Category: Blog

Quantity surveyors are integral to accurately calculate the construction costs surrounding commercial and residential builds in the initial cost report. As leading building quantity surveyors, the team at Section 94 knows that the process of creating an initial cost report and acquiring bank prefunding differs greatly between residential and commercial builds.

While precise considerations are important for developing an accurate estimate of construction costs from the very beginning of the build, the difference in scale between residential properties and larger commercial builds requires a change in approach.

The differences in team structure

As valuation experts, recognising the difference in the structure of the construction team is an integral aspect of the initial cost report and the process of creating an accurate pricing estimate. It’s also an important part of determining the project’s feasibility. While residential builds often follow similar construction methods with limited design variations, for unique commercial builds it’s important to consider if the design is achievable within the budget and timeframe.

With the difference in scope and speciality, the construction team of a residential build and a commercial build are assembled to meet different needs. The builders for smaller or custom residential builds often come from a trade background while the builders for commercial properties are from larger companies that are privately owned or publicly listed. This means that for a residential build, there can be a lot of scope cross between team members with site managers and project managers also on the tools, while for largescale commercial builds there are more defined roles.

This difference in team structure also impacts the progress reports verified by the building quantity surveyors in Sydney. As the construction team of a commercial building is more extensive than a smaller residential property, this often involves more construction progress claims for the release of funds following detailed progress drawdown reports as established by an expert quantity surveyor.

The difference in design, equipment and materials

As residential properties, particularly inner-city homes, are often limited to maximising the space available, there is a dramatic difference between residential designs and the extensive designs of commercial buildings. This difference in material costs becomes apparent in the early phases of the initial cost report when you consider features more typical to commercial builds like elevators and fire escapes.

Due to the budget constraints and scale of the projects, there is a difference in the materials used and equipment needed between a residential and commercial build. For instance, while labour in residential projects is often manual, larger construction builds require cranes and more complex equipment. This difference is often showcased in the construction cost, with commercial buildings requiring a much larger amount of more resilient materials. One example of this key material difference is in the build’s frame.

Often due to the small size and limited budget, residential construction projects use a wood frame. Most residential homes are small enough to be supported by timber, which is cheaper than a steel frame. Commercial builds use steel frames as they are stronger and better suited for multi-storey builds. Steel frames are also more flexible than timber, which could snap under the pressure of wind in higher storeys. This is just one example of a material difference that not only affects the construction costs of the project and the equipment required but could also impact the timeline due to the transport of different materials and the hire of specialist labour and equipment. Similarly, homes might be interested in a few automation and integrations for a modern, smart home while commercial buildings will often implement innovative features on a much larger scale with security features and automated cooling spanning multiple storeys.

The difference in building codes, permits and licenses

The building codes for residential and commercial projects will also have different needs with different requirements for council approvals. These requirements will be outlined in the council cost report for the development application. This allows the local council to provide new services and public amenities to the site and ensures that the proposed build is within council standards. For larger commercial builds, the detailed council cost report may take a longer turnaround time than a proposed residential development.

There are also different permits and licenses required for each project. Commercial developers often need more permits and licenses for larger projects, with trade licenses for all contractors on site. Comparatively, residential contractors who perform general tasks may not need additional permits like the plumbing and electrical contractors. As permits and council requirements vary between councils and projects, it is important to find experienced building quantity surveyors in Sydney for clear construction project costs and an accurate cost summary report.

Need a residential or commercial quantity surveyor?

The team at Section 94  are experienced building quantity surveyors to help you create an accurate initial cost report for a smooth bank prefunding experience, without the risk of inaccurate or exceeded budgets.

With over a decade of industry experience, our qualified building quantity surveyors will assist you with all your construction budget and management services such as providing contractor tender analysis and construction cost reports.

Give us a call today on 0413 953 869 or email us at info@section94.com.au to learn more about our premium budget services for commercial builds.  

With ever-evolving building technology, automating aspects of the home for comfort or visual allure plays an integral role in modern commercial builds. As expert building quantity surveyors, the team at Section 94 consider all the detailed inclusions of new construction to accurately estimate the costs and budget considerations. This increasingly includes the installation of extensive, commercial lighting systems and automation for a seamless appearance.

