This service provides an excellent opportunity for you to talk to an architect about planning your new building project, objectively review house plans or receive a professional opinion on the renovation potential of a property.Assess on-site help by an experienced architect to discuss most building matters or technical issues or problems. Receive planning advice or ideas in order to assess the potential of a property with options available for building or renovating.An Architect can also provide advice concerning any technical issue, planning or housing code matter or other areas including dampness or cracking.

A visit to site by an architect, to meet and discuss your own ideas, to assess your existing home, the site, its orientation, neighbouring properties, environmental factors and the requirements of local Council. The architect will then prepare a Design Report including concept drawings for the proposed dual occupancy aspect (please note these are not planned suitable for submission to a council nor are they planned is sufficiently detailed to be given to a builder), rather they are concept drawings to present to you ideas and possibilities. The report also includes an opinion on the probable cost of the project. It will also include comments on any local planning issues and any issues relating to neighbours or trees. Once the report is completed, the architect will organise a second consultation to present the report and to discuss the proposed design concept. The design concept you receive will become your property solely for the site that you engaged him to assess.
Some Applications: When seeking ideas and solutions dual occupancy desires.
The Benefits: A cost-effective way of receiving a professional and competent design solution for your proposed dual occupancy needs.

This interior alterations service is a visit to site by an architect usually familiar with the requirements of your local council, to discuss with you your own needs and ideas, to assess your existing home, the site, its orientation and the requirements of local Council. The architect will discuss with you on site, some interior alterations options, outlining their advantages and disadvantages. He or she may produce a few quick sketches to convey their ideas. No concept drawings are provided in this preliminary service.
Some Applications: This service is keenly sought by people wishing to learn of ways they could improve or enhance their existing home, within its current structure.
The Benefits: A low cost way of receiving outside professional assessment and competent design possibilities associated with a internal renovation of the home or investment property.

A visit to site by an architect, to discuss with you your own needs and ideas, to assess the site, its orientation, neighbouring properties, environmental factors and the requirements of local Council. The architect will then prepare a Design Report including concept drawings (please note these are not planned suitable for submission to a council nor are they planned and sufficiently detailed to be given to a builder), rather they are concept drawings to present to you ideas and possibilities. The report also includes an opinion on the probable cost of the project. It will also include comments on any local planning issues and any issues relating to neighbours or trees. Once the report is completed, the architect will organise a second consultation to present the report and to discuss the proposed design concept. The design concept you receive will become your property solely for the site that you engaged him to assess.
Some Applications: When considering to buy land or an existing home that you plan to knock down. When considering to rebuild a home on the land the land that you already own.
The Benefits: A cost-effective way of receiving outside professional and competent design solutions for your proposed land and your needs. Some clients organised two or three such reports, which gives them the benefit of two or three different ideas from which to choose or combine. Given the cost and permanency of building a new home this is a clever, prudent and straightforward way to receive creative and practical solutions from which to choose. The design of the Sydney Opera House arose from a competition conducted by the NSW Government. Similarly you can obtain one, two or three design concepts to your land and your needs, and then decide knowing you have explored a number of options.

A major renovation is a ground floor or first-floor extension. The service is a visit to site by an architect usually familiar with the requirements of your local council, to discuss with you your own needs and ideas, to assess your existing home, the site, its orientation, neighbouring properties, environmental factors and the requirements of local Council. The architect will then prepare a Design Report for your major renovation needs including concept drawings (please note these are not planned suitable for submission to a council nor are they planned sufficiently detailed to be given to a builder), rather they are concept drawings to present to you ideas and possibilities. The report also includes an opinion on the probable cost of the project. It will also include comments on any local planning issues and any issues relating to neighbours or trees once the report is completed, the architect will organise a second consultation to present the report and to discuss the proposed design concept. The design concept you receive will become your property solely for the site that you engaged him to assess.
Some Applications: When seeking ideas and solutions for a major renovation or extension.
The Benefits: A cost-effective way of receiving outside professional and competent design solutions for your proposed renovation and your needs.

