CVG | Construction Ventures Guide

Author: CVG (Page 1 of 2)

Pros and Cons of Installing a Pool Blanket

On February 8, 2019

Pool covers or blankets as they are often called have many advantages, yet most people with a pool in their backyard don’t use them. There are two main reasons for this; people don’t like how they look, or they don’t have enough room to install one. Budget may also be important. Most people would prefer an automatic pool cleaner over a blanket.

However, because they are not all that common, many people would not realise just what the advantages of having a pool cover are. Here are the pros and cons of pool covers.

Pros

If you live in a climate where winter comes early and the sun is often not hot even in summer, using a pool cover will increase the water temperature by around 4 degrees, making your swim much more enjoyable.
It saves a great deal on the cost of heating water in a cooler climate.
A pool blanket will keep leaves and twigs out of the pool, making it easier to clean and reducing the amount of chlorine needed to get the pH up to scratch.
It reduces the consumption of chlorine because UV rays degrade it. But plastic keeps the UV rays off the water.

How Often Should I Service My Fire Extinguisher For Optimal Fire Protection?

By CVG

On July 20, 2018

In Maintenance

Workplace safety is an extremely important consideration in the modern world. In many cases, fire protection is up there among the most important aspects of workplace safety, mainly due to the unpredictable, dangerous nature of fires. A lot of people will argue that fire protection should include a fire action plan, an evacuation plan and a range of fire protection equipment – such as fire extinguishers.

It is essential to remember that you can’t just install fire safety equipment and then forget about it. Things like fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems need to be serviced regularly to make sure that they remain in good working order, and that they can be used quickly and effectively by everyone in the workplace.

Why Do I Need To Service My Fire Extinguishers?

Things like fire extinguisher servicing is very important as they do need to be maintained to a high standard. Fittings and seals can degrade over time, and the contents of an extinguisher can go bad eventually. Regular servicing by a trained professional will help to make sure that your extinguishers remain in working order throughout the year.

Time to Update your Home’s Plumbing

By CVG

On April 15, 2018

In Plumbing

Unless you live in a fairly modern, recently built home, you probably won’t know a lot about how your plumbing system is getting on. Yes, it’s working, and you know a bit about certain parts, but not many homeowners really know the status of their water system. If there seems to be a bit of ‘hubble, bubble, toil and trouble’ might indicate a system overhaul and give you the chance of reaping the benefits of a new plumbing system.

The Signs that your Plumbing System needs to be Replaced

J Sutton Plumbing know all too well that home catastrophes are unpleasant surprises, so it might be a good idea to know what signs to look for before you are confronted with a burst pipe.

Colour of Your Water – If your water supply through the tap starts to look a bit reddish or rust coloured, it might indicate some corrosion in the older pipes. That’s not something that can be ignored as that may lead to a burst pipe and then you are looking at emergency plumbing repairs rather than a planned installation. Deteriorating pipes can sometimes be detected from foul smells due to rust or mould.

House Plans and Your Fence

By CVG

On February 14, 2018

In Fencing

According to Lone Pine Fencing, Fences come in all sizes and shapes and in many materials. Before selecting the style and kind you want for your house, check with the local council regulations about what is allowed. There are regulations for size, where it can be erected, and the style. For front fences or walls, the council may not even allow one. Your builder should be aware of all these anyway. Once you know the regulations, you can select the style that best suits your house plans.

The reason for the fence

What is the fence for? Is it for keeping children and pets safely in the yard? Is it for safety around a swimming pool? Is it simply for adding style and individuality to your space? Your choice will depend entirely on the level of privacy or the look you want to achieve.

Fence Style

Privacy usually means a solid face and built at a height of around 1.8 metres. Semi-Privacy may mean a shorter fence with open lattice work at the top. Or you can opt for shadow box style which is fence panels or boards placed on either side of the support rails. Decorative usually means picket fences which can at least keep pets and kids inside the yard. The last option is to make it a natural fence, a living fence. You can do this by planting hedge or bush type plants along the boundary. Depending on the height to which they can grow, and their density, they provide privacy as well as sound absorption.

5 Reasons to Choose Hardwood Flooring

By CVG

On October 17, 2017

In Architecture & Design, Interior Design

Tiled floors. They were a trendsetter in the flooring of a house for years. Not a bad idea either when you lived in a hot or warm climate. They were cool to walk on, a bit frosty on the toes in the mornings, but a few rugs positioned near the bed usually fixed that problem. But according to Extrudawood, tastes are changing and timber flooring is becoming a stronger preference each year.

Whу Chооѕе Hаrdwооd Floors ?

