Your wooden decking questions answered
Today across the country, classic wooden decking has become more popular than ever before. Constructed in a range of styles and timber, they contribute to the al fresco lifestyle many Australians love. Why do we choose to install decking? Often, because of water restrictions and the consequent effect on lawns, wooden decking is a viable alternative. […]
Mid-rise apartments gain the “feel good” factor of timber
Recent changes to The National Construction Code now makes it easier to develop timber-framed and mass timber mid-rise apartments. On May 1st 2016 Australia joined leading countries around the world with changes to the National Construction Code. The changes simplified the use of timber construction in taller structures up to 8 storeys. This includes apartments, hotels […]
Designing an energy efficient home
When designing a home, one of the principal objectives for a building designer or architect should be that it is a comfortable living space during winter and summer, and at the same time an energy efficient home when it comes to heating and cooling. Approximately 35% – 40% of an average household’s energy consumption is […]
Passive cooling: what you need to know
Amid rising temperatures and energy costs, it’s more important than ever to consider passive cooling design principles when planning a home addition. Passive cooling can help to reduce energy costs; this article walks you through what you need to know. To break it down, passive cooling has two main factors – the cooling of buildings, […]
Don’t forget the windows in your renovation plans
Windows are an integral part of the design of older buildings but are often overlooked or mistreated when renovation plans are made. Complete replacement of old windows with new joinery or PVC windows is an expensive alternative to replacing and upgrading existing wooden windows. The fact is that even the most tired looking old timber […]
What’s all the fuss about granny flats?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years you would have noticed a lot of fuss about granny flats. It seems wherever you look there is another granny flat popping up and it’s not hard to see why. Ever since the introduction of the “Affordable Housing SEPP 2009,” which allows an […]
Handing property over to the kids
Parents who want to help their kids get on the real estate ladder may consider giving them an investment property or selling it to them at a special price. Let’s look at how you can do this, assuming you no longer have a mortgage on the property. Your first step is to employ a conveyancer […]
Limestone your home
The common theme that architects and builders often hear when speaking to clients is that the end user always wants a unique home. Why wouldn’t they? If you’re designing a custom built home, it should be reflective of your lifestyle and family needs and reflect your personality. Floor plan designs need to suit these lifestyle […]
Follow the four C’s: Your keys to a successful build
Building a home or undertaking a renovation is a huge investment. For many of us, it’s the biggest single financial commitment that we’ll make in our lives. It can also seem like a daunting process, with so many factors to consider. Follow the path of the four C’s – check, contracts, communication and completion. These […]
DIY Tips For Building a Kit Home
Ready to take the plunge and build your first kit home? Paal Kit Homes shares their top tips for making the process simple and stress-free! Choose a home design that is appropriate to the size and setting of your block. Generous acreage with an expansive outlook, for example, deserves a decent-sized home. You don’t want […]