More Space for Growing Family

Melissa from Mt Martha

We require a really cost effective solution for an extra room on our currrent family home. Due to the rise of interest rates and stamp duty we realise it is too expensive to sell our home and take a ... continue reading

Lightweight Steel Framing?

Avril from Mornington

I am considering using a steel frame for an upstairs extension to my home. Is steel an appropriate option or should I stay with the same timber frame technique used for the existing ... continue reading

Outdoor Room

Jason from Edithvale

I would like to enclose my pergola to get more use out of the area but I would like to make it cost effective and avoid the messy planning approval process. Am I wanting too ... continue reading

Built in Wardrobes

Karli from Langwarrin

My Husband and I have just bought a 10 year old home in Langwarrin and we are wanting to put in some Built in Wardrobe systems into the wardrobes. What are our ... continue reading

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Open House - Waterfront Homes

posted 7 hours ago

You are invited to attend the Grand Opening of the Moomba by Waterfront ... continue reading

Appliance & Air-conditioning Prize Draw Winners

posted 1 day, 10 hours, 49 minutes ago

Thanks to the team from Cool Blast who proudly donated a split/system airconditioner to giveaway for Jan-Feb. Also thanks to Renovi for supplying a $1000 appliance packas the major prize at the ... continue reading

Stratco Pergola 4 Sale

posted 1 week, 8 hours, 3 minutes ago

Looking for a pergola? Check this out first before going anywhere else. Ex-display ... continue reading

Timber Floor Special

posted 1 week, 1 day, 8 hours, 44 minutes ago

Don't miss these specials on Timber flooring... Mountain Timber products are dropping prices on all the following untill 31st May 2010. ... continue reading

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Non-Firable Asbestos Removal Course (Class B)

Tuesday 9:00 am, 23rd March 2010

This WorkSafe recognised course is aimed at supervisors and others directly involved in the process of non-friable asbestos ... continue reading

Certficate III OHS - (Occupational Health & Safety)

Tuesday 8:30 am, 13th April 2010

Participants are required to undertake a range of assessment activities. ... continue reading

Master Builders - Green Living

Wednesday 9:00 am, 14th April 2010

An accredited category of Master Builders course for environmentally aware builders and building public to pursue sustainability options for their constructions. ... continue reading

Builder Registration Course - Cert IV in Building & Construction #2

Friday 9:00 am, 21st May 2010

Recognised by the Building Practitioners Board as the qualification towards registration as a ... continue reading

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Door & Window Selection

The key to selecting the perfect window and door style is to examine the architecture of your home. Replacement windows and doors should suit the architecture and, ideally blend in seamlessly. Or you may wish to create a feature with a complementary style.

Doors

While older windows come with lots of maintenance, there are plenty of products on the market that can mimic the classic, period look while keeping maintenance requirements to a minimum.

Aluminium or PVC windows, for example, offer protection from the elements without the extra work of painting and scraping. They are available in many colours and varied profiles.

There are also several companies that will vary the style and placement of the window mullions to create a specified design, increase ventilation or open up a whole new vista.

As you shop for replacement windows, consider:

  • EXISTING WINDOWS AND DOORS - the size, shape, presence of detailing. You want new windows and doors to blend as closely as possible with these existing elements.
  • COLOURS - if your existing windows are white aluminium, stick with the same look unless you plan to replace them all, which can become an expensive home improvement project. If your other windows are painted timber, then splurge on timber if possible. With interior doors, use the same door on all wardrobes, bedrooms, laundry rooms, etc.
  • SIZE - keep new windows proportional to others and to the lines and style of the house.

Interior doors should coordinate with the home's architecture and help create a cohesive design scheme. In a traditional house, raised panel doors with four or six panels typically work well, whereas flush panel doors are more popular with contemporary styling.

When replacing a sliding glass door to a patio, look for a style that coordinates with other exterior doors and with doors on the first floor. The glass might be divided into 12 sections by wood mullions that mimic that found on the windows, for example. Or for a complete indoor/outdoor effect in entertaining areas, bi fold and stacking doors have become very popular. Flyscreen options can be limited with these styles so that requires consideration.

HIDC Exhibitor(s) who specialise in this area;

Accolade Screens

Art Windows

Door World

Magic Seal Magnetic Insect Screens

National Screens

Rosebud Windows - Vantage Aluminium Joinery

Rylock Doors & Windows Frankston

Stegbar Windows and Doors

Visionarii Windows