Epoxy flooring or tiles? The honest pros and cons for homeowners

It gets walked over everyday, without a second thought. But your flooring?

Its actually a vital part of your home. When you’re thinking of redoing your garage floor, or maybe even your laundry or kitchen.

Tiles is the obvious choice and for good reason too, they are reliable and look pretty good.

But have you heard of expoxy flooring? Companies like iCoat WA install epoxy floors all over Perth. They are sleek, modern floors that are super durable.

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Tired of cracked garage floors? Why epoxy flooring is the lasting fix

That’s pretty standard for a garage, so don’t feel too bad about yourself, but there’s solutions for that nowadays so you may want to jump on board.

Most concrete garage floors start deteriorating within a few years and just get worse. Epoxy flooring actually fixes this rather than covering it temporarily.

Companies like PM Industries specialise in epoxy floor coatings and honestly, once you see a properly done epoxy floor compared to bare concrete, hard to go back.

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Small bathroom? Here’s how to use tiles to make it look bigger

Does your bathroom feel like a cupboard when you walk into it? Maybe you live in an older home which was built when bathrooms weren’t given the proper attention they deserved.

Or maybe your apartment itself is just on the smaller size and every square metre counts. Either way you probably are often on the lookout for ways to make your space feel bigger. Without knocking down any walls.

The tiling experts at GIB Tiling have transformed plenty of cramped spaces into rooms that feel surprisingly spacious, and most of the time it comes down to smart tile choices rather than expensive renovations.

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Timber decking design ideas: transforming outdoor spaces in 2025

Choosing what design to go with when installing a new deck can be tricky sometimes. A deck is a very popular choice among Australian homes, and for good reason.

They can transform a bland concrete slab thats doing nothing for your outdoor space into an entertaining space you can use year round.

At Eco Carpentry we often help our clients with the design process as many people have trouble choosing what design to go with.

People know they want timber decking but they get stuck on how to make it look really good and work with their existing space.

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Perth council rejection: 5 common planning mistakes that kill home extensions

Got your heart set on that dream extension, only to have council knock it back? Well then you’re not alone, that’s for sure. Every day in Perth councils knock back extensions, renovations and plans.

Even the ones you think are perfectly reasonable. But a lot of these rejections could also be avoided with better planning from the beginning.

I’ve been working in town planning around Perth for over a decade now and honestly the same mistakes keep coming up again and again.

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Indoor shutters for Australian homes: choosing the right style and material

Let’s be honest window shutters are one of those parts of your home design that most people overlook until they realise how much difference they can make. Then you start actually looking at options and realise there’s heaps more variety than you thought.

Plantation shutters have become quite trendy in Australian homes recently but there’s still some confusion about what styles work where and what materials suit different situations.

The thing with indoor shutters is they’re not just there to cover your window they’re actually a design feature that can completely change how your room looks, how much light it lets in etc.

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How To Choose Where To Instal A Residential Lift

Once you have decided that you want a residential lift installed in your home —whether it’s for convenience, mobility, or as a disability lift— there are still lots of additional decisions to be made. One of them is deciding whereabouts in your home the lift is to be installed.

When it comes to making that choice, you will want to ensure that the decision you make is the right one. Once installed, there is no going back and if you get it wrong it is likely to cost a fortune to have your home lift repositioned.

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Understanding Flooring Options: A Builder’s Guide to Making the Right Choice

Understanding Flooring Options: A Builder's Guide to Making the Right Choice

By: James Mc Murtrie – Northside Developments

With nearly two decades in construction and experience across various sectors, I’ve learned that flooring choices significantly impact both the look and functionality of your home. Let me share a few insights I learnt while running Northside Developments about selecting and installing the right flooring, based on real project experiences.

Quality Installation

Jordan G’s experience highlights our commitment to quality workmanship “Northside Developments are a great group of builders who communicate well and in a timely manner… take great pride in their work, are honest around pricing (and upfront with expectations) and most installation priorities.

