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How To Deal With Drainage Problems In Your Landscaped Garden

By CVG

On August 14, 2024

In Landscaping, Plumbing

One of the issues that we do not have much to worry about in some parts of Australia is excessive rain, however, that does not mean that gardens, including those created via landscape design, do not flood, especially when drainage is poor. Their gardens having poor drainage is a problem for many landscape designers and homeowners, and that can occur for several reasons at many times throughout the year.

If your landscaped garden’s poor drainage is an issue you fear you might encounter, or if you have already experienced it, please keep reading as we highlight some facts about this problem, and more importantly, how it can be remedied.

Common Causes Of Poor Drainage In Landscaped Gardens

Sloping Within The Garden: A common cause of poor drainage is that there are one or more slopes within it that cause water to pool, especially if there is nothing to divert it away.
Erosion Of Runoff: This is more likely in the areas that have the highest rainfall levels where the topsoil within a garden is eroded when excessive water is running off it.

7 Tips For Storing Clothes In A Storage Facility

7 Tips For Storing Clothes In A Storage Facility

By CVG

On March 6, 2024

Many of us organise the clothes in our wardrobes by season, such as sorting summer shorts and t-shirts from winter outfits; however, as the number of clothing items we have accumulates we can end up running out of space for our clothes, and that is when commercial storage can come to the rescue.

Commercial storage units is used for many reasons by both residential and business customers, and they provide an inexpensive and practical solution whenever you have limited space. By renting a storage unit, you can store items, in this case, clothes, safely and securely until you require them. In this blog post, we are going to provide you with seven tips on how to best use commercial storage to help you if you have more clothes than space allows for at home.

Tip #1 – Classify Your Clothing: No matter what season it is, there will be clothes that you are going to wear regardless. This can include underwear and clothes that you classify as required for work, such as shirts, blouses, and suits. You should therefore separate everyday clothes or clothes that are suitable for the current season from those which are ‘out of season’ that you know you will not be wearing in the near future and are therefore going to put into storage.

Home’s Plumbing

Time to Update your Home’s Plumbing

By CVG

On December 19, 2023

Unless you live in a fairly modern, recently built home, you probably won’t know a lot about how your plumbing system is getting on.

Yes, it’s working, and you know a bit about certain parts, but not many homeowners know the status of their water system.

According to Perth plumber Plumb It Right, if there seems to be a bit of trouble, this might indicate a system overhaul, and you may need to call a plumber to discuss the benefits of installing a new plumbing system.

The Signs that your Plumbing System needs to be Replaced

Home catastrophes are unpleasant surprises, so it might be a good idea to know what signs to look for before you are confronted with a burst pipe.

How Landscaping Companies Can Use Google Reviews To Their Advantage

How Landscaping Companies Can Use Google Reviews To Their Advantage

By CVG

On April 26, 2023

In Property Investment

Every business loves receiving good reviews, and if you own or manage a landscaping business, we are sure you are no different. Part of this is surely the fact that, in the internet age, consumers go online to research products, services, and businesses before making their decision about what to buy or who to call, which was not necessarily the case twenty or more years ago.

As such, you will find that many decisions to pick up the phone and call a landscaping business will be heavily influenced by the reviews that potential client discovers online. If your landscaping business does not have reviews, then it is likely going to be at the back of the queue, while those who have them are the ones who will be receiving the bulk of new prospects.

One of the prime locations online where you want to be reviewed is Google. This will specifically be within your Google Business Profile which you should already have set up. If not, then ensure you take steps to remedy that as soon as you finish reading this article. Your Google Business Profile is essential if you want your landscaping website – like martincuthbert.com.au to be able to be found on Google, where prospective clients can read your online reviews.

3 Benefits Of Installing Under Cabinet Lighting In Your Kitchen

3 Benefits Of Installing Under Cabinet Lighting In Your Kitchen

By CVG

On March 18, 2023

When planning kitchen renovations, homeowners will need to make numerous decisions, which they will do in discussion with the cabinet makers who create and install kitchens. These decisions range from what appliances are going to be included to the types of work surfaces and from the cabinet styles to the splashbacks and accessories.

