Category: Guest post

Guest Post by Bogdan Butoi

Buying a new home can be a challenging event for some people, yet an exciting one. Choosing the right home appears to come up with lots of consequences if you’re not well-prepared. We’ve gathered in this article some of the most important tips to consider when buying your new home. 

First, ask yourself if you’re ready to buy a new home.

Where should you start?  . . . As a first-time home buyer, the entire process might seem like a daunting task. but it shouldn’t be,

If you give yourself enough time to prepare and make the process run smoothly.

Building the home of your dreams can become real, but the key is to make a plan first. 

Organize the purchasing process to make sure that your journey is satisfying.

The goal is to understand the new home buying process, so you know what to expect.

You have plenty of questions, for sure, but first, consider which type of home, neighborhood, and mortgage are right for you.

Then, you can think about how to personalize your home.

Let’s see some examples of new homes offers:

• Large bedrooms with big closets, and luxurious baths

• Energy efficiency (significant cost savings).

• Open floor living rooms (open to the kitchen).

• Brand new furniture and products, under warranty.

• Stylish cabinets, countertops, carpets, tiles, flooring, appliances, and more. 

Given the many advantages of new homes, most home shoppers are already putting them on their lists. Let’s see some other significant factors that will help make the purchase faster. 

Check your credit score

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a new home is that you need a good credit score.

If your credit score is good, you’ll get approved easily and in favorable terms, but if your credit score is low, the chances are that you won’t get approval.

If, however, you’re going to get approved, you’ll have high interest rates. Credit score examples:

• • • Reasonable: 580-690

• • • Good: 740-790

• • • Excellent:800+ 

Check your credit score and determine if it needs improvement.

Lenders will analyze your credit score and look for the highest credit rating possible.

Your credit score can impact your mortgage, loans, and credit cards.

You should pay attention to your payment history and current debts; it may influence the type of credit or loan you want to obtain. 

Choosing your first mortgage

Before starting the home research, wait for the pre-approved letter for a mortgage.

Choosing the right mortgage is a significant decision that can make a big difference, financially speaking.

There are so many options available, no wonder it can be hard to choose which mortgage suits your needs best.

First time buyers should come up with a list before starting the buying process:

• • • How big is your deposit?

• • • Mortgage overpayments

• • • How much money can you borrow? 

• • • Repayment? Or interest only?

• • • Consider the mortgage fees

• • • Mortgage penalties

• • • Are you qualified for a government scheme?

First thing you’ll need to do is to talk to a mortgage agent.

After deciding which mortgage suits your needs, you can go directly to a lender, or get the mortgage through an agent.

How much deposit do you need for a home loan? . . . Most banks or lenders will require a deposit of 20%.

If you’re determined to raise the money, there’s a high chance that the properties prices to increase, especially in big cities. 

Speak with your lender and see which opportunities you have to reach your property goals and get approval for a home mortgage.

In the meantime, to see if you’re able to afford the monthly payments, you can use the mortgage repayment calculator.

You just have to enter your incomes and expenses into the budget planner calculator, and wait for the answer.

You’ll receive a picture in an easy-to-understand format that will help you determine what type of home loan may suit your financial incomes. 

Determine your budget

There are other costs included along with the loan payment, including:

• Mortgage insurance

• Property taxes

• HOA fees (Homeowners Association Fees)

• Homeowners insurance

You must ensure that you have enough money to cover all that cost.

The property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and mortgage insurance are added to your monthly payment.

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI ratio) will determine the maximum amount of money you’re qualified for. DTI to your monthly income related to your monthly duties (auto loans, credit cards, etc.).

The maximum of DTI ratio lenders will allow you is 41%. 

Make a list with home features you want in your new home

It’s a good idea to consider the key features of your new home.

Ask for opinions to your family and friends who already been into the process of buying and organizing a home.

What important features they wish they had? Or didn’t have?

How many bedrooms, bathrooms are needed in a home?

You’re likely to receive some great answers and ideas.

You can’t really find a house with everything you need in it. . . .So, prioritize making a list with home features you want in your new house and be ready to compromise. 

Hire a real estate agent

First-home buyers make the terrible mistake of not calling a real estate agent.

They will help you find the home of your dreams.

However, you want to avoid paying for fees, as realtors can get good commission when you buy a house.

You might say “It’s all about the money…”. But it’s not always about money,

if we consider how beneficial it is to sit relaxed on the couch and let others do the work for you. So, why not use an estate agent? 

Compare loans from multiple lenders

Compare loan offers from many lenders – when shopping for a new home, it’s not recommended to stop along the first lender that will approve your loan.

