Transforming Your Outdoor Space: How Sheds Can Enhance Your Home’s Value

Guest post by James Austen

Benefits of having a shed

Having a shed provides extra storage space, reducing clutter in your main living areas.

It can secure tools, lawn equipment garden furniture.

Many types of sheds and homes can can also provide workspace for hobbies and DIY projects, or provide additional living space.

Purpose of the Shed

Storage  Sheds that are only used for storage can be faily basic with little need for windows, power supply or insulation.

Don’t skimp on the size including the door as you want to make it easy to get your stored materials in and out.

Workshop. If you are going to use the shed as a workshop you need to think about light and comfort.

Natural light will make your work easier and things like insulation will make the space more usable in the hight of summer and the depths of winter.

ou will also have to think about a power supply and perhaps organise for a sink

Living/ Leisure Space This can be for relaxation and entertainment and may even incorporate outdoor shaded areas.

Other uses include home offices and even accomodation such as  ‘Granny Flats’..

Higher standards of fit out and services will be required for living spaces.

Choosing the right location for your shed

Relationship to the house

A well-paved path with good lighting is essential to provide safe access at all times during the day and evening.

A location close to the house may be convenient for providing services.

You also need to consider the appearance of the shed from inside the home.

An attrative leisure space shed may look good; but you might want to screen a workshop or storage shed.

Exposure To The Weather

Picking a shady spot will make the inside of the shed much more comfortable in summer

Drainage and Land Slope

Many sheds have limited roof drainage so the run off falls to the ground.

If this is what you propose make sure the shed is not in a low spot or the whole area around the shed is going to get waterlogged.

Sizing Your Shed

Space availability

Space availability is a crucial aspect to consider, a shed that takes up a large part of your garden is likely to negativly affect your property value!

Planning Laws

Planning laws include planning permissions, and building codes, may affect what you can do.

A small shed at the back of the house is unlikely to be a concern but a large shed or a livable room may require a trip to the council offices..

Materials for the Shed

Metal Sheds

Metal sheds are durable, low-maintenance storage solutions which are a popular choice in Australia/.

Wooden Sheds

Wooden sheds are generally chosen in Australia for their rustic appearance and are available in many styles and sizes.

They  often can be attractive garden features while offering functional storage.

One disadvantage is that wood does require more maintenance than other materials.

Masonry

Brick or block sheds are very durable but as they are usually considerably most expensive they are rarely used in Australia.

Plastic Sheds

Plastic sheds are a durable, weather-resistant storage solution for your garden or yard.

They are typically  a small convenient option for storing tools and outdoor items.

DIY or Professional Installation?

DIY installation can result in significant saving but requires careful planning and the right tools.

Always ensure accuracy in measurements to avoid costly mistakes.

Follow instructions diligently, prioritize safety, and don’t rush the process as persistence and patience often lead to the best results.

Professional installation benefits include guaranteed quality of work, time-saving, expert knowledge of best procedures.

Electrical Planning – Master Bedroom

Perhaps you agree with most builders, who seem to think a couple of power points in the bedroom is fine………….. Well I think that’s nowhere near enough and here’s why:

Starting on my side of the bed I have:

    • Bedside reading light
    • Clock/Radio alarm,
    • A wireless phone charger pad
    • Lap top charger (useful for us to chrome cast to the bedroom TV).

On my wife’s side its:

    • Bedside reading light
    • A wireless phone charger pad.
    • Power for the electric bed

Next is the TV that’s mounted high on a wall.

Don’t forget the aerial socket as well.

We don’t like to use the main light too much so we have a simple  ‘oyster’ fitting to provide low intensity background lighting in the evening.

We have a reverse cycle air conditioner.

You might also want power for electric blankets!

As we want somewhere to plug in the vacuum cleaner its a good job all the sockets are doubles, so we have still got convenient sockets.

 

Light are another matter.

    • We have a three way set up for the main light so we can control it from the door and either side of the bed. the bedside switches are set to be 300mm above the bedside cabinet height.
    • You might like to think about bedside wall or ceiling mounted lights (personally I prefer table lights)
    • In the walk in robe we have a motion detector switch so we don’t have to worry about leaving it on all day (This works very well a long as you have a door to the WIR. The dog sleeps under the bed and if the door is open and he walks round the room in the night the light goes on)

Don’t forget the smoke alarm outside the bedroom door.

