What Not to Do When Selling

Are you considering selling your property? If that’s the case, one of the most important things to you during this process is probably to try and get the most money for your home. And we don’t blame you!

Yet, buyers are incredibly observant. After all, purchasing a home is a major financial decision, and most buyers are getting ready to fulfill their lifelong dream when doing so. As a result, you’ll need to ensure your property is up to their standards if you want to maximise your gains. Not sure where to start?

Read on as we highlight a few things not to do when selling. Note that these tips are simple but powerful ways to increase the odds of selling your home at a great price.

Setting your Price too High

Overpricing a house is tempting. You might have great memories in this house or have invested time and money into fixing it up and feel like it’s worth more than what you’re being told. Yet, you need to keep in mind that buyers are usually well-informed. Most generally do their research and would have a good idea of what your property is worth. As a result, setting your price too high can reduce buyers’ interests and, therefore, your chances to make a quick and smooth sale.

Neglecting Needed Repairs

There are tremendous benefits in having a Pre-Sale Building and Pest Inspection performed before putting your property on the market. This will allow you to fix small issues and be more confident during the negotiation process. Many buyers carry out a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection, meaning they will be aware of any issues that need to be fixed. And a well-maintained, ready-to-move-in property will always be more appealing to buyers than a home that needs repairs done, thus increasing your chances of selling your home for the right price.

 

Not Preparing your Property for Sale

Planning your sale weeks and even months in advance is the best way to get the most money out of it. Therefore, we’ve listed below a few things you should always do before putting your property on the market:

• Ensuring the house is decluttered.

• Patch and paint the walls (make sure you remove any overpowering colours on your walls and replace them with neutral colours).

• Upgrade your door handles.

• Carry out a heavy-duty clean.

• Steam clean the carpets (or replace them if needed).

• Work on the outside, if applicable.

This will allow you to showcase your house in the best light possible and maximise your profit while minimising your time on the market.

 

Not Being Flexible 

Selling your home might be a little inconvenient. Your listing agents might be calling you at odd hours to show your property at odd times. Yet, being flexible and not restrictive when it comes to showing times will increase your chances of quickly selling your property. If a buyer is ready to come and visit your property, you should always try and work around their availability for showings. Once again, this will allow you to minimise time on the market and maximise your profit, making it all worth it in the end.

Final Thoughts

While the tips we’ve listed above are things you should never do when selling your property, this list is far from exhaustive. Some other things to keep in mind when trying to sell your house or apartment include not marketing and advertising your home properly, choosing the wrong real estate agent, or performing renovations that won’t add value. As a piece of advice, try to keep an open mind, lean on your real estate agent’s experience, listen to their advice, and you’ll be on your way to the next chapter of your life in no time

Bringing the Outdoors in

Do you enjoy the outdoors and being surrounded by nature? So do many of us.

Nature has a powerful and positive effect on living beings, including us. Indeed, many studies have shown the positive impact of the natural world on wellbeing and health in general, decreasing stress levels and promoting relaxation and healing. 

While Australia offers nice weather almost all year round and many cities feature parks, beaches, or well-maintained outdoor areas, we still spend on average 70% of our time at home and 90% indoors, according to a study published by Delos. But what if you could bring the outdoors in with your home decor and enjoy the healing and soothing power of nature whilst indoors?

If that’s something you’d love to do, read on as we’ve listed below a few creative ways to make your home look like an outdoor oasis.

Use Natural Materials

Using natural fibres, patterns, and even textures can be a fantastic way to bring nature inside. Indeed, materials such as hemp, jute, or rattan can be harnessed to give your interior a natural oasis atmosphere. After all, what better way to instantly give an outdoorsy look to your interior than using natural fibres derived from plants?

 Add a beautiful silky jute rug to your living room for a nice underfoot feel and natural vibe or style your bedroom with a handmade hemp rug for a modern look. Some other decorative objects you can add include baskets, lampshades, or small furniture such as shelving units.

You can even recycle pine cones or place sand and shells in a glass bowl and use these as decoration pieces on your coffee table. This will not only bring forestry or beachy vibes to your interior, but it’ll also create a focal point, sprucing up your room.

Another tip consists of using natural man-made flooring such as bamboo or cork to add a warm, inviting, and natural touch to your home.

Purchase Indoor Plants and Trees

Indoor plants have always been a popular decoration item and are the best way to turn your home into a sophisticated natural haven. Indeed, not only can plants add a splash of colour to your interior, but they can also provide your home with a dreamy tropical vibe. A gorgeous citrus tree can elevate your space, adding a Mediterranean accent to your rooms, while a couple of parlour palms combined with a sago palm will instantly turn your space into an exotic faraway destination! For the ultimate green oasis, opt for a green accent wall using Hostas, Begonias, or Orchids.

Besides, while plants can instantly inject some personality into your space, they can also fill a very functional role. Indeed, not only do indoor trees and plants promote wellbeing and contribute to reducing stress, but they also act as natural air purifiers, providing your home with more oxygen. 

Bring the Natural Light In

Natural light can really enhance a space and make your interior feel bigger and more vibrant.

As a result, to increase the amount of natural light coming through your home and make your

home brighter, follow the simple steps below:

• Replace your thick drapes with lighter fabrics or sheets.

• Paint your walls white.

• Add mirrors to your rooms.

• Install skylights to your ceiling. This one is particularly important! Indeed, as the sun rises and its rays filter through your ceiling, you’ll feel enveloped in the morning light and at one with nature.

Visible Cracking

Have you noticed some cracks in your foundation or your foundation walls, and you’re wondering whether you should be worried?

While some cracks only represent a cosmetic issue, others can be a sign of a severe structural building problem. If you’re not trained or qualified to assess the gravity of the problem, you could end up missing an important issue and pay thousands of dollars to repair the damage a few months later. As a result, you should always talk to a professional to ensure you identify structural issues early on. 

