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Guest post by Adrian Edlington

Getting a foot on the property ladder can seem like a mammoth task, but there’s plenty of assistance available when you know where to look. In this article, I’ll provide five tips for first home buyers that’ll save you some time and effort when you do your research.

Compare Mortgage Rates

When you’re looking for your first home loan, the single most beneficial thing you can do is compare as many lenders as possible.

Even the smallest saving on an interest rate adds up to a considerable amount over the course of a thirty-year term.

These days, it’s quick and straightforward looking for your first home loan.

LVR and Avoiding Lender’s Mortgage Insurance

As a first-time buyer, you’re going to become very familiar with two terms. LVR means loan to value ratio, and it relates to how much equity you have in your home.

At the start of a mortgage, that’s how much deposit you put down.

Lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI) is a one-off payment you’ll need to make if your LVR is above 80% – which basically means your deposit was below 20%.

That is one of the main reasons why saving a deposit is crucial.

You’ll pay up to 4% of the total value of your home in LMI if you fall short. That equates to $20,000 on a $500,000 home. LMI gets added to your mortgage, which means your borrowing increases, and you’re paying more interest – and that’s what you need to try and avoid.

There are just three ways to avoid LMI:

• Use a minimum 20% deposit.
• Turn to a family guarantor by using a family pledge home loan.
• Get a government grant – which we’ll look at next.

Apply for a First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in Your State

Places are limited, and conditions apply, but you don’t want to overlook any available government assistance when you buy your first home.

Such schemes usually negate the need for LMI when you haven’t got a 20% deposit, so check out what’s on offer where you plan to live:

• • • Victoria
    • New South Wales
    • Queensland
    • Western Australia
    • Northern Territory
    • South Australia
    • Australian Capital Territory
    • Tasmania

Check Your Credit Report and Reduce Your Borrowing Before You Apply

When you’re getting ready to apply for a home loan, bear in mind that whatever move you make, the lender will check out your credit rating, income, and spending.

That will dictate whether they approve your application but also determine the interest rate you pay.

Again, any saving you can make in that area equates to a sizeable sum during a mortgage term, so get your finances in order before you apply.

The fewer borrowing commitments you already have, the better a prospect you’ll be to a lender – and the less you’ll pay for your home loan.

• • Check your credit report for errors, and you can do that once a year for free.
  • Avoid taking on any extra credit in the lead-up to a mortgage application. 
  • Get rid of any credit cards you don’t need. 

A Decent Deposit is the Cheapest Way to Buy a First Home

Whichever way you look at buying a house, borrowing less is going to save you money.

If you’re new to loans, remember that the less you borrow and the shorter your term, the less it costs.

If you’re in a position to save a sizeable deposit within a manageable period, that’s one of the best ways to save money.

You should be aiming for a minimum of 20%.

Be realistic. . . . It takes the average Australian about four-and-a-half years to save a deposit.

Guest Post by Hubert Dwight

Just as the world wars impacted architectural and clothing trends, we watch in interest to see the different ways that the pandemic is affecting architectural trends in Australia.

What are some of the key trends that you can expect to see in architecture in 2021?

Here are five new directions that you are likely to come across in the industry:

A Focus on Raw Materials

The industrial and rustic aesthetic has been trending for several years now, and it continues to be on-trend in 2021.

You can expect to see new and modern examples of exposed steel beams and the use of copper and glass within architecture.

For models from years gone by, think the Bell Tower’s copper sails in Perth, the exposed steel frame of the Exchange Tower, one of the best serviced offices in Melbourne, and the striking concrete exterior of Eddie Koiki Mabo Library in Townsville.

Energy Efficiency

We are sure to see an uptick in renewable energy generation, such as solar panels on people’s roofs, wind turbine energy, and heat pumps.

We can also expect to see energy-efficient designs come into play.

These designs will include high-quality insulation to minimise the required output for heating and cooling.

They will also have smart window and door placement for ventilation and the use of double or triple glazed glass or shutters and awnings to minimise the need for air conditioning.

Several passive architectural strategies have been used in recent years that we will continue to see.

These include the orientation of the facade, room arrangement, and how urban planners approach street widths and building heights.

