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Planning Your Perfect Home Renovation
an easy guide to renovating, budgeting and planning all home and apartment additions, extensions and refurbishments; buy the book and do it on time and on budget.
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Story: 10 easy first home buyer steps
Want to buy your first home? Here's how to start.
Story: 10 ways to add value and renovate for less
How to renovate and improve your property with low-cost ideas to add value in any real estate market
Story: 11 skills every home owner needs to know
Tips to troubleshooting home ownership
Story: 12 ways to save on a renovation
A guide to renovating with budget efficiency
Story: 2008 Sydney Property Guide
What the experts predicted would happen to Sydney's residential property market in 2008
Story: 20 Ways To Save The Planet
Short, simple ideas to help save the world from your lounge room.
Story: 3 tips to renovate without risking overcapitalising
How to renovate without eroding equity in your home
Story: 3 window ideas to save you money
Save energy - and the planet - with clever planning of your window treatments
Story: 4 renovate for profit tips
Why adding value by renovating is difficult and how you can plan your way around it
Story: 50 Hot Home Ideas
A quick tricks and tips story originally published October 2008
Story: 5 fail-safe repairs and refurbishments to add value
How to improve the value of your house without splashing out a lot of cash
Story: 5 must-know home insulation tips
Insulation is easy, right? Not always ... read on
Story: 5 Tips to Create a Great Child's bedroom
Ideas for kids rooms
Story: 7 must-know interior style secrets
From furniture arranging to finding your inner colour sense, here's how to get a room just right.
Story: 8 ideas to save the planet
easy home ideas to reduce your footprint
Story: 9 carpet-buying tips
Want a cosy floor? Read this first.
Story: A better, greener home for less
The really, really, really cheap ways to make your home cost less to run ... and might even improve its value!
Story: A Dural Escape
Buying property in Dural, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain section April 2006.
Story: All about home automation
What does it mean when the technology in a house - the lights, alarms, security and AV equipment - can talk to each other? Life's easier, that's what. Originally published in Shore Living, April 2007
Story: An idiot's guide to buying a house at auction
How to buy and bid successfully at a property auction, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain February 2005
Story: An inner city garden
A story about a Jamie Durie designed inner city garden, originally published in The Australian Women’s Weekly, Let’s Go Outside, November 2005
Story: Apartment block landscaping
Why landscaping apartment blocks works
Story: Appliance trends
Which appliances are making a splash in the kitchen?
Story: Approving renovation plans the easy way
A guide to getting your plans through Sydney councils, originally published in November 2006
Story: A quick Christmas house makeover
A guide to getting your house ready for the silly season, originally published in Australian Women's Weekly December 2005.
Story: Architects and their own homes
Peeking at an architects' own renovation is worth a look, originally published in Sunday Life October 2006
Story: Architecture in Surry Hills
A profile on Adam Haddow, originally published in Central magazine
Story: A real life cheap reno
How one Sydney woman took charge to make her renovation cost-effective
Story: Are boat berths the best waterfront property?
Story: Are you ready to buy a house?
A woman's guide to knowing whether she's ready to buy a house, originally published in New Woman, July 2005
Story: ARMCHAIR ETHICS: A green guide to living
A guilt-free guide to living green, originally published in Sunday Life January 2007
Story: Art, design whatever
A profile of Surry Hills and designers blueandbrown, originally published in Central August 2004
Story: Ascot in queensland
Ascot: A Brisbane hot spot, originally published in Sun Herald in April 2004
Story: Aspirational debt: why interest rate rises hurt even the best suburbs
Why Wizard's Mark Bouris says interest rates hurt some of Sydney's best suburbs. Originally published in Thursday Domain.
Story: A tool apprenticeship: the right tools for the job
Finding the right tools for renovating, originally published in the Essential section of Sydney Morning Herald December 2006
Story: Attic conversions to transform roof space
Make the most of your roof space, originally published in the Essential section of the Sydney Morning Herald in October 2006
Story: Australian Property in 2009
What the experts predict will happen in the year ahead
Story: Avoid bad renovation
how to improve your property value by renovating to create heritage appeal, originally published in June 2005
Story: Award-winning building projects
A story about the Master Builders Associations awards. Originally published in Sydney Morning Herald, August 2005
Story: Back to basins: renovating a bathroom
Bathroom renovation, originally published in July 2006.
