General

Housing
Specifications
For
South Australian Building Work
in
Non-Cyclonic Areas
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INDEX

Part No. Part Headings Page no.

1.0 Introduction.......................................................................................................................3

2.0 Statutory Requirements.....................................................................................................4

3.0 Owners Obligations...........................................................................................................4

4.0 Plans, Notices and Application Fees..................................................................................5

5.0 Excavations........................................................................................................................6

6.0 Foundations and Footings..................................................................................................6

7.0 Retaining Walls..................................................................................................................7

8.0 Effluent Disposal/ Drainage..............................................................................................7

9.0 Timber Framing Generally................................................................................................8

10.0 Steel Framing Generally....................................................................................................9

11.0 Roofing............................................................................................................................10

12.0 Masonry, Damp Proofing.................................................................................................10

13.0 Cladding, Linings.........................................................................................................11

14.0 Joinery and Cupboards....................................................................................................12

15.0 Services............................................................................................................................12

16.0 Tiling................................................................................................................................13

17.0 Painting............................................................................................................................13

18.0 Prime Cost Items.............................................................................................................13

19.0 Schedule ‘A’ Prime cost items and Provisional Sum allowance items:……………….…
14

20.0 Additional Items…………………………………..........………………………………15

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 General
This Specification details the works to be executed and the materials to be used in
carrying out those works at the Site.

This Specification shall be read as a general specification only. The parts of the
Specification which refer to the works being carried out shall not apply. The extent of
the works shall be governed by the Approved Plans and Special Details where
applicable.

Any works not fully detailed shall, where appropriate, be sufficiently performed if
carried out in accordance with applicable Manufacturer’s Recommendations of
Engineer’s Recommendations.

1.2 Preliminary Use

This Specification forms part of the Building Contract Documents, and should be read
in conjunction with the Building Schedule Agreement, Engineer’s Reports, Plans
Development and Building approvals and any other special details including Schedule
‘A’ (Prime Cost (PC) and Provisional Sum (PS) items) which is attached to these
specifications.

1.3 Prevailing Documents

Where there is a difference between the Local Authority Approved Plan and
Specification the Plan will take precedent. The contractor must always maintain a
legible copy of the Approved plans and specification bearing the approval date and
stamp of the Local Authority. Where there is no Approved plan the Building Schedule
will take precedence over prevailing documents.

1.4 Size and Dimensions

All sizes and dimensions given in this specification are in millimeters unless
otherwise stated and are nominal only.

1.5 Prime Cost Items

Prime cost items listed in part of this specification are Suppliers and/or contractors
cost prices; they do not include Builders margins, cost of cartage and freight. Should
any of these listed items not be required, credit will be made at the listed price in the
contract in the final progress claim.

1.6 Definitions
“Special Details” in respect of any item or part of the works means any drawings,
plans, specifications, Schedule ‘A’, calculations, or other documents (including
Engineer’s Recommendations) prepared in order to define or detail the work to be
done and the materials to be used.

“Engineer’s Recommendations” includes any Soil Classification Report, Preliminary

Footing Report, Construction Footing Report and any other Report, Recommendation,
site or other instruction, calculations or plans prepared by an Engineer in respect of
the Works.

Where the words “Local Authority” are mentioned, they shall mean the Local
Council, or other Governing Authority, or Private Certifier with Statutory

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responsibility for the compliance of the work performed.

1.7 The Works shall be constructed in accordance and comply with the National
Construction Code Part A2, Performance Requirements that outline the minimum
necessary standards different buildings or building elements must attain. The
Performance Requirements are the only NCC technical provisions that must be
satisfied.

1.8 Builder and Contractor mean the same.

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2.0 Statutory Requirements

2.1 The Works

All work shall be carried out and completed in compliance with the Planning
Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, Planning Development and Infrastructure (General)
Regulations 2017 and National Construction Code (as amended).

