Building Material Specifications and Site Management

Posted on Aug 18, 2025 in Hotel Administration and Management

Legend: Building Component Attributes

Name of Component
Material Description
Purpose of Item
Properties of Item
Degradation Mechanism: Does this material degrade? If yes, by what mechanism?
Installation and Fixing Issues
Item Procured From
Item Delivered to Site By
Potential Defects on Arrival: When this material arrives on site, what defects may be detected?
On-Site Storage: How is this material stored on site?
Ordering Information: Information required to place an order.
Alternate Material: Name one alternate material that could be specified.
Key Quality Issues: Describe the most important quality issues.

Please note: For exam purposes, number these sections with a pencil to easily locate them, and remember to erase the numbering upon completion.

Strip Footing In-ground

1: Material Description: Steel reinforced Concrete
2: Purpose of Item: Transfer building load to the foundation
3: Properties of Item: Excellent compressive strength and good bending strength. Durable. Can be formed to any shape required. Not affected by insect attack.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Yes, if the strip footing is defective. Defects could include: insufficient cover on reo, weak mix used, excessive water around footing, incorrect water-cement ratio, or ground movement.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Excavating under topsoils to material with suitable bearing capabilities. Ensuring cover over reo. Finishing concrete level. Considerations for temperature, weather, and time. Once cured, it is difficult to alter. Weight.
6: Item Procured From: Concrete ready-mix plant. Steel from steel supplier (e.g., Mascot Steel, Edcon).
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Concrete truck. Steel by flat-top truck with Hiab.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Incorrect slump, incorrect strength shown on delivery docket. Incorrect type and/or dimension of reo.
9: On-Site Storage: Concrete: It is not stored; it is placed on arrival. Steel: Just-in-time delivery because of its size. Can be manufactured, bent, and shaped on site.
10: Ordering Information: Concrete: Description of use, strength required, slump required, aggregate size, volume/quantity required in M3, additives. Steel: Description, dimensions, and quantity.
11: Alternate Material: Brickwork on Rock Foundation. Sandstone.
12: Key Quality Issues: Concrete strength and cover. Location of footing.

Isolated Piers

1: Material Description: Dry pressed common bricks.
2: Purpose of Item: Support structural loads (implied from context).
3: Properties of Item: Suitable compressive strength. Ease of construction.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Yes, due to efflorescence.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Ensuring pier heights are uniform, suitable mortar required.
6: Item Procured From: Bricks, Boral.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: On pallets by truck with forklift or Hiab.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Type of brick checked for suitability for purpose.
9: On-Site Storage: On pallets, covered to prevent excessive moisture.
10: Ordering Information: Type, Colour, Manufacturing process, Size, Quantity.
11: Alternate Material: Concrete posts.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct mortar mix and pier alignment.

Floor Framing

1: Material Description: Kiln Dried Hardwood.
2: Purpose of Item: Support loads from frames and roof, as well as floor Live and Dead Loads. Appearance. Insulation.
3: Properties of Item: Suitable bending strength.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Yes. Dry rot, insect attack.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Selection of defect-free bearers and joists. Connection of components (use galvanized metal brackets).
6: Item Procured From: Timber retailer or timber yard.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: By truck in packs.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Warp, dimensions.
9: On-Site Storage: Stored off the ground in a level and uniform manner. Separate sections with gluts to allow air flow for acclimatisation. Keep out of weather.
10: Ordering Information: Species, F grade, Dimensions, seasoning method, Treatment.
11: Alternate Material: Boxspan steel joists and bearers.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring structural integrity and proper connections.

Flooring: Dry Areas

1: Material Description: Tongue and Groove (T&G) Cypress pine boards.
2: Purpose of Item: Carry live loads. Appearance.
3: Properties of Item: Suitable bending strength. Uniform appearance. Insulation.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Yes. Subject to rot if poorly ventilated and moist. Subject to insect attack.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Ensure that timber has reached uniform moisture content to match site. Do not over-clamp boards. Allow for board growth across the grain. Use flexible adhesive to prevent board squeak.
6: Item Procured From: Timber yard.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: By truck in packs.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Timber defects including: warping, knots, not uniform in dimension, incorrect sizing.
9: On-Site Storage: Stored off the ground in a level and uniform manner. Separate sections with gluts to allow air flow for acclimatisation. Keep out of weather.
10: Ordering Information: Board dimensions, stress grade, quantity, species, treatment.
11: Alternate Material: T&G Tallowwood.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring consistent quality and appearance.