You should compare your loan offers from many lenders, and choose the one that suits your needs.

Rates and fees can vary from one lender to another, so make sure you negotiate lower fees with lenders. 

Guest Post by Fernando Kidd

Whether you like it or not, there will come a time that you’ll need to replace your roof.

So, you really have to check your roof and see if it’s showings some signs that it needs to be replaced. 

It is also no secret that roofing is one of the costliest repairs an average home can suffer.

However, many people don’t know how to save money on roof replacements. 

If you are experiencing problems with your roof, here are five tips that will help you save a lot of money.

Hire a Professional

One of the best ways to save on roof repair is by not trying to do a major remodel on your own.

Instead, hire a contractor or a company that specializes in roof repairs.

While it might cost more upfront, having a professional install a new roof and make sure it is in good shape for a longer time is the better choice.

Doing repairs on your own is far riskier and will likely lead to costly damages and further necessary repairs in the future. 

But you don’t have to hire just any professional here.

One way to find the right roofing company is by asking around among friends and family.

Find out who the best roofers in your neighborhood are, like the roof replacement NOVA services, and try to work with them instead of trying to save money on the roof repair with the cheapest company you find.

While it might take some work to find the perfect company, the price will be worth it in the long run.

Know about the Materials Needed for the Project

When a new roof is installed, the materials needed will vary depending on what type of roof you have or what kind of roof you would like to have instead of your current one.

Some contractors will charge more for materials when installing a shingle roof while others will charge less if you have a fiber-cement shingle roof.

Always do some research so you know what types of roof materials the contractors will charge you for.

Make Sure You Have the Right Equipment on Hand

When going through the roof repair, always make sure the company you choose uses the proper equipment.

Most companies have the correct tools for any type of roof repair.

The reason being is that their main goal is to get your roof repaired in a timely manner so you won’t have to call them for another job in the future.

It’s also important that they have the right tools on hand for each job so they can do a job quickly and in a big time.

Having the right tools will also save you time as you don’t have to waste time running back and forth from the garage to your house to pick up or place equipment on the roof.

Many companies also provide their customers with a free estimate so they don’t have to ask anyone to come out and make an estimate.

Make Sure That the Professionals You Hire are Insured

When hiring someone to fix your roof, you should make sure they are insured.

If you have renter’s insurance, the insurance company will cover the cost of repair in the case of anything damaged while working on your roof.

This is one of the best ways to save on your roof repair. Even if you don’t have renter’s insurance, you can still save a lot of money with this.

Do Some of the Work

If you really want to save money further on roof replacement, you can try doing some of the work such as roof cleaning.

Roof cleaning is usually done by the professional and is often part of their services.

They usually hire help to do the cleaning for them before they can start their work. . .but you can always do it on your own.

This way, your overall cost will be much lesser that you thought it would be. 

You can also let your contractors know that you’ll do the post-construction cleanup on your own to make your overall costs much lesser.

Although it might sound like a complicated task, it is actually a lot easier than you think, and can even be a great bonding experience with the entire family.

Conclusion

You can save money on roof repairs, if you take the time to hire the right roofing company and the right equipment.

Also, you want to make sure that you only hire the best contractors because there is nothing worse than hiring a company that uses super tools and does shoddy work.

Always make sure to ask to see all paperwork and guarantee documents to make sure the contractor is working professionally and is insured.

Once everything is done, you’ll start enjoying the benefits of having a new roof again.

Fernando Kidd
Fernando Kidd has always loved doing home improvement projects on his own.

His passion for home improvement has motivated him to start his own blog as his way of teaching other homeowners on how they can properly and easily make renovations around their properties.

Fernando also submits guest posts to other home improvement websites in order to expand his reach and gain more readers.

Guest Post by Sydney Property Valuers Metro

Everyone enjoys talking about the property market, with some people talking about prices, whereas others are interested in discussing whether or not they should buy an existing home or build a new one.

The decision you make will depend on what your needs are and where you want to buy a property.

Buying land

As everyone is well aware, land is in short supply in the major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

If you want a home in the centre of the city then buying vacant land and building your own home simply won’t be an option because there isn’t the land available.

If you’re not concerned with owning in the city then building your own home could be the most suitable option for you. If you do decide to build your own home then you will need to purchase some land.

