Are BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) upgrades mandatory?
Written by Clayton Bielby
Updated at March 31st, 2025
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Answer:
Yes — if your site is in a bushfire-prone area, BAL compliance is mandatory under Australian building codes.
What this means:
- You must commission a BAL Assessment Report ($750–$1,500) as part of your site checks
- Depending on your BAL rating (e.g. BAL-12.5, BAL-19), the home may require fire-resistant materials, window upgrades, and ember protection
- All upgrades must be applied before manufacture, not after
Expandify can coordinate your BAL report and adjust the build specifications accordingly to ensure full compliance before submission.