Cooling a Home
The hot summer months in Perth require attention on how we can cool our homes. The recent upsurge in use of domestic air-conditioners (either refrigerated or evaporative) is one way residents have dealt with the problem. However both the upfront and usage costs of mechanical cooling devices can be expensive. As an alternative there are […]
Designing a Home
Many builders have an “in-house” design team that will draw up your building plans as a service to a client. However, ownership of the plans will remain with the builder, and you will be locked in to that builder if you wish to use that design. For one-off designs, consumers can choose architects or draftpeople/designers. […]
Development Conditions
Development conditions are sometimes attached to the purchase of land. These conditions are set to protect the interest of buyers and are centred around building strong, vibrant and sustainable Western Australian communities. How conditions protect the buyer Stipulating a time frame for completion prevents land speculation by buyers who are only interested in land value […]
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 […]
Electricity Planning
Good electrical design and fitout is often underrated in its importance to the ”liveability” of your new home. Like most things planning is important. An omission during the construction stage can be much more expensive to rectify after your house is completed particularly if you have restricted roof cavity space. Some questions to consider include: […]
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 […]
Building Inspections: New Homes
Under the Builders’ Registration Act a builder is legally responsible for all faulty and defective work for a period of six years after practical completion. Whether or not you engage a private building inspector will not affect the builder’s obligation for the integrity of the home. However, many buyers do seek assistance from a private […]
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 […]
Corrosion Protection Requirements
Our love of the ocean and urban creep along the coast means we are exposing ourselves to more than just proximity to the beach. The National Construction Code (NCC) requires corrosion protection is required for buildings constructed within 1km of breaking surf, and other exposure environments. Breaking surf means any area of salt water in […]
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 […]