Residential Space | Issue 1

RESIDENTIAL

PRODUCTS DRIVINGENTERTAINMENT

SEAMLESS STREAMING

ENERGY SAVING DEVICESPLUS OPTICAL FIBRE ESTATES

FUTURETECHNOLOGIES

NOWNEW RESIDENTIAL ESTATES

SPACEFUTURE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND YOUR HOME

VOL 01 | ISSUE 2

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ContentsVOL 01 | ISSUE 2, 2011

06 10

12 22

03 EDITOR’S LETTERWELCOME back to Residential Space.

Read all about connecting to fibre, networkservices, technology, different terminology andfuture proofing your dream home.

06 GREGORY HILLSRESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY

Vibrant village, networked neighbourhoods andenvironmental sustainability is a considerationthat underpins the masterplan for Gregory Hills.

10 ORAN PARKLocated in a unique new growth corridor inSydney’s expanding ever-growing West.Oran Park will become the geographicalcentre of the Camden local Government area.

12 OPTICAL FIBRE ESTATESBy Leonie Cox

Greenfield Estates: Developers ready for youto connect to optical fibre.

14 THE NEW HUB IN ENTERTAINMENT

By Steve FreethThe perfect match, home entertainment,technology and services now available inevery room at the touch of a button.

22 10 TIPS FOR HOME OWNERSBy Sonja Daly

Here’s some stress free tips provided toenable you to communicate properly withyour builder so that you both understandeach others expectations.

residential space

Future Growth of Communities and Families Where life comes together


¥ residentialspace magazine 3

Welcome back to Residential Space and we hope youenjoyed issue one. Our wish is that you enjoy our articles,product reviews, recipes and perhaps learn about

technology in the home in the 21st century along the way. I often chat with consumers and sales consultants in relation to

products, connecting to the fibre, network services and how it allcomes together. The challenge for us all is finding the right informationand not to feel overwhelmed by different terminology. Then trying tounderstand how technology works and making the right decision tofutureproof your dream home, so it is adaptable for the future.

Don’t forget the kids… If you have teenage children or older, employthem to assist you with your research. Most teenagers today have agood understanding of the majority of technology, how it all works,what’s cool and what’s not – if they aren’t, give them a task. You may bepleasantly surprised with their ideas and knowledge and it gives themthe opportunity to be involved and be part of the building process.

Why not consider writing to us in relation to your curiosity innetwork connection, services and specific products that suit your needs.The best time to do research is now, during your journey of planningyour home, why not drop us a line with any queries you may have.

Next time you are in a display home considering a builder, ask thesales consultant what their standard technology package includes, canyou upsell to include additional technology products and how muchyou should allow in your budget (before you sign the contract). Thesequestions in relation to technology inclusions will assist you compareapples with apples (or should I say builders to builders), and it won’t bea shock that it is or isn’t included in your new home during theconsultation process.

Until next time,

Leonie Cox, EditorEmail: [email protected]

residential space |editor’s letter

SEND YOUREDITORIAL

REQUESTS ANDPRESS

RELEASES

Next time you are in a displayhome considering a builder,ask the sales consultant what

their standard technologypackage includes.

welcome

Publisher Hills Holdings Editor Leonie Cox Deputy Editor George Salman Editorial Assistant Tania Crittle Art Direction/Production Webfx2 Digital

Columnist Rob Knight Feature writer Stephen Freeth National Product Advisor Darren Semmens Graphic Design Webfx2 Digital Advertising ManagerLeonie Cox Marketing and Communications Tony Le Print Management Hills Printing Residential Space is a Quarterly Publication Next Issue June 2011

Cover Photo Webfx2 Digital.


www.hillshomesolutions.com.authe future in home digital is ready.

Smart homes withinnovative productsat your fingertips.

Linking communities, people,homes and technology

SMART WIRING™

INTERCOMSECURITY

VIDEO

MUSIC

DATA


The Hills Home Hub delivers anddistributes data, phone, video, audioand TV signals using the latest indata and TV cables from a centrallylocated enclosure to any room ofyour choice.

