Court Case Could Mean End of Vacation Home Rentals

What began as a dispute between a neighbour and a home renter over loud noise in the central town of Terrigal may turn out to be an landmark court case. The dispute, brought into the NSW Land and Environment Court last week could threaten thousands of people who rent out their investment properties or holiday homes to short term renters.

The neighbour complained of loud and drunken parties next door when the six bedroom house next to his was rented out for school holidays and weekends. He took the case to the Land and Environment Court arguing the owner of the property should be prohibited from renting it out on a short term basis. He told the court the noise of drunken parties from next door was causing psychological damage to his family.

As with any case, there is one linchpin that can determine which way the verdict goes. That linchpin is in the definition of the term “dwelling house” as detailed in the residential zoning rules of the local council. The neighbor argues “dwelling” means a degree of permanent occupancy, and argued if it is let out for parties on a regular basis it is in breach of the Environmental Planning Assessment Act and needs approval from the local council.

The opposing argument, made my the lawyer of the home owner, Michael McHugh of Stacks Business is mostly appealing to common sense ruling that definitions. He said that if noise was the problem then the neighbour should complain to police rather than seek to stop an owner letting out their property.

The owner didn’t know it was being used for parties, and since the neighbour complained about noise she’s asked renters to sign an agreement they won’t use the house for noisy parties.

“This case will have enormous ramifications for thousands of property owners up and down the coast who rent out their investment properties or holiday homes for short term stays,” said Mr McHugh.

Bigger Ramifications

Tourism and letting out vacation homes for a few days or a few weeks is big business during the year. Many people’s livelihoods are tied to the ability to be able to let out their property in order to pay the mortgage or earn an income.

If the case goes against the home owner, and the ability to let out homes for short periods of time is limited, many people could be financially ruined very quickly.

The case continues and many investment and holiday home owners are watching closely.

In a strange twist, the judge told lawyers for both sides that she also owned a holiday home. The lawyers didn’t object to her hearing the case.

Five Home Improvement Ideas for Under $150

There are plenty of different home improvement projects that can be completed that will add a touch of refreshment to your home without the large expense, or hassle, or a major renovation. These improvements can be easily done for under $150, but give your home a new look, an updated feel, and better sense of ownership. Here are five ways you can do that this weekend.

1. Add New Frames

One great way to refresh a room is to add new frames to your pictures. These can be anything from a DIY frame or those that you purchase. However, the main idea in this is to then create a large collage of pictures on an expanse of wall. This is then the central focus of the room and completely changes the look, the feel, and the attitude of your room.

2. Work With Paint Designs

There are plenty of different ways that you can paint a room that will not only change its appearance, but give it that breathtaking look. For example, textured paints can give an executive look, while a multi color design can give a more festive environment. Refreshing a room with paint can be a lot of fun when you put in some time to research different paints and designs.

3. Repaint Front Door and Entry

While we’re talking about paint, one great looking update to your home – which can easily add tremendous curb appeal – is to repaint your front door and entry area. By doing this every five years your home continues to look fresh and inviting. You do not necessarily need to change the color. A touch up on the paint will go along way towards making it look better. Adding a new light fixture, and perhaps a planter will also dress up your entry area for not a lot of money.

4. Restore Your Floor’s Shine

The versatility and warmth of wood is incomparable to other flooring materials, but regular exposure to dirt, dust, and high foot traffic will leave it looking dull and distressed. Restore your floor’s shine factor by polishing with a product that is specifically designed for hardwood floors. A wooden floor should be polished once a year, and every four to six months in high-traffic areas of the home.

5. Let the Light Shine

Beautiful light fixtures can go a long way in energizing or soothing a space, and savvy designs can ease eye-intensive tasks. Successfully light a room by creating layers of light with task, accent, and ambient lighting. An interesting pendant, sconce, or chandelier instantly boosts a room’s sophistication. Here, a whimsical chandelier makes a statement above the kitchen sink and provides a practical light source for prep and cleanup.

There are plenty of different ways that you can easily spruce up your home, and perhaps add some equity, with simple home improvement tasks. Get a head start with these simple embellishments and see how much more you may be able to do.