Whether it’s to add artistic flair or to showcase elements of the build’s exterior, beautiful lighting systems provide a focal point to capture interest when the building is at its least visible. If you’re considering adding custom exterior illumination on your next commercial project, our team have outlined the benefits and considerations of automated lighting designs for an accurate construction budget.

The benefits of architectural illumination

Modern outdoor lighting goes beyond simple recessed pendants or path lights as beautifully designed lighting accentuates and directs attention to chosen aspects of the build. From projected light shows that move gracefully across exteriors, creative wall washing to interactive light installations that inspire people to physically touch the facade, commercial lighting systems are a modern method of making a build memorable.

Automated lighting displays also provides the opportunity for the structure to visually adapt to the seasons. By shifting from regularly illuminating the build with coloured accent lighting to changing the lighting body colour to a green and red scheme for the Christmas season, your lighting design can shift for added interest. And, of course, exterior lighting installation is not only an opportunity to elevate your commercial design, but it also increases accessibility and security during the night hours.


Different architectural lighting option

Lighting displays are no longer limited to just one colour, with many LED options having the technology for individually addressable LEDs that allow different colour designs to be put in place at any time. Automation and integrations are important to modern builds as new technology creates more options for adding excitement to public spaces with the ability to seamlessly control it all from your smartphone. A few lighting options for commercial installations include:

  • Exterior LED Lighting:  No longer limited to simple floodlights or wall mounts in different shades of white, exterior LED lighting is durable lighting that illuminates the perimeter or surface of the building in different colours, brightness, beam directions and durations all easily controlled through automation and tools.
  • Individually addressable RGB strips: This causes each bulb to act as a pixel in a larger display. This lighting option requires an expert programmer to design the lighting layout before installation and program each bulb to the exact lumen and colour desired for the overall vision.
  • Sensors and timers: Energy-efficient, dusk-to-dawn sensors optimise lighting to automatically turn on or off in response to sunrise or sunset.
  • DALI programming: DALI can be used by any programmer to create addressable lighting designs for colour changing, scene-setting and dimming in response to set timers or sensors. It involves the application controller receiving messages from sensors and relaying designs to the LED lights. These lighting control components can also be changed in response to any layout or timing changes.
  • C-BUS Automation: This automation system allows lighting to be turned on or off, dimmed or change colour without flicking switches. C-BUS systems serve as a communication device between the programming, sensors and lighting.

Additional costs of hiring lighting programmers and designers

For elaborate lighting displays across the large spaces of tall buildings, the build team will need to include the expertise of lighting solution professionals. This ensures that the diffusion and colour of the complex lighting display are designed to suit your unique build and your vision.

Each architectural project will include its own complications and difficulties. Perhaps the space is very well illuminated, and the light display is lacklustre due to direct sunlight during the day or the wall-flooding design has not accounted for the uneven texture of the cladding. These quirks can only be resolved with lighting programmers and designers and a firm grasp of the scope and vision of the project. Thankfully, the expert team at Section 94 can assess construction tenders to ensure you have the lighting team best suited for your architectural vision.  

Architectural lighting is designed to entertain and add artistic value to the structure and can go further than simply highlighting entry and exit points. If you’re considering adding an exterior lighting display in your next project, complete with sensors and timers, be sure to address the desired effect and budget with your building quantity surveyors and professional lighting team.

Need help estimating your commercial build’s lighting?

Section 94 is comprised of Australia’s premium and experienced building quantity surveyors to help your project progress smoothly without the risk of inaccurate or exceeded budgets.

With over a decade of industry experience, our qualified building quantity surveyors will assist you with all your construction budget and management services such as providing contractor tender analysis and construction cost reports.

Give us a call today on 0413 953 869 or email us at info@section94.com.au to learn more about our premium budget services for commercial builds.  

For builders and contractors to receive regular, ongoing payments throughout the build process, they must enter the process of making progress claims of their construction project. This payment claim itemises the completed work, goods or services provided to the client or loan supplier, allowing builders to continue working on the project.

Progress claims are a part of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002, otherwise known as the SOP Act, which ensures that those carrying out residential and non-residential building receive progress payments for work or supplies as determined by the construction contract. Thankfully, this process doesn’t have to be daunting, with the help of the expert team at Section 94.

