Settling in
Shovel
I think a Shovel, as well as a Spade, is a worthwhile addition to your tool collection for your new home. You should be able to buy a ‘Concreters’ Shovel like this for $25 dollars, or less, so it shouldn’t…
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Noisy Pipes
There are three common types of noise in plumbing systems: Rattling When Water Is Turned On Reasons for this type of sound are: If the system is new or just been altered it could be air in the pipes. With…
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Firewood
Wood can be the Most Expensive………..or the Cheapest heating available for your new home. It all depends on your level of commitment. Most Expensive Buy firewood at the service station and burn it in an open fire and it could…
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Rattling or Thumping Pipes – Cures
These cures relate to general rattling or banging when you turn the tap on. The various reasons for these noises, and their cures are: Air in Pipes Typically occurs in new systems, or after some plumbing alterations. You need to…
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Bell Push – Fail
Over a week I would probably visit between 150 – 200 homes. That’s a lot of door bells pushed……..and if the bell doesn’t work it can be a lot of sore knuckles knocking. The bell push in the picture above,…
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Improving Soil After A New Build
Guest post by David Limburg of Online Garden Design With most new houses, the garden is often the last aspect of the new build that is considered. Often the soil is left in a terrible state by the construction process….
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Water Hammer Cures
If you are getting water hammer in your new house it can be really annoying. As the problem is caused by fast flowing water being stopped suddenly here are some options to cure it. Slow the overall speed of flow down Pressure,…
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Gates for Sloping Driveways
If you have a sloping drive it can be difficult to install a gate. One option is to install a sliding gate which rolls to one side. These although expensive can work quite well if the whole of the front…
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Tree Selection – Fail
The sight of this Norfolk pine towering over this single storey house caused me to stop the car! And the tree is only half grown. It breaks RULE 2 of suburban tree selection – “Don’t get a tree that grows…
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No Lawn, No Water Garden
Lots of people seem to think……. You have to have a lawn in your new house. You need a full scale watering system. Here are some pictures of the last garden we developed that has neither. We planted the garden…
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