Month: December 2020

Categories
Construction

Building your new pool

Swimming pools can turn a house into a home. It’s an inviting place for friends and family to interact, and it can be a place where memories are made. Kids can invite friends over and adults can enjoy a nice relaxing dip in the pool after a long day at work. The right swimming pool can be much more than an aesthetic feature of the home, it can become an integral part of your family’s way of life. Before you decide to jump into pool ownership, consider the following:

What you need to first consider

  • Price: Swimming pool installation is expensive. Inevitably, cracks and leaks will need to be factored into the pool upkeep budget. Also, landscaping that surrounds the pool can be costly to maintain. A pool’s upkeep will not only take time, but it can also be costly to buy the chemicals you will need. When choosing a pool, take some time to research the expense of the upkeep in addition to the initial construction of the pool.
  • Local government regulations: Make sure you know and adhere to any and all rules or regulations that your local council requires before allowing you to build a pool. You should create a professional site plan to avoid unnecessary headaches from accidentally cutting underground cables or disturbing drainage systems.
  • Child safety: If you have children or extended family that will be using the pool, it is vital that you stay informed on how to make the pool area safe for everyone. Legal requirements may include installing barriers to prevent children from entering the pool unattended.
  • Real estate value: Installing a pool will change the value of your home. While it will usually make the value go up, there is a chance it could reduce your home’s value. If you don’t keep the home maintained, or if potential buyers don’t want a pool, it might not be worth as much as you think when you put your home on the market.
Pools have the ability to increase the value of your home / Source: Serenity Pool Co.

Different pool types

Cement pools

Cement pools can be built in just about any shape, depth, or size. Special water features, such as fountains, waterfalls, and wave machines can be installed, creating dramatic backyard effects. They can be constructed indoors or out and can be heated. An attached spa, slide, and/or diving board are common options. A variety of finishes, colours and textures can be found while shopping for cement pools. Depending on weather, accessibility, size of the pool, and pool contractor, a cement pool will take two to six weeks to complete. New residential constructed pools go faster because trees, fences, and other obstacles are not in the way of equipment and vehicles. Cement pools are easy to maintain and clean with vacuum systems and chemicals. Find out how much cement pools typically cost in our guide.

Fibreglass pools

Fibreglass pools can be found in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Like cement pools, construction starts with excavating the area. These swimming pools are prefabricated at the factory and brought to the site. After excavation, the pool is lowered into the hole and secured. The whole process is much faster than cement pools, and the pool arrives in your chosen colour and finish. The total cost for these pools is significantly less than their cement counterparts. Fibreglass pools are supposed to be left full during the offseason and are easy to clean due to their smooth surfaces. Find out how much fibreglass pools typically costs in our guide.

Above-ground swimming pools

Above-ground pools are an option for those who rent or people who want to move them to a new location later. They can be assembled by contractors or by ambitious homeowners in a matter of hours or days. These pools are equipped with vinyl liners and are generally smaller than other pool types.

Contact local pool builders

Ground excavation for in-ground pools

If you are planning to build a new in-ground pool, you will need to find the right place for it on your property. Excavation is not just digging a hole; every backyard has different character traits and factors that must be considered. For example, consider the state of the soil, size of the yard, shape of the yard, and overall access to the yard. For the best results and least amount of risk, look into hiring professional excavators, regardless of the size of your project.

Installing the pool

After the basin has been dug out, the actual pool installation can begin. This is when your pool builder will take over and install the plumbing, place the swimming pool, instal all the lighting and wiring, and do all the finishing on the pool’s interior.

Before the building begins, double-check to be sure that the pool contractors have quoted all the detailed costs associated with the instal and that they are licensed and experienced builders with references.

Designing the fencing and landscaping surrounding your pool

After the pool is installed, it is now time to install the landscaping that will make up the environment around the pool area. This includes things like decks and pathways that can be made up of wood decking, stone pavers, or even stamped concrete. You will need to ensure the safety of all nearby children by installing a fence. This is a legal requirement in Australia.

There are so many different options for pool landscaping design / Source: The Pool Company

Finding the right pool builder

Contact local pool builders

Discuss how you will be using your pool – do you want something big enough to get a real workout in or for recreational swimming? Do you want a summer pool or something you can use year-round? Your pool builder should be able to work with your preferences.

