Choosing the Right EV Charger in Australia: Home vs. Public Charging

More Australian EV owners now face a dilemma when deciding between a home charger for electric vehicles versus using public charging stations. 

We need to consider expense and accessibility in addition to our regular driving routines before making the selection. The clarity about advantages versus limitations for both solutions enables EV owners to make better decisions. Here they are!

Home Charging: Convenience and Cost Savings

A home-based electric car charger delivers extraordinary ease of use by permitting vehicle owners to perform overnight charging for lower electricity expenses. 

Australian energy companies allow their customers to access affordable home charging benefits through their time-of-use pricing plans. EV owners who have solar panels can minimise their expenses by converting unused solar power into energy for their electric vehicles. Owners benefit from reliable charging because they avoid long queues and limited charger availability.

People who want to buy and install Level 2 chargers face an initial financial barrier. Standard residential power sockets deliver slow recharging that requires users to install an upgrade for faster charging. Apartment tenants who plan to install solar energy systems will encounter two major obstacles: first, they must overcome space restrictions, and then they must navigate through body corporate approval procedures.

Public Charging: Accessibility and Fast Charging

More public charging stations around Australia are being built to give people who do not own private parking better access to electric vehicle charging. 

Healthcare centres and highway locations house DC fast chargers, which deliver speedier charging durations than residential home charging stations. Long-distance travellers will find fast charging particularly helpful since it allows them to quickly add power to their battery.

The absence of dedicated parking spaces in apartments can be solved through public charging facilities. The benefits of public charging stations include nationwide accessibility, but users must expect higher charging rates and possible delays during times of heavy usage as well as reduced access in some rural areas. The growing charging network might not deliver enough capability to support individuals who rely only on public charging points.

You Should Select What Suits Your Needs

Owners who park their vehicle in their garage can find home charging to be the most suitable option because it provides cost-effective and convenient access to power. People who travel often and residents of apartment buildings might tend to depend on public charging facilities.

Most EV owners charge their vehicles at home each day while depending on public chargers when they travel longer distances. The increased charging infrastructure across Australia will simplify the decision between home and public charging systems.

Which power supply an electric car user selects depends on their daily routines along with their geographic location and driving behaviours.

Keep Your Aussie Ramp Safe All Year: Weatherproofing with AwNINGS for Wheelchair Ramps Australia

Australia's a beauty – stunning coastlines, vast outback, and sunshine most of the time. But that sunshine can come with a scorching side, and the rain, well, it can be a real downpour sometimes. If you rely on a wheelchair ramp for getting around your home or outdoor space, keeping your wheelchair ramp Australia safe and accessible year-round is important. That's where weatherproofing comes in, and awnings can be a fantastic solution for keeping your Aussie ramp safe and accessible, no matter what the weather throws your way.

I remember Sarah, my neighbour who uses a wheelchair. She mentioned how much easier it was to navigate her outdoor wheelchair ramp since installing an awning. It keeps the rain off and makes it much safer, especially during those chilly Melbourne winters.

Why Weatherproof Your Outdoor Wheelchair Ramp Down Under?

Outdoor ramps take a beating from the elements – rain, hail, and yes, even that scorching sun. All of these can make things slippery and downright dangerous for wheelchair users.

Wet Weather Woes: A downpour can turn your wheelchair ramp Australia into a skating rink, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.

Sunburnt Steps: Metal ramps can get scorching hot under the Aussie sun, making them uncomfortable to use and potentially damaging the material over time.

Benefits of Awning Up Your Wheelchair Ramp Australia

An awning installed above your outdoor wheelchair ramp offers a simple yet effective way to combat these weather challenges. Here's how it can benefit you:

Safety First: An awning acts like a protective shield against rain, snow (yes, it can snow in some parts of Australia!), and even hail, keeping the ramp surface dry and slip-free. This ensures safe and confident year-round navigation for wheelchair users.

Cool Comfort: During those scorching summer days, an awning provides much-needed shade, keeping the ramp surface cooler and more comfortable to use.

Reduced Maintenance: Constant exposure to the sun and rain can wear down your ramp material. An awning helps shield the wheelchair ramp Australia from these elements, saving you the hassle and cost of frequent repairs or replacements.

