Author

Mike Johnston

Laminate versus quartz worktops—Seems like a far-fetched comparison, doesn’t it? Surely, you can’t begin to imagine how laminate could compare with the likes of quartz. 

Remember the time when laminate worktops had poor visuals and often are easily worn down? However, the gap between these two surface materials is narrowing to a point wherein designers, homeowners, etc. are starting to compare them with each other to find out which one is better. 

Premium laminates are quickly catching up to the wide customer base and market share of quartz. In fact, those who previously would pick quartz any day (if their budget persists) are finding themselves considering laminates instead.  

Prospective buyers often are caught undecided between the choices for worktop material. So, to help you make the decision-making easier here is a comparison between two surface materials that are worth looking into if you plan on remodelling or buying a new kitchen. 

Let’s begin with the basics, but if you already know this, then skip this section and continue with the next. 

Composition

Quartz worktops. Quartz is a mixture of materials. It is composed of 10% binding resins and the other 90% comprised hard materials such as pure quartz crystals, marble, glass, mirrors, etc.

Because it is a composite material, alternate terms are often used like engineered stone, man-made stone, or cultured stone, reflecting this material’s true nature.

Laminate worktops. Basically, this is a sandwich of materials. A thick slab of particleboard makes up the structural part, which you will never see since the thin sheet of laminate covers it. 

Although laminate is called “plastic,” it is not actually plastic. Laminate is largely composed of kraft paper and resins. 

worktops
Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash

Appearance 

Solid Colours. Should all worktop surfaces mimic stone surfaces? Perhaps, no. 

Quartz surfaces are widely known for their unmatched consistency in colour and patterns that even granite couldn’t match, yet it lacks in depth of colour. However, you should worry since quartz can easily pull off a natural stone feel and appearance that even laminate couldn’t match. 

In the UK, laminate is available in hundreds of solid and contemporary colours, including graphical prints and patterns which really help to improve your home internal look. Laminates can also mimic stones such as travertine, marble, and slate and also organic materials like wood, leather and cook and also even fabric and paper. 

Depth. In terms of duplicating a natural stone’s look, then there’s no question that quartz is the clear winner. However, high-end laminates are breaking barriers and are becoming even more realistic at replicating the appearance of a natural stone. 

Regardless of how expensive a laminate is, it may never duplicate the visual depth of quartz since it isn’t visually deep itself.  

Best. If you prefer stone-like surfaces, quartz is your best bet. But if you want a surface able to mimic a stone’s distinctive veining, opt for laminate. 

Durability

Independent testing services such as the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) in the UK and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), in accordance with set guidelines, conduct tests to rate the durability of worktop materials. 

Scratch resistance

Quartz. Compared with natural stone counters, quartz has impressive flexural strength and is almost indestructible. Yes, it is highly scratch resistant. However, note that it does and can scratch. Especially susceptible are tight-grained, solid, dark colours, and they’re highly difficult to fix. 

Laminate. Long been considered as laminate’s Achilles heel is its “wear layer” or the topmost layer. This layer easily scratches and chips, especially with knives that are prominently found in kitchens.

Typically, a salesman would inform you that laminate slabs are as long-lasting as quartz slabs, and of course, we all know that most homeowners wouldn’t want a blemished surface, especially if they often have friends and guests over for small or large gatherings. 

So to remedy this, opt for dark-coloured or patterned laminate slab because it hides better cuts and bruises.

​Heat resistance

You might be surprised to know that laminate can withstand extreme heat, whereas quartz surfaces are only durable so long as sudden and extreme temperature changes are not directly applied on the surface.

Best. Although both materials are very hard-wearing, quartz definitely has the solid win in terms of abrasion ratings, but laminate in terms of heat resistance. 

Image by rawpixel.com

Installation

A great majority of all quartz and laminate surfaces of quality are professionally installed.

It’s nearly impossible for homeowners to actually develop the skillset required in the fabrication and installation of quartz surfaces. This also holds true for laminates. 

If homeowners want to close the “quality gap” between laminate and quartz, then they must be installed professionally, too.

However, is it possible to install laminate or quartz on your own? Yes. There is an existing market of off-the-shelf laminate slabs that can be installed on existing counters, but this requires some effort on the part of the homeowners. 

