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6 Ways to renovate a 1950s home.

Is your home feeling outdated and in need of a remodel or renovation? There are several ways that you can create a more open plan feel throughout your home.

Many homes in well established suburbs in Newcastle and the Hunter region were built back in the 1950’s era when homes were designed and constructed with separate rooms for cooking, eating and watching television. Although some home owners still love the layout of their traditional home, we find that most people now prefer a more open plan flow between the kitchen and dining areas of their home.

Below are some ideas to inspire you to renovate a 1950s home.

1. Connect the kitchen and dining space by removing walls

It’s common for 1950’s style homes to have a separate kitchen to the rest of the living space. In most cases it’s easy enough to knock out internal walls and open up the kitchen to connect the dining space which instantly modernises a home.

2. Add a larger window or a skylight in the kitchen area

Natural light transforms a dull dark kitchen immediately. Look at options to increase the current window size, add in a skylight, or if you kitchen runs along an external wall you could consider adding a window splashback to let light in.

3. Indoor/Outdoor Entertaining

Open up your home so that it connects you to the outdoors. This is a great solution to increase the amount of natural light coming into your home and it creates a relaxed entertaining environment. Depending on the style of your home and the position of the rooms, you could consider adding a set of bifold doors, french doors or sliding stacker doors to the rear of the property to connect you to outdoor spaces such as decks and patios.

4. Change the current room layout

Consider swapping your rooms around or re-configuring your existing internal layout to suit your current needs. Ideas include creating an informal living space off the kitchen and dining area to the rear of the home so that you can position large windows or doors to overlook the backyard and connect the outdoors. Utilise excess space to create a study nook, a new walk in robe or add a new ensuite bathroom.

5. Decide what to do with an old fireplace

Many older homes in Newcastle and the Hunter region have fireplaces. You could consider making the most of the existing fireplace by installing a new gas log fireplace, which not only looks great but is also practical. If you don’t intend to use the fireplace in the future you can ask you builder to seal the fireplace flue and look at cladding over the fireplace in a suitable product. Old fireplaces can be removed, but be mindful that they are usually structural and can be quite costly to remove.

6. Create more built-in storage

When re-modelling an older home, don’t forget to find smart ways to incorporate built-in storage solutions. Storage options include creating cupboards under staircases, creating storage in ceiling spaces, utilising excess space in hallways and bedrooms.

If you are ready to modernise and renovate a 1950s home in the Newcastle region call Amaze Building on 0484 335 978.

by Dean Phillips from Amaze Building -Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Home Builders. Builders Lic No. 284931C

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June 1, 2016 | Belinda

Building on a Sloping Block – 4 Things to Consider

large-scale-renovation-builder-newcastle

Building on a sloping block is something that many people are afraid to attempt. In some ways these fears are justified, as it can be more difficult and expensive to build a home on a sloping site. But don’t overlook the positives – read on to find out more about the pros and cons.

1. Elevation

It may sound obvious to consider the elevation but don’t underestimate the importance of this. Not just for the degree of slope – which will affect your costs – but for the views you can achieve. A high elevation will also affect the level of natural light pouring into your house as well as its exposure to the elements. Being buffeted by wind and rain means it is more important than ever to carefully consider the materials you choose for your home. Use hardy materials that are able stand up to the weather and salt conditions if you are building near the lake or beach.

Image: IH Construction Group, Newcastle.

2. Creativity

Building on a sloping block gives you the opportunity to build a truly one-of-a-kind, creative home. Such homes are usually built on more than one level, which means you have the chance to create something really interesting to take full advantage of the outlook. Homes on sloping blocks are often unique. Many project home builders now offer designs for sloping blocks, but if you want something totally unique it’s best to engage a local home designer and talk to several custom home builders who have experience building similar homes.

3. Challenges

There are many challenges that come with building a home on a sloping site. You will probably need to cut into the hillside to a varying degree, depending on the steepness and the design of your home. Remember that hills can be made of rock and soil depths can be shallow. Retaining walls and soil displacement can be expensive. They can also exacerbate erosion and cause instability if not done properly. Good drainage is important because problems can arise if water pools after rain.

