David O'Shaughnessy

This is a phenomenal achievement. But here’s the rub. Kapitol are the only construction company in the top 100 Innovators. In fact there is not a construction category. It Is difficult for competitors to collaborate and the current procurement methods give barely any space for contractors to think beyond the current tenders. Andrew and David have been fearless themselves and they have employed or partnered like minded others. There are others that appear in Linked In, I note in particular Modscape offsite modular construction. But there is no industry or government authority to bring all this brilliance together. Just taking Kapitol as a standard for purpose of debate. An interventionist government would now put to potential builders “ tell us what Kapitol initiatives are you putting into place” People who read my ramblings know I’m a big fan of Jon Davies advocacy. What is needed now is a serious strategy from government and industry to force the adoption of innovative ideas That’s how QA became normal, that’s what the Vic government did to improve gender equity, that is why Green Star abounds. If you Grasp the nettle it doesn’t sting

14

Great man David 👍 How to reduce construction cost and have more builders available to build more homes with massive improvement on the quality of construction. Firstly shifting the responsibility of building insurance directly to the owners could lead to a more competitive market among insurance providers. When owners are in charge of securing their insurance, they have the opportunity to shop around for the best deals, coverage options, and customer service. This increased competition among insurance providers could result in: 1. Lower Costs: Insurance companies may offer more competitive rates and discounts to attract homeowners, driving down overall insurance costs. 2. Faster Application Processes: With owners directly managing insurance applications, there may be fewer intermediaries involved, potentially reducing application processing times and administrative delays. 3. Innovative Products: Insurance companies may develop innovative insurance products tailored to the specific needs of homeowners, leading to more diverse coverage options and customizable policies. 4. Improved Customer Service: Insurance providers may invest more in customer service and support to attract and retain homeowners, leading to better overall experiences for policyholders. Overall, a more competitive insurance market can benefit homeowners by offering them more choices, better pricing, and improved service, ultimately enhancing the overall experience of owning a home. Including independent compliance inspections as a condition of insurance coverage can benefit all parties involved in the following ways: 1. Builders: Ensure adherence to construction specifications, reducing the risk of defects or errors that could lead to future insurance claims and potential liabilities. This helps builders maintain their reputation for quality workmanship. 2. Owners: Provide peace of mind that their property has been constructed to high standards and is less likely to experience structural issues or safety concerns. This can also increase the resale value of the property. 3. Insurance Providers: Mitigate risks by ensuring that insured properties are built according to specified standards, reducing the likelihood of claims due to construction-related issues. This can lead to more accurate underwriting and pricing of insurance policies. 4. Regulatory Authorities: Support regulatory compliance by verifying that construction projects meet building codes and safety regulations, contributing to overall public safety and well-being. 5. Overall Market: Promote confidence in the construction industry and the insurance market by establishing a framework for quality assurance and risk management. This can foster a more stable and sustainable housing market over time. By incorporating compliance inspections into the insurance conditions, all players can benefit from improved accountability, risk mitigation, and quality assurance throughout the construction process🏆✔️

6

It will be no surprise to any interested observer that elevated construction cost conditions are persisting. But how has this situation come to be?    In WT’s forthcoming Australian Construction Market Conditions Report, our view is that the answer to this conundrum lies in a greater understanding of the construction sector itself, especially investment in its own capability and capacity.    Our construction economist Damon Roast, said today in an The Australian Financial Review article by Robert Harley that, on a three-year view, cost escalation in the building sector is set to increase around five per cent per annum across major capital cities.     Read Damon’s recent insights into what is driving persisting escalation in construction costs and sign up to be one of the first to receive the report: https://bit.ly/4bgW6vh      #CostEscalation #Construction #CostManagement #AFR #AustralianFederalBudget  

