Building A New Home And How To Do It Right

Often people ask ‘Why would we use a Building Broker?’ There are many benefits when using a Building Broker and the following options below go through the pro’s and con’s of home building using tried and true established methods of home building and the newest way of designing and building a new home in Perth, Western Australia.

The Old Fashioned Way – Go directly to a display home builder

This is probably the most common way of building a new home and has become an established method throughout Australia and also made popular by luxury home builders in Melbourne, because of the aggressive marketing used by builders who align themselves with land developers by creating display villages.

Another thing to consider is the building inspection report, if you are having your dream home built from scratch. When constructing a new home, it is best to have as many backups and insurances in place, to ensure you get what you are paying for. One of the things builders are good at, regardless of their experience and expertise, is covering up their mistakes.

An independent building inspector, will cover your future dwelling with the skillful eyes of an expert and uncover any hidden gotchas, that may come up only after the builders warranty has expired. So spending a few hundred dollars on a New Building Inspector in Melbourne, just could save you many thousands of dollars if they discover something quite out of the ordinary.

A lot of buyers find building confusing and overwhelming as there are just so many variables to consider. Things like;

Where do we begin?

What can I get for my money/how much will the completed building cost?
What will my house look like?
Project builders answer these questions by having their own broker (New Home Sales Consultants) in the display home 4 days a week. You’ll receive guidance on the home building costs, what happens next and you’re able to wander through the finished display home and get an feel for the home as if you were living in it. This is the exact representation of what every ‘project builder’ does and they do well. They reinvent old house designs year after year and build hundreds of replicas. Often if you were to take a short cruise in your car you would find that very display home multiple times in the new subdivisions.

Pro’s

You can physically see what your home will be like when completed, before you even get started building on site

Con’s

You’re unable to compare apples with apples by getting a second price due to copyright.
You’ll live in a ‘one size fits all’ home. Which is OK if you’re just like everyone else.
There will be barely any consideration to your block and the angle or aspect – which means you may have very poor solar passive design principles included in your home if your block faces a different direction to the display home.
You probably won’t be able to make many changes. If you are allowed they will more than likely be priced at a higher than standard margin.
Hidden costs are added to the price of the house. Items like site costs, local government costs and concrete pumps are examples of this.
The building broker in the display (New Home Sales Consultant) will provide you with biased advice after all, they are looking after the interests of the builder.
You need to trust the builder is honest in all dealings and that the work on the building site is acceptable, especially if you have no way of checking it yourself.
Use an architect

Generally buyers won’t discuss building with an architect unless the expected building price is going to be over $500,000. That might be too low for some architects who are well known for exceeding the buyers budgets with their inefficient house designs.

Pro’s

To gain qualifications an architect must study for seven years and be employed for two years under another practising architect before they can receive their certification. That means they’re experts in home building right?

Con’s

The exorbitant upfront costs mean this avenue is the most restrictive of all, and rarely does the finished building justify such large fees.
Generally architects design both commercial and residential construction – which means you’re not getting a specialised house designer. The architect you employ may be more familiar with commercial construction, which is a different industry using different building methods and costings.
Most if not all architects won’t be aligned with a building company which means they don’t keep up to date with building methods and materials. This generally results in designs exceeding the buyers building budget.
Be an Owner Builder

Surely you could build your new home yourself and achieve the greatest outcome! This is probably true for most things in life right? If you can do it on your own surely you will be able to save some money. There are numerous people that think they should perform their own car service instead of using a mechanic because the mechanic is going to rip them off right? But the simple truth is that the mechanic is experienced and can complete the work in half the time and knows where to get the parts immediately and guarantees the job. It is very much the same as building. I was reminded of this when a friend of my wife’s came over last week and was discussing her Kitchen renovations. She’d been having a difficult time searching for a decent cabinetmaker, so I gave her two names on a small piece of paper for her to ring. Today, my wife’s friend visited and handed me a lovely bottle of wine and thanked me for referring her to a terrific cabinetmaker. When you’re considering building a new home, you’re entering into a process that involves so many different variables that if one isn’t right, may have a huge impact on the entire process. I’ve personally spent 20 years qualifying home builders, building suppliers and quality tradesmen. I have my own little black book full of names of great people that will deliver what they say they will. However, if I chose to I’m sure that I could fill many other books with names of people that don’t.

