Becoming an owner builder is a great way to save thousands of dollars on your new home. In most cases it is simply a matter of doing a short course (usually one weekend) and then paying a fee for the owner builder's license. This does vary from state to state. Below is a summary of the different procedures and fees for the different states of Australia.
Queensland (QLD)
This is one of the easiest states to acquire an owner builder's permit. This permit is required when performing building work on your own property where this work if performed by a qualified builder would amount to more than $11,000. You are only allowed to apply for a permit once every six years. You are required to complete an owner builder's course run by a BSA recognized course provider. Visit the BSA's website www.bsa.qld.gov.au for a list of course providers. An application fee for an owner builder's permit at time of writing is $294.00.
Western Australia (WA)
To acquire a owner builders permit for most areas of Western Australia you are required to complete a statutory declaration and pay a fee of $110 to the BRB (Builders Registration Board). An owner builder's permit is required where the value of the building works is over $12,000. The owner builder is permitted to build once every six years and is able to sell their owner built home after 3 years but is required to take out Home Indemnity Insurance to cover future owners. For more information visit www.brb.org.au.
Similarly, procedures & fees vary for New South Wales (NSW) & Victoria (VIC).
Finally, in a nutshell, here are the steps to follow, for building your own dream kit home:
• Contour survey from a registered Surveyor
• House will be designed the house to suit you needs
• Soil test, engineers report and perculation test if required
• You will get financial help
• Submission to council for approval
• Set out posts or slab by surveyor
• Position posts or pour slab (if slab have plumber prepare the pipes to be set inside the slab)
• Construct all frame work, mid floor systems and trusses
• Attach fascias, gutters, roof insulation and roof sheeting
• Install external doors and windows
• Apply cladding eg. Bricks, Hardi plank, Colourbond, poly Cladding
• Have plumber and electrician prepare for all necessary pipes and wires into the walls
• Apply plaster board to all internal walls and ceilings
• Install all internal doors and robes
• Fix architraves and skirting boards as required
• Paint the house
• Install kitchen and bathrooms
• Lay floor coverings
• Final touch ups
• MOVE IN
Find more information on kit homes & owner builder courses at http://www.kithomes.net.au
This article is copyrighted, all rights reserved, and it may be used only if kept entirely intact with the author's name and URL.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Capri_Nits
Thursday, 14 August 2008
The Three Step System for Real Estate Investors in the United States
And has outperformed just about every other form of investing over the longer term. What this has meant though is that the area has become increasingly competitive for would be real estate investors in the United States, and so it is increasingly important to be fully informed of the latest legislation, tax considerations and real estate investment strategies BEFORE dipping your toes in the water.
Here is the Better-News.info Three Step Real Estate Investors System to ensure that you are around for the long haul:
1/ Be ready to work with Real Estate Agents - Agents can either be some of your best friends, or your worst nightmare in the real estate game. You need to create relationships with them so that they call you first when a good new property comes on the market. They need to know that you are serious, and that you will actually follow through if they find you a property that appears to fit the profile you have described to them. This profile needs to be in terms of several different factors:
Price - The price has to be right for the type of property, the condition and the area.
Type - The agent needs to know if you are only interested in flats, six bedroom houses or commercial property. Be very clear with them about what you are seeking.
Area - The property can be just the right type. A great price, and in great condition. But if its in the wrong area, forget it! So make sure that your agent knows whereabouts you are seeking to buy property, so that you neither waste his time or yours in looking at real estate that you will never be interested in.
Condition - Are you willing to take on re-developments? Or are you only interested in new builds? Make sure that your real estate agent knows.
2/ Bank Owned Properties (also known as Real Estate Property or REO) – Banks take back ownership of properties because the owner failed to make their mortgage payments. And this can be a real goldmine if you tap into it correctly. Make contact with all the banks in your area and get on their books to be informed when they have any re-possessions that need to be sold quickly, and hopefully for a very reasonable price.
