Archive for February 2017
Want to Go it Alone? Here’s Your Beginner’s Guide to Project Management
GOING it alone can be an attractive option for people looking at building their own home or renovating. By managing your own project you can save money on an already tight budget and have complete control over absolutely everything to do with your build or renovation.
Read MoreTips and Traps for New Landlords
Australians are increasingly attracted to property by the taxation advantages, low interest rates, growth in property values and, of course, the perceived stability of owning bricks and mortar. However, mistakes diminish returns and are usually in the areas of financing, recognising tax obligations and opportunities, and setting up arrangements, including how the property is held.
Read MoreHome Security: Tips to Help Keep Your Family Safe
Your home is supposed to be your safe haven, but high incidents of crime have many homeowners fearful for their family’s safety. The latest SA Police Service crime statistics revealed that in late 2016 a total of 543,524 property-related crimes were reported in South Africa. Apart from installing an alarm system and hiring a private…
Read MoreHow To Do Your Own Yearly Home Inspection
Before you buy a home, it’s always a good idea to get a professional home inspector — but that shouldn’t be the only time you give your home a thorough look. Here’s a checklist of what to look for when performing a yearly visual inspection on your own home, or one you are considering buying.
Read MoreDid You Know? Learn Some Fire Safety Tips
Did you know that during 2015, there were more than 1.3 million fires reported in the United States, which resulted in 3,280 deaths, 15,700 injuries and caused $14.3 billion in property damage? This means a fire department somewhere in the U.S. responded to a fire every 23 seconds. An outside fire happened every 52 seconds.
Read MoreAre You Up To Speed With Smoke Alarms?
When you sleep, your sense of smell also sleeps. If a fire starts, toxic fumes can overcome you. Photoelectric smoke alarms see smoke and will alert you early, so you can escape.
Read MoreWant to Add Value by Renovating Your Property? Don’t Do This
HOME renovations are easy, right? Some DIY lessons at the local Bunnings, a decent enough toolkit, and a willingness to get your hands dirty is all that is needed to transform a desk jockey into a weekend tradie.
Read MoreWhat Should a Building Inspection Tell You?
Buyers purchase building inspection reports on a regular basis. Interestingly, the ratio of purchased reports drops substantially as purchase prices increase. Why is this? Perhaps it is because a more cashed-up buyer has stronger resources to address defects, or maybe it’s because they are typically more relaxed about the process because they have done it…
Read MoreFrom Warm to Swarm: Why Insect Activity Increases in Summer
While the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting an increase in the average temperature this summer, entomologists are forecasting an increase in insect activity. It might seem that insects choose to annoy us over the summer, however, the real reason for their population boom is a complex interaction of winter rainfall, availability of food sources and…
Read More