Top Home Improvement Investments

Author: Service Central

Considering a home improvement? Check out the top 6 home improvements across Australia.

1. Bathroom Renovation /Bathroom Addition
A bathroom renovation is a smaller, affordable remodelling project that can have a great impact on your everyday life. From updating tired fixtures to adding more storage to creating a relaxing haven, any changes you make to your bathroom are guaranteed to improve your daily routine.

Bathroom Wish List: New cabinetry and storage, artistic sink fixtures, spa, tiling & skylight.

2. Kitchen Renovation
Today's kitchens are at the hub of family life, often serving as a dining area, home office, and gathering place. Whether you choose a major kitchen renovation or just want to rejuvenate one aspect with new lighting, appliances, cabinetry or tiling, updating your kitchen can make it easier to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

Kitchen Wish List: Granite benchtops, walk-in pantry, state-of-the-art appliances.

3. Pergola
Adding a pergola is a cost-effective way to greatly expand your home's entertaining space. Suddenly your backyard looks a million dollars, and you have a quality area to entertain family and friends. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Family Room Wish List: Home theatre, bar, soundproofing, plenty of natural light.

4. Windows
New window installation offers a great opportunity to upgrade your home in style and resale value. Not to mention, with nearly 40 percent of central heating lost through windows and doors, quality window replacement with proper insulation ensures substantial savings on utility bills.

Window Wish List: Custom windows, UV protection glazing, tubular skylights,

5. Rendering
One of the most overlooked home improvements, rendering will dramatically change your home's appearance. Today there are a wide variety of options available, including rough, rippled and smooth looks.

Rendering Wish List: Natural bark siding, natural stone render, reclaimed brick

6. Roofing
For many homeowners a new roof is a grudge purchase. However, with all the many options available today, it certainly doesn't have to be. Today roofing materials are available in wood, metal, tile, slate, and even asphalt shingles that mimic nearly everything else. And of these roofing materials offer a wide colour palette to choose the best colour to complement your home's exterior.

Roofing Wish List: Slate roofing; it lasts more than 50 years!

More Articles: How to wallpaper around corners

A video guide to how to wallpaper around corners. Read More...

How to tile a wall

A video guide to tiling a wall. Read More...

How to wallpaper

A video guide to how to hang wallpaper. Read More...

When you need a subbie fast who do you think of?

A great story on how a builder turned a customer complaint into a revelation. When Bruce Ahchow, CEO of Service Central, chased up a customer complaint about a builder taking too long to complete a project he found out that a sick renderer was holding up the whole project. Learn how he solved the problem in 5 minutes and left both the customer and the builder happy. Read More...

How to install a shelf

An easy video guide to installing a shelf. Read More...

Questions to ask a Tradesperson

A tradesperson's answers to your questions can give you a good sense of whether you could work with him or her. Here's a list of questions to help you work out which tradesperson is best for you. Read More...

How to prepare a wall for wallpaper

A quick and easy video guide to how to prepare a wall for wallpaper. Read More...

Summer Renovation Ideas

As the first sunny days appear and winter fades into the distant past we're reminded of the hot summer days ahead. How are you prepared for this summer? To help you out Service Central has put together a list of summer renovation ideas for your home. Read More...

Preparing for Christmas

Are you ready for Christmas? Hosting Christmas at your place can take months in preparation, especially if you're home isn't up to it. Is your kitchen big enough? Can your oven cook a Christmas meal for 20 people? Do you need a 2nd or even 3rd toilet? Is there somewhere for everyone to go outside? All these questions and more and addressed in this guide to preparing for Christmas. Read More...

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Kitchen Renovations

A kitchen renovation is a major investment in your home. In this guide we explore different ways that you could reduce the cost of a kitchen renovation without necessarily reducing the quality of the end result. Read More...

Hamish & Andy and Service Central

During a recent "Hamish and Andy" segment, a friend of theirs was on air with what he thought was a brilliant new invention. He was going to create a website that would allow people to log jobs that they needed doing and providers would then call them if they were able to do the work. This sounded a little too familiar to some of the listeners... Read More...

