Top 10 Factors to Consider Before Renovating Your Kitchen

Decide what you want to achieve

Before you get out the sledgehammer, it’s important to know exactly what you want to achieve from your renovation. Are you looking to add a purely aesthetic change to your space. Perhaps you want to add functionality? Or maybe you want the space you’re in to better reflect your lifestyle. Whatever your purpose, there are many options for kitchen renovation in Melbourne that will be able to suit your needs, so do your research.

Visualise your decor 

Collect samples of colours, textures and furniture that you want to exhibit in your new and improved space. Keep this mood board handy, so you can stick to a central theme when making every decision about your kitchen. This will ensure you don’t have any colliding aspects, and your kitchen will be both practically and aesthetically coherent.

Choose timeless trends

Another thing to be wary of is choosing timeless trends that won’t age or date. The last thing you want is to spend time and effort on a renovation that is going to be out of date in a few years’ time.

Don’t forget about the details

When renovating your dream kitchen, it can be easy to overlook the fine details, as the tradesmen and contractors you hire won’t pay any attention to these. The true beauty of designing a new space is in the exquisite details, so make sure you consider those smaller styling elements as well.

Choose fitting appliances

A kitchen is usually the room in the house with the most whitegoods and appliances visible. Therefore, it is vital that you choose appliances that go with the rest of your decor and your overall theme. These days, there are a wide range of colours and styles of appliances you can choose from, and more often than not you can choose appliance sets, so they will all be matching.

Timing is key

It’s important to be mindful of the order in which each step of the renovation process is carried out. Of course, sticking to a strict schedule usually doesn’t go specifically to plan. However, it’s a good idea to have a process of when and how you want things to be done.

Be prepared for the long haul

A kitchen renovation can be quite a big job. Don’t be put off by this, but do keep in mind that it’s going to take a quite a considerable amount of work and time to achieve your dream kitchen. You only get out what you put in!

Don’t demolish

Before you hold your own demolition party, bear in mind that many elements of your old kitchen may be able to be reused or recycled. Take care in dismantling your existing kitchen, as it could save you a small fortune.

Small touches are vital

Does your kitchen really need a whole renovation? If not, there are several simple and affordable touches that can add up to create an entirely new look without hurting your wallet. Concentrate on updating just the focal points of your kitchen such as new bench tops and a splashback which could make a huge difference.

Remember, a renovation should be an investment

It might seem enticing to keep costs down by skimping on certain elements of your renovation. However, it is important to remember that a renovation is an investment which adds value to your home and cutting corners could end up costing you more in the long run.

Take heed of these 10 helpful tips when you’re renovating your kitchen, in order to get the most out of your space as possible. Happy renovating!

The Warning Signs of a Potential Plumbing Disaster

Blocked drains are a common problem for homeowners, but it doesn’t mean that they’re not still pretty stressful. Taking the plug out of the sink and having the water go nowhere is clearly worrying. So too is flushing the toilet and having it come close to overflowing. These problems trigger alarm bells, because they are an unmistakable sign that something is wrong.

Fortunately, there are plenty of reliable plumbing companies that are used to dealing with blocked drains in Melbourne. If you fear that you might have a problem, you need to get in touch with these experts right away. They will come round to your home, diagnose the issue, and get to work on solving it. You’ll have your drains back to normal in no time.

This guide to some of the most common warning signs of a potential plumbing disaster will help you identify the problem quickly.

Sluggish Draining

You probably have a blockage somewhere if you take the plug out of the sink and the water empties very slowly or not at all. This type of damage can also occur in the shower. If left untreated, it will get worse. There is a risk of whatever is blocking the pipe (usually food waste) from rotting and flooding back out of the sink.

Nasty Smells

If a clog is preventing dirt and debris from moving down the pipe, as it usually would, you could start to smell a bit of a nasty whiff coming from the drain. This happens because hair, dirt, and food waste is building up behind the blockage and slowly decomposing. It is a really unpleasant symptom and most homeowners can’t go longer than a week without calling in professional help.

