Renovations & Extensions
Looking to renovate or extend your property? We have an expert team of qualified builders who can help We pay attention to every detail and quality workmanship is our priority.
Queensland Tree Removal Regulations
Queensland Tree Removal Regulations
The State’s Tree Protection Laws
The Australian government is keen on preserving and expanding the coverage of natural vegetation in the country. The city council is quite strict in implementing these regulations that aim to protect these essential and valuable heritage assets. This is why using a tree removal professionals is important because they know how to carry out the job in line with these regulations. Thus, hiring them help you avoid any legal penalties and liabilities.
In Brisbane, the Natural Assets Local Law (NALL) 2003 aims at establishing a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship among its people and the natural vegetation in its area. It targets to preserve as much vegetation without restricting developments. Therefore, a council is established to carefully study each appeal that you may submit them.
How does vegetation qualify under the city’s protected assets?
The law clearly defines the protected types of vegetation, including trees and plants. Your concern might be under the protected assets if:
- They grow along or near the banks of the Brisbane River
- It is part of an abundant cluster of trees in the forest or even in rural areas
- It is part of any bush land areas
- They hold heritage values
And also, the same law allows you to appeal for specific trees and vegetation to be under the protected assets. This is subject to the approval of the council and should adhere to the core objectives of the NALL.
A Vegetation Protection Order, or VPO, may be served by the council to protect other trees and vegetation that fit the criteria of protected assets. Even dead tree stumps may qualify here if animals use them as shelter. You can pay a fine for damaging the trees and vegetation with a VPO issued on them. Therefore, it is best to check with the Queensland Heritage Register first.
Does the law cover trees and vegetation in private properties?
The law also covers unauthorised removal or movement of any tree and vegetation that is categorised under the protected assets within your property. Even if you are the landowner, you would still need to seek a permit before you engage in activities such as movement or removal.
It is also best to consult to with the council first cases like pruning. If the tree or vegetation of concern resides outside your property like in other people’s or in the government land, you can also ask the council for review and approval.
How does the law work with building developments?
The best-case scenario is to check with the council first before securing building permits. And this is also ideal to do before planning the development. This is for you to avoid the hassles and extra costs that come from revisions should your plans violate the prevailing provisions of NALL 2003.
How does the NALL 2003 coincide with the local law on land use?
Essentially, the NALL does not cover the control parameters concerning land use, including land subdivision. A separate law mandates the guidelines in usage rights, protection, and subdivision of land whether private or government-owned.
Land developments with protected assets around are subject to the approval of the council. It is important to appeal the cause first to avoid penalties, disputes, and even criminal liabilities.
How can I help implement the laws of the NALL?
If you happen to own a property that has protected assets, you automatically assume responsibility for preserving the trees or vegetation in it. You must understand the laws and regulations to avoid incurring liability or hindering the goals of the law.
As the tree or vegetation protector, you have to make sure it will not cause damage to adjacent properties, to the community, and to your own. It should not interfere with your own, your neighbours or your community’s rights to exercise freedom in any form. In case it does, you have the responsibility to appeal the situation to the council. Or at least, approve the appeal before submitting to the council should your neighbour or the community calls for it.
What are the grounds that a protected tree can be pruned or removed without incurring liabilities?
The council makes the final decision about any appeal to prune or remove trees under the local government’s protected assets registry. Here are some of the common and valid grounds that the council will classify a protected tree as interference to your or other’s properties:
- Obstructs communication frequencies such as satellite, mobile, and cable
- Blocks the path where a solar panel should operate
- Produces too much litter in the property such as a pile of leaves and branches (depending on the magnitude of the pile and frequency of the situation)
- Gets in the way of sunlight and views, and the branches of concern are at least 2.5 meters from the ground
- Seriously brings damage to your property like its roots seeping below your floors and damages it
- Caused or causes injuries to people
I want to clear the weeds near a protected tree and vegetation on my property. Do I still need to secure a permit for it?
No need. This is as long as it does not cause direct damage to the tree or vegetation itself, or cause the soil to erode. Weeds essentially fall under pest plants in the Biosecurity Act of 2014 and you can remove it safely without liabilities.
However, the law may have been protecting other pest plant trees . It is vital to seek the council’s approval first if you are clearing the space for developments. This is because such activities constitute wider clearances which may require more than weed clearing.
Final Thoughts
Be confident that the law aims to protect the interests of both parties – people and the environment . The council is established to make humane and just decisions. This also includes exemptions if they deem to find the cause reasonable and will benefit more concerned.