Pro’s

Unless you’re a builder, or in the home building industry, I really don’t see any pro’s. Most may think of the one main factor of ‘savings’ however that is just a false assumption. A poorly designed house can be $30,000 more than a well designed house even though they look very similar. If you lack the understanding in building, you will be doing yourself a disservice by attempting this yourself.
Con’s

You’ve got to be extremely lucky to get the best design, best interior design, best energy efficiency, best engineer, best builder, best surveyor, best price, best timeframe…
If you’re thinking of home building you should be using a building broker. You will save time, money and stress and you will get the best building result because building brokers are industry trained experts in all areas of home building.

Steve Fitzpatrick is the Managing Director of Your Building Broker in Perth Western Australia and has over 20 years experience in the residential construction and building industry and over the last 15 years has worked almost exclusively as a custom home builder of fine homes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steve_Fitzpatrick/792274

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5691036

Gleaming Glass: Pro Techniques for a Shiny Table Top

A gleaming glass table top can be the highlight of any room, bringing a touch of sophistication and modern elegance to your space. However, keeping it in pristine condition requires some specialized care and techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore professional tips and tricks to ensure your glass table top remains shiny and immaculate. Whether you’re looking for advice on daily maintenance or searching for the best glass for table top cut to size near me, you’ll find everything you need right here.

1. Understanding Your Glass Table Top

Before diving into the cleaning and maintenance techniques, it’s essential to understand the type of glass used in your table top. Common types include tempered glass, laminated glass, and annealed glass. Each type has unique properties and requires specific care to maintain its appearance and durability.

Types of Glass:

  • Tempered Glass: Known for its strength and safety features, it is resistant to heat and impact.
  • Laminated Glass: Composed of layers, this glass is highly durable and offers added safety due to its construction.
  • Annealed Glass: Standard glass that is slowly cooled to relieve internal stresses, making it less strong than tempered or laminated glass.

Understanding your glass type will help you choose the appropriate cleaning methods and products, ensuring optimal care.

2. Routine Cleaning for a Shiny Surface

Regular cleaning is vital for maintaining the shine of your glass table top. Here’s a simple yet effective routine to follow:

Materials Needed:

  • Microfiber cloths
  • Glass cleaner (or a DIY solution of water and vinegar)
  • Soft bristle brush

Steps:

  1. Dust Removal: Use a dry microfiber cloth to dust the surface and remove loose dirt and debris.
  2. Cleaning Solution: Spray a small amount of glass cleaner or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar onto the table top.
  3. Wiping Technique: Wipe the surface in a circular motion with a clean microfiber cloth, ensuring no streaks are left behind.
  4. Edge Cleaning: Use a soft bristle brush to clean the edges and corners where dust tends to accumulate.
  5. Final Buff: Buff the surface with a dry microfiber cloth for an extra gleam.

3. Avoiding Common Mistakes

To keep your glass table top in top condition, it’s crucial to avoid common cleaning mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Avoid Abrasive Materials:

  • Steel Wool and Scouring Pads: These can scratch and damage the glass.
  • Harsh Chemical Cleaners: Avoid cleaners that contain ammonia or bleach as they can damage the glass and leave streaks.

Proper Handling:

  • Do Not Slide Objects: Always lift items when moving them to prevent scratches.
  • Use Soft Pads: Place felt pads under decorative items to avoid direct contact with the glass.

4. Addressing Stubborn Stains

Occasionally, you may encounter stubborn stains that regular cleaning cannot remove. Here’s how to tackle them effectively:

Materials Needed:

  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Soft cloth

Steps:

  1. Make a Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste.
  2. Apply Paste: Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. Gently Scrub: Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the stain in a circular motion.
  4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the area with clean water and wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth.

