Points Which Underlines The Importance Of House Leveling

Points Which Underlines the Importance of House Leveling 

Any structure whether it’s a house or a commercial building stands tall and strong on its foundation. Foundation of any structure bares all the weight of the house and thus it is very important that it remains strong. If anything happens to foundation, then it affects the entire structure whether big or small. Thus, it is very important to deal with any problems related foundation carefully. The most common problem related to house foundation is damage caused to its leveling. And if you are not careful enough and tend to keep on ignoring the issue, then it can cost a fortune.

As soon as you encounter any issue related to foundation, immediately call for house leveling experts. They will help you with the whole process and will correct it. So, to make sure that these signs do not go ignores leading to the house rumbling down, here are some the signs which showcases the importance of house leveling.

Jamming of Doors and Windows

No one likes jamming of doors and windows and sometimes they often get stuck due to various reasons. This happens especially with wooden doors and windows, as due to moisture they swell and thus becomes stuck at times during rainy season. One of the reasons of jamming can be loose hinges causing jamming of doors and windows. If these reasons are not the cause of jamming, then it is definitely the case of problem in house leveling. As when the roots of any house start to change then its signs are visible in the doors and windows as they are moving parts attached to the house structure. Uneven base of the house causes the nonalignment of doors and windows thus if that’s the case you need house leveling.

Gaps between Seams and Ceilings

If we define a house leveling then it is a process of making the base of the house stable, so that everything build upon it remains stable in a straight level. But sometimes due some reasons, the base gets uneven and thus the first signs that one can get is by observing the gaps between seams and ceilings. This cracks or gaps created overtime can turn bigger over the period causing a damage to its foundation. Thus, when you spot a crack, it is sure sign that you need a house leveling done to your home before it’s too late.

Bent basement

The best way to know whether your house needs a leveling or not is by checking the basement. Basement is the closest to the foundation thus it shows the signs. When you start observing that the basement walls have started bending, then it is a result of shifting the foundation and due to which the entire structures are jeopardized. To overcome this situation, one must consult house levelling experts as soon as possible.

Water Damage

When the foundation of your house start losing its ground then it creates some unprecedented situations which can directly affect your house. For instance, when the foundation has shifted it creates space for rain water to sip in and accumulate in those gaps. Drainage system can also get affected with uneven foundation. Another sign which ensures that you need a house levelling done is the constant repairs needed to drainage system.

Crooked Floors

Crooked floors occur when you observe that the flooring is not levelled as before. When things start to roll on its own then its time to correct the foundation of house. Thus, house levelling is required to be done to correct the mess.

All these points when kept in mind properly will help you out in getting the idea that you need a house leveling.

 Guest Contributor, Amelie Lawrence

A Practical Guide To The Home Building Process

A Practical Guide to the Home Building Process

Choosing your new home is certainly one of the most important decision you’ll be making in the course of your life. However, it’s not an easy and quick decision to make, as you’ll want a home that is filled with character, matches your lifestyle and offers all the desirable amenities.

The whole idea becomes instantly more serious when you decide on building your home instead of buying a finished one. It can be a quite stressful and overwhelming process, so to make sure it all goes smoothly, you need to understand how it works.

Here are all the essential phases a typical builder will undertake in building your dream home.

Planning and professional help

While still in the planning stages, consult a professional, such as an architect and a project manager, as they will walk you through the design ideas and building phases. In this way, you’ll have the chance to address any safety concerns, costs, permits and various ways of turning your desires of a dream home into reality.

Building a home is not simple so without professional help of experienced project builders and designers, you’ll hardly be able to make any substantial progress. The construction market in Australia is growing rapidly and whether you’re looking for new apartments in Sydney or houses that will satisfy all your needs and grow with you, turn to the best property developers you can find to ensure the highest quality service, and attractive and innovative design.

Phase 1: preparation and foundation

With the exception of a wooded lot, one crew usually does all site preparation and foundation work. The work starts with clearing the lot of debris, rocks and trees, which is then levelled out, wooden forms are placed, holes are dug and the footing positioned. If the plans include a well and a basement, it will be done in this phase as well. Only after all that can the foundation be poured. After it cures for some time, foundation walls are built up, drains, sewer and plumbing are installed.

This is when you can expect the first visit from a city inspector who will ensure everything is properly installed and up to code.

Phase 2: the rough works

Phase two sees all walls, floors and roof systems completed. OSB sheathing or plywood is put up on exterior walls, doors and windows are built in, and the roof and walls are covered with house wrap, a protective layer that reduces risks of mold and wood rot.

