Sep 18, 2015

The Benefits You Get by Choosing Kit Homes



The common misnomer of casual homeowners in Australia is that they only are limited to options presented to them by home building companies and real estate businesses. However, in the past several years, there has been an ongoing trend among homeowners who are more adventurous, enter kit homes like Armstrong Steel building kits. Unlike ready-made homes, these kit houses are built from the ground up by the owners themselves with the help of trusted tradies.


In the past couple of decades, these kit houses have found popularity in developing countries like Australia because of their advantages over ordinary concrete or timber-famed houses. This comes as no surprise in the housing industry because such houses do provide multitude of benefits to both home sellers and home buyers. If you are planning to buy a new home, you may want to consider steel-framed houses. These houses are not your typical houses because they can surely provide you with so many benefits that the ordinary ones fail to offer.

One common misconception about steel-framed homes is that they’re not sturdy and are easily susceptible to wear and tear. However, the truth is, these houses are promising when it comes to durability. Because their frames are made of solid steel, they can withstand wear and tear and test of time. Additionally, since there are no woods used, homeowners need not to worry about dealing with pesky termites. Needless to say, they are a practical choice if you are looking for a house that is meant to last for years. Meanwhile, climate change is not near, it is here, and everybody has to play a part in helping the environment recover. When you buy a steel kit home, you are helping the environment. Since steel-framed houses are not made of wood, there’s no need for tree-cutting. In addition to this, since these houses may be made of recycled steel, you are playing a big part in saving the environment. There’s nothing more interesting than living in a house that is eco-friendly.

One disadvantage of building or buying a concrete or timber-framed house is that it requires fairly large amount of space, and if you want more space, it just wouldn’t work for you. This problem is easily solved because they do not require load bearing walls. Hence, if you choose such design for your next home, you don’t have to worry if want smaller rooms to leave more space for other parts of the house. This makes such designs fun to play with and certainly functional as well. The main selling point of kit homes is that they are easily to build, so easy that even an experienced individual can do it himself. Yes, steel-framed houses can be built without the help of construction workers and can be built by the owner himself. This is why many Australians who want to have a home faster prefer these houses. Since they are easy to build, you can say good bye to months and years of construction, which could cost you a lot of money.

Arguably the best feature of steel-framed houses is its low price associated with it. The absence of other expensive materials makes these homes more affordable. Being affordable does not equate to being substandard for these houses because they are made of solid steel, which can withstand even the worst beating of time. Additionally, because they are easy to build, you don’t have to spend lots of money on construction and materials.

If you want a home that is durable, environment-friendly, does not take up too much space, easy to build, and affordable, then a kit home is the perfect one for you.

Sep 17, 2015

Protect Your Property from Inclement Weather and Vandalism Attempts by Installing Window Roller Shutters



Window roller shutters have been in use for quite some time. They are horizontal planks of wood or metal screwed together to form a continuous unit, which can be pulled down or pushed up as required. Today window roller shutters come in many varieties; some even come with added security features. Mostly popular in places experiencing extreme weather conditions, these shutters come in very handy as they keep out the rain, hail and strong winds. They provide an impressive level of insulation and help maintain the interior at a nearly constant temperature.
Types of Window Roller Shutters
Shutters are of several varieties, all developed and designed to suit us better. There are several colors, shapes and designs available in the market. Your budget can also go up or down depending on the material that is used to make the window roller shutters. Below you can find what the different types of shutters are:

  • Manual Shutters - require human effort to pull down and push up
  • Electric/Motorized Shutters – minimal effort required. Just a press of the switch is enough to pull down or push it up
  • Integrated Shutters – combination of both a window and a roller shutter in one single unit.
  • Built-On and Built-In Roller Shutters – The location of the roller shutter box determines the type. If the shutter box is placed outside, it is called built-on and it located inside it becomes built-in.
  • Fire-Resistant Shutters – the materials used in the shutters possess fire resistance quality. Metals like stainless steel are commonly used for this purpose.  There are also shutters, which are connected to fire alarms.

What are the advantages offered by window roller shutters?

