Can you deconstruct?
If you’re planning a major project, which requires at least part of the
house to come down, ask the builder if they can “dismantle” the
materials for recycling and reuse – rather than just tearing it down and
sending the scrap to landfill.
Can you reuse material?
If you did decide to deconstruct part (or all of) your home, find out if
the builder is able to use some of the salvaged material in the new
construction. This not only saves resources – the old material can also
provide pleasing aesthetics to the new construction and help keep the
project’s budget under control.
Do you have a green accreditation?
Australia’s two major building industry bodies – the Housing Industry
Association (HIA) and the Master Builders Association (MBA) – both
provide green training and accreditation to their members.
An HIA GreenSmart Professional is an accreditation that’s awarded to individuals who have completed the GreenSmart Professional training course. The course focuses on a structure’s overall sustainability performance including:
Thermal performance
Passive solar design and natural ventilation
Design and operational issues for water and energy efficiency
Selection of water and energy efficient appliances
Marketing sustainable housing to clients.
MBA members who complete the Association’s ‘Green Living’ training and
adopt sustainable innovations in their operations will be able to
identify themselves as Master Builders Green Living Builders.
The aim of the training is to provide builders with:
The necessary skills to understand the scope and application of energy provisions in sustainability innovations
Improved management and business skills to enable builders to pursue energy innovations
The necessary tools and information to design and construct energy
efficient structures that not only meet minimum standards, but set a new
benchmark in the housing sector for energy innovation.
Can you source materials locally?
While locally made building materials may be limited in your area (or a
little out of your budget), it doesn’t hurt to find out what’s
available.
Remember that materials and products that are manufactured locally
travel a shorter distance to site, meaning they have lower embodied
energy than materials that have been shipped in from overseas.
Do you choose materials with embodied energy?
The embodied energy of a building refers to the energy consumed
throughout all process of its initial production – from the mining and
processing of natural resources to the manufacture and transport of the
finished product.
Until recently, it was accepted that the embodied energy content of a building was relatively small compared to the energy used during operation of the building throughout its life. Recent research however has shown this is not the case.
According to the CSIRO, the average household contains about 1,000 GJ of energy embodied in materials used in its construction, equivalent to around 15 years of normal operational energy use.
There are a number of tools available to help builders, owners and
designers calculate the embodied energy of a building and therefore make
informed choses on which materials are the most environmentally
sustainable.
Do the materials you choose have other benefits?
Many homeowners are beginning to catch on to the non-environmental
benefits of sustainable materials and products. Efficient lighting,
heating and cooling systems are not only capable of keeping your home
comfortable throughout the year – but they can also cut big dollars from
your utility bill.
In addition, some recycled plastic decking can last longer than its
wooden counterparts and VOC-free paint can have a number of health
benefits for any family members with allergies.
How will you manage waste?
This is a two-pronged issue, and if you really have a finger on your
project’s sustainability pulse, you will ensure your builder reduces and
recycles material waste both during, and after the construction
process.
During the construction process, waste reduction can include designing and building a house to material sizes. This not only slashes the amount of waste heading to landfill, it can also give you access to significant construction savings.
Queensland-based designer builder has told us that designing first and cutting material later can add all sorts of costs that aren’t immediately obvious into a building.
“Obviously, if you design a building around material size you are buying less materials so you are saving some money,” he says. “There is a significant costs these days for disposing of construction waste, so if you have less waste during your construction that is the second layer of saving.”
When the project is nearing completion, you should also ensure your builder recycles materials such as scrap metal, and disposes of any hazardous waste at the proper facilities.
Remember that builders often have a financial incentive to recycle some materials, which can not only work out cheaper than sending it to landfill – but can also turn a healthy profit.
But it’s important to also ask about those materials where it’s more expensive to recycle and dispose of properly (such as treated wood or chemicals) than it is to send them straight to the local landfill.
Recent Blog Posts
How does a Saxon hot water system work?
Saxon hot water system review
You have an old Saxon hot water system in your home. It is no longer working properly. It leaks water from its inner tank and needs to be replaced. You may not be able to repair it, and it may be impossible to replace it with a new one. This is because the inner tank is rusted and the electrical connections are broken. If you are facing this situation, you should know that you cannot replace your Saxon hot water heater with another one.
Saxon SolarStar
Saxon SolarStar hot water heaters are environmentally friendly, low-cost, and reliable. They heat water by capturing heat energy from the air and use that energy to create hot water. Not only do these heaters save energy, they’re also easy to install and service. These water heaters make a great alternative to electric and solar water heaters. Here are some of the most common problems that occur with these units.
There are two primary causes of leaks in a Saxon hot water system. Either the HPNR valve has failed or there is a pin hole in the internal copper coil. The HPNR valve is the easiest to replace, but there are other causes, too. To determine if your Saxon hot water heater is at fault, first check for a leak. If the valve is leaking water, it may be due to a valve failure. If the valve is functioning properly, the system is still functional.
Saxon SolarStar hot water heaters are no longer manufactured. If your unit is more than three years old, it may not function as well as it did in its prime. If it does, you can replace it with a Saxon 125-litre electric hot water heater. However, if you connect a Saxon hot water heater to a bore water supply, the warranty may be voided. Additionally, you should check the VENT PIPE regularly to make sure it is not blocked and causing hot water to escape into the air. Plumbing connections to a Saxon SolarStar hot water heater should follow local authority regulations. For example, you may need to install line strainers. And always connect compression fittings to the water source.
