Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your loved one how much you care. This year, why not take the opportunity to surprise your partner with a thoughtful and practical gift that you’ll both enjoy? Make this Valentine’s Day memorable with these seven home improvement ideas.
A clean and tidy home
Nothing says “I love you” like a clean and decluttered home. Your loved one will appreciate the effort put into making their living space clean, comfortable, and organised.
Fresh walls
Bring new life to any room with a fresh coat of paint. Choose your partner’s favourite colour or a neutral hue that matches their style. A fun wallpaper might be better if they prefer some bold prints. Here are some tips on how to install your own wallpaper.
Best painters near you
Kitchen upgrade
Kitchens are the heart of a home, and a small upgrade can make a big difference. Whether it’s new tiles, a new countertop, or even a new kettle, you and your partner will appreciate these improvements. Want to renovate your kitchen? Here’s how you can start.
Garden makeover
If your partner is passionate about gardening, consider giving them a beautiful outdoor space. Hire a professional landscaper to design and create a lush and vibrant garden that they can enjoy all year round.
Home office makeover
With more and more people working from home, a dedicated home office is a must-have. You could declutter, re-organise, clean and even buy new gear to make them more comfortable working from home.
Give the gift of a clean and comfortable home this Valentine’s Day. Surprise your partner by doing these projects yourself or hire a professional to help.
Inflation hits small businesses and tradespeople harder than most. In addition to the increasing cost of living, they must also cope with rising material and labour costs, which can affect cash flow.
Small businesses and tradies are still recovering from the COVID-19 lockdown disruptions and skills shortages, while inflation in Australia is the highest it has been since 2001 at 6.1 percent. When money is tight, homeowners might put off a renovation or even major repairs. When you combine this with rising material costs, it is easy to see how it can take a chunk out of profits. While these factors can’t be controlled, you can take proactive action to put your business in a steady position during inflation.
Even though inflation creates challenging times, there are ways you can offset the effects and improve your cash flow. Here are five steps you can take to help your business stay afloat during these challenging times.
1. Rethink your offerings
Now is the best time to review your products and services. You need to explore what has interest now and what has lost traction. Focus on what is currently selling with high profit, and you might want to think about revamping your current offerings. For instance, can you bundle services to save customers money on larger projects? Perhaps, it might be possible to break services up into smaller components to allow customers to customise their services by getting only what they need. Helping to continue bringing customers in the door, even if the jobs are smaller and more varied in nature.
2. Audit your supply chain
The next thing you need to do is to do a supply chain audit. Supply chain disruption can mean that you are unable to fulfil obligations to your clients. It is sometimes easy to get into the habit of ordering from the same suppliers, even if they raise prices. Now is the time to explore all your alternatives and try to find suppliers who are less expensive and reliable. Doing a supply chain audit can help you save money now and assure that you can deliver to your customers on time at affordable rates.
3. Audit your finances
If it has been some time since you did an audit of your operational costs, this is another task that can help your bottom line. You need to look for ways to save on everything from supplies to utilities. Conducting an advertising audit should also be a part of this process. Knowing which advertising channels are helping the most and which ones are not performing will help you streamline your marketing budget.
4. Invest in technology
Small businesses and trades tend to be the last to adopt technology to streamline their business. Finding technology bundles that allow you to consolidate and automate business processes will pay for itself in labour saved over time. This can help if your company is facing staffing shortages. It can also help your staff use their time more efficiently. When considering automation software, it is a good idea to consider your needs now and what you anticipate in the short and long-term future.
5. Retain valuable staff
Finding new employees is much more expensive than keeping the ones you have. The costs of recruiting and hiring new employees have more than doubled since last year, which makes staff retention one of the most important concerns. You need to focus on creating a work environment that fosters loyalty to the company. Make sure you are listening to what your employees have to say and focusing on creating a place where people want to come every day. Sometimes, giving current staff a small pay raise is less expensive than finding new employees, and it is worth it to treat your current employees well.
Bonus Tip
Now, you know a few practical ways your business can beat inflation. It is all about creating a balance between increasing revenues and lowering as many expenses as possible. One way to increase revenues is to list with a service, like Oneflare and Airtasker which have a customer base that is looking for services just like yours in your service area. By taking these steps, it is possible to survive and thrive, even in times of rampant inflation, and these are things you should put at the top of your list.
Strong workplace culture is paramount to a thriving company. While a supportive workplace can boost morale and productivity, a stressful environment can quickly turn a workplace into a negative and sometimes toxic place. A positive work environment promotes a successful business and a supportive workspace for employees to grow and thrive.
Furthermore, building a solid team can positively affect your business’s value against other industry entities by reducing employee turnover and increasing productivity. It might seem trivial, but happy employees boost productivity and staff retention – which inflicts a positive impact on productivity, revenue and enquiry. Employees are the face of your business – if they’re happy, customers are more likely to return after having a positive experience.
