How to keep building costs down

HELPING builders and trade contractors counter the rising cost of building will be Master Builders' top priority as their roadshow kicks off.

HELPING builders and trade contractors counter the rising cost of building will be Master Builders' top priority as their 2012 Roadshow makes its way through Queensland in October.

Director of Housing Policy Paul Bidwell said Master Builders acknowledges that reducing the cost of building is critical to improving housing affordability and increasing building activity levels.

"We're extremely concerned that rising building costs are exacerbating the price divide between new and established housing, which is contributing to a shift in demand away from new housing to established housing," Mr Bidwell said.

"While we're currently lobbying the government to ensure additional costs on new housing are kept to a minimum, another way to address the problem is for building contractors to employ smarter and more efficient building practices.

"Efficient building practices are vital to allow builders and trade contractors to have some control over this problem and reduce the cost of building on individual projects.

"Our annual roadshow, that will visit regional venues around Queensland in October, will include keynote speaker, Chris Jacobson from Bondor, who will focus on how builders and trade contractors can reduce costs by using different products and more efficient building methods.

"This year, we've also introduced a panel discussion to debate local issues, such as planning approval processes and reducing infrastructure charges.

"The events aren't just open to Master Builders members. Anyone involved in the building industry with an interest in innovative and efficient building methods is encouraged to attend."

As well as a speaker and panel, there will be networking and a range of exhibitors with general updates for the building industry and some of the latest products available.

All attendees will go into the draw to win one of 10 16GB Apple iPads.

The free events start at 5pm on the following dates.

Fitzy's Convention Centre, Loganholme - Monday 8 October
Brothers Sports Club, Bundaberg - Wednesday 10 October
Maroochy RSL, Maroochydore - Thursday 11 October
Club Pine Rivers, Bray Park - Monday 15 October
Quality Hotel Mermaid Waters - Tuesday 16 October
City Golf Club, Toowoomba - Thursday 18 October
Master Builders Office, Rockhampton - Monday 22 October
Southern Suburbs Football Club, Mackay - Tuesday 23 October
Rydges Southbank Townsville - Wednesday 24 October
Rydges Tradewinds Cairns - Thursday 25 October

Register at www.masterbuilders.asn.au/events/roadshow  or call 1300 30 50 10. Registration is essential and must be received 10 days prior to the event.

Originally published as How to keep building costs down