The Building Code of Australia Australian Standard AS1657 The revised Australian Standard AS1657 for fixed ladders plugs some serious holes. Guard rails made of rubber, for example, are now explicitly unacceptable. While absurd, rubber guard rails technically complied with the 21-year-old AS1657 and the example shows just how sorely an update was needed. Changes to … Read More Building Code of Australia
Building Costs Contingency Budget Establishing a budget is one of the first steps in planning a successful construction project. Setting a plan for where to spend the money (building costs), and budgeting for all the work takes experience, attention to detail and a detailed project scope. However, there are often times where additional work, unknown … Read More Building Costs
House Construction Stages When you build a house, extend or renovate your home you sign a building contract (approved by the Housing Industry Association) with the builder. Once the builder has given you a domestic building insurance policy and certificate of currency for your property you pay the deposit to the builder. Once house construction begins … Read More The Stages of House Construction
What does a Building Surveyor do? Since the dramatic landslip at a construction site in Mount Waverley investigations have revealed that in the past six years dozens of surveyors have been reprimanded and fined or had their registration suspended or cancelled. So, what does a Building Surveyor do? Are they providing a quality, valued service? … Read More Building Surveyor: Roles and Responsibilities
Plumbing Compliance Certificate Once they have completed their work a licensed plumber is to issue a plumbing compliance certificate. Always use a licensed plumber for any installation, repairs or renovations involving gas work. This not only applies to jobs like installing hot water systems and heaters, but also where renovations or home extensions might involve … Read More Plumbers and Certificates
First Stop – Planning Permit Below is the process that RFT Solutions follows for most house extensions/renovations/new homes that require a planning permit. At the commencement of the building project we will record the project’s scope of work and budget for you to confirm. The scope of work and budget provides a starting point from … Read More House Extension Requiring a Planning Permit
Bad Builders Bad Builders are the scourge of the industry but what can you do to avoid them and protect your valuable asset from shoddy and dangerous practice? Recently, a builder has been reprimanded and had his registration suspended for four months after he demanded payment for the frame stage before the work was completed, and … Read More Builders Suspended and Fined
Box Gutter Design What are the advantages of modern box gutter design and in what way are they a great investment while renovating or building? Failing to install appropriately designed box gutters and correctly sized and positioned overflow devices can lead to serious damage to buildings and contents – especially in shed and flat house roof … Read More Box Gutter and Overflow Design
Swimming Pool Construction Requirements For Spa or Swimming Pool Construction projects, please be aware there are strict guidelines under the Building Regulations 2006. An important legal obligation for pool and spa owners is to maintain their safety barriers at all times. It is vital that any home owner, whether it be as an owner-builder or whether they … Read More Swimming Pool and Surrounds Construction
The Building Process for Major Renovations or New Buildings A step-by-step guide to the building process when undertaking a major renovation or building a new home in Melbourne. Building a new house, home extension or renovation is a huge undertaking – financially and emotionally. It’s essential to understand the various stages involved in the process. … Read More The Building Process
