Month: September 2020

Categories
Bathroom & laundry

Renovating your bathroom? Here’s where to start

A beautiful bathroom is your private sanctuary, a place for long, relaxing baths and pampering.  It may be one of the smallest rooms in the house but it’s one with a lot of components and should be one of the most considered spaces when renovating.  If you’ve decided to update your bathroom, some careful planning can go a long way to ensuring your end result is what you’ve been dreaming of.

Here are some things to consider when planning your bathroom renovation.

What do you want to achieve?

Are you looking to create a luxurious space that feels like an exclusive spa, or do you need a practical bathroom that will meet the needs of a family of 5? It’s important to start your planning process with your goals in mind to ensure you and your family’s wants and needs are met. Who will be using this bathroom and will their needs be met? Think about what are absolute must haves and what you’re prepared to compromise on. Write a list of what you don’t like about your current bathroom so that you can rectify these problems in the next.

Start your bathroom renovation planning with the end goal clearly in mind / Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

Budget

Knowing how much you have to spend is critical when planning a renovation. Can you afford a total remodel or do you just want to change the vanity and fixtures? Having a budget will make it much easier to determine your parameters and will ensure you get maximum bang for your buck. The size of the space, the materials you choose and whether you’re going to be doing any of the work yourself will affect the cost of a renovation.

Get inspired

Look for design inspiration in magazines, online or in showrooms. Keep your goals in mind, along with the rest of your home – the bathroom should ideally continue the flow of the décor. You don’t want your bathroom to quickly date so be wary of trends. Do your homework and find classic, timeless designs you’ll love for a long time to come. Collate a collection of inspiring images, get samples and actually see the products where possible instead of just looking online. Utilise visual rendering technology where possible to give you a better idea of what your finished bathroom will look like.

Design & layout

In a space as small as a bathroom, design and layout is critical to ensure functionality and usability. You don’t want to end up with your knees hitting the edge of the bath every time you use the toilet or a tiny shower that you’re disappointed with.  Get familiar with the space you have to work with and once you have a preliminary design, ensure it’s to scale.

There are lots of space saving ideas for a bathroom. Things like corner vanity units can really open up your space or having a sliding door instead of a traditional hinged door can work wonders.

Determine the focal point of the bathroom when you enter the room and be sure to plan for quality materials and fixtures in this area. The primary fixtures are the toilet, sink, bathtub and/or shower stall. Think about clearances, such as the shower door hitting the main door. If you are laying in the tub, do you want to be staring at the toilet? Also, where are the utilities such as water, sewer and electricity located? The less you have to move existing utilities or run new ones, the more economical the bathroom will be. 

Some things other questions to consider:

  • Is there adequate ventilation?
  • Do I want a wet room or a shower screen?
  • Is the shower large enough?
  • Are there enough windows and do they need to be moved?
  • Is there enough storage space?
  • Is the bath large enough?
  • Is there enough natural light?
  • Are there enough power outlets?
  • Is there enough benchtop space?
  • What will the height of the sink be if it’s a bowl sink?
  • Is there enough room for the door to open?
Your bathroom design should be both beautiful and practical / Source: Lifestyle Extensions & Renovations

Lighting

Lighting choice is critical in a bathroom. You need to have different lighting for different functions – a bright light for applying make-up and soft, muted lighting for a luxuriously long soak in the bath. Be sure to include layers of decorative, task, accent and ambient lighting to achieve a beautiful yet practical design that will meet all of your needs.

Timing

If you are project managing, plan your trades and services in the correct order to avoid costly mistakes. If you’re doing a lot of the work yourself, make sure you’ve done your research. The more mistakes, the longer it takes, and the longer you’ll be without a bathroom and using the gym showers.

Have everything you need

Before you take to your old bathroom with a sledgehammer, make sure you have everything you need on hand. It can be a long wait for those porcelain tiles from Morocco to arrive when you don’t have a usable bathroom. Check that all of your materials have arrived undamaged so you don’t hold up progress having to get replacement materials at the last minute.

Spend money wisely

Assess what can be saved from your existing bathroom. If you can work with some of the things you’ve already got you’re going to save a considerable amount of money. Tiles can be re-grouted, baths can be resurfaced and walls can be painted, there are lots of things you can do to refresh your space without doing a total demolition job. Just changing the vanity unit or the fixtures and fittings can really transform a bathroom.

Don’t be tempted to buy the cheapest options available for everything. Buy quality where you can and splurge on a few key pieces that will really set the tone of the space and add to its luxury.

Think about whether you absolutely need to move the location of the shower, toilet, bath and vanity units – doing so may mean you need to need to move the plumbing which can be costly. Sometimes it’s absolutely worth doing but you need to weigh up.  Perhaps you could upgrade the toilet instead of moving it, or change the old shower screen to a sliding screen. There are plenty of ways to improve your space without spending a fortune. Be smart with your budget and it will stretch a whole lot further.

Contact local bathroom renovators

Storage

Clutter isn’t appealing in a bathroom and can quickly ruin your carefully planned aesthetic. Those tacky plastic hangers for shampoo and conditioner can be avoided if you plan to have a recessed area built in to your shower. Choose your vanity unit wisely and in accordance with your storage needs. Whilst pedestal basins may look fantastic, they aren’t exactly practical if you’re short on storage space.

Think about what you keep in your bathroom now and plan for plenty of space, especially if the bathroom is being used by multiple people. Consider options such as recessed cabinetry, vanities, medicine cabinets, over the toilet storage, and eye level shelving to keep your bathroom looking organised and provide a place for everything.

Do you need to have plans drawn up or council approval?

Depending on the extent of your renovation, you may need to have plans drawn up or gain local council approval. Most councils allow for minor changes that don’t alter the structure or services such as plumbing, drainage and electrical, however it is always best to check what your local government’s policies are.