Story: Balmain locals talk
OUT OF THE MOUTHS: what the locals love about Balmain, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald in Sept 2004
Story: Bathroom Cleaning Blitz
How to clean the bathroom easy, green and super clean
Story: Bathroom, laundry and kitchen basics
How to renovate the hardest working rooms in the house
Story: Beach brands, buying coastal property with a name
Buying property on the NSW coast, originally published in the Sun Herald, December 2004
Story: Beach house summer
2009 property outlook for beach houses
Story: Bedbugs and how to prevent them
A story about the rise of bedbug infestation in homes in Australia, originally published in the Essential section of Sydney Morning Herald, January 2007
Story: Best buds: flower arranging tips
Have a house full of flowers every day without bankrupting yourself at the florist, originally published in New Woman August 2002
Story: Be wary of slick Queensland property developers
A story about the pitfalls of buying in Queensland
Story: Big ideas for small bathrooms
Bathroom designs to make life less squeezy
Story: Boomers rewrite the rules
A real estate trends story about how Baby Boomers will change the real estate market into the future.
Story: Brushing up on bathroom renovation planning
How to plan and design a bathroom renovation to suit your lifestyle and budget.
Story: Budget and beat the economy
A guide to drawing up your own household budget
Story: Budget bathroom shortcuts
Bathe your bathroom in luxury without breaking the bank
Story: Buying a family home
Buying an affordable family home in Sydney, originally published by Sydney Morning Herald's Domain section in July 2005
Story: Buying a heritage-listed house in NSW
How to buy a historic house, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain in May 2005
Story: Buying a holiday house, August 2004
How to own a second home, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald in August 2004
Story: Buying an investment unit in Queensland
How to buy investment apartments in Queensland, originally published in February 2005
Story: Buying a quality apartment
Buying Sydney's Designer Apartments, originally published Sydney Morning Herald's Domain May 2004
Story: Buying a washing machine or dryer
What you need to know: the drum on washing machines and laundry
Story: Buying by the beach
Getting a toehold in Sydney's expensive beachside market, originally published in Thursday Domain February 2004
Story: Buying in leafy Warrawee
Upper north shore property market story, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain July 2004
Story: Buying in McMahons Point
Three prestige properties in McMahons Point, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain July 2004
Story: Buying in Newcastle
Buying property in Newcastle, originally published in Thursday Domain in May 2004
Story: Buying in the Blue Mountains
How to buy in the Blue Mountains, originally published in Thursday Domain in April 2005.
Story: Buying on the NSW coast
Coastal real estate market, originally published in Thursday Domain in June 2004
Story: Buying property on the northern beaches
Buying property on Sydney's northern beaches,originally published in May 2003
Story: Buying property on the Sutherland Shire
A guide to Sydney's southern suburbs, originally published in Thursday Domain July 2003
Story: Buying right: how to spot a renovators delight with profit potential
A story about the ins and outs of buying an unrenovated property
Story: Buying second-hand building materials
How to source quality second-hand building materials in Sydney, find out about demolition yards, cheap building materials and how to use them, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Thursday Domain section
Story: Buying Your First Home: a guide
How To Buy Your First Home, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain August 2004
Story: Caloundra Real Estate
A guide to Sunshine Coast Queensland real estate, originally published Sun Herald February 2005
Story: Castle Hill locals talk
Castle Hill residents tell us why they love it, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain in July 2004
Story: Centennial Park Courts
Story: Cheap and cheerful Christmas table settings
Inspired cheap ideas for Christmas dinner settings, originally published Christmas 2008 in Woman's Day
Story: Cheap kitchen makeover ideas
Cheap ideas for those who can’t afford designer stone, steel or timber benchtops, originally published in the Essential section of Sydney Morning Herald, January 2007
Story: Cheap Renovation Tactics
Story: Choose the right bigscreen television
A guide to choosing an energy efficient big TV
Story: Choosing outdoor furniture: what to know
A quick guide to buying outdoor furniture
Story: Choosing property that will grow in value
The top tips for property that outperforms
Story: Choosing the right design professional
How to decide whether an architect, building designer or draftsperson will design your renovation, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain, October 2004
Story: Choosing the right light: a renovators guide
How to choose the right fittings and lamps for lights
Story: Cleaning your house in a jiffy
How to clean quickly, easily and professionally (without it being a drag)
Story: Consumption arousal, why shopping is addictive
Are sales really a bargain, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald’s Metropolitan section in December 2004
Story: Contracts, questions and answers
The nitty gritty of renovation approvals, licences and insurance
Story: Converting a warehouse with sauce
An award-winning warehouse conversion
Story: Cost-effective renovation ideas
How to renovate wisely, add value and stay sane
Story: Could renting be better than renovating?
Weighing up whether to invest in your own property and renovate - or rent your dream property instead
Story: Creating a beautiful bedroom
Interior designer Shellee Gordoun explains how to create a beautiful bedroom
Story: Creating a larger apartment: prestige spreads
Story: Dealmakers at work: how sales experts sell
Find out how the best sales people sell. A profile piece published in Sunday Life.