Integration of Recycled and Sustainable Building Products

As well as embracing a natural and raw aesthetic, there will be a focus on sustainable materials.

Many architects will incorporate aspects such as locally obtained stone and rock, sustainably harvested wood, bamboo, and rammed earth bricks.

To be classified as a sustainable material, a product must be renewable or recycled and be able to be disposed of at the end of its life cycle in an environmentally friendly manner.

Recycled or upcycled parts like secondhand windows, doors, hardware and mantels will also be popular.

While there isn’t currently a cohesive and consistent sustainability criterion, consumers are increasingly savvy and interested in their impact on the Earth.

Home Office Spaces

With the world of work undergoing a fundamental shift, more people than ever are working from home.

On top of this, many parents have had to home school their children unexpectedly.

Given these factors, the home office is in high demand.

Home office nooks and rooms will become more common when looking at floor plans, and architects will be considering how to ensure limited space works for all family members to be spending more time at home.

Integrating Green Space

COVID-19 has also left people lusting after a leafy backyard.

While we have always seen indoor/outdoor living as quintessentially Australian, city dwellers didn’t always have easy access to green space. . . .but this year, architects will be working towards a reinvention of the inner city.

They will look at ways to bring the outside in, even in a highrise apartment. Incorporating plants and greenery has proven benefits for mental health, physical wellbeing, and air quality.

Overall, we can expect to see a focus on the natural and sustainable, with people wanting their home to be an oasis in a time of stress. What trend are you most interested in?

Guest Post by William Saver

There comes a time for all homeowners when damage occurs to the interior walls of their home.

Either accidently through moving furniture or a mishap with the kids playing cricket indoors.

Dents, dings, cracks and holes in walls are all a fact of life.

Once you get over the initial shock of the damage done it’s time to solve the problem and fix the wall. 

The first question that comes to mind is how difficult is it to fix?

Should I hire a professional plasterer or handyman to fix the wall, or should I try fixing it myself?

In this post we’ll discuss the types of fixes which are simple and easy enough to do DIY and what kind of jobs should be left to the pros. 

What type of wall is it?

The first thing to determine is the type of material the wall is made of. 

The most common building material used for interior walls in Australia is plasterboard, also commonly referred to as gyprock, gypsum board, and drywall.

We’ll focus our attention on how to repair plasterboard walls. 

To DIY or not to DIY

Most minor dents, dings, cracks, and holes less than 150mm can be repaired DIY.

Although it’s important to note the main difference between DIY repairs and repairs performed by a professional plasterer, such as the guys from plasterer Toowoomba, would be the ability of the plasterer to seamlessly blend the repaired section into the rest of the wall surface with little to no indication that a repair has even taken place.

This is because plastering, like any skill takes considerable time to develop.

However, depending on the nature of the damage it’s also very possible that a DIY job will suffice. 

Here are the key factors you’ll need to consider:

• • • Extent of the damage. Is it one tiny dent caused by a wayward hammer or is it a large gaping hole?
    • Level of experience of the DIYer. Repairing dents is easy enough for any experience level, repairing large holes requires more skill in order to have a smooth seamless finish
    • The location of the damage. When the damage is in an inconspicuous area the quality of the repair is not particularly important,. However when the damage is at eye level of above it’s much more likely to be noticed. 
    • The lighting conditions of the room where the repair is performed. Certain lighting angles can draw attention to irregularities in wall surfaces, including where a repair was performed.
    • Presence of other objects which draw the attention of the eye, such as artwork, furniture, windows, etc. If you attempting to repair a large blank wall, then the repair job will be more noticeable compared to if you perform a repair in a section of wall which is adjacent to a bookshelf.

Careful consideration into the above factors will help you determine whether or not you should hire a plasterer to fix your damaged wall.

If you’re up for the DIY route a visit to the local hardware store and a few YouTube tutorials and you’ll be all set to tackle the task.

Guest Post by Asad Shoaib

Queensland is the state in Australia that is most impacted by a natural disaster, exposing the homes to frequent damage from disastrous storms and cyclones.

People often get late to realize that they don’t have insurance cover for their assets and property.

This could be devastating and extremely costly if you don’t prepare your home well for the storm.

