-
Current at: 12 January 2009
How to avoid rust (Nat)
Corrosion of metal is a very complex subject. Several issues are presented in this information sheet to highlight how to select the right fastners for the right conditions.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 09 January 2009
Small quantities of hand mixed concrete (Nat)
The requirements for smaller concrete jobs are subject to the same strength and quality requirements as for pre-mixed concrete. Yet there seems to be a lack of knowledge about how to estimate the raw materials for smaller volumes of hand mixed concrete and subsequently there sometimes ends up being a loss of quality, particularly strength in the finished product.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 09 January 2009
Drawing standards: dimensioning of ceiling heights (Nat)
The standard practice when dimensioning floor plans is to show room size dimensions between the structural components of the walls and not include internal wall linings, for example plasterboard or wall tiling. However for ceiling heights, there is some difference of opinion within the building industry as to whether the dimension includes floor and ceiling linings or finishes.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 09 January 2009
Building using other peoples plans (Nat)
Builders are often asked to provide a construction price for plans and specifications prepared by another person. It is important to remember that these plans may not be totally accurate in relation to construction details and/or material selection – no one is perfect.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 09 January 2009
AS 1684 - Timber framing manual: Simplified or not? (Nat)
HIA receives many enquiries in relation to the residential timber framing manual or AS 1684 as to which is the better document to adopt, the simplified version or AS 1684 Part 4 or the standard version that part 4 was based on, AS 1684 part 2. The following information may assist members to choose.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 10 November 2008
Check Measure Guide
There are certain circumstances when taking measurements on site does not
achieve the degree of accuracy required for complex work to be carried out off
site.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 07 November 2008
Guide to Bathroom Planning (Members Only)
(Enter a short description of the information sheet)
Click for more information
-
Current at: 08 October 2008
Concrete En-Counter (Nat)
Concrete is one of the easiest products to customise, it can be ground, polished, stamped, or stained, you can have glass, marble chips or other objects embedded in it. You can mould and sculpt it to create your own exclusive design and turn a rudimentary kitchen bench top into a distinctive piece of art.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 08 October 2008
Non-structural overlay Natural Timber Strip Flooring (Nat)
Natural timber floors, just like all quality products, must be handled, stored, installed and maintained with care to ensure excellent service. This leaflet answers many of the most asked questions about overlay natural timber floors and highlights important precautions and considerations which you should discuss with your flooring supplier, builder and/or installer before you proceed.
This information has been developed and supplied by Timber Development Association (NSW), www.timber.net.au and HIA makes no representation as to its accuracy, currency or completeness. The information is provided on the basis that you undertake your own assessment as to its suitability for your purposes.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 08 October 2008
Timber floor finishes and maintenance (Nat)
Timber floor finishes can be grouped into three broad categories. These are oil-based finishes, solvent borne polyurethane finishes and water borne finishes. The various finishes and their properties are summarised in the accompanying table.
This information has been developed and supplied by Timber Development Association (NSW), www.timber.net.au and HIA makes no representation as to its accuracy, currency or completeness. The information is provided on the basis that you undertake your own assessment as to its suitability for your purposes.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 29 September 2008
Retaining walls - things to think about? (Nat)
Retaining walls are a common feature of many backyards and whilst they may be a small part of the building work, it is important that they are built to suit the block of land and to ensure their safety.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 29 September 2008
Airlocks for sanitary compartments - when are they required?
The question is often asked if it is required to install an airlock between a kitchen and a sanitary facility.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 29 September 2008
Floor and wall tiling - potential problems and solutions (Nat)
When tiling walls and floors, there are a few tips that can help you avoid some of the common problems and perhaps give you some ideas to help your next tiling job go smoothly.
Click for more information
-
Current at: 12 September 2008
The BCA: A performance document
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is referred to as a ‘performance based’ document that provides flexibility when designing a building. But what does this degree of flexibility mean for those designing and constructing buildings and how can this be utilised in a practical sense?
Click for more information
-
Current at: 11 September 2008
Cold Weather Concreting (Nat)
When specifying concrete it is important to take into account the season and the time of placement, as there is a different ordering and placement procedure between hot and cold weather. Precautions especially need to be taken when the air temperature falls below 10°C.
Click for more information