74

Unlocking Your Development Potential with Cost Logic! Dive into Success with NSW Council DA Estimates! At Cost Logic, we're more than just AIQS Registered Quantity Surveyors - we're your dedicated partners in navigating the intricacies of development projects. Specializing in NSW Council DA Estimates and Council Cost Reports, we're here to ensure your Development Application (DA) or Construction Certificate (CC) submission is not just accurate, but also compliant with local regulations. Our Services Include: Detailed DA Estimates - Every aspect meticulously calculated. Comprehensive Council Cost Reports - Your roadmap to project success. Expert guidance on NSW local council requirements - Navigating the maze with ease. Ready to turn your vision into reality? Let's make it happen together! Contact us: Phone: +61 423 609 877 Email: [email protected] Website: costlogic.com.au Empower your development journey with Cost Logic - where precision meets partnership! #CostSummary #FinancialReports #DA #ExpenseAnalysis #BudgetTracking #CostManagement #FinancialAnalysis #BusinessReports #DataAnalysis #CostEfficiency #BudgetReports #ExpenseTracking #FinancialInsights #CostTracking #FinancialSummary #Developmentapplication #AIQS #NSW #Localcouncil #Costsummaryreports #CouncilQSCostReports #CouncilQS #DACostReports #RegisteredQuantitySurveyor #CostSummaryReports #DetailedDAQSReports #QuantitySurveyorDAReports #QSEstimateReports #NSWCouncilDAEstimates #CostEstimate

1

We are thrilled to collaborate with Australian Development Capital Brunsdon Studio and Breathe on the Price St Apartments project in Perth. This residential development is currently in the design phase, showcasing unique structural challenges and innovative solutions. The project includes one level of basement on a common podium, with the entire façade constructed of brick. To expedite construction and enhance the building's sustainability, we have opted for a non-load-bearing brick façade. This approach significantly reduces material usage compared to a traditional load-bearing brick structure, resulting in substantial material savings. Our solution not only accelerates the construction timeline but also aligns with our commitment to sustainable building practices. Our structural engineering services ensure that Price St will be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By integrating advanced engineering techniques, we aim to create a design that meets the project's requirements while promoting efficiency and sustainability. The non-load-bearing brick façade is a testament to our innovative approach, balancing structural integrity with environmental considerations. We are excited to see Price Street evolve into a sustainable residential development that exemplifies cutting-edge design and engineering solutions. Project Collaborators BREATHE ARCHITECTURE LIMITED Brunsdon Studio MALA-studio Griffiths Architects @art_theory_perth Hatch House Business Group Studio Brave Swift Brown Fox #StructuralEngineering #PriceStreet #Subiaco #UrbanDevelopment #ProjectLaunch #HeraEngineering #ADC #SustainableDesign #CommunitySpaces #UrbanLiving

26

We have been engaged to prepare a Building Code of Australia (BCA) Compliance Report to accompany this Development Application (DA) for a proposed warehouse, designed by the PEAK Architects team. Although the BCA is a performance-based code, which means complying with the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provisions is not necessary at the DA stage, submitting the BCA Report allows the Council’s assessing officer to ensure that the design approved under the DA will not face difficulties meeting the building code requirements at the Construction Certificate (CC) stage. This approach offers the developer the opportunity to explore cost-saving measures and ensure compliance with building code requirements (Related to fire safety, access and egress, health and amenity, etc.) early in the process. Addressing these elements early at design stage, can save time and avoid the need for modifications later. We can explore various options during the design phase and provide customized advice to architects and developers, enabling them to make informed and critical design decisions early in the project.😊 #Architects #Buildingdesign #Firesafety #buildingcode #BCA #DA #CC #building #development #warehouse

31

2 Comments

We’re broadly supportive of the announcement today by the Victorian Government that will see an expansion of the requirement for new residential dwellings and many commercial buildings to be all electric, and close loopholes in the existing planning rules. This provides certainty for consumers – and prevents them purchasing a property that it will cost them to remediate in the not-too-distant future. We would have liked to see the inclusion of all gas appliances in the new rules, but gas heaters and gas hot water systems are the biggest and most urgent issue for consumers’ hip pockets and it makes sense to us that they would be the first step. In our recent submission on the Victorian Minimum (Energy Efficiency) Standards for Rental Properties, we suggested requiring landlords to replace gas-powered cooking appliances that are at the end of their life with electric ones, in addition to space and water heating systems. New induction cooktops are more efficient, healthier, and safer to use than traditional gas stoves. This will be an important next step to supporting people who face barriers to realising the cost benefits of going all electric (such as people on low incomes and renters). We look forward to working with the Victorian Government to achieve this in future. Read more about the announcement: https://lnkd.in/g5bUthBu

