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Timbercrete Building Materials

by matt

Timbercrete Building Materials

Grand Designs Australia have posted on their Facebook page some great ideas for “Simple and Amazing Ways to Use Recycled Materials in your Home” .

I noticed they mentioned a product called Timbercrete which is a “combination of timber waste (sawdust) from various sources and concrete. The end result is a product that is lighter than solid concrete, so easier to handle, with greater strength and better insulation.”

I have recently been pricing a few more new build homes that use this product, so it seems to be quite popular. The cost for a m2 of Timbercrete panel, 100mm thick, is comparable with a good quality facebrick.

Although any competent builder can install Timbercrete, the suppliers can recommend a Trades person who knowing the product well should be cheaper than someone new to the product.

I would advise that for this and all recycled products you go and see a sample installed . The look of many of these products is often “not natural” but can, when used well, be very pleasing.

The way forward in construction is about reducing waste, recycling, reducing energy consumption and sustainability so these kind of products are great to shake up years old designs.

 

 

Thursday
11
June 2015
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Changes to Home Building Compensation Fund

by matt

A MBA Insurance Services rep summarised some changes to the HBCF  at the recent Master Builders Association event I attended in Springwood in the Blue Mountains.

These are very relevant to small home builders.

An extract from the MBA Insurance Service webpage is below and for more information this link to MBA Insurance Services.

On the 4th August 2015, the Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) framework will change, placing more onus on builders when finalising contracts.

New Eligibility Limits

The Rolling Annual eligibility limit that currently sees projects ‘rolling off’ 12 months after they are registered for Home Warranty, will be replaced with eligibility now based on Open Job and Contract

Value limits. New eligibility limits are being issued to each builder

The new limits will be based on the number of jobs and total value of projects under construction.

During this changeover, all of your existing jobs that will not be completed by 4 August 2015, will remain ‘open’ within your Facility, until you supply us with a project completion certificate.

New Project Completion Process

From 4 August 2015, you will be required to provide a short declaration of practical completion for each project registered, confirming the following as a minimum:

• Project has reached practical completion

• Updated property address

• Home owners details

This can be done simply by emailing our office with the declaration form. Once you have made your declaration, the job and contract value will be added back to your open eligibility limit. At the same time, the home owner will be advised that the HBCF policy has commenced.

Get Expert Advice

HBCF are now restricting the number of insurance brokers who can distribute this product on their behalf, given the complex nature and specialised knowledge required to manage your ongoing Facility.

 

 

Wednesday
10
June 2015
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Renovating – Insured? Sure?

by matt

If you are about to carry out renovations on your house, take the time to talk to your insurer about just what is and isn’t covered when doing a renovation.

Many home and contents policies do not cover the existing property if it is being renovated, especially if you vacate the property for a long period. Most often the builder will not have insurance for the existing property and contents. This means that if for  example your home is damaged by bushfire while being renovated you may not be covered.

Either speak with your insurer and make sure you are covered or extend the cover.

You could also ask your builder to add the cover to their insurance and the cost to their price.

If the builder adds it to their insurance ask for confirmation from their broker/insurer.

This Compare the Market web page has a few more tips on insurance and renovating generally.

Tuesday
09
June 2015
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