OPEN THE DOOR TO NEW POSSIBILITIES
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AUSTRALIA'S PREFERRED HARDWOOD
How does a business support their customers to succeed? And particularly, how do they do it through challenging and uncertain times? Here at Dahlsens, we’ve chosen to focus on our people. Because when you look after your people, they look after your customers.
We’ve been rewarded for this focus. Our trade and truss and frame teams have moved heaven and earth to keep supplies up for your record number of projects. They have lived up to our family values and culture, looked after each other, and never lost sight of the needs of our valued customers.
They have shared our unwavering commitment to their health, wellbeing and safety by running their sites with the high level of care and attention needed to keep our community safe during a global pandemic. And they have repaid our commitment to their ongoing development by carrying out their work to the best of their ability, with a can-do attitude no matter the circumstances.
The result is that as we near the end of another year like no other, we can reflect on the good that has come through it and look forward to 2022 with optimism. I hope that your business will move forward with the same optimism, knowing that here at Dahlsens we will continue to match the loyalty and trust that you place in us and deliver a service that meets and exceeds your expectations.
Enjoy your well-deserved break after working so hard this year. In just a couple of months we will welcome in a happy new year and all signs point to 2022 being a good one.
Thank you for choosing Dahlsens.
Stay safe,
Thank you for caring
At Dahlsens, the safety of our community, team members and customers is our number one priority. Every one of us deserves to go home safely to our families every single day! We continue to work hard to foster a culture where people make safe choices, and accept a zero tolerance for injuries.
Dahlsens shares this responsibility with our customers, as we work closely together to minimise the risks we face in our workplaces. Our team members can only safely do the job we need to do for you with your ongoing support.
We want to shout out and say THANK YOU for playing your part by looking after our team the way you look after your own.
Please continue to support our shared, safe workplace by doing the following:
YOUR JOB SITES:
> Notify us in advance of the site conditions such as powerlines, access problems or mud which we need to plan for
> Keep your sites clean for safe access
> Establish and maintain clear, safe and stable pathways that lead to your desired storage areas
> Have someone available onsite to help our driver carry heavy or bulky items such as plaster sheets, solid core front doors and hot water units
> Consider the safest unloading positions, and let us know ahead of time where you want your items left
Mark Cooper General Manager Dahlsens Building Centres
HAPPY VAXXED DAY! HAPPY VAXXED DAY!
> If you want items loaded onto the top plates, have someone onsite who can verify that they are adequately braced
> Support our COVID-19 plan which includes contactless delivery. Exceptions for delivery with contact exist for deliveries of heavy and bulky goods that require someone on site to help our driver carry the goods, and when product is required to be hoisted onto the top plates. Please speak to our team if you’d like to know more
> Follow the traffic plan and line directions to ensure you can be seen at all times and can load safely
> Keep three metres away from our forklifts at all times when on site
Getting your gear safely to you, when and where you need it, is what Dahlsens continue to do for you. Thank you for your support to do just that.
Let’s all go home safely every day.
Across Australia, the HomeBuilder stimulus has been especially successful, spurring a massive demand for renovations and new detached homes. Some regions have recorded their highest activity levels in a decade – helping thousands of businesses and self-employed trades to thrive. With the program’s overwhelming success has come an unexpected speed bump: severe shortages of skilled trades across the country.
What can an employer do to build and nurture a workplace environment that attracts and retains talented and hard-working employees, and positions them as an employer of choice?
The latest HIA Trades Report for June 2021 shows that skilled trades remain in high demand in all regions of Australia. The data identifies that the shortage remains one of the most significant in the past 20 years.
The report’s index shows that while all trades are in short supply, bricklaying has the most acute shortage, with roofing and carpentry following closely behind. Electricians have the smallest shortage.
As a result, the price of skilled trades is 2.6 percent higher than in the June 2020 quarter, with all trades recording a price increase over the year to June, with the exception of joinery and painting which recorded small declines.
So what can builders do to differentiate themselves in this competitive market and position themselves as a company that improves the situation of their employees and subcontractors?
Methods that top employers almost always use include things like offering staff salary and benefits which are equal to or above market rates, along with incentives such as flexible work and paid parental leave.
There is no one size fits all approach to being an employer of choice, but there is much value in looking at the needs of your trades and other staff and devising policies that fit those needs.
So what do tradespeople such as carpenters, roofers and plumbers say they need in order to perform well?
> The employer creates a positive culture — they care about their trades, and take the time to create a physically and mentally safe workplace
> The employer is organised, keeps to schedules and pays on time
> The employer takes the time to catch up on your life, not just the work
It makes sense that trades want to work in a place where they are treated well and are cared for, paid on time, and have all the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and productively.
We spoke to employer of choice builders about how they position themselves to attract great talent. It became clear there are five main areas of focus. They are:
1. Be organised and communicate well
Adam Bulic, the Director of award-winning, luxury multi-unit builder Bluestar Living, grew up on a building site and says attracting quality trades starts with good organisation.
“A tradesperson wants to be able to go to work, turn up, understand their scope of work, what they're expected to do, to what quality, with what materials, and in what time frame,” Adam says.
“The trade doesn’t want to be asking questions and stopping every couple of hours to speak to a site manager to seek instructions.
“If that's clear from the beginning, that’s a very good start. How do you do that? By having clear and effective communication. That can be verbal or in writing. For example, a framer will have a set of plans, they’ll have their engineering. We’re going to show them the take-off for the materials needed to do that work, with the relevant measurements, drawings, and selections that come with that project.
