2014 Master Builders New South Wales Magazine Sep-Oct

Official Magazine of the Master Builders Association of NSW | Issue Four | Sep - Oct 2014

THE THREAT OF NON-COMPLYING BUILDING PRODUCTS SURETY BONDS - AN ESSENTIAL WEAPON IN A BUILDER’S ARSENAL WHEN THE HOME WARRANTY INSURERS COME KNOCKING

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING & POOL AWARDS 2014 THE WINNERS REVEALED INSIDE

MOST RECENT AWARDS WOODHILL JOINERY ARE AFFILIATED:

TROY STEWART Sole Director / Managing Director

KEN DE GRAAF Project Manager Ken started with Woodhill Joinery in 1985

2014

MBA Contract Home (Pacific Plus Constructions) 4.9m - 5m

WINNER

2013

MBA Australian Home of the Year over $2m

FINALIST

2013

MBA (NSW) Refurbishment / Extension / Renovation / over $50,000,001

WINNER

2013

MBA (NSW) Restoration of a Historic Building (open price)

WINNER

2013

MBA (NSW) Contract Home of the Year over $5m

WINNER

2013

MBA (NSW) Town Houses or Villas/Dual Occupancy $250,001-$400,000

WINNER

2013

MBA (ACT) National Home of the Year over $2m

WINNER

2013

Australian Timber Design Awards

WINNER

2011

MBA National Commercial / Industrial Construction Award over $5m-10m

WINNER

2011

Australian Housing Awards Home of the Year

WINNER

2011

Wingecarribee Heritage Awards Restorations & Additions (Residential)

WINNER

“Visiting the Woodhill Joinery factory was like stepping back into the yesteryear of Master Craftsman… A seamless process from workshop drawings, traditional manufacturing yet includes todays current European CNC technology, architectural CAD, delivery and traditional after sales service is what I expected and what I got.”

Gregor Macdonald – Pacific Plus Constructions

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2

contents

IN THIS ISSUE: REGULARS Contact list President’s Viewpoint Executive Director’s Viewpoint Newsbrief Dates for your diary Regional Roundup The Way We Were

FEATURES

EDITOR: Amy Anderson LAYOUT: Carol Taylor GRAPHIC DESIGN TEAM: Byron Bailey, Amanda Bennett NATIONAL SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER: Trish Riley SALES MANAGER: Peter Shepherd EMAIL: peter.shepherd@crowtherblayne.com.au ADVERTISING SALES: Brett Barfoot, Liam Daly, Dean Wedding PRODUCTION: Brooke Travers PRINT: Newstyle DISTRIBUTION: Newstyle CONTACT DETAILS PO Box 824 Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 TEL: 1800 222 757 FAX: 1800 063 151 EMAIL: publications@crowtherblayne.com.au WEB: www.crowtherblayne.com.au

Disclaimer: The Publisher and the Master Builders Association of NSW, their employees and agents take no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. The opinions are those of the contributors and not necessarily of the Publishers nor of the Association. No warranty is given and no liability is accepted.

Products and Services appearing in Master Builder are not necessarily endorsed by the Publisher or the Association.

While every care has been taken during production, the publisher(s) do not accept any liability for errors or omissions that may have occurred.

6 8 9 10 14 18 144

Excellence in Housing and Pool Awards Housing The Threat of Non-Complying Building Products Industrial Relations Reasonable Management Action Not Workplace Bullying

24 86

Legal PPSA – The Exclusions When the Home Warranty Insurers Come Knocking Amendments to the NSW Building & Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 Online Master Builders NSW Website

90

Finance Did You Know That Credit Reporting Has Changed?

94

Insurance Surety Bonds – An Essential Weapon in a Builder’s Arsenal Luke Hueston – State Manager NSW

96

Business Planning How to Write a Business Plan for Building and Construction Companies

98

88

93

Aboriginal Participation National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Celebrations

100

Safety New Safety Codes of Practice Released Foundations Newsletter

101

Apprenticeship 102 MBA Apprentice Wins the Wallace G Pooley & Keith E Dowling Memorial Trust Fund Award Business Administration Trainees - A New Traineeship Available from Your Master Builders Apprenticeship Service CAMS The Handyman Program

108

Technology Forget the Tools. Technology is a Builder’s New Best Friend Yepsketch

110

Training Ageing in One’s Own Home – The New Aged Care Trend

116

MEMBERSHIP New Members

120

GENERAL FEATURES Cloud Based Accounting Software for Small Business The Importance of Surface Preparation for Tiling Don’t Generate - Insulate

123 126 130

Directory

134

What’s New

139

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6

contact list MASTER BUILDER MAGAZINE MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW SOUTH WALES 52 Parramatta Road, Forest Lodge NSW 2037 / Private Bag 9, Broadway NSW 2007 Tel: 02 8586 3555 | Fax: 02 9660 3700 Email: enquiries@mbansw.asn.au Website: www.mbansw.asn.au | ABN 96 550 042 906

HEAD OFFICE EXECUTIVE BOARD Paul Maginnity Ross Mitchell Gordon Leggett Scott Nash Martin Patience Simon Pilcher Chris Calderbank-Park

EVENTS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT President Deputy President Immediate Past President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President

Awards Coordinator Assistant Awards Coordinators

Special Projects Officer

Director, Operations

Brian Seidler Amanda de Vries

8586 3503 8586 3507

Luke Hueston Leeanne Farmer Edwina Lyall Malcolm Foung Adam Myers Erroll Wong Adam Fawcett

8586 3519 (02) 4979 0115 0412 806 700 8586 3556 8586 3501 8586 3568 0466 770 910

Director Finance & Administration Accounts Supervisor Credit Control Manager Credit Officer Inventory & Property Administration Officer Accounts Payable Officer Reception #2 Fishbowl #2 Charles Martin Room

Daniel Vine Jayne Pan Bill Korakis

8586 3566 8586 3528 8586 3541

IT SUPPORT

MASTER BUILDERS FINANCIAL SERVICES Broker

Ogarit Kelley

0414 919 194 1300 760 366

Graham McGuiggan Paul Love

Mark Shearwood Joan Ah-Hen Brooke Williams Samantha Bell

8586 3554 8586 3540 0413 306 556 8586 3520 8586 3515 8586 3581 8586 3572

Michelle Bass Dean Edser Simone Craswell Nicole Webster Carson Gao Dennis Park Jason Kim Andrew Turner Jade Lane Sharon Eakin William Louie Nicole Daws Timithy Rolls

8586 3579 8586 3548 8586 3852 8586 3521 8586 3559 8586 3544

Karen Kellock Maria-Luisa Branezac Paulo Atienza Adam Tapai Frank Luppino Leonie Lowder Philippa O’Rourke Donna Seidler Perry Wynn

8586 3538 8586 3536 8586 3550 8586 3551 8586 3505 8586 6542 8586 3558 0413 316 407 8586 3533

8586 3578 8586 3553 8586 3563 8586 3514 8586 3560 1300 884 315

APPRENTICESHIP SERVICES Apprenticeship Services Manager Apprenticeship Payroll Supervisor Apprenticeship Recruitment Officer Apprenticeship Recruitment Officer Apprenticeship Safety Officer Apprenticeship Payroll Officer Apprenticeship Safety Officer Apprenticeship Mentor Apprenticeship Services Coordinator

8586 3562

Arthur Johnson Strebre Delovski Leon Kopcikas Frank Chevell Rheannon Vea Vea Bridget Delmore

8586 3508 8586 3511 8586 3509 8586 3567 8586 3527 8586 3510 8586 3526 8586 3530 8586 3546

Alexander Ashley-Carrington 8586 3525

Joanne Papageorge Daniela Fraumeni

8586 3555 8586 3555

NEWCASTLE OFFICE Level 1, 165 Lambton Road, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 Tel:

Hunter Region Manager Len Blakeney Office Administrator Sarah Croft Receptionist Amy Porter Industrial Relations Officer Ben Ziolkowski Safety Officer John McGhee Trade Events & Divisional Coordinator Haley Tibbetts Membership Representative Luke Reeves Events and Training Coordinator Kerri Richards

Shop 1, 97 Tamar Street, Ballina NSW 2478 Tel: Northern Regions Manager Administration Officer Membership Representative

Unit 7/4 Stockyard Place, West Gosford NSW 2250 Tel: Director - Housing Office Manager (Mon/Wed) Office Manager (Tues/Thurs)

(02) 6681 4266 0421 050 395

Peter Meredith Helen Tinson Lesley Potter

(02) 4323 4588 0412 694 001 4323 4588 4323 4588

0428 412 784

SOUTHERN REGIONS Unit 1, 171 Princes Highway, Ulladulla NSW 2539 Tel:

Manager - Southern Regions Lynn Smith Administration Assistant Debbie McDonald

(02) 4454 1955 0418 633 297 4454 1955

ALBURY/WODONGA

PORT MACQUARIE

Robert Collings Hannah Shephard Renee McKeown

8586 3517 8586 3517 8586 3517

8586 3535 8586 3552 8586 3574 8586 3573 8586 3502 8586 3522 8586 3531 8586 3523

Juliet Pratley Susie Bell Graham Marchant

GOSFORD

(02) 4323 4588

Peter Glover David Solomon Rod Grace Nicholas Arends Iain Jarman Chris Schultz Judy Macgregor Beverly Glover

(02) 4953 9400 4979 0101 4979 0103 4953 9400 4979 0107 4979 0112 4979 0106 4979 0109 4979 0105

NORTHERN REGIONS

Peter Meredith

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND SAFETY Director Construction Senior Safety Officer Industrial Relations Officers

Safety Officer IR Administration Officer Secretary

Receptionist

35 Hovell Street, Wodonga VIC 3690 Tel: Regional Manager Office Manager Administration Assistant

LEGAL Head Solicitor Solicitor Legal Assistant

IT Support/Webmaster

8586 3539 8586 3524

HOUSING Director - Housing

Steven Swan

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Omesh Jethwani Jack Long

CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIP MENTORING PROGRAM - (CAMS) Government Projects & Programs Manager Apprenticeship Mentoring Officer

Marketing and Communications Manager

REGIONAL OFFICES

TRAINING Skills Development Manager Qualifications Coordinator Qualifications Administrator Qualifications Administrator Cert III Coordinator Cert III Administrators

Cert III Head Trainer Short Course Administrator Training Accounts /Administration Coordinator Administration Assistant Administration Trainee Compliance and Quality Officer MBA Skill Recognition Centre

8586 3537

RECEPTION

MEMBER SERVICES Manager Member Services Membership Services Coordinator

Membership Representative Member Services - Administration Member Services - Administration Member Services - Administration

Craig Donovan

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

MBA INSURANCE SERVICES State Manager Business Development Manager Senior Account Manager Account Executive - General

Authorised Representative - Capital & Construction Risk Managers Pty Limited Account Executive - Home Warranty

National Development Manager

8586 3506 8586 3564 0421 050 395 8586 3504

OPERATIONS

EXECUTIVE Executive Director Executive Assistant

Susan Manning Helen Harris Juliet Pratley Amanda Kelly

Steve Donaghey Lesley Donaghey Pauline Meade

Unit 3, 12 Jindalee Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Tel:

Administration Officer Kerrie Clark

(02) 6058 2000 0402 044 075 6058 2000 6058 2000

(02) 6581 4033 6581 4033

WOLLONGONG Unit 3, 29-35 Princes Highway, Unanderra NSW 2526 Tel:

Regional Coordinator Michael Hart Member Services Representative Ruth Billington

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4

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president’s viewpoint

PRESIDENT’S VIEWPOINT In addition to the budget commitments, we also welcome the government’s announcement for the significant urban renewal project for the Sydney harbour side area around the Fish Markets and Blackwattle Bay. The urban renewal project has been labelled as the biggest urban renewal program since the Sydney Olympics, another positive announcement for our industry.

With increased work opportunities there are, and will be, issues that will impact on the way we deliver and undertake work.

President Paul Maginnity

In the last 12 months the amount of activity in our industry has substantially increased.

So significant has this change been, many forecasters predict that NSW will be the powerhouse of the Australian economy and indeed lead the country to sustainable growth.

Coupled with this, some three months ago the NSW Government delivered a budget that can be labelled as a “building budget” – a budget very much about renewing and expanding infrastructure in NSW. Importantly, we believe the budget will draw along with it opportunities and additional investment from the private sector into NSW and most importantly, as projects roll out industry, builders’ confidence will also lift.

We are already seeing a major lift in housing activity in NSW, and as I said, major industry forecasters have recently predicted a growth rate of some nine per cent for NSW over the 2014/15 period as a result of investor demand and underlying stock deficiencies.

It is noted that the growth in NSW has been led by high-rise apartments, however it is now spreading to detached housing.

Residential builders will need to consider their home warranty insurance capacity and seek advice early if intending to increase current limits in order to take up expected work opportunities. We expect that builders constrained with limitations on their warranty insurance eligibility poses a real risk of reducing the industry’s capacity to respond to increasing levels of residential activity. Furthermore, if activity increases all too rapidly there is also the potential for labour and material shortages.

The issue of non-complying imported building products and materials, is set to become in our view, a major threat for industry and governments across the country. The recent recall of defective, ‘Infinity’ brand electrical cable is an example of the nightmare confronting industry where builders and contractors face onerous replacement costs through no fault of their own, by simply relying on products allowed to enter the market place.

This edition of the Master Builder Magazine showcases the winner of each category for this year’s Excellence in Housing and Pool Awards. These Awards are a celebration and acknowledgement of excellence in building and construction in NSW. This year the industry has again produced magnificent quality and exceptional levels of detail.

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A special mention goes to the 2014 Master Builder of the Year, Touchstone Construction Services Pty Ltd of St Leonards NSW, and to David Moses of Horizon Habitats Pty Ltd, awarded Young Builder of the Year.

Nine judges commenced judging in April this year – and concluded in July after almost three months of full time judging. Each building project that entered the Awards was visited and a site inspection conducted.

The construction value for all of the entries received this year equated to some $935 million, $135M more than last year—an extraordinary amount and an extraordinary feat for the judges to view.

I should add that according to the judges, the quality and detail in this year’s entries displayed some of the most extraordinary building practices and finishes they have ever had the pleasure of inspecting.

On behalf of the Master Builders Association of NSW, I congratulate all of the entrants and winners of the 2014 MBA/NSW Excellence in Housing and Pool Awards. I would also like to thank the judges and the sponsors for supporting the industry at such an important event.

Paul Maginnity MBA/NSW PRESIDENT

executive director’s viewpoint 9

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S VIEWPOINT A recent Master Builders Australia survey found that the building and construction industry rated the importance of apprentices for the future wellbeing of the industry as extremely high.

Executive Director Brian Seidler

Apprentices are a key source of future skilled employees, alongside immigration and up-skilling of the existing work force.

An estimated 30,000 skilled construction workers are retiring from the industry each year, from this perspective the 11,000 persons (completing construction apprentices based on 2013 figures) are not enough to maintain existing skill levels; thus creating the ongoing reliance on migration and/or buying in the skill.

Master Builders estimates that the current apprentice levels are less than half what is required over the long term to replace the aging work force and meet the projected growth in demand for skilled employees.

The questions that must be asked are, “Why isn’t the industry taking on apprentices?” and “What are the impediments?”

Impediments can include: • Cost • Duration of apprenticeship • Candidate quality • Curriculum • Exposure to work health safety issues • Exposure to workers compensation issues • The current training regime for apprentices – one day each week for offsite training On top of the reduced number of apprentices coming into our industry, the industry in NSW is experiencing a marked increase in activity – so the work prospects and employment opportunities in our industry are also increasing.

I would greatly appreciate and welcome any members’ comments regarding our apprenticeship system and how the industry can increase its intake of training future builders.

You can send your comments to executive@mbansw.asn.au.

I would like to take this opportunity along with our President to congratulate all the winners of this year’s Excellence in Housing and Pool Awards.

Brian Seidler EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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newsbrief

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

NEWSBRIEF

4 YEARLY REVIEW- COMMON ISSUE ANNUAL LEAVE

4 YEARLY REVIEW FIRST STAGE AWARDS

The ACTU is seeking to vary 118 modern awards to ensure that annual leave loading is paid out on termination. Responses in opposition were due Friday 1 August and Master Builders has joined with other employer groups to oppose the ACTU claim in its entirety. The effect of the submission being successful is that the 15 awards which already require payment of annual leave loading on termination would continue to do so, but annual leave loading would not be payable on termination in the other 107 modern awards. The ACTU has put its case on the basis that the National Employment Standards (s 90(2) FW Act) require payout of annual leave loading and that awards prohibiting that step breach the NES and should be varied to require it. The ACTU also argues that awards which are silent should explicitly require payout.

Master Builders has been actively involved with two test case matters that arise under the Timber Industry Award. Master Builders is preparing to challenge the interpretation of the coverage provision of the Timber Industry Award. We are also preparing to take a leading approach to the payment of penalties where wages are paid late – we will be arguing that such a provision should not be treated as lawful.

In the first part of the annual leave common issue, Master Builders provided input to the joint employer submission and provided a witness statement. The submission proposed the introduction of across-the board provisions about the capacity for an employer to direct an employee to take excessive leave, cash out of excessive leave by agreement, payment of annual leave on the normal pay cycle when the employee is paid by EFT, leave in advance by agreement and capacity to shut down for the purposes of annual leave. This matter was due to be litigated before a Full Bench in mid-August.

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WORKPLACE GENDER EQUALITY REPORTING CONSULTATION The Government has announced a consultation process on workplace gender reporting requirements. The Department of Employment has extended the submission process until 30 September 2014. Submissions were originally due by 31 July 2014. The Department is welcoming feedback in the form of interim submissions prior to a roundtable process to be conducted shortly, and has extended the final deadline to allow stakeholders to incorporate the roundtable discussions in their final submissions. Master Builders will lodge an interim submission highlighting some problems with the underlying statute that translate to problems with the reporting regime. In particular, Master Builders will highlight the problems surrounding the definition of ‘employee’ in the statute, which attempts to capture both employees and independent contractors. The definition is unclear, and this uncertainty affects employers caught by the reporting requirement, the content of the reports and the requirement to notify and make reports available to employees.

newsbrief 11

LEGAL AND CONTRACTS

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY

MASTER BUILDERS AND AIA LAUNCH NEW ABIC COST PLUS CONTRACT On 28 July 2014, Master Builders and the Australian Institute of Architects launched a new Australian Building and Construction industry contract (ABIC) form of contract. The cost plus contract CP2014 for commercial use replaces an outmoded contract (FFC/ cost plus) that was developed in the 1970s.

The new contract has been some years in development. A comprehensive User Guide and forms to be used in the administration of the contract are also available for sale.

REVIEW OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY SECURITIES ACT 2009 The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (PPS Act) provides a nationally uniform system for registering an interest in personal property. The legislation is currently under review and final submissions to the Attorney General’s Department were lodged on 25 July 2014. Master Builders had earlier lodged a submission concentrating on the need for reform of the legislation from the perspective of small business. Master Builders lodged a second comprehensive submission highlighting 4 priority areas for reform. Master Builders was acting on behalf of a range of business organisations, including ACCI, in lodging the submissions as we have built up an acknowledged expertise in this subject.

The system of registering a security interest permits the use of private property for a loan or credit. The PPS Act is novel legislation which replaced a myriad of systems and registers and which commenced on 30 January 2012. In part as a consequence of its novelty, the terms of the PPS Act require it be reviewed within the first 3 years of operation and a review was announced on 14 April 2014 with a 30 January 2015 completion date. The legislation is not well known despite its relevance for everyday business. Greater education on the legislation is one of Master Builders’ recommendations to Government.

The new contract merges the two forms of cost plus commonly used: the commission contract where the contractor is paid the cost of the work plus a margin or a percentage of the cost of doing the work and a fixed fee contract where the contractor is paid a fixed fee as well as the cost of doing the work. Both of these options are catered for in the one form. The fixed fee is able to be increased where there is a change to the works.

Cost plus contracts are used where at the commencement of the works the cost of the works and the date for completion is not certain e.g. for heritage buildings that are to be restored but where the lack of documents about the nature of the structure can only be confirmed as work progresses.

EXTENSION OF UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS LAW PROPOSED The Commonwealth Government recently released a consultation paper dealing with whether the unfair contract term protections offered to consumers under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), should be extended to small business contracts. On 31 July 2014, Master Builders lodged a submission in response to the issues raised in the paper.

Master Builders’ policy is that, under the current law, domestic building contracts should be exempted from the unfair contract terms law because, whilst they are standard form contracts, they cannot be negotiated on a “take it or leave it” basis. The various statutes already provide ample protection to consumers when consumers enter into building contracts. Master Builders has counselled against extending the unfair contract terms law to all contracts involving small businesses, indicating that the better policy is, again, to only apply the law to “take it or leave it” contracts, also known as contracts of adhesion.

MODEL WHS LAWS – MASTER BUILDERS SEEKS IMPROVEMENT The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has asked State and Territory and the Commonwealth Ministers with responsibility for WHS to investigate ways to improve WHS laws and report to COAG by the end of 2014.

The Safe Work Australia Agency (SWA) has been tasked with assisting Ministers with this investigation and SWA published an Issues Paper and draft RIS. On 25 July 2014 Master Builders lodged a comprehensive submission indicating where the model Act and regulations should be changed. A final report and Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) must be provided to Ministers for approval on 28 November 2014. A major component of Master Builders’ submission is the revised WHS Right of Entry policy – see item below.

MASTER BUILDERS OVERHAULS WHS RIGHT OF ENTRY POLICY Master Builders has called for urgent reforms to stop the abuse of right of entry laws. The proposed reforms are set out in Master Builders’ submission to Safe Work Australia ahead of the national safety regulator’s review of model workplace health and safety (WHS) laws, discussed above. The WHS Right of Entry revised policy contains 14 recommendations for change that will prevent safety being used as a stalking horse for other union agendas. Safety is too important to abuse.

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newsbrief

ECONOMICS AND TAXATION

HOUSING

SURVEY FINDS CONFIDENCE OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HOLDS STEADY POST FEDERAL BUDGET Building and construction industry confidence held steady in the post Budget period according to Master Builders Australia’s National Survey of Building and Construction for the June quarter 2014. Building activity is set to continue gaining strength on the back of improved confidence in residential building which is the highest it has been for six years in the June quarter of 2008.

The Survey’s key indicators show that a good pipeline of work underpins current confidence levels and supports Master Builders forecast that total dwelling commencements will exceed 200,000 by 2017. The strong upturn in residential building continued its gradual translation into improved prospects for commercial construction.

Encouragingly, the green shoots of returning confidence in the commercial construction sector have consolidated with the June quarter Survey showing confidence has risen for the second consecutive quarter. Builder’s confidence in the prospects for their own business rose for the fourth consecutive quarter.

This is particularly reflective of the residential building sector’s response to low rates and is an encouraging trend indicating industry’s expectation that business activity will continue to rise over the next six months.

The slight easing of business confidence post the Federal Budget highlights the underlying vulnerability of the recovery in building and construction and the need for the Federal Government to implement its Budget repair strategy with the responsible support of the new Senate.

RENTAL YIELDS

SENATE ECONOMICS COMMITTEE – HOUSING AFFORDABILITY Master Builders Australia appeared before the Senate Economics Committee for its inquiry into housing affordability. In our appearance, National Office stressed the need for meaningful supply side reforms to boost housing affordability, and through this ease pressures on new and rental, including social housing, (which was a key area of interest for the Committee).

We also spoke to our National Housing Affordability Agenda, an eight point plan to reduce housing affordability pressures.

HOME OWNERSHIP AMONGST YOUNGER PEOPLE Home ownership rates amongst younger people have fallen heavily over the past thirty years, according to new research from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), a federal government funded housing think tank.

Back in 1981 nearly 61 per cent of people in the 25 – 34 year age cohort (the prime first home buyer age bracket) were buying or owned their own home; by 2011, the figure had dropped to 42 per cent. The AHURI research also found the share of younger households in the long term rental market has been edging upward: in 1994, 27 per cent of this cohort rented for 10 or more years, with the figure rising to 33 per cent in 2007.

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The residential rental market appears to be running at two distinct speeds, when measured in terms of annual growth in rental yields for houses. On the one hand, rental yields grew strongly over the past financial year in Melbourne (up 5.6 per cent), Brisbane (up 2.6 per cent) and Sydney (up 2 per cent). By contrast, house rental yields fell heavily in Perth (down 6.6 per cent), Canberra (down 6.3 per cent) and Darwin (down 5.8 per cent).

AUCTION CLEARANCE RATES Auction clearance rates have continued to hold up during the winter months, averaging just over 70 per cent across the major capital cities, well ahead of the clearance rates of around 50 per cent just two years ago. The highest clearance rates were in Sydney (77 per cent), Adelaide (73 per cent) and Melbourne (70 per cent). By contrast, much lower clearance rates were experienced in Brisbane (54 per cent), and Perth (just 30 per cent).

ECONOMICS OF CITIES Australia’s major cities and areas close to central business districts are underrecognised engines of our national economic performance. A new report by the Grattan Institute, a public policy think tank, has found our capital cities and nearby areas account for some 80 per cent of national output, with Sydney and Melbourne together creating threetimes the value of the agriculture sector.

Important satellite areas which produce high levels of economic value include North Sydney ($10.2 B), Richmond (Melbourne: $4.4 B), Subiaco (Perth: $4.2 B) and Paddington (Brisbane: $3.4 B).

newsbrief 13

REGULATION AND TECHNICAL

BUILDING CODES COMMITTEE The Building Code Committee, a government-industry advisory panel to the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), met recently in Townsville. Key agenda items included the transition from a yearly to three-yearly cycle for revisions to the National Construction Code (NCC), the modalities of making the NCC free-online, plans to broaden the reach of the NCC to include telecoms (insofar as they relate to buildings) and gas, and the forward program of research and analysis (which will include work promoting greater consistency of classifications in farm buildings, and addressing the measurement of the effective heights of buildings).

RAIL NOISE Master Builders Australia attended an industry-led meeting at Standards Australia to examine the need and priorities for revising AS 2377, which deals with railway noise in urban areas.

The current Standard was adopted in 2002, and its revision is part of Standards Australia’s rolling program for reviewing aged (that is, potentially redundant) Standards for their continued relevance.

The meeting largely focused on identifying those provisions of AS 2377 which are seen to be out-of-date, and the relevant sections of ISO 3095 (the comparable international standard) which could inform the Australian Standard review process.

INTERNATIONAL

MANY SMES ARE FEELING CONFIDENT, SAYS EFIC RESEARCH As Australia’s export credit agency, Efic looks to understand the current trends and issues within the SME export market through ongoing research.

SME Exporter Sentiment – June 2014 Efic’s most recent SME Exporter Sentiment research found that: • Exporter sentiment was increasingly positive, with the proportion of SMEs expecting their overseas sales to grow in the next 12 months increasing by around ten per cent since February 2014.

• There has been a six per cent increase since February in the number of SMEs that expect the profitability of their international operations to increase in the next year.

• Export revenue is making up a larger proportion (now 14 per cent) of overall turnover.

• The most important overseas markets continue to be China, Oceania/New Zealand and India.

• Access to finance is expected to become more difficult in the next 12 months.

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diary

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

12 POINT CPD SEMINAR WOLLONGONG.................................................................................................................... 24 SEP ROSEHILL............................................................................................................................ 27 NOV

TRADE SHOWS CASTLE HILL........................................................................................................................ 10 SEP MANLY...................................................................................................................................17 SEP ORANGE...............................................................................................................................16 OCT BALLINA.............................................................................................................................. 22 OCT NEWCASTLE EXPO............................................................................................................ 29 OCT COFFS HARBOUR...............................................................................................................19 NOV PORT MACQUARIE............................................................................................................. 20 NOV

TOP 50 BUILDERS LUNCHEON ROYAL RANDWICK............................................................................................................. 26 NOV

DIVISION CENTRAL COAST..................................................................................................... 1 OCT, 5 NOV CENTRAL WEST..................................................................................................................19 NOV CRONULLA .........................................................................................................................13 OCT EASTERN SUBURBS.............................................................................. 23 SEP, 28 OCT, 25 NOV HUME .....................................................................................................................................1 OCT HUNTER............................................................................................................................... 26 NOV ILLAWARRA ............................................................................................................. 2 OCT, 6 NOV INNER WEST ......................................................................................................... 16 SEP, 18 NOV MANLY WARRINGAH................................................................................. 11 SEP, 9 OCT, 13 NOV

MID NORTH COAST................................................................................................ 12 NOV NORTH COAST........................................................................................................ 11 NOV NORTH WEST.......................................................................................................... 14 OCT NORTHERN SUBURBS.................................................................18 SEP, 16 OCT, 20 NOV ORANA.................................................................................................................... 20 NOV OXLEY.......................................................................................................................17 SEP PARRAMATTA CUMBERLAND......................................................17 SEP, 15 OCT, 19 NOV SNOWY MOUNTAINS............................................................................................. 26 NOV SOUTH COAST/SHOAL............................................................... 17 SEP, 15 OCT, 27 NOV SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS.............................................................. 9 SEP, 14 OCT, 11 NOV ST GEORGE............................................................................................................ 21 OCT TWEED..................................................................................................................... 10 NOV

For all events visit our website www.mbansw.asn.au

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An MBA deal to make a song and dance about

TFM1682 MBA 07/14

Save thousands on a new Toyota HiLux or RAV4 and get a free Makita radio.

As a member of the Master Builders Association, you’re entitled to full Gold Fleet Discounts with Toyota, saving you thousands on models right across our range.* Just make sure you mention the discount when you order your vehicle – it’s that easy.

And right now, you’ll also receive a free Makita radio with the purchase of a new Toyota HiLux or RAV4 when you order between 1 August and 31 October for delivery before 30 November. Once your vehicle arrives, visit the website below to confirm your purchase and we’ll send your radio.