While it is not in our hands to stop the storm, there are several important steps that homeowners in Queensland can take to save and protect their property from natural disasters such as storms and cyclones.

General maintenance

The first thing about preparing your home from the storm is general maintenance.

Various things need to be checked including inspecting the roof condition and fixing any loose tiles, eaves, and screws.

Ensure that the downpipes and gutters are free of debris or leaves so that the water drains quickly.

Professional plumbers can help with blocked drains Gold Coast so that you are well prepared for upcoming storms.

Moreover, you need to cut off any hanging branches nearby your house and protect any movable thing on the exterior of your house and in your backyard that can damage your property if blown in forceful winds.

Check for insurance

Before a storm is approaching, it is suggested to recheck the insurance coverage to ensure that your house, vehicle, and other item’s insurance is suitable and up to date.

Irrespective of the season, it is a great idea to be mindful of the insurance coverage of your house and vehicle and where the documents are.

So, keep the documents handy and if possible upload scanned copies to the cloud.

Get some time to ensure that everything in your home is covered that has to be insured.

Protect roofs and windows

The major area where the storm affects is the roof of your house so you need to check if it is in good condition and doesn’t have any damaged or loose tile.

If there is any such issue, fix it up.

During the storm, tiled roofs can be the issue as they can shatter and damage the ceiling, walls and create holes in the roof that will let rain in.

Windows of a house are also vulnerable areas because sealing can weaken with time, generating an open area for water.

You need to inspect the sealing and if necessary replace it.

Make sure that the windows are in the best condition to avoid damage during a storm. It is essential to regularly maintain your house to avoid as much storm damage as possible.

Keep pets indoors

It is essential to keep your pets indoors in a safe, comfortable, and secure environment.

Make sure that your animals are wearing their ID tags and the microchip data is up to date.

Preparation is everything

In case you are in a rural or remote area and there is only a single road to move in and out of the area and a tree collapses, it will take days to reach the nearby store.

In such areas, power cuts are also common issues while storm occurs. Therefore, it is essential to have a substitute for an electricity source.

Save your vehicles

People often complain that the hailstorm damaged their cars, so it is good to protect your vehicle under cover when a storm is approaching.

In case you don’t have access to an undercover shelter to save your vehicle, you can save the car by securing it with strongly tied blankets to reduce the hail damage.

Stay up to date

Stay updated by listening to the news and updates on the local radio stations and listens to the safety messages and warnings.

In case things get out of control, it is best to decide on a room beforehand where you can take shelter.

The right room is the smallest one in your home with fewer windows as it is generally a strong room and the best place to save yourself in such a situation.

At times, it becomes impossible to prevent the damage caused by storms while in many cases we can reduce or prevent the damage by preparing your home for storms in Queensland.

Guest Post by Stephen Robinson

If you have an old house, you’re acquainted with the complications of living under old roofs.

Being subjected to harsh weather conditions, roofs tend to deteriorate over time as, old roofs have endured hundreds of weather changes–from the wind, rain, and sun.

These changes can bring about many issues. 

From leaks to moulds, worn-out roofs come down with several problems that need to be addressed.

Here are several complications associated with old roofs: 

Roof Leaks 

Roof leaks are the most common problem with deteriorated roofs.

It’s not fun living under leaky roofs especially when it rains.

Even though water doesn’t seep through the ceiling, it may pool inside the roof’s chamber, causing more damage. 

The water pooled in the roof could result in rotten timber and moulds.

If not addressed immediately, it could also damage the electrical system.

In worse cases, it could cause electrocution or fire.

If you think roof leaks aren’t a cause of concern, it’s recommended reading this article.

The most common causes of roof leaks are the following: 

• • Missing Shingles: Damaged or missing shingles can be caused by heavy rains and gusty winds. 
  • Holes And Punctures: These are mostly caused by animals or humans walking over the roof.
  • Damaged Flashing: Flashing refers to the strips of metal that serve as a water-proof barrier placed under shingles. 
  • Cracked Roof Vents: Roof vents made of plastic can crack after a long, time which may cause gaps for water to seep. 
  • Clogged Gutters: Clogged or broken gutters could cause water to seep into the eaves.  

 

Rust 

If the roof is made up of tin or corrugated iron material, it might be very rusty after many years, especially since this kind of roof tends to develop leaks over time.

