Blogs - CPR Outdoor Centre

Can I have a Window Installed in My Shed?

Installing a shed on your property is a multi-purpose addition with many advantages. With numerous style and material options available it is guaranteed to be a space that can be utilised by the whole family. One design option to consider are the benefits of installing a window in your shed.

Here are just a few reasons why making the decision to install a window in your shed can be a positive one:

Allow Natural Light to Enter Your Shed
Increase Ventilation in Your Shed

Allow Natural Light to Enter Your Shed

Windows create natural light all year round which in turn can reduce the cost of your power bills. There are many types of windows that can be installed in your shed including skylights in the roof of your shed which are a great way to create extra light and still maintain privacy. Having windows installed in the side wall of your shed will allow natural light to beam through and can be positioned in a specific area where extra lighting is wanted. If using your shed for hobbies, the advantage of having natural light entering is you can position the window to focus on the area you require the most lighting possible.

Increase Ventilation in Your Shed

Adding a window to your shed will make it comfortable through all seasons. Have your shed window fully open in summer, allowing the sea breeze to flow through and keep you cool. Adjust your window in winter to still allow for good ventilation but keep your shed cosy and warm. When adding a window to your shed, you will also have the option of adding a protective screen over the window too. This screen will allow air to enter and circulate while giving you piece of mind your shed and its contents are safe and secure.

Call CPR Outdoor Centre in Bunbury for all your shed design and construction needs

CPR Outdoor Centre offers onsite quotes and a range of complete build to DIY shed kit options to suit your needs. CPR Outdoor Centre are conveniently located in Bunbury at 67 Halifax Drive and service Bunbury, Busselton and the South West, give the team a call on 9726 2311 for a FREE quote today.

Who Can Build Me an Alfresco Area in Bunbury?

Adding an alfresco area to your home will be a gift that will keep giving. Not only can an alfresco increase your home’s value but can be used as an extension to your existing homes design. Gone are the days of when an alfresco area is just for a few chairs and a BBQ; now an alfresco area can be made into a stunning entertainer’s delight to enhance your lifestyle all year round.

Here are just a few ways an alfresco area can have a positive impact on your lifestyle:

Enjoy the outdoors through all seasons
Create an impressive outdoor kitchen
Change the purpose of your alfresco

Enjoy the Outdoors Through All Seasons

With the right planning, your alfresco area can be built in the correct location so can be used all year round. An alfresco area can provide enough shade to block out the harsh summer sun and have ceiling fans, meaning the hot summer months no longer are a time you want to stay indoors. Invite friends over and enjoy summer evenings catching up over a drink or two under your alfresco. Winter is the season most of us escape the cold and winds by taking cover inside, but an alfresco can be designed and built with heating plus the right materials to protect you from rain, wind and storms. Enjoy sipping hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows under your alfresco all through the autumn and winter months.

Create an Impressive Outdoor Kitchen

Become the envy of not only family and friends, but your entire neighbourhood by using your alfresco to build an impressive outdoor kitchen. You are only limited by your imagination of what features and equipment your outdoor kitchen could include. From a full outdoor kitchen to a pizza oven to a bar and grill station, an outdoor kitchen is a great way for any budding chefs to share their love of food and entertain others.

Change the Purpose Of Your Alfresco

As the years tick over, our homes living arrangements often change too. Couples can become families while families can become empty nesters. An alfresco area can be a multi-purpose area which can be utilised to suit those living in your home at the time. An alfresco makes an ideal “Zen Zone” for busy parents to relax and unwind, a great teen zone for teenagers to chill out or a great place for retirees to have lunch and watch the midday movie.

Call the Team At CPR Outdoors Today To Discuss Your Alfresco Needs

For expert advice on how a patio can enhance your lifestyle, the team at CPR Outdoor Centre are only a phone call away. Contact the team in Bunbury on 97262311 today for an obligation free quote today. CPR Outdoor Centre service Bunbury, surrounds and the South West, call for you free quote today.

How long does it take to build a Deck?

Whether you are looking for a place to relax and soak up the afternoon sun or an area to share a drink and catch up with friends, a deck can be customised to provide the perfect space to suit your lifestyle. With an abundance of colour, size, design and material options available, a deck can be a perfect addition to your home and enjoyed all year round.

One of the most common questions asked by homeowners when considering a deck is the time it will take to build. Things to consider when determining how long it will take to build a deck?

