BUILDERSBulletin B

March 2015 Volume 26 No. 2

bowens.com.au The Builders Choice

PORT MELBOURNE

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Now Open

WHATS NEW?Security, in Style -The Trilock System

INNOVATIONIt’s All About the Pin

REVIEWEDInsulation Installation Challenge Reveals Permifloor as the Fastest

Ozone Panels, Building the Change

BUILDERS BULLETIN2

Join us at Port Melbourne

COME

THE TEAMMEET & GREET

Unlike Mr Jobs, many family business owners typically fail to recognise or embrace a future of expansion or (even) change. Instead they prefer the comfort of past visions, the safety of old routines. They enjoy the fixed power of their positions and when it comes to the future, they choose the refuge of ambiguity – instead of the risk linked to a new plan.

With multiple decades behind them, the conservative attitude of some owners is understandable. They have been there for a long time, longer than they would care to remember. They are tired of the struggle. They have built something they would prefer to protect. They’d mostly like to coast – while reaping the rewards for all of their hard work. Risk isn’t necessary, in fact it becomes unpalatable. They look to have all the good things. They want peace, enjoyment; to be comfortable.

After so many years of exercising managerial ‘muscle’, required by once-Spartan circumstances, the preference is to employ those who applaud rather than challenge the status quo. They hope the golden goose will keep producing those golden eggs, proving they are successful and ensuring a protected run to the finish line.

Of course, while this restful thinking takes place, the world outside is busily changing. And unless the business can wake from its reverie and respond to a varied environment, the world will pass the owners and their companies by.

One antidote to business lethargy is to have a team of enthusiastic and passionate leaders who drive change and maintain the company’s relevance. I believe Bowens has just that; a group who respect our history while they push for Bowens to be a leading, innovative trade supplier. While nothing is guaranteed, least of all our continuing existence, the team is intensely focussed on growth and the need for business improvement. Their efforts are infectious. They are helping me to get the best out of myself and are keeping their Chairman enthusiastically engaged.

While it feels like we have got a lot done over the past eight years, including the rebuilding of seven sites, dipping our toes into regional Victoria and purchasing a world class truss and frame business, we had not built any new facilities since the opening of our Epping operation in 2008, until now, that is.

Even if you have only been in occasional contact with Bowens over the past few months, it would have been impossible to ignore our publicity for a new addition, a terrific timber and hardware store in Port Melbourne, opened on 1st February. Just as my wife says I can’t have a favourite child, my father says it isn’t right to have a favourite store. On both counts I can’t help myself.

I am of the belief Bowens is the only independently owned timber and hardware business in Australia to have opened a new facility in the past three years (at least). While many have been changing hands over the past decade, there has only been a handful built from scratch.

While Bunnings has bullied its way to a dominant position in the retail hardware market, they have not taken trade. Even so, too many independents have been caught in their headlights and remain flat footed. Too many of them remind me of the scenario outlined in my opening paragraphs. They are mature businesses lacking the motivation to grow, or frightened to invest in something the corporates will crush. Locked into a future without change they run the risk of becoming irrelevant.

Bowens has been a family owned Victorian business for 121 years. As excited as we are about the future there are occasions, such as opening a new store, when contemplating the past helps to understand us a little better.

In 1894 my great grandfather, Richard Bowen, started the company by sorting and reselling timber products acquired via demolition contracts. Taking on his brother-in-law as a partner the business made it through a decade of economic retraction in Melbourne. Their site on the corner of Dryburgh Street and Arden Street was only a short distance from today’s North Melbourne facility on Macaulay Road, which they developed in 1908.

In the ensuing years Bowens was variously involved in a saw mill, timber wholesaling, large joinery operations, douglas fir re-sawing and, always, selling timber products and associated materials to builders. Through the very difficult years of the depression the partnership was dissolved and due to the amazing work of several great men the company survived. From a church in Nauru to the Exhibition Building, the Ford Factory in Geelong, Sovereign Hill and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Bowens machined and supplied some great projects. Through the hands of tens of thousands of builders we feel very much a part of Melbourne’s built landscape.

In 1966 the company purchased its first branch in Mt Evelyn and in December 1970 a store in Hastings was opened; the first manager being a bright young spark with a thick head of hair, the great Jeff Harvey. In the following years another twenty stores and truss plants were opened, with seven of those subsequently closed.

