Carpet Buying Guide

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Tips For First-Time Carpet Shoppers

Shopping for new carpet shouldn’t be overwhelming. To ease the buying process, consider your budget, when you need the carpet and how long you want the carpet to last. Below are other factors to take into account when buying carpet. There are many other types of flooring but carpet installation is just the beginning.

Carpet Fibres

Fibre is the carpet material itself. Carpet fibres are made from synthetic materials like nylon or natural materials like wool. Each material has unique qualities and characteristics.

Nylon is resilient, non-allergenic, soil and mildew-resistant, and easy to clean and maintain. It’s suitable for heavy traffic areas but prone to static and may pill. Olefin or polypropylene is suited to basements and outdoor spaces due to its resistance to mildew and water damage. It’s also used indoors for its durability, wool-like feel and appearance and low-maintenance quality.

Polyester offers a wide selection of colours and textures and isn’t susceptible to shedding and pilling. While it’s not as durable as nylon, it cleans easily, sheds moisture and resists moths. Triexta is durable, stain resistant and a good carpet option for households with kids. Manufactured primarily for commercial use, acrylic offers excellent cleanability and resistance to soil, static and mildew.

Carpet Construction

Berber or loop carpet is made from wool or nylon. It’s stain resistant and denser than most other carpets but isn’t ideal for homes with pets. Shag or frieze carpet is suited to busy areas and often used for commercial purposes. Plush carpet gives a smooth and elegant surface that works best in formal settings. Though soft, it can show footprints, seams and vacuum marks.

Textured carpet has a soft feel, gives a casual look and resists soil. It’s an excellent choice for family rooms and the most popular carpet option. For more colours, textures and patterns, opt for a patterned carpet – a combination of cut and loop pile.

Carpet Padding

This insulation layer isn’t visible but is critical to carpet installation. The right padding insulates from cold, cushions the foot and extends the carpet’s life. Thicker is cosy but not always better due to high maintenance and less durability. For those whose steps are unstable at times, a less cushiony floor is preferable.

Glue-down or peel-and-stick tiles are a good do-it-yourself carpeting option. The adhesive system eliminates curling and keeps the carpet intact. No need to buy separate carpet padding since carpet tiles are all-in-one.

Carpet Installation

Buying new carpet is one thing, installing it is another. Proper installation entails measuring the room to be carpeted, cleaning its floor and laying the padding. Different types of carpet have different installation methods. Having your carpet installed by expert carpet layers is better than paying a handyman or doing it yourself. Professional carpet installers do the job right for the best look and performance for years.

Caring for Carpet

Proper care keeps the carpet clean and extends its life. Vacuum often, close curtains during peak daylight hours to prevent fading and rearrange furniture to avoid traffic paths. Treatments for carpet and yearly professional cleaning are supplemental to the resistance and durability of carpet fibres.

Solar Panels History

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Solar Panels – From Invention To Recognition

Solar power is on the rise these days. The technology is becoming better and more affordable by the year. As we see the rise of solar power, it’s interesting to know its journey. Where we are today is no coincidence. Solar panels have come a long way. They’ve been around for almost a century.

Brief History of Solar Panels

Solar power isn’t a new thing as most people think. It actually existed since the mid-1800s. In 1839, scientists discovered the photovoltaic effect – generation of electricity from sunlight. Photovoltaic cells were very inefficient. For a long time, they were mainly used to measure light. A century later, in 1941, the solar cell was dreamt up. Since then, solar power has improved. It continues to become cheaper and more efficient. That’s why you need a solar company in Ballarat, VIC. Selecting the right solar panel is critical, so see which solar panel to choose.

Earlier Solar Power Technologies

Before 1990, all solar panel technologies were expensive and inefficient. In the mid-1990s, a solar cell that could surpass 3% conversion efficiency was made. Still, the mid-1990s saw a project that stored solar energy economically and efficiently. To use solar power, the sun didn’t need to be shining.

