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Craftstone – a Smart Way of Adding Value to Your Home

Posted by on Saturday, 10 November, 2012

The practice of applying craftstone does not only increase the aesthetic value of an established but also proves to be a better choice in terms of durability. Other options like glass and wood are never as durable. Glass succumbs easily to the vagaries of nature while wood always runs the risk of falling prey to the attacks of termites. On the other hand, stacked stone veneers do not pose any such threats.

What is craftstone made of?
The craftstone is made of cement, iron oxide, and aggregates. These stone veneers look just like the natural ones. In fact, the good-quality stone veneers are hard to distinguish from the actual stacked stones even on close inspection.

The greatest advantage that the craftstone has over the natural stone is its weight. The veneer is incredibly lighter and easier to handle than its natural counterpart is. Hence, when you plan to install stacked stone veneer, you will not have to arrange for the reinforcements for holding its weight.

Consequently, it proves to be a very cost-effective choice and gives you a great opportunity to use it in different places.

Craftstone : Ideal for homes and commercial establishments
The fascinating appearance that the stacked stone veneers have made them suitable for every kind of establishment. With a variety of color options available on the market, it will be very easy to choose the one that suits your environment perfectly. Be it your home or a commercial setting, these veneers has the potential to create the perfect aura that you desire for your surroundings.

Additionally, stacked stone veneers are fully customizable. Profound variety in terms of size and pattern is available for you to experiment and get the best one that matches with your décor. You can create a rustic Stone Age look or a contemporary appearance with these marvelous stone veneers effortlessly.

Lend a special look with craftstone
You can enhance every corner of your home as well as your office with the stacked stone veneers. These veneers are suitable for the beautification of both the interiors as well as the exteriors.

Fireplace
Fireplace areas can be made attractive by using stacked stone veneers. By improving the appearance of the fireplace with stone veneers, you can make the interiors of your house look very interesting. As the craftstone lends 3D effect to any area, your fireplace will get a distinct personality.

Furthermore, you can add variations to the fireplace by selecting a mantel. A different colored stone or similar colored one can be used for this purpose.

Remember to choose colors of the veneers depending on the color of the surrounding walls. By creating a brilliant combination of light and dark shades, you can achieve an astounding effect.

Pillars or columns
Give your patio a sturdy look by using stacked stone veneers on pillars. The stone appearance of these veneers will make the columns blend beautifully with the outside environment.

Craftstone pillars are also a great garden accessory. For instance, if you place the pillars with veneers near the creepers, you can recreate the ambience of an outdoor museum.

You may also try the Greek garden look by choosing a light grey or an ivory color for your veneer pillars. In this way, you can experiment with a host of other garden themes.

Walls
Change the entire look of your establishment by using craftstone on the walls. Use them in your garden, and patio.

Infuse life in your garden by creating a contrast to the color of the pathways, flowers, and leaves. You can also have low-height boundaries around the flower beds or a small pool with waterfalls.

For your patio, use these stone veneers to avoid the monotony of colors that are generally created by other materials like bricks and tiles.

Since the stacked stone veneers imitate nature, you can enhance the look immensely by adding wooden or wrought iron furniture in the surroundings.

House facade
Make your house look like a country home by installing stacked stone veneers on the facade.

If you prefer a symmetrical appearance then choose a single colored veneer. However, you can give the façade a dynamic 3D appearance by creating combinations of different colors.

Irrespective of the type of the craftstone you choose, its application will increase the value of your home manifold.

Gold Coast Facts – History and Attractions

Posted by on Wednesday, 7 November, 2012

The Gold Coast is among the the major destinations for tourists on the planet.
Read on to discover some background information on this exciting region:

There are more than eighty suburbs within the Gold Coast, with some of the most well-known being Surfers Paradise, Burleigh, Mermaid Beach, Southport and Currumbin. Many place-names are Aboriginal, and it is interesting to discover what they mean. For example, Tallebudgera is derived from ‘talle’ meaning ‘fish’ and ‘budgerie’ meaning good, obviously referring to plentiful fishing there.

Captain James Cook was considered the first European to navigate the south-east coast of Queensland, which local Aboriginal people refer to as ‘Kurrungal’, a name derived from their word for ‘endless supplies of timber’.

Population throughout the region grew from 1823, however it was in 1875 that Southport becameestablished, and wealthier people from Brisbane started to go there for their holidays.

Tourism in the region grew once the Surfers Paradise Hotel went up in 1925. The hotel experienced several transformations, and is now an apartment complex.