Anytime I scan our records to check something from our past I realise the family has been incredibly fortunate to be involved in this industry, with this business. Some extraordinary people have created our proud history.

While there is much to be satisfied with I am energised today by my team and what the business is capable of achieving into the future. Building new horizons is essential and inspiring. Growth creates energy and brings with it some great opportunities. Adding to our network is also good fun; it would be a boring place if we were stuck with a future the same as today. I hope Mr Jobs would approve.

John Bowen, Managing Director

“I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something

else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next.” Steve Jobs, 2006

History & Tomorrow. A Word From John Bowen

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March Event CalendarM T W T F S S

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Team Members New

Adrian WellsAdrian has taken over the role of Branch Manager at our Rowville store. Adrian has had a long and successful career with Bowens, managing four branches and more recently leading the team at our Mt Evelyn store. We are looking forward to Adrian’s leadership of the Rowville store.

You may have noticed some new faces at your local Bowens store. As we kick off 2015 we wanted to take the opportunity to introduce them to you.

We are also pleased to introduce the following new Account Managers:

• Ben Dovaston will take up the Account Manager role at our Croydon branch vacated by Warwick Weir. Ben joined Bowens in August and has shown strong leadership skills and a strong passion for sales. We are confident that Ben will continue to grow the business at our Croydon branch.

• Andrew Young joined Bowens in January at our Taylor Lakes branch

• Dean Young joined Bowens in February at our Shepparton branch

We are pleased to welcome both Ben, Andrew and Dean to the team and are excited about the skills and experience they will both bring to Bowens.

If you haven’t had an opportunity to meet these guys, please stop by and say hello or give them a call. They would be more than happy to come and visit you on your building site. These changes to our team will enable us to continue to deliver our promise of outstanding customer service every time.

Mon 17thST PATRICKS DAY

Thurs 12th - Fri 15thAUSTRALIAN FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX 2015

Brett HowlettBrett has stepped up to take over the role of Branch Manager at our Mt Evelyn store. Brett has worked for Bowens for over 10 years with the past four and a half years spent as the Sales Manager at our Croydon and Hastings stores. Our Mt Evelyn store are excited to welcome Brett.

Warwick WeirBrett’s move to Mt Evelyn has given Warwick Weir the opportunity to step into the Sales Manager role at Hastings. Warwick has been an integral part of our sales team at our Croydon branch and has been a key player in growing our business at Croydon. This is an exciting opportunity for Warwick to take the next step and lead the sales team at our Hastings branch.

Greg HyslopWe are pleased to announce that Greg has taken up the role of Sales Manager at our North Melbourne branch. Greg joined Bowens in September 2014 as an Account Manager and has played an important part in the growth of our North Melbourne branch. We look forward to Greg continuing his great work and growing the branch.

BUILDERS BULLETIN4

Exclusive

Ozone PanelsThe Ozone Panel system is a load bearing precast panels that can be used for exterior structural walls, floors, roofs and interior walls.

It is made up of two components; an FSC certified OSB3 board by Egger and a unique structural Polyisocyanurate foam.

The beauty of this product is that both the builder and home owner receive fantastic benefits from using this system. Construction is a breeze for the builders and home owners can experience a more energy efficient and safer home.

Building with Ozone PanelsOur customers have experienced quick and easy installation using the Ozone Panels. Panels are incredibly strong and light weight, made from sustainable forestry offcuts. Compared to traditional construction you only need 2-3 people to help set up without the need for any special tools. For a typical estate house you can expect walls to be up in 1 day and lockup within 5 days.

The material cost of using the Ozone Panels is almost the same as a single brick veneer home, requiring less labour in a more efficient manner.

Building with a product which is more energy efficient and environmentally friendly is a crucial selling point in today’s market, a vital change which is necessary to all home owners and the construction industry.

Main Benefits & Features:Energy Efficient Once the house is up, you can expect no air change through the walls. From a thermal efficiency perspective, you will receive constant temperature in your home.

Fire Resistant If you have a fire near your house, no heat gets transferred through the wall so the occupants of the house will have a safe haven.

High Acoustic From acoustic point of view, when you step inside a house made of the panels it will be very quiet, blocking out most traffic noises.

Building the Change

Despite its lightweight nature, an OZONE PANEL is a structural building component. It’s load bearing capabilities remove the need for bracing, bricks and steel.