5. Preventing Scratches and Damage

Prevention is key to maintaining the shine and longevity of your glass table top. Here are some preventive measures:

Use Coasters and Placemats:

  • Protect from Spills: Coasters and placemats prevent spills and heat from damaging the glass.
  • Avoid Scratches: They also protect the surface from scratches caused by dishes and cutlery.

Soft Furniture Pads:

  • Under Decor Items: Place soft pads under vases, sculptures, and other decor items to prevent scratching.

Handle with Care:

  • Lifting Objects: Always lift items instead of sliding them across the table top.

6. Polishing for Extra Shine

Polishing your glass table top occasionally can enhance its shine and clarity. Here’s a simple polishing method:

Materials Needed:

  • Commercial glass polish or a homemade mixture (2 cups of water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap)
  • Microfiber cloth

Steps:

  1. Apply Polish: Apply a small amount of glass polish or the homemade mixture to the surface.
  2. Buffing: Use a microfiber cloth to buff the surface in a circular motion.
  3. Final Wipe: Wipe away any excess polish with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

7. Dealing with Chips and Cracks

Chips and cracks can be unsightly and potentially dangerous. Addressing them promptly is essential:

Minor Chips:

  • Clear Nail Polish: Use clear nail polish or a glass repair kit to fill in minor chips.
  • Application: Apply the nail polish or repair solution to the chip, let it dry, and gently buff with a soft cloth.

Major Damage:

  • Professional Help: For significant cracks or chips, consult a professional to prevent further damage.

8. Seasonal Deep Cleaning

In addition to regular cleaning, performing a seasonal deep cleaning can help maintain the pristine condition of your glass table top.

Materials Needed:

  • Glass cleaner
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Soft bristle brush
  • Cotton swabs

Steps:

  1. Remove Items: Clear the table top of all items.
  2. Dust and Clean: Dust the surface and clean it with a glass cleaner.
  3. Detailed Cleaning: Use a soft bristle brush and cotton swabs to clean hard-to-reach areas, such as the edges and corners.
  4. Polish: Finish with a thorough polish for an extra shine.

9. Sourcing Glass for Table Top Cut to Size Near Me

If you need a custom-sized glass table top, finding a reliable provider is crucial. Here’s how to find the best glass for table top cut to size near me:

Online Research:

  • Read Reviews: Look for local glass companies with positive reviews and testimonials.
  • Check Services: Ensure they offer custom cutting services for table tops.

Visit Showrooms:

  • Quality Check: Visit showrooms to inspect the quality of their glass products.
  • Consultation: Discuss your specific needs and get professional advice.

Get Quotes:

  • Compare Prices: Obtain quotes from multiple providers to ensure you get the best deal.
  • Inclusions: Check what is included in the price, such as delivery and installation.

10. Childproofing Your Glass Table Top

If you have young children at home, childproofing your glass table top is essential to prevent accidents and maintain its condition.

Edge Guards:

  • Safety: Install edge guards to protect both your children and the table top from accidental bumps and falls.

Table Stability:

  • Secure: Ensure the table is stable and cannot be easily tipped over. Secure it to the wall if necessary.

Conclusion

Maintaining a gleaming glass table top requires regular care, preventive measures, and occasional deep cleaning. By following these professional techniques, you can ensure your glass table top remains shiny and pristine for years to come. Remember, the key to a beautiful glass table top lies in consistent and gentle care. Whether you’re performing routine cleaning, addressing stubborn stains, or sourcing glass for table top cut to size near me, these tips will help you achieve and maintain a flawless finish. Related site for glass table installation.

Assessing the Practicality of Reeded Glass in Modern Design

Reeded glass, with its distinctive texture and visual appeal, has been a staple in architectural and interior design for decades. From sleek office partitions to elegant bathroom windows, its versatility and unique aesthetic have made it a popular choice among designers and homeowners alike. However, amidst its undeniable charm, questions linger regarding its practicality in modern design. In this article, we delve into the characteristics, applications, and considerations surrounding reeded glass to assess its functionality in contemporary settings.

