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BLOGS
Our blogs are for general information only and may differ depending on each block and council regulations. Always consult with a certifier or planning department for accurate advice on building.
Please also visit our forum at www.australianbuildingforum.com.au
Will the New Building Code add $10,000 to the Cost of Building?
For the last 12-18 months, the new building code (National Construction Code 2022) has been eased into effect. The most notable changes...
Defects that Property Managers Blame Tenants For
When I started my Supervisor licence work, one of my first jobs was inspecting insurance defects. I was always amazed that property...
Updated Building Code-Industry in Chaos
In 2022 amendments were made to the Building Code. Many of these changes were in regard to 'Liveable Provisions'. The basis of Liveable...
How Much Can You Save by Owner-Building?
Building companies will generally hire carpenters and other trades, and then add on: margins: 30% franchise fees: 10% GST: 10% That’s...
Why Are Builders Going Bankrupt?
We've all noticed the alarming rate of bankrupties within the building industry. According to the media, and the builders, it is due to...
Why Can't Changes Be Made After Contract/Engineering?
You've signed a contract for your home, but realise you want to make changes. But you're builder won't allow it. Why? 1 Engineering...
The Most Cost-Effective Home Design?
Years ago, a developer came to me and told me he was selling land very cheap ($60,000-$70,000). However, the blocks required water tanks...
Is a Slab Cheaper than a Raised Home?
This is a very common question asked, and the answer is Yes... and No. On flat ground, with an S or M type soil, a slab will be the...
Top 3 Cladding Options
Decades ago, almost every home was built from bricks and tiles. Even rendered homes were built from bricks first, then painted or...
Is Converting a Shed to a Home a Cost-Effective Option?
Selling both kit homes and sheds, we receive a lot of enquiry about converting a shed to a home. A shed can be converted into a home....
Quotes vs Estimates
We've all heard the stories of owners obtaining 'quotes' only to have the price blow out after going to contract. How does this happen?...
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Cladding
EPS cladding a compressed insulated foam product that is one of the most popular cladding systems in the custom-build industry today,...
How Long Does It Take To Design A Home?
There are two ways to design a home: you can have a custom-designed home, designed by a professional designer and tailored to your block...
PV Sytems and Solar Power
Solar systems are possibly one of the most sought-after items on the market for clients building their new home. PV (or photovoltaic)...
What is a Raised Sub-Floor?
Stumps are used to hold up the floor frame, which in turn supports your chosen flooring surface and frames. If your floor is supported by...
Insulation and R-Values
In recent years, there has been a lot of emphasis on R-Values when building. R-Values are a measure of thermal resistance. In layman's...
Fire Ratings (BAL) - A Hot Topic!
The Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of your block can have an impact on your home. In areas with high BAL, such as areas of NSW and Vic, BAL...
"How Much Does a House Cost to Build?"
This is one of the most common questions asked. The cost of building a home will depend on many factors: 1. Design complexity: Cheaper...
How To Get Great Service
We've all heard people complain about how builder's gave bad service. The most common complaints are: "They didn't do anything for us"...
Buying a Shed
Buying a shed seems like a very straight-forward task. They all look the same. They are all based on the same structure. But are they the...
Copyright and the 10% Rule
A common misconception within the building industry is that you can change 10% of a plan and copyright no longer applies. This is...
High Electricity Bills?
Have you ever moved into a new home or installed solar only to find your electricity bills have sky-rocketed? The power companies have...
Quoting to Lockup - Every Home is the Same... Right?
A common misconception is that every home built to lock-up is the same. Hence, builders are flooded with plans for "quotes to lock-up"....
Kit Homes: How Much Can You Save by Owner-Building
A very common question owner-builders ask is "how much would I save if I owner-built my own home?" As a very quick reply: for...
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