2.2 Regulations, Notices and Fees

The Building Contractor is to comply with Local Authority approval requirements of

the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, Planning, Development, and
Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017 and National Construction Code with particular
attention to the performance requirements and the requirements of legally constituted
authorities that supply services such as water and electricity etc. The Contractor is to
give all Notices, obtain all Permits and pay all Fees required by such Authorities.

2.3 Insurance

Insurance cover of the works against risk for Fire, Theft, Malicious Damage and
Materials on site are to be effected by the Contractor at the Contractor’s expense. The
Contractor shall also at its expense adequately insure for Public Liability ($20mil) and
arrange Worker’s Compensation cover in respect of any liability under the Return to
Work Act 2014 (SA)

2.4 Labour and Materials

The Contractor is to provide all labour and materials to construct and complete the
building to the stage as specified in the Building Schedule. Materials to be of the
standard specified. Workmanship in each trade to be performed by tradespeople of
that particular trade and in conformity with the performance requirements of the
National Construction Code and accepted trade practice. Building materials surplus to
requirements of the works shall be and remain the property of the Contractor.

2.5 Electricity

The contractor is to make arrangements for any electrical power to be used in the
erection of the works and is to pay fees and costs incurred there in. Should additional
poles, wiring, service risers or underground wiring etc., be required by the Electricity
Authority, this additional cost, plus Builder’s margin, shall be borne by the Owner.

2.6 Sanitary Accommodation

Prior to the commencement of any works, unless toilet facilities exist on site, the
Contractor shall provide temporary toilet accommodation for the tradespeople. Where
the Authority requires the temporary toilet to be connected to sewer mains, the
additional cost, plus Builder’s margin of such shall be borne by the Owner. On
completion the contractor shall remove the convenience.

3.0 Owners Obligations

3.1 Surveyor’s Certificate

If the Building Schedule so indicates, the Owner shall, at the Owner’s expense, obtain
a certified survey of the site. If no survey is required, the Owner herby certifies that
the placement of the existing survey pegs or fences on the site is correct.

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3.2 Engineer’s Recommendations

If the Building Schedule so indicates, the Owner shall, at the Owner’s expense,
provide the Contractor with reports and recommendation (including soil
classification) as to the foundations and/ or footing requirements for the works
prepared by an Engineer.

If the Contractor instructs any party to provide such recommendations, the Contractor
does not so only as an agent for the Owner.

3.3 Trades Persons Engaged by Owner

The Owner shall not engage or employ any tradesperson, trade contractor or any other
person to work on the Site without the consent of the Contractor which consent may
be subject to such terms and conditions as the Contractor may stipulate.

3.4 Items supplies by Owner

For all items referred to in the specification to be supplies by the Owner, it is the
responsibility of the Owner to arrange payment for delivery of and protection against
damage and theft of all these items.

Delivery is to be made when requested by the Builder to the site. If not available when
required the Owner shall be obliged to make an alternative selection.

3.5 Water Supply

The Owner shall, at the Owner’s expense, supply adequate water to the site for
construction purposes. Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall pay the
standard water metre connection fee to the Water Supply Authority providing this
service is prelaid to the site ready for use. The Owner shall reimburse the contractor
for the standard water metre connection fee and associated costs and cost to ensure
pre-existing water pipe work is adequate and sound and in accord with AS3500.

3.6 Sanitation

Unless otherwise specified, the Owner shall, at the Owner’s expense, supply a
sewerage connection riser or common effluent drainage connection riser on the site.
Unless otherwise specified or pre-existing, the Contractor shall pay the standard sewer
connection fee to the Supply Authority providing this service is prelaid to the Site and
ready for use. The Owner shall reimburse the contractor for the standard sewer
connection fee and associated costs. The Owner shall be responsible for any fee to be
paid more than the standard sewer connection fee and to ensure pre-existing sewer
and associated sanitary pipe work is operational and in accord with AS3500.

