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How To Disinfect Your House To Protect Against Viruses

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How To Disinfect Your House To Protect Against Viruses

In this time with viruses at the forefront of everybody’s minds, it pays to remember that your home needs to be your safe space. Yet, many people don’t realize that the germs get tracked back to the home and need to be disinfected.

Yes, we must wash our hands and not touch our faces, but if germs are present in your house you’ll keep spreading them.

Cleaning your house should include disinfection methods to kill any germs lingering to help reduce the chance of getting sick.

Here are some ideas to clean your house and keep it safe.

Clean Your Ducts

Clean Your Ducts

You’ll need a professional to take care of this if you have extensive air ducts in your home. There can be viruses lurking there that end up being blown out around the house.

Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning CT is the type of professional that will sanitize your air ducts to keep your home safe.

You may not be thinking of your dryer vent carrying viruses, but the reality is that they can harbor germs just like anywhere else.

Make your home clutter-free by hiring professional decluttering services near you.

Disinfect the Floor

Disinfect the Floor

When you wash the floor, consider using a steam mop to kill all the germs that might be lurking there. The heat kills any germs lingering on the floor and the mop can lift those germs away from the surface where you end up dumping them with the water.

Then, your floor is literally clean enough to eat off of. This is much more effective than just using a disinfectant cleaner for an ordinary mop.

Once your floor is clean, make sure to remove your shoes when you enter the house and wear slippers.

Disinfect all Surfaces

Disinfect all Surfaces

A typical flu virus can live on a surface for up to 24 hours. Every surface should be disinfected during the flu season.

Make a solution of ½ cup of bleach with a gallon of water and, using a clean rag, wipe every counter, chair, railing, and desk as well as anything else whether you touch it or not.

Then, use a disinfectant wipe to clean your computer keyboard and mouse. Things that get touched often in other words.

Sanitize Kids Toys

Sanitize Kids Toys

If you have kids then the germiest spot in the house is in their toybox. You should disinfect all of their toys, being careful to use nontoxic disinfectants as they tend to put toys in their mouths.

Use two teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water. Then, soak the toys that can get wet and wipe down the rest with a damp cloth from the mixture.

The Bathroom

The Bathroom

This is a germ repository, so make sure to be responsible for keeping towels separate. Even after washing your hands, you may be adding germs to a towel. Have one for every member instead of sharing.

After brushing your teeth, use a disposable cup to rinse as your cup left in the bathroom is exposed to lots of germs. Lastly, keep your toothbrushes covered so you aren’t putting germs that have found them into your mouth.

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4 Ideas for Retro-Style Home Renovations

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Retro-Style Home Renovations

Have you gotten tired of all the soulless and unimpressive home designs? Are you looking for a way to ensure your home stands out and impresses your visitors? Do you like retro-style homes and want to create a cozy and homely house? Retro-style home renovation is for you. In this article we’ll go over some en vogue ideas you can use in your home to make it look really special:

1. Go Arty with the Decor 

Retro-Style Home Renovations Go Arty with the Decor 

One of the most inexpensive and easiest ways to give your home a retro look is by decorating it with retro items. There are a few ways you can go about this: 

  • Paintings: hanging retro paintings in your kitchen or living room not only gives color and life to your rooms but also a touch of the old and retro. There are stylish and inexpensive paintings that you can install in any room that can completely transform it. The fact there is such a wide selection of paintings and that it takes almost no space makes them really versatile choices for anyone who wants to get a retro renovation. 
  • Lighting: retro styles aren’t only distinguished by the shape and the size of the furniture or by the color scheme, but lighting plays a major part in giving a room it’s retro feeling. With felicitous lighting choices, you can give any room a different and more retro look. The good news is that you have a lot of options, and it doesn’t cost a lot of money. It is yet another excellent choice if you don’t want to invest too much. 

2. Get A Retro Balcony 

 Retro-Style Home Renovations Get A Retro Balcony

Many people only think about the interior of their homes when they are planning a retro-style renovation, but you need to give the exterior some love too. Getting a retro balcony is an excellent idea if you want to enjoy the outdoor view from your home and do something special. A lot of people try retro-style interior renovations, but not a lot of people get a retro balcony – this will make your home stand out and appear more unique. And if you don’t want retro but with a modern touch, you can always get a retro glass wall balcony.