8

1 Comment

We're pleased to announce that REZICAST® is now approved under the NSW Government Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Procurement List (SCM5862). Our home building system has already been used for projects with ACT Government (Housing ACT) and Aboriginal Housing Office NSW. Being approved under SCM5862 will make it even easier for our system to support more public and social housing builds. The REZICAST® system enables houses to be built in just 10 weeks instead of the usual 10 months, without any of the defects and settlement issues you get with brick. If you're a developer/community housing provider interested in tripling your build volume whilst improving build quality (without increasing your costs), please reach out for a chat. If you're a builder who would like to switch to cashflow positive building and start receiving referrals for homeowners wanting to build with REZICAST®, let's chat about the support we offer to start using our system. #housingcrisis #publichousing #prefab

9

A building quality expert has warned that Australia’s ambitious plan to build 1.2 million homes by the end of the decade could result in a spate of defects that may take years to fix. #buildingdefects #construction #defects #housingcrisis #insurance #nationalhousingaccord #realestate #reworks #sja #sustainability

1

Today's Housing Delivery Authority announcement marks a massive step to delivering more homes, faster, across Sydney and the state 👏   By offering a new approval pathway for major residential projects, it aims to cut red tape and speed up the planning process for developments over $60 million in Greater Sydney and $30 million in regional areas. That means fewer delays, allowing homes to be built sooner where they’re needed most: close to transport, jobs and community amenities >> https://lnkd.in/gqfE2gh2   Key elements include:   🔑 Clear, rigorous criteria The EOI and Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements ensure that only projects meeting high standards for location, affordability and timely delivery are prioritised.   ⏱️ Concurrent assessment and rezoning By offering a parallel approval process, it bypasses traditional council-led assessments, speeding up delivery while reducing the burden on local authorities.   💵 A focus on affordability and accountability We're glad to see incentives such as affordable housing contributions and requirements for construction to start within 12 months – critical to prevent land banking and boost housing supply for lower-income households.    Addressing outdated rules and a 'computer says no' mindset that often hinders our ability to build the homes we need, the Housing Delivery Authority is the emergency circuit breaker that could unlock more market and affordable housing.  We hope this move helps shift the culture of planning to work more like London or New York — clear social goals, open conversations with developers, for real delivery. This is the kind of action that turns housing ambition into real, tangible homes for people who need it most. Estelle Grech, Megan Gorrey, Jeremy Gill, Paul Scully, Chris Minns, Kiersten Fishburn, Zack Solomon, Zoe Baker, Katie Stevenson, Andrew Whitson, Ben Hendriks, Mehra Jafari, Tom Loomes, NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Housing Now!, Nicola Lemon, Emma Nicholson, Dr Tim Moonen, Mike Zorbas, Alex O'Mara, David Tickle, Lendlease, Tom Mackellar, Michelle Mason, The Sydney Morning Herald

48

5 Comments

Many new developments have ambitions to achieve certain green star ratings. Green Star is an internationally recognised Australian sustainability rating and certification system. There are currently four rating tools, of which the ‘Green Star Buildings’ tool is most relevant to the work we do in design and construction of buildings. In the latest iteration of the tool, the “as built” certification is mandatory, while a design stage certification is optional. If tendering on a project, one should ask for and review the greenstar scorecard to understand which credits are being targeted, some of which will fall under the responsibility of the mechanical contractor. The image below provides a summary of available credits and points available under each. ______  At MEP Engineering Co, we provide engineering support and shop drawings to mechanical contractors delivering $500k to $20M+ mech contracts across Australia & NZ.    I try to make regular posts on topics relevant to building services mechanical contractors. Be sure to Connect if you find the content valuable

25

1 Comment

The Grand Finale is HERE! Season 3 of The Building Talks Podcast Closes in Style! Who better to wrap it all up than one of Melbourne’s most respected construction leaders — George Abraham, Managing Director of Hickory. 🏗️ From tower cranes to commercial towers, modular builds to data centres — Hickory is a driving force in Australia’s construction industry. They lead with innovation, scale with purpose, and inspire with results. 🎙️ This episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss: ✅ 20+ Years of Experience — George's rise to Managing Director in 2018 and his journey with industry giants like Balderstone and Multiplex. ✅ Career-Defining Lessons — How to grow your career, lead with purpose, and master the art of "managing up." ✅ The Power of Innovation — Hickory’s cutting-edge approach to modular construction and off-site builds. ✅ How to Lead the Pack — Why head contractors must evolve, adapt, and embrace change to stay ahead. But that’s not all — here’s a look back at our journey so far: 📢 81 Total Episodes from Season 1 to Season 3. 🚀 Industry Giants Featured — Guests from Hickory, Multiplex, Icon, and more. 🎉 Spin-Off Series — How To Be A Property Developer with Steve Chandler. It’s been an incredible ride — and this final episode is the perfect way to close it out. 🎧 Tune in now on your favorite platform or visit our website to listen! 👉 Spotify 👉 iTunes 👉 iHeartRadio #TheBuildingTalksPodcast #Hickory #ConstructionLeadership #CareerGrowth