Guide to Bathroom Renovations

A bathroom renovation is one of the largest renovation projects that you can undertake and when done well can add substantial value to your home. The key to a successful bathroom renovation is thorough research and finding the right bathroom renovation company for you. Read More...

Guide to Building an Extension

Building an extension to your home can be a great way to get the space you want without having the expenses and hassles of selling your home and finding a new one. In this guide to building a home extension we explore the pro's and cons and seek to lay out the general process to follow when extending your home. Read More...

Guide to Kitchen Renovations

A kitchen renovation can make an amazing difference to the look and feel of your home. It can enhance your living standards and makes your day to day life so much easier. They key to a successful kitchen renovation is thorough research and finding the right kitchen renovation company for you. Read More...

How not to DIY

Always on the lookout for amusing pieces, our eagle-eyed team came across the following video which only proves the point that if you want something done properly, use a qualified tradesman. Read More...

Video: Paving Tips

An Australian video filled with quality paving tips. Read More...

Questions to ask a Tradesperson

A tradesperson's answers to your questions can give you a good sense of whether you could work with him or her. Here's a list of questions to help you work out which tradesperson is best for you. Read More...

DIY: Recoat your deck in a day

Bring your deck back to life in a day in just 3 easy steps. Read More...

And the Top 10 Services for 2009 are ....

The results are in. Drum roll please ...... In 2009 Service Central generated 48,665 new jobs, read on to see which services were the most popular! Read More...

Keep Your Cool (and Save Money) This Summer

Many people find it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in their homes during the extreme heat of summer and many notice a spike in electricity use due to expensive air-conditioning systems. Find ways to improve your comfort in summer and save money to boot! Read More...

Preparing for Christmas

Are you ready for Christmas? Hosting Christmas at your place can take months in preparation, especially if you're home isn't up to it. Is your kitchen big enough? Can your oven cook a Christmas meal for 20 people? Do you need a 2nd or even 3rd toilet? Is there somewhere for everyone to go outside? All these questions and more and addressed in this guide to preparing for Christmas. Read More...

Summer Renovation Ideas

As the first sunny days appear and winter fades into the distant past we're reminded of the hot summer days ahead. How are you prepared for this summer? To help you out Service Central has put together a list of summer renovation ideas for your home. Read More...

Garden Lighting Tips

Wanting to transform your garden into a night time wonderland but not quite sure where to start? Strategic use of garden lighting such as downlights, up lights and path lights could be exactly what you're looking for. Read More...

Preparing for and Laying Turf

Turf is probably best being installed by professionals, however it's good to understand the process - especially if you want your turf to stay looking its best long after the installation. Read More...

Advantages of Artificial Grass

Why is artificial grass becoming so popular? Because there are just so many advantages. From saving time to saving money, artificial grass can improve your lifestyle and here's why. Read More...

Turf Renovation in Three Minutes

Sometimes the easiest way to understand something is to watch how it's done. This great little video on turf restoration is only three minutes long but it shows all the stages, from tearing up your old lawn to planting the next and watching it grow. Read More...

Preparing for and Laying Synthetic Grass

When it comes to installing your synthetic lawn it is really best done in the hands of professionals who can measure the area, supply the turf and then install it. This is a guide for those interested in the process of laying an artificial lawn. Read More...

Planning a Landcaping Project made Easy!

Wanting to transform your garden into your own personal paradise but not sure where to start? Don't be scared off by the unknown! We've put together a few key ideas you should have in mind when planning your next landscaping project. Read More...

Service Central helps repair storm damaged Melbourne

Melbourne has turned to Service Central to help repair the damage done by the massive storms that hit the city this Labour Day weekend. Service Central's army of tradespeople have helped Melbournians repair their hail damaged homes, fix leaking roofs, and mop up all of the water left after the weekends deluge. Read on for the full details. Read More...

How to hang a door

An easy video guide to hanging a door around your home. Read More...

How to fix a squeaky floorboard

A quick video guide to how to fix that squeaky floorboard that's annoying you so much! Read More...