Before purchasing land you’ll need to consider the following:

• • The zoning. Whilst you may just plan to build a house, the area might be zoned for industrial or commercial purposes and you will need to decide if you want to live next to commercial or industrial property. If you don’t mind living in an industrial or commercial area then you will have more options available to you.
  • What is the property’s water sources? Can you collect rain water and store it in a tank? It is becoming increasingly common for new properties to use more sustainable water sources such as rainwater, stormwater, greywater, private dams, reticulated recycled water and hot water diversion. Water is an essential service so it’s important to know your water source before you buy the land.
  • Utility access. The price you pay for your utilities such as gas, electricity and water may be higher in rural areas where there is less competition.
  • What is the area’s climate? The climate is important because after buying the land when you build the property the climate will be a key factor in deciding how to build the home, for example, what type of insulation do you need? What types of plants and vegetables will you grow? Is the property likely to be affected by extreme conditions such as bushfires or flooding.
  • The soil quality. This may seem like an odd thing to think about when thinking about what land to buy but it’s actually pretty important because if the soil needs significant work then getting earthworks done and improving the land stability could prove to be quite costly. That’s before you’ve even built the home which is another expense you need to factor in when starting off from scratch. 
  • Slope of the block of land. If you buy land that’s on a steep incline then you may be limited in the type of house that you can build however you may be able to trade that off with appealing views. There is however the risk of erosion caused by the weather which means that any home you build won’t be as secure and that could affect your insurance premiums.

Building your home

 

After purchasing the block of land the next step is to get the home built but before you can do that you’ll need to decide if you want to use a pre designed production home or a custom home that you work with an architect to design.

Ultimately your budget will be a deciding factor in what type of design you choose for your home.

If you have the budget for it then a custom home is always going to be a better choice because you can make the home exactly what you want it to be and you can select the materials that are used. 

Production home

When you opt for a production home you will have some choices, however they are limited and you will only be able to choose upgrades from a predetermined product category.

If you want to make changes, you would need to do that later on after the home has already been built which could be a costly experience to customise it for your individual tastes and preferences.

When  you purchase a production home the builder will generally own the land that the house is built on and the construction company will help you arrange your mortgage.

Before the mortgage contract is drawn up you will need to get the property valued.

Sydney Property Valuers Metro provide expert property valuation reports in Sydney and can simplify this process for you.

The advantage of a production  home is that you can get the house and land as a packaged deal so you won’t need to worry about getting the house built at a later date.

Deciding what type of home you want can be a lengthy process whereas if you choose a production home then the pressure is taken off because you can choose from a variety of different housing plans that can be customised. 

You may be worried that a production home is going to be a costly experience and that it will be out of your budget but that’s not the case at all.

Production houses are built at a range of different price points whether you’re a first home buyer, upgrading or wanting a luxury home.

Custom build

Everyone has different needs.

Some people have three children whereas some people have no children.

Some people have dogs and some people have cats.

Others want an entertaining area whereas some people tend to go out to socialise so having an entertaining area doesn’t matter.

Then there are people who work from home and those who work in an office.

A custom build will allow you to get everything you want in your home and that it is uniquely yours.

If you work from home then you may want a room that’s specifically designed to be a home office but if you have kids you could want one of the rooms in the house to be a play room for the kids, or a room for your cat or dog to sleep in at night.

If you’ve decided to go with a custom build then before you select a builder you should conduct research to see what builders are available.

Then you should chat to a few of them to see what they can offer within your budget.

It should go without saying but you should also only go with a licensed builder to ensure that the build is covered by builders insurance.

Builders insurance is important because it protects your home should something go wrong during the construction process.

Builders insurance can also protect you in the event that the builder goes bankrupt or there’s flood or storm damage.

Given a house is a huge expense, sometimes costing up to $1 million or more, it’s really important that you do your due diligence before making any decisions related to whether or not you choose a production home or a custom home.

 

The kitchen is truly the heart of the home. It is where you prepare meals that nourishes your body, a place to get together with your family and friends, and basically reflects the personality and lifestyle of the people living at home. Because the kitchen has a lot of functions and it is a high-use area, there is no doubt that this is the most difficult room in the house when it comes to packing for a home move. It is usually full of heavy, strangely shaped, and fragile items, vay of which are quite expensive.

Now, if you are getting ready to move to a new home and are overwhelmed with how to begin your packing process, most especially in the kitchen, these useful tips might help you to get started.

 

1. Select and Sort Things

Get rid of the kitchen items you haven’t used for a long time and choose only the kitchen items you need for your new home. You can sort things according to their usage.

Donate/ Sell / Gift – Items you haven’t used for quite some time and are still in good condition can be sold. You may also give some of your kitchen items to family and friends who might want them or simply donate to a local charity.

Seldom Used – There are items you seldom use. Those you only use for parties or other special occasions like wine glasses, platters, vases, and other wares. It is best to pack these first.

Essentials – These are the items that you use and need daily like dishes, silverware, handy appliances like coffee make and toaster, and some food items you still need. You can pack these later as you still need them until the last few days in your old home.

