Building a new home can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially when you're bombarded with unfamiliar terms. From BA & BAL to raked ceilings, and risers, here's a breakdown of some common building terminology to help you navigate the process.
- BA: Building Approval - The official authorisation given by the local governing body which confirms that the rules and regulations have been complied with
- BAL: Bushfire Attack Level - Rating system used to assess the risk of exposure your home could be at in the event of a bushfire
- Contour Survey: A drawing created to show the measurements and elevations of a block. It is displayed as a series of height lines that connect points of equal elevation to measure the fall and slope of the land
- Fixing Stage: A claim stage in the home building process when all internal components of the house are fitted and fixed into position, including but not limited to architraves, cabinets, cornices, doors to rooms, flooring and tiling. Refer to HIA Contract for more information
- Pods: Polystyrene blocks on which the concrete slab is poured. Also known as Waffle Pods
- Practical Completion: A claim stage in the home building process where the home has finished being built, inn compliance with the HIA Contract, subject to any minor defects being rectified. At this stage, the builder meets the client on site for a practical completion meeting to explain what needs to take place before handover can occur. Refer to the HIA Contract for more information
- Raked Ceiling: A type of ceiling that is pitched at an angle, giving a room a more spacious feel and unique look
- Risers: The vertical portion between the treads (horizontal steps) of the staircase
- Soil Test: The evaluation of the suitability of the soil on your site. The result indicates what type of slab you should use, if any soil amendments are needed, and what other strategies should be used to make sure your home is compliant with building regulations
- Turnkey: A full turnkey home is one that is completely finished and ready for occupancy
- Wind Rating: A rating that determines the ability of a structure to resist the racking effects of wind, typically measured in terms of wind speed. Building codes specify minimum wind ratings for homes to ensure their strength and safety
We've put together a full A to Z Building Terminology to help you with your home building journey here. Remember, don't be afraid to ask questions and clarify anything you're unsure of with your Sales Consultant, Customer Service Officer or Site Supervisor. Building a home is a big investment, and it's important to have a clear understanding of the process every step of the way.
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