3/ Door to Door Marketing - Door knocking is a lead generation, qualification, and development tool used by real estate investors for years to gather information, build rapportComputer Technology Articles, and negotiate with the seller. Fortunately it is also a technique that you can use. Get some cards printed up and leaflet an area you want to invest in with them asking for people to contact you directly. You may be surprised at how many responses you get.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Here is the Better-News.info Three Step Real Estate Investors System to ensure that you are around for the long haul:
1/ Be ready to work with Real Estate Agents - Agents can either be some of your best friends, or your worst nightmare in the real estate game. You need to create relationships with them so that they call you first when a good new property comes on the market. They need to know that you are serious, and that you will actually follow through if they find you a property that appears to fit the profile you have described to them. This profile needs to be in terms of several different factors:
Price - The price has to be right for the type of property, the condition and the area.
Type - The agent needs to know if you are only interested in flats, six bedroom houses or commercial property. Be very clear with them about what you are seeking.
Area - The property can be just the right type. A great price, and in great condition. But if its in the wrong area, forget it! So make sure that your agent knows whereabouts you are seeking to buy property, so that you neither waste his time or yours in looking at real estate that you will never be interested in.
Condition - Are you willing to take on re-developments? Or are you only interested in new builds? Make sure that your real estate agent knows.
2/ Bank Owned Properties (also known as Real Estate Property or REO) – Banks take back ownership of properties because the owner failed to make their mortgage payments. And this can be a real goldmine if you tap into it correctly. Make contact with all the banks in your area and get on their books to be informed when they have any re-possessions that need to be sold quickly, and hopefully for a very reasonable price.
3/ Door to Door Marketing - Door knocking is a lead generation, qualification, and development tool used by real estate investors for years to gather information, build rapportComputer Technology Articles, and negotiate with the seller. Fortunately it is also a technique that you can use. Get some cards printed up and leaflet an area you want to invest in with them asking for people to contact you directly. You may be surprised at how many responses you get.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Inspections on New Construction - New Homes Are Not Perfect
It is a common belief that new homes are fault free. The truth is that all types of new construction should have third party inspections performed to ensure that your home is being built with quality standards.
Most major cities in the United States enforce a required number of inspections at different stages of the process. Many builders of residential real estate will cite these inspections as being the reason why inspections aren't necessary.
Time and time again, regardless of the number of city inspections, real estate consumers purchasing new construction commonly find problems after moving into their homes within 5 years. Many times, these problems can be attributed to a defect during the build process of their home. Unfortunately, consumers are forced to rely on the warranties provided by their builder. This home warranty process has been known to be time consuming and stressful.
What can you do when buying a new construction home? Get your own inspection. Inspections can be performed in two key areas during the construction of your home; pre-drywall and final walkthrough.
Pre-Drywall Inspection
Before the drywall has been installed in your home, ask your sales counselor or real estate agent about performing an inspection. At this stage of your construction, main load bearing studs, wiring, and plumbing can be easily seen by an inspector. Builder sales counselors will usually recommend that you perform your inspection prior to your pre-drywall walkthrough so that all items found on your inspection report can be addressed with your builder's superintendent (the person managing the build out of your home).
Pre-Walkthrough Inspection
If you performed a pre-drywall inspection, this follow up visit by your inspector will simply be an assurance that all items requiring repair were repaired or replaced. This inspection will also verify that appliances, fixtures, and building code violations are reported and given to you to provide to your builder.
Many new construction builders of residential properties will not bring up your options to an outside inspection for your new home. Performing one, however, is highly recommend and can offer a significant piece of mind to you and your family well into the future.
Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com
Most major cities in the United States enforce a required number of inspections at different stages of the process. Many builders of residential real estate will cite these inspections as being the reason why inspections aren't necessary.
Time and time again, regardless of the number of city inspections, real estate consumers purchasing new construction commonly find problems after moving into their homes within 5 years. Many times, these problems can be attributed to a defect during the build process of their home. Unfortunately, consumers are forced to rely on the warranties provided by their builder. This home warranty process has been known to be time consuming and stressful.
What can you do when buying a new construction home? Get your own inspection. Inspections can be performed in two key areas during the construction of your home; pre-drywall and final walkthrough.
Pre-Drywall Inspection
Before the drywall has been installed in your home, ask your sales counselor or real estate agent about performing an inspection. At this stage of your construction, main load bearing studs, wiring, and plumbing can be easily seen by an inspector. Builder sales counselors will usually recommend that you perform your inspection prior to your pre-drywall walkthrough so that all items found on your inspection report can be addressed with your builder's superintendent (the person managing the build out of your home).