The region was first called the ‘Gold Coast’ in the 1940s, when real estate speculators started to name it that, and the name was made official in 1958, when local government designated the Gold Coast to be the area from Coolangatta to Southport.

The population grew rapidly from 1981 when the Gold Coast airport was finished, and by 2007 it became the largest non-capital city in Australia, and is also the country’s sixth largest city. Although the population fluctuates daily, almost 600,000 people live on the Gold Coast.

Things to do and see in the Gold Coast
There are many things to do and see while visiting the Gold Coast. The region is home to several theme parks, such as Dream World, Wet’n'Wild, Movie World and Sea World. These three are located within 30 minutes from each other, and are fairly close to Surfers Paradise.

At Sea World the whole family can enjoy seeing dolphins, sharks and much more, in addition to being able to swim, relax, slide and have a go on water-based rides, whereas Movie World, also known as Warner Brothers is the perfect place for movie-lovers with families. There are numerous movie-themed rides, and also performers who dress up as movie characters such as Scooby Doo, Batman, and many others, and who will invite you to have their photo taken with you.

Wet’n'Wild is a water themed park that is located next to Warner Bros., that is open all year round. Home to 17 water slides and 4 pools, you can have peace-of-mind that this is a great place for the entire family to visit.

The Gold Coast is known for gorgeous beaches, so no holiday would be complete without walking along one of the many beaches. One of the best places for swimming is Burleigh. With calm water conditions on most days, there is also great surfing at Burleigh Heads at the south of the beach.

Burleigh Heads itself is a beautiful, lush native bushland, which has two walking tracks, one a short distance and the other taking in the whole headland, and the views are breath-taking, stretching from Surfers Paradise to the north, all the way to Tweed Heads in the south.

People who enjoy hiking and walking can also visit Tamborine Mountain, which has beautiful scenery and a wide range of wildlife.
There are12 tracks which vary in length but are not difficult, so people who enjoy taking easy walks will enjoy it here. There are wildlife sanctuaries, plus numerous other walking tracks:

Springbrook is located in the Gold Coast hinterland, where you can go to when you want to see native wildlife and ancient Antarctic beech trees. Purlingbrook Falls and other wonderful waterfalls are within Springbrook. Visitors can also enjoy swimming in the Waringa Pool or go at night and visit the cave and see glow-worms.

For a truly wonderful experience you can visit the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise. It is the tallest building in Australia and the fifth tallest residential tower in the world. With more than 77 levels, you will see incredible views of the ocean, and can see from Brisbane to Byron Bay as well as far out in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Jupiter’s Casino is located just south of Surfers Paradise, with more than 1,000 slot machines and over 70 table games for guests to play. Guests can spend a few nights there in modern hotel rooms equipped with amenities such as flat screen TVs.

Couples and singles alike will enjoy the nightlife that the Gold Coast has.
With many nightclubs in Surfers Paradise, there are also many other bars, clubs, theatres and restaurants located throughout the area.

If you are after adult fun the Gold Coast can offer executive escort gold coast and hens night entertainers. The Gold Coast has it all, beaches, wildlife, nightlife, city life and much, much more.

Gold Coast Facts – History and Attractions

Posted by on Wednesday, 7 November, 2012

The Gold Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth.
Read on to discover some information about this exciting place:

There are over eighty suburbs that make up the Gold Coast, with some of the most famous being Surfers Paradise, Burleigh, Mermaid Beach, Southport and Currumbin. Many place-names are Aboriginal, and it is interesting to find out what they mean. For instance, Tallebudgera is derived from ‘talle’ meaning ‘fish’ and ‘budgerie’ meaning good, obviously meaning that there are great fishing there.

Captain James Cook was possibly the first European to sail along the south-east coast of Queensland, which local Aboriginal people call ‘Kurrungal’, a name derived from their word for ‘endless supplies of timber’.

European people began living throughout the region from 1823, but it was in 1875 that Southport wasestablished, and the wealthier people from Brisbane began to go there to enjoy their holidays.

Tourism in the region developed once the Surfers Paradise Hotel was built in 1925. The hotel went through a few transformations, and is now an apartment complex.

The region was first called the ‘Gold Coast’ in the 1940s, when real estate speculators started to name it that, and the name was made official in 1958, when the local government designated the Gold Coast to be the area from Coolangatta to Southport.

