Building Inspections

When buying a new property a building inspection from an independent building inspector is money well spent.  They can give you a heads up to potential problems that could cost thousands to repair, giving you the option of proceeding with the purchase or possibly re-negotiating price.

Building inspectors can be builders, structural engineers or surveyors, each with certain areas of expertise. However, if experienced, any of them should be able to spot problem areas.

Always ask for references and how long they have been working as an inspector. Ask for a contract and read it carefully.  All areas that will be inspected should be listed. 

For example:

The roof exterior and roof space, guttering, the entire exterior of the home, under floor space, retaining walls and fencing, paths, driveways and surface water drainage to name a few.

Choose an independent building inspector not one that is recommended by the real estate agent.  There may be a conflict of interest. 

Regularly inspect the exterior of your windows

Sunny days are perfect for cleaning and inspecting the outside of your windows.  Wind, rain, salt and pollution can really take its toll.

Go outside while the weather’s good and check out your window frames and sills.  Look for corrosion, water damage, condition of weather stripping and flaking or peeling paint.  If you get onto problems straight away there’s a good chance you can stop them from getting worse and save yourself lots of money in future repairs.

If you have any broken panes, replace them.  Not only to make your home look better but more energy efficient too.

Getting rid of all the built up grime is very important as it can etch and scratch the glass.  Check out some of the fantastic window cleaning products that are sprayed on then hosed off. They’re especially good for areas that are hard to get to. 

Always remember, if you need to get on a ladder for any reason have someone with you at all times.

How to Build a River Table

What is a River Table? It’s a table which uses pieces of live edge wood on the outer edges so that it mimics the contours of a river. Between the two pieces, you fill the river in with an epoxy resin, or glass top.

Norglass is my recommended provider in Specialty Finishes. They are an Australian Family Owned company and have provided a How-to Guide showing us how build our very own River Table. If you want to learn how to make one watch the How-to Video or Download their How-to Guide below.

To learn more about Norglass products visit their site www.norglass.com.au

Norglass Specialty Finishes

We demonstrate how to make a river table from start to finish using Norglass Liquid Glass. Products used: * Norglass Liquid Glass * Northane Clear in Gloss o...

Cross off the Moss

It doesn’t take very long for moss to grow all over your outdoor pathways, driveways and tiles particularly after a wet period and in areas that don’t get much sun. Don’t wait until you or someone else has an accident, get onto it and remove it straight away!

Pressure washers used to be quite heavy and cumbersome to use.  Nowadays an entry-level pressure washer is easy to use and affordable - you can pick one up for under a hundred bucks. Once you’ve bought one you won’t only use it for cleaning your path or driveway, you’ll find loads of reasons to use it. Washing down the exterior of your home, outdoor furniture, fencing and even cars or trucks to name a few. Always read the manufacturers instructions first.

Couple of tips to remember -

1. Start with the nozzle back a ways from the surface so you don’t damage it.

2. Power and water don’t mix so always connect it to a safety switch.  Bare feet are not allowed either, wear your rubber boots.

Asbestos awareness

In light of the recent news regarding Mr Fluffy and the asbestos scare, I’d like to again provide some information about asbestos and its safety concerns.

It’s estimated that 1 in 3 homes in Australia will have asbestos of some form in it, and in places you wouldn’t expect like behind bathroom tiles, vinyl flooring, carpet underlay and meter boards.

Between 1945-1980 asbestos was widely used in the construction industry mainly because it was versatile and inexpensive. It’s not been used in building materials since the 1980’s but it wasn’t until December 2003 that asbestos and all products containing asbestos were banned throughout Australia.  Therefore, it’s thought that if your home was built or renovated before 1990,  it’s likely that it will contain some asbestos product, most likely cement sheeting.

You can’t tell if something is asbestos just by looking at it.  The only way to be 100% sure is to have it tested, which means having it analysed in a laboratory. Have a look at NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) for an accredited lab in your area.  Their website is www.nata.asn.au   Or you can use a licensed Asbestos Testing and Removal Specialist, be sure and ask to see their license or contact WorkSafe to verify that they are properly licensed for asbestos removal.