2. Get Proper Packing Supplies

A lot of fragile items can be found in your kitchen, so you need to invest in packing supplies to secure your kitchen items through the entire moving process.

Prepare heavy-duty boxes in various sizes, a good amount of packing paper and bubble wrap, packing tape, markers. Dividers for your glassware will also help ensure they stay in place and prevent them from tapping each other during the move.

3. Prepare a box for Essentials

Remember to set aside kitchen items that you’ll need on hand for the last couple days before your move and on the first couple of days in your new home. Prepare an essentials box that contains kitchen utensils (plates, cups, forks, spoon) for each member of the family, hygiene items like soaps, toilet papers, trash bags, rags, etc.) towels, and emergency kit. You can also include in this box the remaining ingredients, snacks, and drinks.

4. Start Packing

Once you already sort things out and prepare for the necessary packing supplies to use, you can start packing the items in the kitchen. Pack kitchen items depending on its type.

Dinnerware

Line the bottom of your packing box with bubble wrap or packing paper. Make sure that you wrap each item and use a good amount of packing paper or bubble wrap to secure the extremely fragile items. You may use cloth materials such as towels and old table cloth for wrapping and cushioning. Always pack the larger and heavier items first in the bottom of the box.

Silverware

Sort your silverware according to type. For spoon and forks, you can use a rubber band or any strings to bundle them together and then wrap it with some packing paper. Once secured, place it in the box.

For packing sharp knives, roll each blade with at least 3 layers of packing paper and secure it with packing tape.

 

Food

Few weeks before the move, you should start consuming the food items in your cabinets or fridge for you to have less waste and fewer items to pack. For perishables like meat, egg and dairy products, these items won’t survive unless you’re moving nearby. If you are having a long-distance home move, you can check any families or friends if they want to have these

Non-perishables like canned goods, pasta and other items can be packed in a box. But if you are having a long-distance move and are hiring a removalist, you must consider how heavy the shipment is. Removalists also based their quotes on the weight of the goods to be transported. If it’s not cost effective, consider donating these times in a local food bank.

Appliances

Appliances are best packed using its original box. Make sure to pack them in advance so all are ready on the day of the move.  Each appliance should be clean and dry before packing. Parts that are detachable, especially those that are fragile, should be removed. Wrap the fragile pieces with a generous amount of bubble wrap.

Using these tips can help you ensure a stress-free home move. But if you don’t have enough time and you need some professional help, the first question you might have in mind is, “Where can I find trusted removalists near me?”

Using platforms that will help you reach out to a number of local and interstate man with van services is a good start.

Guest post by Asad Shoaib

Taking a loan to buy a home or any property is the biggest commitment you would ever make.

You must look at the long term view of the situation to make sure that you can pay back without facing any hassle.

You can also refinance your current loan after considering the circumstances to ensure whether it is the right time to do so or not.

For instance, if there is a significant change occur in your financial position, the refinancing option will make sense.

However, you should follow small tips and tricks to ensure that you carry out this process wisely.

Here are the top 7 tips mentioned to help you get the most out of Australian mortgage refinancing.

Interest Rate/ Honeymoon Rate

The interest rate that the lender offers should remain constant throughout the process.

Some lenders might offer a lower interest rate for the honeymoon period, so the interest rate reverts to a higher than the standard rate after the honeymoon periods ends.

So, you should make sure that the interest rate you are considering is for the life of the mortgage instead of a particular phase.

Comparison

It is wise to compare the best Australian home loans options to be able to analyze them properly.

Each option would further have different features that you might or might not need.

So, make sure that you choose the best suitable option after considering all the features, headlines rates, ongoing fees, exit fees, and application fees.

If you make the decision this way, you won’t have to pay extra for the features you don’t use.

You should also keep an eye on all available deals at the moment and compare them to ensure that you cut down the maximum cost to repay your loan quickly.

Mortgage Applications

While making the comparison, you shouldn’t send mortgage applications to all of the options you come across as it can reduce your credit worthiness.

Instead, it will help if you first finalize your option and then send the mortgage application to that one lender that fulfils your needs.

You can also get in touch with him to have a detailed conversation regarding the further process.

Loan Affordability

You should have a clear idea about your loan affordability.

If the interest rate of your loan is highly likely to get increased in the future, you should be prepared to pay that increase to the minimum repayment amount of your loan.

You can also ask your lender if he offers any discount for a specific professional group or organization where you work to ensure your affordability.

It is even better if you make a proper budget plan to determine your limitations and constraints beforehand.

