Obscured glass is used to create privacy and is most commonly found in the bathroom. Privacy may also be required on balconies, kitchens or where you wish to stop others looking in. We are currently stocking an exciting range of 14 new obscured styles, that will create a modern or designer look. Perfect for a bathroom renovation, balcony makeover or kitchen splashbacks. These new styles will help you to create a sense of style and luxury.
These new patterns do have some advantages over the traditional sandblasted designer techniques. It is much faster and cheaper to choose a pattern than getting a custom project sandblasted to your individual design requirements. These designs allow you to create decorative glass options such as pattern splashbacks and pattern mirrors.
Glass Now provides a wide range of glazing solutions for the residential or commercial building owner. Our core business is 24hr 7-day emergency glass repair service. We also provide a range of glazing solutions and products for the home renovator, builders, shop fitters, etc.
We have recently acquired a range of designer glass styles that are refreshingly new and very trendy. If you are looking for the WOW factor, read on!
Below are three samples of the exciting new range of modern and trendy glass patterns. The range is referred to as “opti” being a low-iron glazing product. Normal float glass tends to have a slight green tint. Low iron gives the glass a clearer appearance. So drop into our showroom in Nerang to look at the complete range.
floral glass pattern
designer obscured glass
Trendy glass pattern
Obscured Glass
Patterns are typically supplied in 6mm and 10mm toughened glass. Call us to discuss as we maybe able to customise the order for other glass sizes and laminated glass options if required.
Brisbane and Gold Coast based Glass Now continue to deliver both new and replacement glazing solutions for commercial offices and shops. We have a dedicated team that specialise in providing the right solution at the right price. Shop front installations need to look good and provide the professional appearance you are looking for. High end frameless glass installations can be used to create clean lines, glass roofs and internal glass partitions to provide natural lighting.
Shop and office entrances needs to be well designed and we supply a complete range of commercial door options. If you are considering retro refitting doors to improve access, improve the design or as a replacement we supply and fit all leading brands of pivot doors, bi folding doors, stacker doors and automatic doors.
Adding mirrors to shops and bars is a great way to create the illusion of more space and glass counters and glass showcases provide a transparent and hygienic barrier to separate your products from your clients.
Does your store design needs improvement? The range of possibilities within high end architectural glass options is large so give Glass Now a call today and we can discuss your exact requirements.
As licensed glaziers at all times we comply with AS 1288:2006 – Glass in Buildings for the supply, installation and maintenance of commercial and residential, glass and glazing.
Emergency Replacement Glass; 24hr 7 day service, all suburbs of Brisbane & Gold Coast
CM3 Certified – cost effective glazing servicesfor Body Corporate, Property Managers, Schools, Shopping Centres, Medical and Government small to large commercial buildings
Commercial Services
Glass Replacement – Reglazing, Retro Refitting, Swap out
Fit to prepared openings
UV and Glass to Metal Bonding – Bainmaree,
Compliance Audit to the current AS 1288:2006 standards
Maintenance for WINDOW openers, closers, rollers, hinges, screens and sliders
Maintenance for DOOR pivots, hinges, openers, closers, rollers, screens and sliders
Domestic Services
Glass Replacement – Reglazing, Retro refitting, Swap out
All Mirrors
All Splashbacks
Lead light
Pet doors
Table tops and shelves
Oven doors
Balustrades
Security and Fly Screens
Vehicle side mirrors
New Shower screens
Maintenance for WINDOW openers, closers, rollers, hinges, screens and sliders
Maintenance for DOOR pivots, hinges, openers, closers, rollers, screens and sliders
Maintenance for frameless shower screens only
Why GlassNow?
Competitive rates , Established for over 23 years, Only qualified and insured tradesmen sent to work sites, Free on site quotes where required, Public Liability Insurance to the value of $ 20,000,000, Australian owned and operated factory with 10+ mobile vehicles, No job too small
CM3 Pre-qualified #013830
QBCC Licenses # 1003091
Member of Master builders # 22246
Accredited Member of Australian Glass Association # C3306
Nowadays we are all looking for ways to lower our carbon footprint and ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’.
And something as major as renovating your property gives ample opportunity to make sustainable, environmentally sound choices.
Here are our ‘Top Ten Tips’ for Sustainable Renovations.
Renovation itself is far more environmentally sound than demolition and rebuilding. Your existing property can be renovated to be the new, bright, airy home you dream of. And by renovating you are able to use existing materials and save on energy costs, too! More economical and much better for the environment.
Consider whether you actually need to extend. In many cases just redesigning the floor layout of your current home meets the needs you have and again saves on cost and environmental impact.
