COMMENCING A NEW HOME BUILD OR RENOVATION
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new home build. The thought of choosing your fixtures and finishes is something to look forward to, rather than contracts, builder checks and insurances. However, excitement aside, this build/renovation gu
Garage Storage Solutions
In an ideal world, everyone would have a neat and tidy garage, with personal items stored away whilst still allowing room to park a car or two! Yet, it rarely happens.
COLORBOND VS TILE ROOF – WHICH IS BEST?
Your roof is one of the most important architectural elements of your home. You want to ensure that you are choosing the right roofing option as your roof is first in line with the elements of harsh seasonal weather.
How long does a termite treatment last?
There are many variants to this question, so without sounding dismissive, it does come down to a number of factors. The chemicals used, how it is applied and who installs your barrier treatment are all factors that contribute to the longevity of your bar
Painting Kitchen Cupboards
Buying a new home can be an expensive exercise and it’s not always possible to get everything on your wish list. Usually, you will compromise on a kitchen or bathroom rather than the number of bedrooms or location.
How to Tile a Bathroom
Adding tiles to the bathroom is a superb way to add a little colour, character not to mention style. Aside from the practical element, If you can do the tiling yourself, the whole project will be a lot more affordable
WHAT IS THE TRADE-OFF WITH PAINTING YOUR BATHROOM TILES?
While it is possible to spray paint bathroom tiles it is important to consider the aesthetic results. Unless you are prepared to tape the grout spaces between the tiles, resurfacing bathroom tiles using paint will result in a uniform colour
HOW TO FIX A CRACK OR HOLE IN A PLASTER CEILING
Most plaster ceilings have cracks and sagging over time. It could be likely your ceiling is old; therefore, gravity and vibrations are loosening the plaster.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LAND ZONING IN NSW
Whether you are planning to buy, sell, or build in NSW, land zoning is an important part of the process. Understanding the area surrounding your home or desired home will give you insight into your future.
Unexpected Build Costs
What are your expectations of your new build? Do you think that you will get along with your builder? Are you expecting that life will soon settle down according to the build schedule?
Repaint a room in a weekend
Do you hate the thought of painting even a single room in your home? Painting can be one of the most laborious DIY tasks if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Spring Gardening Tips
If you are itching to start your spring gardening after the long winter, the wait is over. It is time to get your tools together and your green thumbs at the ready. Spring has arrived and there is work to be done.
HARDY SUMMER GARDEN PLANTS IN NSW
Are you searching for hardy plants for your summer garden? With temperatures on the rise and water restrictions in place, it makes sense to choose plants that can survive hot, dry weather and soil conditions.
Current Solar Rebates in NSW
You may not benefit as much by having solar panels on your home as you would have in the past. However, as a New South Wales homeowner, incentives still exist.
What Should A Building Inspection Report Tell Me?
If you have a property that you want to buy, it is important not to rush the process. You will want to gain insight into the condition of the property before agreeing to the purchase. A building inspection will give you the information you need.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOORING FOR YOUR HOME
If you are thinking of changing your floors, the good news is there are plenty of choices. The problem is, knowing whether those choices are suitable for your needs
ASBESTOS – WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ITS REMOVAL
If you want to remove asbestos yourself, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, DIY removal is only permitted in New South Wales when dealing with a maximum of 10 square metres of bonded asbestos.
EASY TIPS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUILDING A NEW HOME
Building a new home can be an exciting but at times, stressful experience. Whilst your builder has built many new homes and knows the process inside out, in most cases, it’s a relatively new experience for any home owner.
RENOVATIONS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
When renovating or building in New South Wales there are certain building regulations with which your project must comply. To avoid unnecessary stress, it is important to ensure you acquire all the relevant approvals for your build or renovations.
Cork Flooring - 4 Reasons to Love It!
It is no surprise that cork flooring is emerging as a popular choice in Australia. Better manufacturing techniques and technologies have lead to greater applications in flooring. Cork as a flooring material has long suffered from being limited in style an
The ABC's of a Builders Contract in NSW
Before you even begin building a home or completing a renovation in New South Wales, you have the builder’s contract to contend with. According to the Home Building Act 1989, you may need a building contract depending on what’s involved in your project
The Tender Process
When deciding to build a new home, it’s an exciting but expensive process. Once you’ve selected your builder and the design you want to build, you’ll go through the tender process. This gives you formal pricing for your new home, including any upgrades yo
Building Inspections: An unregulated industry, what does this mean for you?
Just like your Accountant or Doctor works in a regulated industry, you would expect the same from the inspector carrying out an inspection on your new home you’re buying or building, right?
Deciding which upgrades are worth it
Have you thought about value-added upgrades for your new build or renovation? One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is treating added features as an afterthought; or, things to consider once the build is complete.
Versatility of a Mud Room
Has the idea of building a mudroom being playing on your mind? Mudrooms are typically used as an additional entry way to the home where backpacks, sports gear and other assorted items are stored away from the main property.
Preparing for a new home colour and fixture appointment.
When you are choosing materials for your home, preparing for a new colour and fixture appointment is the first logical step. You are going to discuss your vision for the build or renovation with experts.
The Building Stages: What to Expect
When you are building a new home or simply adding to your existing home, there are general building stages you should expect. It is important to understand these stages so that you are always in control of the build.
Landscaping: Ways to stick to your budget
A budget should never be a haphazard. When you create a budget the first thing you need to keep in mind is that it should be itemised and well organised.
Cover your tile floor with this fuss free finish
New flooring is a great way to completely change the look and feel of your home. If you have tiled floors here is a great way to lay new flooring with minimal fuss just by covering your existing tiles.
Tips to Help Make Spring Cleaning a Breeze
Do you spend hours thinking about spring cleaning because you don’t know where to start? If so, you’re not alone. When you set out to take on the monumental task of spring cleaning it is with the view towards sprucing up your home.
Whether you're building a new home, buying or selling an existing property, renovating or investing, Houspect offers services that can assist you at every stage of your real estate investment.We offer Stage Construction Inspections, Building and Pest inspections and as well as Building Depreciation Inspections.
Construction Inspection & Reports, Professional Construction, New Home & Renovation Inspectors – Why Inspect?
Building a new home or renovating an existing house is a complex process. Sometimes mistakes happen that you may not discover until it’s too late. Most builders are reputable but even the most reliable builder will make an error occasionally. A Houspect construction inspection lets you rest assured that your home is being built to the proper standards.
Stages of Construction Inspections
Houspect Building Inspections have a range of construction inspections to ensure that the method of construction and workmanship on your project are in accordance with Australian and Industry standards. Inspections are usually timed in accordance with the various stages, however we can be called upon at any time you need help.
What a construction inspection provides:
- We check that all the work completed is in accordance with the building plans.
- We check that all components of the building comply with current Australian Standards and Building Codes.
- We ensure that the workmanship is at an industry standard.
- We prepare a typed report listing all items to be rectified by the builder. This report is a legal document and can be used as evidence in court if necessary.
- For your peace of mind, our inspectors will ensure you are really getting what you have requested and paid for from the builder.
- Floor not to specification
- Floor incorrect size
- Floor lower than datum point
- No allowance for plumbing pipes
- Wrong number of brick courses
- Brick laying sub-standard
- Roof frame held together with string (true story)
- Roof covering not installed to manufacturers specification
- Power points too close to wash basin
- Kitchen cupboards not installed to a good standard of workmanship
- These problems do not occur in all houses, we are in business to ensure it doesn’t happen in your home.