Shade Sails or Outdoor Awnings

When it comes to Australian social culture, outdoor awnings play a big role. Awnings are often used as a way to stylishly shade outdoor entertaining areas and this is where they clash with shade sails or shade cloths. The main difference between awnings and shade sails are that awnings are often made of stronger and more dense fabric than shade sails, meaning they are more expensive. So what if you’re trying to decide between shade sails or awnings as the way to go for your Sydney home? 

Here are few things to keep in mind when you’re making your decision:

Choose Shade Sails:

• Shade sails do exactly what they say they do - create shade
• Shade sails can cover a far greater area than awnings as they do not require as much foundational support
• In terms of handiness, a shade sail can be easily taken down if you wish to take full advantage of the sun during winter
• The material for shade sails is often quite cheap, saving you money

Source: http://www.hardware2u.com.au/

Choose Awnings:

• Awnings not only provide great protection from the sun and create shade, they are also useful in providing protection against light rain
• When it comes to shading small spaces like windows or small decks, awnings are a far better choice than shade sails
• Awnings can also be taken down if you want to, but you can only do this with retractable awnings
• If you live in a particularly windy area, retractable awnings are the go as they can be easily removed when the wind becomes too strong
• Though awnings may be more expensive, the fabric often outlasts that of cheaper, poorer quality shade sails
• Awnings come in a wide range of styles meaning they easily fit a wider range of styles of homes

source: http://www.accentblinds.com.au/

There are plenty of reasons why you should choose a shade sail for your home, and there are just as many reasons for you to choose awnings for your Sydney home. It all comes down to three key areas: personal taste, how much money you’re willing to spend, and what it is exactly you want from your shading.

If you’re interested in outdoor awnings in Sydney visit Wizard Home Improvements or call 1300 920 788 today.

By Kevin Pobjie

Queensland Rooms to Your Sydney Home | Infographic

Queensland rooms, also known as sunroom extensions, are the perfect home additions for those who love a bit more of natural sunlight in the home.

They are also great for additional living spaces for relaxation and recreation.

Queensland rooms let in a generous amount of sunlight. But they can be fitted with equipment to make them cooler during the summer. Some are fitted with thermal windows that filters the amount of sunlight. Most can be installed with blinds and curtains.

Ready to have a Queensland room built in your home? Visit Wizard HomeImprovements or call1300 920 788.

By Kevin Pobjie

Great Decking Design Ideas for Sydney Homes | Infographic

Here are some great ideas of the common outdoor deckings forSydney homes.

For more outdoor decking ideas, consult with the leading home improvements company in Sydney. Visit Wizard Home Improvements or call 1300 920 788 today.

By Kevin Pobjie

Properly Cleaning and Sealing Timber Decks | Infographics

Many homes in Sydney prefer their decks to be made out of timber. That's because timber looks more elegant than most materials. As for the kind of timber used for decking, the most common is treated pine. It is especially preferred because of its durability, being able to withstand rotting for about 30 years. 

Below are some tips to properly cleaning and sealing timber decks:

However, like most types of timber, pinewood is also susceptible to splintering and discolouration as soon as months after installation. Extreme weather conditions can be a factor to this. That's why, as timber decking is constantly exposed to heat and moisture, it is crucial to provide it with regular maintenance

For further information on maintaining your timber deck, call Wizard Home Improvements today on 1300 920 788.

By Kevin Pobjie

How to Winterise Your Deck for the Winter

Even though Sydney is often seen as a sunny place to live, it can be pretty chilly in winter. As the temperature drops so does our willingness to venture outside. So what do you do with that gorgeous deck that you spent spring and summer on? You winterise it of course!

Protect your Deck Furniture All Year Long

From the actual removal, to figuring out where to store them and then having to haul them back onto the deck - it can be a hassle bringing in all of your deck furniture every winter. Instead invest in covers to throw over your furniture to protect them from the harsh winter mornings. This is also essential if your deck lacks a roof as your furniture will not dry properly in winter which can cause a range of health risks for you and your family.

Before covering your furniture make sure you:

• Ensure that your furniture is completely clean by shaking out cushions, vacuuming seating and spot cleaning any spills with a mild detergent.

• Brush any remaining crumbs and loose dirt from tables and then wash them with mild soapy water.

• Once everything is completely dry proceed to cover your furniture.