For more information, call 1800 444 847 or visit myfleet.toyota.com.au/mbaoffer *Excluding Special Edition models. For full terms and conditions, please visit myfleet.toyota.com.au/mbaoffer

2014

toyota.com.au

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advertorial / TILING

Waterstop Streamline – The new industry standard for shower construction This innovative product addresses one of the BSA’s consistently listed top ten defects.

A product born from necessity, the idea for Waterstop Streamline was born after witnessing a large project builder become completely frustrated by the never ending cycle of call-backs to fix leaking showers.

Leak testing undertaken by the builder involved plugging the waste with an inflatable bladder and filling the recess with water from another source. The recess would hold water, indicating that the membrane was sound.

The builder would then call the plumber who would pressure test the pipework and find no leaks.

This cycle would repeat itself over and over until the builder, out of shear desperation, called on the industry to find out why the leaks were occurring and to come up with a more reliable method of sealing a shower.

Australian manufacturing firm Gleda Pty Ltd recognised the need and began a detailed examination of current methods and designs.

Exhaustive testing was undertaken to establish exactly where and how these leaks were occurring. These tests began to show a common thread across numerous shower designs. Whether the shower utilised a tiled hob, a recessed substrate or a flow-through design with a submerged angle, any sealing of the screen was reliant on a silicon join between the screen and the tiles. Over a time span much less than the warranty period, the silicon join was degrading and causing the integrity of the seal to be compromised. Secondly, models using dyed water showed that even while the silicon remained intact, grout, being porous, was allowing water to seep down below the tiles and into the glue cavity between the membrane and the tiles. Expansion and contraction resulting from the cycles of heat and cold was “pumping’ water over the hob or angle to escape the enclosure entirely.

Once this process was understood, it became clear that for any design to be successful, it would have to incorporate a method to seal the screen directly to the membrane.

A group of professionals consisting of waterproofers, tilers, screen installers, building supervisors and certifiers were called together to look closely at the current methods, and list in detail the issues they saw as being important to their respective tasks.

From this list, a series of requirements were drawn up which would address each issue and provide the design parameters for a new method of shower construction.

The design parameters were: • A positive connection between the waterproofing membrane and the screen, with a failsafe incorporated to prevent leaks due to time-induced silicon failure.

Any seal was NOT to be reliant on a silicon join between a screen and tiles.

• One piece design to minimise potential leak points.

• Correct fall to waste.

• Compatibility with modern, liquid membranes.

• Minimal tile cutting.

• Ease of screen fitment.

• Minimum footprint to maximise available floor space.

• Full compliance with Australian Standards.

• Aesthetic traits to be adaptable across a wide range of bathroom styles and price points.

• As close to cost-neutral as possible when compared to traditional methods.

Prototypes were developed, tested, refined and tested again until eventually a system was developed which encompassed all of the design requirements.

A small production run was undertaken and the showers were installed in the field with feedback from each trade closely monitored.

Once approval was received from all parties, the dies were cut and Gleda set about tooling up their 1500 square metre factory for production.

The frustrated builder became Gleda’s first customer and is still a customer ten years later. So great has been the market acceptance that almost 80,000 showers have now been produced and installed across the country.

Gleda Managing Director, Brett Krey explains, “In the finished product, the input given by waterproofers, tilers and screen installers comes through strongly in the ease at which each trade completes their respective processes. In fact, most of our new business is a result of referrals from these three trades.”

“Waterstop Streamline is fast to install, seals the screen directly to the membrane and provides a fail-safe in the event of silicon degradation. It also incorporates a template for the tiler so that the correct fall to waste is ensured and screen fitment is simple. Tiling

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costs are significantly reduced and it doesn’t rely on an exposed and vulnerable bead of silicon to prevent the screen from leaking.”

“We have numerous testimonials from waterproofers, tilers, major screen manufacturers and builders recommending Waterstop Streamline as their preferred method of shower construction.”

For more information contact: Phone: 07 5426 3700 Email: sales@gleda.com.au Website: www.waterstopstreamline.com.au

Hear what our customers are saying about Waterstop Streamline I am happy to give my recomm endation to use Waters top Streamline.

It is the only modern looking product that I have se en that positi vely connects the shower screen to the waterproofing in a completely leak free way. ..

Mr Albert Aebe rhard Builder, Hotondo Homes Group AC

s oduct new pr ry it y n a t o m indus With s n our i ime to r t e f d fin o on of t t l all. icu is diff tigate them inves made lad we g y r e v e.

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aging

Waterstop is easy to order with efficient delivery.

It has given us the edge on our competitors and is our preferre d method of waterproofing and tiling showers.

IF YOU ARE ONE OF OUR COMPETITORS READING THIS AD PLEASE IGNORE.

ead Whiteh ts Mr Glen elopmen JM Dev B r, o ct Dire g in ag an

op the Waterst Switching to a en be system has Streamline ny. pa m co e sult for th fantastic re by being l the boxes It ticks al stall k, easy to in modern, slee e. and failsaf ed with irs associat Costly repa e now a er trays ar leaking show e past. thing of th Luke Pearce s Devine Home on Manager, cti tru QLD Cons

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My b usine ss ha rapidl s expa y sin nded ce we the W start aters ed us t ing op St hob a reaml nd n ine ow I volun have tarily tilers recom Water mend stop s ing t ystem he – and to oth me – er bu ilders Every . one t hat u ses it loves it.

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Tony Glover Tony Glover Tiling & Waterproofing

Waters top Str Why wo eamlin uld an e– yone u se any else to thing build a shower?

At last someon e has g togeth ot a prod er that uct not on but it ly work looks goo s, d and is for eve so easy ry trad e to wor even com k w it h. It es with instruc step by tions on s tep the prot ective t ape.

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eddin Directo gs r, Wate rtight A (Wate ustralia rproofe rs)

reamline in all Using Waterstop St made life easy s ha as are our shower and our tilers. for waterproofing to install and They are so simple professional. y ver k loo s alway my clients I recommend to all Streamline p sto ter to use the Wa areas. wer sho eir th in m syste Mr Kerry Blake terproofing

Director, Blake’s Wa

For more information, visit www.waterstopstreamline.com.au Phone 07 5426 3700

•

Fax 07 5426 3711

•

Email sales@gleda.com.au

WATE12550_MBA

drew S hailer Andrew Shailer Ti ling

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Builders & Contractors Expo

HUNTER REGION Are you after some great networking opportunities with your peers in the local area?

There will be two major events happening towards the end of the year for the members of the Hunter and their guests. Make sure you lock the following dates in your diary – Wednesday, 29th October and Saturday 6th December and read the below article for further information on the events.

Builders & Contractors Expo Now in its 5th year the Hunter Region Builders and Contractors Expo will be bigger and better than ever. The MBA Expo is a trade only event for the Hunter region and is tailor made for all those within the industry. It's packed full of free education, new products and tool demonstrations by our Major Sponsor BCS. Not only will there be tool demonstrations, but also fantastic buys for those looking to score a bargain on a new tool or even a new work truck!

The event itself is FREE to attend and you can also earn two CPD points if you stay for two hours and these are at no cost to you. There is also the opportunity to learn about new products and services within the industry, plus the chance to win some fantastic lucky door prizes.

Anyone in the building industry can come along and please feel free to tell your mates onsite about the Expo. The Expo is being held on Wednesday, 29th October at the Newcastle Jockey Club from 3-7pm.

Newcastle Race Day The Master Builders Hunter Division will be holding, for the first time ever, a Race Day at the Newcastle Jockey Club. Being held on the Saturday 6th December, it will be a great opportunity for you to bring your staff on a Christmas outing. You could make it your work Christmas Party, or bring along those

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great and fantastic clients and thank them for all the work that they have provided you with throughout the year.

The Race Day will include a three course lunch, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as lucky door prizes and a ‘Fashion on the Field’ competition for the ladies.

There are limited seats available and the event is expected to sell out quickly, so if you are interested in taking a table or two, please contact the MBA office to express your interest now.

For further information on either event, please contact the local MBA Newcastle office on 02 4953 9400.

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NEWCASTLE MASTER BUILDERS EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING AWARDS NIGHT Wests Leagues Club Friday 12 September 2014 In a tribute to the outstanding workmanship displayed within the Hunter construction industry the Master Builders Association held its gala Excellence in Building Awards at West’s Leagues Club on 12 September with over 450 guests attending. Over 130 projects with a combined value of work exceeding $300 million were showcased. This presented the experienced judges with the enviable task of selecting the best of the best. The objective of the yearly Awards is to encourage, promote and recognise “Best Practice” in building and to establish benchmark projects for others in the industry to emulate. The entrants and winners not only set leadership standards for others to aspire to but also promote public confidence in dealing with regional builders, architects and subcontractors.

Our regional economies have only just witnessed a pickup in residential construction activity in the past 12 months but the building industry’s business contractors continue to be a vital foundation for employment and wealth with almost 20,000 workers deriving income from the local industry. The projects displayed were a credit to the building skills of local firms and also demonstrated the extensive business experience possessed by so many of the region’s contractors and builders.

With record low interest rates we are now experiencing healthy signs of a turnaround in residential development approvals and the next few years look very encouraging for local builders and contractors.

The commercial projects, both winners and entrants, were of outstanding calibre and we would like to highlight the achievements of two of our members. Core Project Group was selected to build a new commercial office and refurbish an existing office, combining both complexes over two commercial blocks in Hunter Street, Newcastle. The office blocks are the headquarters PKF Lawler, a Master Builder member specialising in audit and accounting services, business advice, taxation, business recovery and insolvency with over 300 staff throughout Australia. Master Builders congratulates both PKF Lawler and Core Project Group on developing and building

Enjoying the Newcastle MBA Industry Insights Lunch (L-R) Tom Elliott, Core Project Group, Leeanne Farmer, MBA Insurance Services and Jamie Lind, Core Project.

an iconic, energy efficient commercial office complex which has helped reinvigorate the future business sector of Newcastle West.

Core Project Group Pty Ltd Lawler Partners Commercial Office Winner Commercial Projects Over $4 Million The new Lawler Partners offices at Newcastle West have maximised the use of the site while incorporating good environmental principles to support a great working environment for their staff.

Core assisted Lawler Partners in decision making on the services selections as well as incorporating structural details such as the stairwells and load capacity of the current roof slab, and service terminations at the roof level to facilitate easy use of future extension in height. The rear fire stair was also upgraded moderately, incorporating economic security measures to allow staff, but not public, use.

The well finished but not overworked foyer, and transitions between construction stages to suit Council’s new flood height restrictions were incorporated seamlessly. The central courtyard presents a tidily finished multifunction area suitable for staff and client functions.

Winner Energy Efficiency & Environmental Sustainability This winner in a competitive field showcases the range of solutions that can be incorporated into a new commercial building to minimise environmental impact of the development.

Structural features include vertical and horizontal louvres for sun shading, the addition of top level stairwells and structural slabs to enable further expansion without impost of partial demolition or

provision of temporary props and the like which would otherwise be required, and the central courtyard which allows greater access to natural light than a fully used site would enable.

Simple but effective energy management has been incorporated by use of more commonly available LED lighting in combination with low energy fluorescents, zoned gas-fired (which saves 30% of operating costs compared to electric).

Water usage has been minimised by using 6.1 star instantaneous hot water units, recycling of roof water into toilet systems, 5 star tap ware, and 4 star toilet suites and urinals.

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PLEA FOR MASTER BUILDERS TO ASSIST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS WITH MINOR BUILDING REPAIRS Jenny’s Place is a women and children’s crisis refuge and we also operate the Newcastle Domestic Violence Resource Centre (NDVRC), both these projects provide services to victims of domestic and family violence.

We are writing to see if any of your members may be in a position to assist the women and children who are clients of our service by offering to do minor repairs in their homes.

Many of these clients are renting through Real Estate agents and find themselves facing eviction due to damage done by their violent partners.

Most women have these leases in their own names and rarely are the perpetrators names on the lease, this is often a deliberate action by the perpetrators so the perpetrators can’t be held responsible for the damage they cause.

Many women and their children are forced to flee their home to escape an assault and take out Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) for their protection and they then find they are left with the debt, face eviction and are often then placed on the TICA database.

The TICA database is a blacklist that Real Estate Agencies use preventing people from accessing future private rental properties.

Most Real Estate Agencies in this region use this list. If a person’s name is on the list they will find it impossible to rent through a Real Estate Agent until the debt has been cleared.

We are also aware that even when a woman repays the debt it can take years for her name to be removed from the list.

Women and their children then become homeless with few options for housing and the current waiting list for public housing with Housing NSW is more than 15 years long.

What we are hoping to do is to form partnerships with Real Estate agents so when a tenant of theirs is experiencing domestic violence, they can be referred to us for specialised domestic violence support and in partnership with some of your members we may be able to do minor repairs to the property so that she can maintain that tenancy. If it is unsafe for her to stay there (due to the perpetrator not leaving her alone) then she will not be placed on TICA as the repairs are carried out and she can then relocate and easily find another rental property away from the perpetrator.

The repairs are usually fairly minor such as holes in doors and walls, broken windows, screen doors etc. and we are negotiating with hardware stores, suppliers of glass and paint as they have been generous in the past and are willing to donate materials.

To ensure everyone’s safety we will only be referring women who have taken out an AVO ensuring protection and will be developing safety policies and procedures.

We don’t envisage that this would place a big demand on your member’s valuable time and that this would be a fairly infrequent event. We also feel the input from your members would be invaluable as this would mean that we could prevent women and children from becoming homeless through no fault of their own and remove a huge strain from people who have already been through enough.

We are hoping that some of your members will be willing to help and we can be contacted by email if there are any questions or if more information is required.

Our email address is jenny@nobbys.net.au Yours faithfully Jill Evans For Jenny’s Place Inc.

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NORTHERN REGION Project by Heanesbuilt Pty Ltd which was awarded: Best Contract Home $4M - $5M, Best Use of Concrete and Residential Builder of the Year.

NORTHERN REGION BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Lismore Base Hospital Endoscopy Suites project by Woollam Constructions, winner of Commercial Builder of the Year Award.

A record crowd of 250 MBA members from across the Northern Regions of NSW attended the 2014 Northern Region Building Excellence Awards held at the Ballina RSL Club on 19th July 2014. A record number of entries were also received this year, with the gala evening hosted by NBN newsreader Natasha Beyersdorf and comedian Nick Penn providing the intermission entertainment.

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Congratulations go to all winners in a range of categories and price divisions.

Special congratulations to Ian Heanes from Heanesbuilt Pty Ltd who won the 2014 Residential Builder of the Year Award, and to Woollam Constructions who won 2014 Commercial Builder of the Year. Both companies have consistently, over a number of years, demonstrated superb workmanship and attention to detail, often on very difficult sites. Other congratulations go to the joint winners of the 2014 Sub-Contractor of the Year - Paul Casey Windows & Doors and Who Plastering.

Of course these award evenings would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Active Pest Management, Apricus Australia, Bradnam’s Windows & Doors, Cbus, Collins Hume Accountants, Dial Before You Dig, Elston Partners, Hymix, James Hardie, J H Williams, MBA Insurance Services, Northern Star Newspaper, NSW Department of Education & Communities – State Training Services, Reece and WorkCover.

Ian Heanes of Heanesbuilt Pty Ltd accepting the Residential Builder of the Year Award from major sponsors Pat Carey (James Hardie) and Bruce Williams (JH Williams & Sons).

Ben Cummins from Woollam Constructions, winner of Commercial Builder of the Year, with major sponsors Pat Carey (James Hardie) and Bruce Williams (JH Williams & Sons).

Paul Casey of Casey’s Timber Windows and Doors, joint winner Subcontractor of the Year Award, with major sponsor Alf Boston from The Northern Star.

Josh Campbell of Who Plastering, joint winner Subcontractor of the Year Award, with major sponsor Alf Boston from The Northern Star.

And lastly to our fabulous and dedicated judges, Ron Bracken and Ian Anderson who travelled thousands of kilometres to personally inspect each and every entry.

NORTHERN REGIONS AUGUST ROUND OF INFORMATION SESSIONS The first half of August was particularly busy for the Ballina office of the MBA, with its quarterly information sessions being held in Tenterfield, Armidale, Inverell, Moree, Coffs Harbour, Ballina and Tweed Heads over just a two week period.

The MBA was delighted to be able to organise a diverse but relevant range of speakers who were prepared to travel hundreds of kilometres to provide presentations to our members in the listed areas.

MOREE

TWEED HEADS TENTERFIELD INVERELL BALLINA ARMIDALE COFFS HARBOUR

These speakers included: WorkCover NSW, the Long Service Leave Corporation, Bradnam’s Windows and Doors, James Hardie, Coates Hire and speakers from almost every Council in the towns visited; the latter updating members with important Council information in their areas. The MBA would like to thank these companies and Councils for their valuable time and excellent and informative presentations.

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MID NORTH COAST REGION With only a few remaining months left in 2014, the Mid North Coast regions for the Master Builders will be full of activity. November, being the busiest month, will range from social activities, including race days and twilight bowls through to Divisional Information Nights and Trade Shows. Members will have ample opportunity to get out and network with other industry peers and these opportunities will also provide scope for members to learn about new products and technical information that has just hit the industry.

Divisional Information Nights will be held throughout the North Coast and Mid North Coast regions. Speakers will include the Rural Fire Service, who will provide information on building requirements in bushfire prone areas as well as reporting to council and buffer zone information. Other speakers will include Robert Collings, Legal Counsel for the Master Builders, who will be providing information on the Security of Payment Act and the Home Building Act and changes that are happening within the industry.

Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie will be home to the last two Trade Shows by the Master Builders for 2014. These events will be held on Wednesday, 19th November and Thursday, 20th November respectively. With your business being a part of the building and construction industry, the MBA Trade Shows are tailor made for you!

They are packed full of free education, networking opportunities and exhibitors, all designed to help you manage your business better.

These FREE events allow builders and subcontractors to view and discuss the latest building products and services. You can also earn two CPD points for two hours attendance at no cost to you. Bring a colleague and you can earn an additional two points to contribute towards your licence.

For the more socially inclined, the Master Builders Oxley Division will be holding its annual Race Day at Port Macquarie Race Club on Friday, 14th November and it is always a great day. A small fee of $40 for members will cover your entry, finger food and drinks.

There will also be lucky door prizes and a ‘Fashion on the Field’ competition for the ladies.

Finishing the year off for the Mid North Coast regions will be the twilight social bowls days at various locations up and down the coast. These will be held in late November and are always a great afternoon to wish your colleagues the best for the festive season.

For more information on all of the Master Builders events, please visit our website www.mbansw.asn.au/events or contact your local regional office. Ballina (02) 6681 4266 or Port Macquarie (02) 6581 4033.

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excellence in housing awards

THE BUILDING INDUSTRY’S NIGHT OF NIGHTS:

THE MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NSW’S EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS The Master Builders Association of NSW’s Excellence in Housing and Pool Awards is the state’s most prestigious residential building awards, celebrating excellence in workmanship, innovation and quality. The Housing Awards showcase the very best in residential building and attract a broad cross section of the residential building sector including project home builders, contract builders, unit developers as well as builders specialising in additions, alterations and renovations.

2014 saw a large number of projects entered with the judges astounded by the quality of workmanship and the many construction difficulties successfully overcome, as well as the excellent relationship between clients, builders and sub-contractors.

Venue, THE STAR Event Centre, Pyrmont

The winners were announced at a gala presentation at the Star on the 6th of September. The black tie event was hosted by television personalities Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur, with entertainment provided by comedian Marty Fields and the After Party Band.

The MBA congratulates all winners listed here, and in particular the Master Builder of the Year, Touchstone Construction Services Pty Ltd and the Young Builder of the Year, David Moses from Horizon Habitats Pty Limited. The MBA would also like to thank its dedicated panel of judges who personally inspect each and every entry as well as our generous sponsors.

Young Builder of the Year Award – David Moses, Horizon Habitats M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4

s Pty Limited

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The After Party Band

Master Builders Association of NSW, President Paul Maginnity

Master Builder of the Year Award – Touchstone Construction Services Pty Ltd

Comedian Marty Fields

Comperes Larry Emdur & Kylie Gillies

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

WINNER

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MASTER BUILDER OF THE YEAR TOUCHSTONE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES PTY LTD JUDGES’ COMMENTS Touchstone Construction Services entered two homes, which were inspected by the judges with the design of both entries based on the modern style of the 1950’s.

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

The completed homes have superb finishes that the judges said were way above the norm and nothing could detract from this most wonderful winning entry which is a four storey, five bedroom house involving significant excavation and structural elements as well as architecturally designed finishes. A very deserving winner of the Master Builder of the Year award.

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YOUNG BUILDER OF THE YEAR

DAVID MOSES COMPANY: HORIZON HABITATS PTY LIMITED

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This year’s winner of the Young Builder of the Year Award is David Moses of Horizon Habitats. David has won a number of awards for the past three years with the MBA and this year’s winning entry at Manly was just amazing, according to the judges. This amazing home was 1500m2 in size and built like a French chateau with five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, an eight car garage, study, wine cellar, outdoor kitchens, pool, gym and home theatre. Special features included limestone cladding, plaster cornices, top quality

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joinery and copper rainwater products. Difficulties included removing 3500 cubic metres of rock for the basement prior to penguin mating season!

The judges said the internal finishes were exceptional with extensive use made of marble, stone walling, amazing joinery and limestone cladding, the latter taking six stonemasons eight months to install, producing this wonderful winning entry. A well deserved winner.

excellence in housing awards 29

WINNER EXHIBITION/PROJECT HOMES UP TO $200 000

PARKVIEW 24 COMPANY: FAIRMONT HOMES NSW PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: GREGORY HILLS

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The home may be narrow in width but it is big in quality. The cleverly thought out design is only seven metres wide but contains four bedrooms and three living areas (two to the ground floor and one to the first floor). There is also a study, walk in pantry and alfresco all neatly packaged into the 220 square metre house on a 220 square metre block.

The clever use of a steel beam reduced the overall cost with only one steel beam through the garage.

A worthy winner from a group of entries that were exceptional.

WINNER CONCERTO ELITE SPLIT COMPANY: MASTERTON HOMES ENTRY SUBURB: WARWICK FARM

JUDGES’ COMMENTS A well thought out design that has a large living dining area with the kitchen well placed plus a home theatre, resulting in a functional living environment with a classic yet contemporary elegance offering elite living at its finest. The design is very practical and well put together.

The clever addition is the media area, which allows computing equipment and a handy reference space with all functions at the owner’s fingertips.

It can also double up as an ideal location for the kids to do their homework in plain view.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

EXHIBITION/PROJECT HOMES $200 001 - $250 000

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WINNER EXHIBITION/PROJECT HOMES $250 001 - $300 000

HUNTLEY 30 COMPANY: RAWSON HOMES PTY LIMITED ENTRY SUBURB: THE PONDS

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This home is ideally suited to the homeowner who aspires to be a gourmet chef, or for those who simply like to entertain, with the walk-in pantry being a wonderful feature in this section of the house. The dining, family and kitchen areas open onto the alfresco and the lounge is separated from the living area by the theatre.

The first floor accommodates four bedrooms and a rumpus room as well as the ensuite bathroom and separate toilet.

The craftsmanship is excellent and the design works in a practical efficient way.

WINNER

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

EXHIBITION/PROJECT HOMES $300 001 - $350 000

THE COOLUM COMPANY: G.J. GARDNER HOMES COFFS COAST ENTRY SUBURB: NORTH SAPPHIRE BEACH

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This home is 300 square metres and is spaciously designed around a central open plan living space.

The property has four generous bedrooms, a home theatre, a well-appointed kitchen, kids’ study nooks and a large dining and living area which overlooks the covered tiled patio.

The façade is a modern minimalist style and topped with a colorbond metal roof, which means there is a range of colours to choose from.

The joinery is of a first class quality with a mixture of finishes.

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WINNER EXHIBITION/PROJECT HOMES $350 001 & OVER

GLENLEIGH 44.5 COMPANY: KURMOND HOMES ENTRY SUBURB: KELLYVILLE (HOMEWORLD 5)

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This two story home utilises mixed finishes and materials externally to create an impression that is stunning. The colours and durable finishes from a grey neutral colour scheme accompanied with bold accents of purple and fuscia undertones are woven throughput the residence. The impressive 1200mm front entry door through to the entertaining area to the kitchen, scullery and laundry combine to create a space that is practical and functional. The kitchen is a feature, with two towers and central range hood over the island glass cooktop is ideally suited for entertaining with the practicality of a second sink. The design has a vast amount of storage. The workmanship throughout is of a standard that reflects the effort by the builder.

WINNER FOREST VIEW HOUSE COMPANY: LIVING GREEN DESIGNER HOMES ENTRY SUBURB: MURRAYS BEACH

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This south facing property at Murrays Beach on Port Macquarie presented some site difficulties including narrow frontage to the street and cross fall to the eastern side. To achieve maximum solar passive design principles as well as a connection with the outdoors, a split-level floor plan was used.

With the clever use of lightweight construction techniques, site excavation was minimised and the elevation increased to gain water views, solar access and improved ventilation.

The Living Green Company is a regular entrant in the MBA Housing Awards. Their homes are prefabricated off site, which can save onsite construction time of some four to five months.

The judges said the entry this year is a winner with all trades completed to a high standard.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

DESIGN & CONSTRUCT - HOUSE UP TO $500 000

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JOINT WINNER DESIGN & CONSTRUCT - HOUSE $500 001 - $1 MILLION

FOREST LODGE ECO HOUSE COMPANY: DESIGNER CONSTRUCTIONS GROUP PTY LTD

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The judges said this was a most interesting entry consisting of two levels plus a roof garden, on a block only five metres wide.

Many innovative ideas were used throughout, creating a unique and exciting home. Full AC, push button electronic opening kitchen drawers, double glazed doors and windows and polished concrete floors made this entry a natural winner.

JOINT WINNER DESIGN & CONSTRUCT - HOUSE $500 001 - $1 MILLION

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

HELENA COMPANY: FUTURE BUILD CONSTRUCTION PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT ENTRY SUBURB: ORANGE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The judges have given this entry an award for many reasons, primarily the builder’s contemporary design and the quality of finishes throughout. The home was built using brick veneer construction and comprises four bedrooms, ducted floor heating, high ceilings and double glazed ceilings and doors.

Tectonic flooring was glued to the new concrete slab. The competitive square metre rate was very acceptable for the client and all design and construction criteria presented to the builder was exceeded including Basix requirements. Located in Orange in Central NSW the maximisation of passive solar design was crucial.

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JOINT WINNER DESIGN & CONSTRUCT - HOUSE $1 MILLION - $2 MILLION

THE RESIDENCE COMPANY: FELTON CONSTRUCTIONS (SYD) PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: BELLA VISTA WATERS

JUDGES’ COMMENTS An excellent builder’s entry according to the judges. This Georgian inspired home has extensive quality inclusions as well as excellent trade finishes. It includes an elegant lobby, inlaid with marble floors, imported antique timber doors, coffer ceilings and a sweeping staircase.

Rustic recycled timber parquetry and three metre high coffered ceilings articulate the horizontal surfaces. Externally the detailing is continued with external mouldings and detailed façade articulation that echoes the elegance of the Georgian period.

The judges both agreed it was one of the best Design and Construct entries seen for many years. Beautifully finished and presented.

JOINT WINNER TECTON GROUP ENTRY SUBURB: MONTEREY

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The Tecton Group is comprised of a young couple who design and construct their own projects.

This residence has far exceeded the clients’ expectations of their dream home, which consists of three levels.

Its entrance has a great external sculptured appeal at both front and rear elevations. The judges said the construction of the pool and the waterfall is absolutely fascinating and that trade finishes throughout are excellent. Congratulations.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

DESIGN & CONSTRUCT - HOUSE $1 MILLION - $2 MILLION

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WINNER DESIGN & CONSTRUCT - HOUSE $2 MILLION & OVER

SAMMUT DEVELOPMENTS ENTRY SUBURB: TAREN POINT

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This site at Taren Point presented unique challenges for the builder but also amazing potential. The major client requirements were for high quality and occupant comfort along with natural light, cross-ventilation, privacy and maximising the outlook.

The combination of finishes which included natural stone, timber cladding and render were perfect according to the judges. Extensive use of louvres allows for cross ventilation and the vergolas provide maximum light and western sun protection.

Other key inclusions are a boat shed, Dynalite electronics, great landscaping, full air conditiong, blinds and carpet. An excellent winner.

JOINT WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES UP TO $500 000

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

M G HUDSON PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: KELLYVILLE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS Another great entry from this well established builder. This single storey, split-level brick veneer home with corrugated steel roofing was completed in just six months, and at a surprisingly keen square metre rate, which made for a happy client.

The painting finishes were exceptional and the judges agreed they were the best they had seen for many years.

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JOINT WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES UP TO $500 000

VIVA LIVING HOMES ENTRY SUBURB: GEMALLA

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This entry is located in the cool temperate climate of the Blue Mountains, the design strongly incorporates passive solar design principles to ensure thermal comfort and reduce energy usage by constructing the dwelling with earth materials.

The external walls were constructed of rendered straw bales and the internal walls were cob infill giving an R rating of 7.1. Double glazed windows and doors were used to minimise any heat loss during winter. The whole dwelling was rendered with coloured earth dug from the site.

A hydronic system of heating was used to maintain an even temperature. The internal finishes, including tiling, painting and carpentry were of a first class standard, according to the judges.

JOINT WINNER GNC QUALITY ENTRY SUBURB: BIRCHGROVE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This new weatherboard cottage replaces a tired and dilapidated home of more than 100 years old. The new dwelling is a two storey property featuring tallow wood floors throughout as well as external cladding.

The judges said that overall this small, attractive home is beautiful. Great use has been made of Carrara marble in the bathrooms and the painting and joinery works are exceptional. Well done.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

CONTRACT HOUSES $500 001 - $650 000

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JOINT WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $500 001 - $650 000

BLUE ECO HOMES ENTRY SUBURB: GLENBROOK

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The client’s aim was to visually connect the east and west bush views of the site, which is located in the Blue Mountains. The property is also close to current fire zone areas, which necessitated all framework to be constructed in steel.

