Home Improvement

For homeowners planning to install hardwood flooring, the high price tag involved can be quite off-putting. The total cost for the average home can easily reach $5,000 or even more. But did you know that you can enjoy the look and style of hardwood flooring without paying the high cost of one? Faux wood tile is a type of tile that is designed to resemble real wood in almost every way.

Put the wood-looking tile and actual hardwood side by side and you cannot tell the difference. The tile has been engineered to resemble hardwood flooring in color, patterns and even texture. If you really wanted hardwood flooring but the cost puts you off, wood looking tile is a great alternative.

Durable

The biggest advantage of choosing faux wood tile over actual wood flooring during your home remodel is the added durability. Tile flooring is hard and can resist most types of damage, whether from moisture, pets or traffic. This means that it lasts longer without requiring frequent maintenance. Essentially, you enjoy the warmth of hardwood flooring and the durability of tile.

This type of tile can be especially beneficial for high-moisture areas like the bathroom and kitchen and high-traffic areas such as the entryway and hallways.

Cost Effective

While the cost difference between faux wood tile and real hardwood is not that big (some high-end tiles are even more expensive than hardwood), tile proves to be far more cost effective. It does not require expensive or frequent maintenance, making it a lesser financial burden on the homeowner.

Variety

There is no shortage of variety when it comes to choosing wood looking tile. Whether you are going for a chic urban look, a more formal contemporary style or a cozy countryside décor, you will find the perfect tile for your needs. The process used to manufacture faux wood tiles allows the makers to create virtually any pattern they want.

What About Real Hardwood

Real hardwood of course has its advantages. Before you make a decision on which one to go with, we recommend that you compare the pros and cons of each. For example, real hardwood has a certain warmth that just cannot be matched by tile. There is also the fact that wood is not has hard as tile. If you stand too long on tile, your feet and ankles will complain. Wood is much friendlier towards your legs, especially for people with feet problems.

On the downside, hardwood requires a little more work in maintenance. After sometime, you need to polish it to get rid of any wear and tear. Over several years, the maintenance costs can add up.

Making a Decision

None of the options is the best and none is the worst. The best choice depends on your needs, preferences and budget. Talk to your contractor for advice on the best choice for your home. For example, you may find that tile is better if you have pets that tend to scratch a lot.

For a more comprehensive comparison, take a look at this article from Sebring Services, “Tile That Looks Like Wood vs Hardwood Flooring.

This article was written by Bryan Sebring, the owner of Sebring Services, which is located in Chicago’s western suburbs. Bryan is very passionate about educating homeowner’s. From design ideas to hiring contractors, his goal is to help homeowner’s in the process of remodelling their homes.

Home Improvement

Greening Your Home when Renovating

September 2, 2016

Given the market price on homes a lot of first time buyers look for fixer uppers to save on the purchase price or do up and flip. No matter what your reason for doing up your home, this is a great way to take stock and see what improvements you can do to make your home more energy efficient.

Follow the list

Ensuring the shell of your home is prepared for whatever the season will throw at you would be the first step. Check and see if your walls and roof are insulated, this is the first step to trapping in that warm or cool air.
Next check your windows and doors, if you can feel air coming through the gap your warm/cool air is leaking out. Air leakage can account for up to 10% of your heating and cooling bills. You don’t always have to replace the windows and doors in your home, simply sealing up these gaps and cracks will prevent the air escaping. It can be as simple as getting the right sealant from your local DIY store and applying it yourself. Ensure you do your research and use the correct sealant for the material you are working with. If your applying it outside ensure that the sealant you are using is water proof.
Once your walls and windows are taken care of look through your home and ensure any loft hatches or fireplaces are correctly sealed up. Fire places are great in winter but can end up costing you during the warmer moths when all the cool air is being sucked out.
If you don’t have them already, install celling fans and ensure they have a reverse function so you can use them to circulate cool air in summer and push warm air down in winter. While you’re on the renovating journey get all or your appliances serviced annually to ensure they are working efficiently.
Any appliances you find haven’t aged well should be replaced for a more energy efficient model. Save Energy, Save Money (SESM) allows you to not only compare prices on thousands of electrical appliances, you can also compare the energy consumption at the same time. If you’re in doubt you can use the SESM website to compare the annual running cost of your old appliance and the new appliance you wish to buy.