Understanding Reeded Glass

Reeded glass, also known as fluted or ribbed glass, is characterized by its textured surface featuring parallel linear patterns. These patterns, typically running vertically or horizontally across the glass pane, create a subtle play of light and shadow, adding depth and visual interest to any space. This distinctive texture not only enhances privacy by diffusing visibility but also allows ample natural light to filter through, maintaining a sense of openness while offering a degree of seclusion.

Applications in Modern Design

One of the most notable applications of reeded glass in modern design is in interior partitions and dividers. Whether used in residential or commercial settings, reeded glass partitions offer a balance between openness and privacy, allowing spaces to feel connected while delineating boundaries. In offices, these partitions promote collaboration while providing individual work areas with a degree of separation. Similarly, in residential spaces, they can divide living areas without sacrificing light or visual continuity.

Moreover, reeded glass finds its place in various architectural elements such as doors, windows, and facades. When used in doors, it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, while also obscuring the view into private areas. In windows, it serves as a decorative element, diffusing harsh sunlight and softening the interior ambiance. Additionally, reeded glass facades create visually striking exteriors, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of buildings while maintaining functionality.

Practical Considerations

While reeded glass undeniably offers aesthetic benefits, practical considerations must be taken into account when incorporating it into design schemes. One such consideration is maintenance. The textured surface of reeded glass can accumulate dust and grime more easily than smooth glass, necessitating regular cleaning to preserve its appearance. However, advancements in glass coatings and cleaning technologies have made maintenance more manageable, mitigating this concern to some extent.

Another consideration is durability. While reeded glass is generally robust, it may be more prone to scratches and damage compared to smooth glass surfaces. Therefore, careful handling during installation and routine maintenance are essential to ensure its longevity. Additionally, the thickness of the glass and the quality of its fabrication can impact its durability, with thicker glass panels offering greater strength and resilience.

Furthermore, the level of privacy provided by reeded glass may vary depending on factors such as the density of the ribbed patterns and the distance between them. In spaces where enhanced privacy is required, such as bathrooms or conference rooms, opting for a higher density or tighter spacing of ribbed patterns can offer increased seclusion while still allowing light transmission.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reeded glass remains a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for modern design applications. Its unique texture adds visual interest and depth to spaces while maintaining a sense of openness and connectivity. From interior partitions to architectural elements, reeded glass offers versatility and functionality, enhancing both residential and commercial environments.

However, designers and homeowners should consider practical factors such as maintenance, durability, and privacy when incorporating reeded glass into their projects. By addressing these considerations and leveraging advancements in glass technology, the practicality of reeded glass in modern design can be optimized, ensuring its enduring appeal in the built environment. Click here to consider our glasses at WilloughByGlass.

Custom Signs: The Complete Guide

Introduction

If you’re looking for the signs that will get your customers to slow down and take a look, there are few better places to start than with custom signs. A well-placed sign can draw attention to your storefront or business without being too intrusive on busy roadsides. It can also help establish a brand and make sure people remember where they saw interesting things—and what those things were! The best custom signs are designed with ample room for text, so even if your audience isn’t fluent in English, they won’t miss anything important when they pass by them on their way home from work each day. Stickers Sydney can draw attention to your business services you offered.

The best custom signs start with a solid design.

Before you begin, it’s important to understand the difference between a sign and a poster. A poster is more like an advertisement, while a sign conveys information or directions. If you’re designing your own custom signs, then keep these tips in mind:

  • Design the best custom signs based on what needs to be communicated. Don’t worry about trends; focus on the message instead!
  • Know who will read your custom signs before choosing colors, fonts and materials (more on this later). Consider whether they are children or adults with varying literacy levels when making decisions about legibility. For example, if you need people who cannot read well enough to understand written directions on their own–and therefore will need verbal direction from someone else–then consider using symbols instead of words as part of your design strategy.*

Know your audience.

You should always know your audience before you start a project. Your customers are the people who will be reading and interacting with this sign, so it’s important to understand their expectations and needs.