Pre-Walkthrough Inspection
If you performed a pre-drywall inspection, this follow up visit by your inspector will simply be an assurance that all items requiring repair were repaired or replaced. This inspection will also verify that appliances, fixtures, and building code violations are reported and given to you to provide to your builder.
Many new construction builders of residential properties will not bring up your options to an outside inspection for your new home. Performing one, however, is highly recommend and can offer a significant piece of mind to you and your family well into the future.
Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com
Why Sarasota Real Estate Is Sought After
There are a lot of other possible ventures out there which you can invest in, others usually end up being very unsuccessful due to a poor investment. However, the prime real estate properties in Sarasota, Florida are deemed to be a sound investment since the gains that you can get from the risk that you are taking are great, especially with all the things that you get along with the property.
The real estate in Sarasota, Florida, are situated in a way that it overlooks the bay area of the Gulf of Florida. This puts the different real estate properties in the middle of different white sandy beaches, one of the main reasons why real estate in Sarasota, Florida are very well sought after. The real estate spectrum of Sarasota is very broad as it includes different real estates such as condos, coastal real estates, even homes that are located further inland. This creates an array of real estate diversity which offers you the best opportunity to choose which type of real estate property you would like to invest in.
One of the main attractions that make Sarasota real estate so appealing to a lot of investors is that it is accessible to a lot of its pristine beaches that surrounds the coast, including those that are situated on the several barrier islands, which is also known as the keys. These beaches are known to draw crowds and vacationers from different parts of the globe to the Gulf coast, which is why Sarasota real estate is so appealing to a lot of its residents. These beaches offer a lot of activities that the people who are living in Sarasota or just vacationing can do.
Investing in Sarasota real estate is very rewarding since you are getting a whole lot than what you are actually paying for. The accessibility to the numerous pristine beaches, including the diversity in culture and property, gives you more than just what your property can offer you.
This is what actually makes Sarasota real estate so in demand in the real estate market nowadays, which is why it is deemed to be one of the property hot spots in Florida. One of the major reasons for this is that the people who invest in Sarasota real estate are able to increase the quality and value of their property through time.
Another thing that makes Sarasota real estate so sought after is the different business and investment opportunities that this type of property offers to its investors. People can create their property into a profit-making entity, which allows people to benefit more from their purchased property instead of just putting up a house for them to live in. And with the increasing amount of investors in the different Sarasota real estate propertiesArticle Search, you can be sure that there will be a lot of different business and investment opportunities for other people wherein they can take advantage of their real estate properties into earning them profits.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor http://siestakeyrealestate.com
The real estate in Sarasota, Florida, are situated in a way that it overlooks the bay area of the Gulf of Florida. This puts the different real estate properties in the middle of different white sandy beaches, one of the main reasons why real estate in Sarasota, Florida are very well sought after. The real estate spectrum of Sarasota is very broad as it includes different real estates such as condos, coastal real estates, even homes that are located further inland. This creates an array of real estate diversity which offers you the best opportunity to choose which type of real estate property you would like to invest in.
One of the main attractions that make Sarasota real estate so appealing to a lot of investors is that it is accessible to a lot of its pristine beaches that surrounds the coast, including those that are situated on the several barrier islands, which is also known as the keys. These beaches are known to draw crowds and vacationers from different parts of the globe to the Gulf coast, which is why Sarasota real estate is so appealing to a lot of its residents. These beaches offer a lot of activities that the people who are living in Sarasota or just vacationing can do.
Investing in Sarasota real estate is very rewarding since you are getting a whole lot than what you are actually paying for. The accessibility to the numerous pristine beaches, including the diversity in culture and property, gives you more than just what your property can offer you.
This is what actually makes Sarasota real estate so in demand in the real estate market nowadays, which is why it is deemed to be one of the property hot spots in Florida. One of the major reasons for this is that the people who invest in Sarasota real estate are able to increase the quality and value of their property through time.
