Driving along a quiet Werribee Street I had to stop to take a picture of this!
Are they trying to recreate the Berlin Wall?
Is it a World War 2 buff trying to create his own Colditz?
Is that square cover in the nature strip the escape tunnel exit?
All it needs is a watchtower and searchlights to convince me!
Guest post by Jelle Verbruggen
Window coverings in a bathroom must be, first and foremost, practical.
Fortunately, shutters offer a permanent solution for your home.
Plantation shutters are perfect for bathrooms.
They are easy to clean, provide unmatched privacy, and promote ventilation to combat mould and mildew.
Elegant louvres offer infinite adjustability, allowing you to strike the perfect balance between natural light and privacy.
In addition to their functionality, bathroom shutters are incredibly stylish.
With a wide range of colours and styles available, shutters are an excellent way to complement your bathroom’s interior design.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits that make plantation shutters the best choice for a bathroom.
When it comes to selecting the right window covering for your bathroom, moisture resistance is the most essential characteristic to consider.
You don’t want to end up with soaked blinds that retain moisture—even a few drops of water can harbour bacteria and make the blades bow or warp if exposed to rapid temperature shifts.
The Australian-madeMYT bathroom shutters are crafted from a specially formulated virgin polymer and further reinforced with a patented aluminium core to provide:
Additionally, polymer shutters are incredibly easy to clean and maintain.
Simply wipe them down occasionally for a hygienic and pristine bathroom with minimal effort.
A common issue Australian homeowners face is a lack of natural light in their bathrooms.
Bathroom windows tend to be much smaller than regular windows to ensure privacy while still letting some light and air in for ventilation.
Adding window coverings to these small windows can further restrict natural light, making tiny bathroom spaces feel even more cramped and dark.
The good news is that there’s a solution that doesn’t make any compromises.
MYT’s made-to-measure polymer shutters feature a robust 40mm side stile, which allows significantly more light through than the standard 51mm stile seen on other plantation shutters.
This unique design lets you enjoy a brighter bathroom without sacrificing control over your privacy.
Nobody likes a chilly bathroom in winter or a hot and steamy one in summer.
Fortunately, plantation shutters are a long-lasting solution that helps create a more comfortable year-round temperature in Australian homes.
The perfect fit also gives you more light and air control over your bathroom.
Dual closure blades that open and close both ways let you effortlessly fine-tune your bathroom’s climate:
The most sustainable window coverings are the ones that can stand the test of time.
In the manufacturing facilities in Seven Hills, Sydney, MYT Shutters works tirelessly to ensure that its shutters are crafted with exceptional quality and durability.
Unlike blinds and curtains that require frequent replacements, bathroom plantation shutters are a permanent and sustainable household upgrade built to last a lifetime.
Crafted with an impressively dimensionally stable polymer and a patented aluminium core, these shutters can withstand the extreme temperature swings and humidity levels of a bathroom environment.
To minimise the ecological impact of its production processes, MYT Shutters only uses water-based, low-VOC paints, filters and reuses its water, recycles 100% of the cut-offs, and uses 100% polystyrene-free, fully recyclable packaging.
Your bathroom reflects your unique taste.
That’s why MYT Shutters offers custom colour matching to ensure your new shutters blend flawlessly with the rest of your bathroom.
The silky-smooth finish is unparalleled and won’t lose its pristine shine, even after prolonged exposure to humid bathroom environments.
Visit your local MYT dealer to learn more about the diverse range of shutter systems, colours, and design options.
Its not unusual for the Site Investigation Report for your new house to reveal loose fill materials above a more stable clay or rock.
It might also reveal the soil is in poor condition.
To deal with the problem of building on poor ground concrete piers are a commonly used solution.
These are basically a hole that is excavated through the poor material and into the top of good ground. The hole is then backfilled with concrete to the level of the underside of the slab.
When they are finished you have a flat site with piers visible as concrete ‘pads’ (like the photo below), ready for the slab to be constructed
You don’t have to have Concrete piers over the whole site, just the parts where there will be fill, or weaker soil between the bottom of the slab and the stronger soils.
The following diagram shows a typical slab on a cut and fill site with piers excavated through the fill to the good ground.
See the following link for an alternative to Concrete Piers: Screw Piles.
The Slab over the piers is likely to be either a Waffle Pod Raft or a Conventional Raft Slab
When the site investigation indicates fill the builder will often put in a Provisional Sum for the estimated metresdepth of concrete piers.
At the time of construction they will drill down to good ground in the fill areas and calculate the actual metres you will need to pay for.
If your whole house is on ‘Controlled Fill‘ You may not need to use concrete piers.
Guest Post by Hubert Dwight
Are you in the process of purchasing your dream home?
Maybe you’ve just stepped into the enchanting world of homeownership in your warm, cosy abode.
Now, you’re pondering on that next important unanswered question of building insurance.
Perhaps you wonder if protecting your investment is necessary or if adequate coverage already shields your current residence.
No matter where you stand on the homeownership journey, the importance of building insurance cannot be overstated.
From new acquisition to long time loved dwelling, a building insurance policy is the essential safeguard for both, and we’re about to explain why. So, read on to find out more.
Building insurance acts as a financial safety net for your property, protecting you from a vast number of potential risks and unforeseen events.
From natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes to disasters like fires, theft, vandalism, and an endless array of mishaps, building insurance is designed to protect your property from a plethora of threats.
In essence, building insurance is like a sturdy safety net that’s meticulously woven to protect your home from those darned curveballs that life often throws our way.
Whether it’s a sudden burst pipe that’s flooded your basement, a tree branch that’s crashed through your roof during a storm or other property landscaping mishaps, or a breaking and entering that’s left your premises ransacked, building insurance is there to help shoulder the costs and repair the damage.
Imagine forking over all your savings to repair extensive damage to your property leaving you out of pocket and emotionally exhausted.
There really isn’t anything worse, particularly when we’re all right smack in the middle of a major cost of living crisis. We cringe at the thought.
This is why building insurance is not a luxury, but rather, a quintessential essential for any homeowner looking to safeguard their investment and ensure their assets are adequately protected against life’s little uncertainties.
While no amount of money can replace those irreplaceable, sentimental items (we’re looking at you, nan’s stamp collection), building insurance provides owners with a scaffolding to rely on.
With the financial resources to repair or rebuild your home after an unforeseen disaster or unhappy event, building insurance leaves you free to move on and rebuild your life and memories that money can’t buy.
For first-time homeowners, ready to step eagerly into the world of property ownership, building insurance is the peace of mind that allows you to move into your dream home.
It keeps your humble abode safe and sound.
That way, you can enjoy the fresh paint and crisp new carpets with the knowledge that you’re covered.
Building insurance remains just as crucial well into your homeowner years.
Whether you’ve only just signed on the dotted line of your first mortgage to own your place, recently renovated and flipped, or just love where you live – having the right insurance policy in place is imperative.
You never know what will happen, it’s a practical necessity to ensure your investment is protected and your property maintains its value.
Selecting the right building insurance policy means first understanding the specific risks your property faces.
The right coverage level for your property will depend on your location, your home’s age and condition, and the weather patterns your home is subject to.
By evaluating your risks carefully, you can ensure your insurance coverage protects your home against major threats.
But we get it. Even with an array of building insurance policy options and providers on the market, selecting a policy is a pretty daunting task.
You may even suffer from analysis paralysis, and we can totally relate.
By comparing quotes, reading the fine print and understanding coverage limits and exclusions, you can make an informed decision based on your needs and your budget.
Don’t stress, take your time, shop around and ask questions if you need to.
Most policy providers will be more than happy to assist you in finding the right coverage for your needs.
Your building insurance is a significant investment in your home’s future, and it’s essential to take the time to choose wisely.
Building insurance is something no homeowner can afford to be without.
Whether you’re about to purchase your first home or have been a property owner for years, it is the safety net that protects your investment.
It ensuring that accidents, natural erosion, or unforeseen circumstances won’t ruin your home and your finances along with it.
Just as you’ve invested in health insurance and car insurance to protect yourself and your gorgeous set of wheels, why not ensure your property receives the same level of care and protection?
So, don’t wait until it’s too late — invest in building insurance today, and have that added peace of mind knowing your property is amply protected, come what may.
Well is this house suspicious?
Or perhaps it doesn’t like you!
Another funny photo from one of my favourite sites on the web; Ugly Belgian Houses
Guest post by Hubert Dwight
Spending time in your backyard is an excellent way to make the best of your limited leisure time.
Whether you’re looking to cook up a storm on the BBQ, play a good round of backyard cricket with the kids, potter around in the garden or undertake a DIY project, nothing beats some leisure time out in your own backyard.
After all, you work hard, week in and week out, so it makes sense that you’d want to make the most of the weekend or days off.
If the weather’s great for it, why wouldn’t you want to spend time outdoors at home?
An excellent way to relax is by either swimming in a backyard pool or soaking in a hot tub.
But what if you are having trouble deciding which is the best option for you?
Fear not, because this helpful article will fill you in on the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.
Continue reading to learn more.
Putting in a pool is more than just digging a hole and filling it with water.
You need to excavate with expert care and attention to reduce the risks of disrupting subterranean pipes on your property.
Pool safety should also be of paramount concern for families, which is why you will need to install a pool fence around the pool once it’s been constructed.
As for actually installing the pool itself – it’s a pretty mammoth undertaking.
To start with, there is significant earthmoving work required to prepare your backyard for a pool.
This means getting an excavator in to remove the dirt.
This alone can become expensive, depending on the scope of work required, not to mention the next steps.
Even before this step, someone will need to survey the yard to ensure a smooth installation.
Once the hole is dug, precise measurement is required to ensure a good fit.
Further excavation of pump trenches is then required.
Then, a crane will need to place the pool, or major concreting works are required to install a concrete pool.
All of this can cost between $45-75,000, depending on a few factors.
This is no small amount, so a pool is definitely the most expensive option between the two.
So a major con to installing a pool is literally just the process of installation on its own.
But why invest in a pool for your home?
Well a significant benefit of the pool, compared to a hot tub, is that the kids will love it.
A pool in your backyard is sure to make a huge impact on your kids’ childhood years, with your outdoor pool becoming the beloved setting of so many summer days and family pool parties.
And if you’re raising swimmers, then you can do no wrong by getting a pool.
They can swim at any time, providing you’re supervising, and will grow to love the water.
They can play all sorts of games in the pool, including polo, diving, water volleyball and more.
Your kids will absolutely love the pool, and if you’d rather stay home during a hot day, then this is the perfect option for your home.
It goes without saying that pools require ongoing maintenance, cleaning and chemical treatment to keep them clean.
If you can afford it, you can outsource this job to a professional company, but otherwise, this task falls to the homeowner.
So you better be prepared for all the intricacies of pool maintenance and cleaning if you’re looking to invest in one for your own backyard.
Thankfully, you can buy lots of equipment to help you with this, including automated cleaning tools.
Even with these tools at your disposal, you can expect your pool maintenance tasks to add to your general household task list.
These care and maintenance requirements should be a major consideration when deciding whether or not a pool is the right choice for your family’s garden space.
Now what should you consider before getting a hot tub for your backyard?
Well much like a pool, you can expect the installation of your hot tub to be a pretty complex affair, depending on whether you’re looking to invest in an in-ground hot tub or an above-ground tub.
Thankfully, there is a bit more of a cost range for hot tubs than there are for pools, providing you with more options.
For instance, if you’re operating on a lower budget, you can get an inflatable hot tub for under $1,000 by buying one online.
The better models cost between $5,000 to $10,000, though, and it’s worth getting a decent one because inflatable ones can be prone to leaks or punctures, which are a pain to rectify.
Delivery and installation are much more straightforward than a pool, as a company can deliver it and set it up within a day and for much less initial cost.
Hot tubs tend to be preferred by adults, as it’s fantastic to soak in one at the end of a long, hard day.
With some tunes, a refreshing beverage and some ambient lighting, it will create the perfect relaxing atmosphere for your backyard.
The kids might like it, but not as much as a pool.
A hot tub also has a much smaller size footprint than a pool, and will only take up a corner of your yard.
If you have decking, it can fit on the decking quite easily if you add some composite decking to your outdoor area.
