When doing a DIY project for your new home, or even building your own house, you will often be doing a task you are not practised at.
At times like this I use a mantra “Fast is Slow, Careful is Fast.”
The faster you go the more mistakes you make
The more mistakes you make the longer it will take. . . and the more expensive materials will be wasted.
Plan the job.
Make sure you have got all the materials and tools you need.
Allow yourself more time than you think you will need.
Measure twice, cut once.
Be careful
Try not to make mistakes.
Don’t take risks! (Injure yourself and you could add weeks to the time)
Concentrate your thoughts on the job in front of you.
Don’t get distracted by the next job.
Keep your site tidy.
Put your tools down so you don’t have to search next time you need them.i
Make sure each part of the job is finished before you start something else.
Inspired by US Navy Seals – Close Combat Training:
“Fast is slow. Smooth is fast. Watch your fields of fire, pick your targets, aim center mass, squeeze the trigger. The faster you go, the more mistakes you make. The more mistakes you make the deeper in the s**t you will be. Be smooth. Try not to make mistakes. Be one with the battle yet transcend it. Float above the action, survey the scene, target immediate threats, and dispatch them with ruthless efficiency!”
The roof, and it’s drainage system, is a vital part of your home, and is hugely important to keeping your home, family and possessions safe and dry.
Many people aren’t aware of how to take care of their gutters, and don’t know the signs to recognise when it’s time to invest in new gutters for your home.
After all, when your gutters are working well, it means that the water falling onto your roof will be directed away from your home, or your rainwater tanks, and you don’t want this system to fail.
Let’s have a look at five key warning signs that you can use as a guide to let you know when you might need a gutter replacement in Melbourne. or any other location Australia-wide.
Warning Sign One – Puddles
If you spy some puddles around your home after or during a storm or rainshower, it might mean that your gutters aren’t doing the job they’re supposed to do and are struggling to take the water to the downpipes.
You need to check your gutters are clean rather than blocked by leaves.
Then check the way that they flow – which you can either do this during a storm, or with a hose although the sheer volume of water that can fall during a storm will be hard to replicate with a hose.
Be sure to exercise caution when you are standing on a ladder!
Warning Sign Two – Cracks in your gutters
If your gutters have cracks in them, there’s every chance that the water that’s falling onto your roof is simply falling through the cracks and running down the walls.
When this happens, you run the risk of water seeping into the structure of your home, which can cause a whole host of other problems like mould and damp. Not a great outcome for your family’s health and the structure of your home.
Warning Sign Three – Water Marks on Walls
This relates to warning sign one – cracks – and can be a sign that not all is as it should be with your gutters.
Even if you don’t see the water escaping and causing the issue, it’s a serious problem as it can cause issues with the foundations of your home.
Warning Sign Four – Peeling Paint
Check out the paint on your gutters – if it’s peeling, it may be a sign that rust is beginning to show in your gutters,
Any corrosion can mean that they might have water sitting in them for too long.
When this occurs you’re only a little way from holes and other issues, so be sure to be vigilant here.
Warning Sign Five – Loose or Sagging Gutters
Gutters need to direct the flow of water, and if they’re hanging off your home or not doing the job of directing your water properly, then it’s definitely time to replace them.
You might not need to replace the entire gutter if it’s only a section that’s compromised, so be sure to speak to an expert about your guttering needs.
Don’t forget that storms can occur in any season so, it’s vital to stay up to date with your gutters and the roof of your home.
These days we seem to be filling our wallets (or purses) with plastic cards!
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Membership Cards, Loyalty Cards, Lottery Cards, Hotel Key Cards. . . . it seems never ending.
But what can you do with cards you no longer need?
Here are three ways that I recycle old cards including two uses that are related to your new house.
Filling Dints in Plasterboard
When the furniture is moved into your new home you will be luck if there isn’t a dint in the plasterboard.
Rather than buying a fancy spatula I just use an old card to push filler into the hole.
The slick surface of the card and the flexibility make plastic cards ideal for placing the filler and giving a smooth finish.
Smoothing Silicone Caulk
In the past I have done extra tiling in areas such as the laundry and then needed to caulk the gap between the tiles and the worktop.
I have found that a plastic card is ideal for getting the profile of the caulk just right.
You just need to cut a corner of the card to the required profile.
The other edges of the card will make a great scraper to remove any spilled caulk.
Decoy for Pick Pocket/Mugger
When I am travelling I normally carry an old wallet with that days expected cash, a couple of old credit cards, and an old hotel key card in my trouser pocket.
My real credit card, some cash and room key are kept elsewhere in an inconspicuous pocket
In the event of criminal activity the loss of the ‘authentic’ looking wallet won’t be a major issue for me.
There are over 300 species of termites in Australia, and almost every Australian home may be at risk.
But do not lose hope!