“I think communication is important because the trade knows exactly what’s expected of them, what they need to do and has all the relevant information.”
The builders we spoke to are adamant that employers must pay their trades on time in order to be well regarded, and while this may seem obvious, it can sometimes be an area of contention. Some trades struggle with setting expectations about payment, and this can lead to a resentful workplace culture.
Adam suggests agreeing on payment terms early on so trades don’t have to wonder if they’re going to get paid or not.
3. Respect and value the trade
Adam values finding people of good character and hires many tradespeople who are part of family businesses and focuses very strongly on those relationships.
“I think with builders or trades, like attracts like. I find that a lot of our tradespeople are family-based businesses, and that attracts quality trades and they’re appreciated,” he says.
It’s also crucial to show appreciation for what tradies do every day, because it’s hard work being outside.
“We’ve forgotten, we spend so much time inside in front of screens and on computers that we think software can run everything and it can't – you need people to physically put stuff together,” Adam says.
“When you’re pouring concrete in the cold, or laying bricks and putting things together, it’s hard. It’s hard on the body. It's important to have a good understanding of what they’re doing and what they’re going through, and how difficult it can be sometimes.”
4. Maintain a clean, well-organised site
Respect also involves providing a well-planned, clean site.
“You want to really try and service them, have everything ready for them, provide them with that information, provide them with a nice clean site,” Adam suggests.
“We’re really big on making sure that the sites are clean, they’re organised. Every person who walks on that site deserves to be in a clean and organised environment. It’s still a daily challenge – repeating yourself like I do with the kids to clean their room!” Adam laughs.
5. Use the same trades often
Adam advises trying to use the same trades all the time, rather than getting other trades externally.
“We try to create that family environment, where you create a team, and you build on that relationship,” he says.
“The framer for example, they're following the concreter – if they’ve got issues they’ve already got that communication.”
Designed for everyday living and with the user in mind, the Gainsborough Avant™ collection of thoughtfully designed levers and premium, on-trend finishes is the perfect finishing touch for any home interior.
> Premium quality – all levers feature a solid zinc construction
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> Stylish levers in on-trend finishes – satin brass, satin graphite, matt black, brushed satin chrome and bright chrome
For over 50 years, Gainsborough has built its reputation on developing and producing leading-edge door hardware. That tradition continues today, with Gainsborough refreshing its product range into simplified collections that offer sleek new solutions and innovative technology for the whole house.
The new collections: Avant, Neue, Choice, TradePro and Gainsborough Freestyle™ Electronic Trilock are sure to impress your clients. Together they offer a style for everyone, with a range of on-trend designs and colour finishes to suit any home. With each collection targeting a different price point, there is an option for every client’s budget – without having to sacrifice on the Gainsborough quality.
From the front to the back door, the new collections have all the products and accessories you need to complete a consistent style.
> The simplified whole house range streamlines showroom displays and the selection process
> Residential Construction Keying and Master Keying for any sized project that is easy with fast turnaround times
> Install internal door hardware in under 30 seconds (after latch and strike installation) with QuickFix™ on the Avant range
> With teams located around the country, Gainsborough can provide free installation and selection training, on top of its free scheduling service
> Gainsborough can help you create an access solution that is simple, compliant and cost effective for your clients’ unique needs
Neue
> Modern sophistication –designer detailing and finishes ensure the range creates long lasting, contemporary style
> Style and security – match the Neue Series with the Gainsborough Trilock range
> Engineered for hassle-free installation
The new Gainsborough Freestyle Electronic Trilock® combines Gainsborough’s signature style with the latest technology, offering quality finishes combined with unparalleled convenience and peace of mind.
> Quality smart lock that enhances the entry door
> Available in matt black or brushed satin chrome
> Simple to install on any door and can be retrofitted
> Trilock’s signature 3-in-1 function – passage, privacy and deadlock
> Remote access control when used with the Gainsborough Freestyle Wi-Fi bridge and door sensor kit
> Smart Bluetooth control with Gainsborough Freestyle app. Works on iOS and Android
> Emergency key override for extra piece of mind
> Affordable style – with three modern designs to choose from
> Made to a high-quality finish for durability
> Backed by a seven-year warranty for peace of mind
TradePro™ is an affordable door hardware range developed for residential homes delivering security, quality and performance.
> Complete range of hardware for the whole build, including entrance, passage, privacy locksets, dummy trim and deadbolts
> Three on-trend finishes – satin chrome, bright chrome, matt black
> Can be builder keyed and used with the Gainsborough GR9 Keying System
> Seven-year mechanical and two-year tarnish warranty
> GR9 profile for added convenience
> Designed and tested in Australia, for Australian homes
Interested in installation? Click here to watch the video. Want to see the full range? Click here to check out the brochure.
As a whole-of-house building and trade supplier, Dahlsens has access to everything you need, including a wide range of quality plumbing fixtures.
Whether it’s on-trend tapware, beautiful basins, or modern baths and toilet suites, Dahlsens makes it easy to bring your clients’ dream bathrooms and kitchens to life.
One of our leading brands is Innova, an established supplier of quality contemporary bathroom and kitchen products.
For 20 years, Innova has been working with leading trade outlets to meet the ever-changing demands of the modern consumer.
Build the look with coloured tapware, shower sets and accessories from Innova – available in chrome, matt black, gunmetal, brushed nickel, brushed brass, and light rose gold. Innova also offers:
> Basins
Above counter, vessel and stainless steel
> Toilet suites
Classic box rim, rimless, wall faced and wall hung
> Baths
Elegant free-standing baths in acrylic, solid surface stone composite and island baths
> Kitchen and laundry sinks
Durable stainless steel in traditional and modern designs
Innova aims to provide a total solution for its clients in the building industry, with high quality products that meet all Australian standards, backed by a warranty you can count on.
