26 May 2021 / Quality Alert

Regulator Inspections in NSW

Overview

The construction industry has changed considerably in the past few years, and will continue to do so until the expected standards are achieved by designers and builders. This means increased regulator presence on our sites.

With the introduction of new legislation in NSW for Class 2 residential buildings (including mixed use buildings with a portion of Class 2), it’s important to be prepared to demonstrate and showcase Hutchies commitment to compliance and quality.

The legislation and regulators are focused on creating certainty for consumers and insurers through ‘professionalism, honesty and integrity, transparency and accountability’ – all values that are embraced at Hutchies and represented by each of us every day.

These values deliver good quality buildings which are the foundations of Hutchies’ success and how we will become recognised as the best builder in the country.

Hutchies’ reputation, public record and licence are at risk if we get this wrong – if we ‘fail to act’.

Please read the alert below for more details – it provides more information on the expectations of the regulators and feedback from experiences to date.

Read Alert

Actions

> Read through the detailed alert above

> Be aware of the numerous resources Hutchies has available on the Toolbox & Doc Library (links to many of these are below)

> Complete the course on Australian Standards to achieve your ‘Quality White Card’. You should be able to articulate which Standards are commonly used in the works

> Have a copy of the Hutchies’ Quality Handbook front and centre on your desk and use it to reference any discussions on Australian Standards

> Ensure your design is ahead of the works and designers and certifiers (including the PCA) are visiting site regularly. Ensure they sign in each visit.

> Review your DA (refer Toolbox notice) and BA regularly to ensure compliance - update the design documents first and ensure the works are as approved prior to commencement

> Supervise the works on site and maintain accurate ITPs / records – particularly on waterproofing (refer Wet Areas and External Areas alerts via the Toolbox) > Represent Hutchies with good conduct and a positive attitude even when you’re under pressure!

Relevant Resources

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Hutchies’ Quality Team

Phone 1300 HUTCHIES

Email quality@hutchies.com.au

Other Recent Activities

View all activities

30 October / Quality Alert

Prohibition on the Use of Engineered Stone

Engineered stone ban effective 1 July 2024

ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage will be banned

Alternative products must be considered and implemented on all projects.

The industry is shifting away from engineered stone due to the risks of respirable crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and other silica-related diseases. Although the consultations are under way and there has been no official announcement by Federal or State Governments on the issue, the health and safety risks along with the uncertainty around this issue warrants a decision to ban all engineered products entering job sites nationally. The ban will take effect on 1July 2024 and will extend to ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage.

An update to this alert will be provided before the end of the year when the Federal and State Governments are expected to issue a formal decision on the ban. In the meantime, to mitigate the impact of potential delays and variations, the best approach is to inform the clients of the pending ban and to propose and seek approval for an alternative product. Similarly, ensure all future estimates have the stone specification qualified and priced accordingly.

Product alternatives going forward include:

Compact Laminates

Under 1% silica content
Extremely competitive pricing
Only comes in 12mm thickness
Heat resistance is an issue
Product not suitable for high end applications

Porcelain Surfaces

Under 10% silica content
Price dependant of product and supplier
Large variety of colours and thicknesses (4, 8, 12, 20 and 30mm)
Great resistance to staining, scratches, UV and heat
Good warranty terms

Acrylic Solid Surfaces

0% silica content
More expensive alternative
Limited thickness availability
UV stable and heat resistant but direct heat exposure not advised
Minimising wastage through flexibility in sheet sizing
Seamless joints

Natural Stone*

Various silica content percentages
Variety of products at different price points available
Ongoing maintenance may be an issue
Unlikely to satisfy specific warranty requirements

*Although this alert does not directly impact natural stone, some types have high silica content so risk of using these on projects should be considered carefully.

For an up-to-date list of available products and their usability, click here.

More information

If you need additional support, please contact the Quality Team:

Phone 1300 HUTCHIES
Email QualityTeam@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au

10 October / Update

Installation Details for Elephant's Foot & Wastech Bin Chutes

Make sure bin chute systems are installed correctly, following the tested systems and the manufacturers’ instructions.

Check the detailed drawings from Elephant’s Foot and Wastech for different wall types (plasterboard, shaft-liner, speed panel, concrete, Hebel, and masonry).

Any changes to the tested systems must be approved by your project certifier, signed off by the fire engineer in the fire engineering report (FER), and accepted by the relevant state / territory fire service.