3. Retro Furniture Look Great…and is Inexpensive

Getting new retro-style sofas, carpets, and TV stands can be quite expensive, and this can put quite a strain on your budget. But, there’s an alternative path – you can try to find second-hand retro furniture for your home. These are quite inexpensive, and you can find many unique pieces of furniture among them. If you’re strapped for cash and don’t know how you could possibly cover the full cost of the renovations, this is a good idea. 

Beautiful home extensions can add beauty to your house and give you extra space to your house.

4. Try to Create a Contrast Between the Retro and the Modern 

Retro-Style Home Renovations Try to Create a Contrast Between the Retro and the Modern 

You don’t need to stick to the formulaic retro formula, you can deviate from it – at the end of the day, as long as the house makes you feel happy and looks good to you and your family, that’s all that matters. That’s why you don’t need to be afraid of straying from textbook retro styling and doing something you. Sometimes contrast can make a design look better. So, don’t be afraid whether you’re installing an Aquael UK Aquariums in your home or decide to go with a modern TV stand. 

Conclusion

Ditch the design drudgery, embrace the bold and groovy! Let your home tell a story, not just in style, but in budget too. Mix modern marvels with vintage vibes, repurpose treasures, and create a space that’s uniquely, delightfully you.

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A Beginner’s Guide to The Most Common Types of Natural Stone Pavers

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Types of Natural Stone Pavers

Similar to the concept of tiles, pavers are installed over a base material, including gravel or limestone, combined with a layer of sand. Paver stones are cut into standardised sizes and look especially stunning outdoors, regardless of whether they are utilised for a car park or children’s playing space.

Over the years, natural stone pavers have captured the attention of the construction sector, and many people have even considered them as a luxurious flooring option. They are both beautiful and durable outdoor pavers. This article walks you through the common types of natural stone pavers in the market and how to choose the right one that fits your needs.

Common Types of Natural Stone Pavers

The following are some common types of natural paver stones available in the market.

Granite Paver

Granite Paver

For hundreds of years, granite has been significantly dependent upon natural stone material. Granite pavers are extremely tough and durable; the volcanic rocks are created when cooling magma confine various minerals, such as feldspar and quartz. Granite gives off a stylish look with its crystalline and sugary surface.

Moreover, granite pavers provide the following benefits:

  • Supreme toughness: Granite is one of the hardest materials on the planet.
  • Vibrant colours: Granite pavers come with a wide range of colours and patterns.
  • Natural resistance: Granite can withstand all kinds of wear.
  • Evergreen: Granite gives off a lasting look with a sense of permanency.

Travertine Pavers

Travertine Pavers

Travertine paver is a standard natural stone with versatility and can suit several applications. Related to the appearance of the European Renaissance and ancient Rome, travertine provides pretty much the same smooth texture as that of the marble. It also has an elegant, rustic stunning look with its natural pores, which are formed by the bubbling of carbon dioxide when mother nature created it.

Travertine is a reliable choice for both indoors and outdoors. Its advantages include:

  • Superior appearance: Offers a high-end appearance for outdoors.
  • Durable: Can last for hundreds of years when maintained appropriately.
  • Layout option: Provide several layout choices, such as the French style, which is a conventional design option featuring interlocking natural stone pavers of many sizes.
  • Colours: Offers a beautiful colour spectrum, ranging from gold to cream.
  • Anti-skid surface: Because of the travertine’s uneven texture, it provides an anti-skid feature which is an excellent choice of pavers for swimming pool decks.

Slate Pavers

Slate Pavers

Slate pavers are famous for their slip-resistant feature and thus, become an excellent choice for surface near swimming pools. The slates also make superb pavers for warmer areas. In regions with frequent snowfalls, however, the slates surfaces are more prone to cracks because of the freeze-thaw impact.

Other benefits of slate pavers include:

  • Durable: Slate pavers are naturally durable and suitable for hard-wearing products.
  • Various sizes: They provide a variety of size options and dimensions.
  • Vibrant colour: They offer a wide range of colours, including amber and gold.
  • Unique appeal: They give off a rugged yet decorative appearance.

Choosing the Right Natural Stone Pavers

A stone patio with a table and chairs

To determine the best natural stone pavers that fit the customers’ needs, they need to consider several factors which include paver kits, colours and installation. They may need to hire a professional installer for smooth and error-free installation.