When building a new home or renovation, your customers can create the look they want – with on-trend designs and modern tapware colours – for less. And without sacrificing on performance, or quality.
Let your customers select the Innova front-of-wall plumbing that reflects their personality and style, with showroom support packages available from Dahlsens.
Simply ask your Dahlsens Account Manager or speak to your local store.
As well as Innova, Dahlsens supplies a comprehensive range of stylish front-of-wall plumbing fixtures from other trusted brands too, including Phoenix, Everhard, Decina and Fienza. With Dahlsens, you get:
> Access to a range of well-known plumbing brands
> Competitive prices thanks to powerful buying power through Plumbing Plus – the biggest independent plumbing group in Australia
> Streamlined supplies with our whole-of-house range
> One supplier, one account, one statement, one contact
> No upfront costs – add to your account and your delivery
> 100% trade service
> Quality products at competitive prices
> A warranty you can trust
Want to see the full range?
Click here to check out the brochure.
You’ll love the complete builders’ range to make purchasing front-of-wall plumbing easy. Contact your Dahlsens Account Manager to find out how we can support your whole-of-house needs.
“Innova represents great value for money, the latest trends that our clients are looking for, and excellent quality and warranty for us, the builder. The range is easy to specify and install, while providing a great cross-section of choice without an overwhelming quantity of product that would require maintaining at our end. Being able to purchase all our build hardware and materials through Dahlsens, not just limited to the plumbing, provides a simplified process from pricing through to purchasing, delivery, and install. We definitely recommend exploring the range – it has everything that clients would expect to see at a competitive price.”
Standing tall on the edge of the coastline, with sweeping views of the NSW central coast’s MacMasters Beach headland is the Breezeway House, built by award-winning Paterson Builders.
In a reinvention of the humble beach house, where fibro is replaced with off-form concrete, the Breezeway House draws inspiration from the modernist movement. Expansive levels, raw materials and minimalism combine for style and wow factor. Angular lines repeat throughout the house to create unexpected yet functional features.
Everywhere you look, there’s something that catches your eye. The patterns and repetition featuring in the woodgrain off-form concrete, brickwork and charred timber cladding demand your attention.
Every detail in the Breezeway House has been carefully crafted by Paterson Builders. Owner Brad Paterson has been bringing architectural designs to life since going out on his own 30 years ago.
“I started out doing small jobs and things grew. Not long after, there was a local architect who we did a job for, and then another,” said Brad.
Completing his apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery, Brad started out in the joinery shop at Pluim Group, learning skills he has since passed on to sons Tim and John who work alongside him in the business.
The Breezeway House’s joinery was handcrafted by Paterson Builders in their offsite workshop. The bunk beds, doors and doorframes, seats, staircase and handrail, among others, were built from hardwood supplied by the Dahlsens Gosford team, coordinated by Dahlsens account manager Dave Milton.
“It was these parts of the project that became the highlights of the build,” Tim says.
Working with concrete created opportunities for the building team too.
“It’s a very satisfying thing, building with liquid. Doing formwork is really enjoyable. If it’s going to be seen, recommend treating the form ply like it's joinery,” Tim says.
The project wasn’t without its challenges.
“Every day we had an issue to overcome and a solution to find. Nothing was straightforward. And that’s why this house was such an interesting build to work on,” Tim says.
A unique feature of the house was ‘the breezeway’ after which the home was named. Lined with hardwood framed casement windows, clad with Cemintel Barestone cladding, the breezeway is the downstairs hallway that connects and controls the climate of the bedrooms.
Barestone was also used in various places throughout the house to extend the look of the off-form concrete façade and line the exposed hardwood timber frame.
With all its impact and detail, it is no surprise that the Breezeway House won the Housing Industry Association’s Home of the Year for 2020 Hunter Housing Award.
Brad’s take on things is that no builder can claim to be the best, it comes down to trying your best.
“To get the best result, you’ve got to keep everyone happy and do the best job you can. The owner, the architect and the builder have to work together,” Brad says.
Dahlsens congratulates Brad, Tim, John and the team at Paterson Builders for your outstanding work on the Breezeway House. We’re incredibly proud to work with builders like you, and helping to bring projects to life right across Victoria and New South Wales.
Architect: David Boyle Architect
Builder: Paterson Builders
Photography: Brett Boardman Photography
Scandi barn and modern industrial homes are hot right now. Gaining popularity from shows like The Block, magazines and social media, the styles often feature pitched cathedral ceilings, architectural shapes and a combination of dark roofs and walls wrapped in cladding or bricks. But there’s a dark side to this modern design trend, which can cause headaches for the clients if not addressed during the build. It’s called thermal bridging.
What is thermal bridging?
Thermal bridging occurs when a connection is created between a heat-conducting external element and the interior elements of the building. Dark materials absorb more heat than lighter tones, and that heat can be transferred into the house via the framing.
This thermal bridge can have a big impact on the effectiveness of insulation – up to a 50% reduction in the case of a steel frame, and up to a 30% reduction for timber frames.
Want more info?
Click here
What’s the solution?
PIR Boards. A high-performance building insulation product in a slim board form, made from an advanced foam sandwiched between two layers of reflective facing.
Bradford technical specialists utilised PIR Boards to provide a strong thermal barrier between dark metal cladding and framing on the iconic Scandi barn extensions in the 2017 Elsternwick season of Channel Nine’s The Block.