Seek help from experts

If you’re luck enough to be building your own home you should consult a sustainable builder who can talk you through your options for passive cooling and other great design attributes you can incorporate into your new build.

Good Luck renovating and reducing those energy bills!

Julie Moore director of Save Energy Save Money

Caesarstone Isn’t Just for Countertops

August 19, 2016

Lillian Connors

If you’re looking for a suave and durable material for flooring, as a worktop, or for a backsplash upgrade in your kitchen, bathroom, office, or patio, Caesarstone is right up your street. Strong, low-maintenance, and resistant to liquid spills, scratching, heat, and stains, it is extremely versatile and easy to install, which makes it an ideal choice for upgrading a commercial or residential property. With the right slab size and thickness, adequate installation, and due maintenance, Caesarstone surfaces last a lifetime, and as far as application is concerned, the quartz stone can be added to almost any area you can think of. Here are a few ideas on where and how you can add chic quartz to achieve cool effects and optimize space functionality.

A Kitchen Fit for an Haute Cuisine Chef

Designer: Carlisle Homes Caesarstone color: Walnut — *Designer: Carlisle Homes, Caesarstone color: Walnut*

It’s no surprise that this type of stone is often used for kitchen islands, worktops, backsplashes, and floors. The material’s easy cleanup and durable nature make it a perfect finishing touch for contemporary residential kitchens where style and functionality are equally important. For an elegant kitchen worktop, choose a Caesarstone slab with a thinner diameter to reduce total weight load and cut the update costs. As far as design is concerned, you can choose from a range of textures and hues based on your personal preferences and existing kitchen backdrop.

Bathrooms Out Of Designers’ Dreams

*Designer: Kryptonite Stone Works, Caesarstone color: Alpine Mist*

Bathrooms are another indoor area where Caesarstone can be installed easily and to a superior effect. Floors, shower rooms, and counters can be updated with a quartz coat to extend the lifespan of existing fittings and dial up the ambiance from sterile to suave. For peak aesthetic value, opt for a buttermilk, concrete-color, or light grey quartz: this will help avoid the sterile all-white look while still keeping your bathroom as sanitary and functional as it’s supposed to be.

Commercial Space of Corporate Bliss

Commercial kitchens, restaurants, and office spaces can all utilize Caesarstone in their design. While rendering a clean, modern ambiance to commercial property, quartz flooring will provide a non-porous base for your corporate growth and employee satisfaction. White quartz will work for most businesses, but muted or earthy colors and matte textures are also a clever option, as they add character and depth to space and create an ambiance of professionalism and comfort to go with resilience to heavy foot traffic and everyday use.

Timeless Elegance in the Garden

Though Caesarstone is sensitive to UV rays, it can still be used in covered patios, terraces, and similar areas al fresco which are not constantly exposed to direct sunlight. Compared to marble and other sensitive stone types, Caesarstone will not degrade when exposed to heavy rain and frost, but its color may fade with intense sunshine in the mix. Perfect for outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas, it will help achieving a sense of design unity between indoor and outdoor space and increase your property’s market value.

You can also introduce Caesarstone to your home office, hallways, and living rooms if you feel like it. Whatever design, texture, and slab size and thickness you opt for, make sure to maintain quartz surfaces according to the upkeep guidelines so that your residential or commercial space would stay graceful elegant and functional in the decades to come.

Feature image design by Kristi Michelini

Awesome Home Organization Hacks That Will Make Your Life Super Easy

July 6, 2016

The clutter is a menace that does not just get in our way, for its negative effects spill over in our mind as well. Once it piles up, it impedes our ability to concentrate and think clearly. Luckily, we are not short on ways of summoning tidiness out of this pitfall, and equipping ourselves with creative ideas and low-cost tools. So, take advantage of smart organization hacks in order to transform your abode into the sanctuary of order. Make every inch of space count, and do away with hoarding habits.

