Dan has hopefully finished his extension renovation by now but for other readers, the most common & effective method to reduce noise transfer is to use a plasterboard product ( in this case for the ceiling) with an acoustic rating, available from most manufacturers - for example Boral plasterboa...

If you are at the final inspection stage of the building the only items that should really concern you are items relating to the quality of the finish of the home. Prior inspections throughout the building stages by the building inspectors should address any issues relating to structural matters. Ha...

RitJay, the reasons for using one system against another are numerous including designing for maximising on solar heat gain, the slope of the land, whether you are looking to include timber decked verandahs etc. Possibly the most important aspect is the 'style' of the home and whether it is suited t...

For other readers of this post I think it necessary to add a few comments. If a 5 Star Energy Rating was included as part of the building application then the 'firm' should be required to issue a new rating to the council showing an achievement of 5 stars with the altered insulation levels. Boosting...

Ren, I would initially contact your local councils building department. Nearly all keep a list of local building practitioners and then start the normal process - phone numbers of previous clients etc.

Hi denyi. This doesn't sound right ! I'd be contacting the company & asking for a price in your chosen area. There is no way that they would or should entertain that sort of price difference under their franchise agreement.

CC the RSJ size will (should) have been designed taking into account the required span & the load placed on it. If you wish to extend it, either the beam will need to be replaced with the correct larger size or as you are suggesting extended. For the latter a structural engineer would be needed ...

A safety rail will need to be installed & this should form part of the quote. If the firms are quoting on exactly the same work (& allowing for the same items such as site clean up etc then the prices should be similar) when you receive a quote it ashould be detailed and not just "replacemen...

Weren't things a lot easier before Public Liability Kat. I doubt if your household policy would cover engaging a contractor to do work around your home but what if he were to call around and do some 'free' work to help you out & then maybe your insurance would be sufficient.. Maybe you could pay...

Whether or not it is Kitome, Kentucky Homes in Victoria (are they still operating) or a registered builder in any state, the question is best asked - can you give me a list of references. Any reputable firm after your business will jump at the opportunity to showcase their satisfied customers and ge...

It's hard to give a definitive answer without seeing the pier but basically if the brick is supporting the timber beam - underneath it - then yes it could be a problem & should be looked at asap If the half brick is beside the beam and in the top course then this occurance is not uncommon and co...

$1750

$1849

Greetings Anij. Well you certainly got some replies & your possibly more confused than ever. I can't add anything of value except to say that in deciding upon the type of construction it should match the climate and will at the end of the day come down to cost. windowexpert is correct in as much...

And my apologies also to 'off to fnq' but i would be interested 'strumer' in your obvious delving into 'thermal mass and regulating of air flow' and its incorporation in current building methods. Possibly the first question - is it cost effective against turning on the air conditioner switch ?

Just a quick reply while i digest your post the stumbling block i encounter is, on your example the cost of an extra 1000mm of concrete to a perimeter beam on say an 18 square home would be in the vicinity of $8 to $9 thousand dollars ( i know this example was hypothetical) but many - most - people ...

OK window expert I wasn't going to be involved with your broad statements and uncircumstantiated claims throughout the various forums but lets go. Give me some figures to back up your thoughts & i'll pit them against my 22 years of energy efficiency design experience & lets see who's making ...

I'm not trying to make a case of this but there are people reading this forum that are looking for experienced and qualified guidance in making decisions that will impact on them for a very long time. If someone has informed information to pass on, that is excellent. Statements such as 'You are tryi...

I would be interested to know whether both homes (or either) had steel roofing with insulation batts directly to the underside of the iron Most iron roofed homes will have expansion & contraction noises. Homes with steel roof battens & steel wall framing appear to carry the noise down where ...