Note that if you do this wrong, you’ll be spending a lot more instead of saving. 

Best. Laminate, since you need professionals for proper quartz installation. 

The Takeaway

So which is it, laminate or quartz worktops? If you are still on the fence, ask your dealership to provide you with samples and place them in your kitchen to see which one suits your taste and lifestyle. Again, the ultimate decision rests upon your personal preference.    

Modernism design isn’t a design style that’s set in stone. It evolves over time and it’s highly influenced by what’s going on in today’s world. But when it comes to choosing a design style for your home, there’s a difference between “modern” and “modernist.”

What is modernist architecture?

Modernism isn’t a strict set of rules that one must follow to the T when you’re designing. It’s more of a mindset and it’s always evolving, thanks to current cultural trends, technology, new materials, our geographical location, and sustainability principles, like rules for dealing with construction waste

When you hear the term “modernist architecture,” you’re probably thinking about clean lines, stark white decor, glass, and metal elements. It all sounds so new, right? But did you know that this type of architectural design has actually been around for the past century? The style originated in the 1920s and was most popular between the 50s and 60s. Its popularity cooled off between the 70s and 2000s, but it is making a comeback. 

So… Think Frank Lloyd Wright combined with touches of Germany’s Bauhaus School.

modernist architecture
Photo by Jimmy Chang on Unsplash

The rise and fall of modernism in the 20th century

At the conclusion of the Second World War, modernist architecture was in its prime. The early 1950s saw a second wave of architects who embraced modernism. Paul Rudolph, I.M. Pei, and Phillip Johnson took ideas from Bauhaus and injected it with regional inspiration that drew heavily from their local landscape, climate, and (of course) the culture. Other architects like John  Lautner and Alden Dow actually studied under Frank Lloyd Wright and you can see that influence in their designs. 

Once the 1970s hit, modernist architecture wasn’t in much demand due to maintenance problems. Modernism design was ahead of its time, to be sure. However, no one could anticipate the problems they’d experience due to the designs and materials used to create these signature designs. 

An example of this is the flat roof. They may have looked cool, but at the time, roofing materials weren’t the greatest and leaky roofs were a common issue. By the time there were improvements to roofing material, modernism fell out of popularity. In its place, homeowners, designers, and architects embraced postmodernism’s bold use of color, ornamentation while drawing on historical design elements to break free of the limitations of modernism.  

Modernism is back in action in the 21st century

While people’s interest in modernist architecture waned during the late 1990s, modernism began its glorious comeback in the 2000s. Once again, people fell in love with the minimalist lifestyle (often thought of being sterile, cold, and unfriendly) while still embracing mid-century design. 

People often associate modernism with white boxes sitting on top of concrete slabs. This is true for many homes that employ this design style, they aren’t the de facto design elements. Modernism is about using regional elements to create a home that feels like it belongs there. Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic style seamlessly blends minimalist design with functional design elements that respond to natural elements like the weather, sun orientation, and the like. 

Photo by Nerses Khachatryan on Unsplash

What are the most common elements of modernist architecture? 

One modernist home can look very different from another modernist home, but they almost always have similar features like: 

  • Open floor plans
  • Flat or low-pitched roofs
  • Lots of natural light
  • Glass walls
  • Clean lines with very little ornamentation
  • Geometric and asymmetrical structures
  • Visible structural elements like beams, reinforced concrete, and steel frames
  • Elements that blur the line between indoors and outdoors

What to know if you’re thinking about owning a modernist home

If you’re drawn to modernist architecture and your dream home would look like something out of Wright’s portfolio of designs, there are some things you need to know. 

First of all, it’s going to cost a lot to maintain the temperature in the house. Since this design style often features a lot of glass and open spaces, you’re going to have to think of energy-efficient solutions. Walk around the house and pay attention to the temperature and airflow, as they will impact your energy efficiency and overall living comfort.

You’ll also want to remember that if you’re looking at an older modernist home, you’ll want to get the roof inspected. Not only will you want to look for leaks (old and new), but also if there are ways you can make the roof less likely to leak in the future. 