Fit it together

The magnitude of the problem may seem intimidating at first, but let us go step by step, and use the good old divide and conquer tactics. Apart from the willingness to face the mess and chaos, you also need a strategy to defeat them. You should be able to utilize various household items for the task, or create some DIY storage. Think outside the box: Place things not where they are expected to be, but where they fit.

So, why not put some kitchen supplies in a magazine holder, stack hair products in wine rack, and pile up vintage suitcases to form a DIY side table. Also, remember that there is no need to purchase expensive organizers when kitchenware, cookie jars, and bags can be employed as efficient home organisation tools. Versatile furniture is a true blessing, especially if you get your creative juices flowing.

Image credit: Popsugar.com.au

For example, I have seen some amazing work spaces assembled by cobbling together IKEA shelves and installing a tabletop on top of them. Just find a matching chair, and you got yourself a nice table with plenty of storage space. Moreover, one should make an effort to maximize hidden storage. The visible one, when jam-packed with frippery, can still induce a sense of frustration. An awesome trick for maximizing your space is also playing with lighting. It will definitely make your space management more effective and give the spotlight to your shelves.

Gain the breathing space

Walls are potent instruments for combating clutter, and it is high time to mount some cool storage solutions on them. Hang the metallic equipment such as bobby pins on the magnetic strip, which you can hide on the backing of the medicine cabinet. If you have some spare PVC pipes, turn them into wall holders for hair dryers and other beauty tools. At last, keep the shopping bags and hang them in order to store items you need on a daily basis.

Image credits: Etsy.com & Bobvila.com

Furthermore, the entangling wire disarray is a nuisance which clutters the area which we require for work or entertainment. Fortunately, you may use labelled bred tags to mark the cables for different devices, and tell them apart in an instant. A cord organizer can also come in the form of toilet roll: Feel free to decorate it with a washi tape and be stylish about organizing.

Finally, bear in mind that it is often those little knick-knacks that put us at our wit’s end. Well, rise up to the challenge with a DIY approach, and create Jewellery Stand: Cut the bottoms of plastic bottles and thread them together. Another option is to find an unutilized frame and put some wire mesh, fabric or burlap in it. This frame organizer will also serve as a unique piece of wall art, adding life to dull surfaces. Little by little, your home undergoes a positive transformation, and with it your domestic life.

Image credit: Themakeyourownzone.com

Falling into formation

It may seem like a mountain to climb, but with smart organization hacks it is possible to get your living environment orderly in no time. Conceal your unsightliness and tone down on the clutter. The art of planning and marshalling your army of household objects is the best strategy to infuse your home with comfort, gain extra space and add some visual appeal. Your life will suddenly become easier, and the time it costs to get organized is nothing compared to accumulated stress and waste of space.

Home Improvement

How safe is your home? An Emergency plan discussion

June 29, 2016

Feeling completely safe and secure in your home and out of it is something that starts becoming a priority as years go by. Especially when you do not have to think about yourself only but your family as well. Therefore, doing everything in your power to protect your home and loved ones is a must if you wish to have some peace of mind. One of the things you need to address is your emergency plan. Here are some pointers:

Make the outside of your home safe

If you live in a house like I do, you might want to secure your outdoor premises. Basically, first thing I did when I started feeling more aware of possible theft dangers is that I got a nice fence around my yard. It is not too high so it does not look like I am trying to hide something. But, it is still high enough that it would be fairly obvious if someone tried to jump over it. We got motion detecting lights outside and these always light up in the evening when someone walks around the yard. Even though our family dog Henry is getting old, the sign ‘Beware of the dog’ and his occasional barking are in my opinion great additions to the general home security.

Locks and alarm system

You must never neglect the protection of your house or flat itself, even if you think that there is no way for uninvited guests to step into your yard or building unnoticed. Combining the locks of my house with good security system was the best thing I ever did because it provided me and my family with good nights of sleep and made us completely relaxed when we are going out, thanks to different modes and settings such as Home Mode and Away Mode, that can be further customized and accessed from any device as long as you have Internet connection.