A minor renovation is internal alterations only within the existing structure. The service is a visit to site by an architect usually familiar with the requirements of your local council, to discuss with you your own needs and ideas, to assess your existing home, the site, its orientation and the requirements of local Council. The architect will then prepare a Design Report for your minor renovation needs including concept drawings (please note these are not planned suitable for submission to a council nor are they planned sufficiently detailed to be given to a builder), rather they are concept drawings to present to you ideas and possibilities. The report also includes an opinion on the probable cost of the project. It will also include comments on any local planning issues and any issues relating to neighbours or trees. Once the report is completed, the architect will organise a second consultation to present the report and to discuss the proposed design concept. The design concept you receive will become your property solely for the site that you engaged him to assess.
Some Applications: When seeking ideas and solutions for a minor renovation, namely internal alterations only.
The Benefits: A cost-effective way of receiving outside professional and competent design solutions for your proposed minor renovation and your needs.

This renovation potential service is a visit to site by an architect usually familiar with the requirements of your local council, to discuss with you your own needs and ideas, to assess your existing home, the site, its orientation and the requirements of local Council. The architect will discuss with you on site, some renovation options, outlining their advantages and disadvantages. He or she may produce a few quick sketches to convey their ideas. No concept drawings are provided in this preliminary service.
Some Applications: This service is keenly sought by people wishing to learn of untapped renovation potential and possibilities, including a ground floor or first-floor extension. When seeking ideas and solutions for renovation possibilities. The service can be used when considering buying an existing home, but wanting to learn off renovation possibilities rather than being content with the existing home. This service is also used by current homeowners looking to renovate their present home who of us seeking ideas.
The Benefits: A low cost way of receiving outside professional assessment and competent design possibilities associated with a renovation of the property.

Asbestos in a building is potentially very dangerous. Asbestos is a general term for a group of naturally occurring minerals consisting of thin, tough fibres like textile. It was widely used for a considerable period of time, to both provide insulation, particularly for hot water systems and pipes, as well as being used to provide cheap building materials known as 'asbestos cement' sheeting where cement was mixed with asbestos fibre to make cheap roof and wall-cladding sheets commonly known as 'fibro'. Asbestos was also used in carpet underlay for a period of time.
There are strict rules and regulations with regard to dealing with asbestos in a building. These regulations apply with regard to removal (demolition) or renovation. It can be hazardous for occupants in a house or an office building to live or work in such a structure particularly when renovating as fibres of a respirable size become airborne and are then inhaled.
Licensed specialists carry out inspections to determine if asbestos exists in a building, using procedures which must comply with the regulations. If asbestos is found, a report will reveal the locations and extent plus the best way to have the material removed.
WARNING: Do not go probing for asbestos or asbestos made products yourself. If the asbestos is left undisturbed, it is far safer than when it is exposed or disturbed.
If you have any doubts or concerns of the likelihood of asbestos being present, call us to arrange an inspection and the testing of samples which would be taken by the Consultant if required.

An inspection and testing of the immediate area where dampness or water entry has presented itself. Dampness can be caused by a number of reasons and only an expert with the appropriate knowledge and equipment can assist in determining the nature of the dampness, the likely cause and the best remedial approach. Sometimes the excavation or removal of structures may be required to find the cause of the problem. A report confirms the findings.
Some Applications: Dampness or water entry from balconies, garden beds and roofs can be very common problems in homes, home units, strata blocks or commercial buildings. These problems can occur in newly constructed buildings, as well as in established buildings. Basements, concrete balconies and flat concrete roofs are notorious potential problem areas.
The Benefits: Dampness and water entry is unsightly, can cause odours, mould and can damage materials, goods furnishings or furniture. By having the cause of the problem are properly identified as well as available options to have it correctly remedied, you will be in the best position to rid yourself of this unsightly , unpleasant and potentially damaging problem.

