Husband’s (Father’s) Day: Give him something Special

(But at the same time, make sure the gift benefits you too!)

Father’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re like me and have young children then you’re most likely going to be the person that buys the gift, wraps it, then writes out the card on behalf of the children. So, basically, it’s called Husband’s Day.

So why not organise a gift for him but think of what you would want too? Classic!

How does an Automated Home System for your Window furnishings sound? Not only will it bring you a hands-free luxury lifestyle, but you’ll never complain about him leaving your Blinds open again!

JHS constantly teams up with high quality and innovative networks to keep up in today’s market. So, in saying this (or writing about it) we proudly present to you the Connexoon Window RTS App from SOMFY.

Not only will your Life Partner or Husband benefit from this extraordinary system but you can too. Here’s why:

• You can control up to 30 Blinds per Connexoon from your Smartphone
• Schedule your Blind motion at a time you want, which means you don’t need to pace around your house opening or shutting your window coverings.
• Remote access even when you’re not home. Picture this: Stuck in traffic, it’s getting late and you realise you left the Blinds open this morning. Connect through the Connexoon App (make certain you have internet connection) and shut your Blinds all at once – helping you feel safe and secure while you’re still out on the road.
• We said that you too would benefit from this gift as well as your partner. The Connexoon App has the ability to connect to 4 smartphone Devices. His and Hers – Isn’t that cute?! Google Home can control your Blinds with Voice control when used alongside this device.

So, put an end to all these indecisive moments when shopping for a Father’s Day gift and just think of what you would want to make your life simple. A JHS Install of the Connexoon Window RTS App Thanks!

P.S Happy Father’s Day Guys!! xx

How to keep your home spotlessly clean with the help of some Dirty little Secrets

(Yeah, we thought that Pun was funny too…)

We all know how frustrating it can get when chores pile up in front of us and it becomes uncontrollable. Whether you’re a stay at home mum, dad or both parties work full time, there is never a perfect time to do everything at once.

So, that’s why I’ve put together some Dirty Little Secrets to how you can get started with keeping your home continuously clean all year round… grubby kids or not. Don’t be bored and sit idle, you need to constantly be on the go, but, to a certain extent. We all deserve that cup of coffee!

Prioritise what needs to be done and what can wait another day or two:

Let’s face it. We’re not robots and putting too much strain on ourselves can eventually burn us out. Prioritise your daily to-do list. It doesn’t need to be in this order, but little things that you can do quickly can make a difference at the end of your day.

*Make the beds – Keep your décor to a minimum. The last thing you want to do is add more cushions that your toddler can throw off the bed anyway.

*Empty or load the dishwasher – My 6-year-old helps me unload most of the time which is such a big help in the mornings.

*Spot Clean as needed – I generally use my stick vacuum several times a week, mainly in the kitchen. It’s where most of the action happens, so quickly running the vacuum through helps to keep small debris from going into other rooms.

*Take out the garbage – Keep your Outdoor bins near the back or front entrance, which ever entrance you use to do a quick drop off. Make sure you use bin liners and don’t forget some sort of bin deodoriser. You can purchase Bin Buddy which is available at your local supermarket and it can keep your bin smelling fresh for up to 3 months. (Yes, I visit woollies at least 3 times a week!)

*Laundry – Do one load of Laundry each day. Don’t be tempted to wash more than one load, no matter how much you love it. This is just going to create more folding and ironing later.

Create a cleaning schedule (and get everyone involved):

It’s best to sit down and make a schedule that works for you. In today’s chaotic world, time is not on our side, so we need to accommodate our time to what we think needs more attention.

It takes a good 3-4 hours on average to clean a two-storey home (from personal experience!). Take an overall look at your week and pick a day that is not too hectic. Maybe a day that you can leave work early, (LOL – Yes Mr. CEO, I need to leave by 2pm today because my stairs need cleaning) Or, maybe a day that someone else in the family cooks – Mother – in – Law perhaps? (God Bless them!) Anything that loses that hour of chores is a blessing.

