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Category: Exterior

  • Adding Value Outside Your Walls

    Almost every homeowner runs into points where they feel like adding a little more value to their home. This may be in preparation for a sale or simply a long-term financial safety net. When most people hear “home improvement”, they think about extensions, loft conversions or bathroom remodelling. These can all be great for adding value to a home, but what about going past your walls? Here are some excellent ways to add value to your home in the garden.

    We’ll start with the front yard. If you’ve got enough space here, you could add a truly striking feature to your home, along with quite a few figures to the property’s value. If you hadn’t already guessed, I’m talking about a tree-lined drive. Even if you take a casual glance at a home with a tree-lined drive, you get an immediate feeling of wealth and prestige. Perhaps you’ve got an especially long-term vision when it comes to these home improvements. If this is the case, you can buy a few fast-growing saplings and have them planted in two long flanks either side of your drive. You can read about some really nice species at Fine Gardening.

    Lining the drive with trees can give the impression of prestige and luxury to almost any home, but what if you want the real thing? If you live in a larger, rural home, then potential buyers in the future will be looking out for properties with tennis courts and swimming pools. A lot of professional renovators call these kinds of features “the toys” for obvious reasons. In any house, swimming pools and sports courts scream luxury, and will add a considerable amount onto the potential listing price of your home. It will also be a lot of fun to use in the interval! If you’re considering one of these features purely as an investment, then tennis courts usually add more value than pools. However, when the pool is an indoor, heated extension, it’s generally a smarter investment.

    Finally, outdoor rooms and granny flats. These are a relatively new feature, but you’re going to hear more and more about them in time. These are essentially small living spaces in a home’s garden, with a wide variety of styles and applications. Take a look at Backyard Grannys for some examples. One of the biggest attractions of these is the extra value it adds to the property. As soon as buyers see that a property has a granny flat, they get all kinds of ideas for how their household could use it. Furthermore, you could always rent the space out to tenants if some rental property you own stops bringing in money. The feature will also give you some more claimables on your depreciation schedule. The back-and-forth legalese with your local council may be a hassle, but an outside room could be just the garden improvement you’ve been looking for.

    I hope these ideas for improving your garden have simplified your big home improvement project. Of course, these three features make up a tiny part of all the possibilities out there!

  • Stylish Ideas To Get Your Garden Just Right This Summer

    Summer is the perfect time to make some changes to your outdoor space. Whether you have acres of land, a small garden or a patio, there are lots of things that you could do. Being able to create a laid back and relaxing space is just what you need for the summer months. Here are some ideas for projects that will only need a weekend to complete; if that! It is no much nicer to be able to have an outdoor space that you want to spend time in. This is especially true when the weather is warm and sunny. I hope you enjoy a fabulous summer season enjoying your outside space.

    Consider Getting More Storage

    If you have children or just a lot of outdoor equipment, you will want storage for that and outdoor toys. Having them all outside on show isn’t the best look. You could create some storage for it all, though. If you have an outside building or shed, then some new shelving would be a great idea. If you don’t, how about getting some storage boxes. There are plastic options available, but wood would look so much nicer. Arranged nicely, and perhaps with cushions on, they could double up as seating too. So it is brilliant for having guests over, and you are running out of chairs.

    Think About Lighting

    Quite often we forget just how important lighting is outside. If you have any exterior lights, it might be worth giving them an update. There are so many more stylish types of outdoor lighting that you can get now. Then you could think about lighting in other areas of the space. You could use some exterior led, strip and string lighting to decorate fences and gates. This would be perfect for entertaining in the summer when you stay out long into the night. You could get some spot solar powered lights too. They charge up all day and then light up at night. This kind of lighting looks good in flower beds or along pathways.

    Decorate

    Many garden designers tell us that we should treat our garden as if it is a room in the house. Think about how much time you take to decorate and organise the other rooms in your house. Do you spend that long in your garden? Do you even think to decorate your garden? You could put up pictures or fill the area with stylish candles or ornaments. As long as they won’t rust or fade in color, then go for it!