This also applies to guttering.

Also, the more the iron roof is exposed to water and oxygen, the more rust is produced.

Hence, the older the roof is, the rustier it gets.  

Old rusted metal roofs also have an impact on the appearance of the house.

For one, it ceases to provide a wonderful aesthetic to the entirety of the home, making the façade look outdated.

If the rust in the roof is getting out of hand, consider replacing your roof.

Discoloured Ceilings 

Discoloured and dripping ceilings are caused by roof leaks.

Because of the rainwater pooled in the roof, white ceilings tend to absorb the moisture.

Eventually, the ceiling would sag because the moisture has accumulated and affected the roof’s structure. 

Smelly Air Inside The House 

Sagged roofing and ceiling could cause stuffy air and a strange smell inside the house.

This is somehow due to the mould build-up in the moist area of the roof. 

Also, the lack of ventilation caused by the sagged roof contributes to the odour indoors.

This problem is specific for wood ceilings and shingle roofs. 

Moulds 

Moulds are an important concern that should be addressed, particularly in old roofs.

These moulds could hasten the rate of the roof’s deterioration. 

Other than that, moulds from the moisture could pose health concerns for the people living in the house as it would bring about problems such as allergies and asthmas.  

How To Solve Old Roof Problems 

The problems with old roofs are not only seen externally but also internally, especially holes in a metal rook.

These problems could shatter the structural integrity of the house.

Fortunately, these problems could be solved through regular roof maintenance. 

If the old roof has been well-taken cared of since the beginning, fewer complications will be experienced in the future.

 

Stephen Robinson

Stephen Robinson is passionate about DIY home fixes.

This translates into his blog, which covers a wide range of topics from woodwork to installations.

When he’s not in his workshop, he spends time with his wife and children in their backyard.

 

 

Guest Post by Larry Scott

The internet has transformed itself over the years, and its purposes have drastically changed and evolved as well.

The US government first used it as a military weapon during the Cold War.

Today, it takes an essential role in any office and functions as a staple in every home.

While this might suggest that it’s almighty and infallible, there are internet issues that can still frustrate many customers worldwide—even in developed countries where the existence of the digital divide ought to be minimal.

That’s why finding the right internet OptiComm provider plan can make a difference for those living in Australia.

What Are The Benefits Of A Good Internet Service  

A good internet service offers many benefits. These vary according to how digital connectivity is used in a certain sector.

For businesses and offices, this could mean faster cloud access. Companies have their information stored in the digital space. Collaboration is encouraged, too, even for those organisations in a remote work set-up. Projects can be accomplished efficiently when every member of a team has quick access to what they need.

For families moving from one place to another, they might need to find alternative internet service providers (ISP) in their new place. Bringing one old account to a new place sometimes might not work due to infrastructure issues.

For such purposes, you can get a high bandwidth from OCCOM and similar internet service companies for your new home. As you rebuild your life in a new place, you can get back on track with your daily life as well.

What Should You Look For In An Internet Service  

Your definition of the right internet service might depend on your purpose.

However, these are some general tips you might want to consider.

1. Look For Dependability 

The internet made many tasks possible, which suggests that people rely on it for various purposes.

This can be a simple chore, like reminding a relative to feed the family dog via social media chat systems.

It could also be a crucial factor, like keeping your wireless smart home functional at all times.  

Thus, a reliable ISP can ensure that the stability of your connection is prioritised and problems are addressed immediately.

2. Get Your Money’s Worth  

Internet services offer flexible and affordable plans that fit all sorts of budgets.

To know the programme you need, look if the offered bandwidth is worth the cost.

The measurement of an adequate bandwidth usually translates to how fast your computer or mobile downloads data from the internet.

But how much bandwidth do you really need?

It can vary depending on your household’s requirements. If you’re using the internet for recreational purposes, a higher bandwidth might not be necessary.

That can be a different story for families with members who work remotely.

3. Prioritise Providers With Integrity  

Many things annoy consumers, and it usually has something to do with a slow or intermittent connection.

What’s worse are the hidden charges that add to this inconvenience.  

Make it a habit to read reviews before getting an internet service plan.

You can also ask current clients of a particular provider about their personal experience with the brand.

