Features

The Melbourne housing market has always been competitive, but in recent years with property prices surging past $1 million in many areas, the pressure is on for both investors and home owners alike. A popular question on many minds is: Should I buy a home, renovate it quickly and flip it for profit or should I invest in proper home design and renovation that offers long-term value?

When it comes to building or renovating, waterproofing is one of those behind-the-scenes jobs most home owners never think about — until it fails. A waterproofing system is meant to protect your home’s structure from moisture damage, but when it’s rushed, done poorly or skipped altogether, the results can be disastrous and expensive.

Poor drainage isn’t just a nuisance; it’s one of the most common and costly causes of damage to Australian homes. From soggy lawns and flooded patios to cracked foundations and rising damp, water that isn’t properly managed can undermine your home’s structure, ruin landscaping and lead to expensive repairs down the line.

When we think of summer, we think of comfortable warm temperatures and blissful time spent outdoors with friends and family surrounded by stunning greenery. But the reality is that temperatures can quickly skyrocket to extreme levels, not only making us want to avoid the sun but turning our homes into uncomfortable and potentially dangerous environments.

Australia’s long-standing appetite for large homes is gradually giving way to a more space-efficient way of living. As land prices climb and sustainability expectations rise, compact, adaptable and intelligent design is reshaping how homes are planned and built across the country.

Designing a family home means more than meeting today’s needs, it’s about anticipating the demands of tomorrow. One area often overlooked in home design is the strategic layout of kids' bedrooms, bathrooms, toilets and rumpus rooms. These spaces should not only serve their immediate

Decks are a natural extension of Australian living, giving us space to entertain, relax and blur the line between indoor and outdoor. But in bushfire-prone areas, they also represent one of the more vulnerable parts of the home.

There’s something unmistakably warm and timeless about a copper farmhouse sink. The hammered finish, the rich glow that changes with time — it’s a feature that can elevate a kitchen from functional to unforgettable. But installing and maintaining one isn’t as straightforward as dropping in a standard stainless-steel basin.

For years, stone has been the gold standard for kitchen benchtops. The sleek finish, the solid feel underhand, the prestige of quartz or marble have all made it the go-to for new builds and renovations alike. But as costs rise and sustainability takes centre stage, more home owners are rethinking whether they actually need stone.

With growing pressure on household bills and the need to be conscious of our carbon footprint, smart thermostats can be seen as an essential addition for most family homes. But how can this device save you money while lowering emissions, and is it worth the investment?