 
 

When it comes to doing a major home renovation, BuilderSelector is a leader in working alongside homeowners in making sure everything goes smoothly and with a desired outcome. Go to the BuilderSelector website to see how they can help you with your next big, or small, project.

Three Home Renovation Pitfalls to Avoid

Remodeling a home is stressful enough without having to look at your home in a state of disrepair and see some mistakes that have been made. In the haste, and the excitement, of finally getting your home renovation started there are some things that we tend to get overzealous about or just simply make a mistake in doing it. Here are three home renovation pitfalls that are easy to make, but should be avoided.

Gutting Everything

One of the biggest mistakes that many people make, it is really is an honest one, is to simply demolish everything in the area. This means all the walls, the ceilings, the floors, and even adjoining rooms and other areas. This is most dangerous when you don’t really have a plan in place for replacing everything that was ripped out. Other times homeowners start out to tear down a closet door, or bad wallpaper, and before the know it they are standing in a pile of rubbish.

The best thing to do is to have a plan before you start demolition on your home and stick to it.

Not Doing Any Preparation

There are plenty of projects within a home renovation that need preparation before you begin to do the work. Things like laying tile, hanging drywall, painting walls, or putting in a showerstall all need to have tedious prep work completed to make sure the work is done right. Many homeowners either do not know the preparation involved or are in a hurry that they skip it.

Before you do any work make sure that you know the steps to take in completing the project and spend the time to do all of the prep work. Taking this time will save you a lot of time and expense later.

Getting in Over Your Head

When it comes to working out a budget for a home renovation, many homeowners trim it down by doing much of the work themselves. While this is something that could be alright in some instances, you must know your exact limits before embarking on your home renovation. If you are thinking about rebuilding your entire kitchen, it may be wise to enlist help of a plumber, electrician, and perhaps a contractor for things such as laying out pipes, redoing the wires, and installing cabinets and other elements.

Hiring a contractor for the parts of the process you are not comfortable doing is less expensive than having to hire one – that you do not have time to research – to fix a problem that you created.

A home renovation can be a thrilling experience. However, it can also be made into quite an ordeal if these pitfalls are stepped into. Most of the time this can all be avoided by simply taking some time to plan out the project, research different aspects, and have a very clear picture of what you want.
 
 
When it comes to helping homeowners with their home renovation projects, BuilderSelector goes step by step with them through the entire process. See how they can help you today in choosing a contractor, helping you plan out your project, or getting the required permits.

Three MAJOR Tips for Home Renovation Success

Embarking upon a home renovation project can be, and is most generally, a large undertaking that quickly overwhelms any homeowner. There is the mess of demolition, the disruption of life amid the construction, unseen problems that come up at the wrong time, and the stretched budget that is never enough. They all add up to a stressful time. However, it doesn’t have to be. Here are three major tips that can make your next home renovation go much smoother and less stressful.

Research Contractors Thoroughly

Before you get out your sledgehammer and start knocking down walls it is important to spend a lot of time researching area contractors. Get as many recommendations as you can on the contractor you plan to use. Don’t be shy about calling references that are provided. You absolutely must trust this person as he/she will be in and out of your home for days. As you look out at your home renovation – whether it is remodeling a kitchen, adding a new bathroom, or a complete overhaul – this is the most important step. Your contractor will help take a lot of stress, make sure things are done right, and keep a tight schedule.

Know What You Want

After deciding on your contractor, you should have a concrete plan for the renovations that you want in place. This should be as detailed as you can get it so that there are no surprises, or pressured decisions, that must be made in the middle of the project. Having a list of things you want done, the materials you want used, and any other special amenities is a must for a successful home renovation.

Keep Extra Materials On Hand

While a budget is something that you must keep in mind at all times, you should allow for purchasing extra material like paint, siding, lengths of lumber, wallpaper and several other construction items. The reason for this is to make sure that you can touch up anything that may be damaged – either during the construction process or after the renovation. There are times when finding an exact match, or even having the extra money, can be difficult in the event something happens.