Protecting valuable trees and vegetation is not just the government’s responsibility but also ours as this country’s citizens. Their benefits transcend the present and go beyond the future generation. We should all take part in preserving our environment by being responsible for our actions, considering their long-term effects.
10 Things to Look for in an Asbestos Removal Contractor
10 Things to Look for in an Asbestos Removal Contractor
Finding The Right Professionals
Asbestos has been used in construction materials such as walls, flooring tiles, roofing, siding, fire prevention, and many more. It’s been utilised in most residential and commercial buildings. It’s preferred by many contractors because this has heat and chemical resistance property.
Unfortunately, Asbestos has a severe health hazard. It has greatly affected many people. From the manufacturers to contractors, its exposure seems to have touched almost everyone. Those who were exposed to asbestos for a long time have suffered major health problems.
In 1924 the British Medical Journal was the first to mention the health risks of asbestos. A medical inspector Edward Merewether began to notice health issues and quoted, “A definite occupational risk among asbestos workers as a class.” Plus, different types of cancer have proven to be a deadly result of its use.
If you ever discover an Asbestos in your home, check if it’s disturbed or not. Asbestos is less harmful when it’s not disturb. Therefore, just leave it. However, when the materials containing asbestos is already damaged, seek professional help right away. A Brisbane asbestos removal company provides us a list on what to look for in finding the right contractor.
1. Licensing and certification
Ask your potential contractor for a copy of their license and work permit. Ensure to check what sort of license they have as there are two types of it. Class A is for friable asbestos while class B is for non-friable(bonded) asbestos. Plus, see to it that their licenses are still valid to operate.
2. Reviews and references
If the company reviews are available, read through them and don’t be shy asking for references. References also validate the contractor’s legitimacy and professionalism down to their employees who do the work. Reading the reviews may also give you clues regarding the work performed, so look at them as a tremendous educating tool.
3. Training
Professional contractors undergone extensive training. As experts, they are trained to several asbestos removal procedures. These includes the following:
- Preparation on the working site
- Establishing decontaminating stations
- Using the proper personal protection
- Workers health monitoring
- Proper handing and disposal of asbestos waste
In addition to, those who work as asbestos removal professionals must always be on the cutting edge of their industry’s latest safety procedures.
4. Choices for a homeowner
As the owner of your home where asbestos has been discovered, it is essential to educate yourself on your available choices; Remove the asbestos or Encapsulate it.
A popular spray product for encapsulation is Cemprotec E942. Getting a spray coating over the asbestos membrane and completely covering it with no chance of escaping into the environment may be something to consider. Plus, it would be wise to get a few professional opinions on those choices.
5. Equipment
Professional asbestos workers must have the proper equipment. Among these are the following:
- A vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air filter in use (HEPA)
- Respirators and eyewear
- Disposable gloves and coveralls
- Wet wipes and sealed-tight trash containers, labeled clearly of the warring of its contents ready for its delivery to a qualified landfill-specific for asbestos products.
- Allocated safety vehicles
6. Safety measures
You’ll know that you’re working with experts when they practice these following safety measures:
- Putting warning signs
- Removal of any furniture
- Covering of any non-removable fixtures needs to take place
- Do not eat or drink anything in the area
7. Work area preparation
An asbestos contractor must always take extra pre cautions before, during and after the removal. They must be knowledgeable enough to prepare the work area. They should know the basics such as closing the doors, sealing off with plastic sheets and using high viz tape .
8. Workers personal protection
Workers will be wearing Personal protection equipment at all times while working on the site. No one, for their own safety, is to be in the work zone without wearing PPE.
9. Proper handling and disposal
Professional contractors know where to dispose Asbestos waste. They should have a list of all the authorized landfill locations. Moreover, they should have the proper vehicle to carry this harmful substance.
10. Cost of Service
Lastly, the cost of their service. Removing asbestos requires extensive training which means professional contractors spent ample of money just to acquire their license and certification. This is why hiring them can be a bit pricey. However, it will still varies on several factors such as the size of the contaminated area and level of difficulty. A professional contractor should only charge you with a fair and reasonable amount. If the quote given is way too high for the job then that’s already a red flag. You might be dealing with a dodgy removalist. Hence, do your research and compare prices.
Conclusion
It is not wise to look at removing asbestos as a do-it-yourself project. It can be very dangerous and can lead to irrevocable damage. Hence, it’s highly recommended to hire someone who has a deep understanding about the job. We hope the ones above help you find the right professional to deal with your asbestos problem.
Why Pest Control Is Important?
Why Pest Control Is Important?
