QDC MP 4.5 / NCC 2022 requirements for bathrooms and internal wet areas
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Requirements for the Queensland Development Code support the implementation of the NCC 2022 and Modern Homes standards.
Streamline building approvals - essentials for design
✅Add plan details
Highlight if design is to Housing Provisions Part 10.2 (NCC 2022) or AS 3740 (2021)
✅ Provide a bathroom layout
Show
shower type (unenclosed showers may require an additional floor waste).
floor waste: location and fall
extent of waterproofing and tiling
💡Include shower rose, toilet pan dimensions and product specifications, where available (eg for detachable shower hose)
Q: When designing a bathroom, where can I check what's required?
A: Review QDC MP 4.5 requirements alongside NCC 2022 legislation and the 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. View diagrams here
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.
Builders FYI: if required, request detailed plans of wet areas from the building designer/ architect. Homeowners making product selection in the design/ development phase (or last-minute changes at installation) may need support to cross-check first, so compliance is not impacted.
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).
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
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
💡This HIA article compares options for compliance: see "Waterproofing of wet areas; the basics"
💡Access online: HIA: FAQs for NCC2022 waterproofing and external waterproofing – explained
BA&A client or industry professional seeking further clarification? Get in touch with our residential specialist certifiers via info@buildingaaa.com.au or phone on 07 3265 4114