Equity

You can make use of your equity to make the most out of your refinancing option.

For instance, you can upgrade your old home by doing some renovations.

You can also rent out your property to potential tenants after applying some useful home care tips.

Whatever plan you make, you should do a few calculations to make sure that you can afford it.

Also, your plan must be able to work well even if any change in the lifestyle or emergency causes a sudden shift in your finances.

Right Time

In addition to the long-term view, you should also consider the current time or situation if you want to make the most out of your mortgage refinancing in Australia.

Also, analyze both the pros and cons properly to end up with a decision that turns out to be profitable for you.

For instance, you must know if you take a home loan during pandemic, what are the possible consequences or challenges you will have to face.

At this time, you might get the lowest interest rate, but it depends upon your income source whether you will be able to pay it or not.

Also, if you want to go for the mortgage refinancing option to get the positive outcome, the lender you choose must be offering relief packages to his borrowers.

It will allow the delay of repayments for at least three to six months in critical situations.

Flexible Repayment

When you start searching for different Australian mortgage refinancing options, you should consider the one that allows you to choose a repayment schedule based on your needs.

It is also wise to select the fortnight repayment plan rather than monthly.

For instance, if you make a monthly payment of $5000, it means you would have paid $60,000 over a year whereas when you make a fortnightly payment of $2500, you would have paid off $65,000 by the end of the year, which is a month more over a year.

Guest Post by Shawn Edwards

LED bulbs and fittings are becoming more of the preferred choice of electricity mode.

An LED lamp or light bulb makes use of one or more colour-shifting lights that make use of the energy emitted by a diode.

This energy can be used to either give off light or create heat, which makes it suitable for lighting up any kind of surface.

The advantages of these are what have encouraged many to move away from fluorescent lighting, just as most of us moved from incandescent lighting to fluorescent.

LED bulbs, however, do have disadvantages which can be tackled by involving electricians.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of LED bulbs or integrated fittings.

Advantages

LED bulbs bring a wide-variety of advantages for those who choose to switch over to them.

Eco-Friendly 

One of the advantages of LED bulbs is that these are environmentally friendly.

These bulbs don’t create any mercury emissions that may cause harm in the environment.

The fact that these consume less power also means that greenhouse gas emissions are reduced so you can turn your home into an eco-friendly space by installing led lights Brisbane.

Various Colours 

LED bulbs come in different colours.

This is appreciated when you want to enhance the theme of a room, or prefer a colour that isn’t too bright but is efficient enough for you to have clear vision.

Colours range from white, red, blue, green, and other custom preferred combinations of colour.

You can use these multi-coloured bulbs to complement a ceiling fan design. When you switch on the fan, the light simultaneously switches on meaning you enjoy the functions of both the light and the cooling effect of the fan.

Low Maintenance 

LED installations and bulbs have a long life meaning, you don’t have to constantly worry about replacing these.

This means that you get to save on maintenance costs compared to more traditional lighting, such as fluorescent.

You only have to consider having an electrician come to clean light fixtures or do routine electrical checks.

Fire Safety

Installing LED lighting means lowering the risk of electrical fires.

This is because LED converts electrical power to electromagnetic radiation within a semiconductor.

This means that LED installations require fewer routine checks and fire prevention measures, which can become a financial disadvantage over time.

Various Installation Spaces

LED lights can be installed in all sorts of locations, so they can be used anywhere where conventional lighting is not possible.

If you plan to put up a new building, then you can choose to have LED lighting on the floor or above the windows  because it requires less space and does not require the same kind of installation as more traditional lighting.

Electricity Usage 

LED lights also have reduced electricity usage as compared to incandescent and fluorescent lighting.

Disadvantages

While LED lights have many great advantages, it is worth taking a look at the disadvantages so you can make a fully informed decision for your and your home’s needs.

Heat Absorbers

LED lights are susceptible to heat. If you live in a particularly warm climate, or are working in a room made hot through activities like cooking, your LED lights will likely deteriorate more quickly than they would in a cooler environment, which can reduce the longevity of your purchase.

Price

Compared to incandescent and fluorescent lighting, LED bulbs themselves – and their installation, depending on how extensive your renovation is – tend to be more expensive per unit. The initial cost of replacing your lighting may be higher than it would be with other kinds of lighting.

Potential Eye Damage 

We mentioned that one of the advantages of LED lights is that they come in different colours.

However, the dimmer the colour, the more you strain your eyes under the light.

Continuous use of dimmed lights may lead to eye damage, meaning you might not want to rely on this type of lighting for prolonged periods.

Conclusion

Although there are disadvantages to LED lights, the advantages are ones to be appreciated and outweigh many of the costs.

