When the frigid temperatures of winter hit, you don’t want your home to become uncomfortable and cold. You want to be cozy and warm! You can achieve a comfortable temperature in your house all winter long by having gas heating installed in your home.
What is gas heating?
Any heater in your home that uses natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a gas heater. They produce large quantities of heat, which makes them popular. They’re also much more cost efficient to run than electric and are more energy efficient than other methods of heating. Several types of gas heaters exist; however, they fall into one of two categories unflued or flued. Unflued gas heaters lack a vent, so the emissions are released into whichever room they’re located. There are strict emissions requirements for this type of heater, but they still aren’t suited for rooms with bad ventilation. They’re dangerous in small rooms as well. Fluid heaters have vents and are safe for small rooms and rooms that aren’t ventilated well.
Gas heaters come in different varieties including the following:
Convective space heaters
Gas ducted heating
Radiant space heaters
Gas fireplaces
Gas powered hydronic heating
Gas log fires
Gas heating installation
It’s good to know that there are several different ways to use gas to heat your home. Portable gas fireplaces are one option to heat your living areas. Space heaters are another. If you currently have an outlet in your home for them, then they’re simple to hook up. The outlet is known as a bayonet fitting, and it connects to your heater. If you choose permanent fireplaces or ducted heating, you may have a bit of a rough time installing them. For this reason, you should opt to hire a heating professional such as a gas fitter.
Maybe you don’t even have a gas hookup at your home. In this case, you’ll need to have gas pipes installed. When natural gas isn’t available in your area, you can opt to use LPG. This particular type of gas is available in large bottles and must be replaced on a regular basis. Installing gas isn’t just complicated, it’s also very dangerous. Therefore, you should hire a registered gasfitter to complete the job.
Ducted gas heating
Vented ceiling ducts are typically made of sheet metal and run from your central heating unit to various rooms in your home. These ducts are installed in the ceiling cavity and are connected to ceiling vents that allow the warm air to flow into the room.
The installation of vented ceiling ducts is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and tools. A professional heating installer or duct fitter can help you determine the best location for your ducts and vents, as well as the appropriate size and materials for your specific home. Find someone to work with so that in the future, you don’t have to worry about how to remove ducted heating ceiling vents and how to put them back.
Benefits of ducted gas heating
1. Greater control
Ducted gas heating creates heat by burning gas in a central area and then uses the network of ducts to distribute heat throughout your home. Since ducting is modular, you can install it in as many or as few rooms as you want. This type of heating gives you more control because you can also specify different areas in your home that are heated only when you need them to be, such as heating your bedrooms at night and your living spaces during the day. As with all heating systems, you also have control over the exact temperature at all times.
2. Gain efficiency
Compared to electric heating, gas ducted heating is much more efficient in energy usage since gas is cheaper than electricity and it generates heat more effectively. Additionally, gas-generated heat burns cleanly and leaves little waste behind, so you aren’t using excessive resources. Stay on the lookout for a high “Energy star” rating as well so that you can ensure your gas ducted heating is as efficient as possible, thus saving you money in the long run.
3. Avoid outages
Another benefit of ducted gas heating is that since it doesn’t rely upon electricity to run, you won’t experience heating outages. Even if there’s a blackout in your neighbourhood, you’ll still have heat in your home. Moreover, because gas ducted heating is so efficient, you can effectively heat your entire home no matter how cold it is outside. Even if the outdoor temperature drops below 5 degrees, your house will still be warm without overloading your heating system and costing you more money.
Contact local heating experts
4. Healthier living
Finally, ducted gas heating is just healthier than other heating systems, which is good news for people with asthma or allergy problems. You’ll never worry about your heater completely drying out the air in your home, and any emissions from the gas are easily vented outside, so as not to pollute your air quality. However, there’s no need to be concerned over emissions from ducted gas heating because it actually produces far less than solid fuel heating systems.
How much is gas heating installation?
If you already have gas hooked up to your home, it’s inexpensive to install. And even if you don’t have gas, the price is still relatively cheap. A majority of the price is the expense of the heater itself. Keep in mind, installation of gas ducted heating is about half the price of electric ducted heating.
Are you considering having a family lawyer to help you through a divorce, child custody, or even prepare a prenuptial agreement? If yes, then you must have figured out that finding the right legal adviser is not easy. Legal representatives are not equal, and every family dispute or agreement has a unique twist.
Due to the intricacies in these cases, finding the best family court lawyer is the best guarantee for an amicable solution and optimum benefits. The legal officer will help you navigate the murky waters of family disputes and even the healing process. Below are tips on how to find the right family lawyer for you.
Understand your needs
Understanding your needs is not only necessary knowing if you need a legal representative, but also the specific qualifications to look for in a legal representative. You certainly need a family lawyer for any of the following situations:
You are preparing a prenuptial agreement with your spouse.
You plan to adopt a child.
You are contemplating divorce, separation, or annulment.
You or your partner wish to amend a divorce agreement.
You are dealing with or need a restraining order.
Family-related decisions have long-term consequences, especially when children are involved. Therefore, no issue is too small for the best legal counsel. Besides, people change, which makes a legal agreement more necessary.
Understand what a family lawyer does
Family lawyers specialise in domestic relations. However, even within this already specialised niche, there are further specialisations. They include marriage and divorce, child support, child custody, surrogacy, adoption, paternity conflicts, and much more. Your family issue may fall into one or two of these categories.
A competent family lawyer often specialises in only one or two areas of family law. A jack of all trades kind of legal officer might not be up to date with the latest rules and occurrences in the area that affects your case.
Consider the location
Legal cases are often handled in the plaintiff’s (the person filing the claim), county of residence. If you are the defendant, and your spouse lives in a different county, then you will have to incur additional travelling expenses.