Categories
Building & renovations

Home renovating tips: What to avoid

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY veteran or just starting out, understanding the potential pitfalls involved with a renovation project is a good way to ensure that you don’t end up with your home in a state of disaster. We’ve compiled a list of the five most common DIY mistakes and a guide on how to avoid them.

Diving in the deep end

The cause of many DIY disasters is from being a little too enthusiastic about starting a project before it’s properly planned out. With numerous DIY shows making it look simple, it’s easy to underestimate the actual size of a job and start something that is above your skill level.

How to avoid: Take a step back from the project and assess if you are up to the challenge. Are you willing to take the time and effort to learn new skills if you need to? Do you have enough of a buffer in your finances if something goes wrong? Start small, if you can, and always have a plan to find help.

How to solve: If you do find yourself in over your head the best thing to do is to take a step back and evaluate. If things have progressed to a point where you have no choice but to continue consider hiring a professional.

Source: Jnaid & Sons

Incorrectly budgeting

This mistake is closely linked to the first. Improperly budgeting can be the undoing of a lot more than just your project. Most building projects have a lot of hidden or incidental costs that may come as a nasty surprise if you start without creating a watertight budget. It’s worthwhile doing lots of research

How to avoid: Before you begin, go over the whole project on paper first. Note down every material you will need, the associated costs, whether or not you have the right tools, etc. Then once you have that final figure add 10% as a buffer in case of any accidents.

How to solve: If you’re stuck in a position where you are running out of money to continue the project, stop working on it. You can end up spending good money after bad if you don’t re assess. That assessment should be about prioritising what need fixing so that you can continue living in your home. That way you will have time to rebuild your funds and finish the project when you are better prepared to do so.

Making mistakes with the measurements

The difference of a few centimetres can cost a lot of time and money. Ordering materials in the wrong size or worse, cutting something to the wrong length can bring a project to a standstill.

How to avoid: Measure twice and cut once. Always make sure that you take down the measurements as accurately as possible. This means not only making sure that your measuring equipment is exact but also that you record the measurement correctly. Don’t be worried if you spend a bit of time ensuring that your measurements are correct. It will save you a lot of time and problems in the long run.

How to solve: If you have cut to the wrong measurements, unfortunately, you have very little option than to either reair the section that has been damaged or buy more materials. However, always keep the remaining materials. They may end up being useful later on in the project or give you extra coverage in a future project should the same issue arise.

Using the wrong tools

Certain materials need to be handled using specific tools. Trying to complete a job using the wrong tools is a dangerous endeavour. You can end up using more force than necessary and end up damaging your home or yourself.

How to avoid: Always use the right tool for the job. If you don’t have the tools at hand, or cannot afford to buy them, see whether there are rental options available to you or whether your friends or family can lend you one.

It’s also important to remember that even if you have the right tool, make sure it is in good working order before you use it. A broken or worn tool can be just as dangerous as the wrong tool.

Take safety seriously

DIY can feel like a hobby. Working on the project whenever you have the time to chip away at a smaller task. However, not having proper ventilation in a room while painting, operation power tools, or demolishing a room can all lead to potentially life-threatening injuries.

How to avoid: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment. Gloves, ear protection, safety glasses, respirators even a dust mask can make all the difference in saving yourself from serious damage. If you’re ever in doubt or don’t have the right tools and equipment to complete a job safely, consult a professional.

Contact local builders

Common kitchen renovation mistakes to avoid

Overspending

One of the biggest concerns is staying within your budget. You need to be realistic, and you need to make sure you are not spending money that you simply don’t have on a renovation. A good guide to use when doing a renovation is not to spend more than seven percent of the cost of the home to do the renovation. Be flexible with your options, and do not go overboard on a costly project.

Accuracy

You need to make sure you measure properly when renovating a kitchen. If you have the wrong dimensions, it can cause a lot of havoc. There are cabinets, appliances, benchtops, and flooring that are all hinging on your ability to know how much space you have and how to put everything together.

Source: F&F ConstructionsPty Ltd

Beware of the current trends

Do not fall head over heels for what is hot right now. There is a reason they are called trends; they will not last very long. You do not want to have to renovate every couple of years because you are bored with the design or because what you did is now considered hideous. If you want to use the latest idea, make sure it is something that can be changed out easily to stay current.

Get the right pros

Make sure you hire professionals you know you can trust. See what else they have done, and make sure they are able to do all of the work you want within the budget you have. You want them to stay on time and do the job right.

Remember the small details

Yes, we all want the kitchen to look great, but where are you going to plug everything in? Make sure you have power points laid out, as well as the proper lighting and proper appliance location. See how well everything will fit in the newly renovated room.

Proper storage

No matter how nice the kitchen looks when you walk in, it won’t matter if you do not have someplace to put everything. Proper and adequate storage will make you feel better about the area, and it will help you keep your renovated room clean and organised.

Think about the finished product from the start

The kitchen is a place where everyone spends time. You need to make sure that it will look good and function well for you as well. It’s about making it look more modern and eye-catching, while still being comfortable to cook in.

Categories
Walls & flooring

Should you hire a painter, or do it yourself?

To give your home a lift or seasonal refresh, the best option is usually a fresh coat of paint. However, should you fork out money for a professional painter to get the job done, or have a go at doing it yourself? Here, we explore the advantages of hiring an expert.

Advantages of hiring a professional painter

1. Experience

Professional painters have years of experience in the trade meaning that they know everything from how many tins of paint it will take to paint a room depending on its size, how many coats of paint are needed, and if any special measures are needed to prepare a surface for painting.

2. The right equipment

Chances are you won’t have an array of paint brushes, rollers and drop sheets at home. Through hiring a professional home painter you won’t need to waste money and storage space on painting equipment you’ll seldom use.

