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Design DIY RENO ADDICT

Reno Rumble’s grand final reveal: part one

With the Redbacks’ (Jess and Ayden) furniture delivery truck broken down with only an hour to go, it looked like the Blue Tongues (Carly and Leighton) had it in the bag. But, in an incredible act of sportsmanship, the Blue Tongues left their house to help the Redbacks in a mad dash to the finish line. And both houses were finished!

In just 48 hours the teams had to renovate a master bedroom and a second bedroom each (they’ll renovate the rest of their houses over the coming days), so what did judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill think?

Blue Tongues 

Master Bedroom — 17/20

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Nailing the brief of contemporary Australian, the bedroom was fresh, upbeat and young. The judges loved the sanded floors and the colour palette of cool colours juxtaposed against blonde timbers and neon pops. Darren liked the art and hanging dots on the wall and Romy was equally impressed with the bedside pendants (though thought five pendants in the one room was way too many!). However, the judges thought there should have been more storage and that it was a huge miss not to have it across the whole wall.

Our pick to buy: Myne by Prudence Caroline Station 30 Artwork

Guest Bedroom — 16.5/20

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“I immediately like this room more,” said Darren upon entry. Loving the colour palette, the bedside pendants, the restored fireplace and rug, he did criticise Carly and Leighton for replacing their original oversized ceiling rose with a smaller version. Romy as a whole wasn’t a huge fan of the bedroom, believing it felt “murky” while the other room felt fresh. Darren disagreed wholeheartedly.

Our pick to buy: Kooper Pendant in Copper

Redbacks

Master Bedroom — 19/20

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While their brief was tricky, classic contemporary with a twist of plantation, both judges thought the bedroom was bang on brief. Very elegant, the judges were astonished by how brilliantly the period features had been restored, especially the skirting boards which had been stripped back and painted. Darren loved the bed and plantation shutters and Romy liked the contrast between the sanded floor, dark timbers and white walls. The room had great character, with the only misses being the rug and artwork.

Our pick to buy: Marina Table Lamp in Antique Brass

Guest Bedroom — 13.5/20

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While there were elements of classic contemporary and plantation, both judges agreed the room didn’t mesh. “It feels like Jekyll and Hyde in here,” said Romy. The judges like the storage solution and many of the furniture pieces individually, however felt the rug and lamp were particularly off brief and everything else just felt thrown together.

Our pick to buy: ‘Pori’ designed by Sarah Brooke

In the end the Blue Tongues took out the reveal by just one point! Meaning Carly and Leighton go into part two of the grand finale with a small yet substantial lead (past weeks have seen teams win by just half a point!). With a whole house each to complete in just a few days, in a happy twist Scotty Cam brought out eliminated couples Kyal and Kara and Ben and Jemma to help the Redbacks and Blue Tongues respectively. I’m thinking they’re going to need all the help they can get! May the best team win.

More on Reno Rumble.

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House Rules RENO ADDICT

House Rules’ final interior renovation

After - Daniel's Room

Karina and Brian’s ‘old lady’ in remote Geraldton was transformed by the teams who were left with the somewhat challenging house rules of: ‘style our house desert coastal’, ‘bring the outside in with texture and tone’ and ‘make our kids’ bedrooms #TotesEpic’!

So what did team WA and judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell think?

Bronik and Corrine – 27/30 

Before - Daniel's Room
Before – Daniel’s Room
After - Daniel's Room
After – Daniel’s Room

Victoria’s Bronik and Corrine finished on top for the first time on 27 points. They received the highest score from the judges this series – a perfect 20/20. Wendy said their bathroom was the best she’d seen in the competition: “The pebble feature wall was a huge risk but boy did it win me over.” The couple also made over the bedroom belonging to Brian’s teenage son Daniel. “Commissioning a street artist to do a mural was an incredibly brave thing to do,” said Wendy. “The art itself was perfect for the room.”

Cassie and Matt — 26/30

Before - Master Bedroom
Before – Master Bedroom
After - Master Bedroom
After – Master Bedroom

Tasmania’s Cassie and Matt finished in second place, with their master bedroom, ensuite and hallway receiving the highest score from the homeowners, of nine points. ”The master bedroom is exactly what we wanted in our house,” said Karina. “It’s got the right textures, furnishings, colours and we can see so such love in the room.” Brian added: “I’ve got a loo with a view if I leave the louvres open. It was awesome.”

Ben and Danielle — 21/30

Before - Lara's Room
Before – Lara’s Room
After - Lara's Room
After – Lara’s Room

Queensland’s Ben and Danielle came third on 21 points. Their zone consisted of the dining room and the bedroom of Brian and Karina’s six-year-old daughter, Lara. Wendy congratulated the newlyweds on steering clear of the tired old pink stereotype: “The colour scheme was beautiful. She will remember this bedroom forever.” However, their dining room brought their score down. “The table was the right choice in style and tone but it should have been longer to fit the space,” said Joe. The homeowners were also critical of the terracotta paint. “Unfortunately I wasn’t really taken with the colour,” said Karina.

Ryan and Marlee — 20/30

Before - Living Room
Before – Living Room
After - Living Room
After – Living Room

South Australia and NSW tied for fourth place on 20 points. SA’s Ryan and Marlee hit the mark with their laundry and living room. “My most favourite item in the whole house is the coffee table,” said Karina. “The stacked stone was a great choice and complemented the fireplace beautifully.” However, their pantry was the weakest part of their zone. “The pantry doors were flimsy and verging on tragic,” said Joe.

