Supplier

Fixed Price Contracts

Fixed price contracts are the most common form of domestic building agreement. As the name suggests a fixed price agreement is where the builder agrees to perform building work for a fixed sum. This provides a degree of certainty to both parties, but during a period of escalating costs the builder is likely to include […]

Home Theatres

  For a number of years, it was difficult to get approval for theatre rooms if they were proposed without windows as they did not comply with the Building Code of Australia. After much lobbying by builders and designers, the Building Code has been adjusted to allow theatre rooms without windows, which is normally required […]

Owner Building

If you are considering building your own home, excluding some of the finishing work from your building contract, or renovating your existing home, you will need to apply to the Building Commission of Western Australia. All of the owners of the land must apply, and at least one applicant must provide evidence that he/she has […]

Planning our Suburbs

“The purpose of the R-Codes is to provide a comprehensive basis for the control, through local government, of residential development throughout Western Australia. They are intended to cover all requirements for development control purposes and to minimise the need for local government to introduce separate planning policies concerning residential development” (Planning WA website). So why […]

Bricks

In the Perth metropolitan area, a large majority of all new homes are double brick structure. However in many regional areas of WA, framed construction is very popular. One of the main reasons why double brick is so popular is because of our sandy soil. The soil type is very stable with very little ground […]

Crime Prevention

There are practical things that you can do to make your home less likely to be burgled or vandalised. For existing homeowners, this is also particularly important as holiday seasons approach when many families are away and the home may be unoccupied for a long period. The first thing is that you should ensure that […]

Charging for Quotes: Builders and Subcontractors

Charging for quotations is not a common building industry practice. But builders can pick and choose their jobs, and charge for quotes and in order to discourage “check pricing” by some consumers. A problem can arise when some financial institutions require three quotations before approving a loan amount. Many builders particularly in regional areas are […]

Decking

As the general public and builders become more environmentally aware, the pressure is on suppliers to meet their needs.   Selecting environmentally friendly construction timbers is one area where the builder has an increasing amount of choices.   ‘Eco’ timber is the common name given to timbers that are harvested with the community in mind; […]

Electricity Connections and Headworks Charges

WA Electrical requirements provide for a standard supply up to: 63 Amps single phase (Perth and major towns) 32 Amps single phase (rural areas and small towns) 32 Amps per phase for multiphase (all areas) Consumer mains size of 35mm² (all areas) A large house with air-conditioning, pool and many appliances is likely to require […]

Employer Record Keeping