Welcome to Access Mobility solutions
LHA NCC Livable Housing Design Standard Assessor
Welcome to Access Mobility solutions
Welcome to
Access Mobility solutions
LHA NCC Livable Housing Design Standard Assessor
About LHA NCC Livable Housing Design Guideline
Livable Housing Design Guidelines are intended to make homes easier to use and more adaptable to the changing needs of residents.
The guidelines seek to make Australian homes
This often involves making practical design changes like reducing steps wherever possible, increasing space in bathrooms, widening doorways and hallways, and planning for future mobility needs. The chart below reflects Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC) transition and adoption dates by state and territory.
-> Easy to enter
-> Easy to navigate
-> Responsive to the changing needs of occupants
The guidelines seek to make Australian homes
This often involves making practical design changes like reducing steps wherever possible, increasing space in bathrooms, widening doorways and hallways, and planning for future mobility needs. The chart reflects Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC) transition and adoption dates by state and territory.
At Access Mobility Solutions, our number one priority is increasing accessibility for our clients, which is why we are proud to offer certified LHA NCC Livable Housing Design Standard Assessor services.
-> For more detailed information, please visit your jurisdiction’s website.
| State/Territory | Livable housing design | Further information |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | 1 October 2023 | ACT Government |
| New South Wales | Not adopting | NSW Government |
| Northern Territory | 1 October 2023 | Northern Territory Government |
| Queensland | Queensland Modern Homes website | Queensland Government |
| South Australia | 1 October 2024 | South Australian Government |
| Tasmania | 1 October 2024 | Tasmanian Government |
| Victoria | 1 May 2024 | Victorian Government |
| Western Australia | Not adopting | Western Australian Government |
The Importance of Assessing Your Home
The Livable Housing Design Standard sets forth guidelines to ensure homes are safe and accessible for all occupants regardless of age or ability. The Livable Housing Design Standard requirements apply to all new Class 1a (Houses) and Class 2 (Apartments) buildings.
A certified LHA NCC Livable Housing Design Standard Assessor is trained to understand if homes meet the National Construction Code and Livable Housing Design Standard guidelines. When you work with an assessor from Access Mobility Solutions, you will receive recommendations for improvements where necessary in meeting the NCC Livable Housing Design Standard. Here are some other important aspects of your assessment:
Accessibility
Safety
Meeting National Construction Code and complying with Livable Housing Design Standard guidelines includes such things as future handrails installation and non-slip flooring.
Future Adaptation
The Livable Housing Design Standard was designed with future housing needs in mind. Compliant homes should change along with residents’ mobility. The Access Mobility Solutions assessor will evaluate how adaptable your home would be when adding a walk-in shower or outside ramp, as examples. Your assessor will make suggestions on how future home modifications might impact your home’s floor plans.
Compliance
Why is the Livable Housing Design Standard Significant?
As members of the Australian community age, they will require housing that meets their mobility needs. To make housing more adaptable and better suited for people with mobility limitations, the Australian government wants to increase the stock of available compliant housing. Doing so will allow seniors, especially, to age at home.
It is important to note, however, that while the Livable Housing Design Standard can greatly improve the accessibility and inclusivity of homes, it may not fully meet the needs of all individuals. Some people with more severe disabilities will need additional design considerations, recommendation to the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Standard may be necessary to accomplish this, this is another service that Access Mobility Solutions can provide. Nevertheless, adopting the National Construction Code Livable Housing Design Standard guidelines can make a significant impact by allowing older people more choices, reducing future nursing care expenses, and the ability to age in place.
Livable Housing Design Standard Overview
The overall goal of a Livable Housing Design Standard assessment is to provide a set of steps toward technical modifications, that if completed, will enable dwellings to better meet the guidelines. Six main areas are studied by the assessor with feedback provided. They include:
Dwelling Access
A continuous entry without steps into the building from the allotment boundary, and/or garage or carport.
Dwelling Entrance
A minimum of one step-free door is required to enter the building from the access path.
Internal Doors and Corridors
Sanitary Compartment
Shower
Reinforcement of Bathroom and Sanitary Compartment Walls
Sanitary compartment and bathroom walls must be reinforced to accommodate future grabrails and other safety features for future mobility needs without the removal of existing wall linings.
A Safer More Comfortable Home to Age In
A livable home aims to enhance accessibility for Australian residential dwellings through all stages of their occupant’s lives. Both the National Construction Code and the Livable Housing Design Standard guidelines were created as minimum requirements, but are not perfect best practices. Their goal is to benefit the largest number of occupants and visitors in the majority of circumstances. With a large portion of the Australian population reaching their golden years, these commonsense steps will make homes safer and more comfortable to grow old in with dignity.
Access Mobility Solutions is proud to offer LHA NCC Livable Housing Design Standard Assessor services to Australia Our unique combination of architectural expertise and experience with personal disability helps us create value for our clients in ways others cannot. EVERYONE deserves a livable home regardless of their age or ability. Turn to us for innovative, compliant solutions.
Good Access for All Starts with Access Mobility Solutions
If you have questions about any of our services, we are happy to help. Reach out to Access Mobility Solutions! While complying with accessibility legislation can feel like a never-ending, complex process, we make it easy.
I believe that it was a natural transition to become an Accredited Access Consultant. As someone with first-hand knowledge of the architectural profession and, due to living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and the experiences of a manual wheelchair user, I can provide a unique, dual perspective on access issues.
GOOD ACCESS has become an integral part of my life.
“I cannot control the fact I have multiple sclerosis but what I can control is my attitude”