Steve and Tiana – 21/30

Before - Kitchen
Before – Kitchen
After - Kitchen
After – Kitchen

The NSW zone consisted of the kitchen and teenager Bailey’s bedroom. While everyone loved the copper splashback, the cheap plastic trim and the light blue walls were criticised. “The light blue against copper created a very uncomfortable clash,” said Joe. However, the colour palette of Bailey’s bedroom was much more successful, though the wooden bedhead and “hacked-in” desk let the room down. “I was really impressed with your colour palette and the bedhead was a great look, but it would have looked better had it been wider,” said Wendy.

With all six interior renovations now completed, the teams have been ranked in order with Tasmania in first place, followed by Victoria, Queensland, SA, NSW and lastly WA. While Karina and Brian were expecting to go home, surprisingly, they were thrown a life-line, with no teams being sent packing.

Rather, all couples will now return to their renovated homes for a make or break power transformation. With a limited budget and just 24 hours, they must choose one zone within their home to change. The six reveals and the first elimination will air this Tuesday. Who will be the first to go?

For more on House Rules.

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House Rules RENO ADDICT

House Rules’ retro restoration house reveal

After - Guest Bedroom

The teams took a step back in time this week to give Cassie and Matt’s Hobart home a modern 60s vibe. The gruelling week saw relationships and friendships tested, but overall the couples succeeded, giving the home a much-needed stylish revamp.

So what did team Tassie and judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell think?

Ben and Danielle – 24/30

Before - Master Bedroom
Before – Master Bedroom
After - Master Bedroom
After – Master Bedroom

Queensland’s Ben and Danielle clocked up their second win this series, walking away with 24 points for their massive zone. Their master bedroom was the highlight. “The raked ceiling gave the space majesty and the plywood wall earthed the wall and was a great nod to the 60s,” said judge Joe Snell. The newlyweds took a risk in the laundry with their bright pink flamingo splashback, but the gamble paid off with the homeowners. “The laundry was so fun and it really worked,” said Cassie.

Bronik and Corrine – 23/30

Before - Kitchen
Before – Kitchen
After - Kitchen
After – Kitchen

Victoria’s Bronik and Corrine bounced back to second place on 23 points. Judge Wendy Moore said their kitchen showed real potential: “I’m so glad that you went really simple with the basics.” The homeowners loved the study which nailed the house rule request to bring a “surfie feel” to the space. “That study was awesome,” said Cassie. “We were so happy you repurposed that glass sliding door and it was so light in there.”

Steve and Tiana – 21/30

Before - Ensuite
Before – Ensuite
After - Ensuite
After – Ensuite

NSW and SA tied for third place on 21 points. After a week in the tent, Steve and Tiana came back strong with their ensuite. “I absolutely loved the mid-century cabinet that you converted into a vanity,” said Wendy. Cassie and Matt were equally impressed. “I walked in and went, ‘Wow!’ This is exactly what we would have done,” said Matt. However, their living room was hit and miss. “Nothing felt quite right together,” said Wendy.

Ryan and Marlee – 21/30

Before - Guest Bedroom
Before – Guest Bedroom
After - Guest Bedroom
After – Guest Bedroom

Ryan and Marlee’s guest bedroom and deck was a massive hit with the homeowners who awarded them their highest score – nine points. “That deck – how can I put into words – absolutely mind-blowing,” said Matt. “I absolutely loved that deck.” Cassie and Matt requested a nautical themed guest bedroom and the SA couple definitely delivered. “Creating a sophisticated nautical theme needed a really good eye,” said Wendy. “I loved the paneling you added to the wall and ceiling. And the addition of those wooden rafters with those high, raked ceilings made for some beautiful bones.”

Brian and Karina – 16/30

Before - Dining
Before – Dining
After - Dining
After – Dining

WA’s Brian and Karina were relegated to last place for the second time this series on 16 points. The styling in their dining room let them down. “You chose the perfect dining table, unfortunately it was impossible to see under the mass of accessories,” said Wendy. The bathroom also fell short. While the judges and homeowners applauded the layout, the accessories cost them points. “You got lost in a collision of bling,” said Joe.

This week the teams are in Western Australia for the final interior renovation, where they will attempt to turn Karina and Brian’s “old lady” into a queen of the desert. House Rules airs Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm with a new house reveal each week on Sunday at 7:00pm.

For more on House Rules.

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Architecture Design RENO ADDICT

Reno Rumble’s sudden death semi-final

After five long weeks of renovating, it’s finally down to two! With Sunday’s semi-final reveal seeing the Redbacks (Kyal and Kara and Josh and Jenna) sent packing. It was a tight race, with the Blue Tongues (Ayden and Jess and Carly and Leighton) winning by just half a point!

So what did judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill think?

Blue Tongues

Carly and Leighton

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With a brief that was contemporary shaker, Carly and Leighton’s bathroom was full of hits. Very spacious, the judges loved the new layout, having placed the bathroom where a bedroom once was. Perfect for a family, they loved the semi-freestanding bath, the large shower, the speakers and the mirror. They did however think the floor tiles needed to be bigger, the grout was too light and the tapware just a little too bling for the brief.