  • These points are important to have
  • Surface preparation
  • Professional technique
  • Quality materials
  • Proper finishing
  • Attention to detail

Technical Excellence 

Emily Rozkoszny speaks to about our technical expertise

“James has been a pleasure to work with, his attention to detail, modern construction methods and down to earth approach with his projects is second to none. The projects which are being built by Northside speak for themselves.”

Technical Considerations

  • These points are important to have
  • Subfloor preparation
  • Moisture control
  • Level assessment
  • Material compatibility
  • Installation methods

Material Selection

My background in various construction sectors helps inform material choices.

Peter Fryer notes

“The most recent project was built during difficult industry conditions, however James worked with dedication and integrity to complete the project on time, without compromising the quality of materials and trades.”

Selection Factors

These points are important to have

  • Durability requirements
  • Usage patterns
  • Climate considerations
  • Maintenance needs

Project Management

With extensive experience supervising construction crews, we ensure efficient project delivery.

Lisa Loaring shared “All the aspects of the job were explained in detail with all our questions answered honestly and accurately, all the time frames we were given were met, the quality of workmanship was extremely high.”

Management Elements

These points are important to have

  • Timeline planning
  • Trade coordination
  • Quality control
  • Site protection
  •                                                                                                  

  • Clean installation

Successful flooring projects require careful planning, quality materials, and expert installation. At Northside Developments, we combine these elements to deliver outstanding results that enhance your home’s beauty and functionality.

Do you want to discuss your flooring project, then let’s see how we can help you select and install the perfect flooring for your needs and desires.

5 Tips For Creating An Outdoor Workspace Within Your Landscaped Garden

During the Covid pandemic, there were very few businesses and business sectors that were not adversely affected, and landscaping companies were among them. Given the various lockdown rules and the need for social distancing, even though the garden is an outdoor space, there were few opportunities for landscape designers and their clients to meet and discuss new garden designs.

Another result of the pandemic and lockdown was that millions of people who would have normally commuted into an office were obliged to work from home where it was feasible. Whilst this was a necessity due to the pandemic, many soon found that working at home was an enjoyable experience, and as a result, many businesses reported that the productivity of many of their employees went up significantly during this period.

Coming out the other side of covid, many of the employees who worked from home have been allowed to remain doing so, either full-time or for part of their working week. This has led to many individuals seeking ways to create an outdoor workspace with all the benefits that it brings such as working in the fresh air, and the natural surroundings.

So, if you have been considering an outdoor workspace for yourself as someone who now works from home, or if you were already working from home and wish to have an enhanced workspace, or simply for times when you are browsing the web on your laptop, here are five key tips that will help make that outdoor workspace all the more feasible and enjoyable.

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How to Achieve the Best Audio-Visual Installation Set-up For Your Home?

If the thought of bringing a cinema experience home thrills you, Audiovisual installation is a big yes. AV systems are the real deal, from the whispers of your favorite music in the kitchen to watching heart-thumping action scenes in your theater room. An exceptional audio-visual and smart TV setup contributes to a wholesome experience.

Gradually, the need for an AV (audiovisual) installer has become a high demand in residential buildings, understandably so. For audiophiles and non-audiophiles, the immersive feeling of a home AV system is an experience worth exploring.

If you would love a personalized and immersive experience in your home, this article is for you. Here, we’ll share proven tips for achieving the perfect home setup.

Adequate Planning Before Setup

Every residential audio-visual/smart TV setup starts with knowing what you want. Are you investing more in audio? Do you want to enjoy stunning visuals while watching movies? Or do you want a seamless fusion of both?

This will determine the components you should invest in. With this, you can make connections that will immerse you in your desired experience. Here are some factors to consider while planning the installation.

Choose the Right Room

The room you use for your AV setup may influence the quality of the audiovisual installation. First, is it large enough to house all the necessary components, including furniture? And is the lighting suitable for the visuals you are shooting for? The location of your set-up affects the overall sound and visuals.