Natural stone pavers offer an authentic appearance and supreme durability. The typical natural stone pavers in the market, including granite, slate and travertine, provide various colour ranges, are long-lasting and versatile, which are suitable for multiple projects. The distinct beauty of natural stones also allows them to stand out among the other paver materials.

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Essay Writing Tips for Architecture Students

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Writing Tips for Architecture Students

Writing essays on Architecture may seem very challenging and tough at first. Tight deadlines, a crazy academic load, boring topics. 

I’ve been there too… 

In fact, thousands of other architecture students feel the same way each semester when they need to turn in dozens of essays. 

Some of them search for help writing an essay on the web provided by professional academic writers. Others spend long and tedious hours doing research and putting it all together in a neat and flawless manuscript. 

Imagine this. What if you could have a proven framework that would help you write any kind of Architecture essay like 1,2,3? What if you could just follow it and save tons of your time and nerves? 

Sound great? Then stay tuned. In this blog post, I’ll reveal you 7 most effective tips aka the WINNING FRAMEWORK for completing all your essays. 

Writing Tips for Architecture Students

1. Start Writing Your Essay ASAP 

Procrastination is the #1 enemy of your essay writing success, not just this, in fact, every other work! If you fall victim to it, learn how to deal with it, that too ASAP. 

What do most students do while they are assigned assignments? They start delaying the process (of starting). So stop that thing and start acting. As soon as you get the topic start working up your mind. Whether you believe it or not, if you don’t try you won’t get the results. This rule applies everywhere.

Architecture is something where you need to learn things, and this is where the second tip comes up.

2. Research Your Essay Topic Thoroughly 

The next step is research. It’s the foundation of any essay or paper. Until you have researched properly about the topic you won’t have any clue about what it is! 

For instance, you are told to write a descriptive essay on the structure of Mohenjo-Daro. Would you be able to write even a line without any research? Maybe you can write where it is and what it is. But that’s not what you are supposed to do. You have to write about its architectural formation.

If you start writing your essay without doing research, in most cases, you’ll end up with a flabbergasting essay, which will leave your professor speechless (not in a good way, obviously).

You don’t want that, right? 

Here are 5 steps to doing in-depth research: 

  • Read carefully the instructions to understand what kind of data you should look for
  • Start with a brainstorm to come up with as many fresh ideas as possible 
  • Cover all the books on your reading list if your tutor gave it to you
  • Use credible online research resources 
  • Take notes while reading research sources 
  • Research both sides of your arguments  
  • Create a quick draft plan for your essay 
  • Use dictionaries if you need them

Follow them and you’ll be fully armed with data and arguments to make your next essay a winning piece of writing. 

3. Map Out an Outline for Your Paper  

Once you’re done with research create a plan for your essay. It will help you keep everything organized. It will make writing easier and faster. 

You’ll know exactly what you need to write in what sections and how many words each section should have. 

Typically, a small essay consists of 3 main parts. They are the introduction, body part, and conclusion. The body part section can be divided into subparts to keep it clean and readable.

The introduction part should have something that can make your mentor feel proud of you. You can add the most-important highlight of the topic. Or something that is known by lesser people. 

To come up with good ideas, you can look through the contents of books and courses on the topic you need to write about. 

4. Focus on Writing Only 

Now finally, you can get down to writing. If you want to spend less time on it, find a quiet place where nobody will disturb you. Eliminate all the distractors. Set a countdown to 1 hour. Let the fun begin. Start writing. 

Just write, write and write. Don’t think about editing, formatting, typos, grammar. Just write as fast as possible. You’ll be amazed at how effective it can be.

Why am I suggesting this? Because once you start writing the ideas will suddenly load up and there are chances of over-flowing too. And if you stop yourself in between to correct the grammatical mistake, the ideas will be forever gone.

This is all because you’ve done enough research on the topic. So your brain is full of all the relevant and necessary information to highlight the topic of your essay in the best way possible. So, let it flow out of your subconsciousness. 

5. Double Check Formatting and Citations  

Once you’re done with writing, now is the time where you should get down to formatting. Check if you have covered all the required citations. Make sure you have penned them in accordance with the formatting style and requirements. Double-check you have a title page, reference list and the essay itself formatted correctly. 

Title Tip: Make sure the title is reflecting the overview of the essay.

