Features
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Crop rotation: building with hemp
Building with hemp has been around for decades. Today, advocates of hemp-based construction are on a mission to propagate their industry in mainstream thinking. Paul Skelton ... -
When six ain’t six: failing to reach the NCC’s six-star air tightness requirement
Despite the NCC setting a minimum energy rating requirement of six-stars for new homes in Australia, research has found this is routinely not being met due ... -
Mentors of means: A funding boost for apprentices
The Federal Government has announced a funding boost for its apprenticeship mentoring program, but who will benefit from it most – the tradies, or the apprentices ... -
Home Warranty Insurance: Wrestling the Beast
State and territory-based home warranty insurance schemes, first introduced in 1972 in NSW, have always been divisive, poorly understood and deeply unpopular with both builders and ... -
Timber! Wood in short supply
Australia is currently experiencing a softwood timber shortage, causing supply constraints and price rises that could affect residential construction costs. Adelle King reports. In January 2017, ... -
The issues with non-compliant rainheads
Non-compliant, poorly fitted or retrofitted box gutter rainheads often cause major flooding. Deborah Andrich and Paul Skelton investigate a new solution that meets all the standards. ... -
Flash into view: Lead-free roof flashing
Lead-free alternative roof flashing has been gaining prominence in recent years as lead prices rise; however, there are concerns regarding the lack of durability requirements for ... -
If it leaks, it fails: alternative solutions for wet areas
While alternative solutions are now acceptable in building projects, you must ensure that the one you choose, or are provided with, actually complies with legislative requirements. ... -
Silicosis is back into the dust disease fold
Disease from the fibres of asbestos are well reported in the building game, but another material is bringing silicosis back into the dust disease fold, writes ... -
Why re-stumping is important
House foundations repairs, such as re-stumping, are crucial to ensuring the safety and stability of buildings because, as with any physical support, foundations are bound to ...