Structured cabling using the HillsHome Hub is preferably planned atthe same time as your electricalwiring. The central enclosure ishome to the devices that enable the

delivery and distribution of thesesignals. It also houses the securitysystem central controller. An ideallocation for the central enclosure isa garage or utility room.

It is important to plan whichrooms you would like to accessdata, phone, video, audio and TV.This planning is important to younow and to future owners of yourhome later because it adds flexibility

and value. The use of a room couldchange over time. A nursery now willbecome a teenager’s bedroom, andpossibly a study or home office inthe future. In order to access orshare these signals, cables alongwith wall outlets, containingstandard data and TV entertainmentpoints need to be installed.

Welcome to a day in the life of theHills Home Hub.

Install Hills™ Smart Wiring Today,It’s the Smart Choice…

Smart Home. Smarter Choice.





“SMART WIRING™” is a termcommonly used to describe home wiringthat may include, but is not limited to,one or more of the following:• Structured telephone, data (Internet)

and TV cabling (such as described inthis document)

• Home security — intruder detection,back-to-base monitoring or CCTV(Closed Circuit Television)

• Home theatre and/or in-houseaudio/video distribution

• Home automation — “intelligent”lighting, automatic/remote control ofelectrical appliances, HVAC (Heating,Ventilation and Air Conditioning),lawn/garden irrigation, etc.

• Intercom with video and audio andalso may include music distributionand or CCTV.

Such systems may be wired separatelyby different installers or may be included ina total wiring package offered by a SmartWired builder or contractor. However, let’sjust concentrate firstly on your telephone,data and TV cabling system – yourcommunications.

HOME DISTRIBUTION UNIT (Hills Home Hub)

The HDU is the central hub of the smartwiring network of the home. Typically it is asteel cabinet which may be installed in thegarage with a lock that houses all of thepassive and active equipment. All servicesenter and exit this cabinet. This allows fortotal flexibility for the home owner in thefuture. Ideally the HDU should be aminimum size of 405mm wide (to fitbetween studs), 600mm high and 112mmdeep. Typically the bottom of the cabinet ismounted 1200mm above finished floor leveland is recessed into the wall with bottomand top ventilation into the cavity wall.

The HDU needs to be large enough tocater for any active device such as alarmpanels, television amplifiers, data switchesand 240Vac power outlets and haveenough room for cable looms, IDC blocks,splitters and couplers.

It is the responsibility of theBuilder/Telecommunications Contractor toprovide the Smart Wiring™ and HomeDistribution Unit.

CHOICES OF HOMEDISTRIBUTION UNITThere are a few different types of HDUs tochoose from. A basic HDU is installed bymounting the equipment on a wall andhaving no enclosure. Be sure to haveadequate ventilation for the componentsand supply a 10 Amp double GPO for thePower supply and optical receiver.

Alternatively a more professionalinstallation using a Hills Home Hub unit candeliver flexibility and can give consumers anadditional option of a security system andaudio reticulation. £

MORE INFO ONLINEIt is not difficult if you have the generalconcept. If you want to know more, justask us, drop us a line [email protected] or visitwww.opticomm.com.au to downloadyour Home Wiring Guide.

technical |arena

SMART WIRING™

WHAT IS IT?BE EDUCATED, BE SMART, BE ORGANISED, BE READY



WARNING! All customer cabling work MUST be performed by aregistered cabler. If a cabler is registered, they will have a cardwhich proves that they can legally perform cabling work.

Optical Network TechnologyEthernet

Fibre to the homeHome Technology

Life TechnologiesBy Rob Knight

Want to ask a question inrelation to home technology anddon’t know who to ask?

