How 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 moreBuying sustainably and how to do it effectively
Do you wish you knew how to shop for pieces that veer towards the sustainable side of things? Buying environmentally friendly items can be hard to spot without asking a million questions, and although these types of questions are always welcome it’s nice to have some knowledge before hitting the shops. Let’s look at some of the criteria to spot an eco-friendly choice.
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 moreHelp Your Pond Beat the Summer Heat
Record high temperatures across the nation create a number of challenges for people, pets, plants, and yes, even your water garden. You’ll want to keep a close eye on your pond, especially when the water temperature reaches 26 degrees or higher.
Read moreContinuous Guttering
Have the gutters at your place seen better days, now is the time to get new guttering installed, be prepared for those heavy downfalls from summer storms.
Read moreTips for Managing a Hot Water System
If you don't maintain your hot water system, you may face several consequences that can cause inconvenience, expenses, and even safety hazards. Over time, hot water systems can accumulate sediment, rust, and debris, leading to reduced efficiency and increased energy bills. Without proper maintenance, these deposits can cause leaks, blockages, or damage to the system, requiring expensive repairs or replacement.
Read moreShade Sails
Shade Sails (also known as Sail Shades) and awnings are a great solution for providing protection from sun, rain and wind in outdoor areas. There are many commercial properties such as cafes, pubs, clubs, schools, day care centres, hospitals and nursing homes utilizing their outdoor areas with overhead coverings and private companies providing outdoor space for their staff to use for coffee and lunch breaks. They are now also more and more homes and private residences with shade sails and awnings.
Read moreRenovations for the older folk
Downsizing or moving into a Retirement Village can be a daunting prospect for the elderly. Many older folk would prefer to stay in their existing home if possible so that they can still be surrounded by their memories, chat to the neighbours they have know for decades and remain independent for as long as possible.
Read moreMaintenance tips for your garage door
Garage doors are one of the most neglected fittings in a home, which, given the hundreds of other things homeowners need to think about and sort out, isn’t all that surprising.
Read moreHow fencing can add value and appeal to your home
The first thing to know when considering a fence to add value and appeal to your home is that a fence will not necessarily add value. The result depends heavily on your individual property and the decisions you make. You need to consider whether a fence would add to or detract from your home, and what type of fence you may need.
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 moreWhat you need to know about built-in wardrobes
We all love lots of storage in our homes and the most efficient way to do that is with built-ins. It is well worth considering the addition of built-in wardrobes to your bedrooms. Or if you are lucky enough to have plenty of space a walk-in robe is even better. A built in wardrobe creates a very functional and tidy solution for your clothing, shoes and accessories that can be customised specifically for your needs.
Read moreBenefits of upholstering
Upholstering furniture can involve much more than simply changing the fabric on your furniture.
Read moreEnergy Saving Tips for the Home
Most of us at some point have suffered from Bill Shock when we have opened the house hold utility bills.
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 moreInterior decorating tricks to put the spring back in your step
The spring has finally arrived in Australia and homeowners are starting to emerge from the depths of winter with big plans for their interiors. This is the perfect time of year for transitions and changes, so it is no surprise that so many people are investing in transformations.
Read moreChoosing The Right Carpet
What’s there not to love about carpet. Don’t we love the feeling of carpet under our bare feet. Isn’t it cosy for the kids to play on a carpeted floor. Don’t we love the noise reduction of carpeted floors and the nonslip safety aspect, not to mention the winter warmth.
Read moreGuide to Bathroom Lighting and IP Rating
Starting with the technical details, safety is key when choosing your bathroom lighting. To identify whether a light is safe for your bathroom, all lights are given an IP Rating (Ingress Protection rating) which measures how resistant the light is to both water and dust particles. IP Ratings can be determined by reading the first and second digits following the initial ‘IP’.
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 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.
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