-
| 6 Jun 2013 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 […]
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Greywater
Both the mandatory installation of rainwater tanks and the installation of piping to allow a greywater system in new housing are being considered by the state government as part of its planned 5 Star Plus Stage 2 changes to building regulations. While the installation of rainwater tanks is quite straightforward (except for what size tanks […]
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Construction Times
While many contracts specify a definite time period in terms of “x” number of calendar or working days (which exclude weekends and public holidays), some contracts do not and this space is left blank. This does not mean that the builder has an infinite amount of time to complete the project. Courts have ruled on […]
-
| 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 […]
-
| 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 […]
-
| 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 […]
-
| 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 […]
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Defects Liability
Under many building contracts, you have a contractual right to have defects addressed. The contractual rights can be exercised by the property owner, but not usually by a third party. There are general entitlements under the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011 that allows a person to make a complaint about defective building work. […]
-
| 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 […]
-
| 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 […]