thisplace.com.au - Who are the people in the building industry

Renovating or building can involve a number of building industry professionals. Who does what and how do I select the most appropriate professional for my project? Well, read on!

Architect - architects are design professionals who can take your ideas and turn them into concepts and plans. Consultation fees vary, based on the type and quality of work which is performed. This may include preparations of working drawings, specifications of working materials and supervision of the building work on site.Architects are registered by the Board of Architects.

Bricklayers - bricklayers are generally sub contractors who are hired by the builder to construct the brick or block walls of a home, to lay pavers or construct retaining walls.

Builder - the builder is generally the main contractor on a housing project and is responsible for much of the construction work and overseeing and coordinating the various sub-contractors who work on the project. Depending on their experience and personal preference, builders may also draw plans for their clients.

Building Designer - is another design professional who takes your ideas and turns them into concepts and plans. Building designers can hold one of four licences which determines the type of work they can undertake. this ranges from a single dwelling to multi-storey buildings up to 25 metres in height.

Cabinet Maker - makes and installs the cabinets in the home. This includes wardrobes, kitchens, vanities and other built-in cupboards. Some cabinet makers offer design services for new homes or renovations.

Carpenter and Joiner - is responsible for the timber work within the home. This can range from framing to interior finishes such as skirtings and doors.

Concreter - will complete the earthworks and prepare the site for the slab or base for the home. Concreters also pour and finish concrete to slabs and footings and lay paths and other areas around the homes.

Drainers - install above and below ground drainage systems. They must also have a licence

Electricians - install wiring, light fittings and controls, power points and other wired in electrical appliances such as stoves, fans and exhaust systems.

Engineers - are trained to ensure homes are structurally sound and will stand prevailing weather conditions such as high winds and earthquakes. They may also arrange for soil testing and design the footings and slabs for homes.

Gas Fitters - are contracted when your home requires gas appliances or services. They install pipework, cylinders or other containers and appliances and ensure all fittings and systems are working correctly.They must also have a gas installer's licence.

Glaziers - are the contractors who install any glass or acrylic areas in the home, including windows and internal features.

Insulation Contractors - will be necessary if you are insulating your home, either in the roof alone or roof and walls. Many insulation contractors work for particular firms which market specific products such as batts.

Landscaper - completes the appearance of the site with fences, pergolas, gazebos and retaining walls once the building is complete. Where major structural elements are involved, the landscaper must have a structural landscaping licence.

Local Government Inspectors - are appointed by the local council to ensure that homes are constructed according to approved plans.They are generally qualified building surveyors. Councils will approve plans after examining them to ensure they meet local requirements and regulations set down in the Building Code of Australia. Inspections are usually carried out when the foundations are prepared and the frame is constructed but the number of inspections varies from council to council.

Painters - as the name suggests, apply paint to the exterior of a home. They may also wallpaper rooms and advise on appropriate colour schemes if required.

Pest Controllers and termite barrier installers are contracted to lay the appropriate termite and pest barriers. Many companies which sell termite barriers will have their own installation teams or approved contractors. They must also have a government issued pest control operators' licence.

Plasters should be licensed to perform drywall or solid plastering. Drywall plastering is generally used on internal surfaces of a home to make them smooth before finishing with paint, wallpaper or other finishes. Solid plastering is generally used on the exterior of homes to give a smooth finish.

Plumber is licensed to install the plumbing in the home - pipework, toilets, baths, showers, sinks and taps. They can also install irrigation and rain water tanks, metal roofs and heating and ventilation equipment. A plumber may also be licensed as a drainer and be known as a plumber and drainer.

Private Certifier - is a relatively new member of the building profession. These professionals, in some instances, take the place of local authority building approvals. They are responsible for ensuring that a building will meet the criteria for construction set by the local authority and the Building Code of Australia. They will do this by examining the plans which are submitted by the building designer, architect or builder. Throughout the course of construction, they will also ensure that the building is being constructed according to approved plan, particularly when the footings are prepared and the building is complete.

Roof Tilers - fix the battens, tiles and other associated parts of the roof when a tiled is part of the house design. They may also fix skylights in place.

Surveyors - are more commonly seen when an estate is being planned and sub-divided. However, they may be asked to determine where accurate boundaries are for your block of land, before construction begins, to ensure your home is not built too close to a boundary or encroaching onto another block. They also provide site contour plans to allow designers and architects to choose the most suitable placement of the house on the block. Surveyors are registered by the Surveyors Board of Queensland.

Swimming pool builder - is licensed to excavate the site and install the preferred choice of swimming pool and the associated equipment . In some instances, pool builders are only licensed for the specific type of pool in which they specialise.

Tiler - is licensed to perform wall and floor tiling and should be able to install tile, stone, mosaic and terrazzo finishes.

Source: article by Angela Whitaker - from Queensland Homes Building and Renovating, vol 1 no 1