Warning 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 moreRenovating? Time to think about you outdoor additions
Australians traditionally love the outdoors. We love to take advantage of the abundant sunny days and warm evenings by entertaining outdoors. Outdoor rooms and outdoor kitchens along with verandahs, decks, pergolas, patios, cabanas and gazebos provide us with a space to extend our living into the outdoors. Relaxed, informal entertaining these days is a very popular way to catch up with family and friends. You would be hard pressed to find an Australian home that does not have some form of outdoor living space.
Read moreHow To Choose A Property Manager
We work with a lot of property managers, as a result we see the good, the bad and the ugly! As a service which our clients hire to present their properties in a way that enhances the value of those properties. We, therefore, take an active interest in helping you get the most from your property, whether it be your home, or your rental income nest. As a result, we have gathered a lot of experience that can help you decide how to choose a property manager that is right for your investment.
Read moreBuilding Quotes: How to avoid hidden costs
Building Quotes and avoiding hidden costs is possible if you know what to look for. Not all Building Quotes are created equal! If you are embarking on a home building or renovation project, you have probably contacted several Builders and have their Quotes in your hot hands. Some may look cheaper than the others, but are there hidden costs? Learn what to look for and why a cheaper quotes may cost you more in the long term.
Read moreInstalling a new hot water system
Installing a new hot water system can be a daunting task if you aren’t knowledgeable about your options. But because hot water is such a large part of your power bills, it’s worth doing your research. Here we’ve described each type of hot water system and storage options. Contact an appliance repair and installation company to discuss installing your new system.
Read moreWhy not add a Spa Bath to your Bathroom
Although Spa Baths have been installed in Australian homes for many years, they went out of favour and the numbers dropped in popularity. People were removing them from their homes when renovating or no longer including them in a new build. But Spa Baths are on trend again.
Read moreWhat 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.
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 moreWhat to look for when considering tiles and tilers
When it comes to tiles we tend to think of the wet areas of the house - kitchen, bathroom and laundries. But there are so many styles, shapes, sizes and materials of tiles available for many more uses than just our wet areas including floors and walls for living rooms, entry halls, fireplaces and stairs, not to mention outdoor areas such as verandahs, terraces, pathways, entertaining areas and pools.
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 moreGarage door safety: tips on keeping you and your family safe
When you think about it, the garage door is probably the heaviest moving object on your property, as well as the largest. So it makes sense to treat this item with special caution, particularly if you have young children in the family. It is worth coming up with a set of safety rules that both adults and children are aware of, and make sure that you remind everyone from time to time about them. After all, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
Read moreMaintaining your Stone floors
Natural stone floors are an investment that can last a life time if cared for properly. Stone floors add a wow factor to any home and should be maintained regularly
Read moreThe benefits of a home renovation or extension
There are many reasons why home owners may choose to renovate or extend their house. Perhaps you are about to sell and want to add value to the property, or your growing family requires more space.
Read moreHow to clean your solar panels
If you have installed a solar power system in your home or workplace you have invested a considerable amount of money, so it’s important that your return on the investment is as large as possible.
Read more7 ways homeowners can benefit from professional landscaping
For many homeowners, notions of professional landscaping are a bit farfetched. They don’t feel relevant to life because, well, not everybody needs a lawn fit for the Chelsea Flower Show. What they don’t realise is that the term ‘landscaping’ covers all kinds of different features, designs, and arrangements; not just high maintenance e blooms and lavish water fountains.
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 more4 unobtrusive measures to amp up your home security
We all want a safe, secure place to rest our head at night, but while security often leaves style taking a back seat, it can be incredibly difficult to find a reasonable midground. With that said, there are definitely options for homeowners that would prefer to rest a little easier without having to compromise on luxury or elegance.
Read moreProfessional painters - the pluses
Building, renovating, updating, time for a change or selling are the more common reasons to paint your home. Inside, outside, one room or many, it is important to get the colour and the finish just right and to achieve that it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional licensed painter.
Read moreWhat you need to know about plasterers
A plasterer is an expert in the supply and installation of plasterboard (also known as dry wall plaster). The majority of homes and buildings in Australia will have a number of rooms, if not all, with plasterboard internal walls and ceilings.
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
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