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  1. | 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 […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Small Lot Developments

    Unit and small lot developments are becoming very popular these days. There are a number of significant differences both before and during construction between unit development and a typical single detached housing project. At the pre-construction stage you will need to obtain a development approval from the local authority for the unit development. Zoning requirements […]

  1. | 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 […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Shower Floors – Slope

    Tiling in Shower Recesses The minimum standard required for wet areas in residential buildings is contained in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and AS3740 – Waterproofing of wet areas in residential buildings. This includes tiling and gradients of bathroom floors including shower recesses. The recommended ratio of fall within showers is between 1:60 and […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Security: Outdoor

    There are many things which can be done to make sure that your new or existing dwelling is as secure as possible. We will talk about security from the outside in, and what other measures can be taken to further enhance your family home’s security and safety. One thing that needs to be realized is […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Solar Systems Installed in Australia

    Residential 1kW systems are most common at the moment due to the Federal Government Rebate funding up to a maximum of a 1000 watt (1kW) system.   A lot of customers are installing 2 or 3 kW inverters in their systems however so that they can add additional capacity in the future as power get […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Skylights – Size of Skylights

    Sizing of a skylight is dependant on the level of illumination required. The table in ‘Size of Skylights,’ provides guidance for average installations under average related conditions. It also assumes that some other form of lighting, such as borrowed light from a window, contribute to the overall result in the living areas for a satisfactory […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Glass and Accidents

    Unfortunately, there have been a number of accidents in family homes causing serious injury and even death due to incorrect types of glass installed. Although traumatic for the victim, it is also an issue for the owner of the property when it is leased to tenants.   Houses constructed before the mid 1970’s often used […]

  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 […]