It’s also a good practice to avoid jumping on discounts and promos because you’ll never know if there’s a catch.

You don’t want to regret a decision you need to stick to for a few months.

4. Assess How Your ISP Communicates  

Sometimes, being wary of your ISP’s marketing techniques can be helpful.

You get to put them to the test when a situation calls for ‘amazing customer support.’

The right internet service provider knows that what they offer in the market isn’t perfect.

Given this, they try to make the most of their available support.

This can start from providing a reliable website containing FAQs for their clients’ reference.

It can also come in the form of an email or contact number that users can call 24 hours a day.

5. Evaluate The Type Of Connections Available  

Though fibre internet sounds great, many consumers don’t have access to it because of its costs and limited availability.

Start by considering your location and budget before choosing one.

If that doesn’t work, you can always explore other internet services, such as cable or satellite connection.

Everything Is Connected   

Humans created the digital world. In return, it shaped and transformed their reality.

Today, as different industries like communication, finance, and security continue to depend on the World Wide Web, good internet service is no longer a luxury.

Internet services continuously assert themselves as one of life’s integral parts and will do so for the years to come.

This is why heeding these tips when choosing the right provider would come in handy.

Larry Scott

Larry Scott is a telecommunication specialist, advocating innovative solutions to business communications network infrastructure throughout his career.

He is a loyal fanatic of the NBA and enjoys playing basketball with his two teenage sons on his free time.

Larry also loves swimming, hiking, and mountain climbing.

He has an enormous collection of smartwatches, and admittedly health and fitness-conscious.

Guest Post by Candice Walsh: 

For many people throughout the world, owning their first home marks an unforgettable milestone in their lives.

Like similar accomplishments, regardless of how big or small, this journey mostly began with thorough financial planning.

To financially support their building projects and home acquisition, most people consider getting a home loan. however getting your projects financed through a mortgage isn’t easy.

The application process, including interviews and document submissions, is rigorous and strict as these lending institutions often have stringent prerequisites and criteria you must meet to get approval.

Nevertheless, don’t frown!

There are plenty of helpful tips and insights to help you in finally securing a home loan.

Four of these valuable tips are listed below. 

Get Your Finances Evaluated

The first thing you can do to get the ball rolling is to strike a conversation with a potential lender.

It could be a reputable bank or a private lending institution.

Typically, what they would do is look through your character and financial capacity.

They’ll try to ascertain your capability in handling your debt by looking into factors such as your monthly income and existing credit history.

Given this information, it’s wise to personally check that your financial status is in a healthy condition.

Banks and lending institutions aspire to do business with individuals who take care of their finances responsibly.

 Compare Existing Rates

Different institutions have different rates for your home loan.

The difference could come in explicit fees and might surprise you if you’re unmindful.

Therefore, you must research extensively and understand the factors that might affect your mortgage.

Tidy Up Your Credit Record

A vital piece of information your creditor needs is your credit score.

These valid documents will tell if you’re a trustworthy person by paying what’s due: your home bills, credit card charges, and existing loans, to name a few. 

They’ll most likely forbid you from obtaining a mortgage loan if they observe and validate inconsistencies and delinquencies in your financial record.

Before talking to your creditors, meticulously ensure all unresolved account and credit issues are given priority and are duly settled.

Definitive Proof Of Income

Another critical point many lenders look to verify is your ‘serviceability.’ It refers to how much home loan you can afford and your ability to pay it back.

This critical process is done by examining your active salary.

Your task in this matter is to demonstrate that you have a secure income and the capacity to pay your loan obligation. 

If you’re regularly employed, you can present proof of constant income by providing verifiable documents such as payslips and bank salary deposits.

However, your lender may require additional information if your situation is more complicated, such as earning commissions, bonuses, and allowances.

They need to guarantee that these extra earnings are a consistent part of your income.

Worth Every Effort

Often, acquiring a home loan can be a complicated and intimidating task to some.

However, getting your loans approved can be an exciting moment nonetheless because it will act as a starting point in finally owning your first home.

So, manage your homework and ensure that your financial condition is healthy.

Clean your financial statement from any due credit. And lastly, present definitive proof of stable income.