An inspection and testing of the immediate area where dampness or water entry has presented itself. Dampness can be caused by a number of reasons and only an expert with the appropriate knowledge and equipment can assist in determining the nature of the dampness, the likely cause and the best remedial approach. Sometimes the excavation or removal of structures may be required to find the cause of the problem. A report confirms the findings.
Some Applications: Dampness or water entry in basements or car parks or tanking systems can be very common problems in homes, home units, strata blocks or commercial buildings. These problems can occur in newly constructed buildings, as well as in established buildings. Basements are notorious potential problem areas.
The Benefits: Dampness and water entry is unsightly, can cause odours, mould and can damage materials, goods furnishings or furniture. By having the cause of the problem are properly identified as well as available options to have it correctly remedied, you will be in the best position to rid yourself of this unsightly , unpleasant and potentially damaging problem.

An inspection and analysis of the plans, as well as the site, enables assistance in exploring the options of unnecessary to prepare and gain approval of a BASIX required new building or renovation. BASIX is a water and energy-saving index to which compliance in NSW and other states is now compulsory.
Some Applications: When preparing designs and design applications for submission to your local council, who require compliance with BASIX regulations.
The Benefits: By engaging experienced, qualified and knowledgeable consultants, you are in a better position to develop at a design solution which will comply with BASIX and hopefully incorporate the design features that you ideally require or want.

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is produced and maintained by the Australian Building Codes (ABCB) on behalf of the Australian Government and each State and Territory Government. The ABCB is a co-operative arrangement between the signatories, local government and the building industry. The Building Codes Committee (BCC) is the peak technical advisory body to the ABCB with responsibility for technical matters associated with the BCA. The BCA is given legal effect by building regulatory legislation in each State and Territory.
The ABCB's mission is to address issues relating to health, safety, amenity and sustainability by providing for efficient design, construction and performance of buildings and other structures through the BCA and development of effective regulatory systems. The BCA is a uniform set of technical provisions allowing for variations in climate and geological or geographic conditions.
The BCA is published in two volumes: Volume 01 pertains primarily to Class 02 to 9 buildings. Volume 02 or more commonly known as the Housing Provisions, pertains primarily to Class 01 and 010 buildings (single dwelling, villa unit, guest house, sheds, carports or retaining walls, swimming pools etc). The classification of a building or part of a building is determined by the purpose for which it is designed, constructed or adapted to be used. The BCA format is presented in a way to provide greater flexibility for the use of new and innovative building products, systems and designs.
Performance Requirements
Every part of a building must be constructed in an appropriate manner to achieve the requirements of the BCA provisions, using materials that are fit for the purpose for which they are intended. A building material, form of construction or design must conform to a performance requirement or a deemed-to-satisfy provision and be approved by a registered Testing Authority.
Parts of the building that do not contribute to the structural stability, safety, weatherproofing or healthy conditions, such as wall and floor tiling, internal wall lining, cabinetry or painting, are considered to be "decorative finishes" and are not covered by the BCA. Requirements for these items should be specified in the plans, specifications and scope-of-works that comprise the contract documents. Electrical and plumbing items (other than stormwater drainage) have separate laws and codes, therefore they are not included in the BCA.

An on-site inspection of the brickwork or paving problems, identifying the extent of the problem, the causes and the remedial work required to make good both in the short and long-term. The findings and recommendations are confirmed in a report.
Some Applications: Where the brickwork or paving problems have arisen. There are usually disputes or differences of opinion as to the extent of the problem and its causes. Often the manufacture of brick or paving products will blame the contractor. And the reverse can be the case, where the contract blames the manufacturer or supplier of the goods. This inspection clearly establishes where the problems lie, who was responsible and how to rectify the problem. It is amazing that simple and long-standing processes of brickwork and paving can have many potential problems and failures.
The Benefits: Credible and reliable independent specialist opinions, to clearly and quickly establish the causes of the problem, to then put to the parties concerned to ideally have the problem quickly remedied and properly Made good. If this dispute ends up at a tribunal or in the courts, this report will be invaluable in defending your case, and the consultant could also be available as an expert witness.