They are a hеаlthу alternative – due to it being a natural product, wooden flooring is a biodegradable product. Dust mites, dirt, and other such allergens can be normally found in carpeting but find it hard to hide anywhere on a timber floor. Technology has come a long way as well, and there are a lot of water-based products developed to enable homeowners to apply a finish to their hardwood floors that are safe and odourless.
The Overall Cost – When you opt for wooden flooring, it’s a lifetime commitment. In addition, it adds value to the home. While your home increases in value, so does the investment. Proper maintenance on this home improvement increases the longevity of the home. This makes it a very popular choice for new home construction as well as for renovations.

Latest Kitchen Design Trends

By CVG

On September 10, 2017

In Cabinets

Kitchen Design Trends To Consider
Trends are always coming and going, but when it comes to kitchens, considering the latest trends can mean your kitchen stands out and makes a great impression upon guests, and future buyers of your home.

Entertainment space
Entertaining using the kitchen as part of the space is now common practice, even in older homes. But old houses were often built with walls between the kitchen and living areas. More and more people are removing these walls, creating a large open space. Taking it a step further would involve opening up the front of the kitchen into the backyard (or other outdoor area) for a complete open living and dining experience. This kind of re-modelling of your kitchen turns it from simply a room to do the cooking, into the central and most appealing part of your home.

The Importance of Insurance When Working With Removalists

By CVG

On September 2, 2017

In Maintenance

One of the best parts of working with removalists is that a majority of them around Australia have insurance policies. They offer insurance as a means of protecting you from any liabilities that might come about should any of your items be lost or stolen or damaged.

But not all removalists’ insurance policies are truly alike. Every team has its own rules for how to cover the risks associated with a variety of risks that are likely. These include rules about how certain items should be packed and stacked, and what is the best type of material for packaging.

The rules over what contents are covered by your insurance policy should be analyzed carefully. Look at how the rules relate to individual types of materials based on what’s on the manifest or inventory that you fill out.

Designing a Relaxing Bedroom Retreat

By CVG

On August 10, 2017

In Architecture & Design, Interior Design

The bedroom is often the last place people pay attention to when designing or renovating a home. Far too many bedrooms wind up being uninspiring boxes with little to no architectural details or features that make them stand out. A good bedroom or master suite is far more than just a room with a bed in it. Any well-designed bedroom should be functional and peaceful, which takes a lot more planning than you might imagine. Your bedroom should be a place where you enjoy spending time at the end of a long day. Here are some design features you should think about when designing a beautiful and functional master bedroom.

Storage: The number one feature that people look for in a bedroom aside from size is how much storage the room has. Having plenty of space for clothes, shoes, and accessories is a must have. While not everyone needs or wants a large walk-in closet, it is still important to have a place where you can keep your clothes neatly tucked away. Make sure your remodelling plan has enough room to keep all the clothes you own right now, as well as a bit of room to grow for the years to come. The more storage you have, the more attractive your bedroom will be at resale, provided the storage is well designed and doesn’t detract from the feel of your room.

Make Your Home Eco-Friendly with a Rainwater Tank

By CVG

On June 27, 2017

In Building & Construction

There are many good reasons to make your home more environmentally friendly. Generally, taking steps to improve the eco-friendliness of your home will save you money in the long run, allowing you to reduce your consumption and resource usage. Installing a rainwater collection tank to catch the rain falling off your roof is one way to do such that. With warmer summers, less rainfall, and higher populations, having enough clean water is becoming more of a pressing issue.

The government is starting to restrict water usage in high priority areas. The Water Corporation is also launching a campaign alongside swimming pool builders to help home-owners find ways to reduce their water consumption by 60 litres a day per person. It is possible to use less water without having to alter the way you live, and a rainwater tank is one great way to do just that.

Why buy a house and land package?

By CVG

On May 2, 2017

In Building & Construction

This is an interesting situation and like so many things in life you need to compare apples with apples. One common situation you might come across after spotting all the builders display centre flag poles is when a builder offers a house and land package.

The builder owns a number of blocks and for the one price you get your block of land and your house built on it. At first sight it sounds like a darn good idea. You don’t have to go around looking for a block of land and then, having purchased it, start looking for a builder. With a house and land package you may well be dealing with the one person.

But every house and land package is not the same. Every builder is not the same. So what are the pros and cons in this situation? Let’s talk about changes to the contract, let’s talk about variations. Some builders who offer a house and land package have a very fixed view on what you get for the price. They would argue that the price is as low as it is because they don’t allow for variations. You may want to change the colour scheme or have higher ceilings or a different type of floor covering or you may not want to have the landscaping which comes with the contract.

