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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
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We all enjoy swimming in a beautiful pool, and the following are pools that are worth travelling to experience!
The Library, Koh Samui, Thailand
This spectacularly coloured pool is lined with mosaic tiles of blood red, orange and yellow. The red loungers around the pool add to the colour of the water and at night the lights are trained to highlight the effect of the tiling.
Pelican Hill, California, United States
This beautiful pool takes inspiration from the Roman Coliseum and is surrounded by an amphitheatre of terraces, arches and columns. The pool is lined with one million tiles and is an idyllic location to while away the day.
Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
This exquisitely lit pool was one of the first to use fibre optic technology to create an atmospheric pool in a beautiful location.
It adjoins the only salt water floatation pool in the Maldives, rich in minerals that have many healing effects.
Nandana Villa, Grand Bahama, Bahamas
An infinity pool that appears to join with the Atlantic, this pool is not cluttered with loungers but instead has just three carefully placed palm trees and is perfect for relaxation and enjoying the picturesque views.
The Standard, Los Angeles, United States
Twelve stories over the city, this turquoise water pool is surrounded by red Astroturf to give it a truly psychedelic appearance while swimmers overlook the city scape.
At night the pool becomes an entertainment area with a dance floor, open fireplace and bar.
Paresa Phuket, Thailand
This infinity pool overlooking the sea is populated by islands that provide the perfect secluded location for a romantic meal for two.
The sound of the waves and the starlight add the final touches to this unforgettable dining experience.
Punta Tragara, Capri, Italy
A pool that has been known by celebrities for over one hundred years, this is one location you will never forget. Surrounded by Cypress-studded Rocks and with a view of iconic Faraglioni rocks, this is a pool that cannot be mimicked anywhere else in the world.
Sanctuary Swala, Tanzania
Overlooking a watering hole in Tarangire National Park, this pool gives views that cannot be seen from any other pool in the world! Watch elephants and rare kudu antelopes against the stunning backdrop of Africa’s dramatic baobab trees.
Enjoy this pool at sundown with a cocktail before retiring to your luxury cabin.
Alila Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
This infinity pool is set among rice fields and appears to disappear down over the jungle below. A pool that will give you a sense of serenity and peace as you swim.
The St. Regis, Lhasa, Tibet
This gold plated pool is adjacent to a meditation garden and was designed for spiritual well being.
Skye, São Paolo, Brazil
This crimson roof top pool sits on the spectacularly designed boutique Hotel Unique. And being the tallest building for over 1km in each direction you are guaranteed panoramic views like nowhere else in the city.
The Cambrian, Switzerland
This heated outdoor pool, complete with bubble massage and soothing jets is perfect for après ski and allows you to feel as though you are swimming right into the unmatched Swiss Alps.
The Park Hyderabad, India
The purple water of this beautifully located pool matches the furnishings of the hotel, designed to make every guest feel like royalty.
This is an infinity pool that overlooks the lake, giving the perspective of both meeting.
Hearst Castle, California, United States
Although swimming is not allowed in either of the two Roman inspired pools at the mansion of William Randolph Hearst, writer of ‘Citizen Kane’, it is a popular tourist destination.
And seeing where many of Hollywood’s ‘Royalty’, such as Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable, have swum is definitely worth the trip.
One of the most memorable moments in all of our lives is moving into our own home. And while some people are restrained in their choice by finance, location or availability, others can let their imaginations run wild.
Here are the homes that made our top ten list of the world’s most unusual homes.
Skateboard House, USA
This house was designed for skateboarding enthusiasts and allowed the house to be ridden inside and out. The perfect home for the skater who wants to ‘hang ten’ while hanging out with friends at home.
Dick Clarke’s Flintstone’s Home, USA
Built for television legend, Dick Clarke, this single storey home was designed under the influence of the cartoon series, “The Flintstones”. A panoramic view of the ocean is enjoyed from the cave-like interior with each room seeming to be carved from a rock face.
World’s Smallest House, Germany
At just one metre squared this portable house on wheels is travelling all over Germany bringing a new appreciation for our living spaces to everyone. During the day the house stands upright while at night it flips onto its side allowing the backrest of the chair to serve as a mattress.
Old Water Tower, Belgium
This old water tower, once used as a hideout from Nazis during the war has been transformed into a modern home with all the conveniences of modern living. A spiral staircase gives access to the upper levels and every room enjoys uninterrupted views across the countryside.
The Transparent House, Japan.
Inspired by our tree inhabiting ancestors this house has walls of glass and is open internally allowing for maximum sunlight but no privacy. The use of glass allows passers-by a clear view of the inhabitants and provides a clear line of sight for residents to the outside world.