In the late-1990s, to the early-2000s, thin film solar panels were in the works. After constant development and improvement, thin film solar modules finally achieved 10.8% conversion efficiency. 2001 saw the first sale of solar panels to residential American clients.

Such solar panels weren’t efficient. This meant that one had to use many of them in order to generate the amount of power needed. Since this technology took up more roof space and increased the cost of solar, only wealthy people could afford it. In fact, it was cheaper to use electricity than solar.

Modern Solar Power Technologies

Solar panels have kept improving in leaps-and-bounds. There’s no sign of the budding innovation slowing. Researchers are on the move, exploring new designs, materials and methods to make solar power more affordable and efficient. We still depend on fossil fuels but that will be a thing of the past considering the rise and rise of solar technology. The cost of installing solar panels is becoming cheaper and traditional sources of electricity are getting a run for their money. Before 2030, solar panels will be a mainstream power source.

Cutting-edge Innovations

Efficiency is the name of the game with top of the range solar panels boasting 20.8% conversion efficiency. Solar technology is on steroids because many people want to generate sufficient power at less cost. High-efficiency panels keep producing energy come rain or shine. They’re built to withstand light degradation and bad weather.

Modern-day solar panels are gaining popularity for minimising energy costs while maximising space. Some come equipped with Wi-Fi and add-on features like rainwater collection, energy storage and EV charging stations. Most of them are very durable and easy to install.

With solar panels becoming more powerful and affordable, now’s the best time to go solar. If you want to be in the know about solar technology, consult your local solar specialist. This expert will walk you through the entire process of adopting solar.

Using Pest Controllers

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Working With a Pest Control Professional

Think you can beat pests hand down? Ongoing pest problems, large infestations and toxic products are beyond your level. So drop down the bug juice and call a termite control Melbourne company. When you’re working with a pest controller, keep the following considerations in mind.

The Technician

Ask to see the pest controller’s identification, license and certification. You’re on track if the license is current. In most states, to be certified, it’s mandatory for technicians to participate in annual training.

The Company

Is the pest control company insured or bonded? Insurance protects against liability and damage. Visit the company’s website. Is it professional and knowledgeable? Do their values correspond to yours?

Knowledge

An exterminator is an educator. Besides giving advice, the expert should answer your pest control questions. Wrong or made-up answers are unacceptable. Knowledgeable technicians, if they’re not familiar with something, do some research and then respond to you.

Professional Appearance

Uniforms must be clean and the truck branded. The way the technician looks, behaves and works must be professional. Avoid anyone who comes to your place looking dirty and impromptu.

References

Before you call a pest controller, ask neighbours and friends for referrals. Obtain a list of exterminators from your local pest control association. And look up the company on BBB. Remember to contact two or three customers of the service provider.

Price

Low prices aren’t the best deal. To save money, choose quality over price. Paying for cheap services is never a good idea because complete elimination isn’t guaranteed. Instead, hire a company that offers exceptional services and competitive prices.

Contract

Some infestations are so extensive and may need ongoing service to eliminate. Decide whether a monthly or quarterly service will manage the problem. Sign on the line after you’ve read the contract. Ask questions if something isn’t clear.

Service

No work should go on before you and the pest controller discuss what the problem is. Clarify what you saw or heard – and where. Following that discussion, the technician should inspect your residence, identify the pests and take necessary action.

Chemicals

Upon request, the technician has to discuss the chemicals on hand, their adverse effects and non-toxic options. All chemical containers must have labels and be clean. Certain pest control products impact indoor air quality and cause breathing problems. Keep your pets and kids away from the pesticides.

Documentation

Once the service is over, obtain a comprehensive report from the exterminator. Details in the report include service costs, services performed, customer advice and follow-up actions.

Consultation

Recommendations for future prevention come in handy. These pieces of advice could come before, during or after the project. For instance, a technician may recommend regular clean-up or maintenance – replacing broken windows or sealing entry points – to repel pests.

Guarantee

Many companies offer guarantees. Read the fine print. Know what your responsibilities are and what’s in store for you.

