Month: March 2015

Why I Won’t Be Buying Anti-Bacterial Paint

Or Any Other Home Anti-Bacterial Products!

The other night on the television I saw (at least 5 times) an advert for anti-bacterial paint.

Here are five reasons why I think this is marketing hype, and I won’t be buying it:

Personal Experience

It might have been the ‘Good Old Days’ but my children, my wife and I have all reached adulthood in good health without these ‘Wonder Products’.

Increasing Allergies

Since these products became common in the Western World the rate of allergies has boomed. . . . Coincidence? . . . Some people don’t think so!

One of the suspects  of the allergy boom is that reduced exposure to infections in early childhood can lead to an increased risk of allergy in later life.

Whats Wrong with Soap and Water

Various studies including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have failed to show there is no real advantage in these sort of products for everyday products.

The Risks of Anti-Bacterial Products

 One of the most common antibacterial products is the chemical Triclosan. Studies have found that this can get into the environment which isn’t a good idea as it can harm plants and animals.

If it can harm animals what is it going to do to me long term?

Are We Creating Super Bugs?

Its interesting that Hospitals, the most enthusiastic users of Anti-Bacterial Products, seem to frequently have problems with so called Super Bugs like Golden Staph.

 

In case you are thinking I am coming over all ‘New Age’ I can tell you I am an enthusiastic supporter of immunisation, and anti-bacterial products in the right place. (e.g. Chlorine in public drinking water supplies has been proven to be a major health benefit)

 

Want to Save money by painting yourself ? . . . Check:  DIY Painting first

 

 

50 Sheds of Grey?

As a bloke are you feeling left out if your wife has read 50 Shades of Grey?

When you move into your new house will you get back to blokey stuff at the bottom of the garden?

Perhaps you need to find out about . . . .

An exerpt:

“I want it now against this wall!” she ordered,

“And keep it up as long as possible.” 

“Don’t worry,” I said,

“I know how to put up a shelf.”

 

For more visit 50 Shades of Grey on Twitter.

 

 

For more Unusual House Photos, Wins, and Fails, have a look at: What the………………….?

Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings

If you have bought an outside electrical switch, light, power point, or child proof power point, you may have seen it described with an IP rating. . . . but what does the IP numbers mean?

Understanding The Numbers

Well the IP rating (Ingress Protection Rating or International Protection Rating,) consists of two digits. These are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC) Standard 60529.

  • The first digit is the degree of protection against the intrusion of a solid object (fingers, needle, screwdriver, or dust)
  • The second digit is the degree of protection against water.

Common Protection Levels

The following are the more common IP ratings encountered.

Penetration by Solid Objects

    • IP 3# – An access probe of 2.5mm diameter shall not penetrate.
    • IP4# – An access probe of 1.0mm diameter shall not penetrate.
    • IP5# – Limited ingress of dust permitted (no harmful deposit)
    • IP6# – Totally protected against the ingress of dust

Penetration By Water

    • IP#0 – No protection against water damage.
    • IP#1 – Protection against vertical falling water
    • IP#2 – Protected against sprays to 15°
    • IP#3 – Protected against sprays to 60°
    • IP#4 – Protected against water splashed from all directions.
    • IP#5 – Protected against jets of water.
    • IP#6 – Protected against strong jets of water.
    • IP#7 – Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water to depth of up to 1m.
    • IP#8 – Protected against prolonged immersion in water

Although fittings with high IP Ratings are expensive remember they are keeping you safe!

 

See Electrical for more posts

 

What Are You Going To Do With Your Backyard?

Guest post by Hubert Dwight

The humble Aussie backyard can be home to so many different recreational activities for the family.

It is the hub for barbecues, parties, social events, birth days, and gatherings of neighbours.

When you think about it, so much can go on in the backyard that it make sense to plan it just as much as you plan your home!

During the planning, and the construction of your new house, you should have plenty of time to plan and sketch out some ideas.

You need to make sure that your backyard is a reflection of who you are and how you want to live.

So here are some thoughts:

Go Zen

I like an area where I can sit peacefully and have time for reflection.

You can go all the way with a traditional Japanese garden like this, but the key is try to have a natural look to the garden and keep it simple.

Go for shrubs and ground cover plants rather than flowerbeds . . . . It’s not relaxing to sit and think about weeding the garden beds!

Make sure you provide a seat that is protected from the sun and rain.

Getting Wet

If being active is high on your list of garden activities, than you might think about putting a pool in.

You only have to fly into most Australian cities to see how popular pools are!

IF you don’t have the space for a pool then you could think about something like a Spa.

Spas will fit into remarkably small spots, and if you go for a swim spa you’ll be able to swim for as long and as hard as you like!

Even if you aren’t interested in a pool the sound of running water can be relaxing so it might be worth thinking about a fountainn or a decorative pond.

