Home & Garden

Whether you have a limited budget or not, you always aim for an economical home renovation because you know that renovation will get costly at a particular phase. Hence, it is significant on your end to control the cost of renovation beforehand by properly planning for it. Consider this as your special project or a business plan. You have a fair idea that you are renovating your house because you want it to be more beautiful, stylish, and comfortable. But, if your ultimate goal is a budget-friendly renovation, then review the below-mentioned tips to get you started on your mission.

Divide & Conquer

Understandably, effective planning is the core framework of a successful renovation. You cannot simply go on with an idea. You need to have a proper plan to efficiently and effectively complete your home renovation project. You need to focus on small parts to gain a bigger and better picture. It is said that if you want to achieve something big, you need to take one step at a time. The same strategy is applied when it comes to your home renovation.

Thus, it is brainy on your end to formulate a renovation plan for each area in your home. It is good to do some homework before hiring an architect for the renovation. When getting the help of an architect, make sure he is capable enough to evaluate your requirements so he can do the job accordingly. Home Renovations begin when you brainstorm your ideas, write down your end goal, and divide the overall goal for each area in your home. This way, you can move on to the next step by taking into consideration your budget. When you happen to apply divide & conquer rule, you are in a better position to negotiate for even smaller things.

Work On Your Budget

Since your sole mission is to renovate your home beautifully yet economically, then you need to carefully consider your budget or limit. It is sensible to plan accordingly if you have got the restricted funds. Take a spreadsheet and try to get a rough estimation of your total expenditures. Then, compare this value with your budget. If the total expenses exceed than your actual value, try to work on that. Talk to your architect, exterior design, and interior design. They can guide you better as they are the experts in the field. Besides, don’t try to overestimate your budget. It’s a pro tip to underestimate your budget. This way, you can move on researching for things you desire for your home, depending on your budget. So, if the prices go slightly up, it is convenient for you to work within the budget.

Research Your Options

It is true that when you happen to research your options for a home renovation project, you will be amazed to see multiple options available online and in the markets. It is a great technique to shortlist a few of the reliable providers. This will help you to pin down to one name based on your limited funds. When you put your efforts in searching for even little tasks of your renovation project, you are in a position to save some money in your pocket. For instance, when you search online for home décor things, there is a high chance that you can buy a beautiful lamp at a lower price as compared to one you saw at a high-end store. So, when looking to save money on a home renovation, remember the simple research rule. Starting from the architect to furniture you like to wall paints to home décor, you are likely to find the suppliers at reasonable rates.

For example, if you aim for basement renovations to transform your basement into a home theatre, games room, guest room, or maybe home office, then perhaps you need to check online to gain reasonable ideas. Discuss your budget with the provider, as the experts will take care of everything from framing to plumbing to drywall to electricity to flooring to millwork to painting. Moreover, take advantage of thrift stores, second-hand furniture shops, and online shopping to decorate your house economically.

 

Are you a student looking for student accommodation in a foreign land? Or maybe you are an accommodation provider who’s trying to understand what is it that youngsters look for while choosing student accommodation?

If you agree to it and say YES to either of the two questions, then you have landed on the right article. The article describes the few things that every fresher should lookout for a while searching for their accommodation. This includes basic facilities as well as some facilities which are pretty standard in Australia now. Read on!

1. 24/7 access to clean drinking water and electricity:

   This may sound basic, but your life depends on it. You have to be sure that the area you are staying in is not deficient in water even during the harsh months of summer, and that even in the case of a blackout, your building has a provision for a generator or transformer, which will keep your building always supplied with electricity.

   Why this is important is because your body needs water and cannot do without it. Moreover, as for power, all the gadgets that you rely on and the security system of your place depends heavily on electricity. When electricity runs out, these gadgets which are helpful now would also disappoint you. Therefore, your area must have 24/7 access to water and electricity.

2. Cooking facilities:

   It may sound exciting to order food for the first few days. However, it would soon start to take a toll on your health. Whether you already know how to cook or not, you ought to learn in your college life. It is an important life skill; one part of being on your own is to learn how to live on your own. It would help if you asked for proper utensils, cooking gas, and other requisites to a self-pantry before finalizing a place.