3.7 Site Clearance

At the Owners expense the contractor is to clear only the site area where building
work is performed of vegetation, stumps, boulders, rubble and the like to a minimum
distance of 1,000mm outside the building work area or to the boundaries of the
allotment, whichever is the less and fill any depressions within the area covered by the
building work or as directed by the owner.

4.0 Plans, Permits and Application Fees

4.1 Permits and Fees

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Unless otherwise agreed, the Contractor shall lodge all necessary application notices,
plans and details with the Local Authority for approval expeditiously.

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4.2 Mines Subsidence

In areas affected by mines subsidence the appropriate authority to be consulted and

work carried out in accordance with their requirements as a variation, any additional
cost plus and Builders Margin is to be borne by the Owner.

4.3 Setting Out

The contractor shall accurately set out the works in accordance with the site plan and
within the boundaries of the site.

5.0 Excavations

5.1 Subject to Clause 3.7 the site covered by the building and an area at least 1,000mm
wide around the building or to boundaries of the site – whichever is the lesser shall be
cleared and/ or graded as indicated on the Site Works Plan.

Top soil shall be cut to a depth sufficient to remove all vegetation.

Excavations for all footings shall be in accordance with the Engineer’s

recommendation or Part 3.2. Footings and Slabs of the National Construction Code

6.0 Foundations and Footings

6.1 Underfloor Fill

Underfloor fill shall be in accordance with AS 2870 or Part 3.2.5. Vol. 2 NCC

6.2 Termite Risk Management

Termite treatment shall be carried out in accordance with Part 3.1.3 Vol. 2 NCC or AS
3660.1.

6.3 Vapour Barrier

The Underfloor vapour barrier shall be in accordance with AS 2870 or Clause 3.2.2.6
Vol. 2 NCC.

6.4 Reinforcement

Reinforcement shall conform and be placed in accordance with AS 3600, AS 2870

and the Engineer’s recommendations.

Support to all reinforcement shall be used to avoid and undue displacement of

reinforcement during the concrete pour.

6.5 Concrete

Concrete shall not be less then Grade N20 except where otherwise approved by the
Engineer.

Structural concrete shall be in accordance with AS 3600. Pre-mixed concrete shall be

manufactured in accordance with AS 1379 with delivery dockets kept onsite and
available for inspection by the Engineer.

Concrete shall be placed and compacted in accordance with good building practice. In

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hot (above 30 degrees Celsius) and windy conditions concrete must be cured by
covering with plastic sheeting, spraying with a curing compound or pooling of water
on the surface, or as directed by the Engineer.

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6.6 Footings and Slabs on Ground

Concrete slabs and footings shall not be poured until approval to pour concrete is
given by the Engineer or the Local Authority.

NOTE: Bench levels and floor levels on the Site Works Plan shall be regarded as
nominal, unless specified otherwise.

6.7 Suspended Slabs

All concrete slabs, other than those supported on solid ground or compacted filling,
shall be constructed as suspended slabs. These slabs shall be constructed in
accordance with the Engineer’s Recommendations.

6.8 Foundation Walls

In footings as previously specified, build brick walls to the thickness shown on plan,
to level underside of floor bearers and/ or plates.

6.9 Sub-Floor Ventilation

Provide adequate cross ventilation to the space under suspended ground floor. No
section of the under- floor area wall to be constructed in such a manner that will hold
pockets of still air.

6.10 Sub-Floor Access

Provide access under suspended floors in positions where indicated in the plan.

6.11 Curing

All slabs shall be cured in accordance with AS 3600.

7.0 Retaining Walls

7.1 Retaining Walls

Retaining walls shall be constructed as shown on the plans and/ or special details
designed by an Engineer and where applicable approved by the Local Authority
whether the construction of such shall be the obligation of the Owner or the
Contractor. The owner is responsible for the nature of retaining walls and associated
costs.

