If there is potential for issues with soil during a new build, a geotechnical engineer can carry out soil testing prior to the commencement of the build. Homeowners are usually unenthused at the prospect of extra costs, especially before construction has even started, however, the value of soil testing is in taking preventative measures to…
A common misconception about building inspection reports is that they are exclusively a buyer’s tool. The thinking is that only a buyer benefits from finding defects in a home. Of course, a building inspection isn’t just about finding faults, and sellers have a lot to gain from obtaining an inspection report too. In fact, a…
Building your new home will be an exciting time in your life, but new home construction can also be an incredibly stressful experience if you’re not properly prepared. In the absence of diligent oversight, there are many things which can go wrong during the building process. Learning how to protect your new home and your…
In a perfect world, you’d be able to have your new home or commercial property built without ever worrying about how to protect yourself in the event of building complaints or disputes. You’d be able to embark on this exciting new journey with no worries about the future of your relationship with your builder; unfortunately,…
So you’re planning a major construction project, and you’re thinking of taking it on as an owner-builder. If you have some experience in the building trades and are prepared to assume the weighty responsibility associated with owner-builder status, then it may actually be the best course of action for you. What if you never considered…
No one wants to think about a natural disaster striking their home. Have you been putting off maintenance, repairs and upgrades, even though you know preparedness is the best way to protect your home, property and family against a cyclone? If so, you may not even know where to start when it comes to getting…
Unless you’re a building professional, you may not know what roof sarking is or what role it plays in the construction of your home or commercial property. Understanding why roof sarking is important and the benefits it brings to the table is important, though, especially if you’re planning a building project on your property in…
Having the home of your dreams built should be an exciting experience, but it can quickly become a stressful situation if you’re dealing with difficult builders or trying to work through building disputes. These disputes can be quite common and do have the ability to tarnish your experience. Fortunately, there are ways you can help…
Retaining walls play a critical role in the protection of structures from damage related to soil collapse, but many property owners are unaware of just how integral these walls are to the overall health of their property. Properly constructed and well-maintained retaining walls not only mitigate soil erosion and wash-out after excavation, but also keep…
You’re ready for a change and have decided to put your home on the market; now what? Getting your home ready to sell can require a series of upgrades and changes, especially if you’re motivated to sell as quickly as possible. While there are some things you can’t change, you may be surprised by just…