Showing all posts in Interior Design

Building a new home extension is something thousands of people across the country do every year. But what should you make it from if you want it to last a long time? That’s the question we answer in this post. We take a look at the strongest materials you should use if you want your extension to outlive the rest of your property. 

The 6 Strongest Materials For Your New Home Extension – Stainless Steel Frame

If you really want your new extension to last a long time, choose a stainless steel frame. This type of steel is specially treated to make it less susceptible to environmental degradation while being just as strong as regular steel.

Sure, stainless steel is a strange choice of material for a building, but it has all the properties you need: durability and strength. It won’t tarnish or weaken, meaning it will provide support for the rest of the building indefinitely. 

Choose a Slate Roof Over Other Options

Slate is another excellent option for an extension that you want to last a long time. This roofing material lasts significantly longer than practically any others, including tile, asphalt shingle, wood shakes, or metal. 

Slate is long-lasting because of the non-permeability of the rock and how it forms over time. These unique geological properties mean it can survive upwards of 200 years, and possibly longer with ongoing care and maintenance. 

The 6 Strongest Materials For Your New Home Extension – Concrete Foundations

As any piling & foundation contractors will tell you, steel-reinforced concrete is the best material for the base of your home. It has numerous properties that make it the most attractive option for anyone looking to build an extension that will stand the test of time. 

Concrete, for instance, is one of the strongest available materials when combined with steel rebar and used to construct skyscrapers that are hundreds of metres tall. It is also used for major infrastructural construction projects.

If you like concrete’s aesthetics, you can also use it for frames and walls. Specially treated versions look prettier than the raw stuff, giving you more options. 

Have You Thought About Granite Finishings?

You might also want to invest in granite for the building’s finishing touches. Adding this stone will help the building last longer and give it an imposing presence.

Granite is one of the toughest construction stones on the market and weathers far more slowly than conventional masonry. However, it is significantly more expensive than regular options, so be prepared to increase your budget substantially. 

Copper Gutters – The 6 Strongest Materials For Your New Home Extension

Copper gutters are a rarity, with only a fraction of households using them. However, the material is long-lasting and can outlive plastic or other types of metal gutter options. Again, you’ll pay a high price to access copper (especially in today’s market). But it is attractive and won’t require you to replace it for many years. 

Marble – Beautiful and Long-Lasting

Finally, if you want your extension to have opulent interiors, you might want to choose marble. This rock comes in various colours and grains, making each piece unique. You can use it for flooring, backsplashes, countertops and surrounds for sinks in the bathroom or utility room.

You’ve decided to take the plunge into the thrilling world of home renovation. While it’s exciting to transform your humble abode into the envy of the neighbourhood, there’s something to consider. No, it’s not your questionable choice of neon green highlights for the kitchen. It’s the sneaky, often overlooked environmental hazards that lurk in the shadows of home renovation. Below we look at the world of safety standards and the hidden dangers that could be hiding in your home.

Home Renovation And Safety Standards – “Wait, My House Can Be Hazardous?”

Absolutely! Your house isn’t just a collection of walls and a roof; it’s a complex ecosystem of materials, some of which date back to a time when safety standards were as lax. Lead paint, asbestos, and mould are the unholy trinity of home renovation hazards. They’re like those uninvited party guests who refuse to leave, lurking behind your walls and under your floors.

The Lead Paint Legacy

If your house was built before the 80s rocked our world, there’s a chance it’s flaunting lead paint like it’s still in fashion. Disturbing this paint releases lead dust, which can be super harmful to your health. When trying to get rid of it, it gets everywhere and is a nightmare to clean up. Plus, it’s toxic.

Home Renovation And Safety Standards – Asbestos: The Hidden Foe

Asbestos is the real terror of home hazards. Once hailed as a miracle material (fireproof, durable, and versatile) it is now recognised as a dangerous material. If disturbed, asbestos fibres can go airborne presenting numerous issues. Inhaling these fibres is extremely hazardous to your health and, specifically, your lungs. Asbestos removal MUST be conducted by professionals with training and the appropriate safety gear.

The Mould Menace

Mould is a health hazard that loves damp, poorly ventilated spaces. Breathing in mould spores attacks your immune system and can leave you feeling rough for days. And in severe cases could be life-threatening. Once it’s spotted, you need to get it cleaned and guard against it coming back.

Gas! Be Aware of Home Renovation And Safety Standards

While we’re unearthing environmental hazards, let’s talk about Radon Gas. So, what is Radon Gas? Imagine an uninvited, invisible, odourless guest crashing your home – that’s Radon Gas. It’s a natural radioactive gas that can sneak into your house through cracks and other openings. Most commonly found in the ground, houses with basements and direct contact with the soil are at higher risk of contamination. 

Staying Safe

Ventilation: The Breath Of Fresh Air

Let’s talk about ventilation. It’s not just about preventing your house from smelling like something unsavoury. Proper ventilation during renovation is crucial. It’s like giving your house a set of lungs to breathe and expel all the nasty stuff you’ve stirred up. It’s one of the best ways to get rid of these nasties found in the air. 

Safety Gear: Your DIY Armour – Home Renovation And Safety Standards

Donning safety gear isn’t just a fashion statement for the cautious. It’s essential. Safety glasses, gloves, masks – this is your armour in the battle against hidden hazards. Wearing a mask might not make you look like a superhero, but it does make sure you’re saving your body from potential harm.

Knowledge Is Power: Test Before You Wreck

Before you go swinging that sledgehammer, get your home tested. Check for lead, asbestos, Radon Gas, and other hidden foes. It’s like checking the weather before a camping trip – it’s better to be prepared than caught in a storm.

Home Renovation And Safety Standards – Wrapping It Up: Safety First, Instagram Second

Tackling a renovation project is exciting, but let’s not forget about the hidden environmental hazards that could come along with it. Safety might not be as flashy as a brand new kitchen island, but it’s far more important. Remember, always put safety first – you can Instagram your accomplishments later (once you’ve ditched the uncool safety gear).