THE STATE OF THE NATION’S HOUSING:

WHAT VICTORIAN INSPECTIONS ARE TELLING US

FRANK ORTOLAN – ARCHICENTRE VICTORIA

MOD.A Conference, April 2016

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN

SERVICES (VICTORIA)

www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/housing, www.archicentre.com.au

Phone 1300 136 513

HOME RENOVATION SERVICE OVERVIEW:

� The Victorian Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) awarded tender to Archicentre to provide Home Services Reports in 1998

� Aim: To enable Victorians to remain in their own home

� Victoria wide service� Victoria wide service

� Approximately 75,000 reports completed to date

� Currently have 29 Archicentre-accredited architects providing service –

18 Metropolitan area + 11 Regional areas

� Reports are free of charge to people who meet the eligibility criteria

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Individuals must:

� Hold a Disability or Aged Pension card or DVA card

� Be 60+ years old or have a disability or care for someone with a disability someone with a disability

� If the individual is applying for Victorian State Wide Equipment Service (SWEP) funding for home modifications, they are required to use the service

� Home owners or those renting privately are eligible

WHAT DOES THE INSPECTION INCLUDE?

� Health and safety

� Repair & maintenance

� Energy & water wastage

Reports completed in conjunction with an Occupational Therapist include:

� Bathroom modifications

� Access issues (e.g. Ramp/steps)

� Laundry / kitchen modifications

THE ASSESSMENT INCLUDES:

� Trip and slip hazard identification – rugs, paths, floor finishes, contrasting nosings, cords/cables, changes in floor levels, existing shower base access

Cracking – minor or major, proximity of trees� Cracking – minor or major, proximity of trees

� Fire hazards –clutter, absence of functioning smoke alarms, quick exit/dead locks

� Stumps /piers – uneven floors, doorways out of plum

� Health hazards – Asbestos, vermin, rising damp

THE ASSESSMENT INCLUDES:

� Illegal works – extensions, sub floor excavation, attic conversion

� Electrics – presence of safety switch, aging switchboard

� Timber rot – wall linings, windows, fascia/gables� Timber rot – wall linings, windows, fascia/gables

� Security – door and window locks, sensor lights

� Damp/mould – amount of daylight and ventilation

� Roof issues – leaking roof, aging/cracked tiles, gutters

� Draining – broken/ineffective storm water pipes/pits

What does the client get?

� Printed report showing the type of fault, suggested remedy, indicative costings and type of tradesman required.

Sketch plan/s showing modification for access or � Sketch plan/s showing modification for access or bathroom.

� Archicentre standard ramp /step details

� DHHS loan information

� Archicentre technical information booklet

� The Archicentre technical information booklet covers:� Home maintenance guide

� Cracking in brickwork

� Re-stumping

� Roofing and guttering

� Termites and borers

� Treatment of dampness

� Health and safety warnings

Service summary & report

� Archicentre provide a monthly report to DHHS

� Quarterly and bi-annual reports include findings captured from bookingscaptured from bookings

� Summary data is divided by suburb and municipality

Item 2002 2005 2008 2011 2015

% of assessed properties where each item was identified

Trip and slip hazards 19 22 26 31 47

Cracking 17 13 14 15 8

Fire Hazard 3 2 4 6 5

Stumps/piers 11 9 8 8 7

Health hazards 4 4 6 7 5

Illegal works 2 2 2 2 1Illegal works 2 2 2 2 1

Electrics 20 18 21 23 10

Timber rot 16 10 10 11 9

Security 5 3 5 5 11

Damp/mould 12 8 7 7 7

Roof issues 19 11 11 10 7

Draining 10 6 11 6 1

Advice to clients

� A range of advice is provided to clients as a result of the Architect’s assessment.

� Consideration is given to recommendations in AS1428.1(2009)

� Advice includes:Installation of access ramps to replace steps� Installation of access ramps to replace steps

� Modification of existing steps to incorporate step-landings

� Installation of internal and external lifting mechanisms

� Removal of bath & shower base, and replacement with level access shower

� Modification of existing baths

� Kitchen redesign

� Altered lighting, heating, cooling & security features

Access

Bathroom design & modification

Kitchen design & reconfiguring

Frank Ortolan

Archicentre, VictoriaArchicentre, Victoria

Ph: 1300 136 513

E: fo_a@bigpond.net.au