About ray

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far ray has created 11 blog entries.

Stamp-a-rama!

download pdf

Ingredients

Potatoes, Craft paper, Acrylic paint, Paint brushes, Chef’s knife, Stanley knife, Permanent marker

Additions

Cookie cutters

Method

1. Cut the potatoes in half. Place each half face down on a paper towel to reduce the moisture.
2. Draw a design on the face of your potato with the permanent marker.
3. Trace the design using your stanley knife, cutting approximately 1/2 cm deep (this is a job for adults only). Using the chef’s knife, cut 1/2 cm around the rim of the potato making sure not to cut through the design. Remove the cut section.
4. Apply paint to the design. Push firmly to stamp your craft paper. Use the stamps to make wrapping paper, gift tags, cards and more!

2018-10-15T03:00:58+00:00By |Kids Corner|0 Comments
Read More

Street

download pdf

1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The very first thing you will often see when approaching a house is the fence and front gate. If these do not look satisfactory, then paint, repair or replace them. Trim weeds at the bottom of the fence, spraying if necessary. Treat the berm outside your property as if it was your own. Fertilise, edge and mow it for maximum effect. It may seem over the top but sweeping the street in front of your property and water blasting the paths and curb can make a significant difference to first impressions.

2. THE FRONT DOOR

What was the colour of the door in the film Notting Hill? A dramatic front door can make a bold but welcoming statement. Consider a new door handle, knocker or painting around the surround. The threshold can really benefit from a quality door mat; something simple, large and in keeping with the entrance of the home.

3. PLANTERS

Planters on the front steps and deck look charming with flowering annuals or in season perennials. Start with evergreen fillers and then add in annuals that will bloom across the seasons. Be careful to ensure there is still ample room to get in and out of the front door comfortably. Don’t overcrowd that important real estate.

4. MIND THAT ROOF

A majority of homeowners forget about the importance of the roof to potential buyers. Repair or replace any areas that are in disrepair. A good cleaning will instantly improve your home’s street appeal tremendously. Remember, treatments for moss can take a few months to work so if you are planning on selling, this is something to do ahead of time. The most effective way to clean PVC spouting is with a broom and hose. This will bring it back to life immediately.

5. THE NUMBERS

Consider the visibility of your house numbers and how they match the style of your house. Purchase something that is pretty, fabulous and shows a bit of your personality without being too over the top. Make sure that a buyer can clearly see the numbers from the road and they are clean and undamaged. Repainting or replacing the letter box is a simple way to create instant street appeal with impact.

6. IT’S A BLAST

Water blasting oil-stained driveways, dirty paths and faded walkways is an extremely cost-efficient way to increase your home’s street appeal. Some stains may require chemical treatments. An oil-stained drive can sometimes take away from an otherwise immaculate home. Be careful not to water-blast your home’s cladding however. Washing down weatherboards of any description or painted surfaces should only be done by a professional home cleaner. A high-pressure water blaster can strip otherwise perfectly good paint from cladding and create more issues than it fixes.

Outdoor lighting is an easy, cost-effective way to add beauty, safety and security to your home.

7. CLEAN THOSE WINDOWS

Windows look sad when they are dirty so make sure you clean them regularly inside and out. All curtain linings and blinds should match when seen from the street or the driveway.

8. ELBOW GREASE

Get out the lawnmower, cut the grass regularly, conquer those weeds, edge your lawn and mulch around trees and the garden. These kinds of changes can instantly enhance people’s perception of your home and increase its value.
Trees and plants that are growing up against the house or in front of windows should be vigorously pruned back to allow more light inside and to prevent damage to the cladding.

9. IDEAL BALANCE

Balance is not only pleasing to the eye, it’s also simple to arrange. Balanced compositions of light fixtures, plants and ornaments, create welcoming entranceways and increase street appeal.

