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.
Read moreRelocating to a new home
Moving home can be a very stressful and emotional time in your life. Moving downtown, across town, interstate, overseas, downsizing or upsizing it’s a big job that requires a lot of thought and planning. Being organized and well prepared will make the whole process much easier.
Read moreBuilding inspection - why do you need one?
What is a Building Inspection? A building inspection is an examination by qualified professionals which identifies faults and hazards in a property. These can include anything from maintenance and safety issues to serious structural faults or damage. Often the problems identified are not immediately visible or apparent to the untrained eye. Special equipment may be used to gather more information. After the inspection, a report is provided which details the issues. This allows home owners and potential buyers to make informed decisions.
Read moreHow to have a clever clothes line
The Hills Hoist was arguably the most recognized iconic symbol of a typical Australian back yard. There was and still is, nothing like a rotary clothes hoist loaded with washing and spinning in the breeze providing an environmentally safe and cost effective way to dry the washing.
Read moreBrighten your day
Do you have a room or hallway in your home that is always dark and you need a light on even during the day?
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 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 moreThe definitive guide to updating your bathroom on a budget
You don’t always need to spend a huge amount of money on bathroom renovations to produce something really beautiful.
Read more5 mistakes that will jeopardise your garden
If you’re a total newcomer to gardening and you want to pick up some skills fast, it’s easy to find good information. There are scores of great books on the best techniques and you can collect tips and advice from home improvement shows. This article goes deeper into how to nurture your garden.
Read moreElectrical technology for the bedroom
Bedrooms are a personal space where you sleep, study, or just retreat for some quiet time. Modern electrical technology helps to make this special room more livable and functional without adding to your power bills or cluttering up limited space. So what could your bedroom use to make it even more comfortable? This article has the answers.
Read moreChoosing timber flooring
When it comes to flooring which is remarkable, long lasting, timelessly beautiful, and natural, you can’t go past timber. However, there are many different types of timber floors to choose from, and it can become confusing if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Solid, hardwood floors made from new or recycled timber are traditional and remain popular, however floating and engineered floorboards and parquetry are also great options.
Read moreAustralia's Innovative Approach to Workspace Design & Strategy
Learn key innovations in flexibility, technology, and wellbeing shaping the future of work.
Read moreOutdoor Kitchens
The 21st Century has brought us lots of new innovations to simplify our lifestyles.The formal dinner parties of the past have declined to make way for a more relaxed, casual style of entertaining and none more popular than dining Al Fresco and cooking in an Outdoor Kitchen.
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 moreRenovating your Queenslanders’ floors
The Queenslander is a much admired and sort after home that can be found in most parts of Queensland as well as northern New South Wales. There are a number of eras and designs of the Queenslander ranging from the 1800’s to post WW11 homes dotted all over Brisbane, varying in architecture as time progressed and the average size of the urban house block decreased. There are however a couple of unique features all Queenslanders share, the most iconic of which is the verandahs and the timber floors.
Read moreRecommended finishes for solid timber entrance doors
There have been numerous articles or recommendations on the types of finish for exterior doors, some of which are disputable. It is important to select an exterior finish that allows for movement of the timber as well as maintenance and preservation.
Read morePros and cons of some of the common home security alarm systems
We all want to feel safe and secure in our homes and to know that our property is protected, so for many, a home security alarm system is the answer. There are both positives and negatives to installing some of the common home security alarm systems available, which are outlined below. Before looking at the pros and cons, read this article to understand how the two basic types of home security alarm systems work.
Read moreThe Right Way to Solving Summer/Spring Pest Problems Easily
One of the best parts about moving into a new home is the opportunity to make new friends with your neighbours. This will also help you get information on any previous issues the property had in regards to pests. The first people to know when a pest control is conducted are the neighbours and if there has been a history of pest invasion, it is most likely that the neighbours will be able to give you that information.
Read moreWidely-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!
Read moreRubbish removal: cutting costs, hours, and effort
Rubbish removal is an often overlooked aspect of home improvement, but it can turn out to be a serious cost. Make the most of your money by clearly outlining rubbish removal in your budget and your plan.
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