EDITION 16
J U N E 2 0 1 9
A Class Act. Changes to the National Construction Code mean that more classes of mid-rise buildings can deliver the benefits of wood.
From May 1, 2019 changes to the National Construction Code introduce Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions that allow timber building systems for all Class 2-9 buildings with an effective height of up to 25m - typically 8 storeys. You can discover more about designing and building with wood – whatever the size or purpose of your project at woodsolutions.com.au.
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
ďťż
2
Thank you to our sponsors Thank you to Thank Thankyou youto toour Thank you to our sponsors our sponsors sponsors our sponsors
The Building Designers Association of Victoria appreciates the support and assistance of our sponsors.
The Association TheBuilding Building BuildingDesigners DesignersAssociation Associationof of Victoria appreciates the support Victoria appreciates the support and of Victoria support The Buildingappreciates Designers the Association and assistance of our sponsors. assistance of our sponsors and partners. and assistance of our sponsors. of Victoria appreciates the support and assistance of our sponsors.
Follow us for design inspiration. VANTAGEWINDOWSAUS Follow Follow us for us for design design inspiration. inspiration. VANTAGEWINDOWSAUS VANTAGEWINDOWSAUS
EUROPEAN DESIGN EUROPEAN EUROPEANDESIGN DESIGN DEVELOPED BY DEVELOPED DEVELOPEDBY BY AUSTRALIAN MINDS. AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIANMINDS. MINDS. Inspired by the hallmarks of european design, AWS delivers the superior quality, Inspired Inspired by the by the hallmarks hallmarks of european of european design, design, AWS AWS delivers the superior superior quality, quality, style and performance Australians have come todelivers enjoy inthe their homes. Manufactured style style and and performance performance Australians Australians have have come come to enjoy to enjoy their in their homes. homes. Manufactured Manufactured by Australians for Australian conditions and tested toinexceed Australian standards, by Australians by Australians for Australian Australian conditions andand tested tested to exceed to exceed Australian Australian standards, standards, ensures ourfor windows andconditions doors deliver the right solution everytime. ensures ensures ourour windows windows andand doors doors deliver deliver thethe right right solution solution everytime. everytime. TO SEE THE FULL RANGE & YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIERS: TO SEE TO SEE THETHE FULL FULL RANGE RANGE & YOUR & YOUR LOCAL LOCAL SUPPLIERS: SUPPLIERS:
SPECIFYAWS.COM.AU SPECIFYAWS.COM.AU SPECIFYAWS.COM.AU
ARCHITECTURAL WINDOWS AND DOORS BY ARCHITECTURAL ARCHITECTURAL WINDOWS WINDOWS ANDAND DOORS DOORS BY BY
Contents COVER STORY – PROJEC T NAPIER
6
I N T E R V I E W : B R I A N S T R AT F O R D
11
PLANNING TOPICS
15
INDUSTRY NEWS
19
N AT H E R S N E W S
34
B U S I N E S S / T E C H N O L O G Y M AT T E R S
39
JOB MARKET
45
Why Intersect? Intersect is taken from the word Intersection – a point at which two lines or surfaces meet, and represents: – The INTERSECT-ion of disciplines; – The INTERSECT-ion of past, present and future; – The INTERSECT-ion of form and function; – The INTERSECT-ion where industries meet.
DISCLAIMER Publication of an article or inclusion of an advertisement in this edition does not infer that the BDAV agrees with the views expressed, or message conveyed, nor does it imply endorsement of products. In addition, the BDAV does not accept responsiblity for any errors or omissions. No content may be reproduced without the written permission of the BDAV. Requests should be lodged to The Editor, at info@bdav.org.au.
Cover Story – Project Napier
COVER STORY – PROJEC T NAPIER
— — —
ONE OF MELBOURNE'S SMALLEST HOUSES REVISITED L I G H T, H E I G H T A N D S I M P L I C I T Y C R E AT E F E E L I N G O F S PA C I O U S N E S S O N A T I G H T B L O C K I N D O O R / O U T D O O R C O N N E C T I O N
JFK Design Landscape/Buildings/ Interiors won an award in the BDAV’s 2018 Building Design Awards for their Project Napier in the category of Best Small Lot Design. The project also received a commendation in the Residential Design Alterations & Addition - $250-$500k construction cost; and won the Best Small Dwelling Design up to 150sqm in the 2018 NABD Awards. At only 3.2m wide and with a total area of 82sqm, housing lots don’t get much smaller than this. The BDAV judges said “This tiny house presents as a quaint and meek semi-detached terrace. But once inside, the designer has transformed it into a brilliant example of how to balance heritage values with the desire for modern amenity. Interior zones, defined by a variety of floor and ceiling heights, hidden amenities and clever interior design ensure the open-plan ground floor footprint appears to expand before you. The two bedrooms, bathroom and study nook at first floor, combined with the ‘tardis-like’ ground floor attributes and floorto-ceiling glassed connection to the rear courtyard ensure this little beauty punches well above its weight.”
Part of the solution lay in the manipulation of vertical space. Although setback requirements presented height restrictions for the firstfloor addition, this was partly overcome by borrowing height from the mid-section of the floor below. To balance this contraction of the kitchen volume, the floor level steps down into the living room beyond, and
a raised ceiling here meets bi-fold, floorto-ceiling, steel-framed doors, extending the entertaining space as it opens to the courtyard. Though technically difficult to achieve, with sub-floor waterproofing required, this sunken lounge proved a clever design solution, as the raised ceiling and lowered floor levels serve to break up any possible tunnel effect in the open plan, ground-floor length.
"This tiny house presents as a quaint and meek semidetached terrace. But once inside, the designer has transformed it into a brilliant example of how to balance heritage values with the desire for modern amenity. ” B D AV J U D G I N G PA N E L
Continued page 9
A bright, spacious, home built for entertaining seemed overly optimistic for a narrow 1857 terrace row renovation on one of Melbourne's smallest lots. And yet, that is just what the designers achieved with Project Napier in South Melbourne. "Finding what's going to make the most impact and working within restrictions always generates strong responses," says Jackson Kelly of JFK Design, "because you've got to react to the constraints". With a site footprint of just 84sqm, measuring just 3.2m across, and with party walls on both sides, an innovative approach was required to achieve the client's brief.
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
C over S tory – P roject N apier
7
Clean lines and utility concealment make efficient use of space, with the fridge, pantry and laundry all screened behind custom, floor-to-ceiling joinery. The long, slim, island bench appears credenza-like from the dining room entry, helping to extend the illusion of more space in the kitchen. A void beneath the far end of the island offers an additional informal dining perch, but also echoes the transparency of the open stairs beyond, amplifying the visual connection with the rear courtyard. With no possibility of windows on either side, the designers looked to the heavens. On the first floor, running the length of the stair volume, a generous skylight is set hard against the boundary, washing both levels with natural light. A second skylight in the first-floor bathroom combines with mirrors to expand the space. Expansive steel-framed windows in the second bedroom offer filtered skyline views and echo the courtyard bi-folds below. In the second bedroom, roof windows also bring in natural light and take in views of the surrounding treetops. In a nod to the original terrace home, Oregon timber was reclaimed and repurposed for detailing in the upstairs study nook and bedroom joinery.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Designer:
JFK Design Landscape/Buildings/Interiors
www.jfkdesign.com.au
Builder:
Corio Bay Constructions
Building Surveyor:
Red Textas Pty Ltd
Structural Engineers:
Richard Lingard and Associates
Energy Rater:
Compliance Energy Rating
Consulting Geologists:
Southern Geotechnical Pty Ltd
Land Surveyor:
SRW Surveyors Pty Ltd
Town Planning:
Keen Planning
Photographer:
Grant Kennedy, We Shoot Buildings
MAJOR SUPPLIERS FOR THE PROJECT
Paddys Bricks Kensington
Yates Fabrication
Reinzinc-zinc Colorbond BlueScope BAM Velux
Bell Design
Timber Zoo Geelong
Treetex Floor Finishes
Scyon
Boral
Allfloors
E&S Trading
Foster Hydronic Heating
Heat and Glo Richmond
CS Sliders
Polycrete
Autex
Kingspan
Rogerseller & Reece
Hub Furniture
Beaumont Tiles
Artedomus
Kitchen Wizard Geelong
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
C over S tory – P roject N apier
9
"Finding what's going to make the most impact and working within restrictions always generates strong responses, because you've got to react to the constraints.� J A C K S O N K E L LY, J F K D E S I G N
InterVIEW
INTERVIEW
Brian Stratford has been a teacher at Bendigo TAFE for more than 20 years now. A practitioner in his own right and a dedicated educator he has developed curriculum for our industry and produced many a fine student. He is also the current Chair of the Victorian Advanced Building Studies Network.