The Finishing Touches For Outdoor Design

By CVG

On March 19, 2017

In Outdoor Living

According to Landscape Design Sydney, outdoor design is not just about landscaping the garden; it is about creating an area that you can use just as much as something to be admired. The latest trend is to build an outdoor alfresco area along with any landscaping. In fact, this outdoor area is encompassed within the whole and the finishing touches are the kind of outdoor furniture you choose for this area.

You’ve already decided on the kind of outdoor area you want, with the floor, overhead covering, lighting and other details. The alfresco furniture is an important finishing touch that must meet certain requirements too.

- It should be comfortable to sit on and use. Without comfort the whole area will be used less than you intended. No one wants to sit on hard seats that offer no support for their back, so choose your furniture with comfort in mind.
- It must withstand all kinds of weather. You won’t want the job of bringing furniture inside and taking it out every time you want to use it. It should be weather resistant so it can be left in place, otherwise eating outside or even enjoying some relaxation will become too hard.
- It needs to tone in with the surroundings. Not all types of furniture suit specific outdoor designs or renovations.

Why you always need a good electrician

By CVG

On January 21, 2017

In Maintenance, Renovations

Have you noticed exposed wires or smoking electrical outlets at your home? Are you dealing with flickering lights, power outages or other problems that are keeping your business from operating as usual? Have you spotted electrical wires in water at any place in your home, your workplace or your industrial worksite?

If your answer to any of the preceding questions is yes, it may be time to call for the help of an experienced emergency electrician.

First Aid for Your Carpet During Renovations

By CVG

On October 17, 2016

In Renovations

Having renovations done to your home can increase the value and enhance your lifestyle, especially if it gives you more room. But if those renovations are internal, your carpet will be likely to suffer. Why? And carpet cleaners will tell you that a carpet acts as a filter that takes all of the dirt and dust in your home and hides it within the fibres.c

This happens because those little bits of crumbs and any sticky substances on the floor or even particles from outside stick to your shoes or bare feet – until you walk on the carpet. The carpet fibres act as a brush and sweep your shoes and feet clean, but the dirt stays in the carpet until you clean it out. So what about when you are renovating?

How to Have a Truly Luxurious Verandah

By CVG

On October 6, 2016

In Building & Construction

The typical verandah or patio is a rectangular extension along the back or side of the house that allows you to enjoy a place of relaxation without going outside. Since it is completely roofed over and attached to the house it becomes part of the house, but still allows you to step out into fresh air without being ‘outside’ as it were.

Some people break with the traditional idea of the verandah and create an outdoor space that is truly luxurious, being much larger than the usual long, narrow area. The result can make a stunning addition to the home that is both exotic and beautiful. Here’s how to do it.

Best Flooring for Pets

By CVG

On July 18, 2016

In Flooring

Many people think a hardwood floor would be the best choice for pets, especially dogs. But when you think of choosing the best floor for your pet, you need to take the animals welfare and comfort into account, as well as your budget and the maintenance likely to be needed over the lifetime of the pet. Here are some thoughts on the best flooring for pets.

Carpet

Many dog types love a soft floor to lay on, especially those without much fur on their tummy region. Their choice of floor covering is usually carpet, though often their owners disagree. It is true that carpet can be damaged by pets, especially if they have an accident on it. However, fond pet owners to whom their little doggie friend means everything may not care.

If you want carpet and pets, you can put down mats at doorways to minimise dirt getting tracked inside. Choose carpet with a cut pile that will not get caught in claws. This would be uncomfortable for your pet and is likely to ruin the carpet as one pull will undo a whole row of stitching. Vacuuming the carpet frequently will help minimise pet hair and dander. Scheduling regular visits from a professional carpet cleaning company should keep your carpet looking brand new.

The Difference Between Smooth and Rough Texture Stone Cladding

By CVG

On May 24, 2016

In Building & Construction

Limestone is a sedimentary rock made from layers of calcium carbonate from organic matter, usually in the bottom of a shallow sea. It is pressed into a dense mass over many years by the pressures above it. Some types are very hard, while others are not so hard, depending on where they come from.

Limestone is one of the most popular building materials these days, with its durability and strength as well as the many beautiful finishes that enhance many building projects. One of the main attractions is that you can have either a smooth or a rough texture for stone cladding.

This is achieved both through the cut of the tiles and through their placement. For instance, rough cut tiles have a finish that is rough to the touch, while you can run your hand easily over the smooth textured tiles and it will have a more silky feel.

Usually, the rougher tile is used for fencing or external feature walls while the smoother texture is great for flooring, indoor cladding and features such as a barbecue, seats or tables. The smooth tile is good for floors because it can be more easily sealed.