Modernist architecture is making a comeback and people are embracing the philosophies that go with it. Gone are the days of busy wallpapers, bold colors, and closed floor plans because it’s time to embrace the cleanliness and functionality that modern design offers!

Ready for a light spring update of your interior in 2022? If you love to follow trends in interior design and keep your home relevant, there are a few trends that will pop this year. Adopt any of the following trends and you’ll love your home even more: 

Warm colors will be big in 2022

There’s no design without color, interior design included. The color palette you’ve chosen for your home can make or break the design. Colors have a strong effect on humans and can evoke emotional responses. In the past years, cooler tones like purple have been very popular. In 2022, warm colors will find themselves back on the big stage. 

Red is one of the main colors of the year, but all different shades of red, orange, and coral will be present in modern interiors today. If you’re aiming for an earthy and sustainable vibe, browns and beiges are expected to replace gray as the neutral color this season. 

in 2022
Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash 

Soft shapes will remain relevant in 2022

From the various architectural elements to furniture and décor, in 2022 we can expect to see a lot of rounded shapes, softness, and femininity in forms. If your home is full of lines and sharp corners, it’s easy to rectify this with furniture that flows. Designer furniture has lost its actual (not figurative) edge. We can see soft and rounded tables, lighting, sofas, and ottomans. Even chairs will exhibit softness instead of their stoic and rigid structure. 

Statement ceilings are here to stay in 2022

If you want to achieve a very obvious and bold change in your interior, just point some attention up towards your ceilings. Bold colors and patterns today are not only reserved for walls and flooring—ceilings will enjoy a lot of interest and instantly transform any boring space into a quirky and eclectic environment. 

Photo by Maiar Shalaby on Unsplash 

Diverse and flexible design

In the past, before the pandemic, every room had a specific use and the design that supported it, but today, when we have to do so many things at home, we need designs that will be flexible and diverse. Multi-functional spaces that allow you to use every inch of your home will be all the rage in 2022, especially among people who live in smaller homes and apartments

For instance, with folding chairs and tables it’s possible to go from a full dining room to open space for workouts. Furniture with tiny wheels is also popular because it’s easy to move around and create different designs with it. 

Concrete décor pieces & accents

Concrete is a common material used for flooring, walls, and countertops, but this material (that’s surprisingly eco-friendly) has more uses today, most notably in décor. For instance, you will notice more lighting pendants, coffee tables, and small decorations made with concrete. If you like this trend, just make sure to balance the gray and cold vibe of concrete with some bold and bright colors to prevent the space from becoming too sterile. 

Image by rawpixel.com 

Woven elements

Furniture and accents made with cane are still going strong, but in 2022, we can expect to see some more woven elements. These are very attractive details that can bring nature into your home quickly and efficiently. Besides well-known weave chairs, we can expect to see other elements like vases, pendants, lamps, and cabinets adorned with woven elements. 

Café curtains

If you’re completely new to café curtains, you might be stunned to see this trend, but after you keep seeing it, it will definitely grow on you. Aesthetically not the most attractive, café curtains just make sense because they provide users with ample privacy while allowing the sun to shine through. When you see café curtains in action, you’ll become a believer. 

Final thoughts

In 2022, expect a lot of freedom to experiment with different interior designs and different décor elements. If you want to use these above as the inspiration for your unique design, feel free to adopt them and enjoy your new interior.

Living rooms are meant to be a retreat within your home. A place where you can curl up at the end of a hard day. A room to gather with friends and family. A space to call your own. Finding the perfect balance between cozy and stress-free can be challenging. We tend to think of cozy rooms as a place where you’re surrounded, whereas a stress-free room invokes images of a clutter-free existence. Fortunately, you can have it all. Here are some easy decor tricks to help you achieve a cozy and stress-free living room.

Take a minimalist approach

There’s a misconception that minimalism means having a sterile, unwelcoming space. While that’s one version of minimalism, it’s more about everything in a room being chosen with intent and creating an ideal flow. 

First, consider the scale of your furniture in comparison to the room. If you have a small living room, having smaller, sleeker furniture can open up space. Rather than having sofas and chairs that rest flush against the floor, consider adding legs to elevate the furniture and allow air to flow through.

