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| 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 […]
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| 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 […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Termites and Regulatory Requirements
The Building Code of Australia (BCA ’96) states that all buildings must have an effective termite control system installed to minimise the risk of attack by termites. The BCA requires “protection” only to structural or primary building elements. These provisions may be found in: Volume 1. Clause B1.4(i) Volume 2. (Housing Provisions), part 3.1.3. Both […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Termite Management Systems
In 2000, a new Standard was adopted for termite risk management. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires a barrier to be installed where the primary building elements may be subject to subterranean termite attack. A primary building element is a member of a building that takes part of the building loads and includes roof, […]
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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 […]
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| 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 […]
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| 6 Jun 2013 Swimming Pool Requirements
As summer quickly approaches, you might be considering installing a new swimming pool or spa. Due to the statistics on child drownings in domestic pools, there are strict requirements pool owners must meet to ensure the safety of their pool. Fines of up to $5000 can result from not providing an adequate swimming pool safety […]
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| 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 […]