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Choosing the Right Plants for Your Backyard

One of the easiest ways to improve your home and increase its value is by adding a garden. A well-established garden is a great way to create a friendly feel for your backyard. It is important to try and create a garden that fits in with your home, as well as consider the future use of your garden.

The following article covers:

● Drought-resistant plants – these are hardy and increasingly popular garden plants that need very little maintenance.

● Cold-resistant plants – if you live in a colder environment your outdoor plants need to be frost and cold resistant.

● High-maintenance plants – while you may want a simple garden, plants that require more care often look better.

● Low-maintenance plants – if time is important, you will want to plant easy-to-care-for plants that don’t require much pruning or other maintenance.

● Understanding plant placement – you will need to understand how to place your plants to create layered effects in your garden.
Drought-Resistant PlantsNot only are drought-resistant plants good for the environment, they are also a lot easier to maintain. You can say goodbye to expensive sprinkler systems or annoying hand watering of garden beds. Here are a few drought-resistant plants:

● Wattle – a native Australian shrub with beautiful yellow flowers.

● Grasses – many decorative grasses (not lawn grass) need very little water.● Geranium – geraniums do not need much water and have lovely flowers.
Cold-Resistant Plants

If you live in a colder climate, you need to choose the right plants or you will be replacing everything after a cold snap. Many plants may seem fine until they have to bear the cold weather or a frost. A good tip is to buy from local nurseries or growers, as their plants will be better suited and adapted to the local conditions.
High-Maintenance Plants

While it may seem strange to plant a high-maintenance garden, for some it is an enjoyable experience. It also means that you will have a more impressive garden. Roses are a great example of a fussy plant that, if maintained properly, will reward you with beautiful blooms!
Low-Maintenance Plants

On the other side are the low-maintenance plants. This can include easy-to-grow plants like bromeliads, or trees that won’t clog your pool cleaner with leaves. Whatever your situation, low-maintenance plants that you don’t have to constantly care for with fertiliser or pruning could be ideal.
Understanding Plant Placement

You will also need to understand plant placement and matching colours with your home. For instance, it is no good placing a shrub under your outdoor awning where it may block your window. Unless, of course, you plan to keep plants and trees properly pruned. You should always check the maximum size a plant will grow, both vertically and horizontally. This way, you can plant so that small plants are in the front and larger plants form backgrounds.

New Best Practice Office Carpet Design

Office carpets are a major part of commercial interior design. The issues related to design and selections of office carpeting are both cost and quality-based. The new best practice approach is customization using new software and new production methods. The best new flooring on the market is a new type of carpet tiles which are rapidly replacing the old style traditional industrial and broadloom carpets.

 
Carpet design issues and considerations
There’s a good reason for the popularity of the new carpet tiles, and it has a lot to do with the realities of office design costing.
The basic issues in office carpet design are:
• Style: Modern offices are sometimes huge, and the style of each office may need to be custom designed to reflect design values.  It’s not uncommon, for example, for separate departments and offices to have unique layouts and colour schemes.
• Cost: The upfront outlay for commercial carpet has to be assessed in advance, and the budget for major projects needs to be locked down. Other costs include ongoing maintenance for the life of the carpet, repairs and in the case of broadloom carpets, restoration.
• Special design requirements for particular areas of the office: Some offices, like those of senior management, boardrooms, and other high status areas of the office, may require special carpets and to be matched to special décor.
• Agreement on design options: A sometimes difficult issue, and particularly if the approval for design has to be based on carpet samples and not much more than a simple graphic design representation.

 
Carpet tiles
If you bear in mind that these issues can cost tens of thousands of dollars and a lot of time and effort creating a good design and getting the right materials, you’ll appreciate that a better method of doing these things is long overdue. The new carpet tiles technology has solved all of these issues:
• The whole problem has finally been permanently solved thanks to new design and visual software created by the manufacturers of the new carpet tiles. This software is a combination of customization and visualization. Clients can choose from a vast range of designs and then see the carpet as it will look on site.
• The client simply chooses the design(s) they want, and the carpet is made to order. These are truly “digital” carpets. They’re created according to software specifications, so they can be made to any design or pattern required.
• The new software isn’t the only new thing in office flooring. The business end of the process also benefits from this technology. The much more efficient technology allows major savings in terms of quality and cost upfront.
• The problem of carpet quality has also been put to rest forever. The new carpet tiles are so strong they’re used in airports and other high traffic areas around the world. The tiles are extremely heavy duty, long life and practically no maintenance products. If they do need any repair or replacement, it can be done in seconds.
When you’re looking at office carpet design, forget the fossils- Check out the new technology. You’ll save a lot of money and get much better value.