Writing Tips for Architecture Students

6. Check Your Paper for Plagiarism 

Plagiarism is the worst thing for students. It can help you in getting low grades. So, avoid it at all costs. I highly recommend you to check your piece of writing with special professional software before you proceed with other steps. You can find many sites online where you can check your essay for plagiarism, of them few are DupliChecker, Grammarly, Paperrater, Plagiarisma, etc.

7. Proofread and Edit Your Essay  

The last step is editing and proofreading. It’s super important to make sure your essay is flawlessly perfect in all aspects be it grammar, punctuation, spelling, word choice, clarity, consistency, or structure anything. 

Here you have 3 choices: 

  • You can edit and proofread your essay on your own (a rather risky way because you can miss some mistakes you made) 
  • Ask your friends, family members or peers for help
  • Hire experts from online paper service who’ll do it for you 

That’s it. Now, you can churn an excellent essay! 

Cheers! Happy Writing.

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Solid Oak Wood Flooring: Pros, Cons, and Why It’s Trending in 2025

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Oak Wood Flooring

Thinking of building your dream home or giving your current space a fresh upgrade? Before you finalize the design, take a moment to explore one of 2025’s most talked-about interior trends, i.e., solid oak wood flooring.

Timeless, durable, and full of natural character, oak flooring continues to gain popularity with homeowners who want a warm, high-end look that lasts. Whether you’re starting from scratch or remodeling, this type of flooring can instantly change the feel of a room and boost overall value. But before choosing oak, it’s worth understanding what makes it different—its features, advantages, and a few points to consider.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about solid oak wood flooring, from what it is and where it works best, to the pros and cons that help you make the right choice for your space.

What is Oak Wood?

Solid Oak Wood

The wood that is extracted from the different species of an oak tree is called oak wood. Did you notice we used the word ‘different species’? Why? There are around 60 species of oak trees that grow in the United States. A total of 600 species of oak trees grow around the world. This goes to show that the usage of Oak Wood is high in the US region. 

It isn’t like you can’t use them! There are many variants in oak wood too. The oak is available in limitless colors from light beige to brown and red. It can take up any hue and will look elegant.

The usage of oak wood is done mostly in furniture and red & white colors, which are mostly used hues. Thinking, why does it have such an influence on the furniture and other home products? For that, you will have to read its advantages.

Advantages of Oak Wood

Solid Oak Wood Flooring idea

When talking about oak wood, there are a few things that are noticeable. You can’t deny those elements and they are also its benefits, naming them one by one,

1. Stylish

The finishing of the oak wood flooring can enhance the look of any building effortlessly. The wood itself has the effect that makes it stylish even in raw form. 

2. Durable

It takes 15 years for a single oak tree to mature. As it takes the proper amount of time to grow and flourish, the durability of the wood is flawless. It is worn and tear-resistant and won’t stretch even in harsh climatic conditions.

3. Vast Range of Varieties

We already said there 600 species of oak trees around the world, so it is obvious that it will have as many varieties too. Be it color, styles & grain, or the finish tones. It has everything in abundance.

4. Resale Value

You can get the oak wood at a cheaper or lower price, but its resale value is relatively high. How? It gives the best finishing to the house, which results in the higher resale value of the house.

5. Water and Heat Resistant 

As it has been through many season changes, it has become stubborn in terms of getting affected by heat and water. There are woods that get a warp in heat and water, but oak won’t.

Disadvantages of Oak Wood

Solid Oak Wood Flooring design idea

When there are positive points, it is also acceptable that there will be negative points too. So let’s look at it too.

1. Heavy Weight Wood

It is heavier in weight than other woods. But it also makes it durable and solid for the flooring and other home products. The minimum weight of oak wood is around 45 pounds per cubic meter.

2. High Tannin Content

The oak wood has high tannin content, which can result in oil finishing when in contact with wet or cold weather for a longer period of time.

These are the only cons of the oak wood. And if you go for the oak wood veneer, then there are chances of low durability. Otherwise, it is perfectly perfect to be installed in a home.

Do you know? Solid Wood Flooring is in high demand.

Wanna know why? Solid wood flooring is trendy, fashionable, and can give the house a luxurious appeal. The solid wood is not as wide as engineered wood, but it can create a magnificent look.

Walking on solid wood flooring seems like walking on the actual wood. It has that sturdiness in it. The maintenance of solid wood is not that hard; once you get it into a routine, it will be easier. You can get solid wood flooring in many wood types, but there is a problem with solid wood flooring. It contracts and expands due to climate change. And to avoid it there’s a solution too. What is it? Solid Oak Wood Flooring. 

