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When building your own home many people think of big houses with lots of room and lots of space. But just because you are designing and building your own home it does not need to be huge. Sometimes smaller houses can be better for your purpose.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons some people purposely opt for a smaller home? 

  • Whilst you might be houseproud, it does not mean you want to spend every waking moment meticulously maintaining your big home. A smaller house can mean less maintenance and more chance to enjoy your free time. 

 

  • The bigger the home the more there is to clean, even just adding an extra bathroom can provide hours of extra cleaning. When you consider the size of your home, consider how much time and effort you want to invest into cleaning it.

 

  • A smaller home is cheaper, not just to maintain as we previously discussed, but to build. If budget isn’t an issue, the money saved can be spent on a pool, landscaping or some beautiful décor.

 

  • A smaller home can force you into de-cluttering. Have you ever noticed the more room you have the more you hoard over the years?

 

  • A smaller home can mean a more intimate family setting. In big homes, sometimes you’re not sure if anyone is home, but in a smaller place you will always be close to your nearest and dearest. This can also be the reason people opt for a larger home, but especially when children are young it’s much better, safer and easier to keep them close in a small home.

 

  • Your bills will usually be lower in a small home. Cooling down a small room is much more cost effective than a large room, you won’t need as much lighting, and overall you should need less power. 

 

You can design and build the house you want that suits your lifestyle and needs. Our house designers are on hand to work out the perfect living situation for you. 

Is bigger better? Why a Smaller Home May be the Right Fit for You - 05/08/2017

The best thing about a new home is that it doesn’t come with those pre-existing issues that need to be fixed. Whilst some of these things become part and parcel of your maintenance, it can feel like you are constantly trying to catch up with all the odd jobs you need to do to get your home running smoothly and efficiently.

Old houses always seem to have their own idiosyncrasies, those little maintenance jobs that are unique to that home. Maybe the windows get stuck in the winter for example or the doors creak, but the more odd jobs you add to the list the easier it is to let them slide. 

The great thing about a new house is that it’s a blank canvas, so you can start planning your maintenance schedule without any catch-ups.

You might look around your new gleaming new home and wonder what there is to do, but if you want to keep it looking pristine you will need to keep up to date with your maintenance. 

  1. Don’t get carried away and plastic cover everything, you can still maintain your home without the need to compromise on comfort.
  2. Create a regular checklist. Your smart phone is a great way to organise your tasks. By popping them into your calendar on a regular basis they can stay small jobs instead of becoming much bigger tasks if left unattended.
  3. When it comes to things that can undermine the structure of your home it might be time to call in the professionals. Ensuring your gutters are clean and clear ready for storm season can mean that not only will it reduce damage, it will keep your insurance policy in-tact should something happen.  
  4. General house cleaning can seem simple, but if neglected can lead to damage and dirt build up. There’s nothing like a dirty home to wipe away that new gleaming house look.
  5. This is more of a safety issue, but you will need to change the batteries in your smoke alarms at least annually.
  6. If you have grass make sure you maintain it. Regular mowing, watering and composting can keep your lawn looking great for years to come.
  7. When cracks start to show get them filled asap, it doesn’t take long for the harsh Australian weather to take advantage of them, and you are laying out the welcome mat for pests.
  8. Pest control is essential in Australia. Not only does it rid your home of all those creepy crawlies, it can stop termites that can literally eat you out of house and home.
  9. Keep your pool clean. There’s nothing more appealing in summer than diving into crystal clear water, however without regular and proper maintenance your pool can become dirty, unsightly and unsafe to swim in. 
  10. Don’t forget a new paint job doesn’t only look good it can add a protective layer to your walls, both internally and externally, prevention is better than cure. 

At Eggins Prestige Homes we provide beautiful, luxury homes that will last for years to come. We always work with our clients to make sure that each home the right home for you, in design, materials, look and functionality. 