Passive solar design principles were a feature of the design as was a desire for light, open living areas combined with intimate, quiet spaces. The double glazed windows and doors gave additional insulation so that a single fireplace heats both levels.

The finishes of the many detailed areas were admirable according to the judges, who commented that the plan is simple yet responsive to the site, with a sympathetic neutral palette taking its inspiration from the adjoining nature.

WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $650 001 - $800 000

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

YOUNG HOMES ENTRY SUBURB: GREENHILLS BEACH

JUDGES’ COMMENTS With its modern lines, impressive corner windows and cladding this home on a corner block in a beachside suburb has eye catching coastal appeal from every aspect.

The wide entrance with its beautiful timber door and stainless steel inserts leads you into the magnificent hub of the home - a huge light filled open living/ kitchen/dining area with an elevated 12 foot ceiling to the living room and nine foot ceilings elsewhere.

The staircase with a seamless glass balustrade leads you upstairs where the master suite serves as a large private escape complete with sitting alcove and magnificent suspended concrete balcony.

This fixed price contract was completed on time and the judges said the quality finishes throughout were all completed to a high standard and made for a winning entry.

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WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $800 001 - $1 MILLION

GREMMO HOMES ENTRY SUBURB: DAVISTOWN

JUDGES’ COMMENTS Due to its location to the water, this Hamptons style home is designed to take advantage of its location. It incorporates a modern polyurethane kitchen with Caesar stone bench tops, stainless steel kitchen appliances, a timber flooring system to withstand the effects of immersion in water and epoxy coated steel beams and columns.

This fixed price contract was completed in just seven months. The judges said the finishes throughout were of the highest standard and included many extras not normally found at their competitive square metre rate. Great job.

JOINT WINNER OZONE HOUSE COMPANY: GRAYBUILT PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: FRESHWATER

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This new house was built on the existing footprint of the previous property and preserved the numerous mature angophoras trees and exposed sandstone rock shelves, which provide shade from the summer heat.

The Ozone House was essentially built using timber and steel cladding with a combination of vertical weatherboards and batten jointed fibro.

These simple, humble materials were used for their association with basic beach cottage construction, Japanese minimalism and tropical Australian architecture. Joinery and internal finishes were important to the success of the project including the use of recycled blackbutt, southern blue gum veneer, desktop linoleum and stainless steel.

Both judges were impressed by the finishes and the overall design. In particular they said that the timber work throughout was excellent.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

CONTRACT HOUSES $1 MILLION $1.5 MILLION

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JOINT WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $1 MILLION $1.5 MILLION

L-CON BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION ENTRY SUBURB: ORANGE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS Completed in just six months, this 881 square metre home on the outskirts of Orange is exceptional according to the judges. Most heating was provided by two French fireplaces which were designed to transfer heat to various areas of the home with double glazed windows and doors installed to control heating and cooling.

The four bedroom property has three bathrooms, four living areas, guest quarters, an office, double garage, machinery shed and a wrap-around verandah. Extensive use is made of classic and modern surfaces such as glass, chrome, marble and travertine with traditional colonial style moldings and design details throughout. The judges said the finishes overall were striking. A grand dwelling.

JOINT WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $1.5 MILLION $1.8 MILLION

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

BALMORAL HOMES (NSW) PTY LTD AND PAUL MEYER DESIGN PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: DURAL

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This great, contemporary design was situated perfectly in a two acre bush setting on a sloping block. It boasts seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces whilst embracing natural resources such as light and warmth, ensuring a solar passive house. Indeed the use of double glazed glass made the large areas very cosy for the judges’ inspection!

Construction incorporated the use of extensive natural stone cladding to the external perimeter walls, spotted gum decking to external walkways and an alfresco area. The overall design and the builder’s finishes were first class. This entry was fabulous according to the judges.

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RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

DEVELOPMENT

L-CON BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION PTY LTD IS A MULTI-AWARD WINNING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY THAT PROVIDES BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES.

L-Con’s services are underpinned by its values COMMUNICATION – we keep the client, staff and subcontractors in the loop at key times HONESTY – we are truthful in our estimates of the scope of work; there are no hidden costs or assumptions INTEGRITY – we do what we say we will and deliver on time and on budget CARE – we care about our clients, contractors and staff QUALITY – we take pride in the quality of our work and the services we deliver

EMAIL: luke@l-con.com.au WEBSITE: l-con.com.au 55 Lords Place Orange NSW

Call 02 6360 3411 or 0408 884 736

Apprenticeships Traineeships SBATs The Framework of Our Future.

02 8586 3533 www.mbansw.asn.au

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JOINT WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $1.5 MILLION $1.8 MILLION

JOIN CONSTRUCTIONS ENTRY SUBURB: CLOVELLY

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This project commenced with difficulties, significantly the illness of the architect, meaning the internal detailing had not been completed.

The client asked the builder if he could provide the details to which he agreed.

From this initial setback, the builder has completed all the works required by the client and has produced this stunning entry of a new four level residence with concrete and timber framed floors, reverse brick veneer walls with external spotted gum timber cladding, hardwood and offform concrete floors.

The judges said as with Join Constructions’ previous entries, all trade finishes were superbly executed to great effect. An excellent job.

JOINT WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $1.8 MILLION $2 MILLION

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

HUNTERS HILL HOUSE COMPANY: MAINCORP CONSTRUCTION GROUP PTY LTD

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The construction of this very interesting design was no mean feat, according to the judges. The house is simultaneously earthy and organic and modern and inviting, and was constructed on a sheltered battleaxe block site. The house is designed as a series of ‘garden rooms’ that entwine the new home with the existing landscape.

A material palette of recycled timber, stone and concrete create a rich texture with an historic sandstone perimeter wall refurbished and rebuilt, whilst new sandstone was used in the house.

Large suspending concrete slabs, precast kitchen and fireplace benches, external timber cladding and timber sliding doors all combined to create difficulties for the builder. The finished product however was remarkable. A fabulous achievement.

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JOINT WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $1.8 MILLION $2 MILLION

NAREMBURN HOUSE COMPANY: STUART WILSON CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The Naremburn House is located in a conservation area on the lower North Shore of Sydney, which led to a range of challenging and sometimes contradictory town planning, heritage and design criteria, coupled with the project’s complex architectural design. This meant the builder was expected to have a genuine design sensitivity and an eye for detail. The judges said these qualities were shown by the builder and have resulted in a superb project. Many other challenges were faced, including the composite structural systems, persistent overland flow issues caused by neighboring properties, complicated scaffolding requirements both internally and externally and complex compliance issues surrounding the cantilevering stair and Corian panel feature wall.

The end result is greatly attributed to the collaboration and communication between all parties involved during the testing of samples, the prototyping of custom elements and cross checking of documentation.

Congratulations for an absolutely superb project.

WINNER EDGE HOUSE COMPANY: STEELE ASSOCIATES ENTRY SUBURB: BIRCHGROVE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This entry was a great challenge for the builder, pushing design and construction work to its limits.

Amongst the difficulties was access including excavated rock, massive structural steel and truss members up a long, narrow congested road.

Other difficulties included, neighbour relations, site stability and the use of only the maximum 60 per cent recycled content concrete on this project to support the builder’s sustainability aims. The concrete construction overall was most demanding as were the steel and concrete cantilevers, the nine metre trusses with their structural ply linings and other finishes such as carpentry works.

Works were carried out over a 15 month period for a fixed price. A great effort of which the builder should be very proud.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

CONTRACT HOUSES $2 MILLION $3 MILLION

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JOINT WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $3 MILLION $4 MILLION

THOMAS RESIDENCE COMPANY: HD CONSTRUCTIONS (AUST) PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: VAUCLUSE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The construction of this home took 12 months to complete. It was superbly finished and incorporated almost all the requirements of a large, modern home. Inclusions were a pool, a lift connecting all levels, home theatre, large wine cellar, cool room, map room, a teak entry gate and outstanding copper clad chimneys.

Hydronic heating supplied all the necessary requirements for the pool and floors. All sliding and hinged doors were perfectly installed. A great job.

WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $3 MILLION $4 MILLION

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

FREEDMAN HOUSE COMPANY: TOUCHSTONE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: BRONTE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The quality of this year’s entries was fantastic which made it difficult for the judges to grade the entries. However, Touchstone’s entry was one that stood out in this category.

After completing the inspection the judges decided that the works on this four storey, five bedroom house were faultless and exciting.

The works included significant excavations and structural elements, landscaping, a gym and beautifully designed architectural finishes.

Congratulations.

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WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $4 MILLION $4.9 MILLION

GNC QUALITY ENTRY SUBURB: CABARITA

JUDGES’ COMMENTS Built on an old industrial site, this three storey brick and concrete residence required the demolition of an existing property and the construction of a new brick, stone, concrete and zinc roofed residence.

The new home features extensive use of recycled iron bark timber, stone cladding (SCHIST stone) from New Zealand and zinc roofing. The home also includes steel framed doors and windows, significant landscaping, a large mosaic tiled pool and spa, in ground trampoline as well as double glazing and C-bus electrics. All this completed in just 16 months. Well done.

JOINT WINNER NORTHERN BEACHES HOUSE COMPANY: PACIFIC PLUS CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: PALM BEACH

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This beautiful home is sited overlooking Palm Beach, with the client’s brief to take advantage of the site features – such as having the main living areas on one level, verandas, shutters and planting to diffuse the summer sun but provide sun traps for winter.

The structure was to the highest standard with high thermal mass, quality finishes, an overall rustic feel using natural materials. There were a number of construction challenges noted by the judges including limited access to the house, which required the installation of a site crane, which with a reach of 42 metres was only just sufficient. There were also additional excavation requirements due to a series of car sized floating boulders that were not suitable founding material, the need for 120,000 bricks and extensive bracing to secure all elements due to severely high winds, to name but a few difficulties faced by the builder. The judges said the internal linings, tiling, painting and joinery were flawless and produced a stunning finished product.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

CONTRACT HOUSES $4.9 MILLION $5 MILLION

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JOINT WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $4.9 MILLION $5 MILLION

BONNIES LIGHTHOUSE COMPANY: HEANESBUILT PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: BYRON BAY

JUDGES’ COMMENTS All judging criteria items rated extremely highly by the judges for this residence situated on top of an elevated ridge in Byron Bay. Particularly impressive was the finish of the off-form concrete and the main floor level, comprised of suspended concrete and cantilevers four metres giving the appearance that the structure is floating on the landscape. Copper has been used extensively to comply with bushfire regulations at the site as well as for its weathered appearance. The remaining cladding is shiplap spotted gum installed vertically on battens to allow for the insulation over the masonry block walls. The timber used throughout the interior was largely sourced from one reclaimed tree that fell in a storm 25 years ago and was carbon dated at over 700 years old!

The judges said the internal finishes were superb and it is a most worthy winner in this category.

WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $5 MILLION $10 MILLION

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

HORIZON HABITATS PTY LIMITED ENTRY SUBURB: MANLY

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This amazing home was 1500 square metres in size and built like a French chateau with five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, an eight car garage, study, wine cellar, outdoor kitchens, pool, gym and home theatre. Special features included limestone cladding, plaster cornices, top quality joinery and copper rainwater products. Difficulties included removing 3500 cubic metres of rock from the basement prior to penguin mating season!

The judges said the internal finishes were exceptional with extensive use made of marble, stone walling, amazing joinery and limestone cladding, the latter taking six stonemasons eight months to install, producing this wonderful winning entry.

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WINNER CONTRACT HOUSES $10 MILLION & OVER

HERMIT HOUSE COMPANY: BELLEVARDE CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: VAUCLUSE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The objective of discreet grandeur was achieved through a design that embraces two residential allotments into one harbour-front site of some 2000 square metres. The design concept required a flush finished building envelope using materials in their raw state, requiring fine tolerances at the structural stage of the project. All stainless steel window frames, cantilevered awnings, internal suspended walkways, lighting, mechanical and electrical requirements cast into, abutting or hung off the superstructure were seamlessly incorporated with pin point accuracy into a minimalistic envelope.

The project also incorporates photovoltaics, hydronic solar collectors and large double glazed units. All of these, combined with the many quality trades and innovations established between the builder, sub-contractors, engineers and architect meant this wonderful building was flawlessly achieved. An excellent and most worthy winner.

WINNER PARR NINE COMPANY: TORI PETER GROUP ENTRY SUBURB: MUDGEE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The builder has constructed this residence as an exhibition home and also as a part time holiday let house, with a Torrens titled detached single storey dual occupancy located on the fairway of the Mudgee Golf Course. With four large bedrooms including a king sized master suite with ensuite, large main bathroom, home theatre, open plan dining and living space, an entertainer’s kitchen, double garage and alfresco area, it ticks all the boxes for functionality.

The impressive front façade uses sleek black stone brick and functional glass louver windows with the 200 millimetres square iron bark posts set adjacent to the grey stone feature column make for a stunning first impression.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

TOWN HOUSES OR VILLAS/DUAL OCCUPANCY UP TO $250 000

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WINNER TOWN HOUSES OR VILLAS/DUAL OCCUPANCY $250 001 - $400 000

HADCON CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: BAULKHAM HILLS

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This project consists of eight, three bedroom villas with internal access to a spacious double garage. The entire project has been designed to nestle amongst existing detached housing and achieves harmony with the streetscape and existing surrounding homes.

Quality finishes are achieved with the selection of polyurethane kitchens and vanities with Caesar stone tops, natural stone floor tiles throughout and Blanco appliances.

Good building practices and design have been used to deliver an environmentally sustainable quality development.

WINNER TOWN HOUSES OR VILLAS/DUAL OCCUPANCY $400 001 - $1 MILLION

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

ELLIOTT PROJECTS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: CREMORNE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The first stage of this project was to demolish the existing residence followed by the diversion of the sewer on a block in the highly developed suburb of Cremorne. The townhouse has three levels with basement parking, front and rear courtyards and two balconies on the top level.

There was no spare space, which meant that materials and handling tested the builder’s planning and traffic management skills. The builder has maximised the use of the site and successfully constructed three townhouses on the site.

The quality of the construction is first class and makes the entry a worthy winner.

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BUILDER DEVELOPERS PROJECT MANAGEMENT Hadcon Constructions Pty Ltd is an established and reputable building company well known in the industry for its commitment to excellence in constructions and a strong focus on client relationships.

Hadcon Construction Pty Ltd provides clients with building and construction services that are specifically tailored to each client and their projects. Our services include design and construction, developers and project management.

Hadcon Constructions Pty Ltd success can be attributed to the highest quality, workmanship, creative building solutions and consistently delivering and exceeding our clients expectations.

We treat our client’s projects as our own.

Built on Reputation

Ph: 02 9772 0875 Fax: 02 8790 8992 email: admin@hadon.com.au

www.hadconconstructions.com.au

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WINNER TOWN HOUSES OR VILLAS/DUAL OCCUPANCY $1 MILLION & OVER

BELMADAR ENTRY SUBURB: MOSMAN

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The construction involved the demolition of an existing post-war dwelling and extensive earthworks and rock excavation to maximise the spectacular views over Sydney Harbour for this multiple dwelling development. The construction met the Environmentally Sustainable Design Standards with the enhancement of access to natural light and ventilation in the common areas.

Due to the site location and the excavation extending from boundary to boundary, the builder had to deal with the increase of sensitivity at neighboring properties and the extreme management for the vibration and overspray from rock sawing and rock breaking activities.

This project has shown what a Master Builder can do which is to produce an extremely high standard of construction in a spectacular location.

WINNER HOME UNITS UP TO $300 000

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

THE POTTERY COMPANY: BUILDFORM ENTRY SUBURB: KINGSGROVE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS ‘The Pottery’, located in the heart of Kingsgrove, has brought to life a dated shopping strip, whilst maintaining the site’s historical significance as an early 1900s clay pottery, which pioneered the development of the pottery industry in Australia. The project therefore incorporates a number of the original features of the old pottery factory such as heritage terracotta bricks, honed sandstone and clay paving. It comprises some 120 residential apartments, ranging from one, two and three bedroom apartments, mezzanine apartment and two storey townhouses. There is also a central piazza amidst these units.

The development also incorporates a number of speciality commercial stores. It was, at the time, the largest excavation site in Sydney, measuring over 100,00 cubic metres just four metres away from the train station and nearby housing. Over 1200 precast concrete panels were used to construct the shaft walls and façade, with operable louvres and aluminium composite cladding. The unit judged was a two bedroom unit with high ceilings, quality tiling and painting with a superior kitchen. According to the judges the unit plus the appealing external façade made this entry a standout.

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WINNER | 2014 NSW MBA Excellence in Housing Awards Dual Occupancy over $1million

a continuing success story www.belmadar.com.au

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WINNER HOME UNITS $300 001 - $500 000

BRAYS PLACE COMPANY: SFN CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: CONCORD

JUDGES’ COMMENTS Named ‘Brays Place’, this project stands on the site of the old Mortlake Service Centre and combines three commercial tenancies and 14 two bedroom town houses around an internal communal piazza.

The vertical green wall, green roof and secluded garden provide an oasis for residents as well as balconies with city or harbour views.

Construction challenges included remediation of the ground works due to the demolition of a petrol station on the site and the consolidation of two lots into one. The judges said that quality fittings were used throughout the units, with duct airconditioning, shadow line ceilings, external shutters and two balconies for each unit. Excellent work.

WINNER HOME UNITS $500 001 - $700 000

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

AURUM COMPANY: ROUMANOS BUILDING COMPANY PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: TURRAMURRA

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This project comprises 27 units consisting of: four, two bedrooms; four, three bedrooms; 16, three bedrooms plus study; three, three bedrooms units, plus penthouses. The building has an elegant architecture with bespoke design embodying its prestigious location with the use of natural materials such as sandstone and timber perfectly balancing the polished sheet of the facet cladding.

The judges said this prestige block was superbly finished with Herringbone pattern oak flooring, quality carpet and 3.4 metre high ceilings added to the quality finishes. The large kitchen layout also made this a winning entry.

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WINNER HOME UNITS $700 001 - $1 MILLION

ESQUE COMPANY: HELM PTY LIMITED ENTRY SUBURB: MOSMAN

JUDGES’ COMMENTS HELM was the developer and head contractor of this project, which comprises 29 apartments with 18 different floor plans. The design brief required an architecturally outstanding building that successfully transitioned between a commercial zone to the west and heritage buildings to the east. An atrium has been included in the western boundary, along with increased setbacks and articulation to the eastern façade providing windows and balconies to the north. The eastern façade is highly articulated and the increased setbacks on the west façade accommodates a green wall.

ESQUE has clean geometric lines, rhythmic walls, handcrafted face bricks, masonry that is rendered and painted in a sophisticated colour scheme, glass balustrades and louvre screens. Complementing the streamlined look are horizontal rolled seam blades of zinc on highlighted sections of the façade. For judging purposes, the penthouse apartment was judged with a floor area of approximately 165 square metres and consisting of three bedrooms, study, two bathrooms and three secure car spaces. High ceilings, timber flooring and high quality tiling and painting completed a most stunning development.

A fabulous job.

JOINT WINNER ELIZA COMPANY: CEEROSE PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: SYDNEY

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This stunning inner city development comprises 19 luxury residential apartments and ground floor retail. The builder has transformed a tiny 280 square metre infill site into a meticulously crafted residential project. Many construction challenges were successfully overcome including excavating to a depth of 22 metres, a work zone that was only valid from 10am to 3pm, a bus lane adjacent to the curb and celebrities such as Kylie Minogue staying at the hotel next door and asking for quiet times during the already limited working hours.

One of the most distinctive features of Eliza from the street is the curving, sinuous façade featuring sandstone, curved aluminum and glass balustrades coupled with expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing looking out over Hyde Park and beyond to the Harbour. The judges said every apartment in the Eliza is finished to the highest level of detail, with too many luxurious inclusions to list.

Even the laundries have marble bench tops. Gaggenau kitchen appliances completed this most sophisticated apartment, with the judges stating that the overall impression and external appearance would not be out of place in any European city. Wonderful.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

HOME UNITS $1 MILLION & OVER

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JOINT WINNER HOME UNITS $1 MILLION & OVER

CALALLA APARTMENTS COMPANY: SX PROJECTS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: BRONTE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This challenging project involved the demolition of an existing Art Deco, 1930s, family owned residential building and the redesign and build of a contemporary and grand apartment building. The new building includes four luxury penthouse apartments (one per level) over one level of basement car park and one level of basement storage directly opposite Bronte Beach. The new façade and internal finishes of the ‘Calalla Apartments’ echo some of the Art Deco features of the original building.

Materials handling was a major issue on this steep, tight site given the extensive overhead power lines as was the sandy nature of the site with the existing sandstone retaining walls found to be not structurally sound.

The judges said the final product was outstanding, with interior finishes including stained Queensland maple for skirtings, kitchen joinery, internal and entry doors.

The whole effect was brilliant and the judges said they ‘just loved’ the entire development.

WINNER HOME UNIT RENOVATION - INTERNAL OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

ROCKWALL APARTMENTS COMPANY: CMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONSTRUCTION ENTRY SUBURB: POTTS POINT

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The client brief was to totally strip out the current apartment and undertake a complete renovation including all new services, plumbing, kitchen, bathrooms, acoustic treatment to walls and floors and a smart lighting system. The judges said the design and construction was of a very high standard, which is reflected in the selection of finishes, joinery and standard of workmanship. Access was very difficult with 90 per cent of materials needing to be brought up in the lift, as well as limited working space which required very precise programming and coordination.

The judges noted that, as always, home unit renovations are never easy with the builder having to be mindful of all the existing owners before demolition commences. The requests of this client were for a four week construction period, requiring meticulous preparation which ensured that the job was completed on time. Well done indeed.

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WINNER HOME UNIT RENOVATION - EXTERNAL OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

LONDON HOUSE COMPANY: BODEN BUILDERS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: CLOVELLY

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This original 1940s Art Deco unit block consisted of seven apartments with no parking, over two storeys at the front and three storeys at the rear.

The redevelopment of the site comprises ten units with basement parking for four cars, with three storeys at the front and four at the rear.

The majority of internal and external walls were demolished (the first hurdle was to ensure the structural integrity of the building), the roof structure removed and the underground car park built. A new foundation of ten concrete piers was created on large concrete pads and a new suspended first floor slab poured. The internal and external walls were then rebuilt. During the basement dig, there were 90 piles hand piled around the building to create further structural integrity. The judges said no detail was spared with the fitout of the units and all units except one were sold before completion. A great job.

WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS UP TO $100 000

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

M G HUDSON PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: CROWS NEST

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This project consisted of the construction of a new master bedroom by extending the existing first floor area over the ground floor living and dining areas, and the conversion of the existing main bedroom into an ensuite and walk-in robe.

The residence is an early 1900 Federation terrace and had restricted access for delivery and storage of materials.

The judges were particularly impressed by the high quality of finish and the additional amenity that had been achieved for the price.

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WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $100 001 - $150 000

ASPIRE CONSTRUCTIONS ENTRY SUBURB: WHALE BEACH

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This project consisted of the demolition and reconstruction of an existing balcony and substantial remedial building works to the existing residence.

This exposed property at Whale Beach had significant waterproofing, weathering and safety issues concerning the existing balcony. Despite many attempts to rectify the problems by other builders, the root cause of the issues was that the external deck was finished level if not higher than the internal floor level.

It was decided that the deck was to be demolished and rebuilt at an appropriate level and the damaged flooring inside the home was to be replaced.

The work has been completed to an exceptional standard and has again enabled the owner to utilise this most important feature of the home.

WINNER LANGLANDS BUILDING GROUP PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: ARCADIA

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This great family home has been significantly improved through the provision of a new kitchen, laundry, family/sun room, covered outdoor entertaining area and new deck to the existing verandahs.

The builder has delivered a much needed new entertaining area to this home, which satisfies the requirements of the owner’s budget and the Bush Fire Attack Level 29 requirements.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $150 001 - $250 000

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JOINT WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $250 001 - $350 000

CAPE COD AUSTRALIA ENTRY SUBURB: LANE COVE WEST

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The builder has converted this classic 1980s project home into a spacious modern family home that satisfies the demanding requirements of a growing family.

The judges were impressed with the quality of the workmanship that had been displayed and made particular mention of the front facade of the home, which had been completely modernised to suit the ever-changing streetscape.

The builder’s inclusions of energy efficient features as a standard part of the works were commendable as the judges acknowledge this is not always easy to achieve in works of this type.

The owners remained in the property while the work was being carried out and were very happy with the consideration of their needs displayed by the builder throughout the construction phase.

JOINT WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $250 001 - $350 000

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

SILVABUILT ENTRY SUBURB: NORTHWOOD

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This project presented the builder with significant challenges including a steep site, limited access and the fact most of the work was to be carried out four to six metres above the ground.

The home had been partly renovated over the last 60 years but was not sympathetic to the spectacular views over Sydney’s Harbour and Hunters Hill.

The new breakfast room, dining room, deck and master bedroom extension all focus on the brilliant views and have been completed to a very high standard of finish.

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WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $350 001 - $450 000

H.W. BARNWELL PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: CASTLE HILL

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The original home had undergone previous additions and alterations and the owners’ brief was to combine all of these elements of the existing house into a more open plan and modern home. The project also included the construction of an outdoor entertaining area, new wine cellar and garage extension.

The home required a new roof, feature gables, external rendering to the brickwork and the introduction of recycled hardwood timber posts to the verandah.

The builder, in the true H.W. Barnwell tradition, has designed and constructed a superb new home that completely satisfies the owners’ wishes. The judges were impressed with the quality of fittings used and the finish that had been achieved throughout.

WINNER GENUINE BUILDING SERVICES PTY LIMITED ENTRY SUBURB: LEICHHARDT

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The judges said the builder placed much emphasis on the detailing and reinstatement of the original façade and bay windows on this project in Sydney’s inner west. The builder was required to perform a very difficult re-construct of these bay windows to complement the other terraces in the street. Templates were created of the existing next door’s fascia and decorative concrete and both were recreated by hand as well as the decorative fretwork for the bay window.

The extension to the rear of the house was extensive, and the judges were delighted to see the reuse of old bricks as a feature wall together with outstanding quality on the structural and finishing details.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $450 001 - $550 000

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JOINT WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $550 001 - $700 000

NEW SOUTH CONSTRUCTION ENTRY SUBURB: STRATHFIELD

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The scope of works for this project involved the gutting of the existing house, leaving only the perimeter wall in order to retain the existing setbacks of the original 80 year old, two storey structure. Challenges included the use of similar materials in the new design as previously used to maintain the same loads and not lose the integrity of the original structure.

Raw materials were a key factor in the design and finish of the project, with the judges particularly impressed by the high quality of such finishes which included materials such as copper, glass, sandstone, marble and hardwood timber as well as off-form concrete. Using a combination of lightweight construction and solid masonry a sense of balance has been achieved in the construction of the house. The judges said a lot of effort went into the project by the builder, resulting in a great value for money project.

JOINT WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $550 001 - $700 000

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

TUFFY BUILDERS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: GRAYS POINT

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The judges said this type of building work presented extreme challenges due to site access restrictions in conjunction with specific geotechnical constraints. The three level addition also comprises a new driveway access, elevated carport, a studio and three level lift access as well as the beautiful use of raw and fabricated materials. Well done.

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2014 MBA NSW House Additions | Alterations | Renovations | $500,001 - $700,000 | JOINT WINNER

TUFFY BUILDERSPTY LIMITED Lic No. 70138C

enquiries@tuffybuilders.com.au

Construction and Remedial Builders

Adaptive Re-use, 2014 MBA Excellence in Housing Awards

contact details: e. admin@gridprojects.com.au w. www.gridprojects.com.au t. 02 9939 5449 | f. 02 9939 8443

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JOINT WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $700 001 - $800 000

CAPE COD AUSTRALIA ENTRY SUBURB: BELLEVUE HILL

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This 1950s, two bedroom home required an addition to satisfy the client’s brief for a home comprising four bedrooms, a study, two bathrooms and large separate formal living area along with a large family room kitchen. The addition is seamless according to the judges, and a timeless classic feel has been achieved with the subtle use of moulds, recesses, wrought iron and colour. The joinery is spectacular and the tiles, tapware and parquetry simply beautiful, as is the high quality of workmanship in the hidden structural elements such as the framework and brickwork plastering.

The judges also said this builder has consistently demonstrated such high standard of workmanship and the detailing and quality control scored high marks.

JOINT WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $700 001 - $ 800 000

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

H.W. BARNWELL PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: DURAL

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The original single level house was outdated and did not have the open plan living spaces desired by the client. The brief was to remove the existing pergola to build an outdoor room with the works virtually enclosing the existing swimming pool.

The judges were impressed with the raked timber lined ceilings, LED strip lighting, the random patterning of the tiling and the revitalised master bedroom with large ensuite. The front entry area is now also a major feature of the room with a large pivot entry door seemingly hung in mid air with clear glass totally surrounding the unit.

The judges said this particular entry was superb and all finishes were faultless. They agreed that this was a worthy winner.

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WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $800 001 - $1 MILLION

CMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONSTRUCTION ENTRY SUBURB: COLLAROY

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The client brief was to totally strip out the ground floor of a rundown home and completely renovate the existing structure as well as construct a first floor addition and aboveground swimming pool and patio. The task of constructing a first floor addition on top of an existing home with unstable foundations was challenging and required rectification of the foundations and lintels to carry out the addition.

The judges said all trade finishes throughout were finished to the highest standard. Congratulations on a difficult job well done.

JOINT WINNER BEEBO CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD JUDGES’ COMMENTS This project involved a major restoration of a heritage-listed stone house, with materials used having to be sympathetic to the original building, with examples including reclaimed cobblestones shipped in from Belgium, specialist Tadelakt lime plaster and reclaimed sandstone for new works. Extensive restoration of the exterior was required, such as timber barges, fascia, cappings and finials, new copper gutters and downpipes.