We mentioned the pros of oak wood, and it included the point on it too (the 2nd one and the 5th one). 

Now, Where Can You use The Solid Oak Wood Flooring?

In Kitchen

Solid Oak Wood Flooring In Kitchen

In the Living Room

Solid Oak Wood Flooring In Living Room

In Bedroom

Solid Oak Wood Flooring In Bedroom

In Front Porch

Solid Oak Wood Flooring In Front Porch

Get a Stylish Look with Solid Oak Wood Flooring

So, this was everything you needed to know about the oak wood and its flooring. Get your home ready with the solid oak wood flooring and amaze the guests with its luxurious and royal look. The comfortable and soothing atmosphere it creates will help you spend quality time with your loved ones without any traveling (to the resort or the hotel).

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7 Questions to Ask Custom Home Builders in Brisbane

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Custom Home Builder in Brisbane

Who would not want a house in Brisbane? It has everything anyone can ask for as one of the most livable cities in the world. All residents will be proud of their functional transportation hubs, beautiful beaches, and tourist destinations. And since the business hub is situated there as well, residential housing areas are spawning neighborhoods. The real estate industry is very much alive in Australia, where custom home builders in Brisbane are in high demand. 

Custom Home Builders in Brisbane

Whether you’re a new homeowner or planning to have a home renovation, here are seven helpful questions you should ask your contractor:

How Long Have You Been in the Business?

They do not have to be as old as the discovery of Musgrave Park, but years of experience do matter. Their expertise will show in their projects. If they have been around for a long time, they would have a familiarity with the building codes and real estate laws of the area. A tenured and reputable home builder is better for the benefit of your house. 

Who will be part of The Project?

It is wise to know who will work on your Brisbane home. Will they employ a large team of builders? Who will be in charge of the build? It may be best to hire the same people for uniformity and familiarity. 

Do you Have Insurance?

Custom Home Builders in Brisbane must have a business license and home insurance should come hand-in-hand. It’s a must for all home builders to operate with a permit. But do not assume that they also have insurance. Some unscrupulous companies think they can get away with the insuring part. So make sure that they have one before you even sign the contract.

Do you have an After-build Service?

After-care is a crucial aspect of any business. There should be immediate answers to concerns and queries after the build. Check if the company gives after-build service and warranty. 

Can We Stick to My Budget?

Whether you want to follow the Queenslander or modern architecture, you should always keep in mind to stick to your budget. So before the most efficient home builder presents a proposal, you need to discuss with them your allowable budget intently. 

Remember that the first proposal will not always be the last. There may be a back and forth of ideas until you and your builders come up with the one that is reasonably priced.

Can You do Energy-efficient Home?

Building a house will cost a lot. So saving money brings a smile to all homeowners since there are loans and daily living expenses to think about all the time. Having an energy-efficient home lowers utility costs. Ask the home builders if they use energy-saving HVAC systems, doors, windows, and insulation. 

What is our Timeframe?

Custom house building takes time due to the subcontractors and suppliers involved in the process. You can find many custom home builders in Brisbane but you should make sure they are trustworthy and honest with the expected finish time. Make sure that you and the builders have a written schedule, with details per part of the home completed.

Home Builders in Brisbane

Conclusion

Your excitement due to your new Brisbane home is understandable, especially if you plan to put one up near the Gabba or QPAC. But remember to park your pen for a minute and consider the answers to your house builders. Let your signature glide on that contract when you’re fully satisfied that you’re about to hire a custom home builder for your home.

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Tips and Tricks for Selling a House Fast

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Tips and Trick for Selling a House

If you are in a rush to sell your house then there are a few things you can do to improve your chances. It is important to remember that first impressions matter most when it comes to selling a house because most buyers will make up their mind within 5 minutes of arriving at your home.

Tricks for Selling a House

Take the following steps to improve your property’s first impression

  1. Repaint the gate and fence around your property or, if you have a wall, make sure it is fully intact and in good condition. For those of you with a hedge surrounding your property, make sure you trim it on both sides before excepting viewings.
  2. Make sure any gate latches, along with your front door handles, are in good working condition.
  3. Repaint your front door to give it a fresh, well-kept look. “Freshly painted window frames will also brighten up your property’s appearance,” says, Zoom Property manager, John Inglewood.
  4. Make sure your front garden is neat and tidy. Rake up any dead leaves, cut the grass, and, if the weather allows, put in a few flowering plants to add some color.
  5. Ensure the driveway is weed-free and that the gravel is raked.

