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How to Get Rid of Termite In Your House

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The Great Northern Termite, the most aggressive termites known to mankind, was not known to be found south of the Tropic of Capricorn but they have been positively identified in a fast growing colony on the Gold Coast, causing home owners concern about the damage that these fearsome insects can inflict.

Just twelve weeks is long enough for these termites to severely damage the structure of your home and they are known to eat electrical wiring and bitumen also.

So, how can you protect your home?

All home owners need to be able to identify termite damage as soon as it appears, allowing them to be able to call in the experts to rid them of the problem. Look out for:

  1. Pencil wide foraging tubes on your windows, wood siding and other wooden structures.
  2. Damaged woodwork, hollowed out along the grain with mud or grit along the damage.
  3. Winged ‘swarmer’ termites along the floor or windowsills.

termite removal

And to reduce the risk of infestation in the first place take the following action:

  1. Don’t let moisture build up around your foundation: Termites are attracted to moisture and will be more likely to colonise your property if there is constant moisture around your foundations. Divert water from your property with gutters and downspouts that are regularly cleaned and use splash blocks to keep the water from the soil around your home. Keep your faucets, water pipes and air conditioning units well maintained to reduce leaks. And even something as simple as making sure that your lawn sprinkler isn’t causing puddles around your home can vastly reduce your risk of being colonised.
  2. Reduce the contact of wood with the soil: Many infestations come from structural wood being in contact with the damp ground. Having your wood on the soil gives termites easy access and a safe home with lots to eat. Keep your wooden structures, such as latticing, wood siding or any other wood work, at least six inches from the ground to discourage the destructive insects. Bear in mind that pressure treated wood is not immune to termites, and even bedding wood in concrete will not deter termites who will enter through cracks or cut ends.
  3. Keep your crawl space low in humidity: Keep your vents free from debris build up which increases the humidity and attracts termites to the condensation and moisture build up. Ensure that your vapor barrier and vents are up to code and reduce the humidity in your crawl space by installing 4-6ml polyethylene sheeting over about 75% of the soil surface.
  4. Don’t store firewood or other wood against your foundation or inside your crawl space: By doing that you are setting up an ‘all you can eat’ buffet for the termites, and providing a hidden path for them to enter, bypassing any other deterrents you have invested in such as a termiticide soil barrier. Cardboard and old newspapers are also invitations to termites so keep your crawl space and foundation debris free at all times. Remove old tree stumps or rotting wooden structures as quickly as you can, to prevent termites discovering a way into your home.
  5. When gardening mulch sparingly: Mulch is an attractive and environmentally friendly approach to use in gardening, but unfortunately it is also attractive to termites. It is not a preferred food but it offers moisture and shelter. Other products such as pea gravel and crushed stone are just as attractive to the destructive creatures so keep your mulch to a maximum of two to three inches and ensure it is not in contact with your windows or wood sidings.
  6. Consider having a professional treat your home as a preventative measure: All buildings have openings which termites see as an invitation to move in. Using the above measures will make your home less attractive but a termiticide is the best prevention.

Ten of the Most Unusual Houses in the World

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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.

  1. 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. skate house

  2. 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. dick clarck

  3. 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. house germany

  4. 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. old water

  5. 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. transparent house

  6. 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. narrow house poland

  7. 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. slide house

  8. 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. stone house

  9. 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. church house

  10. 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. shell house

World’s Narrowest House

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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.

narrowest house

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.

JaKub house

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.

jakub-szczesny2

How to choose the right home inspector

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As with building contractor, you are putting your most valuable asset in the hands of your home inspector.

Based on their report you will be making a decision about the biggest purchase of your life, and if they miss an important issue it could cost you thousands in the long run.

So, how do you choose the right inspector?

We suggest you ask the following questions, to ensure your peace of mind and future enjoyment of your new home.

inspector home

  1. Is your inspector fully certified and qualified to do a complete home inspection?

    Certification gives you peace of mind that your inspector is up to date on all of the codes and practices and is fully trained in every aspect of home inspection. It shows you that your inspector will carry out a full and comprehensive inspection that will allow you to make an informed choice about your new property. Ask to see their certification before agreeing to hire them.

  2. What can you expect from your home inspection?

    Check that the inspection meets the standards set by the governing body and government guidelines. It should also meet all of the requirements of the local council and state. Get a list from your inspector of the areas they will be inspecting and ask how long their inspection will last. A full inspection should take approximately two to three hours. Ideally, you should accompany your inspector as he conducts the inspection.

  3. Is your home inspector fully covered with a professional indemnity insurance?

    Ensure that your home inspector is fully covered with a professional indemnity insurance. This protects both you and the inspector from any liability of any issues that might arise in the future. An inspection without insurance is not a giving full service and leaves you vulnerable if there is an area your inspector overlooks.