4. Costs

Land may be cheaper to buy when the site is sloping, though the building itself will probably be more expensive. Again, it is important to choose a home designer and builder who is familiar with working on sloping sites and with whom you can communicate effectively to ensure a successful build. Careful planning can minimise expenses and if you utilise the slope properly – for example building a garage dug in beneath the home, it will help keep costs down. Image: P & D Kay Constructions.

There are pros and cons to building on a sloping site. It pays to contact a builder with experience in these types of homes before getting started. Talk to a local home designer or contact the custom home builders listed on Build Local’s website.

By Kelli Hawkins, Build Local

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May 23, 2016 | BuildLocal

Home Design

9 Ways to Update Your Home Using Colour

1. New Curtains & Soft Furnishings

Adding a few bright cushions or other soft furnishings can really lift your décor. Changing these with the seasons is a nice touch. Or try a new doona cover for a bedroom; a rug in the living room. Changing your curtains and blinds can really update your home. Local window furnishing company Coastal Colour Curtains & Blinds provide free design advice to help you get the perfect look for your room.

2. Painting

A fresh coat of paint will enliven your home. For a real change try a bold feature wall or front door. Ceilings don’t have to be white – fresh white walls and a bright ceiling is a modern look. And remember that paint can always be changed if you decide it’s not for you.

3. Wallpaper

Wallpaper has made a massive comeback in the past few years, and rightly so. There are so many options out there now, from monochrome to bold or something more subtle. Wallpaper is a particularly lovely option for children’s rooms.

4. Artworks

Adding a new painting is a great way to get inspiration for a space. While an artwork can be expensive, there a many cheaper options, including prints, wall decals or even homemade options. Framing photographs is a nice way to add a personal touch.

5. Coloured Appliances

Kitchen appliances used to be limited to white or stainless steel, but now there are many brightly coloured items on the market. The most obvious are fridges, with new SMEG ones in different colours and patterns being released all the time. But even ovens are now available in stylish retro colours.

6. Bathrooms

Livening up white or neutral bathrooms is easy to do with coloured towels and bath mats. For an even bigger colour hit think about renovating with coloured feature tiles or even painted bath tubs.

7. Plants and Flowers

Looking out through large or strategically placed windows to see well-tended gardens is a great way to bring greenery to your home. Or consider adding indoor pot plants – even a well-placed vase of flowers can introduce a wow-factor.

8. Kitchens

If you are renovating your kitchen, you could use a coloured splashback. There are so many great looking tiles on the market, or for a modern look try a glass splashback. Build Local lists many kitchen renovation companies who can renovate and update your home for you, for example the kitchen pictured is by Maitland based builder P&D Kay Constructions.

9. Floors

Always consider the floors when you decorate, they are one of the most dominant colour surfaces in a room. Depending on the floor type if might be worth considering ripping up old flooring to see what lies underneath. You might be lucky enough to find old timber floorboards that you can sand and polish, or you could talk to a local polished concrete company like Custom Surfaces about sanding your existing concrete floor slab for a modern industrial look. And if you decide that’s a step too far, consider covering it with a rug (see point number 1!).

Build Local have tradespeople and product suppliers listed on our online directory who can help you update your home if you live in Newcastle & the Hunter Region. If you need some help don’t hesitate to give us a call on 02 49366732.

By Kelli Hawkins, Build Local.

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May 20, 2016 | BuildLocal

Home Design

What does it cost to add a new ensuite bathroom?

Being a builder who specialises in home extensions & renovations I regularly receive calls from home owners wanting to know what it would cost to convert part of their existing living space into a new ensuite bathroom. Read on to find out more.

On average we find that adding an ensuite bathroom to an existing home will cost home owners between $15,000 to $20,000+. This cost will vary depending on the type of fittings & fixtures you choose for your new bathroom.

