“Things change, people change. Everything changes.”
These are words in a song lyric that holds true meaning.Speaking of changes, it’s next to natural to want to change your current home.
However, if you’re not entirely ready to move homes or are too sentimentally attached to your current home, the best way to change things is to add extensions.
Your home, which has served you well for many years, may no longer fulfill the demands and requirements of your growing family.
If you have more kids now or they’ve started growing up fast, it’s best to consider widening your living space to accommodate all their needs.
Take a look at the telltale signs below, and see whether it’s really time to extend your house more.
Additional Family Members
Whether you’re expecting a new addition to the family or you decide to have your elderly parents live with you, these are important reasons why it’s smart to consider extending your home.
After all, your current home space can only accommodate enough family members.
Perhaps you’re short of rooms, or your kitchen is now too small; it’d be ideal to extend these spaces to keep every household member happy and cared for.
Growing families often require more space, especially since each comes with specific needs.
For instance, your new baby would need a nursery room, or your elderly parents should have additional floor space for them to walk around slowly and stretch their muscles while being safe at home.
It’s a smart move to work with a custom home builder who’s specialized in home extensions.
You can explain what features you want to add, and they can work on them.
The key is to incorporate all the elements to create a comfortable and relaxing home for every family member.
Outdated Home Features
Due to homes’ constant wear and tear, it’s commonplace to need a house renovation.
Some hardware and fixtures may be too old and in need of fixing and upgrading.
It’s time to modernize your home features by considering a home extension.
You can completely transform your house by enlarging it.
One example is to improve your home’s layout.
Instead of creating too many divisions, you can forego restrictive spaces and keep an open layout.
You may add more floor space to make the living room or dining area wider and bigger.
Old and worn-down walls can be replaced by having alternative dividers instead.
They don’t have to be walls or conventional dividers.
Sometimes an area in your home can be secluded by adding additional furniture or decoration.
Your home can be brought to a new level with these transformations.
As a result, your period home with a closed-off layout can be transformed into an open-plan living space that maximizes natural light.
Shortage Of Bathrooms
Mornings are usually busy as everyone in the house prepares to go outside.
Whether you’re off to work, school, or somewhere else, mornings are the busiest times when household members need to use the bathroom all at once.
Having a limited number of bathrooms can lead to arguments and fights over who gets to use it first.
This is one serious symptom that you need to extend your home.
Bathroom access can be severely restricted when many family members have only one or two bathrooms available in the entire house.
Consider adding more as you extend your house.
Get rid of the morning madness and ensure to incorporate additional bathrooms into your home extension plan.
Crowded Entertainment Space
You can transform your entertainment space significantly with a home extension.
If the available seats in your entertainment are too limited and the space seems crowded when you enjoy movie nights together, it’s definitely time to implement a home extension project.
With this extension, kids and adults can have separate areas to enjoy the company of friends and family.
Children become more independent as they grow older and have different tastes in entertainment.
While most family members used to love watching movies, some might discover additional entertainment means like games, gadgets, or musical instruments.
These other hobbies will require and take up more space in your entertainment area.
They might even request to have the ultimate game room, especially for their gaming needs.
Having said that, it’s time to renovate such space to accommodate everyone.
Conclusion
You and your family can all take advantage of the benefits of having a wider and more extended home.
When one or a few symptoms listed above are checked upon your home assessment, you’ll realize how important it is to execute a home extension project now more than ever.
The good news is creating a new home doesn’t require you to build an entirely new house.
Sometimes it’s all about incorporating wider floor spaces and adding more rooms and bathrooms.
The summer of 2022/2023 is set to be the third La Niña summer in a row for Australia.
Even if you had thoroughly prepared your home for La Niña the first or second time round, a whole year has passed since then, so chances are high that there’s a fair amount around your home that could demand your attention prior to the hot, wet summer that lies ahead.
Today, we’ll be sharing the top 6 items that should be on the top of your to-do list in order to prepare your home for this coming La Niña summer.
Be sure to see to each and every one of these home maintenance tasks well before the rains arrive.
Book an electrical inspection
It’s safe to say that virtually every licensed electrician in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland is currently busy at work carrying out electrical inspections or conducting repairs to support Aussie homeowners in the lead-up to summer.
Contrary to popular belief, securing an electrical inspection for your home in time for spring is by no means the same as preparing for La Niña weather conditions.
In truth, preparing your home for a La Niña summer is different to your spring home maintenance checklist.
Although both seasons herald plenty of storm clouds, La Niña summers here in Australia are characterised by their lower than normal air pressure system.