10. LIGHTEN UP

Outdoor lighting is an easy, cost-effective way to add beauty, safety and security to your home. Solar lights are inexpensive, and you can place them where they highlight your home’s best attributes – landscaping, walking paths and any custom fixtures.

2018-08-21T02:40:25+00:00By |Top Tips|0 Comments
Read More

Alterations

download pdf

INTRODUCTION

Minor alterations are those projects you can undertake which create space and increase versatility of a property for minimal cost. Space and flow both add value to a property, so if you can make it inexpensive, it will add thousands of dollars to your home’s value.
When making changes the finished product is important. The quality of workmanship will be reflected in the value a property achieves. Nothing stands out more than shoddy workmanship.

1. EXPERT ADVICE

We bring this up time and time again. Getting the correct advice before you start out will save you time, money and frustration. Don’t forget, the quickest way to give up thousands of dollars in value is to fail to get the correct consents prior to starting a project, or failing to have it signed off when you’re finished.

2. OPEN PLAN

Many New Zealand homes were built in a period when the living spaces were separated into lounge, kitchen and dining room. You can quickly modernise a home by removing a wall (subject to council requirements). Creating an open plan space makes your home appear more modern and attractive to buyers.

3. LOFT/ATTIC CONVERSION

You potentially have a whole roof space of under-utilised storage right above your head. If you can free up cupboards and other storage spaces inside the home, then they can be converted into added value spaces such as a small office, etc. As we mentioned, space equals value.

4. A SECOND TOILET

Installing an additional toilet will almost certainly add value to your home. It is a great cost saving alternative to add a second bathroom or ensuite. Buyers will often want a second bathroom but will settle for a simple second toilet and basin. Anything concerning sanitation/waste water requires a plumber so be sure to speak to one and get advice and guidance.

5. HOT WATER CYLINDER

If space is tight you may want to look into replacing your hot water cylinder with a gas infinity system. If your current cylinder is getting on in years, then the added benefit is having it updated.

A gas infinity system is mounted on the outside of your home. This will free up the whole cupboard space of up to 2 cubic meters for extra storage or to be removed and create more floor area in the kitchen or laundry.

6. DECKING

Decks can be used to transform that slightly sloping area (that never gets used) into the hottest piece of exterior real estate this coming summer. By enlarging the potential space to entertain and relax you are increasing the value of your home.

7. FLOOR COVERINGS

One of the quickest and most dramatic changes you can make to a home is to change its floor coverings. Flooring has a huge potential for adding value over and above its actual cost.

A lot of older homes in New Zealand have Rimu or Matai flooring which when polished, creates stunning timber flooring that is beautiful, versatile and durable.

Getting the correct advice before you start out will save you time, money and frustration.

8. HOME OFFICE

A home office no longer needs to take up a whole spare bedroom to be effective. Many families are converting wardrobes into hide away office spaces, just big enough to push the chair in and then close the door behind them when they are finished.

9. ADD AN ENSUITE

An ensuite off your master bedroom adds significant value. If you have a large wardrobe or wasted space in your master bedroom you may want to consider having an ensuite designed. As little as 4m2 of a large double wardrobe can be converted into an ensuite which can potentially add thousands of dollars to a home’s market value.

10. FILLING IN YOUR PORCH

Many New Zealand homes have a porch that leads one way to the laundry and the other into the kitchen as a back door. This is an under-utilised piece of real estate which offers a lot of potential. With there being no need to alter the roof line you can have a builder put in a false floor, frame out this space and incorporate it into your kitchen, or use it for a walk-in pantry: an extra 1 to 2 m2 of floor space for very little effort.

2018-08-01T21:26:26+00:00By |Top Tips|0 Comments
Read More

Bathrooms

download pdf

INTRODUCTION

A well-presented and functional bathroom adds thousands of dollars to the value of your property. Buyers will be looking to see the condition of your bathroom, and it is typically second only to the condition of the kitchen in terms of importance. Whether you are looking to simply spruce up this space or considering full renovations, we have included a variety of value-added suggestions for you.