    Neaten Up the Borders

    If you have flower beds in your garden, then it is a good time to neaten them up. First of all, you could start by weeding the area to make sure that only the plants you want are in them. Second, it looks good to have something defining the border. Something like chunky wooden sticks, or flexible garden borders are a good idea. It helps things to look so much neater and more stylish.

  • Making Your Garden A More Versatile Space

    While we all want a gorgeous garden, something that we actually need is a versatile garden. Having one allows for much greater and more regular use of this precious piece of outdoor space. Versatile gardens mean that you can use them winter, spring, summer or fall. When it is raining, or during a heatwave. When you have children visiting, friends socializing, or the elderly relaxing.

    With this in mind, let’s consider a few ways that you can make your space more versatile.

    A Hidden Swimming Pool

    Not many people know that these exist outside of sci-fi movies and doctored Pinterest images, but they really do. A number of companies right across the world have developed, and are now selling and installing, hidden swimming pools. The concept is simple. The swimming pool is built and installed in such a way that with the flick of a switch, it sinks deeper into the ground. Once it is away, the space where it used to be is then covered by a patio or even faux grass. While an expensive option, installing a swimming pool like this gives you incredible versatility. After all, while pools can be fun for adults, they can be hazardous to the elderly and children. This solution allows you to get two entirely different types of usage out of just one area of your garden.

    Retractable Shade Options

    One thing you cannot control in your garden or outdoor space is the weather. However, what you can control is how you deal with it. A rather more affordable option for your garden is the installation of retractable awnings or roof systems. When it’s pleasantly hot and sunny, you put it away. Or, if you want to stay cooler and protect from harmful rays, you put it out. Similarly, in the winter months, you can either utilize it or not. Because it’s retractable, it doesn’t take up hardly any space when not in use. This is ideal if you have a small garden and not a lot of room. It is also an appealing option if you want to make your garden as attractive as possible. Being able to pop it away keeps everything neat and tidy. Plus it means it stays clean during rain, snow or sleet.

    Create An Extra Living Space

    Finally, a versatile garden is also about what additional features you put in it. If you have extra space to spare, how about installing an outdoor structure. First off, it gives you more space for living, working or socializing. Secondly, it could actually add significant value to your home if you ever come to sell. And, third, of course, it makes your garden more versatile. If you work from home, how about working from a home office in the garden instead? It will be more peaceful and provides segregation from home. Or, you could treat teenagers to some privacy in their own den! Finally, you could make it into a room that you can use for socializing in when you have friends over in the cooler months.

  • Gardening Trends 2016

    Gardeners everywhere are working to create their own individual paradise, and like fashion, there are in’s and out’s. This year has some refreshing new arrivals, and container gardens are catching on in a big way, as recycled ideas provide unique platforms. Of course, these are generalisations, there will be folks that deviate due to personal taste, but, as long as the garden is pleasing to the eye, and its creator is happy, all is well.

    Indoor gardens

    The trends this year very much follow the previous season, with indoor gardening becoming prominent, probably due to the large amount of conservatories that are sprouting up all over. With hanging baskets and plenty of dried grass, the ambience is amazon style, with lots of lush evergreens.

    Container gardening

    Fuelled by recycling, creativity abounds as people design, and make, amazing pots and bowls for their plants. Perhaps another reason is that people are constantly on the move. With career development comes relocation, and in small inner city dwellings, often a container garden is the only way to be surrounded by a bit of nature.

    Portable garden

    A container garden has several benefits, one being that it can be moved. Either the entire collection, to a new location, or individual plants and shrubs. Sometimes a plant takes a while to acclimatise to the sunlight hours, and if one noticed a particular shrub was not doing well, simply move it to a location where one thinks it will thrive. At the end of the first year, all plants will be in their optimum settings, and that will be reflected in the healthy blooms seen in the late spring.

    Manageable maintenance

    Trees are centre stage this year, with everyone concerned for their well-being. The avid gardener would call in the tree surgeon at the end of winter, and have the lopping and pruning done, so if one lives in Western Australia, Tree Surgeons WA are a Tree Lopper with years of experience in all types of tree care. By taking care of the larger trees early in the year, the garden can be easily maintained, and there’s nothing major to do.

