How To Choose The Perfect Bath Tub

bathtub

Picking the perfect bath tub isn’t exactly rocket science. If you know very well what you want, you can make the ideal choice right off the bat. However, you need to pay attention to a few details that can easily make it or break it for you.

The first thing to do is to determine the right size your bath tub should have. If you don’t measure your available space, you may end up with a bath tub that’s impossible to install. If, on the contrary, you choose a smaller one, just to make sure it fits, you may compromise on your comfort for no real reason. Getting the size right is an absolute must.

Next, you have to consider what kind of features you’d like your bath tub to have. Maybe you need handles, or maybe you want some spa features. Maybe you need a walk-in tub. Whatever your must0haves, you need to take them into consideration when choosing your bath tub.

The shape of the tub also matters. However, you have to be aware that you may not be able to pick just any shape you want, as your tub needs to fit into its designated space in your bathroom. Surely, a freestanding tub or a corner one are stylish options, but when you have to fit them inside a very small bathroom, they may not the wises choices ever.

The good thing about such home improvement options is that you can get heaps of inspiration and creative ideas by studying the pages of interior design magazines and websites. They all feature some exquisite bathroom interiors, so you’ll surely find at least a couple of interesting bath tubs that suit your particular room and interior design style. Some social media networks such as Pinterest and Instagram are also excellent as sources of creative inspiration.

Last but not least, you should carefully consider the material your bathtub should be made from. The old style cast iron tubs are still neat, but how much would it cost to handle, transport and install such heavy loads? Modern materials such as fiberglass are much better, as they are lightweight and flexible. You can find tubs in various shapes, with curvy designs and convenience features. Besides, such materials are less expensive than cast iron, hence their popularity among homeowners and builders alike.

As you can see, picking the perfect bath tub is only a matter of research and of knowing your priorities. If you need help with the process just ask the friendly professionals at Plumbers Geelong.

Basic roof safety

roof safety

A compromised roof can weigh heavily on your mind as well as your pocket in terms of the possible damage it could inflict. It is a great idea to have a roof maintenance plan in place to minimise risk and large works needed to be done to your roof. It is however an extremely dangerous place a t times and you need to be aware of how to be safe if you are going to be on the roof. Here is a look at our basic roof safety guide.

Do not go onto a wet roof or in high winds

Before you even getting on the roof make sure it is a dry day. Wetness around the roof surface increases the risk of slippage. Furthermore, any wet leaves in the roof also pose an elevated likelihood of slippage. Do all your maintenance on warm calm days. Wind can also cause problems and should also be avoided where possible.

Use a safe ladder

The ladder is by far the most significant tool used in roof maintenance work. Selecting the best ladder is vital for safety. Make sure your ladder is non slip and is strong enough to hold your weight as well as the weight of the tools. Also take care when setting up your ladder that it is stable and tightly fastened so it cannot fall over.

Safety equipment

Make sure you have all of the right safety equipment for the job. This can include non slip shoes, a harness attached to a harness point, gloves and a helmet where required. Some areas have safety regulations for working on a roof that will need to be adhered to.

Content by Roof Restoration Penrith

Tips for Property Investment

If you are new to property investment there is definitely a lot that you need to know to help you to make the right decision for the right reason, here are some tips for the first-time property investor.

getting started in the property markets

The first major point is to clear your emotions. We can all get attached to property as we all have our own home and the emotions associated with them. It is very important to not let them get the better of you. This is particularly true for auctions where people have a tendency to over spend if they get caught up in the moment. You can make this as easy as possible by having a clear set of numbers in mind and never straying from them.

It is very important to do your due diligence in terms of knowing your figures. You can get help from a professional property investment service for this if you need help. Here you will want to know exactly what all of your repayments and potential expenses of the property are as well as the average per annum capital growth for the area and the potential rental return.

