Month: March 2021

Categories
Building & renovations

How to identify asbestos

What is asbestos?

Not all minerals are good. Asbestos is one example of how naturally occurring minerals can have an adverse effect on humans. Mined to bring stability to concrete-like products, it was discovered that the fine fibres of these minerals were causing cancer in humans. By the time asbestos showed its true markings, one in three homes in Australia had used products with this deadly mixture.

Why is asbestos dangerous, and how much asbestos exposure is harmful?

No amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe. While daily mining and manufacturing of asbestos are certainly the most high-risk, minimum exposure can show up later in life. Because filaments and dust particles associated with asbestos are not visible to the naked eye, special asbestos testing can only determine the amount of asbestos that each structure has. 

Asbestosis is the result of inhaling asbestis fibers. It is a chronic lung disease that causes lung tissue to scar. This disease can take 10 to 40 years to form and can be mild to severe. Signs of asbestosis include:

  • Feeling short of breath
  • Dry, persistent cough
  • Weight loss, no appetite
  • Tightness in chest

Mesothelioma is a tumour formed from asbestos exposure. Unlike asbestosis, the life expectancy is ten years. There is no cure. Chemotherapy and radiation may improve prognosis, but the end result is usually fatal. 

Employees that worked with insulation, bricks, and concrete in the 50s and 60s have suffered the most with the regular exposure to asbestos dust. Breathing in the dust irritates the lungs and causes a place for cancer to grow. 

Source: Shutterstock

Materials and tools

Removing asbestos is no feat for the untrained. There are special equipment, supplies, and specific knowledge that professional asbestos removal companies possess. A few of these specialty items include:

  • Restraint from falling
  • Trash bags-black asbestos labelled
  • Gloves bags-Grayling
  • Air scrubbers
  • Mastic removers
  • HEPA vacs

How to identify asbestos

There are no outward signs of asbestos in products. Only by being tested by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) can the presence of asbestos be verified. However, since the number of products that used asbestos is so broad, care in every situation is given. Some of these products include:

  • linoleum
  • roofing
  • cement floors
  • internal and exterior walls
  • insulation

Asbestos symptoms are often realized from the age and construction of the materials in question. If unsure, they can be sent off for testing. A licensed surveyor can also take samples of materials and submit them for test results. The average cost of their services is $520.00.

Contact local asbestos experts

Other asbestos-containing materials

Asbestos-containing materials can be found in products manufactured before the 1980s, including asbestos plasterboard, underlay, and fake brick cladding asbestos. 

  • Asbestos plasterboard: A drywall panel made from a gypsum plaster core and reinforced with asbestos fibers. It was commonly used in walls and ceilings for its fireproof and insulating properties.
  • Asbestos underlay: A type of insulation material made out of asbestos fibers that were commonly used to insulate floors in homes and buildings constructed prior to the 1990s.
  • Fake brick cladding asbestos: A thin layer of bricks applied to the exterior or interior of buildings to give the appearance of real bricks without the added weight and cost. Some fake brick cladding products were made with asbestos-containing materials, which were added to the cement or adhesive used to bond the bricks, and have since been identified as hazardous.

Villaboard and asbestos: Does Villaboard contain asbestos?

Villaboard is a popular lining product that is commonly used in both residential and commercial construction projects. It’s a type of cement-based sheet that is used as an interior lining for walls and ceilings. It is a highly versatile product suitable for high-moisture areas, making it ideal for wet areas such as bathrooms, laundries and kitchens.

Does Villaboard contain asbestos?

Most building materials manufactured before the 1980s contain some level of asbestos. This includes products like fibro sheeting, cladding and roofing, insulation, and older versions of Villaboards manufactured prior to the 1990s. 

It is difficult to identify the presence of asbestos in Villaboard without conducting laboratory testing. It’s best to assume that any construction materials used prior to the 1990s could contain asbestos. If you suspect the presence of asbestos in Hardies Villaboard or other lining materials, have it professionally tested and removed. 

Why you should always leave asbestos removal to a professional

Asbestos removal cost is not cheap. Depending on your location in Australia and how many square meters are involved, it can run several thousands of dollars. 

Asbestos awareness should be left up to asbestos removalists experienced in what to look for and where. Asbestos removal should only be undertaken by a licensed and qualified professional in accordance with strict regulations and guidelines.

It is required for asbestos removalists to be licensed. There are two types of Asbestos Removal Licences: Class A and Class B. Class A removalists are trained to remove all signs of asbestos, while Class B can only handle solid asbestos material. An asbestos inspection can be performed and materials tested for asbestos. 

