Beat the Melbourne climate install air conditioning
Australia is a country of climate extremes and while traditionally we embrace the summer months it can be exhausting and debilitating when the temperatures and the humidity rise. Our houses heat up during the day making it very uncomfortable to sleep at night. It can be just as uncomfortable trying to stay warm during the chilly winter months and if you live in Melbourne you could well experience all four seasons in one day. The perfect solution to this changing and sometimes unpredictable weather is air conditioning.
Read moreHome 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 moreInsulating Your Home
Insulation is essential to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. By installing insulation you will effectively keep your heating and cooling bills down and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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 moreWhat Air Conditioning System is best for me?
VRV stands for Variable Refrigerant Volume. A VRV system is still the only system that continuously adjusts the refrigerant volume within the system to match exactly the heating or cooling requirement in each area, for optimum comfort and maximum energy efficiency.
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 moreHouse Inspections: Uncovering Hidden Problems and Potential Solutions
A qualified building inspector often holds certifications from recognized industry bodies, ensuring they follow standard procedures and guidelines. For example, in Australia, inspectors may be licensed by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) or hold accreditation from the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors. These certifications validate the inspector's expertise and ability to provide a thorough, reliable assessment.
Read moreHow 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.
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 more5 Types of Wall Lighting - How to Choose the Right One for Your Home
When selecting the perfect bathroom wall light, quality of the fixture and its ability withstand exposure to moisture is key. Bathroom wall lights ideally need to have an IP Rating of at least IP44 to ensure they are protected from the regular exposure to moisture that comes with regular bathroom use.
Read moreLaminate Floor Cleaning – Quick 4-Step Guide to Save You From Disaster!
Understandably, people naturally use water when cleaning flooring surfaces, but the problem with laminate flooring is that water is its enemy! Moisture warps and weakens it. Often the lamella is only 5mm thin and it has MDF backing. This is like chipboard so the slightest gap between planks, or unsealed edges, will cause it to swell, lift and buckle.
Read moreNew Home Construction - Exterior and Interior Colours Finished
For interior paint, choose colours wisely so they blend harmoniously with your floors, cabinetry and furnishings, adding elegance to your living spaces like no other detail can. And floors should not be overlooked; quality tiles, plush carpet or timber floors complete every room ensuring practicality combined with attractive character.
Read moreMaking the most of your pool area
Swimming pools are often the focal points of modern landscape designs. However the areas around them are often overlooked and neglected when it comes to maximising the potential of our backyards.
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 moreTop tips for moving house
Moving house is rated one of the most stressful life events, but with some handy tips on forward planning and organisation it can become an easier and smoother process for you and the whole family. This article includes a detailed checklist of items to keep in mind when you move house.
Read moreHow 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.
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 moreALARMING! Help to upgrade your home security
No matter what the size and value of our home is we want to protect it, just as we want to protect our family, and the best way to do that is with security.
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.
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.
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