  4. What will your home inspection report include?

    Ensure that you will receive a report that is both comprehensive and easy to understand. You should receive your report in writing, not verbally. If it is full of technical jargon it can be hard to understand, leading to you miss an important issue. Ask when you will receive the written report; it is usual that you will receive it within 24 hours of the inspection

Talk to several home inspectors before making your choice and don’t allow anyone to pushing you into signing a contract before you are satisfied with their answers to these vital questions.

Homebuyers’ Guide to ensure you buy a happy home and not a money pit

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When buying a home, whether you are a first time buyer or someone on the move, there are things that you have to bear in mind. And as your home is probably the biggest purchase of your life you should take a little time, even in the midst of excitement at the prospect of your beautiful new home, to consider a few points.

Even homes that show beautifully can have hidden defects that a simple inspection can root out, saving you thousands of dollars over time.

house

A full home inspection by a qualified inspector costs just a few hundred dollars and over the lifetime of your home can save you many times the price.

If renovations have been carried out on the home and the proper permits and inspections were not carried out you could find yourself being faced with an order to demolish part of your beautiful new home.

Ensure that before making any agreement to buy you have the following areas properly inspected:

  1. Internal and external windows and frames.
  2. Guttering and downpipes
  3. Roof framing
  4. Internal and external roofing
  5. Internal and external walls
  6. Patios and balconies
  7. Internal and external stairs
  8. Pools
  9. Pergolas and paving

Choose a home inspector who is registered to carry out full home inspections. They are all registered builders with many years of experience, who can spot defects and potential issues that will help you make an informed decision about the new property you are considering calling home.

Top Five Amazing Glass Houses 

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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.Leonardo glass house

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.

dRMM glass house

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.

glass house

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 Case Study House Program

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.

Changgyeonggung glass house

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!

The world of Roaches: Interesting Facts & Trivia on Cockroaches

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Just the thought of cockroaches can make most of the people uncomfortable and squirmish. The sight of one can rent the air with shrill screams. These creepy crawly beasts have been loathed, despised, swatted at!, trampled upon, and hated from time immemorial. These home pests have an uncanny ability to tip-toe on the smoothest and inclined of surfaces and survive extremes of temperatures.

roaches

Here are some interesting facts that you did not know about them. However, please refrain from discussing these at your dinner table, or a social affair in fear of being outcast by the host or guests.

  1. Crushed roaches when applied to wounds can help ease the sting.
  2. Cockroaches can live a month or more without food, but hardly make it past a week without water.
  3. Some roaches, better known as Blattaria can fly! Not exactly of any significant height, but the very thought scares the living hell out of a person.
  4. Fried cockroaches are common snacks in Cambodia. Talk about appetizers being crunchy!
  5. These pesky pests have the ability to survive the harshest of deserts, the Thar to even the Arctic.
  6. A cockroach can live a week without its head. However, it dies due to lack of water after that. Now that’s a headless hunter, ladies and gentlemen!
  7. They have white blood.
  8. It uses its air passages to make sounds, unlike other insects which rub their body parts together to do so.
  9. Cockroach allergies were first reported 50 years ago. It is real and extremely dangerous. This is called Cockroach induced asthma.
  10. A cockroach has just shed its skin is white and has black eyes. It takes another 8 hours to reproduce the layer.
  11. Cockroaches are deemed the only creatures to survive a nuclear bomb. So much for a survival rate.
  12. A wild cockroach might die in the stomach of a poor bird or a small animal that rely on it for food. But most cockroaches in our home die just because they cannot right themselves after falling and landing on their backs. Without the ability to control its muscles, the roach just dies upside down.
  13. Cockroaches continue to release methane for up to 18 hours, even after their death. This pits them as top contributors to Global Warming.
  14. Cockroaches run three miles an hour. That makes them quite fast. So much for being a cheetah!
  15. Cockroaches eat just about anything from glue, bookbinding, leather, to grease or even hair.
  16. These beasts have walked the surface of Earth for millions of years now.
  17. Cockroaches like to be touched!
  18. American roaches have shown a marked attraction to alcoholic beverages, especially beer. They most likely prefer alcohol mixed with hops and sugar! On the house, please.
  19. A roach can hold its breath for 40 minutes, and can survive with its head submerged in water for half an hour.
  20. Newborn German cockroaches become adults in as little as 36 days. So much for an upbringing!
  21. Here were a few interesting ones. So you might go ahead and advertise your knowledge on these not-so-fabulous pests the next time you are not sure of a conversation starter.