    Lighting

    Definitely a big hit this summer, LED solutions, combined with solar power, enable the garden designer to really utilise light. Floor lighting around pool areas, and alongside driveways and paths, give a totally new dimension to any landscape, and with a range of colours and effects, the creative side can really get to work. Strong floodlight type of lighting has given way to the softer look, and with remote technology, adjustment is a breeze.

    Natural grey concrete

    Very impressive when done correctly, walls and pathways can be enhanced with darker timbers, creating a modern look.

    Tropical plants

    They have always been popular, yet this year has seen an explosion of small exotic trees, which hold the interest all year round. Evergreens are here to stay, with a fickle climate such as Western Australia, year round green is ideal.

    The trend this year is for less cluttered gardens, with striking fauna, and the emphasis is on simplicity, which every gardener will be happy to hear.

  • Important House And Garden Maintenace For Every Season

    When it comes to taking care of our properties, doing so effectively is naturally a high priority for us. However, as the seasons change and the weather and temperature changes with it, the care the house needs changes.

    So, let’s take a look some key maintenance tasks for winter, spring, summer and fall.

    Winter

    A key task in the winter is to keep your winter tools and equipment maintained. It’s all very well stocking up on everything you might need. However, it isn’t going to be very useful if it doesn’t actually work. Preparing for snow is wise. A lack of preparation can cause anything from mild annoyance to total chaos. You don’t want anyone to fall and hurt themselves, or to not be able to get your car out to go to work! Snowshifts have a helpful review on some of the best snow blowers on the market. You may also want to store salt and sand, and a shovel will always come in handy if it snows too. Keep them all in a dry, clean and safe place. Check they are working as soon as weather warnings appear. This way, if adverse weather comes, you will be prepared and can help neighbors and friends out also.

    Spring

    Sometimes, when we can’t see dirt, we kind of forget that it’s there! This is often what happens when dirt and debris builds up over the winter. On your windows, for example, you might not even notice it for a number of months it there isn’t much sunlight. However- trust us on this one- the dirt is there. Plus, letting it harbor and increase can cause real damage, and actually reduce the life of your windows and exterior fixtures. So, get the cleaned. We’re talking about a deep and thorough clean here, not a surface one. Hire a professional if you can’t face doing it yourself!

    On the topic of hiring professionals, also get someone to check any in spring air conditioning units. Fixing issues and ordering replacement parts in advance of actually needing the unit- as you will in summer- is smart.

    Summer

    Once summer arrives, you will likely be spending more time in the great outdoors! This will, therefore, mean spending time in your garden and outdoor space. That’s why now is the time to make sure these areas are safe. First up you’ll need to throw out clutter, rubbish and other mess that has built up over the months of less use. Have it take away by professionals who will ensure it is responsibly disposed of or even better, recycled.

    Fall

    Just as you need to check your air conditioning in spring, check your heating systems are working in Fall. This allows you to get any issues fixed well in advance of the coldest weather in winter. Now is also the best time to ‘weatherize’ your home. So, things like wall insulation and window replacements should be done now. The more work you can do in Fall, the more comfortable and cozy you will be in winter

  • Making Your Garden Useable All Year Round

    When it comes to gardens, we practically live in them during the summer months! But what about when the weather cools off in the winter? How can we make our wonderful gardens useable even then? Then are certainly ways to do exactly this- you just have to know how!

    One idea is to build a sheltered patio; another is to build a summerhouse, or log cabin. Both of these options allows you to be in the garden without actually being exposed. Another option of this nature is a balcony which overlooks your outdoor space. Alternatively, back down on the ground, how about making your swimming pool usable all year round by heating it? Read on for more on each of these suggestions…

    Build a patio

    Whether you want a detached or attached patio, it is certainly worth building one. They give you a dedicated space to sit in your garden. Go for one that has a cover, and you can continue using it right through the year. These patio designs by Great Aussie Patios will give you some initial inspiration. Compare each to the space you have available, and decide which you think will fit the best. Hire professionals to come and install it for an efficient and smart job. Doing it yourself could take you months, and if you get anything wrong? Disaster!

