A New Home: are You really Ready?

With the likes of the first home buyer incentive and other initiatives, it is easy to make the decision that it’s time to buy, just because you have a deposit.  But having that first 10 per cent doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready. Do you really know what you’re in for?

When buying your first home, it is not uncommon to start the ball rolling without really knowing what the entire process entails. If you’ve decided you want to buy, do you know what your ongoing obligations are? Do you know how your home will affect you at tax time? Do you understand what interest rates are and how they work? If you can’t answer yes to these, it’s likely that a little research will go a long way in preparing you to be truly ready to make this big and long-term purchase.

What are some of the things you need to consider?

1.   Your finances

Buying a house obviously costs a lot. You may have a strong deposit ready, but do you have some cash on the side for the costs that go a long with buying the house – the little things that people never tell you about? Have you looked into how much your solicitor will cost? What about your building and pest inspections? Your accountant? Then there’s duties, tax, strata, the council rates, the water and any other fees that you need to cover prior to settlement and the keys being handed over. What about removalists or even interstate removalists if you are moving far? The first thing you need to know is that your cash needs to cover a lot more than just the deposit.

2.   Do you know what you want?

It’s easy to think you want a house that will be a good investment in an approximate area, but keep in mind you will be paying this home off for the next twenty-odd years, and possibly living in it, so it needs to closely meet your specifications. Are you after a flat, a new build, a kit home, or just something you can call home? Know what you want, and know that it will continue to meet your needs, at least for the next five years.

3.   Repayments

It’s a simple one, but is the undoing of many people. Can you afford your mortgage repayments? What if interest rates rise by a few percentage points? When it comes to thinking about the repayments, you need to consider factors like your employment. Are you and your buying partner securely employed? Is there any risk of termination of employment – and salary – at all?

4.   Your buying partner

It’s a tough thing to ask yourself, but you have to – is your relationship secure and mature enough to commit to this sort of ongoing obligation? If you and your buying partner have a falling out, you might find it very difficult to pay the mortgage on your own – is it worth getting separate loans so both your obligations are separate and very clearly laid out?

5.   What plans do you have?

You may have just married and be planning on kids immediately, want to take a big trip, or just be in line for some serious designer fashion. If you don’t want to change your plans for the future, think about it – can you afford to do both, or should the house buying be put on hold?

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Mixing Retro with Modern Home Design

Retro décor always looks great, as long as it’s done with a nod towards the prevailing decorating trends of the day. Going retro can be as simple as buying some dated-looking appliances – they don’t even necessarily have to be old, as plenty of companies offer retro-designed modern models. But to really capture the retro look from days gone by, you need to do a little extra work. Here is a guide on how to spruce up your home with some retro-inspired decorating advice:

Colours 

One of the key components to tailoring your home with a retro sensibility is to embrace some of the big, bold colours that have gone by the wayside. This can take the form of the bright pastels of the 1950s, the wild mix-ups of the 1960s, or the clashing bolds and print patterns from the 1970s. Utilising these rarely seen colour palates can be the first step to sending your home back in time. However, one word of caution: keep your colours within a narrow range. Having too many colours can quickly muddy your home’s interior and make it look uncoordinated. Keep one or two key colours in mind and build from there.

Prints

Many modern homes eschew prints, except for a black-and-white motif perhaps, in favour of monotone muted colours. However, when going retro, it is important to keep prints and patterns in mind to complete the look. Look for inspiration in the chequered tablecloth patterns from 1950s homes or the circular shapes of wall art and furnishings from the 1960s. Don’t be afraid to dabble with patterns, but remember to keep your patterns uniform and offset by bold solids so your interior doesn’t look too busy.

Curvy Furniture

Most modern furniture is angular and straight edged compared to the rounded and curved furniture from decades past. However, a savvy shopper can add some retro pieces that capture the mood of bygone years. Look for circular coffee tables and round-backed chairs that give that subtle retro feel.

