Light and Airy Apartment Interior Design Ideas

This penthouse apartment sits atop South Yarra’s development and features amazing views of Melburne’s busy city skyline. Its interior is designed by Robert Mills Architects as light and airy as possible to highlight owner’s extensive furniture and art collection.

The white surfaces and limestone floors can be found across the whole apartment, including all living, bedroom and bathroom areas. Most of storage spaces are built-in so they also don’t spoil the look and airiness of the interior. The apartment also features the rooftop garden, designed by Jack Merlo, that also features amazing views of the area.

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Does Your Roof Have Black Goop?

Does Your Roof Have Black Goop?

By: House Detective Home Inspections and Appraisals

Many times overlooked, contractors will place a second layer of shingles over the first incorrectly, causing penetration problems . 

Roof tar, also known as black goop is commonly used by a non-professional to repair roofs.  Roof tar does not last long, as it deteriorates quickly by the sun's UV rays, and it cracks and leaks. 

Why do contractors use black goop (roof tar)?

Contractors use black goop to place a second layer of shingles over the first layer or as a quick fix for an existing leak.  Basically to avoid the work involved in doing the job correctly.  Contractors will just seal previous cracks or gaps on the old roofing material with roof tar. 

Black goop (roof tar) concerns

When black goop/ roof tar is used improperly it can cause leaking and rotting of the roof from inside the attic. 

Can black goop (roof tar) ever be used correctly?

The answer is yes!  Black goop/ roof tar is a good product when used correctly.  Professional contractors will use it, but properly.  It is best used under things, such as the edges of a ridge vent, an attic fan, or other flashed locations on a roof.  Black goop should be hidden from the sun.  If completed correctly, it will last a long time and is an excellent sealer. 

A second layer of shingles is not necessarily bad.  It is often done by professional contractors.  However it must be done properly or the homeowner may have problems in the future. 

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Summer Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Summer Tips For Outdoor Entertaining

Tips on creating a sophisticated outdoor space for summer entertaining.

By: House Detective Inc. Home Inspections and Appraisals

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor entertaining.  Not long ago outdoor entertaining meant a picnic basket in the park or throwing burgers on the grill.  However, today there is a growing trend in outdoor kitchens and rooms with all the comfort of interior spaces.  The secret to outdoor entertaining is bringing your favorite indoor decor items outdoors. 

Top 5 Tips For Outdoor Entertaining

1.  Lay out a basic space for entertaining.  Planning a space before entertaining is key for outdoor entertainment.  First, you will need to decide if guests will be seated at a table or will be standing or sitting in a lawn chair. 
Pull out some old rugs and place them where the guests will be. This will bring a more cozy indoor feel to the atmosphere. Also, place old cushions in the shade. Plan a main buffet table. The buffet table should include main entrees, salads, side dishes, and condiments. Place all iced drinks in a water proof container which can range from a copper tub, cooler, wheel barrel, or Terra Cotta Pots.

2.  Dress the tables.  Dress the table up by using cloth napkins for dining and place paper napkins throughout.  Arrange silverware in a "inviting" container, in which the guest can take one.  This can include planters, or cachepots.  To add color to the table use colorful dining plates and silverware. 

Use simple center pieces such as small containers of Gerbera Daisies, or impatiens, along with greenery.  You can also try using fruit and vegetables as center pieces.  

 3.  Use food that is suitable for outdoors.  Try to keep the buffet table in a shaded area, because direct sunlight will cause fresh food to wilt and dairy products to curdle.  Try to stay away from foods that contain a lot of oil or gelatin, as they do not hold up well in the heat.  A good choice for a buffet fare is dishes that serve well at room temperature, such as vinegar based salads, grilled kebabs, beans and noodle dishes.

4.  Light up the evening.  If your entertainment is in the evening, add some romance with lighting.  Use clear strands of light on trees, shrubs,  and fences.  Candles are always a good source for outdoor lighting as they can be placed as grouping on tabletops, in small jars or in holders.  Another thing to consider is placing hurricane lanterns.  They will stay lit when it becomes breezy and can be used as a center piece.

5.  Have children feel welcome.  Plan creative ways to keep children entertained.  A kids table can be a great idea, cover it with crayons and white paper.

If you plan ahead and keep it simple, you will enjoy your summer gatherings just as much as your guests will. 

For all your Home Inspection and Appraisal Needs Contact House Detective

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Google celebrates Josef Frank

: : Google is celebrating one of my favorite Swedish Designers of all times today, Josef Frank. Happy 125th Birthday Josef Frank!!

(images via google images)

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Top 10 Defects in New Construction Homes

Top 10 Defects in New Construction Homes

New construction is not immune to defects even though we may think it should be.

By: House Detective Home Inspections and Appraisals

Search New Construction Homes For Sale

According to a recent article by Realty Times many town building inspectors are looking at more than 30 new construction homes per day.  That equals out to less than 15 minutes at each site.  That does not allow for enough time for a full inspection of the home.  A professional home inspection on a new construction home can be very beneficial. 

Top 10 Defects in New Construction Homes For Sale

1.  No insulation installed within the attic.  Many times builders cut costs and do not fully insulate an attic properly.  A well insulated attic can keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while saving you money. 

2.  Vent holes cut, missing proper vents, roofed over:  Attic ventilation is important, as it reduces heat build up during the summer.  During the winter ventilation allows heat and moisture to escape.

3.  Windows are installed improperly.  Windows which are installed improperly can result in moisture and leakage problems, as well as reducing energy throughout the house. 

4.  Reversed faucets handles with hot and cold water on sinks, tubs, and showers.  Although this can be just be considered a nuisance, it also can become a safety hazard. 

5.  Other issues with plumbing.  Toilets in which are constantly overflowing, run constantly, or leak due to improper installation.  Also tubs that do not drain properly due to debris clogging the drain.  

6.  Missing or non-operable GFCI's in required areas.  A GFCI or ground fault circuit interpreter, protects people from a severe or fatal electrical shock.  When a GFCI is missing or not working properly it becomes a major safety concern.

7.  Missing heat vents.  The home will not heat efficiently when the heat vents are missing.

8.  Cut trusses in the roof or floor trusses.  This can compromise the structural integrity of the home.

9.  Tempered glass missing in areas.  Safety glass is required in certain areas to protect those in and around your home from injury.

10.  Roofing, flashing, or roof jacks installed improperly.  Roofing materials in which are installed properly, prevents moisture penetration from into the siding or home materials. 

For all your home inspection needs contact House Detective

1-888-692-2711 

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The Value of Maintaining Your Home - Regular Maintinence is Key to Preserving the Value of Your Home

The Value of Maintaining Your Home

Regular Maintenance is Key to Preserving the Value of Your Home Value 

Home Inspections and Appraisals by House Detective

Picture courtesy of Thomson Local

Benjamin Franklin once said, "An once of prevention is worth a pound of cure."  In other words, pro-active maintenance is essential to keeping the value of your home.  By not actively keeping up on maintenance you could lose 10% or more value in your home.  Regular home maintenance not only enhances curb appeal, it ensures safety and can prevent costly repairs. 

Estimate the Value of Home Maintenance

Keeping up with the maintenance will not only prevent future problems, it also increases the value of your home approximately 1% per year.  This data was found in a study conducted by the University of Syracuse and Connecticut.

How much will it cost?

This will vary each year.  Some years it will be routine tasks, such as replacing /changing furnace filters and cleaning the gutters.  Other years it will become more expensive as it could include major replacements such as the roof.  A new roof could end up costing $10,000 or more.

Be proactive by playing the offense not the defense.

This will prevent small issues turning into big ones.  Take initiative by having a home inspection on a regular basis.  Follow up by creating a maintenance schedule.  If you're not positive on what needs to be completed a professional home inspection can point out quick fixes along with potential problems. 

Keep a log.

Keep a notebook on all your maintenance and upgrades, along with receipts.   This will be a valuable tool when it comes to selling your home.  It gets rid of any doubts you or the buyer may have.  When you're asked how old the roof is, you can take a look back and see the exact date rather than an estimate.

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Spanish villa

: : since our summer vacation in the .Costa Brava region of Spain. last summer, we've been dreaming about owning a house in Spain. A house like this one on .IKEA family live. would do. *smile*  I love that there seem to be no barriers between indoor and outdoor space, they just blend together.

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Scandinavian Summer days

: : being reminded of Swedish summer days while looking through the blog .forever is today. Beautiful photographs that capture the true essence of Swedish summer lifestyle. Nothing beats Swedish summer days with friends and family....nothing! How I miss them.....and that magical golden light.

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Ways to Keep Your Home Cool and Save Money During the Heat Wave

Ways to Keep Your Home Cool and Save Money During the Heat Wave

Simple changes to keep your home cool that can save you hundreds of dollars.

By: House Detective

Tips on how to save more money and energy during the heat wave.  The easiest way to keep cool is just to turn the air up.  However you're still sweaty and shuffling a bundle of money out of your pockets.  So how do you keep cool and save money?

Get the most from your air conditioner to save money and keep cool.

1. 
   
   Use a fan near the air conditioner to boost the air through out the home. 
2. 
   
   Change the air filters on your air conditioner once a month. 
3. 
   
   Try not to place appliances near the air conditioner.  Appliances add heat near the air conditioner, causing the air conditioner to run longer than necessary. 
4. 
   
   Consider installing white window shades, drapes, or blinds.  This will reflect heat away from the house. 
5. 
   
   Plant trees on the south and west side of your home.  Just three trees, placed correctly can save you a few hundred dollars in cooling costs. 

Simple things to save money and keep cool.

1. 
   
    Replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.  Compact fluorescent light blubs produce the same amount of light as an incandescent however they use 1/5 of the energy and heat.
2. Air-dry your dishes instead of using the drying cycle in the dishwasher.
3. Use your microwave more often than the conventional oven.
4. Turn off the computer and monitor when you are not using it.
5. Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes rather than small loads.

 

Ways to Keep Your Home Cool and Save Money During the Heat Wave

 

For all your Home Inspection and Appraisal Needs Contact House Detective

 

 

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10 Cool Wallpaper Stickers Ideas for Creative Interiors

It is very often that our readers ask for ideas on how to improve the overall look of a room. These cool wallpaper sticker could be the answer they are looking for. Easy to use, the wall stickers are pre-cut adhesive items, that can be simply unwrapped and glued in the desired location. They are various, so many ideas to chose from. We consider them all to be very original and also adaptable to different types of arrangements. From landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and life-sized singers to bird cages and flowers, these wallpaper stickers can turn a common room into a creative and fun interior. We also like the fact that the color palette is wide, which means that for each design you can pick the color that matches your tastes. In the photos below you have some inspiring arrangements to go with the wacky stickers which we hope you will find useful. The items go great in the childrens’ room, but more serious ideas are available as well. We challenge you to tell us which one is your favorite.

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How to Prepare for A Home Inspection

How to Prepare For A Home Inspection

By: House Detective

Search Homes For Sale

Whether it is a seller, buyer, or just a general maintenance home inspection, it is a good idea for the homeowner to be prepared.  A home inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of the condition of the home's structure, systems, and components used on an every day basis.  There are steps a homeowner can take to help the home inspection process along, as well as prevent defects.

Tips On How To Prepare for A Home Inspection:

1.  Be prepared for the inspection.  Block off at least 2 hours for the home inspector. 

2.  Go through the home and unlock all doors.  Allow access to all the areas of the home including the basement, crawl spaces, attic, garage, storage rooms, utility space and all of the main interior space.

3.  Remove the cars from your garage.

4.  Provide adequate space for the home inspector.  Remove objects that will prevent the home inspector to move around a space or that would prevent an inspection. 

5.  Make sure to provide access to the electrical panels and meters, HVAC System, the water heater, attic access and the main shut off for the gas and water. 

6.  Check all the utilities to make sure they are turned on and operable. 

7.  Replace any burnt out light bulbs. 

8.  If possible have repairs, service, and improvement records for the home inspector.

9.  Have permits on hand for any additions. 

10.  Find a comfortable place to keep children and pets aways from the home inspection. 

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