Take the stress out of your next home project by taking these major tips into consideration. There are several other things that can make your project much less stressful, but these three will make sure that you are definitely on the right track.
 
BuilderSelector takes the worries out of home renovation projects by working with homeowners in helping them to plan out the process, enlist contractors, and make sure all licenses are up to date. Check them out today to see how BuilderSelector can help you on your next reno.

Top Exterior Renovation That Will Pay You Back

When a homeowner starts out on a home renovation project one of the projects that should be tackled is the exterior. That sought after curb appeal can pay back dividends if the money is focused in the right place. Many people think that this means having to spend a lot of money. However, you don’t have to go all out to accomplish this. In fact, a simple project – like replacing your siding – could offer a big payout.

Replacing Siding Offers Big Return on Investment

Yes, a financial ROI is probably what is most important to you when considering whether or not to replace your siding. However, depending on the type of material you choose, siding replacement could offer a variety of different ROI opportunities.

Curb Appeal

One of the opportunities that is presented as a good return on investment is in the curb appeal of new siding. There is no question that changing the appearance of a home, with updated siding just makes it look better. This change in looks – or a fresh look with new siding – gives an overall impression of the house being kept up, neat and orderly. This one change alone can sway a buyer from looking at another home that does not have updated siding.

Low-Maintenance Siding

Some types of siding, like vinyl, require little to no maintenance. This is always a big plus for any homeowner that is looking for a “move in” ready home or something that they do not have to continually paint or repair. This is a big ticket item that a homeowner does not have to worry about every five years or so. So, while your neighbor’s paint is slowly chipping and flaking off the house, all you’ll need to do with your vinyl siding is give your home a quick pressure wash to remove mildew and you’re good to go.

Financial Return

Many people are hesitant to spend the money on vinyl siding for the home as they can not see where the return on their investment will be. However, according to several renovation magazines and industry reports, the siding replacement has a return investment between 71.8 percent and 79.3 percent, depending on the material you choose. This is how much of your investment you’ll recoup when you’re ready to sell your home. That isn’t too bad.

If you are looking for a quick way to get some equity in your home, or want to make an investment that will pay you back when you get ready to sell, look at the exterior of your home and add some new, updated siding.

BuilderSelector is concerned about each and every homeowner that we work with. Whether we are helping with choosing a contractor, helping with plans, or making sure that all the licenses are taken care of, we put 100% effort into making a home renovation, or home building, as painless as possible. Check out BuilderSelector today to see how we can help you.

Three Best Flooring Options for Pets and Home Renovation

When it comes to renovating a home, or building a new home, a major consideration is the type of flooring that you will use in the most used and trafficked areas. With pets in the home, this becomes even more important, because pets are just as hard, if not harder, than people on flooring surfaces. What are the best flooring choices for pets in the home? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of three types of flooring to help in the decision making process.

Bamboo Floors

When it comes to the best option for pet owners, bamboo is an excellent choice for many different reasons. Bamboo flooring is harder than the hardest hardwoods, meaning it will stand up to more traffic. Plus, the material itself will not wear out, and it’s completely renewable, so it makes a good choice for those who are trying to be green. It is stain resistant, so people don’t have to worry about accidents or spills. Due to bamboo’s hardness it will save money compared to repairing other types of flooring. For those who are trying to decide between using hardwood and vinyl flooring, choosing bamboo floors is a great compromise.

Cork Flooring

Cork is a green flooring choice good for the environment and the health of the occupants. This also includes your pets. Cork is an antimicrobial type of flooring that will reduce the growth of mold and other allergens. This hearty material is also scratch resistant. However, it should be swept regularly to prevent scratching from particles of dirt left on the floor. One of the most loved characteristics of cork is that it is an excellent sound absorption option, so as pets walk across the floor, it will not be as loud. While the flooring is water resistant, it is a natural product, so spills should be cleaned up promptly. Discoloration of this flooring will happen over time when exposed to sunlight.

Stone Tile Flooring

This type of flooring is wonderfully suited for pet owners because it does not scratch easily. Along with that, scratches do not show as they do in other types of flooring. In the event that your pet has an accident on the floor, there is much less reason to worry over how this will impact the condition of the flooring. With these two factors considered, this is a good choice for pet owners, but the floors are hard and cold so they are not very comfortable to lie on, unless the floor is heated by radiant heat or surface rugs.