Story: Designer dialogue
Profile of blueandbrown designers, originally published in Vive magazine
Story: Designer schmick tips from interior experts
Give your pad a designer touch with these tips from interior designers, originally published in New Woman September 2002
Story: Design your way into renovation
How to think like a designer when planning your home renovation
Story: De-wall to reduce reno costs
Why removing walls can be a great renovation option
Story: Do Asian-inspired homes sell well in Sydney?
Renovating in Asian-style - is it a fad or does it add value? Originally published in March 2006
Story: Does the Prime Minister have to change before house prices grow again?
A theory by Residex's John Edwards that the housing market is linked to a change in federal government, originally published in Thursday Domain March 2005
Story: Doorstep to heaven: island dreams
Buying in Queensland
Story: Dos and don'ts of bathrooms
Quick bathroom reno tips
Story: Easy Home Office Wallet-Savers
Creating a planet-friendly home office
Story: Easy soundproofing ideas
Minimal homes can make for maximum noise - here's how to beat it.
Story: Easy tips to clean the bathroom - quick!
Seven easy ways to speed up your bathroom cleaning routine.
Story: Eco makeovers
Trade Secrets: eco makeovers by neco, originally commissioned by Essential March 2007
Story: Edible gardens in small spaces
How Garden Life owner Richard Unsworth grows vegies in the most unlikely spot
Story: Eeek, I have to host Christmas at my place
You're grown up now, so why not have Christmas at your place, originally published in New Woman, December 2002
Story: Feature wall fears
Getting a feature wall right, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Essential section, 09th of November 2006
Story: Financing renovation
How you finance a renovation is up to you.
Story: Finding a tradie the easy way
Q&A on the easiest way to get trades and builders to come to your home
Story: Finding the motivation for your finances
A guide to finding the inner resources to get on top of your financial problems and save or invest.
Story: Finding the right mortgage for your home
How to decide which mortgage is right for you
Story: Finding the right tradesperson
Ask an expert how to source tradespeople, originally published in the October 2005 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly
Story: Find what makes your old furniture shine
Maintaining antiques and mid-century finds so they keep their value - and their look
Story: Find Your Inner Decorator
Top tips to re-ignite your house passion.
Story: First homebuyer help: Abandon Loan Mortgage Insurance?
Banks poo-poo an idea to save first home buyers money. Originally published in Thursday Domain, April 2005
Story: First home buyers beware - make sure you qualify
The first home buyers who have been made to pay back the government grant
Story: Floored! Ideas to walk all over
How to choose the right floors for your home
Story: Foot fetish: when shoes bring a couple together
A For Better, For Worse profile of Kerim and Melanie Van Der Looy who run Peter Sheppard Footwear, originally published in Sunday Life September 2006
Story: For Better, For Worse
Married for four years, Simon Pilcher, 44, and Terri Pilcher, 37, work together as real estate agents. Simon regularly works 12 hour days from Monday to Saturday. Originally published in Sunday Life, August 2005
Story: For better, for worse: Darth Vader meets the insomniac
Production manager Tristan Hanlon, 35, and her husband, Marc Lucke, 33, an online services manager, married in 1999. Tristan is an insomniac and Marc has just been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea. Originally published in Sunday Life October 2005
Story: For Better, For Worse: the couple who married on television
Teacher Luisa Hayson, 24, and real estate agent Peter Gordon, 26, had been going out for five years when the producers of ABC-TV’s Outback House convinced them to get married on television last year. Originally published September 2005.
Story: For Better, For Worse: the tightwad and his bride
Broadcaster and film-maker Dai Le, 37, first met her bargain-hunting German husband Markus Lambert, 45, in 1991. They have been married for 13 years and have a son, Ethan, 2. Originally published in Sunday Life, September 2005
Story: Forget timber or tiles, try concrete floors
How to resurface your old concrete floors and refinish with epoxy resin.
Story: Fridgey Didge Tips
How to improve the running of your household fridge
Story: From awkward geek in 1973 to Kim Cattrall
A Rewind profile of Sex And The City's Kim Cattrall, originally published in Sunday Life November 2006
Story: From Young Talent Time to lots-of-kids time
A For Better, For Worse profile of former Young Talent Time star Philip Gould and singer Kate Lawson-Gould, originally published in August 2006.
Story: Furniture that feels good
A guide to choosing planet-friendly eco-furniture that oozes style and substance
Story: Garage days: transform your bit on the side
The possibilities of transforming a garage
Story: Garden recharge: outdoor furniture
TV presenter Tara Dennis talks about her love for planning the garden. Originally published in Australian Women's Weekly's Let's Go Outside supplement, November 2005.
