Building Developments And BASIX

Assessment and certification programs are common and crucial to achieve durable, safe and energy efficient homes. A very common name which usually arises in this process is BASIX. How many of you do really know about it? Let's get familiar with BASIX.

BASIX or Building Sustainability Index, is a planning initiative of New South Wales Government. It requires all new buildings to be built and designed in such a manner so that they can achieve a minimum of 40% reduction in water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. BASIX also fixes the minimum performance level for comfortable insulation and thermal power of a building. This is done to both save a significant amount of money per year and improve the comfort level of every resident. This means it is a valuable contribution for the sustainability of every building and future of our communities.

What is the use of BASIX certification?

BASIX Certification identifies the sustainability features that are essential for a building's design. The features may include rainwater tanks, recycled water, native landscaping, AAA-rated shower-heads and taps, heat pumps or solar water heaters, roof eaves/awnings, wall/ceiling insulation and many more.

BASIX assessment is done depending on the building orientation, location, size, type of construction, window size and types, appliances to be used, etc. The assessment also considers thermal comfort to reduce the amount of energy used by buildings in order to keep them at a comfortable level.

BASIX Certification is a part of the documentation which is required to submit to the council when applying for a Development Application in NSW.

All of the new developments and complying development applications that are associated with new residential buildings must meet the BASIX standards, including:

• Dual occupancy dwellings
• Single dwellings
• Villas
• Unit & Multi unit developments
• Townhouses
• Swimming pools or outdoor spas with a water capacity equal or greater then 40,000 Litres
• Alterations & additions greater or equal to $50,000
• Granny Flats
• Boarding Houses, Backpackers and Lodging houses

The Starting Process

At first, submit your development application and if you consider to make any changes to the project, you must obtain a new BASIX assessment.

Assessing your application

Certifiers will assess and inspect your project, and if approved, it must be constructed according to the BASIX commitments.

Thus, getting certified through BASIX means ensuring next level of safety, durability and reducing the burden on mother earth, which is a major step against global warming.

The Benefits Of Shower Screens

While there are lots of material options available in the market when it comes to shower screens, glass will be the best forever. Glasses which are used for making shower screens are tough and shatterproof. Today, glass shower screens are new and enhanced compared to the ones used in the past.

One of the major changes made to glass screens was when manufacturers or glaziers came up with the idea of frameless and semi framed shower screens. In these options, the screens are made up of clear glass panels and kept completely frameless or just half of a frame, and they have helped to bring about a revolutionary change in the decoration of bathrooms. 

In the past, the appearance of glass doors made the bathroom look smaller. The reason behind this is the glass panels in those days were not clear and shiny. They were mainly frosted and textured. As of now, clear and broader glass helps a bathroom look spacious even if it is smaller in size.

Different types of glass for shower screens :

Clear glass panels may not be appreciated by some people as it becomes breach of privacy. When the concern is your privacy, you can choose a glass panel which is half clear and half textured. Well, choosing the correct glass panel is very important while designing your bathroom.

• Frosted glass can please the user with its appearance while giving the feeling of privacy.
• Tinted glass panel is the best way to show colours and style without making the bathroom look smaller.
• Antique glass can be used for traditional bathrooms.

These are some examples of new age glass shower doors which can be installed according to your bathroom décor preferences. Hire a professional who installs shower screens in Coolum and determine whether frameless, semi framed or framed shower screen suits your style.

Custom designed shower screens :

A customised shower screen is an ideal choice when you are planning to give your bathroom the exact look you want. Custom designed glass panel gives you greater freedom with the option of sliding or swinging enclosure screen. The glass, frame and accessories can also be customised with a range of colour options. But make sure that the colour of the glass panel matches or contrasts with the decoration of your bathroom. The shades that you can choose from are green, gray, blue, orange, red and so on.

Whether custom made or ready-made, glass shower screens are one of the most vital essentials that can provide uniqueness to a bathroom.

Understanding The Reasons Of Hiring Consulting Engineers

Consulting engineers are the professionals who deliver a well planned and completed building project design. They are specially trained and have the knowledge to provide creativity in the building plans. A research on engineers has shown that consulting engineers work with new talents and solve all types of construction problems ease. They are not just engineers, but are experts with whom you can consult your building plans and needs. The final report ends with outstanding result of productivity and safety. The charges of engineering consultants depends on the basis of the project and the number of pros needed. The payments can be made at once or in intervals as per the contract signed.

Budget, Scope and Schedule 

Before you start working with a consulting engineer, make sure you communicate these three vital points.

• The budget should be discussed and set for the project before it starts. You should always keep some extra money for probable additional costs.

• The scope of the project is the boundaries or the definitions for an engineer within which he will act. Read the contract carefully and understand the requirements carefully.

• Make a proper schedule. Consulting engineers in Brisbane will provide you with the appropriate schedule according to your project. The schedule most likely affects when there is a change made on the budget and the scope. The schedule must contain progress reports and milestones so that you can understand the project's progress.

Communicate Personally

• Do not follow the same old communication rules where e-mails used to be the only mode of discussion. Poor communication is one of the main reasons behind most failed projects. Direct communication is the best way to address any problem or important topic. It eliminates misunderstanding between you and the engineers.

• Check the progress reports on a regular basis or in some intervals. If anyhow you want a change in the project's plan consider reviewing the budget, scope and schedule at milestones to avoid unwanted delays.

• If you have any confusions, clear them out immediately. Do not assume anything or leave as it is.

Consulting engineers are all time favourite for building projects. They are skilled personnels who run the project smoothly while providing the best advice pertaining to design, planning and usage of materials. However, make sure you locate efficient professionals for working with on your project and ensuring its successful completion.

Why Do You Need A Sustainability Assessment?

A sustainability assessment program is the code for all commercial and residential properties to reduce the consumption of energy. Keeping the environmental condition of the earth in mind, the tool is developed to show the world a newer face of energy reduction technology. So, what is the basic purpose of home and building sustainability assessment?

The goal of sustainability assessment

The main objective of this assessment is to suggest the best building materials to represent an eco-friendly design for your building. The challenge is to identify the areas of a building to reduce the energy consumption. The process focuses on the materials that are made from renewable sources. Therefore, the purpose of sustainability assessment is to fill the major gaps of development stages in a building plan to overcome the energy deficiency on earth.

The Design and Method

The methodology of the assessment includes all the factors that affects human health or natural surrounding of a building. It is important for an assessor to reduce significant amount of carbon from the project site of a building before it begins. If the building has already been completed then the assessor can provide you with different building sustainable plans. This process not only reduces the carbon usage but also presents a long term saving plan for the next generation. A research on building plans suggests that opting for a greener approach brings down your electricity bills along with keeping the air in the room cool or warm for a longer period of time.

Minimising the waste

Do you know, in Australia 42 percent of the annual waste is generated from building construction. Everyday huge amount of energy and resources are wasted while manufacturing and transporting the materials to different places in NSW. In addition, 6.25 million tonnes of materials are wasted just to landfill. Therefore, to minimise the waste you have to maintain the formula of 'three Rs', these are reduction, recycling and reusing. Reducing or avoiding the demand for materials is the best solution. Go for renovation rather than rebuilding or demolishing. You can also opt for constructing smaller houses rather than apartments. Try not to waste the unused materials from your construction plan and reuse them. It is suggested to recycle the materials and not to send them for landfill.

Focusing on the energy performance of your building is an important strategy to live and to let live.