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  1. Roof | 6 Jun 2013

    Roof Frames

    Both timber and steel are used in roofs. Each material has advantages and disadvantages. Supporters of steel roofs (which are being used nowadays by a number of major builders) argue that it is more environmentally friendly, fire safe and termite proof. However the timber industry rejects these arguments, stressing the high level of embodied energy […]

  1. Roof | 6 Jun 2013

    Roof Sarking

    Roof sarking is a membrane that is fitted during tile or metal roof construction. The flexible membrane is usually installed under the battens to provide thermal insulation and to prevent water and dust penetration in the roof space. In bushfire prone areas flying embers cannot enter this space through the roof due to sarking protection. […]

  1. Pest Control | 6 Jun 2013

    Termites and Building a New Home

    Termites and building a new home Before construction commences it is advisable that discussion takes place between the builder and the owner. The selection of a termite barrier system should not be based merely on price. Other considerations such as the topography of the site, known risk factors of the area and construction techniques must […]

  1. Building Code & Approvals, Safety at Home | 6 Jun 2013

    Safety Management Plan (Residential)

    WorkSafe WA has introduced mandatory site-specific safety management plans for domestic construction as from 1 October 2008. Where five or more persons are working or are likely to be working simultaneously on a domestic construction site, you will need to have a site-specific occupational health and safety management plan prepared before work commences. The plan […]

  1. Costs & Purchasing | 6 Jun 2013

    Security of Payments Legislation

    The Construction Contracts Act, also known as security of payment legislation, commenced on 1 January 2005. Part of this legislation covers disputes between building owners and builders. The laws are designed to maintain the flow of funds between parties even when a dispute occurs and not allow an owner to retain monies owed under a […]

  1. Contractual, Costs & Purchasing | 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 […]

  1. Contractual | 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 […]

  1. Employment & Workplace | 6 Jun 2013

    Mobile Cranes

    The use of mobile cranes in the residential construction industry has become commonplace.  Before commencing using a crane on a construction site it is important to develop a work plan or safe work method statement for all crane operations.  A work plan or safe work method statement should be developed which includes information on, but […]