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| 6 Jun 2013 Timber Rot
Timber rot was a major problem in some Perth homes. A survey a few years ago suggested that houses in Subiaco, Ardross, Floreat, Nedlands and Mosman Park were most likely to suffer from timber rot. This incidence of timber rot is not surprising as it usually occurs in older homes and caused by a lack […]
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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 Union Right of Entry
This Fact Sheet provides information about the right of entry requirements in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act). Right of entry permits The right of entry provisions in the FW Act allow union officials who hold valid entry permits to enter employers’ businesses for certain purposes. Union officials can apply to Fair Work […]
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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 Termite Management Systems
In 2000, a new Standard was adopted for termite risk management. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires a barrier to be installed where the primary building elements may be subject to subterranean termite attack. A primary building element is a member of a building that takes part of the building loads and includes roof, […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Tilers
Tilers are not a Registered or licensed trade in Western Australia. Registration or Licensing is only required for builders, electricians, plumbers and painters. Tilers can obtain formal qualifications through TAFE, but many would have learned their skills “on the job” rather than be formally trained. There is a Ceramic Tilers Association to which some tillers […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Shared Equity Scheme
A shared equity arrangement is where two or more parties agree to co-purchase an asset, and share in any capital appreciation of that asset over time. The parties may agree on a 70/30 ownership or any other shared arrangement. The parties need to consider whether recurring expenses such as stamp duty rates and taxes and […]
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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 Swimming Pool Construction
Swimming pools are extremely popular and come within the definition of “home building work” in the Home Building Contracts Act (1991). This legislation covers issues such as maximum deposit payable (6½ per cent of contract value), progress claim payments and so on. There are several construction issues to consider. When a swimming pool is constructed […]