Flooring: Wet Areas

1: Material Description: Compressed Fibrous Cement (CFC).
2: Purpose of Item: Sheet support for floor live and dead loads.
3: Properties of Item: Water resistant, durable, flat and smooth surface.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Yes. Subject to rot if poorly ventilated. Subject to insect attack.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Weight of sheets when handling and positioning. Ensure fixing is completed as per material specification. Requires adhesive and screw fixings in prepared holes.
6: Item Procured From: Scyon from hardware supplier.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: By truck in packs.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Cracks, chips, incorrect dimensions.
9: On-Site Storage: Stored off the ground in a level and uniform manner. Separate sections with gluts to allow air flow for acclimatisation. Keep out of weather.
10: Ordering Information: Use and dimensions, number of sheets.
11: Alternate Material: Scyon (already listed as procured from, perhaps a specific product line).
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring proper water resistance and flatness.

Wall Frames

1: Material Description: Treated Pine H2.
2: Purpose of Item: Support and hold down roof. Support doors and windows and cladding plus lining. Allow installation of services.
3: Properties of Item: Excellent stiffness and compressive strength. Can be drilled for services.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Moisture will wash off the treatment, leading to degradation and fungi growth.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Ensure that frame components are straight, plumb, and correctly braced and fixed.
6: Item Procured From: Truss and Frame Manufacturer. Timber from yard. Stick frame produced on site.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: By truck and Hiab.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Timber defects including: warping, knots, not uniform in dimension, incorrect sizing.
9: On-Site Storage: Stored on site, protected against weather.
10: Ordering Information: Loading, Species, F grade, Dimensions, seasoning method, Treatment.
11: Alternate Material: Douglas Fir.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring structural integrity, plumbness, and correct bracing.

Roof Frames

1: Material Description: Treated Pine.
2: Purpose of Item: Carry roof loads (Dead and Live loads). Resist uplift wind loads.
3: Properties of Item: Suitable strength and stiffness for roof loads.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Yes. Subject to rot if wet. Subject to insect attack.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Working at heights. Difficulties in handling long, flexible elements. Fixing.
6: Item Procured From: Truss and Frame Manufacturer. Timber from yard.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: By truck and Hiab.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Timber defects including: warping, knots, not uniform in dimension, incorrect sizing.
9: On-Site Storage: Stored off the ground in a level and uniform manner. Separate sections with gluts to allow air flow for acclimatisation. Protect from weather. Usually lifted onto first floor frames by Hiab or mobile crane. Smaller elements can be placed manually.
10: Ordering Information: Distance between support positions, eave overhang, roof cladding to be used, pitch of roof, dimensions of the building.
11: Alternate Material: Steel Framing.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct pitch, structural integrity, and secure connections.

Guttering and Downpipes

1: Material Description: Colorbond steel quad.
2: Purpose of Item: Collect and deliver rainwater to a stormwater dispersal system or to tank storage system.
3: Properties of Item: Corrosion resistance, appearance (can be coloured). Suitable for collection of potable water. Profile can be lightweight but stiff to resist water/wind loads.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Yes, corrosion.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Ensure required falls. Often requires two persons.
6: Item Procured From: Stramit, Bluescope, Stratco. Steel metal fabricator.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck and Hiab.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Incorrect colour, incorrect profile, incorrect dimensions. Components missing.
9: On-Site Storage: Easily marked even through the protective PVC covering. Easily bent.
10: Ordering Information: Colour, dimensions.
11: Alternate Material: PVC.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct fall, watertight joints, and secure fastening.