Use a floor planner to determine the best living room layout, creating separation for different spaces as needed. Remember that furniture doesn’t always need to be up against the wall; adding a narrow table behind a couch can improve the room’s flow while creating functional surfaces for beverages, books, and displays.

Photo by Lisa from Pexels

Incorporate natural elements

Humans are innately connected to nature. Bringing natural elements into your home decor can create a sense of calm and belonging that adds to the coziness of your home without adding clutter.

Indoor plants are one of the most manageable natural elements to incorporate into your decor. Bring your living room to life with a bouquet of tropical flowers for a pop of color that looks amazing against a neutral backdrop. 

You can also get some low-maintenance leafy plants, like the snake plant or dracaena. Adding stone candle holders and natural wood elements also add a nice touch when reconnecting with nature to create a stress-free living room. 

Rely on cozy textiles

What is more cozy and stress-free than an assortment of blankets and pillows? Add a few layers of lush throw blankets to your furniture, or keep them stored neatly with a blanket basket or ladder. Using throw pillows is a great way to make the space relaxing while creating versatility for seasonal decor.

Don’t neglect the window treatments when considering your textiles. Sheer white curtains create a calm, breezy environment in the warmer months, while thicker fabrics create a sense of warmth during the winter.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels

Create lighting options

Your living room should have more than one lighting option. Ideally, you’ll be able to influence the tone of the room by the lights you use. Consider having a bright overhead light for cleaning and getting things done, as well as a few warm, dim lamps for a soothing atmosphere.

Create clutter-free storage options

Keeping your living room clutter-free can be a challenge, especially if you have kids. As this is the area where people gather, it tends to collect more clutter than other rooms. Incorporate storage options into your decor. Baskets can be placed on shelves to hide toys, and decorative boxes are great for storing wires and electronics. You can also create rules about leaving things in the living room; remember to follow the rules yourself!

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

Display joy-inducing photos and art

Don’t feel compelled to display imagery based on decor trends and what you think you should do. Instead, display art and photos that bring you joy. If you prefer comic book splash pages over “live, laugh, love” signs, put them on the wall— this is your home! It’s also worth noting that if you’re someone who doesn’t like displaying art and photos, and prefers the clean feeling of a blank wall, choose that instead. 

 

Creating a cozy and stress-free living room means blending your personal style with a clutter-free layout. Add comfortable elements to convey warmth and welcoming, and you’ll have the living room of your dreams.

If you want to increase the curb value of your home and give your property a facelift, you should consider choosing the right siding replacement. It is very simple really. The value of a property is directly proportional to its beauty and attractiveness in the minds of potential buyers. If you do your job right, it is possible that you will be able to get just what you need and want for your house. 

Apart from that, a neat and clean look will make you feel ‘right at home’ so to speak. You can change the siding of your home if it has become old and worn out. Alternatively, you can do it just to change the look of your property. In any case, you will need to go through various options regarding colors and choice of material before you decide what is ideal for your home. Let us see how you too can give your home a much-needed facelift by selecting the ideal siding for it:

Select the right materials

Many, if not most siding related products are designed in such a way that they strongly mimic real wood siding. Yes, original wood siding is also available, but it is not as long-lasting as the many different siding materials currently in vogue today. Add to that the fact that real wood is now very expensive. However, a veritable plethora of siding materials can replicate the look and feel of real cedar siding. Some of the more common siding options include the following:  

siding
Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash 

Vinyl

This is arguably one of the single most common materials available today for the external décor of your home. It is a low-cost long-life option consisting of polymer-based plastics. It is available in many different sizes, thicknesses, and qualities. There are lots of colors and textures available. The cost comes to around $9-10 or so per square foot which makes it quite affordable. Apart from that, vinyl also allows a lot of insulation behind it. It is rot proof and many contractors also offer insect repellent vinyl sidings. However, it won’t last more than 10-15 years and it is seldom fireproof. 

Composite board

This is a very eco-friendly form of siding and it is manufactured from recycled wood pulp. The different sides of the wood are heavily compressed and then stuck with powerful adhesives. Composite is available in just about any color you like. In fact, if it is available in a paint store, you are likely to find it with your composite siding vendor as well.