Story: Generational real estate deals
Why the housing preferences of younger generations count.
Story: Getting the kitchen heights right
How tall should the bench top really be? And what size splashbacks look best?
Story: Getting timber floors right
How to create the best timber floors when you renovate, originally published in the Essential section of the Sydney Morning Herald in September 2006
Story: Glenbrook, A Blue Mountains property hot spot
The love the locals have for their Blue Mountains village, originally published in December 2004
Story: Good debt vs bad debt
A guide to finding the right debt for you
Story: Good Weekend: Two of Us, Valerie and Paul Parv
Romance novelist Valerie Parv, 53, is one of Australia’s best-selling international authors. Originally published in Good Weekend, December 2005
Story: Gothic Gardening: be inspired by dark plants
A story about dramatic almost-black plants, originally published in the Australian Women's Weekly's Let's Go Outside supplement, November 2005
Story: Great divides, buying cheaper property
How to buy on the right side of tracks, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald’s Domain, November 2005
Story: Green Cleaning Advice
How to clean with the environment in mind
Story: Green gadgets for the home
Which eco gadgets will we lust after?
Story: Green kitchen ideas
Make your kitchen a favourite with the environment
Story: Growing vegies in tiny spaces
A story about making your own productive garden, even in the smallest spaces!
Story: Grow your own groceries
How to grow salad greens in pots
Story: Hardy Love: why the drought is good for gardens
Garden designer Peter Fudge explains why the drought is making gardens better, originally published in Australian Women's Weekly's Let's Go Outside supplement November 2005
Story: Have a very eco Christmas
Christmas wishlist for the environment and your home
Story: Heaven sent rainwater tanks
How to plan rainwater tanks, originally published in Essential February 22 2007
Story: Historic houses
A guide to buying heritage houses in Western Sydney, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain June 2004
Story: Ho Ho Eco: making Christmas green
How to make your Christmas stress-free and super kind to the planet.
Story: Holiday home destinations: north or south?
The holiday house divide: choose whether to buy on the NSW south coast or north coast, originally published in November 2004.
Story: Holy solar: is it that way to go?
Should householders really install solar panels?
Story: Home contents auctions: bargains or rip-offs?
This alternative to a garage sale or ebay could be a great way to pick up a bargain for your home - provided you don't get carried away.
Story: Home repair checklist
Preparing your home for wetter weather, originally published in Essential March 2007
Story: Home Theatre How To
How to install home theatre systems originally published in November 2007
Story: Housekeeping hell
Learning to love housekeeping, cleaning and greening
Story: House of little horrors: termites
Avoiding termites, originally published in August 2006
Story: How do I know if there's asbestos in my house?
A safety checklist for renovators worried about asbestos
Story: How to avoid kitchen renovation budget blowouts
A little planning and thought can save big bucks
Story: How to be a great house guest
Renovators may need to bum a night at a friend's house to avoid the dust - here's how to do it well.
Story: How to be a heating prude
Reduce your heating bills with these efficient ideas
Story: How to buy a renovators delight
Want to buy a house to renovate? This story shows you what to look for when buying handyman specials, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain 2004
Story: How to choose the best materials for your renovation
A guide to making the best environmental choice when renovating or improving your home
Story: How to decorate with the television in the room
Story: How to detox your home
Story: How to find a great tradesperson
How to find quality tradespeople, originally published in November 2006
Story: How to get a free green loan
Register now to take advantage of the no-interest green loan scheme
Story: How to insulate your home
Why insulation is worth it
Story: How to keep building costs down
A guide to the hidden reasons behind building cost increases in Australia in 2004
Story: How to know when to buy, build or renovate
The dilemmas of owning a home
Story: How to make your house cost nothing to run
All about passive design techniques to reduce energy costs
Story: How to pay nothing for electricity
Cut your household bills and be kinder to the environment by learning how to turn your house into a net energy producer.
Story: How to store wine
Easy tips to keep wine well
Story: How to tame tradesman: 5 tactics you need to know
A story detailing top tips on dealing with trades and sub-contractors during renovation and building.
Story: Implications of 2004 land tax changes in NSW
Should property investors worry about land tax changes, originally published inApril 2004
Story: Ins and outs of a Balmain house sale
Buyers and sellers talk about their house sale, originally published in Sun Herald in Sept 2004
Story: Ins and outs of a property deal at Stanwell Park
Buyers and sellers tell their story of a house sale, originally published in Sun Herald September 2004
Story: Ins and outs of a Riverview house sale
Ins and outs of a house sale, originally published in Sun Herald August 2004
Story: Ins and outs of a Turramurra house sale
Property owners talk about their home transaction, originally published in Sun Herald in August 2004
Story: Inside architect's houses
A glimpse into the way architects renovate their own homes, originally published in Sunday Life (Sun Herald) in October 2006
Story: Insulation rebate leads to black market
Why home owners need to check where their insulation is coming from
Story: Island Life Going Cheap
Luxury Aussie islands for sale at bargain prices
Story: Is property investment dead in June 2008?