Another thing that makes Sarasota real estate so sought after is the different business and investment opportunities that this type of property offers to its investors. People can create their property into a profit-making entity, which allows people to benefit more from their purchased property instead of just putting up a house for them to live in. And with the increasing amount of investors in the different Sarasota real estate propertiesArticle Search, you can be sure that there will be a lot of different business and investment opportunities for other people wherein they can take advantage of their real estate properties into earning them profits.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor http://siestakeyrealestate.com
Real Estate Investing Article: Real Estate Investing Key To Wealth
"98% of the millionaires in this country make their fortunes through Real Estate Investing".
These words inspire millions to get involved in real estate investing, yet lack that special 'secret ingredient' - the one thing that explains HOW to make those millions in real estate investing...
This real estate investing article holds the key to how you will make fortunes in real estate investing, or simply continue to struggle aimlessly...
The key to real estate investing riches is not in the latest technique, method or system. The key to real estate investing is in patience and research, monitoring the marketplace for a special 'event'...
Something 'big' in the marketplace that triggers rapid growth in the real estate investing market.
Such big indicators as; - new major employment moving into the area - a new factory (manufacturing) - sales center (like a large outlet mall) - entertainment (like a casino)
All trigger worthy examination as 'events' in real estate investing.
Other events that affect your real estate investing include sporting arenas, theme parks, even a new airport on the 'outskirts' of town...
All merit further investigation because they trigger fluctuation in the real estate investing marketplace.
When such events occur, there is a sudden rise in the demand for affordable housing in the area, rapidly affecting the real estate investing market.
Not only will the workers at the 'event' location need homes, there is also a need for housing from others - 'customers' that simply want to be near this new location.
Also, these workers will need support for their needs; car dealers, grocery stores, gas stations, clothing stores, etc.
As the 'support' base grows for this 'event', the need for additional housing grows as well.
You see, the 'support base' also needs support - from food stores to shopping centers to car dealers and utility companies - the whole thing just grows and grows!
By now you understand that such 'events' hold extreme value in the real estate investing cycle.
In fact, following such 'events' is the primary key to the number of millionaires that have made their fortunes through real estate investing.
When you monitor these events and take advantage of them early, you grow your wealth very quickly.
This is the simplePsychology Articles, secret key to real estate investing wealth.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
These words inspire millions to get involved in real estate investing, yet lack that special 'secret ingredient' - the one thing that explains HOW to make those millions in real estate investing...
This real estate investing article holds the key to how you will make fortunes in real estate investing, or simply continue to struggle aimlessly...
The key to real estate investing riches is not in the latest technique, method or system. The key to real estate investing is in patience and research, monitoring the marketplace for a special 'event'...
Something 'big' in the marketplace that triggers rapid growth in the real estate investing market.
Such big indicators as; - new major employment moving into the area - a new factory (manufacturing) - sales center (like a large outlet mall) - entertainment (like a casino)
All trigger worthy examination as 'events' in real estate investing.
Other events that affect your real estate investing include sporting arenas, theme parks, even a new airport on the 'outskirts' of town...
All merit further investigation because they trigger fluctuation in the real estate investing marketplace.
When such events occur, there is a sudden rise in the demand for affordable housing in the area, rapidly affecting the real estate investing market.
Not only will the workers at the 'event' location need homes, there is also a need for housing from others - 'customers' that simply want to be near this new location.
Also, these workers will need support for their needs; car dealers, grocery stores, gas stations, clothing stores, etc.
As the 'support' base grows for this 'event', the need for additional housing grows as well.
You see, the 'support base' also needs support - from food stores to shopping centers to car dealers and utility companies - the whole thing just grows and grows!
By now you understand that such 'events' hold extreme value in the real estate investing cycle.
In fact, following such 'events' is the primary key to the number of millionaires that have made their fortunes through real estate investing.
When you monitor these events and take advantage of them early, you grow your wealth very quickly.
This is the simplePsychology Articles, secret key to real estate investing wealth.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
U-Values the Lower You Go the More You Will Save
What is a U-Value?
A U-Value is a measurement of heat loss from the fabric of a building. Each element of a building is assigned a U-value which is a calculation based on that materials ability to transfer heat.
The lower the assigned U-Value the better that material is able to resist the passage of heat energy. This is why we assign U-values to our properties. This value allows us to design efficiently and with an eye on future heat loss.
How do I read the U-Value?