Know the property and pick the right property for your needs. It is important to make sure that you have as much information about the property as you can. You want to make sure that you have all of the necessary building and pest reports to know that there will be no hidden expenses after you have purchased.

Be Patient and don’t jump in too fast. Don’t become a property investor hoping that you will get rich quick. Keep in mind that selling and buying property isn’t a fast way to wealth and you will need to have patience.

For an in depth read on Real Estate Investing I highly recommend Wikipedia.

What You Need To Do Before You Install Solar Rooftop Panels

If you are planning to install solar roof panels, that is a major project. It is also a project that is going to put your home on a whole new level in terms of renewable energy. It’s going to be much more than nice. You are going to consistently save money, and you are going to find that you also increase the value of your home. While it sounds like a great time to get started, it is also important that you know a few things first before you have solar roof panels installed.

What You Need To Do Before You Install Solar Rooftop Panels

The most obvious thing that you are going to need to think about is whether or not you have a roof that can support the solar panels. If your home gets too much shade, you can always look into community solar power. Start lobbying the residents of your local neighborhood. That can work out in some situations, but of course you are wanting to assess whether or not your roof gets enough sun so that you know your purchase of solar roof panels would be worth it in the end.

Think about your roof in terms of how long it’s going to last, too. You are going to be looking into brand new solar panels and their warranties. Well, the last thing you want is to install those panels and then have to do a bunch of roof work a few years later. As you can imagine, it would be better for you to get the roof work done first. Make sure that roof of yours is still good for a long time to come.

Think about cutting your energy costs prior to even producing solar energy. Why? This can help save you money on solar panels. How many of them you purchase and install has to do with how much energy your home is going to need. If you reduce your energy costs beforehand in different ways, you save even more money. Now it’s time to look at the types of solar energy so that you can determine what you need.

There is thermal solar energy, and then there is photovoltaic solar energy. You are also going to have to figure out about fees, connecting to the grid and well, you get the idea, the logistics of the setup and situation. You want all your ducks in a row if you are going to be installing solar roof panels. You also want to know who is going to be doing the installation.

Plus you have to figure out if you are going to lease the panels, or if you are going to buy the solar panels. It’s up to you, but maybe you haven’t looked into this part of the equation just yet. Make sure you have the project parameters clearly defined so that you know what to expect when you start having those solar panels installed. You are going to want to start looking at installation companies, and they can also help you decide what to do, too.

See the team at Roof Restoration South Adelaide for more information.

How To Remove Mould From Your Roof

Roof Restoration - Mouldy Roof

There are many things you have to watch out for when it comes to maintaining your roof. For sure, a roof protects your home and for the most part is durable, low maintenance and a stalwart for years. Yet you have to make sure you keep your roof in tip top shape, and that includes ensuring that there isn’t mould buildup. If you do run into that type of situation, how do you remove mould from your roof?

Let me first start by saying that you also need to know how to prevent these types of mould and algae stains, especially if you know your roof is prone to these situations. It may be that you have to work on removal this time around of course, but work on preventing the mould in the future now that you know it can be a problem. It is usually found in the more humid environments.

You may think all you are seeing is mould, but there are a few other things that can accumulate and look like mould as well. One of them was mentioned already, algae. The algae is actually more common than you might think. No matter what you are looking at, even if it is dirt stains, you want to get them off your roof. However, it should be mentioned that you don’t have to worry about what algae is going to do to your roof in comparison to what mould would do.

If you are going to be cleaning your roof, you are going to want to know what supplies you would need. Think about safety because it’s not everyday that homeowners get up on their roofs. If you think you can clean it all off without getting up there, well you are mistaken. Did you know that sheet metal with a zinc or copper coating can help prevent the algae from growing?

In regards to actual mould, you will want to know that the actual recommended solution for dealing with it is bleach. If for some reason the bleach doesn’t work, you can also resort to alternative solutions. Considering how important it is to get rid of mould that appears to be a problem, you might also want to look into outsourcing the work.