As you can see, there are some great options for flooring if you have pets. Many times budget and ease of installation are factors that impact the flooring decisions of a home. Taking time to consider the best flooring options for pets beforehand may save money in repairs and frustration in the long run. Cutting corners on flooring to save money is not a good choice if the flooring needs to be replaced in a few months or even a year due to the wear and tear from the pets.

Many homeowners have found that trying to build a new home, or renovating their current house, can be an overwhelming process. BuilderSelector has helped many homeowners through this difficult process by partnering with them, getting any licenses needed and even helping choose the contractor for the work. See how BuilderSelector can help you today by checking out their website.

Three Ways to Save Big Money On Your Home Renovation

If we were to be brutally honest, home renovations are many times too expensive to do. It’s tough nowadays to find the kind of money it requires. However, you may not have to put off the upgrades to your home for much longer. Many of the more popular types of renovations include redoing the kitchen, bathroom, and master suite. Other upgrades that are popular today is replacing doors, windows, adding more living space, and repairing any damage due to age or storms.

If you want to start your dream renovation project, you can do so by finding creative ways to work within your budget. One of the best ways to save is being flexible in your design. It’s not hard to find stores carrying discontinued, overstock or unneeded special-ordered items, and that can mean big savings for you.

Shop Online

Online shops are a great way to save big money on items like lighting fixtures, tile, wood flooring, paints, faucets, and other small appliances and fixtures. However, you can also shop online with the big name stores for larger appliances and even cabinets.

This doesn’t mean that there isn’t any downfalls. If you haven’t seen the item in person, it may look different than its online photo. And if it’s not what you want or is damaged, returns can be a hassle.

Ask for a Discount

One of the best ways to save money on your home renovation is to simply ask for a discount. If the vendor knows that you are going to be doing a lot of work to your home, they may be inclined to give you a discount for repeat business. Also, if you steer some people in their direction they may give you a discount on the tile, paint, lumber, and other items you may need.

Do Some Work Yourself

A major renovation does require a contractor to help with the bigger aspects of the project. However, there are plenty of tasks that can be done by a homeowner willing to put in some work. Things like demolition of a room, painting, laying a laminate floor, and hanging shelves can be done easily by a handy homeowner. The one thing to keep in mind during this process is to remember that if you mess it up, you will have to spend the money to do it again. So, have a realistic view of what you can handle on your own.

Saving money on your home renovation isn’t hard to do, but it does require some research and some elbow grease on your part. spend some time looking at different prices, bargain shop, and brush up on your handyman skills if you want to save money on your home.

Many people have found that BuilderSelector can make their home renovation project a reality without many of the large expenses involved. They work with homeowners and contractors to make sure that the entire process is painless and the end results are beautiful. Check out BuilderSelector today to see how they can help you on your home project.

Property Prices to Double in 20 Suburbs of South Australia

Some of the latest figures coming out of Southern Australia is that property values are set to double within the next 10 years. Does that lead to an economic boon or just false hopes?

The latest RP Data Investors Report, released yesterday, highlights 15 suburbs and five towns where property prices have increased by at least 7.2 per cent a year over the past five years. If the suburbs and towns maintain similar levels of growth over the next five years, property prices will double over the decade. This means that an asset’s value will double over 10 years if it records an annual increase of 7.2 per cent.

This may seem like it is far fetched at this moment where the world economy is teetering on the edge of a nasty cliff of sorts. While this is true in many areas, there are some highlights. The RP Data Investors reports states, “Housing market conditions have been much weaker over the past five years and the suburbs highlighted have achieved a strong performance despite the overall weaker market conditions.”

There are 20 different areas highlighted in the report which show that prices are actually increasing. However, unit owners in the Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Council area among the most likely to experience a doubling of their property price. The report also shows that unit prices in Adelaide are far more likely to double than house prices.

Why is this happening? Well it is mostly a cultural, and migratory thing.