How to Ensure Your Rental is Profitable?

By CVG

On May 13, 2016

In Property Investment

The only way you can start to make a profit on your rental is to get it leased out. This means you need to have a home or commercial building that presents well; it must be spick and span, with no obvious faults and definitely not shabby-looking. So property maintenance is the order of the day as soon as your present lessee calls in the removalists and moves out. Of course you have to make essential repairs while tenants are in your rental, but there are other things to do that can’t be done until it is vacant.

Walls get shabby after a house has been lived in for some years. Cleaning doesn’t always make them look any better. Repainting the interior will make your rental look like new again, with more modern colours and that new look and feel. Some homes also need new carpets or other floor coverings and new curtains or blinds to make them look like a home.

cvg.net.au home-will-cool-colorbond-roof

Why Your Home will be Cool with a Colorbond Roof

By CVG

On May 1, 2016

In Building & Construction

Some people may wonder if their home will be cool with Colorbond roofing. After all, it is thin steel sheeting and that may seem as if it will be hot. However, there are several reasons why this will not be the case. A Colorbond roof is indeed, quite cool and can even save you a great deal on the cost of cooling and heating over the lifetime of your home.

For a start, Thermatech Solar Reflectance Technology, the special technology that is now used when painting the colours onto the steel in the factory, actually reflects the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them. There are only two colours that don’t do this; Colorbond stainless steel that is not painted at all and Night Sky, which is black. And not many people would want to have a black roof, anyway. Even the other, darker colours reflect the sun’s heat well. When something reflects the sun’s rays, it also reflects the heat away from the surface, making it cooler.

This not only makes your home more comfortable, it saves on the cost of air-conditioning because there will be many days that you won’t feel the need for it. The cooling effect of Thermatech technology is a lot less in the winter because the sun is lower in the sky, changing the angle of the sun to the roof. Also, the days are shorter and often they are overcast, so your home remains warmer rather than cooler.

Pool Finishes: The Hidden Secret

By CVG

On April 6, 2016

In Swimming Pools

The hidden secret of the pools looking splendid are the exclusive pool finishes. The pool finishes have been divided into three types such as- Tile Finishes, Plaster Finishes and Aggregate Finishes. These finishes when installed can transform your backyard pool area into an exclusive party zone or a beautiful vicinity designed to relax and unwind after a long day.

Tile Finishes: Tile Finishes are frequently used on the pool floor, the waterline or steps to achieve a vibrant look. A long-lasting pool finish, they come in a huge range of styles, shapes, sizes and colors making infinite designs possible.

By appearance, tiles are shiny and provide the pools a chic look
In comparison to other finishes (plaster or aggregate finish) they are the most long lasting finish that takes longer installation time.
Tile finishes hardly ever need a replacement when applied correctly
Maintenance required is minimal
They are the most pricey pool finish
Tile finishes comprise of Ceramic, porcelain, stone and glass tiles

Why Cheap Scaffolding Should Be Avoided

By CVG

On March 10, 2016

In General Construction

Scaffolding is an important part of most building projects, but especially those where the buildings are above the reach of employees. Skyscrapers and even buildings with one storey could not be built without some kind of scaffolding in place to enable workers to access the work areas. Even many home projects need some kind of scaffolding, be it ever so simple.

No matter what kind of project it is for, if scaffolding is needed at all, it should be strong and sturdy, otherwise you risk nasty accidents happening to employees or to yourself if you are doing a renovation job on your home. There are several parts to scaffolding and all need to be strong.

- The framework is what holds up the walkways and gives the entire structure stability and strength to cope with the loads it must bear.
- The flooring should be strong as this also bears the weight of workers and other loads such as a wheelbarrow full of cement and other building materials.

A Brief History of Colorbond

By CVG

On February 3, 2016

In Building & Construction

Colorbond steel roofing and walling is a firm favourite today for new homes or renovation and re-roofing projects – and it has an interesting history. Way back in 1843 a bright spark in England realised that making corrugations in a thin sheet of steel strengthened it considerably. Corrugated iron, as it was called in those days, made an ideal building material because it was so light and could stack easily for transportation. It didn’t even need to be painted, although many people did paint it just to enhance its looks.

Within a decade of its invention it was brought to Australia by John Lysaght where it quickly became the most popular building material around. It was affordable, durable, quick and easy to erect and could even be transported on camels. Many buildings were made totally from corrugated iron for these reasons. Some were painted but most were not; why spend money on paint when it was not necessary?

