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6 Jun 2013 |Renovations – Helpful Hints
Leading home additions and extensions specialists now have their own qualified consulting architects and design draftsmen. They handle every phase of the project, from design concept through to construction, including all statutory and local authority submissions and approvals. Every extension should be designed to meet the specific needs of the client. Consultation between family and […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Patios and Sheds
There are many contractors who earn their livelihood building small sheds, pergolas, patios etc and perform quite well. One area that you should carefully note is that under the Builders’ Registration Act any project valued at over $20k requires the services of a registered builder. Handypersons who advertise in community newspapers are therefore restricted in […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Rainwater Tanks
With downpipes placed strategically around a home you could collect about 80 per cent of rainwater from the roof area. The Water Corporation suggests that with a roof area of around 100 square metres and our recent average rainfall of around 750mm per year, you can collect over 80,000 litres of water, saving money and […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Redundancy in construction
All Construction Contractors in the general building and construction industry need to be aware of the federal “Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020” which covers employees working on-site. This includes any construction, alteration, extension, repair, maintenance, demolition, or dismantling of buildings that form part of land. Visit the Fair Work website for full details on the Award. The “redundancy” clause […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Renovation Costs
We already know that kitchens, bathrooms and laundries are the most expensive parts of a home to add or update, but the cost of renovating can quickly add up even when it is a simple extra bedroom or games room at the back. New homes have fewer complications to overcome, and builders generally start […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Recycling
Many building products can be recycled in Western Australia, some of which are listed below. Remember that this list does not reflect the ease of recycling material on every job. It is important for you to investigate the opportunities available for recycling in your local area and consider opportunities for recycling specifically for your project. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Renovation and other checks
If you are uncertain as to the condition of the building’s foundations or the general soundness of the house, it may be worthwhile to call in an inspector or engineer for a professional opinion. You should find, however, that if you borrow funds for your extensions, the lender will have their own inspectors check that […]
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6 Jun 2013 |Painting
Giving your home a fresh coat of paint not only freshens and updates the look of your home, it also maintains the surfaces like exposed timber (veranda posts, timber windows and doors), metal and wall finishes externally and internally. Many people opt to DIY, but it you are looking to have painting work done by […]