Although quite sophisticated, these endeavours will guarantee that you have a good chance of getting a home loan approval and ultimately kickstart your way towards owning your home.

Candice Walsh

Candice Walsh is a full-time blogger who regularly writes articles on real estate, investment and finance.

Candice also submits content to various websites and blogs to expand her reach and educate more people.

 

Guest Post by Estela Booker

There are instances when you need to call a plumber right away.

When water is starting to flood your kitchen or if the water is out of control, it’s clear that you are facing an emergency.

There are plumbing issues that seem simple at first, but, when neglected, escalate into a full blown emergency.

Then you know it’s too late. Remember that it’s better to be ready in case an emergency arises.  

You should know when to call a professional.

Let’s check out some of the common plumbing emergencies when you need to call a plumber right away: 

Flooding 

When water starts to accumulate and cannot be stopped, it’s a plumbing emergency, so you need to call a plumber immediately.

Flooding can occur due to various reasons.

In most instances, the culprit is a burst pipe or a sink or toilet with blockage.  

A big issue of concern is the damage to your home as the flooding continues.

The best solution to determining the root cause and ensuring it doesn’t happen again is to get help from a professional.

When a plumbing problem arises in your home, calling a professional plumbing service provider such as Easy Solutions Plumbing is the best move.   

Overflowing Toilet 

Although you might encounter a clogged toilet, an overflowing one is an emergency.

The best solution to this situation is to call a plumber.  

The root cause of the overflowing toilet might be a minor issue or a sign of a significant plumbing problem.

While waiting for the plumber’s arrival, you should cut the water supply to the toilet and inform other family members to avoid flushing as it will only worsen the problem.

Frozen Pipes 

In areas with harsh winter conditions, frozen pipes are common.

Once temperatures below freezing hit, the water within the pipes outside will solidify.

As the water turns solid, the line is likely to rupture as the water that hardens expands.  

Frozen pipes can also disrupt the flow of water into your house.

You cannot take a shower or flush the toilet.

Once you suspect your pipes are frozen, get in touch with a plumber right away and avoid thawing the lines yourself.

Doing so can lead to further damage to the pipes and your house.  

Leakage Of Sewage Smell 

If you notice an undesirable odor from the water while turning on the faucet, it’s an issue to prioritize.

A hint of sewage odor indicates a problem with the sump pump, septic system, or somewhere in the plumbing.  

When the sewer is backing up, it will not take long before the excess water enters your home.

Once this happens, you cannot use the sinks, showers, and toilets until the sewer line gets a repair job.

Avoid fixing this issue on your own as it can be dangerous to your health. 

Blocked Drain 

Drains undergo constant use and often end up with blockage from food scraps and grease.

Although a drain blockage is not a big issue for most, it can become an emergency if you ignore it.

Once the water in the drain slows down, it might be time to call a plumber to deal with the issue before it gets worse.  

Hot Water Problems 

Once there is leakage in the water heater, consider it an emergency requiring a professional.

Your first task is to inspect the drip pan to confirm if the leak originates from the water heater.  

If the drip pan is empty, call a plumber for further inspection.

In case the leak is coming from the water heater, you should turn off the cold-water line right away.

The next move is to switch off the water to your house and turn off the heater itself.  

One of the biggest concerns if there is a leak in the water heater is that you cannot contain the amount of water inside.

It’s likely to end up as a big mess if you ignore the leak.

Aside from the possibility of flooding, a defective water heater will lead to cold showers.

A plumber can repair the unit and restore the flow of hot water to your home.  

Leaking Or Burst Pipes 

One of the usual causes of flooding is a leaking or burst pipe.

Whether it will result in flooding or not, a burst pipe in your home is a problem that a plumber should handle.  

Before calling the plumber, you should shut the water off in your house via the main valve.

You should not panic to minimise the damage to your home.  

Remember that if the water penetrates the flooring or drywall, it can result in irreversible damage.

A plumber can efficiently handle the problem by pinpointing the defective pipes’ location, carrying out repairs or replacement, and inspecting other damage or issues. 

Conclusion 

During plumbing emergencies, try not to panic as it will not help the situation in any way.

Once you encounter any of these plumbing emergencies, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a plumber right away.

