Jackbuilt Constructions

 Are you window wise?  

When it comes to windows there are a range of compliance standards that are required.  In the design phase, clients are often surprised about what the requirements are in relation to the protection of openable windows. The Building Code of Australia outlines the requirement to protect certain openable windows against the risk of a young child falling from them.  The new measures included in the BCA require protection for openable windows in bedrooms where the floor below the window is more than 2m above the surface beneath.  The affected window must be fitted with either a device to restrict the window opening, or a suitable screen, so a 125mm diameter sphere (representing the size of a young child's head) cannot pass through.  The device or screen must also be able to withstand an outward horizontal force of 250 N.*

Your building specialist or designer must be aware of these regulations and should ensure that only windows that meet these standards are purchased through reputable suppliers.  If you don’t, it could end up becoming a costly error.  

New Smoke Alarm Legislation - What does it mean for your renovation?

  2017 Smoke alarm requirements - Master Builders                                           New requirements for smoke alarms will apply in Queensland from 1 January 2017, due to changes made to the Fire and Emergency Act 2008.  

All building approval applications made after 31 December 2016 for new building work or substantial renovations to Class 1a or a sole occupancy unit of a Class 2 building must allow for installation of photoelectric smoke alarms complying with AS 3786-2014 Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization.

There are also transitional requirements to install photoelectric smoke alarms into leased, sold and existing dwellings within designated time frames.

Substantial Renovation

These new smoke alarm requirements will also apply to substantial renovations carried out under a building development approval for alterations to an existing building or structure.

‘Substantial’ is defined as any alteration or previous structural alteration approved or completed in the previous three years and representing more than half the volume of the existing building or structure measured over its roof and external walls.

Installation

Photoelectric smoke alarms for new building work or substantial renovations must be installed so they are interconnected and hardwired to the domestic building's electricity supply.

Photoelectric smoke alarms must be installed on or near the ceiling in every bedroom.

Under the National Construction Code they must also be installed in the following locations.

Installed on or near the ceiling in:

(a) any storey containing bedrooms—

(i) between each part of the dwelling containing bedrooms and the remainder of the dwelling; and

(ii) where bedrooms are served by a hallway, in that hallway; and

(b) any other storey not containing bedrooms and/or egress paths for a Class 2 sole occupancy unit.

What do you want when you are looking for a Residential Home Builder? 

 So often we are told what we need, but we want to hear what YOU are looking for!  Is it important for your builder to be able to communicate clearly and use an online system to record all your communication?  Is it important that you are kept up to date with regular progress reports and budgets?  Do you have a specific time frame you need your home to be completed?  Drop us an email with your wish list  and contact us on the link to see how we can meet your requirements.

And we’re back!

Jackbuilt has had a cracking start to 2017 and we are excited about the projects we have coming up.  It seems as though many people made a resolution to renovate in 2017 so it is going to be a busy year.

What will 2017 look like for you?  

I know here at Jackbuilt we have a busy year ahead building beautiful homes like this one.  If renovations are on your wish list for next year then it’s time to get in touch to lock in your preferred dates.  Building approval times can vary - especially at the start of the year so it’s good to make sure you have all the information and documentation you require in order to avoid delays.  We have a checklist to help our clients through the process of design, plans, building approval and certification. Contact us via the link below or on 1300 327 050.

Small spaces can be ideal for a well designed ensuite.

Beautiful Bathrooms