10 Tips for Maintaining Your New Home - 15/08/2017

How to Ensure a Timeless Home Design

Home is where the heart is. A home is the place where people spend their time with highest comfort. The way a home is decorated makes a statement to the world. It speaks about a person and expresses their personality. A home is a long term investment and our expectation is to keep it forever. The best way to design and decorate homes is to make it a timeless one. Timeless designs can withstand the test of time and always retain its fascinating appeal throughout the years. Here are some tips on how timeless design can be ensured.

Incorporate classic design elements

To achieve a timeless design; classic design elements need to flourish inside the house. The desired look will be something that is fresh and relatable in today’s environment and will also uphold its appeal tomorrow. Hanging some medium to large sized paintings in the living room gives off an aristocrat vibe. The stairway walls leading to the floors above can also be decorated with paintings in fancy frames arranged in a diagonal and progressive fashion. The sizes of these staircase paintings should not be too big. Small sized paintings work best here and more number of paintings is preferred in this space. There can also be pictures of historical figures, old and late family members and group family pictures as well.

Elements from Greek architecture gives a great classic look, especially in terms of structuring. Strong columns and pillars, statues and other historic architectural mouldings on the walls and in the corners can elevate the overall classic look. These elements can be played upon in different combinations to achieve that desired look and settings. The interiors will complement these elements. A large and highly light reflecting chandelier on the living room ceiling will totally change the look and bring a centre of attraction to the home. Last but not the least, tables and other furniture made of crafted wood, stones, and bricks will provide the final layer of the timeless look.

Apply traditional colours

Neutral and soft colours work excellent in such settings and make the other elements stand out and bloom. Beige, white, and grey have a strong presence and reflect more light alongside accentuating the other elements on the wall. They are ideal as backdrops for fancy furnishings, statues and artwork display. Warmer and darker colours are to be used in a very few spaces, that too with care because it has to complement the base colours. It’s easy to lose the gravity of the colour balance if trend is followed, but with a bit of care and observation, Black, Prussian blue, and Bottle Green can be used. These colours should not be the principal colour, the base colour should be the main colour that sets the tone of the rooms.

Don’t adapt to trends – balance between function and form and blend different styles

Trends change with time. Timeless design does not conform to trend and fad. It is a mixture of old and new, a bit of trend with a lot of substance. Trends are temporary but the style and design of your home is not. It is a balance between function and form, varying with the incorporation of different styles. There is the function part, which provides functionality for the whole home through different elements, and then there is the form part, which provides the decoration. Timeless design is sophisticated, simple yet elegant and powerful. Neither it can be too flashy, nor can it be boring.

For example, a symmetrical white-coloured wooden grand doors providing entry to the hall. When opened, it meets the eyes with a French neoclassical styled chair set and a large timber table with a display of traditional Chinese crockeries and cutleries in the back. Beneath the table is a wooden floor topped with a carpet regally laid out. A bouquet on top of the table and some Turkish design influenced ceiling to top it all off is makes a room timeless as ever.

 

Blend the old with the new

If all the elements are from the old times, the home will hold no appeal for the future, that’s why it’s important to blend the old with the new. A neutral coloured background and a royal enchanting table in front of it, only to give place to a historical antique along with windows draped in broad embroidered top borders make a good combination. There can also be roman blinds that provide a Romanesque feeling that can be complemented by marble countertop vanities in the bathrooms. Wooden floors with vinyls can be used for a more modern flooring style, complemented by flute legged wooden beds and white-golden combined chest of drawers. These are just a few examples. By utilising the same kind of design concepts, many different kinds of mutually complementing designs can be visualised and implemented for a timeless décor.

Timeless design is an interesting concept which is bound to impress others and make the owner of the home feel proud with all the wonderful elements that elevate the look of the home. Homes like this surpass the barriers of time and keep shining with all their glorious effort that can be cherished by people for many years to come.

Form vs Function: Which is more important?

When it comes to building a new home, there are a number of factors to keep in consideration. Out of all these factors, two of the basic factors which needs to be carefully maintained are form and function. A new home means an array of possibilities that can be set according to need, want and specification.