The ultimate bathroom needs to be:

  • Functional.
  • Warm and dry.
  • Clean and hygienic.
  • Private.
  • A safe area given there will be water and slippery areas.
  • Easily cleaned.

1. CLEAR IT OUT

Go through and take everything out of the room. Clear out the drawers, clear the surfaces and then give it a thorough cleaning top to bottom. Once you have done this, you can have an objective look at what you are working with. When planning what work you will do, be conscious of whether you are doing it to enjoy the improvements for years to come or because you are thinking of selling in the next year or so. Make sure the work you are doing is in keeping with the price range of your home, so that you don’t over capitalise.

2. COLOUR SCHEME

You want the bathroom to appear clean, hygienic and warm. Stark whites can feel cold and uninviting, whereas too many vibrant colours can seem busy and make the room feel smaller. Consider selecting warmer whites, creams
or add simple splashes of colour and trims that create a clean space with some personality, without becoming overbearing.

3. LIGHTING AND EXTRACTOR FANS

An abundance of light in a bathroom is a must. The combined heat lamp/light with a fan is a great product that serves a number of important purposes. An extractor fan immediately creates a warmer, drier space. Adding an additional light fitting above a vanity and mirror will assist in adding extra light to enhance the look and functionality of the room.

4. MIRRORS

Mirrors create the feeling of space and reflect and increase existing light. Add even more ‘wow’ to your bathroom by installing a large simple mirror over the vanity. It doesn’t need a frame or anything fancy, a large simple mirror adds a classy fresh look to almost any room. Combine the mirror with a narrow depth cabinet as it has the dual effect of giving you storage and allowing you to remove any cupboards taking up extra space.

5. BUILDING CONSENTS

If you are moving walls or plumbing, check with the council, your builder and/or plumber to see if you need a building consent. One of the surest ways to lose potential value when you come to sell is to have work carried out without the required building consents.

6. MAKE THE LAYOUT WORK

It is more expensive to move plumbing, move walls or remove/change a bath. If you can work with what you’ve got and simply change the fixtures and cabinets, consider this as the first option. If the initial layout is working then simply replacing the fittings, wall linings and flooring will be the most cost effective approach.

7. SHOWER CURTAINS

Replace with a new shiny curtain rod and simple, hardy shower curtain. If you have a shower over the bath consider changing the curtain for a glass door version, which looks amazing.

8. REPLACE THE VANITY

Take a good, hard look at the vanity. Did you know that for as little as $400 you could replace your existing old vanity with a new one. Does it add more than it costs? You better believe it does! Even better, you can reduce the depth of the vanity for more space if you are working with a small room.

9. FLOOR COVERINGS

Make no mistake – carpet in the bathroom and toilet can look dated. These days there is a huge variety of modern, stylish looking wooden veneers and vinyl options available for flooring.

10. DECLUTTER

You cannot over estimate how closely an incoming buyer will look at a bathroom for hygiene. Remove as much clutter as possible and have shavers, toothbrushes etc., in a drawer. A small feature piece, a beautiful soap in a bowl and a nice clean hand towel adds a pleasant touch.

2018-08-01T21:42:05+00:00By |Top Tips|0 Comments
Read More

Storage

download pdf

INTRODUCTION

Do you struggle with storage space in your home? Do you constantly have a pile of things to clean up but have no place to put them? This guide will give you suggestions on ways to increase the storage of your home, from DIY, to things you may need to ask a professional about, depending on your skill level.

1. DECLUTTER

The easiest way to maximise your storage space is to learn how to declutter. Clutter drains energy, and costs time and money. Regular decluttering is a key step to maximising storage spaces.

The decluttering process can be an overwhelming one, and it needs to be done methodically. Tackle the rooms in your house one by one, as this will allow for clearer focus.

2. THINK VERTICAL

Most people think in terms of left to right, but don’t discount that space above your head and at your feet. These are great places to store out-of-season, holiday or little-used and worn items. Creating small shelves above doors is a good starting point.

