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  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Storage in Homes

    It is only when you have lived in a home with no storage that you appreciate how important it is to have. These days, most new home builders and designers are very good at including built in robes, linen cupboards, and sufficient cabinetry in bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. They know how much emphasis is placed […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Steel – the alternative subfloor solution

    Recent trends to more environmentally conscious building have heightened the appeal of lightweight suspended steel subfloor systems for residential homes. This is ideal to minimise the cut & fill associated with sloping and difficult sites and takes advantage of coastal and mountain views without destroying the landscape. Innovative steel bearer & joist designs allow for […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Kitchen Design

    New kitchens are a popular renovation.  As the kitchen is often “central station” in a home, careful planning is required before commencing the renovating process. First, make a list of your “likes” and “dislikes” in your current kitchen.  After this, make another list of what you would like in your new area.  There are plenty […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Renovations – Helpful Hints

    Leading home additions and extensions specialists now have their own qualified consulting architects and design draftsmen. They handle every phase of the project, from design concept through to construction, including all statutory and local authority submissions and approvals. Every extension should be designed to meet the specific needs of the client. Consultation between family and […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Redundancy in construction

    All Construction Contractors in the general building and construction industry need to be aware of the federal “Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020” which covers employees working on-site. This includes any construction, alteration, extension, repair, maintenance, demolition, or dismantling of buildings that form part of land. Visit the Fair Work website for full details on the Award. The “redundancy” clause […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Retaining Walls on Boundaries

    Retaining walls are not dividing fences and are subject to different legislative requirements. When installing retaining walls along boundaries, they must be wholly constructed inside the property – unless you have you consent of the adjoining landowner. It is a good idea to have the boundary line pegged by a licensed land surveyor to be […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Home Indemnity Insurance

    Home indemnity insurance covers the homeowner (and subsequent owners) for faulty, unsatisfactory or incomplete building work and loss of deposit should the builder die, disappear or become insolvent within 6 years from the date of practical completion. Currently all residential building work valued over $20,000 must be covered by a policy of home indemnity insurance […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Home-based Businesses

    About 1 in every 4 home businesses employs at least 1 person. Most new homes are not designed for the home business, although increasingly provision is being made for a home – office in many new home designs. Your new house design will be an important part of keeping your sanity and a smoothly running […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Hot Weather

    Contractors should consider the benefits of developing a policy or procedure which is appropriate for their particular circumstances in anticipation of work being undertaken during hot weather. Such policies or procedures may be incorporated into negotiations for an EBA or workplace arrangement. Consultation with any Health and Safety Committee, where applicable, should also be considered. […]