The Building Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Act 2016(the Act) which was passed by the Victorian Government on 19 April 2016 imposes sweeping reforms in respect to a number of significant areas affecting residential construction in Victoria. By reason of a Proclamation published in the Victoria Government Gazette No. S 194 dated 21 June 2016, certain sections of the Act are to commence and ‘become live’ on 4 July this year. While the purpose of the...
Continue Reading »
When looking to buy an investment property that will bring in a good rental return, location – in particular, proximity to public transport and the local shopping strip – is key. As is buying something that offers a sensible layout and, if you’re intending to lease it immediately, won’t require large capital works to bring it up to scratch. But once you’ve taken possession, what – apart from ensuring the property has been properly cleaned...
Continue Reading »
Australia has more than 150,000 sites that are potentially contaminated with toxic waste, and experts say that only a tiny fraction of them are being cleaned up to remove the risk to human health. Director of the Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation, Professor Ravi Naidu, told ABC’s The World Today that most of the sites are in urban areas and pose a serious threat to human and environmental health. “Australia has 160,000...
Continue Reading »
A HOUSE made almost entirely of recycled materials has sold for $1.27 million after its savvy owner converted a plain two-bedder into a four-bedroom masterpiece. Electrical engineer Paul Young poured his heart and soul into the project, at 59 Binalong Ave, Allambie Heights, after buying it as pole house in 1990. “I’d always been interested in building from recycled products,” Mr Young said. “Houses get knocked down and they have nice timber, which could be...
Continue Reading »
What if sellers don’t ‘fess up if there’s no record of council inspections? They can sell regardless! What if a seller’s carport, garage or deck was built illegally? No selling worries! What if a home is termite-riddled? Don’t tell! And if sellers obtain a pre-sale building report showing heaps of problems? Don’t mention the report! This is why “buyer beware” is the first unwritten rule of real estate in Queensland. Will it stay that way?...
Continue Reading »
Do-it-yourself home renovators are regularly exposing themselves and their children to cancer-causing asbestos, a study of NSW residents has found. Experts say the disturbing findings show that, despite repeated warnings, Australians are still not protecting themselves from asbestos-related diseases. “It’s a horrible disease but it’s completely preventable.” The study of almost 860 people who recently completed a do-it-yourself renovation found more than 61 per cent said they had been exposed to asbestos. More than one...
Continue Reading »