This means that your home must be ready for warm summer temperatures as well as plenty of wet weather.
Naturally, the clashing of summer weather and a lower than normal air pressure system also inspires plenty of electrical storms.
This is why conducting an electrical inspection of your property is paramount to keeping your household safe during a La Niña summer.
Your electrician should thoroughly inspect your home’s fuse box, main switchboard, and all outlets in your home to identify any and all potential electrical faults that may be exacerbated by La Niña’s electrical storms.
Assess your heating and cooling systems
As La Niña summers are renowned for locking in plenty of humidity across Australia’s east coast, mould is naturally a growing concern for many homeowners.
Thankfully, there are steps that you can take in order to reduce the risk of your home becoming a moisture-rich breeding ground for mould, disease vectors like mosquitoes, and nasty bacteria.
A great place to start is by clearing out the vents of your home’s ducted heating and air-con systems.
If your home doesn’t have ducted heating and cooling but instead uses a reverse cycle split system, then you’re still encouraged to clean out your filters and give both your internal and external units a good once over with a can of pressurised air.
If you detect any odd smells from your unit, it could potentially be due to existing mould or mildew build-up on the evaporative components of your home’s HVAC system, which will likely require expert maintenance from a dedicated HVAC specialist.
Alongside getting your heating and cooling systems assessed, if your home is prone to accruing moisture on its interior walls, then you should definitely consider investing in a dehumidifier, just to help remove any excess moisture in the air inside your home.
Book a roof inspection
Roof leaks are a common occurrence during particularly poor weather conditions, especially if it’s been a while since your roof was last inspected by a roof plumber.
But believe us when we say that the last thing you want to deal with in the middle of a storm is a leak in the ceiling of your living room.
If you have any suspicions that there are gaps in your roof that could lead to cracks or leaks in your ceiling, then we highly recommend booking an inspection with your roof plumber to ensure that your roof receives some extra sealant before summer comes round.
On top of booking an inspection with a roof plumber, homeowners should also allocate time for clearing out their roof gutters and downpipes to reduce risks of water pooling on your rooftop and leading to water damage, mould or mildew, and perhaps even roof leaks in the worst case scenario.
You should also get your stormwater drains cleared professionally if you haven’t done so in previous years, just to minimise the chances of your property becoming flooded.
Treat exposed timber to prevent rot and warping
The stormy weather that accompanies La Niña in Australia notorious for causing exposed wood to warp, which can be a major issue if your doors and window fittings or frames just so happen to be made of timber.
Warped wooden doors and windows can be difficult to open and close, and may even lead to additional issues like cracks in glass panes.
In order to reduce the chances of windows failing to open, keeping humid air firmly in the home, homeowners are advised to treat all exposed timber with wood oils and sealants to keep moisture at bay.
This includes your doors, windows, wooden flooring, and any wooden decking outside your home.
Awnings can also be installed over your home’s windows to protect them from being hit with rain during stormy weather.
If you’d prefer not to install awnings, then storm windows are also a superb alternative that will help maintain your home’s facade whilst still keeping moisture from seeping in through any gaps in your windows.
Trim back tall trees
As always, stormy seasons are accompanied by an increased risk of falling trees and branches.
Because of this, you’ll want to make sure that all taller trees that are positioned on your property are trimmed back.
Doing so will help keep both your family and your home safe from the possibility of big branches or trees falling and causing structural damage and injuries.
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On a less serious but still very relevant note, any households with resident green thumbs should strongly consider moving all potted plants or smaller plants into covered areas like greenhouses to make sure that plants don’t experience root rot due or other weather damage due to excess rainfall.
With all these items ticked off your home maintenance checklist, this coming La Niña summer should be a breeze, although we do say that in a figurative sense.
Just be sure to keep an eye out for any of the telltale signs of mould and leaks in your home to help you and family stay as comfortable as possible during the wetness and warmth of the season.
Selling your home can be a daunting task. from researching the market and finding the right real estate agent to negotiating a final sales price, there’s a lot to think about.
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to sell your home at auction or through private treaty.
Auction is a popular method of sale in Australia, with many benefits for both buyers and sellers.
If you’re thinking of putting your home up for auction, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Remove All Rubbish, Clutter and Debris
It’s no secret that first impressions are important, especially when it comes to real estate.
That’s why, if you’re preparing your home for auction, it’s crucial that you remove all traces of rubbish, clutter and debris.
Not only will this make your home more appealing to potential buyers, but it will also help to create a sense of space and openness
Of course, getting rid of all your unwanted items can be a daunting task, particularly if you’re short on time.
