Information, resources, guides, brochures and videos on pergolas, verandahs, decks, alfresco areas, pools, carports.
“We’ve got this great alfresco area… until the tap starts dripping and the drain smells funny.” It’s a very Aussie problem. We put effort into our outdoor spaces, then forget the plumbing that makes them usable. Exposed taps, outdoor sinks, and garden connections cop more wear than we realise from heat, moisture, dust, and daily…
Spring is a great time to give your backyard some much-needed attention. When this season rolls around, the cooler weather moves on, the days start to get lighter and brighter, and everything outdoors feels ready for a refresh. A clean and tidy garden space sets you up nicely for a good few months of barbecues,…
A wooden pergola can be a beautiful addition to any home, offering a warm and inviting space for outdoor relaxation and gatherings. To make it stand out even more, the exterior color of your house should complement the wood and overall design. The right paint color can elevate your curb appeal and bring all your…
Is there anything more satisfying than seeing a backyard that feels fully prepared for the summer? No overgrown branches, no dried-up lawn, no clutter creating stress. Everything looks lighter, cooler, and more welcoming. That feeling is something every homeowner deserves heading into the hottest months. And the path to get there is much simpler than…
Thinking about turning your open verandah into a usable room all year round? Learning how to enclose a verandah in Australia is less about throwing up a few screens and more about getting the structure, regulations, and materials right for your local climate. In most cases, you’ll eventually need a licensed professional to ensure everything is compliant…
A burning smell coming from an electrical outlet is never something to ignore. This distinctive odour, often described as acrid or resembling melting plastic, signals a potentially dangerous electrical problem that requires immediate attention. Understanding what causes this issue and knowing how to respond can protect your home and family from serious hazards. Understanding the…
What if the best room in your house wasn’t inside at all? Australian homes are built for sunlight, fresh air, and open living, yet most outdoor areas are underused. The right design can turn that space into your favourite part of the house. Drawing on expertise from Hard Core VIC, this article explores how materials like…
In Australia, outdoor leaks happen more often than you think. The heat cracks fittings. The soil shifts after heavy rain. And your garden taps? It’s the perfect setup for slow leaks that go completely unnoticed. You might think your sprinklers are just overwatering one patch of lawn. But here’s the truth, it could be an underground pipe…
You’ve seen rain turn from refreshing to relentless, and the thought of those rising waters creeping toward your timber beams is nerve-racking. Before the weather app flashes another warning, you’ll want a simple plan for shielding your pergola from flood chaos. Scrolling through the practical guides at this blog reminded you that prevention is doable…
Last summer, a homeowner called us after their back patio flooded overnight. The culprit? A drain packed solid with dirt and leaves. The rainy season means busy days for plumbers because so many types of drains just can’t handle the rush of water. In Australia, the weather swings from dry spells to sudden downpours, just…
Some plumbing problems don’t make noise or smell bad, they just quietly cost you dollars in water bills and repairs. By knowing the top outdoor issues, you can stop problems before they even start. Prevention really is cheaper than a dig-up. With advice and guidance from Drain Masters Plumbing, we’ve outlined the ten most common outdoor plumbing…
You love spending lazy afternoons on the deck, but the right rug can make or break that relaxed vibe. Choosing a material that copes with sun, rain, and stray barbecue sauce is only half the battle. Keeping it fresh without dragging the whole thing indoors every month matters just as much. For practical tips on…
You know how quickly an outdoor space can slide from relaxed retreat to cluttered chaos, storm-blown branches, broken pots, the odd stack of renovation scraps. Tackling it alone eats into the weekend yet leaving it breeds bigger headaches. The Yard Clutter Problem Step outside and really look at the lawn, shrubs, and patio corners. Over…
Building an outdoor living space, whether it’s a beautiful pergola, spacious deck, or shaded verandah, is exciting. These structures transform backyards into places where families gather, kids play, and memories take shape. But once they’re built, keeping them in great condition requires regular care and attention. Just like any part of your property, outdoor structures…
Planning outdoor pergola lighting in Australia is a bit different to doing it in, say, Surrey or Seattle. Our sun is harsher, the coast can chew through cheap fittings, and summer BBQs often run late into warm evenings. The right lighting plan turns your pergola into an all?season zone, safe for cooking, flattering for guests,…
You’re picturing soft evening light under the pergola, but first you need wiring that’s safe, compliant, and built to survive Melbourne’s weather. Finding an electrician who understands outdoor structures can feel like decoding a fuse box, yet it doesn’t have to. Resources such as https://www.thelocalelectrician.com.au/melbourne/ let you compare licensing details, specialties, and reviews before you…
Aussie summers are made for living outside. Deck chairs, a barbecue sizzling away, perhaps a spritz in hand while the kids or your mates take refuge under the pergola. It’s a simple scene to imagine, and one that most of us would like to protect. But nothing puts a damper on your plans faster than…
You’re staring at those widening cracks and wondering whether your home’s foundations are quietly shifting beneath you. Before you dive into sketches, budgets, and contractor calls, it helps to pin down the core principles of underpinning—why, when, and how. Speaking with professional underpinning services can clarify what applies to your specific block and keep expensive…
For most Australians, the backyard is more than just a patch of lawn. It’s the place where birthdays are celebrated, Sunday barbecues are held, and lazy afternoons turn into late-night chats. With the right set-up, your outdoor area can feel like another living room – only with fresh air and open skies. If you’re thinking…
When constructing or renovating a building structure, you shouldn’t only pay attention to its architectural and structural angles, but also to its functional aspects. After all, you’re not just building a standalone structure for the sake of it; you’re playing a role in constructing something meant to keep occupants sheltered and safe. As such, safety…