Consultation Regulation Impact Statement: Waterproofing and water shedding provisions

Overview

About the consultation

Research has indicated that serious defects related to waterproofing are the most common defects in buildings compared to other areas, such as fire safety, building enclosures, structural integrity, and key services. A lack of Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provisions is considered to have contributed to problems, including poor design and documentation, a hit-and-miss approach to Performance Solutions, and sub-standard construction outcomes. In turn, these problems are contributing to waterproofing defects.

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has been undertaking work to identify potential changes to waterproofing and water shedding provisions in the next edition of the National Construction Code (NCC). This work builds upon the waterproofing and water shedding provisions included in the 2022 edition of the NCC. The proposed provisions were developed in consultation with the waterproofing and water shedding Technical Reference Group (TRG), external stakeholders and industry experts. These are included in the NCC public comment draft (PCD).

The proposed changes aim to:

• resolve issues stemming from the lack of sub-surface water management; and
• clarify the interpretation and application of multiple Performance Requirements.

In the long run these changes are expected to:

• reduce building defects,
• avoid financial burden and stress to homeowners and occupants,
• extend building lifespans,
• maintain structural integrity,
• improve flexibility in design,
• improve clarity in construction.

The ABCB engaged ACIL Allen to conduct a Consultation Impact Statement (CRIS) to evaluate the impacts of the proposed provisions. ACIL Allen has since developed a CRIS on the proposed NCC waterproofing and water shedding provisions in accordance with the Regulatory Impact Analysis Guide for Ministers’ Meetings and National Standard Setting Bodies administered by the Commonwealth Office of Impact Analysis (OIA). The CRIS includes a cost-benefit analysis, as well as a sensitivity analysis and breakeven analysis. The report is now available for public comment.

Resources

To support stakeholders in providing informed comments, resources are available via the Related Documents section at the bottom of this page:

• CRIS on proposed next edition of the NCC – waterproofing and water shedding  
• Placemat

You can access the full CRIS below or download a copy at the bottom of this page. 

The next edition of the NCC PCD (the technical provisions) is also open for consultation until 11:59 PM AEST 1 July 2024. You can view the draft and supporting documentation on the ABCB’s Consultation Hub.

You will still be able to view the CRIS and the PCD once the public comment period has closed.

Why your views matter

The purpose of this consultation is to seek your feedback on the CRIS undertaken on the proposed waterproofing and water shedding measures. The views of stakeholders are fundamental to ensuring the impact analysis is based on the best available information. Questions have been included to guide your responses on specific matters where more information would be particularly helpful in developing the final Decision Regulation Impact Statement (DRIS).

Providing comment

This consultation is open for responses until 11:59PM AEST Monday 1 July 2024. In line with the ABCB’s procedures for undertaking public consultation, comment will only be accepted through the ABCB’s online Consultation Hub.

What happens next

The ABCB will consider all responses received from stakeholders.

Responses to the CRIS will inform the development of the final report.