Safety codes and words

It is extremely important to be able to actually remember your alarm code easily, especially when in danger and hurry to quickly leave the home. Therefore, we as a family decided on the combination of our birth dates which involves one number from each member and therefore it is really easy for us to remember it but it would not be an obvious guess in any way to an outsider. Moreover, we came up with a safe word that we could give to the security center in case they need to check our identities fast as well as the unfortunate possibility when we would have to call each other for help. Simply texting a safe word is quicker and more efficient than trying to make a call.

Prepared for the worst

We had long talks as a family about worst case scenarios that could happen. It is of utmost importance to stay calm if you find your house burgled and leave immediately without touching anything to call the police. If you have kids, explain them that in this case they should run to the neighbors and talk to the neighbors about this as well so they would know what to do and who else to call beside the police. Also, thefts might not be the only lurking danger and I always keep the bag filled with necessities and emergency kit ready in the car in case of fire, with our most important personal documents safely stored away in a hard cover folder that can be taken with us in a second.

If you are a responsible adult you would not find it difficult to tend to all the necessary actions for home security. Also, remember to keep your home’s layout neat so that you would not trip in the dark when you have to leave quickly.

If you still fear you missed something and you are not sure how to behave in case of an emergency, I found this infographic by SimpliSafe to be quite useful.

Flipping Real Estate Is a Second Career for These Celebrities

June 10, 2016

Zoe Clark

Who would have thought that some of the brightest stars of the celebrity heaven sometimes need an additional income? It is not like they need a side hustle to pay the bills. As it turns out, these celebrities are quite handy businessmen, earning money not just for need but for having some side savings. Some of the successful celebrity flippers can make more money for one house sale than for a leading role in a major blockbuster, for instance. So, let us see who those wise money makers are and how that second career is working for them.

Courteney Cox

Turns out that Monica from “Friends” is very proficient in making her earnings from buying and then reselling houses. We can even call her one of the most successful celebrity real estate flippers. Cox is not only buying plane houses and then selling to the best bitter. She is purchasing serious pieces of architecture and investing in their renovation without destroying the present historic qualities. For instance, back in 2004 she purchased a house in the Trousdale Estates for $5.45 million, added a few features and sold it for almost five times larger sum.

Jeremy Renner

When he is not busy saving the world as Hawkeye, Jeremy Renner is flipping houses. Joining forces with his friend Kristoffer Winters, he is flipping everything from a Nichols Canyon home to a Hollywood located house formerly owned by legendary filmmaker Preston Sturges. Renner himself claims that he has actually earned more money from flipping real estate than from acting.

Jennifer Aniston

Another member of the “Friends” team finds her extra income in flipping real estate. One could say that as always she is following the footsteps of her more responsible friend, Monica (Courtney Cox). In fact, the actress’s house flipping career is equally as bright as her on-screen one – if we might add. Back in 2011, Jen sold her Beverly Hills mansion for $38 million and a year after she purchased a $21 million Bel Air mansion.

Diane Keaton

The Oscar winner and Hollywood royalty has a very lucrative side gig purchasing, fixing up and selling properties. She has undertaken several renovations of historic houses in California and flipped some of them with great gains. Her latest project is listed for listed for $6.995 million was purchased in 2012 for $5.6 million. Therefore, the actress stands to profit $1.395 million. Not bad at all, right?

Meryl Streep

“Here, hold my Oscar, let me sell this house” – Meryl Streep. No, the famous lady did not actually pronounced these words, but we wonder how does she find time to buy, renovate and sell houses, when she is constantly being busy getting herself showered in Oscars. To be honest, her flipping career is not as bright as her acting, but it works. She and her husband might have hoped for larger profit when they listed their house for $6.75 million, but they did still earned $300, 000. Better luck next time Meryl.