The on-site services of a an experienced builder to carry out an independent visual inspection and checking of any new building work, progressive construction work or seeking assistance to solve a problem, all fit within the wide range of knowledge available to you, the findings of which can be confirmed in a report.
Some Applications: For new building works, assessment of the quality and standard of workmanship and materials, compliance with the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards, checking or workmanship at the time of progress payments and to ensure that an overpayment is not being requested. If a difference of opinion or dispute arises on the building site, often the involvement of an independent builder may defuse the problem and save money in the long run by avoiding delays and legal or tribunal processes. For existing properties, an experienced builder can assist in solving problems that arise.
The Benefits: By engaging the services of an experienced builder to visit your site to discuss and assess your needs or problems, you are availing yourself of independent and professional advice to solve or satisfy your building need from a person who has had years of hands-on experience and knows what to look for.

A Building Consultant, who usually has many years of experience in building and on site, is an ideal person to engage when you have a problem which requires technical advice and diagnosis of housing defects and remedial work required for rectification.
Some Building Consultants use or have access to testing or investigatory equipment, bearing in mind they are not 'Superman' with x-ray vision, to be able to 'clearly see' the cause of a problem or see inside enclosed areas.
Although they basically provide a visual inspection, their vast experience in knowing how buildings are built, the age of the building and likely problems, the likelihood of deterioration of a building or its components, the materials and techniques used at the time the building would have been built, they are well equipped to provide sound and reliable technical advice. They can also recommend where a specialist exploratory service may be required.

The on-site services of a certifier are required at regular intervals and stages of construction to comply with and to check that the building is being constructed in accordance with the approved building application, plans, engineers drawings, contract and specifications.
Some Applications: During construction, to comply with the requirements of your building approval issued by your local council to ensure compliance.
The Benefits: To comply with the requirements of local council and to protect your interests to ensure that what is being built is done in accordance with Council requirements, the associated design and documentation.

An inspection of the property that has been built, certifying that it has been completed in accordance with the building consent issued by local council and in accordance with the design and specification. The inspection and its results are confirmed in a report.
Some Applications: To comply with requirements of your local council inspection. Often to comply with the requirements of your financier and insurance company.
The Benefits: To have completed in a timely manner a completion report to satisfy the needs of local council, lending bodies and insurance companies. This completion report is required by council before they will issue an Occupation Certificate. It is important to have his final signing of carried out as soon as possible, to avoid any delays or problems in the years ahead, especially if you end up selling your property at some time.

A meeting to receive the plans, engineers drawings, building approval and specifications of the proposed project, usually a visit to the site to determine the ease or difficulty of access for construction, to then be in a position from the office to extract quantities of materials required, calculate the costs of these material and the labour of trades and other skilled personnel to construct the building or alterations. A report is prepared outlining the building costs.
Some Applications: To independently and professionally have assessed and calculated an estimate of the cost of construction.
The Benefits: Helpful if not vital when determining an estimate of the actual cost to build what you are proposing, and thus to ensure that it is within your budget for to establish the borrowings required. If the project is in excess of your financial resources, you can then discuss with the designer ways of reducing the costs. By having independent building costs calculated, you are in a good position to assess building quotations received.

An inspection by an independent expert to assess the building works (either a new construction, extension or renovation ) and to identify any defects or defective or non-complying workmanship. The findings are confirmed in a report including photographic illustrations.
Some Applications: During construction. Before making each progress payments. Before making the final payment. At least 06 months before the expiry of the Builder's Warranty period.
The Benefits: Your rights and your investment are protected. An independent and professional appraisal will be taken more seriously by a builder. By organising regular inspections (be sure you have included in your Contract before signing the right and access to the site for a independent inspections to take place) your builder knows that you are having assistance in checking workmanship and materials, so in all likelihood he will perform to in the best possible way and to the highest construction standards. This will save you time, delays, disputes and money during the process, much more than the cost of organising these independent inspections. It is always better to nip any problem in the bud.

