NCC Livable Housing Design Standard Design Reviews

We consult with architects, designers, builders, and other professionals to ensure homes are designed with LHDS compliance in mind. Our goal is to ensure that your projects create spaces that are easy to live in, in accordance with the NCC Livable Housing Design Standard. We review the designs against Part G7 of the NCC (Class 2 SOUs) and Part H8 of the NCC (Class 1a Buildings) to ensure compliance with step-free access into the dwelling, internal doors & corridors and the design of sanitary compartments, showers and wall reinforcement.

If a design cannot meet the prescriptive requirements for a particular element, we  work with the design team to suggest performance solutions that will work. This way, everyone involved in the project can be confident that the dwelling will be compliant, safe and capable of easy and cost-effective adaptation for occupants to age in.

We believe that hands-on experience is key to what we do. When it comes to building on difficult sites, like steep slopes, small blocks of land or large developments with many dwellings, we know that things don’t always go as planned. That’s why we offer practical solutions that comply with the ‘deemed to satisfy provisions’  while also being realistic about what can actually be constructed on the site. Our expertise covers all types of homes, from single-family houses to apartment buildings, and we make sure our advice is specific to the relevant building codes and local laws. We stay up to date with the latest technical guidelines and regulatory changes, so our design reviews and recommendations are always based on the most up-to-date information and accepted best practices. This way, we can provide the best possible guidance for our clients, no matter what their project entails. Whether it’s a small renovation or a large-scale development, we’re here to help navigate the complexities of the construction process.

Step 1: Design Reviews

When we’re reviewing home designs, our team carefully reviews the plans to ensure they meet the six mandatory requirements set out in the NCC Livable Housing Design Standard. We check every detail of the design to ensure it meets compliance with these requirements. This detailed review ensures we provide accurate feedback and that the homes are designed to be Livable and meet the necessary standards. Our goal is to provide thorough, comprehensive feedback that guides the design process and ensures compliance with the guidelines. As registered LHDS Assessors, we can also provide a provisional (Design) Statement of Compliance.

Step 2: Final As-Built Assessments

Upon completion of construction, our assessors perform detailed assessments of the as-built dwellings. We assess the constructed home against the Livable Housing Design Standard to verify compliance. This comprehensive evaluation encompasses a thorough review of all relevant design features, fixtures, and fittings.

Post final As-built inspection, we can provide you with a clear, simple defects/outstanding items report that clearly points out any non-compliance against the NCC Livable Housing Design Standard and what may need to be rectified.

We ensure buildings are constructed correctly for compliance with the NCC LHDS. Our team ensures that certain features, such as step-free access, door widths and bathroom and shower designs, are built in accordance with approved plans or standards. If we find issues, we provide recommendations that are reasonable and cost-effective. If we find major problems, we work with the architect and builder to provide a clear plan of action to fix them, and then re-check the work. This is an important step to ensure quality and safety. Our goal is to verify that everything is built as it should be and, if not, help get the project back on track. We take a practical approach to fixing issues, so that buildings are safe and accessible for everyone.

Step 03: Issue Final (As-Built) Statement of Compliance

We are registered LHDS Assessors and can provide a formal Final (As-built Statement of Compliance Certificate. This means we can confirm that your building design or finished home meets the rules set out in the Livable Housing Design Guidelines and the ABCB Livable Housing Design Standard. Having this certificate gives you peace of mind, knowing that your project complies with the current Livable Housing Design Standard. This Statement shows that your home is designed to be safe and easy to live in.

Compliance

When a project meets all the requirements of the  Livable Housing Design Standard, we issue a Statement of Compliance. Our assessors provide this document showing that the dwelling complies fully with the NCC Livable Housing Design Standard. This statement provides confidence to certifiers, developers and buyers because it provides a clear record that the housing project meets the LHDS requirements. It’s like a seal of approval, indicating that the home has been designed to comply.