For similar posts see Electrical

More Electrical Planning including 24 pages of Check Lists

in the ‘Selection / Pre-Start Guide’

 

 

How To Safely Remove A Tree Stump From Your Property

Guest post by Hubert Dwight

When it comes to personal landscaping, removing tree stumps is any arborist’s nightmare.

There’s a lot involved in making sure you can execute the job properly and without injury.

But what is the safest way to remove a tree stump from your property using your own tools?

Well, if you’re handy with a chainsaw, the job may be as simple as heading to Jono & Johno for chainsaw spares and then getting started.

For those seeking a little more direction, we’ve gathered some helpful tips that will give you the confidence in planning that you’ll need to rid your garden of that pesky stump.

Reasons you might need to remove a tree stump

Whether it’s a safety hazard or merely an eyesore, there are many reasons to prioritise the removal of a tree stump.

Even so, many homeowners are still hesitant to take on such a big job, namely because it can be labour-intensive. . . but there are a few reasons why you don’t want to leave this job at the bottom of your list.

Firstly, rotten tree stumps can attract and grow fungi spores which may become toxic to other plants in your garden or even attract pests.

Rotten root systems can also corrupt the soil quality making your garden a hostile place for other plants.

It’s also important to maintain a tidy garden to prevent any bushfire hazards.

Professional or DIY

With any DIY project, there’s always the question of when to try yourself and when you should leave it to the professionals.

If you’re planning on removing a tree stump, the answer really depends on your own personal situation.

Removing a tree stump can be simple and straightforward as long as you’re prepared to plan.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to call in a professional

Big job

If your pesky tree stump is wider than a metre, it may require a skilled team of workmen to ensure that it’s safely removed.

Type of tree

Some trees have root systems which are fairly simple, but others may spread further down or even around.

For this reason, it’s important to know what tree species you’re dealing with prior to attempting to remove the stump.

If this is something you’re not sure of, it may be best to call a professional.

Confidence with tools

Operating heavy machinery is not something to be taken lightly and we don’t recommend tree stump removal to be your first project using a chainsaw.

If you don’t have much confidence using a chainsaw, it’s best to enlist the assistance of someone who does.

How to prepare for the removal of your tree stump

One of the most important steps to removing a tree stump is to assess the surroundings.

If the stump is on a hill, or surrounded by other foliage, or if the ground is muddy, all of this could have an impact on how successful your stump removal will be.

It’s important to make sure that you’re aware of any potential slip hazards as you will be handling hazerdous machinery.

Get the gear

Whilst having the proper set of tools is important, any landscaping DIY project should be handled with appropriate personal protective gears. For a stump removal we would recommend having

      • A heavy pair of gardening gloves
      • Safety goggles
      • Safety footwear
      • Hearing protection

It’s also important to consider sun protection as uprooting a tree stump is no quick task.

Get the tools

There are a variety of tools that may help with tree stump removal but the basics that we would recommend would be:

      • Chainsaw
      • Wheelbarrow
      • Shovel and/or Garden trowel
      • Shears
      • Machete or handsaw

 

Removing the tree stump

Begin to cut

There’s no simpler way to put it, the first thing you’ve got to do is make some initial cuts.

You want to make sure you’re cutting down the trunk into more manageable pieces.

Remember to be slow and precise with your cuts.

Get to the root of it

Once you have cut the trunk down to size, begin to slice through the roots of the stump.

It’s good to have them as exposed as you can so be sure to dig deep around the trunk to get the cleanest cut possible.

Remove the debris and cover

Now that you’ve finished all your slicing and dicing, it is time to remove all of the dead roots and bits of trunk that are leftover.

Remove as much of the tree as possible and then fill the hole with dirt using a shovel or a dingo loader depending on the size of your project.

Enjoy your new garden

With your tree stump finally removed, you can be free to enjoy your garden with peace of mind.

Perhaps you could use the space for a veggie patch or as an entertainment area.

Take pride in knowing you’ve undertaken one of the trickiest garden home improvement tasks.

Is It Time To Get A Battery?

I got my Electricity Bill the other day which set me wondering if I should invest in a battery for our house.

Our Situation

We live in a retirement unit which is reasonably compact.

As a result our 3.25 kW of Solar Panels takes up most of the available roof space.

The advantage of having a small house is that although we are all electric our daily usage is quite small.

The below graph shows our daily usage and solar export.

From the figures above it would appear that with a battery we should be able to store, and then use overnight 3kw of power almost every day..