A fresh coat of paint can increase the value of your property / Source: MKG Interior Design

3. Health & safety

Don’t neglect the idea of safety when painting, especially if your painting job involves heights, ceilings and hard to reach areas. Professional painters have the right type of ladders and harness equipment to paint difficult to reach walls in the home. Painting also involves using chemicals such as solvents to clean up any spillages or paint runs, which can be very dangerous if they make contact with skin or are inhaled.

4. Perfect finish

You may think that the do-it-yourself approach to painting is worth the cost savings of hiring a professional. However commercial painters and home painters are trained perfectionists who will ensure that the job is completed to the highest of standards. It’s certainly worth spending the extra money to achieve a quality finish for your home or business. Professional decorators also know which are the best paint brands and finishes for each type of job, whether you want a matt, gloss, satin or eggshell finish your painter will be able to source the best quality product to achieve the desired look.

Q&A with a professional painter

We spoke to professional painter Hass from DHY Painting And Decorating, based in Mill Park Victoria, to find out more about Australian home painting trends, the most requested painting jobs, popular paint colours and what the best thing is about being a professional painter.

How long have you been painting and decorating for?

Painting is a family trade, my father is a painter, and my great uncle was a painter. I was exposed to painting from a very young age. Every school holiday during high school, I was out with my father and uncle acting as their apprentice.

What are your most requested painting jobs?

My most requested work would be repainting for landlords refreshing their property to release. But we don’t stop there, DHY Painting complete paint jobs for many new homes, repainting for family homes, office repaints, and many other special projects.

What is the most popular colour Australian home owners are painting their walls?

It would definitely be “White on White”.

What sort of paint is best to use for painting exterior walls and fences?

My go-to paint for exterior walls and fences would have to be Taubmans Endure Exterior, or Taubmans All Weather.

For exterior painting Hass recommends Taubmans Endure Exterior or All Weather / Source: Jnaid & Sons

What’s the largest paint job you’ve completed?

The largest commercial paint job I’ve ever completed was painting part of the Chadstone Shopping Centre extension, Australia’s largest major shopping centres. The largest domestic paint job I’ve completed was a 100 square metre home in Eden Park, Melbourne.

What colours do you recommend using when painting your home to be sold?

White! A blank canvas is the most appealing to home buyers.

How many days does it usually take you to complete a paint job?

It usually takes me around 2 days to repaint a 2 bedroom unit. A 3 bedroom home can take 3-5 days to repaint.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of the job of being a professional painter would definitely have to be handover time. It is such a good feeling, seeing the excitement on my clients face when we transform their property and give it a new lease of life!

Categories
Walls & flooring

What are the different types of carpet?

Choosing between carpets can be tricky and with the range of colours and textures on the market, it can get overwhelming. The texture and colour you choose for your carpet will primarily depend on the way your space is used. In areas of high activity, durable fabrics will work best but in rooms that cater to children, a darker carpet will be preferable. Discover how to choose a carpet for your space based on the different styles and fibres available.

Different types of carpet available

Cut or loop

Carpets are either a cut pile or loop pile construction and both styles offer something different. The differences lie in the style, level and length of the yarn, but the material you choose will depend on the durability and ease of the maintenance you prefer.

In a loop carpet, the yarn is looped and doesn’t show external marks created by walking or vacuuming, making it ideal for areas with high foot traffic. On the other hand, the exposed yarn is cut and looped in a cut and loop yarn carpet. These carpets are more suitable for bedrooms, where foot traffic is quite low.

  • Twist carpets: also known as ‘frieze’ carpets, are comprised of yarn twisted in different directions that create the appearance of depth and texture. As a cut pile style, twist carpets provide a comfortable and soft surface but are also long lasting and durable, making it the ideal option for households with pets. The textured look is currently trending and can complement modern home designs.

twist carpets

  • Plush carpets: are level-cut piles that are luxurious options for the home, ensuring comfort and style. With consistent fibre lengths and a high-sheen surface, cut pile plush carpets are more prone to display temporary shades from vacuums and footprints. Textured plush carpets, however, have fibres twisted in different angles and effectively conceal vacuum or footprints making it an ideal option for high activity areas and people with busy lifestyles.

plush carpets

  • Loop carpets: Loops of yarn can create a range of modern carpet finishes. Loop carpets referred to as Berber, are created with yarns that are looped back into the carpet and are generally made from nylon or olefin fibres. Level or multi-level loops are constructed with rows of looped yarns of the same or variant heights, depending on your preference and style.

loop carpets

Wool or nylon

In Australian homes, the most popular carpet selections are made of blends from nylon, wool or olefin (polypropylene). Choosing a carpet won’t depend on the fibre selection alone, but determining which fibres are best suited to your environment will help you make the right carpet choice.

Wool carpets can be a great addition to a space, feeling soft and luxurious. Wool is a natural and sustainable fibre, which is bound to keep you warm in winter and cool in the summer. As a resilient and easily dyed fibre, wool is also available in a range of styles to adapt to the look of your home. Textured or twist carpets can often trap dirt between fibres and will quickly absorb any liquid stains so the required maintenance should be considered prior to investing in a wool rug or carpet. The elasticity and resilience of wool also makes it a suitable option for high traffic spaces, while its durability and soft surface makes it a great choice for cooler climates.

Close up of a wool carpet / Source: Supplied

Ingrid Powell from Choices Flooring, estimates that around 90% of all residential carpets are made from nylon, a durable and stain resistant fibre.

“Wool is the ultimate natural fibre when it comes to carpet whereas nylons and polypropylenes are manmade and have more manufactured properties included in their makeup,” she said.

