Last Updated on November 13, 2022 by Ossian Muscad
When discussing class 2 buildings, you usually refer to multi-level commercial or residential buildings. The new class 2 building reforms were designed to improve the level of documentation and security for these types of buildings, and they went into effect just last year. If you’re a professional who works on class 2 buildings, it’s important to understand the new obligations under the reforms. This guide will discuss what’s changed in the construction industry, who needs to register, and how to comply with the new requirements.
What is the Design and Building Practitioners Act?
The Design and Building Practitioners Act, commonly known as the DBP Act, sets out the requirements for building practitioners involved in designing, constructing, or altering class 2-9 buildings in New South Wales, Australia. The Act aims to improve building quality and safety by ensuring that only registered and qualified practitioners carry out work on these types of buildings.
The DBP Act applies to all class 2 buildings that started construction on or after 1 July 2021. If you’re working on a class 2 building that was started before this date, you’ll still need to comply with the Building Professionals Act 2005.
What are Class 2 Buildings?
Before you can even proceed with this discussion, it’s important to understand what class 2 buildings are. These are usually multi-level commercial or residential buildings or apartments. Residents live above or below one another, and there are usually four or more levels. In some cases, class 2 buildings can also be hostels, boarding houses, hotels, and motels.
Commercial class 2 buildings are a little different because they’re multi-level shops. Offices and warehouses also fall into this category. When it comes to class 2 buildings, you’ll find that they usually have a basement, and the first floor is used for parking.
Who Needs to Register?
All building practitioners involved in the design or construction of class 2 buildings must be registered with the NSW Fair Trading. This includes the following professionals:
- Architects
- Engineers
- Draftspersons
- Building designers
- Principal certifying authorities
- Construction managers
- Project managers
- Site supervisors
- Swimming pool inspectors
- Access consultants
If you’re unsure if you need to register, you can check the class 2 building practitioner registration categories on the NSW Fair Trading website.
How to Comply With Class 2 Building Reforms
If you’re a registered building practitioner, you’ll need to comply with the class 2 building reforms when working on class 2 buildings. This includes having insurance in place and complying with the code of conduct.
You’ll also need to ensure that you have the right qualifications and experience for the work you’re doing. If you don’t have the right qualifications, you’ll need to get them before starting work.
If you’re working on a class 2 building that was started before 1 July 2021, you won’t need to comply with the class 2 building reforms. However, you must still comply with the Building Professionals Act 2005.
The class 2 building reforms are designed to improve the level of documentation and security for class 2 buildings. If you’re a professional who works on class 2 buildings, it’s important to understand the new obligations under the reforms. This guide has discussed what’s changed, who needs to register, and how to comply with the new requirements.
The Process of Applying for Registration
If you’re a building practitioner who wants to register, follow the steps below:
- Check the class 2 building practitioner registration categories on the NSW Fair Trading website to see if you need to register.
- If you need to register, complete the application form and submit it to NSW Fair Trading.
- You’ll need proof of your identity, qualifications, and experience.
- You may also need to provide a certificate of currency for your professional indemnity insurance.
- You’ll need to pay the registration fee.
- Once your application is approved, you’ll be issued a registration certificate.
- You’ll need to renew your registration every year.
The class 2 building reforms are an important part of ensuring the safety of class 2 buildings. If you’re a professional who works on class 2 buildings, it’s important to understand the new obligations under the reforms.
Better and More Effective Inspection and Auditing with DATAMYTE
If you’re going to comply with class 2 building reforms, you need to make sure that you have an effective inspection and auditing system in place. DATAMYTE can help you with this. With its Digital Clipboard, you can easily and efficiently determine class 2 construction defects.
The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is a workflow automation software that can be used to improve the quality of your documentation. For example, it allows you to easily and quickly record class 2 construction defects and track and manage them. At the same time, you can also use it to collect evidence and create reports.
In short, the DataMyte Digital Clipboard can help you save time and improve the quality of your class 2 construction compliance documentation. It’s an essential tool for anyone who wants to comply with class 2 building reforms.
With its easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, creating and implementing class 2 construction compliance plans is a breeze. You can quickly add, remove, or edit class 2 construction defects. And because it’s web-based, you can access your class 2 construction compliance documentation anywhere in the world.
The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is an all-in-one solution to your class 2 construction compliance needs. Book a demo now to learn more about how it can help you save time and improve the quality of your class 2 construction compliance documentation.
Conclusion
Regarding class 2 construction, the reforms are an important part of ensuring the safety of class 2 buildings. If you’re a professional who works on class 2 buildings, it’s important to understand the new obligations under the reforms. Use the information and resources in this guide to ensure that you comply with the class 2 building reforms.
