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Everybody knows the tile you choose for your wet areas can make or break a room. But did you know the way the tile is layed can also have a similar effect.
Straight Lay Pattern (Horizontal on wall) – 
This is the most commonly used tile pattern of all, and the easiest to do. The tiles are simply laid side by side in a straight line, to give an overall even grid pattern. It's a good pattern choice for rooms where you don't want the tiles to distract from other design features. Rectangular tiles look modern and clean in this arrangement.
Straight Lay Pattern (Vertical on wall) –
Similar to above, the tiles are stacked vertically, emphasizing the height of your space by making your walls seem taller. Subway tiles come alive in this layout.
Brick Pattern –
Sometimes also refered to as the running bond, this pattern is similar to a brick wall where each rectangular tile aligns with the centre of the one above and below it. This is a good pattern to choose for an uneven wall or an imperfect surface or just for a classic look. This pattern has become extremely popular over the last few years.
Diagonal Pattern -
This pattern is very similar to the straight lay, except that it's done at a 45-degree angle, turning the square tiles into diamond shapes. In terms of design, it's a good choice for small areas such as the floor of an ensuite bathroom, as it fools the eye into thinking the space is bigger. This style can be used with a border as a feature in a kitchen splash back or for an entire floor to make a small room look bigger.
Hexagon pattern -
This beautiful Eastern style will create a wonderful mosaic effect in any space. Patterned Hexagons create stunning feature walls or floors, mixed with plain tiles for the ultimate effect. However, be aware that a tiler may charge extra to create this pattern due to the time constraints it takes to make this perfect.
Herringbone Patten –
This is a tricky tiling pattern, with a column of tiles at a 45-degree angle matched in mirror image by the next column, to form a V shape. It gives an excellent illusion of width and depth and is popular on splashbacks. A contrasting grout colour highlights the unique design.
Just the other day I was talking to a couple and I mentioned that 95% of the homes we build are now steel framed homes. I was met with a wary look and slightly raised eyebrows that led me to question, are people still not convinced about the positives that steel framed homes provide?
I asked them both what made them immediately react to the words “steel framed homes” and they listed off a few things they believed about the topic which ranged from “steel frames are noisier than timber frames” to “but won’t it be harder to adjust the steel frames down the track should we ever want to extend our home?”
So lets look at the top 5 myths surrounding a steel framed home.
1) Steel frames interfere with mobile, Wifi and television reception –
I had to admit, I had never heard of this myth before. I scrolled through my contacts and found the number of a past client (her name is Sue) who had built a home with us using steel frames and after explaining what the question was, she was able to confirm that her TV reception and Wifi was not effected at all.
2) Steel frames creak and groan and are noisier than timber frames –
This myth seems to be the most heard of when it comes to building with steel frames and comes from the belief that the frame hugely expands and contracts with the rise and fall of the temperature. The truth is that steel frames are no noisier than timber frames, and when constructed and paired with other materials (like insulation), can potentially be less noisy and far superior to timber frames.
3) A steel frame is harder to adjust down the track if you want to extend your home –
A Steel stud or frame is super easy to cut and adjust, resulting in changes and extensions to a home being easily achievable.
4) Buying a Steel frame is more expensive than a timber frame and sub-contractors charge more to work with it –
We have found that steel frames are actually the same price, if not a little bit cheaper than timber frames. Many of the regular sub-contractors who work with us prefer working with it once they got used to it as a Steel frame is always straight and goes together like a charm - therefore labour costs in erecting are reduced.
5) Steel frames expand causing plasterboard and cornices to crack –
Everything (steel, timber and everything in between) expands and contracts with the change of temperature. The difference with steel however is that it has a narrower range of expansion than wood and plasterboard, and is not susceptible to moisture (unlike timber), which swells and contracts on exposure to moisture variance.
Do you have a question about Steel framed homes that wasn’t covered above or you just want to know MORE? Contact us now!
“Cladding” is a non-loadbearing layer attached to the outside of the home to repel water and protect the building from the effects of weather. The cladding type you pick is an important part of the build - not only for aesthetic appeal, but also because it directly impacts both the building cost and your future property value.