Our pick to buy: Outdoor Angle Leg Stool

Ayden and Jess

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While they had used the same tiles as in the bathroom, the judges thought for the laundry they worked perfectly. Loving the putty coloured cabinetry, the oak laminate bench top, the magnitude of storage and tapware, the room had zero misses!

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Into Ayden and Jess’ second space of the kitchen and the judges loved the pitched skylights. Both architecturally beautiful and right on brief, the judges applauded how light and bright they made the space feel. Darren loved the island bench and the use of the laminate for the bench top. Romy liked the tapware and the sophisticated colour palette. No misses, once again!

Our pick to buy: Scanda Marble & Leather Vase in Black

Team Area

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The judges thought the living and dining area had great furniture and styling. However, they did think the pendant over the dining table was too close to the living space and that the banquette seating was too high. Overall they believed the space was incredibly stylish and aesthetically pleasing, but not 100% functional.

Our pick to buy: Benetta Loveseat Leather Sofa in Tan

Redbacks

Josh and Jenna

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More mansion than little suburban home, the judges thought the bathroom hit the nail on the head for the brief of understated elegance. Darren loved the large format travertine style tiles and how they were used to the ceiling. Romy thought the tapware was elegant and the basin a great choice. However, both judges did agree that the bathroom would have been better placed where the third bedroom was and that the bath was too dwarfed in the space.

Team Area

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The judges loved the living and dining area, especially its large size. The skylights got a big tick, as did the furniture and fireplace. The miss of the space was the pendants over the dining table, which Romy described as: “cheap and nasty!”

Our pick to buy: Carol Batchelor Limited Edition Print ‘Reverie 06’

Kyal and Kara

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A gorgeous kitchen, the judges thought it was homely, beautifully styled and perfect for cooking and entertaining. Darren thought nothing needed to be added to the space. Into the butler’s pantry/laundry and Romy thought it was both beautiful and functional. Both judges agreed it was a space with zero misses.

Ayden and Jess and Carly and Leighton will now go head to head for the $100,000 cash prize. Who do you want to win? My fingers are crossed for crowd favourites Ayden & Jess!

More on Reno Rumble.

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Architecture DIY RENO ADDICT

Avoid the building blues by getting an independent quality assurance check

With domestic building disputes on the rise and an increasing number of complaints noting poor quality workmanship, it is no surprise property owners, builders and renovators are looking for ways to ensure their own build is fool-proof, so they avoid the building blues.

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Online building design, inspection and advice service, Ask an Architect, believes the key in avoiding costly legal battles is discovering the building defects prior to the end of the project. “We are often called in to provide advice on building defects and believe the safest financial path for home buyers and renovators is to have independent quality assurance checks on the project,” explains Ask An Architect general manager Cameron Frazer. “These are best linked to the milestone payment schedule in a building contract so that they are discovered before you pay your builder.”

architect

Once a building has its ‘clothes on’, such as plasterboard or exterior cladding it is near to impossible to detect many major faults. And while people have a misconception that a building surveyor’s inspection approval can be relied on for both structural integrity and quality assurance, this is simply not the case. A building surveyor will check for compliance with regulations, but not necessarily for quality and finish.

Ask an Architect therefore offers affordable construction quality assurance inspection packages that are designed to offer an expert opinion on the quality and finish of your building project. “They’re a simple, low-cost way of getting the best advice at an early stage,” says Cameron. “And they may just save you considerable money and hassle in the long run.”

For more information.

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Bathrooms Design DIY Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Reno Rumble’s closest house reveals yet… just half a point!

Just half a point separated the two teams, but in the end it was the Blue Tongues who were victorious. With new Redbacks couple Ben and Jemma (the teams were mixed up this week), sent packing. But what did judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill think?

Redbacks                            

Josh and Jenna

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With quite the challenging brief, mid-century modern American, the judges thought Josh and Jenna’s kitchen slightly missed the mark. More 2015 than mid-century, the kitchen was too on trend and current for the judges liking. Romy loved the tiles and the integrated fridge, however thought two integrated fridges was one too many. Yet the big miss was the lack of bench level powerpoints, with the only powerpoints being at the back of the drawers.

Ben and Jemma
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The Besser block bricks in the dining room caused quite the controversy throughout the week, however the judges loved them! Romy admired the use of the original floor boards juxtaposed against the concrete blockwork and the shelves. Both judges liked the furniture but felt it was more Danish than American and were a bit concerned with how much space the fireplace took up.

Kyal and Kara

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While the “kooky” tiles were risky, both judges thought they was a great move. Darren loved the tapware and the abundance of storage, but thought the statement tiles would have been better off just on the floor rather than turned up on the bath.

Blue Tongues  

Ayden and Jess

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With no real bathroom prior to the reno, Ayden and Jess added a whole new room. The judges applauded the couple on how they were able to make a narrow space work, and also liked the dual showerheads, heated towel rail, speakers, floating vanity and storage. However, they weren’t fans of the mixed tiling and the shower screen that ran higher than the tiles. Over in the lounge room, the judges were blown away by the structural change. They loved the furniture and thought they nailed the contemporary part of the Art Deco contemporary brief. They did however think the television was too high and the window seat too thin.

