The objective of energy efficiency provisions in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and for a dwelling, this requires compliance with the minimum energy efficiency Performance Requirements that relate to the building envelope and its fixed domestic services. When applying these provisions for residential dwellings, building surveyors, designers and...

Building and Energy is letting building industry practitioners know about its new private swimming and spa pool safety barrier checklist. It is a simple self-assessment tool to check the basic elements of a pool’s safety barrier. The checklist is not intended to replace the four-yearly inspection conducted by the relevant local government to verify compliance. Whilst the checklist isn’t...

The Building Commissioner is warning consumers about a company that is entering into home building contracts without a current and valid home indemnity insurance (HII) policy, putting WA home buyers at risk. Building Commissioner Kristin Berger is investigating claims that registered building contractor Western Australian Construction Pty Ltd (BC102149) , despite its eligibility for HII being...

As interest in new homes and renovations intensifies due to State and Federal stimulus packages, WA’s building regulator is reminding consumers about important considerations before committing to a building contract. “Building a house is an exciting decision and it is understandable to want your plans to progress quickly, particularly with the current grants to boost the building and construction...