Power Company Rates

Our current rates from Powershop are:

$0.2893/kWh Consumption Charge
$0.052/kWh Feed in Tariff

Annual Savings

The annual savings by installing a battery  will be:

Consumption Charge minus the feed in Feed In Tariff  multiplied by 3kWh multiplied by 365.

$(0.2893 – 0.052) x 3 x 365 = $259.84/year

NB There will be some efficiency loss in the battery but this may be compensated by the battery partially discharging and being recharged during summer days.

Conclusions

Recent industry figures (September 2023) indicate the installed cost of batteries is $1,000 to $1,300 per kW.h

This gives a cost for a 3kWh of $3,000 to $3,900,

Even with the cheapest battery the payback at $259/year is going to be over eleven year,.by which time the battery will have gone through over 4,000 charging cycles.

As I am not convinced that the battery will be in good condition after those 4,000 cycles I think I might not bother with a battery for a while yet.

If I see battery prices drop to around $500/kWh I might rethink..

 

 

5 ways to Create a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment for Seniors

Guest Post by Rebecca Lee

Home should be a place of sanctuary for all, invoking a sense of safety, comfort, and familiarity.

This is especially true of seniors, who might be considering downsizing, but want a new house

Living spaces play a vital role in overall well-being.

Thus, it is integral to ensure that homes of seniors cater to their specific needs and provide a sense of peace.

In order to ensure that seniors are living in a safe and comfortable environment, we have provided a list of simple ways to transform a new house into a home.

1. Enhance Accessibility and Safety Features

The foundation of a safe and comfortable home can be created by improving accessibility. Installing simple modifications suited to senior citizens’ needs can make their daily lives far easier and reduce the chance of incidents happening.

Household modifications that are commonly utilised in senior houses are:

      • Handrails
      • Grab bars in bathrooms
      • Ramps in inclined areas
      • Significant lighting
      • Switches are within easy reach
      • Obstacles and clutter barring mobility are removed
      • Alert systems
      • Smart home devices

These safety measures give peace of mind for both seniors and future caregivers.

2. Adapt the Living Space to Accommodate Mobility Needs

Although on purchase mobility can be good as you age thinngs can change.

Beyond integrating safety and mobility accommodations in a household, you can ensure a more comfortable home environment for seniors by keeping their most commonly used spaces accessible.

Specifically, adapting living spaces to accommodate any hobbies and interests and king sure there is a space to relax when needed.

Living spaces can be made to be more accessible by:

      • Reorganising furniture for more open pathways
      • Choosing furniture that is comfortable and supportive
      • Adjusting the layout to reduce the need for excessive movement
      • Placing commonly used items in easy-to-reach places

Making these simple adjustments will reduce strain on seniors and promote independence.

3. Create a Relaxing and Serene Atmosphere

Engaging in a serene environment is known to significantly support the comfort and mental well-being..

To create a soothing environment indoors, it is best to incorporate:

      • Soothing colours
      • Comfortable seating
      • Soft lighting
      • Musical options

Nature is also known to greatly improve mental health across all ages, including seniors.

Bringing in elements such as plants or other greenery can reduce stress and anxiety.

This soothing atmosphere can be further heightened by adding personal touches to remember what matters most.

Cherished photographs or sentimental items can support the sense of familiarity and comfort within a home.

4. Encourage Social Interaction and Engagement

For everyone, regardless of age, social interaction is essential for mental and emotional well-being.

Encourage social interaction by specifically making spaces that suit family gatherings, hobbies, or group activities.

Over time, a greater sense of connection and belonging can be created within the elderly.

Social interactions can also become a more regular affair and more accessible by incorporating technology into the home.

Help stay in communication with family and friends who may not be able to visit regularly by thinking about where to take video calls.

This will allow you to stay connected and engaged with loved ones, staving off any sense of loneliness.

5. Regular Home Maintenance and Supportive Networks

Regular home maintenance and cleaning are crucial in ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for seniors.

Taking the time to ensure all necessary repairs are addressed will prevent safety hazards.

Meanwhile, having access to support networks, such as trusted caregivers, neighbours, or community services, is invaluable for seniors’ well-being.

This network grants help whenever needed, keeping seniors able-bodied and more connected to others.

Furthermore, regular check-ins from neighbours, or routine visits from professional home or health assistance can ensure any issues or concerns are addressed promptly.

However, if a senior is showing signs of being unable to maintain their independence, consider moving  to an aged care facility such as this aged care facility in Cowes.

Such environments are specifically designed to support seniors and ensure all of their comfort and safety needs are met.

Conclusion

It requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach for a seniors’ environment to become safe and comfortable.

