I won’t be bothering with a monitored alarm again!
I had one at my previous home. . . . ‘Free Install’ with 3 Year Monitoring Contract. . . . Waste of money in my opinion!
Monitoring
From all accounts most thieves are mainly after a few valuables that can be moved quickly.
By the time the security service have:
Phoned you to check that it wasn’t a false alarm, say 3-4 minutes;
Contacted a mobile guy say, 2-3 minutes;
The mobile guy has driven to your place , say 10-15 mins;
Between 15 -30 minutes will have passed and most thieves will be long gone.
If they are still there whats the monitoring guy going to do? . . . . call the police that’s another 10 minutes.
Burglaries While You Are At Home
The latest scare tactic by security companies is to say “26% of burglaries are while you someone is in the home!”
Well all I have to say to that is:
Who has their alarm on when they are at home?
If you suspected a burglar was in the house would you think about getting to an alarm panel so the security company could ring you back? . . . and then wait for the mobile security guy? . . I’d be ringing 000 on my mobile so the police would be arriving!
Rather than have a monitored alarm make sure that you lock all the doors, including the garage, when you are in the house; especially at night.
Alarms In General
Alarms do have their uses:
The sight of an alarm may deter some burglars.
The sound of an alarm will most likely cause the burglar to rush, so your losses, are more likely to be limited.
If you return to your house with the alarm going off you know there could be a problem, rather than walking into the middle of a burglary.
I’m not saving I wouldn’t get an alarm again, but I would probably go for one with CCTV cameras that send a photo to your smart phone.
At least you would get a picture of the burglar, and you could phone the police straight away with the knowledge you had seen someone in your house.
Green walls, known by a variety of names, including living walls, eco walls, vertical gardens or bio walls, are one of the biggest design trends of our era.
Originally developed in 1938, green walls were then known as “vegetative bearing architectonic structure and systems”. . . . A bit of a mouthfull and although an accurate description, the tongue-tying name has been shortened to Green Walls.
They are self-sufficient vertical gardens that are attached to either the interior or exterior walls of a building or structure.
Plants living in the green wall take root in a structural support directly attached to the wall itself and receive all necessary nutrients and water from within the vertical structure.
Living walls add many benefits to their environment, including overwhelming beauty, improved air quality, considerable savings in terms of energy costs, acoustics, sustainability, protection of the building, and increased property value.
Aesthetics
The most noticeable benefit of a green wall is its natural beauty.
A well designed living wall, compiled from a wide variety of plants and flowers, will add colour, texture and vibrancy to a space, and can be very visually appealing – essentially, a work of art.
Designs can be customised to enhance the look or theme of an existing space, adding beautiful touches of nature to anywhere.
Using green walls is an innovative way to accent a particular area, or to create a division of space as they are available in stand alone structures.
Quality of Air
Indoor green walls will drastically improve the quality of air in their environment.
The average person spends about 90% of their time inside where air quality is poor and there is constant exposure to harmful toxins and fumes.
Introducing a green wall will aid in absorbing and purifying the pollutants.
The efficiency of the wall will vary greatly depending on the size, and the particular species of plants used, as some species, especially tropical varieties, are highly efficient in air purification.
Having so many plants in a small area will create an oxygen rich environment, making it a healthier atmosphere for anybody in it.
Cutting Energy Costs
Both interior and exterior green walls offer significant savings in regards to heating and especially cooling costs, saving up to 20% overall.
Exterior green walls keep the outside structure an average of 10% cooler in summer, which means less heat radiates inwards, keeping the building cooler. Indoor walls have the same effect, however on a slightly smaller scale.
In the winter months, the microclimate created by green walls act as an extra insulation that reduces heat loss.
Sustainability
Introducing a green wall is a large step in sustainability, as it has hugely positive effects on the environment, as buildings become more eco-friendly and carbon emissions are minimised.
Outdoor green walls act as almost a small ecosystem, filtering air and rainwater and attracting butterflies, birds and useful insects.
Property Value
A green wall can increase property values considerably, as it adds so much to the property, both in visual beauty and the other benefits previously discussed.
Currently, green walls are on the cutting edge of design, therefore having one makes the property more marketable, and offers the area something to set it apart from the others.