Specialist tradespeople had to be employed due to the quality of construction expected.

The judges were very impressed with the heritage building work on this project as well as the stone masonry. Materials used on this project were sourced and treated to acquire a patina that was from a bygone era, they said. Specialised lime plasterwork, recycled and reclaimed stonework and exceptional interior detail was sympathetic to the building’s original fabric.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $800 001 - $1 MILLION

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JOINT WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $1 MILLION - $1.5 MILLION

MATTAH CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: PADDINGTON

JUDGES’ COMMENTS A traditional, two level Victorian corner terrace has become a three level home with multiple lightfilled living areas. All care was taken to maintain the original style of the existing home with its extension upwards, and the new rear extension further expands the contemporary spaces.

Numerous construction challenges faced the builder in terms of integrating the old with the new in such a way that the new construction appears to have always been there. The sequence and coordination in construction of many items was crucial and other significant elements had to be considered simultaneously including masonry, steelwork, aluminium, joinery, cabinetry, stone, polished concrete and glass.

The judges said the builder ticked all the judging boxes on interior quality, attention to detail and client satisfaction. An excellent project.

JOINT WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $1 MILLION - $1.5 MILLION

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

OLD MEETS NEW COMPANY: PETER BARNETT CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: MOSMAN

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The brief for this project was to reinvent a traditional Federation home to provide a retiring couple with comfortable living and entertaining spaces, bedrooms for grandchildren and a modern light filled kitchen. This was achieved with a magnificent extension with raked timber ceilings, and state-of-the-art fittings. Much care went into the restoration of the original cottage, maintaining the high ceilings and the original ambience.

The judges said this was a great job, with very detailed, quality workmanship, receiving high marks for attention to detail and the quality of the tradespeople used.

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WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $1.5 MILLION - $1.7 MILLION

YUNCKEN CONSTRUCTION GROUP PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: GLEBE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The judges said this project was excellent in many respects, with the standout feature being the exceptional off-form concrete used as a primary structural and architectural element throughout.

All detail work was most precise.

JOINT WINNER MJB CONTRACTING PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: WOOLLAHRA

JUDGES’ COMMENTS These detailed works comprised a timbered, framed, level one addition and re-pitching the roof framing with alterations and renovations to the ground floor and refurbishment to the lower level plan. All floor areas and balconies were extended, with a redesign of the internal walls and stair access.

The judges noted that a number of challenges were encountered including maintaining the structural integrity of the upper level and roof loads whilst building the lower levels. The sandy site meant extensive underpinning and shoring with grout injection sand stabilisation. Major structural steel components had to be installed to carry floor loads using a crane to access the sub-floor structure of the existing slabs and balconies. Other challenges included limited access to the site with overhead power lines, protected trees and steep incline for materials handling.

The judges said the end result was exceptional.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $1.7 MILLION - $2 MILLION

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JOINT WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $1.7 MILLION - $2 MILLION

3CORP PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: MOSMAN

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This young builder was contracted to renovate and extend an existing three-quarter storey dwelling on the most difficult site seen this year by the judges. The entire house was stripped and rebuilt including bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas and a suspended concrete swimming pool and lift were also built. Construction challenges were numerous, including the need for detailed propping and needling, steel beam supports to old wall locations and no crane access to the site.

The most challenging component was lowering the ground floor 600 millmetres to achieve a minimum three metre ceiling height involving expensive underpinning with a very high level of expertise.

The judges said credit must be given to the entire project team as an exceptional level of teamwork was obvious. They said this entry was faultless and a deserving winner.

WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $2 MILLION - $2.5 MILLION

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

LITTLE AUSTI COMPANY: MATT JOLLEY BUILDER ENTRY SUBURB: AUSTINMER

JUDGES’ COMMENTS Matt Jolley, a previous winner of the Young Builder of the Year Award, has created a team of skilled craftspeople who were very capable of producing this fine home. The project comprised the demolition of the first floor of the existing structure and installing a drainage system for the subfloor. All external materials were selected for their durability against the harsh seaside environment.

So good were the finishes that the architect asked Matt to design the complicated staircase, which was amazing indeed. Excellent work overall.

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PHONE: (02) 9938 5516

ROB PAGLIUSO MOBILE: 0413 863 883

EMAIL: info@trendconstructions.com.au

www.trendconstructions.com.au

PROJECT MANAGERS AND BUILDERS

Yuncken Construction Group Pty Ltd ABN 79 080 145 991 LIC NO. 118207C

Level 2, 2 McCabe Place, Chatswood NSW 2067

yuncken.net.au

YUB 5404

Tel (02) 9417 2070 Fax (02) 9417 1891

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WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $2.5 MILLION TO $3 MILLION

MELLERAY COMPANY: TREND CONSTRUCTIONS ENTRY SUBURB: MOSMAN

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This project comprised renovations and additions around an existing home, including the construction of a cabana and pool in the front yard. A two storey addition was constructed at the rear of the property and a new walkway links it to the front. Difficulties included extensive excavation for the cabana and tunnelling works and perfecting the off-form concrete finishes.

The judges agreed that the solid cut sandstone tunnel linking the cabana with the house is unique, and that the off-form concrete and face brickwork is of the highest standard.

WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $3 MILLION - $4 MILLION

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

HOME CONSTRUCT ENTRY SUBURB: VAUCLUSE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This building has undergone a major transformation after a number of conversions since it was originally constructed in 1926, and demonstrates an exceptional level of detailing by the builder as well as an excellent collaborative relationship between the builder, developer and architect. The poorly planned apartment block was converted was transformed into a grand contemporary home befitting its elevated position in Vaucluse. Most of the three storey masonry structure was kept, with new concrete structures added externally and through the first floor, creating a new entry and stairs at the rear as well as new terraces, pool and planters covering the garage at the front. The gross floor areas are 660 square metres internally plus 125 square metres in the garage area in addition to the 140 square metres in three discrete external living areas. Much of the building was reclad in extruded foam panels to improve thermal performance and then rendered with a coloured acrylic and quartz to provide a contemporary finish. The judges recognised, in addition to the array of environmental services included, that there was no compromise on finishing and detailing with the neglected building reinvented for at least another 90 years. They said it was “a good start to their day of judging!”

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WINNER HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS $4 MILLION & OVER

YUNCKEN CONSTRUCTION GROUP PTY LTD JUDGES’ COMMENTS The judges were most impressed with this major renovation and extensively detailed project.

Large sections of the existing period residence were suspended whilst the ground works and lower floors were added.

The judges were very impressed.

WINNER ASPIRE CONSTRUCTIONS ENTRY SUBURB: SUMMER HILL

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This attic conversion involved the insertion of new structural steel beams and timber LVL joist and rafters to re-stiffen the roof and ceiling structure to carry new floor loads and for the removal of all existing roof ties and struts. The roof was re-slated with existing Walsh slate and affixed with copper nails. The existing first floor bathroom was demolished and rebuilt and a solid timber staircase was designed, constructed and installed by the builder to match the existing heritage stairs. A number of difficulties were encountered including restricted access to work areas and clients who had to continue to reside in the home during the construction. Many components were made by hand including banisters and newel posts, with timbers matched and stained to achieve a seamless transition between the existing timber and the new staircase.

The judges said that the clients received excellent value for money in this lower priced category, and were impressed with the quality of construction as well as the builder’s efforts in replicating the original staircase.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

ROOF & ATTIC CONVERSIONS UP TO $200 000

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WINNER ROOF & ATTIC CONVERSIONS $200 001 & OVER

CAPE COD AUSTRALIA ENTRY SUBURB: CENTENNIAL PARK

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This project demonstrated exceptional work, according to the judges, with the builder once again showing consistency, quality, overcoming logistical problems and value for money. The judges said the builder’s experience with attic conversions was evident, from the perfectly located staircase to the expansive attic work, all within the roofline.

The brief was to design a parent’s retreat that blends into the existing streetscape and overall character of this beautiful home that borders Centennial Park. A master bedroom, bathroom and a small deck were included within the existing roof structure with the provision of four dormers.

The staircase was positioned with the movement of just one wall and the timber and wrought iron balustrade turned the staircase into a major feature in the hallway.

Good planning and execution of works allowed for a build to be achieved in just over 20 weeks, minimising any unnecessary inconvenience to the client.

JOINT WINNER RESTORATION OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

VALIDVS CONSTRUCTIONS ENTRY SUBURB: HUNTERS HILL

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This restoration included the complete rebuild of a 19th Century weatherboard home without disturbing the roof and wall framing. Trims and fascias were all handmade onsite and the builder worked closely with the Heritage Council on this project. The second phase of the project was the new addition, which had to complement the heritage cottage.

The judges said it is worth comparing the builder’s photos taken prior to commencement and then on completion. An excellent job.

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“EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS”

Building architectural homes

02 9552 3191

www.validvs.com.au

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JOINT WINNER RESTORATION OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

BUILDABILITY CONSTRUCTIONS ENTRY SUBURB: BIRCHGROVE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This entry was a most complex alteration and addition and restoration to a dilapidated 19th Century home. In addition to the restoration of the heritage-listed residence, new pavilions were constructed as well as extensive external work.

The project was complicated by additional works required by the architect and the engineer’s effort to stabilise the two storey dwelling. Brickwork was repaired, roof slate replaced, the original copper-roofed verandah rebuilt as well as the entry porch and windows. The new pavilions feature off-form concrete columns and soffits requiring precise workmanship as the formwork needed to be treated like joinery.

The judges said the restored building was a complete transformation, revealing its original grandeur after much arduous and delicate work due to the state of the original building, with original features and decorative elements also had to be sourced. An excellent and challenging project for the builder, well done.

WINNER INTEGRATED HOUSING OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

THE KENSINGTON COLLEGES UNIVERSITY OF NSW COMPANY: RICHARD CROOKES CONSTRUCTIONS

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The project involved five buildings that are northsouth oriented and designed in stepped levels to work with the topography of the site. The communal area is a major area accessible from all four college frontages and these are beautifully landscaped.

The challenges involved accommodating more than 350 construction workers in a tight space in a fully functioning university campus.

The works included the removal of 10,000 tonnes of debris from the site, major arterial service diversions and 27,000 cubic metres of sand taken out of the ground. Perhaps the most striking feature is the external façade, which comprises high quality glazed brickwork and Class 2 finish concrete. This is a large project with a consistently high quality of design and finish and a worthy winner of a Master Builder’s Award.

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WINNER ADAPTIVE RE-USE OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

THE BIRD CAGE LIFT ENQUIRY COMPANY: GRID PROJECTS PTY LTD

JUDGES’ COMMENTS Originally, this 1925 building housed six apartments and was reconfigured around a revived grand stairway with the new birdcage lift at its centre, allowing accessibility and elegance across its five levels.

The client decided to employ one of Sydney’s top architects to manage the renovation into one dwelling which took nine months to complete including the installation of the lift, steel framed windows and doors, full air conditioning and completion of bathrooms, kitchen and all internal décor. The 1980s gold fittings and beige surfaces have been replaced throughout with rich natural finishes and light neutral colours.

Tired facades were enlivened with new render, soft new colours, adjustable shutters and a new front door dressed in the bronzed lacework of the birdcage lift. The judges said the finished project was just excellent!

WINNER THE POPLARS AT EPPING COMPANY: GRINDLEY CONSTRUCTION PTY LTD

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The original Poplars hospital site at Epping demonstrates how something old can be transformed into something new and integrate with the surrounding architectural theme.

The hospital encompasses low care, high care and dementia areas with community areas including a café, activity rooms, dining rooms and hairdresser, all of which have a high level of finishes and services. The stained hardwood timber finishes, custom made carpets, stone bench tops, special order light fittings and imported pavers all combine to give a feeling of relaxed warmth.

The building also has many energy efficient features including large photovoltaic panels installed to generate renewable power, large underground rainwater re-use tanks, a gas boosted solar hot water system and double glazed windows and all ‘put together ‘ by an excellent Master Builder.

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AGED CARE BUILDINGS UP TO $20 MILLION

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WINNER AGED CARE BUILDINGS $20 MILLION & OVER

PATHWAYS SAILORS BAY COMPANY: PATHWAYS RESIDENCES ENTRY SUBURB: NORTHBRIDGE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS From the moment you enter the front glass doors of the Pathways Residences there is a special feeling of opulence, warmth and serenity that you would expect to find in a luxury hotel. The rooms blend with the landscaped courtyards and flowing common areas with a wonderfully appointed cinema.

The hi-tech interactive media system provides residents and their families with access to modern technology to watch movies, look at family photographs and see updates of the facilities menu, activities and event photographs. The artwork reflects the heritage of the Northbridge area. The build quality is that of a Master builder who is aware of what is required to construct this first class facility.

WINNER APARTMENT LIVING OVER 55’S OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

GALLIPOLI BUILDING COMPANY: ZADRO CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: NARRABEEN

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The Gallipoli building at the RSL Life Care Village Narrabeen is a light, contemporary, high-end facility designed to incorporate the integrated operations of administration, independent living and mixed-use facilities.

The construction is over five storeys featuring a concrete frame and sandstone clad structure and incorporates some provision for car parking, a cafe style kitchen and dining areas, function rooms, cinema, library and museum with quality displays.

The accommodation ranges from one bedroom assisted living rooms to three bedroom fully self-contained apartments. The judges were very impressed with quality of the fixtures, fittings and finishes that the builder has delivered in this somewhat unique development.

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Zadro Constructions has provided superior quality construction services across all sectors for over 50 years. We are highly skilled in the management of a wide range of services from maintenance, project management, through to the design and construction of major projects.

Zadro Constructions is focused on building and maintaining lasting relationships with our clients.

Gallipoli BuildinG, narraBeen nSW The Gallipoli Building provides a new centre for recreation and social activities for residents and guests of rSl lifeCare’s anZaC Village narrabeen.

The 5 storey building integrates 22 apartments, administrative offices, kitchen and dining areas, bars, function rooms, cinema, library, museum quality displays, lower ground floor secured parking, external parking, access roads, service upgrades and storm water retention systems. The project design and finishes were evolving during construction requiring a proactive approach and a strong working relationship with rSl lifeCare, Consultants, Subcontractors and Suppliers.

02 4574 8000 www.zadro.com.au

MULTI AWARD

WINNING builders & designers of bespoke, achitecturally challenging projects

Complete In-House Design and Construct Solutions

Contact Darren Ward to discuss your project! p 02 9566 1122 f 02 9566 1155 a po box 163, Pyrmont 2009 edarren@buildability.com.au wwww.buildability.com.au

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WINNER ESTATE LIVING OVER 55’S OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

THE GRANGE LIFESTYLE VILLAGE COMPANY: NASH BROS CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: WAGGA WAGGA

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The Grange Lifestyle Village in Wagga Wagga NSW is setting a new standard for Over 55’s living that is hard to beat. The award winning community centre features a fully equipped hair salon, communal library, administration hub, communal entertaining and dining centres and cafe.

The community centre also features a gym and indoor geothermal heated swimming pool with associated change rooms and toilets. The grounds around the community centre feature a putting green and practice lawn bowling green under construction.

A new resident buying into the village can select from one of five individually designed and decorated detached villas that have been set out as you would expect in a usual housing estate, complete with street names and numbers. The villas include quality fixtures and fittings, private north facing courtyards, quality wool carpet and many villas include rural views.

MERIT ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

BLUE ECO HOMES ENTRY SUBURB: KATOOMBA

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The client wanted this home to be as self-sufficient and independent as possible, inexpensive to maintain and live in and to utilise available natural resources.

The house is planned in accordance with solar design principles with all the living spaces and two of the three bedrooms located to the north, with appropriate roof overhang to shade the hot summer sun, while allowing the winter sun to penetrate. External walls are reverse mass construction, with lightweight cladding on the outside of insulated block walls. All windows are double glazed with low E glass to reduce winter heat loss. A high level duct shifts heat from the living space to two of the bedrooms. Reversible ceiling fans are used throughout the home and a wood fired baker’s oven helps with winter cooking and comfort.

Evacuated tube solar water heating with natural gas boosting provides hot water. A 150,000 litre water tank is used for collecting rain water, with the waste water being fully treated on site and used for landscaping. A 5kW solar power system feeds surplus power into the grid, LED lighting and energy efficient appliances further reduce the running costs.

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WINNER ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

LITTLE AUSTI COMPANY: MATT JOLLEY BUILDER ENTRY SUBURB: AUSTINMER

JUDGES’ COMMENTS Two core design priorities in this project were to create a low energy demand through passive design and to create a highly efficient continuous energy system. Designing an envelope that requires no mechanical cooling and only minimal heating required an extremely efficient thermal framework. This included insulation values such as R6.0 for walls and R5.0 for the roof and high sealing of joints to minimise infiltration. Double glazing has been used throughout, ceiling sweep fans are used in all bedrooms and there is a passive cooling system drawing cool air for the bedrooms and the refrigerator space. All lighting is LED and evacuated tube solar water heating provides hot water for the home and hydronic space heating system and provision has also been made for BlueGen natural gas installation. Internal thermal mass is a combination of slab on ground and a blue stone rib wall. Water is collected from the roof into 10,000 litres of storage under the house, further stabalising the sub-floor air temperature. This design has resulted in a home with comfortable living, reduced operating costs and an investment in lasting architecture.

JOINT WINNER FOREST LODGE ECO HOUSE COMPANY: DESIGNER CONSTRUCTIONS GROUP PTY LTD

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This is a contemporary, three bedroom, two bathroom terrace was built on a block of only 4.9 metres wide, with land area of only 69 square metres. Council requirements were for glass and steel and no face bricks, therefore two complete sides of this house are entirely made of glass. Recycled bricks and structural steel cross beams were used for neighbouring walls.

There is an eight metre high vertical garden, a rooftop garden and the rear courtyard garden—all fed by a 3,500 litre underground water storage tank. A Subterranean heat storage system heats the ground level floor, and evacuated tube solar water heating is used to supply hot water and for the hydronic heating. Cooling is provided by a combination of cross ventilation and stack cooling, a cooling duct and the rooftop garden, which shades the concrete roof. Skylights, LED lighting, gas and energy efficient appliances are all used to further improve the performance of the house.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

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JOINT WINNER ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

VIVA LIVING HOMES ENTRY SUBURB: GEMALLA

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This four bedroom, two level Strawbale house uses solar design principles to maximise its position during both summer and winter months. Lightly coloured external walls—comprised of 400mm thick Strawbale with lime render, rated at R7.1—and a lightly coloured roof reflect the summer heat. The internal walls are 120mm thick earth rendered cob finished with a lime wash, to provide a core of thermal mass, which moderates and stabilises internal air temperatures. The windows and doors are double glazed, with frames from locally sourced blackbutt timber. An evacuated tube solar water heater with bottle gas boosting provides domestic hot water.

A wood fired cooking stove has a wetback for hydronic heating, which is combined with the solar water heater, passing through heater panels in the living room, bathroom and family room. The home has a 100,000 litre water tank and a grey water system that collects the water from the laundry, bathroom and kitchen sinks and feeds a sub-surface irrigation system. A worm farm and septic system also reduces water usage. A 2.14 kW photovoltaic grid connected system further reduces running costs and the consumption of grid electricity as does LED and fluorescent lighting.

The resulting home is a worthy Joint Winner for the Excellence in Environmental Management Award.

WINNER BEST USE OF TIMBER

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

JOIN CONSTRUCTIONS ENTRY SUBURB: CLOVELLY

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This striking four level corner residence made extensive use of timber throughout. Horizontal spotted gum battens were used to line all external walls. Supplied by Woodform Architectural, the cladding was ‘expression cladding’ with a Sorrento profile, spotted gum, 138 x 19 millimetre, concealed fixed, end matched and pre-oiled in Cutek CD50 oil.

The judges said the timber effect created a stunning winner.

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WINNER BEST USE OF ZINC

GNC QUALITY ENTRY SUBURB: CABARITA

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The judges said that this entry was certainly different!

Much use of stone, timber and steel windows all combined to make a most deserving winner.

The most outstanding feature however, was the extensive use of zinc roofing and the large entry awning to great effect. The zinc, supplied by Craft Metals, is Rheinzink pre-weathered blue grey, a natural weathering metal that will patinate as nature intended over time and contrasts perfectly with the other natural building materials that were chosen.

The use of zinc is versatile, allowing costeffectiveness, durability, ease of maintenance and sustainability. The structural complexity of the project, curved and low pitched roof areas and joining details demanded the use of soft and nonferrour material to guarantee a water-tight corrosion resistant and installation. An excellent winner.

WINNER THE KENSINGTON COLLEGES UNIVERSITY OF NSW COMPANY: RICHARD CROOKES CONSTRUCTIONS

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This award required three key ingredients to win in this category: the actual manufacture of the brick by Austral Bricks; the builder’s skill in ensuring that the bricks were well laid (by Lamio Masonry); and a design that featured both.

According to the judges, whereas this type of brick is more commonly used in small feature walls, when used on multi-storey buildings as it was on this project the result is a combination of colour and uniformity.

The highly glazed and coloured face of the brick spread over a large area in a number of buildings provided a panoramic façade of colour. The bed and perpend joints were wonderfully gauged in a uniform series of lines which is the hallmark of a “good brick wall”. Well done.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS

BEST USE OF BRICKS

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WINNER TRADITIONAL OR GEOMETRIC CONCRETE POOLS UP TO $50 000

ALL NORTHERN CONSTRUCTIONS ENTRY SUBURB: FRESHWATER

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING & POOL AWARDS

JUDGES’ COMMENTS

WINNER

The area of this backyard used for the new swimming pool and cabana was originally an unsightly raised rock platform, approximately 1.5 metres above the remainder of the backyard. The west-facing unused area took up more than 100 square metres of the 483 square metre block and enjoyed sunshine from early morning until sunset, providing the owners with a year-round retreat. Restricted access to the backyard meant that the rock had to be excavated by hand jackhammers and removed by wheelbarrows. The new pool, 7.2 metres x 3.2 metres, has a side wall 1.2 metres above the surrounding tiled areas to create its own legal pool enclosure. Thought also had to be given to the height positioning of the window in the side of the pool to ensure compliance with the relevant pool enclosure regulations. The two windows in the side and end of the pool are 50 millimetre-thick acrylic sheet.

These openings required detailed engineering and steel reinforcement. At the eastern end of the pool is a small deck clad in tallowood, with access to pool equipment through a panel in the deck. Timber stairs to the pool area are accessed through a pool-compliant glass gate. The deck also has a glass balustrade. The deck end of the pool has a full-width seat with spa jets and incorporated pool steps. A great achievement by All Northern Constructions.

TRADITIONAL

OR GEOMETRIC CONCRETE POOLS $50 001 - $100 000

ARTESIAN POOLS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: BELLEVUE HILL

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This pool owner was inspired by Balinese resort pools and wanted to recreate that beautiful atmosphere at home. Imported slate tiles fully tile the pool and spa, and were all individually cut into strips to create the particular design. The slate-tiled curved wall rising up from the pool to the garden is the focal point and can be seen from in the home and the entire backyard.

The neutral colour of the Himalayan sandstone coping complements the slate tiles and gardens that surround the pool. The glass wall between the spa and pool gives the illusion that it is one body of water when the spa is in operation.

The spa is positioned so that the owners can sit in it and look out onto the tranquil setting. LED lighting illuminates and showcases the pool at night, making it extremely eye-catching. Another impressive winner from Artesian Pools.

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JOINT WINNER TRADITIONAL OR GEOMETRIC CONCRETE POOLS $100 001 & OVER

SPLISH SPLASH POOLS ENTRY SUBURB: DURAL

JUDGES’ COMMENTS As the centrepiece of an amazing rural property, this winning pool takes centre stage. The size is an average of 20 metres x 7 metres and includes a spa, balance tank and a large shallow area that wraps around an inner shade structure.

JOINT WINNER TRADITIONAL OR GEOMETRIC CONCRETE POOLS $100 001 & OVER

FREESTYLE POOLS ENTRY SUBURB: ST IVES

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This elegant 12 metre x 3.5 metre pool offers a Badu swim jet system in the deep end, an underwater speaker system and a waterfall with kids’ play area.

However, the most inspiring aspect is the inclusion of the glass-encased spa, which is fully integrated into the form and function of the pool and the surrounding entertainment spaces. The clients were delivered a high-quality pool, reflected in all materials and finishes used, including natural stone cladding, glass mosaic tiles and silver ash travertine pavers around the pool. Multi-coloured pool and spa lights are synchronised with the LED water feature to provide an amazing night scene. The final result is an enticing and practical pool that embodies the technical resolve and stylish aesthetics of a pool space that FreeStyle Pools strives to deliver.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING & POOL AWARDS

As the pool is set on the high side of the property, an acrylic panel integrates the pool and lower entertaining area connected to the house. Other special features of note include raised walls with many waterspouts, in-floor cleaning and the tile finish. Another stunning winner from Splish Splash Pools.

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WINNER FREEFORM OR NATURAL CONCRETE POOLS UP TO $50 000

HONEY’S POOL COMPANY: ACG BUILDING PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: SYLVANIA

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This client was after a simplistic design for their backyard, where the pool became the focal point of the entire space.

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING & POOL AWARDS

ACG has more than delivered in this regard - the pool is now part of a complete garden transformation for the family with three children.

ACG Building integrated the pool, tiled feature and cabana, ensuring consistency of colour and style with the entire garden and house. Sweet and simple, this project ticks all the boxes.

WINNER FREEFORM OR NATURAL CONCRETE POOLS $50 001 & OVER

SPLISH SPLASH POOLS ENTRY SUBURB: SANS SOUCI

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The inclusion of this magnificent pool was part of this backyard’s total transformation. An existing pool was turned into a rainwater tank for irrigation, while a new pool was created, maximising the surrounding space.

The beautiful backdrop of the bay was taken advantage of, with a superb negative edge and a balanced tank installed. A raised water feature was created, with bubblers adding to the overall effect.

Splish Splash Pools never fails to impress each year at these awards, and this year is no exception.

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WINNER DISPLAY POOLS OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

CRYSTAL POOLS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: GREENHILLS BEACH

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This simple yet stunning display pool in the heart of the Sutherland Shire has been designed to suit modern families.

Impressive features include the black waterline tiles with white pebbles, black Designer Beadcrete glass bead interior, an up-stand wall with water feature to one end and an in-floor cleaning system.

WINNER FIBREGLASS POOLS OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

BOSTOCK POOLS & SPAS ENTRY SUBURB: CORDEAUX HEIGHTS

JUDGES’ COMMENTS These second-time buyers with Bostock Pools requested a resort-style pool and spa area with a contemporary and sophisticated style to complement their new home. Bostock recommended a heated swim spa and a 10 metre pool for summer family fun. The team was faced with a challenging sloping block with a fall of 2.5 metres therefore retaining walls were used to create an elevated platform that provides fluid interaction between the home and entertainment area. Colourful coordinated glass mosaic tiles on the spillway create seamless integration between the two bodies of water, with LED lights in the water bubblers between the stepping stones further enhancing the design and becoming a stunning feature at night. Travertine stone tiles and pebbles in the landscaping perfectly complement the surrounding environment, allowing the pool area to blend in with the home and surrounding bushland.

The feature wall incorporates a custom-designed mirrored water feature, which provides a tranquil ambience to the pool area. Ezzari Jade mosaic tiles match the pool colour perfectly, connecting the pool and spa. A standout winner from Bostock Pools.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING & POOL AWARDS

Frameless glass fencing allows the pool to blend beautifully with the home’s alfresco area and also enables full, uninterrupted supervision of children.

Another feather in the cap of Crystal Pools.

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WINNER POOL RENOVATIONS OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

SPLISH SPLASH POOLS ENTRY SUBURB: CARINGBAH

JUDGES’ COMMENTS Splish Spash Pools has revived this problem pool to its former glory and carried out extra work to conduct repairs as the pool had structural issues and was losing water.

The pool’s shell was stripped back and rust and structural issues treated, then it was waterproofed. The pool was then fully tiled, the pool coping replaced and a water feature added.

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING & POOL AWARDS

The balance tank had a top-up and overflow system installed to manage the correct water level. Surrounding works include the addition of pool fencing and decking treatment. Top marks to Splish Splash Pools for the transformation.

WINNER SPAS/PORTABLE SPAS/HOT TUBS OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

SUNSET POOLS ENTRY SUBURB: ERMINGTON

JUDGES’ COMMENTS At the push of a button, this entire pool turns into a spa/hot tub. The sandstone rock face feature wall also has hidden provisions for an outdoor TV speaker so music or future TV doesn’t bellow throughout the backyard. All music is controlled by smart phone.

The custom-ordered mirrors to the feature wall give the illusion of a larger environment.

Each afternoon, due to the mirrors and choice of tiles, rainbows reflect into the house. In most cases, the back wall is plumb to the seat. A lower ledge allows the bather to relax with a head rest or when sitting up, arms can comfortably rest on the ledge, which sits approximately 20 millimetres lower than the wet-edge feature wall, so it’s partially hidden. A hidden drinks box built into the structure is finished inside with the same travertine and 316 stainless-steel lid rebate.

Raising the pool/spa out of the ground brings a 4D concept into reality with a constant water feature at all times. Ezarri glass mosaic tiles were chosen so when you look at the tiles and move your head, they change colour and give a completely different 3D effect. A beautiful winning entry from Sunset Pools.

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WINNER WATER FEATURES OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

ONE CENTRAL PARK COMPANY: CRYSTAL POOLS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: BROADWAY

JUDGES’ COMMENTS This winning water feature is a stunning piece of architecture. It incorporates two incredible mirror structures, one set directly beneath and the other directly above, to create luminosity that shines directly through the water feature rooftop through to the atrium below.