Nylon fibres are either woven or made from sunken loops, creating a simple and compact texture. Nylon is cost effective for its durability and versatile range of colours and styles, and is highly resistant to abrasion. It is a synthetic fibre however so it is prone to emit off-gas.

Nylon is a durable and versatile synthetic option / Source: Supplied

Olefin fibres have a low absorbency rate. As a positive, this means olefin carpets are stain resistant but on the flip side, olefin is not easily dyed, providing limited style choices. Olefin carpets can be most useful for outdoor areas or spaces prone to spillage or liquid damage. Olefin is non-resilient and it will not regain its shape easily when exposed to weight or high activity areas.

Contact local carpet experts

Colour options

Take a moment to consider the space you intend to carpet as this will influence the style and fabric you choose. With pets or children about, carpets with lower maintenance are preferable and a dark charcoal or coffee coloured carpet will show less of the stains, but in small spaces, dark carpet colours can make the space appear smaller. When paired with white walls, lighter coloured carpets will draw your eyes outwards, giving the appearance of extra space, but can be a lot more difficult to clean or maintain.

Start by considering what mood or effect you wish to create with your carpet. For example, if you wish to add a homely touch to an empty space, you may consider opting for a neutral or warm tones carpet such as greys or soft pinks, to add an inviting allure to a space. A neutral colour carpet will also shift the focus away from the flooring and complement your furnishings. Alternatively, if you wish to open up a small and stuffy space, you might choose a carpet with whites or cool tones such as blues and greens, to make a room feel cooler and brighter.

Categories
Real estate & moving

Ask a Real Estate Agent

In the current real estate market, high demand and limited land supply gives homeowners an advantage. Ray White agent Thomas Merriman and Service First Property Group specialists, Andre Pang and Oliver Quach share their responses to common questions asked by Australian homeowners.

When is the right time to sell?

Thomas: “I would advise people thinking about selling to regularly keep up to date with the Auction Clearance rates as they typically act as a ‘canary in the mine’ for property market conditions. If the canary dies, leave, if the rates drop dramatically, pause your campaign.”

Andre: “The right time to sell depends on the vendor’s financial or personal situation. Try to avoid public holidays or long weekends during your marketing campaign, but if you can’t avoid it then add another week to your marketing campaign. My clients ask whether or not they should be selling in the winter as there are typically less properties to compete with. Serious buyers never stop looking and as long as you have the correct marketing campaign in place, they will turn up to your inspection year round.”

Source: Nicheliving Real Estate

What kind of properties are in high demand in the market?

Thomas: “Properties where people can add value, either by knocking down and rebuilding or simply renovating – especially a cosmetic reno or a quick ‘flip’ – are the properties that are in highest demand. The Melbourne trend is toward ‘terrace’ style homes and premium apartments. The idea of city living with the feel of a newly built house is a pretty desirable one, providing you have the budget. Attend the first open-home for a property and you will get an idea.”

What are some things to look for in an agent?

Andre: “There are a few ways to discern between an honest agent and a dishonest one. A genuine agent will give you a realistic appraisal with evidence and research. Lots of agents will inflate sales appraisals so you can hear your dream selling price but when an agent gives you an appraisal, check that it’s backed with comparable sales and recent data. A good agent will also design a marketing campaign tailored to your property’s needs. As everything comes through the Internet these days you don’t need to limit your search to a local agent.”

What are some tips you would give to a homeowner planning to sell?

Thomas: “Buyers aren’t visionaries- they don’t have the creative flair to see past bad curtains and unmown grass, but coming to market can be delayed by weeks if vendors are busy fixing a leak because they’ve replaced the benchtop, cupboards, stools and tapware. All this can be done over a weekend or two and you can hire a professional to get it done with no budget blowouts – but make a list and stick to it.”

Andre: “Prepare your home so buyers can imagine it as their own. Aim to create an emotional attachment with the buyer. It might be a good idea to have a stylist for your property to achieve the desired results. ”

Contact local real estate agents

Here are Andre’s tips to get your property to sell:

  • Kerb appeal: Make sure there are no weeds and the lawn and plants are trimmed. Attractive pot plants can also add to the appeal.
  • Lighting: Clean the inside and outside of your windows, turn on all the lights and draw up the blinds and curtains.
  • Less is more: Less clutter will help the room look bigger so the potential purchaser can imagine their things fitting into your property.
  • Pleasant scents: Get rid of any smoke or pet odours. Open up your windows, brew coffee or use diffusers to add some homeliness to your property.
  • Acclimatisation: This is largely weather dependent but if it’s cold turn on the heater and if it’s hot, turn on the air conditioning to create an enjoyable experience.
Source: Tattersalls Real Estate

What’s next for the Sydney and Melbourne property market?

Thomas:  “The RBA has lowered interest rates further and have increased the restrictions on loans for investment properties but the thing is, investors don’t set rental prices just as vendors don’t set sale prices. The market will take care of that, demand will always win out and people can only afford what they can afford. Once again, this may be the beginning of the end of the boom market, if this happens.”

Andre Pang: “The market is expected to plateau and move sideways for a number of years. Investors should seek high yields instead of growth at this moment. I also see an increase in studio developments like the ‘Melbourne Quarter’ project in Docklands which offers micro studios ranging between 25-33 sqm. While there is still an undersupply of property, affordability is still a major issue and studio apartments are very normal in other parts of the world, it’s only a matter of time that Sydney and Melbourne will adopt a similar mentality.”

Categories
Automotive

How to finance a car loan when you’re self-employed

Purchasing a new car isn’t something everyone manages outright. Throw self-employment into the mix, and the challenge can be harder.

Variable income and unpredictability often make securing finance feel out of reach. But that’s not the case. If you’re self-employed or an owner of a micro-business, there are options to secure a car loan that doesn’t break your bank.