NOVEMBER 2014 5

OZONE PANELS, EXCLUSIVE TO BOWENS

If you are interested in finding out more about Ozone Panels, visit ozonepanel.com or contact your local Bowens store for more information.

55

Like any new product, you have to start to get your head around how it all fits together and plan the layout. It’s pretty straight forward.

As long as the plans are good and the slabs are good, it’s quick and easy. You don’t need a whole lot of special tools to put it up.

-Anthony Scheffer, AJS Prestige Contracting

Others Benefits Include:

“We are the only sole distributor of Ozone panels in Victoria. It’s a pretty

exciting time for Bowens” -Luke McEnaney, Bowens Group Sales Manager

We interviewed Hallbury Homes and AJS Prestige Contracting as part of their residential project

For more videos & latest news, don’t forget to subscribe to Bowens:

OZONE PANEL is BAL-40 rated. Radiant heat of an average Australian bushfire won’t “melt” the wall.

40% better sound performance that a plasterboard stud wall. Ideal for high noise environments or medium density developments.

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Scan hereTo see an example of how Ozone Panels can be applied to your projects, scan the QR link.

BUILDERS BULLETIN6

Expert Advice

Over the past 10 years, it has been my lot to carry out inspections on problem timber products where or when our branch people call for assistance. As such, I have come to know those products that I regularly come across, which in order of incidence are;

1. Flooring2. Decking3. Claddings and Weatherboards4. Treated Pine Sleepers

Regular readers will know I usually write seasonal articles, particularly concerning Flooring and Decking. Flooring in December, because of the possibility of gapping and June for Decking, because the boards will inevitably expand over the winter months and a trend to secret fix the product.

Claddings I have included because of recent trends to use end matched (for better joining and less waste) and for specifiers to hide the fixing pins, or secret fixing. Treated Pine Sleepers because of the potential for failure in the future.

FlooringAlthough gapping is one of the most common problems I experience with floorings and while not trying to minimise the problem, it is purely a visual concern. Conversely I have experienced jobs where boards have expanded over the winter months with the potential to cause damage to the house.

I have written about many aspects on this subject, acclimatisation and having a moisture meter, to name two. However, probably one of the most important factors in a successful floor is sub-floor ventilation.

I suggest readers access my flooring installation guidelines on our website under installation guidelines.

DeckingUnfortunately I get called to many problem jobs which could have been avoided. Some of those are, not allowing sufficient gaps, particularly with wide decking boards and not sealing the boards prior to installation. However, one of the most important factors I see lacking is sub-deck ventilation.

I suggest readers access my decking installation guidelines on our website under installation guidelines.

Cladding & Baltic WeatherboardsSome new trends have made installation practices for claddings very important. For instance if end matching is used, unless the end match is spot on, waterproofing can be an issue. Accordingly, we advise a bead of silicon be applied within the join.

Also, many specifiers are insisting the fixing screws are hidden. I am of the opinion this can be fraught with danger as it means there is only 1 screw holding the cladding board in place along with the tongue and groove holding the board in place on the lap side. I believe a profile with a large lap is the ideal, for 2 reasons; (1) to hide the screw on the tongue side and (2) for better waterproofing. Perhaps I’m old fashioned, but I still prefer a screw (exposed) on the lap side. If that screw is precisely placed on each board it can become a feature.

Good old Baltic Weatherboards need to be protected if they are to have long life. I suggest a coating of a wood preservative applied to the ends. Some may think this is over the top, but certainly apply a good coating of primer or wood preserver on the trimmed ends before installation.

I also believe the first finishing coat be applied prior to installation. This means if there is any shrinkage the finishing coat will be exposed and not the primer.

Again, I suggest readers access my Baltic weatherboard/cladding under installation guidelines on our website

VentilationReaders will have noted I have stated the importance of this vital commodity for all the products above. The reason being it allows air to influence the back or opposite face to the exposed face of the boards. Also the boards will hold form and reduce the possibility of cupping.

Treated Pine SleepersPotential users should understand, the standard Treated Pine Sleeper should only be used in non-structural situations. The two main reasons for this are;

• The standard product is produced from the core of the Radiata Pine log and as such the product usually contains a significant amount of heartwood where the cells are dead and do not accept the preservative that gives the product durability. This means the percentage of treatable sapwood is often in the minority. It is relatively easy to tell what heartwood is and what sapwood is. The heartwood is light green, whereas the sapwood is dark green, which is evidence of treatment penetration.