To help you better understand visible cracking issues, we’ve highlighted below the different types of cracks along with the main causes for cracks. We will also discuss the signs that your wall cracks may represent a serious issue.

The Different Types of Cracks

There are two types of cracks: structural and non-structural cracks. 

A structural crack means that there is an issue with the home, including bowing walls, settlement, or a lean or sag in a floor. Usually, structural cracks start in a corner and come down at an angle (45 degrees). Note that they can also run horizontally. Sometimes structural cracks might also be wider on the top than they are on the bottom. They can often be fixed using wall plate anchors or steel driven push piers.

A non-structural crack (also called a shrinkage crack) can be created by adding a lot of water or cement to concrete, driving it to shrink. It is a crack, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that there is an issue with your home and can simply indicate that the concrete shrunk and separated. Non-structural cracks are usually vertical and can be fixed using epoxy injections. 

What Causes Wall Cracks?

Poor Construction

If your contractor used lower quality building materials or if your building or house has been poorly designed and engineered, it can lead to cracks in the walls. As a result, a proper soil investigation needs to be carried out to ensure the designer and the engineer come up with a carefully crafted design of the foundations. 

Water Damage

Wall cracks can also be caused by water damage. In fact, water damage is one of the most common foundational issues. Indeed, when water leaks into your walls and through your ceiling, it can lead to weakened structural materials. Some of the main things to keep an eye on include:

• Blocked Gutter

• Garden Sprinklers

• Flood Damage

• Blocked or leaking pipes

Unconnected or leaking pipes and poor drainage allow the water to infiltrate the soil, causing instability in the home’s foundations and cracks in the walls.

Vegetation

If vegetation is growing in the vicinity of your house, in brick masonry, or under the foundation line, your walls might be showing visible cracking. The action of growing roots can cause cracks in your walls. Importantly, if the property is built on shrinkable clay, the growing roots can soak the soil’s moisture, leading to foundation settlement and visible cracking.

Climate Changes

When the temperature drops, structural building materials tend to shrink. On the other hand, when the temperature rises, they tend to expand. Over time, these changes can cause visible cracks on your walls. While these are usually not an issue, dramatic temperature changes caused but drought, for instance, can lead to bigger cracks that will need fixing.

When is Visible Cracking Alarming?

There are a few signs that can indicate the visible cracking on your walls could be serious and require immediate attention:

• Horizontal cracks, as mentioned above, often indicate structural damage such as water damage or foundation shift.

• Diagonal cracks can be a sign of subsidence of footings.

• If you can’t open or close your windows or doors properly anymore, your property might have severe structural issues.

• Cracks above your windows or doors and sagging ceilings are all signs of structural problems.

• If you notice cracks on the ceiling where the ceiling meets the wall, your home might be having some structural issues.

Have you noticed some new cracks in your walls or ceilings, and you’re unsure whether they’re posing a serious issue? We’d recommend you talk to a qualified building inspector and engineer as they’ll be able to assess the seriousness of the cracks.

Is your Pool Fence Compliant?

Did you know that drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children under five years old in Queensland? Unfortunately, the numbers are rising among all children. While danger is everywhere and drowning could occur in a river or at the beach, making sure your pool is safe for your children is critical to avoiding dramatic accidents. Note that local governments have the power to investigate your fence and issue a fine, should it not be compliant with the regulations.

To assist you, we listed below a checklist that will allow you to determine whether your pool meets Queensland’s pool safety standards. If it doesn’t, you’ll be able to use this list as a guideline to ensure your pool is fence compliant in the future.

Guidelines for Fences

One of the most important things about your pool fences is the height. You need to ensure that the height from bottom to top is at least 1200 mm and the maximum gap allowed between the ground and the bottom of your fence is 100mm.

 If your fence measures under 1800 mm in height, the regulation stipulates that any climbable objects should be placed at least 900mm to 1200mm away from the pool fencing. As a result, make sure to trim any close vegetation a child could climb. 

Guidelines for Pool Gates

Based on the pool fence regulations in Queensland, the gates leading to your pool area should meet the below requirements:

●     Self-closing and self-latching from all the possible positions.

●     The gates must not open inwards toward the pool enclosure.

●     Any latches on the gates should be positioned at least 1500mm in height from ground level.

●     Any pool gate hinges thicker than 10mm should be positioned at least 900mm apart. You should also always ensure they’re tight and do not need to be replaced.

Standards for Doors and Windows

To minimise water-related injuries or accidents, the Pool Fence Regulations in Queensland forbid direct access from a property or any adjacent buildings to a swimming pool. In other words, no doors or windows can have direct access to a pool area. Yet, if a window happens to provide direct access to the swimming pool area, it shouldn’t open more than 100mm. Alternatively, it must be fitted with a security screen.

Signage

A compliant cardiopulmonary resuscitation sign (CPR sign) must be attached to the pool fence or visibly displayed near the pool. Note that to be compliant, the size must be at least 300 mm by 300 mm. It should also be weatherproof and clearly state what needs to be done in case of an accident.

We hope this article will help you assess your current pool safety and ensure your fence is compliant. Note that the post above isn’t an exhaustive list of pool safety requirements but rather should be used as a guideline. You’ll find more detailed information about requirements in Queensland here.

At OneHome Inspections, we specialise in Pool Safety Inspections along with Building and Pest Inspections. Our highly experienced Pool Safety Inspectors will thoroughly assess your current pool situation and provide recommendations to ensure your pool is fence compliant.

Call us today on 3369 5231 to book your Pool Safety Inspection.

Spring Selling Tips

Spring brings about longer days, warmer temperatures, blooming gardens, and brighter skies. As a result, it’s no surprise it’s also the busiest time for the real estate market. Buyers are eager to get out of the house after a few colder months, looking for a lovely property to call home and start a new chapter. As for sellers, they can harness the beautiful weather, greener vegetation and flowering plants to make their house even more appealing and hopefully sell their property before the summer holiday. 