Choosing the Right Awning for Your Aussie Wheelchair Ramp

Not all awnings are created equal. Here are some things to consider when picking the perfect one for your outdoor wheelchair ramp Australia:

Size Matters: The awning should be large enough to provide complete coverage over the entire length and width of the ramp.

Built to Last: Opt for durable and weather-resistant materials like canvas, metal, or polycarbonate – they can handle anything the Aussie weather throws at them.

Pick Your Style: Consider your needs:

1. Fixed awnings: Permanently mounted for year-round protection.
2. Retractable awnings: Offer flexibility, extending only when needed.
3. Freestanding awnings: Portable and ideal for temporary needs or uneven surfaces.
4. Windy Wonders: If strong winds are common in your area, choose an awning designed to withstand them.

Keeping Your Wheelchair Ramp Australia Accessible, Always

While an awning provides excellent weather protection, remember these safety tips for using your wheelchair ramp Australia in different weather conditions:

Wet Weather: Wipe down the ramp surface after rain or snow to remove any moisture.

Icy Conditions: Use salt or de-icing solutions (appropriate for your ramp material) to prevent ice build-up.

Hot Days: Check the ramp surface temperature before use, especially for metal ramps.

A well-maintained outdoor ramp with proper weather protection ensures accessibility and safety for wheelchair users year-round. By considering the benefits and choosing the right awning for your needs, you can create a safe and comfortable access point to your home or outdoor space.

Ready to Make Your Wheelchair Ramp Australia Weatherproof?

For expert advice on choosing the perfect awning for your outdoor wheelchair ramp Australia, contact a local awning supplier or a qualified ramp specialist. They can help you find the best solution based on your specific needs and location.

Remember, a small investment in weatherproofing can make a big difference in maintaining accessibility and safety for you or your loved ones who rely on a wheelchair ramp. 

Don't let the weather stop you from enjoying the outdoors!

General Guidelines for Safe Air Shipment

The airplane is one of if not the safest means of travel and the most efficient method to ship products over vast distances. However, when shipping your next package through air freight, measures still have to be put in place in order to ensure the safety of the passengers and flight crew, and to make sure that your package gets to your address hopefully in good working condition.

Why So Many Guidelines?

Guidelines regarding air cargo differ from country to country so it is best that before you ship your products to take a look at the website of your country’s aviation authority as they will often contain detailed documents and guidelines concerning how to package and safely ship most given products. When concerning air freight in the Philippines, you should take a look at the guidelines of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

When you take a look at the guidelines, you may encounter certain products that you use in your everyday life that may seem rather benign being categorized as dangerous goods, and you may ask yourself, why your given aviation authority has so many guidelines? Well my dear reader, some products that you may know as harmless on the ground like batteries and certain aerosols may present serious risks such as fire and/or a chemical hazard in a pressurized aircraft cabin at cruising altitude hence why air shipping guidelines are often numerous and strictly enforced

General Guidelines and Best Practices

Since the amount of specific guidelines from your country’s aviation authority can be overwhelming, here are some general best practices for shipping via air freight that will hopefully apply not only in the Philippines but internationally as well.

1. Prepare the Correct Labels and Paperwork

To ensure that your package arrives within a timely manner, you should make sure that your package is clearly and correctly labeled with the appropriate shipping addresses, and contact numbers (from both the shipper and the reliever).


Other documents you may have to include with your package are shipping invoices (especially for international shipments) and depending on the laws of the country you may be shipping to, you might need to present certain licenses, or certifications especially when shipping “dangerous goods” such as batteries, aerosols, and flammable liquids via air cargo.

2. Package Your Items Well

This goes without saying, but package handlers and airport personnel aren’t exactly the most delicate when it comes to loading your package onto the plane which explains why aviation authorities have so many guidelines, But in general your items should be securely packed, tightly sealed (for liquids), and well insulated, in order to protect from the rough handling.


