Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Bushifire Levy whilst building a new home 6Apr 13, 2010 9:28 pm We are in Victoria, building with a different builder in a BAL-19 zone. It's BAL-19 because we have a few gum trees on and near our property - basically just a couple of rows of sugar gums along the road side of our block and in an adjoining field. It doesn't take much to get a fire rating in Vic these days. Like you, we were charged $4,000 to meet bushfire requirements. The fee covers all of the things needed to prevent ember entry into the house and increase heat resistance of windows - things like: - Wire mesh screen doors to all entries. - Embaseal on the garage door - Mesh screens covering all weepholes and other entry points into the house - thicker, toughened glass instead of regular glass in windows and sliding doors - flyscreens on all windows - roof sarking We had included some of these things in our tender before we found out about the bushfire requirements, but the builder insisted they were just charging everyone a flat fee of $4,000 to build to BAL specifications. When we were charged, the builder had assessed our site at BAL 12.5. After we signed the contract, during the building permit process, it was rated instead at BAL-19. Our builder was kind enough to not charge us any extra for the glass upgrade that was required for that. Re: Bushifire Levy whilst building a new home 7Apr 13, 2010 9:55 pm qksilver_21 hi guys, have been hit by a $4000 charge for bushfire assesement through burbank! im building in broadford, but where site is, its in a residential area! what actually is this for, and what do i get for the $4000? am i gettin ripped off? Do you mean a BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) assessment? It was my understanding that all new homes in victoria need a BAL assessment - and you can do them yourself, or get an inderpendent person to do it for around $200 (at least that's what we were quoted). If you have a WMO (wildfire management overlay) then this is something additional to the BAL assessment, and again it can be done easily by yourself using the kit that kek advised you of. But you would know if you had a WMO wouldn't you??? If you don't, check with your local council. I would think that for $4000 your builder might be including something else in the price? If it's just for a BAL assessment I'd be definately seeing what other options you have! Building on an acre in Macedon ......one day. Re: Bushifire Levy whilst building a new home 8Apr 13, 2010 10:19 pm thanks for ur help guys, its been awesome! im gunna ring burbank tomorow and ask for a statment with all the things they are guna include with our $4000! our house is 7-star rating, so i bet they double charge us for things we alreasy have! Is it just a report written to give to the bank initially and it is based on what and how your payments are made up for, or is it a full service where they go out and… 2 2984 Hi Suku18 In NSW the statutory required insurances are: 1. HBCF ( Home Building Compensation Fund) - This is if the builder dies or goes broke. But this only covers 20%… 1 1278 Skjm You might want to watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKx-bsOr2jg If that link doesn't work go to youtube and search for Zac Homes ACA I am really… 1 3056 |