3. WASTED WALL SPACE

The most common thing to do to cover up large empty wall spaces is to hang photos, paintings or mirrors. Wasted wall space can be utilised by inserting recessed shelves or cupboards that can be left open or covered by photos, paintings or mirrors. Recessed shelves are a great way to add extra storage without adding to the area of your home. Shelves can be built between the studs in your home and are a handy place to store bits and pieces.

4. UNDER BED STORAGE

One of the most practical but least utilised spaces in the bedroom is under the bed. By using under bed storage bags or boxes, you can easily store out-of-season clothing and blankets, or other seldom used items.

5. STORAGE IN THE STAIRS

Do you have a staircase in your home? Utilise the space under your staircase, in the stairs or in the wall on the landing. There is often a lot of space under the stairs, and yes, there is generally a cupboard under there but how many times do you just throw something in there, never to be found again?

Get creative and maximise the storage spaces in and under your staircase. You will be amazed at the storage options you have once you get going.

6. HOT WATER CYLINDER

If space is tight you may want to look into replacing your hot water cylinder with a gas infinity system. If your current cylinder is getting on in years then the added benefit is having it updated.

A gas infinity system is mounted on the outside of your home. This will free up that whole cupboard space of up to 2 cubic meters for extra storage or it can be removed and more floor area in the kitchen or laundry will be created.

7. RENT A CABIN

If after all that work inside, you’re still lacking space…what about renting a cabin?

Cabins are the flexible and easy-to-afford solution to your space problems. Warm, cosy and a great size, cabins offer a flexible alternative to the hassle of finding a bigger property to live in. They are likely to be more cost effective than a larger rental property. Cabins are much warmer than caravans and they are stylish, meaning they are a great looking addition to your property or workplace. They are perfect for many different uses from sleep out, to home office, storage room or hobby room.

8. GARDEN SHED

Moving outdoor maintenance equipment from the garage to your shed will free up extra room in the garage. This means that you are able to move some of the over flow from inside the house into the garage.

9. UNDER DECK STORAGE

Raised decks have ample space to create a room/area for storage underneath and are a great way to utilise dead space. Not only do they add storage to your home, but they can also look great and in keeping with the rest of the home’s colour schemes and materials. Having a flat roof on this type of storage means that you can use the entire space. You can line the walls with shelves and use the ceiling for more storage options.

Unlike the typical garden shed there are permits required for this type of construction. It is important that you seek professional advice prior to construction.

10. MULTI-PURPOSE FURNITURE

Multi-purpose furniture is another way to maximise storage. There are a number of different furniture items that can have more than one use. Bench seats are good for storage and ottomans are another great multipurpose piece of furniture that can be used as a coffee table, seating and storage.

The easiest was to maximise your storage space is to learn how to declutter.
2018-08-01T22:05:13+00:00By |Top Tips|0 Comments
Read More

Kitchens

download pdf

1. STORAGE IS KEY

Never underestimate the importance of enough storage in your kitchen. Plan out everything and include storage that utilises every nook and cranny. Make sure cabinets go right up to the ceiling, rather than leaving a gap on top that just collects dust. Install deep drawers for pots and pans and include enough storage for appliances that would otherwise clutter up the bench.

2. A LIGHT POINT

Assess the lighting in your kitchen; more than likely it will be insufficient. You want the lighting above you, illuminating your workspace and not behind you, casting a shadow on the bench. Under-cabinet lights are great because they shine directly on bench tops.

3. OPEN A DRAWER

Replace your awkward cupboard storage with drawers. Drawers are ideal for storing anything from pots and pans to plates and appliances; just opt for maximum weight-bearing systems.

4. HARDWARE UPDATE

Changing the cabinet hardware is another way to update the look of your kitchen. It can be surprising how this small change can make such a big difference. Cabinet knobs and handles are available in a variety of different designs, shapes, colours, sizes and textures.