Another crucial decision, and some argue one of the top three in terms of importance, concerns the lighting that a new kitchen is going to have. It is hard to argue against the importance of lighting given that if the lighting is insufficient or not suitable, then the kitchen as a whole will fail to function practically, and its aesthetics may also be compromised.

Of all the lighting choices that have to be made, the lighting under the cabinets should take priority. It plays such an important role in kitchens for several reasons. It is also the case that under cabinet lighting provides several benefits. To help you make those important decisions about lighting, and in particular under cabinet lighting, here are some details, including three of the main benefits of requesting that your cabinet makers install under cabinet lighting in your kitchen.

10 Benefits Of Installing Solar Panels For Your Home

10 Benefits Of Installing Solar Panels For Your Home

By CVG

On February 21, 2023

In Property Investment, Renovations

Solar panels are an increasingly popular option for homeowners, not just in Australia, but across the world. With energy prices on what seems to be a never-ending upward trajectory and with people’s awareness of environmental issues increasing, solar energy presents a viable opportunity to address both of these genuine concerns.

Whilst energy prices and the environment might be regarded as the headline makers as to why solar energy’s popularity with homeowners is increasing, we must point out that there are many more reasons why installations of solar systems are occurring in ever greater numbers. The benefits which such installations create for homeowners are plentiful, and if you read on you will discover ten of the most significant benefits of solar panels being installed for your home.

Benefit #1 – Lower Energy Bills: We will start with the benefit which is at the forefront of everyone’s mind when they decide to opt for solar panels at home, and that is reduced electricity bills. By generating your own electricity from solar energy you can reduce your energy bills by as much as 70% depending on your usage.

Newest Innovations in Landscaping

Newest Innovations in Landscaping

By CVG

On November 12, 2021

Technology and trends change over time, so how our homes and businesses look today tends to be nothing like they did decades before.

And the same can actually be said for landscaping and landscape construction.

Sydney landscape outfit Intreeg Landscapes advises that the world of landscaping is changing all the time, so in 2021 and beyond, you can expect some of the following innovations:

More Cellphone Technology Integration

It doesn’t seem like all that long ago that the only way to control something outside was by physically going up to it.

5 Tips For Landscaping When You Have A Limited Budget

5 Tips For Landscaping When You Have A Limited Budget

By CVG

On June 10, 2021

There are a number of elements that will constrain every landscaping project. These include the size of the area being landscaped, the personal preferences of the person who is creating it, and the prevailing climate with respect to which plants and flowers will thrive there.

Another key element which controls what you can or cannot do with your landscaping is obviously the available budget. This can be limited, either through choice or simply that the amount of money you can easily justify spending on your landscaping is low, and a finite amount.

Whichever the reason or reasons for you having a low budget for your landscaping project, it does not mean that you cannot create something which is beautiful and will give you, and anyone who sees or sits in your garden, an enormous amount of pleasure. There are several ways you can make your low landscaping budget stretch a lot further than you might have first imagined, and here are 5 tips to help you do just that.

Make A Plan

Whether it is a landscaping project or a project of any other kind, its chances of success will be greatly enhanced if there is an effective plan in place. This is even more prevalent when part of that project’s success is keeping its costs within a preordained limited budget.

Nitrogen for Lawn Care – Do I Need it

Nitrogen for Lawn Care – Do I Need it?

By CVG

On December 9, 2020

For many people, the extent of their lawn care is making sure they mow the lawns from time to time. Though, have you ever wondered whether it needs more than that?

A quick look through your local garden centre will reveal an abundance of products for lawns to keep them healthy. One of the most prominent ones tends to be nitrogen.

Nitrogen promotes healthy leaf and root growth and can be one of the many ways to give your lawns a new lease on life. If you’ve noticed that your grass is yellowing or thinning, then it might be time to give nitrogen a try.

When to Add Nitrogen to My Lawn

You might think your grass could benefit from nitrogen at any time, but there is a time of the year that is best suited for its application.

When your grass is growing fast in summer and spring, it is more capable of absorbing nutrients. Therefore, once the soil starts maintaining temperatures above approximately 14 degrees, it’s the perfect time to add nitrogen.

