Economic Luxury – Tips For Brightening Your Home

Guest post by Hubert Dwight

Whether you are walking down a bustling street or settling into a warm sofa, it’s hard to deny the profound effect lighting has on us, so it’s important to make sure you have the best of the best when decorating your dream home.

With that in mind, comfortable lighting can be difficult to acquire without breaking the bank, and so many choices can also mean a lot of potential pitfalls.

To help you along the way, here’s just a few solid options for making the economical choice in style.

Ceiling Panels

With homes and offices slowly moving away from fluorescent lights and other less favoured options, LED lights in Melbourne have been booming, and for good reason.

Ceiling panels can give the impression of a natural light source and make a room feel larger and less constrictive.

These simply reliable squares of light take up little space and bring a surprising amount of illumination for their size.

They may not be lighting an Olympic basketball court any time soon, but for a stylish touch to your living area, a few well selected panels are sure to impress.

Motion Sensor/Auto Dimmers

Creating a welcoming entrance to any room, while also taking the stress and expense out of consistent, on-demand lighting, motion sensors and auto dimmers can be a luxurious, cost effective addition to your home.

These lights can often be set for brightness, so you can always be sure that your room hits the perfect lighting just as you walk in.

The interesting difference between auto dimmers and other kinds of automatic lighting is that they are always illuminated to various extents, sometimes going as low as three watts equivalent, to conserve energy while still creating a fluid and natural feeling as it brightens to your preference.

Window Space

One oft overlooked factor when setting up a room is how furnishings will affect light entering it, which can lead to dark, gloomy areas that have the potential to be warm and inviting with just some small alterations.

Making sure that you are minimising the obstruction of natural light will go far in creating a living area or bedroom that you can be proud of.

If this isn’t possible in your current abode, using soft light bulbs in these rooms can supplement the light lost and still leave you with a cosy, comfortable place to wind down.

Room Mapping

Having a strong light source in the middle of a room is all well and good, but it can be distracting, and neglect corners and walls that can’t be reached.

Making smart choices about where your lighting lays can completely transform a room, providing an even glow and avoid the risk of walls becoming overshadowed.

This layout will be different depending on the size and purpose of room being furnished, but a keen eye is often all you need to make sure that your home is at its best.

While it may be difficult at first, specifying the lighting of your home can make all the difference to how comfortable you and your family will feel within it.

In the end, the best choices will be different for everyone, but the more information you have going into an endeavour of this kind, the better.

Why A Condensing Hot Water Service Is Worth The Extra

If  you are considering an instantaneous gas hot water service there are normally two options.

  • A standard unit
  • A condensing unit which typically costs around $300 more.

So what is the difference

Standard Unit


The standard unit has a single heat exchanger to transfer the heat from the gas burners to the water.

Typically the exhaust gas leaving the unit is in the order of 200 degrees C.

This means the maximum efficiency of the unit is around 80%.

Condensing Unit


The condensing unit has an additional heat exchanger installed above the main heat exchanger.

It uses the waste heat from the final heat exchanger to pre-heat the water.

The exhaust gasses are thus much cooler, typically much less than 100 degrees C.

This means efficiencies of up to 95% can be achieved.

Savings

An increased efficiency means that the condensing boiler can save you up to $100 in the first year.

It should pay back the additional cost over the first three years and then be saving you money for the next 9-10 years.

That sounds like a bargain to me.

 

A Homeowner’s Guide to Preparing for the Winter

A guest post by Hubert Dwight

There are lots of things to enjoy about the winter.

There is spiced pumpkin soup, hearty home cooked meals, and nights in with the family.

Yet, it can also be a stressful time, particularly for households that are not fully prepared.

The cold temperatures and harsh winds of winter can wreak havoc with untidy gardens and homes, so make sure that you’re ready this year.

For instance, don’t leave fragile garden furniture in the yard all winter.

The metal components rust and wooden ones rot.

When spring rolls around, the only option may be to buy an entirely new set.

The same goes for things like cracks and draughts in windows.

While they might not seem like much of a problem now, they’re bound to become an obstacle when the weather gets unpredictable.

Fortunately, preparing for winter doesn’t have to be a difficult task.

This will give you some ideas on the best places to start and the most valuable preparations to make.