Think About The Children

The two issues about gardens and children are keeping them safe, and having somewhere to play

Keeping them Safe

If you go for a pool remember that drowning is a real risk.

For all new pool installations you will be required to provide childproof fencing which is great.

It will be up to you however to make sure you don’t compromise the safety by placing furniture next to the fencing which will allow a child to climb the fence.

Somewhere To Play

Most young children love to run around so having an area of lawn is always good, as the occasional fall shouldn’t cause an injury.

Some play equipment or a cubby house are also things to consider.

Entertaining Area

If you like to entertain, a deck is an option well worth considering.

Futurewood composite decking supplies would be a great place to look at options for long life low maintenance decking materials!

You can take it to the extreme if you really want to, but just make sure you have the basics of shade, some comfortable furniture, good lighting and – of course – a barbecue

If it all sounds a bit too much for your budget then just buy a basic furniture and Barbeque and upgrade when you can!

 

Whatever you do, make sure your backyard will be fun, and involve the whole family.

 

See Gardening for more posts

 

Additional Electrical Fittings

Most builders standard electrical fit out is fairly pathetic.

A single batten light fitting and a couple of double power points in each room!

I have even seen single power points!

Typical Builders Prices For Electrical Upgrades

Downlights –  $130-160
Pendant Lights – $180-$300
Ceiling Fans  – $300-$600
Bathroom 3 in 1 fan/light/heat (non ducted) – $350+
Double Power Points – $70 – $80*
Outdoor Double Weatherproof Power Point – $130 – $150*
Outdoor Light- $100-$200

*Generally the difference in price between a single and a double is minimal so always get at least doubles.

Other Options

Doing A Deal With The Electrician

In the past, with a small builder, I have been able to deal directly with the electrician but that is very rare.

Most of the Bigger Builders see electrical upgrades as the ‘Cream’ on the contract and won’t allow any side deals.

After Handover

You can get separate prices for the additional fittings after handover.

The problem then is that running cables behind plasterboard isn’t quick, or cheap, so the savings may not be there. (It may even be more expensive)

Hints To Save Money

If cost is an issue here are some hints:

  • Down Lights can give an impressive effect but they are the most expensive way to light a room! (Also see this link to Why I don’t like Down Lights) Unless You are training to appear on ‘THE BLOCK’ a simple Oyster fitting will be fine for most rooms and cost less than $20.
  • Put a double socket in the middle of where any bed head is going to be. . You can then run 2 power board  giving your 4 sockets on either side of the bed.
  • Place sockets you want on internal walls rather than external walls. . . The cheapest way to add a 2nd socket, after handover, is back to back with an existing socket in the next room.
  • Externally flood lights are expensive, give a harsh light, and are too directional . . . A cheaper fitting with a low energy bulb can give a better result.
  • If the standard bathroom fit-out includes an extraction fan I wouldn’t bother with one of those 3 in 1 Units. (See this link for more information why not: 3 in 1)

 

See Electrical for more Posts

 

Effective Ways of Relaxing On The Patio

Guest post by Hubert Dwight

If you often spend sleepless nights rehashing the events of the day or worrying about your future, relaxation techniques could assist you get the sleep you require.

Learning to shut the mind to all of the day’s stresses can allow both your mind as well as your body to rest and  recharge.

Good relaxation techniques can help combat stress during the daytime so it does not keep you awake during the night.

I often find sitting out on a patio,. or verandah when you can be away from the TV news and other distractions is an aid to relaxing

With this in mind, here are some suggestions on how you can relax on your patio at night.

Reading

Reading is a great way you can use to leave all the thoughts of the day behind you. and enter a different world.

While relaxing on your patio at night, it’s ideal that you choose something light and enjoy it in  peace.

Reading however will only work if you are among those people who enjoy reading.

Listening to Soft Music

If you’re not into reading, listening to soft music is another excellent strategy of passing time while you’re relaxing at your patio at night. Soft and relaxing music will relax your mind as well as your body. Choose soft music with no lyrics and songs that have a regular slow rhythm.

The reason for this is that song lyrics can easily stick in your mind and hence keep you awake longer that you usually stay up. Also, you can choose the sounds of nature to help you relax at your patio at night.

Taking Deep Breaths and Thinking of Good Things

While relaxing at your patio, take a few deep breaths. Taking a few slow deep breaths will assist you in releasing stress in your body.

When a person is stressed, he or she often tends to breathe in short, rapid breaths.

Getting into this habit can sort out your breathing and easily return you to a calm of state.

Thinking of good things while relaxing is also a sure way that you can use to lower your immediate stress.

For instance, you can think of how happy it is to be loved by your family or even about a great vacation you went with your friends or loved ones.

Do a little light gardening

If you have pot plants on your patio, a little evening gardening could be a great way to relax.