Cost analysis has proven that when you do need to extend it is more cost effective to do so on just one side of your home. It is also more energy efficient so plan to make a larger extension on one part of your home and not small ones all around.
Natural light is one of the greatest assets you can bring into your home. Plan your new design around putting in as many large windows in that face North. Move your living areas to the North side of your home. If your Northern Boundary is on a boundary or close to a wall or fence then consider letting the light in through your roof! The light not only makes your home more airy and attractive but brings the warmth of the sun, too.
When insulating your home don’t hold back. The legal minimum requirement is the basic benchmark. Boost the insulation of your home to lower the costs of warming and cooling your home year round! Combine reflective insulation with blanket, insulating concrete blocks or foam. Add weather stripping to your windows and doors to keep out draughts. If you don’t already have double or triple glazed windows consider retrofitting double glazing to your windows and ensure that all new windows are double glazed. Increase your insulation to increase your savings and your comfort.
Consider thermal mass. What is thermal mass? It is basically a solid, such as stone, concrete, clay, bricks, rammed earth or even a body of water. It absorbs the heat from the sun during the day and slowly releases it through the cool of the night. Thermal mass is a highly efficient energy alternative to a forced air hearing system. Using the natural processes of radiation, convection and conduction it moves heat through your building. In the winter it moves heat into your home and in the summer it moves heat out, cooling your home. This creates a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout the day, year round. The orientation of your thermal mass is vital, and depends on the climate in which you are building. In cold climates orientate your thermal mass to face the winter sun while in a warm climate it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Bear in mind that generally, the larger the thermal mass, the more efficient and effective it will be.
Recycle and reuse materials as much as possible. You can reuse materials directly from your own renovation, which helps the environment and your bank balance, or you can buy environmentally sound materials such as ‘green concrete’ which uses recycled aggregate and other by-products to reduce the volume of cement in the concrete. This cuts down on the amount of carbon dioxide produced in the curing of the concrete blocks. Choose recycled hardwoods and plantation pine over other timber which is more exotic and not sustainably harvested. Bamboo is a great choice as it is fast growing, but take care that it is finished with a non-toxic varnish.
Consider your air quality. Without realising it we can bring toxins into our living environments that affect the very air we breathe! Ensure that non-toxic finishing products are used on your flooring, instead of polyurethane finishes go with linseed oil for wood. And choose natural paints instead of acrylic paints which coat the walls in plastic. Even simple things like glues that are based on PVC can be easily replaced with natural glues that work with wood and tiles and are much healthier. And whenever possible choose gas wall heaters or hydronic heating panels over ducted, forced air which moves dust around a home. Even the heart of the home can bring toxins into the air; the kitchen cabinetry if made of MDF emits formaldehyde which is extremely toxic. Choose the Emission Zero (E0) boards which have close to zero emissions.
Use the sun and rain to cut costs and save energy. Choose round galvanised iron tanks over plastic as they are more energy efficient. Use solar panels with evacuated tubes, the most up to date efficient way of heating water. When picking your taps and shower heads bear in mind the water usage. Consider the rebates available when you install photo-voltaic panels to generate your own power, with the ability to sell the surplus to the national grid. It may cost you more at the outset, but you will save in the longer term.
When choosing appliances, size does matter! Bigger is most definitely not better, energy comparisons show that small to medium sized appliances are more energy efficient that the extra-large versions. Look at energy consumption, not just star ratings when you are picking your new appliances and choose appliances that are the size you actually need.
And, as with all things, local produced materials and items are better than foreign imports!
It is a well-known fact that a beautiful kitchen sells a home. So, when you are renovating your kitchen it is important to bear that in mind, but also to remember that you need to get the most for your money.
Don’t overspend on your new kitchen. Most of us only design a new kitchen once in a lifetime, so we need to do our research and make sure that we are not overpaying for a great quality kitchen. Shop around; don’t go with the first kitchen company you come across. Ask family and friends for recommendations and for lessons they learned when they renovated their kitchen.
Salesmen use many techniques to get us to sign on the dotted line. And telling us that this is a ‘one time deal’ is one of the most used. Don’t be pressured into accepting the deal, get an alternate quote. The offer might sound great, but shop around and you will find that there are very competitive prices for similar designs.
Have a good look at the supplier’s samples in their showroom. Quality of both cabinetry and hardware vary widely and taking time to examine the samples is always time well spent. Suppliers who don’t want to let you spend time closely looking at their samples are not likely to do a great job installing your new kitchen. Also, consider asking for references from past customers. There is nothing like a great reference from a satisfied client to give you confidence before you buy.
