SERVICES

BCA Reports

If you’re planning on upgrading an existing building or looking for development consent in Sydney or the Sutherland Shire, the BCA Consultant National BCA can happily assist. Due to BCA Reports being one of our team’s most requested service, we’re up to date with all the latest policies, procedures and regulations. Every single one of our inspections is fully documented so you, as the developer or owner, can analyse the situation and make any changes you deem necessary. Our reports will focus on areas such as fire safety, energy efficiency and legislative requirements.

A BCA Report will list areas of non-compliance from the most recent provisions, which is particularly important for older buildings and those that have been altered. The report will outline where the building sits in relation to the current code, and what jobs or tasks need to take place to become BCA compliant.

Once you have your BCA report, your development or renovation can proceed without concerns or issues, you’re all good to go! It offers much peace of mind and allows you to stick closely to your budget and timeline of events.

Fire Safety

Any and all building owners or developers will most likely understand the significance of fire safety engineering and the need for a fire safety plan. The BCA Consultant team at National BCA will help you develop solutions for both existing buildings and proposed builds to ensure that your Sydney building or plan complies with government policies and standards for fire safety.

We can provide Fire Safety Audits, carry out inspections on an ad hoc or regular basis, as well as issue Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS) in the Sutherland Shire.

RESIDENTIAL REPORTS

In Sydney and the Sutherland Shire, residential reports are compulsory for all houses and townhouses, however they aren’t compulsory for home units, offices, warehouses or factories.

In Sydney residential reports, the building inspector must supply four inspection types.

1. Building Inspection - this comprises a Structural Inspection of the home and here the inspector must outline any major defects of the residence. Some inspectors also include a basic plumbing and electrical and appliances inspection, as we do.

2. Termite Inspection - this is more technically termed a Timber Pest Inspection. But in Sydney, it’s termites that are the major concern. But the listing of conducive material and parts of the structure that are suffering fungal attack because of lack of maintenance is extremely useful for the buyer.

3. Energy Efficiency Rating - this is important for you to know what is useful for the buy to conserve energy, which also encourages homeowners to know and be responsible for their energy consumption.

4. Compliance Report - all residential building inspectors may make out this report and send it to the government, something that is mandated by the law. The NSW residential report is simply where the residential building inspectors notes what’s on the plan and what’s there on the site in reality. He then reports the discrepancy, and keep in mind there are some structures that aren’t included in these reports, such as certain pergolas and so on.

While the conveyancing files are not an inspection, they are in fact ordered from the NSW government on your behalf and they become part of the body of inspection reports as well.

COMMERCIAL REPORTS

National BCA building inspections on commercial properties offer independent and expert reports for investors in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.

When talking about successful property investment it’s essential to know the full condition of the Sydney property before making the crucial decision to buy or not to buy. Not knowing the condition of a property can cost you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs and maintenance, not to mention significant time and effort to rectify these issues. No one wants to purchase a commercial property and then pay to rectify issues that could’ve been identified beforehand.

A building inspection is fundamental to ensure you are fully aware of any issues or potential problems with the property you are considering buying.

What Does the Report Provide?

A National BCA building inspection report on a commercial property is a comprehensive and independent document completed in accordance with Australian Standards.

The report details the condition of all the various building components and external structures and whether they will need your attention. The report will list and describe any existing problems and provide suggestions on repairs and also indicate any remedial or maintenance requirements that you need to be aware of prior to purchasing the property. The building report will include photos of important items so you can see what issues may exist. Our reports are simple to read and provide a glossary of technical terms to help you understand the report.

If you have specific worries about any specific area of the commercial property you are looking to buy, we can instruct our building inspector to address these issues specifically during the inspection.

INDUSTRIAL REPORTS

An industrial report is a comprehensive account of a specific industry, containing a host of information, facts and statistics. Industrial reports could be private (distributed across industry insiders or paid subscribers) or public (accessible to everyone).

Industrial reports are prepared by various parties, including:

Government Agencies: They prepare and collate various industry reports to judge the overall economic health of the nation.

Research Firms: These firms create market surveys and collate various industry reports and sell them to companies and government organisations. These reports are purchased to facilitate decision marking.

Individual Companies: Different companies in an industry prepare industry reports for their own use in order to facilitate decision making and internal management, which are generally not available to outsiders.

An industry report generally contains the following:

Industry definition: An industry report includes a comprehensive definition of the industry, mentioning what the industry includes and what comes outside its scope.  

