Rendering popularity comes and goes……………… However I think “Why pay more for a something that is only going to require painting in the future?”
As my old woodworking teacher once told me “There’s nothing wrong with being lazy as long as you are intelligently lazy.
That means getting the job done but saving effort, both now and in the future.”
Positive
Rendering does have its place:
It gives a good finish if you are building using Hebel blocks or Foam Panels (See this link: Rendered Foam Walls), which you may prefer to use as they have a better thermal performance than bricks.
The render, particularly if painted a light colour, will improve the thermal performance of the walls.
You need to do it for some of the Home Builder techniques such as straw bale housing, or even if your DIY bricklaying is a bit rough.
Its handy if you are renovating a house and the previous builder has painted the bricks.
Negative
Apart from the exceptions above here’s why I don’t like render as a final finish:
Additional cost at time of construction.
Is it really hiding the use of leftover bricks from previous jobs and perhaps poor workmanship by the builder.
It can look fairly flat and bland in large areas like the house below:
Future time cost and effort in repainting.
If you get building movement it really shows up, with a crack across a flat plain wall. It’s then very hard to satisfactorily repair and hide the crack.
Render really shows dirt, spiders webs,and water stains.
Bricks are making a comeback as people who have rendered 10 years ago now find that the additional cost was only the start.
Having a house painted every 10-15 years is an expense that basically starts at $12K. Personally I’d prefer a family holiday .
Render costs around $20,000 on a 30Sq home, plus painting, plus more for maintenance……Brick veneer requires a wash, at the most, with a low pressure hose.
Some people say the modern Acrylic renders are better than the cement renders but I remain to be convinced.
What do you think?.
Whichever you choose the most appropriate Brick Dimensions will make the walls easier to build.
Your investment should be relatively sound, but you’ll be able to get in at a good price thanks to the cooling the commercial market experienced over recent years due to work-from-home orders and changing employee behaviour trends.
The Trend of Leaving the City Is Here to Stay
While buyers aren’t fleeing major cities at the same rate as they were during the peak of the pandemic, the tree change trend is here to stay.
Many people have realised that you can still have access to everything you want while enjoying a laid-back lifestyle in regional areas.
Those who have the flexibility to relocate will continue to do so in droves.
Prices and Timeframes for New Builds Are Rising
With the cost of materials rising due to shortages and supply chain disruption, prices for new builds are rising, and timeframes for completion are blowing out.
The best way to soften the blow is to work with a builder local to your area.
They are sure to have contacts who can source materials from nearby.
For example, if you’re building on the Peninsula, you’ll want to chat with a builder based in the local area.
While this won’t necessarily keep your costs down, it will mean that you’ll (hopefully) still be able to stick to your schedule.
House Hunting Is Staying Online
The trend toward online shopping received a significant boost during the pandemic and spread its reach further than ever before.
While it has been normal to advertise real estate online for many years, some purchasers are now buying solely based on what they’ve seen online.
If you’re an agent, you must feature your listings on an easy-to-navigate website while also taking advantage of the general real estate websites.
We suggest engaging the services of a top creative design agency if your online presence could use a little help.
It may not seem like a big deal now, but as market forces continue to shift, this competitive edge will be invaluable in the future.
Interest Rates May Tip the Scales to a Buyers Market
If interest rates continue to increase at the current rate, the market could soon be flooded with properties for sale.
This means that supply will most likely outstrip demand, creating market conditions that favour buyers far more than sellers.
Prices shouldn’t fall too far, but if you’ve got a slim profit margin, you’ll definitely feel the pinch.
Sellers may also have to negotiate contracts based on buyer preferences rather than their own, so if you need to offload your property quickly, you may run into issues.
No matter what side of the transaction you’re going to be on, it’s vital to stay across what is happening in the real estate industry if you want to get the best deal possible.
Being aware of these trends will help.
However, we strongly suggest engaging in research relevant to your specific situation before making any decisions.
A knockdown rebuild is a process of demolishing an existing property and rebuilding a new one in its place.
This type of project is often undertaken when a property requires significant repair or renovation, offering several advantages over traditional building methods.
For starters, knockdown rebuilds allow for complete flexibility when it comes to design.
Rather than being restricted by the existing layout of the property, you can start from scratch and create a custom home that perfectly suits your needs.
In addition, knockdown rebuilds offer the opportunity to incorporate modern features and finishes that can add value and appeal to your home.
