Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What services does DAV Building Solutions provide?

We specialise in performance-based consultancy for residential and commercial building projects. Our services include:

  • NCC Performance Solutions — alternative means to comply with the National Construction Code when the “Deemed-to-Satisfy” (DtS) path isn’t suitable.

  • Disability Access — creating performance solutions to meet accessibility requirements under AS 1428.1, the BCA, and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

  • Fire Engineering — fire engineering reports and strategies to satisfy fire safety without compromising design.

2. What is a “Performance Solution”?

A Performance Solution is a flexible, performance‑based path to meeting building regulations. Instead of rigidly following prescriptive rules (DtS), a performance solution lets us tailor compliance strategies that are:

  • Code-compliant, but creatively designed

  • Sometimes more cost-effective

  • Risk‑managed and practical for your unique project

This approach is especially helpful when traditional pathways are overly restrictive or inefficient.

3. When should I consider a performance solution?

You might need one when:

  • Your design doesn’t neatly fit within the standard DtS (Deemed-to-Satisfy) provisions of the NCC.

  • There are accessibility challenges, such as designing for disability access under AS 1428.1, or meeting more advanced access standards.

  • Your building’s fire design is complex (e.g., unconventional layouts, mixed uses) and requires an engineer-led fire strategy.

4. What are the benefits of using a performance‑based approach?

Flexibility: More design freedom than standard prescriptive paths.

  1. Cost savings: By tailoring solutions, you can often avoid over-engineering.

  2. Innovation: You can integrate new technologies, materials, or spatial arrangements while still meeting compliance.

  3. Risk mitigation: We work closely with certifiers, architects, and builders to ensure that the solution is practical, safe, and compliant.

5. How do you work with project teams?

We collaborate with architects, builders, surveyors, and certifiers. Our process typically looks like this:

  1. Initial consultation — You tell us about your project and where you think the compliance challenges lie.

  2. Scope & proposal — We define what performance work is needed (e.g., fire engineering, access, NCC performance) and propose a fee.

  3. Analysis & design — We develop the performance strategy, run calculations, model fire or accessibility behavior, etc.

  4. Documentation — We prepare the required reports, drawings, and justifications for certifiers.

  5. Liaison — We work with the certifier or building surveyor to ensure the solution is accepted.

  6. Support — During construction, we can help clarify or adjust the solution if required.

6. How long does it take to develop a performance solution?

It depends on the complexity of your project. A simple performance solution could take a day, while more complex fire-engineering, access, or multi-disciplinary solutions might take a week. We’ll provide an estimated timeline when we scope your project.

7. How much does it cost?

Costs vary depending on:

  • The type and complexity of the performance solution (fire, access, etc.)

  • The size and nature of your project (residential vs commercial)

  • The level of detail required by your certifier/surveyor

We provide a fee proposal once we better understand your project’s scope. You can request one via our website.

8. What are the risks of not using a performance solution when needed?

  • Non-compliance with the NCC, which can lead to approval delays or rejection.

  • Overly conservative design if forced into a DtS path — possibly more costly or less efficient.

  • Missed opportunities for innovation (e.g., sustainability, design differentiation)

  • Access or fire safety issues that could compromise user safety or legal requirements

9. Can you help with disability / accessible design?

Yes — we specialise in Disability Access Performance Solutions. We help design accessible facilities in line with:

  • AS 1428.1 (Design for Access and Mobility)

  • BCA (Building Code of Australia) accessibility provisions

  • Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards (DDA)

We aim to balance compliance, functionality, and design aesthetics.

10. What is your contact information?

  • Email: David@davbs.com.au

11. Are you up to date with recent NCC changes?

Yes — we monitor updates to the National Construction Code (NCC) closely. For example, we are aware of NCC 2022 Amendment 2 and its implications for access and mobility standards. DAV Building Solutions
We incorporate these changes into our performance solutions to ensure your design is compliant under current legislation.

12. Why choose DAV Building Solutions over other consultancies?

  • Deep expertise in performance-based compliance (fire, access, NCC).

  • A collaborative approach: we work hand-in-hand with certifiers, architects, and builders.

  • Cost‑effective strategies — we aim to find the most efficient compliance path.

  • Commitment to clarity and transparency: we’ll explain our approach in plain language, not just technical jargon.