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Boost Your Home’s Worth: How Landscape Design Elevates Property Value

When it comes to increasing the market appeal of your property, landscape design is an extremely important factor to consider doing. It is a question that is frequently asked by homeowners: does making an investment in landscape design actually increase the value of the property? The response is an unequivocal affirmative. This article will take you on a journey through the world of landscaping, accompanied by testimonials from homeowners who have experienced the value-adding magic of well-designed outdoor spaces firsthand.

The Importance of Making a Good First Impression with Your Kerb Appeal

The first instant that someone sees your property can leave an impression that lasts a lifetime. Not only does a beautifully landscaped yard captivate the eye, but it also gives the impression that the interior and exterior of the house are both well-maintained.

Influence on the Value:

  • Enhanced Kerb Appeal: Having a landscape that is appealing to the eye can significantly boost the kerb appeal of your home, which will help it stand out in the real estate market environment.
  • Visual Harmony: A landscape that incorporates elements that are complementary to the architectural style of your home will result in an appearance that is cohesive and appealing.

Achieving Versatile Outdoor Spaces While Maintaining a Functional Elegance

Patios, outdoor kitchens, and garden retreats are examples of outdoor spaces that are highly valued by contemporary homeowners because they combine aesthetics and functionality.

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7 Landscape Design Principles Used To Augment Smaller Gardens

It is often said that landscape designers have a bag of tricks when landscaping for smaller gardens, and whilst we accept that what they can achieve is wonderous, it is more down to their skills and experience than any hocus pocus or magic wands.

The skills and experience we talk of come from not just their early days’ training but often through years of designing landscaping for gardens and public areas of all sizes and shapes, as well as fulfilling the wishes of their clients. As a result, they will have followed several core landscape design principles on each garden’s design, and if you carry on reading, we will highlight seven of these used when landscaping smaller gardens.

Larger Plant Beds

When amateurs try to design a garden, if it is a small one, they will try to make the plant beds as small as possible. However, although it might seem counter-intuitive, it follows proven landscape design principles if you make the plant beds larger. This can be done by extending fully to the outer walls and other boundaries, with the effect being to make the garden seem more significant.

Upscaling

This is the first of two opposite approaches, however, the great news is that both of them work in smaller garden designs. Upscaling means that you increase the scale of as many features within the garden as you can as this gives the sense that the garden is larger than it is. Examples include using wide decking boards instead of thin ones, large concrete pavers instead of bricks for patios and walkways, and wide fencing panels.

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Lawn Landscaping

Lawn Landscaping

Your Front Lawn

Don’t you love driving down a suburban street and drool over a house with front lawn landscaping that must be the envy of the neighbours? According to the turf experts some people being able to do that to their front yard is a labour of love, and they find it easy to do. But there are those amongst us who just don’t have that eye for design nor do they have a green thumb.  It’s really not that hard if you can grasp a few fundamentals of landscaping design. Let’s look at some ideas that might help get you started.

The Layout

Having a layout plan in your head or at least drawn is a great start. It’s really the first step in the project. You can’t really plan what you are doing if you don’t have a concept or a layout at least. When you design your landscape, the main thing is to ensure you balance all the elements. For example, a symmetrical design will be like a mirror. Split the yard area down the middle and what you plan for the left side should be balanced by what you plan for the right as well.

If you are going for asymmetrical that is also okay as it tends to offer a relaxed and easy-going atmosphere which is nice to have in a front garden design.

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10 Benefits Of Installing Solar Panels For Your Home

10 Benefits Of Installing Solar Panels For Your Home

Solar panels are an increasingly popular option for homeowners, not just in Australia but across the world. With energy prices on what seems to be a never-ending upward trajectory and with people’s awareness of environmental issues increasing, solar energy presents a viable opportunity to address both of these genuine concerns.