Tips for renovators:

Check on the age of your house, that’s a good indicator.

If unsure, assume there is asbestos in the material.

Undisturbed asbestos products are considered to be safe, it’s when the fibres are released into the air that they pose a health risk. If the material containing asbestos is in good condition, sometimes it’s best to leave it.  There might be alternatives like sealing, painting or covering with a non-asbestos product.

Do not disturb!  Don’t saw, drill, cut, sand, scrub, scrape, waterblast.  Nothing!  Leave it alone!

General asbestos issues – contact your local council.

Good site for info:   

www.asbestosawareness.com.au

Decking choices

One of my favourite places to be is out on the deck, cooking a barbie. There are so many choices when it comes to decking, treated pine, a range of hardwood and now even composite decking.

Also there’s a wide range of fastening systems available.  Galvanised and stainless steel nails and decking screws and quite a few hidden fastening systems. Choosing the right products to use can be quite daunting.

Here are some things to think about. Will it be in the full sun?  Are there overhanging trees that leave stains? Do you live near the ocean?  Even the amount of wear and tear from foot traffic needs to be considered.

Before you make a decision, it’s very important to do a lot of research.  It can be a big expense especially if you get it wrong.

And don’t forget, there’s still the upkeep and maintenance to consider.

Less messy renovating! If there is such a thing.

Renovations are messy, there is absolutely no getting around that one. I don’t think people realise how much dust is actually created with any sort of building work. 

If you plan on living in your home while you’re renovating, here are a few things that will help eliminate or at least lessen the effects on your home and family.

To contain the spread of dust seal off the entry points by taping a plastic sheet around the doors.

Remove as much as possible from the building area into another room. I’m talking about furniture, wall hangings, curtains and knick- knacks. Cover everything else up with either plastic or material drop sheets.

There are several power tools available with vacuum extractors to collect up the dust as you work, as much as 90 percent! But that’s power tools, like saws and sanders..  you can’t attach a vacuum to a sledgehammer!

Either way, you might want to invest in a good broom!

Faulty and outdated electrical wiring = danger!

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, faulty and outdated electrical wiring are some of the main contributors to house fires. 

Here are a few red flags that could be an indication of more serious issues but always use your own good judgement.  If you have any concerns what so ever, get in a professional PRONTO!!

Power points and light switch plates should be cool to the touch.  Scorch marks are definitely a problem.

Having to frequently reset your circuit breakers is another warning sign that something may not be up to scratch. Breakers are a safety device designed to protect appliances, wiring AND your home.. take it seriously.

To make trouble-shooting easier, clearly mark your breaker box, showing what circuits go where.

If your lights dim when you turn on a major appliance, it may mean your wiring is carrying too big a load and needs to be upgraded.

Safety inspections by your electrician should be done on a regular basis.   

An ounce of prevention...

If you’re one of those people who grab a bucket every time it rains, you’re not alone!  You’ll be surprised how many of us leave roof leaks for way too long- forgetting all about them until the next storm. 

The truth is, by the time water actually starts dripping from your lounge room ceiling, the problem may have already caused hundreds even thousands of dollars in damage.  Chances are also good that there were early warning signs that went either undetected or simply ignored.

Not only are regular inspections and preventative maintenance essential to keeping your home in tip top shape- but can alert you to potential, more serious problems.  Catch them early and you just might save loads of money in repairs later on. 

A good rule of thumb is every 6 months- as well as after any severe storm- head on outside to have a good look around from ground level and then, if possible, up on the roof.  

Is your drain a pain..

Does it seem like you’re constantly calling your plumber because of tree roots blocking your drains?  

Well guess what? If all they do is cut the roots out from inside the drain with an eel or a jet blaster, your problem is never going to be solved.

There are two better solutions. 

One is to dig around the pipe where the blockage is and pull all the roots out from around the pipe including underneath. You can now seal the joint, pour concrete in the hole then fill it back up with dirt.

Option two.  Replace all your old clay pipes that have been affected by tree roots with PVC piping. It’s going to be a permanent solution as tree roots can’t get into the PVC joints. This job must always be done by a licensed plumber but if you want to save yourself a few bucks, you can do the digging yourself.