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| 6 Jun 2013 Skylights – Fire Protection
Fire separation for buildings as detailed in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) should be considered when planning placements of skylights. The BCA places limitations on the location of skylights near property boundaries and adjacent adjoining buildings to reduce the likelihood of fire spread between buildings. Generally the provisions are based on nominated distances from […]
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| 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 […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Skylights – Location of Skylights
The skylight should be located on the roof in such a manner that it is clear of overhanging trees and depending on aspect, is configured to meet lighting requirements of the room. They should also be located clear of obstructions including hips, valleys, air conditioning, vent pipes, solar water service etc. As skylights do not […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Salinity and Construction
Salt attack is an increasingly important problem in Western Australia due to our high level of coastal development and a growing salinity problem in our wheat belt and agricultural areas. Damage to buildings by “urban salinity” or “salt damp”, results from salt and water moving through capillary action through the pores of materials such as […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Stamp Duty
Stamp duty generally applies to the purchase of existing homes and land in WA. First home owner exemptions are available. For more information visit the Department of Treasury and Finance.
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| 6 Jun 2013 Security in Your New Home
Theft and burglary are events that you can guard against in the design of your new home. Security and peace of mind do not have to be expensive. By all means install electronic monitored security and video surveillance equipment if you can afford these items, but a few simple inclusions in your building specifications can […]
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| 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 […]
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| 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 […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Preventative Maintenance
The regular repainting of timber, sealing of joints, keeping vents and pipes clear, etc. can prevent damage occurring to a property. For example: Make sure that exterior underfloor vents are not covered or clogged up; Check underfloor ventilation and for pests in the underfloor spaces; Check that water drains away from the house after heavy […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Profit Margins in Building
There are many variables which need to be taken into account to comment on profit margins such as the size and type of project, the type of contract, the overheads/administrative structure of the builder, number of sales and other staff employed, the economic state of the industry, whether renovations or new housing and so on. […]