A company’s workplace sets the tone of employee productivity and company loyalty, so a nurturing space should always start from the employer and management and filter through the workplace. Workplace culture is one of those “make or break” scenarios. If you have passionate, productive employees, then it will lead to a successful team. If not, it can be disastrous. If you’re looking for ways to optimise workplace culture in your business, here are a few ideas:
Design a recognise and reward program for employees
Employees thrive on recognition. As an employer, especially for small businesses, employee recognition can fall by the wayside. However, it’s a missed opportunity. When employees are recognised for their hard work, milestones, and general success, they will feel valued. When employees are valued, their productivity and loyalty to the company increase. Additionally, when employees feel more valued in the business, they will feel secure and optimistic.
Implementing a Reward and Recognise Program can mean offering verbal and written recognition. This can involve financial incentives, facilitating peer-to-peer recognition habits or providing additional growth opportunities. Whatever avenue your business can facilitate, recognition of employees sets the foundation for a positive work environment. It encourages productivity and lowers staff turnover – it’s a win-win.
Encourage employees to speak out
Like recognition, employees also need to feel like they can voice questions or concerns and know they’ll be listened to. Transparency within a business allows an open platform for communication and builds trust within a team. Having a transparent team might encourage team members to share their successes and challenges or improve communication tools to share information. This will build a bond between employees and promote stronger relationships within the team. It will take time for employees to transition to a transparent mindset. However, this needs to start with the employer and management team. Again, a business’s success is built on the security of its employees.
Providing employees with the opportunity to implement flexible working hours improves job satisfaction and decreases employee turnover. Flexibility changes everything from an employee’s perspective. Having a work-from-home option or even time -in-lieu can eliminate many complications that would typically arise. School drop off/pick up schedules, morning traffic, or anything else that might pop up from full-time workers. When employers give back to employees, employees, in turn, respond with positivity. It can seem like something small, but employees will feel appreciated and valued by implementing flexible working strategies. Modern technology is advanced enough that flexible working schedules are easier to implement without employees needing to be in the office.
If flexible working strategies are harder to implement within your business, try incorporating some time-in-lieu – this will make a massive difference within the workplace culture.
Create an engaging environment
We’ve said it before – communication is everything within a business. If there is communication, a team builds a sense of camaraderie, inducing a harmonious and cohesive workforce.
Your employees were hired for a reason, and as an employer, it’s your job to harness those qualities. Employees respond well to meaningful work. Feeling like a valuable part of the team and sharing a sense of purpose can increase work engagement four-fold. If employees are motivated, they are more likely to learn faster and feel more satisfied within their role.
Communication is a massive part of this process. It’s an employer’s responsibility to connect employees to a purpose within the business. This starts with communication between an employer and their employees.
An engaging environment promotes purpose, positivity and enables employees to build supportive relationships within the workspace. This can lead to establishing a sense of personal and professional growth.
If you’re looking for ideas to create an engaging environment, try starting a conversation with your employees. Find out what their strengths are and how they see themselves growing within your business.
Providing feedback to employees
As an employer, it’s essential to give your employees feedback to promote personal and professional development.
Providing employees feedback – whether it’s positive or constructive – will induce worker confidence. When giving feedback to employees, try and schedule this as a regular, one-on-one meeting. One-on-ones enforce a sense of equal opportunity for each employee. It also allows the employer to sit and listen to any queries or concerns with their employees. At the same time, highlight their strengths and providing opportunities for improvement.
Promoting employee success can be essential to boost morale. However, taking the time to speak with each member of your team individually is important. One-on-one’s can provide clarity, highlight any opportunities for improvement and address any issues. While it’s good to do this regularly (one month is a reasonable amount of time), it’s also crucial for employees to feel they’re in a safe space. Meetings in a private yet informal area can help your employees feel relaxed in a non-threatening environment. When your employee feels they’re on the same page as their employer and feel heard, it can boost confidence, motivation and productivity.
Contact local office administrator experts
A business is more than an asset for employers – it’s a pinnacle part of their lifestyle and livelihood. A successful business starts with a positive, cohesive and motivated team who believe in their company and the work they do. Having a strong workplace culture is the foundation of a thriving business and promotes productivity and employee longevity. Positive work culture is the starting point of a flourishing, successful business. Every employer needs to take into account a company’s future growth and development. As an employer, you may be thinking about the future of your business. If so, it’s vital to seek a professional Business Valuation company that can help you with your next business-related decision. Whether it’s business, residential or commercial, a full-service valuation company can provide comprehensive business and property valuations for all requirements and purposes.
Thinking to mount a TV to the wall, but you don’t know how to do it? Don’t let it worry you too much. You can mount a TV to the wall easily enough, and not only does it look good, but it also frees up space in the home to put other things. You do, however, have a few factors you need to consider, such as:
Choosing the right location
Using the right tools
Finding the stud in the wall for the mount
Sourcing an appropriate mount
Mounting a TV isn’t difficult, but you should understand these things going into it.
Mounting a TV to a wall is not a project that you need special skills or licensing to do. However, it can be a timely and costly problem to fix if it is completed incorrectly, so consider if you have the right skills to complete it yourself.