How to Get Your Green Wall
Unless one has extensive knowledge of plants and the concept of a living wall, it is not recommended to attempt a project of this scale alone, especially indoors, as damage could be the result of error.
Inadequate fixing, or failure to provide a suitable watering system are two common failings.
Professionals like those at Gaddy’s Plant Hire can offer the knowledge and expertise required to incorporate a beautiful and useful green wall into your environment.
More options and information are available at Gaddy’s and a professional installation can offer longevity, as well as regular maintenance will ensure your green walls are effortlessly enjoyable.
Have you ever tripped over electrical cable snaking across the floor?
I know I have . . . . more than once!
It’s a common problem if you want to use an electrical device well away from a wall, such as charging a laptop while you are sitting on a lounge chair.
It consists of a woven top with Velcro right the way across the underside
It’s quite simple to use . . . just lay the cable on the carpet in a straight line and press the cable cover over it.
The Velcro, on the underside of the cover, grips the carpet tightly making it just about impossible to trip.
The model I tried was the 1.8m long and cost approx $45 including delivery.
Easy, and reusable, unlike my normal solution of Gaffer Tape.
Check Your Carpet
Although the Carpet Cable Cover is effective on a looped carpet, it is much less effective with tufted carpets so its worth testing first. (Get a piece of Velcro, hooked side, and lay it on the Carpet. . . . if it grips you should be OK)
No grip; then TripSafe do make a cover for hard floors, which is a bit more expensive at around $72 (including delivery).
Disclosure; I was sent a free Tripsafe Cable Cover to carry out this review, but received no payment. At the conclusion of the review the cover was donated to the Rotary Club of Hoppers Crossing for use at their meetings.
There is always a need for more storage space to hide away clothes, linen or household items.
Nowadays there are plenty of clever storage solutions that can be tailor-made to suit your needs and the size of your room, to make the most of any given space.
Even in the smallest of homes, storage solutions can offer you a more organised space, allowing you to make better use of the floor space you have.
Space is particularly important if you are working in a small room.
You need to be mindful that the storage doesn’t take over the entire room.
One Wall Solutions
If you need storage in a small room, a great way to make the most of the space without making it feel cluttered, is to keep the storage units to one wall.
Keeping the other walls furniture free, or certainly not filled with bulky furniture like wardrobes or drawers, will give a more airy feel and give the illusion of more open space too.
For a clean and sleek look, you could make the entire wall a storage area, with a clever and bespoke modular wardrobe that utilises every spare inch of available space for a full integrated look.
There is a variety of different options for you to choose from when it comes to modular wardrobes, and you’ll certainly be able to find one that fits in with your décor.
Be Transparent
Keeping with a simplistic theme, another great way to give the illusion of a bigger area, to prevent a small room from feeling claustrophobic, is to use free-standing shelving units.
You can choose from options such as ventilated shelves, which are made from a wire construction.
These are not only perfect for keeping your linen and clothing well aired and crease-free, but will also make for a transparent storage system that looks clutter free and saves on space too.
Without the need for a boxy frame that will take up precious space, this is a great way to maximise storage in small rooms.
Flexibility
To ensure you are getting the most from your storage space, you need to know that it has the flexibility to adapt to your changing needs.
You may decide to change the use of a storage unit and need a different functionality, so choosing a space-saving solution that is going to be adaptable is also a good investment.
With modular units, you can re-design the wardrobe to have more hanging space, or maybe more shelving units depending on your individual requirements, meaning you can make the most of your area continuously.
Style & Design
Make a small space feel bigger by avoiding using dark colours that can make an area feel oppressive.
With ventilated shelving and lighter coloured modules, you can give your room a modern and European style that looks great and is entirely functional.
Add your own personal touch to the style and design by opting for funky boxes or baskets for storing items.
This will not only give a contemporary feel but is a clever way of hiding away anything you don’t necessarily want on display.
For additional privacy, you could also add elements of closed drawers as a centrepiece in a light colour or wood effect to make a nice feature of your storage.
Whatever your style, there are plenty of ways to make the most of a small area with clever techniques and space saving solutions that look great and function even better.
I hear a lot of complaints about Water Bills . . . . . but Town Water is one of the ‘Great Bargains’ of our age!
Don’t Believe Me?