Q: What is/are your favourite project/s that you have worked on, and why?
Q: The architectural style of the home I grew up in?
A: One of the better projects that I have worked on was during my time at Planwise Design where we did a residential conversion of a three storey 1880’s building in the heart of Bendigo, tenanted to Aussie Disposals. Reinstating the old shopfront including two storey verandah with balcony took many hours of researching old photos, forensic investigation of old flashing cuts and interviews with local historians. We expanded the tenancy, created four inner-city apartments and squeezed in the required parking with excellent results.
A: I grew up in an old Edwardian home in North Bendigo, long gone now but I have quite distinct memories of the buildings details; rough cast, fretwork, open fire place’s, dado’s and that internal volume, not the oldest house in the neighbourhood but just as bloody cold…
Q: To date, my biggest business/design challenge has been? A: Teaching design rather than doing design can be challenging… it sounds easy, and some students are so eager to learn, but getting all students engaged and passionate about what they are doing is challenging but can also be rewarding. TAFE design students are really great, particularly if you need to have your work scrutinised and get some good unfettered feedback! Q: My favourite finish is? A: As a teacher I believe it is important to continue to practice. My partner and I have a little project at the moment (see image) where we are researching extruded porcelain as an external cladding. It is a little pricey but looking like a good solution at this stage.
Q: I joined the BDAV because? A: We are very lucky to have access to an industry association like the BDAV. I joined as an individual back in 2004 while working for a local building designer in Bendigo. Being a member gives me regulation updates, regional and metro meetings, good support legally and having access to peers and general forum discussions. I have to admit that I did like the printed version of the BDAV News mag. Q: My favourite Australian building is? A: It is hard to go past Glenn Murcutt's Simpson-Lee House or Walsh House, both simple but with such detail. (See YouTube: Glenn Murcutt talking heads)
Current project
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
I nter V I E W
12
Q: My favourite international building is? A: Some of the works by Oscar Niemeyer are pretty fascinating; Brasilia national congress hall, the cathedral of Brasilia, but the museum of Contemporary Art at Rio De Janeiro takes the cake Q: My words of wisdom for a student building designer are? A: To quote Glenn Murcutt “…every compromise they make represents the quality of their next client.'' Q: When I was a child I wanted to be? A: An Architect (close call…). Q: Outside of work, I am passionate about? A: Family, friends, design… Q: At the moment I am reading? A: Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability by David Holmgren. Q: My life in 4 words? A: Teach, Learn, Love, Dig.
Walsh House
Walsh House
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
I nter V I E W
13
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
I nter V I E W
14
Planning Topics
PLANNING TIDBITS
The Tribunal went on to find that:
Little bits that can make a big difference to your town planning outcomes
“When vehicles reverse either into or out of a car parking space (and they must always reverse when coming either in or out of a 90˚ car space), the use of a corrective manoeuvre must result in a total of four movements, otherwise the series of movements cannot be completed”. The Tribunal also noted, that of more importance was whether access was convenient and safe. The Decision Guidelines of Clause 52.06-10 of the Victorian Planning Provisions include:
C A R PA R K I N G : 4 P O I N T T U R N S Despite Clause 52.06 Car Parking specifying the required aislewidths, car parking dimensions and other vehicle movement design standards, more and more Councils are requesting swept path diagrams be provided with permit applications. Requests for such diagrams are especially prevalent in multi dwelling developments where vehicles are required to enter and alight a site in a forward direction.
The ease and safety with which vehicles access and circulate within the parking area. In summary, these findings show that a corrective manoeuvre, or “4 point turn” (as shown below), is permissible in residential development where car parking access and circulation is, generally, considered to be in accordance with other requirements and provides for safe and efficient access and egress.
These diagrams can be prepared using automated applications that confirm layouts and ensure the efficient and safe manoeuvring of vehicles. It will be the experience of regular permit applicants that many Council’s often prefer no corrective movement (a “four-pointturn”) when cars are accessing or egressing a parking space. Some Engineering Departments consider any more than two vehicle movements unacceptable. And argue that residents and visitors are often unwilling to use such spaces due to perceived difficulties in manoeuvring vehicles in and out. However, a ‘corrective manoeuvre’ is permitted under the relevant standards in AS2890.1:2004 for residential car parking. This conflict was clarified by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, in Karl Degering & Associates Pty Ltd v Bayside (2017) VCAT 372, in which the Tribunal was forced to consider the appropriate interpretation of the relevant Australian Standard. In Degering, Council had submitted that a proposed four-point turn to exit a car stacker space would not be permitted by the relevant Australian Standard. However, the Tribunal took a different view, and whilst noting that the Standard did not define what a “point turn” was, surmised the difference in interpretation hangs on whether a vehicle could: “….reverse-forward-reverse out of a car space (in the event that a ‘point-turn’ means a vehicle movement), or reverse-forward-reverseforward out of a car space (if a ‘point-turn’ means a change of direction)”.
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
U N D E R U T I L I S E D : C E R T I F I C AT E O F C O M P L I A N C E Not to be confused with a Statement of Compliance (required as part of a subdivision), the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) as previously noted (in Studley Street Developments Pty Ltd v Yarra CC [2013] VCAT 1762) that ‘Certificates of Compliance’ are:
P lanning T opics
16
… intended to provide a quick, simple and cheap means for obtaining documentary evidence that a particular proposed or existing use or development can be carried on without a permit. Section 97N of the Planning & Environment Act includes a seldom utilised provision that states: Any person may apply to the responsible authority for— (a)
certificate stating that an existing use or development of a land complies with the requirements of the planning scheme at the date of the certificate; or
(b) a certificate stating that a proposed use or development (or part of a use or development) of land would comply with the requirements of the planning scheme at the date of the certificate. Some significant advantages of utilising the certificate of compliance process include: – No public notification of the application is required; and – Council has a 30-day statutory timeframe to determine
the application. Similar to a planning permit application, the certificate-applicant has a right to review at VCAT against any decision to refuse to grant a certificate and Council’s failure to grant a certificate within the statutory timeframe. Practitioners should be aware of what a certificate of compliance can offer their clients and how they assist with your projects. The following case provides some insight into the benefit of these certificates. In one of our more memorable appeals, Clause 1 was asked to represent the interests of a business owner operating a DVD reproduction, sales and hire shop out of a garage in a residential zone.
Council had commenced enforcement proceedings and issued a fine against the shop operator, who also lived at the premises. Council’s action was initiated by complaints from a similar type of DVD shop located within a nearby activity centre/commercial zone. Under the provisions of the residential zone the use of the site as a retail premises or shop was outright prohibited by virtue of the use being listed as a Section 3 use. Our initial site visit found thousands of copied DVDs piled up on tables in the garage of the house, multiple DVD burners and three staff operating a busy little enterprise. After a detailed review of the use we lodged, on behalf of our client: – An application for Internal Review seeking reconsideration
of the Planning Infringement Fine imposed, pending the outcome of; – An application for a Certificate of Compliance seeking to
confirm that the DVD reproduction, sales and hire shop was in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Scheme; – Later, an appeal to VCAT after Council refused to grant the
certificate of compliance. As a result of the appeal the Tribunal agreed with our assertion that the use met the tests associated with a Home Occupation and ordered that a certificate of compliance be issued, without the need to notify neighbours or competing DVD shop, stating that the use was lawful. The certificate of compliance process can be of particular interest in matters where applicants are seeking formal confirmation of: existing use rights, whether or not a permit is required to extend an existing use or commence a new use, whether a permit is required to undertake development or remove vegetation and numerous other scenarios.
These tidbits are part of the regular contribution made by Clause:1 Planning to Intersect. For more information visit www.clause1.com.au
Ph: 03 9370 9599 www.clause1.com.au
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
P lanning T opics
17
LUXURY WALL SOLUTIONS
The new standard in architectural finishes
The subtle art of standing out
Premium finishes
A Back Cover LuxeWall FP Ad v1.indd 3
Solid & strong
Comfortable living
Faster to complete
Boundary Wall Solutions
1300 300 099 or visit www.luxewall.com.au
15/6/18
Industry News
B U I L D I N G I N D U S T R Y R E F O R M S : W H AT Y O U N E E D T O K N O W F O R 1 J U LY 2 0 1 9
In the May edition of Intersect an update on the matters relating to the issuing of a building permit number by the VBA were contained with the article title “Building Activity Management System” which covers the issuing of a building permit number by the VBA; and payment of building permit levy. We take this opportunity to remind you of the other reforms commencing 1 July 2019.
