Green Home

Energy Efficient Homes

Energy Efficient Homes

Instep Constructions is dedicated to innovative design and construction. We are experienced in designing quality homes using energy efficient ideas that will help to both retain and increase their value in the future. Our special design features include using natural elements to the greatest advantage, while still creating attractive and functional homes to suit your need both now and in the future.”

Energy efficient home tips

Orientation

Living areas and rooms you spend lots of time in should be north-facing to catch sun and light for the longest part of the day.
Bedrooms should be positioned on the southern side so they are cooler and more pleasant to sleep in at night.

Eaves

Eaves over north-facing windows can keep unwanted sun out in summer and let the sun’s warmth in during winter.

Living areas

Although open plan designs are popular, they can be difficult and expensive to heat and cool, and can be quite noisy. So make living areas more enclosed to keep heating and cooling costs down.
Zoni

home renovation

Renovations

Project

Love where you live, but it is no longer the “perfect fit” it was when you first moved in? The normal cycle of life brings changes that impact upon the comfort and practicalities of modern day living. Before you put the “For Sale” sign at your front gate, explore your options.

You might just be surprised at what you can do…..

Planning

A good job starts with the right plan. Watch your ideas come to life in our concept drawings, with final plans drafted incorporating modern building techniques and materials that dovetail your new home extension with your existing structure in just the right way to add real value to your home.

modern kitchens

Kitchen Upgrades

Designing

Modern kitchen design trends change fairly rapidly and this post goes out to all of you out there interested in finding some inspiration for a modern kitchen design. For today we thought about gathering a collection of fabulous modern kitchen design ideas that would serve as a good source of inspiration for anyone thinking about redecorating.

All the arrangements in the pictures below have a contemporary feel and fit great in modern houses or apartments. The color palette is various and we also tried to find some kitchen designs that featured a certain theme. Wood is present in most of the interiors, creating a warm environment. When decorating, also keep in mind to add some flower arrangements as they have the ability of really cheering up a place.

Planning

The layout of your kitchen is by far the most important aspect of any project and needs to be finalised before any decisions are made about materials, fixtures or fittings.Depending on your budget and the existing configuration of the rest of your home, you may have the option of removing a wall to create a larger kitchen-diner or single, open-plan living area. You could also consider removing a chimney breast to maximise floor space.

The starting point for most design is still the classic ‘wrap around’ kitchen which follows the perimeter of the room, but nowadays it often takes the form of an ‘L’ or ‘U’ shape, and features a modern island unit where space allows. However, in narrow spaces, the galley kitchen is still a practical choice, with two parallel counters and plenty of storage space to keep everything within easy reach.

The positioning of your hob, sink and fridge can make all the difference to the way your kitchen works, creating a logical flow or resulting in a frustrating experience every time you cook. Start by considering the principle of the ‘working triangle’ formed by the areas used for food storage (the fridge), food preparation (sink and counter tops) and cooking (the oven). The idea is to minimise the distance between these zones to increase efficiency. It’s important to make sure your bin is included within the triangle, too.

If you use your kitchen to entertain in, an island unit is a great option, allowing you to prepare a meal while you chat. Islands with a breakfast bar can also be useful for working, and you can even use them to house an appliance. What matters most is that the layout of your kitchen is based around your lifestyle. With a little thought and careful planning, you can create a space that works hard and looks fantastic.

swimming pools

Family Pool

Awesome Pools

Our family business runs with family values and is here to offer you a personalised service from a team of caring professionals who have many years experience. As Australians, we treasure the times when we get together with family and friends for a barbeque and a splash in the pool. We’re all about giving Victorians the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful lifestyle by providing you with affordable quality pools that family and friends can enjoy for life.

Installation

To frame your new pool, we use Custom Coping / Custom Stone products because they are a leading manufacturer of quality hand-made pavers and landscape products. Their products are designed to closely replicate the characteristics of natural stone and come in a range of colours. These high quality pavers are the perfect finishing touch for your new addition to your home and this is included in your quote. We have a new range of Himalayan Quartz coping to give our clients more choice for their pool coping surrounds.

lighting solutions

Lighting

Selection

When you think about lighting, think beyond the practical implementations. Consider the influence light has on how we feel; how our mood changes from day to night, summer to winter. It’s the same in your home.

The lighting you choose can create a totally new look and feel. Use it to brighten a dark corner, highlight a favourite piece of furniture or make a unique style statement. From modern to traditional, lamps to chandeliers, downlights to wall lights.

Lighting

The Living Room is typically the largest room in the home and where most of us will spend our time.
Ideally, keep the mood warm and inviting with flexibility to relax the feel through the use of dimmers and table and floor lamps. Use downlights for base level lighting and add a classic chandelier or modern pendants to create a focal point. Highlight your favourite pieces with directional lamps or wall lights. Keep it cool and casual with energy efficient ceiling fans.