Well lets look at the facts.
Typical Water Charges
Well I live in Melbourne’s City West Water area so my water charges are:
Water Service Charge
$54.65/quarter. This is to cover things like the maintenance of the thousands of km’s of pipes that are ready to deliver the water to you.
Water Usage Charge
To encourage people to be responsible in the water usage the cost/kilolitre rises at 440 litres per day and again at 880 litres per day. (The average Melbournian uses 160 litres per day, but my wife and I are careful and only use around 100 litres each per day)
$2.3060 per kilolitre for the first 440 litres of water used per day.
$2.7241 per kilolitre for water usage above 440 and up to 880 litres per day.
$4.0749 per kilolitre for water usage above 880 litres per day.
Cost For A Family
Well the daily cost for an average family of 4 using 640 litres per day is:
1st 440 litres $1.01
2nd 200 litres $0.54
Service Charge $0.60
Total $2.15 /day (Equivalent to $3.36/kilolitre)
Remember this is for a product that has been; Collected, Stored(for up to 4 years), Treated, and Delivered to your tap exactly when you want it.
Some Comparisons
You may not be familiar with what a kilolitre really means but here are 3 equivalents.
It weighs one tonne.
It is equivalent to a cube 1m x 1m x 1m.
Just over 4 large wheelie bins.
2,000 x 500ml bottles
Comparison With Any Other Product
If you can find any other product that you can have delivered to your door for $3.36/ tonne let me know . . . even dirt costs around $60/tonne.
Comparison with Bottled Water
Well the cheapest I could find bottled water was in my local Costco, where it worked out at $500/kilolitre!
Comparison with Beer
One days water supply = the cost of 1 stubby.
Still think Town Water is expensive? . . . . Then leave a comment!
The humble Aussie backyard can be home to so many different recreational activities for the family.
It is the hub for barbecues, parties, social events, birth days, and gatherings of neighbours.
When you think about it, so much can go on in the backyard that it make sense to plan it just as much as you plan your home!
During the planning, and the construction of your new house, you should have plenty of time to plan and sketch out some ideas.
You need to make sure that your backyard is a reflection of who you are and how you want to live.
So here are some thoughts:
Go Zen
I like an area where I can sit peacefully and have time for reflection.
You can go all the way with a traditional Japanese garden like this, but the key is try to have a natural look to the garden and keep it simple.
Go for shrubs and ground cover plants rather than flowerbeds . . . . It’s not relaxing to sit and think about weeding the garden beds!
Make sure you provide a seat that is protected from the sun and rain.
Getting Wet
If being active is high on your list of garden activities, than you might think about putting a pool in.
You only have to fly into most Australian cities to see how popular pools are!
IF you don’t have the space for a pool then you could think about something like a Spa.
Spas will fit into remarkably small spots, and if you go for a swim spa you’ll be able to swim for as long and as hard as you like!
Even if you aren’t interested in a pool the sound of running water can be relaxing so it might be worth thinking about a fountainn or a decorative pond.
Think About The Children
The two issues about gardens and children are keeping them safe, and having somewhere to play
Keeping them Safe
If you go for a pool remember that drowning is a real risk.
For all new pool installations you will be required to provide childproof fencing which is great.
It will be up to you however to make sure you don’t compromise the safety by placing furniture next to the fencing which will allow a child to climb the fence.
Somewhere To Play
Most young children love to run around so having an area of lawn is always good, as the occasional fall shouldn’t cause an injury.
Some play equipment or a cubby house are also things to consider.
Entertaining Area
If you like to entertain, a deck is an option well worth considering.
You can take it to the extreme if you really want to, but just make sure you have the basics of shade, some comfortable furniture, good lighting and – of course – a barbecue
If it all sounds a bit too much for your budget then just buy a basic furniture and Barbeque and upgrade when you can!
Whatever you do, make sure your backyard will be fun, and involve the whole family.
If you often spend sleepless nights rehashing the events of the day or worrying about your future, relaxation techniques could assist you get the sleep you require.
Learning to shut the mind to all of the day’s stresses can allow both your mind as well as your body to rest and recharge.
Good relaxation techniques can help combat stress during the daytime so it does not keep you awake during the night.