The population kept on growing rapidly from 1981 when the Gold Coast airport was finished, and by 2007 it became the largest non-capital city in Australia, as well as being the country’s sixth largest city. Although the population fluctuates regularly, almost 600,000 people live on the Gold Coast.

Activities and things to see in the Gold Coast
There are many things to do and see while visiting the Gold Coast. The region is home to a number of theme parks, such as Dream World, Wet’n'Wild, Movie World and Sea World. These three are located within thirty minutes drive from each other, and are fairly close to Surfers Paradise.

At Sea World the whole family can enjoy watching dolphins, sharks and much more, in addition to having the opportunity to swim, relax, slide and have a go on water-based rides, whereas Movie World, also known as Warner Brothers is the perfect place for movie-lovers with families. There are numerous movie-themed rides, plus performers who dress up as movie characters such as Scooby Doo, Batman, and many others, and who are happy to have their photo taken with you.

Wet’n'Wild is a water themed park that is located right next to Warner Bros., and is open all year round. Home to 17 water slides and 4 pools, you can be sure of that this is a great place for the whole family to visit.

The Gold Coast is famous for gorgeous beaches, so no holiday would be complete without seeing one of the many beaches. One of the best beaches to swim at is Burleigh. With calm water conditions on most days, there is also great surfing at Burleigh Heads at the south of the beach.

Burleigh Heads itself is a lush, beautiful native bushland, which has two walking tracks, one a short distance and the other taking in the whole headland, and the views are stunning, stretching from Surfers Paradise to the north, all the way to Tweed Heads in the south.

People who enjoy hiking and walking can also go to Tamborine Mountain, which has beautiful scenery and a wide variety of wildlife.
There aretwelve tracks which vary in length but are not difficult, so people who enjoy taking easy walks will love it here. There are wildlife sanctuaries, plus numerous other walking tracks:

Springbrook is located in the Gold Coast hinterland, where you can go to when you want to see native wildlife and ancient Antarctic beech trees. Purlingbrook Falls and other wonderful waterfalls can be found within Springbrook. You can also enjoy swimming in the Waringa Pool or go at night and visit the cave to see glow-worms.

For a truly amazing experience you can visit the Q1 building in Surfers Paradise. It is the tallest building in Australia and the fifth tallest residential tower in the world. With more than 77 levels, you will see distant views of the ocean, and can see from Brisbane to Byron Bay as well as far out in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Jupiter’s Casino is located just south of Surfers Paradise, with more than 1,000 slot machines and over 70 table games for guests to play. Guests can also spend a few nights there in lovely hotel rooms equipped with amenities such as flat screen TVs.

Singles and couples alike will enjoy the nightlife that the Gold Coast has.
With many nightclubs in Surfers Paradise, there are also many other bars, clubs, theatres and restaurants located throughout the region.

If you are after adult fun the Gold Coast can offer Gold coast escorts and hens night brisbane. The Gold Coast has it all, beaches, nightlife, wildlife, city life and so much more.

Renovator’s Delights

Posted by on Saturday, 3 November, 2012

After having done all of the required research and preparation, you’re ready to begin searching for the right property.

This is where things get exciting. You need to have your wits about you, because choosing a property is critical.

When you get to this stage, what you’re looking for is potential for renovation.

You must assess each property not only regarding what it is right now, but what it could be when you’ve done your magic to it.

Your first consideration is the condition of the property. You’re searching for something that’s crying out to be renovated, but notutterly derelict (unless you really like a challenge)!Then you will think about the mood of the current market, and whether this property could meet them with optimal improvements.

Finally, you should consider how much you need to do to the property.
Some properties will only need a basic style change to make you a decent profit.
Other properties can be completely transformed, bringing them to a far superior state and unlocking higher profits.

Roughly speaking, there are three kinds of properties that attract renovators:The ‘Patch ‘n’ Paint’ means it is a solid property, in good nick structurally but the decor is faded.

It will respond to fresh paint, carpet, fittings and fixtures, and the garden needs a revamp.
The ‘Fixer-Upper’ will generally be older and rougher than the Patch ‘n’ Paint.
The decor needs attention, but it also needs a kitchen and bathroom makeover.
The ‘Fixer-Upper’ may have structural issues.

It might have cracks in the walls or need a new roof. Perhaps the wiring or plumbing is uselss and needs to be replaced. These issues can be expensive to fix and yet won’t necessarily return a comparable value.

The ‘Knock-Down’ requires a top to bottom restoration or demolition. These properties often attract developers, particularly if they’re in a good location, on a large block or have fantastic views. From my experience, the best bets for renovating for profit are the ‘Patch ‘n’ Paint’ and the ‘Fixer-Upper’.

