Welcome to DirectBuild’s December 2010 Newsletter

In this edition, we provide an outline of the revised New South Wales owner builder qualification requirements. These new requirements were effective 1 October 2010.

For those who took advantage of the opportunity to complete their owner builder course prior to 1 October 2010, you need to collect your owner builder permit from the Department of Fair Trading by 31 December 2010. The information you need to provide the Department of Fair Trading to obtain your permit is set out in detail.

Many budgets for home building and renovation projects come under pressure because of the much higher than expected cost of PC items. The choices you need to consider are outlined with the strong suggestion that you start the process early.

A few helpful hints are also provided.

We would love your feedback on any of the articles or your suggestions on what topics you would like to see. Please click here to share your ideas with us.

The team at DirectBuild takes this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and healthy and prosperous New Year. We look forward to working with you in 2011 to help you turn your dream home into a reality.

Owner Builder Permits – New Requirements

by DirectBuild Australia

In New South Wales, new qualification requirements for owner builder permits came into effect on 1 October 2010.

The new qualification requirements are not a surprise – they have been flagged for some time.

The Owner Builder market in New South Wales is quite large with over 10,000 permits issued by the Department of Fair Trading during 2009/10. On latest figures, the number of NSW permits expected to be issued in 2010/2011 will be even higher. The Department believes that the compliance requirements covering this market need to be improved as there have been a number of unfortunate fatalities on owner builder sites in recent years.

by DirectBuild Australia

If you completed an owner builder course prior to 1 October 2010, you may use that training to obtain a permit until 31 December 2010. You should lodge your permit application, including evidence of completion of the superseded course with the Department of Fair Trading by this date. From 1 January 2011, only the revised New South Wales Course in Owner Builder Compliance will be accepted with a permit application.

by DirectBuild Australia

As your building or renovation plans near completion, it is time for you to focus on the list of items you have to select to complete your home. The reason for starting this process early is the substantial impact your choices could have on your budget. Generally speaking, most of the external selections (eg external wall finishes, roofing, fencing, landscaping) will be made when reviewing the plans for your home.

However, early attention also needs to be given to selecting the internal PC items. Windows/Doors have been included in this list. Shopping around, exploring the net and taking advantage of DirectBuild’s supplier contacts can lead to material savings and may enable you to reduce your budget or go for better quality items without blowing your budget.

In this edition

Owner Builder Permits – New Requirements

Superseded Requirements – Obtain Your Permit by 31 December 2010

Select Your PC Items Early

HINTS & TIPS

Natural stone and marble

Natural stone and marble look absolutely stunning in bathrooms. However, it is essential that these surfaces are sealed with a quality penetrating sealing product as soon as they are laid. There are penetrating sealers available with 10 year plus warranties whereas other sealers require more frequent re-application. In addition, you must avoid the use of aggressive cleaners otherwise the natural stone and marble surfaces may be damaged requiring expensive restoration work.

Take the time to ask your supplier for their recommendations regarding the sealing and cleaning products best suited for the particular natural stone/marble you wish to use.

Exempt and complying developments

If your lot is less than 450square metres and you want to build or extend your home, be patient. The NSW Department of Planning is reviewing the lot sizes to be included in the NSW Housing Code. That means that your lot may be eligible for approval as an exempt or complying development under the changes proposed to the NSW Housing Code. The changes are expected to be effective on 25 February 2011. So be patient, you may well be able to take advantage of the more streamlined exempt or complying development approval process for your renovation/building.

Delivery of materials on-site

When you get a delivery of materials on-site, take the time to check that the delivered materials are in line with the delivery docket and that the materials are in accord with what you ordered. This action can save stress and delays in the arranging the subsequent delivery of the correct materials.

Contact details

Website
DirectBuild Australia

Email
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Phone
(02) 9713 7428

Address
Suite 335, 49 Queens Road
Five Dock
NSW 2046