Below is a collection of some of the weird and wonderful things we come across in the construction industry. If something you’re looking for is not here, then clickty-click below and lets see if we can help you.
Can you please tell me what this is?
Imagine the look on your builder or designer’s face when you ask them, why the novacoil behind the retaining wall backfill needs to be perforated?….have some fun with your new found knowledge!
Ceiling Battens
What: These are long pieces of steel that are nailed to the ceiling. Traditionally they used to be timber but more and more steel is becoming the weapon of choice.
Why: When you have big rooms(hence big ceilings), slight deformations in the ceilings are picked up in the light. Steel is nice and straight hence minimising any imperfections.
Laundry Chute
What: Cut a hole in the floor and ditch your dirty laundry. Easiest to address this properly during design. Not a huge cost item, but an immense time and space saver.
Why: Neat and tidy way to transfer laundry down several levels. But has to be designed properly…you don’t want your dirty laundry arriving in the living room do you ?
Site Hazard Sign
What: A notice of potential site hazards. Read any hazard notices before you enter the danger zone.
Why: A construction site can be a dangerous place. You are responsible for your own safety. Always check with your project manager if you need to visit the site.
Roof Cavity
What: Empty areas under the roof.
Why: Provide an access door. Strengthen the ceiling for human weight. Voila, tons of free storage space. (or a lockable area for the naughty spouse). This is where all your big suitcases can go while you save up for your holiday.
Window Head Flashing
What: Metal or plastic moulding shaped to direct water away from the building framing
Why: Poor detailing and poorer workmanship with this one detail has been one of the leading reasons for the leaky building crisis. Any water that gets between the back of the window and the house timber frame would just sit there until his buddy, Mr Rot arrives.
Pre Pipe
What: Running all the services inside the wall framing to the demand points
Why: Running water, toilets, lights, heating, central vacuum, home theatre, gas are some of the services that have to be carefully run from the supply point to the areas where they are required. Quite an art, snaking them around all sorts of obstructions, over and under, through walls and ceilings.
Wherever possible, its best to run services together (within reason). There are some exceptions though, some high tech data cabling etc may have interference close to metals or if kinked. Qualified specialists in each field know what theyíre doing. Remember walls are hard to break once you move in and problems inside walls are hard to locate.
Technology is great, but it does come with its fair share of bugs. If there’s ANYTHING on this website that is bugging you (except my picture of course… um I’m sort of stuck with that), please let me know immediately.