Get Your Garden in Order

It is much harder to maintain an unruly garden in winter than it is when the temperatures are

mild and it is still enjoyable to spend time outside. So, with the help of Revell landscaping services, get a head start on the cold weather and give your trees, plants, and shrubs some tender love and care.

One of the best things about high quality landscaping is that, in the winter, shrubs and trees can be used to keep heat close to the house.

Repair Draughts in Windows

It takes mere minutes to plug up cracks and holes around window frames, with a little bit of restorative caulking.

To check for holes, simply run your hand along the perimeter of the frame.

If you find patches that are significantly colder than the rest, there is likely to be a tear in the caulking.

Cover it over and plug it up with new material; this will keep your home warm and insulated as the year progresses.

Seal Draughts under Doors

If you fix all of the holes in your window frames, but the interior of the house is still cold, the gaps under the doors could be letting in draughts too.

Once again, all you have to do is invest in two or three hefty draught excluders.

Place them against the doors when you are trying to get cosy on an evening.

Replace the Drapes/Curtains

All homes should have a set of summer curtains and a set of winter ones.

Obviously, the winter set should be substantially thicker and heavier, because this is great for conserving heat.

As curtains are so cheap to buy, you could even purchase a number of different sets and rotate them through the year.

That way, you get to combine style with practicality and energy efficiency.

Switch Off Sprinkler Systems

If you have automated sprinkler systems, it is really important that you remember to switch them off before temperatures drop.

Ifyou are in an area where the ground gets cold enough, the components might freeze and crack.

It is much safer to turn off the automated settings and give the sprinkler a rest until the spring.

Generally, it is safe to keep using the system until the soil gets harder to lift and rotate with a spade.

Store Garden Furniture

Don’t forget to gather up with your garden furniture and put it safely away in a shed or garage.

This is especially important for untreated wood and objects with metal features.

Ifvthere is a lot of moisture, they can start to rust and corrode; not to mention the fact that it is just harder to keep in good condition if it is cluttered and untidy.

Share the winter with others

It is always really satisfying to know that you’ve helped local wildlife make it through tough times.

So, if you have a little leftover cash and a passion for animals, pick up some fat blocks and bird seed balls.

Place them around the garden, so that birds, frogs, and more can find food and more easily bear the colder temperatures.

While it might not be an essential preparation, you’ll surely be glad of it when your yard is filled with life, even during the winter.

Plumbing Industry Problems

From http://www.pdmechanical.net/

I have previously talked about Regulation Failing the Public . . . but how bad is it?

Some Statistics on Plumbing Failures

Well I have just been reading last years report from the Victorian Building Authority.

In that year they completed 7,573 audits of which 1,813 failed.

That is 23.9% (or almost 1 in 4)

In that year 833,860 Compliance Certificates were issued . . . so if that failure is extrapolated over all the plumbing jobs that means it is probable that around 200,000 plumbing jobs during 20014-2015 in Victoria have problems.

I don’t know about you, but with those figures I’m not going to be very confident that the plumbing in a new house has been done correctly.

The 5 Most Common Plumbing Failures

If you want to know what to look for here are the most common reasons for an Audit Failure.

  1. Hot water not arriving at the tap at the correct temperature.
  2. Unsatisfactory drainage installation in unstable ground.
  3. Unacceptable insulation around hot water pipes.
  4. Appropriate backflow prevention devices not installed. (This protects you by stopping contaminated water entering the system after a pipe burst)
  5. Use on inappropriate components.

Window Fail

I was out walking the other day and saw this unusually shaped window.

So why do I think it’s a FAIL?

  1. As it occupies the full front of a dormer there is no way you can fit a curtain or a roller blind to this window.
  2. It faces North without any external shading.
  3. Consequently the room behind it will be baking hot in summer and, with the exception of a few hours of daylight, freezing cold in winter.

For more Fails and unusual houses go to What the………….?

 

Titanic House

Ever wanted to re enact the “I’m King of the World” scene from the Titanic Film?

Perhaps you need to stay at this house when you visit Los Angeles.

I hear it’s only around $4,000 a night!

If you want to see more of houses like this  check out the Prive Luxury Rentals web site.

 

For more Fails and unusual houses go to What the………….?

 

 

Concrete or Fibreglass Pool

Most pool companies will tell you that their type of pool is the best. . . but what are the differences?