When building disputes occur, they can be very stressful, time consuming and very expensive to resolve within the Court. Why Disputes?
Most disputes arise because people do not understand the responsibilities a building contract places on the part of the home owner and on the part of the builder. Often misunderstandings involving; building costs, quality of work, variations or changes to the work, time periods to completion, and the work that will actually be performed, are all common disputes.
I have a Dispute. How do I resolve it?
First, approach the other party with the aim of resolving the issues amicably. Should this fail, The Building Centre Network can refer you to a specialist Home Building Solicitor or a Qualified Building Consultant to mediate between the parties to afford a resolution. This service is designed to determine the issues in the dispute or if a breach of the law has occurred and what options are available to resolve the complaint. Most common reasons for employing this service are: building defects, incomplete work or damage as a result of the builder's or contractor's work.
This service extends to providing practical, expert advice on preventing or resolving problems between you and your builder or tradesmen such as communication breakdown, disagreement about variations to the original contract or problems with workmanship to name a few.
Often by engaging an independent expert, the problem can be diffused or resolved, avoiding costly delays, added friction or changing the whole tone of the working relationship. It is always preferable to 'nip in the bud' a potential problem.
An experienced Building Consultant will visit the site to learn about the problems then initiate a resolution. Your contract, drawings and specifications will be reviewed, so that an expert and impartial opinion can be formed as the basis of resolving the problem. We encourage you to take advantage of this service in order to avoid the stopping of work and potentially very costly legal action.
Unresolved Building Disputes
Should a dispute be unresolved, the various states offer a Dispute Resolution Service.
- In New South Wales
If you and your contractor cannot resolve the problem, you should contact 'The Office of Fair Trading' and request Dispute Resolution Assistance. They may refer you to HoBAS (The Home Building Advisory Service) to assist you further. If the process put in place by 'The Office of Fair Trading' is unresolved, an application to the Tribunal - i.e. "Consumer, Trader & Tenancy Tribunal" (CTTT) would be your next step. The necessary Expert Reports for the Tribunal can be provided by our network of Buildings and consultants. Complaints can be made to 'The Office of Fair Trading' if the building work is less than seven years old and the builder is not responding to the defective work.

- In Victoria
Building advice and conciliation is provided through the 'Building Advice and Conciliation Victoria' (BACV). This service provides free advice to assist you and your builder to reach agreement and resolve a dispute. Where a dispute is unresolved, you may seek independent legal advice from a specialist building solicitor, or take your case to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). The Building Commission of Victoria encourages you that if you have concerns about your building project, it is a good idea to contact BACV earlier rather later as issues are simpler to resolve before they are compounded by further work. To make a complaint, you will be required to complete a complaint form supplied by Consumer Affairs Victoria.

- In Western Australia
the 'Building Disputes Tribunal' has legal authority to resolve most building disputes and workmanship complaints where contracts are between $7,500 and $500,000. Prior to lodging a complaint with the Building Disputes Tribunal you are required to supply your builder or contractor with a prescribed form detailing your complaint. The 'Building Disputes Tribunal' issues information packs including the correct form to be used to notify the builder of the complaint.
Building and workmanship disputes with a contractual value of less than $7,500 may be referred to the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Homeowners are required to notify the builder or contractor prior to contacting The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. The Department will require a copy of the letter you supplied to the builder or contractor.

It is important to have a thorough and independent building inspection carried out, at least six (6) months prior to the expiry of the Home Warranty provisions in your state, associated when building work is carried out by licensed builders.
Only use properly and appropriately licensed builders for this protection and peace of mind.
A pre-exit Home Warranty Inspection, which we can organise, will thoroughly carry out a visual inspection of the works that were carried out by your licensed builder, based on the drawings and specifications which ideally you should have available at the time of inspection.
Armed with this report, should there be defective work or problems that have emerged, you are then in a position to quickly take these matters up with the builder and have them properly rectified. If the builder refuses, procrastinates or has disappeared, you then have independent and properly documented information to take up with the appropriate builders licensing authority in your state.
A summary of the warranty period around Australia is below:
ACT: 6 years. Administered by ACT Planning and Land Authority. TEL: (02) 6207 1923
NSW: 6 years. Administered by Office of Fair Trading. TEL: 13 32 20
NT: 10 years. Administered by Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development. TEL: 1800 193 111
QLD: 6.5 years. Administered by Building Services Authority. TEL: 1300 272 272
SA: 5 years. Administered by Office of Consumer and Business Affairs. TEL: 08 8204 9777
TAS: 10 years. Administered by Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading. TEL: 1300 654 499
VIC: 6 years. Administered by Building Commission of Victoria. TEL: 1300 360 320
WA: 6 years. Administered by Builders Registration Board. TEL: (08) 94706 1200