A knockdown rebuild may be the perfect solution if you’re considering undertaking a building project.
What Is The Process Of A Knockdown Rebuild?
A knockdown rebuild is when you demolish your old house and build a new one in its place.
It’s a great way to modernise your home and add value without moving house.
The first step is to engage a registered builder and an architect or draftsperson to help you plan your new home.
Once you’ve finalised the plans, you’ll need to submit a building application to your local council.
Once the application is approved, the demolition process can begin.
Once the old house has been demolished, the builder will prepare the site for construction.
This includes pouring footings, laying slabs and erecting scaffolding.
The project’s construction phase will depend on your new home’s size and complexity.
Once the shell of your new home is complete, the internal finishes can be installed, such as walls, ceilings, floors and joinery.
Finally, the landscaping can be completed, and you can move into your brand-new home.
When Should I Consider A Knockdown Rebuild?
If your home is starting to feel a bit outdated, you may be considering a renovation, but sometimes, a renovation just won’t cut it.
If your home needs major repairs or you want to change the layout completely, a knockdown rebuild may be the best option.
Of course, starting from scratch is a big decision, so here are a few things to consider:
The age of your home: If your home is getting up there in years, it may not be worth renovating. It may be more cost-effective to start from scratch.
The condition of your home: If your home needs significant repairs, a rebuild may be cheaper than a renovation.
Your desired changes: Sometimes, the changes you want to make to your home are just too significant for a renovation. A rebuild will allow you to start from scratch and design the perfect space for your needs.
If you’re considering a significant change to your home, a knockdown rebuild may be the best option.
Weigh your options carefully and consult with professionals to make sure you’re making the best decision for your home.
How To Prepare For A Knockdown Rebuild
Before you start any building project, you need to be well prepared.
This is particularly true for a knockdown rebuild, as a lot of work is involved in demolishing an existing home and then constructing a new one.
If you’re thinking of undertaking a knockdown rebuild, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
You will need to obtain planning permission from your local council and any other necessary permits.
Once you have these approvals, you can start demolishing your old home.
Next, it’s essential to choose the right builder.
A reputable and experienced builder can guide you through the entire process, from demolition to construction.
They will also be able to advise you on the best materials and methods to use to ensure that your new home is strong and durable.
Finally, make sure you budget carefully.
A knockdown rebuild can be costly, so it’s essential to get quotes from several different builders before making a final decision.
By preparing properly, you can ensure that your knockdown rebuild goes smoothly and results in the home of your dreams.
The Benefits Of A Knockdown Rebuild
A knockdown rebuild can be a great way to get the home you’ve always wanted, without having to deal with the hassle and expense of moving.
By demolishing your existing home and starting from scratch, you can design a space that perfectly suits your needs and lifestyle.
And because you’re not restricted by the existing layout or footprint of your home, you can really let your imagination run wild.
Whether you’re looking for a more open-plan layout, extra bedrooms or a designer kitchen, a knockdown rebuild can make it happen.
Plus, with today’s advances in technology and materials, you can build a brand-new home that is more energy-efficient and sustainable than ever before.
So if you’re thinking about making a change, a knockdown rebuild could be the perfect solution.
Agricultural drains (often called aggi drains) are used to:
Drain waterlogged ground.
Avoid soil heave by keeping your foundations dry (see this Link: Protect foundations)
Keep the soil behind retaining walls dry. (see this link: Retaining Walls)
Existing Drains
In the old days agricultural drains used to be constructed out of short lengths of clay pipe butted together without proper joints. (If you are building on a demolition site you may still come across these pipes.)
The water seeped into the pipe through these butt joints.
Current Method
Nowadays agricultural drains come in two types:
White slotted UPVC pipes with longitudinal slots which come in straight lengths (usually 6m long).
Black corrugated UPVC pipes with lateral slots that come on coils of various lengths.
For domestic jobs the black corrugated coils are probably the easiest option.
You don’t need to be a plumber to lay agricultural drains in your garden. Some advice for laying the pipes are:
The pipes should be laid at a gradient of no flatter than 1 in 100 (1cm in 1m) to the point to which the flow will be directed. A gradient of 1 in 50 is better!
When excavating a trench for agricultural drains you need to dig the trench at a width of at least twice the width of the pipe and at least 25mm deeper than the level of the pipe.
Lay 25mm of 10mm gravel in the trench keeping it at the set gradient.
Lay the pipe along the top of the gravel keeping it as straight as possible.