You’ll need far less nitrogen in autumn as the mercury drops and almost none at all during winter. In fact, nitrogen application in winter can open the doors for disease and leaf burning.

Good Office Plumbing

The Importance of Good Office Plumbing

By CVG

On April 22, 2020

In Maintenance, Plumbing

Although you might not realise it at first, good office plumbing is essential if you’re starting a new business. There are numerous benefits associated with developing a strong, reliable plumbing system, especially if you’re working in an older building.

Now, it’s important to note with property maintenance that we always recommend using a professional plumber whenever you’re re-working your office plumbing systems. However, it can be hard to find the motivation to pay a plumber, especially if your drains seem to be working okay at the moment.

Because of this, we’ve put together a complete list of the reasons why strong plumbing is essential. Keep reading to find out more!

Good Plumbing Will Prevent Smells

If you’ve ever lived in an old house or worked in an office with poor drains, you will have noticed some awful smells from time to time. That’s almost certain, and unfortunately, it can be difficult to remove nasty odours from your drains once they have started.

Because of this, it’s important to ensure your office plumbing is in good condition from the beginning. Ensuring your drains are clear and free of blockages will prevent the build-up of foreign material, essentially eliminating the risk of bad smells.

Designing your Swimming Pool

Creative Ideas for Designing your Swimming Pool

By CVG

On September 27, 2019

In Building & Construction, Landscaping, Swimming Pools

Professional landscape design Perth have found recently, residential swimming pools are no longer a mere luxury commodity. Small homes and tiny backyards are also becoming ideal places to design and install a cozy and compact swimming pool. The key factor to be taken into consideration is the special arrangement of the home and its surroundings. Accordingly, a number of ideas can be put together to design your swimming pool effectively.

Some of the popular ideas have been collected and compiled by us, so you can benefit from them.

In-ground pools – Pools like these are designed to be exactly at ground level, and you can quite literally just walk into them. These pools can be created out of a number of materials like fiberglass, concrete or even vinyl. Adding trees and tall plants along its borders and edges can increase the mysterious look of the pool.
Indoor pools – If your home does not have a lot of outdoor space, but you would love to take a dip anyway, it is an ideal plan to move your dream pool inside your home. Indoor pools are the answer in such situations. Besides, you can enjoy long hours in the water without the worry of being exposed to too much sunshine or harsh weather conditions.
Ceilings for indoor pools – You might want to replicate the night sky in your indoor pool. The best way to do this is to install LED fixtures in the ceiling of your indoor pool. Additionally, you can also paint your ceiling with radium paints to make them resemble a star studded sky.

Glass Pool Fence

How Often Should I Clean My Glass Pool Fence?

By CVG

On May 30, 2019

In Glass & Glazing

Glass pool fences are becoming increasingly popular throughout the world. However, it’s important to make sure that you look after your glass pool fencing properly, otherwise it simply won’t look as good as it could.

Building & Construction experts jsbearthmoving.com.au advise that one of the best ways to make sure that your pool fencing continues to look great for years into the future is to clean it every few weeks or so. Regular cleaning will keep your pool fence looking great, and will prevent it from wearing excessively and becoming run down. However, a lot of people don’t know exactly how often they should clean their pool fences.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a short guide to help people living in different climates decide when to clean their pool fencing. We’ve also included a short section on how to clean your pool fence.

How Often Should I Clean My Pool Fence?

Ultimately, how regularly you should clean your glass pool fence will depend on where you live and what sort of climate your fence is exposed to. Below we’ve broken down cleaning timelines into three main climate/condition groups:

Installing a Pool Blanket

Pros and Cons of Installing a Pool Blanket

By CVG

On February 8, 2019

In Swimming Pools

Pool covers or blankets as they are often called have many advantages, yet most people with a pool in their backyard don’t use them. There are two main reasons for this; people don’t like how they look, or they don’t have enough room to install one. Budget may also be important. Most people would prefer an automatic pool cleaner over a blanket.

However, because they are not all that common, many people would not realise just what the advantages of having a pool cover are. Here are the pros and cons of pool covers.