These include the eco-friendly effect that the bulbs and installations contribute, various colours, low maintenance costs and fire safety.

Make sure to have expert electricians to install LED lights that will let them function optimally.

You can also consult an electrician on things to consider such as the efficiency of the LEDs being used.

It is important to measure the amount of energy that these lamps produce to ensure that they are suited for the job that they are meant to do.

Shawn Edwards is a father to three children and blogger who writes pieces on home improvement. Shawn’s blog is filled with articles and videos to teach his readers how to be successful with their home improvement projects, and where they can buy the best tools for these projects.

Guest Post by Monika

There’s so much going on in a bathroom that finding the space to squeeze in storage can often be tricky.

But storage is super important, especially if it’s a really tiny bathroom we’re dealing with.

Leaving your hygiene essentials and personal care products out in the open contributes to clutter and makes an already small space feel even more cramped.

Luckily for you, there are plenty of smart ways you can add storage and make even the smallest of bathrooms serene and clutter-free.

Do Get a Vanity

As far as bathroom furniture goes, a vanity is the most hardworking piece you can include.

It offers a great amount of storage space, some practical counter space and can be a unique opportunity to add some stylish personality in a room that’s mostly about utility.

However, owners of small bathrooms can feel reluctant about including a vanity in their setup.

After all, a bathroom vanity is a piece of furniture that can take up a significant amount of floor space. . . but that may be the case if you go for a traditional vanity unit.

In fact, you’d be surprised by the amount of bathroom vanity units specifically designed to solve small space problems.

For instance, there’s a little something called a wall-hung vanity.

Wall-hung bathroom vanities are directly mounted on the wall, and as such, they leave the floor space beneath open.

You can utilise this space for other purposes or simply leave it empty.

By leaving it empty, you’ll manage to keep your bathroom feeling open and airy.

Then, there are bathroom vanity units with slim profiles.

These units are usually narrow and long, occupying more wall space than they do floor space.

As a result, you can store more things along your walls without affecting the freedom of movement in the bathroom.

Because they are long, these vanities also offer more counter space which you can also use for storing your things.

But If You Have a Pedestal Sink – Create an Improvised Vanity

Of course, not every bathroom can fit a vanity, even if it’s big enough. For instance, if you have a pedestal sink in place, there’s no possible way to fit a vanity – or that’s at least what you think.

With a little ingenuity, you can include a vanity without having to remove your pedestal sink.

For one, you can try to build a DIY vanity around the sink itself.

But if this seems like a complex project for you, you can simply sew a skirt that matches your bathroom’s colour palette and attach it to the sink.

Then, you can fit a few storage baskets or racks underneath where no one can see them.

A Mirrored Medicine Cabinet Can Go a Long Way

A mirror is obviously a non-negotiable element to include in a bathroom.

But you can make the mirror work even harder by picking one that’s incorporated into a medicine cabinet.

If you’re worried that a medicine cabinet will ruin your sleek bathroom design or hit you on the head when bent over the sink to wash your teeth, there’s always the possibility to have it built into a cavity inside the wall.

This way, it won’t stick out hideously, and your bathroom will have an undisturbed look.In addition to being highly functional, medicine cabinets can add a decorative touch to the bathroom as well, just like the vanity.

Pick a cabinet made of a rich hardwood such as oak or walnut that will bring some beautiful raw texture into the room.

A sloped finish on the edge of the mirror adds a subtle accent to the medicine cabinet while enhancing the mirror with polished elegance.

You can also keep your mirror frameless if you like crisp lines and precise angles.

Don’t be afraid to go for a big mirrored medicine cabinet.

The mirrors presence takes off some of the bulk from the cabinet.

Plus, the bigger the mirror the more light will bounce off the space, and this is one of the tricks you can use to make a small bathroom appear bigger than it is.

Mount Caddies on the Walls of Your Shower

Regardless whether you have a bathtub or not, you’ll probably agree that your shower space takes up a significant portion of your bathroom.

The walls around the shower are usually left empty because it’s not practical to hang something that will become wet the minute you hit the shower.

However you can use the walls to store the products and items you commonly use while in the shower.

You simply need to find some waterproof caddies made of plastic, stainless steel or some other type of non-corrosive metal and mount them on the shower walls.

This way, you will keep your shower essentials off the shower floor or bathtub and contribute to a more orderly look in the bathroom.

Plus, having all these things within easy reach can save you some time and effort when you’re hurrying to get ready in the morning.

If you have a glass screen that’s shielding your shower space, you can simply hang a caddy over its top.

This way, you don’t need to drill holes in the wall or use glue to fix the caddy.