  • They act as very good insulators and help keep the bad weather outside. Areas receiving very heavy rainfall, snowfall or hailstorms opt for shutters, as they are effective in preventing them from entering indoors. Inside temperature is also maintained at a constant level by installing roller shutters.
  • Shutters provide protection from burglary and vandalism attempts, all the more reason to opt for shutters. They are strong, durable and some even come with advanced security features, which make them very efficient from the security point of view. Due to this, some local governments even offer subsidized shutters.
  • Shutters connected to alarm systems and the modern fire resistant shutters provide additional security benefits for your home, office or garage.

Window Roller Shutters – widely used because of their multiple utilities

  • Roadside shops and stores mandatorily use shutters for protection from weather, but mainly for security seasons. Shops and stores are more prone to burglary and robbery attempts, which can be averted if window roller shutters are installed, along with CCTV camera.
  • Window roller shutters are used in private residences, apartments, etc. Roller shutters of custom design are very popular for domestic use.
  • Restaurants, eateries and public kitchens install window roller shutters for the same reasons.
  • Prisons and correction homes install shutters with added security features.
  •  The other places where shutters are commonly seen are schools and colleges.
  • Warehouses and industries opt for strong shutters, mainly made of metals.

Things to Consider While Buying Shutters:

While you are on the process of making a decision to buy shutters, ask yourselves the following questions: Will roller shutters serve my purpose? Roller shutters can be used in any weather, though they are more useful in extreme weather conditions.  So if your area gets hailstorms and strong winds, window roller shutters are the best for you. Am I choosing the correct materials? Roller shutters today come in a lot of varieties like plastic sheets, timber and wood, metals.

Consider the weather of the place you stay in and the level of security you need and then decide on the material and according to that information you choose the best window shutter for your home.

Sep 16, 2015

Why You Should Go for Traditional English Furniture



Are you planning to purchase a new set of furniture for your house or office? If so, you need to consider buying traditional English furniture. This type of furniture has proved to be more beneficial than its contemporary counterparts. Obviously, you can’t just wake up one day and decide to buy this or any other kind of furniture; you have to first understand the kind of benefits you stand to get this purchase. The truth is, there are numerous benefits of purchasing traditional English furnishings. Here is a quick checklist of some of the benefits you should expect.

Benefits of Using English Traditional Furniture
One thing about this kind of furnishing is that it has proved to be able to stand the test of time. Like other free markets in the world, UK has suffered serious repercussions of allowing imports from other parts of the world. This has seen the UK market getting flooded with fake and low quality furniture. While these foreign fittings may be competitive in terms of cost, they are definitely poor in quality. But when you buy the traditional English furniture, you are guaranteed of quality and better service. 
Another reason why you should get a piece of conventional English furniture is because it is durable. Because this furniture was manufactured from high-quality materials, it can stand up to harsh weather conditions and remain intact for decades. You just have to service it once in a while to restore its original glory. These fittings have been tried and tested to ensure they have the required quality and strength to endure heavy usage. You can rest assured that your traditional fittings will be able to handle any amount of traffic without breaking. This means that you won’t need to buy replacements any time soon.

Speaking of replacements, this type of furniture is very cost effective as it can go for many years without requiring any kind of repair or replacement. It is such a wise financial decision to buy these traditional fittings as they will save you the trouble of hiring carpenters for repair. They also keep your house looking elegant all the time without forcing a dime out of your pocket for maintenance expenses. The only necessary maintenance on these furnishings is regular cleaning and occasional repainting. They are also ideal for people who want to design their interiors in a luxurious traditional style. Traditional English furniture will give your house a posh, lavish look that is a true symbol of wealth and uniqueness.

Sep 12, 2015

House Fabric Care 101



You might not be aware of it, but the different fabrics you’ve got at home need specific ways to maintain and care for. Remembering each care tip for each fabric may be a little more complicated than, say, having a carpet cleaned in your Sunshine Coast home or getting your couch upholstery protected. But we’ll list down the different fabrics that every home has and explain what these fabrics are and the best ways to care for them to help you in your housekeeping.
image credits: en.wikipedia.org
Wool
Wool is a textile fiber acquired from sheep. Other types of wool include cashmere and mohair from goat, angora from rabbits, and qiviut from muskoxen.

