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.
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Green 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.
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Arborist – Expert Tree surgeons
Trees are a treasure in our gardens. Who doesn’t love beautiful big trees that provide us with shade and shelter from harsh weather, privacy from prying neighbours and the softening aesthetic they create not to mention the birds and wildlife they attract. The bigger and older some trees are, the more beautiful they become however all trees need to be cared for and have checkups once in a while to ensure they are healthy.
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Choosing 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.
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Consultants for Residential Building work
Basix: Environmental Consultant Basix Certificate (environmental performance evaluation) is required for all development applications. This certificate has been required with all development since 2006. This details the energy and water use and storage and recycling on site. The certificate is tied to the title and has to be certified as completed by the building inspector when the project is complete and before you can move in.
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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.
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Why 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.
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Breathing 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.
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Maintaining your Stone floors
Natural stone floors are an investment that can last a life time if cared for properly. Stone floors add a wow factor to any home and should be maintained regularly
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Questions (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.
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Get your home winter-ready
Winter is just around the corner and while many areas of Australia have been enjoying a very mild Autumn it is easy to get caught out when the cold snap arrives. So now is the time to prepare the house for those winter chills.
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Garage door safety: tips on keeping you and your family safe
When you think about it, the garage door is probably the heaviest moving object on your property, as well as the largest. So it makes sense to treat this item with special caution, particularly if you have young children in the family. It is worth coming up with a set of safety rules that both adults and children are aware of, and make sure that you remind everyone from time to time about them. After all, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
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The importance of a licensed electrician
Electrician’s jobs are many and varied. It is important to enlist the services of a fully qualified licensed and insured electrician to carry out the work correctly and safely.
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Check your plumbing for leaks
Leaks in plumbing can be silent and hidden, but they are capable of massive amounts of damage. Ceilings, floors, walls, and the structural integrity of your home can be damaged by even a small leak, causing thousands of dollars of damage. The best course of action is to find any leaks as soon as possible and fix them before any further damage can occur. Follow these steps to determine if you have any leaks and identify their source.
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How and why to choose exposed aggregate concrete
Exposed Aggregate concrete is a great look for driveways, pathways, hardscaping, and patios. It’s made by laying the premixed concrete and then carefully removing the top layer to expose the aggregates. Here’s just a few reasons to enjoy aggregate concrete.
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Simple 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.
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7 ways to make a small kitchen appear infinitely larger
Every house has an area you have always thought could do with a little help or improvement and for many inner city dwellers that area is their kitchen.
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Project Managing the building of your new home or renovation
Whether you are building a brand new home or renovating and extending an existing home it is well worth considering the services of a Project Manager, also referred to as a Construction Manager or Site Manager
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Increasing 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.
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Shade 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.
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