Form is important because naturally we want anything new to be beautiful and good looking and when it comes to a huge investment like a home, this needs to be carefully crafted because it is there to stay for a long time. On the other hand, it can be said that function is what a home is all about. Every single room has its own functionality. Everyone staying in that home utilises these functionalities. That’s why both of these factors need to be carefully maintained.

This form vs. function debate has been going on for a long time and there has been a lot of discussions about this. Just like people have individual choices and preferences for colours, foods, clothes and many other things, they may also have a preference for form or function. In reality, there is no function without form and there is no point of form without some kind of function.

To be rational, the aspects of form and function don’t fit in a comparison setting. They are mutually beneficial and complementing set of factors which provide a perfect structure to a lot of things, homes being one of the most spectacular ones. Every home must have all required functions crafted by form for an aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient abode.

A proper balance needs to be maintained and it’s not even necessary to sacrifice or reduce any one of these for keeping the other. A beautiful design might just be totally capable of doing what it was supposed to do. Modern innovations and inventions have made it easier to combine these two factors. For example, security measure for home have changed a lot. There were normal handles which looked good and were only used for pushing or pulling a door. Latches were used for locking purpose. Now, with revolving door knobs, it works as both the push-pull unit of the door as well as the twisting motion is used for unlocking the door along with the button at the centre for locking. Therefore, innovation can go a long way to combine form with function.

When combined properly, the outcome is not only very pleasing to the eyes but it works more efficiently compared to previous versions. However, there is another point to keep in mind. When it comes to building homes, changing the basic elements like pillars, foundation, main building materials used in the floors, walls and other elements of the core structure is not an option. The functionality for these unchangeable or very expensive and difficult to change (sometimes which might need total reconstruction) parts cannot be compromised in any way. This is where a kind of restriction works. These are the spaces where sacrificing is not an option. This is one side of function for homes.

As for form, most of the times it is easy to change. The form elements which are strictly connected to function parts are hard to change. Other than that, most form elements can be changed with easy or moderate effort and expense.

So it can be said that, in the grand scheme of things, function is more important than form. However, with the uprise and progress of new innovations and inventions, the scope for combining both these elements have increased significantly and that is what everyone should opt for. The result will be a nice and beautiful home with all functions working in the perfect way as you’ve always wanted it to be.

How to Blend Your New Home into the Surrounding Environment 

One of the most fascinating ways to decorate your home is to blend it with the surrounding environment. When it suits well with the surrounding and fits right in, the whole setting looks more appealing because of the synchronicity. There are many ways to do this and much of it depends on your preferences. Let’s have a look at some of the ways –

Let in more natural light

Your new home is all shiny and bright with everything new in place, you can add more brightness to it by allowing more natural light to come through your windows, doors and balconies. It creates a sense of positivity by filling up the interior of the home with the most wonderful natural element – light. Natural light boosts your mood and uplifts the senses which is really helpful for all the family members to stay in good health. You can also use mirrors to reflect this incoming light and brighten up the rooms a tad bit more.

 

 

Make an impression with natural fencing

Fence is the first thing viewers see even if they don’t enter your home. When it is decorated with natural elements, it looks like a part of the environment and provides a welcoming experience for the visitors. This can be achieved by using wood, wooden panels, bamboo, partitions and lattice works. A variety of these options can be used for the different outward facing walls. It creates a more authentic and earthy feel and gives a stunning first impression.

Incorporate natural materials and elements

The colour, beauty and experience brought by natural elements is second to none. A balanced combination of natural elements like wood, wood planks, panels, bamboo, natural stones, and sometimes trunks and bogs create a nice homely environment, both within and outside the home. The elements and materials need to be chosen carefully not to overdo things, but with some visualisation and consultation the results can be awe-inspiring. Wooden backdrop, furniture and an earthy fireplace are absolute gorgeous additions.

Design and optimise outdoor spaces

The patio, yard and outdoor space can be turned into wonderful spaces where people will want to keep staying and enjoy the view. It can be mesmerizing both at nights for a barbecue party or a lazy afternoon spent by reading books. The comfort can be enhanced with a natural stone paved walkway. Stone and wood made benches and furniture, outdoor fireplaces, and elegant accents using natural elements. Other elements like bamboo, limestone and other types of natural stones, glass and some metal even, can build an amazing outdoor space. A well placed and well-arranged combination of these elements is bound to impress all kinds of people.

