Is your pool water-smart?
Living in Australia means we’re often conscious of our water use. But we also love to swim! Luckily there’s measures we can take to make sure our swimming pools are water-smart.
Read moreSetting up the ideal home office
Working from home is only worthwhile if you have a well-designed work space there. If you are setting up a home office at your place keep the following tips in mind.
Read moreCheck 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.
Read moreGetting kitchen cabinets right
Having lots of storage in the kitchen is essential. This means that the most prominent feature of your kitchen is often your cabinets. Changing the design or surface of your cabinets can instantly revitalise and update your kitchen and create a huge impact. If you love your current layout, you may only need to replace the doors for an instant makeover. However, if your old cabinets are looking worse for wear inside, it’s worth investing in some quality, custom made shelving.
Read moreGet 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.
Read moreAppliance 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.
Read moreBreathing new life into old furniture
Is your furniture tired and out of date, worn out and sagging or just needs a new lease of life? Have you a beautiful antique piece that has been in the family for years but is in need of some TLC? Do you need a change of décor or just want new look but don’t want to part with the furniture you already have? Well why not consider re-upholstering to breathe new life into your furniture and thereby new life into your home.
Read moreSimple ideas to lighten and brighten your home
Most homes have a dark corner, hallway or room that has little or no natural light. There are many ways to remedy the problem without needing to have the lights on all day. Here are some ideas that will not only transform the mood of a room but also create a feeling of space without the hassle of a major renovation and a strain on the budget.
Read moreDriveways make a statement
Everyone wants the front of their home to look fantastic. The driveway of the average Australian suburban house block takes up a big chunk of real estate. Your driveway needs to compliment the style of your home and landscaping. A driveway needs not only look great but has to be able to stand up to the rigors of having the ton or so of family car traversing it constantly. Other than the kids bedrooms it will take more abuse than any other part of your home
Read more5 tips for choosing a good home air conditioning unit
There are lots of air conditioners to choose from on the market, and lots of different factors to take into consideration when purchasing an air conditioning unit. This article includes tips from an electrician to ensure you make the right choices when purchasing an air conditioner.
Read moreGuide 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’.
Read moreTips for Managing a Hot Water System
If you don't maintain your hot water system, you may face several consequences that can cause inconvenience, expenses, and even safety hazards. Over time, hot water systems can accumulate sediment, rust, and debris, leading to reduced efficiency and increased energy bills. Without proper maintenance, these deposits can cause leaks, blockages, or damage to the system, requiring expensive repairs or replacement.
Read moreFive tips to spotlessly clean windows
Windows are generally quite a chore to clean - it's easy to take shortcuts and put ourselves in danger when we're just trying to rush through and get the job done. These tips will take some of the effort out and give you some helpful hints to keeping safe while you complete your spring cleaning chores.
Read more4 common house defects uncovered by property inspections
A property inspection report is a must have document when you’re deciding whether or not to buy a house. Many homes have defects which will be uncovered by property inspectors. Some are serious, and others, less so. The building inspection gives you the power to make an informed decision about whether it’s the right house for you. These are some common issues which may be uncovered in the report:
Read moreSeven simple DIY ways to clear a blocked drain
Most residents give little, if any, thought to the things they flush down the toilet and wash down their sinks. Water companies spend millions each year clearing out foreign matter that has ended up in our increasingly overloaded sewer systems. But the water companies aren’t the only ones responsible for drains. Find out more and what you can do about it here.
Read moreWhen to call in a handyman
Maintaining a home is important to ensure that small problems don’t become large problems when left unaddressed for long periods of time. Our home is probably our biggest investment and we should keep it in good shape. Let’s face it – not everyone is a home handyman. You may not be handy or you may be too busy to get those little jobs done around the home and that’s when you should call in a handyman.
Read moreChoosing exterior shutters for your home
Adding shutters to your home is a great way to increase value, security, privacy, and curb appeal. They’re stylish and low maintenance, and there are plenty to choose from. The two main types of exterior shutters are plantation shutters and roller shutters.
Read moreWarning signs of pest infestations to look out for while house hunting
Check open spaces for anthills, window frames for wasps nests, trees for termite nests, and sheds and trees for possum nests. Be on the lookout for other evidence that pests are living there such as droppings under trees and the skin being eaten off lemons on fruit trees. Secondly, observe greenery in the area. If there are damaged plants or patches of grass pests may be to blame.
Read moreHow to source furniture for your home
Often when people think about sourcing furniture, they imagine going to a shop and picking some out. It’s a convenient way to buy, and even easier if you take advantage of online retailers. However, if you don’t have an eye for interior design, it can be hard to tell what sort of furniture would suit your space. Or maybe you have a vision which requires furniture which you can’t find in mainstream stores. In any case, there are other avenues through which to purchase furniture which is unique, stylish, and suited perfectly to your space.
Read moreThe importance of a licensed electrician
Electrician’s jobs are many and varied. It is important to enlist the services of a fully qualified licensed and insured electrician to carry out the work correctly and safely.
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