Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit deals with the skills and knowledge required to research and document the materials, construction techniques and methods associated with the construction of residential buildings.

Application of the unit 

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in interior decoration businesses of all sizes. The ability to demonstrate knowledge of the materials and methods associated with the construction of residential buildings must be shown.

This unit requires employability skills in communication and planning and organising to access and interpret information using a range of information sources. Self management and learning skills are applied in the review of information to ensure building processes are correctly identified.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Demonstrate knowledge of structural components and materials used

1.1. Residential building process is delineated into separate construction stages and expressed chronologically

1.2. Trades, construction techniques and materials associated with each stage are summarised

1.3. Individual component members are identified and sorted into structural or non-structural categories

1.4. Demolition methods for the removal of existing work can be identified

2. Interpret plans and specifications

2.1. Specific components and materials on given building plans are located

2.2. Construction methods are explained from a given plan

2.3. Specific component details in a given building specification are located and identified

2.4. Bill of quantities and other relevant specification documents are interpreted

2.5. Prime cost items are located and extracted from a given set of documents 

3. Specify the materials and methods involved in the refurbishment of wet areas

3.1. Properties of materials used in wet area construction are evaluated

3.2. Installations of wet area cabinetry are specified

4. Develop and maintain relevant and current reference material

4.1. Relevant Building Services Authority building licensing requirements applicable to interior decoration projects are complied with

4.2. Evidence of contact with industry suppliers to obtain information relevant to building components and equipment used in residential interiors is presented

4.3. An index to the portfolio to reflect industry topics and to allow easy access to the information is provided

4.4. Future additions of reference material are allowed for and details of the information such as date, source, author and reference to any related information are included

4.5. A strategy to ensure that the portfolio remains current and accurate is prepared

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• the ability to analyse given situations, and determine materials used and construction methods and techniques
• presenting findings in a creative and convincing format
• reading, interpreting and following information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material
• carrying out work according to OHS practices

Required knowledge 

• State or Territory OHS legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to the full range of processes for identifying building materials and methods
• organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for identifying building materials and methods
• relevant Australian Standards and the Building Code of Australia
• awareness of different forms of construction
• local environmental plans and relevant building authorities
• basic building and architectural terminology
• common structural and non-structural components of a residential building
• geographical implications of a building site/location
• materials and methods involved in the refurbishment of a wet area
• materials and methods involved in the construction and installation of contemporary built-in cabinetry
• equipment involved in the installation of home theatre systems
• climate control devices including fans, heaters and air conditioners
• research techniques
• demolition methods
• trades, construction techniques and materials associated with each stage
• residential building process

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

• Access and interpret information about building materials and processes
• Identify key elements and participants in the building process
• Communicate effectively and work safely with others in the work area

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• The application of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated workplace
• Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
• Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
• Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
• The following resources should be made available:

• workplace location or simulated workplace
• materials and equipment relevant to identifying materials, techniques and methods used in building interiors
• specifications and work instructions

Method of assessment 

• Assessment must satisfy the endorsed assessment guidelines of the Furnishing Industry Training Package
• Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge
• Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application
• Assessment may be applied under project related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
• Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
• Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency

Guidance information for assessment 

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Set of documents 

• may include but not be limited to drawings, plans, schedules, specifications and bill of quantities

Unit sector 

Interior decoration and design.

Competency field 

Co-requisite units