Natural elements and materials are well-known and everyone loves it. Not only that it adds to the beauty, it also enhances the good feeling among people and is very healthy. A natural looking and well blended home design goes a long way.

 

 

10 Tips for Maintaining Your New Home

Maintaining a home is no easy task! It gets more difficult with time and when you’ve finally moved into your new home, a constant concern keeps spinning in our heads on how to keep it squeaky clean and shiny all year long. Maintaining is not only about cleanliness and good looks, but also about hygiene and keeping all the functionalities regularly checked. Here is a list of 10 tips on maintaining your new home –

1.Regularly check basic utilities

Electricity, water and gas – these are the basic utilities which are needed every minute. Set a routine and regularly check all the entry and usage points inside your home. If needed, consult with professionals because if any one of these utilities are down, it becomes extremely difficult to stay in home.

2.Don’t panic and overdo things

There is no need to wrap up things in plastic and keep things sealed and unused just because they’ll get dirty and lose their initial shine. All the stuff in your home is meant to be used by the family members and do not hesitate to use them. Wear and tear is likely to happen with time, but with a bit of regular care they can look very clean and good enough, if not like brand new.

3.Maintain Heating and Cooling Systems

The temperature of your home is one of the most important aspects that needs to be ensured for healthy living. Annual inspection and check-up by professionals is a must thing to do. The best time is usually between the seasons as the temperature remains within our comfort zone.

4.Clean hard to reach and overlooked places

The refrigerator coiling, rooftop gutter, exhaust duct of clothes dryer, closet corners, loft and attic, floor below rugs and many other spaces are there where we seldom visit or clean. These spaces need to be cleaned at least once every six months. Vacuum cleaners are very effective in doing so.

5.Make a maintenance check list and follow it

We cannot always remember things and that’s why keeping a list of to do’s for maintenance will come in handy. You can divide the list into annual, biennial, quarterly, weekly and daily parts to have a more thorough understanding and follow up. This will also help to prepare for a coming maintenance date.

6.Keep sufficient supplies and tools

Sometimes little maintenance tasks that are relatively easy, can be done by yourself. That’s why it’s best to keep a toolbox where all the basic tools like screw driver, wrench, hammer, nails, knives, hacksaw, sand paper and many other kinds of necessary tools should be kept. Another important thing is to always keep sufficient supplies. Most of the times, natural calamities come without warning, and even if they do, the prices of things increase. That’s why sufficient supply of all survival materials should be kept. Candle lights, matches, life jacket, life buoy, parachute, duct tape, dry food, gloves, helmet, inflatable boat, cartons, trash bags and many other types of supplies should be kept in plenty.

7.Create a suitable environment for children

There are two aspects to this, keeping the child safe is first priority and also creating an environment where the child will not be able to cause much damage to the home needs to be done. Keeping risky things out of their reach, blocking off open electricity ports, keeping water sources in safe measures, painting the walls with washable colours, having rules for eating and other regular tasks, and teaching them – are all ways that will ensure a mutually healthy environment for the child and the home.

8.If you have pets, keep it in mind also

Cats tend to scratch furniture and dogs tend to make a mess out of household items, especially pillows and sofa cushions. Try to arrange the items in a better way to make it easier for the pet as well as the house. Have a specific spot for their pooping, sleeping and playing. A planned design will go a long way to keep the home clean from pet caused massacres.

9.Check and double check security

There is no compromise with security. That’s why have your security measures checked and double-checked so that no mistake can occur. Every home has its own security systems. If you have a CC camera, look at its functionality and often check all the locks of the doors. Inspect around for any problems in windowsills, edges and entryways.

10.Provide entry way cleaning options

On a rainy day or any basic dirt carried from outside will enter your home, that’s why keep a mat for cleaning shoes before stepping inside home. Providing cleaning options in the door entries will keep off a lot of dirt and grime from entering your home.