    Heat your pool

    If you have a pool that you use loads when it’s warm but not at all in the winter? Then have it heated? There are a few options that allow you to do this, a couple of which don’t have to break the bank! That way you can continue to use your pool for socializing, exercising or just relaxing at any time of the year! Be energy efficient and environmentally friendly by using solar panels! Insulating and sheltering the pool will also help it retain the heat it has.

    Construct a summer house

    Summer houses might have the word summer in the name, but the idea should be that you create something suitable for all seasons! When constructing it, be prepared to invest in a few worthwhile extras. While you won’t necessarily use these when it’s hot and sunny, their inclusion will mean usage in winter is possible. So, be sure to insulate the walls, and also install electricity points. Not only will these allow you to have lighting and music inside, but you can also pop a heating system in their when it’s cold!

    Add a balcony to your home

    How about building a balcony on your home that overlooks your garden. This gives you yet another way to enjoy your outdoor space! You can also use your balcony to grow plants and flowers. This will make it blend more seamlessly with the garden below. Glass balconies look brilliant, as there is nothing to block your view. Balconies are not just great to make more use of your outdoor space or garden. They are also fantastic for adding value to your property. If you do come to sell in the future, the balcony could even be the thing that seals the deal for a viewer!

  • Carports for Safety & Style

    Everybody wants their home to look fantastic, especially given the fact that a property is an extremely valuable asset. But a property isn’t just about looks, it also needs to offer security for both people and their vehicles. Homes do a great job at protecting family members from the rain, but some properties either lack a garage, leaving vehicles exposed to the elements, or need to store more vehicles than their garage can accommodate. Luckily, there’s an easy way to create a little extra space outside to provide protection for vehicles, on top of being a stylish home addition.

    Carports in Perth are a popular choice because they can be manufactured to suit any home, with homeowners being able to select their personal preferences in style and size. They can be manufactured to easily accommodate up to three cars and in some cases more. Plus, as an added bonus, they provide extra space outside that’s shaded from the rain and glaring sun. That extra liveable space could double up as a place for the family to enjoy the outdoors.

    Benefits of Carports

    There are more benefits to installing a carport than meets the eye. The fact that they’re easy and quick to erect means they won’t cause any disruption to the neighbourhood, and they’re made to be durable and guaranteed to last a minimum of 15 years. Additionally, they make a home look great, and property hunters might be keen on a home with a carport already installed.

    Manufactured to suit specific needs – Naturally, each homeowner will require a different sized carport depending on their property’s available area. Some may like their carport to take up the majority of their front yard space, where others might prefer a shelter sized perfectly for one vehicle. There’s also the fact that most people will have very different style preferences. As a result of varying needs, carports by Grand Patios are custom-designed to match a person’s unique requirements.

    Carports can double up as liveable areas – Though a carport’s primary purpose is to provide a space for vehicles, there’s no reason part of the area can’t be transformed into a space for relaxation. Those who prefer the idea of a carport taking up a large proportion of their outdoor area would likely have ample space for the likes of a table and some chairs.

    They’re extremely durable – Despite the fact that carports can be installed relatively quickly, they’re manufactured to an extremely high quality and promise to last for years to come. Reputable suppliers usually offer a 15-year warranty on their products, and that shows how confident they feel about their carports’ durability.

    As the points listed above demonstrate, carports are a multi-functional, stylish addition to a property, and they’re custom-designed for each specific home. They’re a great way to keep vehicles shielded from the rain and act as a deterrent against burglary, and they promise to last for years to come as a result of being built with extra-durable materials.

  • Premises Storage v Self Storage – How To Decide What Is Right For You

    Over the course of their lives, people tend to buy things and hang onto them for practical or sentimental reasons . Whether that’s the chainsaw that was bought as a birthday present after Dad went on a DIY binge and now sits gently rusting in the garage waiting for the time that the new couch needs dismantling and sent to the tip, or the leopard print dress Aunty Jane swears will come back into fashion hiding away in a cupboard.