Pros

If you live in a climate where winter comes early and the sun is often not hot even in summer, using a pool cover will increase the water temperature by around 4 degrees, making your swim much more enjoyable.
It saves a great deal on the cost of heating water in a cooler climate.
A pool blanket will keep leaves and twigs out of the pool, making it easier to clean and reducing the amount of chlorine needed to get the pH up to scratch.
It reduces the consumption of chlorine because UV rays degrade it. But plastic keeps the UV rays off the water.

Red tape, acts of God and realistic completion dates

By CVG

On July 24, 2018

In Building & Construction

There is a saying that ‘to be forewarned is to be forearmed’. One of the most frustrating and disappointing aspects of having a new home built is that the whole process sometimes can drag on for what seems like forever. Of course you need to get your expectations in order. If you have a completion date provided by an experienced and expert builder, generally speaking you will know pretty much exactly when you will be able to move in. From that information you can set your expectations. But don’t allow your expectations to run away from you. It may all end in tears when the job is not finished on time.

Red tape is everywhere

Now there are different aspects to the red tape associated with the building of your new home. You need to get approval to build a home in the first place, your builder needs to get permits for various parts of the building process, the contractors will need to comply with building codes, for example the glazing contractors will need to install glass, such as shower screens and mirrors to the correct safety standards and you need to get a clearance from the building inspectors at various stages of the build and finally, when your house is finished, you need to get what is usually called a certificate of occupancy. This is the final piece of red tape which allows you to actually move into your new home.

Fire Protection

How Often Should I Service My Fire Extinguisher For Optimal Fire Protection?

By CVG

On July 20, 2018

Workplace safety is an extremely important consideration in the modern world. In many cases, fire protection is up there among the most important aspects of workplace safety, mainly due to the unpredictable, dangerous nature of fires. A lot of people will argue that fire protection should include a fire action plan, an evacuation plan and a range of fire protection equipment – such as fire extinguishers.

It is essential to remember that you can’t just install fire safety equipment and then forget about it. Things like fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems need to be serviced regularly to make sure that they remain in good working order, and that they can be used quickly and effectively by everyone in the workplace.

Why Do I Need To Service My Fire Extinguishers?

Things like fire extinguisher servicing is very important as they do need to be maintained to a high standard. Fittings and seals can degrade over time, and the contents of an extinguisher can go bad eventually. Regular servicing by a trained professional will help to make sure that your extinguishers remain in working order throughout the year.

Where to Spend Your Money in a Home Renovation

By CVG

On May 22, 2018

In Building & Construction, Property Investment

With the value of real estate finally on the rise again, many Australian homeowners are starting to once again look into doing home renovations to improve the value of their properties. For years people have been putting off employing a landscape design company or doing a full home renovation project, to avoid putting more money in their home without seeing a similar increase in its value. However now, with the market slowly and steadily recovering, renovation projects are once again a smart way to increase the value of your property.

Finding something to remodel or upgrade in your home is typically the easiest part of the process. It is easy for anyone to point out the areas that they are not happy with or wish to upgrade. It is far more difficult to know which projects to pick, both for your own enjoyment and the resale value of the home. When working with limited funds to renovate a home, it is important to pick and choose the projects that will really make an impact. Upgrades in a few key areas of the home can make a big impact on the property value, without blowing the budget.

Makeover the Kitchen for a Big Impact

The kitchen is always referred to as the heart of a home, making it a great place to invest your renovating budget. You don’t have to be a professional chef to appreciate the beauty of a high quality kitchen renovation. A gourmet kitchen will not only be the most important room in the house, but will also become the favourite room to spend time with the family, it will become a more functional space where cooking becomes much more enjoyable. Not only will the new kitchen look swish, it will be the first thing that prospective buyers look at should you decide to sell your home further down the track.

How Hard Can Landscaping Be?

By CVG

On March 16, 2018

If you believe that art imitates life, then a quick scan of the TV Guide will have you believing we can all sing, cook, renovate, dance, lose weight, catch alligators, find antique bargains and of course, landscape our gardens to manicured perfection. So how hard is landscaping anyway? And what, precisely, is it?

