Since 1988 SI, or metric units, have been the sole legal units of measurement in Australia.
However many builders and real estate agents still quote property in squares, which is an Imperial measurement.
Are they trying to confuse you or just slow to change?
Squares to Square Metres Conversion
Basically one square is 100 square feet, for example; a square with sides of 10 feet in length.
In metric that is 9.3 square metres so make sure that you don’t confuse a square with 10 square metres.
One square metre is usually written as 1m2 and is equivalent to 10.75 square feet or 0.1075 of a square.
Points to Remember
You also need to bear in mind is what is included in the dimensions quoted for example:
Some people will quote the overall plan area which means that it includes the volume of the external walls which are typically 0.25m thick. That can mean a figure between 10 and 20m2 (that’s up to 2 squares) is external walls which is unusable space.
Some will quote the area under the roof which if you have full eaves can amount to another 20 to 40m2
If you are looking at a 2 storey house fhe documents will probably be based on doubling the ground floor area even though the stairs and stair void lose livable floor area.
Some include the garage and others don’t.
I have also heard of qualifications in sale offer documents saying variations in dimensions of up to 10% are acceptable.
How often do you think that you would get a bigger house?
The best advice I can give if you are comparing plans from new home builders Sydney is to measure the plans yourself rather than relying on quoted documents.
When it gets down to signing a contract check that the dimensions on the contract document match your original understanding.
While it is fun to pick out new colors for your walls and other static elements of your room, you also have to think about bedding.
Bedding is something that can be switched out regularly, allowing you to easily switch up the look of your room without spending a ton of money. . . . but bedding is so much more than just a decoration.
Bedding affects how you sleep at night.
The right material and quality will make you feel more comfortable at night, which can improve the quality of your sleep.
The right type of bedding varies by season and temperature, so whenever you begin your bedroom makeover, consider picking up several sets of bedding that you can rotate throughout the year.
Lighter colors in warm weather, dark colors in cold weather
The color of your bedding does play a small role in keeping you comfortable.
Lighter colors, such as white or a pastel color, work best during the summer because lighter colors tend not to absorb as much body heat.
Darker colors, such as grey or navy, absorb body heat as well as sunlight, which can keep you warmer on a cool winter’s night.
Flannel and Oxford sheets help keep you warm
Flannel sheets are extremely soft and cozy, making them perfect for winter, ohwever, pilling is common with flannel sheets.
Oxford sheets are often more sustainable and thicker than other types of sheets, making them ideal for fall and winter nights.
They’re a great choice for when you want to keep warm, but don’t necessarily want the pile that comes with flannel sheets.
Both flannel and oxford sheets come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Cotton sheets are good all year long
Cotton percale sheets are extremely popular because they can be used all year long.
The tight weave of these type of sheets makes them breathable.
During the summer months, they remain nice and cool to help keep you comfortable in hot weather, and during the winter months, they can be used under thicker comforters to help keep you warm without getting overheated.
Goose down in the winter, duck down in the summer
Fluffy down comforters can be used all year long, however, goose feathers tend to insulate more heat than duck feathers do.
Down comforters are known for being durable, comfortable, and warm.
While it is true that down comforters trap heat better than other types of comforters, you can find lightweight down comforter options that have a lower fill power.
The lower the fill power on a down comforter, the less heat they’ll trap.
Merino wool comforters can be used in any season
Most associate wool with being a warm material to keep you warm in the winter, but merino wool is actually good for both hot and cold weather.
Merino wool comforters wick moisture away from your body.
This helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Merino tend to have more weight to them than down comforters.
Fleece or electric blankets add extra warmth
If you want to make your bed even toastier in the warmer months, add a fleece or electric blanket to your bed.
Fleece is a lightweight material, but it is also thermal and soft, making itideal for snuggling up under when you need some extra warmth.
If you’re really snuggling to get rid of the winter chills, consider using an electric blanket.
Electric blankets come with heating wires that can be adjusted to find the perfect cozy temperature for you.