Most commonly, items will be packaged in corrugated fiberboard boxes CFBs as they are lightweight and offer good protection for your package when it is packed properly, it is best to surround the items in lightweight packing materials such as packing peanuts, or yesterday’s newspaper if you want to be environmentally friendly. This is to make sure that there is as little air in the box as possible to prevent it from being crushed. You should also ensure that your box is well sealed to prevent the contents from spilling out in the event that the package is tremendously jostled around

3. Consider the Package’s Size and Weight

Apart from the paperwork, and the structural integrity of your packaging, another important consideration you have to take into account is the weight and dimensions of your package, after all bigger and heavier packages take up more space on an aircraft thus costing more to ship, because unlike a cargo ship, an aircraft being smaller usually has limited space. Thus it is best to consult with your aviation authority as well as the shipping company regarding the maximum size and weight of a package that they can reasonably accommodate before you begin to incur extra fees

House Upkeep During Lockdown: Five Best Buys from Online Hardware Stores

Now that people are staying indoors for a longer period because of the pandemic, it is easier to spot areas in the house that need repairs. Roof leaks, creaking cabinet doors, ceiling stains, and the likes nobody has noticed much before can now become an eyesore. House upkeep can lift the boredom off people getting tired of browsing online or growing rare plants. It is a very productive way to spend lockdown days. With the current conditions, however, going outside to buy the needed supplies has become too much of a critical decision.


So -- to visit the local hardware outlet or browse online hardware stores?


Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Special offers and discounts are more prevalent in online hardware stores, but professional advice from store clerks is available when you go in-store. In terms of brand variety and availability, online hardware stores have the edge. Getting the products right away as needed from physical stores beats the delivery waiting time and shipping fees of going online. The way to go really depends on your needs and preferences. If you do opt to go online, however, the list below enumerates the five best buys you can find on online hardware stores:

1. Door and Cabinet Hardware

Going mad about the jammed doorknob? You can browse online and find not only lubrication but also replacements. It can be mind-boggling to look at the endless brand and type options displayed on the hardware outlet racks, but online it is relatively easy to check on each of them while sipping on coffee. The prices are also displayed outright so no more problems with outdated price tags or unreadable print.



2. Painting Supplies

Up for some room redecorating? Changing the paint color is one of the easy ways to bring something new to the eyes. Color availability can be limited on physical stores, so browsing on online hardware stores can be a delight because of the various options to choose from. Comparison can also be done easily as you can immediately search how certain unfamiliarly named pantones look like on walls.

 

3. Plumbing Pipes and Accessories

Who says you need to hire skilled laborers all the time to fix that leak under your sink? With the right supplies and online tutorials, you can do the repairs on your own without having someone else enter your house. No more risking going out as well just to buy a single pipe or valve.



4. Health and Safety

Foot disinfectant mats, thermal scanners, disinfectant sprays and other health and safety equipment can be bought from other online shops but do know that online hardware stores carry branded ones that guarantee quality most of the time. If you are buying materials for house repairs, might as well add some of these health and safety supplies to make the most out of the shipping fees.

5. Prefabricated Houses

Yes, you can actually scout for prefabricated houses on online hardware stores. As these are big investments, it is best you use the chatbox option to talk to a representative from the online store for any clarification. You may also check the reviews section to gather more insights. If you are very keen on putting up your house with these materials, you have a lot of options to get professional advice from the store without the risk of physical contact.

These are just some of the best buys you can get from online hardware stores. Just be sure to check the legitimacy of the website and you will be set on a hassle-free shopping experience. Try checking out an online store and you will find more items you never knew you needed for the house. Kudos to your productive indoor days!

Tips to Reduce the Cost of House Design

As homeowners, we want to renovate or construct our houses as affordable as possible without compromising quality and style. Fortunately, there are a lot of tools in hardware stores and home improvement centers today that we could use to bring our dream designs to life. These tools, when partnered with construction hacks and advice from experts, can help you achieve a more beautiful home and a happier wallet. Come, discover a few tips from us regarding Philippine house design and cost! (All photos from: shopee.ph)

An alternative to paint

It’s no secret that paints and stains are more expensive today due to inflation in the Philippines. So what’s a better way to paint and design your house while reducing costs? Wallpaper rolls and sheets! These are significantly cheaper than buckets of paints but can also serve the purpose of putting color to your house. Wallpaper shops have unique or custom, and handmade or synthetic pieces. They are like huge stickers that can easily adhere to your walls and comes with different designs. And the best part? All your designing processes can be finished within a few hours. No need to wait for that paint to dry up!