8.0 Effluent Disposal/ Drainage

8.1 In sewered and unsewered areas, fit bath, wash basin, kitchen, wash tubs, pedestal pan
and floor grate to shower recess in positions as shown on plan. Provide waste pipes
with traps to the above fittings and connect to the drainage system. The whole of the
work to be performed in accordance with the rules and requirements of AS3500 and
the Sewerage Authority concerned.

8.2 Septic System

Provide and install a septic system where applicable to the requirements of Local
Authority and in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.

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8.3 Storm Water Drainage

Allow for the supplying and laying of storm water drains to the nearest street gutter.
Sealed system if the street gutter is above the building ground level. Drains to be a
minimum of 100mm socketed vitrified clay pipe or a minimum of 90mm UPVC pipes
laid to an even and regular fall with a minimum cover of 150mm. Drains to discharge
into street gutter where possible. Where outlets are required within the site they are to
discharge at least 6,000mm clear of the building or to the Authority’s requirements as
a variation, any additional cost plus Builders margin, is to be borne by the Owner.

9.0 Timber Framing Generally

9.1 Timber Framing

All timber framework sizes, spans, spacing, notching, checking and fixings shall
comply with the provisions of AS 1684.2 Part 3.4. Vol. 2 NCC or alternative structural
framing to Structural Engineer’s details and certification.

The work shall be carried out in a proper and tradesperson like manner and shall be in
accordance with recognized and acceptable trade practices.

9.2 Floor Framing to AS 1684.2.

All floors not specified to be concrete are to be framed at the level shown. Span and
spacing of bearers is to conform to the requirements of the span tables for the
appropriate member size. Deep joists to upper floors, where shown are to be fitted
with solid blocking or herringbone strutting as required. All sizes and stress grades of
timber members and tie down methods are to be in accordance with AS 1684.2.

9.3 Wall Framing to AS 1684.2.

Plates are to be trenched to a depth not exceeding 10mm to provide uniform thickness
where studs occur. Where plates are machine gauged to a uniform thickness, trenching
may be omitted. Wall framing is to be erected plumb and straight and securely
fastened to floor framing. Provided a clear space of 40mm between outer face of wall
frame and inner face of brick veneer walls to studs with approved brick veneer ties.
Ties are to slope downwards towards the external veneer wall.

Studs in each panel of walling shall be stiffened by means of solid noggings or

bridging pieces at not more than 1,350mm centres over the height of the wall. Bottom
plates shall be fixed to the concrete slab with or in accordance with AS 4055.

9.4 Lintels Over Opening

All sizes, stress grade and bearing area shall conform to AS 1684. Heads exceeding
175mm in depth shall be seasoned or a low shrinkage timber species used. Plywood
lintels conforming to the requirements of Plywood Association of Australia may be
used. Glue Laminated Beams conforming to AS 1328 or if approved by the Lending
Authority. Laminated Veneer Lumber beams and Steel ‘L’ & ‘Z’ beams to
manufacturers’ specification and data sheets may be used.

9.5 Roof Trusses

Where roof truss construction is used, trusses shall be fabricated in a properly

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equipped factory with each truss suitably branded to identify the manufacturer and
erected, fixed and braced in accordance with the fabricator’s bearing points and
written instructions.

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9.6 Bracing

Timber frames must be braced in accordance with Part 3.0 Vol. 2 NCC. Bracing units
shall be determined as appropriate for the design wind velocity for the building and
evenly distributed throughout the building.

9.7 Flooring

Strip, sheet or composite flooring as specified. Thickness of flooring to be appropriate

for the floor joist spacing. With regard to ground clearance and installation in wet
areas, structural sheet flooring shall be used strictly in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations or Part 3. Vol 2 NCC.
Fixing shall be in accordance with the applicable flooring Code.

When specified, floors shall be sanded to provide an even, flat surface with no lipping
and shall be left clean throughout.