Make no mistake, landscaping is a very lucrative industry and there are literally dozens of providers in any local area and hundreds, even thousands in each state. Some focus on the big end of town and do corporate work for big firms, making the surroundings of their factories and office complexes blend in harmoniously with the bush land (or urban) setting of their new premises. Others work out of a ute and a mobile phone with just an ad in the local rag and perhaps a Facebook page put up for them by the wife.

Kitchen Cabinet Door Styles

By CVG

On October 7, 2017

These days, we have so many choices when it comes to kitchen cabinets (and every little aspect of them), that it can be tempting to give up and just choose one without a whole lot of thought. But once you start to carefully consider the different materials, finishes and colours that are available, you’ll begin to form an idea in your mind of the type of cabinets that will best suit your kitchen and lifestyle.

The cabinet doors are one of the most noticeable parts of your kitchen, so making the right choice will pay dividends in the long run. The cabinet doors need to fit in well with your overall kitchen design and renovations. Luckily, the doors are generally available in a huge range of finishes and colours, as well as materials and designs. You can get matte styled cabinet doors, glossy type, textured or natural timber.

If you have a traditional styled kitchen, such as country decor or traditional European style, cabinet doors that are hand painted can lend an incredibly authentic feel to the room. It also allows you to truly customize the colours of the kitchen cabinets. Some of the most popular kitchen cabinet options are of course solid timber, as well as timber veneer doors.

6 Tips for a Backyard Makeover

By CVG

On May 16, 2017

In Landscaping, Outdoor Living

Backyards are an extension of your home, when they are carefully planned and landscaped they can become an outdoor oasis, another living space where you can spend quality time with family and friends.

Here in Australia we are fortunate to live with beautiful weather for most part of the year, allowing landscapers to create wonderful outdoor spaces for living and entertaining. If you are considering giving your backyard an overhaul, it may seem a bit daunting; however there are many simple things that you can do that will improve the look and feel of your outdoor space.

We’ve thought of all the things that we love about our favourite gardens and balconies, and have come up with some ideas to help you create your own green sanctuary.

Lawn matters

If your garden seems to have more weeds than grass, it might be worthwhile to lay down some new turf and get a decent reticulation service. This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make an instant, bright change, and it will also create a safe, soft place for little feet to play. New homes can benefit from laying down turf, for it is an inexpensive way to green things up while you wait for all your other garden additions to grow.

Why buy a house and land package?

By CVG

In Building & Construction

This is an interesting situation and like so many things in life you need to compare apples with apples. One common situation you might come across after spotting all the builders display centre flag poles is when a builder offers a house and land package.

The builder owns a number of blocks and for the one price you get your block of land and your house built on it. At first sight it sounds like a darn good idea. You don’t have to go around looking for a block of land and then, having purchased it, start looking for a builder. With a house and land package you may well be dealing with the one person.

But every house and land package is not the same. Every builder is not the same. So what are the pros and cons in this situation? Let’s talk about changes to the contract, let’s talk about variations. Some builders who offer a house and land package have a very fixed view on what you get for the price. They would argue that the price is as low as it is because they don’t allow for variations. You may want to change the colour scheme or have higher ceilings or a different type of floor covering or you may not want to have the landscaping which comes with the contract.

New or Remodeled Kitchen

By CVG

On April 1, 2017

Should You Get a New or Renovated Kitchen?

If your current kitchen has grown old and tired, and you know it’s at the point of needing an update, the big question is: do you remodel your current kitchen, or do you install an entire new kitchen from scratch?

How much money you have to spend will largely determine how far you can go, but in many cases when you engage professional cabinet makers, a new kitchen can come out costing a very similar amount to a re-modelling job. Therefore your decision will likely be based on just how much you think you can salvage from your current kitchen, versus how much you desire a totally fresh new look.

The Finishing Touches For Outdoor Design

By CVG

On March 19, 2017

In Outdoor Living

Outdoor design is not just about landscaping the garden; it is about creating an area that you can use just as much as something to be admired. The latest trend is to build an outdoor alfresco area along with any landscaping. In fact, this outdoor area is encompassed within the whole and the finishing touches are the kind of outdoor furniture you choose for this area.