You could also look into the alternatives to bleach from the very beginning because you know that bleach can have a very dramatic effect. Plus, think about your environment. If you aren’t sure of what to do, call the professionals, and then you can ask them about more tips for helping to prevent mould in the future.

The professionals have the equipment to remove mould from your roof and can save you the heartache and pain of trying to do it yourself. Most respectable roofing companies have high pressure cleaners to clean the roof thoroughly without using chemicals. This is ideal as it is a safer solution and is better for the environment.

Usually roofing companies will carry out a thorough clean of your roof as part of a roof restoration process if you are interested in getting your roof restored. An example of a very thorough roof restoration company is Roof Restoration Narre Warren located in Melbourne, Victoria.

If you are in the Narre Warren area or surrounding suburbs, look up these guys instead of trying to do the job yourself, you will save a bunch of time and heartache, and quite possibly your life.

What Is Roof Ventilation and Do You Need It?

Roof Restoration

To determine if your home needs roof ventilation, you should understand what roof ventilation is and how it is important to your roof. Thanks to the boys at Roof Restoration Sutherland Shire for providing the information included in this article.

You would be forgiven for thinking that roof ventilation is a trivial matter however you might be surprised to learn about the benefits something so simple can bring to your home and your roof. Regardless if you are buying a new house, carrying out a roof restoration on your existing house, or building a new house, the information in this article could be beneficial to you.

The most common type of ventilation in Australia is known as the “whirly bird”. A very typical type of ventilation that can be found in a large percentage of homes and commercial buildings in Australia. The idea is based on extraction of hot air from the roof cavity, implemented by a mechanical vent that is operated by wind and hot air currents from within the roof.

The extraction process is complemented by the intake method. This occurs by placing roof vents around the eaves of the home (or commercial building) to allow cooler air from the outside to enter the roof cavity.

To reiterate, extraction fans (operated by wind and internal warm air convection) known as whirly birds will seek to remove the hot air from the roof cavity and roof vents placed around the eaves will allow cooler air from the outside to come in and replace the hot air.

So now that we have had a simple explanation on roof ventilation, we will go on to discuss the benefits of roof ventilation. These points will help you to further consider the need for a roof ventilation system.

If you want the roof to last a long time, it is important to know that one of the main advantages is that a good roof ventilation system will ensure that a roof is going to last. It goes without saying how important this is. Important to your pocket that is. A roof replacement can be a costly exercise and good ventilation systems will actually help to prevent this from occurring.

A good roof ventilation system will also help to reduce the cost of cooling your home.  This comes from allowing the hot air out of the roof, thereby helping to prevent the air inside the home from heating up. For the low cost of roof ventilation, the advantage of reducing energy costs with today’s high electricity prices could easily pay itself off in a short period of time.

If you are considering roof ventilation, and need some assistance, your local expert roofing company have professional roofers who are experienced in roof ventilation systems. They can assess your needs and provide you with a solution to meet both your particular house circumstances and your budget.

In addition, if you are in need of a new roof or a roof restoration, your local roofers from Roof Restoration Sutherland Shire will happily arrange a free inspection and quote for you.

Why Do You Need A Roof Restoration?

Restoring a roof is one of the options a property owner has.

It is an option a lot of individuals don’t look at as seriously as they should. This read is going to illustrate some of the reasons to go out and invest in restoring the roof. These reasons are important and can improve the quality of your roof.

1) Safety

Safety is one of those things people don’t think about and that is a mistake. The roof is a big part of the property and it is one of the major pillars holding things together. If it breaks down, the rest of the structure is going to break down too.

2) Prevent Weather-Related Damage

Is the weather something that tends to do a lot of damage to your roof?

Well, restoring the roof is a good way to make sure the roof is brought back to life and doesn’t start to wear down. This is a good way to keep it secure.