Work with a specialist kitchen manufacturer. Kitchens can be bought in all sorts of stores, but sticking with a kitchen specialist will ensure that you not only get the best advice but the best quality. The knowledge and skills of specialist kitchen companies can’t be replicated in stores that stock kitchens as well as other furniture or materials.
Deal with a kitchen supplier who asks you what you want and need, not one who tells you what you need. If your supplier starts to push items onto you instead of asking what you want from your new kitchen it is time to consider a new supplier. Your kitchen should be designed for you, and not be a standard kitchen that is prebuilt and they want to sell. This is your new kitchen and it should be exactly what you need and a kitchen that will make your life easier and more luxurious. Your kitchen advisor should ask questions about your budget, needs and how you use your kitchen, so that they can give you the best possible advice.
Get a clear and detailed quote. Make sure that everything is itemised and clarified. Ensure that the number of cabinets and the type are stated clearly. Make sure it includes every detail including the hardware. That means no nasty surprises down the line.
Go for quality over saving a few dollars. Cheaper, imported cabinets and surfaces claim to meet standards but you can never be sure. Go with a supplier who uses locally produced materials and that meet national standards. This will ensure that you don’t discover a safety or quality issue down the line. You and your family will spend a lot of time in your new kitchen, so make sure that you get the quality that you deserve!
Have your kitchen made to measure. Don’t buy standard cabinetry and try to fit it into your space with filler panels. Instead have your cabinetry made to fit your space. This will maximise the space and functionality of your new kitchen. And having your kitchen made to measure ensures that you get the perfect kitchen of your dreams.
Make sure that your cabinet makers and stone masons are master craftsmen, who hold all the relevant qualifications and memberships. Professionals will be happy to discuss their experience with you. Check references of your kitchen installers, most kitchen suppliers can offer a choice of trusted, professional installers.
Ask if your salesperson is working on commission. Choose to work with consultants who have no vested interest in you spending more money but instead are concentrating on getting you the perfect kitchen for your family and lifestyle!
It used to be that bathrooms were purely functional, but now they are one of the top rooms that sell any home. When renovating your bathroom bear these tips in mind.
Start with a feature piece. Whether it is a luxurious bathtub or a futuristic shower, make a choice and then plan your design around this feature. It will ensure that your bathroom has that stylish, designer touch you are aiming for. Tiles are always a great feature and can be used in so many ways to make your bathroom stunning.
Whenever possible have a window with a great view, it adds natural lighting and attracts future buyers. Add mirrors to the bathroom to reflect the light and to increase the feeling of space in your bathroom. Remember that one attractive mirror is better than a mirrored surface. Wall mounted, adjustable make up and shaving mirrors are always a great addition, too, as they are both functional and don’t take up surface space.
Choose the bathtub that suits your needs. Bigger isn’t always better, but if you want a tub for two choose one with taps in the middle and two slanted ends. A spa bath adds both luxury and gives the perfect place to ease aching muscles or relax as you pamper yourself.
If possible add a shower area that doesn’t need a door or curtain. It adds luxury and is less confining than a standard stall. A properly installed wet area will give that extra edge to your bathroom design. Consider where to mount the shower head, to give the effect of rain from overhead or aimed to give a strong massage effect on your shoulders.
Take advantage of the remodel to find extra space. A tall storage cupboard can be fitted between wall studs and give extra storage while not impinging on floor space. Be creative with your space. Even a shelf depth of just three inches adds a real impression of space and is useful in the bathroom.
Choose flooring that will last. Marble, ceramic and stone tiles are all great choices for a bathroom as they are not only beautiful, but durable and water resistant. Adding underfloor heating will keep the tiles warm underfoot. If you are choosing wood make sure that it is well sealed for water resistance and durability.
Make wise choices about lighting. Good lighting in a bathroom is essential and to allow for changes in atmosphere and relaxation consider dimmers. Lighting over and beside mirrors will give the light that is needed, where it is needed, without casting shadows.
Make sure that the toilet is not only stylish but comfortable. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high quality toilet.
Consider how to maximise space by adding a shared shower between bathrooms that back onto each other with access from each side. Also, consider how that closet next to the bathroom could be turned into a small en-suite with access to the bathroom. Under stair spaces can also be utilised to add a toilet and washbasin bathroom to your home, adding extra value.
If you have the space, make your bathroom into a home spa where you can relax and unwind. By adding a luxurious touch such as a built in television, vanity table, sofa or exercise equipment you are adding that extra touch of luxury. A well-appointed bathroom adds elegance and value to every home.
