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

Tradie Slang

Scaffy

George Giannakakis

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

Last reviewed: · How we research

Heard on site

"Scaffy is charging weekly hire, so every rain day costs us."

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Scaffy explained in detail

A scaffolder. Erects and dismantles the scaffold the brickies, roofies and painters stand on. Scaffold over 4m needs a licensed scaffolder in every state and gets inspected. Scaffold hire is a common line item that blows out when the build runs late.

The best (and worst) approach to use when enquiring with a builder
35m 10s
Watch: Scaffy in contextSponsored byHome Building Hub
The best (and worst) approach to use when enquiring with a builder

We get it, no one wants to be sold to… but the reality is that there are a lot of variables when it comes to buying a house and/or land package, so it’s important for every buyer to give themselves the best chance to learn, understand and obtain the best solution for their needs. In this episode, we explain the ‘to dos’ and ‘not to dos’ when enquiring with a builder to give you the best opportunity to find the right solution for your needs.

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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.

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