CHANGES EFFECTIVE FROM 1 JULY 2019 – AT A GLANCE 1 Issuing of a building permit number by
the VBA 2 Review by VCAT of refusal to issue a
building permit number 3 Offences relating to the issue of a building
permit 4 Payment of building permit levy 5
Cost of building work
6 Relevant building surveyor must refuse
permit in certain circumstances
O F F E N C E S R E L AT I N G T O T H E I S S U E O F A BUILDING PERMIT The relevant building surveyor must not issue a building permit unless the VBA has issued a building permit number for that building permit. Penalty: 500 penalty units in the case of a natural person / 2500 penalty units in the case of a body corporate. The relevant building surveyor must not issue a building permit unless the permit specifies: – the building permit number issued by the VBA for that
building permit; and – any other information required by the regulations to be
specified in the building permit. Penalty: 10 penalty units in the case of a natural person / 50 penalty units in the case of a body corporate.
7 VBA must be notified of increased
building costs 8 Re-assessment of building permit levy 9 Penalty associated with re-assessment of
building permit levy 10 Building permit levy for work carried out
without a permit
COST OF BUILDING WORK The building permit application must contain information about the cost of building work. It must specify the contract price for the building work (including the cost of labour and materials), if there is a contract for the building work; or in any other case, include sufficient information to enable the relevant building surveyor to estimate the cost of the building work (including the cost of labour and materials).
11 Penalty levy and costs associated with
work carried out without a permit 12 Relevant building surveyor must notify the
Commissioner of State Revenue in certain circumstances
R E L E VA N T B U I L D I N G S U R V E Y O R M U S T R E F U S E P E R M I T I N C E R TA I N C I R C U M S TA N C E S The relevant building surveyor must refuse an application for a building permit if the relevant building surveyor is satisfied: – that the contract price for the building work specified in the
application is substantially lower than the price normally payable under contracts for building work of that kind; or R E V I E W B Y V C AT O F R E F U S A L T O I S S U E A BUILDING PERMIT NUMBER An applicant for a building permit may apply to VCAT for review of a refusal by the VBA to issue a building permit number for the building permit.
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
– that the application does not include sufficient information
to enable the relevant building surveyor to estimate the cost of building work; or – contains a statement about the cost of the building work
that is false or misleading in a material particular.
I ndustry N ews
20
B U I L D I N G I N D U S T R Y R E F O R M S : W H AT Y O U N E E D T O K N O W F O R 1 J U LY 2 0 1 9
V B A M U S T B E N OT I F I E D O F I N C R E A S E D B U I L D I N G CO S T S This applies if, after the issue of a building permit in relation to the carrying out of building work in or on a building or land, a variation has been made to the building work which has resulted in an increase in the cost of the building work estimated by at least $15,625.
In re-assessing a building permit levy, the VBA must take into account the following: – the information included in the application for the building
permit under section 205H of the Act; – any other information given to the VBA by the applicant
– If the variation to the building work is not related to an
for the building permit or the relevant building surveyor relating to the cost of the building work;
amendment of the building permit, the owner of the building or land must give written notice to the VBA of the revised final cost of the building work within 28 days after the owner becomes aware of the increase in cost.
– any other information relating to the cost of the building
work that the VBA considers relevant.
– If the variation to the building work is related to an
amendment of the building permit, the applicant for the amendment to the building permit must give written notice to the VBA of the revised final cost of the building work within 28 days after the applicant becomes aware of the increase in cost.
P E N A LT Y A S S O C I AT E D W I T H R E - A S S E S S M E N T O F BUILDING PERMIT LEVY The VBA may impose an amount of penalty levy of up to twice the difference between the re-assessed amount of levy and the amount of levy if: – the person liable to pay the additional amount of levy failed
RE-ASSESSMENT OF BUILDING PERMIT LEVY The VBA may re-assess the amount of building permit levy required to be paid in relation to building work after a building permit for that work has been issued because:
– of a variation made to the building work which has resulted
in an increase in the estimated cost of the building work; or – the estimate by the relevant building surveyor of the cost of
the building work was incorrect; or – the VBA considers that the information provided by the
applicant in the application for the building permit required was incorrect or misleading.
to notify the VBA within the specified period about a variation to the building work that resulted in an increase in the cost of the building work by at least $15,625; or – the VBA considers that the applicant for the building permit gave false or misleading information to the relevant building surveyor or the VBA about the cost of the building work; or – the VBA may decide not to impose a penalty levy if the
VBA is satisfied that the person liable to pay the additional amount of levy held an honest and reasonable belief that a variation to the building work did not increase the cost of the building work by at least the prescribed amount.
An amount of building permit levy re-assessed is to be calculated on the cost of the building work.
A person who is given a notice must pay the additional amount of building permit levy and any penalty levy to the VBA within 14 days after the notice is given to the person.
If a re-assessment for building permit levy exceeds the amount of levy already paid, the VBA must give a notice of re-assessment to the person liable to pay the additional amount.
The VBA may recover an amount of building permit levy and penalty levy from the person required to pay the levy and penalty levy in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the VBA.
The VBA may re-assess an amount of building permit levy no later than five years after the later of the following:
A person who is given a notice may apply to VCAT for review of the following decisions of the VBA:
– the issue of an occupancy permit required by the
building permit; – a certificate of final inspection for the building work; – the date of practical completion of the building work.
– the decision by the VBA to re-assess an amount of building
permit levy; – the re-assessment of the amount of building permit levy
by the VBA; – the decision by the VBA to impose penalty levy; – the amount of penalty levy imposed by the VBA, payable by
the person.
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
I ndustry N ews
21
Recognising Recognising
excellence excellence in in
building building design design
BDAVAwards Awards BDAV Gala2019 2019 Gala Joinususasaswe werecognise recognisethe thebest bestbuilding buildingdesign design Join fromacross acrossAustralia, Australia,and andcelebrate celebratethe therole roleitit from playsininimproving improvinglives livesand andcommunities. communities. plays Presented at the stunning NGV International Presented at the stunning NGV International the Awards will feature a three course meal, thedrinks, Awards willstimulating feature a three course meal, and conversation with other drinks, and stimulating conversation with other design professionals from our community. design professionals from our community.
Supported by Supported by
The Awards also provide an opportunity The Awards also provide an opportunity to look back on BDAV’s 35 year history of tosupport look back BDAV’s 35 year history foron good building design, andof begin support for good building design, and begin to define our role in our profession’s future toand define our roleculture. in our profession’s future Australian and Australian culture.
Pictured: Pictured: No Two The Same No Two The Same Melbourne Design Studios Melbourne Design Studios Building Design of the Year 2018 Building Design of the Year 2018
27July July 2019 2019 27 NGV International International NGV RSVPby by 18 18 July July RSVP tosecure secure your your seat seat to RSVP and more information at
RSVP and more information at bdav2019awards.eventbrite.com.au bdav2019awards.eventbrite.com.au
BUILDING PERMIT LEVY FOR WORK CARRIED OUT WITHOUT A PERMIT
– an amount of penalty levy imposed by the VBA, payable
If a person is found guilty of an offence for carrying out building work without a building permit, the VBA must assess an amount of building permit levy required to be paid in relation to the building work that was carried out without a building permit. The VBA must make the assessment no later than five years after the finding of guilt for the offence.