Michael C. Hall

The star is surely not as cold hearted as his alter ego Dexter, but he does know how to think straight and use his head to earn some money on the side. And it seems that just as with his movies and TV career, Michael has a killer career on the horizon – no pun intended. The “Dexter” and “Six Feet Under” star has sold a Los Angeles house in 2013 after owning it for just one month. True, the profit was not large, but it is a start. Now, he has listed his California home for $4.85 million, and it is expected to profit almost $700, 000.

These celebrities are a clear proof that everyone needs a side gig sometimes and an extra cash influx has never been a bad thing.

Feature image source: Hauteresidence.com

Home Improvement

House, Apartment, or Condo? – Pros and Cons

May 27, 2016

1 Comment

So, you want to live on your own; you are too old to share the place with roommates or your parents any longer, but you haven’t decided where to live. Choosing a real estate property is one of the most important and difficult choices in everyone’s life. Everyone has a different lifestyle, habits, wishes… In accordance with our wishes, interests and abilities we are trying to create and organize our own lives in the best possible way. But, should you choose a house, apartment or condo? Check out the pros and cons.

Regardless of which of the three options above you chose, each of them has its pros and cons. To realize which option is the best for you, smart thing would be to compare them through several universal parameters.

Maintenance

Condo: Living in a condo doesn’t involve a big commitment when it comes to keeping your living space well maintained. Keeping your condo clean and tidy is easy, fast and convenient. However, living in a condo involves dealing with other tenants when it comes to maintaining the mutual parts of the building (hallways, lights, heating …).

Apartment: To maintain your apartment, you will need as much time and money as for maintaining the condo. But the big difference between condo and apartment is that you wouldn’t have to worry about the common parts of the building, if you chose the apartment, because there are none. The building is owned by one owner, who is leasing the apartments and taking care of its maintenance.

House: Home maintenance requires more time, especially when it comes to gardening; but many homeowners consider everyday chores as an excellent relief from everyday stress and other obligations.

Comfort

Condo and apartment: Your financial possibilities and individual choices are crucial for the level of comfort in the apartment or a condo. However, given that residential buildings are mainly located close to all necessary facilities, a gym, shop, park, market and other necessary facilities will be at your hand which is great comfort is to have. Bear in mind that if you chose the apartment or a condo, you will need to have consideration for other tenants and will have to reduce the noise and partying to a minimum.

House: The house is definitely the queen of comfort. Besides the fact that you can customize it and adjust it to your own requirements and preferences, you will be able to fully enjoy the privacy and peace. Also, you can enjoy the fresh air in your own backyard, save money if you make your house earth friendly and have any pet you want.

Lifestyle

Condo: Condo is an ideal choice for those who lead an active life, regardless of whether it is a family or a single person. People who choose to live in the condo are usually those who spend a lot of time outside, working, traveling or enjoying the various events and outdoor activities.

Apartment: Ask yourself: ”How long am I going to stay in this city”? If you buy, you are attached to the location and it is important to know for how long you are planning to stay at one place. The real estate market is characterized by low flexibility lately and buying a real estate to own it for a few years is not a profitable investment. You should know that buying a property includes a number of other costs, taxes, real estate agency fees, etc. Overall, in the short term, that is less than 10 years (especially if your property is financed by loans), renting an apartment is always cheaper and smarter option.

House: The house is the ideal choice for people who like to spend time at home with maximum privacy. House gives a lot of freedom. Large spaces, privacy, nature, doing your favorite hobby in a workshop or a garage, uninterrupted playing or listening to music are just some of the privileges that homeowners have. If you’re thinking about starting a family, this is definitely the best option for you.

With such important decisions, you need to realistically and objectively view the situation, evaluate your own capabilities, your lifestyle, needs and goals in life. If you think it through carefully, I’m sure you will make the right choice, if you are not sure – lease the apartment.