You should choose a divorce lawyer that resides or practices in the city or county where the case is being handled. First, it will reduce the cost you will be paying for the legal counsel. The most significant benefit, however, is the familiarity factor.
A legal adviser who works within the same location as the case understands the local custom, court judges and staff, as well as other judges in the case. The knowledge can be handy, as your family lawyer will be navigating familiar waters, hence can give you the best counsel on your case.
The right lawyer for you will help make the process easier / Source: Causidicus Legal
Seek relevant experience
Track record usually says more than the time spent as a qualified lawyer. Therefore, while you should pay attention to the years of experience a lawyer has, their case history can be more important. Some of the questions to help you decide if a family law adviser has the right experience are:
How many cases similar to yours has the officer handled in the past?
What were the outcomes of those cases?
Has the legal officer written on legal matters relevant to your case?
Can the lawyer refer you to any of their past clients?
Often, many family lawyers who claim to have years of experience turn out to have very little when tasked with these questions.
Please remember not to use writing on legal matters as a deal-breaker, though it is a good indicator of a legal officer’s authority in the legal community. Some excellent legal writers do not have what it takes to argue a case successfully.
Check for an understanding of financial statements
This is very important when dealing with divorce, child support, prenuptial or funeral agreements. A child support lawyer and a property dispute lawyer should be able to understand and recognise issues concerning taxation, trust, and corporate practices. Some family law practices hire qualified financial advisors to help with complicated cases.
Seek the opinions of past acquaintances
Once you have a list of legal advisers that meet the primary considerations above, the next step is to seek the views of those who are familiar with them. Since family issues are sensitive, you should only consult people you can trust. Do not seek the opinions of people who met the legal officer as opponents, as their views might not be entirely objective.
Your friends’ experiences should tell you whether the legal officer:
Was available for consultations
Was punctual for appointments
Was transparent about services and fees
Was informed and supportive
Contact local family lawyers
Interview your potential legal representatives
Call all the family lawyers on the top of your list and book an interview. Since lawyers charge for their time, most of them will opt for a face to face interview. Use the meeting to get the details about their experience, and the possible cost of your case.
While you should not share everything about your case during this interview, an overview will be helpful to the lawyer. Ask about the useful information you need to have, the possible outcomes of the case, and the responsibilities that come with it.
Even more, inform the lawyer that you are interviewing other lawyers as well. While they expect you to do that, being open about it creates an environment of trust from the onset, which will come in handy if you choose to hire the firm.
Watch out for self-centred litigators
Family cases such as divorce are riddled with hate, anger, and emotions. Looking through such a glass makes a legal officer who prides in being a fierce litigator seem like a good option. However, if you have children, this might not be a good decision.
Most family court judges focus on what is best for the children. Therefore, they will ignore and reject proposals and arguments if these are actuated by selfish motives and the sole desire to win.
Besides, most marital issues have brewed for years before reaching the corridors of justice. Therefore, understand you need a more solution-focused approach to achieve a lasting solution. A competent divorce, child support, or child custody lawyer should understand this.
Find a family law representative who will not fuel your rage, or encourage you to compromise your integrity to get even. Being honest and sincere with your family law issues will also earn you respect from the judges.
Therefore, while it is good to have a powerful advocate, ensure your legal adviser is advocating for something greater than your own or their ego.
Conclusion
Family law is an intricate affair that involves finances, strong emotions, and grave consequences. Consequently, you need to choose your family lawyer correctly. Opt for one with sufficient experience and affordable fees. Most importantly, select a legal adviser who will focus on solutions, not your emotions, because that is what wins in a family court.
Videos are an ever-present medium of communication that you can find anywhere today. From the smartphone to the big LED screen, visuals are some of the most attention-grabbing ways that you can get someone’s eye.
That’s why any marketing strategy worth their salt should integrate videos into their campaigns. Not because they’re ubiquitous – though that should be reason enough – but because video content can help you boost customer engagement.
These statistics show that even compared to other forms of marketing; video still has the edge:
54% of users want to see more video content from brands they like
88% of companies that use video marketing report high ROI and improved conversion rates
88% of users stay longer on a website with video
And while videos are unlikely to fall from its place as an effective method of engagement, it’s not enough to attach some images or animate some slides. A poorly designed-video will have more or less the same effect as any other subpar marketing collateral, and might even cost you in the long run. Luckily, there are ways for you to avoid this pitfall.
But before we examine that, let’s talk about the one thing you should keep in mind whenever you want to create a video for customer engagement.
Purpose-driven video
The biggest mistake that you can make when producing video content is making it for the sake of making it. It’s easy to get blindsided by all the options you have when relating a video, and it’s these options that can muddle your vision of why you put out a video in the first place.
When you make a video, always keep the purpose of WHY you choose a video format to convey the message. While the statistics we showed earlier prove that video content has an edge with engagement, those don’t guarantee success.
Making video content for the sake of showing something rather than getting a message across isn’t just wasteful: it can backfire with terrible results. Consumers today are more aware of what content has substance in it and what content just looks pretty. And while you can pique their curiosity with a well-crafted video, it’s a purpose-driven one that can hold their attention.
So, whenever you discuss strategy around a video-centric engagement campaign, always keep the aim of why you made the video at the forefront of your mind. It’s easy to get blinded by shiny graphics and aesthetically pleasing models, but those things aren’t the heart of what drives video content and audience engagement.
But that being said, there are concrete steps that you can take to make sure that your message gets across – or at the very least, more straightforward to convey.
Ways to leverage video content for more customer engagement
1. Create compelling content
Everyone likes stories. And everyone has a story to tell.
Videos can get your story across, but you need to make sure that your audience has a reason to get invested in what you have to say. That’s where well-crafted narratives and compelling content fall under.
You don’t have to be an expert in filmmaking to do this: more often than not, building a sensible narrative is enough. Even a rudimentary grasp of how narrative writing works can be the difference between a flat narrative and a compelling one.