Carly and Leighton

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Perfect for entertaining, as the brief asked for, the judges loved the concrete finish on the island, the ample storage and how the kitchen connected to the outdoors. The splashback and handles were also a hit, however a matt finish on the cabinetry would have been preferred over the gloss. In the dining room, the artwork was the real hero, and both judges loved the table and chairs.

What did you think of the houses? Did the Blue Tongues deserve the win? And were Ben and Jemma the right couple to send home?

More on Reno Rumble.

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Architecture Design DIY RENO ADDICT

Reno Rumble’s third round of house reveals and elimination

With the Blue Tongues struggling with budget issues and the Redbacks dealing with the infamous Reno Rumble bathroom curse, it was always going to be a tight race. And it was, with just six points dividing the teams!

In the end the Blue Tongues were the losing team, and Michelle and Steve were sent home. So what did judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill think?

Blue Tongues

Michelle and Steve

MC_wk3_r2_living00_108

“This is mental!” said Darren upon entry. Their living room and entranceway saw Michelle and Steve pull out walls, change ceiling heights and fix all the cornices, which both judges agreed was done at a professional designer level! Romy loved the wall treatment, but thought the entranceway was a little busy and Darren thought the joinery around the fireplace could have been improved.

Carly and Leighton 

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Scoring a massive 20/20 for their kitchen and dining, the judges loved how they connected their space to the outdoors, through a window splashback. Darren loved the islandbench, the storage and the brick work. Romy thought the dining table felt warm and inviting and both judges agreed it was spot on the brief of relaxed industrial.

Ben and Jemma

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Both judges loves the finishes in the bathroom and Romy especially liked how it wasn’t too fussy. She thought the strong grout lines and subway tiles worked beautifully but would have preferred brass tapware. Darren though the pendant light was superfluous, but both agreed all misses were miniscule.

Redbacks

Ayden and Jess

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“Wow, wow, wow, this is heaven,” said Darren. The judged loved the combination of furniture and the white timber boards on the ceiling. Darren thought it was right on the money for the brief of Hamptons and the only miss was the aircon unit was a split system rather than being integrated.

Kyal and Kara

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Receiving the second 20/20 for the night, the judges thought the kitchen and dining were amazing. Romy loved the splashback tiles and all the great detailing. Darren loved the atrium skylight over the dining room and the bench seat storage. Considering the major structural changes that had occurred, the judges thought the end result was extraordinary. “I’m loss for words,” said Romy. “This is sublime.”

Josh and Jenna

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Using the same herringbone tiles from the kitchen for the floor tiles, was for both judges, a great choice. Romy thought the bathroom was very elegant and Darren loved how the roofline had been changed to give a sensation of space above you. Both judges loved the dual basins, the storage and the sconces on the wall, but thought some downlights by the mirror would have been beneficial.

What did you think of the houses? Did the Redbacks deserve their second win? And what do you think about this week’s massive twist that will see the teams change teammates?

More on Reno Rumble.

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Competitions Designers House Rules RENO ADDICT

House Rules’ second and toughest home reveal

With 40-degree temperatures, the contestants battled the elements to turn Ryan’s South Australian bachelor pad into the perfect home for him and girlfriend Marlee. However, it wasn’t just the extreme Adelaide heat that saw there be a struggle, with the house rules causing a considerable amount of confusion! So in the end — despite having this week’s secret house rule — WA’s Karina and Brian were knocked off their perch by last week’s lowest scorers, Tassie’s Cassie and Matt, who went from zero to hero with their yellow kitchen. Who would have thought?!

So what did the South Australian couple and judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell think?

Cassie and Matt – 23/30  

KITCHEN BEFORE (TAS ZONE)
Before – Kitchen
KITCHEN AFTER (TAS ZONE)
After – Kitchen

The South Australian homeowners loved Tassie’s kitchen and dining room, with Marlee saying: “As soon as I walked into that zone I burst into tears, it was everything I could have asked for.” The judges were equally as impressed, with Wendy adding: “You guys completely turned your game around this week. I liked your use of yellow cabinetry. It really was a ray of sunshine.”

Karina and Brian – 22/30

MASTER BED BEFORE (WA ZONE)
Before – Master Bedroom
MASTER BED AFTER (WA ZONE)
After – Master Bedroom

Western Australia’s master bedroom and ensuite won rave reviews from the judges and homeowners alike. “Your master bedroom was a real display of confident design,” said Wendy. Ryan was blown away by his ensuite adding: “I’ve never had an ensuite before and now I’ve got an awesome one!” However, their decision to run their decking boards in a diagonal fashion – in stark contrast to the adjacent deck designed by Team New South Wales – was criticised.

Ben and Danielle – 19/30

GUEST BED BEFORE (QLD ZONE)
Before – Guest Bedroom
GUEST BED (QLD ZONE)
After – Guest Bedroom

Although the judges loved Danielle’s original artwork in the guest bedroom, Queensland lost points for their “dark and moody” bathroom, with Joe and Wendy scoring them 5 and 6 respectively. However, the South Australian homeowners awarded them their highest score of 8, with Marlee telling them the guest bedroom was her favourite room in the house. “That artwork was incredible,” she said. “If you painted that, that’s a new career for you girl. I was blown away!”

