How will a BAL Rating affect my house?
If you're building a house in a bushfire-prone area, you're probably wondering how it will affect your project. What will it cost, and what changes will be needed to ensure your home is safe?
To start, you may find it helpful to explore the following articles to understand BAL levels:
Once your design has been assigned a BAL rating by an accredited bushfire consultant, you'll need to update your construction plans to meet the specific requirements for that rating.
The five BAL levels are:
BAL 12.5
BAL 19
BAL 29
BAL 40
BAL Flame Zone (FZ)
Each level has different construction requirements, which will add costs to your building project. Here's a breakdown of estimated additional costs based on the Keelty Report and the Shire of Busselton (note: these estimates are nearly 10 years old, and costs may vary):
BAL 12.5: Additional 3-4%
BAL 19: Additional 4-5%
BAL 29: Additional 6-6.5%
BAL 40: Additional 6-10%
BAL Flame Zone (FZ): Additional 8-10%
These costs are above the standard construction requirements and are designed to ensure the safety and durability of your home in the event of a bushfire.