You don’t need to wait until the next issuefor your questions to be answered, simplyemail us at [email protected],ask your question and it will be answeredwithin a few days.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THERE’S APOWER OUTAGE AT YOUR HOME?The Optical Network Terminal (ONT) that isinstalled within a water-proof enclosure on theoutside of the home is powered by a smalluninterruptable power supply (UPS) inside thehome. This UPS is supplied without a batteryand it is the responsibility of the home ownerto install a battery if they require the phone toremain operational when there is a poweroutage. The required battery is a small sealedlead-acid unit similar to that used in homealarm panels and can be purchased from alarmor electrical suppliers.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE SYSTEMGOES DOWN (RARELY BUT IT HASHAPPENED)?• If the Internet Broadband stops working, the

end user will need to contact their InternetService Provider (ISP) and log a troubleticket.

• If the telephone stops working, the end userwill need to contact their Telephone ServiceProvider and log a trouble ticket.

• If the TV stops working, the end user willneed to contact the OptiComm Help Deskon 1300 137 800 log a trouble ticket.

• If all three go down at the same time, it’sbest to contact your Retail Service Provider(RSP) and log a trouble ticket.

Once a trouble ticket has been logged, therelevant RSP will perform a number of tests onthe system and if it is deemed to be a problemassociated with the local network, they willcontact OptiComm’s Network Operation Centreand have the issue resolved. If the resolutionrequired an on-site technician to replace acomponent, this will be arranged byOptiComm. If access to the property is requiredOptiComm will request that the RSP contactstheir customer to make the appropriatearrangements. £

Hills Home HubAllows you to connect to the internet and

access your family’s favourite music,movies and entertainment downloads.

Home Distribution Unit


feature|story

ORAN PARKA COMMUNITY LIKE NO OTHER

“Oran Park Town will become the cornerstone of all things; educational, business, service andentertainment in the south west of Sydney.”

LOCATED IN A VERY UNIQUE newgrowth corridor in Sydney’s ever growingWest. The town centre of Oran Park willbecome the geographical centre of theCamden local government area and itsgrowing population.

Adjacent to the prestigious HarringtonPark and Harrington Grove and the soon tobe developed Gregory Hills area, Oran ParkTown will become the cornerstone of allthings; educational, business, service andentertainment in the south west of Sydney.

Ensuring the development remains ontrack, as responsible long term developers,both Greenfields Development Companyand Landcom are working closely withCamden Council in developing the newmodern town and community facilities.

Relevant to all ages and stages of life,Oran Park Town will be a great place to callhome for a broad community of families,first homebuyers, self-employedprofessionals and seniors, for many future

generations.The dream of a town built for the future

is fast becoming a reality. Eventually hometo 25,000 people, Oran Park Townresidents will have a modern lifestyle withthe latest in home design and sustainability.It will offer the benefits of contemporaryamenities with both mall and main streetshopping, civic facilities complemented bya town square that will be the energysource of this new community.

Oran Park Town has been carefullymaster-planned to maximise lifestyle andfamily activities with plenty of open spacessuch as parks, playgrounds and sportsfields, including: • 43 hectares of open space• 12 children’s playgrounds, local parks

and recreation areas• Plenty of sports fields and reserves• 40 hectares of re-vegetated riparian

corridor area• Water features with walking tracks,

viewing decks and boardwalks• 9km of cycle ways within open space• 22km off road local cycle ways (within

road reserve footpath area)• Schools - currently provision for two K-

12 private/independent schools• Retail shops

The town square will cater for residentsof all ages, day and night offering an arrayof food and specialty shops, restaurants,department stores, leisure and recreationalfacilities including a pool, civic buildings,apartments and offices, a medical centre,emergency services, indoor shopping andretail strips, cafes and restaurants.

The Town also offers a number ofsustainability features. A walkable town,with pedestrian friendly streets and cycleways will reduce reliance on cars, thusreducing emissions. Landscaping which issympathetic to the local environmentreduces water consumption and promotes


Photos: Circus Group, Advertising and Design.



feature|story

longevity of plants and trees. Brand newhomes with the latest designs help toreduce energy needs due to clever sunorientation, insulation and other designinitiatives.