The general state of Australia's residential property investmenet makret
Story: Kangaroo Valley
Three of the best houses in Kangaroo Valley, originally published in 2004
Story: Keeping your cool for less
Reduce your cooling bills with these eco-efficient ideas
Story: Keep the noise down: a soundproof home
How to renovate with acoustics in mind
Story: KIPPERS: Kids In Parents Pockets Eroding Retirement Savings
A short story about the phenomenon of children living at home longer, originally published in Good Weekend.
Story: Kitchen and bathroom space-savers
Nab more space in the hardest working rooms in the house with these ideas
Story: Kitchen renovation dos and don'ts
Quick tips for kitchen renovations
Story: Kitchen Zen: easy cleaning tips
Cooking up better cleaning ideas for the kitchen.
Story: Last Words: Ginger and Smart
A profile on two sisters who set up a fashion label, originally published in Vive magazine, October 2005
Story: Launch your own backyard blitz
Renovating your backyard, originally published in October 2006
Story: Leafy St Ives village
A story about the village of St Ives in Sydney's north shore, originally published in Shore Living
Story: Leather furniture love
How to keep your leather furniture shining
Story: Light right
A guide to lighting a room with style
Story: Light Right: choose the right bulb for you
How to decipher the best lighting choices to reduce energy costs
Story: Lights! Big screen! Action: A guide to home theatre
How to plan and create a home theatre system to suit your taste and budget, originally published in Shore Living, April 2007
Story: Lilyfield locals talk
Residents explain why they love their suburb, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain August 2004
Story: Live in style, without even trying
Quick style tips, originally published in New Woman, July 2002
Story: Locals talk about Manly Vale
Why the residents love this suburb on the northern beaches of Sydney, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain, July 2004
Story: Love is in the air
Alex Brooks is sent on a Valentine's Day mission for Sunday Life magazine
Story: Lovely Laundry Tips
How to make your laundry clean and green
Story: Loving your work
The brother of actor Toni Pearen has always loved travelling - now he makes a living out of it.
Story: Luxury apartments aspire to hotel quality
A story about top end apartment design, originally published in Pinnacle magazine 2008
Story: Magical housekeeping - yeah right!
How to start greening your housekeeping regime
Story: Maintain the value of your home
How to preserve the value of your largest asset - keeping your house in tip top shape.
Story: Make a great home office
How to create a dream home office, originally published in September 2006
Story: Makeover your home and add value NOW
Story: Make your home a movie star
Proud home owners can make up to $10,000 a day by renting out their abodes to film production companies, originally published in Sunday Life July 2006.
Story: Making Money from the 1950s
A passion for nostalgia rules people's love of the 1950s, originally published in the Sunday Telegraph's Sunday magazine
Story: Making more space
Improving the amount of storage and banishing clutter, a story originally published in the Essential section of Sydney Morning Herald January 2007
Story: Market Round Up Reports
A weekly precis of Sydney's residential property market between May and June 2008
Story: Maximise your floorspace without renovating
Plan your space better before spending on renovations, originally published in Essential March 2007
Story: Me! Old? How to make your house last longer than you
A story about adaptable houses and universal design to ensure older and disabled people can stay in their homes as long as possible.
Story: Millionaires Road
Discover the most expensive street in Sydney
Story: Model Partners: profile of ModelCo founder Shelley Barrett and Sophie Baker
What happens when a model agent creates a burgeoning global make-up empire? She calls on a longtime friend and marketing guru to act as her international marketing director and ModelCo takes on the world. Originally published in Vive.
Story: Motherhood: just an opinion, of course
Opinion piece on motherhood, originally published in the Sydney Morning Herald in 2001
Story: Moving to the country: read this first
Profiles and tips from people who sold up in the city and moved to the country
Story: Nature twist: floral artist Alison Coates
This florist is more artist and sculptor than bouquets and baby's breath. Originally published in Australian Women's Weekly's Let's Go Outside supplement, November 2005.
Story: Nifty kitchen ideas
How to renovate your kitchen without really renovating
Story: No Drear Here: the art of bright colours in the home
A quick homes story originally published in Woman's Day November 2008
Story: North Shore bargains
A guide to buying on the north shore, originally published in Thursday Domain March 2003
Story: Order in the house: top storage tricks
Neat space-giving tricks
Story: Organising your digital life
All those computers, email accounts and passwords are enough to drive you to distraction - here's how to sync and swim.