Does the TV size impact the mounting process?
The TV screen size does matter because you don’t want to come home one day after work to find the TV in a crushed heap on the floor.
Check the weight that the mount can handle along with its rating for the size of the TV. To be on the safe side, you may want a mount that can support more than the screen size. You can mount a large-screen TV, but you should beware of the mount size and the weight support that it offers.
Wall mounting a TV can dramatically improve the views. You may be wondering how high to mount a TV. For a 42-inch screen TV, you want it about 140cm from the floor. For a 55-inch TV, you want it about 155cm off the floor.
Materials and tools
Pencil
Level
Screwdriver
Tape measure
Drill and assorted bits
Stud finder
A wall mount kit
Contact local handymen
How to wall mount a TV
Find and mark the wall stud: Using a stud finder, you will quickly and accurately locate the studs. This doesn’t work as well on plaster or lath walls, but it works well with drywall. Beware, however, that pipes and conduits may run through the wall. You have to use the stud finder to check to see that it runs vertically, which indicates a stud. You will also want to locate multiple studs to measure between them as an added precaution.
Line up the bracket: At this point, you will use the level to ensure that your marked spots are level. You will need to make sure that you have lined up the brackets correctly. Having a friend on hand may help to keep them steady for the next part. Instead of marking the points with a pencil, you could optionally use painter’s tape because it makes it easier to see.
Drill holes: You will have four holes marked on the wall and ready to drill. Keep in mind; these holes should only be large enough for you to mount the screws in the wall. As you hold the mount up to the wall, you will use the level to make sure that you have it level.
Attach the mounting bracket to the wall: Before you begin, remove the stand from the TV. The mounting plate attachment holes can be found on the back of the TV. In some cases, they may have screws or plastic, which need to be removed.
Attach hanging brackets to the TV: You will want to attach the hanging brackets to the TV because you will have greater access to the control panel.
Mount the TV: Finally, mount the TV to the wall. Check to see that the mount remains stable and doesn’t wobble. Again, it’s best to have multiple people because of the cumbersome load that you have to handle. Now you may be wondering how to mount a tv without cables showing. Most people install it as close to the outlet as possible to hide the wires.
Mounting a TV is not something that you want to get wrong, so hiring a handyman to do it for you might make more sense. Licensing happens by the local state and territory officials, which can vary slightly for each place. Be sure that the electrician can produce the license if you request it. They should also have a few years of experience to ensure that they know what they’re doing. Licensing matters, but having insurance matters too because if they make a mistake, such as drilling into a wire, you want coverage from liability.
Knowing how to level a lawn yourself can come in handy if you notice that your lawn is not level and it takes away from your enjoyment of your home, detracts from its beauty and can cause water to pool in places or flow towards your home’s foundation. Levelling a lawn that is already laid is not too difficult for the average homeowner to do if you do a little research. Plus, levelling a lawn can make it much easier to do regular lawn maintenance. Levelling your lawn can help it grow better, look more attractive, and enhance your home’s aesthetics and curb appeal and your property’s overall value.
What causes an uneven lawn?
There are several reasons why your lawn could become uneven, such as: Uneven thawing in spring
Drainage issues
Depressions in the soil
The gradual settling of a new lawn
Children and pets playing on the lawn
The thatch in your lawn
Repeatedly mowing the lawn using the same pattern
Not collecting lawn clippings after mowing
Chinch bugs
Moles and other pests
A sprinkler system
How to prepare to level a lawn
The first step to take before beginning to level your lawn is to assess just how bumpy it is. This will determine if you can just step on the bumps to flatten when the ground is damp and soft in spring, use topdressing or a more aggressive method. If the bumps are severe and widespread, you will need to gather some tools. The last step for preparing a lawn to be levelled is to mow it as low as possible.
There are a number of tools and material you will need when you are levelling a lawn. A comprehensive list of them includes:
Hand rake
Landscape rake
Leaf rake
Levelling rake: Used to break up small clumps of dirt, remove stones and create a smooth, level surface.
Push broom
Shovel
Topsoil
Wheelbarrow
Lawnmower
Topdressing
Grass seed
Levelling mix (composed of soil, compost and sand). Levelling mix is a good solution when a lawn has a lot of shallow, widespread, uneven areas.
Water
Sand
How to level a lawn
The best way to level a lawn when fixing widespread shallow indentations is to use a thin layer of topdressing with a levelling mix made of sand, soil and compost and spread it all over the lawn. For small indentations covered with healthy grass, use a shovel to cut and lift the turf patches. Put some soil mix to level the indentation, step on it, water it lightly, compress it and put the grass patch back down. For deeper indentations, use a garden rake to de-thatch the lawn, put some sand, soil and compost in a wheelbarrow and blend them to make a levelling mix. Use the shovel to put scoops of the levelling mix in the low areas. Spread it evenly using a rake to ensure it is a few centimetres thick.