• Because the early growth of the tree is fast growing it has low density and usually lacks strength. Accordingly they are never graded for strength.

Sadly, I often see them used in structural situations. My understanding of the regulations are;

• If a retaining wall is 1 metre or over, a building permit is required.

• To obtain that permit, the retaining wall would be designed by a structural engineer.

This usually means the posts are a lot closer than the retaining walls I see also over 1 metre high. Bowens can issue installation guidelines for non-structural retaining walls. I have written an in depth article about treated pine sleepers also on our website, reference installation guidelines.

I am not saying these products should not be used, but from experience, there is not enough forward thinking/planning in advance of starting the installation process.

If you have experienced these types of issues or would like some expert advice, Jeff Harvey can help. Simply call him on 0412 550 740.

MyNotoriousFour

Benefits:

• 3 x faster to install than foil-faced polystyrene panels

• Helps achieve a 6-star house energy rating

• 2-in-1 insulation and moisture management solution

• Fibre-free, non-allergenic, non-irritant

• Code Mark-certified for BCA compliance

Reviewed

7MARCH 2015

In a recent test of installation times of a number of different underfloor insulation products, Kingspan’s AIR-CELL Permifloor® 500 came out on top as the easiest and fastest to install.

Three different products were installed in a 36 m2 suspended timber-framed floor – glasswool underfloor insulation batts, foil-faced polystyrene boards and AIR-CELL Permifloor® 500.

The installation of Permifloor® 500 was timed at 27 minutes, with the glasswool underfloor insulation batts coming in a close second at 28 minutes. Meanwhile, the foil-faced polystyrene boards took 83 minutes to install, which means an average house could take around six hours longer to install compared to Permifloor® 500.

Pre-cut to 500 mm widths, Kingspan AIR-CELL Permifloor® 500 is designed for an easy fit between standard timber joists at 450 mm centres. Wastage is minimised and while tape might be needed, no support accessories, such as saddles, are required.

The product also has unique perforations which allow excess moisture to drain, acting as a 2-in-1 insulation and moisture management solution.

Insulation Installation Challenge Reveals Permifloor as the Fastest

7

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Scan here

Scan the QR link to watch the Fast & Furious Challenge.

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*Limited time only. Offer ends COB, Thursday, 30 April 2015.

Exterior View: External pull handle with concealed lever behind the pull handle.

BUILDERS BULLETIN8

Whats New?

Gainsborough Hardware is a leading Australian designer, manufacturer, importer and distributor of a comprehensive range of residential and commercial door hardware and fittings, including security products.

Gainsborough understands the importance of security and style offering a comprehensive range of door hardware products to keep you safe. Gainsborough’s Trilock is a leading brand that has influenced the market for over 20 years, continually evolving to complement emerging market trends. The Trilock 3-in-1 functionality presents a unique offering like no other in the market combining lockset, deadbolt and passage functions all in the one system.

When the Trilock is unlocked and the button on the inside of the door has not been pressed, it operates as a standard passage set, allowing free access in or out of the home. Pressing the button on the inside of the door engages the Trilock lockset mode, this locks the door from the outside however it is safe to exit without a key in an emergency by simply turning the inside knob or lever. For complete security the Trilock also houses a key-operated double or single cylinder deadbolt with a sturdy 20mm throw. The Trilock 3-in-1 technology has been awarded with an Australian Design Mark for Good Design by Standards Australia.

The Trilock range offers a number of choices, Trilock Traditional offers a timeless design available in knob or lever, Trilock Contemporary provides a modern, sleek look and the Trilock Eclipse offers designer styling with a flat plate on

both exterior and interior sides of the door. The Trilock Omni features a pull handle option with a clever concealed lever on the exterior side of the door and a flat plate Trilock Eclipse on the inside of the door.

The latest evolution in Gainsborough’s Trilock range is the Omni Back to Back. It features the same trusted 3-in-1 technology and a 600mm pull handle with a clever concealed lever on both the interior and exterior sides of the door. This range has been developed with the growing popularity for larger front doors on homes and as a result consumers are opting for larger door hardware solutions. “We have seen standard hinged doors increasing in width along with the increase in selection of pivot doors on homes, as a result consumers are selecting larger door hardware products to create an entrance statement”, says Brand & Communications Manager Keri Towsey. Keri adds “We have seen a great response from the market as people are familiar with Gainsborough’s patented Trilock technology and like the addition of the pull handle.”

