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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 Concrete Slabs – Shrinkage
Curing is a process which takes place when a concrete slab is laid. As concrete is being poured, fresh concrete is converted into a solid mass when the cementeous materials hydrate. The action taken after the slab is laid to ensure hydration is called curing. Curing is the protection of fresh concrete from evaporation. When […]
 
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| 6 Jun 2013 Embodied Energy
Buildings and energy use When we talk about a “sustainable building” we mainly focus on the energy it consumes and how the building can be designed to be more sustainable, but the design and construction of the building impacts the environment well before we occupy it when it is finished. Technical Adviser Romina De Santis […]
 
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| 6 Jun 2013 Contract Variations
Variations to building contracts during construction are a common source of dispute between the parties. Many times clients visit site during the course of construction and request a different material or a structural change to the building plans. Such requests pose a dilemma for the builder because under the Home Building Contracts Act any variation […]
 
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| 6 Jun 2013 Corrective Maintenance
Repair of damaged items and give early attention to repairs can prevent more serious damage to your property. Fix these things early: Repair and/or paint outdoor furniture; Check for leaking taps and replace washers immediately; Have inside painting and decorating done; In bushfire hazard areas check that your garden hose is sound and remains connected […]
 
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| 6 Jun 2013 Cost Plus Contracts
A cost plus contract is becoming a popular form of building contract in today’s busy building environment. Essentially it’s a contract where a builder, using its best endeavours, obtains materials and services at each stage of the building process, passing the actual costs on to the owner and adding an agreed margin to cover overheads […]
 
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| 6 Jun 2013 Construction Software
In the construction industry, being a cutting edge company that embraces innovation and new technology can be the difference between being a true industry-leader and struggling to remain profitable. Different businesses require different systems. If your company reaches a point where you find your software systems and processes are holding you back from reaching your […]
 
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| 6 Jun 2013 Corrosion Protection Requirements
Our love of the ocean and urban creep along the coast means we are exposing ourselves to more than just proximity to the beach. The National Construction Code (NCC) requires corrosion protection is required for buildings constructed within 1km of breaking surf, and other exposure environments. Breaking surf means any area of salt water in […]