•        The BCA allows another method of termite management, often called "termite resistant construction".  It involves making sure that the main structure of the house is built entirely of termite-resistant  materials.

•        TR construction acknowledges that termites may be present and may attack a structure, but limits its consequences to easily-detected and easily-replaced non-structural components.

•        The most commonly used TR materials are bricks, steel, treated timbers, naturally-resistant timbers and concrete.

•        Some states and councils disallow or discourage the builder from using this method alone (ie without a barrier) even if the consumer wants it.  They argue that it exposes secondary non-structural parts of the home to damage.

•        Some states have widened the definition of "structural" to include secondary materials, rendering TR construction impractical or aesthetically inappropriate.

•        TR construction does not replace the need for inspections and good maintenance.  It reduces the level of skill required to detect a covert infestation and the consequences of non-detection.

•        The likely cost - over the life of the home - of replacement of secondary materials has to be compared with the cost of initial and follow-up barrier treatments, plus the cost of more regular and more expert inspection of barriers.  You the consumer will pay, so make sure you know exactly what you are getting.

•        When termite-resistant construction is used, further extensions using the same method present no particular difficulty.