5. REPLACE THE TAPS

This is a very simple, straightforward way to upgrade your kitchen. With all the fantastic options and price ranges out there, there is really no excuse for any kitchen to have boring taps anymore.

6. PAINT IT

Rejuvenate your kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint. Paint is the best way to make an easy and inexpensive change to your kitchen. Mix up colours on upper and lower cabinets or on cabinets and islands.

7. BUILD AN ISLAND

Sometimes in a larger kitchen there is enough space to add a kitchen island. Freestanding islands in various stylish looks can be purchased or purpose built. Not only can they be aesthetically pleasing, but also allow you the functionality of the island for food preparation and additional storage.

A glass splash-back can have a dramatic effect with only a small outlay.

8. BACKSPLASH

Without doubt a glass splash-back which can be coloured or even printed with pictures or patterns can have a dramatic effect with only a small outlay. Including this in an existing kitchen can change the whole look, adding colour, style and sophistication in one swoop.

9. REPLACE THE COUNTERTOP

These can be custom built and installed giving a change of colour and/or material which can make the world of difference. This is also an opportunity to add a breakfast bar, if you don’t already have one, by extending one side of the bench to allow people to sit on the opposite side.

10. FLOORS

One of the quickest and most dramatic changes you can make to a kitchen is to change the floor coverings. Flooring has a huge potential for adding value over and above its actual cost. Most kitchens are designed in a square format, which make them easy to tile. Also, a lot of older homes in New Zealand have Rimu and Matai flooring which when polished, creates stunning timber flooring that is beautiful, versatile and durable.

2018-08-01T22:08:15+00:00By |Top Tips|0 Comments
Read More

Lawns

download pdf

INTRODUCTION

If you want to add significant additional value to your property without spending a fortune, then nothing quite compares to the bang for buck you get with a lush lawn. It’s like a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Having a great looking lawn that is the envy of the neighbourhood, and has buyers impressed with the care the owner has taken with the property, doesn’t need to cost a fortune and it doesn’t need to take years to achieve.

The ultimate lawn will:

  • Have depth of colour.
  • Have few or no weeds.
  • Be flat and even.
  • Be edged and bordered.
  • Be spongy and lush.

1. TOPSOIL

Create a flat, even lawn by spreading additional clean topsoil to fill in the hollows, rake it over and then reseed it.

2. PROFESSIONAL EDGE

Edge your lawn like a professional. A well-edged lawn stands out. It enhances that clean, crisp look that is so visually appealing on a section. Old bricks or purpose-bought edging can both be great, as can concrete.

3. DRAINAGE

Add additional drainage to waterlogged lawns. This makes them more usable and prevents the buildup of moisture which encourages disease to fester. The system you install can be either a surface or sub-surface system, the choice is up to you.

4. DETHATCH

Have the lawn dethatched. Thatch is the buildup of decomposing, discarded leaves, shoots and various bits of grass and roots between the soil and the green leaf. Dethatching involves using a vertical mower to remove this buildup of thatch and revitalises the lawn.

5. MOW FOR EFFECT

That’s right, create the lines and patterns you see on golf courses and at sports grounds. Lawn striping kits and mowers with rollers can do this for you. This is purely a visual enhancement but is sure to impress.

6. MOWING FREQUENCY

Mow more often and at a higher height. Longer leaf growth encourages deeper roots. A good rule of thumb is not
to mow more than a third of your grass height off . A longer lawn is actually healthier. More leaves creates more carbohydrate for the plant, it shades the weeds and makes it harder for them to survive, and longer roots mean your lawn will tolerate drought conditions better.

7. EARLYBIRD WATERING

Water in the early morning and water less frequently but for a longer duration. Watering like this encourages deeper root growth, as frequent shallow watering doesn’t encourage the roots to go down deep for moisture.