Source: http://www.acefireandwater.com/winterizing-your-outdoor-furniture/

Protect the Wood of your Deck

Much like rust is a boats worst enemy, mould and mildew is a decks. Before the Sydney winter sets in and it gets too cold outside remove all the furniture and plants and give your deck a good wash so that anything growing on your deck doesn’t get a chance to damage it throughout winter. Make sure that before you return any furniture to the deck that the wood is completely dry. Moisture caught between the furniture, plants and the deck can seep into the wood and stain the surface.

The last step in ensuring that your wood is protected during winter is to cover it with a repellent sealant. This protective layer prevents water or any other moisture from penetrating your decks wood and causing serious decay over winter. To make the process of applying a repellent sealant easier we would recommend using a paint sprayer.  

To find out the best way to winterise your decks wood or for more information about decking, visit Wizard Home Improvements or call 1300 920 788.

By Kevin Pobjie

Sunroom Uses | Video

For homeowners in Sydney looking to build an addition to their homes, one of the finest to consider is a Queensland room, also known as a sunroom extension.

Wizard Home Improvements, one of Sydney’s top builders, builds Sunrooms of any design and materials for any purpose.

If you want to find out more about Sunrooms, visit Wizard Home Improvements or call 1300 920 788.

By Kevin Pobjie

The History of Sunrooms

Sunroom extensions are a relatively new concept for homes, yet they are extremely popular in Western countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and, of course, Australia, so it may not be long until you see sunrooms on every suburban Sydney block.

They are favoured in places where the weather can change on a day-to-day basis, or even part of the way through the day, and it was from this issue of climate uncertainty that they were born.

This is a brief history of sunrooms:

Screened-in Porches

The screened-in porch is the ancestor of the sunroom. They were mostly prominent in the United States as a means of enjoying the outdoors in a way that minimised the effects of rain and insects. However, the problem with screened-in porches was keeping them free from dust, dirt, and pollen.

Patio Enclosures

In the late 1940s, patio enclosures became the solution to the dust and pollen issue by using storm windows placed together on a traditional screened-in porch. The problem with this solution was though it was far more sheltered from the elements, any patio enclosures looked like additions to a home and therefore lost a great deal 

of their appeal. It was too clear that the sunroom was one of potentially many extensions.

The Modern Sunroom and Queensland Room

As we become more energy conscious, and building technology improves, the sunroom has grown to reflect this. A modern sunroom can be far more integrated with a pre-existing home than its predecessors, and can be built from a number of materials, including insulated glass to keep out UV radiation but to keep in heat. This notion of retained heat is what can be seen to as leading to sunrooms to be called Queensland rooms in Sydney and throughout Australia.

Sunrooms have come a long way from their humble pre-war roots, and they continue to evolve and modernise into stylish must-haves for homes.

If you are looking at sunroom extensions for your Sydney home, visit Wizard Home Improvements  or call us today on 1300 920 788.

By Kevin Pobjie

Creative Ideas for Building Deckings and Patios at Home | Video

If you take a look at homes in Sydney that are fitted with decking or patios, you’d notice that almost all of them look the same. That’s because many homeowners chose to use the same timber decking that was popular in previous decades.

If you’re building a deck or patio, should anything stop you from getting creative? Let’s take a look at three key areas at home as your guide to help bring out some creative ideas when building patios and deckings.

Are you ready to express your creativity with your deck and patio? Call Wizard Home Improvements today on 1300 920 788.

By Kevin Pobjie

Taking Good Care of the Sunroom | Infographic

The sunroom is the perfect place to relax where you can experience the outdoor without actually being outside the house. But sunrooms are only about as good as the way you take care of them.

Here are some tips to properly maintain and clean every major part of your sunroom.

For inquiries on our line of sunrooms and queensland rooms, visit Wizard Home Improvements or call 1300 920 788 today.

By Kevin Pobjie

Things to Consider when Choosing Awnings for Your Sydney Home | Infographic

When building outdoor awnings, there are several crucial things you need to look into. They include the design, installation and the durability of the materials.

For more information, visit Wizard Home Improvements or call 1300 920 788.

By Kevin Pobjie

Choosing Patio Furniture | Video

If you're having trouble finding the right furniture for your patios, here's a few simple steps to get you ready to face outdoor furniture stores.

For more information about patios, visit Wizard Home Improvements or call  1300 920 788

By Kevin Pobjie

Wizard Home Improvements Shows Design Considerations for Queensland Rooms | Infographic

There are various purposes for building a Queensland or sunroom. The following are some of the common reasons for building one:

For homeowners in Sydney looking to build an addition to their homes, one of the finest to consider is a Queensland room, also known as a sunroom extension. Wizard Home Improvements, one of Sydney’s top builders, builds Queensland rooms of any design and materials for any purpose.

