Don’t Just Leave It To The Independent Inspector!
It is quite common for people getting a new house built to get an Independent Building Inspector. I don’t think that means that you should just leave is all to someone else. For instance if you see some dodgy looking…
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Pyramid Power?
I wonder of the builder of this house did it because of some of the weird myths about pyramids. These include the idea that the shape of the pyramids harnesses regenerative powers that will: Sharpen knives, and razor blades, Age wine,…
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Don’t Put Up A Key Rack
A popular gift for a new house is a key rack. Well I don’t think they are a good idea. I recently heard an insurance expert say that he believed half the car thefts in Australia were as a result of…
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Butler’s Pantry? or Bigger Fridge?
One of the ‘Design Trends’ that I have seen over the last two or three years is the ‘Butlers Pantry’. But how many of us have a Butler? In my opinion its just another marketing idea to make you pay more…
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Do You Want To Be A Caveman?
Just don’t expect it to be cheap. Some of the issues are: Effective waterproofing. Stronger than normal structure required. Getting enough natural light into the rooms. Additional design, both architecture and engineering. One advantage is that the earth does provide…
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Dishwasher Noise
Many of us get a new dishwasher when moving into a new house. With some builders it’s included in an ‘Upgrade Package’ You might check on the energy rating and the water consumption . . . . but how many…
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Kerbside Appeal – Fail
I saw this house recently in a Melbourne Suburb. As far as kerbside appeal goes in my opinion it’s definitely a FAIL! Dull Greys and Black! It reminds me of one of these pressed steel water tanks. For more Unusual…
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Are Waterfall Islands A Good Idea?
Looking around Display Homes I see a lot of island benches with waterfall ends. Although I would agree that they can look very great there are some downsides that it is worth thinking about. Less Flexibility Most of us use an island…
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New Zealand Face House
I was travelling in New Zealand in September and couldn’t resist this photo. It is in Jervois Street, Kawhia. I was really struck by how much it looks like a face looking down the main street of town. A bit…
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Aerial Location
I don’t know if this post should be titled Aerial Location, or Roof Colour, but it illustrates some points worth remembering. Birds like to perch . . . . and when they fly away they like to lighten their load….
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