Now with times more uncertain than before, it pays to invest and choose wisely. Here’s how you can increase your chances of successful car financing. 

Interior of a red ferrari with white leather seats and black steering wheel.
Source: Creative Car Care

Prioritise loan type

One of the most common financing mistakes is falling in love with the car before the loan.

You wouldn’t buy a house without sorting the paperwork, and your vehicle buying strategy should follow the same rule.

If you want to save money, seek pre-approval first and understand how different types of car loans work. This helps you budget, compare and approach the right lender for your needs and is the smartest way to determine what you can afford. Apply this strategy whether you’re shopping new, used or private.

Make sure you:

●  Review interest rates, fees, charges and repayment frequency to work costs into your budget

●  Prioritise your credit score to confirm your current financial position

●  Shop for car financing before you visit car dealerships

Tip:  Be careful not to apply for too many loans in a short period of time as this impacts your credit report and may decrease chances of approval. 

Research, compare and negotiate

Will you be leasing or buying your car?

The type of loan you choose depends on your business needs. Consider the purpose of your car, budget and whether you need to keep its ownership. Research and compare at least three loans from various lenders before you decide.

If buying outright isn’t for you, leasing enables you to get a new car with low monthly repayments. But it still pays to do your research first to compare and strengthen negotiating power.

Pre-approval of car finance also improves your negotiating influence.

Consider potential tax benefits

Buying a vehicle for business is a great tax advantage.

You may claim your car against business tax with a registered ABN. Generally, leasing means you won’t pay GST.

If you’re GST registered, the tax is charged on the purchase price which you can claim back when you lodge your statements. Depending on the type of car you’re after, see if you’re eligible for the Australian Government’s instant asset write-off. This only applies to new and second-hand cars under $20,000.

Minimise lender risk

There are a few ways to minimise the lender’s risk, which could improve your chances of approval.

  1. Have a substantial deposit
  2. Get your credit score up to scratch
  3. Keep balance sheet to prove business growth, profit and equity 

Weigh up features and restrictions

Every contract will have its own set of benefits and loan restrictions.

Before you sign, review the fine print. Sometimes, there are features to fuel savings like additional warranties and Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) insurance. Optional extras such as maintenance plans, GPS navigation and car alarm installation may sound good, but verify they’re meeting your needs and not adding to the total costs unnecessarily.

If there’s a chance you’ll pay your loan out early, look for flexible payment options and smaller payout fees like a chattel mortgage. These are favourable for self-employed individuals or tradies.

Buyer Beware: Not all features are what they seem. For example; some extended warranties are only valid if you return to the same dealership for servicing, which could end up costing you more. Remember it’s a car salesman’s job to upsell features, so it’s important to know what you’re really getting and if it’s worth your money.

Partner with a financial advisor

Partnering with an accountant or financial advisor is a wise move to determine all options and tax benefits.

Whilst it’s always vital to do your own research, a financial advisor provides knowledgeable guidance, so you find the best loan, lender and deal for your industry. These professionals have access to a network of financiers to save you the hassle of negotiating with each. Such savings in time and energy are valuable when you’re self-employed or a small business owner.

Flexibility, simplicity and clarity are the essential ingredients for anyone who is self-employed and looking to apply for car finance. The right loan will assist in the growth of your business, by ensuring access to the transportation you need.

Categories
Gates & fencing

Pool fence regulations in Australia

Having a backyard pool is a great way to enjoy the warm weather. All pool owners should be sure that their pool is fenced correctly to ensure the safety of everyone who uses it. Local, state and federal governments have been cracking down on pool safety regulation enforcement. The top way to aid in preventing pool-related injuries is to fence off your pool. This guide discusses some of the guidelines for the fences.

General pool regulations

Some general rules for pool fencing that apply to every state throughout Australia are as follows:

  • The fence should be made of a durable material to prevent children from being able to manipulate the fence to gain entrance.
  • The fencing should be well maintained and shouldn’t contain any gaps, damage or holes.
  • The height of the fence should be at least 1.2m in height, when measured from the outside Boundary fences that are part of the pool setup should be at least 1.8m in height.
  • The bottom gap in the fence should be 10cm or less from the ground.
  • The panels shouldn’t have more than a 10-cm gap in between each one of them. This will prevent children from squeezing past the gate. 
  • Pool gates should always open outwards away from the pool area and have to be wholly self-latching and self-closing.
  • Mount the gate’s latch inside the gate, so that a person must reach over if they want to open the gate. Latches on the outside must be at least 1.5m from the ground.
  • The pool should not have any objects like trees, furniture, plants, or pool pumps, that can be climbed on to access the pool. These items must be situated at least 90cm from the pool fence, so children cannot use them to climb over the fence.
  • The walls that comprise the pool fencing must not be able to be accessed from inside the home, unless, in some cases, you do have self-latching doors and child-resistant windows.
  • An inside pool must be fitted with a self-latching, self-closing door that opens to the outside of the pool.

State by state regulations for the pool

Generalised rules are enforced throughout Australia, but each state has its own regulations and restrictions. The occupants in the home can endure heavy penalties for not following these rules.

A pool using both fencing and the house walls as a barrier / Source: Serenity Pool Co

Queensland pool safety standards

A new pool safety register was introduced in the state a few years ago. This register lists every pool in the state and has copies of every certificate awarded for pool safety compliance, and lists all of the people licensed to carry out pool inspections. If you a pool, you should be registered. If you’re not, you could be liable to pay a fine of $2,000.

From December 1st 2010, any rented or lived in house in Queensland needs to have a certificate for pool safety.

Key safety standards

These standards apply to all pools, both inside or outside, that are more than 30cm deep when full. Before any pool is filled with water, the fencing needs to be approved. If any part of the property is inside the perimeter of the pool fencing, i.e. if you can access the pool directly from the house, you will need to install fencing stopping this. For indoor pools, child safety doors need to be added to access it.