The Size of The Deck That Is Being Built
Types of Materials Being Used to Build the Deck
How Complicated It Will Be to Build the Deck
The Location of The Deck That Is Being Built

The Size of The Deck That Is Being Built

When deciding what size deck to build, it’s important to keep in mind the proportions of the house or area the deck is being built adjacent to. A deck that is not in proportion in comparison to your home may look out of place or provide an unwanted eye sore to potential buyers in the future.

Before choosing a size you must know what the main purpose of your deck will be. If your deck is going to be used for entertaining you will need to consider the number of guests you plan on accommodating and any furniture or appliances that will be placed on the deck too. In contrast if your decks purpose is to provide a private and relaxing space for you to read a book then a smaller sized deck with minimal furniture will be needed.

While the height of your deck is often determined by the door that will be used to gain access, generally a deck will be wider than it is deep with the longest edge running against your home. Decks have the option of being single level or larger decks have the option of being multi-level giving you even more space.

Types of materials being used to build the deck

The materials you choose to build your deck not only determine the time it will take to build but also its longevity.

Hardwood

Common decking materials like tropical hardwoods are a popular option as they can last 30 to 50 years even in harsh environments. While the quality and longevity is a positive, hardwood is dense so often requires special tools and additional labour to install. Cedar or redwood can be a great option for people wanting a wooden deck as they are lower in price than tropical hardwoods, but can still last between 15 to 20 years.

Composite Decking – Trex Decking

TREX TRANSCEND® IN HAVANA GOLD AND SPICED RUM

Trex compositedecking is a popular option when building a deck as it is available in a variety of colours and textures so can be customised to suit your own style. This material can give you the look of a tropical hardwood without the cost or ongoing maintenance.

How complicated it will be to build the deck

When considering a time frame to build a deck, you must also make allowance for any additions to the deck you wish to add. Many decks have railing as a safety feature or design element to enhance the appearance. You may want built in storage, steps or permanent fittings and fixtures like a kitchen, fire pit or even a spa bath. While these additions are no doubt aesthetically pleasing they can add to the timeframe required to build your deck.

Weather can cause unintentional complications and delays when building a deck. Wood swells with added moisture during the cold months of winter and contracts as it dries out during the heat of summer. These factors must be considered when building a deck and can often cause additional checks be made or additional materials be used in the building process which can in return effect the time it takes to build.

The Location of the Deck that is being built

When selecting the ideal location for your deck it is important to once again take into consideration the purpose of your deck. A deck being used to entertain will often be located adjacent to the kitchen while a deck being used to create more space may be built adjacent to the main living area.

When determining the location to build your deck it is not only the purpose you have to consider, but also privacy, access and proximity to other areas of your home plus weather conditions as the seasons change.

While the location and available access to this area are important, often existing trees, paths or fixtures and fittings need to be removed before building a deck can commence. These important factors must also be considered when determining how long it will take to build a deck.

How long does it take to build a Deck?

The build time for your deck will depend on what you use to build it, how big the deck is, whether you are building on a slope and more. The best way to get an accurate timeframe for your deck build is too get a quote on your exact requirements.

Contact the CPR Outdoor Centre team for a free quote today

To speak to the professionals about adding a deck to your home contact the CPR Outdoor Centre team today. The team at CPR pride themselves on providing excellent customer service in a friendly and professional manner.

With 2 locations to choose from, drop in and visit our showroom or give us a call. Our Bunbury and South West team are located at 67 Halifax Drive, 9726 2311

Website used as reference: Landscaping Network

Photos 2 & 3 courtesy of Trex.

How Adding a Shed can Increase the Value of Your Home

Whether wanting to increase storage, keep your possessions safe or increase the value of your home, there is no doubt adding a shed is wise, multi-purpose addition. With unlimited sizes, designs and features available, adding a shed to your home will increase the value and make your home stand out from the rest in today’s crowded real estate market. The sooner you add a shed, the sooner your home value will increase giving you an immediate way to add value to your home.

Here are just a few ways adding a shed can increase the value of your home

Increased Covered Parking Area
Additional Space and Storage Capacity
Add a Unique Selling Point

Increased Covered Parking Area

The features of your home are the first point of call most buyers look for when searching for a new home. A shed can put your home ahead of the rest when it comes to covered parking space for not only cars but boats, caravans and trailers too.

