construction Code 2022, governing building regulations in Australia.
• Hobless Shower – A shower with no step, allowing seamless wheelchair or walker access.
• Step-Free Entry – An entrance without steps, ensuring easier access for mobility-impaired occupants.
• Reinforced Walls – Walls with extra support to allow for the later installation of grab rails.

FAQ

1. Do all doors need to be wider?

No, only key doors like bedroom, ensuite or bathroom, front door, and internal access doors need to comply. Pantry and secondary toilet doors remain standard width.

2. Can I still modify my floor plan?

Yes, but any modifications must still comply with NCC22 requirements.

3. Will these changes make my home look different?

No, the adjustments are subtle and won’t dramatically alter a home’s appearance.

4. What if my builder hasn't updated all designs yet?

Many builders are still in transition. If a floor plan you like isn’t available, check back later or ask about expected updates.

5. How do I know if my builder is compliant?

Ask your builder for NCC22-compliant plans and ensure any requested modifications align with the new standards.

About the Home Building Hub Podcast

The Home Building Hub podcast, hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan, is Australia’s premier resource for new home buyers. With weekly episodes featuring special guests, the podcast provides objective, high-quality insights into the home building process - completely free and without sales pitches. From understanding financing options to navigating the complexities of building a new home, each episode is packed with actionable advice and tips.

Explore more episodes at www.homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.

Disclaimer

Whilst we’re all about providing value to you, this article should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It contains general information only and is based on the content discussed during the podcast episode. This information is relevant to the episode’s release date and may not be applicable at the time of reading. Always seek independent professional advice tailored to your personal situation before making any legal or financial decisions.