Gurgling Noises

Sometimes, blocked drains can cause fixtures to make a bubbling, gurgling sound. This might be an indication that you have a main sewer drain clog, particularly if you hear it while you shower as well. On the other hand, all drains are different. If you do hear strange noises, watch to see if the water leaves the drain reasonably quickly.

If it does, you should be fine. If it doesn’t, you may need to call in a plumber to fix what could be a blocked drain. Make sure that you give a plumber all of the details about the problem that you can, when you first speak to them on the phone. It will help them identify the issue faster.

Unusual Flushing

A blocked drain or pipe can sometimes manifest itself in the form of abnormal flushing responses. So, when you flush the toilet, the water either rises much higher than normal or there is a lot less water than usual in the bowl.

If you experience either of these things, deal with the problem quickly, because it can lead to toilet water rising up through sinks and shower drains. Once again, get on the phone to the professionals. They will be able to find a solution in no time, so that you can get on with life and keep your home functioning smoothly.

Washing Machine Back Ups

If your washing machine causes the sink in your bathroom to start gurgling and spewing water, you definitely have a clog or blockage somewhere. As the water in the appliance drains, there should be no obvious activity in the bathroom pipes.

It can be difficult to trace the source of blockages without expert help, so don’t delay. The faster that you address the issue, the less risk there is of it turning into a flood hazard. Though rare, this can happen. Address potential blockages quickly and efficiently.

What is the best coffee machine you can get for under $300?

If your day is only complete when you have had a great espresso, then you need an impressive espresso machine to produce it. There are many espresso machines on the market but not all of them produce the high quality results that you need. The ideal product that you are looking for is one which comes at an affordable cost while producing the delicious espresso that you crave.

We know that choosing an espresso machine can be a difficult task which is why we have taken a look at some of the advice available to help you decide. You can take a look at some of the details of the machines you can purchase for $300 or less. Here is an overview of the information we have found.

What to look for in an espresso machine

If you are looking for a reliable espresso machine for less than $300 then there are a few points you may want to consider when making your decision. We had Amanda from Coffee-Channel.com help us come up this list thorough list:

The speed with which you can get an espresso

If you love an espresso then you are probably not going to want to spend ages waiting to produce one. You should think about buying a machine with a large water tank as a well as a dual boiler; opt for a machine that can brew and steam milk at the same time. All of this things mean that you will have a machine that is quicker to produce that espresso you want and quicker to recover afterwards.

Ease of use

How important this is really depends on how often you are going to use your espresso machine. If you are intending to use it regularly then you do not want to have to spend ages setting it up every time. You may want to choose an automatic espresso machine which is probably the best match to your needs.

How easy is the machine to use?

If you do not want to have to spend time learning how to use an espresso machine you should choose one that really just involves using a few buttons. If you do not do this then you are probably going to stop using it pretty quickly which is a complete waste of money.

How good is the espresso?

Of course, one of the most important things about an espresso machine is the quality of the espresso it produces. Getting a great espresso does not have to involve spending a lot of money; many more reasonably priced machines produce excellent results.

Which machines represent great value?

Given the points you should be considering, here are a few espresso machines costing under $300 that you may want to consider.

Breville ESP8XL Café Roma
Type of machine: semi-automatic
Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 12"
Warranty: one year
This espresso machine comes with a warming tray for your mugs. It is easy to clean due to the slide out drip tray and is really simple to use. You can check out the current available deals for this machine.

Capresso EC PRO
Type of machine: semi-automatic
Dimensions: 8 x 11 x 12"
Warranty: one year
This machine can brew at different temperatures. It has a built in cup warmer and excellent frothing ability. If you want to check the latest prices for this machine click here.

DeLonghi EC330-s
Type of machine: Semi-automatic
Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 12"
Warranty: one year
Once this machine is warm it is self-priming. It is also extremely durable and has a deep and easy to clean drip tray. Check out the latest price information for this machine.