When working out the correct size dimensions for your shed keep in mind that many homes have a 2 car garage. If you can utilise space and create parking for 3 or more cars plus add height to accommodate recreational vehicles too, this will certainly make the features of your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Additional Space and Storage Capacity

Are you struggling to find space to store all your tools, equipment and household items? Adding a shed is a cost-effective solution to create more space and storage which will free up extra room in your home, garden or garage. Homeowner’s are constantly on the lookout for ways to declutter their homes and adding a shed is the ideal way to instantly create additional storage space and increase your homes storage capacity.

A shed can be custom built in the position you prefer and to maximise the space you have available. The endless design options mean you can choose a shed that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but fits in with the current design of your home.

Add a Unique Selling Point

A crowded real estate market means homeowners are doing all they can to ensure their home stands out from the rest. Eco-friendliness and sustainability along with solar power are just a few features that are very attractive to potential buyers. By adding solar panelling to the roof and maximising the roof pitch, your new shed can achieve maximum solar efficiency and create its own unique selling point.

Call CPR Outdoors today for all your shed building needs

With over 15 years of industry experience, CPR Outdoor Centre are your trusted professionals in the South West. From design to planning to approvals to building call the Bunbury team on 9726 2311 to discuss all your shed building needs Bunbury and in the South West today.

Is A Patio Better Than Having A Deck?

When it comes to choosing that wonderful outdoor space to enjoy your leisurely time, both patios and decks have great qualities. Areas and space can vary when it come to choosing a patio or a deck however you don’t need to restrict yourself to one or the other.

Decking works well for areas that are elevated, uneven or you are looking at gaining some height. Both decking and patios will need to meet your council or shire’s requirements and be built to Australian Standards.

Should I build a Patio or Deck?

Both decks and patios are great and if you have the budget for both they are a great way to add value to your home and lifestyle. If you need to choose to only pick one the best option for you will depend on your needs. Patios are a roof over your head and deck can lift you off the ground.

Look at your situation and consider the following things:

Elevated Block
Weather Protection
Styles
Flooring

Elevated Block

If a property is high off the ground, elevated at one end or uneven then a deck is the perfect way to extend your living space, bringing the outdoors in.

Weather Protection

If you live by the sea, have a north or western facing home a patios can provide a wonderful outdoor space that will protect your home from the elements and create a fabulous entertaining area.

Styles

Decks are stylish can add that extra touch or class to your home. When choosing your decking you have many options in either real wood or composite decking products; this gives you a large range with colours, weather and pest resistance plus warranty to suit your circumstances.

Patios roofs add an additional design element to your home and come in a choice of gable, dome, flat or hip end plus they can be used in combination to make something unique that will match your home perfectly.

Flooring

Flooring choice for your patio can be wood or composite decking or solid flooring such as concrete, asphalt or pavers are all great options to compliment your patio design.

Is A Patio Better Than Having A Deck?

It is best to have a chat to the experts at CPR Outdoor Centre they have years of experience building both patios and decks will be able to show your different options that suit your needs. Call CPR Outdoor Centre Bunbury on 9726 2311 or phone Busselton on 9754 2657 for a free onsite quote to discuss your requirement.

My Lifestyle Has Changed, How Do I Change the Patio To Suit?

When it comes to garden décor, patios never really go out of style. Functional entertaining areas, decked out outdoor rooms, somewhere for the kids and pets to play or even just to set up a hammock out of the sun, a patio’s versatility is never ending. The way you use your patio is a reflection on your family’s lifestyle and these trends change as time goes on. Young families, singles, growing children and older adults all have different needs when it comes to outdoor living and the patio is the perfect palate to change things up to suit without costing a fortune.

The easiest ways to change your patio to suit your changing lifestyles are:

Space For Stuff
Paint
Plants
Furniture
Safety Features

Space For Stuff

Everyone, at every age, has their toys. Kids have their assortment of backyard playthings; bikes, balls, skateboards and other items usually left about for adults to trip over. Singles have their bigger toys, like ping pong tables and more expensive motorbikes and water toys. Teenagers generally just leave a lot outside and older adults need more space for mobility. Change up you layout and ensure you have space for the things that matter most to you in your current life stage.

Paint

Colour preference changes as you get older. Bright and sunny might be flavour of the month when you are a young family; however you might like to tone this down when the kids leave home. Paint is an inexpensive way to refresh the décor outside and tailor the space to your family’s tastes.