 If the paint starts to chip, just repaint it all over again instead of swapping the whole thing. It is quite easy to install and can be treated with insect repellent. However, it is not only not fireproof but quite combustible as well. If you live in a rain prone area it might not be suitable because the wood can swell and burst. 

null
Photo by Rendy Novantino on Unsplash 

Aluminum

This is also a very common type of siding and it is widely available in many different designs and colors. This siding is built to last. Even if you don’t spend much on maintaining it, you can rest assured that it will easily last for decades.  It can also handle inclement weather such as violent thunderstorms, snow, and hail. If you feel that it is looking under the weather, you can simply have it repainted. If an area becomes chipped or dented, you can easily repair it or even replace the affected section with a new one without any difficulty. 

It is considered to be one of the most fireproof sidings around, which makes it very safe. Since it is painted after installation, you can change the color once you check a sample piece or two and go for something you really like. However, it is expensive and there are not as many designs or textures available as various other kinds of siding systems. 

Conclusion

There are many siding options for your consideration. You will have to research the various options till you find something that is just right for your home and the weather conditions in your area. Good luck!

Croatia’s lovely sceneries along the coast, with the largest archipelago the largest in the Adriatic Sea which includes a plethora of islands, has made it one of the world’s most beautiful countries in Europe. The picturesque landscape, rich biodiversity, and genuine culture have made Dalmatia and Istria both, appealing vacation destinations and new attractive real estate hotspots. If the spectacular beach vista is a must-have for your new luxury home, see some of the most magnificent residences with infinity pools on the Adriatic coast with views of the sea.

An infinity pool minimalist design villa on an island

Island Brač is home to one of Croatia’s most popular properties at the moment. If you like the luxury waterfront construction styles, the natural materials, cutting-edge design, and distinctive indoor plants this villa will entice you into falling in love at first sight. The glass walls are a lovely touch, but the stunning outdoor deck with a huge infinity swimming pool and spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea is the real deal-stopper. 

With a stunning position of the infinity pool that emphasizes the magic sky reflection, this avant-garde mansion creates an impression of eternal summer. The floor heating throughout the house and 120 sqm parking lot are some of the villa’s highlights. The spacious outdoor dining area with a double-sided plain design fireplace is ideal for hosting families and guests. 

infinity

Seven bedroom seafront villa with private beach

This luxury designer house is perched on a hill above the beach and is only 8 kilometers from Dubrovnik’s historic center. The whole property is isolated from the traffic and the chaotic everyday life, with a panoramic view of the seashore accessible to your eyes from every room. 

The beautiful house’s infinity pool is concealed from the view of passers-by, and a couple of steps beneath your property will take you to the beach if you wish to swim in the sea. This is the villa with a private boat dock and its own beach entrance. It also features a grand sauna, a private gym, and floor heating. This home boasts a stunning location for the long, leisurely mornings or summer evening gatherings with its spanning seaside patio.

infinity

A stunning villa with an infinity pool in the backyard

This modern house is located in a peaceful and one of the most attractive regions in Croatia, the Istrian Peninsula. With some of the most luxurious cities in Croatia, Istria is famous for its wine culture, and authentic gastronomy. The property is completely fenced, which adds to the classic appearance. It complements the genuine stone architecture on the exterior of the home. With an infinity pool in the backyard, its own indoor spa and mooring, a wide hot tub, laundry room, and more, this resort has everything you need for a pampering living. 

The villa has seven bedrooms, is spread over 180 square meters, and offers an open view of the landscape from nearly every corner. The spacious living space leads to the great front patio, which features a long infinity pool with a hot tub just above the thickly forested Mediterranean trees. Swimming in an infinity-edge pool gives you the sensation of flying through lush rainforest. 

Discover more about Croatia’s most magnificent properties for less than 2.000.000€ and why some of them might be a superb investment possibility, all from the comfort of your own home!

Are you looking for strategies to keep your house fresh as it is inside? Would you like to make your house more attractive and have your neighbors drop their jaws? If so, you have to read out a few of the house recommendations to accomplish the task properly. You may be amazed how a little improvement may have a huge effect. Not all upgrades of the home exterior will require you to break the bank.