Source: Shutterstock

How to hire an asbestos removalist

Hiring an asbestos removalist is more about the experience than the cost. There are several steps required in securing the property, planning on demolition, proper discarding, and making sure that all laws and regulations are being followed. Look for a seasoned company and prepared for any mishaps that could occur. Notifications need to be sent to surrounding properties, and the air quality is routinely tested. 

Verify credentials, including license, certifications, and work experiences. It is imperative that they strictly comply with the national and state-wide Work Health and Safety Regulations to help validate their knowledge and expertise.

Licensing requirements vary across Australia. In some states like NSW, asbestos removal specialists and businesses are required to obtain a license when removing asbestos or asbestos-containing materials.

Categories
Design & decor

9 best ways to stage your home to sell quickly

Selling a home is never a quick affair. There are many logistical issues to manage, and it’s a test of your patience in more ways than one.

However, you should do these nine tasks when staging your home. This is to ensure that you’ll be able to sell your house as quickly as you can.

Here are nine tips that you can do to stage your home for selling:

Make your house sparkling clean

No matter what, taking the time to clean the house to stage is crucial. You’ll find that your home will shine and look like it’s brand new.

If you are pressed for time, you can always hire a professional home cleaner. In line with this, it would be ideal to communicate that you’re going to show your home to buyers so that you can invest the time and money into getting a professional deep cleaning service.

Otherwise, make sure that you clean the parts of the house that your guests might check. An example would be the inside of closets and cabinets.

Contact local cleaning experts

Clear away the clutter

Aside from cleaning your house, you should also make sure that everything is organised and clutter-free. It will be difficult for everyone to notice how clean your home is if the clutter around the house covers everything up and being in the way. Thus, decluttering should be the first thing you do before you even start cleaning.

By decluttering, your home will look more spacious, something that buyers would want from home. Aside from that, there are fewer items in the way. Thus, buyers can move around when viewing the house without getting distracted by the clutter.

Depersonalise the house

While you’re decluttering, you have to make a specific arrangement to ensure that you’re also taking away any personal effects around the house.

Bedroom with large bed, brown curtains and black cupboards
Keep it simple / Source: Studio Oscar Lea.

Any item that would indicate in particular terms the type of person living there is unwelcome. That’s because you want the buyer to be able to picture themselves living in the house.

If you had your favourite sports team’s jersey hanging in a frame, it might make it difficult for buyers to believe that the home is theirs. Therefore, depersonalising the house should be included when you’re decluttering the house.

It might feel weird for a while when you’re living there to have anything personal in your home. But it’s the best course of action when you want to sell your house quickly.

Make any minor repairs necessary

In case you are unaware, home renovations can help increase the asking price for your house, but completing it may take a while.

However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t go around your home to find something to improve. Something as small as updating your mirrors can help attract buyers and increase the asking price.

When staging your home, the minor repairs may be unnoticed once you’re showing off your house, but when you don’t repair them, they’re noticeable. If buyers notice it, it can communicate to them that you don’t take the time to take care and properly maintain your home. Thus, it can deter them from wanting to buy your home, or they’ll lower the asking price.

Both of these are things you don’t want, so make sure that you do some minor repairs around the house.

Brighten up your home

If you want to attract potential homebuyers, you want to make a listing in all possible places for the house you’re selling. That means you need to get high-quality photos of your home.

If you have dark and gloomy pictures of your house, it would be understandable that few would be interested in the place.

With that said, if you have a dark house, people who come into the house will also notice that. A dark place feels gloomy and unwelcoming, which are two things that you don’t want your guests to feel.

So make an effort to brighten up any problem areas around the house.

Incorporate natural elements

No matter what the design theme is around your house, it will surely benefit from having some form of a natural element in it.

Lounge room with wooden floorboards and an abundance of plants
Freshen up your living room with some potted indoor plants / Source: EMMA JAMES & CO

It would be even better if you incorporate natural elements that are readily available in your area. Therefore, it will help create an impact as well as freshen up space.

You’ll be surprised just how much a room brightens up with just the presence of a vase filled with flowers. The addition will make the house soften up, and it also has that refreshing atmosphere attached to it afterwards.

Make your home smell nice

The first thing homebuyers notice when entering a house isn’t something as apparent as the place’s look. Even if you don’t see it, one of the things they would notice first is the house’s smell.

You do the same upon entering the abode of someone else. Therefore, it may be ideal for making your home smell nice.

When choosing a scent, please don’t go too vigorous with it. That’s because some people are sensitive to essential oils, which can affect the home viewing experience if they have sensitive noses. Thus, it’s best to go for subtler scents.

Rearrange your furniture

When you organised your furniture, you probably mostly did it for convenience and how you move around the house. However, it might be ideal to rearrange your furniture around the house to ensure that it’s easy to walk around the house.