You also don’t have to deal with the massive excavation required, not to mention the enormous cost of installing a pool.
Maintenance and cleaning are also much less arduous and less expensive as well.
You can use it for hydrotherapy and exercise as well, as it has enough room for simple stretches and strength exercises.
When it comes to pleasure and relaxation, you can’t beat it.
There’s something so sublime about relaxing in a bubbling, hot tub of water, letting your aches, pains and stress melt away while you chill out.
Both a pool and a hot tub can increase your home’s sale value, should you choose to move out and sell up down the line.
A pool, due to being more expensive, will increase the home’s value more.
However, not all buyers want a pool, so this could impact your pool of buyers, pardon the pun, which is worth considering.
This article has covered pools vs hot tubs and the key benefits and drawbacks of each.
Have you decided which is suitable for your backyard?
A ‘Conventional’ Raft Slab is a concrete base laid directly on a compacted base.
It is strengthened by cutting trenches in the base and adding reinforcement.
These ‘thickened beams’ are formed at the edges and also under loadbearing walls.
This photo shows the base covered in poly , reinforcement placed and edge forms in position ready for placing of concrete.
Guest Post by Hubert Dwight
Originating in the US when the first settlers arrived around Long Island, the style was initially born of practical necessity.
Features like wainscoting and panelling came from English origins and were incorporated into a home to conceal rising dampness.
In the 19th century, the style was adopted by architects and features included in the luxury summer homes of New York’s elite.
With its fresh, clean lines and coastal vibe, it is easy to understand the timeless appeal of Hamptons furniture, architecture and décor.
Often confused with Shabby Chic and French Provincial, Hamptons style is cleaner, crisper and more sophisticated than the former and lighter and more modern than the latter.
Whilst each of these three interior design styles can be used interchangeably, Hamptons aesthetic predominantly dictates that that the overall ambience is evocative of summers at the beach.
Hamptons interiors are centred around natural textures and surfaces, focusing on the beauty of materials such as timber, cane, linen and cotton.
I recently revisited the movie “Somethings Gotta Give” with Dianne Keaton and Jack Nicholson.
The movie is known for its star-studded cast but, for me at least, the biggest star is the house and movie set.
The stunning Shingle Style home, where most of the action occurs, typifies the best of Hamptons timeless, seaside elegance.
Featuring crisp whites, accented by muted greys and blues, the house is surrounded by French doors opening to the ocean.
High ceilings and large rooms, accentuate the breezy, seaside feel.
Think large, linen cushions, fresh flowers and pristine white furniture. The whole Hamptons ambience is deceptively sophisticated whilst, at the same time, being welcoming and homely.
A typical Hamptons-style home will feature muted blue or grey walls, contrasted with crisp white door and window frames.
The ultimate aim is to create a feeling of a breezy, summer day by the ocean.
Unlike the French provincial style, Hamptons furniture is typically sturdy and solid – painted in a vivid white or natural timber with an occasional ebony piece for contrast.
In living areas, sofas reflect the same natural hues – large and comfy, they are often matched with accent chairs in complementary tones.
Coffee tables are broad and low, forming the central focus of the living zone. Fabrics are crisp linens in muted cool tones accented with stripes of blue and white to exude a nautical feel.
Flooring is typically in light, neutral tones with large mats delineating living zones.
Natural timber is the optimal choice for flooring, exuding as it does, a ‘sand and surf’ ambience.
Walls dotted with seascapes and large timber bookcases overflowing with books are both staple features of Hamptons beauty.
There are a number of specific design details that typify the coastal aesthetic including French doors, plantation shutters, panelling and wainscoting, and shaker-style kitchens.
Introducing some or all of these design elements will go a long way to creating the Hampton feel in your home.
Tables, desks and hall consoles featuring side cross-detail designs, a typical inclusion in Hamptons furniture.
French doors on cupboards, entertainment units and cabinets are another detail that typifies Hamptons style.
Consider creating a wainscoting or panelled effect along hallways and entrances with timber or, alternatively, try panelled wallpaper which can create a similar effect without the time or cost.
If you are looking to include Hamptons-style design elements in your home, it can be easier than you think.
