Sydney Home Improvement: Remodel the Kitchen

It’s just as the saying goes – the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, therefore home improvements in the kitchen are the most likely to pay off when it matters. That said; don’t go overboard when it comes to renovating your kitchen. This is a room that should look like a place for people to come together and eat, but it shouldn’t make the rest of the house look grey in comparison. While great huge stainless steel fittings and appliances look great, remember that the home is most likely going to cater for a small family and not a small army, so the kitchen should be fitted out to suit.

Sydney Home Improvement: Put a Bathroom On It

If your home currently only has one bedroom, ask yourself ‘why?’ and then maybe consider adding a second one. You can recoup a substantial amount of your investment by adding a second bathroom – around 80-130%, actually!

When looking for room in your home that could be better used as an extra bathroom, consider ‘extra’ rooms or underutilised spaces. If you’re tight on space, a toilet and sink may prove sufficient – slightly larger spaces could benefit from having the works done: a full bathtub and sink.

Sydney Home Improvement: All Hands On Deck!

Sydney’s real estate agents are constantly saying that people selling their homes should add a timber deck in order to increase the value of their property, and they’re right – reports have said that these sturdy outdoor entertainment areas essentially increase the value of your property dollar-for-dollar. Why is this? With staycations becoming more commonplace in Sydney, backyards around town are now being renovated to create outdoor living and entertainment areas – an extension of the inside, if you will. The costs of adding an outdoor deck to your home will vary depending on how complex you want the structure to be. As with the kitchen, you want the area to stand out, but not so much so that the rest of the house loses value. Wizard Home Improvements are the experts when it comes to outdoor entertainment areas and can lay down a deck to suit any backyard and any budget – call us today to see how we can help with increasing the resale value of your property.

Sydney Home Improvement: Repurpose a room

Space in Sydney doesn’t come cheap, so why waste what little square meterage you have by leaving it unused? If you’ve got a dust-collecting area, come in with a lick of paint and you can convert it into another bedroom or even as a second living room – those slanted roofs are perfect for projecting movies on to!  Before you get too excited knocking down walls and installing new light fixtures, think long and hard about the ways that you (or potential buyers) would use the space. Versatile rooms have greater appeal to potential buyers.

Sydney Home Improvement: Be Green, See Green – Make Your Windows Energy-Efficient

Most people in Sydney have cottoned on to the fact that climate change is a real thing and, in order to reduce their carbon footprint, are purchasing with energy efficiency in mind. Investing in windows with a WERS (Window Energy Rating Scheme) label on them  – the Cooling Star shows how well they stop the heat from entering the house, and the Heating star shows how well they keep the heat in. The maximum rating is 5 stars, which is a sign of the best possible performance. You can expect to recoup 60-90% of your costs when you invest in energy-efficient windows.

Sydney Home Improvement: Stay Warm When It’s Cold, Cool When It’s Hot

Sydney prides itself on its old terraces and workers cottages, but if yours is lacking basic insulation and has old doors that let in plenty of hot and cold air, home inspectors working with potential buyers will note this. Homes that are not modified with energy efficiency in mind cost more to live in and maintain. Updating your home to save energy is not as expensive as you’d think, and it pays off in the long run. Our suggestion for energy-efficient windows is a good start, but you could also add insulation into your roof, seal cracks around the house, etc. If you need to replace your hot water heater, it pays in dividends to purchase a high-efficiency water heater – this cuts energy bills down by using more economical methods of heating water.

Sydney Home Improvement: Make A Lasting First Impression – Curb Appeal

Just like in life, first impressions matter when it comes to prospective buyers and your home. When prospective buyers are pulling up to the property, it’s likely that they’ll make their mind up whether or not they’ll consider putting in an offer within the first 30 seconds. Even if you think that you’ve done a good job of maintaining it over the years, it doesn’t hurt to do a quick bit of spit and polishing before the first inspection – gurney down the driveway, trim the trees, you get the idea. Anything to make it look as new as the day you bought it.

