HOME INNOVATIONS
February E-Newsletter

Please take a minute to reflect on what Country Victoria has had to endure over this past week. The thoughts of all of us at Home Innovations go out to those effected by the cruel fires and their family & friends. Reach out and help rebuild the communities in rural Victoria by donating directly to the Red Cross through the secure link below or call direct on 1800 811 700.

www.redcross.org.au

The heat has been oppresive and that effects our home lifestyle in many ways. From our burnt, suffering gardens to the constant battle to beat the heat to the danger many of us face with the threat of bushfires. We have included several articles and exhibitor profiles in this months newsletter to help you with these issues that are a harsh reality during Melbourne's hot summer.

The Renovation BOOM is Here!

Renovation is the popular choice during a flat housing market and many choose to feather their nests to either improve their living standards or get the home ready for sale when the opportunity arises. Before any major building, renovation or decoration project you must have a plan and arm yourself with cost saving research.

There's no better way than to join one of our Interior Design & Decoration Courses & Workshop's. Hosted by some of the biggest names in their field our Courses & Workshops are a great start for anyone planning a project, wanting a new career direction or simply eager to learn new skills. The ever popular Tuesday & Thursday sessions with Monika & John are back and now with the new & exciting Saturday Workshops with Virginia Shaw there are even more chances to have some fun with design.

See the Event details below for more information and to REGISTER online now.

Solar Power OZZY DEAL
Saturday 2:09 pm, 7th February 2009
Mr Solar, Victoria's leader in Solar Energy, has a fantastic summer special for those interested in going green. The OZZY DEAL includes 6 x 170W BP Solar Panels with a 1200W Latronic PV Edge Converter fully installed for only $4,400 with rebates. read more.

Home Builder Info Seminar
Wednesday 6:00 pm, 18th March 2009
Join Waterfront Homes for a FREE Building Seminar and discover the tricks of the trade from the builders that know best! Receive valuable advice about how to save $$$, on first home buyer grants, building permits & building in the current economy. read more.

Interior Design & Decoration Course 2
Tuesday 10:00 am, 14th July 2009
Continuing from Interior Design & Decoration 1 (ID&D1), ID&D 2 will explore in greater detail the elements of interior design. Topics include: Theme setting, Home Office organisation, Creating focal points and Colour Workshops. read more.

Interior Design & Decoration Course 1
Thursday 10:00 am, 4th February 2010
Join in on a hands on, exciting course. What a great way to prepare for your next big home project by joining in an exciting, informative & fun 8 week design course! Presented by Accredited Tutors: Monika Nuesch & John Hassall this course will suit beginner and intermediate levels of interest. read more.

Saturday WORKSHOP - Colour Design Secrets
Saturday 9:30 am, 13th June 2009
Home Innovations is very excited to announce that Interior Designer Virginia Shaw has joined the team and is tutoring a 4 week Interior Design Workshop begining Saturday 13th of June 2009. read more.

Why Renovate?
by Andrew Gorman
Renovating can change your outlook towards your home for the better! Renovations enable an outdated, limited or dreary home to become reanimated with style, ergonomics, creativity, value and enjoyment. But before you launch into any tasks you may be interested in, take time to carefully plan and research your project to ensure the best possible outcome for your home and family. read more.

Boost Your Home Resale Value
by Andrew Gorman
Hold that hammer. Before you put your home on the market, consider these quick and easy tips to boost your home's resale value. What did you notice when you first saw your house from the outside? read more.

Bushfire Precaution Checklist
by Andrew Gorman
The recent events throughout country Victoria have been tragic and there is no longer a time when residents in fire prone areas can lower their guard. There are many things that you can do around the home to make your castle less susceptible to bushfire danger. Regular maintenance and inspections using this checklist will provide a good guide for ongoing awareness of the ever present dangers of the Australian Summer. read more.

Question about Solar Power
from Renae from Bittern
We are building a new home and want it to be as environmentally friendly as possible. We are looking at having Solar Power, can you help us? read our answer.