Blog

  • Kid’s Shows with Cowboy Jack

    Kid’s Shows with Cowboy Jack

    Kid’s Shows with Cowboy Jack

    In this episode Craig and Kevin sit down with Cowboy Jack, creator of amazing kid’s content on YouTube and YouTube Kids. Cowboy Jack has become a huge icon for kids and families over the past couple of years. Boasting huge numbers, this content has been viewed many millions of times. These videos are educational and do a great job of helping parent and kids learn about some amazing things – everything from local parks to going to the dentist for the first time. We hope you enjoy hearing from a YouTube sensation! Head over to YouTube and YouTube Kids to check out The Cowboy Jack Show, and don’t forget to click the subscribe button!

    Cowboy Jack Show YouTube

    Cowboy Jack Show Facebook

    Cowboy Jack Show Instagram

    Chicken Girl Book

    Ray Wylie Hubbard – East Texas Rust

    Sustained Growth Solutions Email – Design a lead generation system specifically for your business so that you never have to search for leads again!

    Termisave Email – Warranty your home against the threat of termites. 

    Buy a Homeowners Show T-Shirt!

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

    The Homeowners Show Website

    The Homeowners Show Facebook Page

    Instagram @homeownersshow

    Twitter @HomeownersThe

    [email protected] 

    Share | Download

  • 5 ideas for front garden design that will inspire you

    5 ideas for front garden design that will inspire you

    5 ideas for front garden design that will inspire you

    Do you pay special attention to your front garden? Have you decorated it with plants or have you installed special lighting to make it more inviting?

    Although it’s natural to focus more on your back garden design, since it’s generally a larger and more intimate space, your front garden plays a vital role in your home’s first impressions. Whether you have a large space in front of your home or a small driveway, creating a green and inviting front garden doesn’t have to be time consuming and expensive.

    If you’re looking for a few simple design solutions that inspire you to add extra life to your front garden design, we’ve prepared our top 5 design ideas, to maximise even the smallest of front gardens and help you transform your outdoor space.

    1. Adding greenery

    Picture of a front garden with lots of greenery

    Are you looking for a low maintenance front garden? Use evergreens or other foliage plants which remain green for more than one season. They will elevate your garden’s appeal without requiring a lot of work from your behalf. Investing in a low maintenance front garden will help you create your perfect green oasis without the need for green fingers.

    Find a gardener on Rated People to help you design your perfect front garden. 

    FIND A GARDENER

    2. Shapely hedges

    Picture of a garden with shapely hedges

    Adding elements of luxury to your front garden doesn’t have to be complicated. With expert hardscaping details and shapely hedges, you can design and create the perfect front garden to come home to.

    Need help designing your garden? Post your job in our Gardener category. 

    FIND A GARDEN SPECIALIST

    3. Shallow planting beds

    Picture of a front garden with shallow planting beds

    Unsure how to display some bright and beautiful floral arrangements in your front garden? Shallow planting beds are the ideal addition to your front garden to include flowers without fear of them being walked on or driven over. You can choose from a wide range of flowers to brighten your front garden without breaking the bank. 

    4. Front garden driveway planting

    Picture of a front garden with a driveway and plants

    Adding plants and greenery along your driveway allows you to incorporate your home’s aesthetic to your outside spaces as well. Whether it’s a rustic, muted display with dark greenery to line your driveway or colourful bright flowers to attract pollinating bees, driveway design ideas are endless and can suit every budget.

    Whether it’s high or low maintenance garden designs, find trusted and qualified gardeners on Rated People. 

    FIND A GARDEN SPECIALIST

    5. Front garden fencing

    Picture of a front garden with a white fence

    Fencing off your front garden can be a cheap yet impactful way to suit your needs and enhance your home’s look. Front garden fencing ranges from picket to stone, neutral or colourful and wooden or steel. Whether it’s to hide an unsightly aspect of your front garden or add to the garden design, you can easily refresh your curb appeal with fencing.

    Post your garden job on Rated People to hire an experienced landscape gardener to help you achieve your dream front garden.

    FIND A LANDSCAPE GARDENER

  • Fixing a Slow SSD on Windows 10 or 11

    Fixing a Slow SSD on Windows 10 or 11

    Computers and laptops use hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) for storage purposes. Over the years, SSDs have become quite popular, with most modern computers and PCs replacing HDDs with faster and more power-efficient SSDs.

    And while solid-state drives are the ideal storage solution in the market, they also suffer from performance issues. SSDs become increasingly slow with continued use or due to configuration issues, system errors, and more.

    If your computer running on Windows 10/11 is becoming slow to boot or access stored files, it’s probably time to fix the slow SSD. We have covered some helpful tips below, but first, let’s understand how an SSD works.