Check their reputation

It is very important to choose a builder with a good reputation. The last thing you want is for something to go wrong with your investment. Ask any prospective builders for references and testimonials from previous customers.

Compare quotes

It is crucial to get an accurate quote for all your possible builders before you pick one. Compare these quotes, and make sure they all cover the same basics: the type of pool to be installed, materials to be used, pump and filtration, landscaping and fencing, coping, etc. By comparing several quotes, you can figure out problems, such as hidden costs beforehand – if one quote doesn’t mention a cost that all the others do, you’ll know there is a problem with that quote. Also, comparing quotes directly lets you narrow down your choices.

Categories
Heating & cooling

Why you should consider underfloor heating

In the colder months, keeping warm in a drafty house is often difficult to do. Although you may be tempted to purchase a space heater and make do that way, installing floor heating may be a better option for your home. Under-floor heating is becoming more and more popular and can be powered by several different energy sources. There are several different types available and plenty of benefits to this kind of heating system. Rather than endure the winter months huddled under a blanket, consider the benefits of floor heating.

Different underfloor heating options

This process allows for a heating system to be placed into the floor. This allows warm air to circulate in the home, creating a warm feeling on your feet. There are many methods to doing this, including the use of natural gas, geothermal heat, solar energy, and off-peak electricity. In general, there are three main options that fall under the category of either hydronic or electric. 

Electric floor heating systems

The electric floor heating system is actually the most popular system to date. The popularity comes from two things: easier installation and more places to purchase it from. This kind of floor heating uses electric cables to distribute heat from the underside of your choice of flooring. The heat rises through the flooring, keeping your feet nice and toasty. If you get an electric bill, this floor may work for you, but it may not be such a good choice if you are using a pre-paid meter.

The main forms of electric floor heating systems that are used are in-slab and in-screed. In-slab is exactly what the name suggests. The cables are stored in slabs, and the slabs are heated, driving the heat to the surface. In screed heating systems actually use slabs as well, but the cables are tied around them instead of being run within them like the in-slab systems.

Electric under-floor heating / Source: Shutterstock

Hydronic floor heating systems

The hydronic floor heating system uses hot water instead of electricity to warm the floor and the room. The water is heated in the boiler and then distributed through a slab system under the flooring. This is much more economical to run since the system uses gas instead of electricity. Just like the electric floor heating system, the hydronic floor heating system uses an in-slab or in-screed heating method.

The one thing you don’t have to worry about with either floor heating system is mould or allergen buildup. The cables, cords and tubes are fully closed in, so there’s no chance of condensation or steam escaping them and causing mould to form under the flooring. Both systems are relatively quiet, so you won’t even hear them running, but perhaps the best news of all is that they are both relatively economical to run during the winter as they heat up quite quickly (although the electric floor heating system is much faster).

Benefits

Comfort

One of the biggest advantages of floor heating is that it helps you more evenly distribute a comfortable level of heat throughout the rooms of your house. Instead of pushing heated air through your home, floor heating systems produce an even heat that naturally rises to the ceiling, thus ensuring that the whole room is at a perfect temperature. Using wall-mounted thermostats and special sensors, you can heat up any room in as little as 30 minutes.

A healthier home 

Those who suffer from allergies won’t need to worry about a heating system that kicks up dust mites or recycles stale air and redistributes it around the house. Underfloor-heating avoids all of this, meaning it will not contribute to any hay-fever or allergic reactions.

Contact local heating experts

Affordable 

Believe it or not, floor heating systems are actually much more affordable than they sound. They can run off of any type of energy, whether its electricity, gas or solar power. Additionally, floor heating systems run very efficiently, only needing a small amount of energy in order to maintain the proper temperature in a room. Find out how much underfloor heating costs in our guide here.

Aesthetics 

Another great benefit of floor heating is that it’s completely hidden from the casual eye. Rather than having unsightly pipes or vents popping up all over your home, floor heating is concealed within your floorboards or your home’s foundation. It makes your rooms look more appealing and also gives you the freedom to decorate easier without the need to worry about whether your furniture will block a vent or heating element.

Flooring options

The use of a heating system in your home is an excellent one, and it is not nearly as complex as many think. In fact, this type of flooring can be used under many types of flooring very safely. Once the floor covering is removed and the new system is put into place, you can use virtually any floor covering on top, including:

Bathrooms are a great room for underfloor heating / Source: JNL Designs

Easy installation and maintenance

Under-floor heating systems are usually easy to install and keep running. Under-floor heating can be installed as your home is being built or retrofit into older homes. This heating source does not interfere with floor plans, does not take up any of your precious square footage in your home, and is easy to maintain over a long period of time. 