You’ve already decided on the kind of outdoor area you want, with the floor, overhead covering, lighting and other details. The alfresco furniture is an important finishing touch that must meet certain requirements too.

- It should be comfortable to sit on and use. Without comfort the whole area will be used less than you intended. No one wants to sit on hard seats that offer no support for their back, so choose your furniture with comfort in mind.
- It must withstand all kinds of weather. You won’t want the job of bringing furniture inside and taking it out every time you want to use it. It should be weather resistant so it can be left in place, otherwise eating outside or even enjoying some relaxation will become too hard.
- It needs to tone in with the surroundings. Not all types of furniture suit specific outdoor designs or renovations.

The Difference Between Smooth and Rough Texture Stone Cladding

By CVG

On May 24, 2016

In Building & Construction

Limestone is a sedimentary rock made from layers of calcium carbonate from organic matter, usually in the bottom of a shallow sea. It is pressed into a dense mass over many years by the pressures above it. Some types are very hard, while others are not so hard, depending on where they come from.

Limestone is one of the most popular building materials these days, with its durability and strength as well as the many beautiful finishes that enhance many building projects. One of the main attractions is that you can have either a smooth or a rough texture for stone cladding.

This is achieved both through the cut of the tiles and through their placement. For instance, rough cut tiles have a finish that is rough to the touch, while you can run your hand easily over the smooth textured tiles and it will have a more silky feel.

Usually, the rougher tile is used for fencing or external feature walls while the smoother texture is great for flooring, indoor cladding and features such as a barbecue, seats or tables. The smooth tile is good for floors because it can be more easily sealed.

profit-on-your-rental

How to Ensure Your Rental is Profitable?

By CVG

On May 13, 2016

In Property Investment

The only way you can profit from your rental is to get it leased out. This means you need to have a home or commercial building that presents well; it must be spick and span, with no apparent faults, and not shabby-looking. So property maintenance is the order of the day as soon as your present lessee calls in a professional removal company and moves out. Of course, you must make essential repairs while tenants are in your rental, but other things can’t be done until it is vacant.

Walls get shabby after a house has been lived in for some years. Cleaning doesn’t always make them look any better. Repainting the interior will make your rental look new again, with more modern colours and that new look and feel. Some homes also need new carpets, floor coverings, curtains, or blinds to make them look like a home.

The fittings could also be upgraded for a small cost, especially taps that leak – and don’t forget that a leaking cistern costs money, so it is likely to turn potential tenants away. Any appliances that look ancient should also be replaced, and if the electric water heater has been in for over a decade, you may want to think of replacing that, too. When you feel what it will cost to replace other components, such as kitchen cupboards and skirting boards and to have the carpet professionally dried out if it breaks down and floods the house, you will understand that replacing it before that happens will save you money.

cvg.net.au brief-history-colorbond

A Brief History of Colorbond

By CVG

On February 3, 2016

In Building & Construction

Colorbond steel roofing and walling is a firm favourite today for new homes or renovation and re-roofing projects – and it has an interesting history. Way back in 1843 a bright spark in England realised that making corrugations in a thin sheet of steel strengthened it considerably. Corrugated iron, as it was called in those days, made an ideal building material because it was so light and could stack easily for transportation. It didn’t even need to be painted, although many people did paint it just to enhance its looks.

Within a decade of its invention it was brought to Australia by John Lysaght where it quickly became the most popular building material around. It was affordable, durable, quick and easy to erect and could even be transported on camels. Many buildings were made totally from corrugated iron for these reasons. Some were painted but most were not; why spend money on paint when it was not necessary?

It took a whole century before a way was found to bond paint to the galvanised iron. Two companies in America worked together on this aspect; Lithostrip Corporation in Chicago and Pre Finish Metals. It was once again John Lysaght that brought the technology to Australia. He and others invested a great deal of time and effort, not to mention finances, into getting the product just right for Australian conditions. They had to build a factory to work in and this was located in Port Kembla, Wollongong. It was 1966 when the first roll of coloured steel came off the painting line and became the talk of the industry.