3 reasons to install shade sails
Shade sails have one obvious function- to provide shade. But their benefits go beyond that.
Read moreStart the New Year with a spring clean
Christmas is a faded memory and a New Year has begun and what better way to start the New Year than with a spring clean and maintenance of your home and garden. Have you let all those little odd jobs mount up during the past year while you kept telling yourself that you will get around to fixing them. So hire a handyman and kick the year off with a good clean, repair and rubbish removal.
Read moreA homeowner’s guide to cleaning the fireplace
There are few things guaranteed to warm the heart (and the limbs) faster than a beautiful open fireplace. As a design feature, it is delightfully sophisticated and wonderfully stylish. While many of the traditional Georgian and Victorian fireplaces have now made way for more contemporary shapes and forms, Australian homeowners still love the crackle and heat of real wood fires.
Read moreDriveways 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 moreRenovations for the older folk
Downsizing or moving into a Retirement Village can be a daunting prospect for the elderly. Many older folk would prefer to stay in their existing home if possible so that they can still be surrounded by their memories, chat to the neighbours they have know for decades and remain independent for as long as possible.
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Is your furniture tired and out of date, worn out and sagging or just needs a new lease of life?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 moreSelecting security doors and grills
Oh for the days when our personal security was not always at the fore front of our minds. It’s hard to believe that front and back doors of homes had nothing more than a simple key lock for security
Read moreElectrical technology for the laundry
The laundry is the working room of any home - in addition to washing, drying, and ironing, the laundry often doubles as a general storage area for linen, household items and even the kids’ sporting equipment! It needs to be a functional space where you can work safely and comfortably, and modern electrical technology can help that happen without adding to power bills. This article explores some of the options that are available, that may interest you.
Read more7 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 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 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 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 moreGreen 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.
Read moreProfessional Carpet Cleaning
As much as we love the soft feeling on walking barefoot on our carpet or the peaceful noiseless footsteps of shoes walking on carpet, you may be surprised what lies beneath.
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 moreBiggest tile trends of 2016
Welcome to the future! Tile trends this year have been heavily influenced by increased capabilities in manufacturing and technology, creating new types of tiles with amazing potential. Designers are being inspired to use tiles in new places, such as bedrooms and feature walls. The same material on both floors and walls is a huge trend which enlarges the look of rooms and creates a modern, streamline appearance. Below you’ll find a rundown on the most popular trends in tiles this year.
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 moreChoosing The Right Carpet
What’s there not to love about carpet. Don’t we love the feeling of carpet under our bare feet. Isn’t it cosy for the kids to play on a carpeted floor. Don’t we love the noise reduction of carpeted floors and the nonslip safety aspect, not to mention the winter warmth.
Read moreHow to tell if you have termites
Termites are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. They are capable of incredible damage and can go undetected for a long time. While there are not often obvious signs of termite presence in your home, you can look for some of the more subtle indications to eradicate them before too much harm is done.
Read moreClean and sanitise your interiors
Most people have their carpets cleaned on a regular basis. Even if there are no stains it is important to have a deep clean that will bring the pile back up to look like new again. Did you ever think about not only cleaning but sanitising your carpets, upholstery, curtains and mattresses.
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