Outdoor extensions in Darwin are great, but watch out for a hidden hazard

Outdoor extensions in Darwin

With our tropical climate, outdoor extensions in Darwin are a tempting proposition all the year round. But they can come with a catch.

One of our recent projects in involved a termite scare. Our clients were thinking of installing a timber deck as an outdoors extension to their home.

In the process of a pre-build inspection, they thought they’d discovered telltale signs of a white ant infestation.

With an estimated one in three Darwin houses at risk of termite attack, they thought they might have to demolish and rebuild the house before the deck extension. They called in Red Earth for advice.

An alternative idea for outdoor extensions in Darwin

Fortunately, we were able to establish that no termites were present. However, as a precaution for the future we suggested an alternative steel frame idea. We talked through a design that was long-lasting, white ant-resistant, and aesthetically attractive.

The all-welded construction gave them a stronger, more durable, and termite-proof sub-structure compared a conventional hardwood stump and joist combination. Together with beautiful slats and Red Earth’s meticulous attention to detail, the outdoor living area surpassed all their expectations.

Just as importantly, they told us we’d given them peace of mind that their investment had added value to their property and freed them of any concerns about termite attack during the deck’s life.

If you need advice on  outdoor extensions in Darwin, call Ben at Red Earth Renovations on 0487 888 807.

If you’re searching for ‘kitchen renovations in Darwin’, you’ll be floored by this story

Kitchen renovations in Darwin

Don’t kitchen renovations in Darwin, like anywhere else, rely on just three factors: workmanship, materials, and price?

Try those three, and one other. It’s knowledge, which Red Earth Renovations calls a combination of training, practice and — we admit it openly — mistakes. Put these together, and you have learning. Put learning into practice over and over and you start to approach something like wisdom.

Our clients decided they wanted a very simple refurbishment. Strip off the old stained linoleum, polish the floorboards underneath and bingo! A new lease of life for their kitchen at minimal cost.

Confessional of sins

Linoleum was a product of Victorian-era inventiveness. It used a flax, linen, or canvas backing coated with a combination of treated linseed oil, cork, or wood dust, and inert minerals. It was designed to hide a confessional of sins.

And in our clients’ case, it did the job to perfection. When we pulled it up, we discovered the timber sub-structure was in such poor condition, the lino was effectively the floor itself.

Red Earth proposed a strategy that, for a surprisingly reasonable budget, replaced not only the floor but incorporated a complete kitchen renovation.

Initially alarmed, our clients are now delighted that the revelation has given them a kitchen, and a house, of greater value than they ever imagined.

For the best options in kitchen renovations in Darwin, call Ben at Red Earth Renovations on 0487 888 807.

 

 

This bathroom renovation in Darwin is an unusual clean-up story

If the devil’s in the detail, this bathroom renovation in Darwin shows how quality workmanship can transform a utility room to a beautiful space.

Much as we pride ourselves on our beautiful homes and gardens, the often unheralded emergency room of the house remains the bathroom.

Most people might agree that the bathroom is more necessity than luxury. But Red Earth Renovations insists it needn’t be that way, regardless of your wallet.

Original features, intact footprint in this bathroom renovation

A recent renovation in  is a case in point.

With careful pre-planning, Red Earth was able to refurbish the bathroom space fully, retaining some of the original features while leaving the footprint of the room intact.

New adjustable shower fittings, a split shower screen for the shower-bath, and colour contrasted tiling turned a tired and not especially desirable room into a into a light and lively space for which the owners have discovered a new pride.

Best of all, the make-over was completed quickly, with a minimum of fuss and mess, and well within the owners’ modest budget..

For the best bathroom renovation in Darwin, call Ben at Red Earth Renovations on 0487 888 807.

Using feature timber to make your home beautiful

Feature Timber

As a specialist in feature timber in Darwin, Red Earth Renovations founder and craftsman, Ben Lowe is the go-to man for exquisite wood work.

Many of Ben’s renovation projects contain an element of timber work, indoors and out. And with a wide selection of quality, sustainable timbers available, both local and imported, your choice suddenly got richer.

Ben believes the tones and textures of natural timber add a positive psychological edge to a home.
He cites an example of a renovation he recently completed in Darwin, where the owners decided to replace the front door.

Feature timber with quality, elegance, and security at every touch

To complement the luxurious interior, Ben suggested a tight- and dense-grained timber rich in colour and texture. Using quality door hardware, the new entrance offers a smooth, keyless entry that announces quality, elegance, and security at every touch.

He’s particularly attached to quality Australian hardwoods such as blackbutt, spotted gum, ironbark, jarrah, messmate, and red gum. He says that although some Australian timbers are pricier than their imported equivalents, their grains and colourings more than make up for the extra investment

Whether it’s decorative wall panels and ceiling liners, furniture and joinery highlights, or items like screens, tables, and doors, talk to Ben at Red Earth Renovations on 0487 888 807 to explore some exciting options in feature timber in Darwin.