One great option for those who want the deal to happen as soon as possible is an open house. This way, potential buyers can come and inspect the property and see the house conditions. It’s more interactive than a virtual listing, moreover, once people can imagine themselves as owners of this property ( the presence of furniture, custom design, and home appliances contributes to creating a true home atmosphere ) it has a more emotional impact on the decision. Usually, owners hide their personal items and leave the property, so that all interested parties can come and assess it. It’s also common to organize cocktail parties or other events that can attract as many potential buyers as it’s possible. Apart from increasing the chances of the sale, people can also share some feedback on ameliorations that can increase success chances.  You can read about open house ideas to get most of this strategy.

Once the first impressions are out of the way it’s time for second, third, and fourth impressions. Remember, a potential buyer will be scanning your home for imperfections the second the front door opens. You want to give them a few reasons as possible to be critical while amping up your property’s advantages.

Here are a few steps to consider taking to improve a viewers impression of the interior of your home:

  1. Keep the entrance area or hallway clean and clear. Clutter gives the impression of there being insufficient space. Put away the dog toys, remove excess coats and shoes, and anything else unnecessary from the entrance area.
  2. Before letting anyone into your home make sure you give it a deep, deep clean. To sell your house fast, you need to have cleaned every nook and cranny of your property. A deep clean can make a property feel fresh, new, and very attractive to a potential buyer.
  3. While some people recommend redoing your kitchen or bathroom before selling this is absolutely not necessary. In fact, most people purchasing a new home want to make those kinds of changes themselves rather than have someone else decide how their home is going to look for them. However, you should consider small changes, like fixing broken cupboard doors, or tightening loose door handles.
  4. It is essential that you emphasize space. This means removing all your clutter from the cupboards, the bedrooms, and the living room so that potential buyers can visualize the amount of space they are going to purchase.
  5. Finally, make sure your windows are spotless. Clean windows let in the light, brightening up your property, and allow potential buyers to admire the view.
Tips and Tricks for Selling a House

Following these simple, low-cost steps can greatly improve your chances of selling your house fast. What is more, showing off your house at its best will help you secure a sale at your asking price.

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Things to be Considered While Renovating a Property

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Renovating a Property

Buying a fixer-upper maybe because it’s all you could afford, but you likely found a house you wanted to renovate to suit your family and style. It can be rewarding, but also costly and stressful. Before you purchase the home, ensure you know you have the time and financial resources to put into it.

A room with a ladder, paint cans and a ladder

This is where a house inspection, and a presale pest inspection, comes in. They will highlight critical issues that may not be easily visible such as termite infestations. Every year in Brisbane thousands of homeowners are devastated to discover termite damage to their properties. This is costly repair work, not covered by house insurance.

It’s standard advice to ‘buy the worst house in the best location’ to make the most of an investment. If you are looking to do a light renovation only, go viewing properties with an open mind. Don’t let a thing like carpets and tiles that don’t appeal to your taste put you off. Underneath those awful and worn carpets, you will more than likely find hardwood floorboards if it’s a heritage property. These can be beautifully polished up. Tiles in bathrooms can also be repainted as a cost-effective solution.

A kitchen with white cabinets and a black and white checkered floor

Don’t run away with the dream of the renovation. Of course, it’s inspiring and exciting, but create a robust spreadsheet with a detailed budget and stick to it. If you are not good at crunching numbers or don’t have time to keep a close eye on the renovation budget, look into alternative options. Many builders offer fixed-price contracts. This may be a safer option than a contractor that gives a low quote to get the job and then hits you with numerous surprise bills that emerge once the demolition work has begun. You want to avoid costs that weren’t included in the quote.

You can also call on a project manager or renovation consultant to handle this aspect for you. They could work out a budget estimate, so you know what you’re in for. If that comes in too high, or with no wiggle room at all for unforeseen costs, you may need to phase your renovation or swap out some decisions you have already made for cheaper ones.

Look for a property that has structural integrity and what architects refer to as ‘good bones’. Assess the floor plan and see how many variables there are to make it a more attractive and more liveable space for families. You want to avoid houses that need extensive structural changes. You’re not a developer – stick to homes that require cosmetic work. When you start making structural changes, this is when you can begin to encounter expensive problems.

