Floating Floor Options
Graham From ParkdaleUpon deciding that we would like to install a floating floor over our slab to replace our old carpet, we found that the price varied from $30 to $100 per square metre. What are we paying for with ... continue reading
Building a Pergola
Amanda from TooradinI am looking at adding a pergola/entertainment area onto the back of my house. I know that there are two options with building materials including timber and steel, but am not sure which material is ... continue reading
Kitchen Face-lift
Gail From BalnarringWe have just moved into a fantastic 6 year old dream home in Balnarring. The kitchen is in good condition but we would like to upgrade it with todays colours and add our personal touch. Is there a ... continue reading
Hydronic Heating
Carley from BalnarringWe are in the process of building a new home and would like it to be as environmentally friendly and efficient as possible. We have heard about Hydronic Heating but do not know anything about it, ... continue reading
!!! Winners !!!
posted 2 hours, 56 minutes agoAnd The Winners ... continue reading
Timber Floor Special
posted 1 week, 51 minutes agoDon't miss these specials on Timber flooring... Mountain Timber products are dropping prices on all the following untill 31st May 2010. ... continue reading
Timber Flooring Sensation - Sale Now On!
posted 1 month, 1 week, 3 days, 17 hours, 35 minutes agoHurry in to Perfect Timber Floors for these huge ... continue reading
CBA Mortgage Innovations Manager in Store
posted 2 months, 1 week, 5 days, 2 hours, 51 minutes agoRelax. I'll come to you... Home Loans at your convenience to Finance your ... continue reading
Non-Firable Asbestos Removal Course (Class B)
Tuesday 9:00 am, 23rd March 2010This WorkSafe recognised course is aimed at supervisors and others directly involved in the process of non-friable asbestos ... continue reading
Certficate III OHS - (Occupational Health & Safety)
Tuesday 8:30 am, 13th April 2010Participants are required to undertake a range of assessment activities. ... continue reading
Master Builders - Green Living
Wednesday 9:00 am, 14th April 2010An accredited category of Master Builders course for environmentally aware builders and building public to pursue sustainability options for their constructions. ... continue reading
Builder Registration Course - Cert IV in Building & Construction #2
Friday 9:00 am, 21st May 2010Recognised by the Building Practitioners Board as the qualification towards registration as a ... continue reading
10 tips on Finding a Builder
Building a house is a lifetime investment for most of us.
So you need to find a builder who is reliable and can deliver the goods he promises on time.

How do you do that?
1) Ask family and friends for recommendations of builders that they have used.
2) Create a list of builders that you would consider using.
3) Before hiring a builder be sure to inspect some of their completed work and at least one ongoing project.
4) Be sure of thecredentials of the builder and ask to see their membership to building groups such as HIA or MBA.
5) Make sure that they are licensed and as there are different grades of license make sure that they have the correct type.
6) Find out what other jobs they currently have on the go and that they cant spend the time to properly manage your job.
7) Do they have the appropriate insurance?
8) What is the time frame for the works? Request a works schedule so that you can follow the progress of the job.
9) Be clear on the overall cost and the stages at which the progress payments are required. Demand notification before any major 'extra's' work goes ahead.
10) Carefully read the contract. Easy to understand contracts are available from HIA stationary retailers.
Don’t judge the builder by the fee charged, whether it is high or low. Look for the quality of his work and the materials used in his previous projects. Study and compare the different quotes that you receive as a less detailed quote may also result in a finished job of lesser quality. The builder must be willing to have all agreements in writing.
Finally, communication is the key! If you feel that the builder will not listen to your requests take your business elsewhere. Make sure they are going to build YOUR dream house, not THEIRS!
HIDC Exhibitor(s) who specialise in this area;