Sometimes it takes me 3 times to tell my toddlers to clean up after themselves, but they still do it. Pick easy jobs like putting their toys away, keeping their rooms neat and knowing where everything goes including dirty laundry. Keep bins in every room to create simplicity for them. Let’s face it, kids these days are like most men – If it’s not in eye view, they’ve got no clue!

 Keep on top of your monthly cleaning:

Clean the inside of your fridge and oven once a month. If you keep on top of this, it really doesn’t take too long. Do a quick dust of your Rangehood and do your once a month dishwasher disinfecting – another blessing! Don’t forget the Washing Machine. I usually wash it with cleaning vinegar and Baking Soda while it’s empty then halfway through, stop the machine and wash down the sides with a cloth – They look after you, so you need to look after them. You should also be cleaning your dryer lint after each dry cycle.

Other monthly cleaning that you may need to consider would be dusting your ceiling fans, cleaning your light fixtures, attending to your air conditioning vents, windows, walls and doors.

Microwaves – A more natural and inexpensive way to clean is combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a bowl and place the bowl in the centre of your empty microwave. Turn your microwave on high for 2 minutes. After the microwave has filled with steam, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside.

Another thing to remember is that the longer you leave between cleans, the longer it takes to get it back into place. It’s not easy being a working mother/father, raising kids, and keeping on top of household things, so try and make things easier for you anyway you can!

Wash at night, dry the next day:

I absolutely love Summer nights. Not for the late dinners or the occasional ice cream runs. I love Summer nights because I get to do laundry and dry it the same night. (Pretty cool huh?)

Why not take advantage of the heatwave during an aussie summer and do your washing of an evening and either hang them to dry that same night or hang them in the morning. Either way your washing will be dry in no time.

Winter? Well, if you know the next day is forecasted to be a sunny one then I would still hang clothes out to dry. It cuts out that rush of having to get your kids ready for school the next morning and having to worry about hanging out wet clothes!

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue – Grab a scrubbing brush, because your Toilets are Due:

The thought itself can raise anxiety levels in anyone before even stepping foot into the bathroom. My quickest and easiest dirty little secret is to first, remove everything off the basin area, including shampoo bottles in the shower and throw them all in an empty washing basket. Take away all towels to replace with new sets later and turn on your exhaust fan or open any windows.

Then I lightly spray everything (and I mean everything!) with Pine O Cleen Disinfectant Bathroom Ocean Sparkle. If you’ve got a floor to ceiling tiled Bathroom, it’s even easier. Spray and leave for 10 – 15 mins; just enough to sit back and have a cup of coffee.

When your Siesta is over, use your hand shower to wash away all the Pine O Cleen. Using a handheld shower cuts your time in half. No Scrubbing needed and just a quick wipe over your basin and bathtub. I usually wash my walls and floors with the handheld as well but stay clear of any timber vanities.

Lastly, scrub the toilet bowl with White King Power Clean Toilet Gel, mop up all excess water from the handheld shower and you are done! (For another few weeks).

Leave fans on and windows open to help dry and air everything out quicker.

There’s nothing wrong with having secrets, especially if they help you be in control of your busy lifestyle.

Share and comment your cleaning tips on our blog…

What’s your Dirty Little Secret?

That’s Right – Take it all off with our discounts on Vertical, Venetian and Roller Blinds

Discounts! That’s right, JHS Blinds and Screens is taking up to 20% off on all Vertical, Venetian and Roller Blind Installations. Simply book your measure and quote by calling us today and enjoy the benefits of a smooth Install plus extra savings. What about Double Roller Blinds? Yep – up to 20% off!

Don’t overpay this tax time, get your money back with JHS Blinds and Screens.

(We are not registered accountants but we can use a calculator)

Contact us today for your FREE Measure and Quote

#Offer does not include Plantation Shutters

5 Crucial Steps to Buying a House in NSW

Buying a house can be a big step but taking small steps can help make the process a whole lot easier. Read our latest guide to make sure you’re on the right track.

• Organise your finances

The last thing you want to do, is browse the streets for a new home, find the perfect property, but have someone else ‘steal’ it from underneath you. This is the (not so surprising), exhausting feeling, most home shoppers go through when looking to buy.