Beautify your front door                                                                                               

Let’s begin with your home’s front door. Usually, the door is the first thing your eyes gravitate to when you glance at the house front. Suppose your home is facing the street, the doorway is the priority you want to make your curb appeal more energetic. You need not substitute your door to boost esthetics, contrary to widespread opinion (unless you want to, of course).

By covering it up in a fresh paint coat, you may simply touch it up. Try to paint a hue that offers a friendly contrast to the side color of your house. For instance, if the siding of your home is bright, paint a dark shade of the entrance to offer a balance for your eyes. You also can switch the hardware off by substituting a modern door handle for a fresh coat. Another good idea could be installing new flooring that would best match the front door. 

your house
Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash 

Replacing the siding

Maybe you’re sick with the vinyl siding you’re currently looking at. Perhaps to improve the exterior, you wish to replace it with another material. First, you want to check the vinyl siding to see if it was placed incorrectly. Things like mold growth, water damage, holes, rodents, and many more concerns could be the issues behind the look of your siding.

There are several revealing signals to those of you who are considering replacing your vinyl siding. When you see the siding begin to distort, the first indicator is their availability to sunlight may be extreme or an enormous amount of heat, such as adjacent to a grill. If evidence of mold is present or the color of the vinyl starts to decay in certain spots, you should also replace the siding by applying the service of professionals. Remember that discoloration makes your whole house seem much older than it is.

Apply window shutters

Did you ever think your windows missed something? Perhaps it feels like a bit of definition is missing? If so, add shutters to your windows to make them pop a little longer. This might aid to increase the excitement and comfort of your appeal for curbing. The shutters can be painted to fit the emphasis on the door frame, window frame, roof trim, etc.

You’ll want to use a color like painting your front door to contrast the color of your siding. Thus, when people drive past your property, shutters are definitive. Also, make sure that mattress disposal services will quickly arrive so there is nothing blocking the front door. If you are worried that they might block the sun and your flowers might be negatively affected, you can use LED grow lights that can substitute sunlight and help your flowers thrive.  

Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash 

Repair damaged sewer line

Soil movement is a common cause of broken urban tap links. A sewage line is damaged when individuals dig in their backyard (move the dirt). This can be tough to mend because correcting one end usually implies digging the other.

You don’t have to replace the whole sewage line; the work is done for you by mending the afflicted portion. In addition, repair of the sewer line could be complex work and professionals should be the best choice. Once you repair the sewer line, build a small garden or instead build a treehouse, you can be creative in many ways since there are a lot of things to do with your backyard

It’s time for a new roof

With an outdated roof, your home might look older and potentially damage your moisture. You want new architectural shingles to replace an existing roof. There are more dimensions to architectural roofs than traditional asphalt bars. They are meant to help reflect UV rays so that your house is also cooler.

When you think of all the things you need to do to improve the look of your home, you might think there is too much work involved. You may feel overwhelmed and decide to give it up. However, you must know there are other options for you to get the home of your dreams. One of these options would be to build a custom home. This would be a project where you work directly with the home builders to design, plan, and select every single detail regarding your new home.

Conclusion

When you asked us how to get the most out of your external renovation, we would respond that we are concentrating on one region of your home with a certain objective in mind. To beautify your home, you do not have to get crazy with costly remodeling. 

Some thorough thinking can help you pick the most useful adjustments and you should first focus on those areas. We are certain that the advice in this post will allow you to ace your house refurbishment game!

Putting sweat equity into a recent house that you purchased can make all the difference to your bottom line. Depending on the project, a contractor can cost thousands of dollars. Common pitfalls that house flippers run into when renovating a property is sticking to the original budget. One way to give yourself more of a financial cushion when renovating a house is to do some or all of the work yourself. While HGTV makes real estate look like rainbows and butterflies, if not. Things can happen while on the job. Renovating a house can be a huge and daunting project. Even the most experienced house flippers and homebuyers sometimes injure themselves while fixing things up. Today, we will review the most common injuries that can happen when renovating a house and how to avoid them.

Thrown-out back

Outside of flipping houses, a thrown-out back is one of the most common back injuries out there. When renovating a house, you are required to put your body in different and challenging positions. The more flexible you are, the less likely you are to get injured. Unfortunately, not all of us are born with naturally limber bodies. People that renovate houses oftentimes throw out their backs when lifting heavy objects. Typically, it is not always the weight that is the downfall. The awkward shapes and sizes of different objects can throw people off. They approach these objects in an awkward fashion and forget the basics. “Lift with your knees, not your back” goes out the window.

