Seems to me you need to promptly get your own building certifier or inspector to check these and other future issues.

Sorry, don't know costs, but there are a couple of very important principles you need to get right (and now) ....
(1) never agree to any "upgrade" unless you first know…

Insulating internal walls is a good idea - I always do it. Helps reduce noise transmission and helps with thermal insulation.
Do you want thermal insulation or acoustic insulation? It makes…

I've had direct and extremely unpleasant dealings with Stratco patios. It is the worst company I have ever dealt with. Utterly incompetent, expensive, poor quality product and no idea on…

The only sensible thing to do is to meet with whoever gave your approvals and figure out how best to rectify the situation.
Do not wait. Face the problem and fix…

Yes there is a better way to seal air gaps. There is an acoustic sealant made specifically for that purpose - can't remember the name. Also look into better options…

Answer to first question: No it won't be okay.
Answer to second question: because mass is critical to suppress sound.
Sound suppression is very tricky so you need to do lots of…

Okay, then the choice is really about the build quality of the door itself which means the brand name. Sorry I can't recommend one or the other so best to…

Depends on what you want to achieve - presumably you want the extra "sound proofing" of the heavier door.
If that is the case you'll be dissappointed since the sound rating…

Good questions but the best answer will be obtained by visiting (ie: interviewing) a couple of house designers and/or builders and ask them.
You may find it challenging to locate a…

It depends.....
They should be charging you some $ for their time and resources in sourcing the product. After all, it does cost something to get the products. That price…

No, a blade for aluminium won't survive the first cut. You need a blade for cutting mild steel.

I'm guessing you mean your mitre saw is 5000 rpm and not 500 rpm.
"They" are correct re RPM. Ensure your new metal cutting blade max RPM (see the label) is…

You cannot simply compare plasterboard with brick. Each can meet your acoustic requirements but the important thing to remember is the thickness and material content of each wall. There are…

The retaining wall looks fine to me apart from (maybe?) the lower end which seems to be only 3 or so courses high and leaning a little. Just get that…

Since you are in the design stage then I would direct your questions, in writing of course, to your designer.
Depending on the trust you have in the competence of your…

Well these guys are not looking good...
I sent them a written enquiry last week and they have not yet replied. If they cannot respond to a simple enquiry they certainly…

Assuming the structure of your cabinetry is good then I would DIY everything as follows:
- replace your counter tops entirely,
- replace all drawer runners with soft close runners,
- for cupboard…

Thanks alexp79. Is that, however, a recommendation based on personal experience or based on someone you personally know who has used them?

Looking for recommendations on a modular home builder who is based between Port Macquarie and Newcastle NSW.
Suggestions welcomed to give me a head start on the due diligence task.

It seems very clear to me that your contract states that a security account does NOT need to be established so the answer to the builder is NO.
If in doubt…

If you don't want to annoy the neighbours then simply get yourself some good head phones. For me the sound is much better using headphones.
The NCC (National Construction Code) has…

Look at your bill from the electricity company. It should detail the charges. You will need to do some estimating and some calculations. Then charge the builder the same plus…

l think l read the screws on a colorbond roof need to be tightened or replaced every ten to fifteen years is that true?
No, this is NOT true. It is…

Thanks Simeon, I'll PM you my email address although to benefit others on the forum can you post the video or a link to it on here?

The system seems good because there are no roof screws through the sheet but I can see a potential problem when one needs to repair or modify a roof sheet.
How…

I'm wondering about the costs to build a double brick walled shed rather than the common steel sheet.
A couple of quotes to supply and build a steel shed 10mx6mx3mhigh were…

I'd say write an email to both builders and ask specific questions.
While waiting for a reply ask your local council and an electrician.

Since you call it a "simple deck" then $3000 for drawing plans seems ludicrously high and $3000 in labour seems ludicrously high. What are the material costs? Drawing costs +…

Okay, excellent acoustic insulation means the bedroom occupant cannot hear the following noise:
- high pitched sirens (police, etc) 100m away
- low frequency rhythmic thumping base "music" from suburban neighbours
-…