Accessorise With Cute Storage Baskets

Storage baskets are a great way to add more storage space in the bathroom without spending a lot of money.

You can use them to store everything from laundry to clean towels and toiletries.

If you’re going to place them on the floor, choose tall and narrow baskets.

Shallow and long baskets can be conveniently tucked underneath a wall-hung vanity or a claw-foot bathtub or some other tub design that features legs and is elevated off the floor.

You can also mount these baskets conveniently on the wall where they will take up even less space.

Woven wicker baskets are a particularly cute option as they add an earthy warmth to the space.

Slimline Wall Shelving Can Have Decorative Potential

Slimline shelves are always a good idea to add extra storage in a small space.

If you already have your storage needs met with a bath vanity or medicine cabinet, you can also use these shelves for displaying some decorative items.

After all, the bathroom can use a personal touch no matter how big or small it is.

Consider placing some lovely scented candles that will add colour and help transform your bathroom into a spa whenever you need some unwinding.

Use the Door to Hang Hooks or Shelves

If you don’t want to damage your walls or wall tiles by installing hooks and shelves on them, consider using the door for the same purpose.

Mounting a simple rack over the door’s top can be a great solution for storing robes and towels.

You can also attach a few shelves on the backside of the door or mount shelves above the lintel.

Just keep in mind, that items placed on these shelves may be too high to easily retrieve.

Guest Post by Asad Shoaib

Replica furniture is highly in demand nowadays.

Most of the homeowners prefer to buy replica furniture instead of the original one.

It is one of the most convenient ways of buying affordable furniture pieces for a commercial or residential property.

However, there are certain critical aspects that you must keep in your mind beforehand to make a calculated and informed final purchase decision.

Here are a few things mentioned that you must know about before you buy replica furniture online.

Advertising

Advertising is now being used to divert your mind from your original goal.

For instance, if you start searching for your preferred supplier on Google, multiple ads from different companies will start popping up.

It will take you to the competitors’ websites with a few clicks.

So, you should be clear in your head about your needs and preferences when you buy replica furniture online.

Over Searching

When you start searching for authentic websites to buy your replica furniture, you will lose track of time.

Since it is exciting to explore different unseen options, you won’t realize how much time and energy you are wasting on it.

So, you must set a time limit to avoid over-searching and make your shopping experience enjoyable instead of hectic and tiresome.

Deals or Sales

Deals or sales can sometimes help cut down your cost.

But some scammers or low-quality suppliers also use cheap deals and sales to tempt the buyers.

It leads to impulse buying of those items that you don’t even need, so, make sure that you stay stick to your planning and decision to avoid regretting later.

Allocate Your Budget

When you allocate your budget in “must-have items” and “want to have items” categories, it saves a lot of your money and time from being wasted.

Most of the homeowners don’t realize the amount of money they are spending on buying replica furniture online.

This way, they end up facing the financial crisis. So, it is better to make a budget plan beforehand and allocate it properly to the different lists you create.

Quality

Replica furniture is considered to be the cheapest option because of the low prices, but it doesn’t mean that you will have to compromise on the quality of the product.

The supplier you choose must be trustworthy and reliable, like E living furniture that offers the best quality and durable furniture pieces at affordable prices.

Designs

The designs of replica furniture are common or local mostly.

However, when you decide to buy the replica furniture online, you should still search for the exclusive designs that reflect your lifestyle and fit into your room.

Accessible 

Replica furniture is easily accessible through online websites.

Moreover, if you are looking for beautiful antique pieces in great condition, you can get the replica furniture as an alternative.

However, it depends upon the manufacturer you choose whether he provides you with multiple useful options or not.

Guest Post by Emily Taylor

Ever noticed that if you draw a line down the middle of Australia on a map, the left hand side looks like a dog’s head, and the right hand side looks like a cat’s head?

I’ll wait while you go check that out… back?

That’s a fun little trick you can show your friends.

But, unfortunately, homes in Australia don’t come fitted with guard dogs and attack cats.

We must protect our homes using our own wits and cunning, made all the more difficult by the climate…

Open windows need shutters

Australia is famed for the seemingly never ending sunshine.

That means homes get hot. And that means people leave their windows wide open – even on the ground floor.

Check out the cost of plantation shutters for a stylish way to ensure that thieves and robbers are prevented from slipping into your home through an open window, all without hindering air flow.

Typically, home security gear is anything but eye-catching, but shutters allow you to upgrade the safety of your open windows while increasing the visual appeal of your home.