Yet, while spring is the best time to sell your property, it's also the busiest time of the year on the real estate market as mentioned above, meaning competition is fiercer during this time of the year. As a result, we’ve listed below a few tips to help you make your property as enticing as possible to potential buyers and increase your chances of an easy and quick spring sale. 

Declutter your House

Spring cleaning is more important than ever when trying to sell a property. The idea is for you to meticulously go through every single room and space in your home and discard clutter to make the place look organised and tidy. Not only will decluttering your property help make your rooms look bigger, but it will also enable you to reduce your workload when the time comes to pack up your things.

Clean everything 

When potential buyers walk into your home, everything needs to be clean. As a result, make sure to vacuum the carpet (professionally if necessary), dust lamps, furniture, skirting, blinds, and cupboard tops, clean the windows, remove any mould from the bathroom or kitchen tiles, scrub your floor and thoroughly wipe surfaces.  

A smelly house with dishes in the sink and diapers on the floor won’t be appealing to buyers as they’ll be distracted by the state of your interior and have a hard time focusing on the great features of your house.

Increase the Curb Appeal

You only get one opportunity to make a good first impression, and if you have an outdoor area, now is the time to showcase it at its best! 

Whether it be adding a fresh coat of paint to the garage doors, using pretty garden beds, planting blooming flowers, decluttering your spacious patios, installing window boxes, or investing in landscaping, there are many things you can do to enhance the exterior of your home.

Fix Everything Up

If you have small maintenance issues to handle, such as a chip in the wall, a broken cupboard door, a light bulb to change, or your lawn to mow, make sure you tend to these tasks before the open inspection. This will give a polished and finished look to your property and increase its appeal to potential buyers.

Style your Property

The statement “the devil is the details” has never been so true! Styling your property and adding extra finishes can instantly upgrade the look of your property, make it look more expensive, and help you sell your home faster. According to a report recently published by Compare the Market, staged homes sell on average four weeks quicker.

In order to make a good first impression, you should therefore stage the main rooms such as living rooms and bedrooms with neutral but functional furniture. Neutral tones are usually recommended to appeal to a broader base. You should also keep it minimal, as busy rooms are not as appealing. Add a couple of nice throws and cushions on your bed and couch to enhance the overall look.

While furniture and accessories are a big part of styling, pieces of art on the wall, delightful scents, and relaxing music in the background are all key elements to help you sell your home faster and optimise your profits.

To get your property ready for Spring selling, we recommend a Pre-Sale Building and Pest Inspection. This will help identify the small issues that need attention, before your put your house on the market. To book an inspection today, please call us on 3369 5231.

Dodgy DIYers

You moved into your new house or apartment a while ago with plenty of ideas on how you would turn your brand-new purchase into your dream home later.

Then, life might have gotten in the way and, more particularly, money. However, you’ve been watching the Block and House Rules lately, and you really feel like you could do it! For only a few thousand dollars, it seems like you can do it all yourself and genuinely come up with something magical that will add a lot of value to your property. How hard can it be?  

Well, while DIY renovation seems an appealing idea on paper, especially because it allows you to save a lot of money by cutting out the middleman and finding objects and furniture for a bargain, the reality can be quite different. If you’re interested in DIY renovations for your home, read on as we highlight some of the critical things to pay attention to before starting to tear apart your house ;)

Renovating Requires Skills

Remodelling a house or a room requires specific skills and some experience. After all, it is a profession! Some of the common mistakes homeowners make by lack of expertise and skill can cost a lot of money, time and lead to frustration.

Choosing the right materials (cheap doesn’t equal quality, as you probably know), designing the new home, making useful changes that will improve the flow and functionality of your house, and performing all the technical aspects like a professional can be time-consuming and end up costing you more because of the mistakes you’ll make along the way.

The quality of the work and finishes is essential to add value to your property and make it look beautiful, modern, and inviting. As a result, hiring professionals, at least for some of the technical and complex tasks, can be the best way to ensure your property’s value increases over time.

Finding Subcontractors

 When DIY-ing your home, you might still need to hire some skilled subcontractors for plaster installation or whole-house wiring. Unfortunately, this can prove a challenging, time-consuming, and frustrating experience as you try and navigate the ins and outs of the subcontractor world. Hiring a contractor will allow you to save time and money as they rely on a network of skilled subcontractors, making it easy to quickly hire the right people for the job.

Approvals and Codes

When remodelling your home, you’ll have to think about many things, including approvals and codes. Depending on where you live and what kind of renovations you want to do, your project will most likely require that you ask for permission. The approvals will be bound to the building code, which specifies the standard of constructed objects. This means your home will have to comply with the code and its high building standards, and if you’re not an expert, it might be difficult for you to achieve.

While there are things you can do to save money on your remodelling, such as shop around and do the prep work, you’ll still need skilled labour to complete some of the more complex tasks and ensure your property turns out exactly as you wanted it to!

What Do Property Buyers Want?

Are you thinking about selling your property, but you’re not sure whether it has the right attributes?

In an ever-changing real estate landscape, knowing what type of properties or even what kind of features buyers are after can be challenging as different buyers long for different things.

However, regardless of personal tastes, the buyers’ list in 2021 has a few popular features and criteria that are quickly becoming ‘’must-haves’’. And to assist you, we’ve listed them below.

Price

When it comes to purchasing a property, it’s no surprise that one of the top criteria on buyers’ lists is the price. After all, purchasing a property is all about being able to afford a dream home or the closest possible option to it.

Location

Location is key in real estate, and main cities have experienced a shift over the last few years. Indeed, people (and Millennials in particular) are moving from the inner city to experience suburban living as the latter offers a better lifestyle. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this shift as the need to commute has eroded, and the ability to work from home has increased, making it possible to live further away from work.

A study published by Australian Broker in August 2020 revealed that the regions’ appeal has been increasing over the last few years, driven by improved lifestyle and working from home opportunities. 