Depending on how it’s made, it can be used for both cool and warm climates. Cashmere is the most delicate because it has the softest yarns. You can hand wash or dry clean them, but make sure to check the laundry label.

When you hand wash them, make sure that you use lukewarm water because wool shrinks in cold water, and it gets damaged in hot water. It is best if you can get your hands on detergent that is specifically made for wool, but any detergent that isn’t too strong will do. Because wool is delicate, it will lose its shape if you hang it on a line. It is better to lay it on a dry towel, roll it up and squeeze the water gently; then leave it to air dry.

Cotton
Cotton is a favourite in terms of comfortable and versatile clothes. It is a fiber that grows around the seeds of cotton plants.

Cotton is a breathable fabric, which means the moisture is transmitted away, and absorbs and removes liquid from the skin. This is the reason why cotton is most popular during the summer.

Cold water can be used to wash cotton, it can protect the .dye and retain the colour of the clothes, and it also prevents the shrinkage.As for the use of chlorine bleach, it will remove the stains in white cotton, but it may damage coloured cotton.

Linen
Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is a very absorbent fabric that is known for keeping a person cool and fresh even in hot weather.

A linen can be dyed easily, and it will not fade when washed. To protect the colour even more, you can hand wash or dry clean it at a cool temperature.  There are linen fibers that can now be washed in machine which you can just iron out when it wrinkles; you should read the label to make sure. Don’t use products with chlorine in it because it will cause yellowing, instead use gentle detergent or oxygen-type bleaches for washing white linen.

Silk
Sild is a natural fiber that has been in use since the 27th century by the Chinese. There are insects that can produce silk that is so strong they can make purses with just the larva silk.

If the label says that the silk is pre-washed, you can opt to hand wash it in lukewarm water using a gentle detergent. Just like wool, don’t wring silk. To dry it, roll it in dry garment and let the towel absorb all the moisture and let the silk dry naturally.

Synthetic Fabric
Unlike the fabrics that have been listed so far, synthetic fabrics are not natural fibers. These fibers made by man through a process called polymerization. This includes nylon, acetate, and polyester.

Nylon is a very strong fabric, but also pretty lightweight. It’s a fabric that isn’t exactly good for excess moisture because it isn’t absorbent. It is used to make lingerie, carpet, and tents because it can go back to its original shape when stretched. You can hand wash them, especially lingerie, in warm water. If you’re going to machine wash them, use a bag to prevent it from tearing. 
Acetate is silk-like in terms of its appearance. If it’s washable, handwashing it in warm water using gentle detergent can do the trick. Don’t dry them under direct sunlight, just line dry them.

Polyester is a fabric that is wrinkle resistant, which also means that it is non-absorbent. To wash it, you may choose to dry-clean it or machine-wash the fabric. For clothing, turn it inside-out to avoid tearing. Machine-wash it in warm water, and only use chlorine bleach if it is needed. If not, an all-purpose detergent will do. Then tumble dry it in a low temperature.

Always make sure to read the laundry labels on all of your fabrics for directions on how to wash them. What we’ve listed above are general tips on how to better care for you fabrics, however, there are fabrics that were modified during manufacture and may require a specific kinds of cleaning products and drying techniques. 

References:
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/fabric-care-101

http://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/clothes/fabric-care/

http://www.sofeminine.co.uk/fashion-trends/caring-for-different-types-of-fabric-s562876.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-124707/How-care-fabrics.html

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/maintenance-and-repair/cleaning/how-to-care-for-different-types-of-fabrics

http://www.nios.ac.in/media/documents/SecHmscicour/english/Home%20Science%20(Eng)%20Ch-9.pdf

Author Bio

Randolph Hoover and his family were originally from San Diego California but he is currently studying Business Administration in Umea University in Sweden. While shuffling his work as a Business major, he helps his parents with their home maintenance business in their home in Umea. He is the go-to guy when it comes to the latest lifestyle, home improvement and car maintenance tips. When he's not busy, he writes articles in his free time for clients such as Electrodry and others. He spends the rest of his free time with his family and friends.

  © Blogger template 'A Click Apart' by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP