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 moreSimple ideas to lighten and brighten your home
Most homes have a dark corner, hallway or room that has little or no natural light. There are many ways to remedy the problem without needing to have the lights on all day. Here are some ideas that will not only transform the mood of a room but also create a feeling of space without the hassle of a major renovation and a strain on the budget.
Read moreHow long does it take to paint a house?
When you paint a house, it's important to prime it first.It takes half a day for one coat. Then you can paint the walls with another coat.In the end, your painting job must look nice. One important thing to remember is that it's interior or exterior painting. So it's always best to try and do the prep work yourself if possible. It means filling holes in plasterboard, sanding down surfaces to be much more easily painted, and cleaning surfaces.
Read moreKitchen Functionality: A Guide to 5 Popular Styles of Kitchen Islands
The dream kitchen of every chef has a U-shaped kitchen island. The three corner walls of cabinetry with its appliances are more than enough to radically improve the efficiency and functionality of any kitchen.
Read moreAppliance repair: when to call a professional
If any of your appliances have been acting strangely lately, you may have wondered whether you should call a professional. The most obvious sign is that they aren’t working at all, but other symptoms include loud noises, water leaking, decreased efficiency, and higher than normal power bills. If you’re tossing up between repair and replacement, a professional can help you assess the appliance and make the best decision.
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 moreGet Rugged Up This Winter
What better way to make a warm, cozy and stylish statement to a room than with a beautiful floor rug. Rugs can bring a room together or help create a zone in an open plan area of your home. When planning the décor for your room you could start with a rug and use its tones and textures to determine other decorator items
Read moreGetting kitchen cabinets right
Having lots of storage in the kitchen is essential. This means that the most prominent feature of your kitchen is often your cabinets. Changing the design or surface of your cabinets can instantly revitalise and update your kitchen and create a huge impact. If you love your current layout, you may only need to replace the doors for an instant makeover. However, if your old cabinets are looking worse for wear inside, it’s worth investing in some quality, custom made shelving.
Read moreHow to have a clever clothes line
The Hills Hoist was arguably the most recognized iconic symbol of a typical Australian back yard. There was and still is, nothing like a rotary clothes hoist loaded with washing and spinning in the breeze providing an environmentally safe and cost effective way to dry the washing.
Read moreThe Evolution of the Backyard Garden Shed
Remember the backyard garden shed your parents, grandparents or neighbours had to house their gardening equipment and tools, the kid’s bikes or the boat?
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 moreRevive your roof
Most Australians are house proud. Regardless of the size and style of our homes we like to keep them well maintained, clean, neat and tidy. But sometimes our roofs get overlooked. Particularly if the house is two or more stories, or has a flat roof. It could be a case of out of sight out of mind. It only takes rain and wind to create leaks into our ceiling to make us realise that it’s time for some much needed roof maintenance.
Read moreHow to dress your home with curtains
Curtains are not just simply used for window dressing - they can create the foundation of a room’s entire atmosphere. These tips will help you to revive and refurnish your living space - using curtains!
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 moreBathroom Trends For 2015
Once the bathroom was a just a functional space for the family to bathe & refresh.
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 more3 reasons to install shade sails
Shade sails have one obvious function- to provide shade. But their benefits go beyond that.
Read moreWhat statement does your door make?
As they say first impressions are lasting ones. Make a statement with your front entry door and create an immediate impression for your visitors. However it’s not only your front entry door that can create an impression, internal doors are the entry to each room in the house and are important as well.
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 moreIs polished concrete more expensive than tiling?
There are a number of things to consider when choosing between polished concrete and tiles, and it is important to think carefully before making a final decision. From how the flooring surface will be used to the relative costs involved, these considerations will help guide your project and allow you to make a sound decision.
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