Fill the trench with 10mm gravel to 100mm below ground level.
Fill the last 100mm with topsoil.
Make sure you have a silt trap before the point where you connect to the point of discharge.(see this link: Silt Trap)
There’s no denying that modern home amenities are a major selling point for potential homebuyers.
Who wouldn’t want to live in a home with a state-of-the-art kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, and a spacious backyard?
However, there’s more to consider than just curb appeal regarding modern home amenities.
In addition to making your home more attractive to buyers, these features can also add to its overall value.
For example, energy-efficient appliances and fixtures can help to lower your monthly utility bills, while solar panels can provide an environmentally friendly source of power.
Even something as simple as a security system can give you peace of mind and help to deter burglars.
So if you’re looking to add some value to your home, don’t forget to consider the importance of modern home amenities.
Garage Doors
A garage door is not just a security measure for your car or a simple door that leads into your home – it is an essential part of your house that can add to its curb appeal and value.
There are many different types and styles of garage doors, so you can choose one that fits the overall look of your home.
In addition to enhancing your home’s appearance, garage doors can also improve its energy efficiency.
Today’s garage doors are designed with insulation and weather-stripping to keep heat in and cold out, making your home more comfortable and saving you money on energy bills.
Whether you are looking for a stylish new garage door or simply want to upgrade your existing one, there are many reasons to consider investing in this essential home amenity.
Smart Thermostats
Don’t you hate coming home to a stuffy, hot house after being out in the cold all day?
With a smart thermostat, you can program your home’s temperature to be comfortable no matter when you arrive.
So whether you’re getting home from work or returning from a vacation, you can always walk into a comfortable home.
Because smart thermostats are programmable, you can save money on your energy bills by setting the temperature to a more efficient level when you’re away from home.
So why not upgrade to a smart thermostat today?
It’ll make your life more comfortable and help you save money at the same time.
Security Cameras
Everyone wants to feel safe in their own home.
After all, it’s our refuge from the outside world, but what can we do to deter criminals and make our homes more secure?
According to numerous studies, one of the best things we can do is install outdoor security cameras.
These studies found that homes with cameras were 50 per cent less likely to be targeted by thieves than homes without them.
The deterrent effect was even more significant for homes with multiple cameras.
This is likely because criminals are looking for easy targets and know that houses with cameras are more likely to have someone watching.
So if you’re looking for a way to reduce the chance of property crime, outdoor security cameras are a great option.
Plus, many modern security cameras now come with features like night vision and motion detection, making them even more effective at keeping your home safe.
They also last longer than incandescent bulbs, so you won’t have to replace them often.
Because they produce less heat than incandescent bulbs, they’re safer to use around children and pets.
An Outdoor Kitchen And Entertaining Space
As summer approaches, many people want to spend more time outdoors.
Whether it’s hosting a barbecue for friends or just enjoying a quiet evening on the patio, there’s something special about dining al fresco.
Not surprisingly, outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, as homeowners look for ways to extend their living space.
According to a recent industry report, outdoor kitchens are expected to be the most popular type of home kitchen remodel in the coming years.
With features like built-in grills, sinks, and refrigerators, outdoor kitchens offer all the amenities of a traditional kitchen while also providing the perfect setting for entertaining guests.
A comfortable home is a happy home, and there’s no better way to make your home comfortable than by investing in some modern amenities.
With today’s technology, there are so many ways to make your life easier and your home more comfortable.
There are plenty of affordable options that can still make a big impact on your day-to-day life.
So if you’re looking to make your home more comfortable and convenient, be sure to consider investing in some of these modern amenities. You won’t regret it.
Contrary to what most individuals believe, a bigger air conditioner isn’t always better and a smaller one isn’t always cheaper.
To properly cool a room or the entire home, one needs to choose the right air conditioner size that can efficiently cool the room from getting overworked yet not too powerful that it fails to dehumidify a room.
The question is, what size of air conditioner do you need?
Also, how do you calculate the air conditioner size needed to cool your room?
In this article, we’ll talk about those things as well as the other factors that can affect the ability of your air conditioner to cool your room. . . but first, let’s discuss why choosing the right size is important.
Why Choosing The Right Air Conditioner Size is Important
When talking about air conditioners, size has nothing to do with the physical dimensions of the air conditioner.
Rather, it talks about the power it has in kW.
The more kW it holds, the larger the room it can cool, and vice versa.
Too Large?
