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  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Windows

    Window considerations are often underrated by homebuyers when they are planning to build their new home. However with a little pre-planning and thought, correct window selection for your needs can occur. The correct size and shape of windows is important to maximise the energy efficiency of your new home and reduce your energy bills. The […]

  1. | 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, […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Tiles and Cracks

    Lippage is a condition in floor tiling where one edge of a tile is on a different plane to an adjacent tile. In plain terms this means that one tile is higher than another giving the finished surface an uneven appearance. When large tiles are used on surfaces with compound falls to a floor waste, […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Tiles and Lippage

    Lippage is a condition in floor tiling where one edge of a tile is on a different plane to an adjacent tile. In plain terms this means that one tile is higher than another giving the finished surface an uneven appearance. When large tiles are used on surfaces with compound falls to a floor waste, […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Tilt-Up Construction

    Tilt-up construction is common in the commercial and industrial building sector and it is becoming more popular in the housing sector as a construction method. Tilt-up construction is a form of precast construction walls where panels are built on the ground on site, lifted and placed, then propped in position while the roofing structure is […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Timber Rot

    Timber rot was a major problem in some Perth homes. A survey a few years ago suggested that houses in Subiaco, Ardross, Floreat, Nedlands and Mosman Park were most likely to suffer from timber rot. This incidence of timber rot is not surprising as it usually occurs in older homes and caused by a lack […]

  1. | 6 Jun 2013

    Thermal Mass

    Thermal mass is often talked about as vital for good passive-solar design. Thermal mass in WA is easier to provide that you think, purely due to the materials we prefer to build with. The installation of concrete floors and brick walls provides the thermal mass of our buildings. We must make sure that it works […]

  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

    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

    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 […]