Close

Member Login

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Liquidated Damages

    A liquidated damages (LD) clause is common in many building contracts for commercial or institutional buildings, but less common in residential contracts.  Liquidated damages are an amount which the builder agrees to pay to the homeowner for late completion of the project.  This is usually an amount per day or per week.  Liquidated damages are […]

  1. | 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 […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Noise

    Starting times must comply with local government by-laws which dictate the hours within which on-site work can take place. You should consult the building department of your local authority for the relevant requirements. Compliance with these by-laws is a condition on which the building licence is issued to the builder. Once you have discovered the […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Painting

    Giving your home a fresh coat of paint not only freshens and updates the look of your home, it also maintains the surfaces like exposed timber (veranda posts, timber windows and doors), metal and wall finishes externally and internally. Many people opt to DIY, but it you are looking to have painting work done by […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Progress Payments and Disputes

    Many building contracts have an agreed price for the whole of the work with payments made when the house reaches certain stages – slab, plate height, lock-up – and so on.  Usually the builder makes a progress claim which needs to be settled within a specified time period or else penalties and interest can apply […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Pool and Spa Safety Barriers

    With hot weather across the state, pools are a hot topic. Most people would be aware that an approval is required to install a swimming pool. Concrete, fibre-glass, or liner pools all need approval, as well as above-ground and temporary pools. The reason for the need for a Building Permit for swimming pools is not […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Glass and Accidents

    Unfortunately, there have been a number of accidents in family homes causing serious injury and even death due to incorrect types of glass installed. Although traumatic for the victim, it is also an issue for the owner of the property when it is leased to tenants.   Houses constructed before the mid 1970’s often used […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Pool Maintenance

    Pools will require circulation, filtering and measures to control algae and fungal growths. As a pool owner, you will need to find out how this all works to make sure you don’t end up with an infected green pond in your backyard!    There are a number of different systems available for pools now including […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Home Finishes

    Home finishes When you build or renovate, the finishing touches are the ones that make the house into a home, the personal choices made of the furniture, decorative pieces, the wall colours and floor finishes can make a stark space into a welcoming cosy room or a modern energising area. The dilemma is that there […]