However, note that despite these shifts, the most popular locations often feature:

• Amenities, cafes, and restaurants

• Easy access to public transport

• Schools

• General aspects of streets, houses, or gardens in the neighbourhood

Outdoor Space

It’s no secret that Australians are pretty outdoorsy. Blessed with wonderful weather all-year-round in most cities, the country’s appetence for courtyards or spacious outdoor areas has always been an asset for property owners. The rise of remote working triggered by the coronavirus pandemic has increased the need for homes featuring outdoor spaces where children can play while parents work and where the family can exercise and get some fresh air in case of a lockdown. A survey published by Realestate.com.au has even revealed an increase of 41% between April and June 2020 in COVID-related searches containing the word ‘’outdoor’’.

More Designated Areas

The desire for more space is not limited to the outdoor space. As people increasingly work from home, they feel the need for a bigger but more compartmentalised indoor space where each room has a dedicated function. This allows owners to have a designated room for kids to do their homework, a home office for them to work in or a home gym space. As a result, the open plan living space is making way to closed floor plans.

20-Minute Neighbourhood

The 20-minute neighbourhood concept is based on the idea that people want to live within a 20-minute walking distance of all the amenities they need. And while this concept emerged a few years ago, the pandemic has reinforced the need for people to have easy access to everything they need to live, work, and play in their area.

Are you looking to sell your property? If so, don’t hesitate to get in touch on 3369 5231 to book a pre-sale Building and Pest Inspection.

Looking out for Houses that Have Had a Facelift

Are you finally getting ready to achieve your big dream of buying a home, and you’re a budget-conscious home buyer who also happens to have little time?

 If that’s the case, you might be looking for a property that recently had a facelift in order to minimise the amount of work you’ll need to do in your new property.

 While this seems like a great way to save both time and money, purchasing a recently renovated property can prove tricky. Therefore, to help you avoid common mistakes, we’ve listed below a few things to look out for:

Keep a Critical Eye

Sure you find the home inviting and really charming, you visualise your family enjoying some sunshine in the garden and would love to cook using the spacious kitchen countertop. All these positives shouldn't distract you from looking for issues and thoroughly inspecting every part of the house. Besides, your budget and time constraints make it all the more important as you might not be able to fix future issues you might have missed, preventing you from enjoying your new home.

Check the Bathroom and Kitchen Functionality and Aesthetics

Although you should try out everything in the home, including cupboards, drawers, doors, and windows, the bathroom and kitchen are usually the most expensive rooms to renovate. It’s therefore important to be particularly thorough when inspecting these rooms. If they both look like they’ve been recently renovated, make sure to take the following steps: 

• Make sure there is plenty of storage space and cupboards and drawers open well. 

• Ensure the kitchen is fully functional and provides optimised cooking and dining spaces.

• Check out appliance brands. Branded appliances will likely last longer and can also be an indication that the owner invested in a proper renovation.

• Check out the plumbing system in both the kitchen and bathroom and stay on the lookout for things like banging or gurgling sounds and potential leaks. You should also inspect the tiled floors of the bathroom. Indeed, waterproofing under the tiles usually starts wearing out after five years, so tiles that have been recently replaced can save you a lot of money in the short to medium time.

Inspect Paintwork and Skirting Boards

One of the cheapest ways for owners to upgrade the look of their property is to paint the interior and/or exterior walls. However, not all owners hire talented professional painters, and the job might not provide a nice and clean finish. You should, therefore, always be on the lookout for cheap paintwork.

While paintwork is a major thing to inspect, you should also look at the baseboards and ensure they’re even. Skirting boards and paintwork can give you a good indication when it comes to the level of investment that has been made in the renovation. An excellent paint job and even skirting boards will make it most likely the owner took care of their property and invested a fair amount of money in a quality renovation. Besides, keep in mind that painting is also sometimes a way to hide cracks and other damage, so always inspect paintwork with a critical eye.

While this post aims at providing you with the necessary tools to ensure a successful home purchase, you should also invest in a Building and Pest Inspection report. A Building & Pest Inspection will reveal any hidden issues and defects and potentially saving you a lot of hassle and money. Contact us today on 3369 5231 to book your inspection.

What is underpinning, and how to identify signs that the house you are about to buy has underpinning?

Queensland homes are notorious for experiencing subsidence due to extreme weather conditions and soil characteristics. Therefore, it is not rare to see properties with underpinning. While house stability should be restored through underpinning, it poses other challenges such as insurance cover. Therefore, spotting these signs early will allow you to make a more informed decision when purchasing the house.

To assist you, we’ve detailed below what underpinning is and outlined a few pointers when it comes to spotting subsidence. We’ve also listed a few signs that the house you’re about to purchase has been underpinned.

What is Underpinning?

Underpinning is the process of strengthening the foundations of an existing building. It might be necessary because the original foundations weren’t strong or stable enough, or the usage of the structure has changed. Underpinning can also be a necessity if the properties of the soil supporting the foundations have changed or the structure has moved due to various reasons, including natural disasters, impacting the structure of the property. This often leads to the floor collapsing or sinking, taking the foundations with it (this is called subsidence).

However, in some cases, homeowners use underpinning to lower their floor and create more usable space. By building new foundations under the current foundations, you can lower your floor and create a brand-new room or space.

Note that underpinning can be accomplished by extending the foundation in depth or breadth.

 

Signs a House has Subsidence

Signs a house needs underpinning include:

• Visible cracks in the walls, paths, or driveaway.

• Cracks or gaps around the windows or door frames.

• Sinking or sloping floors.

• The property leans to one side.

• Visible tree roots in the home’s walls or around the house’s foundations.

• Windows or doors are jammed.

• Skirting boards are separating from the wall.

• Stagnating water around the home.

Signs a House Has Underpinning 

• Although rare, if you or your surveyor spot the edge of an exposed concrete foundation at ground level, it means the house has been underpinned.