Is it right for the whole home?

If it is being installed whilst building a new home and it will be used as your primary heating source, then it is absolutely right. Installing it throughout the entire home will help save you money, as an installation company can come out and install the whole lot at once. If you are renovating, there is nothing stopping from you putting floor heating into only certain rooms if you wish. When renovating your bathroom, it is ideal. However, in order to save money, it is best to leave it out of unnecessary rooms such as the laundry etc.

Insulation 

It’s a good idea to have insulation installed with your underfloor heating system, so you can increase its efficiency. It will also lower the operating costs of heating. During the heating installation process, you can also have insulation fitted. It’s beneficial to install it in your roof and walls, too. An insulation expert can assist you in determining the correct insulation for your needs. Your local council can also supply you with recommendations.

Categories
Heating & cooling

A guide to fireplaces

Different types of fireplaces

Very little can compare to the comforting feeling a warm, crackling fire can evoke. Innovations in design and technology are making it possible for almost anyone to enjoy this feeling regardless of how their home is designed. When there is such a wide variety of options made available, it can cause confusion when trying to determine which is the best option.

When choosing a fireplace, a key element to keep in mind is the various fuels options. Some of these include traditional fuels, but newer products have become more efficient and, in the long term, are better for the environment. The most popular options include:

  • Wood: A traditional option that is low in cost, but not as efficient in producing heat as other materials
  • Gas: This is an efficient option that is low in cost overall, but needs proper ventilation
  • Electric: There are no emissions from using this method, but it can be more expensive
  • Coal: This option creates a warm glow, but it is not clean-burning and requires ongoing maintenance.
  • Bio-ethanol: This is a newer option that is more eco-friendly than others because it is clean-burning.
A fireplace can add warmth and ambience to any space / Source: MYT Shutters

What fireplace styles can I choose from?

Fireplace designs vary greatly. Depending on the space available and your budget you may be interested in some of the following styles:

  • Hearth-style wood burning fireplaces that require full chimneys
  • Inserts that are designed to fit into gas or wood burning openings
  • Tabletop fireplaces as decorative pieces
  • Corner units
  • Pillar flame style units
  • Free-standing fireplaces
  • Wall-mounted fireplace displays
  • Four-sided glass fireplaces (designed to appear as a floating fireplace)

Gas fireplaces

Gas fireplaces are easy to use, you don’t have to gather wood to get the fire started to use one, and are surprisingly warm. There are a variety of gas fireplaces on the market in different sizes and designs to accommodate various tastes and needs, including a double-sided fireplace that can be installed to heat two rooms at once. Some gas fireplaces also allow for a wall switch or handheld remote system to control your heat, as well as timers to set it on and off automatically.

Gas fireplaces have several safety features. The ceramic glass viewing panels can withstand the high temperature of the fire and prevent burning embers from escaping the fireplace.. Gas fireplaces also have built-in safety mechanisms that protect against flame failure and oxygen depletion.

It is important to note that the installation of a fireplace requires a licenced gas plumber.

Electric fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are one of the easiest types to operate – you simply need to flick a switch to turn it on, and then your home is filled with the crisp sounds of a crackling fire. Just install a power source near the fireplace’s location, which you can have completed by a trained professional in order to guarantee your safety and ensure proper wiring. Customers typically purchase this type of fireplace for its ambiance, as opposed to its heating ability. However, modern units can heat entire rooms much better than the early electric fireplaces of old.

Similar to gas fireplaces, electric units deliver the traditional wood burning pit for a realistic feel. Also, electric models have large viewing areas so residents can view the fire from anywhere in plain sight. Since they run on electricity, they can be expensive depending on where you live. No fumes or carbon dioxide are released into the air, so no ventilation is required. Therefore, the electric fireplace is a much safer option than gas. This also allows for much more flexibility as to the installation location of the fireplace. 

Ethanol fireplaces

Ethanol fireplaces are essentially those that use denatured ethanol for fuel. This denatured ethanol is produced via renewable agricultural sources, making it environmentally-friendly. The fireplaces are excellent for both outdoor and indoor locations, and they don’t need venting since steam, water, carbon dioxide and heat are their only by-products.