Sydney Home Improvement: Bits and Pieces

The most basic, banal-seeming updates and chores will actually be the most influential on the overall value of your home. Freshen up paint jobs and make sure to cover up any minor holes or dings that have settled in over the course of your stay. Replace rotting wood, get rid of any mould that you find, do the upkeep that generally gets overlooked but is important to the integrity of your property’s structure. General maintenance is inexpensive and a well-maintained house will be of greater value than a similar house that has forgone regular maintenance activities.

After living in a home that you’ve been in for a while, it can be hard to let go – especially once it’s clean and freshly renovated! However, once the offers start rolling in you’ll realise that the time and money spent on your project was all worth it. Just by putting in a little bit of consideration for design and a little bit of elbow grease, you can watch your home transform in front of your very eyes and increase its overall value.  All of the renovations we’ve listed are relatively (some with a bit of additional help) and offer large returns on investment.

If you’re seeking help with home improvements before selling a property, contact the team at Wizard Home Improvements today. We have more than 20 years experience in design and construction work and are specialists in improving the look and value of your home.

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Timber decking: Making the most out of your outdoor spaces

Your backyard space will only ever be as good as the effort you put into it.  A standard Australian backyard is generally where the little ones will roam, where grass needs to be mown, where clothes are hung out to dry, but with timber decking, your backyard is instantly transformed into an attractive outdoor entertainment area. It becomes a place where you can relax with a book, or entertain guests and loved ones. Got an outdoor pool? Surround your oasis with a timber deck to make the area more aesthetically pleasing while also creating a safe area for kids to roam around the pool in between cannonballs, while the bigger kids watch over on a comfortable deck chair.

Timber decking: Taking the inside outside

If your home is on the smaller side, create the illusion of space with a timber deck. Even if your home is on the more spacious side, extending your living areas outdoors with a timber deck makes the most out of your recreational areas and increases the overall value of your home. With the trend of outdoor rooms rising, many households are enjoying kitchens and lounge areas under the sun.

Timber decking: Increasing the value of your property

Installing an outdoor deck in your backyard is a relatively inexpensive investment, with great rewards for both your family and the future of your property in the event that you decide to sell. Real estate agencies have said time and time again that adding a timber deck to improve your outdoor entertainment areas essentially increases the value of your property dollar-for-dollar.

In addition to creating a functional outdoor entertainment area and boosting potential sale value, installing a timber deck is also an inexpensive, semi-permanent way of grading, and is easily removed if you decide you no longer need it.

Timber decking: You’ve decided you want to improve your outdoor entertainment area, now what?

At Wizard Home Improvements, we take an underutilised area and turn it into a mini-retreat in the comfort of your own home, extending the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home. Enjoy relaxing and entertaining in your backyard now, enjoy the profits garnered by having created an alluring and useful outdoor living area in the future.

We understand that every client and their family will have different wants and needs, which is why all of our timber decking is custom-designed to suit your space, the surrounding environment and your intended purposes for the deck. To ensure that our product suits your needs, we offer all of our customers a free measure and obligation-free quote, and can discuss budget, desired materials and structures to harmonise with your home.

Timber decking: What is it made out of?

At Wizard Home Improvements, we offer our clients the option between the elegant look of treated pine or the confidence and durability of Merbau hardwood – a sturdy and rich Indonesian timber. With over 20 years’ experience in the design and installation of timber decking, all our clients are ensured Wizard’s superior level of workmanship.

For those seeking an alternative route to traditional timber decking or pool decking, Wizard Home Improvements offers stylish decks design and constructed using sub-floor surfaces. These flat, synthetic materials can be constructed into the model decking you want while providing versatility when picking your finished look. Top any of our five-per-cent sheeting or Yellow Tongue boards with a variety of materials, from carpet to tiles or vinyl, to suit your personal style. Our alternative decking will also easily convert into a sunroom room or Queenslander room for the homeowner who always thinks ahead.

Timber decking: How do I prepare?

Deck Build Checklist

Purpose: What is your outdoor deck for?

• Extending the living area of your home
• Levelling a sloping block in your backyard
• Making a safe play area for the kids
• Creating an outdoor entertainment area
• Accessing better views from your backyard
• Adding value to your home.

Initial points to consider before installing a deck:

• Local council regulations
• Special regulations for bushfire-prone areas

Deck location: Where can you get the most out of your outdoor entertainment area?