Setting a Time Frame for Your Renovations

Starting out with your renovations can be a nerve racking experience if you are not properly prepared. It can also turn into a nightmare if everything is not done within a certain time frame. Not only will this cause you inconvenience but it will usually cost you a lot more money as well.

 
Whether you are installing cupboards or modernising your home with an HTC superfloor, having everything planned to the most minute detail is vital.

 
Planning Your Renovation in Advance
When you are starting your renovation sit down and make a detailed list of what you are going to do yourself and what you are going to have done. Then you will have to break these tasks up into small steps if possible. If you can add an estimated time frame for each task, but be generous with your timing, always better to overestimate a little.

 
You will also need to make sure that you understand when you can do each task, as some will need others finished before you start the next one. For example, if you are going to have a polished concrete floor then you will need to have it all laid and set well before you have it polished. Not planning your timing between tasks properly can mean paying for bookings but tradesmen not being able to complete work.

 
Deciding Between DIY and Professionals
The other big important decision that will affect the overall timeframe of your renovation is whether you will have professionals carry out the work. This will always be a decision between time and money unless you just happen to have skills in the areas you are renovating (such as a builder or plumber). If you are working sometimes it is better to pay money for professional tradesmen than lose money from not working.

 
Getting the Right Advice
Even if you are going to a lot of the renovation yourself you should at least retain the services of a builder if it is going to be a major project. They may not be doing the majority of the work but they will be able to advice you on important matters and have a better idea on how long specific tasks can take.

 
Allowing for Problems
When you are figuring out an overall timeframe for your renovation project be sure to add some time on for unforeseen problems. For example, if you are renovating an outdoor area and it rains, this can delay work until the weather clears up. Also, if you need specific materials you might be waiting for them to arrive or be ordered in. You will also be working to the schedules of any tradesmen you hire, as they will more than likely have other work to complete apart from yours.

 
The more planning you do before you commence your renovation, the better. Always try and have realistic expectations on how long it is going to take. It is better to have it done properly than have it done quickly.

How to Be Sure Of Your Position in Contract Disputes

Whether you’re a contractor or an employer of contractors, you’ll be well aware of the possible issues related to contract disputes. Nobody likes these disputes. They’re obstructive, sometimes infuriating, and they carry with them risks of contract problems. The only way to handle them is to make sure you’re on the right side of the contract. This is one of the core problems in contractor management.

Dispute Basics

Like most disputes, contract disputes can become distorted and often acrimonious, sometimes very unpleasant. A minor dispute can turn into a lawsuit. These situations do precisely nothing to deal with the issues. The best practice approach is to deal with the dispute step by step and logically:
For both employers and contractors, the steps are as follows:
● Examine the dispute in context with the contract. The contract is the governing force in these disputes. It also defines the obligations of the parties very clearly. This is particularly important in any dispute related to contractor compliance.
● Look at each element in the dispute in relation to contract obligations. Properly constructed contracts aren’t exactly vague. You’ll find there’s a yes/no answer to most of the issues in the dispute in terms of obligations.
● Check your facts. Do not, ever, under any circumstances, simply assume you’re right about a dispute until you’ve made absolutely sure that you are. If you’re not, you’ve got a real problem on your hands, and you’ve made it for yourself.
● Communicate with the other party. Many disputes are based on simple failures in communication. If the other side has misunderstood you, you can be sure that the issues related to the dispute weren’t intentional. You also need to know the other party’s views and understand them clearly.
Dispute Resolution

One of the basic principles of negotiation is particularly useful in dispute resolution- Put yourself in the other party’s place. Now ask yourself-Is the other party’s position reasonable, or not? If you were the other party, and for example were defending an allegation of failure to comply with contract terms, would you feel justified in denying that you had? If so, on what basis?  Is that an understandable and reasonable argument?

● If the other party’s views are reasonable or reasonable in part, you at least have the basis for a partial resolution of the dispute in those areas.