– an amount of costs charged by the VBA, payable by
If the VBA believes on reasonable grounds that a person has carried out building work without a building permit, the VBA may decide to assess an amount of building permit levy required to be paid in relation to that building work. The VBA must make the assessment no later than five years after the alleged contravention The VBA may appoint an appropriately qualified registered building practitioner to investigate the building work and make a report to the VBA that includes an assessment of the cost of the building work.
by the person; the person. R E L E VA N T B U I L D I N G S U R V E Y O R M U S T N O T I F Y T H E C O M M I S S I O N E R O F S TAT E R E V E N U E I N C E R TA I N C I R C U M S TA N C E S In certain circumstances, the relevant building surveyor is required to notify the Commissioner of State Revenue (CSR) within 10 business days of receiving a notice from the VBA that the estimated cost of building work relating to an application for a building permit has increased. The notification must include the description of the land and building work that is being carried out and other details relevant to the application for a building permit. This requirement to notify the CSR will apply where: – the relevant building surveyor has previously given notice
P E N A LT Y L E V Y A N D C O S T S A S S O C I AT E D W I T H W O R K CARRIED OUT WITHOUT A PERMIT If the VBA has made an assessment of building permit levy, the VBA may impose an amount of penalty levy of up to twice the amount of levy assessed. If the VBA has assessed a building permit levy, the VBA may charge the person that owned the building or land at the time at which the building work was carried out in or on that building or land the reasonable costs incurred by the VBA in determining the cost of the building work. The VBA must give a notice of the levy, any penalty levy imposed and any costs charged by the VBA to the person that owned the building or land at the time at which the building work was carried out in or on that building or land. This must be paid to the VBA within 28 days after the notice is given.
to the CSR under section 18B(2) of the Act relating to an application for a building permit for work to be carried out on land where there is a Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) recording under the Planning and Environment Act 1987; and – the increase in the estimated cost of building work means
that the application for a building permit is no longer an excluded event under section 201RB of the Planning and Environment Act 1987; and – none of the circumstances described in section 201SA of the
Planning and Environment Act 1987 applies to the land on which building work is to be carried out. The following is an extract from www.vba.vic.gov.au
A notice must state that the person given the notice has the right to apply to VCAT for review of the decision by the VBA to assess the building permit levy, the amount of levy assessed by the VBA, any penalty levy imposed by the VBA or any costs charged by the VBA. The VBA may recover the amount of building permit levy, penalty levy or costs required to be paid in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the VBA. A person may apply to VCAT for review of the following decisions of the VBA: – the decision by the VBA to assess a building permit levy
for building work carried out in relation to a building or land owned by the person at the time at which the building work was carried out; – an assessment of building permit levy by the VBA, payable
by the person; – the decision by the VBA to impose an amount of penalty levy;
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
L S Planning Pty Ltd offers experience and expertise across a broad range of planning issues, such as: Planning permit application preparation and management Planning reports Representation at VCAT Expert witness advice and representation Planning Scheme amendments Strategic planning Residential development concept preparation Town Planning is a complex field which is constantly evolving and requires a level of expertise to achieve a successful outcome. Please call to find out how the team at L S Planning can assist you, with your next project. www.lsplanning.com.au
I ndustry N ews
23
Join Now
1. Zero Joining Fees* 2. Get May and June FREE* www.bdav.org.au/membership
W O M E N I N C O N S T R U C T I O N A N D E N G I N E E R I N G S E C T O R I N V I T E D T O A P P LY F O R LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
Women currently working in the construction sector have the opportunity to register their interest in a scholarship worth up to $7,000 to support participation in an accredited leadership development program.
“Funding must be apportioned by the end of this financial year and it is unsure when these grants will be available again,” said Suzi Finkelstein, Director of Leadership and Advocacy from Women & Leadership Australia (WLA). “This fee support opportunity provides women with funding of between $3,000 and $7,000 to undertake a range of leadership development programs.” Ms Finkelstein said she encourages women working in all aspects of the construction and/or engineering sectors right across Australia to consider the scholarship program. Under the scheme, women are able to gain access to a range of accredited parttime leadership development programs. The programs are blended (partly online, partly face-to-face) and will commence in the next few months. WLA has been developing female leaders and supporting the increased presence of women in business and community leadership roles for 15 years.
development programs for organisations in the public and private sector. “With so much experience in supporting women, we are ideally positioned to respond to the ever-changing needs of contemporary female leaders and their companies,” Ms Finkelstein said. “Each year, employers across all sectors and industries choose to partner with us to develop the skills and confidence of their female leaders and help provide exciting new career opportunities.” WLA aims to create experiences ‘for women’ but not necessarily ‘about women’. The programs not only provide best of breed leadership development but immerse participants in an experience informed by the complexities and opportunities of being a female leader in Australia today. Through a deep understanding of the needs of leaders at every stage of their journey, WLA creates a rich and empowering learning environment which
is singularly geared to enabling each participant and organisation to achieve their own unique vision of success. WLA programs are designed to engage female leaders in highly interactive, peer-oriented development environments. During the programs, activities are undertaken which develop participant connections; allowing cohorts to develop into tightly knit peer networks. The strong group dynamic which exists within the programs is fundamental to their success and greatly enhances the learning process. Expressions of Interest close on June 21. For more information and to complete an initial Expression of Interest, go to www.wla.edu.au/consteng or contact Alistair Young on (03) 9270 9032 or ayoung@wla.edu.au. For more information about WLA, check out their website, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
“Based on a simple truth, that women represent an enormously under-utilised resource, we believe that supporting a greater percentage of women to step up into leadership positions enables tremendous cultural and economic benefits,” Ms Finkelstein said. This is especially true for what are traditionally ‘male-dominated’ sectors such as the construction sector. WLA offer a range of professional development programs, advisory services, networking channels and on-going research. Since its inaugural forum in 2004, more than 50,000 women have participated, making it the largest genderfocused leadership initiative in the country. A number of public course offerings are regularly available, as are in-house
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
I ndustry N ews
25
ENERGY RATER INSURANCE ALSO AVAILABLE
As a building industry professional, you need to ensure that your activities and advice are covered by an insurance policy that is recognised by the Building Practitioners Board or a relevant government registered body.
BDAV Approved Insurance Broker
As BDAV’s preferred Insurance Broker, we deliver tailored insurance packages and personalised advice specifically for BDAV members. Your policy provides you with your own policy limits and is not shared with other members.
Building industry insurance specialists
Engagement Agreement provided Easy online application Other exclusive member policies available
We work for YOU Tailored cover at great rates
N O W M AY B E A N O P P O R T U N E T I M E T O R E V I S E / A U D I T Y O U R I N S U R A N C E P O L I C I E S A S YO U A R E H E A D I N G TO R E N E WA L S …
By Sherlyn Moynihan As a Building Designer you are deemed to be someone who is an expert in your field and as such clients would expect a level of knowledge and skill when working on their projects. To protect yourself and your staff and to manage any legal risk it is always good to revise/audit your various insurance obligations at point of renewal.
WHY DO BUILDING DESIGNERS NEED INSURANCE? Like any business, it makes sense to protect yourself and your business against potential claims. TA S K S A B U I L D I N G D E S I G N E R M AY C O N D U C T O N A D AY T O D AY B A S I S M I G H T I N C L U D E : – Preparing technical drawings based on rough sketches and drawings given to you by architects, engineers and surveyors – Checking drawings for accuracy – Using judgement and initiative to adjust and change detailed drawings – Creating drawings using CAD (Computer Aided Design)
It is important that you have experts who you can rely on with your specific needs; 3.
Are you covered at the right levels in Victoria?
The VBA requires Building Designers to carry a minimum of $1 million of Professional Indemnity cover, with Defence Costs in addition to this limit. The policy of insurance required must specify a limit of indemnity of either: 1. Where the costs of the defence of Claims (Defence Costs) are included in the limit of indemnity – Not less than $1.5 million for any one Claim, and in the aggregate for all Claims during the period of insurance; or
– Contract administration and management of a project
2.
Where Defence Costs are not included in the limit of indemnity:
– Management of outputs
a. Not less than $1 million for any one Claim, and in the aggregate for all claims during any one period of insurance, not including Defence Costs; and
b. Not less than $500,000 for any one claim, and in the aggregate for all claims during any one period of insurance, in respect of Defence Costs.
S O M E I N S TA N C E S W H E R E H AV I N G T H E R I G H T I N S U R A N C E C O U L D S AV E Y O U A H U G E A M O U N T O F M O N E Y, T I M E A N D S T R E S S I N C L U D E : – Claims made against you for negligence in preparing technical drawings and plans – Claims that you have failed to make the necessary or required adjustments and changes to drawings – Claims of negligence in the management of outputs – Claims that you have failed to maintain a prime working knowledge of the technological changes within programs such as CAD. A Q U I C K AU D I T G U I D E F O R YO U R C U R R E N T I N S U R A N C E : 1. Do you have all the various Insurance covers you need depending on you being small independent company of Building Designers. These are: Professional Indemnity Insurance, Personal Accident and Illness Cover, Public Liability Insurance, Tax Audit Cover, Business Insurance, Management Liability Insurance and Cyber Insurance’; 2. Are you with an Insurance Company that works specifically with Building Designers, Draftsmen, Architects or other professionals within the same industry – or even have a specific Schemes covering these industries?