Bronik and Corrine – 15/30

Before - Living Room
Before – Living Room
After - Living Room
After – Living Room

The Victorian reno rookies were given the biggest zone this week consisting of the living room, laundry, hallway, entry and broom closet! They scored 5s all round to finish in second last place. Their first renovation earned them praise with Wendy stating: “I was really impressed with your living room. It showed great talent.”

Steve and Tiana – 13/30

Before - Mancave
Before – Mancave
After - Mancave
After – Mancave

Team New South Wales struggled the most this week with Tiana’s lack of decision-making costing them dearly. “There is no vision in this room,” Wendy said about their lacklustre mancave. But the homeowners disagreed with Ryan saying: “I loved the mancave. When I opened the door, I felt like a big kid again!”

With the second renovation down, the teams will now head to New South Wales to give deserving father and daughter team Steve and Tiana the makeover they’ve always dreamed of. House Rules airs Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm with a new house reveal each week on Sunday at 7:00pm.

For more on House Rules.

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Before & Afters Design DIY RENO ADDICT

Reno Rumble’s most gorgeous house reveals yet!

After a week of four couples against three, last night’s episode saw the playing field become equal, with the Blue Tongue’s (ex-House Rules contestants) Chris and Nick, going home.

In my opinion, both houses were beautiful and much nicer than the Redbacks (ex-Blockheads) and Blue Tongues’ first attempts last week (read all about that here). But what did judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill think?

Redbacks

Kyal and Kara

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With their design brief being modern vintage, both judges agreed their bathroom hit the nail on the head! A modern take, with some classic vintage elements, the bathroom fused modern matt black tapware with a claw foot bath. The judges loved the storage and tiles, but thought the shower head was way too low.

Ayden and Jess

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Ayden and Jess scored a whopping 19.5/20 for their lounge room. “I am blown away,” said Romy. The judges loved the modern vintage feel and their only criticism was the finishing around the TV.

Josh and Jenna

Screen Shot 2015-05-18 at 10.47.21 am

Also getting a huge score of 19.5/20, the judges loved the daring kitchen and dining room. Light, bright and airy, they were wowed by the bold move of blue cabinetry and thought it managed to look fresh, rather that kitsch. The judges also liked the leather handles, the built-in fridge and the sky lights, however they both agreed the timber floor patching could have been better.

Communal space

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With Michael and Carlene now evicted, the laundry/bathroom became a communal space. The judges really liked it and thought the shower was a welcome addition to the home. Darren thought it would have worked better if it had a door and that the toilet was a little too tight for the space.

Blue Tongues

Nick and Chris

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Romy loved the floor tiles and how Nick and Chris had reconfigured the space to improve the bathroom’s layout. Both judges loved the bath being under the window, the floating vanity and the simple matt tiles. But then Darren realised something strange! The tiles were positioned differently on opposing walls. “I don’t understand why,” said Darren. Romy agreed: “I don’t see any rationale for changing it.”

Carly and Leighton

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With a brief to design the house with a Scandinavian feel, their living and dining was spot on. With a warm, fresh feel, the judges thought the two spaces worked really well together. Darren liked the fireplace but Romy worried the rug was not appropriate for the homeowners’ one-year-old child.

Ben and Jemma

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Both judges applauded Ben and Jemma on the massive amount of building work they had done. They agreed the kitchen was really functional, but thought the handles were a little clinical. Romy loved the accompanying family room and thought the TV was in a really beautiful piece of joinery. Darren said the space — like the kitchen — was really functional but thought the styling could have been less like a magazine and more like a home.

Michelle and Steve

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Romy really liked the bathroom and Darren thought it was much better than Nick and Chris’: “It’s got more life, more soul!” Both judges really liked their second space, the laundry, and thought it had great character. Darren particularly loved the entrance way from the kitchen and the splashbacks, storage and cool drawers were also hits.

Both houses really nailed their briefs and while I did prefer the Redbacks’ home, it was a tight race. Which house was your favourite? Was it time for Nick and Chris to go?

More on Reno Rumble.

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Design RENO ADDICT

4 ways to renovate for the environment

We often hear about renovating for profit, but how about renovating for the environment? You may have chosen a block which doesn’t face north or have constructed your home out of brick, but that doesn’t mean there are no options for those looking to make their home more sustainable.

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Housing efficiency is one of the biggest impacts we can have on the environment and a more efficient home is often kinder on your household bills. Below are my top tips for renovating to reduce your carbon footprint and your bills.

  1. It’s all about energy

One of the first things to look at when considering how efficient your home is to look at your current insulation. Insulation is one of the best ways to save on cooling and heating costs and a properly insulated home could save you 50% on your power bills.

The Australian Government has produced a useful guide about insulating your home based on your home design and climate. Also look at taking advantage of this sunburnt country and all that free solar energy by installing solar panels and a solar hot water system. You can take this further by buying appliances with the maximum energy star rating.

  1. Replace your windows

EcoBalanced_5

Consider replacing your windows with double-glazed ones with a high WERS (Window Energy Rating Scheme), this means you will lose less heat from your home.

The WERS scale ranges from zero to ten stars, at Ecoliv we use five-star WERS glass because not only is the ten-star WERS glass incredibly expensive but it is also only appropriate for high temperature industrial settings. In other words, totally inappropriate for a residential building! By choosing the five-star rating this will give you the optimal balance of cost, thermal performance and efficiency.

