News

Building a new home legally requires an occupancy permit

Building work for a new home, unit or apartment legally requires an occupancy permit. To find out more click here.

Ignoring BACV on defects attracts BPB action

The Building Practitioners Board (BPB) has reminded Registered Building Practitioners (RBPs) that they face significant action if they fail to rectify defects identified in Building Advice and Conciliation Victoria (BACV) inspection reports. Read more.

World Sustainable Building Conference (SB08) - Melbourne 2008

Melbourne will host the World Sustainable Building Conference in September 2008. The impact of building and planning on sustainability and Climate Change will be on the agenda at the 2008 World Sustainable Building Conference (SB08), to be held in Melbourne, September 21-25, 2008.The conference is part of a series of international green building conferences. Read more by downloading the flyer or viewing the media release.

ESM Seminar

An upcoming Essential Safety Measures seminar will be held at Cardinia Shire Council on the 29 October - Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham. For additional information, contact Michelle Plummer on 5945 4246.

Save Water Save Energy Expo - Friday 17 - Sunday 19 October 2008 (Melbourne Exhibition Centre)

The SAVE WATER SAVE ENERGY EXPO -incorporating the BuildGreen Show - is Australia's largest exhibition of green building products that save water, save energy, reduce waste and provide cleaner energy. The expo will ensure that builders, electricians, plumbers and landscapers are kept up-to-date with the latest eco building products on the market. From initial construction through to final fit out - internal, external and the garden - you will see 150 of Australia's leading manufacturers offering green solutions for all your building needs. Visit www.savewatersaveenergyexpo.com.au

Building a kit home

Building a kit home can be an affordable and quick housing option for families. They are common in regional areas, where traditional building can involve long lead times. To view the Fence Posts column click here.

Building industry records strong 2007-08 financial year

Building permits issued in Victoria for the 2007-08 financial year have passed the $20 billion barrier for the first time. View the media release for more detail.

Mildura building practitioner charged in Magistrates Court 28 July 2008

At the Mildura Magistrates Court, registered building surveyor and domestic builder Mr Wayne Leslie Wilkie, of Instructures Group and WBCS Pty Ltd, pleaded guilty and was fined and convicted a total of $23,000 and $3,000 costs with 23 counts of acting as a private building surveyor when he had a financial interest in the building work. View the media release for more.

Designing 5 Star Homes and Renovations workshops: An introduction to energy smart design

The 'Designing 5 Star Homes and Renovations' professional development workshops will build your skills in designing energy smart homes that comply with regulations and meet the changing expectations of customers. Read more by dowloading the flyer or visit www.mefl.com.au for further information.

Building industry switched on for digital television

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, and the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today launched a handbook to assist the building and associated industries plan for digital television switchover.

Proposed Amendments to the Building Act

On 26 June, the second reading of proposed amendments to the Building Act 1993 took place. The proposed amendments are expected to be finalised in the spring 2008 legislative program. Read the Fact Sheet or visit www.legislation.vic.gov.au for a full copy of the proposed amendments.

Presentations from energy efficiency workshops

The Building Commission conducted Energy efficiency workshops on Section J of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) - Volume 1, and Part 3.12 of the BCA - Volume 2 during April 2008. Presentations from the recent energy efficiency workshops can be found here.

Ensure a Registered Building Practitioner is part of your plans

If you are planning on building or renovating in 2008 and beyond, safeguard your investment and ensure a Registered Building Practitioner is part of your plans. Click here to find out how to safeguard your investment