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6 Missteps Homeowners Should Avoid When Renovating Their Homes

March 1, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Are you thinking of renovating your house? A home renovation allows you to make your house the best to look, even if it seems like an ordinary one. It is a wonderful way to get your dream house full of charm. Renovating your home provides you the chance to explore a place full of new features and trends. It helps you make quick and stylish improvements, boosting the value of your home when you decide to sell it. Not just that, it enables you to redesign your space as per your wishes. However, taking on such a big job isn’t always easy.

Whether you’re looking to remodel your home or create an entirely new space, you need to know how the design ideas will translate into reality. From the cancellation of deliveries to unpredicted structural problems, there are always hurdles in the way homeowners forget to consider. It would help if you planned before you start renovating your house.

Therefore, before you renovate, have a look at these six top renovation mistakes you must avoid:

Forgetting to create a budget

It is essential to plan ahead and budget when renovating your home. This will help you determine what products are best for the project and how much time they might take with overall cost consideration during the planning stages.

Loans for home improvements in New Zealand can be a great way to make your house more energy-efficient and comfortable, but there are some things that you should know before taking out one. 

Visit https://nectar.co.nz/home-improvement-loans/ for an insider’s view.

When people think of living in New Zealand, they often imagine the beautiful scenery and climate. But what many may not know is that this country offers more than just nature. There are plenty of opportunities for renovation too. 

There are many different types of home improvement loans, but all have the same goal: to make your house look better. However, knowing your budget before you start renovating can help you understand what the results will be like. To decide on a budget, you need to determine what you need versus what you want. After that, you need to have a general idea of how much you can spend on renovation, helping you make smarter choices.

Avoiding the professionals

Renovating your home might be one of the most significant investments you are likely to make. Homeowners often think it’s a great idea to go the DIY way to cut costs. However, it might lead you to a  disaster, messing up your home renovation. 

Hiring professionals help you get the job done the first time, avoiding costly mistakes. It allows you to make the required changes to your house, enhancing the look of your home.

Experienced and professional contractors will have the expertise to provide all the services you require for a renovation project. You can discuss your preferences with them to ensure the results according to your wish. 

Not setting a realistic timeline

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make while renovating their house is not making a realistic timeline. As a homeowner, there are high chances your renovation projects take longer than you expected. Therefore, avoid making the mistake of not being prepared if the project gets delayed. 

Take a month or so to plan the renovation. Once that’s done, devote some time to get all permits. To avoid making any mistakes, make sure you create a realistic timeline that estimates your time accurately.

Not looking after plumbing and drainage

Homeowners often forget to check their draining and plumbing systems before starting a renovation. Uncovering any water damage can be the cause of your renovation headache. It might begin with a leak in the roof, which you might have left unnoticed until water seeps through ceilings. Besides that, it might be caused by a broken pipe, causing delays in your renovation project. Hence, check your water system beforehand to prevent further damage and ensure your renovation goes smoothly.  

Ignoring the lights

Instead of giving your house an expensive makeover, consider changing your home’s lighting every time you need to redesign your interior. It can impact and improve everything in your place, from its architectural look to its color tone. Hence, instead of ignoring your light fixtures in your renovation project, make sure you try something new with them. Replacing your old fixtures and updating them to new ones reflect a new design, adding an elegant touch to your house.

If you need to breathe some life into your room, try adding colored light fixtures. You can introduce a pop of brightness if you are looking to change the color scheme of your home. Besides that, you can place a fun and colorful pendant light or lamp for a playful and sleek look. However, if bright colors are too much for you, look for pieces with shiny metallic touches. They instantly warm up the room without the dramatic vibes.

Not repainting your house walls

Many homeowners often ignore the importance of giving their walls a new coat of paint. Hence, as a homeowner, don’t underestimate the transformative power a fresh coat of paint has. Just a day’s work can change the way your room looks. Repainting your house is one of the simplest ways to make your room look bigger with minimal effort. Consider painting your ceiling a lighter color than the rest of the room. Besides that, painting the trim and molding lighter than the rest of the walls can make them look appear farther back.