  1. Be smart with water 

Installing a water tank will reduce your reliance on the mains water and coupled with a high WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rated plumbing fittings will further reduce your water consumption.

When landscaping consider indigenous water saving or drought resistant plants, so that when an inevitable dry summer hits, you won’t have to worry about the lack of water to sustain them.

  1. Re-paint with environmentally friendly paints

Green_Spaces

If you’re looking to repaint a room or your entire house make sure the walls are kept free from any nasties by using low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints. VOC paints are not only harmful to the environment, but to humans as well. Chemicals found in VOC paints such as Formaldehyde and Benzene, emit vapours that are harmful if inhaled. Paint with less than 250 grams of VOCs per litre are considered low VOC paints.

Even if you are only able to implement a few of these strategies, you will be able to create a more sustainable, more environmentally friendly and above all, economical home.

— Ashley Beaumont is the director of Ecoliv and is passionate about sustainability in the construction industry. His eco prefab homes achieve an eight-star energy rating and have won numerous industry awards with the BDAV, NBDA and HIA.

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Interviews The Block

Dan of Dan & Dani is back as ‘foreboy’ on The Block next week

Admittedly, I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for former Blockhead Dan Reilly (one half of the rather feisty Dan and Dani), but having already competed in two series, I thought it was safe to say that Dan wouldn’t be coming back to The Block anytime soon. But… I was wrong! The Block Triple Threat sees Dan come back not as a contestant, but rather as a foreboy. Fore-what?! I hear you ask. I’ll let Dan explain this one…

dan foreboy the block interiors addict 1

“I’m Keith the foreman’s (fore-man, fore-boy, get it?!) righthand man and we pretty much make sure the build is up to standard. As you can imagine, I’ve copped a lot of flak for my name on site. There’s been a lot of laughing. But I guess I have to own it. I’m happy to be the foreboy, I look at it as if they’re saying I’m still young!”

The Block in Melbourne in Melbourne
Keith and Dan, foreman and foreboy!

Having worked as a site manager for a construction company for the last two years, Dan has had considerable experience running a building site, but little did he realise how hard managing The Block would actually be. “I never knew how hard Keith’s job was because there’s just so much going on. You’ve got the site tradies doing the base build, you’ve got the tradies of the contestants, you’ve got the contestants themselves and then you’ve got all the politics between the contestants, and you get dragged into all of that! It’s a pretty full-on gig, so at the end of the day, you’re as exhausted as everyone else.”

Working 13 hours a day, six days a week (he gets to enjoy a sleep-in on Sundays) Dan has had no issues working under Keith, which comes as a surprise, seeing as they’ve not been shy of an argument in the past. “When I was a contestant, we did have a few arguments. But we are mates, we’ve had a beer and made up! Working under him has been really easy. Obviously, you’d never do anything like The Block normally, so I have been able to learn a lot from both Keith and Scotty.”

dan foreboy the block interiors addict 3

What Dan has found the hardest is navigating his relationships with the contestants, realising he can’t give them too many hints and tips, but rather they’ve got to figure it out themselves. “I sort of still see myself as a contestant, but I’ve kind of jumped ship to the other side and I have to remember that. I have to try not to help and guide the contestants too much. I mean we’re all still friends, we still have a laugh, but when it’s time to be serious, I’m serious with them.”

So has Dan ever had to put his foot down, in the infamous way Keith does oh so well? Yes! “There have been a few tiffs with some contestants. I think it was inevitable. It does happen, that’s just part of the role.”

The Block in Melbourne

With the upcoming The Block Triple Threat set to start next week on 27 January, Dan promises we are in for show that has lots of tears, lots of laughter and is even a little bit brutal! “There’s never been a dynamic like this before. We’ve got six new couples and the way they have to get onto the show is quite brutal I reckon! And then we’ve got three all-star couples competing as well. It does get very full-on at the beginning but it sorts itself out!”

We can’t wait!

Find all The Block latest here.

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Designers Interviews RENO ADDICT The Block

Shannon Vos on life since winning The Block with Simon

To say 2014 was a whirlwind year for brothers Shannon and Simon Vos would be a massive understatement. Not only did they win The Block Glasshouse, and pocket over $400,000 as a result, they got themselves a manager, started their own design and construction business and even did some modeling on the side!

shannon and simon interiors addict
Shannon (right) and Simon

“We’ve been absolutely flatstick since The Block,” explains Shannon. “I think I had three days off after the show and then got straight back into working as a painter. Then there was also the juggling of our Mitre 10 and Beaumont Tiles commitments and our appearances for Channel 9, whilst also being inundated with job requests for renovations.” First world problems, eh?

shannon and simon interiors addict 1

One of their most exciting renovation projects is a training facility for boutique coffee company Pablo & Rusty’s. A multipurpose space near Sydney’s Castle Hill, the centre will double as a barista school and a retail space. Alongside this, the duo are also in the initial stages of conducting a full-scale renovation on a well-established pub in Coffs Harbour which, with three or four bars and a huge verandah, could be a 12-month project. “These are some really quirky, exciting and fun jobs,” says Shannon. “Simon and I worked really well together on The Block and we definitely want to keep that ball rolling as we form our own business.”

