how do you identify an expansion joints for the slab from my pictures?
I believe btherl is talking about expansion joints in your brickwork. From the pictures you have posted…

I believe it's not a matter of what state you're in and what law applies, but the safety issues instead.
In short, no you should not. Ever.

Hey all,
Background information is that we've selected 90mm Syndey cornices as an upgrade to the 75mm Tru Scotia cornices to the ground floor of our home.
Just went by our…

First home buyer's grant - 7k, http://www.sro.vic.gov.au/sro/SROnav.ns ... A1004420DC
50% stamp duty cut - viewtopic.php?f=1&t=47222&start=0
Demolishing - 10 - 12k
If you're buying, might serve…

We're getting this type of system but from Clipsal.
The 8 phone points appear to be overkill for most - since we've all got wireless phones anyways. However it means you…

If you're using a standard HIA contract, I believe the allowance is 25% from the stated amount. So if the allowance is $7000, the highest amount would end up being…

Our underground cabling was ~$1700 for 3 phase. It was $100 extra to upgrade from 1 phase to 3 phase...
Also from memory the pit was only $900, the wiring made…

You're better off getting someone to look at it I'd imagine... I highly doubt a forum can diagnose a problem without inspecting the unit...

Should be meeting the SS later this week to walk through the house anyways, so I'll definitely bring that up and see his opinion on it.
@Malcolm, good idea, I…

Thanks guys, but can anyone explain why they changed it first? Here's a picture, taken earlier, with what you guys have said is correct...

Hey all,
Building with a volume builder and we've noticed this has happened to the frame:
Notice that the timber beam to the left is being pushed down into the gap left…

When you say it isn't connected, I'd assume you mean your pay TV hasn't been connected to the starserve box.
Essentially you'd want someone (you if you know how to) to…

We had a overhang of 25mm on one wall and our independent inspector noted:
"...requiring to be supported using a rectification design supplied by the appointed structural engineer."
Hope that helps!

Most likely where he got the idea of doubling the 3beds, 2 bathrooms and 1 carspace - the word "duplex".
I'm unable to help though, but thought I'd chip in my…

Thanks for that buildingwest.
After looking through the forms and guides some more, I'm questioning if I need to fill in a consideration in the first place...
If anyone out there has…

No, it is not compulsory to employ one but if anything, an independent building inspector will give you peace of mind - consider them double checking the work of the…

Life's been busy and it's been a while since my last post!
In the meantime, we've had the frame complete and the brickies going at it. 2 weeks in.. I'll let…

Hey all,
Not too sure where to post this but I hope this will do! Mods feel free to move if necessary.
I'm looking to transfer the title under my name…

Woah, a LOT has happened since my last post. When builders want to work, they work fast! The past 10 days have almost been none stop work...
Met with a new…

Unfortunately our SS didn't show up yesterday, nor is returning any of our calls. Ditto with our CSC, actually. Is this common?
In other news, our windows have been delivered…

A while since the last post, but since then we have a slab!
The waffle pods and steel was delivered Friday afternoon.

I thought they would be starting Monday, but to my…

If I recall correctly, if the distance between the back fence and your property is over 9 meters, they don't have to consider privacy issues.
(It was either back fence to…

The link to an application for an underground power pit for SP Ausnet is here:
http://www.sp-ausnet.com.au/CA2575630006F222/Lookup/Supply/$file/30%2d4013B.doc
Should roughly cost you $800 for the pit, + the distance between the pit and…

14k for refrigerated ducted cooling can be considered a steal for a double storey home. You should probably confirm that all structural costs / electrical connections & upgrades are included…

A waffle pod - though it's only 310mm. We were considering higher, but given that this deluge only happens once every 30 or so years (I'm led to believe), and…

Thanks so much for the replies radiuz and VT - I've been reading your blog too and it is indeed exciting to be doing a knockdown and rebuild!
As yet, the…

Over the week with the rain our garage setdown has become a pool again!
Does anyone here have suggestions on how to remove the water?…

344 Litres a day - between 4, that's 86L/day!
Surprising thing is that this time last year, we averaged 298L/day

Just a quick update - with the manual labour and the sunshine over the weekend, our land become land again rather than a swimming pool!
The meter box has also been…

We were hoping bright sunshine would mean a quick start - nevertheless, once the roof is on (hopefully before the winter rain comes) the weather shouldn't be too much of…