This is the Treehotel near Kallax in Sweden.
For more photos and information about this and other unusual rooms at this Hotel check out this link; Treehotel, Sweden
For more Unusual Houses and Fails see What the………………….?
Month: January 2016
5 Warning Signs You Need New Gutters
Guest Post by Hubert Dwight
Many people aren’t aware of how to take care of their gutters, and don’t know the signs to recognise when it’s time to invest in new gutters for your home.
After all, when your gutters are working well, it means that the water falling onto your roof will be directed away from your home, or your rainwater tanks, and you don’t want this system to fail.
Let’s have a look at five key warning signs that you can use as a guide to let you know when you might need a gutter replacement in Melbourne. or any other location Australia-wide.
Warning Sign One – Puddles
If you spy some puddles around your home after or during a storm or rainshower, it might mean that your gutters aren’t doing the job they’re supposed to do and are struggling to take the water to the downpipes.
You need to check your gutters are clean rather than blocked by leaves.
Then check the way that they flow – which you can either do this during a storm, or with a hose although the sheer volume of water that can fall during a storm will be hard to replicate with a hose.
Be sure to exercise caution when you are standing on a ladder!
Warning Sign Two – Cracks in your gutters
If your gutters have cracks in them, there’s every chance that the water that’s falling onto your roof is simply falling through the cracks and running down the walls.
When this happens, you run the risk of water seeping into the structure of your home, which can cause a whole host of other problems like mould and damp. Not a great outcome for your family’s health and the structure of your home.
Warning Sign Three – Water Marks on Walls
This relates to warning sign one – cracks – and can be a sign that not all is as it should be with your gutters.
Even if you don’t see the water escaping and causing the issue, it’s a serious problem as it can cause issues with the foundations of your home.
Warning Sign Four – Peeling Paint
Check out the paint on your gutters – if it’s peeling, it may be a sign that rust is beginning to show in your gutters,
Any corrosion can mean that they might have water sitting in them for too long.
When this occurs you’re only a little way from holes and other issues, so be sure to be vigilant here.
Warning Sign Five – Loose or Sagging Gutters
Gutters need to direct the flow of water, and if they’re hanging off your home or not doing the job of directing your water properly, then it’s definitely time to replace them.
You might not need to replace the entire gutter if it’s only a section that’s compromised, so be sure to speak to an expert about your guttering needs.
Don’t forget that storms can occur in any season so, it’s vital to stay up to date with your gutters and the roof of your home.
Be vigilant and check your gutters regularly!
3 Uses for Old Plastic Cards
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Membership Cards, Loyalty Cards, Lottery Cards, Hotel Key Cards. . . . it seems never ending.
But what can you do with cards you no longer need?
Here are three ways that I recycle old cards including two uses that are related to your new house.
Filling Dints in Plasterboard
When the furniture is moved into your new home you will be luck if there isn’t a dint in the plasterboard.
Rather than buying a fancy spatula I just use an old card to push filler into the hole.
The slick surface of the card and the flexibility make plastic cards ideal for placing the filler and giving a smooth finish.
Smoothing Silicone Caulk
I have found that a plastic card is ideal for getting the profile of the caulk just right.
You just need to cut a corner of the card to the required profile.
The other edges of the card will make a great scraper to remove any spilled caulk.
Decoy for Pick Pocket/Mugger
When I am travelling I normally carry an old wallet with that days expected cash, a couple of old credit cards, and an old hotel key card in my trouser pocket.
My real credit card, some cash and room key are kept elsewhere in an inconspicuous pocket
In the event of criminal activity the loss of the ‘authentic’ looking wallet won’t be a major issue for me.
For more travel hacks like this why not check out my other website; www.TravellersHacks.com
If you have a use for old plastic cards leave a comment!
Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Real Estate Agent.
Guest Post by Hubert Dwight
The sales process during a property sale can be a challenging one.
You need to minimise any hitches when dealing with banks, property lawyers and buyers.
Many property sellers make their an error when selecting their real estate agent, which puts them on the back foot from the outset.
To ensure you are on the front foot when it comes to the sale of your property,we recommend the following tips to avoid making a costly mistake.
Do your own research to find the value for your home.
There are many statistical factors that estimate what your home should be worth.
It is best to conduct our own research on other similar properties in your area to get an understanding of the price range for your type of property.
Your research will help you understand how the property needs to appeal to the desires of the prospective buyers and help drive up the demand for your property.
The more demand there is, the more valuable your home will be.
A good agent will have good experience with maximising this demand among your property’s prospective buyers.
Don’t get blinded by money.
You want to get as much as you can for your property, but don’t get blinded by real estate agencies that promise you a large sales figure amount, only to sell your property far less than you expected.
You want to hire an agent that will give you good value for money.
They are in it for the real estate agent’s fees (commission) on the sale. . . . You are in it for the best sale price that you can get for your property.