I often find sitting out on a patio,. or verandah when you can be away from the TV news and other distractions is an aid to relaxing
With this in mind, here are some suggestions on how you can relax on your patio at night.
Reading
Reading is a great way you can use to leave all the thoughts of the day behind you. and enter a different world.
While relaxing on your patio at night, it’s ideal that you choose something light and enjoy it in peace.
Reading however will only work if you are among those people who enjoy reading.
Listening to Soft Music
If you’re not into reading, listening to soft music is another excellent strategy of passing time while you’re relaxing at your patio at night. Soft and relaxing music will relax your mind as well as your body. Choose soft music with no lyrics and songs that have a regular slow rhythm.
The reason for this is that song lyrics can easily stick in your mind and hence keep you awake longer that you usually stay up. Also, you can choose the sounds of nature to help you relax at your patio at night.
Taking Deep Breaths and Thinking of Good Things
While relaxing at your patio, take a few deep breaths. Taking a few slow deep breaths will assist you in releasing stress in your body.
When a person is stressed, he or she often tends to breathe in short, rapid breaths.
Getting into this habit can sort out your breathing and easily return you to a calm of state.
Thinking of good things while relaxing is also a sure way that you can use to lower your immediate stress.
For instance, you can think of how happy it is to be loved by your family or even about a great vacation you went with your friends or loved ones.
Do a little light gardening
If you have pot plants on your patio, a little evening gardening could be a great way to relax.
Simply pruning a bonsai tree or tending to your potted plants will certainly help distract you from your problems and most people find watching things grow is a good way to generate positive thoughts.
Making Sure You Are Comfortable
Of course it’s essential that you have a comfortable warm patio to relax on, otherwise the chill may way see you heading back indoors, away from your sanctuary on your patio.
Having comfortable patio furniture, with a table for nibbles and drinks is good.
Some screening to keep cold winds away is also worthwhile
There are plenty of heating options out there that can help to make your patio a haven for relaxation.
Whether you choose an outdoor heater powered by gas or electric, make it an energy efficient one to avoid having bills so high that you’ll be more stressed out than ever.
An outdoor space is the best place to relax and to spend quality time with your family and friends, however this pleasure is usually limited to some extent during colder seasons and some cooler summer evenings.
To enjoy your patio at any time whether it is day or night perhaps you need to invest in a patio heater.
Many people feel that a patio heater would be outside of their budget, but there are many affordable outdoor heating options available on today’s market.
So, if you’re asking what options you have for outdoor heating, then let us compare some of the best choices available.
Natural Gas Heaters (Mains Gas)
Natural gas heating has been a cost effective way to add warmth to outdoor venues if your property already has. mains gas .
The installation charges are high compared with bottled gas as you will need a plumber to install pipes to heater locations but the running costs are substantially lower.
They are available in a range of options including table top and free standing models.
Larger heaters are capable of warming up an area of more than 3m in diameter.
An advantage over bottled gas is you don’t have to worry about refilling because there is a constant supply of fuel.
Most heaters are a point source so the temperature will drop considerable as you move away from the source.
LPG Heaters (Bottled Gas)
As the name suggests, this outdoor heating option uses bottled LPG, but in many ways is similar to Natural Gas.
Using gas bottles mean they are completely mobile so you can move them to different locations as needed.
These heaters have a low initial cost as you can set them up by yourself without needing a plumber for installation.
Running costs are however higher than natural gas and there is the inconvenience of having to regular exchange gas bottles, as they run out.
Radiant Electrical Heating
This heating option is good for outdoor use mainly because the radiant heat warms you, not the air around you so minimal energy is lost into the atmosphere.
With long heating units rather than a point source it more evenly heats an area.
It is a convenient as you don’t really need to worry about filling propane or gas, as well as being low maintenance.
Low profile heat strip units (like the Heat Strip Classic units in this photo) can be mounted unobtrusively high on a wall, on a pergola, or on the roof of an al-fresco area, where is will be above the reach of young children.
If you are looking for a safe low-profile options, these are well worth considering.
Moving into a new house may be the time to think about changing your mattress!
Even if its fairly new mattresses looking after it tends to be forgotten so here are some things to think about.
General
Choosing the right mattress is important not only because it determines the quality of sleep but also the mattresses lifespan.