First thing’s first. Get your finances together. Whichever way you choose to start or whoever you want to contact first, the most important thing to remember is – “Can we afford it?”

A Mortgage broker is a great way to start. Brokers act as mediators, or, negotiators, who brokers mortgage loans on behalf of individuals or businesses. Traditionally, banks sell their own products but as markets for mortgages have become more competitive, mortgage brokers have become more popular. In Australia, mortgage brokers are the largest sellers of mortgage products for lenders.

• Search for and inspect properties

Ok, great! Now you know how much you can borrow plus; you feel comfortable enough to make the repayments for your Loan. It’s time to step out. Step out and shop! Apparently, they say it’s the fun part. (Whatever!)

There are a few key factors to consider when browsing for your next home.

Location: Is it close to schools, shops and parks?

Lifestyle: Which type of community are you after? Do you want to socialise and be apart of a close neighbourhood or do you want to be left alone? (There’s nothing wrong with that)

Living: How many bedrooms, bathrooms and car spaces do you need? Do you want a home or land to build a home?

Once you have an idea in your mind it will help filter your findings. Utilising a Real Estate listing site such as realestate.com.au can make a world of difference. It’s quick and easy to use. For the more organised home seeker you can create an account, save notes and schedule open homes straight into your personal calendar.

Before submitting an offer, it’s crucial that you inspect the property. This can rule out any serious issues, ensures the property is well suited to what you want and that you love it!

• Submit an offer

After many weeks of searching and inspecting, you have had time to filter down to your favourite home. You love it, your family loves it and your kids are fighting over who gets the biggest room. Now it’s your turn to fight. Fight for the property. Does this sound familiar? “Just to give you a heads up there ARE other interests in this property”.  Yep! We’ve heard it all before.

At the close of a business day, an Agent needs to sell for the Vendor, this is what they are paid to do. So whatever price you prepare them with (a decent amount, of course!), they will discuss it with the Vendor because it’s still an advantage for both parties. And, if you’ve mentioned that your finances ARE READY TO GO then signing a contract might just be around the corner!

If you’re set to go ahead with a serious offer for a particular property, just wait, there are a few ways to make it less stressful for you.

1. Request a copy of the contract for that property from the agent.
2. Pass this contract on to your conveyancer or solicitor for them to review. They’re paid to represent you and make sure there are no serious issues or important items missing which would prevent you from purchasing the property or being restricted in utilising your land in the future.

Once your conveyancer gives you the green light then you can now submit an offer – either verbally or in writing. (Written offer is always best, especially if you’ve looked at so many properties and your brain is in a spin). The agent will keep you informed if your offer has been accepted or not.

• Organise a Legal representative (Yes, we sound smart! In other words, a Solicitor!)

Congratulations! Your offer has been accepted. You’re a step closer to owning a sanctuary to call your own. The next step is quite a formal process where legal documents will be exchanged and signed in order to complete the purchase. At this stage, it is highly recommended that you secure your conveyancer or solicitor who specialises in Property Law. Are they licensed with NSW Fair Trading? Do they have insurance? Should any mistakes be made during the process you need to have peace of mind that you’re covered. Do your research properly from the start so there are no bumps in the road.

Check with your Solicitor or Conveyancer the steps they take for your new property purchase. Some tasks can include:

• Review the sales contract
• Research the property and complete background checks which include a title search and certificates check
• Exchange the sale contract with the Vendors legal advisor
• Represent you during Settlement

• Negotiate contracts and place a deposit

Now that you’re comfortable with your Solicitor and their advice – They will act on your behalf during the contract negotiation process.

The exchange of contracts is the legal completion when buying a house in NSW. Before these contracts are exchanged, both you and the Vendor will receive a copy of the sales contract which you will need to sign before they are exchanged.

A standard cooling off period after exchange is five days when buying a house in NSW. This can or may be extended to ten days depending on the situation and negotiations with the agent. If, for any reason, you wish to withdraw from the contract you will need to do so in writing and be required to pay the Vendor 0.25% of the agreed purchase price. This works out to be $250 for every $100,000.

