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6 Jun 2013 |Environmental Due Diligence
Environmental Due Diligence is a key tool in managing risks prior to, or at the outset of projects. Key legislation, as it applies to the industry, includes the Environmental Protection Act 1986, Town Planning and Development Act 2005 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. An environmental due diligence assessment defines opportunities and […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Condensation
Condensation is at its maximum in new homes. When homes are built many gallons of water go into materials such as concrete, plaster, wallpaper, tile work and even some types of paint. This water evaporates; which explains the reason for a higher moisture content than usual in new homes. To aid the drying out process […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Construction Times
While many contracts specify a definite time period in terms of “x” number of calendar or working days (which exclude weekends and public holidays), some contracts do not and this space is left blank. This does not mean that the builder has an infinite amount of time to complete the project. Courts have ruled on […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Building Inspections: Existing Homes
In general buyers should arrange the following inspections prior to purchasing an existing home: A building inspection: in order to check for structural problems. A pest inspection: in order to ensure the house is free of termites and pests. There are a number of precautionary steps that you can take to ensure that you are […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Aged Residents and Housing
Designing and building housing for older people is becoming very important as the Australian population ages. Each year one in three every older Australians will suffer a fall, with around 5 to 10 per cent of these falls causing an injury which requires medical attention. Many of these falls around the home are preventable. Sensible […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Appliances and Building Specifications
It is common for home buyers to do insufficient research on whether a builder’s standard specification is suited to their needs. Frustrated new home owners sometimes discover too late that their new garage is not wide enough or high enough for their 4 wheel drive (especially for multi-vehicle households), or that their fridge is too […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Apprentices: Hiring
Master Builders believes it is in the interests of builders and subcontractors to invest in our industry’s future by taking on and training apprentices. A Master Builders publication is available to as an easy guide to the requirements for employing an apprentice for either a part or the whole of their apprenticeship. Your Investment for […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Building Legislation
From 1 January 2011, WA has adopted one of the biggest reforms in building control legislation our State has seen in 50 years. The establishment of the Building Commission in WA marked the end of the Builders’ Registration Board and the Painters’ Registration Board and provides a one-stop shop for the regulation of the building […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Building Approvals Getting the Red Light!
As was expected, the introduction of the new Building Act has caused confusion and disruption to the approvals and the completion of buildings currently under construction. With all change, there is an adjustment period. Builders, architects, designers, building surveyors, Local Government, Water Corporation, and FESA are feeling pressure to adapt to the required changes, and […]