Close

Member Login

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Recycling

    Many building products can be recycled in Western Australia, some of which are listed below.  Remember that this list does not reflect the ease of recycling material on every job. It is important for you to investigate the opportunities available for recycling in your local area and consider opportunities for recycling specifically for your project. […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Renovations and Extensions in WA

    The value of home alterations activity in Western Australia is huge, at up to $3 billion per year.  Many homes in Perth that were built in the 1960’s and early 1970’s are approaching their “use by” date.  Retrofitting activity of laundries, kitchens and bathrooms is very popular. The decision to renovate is often the result […]

  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

    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 […]