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 more6 interior decorating tricks to transform your house into a home
Small details and personal touches really make the difference between a house and a home. With a little bit of imagination, creativity and clever use of key items, you can really make your mark on your living space, making it feel more homely. After consulting with a team of interior stylists, we’ve put together 6 tips that are essential for giving your space some personal style.
Read moreIs 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 moreAll You Need To Know About Maintenance Of Your Epoxy Flooring
Only use warm water for cleaning and make sure that the chemicals or additives you intend using have been recommended by the flooring company.
Read moreA homeowner’s guide to cleaning the fireplace
There are few things guaranteed to warm the heart (and the limbs) faster than a beautiful open fireplace. As a design feature, it is delightfully sophisticated and wonderfully stylish. While many of the traditional Georgian and Victorian fireplaces have now made way for more contemporary shapes and forms, Australian homeowners still love the crackle and heat of real wood fires.
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 moreGreen plumbing tips
Water is the world’s most precious commodity. We can be blasé about our usage and consumption of water during the wet months or when there are no apparent shortages and our dams are at a decent level.
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 moreChoosing the right rug for your space
A rug is the perfect way to complete your look, but they can be a very tricky thing to buy if one is unsure of what they are looking for. Design factors such as placement, colour and size are the main troublesome issues; however there are many more areas that could aide confusion.
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 moreEarly Signs of Tree Trouble: What to Look For
Tree bark is an outer covering that safeguards the tree from any harmful cause. An abnormal appearance can be taken as a caution sign.
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 moreContinuous Hot Water or Solar Hot Water? The pros & cons
The choice of hot water heating will depend on many factors, including your property location, size and household needs
Read more12 spring cleaning hacks that will forever change your life
Spring is well and truly here, and there’s a lightness in the air. More sun, the smell of jasmine and longer days. What’s not to love about this season?
Read moreUpdating your existing pool
It’s time to bring your existing pool into the 21st Century. Just as we renovate, redecorate, paint or update our homes we should do so for the swimming pool. Just as a bathroom or kitchen needs remodeling so does a pool. No pool will last a life time without modifications, so if your pool is looking tired and dated now is the time to act.
Read moreVertical Gardens
Arguably the biggest trend in green spaces at the moment is the Vertical Garden. We are seeing towering apartment and office blocks transformed by beautiful gardens growing up the outside of buildings
Read moreLight Up your Life with LED’s
Did you know that lighting is approximately 20% of a household energy bill?
Read moreHow a handyman can save you time and money
When small jobs pop up around the house we tend to do one of two things, tackle them ourselves with no expertise, or ignore them and hope they go away (they don’t). Hiring a handyman to help with odd jobs can save you a world of pain, and money. He’s a jack of all trades, from plumbing, to electrical, to carpentry. Here’s three ways he can save you time and money.
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 moreAvoiding a DIY disaster – When to call in the professionals
Not every job requires professional help, especially if you are willing to put some time and effort into learning how to do a project properly
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