After the siding and roof have been installed, electrical and plumbing work is done through the ceiling, floors and interior walls followed by HVAC system installation.

Phase 3: insulation

An essential element in creating a comfortable and cozy interior and improving the energy efficiency of your home is proper insulation. The most common types of insulation are fiberglass, foam, cellulose, mineral wool, concrete blocks and rigid boards that will insulate exterior walls, basement, attic and floors.

Phase 4: completion

At this point, construction works are coming to an end and usually include finishing drywall, interior textures and trims, flooring, cabinets, countertops and finally exterior landscaping, pathways and the driveway.

Phase 5: the final inspection

The last phase calls for the final inspection so you can get familiar with all the new features, future maintenance and warranty coverage. It’s also a valuable chance to spot any details or imperfections that need a touch-up or adjustment.

Regardless of how long and meticulous the home construction process is, it’s necessary to ensure your home is properly built, and safe for you to enjoy in the following years.

Guest Contributor, Amelia Atkins

The Damage Is Done: What to Do When Builders Damage Your House During Renovations

The Damage Is Done: What to Do When Builders Damage Your House During Renovations

Things are going smoothly with your home reno.  You had great referrals for your contractors which has proven successful, the job is on schedule and the work looks amazing.  Then, it happens.  You come home to hear that there has been an accident.  Thankfully, there were no injuries and everyone is okay, but the same can’t be said for your house. 

When the contractors were lifting a new beam, it slipped and fell from the top floor where the renovation is underway, and now there’s a gaping hole in the new floor and the ceiling of the next floor just below.  What now?

This is just one of many scenarios that can unfold whether you are making minor changes or major changes to your home.  Builders can do some amazing things, but the fact is, accidents happen, so you need to be prepared for a worst-case scenario.   Typically, the work starts long before an accident occurs.

Start with Your Home Owners Insurance Policy

Many insurance companies cover the cost when a builder damages a home, but there are some cases where it is not bound to do so.  For example, if you move out of the home while the renovations are underway, coverage may be in question.  The same may also apply if the damage occurred in an addition being built on to the home. 

The safest move you can make is to reach out to your insurance company before the renovations begin so your agent can explain what is and is not covered.   In many cases, your insurance company will recommend builder's risk insurance or home remodelling insurance.  

If you don't have either of those, you still have options, one if which is to look at the coverages in your current home owner’s policy. The other option is to pursue the contractor’s insurance company to cover the cost of the damages.

The Contractor’s Insurance Policy

Along with getting referrals, you were also hopefully savvy enough in your research to make sure your contractor has proper insurance coverage. 

All contractors should have general contractor liability insurance.  If you don’t already have a copy of the insurance information on hand, ask your contractor and give that information to your insurance company. This will be used to cover the cost of the property damage.   The same applies to sub-contractors.  If they don’t have insurance, you could be on the hook for any damage they caused to your property.

It isn’t common, but in some cases, both insurance companies will deny coverage and refuse to pay for the damages.  This is a worst-case scenario for any homeowner because you not only have the cost of your renovations but now you have the unexpected cost of damages that come out of your pocket.  If you find yourself in this situation, you’ll need to take more drastic measures. 

Do You Need a Lawyer for Property Damage During House Renovations?

Legal experts agree that suing your contractor is not ideal.  The time, costs and delays to your home reno project are all major factors, so if you can solve the dispute out court, everyone involved will fare better.   You have few options before calling in the reinforcements of a legal team. 

Reach out to your contractor’s county or state licensing agency. They may be able to step in and handle the dispute with a call in your favour.  Also, consider mediation or arbitration.  Both most likely come with a shared cost between you and your contractor.  Small claims court is an option as well if your claim it within the small claims guidelines.  All those options are viable and will be much less in cost than your last resort.

If you’ve exhausted all avenues to no avail, you may need to hire an attorney.  You’ll need a lawyer who has vast experience in contractor litigation. 

The Road Ahead

The idea of the home reno project was to improve your home.   Never did you imagine the damage that would incur, and know that you are not alone when it comes to the woes of home improvement projects.  If you have it to do all over again, make sure you check in with your own insurance company.  The right coverages – and the right contractor can mean the difference between a home reno gone way off kilter, or one that goes perfectly according to plan – even in the case of an unexpected accident.