DeLonghi EC680 Dedica
Type of machine: automatic
Dimensions: 13 x 6 x 13"
Warranty: one year
This simple to use machine heats up impressively quickly. It also produces barista quality coffee and is easy to clean. If you are interested in buying this machine you can take a look at the latest prices.

All of these machines are capable of producing high quality espresso at an affordable cost.

Installing granite countertops

This photo was taken from Caesarstone Canada official site 

Installing granite countertops isn’t exactly a simple process, but it’s not terribly difficult either. There are a number of basic steps to follow that can all but guarantee you a result you’ll be thrilled with.

It starts with a visit to a counter fabricator’s showroom. Do an internet search for granite fabricators in your area and you’ll find more than a few of them. A granite fabricator has the equipment and the experience to work with not only granite, but other materials such as quartz composites and solid surface materials too.

Once you’re at the fabricator, you’ll see many slabs of the material you can use for granite countertops they have on hand and you’ll notice that their materials when in slab (uncut) form are grouped by color. You’ll find that helpful because the first decision you’ll have to make is the color of your counters. Deciding on the pattern of that color comes second, after you’ve narrowed down your color choices.

At the fabricator too, you’ll see the sink options you have available as well as a selection of faucets. It’s usually less expensive to buy sinks and faucets from a fabricator than it is to buy those same components from a plumbing wholesaler.

If they’re not clearly labeled, ask to see what edge options for your granite countertops you have to choose from as well. 

After you’ve made your selections, ask to set up an appointment for a template.

Custom granite countertops cannot be made ahead of time, they’re always made from a template of the cabinetry where those counters will be installed. It takes a little longer this way, but it’s only then that you can be sure that your new granite counters will fit perfectly.

Your estimate will always include labor. It’s only a qualified installer who knows how to install granite countertops.

Once your new granite countertops are installed, follow the installer’s directions exactly once they leave. In most cases, you won’t be able to use your new counters for a day or so after they’ve been installed. Your fabricator and installer will also have some useful tips and products to help keep your new countertops looking new for a very long time.

Once you’ve gone ahead and had your new granite countertops installed, take a breath and enjoy them. They’re a beautiful addition to any home and not only that, they add real value when it comes time to sell your house.

Why is the drain gurgling and slow to clear?

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If a drain is clear and clean then water should clear quickly and without any noise. If the water is taking longer to clear down the drain than normal, and you can hear a gurgling noise after you have used the sink or shower, then you will need to check for problems if the drain or with the vent pipe. You should never ignore a problem like this, because chances are it will only get worse. If you are at all concerned about noises coming from the drains then you can make a choice to call a professional, like an emergency plumber. They can help deal with the problem and put your mind at rest. We are going to take you through the causes of a gurgling drain that a plumber may discover.

A build-up of grease and grime

The most obvious reason for you to hear gurgling noises, and notice the water is disappearing faster than usual, is a build-up of grease and grime in the drains. When the drain is clean both air and water can flow down it freely; this does not happen when a drain is clogged. This can happen in individual drains in your home, or in the main pipe for all the drains. You will be able to tell if the main pipe is involved if the noise is present for any drain. It’s a good idea to try and prevent items such as oil, grease and hairs from going down the drain in the first place. However, if a blockage does happen you can try and remove it by pouring boiling water down the drain (only if you have metal pipes; for PVC pipes use hot water). If this is not successful you can try using a plunger or a drain snake to solve the problem.

 A blocked vent pipe

 If the vent pipe for your home is blocked this can cause you to hear gurgling noises. The vent pipe connects to all the pipes in your home and vents out through the roof. Problems can occur when debris gets into the vent and prevents air from getting out. The air has to go somewhere and will usually try and escape through the last part of the system that was used, such as a kitchen sink. This escape results in the gurgling sound. If you think you have a problem with a blockage in the vent pipe for your home you should call a professional plumber to take a look for you.

These are the main reasons why you may hear a gurgling noise after you use the sink or the shower. If you experience these problems then you call a licensed plumber to help. They will be able to take a look at the problem and resolve it for you, giving you peace of mind and getting your plumbing back in full working order.