It's All in the Planning

The reward of a successful renovation can be adding a few more years of enjoyment to your existing home or maybe taking it up a level as you prepare to go to market. Planning your renovation - including how you’d like the electrical to function - is going to save you time and money. Taking the time to consider how you’d like to use your new space, where you’d like the power points, what types of lighting you really prefer is all going to help. Talking your vision through with someone can help you articulate your final design. What appliances do you have? Do you like exposed power points in your kitchen or would you prefer them discreetly hidden? You don’t have to go with the status quo and it doesn’t necessarily cost anymore to get what you really like.

Winter Has Arrived

A few years ago, we installed SmartVent into our own home as a trial. We have been really pleased with the results. No condensation in the bedrooms, the curtains are not going mouldy anymore and after being away, we return to a home that smells fresh, not stale. We have a vent in two bedrooms down the hallway, one in the rumpus and an intake in the main living room that draws heat from the fire place and distributes it. We also have an intake from the outside, to bring fresh air into the master bedroom. This has really helped keep the bedroom and therefore other areas, fresh, without opening a window at night - meaning less traffic noise. There are a few home ventilation options available on the market now, and they all have great features. To reduce condensation, keep a drier, healthier home, we give our recommendation.

Hot Water Cupboards

UPDATE: Six months in without a hot water cylinder in the house and a wall heater inside the cupboard instead - amazing. A lot more drying space, everything dries more quickly, including football boots. :-)

New homes, focused on maximising every available living space, have seen hot water cylinders moved to other areas, such as the basement or garage.  Narrow hallway cupboards have become more mainstream.  However, the benefits of a hot water cupboard, are still desired by many.  Heated cupboards are useful for drying out wet gear, shoes and even electrical devices, such as fitbits, iPhones etc.  The solution - wall heating.  Wall mounted heaters, giving off a low, safe, steady heat, will warm the whole cupboard - not just the top - and marry the best of both worlds.  Cupboard space - and a 'drying room'.  

Keeping warm this winter

Everyone has an opinion on how to heat a home, but efficient heating is consistent heating.  For example, it is cheaper to couple your preferred heating option with a thermostat and timer, than it is to begin on full for two hours from cold and then turn it off again.  Heating your space consistently will keep it drier too.