Beat the Melbourne climate install air conditioning
Australia is a country of climate extremes and while traditionally we embrace the summer months it can be exhausting and debilitating when the temperatures and the humidity rise. Our houses heat up during the day making it very uncomfortable to sleep at night. It can be just as uncomfortable trying to stay warm during the chilly winter months and if you live in Melbourne you could well experience all four seasons in one day. The perfect solution to this changing and sometimes unpredictable weather is air conditioning.
Read more
How to stop your shower screen exploding
You may not know that if you have a glass shower screen that it’s at risk of exploding at any time. This article explores why shower screens explode and how you can prevent it from happening to you.
Read more
What 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 more
How 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 more
Seven 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 more
A balcony enclosure creates a warm winter retreat
A balcony enclosure using a frameless glass system could be just the thing to turn your outside area into a warm winter retreat. Balcony and outdoor entertainment areas have been enjoyed all summer long. But with winter on our doorstep, now is the perfect time to think about how this space will be used in the colder months ahead. And a balcony enclosure could be just the thing!
Read more
Is Your Pest Problem Lowering the Value of Your Home?
When pests take over your residence it is difficult to control the extent to which they can cause harm. Rodents, termites, possums, mice, wasps, etc. can pose a real threat to the structure’s foundations and may even result in a collapse.
Read more
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.
Read more
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
Read more
Maintenance 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 more
Bring your tired timber floors back to life
There is nothing like the natural beauty of a timber floor. For centuries all kinds of timbers have been used all over the world as a choice of flooring. If looked after properly, a timber floor will long outlast us and still look good.
Read more
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 more
Relocating to a new home
Moving home can be a very stressful and emotional time in your life. Moving downtown, across town, interstate, overseas, downsizing or upsizing it’s a big job that requires a lot of thought and planning. Being organized and well prepared will make the whole process much easier.
Read more
How a handyman can save you time and money
When small jobs pop up around the house we tend to do one of two things, tackle them ourselves with no expertise, or ignore them and hope they go away (they don’t). Hiring a handyman to help with odd jobs can save you a world of pain, and money. He’s a jack of all trades, from plumbing, to electrical, to carpentry. Here’s three ways he can save you time and money.
Read more
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 more
Boosting your home security
Boosting your home security will increase the value of your home as well as do wonders for your peace of mind
Read more
Will Real Estate Crash In Australia?
The market has continued to rise in Australia and it has been a steady increase for the last few years. It's unlikely that a crash will happen, but if the market slows down, it would be prudent to take precautions. The Australian real estate market has been rising since 2008, but there are many factors that could trigger a crash. If the Australian economy experiences a recession, or if international factors such as escalation in wars come into play, then the market could crash
Read more
Roofing: concrete tiles or Colorbond steel?
Whether you’re building, renovating, or doing repairs, it’s worth reconsidering your roof. The best fit for your home and lifestyle isn’t always immediately apparent, and there are plenty of factors to consider. The most popular roofing materials in Australia are concrete tiles and Colorbond steel.
Read more
Driveways make a statement
Everyone wants the front of their home to look fantastic. The driveway of the average Australian suburban house block takes up a big chunk of real estate. Your driveway needs to compliment the style of your home and landscaping. A driveway needs not only look great but has to be able to stand up to the rigors of having the ton or so of family car traversing it constantly. Other than the kids bedrooms it will take more abuse than any other part of your home
Read more
Designing your dream kitchen
If you like to cook, having your dream kitchen can make a huge difference to your quality of life. Keep the following tips in mind when designing kitchen you always dreamed of.
Read more