    Understanding Solid State Drives

    SSDs are non-volatile storage media that stores data on flash memory. They use electrical circuitry and don’t have physical moving parts, hence the shorter wait times when booting and fewer delays accessing apps & files and doing heavy computational tasks.

    The SSD can also access multiple flash chips simultaneously and order them to fetch data. On the other hand, HDDs have single-head constructions and can only read from one head at any given time, making them comparatively slower.

    There are different types of SSDs, with the most common being the MLC (multi-level cell) and TLC (triple-level cell) SSDs being the most common. The major differences are cost, storage capability, durability, and performance. To choose the right SSD for your unique use cases, you want to keenly explore the MLC vs. TLCdifferences.

    Speeding Up Slow SSD on Windows 10/11

    If your windows PC experiences frequent performance issues, especially while booting or running heavy-duty apps, the SSD could be a cause for concern. Here’s how you can speed up your PC’s solid-state drive.

    Check Your PC’s TRIM command.

    This command enables the Windows OS to notify the SSD of any pages which no longer contain valid data. To check the TRIM command:

    • Go to the start search bar and type the word “cmd.”
    • Proceed to right-click the Command Prompt, then Run as Admin.
    • Type this string (without the quotes) “fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify” and press enter.
    • If it returns 0, the TRIM command is up and working. However, if it returns a 1, proceed with the below steps.
    • On the command window, type the string/word “fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0,” and click enter.

    Optimize Drivers

    Windows 10 and 11 has a feature that allows the system to run the TRIM command. To check if Windows is optimizing your SSD:

    • Go to the Windows search bar and type Defragment and Optimize Drives and hit enter.
    • Highlight your SSD on disk C and click optimize. 

    Try Disk Cleanup

    With time, SSDs accumulate lots of junk files that can affect performance. To do a disk clean-up:

    • Type Disk Cleanup in the windows search/start bar and hit enter.
    • Choose SSD Drive then click OK to begin the process.
    • Delete any junk files detected.
    • Finish up by optimizing the drivers with the steps highlighted above.

    Check if the AHCI Mode is enabled.

    The AHCI mode ensures that the SSD is performing optimally and as intended. If this feature isn’t enabled, the PC may encounter frequent performance issues, including blue screen of death errors. To check if the AHCI mode is enabled:

    • Open Device Manager then expand the IDE ATA / ATAPI Controllers.
    • If you notice AHCI Controller, this feature is enabled; otherwise, you’ll only see ATA and IDE.

    Enabling AHCI on Windows 10 requires that you navigate to particular keys and set the value “Start” to “0.” These keys include:

    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\iaStorV.
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\storahci\StartOverride
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\storahci.
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\iaStorAVC\StartOverride.

    You’ll then restart your PC and go to UEFI/BIOS firmware settings to enable AHCI mode. Save and exit, then restart the computer once more.

    Configure Boot Order

    If you have tried all the tips above and your SSD drive is still slow, perhaps the boot sequence in your PC is incorrectly configured. You want to check if the SSD drive is given top priority while booting the system. To do this:

    • Restart your PC and boot into BIOS.
    • Modify the boot sequence to give SSD priority over HDD or external OS.

    Disable Onboard VGA

    Disabling the onboard VGA feature could help boost the performance of your SSD. Follow these steps to fix this issue:

    • Restart your PC and open BIOS.
    • Go to the Advanced BIOS tab, then search for Onboard VGA.
    • Select the Disable option.

    Switch to a Higher Speed SATA port

    Most motherboards feature two distinct SATA controllers, e.g., SATA 6Gbps and SATA 3Gbps. You always want to connect the SSD to the higher Gbps-rating controller for better performance. If the motherboard is built on an Intel chipset, it definitely comes with an Intel SATA controller, which should be connected to your SSD.

    Additionally, check the SATA cable to ensure it’s not defective. Where possible, buy a SATA cable from a reputable manufacturer. Most tech-savvy users claim that using the first SATA port yields higher speeds, so you may also want to try that.

    Get Help Where Necessary

    Besides the tips we have identified above, you can also try to update the SSD firmware to see if that boosts performance. Another option is to adjust your PC’s battery settings from balanced performance to high performance. This will ensure the SSD receives the full power needed to run optimally. If all these options don’t work, perhaps you should seek technical assistance from an IT professional.

  • Are your front steps sinking? Concrete Raising Systems

    Are your front steps sinking? Concrete Raising Systems

    This is a question we’ve seen posted on the internet. The answers we found for fixing sinking front steps were surprising. We’ve been in the foam jacking business since 2013. Our knowledge of how to build homes goes back even further. And what we saw online could only have come from someone with limited knowledge of how to accurately fix this problem. That is the challenge when trying to do research online. You have a question and you search for answers on Google. When you find what you are searching for you believe you have found the answer. Because the information you find online must be accurate right? We now know that the searches are filled with inaccurate information and unknowledgeable opinions.

    How to fix sinking front steps

    So here is the question: Our front entry steps are concrete and have sunken about six inches over the years. What are the options for fixing sinking front steps? Here were the answers that we found:Before and after photos of steps sinking in front of a house and concrete lifting by Concrete Raising Systems, Kansas City,MO

    • rip them all out and build them again
    • dig underneath and jack it up, pour a new footer and set it back down
    • leave it and build something over the top
    • pry it up with a big bar and shove some bricks and stone dust under it using a jack for a car, dig down a bit, and jack up the front to make it level.
    • Place a large pressure treated beam underneath it for support and then remove the jack.

    Wow. Those answers were pretty shocking to us. These solutions are nowhere in the ballpark of what could and should be done with sinking concrete steps. As a consumer, how do you know what to do when your search results come up with these answers?

    As experts in the field of concrete lifting and sinking steps, you can find your answer here.

    If you need more information on how to evaluate what you find while searching online, keep reading.

    Three things to do to authenticate the information you find online

    Tip #1 Check the date of the information
    People using the internet for information and tips don’t check the date the information was posted. If the information is a few years old, chances are the information is old as well. Technology and solutions can change with time. Make sure you have the most up to date information that is available for your search. Also, follow up with any links you find. Knowledgeable articles should also have a link to the company or individual that wrote it. Then follow the links. Are they qualified to answer the question? Do they have experience in the area? Read the reviews that are on the site. Do they appear to be an expert in the field or someone throwing 2 cents into the mix?

    Tip #2: Keep searching for other solutions that make sense
    When posing a query online, use your common sense. If something seems a bit far-fetched to you, move on, and locate information that seems more palatable. In this case, prying a step up and shoving bricks underneath it to lift it into place is not a solution that warrants much consideration. If the information seems amiss, refer to Tip #1. You’ll find the information is probably old or the source unreliable and inexperienced at best. Trust yourself and keep looking!

    Tip #3: Talk to experts in the field for validation
    In this situation, once you gather your information, find reliable sources to check your facts. A good concrete raising expert will want to look at your sinking concrete steps in person or will ask you to send photos. A concrete raising expert will be able to educate you about their solution and provide a detailed estimate for the work. Ask for referrals and visit their website. Make sure you do business with a company that can back up their work. It’s always best to go with a person you trust and a company that has been in business for a while. These are indicators that the job will be done right the first time.

    Internet searches have moved from being a search engine to an answer engine. But take care to run down the answers you do find online with local experts. The internet may be able to point you in the right direction, but a good expert will be able to get you there with confidence!

    This article was originally posted in June 2015 and has been updated.

  • How to prepare your home for a cat

    How to prepare your home for a cat

    Picture of two cats in a small house shaped cat bed

    Did you know that cats have been kept as pets in Britain since Roman times? We have a long history of being a feline loving nation! But bringing a cat (or two!) into your home does take some preparation.

    These are some home adaptations to consider to make your home cat-friendly while still being trendy.

    How to find a pet your family will love

    If you’re thinking of getting a pet cat, there are some criteria you need to meet to ensure you can provide them with a feline-friendly home. First, where will you get your cat from, a breeder or a rescue centre? What information can they tell you about the characteristics of the cat so you have a better idea of their specific needs? For example, some cats need regular grooming while others are more self-sufficient.

    Food, litter, accessories and vet bills can add up quickly. It’s best to do some budgeting beforehand so you know what to expect. There are different expenses when getting an outside cat compared to an inside one. You might need to install a cat flap to give them easy access outside. However, outdoor cats probably need fewer scratching poles and other accessories because they’re exploring outside.

    You’ve got plenty of options for ways you can adapt your home to meet the needs of your cat.

    Cats and kittens

    Picture of a kitchen lying on a cat climbing wallscape

    While cats are cute, cuddly and often very sleepy, they are still animals! This means they need space to follow their animal instincts like roaming, climbing and scratching their claws. To avoid any accidental destruction, invest in scratching poles for your cat.

    Design a cat play room

    A cat playroom is the perfect place to let your cat be a cat without ruining anything. Fill it with climbing equipment, scratch posts and even old furniture that you don’t mind getting scratched up. If you need help clearing out a room for this, check out the cleaning and waste disposal services available on Rated People.

    FIND A WASTE REMOVAL SPECIALIST

    Create exploring nooks

    Picture of a cat on a wooden table

    If you’re working with less space, a corner or wall with a cat house for them to climb, scratch and nap in would also work well. With clean, odour-free litter boxes, you don’t have to worry about the smell affecting the rest of the house.

    Enable easy access outside

    Outdoor cats like their independence! So, make sure you create easy access points for them to go on their adventures. This could be the traditional backdoor cat flap if you have a back garden. If your home’s layout allows for roof exploring, consider getting a smart cat flap on the top floor.

    How to make your home cat-friendly

    Picture of a cat in a cat booth in a living room

    The nature and needs of your cat will become apparent when you welcome them into your home. However, there is some preparation you can do to ensure they settle in well, such as accommodating for their animal instincts and basic needs. If you’re ever in any doubt, consult your vet or local animal welfare charity. For expert support in turning your home into a cat haven, get in touch with a local tradesperson.

    FIND A LOCAL TRADESPERSON

  • Modern Meets Rustic Christmas Home Tour

    Modern Meets Rustic Christmas Home Tour

    I remember stumbling across this rustic Christmas home just last year and bookmarking it for such an occasion. We’ve officially reached the point of construction in our own home where there are just little deficiencies that need to be addressed. It means that I’ve been able to slowly bust out our Christmas decorations, and man it feels good! Because our renovations have been finished up in stages, it’s forced me to decorate in pieces. Just a few things each day as I’m able, really. And I’ve found this slower pace to be far more enjoyable, vs. the whirlwind that decorating day usually entails. It’s really allowed me to bring things out thoughtfully and intentionally, and I’ve loved watching our home transform over the course of a few weeks (vs. in one hectic and slightly stressful go). I haven’t shared much of our holiday decor this year since everything behind the scenes over here has still been a little chaotic… But I was definitely inspired by a rustic Christmas theme. And this rustic Christmas home tour is exactly it. I love how it feels warm and inviting, but still fresh and clean. The perfect combo as far as I’m concerned!

    SHOP THE LOOK:


    [break]

    FOR MORE HOLIDAY HOME TOURS: CLICK HERE

    [break]

    Design & Photography: Michelle Janeen

    SHOP THE LOOK:


    [break]

    FOR MORE HOLIDAY HOME TOURS: CLICK HERE

    [break]

    Design & Photography: Michelle Janeen

  • 9 Ways To Improve And Strengthen Your Home Security

    9 Ways To Improve And Strengthen Your Home Security

    For most homeowners, decorating one’s new home is probably more fun than setting up specific safety measures. Though that is the case, home security should be your top priority since burglar strikes can happen anytime and to anyone.

    Home Security

    If you’re looking to amp up your home’s security, especially now when holidays are coming up and porch pirates are lurking around to steal packages, you’ve got many options! From DIY security tools to hiring security and alarm companies like casasecuirty.com.au, there are several measures you can take to protect and secure your home.

    To help with your home security checklist, here are nine simple ways to burglar-proof your new home!

    9 Ways On How You Can Improve Your Home Security

    There are several ways to improve your home security – from low-cost and straightforward ways to more expensive and more extensive investment security means. Below are ways to improve your chances of never suffering from home break-ins!

    1. Secure the doors and lock the windows

    The easiest way to defend your home is by securing and locking all doors and windows. Even when you’re home, ensure that they’re still closed. Double-check the doors and first-floor windows every night and whenever you’re leaving your home to ensure they’re all locked.

    2. Set Up A Home Security System

    A home security system might be a more expensive option, but it’s probably the most effective way to prevent robbers and burglars from entering your home. The moment they spot a security camera, it is highly likely that they’ll turn and walk away.

    Home security cameras and alarm systems are great options if you want to add a layer of home protection. If you have a more reasonable budget, you can hire a security company to set up a more sophisticated and technologically advanced security system for better home protection.

    3. Install Exterior Lighting

    It is a given that burglars and intruders don’t like being in the spotlight. They prefer working in the dark. You can keep them at bay and away from home by installing ample outdoor lighting.

    4. Add Sensor Lights

    Setting up motion sensor lights on your home can frighten away burglars. These are incredibly useful and effective deterrents that are readily available and not overly expensive. An unexpected light turning on when they’re not expecting it can spook the intruders enough to make them run away.

    5. Buy A Secure And Strong Safe

    If an intruder gets in, ensure that all of your essential valuables are well-protected. An in-home safe can be a secure depository that keeps everything safe, from jewelry to crucial documents like passports.

    6. Make Obstacles

    Aside from locks, you can add other obstacles and obstructions in and around your home to make it extra difficult for intruders to enter and break in. Install a tall gate, fence, or walls around your property. You may also plant thorny bushes under the first-floor windows and add cactus plants on your windowsills.

    For pet lovers, it could be handy to have a dog around to guard the premises. A mere bark or loud snarl from a dog is enough to scare away some intruders.

    7. Lock Your Garage

    If an intruder does not have access to your home, they’ll likely settle with the stuff in your garage. Make it a habit to secure and lock all doors to the garage, both exterior and interior.

    Also, consider having a garage opener in your home rather than in your car. That way, they can’t grab it out of your vehicle.

    8. Upgrade Your Locks

    If you’re unsatisfied with locking your doors and windows, consider investing in high-quality locks. Ensure that the door has a deadbolt and that the hinges and frames are strong. It’s so that forcibly entering the house would be much more difficult for burglars. Upgrading to smart locks is also a great option.

    9. Get To Know Your Neighbors

    Being nice and friendly with your neighbours isn’t just good for your social life but also can help you become safer in your home. When you know your neighbours, they can look out for your home and property and in turn, you can help keep an eye on theirs.

    Also, along with getting along with your neighbours, you can join the local neighbourhood watch. It’s an excellent way to improve and increase the security of your property.

    What Are Security Measures To Keep Your Family Safe During A Break-In?

    Aside from the tips above, there are other means to keep your home safe and secure, especially for your family. Here are additional security measures you can do that mainly focuses on keeping yourself and your family safe during a break-in:

    • Safe Rooms – One good way to keep your family safe when intruders break into your home is to have a safe room you can use. If you don’t have that kind of space in your house, gather your family in one room and barricade the doors with heavy furniture until help comes. 
    • Escape Plan – Make a solid plan with your family. Talk about what you’ll do in case a break-in happens. Prepare escape routes and think of ways to defend yourselves. 
    • Self-Defence Tools – If possible, avoid confronting the robber. Though, if unavoidable, ensure you have a tool you can use to protect yourself, like pepper spray or a taser. 
    • Call For Help – During a break-in, calling the police should be one of your main priorities. Make sure that your mobile phone is with you at all times. When you make the call, keep calm and relay all essential details as clearly as possible. 

    Conclusion

    No homeowner wants to be a victim of a break-in or home invasion. Implementing the provided tips in this article can help discourage and prevent invaders from entering your property.

    As seen, there are various ways to boost one’s home security. Some won’t even cost you anything – just extra care and diligence every day, which could be part of your daily routine in the long run. Others cost a bit of money but are a mere fraction of what a burglar can steal from you.

    Home security does not need to be a chore. It should be a priority if you want peace of mind knowing that you did what’s necessary to keep your family safe.

  • Guide to a commercial building construction project

    Guide to a commercial building construction project

    When you’re taking on the construction of a brand-new commercial building, there are lots of factors to consider to ensure the success of the project. The amount of tasks to complete can certainly be overwhelming, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

    We’ll be discussing how you can complete a commercial building construction project successfully.

    Planning

    The planning phase is a crucial and important step when building a new commercial building. Deciding on where the building will be located is one of the first things to consider, as it should be easily accessible to clients and employees and within close proximity of other buildings.

    This stage also involves investors, contractors and other stakeholders to make key decisions. Hiring the appropriate architects and land developers will help to plan the design of the building. Working with a reputable contracting company will ensure that the process runs smoothly and any issues will be dealt with accordingly.

    Budgeting

    Ensuring that the project is profitable is another key thing to consider before beginning the construction. Writing up a budget can help you work out exactly how much items are going to cost, which means you can easily look at ways to reduce your costs where possible.

    Finding bulk suppliers of common construction materials like plywood will help to keep your costs down. Searching for cost-effective ways of constructing your building doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be compromising on quality.

    Design

    The design phase consists of planning out the exact layout of the building and how this can work best for its intended use. Each room will have a determined size and function, which will be aligned with the various fixtures and utilities around the building.

    The designs must meet a set of building codes and regulations and should overall prove the project’s feasibility.

    Construction

    This is where you’ll be bringing your project to life. Throughout the construction process, you’ll need to ensure that all prior preparation and planning is precisely followed. There should be a series of important meetings whereby site access, material storage and quality control are all discussed.

    Be sure to stick closely to the entire schedule so you have the best chance of completing the project within the allotted time frame.

    Finishing touches

    Upon completion, it’s vital to perform a thorough check of your new building to ensure it is fit for purpose. The post-construction stage involves everything between the time the construction of the building has finished, to the moment the building is occupied.

    Everyone from the owner of the project, the designer and the contractor must be completely satisfied with the construction work.Ensure that everything is health and safety compliant and that you have obtained a certificate of completion.

  • Elegant Holiday Tablescape in Under 15 Minutes

    Elegant Holiday Tablescape in Under 15 Minutes

    Pick A Color Palette & Prioritize Texture

    For this holiday table, I knew I was working with a muted color palette. I didn’t want to add a white or cream tablecloth because I wanted my table to have some charm. If you don’t have textured placemats then find a unique tablecloth that has earthy woven textures. It adds warmth to your table without ruining a muted color palette. It’s effective and budget-friendly. Sticking with a neutral color palette can make the styling process go so much smoother. Less time having to edit and switch out dishware because it clashes with the napkins.

    Your Home Staples

    I have a collection of dinnerware and serveware stored in my cabinets. I even have a box full of decorative accents that I can pull out for different occasions. So don’t bother trying to find the latest and greatest dinnerware set. You probably have everything that you need at home. Search your dinner sets, silverware, glassware, and other serving essentials to see what is functional for a holiday. You never know what you might find in the back of your closet!

    When I have time, one of my favorite things is finding vintage pieces at estate sales and flea markets. These timeless pieces add the right amount of charm.

    Decorative Holiday Flair

    It’s easy to be festive with floral arrangements! I always love adding fresh flowers to my tablescape. It’s an easy trick to add color and elevate the table. During the holiday season, greenery is always the right choice. Berry bouquets are popular for the holiday season because they brighten up every table without being too bold. Use whatever is available at home including dried roses, pine leaves, pine cones, pomegranates, and even fresh herbs—no need to add more shopping to your already packed list.

    However, if you feel like your table is missing something, then now is the time to shop for festive decor. Most retailers have already discounted their holiday collections including Pottery Barn, Sur La Table, and Target.

  • 3 Essential Either/Or Decisions for Major Renovations

    3 Essential Either/Or Decisions for Major Renovations

    Home Addition being built

    This is the second article in our “3 Essential” series about major home renovations. You can read the first article here.

    Every homeowner carrying out a major renovation inevitably has some big decisions to make.

    Using our 40 years of experience building extensions and additions in Sydney, we’ve picked the three that are foundational moments: the ‘either/or’ choices that will likely have the biggest impact on how your building project takes shape.

    1. To Go ‘Up’ or Go ‘Out’

    A major renovation means you are adding space to your home, so you will have to opt for a first-floor addition (going up) or a ground floor extension (going out), or both.

    The choice can be dictated by factors outside of your control, for example the size and shape of your block of land.

    When both options are possible, as they are for many homeowners, it’s important you have a clear understanding of the advantages of each before making this big decision.

    A first-floor addition is perfect for adding extra bedrooms and bathrooms, creating separate living spaces, and fantastic if it allows you to take advantage of a view.

    They can be more cost-effective than a ground floor extension because, being built on top, they avoid potentially expensive ground preparation and foundation costs.

    Another plus to note is that many real estate agents advise that a two-storey home can have a higher resale value than a single storey with the equivalent number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

    You might be forced to choose an addition if, for example, you don’t have enough land to comfortably create an extension, usually because your back garden simply isn’t big enough, or you just want to retain the garden you have.

    The only downside to mention is that you lose some internal space from the original ground floor in order to accommodate the stairs required to connect the floors.

    Ground floor extensions are ideal for creating more living space such as family rooms, rumpus rooms and open plan living, and for opening up existing spaces to the outdoors.

    As our recent interview with a leading Real Estate agent confirmed, Sydneysiders continue to enjoy the lifestyle offered by reconfiguring their home to feature an open plan kitchen, living and dining space flowing out to a covered outdoor deck.

    So, this option can be attractive to potential buyers should you decide to sell in the future, as well as being enjoyable to live and entertain in.

    Ground floor extensions are also the most practical solution if you or your family have mobility issues, or you are likely to live there in retirement.

    Whether you go up or out, as we saw with a recent client, your final choice might be something you hadn’t considered initially, so it’s vital that you remain open to ideas.

    Consult with professionals who have built a wide variety of major renovations and are able to show you examples of previous jobs that are relevant to your home and specific requirements.

    This will give you the confidence to make an informed choice that suits your particular situation.

    2. Stand-Alone Architect/Designer or Design & Construct Company

    Many people think that if you are making any significant changes to your home, you need an architect to draw up the plans.

    Whilst this is certainly an option, you do have alternatives, and this is another key choice that likely has significant consequences down the track.

    Your home renovation plans can indeed be drawn up either by an architect or a designer. However, there is a more nuanced distinction, not between these two professionals, but how they work – or, more importantly, who they work with.

    You can select a stand-alone architect or designer and both could draw up your plans for you to take to a builder to have them priced and built.

    Alternatively, you can approach a design and construct company who specialise in major renovations and have their own designer or architect to draw up your plans.

    What’s the difference?

    A stand-alone architect or designer might not specialise solely in renovation work and therefore likely won’t have the depth of understanding of the options available, limitations and common pitfalls.

    Whilst this allows some freedom to create a unique design that appears to solve the problems with the layout of your current home, it may not take into consideration the full extent of the cost implications of all of their choices.

    You may end up with an expensive set of plans that you have fallen in love with, but either you can’t afford the building cost, or you will need to make considerable compromises to bring the plans within your building budget.

    A design and construct company specialising in renovations look at the project in a more holistic way and have greater experience to make sure that the bespoke plans created fit within the overall budget.

    Another advantage is that they will often produce plans that can be built from directly whilst some architectural designs need to be redrawn into construction plans.

    Lastly, many design and construct companies offer a service to manage the development application process on behalf of the homeowners.

    Being the originators of the plans and having experience of what Local Council planning officers are looking for has significant advantages, saving you time and potentially heartache if the plans you have fallen in love with can’t easily be approved by your Council.

    3. To Stay or Go

    The common assumption here is that if you are building a major renovation, you will have to move out of your home for most, if not all, of the construction period.

    As you’d expect, this comes with a hefty bill for renting alternative accommodation in addition to the cost of building.

    However, this isn’t the only option. Staying home during a major home renovation is possible.

    Experienced renovation builders should be able to give you a clear idea of how you can remain living at home, what will be involved, and explain the likely impact.

    Whilst there will be a certain amount of disruption, your builder should be able to give you a clear plan of attack, especially for the use of key rooms like the kitchen and bathroom, minimising when they might be out of action so you can plan accordingly.

    With the right arrangements and a cooperative approach from your builder, even a large family can stay home during major home improvements.

    On the other hand, if you aren’t living at home, this can make the job quicker as your builder won’t have to work around you, nor spend time ensuring that they minimise the disruption.

    If you are lucky enough to have access to convenient, cost effective alternative accommodation, there’s no doubt that this becomes a very good option.

    If that’s not an option, it really is worth exploring with potential builders how they have managed to help families continue to live at home during construction. It’s important to go in with your eyes wide open being realistic about the compromises you’ll likely have to make.

    Experience Counts

    A major renovation will likely be the next biggest purchase in your life outside of buying your home. It is often the final piece in the puzzle that lets you transform your home from the layout you bought to the configuration that really suits your lifestyle.

    You don’t have to make these three essential decisions on your own.

    Having guidance and advice from experienced hands is essential and available from a number of quality professionals. Take the time to research your options and ask for help with any aspect of the design, approval and building process until you feel you are fully across each option.

    Next Steps

    As one of Sydney’s leading design and construct companies specialising in additions and extensions, Addbuild has been sharing the benefit of its hard-won experience for many years.

    Further free advice is only a few clicks away via our home alterations blog, consumer guide to home improvements, or serialised masterclass.

    If you are ready to talk to a designer and/or builder, note that Addbuild offers a concept-to-completion service that includes experienced designers, the management of the Development Application process and, of course, construction.

    We’d love to hear from you, so call our office on (02) 8765 1555 or send us a message using our contact form if outside of office hours.

  • What the Roofers Will Do During Your Roof Installation

    What the Roofers Will Do During Your Roof Installation

    Asphalt shingles being installed on a roof

    So you’re about to have your roof replaced, that’s exciting! You might be curious what will happen during the actual process of your replacement. The roofing company will take several steps to get the roof replacement completed in a timely, professional manner. 

    Here’s what you can expect when a pro roofer (like us!) gives your home the makeover it needs.

    1. Set Up Workstations 

    The roofers will need easy access to your roof and clear spaces to work from. So, expect them to set up tools and work areas. If you have preferences for where they do this, let the foreman or project manager know ahead of time.

    2. Remove Old Roofing 

    Before the workers can install new roofing, they must first remove the old roof shingles and flashing. They may create piles of debris on your lawn first, then cart them to the dumpster. They may also toss the debris over the side of the roof (so be careful if you’re walking outside your home).

    They’ll also temporarily remove items such as satellite dishes and antennas. This may disrupt TV viewing, but the workers will reinstall everything once the replacement process is completed. 

    3. Make Repairs 

    Once the old roofing is removed, it becomes easier to spot issues such as rotted wood underlayment or damaged roof support beams. These issues usually occur when your old roofing wasn’t keeping out moisture from rain and snow. If damage is found, repairs need to be made before the new roof is installed, or the damage will simply grow worse, putting your home at risk.

    4. Install New Materials 

    The final installation step atop the roof is to attach all the new materials. A trustworthy, pro roofer (like our team!) will attend to all the details—not just roof shingles, but also roof vents, flashing around the chimney, a roof ridge cap, and more. They will also check the new roof to be sure everything is securely in place before leaving.

    5. Clean The Worksite 

    Finally, the worksite—your lawn and driveway—are checked one final time to be sure all debris has been safely placed in the dumpster and/or hauled away. We’ll use special tools to pick up stray nails and staples from your landscaping.