The internet is full of stunning home design ideas, which are affordable and can be easily incorporated to give your home the timeless beauty and elegance of coastal living.
Most people wanting to build a new home like to build it close by, but that doesn’t work for everyone.
Why build at a long distance?
Typical reasons for building long distance, including:
There are lots of posts on this site about the process of building a house . . . but what factors should you take into consideration for a long distance house?
A local agent with a good appreciation of the local market is invaluable.
They can be the best person to direct you to the the better blocks for sale.
If it is a basic flat block it might be worth looking at what the local project home builders are offering
If its a scenic block, which are often on steep slopes to get a good view an architect might be needed to get the best results
Project builder or architect designed home? . . . . you are going to need a builder.
This is perhaps one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when building your home.
After all, your putting your trust with this person for the whole build, so it’s essential to choose someone reliable who you can communicate with clearly.
Building at a distance you aren’t going to be able to visit the site as often as you would if it was just round the corner!
Make extra sure to check the credentials and references, and look into their past work to determine their level of quality.
It’s a good idea to have regular inspections during a build to make sure problems aren’t covered over.
If you don’thave the time to visit every 2-3 weeks a good builing inspector can be a good choice in ensuring a quality build.
It is likely you are going to take many trips during the whole procees so its worth giving consideration to keep travel costs low.
Usually domestic air fares are cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Sundays mornings are often the cheaper than othertimes.
Guest Post by Hubert Dwight
For generations, flyscreen doors have been an essential part of numerous homes in Australia.
Their simple mechanism effectively prevents those pesky intruders that can cause some serious iritation if they enter your home.
However, a significant number of people are still unsure whether they should invest in such doors or not.
If you haven’t used such doors previously, here are some of the major reasons why you should get one immediately.
The primary purpose of these flyscreen doors is to keep out insects.
In certain parts of Melbourne, insect infestation is a massive problem.
Installing flyscreen doors in Melbourne homes can stop those pesky insects from entering the houses and causing health problems.
These screen doors also help you take care of the insect problem without using any harmful pesticides.
When you invest in good-quality flyscreen doors, they help you deter more than just the insects.
They offer an additional layer of protection against intruders, and more.
If you choose flyscreen doors made with stainless steel, they are also resistant to damage from pets scratching
Apart from preventing insects and other intruders from entering your home, flyscreen doors also help you keep your toddlers safe inside your home.
While solid doors give children the feeling of being “locked in the fortress,” the flyscreen doors offer a clearer view of the outside world, even through the mesh.
As such, these doors prevent children from venturing outside without help from an adult.
If you want to improve the privacy of your home while enjoying the view of the outside world, these flyscreen doors are a great option to consider.
These mesh doors allow people inside the home to look outside without any issues, but people outside the home cannot see what is inside unless they are close enough to the door.
So, it is difficult for someone to spy on your house from a distance when you have installed such doors at your place.
Installing flyscreen doors can help you save energy by keeping your home cool. The perforated design of these doors allows air to circulate properly.
As a result, your house feels cooler without using air conditioning for several months.
The screens also block some portion of the direct sunlight, which can often increase the temperature inside the house.
This way, you can save a significant amount of money on your energy bill.
You will find flyscreen doors in numerous designs that can add more style to your home’s entrance.
From colonial-casting screen doors to diamond grille screen doors – you have plenty of options to choose from.
Some flyscreen door manufacturers can also customise the design as per your personal preferences. Also, you have the option to choose the materials – from aluminium to wood.
So, choose the one that matches the style and decor of your home. It is even better if you are installing the flyscreen door as a part of home renovation.
Flyscreens are known for allowing significantly larger amounts of natural light into a room, thanks to their perforated design.
While natural light can improve your mood, the UV rays from the sunlight also help prevent germs buildup and mould.
Moreover, the natural brightness of the room makes the space look larger.
Additionally, it reduces your dependency on electric lights during the day, helping you save some energy along the way.
Flyscreen doors have evolved significantly over the years.
While their primary purpose is still to prevent insects from entering your home, the designs and functionalities of these doors have changed noticeably to meet the requirements of modern households.
Local manufacturers can also create customised solutions that blend seamlessly with the ongoing decor and style of your home.