3. 24/7 internet connection:

   It is hard to live without the internet these days, from your study material to recipes, you would find everything on the internet. Be it for an emergency or entertainment, you need a steady and fast connection, so this needs to be on your priority list before finalizing the place.

4. The place’s online reputation:

   It is always good to read up about the places you have handpicked, and you should only go for places that have been listed on a verified portal such as Iglu Student Accommodation. In case you going for a lesser-known place such as a PG or a homestay, then we recommend you speak to the landlord at length to get an understanding of how the place and the owner works.

In case of an emergency, they would be your first point of contact in a foreign land, since your parents or your friends can’t reach there in a flash. Do a background check on the landlord and the property.

1. Add-ons:

   It is only after a place has passed all of the above demands that you can ask for add-on amenities like gymnasium, in-house theatre system, pool, etc. However, do not be blinded by the shimmer of these add-ons; you are to only look for them when a place has sufficed the basics listed before.

   Cleanliness and hygiene are also important points. It is suggested to look out for areas behind doors and cupboards or under the bed or corners to understand how clean a place usually is. There may be chances that the place has been cleaned just before your visit to impress you! Even in that case, an attentive eye could find the spots the owner or housekeeper may have missed.

We hope the above article was helpful for you to understand how to go about your house hunting! Good luck and may you find the best place for your higher education in Australia!

Guest Author: Darren Wilson

Brisbane, the capital city of Australia’s sunshine state Queensland, is known for its dynamic economy and sub-tropical climate. This is the primary reason why a lot of people are tempted to set up their dream home in this beautiful and spacious city. While most Australian residents usually live in detached houses with gardens, this sprawling city is also ideal for custom-made dwellings because of its vast areas.

Building your dream house is an exciting but challenging investment. Therefore, appointing custom home builders in Brisbane is a practical way to bring your dream homes into a reality without the possible risks of homebuilding disasters. But is it worth hiring custom home builders? Here are some reasons why it is a must to hire a professional custom home builder to help with your home construction in Brisbane.

Knowledge and expertise

Custom house building projects involve intensive skills and knowledge. Only a handful of construction professionals are equipped with the proper degree of expertise required to understand all the elements involved in the whole construction process. When you have a custom home builder, you get to have expert professionals who thoroughly understand the entire project. They are there to ensure that all the critical aspects of your home constructions plans are executed on time, professionally and correctly.

More buying power

Custom home building firms have experiences in constructions of houses spanning years. It’s safe to say that over those years, they have developed stable and reliable relationships with local construction suppliers whom they purchase fixtures, building materials, and the likes. And because these firms often buy in massive quantities, they can get the best products with the best prices and discounts. Meaning, they can pass all these savings to the clients.

Reliable sub-contractors

Most subcontractors love working with experienced and established home builders with impressive reputations. Looking for reliable subcontractors can be challenging not only because of the many options available, but also most homeowners cannot select the best company to hire. But if you have a custom home builder for your project, rest assured that these builders work with the most suitable sub-contractors around your area. Make sure they are equipped with the skills and expertise needed to have your home professionally built within your timeline.

They help you save time.

Managing a home construction project is time-consuming. You can’t just fit it during your ‘free time’. At the beginning of construction, most homeowners may feel like they can balance their time between job, social life, family, and the house construction project. But after some time, it can be daunting and overwhelming. When you go for a custom builder, a massive load of stress is taken off of your shoulder. You can focus more time on your life and leave the contractor to manage the time of your home building properly.

Streamline process

Even the slightest delay of your home construction project can create a significant impact on the whole process and can also summon added expenses to your build. All these can happen when your subcontractors don’t have proper scheduling, or when the project is done without the right sequence. You can avoid all these when you hire custom home builders. Their years of practice have made them perfect their craft and become more knowledgeable about streamlining their project seamlessly.

Homebuilding is a very daunting task, especially when you’re starting from scratch. But with the right custom home builders Brisbane, you can finally have that dream home minus the stress and unnecessary costs.

 

Among the top concerns of homeowners is if their homes are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The type of heat pump that your home uses can significantly contribute to these factors, so be sure to do your research to understand how they work.

