Archives February 2021

Why you need to prepare your roof and gutters now

If your roof and gutters aren’t ready for winter wind and rain, you could be setting yourself up for a range of problems, some that may be costly to fix.

Through the winter months, your gutters and down pipes will have extra work to do. If they haven’t been recently cleaned they are more likely to get clogged. Uncleaned gutters can lead to serious consequences including water damage as water pools on your roof and overflows your gutters.

Clogged and overflowing gutters can cause a range of water damage from leaks in your roof and ceiling, to electrical damage to cracks in your home’s foundations. And any of these can come with some serious roof repair bills.

The best way to avoid these issues is to get your roof and gutters cleaned before winter settles in. Here’s what you need to do.

Clean out the gutters

To ensure your gutters can cope with winter rain and won’t overflow or leak, they need to be free of dirt and debris, like leaves and twigs.

Using a ladder, remove any matter in your gutters. It’s safer to remain on the ladder while cleaning the gutters, rather than getting up on the roof and risk damaging the roofing materials and structure.

Check the gutters

Read the signs when your gutters need cleaning and once your gutters are clean, it’s important to check them for any signs of damage. Ideally, cleaning your gutters should mean they’re good-to-go, but all that debris might have been hiding other problems.Start by looking for any rust or holes. This sort of damage can occur when water has been pooling in your gutters. If your gutter has started to rust or rusted through, you’ll need to replace the section to stop the damage getting any worse.Next check if any sections of gutter are sagging or pulling away from the roof. Gutter systems aren’t designed to hold much weight. If they’ve been clogged with wet leaves and debris they may be carrying more weight than they should.You may need to reattach sagging sections or replace them entirely. If a gutter section has pulled away from the roof, it may have done damage to the fascia boards behind. Check that the wood has not rotted or been broken. If it has, you will need to repair or replace the board along with the guttering section. Damage to these boards can let water into your roof space, which can cause serious damage to your food structure, ceiling, insulation and electrics.

Check the roof

While you’ve got the ladder out, carefully look over your roof for cracked or missing tiles or shingles. If there are any, these will need to be fixed to prevent water getting inside your roof. Don’t forget to check flashing as well. If this has started to wear or pull away, water can get into your roof.

Check potential access points

Check the roof for any hidey holes or access points that could appeal to creatures looking for warmth. While they might not necessarily cause water damage, animals like rats, possums and birds can get inside your roof and cause a mess. They may tear up insulation for bedding and damage electrical wires, causing power shorts or cuts. Missing tiles and shingles are good entry points but so are fan vents. Be thorough, because if a creature can slip through, rain can too. Then you’ll be left with both a pest bill and a water damage bill.

Call in the professionals

Preparing your roof and gutters for winter is a straightforward job but it should be done carefully and thoroughly. Of course, not everyone is an expert when it comes to roof and gutter conditions. It can be easy to miss a cracked tile or slightly sagging gutter if you don’t have a lot of experience. And you could end up really paying for it by spring.

All Safe WA recommends calling the professionals for help. Gutter cleaning is made easy with the help of our expert team, who can ensure your roof and gutters are ready for even the wettest winter day. To book a service today, call 0408 075 646.

Could your kitchen use a refresh? If visions of pristine cabinets and sparkling countertops have you craving an update to the most-loved room in your home, now is the perfect time to bring your dreams to life.

HERE ARE SIX STEPS TO GET YOU STARTED

1. Install a new sink or faucet

The sink and faucet are often the focal point of the kitchen and set the creative tone for the entire space. By swapping old versions for new ones, you can update the look of your room in an instant.

• Update your countertop

With so many options from which to choose, new countertops are perhaps the most statement-making upgrade you can do in your kitchen.

• Change out the hardware and knobs

Swapping out your kitchen hardware may seem like a small change, but it can have a major impact on the overall look and feel of your space. Keep your look timeless with chrome, nickel, and stainless-steel options or go with new metallics for a fresh aesthetic.

• Make the most of your cabinets

If new or updated cabinets are on your to-do list, consider incorporating pull-out storage solutions to increase accessibility. Even if new cabinetry is not in your budget, you can still give your existing ones a fresh look with a sleek coat of paint or stain.

• Take it outside

Give your oven a break and showcase your culinary skills in your very own outdoor kitchen.

• Lay the groundwork for your outdoor kitchen

To make sure your al fresco culinary space is fully functional, add pavers to create a smooth surface outside.

To turn your kitchen renovation dreams into a reality, give All Safe WA a call today, the team are ready to get the job done!

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Including dreamy freestanding copper baths…

Copper baths, colourful basins and hi-tech lighting are among some of the popular bathroom trends tipped to make waves in 2021.

In need of bathroom ideas? Whether you’re dreaming of tackling a bathroom renovation this year, or just want to see what’s hot now, these trends will lead the way in 2021…

1. COPPER BATHS

Roll-top copper baths are real head-turners. With many of us turning our homes into anxiety-reducing sanctuaries, this year will see Brits invest in luxurious, timeless pieces. Looking to make a statement? Look no further than a grand copper bath.

If you’re planning on getting your hands on one this year, George suggests: “These freestanding baths come in a variety of shapes and sizes so can easily be added into smaller spaces or even en-suites. Be wary of strong detergents or cleaning products as these can cause damage to the material, and make sure to use a soft cloth rather than a brush for cleaning to avoid scratches.”