It took a whole century before a way was found to bond paint to the galvanised iron. Two companies in America worked together on this aspect; Lithostrip Corporation in Chicago and Pre Finish Metals. It was once again John Lysaght that brought the technology to Australia. He and others invested a great deal of time and effort, not to mention finances, into getting the product just right for Australian conditions. They had to build a factory to work in and this was located in Port Kembla, Wollongong. It was 1966 when the first roll of coloured steel came off the painting line and became the talk of the industry.

How to Maintain Your Fence

By CVG

On July 23, 2015

In Fencing

Just like a house or any other construction, a fence needs a certain amount of maintenance if it is to last well. According to fencing contractors Eline Fencing, what you’ll need to do depends on what kind of fencing you have, but a steel panel fence is one of the easiest to maintain.

Here are some tips on how best to maintain your fence

Steel panel – the main problem with a steel fence is rust, but if you keep the bottom clear of soil and mulch, it shouldn’t rust for many years. Never bank soil up so that it rests against the bottom of a steel fence, and don’t dig a channel for it to rest in when erecting it. Once the newness wears of and the colour starts to fade, it can be painted, but use a paint that is suitable for steel. Don’t use water based paint. Never paint over any rusted surface as the paint and rust will just come off.

How Financial Planning Can Reduce Your Mortgage

By CVG

On April 12, 2015

In Home Finance

It is said that those who fail to plan, plan to fail. While that might not be quite true there is certainly some truth in it, especially when it comes to finances. If you don’t do at least some financial planning in your life, it is highly unlikely that you will reach your goals. You may think that having a career that pays well is all you need, but most financial advisors will point out the numerous people on high wages that are strapped for cash, simply because they don’t plan their finances.

A mortgage is one of the largest costs most of us will ever have to pay. It takes many years to pay it back and is quite a struggle for some people. Others flounder and fail, losing their home and going bankrupt. This could often have been avoided with advice from a financial planner.

Your Lawn – Seeds or Turf?

By CVG

On January 13, 2015

In Landscaping

We are already half way through winter and spring is quickly approaching, and thoughts turn to lawns. No matter if you’ve just built the house of your dreams, or you want to redesign your garden space, a lush green lawn will complete your home’s overall look.

When it comes to growing a lawn, there are two options – you can opt for the quick fix of roll-on-turf or take your time and grow it from seeds. Here are the facts about both:

Grass seed

Grass seed is an option that offers more control and less expense, often recommended for large areas. However, it can also be the most work intensive and has a high risk of being eaten by birds, or being blown away by the wind.

To successfully grow grass seed, first you need to determine the type of grass that grows best in your climate, it is generally a choice between cool-season or warm-season grass. Once you have established the best grass for your climate you need to determine the best time to sow the seeds. For cool-season grasses it is ideal to plant them in late summer to early autumn, when the ground is still warm enough for them to germinate and they have the winter months ahead to allow them to become established. Spring is the best time to sow warm season grasses, giving them a few months to get established before the hot weather sets in.

The Importance of Colour Schemes in Interior Design

By CVG

On May 18, 2014

In Architecture & Design

Most interior designers will tell you that the colour scheme of any hospitality space is supremely important. Colour sets the theme and has a big effect on how customers feel and even act, when they come into your hotel or restaurant. Traditionally, colour schemes have been neutral to allow for a change in the colours of accessories such as furniture and soft furnishings without the need to repaint the walls and ceilings.

However, repainting will be needed eventually to freshen up the area and make it look like new again, so that is the ideal time to get trendy with a new colour scheme. First off, you have to think about what kind of customers come into your establishment and how you want them to behave.

Simple Ways to Improve the Eco-Friendliness of Your Home

By CVG

On December 15, 2013

In Building & Construction

Becoming environmentally friendly is more than just a passing craze, it is an important commitment to doing what is right for the planet now and for our future. There are many ways that you can live an energy efficient and environmentally friendly life, and one of the best ways to start is by improving the efficiency of your own home. Everyone should be doing their part to reduce their energy and resource consumption. It will help reduce your monthly costs and bills and it is good for the planet as a whole. Here are just a few of the ways that you can make your home more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Home Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling costs are often the largest part of a home’s energy usage. Modern homes are almost always built with energy efficiency in mind, but there are ways you can renovate an old home to make it more efficient as well. Using building materials with a good insulation rating is key to keeping that valuable cool or warm air inside your home. Older homes can refit their home with additional insulation or new windows that are double or triple paned for added efficiency. Homeowners that are designing their own home have a lot more freedom to choose materials based on their energy efficiency throughout the design process.

What Kind of Automatic Pool Cleaner do I Need?