"Australia’s affordable housing demand calls for innovative, sustainable solutions. How can we balance tenant needs, long-term durability, and cost efficiency to create resilient, community-focused housing? Thought-provoking insights here on the role of flexible design, energy efficiency, and public-private partnerships."

1

Work on the Manawatu Tararua (Te Ahu a Turanga) Highway (SH3) is progressing at pace with the bulk earthworks completed, the paving work well advanced, the bridge construction underway and the planting of over 1.8 million trees expected to be completed this winter. A number of significant milestones have been achieved o  Over 6.5 million cubic metres of earth has been moved and the 31hill-side cuttings along the 11.5 kilometre carriageway are now finished. o  The three piers for the balanced cantilever bridge over the Manawatu River are complete and work is progressing on the bridge deck. o  All 42 steel fabricated beams for the Eco-Viaduct Bridge over the wetland area have been installed with work on the deck well underway. This new section of highway replaces the previous route through the slip-prone Manawatu Gorge between Palmerston North and Woodville and passes over the southern extremities of the Ruahine Ranges and through the Te Apiti windfarm. The design of the highway drainage network allows for any extreme weather events with extra-large pipes being laid. In addition 28 large culverts have been constructed along the alignment and these consist of concrete and PVC pipes of between 300 and 750mm in diameter, with some up to 1800mm in diameter in areas where excessive water flow can be expected. The main earthworks Alliance partner Goodman Contractors Limited has conducted massive excavation work, especially where there are cuttings through hillsides. Cut 28, at the Woodville end is the highest at 60 metres and required stabilisation with soil nails and shotcrete. Five paving crews are currently working on the foundation work for the carriageway with cement stabilized AP65 aggregate being laid along most sections. Work on the project’s three main structures: the 300 metre-long Parahaki Bridge over the Manawatu River; the 305 metre-long Eco-Bridge over a wetland area and the Mangamanaia Bridge over a stream have also progressed and are all scheduled to be completed by early next year. Massive challenges were experienced by the structures team working on this bridge, including unprecedented artesian water pressures, which delayed construction of the piles by 14 months and required considerable dewatering. The shortest of the three bridges, the Mangamanaia Stream Bridge, is nearing completed with just the back-fill for the abutments and deck railings to be installed. Another milestone achieved has been the planting of over 300,000 trees last winter bringing the total number planted to 1.3 million. Caption: The Mangamanaia Bridge under construction and the highway realignment near Woodville.

11

CARAS is an advisory and project management business, committed to  delivering better environments for our clients and the communities around  them. We are committed to delivering projects that improve the places we  live and work 🌱   With over 85,000 strata schemes in NSW, a growing number of people are  living and working in buildings managed under a strata scheme 🏙 In 2023 the Building Commission NSW in partnership with Strata  Community Association NSW (SCA NSW) conducted a survey to examine  the experience of NSW strata communities in dealing with serious building  Defects.     It reported that 53% of buildings in the survey have had serious defects in common property, up from 39% in 2021. Some defects can be fixed easily but many require a full building remediation project to be undertaken 🛠 👷‍♂️ Strata schemes have multiple stakeholders, sometimes with competing  interests which can make it difficult to get building remediation projects started.    CARAS has developed this guideline to assist strata owners, Strata Committee members and Strata Managers to navigate through the issues related to undertaking a building remediation project. Check out our capability statement below and contact us if you have any questions ⏬ (02) 9929 2362 #StrataBuilding #NSW #BuildingRemediation #ResidentialBuildings #CommercialBuildings #ProjectManagement #CARAS #CommonProperty #StrataCommittee #StrataManagers #StrataOwners #Sydney #StrataScheme

13