Close

Member Login

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Roof Carpenters

    There is no system of trade licensing in Western Australia, so it’s an “open market” for roof carpenters. Word of mouth, referral from friends or advertisements in the local community newspaper or the Yellow Pages are the main sources of supply. In terms of checking a “tradie’s” credentials, you could seek verification of formal trade […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Sheds and Patios

    There are many contractors who earn their livelihood building small sheds, pergolas, patios etc and perform quite well.  One area that you should carefully note is that under the Builders’ Registration Act any project valued at over $20k requires the services of a registered builder.  Handypersons who advertise in community newspapers are therefore restricted in […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Stairs

    Stairs in and around homes Good stair construction is essential for safe access and movement in and around your home. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) sets the minimum standard for stair construction. Stairs must fall (pardon the pun) within a regulated slope gradient depending on the distance between riser and the depth of the […]

  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

    Floating Floorboards

    Floating floors can be installed onto a concrete pad or any other flat, firm or level surface without using nails, battens or glue. They are called “floating” because they are not attached to the sub-floor in any way. They can be fitted over most flat surfaces – tiles, concrete, cork or timber. As a result […]

  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 […]