Questions to ask a Tradesperson

A tradesperson's answers to your questions can give you a good sense of whether you could work with him or her. Here's a list of questions to help you work out which tradesperson is best for you. Read More...

How to install a shelf

An easy video guide to installing a shelf. Read More...

DIY: Recoat your deck in a day

Bring your deck back to life in a day in just 3 easy steps. Read More...

And the Top 10 Services for 2009 are ....

The results are in. Drum roll please ...... In 2009 Service Central generated 48,665 new jobs, read on to see which services were the most popular! Read More...

Preparing for Christmas

Are you ready for Christmas? Hosting Christmas at your place can take months in preparation, especially if you're home isn't up to it. Is your kitchen big enough? Can your oven cook a Christmas meal for 20 people? Do you need a 2nd or even 3rd toilet? Is there somewhere for everyone to go outside? All these questions and more and addressed in this guide to preparing for Christmas. Read More...

Summer Renovation Ideas

As the first sunny days appear and winter fades into the distant past we're reminded of the hot summer days ahead. How are you prepared for this summer? To help you out Service Central has put together a list of summer renovation ideas for your home. Read More...

Hamish & Andy and Service Central

During a recent "Hamish and Andy" segment, a friend of theirs was on air with what he thought was a brilliant new invention. He was going to create a website that would allow people to log jobs that they needed doing and providers would then call them if they were able to do the work. This sounded a little too familiar to some of the listeners... Read More...

The tools of an Aussie Carpenter

Aussie carpenters have an extensive lists of tools for their trade. Carpenters in Australia need to be prepared for the broad variety of roles that they take on such as new house frames, decking, pergolas, carports, ramps and more so a carpenters ute and trailer is usually top to the brim with tools. Read More...

Why you should use a qualified licenced tradesperson

At Service Central our mantra is finding quality licenced professional tradespeople for you. When asked why quality is important we have a million reasons, but sometimes a video explains things just that little bit better. Read More...

Holmes on Homes at Home

Holmes on Homes has been nominated for Best Lifestyle/Practical Information Series at the 2008 Gemini Awards. His hilarious take on home renovation work is not only comic genius but often useful and insightful. Read More...

How not to DIY

Always on the lookout for amusing pieces, our eagle-eyed team came across the following video which only proves the point that if you want something done properly, use a qualified tradesman. Read More...

The difference between a cabinet maker and a carpenter

When asked what is the difference between a cabinet maker and a carpenter one of the first employees at Service Central would respond "about half an inch". All jokes aside, its a question that comes up quite often so hopefully this provides some guidance. Read More...

Service Central helps repair storm damaged Melbourne

Melbourne has turned to Service Central to help repair the damage done by the massive storms that hit the city this Labour Day weekend. Service Central's army of tradespeople have helped Melbournians repair their hail damaged homes, fix leaking roofs, and mop up all of the water left after the weekends deluge. Read on for the full details. Read More...

Questions to ask a Tradesperson

A tradesperson's answers to your questions can give you a good sense of whether you could work with him or her. Here's a list of questions to help you work out which tradesperson is best for you. Read More...

Service Central helps repair storm damaged Melbourne

Melbourne has turned to Service Central to help repair the damage done by the massive storms that hit the city this Labour Day weekend. Service Central's army of tradespeople have helped Melbournians repair their hail damaged homes, fix leaking roofs, and mop up all of the water left after the weekends deluge. Read on for the full details. Read More...

Interesting statistics from Victoria's Building Commission

Victoria's Building Commission have just sent out their latest newsletter packed full interesting statistics. To save you from reading the whole thing, here are some of the key points. Read More...

When you need a subbie fast who do you think of?

A great story on how a builder turned a customer complaint into a revelation. When Bruce Ahchow, CEO of Service Central, chased up a customer complaint about a builder taking too long to complete a project he found out that a sick renderer was holding up the whole project. Learn how he solved the problem in 5 minutes and left both the customer and the builder happy. Read More...