By CVG

On December 12, 2013

In Swimming Pools

If you have already engaged a pool builder or have one at your home already, and want to enjoy the benefits of your swimming pool and cut down on the work of cleaning and maintaining the pool, using a kreepykrauly.com.au is the way to go. Robotic or Automatic pool cleaners work without any more effort than putting them in the pool requires. There are several different types of these pool cleaners and which one you choose depends on the type of pool you have.

Here are some things you’ll needed to know to choose a cleaner suitable for your needs.

If your pool is a square or rectangle with sharp corners
If you have steps and corners in your pool
If the bottom of the pool is tiled or smooth
If your pool has curved walls or curved corners rather than sharp angles
If your pool base is very smooth
If you have lots of leaves or larger leaves fall into the pool
Whether your pool is small or large

Naturally enough, your dealer for automated pool cleaners will be able to advise you on the best cleaner for your needs.

Fencing, Walls and Property Lines

By CVG

On November 17, 2013

In Fencing

The whole purpose of a fence or wall is to place a barrier or obstacle between your property and the rest of the world. Whether it is there to keep your pets in, or a security fence to keep the world out, the purpose will dictate what kind of fence you use. If it is purely for function and form isn’t a consideration then the choices are fairly simple to make. If you want it to look a good and add to the look of the property rather than detract from it, then you need to give things a lot more thought.

Deciding what you wish the fence or wall to achieve is the first step. If you have pets then of course, it needs to be able to contain them and offer sufficient peace of mind you won’t spend every moment away from the property worrying if the dog just got out and is off terrorizing the neighbourhood. Some pets are great diggers and can burrow under a fence in no time. Others, like cats, are good climbers and it would need to be a pretty high fence indeed to deter the average feline.

How to DIY a professional paint job

By CVG

On November 9, 2013

In Painting

Painting your house is something that most people can do with a little preparation and planning. Repainting a room can add value to your home, add some excitement to the room, and give you a new perspective. Here are some easy steps that you can follow to get a DIY professionally finished paint job:

1. Choose your colour

The first step is to pick the colour you want to paint the room. The trick is to get the paint chips and choose a colour that matches with your existing furniture and decorations (or your new ones if you are replacing those). There is no limit to what colours you can use, but keep in mind that if you want to sell the house one day, not all buyers will like your hot pink bathroom. When buying your paint it is best to invest in a high quality one, preferably water based and make sure you get mould resistant paint for your bathrooms, kitchen and laundry, and if in doubt about the kitchen, you can always seek help from the kitchen design experts. Many people skimp on brushes, this is a huge mistake as the cheaper brushes lose their bristles and end up getting stuck within the paintwork – it is worth paying the extra for a better quality brush.

Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles

By CVG

On October 7, 2013

In Cabinets

These days, we have so many choices when it comes to kitchen cabinets (and every little aspect of them), that it can be tempting to give up and just choose one without a whole lot of thought. But once you start to carefully consider the different materials, finishes and colours that are available, you’ll begin to form an idea in your mind of the type of cabinets that will best suit your kitchen and lifestyle.

The cabinet doors are one of the most noticeable parts of your kitchen, so making the right choice will pay dividends in the long run. The cabinet doors need to fit in well with your overall kitchen design and renovations. Luckily, the doors are generally available in a huge range of finishes and colours, as well as materials and designs. You can get matte styled cabinet doors, glossy type, textured or natural timber.

If you have a traditional styled kitchen, such as country decor or traditional European style, cabinet doors that are hand painted can lend an incredibly authentic feel to the room. It also allows you to truly customize the colours of the kitchen cabinets. Some of the most popular kitchen cabinet options are of course solid timber, as well as timber veneer doors.

Kitchen Cabinet Interiors

By CVG

On October 7, 2013

In Cabinets

Environmentally Friendly Kitchen Design
Creating an eco-friendly house is becoming more of a priority for people these days. Between caring for the environment, and realising the long term financial benefits of doing so, the desire to be environmentally conscious has grown considerably in recent times. If you are lucky enough to be building a brand new house from scratch, then you can plan to be eco-friendly in every aspect of the build. If however you are just renovating, upgrading or simply redesigning the interior of your kitchen, you can simply consider any small aspect of the process that can result in a more ecological beneficial choice.

What are the benefits of being eco-friendly?
This is a wide ranging term, but can cover everything from the materiel you use (particularly wood types), to how much energy your appliances use, your water and plumbing setup and your kitchen waste management. It does not necessarily have to cost more to build or renovate an environmentally friendly kitchen either. The biggest benefit is in long term savings, in particularly with water and electricity savings, and the benefits of utilizing waste as best as possible.

Outdoor Living Is Not Living Outdoors!

