Residential extensions are one of the most common project types in the home construction sector—exciting, value-adding, and highly customisable. But they also come with moving parts beyond the build itself: planning, temporary living arrangements, approvals, and cost control. This guide walks through the key steps to consider before and during an extension, and explains how professional estimating supports smarter decisions from the start...

If you’ve ever looked at buying an apartment, unit, or townhouse, you’ve likely noticed an annual fee paid to an owners corporation (also known as “body corporate”). For many buyers, this is the first introduction to shared-property living—where common areas are managed collectively and ongoing fees support maintenance and compliance. This guide breaks down what an owners corporation is, who’s involved, and what fees you can expect...

hen engaging a building cost consultant for your next construction project or tender submission, your priority should be more than “are they qualified?”—you also want someone who is professional, dependable, and capable of producing outputs you can actually price and submit with confidence. Below are five practical qualities that separate an average estimator from a high-performing cost consultant....

We were recently contacted by a client who needed a property valuation to support a capital gains position—specifically, to claim capital costs (less depreciation) against capital gains. Capital gains tax (CGT) applies to the profit made from selling an asset such as property, and the amount payable can change significantly depending on what costs and deductions are correctly captured...

Construction projects—especially larger builds—can involve delays, workmanship issues, scope disagreements, or payment disputes. When matters can’t be resolved directly, parties may need to lodge a construction claim/complaint with the relevant state building authority in the state where the work occurred (for example, the Victorian Building Authority in Victoria, or the NSW Building Commissioner in NSW)....

Building estimating is often misunderstood—especially by people comparing quotes, planning budgets, or deciding whether to use an estimator at all. These misconceptions can lead to poor budgeting, scope gaps, and unnecessary risk during tender and delivery...