From your research you will know whether the agent is providing an accurate guide or an inflated estimate to win your business
Take emotion out of the equation
One of the worst things you can do is let emotion dictate the perceived value for your property.
When too much emotion is invested into your decision-making process, it can cloud your judgement.
Your emotional and financial needs have no impact for the buyer.
The desire to sell at a higher price can cause you to choose an agent that will over promise and put you in a position where you will receive a service that is under delivered.
Many agents leverage people’s emotions to choose them as their property’s agent.
Instead, make a decision based on the agent’s track record and by conducting your own market research so you have realistic expectations for your property.
Hire an agent based on skill, not just likeability.
You want to hire an expert that will sell your property for the price that you want.
It is fine to hire someone that is more likable, but ultimately, you want to hire a person that has the skill to sell your property at the price that you desire.
Compare agents and check that they have strong negotiation skills and a buyer market reach to stimulate demand for your property.
You want to ensure that the price of your property doesn’t fall, thus making you lose money on your property.
Make sure the agent uses the latest marketing techniques
Some real estate agents are stuck in the past with their selling techniques.
Traditional methods whereby placing ads in newspapers are less relevant as newspaper circulation has been in a steady decline for over a decade.
More interaction occurs on the web via computers and smartphones.
Additionally, the expectation of the attention to detail with buyers is higher than it has ever been.
Compare real estate agents to see if they can meet and exceed your expectations.
Additionally, the reputation of the agent is crucial. Online reviews and credibility will make or break their success.
Sites like LocalAgentFinder that showcases the track record of agents, turning real estate selection into a buyers market.
Window Lighting Levels
A recent question I received concerning my post on Window Size was “What size window will I need to receive reasonable light levels?”
Well this photo shows the window in one of our bedrooms.
This, South facing, window has an area of approximately 0.9m2 and provides adequate light to easily read a newspaper in the furthest corner of the 12m2 room on an overcast day.
Light Entering The Room
On a bright day, without direct sunlight, 10,000 – 25,000 lumens come through each m2 of Window.
Even on an overcast day you would get 1,000 lumens per m2 of window.
So on an overcast day the incoming light through this window will be around 900 lumens.
Room Lighting Level
With a room area of 12m the average overcast day lighting level will be 900/12 = 75 lumens/m2 floor area
This level compares well with these suggested light levels for various tasks.
- 10-20 lumens/sqm floor area – Conversation, Eating, Watching Television, General Circulation.
- 20-50 lumens/sqm floor area – Cooking, Casual Reading, Bathrooms.
- 50- 100 lumens/sqm floor area – Detailed Craft Work, Study.
Additional Considerations
The above calculations apply to my case where the window is plain glass and the walls and ceiling are white.
Using a tint or Reflective Film will reduce the lighting level by between 20 and 80% so this fairly small window may not be adequate.
With a less reflective decor the room lighting level will reduce significantly across the room.
In either of the above cases a 2m2 window (which is smaller than many windows I see in display homes) would provide adequate light in most conditions.
Termite Prevention: 5 Proactive Steps to Avoid a Termite Invasion
Guest post by Hubert Dwight
There are over 300 species of termites in Australia, and almost every Australian home may be at risk.
But do not lose hope!
Termites also known as white ants feed on a plethora of materials, including plastics, rubber, fibreglass and, of course, wood.
They can even chew through your personal belongings!
A major threat to your home, termites have the capability to destroy building structures.
The remedies to their damage, if available at all, are largely expensive.
That is why, when dealing with termites, prevention is key.
We have collated five preventative steps to take so that you can live in a harmonious, pest-free home.
1. Check for warning signs
Termites aren’t out in the open.
They like an environment that is dark, humid and protected, which is what makes them so hard to find – until it’s too late.
Check for noises, odour, nests, wing remains,mud tunnels around the foundations, and excavation of wood or other materials.
Termites excavate wood leaving a thin outside layer of timber intact – the type of excavation varies from flutings to hollowing to large galleries depending upon the species.
2. Remove tree roots and waste timber products from your home
Dead tree roots and rotten timber are ideal sites for termites to nest.so have potential hazards treated or removed to combat the risk on your property.
Also, it is important to remember not to plant trees that may have a tendency to send roots under slabs close to the home.
Furthermore, termites can often attack timber formwork, from concreting, and use it to gain access into your home.
Ensure all timber formwork is removed from your home after construction.
3. Ensure that the area under timber floors is dry and well-ventilated
High humidity and high moisture levels create an attractive home for termites.
Substandard ventilation in the sub-floor areas of your property can cause this damp environment.
Ensure that your home has good ventilation and extraction fans where necessary, as this will reduce the risk of subterranean termites.
4. Don’t stockpile timber or firewood under your house or close to external walls
Storing timber against or under your house or property on a soil sub-floor will provide an attractive food source and nesting site for subterranean termites.