Paired with high-performance insulation batts such as Bradford Gold Hi-Performance, PIR Boards create the ultimate solution for home comfort.
What about the dark roofs?
If there is a roof cavity, it’s crucial to get the roof void well ventilated and let the heat out so it doesn’t transmit through the ceiling.
Bradford Ventilation's Airomatic is a perfect solution for this, a smart powered ventilator which senses heat and humidity and switches on as needed. Insulating the ceiling space well with high-performance ceiling batts such as Bradford Gold Hi-Performance is also crucial to keeping heat out of living areas.
With cathedral ceilings, consider adopting the Bradford PIR insulation board installed over the roof framing to provide the continuous thermal break, a practice that is standard in Europe and provides the ultimate in home comfort.
If you'd like to talk about tailoring insulation solutions to your builds, speak to your Account Manager or local store.
They can connect you with a Bradford representative who can give you specific advice.
Homeowners are frequently searching for ways to add a bespoke sense of luxury without the price tag: a particular item or style that stamps their home as their own. Decorative cornice is the perfect upgrade option that can take your client’s home to the next level.
The Gyprock® Decorative Cornice range offers a prospective homeowner the opportunity to identify the look and feel of their new home. Are they after a luxe Hamptons style? Or perhaps a relaxed coastal space? Whichever they choose, the Gyprock® Decorative Cornice range can assist them to achieve their desired style of their new home. Homeowners can select from eight Australian made decorative cornice designs to enhance the look and feel of their space, resulting in subtle details that provide the finishing touch to the design aesthetic of their choice.
Decorative cornice is the perfect upgrade option to offer your client as a low-cost value add design feature. Gyprock® has put together a handy guide 'Cornice Inspiration Palettes' to match decorative cornice profiles with current style trends.
Sit down with your client and assist them in identifying which design trend best reflects the look and feel of their new home. Is it Australian Coastal Luxe, Contemporary Hamptons or Earthy Mediterranean?
Once your client has selected one of the eight style trends, talk to them about the ways that you can assist them in maximising their design choices to reflect the inspiration palette. It could be the selection of a particular door handle, a soft yet durable carpet and the introduction of two different decorative cornices: one for the living areas and another for their peaceful yet stylish bedrooms.
To help your customer decide which decorative cornice they would like to upgrade to, Gyprock® offers a Cornice Visualiser program, where customers can view how the different types of cornice look throughout a home.
Click here to check out the the Cornice Visualiser!
Click here to download the guide 'Cornice Inspirations Palettes' and learn how to complement design trends with the Gyprock® Decorative Cornice range.
As the director or manager of a business, it’s important to understand your role within the team. While many leaders in building companies first began their careers on the tools, the skills required to be an effective leader of a diverse building team are not the same as the technical skills required to build a building. Just as a child who goes to school for 13 years can’t walk into the role of teacher without years of training, there are new skills to be learnt to be successful in managing a team.
cooperatively with your team. Take some time to consider your own work behaviours. What’s good for the boss probably translates as being acceptable for the team too.
Every member of your team needs to understand the purpose of your business, and what their role is to help fulfill that purpose. Your purpose might be to ‘build homes to the same workmanship standards we would build for ourselves’ or ‘give our clients an experience so good, they will want to do it all again’... or whatever it is that you are trying to achieve.
or ‘I am the main contact for the client during the build and give them such a good experience, they will want to do it all again with us’, rather than a statement like ‘I work as the site supervisor’ or ‘I talk to the clients’.
This connection to your purpose, if clear and aspirational, will drive your team to look beyond their day-to-day tasks and help them understand they are part of something larger. Consider the difference between these two requests to your office person:
1. I need you to turn up each day, answer the phones and do whatever is thrown at you.
2. Your role is the go-to contact with our clients. I’ll make sure you’ll be kept in the loop by the team, at every stage, so you are able to be proactive in keeping the clients well-informed and happy throughout their build. Your role is key to our clients having the type of experience that makes them return to build with us again.
Relationships – the key to a culture that works
Think about the last time you really needed some help from someone. For something important outside of work. Who did you turn to? No doubt that person was probably someone you knew you could trust.
Strong and trusted relationships can enable you to have genuine conversations, even when those conversations are challenging. If you have a good relationship with a team member who keeps arriving late to work, you’ll find it easier to challenge them about this behaviour. On the flip side, when somebody you know well praises you, the impact of that feedback stands out.
Values and behaviours – a framework for expectations
Many businesses go about creating a set of values and/or behaviours and put them up on a wall or on their website. How many go to lengths to educate and inspire the team to get on board and live these values? When a company defines its values and actively works on empowering the
If your company values and/or behaviours are actively understood and lived by your team, you may find it easier to resolve issues. For example, if one of your behaviours is ‘we are professional, we show up on time’ and your team agrees with and understands this, paired with your strong relationships, you are in the position to call out both good and poor examples when you see them.
Feedback – the ultimate tool to improvement
Each of the elements discussed above, when working together, help to create an environment of safety for the team to provide feedback to each other. When everyone in your team sees their leaders acting in line with their values, when the team is engaged in a wider purpose, when they have strong relationships and clear guidelines for behaviour, your leadership creates an environment which empowers conversations of all kinds, driving your performance. This safe environment allows all members of the team to take ownership of the results and improvements. You want your team to own the culture so that you are not having to supervise and micromanage. It is often said that culture is what happens when the boss isn’t around.
Leading Teams Australia (LTA) was established in 1993 to improve the performance of teams and leaders. The company uses a unique training methodology called the Performance Improvement Program, which was developed in-house.