• A surveyor can also look at movement throughout the building. They would, for instance, analyse whether such movement is active and progressive or rather dormant and historic and assess the severity of the movement to determine whether the property has been underpinned.

• If you’re aware that the property has been underpinned, the buyer should have all of the relevant documentation, including a certificate from the Structural Engineer, stating that the work has been completed adequately to the industry’s standards, and the house is structurally sound. Make sure you request and review the documents, as they will provide you with insurance for the work that has been done.

The best way to tell if a house has signs of subsidence or if it has been underpinned is to rely on professionals and use their knowledge and conclusions to determine if you should negotiate the price to accommodate for potential fixes or even whether the house is worth buying.

Need help with a potential purchase? At OneHome Inspections, we provide thorough Building Inspection services to help buyers make the right decision. Don’t hesitate to get in touch, as we’d love to help.

Buying a Property on a Sloping Block

Are you wondering whether buying a property on a slope is worth it?

As the name suggests, a sloping block is a piece of land that is inclined or declined and, therefore, isn’t flat like most building sites. Building on sloped land is becoming increasingly popular for a few reasons, including affordability and incredible elevated views. Besides, a lack of availability for flat blocks in some areas is pushing some buyers to consider sloped land.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve listed below the benefits of owning a property on a sloping block, as well as the additional costs it can involve. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Benefits

Unobstructed views

One of the main benefits of buying a property on a sloping block is the unobstructed views the sloped land will provide. By purchasing a property on a sloping block, you’ll be able to benefit from the higher elevation of the site and enjoy panoramic views of the local area. Imagine waking up every day to gorgeous ocean, sprawling country valley, or city views! Not only will a sloping site provide you with stunning views for you to enjoy every day, but it can be an incredible asset if you ever want to sell your property. The ‘wow factor’ created by the views will be sure to dazzle potential buyers.

More Natural Light

Not only is the elevation great for the views, but it will also provide your interior with plenty of natural light exposure. Natural light has many health benefits and can help make your home a happy place, especially if you work from there or spend a lot of time indoors. Natural light is a sought-after feature for many buyers, so enhanced natural lighting can dramatically increase the value of your property.

Creative Design

Because sloping blocks present their unique set of challenges, they offer a wealth of design opportunities. As a result, they’re usually out of the ordinary custom homes, featuring unusual floor plans and ooze character. When purchasing a sloped block, you’ll be able to add your creative touch to the home design and turn this property into a real masterpiece that suits your exact needs!

 

Additional Costs

While there are many benefits to purchasing a property on a sloping block, some drawbacks include additional costs that come with the construction. Building on a sloping block can incur an additional costs compared to building on a flat block. Some of the costs may include:

• Intensive excavation and soil removal

• Soil retention

• Retaining walls

• Difficult structural engineering

• Foundation leveling

We hope this article provided you with some valuable insights about buying on a sloping block. While there are many advantages, you should always opt for a specialised builder with considerable experience and expertise in sloping sites. They should also have a vision for your future home and help you make the most of the challenging but rewarding sloped terrain!

How to Avoid Water Damage in Your Bathroom

Water damage repair can be costly and tedious. Unfortunately, bathrooms are particularly susceptible to water damage. Indeed, they tend to be the room most exposed to high volumes of water, and regular use of toilets, sinks, showers, or baths can lead to pipe and fixture damage over time. If the issues aren’t fixed in time, they can create problems such as mould or even generate costly structural damage. Follow these tips to prevent water from damaging your bathroom.

Ensure your Tiling is Waterproof

Have you decided to update the look of your bathroom and want to DIY the tiling? While this might seem like an appealing idea, you should always ensure you take all the necessary steps to prevent future water damage. These include properly waterproofing the bathroom, using a good grout mix, and properly applied caulking.

Upgrade your Fixtures

Upgrading your fixtures to newer models can seem costly at first, but it can end up saving you a lot of money and hassle. Standard toilets, for instance, account for approximately 40% of your annual water consumption. According to Sydney Water, switching from an 11-litre single flush toilet to a 4.5/3 litre dual flush toilet can save you up to $352 a year.

Besides, old showerheads can use twice as much water as newer models.

As a result, using water-efficient bathroom fixtures can help you save on your water bill, prevent future costly water damage, and reduce your environmental footprint.

Unclog your Drain

If you’ve noticed your sink is draining slowly, the issue might be clogging. It’s very important to unclog your drain as soon as the clogging issue arises to prevent future water damage. Use a drain cleaner from Bunnings (or any hardware store) and follow the instructions. You can also try to pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain. This will most likely fix the issue. However, if it doesn’t, the problem might be more severe, and you should call a plumber to inspect the blockages. To avoid clogging your plumbing system, make sure toilet paper is the only item you place in the toilet and discard anything else such as diapers, sanitary pads, or even hair in the bin.

Switch on the Exhaust Fan

Exhaust fans are specifically designed to draw out excess moisture from the bathroom, preventing it from infiltrating your walls. As a result, you should always turn on your fan when using the shower or bath. If your exhaust fan isn’t working as well as it should, you can also use a dehumidifier. Indeed, these appliances are engineered to absorb excessive moisture from the air, thus preventing any future water damage.

Inspect your Bathroom Floor

Checking your bathroom floor for water after taking a shower or a bath is important. Indeed, sitting water can lead to serious damage such as mould or structural damage. Therefore, you should always ensure the water is fully drained before leaving the room. Using a highly absorbent bath mat can help absorb water and prevent it from building up on your floors.

Preparing your home for Queensland winter

As the Sunshine State settles into colder days and darker nights, you may be looking for new ways to make your home warmer, cosier and more weather-resistant.

Whether you are a home-owner or in the market to buy or sell, preparing your home for winter can save time and expense, pre-empting and preventing issues before they arise. The following tips will help you create a safer, warmer, and more inviting home this winter.