Major industry players: Mentions the names and other relevant information about major companies that generate the largest revenue in the industry.  

Market share: The report displays a breakdown of the different markets of the industry and its share in each market.

Historical and current trends: These trends include the facts and figures of various companies in the industry. Historical trends in the industry are generally presented for five to ten years and the current trend relating to the prior financial year.  

Employment statistics: It includes an account of the total employment figures and distribution in various companies within the industry

BUILDING LEGISLATION

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is a constant set of technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures throughout Australia.

It’s produced and maintained by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), whose main goal is to achieve national standards at a consistent and continual level. They do this through the National Construction Code (NCC), which is comprised of both the Building Code of Australia (Volumes 1 and 2) and the Plumbing Code of Australia (Volume 3).

Due to the code’s evolving nature, it’s crucial to stay up to date with key changes that happen each year, to ensure you price building work to comply with the code, and essentially prevent contractual disputes.

LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE

Building regulation and certification are crucial parts of the planning system in New South Wales, which supports sustainable development and aims to ensure the safety of buildings and that they meet the performance expectations of the community both at the time of their construction and throughout their effective lives.

The requirements for building products are made through the NCC, state and territory building and planning laws and other regulatory regimes.

National Construction Code

All building products and materials in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire must comply with the NCC, which requires that evidence of suitability be established to demonstrate that a material, design or construction meets a Performance Requirement or Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provision.

State and territory building and planning laws

It’s the combined planning and building regulation laws in each jurisdiction that give legal effect to the NCC. These laws generally need compliance with the NCC before being granted a planning and building approval. Compliance with the NCC involves a requirement to choose products that are ‘fit for purpose’. The planning and/or building regulator in each jurisdiction has a responsibility for regulation of compliance and conformance of building products and materials used in building work.

Specialist regulatory regimes

As well as planning and building, some products and materials are regulated by specialist regulatory regimes including consumer law, electrical, and gas regulations.

WHY CHOOSE NATIONAL BCA

WHAT IS A BCA REPORT?

BCA Reports are always required as part of the development approval, construction certificate or complying development certificate in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.

As part of the BCA report, a design assessment is undertaken on the most recent drawings to make sure the design complies with the BCA requirements relevant to that project. Where non-compliances with the D-t-S provisions of the BCA are made evident, suggestions and advice is provided on how to remove the non-compliance. This is issued back to the designer or architect and updated drawings provided for final checking.

Typically in a BCA Report there would be a title page, table of contents, introduction, development details, BCA assessment which includes the necessary clauses applicable to the project and the statement of design compliance which solidifies compliance with the relevant standards and BCA clauses.

In the majority of cases, the reports are either read by the relevant assessment authority (for example the Council or the Private Certifier) and also used by the contractor or client as a reference tool.

Reasons to Obtain a BCA Report

Expert advice

National BCA’s incredible team of Accredited Building Certifiers and BCA Consultant are highly skilled and experienced in complying with NSW legislation and work closely with you on a site audit and documentation review, to ensure any advice gives full thought to the context and use of your building. This process provides you with peace of mind that you’re getting quality and top advice for your property.

Project efficiency

While BCA compliance and BCA reports is just one aspect of the purchase or sale of the building, it can have an enormous impact on your asset’s ability to deliver consistent returns.

Cost effectiveness

A BCA report provides you with all the information required to make an informed decision, such as negotiating the cost of any upgrades required into the purchase price. You may also be able to negotiate the value of the assets in the sale price of the building. Understanding these issues and opportunities will allow you to leverage your asset throughout its lifecycle, therefore adding significant value to BCA reports.

Safety and liability

Minimising risk is a key consideration for obtaining a BCA report, and it’s usually requested by councils and the fire brigade when there are questions raised around the safety of the building. Being very present and having an adequate understanding of a buildings position relative to compliance with the current legislation allows an owner to forecast upgrade costs and deal with compliance continually lessening the burden.

We highly recommend and encourage all clients to obtain a BCA report.

BCA Consultants Sydney

If it’s an existing building or even a completely new design, the Sydney BCA Consultant that is National BCA aims to provide our clients with the confidence that their buildings will be safe.

The highly regarded Sydney BCA Consultant provides technical interpretation of the Building Code of Australia to meet the performance requirements for your project. Linked to our services engineering disciplines, we ensure close collaboration to ensure practical and economic solutions are achieved for our clients.

In addition to Building Code interpretation and regulatory compliance, we provide private certification for all classes of buildings, from early schematic design assessment and design compliance through to the construction compliance stage.

