Report on the Review of the Building Code: 10 Implementing the changes
The changes have been described above as being Type 1, 2 or 3 depending on whether they are to clarify existing requirements, are new requirements or require further development before a definite proposal can be made.
Most of the Building Code would be unchanged.
10.1 Timing
The 2007 discussion document sought comment about how changes to the Building Code could be implemented.
Some submissions favoured delaying implementation until all major changes were settled. Others favoured a staged, ongoing introduction of changes as they become ready.
Some submissions and feedback from workshops indicated apprehension from some in the sector about the possible extent or complexity of changes. Some submissions commented that the sector was going through a lot of change and any further Building Code changes needed to be well supported with appropriate guidance material/Acceptable Solutions.
It is recommended that a programme of staged, incremental releases of changes be followed.
10.2 Compliance Documents
Many submissions were received to the effect that the Building Code must be adequately supported by Compliance Documents. Submitters commented that Building Code changes should be introduced in stages and in tandem with changes to the Compliance Documents.
As stated earlier, Compliance Documents are an integral part of the building controls system and must be aligned with the Building Code for the system to be effective. Many Compliance Documents cite, or incorporate by reference, New Zealand Standards (and Standards from other countries), and these need to be aligned.
More than 200 New Zealand Standards are directly incorporated and more than double that number are referred to in the directly referenced Standards. Such Standards specify products, systems, processes or design methods, and can be useful for providing a means of compliance with the Building Code. They are developed by sector representatives on a consensus basis. The connection between Compliance Documents and Standards is such that reference to Compliance Documents implies reference to associated Standards.
The citing in the Act of New Zealand Standard NZS 4121 Design for Access and Mobility, Buildings and Associated Facilities as a means of compliance with the Building Code is unique, and can cause confusion and problems for compliance.
The 2006 discussion document presented for comment the possibility of an Acceptable Solution for Housing. This would provide details for typical house construction that meet the Building Code for designers and builders. Submissions on this were overwhelming supportive.
It is recommended that Compliance Documents affected by changes to the Building Code be amended and released concurrently with changes to the Building Code.
It is recommended that the arrangement of Compliance Documents related to features for physical independence be reviewed.
It is also recommended that an Acceptable Solution for Housing be prepared.
10.3 Sector education
There was widespread comment from sector submissions about the need for education programmes to accompany the release of changes to the Building Code and Compliance Documents.
The strength of these submissions, and other observations by the Department, suggest that sector education about the Building Code and Compliance Documents will be critical to the successful implementation of changes.
It is recommended that the implementation of changes to the Building Code and Compliance Documents be accompanied by a comprehensive sector education programme.