Renovating the home with Water saving features

Given the severe drought of recent years and the government response to build a desalination plant. One must expect that water rates will rise steeply: some estimates are from the current level of $400 to around $2,000,YES$2,000. The severe water restrictions might ruin many gardens, but certainly not mine, while, I use these  easy water saving measures.
1 Fit efficient four star dual flush cisterns
2 Install all triple rated water efficient devices,like low flow showers.
3 Install a 6 star rated front loaded washing machine, and only use it when its a full load.

4 Install rainwater tanks,for the garden or internal cistern.

5 Plant a water efficient a native garden,evn a rock garden.
6 Mulch the garden with council mulch, purchased in bulk.
7 Check your water efficiency rating with www.smartwatermark.info.au
8 Install a grey water recycling system. If you save too much, one switches it to drain mode.
9 Water efficient Herbal lawns are becoming popular.

10 Install drip irrigation, from  your water tanks.
So much more available from the FREE ebook

Renovate by new Energy Features

Given the expectation that energy cost could double over the next two years, many home owners will be looking for energy saving features. Given the current interest free green home loans scheme, many renovators would be leaping to add these features while the scheme lasts. The solar panel power on the roof scheme proved so popular, it blew a half billion hole in the Federal budget and was scrapped.  All homes  when offered for sale or rent will be required to be  Energy Rated  for efficiency levels. Below, I enclose some of my  energy saving suggestions.
1   Paint the roof with a special insulating white paint. Just recently released there is such a paint and it is used in the USA. Its called Solacoat.

2   Chose ceramic tiles over corrugated iron or concrete tiles for the roof.
3   Install major thermal mass into the building, as a way to moderate the temperature fluctuations.

4 Create zonal living areas in the home
5 Insulate ceilings as well as the walls. Install skylights to let in  light to the central part of the home.

6 Double glazed the windows. This can be remarkably effective, and not too expensive either.

7 Plan the home for optimal North facing windows warming the living zones.
8 Fit outside blinds or shutters to protect the windows, which transmit so much heat  and cold.
9 Ask your energy supplier for a home Energy Assessment. It might even be free,as they want to up sell you to more products.

Renovate via new fixtures and fittings

Arguably, one of the most effective and low cost systems of renovating. One can simply replace as many fixtures and fittings, as possible. If you chose a theme, maintain it consistently throughout the home.  Everything a buyer or renter touches by hand, influences their expectation of value and quality. Thus if one has new door handles, new doors, new Kitchen benches,  polished floors, Security doors, taps, handles including window handles  it will boost the home’s appeal.
In the appliances market there are great deals available for airconditioners, heaters, security systems, washing machines, cabinetery, built in robes.  If one builds in the better Fixtures and Fittings : I am sure you will add value to your home.
When restoring an historical home, the restoration of the period features. These might include the plasterwork of roses, cornices, the feature fireplace, light fittings, stair ways and entrance door. This  can add a dramatic increase in value.

Renovate via a Lush Garden

A lush garden is a major attraction. The recent long drought and severe water restrictions has emphasised the luxury influence of a lush garden. The things  I enjoy about a garden, include a  growing and well trimmed lawn, garden beds full of blooming or lush growth, with plants in large groups.  As Australia’s favourite outdoors exercise activity, a  garden has a lot going for it.  Features one might include  are garden rooms with particular themes,  a feature garden wall, water feature of a  fountain or bird bath, garden furniture or  sculpture is becoming popular.  One can use hedges for privacy or security. A growing and blooming garden is a inexpensive and popular pastime. I suggest a  great garden, might be one of the most over looked major renovation features. Both a joy to behold and even a joy to build.  I maintain a feature garden can add ten percent to the value of a home !!!

A cost concious renovator might buy mulch in bulk from the council and grow out feature plants and hedges from small pots  for a fraction of the cost.

Renovation, Add Vitality to outdoors.

The outdoor areas, are alternative living areas.  Currently, an outdoor room is a major renovation attraction. It might have its own Kitchen, fireplace waterfeature or tub spa. A deck is becoming extremely popular,  a safe area for children to play, as a cooking area and a relaxing outdoors area. It might have an outdoor kitchen, living room  or even a weather proofed television.  The external appearance of the home can be improved with painting, Pegolas , new windows,  sensor light for security, Blinds,  a  balcony or deck. The connection between the outdoors and the indoors, usually living area is critical. The connection between the outdoor room and the garden is also important. A tub spa pool could add to the relaxation aspect of a deck.  One can buy a deck as a DIY kit format, and save heaps by building it yourself.

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