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| 6 Jun 2013 Skylights – Location of Skylights
The skylight should be located on the roof in such a manner that it is clear of overhanging trees and depending on aspect, is configured to meet lighting requirements of the room. They should also be located clear of obstructions including hips, valleys, air conditioning, vent pipes, solar water service etc. As skylights do not […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Salinity and Construction
Salt attack is an increasingly important problem in Western Australia due to our high level of coastal development and a growing salinity problem in our wheat belt and agricultural areas. Damage to buildings by “urban salinity” or “salt damp”, results from salt and water moving through capillary action through the pores of materials such as […]
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| 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.
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| 6 Jun 2013 Security in Your New Home
Theft and burglary are events that you can guard against in the design of your new home. Security and peace of mind do not have to be expensive. By all means install electronic monitored security and video surveillance equipment if you can afford these items, but a few simple inclusions in your building specifications can […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Termites and Building a New Home
Termites and building a new home Before construction commences it is advisable that discussion takes place between the builder and the owner. The selection of a termite barrier system should not be based merely on price. Other considerations such as the topography of the site, known risk factors of the area and construction techniques must […]
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| 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 […]
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| 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 […]
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| 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 […]
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| 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 […]
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| 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 […]