    However, for many homeowners, there comes a point where they have to say “enough is enough.” Nobody wants piles of clutter to build up at home, as this can make the home hard to maintain and can cause unnecessary stress.

    The solution? Put items into storage so that they are accessible at a later date, but are not in the way to disrupt day-to-day life. There are two main choices: whether to pay to have items put in a self-storage unit looked after by a reputable storage in Perth company, or to find places at home to keep possessions out of the way.

    This guide weighs up some of the key financial, practical and emotional factors that need to be considered.

    Cost

    The first thing to consider is finances. Whilst it costs nothing to shift boxes up into the attic and store them there for months on end, there are also plenty of affordable storage in Perth companies that offer cost-effective solutions to clutter.

    If money is one of the main reasons that self-storage does not seem like a viable solution, it might be a good idea to have a ‘trial run’ with a storage in Perth company that offers monthly rolling contracts. This takes the pressure off being tied into contracts and struggling to make payments.

    Practicality

    Practicality is next, and this needs to be weighed up carefully. Storing items at home requires enough attic or basement space to comfortably fit everything that will be tucked away – if there is not enough room in the house this can lead to unused or bulky possessions merely being shifted about from room to room, creating the type of clutter that sensible storage is designed to be reduced in the first place.

    However, premise storage can be practical in another way: storing items at home means that they can easily be accessed at a moment’s notice.

    The flipside of this is a problem with self-storage: if Dad’s chainsaw is finally needed to deal with that bothersome tree in the garden, it can be time-consuming and frustrating to have to drive halfway across town in order to retrieve the tool from storage.

    Sentimentality Value of Possessions

    Human beings are deeply sentimental creatures. There are many items that no longer serve an immediate or potential purpose in people’s homes but are kept close at hand because of sentimental value.

    A key example of this is children’s clothes and toys. Despite children growing up and flying the nest to start adult lives of their own, how many parents around the world insist on keeping items from their son or daughter’s childhood? The answer probably runs into the millions. For these parents, and other people who keep sentimental items at home, the thought of something like a treasured family heirloom or a vintage guitar from band practices many moons ago ending up in a storage container is not something that can be considered lightly.

    Moving House

    Moving house is one of the most stressful events that people have to deal with. Packing up an entire home’s worth of possessions and making sure that they arrive safely at the new house is difficult enough with things that are used often. This stress is exacerbated when having to move yet another set of belongings, especially if they have been tucked away out of use for however long.

    This particular worry is taken care of by keeping items in a self-storage unit. It allows people to move freely, safe in the knowledge that the possessions are being looked after carefully by professionals. 

    Premises storage can be impractical when moving house, but self-storage isn’t hassle free when it comes to moving house either. For example, moving cities or countries with items that need to be put in self-storage is a logistical challenge that often takes a lot of careful planning.

    These are just a few things that should to be considered when deciding between premises versus self-storage.

  • 5 Ways To Enhance Your Backyard Swimming Pool

    If you’re fortunate enough to enjoy the luxuries of a backyard swimming pool, it makes sense that you’d want to get the best out of it. Many of us think the hard work is over when the pool has finally been installed. If you want your swimming pool to truly stand out, though, there are a few more things you need to do.

    #1. Clean It Regularly

    This is less about enhancing and more about keeping your swimming pool in the correct working order! Swimming pools need maintenance like anything else, and you need to regularly ensure the water isn’t dirty. It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort, but it’s a crucial consideration unless you want your swimming pool to go to waste.

    #2. Heating Devices

    Some pools are equipped with no means of heating, which is fine if you’re basking in the sun all year round. More likely, though, you’re dealing with cold climates on a regular basis, and having a form of heating is important. You can heat up your swimming pool in all sorts of ways, from solar heating to heat exchangers. Take your pick, and you’ll probably find that you start to use your pool on a much more regular basis!

