How to choose a staircase
There are many homes throughout Australia with staircases and in some more than one. A staircase can be tucked away and unobtrusive or can be a focal point and add real wow factor to your home. Taking regulations and guidelines into account your staircase can then only be limited by space, budget and imagination.
Read moreRain Water Tanks
Each Australian on average uses 53,000 liters of water per year. That sounds like a lot but we probably don’t stop to think about the many ways we use water and how the consumption can add up.
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 moreHome heating options in a nutshell
There are several options when it comes to heating your home, and the right choice will depend on your individual circumstances. Before you even consider which type of heating system will be right for you, consider how you can make your home more efficient at retaining heat. Overlooking this step could cost you dearly in the long run, resulting in the need for a more powerful heater which perpetually struggles against cold draughts and escaping heat.
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 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 moreExterior Window Coverings
We all like a little ambiance and privacy at home by dressing our windows with curtains, blinds or shutters. Did you ever consider external window coverings? The European roller style block out shutters have long been a common way to provide protection not only from harsh sun, wind, rain and hail but also they act as a security shield and reduce the level of external noise all while providing complete privacy. Block out roller shutters will also help protect your home and stop windows from shattering during a bushfire.
Read moreHow 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.
Read moreHow to create kerb appeal
We have all admired other people’s homes. Regardless of the period, style, size and location there are many homes you look at and just say “wow”, “I could live there in a heartbeat” , “that’s my dream home” , “if I won Lotto that’s where I would want to live” and so on. We can be equally critical about the homes we don’t like. The ones we look at and say “what were they thinking?” “look how untidy that yard is”, “I don’t like the colour scheme” or “it looks very ramshackle”, “maybe its abandoned”.
Read moreGet Decked Out
Thinking about what flooring or paving to choose for your patio, outdoor room, poolside surrounds, entertaining area or pathways?
Read moreFinding 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.
Read moreA homeowner’s guide to planning a hassle free home renovation
Every year, millions of homeowners all across Australia embark on ambitious home renovation projects. The most popular targets are the kitchen and the bathroom, because they offer lots of opportunities for families to stamp their personality on the space. Whether it’s a full makeover, complete with entirely new fixtures and fittings, or it’s just a spruce up to revive a tired room; successful renovations can add value to a home and expand its appeal.
Read moreUnderfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is a beautiful way to heat your home, obviously not from a visual sense as it is invisible, but because of the comfort and ambience it creates. It is unobtrusive, providing warmth for an entire room with no noise and no risk of being burnt by radiators or oil heaters. Perfect particularly for small children and the elderly.
Read morePool Tiling Brisbane
Stone tiles can also be used successfully for pools and can be carried onto patio areas for a flowing, cohesive design or can be coordinated with existing outdoor pavers and tiling. Always keep in mind that a rougher, more porous surface is preferred for pool surrounds as this aids in reducing slip hazards.
Read moreGarden 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.
Read moreHow to design your perfect backyard
Designing the perfect outdoor area in Australia is often influenced by climate and lifestyle. Not only do you need to consider what kind of design will keep you feeling comfortable, but what design will allow your plants to survive, and to thrive. There is no perfect formula. Each garden is as unique as the land, house, and people who live there. However, it’s always a great idea to plan sustainably, and a water-saving garden is never a bad choice!
Read moreBathroom ideas and trends
After kitchens, bathrooms are the most important room in the house and perhaps the next most expensive. There are no hard and fast rules to building a brand new bathroom or renovating an existing one, other than the importance of the highest standard of workmanship in waterproofing and plumbing.
Read moreElectrical Safety
Have you ever stopped to consider the importance of electricity, particularly in the home, and how much we rely on it for so many day to day things? And have you ever truly thought about how dangerous electricity can be and therefore how important it is to always engage the services of a licensed electrician. Never take for granted the importance or danger of any electrical fixture or appliance and the absolute necessity for a professional to carry out any electrical work.
Read moreHow much will it cost to repair a blocked toilet in Sydney?
Toilets are probably the most crucial plumbing fixture in the home. When your Sydney toilet gets blocked, you want the problem fixed as quickly as possible. But how much will you have to pay? Here are some guidelines around the costs of having your blocked toilet repaired by a licensed Sydney plumber.
Read more7 design tips for an eco-friendly home that doesn't cost the earth
Having an eco friendly home is about more than just saving money. It means that you’re doing your bit for Mother Nature. Reducing your home’s carbon footprint is a worthwhile endeavour, but sometimes the costs associated can be off-putting. But what if we told you that, with a few tweaks in home design, you could have an environmentally conscious home that’s not going to cost an arm and a leg? We’re not kidding, so read on to find out seven design tips that will transform your place into an efficient and green household.
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