When embarking on a DIY project, the first thing you want to do is jump in with a hammer and start making mess! But this usually means you will end up shopping for the elusive "money tree".
In other words, leaping before you have planned can be very costly!
There are many questions to be asked, and these can be grouped into four areas:
Practical, Budgetary, Aesthetic and Maintenance
Maintenance
Have you had the electrical wiring checked? Does it need replacing?This should be addressed at the beginning of a project as it can be an expensive task, usually not allowed for in your budget, so all sorts of problems start. It is important as faulty or worn old wiring can start house fires and be very dangerous to you and your family - as well as ruining all your new renovations!
Have you checked that the house is insulated? Do you need it? Can it be done?This can make your home more energy effecient. It is amazing how much heat is lost through your roof, ceiling and walls. Foil can be used under timber floor boards to reduce the cold air coming up through the ground and into the house. Fibre glass or wool batts can be placed into wall cavities if you are taking the linings off the walls to replace them.
Curtains also help with insulation at the windows, ensuring that each room has the ability to cover the windows at night reduces heat loss in the home.
Have you had the plumbing and drainage checked? Does it need replacing/repairing? Do you have any leaks in the roof or anywhere else?Ensure that your hot water cylinders are not costing you valuable dollars in wasted energy. If they are old and worn they are not efficient, replacing with a new one could save you money and provide more hot water. Check that your hot water pipes are lagged to reduce heat loss. Check for leaks, damp areas of floor or wall. Check guttering and downpipes, ensuring they all connect to the stormwater, and don't just drip onto your path.
Are the current heating and ventilation services adequate? Cost effective? And esthetically pleasing?
Does your open fire fill your house with smoke? Do you need your chimney cleaned or a new enclosed fireplace installed. Is airconditioning an easier option with the ability to heat and cool the room. Think about how much you spend on fuel ie wood, coal as well as the time in chopping and lugging it in as well as cleaning out the fire place, and compare it to electric heating or gas heating and see how they will work for you. You may be happy to stay as is but if you are about to renovate it is a good time to review heating and ventilation.
Do the floor boards creak? Are they of sound quality? Do they need replacing?
If you are going to change your floor coverings it is a great time to repair the floor underneath. Get rid of the creaking forever.
Timber floor boards look fantastic, but if they creak, they could drive you crazy, so make sure you check them out and repair and squeaky patches before you decide to sand and varnish them, especially those on the stair!
Does all the door hardware, window catches, the locks etc function? Need repair?
A simple task walk around with a pen and paper and check them all, list up the ones to repair, if it is more that 50% I would probably replace them all as the other 50% will probably break in the near future also. If you can't find keys to lock, call out the locksmith and get some cut.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Design Tips : House On The Market?How to Get That Extra Dolar.
When buying a new home, you will remember that you first saw a picture or drove by, if you didn't like the look of the outside, then you just kept driving. This is an important fact to remember when we now go to sell our own home.
The first impression of the house is the one that will mean stop and come in or forget it.
So we need to make that street or curb appeal inviting and welcoming.
Start by trimming, cut everything back so it nice and neat and tidy. Make sure you can get to the front door with out your hair being skewered by a tree.
Get rid of all the dirt on the outside of the house, it is amazing how much street grim builds up on your walls. Hose down the house, remove the dirt, cobwebs and anything else lurking under the eaves.
Sparkly clear windows, inside and out, with no damaged glass are a must have, they make you house feel larger and accentuate your views.
Make your entrance inviting, surround it with good looking well cared for plants, perhaps some flowers in a pot, they always look cheerful and provide color. Remove anything dead and give the entry a good sweep and hose down. Paint or stain the steps, replacing any broken tiles. Spray for mould or slippery greenery that may be living there, you don't want them to injure themselves on the way in!.
Make the entry neat and tidy, it provides a good first impression.
There are simple things that we forget, that is that perspective buyers look everywhere, even in the dishwasher, so make sure you have at least washed the dishes, no nasty smells left for them to find.
This does take time but it has a double barrelled effect, clean out all cupboards and wardrobes, this makes the spaces look larger and gives the appearance that the spaces are large and adequate. This also saves time when it comes to moving out.
Run around the house with a duster and remove cobwebs, look for mould on the walls and children's drawings! Get rid of any victims. You want to make sure that you house looks well cared for and not neglected.
Let as much natural light into the home as possible, open up blinds and curtains, go easy on the window opening, especially if it is windy!
Some simple things which can often be overlooked, make all the beds, yes even the children's! Put all the dirty washing in the laundry or better still wash, dry and put away! You want to make sure there is nothing to turn off a potential buyer.
One important area is the kitchen, simple stuff here, keep it clean and tidy. Decorate by adding a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of fragrant flowers to create a pleasant aroma. There are two minds about the fresh coffee brewing, it can be an unpleasnat smell for some so if in doubt, keep the smells simple.