The type of renovation work you should do will depend on your knowledge, skills, experience and contacts, but most people should be able to do up these kinds of properties without too much trouble.
Plus, they don’t tend to have a high level of risk.

Dealing with structural defectsGenerally, I advise people to avoid properties that need serious work.

You want to spend your renovation budget on improvements that buyers and tenants can see as that’s how you get results.

Spending money on fixing defects that are unseen eats into your renovation budget and you may not see a buyer who appreciates quality, therefore your profits will be reduced.

Tenants and buyers expect a property to have good foundations, wiring and plumbing. They won’t pay extra for it, so the extra expenditure to fix the defect doesn’t add any value.

If you do decide to make an offer on a property with structural defects you need to get a quote to find out how much it will cost to rectify the problems and factor that into your purchase price.

If the numbers still stack up then go for it. And, you can usually negotiate hard because most other will be scared off by the “problems”.

Don’t skimp on inspection reportsMany property investors are tempted to save a few bucks by going without an inspection report when buying a property.

Don’t be tempted! Termite infestations, dodgy wiring, rotten foundations. There are many possibilities of problems with any structure that most people won’t notice.

And any one of these problems could cost you big bucks. You wouldn’t buy a second-hand car for $10,000 without a $250 inspection report, so why purchase a property for several hundred thousand dollars without an inspection report for a a little more? For your peace of mind get the inspections done. For building inspections brisbane, contact Home Inspect today or visit their web site.

Meeting market demandNow let’s think about people, because renovating for profit is a people business, not a property business.

Tenants or buyers of your renovated property are the source of your money -from either the rent you receive or the profit you make when you sell it, so to maximise your return you must create a home that tenants want to rent and buyers want to buy.

This is the golden rule if you want to make a profit renovating houses.

If you intend to keep the renovated property then you need to research your target tenants for the suburb.
When you match a property to target tenants you’re not going to have vacancies, or need to reduce therent to get someone in.

Build a good relationship with property managers and find out what type of properties are desirable in the area. Tell them you’re looking at buying an investment property in the area, and ask them what tenants prefer.

What sort of property is in short supply? What rents the quickest?In this suburb do tenants prefer houses or apartments? Do they want one, two, or more bedrooms? Do they require parking or not? You should know these facts before you can make an informed decision on what to buy.

If you intend to sell the property once you’ve renovated it, the same principle applies but now you must consider the wants and needs of buyers rather than tenants.

While there are a lot of similarities, there are differences you should cater for.

And finally, although there will be some features of the property you can improve, some features, such as location and aspect, etc, are fixed.
You can do a first class renovation, but if the property backs onto a railway line you’ll have trouble renting and selling it.

This is why selection of a property is so critical. After all, you can always improve a building, but you can’t improve its location.

Renovator’s Delights

Posted by on Saturday, 3 November, 2012

After having done all the required research and preparation, you’re ready to start searching for the perfect property.

This is where it gets really exciting. You have to keep your wits about you, as choosing a property is critical.

When you take your researcher’s hat off and put your buyer’s hat on, what you’re looking for is renovation potential.

You have to assess each property not only regarding where it’s at right now, but what it can be once you’ve renovated it.

The main consideration is the state of the property. You’re searching for a place that’s crying out to be renovated, but notcompletely derelict (unless you really like a challenge)!Next you will consider the needs and wants of the current market, and whether the property might meet them with optimal improvements.

Finally, you should consider how far you can take the property.
Some properties will only need a facelift to gain a decent profit.
Other properties can be completely transformed, taking them to the next level and unlocking higher profits.

Roughly speaking, there are three types of properties that attract renovators:The ‘Patch ‘n’ Paint’ is a solid property, in good nick structurally but the decor is dated.

It will respond to fresh paint, carpet, fittings and fixtures, and the garden needs a revamp.
The ‘Fixer-Upper’ will generally be older and rougher than the Patch ‘n’ Paint.
The decor still needs updating, but it also needs a kitchen and/or bathroom makeover.
The problem child often has structural issues.

It might have cracks in the walls or need a new roof. Perhaps the plumbing or wiring is shot and needs replacing. These defects can be very costly to repair but don’t necessarily add any value.

The ‘Knock-Down’ requires a complete restoration or demolition. These properties often attract developers, especially if they’re in a great location, on a large block or have fantastic views. From my experience, the best places for renovating for profit are the ‘Patch ‘n’ Paint’ and the ‘Fixer-Upper’.