No matter what its size is, a good mattress should be able to serve you for the maximum number of years. This happens only if you take the best care of your mattress.
After reading the below, you will know how to look after your memory foam mattress and when to change it, meaning that you’ll be much more likely to get a great night’s sleep, every night!
Tips On How To Look After Your Mattress
It doesn’t take any special skills to look after your mattress. A few simple actions will ensure that your mattress lasts eight to ten years.
This advice on how to go about it has been tried and tested by many, and will prolong the life of your mattress beyond the usual lifespan.
Use A Cover To Protect Your Mattress
Sleeping directly on the mattress exposes it to stains including hair, dust and dirt which can damage the mattress and shorten its lifespan. Look for a washable mattress (and obviously pillow) covers to protect the mattress such stains.
If you have any allergies then you should buy purpose-made barrier fabric to ward off dust.
Turn Over The Mattress Regularly
Any mattress, no matter what its density is, or how well it is made, wears out due to weight.
If you concentrate weight one on one side or surface then the mattress will wear out irregularly, rendering it uncomfortable or unusable more quickly.
You should turn over the mattress and end to end after every 3 to 4 months, but weekly for the first three months. (This will help the upholstery fillings to settle down more evenly)
Allow The Mattress To Breath
You may not consider it important but those bedclothes you leave on the mattress can limit its lifespan.
One of the best ways to ensure your mattress serves you for the longest time is to take off the bedclothes and allow the mattress to air for at least 20 minutes. This will allow any moisture inside the upholstery to escape.
Keep The Mattress Clean At All Times
Most mattresses can be cleaned by vacuuming. To improve the lifespan of your mattress, you should vacuum it regularly.
If there are stubborn stains, use a cloth with mild detergent and warm or cold water but remember never to soak your mattress.
When To Change Your Mattress
Mattresses are usually hidden under bedclothes or sheets making it difficult to know its condition.
Your mattress needs replacement if:
You feel some stiffness, numbness, aches or pains on your back, neck or other parts of the body.
Your partner tends to toss or turn all night, possibly looking for a more comfortable position and not finding it
You have already used the mattress for more than 7 years without replacement, or your lifestyle or status has changed since your purchase the mattress.
If you find any of the above effects then it may be time to look for a new mattress.
There are so many brands on the market and so you need to be extremely careful to choose the right one that will offer safe, comfortable and quality sleep for longer.
The information above should have equipped you with enough knowledge to look after your mattress and to know when to change it.
This simple practice will save you money and ensure you have high quality sleep.
When the time arrives, you should look for a good replacement from a reputable dealer.
Most garages are too hot in Summer and too cold in Winter.
If you want to use the garage as a workshop . . or even a man cave, it will be much more comfortable if its insulated.
Maintaining a comfortable temperature in the garage also means it makes a better Buffer Zone for the rest of the house
For most garages that are built as part of the house it is relatively easy to put some insulation batts in the roof, but that still leaves the garage door!
Here is how I insulated the garage door on the last house I built, in an afternoon.
DIY Garage Door Insulation
Measure the door width and the height of the steel ‘C’ sections that make up the door. You will need enough Foil Board to fill all the sections. Foil Board can normally be ordered at your Big Box DIY store.
When you pick up your Foil Board buy 3-4 cans of expanding construction foam.
Cut the Foil Board into strips that are wider than the opening in the ‘C Section’ but can still be inserted into the section and drill holes in the foil board approx 1m apart. (Putting some masking tape around the holes will make cleaning up easier)
Place the sections in the ‘C Sections’, foil facing outwards and hold them in place against the edges (I used duct tape.)
Following the instruction on the cans of foam insert the nozzle through the holes and start to fill behind the foil board until foam comes back out of the holes.
WARNING. Make sure you keep the foam away from any moving parts.
Leave the garage door shut for a few hours to allow the foam to cure and then clean up and remove the duct tape.
Even though the Foil board and Foam is light the door will now weigh several kgs more. This shouldn’t be an issue if you have an electric opener but with manual opening you will probably need to get the lifting spring reset. As this spring is under a lot of tension this is not a DIY job!
After doing this job I found the garage was much more comfortable . . . and the beer fridge didn’t have to work as hard!
