Summer In Sydney

It's a bit of a hot one today, but by no means something we Sydney-siders haven't endured before.

38 degrees C in the city and a scorching 42 degrees C out west (for those who don't use Celsius, that's 107.6 degrees F).

Keep Mozzies Away - The Natural Way!

We're sure every single one of our customers has experienced the red, itchy bumps that comes with a mozzie bite. 

Here at Branson's, we want our customers to be able to make the most of their renovations - inside & outside!

9/10, people will turn to store bought insect repellents to keep mozzies away, but these insect repellents often contain a toxic pesticide that is dangerous to human and even pet health. 

So we've done some research, and here's the most popular NATURAL ways to keep the mozzies at bay!

Citronella essential oil  is one of the best natural mosquito repellents in the world.  Place a few candles around your patio or garden and create a mosquito proof barrier!

Lavender is loved by humans all over the world, but mozzies hate it! To keep mosquitoes out of your home, add a drop of lavender to ribbon and place around open windows. The mosquitoes will be thinking twice about entering your home!
You can also add approx 30 drops of lavender essential oil to two tablespoons of vegetable oil – such as olive oil – and rub onto exposed skin. Not only will you smell beautiful, but it will stop mosquitoes from landing on you!

“Bug Off” spray recipe that includes mosquito repelling essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass and eucalyptus. Spray this on your skin before heading outside.

Get the full tutorial for this “Bug Off” spray from here.

Rosemary on the Barbie is another trick. Mozzies often like to crash a BBQ, but this simple trick will turn your barbecue into a natural mosquito repellent, while also adding delicious flavour to your food!

Throw a few stalks of rosemary on the hot coals to give off a mosquito repelling aroma.

Mozzie repelling plants – for example feverfew, citronella, catnip and lavender are some of the most effective. Plant these in flower beds or containers placed around your garden and help keep mozzies away with Mother Nature on side.

Eating lots of garlic will gently released from your pores. This garlic oil acts almost like a barrier between your skin and the mosquitoes. NOTE: May also repel humans. 

We hope this has helped a few of our customers make the most of enjoying their homes & outdoors!

Talk to Bransons Building Materials today: http://bransonsbuildingmaterial.com.au/

EOFY Renovations, Alterations & Extension to Investment Properties

Here are some tips from the Branson’s team about what tax time means for investment property repairs, extensions, renovations and more.

Claiming tax deductions on renovations to your investments can save you a lot of dollars, but there are many tips, tricks & traps you should be made aware of before you meet with your tax agent.

For first-time property investors, knowing the difference between deductions for capital works and depreciating assets is a good starting point.

The ATO will allow you to claim ‘capital works deductions’ for the construction costs of buildings, alterations, extensions (this includes bathroom and kitchen renos) or structural improvements such as a gazebo, deck, carport or retaining walls etc. These type of deductions are claimed at the rate of 2.5 per cent (usually) in the 40 years following construction, as materials such as bricks, concrete and windows are deemed to retain their worth longer.

However, deductions can only be claimed if the property was built after 17 July 1985.

Depreciating assets, also known as plant and equipment, are the parts of your investment property that the ATO deem to deteriorate quickly – such as dishwashers, ovens, dryers, air-conditioning units, carpets and blinds.

You will be able to claim a deduction based upon the effective life of each item, regardless of the date the property was built. Each item will have its own effective life span.

We separate the fact from fiction when it comes to tax time building deductions:

Timing is crucial– Fact

You are only able to claim deductions for the period that the property is rented, or is actually available for rent.

For example, if you purchased an investment property and had a tenant for a six month period – at the end of this time, you renovated the property and then moved in afterwards yourself. You would not be able to claim the removal of those items. It has to be an investment property again once you have completed the renovations.

You have to rent out a property for a six-month period to claim deductions – Fiction!

There’s no minimum time frame. If a tenant was in place for one month after settlement and there’s a current lease, you can still renovate and deductions would apply, as long as it is income producing or available to be rented out.