Benefits of Pest Control
DIY pest control is the go-to option for many homeowners. The premise for this notion is that it is more affordable as you only need to purchase an insecticide from the store. However, this method may not be as effective, especially if the pest problem keeps on recurring.
The infestation can become so overwhelming that only a professional exterminator can eliminate the pests effectively. Also, if the products required for control can only be used by certified professionals, then hiring a pest control company comes in handy. Here are ten more reasons from Eco Pest Control Brisbane homeowners should consider hiring a professional,.
Prevention from Disease
Pests make you and your family prone to diseases. Also, applying chemicals, you are barely versed with poses health risks. Exterminators are conversant with the appropriate chemicals to exterminate the chemicals in your home. Also, they use high-quality equipment when applying the chemicals to reduce exposure.
Wealth of Experience
The extermination process is not just about the application of chemicals. Instead, the professionals are trained to identify the location of the pests and perform a thorough inspection to determine if the pests have formed colonies. The professionals will also determine the cause of the problem and eliminate it to prevent future infestations.
Availability of Specialized Plans
The bottom line for hiring a pest control company is to exterminate pests. However, since homeowners have different property sizes and may be experiencing unique pest infestation problems, pest control companies offer plans homeowners choose from.
The professionals will help you choose an ideal package depending on the level of infestation. Some pest control companies have plans that include pre-treatments for new construction, perimeter treatment to keep off the pests and emergency services to treat nests and hives.
Conversant with Extermination Methods
DIY pest control often involves the application of insecticides, which may not be effective. Using the wrong extermination method could attract even more pests to your home. Exterminators are versed with a range of extermination methods and will use the most appropriate depending on the level of infestation.
Flexibility
With our busy schedules, it’s challenging to take time off for the exterminator. You want a person who will work around your schedule. Pest control companies know this too well and are flexible. It explains why many pest control companies are offering services during the weekend and past the regular working hours.
Access to Long-term Services
The complete elimination of pests is not a one-off event; it takes time. As such, professional pest control companies make several visits to your home to ensure the pests are eliminated. They also inspect your home after one or two months to ensure there is no re-infestation. Regular inspection also enables them to determine if the insecticide is useful; if not, they will use a stronger and more effective treatment.
Cost Saving
Buying insecticides over a long period adds up to several hundred dollars in the long-term, not to mention the cost of repairing the premises if the pests have set up colonies. Pest control companies know what to look for from the onset saving you a great deal of cash in the long-run.
Pest Prevention
The extermination process doesn’t stop when the professional visits your home. The expert will make regular inspections to ensure the infestation does not recur. The inspection helps detect problems early on, letting the professional contain the cause before it gets out of hand.
Protection from Harmful Chemicals
Pest control technicians are trained on how to apply the chemicals without causing harm. If they are using harmful products they will alert you beforehand for you to go to a safe place until they are done with the extermination process. What’s more, with many companies are going green, they are likely to use products that are safe for you and your family.
Value Preservation
Professional pest control helps maintain the integrity of the property. This is because the exterminators will identify the cause early on and apply appropriate treatment for the problem. The advantage is particularly useful if you are planning to sell the property in the future.
Warranty
A pest control company provides a guarantee that the treatment efforts should keep the pests at bay for a specific period. If the infestation recurs within that period, the exterminator should treat your home at no extra costs. You can’t enjoy such services when using regular insecticides.
Electrical Safety Advice for Queensland Homeowners
Electrical Safety Advice Queensland
Using electricity in the home always comes with a few associated risks. If you’re looking to utilise electricity in a way that is safe and secure for your entire family. There are some rules and guidelines that the Queensland Government has put in place for your best advice.
When it comes to electrical wiring and devices, don’t try to handle it yourself. If you are unsure whether or not using a certain form of electricity is safe, check up on the following Queensland guidelines to make sure you are a safe homeowner at all times. Always hire professionals, VIP Electrician Brisbane www.vipelectricianbrisbane.com.au provide free quotes and use only Queensland Government licensed tradesmen.
Advice From the Government
The Queensland Government has designed a variety of tips and guidelines to help you keep your home and your workplace free of electrical dangers.
Worksafe Queensland www.worksafe.qld.gov.au is a trusted government source that can provide further information for those looking to install electrical devices and wiring. Heed the following pieces of advice:
- Make sure that each source of electrical power is installed with a safety switch.
- Properly install your clothes dryer in a location that is free of electrical dangers or hazards.
- Don’t perform your own electrical work.
- Be cautious when clearing vegetation and plants from areas with electrical wiring.
- Be careful when using electricity around water.
- You may need to rewire your fuses if you are living in an older home.