Make sure that your video makes sense in context. Have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Conduct market research to see which kind of storytelling will work with your target audience and the subject that you’re talking about. This step involves a lot of back and forth with your audience and video team, so make sure that the conversation is understood on both sides. Having these two work in sync is your best chance for creating a compelling narrative.
2. Show products instead of talking about them
Videos about products often fall into the trap of just talking about what the product does, instead of showing what it can do. And while you can wax poetry about how great your product is and how it works, nothing will beat a simple demonstration.
Remember, you have a visual medium to work with, which lends itself naturally to an actual demonstration rather than a written narrative about your product and service. People are more inclined to engage with something that they’ve seen working, rather than take its merits with no demonstration.
3. Entertain your audience
No one enjoys sitting through a dull video. That’s why it’s essential to keep your audience interested during your bit, and entertaining them is the best way to do that.
The simplest way to do this is through comedy, but it’s not the only way to do it. The best way to entertain your audience is to show actual interest and passion in your videos. People will subconsciously mimic the actions of others in a social situation, and a video can be the perfect bubble where you can take advantage of this inclination. You don’t have to be funny – you just have to be interesting AND be interested in what you’re doing.
Make sure that your entertainment matches the video that you’re producing. The last thing you want to do is to cause some dissonance between your message and how you deliver it. Not only will this confuse your viewers, but it also wrecks the entire point of your video.
4. Be genuine
For your audience to get a genuine emotional connection to a video, you need to be authentic. This is a tricky thing to convey in a video, but it is possible.
Being genuine refers to the capability of the audience to relate to your message, whether it’s a point you’re making or convincing them to see your side. The key to this step is to produce content that your audience will want to watch. Not only does this improve the conversion rate, but it helps forge an emotional connection between your brand and its audience.
Being genuine also means that you should always present your product or service as it is and never try to advertise or show more than what it can do. Be realistic in what you show since you don’t want to create any false or unreasonable expectations.
5. Post your video on multiple platforms
Whenever you release a video, always optimize it for multiple streaming sites. Even if you publish a video on one site, remember that people are browsing from multiple devices – which means different screen sizes and resolutions that different video streams can accommodate.
Get creative with your video content / Source: Media Chameleon
Remember that social media also has video streaming options, so check if your video can work on all formats. Not only does this give you more reach, but this is also the best way for them to show up on the site’s feeds or search options. SEO for small business will likewise benefit from this practice.
6. Always end with a call to action
A video isn’t complete without a call to action – whether it’s acting on the service provided or to buy the product. Since you’ve already gotten their attention by engaging them with the video, it’s easier for you to convince them to act on what you say.
The call to action doesn’t have to be all sales-centric and obvious: you can even consider the entire video as one elaborate call to action. The point of this method is to convince your audience to act on the message you present in your video. This can be as simple as asking a question or giving them a place to look for more information.
7. Make it shareable
Organic growth is one of the best ways to share any kind of content, and videos are no exception. If you structure your video campaign, so it’s easy to share, you engage with many market segments that you won’t be able to reach usually. Shareability improves the SEO for small businesses, aside from just putting your brand out there.
Allowing your video to be shareable also means your audience becomes ambassadors for you, driving even more engagement between those that may not be following your brand. Even just raising awareness through sharing your video can bring a lot of good traffic to your brand.
8. Give people a reason to buy
For advertising a product, you should be able to convince your audience to buy whatever it is you’re selling. Whether it’s by showing its good points, convincing them that this is something they need, or just proving it superior to other products, always go intending to make it desirable.
However, it’s important not to oversell what your product can do, or push too hard with making people buy. The best way to approach this is to give reasonable expectations about what the product can do and make these expectations desirable to the people watching the video.
Contact local videographers
9. Keep your audience in focus
Tone-deaf messaging is one of the worst things you can apply to video marketing – but it’s a common pitfall by a brand that doesn’t study its audience.
Before making the video, try to tailor it to what your audience would like to see. Since they’ll be the ones engaging with the content, making it more relatable to them can give it a higher chance of success. This doesn’t just go for content: it also means keeping things like web accessibility resources and other methods of access in mind.
Again, this is another aspect where knowing your audience is important. While you can make some general assumptions on what they would be like, direct contact with your audience is a better way to get a firm grasp of what they want to see. You can think of this as engagement before engagement – reinforcing the connection between you and your audience.
10. Thumbnails are important
Before your audience ever watches a video, there’s a moment where they can see the thumbnail.
This is more important than you think. A well-crafted thumbnail can stand out in the sea of other videos on a feed and gives your audience a reasonable expectation of what they’ll see when they click the video.
A thumbnail can also help with the video itself by either subverting or reinforcing the message of the video. In this way, it works as a compelling narrative storytelling tool.
11. Create interactive content
If you have the budget and the idea, you can’t try creating interactive videos. Plenty of video streaming websites offer some version of these videos, but if you’re hosting them on your website, you have more freedom in the content. If you ever build a business website, then this is a step you can’t miss.
Interactive videos offer an added layer of experience above the engagement that video already provides. By encouraging your audience to interact with your video, you guarantee their attention and engagement.
Just remember not to make the video any more complicated than it has to be. Simplicity drives effective interactive videos. If it’s too annoying or too complicated, your audience will lose interest and will drop engagement.
12. Feature your audience in video content
Finally, featuring your audience in the video can be a great way to make engaging content. This can be as simple as featuring regular customers, to featuring content created by your audience.
User-generated content doesn’t just connect better with your audience, but you also save on the actual costs of producing the content for the video. User-generated content needs minimal editing and retouching so that you can pour your resources into other parts of the video.
One thing you should avoid is to mess with the content used in the video. The advantage of using user-generated content is that there’s a greater chance it can engage your audience since it’s more authentic and close to their experiences.