Story: Painting colour tips
More stuff to know about paint
Story: Patience and maintenance: the easy way to spruce up your home
A guide to maintaining your home in cooler weather
Story: Play with a full deck
Everything you need to know about building an outdoor deck, originally published in Essential February 2007
Story: Prestige property records set before the fall
Story: Property market predictions for 2006
A story outlining analysts predictions for the real estate market in 2006, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald
Story: Property Round-up: brief stories from Alex Brooks's column in Thursday Domain
Snippets and news about property, renovation and home design, originally published in Thursday Domain, March and April 2005
Story: Queensland and Sunshine Coast property
A guide to Sunshine Coast property, original published in Sun Herald September 2004.
Story: Queensland property boom
Picking the Queensland hot spots, originally published in Sun Herald April 2004
Story: Queensland property in Townsville and Magnetic Island
A guide to northern Queensland's booming property market, originally published in Sun Herald Oct 2004
Story: Queensland property market overview 2004
A story about the Queensland property market, originally published in the Sun Herald in April 2004
Story: Queensland's bumpy 2005 market
State of Queensland property market, originally published in the Sun Herald in February 2005
Story: Quick and easy dinner party ideas
Impress your guests before you put dinner on the table (which could be a good thing), originally published in New Woman
Story: Quick painting tips
Helpful painting information, commissioned by Australian Women's Weekly 2006
Story: Redfern hot spot
Village life in inner city Redfern, originally published in the Sun Herald in Sept 2004
Story: Reduce energy bills easily
How to run your home efficiently, with lower energy bills and less greenhouse emissions
Story: Reduce your home's carbon footprint
A guide to making your home as carbon neutral as possible
Story: Regard your yard
How to turn your garden into a haven of green goodness
Story: Removing renovation rubbish the cheap way
How to remove renovation and construction waste in the cheapest and most environmentally friendly way
Story: Renovate and harvest rainwater
How to overhaul your garden with a bit of rainwater tank planning
Story: Renovate and save money at the same time
Find easy ways to make your house cost less
Story: Renovate the right way: choose a property that will grow
A guide to finding a quality property that will grow in value rather than risk over-capitalising
Story: Renovate your home habits to live greener
How to change behavior at home to improve sustainability
Story: Renovating to remove rising damp
A quick how-to guide to get rid of rising damp
Story: Renovating with a design professional
How to source the right design professional for you: an architect, building designer, draftsman, originally published in June 2004
Story: Renovation crime: Don't do anything you can't undo
A story about renovating to add value and outlast faddish trends, originally published in the Essential section of the Sydney Morning Herald in November 2006
Story: Renovation Planning Tips
Easy advice to start on your renovation ideas
Story: Renovation regrets: what real life renovators wish they'd never done
A story outlining the things renovators would do if they had the chance to start again, originally published in Inside Out.
Story: Renovations to add value in a sliding property market
A story about the best approach to renovation in a poor property market
Story: Repair or replace: how to know when to splurge and when to save
When to cough up for a new one, and when to fix it
Story: Restoring Heritage Houses
The best way to renovate a historic house, originally published in June 2005
Story: Rewind: Ferran Adria, the Spanish Chef
Spain's guru of gastronomy recalls a childhood photo of him and his brother.
Story: Roof renovation options
What happens when your roof leaks or sags? Should you splurge on a new roof or save with a repair?
Story: Rules for pools
Create a pool without raping the environment
Story: Safe asbestos removal
A story about how renovators can remove and safely handle asbestos, originally published in the Essential section of Sydney Morning Herald.
Story: Save energy – and the world
A story on the best way to reduce energy demand, originally published in the Essential section of Sydney Morning Herald, January 2007
Story: Save money and install the kitchen yourself
Lead Me Into Installation originally published in the Essential section of the Sydney Morning Herald in September 2006
Story: Saving energy and water in apartments
A story about BASIX controls for highrise apartments, originally published in Thursday Domain.
Story: Saving money on plumbing
Make the most of when a plumber comes to visit, originally published in Essential April 2007
Story: Selling property in Spring
A guide to selling your house in spring, originally published in August 2003
Story: Shocking truths about electricity
All about wiring and powering your house, originally published in the Essential section of the Sydney Morning Herald in October 2006
Story: Shopping secrets for renovators
A guide to shops and services for renovators in NSW, Vic and other states, originally published in Inside Out.
Story: Should I do it myself?
A quick guide to deciding which big jobs you can tackle DIY - and which ones to leave to the pros.