WINNER COMMERCIAL POOLS OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

CRYSTAL POOLS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: TOP RYDE

JUDGES’ COMMENTS The 25 metre-long Crown Pool at Top Ryde has been designed with style at its heart. A fully tiled interior with timber deck surrounds, frameless glass fencing, an infinity edge to three sides and a spillover is complemented by a stunning adjoined spa and incorporates year-round heating.

A real treat for the residents of this apartment complex and a real achievement for Crystal Pools.

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EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING & POOL AWARDS

This creative design resonates modernism, and for this reason Crystal Pools takes home the 2014 water features award.

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WINNER LAP POOLS OPEN PRICE CATEGORY

SENATOR POOLS PTY LTD ENTRY SUBURB: MAROUBRA

JUDGES’ COMMENTS Perfectly suited to inner-city living and the semidetached dwelling it is adjacent to, this small yet sophisticated lap pool is constructed along the dwelling’s side and rear boundaries. The pool walls have been extended to 1800 millmetres in height, to create the screen wall/boundary fencing along the northern and western boundaries.

EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING & POOL AWARDS

The 1800 millimetre-high feature wall along the northern and western walls was cast integrally with the pool’s structure and the rear wall features a large-format mirror. The 10 metre-long pool has been finished with elegant Ezzari Lisa tiles in the interior, on the façade of the feature (screen) walls and the coping. Senator Pools has exceeded all expectations with this winning pool.

Crowther Blayne is an Australian leader in business-to-business online and print publications for a variety of industries worldwide. Crowther Blayne publications provide businesses with the broadest possible audience and target the most relevant decision-makers. By providing a platform of the highest quality, products and services are presented in the best possible light to the marketplace.

If you have a specific enquiry about our services, or simply want to get in touch, please contact: Trish Riley | National Sales and Marketing Manager | P: 1800 222 757 | trish@crowtherblayne.com.au | crowtherblayne.com.au

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THE THREAT OF NON-COMPLYING BUILDING PRODUCTS The building and construction industry is under a real and increasing problem of nonconforming building products penetrating the industry, especially from foreign imported products. In 2013, a survey conducted by the Australian Industry Group revealed that 92 per cent of respondent companies reported nonconforming products in their market sector.

While reports of a variety of defective or no-complying products (e.g. plumbing pipe, glass, bolts, steel coatings etc.) have been made over the years, the issue in our view has come to a head with the national recall of ’Infinity’ electrical cable. A recall on three batches of 2.5mm electrical cable was issued

by NSW Fair Trading in August 2013 and subsequently the Australian importer, Infinity Cable Co Pty Ltd has disappeared with the company having been wound up. While the recall of Infinity cable provides for the return of material and a refund, the outstanding issue is the question of compensation for consequential loss in relation to the cost of removal and replacement of recalled product.

The recall of Infinity cable highlights the concern due to the fact that electrical products have greater level of conformity due to a direct risk to health and safety and there is a general acceptance that electrical products in the retail market place are compliant. Furthermore, electrical cable integrated into a building structure is difficult to identify its source of supply and to replace where defective.

Effectiveness of the compliance framework?

The increasing competition of imported building products is and will continue to apply pressure to the scrutiny and verification of the quality and suitability of building products. The issue is not just confined to the product itself, but also in relation to misleading, falsification and counterfeiting of labelling, especially where labelling is required to show conformance with Australian and international Standards.

There is no single agency in Australia responsible for the independent verification of the quality and safety of building products. Responsibility appears to be fragmented and uncoordinated across State agencies.

The identification of defective Infinity Cable was the result of an initiative by NSW Fair Trading to undertake testing. However with no reflection on Fair Trading, this was after the product had been allowed to enter the retail market. It is also realised that NSW Fair Trading’s responsibility flows to wide ranging consumer products and it is unreasonable to expect consumer agencies to provide for an effective conformance framework just for building materials.

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) administers the CodeMark scheme, a voluntary building product certification scheme and the WaterMark Scheme responsible for the authorisation and certification of plumbing and drainage products. The CodeMark scheme suffers from the fact it’s voluntary and a general lack of awareness of its existence and function.

While the WaterMark scheme is a mandatory certification scheme there appears to be no ongoing surveillance at the point of sale.

Warranties The statutory warranty provisions imposed by the States and Territories building regulations generally require that building materials and products shall be fit for the purpose for which they are to be used, although there is a variation across jurisdictions in respect of the period to which the statutory warranty applies. In addition, the National Construction Code (NCC) requires the fitness for purpose of materials and includes the requirement for evidence of suitability of a material applicable to building classifications covered by the NCC. The requirements of the NCC extend beyond the 6 years statutory warranty provisions of the NSW Home Building Act.

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Further to this, the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) provides an overarching consumer guarantee in respect of the supply of goods and services by traders. It should be noted that the ACL does not prescribe specific warranty period, rather establishes ‘reasonable time’ in which a product should perform in relation to its use.

So in considering the above, builders and contractors have few concessions available in respect on their obligations in supplying building products. Having “unknowingly” supplied a defective or non-complying building product is not considered a defence against a breach of statutory warranties.

Certification and verification It remains to be seen as to how the certification process responds to an increasing level of non-conforming products.

There is a view that it is not a building certifiers role to check the conformance of building materials. Building certifiers are increasingly concerned that too much risk and responsibility is being placed on them and this is in turn resulting in difficulties in procuring sufficient insurance cover.

Certifiers are increasingly relying upon certificates of conformance, however along with defective products; examples are appearing of fraudulent documentation giving the impression that the product is a conforming or compliant product. The independent testing company BRANZ in 2013 identified documentation purporting to be issued by them and giving the impression that a particular treatment to Western Red Cedar complies with the requirements of the Construction in Bushfire Designated Areas – Standard AS 3959.

The way forward Clearly, any response to the issue needs to be a national approach to establish responsibility for a single system of surveillance,

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identification and enforcement. However State and Territory responsibility needs to be clearly identified and a heightened approach required, especially at points of sale. A clear and simple process at a local level needs to be established for the reporting and communicating of non-conforming product and false certification and labelling.

A mandatory national product certification system needs to be developed which could be structured around a tiered process depending upon the potential risk factor of low, medium and high. Where low risk products may be subject to self-assessment and at the other end, high risk products requiring independent verification. All compliant products subsequently identified or marked with unique label. This tiered process would provide some flexibility so that low risk products are not caught up in unnecessary red tape. Indeed the trick will be in coming up with an effective response, which does not bind the whole industry in unnecessary cost and red tape.

By Peter Meredith, Director - Housing, Master Builders Association of NSW Postscript: Since writing the above article and the recall of Infinity-branded cable initiated

by NSW Fair Trading in August last year, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the 27 August 2014 announced a national product safety recall of Infinity branded cable.

The cable has been recalled by 18 retailers and wholesalers and covers all states and territories, except the Northern Territory. It is estimated that around 40,000 households and businesses may have been affected across the country.

Olsent power cables sourced from Infinity Cable Co Pty Ltd and solely supplied by Masters Home Improvement are also affected.

The ACCC’s safety recall requires the following: 1. The removal and replacement of all Infinity cable installed in proximity to heat sources, such as recessed lighting, heaters, ovens, stoves, hot water systems, spas, in-floor heating, air conditioners, gas appliances, flues and chimneys, wood heaters and oil heaters.

2. The removal and replacement of all cable installed in areas that are accessible to building owners, tradespersons or the public, unless the cable is laid in an appropriate cable conduit or other suitable mechanical protection.

‘Accessible areas’ include all accessible roof spaces and accessible spaces under floors.

An ‘appropriate cable conduit or other suitable mechanical protection’ is electrically non-conductive, flame retardant (or self-extinguishing) and with appropriate ingress protection rating that prevents access to the cable inside.

3. Any Infinity cable left installed in a cable conduit or in inaccessible wall, floor or ceiling spaces or embedded into masonry wall surface must have and electrical safety switch (residual current device) installed and tested on that cable, if such a device is not already installed and tested.

4. Any premises with Infinity cable left installed must have and appropriate warning sticker affixed to the electrical metering/switch box alerting building owners and tradespeople to the presence of inaccessible Infinity sourced cable.

cable. In these cases, where the costs of the recall are being covered by cable suppliers, they are making arrangements for work to be done by electrical contractors of their own choosing.

In addition to the above, on the 2nd September 2014 a Guide for the procurement of construction products was released.

The Guide, Procurement of Construction Products, A guide to Achieving Compliance was developed by the Construction Product Quality Working Group, on behalf of the Australian Procurement and Construction Council, of which Master Builders is a member.

The Guide aims to assist procurers of construction products gain a more informed understanding and exercise improved decision making in the purchase of construction products.

The ACCC’s recall addresses the safety of the installed cable. The ACCC has worked with cable suppliers (Masters Home Improvement, Mitre 10 and other retailers) and negotiated and outcome whereby in certain circumstances (identified in the recall guidelines) these suppliers will bear the cost of removal and replacement of the faulty

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industrial relations

REASONABLE MANAGEMENT

ACTION NOT WORKPLACE BULLYING Master Builders Director Construction – Peter Glover discusses one of the Fair Work Commission’s first substantive rulings since the introduction of the antibullying laws earlier this year.

As members will recall, the anti-bullying laws were introduced by the previous Federal Government. They also brought about for the first time, a new legal regime for employees, independent contractors and subcontractors to make claims to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for a Stop Bullying Order.

In the case discussed below, the FWC determined that reasonable management action taken against an employee is not bullying.

Objectivity by the FWC in assessing both the circumstances and in any action taken by management is important to the outcome.

The concept of management action under the Act is extremely broad and extends to nearly every action a manager may take with respect to a worker to control and direct the way the work is carried out, as long as such action is not unreasonable. This is a much broader interpretation than that which is applied to similar provisions in many of the workers compensation regimes.

Case Background Key points for members arising from this case reinforces that employers need to demonstrate reasonable management action by: • Promptly investigating workplace complaints • Providing support to the relevant individuals • Documenting the process • Ensuring that any investigation is carried out in accordance with welldrafted and clearly communicated policies and procedures.

An application for an order to stop bullying under the Fair Work Act (FW Act) was made by a team manager (Ms SB) who had been the subject of two separate complaints regarding her management style in the workplace. Both complaints involved allegations that Ms SB had bullied her team members.

In the first complaint, the employer conducted an internal investigation and ultimately concluded that the complaint was unsubstantiated.

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In the second complaint, however, Ms SB took issue with the fact that a further complaint had been made against her, and proceeded to make an application to the FWC. In her application, Ms SB claimed she had been subjected to repeated unreasonable behaviour in the workplace.

There were essentially two aspects to Ms SB’s claim: • The receipt and investigation of the employees’ allegations by her employer.

• The making of the allegations themselves. In this context, Ms SB’s concerns extended to being made the target of ongoing rumours in the workplace, which she claimed caused her feelings of humiliation.

The employer engaged an external investigator to investigate both the second complaint against Ms SB, and Ms SB’s complaint to the FWC. The investigator found that the allegations against Ms SB were justified in part, and that Ms SB’s allegations were unsubstantiated.

In her application, Ms SB sought orders directed at: • Stopping the alleged bullying behaviour.

• Compliance by the employer and others with the workplace bullying policies.

• The monitoring of workplace behaviour by the employer.

The employer opposed the application on a number of grounds, including there was no evidence: • Of unreasonable behaviour, let alone repeated unreasonable behaviour, towards Ms SB. • Of any risk to Ms SB’s health and safety.

• Of any risk of future unreasonable behaviour.

Importantly, the employer contended that it was both reasonable and required for it to investigate the complaints by each of its employees, and that it did so following appropriate practices. Ultimately, the FWC agreed.

In considering its decision, the FWC made a number of comments, which shed light on the concept of ‘reasonable management action’ for the purposes of the FW Act. These include: • The concept of individuals ‘repeatedly behaving’ unreasonably implies the existence of persistent unreasonable behaviour but might also refer to a range of behaviours over time.

• An applicant may rely upon conduct that took place prior to the commencement date of the new provisions (that is, 1 January 2014), to demonstrate bullying conduct.

• ‘Unreasonable behaviour’ is assessed by reference to an objective test having regard to all of the relevant circumstances applying at the time.

• The unreasonable behaviour must create a risk to health and safety (involving an exposure to injury or loss).

• The bullying conduct must of itself be unreasonable in order for the new regime to apply.

• The concept of management action under the Act is extremely broad and extends to nearly every action a manager may take with respect to a worker to control and direct the way the work is carried out, as long as such action is not unreasonable as set out above. This is a much broader interpretation than that which is applied to similar provisions in many of the workers compensation regimes.

By reference to the Explanatory Memorandum, which supported the new anti-bullying laws, the FWC confirmed that the process of determining whether management action is reasonable requires an objective assessment of the action, having regard to the circumstances and knowledge of those involved at the time. This may extend to taking into account the specific attributes

and circumstances of the situation (including the emotional state and psychological health of the relevant worker).

Importantly, the test is whether the management action was reasonable, and not whether it could have been undertaken in a manner that was more reasonable or more acceptable. Similarly, the determination of whether management action was carried out in a reasonable manner is a question of fact, and is subject to an objective test.

Outcome On balance, the FWC found that Ms SB had not been bullied at work and that the course of action undertaken by the employer was both reasonable, and carried out in a reasonable manner.

In reaching its decision, the FWC acknowledged that Ms SB could have been provided with more support following the making and investigation of the workplace complaints. However, there was insufficient evidence to support Ms SB’s claims that there was ‘repeated, unreasonable behaviour’ or that such behaviour constituted a risk to her health and safety. It was both reasonable and appropriate for the employer to investigate the complaints made against her.

Conclusion This decision provides some comfort for employers in demonstrating that: • The FWC is willing to resist making orders in circumstances where it is satisfied an employer has engaged in reasonable management action, and where there is insufficient evidence to support an employee’s claim of repeated unreasonable behaviour causing a risk to health and safety.

• The concept of reasonable management action under the Act is to be construed very broadly to apply to a wide range of management actions.

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legal

PPSA - THE EXCLUSIONS The PPSA (Act) is now in full swing throughout Australia. The safe haven of the last two years for transitional security interests has expired. Businesses should by now have registered their security interests over valuable personal property and should have implemented appropriate policies and procedures into their daily operations.

security interest, or where registration of an interest may not be required. As construction lawyers, we are constantly peppered with such inquiries.

Robert Riddell

Robert Viskovich

Many will be familiar with the Act and the fundamental shift from the old rules of title and property to the new regime of security interests and priorities.

There has been a wealth of literature on transactions common to the construction industry, which may create security interests.

The importance of registering security interests for leases of plant and equipment, goods supplied on credit, principal’s step-in rights, temporary works, and unfixed goods and material have been hammered home to principals, contractors and suppliers alike.

However, there has been less material on the instances not likely to give rise to a

Why is that? Put simply, relevant definitions under the Act are very broad. There are few examples that are expressly excluded from the Act, so identifying clear examples takes some detective work.

Further, the prevailing view in the industry is to play it safe and register. Registration is not expensive. Provided that you have a reasonable belief that you are entitled to a security interest, registration is the wisest option. The consequences of failing to register a security interest (or not registering promptly) can be severe, including complete loss of your entitlement to that particular personal property even if you are the owner of the personal property.

Having to argue one’s right to a valuable piece of personal property without being able to show you have a perfected security interest

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is less than ideal. More often than not, you will be directed to the back of the line.

So what is excluded from the Act? Sections 8 and 12 of the Act set out express exclusions from the Act and the definition of security interest respectively, including: • Real property and fixtures; • Wages and remuneration; • A right of set-off; • Certain liens and charges; and • A licence.

However, even here, one must proceed with caution. A security interest may arise in personal property before it becomes a fixture. Or the property itself may never actually become a fixture in law and remain personal property. What is or is not a fixture can lead to surprising results.

Further, although a licence itself (such as an intellectual property licence) is excluded from the definition of security interest, a security interest may arise where a lender takes such a licence as security for a loan.

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Each transaction should be carefully reviewed on its merits, particularly if the intent is not to register an interest. The test is one of substance rather than form in favour of a security interest arising.

Other instances in the building industry that will not generally attract the application of the Act, or where a creditor may decide not to register an interest, include: a. The supply of goods where title passes on delivery.

The Act will not apply if the goods are not supplied on credit and there is no retention of title intended. There is no interest of the supplier to protect. b. Short-term leases and bailments.

Despite the clear impact of the Act on lease and bailment transactions, not all bailments and leases create security interests (or constitute PPS leases).

If the lease or bailment is for less than one year (or less than 90 days for serial numbered goods such as motor vehicles), then it will not satisfy the definition of PPS Lease.

However, that 90-day period for serialnumbered goods is scheduled to disappear.

New legislation has been introduced into parliament to abolish the 90-day period to alleviate the burden on small businesses.

Once that legislation has passed, a PPS Lease will only arise at the one year mark, regardless of any serial number.

Further, in order to be a PPS Lease: i. The lessor or bailor must be regularly engaged in the business of leasing or bailing goods; and ii. The bailee must provide value for example by way of payment in exchange for possession of the property.

A single, isolated transaction is unlikely to be sufficient to establish that the bailor is regularly engaged.

Further, the NZ Court of Appeal held that a bailment is not a PPS Lease where the bailor does not receive (or does not intend to receive) consideration with a view to making a profit.1 Bear in mind it is the bailor (ie the one giving possession) that must be regularly (but not necessarily exclusively) engaged in the business of bailing goods, not the bailee.

In practice, it is often the case that the bailee (the party taking possession) is the party regularly engaged in bailment and is the one who receives the consideration, for example a storage company.

Those supplying scaffolding, fencing, cranes and other constructional plant need to be mindful of the Act. In many cases it may not apply, but the chances are that there will be exceptions where it does, for example where a short lease is extended beyond a year. c. Goods situated outside Australia.

Where the goods are situated outside of Australia and the grantor is not an Australian entity, the Act will not apply.

However, caution should be exercised before relying too quickly on this exclusion.

The Act will apply to the goods once they reach Australia (where goods are imported) and there are complex rules regarding interaction with foreign laws. d. Bank guarantees and retention money.

The general consensus in the building industry is that bank guarantees do not constitute personal property and therefore do not fall within the Act. However, the position is less clear with retention money. As with guarantees, generally the industry view is that the Act will not likely apply. However, care should be exercised where the retention money is ring-fenced in a separate, identifiable bank account, as this may create personal property to which a security interest can attach. e. Contractor’s interest in temporary works.

Security interests may arise in temporary works on site such as scaffolding or formwork. However, where the contractor itself has hired the goods from a hire or lease company, it is for the hire company that supplies the goods to secure its interest.

Unless the contractor has a contractual obligation under the hire agreement to register security interests for the benefit of the hire company, there is no interest of the contractor to secure.

In addition, there are instances where although a security interest may arise, the secured party may not wish or need to rely on the Act. For example, f. Unfixed plant and equipment.

Although a security interest will generally arise in unfixed plant and equipment (such as lifts), under building contracts, the principal as secured party may not wish to register a security interest because it already has protection through a specific supply guarantee from the contractor.

The supply guarantee can be an appropriate alternative to the Act where the goods themselves can be readily replaced.

If the goods are particularly unique or rare however, registering a security interest will likely be the prudent option g. Commercial reasons.

In most instances, it will be a commercial decision as to whether to register a security interest over the goods in

question. It may be that although a security interest does arise, for various reasons the secured party decides not to register the interest. For example: i.

Where the value of the goods is low and it is not commercially practical to register the interest; ii.

At the request of a key client in order to maintain a good working relationship; iii. Where the creditor knows the grantor’s business well and determines that there is little risk of the grantor going into default or becoming insolvent.

Indeed, the primary reason for the Act was to clarify the position of creditors upon a grantor’s insolvency.

The above examples demonstrate that the potential exclusions to the Act are few, and even then they are not absolute.

Creditors should exercise caution in agreeing to exclude a transaction from the Act, or relying too readily on the general exclusions stipulated under the Act. Just because a contract states that the Act does not apply, does not make it so.

However, there are exclusions and registering a frivolous or fanciful interest can lead to fines. Knowledge of the limits of the Act is important. By familiarising yourself with those limits, you will be better equipped to determine whether you can or should register an interest under the Act.

By Robert Riddell and Robert Viskovich, Gadens T +61 2 9931 4940 E robert.riddell@gadens.com Robert Viskovich Solicitor, Sydney Building and Construction T +61 2 9931 4963 E robert.viskovich@gadens.com This publication is provided by Gadens on a complimentary basis. It represents a brief summary of the law applicable as at 17 April 2014 and should not be relied on as a definitive or complete statement of the relevant laws.

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WHEN THE HOME WARRANTY INSURERS COME KNOCKING Home warranty insurers in NSW have paid out over $400 million since 2002. Premiums would have been only a fraction of that. It is small wonder that private insurers want out, and that for the foreseeable future consumer protection for residential building defects will have to be provided by the state government through its public insurance arm SICorp.

It has been bad business for private insurers. Still is. Now the premiums have stopped, but the claims go on. Private insurers face the prospect of receiving further claims up to 1 July 2016. Even then it could take three to four years to flush their backlog of claims through the system.

Private insurers want this business off their books. With no future interest in selling home warranty insurance, it might be expected that they will be less concerned with their reputations amongst consumers of the product, and take an even harder line in denying liability, and keeping payouts to a minimum. Their preference will increasingly be to settle claims on a basis that releases them from future liability, rather than committing to programmes of defect rectification. The logic of cost benefit analysis would suggest a settlement strategy, which pays out using available easy money from someone else, rather than incur the expense of experts and lawyers to arrive at a rigorous assessment. Often the easiest money available is the bonds and guarantees directors (or members of their friends or families) have put up to secure home warranty insurance for their companies.

The idea of insurers paying out more than they have to runs counter to common experience; yet in some cases where bonds and guarantees have been called up we have found this to be so. If you have offered a personal guarantee, to secure home warranty insurance for a company, and a call is made against it you should immediately request that the insurer provide full details of the relevant claim including: the claimant’s alleged rights of recovery, the defects, the rectification and cost. You should consider obtaining legal advice as to whether the insurer’s assessment of the claim has been rigorous, and fully taken account of matters such as: • Time limitations • Any failure by the insured to enforce statutory warranties • Rights of subrogation to hold other parties liable • Exclusions under the relevant policy • Taking account of common property / lot owner property distinctions • Mitigation and maintenance issues • The basis and calculation of quantum.

Of course the terms of the personal guarantee must also be reviewed, together with the circumstances it was entered into (e.g. duress). Do not take it for granted that the insurer is entitled to have recourse to the guarantee or bond. Seek advice.

Prepared by David Bannerman and Tony Earls Bannermans Lawyers

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AMENDMENTS TO THE NSW BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SECURITY OF PAYMENT ACT 1999 Effective 21 April 2014, far reaching changes to the NSW Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (“the Act”) came into force, which have a direct effect on Builders, Tradesmen and their Clients.

Subject to certain exceptions relating to residential building work undertaken on a property for an Owner who resides or intends to reside at the property, every party to a construction contract must be made aware of the following matters: 1. A progress payment to a Builder from an Owner becomes due and payable 15 business days after the payment claim is made or on an earlier date as provided by the contract. Similarly, a progress payment to a Subcontractor from a Builder becomes due and payable 30 business days after the payment claim is made or on an earlier date as provided by the contract.

2. Builders must not serve a payment claim on a principal unless the claim is accompanied by a “supporting statement”. The supporting statement is a document in the form set out in the regulation to the Act which includes a declaration that the subcontractors have been paid all amounts due and payable in relation to the construction work carried out.

3. The Act imposes a penalty of up to $22,000.00 and/or three months imprisonment if a Builder knowingly provides a false or misleading supporting statement.

4. The payment claim is no longer required to contain an endorsement or otherwise state that “it is made under the Act”.

Parties to a construction contract should treat any request for payment made after 21 April 2014 as a “payment claim” and issue a payment schedule within 10 days, or less as stated in the contract, if the amount is disputed.

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OUT WITH THE BLACK AND IN WITH THE WHITE You may have noticed the Master Builders NSW website is looking a little different lately - in fact, a lot different. We’ve given it a clean new look that is easier to read and navigate and done away with the dark background that has been the style for a number of years now.

If the site is still displaying with the black background on your computer, simply delete the temporary internet files in your web browser (just Google it if you’re not sure) and do a hard refresh (Windows: ctrl + F5 or Mac/Apple: Apple + R or command + R).

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finance

DID YOU KNOW THAT CREDIT REPORTING HAS CHANGED? If you are looking for financing after March 12th 2014, you could be in for a bit of a shock.

Why? The way things were reported on your credit file has now changed. Under the previous system, your credit file only records the number of credit enquiries someone has made and whether or not you have any defaults, judgments or bankruptcy, etc.

However…

Under the new system, in addition to the above, every time you miss a payment by more than five days, your credit file is given a black mark and your credit rating worsens.

Other criteria that can be listed on your credit report include: • Whether repayments have been made on time over a two-year period.

• If a repayment of over $150 is more than 60 days late, it will be listed as a default.

• The limit on the credit cards for which you have applied.

• The type of card for which you have applied.

• The date you opened a credit account, the type of account and when it was closed.

• If, because of a default, someone has entered into a new varied arrangement for repayments.

You may be thinking that this doesn’t seem so bad, but if you tend to pay your utilities bills late this could have some serious implications for you. It will affect how your credit is rated and whether you will be able to obtain finance on anything.

When applying for finance and/or a mortgage, many of the lenders now rely on “credit scoring” when assessing loan applications. Credit scoring is a tool used by the banks to rate your credit worthiness and ability to borrow money. Factors that can affect your credit score include: • Dealer Finance on Vehicles or Equipment – be mindful that an enquiry may be done without your knowledge.

• Loan to Valuation Ratio (LVR) - a higher LVR loan will be scrutinised more than a lower LVR loan, therefore a larger deposit will benefit your application.

• Assets to Age Ratio - is your asset position reflective of your time in the workforce? You may need to mitigate your circumstances if this is not the case.

• Personal Liabilities - if you have too many personal liabilities this will result in a poor credit score. A high LVR coupled with a high number of personal liabilities gives the lender the perception that you have a low ability to pay down debts.

• Serviceability – before you apply for a loan, you need to ensure that you have the means to repay the loan. You may need to consider repaying or reducing other debts to improve your serviceability.

• Employment stability - if you have recently changed employer you will need to demonstrate a stable history of previous employment.

• Previous credit enquiries – It is important to limit the number of credit enquiries you make over a 12-month period. Too many enquiries reflects poorly and leaves you open to further scrutiny from the lender.

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Some suggestions to keep your credit rating clean and in good order: Do: • Set up automatic debits to pay your credit card and loans on time.

• Close any credit facilities you don’t need.

• Check your credit file online at www.mycreditfile.com.au/ • Ring the lender or utilities provider to negotiate a repayment term.

Don’t: • Pay a debt more than five days late.

• Shop around for credit cards when you don’t really need them.

• Fail to contact the lender to renegotiate your repayment terms.

So just be mindful next time you are struggling to pay a bill and remember to ring the provider ASAP to discuss alternative arrangements.

To find out how Master Builders Financial Services can assist in financing your next vehicle or plant equipment purchase, please contact Ogarit Kelly on 1300 760 366 or 0414 919 194.

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insurance

At the same time, international investors who see value in the Australian market are starting to release funds for major developments in our capital cities. All this is great news for our builders, however in order for them to be able to capitalise on these opportunities, and compete in what is now a global industry, they must have access to every financial lever that is available to them within Australian financial markets. One such financial instrument that most large builders now can’t live without, is a Surety Bond Facility.

The growth of the Surety Bond market has seen several additional underwriters enter the market. Since our last article in the June/July 2013 MBA Magazine, we are pleased to advise the entry of several highly rated international insurers into the Australian market place.

There are now more than a dozen (12) Surety providers in the Australian market, which means there’s now excess capacity in the market. The outcome of this market change is expected to be more competitive pricing, higher limits and less stringent provisions being imposed upon the building contractors in order for them to be able to secure a Surety Facility.

At the same time, we are also seeing wider acceptance by Governments and the private sector of Surety Bonds, which also bodes well for the future of this product within Australia.

So when you’re looking for a Surety Bond to match a performance obligation under a traditional construction project, and you’re pursuing a viable alternative to a bank guarantee, we can customise the appropriate solution for you.

Using our specific expertise in this area, we are able to provide innovative surety programs for everything from standard commercial projects to major infrastructure projects.

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Interest in Bond Facilities has Increased As the release of a significant amount of pent up demand of infrastructure and commercial construction projects continues around the country, we are seeing a significant increase in the level of interest from builders compared to this time last year, with regard to Surety Bonds. Tougher economic conditions mean that industry participants are seeking more effective ways to utilise scarce credit resources. Establishing a surety bond facility, and using this instead of, or in tandem with, traditional methods e.g. bank guarantees or cash retentions, to secure the obligation, is one way of achieving this.

Broader Market Acceptance We are seeing broader acceptance of surety bonds by Principals and Developers.

In addition to this, most banks and financial institutions, both domestically and internationally, now accept surety bonds as security. (n.b. there can be difficulty if NAB is financing the project). With Government, an increasing number of Federal, State and Local departments and agencies are now also accepting surety bonds.

As a case in point, the Victorian and New South Wales State Governments have recently issued Treasury Guidelines on the acceptance of contract security, which do not differentiate between Bank Guarantees and Surety Bonds, provided the undertaking meets the following criteria: Victoria: • They must be unconditional, irrevocable and payable on demand; • They must be APRA approved; and • The Issuer must have a Standard & Poor’s rating of A- or better.

New South Wales: The Issuer is either APRA approved or has a Standard & Poor’s rating of A- or better.

Also, in an effort to improve everyone’s knowledge of Surety Bonds, the ASA (Australian Surety Underwriters Association) are

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also preparing training programs and the like in order to educate solicitors, project managers and business owners about Surety Bonds.

Application to Non-Construction Industries Surety bonds are not the sole domain of the construction industry. We are increasingly seeing bonds accepted as suitable security whenever there is a need to secure a performance obligation under contract. One surety provider recently advised that 60 per cent of its current portfolio is non-construction!

