What is the National Construction Code?

The National Construction Code or NCC for short is a national building code for the construction of all buildings and structures in Australia. Previously known as the Building Code of Australia (BCA), the NCC incorporates both volumes one and two of the building code and volume three of the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) to ensure strict compliance levels.

The NCC contains the minimum performance requirements for design and construction of all buildings, building elements, plumbing and drainage for all Australian states.

The NCC uses four assessment methods to determine whether a build solution is in actual compliance with the NCC requirements. These assessment methods include:

Evidence of Suitability

Requires evidence to support claims that materials, construction or design meets national requirements or Deemed To Satisfy (DTS) Provisions.

Verification Method

Uses tests, calculations and inspections to determine whether a building, plumbing or drainage solution meets the minimum performance requirements.

Comparison

This method allows for a comparison between the DTS Provision and a proposed building, plumbing or drainage solution.

Expert Judgement

Judgement of a person who has the experience and qualifications to determine compliance with the national regulations.

The latest version of the NCC is available online for viewing and takes into account amendments from 2018. The most recent amendments introduced a number of changes including a new verification method for testing external wall assemblies for fire spread. This change affected the construction of units, health care and aged care buildings two or more storeys in height, and office, commercial or retail buildings three or more storeys in height. Amendments were also made in reference to slip resistance requirements for housing and eaves gutters to supersede the earlier print version of the NCC.

It is important to ensure you are referencing the latest version of the NCC to avoid being in breach of national statutory regulations or obligations on any build project. A new version of the NCC is scheduled to be published in 2019.