Whilst energy prices and the environment might be regarded as the headline makers as to why solar energy’s popularity with homeowners is increasing, we would like to point out that there are many more reasons why installations of solar systems are occurring in ever greater numbers. The benefits that such installations create for homeowners are plentiful, and if you read on, you will discover ten of the most significant benefits of solar panels being installed for your home.

Benefit #1 – Lower Energy Bills: We will start with the benefit which is at the forefront of everyone’s mind when they decide to opt for solar panels at home, and that is reduced electricity bills. By generating your own electricity from solar energy, you can reduce your energy bills by as much as 70%, depending on your usage.

Benefit #2 – Long-Term ROI: Many people erroneously see solar panel installations as a cost. Whilst there is an obvious outlay to have solar panels installed for your home at the outset, in the longer term, due to the aforementioned savings, which will accrue month after month and the potential increase in the value of your property (see below), your return on investment will undoubtedly be positive.

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10 Ways To Identify A Storage Facility For Your Home Furniture

10 Ways To Identify A Storage Facility For Your Home Furniture

For any business owner looking for a reputable commercial storage facility, if you have never used one before, it can be somewhat daunting not knowing how to start looking, or more specifically, how to judge whether one storage company or another suits your business’s requirements.

Thankfully, it is not as difficult a process as some might think, and to make it even easier, we have outlined the ten most important points you should assess regarding any commercial storage units you are considering to determine their suitability.

#1 – Research the Company’s History: Research the storage unit company’s history and reputation in the industry. Look for how long they have been in business, any legal issues, and if they have any accolades or awards. Consider the company’s reputation within and its impact on, your local community.

#2 – Look For A Storage Facility With Positive Online Reviews: When choosing a commercial storage facility, one of your early tasks should be reading reviews from other customers who have used their services. Check various websites such as Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot or their website to see what people have to say about their experiences. Look for patterns of positive reviews that outweigh the negative ones, and take note of any recurring comments, good or bad.

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Mowing Your Lawn: Pro Tips to Get the Job Done Right

Mowing Your Lawn: Pro Tips to Get the Job Done Right

Mowing your lawn can be tedious, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and knowledge, you can get your property looking its best with minimal effort.

From choosing the right mower to understanding the correct cutting pattern, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions to make lawn maintenance a breeze. Hiring lawn mowing services is always a great option if you need more time. They can cut your grass for you.

Check blade condition

Before you begin mowing, check the blade condition and mower oil levels. Dull blades tear and shred the grass, making it more prone to disease and browning. Low oil levels can lead to engine overheating and damage to the mower.

If you need clarification on the blade condition or oil levels, consult your owner’s manual or take your mower to a certified technician for a checkup.

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Why The Direction A Garden Faces Is A Critical Factor In Landscaping

Why The Direction A Garden Faces Is A Critical Factor In Landscaping

When asked to design landscaped gardens, there are many variables that landscapers must take into account. The list of variables is a long one, and can include:

  • Client’s budget
  • Uses for the garden
  • Size of the garden
  • Garden pots or no pots?
  • Lawn or no lawn?
  • Real lawn or artificial lawn?
  • Types of plants such as shrubs, flowers, or trees
  • Limestone blocks or tiles?
  • Decking and pathways
  • Fixed features such as seating and retaining walls
  • Water features, pools, ponds
  • Timescale for completion

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Why Frameless Glass Balustrading Is One Of Your Safest Options For Poolside Fencing

Stainless Steel Pool Fence Fittings

There is no denying that the addition of frameless glass balustrading fencing around your pool area significantly enhances the appearance of the outdoors of your property, but an even more important factor to consider is how it augments the safety of your pool area too, if installed by professional glaziers. Hopefully, you already have ensured that your pool area is safe and that anyone who uses it, especially children, are aware of what precautions should be taken.

Whilst personal responsibility is key to pool safety, other safety features help, and that is why the addition of pool fencing in the form of frameless glass balustrading is a huge step forward. If you are unsure why that would be the case, especially if you are considering frameless glass balustrading for your pool, here are some reasons why it is regarded by many to be the best option.