Ten years ago, this percentage was the reverse. Industries where surety bonds are being used for security include facilities and services managers, IT, engineering, communications and logistics.

Types of Bonds Used Within the Construction and Manufacturing Sectors The construction and manufacturing sectors have always had a need for a variety of bonding products. Some of these include: • Bid Bonds: Used in connection with public works tenders, as security that you as the contractor will actually sign the contract and will undertake to perform the work as contracted.

• Advance Payment Bonds: As security for the repayment of advance payments or payments made on account.

• Supply and Service Bonds: As security for the obligation you have taken on as contractor to supply goods and services up to the point at which the object is handed over or accepted.

• Performance Bonds: To secure the supply of goods and the performance of services with or without a warranty period. They also trigger the repayment of warranty retention money, thus providing immediate liquidity to you as the contractor.

• Maintenance Bonds: As security that any defects discovered during the warranty period will be rectified. They also trigger the repayment of warranty retention money, thus providing immediate liquidity to you as the contractor.

• Bonds for Joint Ventures and Consortia: Major construction contracts are often carried out by a consortium (joint venture) – which involves certain risks for the companies participating in such a joint venture. In these instances we utilise a specialist underwriter who has longstanding experience in joint ventures and who offers joint venture bonds for the construction industry.

Why Choose MBAIS Bonding Solutions?

We are a leading specialist Surety broker operating across Australia with the ability to

provide the full range of bond types to companies of varying sizes, from medium sized businesses right up to large publicly listed companies.

Our bonds and guarantees provide you with financial relief, by taking pressure off your credit line with your bank. Acting as a completely independent Surety broker, we will obtain the most competitive and suitable Surety facility for your business.

Our Surety providers are solid and act as a reliable reference for your beneficiaries and your financial partners Specialist Knowledge Surety Bonds are NOT an insurance product.

Many general insurance brokers have heard of the Surety product, but very few distribute them and actively work in the market. The product is complex and requires corporate finance expertise rather than general insurance expertise. MBAIS bonding solutions has the necessary expertise because we are one of the few remaining specialist construction insurance brokers.

Please contact Bill Korakis, National Business Development Manager (Surety) on (02) 8586 3541 or bkorakis@mbais.com.au for more details.

LUKE HUESTON – STATE MANAGER NSW MBA Insurance Services Luke has over ten years’ experience working for international insurance brokers and has been with MBA Insurance Services’ Victorian branch for the past four years. Through experience in insurance product development, and as a corporate broker, Luke has acquired a broad experience across many industries.

Luke has had extensive experience in Civil Construction through management of the Caterpillar Insurance Facility whilst at Willis Australia, and has worked with many franchise and association groups to develop tailored

insurance solutions. In his time at MBA Insurance Services in Victoria, Luke has acted as client advocate for many key MBAIS accounts such as Becon Constructions, APM Group, Kane Constructions and UrbanEdge Homes.

Luke brings a wealth of specialist construction knowledge to the NSW branch coupled with a strong understanding of the Association’s ethos.

Luke has a Bachelor of Business (Marketing), along with a Diploma in Financial Services (NIBA).

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business planning

A sound business plan is often required by external parties such as financiers and investors, insurers and government organisations, but is equally important for the internal analysis and planning purposes. Both business owners and managers and the external stakeholders want to see a profitable business run for a long-term success.

A business plan is a dynamic document and ideally should be reviewed each time a significant event happens in either the business’s internal or external environment. A good approach would be to set a structured plan and then review and update it at least annually. The financial projections part of your business plan can be used as your annual budget.

Business planning is a part of a continuous strategic management process most successful companies employ. It involves the following key stages: market research, external factors and internal capabilities analysis, planning for success, implementation and execution and evaluation. Going through all of these stages promotes strategic thinking, and as such maximises your chances to succeed and reduces your chances to fail.

Business plan structure is similar for any company, big or small. The Australian Department of Industry provides a lot of valuable business planning resources on its website, business.gov.au, and recommends structuring the information around four major sections: the business, the market, the future and the finances.

The business Generally, a business plan should answer four questions about your business: What? Why? How? Who? What are your products and services?

Describe your business concept, pricing strategy, and how you want your customers to perceive your product or service.

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For example; a construction business may position itself as a regional or national individual house builder who caters for the first home buyer.

Why would customers want to buy your products and services? What value proposition do you have for your customers? How it is better than the exiting market offer or, in other words, what is your competitive advantage?

Most companies in the construction industry use product differentiation business strategy to gain a competitive advantage. A construction product can be differentiated based on unique design, superior quality or customer service and timeliness. House and land packages and special inclusions are other possible product differentiation strategies, predominantly used by largerscale builders.

Price differentiation is an important source of competitive advantage, provided the builder has a strong reputation and still competes on the basis of quality and timeliness.

How do you do it? Describe your operating model, functional strategies, what resources, competencies and capabilities you have.

Explain how you create value and achieve the superior quality, customer service, timelines and efficiency that drive your competitive advantage.

A successful construction business should have established operational systems and procedures in place. Both primary and secondary activities should be covered, for example: • Client relations management. A good CRM system helps to keep customers informed and engaged, and also documents all interactions properly, which greatly reduces chances of any costly disputes.

• The construction process. Project planning and scheduling is absolutely essential in construction, so are the project safety, quality and financial controls applicable to each stage. An effective construction process is the key source of the competitive advantage.

• Compliance with industry regulations.

Construction industry is an industry highly regulated by the government. Issues such as registrations and licensing, safety and quality, adequate insurance cover, local and state building standards, approvals and zoning, pollution, etc. should be addressed through appropriate internal processes and continuously monitored.

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• Advertisement and marketing strategies.

Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective marketing tools, especially in the construction industry. Other common promotional methods include: display homes construction, direct marketing, on-site advertisement, advertisement in local newspapers and directories, online campaigns, and marketing through affiliates such as local architects and developers.

• Labour and material procurement.

According to an Australian market research company IBISWorld, material costs absorb approximately 30 per cent of the house construction industry revenue while payments to subcontractors form another 30 per cent. Established relations with reliable suppliers and subcontractors are important in securing competitive prices, sufficient and timely supply of materials, and access to skilled labour even when demand, driven by the cyclical nature of the industry, is high.

• Information systems. What software packages do you have? Do they help you to run your business in the most efficient way and eliminate errors and duplication of effort, which happens when same data gets entered in multiple disintegrated systems?

• Human resources. For larger companies, an effective organisational structure helps make most use of the team members’ talents and aspirations.

• Risk mitigation. Construction business is risky: projects often run behind schedule and over budget. Analyse those risks and set up a risk mitigation plan to manage them.

Policies and procedure can be devised as standalone documents and included as addendums to the business plan. Your business plan should set directions for each business process documented in a policy or procedure.

Who runs the business? This in an important question for the external stakeholders such as investors and insurers, and they often read it first. Experience, skills and personalities of the management team have a huge effect on longstanding success of any company. According to IBISWorld, up to 60 per cent of Australian building businesses are non employing establishments comprising sole proprietors and partners, thus the owners’ professional background is of a paramount importance.

The future Outline your vision and mission. What are your highest hopes and brightest dreams and what does your business do to achieve it?

How do you see your business in 1, 5, 15 years time? Set short and long-term goals and support each goal with several more specific and measurable objectives to track your progress. Most commonly set business goal “To be profitable” may be matched with objectives such as “To generate gross profit of 20 per cent in Year One and 30 per cent in Year Two”.

The market Business planning process should start with market research. It is essential to base your business strategy, goals and objectives on what you’ve learnt about the market. Market research should cover the following major components influencing your business: the industry conditions, competitors and customers.

How is your industry behaving and what factors influence it? Is there a place for your business in the market, or a space for it to grow? Construction industry is cyclical and regularly fluctuates between periods of high and low activity in the cycle. It is important to identify where the industry is in the cycle and plan accordingly for the slow periods. The building and construction industry associations constantly track various external drivers to assess the industry position.

Cash flow projections take all incoming and outgoing cash into account and show if the company has enough cash to pay its bills. This report is always scrutinised by lenders as they want to see that the business is able to make its loan repayment.

Profit and loss account demonstrates if the company is making any profit. Profit is the key financial performance measure and one of the major business objectives. The business’s profit target should be both acceptable and achievable. An acceptable profit target should equal the minimum amount required for the operation to remain viable, be sufficient to remunerate business owners for their time and effort, and provide reasonable return on the funds invested in the business.

An achievable profit target depends largely on the business efficiency, but would most probably not exceed the industry’s profitability.

Industry profitability is driven by various market forces and fluctuates in accordance with changes in the competitive conditions, customers and suppliers behaviour.

The completion in the construction industry is high and it is vital to know your competitors, their strengths and weakness, and the key factors that make businesses succeed.

It is good practice to establish various financial performance metrics, or financial key performance indicators (KPI), and compare them with the industry’s standard and best practice. This benchmarking process will help you to analyse your business processes further and to improve it if required.

Companies exist to satisfy customers.

Understanding your target customers helps providing maximum value to them. What do they want? How do they behave? What can they afford?

Julia Podgorbunskaya, CPA is Head Planner at Professional Business Plans. She writes start-up and strategic business plans, provides business and management accounting advice and financial modelling.

Use the information gathered about the external environment to analyse your company’s Strengths and Weakness and your industry’s Opportunities and Threats, the so called SWOT analysis. This is the basis for developing and sustaining a competitive advantage for your company.

Julia has 15 years of international business and finance experience within leading multi-national businesses and small private companies including over five years in the Australian development and construction industry. Contact her on (02) 9772-1631, julia@professionalbusinessplans.com.au or go to www.professionalbusinessplans.com.au.

The finances The financial plan is a business plan component which you always prepare very last. The financial projections translate strategies and goals into numbers, and help efficient capital requirement planning and performance tracking.

Start your financial planning with sales projections. Sales projections should take the industry’s cyclical fluctuations into account and be supported by the company’s available resources and capabilities.

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Aboriginal participation

NATIONAL ABORIGINES AND ISLANDERS DAY OBSERVANCE COMMITTEE CELEBRATIONS

On Thursday 17 July 2014, Master Builders NSW partnered with the Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group (Babana’s Chairperson Mark Spinks) to support Alexandria Park Community School National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee Celebrations (NAIDOC). The celebration was held at the Denzil Hall Park, Road Campus.

NAIDOC’s origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s, which sought to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.

NAIDOC Week is held in the first full week of July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society.

The Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group supports Aboriginal men both from the inner city of Sydney and the greater metropolitan area.

The term Babana means ‘brother’ in the Dharuk language. A common form of greeting among Aboriginal men, the term ‘brother’ also conveys a sense of the cooperative effort and community that underpins Babana.

Over 1000 students and adults attended the event to celebrate the occasion.

Master Builders NSW raised $300 along with $600 contributed from Babana to award four students (two junior and two senior) for their outstanding school performance. www.naidoc.org.au www.redfernfoundation.org.au/babana.html

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safety 101

NEW SAFETY CODES OF PRACTICE RELEASED Members are advised that Safe Work Australia has released 12 new Codes of Practice relevant to the Building and Construction Industry as part of the national harmonised work, health and safety laws.

The new Codes replace a number of existing Codes that were in place under the previous laws.

In order to avoid duplications and conflict, five previous Codes of Practice have been revoked, which are: • Excavation work • Safe work on roofs part 2 – residential buildings • Work in hot and cold environments • Amenities for construction • Work prevention of occupational overuse syndrome The 12 new Codes of Practice, which came into force on Friday 18 July, 2014 are all relevant to the Building and Construction Industry and are as follows: • First aid in the workplace • Construction work • Preventing falls in housing construction

• Managing electrical risks in the workplace • Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace • Managing the risks of plant in the workplace • Safe design of structures • Excavation work • Demolition work • Welding processes • Spray painting and powder coating • Abrasive blasting Master Builders has welcomed the introduction of these news Codes of Practice, as they will help to clarify and update issues for employers in the health and safety space.

Members who wish to view or download a copy of the new Codes of Practice should visit WorkCover NSW website: www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

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The 3 day professional course is open to anyone, regardless of experience. You will be able to polish concrete once you have completed the course!

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DAY ONE Concrete cutting, grouting and floor repair DAY TWO Concrete densification DAY THREE Food stain resistance and non-slip finishing

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EMAIL IBS NOW for a booking form: sales@ibssales.com.au or call 02 8338 0000 or 0403 046 038

Polished Concrete -The Business to be in!

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Apprenticeships Wallace Pooleys Award

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION APPRENTICE WINS THE WALLACE G POOLEY & KEITH E DOWLING MEMORIAL TRUST FUND AWARD Congratulations to Master Builders Association Apprentice Carpenter Felix Fletcher, the recipient of the Wallace G Pooley & Keith E Dowling Memorial Trust Fund Award.

The Wallace G. Pooley & Keith E. Downing Memorial Trust Fund Award commemorates the exceptional services provided over a period of 43 years by Wallace Pooley and Keith Downing in their capacity as honorary general secretaries to the Co-operative Housing Societies Association of New South Wales.

Following the passing of both Wallace Pooley and Keith Downing, funds were donated by member societies of the Association, and those who had worked with them, which enabled the creation of a Memorial Trust.

In accordance with the terms of the deed, the Board of the Co-operative Housing Societies Association of New South Wales decided that the most appropriate way to

perpetuate the memory of such visionary and active personalities was to create an award recognising young Australians who are furthering their knowledge with the object of continuing the visions started by Wallace Pooley and Keith Downing.

I was contacted by Bruce Terry, Vice President of Co-Operative Housing of New South Wales, after many years of association with MBA Newcastle GTP. Bruce was looking for deserving apprentices to apply in the Northern Suburbs of Sydney to find the first recipient of this award in this area.

I asked the Apprenticeship Service team and a young apprentice came to mind…

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Felix Fletcher joined the Master Builders Association of NSW Apprenticeship Service in May 2013 after moving back to Sydney from ACT. Felix contacted my office asking if I could help him continue his apprenticeship in Carpentry. His timing was impeccable as I was headed to a Master Builders Association Division Meeting in Manly that evening. Felix jumped at the opportunity to come along and was snapped up by an MBA member who took advantage of Master Builders’ Apprenticeship Service and became Felix’s first training employer.

Felix is a bright, polite young man, who has a mature attitude beyond his 21 years. This combination of personality traits immediately

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draws you to him. He is a pleasure to work with, always maintaining open lines of communication with his employer, Master Builders Apprenticeship Service.

After a period of time, Felix felt he needed to move on from his training employer as the majority of the work available at that time was maintenance. Felix felt it was time to stretch his wings and expand his skill base.

Felix began working with Steve McKinnon and Dave Millar of Jesmac Home Improvements.

He told Master Builders Apprenticeship that he loved this new placement, so we asked Kylie Chignell, Jesmac Home Improvements Administration Manager, to tell us a little about the company.

“Jesmac Home Improvements is a local company that understands the needs of our clients and how to create their dream outdoor area.

“We specialise in everything to do with outdoor living, entertaining and alfresco dining including pergolas, awnings, louvre roofs, decks, balustrades, pool fencing and outdoor blinds.

“Jesmac Home Improvements are a complete outdoor room specialist, and provide our clients with practical advice, whether you’re in need of an upgrade, uplift, or a completely new outdoor entertaining area, the team can provide you all of this with our quality finishes and quality products.

“Our key qualities are knowledge, planning, experience, design consultation, detail, communication and friendly customer service.

We cover the Northern Beaches, North Shore and Warringah areas.”

Master Builders Apprenticeship Services caught up with Dave and Felix on site in Lindfield. They were in the process of constructing a dream entertainment area for a client.

We asked Dave to tell us what he thought of Felix:

“Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to Philippa for her ongoing support, kindness and my nomination. Thank you Philippa.

“After having lived away from home working on project homes in the ACT for two years I decided to move back home to the beaches and I was lost as to who to pick up my apprenticeship with. I had a friend recommend the MBA and coincidentally the Division was meeting that week and Karen was presenting.

“I met Karen and I knew straight away that she and her team were going to look after me and make sure that I had a fair go at finishing my apprenticeship.

“My experience of meeting with the MBA apprenticeship services team has only been one of pleasure, with each individual at the MBA eager to make sure that they do the best thing by their apprentices to help them through their journeys.

“After having worked for a remedial construction and maintenance company for nearly a year I decided that I needed to expand my skills knowledge and learn as much as I could before completing my apprenticeship.

I contacted the MBA and within a day I was already scheduled for an interview with Jesmac Home Improvements, the following week.

“I found Steve, Dave and Kylie to be an absolute delight to speak to, offering me the exact work experiences that I wanted to learn and add to my repertoire.

“They have all been very kind to me over the last half a year, looking out for me, valuing me as an asset to their team as well as diligently teaching and explaining any questions that may arise from construction protocols through to life lessons!

“I look forward to working with them well into the future.

“Felix is a trusted, diligent and conscientious apprentice. When he came to Jesmac his carpentry skills were not of a third year apprentice carpenter’s ability, but he has taken on learning new skills with enthusiasm and confidence. He is always on time for work and always completes the task assigned to a high level. He is a valued member of the Jesmac team.”

“I think that the MBA apprenticeship service team is such a valuable employer because their entire job is to look after their apprentices. They will make sure that you are receiving the training that you need to enter the work force with an entire skill set behind you. They will make sure that you are personally looked after with your training employers and they genuinely want to see each apprentice continue their building and construction passions far into the future.

Felix spoke highly of his training employer Jesmac Home Improvements, the company behind the award - Co-Operative Housing of New South Wales and his employer - Master Builders Association Apprenticeship Service.

“I wish that more apprentices would learn through the MBA. Nearly all of my mates are tradies and I have heard some of their shocking stories. The boys at TAFE have some pretty bad ones too. I just can't see these

stories happening when you have the MBA Apprenticeship Services team to safeguard your apprenticeship and with the rate of first year dropouts, I don't know why more people are not aware of how beneficial these apprenticeship services are.

“I am truly honoured and humbled to accept the award from the Housing Co-Op Group.

After having read the background on this award and trust fund I am proud to accept this with a sense of duty and focus for the future of the building industry. This is the first award I have ever been given during my apprenticeship and the award money that came with it could not have been given at a better time, I can now purchase a top of the line toolbox.

“We all know how shocking the minimum wages are for Australian apprentices and the absolute lack of support from the Australian Government for us.”

Master Builders Apprenticeship Service is proud of Felix’s achievements and would like to thank Jesmac Home Improvements for their continued support of Master Builders Apprentices. We would also like to thank and congratulate Co-operative Housing Societies Association of New South Wales for their ongoing support and commendable efforts to support young apprentices.

Master Builders Apprenticeship Service has many quality apprentices looking to work with great companies to learn the skills needed to become a quality tradesperson.

Master Builders Apprenticeship Service is a Group Training Organisation who can place apprentices with your company for as long as you need them.

If you would like more information about Master Builders Apprenticeship Service, Jesmac Home Improvements or the Wallace Pooley & Keith E Dowling Memorial Trust Fund Award please call Karen Kellock, Apprenticeship Services Manager, Master Builders Association NSW on (02) 8586 3533 or apprenticeship@mbansw.asn.au.

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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION TRAINEES – A NEW TRAINEESHIP AVAILABLE FROM YOUR MASTER BUILDERS APPRENTICESHIP SERVICE

Renee and Nicole

Master Builders Apprenticeship Service has recently launched a new traineeship opportunity – Certificate 3 Business Administration. This is an entry level traineeship covering a variety of business administration activities and although we are advertising this opportunity to candidates interested in the Building and Construction industry, this training can be adapted to almost any business!

We asked three of our business trainees to tell us what they thought of their roles, responsibilities, training and Master Builders Apprenticeship Services.

PROFILES: Name: Amy Porter Hiser Name: Renee McKeown Name: Nicole Daws

Age: Age: Age:

When did you start your Business Administration traineeship?

Amy: March 2014 Renee: 2 April 2014 Nicole: 14 April 2014

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Why were you interested in doing the Cert 3 Business Administration traineeship?

Amy: I was interested in this traineeship because it’s a great way to study a business course and get experience by working full time.

Renee: I was interested in beginning this business administration traineeship as it provided me with a hands-on learning environment. As well as being a great launch pad for career progression and personal development.

Nicole: To start building foundations for a career and have new experiences in different industries.

Did you have a particular career or profession in mind when you began this traineeship? Why? Amy: I’ve always been interested in working within the business industry and thought this traineeship would be a great opportunity and a start to my working career.

Renee: No, I didn’t have any clear goals or plans for my career path when I joined the MBA. After working here for a little over three months,

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I have had the opportunity to experience many different roles and been exposed to a number of different areas in which I could see myself progressing toward in the future.

Nicole: Not exactly, I always felt that business administration would be a profession that I could strive in, find my hidden talents and be able to build a great career. I felt that this industry would be the one to put my full potential into and work my way up the ladder from there.

Do you have a better idea of what you want to be doing now after completing some of your traineeship? Why? Amy: Yes, after completing some of my traineeship I would like to one day further my studies at Uni and complete a Bachelor of Business and major in Human Resources.

Renee: Because of the multitude of areas I have been exposed to whilst working at the MBA, It has definitely broadened my views, in terms of my career options. Currently I am just focusing on my traineeship, however my outlook on the possibilities of where I could go has definitely changed.

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You are all placed with Master Builders Association of NSW, what is section or department do you work in? What are your main responsibilities?

Amy: Yes, this system works great as it gives trainees the opportunity to still earn money by working full time but also gaining experience while learning.

Is it an advantage to you to be paid while you are training? ‘Earn While You Learn’ is the basis of traineeships and apprenticeships alike. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Amy: Reception/Administration in MBA Newcastle Office – Managing all incoming phone calls, entering registrations for events, assisting other MBA staff in the preparation of those events, eftpos payments and receipting, stationary orders, contract sales, stock count and control, mail – both outgoing and incoming, member enquiries and general reception duties.

Renee: This system works perfectly for me as I am both an interpersonal and visual spatial learner. I find it easier to gain knowledge from watching those around me and interpreting how they approach and manage tasks. So, by undertaking a traineeship whilst working it means that resources are always readily available when I need help.

Amy: It is a great advantage to do training while working full time as I can still earn money and study to further my learning and career goals.

Renee: Legal Services Department – They consist of registering enquiries regarding the different types of legal contracts utilised in the building and construction industry, registration of all complaints between builders and clients for issues such as the failure of delivery of services, payments, and not meeting contract obligations.

Scheduling calendar appointments for the MBA solicitors and managing correspondence between the legal department and members of the association. I also provide assistance to other departments when required such as research, accounting invoices, financial spread sheets, reception duties, the sale of building contracts and updates to our organisation’s website with the latest information and services.

Nicole: Training Department- My main responsibilities are entering information into databases, creating new registrations for courses, entering information for dates of completions into our database to assist the administration of students finishing their qualifications and receiving their certificates.

Coordinating student’s assessments for trainers to mark/assess, printing certificates and sending them out to students, filing, emailing, making appointments and copying.

Nicole: I can’t exactly think of any other system that would work! I am definitely happy with how the system works!

What do you believe are the main advantages of learning on the job from other employees?

Amy: I learn firsthand how to put the training I’m learning into practice in a working environment and get help from the MBA Staff that I work with.

Renee: The main advantages are simply that you are in an unrestricted learning environment, constantly taking in knowledge from those around you. It is unlike university where you are in a classroom setting being lectured on a topic, and I just believe the hands-on approach to teaching is much more effective way of absorbing information.

Nicole: Getting experience from someone who knows what they are doing can teach a trainee a lot! Everyone has a different way of doing things and a different view and someone else’s way or view of doing things could help you to understand more than you may have by trying to figure it out alone. Everyone has different opinions and some can be very helpful.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Amy: What I enjoy most would be working with the people here at the MBA and helping our members.

Renee: Definitely the people I work with.

The solicitors at MBA are not only incredibly knowledgeable and great teachers, but genuine people who make you enjoy coming to work every day.

Nicole: I enjoy going home knowing I have made a difference, that I have served a purpose for the day but I am sure that time will come in the future with progress and experience and this is just the starting point, meaning the copying just has to be done!

As with any traineeship, most of your training is done while you’re at work - do you believe this system works? Why?

Have you had to do any assignments out of work hours?

Amy: Only one assignment has been done out of work hours. Every other module has been completed in work hours.

Renee: As of yet, I haven’t had to complete any assignments outside of work hours as I can allocate adequate time to complete tasks before due dates.

Do you mind doing some work out of work hours?

Amy: I don’t mind at all, as the more work I do the faster I will learn.

Renee: No, I understand that things happen, and the working environment can be hectic at times so having to complete tasks outside of work hours is not a problem for me.

Renee: Being paid while you learn is unquestionably an incentive when it comes to completing a traineeship. It allows you to not only continue studying and learning but you are also exposed to the real life working environment. I think it is a great tool in giving young people the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds.

Nicole: It depends how you look at it or what your age may be, although it is definitely an advantage to be learning and earning! With traineeships/apprenticeship comes experience other than just theory or bookwork so it is worth it. Earning and learning isn’t just about the money but the experience and growth of the mind! As someone who has studied while on a low income with no practical experience, I think it is great!

Is there anything you don’t like, want to change, can be improved for you now and other trainees in the future?

Amy: I haven’t found anything that I feel needs to be changed or improved.

Renee: No, I am pretty much content with everything so far.

Nicole: More awareness in schools would be great! I think more kids in school should be aware of programs such as these, for example I never knew about anything like this when I was in high school and if I did I may have had the opportunity to start building my career a little earlier! I feel that it is a great program and can broaden the mind of any student that is willing to put in the time and effort. Wider advertising across all schools will give many kids a choice and make them feel as though there are options and opportunities and this will result in more experiences just like mine rather sooner than later!

Training Provider – Your training provider is WG Learning. How do you communicate with your WG Learning trainer, Vicki Saunders?

Amy: Via email and phone.

Renee: Vicki is great. We communicate through every avenue of technology whether it is emails, Skype or phone calls.

Nicole: Via email mainly, with phone calls as needed.

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Renee: WG Learning has actually surpassed every other avenue of study I have encountered so far, which has included University and Tafe.

The contacts at WG Learning are so willing to help with issues and have no problem in answering questions, which was surprising considering the bad rap that correspondence learning often gets.

Nicole: I have to say I do not know a whole lot about them, I obviously know they are an RTO and provide great units, although I can say that all the answers I receive to my questions are explained quiet well and the people seem very polite and understanding.

Amy

What are your electives?

I WAS INTERESTED IN THIS TRAINEESHIP BECAUSE IT’S A GREAT WAY TO STUDY A BUSINESS COURSE AND GET EXPERIENCE

BY WORKING FULL TIME. How often are you in contact with Vicki?

Amy: It varies as to when I am in contact with Vicki. If I have any problems submitting a module or need any questions answered I can contact her straight away.

Renee: As little or as much as I like.

Nicole: Whenever I finish a unit or have a question.

Do you have any trouble getting hold of her?

Amy: My electives are: develop keyboarding speed and accuracy, contribute to health and safety of self and others, process accounts payable and receivable, organise schedules, create electronic presentations, design and produce text documents, produce spreadsheets, design and produce business documents, write simple documents, deliver and monitor a service to customers, use a knowledge management system, process customer complaints and recommend products and services.

Renee: Process payroll, process accounts payable and receivable, organise schedules, create electronic presentations, produce spreadsheets, design and produce business documents, write simple documents, maintain financial records, maintain business resources, organise workplace information and handle receipt and despatch of information.

Nicole: So far I have completed: organise schedules, produce spreadsheets, write simple documents, deliver and monitor service to customers and WH&S. Why did you choose them?

Amy: I chose these specific electives as I thought they would be beneficial to my job.

Renee: I wanted to choose a broad range of electives in order to learn a little bit of everything.

Amy: No. Renee: None at all!

Nicole: 98% of the time I have reasonably fast replies.

Nicole: I had a feeling that these subjects would be good to start off with and when I progress and complete them all I will continue on to do more!

What do you think of WG Learning?

Tell me everything!

Do you believe you are receiving support, coaching and mentoring from your training provider?

Amy: WG Learning is great as they are always able to be contacted. If I ever have any problems or questions that need to be answered Vicki is always ready to help.

Amy: Yes, whenever I need support, coaching and mentoring my training provider and manager Len are here straight away to help and answer any questions.

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Renee: Yes, undeniably.

Nicole: When I have questions they are always answered to the best of their ability.

Do you have anything you would like to add in relation to your traineeship, your role, Master Builders Apprenticeship Service, including staff?

Amy: Since starting my traineeship through Master Builders Apprenticeship Services I have had the opportunity to learn a wide range of roles and tasks that I would not have had the chance to do so if I was studying from home. It’s great experience training firsthand in the business industry and the staff here at MBA are very approachable and willing to help when they can.

Nicole: The Master Builders Association is a great place to start a traineeship and I am grateful for the opportunities they have given me and doors they have opened up for me.

The Apprenticeship team is great! It was a pleasure to be involved with and be a part of their team as they showed me what it meant to be part of a great team and that is something I will not forget. They have a manager who is a great leader and an inspiration! They are extremely helpful and considerate and look to help students and clients to the best of their ability, which is definitely appreciated. I look forward to gaining as much experience as possible and progressing within the Master Builders Association.

Master Builders Business Administration Trainees are a great way to get the administration assistance your business needs.

If you believe your business could benefit from a Master Builders Business Trainee, call us to find out more!

Call (02) 8586 3533 or email apprenticeship@ mbansw.asn.au

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02 8586 3533 or visit www.mbansw.asn.au

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THE HANDYMAN PROGRAM Since 11 April 2014, Master Builders NSW has partnered with Glenwood High School to volunteer and mentor in the Handyman Project; a program that receives the ongoing support of CAMS. The project caters for 11 disengaged students from Year 9 & 10 who had expressed interest to undertake an apprenticeship in construction. The students in the Handyman Project were selected on their ability to complete work in a practical setting.