It can also hide evidence of termites invading your home.
Remove any timber and/or debris (dead leaves) away from the house.
5. If you believe your house is potentially under threat, do something about it immediately!
A professional, thorough inspection by a licensed and accredited termite inspector is the best way to make sure that your home is safe from termites.
There are many effective options available to you, including many economic pest control companies that will cater to your needs.
Termites are sly creatures that inhabit the darker, and previously uninhabited areas of a house; only venturing out at night or when it is very quiet.
As a result, you may not notice them until it is too late!
Make sure you act swiftly, and take these 5 proactive steps we’ve listed here to ensure your home is free from termites.
Spaceship House
I have just travelled back home from the UK and watched ‘The Martian’ on the plane entertainment system.
Then I stumbled on this house.
Looks like a habitat on another planet!
It has been built in Spain by the Noem Group who specialise in prefabricated homes.
They even have a badge with a Yoda quote!
For more Unusual Houses and Fails see What the………………….?
Top 8 Home Upgrade Blunders and How to Avoid Them
Guest Post by Hubert Dwight
Although upgrading is a great way to increase the value of your property, by nature it is an area that can bring many trials and tribulations.
If you’re planning to improve your home on a budget, you need to be careful of the common hurdles that affect many home owners.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has predicted we’ll spend around $30 billion upgrading our homes this year, with most jobs being valued under $10,000.
Avoid wasting your money by checking out 8 most common renovation blunders and how you can avoid them.
Not having a realistic budget
Underestimating the cost of your renovations has become a cliche for a reason – it happens to just about everybody!
Although you want to make sure you choose good quality options for your home renovation, if you commit to some thorough research, you should be able to find them at a reasonable price.
Also add twenty percent to any cost computations you make to avoid running out of money and not being able to finish.
Choosing contractors based on price
If you don’t choose your contractors and machinery operators, such as crane hire companies (for things like swimming pool installations) based on skill rather than price, you can run into problems.
Make sure you choose a reliable and reputable contractor, and obtain accurate quotes.
Communicate openly and effectively, and make sure your renovation goals are clear.
Choosing trendy over timeless
Just like anything, homes and interiors are subject to trends. Avoid being sucked into these progressions by choosing classic over current.
That way, your home’s style will be relevant in years to come, and you won’t be left with an eyesore!
Skimping on things you can’t see
Just because an aspect of the home may be hidden, doesn’t mean you should cut corners with it.
In order to decrease your future costs, it is important to build a good quality home that you can rely on. You don’t want to have to repair your recently renovated home!
Cheap fixtures
No matter what particular aspect of the home you’re renovating, it’s important to remember that inexpensive is good; cheap isn’t.
Although it might be tempting to resort to installing budget fittings and fixtures, resist this urge.
Low quality materials will undoubtedly wear out faster, and will cost you more money in the long run.
Ignoring the outdoors
Although you may want to concentrate on the inside of your home, don’t neglect what can be done to increase the value of the outdoor area as well.
Simple improvements can be made outside the home to transform the aesthetics.
The current trend is for outdoor entertaining, so try to create a usable alfresco space.
Illegal building
When renovating, there is often an extensive application process to go through before your plans can be approved.
This is particularly important if you are in a heritage zone, as they have far stricter regulations than for a regular home.
If you ignore the law, you will get caught, and can face up to $30,000 in damages to make your extensions and renovations comply with regulations.
Trying to do everything yourself
If you’re going to try and DIY, be sure to set yourself realistic, prioritised tasks.
You won’t be able to do everything at once, so set yourself a specific order of jobs and how long it will take you to complete each one.
If you’re feeling out of your depth, make sure you call a professional.
Renovating your home can be a complex and dangerous process, so make sure you enlist the appropriate help where needed.
So what are you waiting for? With these handy guidelines, you can be well on your way to achieving the dream home you’ve always wanted. Get the pen and paper out, it’s time to start planning!
Best of Houzz® Winner
Over 35 million monthly unique users from Australia and around the world select the best of home building, renovation and design
anewhouse.com.au has won “Best Of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home renovation and design.
The website and anewhouse Guides were chosen by the more than 35 million monthly unique users that make up the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, renovation and design industry professionals.
The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in two categories: Design and Customer Service. Customer Service honours are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015.
“Anyone building, renovating or decorating looks to Houzz for the most talented and service-oriented professionals” said Jason Chuck, Managing Director for Houzz Australia. “We’re so pleased to recognise anewhouse.com.au as one of our “Best Of Houzz” professionals, voted by our enormous community of homeowners and design enthusiasts from across Australia and more than one million businesses worldwide.”
Check out what anewhouse.com.au customers think on Houzz/anewhouse.com.au
About Houzz
Houzz is the leading platform for home renovation and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow and Tokyo. Houzz and the Houzz logo are registered trademarks of Houzz Inc. worldwide. For more information, visit houzz.com.au.