If you’re planning to build a new home or do renovation work in Perth, you’ll quickly hear builders and designers talking about the NCC. The National Construction Council affects almost every part of your home. Areas such as insulation, energy efficiency, safety and structural standards and more fall under their purview.
Understanding what the NCC requires will help you make smarter decisions, avoid costly surprises, and ensure your home is built to the recommended standards.
The National Construction Code (NCC) is Australia’s main set of building rules and standards applying to new homes, renovations, developments and commercial buildings.
It regulates how buildings are designed and constructed to ensure they are:
- Safe
- Structurally sound
- Energy efficient
- Healthy to live in
- Accessible
- Durable
For Perth homeowners, this means every approved home must comply with the NCC before it can be built.
While the NCC is a national code, it’s enforced at a state level. In Western Australia, this process is overseen by Building and Energy, which sits under the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
Your building plans must be assessed and approved by a private building surveyor or local council before construction can begin.
How the NCC affects your Perth home
The NCC isn’t just paperwork it shapes how your home is designed and built. It impacts buildings in the following way:
Energy efficiency & thermal performance
One of the biggest NCC changes in recent years has been tougher energy efficiency requirements for both summer and winter months. Homes now must perform better in both summer heat and winter cold including:
- Mandatory minimum insulation levels
- Limits on heat entering through windows
- Tighter building sealing
- Better glazing performance
Your home must also meet energy targets measured under Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme or NatHERS. The higher the NatHERS star rating, the less energy your home requires. These ratings result in lower power bills; more comfort and less dependence on air conditioning.
Structural & wind load requirements
Perth has specific wind classifications, especially in coastal and exposed areas. NCC regulations ensure your home can withstand strong winds and extreme weather events, which include:
- Footings and slabs
- Framing strength
- Roof tie-down systems
- Bracing and fixings
Fire safety & bushfire construction
If your block is near bushland, your home may be assessed with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating which includes:
- Window and door specifications
- Roof and gutter protection
- External cladding requirements
- Ember protection systems
BAL requirements can even apply in Perth metro areas depending on the vegetation and proximity to reserves.
Health, ventilation & moisture control
In this area, standards greatly affect mould growth, indoor air quality, and the long-term structural integrity of a building, as the NCC controls key construction requirements that directly affect bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, and roofing systems. This includes:
- Minimum ceiling heights
- Natural ventilation rules
- Wet area waterproofing
- Drainage and moisture protection
How NCC changes affect Perth homeowners right now
The NCC is updated regularly to reflect Australia’s evolving climate targets, safety improvements, and modern construction practices. These ensure that new homes are designed to perform better in extreme weather and remain structurally sound for longer.
For Perth homeowners, recent NCC updates have placed strong emphasis on improved energy efficiency as well as future solar readiness. This means new homes must be better insulated and designed to work efficiently with renewable energy solutions.
This can mean higher upfront build costs which can be offset by lower long-term running costs, a higher resale value, and a home that is more comfortable to live in.
Does the NCC limit custom home design?
No, the NCC does not limit custom home design. The NCC sets minimum performance standards, not design restrictions. You can still build custom layouts with luxury inclusions or unique external finishes designed by architects.
Good builders design with the NCC in mind, ensuring your home:
- Meets structural requirements
- Achieves the required energy rating
- Complies with safety rules
What happens if a home doesn’t meet NCC standards?
If a home doesn’t comply:
- Building approval can be delayed or refused
- Occupancy permits won’t be issued
- Insurance issues can arise
- Expensive rectification work may be required
Conclusion
Working with an experienced custom home builder like IQ Construction is critical. NCC compliance is not something you want to fix later as it will only end up delaying the building process and costing your more money.
At IQ Construction, every custom home is designed and meet NCC requirements without taking any shortcuts. As a result, our clients can expect a smooth and enjoyable building experience.