These were some of the basic ways to maintain your new home, which can also be applied for the old ones in the same way. There are many other points to keep in consideration as well. Simply said, enjoy the comfort of your new home and just be aware of these factors and hopefully it will remain safe and in good shape for a long time.

Top Ways to Settle into Your New Custom Home

 

A home of your own which is customised to your specifications and desires, with many years’ worth of effort put together is a step towards making your dream come true. It is a moment to celebrate. Moving into your new custom home and settling down is one of those glorious moments in life. However, this should also be done in a well-prepared manner to minimise property loss and hassle. Some basic advices are -

Ensure everything is ready in the new home

Before the shifting day comes, make sure to check the new custom home and inspect every single thing to ensure everything is in the right order. Electricity supply, lights, air-ventilation, kitchen utilities, bathrooms and toilets, all power outlets, all sewerage and gas lines, pest and insect check etc. This will prevent any unexpected situation to occur after moving in.

Get rid of unnecessary items

You should move into your new home with only the stuff you need. There is no meaning of carrying extra goods which is no longer necessary and will not be needed. A lot of scrap is discovered when packaging begins and the old house starts to get empty. Do not take this, rather sell them away if possible. This will save both time and money.

Prepare a checklist beforehand

Things are much easier when they are well-prepared and a checklist does wonders when it comes to shifting home. In the middle of all these shifting work, it is quite possible to forget important points, that’s why a checklist should be prepared beforehand. It can be divided into before, during and after phases.

Label all boxes properly

You don’t want to push and move boxes and cartons inside the home, from one room to another after moving in. That’s why, do not forget to write the room name or the person’s name where that particular box or carton will go to.

Move your beds and kitchen items first

After a long shifting day, the first thing you want to make sure is that you have the scope to get some quality sleep. It will be a tiring day and that’s why the beds and mattresses need to be moved in the right places as a top priority. The kitchen items should also be in the right place because cooking is important.

Make a maintenance check list and follow it

We cannot always remember things and that’s why keeping a list of to do’s for maintenance will come in handy. You can divide the list into annual, biennial, quarterly, weekly and daily parts to have a more thorough understanding and follow up. This will also help to prepare for a coming maintenance date.

Pack intelligently

Make heavier boxes small in size and lighter boxes bigger. This will come in handy because large and heavy boxes are hard to carry and there remains the risk of dropping it.

Add a layer over the actual floor

Shifting, dragging, packing and unpacking – the whole process will take its toll on the floors. That’s why it is best to put an additional layer on top of it to protect it from abrasion. There are heavy duty building papers which do fine in this regard. When moving or dragging heavy objects on the floor, make sure to put a piece of soft cloth to avoid marks.

Move big items first

It becomes a whole lot easier if the big items are placed properly first and then gradually to the smaller items. There will be scope to move small items easily, but for big items it becomes much more difficult to move later on in any case, that’s why large items should go in first.

Keep your children and pet in a safe spot

For the safety of your children and your pet, keep them at a relatives or a friend’s place for the duration of the shifting. Make plans beforehand and keep in touch with the people who’ll take care of them in the meantime.

Handle valuables personally

If you have a locker somewhere outside or a trusted person’s home, keep the valuables at their place until all the shifting has been done and the safe spots have been reinstalled. Simple mistakes can lead to losing a valuable item and that’s not something expected.

Remember, there will be issues and that’s a must. There will be things lost and not fixed and not working. Since moving home is an arduous task, these small mishaps are bound to happen. Do not react and do not get agitated rather handle matters in a calm and composed manner. After moving in or even before, consider visiting the neighbours and checking out the important spots in the locality. This will let everyone know about your arrival as well as give you an idea of where the important spots are – like the groceries, park, shopping mall, repair shops and so forth. All in all, enjoy this glorious moment in life with your loved ones and make it memorable.

