-
| 6 Jun 2013 Stamp Duty
Stamp duty generally applies to the purchase of existing homes and land in WA. First home owner exemptions are available. For more information visit the Department of Treasury and Finance.
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Roof Frames
Both timber and steel are used in roofs. Each material has advantages and disadvantages. Supporters of steel roofs (which are being used nowadays by a number of major builders) argue that it is more environmentally friendly, fire safe and termite proof. However the timber industry rejects these arguments, stressing the high level of embodied energy […]
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Renovation Planning
Once the decision to extend has been made, it is a good idea, if you are relatively new to the house, to live in the existing home as it is for a period to get the feel of the place, which will help you greatly with your plans. It is vitally important not to inhibit […]
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Rise and Fall Clause
In times of volatile building costs, builders will look at ways of reducing the risk of signing “fixed price” contracts with clients, contracts which leave the builders bearing the total burden of fluctuating costs over the construction period. In the last boom, massive increases and fluctuations in the price of roof tiles, steel and copper […]
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Safety Management Plan (Residential)
WorkSafe WA has introduced mandatory site-specific safety management plans for domestic construction as from 1 October 2008. Where five or more persons are working or are likely to be working simultaneously on a domestic construction site, you will need to have a site-specific occupational health and safety management plan prepared before work commences. The plan […]
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Site Works and Contracts
Site costs can be a difficult element of a building contract. In most situations, builders will not specify an exact amount for site works, but will nominate a “provisional sum” or best estimate which may be adjusted up or down depending on work actually required. Under the Home Building Contracts Act a builder cannot just […]
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Survey Plans
A legal survey exists for all land (lots) in Western Australia. Survey plans are the official record of the legal boundaries of land and will usually indicate the dimensions and size of a lot. Three types of legal survey plans are available from the public register and copies can be purchased online from the Western Australian Land Information […]
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Storm Season – Simple Strategies
Simple strategies for the arrival of the storm season The official ‘storm season’ runs from May to October in southern WA. There is no substitute for preparation, and there is plenty that can be done to protect your home in advance. This can save you a lot of time, hassle cost in the long run if […]
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Insuring Your Home
The insured value of many properties is well below their current replacement costs. Many homeowners have renovated or extended their properties without increasing the sum insured, and construction costs have escalated. For insurance purposes, it is suggested that homeowners at least apply a rule of thumb of between $1000 to $1100 per square metre for […]
-
| 6 Jun 2013 Insulation Types
Loose Fill Loose fill materials include cellulose fibre and mineral wool, and is mainly used as ceiling insulation. It is simply pumped into the roof space, or sometimes the wall cavity. Since there’s no cutting, fitting or stapling it’s one of the fastest and easiest insulation types to install. Cellulose has been rated currently (by […]