Does My Sydney Renovation Need a DA?

Valerie, The Editor: May 20th, 2018

Don’t get caught out. Your renovation may need a DA

With the real estate market being what it is over the last few years, it seems that more people are choosing to renovate their existing homes, rather than sell, buy, and move to bigger premises. This trend for renovations is readily apparent in recent year surveys conducted by Houzz and Home, which consisted of 13,000 Australian property owners.

Part of the motivation to renovate in Sydney can also be attributed to the fact that add-ons which increase living space or add more secure parking to a residence, often increase the aesthetic appeal and dollar value of a home.

How To Find A Great Painter In My Local Area?

Valerie, The Editor: April 20th, 2018

Watch out for low-quality painters

When you need to spruce up your home with a fresh coat of paint, or the interior is looking a little shabby and needs a touch-up, you are going to need a reliable painter who is known for their quality work.

Low-quality painters know how to make a job look good just long enough to cash your cheque, but once the paint dries and a couple of months have passed, the real quality of their work will become apparent. Bubbles may start to appear, and paint may begin to peel off – making your bright new living room or freshly painted exterior look worse than it did before.

How To Do a Trade Licence Check With NSW Fair Trading

Valerie, The Editor: March 20th, 2018

Do this before you hire your next tradie?

If you live in NSW and need to hire a builder or other tradie, did you know that they are required to be licensed to do the work which they perform? A tradie working without the proper licensing in place is breaking the law and will be fined if caught.

It’s possible to check that any tradesperson you are thinking about hiring has the proper licensing in place which ensures that they are qualified to do the work.

It also pays to keep in mind that if you use a tradesperson who isn’t licensed, then you can be held liable for any of the work they carry out.

Top 7 Backyard Improvement Ideas

Valerie, The Editor: February 20th, 2018

Looking for a backyard transformation?

Do you want your backyard to feature an unattractive slab of concrete baking in the sun, or would you rather a cool and inviting area promising an afternoon of peace, icy cold drinks, and a cool summer breeze?

Your backyard doesn’t have to be somewhere just for hanging the clothes out. A little clever home improvement in the backyard space can go a long way to adding peace and tranquillity to your home life.

You just need to be inspired to make some backyard improvements. Here are some top ideas. 

Ways To Protect And Maintain Your Timber Floor Boards

Valerie, The Editor: January 30th, 2018

Shine! Shine!! Shine!!!….Those floor boards

Timber floor boards are beautiful, durable, and can add a lot of value to any home. But because of its maintenance requirements, many people tend to avoid installing them.

People do fear that their once shiny timber floor board could become dull and dingy.

Regardless of the great look, density, hardness or coating, floor sander and timber floor boards will have some marks and scratch. Some will choose to resurface or re-coat at some point. However, with proper care, your timber floor can last a lifetime.

Is Your Sydney Builder Licensed?

Valerie, The Editor: December 15th, 2017

Don’t risk working with an unlicensed Sydney builder

So you’ve finally decided that your home needs a renovation. What do you do now? Aside from making sure you know your renovation goals, the next step is hiring a builder who can help you execute your vision but also remain legally compliant with all council and building regulations.

This all comes down to hiring a fully licensed Sydney builder.

So how do you check if your Sydney home builder is licensed?

How Much Does A Sydney Kitchen Renovation Cost?

Valerie, The Editor: December 1st, 2017

What would it cost for a kitchen renovation in Sydney?

Enquire from a kitchen designer, and they possibly would reply, “How much are you willing to devote?” Though it would be more politely said, they’ll also provide you some possibilities. A better inquiry would be: “What is your budget range for a kitchen renovation?” With this, you can have a kitchen renovation that not only fits but also matches your finances, too.

Sydney Builder Contracts – What Does NSW Fair Trading Say?

Valerie, The Editor: November 13th, 2017

Don’t get caught out with a Sydney builder!  

Picking the right Sydney builder for your home or renovation is perhaps one of the most important decisions you need to make.

Getting it wrong can be costly and extremely heart breaking.

One of the best ways to protect yourself with a builder is to ensure you have a solid contract in place.

Here’s what NSW Fair Trading has to say about builder contracts.

How To Grow Your Own Potatoes At Home

Valerie, The Editor: November 1st, 2017

Grow your own potatoes at home!

The future is about going green and being sustainable. With all the climate change and ongoing debates, learning how to grow your own plants can pay off in the long run and one of the best ways to start on this green initiative is learning how to grow your own potatoes.

Growing potatoes in your own home can be both exciting and economical. And better still, you can save money knowing you have a food source right at your own backyard.

Here are some tips you can follow if you want to produce your own potatoes.

How Can I Juggle My Home Renovation And Mortgage?

Valerie, The Editor: October 16th, 2017

Managing the mortgage and home renovation

We all want great houses but beautiful and functional homes don’t always come cheap.

Often, it’s stressful just to think about buying a new house and renovating it.

However, it doesn’t always have to be hard. Here are some tips on how you can manage to afford a renovation on top of your mortgage.