Owner Builder Definitions

Owner builders & homeowners these definitions will help you understand the building process when dealing with the industry. Ant Capping –  Termite barrier (shield), usually of galvanised iron, placed over piers and dwarf walls to control the entry of termites. Arch – A structure of wedged shaped blocks, or square blocks with wedge shaped joints, over an opening so disposed …

Owner Builders Vic TAKE NOTICE

When building these are the main complaints and defects found by the Victorian Building Authority during its review of Victoria’s Building Regulations. The main complaint is building work in adjoining properties. This is your neighbour, complaining about your project, where your project or where your home renovation is situated on the block and damage to their property. Defective building work …

Do your homework before signing a building contract

Owner builders do your homework before signing a building contract with your subbies,this recommendation is for all owner builders & homeowners as well.   NSW Fair Trading is urging consumers to do their homework before signing a residential home-building contract, following complaints about builders demanding thousands of dollars in unexpected additional payments.   “We are hearing from consumers who thought …

Infinity Cables – ‘Ticking time bomb’ remains for thousands of homeowners

As homeowners renovate around 7 years,or you have bought a house that was renovated 6/7 years ago ,you need to read this article especially if you are an owner builder. Article on Insurance Business Magazine by Jordan Lynn The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned that thousands of homeowners across the country could still be at risk of fire …

Owner Builders and Home Owners – What Building Defects to Watch out for..

When building or watching your home being built or renovated. Choice has pointed out a number of faults that they found in relation to apartments. However, even though these defects relate to apartments I feel that for owner builders in particular you should be well aware of these faults and check that your home or renovation is free from them. …

Employees, subcontractors and contractors – a detailed examination of liability and apportionment principles

Wake up call to all builders and owner builders, in the event of an accident onsite and how the court apportioned the percentage of liability. Please read.   Article by Vidal Hockless and Sophie Nauwelaers, Kott Gunning   CASE SUMMARY: COOTE V TERRY’S CRANE HIRE & CGU INSURANCE & DEBRI PTY LTD   This decision of Bowden DCJ, although at first instance, is instructive …

Separating Walls on Boundaries – fire safety implications

Owner builders need to be aware of these requirements when building,your building services professionals should be aware of the following eg Building Surveyor,architect or draftsman. Please read. VBA Thursday March 30 2017  The VBA Pro-Active Inspection Program has identified many garage brick walls on boundaries being bricked only as high as the course below the lower end of the pitched …

Lousy Developments Increasing!

Original article ABC News A street pole that blocks garage access to a new house in suburban Adelaide is a “cracking example of very low-quality infill development”, a councillor has said. West Torrens councillor John Woodward said council approved a housing plan that split a block in Daly Street at Kurralta Park to allow two new dwellings, but the builder …

Warning- defective materials

As the following article explains a number of defective building products have crept onto the market. And you need to be aware!  Why? If you will be living in the home, as the article explains, you may NOT be able due to product defects. And if you come to sell in the future, under the Building Act you are warranting …

Termites – what you should know!

A message for Owner Builder and Home Owners from the Victorian Building Authority on Termites. When building or owner building your home you need to be aware of termites and the problems they can cause. Victorian Building Authority CEO Prue Digby today urged home owners to be alert for termite activity in and around their homes this summer. “Recent media …