Have the stereo playing soft subtle background music, just enough to disguise the constant hum of traffic outside..
Check that all your door and window hardware is in working order, no sticky doors allowed. This provides a good impression of a well maintained house.
To give the air of space, remove most of your knick knacks from horizontal surfaces, pack them away for now. Remove any other clutter, the swiss ball, yoga mats, exercycle from the living room! Any furniture that is not immediately required, these ideas will all make your room feel bigger.
Try and get your kids house trained, even for the time that your house is on the market, it can be stressful enough if you have to do a quick tidy up before anyone comes to view your home, if you have to pick up toys etc, then it can be even worse. Try giving them one space to contain their mess.
Pets - this can be a big turn off for some people. Make sure that you keep their food out of sight. This should ensure that flies or insects don't congregate around the pets bowl. Plus the smell can often be unpleasant, especially if your cat enjoys a feed of sardines!
The first impression of the house is the one that will mean stop and come in or forget it.
So we need to make that street or curb appeal inviting and welcoming.
Start by trimming, cut everything back so it nice and neat and tidy. Make sure you can get to the front door with out your hair being skewered by a tree.
Get rid of all the dirt on the outside of the house, it is amazing how much street grim builds up on your walls. Hose down the house, remove the dirt, cobwebs and anything else lurking under the eaves.
Sparkly clear windows, inside and out, with no damaged glass are a must have, they make you house feel larger and accentuate your views.
Make your entrance inviting, surround it with good looking well cared for plants, perhaps some flowers in a pot, they always look cheerful and provide color. Remove anything dead and give the entry a good sweep and hose down. Paint or stain the steps, replacing any broken tiles. Spray for mould or slippery greenery that may be living there, you don't want them to injure themselves on the way in!.
Make the entry neat and tidy, it provides a good first impression.
There are simple things that we forget, that is that perspective buyers look everywhere, even in the dishwasher, so make sure you have at least washed the dishes, no nasty smells left for them to find.
This does take time but it has a double barrelled effect, clean out all cupboards and wardrobes, this makes the spaces look larger and gives the appearance that the spaces are large and adequate. This also saves time when it comes to moving out.
Run around the house with a duster and remove cobwebs, look for mould on the walls and children's drawings! Get rid of any victims. You want to make sure that you house looks well cared for and not neglected.
Let as much natural light into the home as possible, open up blinds and curtains, go easy on the window opening, especially if it is windy!
Some simple things which can often be overlooked, make all the beds, yes even the children's! Put all the dirty washing in the laundry or better still wash, dry and put away! You want to make sure there is nothing to turn off a potential buyer.
One important area is the kitchen, simple stuff here, keep it clean and tidy. Decorate by adding a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of fragrant flowers to create a pleasant aroma. There are two minds about the fresh coffee brewing, it can be an unpleasnat smell for some so if in doubt, keep the smells simple.
Have the stereo playing soft subtle background music, just enough to disguise the constant hum of traffic outside..
Check that all your door and window hardware is in working order, no sticky doors allowed. This provides a good impression of a well maintained house.
To give the air of space, remove most of your knick knacks from horizontal surfaces, pack them away for now. Remove any other clutter, the swiss ball, yoga mats, exercycle from the living room! Any furniture that is not immediately required, these ideas will all make your room feel bigger.
Try and get your kids house trained, even for the time that your house is on the market, it can be stressful enough if you have to do a quick tidy up before anyone comes to view your home, if you have to pick up toys etc, then it can be even worse. Try giving them one space to contain their mess.
Pets - this can be a big turn off for some people. Make sure that you keep their food out of sight. This should ensure that flies or insects don't congregate around the pets bowl. Plus the smell can often be unpleasant, especially if your cat enjoys a feed of sardines!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
FENG SHUI EASY TIPS
1. Feng Shui-ing Your Clutter! The number one most powerful way to shift the energies in your home and transform your life is clearing your clutter. It is the first step that must be taken before anything else when applying Feng Shui. If you skip this step than you might actually activate the negative chi in your house (that surrounds the clutter) than activating positive chi (in the areas that have been made free and clear for good chi circulation)
Images :Feng shui in bedroom.
2. Expecting Immediate Magic You've heard about the great things that happened to your friend as soon as they implemented Feng Shui principles-so you expect all those great things to happen to you to-right now! Be patient, some changes are immediate, while others may take a few weeks or months. Feng Shui is different for everyone. Each person has different intentions, time lines and energy patterns to deal with. Things will change -just keep the momentum going!
3. No Goals Feng Shui works well when you truly know what you want to achieve. Write down specific goals-be it romantic partnerships, career, health and begin to focus your efforts and intentions on those specific goals. If you are not focused then the results won't be as focused or dramatic either!