Electric blankets should only be used while you’re awake because the wires within them can overheat and cause
a fire.
Knitted tweed is super breathable for summer
If you want a blanket to snuggle with during the summer, but don’t want to overheat, consider using a knitted tweed blanket.
The stitching of knitted tweed blankets isn’t very tight, making the fabric extremely breathable.
While knitted tweed is still cozy and comfortable for snuggling, you won’t run the risk of overheating.
Concluding thoughts
Redecorating your bedroom is great, but you’ll want to choose practical bedding choices that allow you to stay comfortable all year long.
Certain fabrics, such as cotton or down, are great all year long.
Other fabrics, such as flannel and fleece, are recommended for use in the cooler months.
Of course, you should also take into consideration if you’re a hot sleeper or a cold sleeper when choosing your bedding.
Driveway repairs aren’t a simple DIY unless you are familiar with the necessary tools and are capable of hard physical labour. We explore what it would cost you to hire a professional who won’t sacrifice quality for the sake of meeting your price point..
Your driveway is one of the first exterior features of your home.
Over the years, the material used to lay out driveways can deteriorate due to wear and tear brought on by harsh seasons, and heavy use.
Appearance
Its important to give a good first impression to visitors and, in the future, prospective purchasers.
It’s crucial to consider how the driveway contributes to the whole external appearance
If you’re looking for architects to advise on a renovation project, or even home construction click for more info to get started.
In this post, we seek to inform you about the costs and popular ways both concrete and asphalt driveway repairs are carried out.
Concrete Driveways
Concrete driveways normally fail due to bad cracking which allows water into the foundation.
If it is a single slab it may be possible to just replace that slab at a cost of around $200 – $250 per square metre,including removing the old slab.
If it is several slabs its probably going to most effective to rebuild the whole driveway.
With a larger project cost are more likely to be in the $150 – $200 per square metre range .
If you want a different appearance to plain concrete, such as exposed aggregate expect to pay an extra $15 – $20 per square metre
Obtain driveway removal quotes from more than one concretors and check some of their past projects so you have a good idea of the quality to expect.
Once the concrete is placed avoid driving on it for at least seven days.
Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt driveways are cheaper to build and repair than concrete driveways although they won’t last as long as a well constructed concrete drive.
Expect to save 40 percent of the construction costs compared with concrete for a full construction construction, and can use the driveway immediately after repair or paving.
The darker coloured driveway helps to hide any oil leaks .
In some cases an asphalt drive can be repaired, to as new condition, by simply laying a 25mm layer of asphalt over the existing material for much greater saving.
This type of repair would cost anywhere from A$30/m2 to A$40/m2; rates vary by the job which is why it’s advisable to contact a few asphalt laying specialist to procure a precise quote.
Again make sure you check a couple of past projects
Final Thoughts
As is evident by this point, asphalt driveways are cheaper to pave and repair than concrete driveways.
However, different climatic conditions in Australia can impact both driveways differently, which could cause you to rethink your choice.
Usually, asphalt is more affordable in Western Australia compared with the Eastern States.
When we first came to Australia and started looking at display houses we often saw En-Suites with two wash basins.
We thought it looked fairly classy so that’s what we got in our first Australian new house.
Ever since we have always gone for a single basin. . . here’s why:
We found that we are never in the bathroom at the same time. Even when we used to travel to work together I always got up first to take the dog for a walk which gave my wife a clear run.
Having a single basin gives more counter space on the vanity. (sometimes too much!) We do have fairly strict demarcation lines. My wife’s stuff is on the left and my stuff is only allowed on the right.
Having one basin with only one set of waste plumbing leaves more room in the vanity cupboards for fresh towels, hair dryer, toilet rolls, spare toiletries, etc, etc.
Cost saving of basin, tap fittings, and labour. Even with basic fittings this gave us a few hundred dollars we could use on things we really wanted. If you have expensive plumbing fittngs the savings could be thousands!
The value of a home depends on several factors. Some of the common factors include location, bathroom size, number of the bedrooms, and parking size.