This may seem like a lot of money to create such a small space, but be mindful that adding a new ensuite bathroom usually means that there is no existing plumbing in place to accommodate the room, the area has to be waterproofed and additional walls and door openings will need to be constructed to accommodate the new space.

Here are some tips to help you plan your new ensuite bathroom.

You can save some money on plumbing costs if you can convert and renovate existing wet areas such as an existing laundry or old bathroom.
Ideally your new bathroom design would include an external opening window, but if the space does not allow for this you can consider incorporating a skylight to allow natural light into the room. If there is no opening window there is a requirement for the room to be mechanically ventilated – this is easily achieved by installing an exhaust fan.
If you have a small area to work with consider using smart products that will make the room appear more spacious and open. Light coloured wall tiles, wall hung vanity units, shaving cabinet style mirrors and concealed cistern toilets can all make a small space feel much bigger than it is.
Building Code Of Australia (BCA) states that 2100mm is the minimum ceiling height for a room – however, it is preferable to keep the ceiling height at 2400mm or above.

Weigh up the benefits of building a new ensuite bathroom.

There are obvious immediate benefits to the occupier of the home when it comes to adding an ensuite bathroom to a home. You should also consider the advantages when you sell your home. Having an ensuite bathroom will appeal to a broader market ensuring that you get a good return on investment.

It’s not always easy to find the perfect place to position a new bathroom in an existing home layout. In some cases it might be best to consider extending the property if you have enough space.

If you would like to add an ensuite bathroom to your home, or want to discuss your options of extending give me a call on 0431 952 685.

Jarrad Lowe, Jarrad Mitchell Constructions – Servicing Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley.

May 1, 2016 | Belinda

Bathrooms

What’s The Cost of Filling In A Swimming Pool

Have you ever wondered what it would cost to fill in an old swimming pool?

T & D Earthworks often get requests from home owners throughout the Hunter region requesting a quote to remove their old swimming pool and fill it in.

There are several reasons why people want to get rid of their pool. Some people get tired of wasting their weekends cleaning a pool that nobody uses anymore, but the most common complaint we hear from home owners is that they want to save money on general pool running costs such as electricity usage, chemicals and water usage.

Do you have a swimming pool in your backyard that is no longer used and is costing you money on running costs and water usage fees – read on to find out how we can remove your swimming pool.

What’s involved with removing and filling in an old fibreglass pool?

Firstly you will need a licensed excavator driver and tipper to get the job done. T & D Earthworks can assist home owners who are located in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook and the surrounding Hunter region.

What We Do

Pool is drained and completely emptied before starting the removal process.
Excavator removes the old fibreglass pool shell and rips it up so that the pool shell can be easily disposed of. When removing a pool there is no need for a crane.
Fibreglass pool shell waste is transported and disposed of at the local Council waste management centre.
Soil is delivered to site and the hole is filled and compacted.

So, what is the cost of filling in a swmimming pool?

The average cost for T & D Earthworks to remove an old fibreglass pool, dispose of the pool at the local council tip, deliver soil to site and fill in the hole is generally around the $5,000 – $6,000 mark. This price can vary depending on a range of factors such as site conditions & accessibility, the size of the pool and the level of site preparation work you require after the pool has been removed.

When the job is complete you will end up with a large flat area that you can utilise for gardens or lawn.

If you would like to find out more about our excavation services, please call Tim on 0417 671 425 or click here visit our website listing for more information about our services.

Tim Braiding, Owner of T & D Earthworks.

Servicing Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens & Muswellbrook.

April 21, 2016 | BuildLocal

Top 5 Tips for Open Plan Living in an Older Home

IH Constructions opened up this living area in an older style home

Image: IH Construction Group, Newcastle.

We don’t live in our houses the same way as we once did. Today, most people want living spaces with a modern open plan feel, but older houses often have smaller rooms and distinct, separate living areas.

If you love the charm and style of your older home, but want to modernise the home by opening up the living areas, read on for our top 5 tips.