New Home in Progress Inspection, checking the quality of workmanship
While the lending authorities and Council Inspectors look at the building for their requirements, no one is looking at it just to make sure that everything is being built in a tradesman-like manner. In other words looking after your interests.

Many people arrange to have building inspections prior to progress payments to ensure that what is being asked to be paid for has in fact been completed satisfactorily. Inspections at each of the stages below will help ensure you get the quality home you are after.
If your builder knows that you will be arranging ongoing Progress Inspections by The Building Centre, in psychological and practical ways, he will be more inclined to build your home with more care.
Recommended stages for New Home in Progress Inspections
There are 8 different stages of Inspections that are available to you when building your new home.
Home In Progress Inspections are designed to make sure that you are fully informed about the different stages of your building work, and help ensure that your building project is done right first time every time.
The available Inspections stages are as follows:
1. Contract review - Review of your contract prior to building commencement.
2. Base Inspection - Inspection of footings and slab.
3. Frame Inspection - Inspection of frame and brickwork along with roofing structure (if in place).
4. Lock up stage Inspection doors, windows, external and roof tiling.
5. Pre Lining Inspection - Inspection of insulation, plumbing, electricals, and other pre lining checks practically before gyproc goes into wall, or if it’s a brick house, it will be checking as far as possible.
6. Pre Paint/ Finishes Inspection.
7. Pre Hand over Inspection.
8. Maintenance Inspection (Prior to end of warranty period check).
Whether you chose one, or all eight of these available inspections services, you can rest assured that each inspection is tailor made to assist you with the building stages which most concern you.

Never ignore building problems, get them inspected. Problem Solving Inspection is designed to help you resolve the problems you come up against as a home owner or Owners Corporation.
The types of problems where this service can help you are - Damp, musty smells, blistered plaster, Peeling paint, mildew, Cracks in walls, internal and external, Poor drainage, Leaking roof, Structural and Concrete problems. One of our independent building inspectors will visit your home or unit to investigate the problem and its cause(s), as well as providing recommendations for remedial repairs if required. This is documented in a typed report, which details the problem and advises the options which are to overcome it. Where possible, the Inspector will provide the names of relevant companies or tradespeople you can approach for quotes. This is particularly important if you have a problem that requires a specialist, for instance rising or lateral damp and roof membrane problem.

It is prudent to have your project inspected prior to the release of any progress payments to ensure that you are not paying for more work than has actually been completed. The object of the Building Progress Payment report is to ensure that the amount quoted by the builder at each crucial stage of construction and or at the time of a progress payment claim or for 'extras', represents the true value of the workmanship and the construction materials used. Receiving such independent advice may circumvent contractual disputes and other unwanted hassles.
The Building Centre Network recommends that a progress inspection take place at any time a progress payment claim is received from the builder, but in the least at the completion of the following three critical stages:
- Framing and Foundation : The installation of wall and roof frames is perhaps the most fundamental and critical stage of the building process. The progress inspection will check the method of installation for the wall and roof frames and ensure that it is compliant with Australian standards.

- Brickwork and Roof tiling : This inspection assesses the quality of the brickwork and roof tiling to confirm that the wall cavities and the weep holes are left clean as required by Australian Standards. In addition, the placement of flashings and the tying of the brickwork to the house frame will be assessed.

- Practical Completion : Once the project is ostensibly completed, an inspector needs to scrutinise the finishes, fittings and accessories in making an overall assessment of the project.

Problems with your builder? Call a reputable, independent building expert.
This inspection is designed to help you determine if the building work that has been done is to an acceptable standard. Alternatively problems have arisen after building work has been completed and you need advice. Read more.