Using a push-broom or a levelling rake, work the levelling mix into the grass thoroughly. If it is done properly, the levelling mix should almost be invisible. Water the grass to help the levelling mix go under the grass and become stable. Monitor the lawn and repeat the process of sprinkling top dressing in the remaining low spots and depressions once the grass has recovered and begun to grow. If your lawn has extremely deep depressions, you can fill them with soil to make the area level, resell the filled areas, and wet them to promote healthy, new grass.
The best way to level a lawn is to do the process in spring while weather conditions are mild. This gives the lawn ample time to recuperate before the summer heat begins to beat down on it. Using fine mason sand or play sand mixed with some topsoil and a bit of compost makes sure the grass is not smothered and killed but drains adequately and gets the nutrients it needs for thick, healthy growth. Avoid over-watering. It can wash the levelling mix away and undo all of the work you have done to make your lawn level. The key is to take your time and do the levelling gradually. This will get rid of the large and small indentations while allowing the grass to grow lush, green and healthy.
Contact local lawn experts
Can sand be used to level a lawn?
Sand can be used to level a lawn, but it must be used carefully and judiciously. It can be used to level low areas or fix areas with thatch build up quickly and easily. The sand can help provide proper drainage, but too much sand can leave the grass dry as the water will flow right through it, and sand does not retain the nutrients grass needs to grow. Some experts recommend using a loamy sand-soil mix made with 70% sand. This mixture is nutrient-rich and creates a good lawn levelling top dressing. Masonry sand is fine enough to easily go through the grass and blend with the topsoil, level the lawn and allow for healthy grass growth.
In most instances, the average homeowner can take the steps necessary to level their lawns themselves. However, in some cases, if you want to make sure your lawn will be levelled and the cause of the unevenness problem properly addressed, you may need to call in a professional. One such instance is when the area of your lawn that is uneven is near where there are water pipes. This could mean that the unevenness is the result of a leaking water pipe, or you may have drainage issues.
Landscaping and lawn care experts have the tools, training, expertise and experience to let you know if the problem with unevenness in your lawn is caused by damaged water or drainage pipes. However, if this is the case, you will have to call a plumber to fix the damaged pipe first. In that case, levelling a lawn requires more than just lawn maintenance. When levelling a lawn that is already laid and there may be plumbing problems, hire a professional.
How to hire a landscaper
Licencing and qualifications
Three of the most important things to look for when hiring a landscaper is to make sure they have the proper licencing, qualifications and experience. In Australia, landscape contractors may need up to 6 years of training and take university taught landscaping related courses like horticulture and landscape construction to become certified in the field. Plus, they must gain experience by working with a licenced landscape contractor performing basic landscaping tasks. Landscapers master must lawn care and know-how to safely handle pesticides, fertilizers, planting, landscaping, garden design, and build fences and other non-habitable structures.
Bed bugs are often hidden and only come out in the dark, making them difficult to spot and making it necessary to know what bed bugs symptoms to look for in your home. One of the main signs you have bed bugs in Australia is discovering bed bug bites on your skin when you wake up each morning, particularly on your arms and legs. The bites can cause swelling and the formation of blisters. You may also notice small spots of dark or brown blood present on your sheets or bedding, which bed bugs leave behind. Bed bug symptoms often include small red bites on the body that looks similar to mosquito bites and itch. The bites are easy to identify because bed bugs bite multiple times in the same spot, creating a bed bugs rash. Bed bugs bite when you’re sleeping before retreating to the mattress or bedding where they hide.
What causes bed bugs
Bed bugs are known to come from another infested area outside of the home and can travel in suitcases, on used furniture, and even on visitors’ clothes. In multi-room buildings, they can easily travel in between different rooms. They also tend to hide on porous materials, including backpacks, blankets, and purses. Although bed bugs can spread to any home, maintaining a cleaner setting can prevent the bugs from hiding and infesting. One of the leading bed bugs signs is if you notice their shells left behind on various porous surfaces in the building.
Source: Shutterstock
Materials and tools required to get rid of bed bugs
Bed bugs spray: Many products kill bed bugs upon contact, including 91 per cent isopropyl alcohol.
Encasement: Using a mattress cover on your bed will contain the bed bugs and prevent them from spreading. Their inability to leave the encasement will cause the bed bugs to starve after a few weeks.
Chemical treatments: Chemical treatments work well for killing bed bug infestations, specifically dust-based pesticides that you can apply to small cracks and holes present in the building.
How to kill bed bugs
Strip the bed: Start by stripping the bed of the comforter, sheets, and mattress cover. Immediately place all the bedding in a trash bag to contain any bed bugs or eggs that can easily fall out onto the carpet.
Wash all bedding and clothes: Throw the bedding in the washing machine and wash everything in hot water. All clothes that are in proximity to the bed also need to be laundered in hot water. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil can also kill the bed bugs.
Vacuum: Vacuuming the mattress and carpet will remove any bed bugs and eggs that are present. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to contain the bed bugs and prevent them from falling out of the vacuum. A vacuum with a head attachment will also make it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas where the bed bugs may be hiding. If you want to learn how to find bed bugs, look in hidden places that are dark and offer shelter. Vacuum the mattress and surrounding carpet every day for two weeks to ensure you suction any eggs that the bed bugs leave behind. Dispose of the contents in an outside trash can.