● If not, you’ve clarified the areas of dispute by rebutting the other side’s arguments.Being sure of your position in a dispute is really a sort of quality control over your own side of the dispute. You’ve checked everything, examined the issues in detail, and you can understand, whether you agree or not, the other side’s views in the matter. You’re now in a position called “a position of strength”, with no grey areas or vague elements on your side of the dispute. Remember- You’re dealing with a contract. To successfully dispute a contract issue, you must be in the right. Your facts must be correct.
Always check your own position in any contract dispute. You’ll be glad you did.

Divided vs Open Plan Offices

There is a lot of debate over personal privacy at work versus the need for fun and collaboration in a cool work place. The debate over the advantages and disadvantages of open plan versus divided offices is at the core of this issue.

Open plan offices tend to be preferred by employers but are unlikely to be embraced by the people who work in them. In the end the argument over open plan and divided offices comes down to more than having to share shelving space or a filing cabinet – there are privacy, productivity and personal issues at play as well.

 
Productivity versus personal space
Open plan offices generally cater for a larger workforce and individual workstations are identified by cubicles – there are no walls other than those at the perimeter. Workers tend to be placed in groups of four or more and these “hubs” are then spread throughout the office. Employers prefer this set-up as it encourages collaboration between workers whereas if everyone was in an individual office they would not be as inclined to share their work ideas.
Open plan can make it difficult to deal with private matters, however. A sensitive work issue that is dealt with at your work station is likely to be witnessed and heard by others. And if the boss comes by to let you know that you have done something wrong, your workmates are going to hear all about it as well.
Everything you do at your work station is also on show for all to see and this lack of privacy actually makes many people uncomfortable. A divided office obviously offers a great deal more privacy.

 
Noise and distractions
An open plan office is going to be noisier than one with walls for obvious reasons. If it is a place where a lot of business is done by telephone, the constant ringing can become off-putting. So can loud talking on the phone or by a group of workers gathered around one cubicle. While some chatter is acceptable and regular office noise bearable, a divided office is far better at eliminating distractions.

 
Heating, cooling and illness
In many cases, open plan offices have been created from divided offices, and vice versa. But what those making these changes fail to take into account is how the climate of the office is affected. In an open plan office, workers who are a long way from a heater will be colder than those closer to it. It’s the same for air-conditioning – those sitting right under it are going to get chilly while workers on the other side of the room are not going to get the benefits of it.
Illness also spreads faster in an open plan office, especially if employees are sharing such things as phones where germs are more prevalent. The close proximity of workers also means they are more likely to pick up a cold or flu than if everyone was in their own individual office.

 
Clever compromise
Many businesses are now looking at a compromise that takes into account the wishes of workers while still getting the benefits of an open plan office. Breaking the room into zones by using dividers, which can even be clever storage solutions big enough to create a barrier, is one way of achieving this.
Creating spaces away from work stations where employees can meet in a more informal setting – such as a chill out room with lounges and even televisions – have been shown to increase productivity as well.

Tips For Being A Great Owner Builder

Being an owner / builder can be one of the most gratifying things that you ever do, though it’s not for the faint of heart. The following are some great ideas for helping you be the best possible owner / builder.

 
Knowledge Is Power
If you are new to the trades, there is a lot you are going to need to know, so start finding things out ASAP. The more you know, the better the project will be able to run, and the less chance you will have of being taken advantage of by tradesmen or the building contractor. If you have the time, there are great short courses available on being an owner / builder, which can prove invaluable, otherwise great sources of information are your local council, home repairs stores, the Internet, as well as books and magazines on the building industry. There is a lot to know, though stay focused and ask lots of questions and you are sure to do great.

 
Get Your OB Permit
Depending on where you live, there are different requirements for being an owner / builder, and usually you will need to apply for an owner / builder permits if your building costs will exceed a certain amount of money, generally around $10,000. The cost of most kit homes will exceed this amount, so if you don’t want to get shut down, be a good owner / builder and make sure you have the permits you need.

 
Get a Great Contractor
This is going to be the key to you home being built well, on budget and on time, so do lots of research before hiring a contractor, as there are really good and really bad ones out there. You are going to need to have a lot of trust in your contractor and their tradespeople so that you can let them do what they need to, so give yourself every confidence in them by thoroughly checking out the contractor and reading any reviews of their work.