Designing for warmth

Flooring

The first thing to consider when cosying up your home and transforming it into an inviting retreat from the chill is your flooring. Concrete, hardwood or tiling can be quite cold underfoot and provides poor insulation. If underfloor heating is not an option, rugs will be your new best friend in transforming the space. Stunning wool, and gorgeous Berber, shag and natural fibre rugs do wonders in adding a layer of beauty while protecting the floor and providing a snug and homely feel.

Shades and textiles  

Rich and warm tones such as dark chocolate, blush pink, terracotta and olive greens can be used to redecorate your home this winter to create a delicious and inviting feel. Add depth with the plush softness of cushions and throws, and create elegant comfort with luxurious textiles of velvet, wool and faux fur.

Bedding  

Your bedroom is your ultimate winter retreat; warm shades and soft textiles can truly make it an inviting haven. Wool and feather quilts provide maximum warmth, while microfibre and cotton quilts are lighter and may be sufficient, depending on your unique circumstances and preferences.

Windows  

Windows brighten a space with natural light, but without the right coverings, they can also let in the frosty nights. To maintain a cosy ambience, insulated curtains or compact roller blinds protect against the chill and help reduce your heating bill.

Prevention is better than cure ~ simple jobs to do

Pipes and drains  

The last thing you need during winter downpours are overflowing, sagging or blocked drains. Make sure you clear your pipes and drains to prevent potential damage to your home.

Heating system  

Before the chill sets in, ensure your heating system is appropriate for the space and working efficiently. Gas heaters are preferable for larger, more open spaces, while electric heaters are usually sufficient for smaller rooms. Not only can choosing the correct heater for your space save money, it is also essential for providing optimal warmth and ensuring your home’s safety and family’s health. You can also check the unit’s overall performance and clean the filter. This not only makes life easier, but it also gives you peace of mind.

Ducted heating system  

Ducted heating is a modern-day miracle, but over time a build-up of dust on the fan can become hazardous. Extended use during winter can cause additional pressure on gas burners and carbon monoxide testing units, both of which are critical for the proper running and maintenance of your system. Checking for this can ensure that safe and optimal performance is maintained. 

Gas log fire  

The elegance and warmth a gas log fire adds to your home is timeless. It is a gorgeous feature to emphasise if you are planning to sell, so be sure to declutter the space around it and style the room to show off it’s natural beauty.

This winter, keep the heat in by restyling your sanctuary with warming tones, lush rugs and the right heater for your space.

If are planning to buy or sell this winter, we provide fast, high-quality Building and Pest Inspections that you can trust. Give our professional and friendly team a call today on 3369 5231.

Why you should consider additional Pre-Purchase Plumbing and Electrical Inspections

If you’re looking to purchase a new home or perhaps an investment property, you would have considered a Building and Pest Inspection. When looking at an older property or apartment blocks, it may be worthwhile considering a more in-depth inspection of the Plumbing and Electrics of the property, to give you additional peace of mind?

Peace of mind as a landlord

The additional Plumbing and Electrical inspections can prevent financial heartache later when major plumbing and electrical problems are found once you or your tenants have moved in. By conducting a pre-purchase preventive maintenance check, you will ensure your investment will function effectively by increasing in value during every growth cycle and should you rent it out, attracting good quality and happy tenants.

Peace of mind with older properties

Particularly with older homes such as Queenslanders, we see equipment and wiring breaking down gradually, hidden problems such as tree roots in drainage systems and of course, the Plumbing and Electrical Australian Standards changing, meaning upgrades are required. 

RTL Trades Plumbing and Electrical Inspections

RTL Trades Pre Purchase Property Electrical and Plumbing Inspections are aimed at investors and first home buyers and work very much like a builder’s report. 

If something has been flagged by the Building and Pest Inspector, RTL Trades have a team of experienced and licenced Plumbers and Electricians with the correct equipment. Providing a non-bias and in-depth inspection, a report is provided which details the issues and potential subsequent quote/s to repair any issues found. Which could allow you to renegotiate with the seller before you sign the contract. 

What’s involved in the additional Plumbing and Electrical inspections?

A thorough inspection of the Electrics and Plumbing, Inspections are conducted by qualified, experienced and licenced professionals, providing you with a detailed report of any immediate or future costs to rectify any issues: 

• Identify and advise on any non-compliant and/or dangerous DIY Electrical or Plumbing

• Check incoming mains, main switchboard and safety switches

• Ensure compliance is met with Plumbing and Electrical Australian Standards

• Advise on any power saving or water-saving ideas

• Advise of the age and life expectancy on the current hot water unit

• Electrical checks on faulty switches and wiring to ensure there are no faults. 

• Evaluate whether or not there is sufficient electrical service

• Check for any outdated Electrical or Plumbing fixtures. 

• Provide on the spot advice and timely quotes for rectification. 

In conclusion

For the safety of you and your family or the safety and reassurance of your tenant, it’s clear to see why spending a little extra on Pre-Purchase Plumbing and Electrical Inspections is worthwhile. It may save you much more in the future, including your lives. 

The Electrical Safety Office of Queensland is encouraging Pre-Purchase Electrical Inspections to assist buyers to identify if a property is safe and complies with all electrical legislation. “We are promoting these inspections to assist buyers in avoiding costly and unsafe issues, to act as a deterrent to dangerous and illegal DIY work, and to encourage homeowners to commit to better maintenance practices.”

About the Author - RTL Trades

RTL Trades, established originally as ‘RTL Plumbing’ over 70 years ago in 1948, have an experienced and professional team of 40+ professional and licensed Plumbers, Gasfitters, Electricians, Handymen and Roofers. Proudly providing our services across South East Queensland. 

Contact: www.rtltrades.com.au  / 1300 000 (RTL) 785 /  sales@rtltrades.com.au 

Preparing Your House for Market

Were you, like many Queenslanders out there, planning on putting your house on the market this year? Why not take this opportunity of being stuck at home, to make updates to your house and make it more appealing to buyers?

