Do you want to build or renovate?

You have seen the many articles on builders collapsing with material and trades prices going “through the roof”. Builders holding homeowners, with fixed price contracts to ransom if they don’t pay the extra variation, they won’t get the key to their homes. There are no winners. The builder’s cost has hugely increased, and the homeowner must agree to pay the …

Victoria Owner Builders Important

When building these are the main complaints and defects, that were found by the Victorian Building Authority during its review of Victoria’s Building Regulations. 12.5% of new residential properties reported defective work of some kind, average cost of around $5,000 found from Defective building work research. The main complaint is building work in adjoining properties. This could be your neighbour; …

house renovation

Knockdown and rebuild your Dream House

Love the area where your life but not so happy about the house. A knockdown might be your answer. Whether you’re more into the address than the abode or yearning to upgrade the house you’ve outgrown, a knockdown rebuild could be the solution to feeling more at home in your desired suburb. A knockdown rebuild involves knocking down an existing …

perspective shot of a white wall with window

Failure to allow a contractor to fix defects could reduce the damages allowed

Bedrock Construction and Development Pty Ltd v Crea [2021] SASCA 66 illustrates the risk to owners of not allowing a contractor the opportunity to fix defects before seeking to recover the cost of doing so from a third party. The Court of Appeal considered whether an owner (Crea) unreasonably refused the contractor (Bedrock) access to the site to fix defects. …

a happy couple dancing with their dog

House renovations: Is becoming an owner-builder the solution to your problems

Article written by Kerrie-Anne Jones original article found here Interior stylish Kerrie-Anne Jones turned owner-builder after a bad home renovation experience. Follow her grand design as the discovers the intriguing ups and surprising lows of her new career. *** After our last renovation (adding another level and cosmetic changes to a terrace home) I said I’d never renovate again. We …

water flowing from a faucet

Check your flexible water hoses

Damaged flexible hoses are a major cause of water damage in Australian homes Insurance can provide cover, but sentimental items can be destroyed, and homes left unliveable during the repair process Check and replace your flexi hoses regularly. An unassuming, inexpensive plumbing kit item is the culprit behind thousands of dollars in water damage to Australian homes. Escaped water from …

man and woman holding a miniature house

First home buyers guide: Grants and assistance in each state and territory

The federal and local governments have launched several grants and assistance programs to help their citizens achieve the great Australian dream of owning a home. Find out which of them are available to you today: National First home loan deposit scheme (FHLDS) The FHLDS is an Australian government initiative to support eligible first home buyers to build or purchase a new home …

Save Money – Owner Build

Owner Builders you may have missed out of the Federal Government’s hand out but each state has increased their First Home Owners Grant or have a stamp duty discount, a Building Bonus even a grant for household goods. Below is a list of what you are entitled to when building, so check out your States/Territory’s incentives for you as an …

Why wouldn’t you Owner Build?

What a magnificent home built by an owner builder ,why would you not owner build? Original article by Krystal Mizzi Motor enthusiasts can sit back and admire their “showpiece car from the lounge” at this new Sorrento pad. The modern marvel at 190 Ocean Beach Rd has an integrated, carpeted turntable garage within its family room. Whitefox sales agent James Hallahan said …

Uncomfortable truth – Natural Disasters

Uncomfortable truth – Until an emergency happens – Bushfire – Owner Builders either underinsure or take the risk and NOT insure. It has been ‘scary’, not only the Bushfires but the number of Owner Builders who have rung, begging for cover for their home that is being built or renovated, in the fire zones of NSW and QLD. They had …