With Shannon having studied interior design for the last two years and Simon soon to have his builder’s license, the duo are keen to play to their strengths. “I’ll be more focused on design, and Simon on construction,” explains Shannon. “Of course we will throw ideas off each other and help each other where needed. But the dynamic we had on The Block worked, so we want to continue that.”

shannon and simon interiors addict 2

With 2015 having only just begun, this year doesn’t look like it’ll be any quieter than the last, with talks of a TV show in the pipeline. “We’ve just shot a sizzle, which is like a 10-minute teaser, and are now at the stage of selling it to the networks. It would follow Simon and I working together and all the quirky stuff we get up to. We’ve been approached by a few companies to represent them, we’re flying all over Australia and we’ve done a few modeling shoots (which isn’t really work!), so the camera crew would follow us around doing all of that.”

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And on the topic of TV, what do the boys think of the upcoming series, The Block Triple Threat? “It’s massive, there’s a lot going on, and I think it’ll be quite interesting having the old Blockheads versus the news ones,” says Shannon. “It’s a big leg up having done it before but I’ll tell you what, I’m very glad we’ve done ours and we’re finished! I wouldn’t want to do it again straight away.”

But would they ever do The Block again? “Definitely, but just not straight away. After the Glasshouse I needed some time off, I needed to go for a surf, I needed to lie on the beach! Simon and I both literally lost 10 kilos so it’s nice to eat a normal breakfast again, relax and just do nothing for a bit.”

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

6 home building trends and predictions for 2015

With the end of the year fast approaching, the building industry has already started reflecting on yearly sales and evaluating new design strategies for the year ahead. Stephen Thompson, managing director of Allworth Homes, predicts significant changes to the building industry in 2015; citing lower prices on land, energy-efficient construction and affordable open plan living designs as main focuses. Here are his top 6 trends and predictions for 2015.

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  1. Competition amongst land developers will drive prices down. Together with smaller lot sizes (i.e. cheaper), this should bring a swathe of new buyers to the market who previously would not have considered building.
  1. Home designs will be small to suit a new market. Clever layouts incorporating things like computer nooks and great storage will be a top priority. Separate zones for family living are still important and of course the indoor-outdoor living/kitchen/dining transition must be seamless.eMeK0M4tiXjLxlyvuAXZ6ngyWgxBdlVGpcs4vAKXc1w,VKC1J3cNfqiCYBAshnKXvfole6gAMIjeOwg759alWls
  1. House and land packages vs. split contracts. Whilst the market is hot, buyers will pay a premium for a package as they’re being sold the repayments as much as the house. However, plenty will still source their own land and select a contract builder – by doing this they save tens of thousands up front, not to mention long-term interest repayments. When the market inevitably cools, some of the newer exclusive package builders will withdraw – most either don’t want to do contract work or are incapable.
  1. Land availability will be strong in 2015. There’s a lot of land coming to the market late 2014 and into 2015. A lot at affordable prices, particularly in the Hunter and Illawarra regions. There is pent-up demand for affordable housing which should see contract building companies well placed for the next three-to-four years. Lot sizes in Sydney will be markedly smaller; in the regions where 600 square metres was once the minimum the market found acceptable, now 450 will be deemed the norm.
  1. Volume home builders will be assessing some alternative materials to bricks. Bricklayer availability is a serious issue that will have to be dealt with in the near future. People are warming to the idea of alternatives to brick, as long as the alternative maintains all the benefits of traditional brick veneer. Looks, insulation properties and the ‘knock test’ have to be passed. Rendered and painted requires less frequent maintenance than it once did with modern materials.HPe2yFJqO3yFAlsukZuUZQf-aPg3Yjyt2__3MMB-7dM
  1. Multigenerational living is on the rise. A lot of home buyers are now following the trend towards future-proofing their new home design. That is for example, designs that allow, with a small amount of renovation work, a former living area to be converted into sleeping accommodation with bathroom access. Homes with versatile spaces that can be used in different ways and accommodate multi-generational living will continue to be in high demand in the coming years.

– Allworth Homes specialise in residential project home building in NSW. 

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to choose an architect: questions you need to ask

Photo source: design studio 22

By Craig Gibson

Are you looking to renovate, build or extend? Chances are you may be looking to use the services of an architect to make your dreams, pencil sketches and magazine cuttings a reality. Knowing what to expect of the relationship can not only ensure your experience is a smooth one, but that your project turns out how it should.

Photo source: design studio 22
Photo source: design studio 22

Here are some questions to ask yourself, and prospective architects, to help you to make a rather important decision.

Are they like-minded?

Trust and communication are a large part of any successful architect/client relationship. This means being on the same page on the design solution appropriate for your project. So, if you do not click when you first meet an architect, perhaps think twice. Ideally, you should also have fun while you see you dreams become reality. That means having a sense of humour, particularly when things are perhaps not quite going according to plan.

What is my budget?

It is important to know realistically what you have to spend on your project. Architects will roll their eyes at the champagne-taste-and-beer-budget mindset. They will be able to help you detail all the costs associated with your project — including some you may never have even thought of.

What is your style?

All architects have a distinctive style that you need to be comfortable with. Looking through their portfolio, or better still, viewing their portfolio of previous work, will give you a good idea if you share a vision. You also need to match their area of specialisation with your needs. On a practical note, if you have a heritage listed property, then you need to have an architect well versed in all the regulatory aspects associated with this type of job.