Roof Insulation

1: Material Description: 60mm anticon (anti-condensation, fiberglass material). Sarking.
2: Purpose of Item: Insulate roof space from outside the building and prevent condensation forming under the roof metal deck.
3: Properties of Item: Lightweight but bulky. Often requires mesh to be placed first to support the blanket.
4: Degradation Mechanism: No.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: When thick, it is difficult to screw through.
6: Item Procured From: Hardware, CSR.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck or trailer (bulky, not heavy).
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Incorrect thickness. Incorrect ‘R’ rating.
9: On-Site Storage: Best kept dry, can be duct-taped for joins.
10: Ordering Information: Type of product, thickness, and length.
11: Alternate Material: Aircell.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct R-value and proper installation to prevent thermal bridging.

Roof Cladding

1: Material Description: Corrugated Colorbond steel sheet roofing.
2: Purpose of Item: Provide lightweight weather protection and collect water.
3: Properties of Item: Relatively low density, stiff, hard, and resistant to corrosion.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Yes, over time due to corrosion.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Long sheets difficult to control in high winds, must be fixed through ridges, can be coloured for improved appearance, can be site cut with nibbler.
6: Item Procured From: Stramit.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Dents, incorrect lengths, incorrect profile.
9: On-Site Storage: Stacked on gluts, kept straight and off the ground.
10: Ordering Information: Profile, Colour, thickness, base material, and length.
11: Alternate Material: Roofing concrete tiles.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct overlap, proper fastening, and watertight seals.

Wall Insulation

1: Material Description: Fiberglass Batts.
2: Purpose of Item: Slow heat transfer, reduce sound transfer, meet BASIX requirements.
3: Properties of Item: Low density, high volume, fire resistant, excellent thermal properties.
4: Degradation Mechanism: No.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Can cause skin irritation (itchy).
6: Item Procured From: CSR or Boral.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck, van, or trailer.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Incorrect thickness. Incorrect ‘R’ rating.
9: On-Site Storage: Store in dry place, leave compressed in bags, open just before installation.
10: Ordering Information: Specify material, thickness, ‘R’ rating, number of M2.
11: Alternate Material: Wool Batts.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct R-value and full cavity fill for optimal performance.

External Wall Cladding

1: Material Description: Hard Plank.
2: Purpose of Item: Cladding for exterior of structure to provide weather protection and security.
3: Properties of Item: Fire resistant, stiff, rigid, water resistant.
4: Degradation Mechanism: No.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Brittle, can be cut but if cut by machine it may release small dust particles. Mechanical fixings usually (nails or screws).
6: Item Procured From: CSR or Boral.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck, van, or trailer.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Incorrect thickness.
9: On-Site Storage: Store flat in dry, protected area, stacked with gluts for air circulation and moisture equalization.
10: Ordering Information: Sheet dimensions and thickness. Number of sheets.
11: Alternate Material: Weatherboard.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct overlap, proper fastening, and weather-tightness.

Windows and Doors

1: Material Description: Timber Framed.
2: Purpose of Item: Provide light and ventilation to comply with BCA. Provide security. Support glazing.
3: Properties of Item: Stiffness. Durability. Appearance.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Yes. Timber degradation.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Bruising (dents). Fixings have to be sealed.
6: Item Procured From: BOKA Windows and Doors.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Specialized van or truck.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Incorrect size, glazing. Wrong types of hardware (glass). Bruising. Broken glass.
9: On-Site Storage: Stack in standing position, separate with padding to prevent damage to surfaces.
10: Ordering Information: Dimensions of openings, wall type (cavity brick or timber frame), flashing, glazing type, window action, hardware, finishes.
11: Alternate Material: Powder Coated Aluminium.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct dimensions, proper sealing, and hardware functionality.

Hot & Cold Water Service

1: Material Description: Copper pipe.
2: Purpose of Item: Provide water delivery to taps etc. without tainting the water or leaking.
3: Properties of Item: Water resistant, able to withstand water pressure. Hard, stiff, flexible, can be brazed.
4: Degradation Mechanism: No.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Requires specialized tools for brazing/joining.
6: Item Procured From: Reece Plumbing.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck, van, or trailer.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Incorrect size, incorrect diameter, incorrect wall thickness.
9: On-Site Storage: Stack rolls in protected area where the roll will not be subject to crush damage.
10: Ordering Information: Length, wall thickness, use (water or gas).
11: Alternate Material: PVC.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring leak-free joints and correct pressure rating.

