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| 6 Jun 2013 Tips: First Home Buyer
First home buyer – tips Buying a first home can be a daunting experience. To make this process enjoyable, think about the following tips: 1. Read the contract carefully Make sure that you understand all the terms and conditions. If not, ask!! 2. Allow extra time for delays Despite the best intentions projects can run […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Earthworks
Risk of Owner Earthworks Some home owners take on the task of organizing the earthworks and their certification themselves, rather than the builder charging for the responsibility. The aim of this is often to reduce building costs, removing these works from the contract with the builder. This in theory sounds fine, until you […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Enterprise Resource Planning & Strategy
A company’s strategy is key to achieving a competitive edge in the highly competitive Australian construction industry. Therefore making the most informed strategic decisions as fast as possible can be of utmost importance. Informed decisions however stem from having access to up to date and accurate information. Many companies may think they have this, however […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Building Documentation
When applying for a building permit, the documents required need to be to a “ready for construction” standard. The minimum requirements for a building project when it comes to documenting can be summarised as: Drawings or Plans – These describe visually, what will be built, where the building is situated, the size of rooms and […]
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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 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 […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Building Costs
Building costs have risen strongly in recent years and it is important that your building is accurately valued at replacement cost for insurance purposes. If you have not reviewed the “sum insured” on your home recently, then you should do so. To give you a general guide as to recent trends in building costs, you can see […]