• Which direction is the sun coming from? Do you get the morning or afternoon light?
• Will the deck be windy due to height and location?
• Where are the best views, and how can you take advantage of them?
• Will you be exposed to your neighbours and the street?
• What access will you have to the house – especially the kitchen and living room?
• What is the local climate like?

Outdoor deck priorities and requirements:

• Are the materials eco-friendly?
• Are the materials child-friendly?
• Is fencing required?
• Will the deck be non-slip to be safer in wet weather?

Once you’ve assessed all of the points above, you will be able to start the hunt for the perfect outdoor deck for your home. We’ve made the checklists above with style, safety and sustainability in mind – your outdoor deck is going to be around for a long time, so you want to ensure that it ticks all the boxes before you get one installed!

Contact us today to find out more information or to receive an obligation-free quote on our timber decking solutions.

Related Tag: Outdoor Blinds

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Pergolas, patios and decks are becoming more than ever before.

That comes as no surprise to us – with Sydney’s excellent weather conditions almost all-year round, there’s no reason to not want to spend more time outside unless you have an aversion to vitamin D.

There’s a rising trend in customers seeking home improvements to want the garden and living area to be considered as one space. Even if the area isn’t used on a regular basis, a well-designed and well-purposed outdoor room adds value to the property. Outdoor rooms make a property appear much more spacious and enjoyable, giving you more usable space in an area that used to be seen as an afterthought when it came to entertainment.

The sky’s the limit (really!) when it comes to outdoor living areas – you need not limit yourself to creating an outdoor kitchen. Wireless devices such as TVs and iPod docks can be used outdoors, too, which takes your movie nights and lazy Sunday afternoons to a whole new level. If you’re handy and have a projector and a spare sheet lying around, you can even create a moonlight cinema to enjoy with your friends and family.

When aiming to accomplish harmony between your indoor and outdoor spaces, the most important thing to view outdoor spaces as part of the design scheme and take them into account when setting your budget. It is also important to ensure lighting plans are connected in order to create the same ambience both indoors and outdoors and unify both areas.

Manufacturers are capitalising on this growing trend, making it easier than ever for you to create exactly what you’ve been imagining. Modern, striking and versatile products that can withstand outdoor environments are popping up everywhere, so get hunting and create the outdoor room of your dreams!

Wizard Home Improvements arms Australian property owners with the affordable and stylish home improvements to make the most of their homes. Learn more. 

Related Tag: Outdoor Pergola

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Hang out in your own outdoor area

We’ve decided to think laterally and bring something different to the blog this week.

We hope you enjoy it! 

There’s nothing more comforting than lying in a hammock on a lazy afternoon and curling up with a book on your deck or patio.

Don’t waste your pennies with a store-bought one, though – follow our instructions to make the overhand knot hammock of your dreams.

You’ll need a tape measure, a pair of scissors and about 180m of rope. We recommend buying rope that’s thick enough to be sturdy but not so thick that the knots will be uncomfortable to lie on.

Instructions

1. Measure and cut 24 6-metre strands of rope. Gather all the strands of rope on one end and tie them together, leaving about 30cm of rope ends hanging from the top of the knot.
2. Leave about half a metre of space between the first knot and the first row of hammock knots you’re about to start.
3. Starting from your far left, grab the first two strands (strand 1 and 2 respectively) and tie them together using a simple overhand knot. Repeat this with strands 3 and 4, 5 and 6, and so on, ensuring that all of the knots are level with one another.
4. Once you’ve finished the first row of knots (ending on strand 23 and 24), leave about 3 inches, then start knotting again, leaving strand 24 on its own and knotting, right to left, starting with strands 22 and 23.
5.  When you reach the end of the next row, knot strands 2 and 3 together, leaving strand 1 on its own.
6. Skipping down a row on strand 1, knot it together with strand 2 – this will create the beginning of what will become another row of knots.
7. Keep knotting the strands together to create another row. When you reach strand 23 and 24, knot them together, skipping down a row on strand 24 as you did in step 6.
8. Repeat steps 3-7, making sure to skip a row on either end when needed. Keep knotting away until there’s about a metre of rope strands left over.
9. Knot all 24 strands of rope together, leaving about half a metre between this knot and the last row of knots.
10. Trim the excess rope on either end of the hammock, then attach the ends to two trees in your backyard, two supports on your deck or patio, or take it with you on your next camping trip.