At some point, a home renovator will likely pick up something large and heavy, such as a toilet. sometimes, the object doesn’t need to be moved very far. Other times, you will need to carry a toilet up three flights of stairs. Now, do you see why throwing your back out is pretty easy to do when renovating a house? There are a few ways to avoid this common injury when house flipping. The goal is to be proactive. To start, stretch before you begin renovating the property. the looser that your body is, the less likely you are to throw your back out. If your back is already feeling stiff, visit your local chiropractor. Most home renovation projects are on a time crunch. To avoid turning stiffness into a full-blown injury, treat your body with chiropractic care.

injuries
Image by rawpixel.com 

Bruised fingers

Your fingers are some of the most vulnerable extremities on your body when flipping houses. Think about it. How close are you to hitting your finger each time you swing that hammer? Bruising a finger is one of the most common injuries that happens every day on home renovation job sites. No matter how many times you’ve swung a hammer in the past, if you are not paying attention, you might miss the nail. It can happen in a split second. Oftentimes, this event occurs when there is a lot going on around that person. Job sites get extremely busy. It’s easy to lose focus and accidentally bruise your finger with a hammer. If you bruise your finger badly, you may be out of commission for a few days. What are some things that you can do to avoid this from happening?

First off, wear gloves. Naturally, a glove softens the blow of any blunt object. Make sure that the gloves are not too loose, to avoid anything getting tangled. Gloves also help with avoiding blisters if you are planning on using a hammer consistently throughout the day. Another way to avoid bruising your fingers is to take things slow. Take a deep breath, and know that there is no rush. Go at a pace that makes you comfortable to avoid injuries in the future.

Image by rawpixel.com 

Pulled shoulder

Shoulders are extremely delicate areas of the body. This is especially true when moving objects around and over your head. Along with lifting heavy objects, a home renovation requires you to move things above your head and shift them around constantly. For example, you may be installing shelving or kitchen cabinets. Both of these items require you to hold things above your head for long periods of time. These motions make your shoulders extremely vulnerable. If you make the wrong move too fast, you can tweak or pull a ligament in your shoulder area.

To avoid injuring yourself in this part of your body, stretching is also key here. Start your day off slow and do not lift anything above your head that is too heavy until you are warmed up. You can warm up your arms by doing small exercises or stretches before getting started. An injured shoulder can be the end of your home renovation project. Do your best to warm up this part of your body before lifting things that are too heavy.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, injuries will continue to happen during home renovations. However, there is a lot that we can do to keep our bodies in shape, warmed up, and loose. Movement is key before putting our bodies in difficult positions and lifting heavy objects. Slow and steady wins the race. Although your home renovation project is likely on a sharp deadline, don’t forget to warm up slowly before going full speed ahead during your house flip.

With extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of renovation, hiring a contractor comes with many perks. Not only are they the point of contact for the owner of the project but for the other teams on site. One of their main functions is increasing communication while decreasing confusion in the process. However, those are not the only benefits to trusting a contractor with your project. 

Contractors are experts at fixing issues with properties. If you find yourself trying to sell a hurricane-damaged house, there’s most likely a ton of work to be done. Not every renovation is possible to complete by doing it yourself. Here, we outline several benefits that come along with hiring a contractor to fix a house damaged by a hurricane.

1) Material Cost

In most cases, anyone will tell you that it is the labor and not the materials that will cost the most. However, in a large project with water damage from a hurricane, the cost of materials can add up fast. For instance, running a gas line can start at $12 per linear foot. Unfortunately, it fails to take into account a few things key points:

  • Type of gas line (and how much)
  • Additional appliances being installed 
  • Splitting the meter if necessary

This is a small sample of what projects containing gas lines can entail. Your contractor will review the details of the project and can negotiate better pricing on your behalf.

contractors
Image by rawpixel.com 

2) Sub-Contracting

This will be a large part of what your contractor will perform. After all, they can not do the entire job by themselves. For instance, if the roof is caved in from water damage, you may need to bring in a roofer to handle that part of the renovation. Your contractor will allocate work to the proper people.