By CVG

On October 3, 2013

In Outdoor Living

Australians love to enjoy the great outdoors, often without going any further from home than the back deck or patio. Outdoor living is not the same thing as living outdoors; the latter requires putting up with the extremes of climate we experience in this country, not to mention the numerous biting things and of course, the need to find adequate sanitary arrangements.

You don’t need to call the removalists because you can enjoy the sun and the seasons within the comfortable confines of your own home or apartment with just a little outlay of cash and a lot of time and effort spent figuring out exactly what you want to achieve. For some, it is simply a place to set up the BBQ and perhaps a table and chairs under a large umbrella while other people might prefer a purpose built BBQ facility with entertainment deck and weather proof overhead protection from sun and rain.

Avoid Kitchen Design Mistakes

By CVG

On September 1, 2013

In Cabinets

Avoid These Kitchen Design Mistakes

Although your kitchen style comes down to individual preference, and there are certainly no hard and fast rules about what’s right and wrong, there are certainly some traits that are often thought of as undesirable when it comes to kitchen design. This is of particular significance to think about if you believe you may sell your home at some point in future, but also for practicality reasons. What may look good on paper or in theory, may not necessarily be practical in reality.

Red tape, acts of God and realistic completion dates

By CVG

On July 24, 2013

In Building & Construction

There is a saying that ‘to be forewarned is to be forearmed’. One of the most frustrating and disappointing aspects of having a new home built is that the whole process sometimes can drag on for what seems like forever. Of course you need to get your expectations in order. If you have a completion date provided by an experienced and expert builder, generally speaking you will know pretty much exactly when you will be able to move in. From that information you can set your expectations. But don’t allow your expectations to run away from you. It may all end in tears when the job is not finished on time.

Red tape is everywhere

Now there are different aspects to the red tape associated with the building of your new home. You need to get approval to build a home in the first place, your builder needs to get permits for various parts of the building process, the contractors will need to comply with building codes, for example the glazing contractors will need to install glass to the correct safety standards and you need to get a clearance from the building inspectors at various stages of the build and finally, when your house is finished, you need to get what is usually called a certificate of occupancy. This is the final piece of red tape which allows you to actually move into your new home.

Buying Your Own Home?

By CVG

On June 19, 2013

In Property Investment

Everyone needs somewhere to call home, a place of their own and whether you buy or rent, you want to be comfortable, safe and enjoy spending time there. While there are some people who prefer being on the move, living out of suitcases in hotel after hotel most people like to have a home of their own. It doesn’t need to be a mansion with a home lift – even if that is their own caravan, motorhome or live aboard boat, the common denominator is that it is theirs.

In some European and many Asian, African and Latin American countries, renting is more common than home ownership. Germany for example has only 42% of the population owning their own homes and countries like India, China, Argentina, Chile, South Africa have even fewer home owners. The tenancy laws in some of these countries often favour the tenant and ensure long term security in ways that make renting a far more attractive proposition than owning your own home. In others it is because there is a higher percentage of very poor people.

While tenants don’t have the ongoing expense of property maintenance and expenses such as rates or adding tenant requested items such as security doors and flyscreens, they also don’t enjoy the capital gains that accrue from property ownership. In these markets, rents are usually far less than mortgage payments and renters can invest their extra cash in various ways to make up for not having bricks and mortar behind them.

Kitchen Cabinets – They’re Just Boxes, Aren’t They?

By CVG

On June 8, 2013

In Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets aren’t just boxes, they are an important part of the kitchen. Great kitchens are made up of four things:

– The cabinets, drawers and doors
– The bench top
– The tiles, floor and wall
– The appliances and lighting

When choosing the components of a kitchen, too often the cabinets are thought of only as the doors and handles, or drawer fronts and handles. The fact is, the sides, bottoms, tops and backs are important, too.

Lower cost or budget kitchens will save money in a couple of ways, one of which is to have no back to the cabinets. Afterall they will be fixed to the walls so the wall will form the backing plate. Sadly, the gap between the wall and the frame of the cabinet can offer ingress for cockroaches and other undesirables. Not only that, opening the cupboard door and seeing raw wall behind the crockery doesn’t enhance the experience when exploring your newly installed kitchen.

Easy Home Improvement Projects to do on the Weekend

By CVG

On June 1, 2013

In Building & Construction

Most people put off home improvement including landscaping like new garden rebuilds or internal renovations as long as possible because they are afraid of it being a long and drawn out process that never seems to end. Homeowners looking to make a dramatic impact on their home without investing a great deal of time or money should consider doing a small weekend project themselves. It is amazing how big of an impact even a small renovation project can have on your home. You will enjoy the updated look, the added function, and the satisfaction of knowing you did the work yourself. Here are just a few projects that you can tackle on a weekend off.