8. SHARPEN UP

Make sure your mower blades are sharp. Blunt and ragged blades cause ragged haphazard cutting that loses more moisture from the leaf and looks shabby. It also makes the leaf more susceptible to disease.

9. MULCH IT BACK

Mulch your clippings back into the lawn. If you have followed the tips we have given you there will be a smaller amount of clippings, which if mulched into the lawn will form a good layer of additional compost and will even help in the retention of additional moisture, reducing the amount of watering you will have to do.

10. GET READY

Readylawn is hard to beat. It’s relatively straight forward for you to lay yourself and will allow you to get almost immediate enjoyment from your lawn.

Add significant additional value to your property without spending a fortune.
2018-08-01T22:10:27+00:00By |Top Tips|0 Comments
Read More

Interior

download pdf

INTRODUCTION

The way a buyer feels about a property is determined by what they see, hear and smell in the environment. Often the latter two are left to chance. Soft café style music creates an atmosphere of relaxation. A portable speaker and attached music player is an easy way to achieve this. Choose three or four great tunes and put on repeat. For smell, less is more. The old trick of baking bread or fresh brewed coffee can be overpowering and claustrophobic. Instead, ensure the rooms do not omit any offensives odours. Pet owners and inside smokers beware. A poor smelling home is noticeable and it does make a difference! Having ensured there is a neutral smelling environment, select some lightly scented candles; lavender or pine, to create a subtle yet fresh smell as opposed to the heavier vanilla and coffee scented versions.

1. MIRROR, MIRROR

Mirrors can also be used to make a small space feel larger. For larger rooms or any room with a limited amount of natural light, mirrors placed directly across from the windows will add instant light. Decorative mirrors can also be used in lieu of art to fill empty wall space. Large or small, mirrors add light and dimension to your living space. A large mirror at the end of a hallway can reflect light and create a sense of space.

2. THE GREEN SCENE

Add plants to your living space. Add them to every room, small or large, few or many. Plants are an inexpensive means of accessorising your space and adding colour and texture. Not only are plants beautiful but many can clean household air and balance humidity. They can absorb pollutants and remove harmful gases from the air. No home should be without these wonderful greens!

3. COLOUR SCHEMES

Bold colours can make a statement. A large space will benefit from a feature wall when you want to make the space feel cosy and friendlier. If you have plenty of natural light and space to work with, you can have some fun. On the other hand, small spaces benefit from lighter colours which reflect light, making the space feel bigger.

4. RUG UP

Throw rugs give warmth and can add great texture, colour and personality to your living space. Hardwood floors are beautiful and easy to maintain but they lack the comfort that carpeted floors offer, especially in the cooler months. Area rugs can add fun and functionality to your living space.

5. BREATHING ROOM

You don’t need to fill up a space with lots of furniture. Spend more of your budget on fewer but better-quality pieces and your room will look better than if it’s stuffed to the gills with flea market finds. Rather than spread furniture out to the furthest walls to create space, create furniture groupings and allow for plenty of walkways and access spaces for guests to move from one area to another without tripping over side tables.

6. DECLUTTER

Clear out the clutter. If you don’t love it, donate it—it’s always good to get a fresh start with a clean eye. Cleaning your space will open up new possibilities for design layouts and give you peace of mind.

Lighting can have a dramatic effect on a room, adding functionality and personality to the space.

7. LIGHTING PRIORITY

Lighting can have a dramatic effect on a room, adding functionality and personality to the space. A freestanding light can have the added benefit of being a feature within a room. Light shades and fittings over a bench or chandeliers over a table can help further define the space while adding impact to the room.

8. ADD ART NOW

Bare walls can appear stark and cold. Create a sense of space with a few choice pieces. We are not talking about pricey named artists, contemporary colourful art that compliments the environment in which it’s hung or contrasts work great.

9. BIG FLUFFY TOWELS AND BEDDING

A small investment in linen and bedding is money well spent whether you are staging for profit, or simply to make the most of your home. The best part is you get to take it with you when you move.