Your home is your biggest asset and you need to ensure that when you entrust it to a contractor you have made the right choice.
A good contractor will have no issues in spending time answering these questions and giving you full peace of mind before you sign them up.
To help you in making that choice here are our ‘top tips’:
Check references! A trustworthy contractor will have supply you with a list of satisfied customers. A well established, local contractor will have a long list of references for you to contact.
A great contractor is one who is fully insured, licensed and trained. Check that everyone who will be working on your home has up to date certification.
Ask if they offer a warranty and check that they are registered with the relevant professional associations.
Get an upfront, written estimate of costs. There may be some slight variations that occur to unforeseen circumstances but these should be limited.
Specifically when you are choosing a contractor to replace your windows and doors ask:
Do they install on a full time basis?
How long have they been in business?
Can they offer a variety of solutions to meet your personalised needs?
Can they service the work after the contract is completed?
Using a qualified skilled contractor will save you a lot of time, effort, hassle and money!
They will use only highly skilled window and glazing installers and will provide you with the insurance and warranties that you need to cover the work while it is being done and on completion.
When a qualified installer leaves you will have beautiful, safe new glazing and no clean up or headaches. You are going to be their reference for future clients so they will ensure that you are completely satisfied.
Qualified window installers also use Energy Star rated glazing. Energy Star is a voluntary partnership between the window manufacturers and the Department of Energy.
The glazing is fitted to the needs of your specific region and is twice as efficient as windows installed just ten years ago.
Energy Star rated glazing is 40% more efficient than that required by legal codes, so you know that your windows and doors will last, giving you peace of mind and great value for money.
When you are about to spend a vast amount of money on renovating your most valuable asset it is wise to take time to think about the project before you start. And as most of us only undertake renovations a few times in our lives we don’t always know the pitfalls that we might face.
Our ‘Top Ten Tips’ will help you prepare and being prepared is the best way to avoid the most common problems that are encountered in a renovation.
Ask yourself the vital question, “Why?” The answer to that question will help you choose the type of renovation and set your budget. If your answer is to increase the value of your property then take into account the items that will add most value.
Have your property given a full health check before you even start to plan your renovations. This will let you know of any problems that have to be addressed before you start your renovations, such as problems with the subfloor or underpinning of your property and will inform your planning.
Check with local realtors about the potential value of your home once you have renovated. Take that into account and ensure you don’t overspend on renovations that are not going to pay you back when you eventually sell the property.
Decide how you are financing your renovations. Using the equity of your home is one option, while taking out a loan is another. But make sure that you won’t be overextending yourself.
Take into account that your renovations will increase your home and contents insurance. Set that insurance in place as soon as your renovations get underway.
Set your budget. Be aware that costs can spiral if you don’t keep a tight rein on them, so set your budget and have an amount set aside for unforeseen situations. And once you start the renovation monitor your budget carefully.
Have all your paperwork and permits to hand when you are approaching a lender. It will push the loan application process through much faster.
Buy the best quality materials you can, and cut costs in other ways.
Choose the contractor very carefully; check references and set up both a proper contract and planned progress reports.
Only do things yourself if you are competent. Fixing incomplete or unsafe work later always costs more. Leave it to the professionals unless you are certain that you can do it yourself safe and to code.
As we all know, when you are making renovations to your properties there are many ways to go wrong. But by being ‘street smart’, making sure that you have all of the proper permits and hiring the right contractor you are on the path to success!
As with all things in life the old cliché “Failing to plan is planning to fail” holds true. So, start off by doing your research!
And very importantly, when planning your renovation, keep in mind the potential resale value of your property and what appeals most to buyers.
Considering that the average renovation is valued at around $100,000, there are at least one hundred thousand reasons that you should make sure that you know what you are getting into.
When setting your budget remember that about half of the cost will go to materials, with the remaining money going to labour and permits, fees and taxes.
Here is our ‘Top Ten List of Renovation Mistakes’:
One – Being the best house on the street.
Realtors say that three things matter when buying a house; location, location, location. So, being the best house in your neighborhood isn’t going to give you the return you might expect. Bear in mind your neighbourhood and plan accordingly.
Two – Cheap and Cheerful.
Make sure that your renovation blends in with the original structure. One article in a June 2013 British newspaper showed a renovation of a mobile home literally stuck onto the side of the house. Cheap, yes. Cost effective and adding value to your home, no! Make sure that your renovation is sympathetic to your current home to add maximum value.
Three – Illegal additions.