Plants

Ask any parent and they will give you a story about the time their toddler ate potting mix from a patio pot plant. Or a plant itself! Pet owners know that puppies will chew everything, including tasty looking leaves and flowers. If you have small children or pets, consideration needs to be taken when choosing the plants you have on and around your patio. Heavy pots and hanging baskets are not ideal for older adults as they can prove hard to move if required, however many pots can be popped onto casters for easy movement. Plastic greenery may be an idea for singles and young couples with busy lifestyles outside of home.

Furniture

For the sake of your sanity and bank account, do not invest in a decent outdoor setting if your new pup tends to chew or your young children like to have ‘picnics’ under the patio and on your outdoor table. Change things up with colourful seat cushions and add lifestyle appropriate items, such as water features, large ornaments, pet housing etc, that match your décor to portray flow in your outdoor space.

Safety Features

An open flame pizza oven is great for young couples or families with older children, but a nightmare for families with little ones. Older adults might need hand rails and balustrading for peace of mind and stability and parents with young babies may choose to install safety fences to prevent toddlers wandering into the larger backyard. Safety features will change over time and should be checked regularly for faults to enable them to function efficiently.

Who can help me change my patio to suit my new lifestyle?

Does your patio need to be renovated or changed to suit your new family needs? CPR Outdoor Centre Bunbury and CPR Busselton offer a range of patio designs to suit all of your lifestyle changes. Ring them today on 08 9726 2311 for our Bunbury office or 08 9754 2657 for Busselton to get a free quote and get your patio growing with you.

Who Can Build Me A Carport In Busselton?

Is your car looking a little lost outside in the weather? Do you need to build one of your most valuable and significant investments its own little house to keep in out of the heat and the chill? Or do you have teenagers with cars? Farm equipment or just extra vehicles that need a roof over their heads? Newer homes built these days typically have carports or garages included in the structure, however if you live in an older home or have space for a free standing carport to house extra vehicles, a carport from CPR Busselton has a range of carports for you to choose from.

What is a Free Standing Carport? And why should I buy one?

As its name suggests, a free standing carport stands independently from your home or any other structure. This allows flexibility in design options and affordable installation methods. You can protect your car, tractor, boat, ride-on mower from sun and hail damage and keep the paintwork pristine, sheltering from tree sap, bird droppings, tree twigs and leaves and general debris that can fly around and hit your vehicle.

The choice to purchase and install a carport is easy when the benefits they present are endless.

Enhance the appearance of your home
Add value to your property
Large range of styles to suit all requirements
Shelter in any weather
Can be installed anywhere on your property (within shire boundaries or building regulation envelope, check your area first)
Can be adapted for other purposes; ie entertainment areas, storage spaces.

Whatever your vehicle sheltering requirements, CPR Busselton has the carport to suit all needs, including simple, open roof design to a completely enclosed structure.

Who Can Build Me A Carport In Busselton?

CPR Outdoor Centre is located in Busselton and covers most areas of the South West, including Vasse, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta. CPR Outdoor Centre can build you a carport, patio, garage or shed that will suit your needs perfectly. Call CPR Outdoor Centre on 9754 2657 for a free onsite quote.

Can I Get A Window Put In My Shed?

Shed’s are a great space for just about anything, especially when they are custom built by a reputable and affordable local company such as CPR Outdoor Centre. They can act as a workshop, storage space, an extra room separate from your house and even for outdoor entertaining, but they can be a little dark and dreary without any natural light. So why not add a window? Or two?

CPR Outdoor Centre are your one stop shop when it comes to either adding a window into your shed on your property and including windows in its design. You can rest easy knowing that the Colorbond and Bluescope Steel professionals can effortlessly add a window to your new shed design, from council approval to construction, giving you your finished product that you will really love.

Why add a window into your shed?

Natural light
Aesthetics
Increased Visuals of your Yard and House

Natural Light

Nothing beats natural sunlight streaming through a window to lighten a space. Rather than invest in costly lighting for your shed, utilise the free light from the sun and install a window or two for not only natural sunlight during the day, but fresh breeze and ventilation all day long.

Aesthetics

Steer clear of the ‘block’ look and break up the surface space with window openings. The size is completely up to you and the addition of windows to you shed can make it look much more attractive.

