Challenges When Building in Coastal Areas: How to Protect Your Home from Salt and Sun

A large house on the beach with two palm trees standing to its right.

Building along Perth’s coastline comes with its perks — ocean views, sea breeze, and that coastal lifestyle everyone wants. But for tradies and builders, it also means working with materials that can cop a beating from salt, sun, and sand. Choosing the right products and finishes from the start when building in coastal areas is […]

Your Home’s First Line of Defence: Best Exterior Building Materials in WA

NewTechWood moisture-resistant decking used for a home pool area.

Your home’s exterior is more than just what makes it look good — it’s your first line of defence against WA’s harsh climate. From UV rays and heat to humidity, rain and coastal winds, every home in the state faces its own mix of challenges. The right materials make all the difference. Whether you’re thinking […]

Insulation 101: Matching the Right Material to Your Project

Roll of Ecowool CondenBreak roof insulation.

When it comes to creating comfortable, efficient and long-lasting buildings, few elements are as essential as insulation. Whether you’re tackling a large-scale commercial project or a residential build, choosing the right insulation material can have a lasting impact on performance, cost, and even occupant wellbeing. In this guide, we’ll unpack the key differences between fibreglass […]

House Cladding Options: Benefits of Composite Cladding in Perth vs Timber Cladding

Two types of composite house cladding options: fibre cement cladding and composite exterior timber look cladding.

Spruced-up outdoor living is now in, with this year’s building trends showing a lot of homeowners redesigning their home exteriors with fresh new cladding. If you want to hop on the latest cladding trends and re-clad your home, it’s top priority to first find a cladding material that fits your aesthetic vision and withstands WA’s […]

BAL 12.5 vs BAL 40 Materials: What You Can and Can’t Use for a Fire-Safe Home in WA

James Hardie fibre cement cladding products are great BAL 40 cladding options to meet BAL 40 requirements in WA.

Bushfires, unfortunately, are a common occurrence in Western Australia. With rich vegetation and one of the driest climates in the country, our region has an environment that makes it easy for bushfires to ignite and spread. With 90% of WA deemed bushfire-prone, how do we ensure homes are built to safely protect their residents during […]

Glasswool vs Polyester: What’s the Best Insulation for Each Application?

Tradie installing thermal insulation batts into roof cavity.

In the world of building materials, few things make as much difference to comfort, compliance, and energy efficiency as insulation. And yet, not all insulation is created equal. Whether you’re lining a roof space, fitting out a commercial ceiling grid, or managing acoustic separation in a multi-res build, the choice between glasswool or polyester insulation […]

Top 3 On-Site Formply Uses (Beyond Just Formwork)

Two panels of formply with a black laminated finish stacked on top of each other.

If you’ve been on a commercial site or set up a concrete pour in the last few years, chances are you’ve worked with formply—but not everyone realises just how versatile this material really is. Known for its durable, smooth finish and strength under pressure, formply is a staple in formwork construction across WA. But beyond […]

Building an Energy-Efficient Home in WA: What You Need to Know

Cosy home interiors, bright due to natural sunlight coming in from the windows.

With the steady trend of electricity costs rising, many homeowners have started to explore what they can do to cut down on their energy consumption, but what if consumption patterns aren’t the only thing affecting your electricity bill? In this blog, we’ll discuss how the construction of your house affects the household’s energy consumption and […]

The Difference Between Acoustic and Thermal Insulation

Tradie rolling out acoustic insulation under the floor.

Insulation is one of those materials that quietly does the heavy lifting in any build. You can’t see it once the walls go up, but you’ll definitely feel the difference if it’s done right. Here in Western Australia—where a single summer day can hit 40°C and winter nights drop into single digits—quality insulation isn’t a […]

BAL Rated vs Fire Rated: What’s the Difference in Building Materials?

BAL Rated Axon™ Cladding by James Hardie on a rural farm property.

When it comes to building in Western Australia, understanding the difference between BAL-rated and fire-rated building materials is critical—but surprisingly, it’s something that even experienced builders and DIYers often get wrong. With bushfires a real concern in many parts of WA, and fire safety regulations tightening, knowing which materials to use can make a huge […]

2026 Home Building Trends in WA

A family relaxing in a dining area outside their modern home clad with James Hardie fibre cement panels.

Home builds have substantially increased in 2024 in WA, so much so that we’ve reached the highest level in more than seven years. And with more and more homes being built in WA, we tend to see new practices and approaches in construction gaining popularity, but which of these trends do we see likely to […]