A Green Blanket – Lawn Tips for Beginners

May 13, 2016

The smell and the sight of freshly cut neat grass is a paradise for any homeowner’s senses. It’s not an exaggeration. If you are a fan of minimal landscaping approach, then a simple lawn will do the trick. The fans of lavish landscaping, stop here, this is not a place for you. You reader, who is redoing your lawn for the first time, there are some, mind you, easy things you can do. In order for you to have a great overview of what is needed to keep your backyard and front yard grass under control, we compiled some elementary tips. Let’s start.

The colours of grass

First step to consider is, of course, the type of grass. Since you’ll be growing from scratch, you will need to consider pros and cons for every grass type. One of the things beginners need to know is to determine the region they live in and buy the grass they feel would fit nicely into their lawn. Some of the types of grass that “enjoy” cooler climate are: Bluegrass, Fine fescue, Perennial ryegrass, & Tall fescue. On the other side, there are those who fall into the category of “warmer” grasses. People in this region should opt for either one of these: Zoysia, Centipede, Bahia, Common Bermuda, & Hybrid Bermuda. Keep in mind the function of your lawn. If you plan on having family activities, then you need a more resistant type so that it doesn’t wear or tear to fast. Kentucky bluegrass, for example, is a great choice for “active” lawns. It is durable and it can self mend.

From soil sprout thee, I command!

This is a really important step, so think carefully how to approach it. Setting the soil is the key component for a successful grass growth. Don’t forget to test the soil. You can get a soil test kit from local experts (cheaper) or you can have them do the gathering of samples. It might take some time to get through this step, but it will save you a lot of money in the long run. You’ll know exactly what to spend on and how much. Next thing you need to take care of is weeds. You need to make a thorough inspection and banish every single trace of it. This process often includes stripping the land of the top surface, usually six inches (roughly 15 centimetres) will do the trick. Then it’s time to fertilise the ground. Naturally, there isn’t one way to do this, so inform yourself of different composting techniques.

The best haircut

One thing you should never ever do is cut your grass the shortest you can. Why? It can stress out the grass and make it weaker. Basically, you’ll end up destroying all the effort you put into it. It’s way better to cut it often and a bit longer.

We are great believers in doing everything with your own two hands, so that you can feel the process. However, when it comes to maintenance tips, cut your losses (literally) and use a lawn mower. Why? Go through these advantages and find out:

Ease of use – You can have many benefits starting from accommodations to attachments, if you choose ride on lawn mowers. But one of the most important advantages is ease of use. Especially If you cannot strain your body to push things or stand for long. You can drive it like a car sitting comfortably while cutting the grass as per requirement. It is not just that these mowers reduce your physical strength, but these mowers also help you to cut the grasses in an even manner.
Easy to start – The ride on lawn mowers are started like a car. Therefore, you do not have to use your body strength to pull chord to start your lawn mowers.
Sun shade design – You may be sensitive to sun exposure and so, you feel really exhausted while choosing push lawn mowers under sun. These models can come with sun shade designs where you can rest and relax.
Work with precision – If you have ride on lawn mowers, you can cut large trees and shrubs with ease and precision on the first pass. They also come with several attachments which collect the fallen leaves of the trees and turn them into manure through their grinding features.

Apart from the above-mentioned features, you also need to keep comfort features in mind when purchasing ride on lawn mowers. A few important comfort features found in these lawn mowers are:

Cup holder
Lumbar support
Rubber foot pads
High back seat
Extended leg room
Armrests

The fountain of life

Again, depending on the region you are in, i.e. the amount of rainwater your soil can receive, you will need to water your lawn in order to keep a steady grass grow. What also plays an important role is the soil type. Not every grass requires the same amount of water. Don’t over-do it but also, if you don’t water it regularly it will wither. At the very beginning, be sure to water your grass on a daily basis. As for the watering schedule, the best time to do it is in the morning. Doing it in the evening just won’t cut it, since you will be left with mildew and fungus.

These are just some basic tips. There are even some special grasses that require special watering schedule or a very particular soil type in order to succeed. Take into consideration what you read here and always go a step further with your research.

Home Improvement

Coastal decor: Relaxed and Beachy Australian Vibes

April 15, 2016

Stella Van Lane