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
Our insurance partner Webber Insurance provides BDAV Members an insurance package that is $2 million. This more than meets the VBA’s requirement. W E B B E R I N S U R A N C E C A N H E L P W I T H YO U R AU D I T: The BDAV has partnered with Webber Insurance who have expertise in this area. They can help you audit your current insurance and advise you on what you need in order to give you the protection you need. The details for contacting them are provided below: – Phone Number: 1300 668 553 – Email: BDAV@webberinsurance.com.au – Website: www.webberinsurance.com.au Please advise Webber Insurance that you are a member of the BDAV when you contact the team.
I ndustry N ews
27
Insulation
Is your soffit insulation fire compliant or not in 2019? Test reports indicating the group number of wall and ceiling linings determined under versions of the BCA applicable prior to 1st May 2016 were given a concession period of 3 years to adjust to the new standard AS 5637.1. This concession period expired on the 1st May 2019. Be sure your supplier provides you with proof of its AS 5637.1 fire compliance group number for the product you are using before installation, as the cost of using a non-compliant insulation could be devastating.
Specify
K10 FM G2 Soffit Board
• AS 5637.1 Group 2 fire rated • Third party CodeMark-certified • Meets Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions of the NCC 2019
Scan here to find all you need to know:
Tel: 1300 247 235 Email: info@kingspaninsulation.com.au kingspaninsulation.com.au
S U B S T I T U T I O N M AY C O S T Y O U A N I N S U R A N C E C L A I M !
By Kingspan Insulation Australia PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE The emerging scrutiny from Professional Indemnity (PI) insurers towards the building industry is largely related to the substitution of specified products for non-complaint or non-conforming alternatives. This is often done onsite without the approval of the project’s architect, engineer or certifier and therefore not updated on documentation detailing the building’s composition which Insurers rely upon when assessing a building's risk profile. This poses a significant risk of an Insurance claim being rejected. Professional Indemnity Policies are generally ’claims-based’. This means you need to be insured at the time that the claim is made, not as some think have insurance in place when the service or function was performed. An exclusion clause in a policy today therefore excludes the policy holder from making a claim against that excluded risk now, even if the project goes back many years. In recent years PI Insurers have withdrawn from covering segments of the industry, with only a few now servicing the Australian market for some professions. This has contributed significantly to considerable premium increases across all types of building professionals. Furthermore, many policies now have broad exclusion clauses around non-compliant or non-conforming building products, further exposing building professionals to claims being rejected due to product substitution. Unfortunately, the building and construction industry has become increasingly risky for insurers. Although Australian Standards and a National Construction Code exist, the cost down approach to construction and the proliferation of the Design and Construct model has resulted in an environment where compliance oversight and site supervision is low and substitution of unspecified products over specified products prolific. This environment, coupled with the disempowerment of architects, engineers and certifiers from much of the construction landscape, has contributed to a high risk landscape for both building practitioners and insurers. T H E B A S I C D E F I N I T I O N S YO U N E E D TO B E AWA R E O F I N T E R M S O F N O N - C O M P L I A N T O R NON-CONFORMING BUILDING PRODUC TS: – Non-compliant Building Product: Products or materials
used in situations where they do not comply with the requirements of the NCC (National Construction Code). – Non-conforming Building Product: Typically defined as
any building product that:
– claim to be something they are not; or
– do not meet required standards for their intended
use; or
– are marketed or supplied with the intent to deceive
those who use them.
P R A C T I T I O N E R S B E WA R E O F S U B S T I T U T I O N : Accepting a substituted product under pressure from a client often does not protect you from liability in a claims event even if it is supported by documentation. ‘And or equivalent’ means ‘equivalent’ and ‘not partly equivalent’, so tread carefully as the devil is in the detail. Fire compliance in particular is complicated. So, if in doubt seek advice from a qualified fire engineer. Demand testing documentation in its entirety, and insist on third-party verified certification. If it is isn’t forthcoming, think twice or just say no. I F YO U A R E N O T G I V E N T H E T I M E O R T H E F E E T O APPRAISE A PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE PRODUCT C O R R E C T LY D O N ’ T TA K E T H E R I S K , A S I T ’ S A L L O N YO U . When reviewing your PI coverage, it is important to ensure you are aware of any reductions, limitations or exclusions of cover in respect to non-conforming and non-compliant building products which may be imposed on your renewal. You should also check that such exclusions do not affect your obligations in complying with your professional licence or registration requirements.
[Definition as per the ABCB – Australian Building Codes Board]
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
I ndustry N ews
29
MELBOURNE SQUARE: CONNEC TING THE STRUC TURE TO THE PRECINC T
Cox Architecture Director Paul Curry is set to present on the upcoming $2.8 billion Melbourne Square precinct development at the 3rd Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit.
Located within Melbourne’s inner-city Southbank area, Melbourne Square will consist of six mixed-use office, hotel and residential towers upon its 2027 completion.
garden state identity, while addressing the city’s physical and social context in order to shape its future and preserve its most valued aspects.
Beyond the presence of these structures will sit Southbank’s largest reserve of green open parkland, accessible to tenants and to the broader public. This public park seeks to greenify Southbank and celebrate Melbourne’s
The overarching theme of the summit, ‘Cities in the Sky – Transforming the Broader Urban Fabric’ will weave into Curry’s presentation through analysing the precinct’s function as a link to the broader city.
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
I ndustry N ews
30
“The grandeur of Melbourne Square lies in its city scaled vision for the precinct and the prominence of the site on approach towards the CBD,” Curry says. “The sculptural forms of the buildings are very much a part of this vision; the materiality and form of the slender towers evolve organically from the park and serve to define the project against the city skyline and form a new gateway to the City and Arts Precinct.”
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
Curry’s overall speech will centre around effective design for multi-tower urban precincts that must serve a variety of diverse tenant and local needs, highlighting how Melbourne Square aims to accommodate these diverse needs through its physical and natural elements, while redefining Melbourne’s city skyline.
feats of local and international skyscrapers, Melbourne Square will add a dynamic dimension to the event with its highly local and contextually responsive presence. The 3rd Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit will be held on the 25-26 June at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Amongst a suite of case studies centred around the architectural and engineering
I ndustry N ews
31
A B C B P R O J E C T O U T C O M E : S H O R T - T E R M A C C O M M O D AT I O N AND USE OF CLASS 2 & 3 BUILDINGS
By the Australian Building Codes Board Traditional accommodation buildings such as hotels and motels are considered Class 3 buildings for the purposes of applying the National Construction Code (NCC), whereas residential apartment buildings are considered Class 2 buildings.
This means that apartment buildings are subject to some different requirements, often less stringent than those for Class 3 buildings under the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provisions of the NCC. However, short-term accommodation in apartment buildings has become more mainstream in the last few years since the introduction of online platforms such as Airbnb and Stayz. In response to some on-going concerns raised about the use of apartments for short-term accommodation, the ABCB undertook a project in 2017/18. The project consisted of two main components: – Discussion Paper: A Discussion Paper was released to gather
information on the problem and assist in determining any changes that may be required to the NCC; and – Risk Analysis: A consultant was engaged to analyse the
effect of occupant length-of-stay on fire safety risks in apartment buildings. Limited responses were received to the Discussion Paper, with very few responders understanding that concerns related to occupancy numbers, noise control, car parking, refuse and party rooms represent use-management issues that cannot be regulated by the NCC.
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
Those that did understand the limitations of the NCC, supported action by jurisdictions, local councils and the rental industry to deal with the issues. Importantly, no evidence was received to indicate an increased fire safety risk due to short-term accommodation in apartment buildings. The Risk Analysis considered the fire safety risks to a person located in a Class 2 apartment unit where a fire initiated. The consultant determined there would be no material change in fire safety risks to a person based on their length of stay in the unit (variable for short-term accommodation). In the majority of instances, the fire safety risks for building occupants, within various building configurations, would also be within the allowable range permitted under the current NCC DTS Provisions. However, it was identified that for an apartment building utilising DTS Provision D1.3, which allows an open stairway rather than a fire-isolated stairway, the fire safety risks may differ. The ABCB considered the outcomes of the project in late 2018 and the Board agreed there is no known evidence to support any change to NCC requirements for Class 2 and 3 buildings and no need for further investigation. However, it was agreed that further research would be undertaken in 2018/19 on the efficacy and usage of DTS Provision D1.3.