  • How much time does a customer spend reading?
  • What kind of information do they expect from a sign? For example: do they need to know what’s on sale today, or are there more general guidelines like “our hours are 8am-6pm Monday through Friday”?
  • How long do they spend in the shop/store/business? If it’s only a few moments before they leave again, then perhaps simple text is fine; but if they’re going to spend longer then maybe something more elaborate would be better suited for engagement purposes (like an illustration).

Design the sign you need, not what’s trendy.

When you’re designing your custom sign, it’s important to keep your audience in mind. Don’t underestimate their ability to read and understand what you’re saying by choosing trendy fonts or colors that are hard on the eyes.

Instead, choose a font that is easy-to-read at a distance and make sure that your message can be understood at a glance–especially if it’s an outdoor sign where there may be some distance between the reader and your sign. When designing an outdoor sign, consider using durable materials such as aluminum or steel because these materials will stand up against weathering better than plastic or wood signs would. If cost is an issue for you (and most business owners are always looking for ways to save money), don’t hesitate about customizing even further–even though this might increase costs slightly!

Don’t underestimate your audience’s ability to read.

You may be thinking that your customers are not interested in reading, and you’re right. They’re not. But they do read–more than you think!

The average person can read at about 300 words per minute (wpm), but the average sign has only about 100 words on it, so if the sign has 10 seconds to capture someone’s attention before they walk away from it forever, then that means a customer needs to read only 3% of your text before deciding whether or not they want to engage with what’s being advertised. That’s pretty good odds for us as advertisers!

Choose durable materials for outdoor signs.

For outdoor signs, durable materials are a must. Durable materials are those that can withstand the elements and last for years without fading or becoming damaged. There are many options available when it comes to choosing a durable material for your custom sign project. Some examples include:

  • Aluminum – aluminum is often used on large commercial signs because it’s lightweight, easy to work with and doesn’t rust like steel does. It also comes in many colors so you can get creative with the finish or paint job! The downside? Aluminum signs tend to cost more than other options listed here (but they’re still cheaper than metal).
  • Acrylic – acrylic signage is one of our favorites because it looks great indoors or out! They’re perfect for indoor events where you want something less permanent than wood but still want something sturdy enough not be ruined by rain or snow outside your building; acrylics hold up well against both conditions since they’re made from polycarbonate plastic rather than glass (which would break easily). If you do decide on an acrylic board then make sure there aren’t any scratches or cracks before installing them into place because once these start happening then there isn’t much else left except removing them completely…and who wants that kind?”

Customize even if it costs more.

Customization can be a great investment, especially if you’re looking to attract new customers or build trust with existing ones. Here are some ways that customization can help:

  • Customization helps you stand out from the crowd. If everyone else is selling generic products and services, it’s easy for customers to get confused and simply go somewhere else. What sets your business apart? Make sure that it does!
  • Customizing your products makes them more unique, which can help build relationships with customers who appreciate something different than what everyone else has on offer (and maybe even attract new customers).

Your customers may be able to read faster than you think, so make sure all of their information is clear and easy to find

Your customers may be able to read faster than you think, so make sure all of their information is clear and easy to find.

  • Don’t underestimate your audience’s ability to read. You might not realize it, but most people can read at 250-300 words per minute (WPM). That means that if you have a sign with five lines of text on it, your customer will have time to read each line before they reach the end of your sign!
  • Make sure all of their information is clear and easy to find. If there is more than one piece of critical information on a sign, make sure they’re grouped together so the reader doesn’t have to search for them–this will make their experience much smoother when interacting with your brand or business in person rather than online where things tend not get lost in translation as easily thanks largely due being able to see what others are saying/doing during communication sessions like these ones involving verbal/written communication between two parties engaged in conversation about something specific like signs created using custom designs which contain lots’o stuff written down inside them such as words describing why certain items should be bought here instead other places where prices aren’t quite as high but quality isn’t quite right either etcetera ad infinitum ad nauseam…

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when creating a custom sign. While it might seem like a daunting task at first, we hope that this guide has helped make things easier for you by outlining some of the most important points to keep in mind while designing your new sign. Remember: keep it simple and use colors that stand out from the background so people will notice them! Absolutesignsolutions.com.au for sure will provide a better signage to your business.