    Enjoy Your New Roof! 

    Now, your roofing installation is finished—and you can relax and love the attractive, energy-efficient protection your new roof provides for your home.

    Upgrade Your Roof With John Mccarter Construction   

    The right new roof keeps your home protected, adds curb appeal, and gives you years of low-maintenance and long-lasting enjoyment. Our team at John McCarter Construction has helped over 10,000 Detroit Metro, Ann Arbor, and Rochester Hills homeowners love their homes again, and we’re here to answer your questions about the best roofing to fit your home.

    Check out our roofing options, and let us know how we can help!

  • Ignoring Signs Of A Roof Leak Can Be A Costly Mistake

    Ignoring Signs Of A Roof Leak Can Be A Costly Mistake

     

    People put off household repairs for many reasons and in some cases, procrastinating on certain things such as repainting the living room or getting new carpet doesn’t have many major consequences when put off. However, other repairs like busted plumbing and structural damage (including roof leaks) should always be addressed immediately!

    Unlike what you may see on TV or in the movies, homemade patches or using buckets to catch dripping water when the roof leaks won’t buy you much time to get your roof repaired before the damage worsens. Go ahead, pull out those pots and buckets to help prevent immediate damage to an area if it helps but be sure to call a roof contractor immediately to fix the problem properly. The longer you wait, the worse it will get – so if you want to know when to replace your roof, check out this blog post.

    The initial hole that let the water in is only part of the problem, once inside the real problems begin.

    Much like damage from busted water pipes, any water that is able to penetrate your house and flow freely will damage everything in it’s path until it’s stopped. Even the smallest roof leaks can allow water to slowly make it’s way through the entire structure, damaging everything from the ceilings and walls down to the foundation of your home!

    What kind of damage occurs when a roof leak is ignored?

    Roof, Attic, & Ceiling Damage

    The first things that are damaged from roof leaks are the areas directly around the entry point. The roof and attic (if you have one) are usually the first to get hit followed by the ceiling. Damaged ceilings are usually easy to spot as they will darken and the plaster may form bubbles. Once it’s soaked through the ceiling it gets into the walls damaging paint and even damage to the structure and items such as ceiling fans and lights. For each area that it reaches, the cost to repair increases.

    Mold & Mildew

    Especially in the warmer months, after water gets into your house and sits for weeks or months, one of the most serious consequences of a roof leak is mold and mildew. Mold and mildew not only grow where the water hits, it also spreads though the home as it gets into the HVAC system and vents. In the vents mold spores are blown through the home getting on everything from rugs and furniture to clothes and even your lungs!

    Aside from the physical damage to your home, mold and mildew present serious health risks(not to mention the smell!). Especially for people with medical issues such as asthma, mold spores continue to reproduce once it’s present and can get into the lungs aggravating existing medical conditions and even causing new ones like allergies and asthmatic symptoms in those without asthma.

    Fire Hazard

    Sounds a little crazy saying a water leak can be a fire hazard but modern homes have all kinds of wiring snaking their way through the walls and ceiling. As water finds it’s way through the house, it will come across those wires and when they meet, pose a fire risk from short-outs. Turning off the electricity in affected rooms will mitigate these risks until an electrician can come out and examine them properly.

    Increased Energy Bills

    Insulation is the stuff that is put throughout your home to make it more energy efficient. From the attic to the walls, insulation is everywhere. When the roof leaks and water gets into the insulation it’s gets saturated rather quickly and can take a very long time to dry out. Saturated insulation reduces it’s effectiveness to the point where it is simply ineffective. This results in higher utility bills as people crank up the heating or air conditioning to compensate for the loss in heat or cold air.

    Structural Damage

    Perhaps the most costly damage from a leaking roof is damage to the very structure of the home. From the frame to the foundation water can damage these to the point where repairs can be very, very expensive. Chronic roof leaks lead to wood deterioration in the rafters, wall framing, and even fascia boards and exterior trim to the point a professional contractor will have to come out to fix it all.

    Structural damage is inevitable from a sustained, long neglected roof leak, risking damage not only to your property but to the people in the house as well! The last thing you want is to come home to a collapsed roof that damages your new flat screen TV but even worse if it happens while you are watching it!

    You may not be able to prevent every circumstance that causes leaks but you can be sure to address them as soon as possible when they occur. Have your roof inspected professionally at least once a year and walk around your home yourself in between inspections to look for any signs of water damage and call a local roof contractor for an immediate inspection if you find anything. Roof inspections rarely cost anything but putting it off will almost always cause more problems and cost you more money.

    In Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Roofing Specialists offers a free roof estimate should you find any damage to your roof or any leaks, call 770-419-2222 today!