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| 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 […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Preliminary Agreements
A Preliminary Agreement (PA), or Preparation of Plans Agreement, is a common document used by builders dealing with clients in the early stages of building a new home. These agreements do not involve building work and are preparatory to entering a building contract. Some common features are: the consumer is committed to paying a “deposit”, […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Practical Completion
Practical completion is a term that is misunderstood by many home buyers. Generally it means the point where all building work is complete or all but completed, in accordance with the contract, and the house is reasonably fit for occupation. A building contract usually defines practical completion being when all works are completed, except for […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Progress Payments and Disputes
Many building contracts have an agreed price for the whole of the work with payments made when the house reaches certain stages – slab, plate height, lock-up – and so on. Usually the builder makes a progress claim which needs to be settled within a specified time period or else penalties and interest can apply […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Pool Barriers
If you are thinking about swimming pool for your home you must consider the barrier requirements. The requirements are applicable to temporary or permanent pools or spas that hold more than 30cm of water for the purposes of swimming, wading or the like – so not applicable to a dam, fish pond or water feature. […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Pool and Spa Safety Barriers
With hot weather across the state, pools are a hot topic. Most people would be aware that an approval is required to install a swimming pool. Concrete, fibre-glass, or liner pools all need approval, as well as above-ground and temporary pools. The reason for the need for a Building Permit for swimming pools is not […]
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| 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 […]
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| 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 […]
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| 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 […]
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| 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. […]