Dealing with electricity is like dealing with a contained bolt of lightning; it can sometimes be unpredictable, powerful, and highly dangerous. Take extreme caution when dealing with electricity at all times.
Keeping Electrical Equipment at Home
If you have electrical equipment at home, there are several things you can do to make sure that the equipment remains safe. Remember to NEVER keep equipment out where children or other family members can get ahold of it.
The Queensland Government also provides the following pieces of advice for homeowners:
- Do not use the appliance anything other than for its intended use.
- Keep your hair, fingers, hands, and toes away from moving parts.
- Do not use your appliance if there is noticeable damage or wear.
- Keep ventilation holes free of obstruction.
- Contact the manufacturer right away if the power supply cord is damaged or frayed.
- Maintain your electrical equipment on a regular basis.
What to Do During a Flood
It’s no secret that water + electricity = very bad news. In the event of a flood or major water leakage, you will want to turn your mind to your electrical devices right away.
Use extreme caution when looking to switch off your electrical outlets and applications. Power tools are very dangerous when they have become wet. You will find professional electrician at www.vipelectricianbrisbane.com.au from where you can book an expert electrician ASAP.
Professionals can help you safely locate and switch off any electrical devices due to damage by water. You may also need to seek their advice when looking to turn electrical devices back on after the flood has passed.
Keep a Good Eye Out
Queensland homeowners should stay cautious when dealing with electrical wires, devices, or appliances. Be sure that larger devices like cloth dryers installed properly to maintain the proper guidelines.
The Queensland Government can assist you with finding the right spot if you need help. When using electric tools, make sure there is plenty of room for ventilation.
During floods, switch off all devices as quickly as possible. If you are unsure what to do, never act on your own. Contact a professional right away. The Queensland Government is here to provide more resources and information on staying safe with electricity.
Brisbane Deck Building City Council Guidelines
Brisbane Council Guidelines for Building Decks
Everybody loves a deck in their backyard to chill and relax. Timber decks are an effecient way of using space while increasing the value of the propertyy. But before you embark on building a deck you have to do a make sure you consider the following key points.
- Get a planning approval (if applicable)
- Apply for a building approval
- Find a qualified and licensed deck building company
Remember you can asubmit all the paper work yourself. But there are other options. If you hire a qualified deck builder like Pro Decks Brisbane they will manage and process all your planning approval paperwork for you. Many companies even do this for free if you hire them to build your deck.
Do I need a Planning Approval?
The Brisbane City Council doesn’t require every deck to have a planning approval. You can carry out an online property enquiry using the online resource of the city council or even consult a town planner.
The task can be a bit complex including all the legal and regulatory considerations. The city council is again there to help you out with consultation for your deck.
Some deck projects that don’t need planning approval. You need to follow some design specifications to plan with approval like:
- Decks should be smaller than 10 square meters
- The height must be within 1 meter from the ground
- The length should be restricted within 5 meters on each side
- The deck maintains the safety guidelines mentioned in the Queensland Development Code
How to get a Deck Planning Approval?
Apart from the design considerations outlined above, you also have to determine your key property facts like lot size, zoning, overlays, neighbourhood plans and so on.
The online platform of the Brisbane City Council contains full information and tools that can help you out with the process.
- You can determine the zoning of your property which decides the nature of development you can undertake
- The area requirements will be revealed by going through the local neighbourhood plans
- Check out the characteristics of your property using the overlays
- Finally use the Brisbane City Plan 2014 interactive mapping tool to map your property and generate report and submit to the council
The Next Step: Getting a Building Approval
To sanction your plan you need to apply for a building approval. The certificate assesses the buildings according to the Building Code of Australia for various aspects like safety, design, fire danger and so on.
You can get your building certificate from the city council or accredited private building certifiers. They can also help you with consultation on any required demolition work for building your deck and even reveal if you need a building approval. You can search for local contractors using the Queensland Building and Construction Commission‘s search tool.
Start your Planning
The first step you need to make is to determine the key aspects of your property which will tell you if you need a planning approval. Be sure to consult a professional if you find it beyond you so that your project turns out to be a success.
To learn more about council approvals visit https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-building/do-i-need-approval.
Plumbers Guide Brisbane
Plumbers Guide Brisbane
What is a Plumber?
A plumber is by definition, a tradesperson who fixes, repairs, installs and maintains pipes and fittings pertaining to water supplies. Of course, a plumber’s job isn’t limited only to those duties. This trade requires a working knowledge of
- Carpentry
- Building and design
- Architecture
- Welding
As a result of this, plumbing is a very multifaceted trade that require an ample amount of training and know-how.