The amount of renovation work you should do will depend on your knowledge, experience, skills and contacts, but most people are able to do up these kinds of properties without too much trouble.
Also, they don’t tend to have a high level of risk.

Dealing with structural defectsIn general, I advise people to avoid properties that need structural work.

You want to spend the renovation budget on improvements that tenants and buyers can see immediately as that’s how you get results.

Spending money fixing defects that are not seen eats into your renovation budget and you may not see a buyer who appreciates quality for some time, therefore your profits will be reduced.

Basically, tenants and buyers expect a property to have good foundations, wiring and plumbing. They won’t pay extra for it, so the extra expenditure to fix the defect doesn’t add any value.

If you do decide to make an offer on a property with structural defects you need to get a quote to find out how much it will cost to rectify the problems and factor that into your purchase price.

If the numbers still stack up then go for it. And, you can usually negotiate hard because many buyers will be scared off by the “problems”.

Don’t skimp on inspection reportsMany property investors are tempted to save a few bucks by foregoing an inspection report when they buy a property.

Don’t do it! Termite infestations, dodgy wiring, rotten foundations. There are many possibilities of problems with any building that the average person won’t notice.

And any one of these problems could cost you big bucks. You wouldn’t buy a second-hand car for $10,000 without a $250 inspection report, so why would you purchase a property for several hundred thousand dollars without an inspection report that just costs a a little more? For your peace of mind get the inspections done. For building inspections brisbane, contact Home Inspect today or visit their web site.

Meeting market demandLet’s forget about property for a minute and think about people, because despite what most renovation newbies think, renovating for profit is a people business, not a property business.

That’s because the tenants or buyers of your renovated property are the source of your money -from either the rent you receive or what you make when it’s sold, so to maximise your return you need to develop a property that tenants will rent and buyers want to buy.

That’s the golden rule if you want to profit from renovating houses.

If you intend to keep the renovated property then you need to research your target tenants for the suburb.
When you match a property to target tenants you’re not going to have vacancies, or need to make a reduction in therent to get someone in.

Build a good relationship with property managers and find out what type of properties are most desirable in the area. Tell them you’re looking at buying an investment property in the area, and ask them what tenants prefer.

What sort of property is needed? What kind rents the quickest?In this suburb do tenants prefer houses or apartments? Do they want one, two, or more bedrooms? Do they require parking or not? You need to know these basics before you can make an informed decision about what to buy.

If you intend to sell the property once you’ve renovated it, the same principle applies but now you must consider the wants and needs of buyers rather than tenants.

While there are a lot of similarities, there are differences you should cater for.

Finally, although there will be some features of the property you can improve, some features, such as location and aspect, etc, are fixed.
You can do a first class renovation, but if the property backs onto a railway line you can expect to trouble renting and selling it.

This is why selection of a property is critical. Remember, you can improve a house, but you can’t improve its location.

Timber Decks Add Value to Your Home

Posted by on Wednesday, 31 October, 2012

In recent years, more and more homeowners are starting to use their outdoor space in a new way. In the past, there was often a strict dividing line between the inside and outside of a home. The typical landscaping around a home in the past usually consisted of lawn in the front and a garden in the back. Now that concept is changing.

New trends in interior design and landscape design have blurred the difference between the interior and exterior of a home. Part of this trend developed as glass windows and doors opened up rooms in the home to the beauty of the yard outside.

Today, the trend in home design and landscaping is to treat the yard and the home as one unit. In fact, decks and patios are now seen as an extension of the living space of the home. Decks and patios are often created to function as additional rooms outside.

For example, a timber deck may be used as an outdoor kitchen, living room, dining area, or as a combination of these rooms. To create an outdoor kitchen on the deck, the homeowner can install a gas range for grilling, and an area for preparing food. Timber decks often have a table with a seating area that may be fixed or mobile.

If there is room for a large timber deck, one part may be used as a kitchen and dining area, while another part is used as an outdoor living room. It is particularly easy to create an impression of two separate outdoor rooms if the deck has two levels. An outdoor carpet can be used to mark the space that is the outdoor living room. The seating arrangement in the outdoor living room can focus around a central table.

Timber decks have several advantages over brick or concrete patios. A deck made from wood will always feel cool underfoot even on very hot days, while a concrete or brick patio may become unbearably hot. Concrete patios can develop large cracks over time, especially in areas where the soil has a high clay content.

