Choose the Perfect Front Door  

You’ll be surprised to see how many people search for front door advice on Google! The home improvement industry is replete with front door options, and rightfully so. Every home needs a front door and new developments go up every day, creating a massive market for doors.

There is something for everyone’s taste, and it can be quite difficult to settle on one style that will be with your home, possibly forever. To make the decision process a little bit easier, we have put together a list of deciding factors you can take into account before settling on your decision.  

The Entrance  

Your entrance is a very big deal. From the curb, past your gate and into your home is where visitors get their first glimpse into your lifestyle. Your entrance is a focal point that, if designed well, can increase the value of your home too.  

The variety of options for a front door are endless and the first thing to consider is whether or not you will be going single or double volume with your doors. Double volume doors or double doors are welcoming and give an opulent feel to any home. Single volume doors can also be beautifully designed. Adding lighting and selecting the right materials to complement your home’s façade looks stylish and contemporary.  

The Right Material  

Over the years, the production and installation of custom front doors have improved, offering a variety of finishes and security options. Wood, fibreglass, steel and glass are all popular options for homeowners.  

Exterior doors made from wood are the most popular by far. This is because wood can be customised to any size, shape or style. On the downside, wood doors do not have a long lifespan like steel and fibreglass.  

Fibreglass is durable and comes with a variety of options. From choosing the finish and colour to size and style, fibreglass has become a durable option that will last many years. Fibreglass doors are more expensive than wood, but will not have to be repaired or replaced as often as wood.  

Steel is not an option we see often. According to the DIY Network, if you choose a steel front door, you are potentially choosing one of the safest options in terms of intrusions. One major con is if the door gets a dent, it can be hard to repair.  

Glass is a great option in safe areas. Glass doors allow for a lot of natural light and give the home a light and airy feel. It is a way of bringing the outdoors in and looks great in any home. For obvious reasons, glass is not always a great idea when you live in an area with high crime rates. Glass is easy to break and intruders can gain entry into your home without much hassle.  

Accents and Security  

Accents are a great addition to any front door area. Well-thought-out lighting schemes, a mixture of different materials like wood and concrete, and even something as clever as trusses can make a stylish difference.   

Another important factor of accents is security and how well it fuses with the overall look of the home. As the main entrance and exit to your home, secure doorways are the first line of defence and can either be a reliable barrier or a great vulnerability. Locking your door is the first security measure we all take in our homes, but most locks can forcibly be opened to gain access. Invest in electric locks and smart options for your front door security. 

 

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Five Reasons to Consider a Sunroom

Sunrooms are a lovely addition to any home. Creating a space in your home for a sunroom can have many benefits. From making your home look bigger and increasing its value to creating a special place just for you, there are a few good reasons to consider a sunroom.

Bring the Outdoors In

Studies have proven numerous times that getting outdoors will do you good. Now we may not always have the time or the energy to go on a weekly hike or bike ride, and a sunroom offers a winning alternative. Sunrooms utilise the access it has to the sun and homeowners who build these from scratch have a clear goal. Get the sun in. Large windows and glass doors are usually a good fit in any sunroom. Being able to see the garden clearly or the outdoors if your views are impeccable, makes for a better home and lifestyle.

Sustainability at Heart

A sunroom is at the heart of any home that is trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Sunrooms can effectively heat rooms in the colder months and save you money on heating the room otherwise. Sunrooms are also an effective way to increase the value of your home. Adding square footage will always have that advantage. You will also use less artificial light in a sunroom, saving you even more costs.

Live in Harmony

If you are looking for the perfect place for your house plants, this may be it. Extra plant life in your busy sunroom has many benefits. The glass walls or widows and sunroom ceilings are created to generate heat. This will be a cosy place not only for you but for your house plants too. The extra plants and added sunlight is also a natural mood stabiliser. The calm and warmth is excellent for relaxing. Sunrooms are great for yoga, reading, family games and a great nap station for toddlers.

Entertainment Hub

Some people may decide to use their sunrooms as a kid-free zone. Designing your sunroom with a boutique style bar and a steaming jacuzzi is an option for many. It is a great place to entertain guests or even have a small party. This is a clever way to enjoy the “outdoors” year-round. From having your morning coffee in a sunroom to having a stiff Martini in the evening, this is where you want to enjoy it.

Current Trends

There is no reason for a sunroom to look outdated. Current trends in sunroom design include décor with trendy furniture, boho appeal with many living plants and cool artworks that are incorporated into the space. Flooring in sunrooms are leaning towards wood, concrete and carpets. Mosiac flooring along with eccentric tapestries work well in sunrooms too.