Story: Should you install an air conditioner
A guide to the ins and outs of cooling your home to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions
Story: Silence is golden: soundproof your home
A guide to improving interior acoustics
Story: Simple choices for hard floors
A guide to the surfaces for durable floors
Story: Sir Terence Conran looks back to 1954
A Rewind profile of interior design entrepreneur Sir Terence Conran, originally published in Sunday Life October 2006.
Story: Sky's the limits: gardens on the roof
Why it makes sense to green the urban jungle
Story: Slip, slop, slap painting
How to paint properly, originally published in the Essential section in the Sydney Morning Herald in August 2006
Story: Sofa, So Good: how to choose a great sofa
A guide to buying a couch
Story: Solar power: what you want to know
If you'd like your own solar panels, read this first
Story: Solid ground: land values around Sydney
Why land is in short supply around Sydney, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald’s Domain, November 2005
Story: Southern highlands property focus
State of the Southern Highlands Property Market, originally published in Thursday Domain September 2004
Story: Speed Clean Your Home In Half The Time
How to get the very best from your housekeeping efforts
Story: State of residential property in 2006
Commissioned in 2006 as a news piece for the property expo section
Story: Stay or go: real estate and retirement
How to plan your sea change.
Story: Stepping into a bathroom renovation
A basic rundown of a bathroom reno
Story: Stingy Style Secrets
How to make over your house for free, originally published in October 2008
Story: Stop the small space squeeze
Big ideas for small spaces
Story: Straight Up: vertical gardens
Space saving and energy smart vertical gardens are perfect for the city.
Story: Strata changes to highrise apartment owners
A story about new strata amendments in NSW, originally published in Thursday Domain April 2005
Story: Sustainable furnishings - making your house planet-friendly
What makes furniture better for the environment?
Story: Sutherland Shire Appeal
A story about the attraction to the Sutherland Shire, originally published in Thursday Domain
Story: Sydney celebrities and family homes
What high-profile Sydneysiders love about where they live, originally published Sydney Morning Herald's Domain
Story: Sydney property gloom
From boom to gloom, when Sydney's market turns bad, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain section May 2003
Story: Sydney Property in 2009
A region-by-region look at what agents and experts predict will happen to Sydney property during 2009.
Story: Sydney's Secret Suburbs
Finding affordable homes in the suburbs you never heard of
Story: Sydney's waterfront shacks
Buying property on the waterfront, originally published in May 2004
Story: Tales of Sydney Suburbs
Profiles of suburbs in and around Sydney
Story: Taming the remote controls
How to orchestrate your electronics, originally published in Essential march 2007.
Story: The apartment quality checklist
How to buy a quality apartment, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain August 2005
Story: The art of getting kids outside
How to get kids off the couch and active in the garden, originally published in Australian Women's Weekly's Let's Go Outside supplement, November 2005
Story: The baby boomers big appetite for kitchen renovations
Over-55 spending on kitchens, originally published in the Sun Herald, June 2005.
Story: The best Sydney suburbs in 2004
A spring property guide to NSW in 2004
Story: The best views in Sydney
Suburbs with tranquil, leafy water views, , originally published in the Sun Herald March 2005
Story: The Brazilian meets the Australian chef on the high seas
For Better, For Worse profile of Patricia Nunes and Greg Anderson who own Sugaroom restaurant, originally published in Sunday Life July 2006
Story: The cost of things we covet: finding value
Price tags are strange things. What makes someone pay $2000 for a toy that was a freebie in a chocolate or $40,000 for a piece of a propeller? Originally published in Sunday Life, February 2006.
Story: The future of Sydney's housing market, June 2005
Predictions of the property market, originally published in June 2005
Story: The future of waterwise washing
Laundries of the future
Story: The grand designs of Marion Hall Best
Marion Hall Best story originally published in in June 2005
Story: The great beach house sell off
As the 2008 financial crisis bites, the wealthy sell off their beach houses. A similar story was commissioned by the Sun Herald.
Story: The green triangle: Killara
Three of the best in Killara, originally published in Domain April 2006
Story: The heritage hoo-ha over Wollongong's Regent Theatre
A story about the theatre designed by Marion Hall Best, originally published in Thursday Domain.
Story: The ins and outs of buying an historic home
How to buy a house in the historic suburbs of Sydney, the best heritage house bargains and more, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain, May 2005
Story: The investment property cycle
Examining the property cycle before you invest, originally published by Sun Herald Oct 2005
Story: The Jamie Durie Indicator
How Jamie Durie and The Block became a pin-up boy for property analysts. Originally published in Thursday Domain.
Story: The load on laundry
Easy ways to keep laundry, fresh, green and clean
Story: The open ensuite bathroom: good idea or not?