Mash-Up

Most interior designers would shy away from using only retro furnishings and colours to decorate a home. Some retro elements work but, as with all things, only in moderation. Most decorators are going to blend more minimalist modern styling with bolder retro furnishings. Use your retro pieces as centrepieces or accents to brighten up rooms, while the more modern items can serve as anchors so people aren’t wondering whether they’ve inadvertently stepped back in time.

Lighting

With the help of a local electrician you can easily create a retro look with just a few wall sconces and choice lighting patterns. This can offset the cost of those expensive retro pieces and furnishings.

Going retro isn’t as costly as many people think. Instead of spending thousands of dollars and endless hours shopping at antique stores, a few well-chosen pieces and designs are all you need to give your home that retro look.

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Decorating Your Home with Unique Art

If your home is a bit bland you might want to try some unique art like sculptures as well as indigenous art. It doesn’t have to cost the earth and you don’t have to be bound by art that hangs on the wall. Sculptures, pottery and even quirky Australian souvenirs can make a statement. Just remember, good art is art that appeals to you and looks good in your home.

What makes art unique?

Unique art is generally accepted as something original – a piece that you will not find anywhere else. Unique art can also be closely related to other similar pieces, or part of a very limited release. No matter where it comes from, what’s important is that you like it – good art is appreciated and enjoyed by the owner, regardless of what everyone else thinks of it.

Unique art is not limited to just paintings and works by widely recognised artists. It can take any shape or form, from sculptures to even pottery. Hanging art, however, is the most common medium when it comes to decorating your home and there is a wide range available, from unique pieces by local artists to prints of well-known artworks, and Aboriginal art.

Consider the space

When buying art, it is vital that you consider how it is going to work in the space you plan to hang it or show it. There is no point buying a sculpture, for example, that will overwhelm a small room. Paintings should also be in proportion to the wall it will hang on. Consider the colours that dominate the artwork as well. Will it blend with your current décor, clash with it or complement your current style?

It is also a good idea to “go with the flow”. Consider how the artwork will look from another room – or even from the outside - if your home is an open-plan design. Don’t just stand three feet back to determine if it works – look at it from all angles and all distances. Don’t be scared to try it in different positions as well to ensure it sits in the best possible place.

Your style is your own

While the input of others can be quite helpful, sometimes too much advice can affect your decision when buying artwork. This is especially true when it is an integral part of home decorating. If you like a certain style, stick with it. Remember, it is your home and you are the one who is going to live with the decisions you make. So listen to your heart rather and take notice of opinions – but don’t be guided by the thoughts of others.

Good art doesn’t have to cost the earth

Always remember that good art is art that YOU enjoy. If it only costs a few dollars, even better. Unique art - especially traditional indigenous pieces, one-off works and those by well-known artists or with historical significance - are going to cost more. If that is your style then don’t be put off by the price tag.

Make sure you get the works authenticated if it is by a highly-collectible artist to be sure you aren’t buying a fake – there are plenty of forgeries in the art world. But quite often the pieces that suit individuals best are those found at regional art shows, markets or even home studios. They don’t break the bank but they still look good.

Under-Stairs Decoration

Compared to blank under-stairs, I prefer to hang these decoration items on it. Most of them are wedding souvenirs that we get from attending a friend’ s or relative’s wedding reception. 

Top 10 Common Mistakes of DIY Renovations

DIY is for many a great way to save money and have a lot of fun at the same time. DIY can be, and often is the cheaper option, but it can also turn out to cost four times as much if you do it wrong. Whether you are replacing your garage roller door locks or renovating a bathroom, it is important that you are well prepared and in control of the situation. Here are 10 costly and common mistakes that DIY enthusiasts make:

1.       Lacking permits

Whilst you may feel as though permits are just a way of drawing money out of you, it is important that you seek them for safety and insurance purposes. If you are taking on a large scale project then it is likely that you will need a permit and these exist to ensure you are carrying the job out in a safe manner. They are there to protect you. Insurance companies will likely require proof that your work was done within regulations and permits are the only way to prove this.

2.       Using the wrong tools

Being properly prepared for the job that you are undertaking is important. It is also sensible to follow the suit of workmen and builders by buying better quality hand tools and cordless tools than you will probably need. The reason for this is safety and control, so if you’re saving money, why not equip your shed nicely?