One of the reasons ethanol fireplaces are becoming so popular is because they don’t require a chimney or flue. They can simply be positioned where you want: anywhere on the floor, on a table, in a decorative fireplace, or fixed to the wall. They are beautiful to look at, partly due to the natural looking flame, but also because they can be found in a huge variety of attractive designs. Usually, they are formed from steel and glass, which looks amazing and has several uses.  

Contact local builders

Cleaning a fireplace

It’s important to clean your fireplace regularly, especially if you use it frequently. Cleaning isn’t just cosmetic; it can help improve your fireplace’s safety. You should hire an expert to clean your chimney and flue, but you should be able to do the rest yourself. Here is how to clean a fireplace.

Step 1: Do a safety check

It’s important to inspect your fireplace for safety on a semi-regular basis. Hire a professional to inspect your fireplace or follow Step 5 below. Inspect the fireplace before you purchase your home and two to four times a year after the initial safety check. Make your safety check the first step in your semi-annual cleaning routine.

Step 2: Gather supplies

You’ll need to protect your eyes by wearing goggles and may need to wear a mask to avoid breathing in soot. You should also get rubber gloves, a stiff nylon scrubbing brush and a plastic drop cloth. Check these supplies and replace as needed before a cleaning.

Step 3: Clean the firebox and fire screen

The firebox is made of a combination of firebrick and sheets of metal. To scrub firebox walls, use the brush with stiff bristles. Be careful not to use too much pressure, as doing so may cause the firebrick to crumble and break. Put ashes in a bag or vacuum them.

Examine your firescreen to determine how to best clean it. Brass-plated firescreens require brass cleaner; painted metal screen can be cleaned with a solution of 4 ounces of vinegar, 3.7 litres of warm water and 5 millilitres of ammonia. Wipe down the screen with a cloth dipped in the cleaner, then wipe it again with plain water.

Regularly cleaning your fireplace is important for safety, as well as cosmetic value / Source: Architest

Step 4: Clean glass enclosures

Glass fireplace enclosures are made from tempered glass; they must be cleaned after every few uses to remove any residual soot. If soot gets cake onto the glass, gently scrape it with a glass scraper, being careful to avoid scratching it. Use the same vinegar and ammonia solution you use on metal firescreens to clean off stains on the glass.

Step 5: Inspect the chimney & fireplace

Once you are done cleaning, you’ll want to inspect the chimney properly. First, spread a drop cloth over the firebox and slide on your back into the fireplace. Shine a flashlight up the flue to search for cracks in the masonry. Be sure to also check for accumulated creosote by going up to the roof and looking down the chimney. This is also a good way to check for any other problems that may not be visible from below.

Step 6: Maintain your fireplace between cleanings

Vacuum or dust the hearth area every week to prevent soot and creosote from building up. Also, only clean the hearth after embers have cooled down. Be sure not to use any kind of abrasive cleaner in the fireplace; these are flammable and may leave residue behind.

Categories
Kitchen

The best kitchen tile ideas

A kitchen is the centre of a home. It’s where you prepare your family meals and often socialise. Since you spend so much time in the kitchen, it makes sense to decorate it beautifully. One way you can do that is by choosing kitchen tiles that will add a fresh, new look to your kitchen. There is a wide range of kitchen tiles available on the market, which can make choosing tiles feel overwhelming. Here, we’ll help you narrow down your choices, and choose the tiles that will work best in your kitchen.

How to pick the perfect kitchen tiles

What part of your kitchen do you want to tile?

Before you choose your kitchen tiles, you need to consider what area you will be tiling. If you want to install new tiles on your floor, you should choose floor tiles that can stand up to the traffic. They should be non-porous, strong, and scratch and stain resistant.If you intend to tile your kitchen walls or the splash back, choose tiles that are sealed to prevent food and grease stains and that can be cleaned easily.

What tile colours should you choose?

The beauty of designing your own kitchen is that you get to choose the colours you like best. However, you should consider how the colour will affect the overall design of your kitchen. Bright, cheerful colours may look nice in your kitchen, but they generally require more frequent cleaning because stains tend to show on them. The same goes with black and white. If you want to minimise the amount of cleaning you have to do, choose neutral colours that will hide grease, food and other stains. Shades of light brown tend to work well with all kitchen decors and are good at hiding dirt. Another thing to consider withtiles is to avoid trendy colours that will quickly go out of style.

What size tiles work best?

Tiles are available in a wide range of sizes, from large format tiles to small mosaic tiles. Large tiles will make your kitchen look bigger and work particularly well on floors. Small mosaic tiles can be used to create a pattern that adds a visually interesting appeal to your kitchen, and work well on walls, splashbacks and counter-tops. One thing to consider is the smaller the tiles you use, the more grout you will need. If you choose small tiles, use an antibacterial grout to inhibit mould and mildew growth, to minimise how much cleaning you have to do.

Consider your budget

Tiles can get pretty expensive, especially if you start looking at marble and granite tiles. If expensive tiling is over your budget, don’t worry about it. There are plenty of more economical choices available, such as porcelain and travertine tiles. In addition, you can save money by looking for sales and discounts. One way to find large discounts is to buy discontinued tiles; however, make sure you buy enough to finish your project, since you won’t be able to buy more later.

Different types of kitchen tiles

Mosaic glass

Mosaic glass tiles are still popular this year. Glittered mosaics with gold hues and metallic, shiny tiles are selling better than the mosaics with colour. More subtle coloured kitchen tiles are also still hot. Large mosaic glass tiles are selling better and are expected to gain popularity in the coming seasons.

Subway or rectangular tiles

Known as ”subway tiles” in the United States, the big, rectangular shaped tiles are now becoming popular in Australia, and are favoured by city apartment dwellers. They are double in size, but make the kitchen appear larger. Order them in semi-gloss and pastel colours to soften their bold, imposing look. These tiles can be arranged in a ”checkerboard” style with black and white or black and red, to really make a plain wall pop. They are easily cleaned and hold up well against grease and splashes.

Tiles can be a great way to inject colour and personality into your kitchen / Source: Bryce Parker Homes

Graphic style

The most popular graphic styled kitchen tiles are digital in appearance and feature subtle changes in colours to make them appear less busy and distracting. Use these as splashbacks around countertops and smaller areas to showcase them properly. You can also use them as accents, so that they do not get buried in the background of the kitchen. Graphic style kitchen tiles come in many styles ranging from cartoonish images to animals and can be chosen to fit your kitchen’s existing motif.

Large format floor tiles

Large format floor tiles are the opposite of the smaller mosaic tiles. They look ideal on kitchen walls, especially as splashbacks behind the stove. They’re easy to clean since they don’t have a lot of grout lines in between. These tiles work best in kitchens with large walls, although the tiles can be scaled down for smaller walls.

Printed glass kitchen tiles

New varieties of printed glass kitchen tiles feature raised patterns of leaves with delicate veins running through them. This gives your walls a 3D look and plenty of lustrous colour.

Stained Glass Kitchen Tiles

A trend that seems to be continuing is the use of stained glass tiles to create stunning accents in the kitchen. The rich, jewel-like colours and dramatic effect they create make a drab kitchen come to life. Stained glass kitchen tiles are a colourful way to bring richness and light to dark corners.

Contact local tilers

Choosing tiles for a splashback

It’s time to pay attention to the splashback tiles in the kitchen – they’re one of the most important areas, design-wise, out there. Getting some stylish splashback tiles can make the difference between having a dull or impressive kitchen. There are four main types of splashback tiles – mosaic, glass, ceramic and porcelain, and natural stone.

Mosaic tiles are usually constructed with attractive, neutral tones to complement modern kitchen styles, although innovative metallic and glass mosaic tiles are also available. Glass tiles are cheaper now than ever before and make for very flexible and versatile additions to the kitchen. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are more expensive, but they can add plenty of flair to the kitchen with their attractive designs. As for natural stone, the current trend is to have it as kitchen wall tiling – giving the entire kitchen an attractive elegance. Try pairing up pale beige stones against darker benchtops and cabinets.

Categories
Security

Everything you can do to secure your home

In some areas, the chance of being burgled is as high as one in three homes. With these risks so astounding, it is critical for all homes to be protected with a home security system. Some statistics indicate that about 25 per cent of all homes experience a break-in or an attempted break-in at some point. The right security measures can reduce this risk.

The benefits of security surveillance

In a nutshell, security surveillance refers to monitoring the home with cameras linked up to a recording device. There are several reasons for using surveillance at home, such as:

  • Monitoring both the inside and outside of the home for potential trespassers and intruders
  • Monitoring kids and other members of the family when they are in other regions of the house, or outside
  • Monitoring employees, for example, babysitters, nannies, cleaners etc. – to make sure they are working properly
A home alarm system with a camera / Source: Security System Solutions

Wired security systems

Wired security systems are hardwired through the walls or floors of your home and typically controlled from a panel located in an easily accessible area from the door. In addition to a control pad, the system tends to come with cameras and motion sensors on the windows and doors. Everything is hardwired together, and sometimes it might not be easy to feed the wiring through the walls. In this case, some might be exposed. You can cover them easily with a rug, though.

When installing a wired security system, you’ll have to choose between a closed or open-loop design. Closed-loop systems set off the alarm if the security magnet is somehow removed from its magnetic switch, which breaks the closed circuit of the system. Open-loop systems set off the alarm if any of the doors or windows are opened, which causes a magnetic link to close the open connection.

Wireless security systems

Much like a wired security system, wireless systems use sensors, cameras, motion detectors, etc. to monitor the safety of your home. Rather than using wires, of course, wireless security systems operate via radio signals that are sent to each other. Many opt for a wireless system because it doesn’t require running cables and wires through your home, so its a less invasive installation process.

The only disadvantage to wireless security systems is that the elements cannot be too far from each other. They need to stay in range in order to fully operate as they’re meant to. Be sure to install wireless components far from your other electronic devices, so that they don’t interfere with each other.

Using a visual system

Burglars tend to select the easiest targets; so by making your home look like a difficult target, it is likely that burglars will not attempt it and select a home that’s not as well prepared. To make your home visually protected, consider the following:

  • Keep the areas next to your home’s windows and doors free from shrubs or trees that a burglar can hide behind.
  • Use motion-activated lighting outdoors.
  • Use a security screen door so the burglar must go through two sets of doors to enter your home.

Contact local security system experts

Physical systems

It’s extremely effective to make your home physically challenging to enter. To do this, focus first on the most likely entry points: the front and back door. Equip all doors with deadbolts and consider the addition of security bars or screens to areas that are potentially high-risk. You may also want to consider the use of a home automation system. These allow you to turn on the lights and television no matter where you are. This way, your empty home looks as though someone is there. 

What are the different types of security lights?

Security lights come with many energy-efficient features which are meant to ensure that your electricity bills don’t drill a hole in your pocket. Sensor lights are wired into the main electrical supply and are switched on only when they detect motion in an area. Alternatively, timer lights can be pre-programmed to go on and off at particular times in a day. These timers can be used for lights inside and outside the house with equal ease. They are especially helpful when you have to leave your house vacant for a few days or weeks. By programming the lights to go on and off at regular intervals, you can create an impression that the house is occupied, thereby deterring thieves and burglars.

Sensor lights make your outdoor areas a lot safer / Source: Palmer Power And Lighting

Why site security is so important

Site security refers to the protection of a building site through each phase of the building process. Theft can be a major issue on building sites, with both tools and materials at risk of being stolen. This can cost you a great deal of money in replacement items. It can also cost you time as it may take several days, or even weeks, for new materials to be sent out so that work can recommence.

Building site protection

There are several methods available to help you provide better protection for your building site. These options include:

  • Temporary fencing – this method is both easy, cheap, and effective. You can get temporary fencing from companies who will deliver and install the fencing around the site for you. 
  • Get your neighbours to help you – if there are neighbours living near your building site, ask them if they are willing to watch over your property whenever possible. If they witness anything suspicious, they can let you know.
  • Coordinate deliveries – if possible, make sure any materials that are delivered are used soon after. By doing so, you won’t have piles of expensive materials lying around the site not being used for too long.
  • Keep the whole site clean – make sure that any tradespeople working on the site clean up after themselves – removing boxes, unused tools and materials, and additional waste as soon as they are not needed. This will do two things: it will limit hiding spaces for smaller items and will mean that less attention is drawn to your site and what is currently being done there.

Tips for when you’re on holiday

Empty homes are easy targets but taking precautions so your home appears occupied and protected, can prevent robberies. An overflowing mailbox or piling newspaper stacks is a dead give away to an empty house so ask a trusted neighbour, family member or friend to regularly pick up your mail for the duration of your trip. Additionally, keep some old clothes hanging on the clothesline and request your neighbour to place your trash bin in time for the weekly collection.