QDC MP 4.5 / NCC 2022 requirements for bathrooms and internal wet areas

The state government has advised that updates to the Queensland Development Code will support the implementation of the NCC 2022 and Modern Homes standards.

Click to downlaod/ access legislation: Livable dwellings and grading to floor wastes

To streamline building approvals, add plan details / provide a bathroom layout showing shower type, floor waste location and fall. Unenclosed showers may require an additional floor waste.

Waterproofing: highlight if design is to Housing Provisions Part 10.2 (NCC 2022) or AS 3740 (2021).

Q: When designing a bathroom, where can I check what's required?

A: Review QDC MP 4.5 requirements alongside NCC 2022 legislation and Livable Housing Design Standard (LHDS). Detail plans accordingly to clearly identify compliance with the code.

Q: Where a floor waste is installed (outside a shower, WC or laundry), are there alternatives to having to provide fall to the floor waste?

A: Yes, refer to QDC MP 4.5 AO5.

Any area separated from the shower area may not need to be graded – as per QDC MP 4.5. See diagram A5(5) for general information and apply acceptable solutions list for A5 (on p19) for requirements.

Learn more

• This Master Builders summary is helpful, as is the recent HIA guide.

• Modern Homes standards info here. Myths busted here. Government newsflashes are located on the Business Queensland website.

Fielding client questions?

Design professionals and builders, download the checklist - Master Builders Guide for Livable Housing Documentation.

NCC-Livable-Housing-Documentation-Checklist-v2

.pdf

Download PDF • 187KB

For internal wet areas, each part of the design must comply. For example, Part 5 on page 19 of the QDC MP 4.5 relates to performance criteria so is similar to a deemed to satisfy (DTS). Then A5 outlines acceptable solution conditions (ie how this might be done).

Applying layers of legislation - check Queensland requirements / exemptions alongside NCC 2022.

Windows in shower areas

• Housing provisions Part 10.2, has the requirement that “walls of the shower area must be waterproof not less that 1800 mm above the floor substrate”

• As a result, when designing bathrooms to the housing provisions, windows in a shower area are required to be 1800mm above tiled level and outside of the waterproof area (as they are not defined as waterproof).
  

Alternatively a performance solution may be sought.

Learn more

• See the Master Builders NCC 2022 info page

• Access the ABCBs guide to waterproofing in houses (though be aware that for Queensland, the QDC MP 4.5 must be read alongside NCC 2022) or see the resource round up at QBCC.

Get in touch with our residential specialist certifiers via info@buildingaaa.com.au or phone on 07 3265 4114 if we can clarify further.