World’s Narrowest House, Poland
On a lot measuring just 92cms at its narrowest and 152cms at its widest the Keret House in Warsaw offers the smallest living space available. Built as an art installation to disprove the idea that a person could not live in such a small space the house bridges the gap between two buildings and is accessed from a staircase below.
Slide House, Japan
This home is designed with a regular stair case on one side of the space with a slide on the other, allowing you to choose whether to walk down the stairs or just slide from the second to the first floor. Integral hatches allow sliders to enter rooms just as easily as through a standard door.
Stone House, Portugal
Built into a massive stone this unusual home has all the requirements of a standard home. A door, windows and roof were added to this hollowed out boulder to make a comfortable residence.
Church Converted into a Family Home, Holland
A modern family home was created from an old church building in Holland. The design of the exterior maintains the building’s original purpose while the interior has been modified to fit every need of the modern family.
Giant Seashell House, Mexico
Heavily influenced by the work of Gaudi this magical wonderland home was built for a family with two children. The interior follows the natural flow of a seashell, yet meets every need and demand for comfortable family life.
As of 2012 Polish Architect, Jakub Szczesny, can lay claim to being the designer and owner of the world’s narrowest house.
At just 122 cms at its widest point, and an incredible 72 cms wide at its narrowest point, the triangular home is wedged between two buildings in the centre of downtown Warsaw.
The house was conceived from Szczesny’s pondering what one person could do, living and working in such a tiny space and the result is a spectacular, if not spacious, habitation that is supported on stilts and accessed from a staircase below.
Covering two floors, the house has a bedroom and work area at the top, and a bathroom, kitchen and dining area on the first floor.
Named the Keret House, in honour of the leader of the group who created the space, the house is an art installation that explores the impossibility of living in such a small space, and succeeds in blowing that misconception wide open.
Financed by the Polish Modern Art Foundation and the Capital City of Warsaw partnered with the National Centre for Culture, the house is due to stay in place for two years, though as it is already on the local tourist map it is thought that it might remain permanently in place.
The house also makes a bridge between two periods of history and the architecture of each; on one side the Pre-World War II building on Zelazna Street and on the other a concrete, co-operative apartment building designed to remove the atmosphere of free Warsaw.
Keret House bridges the two realities and also the ghettos that existed in Warsaw, showing that the city has moved beyond and has reached out to the future.
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.
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.
The beauty and appeal of glass structures has evolved into some of the most impressive and amazing glass houses known to man. Glass allows nature to flood the home which is one of the reasons why these wonderful architects have spent their valuable resources in creating some of the most magnificent homes in the world.
TheGlass Cube
This is a huge corporate structure that is used for informal meetings and professional conferences. Built in 2007 in Bad Driburg, German, the pavilion style structure is constructed with a façade that is made entirely of glass and stands several stories into the air. These glass panels are frameless and extend over six meters tall, even fitted with specialized spring mechanisms to protect the glass from harsh weather and higher winds.
dRMM Sliding House
This home is shaped like a traditional four-sided barn that stands over two stories tall. But the intriguing difference in this structure is the end wall made entirely of glass and steel frames. This glass wall has the ability to extend approximately several meters with just the push of a button, effectively increasing the internal area of the structure as well. This retractable glass enclosure also helps to protect the design from the elements.
Watervilla Korenhoef
This home found in The Netherlands is almost entirely made of glass, resting on a body of water than can be viewed from all four sides of the structure. It even includes a lower basement level constructed of glass walls for a breathtaking view of the underwater world on which is sits. Its floor to ceiling glass walls make privacy difficult, which is why the bathrooms are located on the basement level underwater.
The Case Study House Program
The United States has its noteworthy glass homes as well. This impressive architectural dwelling was a design by world renowned designer John Entenza back in 1945. This was actually a pre-fabricated modular design that was an experiment to provide affordable housing to post World War II America. It came very close to being the model for the tract homes that later developed in the 1950’s.
The Changgyeonggung Palace
This magnificent structure is perhaps the largest and most intricately designed glasshouse on the planet, used for housing rare and beautiful flowers and tropical plants. It is located in Seoul, Korea and is part of one of the 5 major palaces for their country. Designed by Architect Hayato Fukuba who is also famous for the architectural wonder of the Shinjuku Imperial Garden in Tokyo, the Changgyeonggung Palace was actually built and constructed by a French Construction company.
Man has long held a fascination with Mother Nature, and blurring the lines between interior and exterior home features is what makes these glass structures so appealing even decades after their initial construction. The challenge to provide a certain amount of privacy while maintaining the beauty and elegance of a glass house is another significant achievement that cannot go unnoticed. These homes sure are beautiful, but they also come with a great deal of cleaning bills!