Students will be developing skills and exploring career opportunities by participating in the following projects: Term 1: Carpentry – Building a park bench Term 2: Joinery – Building skateboards Term 3: Cabinetmaking – Planter boxes Term 4: Others: Creating and running a car wash business CAMS NSW team has been working very closely with Madeleine Lewis, Learning & Support/Technology teacher (who is also the Program Organiser and Supervisor) to oversee the project’s success. CAMS NSW team will continue to volunteer and mentor until end of 2014.

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4

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www.mbansw.asn.au

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FORGET THE TOOLS. TECHNOLOGY IS A BUILDER’S NEW BEST FRIEND. This technology stuff is dead set easy, just give it a go.

In the construction industry there has been no major change from what tradesmen did 50, 100 or even 1,000 years ago, (well maybe it was a little different 1,000 years ago), but really it’s just the tools that have changed.

Today, instead of using a hammer and three inch nail we use a Paslode nail gun. Instead of mailing or faxing an instruction we can we use our phone/tablet/computer to communicate. We send emails with attachments (a document or a photo), or we can take photos directly from the job site and send them to someone sitting in an office across town. Today’s smart phones mean we can also instantly video chat just by using face time (or the android equivalent), allowing the other person to see what we are seeing on site no matter where they are in the world.

Like it or not, the tools of our business are being updated and we can either turn a blind eye or we can…GIVE IT A GO! This article will begin to cover the technology now available to us in the construction industry and how it allows business and communication to work hand-in-hand. Today’s technology makes it so much simpler for us to communicate across all areas of business—with our staff, subbies, consultations and clients…and as I said before, it really is dead set easy.

Once upon a time, construction plans and specifications were mailed out to us. We would then have to copy the appropriate plans and mail or courier them to our chosen subcontractors or suppliers.

Nowadays, construction plans and specifications can be emailed, sent via Skype or securely hosted in a cyber storage facility—like iCloud,

Google Drive or Dropbox—where they can be accessed by as many people as needed. Simply, there is a much quicker way of sending out work documents and it is not hard at all.

Starting with some basics, the majority of workers have a smart phone whether it is an android (Samsung, HTC or Sony), an iPhone, Blackberry or a Microsoft phone. Our smart phones are our first point of access for all of our business records, and best of all they’re small, portable and very user-friendly.

Our phones can be the first step in building technology into our business, not dissimilar from setting out a building or laying our tools out in the back of a ute. The better the set out and the tidier we keep our utes, the easier our work is; if the building is set out correctly then all the components fit together easily; and if our tools are kept tidy and sharp then work is easy, quick and profitable.

The same principle applies with our phones and technology. If we get the set up right in the beginning and we keep the phone tidy, then we will be able to use technology to work quickly, easily and profitably.

For example, entering the correct details for a new client is the same as setting out a building, the details we enter become the building blocks to our records and future business. Our ability to check emails while on site and reply immediately to any urgent matters helps us maintain a professional reputation. And let’s not forget the ever-present social media channels. What better way to build your company’s profile or keep in touch with clients than by sharing company news and progress updates via Facebook and/or Instagram.

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Tip: When entering a new contact in your phone or updating an existing contact in your phone, take time to ensure that the contact details you’re entering are correct and fill out as many information boxes for your contact as possible (first name, surname, company name, email etc.).

When entering the phone number there is usually the option to record what type of phone number it is, such as home, work, mobile, home fax and work fax. Enter in what type of phone number it is.

The importance behind this is that these basic details can later be automatically added to other applications on your phone, tablet or ipad. This means less work for you and seamless integration across all of your business technology.

Once the correct information is put into your phone it could be the last time you or one of your staff will have to enter the information. The details can be automatically be transferred into job files, shared with other staff and entered into accounting systems like Xero, MYOB. Entering the correct information into your phone will save you time and money so avoid taking short cuts. For example, enter my name as ‘John O’Neill’ not ‘Johnno’. Entering the information correctly and professionally is the same as building. If we take a short cut or cut a corner in the building process usually we have to fix it up later, so get the correct information in the first time and if you do not get the information correct the contact details can be edited later. Just give it a go.

All these little things add up to save time and make business easier.

Tip: Enter your own details into your phone as a contact and save them as a ‘favourite’ so that they’re instantly accessible. Then, when you meet a new client not only can you hand them a business card but ask if you can send them your contact details via email or text. As your details are saved as a contact in your phone you will be able to send them a virtual business card. This allows you to capture your client’s phone number or email, ensures that they receive your correct details and makes you look efficient in your business practices.

One of the best resources available to you when learning how to use new technology is YouTube (www.youtube.com), type in just about any question and you’ll find a plethora of short ‘how to’ videos. If you do not know how to do this, just ask someone who does. We all have different talents and knowledge, I guarantee that you will know a lot more about building and construction than the person you ask for help so…

GIVE IT A GO. JUST START! Here are some keywords/phrases that you can search in YouTube: • How to share a contact • Basic iPhone operations • Basic Samsung phone operations

ScanBizcards: For quickly recording business cards onto my phone without having to type in the details, the system works by taking a photo/scan of the business card and recognised the information. It is good not always perfect as many business cards are not clear or easily read.

Google maps and maps on the IPhone: For directions from your current location to just about anywhere in the country.

Google Drive: To access job folders, quote folders and operation manuals. Basically this holds most of what is stored on my office computer, which is automatically synchronised across my phone tablet computers and stored in the cloud so it is accessible everywhere from any computer.

Buildersapps: For time keeping http://buildersapps.com/ Tradies: For my diary and onsite admin http://www.contractorsapps.com/ The best thing about the technology on offer nowadays is that it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, by discovering the advantages of having a smart phone and piece by piece the rest will start falling into place. Don’t be afraid to ask others around you for help with technology if you need it and before long you’ll be wondering how you ever did business without it!

Best wishes in your technology journey.

John O’Neill, Builder info@buildersapps.com

Below are some basic apps (applications) that I use on a regular basis.

I have an iPhone and access these from the iTunes store, however the same apps (or very similar) are also available in the Google Play store for those on android phones.

Weather App: I use http://www.yr.no/place/Australia/ which gives me the local weather forecast.

Notes: This is a basic note taking/list-making app that comes with the iPhone—combined of course with my trusty old notebook and pencil, which I still carry in my top pocket.

Calendar: Both a personal calendar and business calendar that can be integrated across your phone and computer and can also be shared with others.

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YEPSKETCH Designed specifically to meet the needs of the specifier, Yepsketch is a single point of reference for all your 3D planning needs across a broad range of categories. The company provides 3D models of componentry together with a range of material selections to suit a variety of residential construction and fit-out requirements to make your 3D images more accurate, more realistic and more engaging.

Included with most 3D images is a PDF with the specification information, installation instructions and product information and all Yepsketch’s 3D images can be applied to your software for direct download into planning tools.

All Yepsketch models are strictly regulated and approved by the manufacturer before they are made available for use so you can be sure the product is accurately reflected in your 3D design.

Whether you are an architect, designer, builder, developer or manufacturer, you can use the Yepsketch service. Registration is free and takes moments to complete.

Yepsketch is now a content developer for the 3D Warehouse, the online content repository for the popular 3D modeling software SketchUp, which boasts more than 30 million users worldwide. For manufacturers, this means a wider base of builders and designers will have access to Yepsketch’s 3D models of their products. For builders, this means a growth in the available resources for your planning and design departments.

Given the changes in requirements for Development Applications planned for 2016, which will see Building Information Management (BIM) data required for DAs, this new relationship with Sketchup will be an invaluable resource.

Managing Director, Jodene Denton says, “At present Yepsketch has more than 60 brands represented on our site with products ranging from appliances, bathware and laundry items to internal and external building components.

Also, as we are not affiliated exclusively with any particular software brand, Yepsketch is able to offer impartial product choice to suit your needs. Images are supplied in eight file formats to ensure you can always find a format that is compatible with your planning software.”

Thanks to its impartial status, Yepsketch simply offers the specifer market with credible and accurate models and textures to assist in a range of planning and design needs.

For more information and to register for free, visit www.yepsketch.com M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4

EMPLOYERS

ARE YOU FINDING IT HARD TO FIND AND RETAIN THE BEST TALENT IN THE

MARKET?

JOBSEEKERS ARE YOU APPLYING FOR THE RIGHT REASONS AND GIVING YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE OF SECURING

THE RIGHT ROLE?

This month Design & Build celebrate 10 years in construction and engineering recruitment in Australia and to toast this success we have put together some useful information to consider for both employers and job seekers when considering hiring or sourcing a new role.

If you are an employer looking to recruit new members for the team or if you are a job seeker looking for a new challenge then please read on…

WANT TO KNOW MORE? If you’re interested in working with a specialist engineering & construction business then contact us today for more information.

DESIGN & BUILD RECRUITMENT Level 1, 92 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9376 8200 Fax: (02) 9376 8299

www.designandbuild.com.au

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Employers – are you finding it hard to find and retain the best talent in the market?

Before you think about hiring, make sure you are hiring for the right reasons • An employee is leaving and you need to replace them. However before you start carry out an exit interview, understand why they are leaving and learn from it • Current employees are stressed are unable to cope with the workload and thus the quality of work is slipping • You are relying increasingly on contract workers/temporary members of staff • You have identified an opportunity for growth and expansion in your industry and your current employees aren’t available to assume additional responsibilities.

What to do to attract the right candidates to your role • Compile an honest and realistic job description of the exact duties you want the new employer to perform • Share your ideas with your colleagues and don’t be afraid to revise until you are happy with the finished article • Do some research into the background, skills and experience of the ideal candidate for the role. This might include education, IT skills, project experience or previous employers • Be realistic on salary and don’t be scared to be upfront with this information. Do your research and do present this information early on in the process • Ensure that this information is then properly communicated and reaches the correct target audience. Take time to research where you advertise and publish your job requirements.

How to conduct interviews and get it right the first time • Do not make the candidate wait, if they’re on time you should be too. Don’t cancel interviews at the last minute • You will now have produced a clear and easy to understand job description. Take this to the interview and use it • Make sure the prospective candidate is easily able to interpret the job description, allow candidates to ask questions about the role, the company and importantly you • Respect a candidate’s time and keep interviews focused on work and the job in hand • Thank the candidate for attending the interview and give them a clear timeframe for when they will receive feedback.

You’ve found your ideal candidate, now make sure you get it right!

• Following the interview, be transparent, set an expectation on time frames, always keeping candidates informed • If you wish to complete a 2nd interview do this within 72 hours if possible, momentum is crucial • Take references from a client (if appropriate for the role), colleague and a sub-contractor they have worked with • Following the final interview have the offer with them within 48 hours • Make sure the offer is your best offer, send a clear signal to them you want them • Allow them to work their notice period, you would expect the same of your employees.

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You’ve now got a great team and don’t want to lose them. Retention – how to keep your employees • Communication, Communication, Communication. Be it weekly, monthly, bi annual or yearly. Work out who needs what and stick to it! Be accessible!

• Coach your employees rather than manage, give your employees the tools and the knowledge to do the job themselves. Empower them to come to you with a problem and solution • Establish performance metrics and targets and make employees accountable for their deliverables. Make sure these targets are contributing and in-line with the overall business goals • Provide opportunities for growth, promote internally before looking externally.

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Jobseekers – are you applying for the right reasons and giving yourself the best chance of securing the right role?

Before you apply for a role • Think carefully about the reasons you are looking to leave your current employer and talk to your current employer to see if anything can be done • Think carefully about the job you want and set you expectations • Be realistic with your expectations on salary, level of role and your qualifications, always seek advice • Do your research on the company before sending out any of your information or details.

The Resume – what are employers looking for?

• Resume Structure • Keep it 3 pages or 4 pages at the absolute maximum. Put yourself in the position of the employer, if they received a 10 page CV do they have 20 minutes to spend reading it?

• Education & Professional Memberships • Your qualifications are essential to most if not all employers. Make sure they are clearly visible on your CV on the first page. Don’t make employers search for them!

• Career History • List your most recent role first; company, job title, employment dates and 6-8 key responsibilities, use bullet points. In addition, list the projects you have worked on and details such as value, duration, key challenges and achievements • Dependant on your experience it is crucial you list all your employers, your role with them and dates worked. Dependant on the length of your career usually 4-6 bullet points outlining your roles and responsibilities will suffice • Personal Interests • List 4 or 5 of your own interests; don’t be afraid to show a personal side unless you go for the Maroons?

• References • Your resume should list 2-3 people.

Your references need to be people that you have worked with before. Provide their name, their position title, and a way that they can be contacted.

The Interview • Write a resignation letter, don’t say too much other than the factual information confirming your dates of departure, don’t be negative and do offer to assist in the transition period • Give notice and understand what is required from you in your contract • Stick to your guns, be prepared for a counter offer and understand how you will manage this process. Do not be made to feel guilty for moving on • Clean up your work station, personal work space and your computer. Log out of any personal websites. Return all work equipment • Be positive, thank your employer and ask for a reference before you depart.

The Resignation Process • Write a resignation letter, don’t say too much other than the factual information confirming your dates of departure, don’t be negative and do offer to assist in the transition period.

• Give notice and understand what is required from you in your contract.

• Stick to your guns, be prepared for a counter offer and understand how you will manage this process. Do not be made to feel guilty for moving on.

• Clean up your work station, personal work space and your computer, log out of any personal websites. Do return all work equipment.

• Be positive, thank your employer and ask for a reference before you depart.

About Design & Build Whether you’re looking for that perfect job or you need someone to fill a crucial role at your company, Design & Build Recruitment has a proven methodology that helps us find the right job for the right person, at the right time.

From our inception in 2004, Design & Build Recruitment has become a leading specialist in the provision of skilled professionals across the construction, engineering and property sectors in both Australian and International markets. We have a proven and extensive track record of partnering with leading employers across the construction & engineering industry in the supply of permanent and temporary staffing solutions.

Design & Build Recruitment is a true market leader and right from the start, we’ve remained true to our core principle: always doing the right thing by both our clients and jobseekers alike. It’s made us who we are today.

Want to know more?

If you’re interested in working with a specialist engineering & construction business then contact us today for more information.

For more information contact: Design & Build Recruitment Level 1, 92 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Phone: 02 9376 8200 Fax: 02 9376 8299

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AGEING IN ONE’S OWN HOME – THE NEW AGED CARE TREND The maturing of the Australian Baby Boomer population is a huge opportunity for home builders.

As this consumer group expands, more and more opportunities will open up for builders who are knowledgeable in home modifications for older Australians and people with mobility impairments.

In the 2010 Intergenerational Report, Treasury predicted an increase in the population aged 65 and over of approximately two-thirds, by 2050.

In 2011, there were three million Australians over the age of 65. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be five million (AIWH 2011a).

Boomers will require healthcare and accommodation provision and modification at a level never experienced before in Australia.

We are in a period where enormous strains are being placed on housing across Australia due to the ageing population. There will be some people who will be able to be accommodated in nursing homes.

Conversely there will be many more that will unfortunately not.

Ageing in place is a term coined more than ten years ago to describe a person living in a residence of their choice for as long as they are able. Surveys from the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare have identified a hugely popular Ageing In Place trend where ninety per cent of people aged over 65 surveyed, reported that they would prefer to stay in their own home as they age.

In response to this Ageing In Place trend, Morris Goding Access Consulting has specifically designed a training and accreditation course for builders Australia wide in undertaking home modifications for older adults and people with mobility impairments.

The course is proposed to incorporate the following: • An overview of the key access challenges of home owners with disabilities and those who are ageing.

• Critical construction information regarding the key elements to consider in home modifications for access upgrade including: entry ramps, stairs, handrails, doorways, turning areas, living room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, bedroom, surfaces, slip resistance, electricals and plumbing.

• When to obtain expert advice from specialists such as Occupational Therapists with regards to bathroom and kitchen modification.

• A case study that will be worked through in class. This will include discussions on design options, construction techniques and approximate cost estimates for various components of the construction.

• Identify the roles and responsibilities of the key stakeholders in the process from beginning to end of the process (the builder, the designer, and the occupational therapist).

Ageing in Place may well be the most financially prudent and essential housing option for older Australians with the physical ability to remain at home, so as a builder take advantage of getting “upskilled and certified NOW”.

Morris Goding Access and Master Builders have partnered to deliver this one day training forum to builders. Make sure you and your company are ahead of the pack, find out more today!

For more information on this one-day skills development course, please call our Training Department on 02 8586 3555.

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Join the Master Builders and Exchange Golf Club

Enjoy a day off with your industry professionals Formed by the Master Builders Association in 1932, the social golf club was developed for those affiliated with the building industry and/or those identified as offering supply or service to the industry.

At any organized golf day, the MB&E Golf Club has around 60 to 80 members, guests and sponsors attend its games.

We offer you an open invitation to play golf and bring your guests along. Join us on any game day of your choice for a round of golf and refreshments.

Join the Golf Club today!

Some of the quality courses we play on in the Sydney Metro area.

Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club Macquarie Links Golf Club St Michaels Golf Club Terrey Hills Golf Club Concord Golf Club New South Wales Golf Club Pymble Golf Club Liverpool Golf Club Cromer Golf Club

For further information please contact: Reynold Sciuriaga 0412 265 938 reynold24@optusnet.com.au or Graeme Degnan (02) 9584 0277 graeme@degnan.com.au or go to http://mbansw.asn.au/About/Social-Clubs

PHONE: (02) 9938 5516

ROB PAGLIUSO MOBILE: 0413 863 883

EMAIL: info@trendconstructions.com.au

www.trendconstructions.com.au

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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Scientific Waterproofing Products Pty Ltd was incorporated in 1993 as a product distribution company to establish markets in the ASEAN region for Drizoro Products. Our long-standing association with suppliers and users means Scientific Waterproofing Products Pty Ltd has unrestricted access to technical knowledge. It is our mission to provide product and technical solutions to problems encountered in the protection of masonry and masonry repair, utilizing the Drizoro Products Repair and Coating Systems.

Drizoro cement-based waterproofing products are non-toxic, and are suitable for all concrete surfaces, bricks, blocks, AAC panels and blocks. These products are ideal for repairing and sealing cementitous surfaces against water penetration and as a protective coating for all concrete and mortar based construction surfaces.

RECENT PROJECTS NSW Underwater escape trainer HMAS Albatross Nowra NSW Regents Place swimming facility Sydney NSW Used by: John Holland; Leightons Contractors; Hornibrook; Baulderstone Pty Ltd

NEW

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Want to get hands on with your super?

Cbus Self Managed is now available Cbus has introduced a new investment option that allows you to get hands on with your super.

With Cbus Self Managed, eligible members can invest their super directly in a range of Australian shares, Exchange Traded Funds and term deposits via a secure online platform.

You get the choice and control of a self-managed super fund (SMSF) without the administration and compliance burden.

To find out more visit www.cbussuper.com.au/cbusselfmanaged Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Contact 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy.

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CLOUD BASED ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE FOR SMALL BUSINESS Cloud based accounting software is growing in popularity every day and the benefits to small business owners in particular can be significant.

Below we have looked at a number of the features of various software providers as well as a detailed look at a feature that is always at the forefront of this topic – security. To meet the increasing demand, more cloud based products are constantly being introduced into the Australian market all with varying features and capabilities. In addition, we are seeing an increase in the number of add-on products, such as inventory management systems, that are being designed to seamlessly integrate with the various software providers. This is creating a list of features that is turning humble desktop accounting software into an invaluable business tool used across all aspects of a business.

What is a ‘cloud based’ accounting system?

Put simply, a cloud based accounting system is where your accounting software and data file is stored and accessed online. They often consist of a smaller monthly access fee rather than a large upfront software cost from your local software retailer. Ongoing upgrades and data backups are then managed by the software provider.

Access to business accounts from anywhere As the data file for your accounting software is stored ‘in the cloud’ rather than on your home computer, you can access your information from any web browser – including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones.

In addition, you are often able to add as many users as you want – allowing others in your business to access your file to create quotes, invoices and process payments as required (that is if you want them to have access).

Being ‘in the cloud’ also enables you to easily share your accounting software with your accountant who will be able to provide more efficient advice on the spot using real time data.

Your accountant will also be able to provide real time support, produce regular management reports using meaningful, up-to-date data and generally be more involved in your business.

Direct bank feeds to reduce data input One of the greatest features of the modern accounting software is bank feeds. You can

have your business bank and credit card transactions delivered directly into your software accurately and securely.

You then have the ability to setup automatic matching rules for the most common transactions such as fuel purchases and phone payments so they code themselves.

E.g. the software will be able to recognise a transaction at Caltex and can automatically code that transaction to ‘Motor Vehicle Fuel’ and include a GST code.

The bank transactions can also automatically match with outstanding invoices and bills as well as integrate with the payroll system to further reduce data processing time.

Direct bank feeds reduce the need for a regular bank reconciliation as all transactions are imported directly from the bank and then independently verified by the software provider. This could dramatically reduce data entry and time.

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Reporting Once all of the data has been entered and reconciled, reports can be produced instantly including: • GST, PAYG and BAS reports • Taxable Payments Annual Report (can also be lodged directly from the software) • Transaction reports filtered by supplier, customer or job

Ability to collect payments on the go By using this relatively new technology, you are able to offer your customers the option of paying you by card. Customers can pay you instantly using EFTPOS, Visa and Mastercard, swipe and sign or chip and sign while you are on the go by using a reader attached to your smartphone. Payments will then hit your bank account in two business days.

In collaboration with your accountant, professional financial statements can also be published on a regular basis using real time data. Some of the available reports include income statements, cash flows, management reports and depreciation schedules. You also have the flexibility to export the report data to a spreadsheet enabling further manipulation and formatting of the data.

Ability to provide quotes and invoices on the go Mobile phone applications that integrate with accounting software allow additional features to be accessed including: • Invoice management so quotes can be converted to invoices at the click of a button and invoices can be created and sent as soon as a job is finished.

• Record keeping tools that allow you to take photos of receipts to attach to transactions in your software as well as creating and submitting expense claims.

• Customer management so you can create, manage and edit contact details of customers and suppliers on the go including links to maps and driving directions.

Job tracking Many of the software providers also have the ability to track specific categories in your business. This may include jobs, departments, regions or salespeople.

Particularly in the building and construction industry, a job tracking system can be extremely beneficial to help you track exactly what you are spending on each job and what margin you’re earning. This will help you identify the jobs that are contributing the most to your bottom line.

Invoices can be completely customised to include logos using professional templates and can include links for instant credit card and PayPal payments. The software can even notify you when the customer has opened the invoice.

Payroll management A fully integrated, efficient payroll management system allows automatic tax table and superannuation updates each year, scheduled pay runs and seamless ABA file creation for internet banking authorisations.

Add-ons In addition to the many standard features available, there are also a growing number of optional add-ons that can manage all aspects of your business by integrating with accounting software.

Pay slips and end of year payment summaries can also be emailed to employees at the click of a button.

For example, Standard Business Reporting (SBR) enabled add-ons allow a business to lodge various government reporting obligations from a single log-in with data pre-filled from your accounting software. Some of these reports include Tax File Number declarations, BAS/IAS variations, PAYG annual report variations and supported monthly and annual payroll tax.

Some software packages can even provide employees with restricted access to view payslips and apply for leave without seeing the rest of the business financials.

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Security Of course one of the biggest questions asked about all of these cloud based accounting software packages is security. How can I be sure that my data is safe and secure?

For these reasons, all of these providers invest heavily into continually improving the security of their data to ensure your sensitive financial information is protected against unauthorised access and system failures.

Some of the security systems in place include SSL certificates, with the same level of global encryption as used in internet banking, firewalls and network security as well as physical security guards on site 24/7. All of this is then reviewed, tested and inspected by regular third party audit specialists. As a further protection, your data is often stored at multiple geographic locations and backed up multiple times a day.

Often, this level of security can be significantly greater than any protection that is currently installed on your home computer, laptop or tablet. Plus, as your data is not stored on your computer, if your laptop crashes or gets lost or damaged, all your data remains completely safe and unaffected.

Ultimately, your own due diligence is recommended to satisfy yourself of the security level and the software’s ability to handle the requirements of your individual business. However, once satisfied, the potential for time and cost savings in your business are substantial. With the ability to reduce data input time and have access to more relevant, up to date financial information on the go that can be easily shared with your accountant, cloud based accounting software is certainly worth the attention of all small business owners.

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Finally, Accounting and Cost Management Software for Small Builders…2Easy!

2Easy is an affordable single user software solution specifically suited to the small builder, tradesperson or hourly rate contractor.

The 2Easy business system is the result of a chance meeting between an experienced, successful builder and an accomplished corporate business analyst; both of whom recognised that there was a need for a single user job cost management system for the small builder.

The solution had to be easy to use and not time consuming, avoiding the need for builders and tradespeople to be deskbound.

Taking simple project management and cost control systems and then integrating this methodology into an accounting system, they developed software which allows builders to maintain full control of their budgets, running their jobs and managing their business.

The 2Easy Jobs module can be used for processing; hourly timesheets, progress claims, variations, prime costs and provisional sums as well as customer invoicing. The system has an extensive number of outputs including reports for; suppliers, customers, job performance, outstanding invoices and many more.

costs on jobs, capture general expenses and manage GST and tax requirements without being an accountant. These days, with small margins, you have to know if your jobs are on track and not wait until the end of the job to find out the bad news.”

Download our software or 45 day FREE trial at www.2easybusiness.com.au

Tasks such as BAS, contractor GST and Annual Tax Reporting can be completed with minimum input with a few clicks of the mouse.

After trialling the 2Easy business software, Master Builder and Project Manager, Mike Lynch said, “It’s been a long time finding a user-friendly accounting system with a jobs module that allows the user to easily record

A VERY AFFORDABLE Single User Business Management Software Designed specifically for the Small Builder, Sole Trader and hourly rate Contractor

SIMPLISTIC IN SETTING UP • Standard set of financial accounts • Standard job cost categories • Standard set of document templates • Clear instruction and support team to assist if required

Download Your 45 day FREE Trial @ 2easybusiness.com.au

SATISFIES ALL YOUR BUSINESS ACCOUNTING NEEDS • Generates Business Activity Statements • ATO Contractor reporting • Tax Agent reports for income, expenses and asset depreciation • Many other reports can be generated including Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statements

MANAGES YOUR BUSINESS PROCESSES OF • Job Cost control • Progress Claims, Variations, Prime Costs and Provisional Sum management and Invoicing.

• Timesheet generated invoices • Cash receipting • Email integration to Customers • A System Dashboard to show outstanding tasks not complete or due

SUBSCRIPTION $450 PLUS GST PER ANNUM

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The Importance of Substrate is defined as: “Any material used as a base over which tiles can be fixed.”

While you can tile over virtually any substrate, such as concrete, old tiles, fibre cement sheets, plasterboard and render they all have one thing in common—the substrate must also be in a sound condition. Think of substrates as the foundations of your house, if the foundation is weak then it will not support the structure above and result in failure. You can prevent this by ensuring proper surface preparation prior to tiling/waterproofing. Substrate preparation instructions are usually printed on the adhesive packaging, so make sure you always read the manufacturer’s instructions first.

Surface preparation for tiling, is like electricity to a light bulb. It is fundamental and essential and it is the tiler’s responsibility to ensure that the substrate is suitable to receive tiles.

Defective tile installations are caused by: • Inadequate substrate preparation • Excessive uneven substrate surfaces • Incorrect application of tile adhesive • Lack of movement joints • Incorrect waterproofing installation • Lack of knowledge • Laziness • Incompatible systems • Too much deflection in substrate • In correct mixture of material Installation longevity always depends on a number of factors and surface preparation to avoid moisture is the most common. Tile installers not only have to try to protect the tile from warping, twisting and any number of other delaminating conditions, they also have to adjust their craft to the size of the room, tile choice and surface material. Perhaps, if tilers were builders, they would build the bathroom to match the exact dimensions of the client’s tile choice.

However, no discussion about surface preparation can be offered without including waterproofing, which also seems to be quite a controversial and complicated subject in itself. There are so many products on the market, all professing to be ‘the’ product—some claiming to be great for this, others great for that. For example, some water proofing preparations are specific to particular surfaces and sub-structures.

There are two general types: 1. Those that have a mortar bed applied over, such as: • Clay Bricks • Masonry Blocks • Concrete • Structural Particle Board Floor (minimum thickness 19mm) • Timber Framed Floors 2. Those that have tiles applied directly with adhesive over, such as: • Plywood for walls and floors (minimum thickness 10mm) • Fibre cement sheets for walls (minimum thickness 6mm) • Fibre cement underlay sheets for floors (minimum thickness 6mm) • In commercial applications the minimum thickness of fibre cement sheets is 10mm • Gypsum plasterboard sheets (minimum thickness 10mm) • Render • Concrete NOTE: It is advised to seek a timber manufacturer’s approval first before direct fixing to any Timber AS3958.1 CLAY BRICKS Tiles that are to be fixed to clay bricks should be fixed by one of three methods: • Hand fixed with mortar.

• Float and dope with mortar and neat cement.

• Rendered and the tiles fixed with adhesive.

In all methods the bricks should be prepared by sweeping, then wetting them down with water to reduce suction. A scratch coat of three parts plastering sand and one part cement may be applied to the bricks to either reduce the suction or create suction on silicondipped bricks. (Lime may be added in some states). Painted bricks should be hacked to expose as much brick as possible.

MASONRY BLOCKS • Adhesive may be used to fix tiles over well-aligned blocks.

• The blocks should be swept clean and the recommended primer applied.

• Blocks that require mortar fixing should be swept clean.

• A fluid dash coat of two parts plastering sand and one part cement is then applied to the surface with a brush or tyrolean gun (the dash coat gives a good key for the render).

An analogy is to think of tiling as being similar to a silk cloth over a granite rock. It is a surface ‘dressing’ only.

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CONCRETE It is recommended in AS3958.1 that concrete that is to be tiled over with a mortar bed should be finished with a wood float then left to cure for six weeks.