These obvious factors are not the only determinants of your home’s value.
According to Tulia Real Estate, less obvious factors can affect the value of your home be discrete when deciding whether to reveal the information or not.
Below is a list of such things:
Mature trees
It is common practice for developers to cut down trees to build a house.
Statistics by Forbes reveal that mature trees can increase your home’s value.
In the wake of global warming and deforestation, it is common to see an increasing number of real estate buyers who are environmentally conscious.
To such buyers, the presence of suitably sized mature trees in your compound is a sign of conservation, and thus they will pay a premium price for such a home.
Also trees give your home a fantastic appearance and provide shade, which can increase the value.
The National tree benefits calculator can help you to identify the best tree species to plant to enhance the value of your home.
So if you are planning to sell your home in the coming years, consider planting some trees to increases the value. . . .but make sure it doesn’t dwarf the house!
Proximity to Good Coffee
According to research by USA based, Realty Trac, proximity to Starbucks, and vibrant shops, can increase the value of a home by up to 40%.
Everybody loves food, and being near one of the best coffee outlets can have a significant impact on the value of a property.
Although Starbucks isn’t as common in Australia a good cafe with great coffee is likely to have a similar effect.
The ‘Starbucks effect’ has been explained by Harvard business school in two theories:
The opening of a good cafe in a neighborhood increases the number of people in an area and the increased traffic is a sign of growing customers.
The changing demographics as a result of the presence of good cafes and popular shops. When a popular cafe opens, a diverse demographic of people visits the area, and this boosts the value of a home.
Yet, there is a downside to proximity to good cafes.
It could increase your property taxes after Starbucks setting up a store in their locality.
Same-sex marriages in the neighborhood
The legalization of same-sex marriages in 2015 in the USA had a tremendous effect on property prices.
In communities with a high concentration of gay couples like West Holywood, Castro District inSan Fransisco, the property prices sky-rocketed.
Experts have explained the gay effect in many theories.
Since most gay couples have few or no children, they tend to have a high disposable income.
With an increasing disposable income, gay couples can afford to live in high-end properties.
Many gay couples are politically active andtend to lobby the government to provide social amenities when they move to a new neighborhood.
With two incomes and few obligations, gay couples can afford to channel a considerable
percentage of their income in home improvement.
According to research by Harvard business school, an increase of same-sex couples by one
increases the property value by 1% in the neighborhood. Yet, there is a twist to this theory. In
conservative places, the presence of gay couples decreases the property value by a considerable
size.
Railway Station
The accessibility and convenience factor of the railway station nearby also affects the property value.
SkyRail at Noble Park
It was revealed, in a 2017 meta-analysis, that having railway station less than 1km increases the value of the property by 12%.
In Melbourne construction of the Sky Rail in the South East suburbs caused a drop in property prices due to local concerns, however prices quickly recovered after the project was completed.
Home owners do prefer avoid getting too close to stations as it can be too busy and noisy during rush hours.
Death on the property
Some buyers will be put off if they become aware of a death in the property.
It could get worse if the cause of death was suicide often potential buyers, feel homes are ‘cursed,’ and this can be a deal-breaker.
If the death was tragic like suicide, murder, electrocution or death by fire, agents may suggest up to 20% discount on the property.
Death of older people from old age has less effect as death at an old age it shows a potential for a ‘forever home’.
Hence, whether you are buying or selling a property, these are some of the factors that might affect the house valuation in Sydney.
Be discreet when revealing the information to home buyers, unless you are sure that the information will increase the property value.
The trend these days seems to be for double garages……… but how many of them have two cars in them. . . . My guess would be about 10% and quite a few never have a car in them at all.
Some are just a home for junk that really should go to the tip.
Some are a workshop with bench, fixed power tools and shelves of tools.
I have seen a few ‘Man Caves’ with pool table and a bar.
Others are a storage place for bikes and barbies.
My double garage can still get one car in but the remainder is a combination of most of the above.
With narrower blocks a problem can be the garage dominates the rest of the house.