9.8 Roof Framing

Roofs are to pitched to the slope required and constructed in accordance with Part 3.
Vol. 2 NCC or AS 1684.2. Provide continuous tie-down from roof battens to footings
for the appropriate design wind velocity and roof covering. Provide all rafters, ridges,
hips, valleys, purlins, struts, collar ties and wind bracing as appropriate with all sizes
and stress grades in accordance with AS 1684.2

Metal fascias shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s

recommendations.

9.9 Timber Posts

Timber Posts supporting carports, veranda’s and porches shall be H3 – H5 treated

timber suitable for external use or as specified, supported on galvanized or treated
metal post shoes. Post shall be bolted to all adjoining beams. Where Steel posts are
used the base is to be wrapped in anti-corrosion tape supported in a concrete footing
beveled at the top.

9.10 Corrosion Protection

All metal brackets, facing plates and other associated fixings used in structural timber
joints and bracing must have appropriate corrosion protection.

9.11 Hot Water Storage Tank Platforms

Where a hot water storage tank is to be installed in the roof space, the tank platform
shall be supported directly off the wall plates and must not be supported on ceiling
joists. External mains pressure hot water tank is to be supported on level footing.
Pressure relief valves to be terminated over a tundish or gully trap.

All hot water services installed in the roof space shall be fitted with an appropriate
spill tray and overflow drain pipe.

10.0 Steel Framing Generally

10.1 Steel Framing

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Steel floor, wall or roof framing approved by the Local Authority shall be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and AS 3623, Part 3.4.2 Vol. 2
NCC, AS/NZS 4600, Cold formed steel structures, AS 3623, Domestic metal framing,
AS 4100, Steel structures and N.A.S.H .Standards for Residential and Low-Rise Steel
Framing

11.0 Roofing

All roof cladding to comply with the relevant structural performance and weathering
requirements of Part 3.5 Vol 2. NCC - Roof Cladding, gutters and downpipes and wall
cladding Provisions, AS 1562.1:2018 Design and Installation of Sheet Roof and Wall
Cladding – Metal and be installed as per the manufacturer’s requirements.

11.1 Tiled Roofing

Concrete and terracotta tiles shall comply with AS 2049 and be installed in
accordance with AS 2050. Cover the roof of the dwelling with first quality approved
tiles as selected. The tiles are to be fixed to approved battens of sizes appropriate to
the spacing of rafters/ trusses in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
Cover hips and ridges with capping and all necessary starters and apex caps. Capping
and verge tiles are to be well bedded and neatly pointed. Roofing adjacent to valleys
should be fixed so to minimize as far as practicable water penetration. As roof tiles are
made of natural products slight variation in colour is acceptable.

11.2 Metal Roofing

Provide and install a metal roof together with accessors all in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

Except where design prohibits, sheet shall be in single lengths from fascia to ridge.
Fixings of sheet shall be strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations. Incompatible materials shall not be used for flashings, fasteners or
downpipes.

11.3 Rainwater Goods

Metal rainwater goods shall be manufactured in accordance with AS 2179. Rainwater

goods shall be installed in accordance with AS 2180 or Part 3.5.2 Vol. 2. NCC.

UPVC components to be manufactured in accordance with AS 1273. Rainwater goods

to be compatible with other materials used.

11.4 Sarking

Sarking used under roof coverings must comply and be fixed in accordance with:
(a) AS 1736 for pliable roof sarking; and
(b) AS 1903 and AS 1904 for reflective foil laminate.

11.5 Sealants

Appropriate sealants shall be used where necessary and in accordance with

manufacturer’s specifications.

11.6 Weatherproofing

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Flashing shall comply with AS 2904, AS 1804, As 3700 and Part 3.3.4Vol. 2. NCC

12.0 Masonry

12.1 Bricks

All clay bricks and brickworks shall comply with AS 1225, AS 1226 and AS 3700.
Clay bricks are a natural kiln fired product and as such their size may vary over a
small range. Tolerances shall only be applied to the total measurements over 20 units,
not to the individual units.