Oran Park Town with technology andinfrastructure, allows consumers to haveconnectivity to services and entertainmentwhich is second to none. Allowingconnection for family and friends with

reliable super fast speed.Playing a key role in the new town, is

Sydney’s first major optical fibre communitythat will replace traditional phone, TV andbroadband wiring, providing the fastestresidential broadband in Australia and thehighest quality free to air TV.

Oran Park is helping you live your dream,the perfect environment to raise yourgrowing family. £

Oran Park BroadbandService Providers:1. iiNet including the brands of

Netspace, Westnet and AAPTResidential www.iinet.net.au orPhone: 13 19 17

2. Internode www.internode.on.netPhone: 13 66 33

3. Primus Telecom www.iprimus.com.auPhone: 13 17 89

4. Exetel www.exetel.com.auPhone: (02) 8030 1000


Fibre To The Premises


Bingara Gorge

Calala Village

Freemans Ridge

Gregory Hills

Harrington Grove

Heritage on Peel

Hoxton Park

Hundred Hills

Jacksons Landing

Middleton Grange

More Creek

Oran Park Town

Parkbridge

Panorama

Seaside

Stonecutters Ridge

Sydney City Westfields

The New Rouse Hill

Vista Glenfield

Waterford County

Windmill Downs

Windmill Hill

www.waterfordcounty.com.au www.gregoryhills.com.au www.heritageonpeel.com.au

List of Optical FibreCommunities in NSW

optical|fibre




When Google announced Google TV latelast year it promised that its set top box-or anytelevisions with the technology built in-woulddeliver the web direct to your living room.

So far it’s still a work in progress, but therace to put televisions online for seamlessstreaming of content like movies is well andtruly on. Not only are most new modelscoming with an ‘ethernet connection’, butlots of companies are also offering theirown set top boxes-basically a device to linkyour TV to another signal-for a range ofonline content like YouTube, Flick’r,Facebook, iTunes and even Skype. Samsunghas gone one step further by opening itsown “apps” store just like the iPhone’s sothat different sorts of media can be filteredand delivered in one neat package.

But televisions are getting all sorts ofother visual smarts as well. While plasmaand LCD sets have continued to get wider

and thinner, they’re also offeringbacklighting, High Definition and now 3D.While you may still think 3D is just a fad-andwill for a little while longer need thoseglasses-most TV makers are backing the ideawith built-in 3D capacity, and the movies,TV programs, games and sport arefollowing suit.

Homes in new estates are in primeposition to make the most of all these newoptions of course. Being wired for technologyupfront generally means access to greatbroadband speeds and, with a bit ofplanning, multiple internet outlets anddistributed high-speed wiring to deliver allthis big digital material from a central storagepoint. While remotes, and wall or handheldscreens, have usually provided the fingertipcontrol till now, companies like Crestron orControl4 are letting smart phones and tabletslike the iPad get in on the act.

THE NEW HUB INENTERTAINMENT

>

Home entertainment & technology are aperfect match, and as Steve Freeth* pointsout it’s now available in every room at thetouch of a button day or night.

technical |life

*Steve Freeth is an independent contributing writer/ technology commentator and can be contacted at [email protected]. | Photo: Sony.



SOUND INVESTMENTThey don’t call it audio-visual for nothing andsound has really led the high-tech homemedia invasion. Digital formats like Mp3 makebuying, storing and accessing music incrediblysimple-and better still everyone at home, fromkids to grownups, seems to like it.

For a start multi-room or multi-sourceaudio got a lot simpler to do with electronicstorage and distribution. Once againputting in the wires when you’re buildingand adding in speaker points both insideand out will turn any space into a musiczone. There are also lots of wireless wholehouse systems out there these days too andcompanies like Sonos or Bose are definitelyworth checking out for complete flexibility.