Video as a connection
Making video content is a necessity that any brand strategy needs to take into consideration. But a good video doesn’t always cause a successful one, and neither do successful videos always come from good looking video.
Video content should accomplish one thing above all else: be something that leaves an impression on the people watching it. With a good grasp of what to show and whom you’re showing it to, making engaging videos can be a reliable and successful endeavour.
Aside from having the right cover, one of the top considerations with insurance is how to maximise your policy.
Which cover you decide to buy is just the starting point.
To protect your business against all risks and manage your insurance effectively, it’s essential to understand the policy and increase your chances of a successful claim. Business costs can quickly rack up. But by minimising risks and improving precautions, you’re able to save money and gain more benefits from your cover.
Here’s how to optimise your business insurance for the most significant results.
1. Choose the right cover
Without the right cover, your business is at serious risk.
The best insurance for your business depends on the industry, number of staff, where you work from and what risks are associated with the work you do.
Choose the right cover by:
Conducting a risk assessment
Considering common business threats that apply to your industry
Determining what types of insurance coverage you need – for example; professional indemnity insurance (service-based, if you offer advice for a living), public liability insurance (protects against injury/damage caused by your products/services), business insurance (package option to cover multiple policies such as building, contents, theft and general property) and cyber-liability insurance (protects against online risks)
Tip: One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is underinsuring. In fact, according to the Insurance Council of Australia, only 63% of businesses have enough cover. Make sure you weigh up your business assets, include the most valuable in your cover and reevaluate if you buy new equipment or extra stock.
2. Review your business activities
Activities grow as your business does, so it’s essential to make sure you’re protected if things change.
If you have an insurance broker let them know when business activities differ. They’ll be able to review coverage options on your behalf to find the most beneficial one for you.
Check your policy to see if existing coverages need changing. Or, you may need to buy more protection. Significant changes to report include if you move your business to a new location, change the amount of staff you employ or introduce operational variations like expand product/services offerings.
The best way to lower your insurance costs is through a yearly evaluation.
Checking insurance statements is usually on the bottom of the to-do list. But avoid the set-and-forget tactic to review every 6-12 months, so you know what you’re working with.
Tip: Review your deductibles as well. Set an amount you can easily come up with if you need to make a claim. Higher deductibles may be beneficial for lower-risk businesses, as they help discourage you from filing smaller claims. Some insurance companies offer discounts for policyholders who don’t file claims.
4. Avoid bad practices
Bad practices increase the costs of your business insurance.
Consider the actions you take (and don’t take) if you want to avoid out-of-pocket costs and higher insurance premiums. Failing to provide training to staff and not maintaining a safe workplace are just some of the culprits that can increase your expenses.
Contact local commercial law experts
Make sure you:
Keep adequate records for risk management programs
Take reasonable care to ensure your staff are safe at work and on the job
Provide staff with regular training to prevent accidents
Choose a reputable insurer, licensed in your location and provides a good service
Implement more robust risk management to reduce insurance costs
Understand the policy details, such as contract terms, what it does and doesn’t cover and how you get paid for each claim
Some business owners are better off working with an insurance broker who helps by providing risk management advice and increasing your chances of a successful claim. This prevents high premiums, under or over-insuring and uncertain claims as a result of paperwork not being filled out correctly.
Getting your cover and policy right is the difference between being adequately insured or leaving your business exposed to incidents.
Your car is your road to freedom, so when your vehicle starts making funny noises, unfamiliar lights appear on the dashboard, brakes are becoming less responsive or smoke is appearing from underneath the bonnet, it is a sure sign that your car needs to be serviced. To avoid a surprise breakdown and expensive repairs we have identified the top ten warning signs that your car needs to be serviced by a qualified mechanic.
1. Engine warning light
The appearance of warning lights on your car’s dashboard should not be ignored. Car warning lights are programmed to light up when there is an issue with the area of the vehicle that they are monitoring. There are many different warning lights that will indicate a number of different problems, from battery issues, security alert, lamp out, oil pressure warning, reduced power warning and more. However, the one warning light that you must never ignore is the Engine Light. Should the Engine Light be showing it is important to take your car to a garage to be serviced immediately. Failure to do so may result in breakdowns and expensive repairs.
If you see or hear a warning sign, it’s important to have you vehicle checked for roadworthiness / Source: Premium Mechanical Services
2. Funny noises
Unusual noises, such as squeals and squeaks coming from your car can be an indication of problems with the fan belt, braking system or power steering fluid. The main noises to listen out for and what issues they indicate are:
Highly pitched squeals: heard when the ignition is turned on is indicative that the fan belt is either worn or loose
Squealing as brakes are applied: can be a sign that you need new brake pads or that dirt or bits of rock have ended up in the braking system
Squealing while driving: A squealing noise apparent whilst driving is a sign that your car tires may need to re-balanced, or that you need to replace your power steering fluid
3. Emissions of Smoke
Unusual emissions of smoke either from the exhaust or from under the bonnet of the car must be checked out. Black smoke from the exhaust can be signs of an oil leak, blockages and build-up of carbon in the system. Smoke from under the bonnet can be a sign that the car radiator isn’t working properly.
Strange vibrations are often a sign of problems such as worn or unbalanced tires, worn brake discs or pads, suspension issues or a problem with the steering system. It is strongly advised not to guess the root of the problem yourself and to instruct the services of a professional auto-mechanic as soon as you can.
4. Strange vibrations
5. Unresponsive brakes
The brakes on your vehicle go through a great deal of wear and tear, it is therefore extremely important to recognise any changes in the sensitivity and responsiveness of your brakes. If you notice any changes take your car to a garage to ensure your safety.
6. Stalling
Sudden stalling, even if you’re in the right gear, can indicate a fault with your engine. The stalling can be caused by clogged fuel filters or faulty spark plugs. Find a garage as a matter of urgency if you are experiencing these issues.