Timely action and repairs can fix these plumbing issues to put the plumbing system on the right track and prevent lasting damage to your home. 

Estela Booker
Estela Booker is a parent to three children, and has spent most of her life sharing tips on home improvement and maintenance on her blog. Estela also publishes videos to help followers learn how to make DIY decorations and cook healthy meals from scratch.

Estela also networks with other influencers in the industry by submitting her content to their online platforms.

Guest Post by Ghani

Are you designing a greenhouse or thinking about it?

If so there are many things you’ll need to do in order to ensure your plants stay healthy!

It all boils down to the details of the design, so let’s take a look! 

 

Things you should prepare before starting from scratch: 

Designing a greenhouse will take time and preparation, as it’s not a simple job!

Before you get started there are a few things you’ll need to take into account:

• Analyze the area you have available – If you don’t already have a specific place in mind, determine where would be best to allocate the greenhouse. Take measurements and allow for a buffer in case you need additional space! 
• Check the solar direction – Having proper access to light is imperative if you want your plants to stay alive. Keep an eye on the solar direction, noting how it changes throughout the day. You’ll need a spot with full access to light and minimal shading. If there are trees that cast shadows for long periods of time, it may not be the best spot. 
• Investigate the plants or crops you’d like to grow – Depending on the climate, access to light and other factors, you may not be able to grow everything you had planned on growing. Do your research on each plant or crop ahead of time so that you’re well equipped and know what you’ll be able to grow within your greenhouse. 
• Decide how you’re going to power it – Are you going to go with electric or are you seeking a more sustainable option such as solar power? They’re very different so it’s important to know what power source you want before you get started! 

Keep in mind that these are just a few of many aspects you’ll need to consider before getting to work on your greenhouse.

Wood vs metal framing: which one serves the best purpose?

Finding the right frame for your greenhouse is another detail you’ll need to decide on.

Typically people choose wood or metal framing when designing and creating the greenhouse themselves, but which option is superior? 

Wooden frame:

Pros

• Aesthetically pleasing 
• Good for insulation purposes
• Easy setup 

Cons

• Impractical unless your design is simple
• With lots of moisture present, the wood may rot
• Pressure treated wood (which is typically used in greenhouses) can be toxic and chemical preservatives may attack your plants

Metal frame:

Pros

• You can’t beat the durability and won’t need to worry about rust or rot 
• Steel frames are generally less expensive than wood 

Cons

• It’s much heavier and more challenging to set up than wood frames 
• It’s a more difficult material to work with 

Both options can make for an excellent greenhouse but if you’re stuck on which one to choose, you could always use both.

Choose wood for some parts and metal for others to get the best of both worlds! 

Ideal designs of greenhouse for different type of area and planting:

Next up is choosing the appropriate design for the greenhouse.

Everyone’s space looks different so you’ll need to choose a design that works with yours.

Here are a few options you can go with:

• Round top – With traditional walls and rounded top, this style is cost effective but may require more maintenance than others. 
• Dome shaped – This half circle design is excellent as a standalone greenhouse with no intention of attaching it to another structure. 
• Umbrella shaped – This shape is excellent if you’re looking to install a small greenhouse in your backyard as it won’t take up much space and can be easy to move around if necessary. 
• Barn style – With shorter walls and a wider roof, this design makes for a stunning greenhouse!

The most important factor to keep in mind when deciding on the design is solar direction.

Remember that your plants will most likely need as much light as possible so choose a design that will allow for optimal light! 

Acrylic sheet (plexiglass) vs polythene sheet: Which one to use?

Lastly, you’ll need to choose acrylic or polythene sheets to enclose the greenhouse.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons!

Acrylic/plexiglass:

Pros

• Shatter resistant 
• Easy to cut for custom designs 
• Higher transparency for visibility 
• It retains heat fairly well 
• There are a variety of colours to choose from

Cons

• Prone to scratches 
• Can be more expensive than other options 

Polythene:

Pros 

• Cost effective 

Cons 

• A larger impact on light transmission
• It doesn’t retain heat very well 
• It looks cheaper and takes away from the overall design of the greenhouse
• Not very durable and will need to be replaced every few years 

While no option is perfect, acrylic sheets or Plexiglas are optimal if you’re after a material that is durable, and protect against harmful UV-rays and is aesthetically pleasing. Fab Glass and Mirror has plexiglass options for any design, at an unbelievable rate.

