Pete's Write

Sharing a little something about aircons Cassette types might be more flush, but they cost more and are harder to maintain Two separate smaller blowers might be better in air distribution than one big one Site your compressors where they can be serviced easily but not too near your sleeping areas Try and use the same brand so you can recycle or keep some of the remotes away Check the ratings on the units, not all are five ticks or as quiet as advertised Get a larger than you think you need compressor, some of those system 5 compressors will only really cool one or two rooms at the same time The shorter the trunker, the more efficient the cooling Think about where the water will run off too, so you manage the drip and the sound it may make. You'll also need a gradient for the water to flow so you won't have stagnant water  The three major brands are all quite fine. Do note that only Mitsubishi Starmex and Panasonic have PM 2.5 filters Daikin aircons are usually slimmer than the ...

We are subject to huge levels of rain that can fall in in a very short duration. This can test the water drainage and how our roofs shed this water. If the water is not properly drained or directed, it can lead to water accumulation in certain areas, and mosquito infestation, or the force of the water hitting your walls can cause the paintwork to deteriorate very quickly. Now if you are planning a rebuild, the law forbids gutters due to the risk of mosquito accumulation, but you should still plan how the water is directed. For example if you having a specific entrance area, you may want to direct the water away from that area. You may also want to direct the water away from the walls and into certain areas where you may wish to store the water. For example, the water falls directly into a swimming pool and you save on water bills. However you may have dirt falling into your pool requiring you to clean the pool more often.  The material used for your roof also matters as it will aff...

Whether as part of a new home or a full on renovations, painting is usually integral in giving your home that new look. A simple coat can transform a home before you move in or sell it. But there are some things one should take note of: I personally prefer Dulux to Nippon, but each has their own virtues. I would suggest the equivalent of Wash and Wear as a minimum for the internal walls, and do note, that you can't wipe everything away, but it's a good thing for basic stains. For higher wear areas exposed to the elements, use the equivalent of Weathershield or other more weather resistant paints. Do bear in mind, these are not totally waterproof, and if the wall is constantly battered by rain, it won't last that long. I also suggest a polymer hard clear coat for the areas where you encounter bird poop. You can also use it in areas where your kids are likely to draw as erasable markers can be used, and it's easy to wipe off. I also use it in the dining area where my gues...

For those who desire to live in a landed property, but eschew the pre-requisite maintenance required, a cluster housing development seems to be a good compromise. You get the exclusivity, the quietness, and the space, plus you get someone to maintain the property for you. Plus the price is usually significantly lower than that of a similar landed home in the same area. However there are some downsides one must be aware of: Firstly the cost of maintenance - with lesser units than a typical condo, you have to divide up the costs amongst a few owners. But the cost remain the same, and the more facilities your cluster home has, the higher the costs.  Let's get real, it's a condo, but you stay in a cluster home. So think of it as a large condo home with some landed.  The same sinking funds, repair costs all come into play. And you'll need to paint that exterior every 5 years like a condo. If you employ a guard, there's more costs.  If it's an older development, then the ...

The recent series of fires and accidents have got me thinking about this. I have a first aid kit, ,torchlight, pocketknife, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, glass punch and seat belt cutter in my car, as well as the safety triangle. Now you can buy a complete kit, and they can cost from $15 upwards, but do note that when they say "100 components", they count Each plaster / alcohol swab, so don't be fool! However there are sites which teach you how to assemble one, and you can certainly make one, or buy one first, then refresh it from time to time. Some useful sites: https://www.outsideonline.com/2338961/how-to-build-first-aid-kit https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/the-complete-guide-to-making-a-diy-first-aid-kit/ I do a lot of outdoor stuff (when there's no Covid), and I look forward to doing it again. A small kit is an essential component. Now, those sites do give most info on how to assemble it, but let me add a few pointers: - you can use an old airline vanity...

Firstly, the pro of a local dealer: - service - warranty - technical expertise - product less likely to run the risk of being damaged, and if it is DOA, an exchange is easily sorted out The cons: - the local dealer may charge a much higher price - service may be only half decent The pros of doing it yourself, or via a professional shipper: - price = the difference in price can be quite significant (will list some examples later and others can chip in) - better features - not available locally Cons: - the risk of damage - voltage issues (more on this later) - claiming warranty or this may be non-exisitent - the product may not work locally (tuner channels, NTSC TV sets only) - complicated shipping - non-existent shipping - high tax / cost of shipping - lousy shipping (more on the choices of shipping) I think we all know the main reason is COST, and the key is how much we can save, and is it worthwhile? Shipping choices: In all cases, caveat emptor, and buy insurance if the item is very ...