Questions to ask a Tradesperson

A tradesperson's answers to your questions can give you a good sense of whether you could work with him or her. Here's a list of questions to help you work out which tradesperson is best for you. Read More...

Summer Renovation Ideas

As the first sunny days appear and winter fades into the distant past we're reminded of the hot summer days ahead. How are you prepared for this summer? To help you out Service Central has put together a list of summer renovation ideas for your home. Read More...

Preparing for Christmas

Are you ready for Christmas? Hosting Christmas at your place can take months in preparation, especially if you're home isn't up to it. Is your kitchen big enough? Can your oven cook a Christmas meal for 20 people? Do you need a 2nd or even 3rd toilet? Is there somewhere for everyone to go outside? All these questions and more and addressed in this guide to preparing for Christmas. Read More...

Trades Explained - The Builder

The Builder is the King of the construction jungle. A registered builder is authorised to manage the total construction process and supervise the work of both qualified and non-qualified trades. The builder has proven to the authorities that they have the experience and knowledge to manage a construction project. Read More...

Guide to Building an Extension

Building an extension to your home can be a great way to get the space you want without having the expenses and hassles of selling your home and finding a new one. In this guide to building a home extension we explore the pro's and cons and seek to lay out the general process to follow when extending your home. Read More...

Hamish & Andy and Service Central

During a recent "Hamish and Andy" segment, a friend of theirs was on air with what he thought was a brilliant new invention. He was going to create a website that would allow people to log jobs that they needed doing and providers would then call them if they were able to do the work. This sounded a little too familiar to some of the listeners... Read More...

How not to DIY

Always on the lookout for amusing pieces, our eagle-eyed team came across the following video which only proves the point that if you want something done properly, use a qualified tradesman. Read More...

Why you should use a qualified licenced tradesperson

At Service Central our mantra is finding quality licenced professional tradespeople for you. When asked why quality is important we have a million reasons, but sometimes a video explains things just that little bit better. Read More...

Owner Builders - Starters Guide to Understanding the Building Process

Building can be a very rewarding experience, but it is not as simple as ordering the materials and hiring tradespeople. Construction is a very complex combination of time management, people management, financial management, negotiation, problem solving and materials selection and sourcing. If you are also involved in acquisition, design, town planning, fittings and furnishing, then the job becomes even more complex. Read More...

Holmes on Homes at Home

Holmes on Homes has been nominated for Best Lifestyle/Practical Information Series at the 2008 Gemini Awards. His hilarious take on home renovation work is not only comic genius but often useful and insightful. Read More...

Service Central helps repair storm damaged Melbourne

Melbourne has turned to Service Central to help repair the damage done by the massive storms that hit the city this Labour Day weekend. Service Central's army of tradespeople have helped Melbournians repair their hail damaged homes, fix leaking roofs, and mop up all of the water left after the weekends deluge. Read on for the full details. Read More...

Video: How to replace a window screen

A video on how to replace a window screen. Read More...

Questions to ask a Tradesperson

A tradesperson's answers to your questions can give you a good sense of whether you could work with him or her. Here's a list of questions to help you work out which tradesperson is best for you. Read More...

Home Energy Guzzlers

A number of appliances around your home may be consuming too much energy, making your energy bills (and carbon footprint) higher than they should be! There are three main appliances that are responsible for the majority of people's energy costs, but with a few simple ideas you could notice big savings in your energy bills. Read More...

VIdeo: How to render a wall

An Australian video on how to render a wall. Read More...

When you need a subbie fast who do you think of?

A great story on how a builder turned a customer complaint into a revelation. When Bruce Ahchow, CEO of Service Central, chased up a customer complaint about a builder taking too long to complete a project he found out that a sick renderer was holding up the whole project. Learn how he solved the problem in 5 minutes and left both the customer and the builder happy. Read More...

Questions to ask a Tradesperson

A tradesperson's answers to your questions can give you a good sense of whether you could work with him or her. Here's a list of questions to help you work out which tradesperson is best for you. Read More...

Want to contribute an article or have a good story? Email it to enquiries@servicecentral.com.au for submission. Service Central reserves the right to edit articles as necessary.