Thanks to Kinfolk for the tutorial!

Hammock not your style? Read about how you can furnish your outdoor entertainment area on budget and in style: Furnish Your Outdoor Entertainment Area, Motorised Outdoor Blinds Sydney

The post How to Make a Hammock for Your Outdoor Entertainment Areas appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

How to Clean your Deck: Sustainable Deck-Cleaning Solutions for Sydney’s Decks

At first glance a deck may come across as a fairly basic structure, but your outdoor entertainment areas require regular maintenance in order for them to last the test of time. After months of weather damage, impact from foot traffic, unsightly grease stains from the barbecue and general wear and tear from daily use, your deck may not be looking as perfect as the day it was built.

Renewing and rejuvenating your deck regularly is the best way to keep it looking nicer for longer (make sure you check out our post on staining your deck). Being environmentally conscious while doing so is not only good for your garden, your conscience and the environment overall, but – if you choose to make your own cleaner – easy on the wallet, too. If you end up choosing to buy an eco-friendly cleaner, ensure that you avoid chlorine bleach, instead opting for a biodegradable wood cleaner that won’t contaminate the groundwater or harm vegetation when it’s rinsed off the deck.

However, making your own deck cleaner with vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a base will see your deck spring back into life, while also removing resistant rust stains, keeping pests at bay and making the soil acidic for your plants – azaleas in particular thrive off the vinegar runoff.

For a basic job, simply pour or spray the deck with vinegar and let it sit, uninterrupted, for an hour or so, then rinse. If the deck is not looking like new, repeat the process. You can also use a scrub brush to fight off any stubborn looking moss or mildew.

If you find that you may require something stronger, adding ammonia and baking soda will make a stronger solution that is still harmless to the environment – however, you should always be very careful when handling ammonia, as it is corrosive to the skin.

Do you have your own environmentally-friendly way of cleaning timber decking? Let us know in the comments section below! 

Need more advice about your outdoor deck or entertainment areas? We might just have what you’re searching for! Our handy deck checklist will start you off in the right direction. Want to speak to a real person about building a deck? Head to our contact page. 

The post How to clean your deck, the eco-friendly way appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

Sydney Goes Top Deck for Winter

As the temperature drops for winter, it seems more and more tempting to turn on the heater, keep warm under a big doona, and never leave the house. However, winter is the best time to make the most out of your outdoor entertainment areas, such as your patio or deck. With a few simple steps you can transform your deck so that it can be enjoyed even in the chilliest of nights.

Winter Deck: Keep It Clean

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – it’s vital to keep your deck clean, especially after autumn, when loose leaves will accumulate in the corners and in between the deck planks, which can decompose and cause damage to the deck. By sweeping with a broom and washing with a hose, you can reduce the amount of decaying matter and minimise any structural damage to the deck.

Winter Deck: Move Around

Move any outdoor furniture indoors for the time being and clean underneath. Planters and potted plants should be cleaned and moved as the moisture from the rain and air can cause moisture from planters to leech into the wood and stain it over the colder months. The best solution to this is to move the plants off the deck for this time.

Winter Deck: Refinish the finish

While there’s still a few warm sunny days available to us, you may want to strip the wood and refinish the deck. While it seems like a superfluous chore at first, preventing damage from wind, rain and generally harsh weather will save you time, money and effort in the future. After you’ve reapplied finish, apply a high-quality water-repellent seal in case of bouts of wet winter weather. Make sure you check out our post on maintaining your timber deck’s stain and finish.

Winter Deck: Welcome winter the right way

Installing a fire pit or brazier will be your saving grace this winter – it will heat up your deck and provide a perfect centrepiece for winter gatherings on the deck. If you’re not interested in permanent pyrotechnic solutions, stay warm with an outdoor heater instead.

Want to know more about our timber decking solutions? Give us a call or ask a question in the comments section below.

