Finding your mattress match: warnings and wisdom from the experts
When it comes buying a new mattress, most of us don’t put much thought into the purchase beyond whether or not it feels comfy in the store. We might spend an hour or two bouncing gently on different products to test their firmness, but we rarely ask the important questions. This is why, every year, thousands of homeowners end up with a mattress that just isn’t suitable for their lifestyle or sleeping habits.
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Green plumbing tips
Water is the world’s most precious commodity. We can be blasé about our usage and consumption of water during the wet months or when there are no apparent shortages and our dams are at a decent level.
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Home renovation costs: when to save, when to splurge
Undertaking a major home renovation and extension is a large investment in your family home, and in your family’s future. There is a myriad of decisions and selections that need to be made, and overarching it all is a budget that you are determined to work within. This advice will help you decide if you should spend or splurge.
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How to choose a plumber in Sydney - that won't rip you off
Plumbing emergencies can be a stressful time and the last thing you want to be doing is wasting time looking for a reliable plumbing company. If you know what to look for, the task will be much quicker and easier. Here are seven things to consider so that you don't get ripped off.
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Get your home winter-ready
Winter is just around the corner and while many areas of Australia have been enjoying a very mild Autumn it is easy to get caught out when the cold snap arrives. So now is the time to prepare the house for those winter chills.
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Garden irrigation systems in Queensland
Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast can be very hot and dry places. Often gardens in these areas of South East Queensland struggle to survive through periods of intense weather patterns. Most people love an inviting, thriving garden and have invested a lot of time and money into their lawns, plants and landscaping only to lose precious plants due to insufficient water.
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Gabion retaining walls for flood control
If you have a home located along a river or by the sea, or you have a creek running through your property, erosion control is an important factor in protecting your property. Heavy rain and flash flooding are becoming more frequent causing land to wash away and it is important to maintain, stabilise and repair your river or stream bank.
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Revive your roof
Most Australians are house proud. Regardless of the size and style of our homes we like to keep them well maintained, clean, neat and tidy. But sometimes our roofs get overlooked. Particularly if the house is two or more stories, or has a flat roof. It could be a case of out of sight out of mind. It only takes rain and wind to create leaks into our ceiling to make us realise that it’s time for some much needed roof maintenance.
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Electrical technology for the laundry
The laundry is the working room of any home - in addition to washing, drying, and ironing, the laundry often doubles as a general storage area for linen, household items and even the kids’ sporting equipment! It needs to be a functional space where you can work safely and comfortably, and modern electrical technology can help that happen without adding to power bills. This article explores some of the options that are available, that may interest you.
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Light Up your Life with LED’s
Did you know that lighting is approximately 20% of a household energy bill?
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6 secrets a building pest inspection report can reveal
Mould can be a big problem at home. More often than not, it’s an indicator of a graver problem. Sometimes poorly ventilated parts of the house can bring about a patch of mould. However, if you see fungal decay in the timber or black mould in and around your house, this won’t leave you at ease. It’s important to look out for these in the nooks and crannies because it usually means there is water or moisture within the structure.
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How to tell if you have termites
Termites are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. They are capable of incredible damage and can go undetected for a long time. While there are not often obvious signs of termite presence in your home, you can look for some of the more subtle indications to eradicate them before too much harm is done.
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Guide to Bathroom Lighting and IP Rating
Starting with the technical details, safety is key when choosing your bathroom lighting. To identify whether a light is safe for your bathroom, all lights are given an IP Rating (Ingress Protection rating) which measures how resistant the light is to both water and dust particles. IP Ratings can be determined by reading the first and second digits following the initial ‘IP’.
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Questions (and answers!) to your most commonly asked plumbing questions
The plumbing in our homes is one of those things that we often take for granted and don’t think twice about – until something goes wrong. Plumbing issues are also among the most inconvenient, particularly if you have a family and the issue is affecting your everyday routine.
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Widely-used terminology in window industry
There is some widely used terminology in the window industry. Knowing what these terms mean is a great help when it comes to understanding the industry jargon associated with insulation, energy issues and climatic zones. Here’s a quick guide to some commonly used terms - and what they actually mean!
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Maintenance tips for your garage door
Garage doors are one of the most neglected fittings in a home, which, given the hundreds of other things homeowners need to think about and sort out, isn’t all that surprising.
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Check your plumbing for leaks
Leaks in plumbing can be silent and hidden, but they are capable of massive amounts of damage. Ceilings, floors, walls, and the structural integrity of your home can be damaged by even a small leak, causing thousands of dollars of damage. The best course of action is to find any leaks as soon as possible and fix them before any further damage can occur. Follow these steps to determine if you have any leaks and identify their source.
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How much does a second storey addition cost?
Have you ever wondered: ‘How much does a Second Storey Addition Cost?’ and ‘Should I extend out or build up? Which will cost more?’ Adding a second storey does not always cost more than a home extension. Sometimes it actually makes more sense to add another level, but homeowners can be put off by thinking that this costs more than a ground floor home extension. This is not necessarily the case! This article reveals the inside scoop on whether building a ground floor extension or adding a second story on your house would be best for you.
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What you need to know about kitchen designs
The kitchen is the focal point of any home. It is the heart and soul of the home and the central point for creativity and gathering of family and friends. The kitchen is the most important room in any home and therefore should be functional, light, airy and a pleasant space to work in. Most kitchens these days are part of an open plan area combining cooking, dining, living and entertaining spaces so you want it to not only work well but also look smart.
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Appliance repair: when to call a professional
If any of your appliances have been acting strangely lately, you may have wondered whether you should call a professional. The most obvious sign is that they aren’t working at all, but other symptoms include loud noises, water leaking, decreased efficiency, and higher than normal power bills. If you’re tossing up between repair and replacement, a professional can help you assess the appliance and make the best decision.
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