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| 6 Jun 2013 Condensation
Condensation is at its maximum in new homes. When homes are built many gallons of water go into materials such as concrete, plaster, wallpaper, tile work and even some types of paint. This water evaporates; which explains the reason for a higher moisture content than usual in new homes. To aid the drying out process […]
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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 Contracts for Home Building Work
The Home Building Contracts Act 1991 (the HBC Act) provides protection for home owners and persons undertaking home building work. Part 2 of the HBC Act applies to fixed price contracts for ‘home building work’ valued between $7,500 and $500,000. Home building work includes: constructing a new dwelling; carrying out additions to an existing […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Cubby Houses
Although most Local Governments take a relaxed approach to the humble cubby house when it comes to requiring approvals, it is important that before you consider investing time and money that you ring your local government or visit their website as they may have information regarding their policy or requirements before their installation. Building […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Dispute Resolution
Building and renovation work can be an involved process and a dispute may arise about the quality of work or materials or about the contract itself. To avoid later disputes, there are some things to bear in mind from the outset of the building process. Initially, all promises, undertakings and concessions made in pre-contract […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 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 […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Extension of Time
Most building contracts allow the builder to claim an extension of time for completion of the project where there is a delay which could not reasonably be foreseen at the time of contract signing. Such delays could include strikes, unfavourable weather and unavailability of materials or labour. However, the exact terms of the building contract […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Appliances and Building Specifications
It is common for home buyers to do insufficient research on whether a builder’s standard specification is suited to their needs. Frustrated new home owners sometimes discover too late that their new garage is not wide enough or high enough for their 4 wheel drive (especially for multi-vehicle households), or that their fridge is too […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Building Inspections: Existing Homes
In general buyers should arrange the following inspections prior to purchasing an existing home: A building inspection: in order to check for structural problems. A pest inspection: in order to ensure the house is free of termites and pests. There are a number of precautionary steps that you can take to ensure that you are […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Aged Residents and Housing
Designing and building housing for older people is becoming very important as the Australian population ages. Each year one in three every older Australians will suffer a fall, with around 5 to 10 per cent of these falls causing an injury which requires medical attention. Many of these falls around the home are preventable. Sensible […]