The post How to make the most out of your timber deck this winter appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

Bring outdoor areas to life…

Summer is well and truly over in Sydney – the temperature has dropped and as a result, it’s much harder to get out of the bed in the morning. However, on days when you’re in no rush to go anywhere, it’s quite pleasant to sit on your outdoor deck with a cuppa and enjoy the lush surrounds of your backyard.

However, we get that not everyone is at the “lush surrounds” stage of backyard development, and are probably, at present, more used to staring down a less-than-inspiring patchy lawn. If you’re looking for a backyard update, here are a few plants we’ve enjoyed seeing around Sydney lately. They’re all subtropical varieties, they’ll be fine in most weather conditions, they’re easy to grow and easy to maintain.

Winter Blues? Learn how to cold-proof your deck here!

Pentas lanceolata: Commonly known as the Egyptian Starcluster, pentas tend to be drought-hardy, but don’t live for much longer than 3-4 years. Regular beheadings will keep the plant compact and flowering on a regular basis.

Davidsonia pruriens: You may be able to tell from looking at it for a bit that the Davidson’s Plum is not a New South Wales native – in fact, it hails from our neighbours up north in Queensland but enjoys inner Sydney life as much as northern rainforrests. The leafy tree does not fruit or flower as much as other plants, but it’s worth noting that the “plums” are certainly edible.

Breynia disticha: Otherwise known as confetti bush, this tricolourious leafy plant will add flair to otherwise dull outdoor living situations. As it’s originally from the Pacific Islands, it tends ot enjoy a more humid climate but is still hardy enough to last through even the coldest Sydney morning.

Iresine herbstii: this bloodleaf plant, almost glowing a fuchsia-tinged red, is a surefire standout in any garden. It’s incredibly easy to grow from cuttings, with roots propagating from just a glass of water.

Alcantarea species: Alcantarea are a modest-looking species, but give them a few years to grow big and strong and they’ll steal the show. However, once it flowers, bear in mind that the end is near. The plant will die, but it will leave many alcantarea babies in its wake. More to love, right?

What winter plants do you love? Make sure you write your recommendations in the comments below.

Need a bit more outdoor area inspiration? Try this: 5 Home and Garden Blogs You Can’t Live Without

blogorama.com

Related Tag: Best Outdoor Blinds Sydney

The post Top 5 Winter Plants to Grow in Sydney appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

The following post was written for us Matthew Andrianakos, the owner of outdoor furniture gurus, Lavita Furniture. Their range of outdoor furniture can frequently be found on the verandah, decks and outdoor areas of Sydney’s most illustrious restaurants, bars and homes. They’re great friends of ours and we personally recommend their range of affordable, stylish and easy-to-maintain outdoor dining and lounging furniture to friends, family and customers. Hopefully this guest post isn’t the last we hear from from them. 

From the most spacious entertaining deck to the cosiest patio, Australians love their patch of outdoors, no matter what the size. We believe creating a relaxing and beautiful outdoor ambience is achievable for all spaces great and small.

Before you hit the shops, think about how you can use your outdoor entertainment area to its best advantage. A little planning will save you time and money when you head out into the retail wilderness to find furniture and accessories that’s right for you. With this piece of advice in mind, we’ve put together our top two tips to help you get a handle on things.

Material matters

Being exposed to the elements means your outdoor furniture will have to be hardwearing to cope with the the Australian climate. Rain, hail and shine, Sydneysiders are familiar with all the extremes that Mother Nature can throw at us. Just as you’d take care choosing materials for your decking or awning, consider the construction of your furniture.

• Look for materials specifically designed for outdoor spaces. UV treated wickers and fabrics, low-maintenance polywood and rust-free metals like stainless steel and aluminium are all ticks in our book.

• Avoid furniture that hasn’t been climate-tested for Australia. We’re not called the sunburnt country for nothing and your furniture will need to stand up to the sun and the effects of its rays.

• Look for good warranty coverage. Your retailer should be confident in their products and give you the same confidence with a warranty that gives you peace of mind if anything goes wrong.

• Avoid too-good-to-be-true bargains – they often are just that. If it’s impossible to inspect before purchase, buyer beware.

Room for one (or more?)