When to make a claim

This straightforward payment scheme provides a quick and easy process to recover payment increments from the client or directly with the bank providing the loan without stressful disputes or the need for lawyers. Progress claims apply to all kinds of construction work including residential, civil engineering, electrical, landscaping, maintenance, architecture, surveying, plumbing and supply of materials.

If not contractually specified, the date to provide a claim, called the reference date, can vary. Typically progress claims fall in line with each stage of construction in a progress claim schedule (usually 5 stages), typically forecasted at the finance stage (bank prefunding) to give the lender an idea on cash flow. If you’re after a single payment, the reference date is the day after you finish working or supplying the goods or services. The reference date for final payments is the day after the end of any period under the contract for rectifying defects or omissions, or the day after the final certificate is issued.

The process of making a claim

The first step for contractors or builders to be paid for goods, services or work performed is to make a payment claim. To make a claim, it’s important to have all documents in order and include these three important details.

  • The specified work, goods or services
  • The amount claimed
  • The Security of Payment Statement

This involves first identifying the completed construction work or goods provided during the indicated period and itemising them in the payment claim to determine the amount of money that is due. The payment claim should take into account the estimated price outlined in the construction contract, which is one of the many reasons it’s important to have a clear construction budget from the very beginning of the build. Any variations to the construction contract can also be claimed if there has been a change in the scope of work under the contract. However, these variations can be disputed by the recipient.

By providing all the above information, a payment claim looks and acts similarly to an invoice, but a payment claim will also include the Security of Payment Statement so that the recipient knows that the SOP Act applies. For a payment claim to proceed, it is integral to include the phrase, “This is a payment claim under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002.”

Once the client has received a payment claim from the contractor or builder, they must pay the full amount by the due date or respond within ten days of receiving the claim with a payment schedule. Their response must confirm how much they intend to pay and include any reasons for variation from the proposed amount in the claim.

Three reasons for adjudication in Victoria

Although detailed progress reports and payment claims help lessen disputes and deter lack of payment, issues can still occur. A claimant can take action or enter adjudication if the payment schedule outlines that the respondent intends to pay less than what the builder has claimed, the respondent does not follow the payment schedule they provided or if the respondent fails to provide a payment schedule or pay the claimed amount. The Victorian Builders Association can assist by getting the builder in touch with an Authorised Nominating Authority (ANA) to help with the adjudication process.

To reduce the likelihood of costly disputes over progress claims, registered quantity surveyors like the expert team at Section 94 confirm all the details of the progress claim to avoid incomplete work or mismanaged funds. Our talented quantity surveyors audit the work completed and validate the claimed progress against the invoice and contract schedule, before providing photographic evidence of the work completed to create an accurate report for the builder, client, and bank’s records.

Need help with a construction progress claim?

Section 94 is comprised of Australia’s premium and experienced building quantity surveyors and experts in preparing progress claims for the construction industry. This expertise helps builders, suppliers and contractors to attain regular payments through detailed inspections of the construction site and thorough documentation.

With over a decade of industry experience, our qualified building quantity surveyors will assist you with all your construction budget and management services such as providing bank prefunding reports, construction budgets and section 94 reports.

Give us a call today on 0413 953 869 or email us at info@section94.com.au to learn more about our premium surveying services.

Employing a building quantity surveyor to develop an accurate construction budget from the beginning, conceptual phases is essential to a successful build. If it is discovered that you have incorrect or mismanaged financial estimates mid-build, your construction process can grind to a harsh stop until you have amended this issue or worse yet, the entire project could be deemed to be unviable. At Section 94, our team develop a comprehensive and accurate construction budget to avoid lengthening the construction time or contractual disputes, but there are many additional benefits to paying the initial costs for a realistic construction budget.

What is a construction budget?

A clear construction budget is one of the fundamental first steps in planning a construction project. After extensive research and cost estimations for different build elements, the construction budget outlines the cost of all chosen materials, equipment, labour, permits and services in a detailed and informative manner before the build commences.