Of course iPod and other media playersdocked into wall outlets or speakers havegiven everyone the power to listen to theirown playlists whenever they want, butinternet or digital radio is increasinglypopular as well, with all sorts of onlinesubscription or free radio stations fromright the world on offer. Speakers havestepped up as well, from cool stand-aloneto ones that completely disappear in towalls and ceilings. £

All logos, products, and company names mentioned in the above article are trademarks of theirrespective owners and subject to their own copyright laws, foreign or domestic.

technical |life


BE CONNECTED ONONE SINGLE PLATFORMWe live in a connected world. Jaz bringseverything you wish to control and connect toon one single platform. It is the nextgeneration device that’s simple to install, easyto use and most importantly cost effective.

HOME CENTREThe Jaz Home Centre provides and deliversinternet, intranet and email to the homethrough the convenience of an interactivetouch screen. And it's all contained in asimple, user friendly interface, where one-touch controls everyday functions.

LIFESTYLEAs an intelligent system, Jaz Lifestyle cancreate custom scenes and moods, includinglight, multimedia, temperature and even

your blinds. With complete two-waycommunication, each light, circuit, switch orsensor can be controlled with the status ofany room, area or zone being monitored.

SECURITYNow you can integrate all aspects of anadvanced security system, including alarm,access control, video cameras and digitalvideo recording with Jaz Security.

Together with automating lighting,power and environmental devices, once JazSecurity has armed the system, motorisedwindows, drapes and blinds areautomatically closed – and vice versa. Youcan also remotely access cameras andrestrict access.

COMMUNICATIONWe live in a connected world, which is why

Jaz is such a clever communicator. Togetherwith fast and reliable Internet access, phoneservices are also integrated on one platform.

With a convenient on-screen or wirelesskeyboard, email and messaging is alsoconveniently at hand using the integratedJaz unit.

AUTOMATIONForget multiple remote controls, now thecomplexity of operating several devices canall be hidden behind one button.

Jaz Automation configures eachcomponent of your system automatically,so one touch of a button can easily activatemultiple commands. You don't have tofigure out how to connect systems, Jazdoes the thinking for you.

ENERGY MANAGEMENTJaz has a fully integrated energymanagement component and an extensiverange of tools to assist in energymonitoring and management.

A rich collection of reports and graphs isprovided to assist in maximising theefficiency of your operation. £

MORE INFO ONLINEFor more information on the new Varetika Jaz,visit the Varetika website www.varetika.comor telephone 1300 159 290.

SAY HELLOTO THE FUTURE


home|construction

Next generation technology. Simple to install. Easy to use.

JAZ IS A HIGH QUALITYAUTOMATION, ENERGY

MANAGEMENT ANDCONTROL, REPORTING AND

TELECOMMUNICATIONSPLATFORM.


For more information, please contact one of our local branches Australia-Wide:Riverwood Ph: (02) 9717 5290 Fax: (02) 9717 5226 Malaga Ph: (08) 9209 7000 Fax: (08) 9209 7044Castle Hill Ph: (02) 9894 9444 Fax: (02) 9894 9567 Edwardstown Ph: (08) 8275 8400 Fax: (08) 8277 6833Keysborough Ph: (03) 9238 2533 Fax: (03) 9238 2535 Export Sales Ph: (08) 8371 3663 Fax: (08) 8371 1519Derwent Park Ph: (03) 6273 9973 Fax: (03) 6273 9934 Wiri Ph: (09) 274 6509 Fax: (09) 274 1063Acacia Ridge Ph: (07) 3344 3855 Fax: (07) 3344 4866 Christchurch Ph: (03) 365 2181 Fax: (03) 365 2183Arundel Ph: (07) 5500 7222 Fax: (07) 5500 7244 Albany Ph: (09) 415 3623 Fax: (09) 415 9687

REDUCE YOURENERGY BILLSWITH OWL WIRELESS MONITOR

A revolutionary device that provides you with the information you need to reduce your electricity billby up to 20%. OWL Wireless Electricity Monitor easily connects to your electrical supply – the unitmust be installed by a qualified electrician.

