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  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    First Homebuyers & Building

    First homebuyers comprise around twenty per cent of the new home market.  This means that each year of the 20,000 new dwellings constructed each year, around 4,000 will be built by new homebuyers. Master Builders’ advice to homebuyers who are going through the building process for the first time is as follows: Make sure you […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Mobile Cranes

    The use of mobile cranes in the residential construction industry has become commonplace.  Before commencing using a crane on a construction site it is important to develop a work plan or safe work method statement for all crane operations.  A work plan or safe work method statement should be developed which includes information on, but […]

  1. | 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 […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Moisture Penetration of Walls / Damp-Proofing

    Dampness on internal walls may be caused by: Condensation (kitchen, laundry, bathroom — improve ventilation by opening external doors or windows); Water penetration from above; Penetration across the wall cavity (accidental bridging of the cavity by mortar droppings or by an incorrectly installed wall tie or inadequate  flashing around a window or door — difficult […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Floating Floorboards

    Floating floors can be installed onto a concrete pad or any other flat, firm or level surface without using nails, battens or glue. They are called “floating” because they are not attached to the sub-floor in any way. They can be fitted over most flat surfaces – tiles, concrete, cork or timber. As a result […]

  1. | 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 […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Painting

    Giving your home a fresh coat of paint not only freshens and updates the look of your home, it also maintains the surfaces like exposed timber (veranda posts, timber windows and doors), metal and wall finishes externally and internally. Many people opt to DIY, but it you are looking to have painting work done by […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Home Security Systems

    Home security systems are becoming cheaper, much easier to use and more accessible from wherever you are thanks to improving technology, says Daniel Lee from Master Builders.     There are many different systems to choose from and many experienced and approved providers that will select, install, monitor and maintain your system. You can have a […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Passive Solar Design

    Passive solar design techniques often require little or no extra capital outlay but can provide more comfortable living conditions and reduce demand on energy for space heating or cooling. Taking advantage of natural sunlight to provide winter warmth and planning for suitable shading for summer will save money and improve comfort levels in your new […]