I ndustry N ews
32
The NEW GENERATION XSERIES from
This is the most exciting new range of Balanced Flue gas fireplaces we have had the pleasure to launch onto the Australian market in years JUST RELEASED! Featuring all the Heat & Glo features and technology you expect, PLUS stunning new designs! Direct Vent Technology
IntelliFire PLUS Ignition System
Fade Resistant Black Glass Interior
LED Accent Lighting Technology
Anti Reflective Ceramic Glass
Call into our showroom, or visit our website to experience the new XSeries. JETMASTER HEAT&GLO 444 Swan Street, Richmond Brilliant Heat. Beautiful to Watch. N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
Ph: 1300 219 875 EMAIL: info@jetmastervic.com.au WEB: www.jetmastervic.com.au
Follow us on
I ndustry N ews
33
NatHERS News
U P D AT E S F R O M T H E N AT H E R S A D M I N I S T R AT O R
N E W N AT H E R S T O O L S A R E O N T H E I R WAY F I N A L N AT H E R S T E C H N I C A L N O T E Following extensive review and consultation, the final version of the new NatHERS Technical Note (version June 2019) will be released on the NatHERS website by 31 May 2019. The key purpose of this update was to improve the structure, consistency and clarity of language and to incorporate changes associated with the forthcoming update to Chenath Engine version 3.21. Assessors must use Technical Note (version June 2019) for all NatHERS assessments commenced from 1 June 2019. For NatHERS assessments commenced prior to 1 June 2019, assessors may instead use one of the previous versions of the Technical Note as outlined below, and make a note in the ‘Additional Notes’ section of the NatHERS Certificate about which version of the Technical Note was used: – Technical Note 1 (version 1.2 – 2014) – Technical Note (version May 2019)
Later this year NatHERS software tool providers will start releasing NatHERS accredited tools that use the new Chenath Engine version 3.21. The Chenath Engine (currently version 3.13) has been developed by the CSIRO, and is used by each software tool to perform the calculations and modelling behind NatHERS energy ratings. Version 3.21 of the Chenath Engine incorporates improvements to double height void modelling, basement zones and shared wall adjacency in apartment buildings, improved edge slab insulation and waffle pod modelling, and the addition of limestone in the materials list. Tools will be released once accreditation is completed using the 2019 Software Accreditation Protocol. NatHERS Assessors should transition to the NatHERS accredited tools that use Chenath Engine 3.21 as soon as they become available. However, there will be a period where both Chenath Engine 3.21 and 3.13 based tools can be used. NatHERS assessors will receive notification from their software tool provider about when the updated tools using Chenath Engine 3.21 will be available for download.
Town Planning Consultants
Tables 3 and 4 from Technical Note 1 (version 1.2 2014) have been added as Appendices (2 and 3) to the new Technical Note (version June 2019). This will enable assessors to meet the new requirements when using software underpinned by Chenath Engine version 3.13. A draft version of the NatHERS Technical Note (version May 2019) was released on the NatHERS website on 18 April 2019. The final Technical Note (version June 2019) was released on 28 May 2019 and includes a few minor adjustments.
R AT I N G S T U D E N T A C C O M M O D AT I O N & B O A R D I N G H O U S E S I N N AT H E R S Under the National Construction Code, student accommodation and boarding houses are considered as Class 3 buildings and treated as commercial premises, so they are not subject to residential energy efficiency requirements. However, a recent finding by the New South Wales (NSW) Land and Environment Court has classed some of these buildings as dwellings that are subject to NSW BASIX requirements. This finding has resulted in more NSW Councils requesting NatHERS assessments for such buildings. NatHERS accredited software tools are intended for rating Class 1 and 2 buildings only. Assessors asked to perform a NatHERS rating on a Class 3 building should follow the rulings of the individual Principal Certifying Authority (usually the local council).
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
Where Your Vision is Our Purpose 435 Nepean Highway Frankston Victoria 3199 03 8765 2455 info@townplanningco.com.au townplanningco.com.au
N at H E R S N ews
35
U P D AT E S F R O M T H E N AT H E R S A D M I N I S T R AT O R
K E E P A N E Y E O U T F O R T H E N E W N AT H E R S C E R T I F I C AT E A new NatHERS Certificate is being rolled out by NatHERS software tool providers. This will be accessible through new software tools underpinned by Chenath Engine version 3.21. Once called the ‘NatHERS Universal Certificate’, it has undergone a major overhaul to improve its structure and usability, and will now be referred to as the ‘NatHERS Certificate’. A preview of the new NatHERS Certificate will be uploaded to www.nathers.gov.au in the coming months.
S P L I T H E AT I N G A N D C O O L I N G L O A D S To improve the year-round performance of Australian homes, the 2019 National Construction Code (NCC) requires NatHERS assessments to meet separate heating and cooling load limits in many climate zones. NatHERS tools already calculate separate heating and cooling loads as well as the total combined load and these are displayed on the Certificate in MJ/m2 per annum. NatHERS assessors will need to check these loads against the split heating and cooling load limit tables in the ABCB Standard to make sure they comply. NatHERS accredited software tools will implement a tick box or prompt to remind assessors to check this requirement. There is a transition period for NCC 2019 from 1 May 2019 to 30 April 2020 where the current (2016) requirements will still be accepted.
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
N at H E R S N ews
36
CUSTOM WINDOWS SUBSTITUTION
After numerous discussions with the NatHERS Administrator over some time, the BDAV welcomes the announcement of a temporary solution authorised by the NatHERS Administrator in regard to the substitution of custom windows.
A new interim rule in the NatHERS Technical Note (version June 2019) will allow NatHERS assessors to substitute custom windows as follows: Clause 8.3: If a custom window is specified on the design documentation but not available in the NatHERS custom window library, assessors must model: – a default window with the specified opening type; or – an available custom window that meets all of the
following parameters:
– identical opening type (e.g. fixed, awning,
casement, sliding) to the window specified on the documentation; and
– a total window system U-value equal to, or greater
than, the window specified on the documentation (e.g if the U-value of the specified custom window is 3.0, the modelling window selected could be 3.5); and
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
– a total window system Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
(SHGC) +/- 5% of the window specified on the documentation. This interim rule is one of a number of enhancements to improve modelling of windows in NatHERS software. Assessors can apply this interim rule when the window specified is not available in the NatHERS custom window library. It can also cover substitution at the building stage when a window installed is different (but within the rule) from the one used in the assessment. The updated NatHERS Certificate will include a note about this interim rule. Any additional changes to guidance on modelling windows will be reflected in future updates to the NatHERS Technical Note as appropriate. BDAV looks forward to working with the NatHERS Administrator and other stakeholders to see the implementation of a permanent solution to the issue surrounding the default and custom windows within NatHERS software.
N at H E R S N ews
37
Business/ Technology Matters
If you’re an it pays to learn what you can claim at tax time TAXI
To claim a deduction for workrelated expenses
you must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed ■ it must be directly related to earning your income ■ you must have a record to prove it.* ■
You can only claim the work-related part of expenses. You can’t claim a deduction for any part of the expense that relates to personal use.
* You can use the ATO app myDeductions tool to keep track of your expenses and receipts throughout the year.
Car expenses You can claim a deduction when you: ■
■
drive between separate jobs on the same day – eg from drive to and from an alternate workplace for the same employer on the same day – eg travelling to a different
You generally can’t claim the cost of trips between home and work, even if you live a long way from your usual workplace or have to work outside normal business hours – eg having to work late to speak to a colleague in a different time zone. There are limited circumstances where you can claim the cost of trips between home and work, such as where you carry bulky records you need for a particular meeting. The cost of these trips is deductible only if: ■
■ ■
■
your employer requires you to transport the equipment for work the equipment was essential to earning your income there was no secure area to store the equipment at the work location, and the equipment is bulky – at least 20kg or cumbersome to transport.
If you claim car expenses, you need to keep a logbook to determine the work-related percentage, or be able to demonstrate to the ATO a reasonable calculation if you use the cents per kilometre method to claim.
Self-education expenses You can claim a deduction for self-education expenses if your course relates directly to your current job, eg human resource training for a manager. You can’t claim a deduction if your study is only related in a general way or is designed to help get you a new job, eg a health and wellbeing course.
Travel expenses You can claim a deduction for travel expenses if you are required to travel overnight and don’t attend your usual work location – while carrying out your work duties. This could include meals, accommodation, fares and incidental expenses that you incurred and your employer has not provided or reimbursed you. Receiving a travel allowance from your employer does not automatically entitle you to a deduction. You still need to show that you were away overnight, you spent the money yourself, and the travel was directly related to earning your income.