An air conditioner that is too large for the room results in:
A surge in electric bill
Unnecessary wear and tear to the air conditioning unit
Clammy room
Because a large air conditioner can cool the room fairly quickly, it shuts on and off more frequently to keep the room at the target temperature.
This not only results in a surge in the electrical bill but also results in unnecessary wear and tear to the air conditioning unit.
Aside from cooling the room, air conditioners also remove the humidity from the room, and because an overpowered air conditioner shuts off prematurely, it may fail to dehumidify the room resulting in a clammy, moist, uncomfortable room.
Too Small?
On the other hand, an air conditioner that is too small for the room can:
Never cool the room
Increase electrical bill
Early damage to the unit
A small air conditioner needs to work at its maximum power for long periods in order to try to get to a temperature it may never reach.
As a result, this creates an increased power consumption and strain on the unit.
Furthermore, it may never achieve the desired temperature you want for your room or the entire home.
So, What Size Air Conditioner Should I Get?
To calculate the air conditioner size that you need, experts recommend that you multiply your room’s area by a standard multiplier which is 140.
However, this multiplier isn’t entirely accurate.
It only gives you a ballpark as to what size of air conditioner you would need and doesn’t take into account the other factors that play into cooling your room.
Furthermore, it only works well for small rooms.
For example, a 20m² room multiplied by 140 is 2.8kW. But, you can either get a 2.5kW or a 3kW depending on the other factors that affect your room’s temperature.
In a rush? Here’s a recommendation table you can use to quickly find the air con size you need.
Room Size
Recommended Air Con Size
20m² or smaller
2 – 3kW
20 – 40m²
3 – 5kW
40 – 50m²
4 – 7kW
60m² or bigger
7 – 9kW
Of course, it’s always better to consult the help of a professional regarding this matter. They can recommend the right air conditioner that fits your needs.
Another viable option is to install a centralized air conditioning system. Professional installers segregate your entire home into zones and determine how much cooling or heating power that zone needs.
Other Factors That Affect a Room Temperature
As mentioned, there are other factors that could affect the ability of your air conditioning unit to cool your room.
Ceiling height – Rooms with higher ceiling means that more space needed to be cooled. Hence, a room with ceilings higher than 3 meters will need a larger air conditioning unit.
Room insulation – Rooms with good insulation are better at keeping the room cool and keeping heat out. Thus, a well-insulated room will need a smaller-sized air conditioner.
Location – Rooms that are facing direct sunlight heat up faster. Hence, they require a larger air conditioner to cool.
The number of people – Rooms occupied by more people like the living room or kitchen may need a larger air conditioner. Conversely, the room of your child can get away with a smaller one.
Air conditioner placement – Placing an air conditioner low or facing a large piece of furniture or divider makes it hard to cool the room. Hence, finding the perfect place to set up your air conditioner is as important as choosing the right size.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right air conditioner size is paramount to achieving the desired comfort in your home.
Calculating the right air conditioner size is also relatively easy if you follow our recommendations above.
According to experts, a 2.5kW air conditioner for the rooms and a 7kW air conditioner for an open space living area is enough for a standard Australian home.
Whether it is spiders and ants or bed bugs and roaches, each house has to encounter a pest problem at some point.
Now every time you spot an insect loitering in the corner, you do not have to go looking for the harshest chemical solution in the market…You can rely on natural remedies.
Even though extremely potent, most people nowadays avoid using pesticides and insecticides in and around their homes.
Some cannot withstand the fumes while others are worried about kids and pets.
No matter what reason you have, natural remedies are considered the safest option when it comes to resolving pesky pest problems.
1 Essential Oils
The experts providing top-notch Perth pest control services said essential oils like peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, spearmint, etc. not only purify the air and uplifts one mood, they are also capable of controlling bed bugs and dust mites.
As essential oils are usually available in concentrated form, you must mix a few drops of water in them.
Spray the mixture directly on beds, sofas, rugs, carpets, and mats.
2 Vinegar
According to the best flies removal service Perth, vinegar is rightly considered the best natural cleanser.
It can keep pests such as fruit flies and ants away.
Studies have shown that the powerful smell of vinegar repels the ants and successfully prevents them from making navigation trails.
You can use vinegar as a bait to trap and kill fruit flies.
Use this remedy unhesitatingly.
3 Baking Soda
Baking soda has been a tried and tested method used for eliminating cockroaches.
You can increase the effectiveness by mixing baking soda with powdered sugar.