A U-Value is expressed a W/m2K. That is, as a Watt per metre squared Kelvin. More commonly you would hear it expressed as a U-value of 0.21. The figure of 0.21 is expressing the amount of heat loss from a metre squared of the nominated material in Kelvin. The lower this figure is the less heat is lost.
Most walls can be insulated to figures as low as 0.15 and in some passive house designs even lower than that. Building control regulations are changing so quickly in this area that is imperative that you talk to your SAP expert or to building control to get an up to date list of materials and their U-Values. This will help when you are choosing a construction method.
While brick and block methods are struggling to catch up with the building regulations the timber frame industry is well ahead in terms of the high levels of insulation values it can achieve. It is relatively easy to achieve a good U-value from using timber frame.
Remember with a U-Value the lower you go the more you save.
Ed Gordon is a Timber Frame specialist with a keen interest in Energy Efficiency and reducing the construction Carbon Footprint.
For more information go to http://www.gts-timber-frame.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Gordon
A U-Value is a measurement of heat loss from the fabric of a building. Each element of a building is assigned a U-value which is a calculation based on that materials ability to transfer heat.
The lower the assigned U-Value the better that material is able to resist the passage of heat energy. This is why we assign U-values to our properties. This value allows us to design efficiently and with an eye on future heat loss.
How do I read the U-Value?
A U-Value is expressed a W/m2K. That is, as a Watt per metre squared Kelvin. More commonly you would hear it expressed as a U-value of 0.21. The figure of 0.21 is expressing the amount of heat loss from a metre squared of the nominated material in Kelvin. The lower this figure is the less heat is lost.
Most walls can be insulated to figures as low as 0.15 and in some passive house designs even lower than that. Building control regulations are changing so quickly in this area that is imperative that you talk to your SAP expert or to building control to get an up to date list of materials and their U-Values. This will help when you are choosing a construction method.
While brick and block methods are struggling to catch up with the building regulations the timber frame industry is well ahead in terms of the high levels of insulation values it can achieve. It is relatively easy to achieve a good U-value from using timber frame.
Remember with a U-Value the lower you go the more you save.
Ed Gordon is a Timber Frame specialist with a keen interest in Energy Efficiency and reducing the construction Carbon Footprint.
For more information go to http://www.gts-timber-frame.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Gordon
Buiding A New House - Can My Home Change My Life
If you are going to build a new house then we have some very important instructions for you. Building a new house is a dream for everyone. When we make it, it brings us happiness, joy and lots of compliments too.
Some people believe that it brings a good luck too. May be you do not believe it but in some countries like India, these people used to believed that your life is very much influenced by the way you make your house.
In ancient India, people used to follow a literature that was called ‘Vastu Shastra’. This literature describes how directions are important while making your dream house. If a house is designed properly, it will surely bring good luck for you and a badly designed home can cast bad vibration on you.
In China also people used to follow certain literature to describe house architecture. However, it is not scientifically proven but there are a lot of incidents when people have to believe that the architecture of a house is very important and influences our life.
Here are a few guidelines about the shape of the house you are going to build. The rule is that the shape of the house should a proper shape. It must not be uneven or zigzag type. Even if you did not pay heed to this thing when you bought the area, the best way is to consult an architect and ask him to give it a proper shape.
The next thing you can pay heed to is which direction your main gate will face. The houses that face to east direction are said to be the best. We recommend you to study more about this Indian literature before you are making your house.
Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com
Some people believe that it brings a good luck too. May be you do not believe it but in some countries like India, these people used to believed that your life is very much influenced by the way you make your house.
In ancient India, people used to follow a literature that was called ‘Vastu Shastra’. This literature describes how directions are important while making your dream house. If a house is designed properly, it will surely bring good luck for you and a badly designed home can cast bad vibration on you.
In China also people used to follow certain literature to describe house architecture. However, it is not scientifically proven but there are a lot of incidents when people have to believe that the architecture of a house is very important and influences our life.
Here are a few guidelines about the shape of the house you are going to build. The rule is that the shape of the house should a proper shape. It must not be uneven or zigzag type. Even if you did not pay heed to this thing when you bought the area, the best way is to consult an architect and ask him to give it a proper shape.
The next thing you can pay heed to is which direction your main gate will face. The houses that face to east direction are said to be the best. We recommend you to study more about this Indian literature before you are making your house.
Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com
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