Working hand-in-hand with a pest eliminator makes it easy to control pests. Never try to do it yourself if you don’t have the necessary equipment and training.

Fake Plant Shop

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How to find a fake plant shop in Melbourne

Planning to revamp, design or style your home? You can make a lasting first impression with fake plants, flowers and trees. Artificial plants create a fascinating natural look for any home and evoke the beauty of nature into any indoor space. But to craft a dazzling setting, you have to invest in quality faux plants, hire a good interior designer, and of course, find a fake plant shop to source all your interior design materials. However, there are many plant shops in Melbourne, and choosing the right one can be challenging, especially if you’re a first-time DIY designer. Thankfully, this guide outlines 5 simple steps on how to locate and select a replica plant shop. Just read through.

Search on Google

Go to Google Maps and search for “fake plant shops in Melbourne”. Look at the map and note the shops that are close to your location. However, the closest store is not necessarily the best. You can do similar Google searches, too. Try searching “Melbourne artificial plant shops”. You’ll get some distinct results and some overlapping results. At the end of all this, you will have a list of 5 or more shops that are near you and top in your town.

Get recommendations

Find out where your friends buy their fake plants. Do they love the shop or hate it? Are the store prices favourable or not? And are their services and products of high-quality? Similarly, ask an interior designer(s) you know to recommend a fake plant shop that they use. As designers have industry connections and know where to get good deals, they can locate a shop that sells durable, attractive plants at a competitive price.

Know the cost

Some fake plant shops are more expensive or radically cheaper than others. But don’t go with the cheapest or overpriced store. Costly ones don’t guarantee premium-grade products, while inexpensive ones may provide terrible, fragile products, that cost extra to replace. Before you even start your search, figure how much you are willing to spend. To get the best deal, compare prices to find a shop that offers quality, affordable artificial plants.

Check their website

Many artificial plant shops have websites to display their products, prices and share information. Visit their website and find out what the store does and provides. As an example, have a look at www.artificialplantshop.com.au. A shop with a wide range of synthetic plants and that offers modest prices is perfect. Likewise, look for testimonials and reviews on the site. The more positive reviews the store has, the more reputable they are. To gauge their experience, check out the about us page and note how many years they have been in the industry.

Go window shopping

Get out of your house or office and go out there to look for synthetic plant shops. Though hectic and tedious, visiting plant stores in your area is a great way to see what the shops sell and compare prices. Visit several shops during your spare time. While in a specific shop, look for plants that best suit your space and that you can afford. After the long walk or drive around town, you’ll be able to identify several reliable artificial plant shops.

Wine Rack For Your Cellar

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How to pick the best wine rack for your cellar

We love wine here at the Calnev Melbourne Guide. And if you’re reading this, then we bet you love wine too and want a precious place for your wine collection.

When designing or selecting a wine rack for your wine cellar, several things must be considered. For one thing, you want a rack that is designed with wine in mind. And more importantly, you actually want a rack that is safe for your precious wine bottles. But the big question is – how do you select a wine rack that fulfils those requirements? No worries! Here’s what to consider.

1. Wine rack materials

How you want your wine cellar to look will determine the material you choose for your racks. Metal and wood are the most popular materials. They are long-lasting and contribute to the overall appeal of your cellar.

Metal wine racks

Going for the modern look? Metal racking is dramatically modern and adds luxurious appeal to your home and wine storage spaces.

Wall-mounted metal wine racks bring dull walls to life and are perfect for limited wine storage facilities. Floor standing metal racks are ideal for large wine rooms as they occupy much floor space.

Wood wine racks

Looking for a traditional look? Then go with wood racking. This traditional kit is usually made of mahogany, pine or redwood. For a unique look, consider custom oak wine racks.

Reclaimed wine barrel racks are great too. When you enter your wine cellar, you’ll be treated with the smell of fine winery as it permeates through the racking.

2. Space

The size of your wine rack will rely on the space you have available in your wine cellar. Modular kits come in various options of size and styles to fit your needs. Metal kit racking and traditional racking are also suitable for your cellar. Make sure you choose what will fit best in the area.