1. Knock Down a Non-structural Wall

This is the most obvious way to open up your living area. Kitchens were once hidden away, with dining tables in a separate room. Modern homes combine these areas for open plan living. Obviously you can knock down structural walls too, though this will be more expensive. Be sure to talk to an engineer or builder for advice about which walls will be easiest to remove to best open up the space and create a flow throughout the home.

2. Furniture and Décor

Consider investing in more streamlined and modern furniture. Large and cumbersome furniture will make your home feel more crowded and clutter the space. Co-ordinate colours across your entire home so that there is a sense of flow from room to room.

3. More Natural Light

Older homes can be very dark. Letting more natural light into your home will make it feel more open. Consider adding skylights. You might be able to have larger windows installed in your home or add a set of French doors or sliding doors to the rear of the home. Using curtains made from a lighter-weight fabric or using shutters instead can also make the space seem more modern and open.

4. Remodel your Staircase

A Vogue-Fix Constructions staircase here is kept open and light

Image: Vogue Fix Constructions, Newcastle.

If your older home is over two levels your staircase maybe enclosed. Opening it up can really make a difference. Timber banisters, steel rails or cable rails are all good options.

5. Remove Clutter

Hiding away your clutter can make your home seem more spacious. In living areas consider building in storage, such as the TV cabinet or bookshelves. A carpenter or cabinet maker can come and give you a quote and perhaps suggest different options.

It is possible to create a more open plan feel in the living areas of an older home without undertaking a full scale renovation. If you would like to talk to a builder in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region who specialises in renovating older houses check out Build Local’s Hunter region directory listings.

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Building or Renovating in Newcastle or the Hunter Valley! Call us on 02 49366 732

April 17, 2016 | BuildLocal

Home Design

Tips for Choosing Tiles That Won’t Date

bathroom renovation builder newcastle region

Bathroom Renovation Hunter Valley by Jarrad Mitchell Constructions

Image: Jarrad Mitchell Constructions, Hunter Valley.

When it comes to building or renovating bathrooms many people hope to create a space that will stand the test of time in terms of style. But, to create a timeless look can be difficult. So how do you choose bathroom tiles that won’t date?

Firstly, a truly timeless design for any room in your home is impossible – everything dates! That’s the nature of fashion and design. But, by sticking to a few simple rules you can create a bathroom that will still look good for decades to come.

Tips for Choosing Timeless Bathroom Tiles

Colour is one of the most important factors to consider when attempting to choose bathroom tiles that will stand the test of time. Who doesn’t associate orange, olive green and brown tiles with the 70s? Or pink mosaic tiles and baths with bathrooms of the 40s and 50s? So, while colour isn’t something to be afraid of when you design your bathroom, if you are looking for a timeless design you should consider using neutral colours. White bathrooms are probably considered the most classic, with neutral beige shades a close second. Black and white tiles are also a classic look.
Another thing to consider is the size of the tiles you use. Generally, large tiles are probably less likely to date your bathroom. Both mosaics and subway tiles are popular at the moment, and these are certainly both stylish and eye-catching, but may be considered more likely to date. Unusually shaped tiles, such as the currently popular hexagon, will also date a room in years to come.
Gimmicks should be avoided too. Accent tiles will date a bathroom, as will borders around the room, or feature panels.
Tiling from floor to ceiling will also help keep your bathroom design timeless.

Image: IH Construction Group, Newcastle.

Many bathroom design experts would suggest large white tiles are the most timeless bathroom design look. But, for more detailed advice, talk to a bathroom specialist. Build Local’s bathroom listings are a great place to start.

Tile and bathroom suppliers can also provide invaluable help and suggestions to make your bathroom look good for years to come.

By Kelli Hawkins

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April 5, 2016 | BuildLocal

Bathrooms

Energy Efficient Home Design

Urban Living Solutions Home Designers Maitland

How important is design when it comes to creating an energy efficient house? Short answer: Very Important!

Creating an energy efficient house is most easily tackled in the design stages. According to the Australian Government’s Your Home website– a guide to environmentally sustainable homes – approximately 40% of household energy is used for heating and cooling to achieve thermal comfort. They suggest this rate could be cut to almost zero in new housing through sound climate responsive design. Here are some aspects to consider.