Click here to learn more about Leading Teams
Working in construction certainly isn’t easy right now, but it’s not all doom and gloom. While external factors are impacting business, by putting the right actions in place at the right time, Rapsey Griffiths says it’s possible to thrive.
Turnaround and insolvency firm Rapsey Griffiths understands what tough times in business look like. Over the years, it has worked with many construction businesses facing financial struggles – but has also seen them come out the other side.
‘The construction industry can be tough,’ says Director Chad Rapsey. ‘It’s a high-risk business model that leaves you vulnerable beyond your control, and the current climate adds a complexity to this that couldn’t have been anticipated.’
Understand your position and responsibility
With the COVID-19 pandemic causing issues down the supply chain, delaying projects and increasing the cost of building materials, solvency issues are on the increase.
Over the past couple of years, the federal government has introduced legislative measures that are helping to ease some of the strain that some businesses are currently facing.
One measure, known as the ‘ipso facto’ clause came into effect on 1 July 2018. Most construction contracts include an ‘ipso facto’ clause which allows a party to terminate the contract due to the bankruptcy, insolvency or the financial condition of the other party. This right to terminate can have a significant impact on the underlying viability of the company’s business and cash flow, limiting any opportunity to improve their financial position and/or undertake a restructure.
If a company’s key contracts are terminated then the chances of restructuring or re-negotiating are in essence, taken away. The 2018 changes prevent a party from exercising this right under a contract that arises solely out of insolvency-related events. This includes the right to terminate, suspend or have an external party (i.e. an administrator or liquidator) ‘step in’ to carry out the contract allowing the business some ‘breathing space’ to (hopefully) turn things around.
1700 CASES
of insolvency in the construction industry nationwide on average every year 20-25% of all insolvencies in Australia are in the construction industry
Another measure is the safe harbour law that commenced on 19 September 2017. It provides opportunities for directors to turn around their financially distressed company without risking personal liability under Australia’s insolvent trading laws. Safe harbour is only available where a genuine turnaround attempt is being made and when your company meets the eligibility criteria referred to as the ‘better outcome test’. The criteria also include staying informed about the company’s financial position, taking steps to prevent misconduct, keeping proper records, ensuring employee entitlements and superannuation are paid, and your ATO returns are lodged on time.
For businesses currently facing solvency issues, the good news is, it is possible to turn things around. "The key in any turnaround is to take action early, now more than ever," says Director Mitch Griffiths, the other name behind the firm. "The businesses that adapt quickly to the current environment will come out on top."
To do this, first you need to determine what financial position your business is in. If your business is viable, you’ll then need to carry out a detailed assessment of your financial strengths and weaknesses, and develop and implement a turnaround plan.
This plan might involve actions such as making redundancies, changing your management team and structure, selling non-core assets, focusing on cash flow, eliminating unnecessary spending and communicating this plan of action to your employees, creditors, suppliers and financiers.
When it comes to turnaround, having a proactive, positive attitude and seeking appropriate help and advice is a smart move. Here are some tips for managing it successfully.
1. Seek financial advice
In order to be sustainable long-term, especially through uncertain market conditions, small businesses need to have a firm understanding of their finances.
Besides drilling down into your cash flow and margins, a professional can help you conduct gap analyses to determine where you’re falling short on targets and how to plan to address these.
They should also have a good grasp on current financial support schemes available to small businesses and how to go about applying.
2. Be open to doing things differently
Whether we like it or not, things have changed dramatically and rapidly. The construction industry –like all industries right now – has been forced to pivot, and this means how you were working previously may not be enough to keep you in business. This doesn’t mean what you were doing previously was wrong. It simply means that the foundations of the market have shifted and you must adapt to survive.
3. Don’t stick your head in the sand
When things are looking financially sticky, it can be tempting to ignore the problem and hope things will resolve themselves on their own. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. By putting appropriate plans in place before things get out of control, the better chance you have of turning things around and staying in business.
4. See the strength in asking for help
Often business owners in financial trouble attempt to deal with the situation alone, taking on the stress and enduring sleepless nights.
However, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s actually a sign of strength and foresight. Focus on what you do best and let the insolvency specialists do the same.
5. Seek a fresh perspective
As a tradie business owner, you work ‘in’ your business not necessarily ‘on’ it. This means you’re likely caught up in the day-to-day operations of your business, such as quoting, delivering trades and managing staff.
Seeking an external perspective, such as a business coach or firm that specialises in corporate turnaround and recovery, allows you to step outside of your business and see your current situation more objectively. They can offer advice you may not have thought of and also tap into learnings from other businesses which have been in a similar situation.
Rapsey Griffiths knows that approaching turnaround early and in the right way can make a huge difference to the outcome of a business.
Rapsey Griffiths is available for a free, confidential consultation to talk through your options. Call 02 4926 8800 or email enquiries@rgia.com.au.
Article contributed by the Housing Industry Association.
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Premium Tropicals
The builder of this striking four-bedroom home, Status Living, wanted to create a modern, light-filled luxury home that was functional, luxurious and would appeal to a wide range of buyers. This was achieved by making connections between the living spaces and the outdoors, using a modern colour palette and materials, and incorporating built-in joinery throughout. NewTechWood’s timberlook castellation cladding in Aged Wood and Terrace decking in Teak have embedded perfectly into that build vision.
“We wanted a good-looking, pre-finished castellated cladding with complementary decking, and NewTechWood met all these requirements. It was a very easy-to-use system, with little movement compared to other manufactured wood-like products," Status Living Director Matthew Bellingham says.