It Creates A Secure Barrier Around The Pool

The most obvious reason frameless glass balustrading enhances pool safety is that it prevents children, especially very young children, from being able to access the pool without supervision. There are no gaps or edges for them to squeeze through, which excited children who love playing in the pool will invariably try to do. No gaps also mean that there is no risk of them injuring themselves trying to get through the gaps and getting stuck, for example.

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Things to Consider When Upgrading Your Bathroom

Things to Consider When Upgrading Your Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the first things many people upgrade when they purchase a doer-upper property. It holds some of the most value in your home, and bathroom renovations can sometimes be necessary just to use the space comfortably.

Although, before you start hauling out the tools and putting the plumber’s number on speed dial, here are a few things you may like to consider first.

Plumbing
Will you be leaving the plumbing where it is? Will you be upgrading the pipes? These are factors to consider while you’re in the middle of removing showers, toilets, and sinks. Sometimes, upgrading standard 1.5-inch pipes to a larger size can be an ideal way to prevent blockages in the future.

You may also like to reconsider the positioning of your piping if you are adding new appliances or taking some out.

Lighting
Lighting is far easier to adjust during bathroom renovations than it is after the upgrades. Consider your lighting needs and factor them into the entire renovation process. Some people like functional lighting that’s both simplistic and easy to install. Others prefer recessed lighting, dimmer switches, and even shower lighting to reduce shadows.

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How to Spot Low-Quality Kitchen Cabinets

How to Spot Low-Quality Kitchen Cabinets

A new kitchen is possibly one of the most significant decisions you’ll make regarding your home. It requires you to talk to experts like cabinet makers, look at different materials and colours, and consider the most desirable option for your home.

But a hurdle you may also encounter as you navigate this new and exciting world of renovations is determining quality. How are you supposed to know whether or not a kitchen you are thinking about installing is low-quality and, therefore, not worthy of your time? You’re about to find out.

The Construction Materials

Ask any cabinet maker, and they will tell you that one of the most dramatic differences between a custom-made kitchen and one you can purchase off the shelf is the construction materials. Many cabinets for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are made with plywood. However, some also feature MDF and particleboard, which are not as strong.

The best material type for cabinets is one that’s strong enough to handle daily wear and tear and will be resistant to heat and moisture. When you are having your cabinetry custom-made, a cabinet maker can walk you through the best options.

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Does Your Design Firm Need Digital Marketing?

Does Your Design Firm Need Digital Marketing?

As the owner or manager of a design firm, you already know that gaining new clients is essential to the success of that business. Knowing that is the easy part, but what is not so easy is knowing how to gain those clients, which is why marketing professionals recommend to all the businesses they consult with that digital marketing must be at the core of their client acquisition strategy.

Digital marketing has many benefits some of which we have listed here:

  • Improved brand awareness
  • Better targeting of prospects
  • Enhanced trust and reputation
  • More clients
  • Increased revenue
  • Outsell your competition
  • Huge ROI
  • Greater ability to adapt to trends
  • Long term results

There are additional benefits of digital marketing, so which business would not want to take advantage of them? Well, in truth there are indeed some business owners that remain unsure whether or not their business is one that should adopt digital marketing as a strategy, and that includes design firms.

So, if you remain on the fence, here are some ways in which you can assess your business and whether your design firm is one of the millions of businesses that will benefit from digital marketing.

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How To Avoid Carpet Cleaning Bait And Switch Scams

Carpet Cleaning Bait And Switch Scams

The word ‘scams’ in the title might have alarmed some of you so let us start by clarifying that the overwhelming majority of carpet cleaning companies are honest, legitimate, and will provide a service that is professional and excellent value for money.

Now that we have the disclaimer out of the way let us turn now to operators for whom we use the words carpet cleaning company very loosely.

They may have carpet cleaning equipment, and to an extent, they will clean carpets for you, but it is the way that they operate and sell you their services that is the problem.

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