OWL Wireless Electricity Monitor provides up to the minute information on the amount of electricityyou are using in terms of power, cost and your carbon footprint. This means you can see in real timethe benefits of turning off electrical devices at home. Whether it's turning off at the plug rather thanjust using standby, or simply turning off a light, OWL shows you the cash impact of changing yourhabits and behaviours which could amount to savings of hundreds of dollars per year.

REDUCE YOUROVERALL ELECTRICITY BILL

REDUCE YOURGREENHOUSE GAS MISSIONS

Model Shown: OWL with Monitor + USB



product|technology

HILLS HOME HUBHills Smart Wiring. Build a smart home

that’s connected.

Install Hills Smart Wiring to ensure

your home is cabled for your future

entertainment and home office

requirements. Pre-wired data points to

selected rooms will allow you to

connect to the internet and access your

family’s favourite music, movies and

entertainment downloads. Build a home

that’s wired for technology.

Install Hills Smart Wiring today -

home integration for tomorrow.

Visit us at www.hillshomehub.com.au.

NEW KOCOM INTEGRATED SOLUTIONThe ultimate home and office communications solution, Kocom KCV-

D374SD, is now available from DAS. The KCVD374SD provides users with a

crystal clear and ultra bright display through its large 7” widescreen LCD

screen with LED back lighting, for optimal viewing. The On-Screen Display

(OSD) menu and touch keys further add to its simplistic operation.

The KCV-D374SD is no ordinary intercom. Featuring both a SD card (up

to 16GB) Multi-media and CCTV interface, the KCV-D374SD is capable of

recording and storing motion detection videos and still-cut images, for

added security. The KCV-D374 can also be transformed into a stylish digital

photo frame - displaying your favourite photos directly from the SD card.

To further add to its feature set, the KCV-D374SD is easily integrated with

the Hills Reliance Alarm System through the Hills ComNav module.

Are you looking for products for in and around your homeor just wanting the latest gadgets to make life a little easier.

DIGITALCONNECT

CRYSTAL FORCE CENTRALLY DUCTEDVACUUM SYSTEMHills ‘Crystal Force’ Centrally ducted vacuum systems offer

exceptional features for built-in performance. Following on from the

hugely successful HCV range, the Crystal Force, in addition to the

healthy living benefits of a centrally Ducted system offers the

following outstanding performance features:

• Cyclonic Operation • 100% Duty cycle

• Aesthetic Design • 608 Air Watts • 210 Cu/mH Airflow

• Powerful 240VAC 1600W Twin Turbine Fan Cooled Motor

• High Efficiency Particle Air filter (HEPA) Filtration

• 25 litre Dust Collection Bucket with Integral Carry Handles

• ABS Construction • Peripheral Bypass exhaust

NEW PRODUCTRELEASE

NEW MICROHEAT CONTINUOUS FLOWELECTRIC HOT WATER SYSTEMSMicroHeat water heating product’s compact size compliments‘point-of-use’ installation strategies that reduce energy and waterconsumption.

These Australian engineered water heating products areextremely efficient and have virtually no energy losses, do notincorporate heat exchange technology and do not requireventing. MicroHeat products have none of the on goingmaintenance issues exhibited in existing like type products, suchas scaling or furring of the heat exchanger/electric element.

For more information visit www.hills.com.au.


SONOS® S5 Multi-Room Music SystemSonos ZonePlayers wirelessly play music in any room you choose. Mix and match

for the ultimate in multi-room music.