Spray the affected area: Spray the mattress and affected area with pesticide after confirming the bed frame is free of bed bugs.
Traps: Installing traps at the base of your bed’s legs can make it easy to collect all the bed bugs present in the room.
Extreme temperatures: If you’re looking for natural treatments to get rid of bed bugs, high temperatures are known to kill bed bugs in the building if you’re unsure where they may be present. This is ideal for larger infestations or when they’re present in multiple rooms in the home. Avoid only heating the room where the infestation is present, which can cause bed bugs to relocate to a cooler room in the building.
Contact local pest control experts
How to prevent bed bugs
One of the best ways to prevent bed bugs from finding their way into your home is to be cautious with the types of items you bring into your home. Avoid purchasing used furniture at yard sales or thrift stores because bed bugs may be hiding near the upholstered materials’ seams.
It’s also important to use a mattress cover on each bed in the home, which can prevent bed bug infestations as they look for a place to hide. Vacuuming your mattress regularly will also reduce the risk of bed bugs laying eggs. Washing your bedding in hot water every week will also kill any bed bugs or eggs that may have entered the home.
If you travel, avoid bringing your suitcase back into your home once you get back from your destination. Leave your suitcase in the garage and throw your clothes in the washing machine to ensure any possible bed bugs don’t find their way into one of the bedrooms where there’s a higher risk of an infestation.
Source: Shutterstock
How to hire a pest control expert
If you’re looking for a pest control expert, find someone with several years of experience in the industry. They should have a thorough and detailed process instead of just spraying the property with pesticides.
It’s also necessary to find someone who is licensed, making it necessary to search for their license with the state. They should also have qualifications that prove their reputable and use advanced commercial equipment. Ask for references to ensure you can talk to their customers and determine if they’re satisfied with the services performed.
The business should also have a website and a physical location where they operate to ensure you hire a legitimate company.
Gutters channel the water away from your home so that it does not cause damage to your foundation or walls. If your gutters are clogged or need to be replaced, they can end up costing you more in repairs in the long run. You might think that repairing or replacing your guttering yourself is a good option, but this is one project where you can get into more than you imagined, so it might be a good idea to hire a professional. If you decide to do it yourself, here is what you can expect.
How do you know if your gutters need repairing or replacing?
One of the biggest things that you might be wondering is if you need guttering replacement or whether someone can repair it. The first thing you need to do is determine if your gutters are clogged and require cleaning out. Whether they need to be repaired or replaced, cleaning them is the first step. If you clean your guttering and you find that you still have water leaking from them in a few places, then you might be able to repair it with silicone sealant. If your guttering is corroded, hanging loose, or pulling away from the roof, then it might be time for a replacement.
The guttering price depends on the type of guttering that you choose and how much you need. Continuous guttering is a popular choice because it comes in various shapes and has a seamless look. If you select this type of guttering, it is also more challenging to install correctly. The average cost for guttering is between $30 to $160 per metre. PVC is the least expensive, with stainless steel being the most costly type.
Can I install gutters myself?
It is technically possible to install guttering yourself, but you must be licenced to carry out this work in many parts of Australia. Any guttering work that involves drainage work might require a plumber’s licence. Replacing gutters in many parts of Australia is considered a licenced trade. Once the job has been complete, you will often need a compliance certificate for your home records. This means that you are not allowed to do the job yourself, and we do not recommend it. The information in this article is for information only.
If you decide to install your gutters despite local regulations, here are a few things that you will need.
Materials:
Guttering material
Gutter flashing
Hanging straps
Elbows
Downspouts
Rivets
Hex head screws
Self-tapping hex head screws
Sealant approved for outdoor use
Tools:
Cordless drill
Crimping tool
Duckbill tin snips
Hex head driver
Offset tin snips
Pop rivet gun
Spirit level
Pencil
Appropriate ladder
How to install gutters
Now that you know what you need, it is time to discuss the process. The exact procedure depends on the style of your home. Here are the general steps of the process.
Plans and sketches: The first thing you need to do is draw a sketch of your house and note how much guttering you need. You will also need to know how many things like elbows, hangars, and downspouts. You will need to make a detailed plan of your guttering system.
Remove the old guttering: The first step is to remove the old guttering. You must remove it carefully so that you do not damage the roof or walls beneath.
Measure and cut the pieces: It is easier to measure and assemble the guttering on the ground and then install it. You will need to measure the pieces and assemble them on a large work surface. You must know how to notch the guttering properly to join pieces. It is difficult to fix any mistakes that are made in this phase. An accurate measurement can mean having to purchase more guttering and starting over.
Assemble the pieces: Now it is time to assemble the pieces. Most pieces snap together. Use rivets to attach the sections together permanently. You must apply a sealant to the seams to make them watertight.
Cut the downspout holes: Next, measure and cut the holes for the downspouts. This must be carried out with precision, or they will not fit properly. Rivet the downspout outlet to the gutters.