A timber deck is the ideal solution in a yard that has a steep slope, large protruding rocks, or uneven terrain. Timber decks are very attractive in appearance due to their wood construction. Many different types of wood can be used successfully to create timber decks.

A deck can become an important entertainment center for the entire family at all hours of the day. In the morning, a deck can become a playground for young children by adding a small pool, balloons, snacks, and lots of toys. In the afternoon, a deck can be a relaxing place to invite a few neighbors over for tea or coffee. At suppertime, the deck is an ideal location to invite neighbors or family members for an informal meal with meat on the grill. In the evenings, the deck can be transformed into a great place to have a party with the addition of outdoor lighting and recorded music.

In addition to being a great location for entertaining, a deck is the perfect place to simply relax. A deck should have some shade provided to guard against the hottest rays of the sun. Shade can be provided by a patio umbrella, or the deck structure can be designed to create shade with awnings. If the deck is partially covered, it can be a great place to sit outdoors even when it rains.

When the deck design is chosen, it is possible to incorporate several interesting and useful features into the construction of the deck. For example, continuous seating can easily be built all around the perimeter of the deck to create space for large groups.

Timber decks can easily be decorated with the addition of containers filled with flowers. The deck can also be designed to incorporate a raised area that will be filled with soil so that gardeners can have an elevated garden. This can be very useful for gardeners who have mobility problems and find it difficult to bend over to tend to plants.

Having a timber deck in the yard gives a homeowner and the entire family more options for how the outdoor space is used. In many backyards that are merely covered with lawn, the yard is rarely used by the family. However, once a timber deck is added, suddenly the yard will be used much more often. Having an attractive deck will also add to the resale value of your home. For decks Brisbane, check out https://www.dclprojects.com.au/ today.
today.

All About Vinyl Wall Cladding

Posted by on Sunday, 28 October, 2012

Vinyl wall cladding greatly improves the appearance of a home along with protecting the walls from wear and tear. Wall cladding simply means the installation of a thin layer of material called panels over the exterior of a building or a house. It is an excellent way to protect the walls from harsh weather conditions as well as providing a beautiful appearance. Wall cladding panels can be made with several materials like natural stones and perforated metals but vinyl wall cladding is the most popular among them claiming more than 50% of the market share.

History of Wall Cladding
Vinyl is considered to be the best material for weatherproofing homes for decades. Though it was introduced in the 1950s, vinyl wall cladding became popular only the 1970s. The earlier versions were lacking in quality which clearly dampened its popularity. But, with technological advancement, vinyl panels were able to be produced in a range of colours and thicknesses. Since then and until now, they retain their position the bestselling wall cladding material.

Made from PVC resin (polyvinyl chloride) vinyl cladding panels are available in many colours and shades. The great advantage of vinyl panels is that it is manufactured in different types which vary in opacity, impact resistance, durability and flexibility so that a homeowner has the option to choose them, both from an economical and aesthetic standpoint.

Why vinyl wall cladding is the considered the best?

There are many reasons why homeowners choose vinyl wall cladding above others like stone or metal cladding materials.

Acts as an insulation

Vinyl wall cladding offers all around protection throughout the year and is suitable for all weather conditions.

1. Wind proof- Homes installed with vinyl panels are considerably protected from wind in case of a storm. Homes which are located in areas where there is a threat of storms should be installed with thicker panels as they are stronger and more durable. Nowadays, manufacturers offer vinyl panels specially made to resist winds up to 150 mph.

2. Rain Proof- Proofing the home with vinyl panels closes any pores or cracks on the walls which could lead to water leakage during rain. Also since the panels are not closely attached to the walls, it does not trap any moisture. Since, they effectively protect the walls from any fungus or mold growth.

3. Low cooling and heating costs- Proofing around the walls means reduced costs of heating as well as cooling as the walls will not let in much heat and cold.

Installation and maintenance

1. Easy to Install-The installation process is simple and easy. If a home owner is willing to take up the job himself, the cost of vinyl wall cladding can be reduced considerably. The panels come with clear instructions of the installation procedures and the tools used are not costly. Otherwise, a professional can install the panels within a short time span.

2. Low maintenance costs- Vinyl panels are strong and durable. Unlike other wall cladding materials, these are not susceptible to chipping or breaking. So maintaining vinyl claddings are easy. A wash with a garden hose now and then will keep them clean and fresh. Another benefit is that the costs of scrapping and painting the home every year can be avoided when using vinyl cladding.