2. LEANING LADDER RADIATOR

Newer to the world of interior design, leaning ladder radiators bring a modern aesthetic to the home. Unique and eye-catching, they’re expected to be all the rage this year.

3. COLOURFUL BASINS

Bring an instant burst of sunshine to your bathroom with vibrant basins. As well as brightening up your mood, they create the ultimate Insta-worthy look. opt for yellow, orange or blue.

4. BLUETOOTH-CONTROLLED LIGHTING

The right lighting can truly transform a bathroom space. And, for 2021, lighting takes a modern turn, with Bluetooth LED lighting predicted to surge in popularity. As well as being kinder to the planet, it can help create a whole new level of ambience at home.

5. INDUSTRIAL TAPS AND SHOWERS

Give your bathroom that wow factor with a matching industrial shower and tap set. Inspired by metalwork and equipment found in traditional factories, these striking styles work well in both modern bathrooms and more traditional suites.

Thinking about giving your bathroom a makeover? Give the All Safe WA team a call and let them help get the job done.

#allsafewa #asbestosremoval #bathroomrenovation #build #building #buildingplans #carpentry #construction #design #homeimprovement #kitchenrenovation #maintenance #perthdesign #perthhomerenovation

The kitchen is the heart of today’s home, and it’s the room buyers are most focused on when they step inside a property for sale. If a kitchen reno is on the cards for you, renovation expert Dr Naomi Findlay reveals where to spend and where to save so you can get the biggest return on your investment.

Investing a bit of time and money into upgrading your kitchen can result in increased buyer interest and a higher sale price when it comes time to sell your home. And the good news is that you don’t always have to go all out and re-do the whole kitchen to reap the rewards. If your kitchen is in decent condition, sometimes all you need are a few small, sharply focused upgrades to bring it up to date and boost its value. Here are the upgrades that are likely to give you the best return.

ADD AN ISLAND

This is an instant value booster. Not only will a new island provide another work surface, but it will give you a serious storage boost. Introducing a kitchen island is also a great way to draw the kitchen out into an open-plan living or dining space.

Good to know: You’ll want to leave around one metre on either side of your island unit to allow for traffic flow. But if space is tight, you could go as narrow as 850 millimetres. Deciding how big or small your island unit should be will depend on what it needs to house, and the proportions of your kitchen. I recommend a minimum width of around 1200 millimetres for islands, but if you don’t plan on installing a sink or a stovetop in it, you could go as narrow as 600 millimetres.

If you’d like to boost your display options, add some open shelving to your island. If storage is a priority, add drawers. Maximise your drawer space by investing in custom-designed solutions. These can be made to accommodate everything from cutlery and plates to glassware.

TAKE STORAGE FROM FLOOR TO CEILING

Adequate storage is one of the most important things buyers are looking for. If you’re re-doing your kitchen, maximise your storage potential by installing cupboards that run the full length of walls from floor to ceiling, and take them as wide as possible.

Good to know: Open shelving will need cleaning and styling from time to time, so only install it in spots you can reach. Install closed cupboards in high spots and use them to store items you only use occasionally, such as storage boxes and platters.

UPGRADE YOUR BENCHTOP

Your kitchen benchtop is one of the first things buyers see when they step inside your kitchen, so it’s well worth upgrading to a quality style. Hard-wearing laminate is one of my favourite options for benchtops, particularly if you’re on a budget. It can be made to mimic a variety of sumptuous materials, such as marble and timber, and it won’t cost you the earth. If you’re prepared to splash out on a benchtop, I’d suggest upgrading to one in a luxurious and durable material such as granite or quartz.

Good to know: Choose a benchtop material in a neutral colour that won’t date. If you’re buying laminate for a benchtop, it’s worth paying a little more for a hardy, heat-resistant variety. Benchtops take a lot of beating over their lifetime. Whichever material you choose, make sure that it is stain-, heat- and water-resistant, as well as easy to clean.

CHOOSE COLOUR WISELY

When renovating your kitchen, be mindful when choosing the colour palette for your finishes. While you might love a bright red splashback and yellow tiles, ask yourself if that’s something buyers are likely to appreciate. For walls, the ceiling and floors, stick with neutrals that are unlikely to date, such as white, grey and beige.

Good to know: If you hanker after a bit of colour, add it in your accessories, such as funky bar stools, a brightly coloured coffee machine or an eye-catching pendant light. These are easy enough to change if they’re not to your buyer’s taste.

INVEST IN QUALITY APPLIANCES

Good-quality appliances will give your kitchen an instant lift and boost its value in the eyes of buyers. While you’re still using the kitchen, new functionality on the latest appliances can also save you hours on cleaning and cooking prep.

Good to know: Look to buy appliances from the same brand and range for a stylish, coordinated look.

INTRODUCE A SMART LIGHTING SCHEME

A carefully considered lighting scheme is a smart investment and a detail that prospective buyers really appreciate. Good lighting not only makes it easier to work in a kitchen, but allows you to alter the mood for entertaining – ideal for kitchens in an open-plan space.

Good to know: Make sure you adequately light parts of the kitchen where you will be chopping and cooking, such as over the kitchen benches and above the stove. Position lighting in front of you rather than solely overhead or behind, so that you’re not working in your own shadow.

Installing downlights and pendant lights on separate circuits makes it easy for you to control lighting levels and atmosphere. If you want to install a pendant light over a dining table, think carefully about positioning. Once the light fixture goes in, it’s likely to be there for years to come.

If you are looking for adding value to your home with a kitchen renovation, be sure to give All Safe WA a call for a chat!