Set the slope: Now, use a spirit level to mark the proper slope all around the fascia of the house.
Mount the guttering: Screw the gutter to the fascia, add the gutter flashing, and attach the hangers. Attach the downspout brackets to the house, and assemble the downspout elbows. Rivet the downspouts to the brackets.
Contact local guttering experts
How to install gutter guards
Gutter guards are an excellent way to keep gutters from becoming clogged with leaves and debris. You must carefully lift the edge of the roofing up with a putty knife so that the gutter guard can be placed underneath it and snapped to the edge of the gutter on the side opposite the house. You will have to mitre the corners and make proper joins. Some guards are fastened to the fascia with screw brackets.
How to hire a gutter installer
As you can see, there is more to installing guttering than it would seem at first. Even if you were allowed to do it yourself, there are many reasons why you would not want to attempt it, especially being up on a ladder for that amount of time when you are not used to it. Here are a few questions you should ask when hiring a guttering installer.
Are you licenced to install guttering in this state?
What is your experience with the type of home that I have?
What is included in the installation, such as regular cleaning or a similar offer?
A ceiling fan is an excellent addition to any room of the home. Even if you have an AC, a ceiling fan can help it work more efficiently by circulating the air. Ceiling fans range in price from $89 to $350 or more. Then, you have an additional ceiling fan installation cost of between $200-$300. This might have you asking the question if you can install it yourself.
Can I install a ceiling fan myself?
The technical answer to this question is yes, but you cannot do so in Australia. The main reasons why DIY ceiling fan installation is illegal in Australia are two-fold. The first is that it involves electricity, and there is a risk of fire hazard or electrocution if you do not do everything right. The second is that if the ceiling fan is not mounted correctly, it can fall or damage the ceiling. These are the best reasons to hire a trusted professional instead of doing it yourself.
Where to hang a ceiling fan
The most common place to hang a ceiling fan is in the centre of the room, but this is not always the case. You might want a ceiling fan in a specific location, like over the bed or in one half of an entertainment room. The ceiling fan placement must also take into consideration the location of any wires or pipes above the ceiling. It must also be mounted securely to the ceiling beams.
Here are some of the tools and materials that your ceiling fan professional will bring with them to do the job.
Fan with mounting kit
Fan support brace
Wall control switch
Hammer
Nails
Drywall saw
A multimeter or circuit tester
Wire strippers
Screwdrivers
Drill or driver
Contact local experts
How to install a ceiling fan
Here are the basic steps to installing a ceiling fan that your professional will have to do. These steps are not complete instructions and are for information only.
Turn off the power: The first thing to be done is to turn off the power at the circuit panel. Your professional will double-check with the circuit tester to make sure no power is flowing in the wires.
Remove the old fan: Unscrew the lightbulb cover and remove the bulbs. Lower the fixture and loosen the electrical tape and wire nuts. Disconnect the wires and remove the existing ceiling box.
Install the hanging bar: The adjustable hanging bar and electrical box will be screwed to the beams and fastened according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is the most important part of the installation to ensure the fan does not wobble and damage the ceiling.
Assembly and hanging: Assemble the fan according to the instructions and attach the fan assembly to the ceiling electrical box. Connect the wires, making sure to follow all local and state guidelines regarding the amount of exposed end, types of wire nuts, lack of kinks, and other considerations.
Attach blades and trim: Assemble and attach the blades and trim. Now it is time to turn on the power and test the fan.
Safety precautions to take when installing a ceiling fan yourself
Installing a ceiling fan involves several safety hazards. The first is that it involves electricity. If you do not know how to connect the wires properly, it can cause a fire. There is also the potential for an electrical shock. Also, you will be on a ladder working with your hands overhead. If you are not used to it, you can easily fall. Not only are you working on a ladder, but you are lifting heavy objects and working at odd angles. That is another reason why hiring a professional who is knowledgeable and used to the working conditions is a good idea.
If you want to have a new ceiling fan installed, you must have the work performed by a licenced electrician. In some states, you can face heavy fines and even prison time for connecting a fan to the wires of your home. Here are some things you should ask when hiring an electrician to install your fan.
Are you licenced to work in my location?
Can you provide proper certificates after the installation?
Are you insured, and do you offer a warranty on your work?
How many DIYers does it take to change a light bulb? One, maybe two with the other one to assist. But when it comes to wiring a light switch, you’ll need to work with a pro to get the job right safely.
So, how do you wire a light switch? Or rather, how do the professionals do it? Keep reading to learn more.
Australian laws surrounding wiring a light switch
Light switch wiring in Australia and other electrical work requires licences. Your electrician must also give you a certificate proving their work complies with local laws.
Next, you’ll need permission from your local council. While not all electric jobs may need permits, it’s best to check! Resources like Standards Australia and the Housing Industry Association have details on electrical installations and wiring rules. Your state’s WorkSafe site will also have lists of rules specific to your area.