Quantity surveyors provide accurate and detailed budgets using their expert knowledge of material and asset value to establish construction costs, allotting a clear figure for every individual aspect of the build. This ensures that all parties involved have clear and unified financial expectations for the builds total costs. Building quantity surveyors can also offer additional services in project management to confirm budget regulation at every stage of the build.

Construction budgets help guide critical design choices

If the client is finding it difficult to decide on certain materials or finishes with the architect or builder, an accurate construction cost estimate can help. A realistic budget created by a building quantity surveyor combines the main elemental costs including the internal and external building components, site works and finishes with the sub elemental costs of the individual building components that create the gas services, plumbing, windows and flooring.

A comprehensive construction budget establishes whether a project is feasible, and what design elements fall outside of the financial scope. By creating an accurate construction budget during the early design phases, the client can better consider which materials or features are more crucial to their vision and create the most cost-efficient result.

Avoid surprise additional costs 

Typically, owner builders can run into additional costs due to unforeseen expenses and services or an ambitious design. Vague build budgets that have not been produced by a professional building quantity surveyor can have errors that cause mismanagement of resources. Insight into the exact specifications, resources, labour required, and schedule of the project ensures that all materials and contractors are appropriately ordered and scheduled, reducing the risk of stressful delays that cost the client time and money.

Expert building quantity surveyors like the team at Section 94 are also adaptable to the unforeseen issues that can arise during renovations, extensions and custom builds. Small deviations from the budget due to contractor availability, interest rate increases, poor weather, holding costs and material price rises can quickly add up and, if left unchecked, lead to a budget blowout. This is one of the many benefits of having a flexible, third-party service develop the construction budget.

Clearly outline timelines and scope between contractors

Comprehensive construction budgets and management also avoids any scope gap between contractors, with all services and roles coordinated and outlined in the construction budget and schedule. Budget management from the commencement of the project allows transparency between contractors and clients, avoiding disputes and conflicting work. The clarity of roles and build timelines is one of the many values of registered quantity surveyors and comprehensive construction budgets.

The value of a third-party estimator

When planning a build, there are indirect and tangential costs that are outside the knowledge of craftsmen and contractors who have refined their skills to their area of expertise in the construction process. There is also plenty of competition when tendering for a project that can lead to more rough estimates in order to be perceived by the client or investor as the best value bid.

Building quantity surveyors provide proven accuracy and precision, the ability to collect, evaluate and concisely present budget data, and extensive knowledge of every aspect of construction including material costs, worker expenses and permit requirements unique to each site. An accurate and adaptable construction budget from the start of the project is valuable to the client and contractors, making it crucial to employ the trusted services of professional quantity surveyors like the team at Section 94.

Premium quantity surveying services

Section 94 is comprised of premium and experienced building quantity surveyors. This expertise guarantees that our solutions are accurate, comprehensive and quick so you can enjoy our trusted service in an efficient timeframe. With over a decade of industry experience, our qualified building quantity surveyors will assist you with all your construction budget and management services such as providing bank prefunding reports, progress claim invoices and section 94 reports.

Give us a call today on 0413 953 869 or email us at info@section94.com.au to learn more about how we can help you.

Progress claims are vital to construction projects that are not being paid for as a lump sum as they enable you to gain funds from the financier periodically — this can be whenever a stipulated section on the construction timeline has been completed or simply after a certain amount of time has elapsed. Regardless, qualified quantity surveyor services are the key to comprehensive progress claims construction invoices, let us take a look at why that is and how progress claims can help you.

Streamlined construction projects

Progress claim construction invoices go hand in hand with an effective construction schedule. Prior to commencement, the project is segmented into phases — at the end of each phase, a progress claim is submitted to the financier detailing all the costs involved with the recently finished phase so the funds for the next phase can be released to you.

Whilst a detailed construction plan is essential for all projects, progress claims add that extra layer of strictness — pushing you to follow a more comprehensive approach that accounts for elements that may have been previously unconsidered such as potential issues or precise material lists/finding suppliers in advance. This will ultimately pay off in the end as it mitigates last-minute decisions or problems that may halt construction whilst simultaneously providing a more organised construction project.