Not only will this give you a purpose, but it will boost your mood, and help make Netflix and chill days guilt-free. Just be careful to keep the quality high if you do decide to DIY.

Here are 5 areas to consider when preparing your house for the market.

1. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter

The first step in preparing your house for market should always be to declutter. Once you start, you will realise how much ‘stuff’ you have and how much you do not need. It’s not only a great opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need but also to do a preliminary pack and tidy your cupboards. Remember that buyers will be opening doors and looking in cupboards, so make the cupboards worth a look!  A clean and decluttered house will make it appear larger than it is.

2. Spring Clean

Before you have any potential buyers through your house, you will need to give your place a heavy-duty spring clean. Pay attention to mould spots in the wet areas, dirty vents, cobwebs, dusty shelves. Clean your windows inside and out. Also, consider that buyers will be opening cupboards so be sure to clean under the sinks and in storage cupboards. You want the buyers to think that the property has been well maintained and cared for.

3. Cosmetic and Maintenance Repairs

The smallest repairs can make all the difference. Consider fixing chipped tiles, loose door handles, cracked or discoloured power points, carpet stains, scuffed paintwork, dripping taps, and resealing wet areas. All of these things may be minor to you but to a buyer, may highlight the amount of work they will have to put into the house. Or worse still, could lower the price they are prepared to pay.

4. Paint is always a good idea!

A fresh coat of paint will instantly give the house or area a lift. It may be the whole house, the front door, or just some touch-ups. Look around the house and see what needs to be freshened up. It is amazing how much a little paint can improve the house appearance. It is a good chance to also make any feature walls a more neutral colour. You may love that hot pink wall but a more neutral colour pallet will appeal to more buyers.

5. Gardening

Buyers will make their first impressions at the front of your home. Take the time to make sure the lawn is mowed, the hedges are tidy and the weeds under control. Maybe you could even consider planting some flowers to help lift the garden and add a little colour. Similarly, with outdoor living spaces. Make sure the area is inviting so that potential buyers can imagine themselves living there.

To book your Pre-Sale Building & Pest Inspection, please call our team on 07 3369 5231.

The Building and Pest Inspection Process

The Building & Pest Inspection process is very simple. Most commonly Building & Pest Inspections are carried out because you are either, preparing to sell your property or you have a contract on a property that is subject to the Building & Pest Inspection. Whichever your situation, there is often a lot going on for you during this time. We like to help take the pressure off where we can.

Below is a quick guide to our process

1. Find Your Inspector

There are several factors to consider when you are selecting a Building and Pest Inspector. Most importantly, you should ensure that the Inspector is Licensed and Insured.

At OneHome, our Inspector, Tom is fully licensed and Insured. He has over 16 years’ experience in the industry and is very personable.  

2. Book Your Inspection

Our friendly team in the office will liaise with the agent to organise a suitable inspection time. They will then send through a confirmation email with all the relevant information for your reference. 

3. The Inspection

All our Inspections are carried out to the Australian Standard and include the use of the latest Thermal Imaging Technology. A typical Building & Pest Inspection will take approximately 90 minutes. We do encourage you to attend the Inspection. Once Tom has finished the inspection, he will be able to talk you through any findings or answer any questions.

4. Same-Day Reporting

Following your Inspection, Tom will have your Building & Pest Inspection Report through to you via email on the same day as the inspection. Once you have received your report, feel free to call Tom with any questions regarding the findings and/or recommendations. 

If you would like to book your stress-free Building & Pest Inspection, please call our team on 07 3369 5231.

Tools of the Trade

Inspectors use many types of equipment because their use allows us to identify unacceptable conditions that cannot be identified visually. Some types of equipment are used because they make the inspections easier or faster for the inspector. Here are some examples of the equipment we commonly use

Torch

Powerful flashlights are good for seeing in dark areas where access is difficult or impossible but the strong reflection can make taking photos difficult.

Thermal imaging cameras

Moisture is one of the biggest threats to a building's structural integrity. All too often, it's not detected until it can be seen with the naked eye. By that time, extreme amounts of damage have probably been done. Thermal Imaging Technology can detect even the smallest amounts of moisture in a building. This state-of-the-art technology allows our inspector to locate the signs of moisture before they cause serious problems.

Moisture meters

A moisture meter can detect high levels of moisture in internal wall cavities and exposed timbers. High moisture areas in a dwelling may attract or contain termite activity. High moisture readings are often located in or adjacent to bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.

When high moisture readings have been detected, a recommendation will be made to have the area assessed further for termite activity. A moisture meter will also detect moisture from leaking pipes or rising damp. All high moisture readings should be investigated to determine the cause.

Tapping Devices

A sound tapping device is a thin fiber glass rod with a plastic ball at the end of it. This is used to tap walls, timber frames or skirting boards, to check for hollowness, which could indicate the presence of a termite infestation.

Ladder

Used to gain access to roofs and roof voids, we use an Bailey Retractable ladder which can be maneuvered easily inside homes and adjusted inside small spaces or reach high areas.

Tape Measure

A tape measure is used to check handrail or step dimensions etc. for safety purposes.

Pool Safety Inspection

Pool barriers help save lives by preventing young children from accessing swimming pools. Did you know that drowning is one of the leading causes of death in Queensland for children under the age of five years old? New Queensland pool safety laws introduced in 2009 aim to reduce the incidences of drowning and serious immersion injuries of young children in swimming pools and apply to both new and existing pools, spas and some portable pools.

If you own a pool, are buying a property with an existing pool or are planning on building a pool there are 3 pool safety basics to know:

• All pools in Queensland must be registered with the QBCC

• Your pool barrier must comply with the law

• Get a pool safety certificate - This is a requirement only when properties are sold or leased.

The pool safety standard covers such things as the height and strength of barriers, mandatory non-climbable zones, gates and their latching requirements and preventing direct access from a building into a pool area. To assist in finding out if your pool meets the current pool safety standard, visit the QBCC Pool Safety Website (https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/home-building-owners/pool-safety/does-your-pool-comply) . There are now penalties enforced for pools not meeting the safety standard, so it’s best to be on the front foot.

