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How to access HIA expert know-how

Need some advice? Use our Problem Solver Tool to quickly find answers to your residential building questions. From breaking down regulations into plain language to explaining new developments and providing practical business guidance, it's designed to help housing professionals find the information they need. Try it today.

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Your questions, answered

What has changed in NCC 2025?
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NCC 2025 introduces changes across a range of areas, including energy efficiency, condensation management, waterproofing, fire safety and updated Australian Standards. Understanding which changes apply to your projects is essential to ensure your work remains compliant as the Code is adopted across Australia.

HIA's NCC 2025 hub brings together the latest updates, state and territory implementation information, practical guidance and expert resources in one place. Explore the full hub to understand what has changed, when the changes apply and what they mean for your business.

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What can I do if I'm owed money by a client?
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If you're owed money by an individual, there are several options available to help recover the debt, depending on the circumstances. In some cases, bankruptcy proceedings may be an option of last resort, while debts owed by companies may involve different legal processes. Understanding the available pathways can help you make informed decisions and protect your business.

Before taking action, it's important to understand which debt recovery option is right for your situation. Read the full article for an overview of the available processes, key considerations and practical guidance on recovering unpaid debts.

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How do I use AS 1684 for timber framing?
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AS 1684 Residential Timber Framed Construction is made up of four parts. Parts 2 and 4 apply to non-cyclonic areas, while Part 3 is used in cyclonic regions of northern Australia. Part 4 is the simplified version of the Standard, making it quicker to use, but it has important limitations around wind classifications, building dimensions and roof pitch.

Understanding which part of AS 1684 applies to your project is essential to ensure your timber framing complies with the Standard. Read the full article to compare each part and learn when the simplified approach is appropriate.

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How do I manage material cost increases?
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Material price increases can have a significant impact on the profitability of a project, particularly under fixed price contracts. Understanding your contract, the clauses it contains and the options available can help you manage rising costs and reduce the risk to your business.

From choosing the right contract to understanding rise and fall clauses, provisional sums and your obligations during construction, HIA's guide explains the practical steps builders can take when material costs change. Read the full article to learn more.

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How do I waterproof wet areas and stay compliant?
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AS 3740:2021 sets out the requirements for waterproofing materials, design and installation in domestic wet areas. It covers everything from approved waterproofing systems and materials to installation requirements for showers, baths, spas, floor falls and penetrations, helping ensure wet areas are built to meet the National Construction Code (NCC).

Understanding where waterproofing is required and how the Standard applies is essential for achieving a compliant outcome. Read the full article to explore the requirements, design considerations and practical guidance for waterproofing residential wet areas.

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HIA members and their clients have lost significant money to hackers. Cybercrime and online fraud are a growing threat to Australian building businesses. Here's how to protect yourself and strengthen your processes.
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Energy assessors evaluate the energy efficiency of residential building designs to help builders, designers and homeowners meet National Construction Code (NCC) and Nationwide House Energy Rating System (NatHERS) requirements.
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The Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) is used by the BPC to assess whether a builder has sufficient financial capacity to carry out their domestic building work and meet their obligations and to set a Maximum Construction Capac...
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The WHS high-risk construction work threshold for falls on South Australian residential building construction sites has been reduced from three metres to two metres. HIA delivered a detailed member-focused webinar on the changes a...
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The terms ‘high risk work’ and ‘high risk construction work’ are often used interchangeably but have different meanings and requirements.
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