NOTE: Do not use curing compound on the concrete as the curing compounds are usually oil based and may impair adhesion of mortar or adhesives.

Once cured the concrete surface should be swept clean then wet down to reduce the suction. When the suction is considered to be under control, neat cement is sprinkled over the wet concrete. Use a broom to sweep the neat cement into the water. The resultant mixture is swept over the complete surface of the concrete—this mixture is called a slurry coat. Mortar should be applied while the slurry coat is wet (this application is more suitable for floors). For concrete walls, a bonding agent should be painted onto the surface, and while tacky, a scratch coat consisting of three parts plastering sand and one part cement should be applied.

If a concrete floor is too smooth then the surface may have to be either hacked or a bonding agent should be added to the slurry. This should be screeded over before the slurry containing the bonding agent dries.

STRUCTURAL PARTICLEBOARD AND TIMBER FRAMED FLOORS • Use building paper or plastic sheeting to protect the floor from water in the mortar and as a separating layer.

• Use either expanded metal lathing or chicken wire as reinforcement.

• Overlap all joins by at least 50mm.

• If the wire is not overlapped the tiled floor is likely to crack over each join in the wire.

• The minimum thickness of a mortar tiled floor over particleboard or timber is 40mm.

PREPARATION OF SURFACES FOR TILING WITH ADHESIVE PLYWOOD • Plywood that is used as a substrate for tiling should be well nailed or screwed to eliminate excessive movement.

• It should be dry, clean and free of grease and oil.

• Plywood is not recommended for wet areas.

FIBRE CEMENT SHEETS FOR WALLS • Wall sheets that are fixed horizontally should have noggins provided behind every horizontal joint.

• If sheets are fixed vertically then noggins should be fixed at 600mm centres maximum.

• 30mm x 28mm fibre cement sheets nailed at 150mm centres should be used to attach the sheets 6mm above the floor.

• Vertical corners that are within 1.5m of the shower rose and where the sheets meet the bath should have a 2mm clearance to allow for a suitable sealant to be inserted.

• The vertical corner should also be backed with a flashing strip in wet areas such as shower recesses.

• Joints in shower areas that are to be tiled should only be filled with base coat and paper tape applied.

NOTE: Do not apply topping coat where tiles are being fixed as adhesive does not bond to topping coat. Also the topping coat is water soluble.

FIBRE CEMENT UNDERLAY FOR FLOOR TILING • The sheets should be laid brick pattern and set out so the joints between the sheets do not coincide with the joints between floorboards.

• Leave a 3mm gap between the sheets and walls and fill with a sealant.

GYPSUM PLASTERBOARD • In wet areas such as laundries and bathrooms, it is recommended that water resistant plasterboard be used and fixed with either nails or screws at 200mm centres.

• Plasterboard is not recommended for shower recesses because gypsum tends to rot if wet.

• A sealant should be used in joints at internal corners, around baths and taps.

• As with fibre cement sheets, joints between sheets should be filled with bedding compound and paper tape.

• Do not use topping cement on joints that are to be tiled over as adhesive is unlikely to bond to the topping cement.

• To prepare plasterboard for tiling the board should be clean free from oil, grease and any other contaminants, then prime the bedding compound.

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RENDER • If using adhesive to tile over render, the render should be left to cure for at least seven days.

• The render should be plumb, straight and flat and finished with a wood float.

• The wall should be clean and free from dust, oil and grease.

• Prime the wall if porous or if required by the adhesive instructions.

CONCRETE • Concrete should be dry, clean, free from dust, oil and grease.

• If oil, grease or curing agents are present they should be removed by strong commercial detergent or by hacking.

• Uneven concrete may be straightened by using a levelling compound.

• Smooth concrete may be acid etched but care must be taken to ensure that enough water is flushed onto the floor to remove all the acid.

• Prime the concrete surface if required.

• The use of primers is not always a pre-requisite for tiling with adhesive but some primers do promote a good bond between adhesive and substrates.

• Remember that there is a difference between a primer and a bonding agent.

Bonding agents are used by tilers to assist adhesion between: • Mortar and concrete • Tiles and mortar • Adhesives and substrate • The bonding agents most commonly used are PVA water based agents and acrylic resins.

These products however, are not recommended for use in areas where constant moisture is present because they are soluble in water.

Adhesive manufacturers also produce primers and recommend that they be used to prepare surfaces prior to tiling with adhesive. Primers are usually water-based latex liquids that are used undiluted to: • Seal porous surfaces, such as fibre cement sheeting, plasterboard jointing, concrete and cement render.

• Assist the bonding of adhesives.

• Clean the surface.

Efflorescence Efflorescence is one of the most visual and obstinate defects that can occur with any tile or stone installation. It is caused by water entering porous cement based material where ‘free lime’ (calcium hydroxide) and other salts are present and become dissolved. This salt laden solution migrates to an exit point where the water evaporates, leaving the salts behind to form unsightly calcium carbonate deposits. The key to preventing efflorescence is to limit water entry and to control water egress. Manuals such as the Master Builders Association’s waterproofing guides are an excellent reference for key design considerations. Since their publication, new concrete additives have also emerged that claim to prevent this problem.

So, preparation for tiling or waterproofing is not always a simple case of washing and priming walls before tiling. Painted surfaces need to be stripped, smooth concrete may need to be roughened, old tiles and their beds may need to be removed and rendered surfaces may need to be hacked to remove plaster finishes to which mortar or adhesive may not adhere.

For more information contact The Australian Master Tilers Association or visit www.mastertilers.org

Primer is applied with a sponge, paint roller or brush—a sponge will apply the primer whilst also cleaning the surface. For ease of application, use a paint roller or broom on concrete floors.

Note: The primer should be dry before commencement of tiling.

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Hear what our customers are saying about Waterstop Streamline I am happy to give my recomm endation to use Waters top Streamline.

It is the only modern looking product that I have se en that positi vely connects the shower screen to the waterproofing in a completely leak free way. ..

Mr Albert Aebe rhard Builder, Hotondo Homes Group AC

s oduct new pr ry it y n a t o m indus With s n our i ime to r t e f d fin o on of t t l all. icu is diff tigate them inves made lad we g y r e v e.

We are for this on time

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Waterstop is easy to order with efficient delivery.

It has given us the edge on our competitors and is our preferre d method of waterproofing and tiling showers.

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There has been an increasing interest shown in air conditioners in recent times. In particular, it appears that the penetration (and ownership) of air conditioners has increased substantially in most states over the past few years and a number of states are experiencing peak load problems during hot weather, in part due to the rapid increase in air conditioner numbers in use.

The sharp increase in air conditioner ownership since 1999 has started to create peak load supply problems for some electricity utilities in some states. This is of particular concern because the peak loads generated by air conditioners can be very large and of short duration, which tends to result in poor utilisation of fixed assets. In addition, the generation and distribution system tends to be at its lowest capacity during very hot weather when air conditioner demands are likely to be at a maximum.

Improved energy efficiency measures such as insulation can only create benefits for Australia’s future. To invest billions of dollars in new power stations in a poorly insulated Australia to meet the two or three days of peak power load per year is to perpetuate the energy waste and inefficient practices of the past and present. As part of the solution retrofitting insulation in the 30 percent of existing Australian homes that are uninsulated or poorly insulated is essential.

Australian homes remain some of the least energy efficient in the developed world. Even the 6 Star Building Code of Australia, which incorporates such design and material features as building orientation, insulation and glazing only requires insulation levels at around 60 percent of those of homes in the USA located in similar climate zones.

The proportion of Australian households with insulation increased from 61 percent in 2008 to 69 percent in 2011. The states showing the largest increase were Queensland and New South Wales (15 and 10 percentage points respectively). An estimated 70 percent of Australian households indicated that their main reason for installing insulation was to 'achieve comfort' Why Insulate? – General Principles It is well recognised by the building profession and consumers that correctly installed insulation in buildings is fundamental to achieving the required levels of comfort and acceptable levels of energy efficiency.

What has been less recognised – but now becoming more apparent – is the added health benefits and health cost savings achieved by properly insulated buildings. Whereas thermal efficiency and cost savings are quantifiably recognised in building design, thermal health may be an even more significant social and economic consideration.

Comfort Insulation is all about maintaining a controlled temperature within a building. Fundamentally, insulation acts to reduce the rate of heat flow from areas of higher temperature (e.g. the heated interior of a dwelling) to areas of lower temperature (e.g. the exterior of a dwelling during a cold winter’s day). By limiting such heat flows, either out of a building in the winter or into the building in the summer it is possible to reduce the need for and size of space conditioning (i.e. energy) as a means of maintaining acceptable internal comfort conditions for the dwelling’s occupants.

Unwanted noise can negatively impact the comfort and health of

occupants. Many bulk insulation materials can deliver both thermal comfort and significant noise reduction. Correctly specified bulk insulation fitted to the building envelope (and party walls if appropriate) will reduce the ingress of external nuisance noise. There are also noticeable thermal and acoustic benefits from installing appropriate insulation in internal walls, which will allow more effective zoning of thermal and acoustic comfort inside the premises. The decision to do this most economically must be made at the time of construction.

Energy and CO2-e Abatement Savings The level of dollar savings and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will depend on the design, size and climatic location of the building.

The table below estimates the potential annual savings of an average insulated Australian home. Given that there are over eight million dwellings in Australia, the potential annual national savings are $600 million for household energy, 7.1 million tonnes of CO2-e abatement and reductions in very expensive peak energy loading requirements.

Properly installed ceiling insulation is particularly effective in limiting heat flow from inside a dwelling to outside, as natural convective currents mean that the highest internal temperatures (and hence the site for potentially the greatest heat flows) are at the ceiling.

Furthermore, because roof spaces can become exceedingly hot in the summer (>50oC), ceiling insulation is also effective in limiting heat flow from the roof space down into the dwelling.

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You’re onto a winner with

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*Standard trade rates for all products were sourced from a single distributor; accessories such as tape, joist saddles and floor saddles were included where applicable. Product rates may vary. For full costing, contact Kingspan Insulation.

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ENERGY AND CO2-e ABATEMENT SAVINGS Ceilings

Top-Up Existing Ceiling Insulation

Walls

Floors

$ Savings p.a.

300

49 Â $12

39

Star rating improvement with insulation

2.2

0.5 Â $60

0.2

GHG savings in tonnes p.a. (t CO2-e) p.a.

0.93

0.15 Â $75

0.11

Source: The value of Insulation Based Residential Energy Savings Measures in Australia.

Prepared by Energy Efficient Strategies September 2012.

Wall, and to a lesser extent, floor insulation will also have a beneficial effect on heat flows into and out of the dwelling. Ceiling insulation does, however, typically offer the greatest benefit for the least cost. This is in part a result of the fact that the retrofitting of ceiling insulation to a ceiling space is typically a simpler and therefore cheaper process (particularly in the case of the most common form of roof the attic style roof) than is the case for either wall or floor insulation retrofit.

Similarly, well insulated flexible ducting offers an effective barrier to heat loss (during heating) or heat gain (during cooling) from or to the conditioned air within the ductwork. In older, poorly insulated and sealed ductwork up to half the heating or cooling energy can be lost in its transmission from the central heater/cooler to the interior of the home.

Public Health The right insulation correctly installed can significantly improve comfort and health in the home. Installed insulation helps provide controlled comfort levels at a reduced energy cost while protecting the quality of life

insulation will be below 16oC for 42 percent of hours. Similar results are observed in other climates. In warmer climates the reduction of hot temperatures will help to relieve heat stress for the aged, young or infirm.

Low indoor temperatures can also lead to mould growth, particularly in conjunction with poor ventilation as often occurs in cold weather.

Mould is acknowledged as a contributor to allergies and respiratory conditions. Insulation greatly reduces the chance of mould growth (WHO 2009). Research conducted in New Zealand (Chapman et al 2009) involving 1400 homes and nearly 5000 people, found that people living in insulated homes that were warmer and drier reported a significant improvement in the health of adults and children compared to people living in the uninsulated homes.

Adults and children living in well insulated homes reported less visits to their GP and were admitted less often to hospital for respiratory conditions. Adults were also significantly less likely to report sick days off work, and children were less likely to have days off school.

An evaluation of New Zealand Government subsidised insulation programme, using a sample of the 47,000 retrofitted homes, found a cost-benefit ratio of 4:1. This meant that the New Zealand Government saved $4 for every $1 spent on its insulation programme. These savings resulted from improvements in occupant health, lower energy bills and less unemployment benefits having to be paid.

for the elderly and socially disadvantaged.

Until recently, houses in Australia have been constructed to quite poor energy efficiency standards. Such houses experience greater extremes of internal temperatures. A study of Victorian houses undertaken to explore the impact of the1990 Victorian regulation to install ceiling insulation in new houses showed an average performance of 0.9 stars in 1991 and 2.2 stars in 1999 (EES 2000).

The World Health Organisation has stated that if house temperatures fall below 16oC the occupants potentially face a number of health issues such as an increased incidence of respiratory illness. A 5 star house in Melbourne will be below 16oC for only 28 percent of the time and predominantly during sleeping hours. The same house without ceiling

Heat events have killed more people than any other natural hazard experienced in Australia over the last 200 years. A number of Australian cities (Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide in particular) have experienced significant deaths in heat events since the turn of the century; like those of January 2009. Population growth and ageing, increasing urbanisation and climate change will add to the risks.

Installing home insulation can help reduce mortality among the elderly during heat waves. In a 2013 research report by the University of South Australia the findings show that recent spells of consecutive days of hot weather have led to increased mortality rates for the more vulnerable in the community as well as increased thermal discomfort generally.

The report has singled out that using suitable insulation materials and

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suitable roofing systems are the key features for improving heat wave resistance and reducing air conditioning requirements. Similarly, new medical research from the French Institute of Public Health Surveillance.

Researchers investigated the causes of thousands of excess deaths during a severe heat wave that hit France in August 2003. They found that 35 per cent of the sample died of heat related factors. They identified that a lack of thermal building insulation was a main risk factor associated with the deaths of elderly people.

Considerable international research has also shown multiple spin-off benefits to the health and wellbeing and productivity for people living in thermally comfortable housing, which directly reduced the demand on burdened health systems. Additionally, landlords benefit from longer tenancy period for retrofitted insulated properties which have been shown to deliver reductions in property management costs and increases rental income.

costs and comfort benefits and energy savings start immediately and continue for the life of the building. Investment payback on consumer energy savings alone is on average around five years.

All insulation products have a relatively light environmental footprint. As an example, glasswool insulation is manufactured from around 80 per cent recycled glass. The energy saved by glasswool insulation over its installed lifetime is estimated to be 400 times greater than the energy required to manufacture the original products.

References ABS (2011) Environmental Issues: Energy Use and Conservation March 2011 AGO (2007) An Assessment of the Need to Adapt Buildings for the Unavoidable Consequences of Climate Change, BRANZ - Report to AGO/DEWR, August 2007.

Chapman, R Howden-Chapman, P Viggers, H O’Dea D Kennedy M (2009)

Improved Property Value To evaluate the impact of improved thermal performance and therefore star rating of a house really requires the underpinning of a mandatory disclosure system as exists in the ACT. A study by the ABS for DEWHA using hedonic pricing analysis to model the relationship between energy efficiency rating and house price, found that the association on average between price and energy rating for detached dwellings built prior to 1996 (when 4 star energy performance standards were introduced in the ACT) was 1.23 percent of price for each 0.5 EER star in 2005 and 1.91 percent of price in 2006, holding all other variables constant (DEWHA 2008). The total sample over the two years was over 5,000 dwellings, generally with energy ratings in the range 0 – 3 stars. In approximate terms, this means each energy rating star added about three percent to sales prices, or about $11,000 for a house at the median price.

Retrofitting houses with insulation: a cost/benefit analysis of a randomised

The study showed that in the ACT, ceiling insulation adds about 2 stars to the dwelling energy rating. While there can be no guarantee that the ACT results would be replicated in all States, particularly those with milder climates and lower conditioning energy requirements, the recent rises in energy costs could be expected to improve market responses to energy ratings. In the ACT, the cost of a 2 star improvement through the retrofit of ceiling insulation is of the order of just 10 percent of the expected return on investment (i.e. higher sale price).

WHO (2009) DAMP AND MOULD: Health risks, prevention and remedial actions,

The report acknowledged how difficult it is to exactly allocate how much the improved rating is worth as the improvements can have both thermal and non-thermal benefits. For example, double glazing is valued for more than just its contribution to thermal performance (e.g. noise reduction) and eaves deliver more than shading (e.g. protection of walls against water damage).

community trial, J Epidemiol Community Health 2009;63;271-277, BMJ Collins, K (1986) Low indoor temperatures and morbidity in the elderly, Journal of Age and Ageing, Vol 15, No. 4, Oxford University Press EES (2000) Study Of The Impact Of Minimum Energy Performance Requirements For Class 1 Buildings In Victoria for the AGO and EEV Pricewaterhouse Coopers Australia (2011): Protecting human health and safety during severe and extreme heat events.

University of Adelaide (2013): A framework for adaption of Australian households to heat waves.

WHO Europe Williamson (2009) An Investigation of the Potential Health benefits from Increasing Energy Efficiency Stringency Requirement in the Building Code of Australia, T Williamson, E Grant, A Hansen, D Pisaniello, D Andamon (University of Adelaide) – Report to Australian Building Codes Board, September 2009

Insulation Council Of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ) based this article on The Value of Insulation Based Residential Energy Savings Measures report by Energy Efficient Strategies Pty Ltd. The full report was commissioned by ICANZ, and is available online at: icanz.org. au/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/The-Value-of-Insulation-BasedResidential-Energy-Savings-Measures.pdf

A Sustainable Investment Any investment decision should consider total costs (initial investment and up-keep costs) and total available benefits. Technically speaking insulation is green because it saves energy. One of the major benefits of installing insulation is that it will last the life of the building and is a onceonly cost. To put this into perspective the average Australian home will last for around 70 years. Once installed insulation has no maintenance

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directory ALUMINIUM

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Manufacturing to meet your unique specifications and aesthetic preference, RJS Aluminium guarantees quality workmanship across all products within our extensive range. Our unparalleled customer service also means that when you choose RJS Aluminium, your satisfaction is assured.

Since the company's inception, RJS Aluminium have custom designed and manufactured products for a range of outstanding projects, including EDO project by award winning architects Stanisic Associates, Luxury Residential Unit SOHO Apartments and Cote d' Azur Apartments.

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directory 135 CONCRETE

CONCRETE BENCHTOPS CONCRETE VANITIES POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORS GFRC WALL PANELS

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136

directory PUMPS

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directory 137 VEHICLES

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138

directory CRANES

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what’s new 139

BUILDERS TRUST HOMEGUARD TERMITE SECURITY – FROM THE GROUND UP! When you’re making decisions about termite management options for your commercial or residential construction projects, put HomeGuard Precision Termite Management to work. No other system is more effective, more versatile, more reliable or better value for you and your client, plus HomeGuard is backed by the FMC Million Dollar 25 year manufacturer’s warranty.

HomeGuard’s comprehensive range of versatile components provide protection for a wide range of structural scenarios; it is a tried and proven system that blocks, repels and kills termites. Available in full under slab, perimeter cavity and DPC sheets, collars, granules, and adhesive. A flexible collar has now been added to the range. This collar will suit a range of diameters where as the original collar is not adjustable. Both collar styles will remain in the range.

HomeGuard will not wick when exposed to moisture, split or corrode like other physical barriers and is manufactured from materials

designed to last the life of the building.

The HomeGuard System is both user and environmentally friendly, is non-sensitizing and requires no special safety equipment when it is installed. HomeGuard stays where it is placed, is sealed within the structure of the building and will not affect your clients, their pets or any aspect of the built environment. HomeGuard is quick, easy and safe to use and won’t hold up other trades people on site.

Australian made HomeGuard is CodeMark Certified and BCA approved.

All this makes HomeGuard the preferred choice for many of Australia’s leading builders.

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Or for more information free-call 1800 066 355 or visit www.homeguardptm.com.au

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WORKING WITH ASBESTOS? MANAGE THE RISK Materials containing asbestos are present in many residential and commercial buildings throughout Australia. When performing asbestos removal work or handling products and materials that contain asbestos, you require high levels of personal protection.

3M meets this need with its launch of four new convenient respiratory and body protection kits designed to manage varying levels of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust.

“The right personal protective equipment is essential to protect your health when working with asbestos, as asbestos-related diseases are responsible for an increasing number of deaths from mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Asbestos has also been linked to other diseases including lung cancer, laryngeal cancer and ovarian cancer,” said Terry Gorman, 3M Senior Occupational Hygienist.

The two new negative pressure Asbestos/ Dust Respirator Kits offer a choice of either a 3M™ Full Face or Half Face Reusable Respirator and appropriate filters. The half face kit also includes a pair of 3M™ Safety Glasses.

3M’s positive pressure kits allow a choice between either a ready-to-use Face Mounted or Belt Mounted Full Face Respirator System. Both kits also include a 3M™ Disposable Coverall.

SHIFT, LIFT, TIP & DUMP WITH A CORMIDI DUMPER 600KG types of buildings, including factories built or refurbished before 1985. Workers who may be exposed to asbestos include carpenters, plumbers, electricians and cable installers.

Home renovators also have the potential to be exposed to asbestos when working on older homes.

“Friable (crumbly) asbestos should only be removed or handled by suitably trained and certified workers,” said Terry Gorman.

3M backs its safety solutions with comprehensive customer support and professional technical resources to assist with safety management, product selection and training needs.

For more information contact: Phone: 136 136 Website: www.3m.com/au/ppeasbestos

Makinex have recently launched the Cormidi 60 narrow access dumper with a petrol engine giving contractors more choice in machine configuration. Powered by a Honda GX270 motor, the new Cormidi 60 allows easy access into tight spaces from 700mm width such as doorways and in between houses.

With a tipping height of 1.7m, this handy machine can dump materials directly into skip bins or utes without the need for hand shovelling. It also features a ride-on platform for operators to efficiently transport materials from A to B saving manual labour, time and back strain.

The rocking roller undercarriage system allows for maneuverability over rocks, logs and uneven surfaces, and can even traverse on steep terrain up to 20°.

For a mini dumper that allows access into the narrowest of spaces whilst increasing your productivity, contact Makinex.

For more information contact: Phone: 1300 795 953 Website: www.makinex.com.au

People most at risk from asbestos exposure are those carrying out maintenance, repair or refurbishment work or asbestos removal in all

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what’s new

ENHANCE, WATERPROOF, SEAL & PROTECT WITH CROMMELIN, THE WATERPROOFING AND SEALING SPECIALIST Crommelin is an Australian owned manufacturer of premium quality waterproofing and sealing products with a 50 year history of developing systems specifically engineered for Australian conditions.

BUILD SOLAR INTO YOUR NEXT PROJECT With the introduction of their Pre-Wired Solar Kits, Rainbow Power Company have streamlined and simplified going off-grid.

The dramatic reduction in the cost of solar, and the constant rise in power prices, has made living with solar the most cost effective energy solution for any new residential and commercial build.

The economics of solar become even more compelling if the site has no current electrical connection. Each new on-grid connection now requires the installation of a transformer – a connection which costs $20,000 or more! Why not steer that money towards an independent solar power system?

Providing a customised design service based on your client’s energy needs, RPC manufacture and program individual solar power systems to suit specific installation requirements Each pre-wired solar kit system comes with a comprehensive installation manual and is designed to be installed by a local electrician with no specialist solar knowledge or equipment.

For nearly 30 years RPC has been designing & supplying cost effective offgrid power solutions across Australia and the Pacific region, with a well-established distribution network ensuring rapid delivery of equipment.

RPC offers unparalleled support to successfully complete your project.

Excellent after-sales service comes from an experienced technical & sales team who draw upon extensive practical experience to assist people living off the grid. This education process also includes free admission to the RPC “Living with Solar” weekend workshop.

For more information contact RPC to discuss how your next build can incorporate the benefits of solar: Web: www.rpc.com.au Phone: +612 6689 1430 Fax: +612 6689 1109

“RPC made the whole process so easy …

We didn’t even think of solar until our builder suggested it and now we have a brilliant new system supplying all our power needs for less than the price of a grid connection.”

- K.S., QLD

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Crommelin is the specialist supplier of: • Liquid applied waterproofing membranes • Sealers • Anti-Grafitti Coatings • Asbestos Encapsulation Systems • Floor Finishes • Concrete Admixtures With extensive commercial construction experience, supported by a team of technical professionals, the Crommelin brand has long been associated with premium performance.

To ensure the highest level of service and support, Crommelin is excited to announce the opening of the Crommelin NSW Service Centre, centrally located in Rydalmere.

Offering full product availability, convenient stock pick up or delivery options and local expert advice and training, the Crommelin NSW State Service Centre is supported by both commercial construction and reseller business development representatives.

For further information about the Crommelin range, organise an appointment to meet the NSW team, or to place an order, just give us a call.

Phone: +61 89458 5711 Fax: +61 89451 4749 7 Day Technical Support: 1800 655 711 Email: sales@crommelin.com.au Web: www.crommelin.com.au

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COURTYARD ARCHITECTURAL MOULDINGS Decorative, lightweight cement mouldings for the external surfaces of modern or heritage buildings, Courtyard manufactures original solid lightweight cement mouldings, not polystyrene mouldings. The heritage and conservation department accepts these as replacements for original mouldings.

Courtyard Mouldings are cut, drilled and sanded with wood working tools and are user friendly.

Our mouldings are cost effective and the flexible manufacturing service we provide caters well for the designers of individually constructed or replacement of mouldings on Heritage Buildings.

Courtyard Mouldings are fire resistant and will not burn, ideal for the building in high bush fire related areas.

Courtyard Mouldings come in paint grade, limestone or sandstone finish, which does not require painting. Courtyard Mouldings are used and installed by carpenters, tilers, gyprock fixers, plasterers and are D.I.Y friendly.

Our mouldings include: • Architraves • Parapets • Banding • Skirtings • Corbles • Scocia • Columns • Window Sills • Quoining • Bullnosing • Arches For more information contact Graham Bush: Phone: 02 6332 5299 Fax: 02 6332 5977 Email: info@courtyarddecor.com.au Website: www.courtyarddecor.com.au

BORAL: THE HIDDEN BEAUTY OF BRICK

KINGSPAN INSULATION

With advantages in durability, sustainability, energy efficiency and stylish design, brick is more than just a pretty face when building a new home.

According to the Government’s Your Home website, up to 20% of heat can be lost through the floors in winter. In a recent test of installation times of a number of different underfloor insulation products, Kingspan’s Air-Cell Permifloor® 500 came out on top as the easiest and fastest to install. Three different products were installed in a 36 m2 suspended timber-framed floor: glasswool underfloor insulation batts, foil-faced polystyrene boards, and Air-Cell Permifloor® 500.

A classic choice for building, brick is one of the most durable options available for residential homes. “Clay bricks can last in excess of 50 years without requiring painting or maintenance, making them a worthwhile investment when building or renovating,” said David Bird, general manager of Boral Bricks.

For a home that is naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter, brick is an ideal choice and can contribute to significant savings in the household power bill.

Research by the University of Newcastle found that bricks’ ability to absorb, store and release heat because of its thermal mass makes it a very energy efficient and sustainable building material. Double-walled brick homes offer the greatest efficiency, and when combined with passive design concepts such as home orientation, airflow, and solar power, a home can require minimal active heating and cooling.

Made from naturally occurring clay deposits, brick is free from contaminants and naturally resistant to pests and fire. Better yet, bricks are easily reusable and recyclable for a solution that is easier on the environment.

Boral bricks are available in a wide variety of colours, textures, shapes and sizes. The bricks are kiln-fired up to 1130°C, locking in colour for the life of the brick. Bricks are available in standard, 50mm and double height sizes.

Contact: 1300 360 255 Website: www.boral.com.au

The installation of Permifloor® 500 was timed at 27 minutes, with the glasswool underfloor insulation batts coming in a close second at 28 minutes. Meanwhile, the foil-faced polystyrene boards took 83 minutes to install.

Kingspan Insulation Marketing Manager, Mr. Karim Muri, says saving time is an important factor for builders and contractors.

“Based on these results, if you consider an installation of a whole house of say 250 square metres, Permifloor® 500 could take just over three hours, while foil-faced polystyrene boards could take nine hours,” he says. “And compared to glasswool batts, it’s more comfortable to install because it’s fibrefree and doesn’t itch.”

Pre-cut to 500 mm widths, Kingspan Air-Cell Permifloor® 500 is designed for an easy fit between standard timber joists at 450 mm centres. Wastage is minimised and while tape might be needed, no support accessories, such as saddles, are required.

The product also has unique perforations, which allow excess moisture to drain, acting as a 2-in-1 insulation and moisture management solution.

Contact: 1300 247 235 Email: info@kingspaninsulation.com.au Website: kingspaninsulation.com.au

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4

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the way we were

WHAT THE MBA SAID on January 11, 1919.

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N O F N S W S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4

EMPLOYERS

ARE YOU FINDING IT HARD TO FIND AND RETAIN THE BEST TALENT IN THE

MARKET?

JOBSEEKERS ARE YOU APPLYING FOR THE RIGHT REASONS AND GIVING YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE OF SECURING

THE RIGHT ROLE?

This month Design & Build celebrate 10 years in construction and engineering recruitment in Australia and to toast this success we have put together some useful information to consider for both employers and job seekers when considering hiring or sourcing a new role.

If you are an employer looking to recruit new members for the team or if you are a job seeker looking for a new challenge then please read on…

WANT TO KNOW MORE? If you’re interested in working with a specialist engineering & construction business then contact us today for more information.

DESIGN & BUILD RECRUITMENT Level 1, 92 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9376 8200 Fax: (02) 9376 8299

www.designandbuild.com.au

Official Magazine of the Master Builders Association of NSW | Issue Four | Sep - Oct 2014