When you come to sell not many will want a house that looks more like an industrial lock up storage than a home, like This House.
Dimensions
Typical internal garage dimensions are:
Single garages – 3.5 metres (wide) by 6 metres (long) with a door around 2.5m wide.
Double garages – 6 metres (wide) by 6 metres (long) with a door around 5m wide.
These garages should fit anything up to a large 4WD, which are around 5.5m long by 1.9m wide.even with a bull bar on the front and tow bar behind.
Alternative Layouts
In the past I have had a single carport for parking the car with a separate garage/workshop at the back as my shed, which seemed to work well.
Another option may be to have a garage and a half! This could be either:
9 m long by 3.5 m wide with the back half being the store room/shed.
or
6m long by 5m wide with shelves and/or a workbench along one or both side walls. This would work better if you wanted a large door through to the back garden.
Not enough room? . . . perhaps an underground/basement garage is the way to go. (see this link to find out more: Underground Garage)
Other Considerations
Once you have chosen the size here are some links to other aspects of garage planning:
The mattress you select can influence your health in a lot of ways.
A good mattress can help you sleep better at night, allowing you to become more energetic and productive during the day.
A good mattress can also prevent you from developing allergies and keep your body safe from injuries and body pains.
To ensure that you’ll pick the right mattress, it’s best to consider all the necessary factors the best mattress should have before making a purchase.
Suppliers that sell beds & mattresses can be found in different locations.
Regardless of where you live right now, you’ll have easy access to these stores. In picking the best mattress, make sure to thoroughly think about the following first:
Size
The market is bombarded with different kinds of mattresses.
All furniture stores offer this product, making it challenging for you to choose one, especially if you’re buying a mattress for the first time.
To help narrow down your search for Australia’s #1 Mattress, start scouting for reputable suppliers and check the size of the mattress.
This is a vital factor to consider as the size of your mattress can affect the overall aesthetics of the room and the comfort of the person sleeping.
Here are some of the most common mattress sizes available in the market today:
King-Size Mattress (Suitable for Couples): If you’re living with your partner or spouse, a king-size mattress is an appropriate option. King-size mattresses usually have 76 inches of width and are 80 inches in length, providing a lot of room for two people.
Queen-Size Mattress (Suitable for Adults and Guest Rooms): Every hard-working adult deserves a good night’s sleep. How else can they prepare for more responsibilities and challenges if they can’t get some shut-eye? For guest rooms, a queen-size mattress is an excellent option. This mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, perfect for any adult who loves sleeping in different positions.
Full-Size Mattress (Suitable for Kids and Teens): Sleep is vital for the development of kids and teens. School-aged children need around 9 to 11 hours of sleep, while teenagers need to sleep for at least 8 to 10 hours. If you’re buying a mattress for kids and teens, consider choosing a full-size mattress. These mattresses are about 53 inches wide and 75 inches long, allowing kids and teens to stretch and rest better.
On average, you will spend an equivalent of 26 years on your mattress.
After a stressful day at school or work, you will usually look forward to relaxing and sleeping on your bed.
This is just one of the reasons why you should buy a mattress that provides the utmost comfort. Buying a cheap mattress but is too stiff for your preference can lead to back pain and other health issues.
When visiting any suppliers in your area, make sure that you’re buying a mattress that is appropriate to your comfort needs and try out the mattress in person.
Here are some tips to check if the product you’ll buy fits your comfort level:
Pay Attention to Your Posture: Your postural alignment while being in the mattress is one of the most basic indicators of comfort. If your hips and pelvis are raised out of the alignment of your spine, the mattress you’re trying out might be too firm. If you notice your hips sinking, the mattress might be too soft. A comfortable mattress is one that ensures your hips and pelvis are in line with your spine.
Watch Your Weight: Your body weight, along with your height and Body Mass Index (BMI), can affect the appropriate comfort level when looking for a mattress. Your support and comfort needs can significantly change if you recently lost or gained a few pounds. Generally, short and heavy individuals will require a firmer mattress, while taller people can experience body alignments and proper support from a softer mattress.