If you find it takes numerous attempts to get your car engine going, or your car coughs and splutters as you try to drive off this is likely to be a sign of faulty ignition. Ignition faults can be caused by a number of problems including a faulty starter motor or a dying battery.
8. Grinding gears
Grinding gears are often a simple indication of wear and tear, and will need to be fixed. Your chosen mechanic may replace parts of the gearbox, along with replenishing transmission fluids. The good news about gearbox issues is that they can be identified and fixed early, saving the driver costly repairs in the future.
Contact local mechanics
9. Decrease in power
A decrease in the power of your car, such as your vehicle struggling to reach its full speed potential, sudden surges of power or a full tank of petrol doesn’t take you as far as it used to, indicate that you should get your car checked over. Things such as incorrect tyre pressure can also cause a decrease in power but can be avoided if you have a high-quality tyre pressure gauge.
10. Steering
If you’re experiencing issues with your vehicle pulling to one side, even when you are in a neutral position, this is an indicator that something is wrong with your car steering. This is often caused as a result of a broken steering rack mounts or worn ball joints. If you finding that your steering wheel is very stiff this can also be a sign that you don’t have the right amount of air in your car tyres, or that you need to adjust the amount of power steering fluid.
If you’re looking to put your house on the market, or you simply want to update the look of your abode without spending a fortune – rather than thinking big renovation projects and interior design makeovers, it’s useful to think on a more micro level. There are multiple simple and budget-friendly ways to increase the value of your home to have it appear more desirable, with the help of a few experts.
1. A splash of paint
Just like fashion trends, interior wall paint colours can change. Painting the walls can lift the whole mood and atmosphere of your home while appearing in-style and modern. If you’re happy with the colour, but your walls are starting to look tired, a fresh coat can make the world of difference in making your home feel shiny and new.
Redesigning the colour scheme of your walls, while still keeping in mind your current decor, can completely transform the look and feel of your home without spending a fortune.
2. Update your outdoor space
With summer having just arrived, us Aussies love our outdoor living areas – socialising with mates, Sunday barbeques with family and even to relax by ourselves from time to time. Adding a deck to your outdoor entertaining area can exude a laid-back and modern atmosphere, facilitating any occasion. Hiring the right expert to install and design your decking will certainly increase the value of your home, and the main positive is that decking can sometimes be one of the more budget-friendly options for outdoor living areas.
Another outdoor aspect is the garden. Arranging a garden clean-up is simple, and it can do wonders to your area. Clean-ups by themselves are effective, but they can also provide a blank canvas for adding any shrubbery or trees, which are definitely expected to lift the overall impression of your home.
3. Clean your carpets
Hiring a professional to deep clean your carpets is a cheaper option than replacing your flooring all together, and it can still increase the value of your home. Most of us tend to vacuum our carpets, without much regard for the hidden dirt that has accumulated over the years that we can’t see. Experts can transform your carpet to appear brand new, which not only makes a difference in the look of your carpet, but also the smell within your home.
4. Kitchen upgrades
Rather than renovating the whole space to increase the attractiveness and value of your house, consider the smaller details that can really lift the design of your kitchen. If you’re on an extremely tight budget, think of replacing cupboard doors or handles. Or perhaps you’re willing to spend a little more on improving your kitchen area; consider replacing kitchen benchtops.
5. Change the light switches
Something so simple as changing the light switches can make a difference in the eyes of potential buyers of your home, or even just the impression of your friends if you’re not looking to sell. The installation or upgrade of light switches is one of the cheaper services that electricians provide. Standard white switches can tend to look yellow over time, usually only noticed when they are replaced. Head to a hardware store and perhaps opt for coloured or metal switch plates instead of a standard white switch to spruce up your home in a subtle way.
6. Bathroom updates
The bathroom is often the easiest room in the house to look dated. Luckily, there are a few simple tweaks you can do to give it a fresh feeling. Firstly, install some new shower screens for an instant lift. If the old one is looking ugly or cloudy from all those years of use, a new shower screen will deliver a fresh, beautiful look. You can go for one that is fully frameless or semi frameless, and you have plenty of different glass options for the screen.
Adding a new vanity is another good option for the bathroom. Putting in a new one could give you more storage, or just make for a fresher look from the older and scarred one that already sits in there. Don’t forget, you need a vanity that’s got plenty of storage and easy access, and one that has enough sink space for everyone who’s going to use it. Figure out what type of material is best for the bench top, and figure out how big it has to be before you construct anything. You can also explore adding in a heated towel rack, new towels and bathmats or a mirror de-mister.
Finally, it’s worth considering resurfacing the bathroom. This is a good, superficial makeover that does a lot of good. If you have chipped, tired or ugly tiles, resurfacing could make for an efficient answer to your problems. Contact a professional and see what they could do. With a little bit of work, your new tiles will give the whole room a fresh, charming look.
Contact local bathroom renovation experts
7. Add a skylight
Skylights bring natural light into your home, reducing the need for artificial light and energy usage. A home that has lots of daylight appeals to home to buyers because it makes the home seem warmer and brighter. It also requires much less energy to keep it attractive and liveable.
Different types of skylights
Skylights come in many different shapes and sizes, from rectangular to circular and diamond-shaped to triangular. They can use either glass or plastic glazing that is: flat, arched, domed or pyramid shaped. Tubular skylights are another option; these can even be funnelled through a building or down to different storeys of a home.
You can have a fixed or openable skylight, depending on your tastes. Fixed skylights have to stay in place and can’t be opened — they serve solely as a source of light. Openable skylights can be opened whenever you like by using either a manual turn or a motorised control to open the pane and help ventilate your home. These can increase your energy efficiency even further by creating a cooling source, which will also increase your home’s value.