Fortunately, there are a number of professional real estate rubbish removal services that can do the job for you.
With their help, you can be sure that your home will be looking its best when it goes under the hammer.
Make Sure Your Property is in Good Condition
Making sure your property is in good condition is one of the most important things you can do when getting your home ready for auction.
By ensuring that your property is in good condition, you’ll be able to get the best possible price for it.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making sure your property is in good condition.
First, make sure that all of the repairs that need to be made have been made. This includes things like fixing any cracks in the foundation or repairing any leaks in the roof.
Second, make sure that the landscaping is tidy and that the lawn is freshly mowed.
Finally, make sure that the interior of the house is clean and clutter-free.
By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your property will be in good condition when it goes up for auction.
Make Sure Your Lawn is Trimmed and Your Exterior is Clean and Fresh
Selling your home can be a daunting task, but there are some simple things you can do to make sure your property stands out from the rest.
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure your lawn is trimmed and your exterior is clean and fresh.
This will give potential buyers the impression that your home is well-cared for and well-maintained.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to stage your home in a way that highlights its best features.
For example, if you have a beautiful backyard, make sure it’s visible from the street.
Finally, remember that first impressions matter, so don’t forget to polish your doorknobs and shine your windows before potential buyers arrive.
By taking these simple steps, you can be sure that your home will be in top condition when it goes up for auction.
What’s hot one minute can be cold the next, and what’s in style today might be out of date by tomorrow.
That’s why, if you’re planning on selling your home at auction, it’s important to do your research and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
Keep an eye on local news sources and real estate blogs to see what buyers are looking for, and take note of any homes that have recently sold in your area.
This will give you a good idea of what kind of prices buyers are willing to pay, and what features are most in demand.
With a little bit of effort, you can make sure that your home is ready to meet the needs of today’s market, and fetch top dollar at auction.
Choose a Reputable Auctioneer
Auctions are a great way to get top dollar for your home, but only if you choose a reputable auctioneer.
There are a few things to look for when choosing an auctioneer, such as experience, credentials, and customer service.
Credentials are important because they show that the auctioneer is knowledgeable about the auction process and has the necessary skills to conduct an auction.
Finally, customer service is important because you want to be sure that the auctioneer will be responsive to your questions and concerns.
By taking the time to choose a reputable auctioneer, you can be confident that you will get the best possible price for your home.
Be Prepared to Negotiate
When it comes to getting your home ready for auction, it’s important to be prepared to negotiate.
This means having a realistic idea of what your home is worth and being willing to accept less than that in order to sell it quickly.
It’s also important to be realistic about the time frame in which you’re willing to sell.
If you’re not in a hurry, you may be able to get a higher price by waiting for the right buyer.
However, if you need to sell quickly, you may need to be more flexible on price.
In either case, it’s important to work with a qualified real estate agent who can help you determine the best course of action and give you an accurate estimate of your home’s value.
With their help, you can ensure that you get the best possible price for your home when it goes up for auction.
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Finally, on the day of the auction, make sure your home is clean and presentable.
With a little preparation, you can ensure that your home sells for the best possible price at auction.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your home is ready for auction and that you maximise your chances of getting the best possible price.
Its quite usual when you have a sloping site to need a retaining wall to make the land you build on level.
You might need a retaining wall just to have a flat garden.
Retaining walls are not simple structures.
They have to withstand significant loads and need to be properly designed and constructed to avoid failure.
Loads On A Retaining Wall
The sketch above shows a retaining wall. There are three main loads on this wall:
A wedge of soil (shown as a grey triangle) tending to slide down. The size of the soil wedge depends on angle ‘A’ which will vary depending on the soil. Typically the loading will be over 1 tonne/m length for a 1m wall. The taller the wall the greater the load.
The additional weight of a car (or any other above ground load, such as piled up dirt) which will be adding to the soil load. Say another tone per m
If water is allowed to build up behind the wall the load is increased by the water pressure. Almost another tonne of force.
Methods of Failure
There are 3 ways simple retaining walls typically fail:
Toppling Over
Sliding forward on the foundations
Breaking with the top separating from the bottom
As one of the main factors in holding up the wall is the strength of the soil at the foot of the wall:
DO NOT excavate in this area or steeply slope the soil away from the wall without checking with a designer.
DO slope the surface below the wall gently away from the wall. You want to prevent the soil supporting the wall becoming soft and failing.
Regulations
Usually all retaining walls over a certain height (‘H’ in the sketch above) require a permit from the council, who will want to see that the wall has been properly designed.(Depending on the Council this height can be as low as 600mm) ‘H’is the difference in height between the upper and lower LEVEL areas.