Order your Plexiglas today and get started on the greenhouse of your dreams! 

 

Guest Post By Ghani

Having a private pool comes with numerous benefits.

One of the benefits of having a home swimming pool is that you can get it customized to your liking.

It also gives you the opportunity to exercise at your most convenient time, and even a great thing to have in your home during the hot summers, as it makes it easy and quick to cool off.

Also, swimming pools can significantly increases the value of a home and enhance curb appeal.

Having a pool also comes with the responsibility of maintaining and cleaning it. One of the home pool maintenance tips is getting a pool cover.

What are Pool Covers, and why do we need them in winters?

Pool covers protect the surface of a swimming pool, reducing evaporation from the pool, reducing water bills.

It also eliminates the need for constant cleaning to remove debris and leaves from the pool and helps maintain comfortable pool temperatures and save on energy bills.

Pool covers are particularly useful during winters for several reasons.

They prevent the growth of algae, which is more likely to take place during this time, and maintain an adequate water balance hence avoiding the damage of the pool surface.

Leaving your pool uncovered during winter can cause stewing to the pool’s bottom and cause injuries to the users.

 

Best Pool Cover Ideas that you should know

There are different types of pool covers that you could use for your home pool.

They have different properties and are designed to protect your pool from different things.

Be it evaporation, debris, maintaining the temperature, and so on. Here are the different types of pool covers you can use for your home pool.

1. Plexiglass pool covers

Plexiglass pool covers are increasingly becoming popular in homes for their many benefits.

Plexiglass is UV resistant, and it protects the tiles against UV rays, which can fade the tiles.

They are also resistant to extreme temperatures like during winter, preventing the freezing of the pool water and maintaining comfortable temperatures.

Tinted acrylic is 17 times stronger than glass making it the strongest material for the job.

With plexiglass pool covers, you can walk over the pool without the worry of the cover breaking.

It is also transparent, giving a beautiful view of the swimming pool.

The only drawback of Plexiglass is that it tends to scratch easily; you should, therefore, avoid harsh abrasives when cleaning the cover.

2. Thermal covers

Thermal pool covers are made of extra foam layers, and as the name suggests, they maintain the water temperature.

However, the insulating foam layers only prevent heat loss and evaporation when used during the hot seasons.

Contrary to what people might expect, they are not opaque.

It is important to note that they don’t heat water.

Thermal pool covers are also durable, but you cannot walk on them like plexiglass.

3.Solar Cover for Pools

As much as they are called solar covers, these covers can be used during winter too.

These are made with thick plastic, and they resemble the bubble packaging material.

They possess insulating properties and can maintain the temperature of the pool during winter and save on energy costs.

They are transparent, pretty affordable, but unfortunately, they cannot hold weight.

4. Automatic covers

Different materials can be used to make these, be it plastic sheets or plexiglass.

The advantage of automatic covers is that it will save you the trouble of setting it up, which is usually very tiring.

They are easy to use, but that comes at a cost. 

Automatic covers, regardless of the material, are expensive, and they are not compatible with all pools.

5. Winter covers

These are designed to protect the pool during winter.

They are leak-proof and will protect the pool from all the elements.

Also, they block the sunlight, which prevents the growth of algae in the pool.

Depending on the material you choose, winter covers can hold the weight of a person. 

6. Debris covers

These are useful if you are not using your pool during winter.

They don’t have insulating properties as they only protect the pool water from debris. 

Debris covers are usually made of mesh materials that prevent leaves, pests, and other objects from entering the pool.

The drawback of these covers is that they don’t insulate, and they cannot hold weight. 

7. Hidden covers

As the name suggests, when drawn, these covers are not visible.

This makes the pool area appealing even when they are not in use. 

Hidden covers can be insulating, solar covers, and debris cover, to mention a few. The only drawback is on the price tag.

The  choice recommended by experts

The most recommended pool covers are ones made of acrylic.

They have insulating properties, protect against UV rays, these are sturdy, durable, glossy, and look elegant.

All your pool covering needs can be taken care of by this type of pool cover.