Everything You Need To Know About BCA Compliance and Reporting

What is BCA?

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) are a set of technical provisions contained within the first two chapters of the National Construction Code (NCC).They dictate the minimum mandatory requirements for the health, safety, amenity and sustainability in the design, development and construction of new buildings within Australia. This also applies to new work being applied to existing buildings. The BCA is generated and updated by the Australian Building Codes Board on behalf of the Commonwealth Government and all State and Territory governments.

The BCA comes under two volumes, Volume One is for commercial buildings (it has information regarding Class 2 to Class 9 buildings) and Volume Two is for residential buildings (it has information regarding Class 1 and Class 10 buildings which includes houses, sheds, garages and carports). The BCA states a set of measurable construction and building standards and all building work must comply against the appropriate standards as per their Volume (One or Two).

It is important to note that each year these manuals are updated with the newest codes and standards therefore it is vital to ensure you are using the most current edition. The most current edition is the NCC 2019.

It is extremely important that the most appropriate areas of the BCA are followed in the design and construction of structures that are being being within the following four classifications:
- Bushfire areas
- High wind areas
- Earthquake ares
- Alpine areas

Why do we need a National Building Code?

The Building Code Australia (BCA) was introduced as a means to ensure that the minimum construction standards across the whole of Australia were consistent. It is mandatory that all the States and Territories within the country comply with the BCA’s technical requirements.

What does the BCA cover?

The Building Code Australia (BCA) covers a wide range of construction and building related concerns that includes the standards for structural adequacy, fire resistance requirements, energy sustainability and efficiency, problems surround the health and amenity of the buildings occupants and matters regarding access and egress.

BCA Reports and Compliance - How Can National BCA help?

National BCA offers a multi-layered consultancy experience for builders, developers, managers and property owners. To avoid non-compliance and unnecessary holdups, we work with you to accomplish your project goals so you can be issued with the certificates you need to stay on track and on budget. If you are upgrading an existing building or looking for development consent, we can assist. As BCA reports are one of our team’s most requested service, we are well-versed and knowledgeable on all the latest policies and procedures. Every one of our inspections is fully documented so you, as the developer or owner, can assess the situation and make any necessary changes. Our reports will focus on areas such as fire safety, energy efficiency, access and legislative requirements. Once you have your BCA report, your development or renovation can proceed without issue. It offers much peace of mind and will allow you to stick closely to your budget and timeline of events.

Existing Buildings

National BCA’s experts offer professional audits, assessments and condition reporting on all types of existing buildings whether residential, retail, office or industrial. We will provide you with 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). We understand 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 team will offer advice during the design phase to ensure that council is happy with all your applications. We 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 will 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 to establish that all is going according to plan. These evaluations and reports will safeguard against delay on any future approvals once the build is completed.

Why should you obtain a BCA Report?

BCA Compliance

A BCA report will clearly note areas of your building with non compliance against the most recent BCA edition. The BCA report will detail where the building currently stands within the current code and what changes need to be made to achieve BCA compliance.

Expert Advice

At National BCA we have a team of professional building certifiers that have years of experience and expertise in BCA compliance and reporting. We will work alongside you to provide a thorough side audit and documentation review based on the context and use of your building. With our expert knowledge, you can be guaranteed that you will be given the specialist advice you need to get the job done right the first time.

Project Efficiency

Working as a team, we facilitate the approval process for new builds through a series of reporting procedures and evaluations. We then offer progress inspections and full reporting as construction gets underway. We will monitor your progress from the development application right through to occupation, and advise you on any noncompliance and enforcement issues which arise, as well as possible solutions. There is nothing worse than having your application held up by the council because you have inadvertently forgotten to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. With National BCA, you can be confident that everything will be handled correctly the first time, saving you money and time in the process.

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. National BCA can help you in the development of a BCA compliance upgrade program as well as any negotiations with the Council. We are experienced BCA Consultants 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 >