Safety comes first when figuring out how to wire a light switch in Australia. After all, faulty electrical wiring is a fire hazard and may cause electrocution. This precaution is so crucial that in Queensland, you could face up to AUD 600,000 in fines and five years in prison if you do electrical wiring yourself.
Leave the task to the experts | Source: Shutterstock
Safety precautions when needing lighting and electrical work
Don’t work on switches and wires on your own.When supervising your electrician or tradie, make sure you observe safety measures. These include:
Turning off the power before you start
Using protective gear (e.g. rubber gloves)
Using insulated tools (e.g. a wooden ladder)
Ensuring access to fire extinguishers and first aid kits
Never do it yourself; consult a licensed electrician
Tools and materials: What you’ll need
Here’s what a licensed electrician will need to wire a light switch:
Safety gloves
Safety glasses
Pliers
Utility knife
Measuring tape
Screwdriver
Multimeter voltage tester
Wooden ladder
Wire strippers
Light switch (standard light switch, two-way, or dimmer switch)
Cables and connectors (as needed): You can find the right size and type of Clipsal light switch wiring at hardware stores.
Contact local electricians
How to wire a light switch
Now that the materials are ready, it’s time to begin! Here are the steps you may expect a professional electrician to follow when wiring a light switch in your home.
It’s important to switch off the lights before getting to work for safety | Source: iStock
Step 1: Cut off the power
All electrical work starts with turning off your main power source. This keeps your electrician (and you) safe during the process. Your electrician should have a multimeter to ensure all circuits are switched off. While you’re with an electrician, you could also ask about installing a circuit breaker, if you don’t have one already.
Step 2: Remove the cover and switch
The electrician will then loosen the screws and pull the switch away from the wall. Do note that the light switch will still be attached via its wires.
Step 3: Inspect the wiring
Next, it’s time to inspect the wiring. The electrician will use an electrical tester to identify live wires and check if they are insulated or bare. There are usually three wires attached to a switch: a hot black wire, a neutral white wire, and a ground copper wire.
It’s important to inspect the wiring to see if they are long enough for the new switch. Otherwise, your electrician will need to strip some of the insulation.
Step 4: Disconnect the old wiring
After inspection, the electrician will detach the wires using a screwdriver. If the switch has push-in connections, a little push with a screwdriver can release the wires from the assembly. Once it’s freed, the electrician will discard the old switch.
Step 5: Connect the new wires
Connecting the new wires can get tricky. That’s why it’s good to call in the pros when you need to change a light fitting in Australia.
During this step, the electrician will ensure that the wires are all matched and everything is wired correctly.
Step 6: Install the new light switch
Now it’s time for switch assembly.
Each wire should have 1/2–3/4 inch of wire exposed and bent into a hook. This will wrap around the screws on the switch. If the end of the wire is frayed, the electrician will trim it before wrapping it clockwise around a screw on the switch. They’ll do this on the black wire, then again on the white and copper wires.
Next, the electrician will tighten the screws and check all connections to make sure everything is snug.
The type of light switch can also affect how it is installed:
For standard light switches, the electrician will use loop-in wiring. They’ll connect a cable to each terminal on the switch, wire it, and then attach the faceplate.
For two-way light switches, they’ll loop the cables through one terminal and then another before securing it and attaching the faceplate. They’ll likely use diagrams for wiring a two way light switch.
For dimmer switches, there should be two terminals for the live wires; one labelled “L” and another with a neutral symbol. Both wires will be connected to their terminal points, then wrapped with electrical tape so that no copper is left exposed. Exposed copper will cause short circuits, so your electrician needs to be very careful.
Step 7: Replace the switch plate and do a quality inspection
Once all the wiring is done, the electrician will reattach the switch plate and screw it in. Then, you can turn the power back on and test your new light switch.
Don’t forget to inspect your electrician’s work and ask for the necessary certificates for the wiring.
How to hire an electrician
Know when to call a pro for assistance | Source: iStock
In Australia, even simply connecting a light switch requires a licensed professional. Thankfully, it’s easy to find a cost-effective electrician near you. It’s convenient, safe, and much better than having to pay a fine.
When hiring an electrician for the first time, you’ll want to consider the following:
Know your task and budget requirements. Make sure you know whether you need only simple light switch wiring, a dimmer switch, or maybe even help with your switch board?
Know your certificates and training levels. Check with your local council or building code regarding the certificates needed to wire a light switch.
Get at least three quotes for the job, but put safety first. Canvassing will help you get a better idea of how your task is priced. Look out for suspiciously low quotes that may be red flags.
Read reviews and ask for references. It’s good to hire someone trusted by homeowners just like you.
Safety comes first when wiring a light switch
Working with light switches and wires isn’t for DIYers alone. These kinds of projects require licensed electricians. Now that you know the laws, materials, precautions, and processes involved, you’ll better know what to expect when working on your house rewiring project.
Light-load circuits like those in your switches and bulbs usually use 1.5 mm2 wire. Still, it’s best to check with an expert if you plan to purchase the wire yourself.
What is a common terminal for wiring light switches?