Water Service Prime Cost Items: Taps

1: Material Description: Chrome Plated Brass.
2: Purpose of Item: Control the water flow.
3: Properties of Item: Able to withstand water pressure. Resistant to most chemical attack, allows hygiene.
4: Degradation Mechanism: No, generally very durable.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Requires careful handling to prevent scratches or damage to finish.
6: Item Procured From: Reece Plumbing.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Courier.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Incorrect style.
9: On-Site Storage: Store in packaging until just before fitting.
10: Ordering Information: Style, Size, Purpose.
11: Alternate Material: Brass Taps.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct finish, functionality, and leak-free operation.

Electrical Service

1: Material Description: Double Insulated power and earth flex.
2: Purpose of Item: Provide power. Protection from electric shock in a flexible unit that can be pulled through frames etc.
3: Properties of Item: Excellent conduction, protected by an excellent insulator.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Subject to animal attack.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Cable needs to be protected from accidental damage.
6: Item Procured From: Electrical wholesaler.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Van.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Not suitable for amperage required.
9: On-Site Storage: Store in dry, protected area.
10: Ordering Information: Cable type, wire diameter, length.
11: Alternate Material: No suitable alternative.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct cable rating and safe installation practices.

GPOs, Switches, and Lights (Batten Holders)

1: Material Description: PVC.
2: Purpose of Item: To provide insulated control (turn on and off) of the electric supply, hold fittings and bulbs etc.
3: Properties of Item: Wire: excellent electricity transmission. PVC: excellent insulator.
4: Degradation Mechanism: May degrade at high temperatures.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Nil.
6: Item Procured From: Electrical wholesaler.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Van.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Incorrect style or colour. Wrong amperage.
9: On-Site Storage: Leave in packaging until required.
10: Ordering Information: Amperage (10 or 15 amp?), Type, Style, Colour.
11: Alternate Material: Bakelite.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct rating and safe electrical connections.

Sewer Drainage

1: Material Description: Vitreous Clay Pipe (VCP).
2: Purpose of Item: Carry waste water (greywater, sewerage).
3: Properties of Item: Not flexible. Stiff. Water resistant, chemically inert.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Can be crushed.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Sagging/alignment issues, requires careful bedding and jointing.
6: Item Procured From: Plumbing supplies.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck, van, or trailer.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Damaged or cracked sections of pipe. Incorrect size. Wrong fittings.
9: On-Site Storage: Stacked and isolated to prevent impact damage.
10: Ordering Information: Use of pipe, Size, Diameter, Lengths, Fittings required.
11: Alternate Material: PVC.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct fall, watertight joints, and protection from crushing.

Communications Service

1: Material Description: Fibre Optic cable.
2: Purpose of Item: Provide internet connection with high-speed data transfer.
3: Properties of Item: Flexible cable for connections.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Generally no.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Easily damaged by impact. Fittings and plugs require specialized tools for fitting.
6: Item Procured From: Electrical wholesaler.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Van.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Incorrect carrying capacity.
9: On-Site Storage: Not usually stored on site.
10: Ordering Information: By use.
11: Alternate Material: Copper cable.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring correct data transfer rates and secure connections.

Internal Lining: Dry Areas

1: Material Description: Plasterboard.
2: Purpose of Item: Provide thermal and acoustic lining to the inside of structure. Improve appearance and allow for application of finishes.
3: Properties of Item: Very good thermal and acoustic insulation, rigid and stiff, relatively low density.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Generally no, but water affected.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Surface is delicate, can break off. Requires adhesive and mechanical fixing.
6: Item Procured From: Stud and Track.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck, van, or trailer.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Incorrect size. Incorrect thickness.
9: On-Site Storage: Flat and protected.
10: Ordering Information: Number of sheets, Size, and thickness.
11: Alternate Material: Lath and plaster. Fibrous plaster. Timber boards. Plywood.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring smooth finish, proper jointing, and resistance to cracking.