You will have approximately six weeks until settlement after the contracts have been exchanged. This time is typically used to finalise everything for the property including finances and legal documents in preparation for Settlement day.

Settlement day is when you pay the rest of the sale price and become the legal owner of the property. YAY!

For more information on buying a home in NSW go to https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/buying-and-selling-property

Vinyl Vs. PVC Blinds

Pros and Cons so you can make the right choice:

PVC Blinds

PVC is a synthetic material used in a multitude of plastic products in various industries, and, also used in Window Blinds.

Polyvinyl chloride a.k.a PVC blinds have been a popular choice for window coverings. These Blinds cover most of the window and they work well in humid rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. They won’t crack or fade, which is why they have been in big demand for a lot of home owners and tenanted properties.

There are a lot of other Window covering choices such as Vinyl, timber and many more, so let’s evaluate the Pro’s and Con’s before you buy.

Pros:

• PVC blinds have the benefit of being affordable when you’re on a budget.
• Being a synthetic material, it has high durability and can handle extreme UV light from the sun without warping, cracking or fading. The material also gives you peace of mind by knowing that you can use them in any moist environment without having the fear of rust.
• Save on heating and cooling costs when you choose to install PVC material made blinds. Its insulation properties assist in keeping your home or office warm in winter and cool in summer

Cons:

Firstly, we feel that the Pros heavily weigh out the cons, but sometimes PVC Blinds may seem to leave a cluttered look. You may want to opt out for a more natural look. Customers may also have doubts about purchasing a synthetically made product and keeping these installed in their homes.

Vinyl Blinds

Vinyl blinds are the new standard in the home improvement window world. Being easy to clean, moisture resistant, and serve their purpose of blocking unwanted light. Aluminium blinds in the past did the jobs that vinyl blinds now perform, which means safety and durability as they won’t rust or cut fingers.

Vinyl blinds are cost effective and come in a wide variety of styles including vertical blinds. They aren’t as durable or visually appealing as some other choices, but, functionally, they are very sound.

Vinyl blinds however do not insulate your windows. While they are considered affordable and attractive you may want to choose another fabric to insulate heat. We recommend the Galaxy Cellular Blinds. The ergonomic design of the honeycomb-like cells traps the heat, which means less energy consumption and more comfort.

5 Questions you need to ask a Blinds expert before Installation

Our customers have had a lot of questions recently, so over the next few weeks we’ve put together the answers you have been looking for when it comes to your window covering decisions. Whether you have a JHS Install or not, it’s great to know:

Question 3: Are Motorised Blinds worth the cost?

Welcome to the world of Automation and Technology. Why is it we always question the cost of something that in the long run will make our life a whole lot easier?

Did you know that the cost of operating a single motorised blind is less than $1 per year? Crazy huh?! So, let the Blinds do the thinking for you and come home to the perfect temperature. JHS Blinds and Screens recommend and use SOMFY Motors, due to their reliability and noise reduced products.

When thinking of Motorised Blinds for your home there are several factors to consider:

Control Options – A big benefit with automated window coverings are the control options. You can control via the remote or even with the app on your smartphone. Better yet, your whole week can be programmed by a schedule. Just make sure when choosing your preferred installer, that they programme the schedule on your remote and leave you the right trouble shoot information for later use.

Noise – This is probably something you wouldn’t even think about. Motor noise. Don’t purchase something only to find it wasn’t what you were looking for. Ask your preferred installer about the level of noise from the motor. Once again, JHS uses SOMFY Motors for one of those reasons. Somfy’s range of Sonesse motors have been designed for silence and simplicity.

Price – Everybody knows the cost of Motorised Blinds is more than the cost of manual Blinds, but, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that choosing Motorised Blinds are a great investment! In addition to the security and comfort these blinds bring, they can also add value to your home.

Warranty – JHS Blinds & Screens value the meaning of warranty. It helps with our installation process because it gives our customers peace of mind. All of SOMFY’s motors and remotes come with a 5 Year Warranty. Feel free to contact us today to discuss further.

Company – Finally, you’ve got to this point. The Blinds are perfect, the price is affordable and the noisy issue has been checked off your list. Next, think about the Company. Have they been in the game for long? Are they reputable? Genuine and sincere? Just like you thought ahead about the investment these Blinds bring to your home, you need to think about any future issues that may arise. Will they be around to help you?