An on-site meeting and inspection, to discuss the requirements of colour coordination, fabric or finishes for your home. Following this meeting, the ideas and recommendations are compiled, and a follow-up meeting organised to present the recommendations. Any further assistance is available by subsequent consultation. Often these consultants can assist with the licence tradesmen if required to carry out the work correctly. They are also available to be engaged to supervise the work.
Some Applications: To help work out the internal and external colours and finishes of a new or existing home.
The Benefits: To draw on the professional help and experience of an expert in this field, who can also assist to discuss your ideas and tastes, thus helping you to bring your needs together which will more likely result in an exceptional outcome. Apart from colour choices and coordination, you will also receive the benefits of practical experience and the specification of appropriate materials.

Meeting with you on site, together with any communication received from authorities including Development Applications (DA) from neighbouring properties, to discuss with you your concerns, and to subsequently receive written advice on the best way to respond to any communication from authorities to best protect your interest or represent your needs.
Some Applications:Development Applications (DA), Land acquisition, Roadworks, Land Tax
The Benefits: At the end of the day you wish to protect your privity and sunlight. Additionally you wish to protect the value of your home. When such things are threatened by correspondence received from Authorities, by engaging the services of experienced professionals, you are significantly increasing the chances of having your rights or lifestyle or value of property maintained.

Get professional advice on repairing damaged concrete. Concrete deteriorates due to either corrosion of the reinforcement, carbonation or excessive chloride levels.Concrete Cancer, often identified by flaking concrete (concrete spalling) or rust stains which originate deep within the concrete is a serious problem. Often people mistake the signs for weathering caused by the elements, but whilst this may have a part in exacerbating the problem, the real problem lies within the concrete itself. Concrete cancer is caused by rusted reinforcing from within the steel. As steel rusts it can expand up to 7 times its original size causing the surrounding concrete to be is placed. As the steel pushes the concrete away, more water gets to the steel expediting the process.Protective coating applications can be used to slow down the deterioration processes. Our specialists will assess the likely cause and decide on how to rectify the problem.

An on-site inspection of concrete slabs or paving where problems have arisen. A report independently outlining and confirming the problems, together with an explanation of the likely causes and what is required to rectify the problem. For an existing property, a similar report is carried out by an expert, particularly outlining ways to resolve the problems which have developed.
Some Applications: Problems with concrete slabs, driveways or paving.
The Benefits: You will receive professional help and experience from an independent expert clearly outlining the problem, causes and remedy, that will assist you in taking up any matters with a builder for new or recent construction under the protection you should have when using the licence tradesmen of Home Warranty within the specified period, or when needing to resolve problems which have emerged in existing structure be it a home, strata block, investment or commercial property.

We receive many enquiries from home builders and renovators seeking an independent expert opinion of their builder's work, particularly when its time to make a progress payment.The Construction Advice service is a series of inspections undertaken by a registered architect or building inspector to ensure that home builders are getting what they are paying for.CA assesses whether workmanship is of an acceptable industry standard according to the Building Code of Australia. CA inspections are designed to make sure that you are fully informed about the different stages of your building work and help ensure that your building project is done right the first time.

FIXED PRICE VERSES COST PLUS AND CONTRACT VARIATIONS
Did you know, there are many different types of building contracts! Most people who sign a building contract often don't realise this, and have little or no understanding of what the building contract means and what documentation should be included in the contract.
Before signing a building contract, make sure you understand:

• What documentation the written contract legally must contain.
• How much the building work will cost?
• Are you entitled to make any changes to the design of the home?
• After the work is completed, what protection do you have that the work is completed correctly?
• Are you aware, a home building contract is one of the most complex legal documents you may ever sign?