The common terminal is where the live wire is attached. It usually comes in black, but it may be brown in newer homes or red in older homes. A licensed electrician will know the right colours for terminals and wires when wiring a light switch in your home.
Does it matter which wire goes on a switch?
Wire colours can be confusing! But when connecting a single pole light switch, it doesn’t always matter which wire goes into what terminal on a switch. This is because switch terminals are interchangeable; however, it’s vital for complex switches to follow the specific placement. Still, it’s best and often legally required to call in a pro electrician to work on your light switch and its wires.
Can I change light fittings myself in Australia?
No, you can’t. In Australia, light switch fitting and wiring must be done by a licensed electrician, with permission from your local council. Doing electrical work without a licence will result in a fine and time in prison since faulty electrical work poses serious risks to lives and property. So, while you can pick out a new light fixture and switch from halogen to LED lamps, you should leave the actual electrical work to the pros.
If your washing machine is not working like it used to, the problem could be as simple as needing a good cleaning. If you find stains, patches of colour or your clothing look dingy; it might be your washing machine telling you it needs some attention. Cleaning your washing machine is easy, and it can save you a repair call.
How often should you clean a washing machine?
The answer to this question depends on how much you use it. The dirt and grime in your clothing have to go somewhere, and it can get caught in the filters, inlets and outlets, and pipes. Soap scrub builds up and can act as a trap for dirt. Cleaning your washer every six months will keep your clothing and your machine fresh and clean.
Some signs that your washing machine is in desperate need of a deep clean is a musty smell in your supposedly clean clothing. If your machine smells like dirty socks, then you need to clean it. If the inlets and outlets are clogged, it can interfere with the machine’s functioning by blocking water flow. This can lead to more costly repairs later. If this happens, one of the key signs is that soap might not be rinsed all the way out.
When it comes to what to use to clean a washing machine, you have several options. You can buy a washing machine cleaner that is formulated specifically for this purpose. Many people choose to use more natural products, such as vinegar and baking soda. The best washing machine cleaner is one that removes the soap film. When you clean a washing machine with vinegar, you need to make sure to rinse it well so that your clothing does not smell like vinegar.
How to clean a washing machine
Before we get into the cleaning process, you need to check to see if your washing machine has a self-clean cycle. You can use that if it has one, but if it does not, you can do the washing machine cleaning using this simple process.
Run a hot cycle. The first thing to do is run a regular cycle on hot, adding 60 mL of distilled white vinegar or cleaner instead of laundry soap. Add it to the detergent dispenser. This will not harm your machine, but it will prevent bacteria and mildew.
Scrub the inside. Add vinegar or cleaner to the spray bottle and spray the inside of the drum. Use the old toothbrush and sponge to scrub the drum. The old toothbrush can be used to clean the cracks, crevices, and gaskets.
Run one more empty load. Now, add another 60 mL of vinegar to the dispenser or sprinkle some baking soda directly in the drum. Run another cycle of hot water.
Check the inlets. Check the inlets and outlets for build-up. Spray them with some vinegar or cleaner. You might try using a bottle brush to clean as much as you can.
Wipe the outside. Spray the outside of the machine and the inside of the door. Wipe it down with the sponge. Use the toothbrush to clean around the hinges.
Clean the filter. Take out the filter, run it under hot water and gently clean it with the toothbrush. Be careful not to damage it. Replace it into the machine.
Dry the drum. Use the microfiber cloth to dry the drum or leave the door open to allow it to air dry.
Contact local plumbers
Front loader vs. top loader
Cleaning a front loader and cleaning a top loader is slightly different. The above instructions are for a top loader. When cleaning a front-loading washing machine, it is a good idea to consult the manual for instructions before proceeding. You can start by running a cycle with a cleaner or vinegar as you did in the previous section’s steps.
Dirty filters are a common contributing factor to a front-loading washer that is not cleaning properly. Also, remove and clean the soap dispensers and fabric softener dispensers with hot, soapy water. Rinse them with vinegar or allow them to dry in the sun to help prevent mould.
How to avoid getting a scrub build-up
The best way to clean a washing machine is to take measures to prevent it from getting dirty in the first place. Eventually, you will need to clean it, but you can lengthen the time between washing machine cleanings by taking a few steps.
Use less detergent in your loads
Avoid overloading your washing machine to allow water to drain freely
Use liquid detergent or dissolve the powder in water before running a cold water load
Store detergent in an airtight container and break up any clumps before adding the powder to the load
Occasionally run an empty load with just detergent and hot water
Hopefully, your washing machine will be working correctly after a good cleaning, but if it is not, then it might be time to call a licenced plumber. You might discover that there is another problem as you are cleaning the machine. If you need to call a plumber, make sure that you hire someone who has the proper qualifications.
Licencing and qualifications
Each state has its own licencing and qualifications for plumbers. They must also hold a national certificate in plumbing. Plumbers must complete an apprenticeship program, and they may receive advanced training. Ask about your plumber’s qualifications to work on your washing machine before you hire them.
