Most people associate external cladding with the look of their home and there are often only one or two types of cladding to choose from in any given region. While external cladding can be an effective way to improve the appearance and energy efficiency of your home, it isn’t always easy to find exactly what you’re looking for in terms of cost, color or even aesthetics. Here are some great tips on how to fit external cladding so you can get the right look at the right price, no matter where you live in Australia!

The Types of Cladding

There are many types of external cladding, with the most common being cementitious and timber. These two claddings come in a variety of styles, shapes and colours. Cementitious cladding is usually used for areas which need to be waterproofed, such as around pools or other water features, while timber is more often used for decorative purposes. Both materials are available in different styles and colours so you can find the one that best suits your needs. If you’re unsure which type would work best for your home, it’s worth getting an expert opinion from someone like Unifloor who offer advice on how to fit external cladding.

How Much Does it Cost?

Fitting external cladding is a big job, but the cost of the materials varies based on what you want. Unifloor provides an excellent guide for how to fit external cladding, and it’s free! They provide step-by-step instructions on how to install all kinds of claddings including wood, metal, and plastic. Costs vary based on what you’re looking for. For example: wood is cheaper but doesn’t last as long; metal lasts longer but is more expensive; plastic lasts longer than wood and is less expensive than metal.

Getting Permission

If your property has an existing roof, you should get permission from the owner before fitting external cladding. If there is no existing roof, you need planning permission and building regulations approval before starting work on the cladding. Unifloor can help you with all of these permissions, so contact them for a free consultation.

Obtaining a Building Regulation Certificate

A Building Regulation Certificate is a form of Planning Consent which can be applied for by any person wishing to build, alter or extend a building, which is either in a Conservation Area or subject to Special Protection.

Applications are made on the relevant form and submitted with drawings and other information as required. The applicant will also need to produce evidence that they have obtained the necessary planning permission from the local authority.

The Council will issue a fee estimate within 10 working days of receipt of an application and, if applicable, give notice that it intends to make an enquiry about whether the proposal would affect any listed buildings or conservation areas.

Tools You’ll Need For your DIY Project

You’ll need a saw, hammer, chisel, and screwdriver, drill and drill bits. Use a saw to cut the cladding boards along their length and then cut them in half on the diagonal. Score across the top of each board before tapping it with a chisel at an angle – this will make it easier for you to snap off the excess material when fitting them into place. Fit one length of cladded boards horizontally over the wall from one end to the other and then fit another length of boards over the first set vertically – you should have fitted two lengths together. Ensure that all joints are tight by tapping them with your mallet or filling any gaps with spackle before painting both sides of each joint with sealant.

Final Notes about the Building Regulation Certificate Process

The Building Regulation Certificate process is one of the most time-consuming steps in the building process and can be difficult for beginners. However, with a little preparation, it should be an easy undertaking.