Termites also known as white ants feed on a plethora of materials, including plastics, rubber, fibreglass and, of course, wood.
They can even chew through your personal belongings!
photo from Wickipaedia
A major threat to your home, termites have the capability to destroy building structures.
The remedies to their damage, if available at all, are largely expensive.
That is why, when dealing with termites, prevention is key.
We have collated five preventative steps to take so that you can live in a harmonious, pest-free home.
1. Check for warning signs
Termites aren’t out in the open.
They like an environment that is dark, humid and protected, which is what makes them so hard to find – until it’s too late.
Check for noises, odour, nests, wing remains,mud tunnels around the foundations, and excavation of wood or other materials.
Termites excavate wood leaving a thin outside layer of timber intact – the type of excavation varies from flutings to hollowing to large galleries depending upon the species.
2. Remove tree roots and waste timber products from your home
Dead tree roots and rotten timber are ideal sites for termites to nest.so have potential hazards treated or removed to combat the risk on your property.
Also, it is important to remember not to plant trees that may have a tendency to send roots under slabs close to the home.
Furthermore, termites can often attack timber formwork, from concreting, and use it to gain access into your home.
Ensure all timber formwork is removed from your home after construction.
3. Ensure that the area under timber floors is dry and well-ventilated
High humidity and high moisture levels create an attractive home for termites.
Substandard ventilation in the sub-floor areas of your property can cause this damp environment.
Ensure that your home has good ventilation and extraction fans where necessary, as this will reduce the risk of subterranean termites.
4. Don’t stockpile timber or firewood under your house or close to external walls
Storing timber against or under your house or property on a soil sub-floor will provide an attractive food source and nesting site for subterranean termites.
It can also hide evidence of termites invading your home.
Remove any timber and/or debris (dead leaves) away from the house.
5. If you believe your house is potentially under threat, do something about it immediately!
A professional, thorough inspection by a licensed and accredited termite inspector is the best way to make sure that your home is safe from termites.
There are many effective options available to you, including many economic pest control companies that will cater to your needs.
Termites are sly creatures that inhabit the darker, and previously uninhabited areas of a house; only venturing out at night or when it is very quiet.
As a result, you may not notice them until it is too late!
Make sure you act swiftly, and take these 5 proactive steps we’ve listed here to ensure your home is free from termites.
I recently heard an insurance expert say that he believed half the car thefts in Australia were as a result of someone breaking into the home and stealing the keys.
So why put a key rack next to the door and make it easy for them?
Especially if the rack can be seen through a glass panel!
I always keep the keys on my person until I go to bed, when the keys go on the bedside table.
How about you?
The attractive key rack photo is from thewww.instructables.comweb site, a great resource for DIY ideas. . . . You could always use it for hanging kitchen tools.
Moving house is one of the most stressful things that we do to ourselves.
There is the relentless searching for the right house, and the right block, the waiting, the chasing up and then finally…the move.
There are, however a few things that you can do that might make your life a tiny bit easier and potentially avoid some very frustrating situations.
Handover agreed; you are set to go. . . Hooray!
However a few weeks before the move day, you should have been thinking about a few key things.
Removal Company
Shop around for a good deal on removal company.
If you have personal recommendations from people you know, all the better.
Check if the company is a member of the Australian Furniture Removal Association.
If you have particularly precious items with an emotional value that are priceless insurance wise, then it might be betterr take them yourself.
Utilities
Tell your internet/phone and other utilities providers you are moving.
They will need a few weeks to change everything over to a new property and may need to make
an engineer appointment (which will probably require you to wait in for at least half a day).
Check, whether by moving, you are entering a new contract and whether there will be any additional moving home fees.
TV Antenna
With the recent switch to digital, if you want full access to all the free television and radio that is on offer, make sure that you have the right equipment and it is all tuned in to receive everything that it can.
Now we have gone, or are going, digital you need to be sure you have the correct TV Antenna to minimise obstruction and interference.
Get this wrong and you may not be receiving half the channels that you could be.
Australian antenna companies can give your new property a full assessment.
Cancel And/Or Redirect Any Deliveries
If you have any regular deliveries to your home such as groceries or magazine subscriptions, be sure to cancel or redirect them once you have moved to your new place.
Label Boxes
Label all boxes with which room and what is inside.
If you are dismantling furniture, put screws and bolts in labeled freezer bags and attach them to the relevant piece of furniture.
It’s no fun looking for missing screws.
Organize a baby/pet sitter or help for moving day.
Should you need to move while you have small children, or pets it is handy to hire a
babysitter.
It’s not fun to be constantly worried and distracted by one more thing to on a day of stress.
Home Insurance.
Shop around and get a good deal.
Make sure you are fully covered for the home, contents and mortgage.
Once you are done, unpack, enjoy and say hi to the neighbours!
Hopefully, you would have made the move stress free and reduced the amount of frustration that comes with the move.