Instilled trust from the client

In addition to the progress claim construction invoice being inspected by the client, quantity surveyor and financier, a physical inspection of the site following each phase is required to ensure that the work specified in the invoice translates to the physical work. A qualified quantity surveyor will carry out this inspection; the client may also be present to see how their project is progressing.

This can work to instil confidence and trust in the client regarding you and your work, ultimately contributing to a better relationship which can translate to references and further work down the track. Furthermore, the client may use this opportunity to ask any questions regarding the project, which will also fill them with confidence and potentially put their mind at ease; not only will they see the work you have done, but they will also see that you have the knowledge to back it up.

More efficient financial decisions

Since you will only have access to a specific allocation of funds during each phase, you will have to be more precise with your purchasing of inventory and allotment of labour. This will prove to be a more efficient process since everything is regimented and running to a strict financially guided timeline, which harks back to our first point about a streamlined project.

This is further indicated by the mandatory reviews at the end of each phase as every dollar and where it went must be accounted for in detail. One of our expert quantity surveyors can assist you with ensuring a comprehensive progress claim construction invoice; keeping your overall construction costs in check is essential to producing accurate results throughout, ask us about our construction budgets for a more secure project.

How we approach progress claim

  1. Before moving forward to the next phase, the preceding one must be assessed by one of our expert quantity surveyors. We can provide comprehensive and professional progress claim construction invoice templates to ensure your submission to the financier is impeccably presented.
  2. Once you have filled out the invoice, we will inspect it and verify all the costs. This includes an on-site inspection and meeting with you, the builder, to ensure every aspect is reported and to guarantee the most accurate report possible.
  3. In addition to providing a professional invoice template, we will also create an accurate cash flow report to further outline what has been spent, how much is left and if there are any variations to the contract — this will give the financier a better understanding of the progress so far and what to expect moving forward.
  4. Our progress claim quantity surveying service is guaranteed to only take a maximum of three days so the impact on the project’s progress is mitigated as much as possible.

Premium quantity surveying services

Section 94 offers complete quantity surveying services Australia-wide; our solutions are guaranteed to be accurate, comprehensive and quick so you can enjoy our trusted service in an efficient timeframe. With over a decade of industry experience, our qualified QS’ will assist you with all your progress claim and construction management services such as providing bank prefunding reports and section 94 reports.

Give us a call today on 0413 953 869 or email us at info@section94.com.au to learn more about how we can help you.

Podcasts have risen in popularity over the last decade and with current technology and platforms being where they are, anyone can create and publish a podcast to be consumed by the world. Since there is at least one podcast on almost every topic, it is fitting that construction be an industry that has its fair share of dedicated shows. Today, our Sydney-based quantity surveyors take you through the importance and significance of construction podcasts and recommend a few great shows that you may find interesting.

Rising podcasts for a thriving industry

Construction is one of those essential industries that has continuously thrived. There is always a demand for construction whether it is in the form of renovations, erecting new buildings or bolstering infrastructure. As the world’s population expands, so too does the need for construction. Naturally, this beckons forth new contractors and construction firms eager to make their mark. So, where do podcasts fit in?

Podcasting is something that, in the construction industry, has allowed seasoned professionals to share their experience and insight in an easily digestible format. They do not have to spend time writing meticulous articles and the audience do not have to spend time reading them. Listening to a podcast is like listening to the radio except you choose what you want to hear — this makes it perfect for those who spend a lot of their time on the road as it is an easy and informative way to pass the time.

The benefit of construction podcasts

The invaluable knowledge contained within construction podcasts is predominantly information that you will scarcely find online; it is this knowledge that helps improve new firms, inspire up-and-coming contractors and even teach some new tricks to industry veterans. The format of a podcast presents an easily accessible medium that can be streamed using the same Spotify account, for example, that you listen to music from at any time of the day.

Another beneficial aspect of construction podcasts is that it not only allows industry-veterans to share their knowledge and experience but also interview other professionals. It is during these interviews where unique opinions and aspects are drawn out. With the construction industry steadily rolling along there is always room and opportunity for new businesses to rise above the rest and it is how they interpret and implement the amalgamated knowledge they gather from these podcasts that determines how much they will thrive.