3) Stylistic Improvements

Sometimes, the reason to go out and invest in restoring the roof has little do with damage. It has more to do with the look of the roof. Since this is the first impression of your property, it is best to go with something that is stylistic.

4) Reduce Water Damage

Water damage is a real problem and it is important to invest in something that is going to keep things as safe as possible. A safe roof is one that is going to do great things for the property and that includes potential leaks that come through the broken shingles.

5) Avoid Pests

Pests can start to come in through the cracks and that is a major expense to deal with. Most property owners can save a lot of money by restoring their roof instead of letting things get worse with time. Be smart and take a look at restoring the roof as soon as possible. This is one way to make sure pests are not getting in when they shouldn’t be anywhere near the property. Whether it is insects, birds, or mice, the roof should be secure at all times.

These are the reasons you are going to want to look at the value of a roof restoration solution. It is going to keep the property looking good and it is not going to lead to major damage down the road.

Savings tips to buy your first home

Spas A Adelaide in partnership with our friends from Mortgage brokers Northern Beaches presents:

 

savings tips to buy your first homeTips For Saving To Buy Your First House

Buying a house is something that a lot of people dream about, but this has become increasingly difficult for first-time buyers. Saving up to buy a house can be a daunting task, but there are a number of tips that you can use to help. It is important that you consider these tips as they could make saving to buy your first home much easier.

Start Saving As Soon As Possible

When it comes to saving up to buy a house, it is never too soon to start. The longer you save, the larger the initial deposit you will have and this is very important. Larger deposits will bring better rates and will lower the amount that you have to repay. It is also important to note that you are not only saving up for the deposit.

There are a number of other costs that come with buying a house that you need to have money to cover. Some of the costs that you need to cover will be the legal fees and moving costs. Depending on where you are buying a property, you could also be faced with stamp duty or a transfer tax. You need to save up to cover these costs along with the deposit.

Know How Much You Need To Save

One of the keys to saving up for your first home is knowing how much you actually need to save. There are some mortgage lenders who require that you pay only 5% of the total price of the property as a deposit. However, if you were to save 10 to 20% of the total price, you will gain access to better mortgage deals and you could get a higher loan amount.

When you know how much you need to save as a percentage of the total price, you will be able to calculate how much you need to put away each month. To do this, you will first need to find out what the average home prices are in the area that you want to buy. It is important that you remember these prices are likely to increase during the time that you are saving so you need to be flexible. You should then calculate what 20% of the total price will be and then determine how much you can realistically put away to reach this amount in a fair amount of time.

Where You Save

Where you have your savings is very important because it will impact how quickly you could save the amount you need. If you are looking at a short-term savings plan, you should consider a regular savings account. These accounts will generally require you to put in a certain amount of money each month to maintain the interest rates and you will generally not be able to withdraw without notice.

If you are looking at a long-term saving plan, you should consider fixed rate bonds. You will need to invest a set amount and determine the term. You will not be able to touch the money for this term, but you will be able to compound the interest to earn more.

Five Common Slate Roofing Mistakes

Slate isn’t the least expensive roofing option that is available to install, although over time it can save money due to its longevity. So if you have decided you want to build a new house with a slate roof, or are needing to repair or restore an older roof, the following are five common mistakes that you will want to avoid in order to get maximum value for your hard-earned money.

1. Hiring a roofing company that doesn’t have experience working with slate

Although slate has been around and used for roofing for hundreds of years now, not every roofer has the necessary experience or expertise for building or restoring a slate roof. There are a couple of do’s and don’ts that are specific to this stone. In order to get the beautiful, weather proof look that you want, you need to make sure that you select an experience, professional slate roofing team to do the work for you.

2. Failing to obtain detail specifications on the work that is to be done

Your work specification needs to include the beginning and ending date of your project, details on the resources and materials to be use, as well as the cost. Find out why each of the materials has been selected. For example, it is very important that the proper fixing nails to be used – usually stainless steel or copper are recommended. If not, then over time they might corrode and you will end up having expensive repairs.