If you are interested in Motorised Blinds and want to know if they’re for you, then give JHS Blinds & Screens a call today and book your Free Consultation.

5 Questions you need to ask a Blinds expert before Installation

Our customers have had a lot of questions recently, so over the next 5 weeks we’ve put together the answers you have been looking for when it comes to your window covering decisions. Whether you have a JHS Install or not, it’s great to know:

Question 2: Which type of Blinds are suitable for oversized Windows?

The importance of a large window and the impact it has on a home is quite high. The larger the window, the more natural light enters the room. In addition to natural light, these windows also create invasion of privacy from outside, which isn’t always a great feature.

We can only recommend which types of Blinds are great and not-so great, but the end decision is always up to you

Roller Blinds – Sunscreen and/or Blockout.

i) Sunscreen blinds are made with one piece of fabric that is stitched carefully to reveal tiny gaps. This feature allows light to filter through the room and protects privacy allowing them to still serve their purpose.

ii)Blockout blinds, on the other hand, cut out 99% of light entering the room when the blind has been rolled down. This style is perfect for rooms that need to be kept dark at times, such as nurseries, Theatre rooms and other highly occupied rooms.

Vertical Blinds

If you’re having trouble researching which blind you would like for a certain window then the best piece of advice would be to go and look outside first. Having a visual effect on the outside of your home can make the decision easier. Are you gazing at a beautiful Alfresco area? Or maybe you are overlooking your neighbours backyard and think you need more privacy than expected. Vertical Blinds can serve a purpose of filtering the view or managing the privacy. Not only does it come down to personal preference, but it also depends on the window itself. You need to find a window covering solution especially when window locks or handles are involved. In some cases there may only be limited options depending on the mechanics of your window.

Timberstyle Venetian Blinds

As we mentioned before, looking at your large windows from the outside of the home can help determine which Blind you would like. Be mindful of the materials that accompany that choice of blind. Timberstyle Venetian Blinds for example – They look great, even seem close enough to a Plantation Shutter look, but as experts in blinds, JHS Blinds & Screens do not recommend these types of Blinds for overly large windows due to the heaviness it gives when you lift them up and down. Venetians should only be raised when cleaning your windows. Raising and lowering on a regular basis can actually minimise the longer term reliability of the Blind.

Another important question answered by JHS. Check back with us next week for more questions and helpful tips.

Need extra help? Contact JHS Blinds & Screens today on 0451 000 547

5 Questions you need to ask a Blinds expert before Installation

Our customers have had a lot of questions recently, so over the next 5 weeks we’ve put together the answers you have been looking for when it comes to your window covering decisions. Whether you have a JHS Install or not, it’s great to know:

Question 1: Which type of Blinds are best for Wet areas?

If you’re going to spend the money to refresh the whole home then you need to research and find out which Blinds are best suited for wet areas as well as other rooms in your home. Let’s start with your Bathrooms. The one (or second) room in the house where you can get away from it all. Your sanctuary, your relaxation spot. Choosing the right Blind can have a mental effect on the home owner. When your home looks great, you feel great.

i) Aluminium Venetians – These blinds add a modern twist with their sleek straight lines. They’re available in many colours and because they are heavy metal, they are rust resistant. Venetians also make it easy for you to control the light and privacy in your home with wand control

ii) Plantation Shutters – These can resist heat and moisture well. Check with your Blinds expert which materials they use and the warranty included. JHS Blinds and Screens offer a 20 year warranty on Plantation Shutters, which are highly durable and will not warp, crack or chip.

iii) Roller Blinds – These blinds can make great window coverings for Bathrooms, provided the right fabric is chosen. The same applies for Vertical Blinds. They can be great privacy and light control Window coverings depending on the chosen fabric. Ask your preferred Blind Installer for Acrylic Coated fabric. These fabrics are extremely durable and wont absorb moisture.

Check back with us next week for more questions and helpful tips.

Need extra help? Contact JHS Blinds & Screens today on 0451 000 547