About the author

Luke Oleenik serves as the Managing Director of XL Building, a trusted building company specializing in second storey additions and custom home construction across Melbourne. Prevent your dream home from turning into a nightmare with his free ultimate building guide.

Fresh Trends in Contemporary Kitchen Renovations

Fresh Trends in Contemporary Kitchen Renovations 

There is nothing that portrays a family home imbued with love and happiness like a beautifully-designed kitchen space where everyone can gather in the morning before the day begins, and share their experiences in the evening. Arguably one of the busiest rooms in the entire household, the kitchen needs to be designed for aesthetics and pure functionality.

If you’re considering renovating your kitchen, you need to keep in mind that form should always follow function, but that there needs to be balance rather than compromise. So, let’s take a look at some fresh trends in contemporary kitchen renovations and how you can create a beautiful, multi-functional space the entire family will love.

Discover Your Perfect Layout

People will often advise you to work with what you’ve got, and to leave the layout as is to avoid costly renovations, structural issues, and other problems down the road. While it is true that it’s easier and more affordable to simply renovate around the existing pipeline and electrical systems, you should never settle for something you’re not completely satisfied with.

Nowadays, you can find amazing kitchen contractors that can completely transform the setting without you ever noticing that the appliances were in a completely different place in the room, so if money is no object, you should definitely work with your designer to rearrange the layout to your liking. Remember, simply utilizing the space in a different way can have a profound impact on the aesthetics of the entire room while creating a functional setting you can fully appreciate.

Invest in Lighting, Air Flow, and Ventilation

Proper lighting is essential in a kitchen, not only for safety reasons, but in order to introduce that homey vibe every household needs as well. Start by layering the lighting strategically, introducing overhead lights first above key areas such as the island, the dining area, and the stove. After that, you can position complementary lights on the walls.

When it comes to air flow, keep in mind that it should not be synonymous with ventilation. You want to use your windows to bring fresh air into the room throughout the day, but your ventilation system to quickly air out the space and eliminate cooking smells, especially in the stove area during the cooking process. The best part is that ventilation systems can serve an aesthetic purpose as well!

Give the Floor a Durable and Aesthetic Coating

When it comes to renovating a kitchen, most homeowners think about the floors at the end when in fact flooring should hold top priority on your list. And it’s not just about form, it’s also about function and how your kitchen floors will be able to withstand the test of time and constant use.

To that end, you want to consider polyurethane coating regardless of the type of surface you have, in order to protect the surface from bumps, drops, spills, and all kinds of corrosive agents that might find their way into the pores. This is especially important for stone, marble, and hardwood surfaces – which will retain their aesthetic appeal with the use of the right kind of coating.

Complement the Color Scheme with a Beautiful Back Splash

Another primary consideration for every homeowner should be the color scheme, how it works with other elements in the room, and how accommodating it is for accentuating features such as the backsplash. To come up with the ideal color arrangement, consider the theme of the room, with your primary colors acting as the foundation for all future work.

This can be something as simple and timeless as a pure white palette, or something as chic and sophisticated as dark charcoal, or you can be playful with a pastel arrangement. Regardless, a great aesthetic and functional addition would be to invest in a striking back splash that will not only protect your wall from spills, but also take the look of the room to a whole new level.

Accentuate the Setting with Natural Materials

Lastly, contemporary kitchen designs cherish a deep connection with nature, as attested by the popular Scandi approach. To keep positive energy flowing through the setting at all times, consider introducing strategic greenery on the windowsills, potted plants in the corners, and standalone flower arrangements on select surfaces such as the dining table or the corner of the fridge.

Renovating a kitchen, however time-consuming and costly it might be, shouldn’t be a stressful or daunting task. Rather, it should be an exciting and enjoyable experience that will set the stage for a lifetime of happiness surrounded by family, friends, and an aesthetic setting that breathes positivity and well-being.

 Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

5 Smart Updates For Your High-Tech Bathroom

5 Smart Updates for Your High-Tech Bathroom

The bathroom has always been one of the most functional rooms in your home. After all, you can do without a living room, a reading nook or even a bedroom, if need be. However, a home without a bathroom is impossible to even imagine. Still, for the bathroom of 2018, it takes more than just plumbing work. In fact, you need to start introducing smart technology as soon as possible. With that in mind and without further ado, here are top five smart updates for your high-tech bathroom.