“Given the large quantity of cladding to be used, we were drawn to the ultra-low-maintenance benefits of NewTechWood,” says Samantha Willimott, a designer of Studio 187. “We were also drawn to the versatile colours, especially ‘Aged Wood’ –that colour was unique, and it offered a brilliant combination of looking modern yet fitting well within the established surroundings.”
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> The most natural-looking composite on the market
> 360° fully capped around all four sides for ultra-protection against moisture, insects, stains and fading
> Versatile product range – compatible decking, cladding and screening range
> A wonderful choice of multi-chromatic colours to suit the building style
Want more info on Trex?
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Key supplier to Dahlsens, NewTechWood, suggests how to take advantage of complementary decking and cladding products and enhance the property’s value.
Give your clients’ outdoor living spaces an added wow-factor with Magna Glulam™ merbau structural timber. Much loved for its rich colour, durability and affordability compared to other hardwoods, merbau remains a popular choice for many homeowners.
Made from glue laminated merbau off-cuts, Magna Glulam™ is sustainable, strong and consistently straight. Manufactured to Australian standards, it comes with a 15-year warranty for peace of mind.
Specifications
Species Merbau (Kwila) Intsia Bijuga
Bushfire Attack Level BAL 29
Strength GL17 140 and 190mm posts are GL13
Service Class Class 3 – for exterior environments
Sizes Available in a large range of sizes and lengths up to 7.8 metres
Appearance A Grade, ready for coating with oil or paint
Uses
Want to know how you can use Magna Glulam™ in your next project? Speak to your Account Manager or local store.
Introducing contemporary wall panels with a difference. Surround by Laminex is a new option for interior walls that offers the perfect combination of style and function, for residential or commercial builds.
Panels are available in a range of profiles to individualise your client’s space, from timeless vertical boards, to contemporary scallops, and soft undulating curves.
The Hamptons style – light, bright and airy, with coastal vibes – has become one of the most popular interior design styles in Australia.
French-style doors made mostly of glass panels are a big feature of Hamptons style because they let more light into the home and add a welcoming feel to any entranceway.
BATTEN
Available in 25mm and 100mm
SCALLOP
Available in 22.5mm and 45mm
DEMI ROUND
Available in 20mm and 40mm
> Fast and easy to install A pre-primed, tongue and groove system that can be installed direct to frame or over plasterboard
> Impact resistant
Hume Doors has just released ‘Haven’, an exciting new range of entrance doors designed in the Hamptons style, offering builders and homeowners the perfect combination of charm and practicality.
Unlock this classic style and introduce a stronger connection between the indoors and outdoors with the new Haven entrance door range!
Design
> The perfect coastal-inspired classic Hamptons style
> Large French-styled glass panels that let in an abundance of natural light
> Creates a relaxed and welcoming feel
> Nine design looks to choose from, with three sidelite options
> Doors feature between one, four, six and eight window panels
Available in 100mm HERITAGE
CLASSIC VJ
Available in 150mm
Add style, texture and interest to the internal walls of your builds. To find out more, speak to your Dahlsens Account Manager or give your local store a call.
Click here to view the brochure
Ideal for hardworking areas such as hallways and commercial spaces
> Latest trend
Offer your clients the latest in design trends
> Made in Australia Using sustainable practices
> Solid core construction engineered for strength and stability
> Available in a variety of sizes
> A standard door measures 2040 x 820 x 40mm / standard sidelite 2040 x 400 x 40mm
Speak to your Account Manager or local store and see how you can add style and class to your builds with Hume's Haven range.
Set your homes apart from your competitors, win over more clients and boost your job profit with a reliable supply and install solution for window coverings arranged by Dahlsens.
Our beautiful, on-trend blinds and curtains are sure to impress, with options to suit a range of rooms and interiors. Ideal for builders with showrooms or selection centres, ask about our support packages today!
Mix and match options to suit individual rooms. Why not add sheer curtains over block out rollers in the living rooms and master suite for a luxurious look?
> Stylish blinds and curtains your clients will love
> Quality, Australian made
> Competitive prices and no upfront payments
Range available:
> Fast turnaround times
> Give your clients the opportunity to add the cost to their mortgage
Say goodbye to up-front costs, sub-trades and sub-par installations that can lead to unhappy home buyers. Dahlsens has a competitive solution to help builders save time, reduce headaches and get the best deal for your budget and specification.
> Access a huge range of leading brands including Haier, Samsung, Daiken and more
> Dahlsens can install engineer-specified systems or recommend solutions to best suit your budget and floorplan
> No upfront deposit – add to your Dahlsens account
> One warranty through Dahlsens with fully licensed and experienced installers
Single and double roller blinds
Plantation shutters
Sheer curtains
HVAC range:
> Split systems and multi-split systems, ducted air-conditioning, evaporative cooling and ducted gas
"Right from day dot, ordering HVAC from Dahlsens has been easy. I’m pretty organised and I need a supplier that is too. The team are easy to deal with, are good communicators and they know what I want. There is a good range of brands and heating and cooling solutions on offer. And I can add it to my 30-day account." – Amil
Sabitovic from Sabcon Developments Pty LtdAvailable in VIC and NSW
Available in most VIC locations
Can be installed over roller blinds. Currently available in Metro Melbourne, Ballarat, Albury/Wodonga and South Gippsland Also available by request: PVC venetians, vertical blinds, panel blinds and aluminium venetians
Langdon Building benefits from blinds supplied and installed by Dahlsens “Langdon Building have been working with the Dahlsens team for over 15 years. It’s safe to say they’re now a part of the Langdon family. We believe in building long and professional relationships in business, and with the Dahlsens team it’s simple. The process is easy from quote to install, the prices are competitive, the service provided by the team is second to none and their products are high quality with a well finished install.” –
Shane Langdon, DirectorHave too much on your plate? Dahlsens is here to help. Our Supply and Install service takes the hassle out of organising and installing a range of lock up and fit out solutions. Say goodbye to finding subbies/installers, managing timelines, supervising installation and ensuring quality control – our team can do it all for you. And you can trust we will do it right.