 

 

How to Keep Your New Home Looking Great

Your new home will be shining when you move in. However, it will start to get unclean and wear and tear from regular usage. Before any permanent damage due to long time usage like stains and marks start to appear, you can take some measure to keep up the great look throughout the years. Here are few tips on how this can be done –

Clear the clutter

When you start moving in, bring only the necessities. If you fill up your space with furniture and stuff which are less needed or not needed at all because you just don’t want to sell it off, it will start the process of clutter accumulation in your home. Most of the times this clutter collects dust and grime and remains untouched for long time. The wall which it covers or the floor space over which it sits, remains uncleaned and causes stain. Sentimental value is something for which people don’t want to let things go and keep them. In which case, decide which ones are really of sentimental value to you and then keep it in a box in the storage. Also, try to remember which items you haven’t used for a long time. If it has been three or more years since last use, chances are very high that you will not need to use them again. If you keep on doing this, your home will not get dirty and remain good as new.

Regular maintenance is magic

Most of the time, people do not go for maintenance until something goes wrong, out of order or stops working properly. That should not be the case, regular maintenance keeps things in line and functional, whether they are still working perfectly or not. Furnaces, HVAC systems and filters, gas and water lines, sewerage lines, bathroom and toilet facilities, all electrical and electronic appliances, rooftop gutters, patio and lawn grass, curb and porch, carpets and rugs, attic and loft space, paint condition on wall and other surfaces, fencings, door hinges and knobs, all locks and latches, lights, smoke alarms, safety and security systems – these are the places and aspects that needs to be checked regularly. It can be said if these all are maintained regularly, the home will both be safe and shiny for years to come.

Check the exteriors

The outside walls, rooftop and all exterior sides of your home is subject to the direct sunlight throughout the daytime and it protects your home from all the different weather conditions including snowfall, heavy rain and fog. It’s obvious that wear and tear and some withering is likely to occur. That’s why, pay attention to these exterior sections of your home from time to time. You can install awnings to provide for a bit of protection during daytime.

Seal and caulk the windows and other leaks

Heat is lost through leaks and cracks on window edges and vice versa. It’s a good idea to pay attention and caulk these gaps which sometimes becomes hard to notice. However, don’t forget to mind the material of the window and surface which is being worked on. Sealants are diversified and available for different types of materials which if done properly, will give the best output.

Check the crawl space, attic and shut-off valves

In an unexpected situation of water leaking, the first thing you need to do is to turn off the water valves using the shut-off valves, so make regular visits to this place and observe. Make a first visit to this section when you get aboard, as it might become necessary at a later time. One of the main reasons mold happens is because of damp and moisture forming up in the crawl space. That’s why, check the crawl space and also the attic for any signs of abnormality.

The main points of maintaining a new and if not, a standard look of your home throughout the years have been discussed above. Remember, the key is to be regular about maintenance and work it out. Being lazy and forgetful will slowly allow the wear and tear to take its toll on your home and you do not want that to happen. It’s better to be aware and active since the very beginning to keep up a beautiful home for all your family members to live in.

If you have already established your plans and specifications with an architect or draftsman, we still welcome you at Eggins Homes. Your plans and ideas, deserve the finest construction and finish - we seek the opportunity to become your chosen builder - the builder of your dreams.

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Company Profile

Eggins Prestige Homes has built a strong reputation throughout the Northern Rivers region as a builder of custom-luxury residences, medium density and major renovations and additions.

Eggins Prestige Homes is a family owned and operated business since its beginning in 1972.

At Eggins Prestige Homes we believe our success is due both to our friendly approach to customers and our confidence in constructing homes that require fine detail and excellence in workmanship.

We pride ourselves on giving you the flexibility to choose your specific inclusions and fit-out items, while at the same time, allowing us to give you a fixed cost before you start building, knowing there will not be any hidden surprises.

As winner of MBA’s Home Builder awards over many years, including Residential Builder of the Year for the Northern region, we do more than just construct buildings; we develop homes and create lifestyles - and we are confident that we can deliver yours!

OUR DIFFERENCE

Here at Eggins Prestige Homes we offer you the flexibility of working with us to design your home, or alternatively, we are happy to quote your own plans. 

Our ultimate goal is to create your dream home.

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