These five essential elements listed in this article can significantly improve the quality of life for seniors in their own homes when followed.

By providing a space where the elderly can feel the most at ease, not only will their quality of life improve, but so too will their emotional well-being.

Prioritising safety and comfort allows seniors to age gracefully while maintaining independence and dignity within their cherished homes.

Contracts – Site Possession

Under the terms of a “Standard’ Building Contract you will be required to grant the builder ‘Exclusive Possession’ of the site once the builder is ready to start.

This means that the builder is responsible for, and is able to control, all people coming onto the site during the construction period.

The reasons for this are:

  1. Safety – The builder is responsible for the safety of everyone on site.
  2. Scheduling – Its harder to effectively schedule trades when you could be delayed waiting for other people to complete work.
  3. Cost – If the builder’s workers are delayed by having other workers in the way it can mean extra costs.

Practically what ‘Exclusive Possession means for you is:

  • Before you go onto the site you should contact the builder, who may only allow you on site if accompanied by the Site Supervisor.
  • If your bank, or building inspector, want to go on site to check on the works they also need to make an appointment with the Site Supervisor.
  • You may not be able to have other work done at the same time by other people. For instance:
    • Landscaping.
    • Home Automation.
    • Swimming pool or Spa installation.
    • Additional Electrical work.

If your builder says your other tradies or contractors can go on on site make sure you get their permission in writing with any conditions clearly stated!

Rural and Large Blocks

If you are building on a rural block, or just a large urban block it can be worth marking out, and even fencing, the house building site.

You then give the builder possession of the house building site only, and work on the remainder of the block.

 

Did your builder allow you to bring your tradies on site?

 

For similar posts see Contract Conditions

 

What to Consider Constructing a Home in a Retirement Village

Guest Post by Rebecca Lee

So you want to build a new home in a retirement village?

If you’re looking to build a home of your own in a village, there’s plenty you need to consider.

But what really goes into constructing a new home in a retirement village? Let’s analyse some key tips you can use to succeed.

Location, location, location. . . It’s a core mantra of real estate for good reason.

Choosing the right location for your new retirement village home is essential.

Here are some things to look for when searching for the perfect community to build your home in:

Leisure amenities

Something very important to consider when looking for the perfect village for you is leisure amenities.
These can make or break your retirement village experience, and are definitely worth strong consideration when deciding where to build your home.
Here are just a few amenities to consider including in your village:

Swimming pool with ramp access and aquarobics classes
Bowling green and bocce court
Cinema
Arts and craft studio to help your residents unleash their creativity
Walking trails
Library packed with books, magazines and newspapers
Games lounge filled with cars, billiards, ping pong and more
Outdoor patio complete with barbecue and dining spaces
Auditorium/concert hall for live shows, lectures and other special events
Healthcare

There’s no overstating the importance of robust healthcare in a retirement village.

Whether it’s a full-on integration with aged care facilities or some more modest offerings, you should have a strong understanding of what healthcare will look like in a retirement village before you construct a new home there.

Having an alarm system with 24-hour emergency assistance buttons will be important as you age.

Other healthcare facilities might include rehabilitation gyms and mental health services.

Before you begin construction, you should understand how the village offers holistic care to its residents.

This will give you the best peace of mind that the village is the right choice for you.

Safety and security

The safety and security of residents in a retirement village should always be paramount.

On top of the integration of healthcare into a retirement community, there’s plenty more to be done to ensure safety and security.

Video surveillance around the exterior of the village
Check-in at the front gate for all visitors
Staff available 24/7 – you never know when an emergency may arise
Adequate lighting all around the village
Period safety checks of smoke alarms and other critical pieces of equipment
Clear signage for emergency exits and fire extinguishers

These are just some of the markers of a safe and secure village, which you should look for when constructing your new home.

Designing your home

With your location set, now’s the time to make some design decisions.

Here a few key concepts to keep in mind as you’re drawing up your plans:

Wheelchair access: If wheelchair accessibility is a concern, your new home should be single-story with wide halls and doorways.
Anti-fall measure: Include grab bars, railings and non-slip floors to help mitigate the risk of falls.
Landscaping: When it comes to landscaping, prioritise flat walking paths with plenty of rest areas.
Storage space: Your new home might eventually require some additional storage space for medical equipment including oxygen tanks and mobility scooters.
Energy-efficiency: Include insulation and double-glazed windows for a more sustainable design. You can even consider solar panels, which might save you a penny to boot.