Simply pruning a bonsai tree or tending to your potted plants will certainly help distract you from your problems and most people find watching things grow is a good way to generate positive thoughts.

Making Sure You Are Comfortable

Of course it’s essential that you have a comfortable warm patio to relax on, otherwise the chill may way see you heading back indoors, away from your sanctuary on your patio.

Having comfortable patio furniture, with a table for nibbles and drinks is good.

Some screening to keep cold winds away is also worthwhile

There are plenty of heating options out there that can help to make your patio a haven for relaxation.

Whether you choose an outdoor heater powered by gas or electric, make it an energy efficient one to avoid having bills so high that you’ll be more stressed out than ever.

 

The House a Cow Built!

This is certainly an unusual house, and a key construction worker was a cow.

Basically dirt was piled up and a concrete floor was poured.

Hay bales were then stacked on the floor and more concrete poured around and over the bales.

The final step was to allow a cow to eat its way through the bales until the final surface were revealed.

I think the floor would have needed a lot of cleaning before you could lay a carpet.

Want to find out more? then check out Dornob

For more Unusual House Photos, Wins, and Fails, have a look at: What the………………….?

 

 

Construction – Holes In Timber Frames

The house frame has all been completed, and inspected . . . . and then some idiot plumber drills holes in the frame like this!

Right through the bottom plate, and the top plate, of both storeys of the house!

Holes are often drilled in:

  • Studs*
  • Plates*
  • Beams /Joists

* see Basic Timber Frame  for an explanation of these terms.

If it’s not the plumber drilling through the frame it might be the electrician or air conditioning installer.

So what is allowable?

Holes in Studs, and Plates, of Wall Frames

  • Only on wide face of Stud.
  • Maximum size of hole 25mm dia
  • Must be in centre of Stud.
  • No closer than 3 x width of stud from any trench cut into stud.

Holes in Solid Beams

Horizontal holes no more than 25mm dia

  • Maximum of 3 in a 1.8m length of span.
  • Each hole must be at least equivalent to the beam depth from the adjacent hole.

Horizontal holes no more than 50mm dia

  • Minimum spacing of 1.8m along span.
  • Maximum dia no more than 1/4 beam depth. (for a 150mm deep beam maximum diameter will be 37mm)
  • Must be located in middle third of beam depth.

Vertical Holes

  • Maximum diameter 1/4 of width of beam
  • Must be in centre of beam
  • Minimum spacing 6 x width

NB

  1. When considering spacing, a knot in the wood is considered the same as a hole.
  2. For holes in Manufactured Timber Joists you should check with the manufacturer’s Website.

Further Reading

Australian Standard AS1684 Timber Framing

The Australian House Building Manual by Allan Staines, published by Pinedale Press.

 

See Structural Frame for more posts

 

Outdoor Heating- What Are The Best And Most Cost-Effective Options?

Guest post by Hubert Dwight

An outdoor space is the best place to relax and to spend quality time with your family and friends, however this pleasure is usually limited to some extent during colder seasons and some cooler summer evenings.

To enjoy your patio at any time whether it is day or night perhaps you need to invest in a patio heater.

Many people feel that a patio heater would be outside of their budget, but there are many affordable outdoor heating options available on today’s market.

So, if you’re asking what options you have for outdoor heating, then let us compare some of the best choices available.

Natural Gas Heaters (Mains Gas)

Natural gas heating has been a cost effective way to add warmth to outdoor venues if your property already has. mains gas .

The installation charges are high compared with bottled gas as you will need a plumber to install pipes to heater locations but the running costs are substantially lower.

They are available in a range of options including table top and free standing models.

Larger heaters are capable of warming up an area of more than 3m in diameter.

An advantage over bottled gas is you don’t have to worry about refilling because there is a constant supply of fuel.

Most heaters are a point source so the temperature will drop considerable as you move away from the source.

LPG Heaters (Bottled Gas)

As the name suggests, this outdoor heating option uses bottled LPG, but in many ways is similar to Natural Gas.

Using gas bottles mean they are completely mobile so you can move them to different locations as needed.

These heaters have a low initial cost as you can set them up by yourself without needing a plumber for installation.

Running costs are however higher than natural gas and there is the inconvenience of having to regular exchange gas bottles, as they run out.

Radiant Electrical Heating

This heating option is good for outdoor use mainly because the radiant heat warms you, not the air around you so minimal energy is lost into the atmosphere.

With  long heating units rather than a point source it more evenly heats an area.

It is a convenient as you don’t really need to worry about filling propane or gas, as well as being low maintenance.

Low profile heat strip units (like the Heat Strip Classic units in this photo) can be mounted unobtrusively high on a wall, on a pergola, or on the roof of an al-fresco area, where is will be above the reach of young children.

If you are looking for a safe low-profile options, these are well worth considering.

 

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