Arcadia posted:Advice on external building materials please
It sounds like you are after energy efficiency. Non std products like an ICF wall (like ZEGO for instance) can be expensive as non-standard products attract a price premium…
Arcadia posted:HELP - Am I getting dodged by my architect?
Sounds like a good argument for not using an architect to design and project manage. How do you know if the prices are competitive unless you have had quotes…
Arcadia posted:bread makers, who uses them and how often.
We have been using one for years - onto our second after the first packed it in. We would use it at least once a week. It is…
Arcadia posted:Using an Architect to Design Home - Tips?
My tip is: don't use an architect. Find a good building designer for a much more cost effective service. Building designers can design any sort of home you…
Arcadia posted:House deign ideas for sloping corner block with city views
I would say building over your garage is okay (check with council you can have a garage and crossover on the secondary street and what the setback would have to…
Arcadia posted:Neighbour builder using my land without permission
Personally I wouldn't complain about it as you might be in the same situation yourself when your own builder makes use of a neighbouring lot to build your house. …
Arcadia posted:changes to plans with no information - what to do
This is very poor practise from the builder. You need to be contacting the state organization which handles building disputes to see where your legal standing is and what…
Arcadia posted:Botched Excavation - Help!
I'm afraid this might be a case of you as the owner builder not doing enough research before commencing work. I don't know that the earthworker can be held…
Arcadia posted:Neighbour's driveway intrudes on my block
The council usually has to sign off on crossovers/driveways before they are built. If they did and the placement is wrong it will be up to council to fix.…
Arcadia posted:Rammed Earth Strawbale Walls
Combining rammed earth and strawbales in a single wall is total overkill and will greatly add to the m2 of your home with no increase in useable floor area.
FYI rammed…
Arcadia posted:6+ Star Energy Rated Homes
By 'dumpes' do you mean the evap cooling? Evap cooling is far more efficient than refrigerated cooling and works well in most area's (other than really humid tropical area's)…
Arcadia posted:6+ Star Energy Rated Homes
That's assuming the electricity company really is doing the right thing with their electriciy purchases. What if every customer signed up for Greenpower? There is clearly not enough…
Arcadia posted:6+ Star Energy Rated Homes
And just to clarify the star ratings relate to the amount of energy required to keep a home at a comfortable temperature year round so applies mainly to the thermal…
Arcadia posted:6+ Star Energy Rated Homes
Anyone wanting to improve the efficiency of their home in any climate should start with windows. I do design work in 3 states (VIC, NSW & WA) and bascically…
Arcadia posted:Steel frame, brick work over windows
Yes the brickwork over the windows is for aestheic reasons. IMO just having a fibrecement panel looks awful and I have seen them look really ratty in a couple…
Arcadia posted:Custom build in Perth. Any help??
Some of the sales staff that we've spoken to at display homes claim that even though they do project homes, they cater more to custom builds.
They may claim this but…
Arcadia posted:Custom build in Perth. Any help??
Well it seems the unfortunate experience ladybird1 has just described backs up my point about not getting builders to do design projects! Get a proper independant designer/drafty to do…
Arcadia posted:frame stage approved but....frame overhangs slab
I would say main thing is to check that frames are straight and true but bear in mind that they may do some 'dressing' or 'packing' of the frames later…
Arcadia posted:Custom build in Perth. Any help??
If you are wanting to do a custom design home in my opinion you shouldn't be talking to project builders. In fact you shouldn't be talking to any builders…
Arcadia posted:Converting double garage into living areas
Its often not practical to convert a garage to a living space as they are often built in a way that makes them difficult to insulate/waterproof etc to BCA spec.…
Arcadia posted:Box gutter standards
Wow what a disaster. This is a classic example of why I as a building designer do everything I can to design homes that avoid putting box gutters over…
Arcadia posted:Hebel products
I would consider using the powerfloor to the upstairs as well that way the floor will match your ground floor in sound and the 'solid' feel. I have used…
Arcadia posted:frame stage approved but....frame overhangs slab
I specify a max frame overhang of 10mm and a masonry anchor distance to slab-edge of 50mm when drawing/documenting homes and would consider this best practise. Up to 18mm…
Arcadia posted:Colorbond roof laid with overlap facing into the weather
Having been involved in the roofing industry for a few years in a past career I can tell you that what ever the 'technical requirements' of laying the overlap are,…
Arcadia posted:$150,000 quote for home reno & extensions seems excessive
Its hard to say for sure without seeing plans but it does seem high. Best thing to do is get another couple of quotes and make sure all your…
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