Internal Lining: Wet Areas

1: Material Description: Villa Board.
2: Purpose of Item: Provide a water resistant and durable surface for wet area painting or for tiles to be fixed to.
3: Properties of Item: Water resistance, flat and smooth surface appearance, dense, hard.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Generally No.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Adhesive and mechanical fixing required (clouts).
6: Item Procured From: Hardware Store, Boral, CSR.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck, van, or trailer.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Size (sheet dimensions), cracks.
9: On-Site Storage: Store flat in dry, protected area on gluts off ground.
10: Ordering Information: Number of sheets, Size and thickness, Recessed Edge or not.
11: Alternate Material: Water resistant plasterboard (commonly called Aquachek).
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring proper waterproofing and substrate integrity.

Wall and Floor Tiling

1: Material Description: Ceramic tiles.
2: Purpose of Item: To provide a water resistant finished surface. Aesthetics, Hygiene.
3: Properties of Item: Resistant to chemical attack, rigid, brittle, hard, attractive appearance, dense, hard.
4: Degradation Mechanism: The grout degrades. Crazing over time.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Adhesive fixing required, cutting can be difficult.
6: Item Procured From: Tile retailer.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck, van, or trailer.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Broken or cracked in transport. Incorrect colour and texture. Wrong size.
9: On-Site Storage: Store in packaging until required. Keep packaging dry.
10: Ordering Information: Size, Thickness, Colour, Texture.
11: Alternate Material: Porcelain Tiles. Marble tiles. Vinyl PVC. Glass tiles.
12: Key Quality Issues: Consistent colour. Accurate dimensions. Proper adhesion and grout application.

Internal Doors

1: Material Description: Solid Core doors.
2: Purpose of Item: Security, privacy, acoustic separation.
3: Properties of Item: Stiff, rigid, dense, high relative density, not water resistant.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Generally no.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Three hinges may be required if the door is heavy.
6: Item Procured From: Doors Plus, Hume doors.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck, van, or trailer.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Timber defects including: warping. Thickness (standard thickness of doors are: 35mm or 45mm). Damaged face.
9: On-Site Storage: Store in vertical manner without excessive loading to prevent warping.
10: Ordering Information: Thickness, Dimensions, Finish.
11: Alternate Material: Hollow core doors (2 layers of plywood with a section of cardboard on the inside). Fire door (fire rated).
12: Key Quality Issues: Check face finish to match specs. Ensuring proper hanging and operation.

Architraves and Skirting

1: Material Description: Dressed and Primed Finger Jointed Pine.
2: Purpose of Item: Cover up detail, decorative detail.
3: Properties of Item: Relatively hard, uniform and neat appearance.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Rot. Impact damage. Insect attack.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: Keeping junctions and joints neat.
6: Item Procured From: Timber Yards.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck, van, or trailer.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Timber defects including: warping. Thickness.
9: On-Site Storage: Flat, dry, and protected area.
10: Ordering Information: Profile, Dimensions, and Lengths.
11: Alternate Material: Western Red Cedar or MDF.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensure dimensional accuracy, use same milling run for consistency.

External Water Storage (Rainwater Tank)

1: Material Description: Aqua Plate Colorbond corrugated steel.
2: Purpose of Item: Storage of non-potable or potable water.
3: Properties of Item: Curved section very stiff and able to withstand large water loads without deformation. Can be coloured for improved appearance. Resistant to corrosion.
4: Degradation Mechanism: Yes, subject to corrosion over time.
5: Installation and Fixing Issues: A sound base is required to support loads in tank.
6: Item Procured From: Stramit, Sydney Water Tanks.
7: Item Delivered to Site By: Truck, van, or trailer.
8: Potential Defects on Arrival: Dents. Colour.
9: On-Site Storage: Isolated storage.
10: Ordering Information: Size (litres), Profile of tank (is it corrugated, is it flat?), what material it’s made of.
11: Alternate Material: Concrete Tank. Polymer tank.
12: Key Quality Issues: Ensuring watertightness, correct capacity, and proper base support.

Identify where on the site the item should be placed by drawing and labelling its location on the site plan below:

Toilet
Site Office
Water Supply