Orientation

Correctly orienting your home will help you control its temperature – so you don’t need to use air conditioning all the time. Look at aligning the building to take advantage of the direction of natural breezes. Cross-ventilation can also help when it comes to cooling a home and living areas should ideally face north wherever possible.

You need to consider sunlight too. Smart choice of window furnishings or exterior awnings will help you control the amount of sunlight entering your home. Consider options that allow you to minimise heat in the summer, but still allow sunlight to enter your home in winter.

Landscaping

While not technically a part of home design, landscaping is vitally important when creating an energy efficient home. Shading walls and windows can keep your house cooler in summer and choosing deciduous trees which lose their leaves in winter will allow the sun to penetrate your home in the cooler months of the year.

Insulation and Sealing Your Home

Insulation, particularly in the ceiling and walls will help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Ventilation in the roof is also an option worth considering. Ensure your home is well sealed against air leakage, particularly around windows and doors. This prevents warm air from escaping in the winter and cold air from entering in the summer.

Other Energy Efficient Home Design Tips

Ceiling fans are far more energy efficient than air conditioning and are often all you will need to cool a room to a bearable level, particularly at night. Contact an electrician to install fans in your existing home.
Eaves overhanging windows will keep your house cooler.
Consider non standard glazing options such as low-e or double glazing for windows and doors. Talk to your home designer or local window manufacturer for advice.
If you are renovating or extending a home consider adding a verandah, covered deck or patio awning for shading.

Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing home a local architect will be able to assess your site and offer advice specific to your needs which will save you money in the future.

Build Local’s directory can put you in touch with local businesses in the Newcastle & Hunter Valley region who can help you create an energy efficient home. The Your Home website is also a valuable source of information and is worth having a look at to get ideas.

By Kelli Hawkins

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March 14, 2016 | BuildLocal

Home Design

Can you repair a rusted water tank roof?

A metal water tank roof does have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be repaired or replaced.

One of the common problems that home owners face is that their metal water tank roof becomes rusty. A rusted water tank roof can result in the household fresh water supply becoming contaminated so it is important to resolve the matter as soon as possible if you notice any changes in water quality.

What causes the water tank roof to become rusted?

Home owners in rural and semi-rural locations often have trees nearby which may overhang their tank causing a build up of leaves and silt sitting on top of the roof for long periods of time. This combined with condensation from within the tank can cause the tank roof to deteriorate. The age of the water tank and the type of metal it is constructed from is also a consideration.

Solution to repair a rusted water tank roof

In most cases the best way to resolve the problem of a rusty water tank roof is to remove the old roof and install a brand new roof in it’s place. This solution generally results in the home owner saving money due to the fact that there is less labour and material costs involved than there would be if the entire tank was replaced. New hot dip galvanised trusses that clear span the tank are used to eliminate any posts in the water. Depending on the condition of the water tank it may be beneficial to consider installing a water tank liner at the same time.

Why use a tank liner?

Tank liners are the most cost effective way to resolve problems with old metal or concrete water tanks that have been damaged or are leaking. It is not actually repairing your old tank, but installing a new tank liner inside your old leaking tank. This saves any major earthworks costs from having to remove a cracked concrete tank or leaking tank and prepare for a new one.

Tank liners are a cost effective 100% guaranteed solution to a leaking water tank. Your pristine water is stored in an Australian manufactured Bartlett tank liner which is specifically designed for the application of storing potable water. The tank liner is placed inside your existing tank and although it doesn’t repair the problematic cracks or holes in your tank, it does provide your water tank with a new internal tank liner protected by a layer of geo fabric which will keep your water fresh and ensures that it remains uncontaminated.

Generally this work can be performed in just one day with the water liner ready for water straight after installation – thus eliminating any down time due to demolishment of the old cracked concrete tank and construction of a new tank. Concrete tanks with poles, concrete water tanks with internal walls can also be addressed. All the original plumbing can generally remain in place with just minor alterations to the bladder tank system.

