Building your dream home can be a very exciting time, but when your chosen parcel of land is located in a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rated area, it can come with quite a few costs and hurdles to consider along the way.

The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) is a rating system used to assess bushfire risk to property in Australia.

In this blog, we will explore the costs associated with building a home on a higher BAL rated parcel of land and discuss various factors you should keep in mind.

Building Design and Materials

Homes in higher BAL rated areas require specific designs and materials to increase their fire resistance. Features like ember guards, fire-resistant windows, and non-combustible cladding will add to your costs.

Site Preparation

This often involves clearing vegetation and installing additional equipment like water tanks and pumps. These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety of your home and can be costly.

Insurance Premiums

Higher insurance premiums is a significant thing to consider when it comes into higher BAL rated areas. These costs can vary based on the specific BAL rating of your property and the insurance provider. Make sure to shop around for the best price, bearing in mind that this will be a continuous expense, long after your home is built.

Compliance with Building Codes

Ensuring that you comply with building and safety standards is of the utmost importance when it comes to higher BAL ratings. Engaging professionals who are experienced in building within these areas and familiar with the local regulations may be more expensive, but it is highly recommended to assist in a smooth process.

Maintenance

It is also important to take into consideration the ongoing maintenance costs long after your build is complete. This includes things like gutter cleans, vegetation clearing and ember guard inspections,

Emergency Evacuation Plan

Having a well-thought-out evacuation plan is crucial when living in a bushfire-prone area. This may include the purchase of firefighting equipment, an emergency response kit, training etc.

Water Supply

Adequate water supply for in preparation for a potential fire is essential. You may need to install water tanks, firefighting pumps, and a reliable water source, which will add to the cost of your build.

Landscaping

Landscaping should focus on creating a defensible space around your home. This involves careful planning to ensure that the vegetation around your property is fire-resistant, which can also consume a fair bit of the budget.

Understanding the specific BAL rating of your land and the effects the rating will in turn have on your build cost, is extremely important when it comes to a new build.

As the Blue Mountains Custom Homes Specialist, we are more than happy to assist you with your new build and any questions you might have about your land and the additional costs you might be facing.