Now that you are the proud owner of your very own house and all the glorious responsibilities that go along with it, it’s time to step up to the title of ‘homeowner’ and look after the house!
After all, the home you live in is yours. . . Your asset. . . Your life savings.
Show some pride!
It all starts with diligent household maintenance.
We have compiled a list of household chores that should be completed.
Some may already be on your agenda, while others may not have even crossed your mind.
The concept of Spring cleaning has definitely latched on, and for good reason! It’s an
opportunity to pick up the slack and de-clutter your humble abode. Here is a list of
household chores to perform
Spring
✓ Clean windows and repair or replace any screens.
✓ Check your gutters to make sure there is nothing blocking them and preventing water from flowing correctly, away from your house. Clear out any leaves and other debris.
✓ Make sure your pumps is working if you have any. You need to make sure the excess water stays away from your house.
✓ Check your paving for damage. If you find any from the long winter, make sure you hire someone to repair it before Winter hits again
✓ Check your roof for any signs of damage. Any abnormalities require a professional to assess the problem. Roof Repairs in Melbourne can be quite costly, if you allow the problem to escalate so nip it in the bud early.
✓ You’ll be using your lawn mower more frequently, so it is wise to inspect it and ensure it’s working.
Regular household maintenance is integral to maintaining the value of your home and avoiding hefty repairs down the line. Here is a list of chores to be performed as
Summer
✓ Check the decks for sign they need to be repainted or repaired. Prepare your outdoor living space for the regular social gatherings you’ll be having as the weather warms up.
✓ Clean your sliding door.
✓ Check and oil your garage door. If you have any problems with it, you may need to have a professional check it out.
✓ Ensure that your air conditioning units are working perfectly and that the filters are clean. You want to be prepared when the heat comes.
Autumn
✓ Check windows and make sure they don’t leak. Caulk/Seal around the frames if necessary.
✓ Clean out gutters and drains from falling leaves. This will need to be done regularly to avoid blocked gutters.
✓ Bring in all outdoor furniture and grills.
✓ Take care of your garden tools and hoses and store them for the winter
✓ Make sure your fireplace is ready for winter use. Have wood delivered and chopped for use.
✓ Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries when the clocks chage to ensure they will work properly.
✓ Check your roof again to make sure the summer sun didn’t cause any damages. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you need to schedule a roof inspection. Most reputable companies will offer a free inspection and quote.
Winter
When the temperature drops consider doing the following:
✓ Vacuum the air vents so that dust and other debris doesn’t fly into the air when you turn on the heat.
✓ Check your flashlight batteries.
Household maintenance is part and parcel of home ownership.
Performing your chores throughout the year, rather than during one single Spring cleaning spree, will minimise the risk of major repairs.
You’ll be able to nip the minor issues in the bud, and subsequently save yourself a substantial amount of money in the long run!
It’s always an exciting time when you decide to do some decorating a home.
Whether you’re looking to give your existing home a bit of a facelift or if you’ve moved in to a new place and want to impart your own personal touch on to the place you call home, it’s fun and rewarding to decorate.
The aesthetic that accompanies the places that we call home can vary wildly from person to person, depending on one’s personal style, taste or design skills.
You’ll see a huge range of variation between different people and their homes, and the furnishings, decorations and artwork are going to vary a great deal from home to home.
After all, we’re all different so why shouldn’t our homes be?
There is a wide range of home decor styles that you can draw on when you’re seeking inspiration.
You will see a huge range of styles reflected in various furniture stores and home furnishing stores.
Regardless of where you look, a design style that has managed to stand the test of time is the style of Retro Furniture.
No matter what design magazine or home stylist you turn to, you’ll find the elements of retro furniture seeping in somewhere.
The beauty of retro furniture is that it manages to tie in a kitsch and slightly off-beat vibe with the unmistakable hallmarks of comfort and relaxation.
Retro furniture is designed to be used and loved, so take a look at how you can channel that beatnik vibe in your home.
Step One
Draw your inspiration from old movies and books from the 60s and 70s.
If you could picture James Bond and Pussy Galore circa 1978 sitting back and sipping a martini on the lounge you’re eyeing up, then chances are you’ve got yourself a plum piece of retro styling!
Make sure that you always plump for quality over the aesthetic if your budget allows.
As an added tip, find out the names of some designers who were operating and manufacturing goods in the retro furnishings arena during the 60’s and 70s for some more inspiration.
Step Two
Hit the op-shops and thrift stores to get a great deal on some absolute gems.
If you spend enough time wandering around the thrift shops, you’re going to be bound to find some awesome pieces.
Enlist a buddy or a willing helper to give you an extra set of eyes (and it will also give you someone to help
you carry your incredible finds to the car!).
Step Three
Think lamps, low lighting and soft furnishings.