Not all water tanks can be repaired due to their age and the extent of the damage. The Bartlett water tank liner without UV exposure will last in excess of 20 years in most circumstances. H2o Tanks & Liners would prefer consider things like a new steel water tank roof prior to the installation of the tank liner. If we find that your water tank is beyond repair or you would just like to increase your water tank capacity, H20 Tanks & Liners can supply and install a new Pioneer Water Tank for you in a range of colours to compliment your home.

If you are unsure what to do with your rusted or leaking water tank, contact H20 Tanks & Liners. We can have a chat with you and talk you through your options over the phone or offer a free site inspection to provide you with an obligation free quote.

Call Ross on 0419 628402

H20 Tanks & Liners can repair or replace water tanks for you at Dungog, Clarence Town, Woodville, Paterson, Vacy, Lochinvar, Maitland, Cessnock, Pokolbin, Central Coast, Peaks Ridge, Wollombi, Greta, Branxton, Singleton, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the surrounding Hunter Valley area.

By Ross Chapman, H20 Tanks & Liners

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February 19, 2016 | BuildLocal

Water Tanks

Kitchen Flooring Options for Your New Home

There are more choices to make than ever before when you design and build a new home or decide to renovate a home. So what kitchen flooring should you choose? Timber, vinyl, tiles and polished concrete are just the tip of the flooring iceberg.

Take the time to think about how much and in what ways you use your kitchen. For entertaining? Are you a keen cook? Do you spend hours standing at the benches in your kitchen, or do you perch on a stool? Read on for the low down on some of the most popular kitchen flooring options.

Hardwood Timber Flooring

Timber flooring is very popular for kitchens, and with good reason. Timber doesn’t date, its warmth is great against the hard surfaces of a kitchen and it provides a good return on investment should you decide to sell your home. Timber is a good option for open plan areas as it looks equally good when extended into a living area. In addition, hardwood timber flooring is durable and reasonably easy to maintain. If you are renovating a home you may be lucky enough to find timber underneath the existing flooring in the kitchen area that can be polished and lacquered.

Image: IH Construction Group, Newcastle

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is arguably one of the most easiest surfaces to maintain. Its other benefits include being budget-friendly and soft – so it’s great for those with children likely to drop crockery. That softness is also great for people who cook frequently, being kinder to legs than a harder surface.

However, you may see seams if you use it over a larger area and it won’t last as long or wear as well as other flooring options such as tiles or timber.

Tile Flooring

Tiles are a very serviceable kitchen flooring option. Should you choose ceramic or porcelain tiles? Porcelain tiles – which are just a version of ceramic tiles that have been fired at a much higher temperature – have the edge, as they are harder, less porous, more durable and less prone to both moisture and staining.

However, tiles are very hard under foot and anything you drop will likely smash! And choose tiles carefully for the kitchen area – high gloss porcelain tiles look great but they may not be as practical as slip-resistant tiles in the kitchen.

Cork

Cork flooring is a very eco-friendly option. It is softer than wood or tile and is naturally slip-resistant due to a textured surface. But cork does need regular maintenance and regular re-sealing.

Bamboo

Bamboo is an eco-friendly flooring option with a similar look to wood. It does have a more limited colour range than timber but is harder and thus less likely to dent.

Image: Freedom Homes

Polished Concrete Flooring

Thanks to television shows like The Block polished concrete flooring is becoming quite popular these days and provides a great modern industrial look to a kitchen. Once installed it is low maintenance and easy to clean but be mindful that concrete can crack so if you are a perfectionist and don’t think you would be happy with a slight crack somewhere in your flooring you may want to reconsider. Before you make your mind up on concrete, have a chat with a few local polished concrete experts to consider your options.

Image: Everlong Building & Joinery, Belmont

Build Local can direct you to kitchen specialists to help you choose a kitchen flooring option that is both beautiful and functional.

By Kelli Hawkins

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February 17, 2016 | BuildLocal