Here are some thought on various aspects of the two options:

Cost

Generally concrete pools are significantly more expensive.

An exception is if access is poor and a large crane is needed to lift the pool over 2 storey buildings which can easily add $5,000 – $10,000 to the cost.

Shape

If you want, or need, a particular shape this can be achieved more easily with concrete.

Fibreglass pools usually come as rectangular pool with a very limited range of alternative shapes.

Flexibility of Location

Because a concrete pool is a very rigid structure it can be constructed closer to a boundary than a fibreglass pool. (the sides of the pool are in effect a retaining wall.

Speed of Construction

It is quite possible to have a fibreglass pool installed in a couple of weeks.

More, weather dependant, site work and concrete curing times can make concrete pools much slower to build.

Durability

It wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect 30-40 years use out of a concrete pool although some resurfacing may be required during that time.

Although the life of a fibreglass pool is likely to be much shorter will you still want to be using the pool in 20 years?

Water Temperature

People who have owned both concrete and fibreglass pools say that the water in concrete pools is generally cooler (requires more heating) This is due to the faster heat loss to the surrounding ground.

One advantage of the cooler water in a concrete pool is that it will make algae growth less likely if you are away for a couple of months!

 

Which type of pool do you prefer?

5 Notorious Household Pests and Places They Hide

Most homeowners only spot the signs of a pest invasion once their unwelcome visitors have already started to multiply and take over.

Generally, this is because they’re not really looking for indications of a problem. . . If you’re not looking for pests, you often won’t see them until an infestation has escalated.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep a weather eye out for bugs and rodents, without constantly being on guard.

For instance, regular cleaning is the one of the best ways to prevent pest problems.

It gives homeowners a chance to visually inspect spaces and it removes the clutter and debris that insects love so much.

It is also a good idea to seal up cracks and gaps in windows as soon as they appear, because most bugs don’t need a lot of space to enter.

If you do spot signs of an uninvited guest, start looking for reliable Melbourne pest control services.

Cockroaches

These hardy critters like to hang out close to food or in areas that are especially moist like the kitchen or basement.

The clearest indication that they’re sharing your home is lots of small, cylindrical pellets of a dark brown colour.

This is cockroach poo, so wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning it up.

Also, take note of any unusual smells, because cockroaches can give off an unpleasantly musty odour.

Bed Bugs

At the moment, bed bugs are experiencing a major resurgence.

They have become a big problem for millions of homes across the US, UK, and Australia.

They feed by biting and sucking on human blood, usually while the occupants sleep.

This makes them especially reviled, even though they pose no danger to health.

Bed bugs can hide in any crevice or crack on wooden and fabric objects; this is why they are notoriously difficult to eliminate.

Fleas

Where there are pets, there may be fleas. , , so keep a flea control regime up to date!

These nasty little creatures feed on animal blood and produce itchy, unsightly skin rashes for pet owners.

Like bed bugs, they can be found in fabric, so pillows, duvets, throws, carpets, sofas, and curtains can all be affected.

One sure fire way to diagnose a serious infestation is to wear white socks while inspecting the house.

If they quickly collect lots of dark specks, you need to call pest control.

Termites

Termite can be found in any wooden structure throughout a building.

For example, staircases, wall frames, roof trusses, and floor beams.

Make sure you check around the outside of your house and keep the damp proof course and any termite barrier clear,

If you have broken tiles on the roof, check the attic for signs of termites; they are attracted to warmth and moisture.

Mice

Mice are one of the easiest pests to spot, because they’re bigger than many of the other pests found in domestic settings.

Often, the first indication is mouse poo.

Invading mice leave small, but distinct, pellets of waste behind in the places that they frequent.

They can sometimes produce a musty odour too, so be aware of this when you’re inspecting kitchens and moist, dark areas.

If you do have a mouse problem, you’ll need to relocate ingredients in the kitchen; as items left in accessible cupboards will be gnawed and chewed.

What to Do If You Find Signs of Pests

The first thing to remember is that not all pests are representative of an unclean home.

In fact, bed bugs and fleas don’t really care what kind of a house they choose, as long as there is plenty of food.

So, there is no shame in having to call on a pest control service for help.

They can fix the problem quickly and make sure that it does not return.

While many homeowners attempt independent solutions, the incidence of returning infestations is quite high.

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