Customize for Comfort: If you have browsed through different stores, and none fit your comfort needs, opt to customize a mattress. There are now suppliers that offer customizable mattresses fit for your unique comfort preferences. Some customizable mattress can even cater to two different comfort requirements, perfect for sleeping partners who have different comfort levels.
Consider Your Sleeping Position
While some sleep comfortably on their backs, others do it on their sides or lying on their stomach.
When buying a mattress, make sure that you consider your sleeping position. Buying one that doesn’t allow you to sleep in your preferred sleeping position can only compromise the quality of your sleep.
If you’re used to sleeping on your back and the mattress you bought is too stiff, you’ll end up tossing and turning and losing sleep every night.
Over time, sleep deprivation can put your health at risk.
Stomach Sleepers: Sleeping on your stomach with the wrong mattress can strain your neck and push your spine upwards. To prevent this from happening, look for a mattress that provides extra support to your lungs and breasts. Memory foam mattresses that conform to your body are one of the best options for stomach sleepers. This type of mattress allows your body to sink down into the mattress. A memory foam mattress also forms a cushiony layer, perfect for supporting body parts that usually protrude when you sleep.
Side Sleepers: Side sleepers need to use a mattress that can provide optimal support for their spine and neck. Using an incorrect mattress type for this sleeping position can only result in back and neck problems. If you’re a side sleeper who doesn’t want to experience any of these health problems, scout for a soft or medium memory foam mattress. Buying a mattress that is too firm can leave a space between your neck and the surface you’re sleeping on. This can cause neck and lower back pain. Choosing a mattress that is too soft, on the other hand, will not provide your body with the support it needs. You can also choose to use a hybrid mattress. Because this type of mattress is made up of foams with different densities, the top layer can act as a plush memory foam while the underlying layers can provide support and density to your body.
Back Sleepers: Out of the many sleeping positions, sleeping on your back is one of the most common and is the one recommended by doctors. If you sleep this way, you aren’t putting too much pressure on your neck and spine. This sleeping position doesn’t require you to stretch or bend, reducing any back pain or joint pains. For you to sleep well in this position, you need to find a cushioned and supportive mattress that is not too soft. A latex mattress can fit all of these requirements because it can give you the support you need without being too springy. If possible, buy a latex mattress that has orthopedic support for your back to avoid any back problems in the future.
Temperature
Temperature plays a vital role in your sleep.
It’ll be very hard for you to get some shut-eye if your bedroom is too humid.
With this kind of temperature, you’ll be fanning yourself for hours, which can lead to strained wrists.
The same is also true when your bedroom is too cold. Instead of getting long hours of sleep, you’ll be waking up in the middle of the night, freezing.
Regardless if you’re a hot or cold sleeper, there are mattresses that can suit your temperature needs.
If you’re a hot sleeper who consistently feels warm during the night, here are some tips to help you find the best mattress:
Innerspring mattresses can help you sleep the coolest. This works because this type of mattress lacks density and heat-retaining foams. Innerspring mattresses have springs that allow more breathability.
Hybrid mattresses can also be a great option because these types of mattresses have an innerspring paired with a padded topper or foam. These features reduce the heat retention of your body, helping you sleep more comfortably at night.
For cold sleepers who always find themselves waking up shivering in the middle of the night, the following tips can come in handy when choosing a mattress:
A thick memory foam can be the answer to a cold sleeper’s sleeping problems. This kind of mattress is very comfortable and can capture and retain heat. If you choose to use thick memory foam, waking up in the middle of the night and feeling cold will become a thing of the past.
Choose Wisely
One of the biggest mistakes people commit in buying a mattress is solely looking at its price tag. Sure, the price can influence your buying decision, but it shouldn’t be the only factor you ought to consider.
The mattress you’ll end up using can impact your general health and life, so make sure to choose carefully. Use this article as your guide, so choosing the best mattress—one that can improve your health—can become a breeze!