4. Not Fully Embracing It Sometimes you may want to achieve a specific goal and you are not willing to accept anything else. Feng Shui will work to bring you what you need but it may not be in exactly the way you expect it. The Universe will unfold to bring you what you need in your life at that moment in order to grow and develop-trust it and embrace the results-whatever they may be!
5. Embracing it to the Extreme! There is a famous saying that "A little goes a long way". You don't need to buy a dozen crystals or completely change all your accessories. One small crystal, a bowl of still water, a picture of a sailing ship may be all it takes! Don't go overboard-too much too soon can be overwhelming and lead to chaos-take small steps-make subtle changes and watch the results unveil themselves to you!
6. Forcing it onto others Once you see the remarkable changes that happen with the use of Feng Shui you''''ll be wanting your friends and family to experience them too! But don''''t force your beliefs on others-they need to be ready to accept it for themselves. If someone does not believe in Feng Shui then do not do it for them without their knowledge. For example if you are making changes for your chld-explain what you are doing-if they are indiffernt that is ok-but they should be aware. Acceptance will come!
7. Your home no longer looks like you! Some people make the mistake of redecorating their homes in traditional Chinese cultural items as they believe Feng Shui will work better with this décor. This is not true! Decorate in your own style while incorporating the Feng Shui elements you need. In order for Feng Shui to work you must love your surrounding and objects-if you don''''t you won''''t get the results. A beautiful round metal bowl can be placed where metal is needed-it is not necessary to place Chinese coins there instead. Use the guidelines coupled with your own personal style!
8. Being Involved Hiring a professional to do a Feng Shui Audit is always a good idea however you must be actively involved. If the advice is to change colour schemes or purchase certain items make sure you fully understand why and that you completely buy in! Your intention must be there in order for you to gain the optimum results. Does Feng Shui work even without intention? Yes of course-but why settle for average results-go for bright!
9. Not Following Through down the road If you truly want results then keep the momentum up-follow through on everything you want to do or change. A big mistake that most people make is that they change on thing and then never revisit it again. Keep a notebook-write down what you want to change-not any small changes-if it isn't what.
Images :Feng shui in bedroom.2. Expecting Immediate Magic You've heard about the great things that happened to your friend as soon as they implemented Feng Shui principles-so you expect all those great things to happen to you to-right now! Be patient, some changes are immediate, while others may take a few weeks or months. Feng Shui is different for everyone. Each person has different intentions, time lines and energy patterns to deal with. Things will change -just keep the momentum going!
3. No Goals Feng Shui works well when you truly know what you want to achieve. Write down specific goals-be it romantic partnerships, career, health and begin to focus your efforts and intentions on those specific goals. If you are not focused then the results won't be as focused or dramatic either!
4. Not Fully Embracing It Sometimes you may want to achieve a specific goal and you are not willing to accept anything else. Feng Shui will work to bring you what you need but it may not be in exactly the way you expect it. The Universe will unfold to bring you what you need in your life at that moment in order to grow and develop-trust it and embrace the results-whatever they may be!
5. Embracing it to the Extreme! There is a famous saying that "A little goes a long way". You don't need to buy a dozen crystals or completely change all your accessories. One small crystal, a bowl of still water, a picture of a sailing ship may be all it takes! Don't go overboard-too much too soon can be overwhelming and lead to chaos-take small steps-make subtle changes and watch the results unveil themselves to you!
6. Forcing it onto others Once you see the remarkable changes that happen with the use of Feng Shui you''''ll be wanting your friends and family to experience them too! But don''''t force your beliefs on others-they need to be ready to accept it for themselves. If someone does not believe in Feng Shui then do not do it for them without their knowledge. For example if you are making changes for your chld-explain what you are doing-if they are indiffernt that is ok-but they should be aware. Acceptance will come!
7. Your home no longer looks like you! Some people make the mistake of redecorating their homes in traditional Chinese cultural items as they believe Feng Shui will work better with this décor. This is not true! Decorate in your own style while incorporating the Feng Shui elements you need. In order for Feng Shui to work you must love your surrounding and objects-if you don''''t you won''''t get the results. A beautiful round metal bowl can be placed where metal is needed-it is not necessary to place Chinese coins there instead. Use the guidelines coupled with your own personal style!
8. Being Involved Hiring a professional to do a Feng Shui Audit is always a good idea however you must be actively involved. If the advice is to change colour schemes or purchase certain items make sure you fully understand why and that you completely buy in! Your intention must be there in order for you to gain the optimum results. Does Feng Shui work even without intention? Yes of course-but why settle for average results-go for bright!
9. Not Following Through down the road If you truly want results then keep the momentum up-follow through on everything you want to do or change. A big mistake that most people make is that they change on thing and then never revisit it again. Keep a notebook-write down what you want to change-not any small changes-if it isn't what.
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