Strata Construction Defects – The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Very Wrong!
Here is the reality; every construction in WA, including strata properties, will have some residual strata construction defects that need to be addressed.
Assisting a New Strata Company Dealing with Construction Defects
Once strata companies and Lot owners take possession of a newly constructed strata complex, the challenges for the strata company manger can be significant. Assisting and guiding the strata company and Lot owners through the statutory defect liability period can be a crucial skill for strata company managers. The focus on this paper is on low…
WA Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2019
After more than 5 years of development Houspect WA welcomes the WA Government’s recent release of the Western Australian Guide to Standards and Tolerances. This guide should be of assistance to both homeowners and builders in understanding key requirements in the construction process. 1 What are we talking about? Buildings in WA need to be constructed…
Patios – The Good, the Bad, the Ugly – Issues to Consider When Buying a Residential Property in WA
Patios are a key part of outdoor living in WA and hence a feature of most WA residential properties. Some patios are grandiose affairs costing tens of thousands of dollars and some are very economical structures. Whatever the structure, there are some key issues to consider when buying a residential property in WA. 1 What…
Lift Off Hinges – Life Savers in Disguise?
Lift off hinges. What are they and why do we need them? Can these little hinges really save a life? Important components in a new home construction. 1 What are We Talking About? Lift off hinges have one critical difference to ordinary hinges. They are designed to easily come apart. Standard hinges, as per…
WA Government Issues Asbestos Safety Alert
The WA Government has recently issued a Safety Alert in relation to the use of high pressure water cleaning of asbestos fibre cement products. 1 What are We Talking About? Asbestos products were widely used throughout the WA construction industry pre 1983 and it is best to assume that any property constructed prior to this…
Asphalt Strata Carparks in WA – Important Maintenance Considerations
Often WA external strata carparks are covered in asphalt and are a large visual component of the strata kerbside appeal. Maintaining the carpark not only enhances the visual appeal of the strata complex but also is important to extend the life of the asphalt and structure of the carpark. 1 What are We Talking About?…
WA Government Issues Reminder on Hot Water Heater Maintenance
The WA Government has issued a reminder to WA property owners in regard the important maintenance of domestic hot water heaters. Some quick checks and routine maintenance could have prevented the explosion of a storage water heater outside a home in Perth’s north in 2018, according to Building and Energy inspectors who attended the site.…
WA Government Issues Caution on Vulcan Heritage and Pyrox Heritage Gas Heaters
The WA Government has advised that people with Vulcan Heritage or Pyrox Heritage gas heaters in their homes need to get them checked by a qualified gas fitter immediately. Laboratory tests show that under certain conditions the heaters produce too much carbon monoxide. Particularly if homes have poor ventilation and bathroom exhaust fans or kitchen…
WA Strata – Sinking Fund Planning Vs Maintenance Plans and the New WA Legislation
With the passage of the Strata Titles Amendment Bill 2018 and the Community Titles Bill 2018 some significant changes are about to be introduced into the way strata properties are managed in WA. While the Regulations which are required to support these Acts are yet to be provided, forward planning must start as soon as…