New pools

If a new pool is currently under construction, it will need approval before development starts. Whilst the pool is under construction, temporary fencing is allowed for up to three months. After this period has elapsed, however, permanent fencing needs to be put in place.

Contact local swimming pool experts

WA pool safety standards

The specific pool fencing regulations are slightly different depending on when your pool was built. If your pool was constructed after 5 November 2001, you need to make sure that pool fencing properly restricts access to the pool. Some fencing will have fencing all around the perimeter with a gate leading into it. However, it can still use one of the house walls as one side of the fencing. If the wall has any windows, they have to be correctly locked so that children can’t access the pools.

If your pool was built before 4 November 2001, it needs to have a fence around it that is well maintained. If the yard has a boundary fence, that can act as part of the fence. The gate to the pool must close and latch on its own, and it should open outwards and away from the pool. There also has to be a fence constructed to separate the pool from the house, and if any doors or windows open to the pool, they have to follow the Australian Standards as well.

Pools built after 5 November 2001 must not include a door as part of the barrier unless the door is permanently fixed using a device other than a key locking mechanism. Pools built after 1st May 2016 must not use a door as a part of the barrier at all.

If your pool was approved for construction before 30 June 1992, the WA Government suggests that you have your fencing updated.

VIC pool safety standards

In 2010, updates were made to the Building Code of Australia in regards to pool fencing installation. In general, any new swimming pool in the area must have a four-sided fence. In other words, you must fence in your pool, including any spas you have. Any water-based area with more than 300mm when filled must be fenced.

As of December 2019, you need to complete the following steps to have a private pool in Victoria:

  1. Register your pool with your local council
  2. Organise a registered inspector to inspect your pool barrier 
  3. Rectify any identified issues
  4. Submit to council a certificate of compliance
Pool fencing can have small gaps as long as they are not larger than regulation size / Source: Cabarita Pools

NSW pool safety standards

All pools built after July 2010 must be surrounded by a fence that completely separates the pool from the house. For pools built before July 2010, this regulation also applies but some exemptions could be made for very small properties, very large properties or waterfront properties.

If you have a door that is part of a pool barrier you must ensure that it closes with manual force, self latches and does not open toward the pool.

If an old fence or barrier is rebuilt then the most current restrictions apply. Therefore, any previous exemptions placed on the pool when it was built will cease.

Maintaining your pool fencing

Once in place, you need to maintain it. This is a requirement that you, as the owner, must meet. This means you cannot have gaps or areas that are damaged that could allow a child to get through. Additionally, all gates and gate latches must operate appropriately at all times. They should have a self-closing and self-latching design on them, and the gates must open outwards. Additionally, you cannot access your pool directly from the house. If you fail to maintain these requirements, there are very hefty fees involved. In some cases, the penalties can be as much as $5,000 or more.

Other safety measures

While pool fencing is a must, if you want to ensure the safety of your children, there are other additional measures that you can utilize as well. Swimming pool covers, as well as pool alarms, may prove to be essential for the complete safety and protection of your family. Homeowners with a swimming pool should also invest in pool safety equipment. And once the time to enjoy the pool comes, don’t leave the kids without adult supervision.

While swimming pools definitely are a lot of fun, you have to be aware of the risks they pose for small kids as well. Drowning accidents can be prevented if you make sure that your pool protection is up to code. Stay safe and enjoy your family pool time to the fullest.

Categories
Design & decor

Study room ideas for your home

Whether you have been a student for a while or you’ve decided to start studying again after a long break, creating the perfect study environment at home is imperative to better learning strategies, understanding your materials and passing with success.

There’s more to creating a study space than just setting up a desk in your home. While this may seem like the obvious first step for many people, there are a few factors that can help you to study more efficiently and have a learning space you can be truly proud of.

Create an ergonomic workspace

Having a safe and healthy study environment immediately means you have a productive study space. No matter what size room you have for studying, creating a space that is ergonomic will help you to study comfortably.

One of the keys to better ergonomics having the right chair. Choose a chair that can be adjusted to help you sit at your desk in the most natural position possible. Your wrists, hands and forearms should be straight, in-line and parallel to the floor.

Ensure your home study space is ergonomically set up / Source: RJ Design Studio

Adjustable desks are also a great addition to your space, particularly a desk that can also convert into a standing desk. These desks allow you to adjust their height so you can stand and work. Sitting for several hours at a time is bad for your body, so switch up your study routine. This gives you room to be more active and keep your circulation flowing throughout the day and lengthy study sessions.

Other items to consider include your mouse and keyboard. There are many ergonomic choices on the market. Most of them may look a little strange, but they’re actually designed to place the user in the best possible position that allows you to sit in a more natural position.

Finally, consider the lighting and temperature of your study area. Consult with an interior designer to get your lighting placed at a perfect spot. There is nothing worse than having to sit at a desk to study when it is either too cold or too hot and the lighting just isn’t right. By installing additional cooling/heating and extra lighting (if needed), you can have a comfortable and productive study space.

Adopt an agile work policy

Originally used in the software development industry, agile processes have been used by many companies, industries and now, homes, in order to get through difficult and/or technical projects. Studying can be an overwhelming task and if you’re studying via distance education or self-paced learning, the challenges can be quite difficult to conquer.

Adopting an agile work policy in your studies can mean:

  • You have a solid understanding of what is required of you and in what order of importance those tasks are
  • Transparency to see where your study efforts are going
  • Tracking your progress in real-time
  • Better focus on your tasks
  • A clear understanding of execution order

It can be as simple as using a whiteboard/corkboard or a large sheet of paper on your wall. Using three columns, you will have a ‘to do’ column, an ‘in progress’ column and a ‘completed’ column’.