3. Keep away pollution- Vinyl claddings protects the home not only from weather but also from pollution and mainly from noise.

Homes with vinyl wall cladding appear new which could considerably increase the resale value. Also, having a low maintenance cost and protection from fluctuating weather conditions provides a stress free, comfortable living environment for your family.

Aesthetic appearance
Exterior wall cladding with vinyl panels is not only a way to protect your home but it also an easy method to add aesthetic value too. Vinyl wall cladding has many benefits that its rivals lack of.

1. Wide array of choices- vinyl panels arrive in a wide array of choices and are available in different colours and shades. There are shades and contours available which mimics wood and stone. They are also manufactured in different thickness so picking a particular type suitable for your home and weather conditions becomes an easy task.

2. Does not fade fast- Top end vinyl panels are resistant to sunlight and will not fade for a long time. Also it will not discolour or develop dirty patches letting your home stay new and fresh for a long time.

The Secret of Organising Kids’ Parties

Posted by on Tuesday, 23 October, 2012

Children’s parties have come a long way in the last decade, parties used to be a basic checklist of guests, ‘party food’, games, cake and party bags. A simple and predictable structure yet always fun, easy and relatively cheap. The two biggest decisions would be, which cake out of the Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday cakes to choose and should be a party for a few close friends or the whole class?

Nowadays it’s more like should we have it at the indoor Playcentre, McDonalds or the bowling alley and to hire a face painter, magician, jumping castle or clown? It’s a modern world, children’s entertainment services like everything are more readily available and in our time poor lifestyles it easier to outsource and get somebody else to take care of the food and entertainment.

These days’ parents are happy to spend more on their children and really spoil them on their birthday. If you have the money and you know your child will absolutely love it, go for it. The added bonus is that it can make your life a little less stressful – the children are entertained and you can kick back and enjoy the party yourself.

It’s become the new normal to hire an entertainer or activity for a child’s Birthday party and it is certainly a special gift to the children to experience something out of the ordinary.

I do however think there is a fine line between enhancing a children party and an overblown party. I think the best parties are based on the traditional concepts with an added extra, like a jumping castle OR a clown show not both! I have attended many parties where the parent has hired a face painter, a magician-balloonist plus a jumping castle and lolly buffet and the children are either being forced into a tight schedule so they experience everything or they are completely wild with so much stimulation they’re bouncing from one thing to another without the time to really enjoy each activity or each others company.

Birthday parties are so popular with children as essentially they enjoying sharing this special occasion together, playing games, running about and laughing. I guarantee if you went to the park, brought along a birthday cake and called it a party the children would enjoy themselves. Some parents can overlook the fundamental purpose of the party and hijack it using it as a vehicle to show-off to friends and family.

I have read several articles about the excessiveness of the ‘modern day’ children’s party can be fuelled by parent’s guilt. Parents feel guilty that due to work commitments and heavy schedules they haven’t spent enough quality time with their children. Putting on a no-expense-spared party proves their love to their child while appeasing the guilt they feel as failed parents.

As a parent I can see the validity as to why children’s parties have developed into a mini circus. We want our children’s party to be a special experience and parents are under constant pressure to have what that friend’s party had or worse; to go one step better! It’s easy to get over excited and even easier to blow out the budget.

When planning your next children’s party, keep in mind who the party is for and who is it really you want to impress. Set yourself a budget and remember – keep it simple!

Looking for kids parties brisbane or childrens parties brisbane ? Contact Wowee Creations today to learn about our party entertainers for kids.

The Secret of Organising Kids’ Parties

Posted by on Tuesday, 23 October, 2012

Children’s parties have come a long way in the last decade, parties used to be a basic checklist of guests, ‘party food’, games, cake and party bags. A simple and predictable structure yet always fun, easy and relatively cheap. The two biggest decisions would be, which cake out of the Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday cakes to choose and should be a party for a few close friends or the whole class?

Nowadays it’s more like should we have it at the indoor Playcentre, McDonalds or the bowling alley and to hire a face painter, magician, jumping castle or clown? It’s a modern world, children’s entertainment services like everything are more readily available and in our time poor lifestyles it easier to outsource and get somebody else to take care of the food and entertainment.

These days’ parents are happy to spend more on their children and really spoil them on their birthday. If you have the money and you know your child will absolutely love it, go for it. The added bonus is that it can make your life a little less stressful – the children are entertained and you can kick back and enjoy the party yourself.

