Archicentre Media Release

1 February 2009

J FOR JOBS - Renovate Out of Recession

The $20 billion a year renovation industry in Australia could be a major key in kick starting the economy, according to Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects, which today launched its J For Jobs program with a series of 100 Free seminars in 2009.

Robert Caulfield, Managing Director of Archicentre said with interest rates expected to be cut this next week to an all time low, tradespeople looking for new work in a highly competitive market, and the Australian dollar down, there has never been a better time to renovate and use Australian products.

"We believe it is important for the Federal Government to consider The Renovation Factor - especially encouraging the use of Australian products which are first quality.

"The important factor about renovation projects is that they can be started more quickly than new housing, which can be bogged down in the planning system for years as developers wait for land, whilst time is of the essence for Australia's economic recovery."

Mr Caulfield said renovations present an opportunity to invest in the family home improving both its value and the quality of life tax free rather than spend $50,000 to $60,000 to move including government taxes and charges.

"Renovations range in size providing jobs for smaller to larger builders and flow onto many areas, apart from building materials, such as furniture, electrical goods, carpets, fixtures and fittings and landscaping."

Mr. Caulfield said that renovation could also be used to lift the environmental quality of Australian housing stock to include energy and water saving devices, a major part of the Federal Government's Climate Change policy.

"As part of its J For Jobs program Archicentre has launched a series of 100 Free Seminars across Australia to encourage renovation, environmental design and informed property buying beginning in February."

The seminars are aimed at providing practical advice to renovators and home buyers to assist them maximize their investment in their home and to bring projects in on budget.
Some of the seminars include:

Ten Things You Should Know about Building in a Changing Climate -
The seminar will cover why houses are cracking, what people can do to save water and energy, discuss alternative construction techniques, showcase a recent sustainable building project.

Ten Things You Should Know About Renovating Before You Start -
The seminar will provide everything you need to know about the design and construction of your renovation, including planning, permits, pit-falls and a case study of a completed renovation.

Ten Things You Should Know about Buying a Home -
The seminar will cover how to find a home, how not to buy a lemon, investing right, how to make a profit and field questions from the audience.

The list of seminars is available at www.archicentre.com.au

Media Enquiries:
Robert Caulfield, Managing Director Archicentre Mobile: 0412 381 306
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications Archicentre Mobile: 0417 329 201