If you want to find out more about Wizard Home Improvements’ Queensland rooms call 1300 920 788.

By Kevin Pobjie

Benefits of Building Carports | Video

Building carports for Sydney homes offer lots of benefits beyond providing shelter for your vehicle. 

The video shows some advantages of having carports, some of which you may not have considered before.

Ready to build carports for your home? 

Visit Wizard Home Improvements today or call 1300 920 788.

By Kevin Pobjie

Benefits of Building Carports

Building carports for Sydney homes offer lots of benefits beyond providing shelter for your vehicle.

Source: www.carport-bau.com

Below are some advantages of having carports, some of which you may not have considered before:

Protection against the weather

A carport provides excellent protection for your car against the environment’s harsh elements such as the summer sun, the winter’s snow and rain. While not totally enclosed, a carport has a roof and some sides.

Some protection against intruders

Carports also offer some safety for your car. Because a carport sits close to the home, a burglar will feel less inclined to steal away your car. Carports also helps staving off vandalism, as well as other random attacks.

Offers some additional space

Carports can also be an excellent home extension where you can host parties or a space where you can spend a relaxing time with your friends and family.

Storage for other types of vehicles

If you’ve got other vehicles, such as trailers, trucks, ATVs, and motorcycles, you can park them in the carport if there’s no more room in the garage.

Offers some shade

The carport can also be used kids’ play area, as well as a place for relaxation for adults.

Additional storage space

If you’ve got extra items that cannot be accommodated elsewhere in the home, a carport with side walls can be used for additional storage.

Offers convenience

Most carports are open, which is actually an advantage. You are free to enter and exit a carport even when your hands are full of items such as grocery bags.

Increases your home’s value

With a carport added, you’re not only building an extra space for your home; you’re also building an opportunity to increase your home’s market value. It’s especially useful for those looking to resell their homes in the future.

Ready to build carports for your home? 
Visit Wizard Home Improvements today or call 1300 920 788.

By Kevin Pobjie

Things to Consider when Choosing Awnings for Your Sydney Home | Video

When building outdoor awnings, there are several crucial things you need to look into. They include the design, installation and the durability of the materials.

For more information, visit Wizard HomeImprovements or call 1300 920 788

By Kevin Pobjie

Top Reasons for Adding Queensland Rooms to Your Home | Video

Queensland rooms, also known as sunroom extensions, are the perfect home additions for those who love a bit more of natural sunlight in the home. They are also great for additional living spaces for relaxation and recreation. Ready to have a Queensland room built in your home?

Visit Wizard Home Improvements or call 1300 920 788.

By Kevin Pobjie

Outdoor Awnings for Sydney Homes for an Enchantingly Relaxing Experience | Video

When it comes to providing you with outdoor awnings, we bring over 20 years of experience in the design and installation of your awnings. Our team of expert construction professionals also bring with them years of experience and unparalleled construction skills. With our combined experience, skills and technologies, we will design and install outdoor awnings that you can truly be proud of.

Talk to us today for a FREE measure and quote.
Visit WizardHomeImprovements or Call 1300 920 788.


By Kevin Pobjie

Magically Transform Your Home | Video

Outdoor living plays a key part in many Australians lives. Imagine relaxing in your home's outdoor living area where you can enjoy an ample amount shade from Sydney's sun. Now imagine doing that in an elegantly designed deck and patio complemented with beautiful awnings that captivate the attention of your neighbour and your guests.

That's the magic that we at Wizard Home Improvements promise to enchant you with.

Talk to us today for a FREE measure and quote. Call 1300 920 788.

 By Kevin Pobjie

Timber Decking & Patios that Magically Bring Your Outdoor Living Area to Life | Video

Our decking and patio structures are well designed, and solidly built by professional tradesmen. We also pride ourselves in providing you not only with the best products, but also with environmentally sustainable timbers, which makes us one of the leading environment-friendly design and construction services.

Talk to us today for a FREE measure and quote.

Visit WizardHomeImprovements or Call 1300 920 788.

 By Kevin Pobjie

Great Decking Design Ideas for Sydney Homes | Video

Here are some great ideas for five of the common outdoor deckings for Sydney homes.

For more outdoor decking ideas, consult with the leading home improvements company in Sydney. Call Wizard Home Improvements on 1300 920 788 today.

By Kevin Pobjie

5 Common Materials for Decks | Infographic

Looking to attach a deck to your home, but you're unsure about which material you should use?