Benefits of supply and install
No upfront costs, simply add to your Dahlsens account
We’ll manage sub-trades and coordinate the deliveries to suit each build stage
Peace of mind with one warranty from Dahlsens
Quality products at competitive prices from reputable suppliers
Step 1 – Quotation
Step 2 – Order
Step 3 – Dahlsens liaise with your site super to arrange check, measure and install dates
Step 4 – Install
If you’d like to learn more about saving time and money with Supply and Install solutions from Dahlsens, speak to your Account Manager or local store.
Many adhesives may look and feel similar, however not all are up to the task. To help you get the job done, it's important to know which technology and type is best suited to the project.
The health, wellbeing and safety of our team matter at Dahlsens. We strive to create a workplace and culture where people feel happy, healthy and vibrant, a place which makes a positive impact on the lives of our team members, families, customers and communities.
Polyurethane sealants (PUs) have been around forever. They are a well proven, hard wearing and cost-effective solution for any project and are mostly used in industrial and commercial situations.
Advantages of Polyurethane sealants
> Excellent adhesion
> Weather and UV resistant
> Chemical resistance to salt water, grease, oils, fuels, detergents, mildew, weak acids and alkalis
> More flexible than hybrid polymer sealants and silicone
> Excellent tear and abrasion resistance
> Paintable
H.B. Fuller PU sealant range
> FulaFlex 550LM is a highly flexible, low modulus, fast skinning, Class A sealant with excellent joint movement capabilities
> FulaFlex 570FC is a high modulus fast-curing adhesive/sealant that is pick and abrasion resistant
FulaFlex products are available in grey, white, black 310mL cartridges and 600mL sausages (FF570FC sausage is available in grey only).
FulaFlex 550LM is great for;
> Building joints with high movement requirements in brickwork, masonry and blockwork
> Expansion joints
> Joints in pre-cast and tilt-up concrete elements
> Perimeter fillets in waterproofing systems as a bond breaker – edge seal between floor and wall
> Sealing roofing and gutter joints
FulaFlex 570FC is ideal for;
> Sealing trafficable floor joints in concrete floors – both vehicle and foot
> Floor joints including saw cuts
> Pick resistant seals in public spaces
> Bonding and sealing fibre-cement panels/cladding
> Sealing pipe and duct penetrations in walls and floors
> Joints around windows, door frames and walls
For more information about HB Fuller’s range of sealants and adhesives, speak to your Account Manager or local store.
Why choose FulaFlex over other brands?
> Ideal balance between flexibility, hardness and curing rate
> Faster skin time: FulaFlex 550LM skins in 40 mins – up to nine times faster than other brands
> Faster cure time: both FulaFlex 550LM and 570FC cure 25%-30% faster than other leading brands
FulaFlex is approved for use with James Hardie cladding, lining, facade and underlay systems when used as directed by the manufacturer’s technical data sheet.
The pressure to fulfill your orders has never been greater, and the stress on our team members has never been more intense. Just like the builders we support, our people are under the pump. Phones ringing, emails by the minute, negotiations all day, every day, manufacturing, scheduling, rescheduling and, painfully, turning new customers away because of supply shortages. All this takes its toll, physically and mentally. Now more than ever, our health and wellbeing is paramount – and that’s why Dahlsens has launched a health and wellbeing program, Be Well.
Through Be Well, Dahlsens is shining a light on issues that impact the health and wellbeing of our people. Here’s what we’ve been up to.
With Be Well we have:
> Crunched on red apples for Bowel Cancer awareness
> Shared jellybeans to be diabetes aware
> Participated in webinars with Martin Heppell from The Resilience Project and learnt the importance of:
> Resilience
> Gratitude
> Empathy and kindness
> Mindfulness
> Sleep
> Social connections
> Discussed pandemic fatigue
> Hosted a webinar with the inspirational and courageous Kurt Fearnley, Paralympian
> Shared a Kit-Kat and asked our team mates how they were going for RUOK Day and every day
> Raised the awareness of Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day
> Shone the spotlight on Movember for suicide awareness, prostate and testicular cancer
In good times and tough times, we can all work on ways to be physically and emotionally well. We take this opportunity to say thank you to our community for continuing to look after each other.
Together, let’s Be Well.
Nestled between Victoria’s largest snow fields, with stunning views across Bright and surrounding mountains, the house on Blue Hills Rise encapsulates an Australian modern style, while taking in the panoramic views from every room.
Homeowners Marcus and Carley were after a sleek, modern home with clean lines, thermodynamically efficient, and designed to make the most of the views and facilitate their active lifestyle.
As a ‘forever home’, Carley and Marcus were committed to being deeply involved in the building process, and brought their widely researched ideas to the table with their designer, John Carter, and builder, Stephen Lukey. This collaboration between the designer, builder and homeowners set the foundation for a successful project.