The fantastic master bedrooms you see are often achieved with a plump feature duvet and stylish pillows. Fresh clean linen compliments the look. A few well-chosen pillows in various shapes and a throw across the bottom of the bed complete the look.

Your bathroom will pop with a couple of contrasting hand towels with matching bath towels, which complement the surrounding colour scheme of the room.

10. THAT GUT FEELING

Your initial feeling is usually right! When it’s time to make decisions, it can be overwhelming because there are so many great ideas to choose from. But you will find it’s often your first inspiration that is the best choice.

2018-08-20T02:27:25+00:00By |Top Tips|0 Comments
Read More

Painting

download pdf

1. WAIT FOR DRY WEATHER

Inside or outside, humidity means drips and slow drying, so avoid painting on a rainy day. If you must paint, take your time and take advantage of a slow-drying paint to correct your errors before moving on to the next coat.

2. PROTECT EVERYTHING

You will never regret the time you spend covering floors, furniture and hardware before you begin a painting project. Small plastic sandwich bags secured with tape are an easy way to protect doorknobs. Avoid the temptation not to cover, no matter how small the job. Prevention really is better than cure in this case. Cover your floors with drop cloths before you start to paint. This protects your carpets and wooden floors from unsightly splashes and spills. This is a must!

3. REMOVE LIGHT SWITCH AND OUTLET COVERS

It’s far easier to remove the light switch covers than it is to cut around them and it looks far more finished. These small preparations are what sets a professional looking paint job apart from an amateur one.

4. BUY QUALITY

If you’re investing in quality paint, you definitely want to invest in quality tools as well. Good brushes and roller covers give excellent coverage so that you don’t waste time and paint on reapplications. Give new rollers and brushes a quick rinse under water to stop those small flecks of fluff that can come off new rollers.

5.USE PAINTERS TAPE

Always use painters tape as it will come off cleanly, even after a few days of application. One of the most discouraging things can be removing the tape only to see the paint has gotten under and bled onto the surface you are trying to protect. Two things will help in preventing this. The first is to not use too much paint at one time at the edge of the tape. Rather, go over a few times with less paint so it doesn’t just soak through. Secondly, clean the surface thoroughly of dust and grime and then use a putty knife and press along the edge to ensure a secure bond to the tape.

6. IT’S ALL IN THE PREPARATION

If you paint over dirty, oily surfaces, the paint will easily chip or peel off. So before painting, clean grimy areas with a deglosser or heavy-duty cleaner intended for pre-paint cleaning. They work well on clean painted, varnished or enamelled surfaces to improve the adhesion of the new paint.

7. SKIRTING FIRST

Paint the skirting first, then the ceiling and walls. When painting the skirting, you don’t have to be neat. Just concentrate on getting a smooth finish on the surface. Don’t worry if you get paint on the walls. You’ll cover it later when painting the walls. Once the skirting is completely painted and dry, tape it off and then paint the ceiling and walls.

8. LET THE ROLLER DO THE WORK

Today’s premium paints flow on easily (you’ve already chosen a good roller cover), so there’s no need to use much pressure. Be sure to use an extension pole so you can reach the maximum amount of area with the least amount of effort and without straining your back.

9. PAINT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

After you’ve cut in your edges at the ceiling and baseboard using a brush, use your roller to apply paint from the ceiling downward. Amateurs often have drips and spatters at the end of a paint job, but professionals paint right over their mistakes as they work their way down the wall. Once an area starts to dry, it’s best to leave it alone. Going back over it can leave marks and colour streaks on the paint’s surface.

10. CUTTING IN

Where the wall paint joins either a corner or an architrave on the ceiling, it needs to have a crisp straight line. There are no excuses for ragged edges, uneven paint coverings, spills or overpainting.