Here at TJS Building Group, we commonly use 4 main types on our homes.
Colorbond Steel
Colorbond Steel is a low maintenance product that has a variety of colours available to be chosen. This fantastic product can be fixed horizontally or vertically and once fixed requires no upkeep, including painting. Just give it a quick wash with rainwater to get rid of the dust every now and then and it will be good as new!
To see colours available or to read more about this product, head to https://colorbond.com/colour .
Weathertex
Weathertex is made up of 97% hardwood timber and 3% natural wax for water repellence. White acrylic primer is then applied to the surface ready for your chosen paint colour to go over the top. A popular option due to its low cost and many profile options, this product can be used to achieve all different looks including classic, contemporary and modern.
To see the different profiles available, click here: https://www.weathertex.com.au/product-category/weatherboards/
Scyon Linea Weatherboard
A popular James Hardie product that can be used to achieve a classic or contemporary look on external walls, upper-storey and ground-level extensions and feature internal walls. This product is 16mm thick (the thickest weatherboard available), will resist shrinking, swelling and cracking, and features deep shadow lines which makes it visually similar to the old style weatherboards found on the older colonial homes.
To view more on this product, head to https://www.jameshardie.com.au/products/weatherboards/scyon-linea-weatherboard/
Brick
While the price of bricks can range widely based on the size, colour and desired finish, the different visual outcomes that can be created from this product is endless. Whether you want just plain brick, painted or rendered, you are bound to find a look that suits your home.
To read more on the benefits of brick, head to: https://www.pghbricks.com.au/bricks/benefits-of-brick
Mixed
Why not mix it up and do two different types.
With so many choices out there, how do you know which one to pick? While its great to pick ones that are beautiful, its also important to think about the way the basin will be used. Do you have kids that will be using it? What height would be best for you?
Well don’t worry - we did the research for you! Check out our pros and cons list below to decide what basin is going to be the best for your custom home build.
Fancy/Visually appealing basins – 
Pros – visually stunning/statement piece
Cons – not great with kids, more expensive, could be extra in plumbing costs
Visually these guys are beautiful and can be the statement of the room. However, they are not a great option if you have kids that will be using it constantly due to its height and breakability. These also may require more expensive tapware to be usable or extra plumbing costs.
Above bench basins –
Pros – visually stunning/statement piece, great for tall people.
Cons – will need a tall basin tap so may be more expensive, not great for shorter people.
Another option which can be the statement piece of the room. These basins will require a taller basin tap to reach over the lip which may be more expensive. They are also not a good option for smaller kids as they may not be able to reach above the lip.
Semi-Recessed basins –
Pros – Great for smaller spaces, Kid Friendly
Cons – No bench-space at the front to catch water splashes, less storage underneath.
These basins are built into the cabinetry and jut out at the front. A great option if you have small room and need to add a vanity and basin with storage underneath. Most tapware will be suitable for these basins.
Drop-in Basin – 
Pros – Kid friendly,
Cons - Nil
The most used type of basin that comes in many different shapes and sizes and will be suitable for most tapware. A good option for kids!
Wall mounted basin –
Pros –Great for small spaces, easy maintenance with no bench to clean
Cons – No storage underneath, doesn’t hide pipework
Another great basin option if you are low on space in your desired room. Some of these come with a pedestal that hides pipework underneath while others simply fix straight to the wall. If your chosen basin doesn’t do this, you can always have something made up to hide the pipes. This basin option generally does not allow for storage underneath.
From the painting to planning ahead, there is always something that you can do that will help you save money not only on the current job, but in the future as well.
- Some builders will allow you to complete parts of the construction yourself and will take a credit off the overall contract amount. These jobs may include the painting, tiling, flooring, cabinetry, landscaping, the fit-out, purchasing your own light fittings and cleaning the house before hand-over. While they may not save you much, a few thousand here and there can really add up over the life-span of the job and if you have family or friends who are qualified tradesman, the savings can be even more.
- If you don’t have enough money to build your dream home, plan ahead. By doing this you will decrease the amount you may have to spend and make it possible, should you choose to extend or renovate your house in the future. Things like using vinyl flooring until you can afford tiles is a great example.