Walling

Many people dream of brick walls but are living on a tight budget. The solution? 3D Adhesive Foam Bricks! These creative brick-pattern stickers allow any room to have that brick design while also helping with insulation and noise reduction. Did we mention its anti-collision and waterproof properties? It’s perfect especially when you have toddlers at home. They’re easy to clean too so you don’t have to worry about sudden spills, dust, and dirt!

Flooring

Ever heard of adhesive tiles? Yes, no need to buy expensive tile pieces and spend money on labor as you can install quality flooring all by yourself with DIY adhesive floor tiles! These stickers may resemble the look of traditional tiles such as vinyl, marble, and ceramic, but they are lightweight, easy-to-install, waterproof, and glossy. You can check online stores for various designs. Some hardware stores also have these adhesives and may assign staff to demonstrate how you can use them.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your house design while reducing costs, we highly recommend the alternatives mentioned above. Don’t forget to contact a trusted home builder in the Philippines for more house design and cost tips!

3 Timeless House Designs in the Philippines

Planning on welcoming 2021 with a new house design? How about checking out these timeless house designs in the Philippines first to get some inspiration before starting your renovation or construction project? We’ve listed three classic house designs that you may want to consider!

MINIMALIST

1. Simple forms
2. Open floor plans
3. Minimal interior walls
4. Modest storage areas
5. Clean color palette

Stand the test of time with a minimalist design. This design never goes out of style as it always exhibits balance (through shape, color, pattern, and texture) while also making spaces functional. If your goal is to create cozy areas without looking and feeling crowded, then talk to your architect to make the most out of your house area!

GLASS HOUSE

1. Unobstructed views
2. Emphasis on daylight
3. Open floor plans
4. Modern design
5. Classic color palette

Seasons change and tastes evolve, but simplicity in house form and function is always in! Using glass to put emphasis on views and make use of natural lighting is a wise move to create a timeless house design as per professionals in the Philippines. Aside from giving that classic and sophisticated look, it makes your house feel so wide, open, and airy.

BRICKS

1. Classic historical design
2. Absorbs humidity
3. Stands harsh weather
4. Functional areas
5. Low maintenance costs

Whether whitewashed, scraped, or clean, bricks add a historical and industrial quality to an interior or exterior of a house. You can even repurpose it for retaining walls, paths, landscaping ideas. Aside from being a reliable and compact material, using it as a design makes your house look historical and history won’t ever go out of style.


Yes, it’s possible to build your house in such a way it will have a timeless quality. Discuss these house designs with your trusted architect in the Philippines and you’ll be set to welcome 2021 with a fresh-looking home!

4 Overlooked things that Affect Your House Design Cost in the Philippines

When your house is underway, the biggest cost considerations are already estimated and canvassed on the initial house design cost but in the Philippines, there are some things that may affect cost without you realizing it until your contractor brings it up. So that you don’t get taken by surprise, here are 4 things that may take you by surprise when it comes to costing.

Terrain

When it comes to pricing, location is everything you chances are, you already know how much the lot will cost just from where it’s located. What may take you by surprise is the next steps towards constructing your home like difficulties during excavation or managing elevation for sloped properties. Some of these complications in terrain might require additional machinery with labor on top.

Panambak

Along with terrain problems, there could also be elevation problems which are especially true for building in areas where roads have been raised as measures to counter flooding. You might need to dump additional soil on the lot. This might sound eyes but free panambak is harder to come by; a truck load of panambak in the Philippines could raise your house design cost by 10-20k depending on how much materials are needed.

Season

A very greatly affective factor when it comes to construction is the season when it happens. Construction is much faster during dry seasons making it more cost effective to. During the rainy season, especially in the days that storms are more frequent, not only can construction seem to get delayed, materials may also cost more.

Logistics

When it comes to any real estate, it’s all about location, location, location! It’s also precisely location that might cost you extra on some occasions. Some locations are harder to reach than other and this will affect logistics, most apparent of which is delivery. Not only is the distance between supplier and area matters of concern but also road condition as well as means; if you are constructing on a cove, ferrying materials may end up eating a big portion of your budget.



When assessing your house design cost in the Philippines, add these factors to your list. To cover factors like these, try to overestimate your budget by 50% or more. You’re better off ready extra prepared than stress over budget!