NOTE

Sometimes, the task of preparing and painting an area can be beyond our own skill set and it is time to get a professional tradesperson in. In these cases, there are certain things to look out for or request. Often, it’s not the paint job but the underlying surface that leads to a poor looking finish. One of the best investments before starting is having the walls skimmed professionally. Before your painter takes on the job, ask them clearly if there are any issues with the surface, the preparation or the job that will impact on the final finish.

2018-08-21T01:53:15+00:00By |Top Tips|0 Comments
Read More

Outdoors

download pdf

INTRODUCTION

Nothing compares to an endless Kiwi summer. The BBQs, kids running under the sprinkler, prickles in the lawn and the sound of the neighbour’s mower. The outdoor areas of your home provide an opportunity to create significant value at minimal cost. Much of the work can be done by a homeowner of very modest skills. Whether you want to sell or make the most of your home, maximising your home’s outdoor areas should be one of your first considerations.

1. CLEAN UP EVERYTHING

Hire a skip bin and remove all of the rubbish you can from the site. Everything must go in this cleaning up stage. Get rid of the dilapidated shed, old timber lying around and garden rubbish. Clear out the garage, the roof cavity and under the house.

2. WASH DOWN

First wash down your house making sure to use a brush with an attached hose. Don’t use a high-pressure water blaster as this can damage your home’s cladding, paintwork and exposed wooden decks. Get up under the eaves, around the exhausts from the dryer, and around the windows. Water blast concrete drives and paths. Use a mould killer on these and wooden decks, remembering to scrub with a hard brush also.

3. GARDENS

Weed, rake and dig over all gardens, cut back trees and trim hedges. Bark or mulch the garden. Lay weed matting or three layers of newspaper under it to minimise weeds growing through. Mulching the gardens is one of the quickest, most cost effective and appealing projects you can complete that will have the most visual impact.

4. CLOTHESLINE

A poor looking clothesline will have a negative impact immediately. Replacing or repositioning the clothesline can free up space, make it more practical and remove the unsightliness of the old style, circular line with the concrete path to the middle of the lawn.

5. OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Thoughtful use of outdoor lighting will add a level of safety and aesthetic appeal to your property. Lighting used around entertaining areas, along paths and in the gardens is money well spent. Hanging fairy lights over a pergola is an unimposing way to light up an outside patio, making it suitable for evening use. In order to get the full use of your entertaining spaces, they need to have adequate and appropriate lighting that encourages guests to sit and linger in the evening.

6. RAISED GARDEN BEDS

These look great and have the added advantage of making it easier to grow vegetables and flowers as you don’t have to bend too low. Built in a pattern or in rows they are also aesthetically pleasing. They can be built using sleepers, tongue and groove timber or even simply tanalised timber.

7. PLANT A HEDGE

Create additional privacy and shelter by planting a hedge. Griselinia hedges grow quickly, are relatively easy to plant and are a hardy, and attractive hedging option.

8. PATHS OR WALKWAYS

A path can be as simple as a row of flagstones laid on a bed of sand, or it can be an elaborate brick design. A tidy path around the side of the house to the garage or between garden beds adds a finishing touch to a landscaping project. The easiest way to identify where a path would work is to look around your property for worn areas of grass or gaps in the gardens. These are created by people walking there, taking short cuts and show the ideal place to make a permanent walkway.

9. POT PLANTS

Pot plants are an easy way to have colour and green foliage in an area without the hassle of building gardens there. In front of a garage or on the edge of decks are areas which can be difficult to plant in garden beds, but a number of pot plants will have a dramatic impact.

10. SAILS FOR SHADE

When summer approaches, you may be surprised just how much an entertaining space will benefit from a sail secured from your house or pergola onto a free-standing pole. A sail also works well over a children’s play area such as a sandpit or climbing set. The cost is minimal for the benefits and the landscaped look it creates.

Your home’s outdoor areas provide an opportunity to create significant value at minimal cost.

2018-08-20T02:32:09+00:00By |Top Tips|0 Comments
Read More
Copyright 2018 Gillies Real Estate | Designed by Tailgunner