An interactive environment

An aspect of construction podcasts that our Sydney-based quantity surveyors love is the interactive element with people all around the globe. This can be via forums, discord channels, direct messaging or even emails. This allows contractors and industry-heavies from all over to send in questions, offer opinions and have those insights discussed or questions answered on the next episode of the show.

This community interactivity is important as it shows fresh contractors that there are no silly questions, there is no need to feel intimated just because you are new to the industry because everyone is in it together. Construction podcasts do not just educate but also inspire.

Some recommendations to get you started

If you are looking for a construction podcast to enjoy, then the best way to start is by browsing dedicated applications such as Google Podcasts, Downcast, Spotify or Apple Podcasts as well as some general internet searching. A good tip is to look at the background and experience of the hosts to ensure you are getting sound advice from professionals.

Our quantity surveyors recommend starting with Construction Genius; a successful construction podcast with more than 100 episodes. The show is led by Eric Anderton, a leadership advisor with over two decades of experience in public speaking and executive mentoring for construction firms. He interviews construction executives on his show — giving them a platform to share their stories, incites and advice on a variety of topics such as leadership, conflict resolution and business development just to name a few.

MEA$URED with Mick Donaghy is another great listen where, similarly to Construction Genius, industry professionals (many of which are quantity surveyors) are invited on the show for discussions and to share their useful insights; this is a great podcast for those looking to sharpen their industry knowledge.

If you are looking for something a little closer to home, The Master Builders Podcast was launched in February 2020 by Master Builders Australia. This podcast covers the latest news about the Australian construction industry including changes to the National Construction Code as well as helpful insights designed to assist your construction business to grow and prosper.

Are you looking for quantity surveyors in Sydney?

Podcasts are a very personal thing, so finding the right construction podcast that fits your niche may take some time but once you do, you will be able to absorb the invaluable information and put it to work for yourself.

If you have a job coming up that requires a section 94 report or the work of a qualified Sydney-based quantity surveyor, then please give Section 94 a call on 0413 953 869 or send an email to info@section94.com.au.

Timber, concrete and steel have been the driving force of modern construction for at least a century with each individual material dating back even further. But with global natural resources being exhausted, the modern building must evolve to leverage alternative materials. Our Quantity surveyors in Sydney have assembled this article to help paint a clearer picture of the current building material landscape — where it is heading and what some current alternatives to timber, concrete and steel are that you can use in your projects.

Timber — framing the modern home

It is said that the first home built from timber dates back some 10,000 years ago. What is used in the construction industry today is timber — specially treated timber made specifically for construction. Timber is for a variety of applications but one of the predominant applications is the frames for small buildings such as hospitality venues or residential dwellings. Whilst it is a strong, tried and true material, it is prone to warping due to moisture and extreme conditions, as well as rot from vermin and similar insects.

Unfortunately, timber is a finite material and will eventually be exhausted. One alternative that is similar to timber is ply timber — which is a composite that still utilises timber, though not as much as pure timber. Plytimber is essentially thin slices of timber veneer glued together. Plytimber has a fantastic strength to weight ratio and is an incredibly stable material — not to mention more resistant to rot and moisture than natural timber. Plytimber is used in what is commonly referred to as lightweight framing.

Concrete — the foundations for high-rises

Concrete has been used in construction as early as 6500 B.C in one form or another. The fascinating thing about concrete is that there have been countless material combinations that have gone into forming it over the years. Of course, the modern concrete we know today is created by combining Portland cement (which was created in the 1820s) with water and sand/aggregates.

Though it may surprise you, one of the key ingredients used to create modern concrete — sand — is running out. Cortex Composites is an example of a concrete alternative that can be summed up as being “concrete in a roll”­ — in other words, it is a GCM (Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat). Unfortunately, this doesn’t quite satisfy the demand for concrete in high-rises. This is where steel-concrete composites come into their own, calling for less concrete whilst leveraging steel’s impressive properties.

Specialised concrete solutions such as self-compacting concrete (which requires less labour and makes it easier to form shapes thanks to higher fluidity) and high-performance concrete (which is generally more durable and stronger) are great for high-rises; SCC is especially advantageous for when curves are required to be formed. However, these still utilise sand, and in some cases require more than standard concrete. In terms of sand replacements, researchers at Deakin have been able to prove that recycled glass can be used to successfully replace sand in polymer concrete, which is a step in the right direction and a preview of what may be possible in the future for standard concrete.