3.       Failing to prepare

Renovations will likely require the delivery of large orders so it is necessary to be ready to store them. Leaving materials and tools outside invites theft and will damage the goods. Make sure you are prepared for deliveries of goods and materials well in advance of their arrival.

4.       Going cheap

DIY will save you money but the money should be saved in labour costs. Your materials should not suffer because it is a DIY project. Cutting costs and corners will only create larger repair costs and higher maintenance bills. If anything, buy better materials for DIY jobs so they stand up stronger.

5.       Using the wrong pain

It is fairly common to see something which looks very badly painted and damaged following a DIY project. Remember that the Australian weather will constantly pound at your newly painted feature and be sure to protect it properly.

6.       Prepare the surfaces

Failing to prepare the surfaces which are to be painted is as bad as using the wrong paint. It is important to prepare the walls by sanding them and repairing any cracks or damage because otherwise they will never look good.

7.       Failing to remain safe

Safety is number one for workmen and should be for you too. Wearing goggles, a hard hat and proper boots will save you from injury. This is also true of understanding power tools properly and storing tools correctly. Always keep safety at the forefront of your mind whether you are painting or constructing.

8.       Poor measurements

Everything should be measured twice and cut once. This simple process will help to cut costs dramatically. Cutting something too short means buying new materials and starting afresh.

9.       Ladder safety

Ladders are not designed to be used as step supports. If you are stretching beyond your ladder then you simply need a bigger ladder. Don’t end up in the emergency room because you couldn’t quite reach the corner…

10.    Admit your limits

The biggest mistake of DIYers is taking on more than they can handle. If you are uncertain how something will be achieved then seek professional help because it will be cheaper and far easier. A basic thing to remember is that if you have a tool in your hand and a question mark in your head, you should stop. 


Related article: Fiberglass vs Aluminum Ladder

 

Adding a New Dimension to Your Home with Outdoor Blinds

Adding outdoor blinds to your patio area can provide style, functionality and versatility. Even better, they can be made to fit everything from the smallest alfresco area to the biggest custom-made patios. There are a wide range of styles and options to choose from that not only look good but help keep the sun, wind and rain at bay, making your outdoor entertaining area perfect for year-round use.

If you are considering outdoor blinds for your home, a bit of research and preparation can go a long way. The internet makes it easy to find information about everything – from pool supplies to home loans – and patio blinds are no different. Measure your patio to give you an idea of how many blinds you may require, and then search in the comfort of your own home for the best blinds to suit your lifestyle.

The Benefits of Outdoor Blinds

Depending on what you hope to achieve from your entertaining area, patio blinds can be made to suit your individual circumstances. In many cases they are used as a windbreak, preventing everything from blowing away during an afternoon barbecue or by blocking a cold winter wind. They can be placed on just one side of the patio or made to completely enclose an outdoor area, creating a whole new room that is available for year-round use. Many outdoor blinds actually block UV light – up to 90% in many cases – which makes it cooler when sitting out on the patio. They can even help keep your home cool in the summer months by blocking out the heat before it hits your windows.

Versatile and Practical

One of the biggest advantages of patio blinds is that they can be custom-made to fit any area. They don’t have to left down all the time either, giving you greater control over the environment in your outdoor entertaining area. Depending on the type of blind, they can be rolled all the way up or partially opened to make the most of the weather. They are simple to operate as well – they may use zippers, rollers, a hand-cranking mechanism or even a motorised system that makes their operation as simple as pushing a button. A full set of blinds can make your patio a place for entertaining, even in the winter months. With the blinds latched in place and a heater in use, your patio can be a pleasant place to entertain.

Seek Expert Advice

Because every patio and outdoor area is different in size and shape, it is a good idea to get expert advice on what suits your area and needs best. An accurate measure is also important and the people make and install your patio blinds can take the measurements, to eliminate the risk of a poor fit. They can also advise on the best way to fix the blinds in place and the mechanics of opening and closing them.