12.2 Concrete Blocks

Concrete blocks are to be machined pressed, of even shape and well cured in
accordance with
AS 2733.

Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s

product specification at the time the work is being carried out.

12.3 Damp Proof Courses

All damp proof courses shall comply with Part 3.3. Vol. 2 NCC, AS 3700 and AS
2904. The damp proof membrane shall protrude to the external face of the masonry
member in which it is placed.

12.4 Cavity Ventilation (Weep Holes)

Cavities shall be cleared of all mortar droppings and weep holes shall not exceed
1,200mm centres, be in accordance with AS 3700, or Clause 3.3.4.3. Vol 2. NCC.

12.5 Mortar and Joining

Mortar shall comply with AS 3700 or Part 3.3.1Vol. 2 NCC. Joint tolerances shall be
in accordance with AS 3700.

12.6 Masonry Accessories

Compliance with Part 3.3.3 of Vol. 2 NCC in acceptable construction practices. All
wall ties shall be manufactured in accordance with AS 2699 and be installed in
accordance with AS 3700. Wall ties to meet corrosion resistant rating of the site.
Provide appropriate ties to articulated joints in masonry.

12.7 Lintels

Lintels used to support brickwork opening in walls must be suitable for the purpose
under Part 3.3.3Vol. 2. NCC. Provide one lintel to each wall leaf. Where necessary
clearance must be allowed at heads of frames to allow for shrinkage of timber frames.

12.8 Cleaning

Clean all exposed brickwork with an approved cleaning system. Care should be taken
not to damage brickwork or joints and other fittings.

13.0 Cladding and Linings

13.1 External Claddings and Linings

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Sheet materials or other external cladding be fixed in accordance with the

manufacturer’s recommendations and any applicable special details.

13.2 Internal Wall and Ceiling Linings

Provide gypsum plasterboards or other selected materials to walls and ceilings.

Plasterboard sheets to have recessed edges and be a minimum of 10mm thick. Fixing
is to be strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Internal
angles from floor to ceiling to be set. Set corners or provide cornice for ceilings as
required. The lining of wet area walls in brick veneer and timber frame buildings shall
be constructed as per AS 3740 or Part 3.8.1Vol. 2. NCC. Lining to be fixed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Where required if not pre-existing in veranda’s, porches and eaves soffits, material
indicated in the Building Schedule shall be installed. The ceiling access hole shall be
of melamine surface chipboard material same colour as the adjacent ceiling. Suitable
cornice moulds where required shall be fixed at the junction of all walls and ceilings.

13.3 Waterproofing

All internal wet areas and balconies over internal habitable rooms to be water proofed
to AS 3740 or Part 3.8.1 Vol. 2. NCC.

14.0 Joinery and Cupboards

14.1 General

All joinery work (metal and timber) shall be manufactured and installed according to
good trade practices.

14.2 Door Frames

Timber used in external door frames shall be a minimum of 32mm thick fitted with
10mm thick door stops. Internal timber jamb linings shall be a minimum of 18mm
thick fit with 10mm thick door stops. Metal door frames shall be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

14.3 Door and Door sets

All internal and external timber doors and door sets shall be installed in accordance
with AS 1909. Metal door and door sets shall be manufactured in accordance with AS
2588 and AS 2689 with Weather strips to the external doors to meet energy efficiency
requirements.

14.4 Window and Sliding Doors

Sliding and other timber windows and sliding doors shall be manufactured in
accordance with AS 2146 and be installed in accordance with AS 2147.
Aluminum windows and sliding doors shall be manufactured in accordance with AS
2047 and installed in accordance with AS 2048.
All glazing shall comply with AS 1288 or Part 3.6 Vol. 2. NCC.

14.5 Architraves and Skirting

If not pre-existing, provide architraves and skirting as nominated in the Building

Schedule.