Toop & Toop managing director Anthony Toop said the area was being fuelled by urban renewal.

“It shows a growing trend that people want to live in those areas but in something that is modern and low-maintenance,” he said. “The Norwood, Payneham and St Peters area is really hot and very much in demand at the moment. It offers very attractive cosmopolitan living.”

People are moving towards different places, but are also developing a cultural trend in more modern and low-maintenance type of homes.

While the speculation of the doubling prices in real estate, units, and property is fun, only time will tell if this migrations continues, or if it will fizzle out within a few years.

Property owners have turned to BuilderSelector to help them with the process of building a new home or remodeling an older home. BuilderSelector works with homeowners to select the right contractor, cut through the red tape, and save money in the process. Check them out today to see how they can help you.

Three Great Free Home Remodeling Apps

A smartphone or tablet computer has completely revolutionized the way that people communicate today. But, did you know that these devices can now be used to help you remodel, or renovate, your home? Yes, there is an app for that! And, they are mostly free!

Houzz Interior Design Ideas

For those who want to add some decorative flair to their homes, the Houzz Interior Design app is a great app to use. With over a million high-resolution photos, there are tons of ideas to sift through. As is the norm now for social sharing apps, Houzz allows users to search and browse through favorite images, save to a personal ideabook, download for offline access, and share with friends and family. This one app may just turn anyone into a design star with just a few taps of a screen! The app is available for both iPhone/iPad and Android systems.

iHandy Level

The iHandy Level apps is simply fun to use. You can use this app to make sure your pictures, mirrors, shelves or other wall hangings are perfectly aligned. Landscape, portrait and face-up orientation options make this app a perfect helper for any surface. It is gorgeous in its display and simply fun to use. This app is also available for both iPhone and Android OS.

Carpet and Floor Calculator

For many homeowners one of the hardest remodeling tasks is to install new floors and carpet. Not because they are hard to install, but because taking the right measurements is 75% of the success. If the measurements are off, then the entire project is off. Now, with the Carpet and Floor Calculator you can take the guesswork out of carpet and flooring projects with this simple and useful app. Input your room’s dimensions and flooring choices to calculate how many tiles you’ll need, the cost of materials and labor, estimated time for completion, and more. Sorry Android users, this is iPhone only.

If you are thinking about a simple remodel, or extensive home renovation, check out these apps and see how they can help you get it right the first time.

BuilderSelector also helps to take the guesswork out of home renovations and major construction by partnering with home owners to introduce them to quality contractors and make sure all the regulations are met and licenses obtained. They also work hard to keep expenses down so that you save on your new home. Check them out today and see how they can help you.

The Importance of Building Approval for Your Home

When it comes to real estate in Australia the importance of having an approved home can not be understated. The recent news of increased new home approvals within Australia is a tremendous opportunity for many to be able to not only build that new home, but also seek approval for their already existing home.

Unapproved homes are the not-so-little secret of the Australian bush. Maybe it’s something to do with the pioneer days. Basically, these houses are built away from prying eyes without council approval. By doing so they can avoid any of the licenses, the red tape, and the fees associated with getting approval. But, as enticing as that may be to some, there is a tremendous down side. Your home can not be sold if it is unapproved.

Illegal dwellings are worthless in the world of real estate. What this means is that all your property is land value. The home itself is not counted in with the value of the land. If you have a $100,000 home on the land, you can only sell for the value of the land only. If you want to get more money, you will have to get retrospective planning permission. But that can be a very costly and time-consuming business.

In order to go through the approval process you will need a DA, or development application, and the building will need to meet council’s building codes to pass. A council approved engineer can make a thorough inspection and note any works that must be done to make the building compliant. The biggest cost will be the home renovations needed to bring the structure up to standard in terms of engineering, bush fire safety, drainage and sewage disposal.

With the increased rate of building approvals, it is important to seek out the approval for your home in order to keep the value of it in the event that you want to sell or leave it as an inheritance.

BuilderSelector partners with homeowners, and those wanting to build their new home, in order to make the process much easier and less expensive. Contact them today to see how they can work with you with your renovations, or new home building.