*ARCHIVE* - Timing for new timber treatment requirements 10 Mar 2004
Information and advice
Treated timber, Acceptable Solution B2/AS1, and information for people building or renovating.
Media release
10 March 2004
The Building Industry Authority (BIA) has confirmed implementation arrangements for new treated timber requirements announced in December.
The new requirements set out in its Acceptable Solution (known as B2/AS1 because it is the Acceptable Solution supporting Clause B2 (Durability) of the New Zealand Building Code) introduce the need for increased levels of treatment for timber used in parts of buildings most at risk of damage caused by leaking.
The requirements will take effect in two stages in order to balance the need of people already building, with the desire to implement changes quickly for new projects.
Stage One
The changes will apply to new applications for building consents received on or after 1 April 2004.
Stage Two
A one year transition period applies for building projects already consented and underway. That means people currently building have until 31 March 2005 to complete their project and obtain a code compliance certificate.
Chief executive John Ryan said the BIA advises all people currently building, or thinking about building to talk to their council, architect or builder about these new requirements.
"They are important changes. People building should be aware of them and discuss with their building advisors whether or not they should be incorporated into their building project.
"People already building may have the opportunity to complete their project using the new requirements, and we would encourage them to do so if possible."
The changes were announced in December 2003. They were originally proposed to take effect for all building projects from 1 April this year subject to feedback on any implementation issues from the industry. The implementation arrangements follow consideration of the information received.
Contact: Laurie Edwards, BIA Communications (04) 495 2773 or 027 258 2849
Explanation of Terms:
New Zealand Building Code
The Building Code sets out a range of performance standards that buildings must meet. These cover things like durability (how long parts of a building should last), fire safety, energy efficiency and access.
Building Consent
Building consents are issued by councils where they consider that the Building Code will be met if the proposed building work is carried out in accordance with the submitted plans and specifications. A building consent authorises building work to be carried out and is needed before building work can begin.
Code Compliance Certificate
A certificate issued by a council or building certifier at the completion of building work. It confirms that the council or building certifier is satisfied that the finished building complies with the Building Code.
Acceptable Solution
Acceptable Solutions provide a prescriptive means of complying with the clauses of the Building Code. They set out a building method which, if followed, means a building will comply with the relevant part of the Building Code.
A building can be designed and constructed in a way that differs from an Acceptable Solution but can still comply with the Building Code. If this is the case it will be considered on its merits by a council or building certifier when determining code compliance.