“We knew this would be our forever home and wanted to ensure that all the details were right for us. Local designer John Carter created the design and brought his expertise to the project. Builder Stephen Lukey encouraged us to be involved in the project from start to finish, and local building materials supplier, Dahlsens, played an essential role in helping the project come to life. We worked as a team to create our dream house,” says Carley. Conscious of the environmental and functionality requirements of the house’s exterior and the architectural look, Carley and Marcus chose James Hardie fibre cement cladding instead of bricks. “We researched the thermal capabilities of fibre cement cladding compared to other materials and spoke at length to our designer and builder. We felt confident that fibre cement cladding was the right choice as we could optimise the house’s usable floor space. It also provided greater flexibility in the design and colour scheme,” adds Carley.
Stephen’s experience with fibre cement cladding in several Bright projects was one of the factors that drew the homeowners to him for the build. Being familiar with the products by James Hardie, Stephen suggested three exterior cladding products, Axon™ Cladding, Stria™ Cladding and Versilux™ Lining, to achieve the modern look, create interest and facade articulation.
“A trend that has become increasingly popular is to mix cladding styles on the home facade to create an architectural feel. Easy and quick to install, low maintenance, long lasting, cost effective and with the modern exterior look, James Hardie cladding products were the ideal solution,” Stephen explains. “The products also comply with the fire rating regulations, with bushfires being a threat in Bright.”
As a design feature, the front of the house has a series of vertical window frames to maximise the views. Axon™ Cladding, painted charcoal, was selected to follow the same vertical lines of the window frames, giving the house a modernist feel and the visual appearance of the black window frames blending into the walls. As a contrasting look for the back wall of the house, Stria™ Cladding was selected for its horizontal lines and a narrower grove spacing in comparison to Axon™ Cladding. It was painted white to contrast the front.
To further accentuate the facade, Versilux™ Lining, with its clean geometric shape, proved the perfect exterior cladding for the eave of the cantilevered roof extending over the front deck. Taking a collaborative approach to the project, Carley, Marcus and Stephen worked closely with the James Hardie and Dahlsens teams. “Working together as a team meant we had technical advice, and a local supplier who could supply a whole-of-house solution. With all the time and effort, it was rewarding to see this project come to life,” says Stephen.
Architect: John Carter
Builder: Stephen Lukey
Photography: Threefold Studio
Click here to find out more about the James Hardie range and how you can achieve your clients' desired looks with the Ultimate Cladding Guide from Dahlsens.
Tasmanian Oak is Australia's preferred hardwood for a wide range of domestic and commercial applications and is increasingly the timber of choice for architects, builders and designers looking to achieve high-end decorative finishes across flooring and lining projects.
Its consistent grain is light in colour, varying from straw to reddish brown with intermediate shades of cream to pink, perfectly complementing the modern Australian design aesthetic.
It is also recognised for its easy workability and excellent staining qualities, which allows ready matching with other timbers, finishes and furnishings.
Australia’s largest and most sophisticated manufacturer of Tasmanian Oak products
Neville Smith Forest Products (NSFP) is Australia’s largest producer of Tasmanian regrowth oak products. Since 1924 NSFP has perfected the crafting of decorative Tasmanian Oak products and today under the Abelwood and Woodsmith brands offers an innovative and diverse range of hardwood structural and overlay flooring, engineered flooring, internal wall and ceiling lining, fine mouldings and architraves.
Timber is the ultimate renewable
Abelwood and Woodsmith products are increasingly specified, not only because of their unique structural and design properties, but also for their environmental credentials. All NSFP products are sourced from only sustainably harvested, regrowth and plantation PEFC or FSC Certified timber.
Handcrafted from the finest, sustainably sourced Tasmanian Oak, Woodsmith Engineered Flooring is available in six designer colours inspired by iconic Tasmanian landscapes.
Abelwood offers the highest quality of finishes to all its Tasmanian Oak products, making it easy to work with and instantly ready for a range of decorative options.
Abelwood hardwood structural and overlay flooring is available in tongue and groove profiles, in a range of sizes and in Prime or Classic grades.
Prime
Abelwood’s Prime grade features a clear and consistent grain, with minimal occurrences of natural features.
Classic
Abelwood’s Classic grade features natural characteristics such as gum veins, small gum pockets, knots and streaks throughout the timber.
Abelwood now also offers engineered flooring options available in a raw finish and wide profile, providing an easy to lay and hardwearing flooring alternative.
Woodsmith is increasingly being specified into a range of high end commercial and domestic projects. Its unique features include:
> Stable, flexible, and resistant to warping and shrinkage due to its layered construction
> Straight, consistent grain creates a sense of expansiveness
> Finished using the industry leading Bona Naturale UV system
> Hard wearing and highly resistant to foot traffic with a lifetime structural warranty plus 25-year warranty on wear layer
> Width: 165mm
Length: 2130mm
Thickness: 14.2mm
Installation type: Tongue and Groove
Click here for more information about NSFP’s Tasmanian Oak products or to view samples, speak to your Account Manager or local store.
Since 1924 NSFP has perfected the crafting of decorativeL-R: Cradle Sky, Derwent Breeze, Freycinet Morning, Huon Trail, Shannon Rise, Tamar Mist
Truss & Frame manufacturing plants
Trade
Steel roofing centres
Distribution centres
Trade
Steel
Sales office
Distribution
Sales
JC Dahlsen Pty Ltd’s wholly owned subsidiaries are well placed to assist you with projects in their regions. Please contact the respective business for further details and to establish an account (note the range showcased in this brochure may differ in each region).
Nortruss Builders Supplies
NT & Northern WA Nortruss.com.au
Cairns Hardware Far North QLD Cairnshardware.com.au
Dahlsens VIC and NSW Dahlsens.com.au
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