The National BCA Consultant reduces your BCA compliance risks and costs by providing accurate BCA advice at every stage of a building’s lifecycle, including:

• preliminary planning and concept design

• final design, construction, commissioning and certification

• occupancy (including fire services testing and maintenance)

• refurbishments and changes of use

The extensive experience of our BCA consultants means we can assess and advise on any BCA building, ranging from the smallest residential buildings to large and complex public infrastructures.

The entire range of our BCA consulting services extends to:

• BCA Compliance Assessments

  1. Certificates of Design Compliance

  2. Certificate of Building Compliance

  3. Fire Safety and Risk Audits

  4. Safety in Design reporting by Risk Management

  5. Alternative Building Solutions (Material Science)

  6. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

  7. Building Inspections and Reports

  8. Certificates of Construction Compliance

  9. Authority Negotiations

  10. Forensic Inspection and Reporting

What the BCA CONSULTANT Can do:

Concept Design Phase

• Pre-Development Application assessments of proposed projects to ensure design optimisation and efficiencies

• Audits of existing structures to identify and suggest appropriate upgrading regimes

• Liaise with Councils

• Recommendations on performance-based compliance design options

Detailed Design Phase

• Assessment of the architectural and services design detailed drawings of proposed developments against the BCA, which can include a review and ‘mark-up’ of:

• Specifications;

• Floor plans, elevations and sections;

• Wall type schedules for FRL’s and non-combustible construction; and

• Design certification to the BCA and Australian Standards

Building Approvals and Construction Certification

• Assessment of documentation for any kind of project

• Certification of State and Federal Crown projects

• Preparation of Performance Solution reports

• Liaise with Councils, Certifiers, PCA’s and Fire and Rescue NSW

Construction Phase

• Inspections of buildings under construction on behalf of the builder or the developer to identify potential hazards and risks whilst the building is under construction to reduce the risks of a defects claim.

• Consultancy services whilst the building is under construction answering RFI’s and general building regulations and fire safety engineering consultancy services

Existing Buildings and Due Diligence

• Audits of buildings against current existing or code requirements

• Create fire upgrading strategies for existing buildings

• Negotiate with Council regarding the works and time frames of Fire Orders

• Audits and reports on existing buildings using both regulatory and risk base approaches

Annual Fire Safety Measures Certification

• Preparation of Annual Fire Safety Statements and Fire Safety Schedules on behalf of building owners, including inspections and review of maintenance work

• Technical reviews of proposed maintenance works to ensure only required work is being performed

EXISTING BUILDINGS

The Sydney BCA Consultant expert that is National BCA provides professional audits, assessments and condition reporting on all kinds of existing buildings whether it be residential, retail, office or industrial in the Sutherland Shire and wider Sydney region. We will deliver recommendations and specific strategies to focus on, including a list of alternative solutions. We can also assist with the preparation of plans for the Development Application (DA). The Sydney BCA Consultant that is National BCA understands the process can be stressful and will help you review documentation and provide advice on the best way to proceed, taking into account feedback received from council due to non-compliance.

PROPOSED BUILDINGS

Our dedicated team will offer professional and informed advice during the design phase to ensure that council is satisfied with all applications for your Sydney building. Our BCA reports will provide a full and detailed evaluation of your proposed build based on the standards of the BCA to help fast-track the process. We’ll also offer our recommendations, solutions and alternatives to any non-compliance issues to meet regulatory requirements regardless of the approval authority.

BUILDINGS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

We can provide inspection and evaluation to monitor the build progress and ensure everything is going according to plan. These evaluations and reports will safeguard against delay on any future approvals once the build is completed.

What is fire engineering?

Even if two buildings appear to be the same, we can guarantee you they’re not. Although they may share the same functional needs, every building is unique and made of different types of materials. They also have different types of layouts and shelter different types of occupants.

Fire safety engineering utilises the latest methods in fire protection as well as engineering methods to reduce the impact a fire can have on a structure. These methods are combined with other cost effective solutions that do not skimp or jeopardise the safety or resilience of the building.

Fire safety engineering provides a second approach when it comes to building designs. This more focused approach helps to make sure the occupants and the structure itself remain safe from fire related dangers, going beyond simply making sure that the building is in compliance with design documentation.

As fire safety engineers, National BCA’s primary goal is to provide customised fire safety engineering solutions for our Sutherland Shire clients so that a desired safety level is provided.

