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| 6 Jun 2013 Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is often talked about as vital for good passive-solar design. Thermal mass in WA is easier to provide that you think, purely due to the materials we prefer to build with. The installation of concrete floors and brick walls provides the thermal mass of our buildings. We must make sure that it works […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Unfair Contracts Legislation
Individuals can take advantage of the unfair contract provisions unless they are performing private or domestic work. Corporations that are independent contractors may have their contracts (excluding those for private or domestic services) reviewed where the work is wholly or mainly performed by the corporation’s director or members of the director’s family. The Independent Contractors […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Unfair Dismissal
The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) increases the protection for employees who have been unfairly dismissed. Who can make an unfair dismissal claim? A person can make an unfair dismissal claim if they have: completed the minimum employment period; and are covered by a modern award (or award-based transitional instrument) or an enterprise […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Windows
Window considerations are often underrated by homebuyers when they are planning to build their new home. However with a little pre-planning and thought, correct window selection for your needs can occur. The correct size and shape of windows is important to maximise the energy efficiency of your new home and reduce your energy bills. The […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Timber Waste
Up until recently, most builders dumped all construction waste together – sand, rubble, bricks, timber offcuts were all collected by a bobcat driver and sent to landfill. However, regulations now only allow disposal of “inert waste” at Class 1 landfill sites, which most builders use. Waste which includes timber is being refused at the gate […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Waste Management and Recycling
There is an AVOID – REDUCE – REUSE – RECYCLE framework that can be used to reduce waste and risks on your construction project. AVOID waste by careful planning at the design and drawing stages. It is at this stage that the greatest reductions in waste can be achieved: Select building materials and systems with […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Sheds and Patios
There are many contractors who earn their livelihood building small sheds, pergolas, patios etc and perform quite well. One area that you should carefully note is that under the Builders’ Registration Act any project valued at over $20k requires the services of a registered builder. Handypersons who advertise in community newspapers are therefore restricted in […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Site Works and Contracts
Site costs can be a difficult element of a building contract. In most situations, builders will not specify an exact amount for site works, but will nominate a “provisional sum” or best estimate which may be adjusted up or down depending on work actually required. Under the Home Building Contracts Act a builder cannot just […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Smoke Alarms
Smoke Alarms – Are they all the same? Hard-wired smoke alarms (installed by a licensed electrical contractor to mains power) are compulsory in all new homes and new leases for rental properties since October 2009. They are required to be installed on the sale of an existing home if not already provided. They are a […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Survey Plans
A legal survey exists for all land (lots) in Western Australia. Survey plans are the official record of the legal boundaries of land and will usually indicate the dimensions and size of a lot. Three types of legal survey plans are available from the public register and copies can be purchased online from the Western Australian Land Information […]