Steel — the height of construction

Steel began being used on a large scale in construction in the late-1800s and is a highly desirable material. It is 100% recyclable, durable and impervious to moisture and rodents (unlike timber); it is by all accounts a sustainable and reliable material — so what is there to innovate? Strength, durability, cost-efficiency — these are all issues that are constantly being tackled in the search for a better alternative — and, thanks to innovations like 3D printing, CNC and composite materials, a lot of these elements have either been satisfied or are showing promising results.

A 3D printing company in Amsterdam has printed a 12 m long stainless-steel bridge that goes beyond just being a lifeless structure. Whilst still a while away from being used in large-scale construction projects, it is a promising look at things to come. High-strength steel (also known as quenched and tempered steel) is another example of steel innovation that offers a cost-effective alternative to regular steel; it is much lighter in comparison to regular steel, featuring an impressive strength to weight ratio, and is ideal for structural applications where greater load-carrying capacities are required over substantial areas.

Are you looking for a quantity surveyor in Sydney?

Section 94 employs qualified and seasoned quantity surveyors across Sydney who can ensure all your construction reports are meticulously and professionally handled. Our knowledgeable quantity surveyors have worked on projects of all sizes and are across the latest construction news and standards; you can rest assured you’re receiving a quality experience when you work with us.

Give us a call on 0413 953 869 or email us at info@section94.com.au if you would like to find out more about our services.

Prefabricated homes (also known as modular homes) have been gaining in popularity over the years as they offer a more sustainable, affordable and socially conscious alternative to traditional, on-site builds. Our residential quantity surveyors in Sydney have had their fair share of experience with this alternative and thought it would be great to explore five vital areas that should be considered when choosing between a home built on-site, and a prefabricated home.

1.     Durability & quality of materials

This really comes down to the company you use but generally speaking most prefabricated home builders make a point of stating that their quality is on-par with homes built on-site. In fact, because prefab homes are constructed within controlled environments, there is far less chance of any elemental damage occurring during the construction phase such as timber getting soaked.

The foundation of a prefabricated home is actually constructed on-site and will vary in style and materials used depending on a number of factors such as the distance between the floor and the ground or if the sub-floor is enclosed. The modular home is then lowered onto the foundation. If you are considering a prefabricated home, then our residential quantity surveyors recommend shopping around and getting all the facts from each company before advancing.

2.     Construction time

For some people, a quick construction time is important whereas others are in no rush to move into their new home. Prefabricated homes are built in enclosed, monitored environments which means rain or shine — construction continues. This ultimately leads to shorter construction times as contractors can finish much faster.

Some prefabrication home companies buy their materials in bulk as well — eliminating the need for trips to bunnings or waiting for deliveries from suppliers. Once prefab homes are completed, they are loaded onto a truck and transported to the desired location where a crane will lower them into place. This can also be done as individual pieces for larger homes.

This is in comparison to homes built on-site which can only operate when the weather allows it and also within certain hours of the day. Depending on where prefabricated homes are being built, there may be some flexibility with construction hours. On the other hand, though, when a house is constructed on-site, everything can be done methodically whereas there are some elements that cannot be completed straightaway during a prefab build.

3.     Utilities

Utilities such as plumbing, electricity and gas are crucial to a home’s development but require connection to external sources to function. This is something that can be done seamlessly on-site as the home is being constructed using traditional methods. For prefabricated homes, however, this will all have to be done after the fact. How it is handled depends on the company but they will generally prepare everything so that it just needs to be connected upon delivery.

4.     Sustainability

It is no secret that prefabricated homes are actually considered to be a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional homes built on-site. This is done through a number of methods such as passive energy-efficient design, eco-friendly materials and minimising/recycling wasted materials. There is also less sound pollution produced — and what is produced will not be affecting the residential neighbourhood.

It is also common for prefab homes to be built to run entirely on solar power, further reducing their carbon footprint. Whilst homes built on-site can still be quite sustainable and eco-friendly, you may have to look around for contractors that specialise in sustainable designs to get the same level as a prefab home.