Home office expenses You can claim a percentage of the running costs of your home charges, and electricity for heating, cooling and lighting costs.
You generally can’t claim the cost of rates, mortgage interest, rent and insurance.
Clothing expenses You can claim a deduction for the cost of buying, hiring, mending or cleaning certain uniforms that are unique and distinctive to your job – eg clothing items you’re required to wear which have a logo that is unique and distinctive to your employer – or protective clothing that your employer requires you to wear. You can’t claim a deduction for the cost of buying or cleaning plain clothing worn at work, even if your employer tells you to wear it, and even if you only wear it for work, eg a business suit.
Other common deductible work-related expenses As long as the expense relates to your employment, you can claim a deduction for the cost of seminars and conferences, technical or professional publications, union and professional association fees.
12:34 PM
Carrier
100%
Add expense
SNAP!! SAVE STORE
SNAP!! SAVE STORE Cost
$45.00 Date
10/04/2018 Description
Travel expenses
Is this partly a private cost?
Yes
No
What can you claim on your tax return? 100%
OR
$0.00
Car
Other car expenses
This summary only. N E W Sis . B Da A Vgeneral .ORG.AU For more information, go to ato.gov.au/occupations
B usiness / T echnology M atters
40
H O W C A N I P R E PA R E F O R TA X T I M E ? AT O I N F O R M AT I O N F O R S M A L L B U S I N E S S E S
The ATO knows that small businesses have a lot to think about and tax is not always at the top of your list. To help you, the ATO has a range of support, tools and tips to make it easier for you to get your tax and super right.
Brush up on your obligations and entitlements before the end of the financial year. After all, a taxpayer is responsible for their own return, even if they lodge through a tax agent. There are plenty of ways you can find out about which deductions you can claim, the concessions that are available to you, or best practices for record keeping. – Small business webinars – Small business workshops – atoTV Business channel
Throughout tax time, the ATO will be publishing articles and tips to help you. Subscribe or follow us now to keep up to date with everything small business. – Small business newsroom – Twitter (@ATOSmallbizExec)
There is also a wide range of tools and services tailored to help small businesses.
To get you started here are some tips for small businesses to get prepared: 1. Report all of the income you make through your business in your tax return, whether you receive the money in person or electronically. 2. To claim deductions for the costs of running your business, the money must have been spent for your business – not a private expense. If the expense was partly for private use, only claim the portion related to your business. For more information, visit ato.gov.au/incomeanddeductions 3. Take advantage of the concessions that may apply to your small business, such as the instant asset write off. Find out more at ato.gov.au/concessionsataglance Don’t forget to keep records to prove what you report and claim in your tax return. Good record keeping should underpin everything you do for your small business – it can make it run smoother and point out any issues before they become problems.
– Supporting your small business
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
B usiness / T echnology M atters
41
TODD’S APPS
PLUG FOR PODCASTS
By Todd Pearce
For those readers who enjoy a Podcast, or alternatively have never tried, here are some recommendations for your listening pleasure.
A monthly review of must have, worthy of looking or just plain interesting apps that are relevant to the design industry.
P D F C O M PA R E Well not really an App – but a feature within an App. I’ve been using Adobe Acrobat for years and hadn’t realised until recently that there is a PDF compare tool. Essentially you can load side by side document hit the go button and it will run through both documents and identify all the differences between the two. Super handy for checking revised versions of contracts, specifications and legal documents – nothing worse than missing some fine print. I haven’t tried it on a set of plans and I’m sure there would be other apps and programs that offer this feature. Now to find out if this is available on Word and Excel documents.
H E A D S PA C E Work life balance taking a hit. Need a little rest time or maybe like to start or finish the day off on the right footing? Headspace is an app that can guide you through a meditation session any time you need one. Offering in excess of 100 meditations there is bound to be one that suits you. Sometimes it’s important to acknowledge that you are an important resource so maybe an app to assist you to reset, recharge and relax is a good investment.
SHAZAM Not on top of all the latest songs? Still like listening to the radio every now and then? You know who you are. Not everyone is streaming on Spotify and Apple music so the name of a particular song may not be a simple matter of reading what’s on the screen. Shazam is a simple app that allows you to fire it up – it will listen to part of the song you are playing and tell you exactly what it’s called and the artist. It will even show you where you can download or purchase the song.
UQ CHANGE MAKERS Given the cover story features the BDAV Best Small Lot Design, we thought it would be appropriate to the Podcast: The big benefits of tiny-house living UQ Change Makers Episode 8. Ever wanted to pack up and move into a tiny house? Learn about the big changes tiny houses can make to your life, and your community, from The Tiny House Company co-founder and UQ architecture graduate Lara Nobel. N AT I O N A L S U S TA I N A B L E L I V I N G F E S T I VA L BIG WEEKEND 2019 Be inspired and find out how to take action on the big issues of sustainability. This podcast is highlights of the Sustainability Living Festival held in February 2019 in Fed Square & Birrarung Marr, Melbourne. It will challenge your thinking and inspire your actions. Featuring Helena Norberg-Hodge, Bruce Pascoe, Devita Davison, Peterv Andrews, Simon Holmes A'Court, Maja Rosén, John Thwaites, Jo Nemeth, Climate Emergency Declaration Councillors, the School Strikers, and many more! 99% INVISIBLE 99% Invisible is about all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about — the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world. With over 250 million downloads, 99% Invisible is one of the most popular podcasts on iTunes and is available on RadioPublic, via RSS and through other apps. With an entire category allocated to Architecture you are sure to find some inspiration. D E S I G N I N G B U S I N E S S – 3 P I LOT E D E P I S O D E S And finally don’t forget BDAV’s Podcasts Design Business. The pilot 3 episodes cover:
If any other members use or know any new or interesting websites, tech or apps, please feel free to drop me a line and I’ll share it with the other members.
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
– Building powerful connections. – Tackling HR challenges. – Navigating technology and project management.
B usiness / T echnology M atters
42
A S PA R T N E R S B U S I N E S S A D V I S O R S H A S A N E W F R E E A P P
By Sherlyn Moynihan AS Partners, are certified practising accounts, who provide a Member Benefit of a complimentary one hour consultation to new clients on accounting services, taxation, superannuation, business management, financial services, bookkeeping and anything else related.
This powerful new free Finance & Tax App has been developed by the team at AS Partners Business Advisors to give BDAV Members key financial and tax information, tools, features and news at your fingertips, 24/7. The AS Partners Business Advisors App has been designed to be a useful place to get critical information whenever you need it. As always, the team at AS Partners Business Advisors is on hand to provide professional, personal advice and guidance. The Finance & Tax App is packed with tools that you and your future clients will love, such as: – GPS Logbook – Instantly and automatically keep track
of your important business miles with the App, using the in-built mileage tracker. What’s more you can export these ‘trips’ anytime to form part of your mileage claims. – Receipt and Expense Management — Thanks to this
great feature you won’t need to pile up those receipts on your desk or risk losing them in a pocket, dashboard or box! Simply use your phone to photograph a receipt, categorise it and click save.
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
You can review and export these at any time for your own use or email them to us to incorporate into your accounts. – Income Tracker – If you are
managing a small number of income sources, you can use this App to track your income and manage and monitor your income and expenditure in one place. You’ll find 12 great tax, GST and financial calculators you can use at any time, from simple GST calculators to more complex ones such as Salary versus Dividend or Company Car benefits. It’s all there in this free App. You also get instant access to the latest business and personal accountancy facts, key dates and tax updates. Using the latest technology, the ‘News’ section will be updated directly by us, so you get the latest news, views and offers from AS Partners Business Advisors - in real time, all through your App. You can download the app from Google Play and App Store
B usiness / T echnology M atters
43
BUILDING AND PLANNING UNDER THE RE-ELEC TED VIC TORIAN LABOR GOVERNMENT
By FPL Advisory Following the successful re-election of the Victorian Andrews Labor Government in November 2018, Daniel Andrews has firmly asserted himself as a Premier intent on ‘getting things done’.