In order to avoid mistakes occurring ask how the work is going to be done. Slate tiles should be walked on since that can cause them to break or crack. What systems is the tiler going to be using while renovating or building your roof?

3. Not considering what the finished look is going to be

Slate isn’t as uniform as concrete or clay tiles, so that is why it is very important that you understand that there could be slight colour variations when it is laid out. Ask the tile to lay some slate tiles out on the ground so that you can have an idea of what the finished look is going to be, so that you aren’t disappointed later on.

4. Failing to research your choice of tiles

There are different colours and profiles of slate tiles that are available, so make sure you obtain some expert advice from the roofers. Also do research on your own and consider a couple of different kinds before making your final decision. Make sure to retain a sample of the tile you select, and then check it against what is delivered before the installation starts.

5. Not asking about a warranty or work guarantee

What if the roof leaks two months after it is installed? BE sure to ask whether a warranty or guarantee is offered by the slate tiler on their work, for your peace of mind.

Slate roofing Sydney offers a warranty on all slate roof repairs and slate roof restoration

Brisbane Roof Restoration Services

Roof Restoration Brisbane BannerNow that I’ve already set the precedent in rambling on about other businesses in different parts of the country, you’ve got to hear about Roof Restoration Brisbane. These guys have a reputation that precedes them and if you’re after roofing work in Brisbane, read on to learn why these guys are the best.

Discovering a roofing repair service in Brisbane that will offer you with an exceptional service, you must think about all of your choices. Some businesses will offer you with outstanding services, however at a much greater cost. Others will offer cheap as chips prices and you can bet that their quality of work and materials will match.

We’d like to present to you, Roof Restoration Brisbane – a company committed to providing the highest quality workmanship, for the right price, and completing projects on time.

A roof restoration project has a major impact on the aesthetics of your home (in a good way!!) but if not done properly, the results can be devastating. That’s why our guys have a great reputation, we know how to listen and we know how to deliver what the customer is looking for.

Services Offered by Roof Restoration Brisbane

We offer numerous and all roofing associated services. We will work on any type of roof product that you might have consisting of metal roofing systems and tiled roofing systems.

A few of our services are;

  • Roofing system repairs
  • Roofing cleans
  • Roofing paint jobs
  • Roofing repair works
  • Re-roofs
  • Rain gutter installations & replacements

The roofing professionals will check your roofing system, talk about with you their findings and then present you with a service to fit your requirements and your spending plan. A totally free examination and quote service is provided and can you feel comfortable that you will understand the expense of the project prior to beginning the task.

Why Roof Restoration Brisbane?

Many people begin searching the web for a roof business which is most likely the fastest method to discover all businesses in your location that provide this kind of service. How do you truly understand which one to pick? You may get a number of businesses out to offer you a quote, which is great, however how do you understand that their work quality will be up there?

When we state that our roofers are leading notch, you can trust us. Their rates are reasonable for the high quality work provided, they are prompt and dependable, and above all they understand what it means to pay attention to you, the consumer, and produce work in accordance to your requirements.

Project Timeframes

It usually takes no greater than a couple of weeks to finish these kinds of jobs. For a lot of jobs, it can be finished under a week. There are numerous elements which can impact the period of the task consisting of roofing intricacy and pitch, height (e.g. 2 story roofing system), accessibility, weather condition and materials schedule.

When we come and check your roofing system, we can give you an idea of project duration.

Guarantee and Insurance Coverage

It is a stringent guideline of ours that every roofer we deal with is correctly insured (public liability insurance coverage is an outright necessity) and properly certified. We will not deal with anybody that does not satisfy these requirements.

Stop looking; we are the roofing professionals that you’ll be advising all your pals to use if you’re in Brisbane and needing roofing system looked at.

(Thanks to the guys at Roof Restoration Brisbane for supplying the material for this article!)