Think about how you like to use your space: are you the consummate entertainer, someone who doesn’t feel at home without tongs in hand and a clutch of guests making merry on the deck, or does ‘solo sun-worshipper’ sum you up perfectly? Take a good look at what you want out of your space and plan accordingly.

• Look for the right size setting. There’s nothing harder than squeezing too many plates around a teensy table. On the other hand, a ten-seater table may be a little spacious for your solo morning cereal.

• Avoid gridlock. Think about how much space you’ll need around the furniture, not just the footprint of the furniture itself. Leave enough room for people to move freely around your furniture, without needing to clambering over or squeezing by it.

• Look for adaptable options. Choose stackable chairs to save you space or a modular lounge setting that gives you more out of your pieces.

• Avoid buying more than you need. You can always come back to extend a setting but coordinating returns can quickly turn into a headache.

And if all else fails, ask the experts! The team at Lavita Furniture boast in-depth product knowledge and can help you find the right fit for you and your outdoor entertainment areas. View our extensive range of outdoor furniture online or call 1300 528 482 to speak to one of our team members.

Liked this post? You may also enjoy reading “Plants, Patios and Decks: The 8 best plants for your outdoor entertainment areas“

The post Furnishing Your Outdoor Entertainment Area appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

Wanting to zest up your home and garden but don’t know where to begin? Read up on Wizard Home Improvement’s favourite leaders in the field. From gardening in small spaces to modern landscape designing, we’ve got your needs covered.

500m2 in Sydney

This eco-friendly blog follows the adventures of staying green for a family of five living in Ryde, Sydney. According to their “About Us,” they’re all about growing their own food and learning how to live more sustainably. Check out their “Harvest Monday” posts – they’re enough to inspire anyone into making the most out of their green thumbs.

Wizard picks: “Harvest Monday” – 3 February 2014

66 Square Feet

A blog that originated in Brooklyn then moved to Harlem, “66 Square Feet” is all about making the most out of small spaces – we like the sound of that! Sydney’s urban living spaces can often be on the modest side, so it’s interesting to have an international perspective on getting past that and being green, regardless of size restrictions.

Dirt Simple

With backyard landscaping on her mind, Deborah Silver meticulously documents various plants she sees on her landscaping journeys throughout Detroit, Michigan. As it is an American blog, many of the plants featured may not be suitable for Australian climates, but it’s worth looking at purely to strike some inspiration.

Wizard picks:” At A Glance: Leaf Deprived”

Design Hunter

An Australian blog focused on architecture, interior and landscape design, Design Hunter is perfect for those who are preparing to renovate and need some professional (and modern!) inspiration and help.

Wizard picks: “Tin shed architecture in Redfern” and “Design Hunter top picks: amazing pools from around the globe”

The Urban Organic Gardener

Like 66 Square Feet, Urban Organic Gardener is all about making small spaces – such as your balcony, terrace backyard or any small space you can think of – into a green haven that you can harvest and use all year-round!

Wizard picks: “Plants that Grow Well Together (And Plants that Don’t)”

Liked this post? You may also enjoy reading: Short on Space? Check out our favourite outdoor entertainment areas design and ideas 

Related Tag: External Roller Blinds Sydney

The post 5 Home and Garden Blogs You Can’t Live Without appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.

The Elevate Pool Deck

A raised pool and decking makes your pool area much more aesthetically pleasing in an otherwise average backyard. Additionally, it makes both the pool and decking easy to uninstall without too much damage to its surroundings, should you decide that you do not want it in the future.

The Totally Decked Backyard

You don’t need to have a huge outdoor area to have a pool – this modern Australian backyard makes the most of what it’s got, with decking all over the backyard and a gorgeous infinity pool. 

Modern and Minimal 

This deck proves that with a sleek and modern look, no space is too small for a pool. Opt for composite timber. It’s chemically treated to be of minimal fuss and requires the bare minimum when it comes to maintenance.

Feeling inspired to frame your pool with a deck? Spruce it up afterwards using our list of ideas here: Dress Up Your Deck Without Blowing Your Budget

The post Looking for a Pool Deck to Really Knock Your Socks Off? appeared first on Wizard Home Improvements.