 
Stick to Budget
If you have a good contractor you shouldn’t need to worry about sticking to the budget, as it should all be under control, though usually during the construction of a house there will be lots of opportunities to get upgrades or add ons which will cost you more. Stay focused on your original plan and don’t be tempted by add ons if you want your budget to work out for you.

 
Stay Out Of The Way
As the owner builder you obviously have the right to be on the worksite all day everyday, after all, it’s your house, though avoid being someone who is constantly looking over your trades people’s or contractor’s shoulder. While you should try and be at the job site at least once a day, make sure you show trust in your trades people and are not making them feel like they are being overly supervised, remember that they do this for a living.
The secret to being a great owner building is educating yourself on the process, finding the best contractor you can, and then being able to be around without smothering your workers. If you can pull this off you will be extremely happy, both with having had the experience to be part of building your own home, as well as with how great your kit home ends up looking.

5 Ways to Put in a Floor on a Budget

It’s time to redo your floors! The only problem is, you’re on a tight budget. While you may not be able to install expensive timber flooring or invest in polished marble, there are many cheaper materials out there that can transform the look and feel of your home flooring.

 
Laminate Floors
If you want the beautiful look of wooden floors without the cost, laminate floors are a good consideration. Also known as ‘floating floors,’ laminate consists of processed wooden planks, overlaid with an ‘image’ of timber. These planks are laid together to create the look of real wooden, stone or tiled flooring.
Laminate is easy to DIY in any room of the house and is installed by either gluing the pieces together or (more commonly) snapping or locking the pieces together, to create an entire floor. While laminate can be very hard, you can also lay a thin layer of foam down first to create a softer feel.

 
Linoleum Sheets
Made from natural materials like linseed oil and pine rosin, linoleum or lino is a very cheap and common flooring option. Lino is available in a range of colours and can be laid easily, with very little ensuing maintenance. To install, lino can be laid on top of concrete (or sometimes timber), however you will need to go over the subfloor with a roller to make sure it is entirely flat. The lino is then glued down in several, square shaped sheets to create the entire floor. Lino floors are generally known for being inexpensive and for lasting around 20 years or more.

 
Vinyl Sheets
Vinyl sheets are similar to linoleum sheets when it comes to installation, but they usually come in one large sheet that is cut to match the size and shape of your room. Depending on your choice of pattern, you can install it in several square-shaped sheets if you prefer.
The main difference between lino and vinyl is that vinyl is cheaper. This is because it is made from synthetic rather than natural materials. Vinyl is also more flexible when it comes to cleaning chemicals and won’t damage easily. However, lino is more fire resistant than vinyl. Vinyl is common in kitchen areas, because it resists spills and mess. Depending on your look, you can choose both lino and vinyl to replicate the styles of wood and tiles.

 
Stick-on Tiles
Stick-on tiles are ideal if you’re looking for a cheap and easy-to-install flooring option. Stick-on tiles are usually made of vinyl or lino and come in large, square tiles. To install, you simply prepare your subfloor, then peel the sticky paper off the back, and stick them down!
Stick-on tiles are popular in bathrooms, laundries and kitchens (particularly in vinyl) and come in a variety of tiled patterns. You will need to lay out all of your tiles first and start tiling from the centre of the room. You will also need to cut some of your tiles around the edges to conform to the shape of your floor.

 
Carpets
Carpets are another inexpensive flooring option and are ideal if you’re after comfort. Carpets come in a range of fibres such as nylon, polyester, acrylic or wool (or a blend) and a selection of textures like loop, cut, frieze and sisal. Carpet also works as a natural insulator, meaning you can also add warmth to your home if it is draughty and cold.
Like lino and vinyl, carpets can be purchased in sheets or as carpet tiles. Installing carpet sheets can take some practise, but generally involves laying carpet underlay and seams first using nails or staples and then laying the carpet over the top. You will then need to use a carpet stretcher to pull the carpet taught and secure it throughout the room. If this sounds too tricky for you, it might be worthwhile hiring contractor.
Carpet tiles have all the same advantages as sheet carpet, but they are much easier to install and replace. Carpet tiles don’t require underlay and can be installed almost anywhere you like using glue or carpet tape. Carpet tiles are also more cost effective than carpet sheets.