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| 6 Jun 2013 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 […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Buying a Display Home
Investment in a builder’s display home may be a sound decision depending on your circumstances. Many builders sell and rent back their display homes to recover some of the capital construction costs. Usually a display home will have a limited life until a new development area is built out, so the lease back option can […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Concrete Slabs – Shrinkage
Curing is a process which takes place when a concrete slab is laid. As concrete is being poured, fresh concrete is converted into a solid mass when the cementeous materials hydrate. The action taken after the slab is laid to ensure hydration is called curing. Curing is the protection of fresh concrete from evaporation. When […]
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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 Alternative Solutions in Building
When the Performance-Based Building Code was introduced in 1996, WA was the first State to adopt it. The new Code provided the flexibility that was lacking in the Uniform Building By-Laws that prescribed the minimum requirements for compliance of residential and non-residential buildings. The performance-based Building Code of Australia (BCA) maintains the prescriptive requirements as […]
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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 Apprentices: Hiring
Master Builders believes it is in the interests of builders and subcontractors to invest in our industry’s future by taking on and training apprentices. A Master Builders publication is available to as an easy guide to the requirements for employing an apprentice for either a part or the whole of their apprenticeship. Your Investment for […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Building Legislation
From 1 January 2011, WA has adopted one of the biggest reforms in building control legislation our State has seen in 50 years. The establishment of the Building Commission in WA marked the end of the Builders’ Registration Board and the Painters’ Registration Board and provides a one-stop shop for the regulation of the building […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Bathroom – Minimum Distances
You will need to establish the minimum requirements for space around your bathroom: Allow at least 600mm in front of the toilet and approximately 200mm either side of the bowl for elbowroom. 700mm should be allowed between the front of the basin and the nearest wall or object. Power points should be located at […]