5.     Size and cost

It is a common assumption that prefabricated homes are small — and to some extent that is correct. Because they are built off-site and then transported, the home itself cannot be too large. However, through multiple modules, large homes can be formed. Overall, prefabricated homes are more affordable than your traditional home.

Traditional homes, though, have so much more flexibility in terms of design, size and future renovations. If you have something very specific in mind, a traditionally built home may be the one for you. For both prefabricated homes and traditionally built ones, you will still have to buy the land the house will eventually occupy so that is something else to keep in mind.

Residential quantity surveyors in Sydney

Regardless of which type of home you commission, you are going to need a registered and qualified quantity surveyor to ensure the construction process stays on track and is viable at every step. Section 94 employs experienced and certified residential quantity surveyors in Sydney that can meet your every QS need and more.

Contact us today by emailing info@section94.com.au or by calling 0413 953 869.

Ask any quantity surveyor consultant and they will tell you that the concept of a modern home is changing rapidly. It is no longer only design trends that are going in and out of season, but a single continuous push towards making life at home easier and simpler for the occupants. Technology plays a crucial part in this and the birth of smart homes — but what exactly is a smart home and how will technology play a role in the future (and present) evolutions of such a dwelling?

Defining a smart home

You could already have elements of a smart home. If you wake up in the morning and ask Siri or Google Assistant what the weather is going to be for the day, then that is making your morning easier as you can continue with your routine without looking up the answer yourself. That is exactly what a smart home does — it makes life easier through technology.

There are many examples of such technology — taps and showers that monitor your water usage, smart assistants that take down your shopping lists or even air conditioning units that can be adjusted with a simple voice command. We are lucky enough to live in an age where technology is progressing so rapidly, that the current technology you are able to integrate into your daily home life is far superior to the technology that was available only ten years ago.

Basic automations and integrations

There are varying levels of integration when it comes to smart homes. We will start with the basic, consumer smart products. For example, Phillips Hue lights can be automated to turn on whenever someone arrives home and off when someone leaves. Smart assistant companions such as Amazon Echo devices or Google Nest can do more than just wake you up at a certain time — but also present breaking news for the day, the weather and even traffic conditions for your morning commute.

A more elaborate example would be a smart coffee machine, which can switch on and create your coffee at a certain time so it is ready for you by the time you reach the kitchen. These are all fairly simple automations that can be set up by purchasing the appropriate products and adjusting the settings on your smart device. Whilst these sound impressive, some people are not comfortable having such devices constantly tracking their actions.

Another thing to consider is that these products all rely on a stable internet and wi-fi connection (something that can occasionally suffer) as well as the compatibility of a smart hub. This means that you might connect your lights or television to your Amazon account, or your Apple account, for example, and that will become the hub for your smart products. For those that want to take home automation to the next step — there are more advanced options available.

Keeping your automations local with open-source platforms

On the other end of the spectrum, there are open-source platforms that take automations to the next level. These do not rely on cloud-based hubs, but instead, keep everything local. A popular open-source platform is Home Assistant. This is where you can really take things to the next level with a bit of patience and learning. Motion sensors, for example, can be purchased and placed around your house so they activate particular lights (or any compatible product, really) when triggered during certain parts of the day.

The catch with something like Home Assistant is that there is a bit of learning involved, especially if you are not very tech-savvy. However, once you get the hang of things, what you will be able to achieve is quite impressive and can go beyond what is possible with regular consumer smart products. Being open-source means that there are virtually no limitations as you yourself set the boundaries for each automation.

Depending on what you are looking to achieve in your daily routine and how you are interested in simplifying it, our quantity surveyor contractors know that either of the two aforementioned options (or options similar) will suit your lifestyle.

Are you looking for quantity surveyor consultants in Australia?

Whether you are considering building a new property or renovating an existing dwelling, our seasoned and qualified quantity surveyor consultants can deliver efficient and reliable service all over Australia. From handling progress claims to preparing bank prefunding reports, you can rely on our professionalism and discretion moving forward.

Contact us today by emailing info@section94.com.au or calling 0413 953 869 and one of our surveyors will be happy to help you out and answer any questions you may have.