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10 Tips for Dealing with Termites

A recent survey indicates that 1 in 3 houses in Australia are dealing with subterranean termite infestation which can cause major structural damage to building timbers. The severe termite damage to the Australian buildings has been caused by several factors: • Historic use of softwood and untreated timber for the structure and non-structural areas of … Continued

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What Is a Timber Pest Inspection?

Most lending authorities and wise consumers require a timber pest report of the structural soundness of the intended new home. This report, with the exception of mortar damage to structural brickwork (mortar bee attack), should be solely concerned with investigation within the property of critical joinery and all structural timbers. The timber pest inspection Report … Continued

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Let There Be Light

  Lighting is an important part of the homeand serves both an aesthetic and practical purpose. While lighting design is usually the responsibility of an architect or interior designer, it’s just as important for builders to understand the strategies behind good lighting. Jerry Tyrrell explains. Every job we do has lights; whether they’re inside or … Continued

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A Discussion with Jerry Tyrrell About Various Building Industry Issues

Publisher Jeff Patchell recently caught up with columnist Jerry Tyrrell to discuss how his acceptable Construction practice diagrams can be seriously embraced by the industry and benefit the sector on a national scale. Let’s begin with some background on our driver first. Jerry is the founder of the Institute of Building Consultants and co-founder of … Continued

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Walking the Walk – Access RULES: Part 1

The RULES project that Connection Magazines and I are preparing is intended in part as a valid alternative to the sometimes confusing and expensive Australian Standards. I’m confident it’s only a matter time now before this clear and concise option will be the default way everyone will access building knowledge in Australia… You all know … Continued

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Building Safe and Compliant Stairs

It’s up to designers, builders and contractors to blend the basics of stair construction with the complexities to ensure the end result is safe and compliant. For those readers who are more ‘visual’ learners, then this article by Jerry Tyrrell is for you. You’ve long heard me say that I believe the Australian Building Codes … Continued

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A Translation of the NCC

In mid-September Jerry presented a paper at the ABCB’s Building Australia’s Future Conference. The following is an extraction that highlights some of the most important points of discussion. It was good to talk to industry leaders at the recent Building Australia’s Future Conference and I thank the ABCB for the opportunity to air my views. … Continued

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The Rules of Waterproofing: part 2

WATERPROOFING RULES: PART 1 looked at the main principles of waterproofing we all should know or be able to find quickly. This second part by Jerry Tyrrell delves further into the detail… My 40th article in the past 10 years will be short. My key point is: read Part 1 again – and don’t be … Continued

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Let’s Emancipate Building Knowledge by Making Standards FREE

The Australian Building Codes Board has made the NCC available for free online, so what about standards? Jerry Tyrell believes it could be a winning formula. The Australian Building Codes Board provided the NCC (the BCA) for free earlier this year (Yay! Yippee! Woohoo!) and after speaking at September’s Building Australia’s Future Conference the last question from … Continued

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The Basic RULES of Waterproofing : Part 1

Waterproofing mistakes are arguably the most costly to everyone. Jerry Tyrrell provides the third in a series of articles that translate the National Construction Code (Building Code of Australia) into builder speak. Back in 2005, one of the first articles I wrote for this column was on waterproofing – see ‘Avoid being a drip!’ This … Continued

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Window & Door Rules for Builders

Jerry Tyrell continues his RULES project by focussing on windows and doors. Windows and doors The National Construction Code (NCC) tells us we must construct a building ‘to provide resistance to moisture from the outside that could cause unhealthy or dangerous conditions, loss of amenity for occupants or undue dampness or deterioration of building elements.’ … Continued

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Builders – ‘Terrorised’by Excess Information

The man on a mission, Jerry Tyrrell, emphasis the fact that builders need easily accessible and understandable regulatory information, and they need it now. Builders are ‘terrorised’ daily by excess information. They are too busy, confused or intimidated to fight back against the incessant ‘barrel bombs’ of unnecessary words from government, association and industry bureaucrats. … Continued

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Why Tyrrells

Reasons for using NSW’s only ISO accredited Building Consultancy Comparison of Property and Timber Pest Inspections Comparison of Property and Timber Pest Inspections tyrrells.com Others Full crawl of roof interior and subfloor* Yes Sometimes Expert, trained building consultants (not part-time builders) Yes Sometimes Professional Indemnity Insurance Yes Sometimes Full inspection of safely accessible roof exterior* … Continued

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Timber and pest Advice – a technical guide

Timber Pest Advice – A technical guide   Here is all you need to know to perform a reasonably detailed inspection of your property. 1. General recommendations 1.1 Regular inspection of all structural timbers The Forestry Commission advises inspections at no more than 12 monthly intervals unless the type of construction is timber pest resistant. … Continued

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How to avoid building disputes

Building disputes don’t need to occur if you get the right tactical advice. Often the basis of a disagreement is a simple misunderstanding or honest mistake. In which case, it is vital to use a building consultant who is impartial and can provide a balanced view. Be wary of advice from friends. The emotional, financial … Continued