NB The following walls all have an effective height of MORE THAN 0.9m.
In the case of the tiered wall above you would need to set the walls at least 2 x H apart (Even more in bad ground) before the walls could be considered as separate.
The reason why you don’t need a permit for smaller walls is to save the councils extra work, as they think that damage from a smaller wall failing will be fairly small.
It doesn’t mean you don’t need to make sure its properly designed if you want the wall to last.
What Can You Do
This is NOT a lesson on how to design retaining walls just helping you to understand the loads involved so:
When it comes to living space, bigger is often better. . . First and foremost, ample room allows for easy movement and organisation, promoting both physical and mental well-being.
A larger home also offers more flexibility for entertaining guests or accommodating family members who may come to stay for extended periods of time.
Let’s not forget about the potential for added value – a spacious property often commands a higher price on the housing market.
Are you tired of feeling cramped or claustrophobic in your home?
Whether it’s a tiny apartment or a cluttered house, there are some simple steps you can take to make your space feel more open and spacious, including:
Create Defined Outdoor Living Areas With Seating or Landscaping Features
Options for defining these areas include adding seating arrangements or using landscaping features such as raised planter beds, pergolas, and trellises.
By utilising these elements, not only does it create a clear separation between different areas in your outdoor space, but it also adds visual interest and improves functionality.
Installing glass pool fencing is a smart move for homeowners looking to create a seamless, open space in their backyard.
Not only does glass offer a clear view of the pool, but it also eliminates the need for bulky railings and barriers.
This allows for more usable space within the yard, as well as a modern, minimalist aesthetic.
Additionally, glass fencing is durable and low maintenance, making it the perfect long term investment for any outdoor area.
Defining your outdoor living areas allows you to maximise space and make the most out of every inch of your yard.
Transform your backyard into a cosy gathering spot for friends and family with comfortable seating and a fire pit, or create a tranquil retreat with lush greenery and a hammock suspended between trees.
However, decluttering your home can not only improve your mental well-being, but it can also create a better physical environment.
By finding storage solutions for items you can’t get rid of and regularly decluttering, you can create a more spacious inside and outside space for yourself and others.
It’s important to declutter frequently to prevent things from piling up once again.
This can be as simple as regular clean-outs of closets or drawers, or designating specific days or areas for decluttering each month.
The end result will be a cleaner and more open atmosphere both inside and outside of your home.
Consider Rearranging Your Furniture
Emptying out a room and re-organising furniture can make it feel bigger and more open.
Additionally, arranging furniture in a way that maximises natural light and opens up outdoor views can create a sense of expanded space outside as well.
Not sure where to start?
Consider enlisting the help of an interior design specialist who can provide expert advice on layout and flow.
Once you try it, you may be surprised by just how much of a difference rearranging your furniture can make in creating a feeling of spaciousness in your home.
Add Mirrors Or Using Light Colours On Walls
Using mirrors can create the illusion of a larger room by reflecting light and making the space feel open.
Strategically placed mirrors can also make a room appear brighter and more balanced.
Light colours, such as white or pastel shades, have a similar effect by creating a sense of openness and airiness.
Incorporating these design elements can instantly make your home feel more spacious – both visually and physically.
Trim Trees and Shrubs to Open Up Space
When it comes to landscaping the yard, many homeowners make the mistake of leaving trees and shrubs overgrown.
While this may provide temporary privacy, it can also make the space feel cramped and closed off.
A simple solution is to regularly trim back any overgrown plants in order to open up the yard and create a feeling of openness.
This not only allows for more room to enjoy outdoor activities, but it can also have an impact on the overall appearance of the home from both inside and out.
Trimming trees and shrubs can give your home a refreshed, spacious feel that will impress both guests and passersby.
In addition, properly maintaining growth can benefit plant health by allowing increased sunlight and airflow to reach foliage.
There are several ways to create the perception of space and increase function in any size house.
First, declutter and minimise furniture to open up the floor plan and make rooms feel larger.
Use furniture with clean lines and neutral colours to give the illusion of more space.
Maximise storage by utilising vertical solutions such as hanging shelves or tall bookshelves.
In terms of outdoor space, invest in a few planters or raised beds for flowers and plants to add life without making the area feel cluttered.
Using mirrors strategically can also make rooms appear larger.
Finally, consider painting walls with light, neutral colours to create a sense of openness and brightness.
With these tips, your home will feel spacious inside and out in no time which will be better for your mental health and improve the value of your property at the same time.
