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  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Fixed Price Contracts

    Fixed price contracts are the most common form of domestic building agreement. As the name suggests a fixed price agreement is where the builder agrees to perform building work for a fixed sum. This provides a degree of certainty to both parties, but during a period of escalating costs the builder is likely to include […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Garden Design

    With smart planning your garden can help control the temperature of your home.   Plants and trees moderate temperature, keeping your house cool in summer, and sheltering it from the cold in winter. By choosing deciduous trees that shed leaves, you can still let in the warmth of the winter sun in autumn. Minimise lawn area, […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Liveable Homes

    Liveable Homes: Resource for designing new homes A resource has been developed to support designers and builders improve the adaptability and accessibility of new housing designs. Our population is ageing, and the number of people with disability is also on the increase. The ‘Livable Homes’ resources have been developed by the Disability Services Commission with […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Landscape Designers

    Hiring a Landscape Designer is a sound initiative. You wouldn’t consider building your home without a plan, yet many people take a very hap-hazard approach to the creation of their garden. Mistakes and scrimping on costs in the early stages may mean expensive work in rectifying mistakes and getting it right later on. Fortunately, we […]

  1. | 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 […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Passive Solar Design

    Passive solar design techniques often require little or no extra capital outlay but can provide more comfortable living conditions and reduce demand on energy for space heating or cooling. Taking advantage of natural sunlight to provide winter warmth and planning for suitable shading for summer will save money and improve comfort levels in your new […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Construction Software

    In the construction industry, being a cutting edge company that embraces innovation and new technology can be the difference between being a true industry-leader and struggling to remain profitable. Different businesses require different systems. If your company reaches a point where you find your software systems and processes are holding you back from reaching your […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Contracts for Home Building Work

    The Home Building Contracts Act 1991 (the HBC Act) provides protection for home owners and persons undertaking home building work.   Part 2 of the HBC Act applies to fixed price contracts for ‘home building work’ valued between $7,500 and $500,000.   Home building work includes:   constructing a new dwelling; carrying out additions to an existing […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Cubby Houses

    Although most Local Governments take a relaxed approach to the humble cubby house when it comes to requiring approvals, it is important that before you consider investing time and money that you ring your local government or visit their website as they may have information regarding their policy or requirements before their installation.   Building […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Dispute Resolution

    Building and renovation work can be an involved process and a dispute may arise about the quality of work or materials or about the contract itself.   To avoid later disputes, there are some things to bear in mind from the outset of the building process. Initially, all promises, undertakings and concessions made in pre-contract […]