The ‘to do’ column will give you a visual representation of the tasks you need to do for your studies and, if you use post-it notes to write your tasks down, you can easily re-arrange your notes to show which tasks are top priority, and which ones can wait.

As you complete tasks, you can move them to the ‘in progress’ column and when completed, the third and last column. Another great reason to use this method is so that anyone else in your family (kids or your partner) can see exactly what’s on your plate and whether they need to give you some space with your studies!

Scrum is an agile framework for completing complex projects. Whether you want to use Scrum as a way to get through your home tasks and studies, or whether you want to utilise that knowledge for the workforce, there’s no doubt that adopting an agile work policy at home can help you to stay focused on all of your tasks.

Contact local interior designers

Reduce any distractions

Studying at a university or education facility can be distracting at the best of times. At home, it seems anything and everything in the house is trying to lure you away from your good intentions of studying hard.

Whether it’s binge-watching Netflix all afternoon or simply just household chores like the laundry, there are several ways you can eliminate these distractions to help you study better.

When setting up your study space, choose an area of the home that is away from family members who may be moving through the house. Therefore, a corner of the main living room may not be ideal. If you have a space that is away from the main home (such as a granny flat or a basement), this could be a perfect place to set up. Just make sure your space is ergonomic with plenty of light and fresh air! This way other people (or pets) aren’t likely to distract you while you’re trying to study.

Creating your own “study hours” will also be helpful. Creating a schedule for your studies will help you to be more focused during those times, as they have been deliberately set aside for your studies. It can also help other family members understand that it’s an important time for you to catch up on studies and know not to distract you.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, learning hubs & courses

Increasing your knowledge is something that will always pay off throughout your lifetime. A part of studying more means staying up-to-date with the latest in news, courses and resources that can help you with work and future studies.

Google have a number of handy resources, including Digital Garage. Here, you can indulge in free courses to help you stay up-to-date on everything from social media, emailing and Adwords certifications.

Reading articles and news stories from sites such as Copyblogger, Forbes, Entrepreneur and Tim Ferriss and the Four Hour Work Week will help you to stay in the loop with everything related to business, psychology, productivity and even how to improve your writing.

Whether you’re just a student or you’re studying towards starting your own business, keeping up-to-date with the latest news and views can help you understand more about your industry.

If you love studying but can’t find the time to go to a university or college every week, online studies may be the perfect choice for you. Because you have the perfect office and study area set up in your home and you know how to better manage your time and be free of distractions, studying online couldn’t be easier. There are a wide range of education providers who offer educational resources completely online.

Wrap up

It doesn’t matter if you plan on studying one course or a few, having the perfect set-up at home can give you a personal edge to help you study better and productively. From setting up your office in the best area of the home, to better time and activity management, ergonomic furniture and the right online course, you’ll be able to study efficiently, all from the comfort of your own home.

Categories
Cleaning

DIY: Stain removal guide

A house is just a shell until you decorate it with furniture. As such, you want to keep these expensive purchases looking as good as new. But spills can happen every day. Before cleaning, soak up any excess from the spill and remember, blotting does not mean rubbing. After that, here are some tips to remove different types of stains.

Fabric and upholstery

Grease stains: Use just a little rubbing alcohol or dry-cleaning fluid. Keep blotting lightly until the stain stops coming up on the towel. Then use a mix of dishwashing liquid and water, starting from the outer rim of the stain and moving to the centre.

Makeup and ink stains: Using a little rubbing alcohol or dry cleaning fluid, immediately blot the stain until it is dry. If it hasn’t disappeared, use a mix of vinegar and warm water, and then blot it dry quickly.

Other stains: For miscellaneous stains, try soaking with water for about a minute before blotting the spot dry with a towel. Keep doing this until the stain doesn’t keep coming up on the towel, and then use a mix of dishwashing liquid and warm water until the stain disappears. Lastly, rinse with club soda or tonic water, and dry.

Wood furniture

Water marks: Rub toothpaste in a circular motion on the water mark with a damp cloth. Then, use a clean, damp cloth to remove the toothpaste. Finish up by polishing the wood, or if you’re concerned, you can try using extra-fine steel wool to remove the mark, and then polish or wax it.

Heat marks: Use extra-fine steel wool to rub the stain out of the wood, and then polish or wax it.

Beverage stains: From soda to milk to alcohol, pour a little ammonia on the spill, and then use paste wax on your finger to rub the area. Then, wipe the wood clean and polish it.

Stains on wooden furniture can be removed with toothpaste and a damp cloth / Source: Ask S and R Services

Leather furniture

Grease stains: For a grease stain, wipe up as much as you can with a dry cloth, and let it sit for a few hours to see if it disappears on its own. If not, use leather cleaner.

Ink stains: Rub the stain with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol until it disappears, and then use a blow dryer to dry the spot. If the stain remains, use acetone-free nail polish remover, and remove the residue with leather cleaner.

Dark stains: For spills of dark liquid, rub a mix of lemon juice and tartar cream on the spot, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then rub on some more of the mix, and finally remove it with a damp sponge.

Suede: For dry stains on suede, use a clean eraser. For wet stains, sop up the excess liquid with a paper towel. For oily stains, use a commercial suede cleaner.

Carpet

To reduce the damage, wet a rag with hot water and use it to dab the affected area immediately. Just remember, the sooner you treat the spillage, the better chance you have of its removal.

Wine stains: Wine can leave an obvious mark on your living room floor, but if you spill red wine on your carpet, don’t fret. Simply place a paper towel over the stain to absorb most of the moisture and sprinkle some baking soda over the stain. As the bicarbonate soda reacts with the chemical balance of the red wine, the colour will change from red to a light grey. Dab the area with a sponge dipped in white vinegar to change the pH of the wine again. Each time you change the pH of the stain, the stubborn spillage will be wrung loose from the affected carpet.

