The residential construction industry is preparing for the introduction of the National Standard for Construction Work from the 1 October 2008 following the commencement in the civil sector in January of this year. The standard will see new requirements covering the provision of information, consultation and planning and documenting construction projects. For builders and sub contractors there will be new requirements that need to be complied with in a number of areas.
Click for more information

Companies are sometimes set up with little or no assets to their name. This means that when you are contracting with a company it can often be riskier than doing business with an individual, particularly if something goes wrong.
Click for more information

WorkSafe has announced that it will be commencing an inspection campaign in the furniture (cabinet making) industry in September with a view to reducing injuries and disease in the sector.
Click for more information

Until the recent slump in residential housing construction, HIA’s quarterly Trades Report consistently showed that most trade types in Australia suffered from supply shortages – adding to housing affordability problems. A strongly growing population and leading indicators in housing construction, such as housing finance and building approvals, point to a strong rebound in housing construction over the medium term. A stronger residential construction sector will see a return to skills shortages. While HIA strongly supports the Australian Government’s commitment to training Australian’s as the top priority to address skills shortages, it estimates that the industry needs an additional 20,000 skilled tradespeople in the next few years.
Click for more information

The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) is seeking feedback on a draft National Code of Practice for Prevention of Falls in Housing Construction.
Click for more information

The relationship between the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian Standards affects the work of builders and contractors daily and it is important to be clear on when an Australian Standard is legally binding and when it is not.
Click for more information

Are there industry tolerances for concrete flatness?
Click for more information

When using a spray gun to paint a house, should you back roll?
Click for more information

Is it a requirement that an airlock be installed between a kitchen and a sanitary facility?
Click for more information

Tongue and grove 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 frequently asked questions about 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

Efflorescence normally occurs within the first year after construction and typically is only an aesthetic concern and does not pose any structural threat to the concrete or mortar.
Click for more information

HIA members should understand how the overall appearance of plasterboard is likely to be affected by ‘glancing light’ and the choice of decoration (lighting/painting). It is important to understand that the selection and position of light fittings can play a major role in minimising the effects of glancing light on plasterboard surfaces.
Click for more information

Does a bathroom exhaust fan need to be vented to the outside of the building or can it vent into the roof?
Click for more information