Here's a graphical representation of the most common materials used for decks.

To learn more about your options for decking, Visit WizardHomeImprovements or call 1300 920 788 today.

By Kevin Pobjie

Top Reasons for Adding Queensland Rooms to Your Home | Video

Ready to have a Queensland room built in your home?
Visit Wizard Home Improvements or call 1300 920 788.

Queensland rooms, also known as sunroom extensions, are the perfect home additions for those who love a bit more of natural sunlight in the home.
They are also great for additional living spaces for relaxation and recreation.

By Kevin Pobjie

Sydney Carports for Function, Style and Value

Sydney Carports for Function, Style and Value

Carports and pergolas are some of the finest additions to Sydney homes. While they may not be able to provide total protection against the harsh elements, they offer tremendous value and aesthetic improvements to homes.

At Wizard Home Improvements, we understand carports and pergolas. Carports, for instance, are added not only as an extension that provides protection to cars or as an extended living space; they are also added to improve the home’s market value.

That’s especially true if they are built with the right kind of materials for the right kind of home setup.

As the leading provider of home improvements services in Sydney, we help homeowners build and design suitable customised solutions for their carport and pergola needs.

Common materials used for carports in most Sydney homes

Carports and pergolas are built and designed with practically any building material available. They are mostly built from brick, wood, cast iron, tile, concrete, stone and composite materials.

Most pergolas are made out of wood, but those that have been built out of combined materials are still commonplace.

Wizard Home Improvements build pergolas and carports made out of timber with colorbond and aluminum frames.

Construction and design

Carports and pergolas are extremely customisable. They can be built in any sizes, width, length and height. Pergolas, which can be designed in many ways, may be built with either flat or curved tops.

For pergolas, they can be built to have simple beams and posts. They can also be constructed with horizontal bars with ropes added along the lower parts for hanging plants. The pergola’s top may be built with open and simple design.

What’s your carport and pergola design requirements? Talk to Wizard Home Improvements today by calling 1300 920 788, or visit www.WizardHomeImprovements.com.au.

By Kevin Pobjie

How to Properly Take Care of Pergolas

Pergolas are wonderful additions to Sydney properties. The are quite attractive, especially during the spring when plants such as wisteria start to bloom around them. It's quite an attraction to behold.

However, like most things that are exposed to the harsh elements, pergolas need regular maintenance. They look best when properly maintained throughout the year. But maintaining pergolas is a job that not many property owners have given any thoughts. Perhaps one of the reasons is that it's extremely hard work to take care of them.

If you're one of those property owners who dread taking care of pergolas on your own, below are some tips that can help you finally get around to making your pergolas looking more attractive.

• As years pass, vines put tremendous pressure on pergolas, causing some damages such as warping and chipping off. Carefully inspect parts of the pergolas on a regular basis to check these. Cut off vines that have hardened to avoid putting pressure on parts of the pergola.

• Keep cobwebs off light fittings and crevices. Moths and other bugs could settle into parts of the pergola that when neglected could potentially cause damage in the long run. Ask your home improvements experts for recommended pesticides that keep bugs away from pergolas.

• Pergolas are naturally exposed to the harsh elements. They are constantly bombarded with the sun's heat and are soaked constantly during the rainy season. These promote the growth of unwanted moss, moulds and mildew. You may not be able to stop their growth, but you can remove them easily by washing them off with a bleach solution and scraping them off with a paint scraper.

• You should also heat-proof your pergolas using good quality paint that have heat resisting properties. You can do this at least once every year to prevent damages caused by direct sunlight. Your home improvements company should be able to recommend a good brand that should heat-proof and make your pergolas more durable.

• If your pergolas' frame are made from plastic or other composite materials, you may not need to repaint them. However, they are also susceptible to dirt and grime. Wash them regularly by scrubbing with hot water or a combination of water and soap.

• The floor covering of the pergola should also be well-maintained. A regular wash with soap and water, or gentle mopping helps in preventing damages caused by the accumulation of dirt and grime.

• For pergolas that are fitted with BBQ grills and other cooking equipment, be sure to completely clean off grease and other food leftovers.

The amount of care you provide your pergolas with will determine their longevity. Remember that pergolas are a bit expensive. Repairing the damages due to neglect could cost you even more, an unecessary expense that can be easily avoided with proper care and maintenance.

For more information on properly maintaining pergolas, visit Wizard Home Improvements or call 1300 920 788.

Posted by Kevin Pobjie