A person's hand pointing at a drawing of a bathroom

Does it have good foundations? Does a building inspection reveal any damage caused by termites, or cracking and signs of movement. A telltale sign is when the floors aren’t level, or the door frames aren’t square because of shifting.

Along with termite damage, check the wiring, plumbing, and make sure no asbestos needs to be removed from the property. In the case of termites, the problems are that you are often not able to establish how much damage they have done until you start stripping and renovating the house. A building and pest report before you buy the home is important to give you the information you need to decide to invest in the house.

Have you thought about how you can add value to the house? What can you do while you are renovating it that will add to its value when you eventually come round to selling it in the future? For example, is there the potential to use the attic space to add more bedrooms to the house? What are the key factors to look out for? Off-street parking and a northern aspect make any property more valuable.

Do your homework. It’s important to check the contract and make sure there aren’t any issues you could encounter with planning. In the contract, the drainage plan is one key thing to check. You want to avoid building over the sewer.

Another thing to look out for is easements as they could limit the right to adding any extensions. Things like the floor space ratio. Then there are setback and height requirements which will indicate if you are likely to be given permission to extend.

A living room filled with furniture and a fire place

While this all seems overwhelming, renovating can be a very rewarding process. Financially, you will be able to enjoy the value you added to the property. But you will also be able to enjoy a home that has your stamp of style on it and has been designed precisely to suit your lifestyle and needs. Once the hard work is done, you can add the final touches and landscape the garden to create a dream property.

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Top 3 Highly Livable Suburbs in Brisbane

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Livable Suburbs In Brisbane

Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia, and that means many suburbs in the city are quite thriving. Many new home builders in Brisbane prefer projects in the area because it meets the criteria of being a livable city. These criteria are the provision of clean air, water, food, shelter, and a sense of community to its people. A highly livable city must also provide ways and means for its people to meet the standards of living in their area. In Brisbane, many suburbs were able to meet these standards to be categorized as a highly livable suburb.

Alderley 

Alderley  Livable Suburbs in Brisbane

The first livable suburb in Brisbane is Alderley. Alderley is approximately seven kilometres from the central business district. According to Deloitte and Tract, Alderley is the most livable city in Brisbane compared to the other 260 suburbs. The population report for Alderley shows that the suburb has excelled in almost all categories of being a livable city. According to the 2016 census, their population is 5,068. Alderley is surrounded by many warehouses, police stations, and community-based shopping centres.

Alderley has a highly accessible public transportation, and they have meagre crime rates. Reputable schools also surround the suburb. The suburb has a lot of open spaces, and they seldom experience traffic congestion.

Wilston

Wilston Livable Suburbs in Brisbane

Next to Alderley, many new home builders in Brisbane prefer Wilston because the suburb soared in their score in terms of walkability, open spaces, and tree covers. Wilston is where you will find variations of old and new architectural designs. Wilston is the home of many beautifully renovated homes that promotes a relaxed and care-free environment.

Wilston is the home of many medical professionals because of its proximity to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. The suburb offers a highly accessible public transportation. The main means of public transport is through the Wilston Train Station. There are also bus routes available in the suburb as an added option.

Wilston is also surrounded by many leisure parks and sports centres like the Downey Park and the Ballymore Stadium.

Paddington

Paddington Livable Suburbs in Brisbane

Paddington is approximately two kilometres west of Brisbane’s Central Business District. Most houses in Paddington are located on a hill; that is why most residential homes in the suburb enjoy a picturesque view of the city at any time of the day.

Paddington is in the proximity to some of Queensland’s most renowned universities, like the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. Many young professionals and students live in the area, which is why house-sharing is very common.

At night, entertainment and recreational options are available; this is again due to the large population of young professionals and students in the suburb.

People travel from one place to another in Paddington through the thorough main fares, namely Enoggera Terrace, Given, Caxton Street, and Latrobe.

Paddington also has a lot to offer when it comes to history, as there are many art galleries in the area which you can visit.

Conclusion

Brisbane is a beautiful city surrounded by beautiful suburbs to dwell in. If you are starting a family, an established family looking for a fresh start, a young professional or a student, you have a lot of suburbs in Brisbane that you can choose from. You can always find a dwelling place that will meet your needs and circumstance.

