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  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Tilt-Up Construction

    Tilt-up construction is common in the commercial and industrial building sector and it is becoming more popular in the housing sector as a construction method. Tilt-up construction is a form of precast construction walls where panels are built on the ground on site, lifted and placed, then propped in position while the roofing structure is […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Union Right of Entry

    This Fact Sheet provides information about the right of entry requirements in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act). Right of entry permits The right of entry provisions in the FW Act allow union officials who hold valid entry permits to enter employers’ businesses for certain purposes. Union officials can apply to Fair Work […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Unfair Dismissal

    The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) increases the protection for employees who have been unfairly dismissed. Who can make an unfair dismissal claim? A person can make an unfair dismissal claim if they have: completed the minimum employment period; and are covered by a modern award (or award-based transitional instrument) or an enterprise […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Waste Management and Recycling

    There is an AVOID – REDUCE – REUSE – RECYCLE framework that can be used to reduce waste and risks on your construction project. AVOID waste by careful planning at the design and drawing stages. It is at this stage that the greatest reductions in waste can be achieved: Select building materials and systems with […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Waste Management Plan

    Benefits from introducing a site waste management plan Potential cost savings You can better demonstrate your environmental credentials to existing and future clients. A plan can help you meet your quality management systems. You can assist your client to get a higher rating through the Green Building Council’s Green Star system by having a comprehensive […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Security of Payments Legislation

    The Construction Contracts Act, also known as security of payment legislation, commenced on 1 January 2005. Part of this legislation covers disputes between building owners and builders. The laws are designed to maintain the flow of funds between parties even when a dispute occurs and not allow an owner to retain monies owed under a […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Shared Equity Scheme

    A shared equity arrangement is where two or more parties agree to co-purchase an asset, and share in any capital appreciation of that asset over time.  The parties may agree on a 70/30 ownership or any other shared arrangement.   The parties need to consider whether recurring expenses such as stamp duty rates and taxes and […]

  1. | 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 […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Swimming Pool Construction

    Swimming pools are extremely popular and come within the definition of “home building work” in the Home Building Contracts Act (1991). This legislation covers issues such as maximum deposit payable (6½ per cent of contract value), progress claim payments and so on. There are several construction issues to consider. When a swimming pool is constructed […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Smoke Alarms

    Smoke Alarms – Are they all the same? Hard-wired smoke alarms (installed by a licensed electrical contractor to mains power) are compulsory in all new homes and new leases for rental properties since October 2009. They are required to be installed on the sale of an existing home if not already provided. They are a […]