Geothermal Heat Pump

Image via Flickr by Matthew Paul Argall

If your main concern is to be as energy-efficient as possible, then a geothermal heat pump is the best option for you. This heat pump works by heating and cooling air that passes through a series of loops or coils that are buried underground. It doesn’t matter if you live in a cold or hot climate because the underground temperature stays consistent.

Installing a geothermal heat pump carries an upfront cost, which is why it’s important to talk to a service provider about the installation process. Since the coils have to be buried, the type of terrain that your house sits on and the style of coil that is used play a large role in cost. You also have to consider how the installation process will disrupt the natural landscape, and whether or not all of these factors mitigate the benefits of this type of unit.

Split-Ductless Pump

If you’re adding on to your home or living in a small space, a split-ductless pump could be an excellent option. This unit is also energy-efficient, requires very little work to install, and is less prone to disrepair or leaks. It needs a single hole through the roof and works almost soundlessly.

There are some major differences between the styles of heat pumps, especially between a split-ductless pump and a traditional HVAC unit. Installation costs could be three times more if you were to replace your HVAC with a split-ductless pump. You also have to clean the split-ductless pump monthly or risk having to spend hundreds of dollars on professional services. The efficiency of the pump also requires specific placement within the room to work properly. If it is placed improperly, you could lose out on all of the energy-saving benefits.

Air-Sourced Pump

Despite being an older type of unit, air-sourced pumps continue to be a popular choice while still being energy-efficient. They cost less to install than newer options and efficiently heat and cool entire homes using only one unit. It uses a process of refrigeration in which a coil full of liquid creates a heat exchange during the winter and then reverses that process during the summer.

Air-sourced pumps are prone to leaks, and the refrigeration unit should be regularly serviced to ensure it continues to work efficiently. It also primarily runs off of electricity, so check whether or not you live off of a gas main, as a gas-powered pump could be more efficient for your home. If this unit seems like the right one for you, be sure that your home is properly insulated so that you can reap the benefits of the energy savings.

Not all heat pumps are created equal, and every home has different needs. Be sure to thoroughly research the different types of heat pumps before you buy one because the installation and repair costs will vary depending on the terrain, size of home, and climate.

 

When thinking of ways to increase the value of a property, most people overlook the exterior. Adjusting a property’s landscape is a sure way of ramping up its value by as much as 10%, according to realtors. Curb appeal is significant in real estate as it is the source of the first impression. Likewise, the allure that the landscape provides could be enough to get a buyer excited enough to consider making an offer.

Here are some collected ideas on how to get your landscaping on point and increase the value of your property if you’re planning on selling your property.

Match Landscaping With the Architectural Style

If you wish to get a return on your landscaping investment, then make sure the landscape design rhymes with the house architectural style. Likewise, when dealing with craftsman style homes, you can never go wrong with simple and classic landscaping that incorporates structured bushes and shrubbery.

“Keep in mind the landscaping is the first thing home buyers will see. First impressions are huge when house shopping, landscaping can be the thing that makes them come in with positive eyes.” – Chance Realty

Modern additions such as koi ponds or opulent fountains are ideal for houses with modern architectural designs. Modern style homes would also rhyme well with lots of greenery made up of grass and flower beds. However, be sure avoid squares or formal looking gardens and abundant airy blossoms

Mow and Edge the Lawn

Nothing looks enticing and good like a well-attended and carefully maintained lawn of green grass. The quickest way to upgrade your lawn is to mow and edge it. While edging, avoid 90 degrees angles and straight lines as they are not natural in nature. Incorporating too many straight lines on the lawn may make a garden look unnatural.

Edging prevents grass from growing beyond the yard’s boundaries and makes a garden appear restrained and tamed. Likewise, it provides the impression of lower maintenance. Well-defined edges not only make a lawn look gentle and discreet but also shows the buyer’s how meticulous you are when it comes to property maintenance. a well-maintained lawn may give buyers an early impression of a well-maintained property in pristine condition

Plant Trees

You can never go wrong with trees as they add beauty and a sense of peace to a home and the neighborhood at large. Homeowners seek properties with trees given the benefits they offer. For starters, well-distributed trees in a property screen off unfavorable views while also muffing off sound from nearby streets. In addition, trees tend to reduce winter heating bills and also cut down on summer cooling bills

A study by Landscape and Urban Planning has already shown that street-facing trees have the potential to increase the value of a house by up to $10,000 in addition to ramping up their demand. While planting trees, you would have to avoid weak tress as well as those prone to diseases and plagues.