It’s become the new normal to hire an entertainer or activity for a child’s Birthday party and it is certainly a special gift to the children to experience something out of the ordinary.

I do however think there is a fine line between enhancing a children party and an overblown party. I think the best parties are based on the traditional concepts with an added extra, like a jumping castle OR a clown show not both! I have attended many parties where the parent has hired a face painter, a magician-balloonist plus a jumping castle and lolly buffet and the children are either being forced into a tight schedule so they experience everything or they are completely wild with so much stimulation they’re bouncing from one thing to another without the time to really enjoy each activity or each others company.

Birthday parties are so popular with children as essentially they enjoying sharing this special occasion together, playing games, running about and laughing. I guarantee if you went to the park, brought along a birthday cake and called it a party the children would enjoy themselves. Some parents can overlook the fundamental purpose of the party and hijack it using it as a vehicle to show-off to friends and family.

I have read several articles about the excessiveness of the ‘modern day’ children’s party can be fuelled by parent’s guilt. Parents feel guilty that due to work commitments and heavy schedules they haven’t spent enough quality time with their children. Putting on a no-expense-spared party proves their love to their child while appeasing the guilt they feel as failed parents.

As a parent I can see the validity as to why children’s parties have developed into a mini circus. We want our children’s party to be a special experience and parents are under constant pressure to have what that friend’s party had or worse; to go one step better! It’s easy to get over excited and even easier to blow out the budget.

When planning your next children’s party, keep in mind who the party is for and who is it really you want to impress. Set yourself a budget and remember – keep it simple!

Looking for kids parties brisbane or childrens parties brisbane ? Contact Wowee Creations today to learn about our party entertainers for kids.

The benefits of a steel rainwater tank

Posted by on Saturday, 20 October, 2012

Queenslandwide steel rainwater tanks are an increasingly common sight across the Australian suburban landscape, and for good reason. We live in a hot, dry country where every drop counts, and many homeowners are eager to protect the earth’s precious resources and save money at the same time. While earlier models tended to be bulky and unattractive, the latest domestic water tanks are specially designed to fit into awkward spaces and complement modern architecture. Steel is proving to be the correct choice, not only for its stylish looks, but for its durability.

Space is a premium on urban blocks with smaller land sizes. Because of this Queenslandwide’s extensive range of custom-size slimline water tanks are increasingly popular in urban areas of Australia, where space is a real problem. These slimline water tanks have evolved so oval tanks, rectangular tanks and other configurations meet the needs of customers who don’t have the space to fit the traditional round water tanks on their blocks.

The benefits of a steel rainwater tank for your home are considerable and will offer you plenty of return on your investment, and you don’t need to live in a rain forest area or a high rain density area to have one.

Australia is now embracing the water tank phenomenon and at Queenslandwide Tanks, we are here to help you with all you need to know when it comes to rainwater harvesting. When you invest in a Aquaplate water tank, you will be able to collect most of the rain that falls on your roof if you have it connected to your gutters and downpipes. For example, if 10mm of rain falls onto about 100m2 of your roof, you will collect about 1000 Litres of rainwater into your water tank. Just imagine, after 4 days of light rain you could easily harvest around 4000 litres of rainwater.

The benefit of rainwater tanks are endless and of course ensures that your home becomes environmentally friendly. You can reduce the amount of water used from the main supply therefore reducing your drain on this precious resource. By reducing the demand on mains water to your home, you will reduce your water bills, and by connecting the rainwater tank to a rainwater pump you will be able to water your gardens, wash your cars and fill your swimming pool whenever you want at no cost.

The other benefits of installing a Slimline rain water tank in your home are the government rebates now available to residents across Australia. And did you know that rainwater is actually less salty than dam supplies therefore it is much healthier for your gardens and appliances like your washing machine as they will actually be better of using rain water. The other benefit of owning rain water tanks means that you will never have to worry about water restrictions around the home for washing your car and watering your garden.

Imagine how easy it would be to wash your car with rainwater whenever you like, and imagine how beautiful your lawn and plants are going to look when you start using rainwater for your garden.

It’s best to use the water in the tank on a regular basis so there is always storage capacity available in the water tank when it rains. By connecting your water tank to a washing machine or toilet, you will get good use of the tanks supply and will allow rainfall to re-fill the rain water tank more often. By using the water tank this way you will maximize the amount of rainwater you will harvest and the money you will save.

If you are looking for Steel Tanks Brisbane, Slimline Tanks Brisbane or Water Tanks Brisbane