Leave the mixture wherever you have seen roaches wandering in your house.
The experts providing flea removal service Perth said although a bit messy, this remedy is believed to be the best way to kill the bugs off.
4 Salt
Do you wish to free your house from ants as soon as possible?
Sprinkle salt around windows and doors and you will notice that the ants have stopped coming.
Salt can also help with fleas.
Scatter the granules on rugs and carpets to dispel the pests.
Keeping rosemary leaves on your pet’s bedding is another amazing way to discourage fleas.
5 Lime or Lemon Juice
Lime or lemon juice can keep snails, ants, and spiders at bay.
Spiders dont like the smell of citrus and would not come anywhere near your windows and doors if you have sprayed these areas enough.
As lemon and lime juices also come in concentrated forms, you should mix them with water under all circumstances.
6 Mint
The professionals working for the best pest control company in Perth said mint can repel a wide range of pests such as mosquitoes, flies, and ants.
You just have to keep crushed mint leaves near the windows, doors, and any area from where you feel the insects are entering. You can also plant the mint around the entryways.
It will lend an invigorating scent to your entire house.
7 Coffee Grounds
Pests and critters do not love coffee. . . actually, they hate it.
For the ants, coffee grounds have proven fatal.
You should get rid of the bugs by using the recycled coffee grounds. Sprinkle them all around your house.
Finally
Unwanted pests and critters can hamper the joy you plan on getting from your house and garden.
Try putting together the products you can easily find in your house and make your own effective pest solution.
Keep in mind the above remedies as they can get rid of the ‘problematic guests’ forever.
Are the home remedies above not working the way you imagined?
Well, then please go ahead and seek professional assistance. Rats Pest Control Perth is a reputed company that provides utmost relief from household pests such as rats, wasp, ants, termites, fleas, bed bugs, etc.
Their knowledgeable and experienced technicians make sure to generate desirable outcome under all circumstances. . . schedule an appointment now!
The ceiling is easy to reach to remove dust and webs.
There will be less storage to declutter as well.
Begin the cleaning process room after room and then the living room and the kitchen.
Some Aussies hire a professional cleaner to do the job but with the small surface, you can clean the area alone.
Can Be Customized
Owning a single-story home allows you to enhance its parts according to your lifestyle.
It is an open-plan house idea giving families the freedom to create a unique layout.
You can decide whether it would be low or high-ceiling.
High-ceiling is a better choice for small houses to maximize the space and also to take advantage of natural light. Add doors and windows that you think fit the overall home design.
Aussies like simple and at the same time elegant-looking houses. They also add up a garage and a patio for family gatherings.
All in all, the home design must depend on many factors. These include your lifestyle and the people you are living with. Consider a safer house layout in case there are seniors in your care.
Final Thoughts
To sum it all up, building a home in Australia comes with a lot of benefits. The environment is peaceful and friendly which makes living in a good-looking house worthwhile. Many residents choose to invest in a single-story unit for practicality’s sake. It won’t take up so much space and yet provides enough room for the family.
Contact your trusted home designers and homebuilders to get started in constructing your dream house!
It doesn’t take much of a slope to mean that costs will increase.
For the last house I built, in 2005, a 0.8m slope over a 26m wide by 32m deep block added $4,800 to the cost.
That’s for much less of a slope than the block in the picture.
The extra cost was for some cut and fill ($2,900) to level the site under the slab, and about 12m of 450mm high timber retaining wall ($1,900).
Much more of a slope and the costs can really shoot up.
Reasons for Additional Costs
As well as cut and fill costs you could have:
Drop Edge Beams – A sort of retaining wall as part of the foundation to make sure that the fill stays under the foundation.
Concrete Pier, or Screw Piles may be needed because the different depths of fill under the slab will have varying strengths.
Higher Strength Slab – Needed to span between the piles.
Extensive Retaining Walls – Once Retaining Walls go above 1m high the costs increase significantly.
One advantage of double storey houses on slopes is that the additional cost of foundations will be lower than those for a single storey house of similar total floor area due to the smaller foundation area.
Steeper Sites
For really steep slopes you may need to go for a Split Level Home or even build on ‘Stilts’.
Either way you are definitely going outside the typical project builders territory and probably looking to get a custom builder and architect involved in the house.
So why build on a slope?
Well for many people its a view, and means you may only be overlooked on one side of the house.
Without a view and I would only be looking at building on a slope if the block was significantly cheaper, to offset the additional costs.