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14.6 Cupboards, Kitchens and Bathrooms

Units to be manufactured and supplied in accordance with AS 4368.1 and installed to

manufacturer’s recommendations or in accordance with AS 4386.2. Bench tops shall
be water resistant material.

14.7 Stairs and Barriers

Provide handrails and balustrades to any change in level and to at least one side of
ramps and stairs as per Part 3.9.1 and 3.9.2 Vol. 2 NCC.

15.0 Services

15.1 Plumbing

All plumbing shall comply with the requirements of AS3500 and SA Water and the
work is to be carried out by a licensed plumber.
Fittings shall be supplied and installed as specified.

15.2 Electrical

Provide all labour and materials necessary for the proper installation of electricity
service by a licensed electrician in accordance with AS 3000, AS 3006 and the
requirements of the Local Supply Authority. Unless otherwise specified, the electrical
service shall be 240volt, single phase supply.

15.3 Gas

All installation (inc LPG) shall be carried in accordance with the rules and
requirements of the Supply Authority.

15.4 Smoke Detectors

Provide and install smoke alarms manufactured in accordance with AS 3786 as

specified or as indicated on plan and in accordance with Part 3.7.2 Vol. 2. NCC. New
owner to replace smoke alarms older than 10 years withing 6 months of settlement.

16.0 Tiling

16.1 Materials

Cement mortar and other adhesives shall comply with AS 3958.1 according to trade
practices.

16.2 Installation

Installation of tiles shall be in accordance with AS 3958.

All vertical and horizontal joints between walls and fixtures e.g. Bench tops, bath etc.
to be filled with flexible mould resistant grout. Where practicable spacing between
tiles should be even and regular. Provide expansion joints where necessary. As tiles
are made of natural products a slight variation in colour is to be anticipated.

16.3 Walls

Cover specified wall faces with selected neatly grouted tiles. Tiles are to be fixed to

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wall sheeting with approved adhesives. Provide all necessary strips, vent tiles and
recess fittings.

16.4 Floors

Lay selected floor tiles in sand and cement mortar or approved adhesive to specified
areas. If required fit approved edge strips to exposed edges in doorways or hobless
showers. Provide adequate and even fall to wastes where necessary.

17.0 Painting

17.1 General

All paint used shall be of a quality suitable for the purpose intended and the
application shall be as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. The colours used
shall be as specified. All surfaces to be painted shall be properly sanded and prepared.

18.0 Prime Cost Items

For Prime Cost Items and Provisional allowance, refer to Schedule ‘A’ appended to
these specifications.

Schedule ‘A’
19.0 Prime cost items and Provisional Sum items:
Prime Cost
PC stands for Prime Cost item. A Prime Cost item is an amount of money which has been allowed for
an item in the project for which the labour which goes with that item has been included within the total
price of the project. The PC amount is the cost allocated to supply the item only.

An example is a toilet suite. The labour for the plumber to install the toilet is included in the total
project cost but the exact toilet price may not have been known at the time of pricing, therefore an
allowance was made which could be varied once the toilet was chosen. Regardless of which toilet was
chosen the cost for the plumber to install is the same, therefore it is included in the total price.
Provisional Sum items
PS stands for Provisional Sum. Provisional Sum items are an allowance or estimate provided
for an item when the actual cost is not known that includes materials and labour.
PS allowances are often used for excavation where the exact quantities are not known or
things such as a kitchen where the price includes the supply of cupboards and bench tops as
well as the labour to install when the type of cupboards and benchtop is unknown or
installation of a Residual Current Device by a licensed electrician who has not reviewed the
electrical system.

While PC and PS items allow the contract to be flexible, we always recommend choosing as
much as possible before signing the contract and lock away these costs so the whole project
cost is known before it even commences. The less to do during construction the better, there
will be plenty to do, you may as well get the things you can ticked off the list as you can early.

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19.0 ADDITIONAL ITEMS

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