How can I protect myself if something goes wrong?
The answer is simple! Seek specialist legal advice from the Building Centre Network's home building Solicitor.
It is far better to know the actual cost of the building work whenever possible. A 'Fixed Price' building contract is much safer for home owners as you will know the cost of the work before signing the contract. The building costs are fixed, however usually include 'Provisional Sums' and 'Prime Cost Items'. It is quite common for a provision sum, or allowance, to be made for site excavations as a builder will not know whether he will encounter difficult site. conditions. Again, an allowance may be made as a prime cost item, for example, $500.00 allowance for the purchase of a bathtub. Again, this is quite common practice, however you should be very careful to discuss with your builder exactly what provisional sums and prime cost items will be included in the 'Fixed Price' contract so you can budget your finances. On the other hand 'Cost Plus' building contracts rarely provide you with an accurate final cost for home building work.
You may wish to enter into a 'Contract Variation' with the builder. Contract variations are very common and most home building contracts should include a clause that states that any agreement to vary the contract or any plans and specifications must be in writing and signed by you and your contractor.
Always remember, if you enter into a 'Fixed Price' contract, there may be some costs that can be increased and you may wish to vary the contract after it has been signed. Nearly all building contracts will allow you to enter into a 'Contract Variation' and will usually specify the variation or change to be set out in writing and signed by both parties.
The Building Centre Network's home building solicitor recommends that you carefully read the building contract and learn the concept of provisional allowances and prime cost items before signing the building contract.

A visit by a solicitor to your site, to see and receive a copy of the plans, specifications, engineers drawing and proposed contract. The solicitor will then on returning to his office review all the documentation and recommend changes that will make the contract fair to both parties. You will also receive information clearly outlining your responsibilities, which are important to know so that you do not inadvertently breach your Contract.
Some Applications: Receiving a contract from a licensed builder for a new construction, extension or renovation, including a contract from a Project Builder.
The Benefits: It is best to obtain a contract before selecting a build all project builder and having it checked. If the builder or project builder is not prepared to make the changes recommended, you are best not to use that builder as it can be a sign of problems down the track. This is particularly important when considering a Project Home, as the copyright to the design of the home is owned by the project builder, and if they submitted to Council on your behalf, all the time and money is locked into that design and you cannot use the design if the builder turns out not to be fair and reasonable in ensuring that the contract is fair to both parties.
Be aware that the Contracts often used are those produced by builder industry associations, and they favour the builder. Larger builders or project builders use their own contracts prepared by their solicitors, which have been honed over the years to protect and favour them.
Is important to have the Contracts issued amended in many areas to protect or assist you, for example the right to request access to the site for independent building inspections during the building process prior to handover and completion, the right with their permission to organise tradesmen to carry out work that you require such as air conditioning installation.
The main benefit is that the signed Contract clearly stipulates who is in the right and who is in the wrong. Any court or arbitrator will refer to the signed Contract when making their decision. Our vast experience reveals that homeowners usually sign heavily one-sided Contracts, thinking that by saving money and having them checked will be the case, but in reality the cost of problems far exceeds these protection costs. Bear in mind that the drawings and specifications form part of a Contract.

Cracking Internally
Cracking and movement in homes and buildings is a common problem in Australia often due its harsh environment and reactive clay soils. Subsoils of a significant level of clay will swell during very wet periods and shrink as they dry out during dry weather.
Other factors that can impact the subsoil are leaking plumbing, poor drainage and also vegetation such as trees and gardens planted close to the home. The roots of trees draw moisture away from the subsoil which in turn causes the shrinking of the clay soils and subsidence of the footings resulting in cracking.
External Cracking
Cracking externally is often the result of foundation movement caused by the settlement of the building. Generally the settlement occurs evenly, but occasionally, it can be uneven resulting in cracking. 'Subsidence' and 'Heave' are terms often used when describing the reaction of the soil either under or around a building for various reasons where cracking is evident.
Please note that should the cracking and movement be severe, it is highly recommended that a Structural Engineer be consulted to identify the cause of the problem and report on the structural integrity of the home or building.
A licensed Structural Engineer from our network of Consultants can be engaged to visit your home or unit to investigate cracking / movement problems and its cause(s), as well as providing recommendations for remedial repairs if required. This is documented in a typed report, which details and identifies the cause of the problem. The report will also document options available to rectify the problem.