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Embarking on a home improvement project entails a huge financial outlay, and so it’s understandable why homeowners want to shave a few bucks off the bill whenever possible. But when the risks of a cost-cutting measure outweigh the benefits, it’s time to take a step back and re-assess priorities. A new survey released by Fair Trading reveals the startling reality …
The filing of an insurance claim is often preceded by a traumatic and unfortunate event in your life, so the last thing you want to deal with in such a situation is a fight with your insurance company over the payment of a claim. Rather than banging your head against the wall, follow a few simple rules and the claims …
Whether you’re a small private contractor or a large building company, accidents on the job site are a real threat and they need to be planned for. With 11% of all serious worker’s compensation claims in Australia coming from the construction industry burying your head in the sand is not a smart option. The major culprits being falling from heights, being …
You’ve just finished watching 6 straight episodes of Backyard Blitz, and while your eyes may be a bit fuzzy from way too many hours of staring at the telly, your DIY confidence is at an all-time high. Now, however, is not the time to march out to the garage and grab your toolbox, especially if the task on hand is …
It seems as though the duty of care issue is never cut and dry for Australian companies engaged in the construction business. One would think that following the guidelines of the HBA, or Home Building Act, would provide ample protection against litigation. But a recent decision by the New South Wales Court of Appeal says otherwise, and the effects across …
The Home Building Act, the Industrial Relations Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Work Health and Safety Act, Fair Trading, Work Safe…the list goes on and on. While nobody in their right mind would argue against the importance of maintaining a safe working environment for the labourers and tradespeople of Australia, government regulations are making it harder and harder each and every year for businesses …
It’s hard to imagine a stiffer penalty than being forced to knock down your structure and start again from scratch. But this is exactly what can happen if you breach the wrong code under the Electricity Safety Act governing your state. If you take your drawings to council after they have specifically stipulated the local council design guidelines you may …
By now the court case of Hillman vs. Ferro Con is a household name within the Australian building world. In an unfortunate accident, in July 2010 a rigger was killed when struck by a steel beam that had fallen from the fabric sling of a construction crane. Magistrates found Ferro Con (SA) Pty Ltd and Mr. Maione (the company’s sole …
The days of looking up to the man who built his own home with his own hands may be gone if a NSW Building Association is able to pass a law which effectively labels any renovation you do as 2nd Class. Rules and regulations being pitted against the owner builder by the NSW Association may relegate the owner builder to …
Flip real estate is all through the telly channels these days, and you’re liable to run across some program or another glamorising the get-rich-quick world of house flipping. There’s Flip this House, Flip Men, Home to Flip, Property Ladder, and a personal favourite Flipping Out. And this is without even beginning to dive into the plethora of home improvement and …