You can claim depreciation even before you start a renovation – Fact!

This is very much true, assuming the property was built after 1985 and it has been leased out. 

Get in touch with a quantity surveyor prior to the renovation who will assess the value of what is about to be removed and write this amount off. The amount can be surprisingly substantial in most cases.

You can’t claim depreciation on renovations carried out by a previous owner – Fiction!

You are able to claim the depreciation as if you have done the renovations yourself, including properties built before 1985.

If I was to buy a property that had a 100-year-old structure but internally a new kitchen and bathroom were put in two years ago, the 40-year life expectancy starts from the completion of those renovations. If you don’t know the timing of the renovations, a quantity surveyor will be able to help you out.

There is a big difference between renovations and repairs and maintenance – BIG Fact!

You can claim a deduction for the costs you pay to repair and maintain your rental property, in the year you pay them. Some people find it difficult to work out the difference between repairs and capital works.

To help clarify, here are some examples:

Timber Fencing:

A REPAIR means: You fix five missing or broken palings on a timber fence.

CAPITAL WORKS means: You replace the whole fence.

Hot Water Systems:

A REPAIR means: A plumber fixes a valve on a hot water system.

CAPITAL WORKS means: The plumber replaces the whole hot water system.

For all your investment property renovation supplies, contact our friendly team at Bransons.

www.bransonsbuildingmaterial.com.au

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Houzz.

Treated Pine Decking - We have you covered!

When it comes to Sydney's best in Treated Pine Decking, Branson's has you covered.

This particular type of decking gives you the perfect outdoor entertaining area, a deck is the perfect place to relax and entertain your friends and family. 

There are many good reasons for using Treated Pine Decking, it's easy to nail and will last a long, long time. It is also very cost effective - which is always good news!

For the best in treated pine decks Sydney has to offer - contact our friendly team today!

www.bransonsbuildingmaterial.com.au

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Houzz.

Decorative & Privacy Screens from Bransons

All the benefits, minus the hassle.

Using Modwood Composite products will give long life & good looks to your Decking and Screening projects - without the costs & hassle of repainting or staining that traditional timber requires. 

Modwood Plastic Composite is a bushfire resistant Polymer & will withstand the test of time.

Modwood is made from recycled wood and plastic, looks, smells and handles like wood with the durability of plastic.

Modwood looks and feels like natural timber but requires none of the maintenance of traditional woods. You won’t need to paint or stain it, just enjoy its beauty for years & years to come.

Modwood is available in a variety of colours and sizes to suit your specific project's needs.

Here at Bransons, we are able to make to measure your privacy screen in Modwood, all we need is your measurements.

Contact Bransons today to find out more:

www.bransonsbuildingmaterial.com.au

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Houzz.

Western Red Cedar - Bringing Warmth to your designs

Western Red Cedar brings natural warmth to any living space

Not much compares to the natural warmth and inviting feel of Western Red Cedar in your entertaining space.

Coupled with a few comfy cushions and a decorative, ethonol fire place - you have yourself a winning combination for any living space.

Bransons Building Materials are Western Red Cedar specialists, and source their stock from sustainable, managed resources.

All our moulded products are premium grade dresses seasoned Western Red Cedar.

Available products:

• Cladding
• Panelling
• Altache
• Screening Components

You can contact Bransons today for an obligation-free quote:

www.bransonsbuildingmaterial.com.au

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Houzz.

Federation Style

Relax in the quality surrounds reflective of yesteryear with Federation style DIY & construction projects.

Here at Bransons Building Materials, we stocks an extensive range of Federation accessories including:

Balusters
Baluster cut-outs
Turned posts & tops
Finials
Verandah brackets
Freize panels, spindles & rails
Handrails
As well as the all-important custom made arches.

Federation style brings a classic touch to any home - talk with our friendly team today to discuss your vision!

www.bransonsbuildingmaterials.com.au

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Houzz.