Too close for comfort, a story about bathrooms originally published in Essential, October 26 2006.
Story: The outlook for Australian residential property
A region-by-region guide to what the economists are saying will happen to property
Story: The paint paradox: VOCs, what's that?
A story about making the most environmentally friendly paint choice, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Essential section, April 2007
Story: The Slackers Guide to Easy Cleaning
A guide to quick and easy green cleaning in the house
Story: The slowchange trend
Moving to the country, originally published in Thursday Domain May 2003
Story: The soccer champion meets the television host
A For Better, For Worse profile of Nick and Marnie Meredith, originally published in Sunday Life May 2006
Story: The value-add a kitchen can make
Easy update ideas that won't break the bank
Story: The yoga guru who sleeps three hours a night
A Rewind profile of television yoga star Swami Sarasvati, originally published in Sunday Life October 2006.
Story: Three Things To Know About Flower Arranging
A guide to arranging flowers in your home
Story: Timber: the natural flooring material
Making the most of timber for flooring.
Story: Time out: why time is worth more than money
Time has become so precious that advertisers are now trying to sell it to us. Originally published in Sunday Life August 2006.
Story: Timing the property market - when to sell
Picking the right time to sell, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain section July 2004
Story: Tin or tile: what's best in roofs
What’s up top really does matter. Alex Brooks looks at which roofing material reigns supreme on high.
Story: Title Deeds, by Alex Brooks
Alex Brooks filled in for Jonathan Chancellor writing Sun Herald Title Deeds in June 2008.
Story: To furnish with finesse
Planning where to put the furniture ain't as easy as it seems
Story: Toni Collette sells her south coast hideaway
What is it like inside singer and actor Toni Collette's home?
Story: Tools to renovate with
Which tools are necessary, and which are not: a guide to tools
Story: Top 5 home improvements
Which renovations the real estate experts say will increase the value of your property, originally published in Sydney Morning Herald's Domain, November 2006
Story: Top Floor Tips
How to choose a sustainable flooring material
Story: Top Tips For A Seamlessly Streamlined Kitchen
Keep the kitchen organised
Story: Top tips for entertaining at home
A guide to throwing great parties
Story: Top tips for the disorganised household
9 easy ways to tackle household clutter
Story: To renovate or not to renovate: how to answer that question
A guide to weighing up the benefits of renovation
Story: Trades and Renovation Costs 2009
Just how much does it cost to call out a contractor?
Story: Train change
Why buying property near train stations ain't such a bad idea.
Story: Two of Us: two sisters tell their story in Good Weekend
Designer and post-graduate student Tricia Hanlon, 67, is the oldest of seven children, including twin Zohl de Ishtar, 53, a peace activist and research fellow at the University of Queensland. Originally published in Good Weekend.
Story: Two of Us, Wilson da Silva and Dr Alan Finkel could be the first Australians in space.
A profile originally published in Good Weekend.
Story: Untangling Electronics
How to tame the tangle of remote controls in our home theatre systems
Story: Want a new bed? Read this.
A guide to buying a great bed
Story: Want your own spa?
A story about the rise of outdoor spa pools in Australia, originally published in February 2007
Story: Waste not: could grey water be better than rain water tanks?
A story originally published in the Essential section of Sydney Morning Herald detailing better grey water re-use and harvesting strategies.
Story: Waste, water and energy smart homes
An easy guide to home sustainability
Story: Weekend property blitz - get your house spick and span in a weekend
How to get your house ready for sale, originally published by Sydney Morning Herald August 2004
Story: What do nutritionists find nutritious?
Alex Brooks discovers what Catherine Saxelby, Dr Sandra Cabot and Dr John Tickell eat to stay healthy.
Story: What is GreenPower
The ins and outs of GreenPower
Story: What's an Emissions Trading Scheme
A rundown of what Emissions Trading is
Story: What's better: grass or paving?
Weighing up whether to pave or leave a garden green.
Story: When multiple sclerosis enters a motorcycle marriage
A For Better, For Worse profile of Mark and Sarah-Jane Whitfield originally published in Sunday Life June 2006
Story: Which Sydney suburbs first home buyers should invest in
An experts guide to the best first home suburbs for long term growth
Story: Why insulation is a great renovation
Insulating the house is the home improvement that keeps paying you back
Story: Why moving to the country isn't always a dream
Moving to the country makes treechangers change their mind about rural life
Story: Why the recession could be good for renovators and builders
Costs are likely to fall as the Great Recession bites
Story: Window to the future: what's in in glass
Windows ain't what they used to be. Find out why.
Story: Working with stone in the home
CaesarStone and all, originally published in the November 2005 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly