Archives

Roof Leaks

Leaking roofs are a common complaint during winter, in particular in new homes that are being tested by the rain for the first time. Leaks can be caused by either a construction problem, lack of maintenance by the owner, or both. Some of the construction issues that can be the cause of roof leaks include: […]

Roof Sarking

Roof sarking is a membrane that is fitted during tile or metal roof construction. The flexible membrane is usually installed under the battens to provide thermal insulation and to prevent water and dust penetration in the roof space. In bushfire prone areas flying embers cannot enter this space through the roof due to sarking protection. […]

Safety Management Plan (Residential)

WorkSafe WA has introduced mandatory site-specific safety management plans for domestic construction as from 1 October 2008. Where five or more persons are working or are likely to be working simultaneously on a domestic construction site, you will need to have a site-specific occupational health and safety management plan prepared before work commences. The plan […]

Skylights – Sizing for adequate light

AS4285 – 2007 Size of Skylights  The table below refers to skylight sizes commonly available throughout Australia. For practical purposes this table shows them as applied to typical rooms in Australian residential buildings where the skylights are not the only natural source of light. This table is based on many years of industry experience. Other […]

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 […]

Skylights – Fire Protection

Fire separation for buildings as detailed in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) should be considered when planning placements of skylights. The BCA places limitations on the location of skylights near property boundaries and adjacent adjoining buildings to reduce the likelihood of fire spread between buildings. Generally the provisions are based on nominated distances from […]

Stamp Duty

Stamp duty generally applies to the purchase of existing homes and land in WA. First home owner exemptions are available. For more information visit the Department of Treasury and Finance.

Kitchen Benchtops

Kitchen Design

New kitchens are a popular renovation.  As the kitchen is often “central station” in a home, careful planning is required before commencing the renovating process. First, make a list of your “likes” and “dislikes” in your current kitchen.  After this, make another list of what you would like in your new area.  There are plenty […]

Termites – About

Termites have existed for approximately 100 million years. There are about 350 species in Australia, of which approximately 30 species are known to cause significant damage to timber and buildings. Most damage is caused by subterranean termites (those that form nests in the ground). These nests may be formed in the soil near ground level, […]