3. Storage

If you have a relatively young wine collection, say a dozen bottles, consider getting bulk storage. This can be diamond squares or bins. As this wine is accessed and enjoyed over a short period, a small wine rack will be suitable.

However, diamond wine racks make it hard to access and identify bottles. Therefore, select a wine rack that showcases the bottle’s label and stores the bottles on their side, for easier accessibility and to prevent oxidation. An example of this on http://www.thewinerackshop.com.au/.

4. Size up your bottles

Wine racks can hold most bottle sizes. However, they won’t fit larger bottles including magnums and specialized champagne bottles (such as Krug, Dom Perignon, and Tattinger). If you love storing bigger “special” bottles, display racking may be the best option here.

Similarly, calculate how many bottles you want to store before you choose a rack. Mounting wine racks may limit the space in your cellar. A collection of 100 bottles requires at least 5 square feet of space.

If you’re a passionate wine collector, account for more bottles than you currently have. So allow for expansion in storage.

5. Budget

If you have a limited allowance, you can start with a shelf wine rack. Most of these are stackable and modular, meaning you can add to them as your collection grows. Custom wine rack prices quickly go up depending on the type of materials used.

Melbourne Attractions – Things To Do And See In The Moon City

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Great Ocean Road – Drive the magnificent

Great Ocean Road It is a must visit place for travelers to Australia with its spectacular scenery. There are so many places to visit in this region where you can go inland or go coast to be close to

It is a must visit place for travelers to Australia with its spectacular scenery. There are so many places to visit in this region where you can go inland or go coast to be close to nature. Along the way, you can find Geelong, The Bellarine, The Surf Coast, The Otways, The 12 Apostles, Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Portland as well as The Hinterland. You will surely discover highlights and unforgettable scenery along the way. The easier way to discover Great Ocean Road is to go with Tour Operator. If you plan to be more adventures, rent a car and you can drive your own way with a map on hand.

Phillip Island – Meet the little Penguins on Phillip Island

Phillip Island is renowned as Australia’s most popular natural wildlife attraction, it is about 2 hours drive from Melbourne. It is a popular tourist destination where you can have your day trips, weekends, or longer stays in the island.

Sovereign Hill – Pan for gold in Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill is located in the city of Ballarat, and it is accessible by car or by train. It is an award-winning outdoor museum that recreates the days of gold rush in the 1850s. Sovereign hills is filled with people in colorful costumes and horse-drawn vehicles who are happy to pose for a great photo. Try to pan gold for FREE at the river stream and be sure to see the soldiers; they are a lot of fun.

Grampians – Discover the Aboriginal art

If you like to spectacular scenery, wildflowers, aboriginal art and outdoor recreation, Grampians is a must to visit holiday destinations. You can have activities like camping, hiking, sightseeing, cycling, swimming, bush walking, night walking, scenic flighting, driving and rock climbing. Besides, you can easily see kangaroos, birds, wildflowers from many popular areas.

Yarra River

Yarra River is the city’s tourism and recreation heart. It runs for just 242km from its source at MT Baw Baw to its mouth at the head of Port Phillip Bay.

The Art Centre

The Art Centre is situated nearby the Flinders Street Station. It is associated with arts and entertainment where it brings together the most creative minds and the best ideas.

Crown Entertainment Complex

Crown Casino is a casino and entertainment destination on the south bank of Yarra River. It attracts an average of 200,000 visitors daily.

Rialto Tower

You can see the best Melbourne views from Railto Tower. It offers a 360-degree view from the top of the building, in the heart of the city. It is a must visit place for all travelers.

Mornington Peninsula -Find your golfing paradise

It is only an hour drive from Melbourne, but it seems to be totaling different that you could be thinking that you have left Australia. You can find culture, art & Heritage, food & wine, unique gardens, wildlife wander, adventure untapped, golf at Mornington Peninsula.

This is the world best natural golf terrain, with gently rolling sand-hills, perfect contours and fast-draining sandy soils to provide best year -round golf.