7 design tips for an eco-friendly home that doesn't cost the earth
Having an eco friendly home is about more than just saving money. It means that you’re doing your bit for Mother Nature. Reducing your home’s carbon footprint is a worthwhile endeavour, but sometimes the costs associated can be off-putting. But what if we told you that, with a few tweaks in home design, you could have an environmentally conscious home that’s not going to cost an arm and a leg? We’re not kidding, so read on to find out seven design tips that will transform your place into an efficient and green household.
Read moreBreathing new life into old furniture
Is your furniture tired and out of date, worn out and sagging or just needs a new lease of life? Have you a beautiful antique piece that has been in the family for years but is in need of some TLC? Do you need a change of décor or just want new look but don’t want to part with the furniture you already have? Well why not consider re-upholstering to breathe new life into your furniture and thereby new life into your home.
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 moreRenovating your Queenslanders’ floors
The Queenslander is a much admired and sort after home that can be found in most parts of Queensland as well as northern New South Wales. There are a number of eras and designs of the Queenslander ranging from the 1800’s to post WW11 homes dotted all over Brisbane, varying in architecture as time progressed and the average size of the urban house block decreased. There are however a couple of unique features all Queenslanders share, the most iconic of which is the verandahs and the timber floors.
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 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 moreRenovating? Time to think about you outdoor additions
Australians traditionally love the outdoors. We love to take advantage of the abundant sunny days and warm evenings by entertaining outdoors. Outdoor rooms and outdoor kitchens along with verandahs, decks, pergolas, patios, cabanas and gazebos provide us with a space to extend our living into the outdoors. Relaxed, informal entertaining these days is a very popular way to catch up with family and friends. You would be hard pressed to find an Australian home that does not have some form of outdoor living space.
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 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 moreHow to clean your solar panels
If you have installed a solar power system in your home or workplace you have invested a considerable amount of money, so it’s important that your return on the investment is as large as possible.
Read moreGabion retaining walls for flood control
If you have a home located along a river or by the sea, or you have a creek running through your property, erosion control is an important factor in protecting your property. Heavy rain and flash flooding are becoming more frequent causing land to wash away and it is important to maintain, stabilise and repair your river or stream bank.
Read moreFencing to reduce traffic noise
If your home or business is located on or near a busy road, noise can be a real problem. There are ways noise can be reduced inside your home, from using glazing on the windows and insulation in the walls. There are also certain types of walls and fences that can be built around your property that can help significantly reduce the sound of passing traffic.
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 moreSetting up a home theatre
If you love escaping into another world watching movies and television, a home theatre can provide an immersive experience like no other. This article outlines everything you need to set up your own home theatre.
Read moreInstalling a new hot water system
Installing a new hot water system can be a daunting task if you aren’t knowledgeable about your options. But because hot water is such a large part of your power bills, it’s worth doing your research. Here we’ve described each type of hot water system and storage options. Contact an appliance repair and installation company to discuss installing your new system.
Read moreWhat you need to know about kitchen designs
The kitchen is the focal point of any home. It is the heart and soul of the home and the central point for creativity and gathering of family and friends. The kitchen is the most important room in any home and therefore should be functional, light, airy and a pleasant space to work in. Most kitchens these days are part of an open plan area combining cooking, dining, living and entertaining spaces so you want it to not only work well but also look smart.
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 moreEver thought about giving your home a Lift
Homes with lifts or elevators were once rare and considered a very expensive luxury item. But with improved technology, design and engineering, lifts are more affordable and becoming a sought after necessity
Read moreKnow the NO’s when it comes to Asbestos
Asbestos was a very popular building product widely used in Australia for decades. Asbestos fibers are much finer than human hair, they can float in the air not visible to the naked eye and can easily be inhaled.
Read moreTime to replace your carpet?
If your home has old carpets that will need replacing sooner rather than later, start doing some research into your replacement options. Whether you want to go with carpet once again or try something new, the following is a brief look at a few of the many options you have available.
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