Keep your house and garden maintained and trim (for good reason…)

When it comes to home safety tips specifically in relation to Australia, we have to consider the vast number of insects, arachnids, reptiles, mammals, flying things and swimming things, marsupials, and … are there any other types of Australian creature left?

The point is that Australia is wild.

Animals of all shapes and sizes will slither and scurry into darkened corners and cracked walls and uncovered pipework.

If you’re not careful, your unkempt garden and poorly maintained home structures (including sheds with easy access at grass level) will invite danger from potentially venomous animals such as snakes.

Keep things tidy, with enclosed bins and minimal shrubbery, to help dissuade such visitors.

Tip: snake repellent vibration devices and oils don’t always work – removing all places to animals to hide is a faster way to keep poisonous animals away.

Solar powered security lights 

If there’s one thing that Australia has plenty of, it’s sunshine.

Even on days where the temperature dips to the lower end of the yearly national average temperature, the heat is still going to be in the mid to late teens (in Celsius), meaning sun, sun, sun.

When it comes to home safety, you can make use of this endless natural source of energy by installing solar powered security lights.

There are two ways in which you can go about this.

First, garden lights designed to help light pathways are a great way to out off any potential night time prowlers – thieves and robbers are more likely to target homes with no outdoor lighting at all (even if you garden lights only offer a low level of light at ankle to knee level, that’s better than nothing).

Secondly, you could invest in motion detector security lights and security cameras.

This is more expensive, but it all depends how much you want to protect your castle!

 

                       Guest Post by Asad Shoaib

The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is damaged or burst water pipes.

The point to ponder is that what causes a water pipe to burst?

If you detect the possible reasons for the burst water pipe, you can deal with them more effectively.

The most common reason for a burst water pipe in Australia in the colder states is freezing temperatures.

So, the pipes which are associated with the outer walls of a home are more likely to get damaged.

However, if you take preventive measures, you can avoid the pipe being burst.

Here are a few best tips mentioned that can help you avoid a burst water pipe in Australia.

Keep the Heat On

If you are going to leave the house for a long time, it is better to keep the heat on.

You can also automate the heating system to ensure that it stays on in your absence.

If you have rental property, you can ask your tenants to do the same.

However, it might be difficult for you to convince them as it will cause them to pay higher utility bills,but if you try to explain the reason to them, they might cooperate with you to avoid any significant loss later.

Also, it is not necessary to keep the temperature as high as you would have in your presence; instead, you can set it above 50 F.

It will help provide enough heat to the pipes to keep them warmer.

Keep the Cabinet Doors Open

If you have the pipes located inside the cabinets, you should keep the cabinet doors open in the winter season.

It will allow the heat of the rest of the house to enter inside the cabinet to keep the pipes warmer.

Keep the other interior doors open as well to let the heat travel all over the place. It is one of the best practice that can save you from disastrous consequences.

Seal Holes and Cracks

If there are any holes or cracks in the walls, ceilings, and floors of your home, you should seal them immediately to prevent the cold air from letting in.

You can use insulation or caulk to cover these gaps. Don’t forget to fill them correctly from both the exterior and interior side.

Heating Tape

Heating tape is another effective way that can help supply the heat to those pipes which are at higher risk for freezing.

So, you can install the heating tape on the easily accessible pipes.

However, the type of heating tape you choose should help detect the problem beforehand.

For instance, you can use a heating tape that turns on itself whenever the heat is needed.

The other type of heating tape is manual that you will have to plug in to give warmth to the pipes and unplug when they are warm enough.

These products can be risky, so it is better if you use the directions of the manufacturer carefully.

Water Shutoff Solution

A lot of homeowners are never able to detect how and why water pipes burst.

The best option for such homeowners is a water shutoff solution that responds automatically by sensing a burst pipe.

It shuts off the water supply immediately to avoid flooding and the excessive loss of water.

It is a costly solution, but it is going to be worth it in the end as it can help save a lot of your money and time. 

Professional Help

You can also take professional help by hiring a renowned and licensed plumber.

It is better if the plumber locates somewhere near your living area in Australia.

It will help ensure that he will be available to provide his services in case of emergency. Also, an expert plumber can detect the pipe burst beforehand to prevent it from happening.

Home Insurance

Even after taking all the necessary precautions, you might have to face the burst water pipe.

So, it is suggested to check beforehand whether your home is insured or not to make sure that it covers the costly repairs.

This way, you won’t have to pay the bills from your pocket when any damage occurs.

However, if your insurance doesn’t cover the expenses caused by natural reasons, you need to update the insurance policy at once.

Most of the insurers cover the damage caused by burst pipes, but not if they feel like you haven’t taken care of them properly. . . . So, you must also keep checking them regularly to detect the hidden signs.