Increased Visuals of your Yard and House

Do you spend a lot of time in the shed? Too much time maybe?

If you spend more time in the shed than in the house, having full view of your yard and home can be beneficial not only for security purposes, but for the safety of little ones and pets. You can also win brownie points by ‘babysitting’ from your shed with full visuals of the kids playing from the large windows you get installed by CPR Outdoor Centre!

CPR Outdoor Centre Bunbury and CPR Outdoor Centre Busselton – you first choice in sheds, carports, patios and carports.

For fantastic customer service with the best selection of products guaranteed, CPR Outdoor Centre Bunbury and CPR Outdoor Centre Busselton both offer a free measure and quote for your individual needs.

Call the team today on 9726 2311 Bunbury or 9754 2657 Busselton.

How to make your patio appear larger?

Do you have a small patio space?

Worried that your patio would look too small, that it will create an uninviting feel towards your guests or even yourself? Your patio, no matter what its size, deserves your attention. With the right tools and proper planning, you can get the most out of your space!

Small patio – no problem!

The idea of having a patio is to create an outdoor space where you can enjoy and relax. It can be small or large – it doesn’t matter at all. However, if you feel that having a larger patio can make your outdoor space more livable, here are a few tricks you could try:

Avoid using glaring colours
Keep your fences low
Create an illusion of bigger space
Use Mirrors

Avoid using glaring colours

You might want to incorporate colours into your patio. A couple of bright rugs and warm tone furniture may look great, but it can make your patio appear smaller. If your patio is small, try using neutral or light coloured items. It can make your patio look less cluttered and more organised.

Keep your fences low

This will carry the eye beyond the property line – creating an illusion that your patio looks larger than it is.Are you worried about your security with a low fence? No worries, you can always install patio lighting to ward off any unwanted guests at your home at night.

Create an illusion of bigger space

You can’t extend your patio anymore, so the solution to make it bigger is to create an illusion of it. You can leave the door open to create an unconfined feeling. Create variety with new levels, raised planters and steps that can lead the eyes upward. It can increase the illusion of space, therefore making your patio appear larger.

Use mirrors

Use mirrors to bring in the borrowed landscape from further down your garden, the neighbouring areas of repeat your own patio area. By removing the exact edges your patio will look and feel larger.

How to make your patio appear larger?

Your patio can be a great space to relax and enjoy with family and friends, no matter what the size. Small can be cosy and intimate. If you need to upgrade or are still not happy with your current patio, contact CPR Outdoor Centre for all your patio needs. We offer installation services that include patios, garages and carports. Ring us today for a free quote. Call our Bunbury office on 9726 2311 or phone Busselton on 9754 2657 and speak to the professionals.

Important questions to ask before you install a garage

Garages built by CPR Outdoor Centre Do you need to build a garage? It is important that you know what you want in a garage.

Will it house 1 or more car?
Where will you put it?
How big will it be?

When it comes to garage installation, planning is the key. It can save you a lot of your time, money and effort. A properly designed garage makes all the difference, so you need to plan carefully.

Get it right the first time

When planned and done correctly, you can maximise the use of your garage. You don’t have to go through the process and then be worried about the quality of your garage. Before you start installing or even choosing a garage design, ask yourself a few important questions that include the following:

Why are you building a garage?

Do you really just want to store cars inside or are you looking for a space to store some of your prized possessions? When deciding, remember to think about your lifestyle. Do you exercise? Your garage might just be a good place to do your workouts. This way, you can find a garage design and utilise it the way you want it.

How big your garage does needs to be?

If you think that your garage will not be just a place for your cars and other vehicles, perhaps you can consider building a larger garage? Do you need a small workshop or area for your man cave?

When your garage is installed, you don’t have to do any more repairs or upgrade in the near future. A larger sized garage makes a world of difference!

What is your budget and how much will it cost you?

When building a garage, think about the cost and how much you are willing to spend. Pricing will vary and there are many factors to consider when installing a garage. Make sure you receive the right price for the job at hand and contact a professional garage builder for an estimation.

Important questions to ask before you install a garage

When you need specialist advice to install your garage, contact CPR Outdoor Centre. We are your patio people in Bunbury, Busselton and the surrounding area plus we build sheds and garages. We will provide an obligation free onsite quote. Ring us today to discuss your needs.

Contact CPR Outdoor Centre for all your garage needs.