While the 2019/20 Victorian Budget, delivered by Treasurer Tim Pallas on 27 May has given some relief for small business and sole practitioners, there has been substantial consideration given to the Infrastructure space which will provide long term benefits to the Victorian economy. There has been notably, progressive changes within the building and planning space through reform over the past few years, the scarcity of commitments specifically in the Budget can be explained by the decline in the housing market, which has had a $5.2 billion impact on state revenue, alongside the shortage of resources in the state needed to build property. Over the past few years, investment in housing (‘dwelling investment’) has been a strong contributor to the Victorian economy, high density apartment construction has significantly contributed to economic activity and employment growth. This year’s Budget endeavors to address future growth and transformation of cities and regional spaces through strategic land use planning, urban development, design and renewal and regulatory reform. Moving forward with the VicSmart commitment that ensures planning applications are processed within 10 days of submission will further create support to building and planning professionals. There is a strong focus in the 2019/20 Budget of ‘building and hiring local’. Although the 2019/20 Budget allows for less focus on the building and planning space, Andrews, whose campaign hinged around the sentiment ‘there is not a day to be wasted’ has announced several reforms within the building and planning sector. These reforms have a common theme of removing unnecessary bureaucracy within current systems and creating greater accessibility and ability to create further economic growth, particularly supportive of small businesses to enable them to run more efficiently. In May 2018, the Andrews Labor Government announced a Small Business Regulation Review into Victoria’s construction and building sector in order to improve the experience of small businesses dealing with regulators. The Review requested submissions and input from these businesses to better understand how their relationships with regulators could be improved and how the State Government could assist these businesses to run more efficiently.
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
While it is understood that reducing strict building controls is just one piece of the puzzle, it creates an avenue for allowing more flexibility in the planning rules that will serve to help small businesses and large companies alike and will enable further growth in the industry. There has been a significant push for a nation-wide ban on combustible cladding that causes fire risk and a push to stop substandard aluminum cladding from entering Australia at border controls, removing it from the market. Minister for Planning Richard Wynne established the Victorian Cladding Taskforce, who have worked with local governments and residents to ensure buildings are safe by completing emergency works and removing cladding around fire exits and smoke alarms, with the help of specialists and providing low financing options for owners. In March 2019, Andrews ordered a detailed review of Victoria’s building and planning approval processes to remove red tape and creating a more streamlined approach for local and state government planning systems. This may come as a relief to a spectrum of individuals to businesses who are directly affected by such processes as there are issues around the fact that building and planning cannot be assessed at the same time and the multiple referral process; both of which cause delays across the board. This is exacerbated within statewide planning laws; each council has a local planning scheme which describes the type of development that can occur in different municipalities. Development can become a lengthy, complicated process dictated by building permits, planning permits, planning schemes and land use permits, notwithstanding zoning and overlays. These issues, and others that exist with the building and planning sector are among the catalysts for State reform. In consultation with industry experts, the Review will investigate internal and external referral processes that are affecting Victoria’s capacity to deliver housing, infrastructure investment and business efficiently. The Review will enable smoother, more timely results in Victoria’s construction work that grew more than fifteen percent in 2018. Treasurer Tim Pallas outlined that the review will create simpler approval processes – boosting our capacity to deliver housing, business and infrastructure investment Victoria needs’.
B usiness / T echnology M atters
44
Job Market
JOB MARKET
SECOND YEAR STUDENT SEEKING PA R T - T I M E W O R K E X P E R I E N C E
Second year student at Swinburne University studying Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architecture) seeking part-time work experience around Melbourne in architectural drafting. Proficient in Revit and AutoCad. Primarily looking for an opportunity to gain experience and skills that can be applied to learnings of the course. Please contact Nicholas by email on s_nick1999@yahoo.com or by phone on 0424 431 399. REGISTERED BUILDING DESIGNER AVA I L A B L E T O A S S I S T W I T H O V E R F LO W W O R K
Registered building designer DP-AD located within inner Melbourne is available to assist fellow building designers, architects and/or builders with any overflow work required. Proficient in AutoCad with own AutoCad licence. Proficient in preparing planning documentation and working drawing documentation across bespoke homes, multi-unit, low-rise and/or high-rise residential projects and residential alteration and/or addition projects. Has own ABN and home office set-up. Email any project enquiries to dhdesign@optusnet.com.au. PA R T T I M E S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y C O N S U LTA N T
A Sustainability Consulting Firm located in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria is looking for a part-time energy rater/sustainability consultant. Successful candidates will have experience and skills in producing one or more of the following sustainability reports: FirstRate5 Reports, ESD Reports, and Section J Reports. Graduates with architectural/drafting background will also be considered and training can be provided. Please forward your CV to energy@tul.net.au. C R E AT I V E S T U D I O S E E K S EXPERIENCED ARCHITECT/ DOCUMENTER
MOD3 is a passionate creative studio of Building and Interior Designers located in
N E W S . B D AV. O R G . AU
Mt. Eliza. Our studio is focused on bringing excellent local residential design to the Mornington Peninsula. Due to an increase in project work, we are on the hunt for an experienced Architect/Documenter to join our team. Being a crucial part of the Studio you will work across a variety of projects and phases. We are looking for someone that is a team player, who can also work independently, takes initiative and has excellent attention to detail. A sound knowledge of local building and construction is required, and local town planning knowledge is desirable. Experience in AutoCAD and/or Revit is preferable. We are a young and friendly group of designers enthusiastic about our work and having some fun while doing it. If you are interested in the role, please email your portfolio and CV to Felicity at fg@mod3.com.au.
For more information on BDAV News, Events, CPD Courses and Awards, visit news.bdav.org.au. BUILDING DESIGNERS A S S O C AT I O N OF VIC TORIA
PO Box 174 Carlton South Vic 3053
PHONE
(03) 9416 0227
WEB
www.bdav.org.au
info@bdav.org.au
REVIT DRAFTSPERSON REQUIRED
We are seeking a contract draftsperson (with own ABN) 2 days/week in our Eltham office. Experience with working drawings in residential design with Revit is essential, along with a sound knowledge of Rescode & BCA. We specialise in new homes, extensions and unit developments. Email your resume to ppdraft@bigpond.net.au JUNIOR ARCHITECT OR ARCHITECTURAL DRAFT PERSON REQUIRED
SAC Building Workshop seeks a junior architect or architectural draft person with two full years of Australian experience in residential, industrial, commercial and retail developments to assist the team in day-today operations in a full-time role. Essential skills include: At least one year minimum experience in Australia; Knowledge of Revit and AutoCad; Proficiency with 3D software; Accuracy and precision; Ability to learn quickly; and Take accountability for assigned work. You will work closely with the senior team and gain exposure to a variety of projects with opportunity for quick growth. The office is located in a great area with easy access to public transport. Please email your CV/Resume to acalabro@sacbw.com.
J ob M arket
46
BDAV membership is the ultimate designers ‘must have’.
Membership Benefits include: • Belong to a true non-profit Association • Discounts on industry and business tools/services • Monthly Journal: BDAV News • Weekly eNews • Annual Awarded Magazine • Member updates • Continuing Professional Development: comprehensive program of seminars, workshops, webinars, and regional meetings • Documents for building projects: – project specifications – engagement agreements – indemnity documents – standard form contracts for residential and non-residential projects • Reference material, including a great suite of Practice Notes, Advisory Notes, and much more • Free* advice on matters including copyright, contracts, wages and conditions, legislative and regulatory requirements, etc • Access to Professional Indemnity Insurance through our preferred insurance agent • Accreditation for Thermal Performance Assessors • Lobbying and Representation • Annual Building Design Awards to promote your skills as a designer • Annual 10 Star Sustainable Design Challenge to promote knowledge of energy efficiency principles • Free website listing to generate referrals for your business in Find a Building Designer/Energy Rater
One look inside tells you that being a Member of the Building Designers Association of Victoria entitles you to many member benefits. Advantages such as important information to help you to promote your business, advice* for greater efficiencies, and especially our comprehensive Continuing Professional Development program, will assist you to reap the rewards.
• Free Job Listings for Members seeking staff or Members looking for work
Being a BDAV Member is a sound investment for your business – especially for sole-practitioners, who often work ‘in a vacuum’ and value peer support for advice and guidance.
• Help Desk
Phone: (03) 9416 0227 Fax: (03) 9416 0115 Email: info@bdav.org.au www.bdav.org.au *Advice is of an elementary nature. Anything significantly complex should be referred to an appropriate professional advisor. BDAV is an approved CPD Provider for the Victorian building industry, as administered by Victoria’s Building Commission.
• Student Scholarships/Grants/ Awards
• Online Member Forum • Access to latest information from the nation’s leading suppliers • Networking • Use of BDAV logo: provides recognition on your website and business stationery and much more!
designing amazing spaces
Building Designers can offer an incredible range of design skills to your project To get in touch with a BDAV building designer, go to www.bdav.org.au