How much do they charge?

Architects typically work on a flat fee sliding scale based on anticipated costs and required services, but they may also charge an hourly rate. It is therefore imperative that you have complete clarity before work gets started, and have this detailed in your written terms of engagement or client/architect agreement.

Are they qualified?

Don’t forget to check that any architect you engage is appropriately qualified and registered with the relevant local or national regulatory body. They are not allowed to advertise their services without this accreditation.


– Craig Gibson is online editor of hipages.com.au, the most visited site in the building, renovation and home improvement sector. If you have a dream project that requires an architect, simply post your job and three local architects will be matched to your project.

Categories
RENO ADDICT Styling

Video: Diary of a Reno part 4

In the penultimate episode in our series, Naomi Findlay gives us a sneak peek of the almost-finished house and explains how she has reconfigured the floor plan to make better use of space and add value.

In the fifth and final episode, coming soon, we reveal the profit made when the renovated house is sold and talk to the real estate agent.

Naomi Findlay is principal of the International Institute of Home Staging and director of SILK Home Staging & Styling.

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to hire a dream tradie

Copyright: A Man at Hand Property Maintenance

By Craig Gibson

Tradies can be such an important part of designing our dream living space. But all too often it can feel like chasing shadows; the unanswered calls, no-shows and mysterious absences are frustratingly familiar to many of us. The no-show is perhaps the most exasperating, but worse could (and does) happen — especially once you have hired them. Absconding with your deposit or horrendous workmanship are two not uncommon scenarios, alongside a variety of other transgressions.

Copyright: A Man at Hand Property Maintenance
Copyright: A Man at Hand Property Maintenance

So do dream tradies really exist or are we asking too much? Is it realistic to expect them to call you back ASAP, get your job done on time and clean up after themselves? The good news (and answer) is yes! Like any industry, there are rotten and rosy apples, you just need some pointers to help you have the best experience when creating your perfect home.

So how do you go about finding that dream tradie, and avoid your reno dreams turning into a nightmare?

  • Communication — your first point of contact with a tradie is a good indication of how professional they are. A dream tradie is punctual, courteous and ready to answer all your questions. If they are responsive — answer your calls or emails promptly and keep appointments (these are positive, heartwarming signs) — they obviously value you as a client.
  • Reviews — online reviews and recommendations can make finding that dream tradie easier. Word (good and bad) travels fast online, and you can read consumer reviews and recommendations of individual businesses on tradie-finder sites.
  • Price — don’t be seduced by the cheapest quote, the best tradies often charge more for a reason. They will tend to use quality materials and spend more time getting your job done right. Shonky tradies will often use low prices as bait to help close the deal with you.
  • Licences — many jobs must be carried out by a licensed tradesperson, including all projects that require a sparkie, plumber or gas fitter, as well as larger building projects. Is it really worth risking someone unqualified making a mess of your dream kitchen? Checking a tradie’s licence is easily done; literally a few clicks away on sites such as Licensedtrades.com.au.
  • Paperwork — besides licences, any reputable tradie will be forthcoming when it comes to producing documentation such as a detailed quote. If your job is a significant building project, then a contract is essential to protect you (and them). Builders are also required to have a range of insurances, including public liability and warranty insurance.
  • Knowledge is power — educating yourself about your job gives you leverage in any dealings with a tradesperson. Take the time to find out the approximate market rate for labour and materials, so you can examine a quote with an informed eye. Dream tradies won’t try to hoodwink you, but it helps to be informed.

When you do find a dream tradie, you will want to adopt them, or at the very least share your good fortune with all your friends and family. Do feel free to spread the word — they will get more work out of it and very soon dream tradies will rule the universe!

–Craig Gibson is online editor of hipages.com.au, Australia’s most visited site in the building, renovation and home improvement sector, where you can post your job and three businesses are sourced to quote on the work.

Categories
Expert Tips RENO ADDICT Styling

Video: Diary of a Reno part 3

This week, Naomi talks about the importance of having a contingency fund because unexpected things do (always!) go wrong or crop up and require more cash! There’s also drama with some very stubborn wallpaper glue, but it’s not all negative! Watch the video for the full story.

If you haven’t already, watch part 1 and part 2 of the series first. The fourth and final part is coming soon! We’d love to know if you enjoyed this series and what else you’d like to learn about renovating? Please comment below.

Naomi Findlay is founder of SILK Home Staging & Styling and the International Institute of Home Staging and an experienced property developer in NSW.

Categories
Interiors Addict

Who to speak to first about your reno or new build: architect or builder?

A house My Architect worked on

By Robert Harwood

I have to confess, I’m often puzzled by people who start out on their project thinking that the first person they need to contact is a builder. Sure, you should speak to a builder if you’re going to fix a roof, build a wardrobe or re-lay a timber floor. But if you’re wanting to extend or reconfigure your existing house to better suit the way you want to live, or build a new home, that’s another project entirely. The way I see it, approaching a builder first is a clear case of putting the cart before the horse.

A house My Architect worked on
A house My Architect worked on

Why?

Well, essentially, builders are specialists in building from the plans and documents that you should provide to them. Architects are specialists in the key upfront decisions that will define your project, such as:

Continue reading “Who to speak to first about your reno or new build: architect or builder?”