Just moved into your new modern house and would like to encourage birds in your garden?
Think all the bird houses look old fashioned?
How about this?
It’s called Camera Shutter.
Or this?
It’s called Right Angle.
These bird houses and several more interesting designs can be bought online from Twig and Timber
For more Unusual ‘Houses’ go to What the………………….?
Should You Use Yor Own Building Inspector?
Although I give lots of opinions on all aspects of building a house, including checking quality, I would never say “Don’t employ your own Building Inspector.”
I’m very experienced in the construction industry and have done lots of research so I’m happy doing it myself. A lot of people wouldn’t have the same level of knowledge and might be happier getting a more experienced person in.
A good inspector is going to charge around $400 for an inspection, so an inspection at every stage is going to cost around $2,000. . . . Not a lot for peace of mind when you are paying for a $200,000, or more, new house.
Be Involved
Even if you employ an Inspector they are only going to be going round at the completion of each Stage with several weeks between visits. A lot can happen in that time.
If you do some research and visit regularly you might see things that are covered up before the Inspector gets on site. I managed to stop things being done on my last build which would have caused delays if left unchallenged until the Stage Payment was due.
I would also say its well worth visiting the site with the Inspector and asking him about what he is looking at. He may also give you a different opinion on something the builder has told you.
To find out more about inspecting a new house see
Practical Completion Inspection
Pebble Gardens
Stone Mulches, Dry River Bed, Desert Gardens, they are all variations in having a garden covered with stones rather than having soil or an organic mulch.
It’s popular as a low maintenance finish to your new house garden.
I have used the technique a few times including back in 2006 when I went the Dry River Bed look.
Here is what you should know:
- Give the whole area a good dose of weed killer first.
- Put weed mat on the soil first, not plastic sheet. You want the soil to ‘breath’ and have water seep through to get to the roots of any plants you put in.
- Don’t skimp on the stone, you need a thick layer to make sure you cover all the soil.
- Don’t think its ‘No Maintenance’ It will probably be relatively weed free for the first couple of years than dirt and seeds will get blown into the gaps. If you don’t then keep on top of the weeds the whole area can start to look scruffy, like this photo below!
For similar posts see Garden
