In March of this year, we eagerly looked forward to the proposed accessible housing requirements for the National Construction Code (NCC). In May, many accessibility advocates breathed a sigh of relief as federal, state and territory building ministers agreed to introduce mandatory accessibility standards for new homes into the 2022 NCC.
The proposed changes to the code have been labelled a big win for future older Australians who wish to remain at home for longer and people with a disability. The 2022 NCC incorporates key accessible regulations and requirements into housing, including:
- Step-free access from street and parking areas.
- A minimum of one step-free entrance into a residence.
- Interior doors and corridors allowing for easy access.
- First-floor toilet.
- Step-less shower.
- Reinforced lavatory walls to facilitate grab rail installation.
- Continuous handrail for staircases.
All new homes, including houses, flats and apartments, will be required to meet the silver minimum requirements once the new NCC comes into effect in late 2022. We applaud these incoming changes to the NCC and the significant positive impact they will have on many people’s lives.