Skylights do have to be well-insluated to make sure that they are not letting in extra heat — with the sun beating down directly on them all day, this can be a problem in summer months. It’s a good idea to find ones that offer insulation that surrounds the skylight and that also use glazing to stop heat from penetrating. Blinds are also a good idea so that on extra sunny or hot days you can screen off the light from the skylight.
One of the biggest bonuses of having your own home is the luxury of having your own washing machine. After all, it will be one of the most used appliances in the whole house. So regular indeed that you’ll want to make sure the washer you choose can not only handle your needs but suit your style as well.
Washing machine features
Whatever type of washing machine you’ll have, they’ll generally have the same type of features. Basic machines have settings for temperature, levels, and wash cycles; electronic machines might boast more options, including precise settings for temperature, items, and washing. You might also find features like fabric softener dispensers, delayed starts, automatic spin balancing and stainless steel tubs in your washing machine.
So, you’ll have to decide if it’s worth spending extra money on a more advanced option. A more expensive machine will be quieter, and will probably save you some on water and energy – but, of course, it will cost more.
Choosing a washing machine
When you go to pick out a washing machine, you’re going to have to select between a top-loading washing machine and a front-loading washing machine. Additionally, there is the option to buy a washer/dryer, which combines both of these appliances in one machine.
A front loader washing machine / Source: Gerain Group
Front-loaders
The pros
They are energy efficient and use less water than other machines.
Front-loaders take up less storage space as the door opens outward.
They are gentler on clothing and other fabrics.
The cons
They are more expensive than top loaders.
Once the wash cycle has started, front loaders can’t be opened as the water would spill onto the floor. Any changes or additions will have to wait.
Top-loaders
The pros
They’re generally the cheapest type of washing machine on the market.
They can be opened during the wash cycle, allowing you to add more clothes or fabric cleaner.
They remove more water during the spin cycle, meaning that you will have less drying to do. This will save energy if you’re using a tumble dryer or time if you hang your laundry.
The cons
They’re not always the most energy-efficient option, which can cost you money.
They take up more space than a front loader, as they open from the top, meaning you will need to keep the space above the machine free of obstructions.
Washer/dryers
The pros
You only need one machine for two tasks, saving you money and space.
You can set a load of laundry to wash and dry, meaning you can get the whole job done at once.
The cons
These machines can be considerably more expensive than dedicated washers and dryers.
The drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, meaning you’ll either have to do a half load if you want the whole job done at once or load separately for washing and drying.
To install a washing machine under your sink in Australia, you’ll need a drain hose of the correct size and diameter. It’s best to consult a plumbing expert for installation to ensure that the correct hose is fitted correctly and safely and for your unique needs and setup.
Environmentally friendly options
Reusing your washing machine water
According to surveys, 40 per cent of your water use typically comes from using a washing machine. If so, it makes economic sense to find a useful means of diverting and treating this wastewater for reuse in the home. Here is how it would be done:
Step 1: Switch to an eco-friendly laundry detergent and obtain a water tank
Step 2: Consult with a plumber. This professional will divert the overflow to the grey water tank on your property.
Step 3: The water diverted to the tank is filtered and treated.
Step 4: The water is made sanitary and can now be reused for the toilet, house and garage cleaning and in designated areas of the garden.
Contact local plumbers
Waterless washing machines
This type of innovative machine uses very little water to clean clothing. That also means it uses much less energy. In one type, a cartridge is positioned at the back of the machine that holds 20kg of plastic chips. These are dispersed into the load when you need to wash. You will then add a cup of water containing the necessary detergent to the machine. The water will dissolve all of the dirt present and the chips absorb the water. There is no spin or rinse cycle involved in the process. Once it is done, the bottom opens and the chips are collected. This type of cleaning method is capable of removing nearly all stains from clothing, even ones that are considered difficult to clean. The chips last a for about 100 loads. That may be about six months on average.
Another option to consider uses pressurised air as well as deodorants and negative ions to clean clothing. There are no uses of detergents with this product either.
How often do you need to clean the washing machine?
Washing machine maintenance technicians recommend that you clean your washing machine thoroughly every six months. You can remove all of the hard water, detergent, lint, and germ build-up with a thorough cleaning. You should clean your washing machine more often if you use it almost every day, and less often if you only use it once in a while.
You can avoid bacteria and mould growth if you leave the washing machine door open and allow the air to circulate inside after every wash. This will allow the excess moisture to evaporate and prevent odours and germs from developing.
You should also clean your washing machine if it suddenly develops any odours or if it stops cleaning your clothes as efficiently as it used to. Machines that are not cleaned regularly can develop limescale, which can lead to mould and bacterial growth.
A front loader washing machine / Source: Protek Design
Factory seconds washing machines
A factory seconds washing machine doesn’t qualify as new for many reasons, even though it practically is. A factory second is just a model that was used on the floor, as a demonstration model or for advertisements. Sometimes there are a few aesthetic flaws that disqualify it from being sold as new. Functionally, however, it is as good as a brand-new one, and at a greatly reduced price.
Repairing your washing machine
You may think that replacing your washing machine is the easiest and quickest fix, but this shouldn’t be your first thought. Since washing machines are costly, it may be in your best interest to repair it. In most cases, this is the cheaper option. Additionally, it can be a quick fix due to the fact that appliance repair companies carry a majority of common parts and are usually able to repair your washer within a few hours. Plus, repairing it is a more environmentally friendly option.
If you’re looking to build your own home or at least be an active participant in the construction, you will have to go through the process of obtaining an Owner-Builder permit. This also means that you’ll have to follow a ton of different legal requirements, many of which change depending on what state and territory you live in. Sound complicated? Don’t worry, we’re here to figure it out for you with this guide to owner-builder legal requirements.
What do you need to know about Owner-Builder legal requirements?