Looking for more design and décor inspiration. You know you can find it right here on HOMEMAKERS.

Images by: Net Luxury

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Preventative Maintenance for Autumn

Autumn can be a tough time for many people. It is the reluctant change to cooler weather with a distant memory of hot summer days by the pool. Besides that, there is also a very real situation, we as South Africans find ourselves in. With the scary COVID-19 virus hitting South Africa pretty hard, we do not have a choice but to stay at home. 

That being said, autumn brings a lot of jobs to start doing around the house. We have compiled a list of preventative maintenance jobs to try this season. Now is the time to get started on and oversee projects which have long needed your attention.

Inspect The Roof

This is a good time to inspect your roof and see if there is any debris accumulating from the leaves that are falling from the trees. Inspect your roof, or get a pro to do it for you! Have general look over on your roof and check for wear and tear. Check pipes and chimneys. If you have any leaks or gaps you could be in trouble. Gutters are also important to check this time of year. Clogged gutters can cause all kinds of problems, especially when water can pool in and around it. 

Check for pests and insects too. You do not want anyone else other than your family settling in for winter. 

Garden Talk

Give all your garden tools and machinery a good clean down. The usual maintenance jobs slow down in your garden and things like mowing the lawn become much less. Trim dead branches and get raking. Rake or blow the dead leaves off the lawn or, better yet, use a mulching mower to shred them into fine pieces. 

Put the raked leaves in the compost pile or use as a mulch. Fallen leaves are an excellent source of nutrients. 

Doors and Windows

The cold creeps in everywhere. A window or door that cannot seal properly when closed is going to result in cold air infiltration and unnecessary drafts. Check for glazing putty around window glass that may be cracked or is already crumbling. Repair this as soon as you can. 

Check the condition of exterior caulk around all doors by looking for cracks that could ultimately lead to the cold creeping in, as well as critters. Mice are tiny and can easily sneak into your house given the opportunity. 

Need help with your autumn preventative maintenance? Find an expert in HOMEMAKERS to help you get the job done. You can also visit our Facebook page to get inspiration for daily activities at home.

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Glass Sliding Doors

 

Glass sliding doors are a beautiful addition to any house. They allow natural light to break through your home, brightening up any dark rooms or corners. They also allow for easier accessibility between the in and outdoors. Here are our top reasons to consider modern, glass sliding doors in your home.

Natural Light

The extra-large glass panes in sliding doors run from the top to the bottom of each door panel. This allows your chosen design to bring as much natural light as possible into your home. This ensures a well-lit home during the day, which is energy-efficient and cost-effective.

Accessibility

Accessibility is a big deal in large family homes. You want family members to be able to move between indoor and outdoor spaces easily and safely. Glass sliding doors are the perfect fit if your family spends equal amounts of time both inside and outside.

Air Circulation

Effective air circulation and airflow are really important factors in your home. Strategically installing a large sliding door at one end of your house can make a big difference. By letting in large amounts of fresh air into your home, you improve overall air quality. 

Great Views

Designing or revamping your home with large sliding doors in mind gives the impression that the inside and outside worlds merge seamlessly. It allows you to make your outdoor living spaces an integral part of indoor living instead of separating the two. Looking out at your lovely summer garden or seeing the city from your balcony makes a world of difference in everyday living.

If your plan is to find a way to increase light exposure and energy-efficiency into your home, considering a glass sliding door might be your best bet.  Looking for more inspiration about large doors and windows?

Find vetted experts to help you make your dream home a reality with HOMEMAKERS.

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Why Choose Aluminium Doors And Windows?

With their contemporary look and feel, aluminium doors and windows are becoming more popular in trendy homes and businesses.

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How to choose between Alumiumium & Wooden Doors & Windows

Are you considering whether to choose aluminium or wooden windows and doors for your new home or renovation? The truth is, you can have the best of both worlds by selecting them both. Cobus Lourens from leading window and door manufacturer, Swartland, offers some insight into this very popular new trend.

If you are looking to replace your home’s windows and doors, or you are building a brand new home, and you are wondering which material to select – either wooden or aluminium – then read on. According to Cobus Lourens from leading window and door manufacturer, Swartland, an interesting new trend is fast taking hold in the built environment: “Increasingly more people are opting to use aluminium windows and wooden doors in the same build – thereby benefiting equally from the amazing benefits of both materials.”

CHOOSING ALUMINIUM WINDOWS

He says that aluminium has become a very popular option for windows – not only because of its modern, versatile aesthetic, but also because aluminium comes with a raft of benefits, including:

• Strength: Aluminium is a robust material and its natural strength provides security to your home. The fact that it is resistant to corrosion ensures that your windows will never rust, warp, twist or expand.