The retro style is all about mixed mediums so combine some vinyl or some polished wooden furniture with soft shag pile rugs or throws.
Throw a lava lamp or a soft down lamp into the mix, and you’re well on your way to having the retro lounge room or bedroom of your dreams.
Step Four
Enlist the help of a YouTube tutorial to find out how to DIY some cushions or curtains that are going to add some extra style to your home.
Whether you’re looking to customise things or are just looking to save a couple of dollars where you can, making things yourself is a great way to do both.
Step Five
Invest in some music or movies that add to your retro style and overall aesthetic.
Think about getting a record player or something that is going to add a special touch to your space.
When you’re hanging out in a retro space, the last thing you want to do is pop a song on via iTunes or through your iPod and speakers – you want a record player with some real vinyl, man!
Pump up the retro feel wherever you can and reap the rewards.
In summary, channel the laid back vibes of the 60s and 70s to great effect in your home with retro
stylings and furnishing for a great chilled out look in your life.
If someone were to say that there are joys in moving houses, many people would consider the person speaking to be a bit bonkers.
It is a natural reaction because we humans tend to focus on the negative experiences rather than the positive.
The fact is, moving into your new home can create a lot of joy during the moving process and for the future that you are planning to build.
The team from Interior Secrets are experts in creating those positive experiences with their interior design range of furniture and home furnishings.
They’ve seen both sides of the coin when it comes to moving house and share the following tips for people that are moving houses.
Keep your eye on the goal that you are working towards.
It is easy to get caught up in the negative aspects when moving house.
There is quite a lot of planning involved and it uses a lot of your mental and physical energy.
There are risks with losing and breaking items as well.
However, we shouldn’t lose focus of our ultimate goal.
Once everything has been moved into the new house, you will be able to build a new environment to your liking and customize it to make it the home that you always wanted it to be.
In a way, it is as though you have to take a few steps back; but in the end, you will be moving forward by leaps and bounds.
Enjoy the thrill of creation.
Moving into your new home, you will be starting from a clean slate.
You have the opportunity to create your new story on a fresh canvas.
How will you build the illustrative environment for your new life in your new home?
Customise your place the way that you want it to be.
It is the perfect opportunity for you to modernise your home with more artistic and creative flair.
Highlight this with rugs, photo frames, wall units, dining and lounge sets, curtains and shutters, just to name a few.
You can even get creative with the walls with wallpaper or wall paint options.
Remember to enjoy the feeling of redecorating and building your new abode.
Enjoy your new sanctuary.
Ultimately, you need to enjoy your new environment.
The aesthetics should compliment your emotions and tap into the five senses.
Create a space that will provide you with a brighter ambiance, enhancing scents, nice views and the furnishings that you love.
Build bonds with the local community.
When moving into your new place, you have the opportunity to forge new friendships with neighbours in your new community.
While you may start off as neighbours, over the years your relationship can build into a strong friendship.
It will give you ‘peace of mind’ to know that there are others in your community that you can trust to look out for your home, and that will add to the positive experience of living in your new neighbourhood.
Remember, this is a spring-cleaning session towards your new life!
When moving houses, you tend to come across a lot of items that have been building up in your home over the years.
We tend not to throw things away, even if we haven’t used them in a while, as we tend to hold onto them for some intrinsic or sentimental value.
Moving into your new home is the perfect opportunity to get rid of unwanted or unnecessary items from your old life.
The author [f ‘The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up’ Marie Kondo, offers a simple solution towards decluttering, simplifying, organising and storing.
She says that the key to success in tidying is to keep those items that give you joy.
If they don’t, then throw it away in the bin or consider selling or donating your items.
These are a few tips that can be used easily by anyone who is moving home, regardless of whether they are moving from a room, an apartment, a house or a mansion.
Focus on the positive aspects that your new home can offer and create the space to become the one youn always desired!
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) has revealed the consistent No 1 dispute has been fencing.
In fact fencing counts for around one third of all of their top ten disputes.
In 2013-4 there were fence 6,489 disputes, slightly above the long term average of 6,301.
So how can you minimise the chance of a dispute?
Get Agreement
Make sure you try to get agreement from your neighbour when planning to build a fence. . . . even if you intend to cover the whole cost yourself.
Both parties are generally required to contribute equally to construction costs for a fence that meets the minimum standard.
If the land is vacant, or a tenant won’t provide details of the landowner, then local councils are allowed to provide landowner contact details on fencing matters.
Type of Fence
The minimum standard is “sufficient” based on one or more of the following
Purpose for which you and your neighbours are using the land
If you want a more expensive fence then you will have to meet extra costs.
Legally
If you can’t reach agreement, either you or your neighbour will be able seek an order from a Magistrates’ Court specifying what fence will be built, and how costs will be shared.
Check Your State’s Laws
The above was built based on Victorian Legislation but most states have fairly similar laws.