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Eco-Friendly Buildings: 6 Examples Of Vertical Landscaping

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Eco-Friendly Building

The use of green technologies in architecture enriches the appearance of buildings, making nature closer and more accessible. The use of plants on the facades of buildings reduces the heating of walls, the degree of penetration of dust into buildings, and also moisturizes the air and reduces noise.

The use of vertical landscaping technologies is not only an opportunity for residents of houses and office workers to protect themselves from air pollution, get additional shading, and save energy, but also a visiting card of architectural projects.

Architects around the world, together with botanists, come up with and implement amazing development objects, and it would be a great idea to explore some of them, having a family road trip. 7 seat car rental will be a great way to travel at your own pace, and you will be able to see much more than during a regular guided tour. In order to book a 7 seat car rental, just go to Rental24H.com and select the desired location.

Well, now let’s check where to go to see unique examples of vertical landscaping of buildings…

TreeHouse – Singapore

TreeHouse - Singapore

TreeHouse in Singapore is the first masterpiece that should be mentioned. Its vertical garden entered the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world. The building is located in a condominium between Upper Bukit Timah Rd and Chestnut Avenue and has 429 apartments.

The garden area of ​​2,289 thousand square meters appeared on a 24-story building thanks to one of the largest developers in Singapore and Asia – City Developments Limited (CDL) and local ADDP Architects. It’s expected that the savings in air-conditioning costs for 48 bedrooms hiding behind a vertical wall will generally be between 15% and 30% annually. In addition, thanks to the use of vertical landscaping, less air is polluted by the city smog.

One Central Park – Sydney, Australia

One Central Park - Sydney, Australia

The Australian One Central Park skyscraper is certainly one of Sydney’s premium business locations. Featuring elements of vertical landscaping and a height of 116 meters, this building received the award of the International Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Environment (CTBUH).

The author of the project, the French architect Jean Nouvel, together with the engineer and botanist Patrick Blanc, used in a complex of two towers (16 and 33 floors) technologies for growing plants in an artificial environment, i.e. without soil. Thanks to this fact, greenery grows in drawers placed on floors and stretches along with the entire height of the facade.

Bosco Verticale – Milan, Italy

The Vertical Forest Residential Complex, which is also called Bosco Verticale, received the International Highrise Award for Innovation in Building Skyscrapers, awarded in Frankfurt.

The complex, built in Milan by architect Stefano Boeri and customer Manfredi Catella, consists of two buildings with 19 and 27 floors, respectively 80 and 112 meters high. A total of 5 thousand bushes and 11 thousand floor plants adorn the building facades. Generally, the complex has 113 apartments, each of which has access to at least one of the landscaped terraces.

KADF Conference center – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

KADF Conference center - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

KADF Conference center in the capital of Saudi Arabia was erected by the Rayadah Investment Company according to the project of the SOM architectural bureau.

Built-in 2017, it occupies 7 hectares and includes five hexagonal buildings. They look like honeycombs and are connected to each other. This design allowed to reduce the consumption of building materials and easier to connect buildings with each other.

Its landscaping was dealt with by the famous French biologist Patrick Blanc, who used shrubbery and other plants resistant to the local harsh climate.

Hotel in a Quarry – Zhushan, China

Hotel in a Quarry - Zhushan, China

The project of the Hotel in A Quarry hotel center was created by the Belgian architectural company Samyn and Partners. This is a 20-room hotel with an open-air theater. Each room has a covered terrace.

The building will be installed in an existing quarry, and its facade is landscaped with climbing plants designed for a subtropical climate. The structure is assembled from separate modules, and its on-site installation didn’t require huge construction cranes. Each hotel room is protected by a canopy of bamboo and steel, which provides shading in the daytime.

Amazon Spheres – Seattle, USA

Amazon Spheres - Seattle, USA

It’s interesting to know that in this building landscaping is not used outside the building but in the interiors. This is the office of Amazon, where under three transparent spherical domes is a whole rainforest of 40 thousand plants.

All three domes have a common internal space filled with begonias, ferns, ficuses, and other various plants. Special multilayer glass panels are inserted into the metal frames of the facade, which minimize heat loss.

Conclusion

Under the highest dome, there’s a green wall, which occupies four floors out of five. According to Amazon employees, working in such an unusual space is much more pleasant than in a regular office.

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