Why is this so important? Well, first, you’ll have to consider what could happen if there weren’t any legal responsibilities for the construction. The possibilities are scary. If you employ an unskilled builder, they could build a poorly-made house on a lousy foundation that could weaken or collapse over time. An unscrupulous owner-builder could employ subcontractors or labourers in a dangerous working environment, potentially causing a lot of physical harm. So, you’ll have to work with legal requirements that ensure that the environment is safe, the owner-builder practices safe building practices and that the owner-builder is properly insured.
Requirements before and during construction
So, what are the legal requirements before and during construction? First, you’ll have to have detailed plans drawn up by a professional. Those plans then need to be submitted, along with any required governmental forms (like a Bushfire Assessment, a Statement of Environmental Effects or a Building Sustainability Index) to make for a Development Application, or a DA. Make sure you have everything you need before you submit the DA – any missing document can make for a legal nightmare. Once that is approved, you’ll have to apply for an owner-builder permit. You’ll need to be 18 or older and the owner of the property, and you’ll have to confirm that you’ll be living in that home. There will be a fee for the application, and you might have to provide legal proof that you actually can work on the property or take an owner-builder course. Following that, you’ll need a Development Consent or Complying Development Certificate, and you’ll have to schedule appointments with inspectors to check out the building. Don’t forget, all of the legal responsibility during construction is on you. You have to make sure you use only licensed tradespersons and get all the right contracts drawn up, and you’ll have to have all of the right insurances.
Land surveying must be done before construction begins / Source: Statiker
Requirements after construction
Another thing to consider – there are plenty of legal requirements you’ll have to deal with after construction is done. You may have to take out Statutory insurance or a Statutory Warranty, and you’ll need to get council approval before you actually move in.
Does your project need council approval?
You may think that a project is so minute that it doesn’t need council approval; however, most projects do require you to gain approval. Some projects that need approval that you may not be aware of are as follows:
If you plan to build decking that stands 60cm or more above the ground, you should seek approval.
As a significant building structure, a covered patio may need council approval.
A carport might need approval if the floor area is greater than 20 square meters. This is the case if you live in the suburbs or in an urban area.
If you plan to build a shed and use it as a house, you need to seek approval first.
You may be curious what deems it necessary for a project to require council approval. This is based on various factors such as:
Does the structure change the appearance of your home?
Will the structure possibly cause damage to the environment or cause soil erosion?
How safe is the structure?
How hygienic is the building?
How does my project affect neighbouring properties?
Contact local builders
These reasons are the main ones that determine depict whether building regulations are established. A council determines the regulations by factoring in what makes for safe construction. This means that even if the deck you plan to build is only 60cm in height, it may still present itself as a threat if it’s not constructed properly or if there is a lack of sturdy fencing around it.
There are instances where the prospective building project may be excused from the process of filling out a development application, also called a DA application. On the contrary, there are other instances where you must fill out an application for a home extension or a new home, but you may be eligible for the “fast track” building application approval. Since inquiring with the council doesn’t cost you, don’t hesitate to ask about council approval for your project. The fee for getting council approval for your building project is typically reasonable and directly relates to the scale of the project and also the cost of it. To avoid problems, you should always consult with your local council prior to beginning a project.
Do you remember the good ‘ol days when you did laundry in the basement or in a tiny room in the back of the house? Those days are over. Now homes have fully equipped laundry rooms with plenty of amenities, storage, and convenience. If you want to renovate a room in your home into a laundry room, read on for our comprehensive guide below.
Ergonomics for the laundry
While ergonomic principles can be helpful in any room, they are especially handy in the laundry. Think about how much time you spend in the laundry sorting clothes, loading and unloading machines, and folding and ironing clothes. Here are some tips to help you make your laundry more ergonomic.
First, arrange the laundry around the most commonly used items, which are the dryer and washing machine. By placing them close together, you can limit how far you have to carry heavy wet clothes from the washer to the dryer. When deciding on their placement, choose a spot where you won’t have to bend over to use them.
When designing your laundry, don’t forget to include a surface space, such as a benchtop. It should be installed at a comfortable height, so you will have a spot to sort and fold laundry without straining at an uncomfortable level. Consider installing your ironing board so it folds down. Having it in the laundry will eliminate the need to lug the ironing board around and find a spot to open it every time you need to quickly iron something.
One of the first things you can do is use hampers. Most of the time, you may only have one hamper for dirty clothes. However, if this is the case, you likely have dirty clothes that need to be sorted before you can even begin with the washing. It may be better to purchase several hampers and spread them out if you have the room.
Ironing and folding room organisation
Another common problem is having enough space to handle all of the ironing and folding you need to do. If you do this spread out over a couch because you do not have room to do it in the laundry room, it may be time to make a change. Dedicate a specific location in the room for ironing and folding.
Using shelving
In most areas, you need shelving because of all of the chemicals and supplies you need to have on hand. You may be able to invest in a small cabinet to store these items. If not, install some overhead shelving so you can keep these items safely put away and out of the reach of children.
Managing the garbage
Finally, to completely ensure that the laundry area is properly maintained, install a waste bin. That way, you can throw away all of your cleaning supplies or lint from the clothing right away. You do not want to have to move this rubbish around your home instead.
Choosing appliances
Washing machine
Capacity: Choose the capacity and size of a washing machine depending on the amount of washing you do. A smaller machine costs less, but if you end up doing two loads per day, you are wasting electricity, water and your time. For bigger and more frequent washing loads, front-loading washing machines take up less water and are more gentle on your clothes.
Features: Today’s washing machines come with all kinds of frills, but only pay for what you really need. You can set the desired water temperature and wash cycles using electronic controls. Sensors automatically set the machine’s wash cycle depending on how dirty and big the wash load is. Delayed start mechanism, automatic load balancing, and containers for bleach and fabric softener are other good-to-have features.