The S5 is a high-performance, all-in-one wireless music system that delivers

crystal-clear, room-filling sound. Simply plug it in wherever you want music and

enjoy. The 5-driver speaker system is individually powered by 5 dedicated digital

amplifiers and includes 2 tweeters, 2 mid-range drivers and 1 subwoofer for high-

quality sound that rivals much larger, more complicated audio equipment. To start

playing music, one ZonePlayer or ZoneBridge must be connected to the router, then all the rest work

wirelessly. The S5 is available in both black and white. See www.sonos.com.


product|technology

PRODIGYProdigy by Crestron, a most respected and

trusted name in home automation, Prodigy is

control without compromise. Far more than just

another universal remote control, the Prodigy

range offers affordable, simplified control of your

home and entertainment from any room in your

house or any place on the planet, even from

your iPad or iPhone! Installed in more homes

worldwide than all other brands combined,

Crestron is the global standard in luxury homes.

Backed by Crestron quality, expertise and

support, Prodigy provides the power and

scalability you’d expect at a price you can

afford. Now every house can be a Crestron home

with Prodigy. Visit www.crestron.com.au.

COMNAVThe Hills ComNav is an intuitive interface module that maybe added to your Hills Reliance security system. It allowsauthorised users to remotely access and control the securitysystem from any off site touch-tone telephone, webbrowser or via WiFi using a powerful iPhone application.

When accessing the ComNav via a touch-tonephone, the inbuilt PVG (Personal Voice Guide) offers usersa friendly, easy to operate interface to their security system. The PVG allowsnew users to access the full power of their Hills Reliance security system withouthaving to refer to their manual. You can dial in and check the status of yoursecurity system, change a users pin number, enter a new alarm phonenumber or simply arm your system with easy to follow voice prompts.

HILLS VOICENAVConnecting homes and families with ease.

• Added Access Control features including REX,

DOTL and Forced Door for improved security.

• Auto Partial Arm by Area allows the premises to

automatically secure the perimeter of any area by

a preset time while still allowing free movement.

• Disable Bypass for Force Arm Zones can provide

greater security to prevent force arm zones from

being automatically bypassed.

For more information visit www.hills.com.au.

NEW OWL, WIRELESS ENERGY DEVICEOWL - The next generation wireless electricity monitor which keeps all the existing energy saving features of the original OWL monitor

with a brand new ‘track and store’ feature. Monitor your electricity usage, produce live and historical charts via your PC at a time to suit

you via the supplied USB cable and software supplied.

With a superior memory capability, ultra fast download speed, OWL +USB makes it even easier for

you to track and save money. It’s the ideal monitor for anyone who wants to be able to see a visible

reduction in their consumption and cost of electricity. Appealing to anyone who wants to reduce

their household impact on the environment, the use of an OWL+USB is a vital tool in the fight against

climate change.

OWL +USB Wireless Electricity Monitor, provides up to the second information on the

amount of electricity you are using in terms of power, cost and your carbon footprint. This means you

can see in real time the benefits of turning off electrical devices at home. Visit www.hills.com.au.



LIME LEAF

CHICKEN

STRONGFLAVOUREDCHICKEN DISH

INGREDIENTS:2 Poachers Pantry smoked chicken breasts,shredded5 lime leaves, shredded3 tbsp palm sugar1 garlic clove, crushed2 tbsp fish sauce3 tbsp olive oilsalad of picked coriander, mint and beanshoots

METHOD:Mix the ingredients, except chicken andsalad until sugar is dissolved. Sauté chickenin a very hot non-stick pan until slightlycoloured (approx 5 mins). Add sauceingredients, then remove from heat andallow it to cool.

Toss through salad of picked coriander,mint and bean shoots. Garnish with a freshlime wedge.

Serve it with a drop ofRosabrook Margaret RiverSauvignon Blanc 2010he colour is pale straw green. Thearoma is typical Sauvignon Blancaromas, lifted aromatics with zestycitrus and tropical undertones.

Wine Region: Margaret River, WA

Price: $20.00 (approx.)

SERVES

4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

eat |drink

Recipe supplied by Poachers Pantry – creating delicious stories, at home. Visit www.poacherspantry.com.au | Photo: Poachers Pantry.