The Trilock Omni Back to Back is available in a Polished Stainless or Stainless Steel finish, is covered by a 5 year tarnish and 10 year mechanical warranty and offers customers premium styling and seamless entry for their front door backed by Australia design.

Security, in StyleThe Trilock System

For further information visit trilock.gainsboroughhardware.com.au

NOVEMBER 2014 9

“We have seen standard hinged doors increasing in width along with the increase in selection of

pivot doors on homes, as a result consumers are selecting larger

door hardware products to create an entrance statement”

-Keri Towsey, Brand & Communications Manager

9MARCH 20159

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Side View: Back to Back pull handle on either side of the door.

Interior View: Interior pull handle with concealed lever behind the pull handle.

BUILDERS BULLETIN10

Industry News

At this writing, Master Builders enters its 2015 awards season, and we look forward, as we do every year, to reviewing the remarkable talent in homebuilding demonstrated by our diverse membership throughout Victoria.

I do believe, however, it’s worth considering the reasons our members choose to submit their work for review in the first place. It’s easy to take for granted that winning official recognition is its own reward, without pausing to consider what practical differences the occasion might make to a builder’s business. What happens after the celebrations? And what does the Builder of the Year earn beyond bragging rights?

Master Builders member Peter Apostoli of Armadillo Homes provides a vivid example of the answers to those questions. Last October, at our Excellence in Housing Awards at Crown Casino, Peter himself was named Builder of the Year. It was quite a surprise for him as a first-time participant in this, or any awards program.

Eager to see our members reap genuine benefit from their time in the spotlight, Master Builders last year provided Peter with a $15,000 advertising package including promotional banners for use at construction sites, and a series of radio ads on Fox FM.

“We’re focussing on figuring out the best ways to use the signage and radio spots,” Peter told us. “The station has

RADLEY DE SILVACEO Master Builders Association Of Victoria

already made some good suggestions for what to say about ourselves, and we’ll work together to get things just right.”

“It’s pretty special when a client tells you they’re rapt with what you do, and I think it’s going to be a lot easier for new and potential clients to feel confident that we’ll produce the right job for them, knowing we’ve been recognised by Master Builders.

“This is big. I mean, I’ve always tried to do the right thing by the client, and the hard work and craftsmanship are their own rewards. But this is something extra.”

We’re rapt too, Peter.

Value for membership is something we take very seriously at Master Builders, and the Excellence in Housing Awards can make a real difference to a business eager for fresh opportunities. Any award must offer more than the veneer of success—it should set good and tangible things in motion for the builder who earns it. That, after all, is the focus of our work as advocates for our industry. It’s what you’ve come to expect, and what we take great pleasure and pride in delivering.

“The Excellence in Housing Awards can make a real difference

to a business eager for fresh opportunities.”

Excellence in Housing Awards 2015

Beyond the Veneer of Success

Armadillo Homes attention to detail was impeccable in restoring this home beyond its original glory.

BUILDERS BULLETIN10

Door Drop Reduction

Squeak Free Door Swing

More Durability

It’s all aboutInnovation

11MARCH 2015

THE PIN

Rust Resistant Solution

Easy Loose Pin Removal

New advanced pin technology creates smoother possibilities!

DURAsmooth™ is a world first technology patented door hinge with a unique new polyamide pin coating.

For the user, it offers greater durability than a standard door hinge and provides a smoother door operation.

Addressing key consumer complaints, the unique technology also solves the issue of rusty pins, door drop and squeaky hinges!

DURAsmooth™ hinges come in a wide variety of styles and finishes, available from 70mm to 100mm. The category includes Butt, Broad Butt, Easy Fit, Radius Butt, Radius Lift Off and Rising Butt Hinges

Under the ITW Proline umbrella – Australia’s leader in Hardware Solutions, Zenith are proud to launch ‘DURAsmooth™’, a world first breakthrough for the hinge category.

This functional DURAsmooth™ innovation offers a unique new polyamide coating over the hinge pin.

Zenith DURAsmooth™ are the first to globally innovate in this category, offering consumers additional value

with this patented development.

The smooth closing and opening mechanism is integrated into the polyamide coating of the pin

New breakthrough patented pin technology

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For more information contact your local Bowens store or visit itwproline.com.au/zenithdurasmooth

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