Across WA, more commercial builds are hitting roadblocks: permits delayed, approvals resubmitted, budgets stretched.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, non-residential construction activity across Australia has fallen 4% year-on-year, with WA projects particularly affected by tighter labour supply and complex compliance requirements.
From our experience, many of these setbacks happen not because of poor workmanship, but because critical compliance steps were missed early in the process.
The Rules That Matter
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) sets minimum standards for structural strength, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility.
In Western Australia, these are enforced through the Building Regulations 2012, which include local conditions that vary by region and building type.
For example:
- Bunbury clinics require higher fire and accessibility standards.
- Kalgoorlie warehouses must withstand heat, dust, and heavy load demands.
- Fremantle offices need materials resistant to salt and coastal winds.
These variations should be addressed during the design stage, NOT after the slab is poured. Early planning is key.
How Builders and Owners Can Get Compliance Right
Compliance doesn’t have to be a maze. It just requires the right collaboration.
A registered commercial builder manages every checkpoint from soil classification and energy assessments to structural certifications, ensuring alignment with both the BCA and WA’s local regulations.
As an owner, you can make the process smoother by:
- Engaging a builder experienced in commercial standards
- Securing planning approvals early, especially for class changes (e.g., retail to medical)
- Keeping certificates and permits current, as missing documentation can hold up occupancy
Trust us. We’ve seen how proactive communication between owner, designer, and builder can save weeks, even months, of project time.
Evolving Standards for a Changing Industry
WA’s building framework keeps moving forward, reflecting new expectations in safety, accessibility, and sustainability.
Current priorities include:
- Energy efficiency under NCC Section J
- Fire safety and egress upgrades for older sites
- Accessibility compliance (AS 1428) for public-facing spaces
- Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) benchmarks
Keeping pace with these standards not only protects your investment but can reduce operating costs over time.