1.     Water-Saving Sink and Faucet

By installing a high-end technological marvel of a faucet, you can reduce the tap flow and set the temperature of the water digitally. On the annual basis, this one degree of a difference in temperature and the amount of water wasted can mean a massive budget difference. Furthermore, the fact that this technology works on the basis of sensors and not touch, means that it’s much more hygienic. At the very end, most of these taps come with many programmable features, which means that you can set up different programs for different tasks. In this way, you could make massive savings while brushing teeth, for instance.

2.     Warm Drawers

One of the most amazing things about innovation is how the simplest of upgrades can make a huge difference. With the help of warm drawers (which some also like to call towel warmers), you’ll raise your overall bathing experience to a whole new level. Imagine walking out from the shower in the morning knowing full well that there are clean warm towels waiting for you in the drawer. It really doesn’t get any better than that. When compared to some other items on this list, this innovation doesn’t even make that much of a difference.

3.     A Toilet and a Bidet

The next step in your bathroom innovation should be the issue of a smart toilet and bidet. Namely, in this field you stand to make some massive savings, seeing as how a low-flow toilet wastes almost one-third of the water on flushing while achieving the same effect. A smart programmable toilet can go even further, especially when coupled with the automatic, self-flushing option. As for your bidet, you can do pretty much the same thing and further maximize its pragmatism by getting bidet toilet seats that can be controlled by a remote. What is more, some of these models even offer advanced drying capabilities.

4.     Waterproof TV

Now, it’s time to erase the boundary between your living room and your bathroom by installing a waterproof TV on the wall opposite of your bathtub. Like most other items on this list, this feature can hardly be considered mandatory, yet, it can drastically improve the quality of time you spend in your bathroom. Even though you definitely do not intend to splash any water at your TV, keep in mind that these things do happen. Moreover, a leak is more likely to occur in the bathroom than in any other place in your home. Getting a great outdoor TV is a suitable solution.

5.     Sensor Mirror

The last great idea worth looking into is the sensor mirror you can place on any available surface in your bathroom in order to ensure that you never walk into a dark bathroom again. Due to the fact that most of these sensor mirrors are equipped with the LED technology, they are expected to last for over 100 years. By the time this expires, you’ll doubtlessly find a suitable alternative. This is a minor investment that could make a great difference when it comes to your day-to-day bathroom interactions.

At the end of the day, these smart updates are just the tip of the iceberg of all that you have available. Some honorable mentions are smart showers and high-tech standing bathtubs. Moreover, the issue of smart illumination (not the one we’ve discussed in the sensor mirror section) is also viable, yet, we failed to mention it due to the fact that it’s not exclusive to the bathroom or even primarily targeted at it.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

Designing Your Backyard the Eco-friendly Way

Designing Your Backyard the Eco-friendly Way

Due to the rising awareness of the importance of environmental protection and the growing popularity of green living, eco-friendly backyard and landscaping ideas have become a common thing. It’s all about being environmentally responsible and making the lowest possible impact on our surroundings.

There are now many resourceful and creative ways to save on water, energy and money when designing your sustainable backyard oasis. Here are several ideas to help you get started.

Use Native Plants

One of the smartest, low-maintenance options for your eco-friendly backyard is using native plants. They are already accustomed to surviving in your region, so they need less water and generally have fewer disease and pest problems. They also provide a friendly habitat for local wildlife seeking food and shelter. Once these plants get established, they require very little maintenance as they need no fertilizers, pesticides or additional watering, making them very inexpensive to have and environmentally friendly.

Keep Your Lawn High And Dry

By letting your lawn grow a bit higher, it’ll be much better in tolerating drought in hot summer months. In this way, the lawn retains more moisture, roots grow deeper and the blades thicken, which also means fewer pests and diseases. Moreover, leave the grass clippings on the lawn as they contain a lot of water and help keep the moisture in the lawn.

Increase Hardscapes and Shade

Increasing the square footage of hardscapes in your landscaping will provide you with more outdoor living space, it’ll make it more functional and most of all, it’ll reduce the amount of water needed to water your backyard. It will save thousands of liters of water a year if you replace a portion of your natural lawn with a stone-paved patio or a synthetic turf. Both require very little maintenance and blend in well with the rest of the natural landscaping.

Moreover, by increasing the amount of shade in your backyard, you’ll be able to reduce the overall temperature that will make your stay outdoors more pleasant. For instance, by installing a Best Sheds carport, you’ll have your car nicely tucked away under shade, protected from the elements, plus, you will contribute to the environmental protection since those carports cost less to produce, transport and install. All the material is locally sourced from the Australian manufacturer and with the elimination of the middleman, the entire process is shorter and cheaper.

