And to you, and to Chook too, of course. Sydney just has the best fireworks, doesn't it? Though I'm glad that Mr Dog and I don't live there. It'll be rough enough here. Row, I think you've done a great job. Yes, the roller blind may no longer live in that room. Thanks for sharing the other pics -- see, you were dreaming of pattern on walls before I came along.

Lisa, it depends on how clever the person is who designs, details and installs the door, and what elements in the photo appeal to you. Judging from the adjacent doors it doesn't look like it is much bigger than a standard size door. If I was engaged to design it I would consider using one of the engineered flooring timbers, such as the ones made by Mafi, as a way to keep things lighter, cheaper and more stable, on a steel frame. http://www.mafi.com.au/domino-larch-vulcano-sanded-natural-oil/ Somebody else may use conventional planks of wood that have been planed then sanded smooth. Both ways are bespoke, so will cost big dollars, and probably not a job that would be covered by your standard carpenter. It would be a matter of working closely with a clever craftsman to get the best value. Do you like the door due to the height of the entry hall, or the character from the mismatched timbers? Is your entry hall as tall as the one in the photo? Is it the other elements in the photo, such as the amount of light flooding in from the sidelight and highlight windows that contribute to how you feel about it? At the end of the day the design and installation is a really important element to the entry of your home, so it is often worthwhile to spend a bit extra to get something special. Best of luck withh your new home, Regards Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls

Hey! Those are really good comments. So there's a few ways to address 'bowing' which is where a form deflects due to the static load of concrete over a long span. The most common one is to have bolts running through the concrete, which secure to the outer sides of the forms. Allthread is what is commonly used for this. You may have seen little round marks on concrete walls before. These are where the bolts were. That's why the concrete in those spots looks a bit different. However, sometimes it's not desireable to have those marks left over. In that case you have other options. The simplest is to 'fill as you form' so to speak. You put up the formwork slowly, while filling the concrete. That way the concrete down low is setting, while the concrete on top is wet enough to bond with the new concrete you're adding. This requires a good sense of timing, and is possibly most suitable to small teams happy to use an onsite mixer rather than a truck. And finally, you can install external bracing. This is only mildly represented in the above render. As for shearing loads on corner teeth ... I also included some flat metal bar and all thread to give a sense of how this could be addressed. Alternatively, corners could be built out of additional bricks, like the little 'bracing' structure demonstrated in the render. At this stage all of the above is just theoretical. We're yet to produce enough full sized bricks to test it, but I will be carrying that out over the coming months, and reporting back with detailed drawings and photographs.

Introduction: Cleaning our homes involves more than just the visible surfaces and easily accessible areas. Hard-to-reach spots, such as high corners, tight spaces, and narrow crevices, often accumulate dust, grime, and allergens over time. Neglecting these areas can compromise the cleanliness and hygiene of our living spaces. In this blog post, we will explore proven techniques for effectively cleaning hard-to-reach areas in your home, ensuring a thorough and pristine environment. Reach for the Right Tools: Cleaning hard-to-reach areas requires the right tools to access and effectively clean these spaces. Invest in an extendable duster or a microfiber duster with a long handle to reach high corners and ceiling fan blades. A crevice tool attachment for your vacuum cleaner can help clean narrow gaps and crevices, while a flexible brush or toothbrush can tackle tight spaces and intricate surfaces. Having the appropriate tools on hand makes reaching and cleaning these areas much easier. Dusting and Cobweb Removal: Dust tends to accumulate in corners, high shelves, and ceiling edges. Start by using your extendable or microfiber duster to gently remove dust from these areas. Be thorough and methodical, working your way around the room. Additionally, look out for cobwebs in high corners or behind furniture. Use a long-handled broom or duster to remove them carefully, ensuring a complete clean-up of these often-neglected spots. Vacuuming and Cleaning Crevices: Vacuum cleaners with crevice tool attachments are excellent for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like the gaps between furniture, baseboards, and window sills. Attach the crevice tool to your vacuum and run it along these tight spaces, effectively removing dust, pet hair, and debris. For stubborn dirt or grime, use a small brush or toothbrush with some mild cleaning solution to gently scrub the area. Remember to dry the surface thoroughly to prevent any moisture-related issues. Blinds and window treatments: Window blinds and treatments are notorious for collecting dust. To clean them effectively, close the blinds and run a microfiber cloth or duster along each slat, starting from the top and working your way down. For fabric curtains or drapes, carefully detach them from the rod and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning. Most curtains can be machine-washed or hand-washed. Remember to rehang them promptly to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your windows. Cleaning Behind Appliances: Hard-to-reach areas behind appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines, are often overlooked during regular cleaning. However, they can harbor dust, dirt, and even food debris. Start by unplugging the appliance and pulling it away from the wall. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and loose debris. For more thorough cleaning, dampen a cloth with a mild cleaning solution and wipe down the surface, including the sides and back of the appliance. Finally, ensure the area is completely dry before plugging the appliance back in. Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Ceiling fans and light fixtures can accumulate dust and dirt, particularly if they are located in hard-to-reach areas. Before cleaning, make sure the fan or light is turned off and cool to the touch. Use an extendable duster or microfiber cloth to carefully wipe down the blades and surface of the fixture. If the blades are particularly dirty, you may need to use a damp cloth with a mildcleaning solution. Take caution not to wet any electrical components and allow the fixture to dry completely before turning it back on. Regular maintenance and prevention: Preventing the build-up of dirt and dust in hard-to-reach areas is key to maintaining a clean home. Regular dusting and cleaning routines should include these often-forgotten spots. Additionally, consider using air purifiers or strategically placing doormats to minimize the amount of dust and allergens brought into your home. Proper ventilation and controlling humidity levels can also help reduce dust accumulation. Conclusion: Cleaning hard-to-reach areas in your home may require a bit more effort and the use of specific tools, but the results are well worth it. By incorporating these proven techniques into your cleaning routine, you can ensure a thorough and pristine living environment. Remember to be diligent and consistent inmaintaining cleanliness in these often-overlooked spots, as they play a significant role in the overall hygiene and comfort of your home.