It makes moving in more manageable for your potential buyers. At the same time, it helps make the house look more prominent, which is another plus.

Stage your outdoor space too

When staging your home, you might pay too much attention to what your interior looks like. However, it’s what in the space that counts. It’s still a good idea to work on your exterior. That way, you leave a positive first impression at first glance.

Tidy things up. Organise the outdoor area. Maybe pay more attention to the landscaping. These little things can help make the outdoor space look more inviting to potential buyers.

The exterior of a large one storey house showcasing indoor outdoor living
Indoor/outdoor living / Source: S.F.D Caringbah

By following the home selling tips listed above, you won’t have to overwork to sell your home quickly. It also ensures that you are not selling your property at a loss.

Categories
Real estate & moving

5 reasons it might be time to sell

Finding the right time to sell your home requires thought, patience and certainty. When so many factors come into play, it’s important to take the time and plan if selling your home is the right choice for you (both financially and emotionally). Here are a few reasons it might be time to make the change.

You’re ready for the change

Knowing the right time to sell is more than understanding your financial position and the market conditions. Most of the time, deciding if it’s the right time to sell starts with being ready to cut the cord and start fresh.

Selling your home is more than re-locating; it’s stressful, emotionally draining and something you need to prepare for. If you’re not ready to actively search for new properties, prepare the house for sale and welcome realtors and potential buyers into your home, then perhaps rethink putting yourself through it all. 

Approaching real estate agents, house cleaning and spending your weekends sifting through real estate magazines means that you’re getting serious about selling – especially if you’re considering some renovations to prepare for the sale. However, if you’re not ready to invest your time, perhaps give yourself some time to prepare. 

Source: Mates Group Removals

It’s time to down/upsize

Life moves on, and things change. Your family might be growing and are in need of more space or a more suitable location. On the other hand, you might be ready to downsize and find a property that better suits your needs. 

Understanding the needs to update your home to suit your needs is a big step. The kids might be growing up or moving out, and you may find more of a need for an apartment than a house. Whatever the reason, your home should reflect your needs, and if it’s not doing you any favours, then it might be time to reconsider whether staying put is really in your best interests. 

Your equity is in the right place 

If you’re emotionally ready to sell your home, the only other thing is to be financially prepared. One of the most telling factors of whether you can take the brunt of selling financially is having built positive equity. 

Having built positive equity comes from successfully paying off your current mortgage for a steady amount of time (approximately more than five years). Your equity is based on your home’s current market value and how much you owe on your home loan. The difference will be the amount of equity that you’ve built. For example, if your home’s current market value is $500,000, and you currently owe $300,000, you have $200,000 of equity. However, if you owe more than the property’s current worth, this means you have negative equity and are worse off than before. 

Selling your home will incur some costs, so having positive equity means that these costs can be covered. Your equity should be able to cover your deposit for your next home, as well as any moving and real estate fees as a result of the sale. 

Contact local real estate agents

You can afford it 

Knowing you’ve got some equity is one thing; however, having a cushion of savings is always recommended. When purchasing your new home, the bank will want to ensure that you’re in a good financial position to take on another loan. 

It’s always a good idea to have your own pocket of savings to lean on as well as your equity, this will save you from only relying on your equity to get you through your next purchase. 

Selling your home means cleaning fees, real estate fees, moving fees and a mountain of other expenses. Being financially ready to commit to selling means being prepared for the cost that comes with making a move. 

Source: DSD Design Interior Architecture

The right market conditions 

Understanding the market conditions can indicate if selling your property will be in your best interests. Historically, a strong buyer’s market (high demand) is an indicator that your home’s value could increase. If, on the other hand, there is more supply (a seller’s market), then this may negatively affect the value. 

However, don’t let this scare you off. If local houses in your area are selling, this could mean an increase in demand in your local area. You’ll also have an idea of comparable sales in the area. If you find surrounding properties are selling for a reasonable price, it might mean it’s a good time to jump on the bandwagon. 

Understanding the market conditions can work in your favour if you do your research. What kind of homes are selling? What demographic is buying? Is the area up and coming? How much have prices changed in the past few years? Why are people buying/selling? These questions will give you a good indication of whether you will benefit from selling your home. 

However, it’s important to remember that there is never truly the ‘perfect’ time to sell. The decision to sell your home should be informed by a number of factors outside the market performance. Although, knowing the real estate market certainly puts you ahead of the game. 

If you’re thinking of making the change, it’s important to understand your home’s current market value. This will give you a solid understanding of where your property sits within the current market. Seeking out an independent, professional property valuation will provide you with a foundation of what your property is worth and inform your decision to sell.