Type of home

Now, what type of home will you construct?

Many villages have a range of houses that you can choose from, while others may have more choice within style guidlines.

For more inspiration on a range of homes in a retirement village, check out this range of Adelaide retirement villages.

If you’re building your own home in an existing community, the choice is all yours. Do you want an extensive property with plenty of gardening to take care of? Or is a cosier accommodation more suitable for you?

Be sure to give plenty of consideration to this all-important detail.

Budgeting

Retirement community or not, budgeting for building a new home is a mammoth undertaking.

It’s often worth getting professional advice at this time.

Here’s a brief overview of some things to budget for when constructing a new home in a retirement village.

Who’s paying what?: For incoming residents constructing new homes in retirement communities, ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of which costs you are paying for, and what, if anything, is being paid for by the village itself.
Village entrance and land fees: Fees and costs associated with acquiring land in a retirement village can be confusing at times. Be sure to read all the fine print so you understand exactly how much you are spending.
Construction fees: At the outset of construction, create the most comprehensive budget possible, understanding that it is very much not set in stone. Be sure to ask around and get plenty of quotes.
Landscaping and outdoors: Don’t forget these all-important parts of the process! Landscaping costs can add up quickly, so you’ll need to have a solid budget set aside for it.

Constructing a new home in a retirement village can be a daunting process.

Be sure that your new structure is a fitting and welcome addition to the community.

This will ensure happiness and prosperity in your golden years.

The Importance of Stair Nosing for Staircase Safety

Guest Post from Laila Hales

Vinyl plank flooring has gained immense popularity for its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal.

As this flooring choice continues to flourish, it’s essential to explore another crucial aspect of vinyl plank installation: stair nosing.

In this guide, we will delve into the significance of vinyl plank stair nosing, its role in ensuring safety and aesthetics, and how it can elevate your interior design while protecting your staircase.

The Role of Stair Nosing

Stair nosing serves as a functional and aesthetic element in any staircase design, but its primary role is enhancing safety.

Whether in residential or commercial settings, stair nosing provides the following benefits:

Safety: Stair nosing offers additional traction on the edges of steps, reducing the risk of slipping and falling.

Durability: It protects the edges of the steps from wear and tear, prolonging the lifespan of your staircase.

Aesthetics: Stair nosing can be a stylish and complementary addition to your flooring, tying together the overall design of your space.

Why Choose Vinyl Plank Stair Nosing

When it comes to stair nosing, there are various materials available, including metal, wood, and rubber.

However, vinyl plank stair nosing offers unique advantages:

Matching Aesthetics: Vinyl plank stair nosing can seamlessly match your existing vinyl plank flooring, creating a cohesive and visually appealing staircase.

Durability: Vinyl plank is known for its longevity, and this durability extends to vinyl plank stair nosing, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.

Easy Maintenance: Vinyl plank stair nosing is easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for busy households or commercial spaces.

Affordability: It is a cost-effective solution for both residential and commercial applications.

Installation of Vinyl Plank Stair Nosing

Installing vinyl plank stair nosing is a straightforward process that can be done by professionals or experienced DIY enthusiasts.

The installation typically involves the following steps:

Measure and Cut: Measure the length of the step’s edge where the nosing will be installed. Cut the vinyl plank stair nosing to the required length.

Adhesive Application: Apply adhesive to the back of the nosing and press it firmly onto the edge of the step.

Secure with Fasteners: For added security, use screws or nails to fasten the nosing in place.

Seamless Transition: Ensure that the nosing creates a smooth and level transition between steps, maintaining safety and aesthetics.

Design Options and Styles

Vinyl plank stair nosing offers a variety of design options and styles to suit your interior decor. Some of the popular design choices include:

Wood-Look Stair Nosing: Emulate the classic look of wooden staircases with vinyl plank stair nosing that replicates wood textures and finishes.

Contemporary Styles: Modern interiors can benefit from sleek and minimalist vinyl plank stair nosing designs, complementing a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.

Color Variations: Choose from a wide range of colors and shades to match or contrast with your vinyl plank flooring, adding a touch of personal style.

Conclusion

Vinyl plank stair nosing is essential for safety and aesthetics in your home or commercial space.

Its ability to enhance the longevity of your staircase, provide an extra layer of protection, and create a harmonious design makes it a valuable addition to any vinyl plank flooring project.

Whether you’re looking to renovate your home or enhance the look and safety of your commercial space, vinyl plank stair nosing is an excellent solution that elevates both function and style.

 

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