The Inspection Process

Once the Pool Safety Inspection has been completed, the pool will be found to be Compliant or Non-Compliant.

If the pool is deemed fully compliant, our inspector (Tom) will issue the relevant Pool Safety Certificate.

If your pool is not deemed compliant, then the owner will be issued with a Non-conformity Notice (Form 26), as well as a report detailing all the items needing correction and will have 90 days to address all the items. Once all issues have been rectified, we will be able to re-inspect the pool so a Pool Safety Certificate can be issued. 

Can I sell my property if my pool doesn't have a pool safety certificate?

Yes, you are still able to sell your property.

Seller's responsibility
Complete the Form 36 - Notice of no pool safety certificate and provide a copy to the buyer and QBCC.   If you own a property with a shared pool, you will also need to provide a copy of the form to the owner of the pool (usually a body corporate).

Buyer's responsibility
Obtain a certificate within 90 days after settlement.

If you would like to book your Pool Safety Inspection, call us on 07 3369 5231 or email hello@onehomeinspections.com.au.

The Damaging Pest

Termites nesting in the wall

Extensive termite damage to stairs and balustrades

Pest invasion is becoming a serious problem in Australia and while a lot of pests are annoying but ultimately harmless to your home, there are some pests which cause damage, whether that be to your home, your possessions or even yourself.

At OneHome, our Pest Inspections identify the most destructive pest; termites (white ants), borers and wood decay fungi (rot). But what are they and how can you eliminate the problem in your home?

Termites

1 in 4 Australian homes will have termites in their lifetime! They eat wood, and most homes (especially Queensland homes) have a lot of wood in them. They cause a lot of damage, and the damage sometimes isn’t covered by home insurance.

Termites are Australia’s most destructive pests causing extensive damage to the structure of a building which can go undetected for years if not monitored through routine inspections.

How to prevent them: Unfortunately there aren’t reliable natural ways to prevent termites. The only reliable way to prevent termites  is to have a termite management system put in place which protects the home.

Borer

There are several types of timber borers in Australia, some serious and some not, so it is important to identify them if you think you have a problem.

The larvae of borer beetles, known as woodworm in many parts of the world, eat labyrinths through the interior of wood for 2-4 years, before moving to the surface, pupating and emerging as the adult beetle. Over time affected wood will weaken and exit holes allow water penetration. The extra moisture in the wood will encourage more attacks by borer and may promote wood rot.

There are multiple signs that can tell if wood borers have infested timber or wooden products. Scroll down or click on the links below to see the details:

• Fresh exit holes in timber

• Bore dust or frass

• Tunnels in wood

• Weak and damaged floor boards

• Crumbling wood

• Live beetles

• Dead beetles

• Wood borer eggs

• Wood borer larvae

• Sound

Fungal Decay

Wood Decay Fungi is often not considered a serious pest of timber, but it can become such a severe problem that structural integrity is affected.

The type of fungi encountered by Building and Pest Inspectors usually reside in poorly ventilated sub-floors, below wet areas of the home, exterior timbers and in areas that retain water in the soil. The durability and type of timbers are factors along with the temperature and environment.

If you are concerned about any of the above Pests in your home, please call us and book an Inspection on 07 3369 5231. 

What is a Moisture Metre and why is it important?

A moisture meter gives a reading of the approximate moisture content of wood. High moisture readings can be caused by any one of the following: poor ventilation, ineffective drainage, leaking pipes, leaking roofs, defective flashings or by concealed termite activity.

Wet spaces in your home are more vulnerable to water damage. Some of the common problems detected using a Moisture Metre include:

• Damage to wall sheeting and the flooring potentially caused by absent/poor waterproofing.

• Damage to cabinets and floors, caused by leaking taps, pipes, toilets and the overall plumbing

• Damage to the insides of cupboards, as was the skirting along walls, due to overflows from dishwashers, sinks as well as leaks arising from poor plumbing.

In addition, a Moisture Metre will help identify if there are any roof leaks; ensuring your home is watertight. Roofing can develop different types of problems such as: 

• Corrosion and holes in metal roofs – this is caused either due to deterioration or rusting.

• Loose or cracked roofing tiles

• Missing or cracked capping

• Lack of flashings

• Deterioration in flashings

• Damaged and corroded gutters

• Damaged and corroded downpipes

These problems can result in leakages in the roof spaces, insulation as well as the ceilings of your home. Poorly-installed and sealed skylights, air conditioners and vents often leak, allowing the rainwater to infiltrate the roof cavity.

The areas of high moisture should be investigated by way of an invasive inspection. If high moisture is reported during a Building and Pest Inspection, then you should have a building expert investigate the moisture and its cause and determine the full extent of the damage and the estimated costs of repairs. Our Inspector will provide recommendations should this occur.

If you are concerned about moisture issues in your home, call us today to book your inspection on 3369 5231.

Decks

If your home has a balcony, veranda or deck, regardless of whether it is made of timber, concrete or metal, do yourself a favour and organise a regular deck inspection. It’s awful to think about it, but checking the stability and integrity of your deck may just save a life!

A number of properties across Brisbane were built before 1946 and are particularly vulnerable to deterioration. However, structural problems can occur on decks built at any time.

Lack of maintenance is a primary cause of deck failure, however there are a number of other causes including:

• corrosion of metalwork and associated fittings and fixings in older decks

• lack of appropriate treatment to decking material, timber or steel

• use of timber that is unsuitable for exterior use

• use of untreated timber

• lack of bracing

• termite attack

• rotting timber

• water exposure

• overloading of decking areas (e.g. too many people on the deck)

• poor construction techniques used in owner/builder constructed decks

Our Australian climate is very harsh and even the most durable construction materials will eventually degrade. The defects might not be visually obvious to you – so book your inspection with us today.