Having your home built or renovated isa significant event in anyones lifetime. Itinvolves a significant investment ofemotions, time and money. The process canbe enjoyable for you and stress freeprovided that you communicate properlywith the builder so that you bothunderstand each others expectations.

FOLLOWING ARE 10 TIPS TOHELP YOU IN THE PROCESS:

Decide whether you willengage a builder or proceed

as an owner build. If you decide to ownerbuild please refer to previous article “What’sthe Difference for Owner Builders”.

If you decide to engage abuilder – find out whether

they will arrange for an architect ordraftsperson to prepare plans for you or

whether you will need to arrange for those.Ask the builder for names ofreferees and meet with the

referees to view the building works. Makesure you ask the referees questions like -did the builder finish on time, did thebuilder communicate well with you, did thebuilder manage your expectations inrelation to costs.

Check with the Office of FairTrading in NSW (or relevant

bodies in other states) to make sure thatthe builder’s licence is current, that thelicence covers the works that you wantcarried out and to check whether there areany claims against the Builder.

Don’t enter into a buildingContract until you have the

detailed plans. If you don’t, any additionsto the plans will be variations to theContract and will increase the cost.

Ask the builder for evidence ofHome Owners Warranty

insurance before you enter into theContract.

Decide whether you will checkon the progress of the works

with the builder during the course of theworks or whether you will engage anarchitect to do this for you.

Tell the builder whether youwill be relying on funds from

a financial institution and if so make surethe payment arrangements are properlyreflected in the Contract.

Get legal advice on theContract before signing it.

Make sure that you understand what isincluded in the Contract whether it is costplus or fixed price and how variations,delays, extensions of time and liquidateddamages work .

Agree with the builder on theway that you will communicate

with each other during the works eg: sitemeeting, email, phone etc. £

legal |home owners

Note: The information provided above is for convenient reference only. Hills and Watkins Tapsell, Kirrawee provide this information on the basis that it is not to be reliedupon in any or all cases, as the circumstances in each matter are specific. Accordingly, we provide this information for general reference only, but we advise you to takeno action without first seeking independent legal advice from a qualified legal professional. Contact Watkins Tapsell at www.watkinstapsell.com.au.

by Sonja Daly

TIP #1

TIP #2

TIP #3

TIP #4

TIP #5

TIP #10

TIP #9

TIP #6

TIP #7

TIP #8

10 TIPS FORHOME OWNERS


TOTAL SECURITYIN ANY ROOMAt the touch of a finger

The Hills Reliance VoiceNav sets the benchmark inlatest global security intercoms. It becomes anessential part of your home with its complementaryfeatures that suit any home decor.Architecturally designed - the security code pad withinnovative design features makes this easy to use.Designed to give your family peace of mind andprotection anywhere at home with family or friends.Features include:• Advanced Touch Interface• Voice Check Status Key• Modern Architectural Design• Intercom Functionality• Easy to use Menus• Interactive Personal Voice Guide• Customised Voice Recording

The security code pad that appeals to your senses.

Available in horizontal.

See it. Touch it. Hear it.

For more information ask your builderor go to www.hills.com.au

Connecting homes and families with ease.


STYLE & FUNCTIONALITYEAGLE HOMES

“OWL SERIES 1”

(optional ultra mediterranean facade shown)

www.eaglehomes.com.au

Y O U R B E S T V A L U E B U I L D E R S I N C E 1 9 8 4

Housing Displays (Sales Hotline 02 9600 8100)

Freemans Ridge Ph: 02 9607 9488 | Shell Cove Ph: 02 4237 5980

Homeworld IV Ph: 02 9629 7594 | Mt Annan Ph: 02 4647 9475 | Goulburn Ph: 02 4822 5722

Newcastle Ph: 02 4950 1511 | Oran Park Town Ph: 02 9043 5980

*Conditions apply, Sydney basic price – excludes site costs. Eagle Home reserves the right to changeprices/conditions and promotional offers without notice. E&OE.

$164,240.00*PRICED FROM