• Slim profiles: Its natural strength means that aluminium windows can have really slim frames and hold more glass – meaning bigger windows and more glazing. This quality lends more freedom to the design of aluminium windows, and allows the outdoor views to take centre stage instead of the windows themselves.

• Lightweight: Aluminium is a comparatively light material, which makes the operation of aluminium windows – whether you are opening or closing them – a really easy task.

• Easy maintenance: Aluminium is notoriously easy to maintain – it doesn’t require any sanding, sealing or painting – saving you time and money.

• Colour choices: Aluminium windows offer colour versatility so that you can truly customise the look of your home. Swartland’s range of aluminium windows for example, is available in durable Silver, Bronze, Charcoal and White powder-coated finishes direct from the factory.

CHOOSING WOODEN DOORS

Timber doors have a incomparably rich sense of character and beauty all their own, says Cobus: “The undeniable visual beauty of timber doors can largely be attributed to their natural wood grain, their often stained appearance, and the heavy, durable feel they offer when they are opened or closed. What’s more, they have a tendency to make a statement at your front – offering guests an glimpse of what awaits in your home’s interior spaces.” He provides a compilation of the benefits of installing solid timber doors throughout your home:

• Beauty: Solid timber has an innate beauty, thanks to its rich grain and organic texture, making it an element of visual appeal that is unrivalled when compared to other door materials. “Skilfully crafted wooden doors are timeless, making it the first choice for discerning architects, builders and homeowners alike,” nods Cobus.

• Timeless appeal: He believes that timbers’ appeal is due to the fact that it doesn’t date, but looks good from the day it is installed and for years to come as a result of the unique patina it develops over time: “Timber continues to be a classic material for doors, standing proud amidst the fleeting trends of other materials that come and go.”

• Eco-friendly choice: As general home improvement trends head towards more eco-friendly solutions, timber remains a great choice, notes Cobus: “Timber not only looks good, but it is an excellent insulator, it has an impressively low carbon footprint, it boasts an incredibly long lifespan, and if sourced from a sustainably managed forest, such as all the timber used to make Swartland’s range of doors and windows, it is also a renewable building resource.”

• Added size: Similar to tile trends, large format front doors seem to be bang on trend – increasingly more designers and architects are choosing timber front doors with added width and height in order to give their designs a more dramatic aesthetic. Also, bigger doors are not only used to make an impactful visual statement, but they also tend to create an illusion of increased interior space.

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The ultimate monthly home maintenance guide

Becoming a homeowner is always exciting. Making sure that your home remains in good condition can take time. Use this simple maintenance guide to keep up with regular maintenance and avoid the most common maintenance issues.

Although we’ve tried to keep this guide as simple as possible, it is always best to seek professional help if you are unsure. Find a range of home lifestyle professionals here.

SUMMER

December

Assess possible insect issues. Clear cobwebs and prepare your insect repellent measures.

Check, clean and repair patios and decks. Ensure that it is sealed properly, check for loose boards, insect infestations, cracks and that the railing is secured.

January

Check for cracks, blisters, bubbles and peeling paint, especially on exterior walls. Look out for water stains, moisture and damp in walls and ceiling.

February

Remove sediment and prolong your geyser or water heaters life by flushing it.

Service fireplaces/built-in braais and clean chimneys.

AUTUMN

March

Check paving for cracks.

Check windows and door seals, replace broken or cracked panes of glass and apply new putty where necessary.

April

Check batteries and test smoke/ carbon dioxide detectors.

May

Prevent grime and build up in less frequently used spaces such as guest bathrooms by running water and flushing toilets.

WINTER

June

Check that power outlets, switches and light bulbs work.

July

Check window and door handles and locks are in working order.

August

Clean build-up residue in shower heads.

SPRING

September

Clear gutters of leaves and debris to ensure proper water flow. Make sure gutters are properly secured and connected allowing water to flow away from the house. 

Check for roof leaks and damaged roof tiles.

October

Check and fill wall, ceiling and foundation cracks.

Clear dead plants and shrubs, check that plants are not growing into cracks and trim trees where necessary.

November

Check the grout in bathrooms and kitchens.

Check for small leaks in plumbing and taps

EVERY MONTH

Check, clean and if necessary change air conditioning filters.

Clean sink disposal using vinegar ice cubes (this cleans the disposal and sharpens the blades).

Clean stove extractor fan filter with degreaser and hot water.

TWICE A YEAR

Test geyser or other water heater pressure relief valve.

Do a deep clean: Thoroughly clean appliances, windows and surfaces.

Vacuum refrigerator coils. Dirty coils cause fridges to run less efficiently and use more electricity.

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