Fire protection is an investment that’s not only essential, but it’s a crucial investment that must be considered for each construction project. Our clients approach us to make sure that their buildings are complying with the recognised guidance and standards that have been set forth in legislation. They also choose us to make sure that their buildings meet and exceed fire safety expectations.

BENEFITS OF FIRE ENGINEERING

The techniques that are involved with fire engineering safety are extremely useful when there needs to be a resolution for conflicts that are related to fire safety building codes and/or when there is a need to identify solutions that are not only cost effective but that will also meet the safety and protection standards. Ultimately, fire safety engineering provides protection that is necessary to save buildings, lives and a company’s reputation.

FIRE SAFETY CONSULTANTS SYDNEY

Existing Buildings

National BCA is a highly regarded BCA Consultant in Sydney that can help you with your Annual Fire Safety Statement in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire, ensuring that all crucial fire safety measures have been met in any public or commercial building. We’ll perform the inspection, assess all measures and confirm that you are following the minimum standards required. We can also prepare the necessary documentation for submission to the Council and the NSW Fire and Rescue. We can even provide fire safety reports on commercial buildings, including older structures that may be due for a fire safety assessment or upgrade. We’ll very carefully evaluate whether your Sydney building complies with the laws laid down by the BCA and that all fire safety regulations are met.

Proposed Builds

Our talented Sydney design team can help you create fire safety solutions that will exhibit compliance and protect your building and the people in it. We focus on producing innovative ideas to meet the provisions of the BCA, while highly considering your budget and exact time frame. We can also work on behalf of your designer or the necessary governing authority to provide a current assessment of your building proposal advising on non-compliance or other issues which we believe may arise.

Buildings under construction

Additionally, we offer inspections and evaluations to monitor the build progress. This will help prevent any future delays that may be overlooked during the construction phase. We can also advise your Sutherland Shire building contractors on the latest fire stopping methods and processes as necessary.

What are legal requirements?

Litigation compliant reports for tribunals, the Land and Environment Court and Supreme Court must be managed in a professional and specific manner. We thoroughly understand the requirements and codes of conduct issued by these specific legal bodies and can happily assist you with your litigation reports.

What are Standards and why do they matter?

In Australia, Standards are published documents based on consensus, which can take the form of specifications, procedural requirements, or handbooks. They’re legal documents which are updated to suit the changing needs of the economy and community.

Government regulators and public health authorities usually turn to legal standards in their regulation to provide a baseline level of safety requirements for houses, buildings, machinery and everyday objects. Standards are everywhere in your daily life, from the buildings you live in to footpaths to how you ride your bike.

In the field of building and construction, legal standards help practices know what codes to follow, methods and technical requirements to create a safe and sustainable built environment for the community.

What is the rule of law?

The rule of law has no black and white definition, but generally, it’s a concept that suggests no one is above the law. The rule of law suggests that there are clear, comprehendible rules that everyone must follow – citizens, governments and businesses.

Why is the rule of law important to business?

If you try picture performing business without any legal means to protect your best interests, you’ll quickly realise why the rule of law is crucial to business. The rule of law provides everyone a framework for how to act and operate. It holds people, businesses and government accountable for their actions.

What are the risks of non-compliance?

Failure to comply with state and federal legal guidelines can have very serious consequences for your business, which is why it’s so important to be aware of and understand the rules. If you don’t, you can find yourself receiving fines, lawsuits, audits – even having your business dissolved entirely.

LEGAL COMPLIANCE CONSULTANTS SYDNEY

Existing building or building under construction

The topic of property defects, damage or fire-related issues can be significantly complicated. Our skilled and qualified Sydney BCA Consultant team at National BCA can help you with any legal reports and documentation to assist the matter reach a fast conclusion.

If you’re worried or concerned about your Sydney or Sutherland Shire building complying with legal regulations, please reach out to the Sydney BCA Consultant team at National BCA - we’re here to help with all legal matters.

National BCA can assemble a report for the building owner that will identify the areas of the building that requires upgrades in relation to their situation. Whether this be a BCA upgrade program, a particular risk or concern, due diligence process, a redevelopment program or in response to an order from the Council. The Sydney BCA Consultant can help you in the development of a BCA compliance upgrade program as well as any negotiations with the Council. We are an experienced BCA Consultant that have serviced Sydney for over 40+ years. With veteran BCA experience, you can trust National BCA to handle your report with the upmost diligence and thoroughness. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to give us a call on 0456 007 095 or alternatively you can email us using our contact form.

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