Home 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 moreQuestions (and answers!) to your most commonly asked plumbing questions
The plumbing in our homes is one of those things that we often take for granted and don’t think twice about – until something goes wrong. Plumbing issues are also among the most inconvenient, particularly if you have a family and the issue is affecting your everyday routine.
Read moreRendering a fresh look
There would be few homes these days that do not have some interior or exterior rendered walls. Many contemporary homes are rendered entirely on the outside especially new builds, while a large number of existing or older style homes are rendered to give them a new lease of life and more kerb appeal. Rendering creates a modern elegant finish with clean simple lines while providing a protective layer to the walls making them longer lasting and lower in maintenance.
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 moreBuilding Inspections – Know What You are Buying
If you are seriously considering buying a property it is essential that you get a qualified building inspection before you make that big investment. We can get caught up in the excitement and perhaps emotion of our new purchase and overlook an inspection and end up buying a whole lot of trouble, not to mention the expense of costly repairs that may be way over your budget.
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 moreGlaziers: see clearly
When we think of a Glaziers work we think windows and doors but there is so much more to this specialised field.
Read moreColour Scheming Made Easy
if you have a sunroom, look at a complementary paint colour scheme where you use colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as blue and orange.
Read moreSeven simple DIY ways to clear a blocked drain
Most residents give little, if any, thought to the things they flush down the toilet and wash down their sinks. Water companies spend millions each year clearing out foreign matter that has ended up in our increasingly overloaded sewer systems. But the water companies aren’t the only ones responsible for drains. Find out more and what you can do about it here.
Read more3 reasons to install shade sails
Shade sails have one obvious function- to provide shade. But their benefits go beyond that.
Read moreHow to choose the best fencing for your home
When it comes to choosing fencing there is a huge range of styles, sizes and materials to choose from and lots of things to consider before you make your decision. First and foremost is choosing the right style of fencing to compliment the style and architecture of your home. For example a traditional home may suit a picket fence or perhaps a sandstone wall. While a contemporary home could suit anything from timber or steel to a brick, rendered or stone wall.
Read moreThe homeowner’s guide to purchasing a water heater
The water heater is an essential part of most houses. Without it, daily routines like doing the dishes, showering, and powering appliances would become very difficult. Thus, these sturdy, dependable devices need the right amount of care and attention. If you want to ensure that yours continues to run smoothly, carry out regular maintenance and check its condition.
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 moreBlinds on the inside
Considering blinds for your windows? Well you will be bowled over by choice. Here is some information to get you started.
Read moreIncreasing the market value of your home
Increasing the value of your home is always a good idea, regardless of whether you are thinking about selling soon or not. Investing in a few upgrades for your place will significantly increase what it is worth, especially if you focus on the right elements.
Read moreHow to clean soap scum from your glass shower screens
Glass shower screens add style and beauty to any bathroom; but if you don’t maintain and clean them regularly, eventually they can build up a film of unsightly soap scum. This article explores the maintenance of your glass shower screen doors.
Read moreWhy should you get an inspection?
When purchasing an existing property it is important to understand that you are buying the property in an as-is condition. What this means is that the condition of the property at the time of the inspection is what you are purchasing. This article explains why a property inspection is important and what these inspectors are looking for.
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 moreHow to choose a cabinet makers
Are you thinking of updating your kitchen, bathroom, living rooms or home office but don’t want to use the services of an architect, builder or interior designer? Then you may want to consider a cabinet maker.
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