Add Color to Lawn

In addition to trees, you can add color to your lawn by planting a wide array of flowers that complement the house architecture. Varying colors of flowers will not only brighten the garden but also add color and texture to the right places.

However, when picking flowers, pick those that are able to provide bright colors and rhyme with the house theme. For instance, during the summer, you can go with a sunflower garden with the rest of the year featuring annual yellow flowers. However, it is important to minimize the number of plants in the garden to give it a uniform look.

If you already have flowers mulching and weeding is important to ensure the garden appears low maintenance and well kept.

Add water Features and Walkway

A backyard oasis should add to the mix of an exquisite landscape. The relaxing sound of water moving around the garden works magic with most buyers, given its ability to mask distracting sounds. In this case, you can consider adding a foundation or a small pond.

Likewise, there should be a walkway leading to the small pond that makes the entire lawn easily accessible. A walkway should lead potential buyers in the right direction to experience what the entire curb has to offer.

Increase Privacy

While trees do help in obscuring unfavorable views from the streets, windows are also a selling point for most homebuyers looking for privacy. While windows are ideal for letting natural light into the house, they should always act as a barrier preventing people from the outside from seeing inside.

Wrapping Up

Landscape appeal is not some random myth that real estate agents use to get more money from home buyers. A real phenomenon works all the time. Therefore giving your curb a boost by carrying up the above-mentioned upgrades can significantly boost your property value.

 

The kitchen is known to be the heart of the home, which is why a lot of families have the desire to upgrade their kitchens through renovations. Remodelling your kitchen has numerous benefits such as adding value to your home, enhancing aesthetics, increasing efficiency, and many more.

If you are currently planning for the remodelling of your kitchen, then you should read on as this article will discuss smart reasons why you should visit kitchen showrooms for renovation.

Design Inspirations

One of the most significant advantages of visiting a kitchen showroom is being able to see numerous kitchen designs. Seeing different designs first-hand is beneficial because you can then draw inspiration from them for your kitchen renovation.

There is no shortage of kitchen room designs on the internet; however, the main disadvantage is that you can only see it virtually. Going to kitchen showrooms is still your best option because not only can you see the designs, but you can also have a feel for them as well.

Communicating with Designers

With the advancement of technology nowadays, numerous communication platforms enable clients to talk to contractors and designers, platforms such as messenger applications, e-mail, internet calls, and the like.

Communicating virtually is excellent because of the convenience that it brings, but kitchen renovations shouldn’t be taken lightly, which is why it is still better to talk face-to-face.

According to an article by Forbes, face-to-face communication builds trust, understanding, and a real sense of a shared mission. Talking to designers face-to-face helps them understand what it is precisely that you want for your kitchen, which makes your objectives and goal clearer for them.

Assess the Capability of the Designer

One of the blunders you can make when renovating your kitchen is selecting a design on a website and then hiring a designer to do it without looking at their past work first-hand. Fortunately, visiting a showroom provides a solution to this.

Going to a kitchen showroom gives you the chance to see a particular designer’s past works. This is helpful because you can then assess their capabilities if they are perfect for the job or not.

New Technology

There are numerous smart appliances for the kitchen nowadays, WiFi-enabled cooking pots, sensor-based kitchen sinks, smart refrigerators, and a lot more. Visiting a kitchen showroom gives you the chance to see smart kitchen appliances that may not be available in the market, which you can use for your kitchen room upgrade.

Having a kitchen with newer technology is genuinely beneficial, because not only does it increase efficiency, but it also raises the financial value of your home. This means that if you have plans to sell your home in the future, rest assured that you will be able to sell it for a reasonable price.

Renovating or remodelling your kitchen is one of the most significant decisions you will make for the betterment of your home, which is why you should plan for it deliberately.

It would be best to avoid designers and contractors that offer low renovation prices because it could be a marketing scheme to persuade you to hire them. You would be better off by hiring a reliable and trusted contractor or designer that has a reasonable price and high-quality service.

From the reasons mentioned above, visiting a kitchen showroom is, without a doubt, the best thing you can do for your kitchen renovation. Visit one today and be a step closer to your dream kitchen!