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  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Pool Maintenance

    Pools will require circulation, filtering and measures to control algae and fungal growths. As a pool owner, you will need to find out how this all works to make sure you don’t end up with an infected green pond in your backyard!    There are a number of different systems available for pools now including […]

  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

    Construction Costs

    Construction costs have risen strongly in recent years and it is important that your building is accurately valued at replacement cost for insurance purposes. If you have not reviewed the “sum insured” on your home recently, then you should do so. To give you a general guide as to recent trends in building costs, you can […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Construction Times

    While many contracts specify a definite time period in terms of “x” number of calendar or working days (which exclude weekends and public holidays), some contracts do not and this space is left blank. This does not mean that the builder has an infinite amount of time to complete the project. Courts have ruled on […]

  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 […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Defects Liability

    Under many building contracts, you have a contractual right to have defects addressed. The contractual rights can be exercised by the property owner, but not usually by a third party. There are general entitlements under the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011 that allows a person to make a complaint about defective building work. […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Electricity Connections and Headworks Charges

    WA Electrical requirements provide for a standard supply up to: 63 Amps single phase (Perth and major towns) 32 Amps single phase (rural areas and small towns) 32 Amps per phase for multiphase (all areas) Consumer mains size of 35mm² (all areas) A large house with air-conditioning, pool and many appliances is likely to require […]