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  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Building Sites and Theft

    Under most building contracts, the builder controls the site until practical completion. During the construction period a builder is usually responsible for theft, vandalism or other damage that occurs on the site. A builder may be able to claim on its insurance policy or may absorb the cost, depending on the amount involved. If your […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Concrete Cancer

    Concrete cancer often occur in coastal areas where sea salt can cause unwelcome reactions in brickwork, mortar and concrete slabs. Efflorescence is a powdery white salt deposit that can form on cement-based products like bricks, mortar and sometimes concrete. It usually appears when dry, hot weather follows a period of cool wet weather. Evaporation of […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Construction Costs

    Construction costs have risen strongly in recent years and it is important that your building is accurately valued at replacement cost for insurance purposes. If you have not reviewed the “sum insured” on your home recently, then you should do so. To give you a general guide as to recent trends in building costs, you can […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Construction Starting Date

    Defining the length of a construction period is not such a simple matter as it might appear. It is critical that you read your building contract carefully as the construction period probably does not commence from the date of contract signing. In order to determine the construction period, you need to make sure that you […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Development Conditions

    Development conditions are sometimes attached to the purchase of land. These conditions are set to protect the interest of buyers and are centred around building strong, vibrant and sustainable Western Australian communities.  How conditions protect the buyer Stipulating a time frame for completion prevents land speculation by buyers who are only interested in land value […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Apartments vs Single Dwellings

    Apartment living is becoming a more popular lifestyle choice for Western Australians. Apartment living has many advantages, but it is not for everyone. If you are thinking about this style of living, there are a few things to think about as the pros and cons of apartment living compared to traditional detached housing. ACCESS AND […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Apprenticeship Information

    What is an Apprenticeship? Apprenticeships are jobs that combine paid work and structured training. They include: paid employment under an appropriate industrial arrangement (for example, an award or enterprise agreement) nationally recognised training. An apprentice enters into a formal training contract (Indenture) with his/her employer for the duration of the traineeship. When an apprentice successfully […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Bathroom – Minimum Distances

      You will need to establish the minimum requirements for space around your bathroom:   Allow at least 600mm in front of the toilet and approximately 200mm either side of the bowl for elbowroom. 700mm should be allowed between the front of the basin and the nearest wall or object.  Power points should be located at […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Block Orientation

    Build to last The direction each room faces within your home makes a huge difference to your comfort and your home’s running costs. Design your home around the points of a compass: North Maximise this space. The sun’s position in summer and winter means north facing rooms remain at a comfortable temperature all year – […]

  1. South West: Granny flat reform passed

    The State Government has announced new planning reforms that allow homeowners to rent out backyard ‘granny flats’ or built above garages

    SOUTH WEST NEWS