How to fix Saxon hot water problems
There are many ways to detect a leak in a Saxon Condensing hot water heater. You can check for a pin hole on the internal copper coil or a problem with the HPNR valve. The easiest way to determine which problem is causing the leak is to replace the HPNR valve. However, if the valve leaks, the problem is usually with the valve itself. Here are some things to look for before calling a plumber.
The coil, which stores heated water, is prone to leaking. This water can enter the storage tank or overflow. This problem can occur at any age but most commonly occurs in the first 10 years. If you suspect that your Saxon has failed, make sure to get it fixed as soon as possible. You can also check for leakages by inspecting the VENT PIPE periodically. When connecting the Saxon heater to the water supply, you must ensure that the piping system complies with local regulations. You may need to install a line strainer if you have a water pressure regulator.
If you are looking for a great hot water heater that’s easy to maintain and install, you should consider the Saxon Condensing model. Peter Sachs Industries manufactures and markets these heaters in Australia. In addition, it is certified to meet safety standards. The company is a trusted source of hot water heaters in Australia. It is also backed by a warranty. Its ABN is 69 010 792 051.
Replacing Your Saxon Hot Water Systems
If you own a Saxon hot water heater, you probably know that it is no joke. Oftentimes, the unit will run out of hot water or leak. If this is the case, you can either get it repaired or replace it with a different model that does provide hot water. There are many other issues with a Saxon hot water heater, including a malfunctioning heat exchanger and a leaking tank.
Saxon hot water systems were widely available across Australia and were a popular option for homeowners in Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Even though the company stopped production in June 2011, many Saxon hot water systems remain in use across Australia. The units used in Saxon systems ranged from ninety litres to 400 litres. The company is now a hot water specialist in Brisbane, and you can find a replacement for your Saxon hot water heater by contacting KMS.
The first step in repairing a Saxon hot water system is to isolate the power to the tank. This can be done by turning the isolation valve on the cold-water line that leads to the Saxon hot water heater. This valve will typically be located on the wall. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops leaking and you’ll be ready for a plumber to come and inspect the unit. Alternatively, you can simply turn the tap on and off to test the water pressure. But remember, if the water leaks, you need to isolate the power supply to the tank so that the plumber can do the necessary work. Call 07 3269 1477 to book a service call.
Things to Consider When Hiring Electrical Contractors
You’ll be working with an electrician for many years and have to keep up with all of the latest regulations and laws, so choosing a reputable company is critical. When you’re putting together an electrical contractor bid, you want someone who can provide quality work and you can trust.
But before you sign on the dotted line, here are a few things to consider. These contractors should be fully licensed and insured. In addition to licensing, they should also meet a stringent standard to be able to do their job well.
Rewiring
Rewiring a home is typically easier to do during new construction, as the walls are not finished yet. However, in some homes, the old wires must be removed to replace them. The electrical contractor will also need to rewire an old house. In this case, a reputable company will be able to remove all the older wires in the home.
Residential rewiring can involve several factors. The wiring process involves putting wires through the walls and ensuring that the various components are installed correctly. In new construction, the wiring process is easier because it is done before the walls are completed.
This keeps costs down. If the wiring is outdated and in need of replacement, you may need to have a rewiring project performed. Rewiring can be expensive and requires more work than simply removing the old wires.
Other Upgrades
Another consideration is the age of the home. Some older homes don’t have enough power and may not have a 200 amp service. If you need more power, it may be time to update the incoming power.
A well-maintained electrical system can save time and money since it won’t require replacing the equipment as frequently. A modern, safe electrical system is essential for a home in Sacramento. It can handle the increasing number of appliances and gadgets.
Another aspect to consider is the age of your home. You may have an older home and need to upgrade the service to make your home more energy-efficient. An electrician with the correct knowledge and experience can help you determine if you need a rewiring project.
If you’re having an electrical contractor do it, make sure they’re updated with your current power company’s standards. You’ll never regret hiring a reliable and efficient professional.
Hiring Contractors
Another thing to consider when hiring an electrical contractor is their experience. The right contractor will have a high level of experience in the field. He will be able to help you determine the best type of electrician to work for you.
It is also important to consider the type of service you need. While you might be able to do it yourself, it’s still better to hire an electrician to do it for you. There are many companies in the industry that are certified to do this. You should choose the one that’s best suited to your needs. Click here to find out more about the electrical contractor we recommend.
If you’re looking for a reputable electrician, make sure they have a great track record. A reputable electrical contractor will have integrity and access to all the equipment they need. Whether it’s a lighting contractor or a commercial contractor, a quality electrician will ensure your home’s safety and comfort. If you’re unsure about who to hire, don’t hesitate to contact a few in your area.
An electrician will be required to have a strong understanding of electrical safety and health. A qualified electrician should have experience in working with electrical equipment and other hazardous materials.
Regardless of the location of their work, an electrician should have a background in safety. They should be able to follow all the regulations and standards for the industry. You should also be familiar with the electrical contractor’s insurance and certification requirements. This is very important because it will protect you from fraud.
A licensed electrical contractor will be able to provide you with a range of services. Their training will help them identify problems before they start and make sure they get the job done right the first time.
A good electrician will have many references and be able to work with a variety of clients and have the skills to deliver a high-quality finished product. This is the most important part of a successful contractor. You should choose an electrical contractor who will be able to meet the requirements of your project.