Common Plumbing Services
There are a number of very common plumbing issues that occur quite regularly in both residential and commercial buildings every day. Some are more benign and could be fixed with the twist of a wrench, while others require a more serious diagnosis and level of professionalism.
While it is always your choice as a homeowner to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem on your own, the guarantee of actually fixing the problem correctly is low. And while it might seem like a simple fix, the reality is that, without proper knowledge, the likelihood of making a mistake or improperly assessing the situation, gets higher and higher with every turn of the screw.
Here is a list of the most often reported plumbing issues, which has been generously supplied by Pro Plumber Brisbane, a local plumbing contractor in South East Queensland. Common plumbing problems as reported by homeowners is as follows.
- Leaky/ dripping faucet
- Low or no water pressure
- Leaking pipes
- Water in the basement that should not be there
- Toilets that are constantly running
- Very slow or clogged pipes and drains
- Water and debris backup in drains and pipes
- Non-functioning sump pump
- Malfunctioning water heater
Late night and weekend problems can sometimes make a home or property owner think that they will not be able to find a professional at that time and so must take matters into their own hands. Think twice before making that decision, as it could lead to hundreds, even thousands of extra dollars in repair costs. Understanding the job that needs to be done is a vital component to proper and safe home repair.
Do Plumbers Need a License?
Of course, when working on any water supply mechanisms, a licensed professional must be the person you call to perform any of this more technical work. After all, many systems are inextricably linked together. For example, HVAC systems.
These are a combination of electrical and water systems, and require more than just a pedestrian knowledge in order to work on them confidently and safely. Without proven skill and mastery, the dangers become greater and greater. There are a number of resources on the internet to utilize in order to see the current state-based regulations and guidelines, such as, but definitely not limited to:
- The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union QLD/NT- http://www.plumbersunionqld.com/construction/licensing/
- Queensland Building and Construction Committee- http://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/plumbing-drainage
- The Queensland Government Webpage- https://www.qld.gov.au/law/your-rights/legal-and-property-rights/laws-for-building-houses-and-pools/plumbing-laws/
How Do You Choose A Plumber?
A highly trained and licensed plumber can be hard to find. Do your research before making any decisions. Here are some tips to help ensure that you find a reliable and licensed plumber for your needs.
- Be sure that the plumber holds a current license and carries complete insurance which protects both your property as well as your neighbor’s. In some cases, work that is done at your house can affect your neighbor.
- Ask for references. It is completely normal to ask a potential plumber for work history.
- Inquire about length of time as a licensed plumber. Ask how long they have had a working business model.
- Get more than one quote for your job. Do not necessarily go with the least expensive. Find the one that seems to indicate the most prudent course of action and outcome.
- Be sure to ask for an in-person quote and not one that is just generalized and over the telephone. There is not way to properly assess work without actually seeing it.
- Inquire about guarantees on their work or follow up work, if it is related to the job at hand. Often, plumbers will guarantee their work and will come back to fix what isn’t working if it is applicable to the job for which they quote you. Do not skip this step, as it can be essential if the repairs don’t go according to plan.
Plumbing Costs:
In Queensland today, there are numerous licensed and fully trained plumbing professionals, all who are specialized in different things. When looking for a plumber, there are a number of factors that can influence pricing. Things such as:
- The Customer’s location
- The severity and complexity of the plumbing issue
- Whether or not any other factors will come into play, such as sewage and irrigation work or advanced electrical work
Here are links to some general pricing guidelines for various plumbing issues (though they are only meant to be used as general information and not exact quotes):
Most plumbers charge per hour. The range will vary, but will be in the realm of $40 to $150 per hour, not including any materials used and can fluctuate quite drastically depending upon many unexpected and unforeseen factors. The average price for a plumber this past year was $85 per hour, not including parts.
If you have a broken toilet and need a new one installed, you can expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of one hundred fifty dollars. If you have a leaky faucet or a broken pipe that needs to be replaced, expect to pay about $180.00 or so.
If the job is more complicated and requires more time, that amount will increase dramatically, based on time spent and materials needed. If you are plumbing an entire house, expect a starting bill of $9,000 or more, depending upon the size of the home.
Conclusion
Plumbing, for many people, is an essential component to their home or business. It is very important that all is functioning as it should. Although you might be relatively able to perform light plumbing duties such as fixing a leaky faucet or stopping the toilet from running all the time, it is very important to know your limitations.
Water systems can be very technical and, without the necessary training and experience, a botched home job is the most likely outcome, which only leads to frustration, potential damage to yours or your neighbor’s property and a much higher cost output. At the end of the day, be sure to get the right person for the job.