Stairs performance solution
When the drawings cannot meet the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for stairs, a performance solution shows the design still meets the Performance Requirement. Fixed fee, 72 hours, one revision included.
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A certifier replies within one business day with what the job needs and a fixed fee, GST shown.
The requirement
NCC 2022 Volume One D3D14 (goings and risers) and D3D15 (landings) under Performance Requirement D1P2 safe movement, and for houses Volume Two Part H5 with the ABCB Housing Provisions Part 11.2.
The Deemed-to-Satisfy tables fix riser and going ranges, the riser-plus-going formula, constant dimensions through a flight, the number of risers between landings, landing length, slip resistance and the treatment of open risers and winders.
When the drawings need a performance solution
Heritage or existing stairs kept in a change of use, a flight squeezed by a level change on a tight site, a going or riser a few millimetres outside the range, more than 18 risers in a flight, a spiral or winder stair in a commercial building, or a landing shorter than the table allows.
What we write
We identify which Deemed-to-Satisfy clause the stair departs from, quantify the departure, and show how the stair still meets D1P2: consistent dimensions, adequate landings, handrails, lighting and slip resistance, with compensating measures where the geometry cannot change. Where an existing stair stays, we assess it against the requirement rather than the current tables.
The solution follows the NCC's own process for a Performance Solution (A2G2): the Performance Requirement identified, the Assessment Method stated, the evidence set out, and a conclusion a certifier can adopt. One revision is included when the assessor or the authority asks for more.
What the certifier needs to see
- Stair sections with every riser and going dimensioned, plus landings and headroom
- Slip-resistance classification of treads and nosings to AS 4586
- Handrail and balustrade details, and the lighting to the flight
- The reasoning against D1P2 with any compensating measures called up on the drawings
Fee
- $4,400 inc GST ($4,000 + GST) per performance solution, one revision included
- Delivered in 72 hours from a complete drawing set; 24 hours at +50%
- Further revisions $1,100 inc GST ($1,000 + GST); a redesigned element is a new solution
- Fire-engineered solutions are scoped and quoted separately
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Answer a few questions and the fee is on the screen, GST shown, before you give us your name. Accept it and send the drawings.
Something larger, or Class 2, 3, 4 or 9c? Send it through and a certifier replies with a fixed price inside a business day.
Questions
Can an existing stair be kept in a change of use?
Often, with a performance solution that shows it meets the safe-movement requirement. The report has to assess the stair as built, so we need measured dimensions, not the original drawings.
Do winders need a performance solution?
In a Class 1 house winders are allowed within the Housing Provisions limits. In most Class 2 to 9 buildings a required stair cannot use winders under the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, so a performance solution is the route.
What is the difference between a performance solution and a BCA report?
A BCA report assesses the whole design against the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions and lists the non-compliances. A performance solution resolves one of those non-compliances by showing the design meets the Performance Requirement another way.
How long does it take?
72 hours from a complete drawing set, or 24 hours at +50%. The clock starts when we confirm the set is complete.