Australian Home Building Glossary (2026): 128 Construction Terms Explained

Tradie Slang

Besser block

George Giannakakis

By George Giannakakis · B.Arch.Studies · M.Arch (UniSA) · RLA300580

Last reviewed: · How we research

Heard on site

"Two courses of Besser, core-filled, then the sleepers."

Regional note: Besser nationally. Queensland says "blockwork" for whole houses.

Take the tradie quiz

Besser block explained in detail

A hollow concrete block, usually 390 x 190 x 190mm. Besser was a brand (an American machine maker) that became the generic Australian word. Used for retaining walls, garages, fences and the ground floor of many Queensland homes. Also spelled Bessa. Core-filled and reinforced, it is a proper structural wall.

Top 5 Things You Need to Know Before Making Structural Changes
23m 10s
Watch: Besser block in contextSponsored byHome Building Hub
Top 5 Things You Need to Know Before Making Structural Changes

Thinking about moving a wall or changing your floorplan? In this episode, we share the top 5 things you must check before making any structural changes - from pre-designed options to avoiding costly mistakes with wet areas and double-storey layouts.

Watch full episode

Related Terms

Authoritative Sources

Verify against the binding rules in your state

BuildPilot is an independent Australian building platform, we publish guidance, we don't hold a building licence. Every Australian residential build must comply with the National Construction Code plus state-specific Acts and consumer-protection law. The authorities below are the primary sources of truth for the rules that actually apply to your project.

National

Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB)

The primary national set of technical building standards that every Australian build must comply with. Volume 2 covers Class 1 & 10 buildings (most homes).

Standards Australia

Specific material, product and method standards (e.g. AS 3700 masonry, AS 1684 timber framing) referenced by the NCC.

HIA

National peak body for residential builders. Publishes the most widely used home-building contracts and consumer guidance.

Master Builders Australia

National peak body for general builders. Publishes commercial and residential contracts and industry guidance.

Links above open the public website of each authority. BuildPilot is not affiliated with these bodies and does not act on their behalf. Information on this page is general - check the current edition of the NCC and the relevant state Act for binding requirements.

Cookies on. Learn more