Energy Efficiency:Look for the Energy Star rating on the machine to determine how eco-friendly it is. Washing machines with fast spin cycles reduce the drying time, and are more energy-efficient.
Contact local plumbers
Dryer
Dryers of six-kilogramme capacity are the most popular. To choose the right model for you, consider the features available. Electronic controls give you more flexibility in settings with the push of a button. Sensor systems can shut down the dryer as soon as the clothes are sufficiently dry. Condensers prevent the dryer from expelling moisture into your room, and is required in poorly-ventilated apartment homes.
Iron
Steam andspray:Tough wrinkles are easily taken care of by a spray of steam. Check that the capacity of the water receptacle is sufficient for you. If you use tap water, invest in an anti-calc iron that does not allow mineral deposits to clog the steam holes.
Non-stick sole:A non-stick coating over an iron’s stainless steel or aluminium sole facilitates ironing, but it needs good care.
Cordless irons: Cordless irons offer convenience, but these are ideal only for a few clothes at a time. Higher wattage irons can retain the heat at a constant level.
Automatic shut-off: This safety feature is great if you are forgetful, or you multi-task with chores.
Natural washing powders are easy on the environment. These are made from non-toxic plant matter and minerals, and are free from chlorine bleach, phosphates, petrochemicals and other harmful substances. Even when cleaning your home, use non-chemical cleaning products. Microfibre rags and mops can be used to effectively clean your tiles, floors and countertops, even without the help of detergents.
Using a rainwater tank
Connect the incoming plumbing line of your washing machine, dishwasher and toilets to your rainwater tank. Besides saving on water fit for human consumption, you will also get grants from the government for such eco-friendly initiatives. Water given out by the washing machine cannot be used for drinking or cooking, but it is safe for watering your plants.
Ideal laundry location
If you are building a new home, you can plan the location of your laundry such that it helps improve the insulation of the rest of your home, which in turn lowers the electricity bills. Since the laundry doesn’t require a controlled temperature, place it along the side of the home facing west or south, if you live in a hot or cold climate respectively.
FAQ
How can you mount a dryer on the wall?
To mount a dryer on the wall, you’ll need a strong bracket to hold the weight of the dryer. Attach the bracket to a wall stud using screws, and then hook the dryer onto the bracket. Secure the dryer using additional screws or clamps. Follow all manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines before proceeding, and consult a professional if needed.
Having a positive reputation online can often mean the difference between winning the job, or losing the customer. Think about your own browsing habits when deciding on buying a product or requesting a service. How often is your decision swayed by the number of stars on an item listing? Do you look at how the product performs in the real world, beyond the advertised? 88 per cent of customers say that they determine the quality of a local business based on their reviews.
Here are the best practices of online reputation management and exactly how you can make your review forums work in your favour.
The wider your coverage, the stronger your credibility
Firstly, ensure you’re set up on a number of trustworthy review platforms and forums such as:
A good starting point is to check out where your competitors are, chances are you should probably be there too.
Eliminate the barriers
Make it as easy as possible for customers to review your work online. One of the simplest ways to do this is to send clients a direct link to your business’ review page/s via email, SMS or even at the top of your invoice. The review process should be quick and streamlined, not long and tedious. Top-performing Oneflare businesses also suggest a follow-up call to ensure the client was happy with your work might be a good option and, if they are indeed pleased with your performance, it’s the perfect time to ask for a recommendation.
Determine the right timing of the invitation
Ideally, you should engage with your customer and ask them to leave you a review when they’re at their happiest. For example, if you’re a wedding photographer, it might be helpful to ask for a review when you deliver the photos of the big day. Nothing wrong with taking advantage of peak customer satisfaction! If, however, you’re a builder and you’ve been delayed on finishing a project, you may be better off holding off asking until the service is complete.
Make it as easy as possible for customers to leave reviews / Source: Shutterstock
Incentivise
While you are not legally allowed to buy or pay for a review, you can gamify the process by:
Placing any one who leaves an honest review (good or bad) in the draw to win something; or
Organising a ‘surprise and delight’ for one lucky customer who has left an honest review.
Find opportunities
If someone sends you a review via email, text message or over the phone, feel free to either send them the direct link to your preferred review platform or ask them if they’d be happy for you to copy and paste/type out the review on their behalf. Alternatively, you can post it as anonymous.
Include the good, the bad and the brutally honest
A page full of glowing reviews is usually a red flag for prospective customers (fake alert!). Each comment is a useful insight into how your business is performing, so always listen and aim to do better! It is, after all, a valuable learning experience. The aim is to collect as many positive reviews as you can and turn each negative experience into a positive one.
Never reply to a negative review when you’re frustrated
Just like the old adage of never going to bed angry, resist the urge to bite back when you’re upset. Take a breath and take the time to process the comment before responding, you might find you’ll learn some valuable feedback. If you’re certain you’re not in the wrong, make sure to describe what you did to resolve the situation before the review was posted publicly.
Contact local web design experts
Resist the urge to say, ‘I’m sorry you had a bad experience’
Instead, kill ‘em with kindness. Empathise and get on the front foot by showing prospective customers that you are a professional business willing to fix genuine mistakes and rectify the situation if required. Promptly offering an appropriate solution to their problem will likely eventuate in a return customer.
Avoid using emotion or sarcasm
Sarcasm and tone don’t necessarily translate well online. As an attentive service provider, you’ll need to give the customer the benefit of the doubt, while remaining rational, cool and factual at all times.
Act fast
A negative review is a ticking time bomb, so ensure you address the complaint respectfully and appropriately in a timely manner. Leaving the review unanswered can turn away potential clients so make sure to prioritise a response. Interested in learning more? Our Oneflare HQ industry leaders in sales, marketing and SEO can tell you all about new technology and how to build trust with potential customers online. Check out the video here.
