Construction
Asbestos or Not?
What is Asbestos The various forms of asbestos are naturally occurring silicate materials which form long fibrous crystals. Each visible fiber has of millions of microscopic fibres that can be released by cutting, drilling, breaking, or as it wears Inhaling…
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Front Fence Failure
Generally you don’t have to go far to find a front brick fence falling over like this one. Normally they fall over in the direction of the street. So why is this failure so common? Reasons For Failure People think…
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Fall Regulations
When you take the keys for your new home the house should comply with all regulations relating to falls. . . . . but after you move are you planning to do some improvements. If you are planning a deck…
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Sealant Is Not A Water Proofing Solution
Watch enough TV and you will see adverts for sealant (or Caulk) which will solve all your leaks and waterproofing problems. In my experience sealant is really an extra step in good design. You should be looking to make sure…
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Project Managing Your Build
Do you want to build your own house?. . . . If you want to make sure you don’t overspend, and don’t want to be still building in three or four years then you need to think about how you manage…
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Wall Penetrations
The pipes that penetrate exterior walls bring the power, water, gas, telecommunications into a house and take away the waste. If not properly sealed, but they can also bring in drafts, insects, mould and wood rot. Make sure all penetrations…
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Plain Concrete Finishes
Basically there are three different common finishes for plain concrete driveways paths etc. Brushed This is probably the simplest finish if you are going to do some concreting yourself. You compact the concrete and ‘strike it off with a straight…
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Who Is Checking on the Quality?
When you sign your building contract you are told the Builder will appoint an ‘Independant’ Inspector. So how does pathetic brickwork like this get past this Inspector? Well you may be surprised to find out the Inspectors just check on…
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Don’t Rush Your PCI
Why it’s Worth Your Time A new house is probably going to be your biggest ever purchase, Most new houses cost upwards of two hundred thousand dollars and I always want to make sure I’m getting my moneys worth. That…
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Decks, Balconys, and Safety
Last weekend this attractive looking balcony collapsed killing 2 people and injuring 17 For the full story check out the following link: The Age With the party season now underway its worth thinking about whether your balcony/deck is up to…
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