Spice Up Your Kitchen

If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen cooking or spending time with the family, then why not take a weekend to give it a face-lift. Replacing a kitchen from top to bottom will cost $10,000 and up, but you don’t have to spend that kind of money to get a fresh new look. You can easily make a dramatic impact by choosing a new paint colour, installing a new back-splash, or even just replacing the cabinet and drawer handles.

Where to Spend Your Money in a Home Renovation

By CVG

On May 22, 2013

In Building & Construction, Property Investment

With the value of real estate finally on the rise again, many Australian homeowners are starting to once again look into doing home renovations to improve the value of their properties. For years people have been putting off employing a landscape design company or doing a full home renovation project, to avoid putting more money in their home without seeing a similar increase in its value. However now, with the market slowly and steadily recovering, renovation projects are once again a smart way to increase the value of your property.

Finding something to remodel or upgrade in your home is typically the easiest part of the process. It is easy for anyone to point out the areas that they are not happy with or wish to upgrade. It is far more difficult to know which projects to pick, both for your own enjoyment and the resale value of the home. When working with limited funds to renovate a home, it is important to pick and choose the projects that will really make an impact. Upgrades in a few key areas of the home can make a big impact on the property value, without blowing the budget.

Hiring What You Need

By CVG

On May 18, 2013

In Equipment Hire

Watching those renovation shows on TV I often notice how they always have the right gear to get the job done with; something many DIYers seem to ignore. The simple truth of the matter is that you can’t do the job if you haven’t got the right tools. I know the old saying, “a poor workman blames his tools” but if the tool isn’t doing the job, or you are making do with a tool not designed for the task at hand then you are on a hiding to nowhere, as we say in the trade.

Speaking of the trade, tradesmen such as fencing contractors or window installers know the tools they need to get a professional job done. Knowing you need a left-handed, metric thingameedoo and having one at hand are two different things altogether. Often the cost of buying the tool is prohibitive, even for tradies. For a home renovator who might use it once and then never again, puling out hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars simply isn’t going to happen.

Which is where equipment hire companies step in and provide a very worthwhile and much needed service. They carry just about any tool or piece of equipment you will ever need for any size job. They make most of their money serving the trade, from handy men doing similar sized jobs as your DIY project to multi-national construction companies making everything from skyscrapers to new motorways.

6 Tips for a Backyard Makeover

By CVG

On May 16, 2013

In Landscaping, Outdoor Living

Backyards are an extension of your home, when they are carefully planned and landscaped they can become an outdoor oasis, another living space where you can spend quality time with family and friends.

Here in Australia we are fortunate to live with beautiful weather for most part of the year, allowing us to create wonderful outdoor spaces for living and entertaining. If you are considering giving your backyard an overhaul, it may seem a bit daunting; however there are many simple things that you can do that will improve the look and feel of your outdoor space.

We’ve thought of all the things that we love about our favourite gardens and balconies, and have come up with some ideas to help you create your own green sanctuary.

Lawn matters

If your garden seems to have more weeds than grass, it might be worthwhile to lay down some new turf and get a decent reticulation service. This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make an instant, bright change, and it will also create a safe, soft place for little feet to play. New homes can benefit from laying down turf, for it is an inexpensive way to green things up while you wait for all your other garden additions to grow.

New or Remodeled Kitchen

By CVG

On April 1, 2013

In Cabinets

Should You Get a New or Renovated Kitchen?

If your current kitchen has grown old and tired, and you know it’s at the point of needing an update, the big question is: do you remodel your current kitchen, or do you install an entire new kitchen from scratch?

How much money you have to spend will largely determine how far you can go, but in many cases when you engage professional cabinet makers, a new kitchen can come out costing a very similar amount to a re-modelling job. Therefore your decision will likely be based on just how much you think you can salvage from your current kitchen, versus how much you desire a totally fresh new look.

How Hard Can Landscaping Be?

By CVG

On March 16, 2013

In Landscaping

If you believe that art imitates life, then a quick scan of the TV Guide will have you believing we can all sing, cook, renovate, dance, lose weight, catch alligators, find antique bargains and of course, landscape our gardens to manicured perfection. So how hard is landscaping anyway? And what, precisely, is it?

Make no mistake, landscaping is a very lucrative industry and there are literally dozens of providers in any local area and hundreds, even thousands in each state. Some focus on the big end of town and do corporate work for big firms, making the surroundings of their factories and office complexes blend in harmoniously with the bush land (or urban) setting of their new premises. Others work out of a ute and a mobile phone with just an ad in the local rag and perhaps a Facebook page put up for them by the wife.

Author: CVG (Page 1 of 2)

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