If you don’t have the correct permits before you start work you might find that the local authorities make you take down all of the work that has been done, wasting all that cash and time. Get the right permits before you start. A reputable contractor will be able to guide you, but do your own homework too. Check with your local authorities before you start work.
Four – Do it Yourself.
This can seem like a great way to save money, but faulty wiring and plumbing causes big problems and safety concerns down the line. And having to re-do the work is always more expensive than having it done correctly, and safely, at the time.
Five – Bringing the space indoors.
People want outdoor space, so if your renovation uses up all of your outdoor space you could be in a quandary when it comes to resale value. Make sure that you have an attractive outdoor area where people can enjoy summer barbecues and relax. Also, bear in mind that removing trees is not always a good choice. Mature trees on a lot add value to a home.
Six – Personal choices
You may be sure that those solid gold taps are worth every cent, but the chances are that future buyers won’t share your taste and won’t be prepared to pay for the over the top finishing touches you added to your renovation. Spend the finishing touches cash on items that future buyers will want, such as quality tiling in the bathrooms and kitchen. Luxurious showers never go unnoticed. And going open plan and adding a space for a personal office are always great additions to any renovation.
Seven – Stuck together with spit and glue
The major problems that are caused when extensions are not attached to an existing structure correctly are overwhelming. Make sure that your current building is sound, and that the extensions are structurally matched to the existing building, ensuring they are not impacting negatively on the integrity of the foundations or causing cracks in the building in the future.
Eight – Building your house on sand.
Check your subfloor for soundness! Otherwise you could discover that your beautiful new kitchen or bathroom is destroyed in just a few years. A sound subfloor is essential in successful long term renovations.
Nine – Blocking the Light.
One of the top selling features in any house is the amount of natural light that big windows let in. When planning your renovation make the most of the garden and natural scenery. Put in large windows that let in lots of natural light and consider using French doors instead of windows in downstairs rooms, especially the kitchen were access to the garden is always a bonus. And a bathroom with a garden view window; always a winner.
Ten – Check references.
This should probably be top of the list. But just to make sure that you remember we put it at the end. This is vital. Check every reference that your contractor provides and ask the references for the references that they checked, too! All reputable contractors are happy to provide you with references, and those who don’t want to give references are not the contractors you want to work with.
And as a final point, remember that curb appeal really matters!
Spruce up the front of your home with a fresh coat of paint and some well-planned planting. Spending a few hundred dollars on the first impression that potential buyers will have of your home is money well spent!
The kitchen space within your home is designed to be both functional and stylish. Updating your kitchen can create a new look within your entire home. By following remodeling design trends you can attain an elegant and distinct kitchen that looks appealing and functional.
Mixing Black and White
Contrasting colors is the best way to create a simplistic and stylish look. By choosing black countertops and white cabinets you can create a sleek and modern kitchen that is adored by all. Selecting appliance of one color will create a cohesive look that is perfect for your kitchen.
Advantages of Proper Lighting
Lighting is an essential element in every room within your home, but it is especially important in your kitchen. If you have a relatively small kitchen the space can be made larger by adding a chandelier light fixture that hangs over your kitchen island. This will create the illusion that your kitchen is larger than it actually is.
Mirrored Tiles
One of the latest design trends involves mirrored tiles that can be installed on your countertops or used as backsplash. These tiles create appealing light and shadow that can make your kitchen look more modern.
Farmhouse Motif
By adding old fashioned color patterns to your countertop you can create a remodeled kitchen that has farmhouse flair and style.
Large Kitchen Island
For cooking connoisseurs a large kitchen island located centrally in your kitchen will create a highly functional kitchen with immense space and neutral colors.
Much More Than a Kitchen
Due to the latest trends, kitchens are becoming more than just another room in your home. Instead kitchens are the prime location of beautiful decor items and oak flooring. Gold limestone countertops are also a new trend that is only increasing in popularity among luxurious kitchen owners.
Modern Updates
Some kitchens simply require a splash of modern flair to produce an updated and renovated look. By adding new appliances and pot racks, you can create a more modern and functional kitchen with ease.
Neutral Counter Tops
Soft lined and neutral toned countertops are the latest kitchen design trend that is gaining momentum. These countertops blend in well with a variety of kitchen styles.
Open Kitchen Floor Plans
If you have an open kitchen that is connected to your living space, it can be trendy to choose tiling or flooring options that match across both areas. This will create a cohesive and large space within your home.
Trendy Colors
Choosing daring colors can allow you to achieve a unique look within your kitchen. Red and lavender are two distinct color patterns that are popular paint options for your kitchen space.