Coffee and tea stains: Try pouring a little beer on top of the affected area. Rub the beer into the spillage and watch the stain disappear. If you are out of beer, opt for a stronger solution by combining equal parts of white vinegar and water to blot out the stain.

Oil and grease stains: Pour baby powder over the area, cover it with a paper towel and gently iron it. The heat will force the powder to absorb the oil. Alternatively, negate the oil spill by rubbing detergent directly into the stain and washing it out with hot water.

Avoid using strong chemicals without a cleaning professional as it can damage the colour and condition of your carpet.

Contact local cleaning experts

Barbeque care

The barbeque is an essential ingredient to any outdoor party, but it can be a challenge to keep your barbecue clean, hygienic and ready for your next use. Apply these simple steps so you won’t get stuck scrubbing the grill in the final minutes before your guests arrive.

As good practice, ensure your barbeque is cleaned after each time it is used. Before cooking, take some time to line the drip tray with two layers of aluminium foil to avoid cleaning out the grease and oil after your sausages and steak are consumed.

After cooking on the barbeque, use some of the leftover onion – an affordable and safe cleaning tool, to scrub the hot plate and the grill. The onion can loosen the grime on your grill, but it is best to allow the flames to burn on high for an extra 5 minutes after cooking to burn any residue meat. The barbeque is best cleaned when it is still warm as the oils, fats and grime haven’t had time to set. A quick clean just after you’ve cooked the last lamb chop can save you effort and prevent scratches on the surface of your grill.

After each use, wipe down the oven hood of your barbeque with bicarb soda and vinegar while it is still warm. After cleaning, spray the hotplate and grill with some cooking oil to prevent rust.

Categories
Wellbeing

Benefits of a home sauna

If you’re looking for ways to make your home environment warmer and inviting, how about installing a sauna? It may seem like a splurge, but you’ll find that the relaxation and enjoyment you get from your own home sauna is well worth the expense involved. If you’re tempted to start sauna shopping, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

The benefits of a sauna

Few things are more relaxing than a sauna. It can help you to steam off stress and tension so that you’ll emerge feeling lighter, healthier and ready to deal with life again. Saunas also improve circulation and skin tone and are an important tool in detoxing your body. They’re also a great sleep aid, as they relax the mind and body in preparation for a good nights rest.

In addition to these health benefits, saunas will go a long way toward keeping you warm during the cold weather months. There’s a reason why saunas are so popular in areas with long, harsh winters, such as Scandinavia. Saunas warm you up from head to toe, with deep, penetrating heat that seems to radiate all the way down into your bones.

Types of saunas

There are four main types of saunas available for purchase.

  • Dry saunas work through heating up the air (although there is no steam produced).
  • Steam saunas work thanks to water dropped onto superheated volcanic rocks, producing steam.
  • Herbal saunas work the same way as steam saunas, just with the addition of essential oils added to aid in the therapeutic process.
  • Infrared saunas heat the body instead of the air through the use of a special infrared device. Infrared saunas are also clearly the more energy-efficient types of sauna; they’ll also allow for much more time to be spent in them.

How infrared sauna technology works

An infrared sauna uses special heaters that warm only objects in its direct path. These special heaters emit infrared heat, which gently goes into the skin and raises the body temperature, causing profuse sweating. Infrared technology uses the same energy as natural sunlight, but with none of the bad ultraviolet waves.

The air inside a home sauna does not get steamy like those experienced at the gym. Instead, the air temperature retains its comfortable zone.

A sauna with two panels of infrared lights to generate heat
An infrared sauna / Source: Shutterstock

Permanent vs. portable

Infrared heaters can be either permanently installed or portable. Permanent heaters can be installed in a room of your home or in a specially built sauna outside. They need to be installed by an electrician who can handle the wiring. 

Portable infrared heaters can be relocated with you if you move. Portable heaters are also easier to install since they just need to be plugged into a standard outlet. They can range from incredibly simple with just a special heated bag that you sit in and zip up around you to small rooms that are still large enough to comfortably fit you and several friends.

Electric sauna heaters

Electric saunas have different types of heaters. The simplest saunas are the plug and play kind that simply plugs into a power point. Many saunas, however, require the services of a certified electrician. This is especially true of wet saunas, which have more intricate, complex engineering. Since a wet sauna is constantly exposed to moisture, the electric elements have to be housed in such a way that protects them from coming into contact with water. The risk of electrical shock is yet another reason why it’s crucial to hire a licensed electrician to instal a wet sauna rather than attempting to do it yourself.

Contact local electricians

Planning the sauna installation

Finding the right location for a sauna is the first step. Extremely versatile, saunas can go indoors or out, can be covered by a structure or free-standing and can even go inside an already available room in your house. Besides the location, you should consider the heat source. There are many choices, including electrical heater, wood-burning stoves, infrared heaters or gas heaters. Each one has its advantages, but the usability will ultimately determine the right one for you.

Consider also how many people will use the sauna in order to pick the right size. Is it just for home use? A smaller, two or three-person tub is perfect. Larger-capacity saunas suit individuals serving guests.

Home saunas are customisable to suit your available space / Source: Shutterstock

Sauna cost

In most cases, a sauna will cost several thousands of dollars. The cost will depend on the size since some larger models can cost up to $10,000 or so. Realise, however, that these will be yours to take with you should you decide to move, and most will last for many years. The benefits they offer for your health and mental state are often worth the cost.

Once you have it in place, you still have to maintain it. That can cost you some money over time. The cost of maintaining it is generally very inexpensive, but you’ll also need it serviced each year to keep it in good working order. Only you can determine if these costs are worthwhile.