By subcontracting, you are assured that the different aspects of the project are being managed, and in turn, someone is managing them. The general contractor should review any safety tips required to know before starting the job. Moreover, you can trust that someone will be available to give a breakdown of the current progress.

3) Money Management

As previously mentioned costs can quickly escalate if those watching the process are not paying attention. Watching the money is another important part of what your contractor will deal with. A project will grind to a halt if materials and labor are not paid for. 

However, when needed supplies and people do not arrive, it is also their job to find out why. Consistent delays can cause a large renovation to come in over budget and keeping the project on track is part of the job as well. 

Photo by Blue Bird from Pexels 

4) Project Management

The world of a contractor in any industry is a tiny one. The longer they have been in the field the stronger their connections to necessary people and materials will be. Contractors work with only the most reliable of teams and will steer clear of any who tend to over promise and under deliver. 

Large renovations due to hurricane damage require a ton of coordination between different technicians. Various portions will need to pass county inspection and delays will slow projects down. Your contractor will help coordinate the inspection with the sub-contractor to minimize project time. 

County inspectors do not work for contractors. They work for their respective counties. Hiring a contractor on a large renovation project will be one of the best decisions anyone can make. Properties that suffer from hurricane damage or flood damage are no joke. With so many moving parts, it is important the person overseeing the project understands who should be taking care of what.

Lights are an integral part of any home. Apart from illuminating the kitchen, lighting fixtures influence the décor of a home tremendously. Granted, getting the most appropriate lighting fixture design for your kitchen can be challenging. There are thousands of options available today. However, there are certain designs that stand out among the rest that you should consider. Check out these 4 creative lighting fixture designs for your next kitchen. 

Rattan Pendants

Pendants, also called drops, have been around for years. You will see many we buy houses companies on television continuing to add these to properties they renovate. They come in different shapes and materials, and there are many ways to use them. For instance, you can hang them either as single lamps or in multiples depending on the amount of space you have. A good design that you should consider trying out is the rattan and bamboo pendant design. Especially if you are a nature enthusiast, rattan pendants can assist you to bring nature into your kitchen.

To make the most of them, consider combining different shapes and sizes. You can also spray-paint them to match your walls or cabinets. Furthermore, you can use them to create amazing shapes and patterns across your ceiling to give your kitchen more style.

designs
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels 

Industrial Flush Mounts

If you want to achieve a brighter and more spacious room, then flush mounts could be exactly what you need. As ambient indoor lights, they spread light throughout the room while taking the least space possible. In addition, industrial fixtures can bring a professional, yet warm look into your kitchen.

If your space is not very tight, you should consider semi-flush mounts. These are usually suspended just enough to form amazing shadow patterns across the ceiling. Thankfully, reclaimed industrial metal always compliments other metallic installations and utensils in home spaces. 

Retro Track Lights

Track lights are multiple lights dispensed from a single bar. You can hang them above the kitchen counter or use them as spotlights that spread light around the room. Retro track lights usually bring some sort of “studio” character into a room. They can also give your kitchen a hybrid look by fusing different timelines, making your kitchen more inviting.

Retro track lights are available in a wide range of designs and materials, ranging from wood bars to refurbished pipes. This means that you can get creative with them to bring out your style. For example, you add a coat of brass or gold to them to give them the perfect rustic look.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels 

LED Lighting Strips

LED lights often come in unique designs that can complement whatever type of kitchen you have. If yours is a modern kitchen, then you can use LED fixtures to create a utopian feel. LEDs are energy-efficient and can be installed in the smallest of spaces. You can have LED strips installed under shelves, the countertop, and inside your cabinet and false ceiling, just to say the least.

This home DIY project can be a great one to get the kids involved with, depending on how extensive your plans are. You can keep it simple by adding a few strips around your house. The best thing about LEDs is that you can change their light color to suit your mood. If you have a minimalist kitchen design, then LED lights could be the space savers you need. Check out this stunning LED-lit kitchen Image 

If you’ve been looking for amazing lighting designs to revolutionize your kitchen, consider these designs. These options are designed to upgrade your kitchen from a traditional look to a fun space that you can enjoy.