Will iBuild advise timber or steel for my BAL rating?
Transcript
Charles Christodoulou: “Well, you can go up to (I think) BAL 29, even BAL 40, using a timber frame. In your case, I’ve already submitted your cost estimate request; in fact, I’ll probably get that tomorrow morning. I’ve noted on there – I can’t remember if your BAL rating was 29 or 19. Okay. So if what I requested shows that a steel frame is required, they’ll show it on the paperwork they send me.“
Yes. When you submit an ER1 (previously CR1) cost-estimate request, iBuild reviews your site’s BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) and clearly indicates in your paperwork/engineering notes if a steel frame is required. In many cases a timber frame remains acceptable for higher BAL categories (including BAL 29 and even BAL 40). If steel is specifically required, it will be shown in the documents you receive.
How it works
Submit ER1 (formerly CR1).
BAL noted and assessed as part of preparing your cost-estimate paperwork.
Clear framing direction: if your BAL requires steel, this is flagged in the returned documentation; otherwise, timber remains acceptable.
Framing options & pricing notes
-
Standard offering: timber frame; many customers also choose steel (often preferred in termite-prone regions).
-
Victoria: timber or steel are available at the same cost.
-
Interstate: steel may attract an additional cost because frames are sourced from external suppliers.
Do BAL overlays force steel?
Not necessarily. Timber framing can be used for elevated BAL categories (including BAL 29 and BAL 40). Your final paperwork will confirm what’s acceptable for your project.