Be Water-Savvy

As droughts are becoming more frequent, being water-savvy has become a must. Harvesting rainwater is one of the most eco-friendly ways to green up your landscaping efforts. It can be used to water all your plants, flowers and the garden, as well as for washing your car. Another plus is that by capturing stormwater runoff, you prevent pollution of the general water supply.

In addition, if you water your backyard early in the morning by 10am or in the late afternoon, you’ll avoid massive evaporation due to cooler air. Also, make sure you water near the base of plants and not overhead and use soaker hoses, as they are more economical in spending water. You can also opt for an automatic irrigation system that will do the same, but more efficiently. It also encourages plants to grow deeper and stronger roots, making them more resilient to droughts.

Start Composting

Composting is an excellent way to reduce the amount of trash we all produce and at the same time, make free, natural fertilizer. To start your own composting pile, all you need is a warm, sunny area and some soil. The most practical way is getting a composting bin in which you’ll throw your household and garden waste, including food scraps, newspapers, cardboards, wood shavings and weeds. This will provide a favourable ground for compost-making bugs, and in the following six to nine months, you’ll have a rich fertilizer to use in your garden.

Following these tips, you’ll turn your backyard into a natural, eco-friendly environment that will require less maintenance, save more money, reduce your carbon footprint and give you a beautiful space to relax and enjoy all year round.

Guest Contributor, Amelia Atkins 

Is Your Roof Leaking? Know the Ways to Leak Repair

Is Your Roof Leaking? Know the Ways to Leak Repair

If your roof is leaking, the problem needs to be rectified with efficient leak repairs.  When it comes to commercial structure, there are two kinds of roofs, namely, flat and pitched roof. You may get leak repair services for flat roof and pitched roof.

When there is snowfall or heavy downpour, the roof may start leaking. So, mainly roof leakage is during winters and rainy season. You can choose a specialist to carry out leak repair. The professional will arrive at your site to inspect the roof and locate the problem spot.

Then, he will adopt measures to correct the problem. After the specialist finds the problem zone, he sweeps the surface to get rid of debris. If your roof is Built-up-roof, then it means the roof has several layers. But, if it is single-layer roof, the repair work will not take longer.

Is Your Roof Faulty?

If the roof leaks, you need to hire a roof repair specialist immediately. A professional can carry out leak repairs in a proficient manner and do away with the issue.

Look for a reliable and reputed roof specialist. To get quality and timely services, make sure you talk about the problem with the roof repair contractor. Discuss the issue you are facing with the roof specialist.

If there is just a single hole on the roof, it will not take much time to repair. If there are any cracks and holes all throughout the roof, the specialist will take time. He will also charge you more for leak repairs.

Choose The Right Roof Repair Specialist

Make a list of potential roof repair specialists. They may be located online. Narrow down your searches after giving a call to them. Ask a few questions to judge their proficiency.

Roof repair is not easy and requires skills and proficiency. So, you can ask about the certificate and licenses. Talk about the pricing and then take any decision. Visit the website of Better Business Bureau to know more about the roof repair specialists.

It is important to look online for the reviews and check testimonials. By checking the clients’ testimonials and reading the reviews, you will get an idea about their proficiency.

Monitor The Work Or Service

When the roof repair specialist arrives at your site, it is your work to monitor the work.  Stay along with the roof specialist when he carries out leak repairs. There is absolutely no reason for you to move away from the specialist when he is carrying out repair work.

If you have any concern, just ask questions and do not hesitate. When you are looking for roof repair specialist, take your time to choose the best professional. Look for guaranteed services.

A Thorough Roof Inspection Comes First

Roof repair specialist must carry out a thorough roof inspection to know the nature of repair which is needed. By doing so, he can tell you the time that will be consumed in doing the task.

Leaking roof is the result of storm damage, age and poor construction of roof. If you avoid roof repair today, you may have to replace the entire roof in the near future.

Take up timely roof repair service to avoid hassle at the later stage. Storm damage and wind damage are the most common causes of leaking roof.

When Can You Avoid Roof Repair Specialist?

If the roof requires only a minor repair work, you can repair the roof on your own. The roof should be inspected to trace out damage. Find out missing shingles, if any. If the shingles are bent or curled, just straighten them.

It is always good to contact a roof repair specialist if it needs repair. This will save time, effort and money.

Guest Contributor, Amelie Lawrence