Consultant

Underage Workers

The current and on-going labour shortages have given rise to some unexpected risks for employers, including those in the building industry, in employing young employees. The Children and Community Services Act prohibits an employer from employing a young person under 15 years of age save for certain limited occupations such as working in delivering local […]

Small Lot Developments

Unit and small lot developments are becoming very popular these days. There are a number of significant differences both before and during construction between unit development and a typical single detached housing project. At the pre-construction stage you will need to obtain a development approval from the local authority for the unit development. Zoning requirements […]

Security: Outdoor

There are many things which can be done to make sure that your new or existing dwelling is as secure as possible. We will talk about security from the outside in, and what other measures can be taken to further enhance your family home’s security and safety. One thing that needs to be realized is […]

Skylights – Design and Selection Overview

Careful attention to the design and selection of skylights is important as this will save energy, help to avoid problems and ensure a pleasing result for your living or working environment. The following factors should be considered to ensure the end result achieves light levels amendable to a safe and happy environment and the full […]

Steel – Corrosion Protection

Hot dip galvanizing is a coating for steel made from an alloy of zinc and iron. Galvanizing is a once-only process – no substrate preparation and multiple coating is required. It offers total coverage – all exposed steelwork is coated both internally and externally. Galvanized coatings protect steel even at its most vulnerable areas. It […]

Kitchen Benchtops

Termites – About

Termites have existed for approximately 100 million years. There are about 350 species in Australia, of which approximately 30 species are known to cause significant damage to timber and buildings. Most damage is caused by subterranean termites (those that form nests in the ground). These nests may be formed in the soil near ground level, […]

Geographic Information Systems

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a technology critical to the successful management and completion of many projects. It integrates spatial data, software and hardware with skilled professionals, enabling the detailed analysis of opportunites, constraints and potential impacts at any scale. GIS has now become an invaluable tool for the management of complex environmental challenges and […]

Multi-storey Homes

There are a number of specific construction issues with two storey homes.  Obviously the square metre cost and length of the construction period will be greater when a second storey is added. Costs for additional storeys often double due to the cost of scaffolding, the requirement for engineering certification of the suspended slab and the […]

Greywater

Both the mandatory installation of rainwater tanks and the installation of piping to allow a greywater system in new housing are being considered by the state government as part of its planned 5 Star Plus Stage 2 changes to building regulations. While the installation of rainwater tanks is quite straightforward (except for what size tanks […]