What is a Performance Solution?
Performance Solutions Under the NCC
A performance solution is a compliance pathway under the National Construction Code (NCC) that demonstrates how a building design meets the relevant Performance Requirements without relying solely on Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provisions. Performance solutions allow flexibility where prescriptive provisions cannot be met or where an alternative design approach is proposed.
Performance solutions are commonly used to address site constraints, innovative design outcomes, material substitutions or existing building conditions. When properly developed and documented, a performance solution provides a clear and compliant basis for approval by the relevant Building Surveyor.
When Is a Performance Solution Required?
A performance solution may be required where:
A Deemed-to-Satisfy provision cannot be met
A design proposes an alternative construction method or material
Existing building conditions prevent full DTS compliance
A fire, access, egress or amenity requirement requires project-specific justification
A regulatory authority requests further justification of compliance
Performance solutions are frequently used in Class 2 to 9 buildings but may also be applicable to Class 1 buildings in certain circumstances.
Performance Solutions vs Deemed-to-Satisfy
Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions provide a prescriptive compliance pathway set out in the NCC. While DTS solutions are straightforward where they can be achieved, they are not always practical or appropriate for every project.
Performance solutions, by contrast, allow designers to demonstrate compliance through alternative means, provided the Performance Requirements of the NCC are satisfied. This flexibility enables better alignment with design intent, cost management and constructability, particularly on complex or constrained sites.
However, performance solutions must be robustly justified and supported by suitable assessment methods and documentation to be accepted.
How Performance Solutions Are Developed
A compliant performance solution follows a structured process that typically includes:
Identification of the applicable NCC Performance Requirements
Development of a performance brief with relevant stakeholders
Selection of suitable assessment methods
Preparation of supporting analysis and documentation
Review and approval by the relevant Building Surveyor
This process ensures the proposed solution is transparent, defensible and aligned with regulatory expectations.
Assessment Methods for Performance Solutions
The NCC recognises a range of assessment methods that may be used in support of a performance solution, including:
Evidence of suitability
Expert judgement
Verification methods
Comparison with DTS provisions
Often, performance solutions rely on a combination of these methods. Selecting the appropriate assessment pathway is critical to ensuring acceptance and avoiding unnecessary delays during the approval process.
Role of a Consultant Building Surveyor
A consultant building surveyor plays a central role in the development and coordination of performance solutions. This includes interpreting NCC requirements, advising on suitable assessment methods and ensuring the solution is documented in a manner that aligns with regulatory expectations.
Engaging a consultant building surveyor early allows performance solutions to be developed strategically, reducing redesign risk and improving the likelihood of approval. Surveyor-led performance solutions are typically clearer, more practical and easier for approval authorities to assess.
Coordination With Other Consultants
Performance solutions often involve coordination between multiple disciplines, including:
Fire safety engineers
Access consultants
Structural engineers
Building designers and architects
Effective coordination ensures the intent of the performance solution is consistently reflected across drawings, specifications and supporting reports. Misalignment between documentation is a common cause of approval delays and requests for further information.
Common Performance Solution Applications
Performance solutions are commonly prepared for:
Fire resistance and fire separation
Egress and travel distances
Access and DDA compliance
Building services and system substitutions
Existing building upgrades and alterations
Each performance solution is project-specific and must be developed in the context of the applicable building classification and regulatory framework.
Performance Solutions and Approvals
Well-prepared performance solutions streamline the approval process by clearly demonstrating compliance with the NCC Performance Requirements. Building Surveyors rely on thorough documentation, logical assessment methods and transparent assumptions when assessing performance-based designs.
Poorly prepared performance solutions, by contrast, can lead to requests for clarification, redesign or rejection. Early engagement and proper coordination are key to avoiding these issues.
Independent Performance Solutions Consulting
DAV Building Solutions provides independent performance solutions consulting services across Victoria. Our advice is practical, approval-focused and grounded in a detailed understanding of NCC interpretation and regulatory processes.
As a consultant building surveyor, we assist clients in developing clear, compliant and defensible performance solutions tailored to their specific project requirements.
Engage a Performance Solutions Consultant
If your project requires a performance solution or if you are unsure whether a performance-based pathway is appropriate, contact DAV Building Solutions. Early advice can reduce design risk, improve approval outcomes and provide clarity throughout the project lifecycle.