    #3. Landscaping

    One of the big attractions of a swimming pool is how it looks in your backyard. It’s stylish and elegant, and it’ll add a lot of value onto the cost of your home. It’s not a great idea to install a swimming pool and nothing else, though. You want to compliment it by adding all sorts of landscaping features around it. Also, placing garden furniture in the near vicinity gives everyone a place to sit and enjoy the pool when they don’t fancy a swim.

    #4. Water Features

    Installing water features in a common backyard swimming pool is something to consider if your pool is particularly large. Sometimes, adding a fountain in the middle of the pool, or even a small bridge is a really neat touch. As I mentioned, though, this should only be attempted with pools that cover a hefty distance. Otherwise, you’re going to create the wrong impression entirely. You don’t want to find that you can’t swim properly because of a badly placed water feature!

    #5. Lighting

    Sometimes, there’s nothing more romantic than a gentle swim in the pool at nighttime. That isn’t necessarily the case if you can’t see anything, though! This is why lighting is another important part of enhancing your pool. You don’t have to go crazy. A few well-placed solar lights might be all you need to create a relaxing mood. If you’re planning to host evening parties around the pool, you might want to go for something a little more extensive.
    As well as enhancing your pool’s features, it’s important to remember to maintain it properly. We’ve already discussed cleaning it, but ensuring it’s in fully working order on a regular basis is important, too. If anything needs fixing, don’t wait around to get it sorted. You spent a lot of money on this pool – get the most out of it!

  • 5 Top Tips To Host A Sizzling Summer Garden Party

    Summer is hotting up, and what better excuse to get friends and family around to enjoy the weather. If you’re thinking about hosting a party, take these five top tips on board.

    #1. Set the date and spread the word

    Summer is notoriously busy. With festivals, weddings, and holidays, it can be tricky to find a time that suits everyone. Choose your date, and then spread the word as soon as possible. The more notice you can give people, the higher the chance they’ll be able to make it. There are various ways you can let people know about your party plans. Set up an event on social media, or send an email or text invitation. You could also send invites through the post. Make sure you give an RSVP date. It’s important to have a good idea of numbers for catering purposes.

    #2. Prepare your garden

    If you haven’t paid your garden much attention of late, now is the time to get out there and have a good clear out. Tidy up, mow the lawn and throw away any rubbish. Do some weeding, and jet wash the patio, drive, and decking. Get your outdoor furniture out and give it a clean. Touch up any chipped paintwork and varnish fencing and wooden chairs.

    #3. Choose your theme

    Nothing sets the tone for an awesome party like a great theme. There are loads of popular options you can choose from, or you could go for something original. Embrace the Hawaiian tropics, or host an Olympics-themed bash. Go back in time to the swinging 60’s or the roaring 20’s. Dress like your favorite celebrities or channel Coachella or Glastonbury. If you’re not sure about themes, have a look at some ideas online. Make sure your guests are aware of the theme. If you want people to dress up, make this clear on your invitations.

    #4. Get decorating

    Once you’ve got your theme, you can start thinking about how you’re going to decorate and dress the garden. Match props and accessories to the theme. If you’re going for a tropical Hawaiian party, for example, inject plenty of bright colors. Hang bunting, and adorn exotic cocktails with flamingo straws and multicolor umbrellas. Get the grass skirts and floral garlands out and blow up some inflatables for the pool. If you don’t have a pool, you could look around for the best portable hot tubs. Light a fire pit, fire up the speakers and get the tunes pumping.

    #5. Food and drink

    Any good party host will make sure their guests are fed and watered. Give yourself plenty of time to plan catering for your event. Bulk buy to cut costs and ask guests about dietary requirements. Barbecues are an excellent idea for summer parties. You could also do an al fresco buffet or afternoon tea for a sophisticated daytime gathering. Set up some tables and chairs or go for hay bales if you’re hosting a festival-themed party. Fill ice buckets with bottles of beer and soft drinks and make a bar. Create your own signature cocktails and decorate accordingly.

    Are you planning a summer party in your garden? If so, hopefully, these five tips will ensure you host a night to remember.