Moreover, repainting your walls allows you to clean your walls. Repainting your walls will enable you to match your walls with the rest of your furniture and interior. In addition, painting enables you to give your room a fresh and updated look while being light on your pockets.

Final thoughts

Renovating the house is an exciting yet daunting experience. To make sure you make your home renovation a success, avoid leaving your walls as they are. Besides that, check your plumbing and water system beforehand to avoid delays during your renovation. 

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Home Improvement Ideas to Save Up on Cost and Energy

September 28, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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All homeowners want to reduce their monthly electricity bills by implementing energy-efficient methods. While upgrading your property, you should ask yourself which type of modifications will add value to your home and save energy costs. You have to dig deep down and do complete research to understand the impact of any change or appliance on your home’s electricity. If you buy any electrical device, you should ask the manufacturer about its specifications to better understand how much electricity it can consume.

The primary causes to conserve energy is to secure the environment and save electricity costs. There are different methods to make your home energy-efficient. But it depends on your budget, needs, and how you want to optimize your home’s energy to save up on cost. Here are some ideas of home improvement that will help you control the energy consumption that will also positively impact your costs.

Install Solar Panels

Solar panels were not common a few years back as an energy-conserving method. With technological advancements, people started installing solar panels on their roofs top, and today it is the most valuable thing that any homeowner can have. Solar panels help you save energy big time. If your home is situated where your roof gets a lot of sunlight, solar panels could be the right fit for your home.

To have a clear idea of solar panel cost, you should do market research. It will make things easier for you according to your budget. Having solar panels in your home could be a wise investment to start reducing your monthly electricity bills. According to experts, solar panels contribute positively to environmental sustainability. Having solar panels in your home is a one-time investment that will save you from paying heavy electricity bills in the future. You will get real value in your life and house, so you must opt for this option to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Change Your Light Bulbs

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Those days are long gone when incandescent light bulbs were used in homes as they consumed more electricity. Due to the latest technological developments, light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have become one of the most acceptable energy-saving alternatives.

According to a study, LEDs consume around 25 to 80% less electricity than traditional bulbs. Although you may find prices of energy-efficient bulbs are higher, but in the long run, they will help you save a significant amount of cost and energy.

Observe your Daily Behaviors

You do not necessarily have to invest in costly options to optimize your home energy. By adjusting your daily behaviors, you can also save up on your home energy and cost. You can do it by adopting simple habits like turning off appliances or lights while not using them. Also, doing household tasks manually will prevent you from using energy-intensive appliances. For example, you can use the hang-drying method instead of using the dryer to dry your clothes.

Keeping an eye on your daily behaviors is the key to your cost savings. You should also avoid unnecessary use of air conditioners and use thermostats smartly in winters. Heating and cooling systems cost around half of the utility bills of a home. So, by reducing the frequency and intensity of these systems, you can save a significant number of costs. You can also leverage different tools and applications to figure out which appliances consume the most electricity daily.

Place Energy-efficient Windows

Windows are one of the significant sources of energy waste. They have a substantial share in your total heating bills. If you want to control the heat loss through your windows, you should install single-pane windows. If you live in colder regions, then gas-filled windows having Low-E coatings can help you ample time to reduce the heating expenses. Additionally, the interior and exterior storm windows also help prevent unnecessary heat loss by 12 to 20%. If your region experiences extreme weather conditions, then you must consider having storm windows.

In warm weather conditions, heat gain through windows can be an issue. Besides reducing heat loss, Low-E coatings on windows also help minimize heat by reflecting more light and reducing the thermal energy that enters through windows. You should also consider having shutters, screens, awnings, and shades to have the extra insulation layer between the outside temperature and your home. It will help you to conserve more energy efficiently.

Control your Water Heating Expenses

Water heating is one of the major contributors to increasing your electricity bills. You should follow simple methods to save energy and electricity costs. You should turn off the thermostat on the water heater or use less heated water. Also, you can think about having efficient water heating devices that consume less electricity.

High electricity bills are the biggest headache for all homeowners. You have to follow the latest energy-efficient methods and upgrade your home accordingly. Also, keep an eye on your daily activities that increase your house’s energy consumption. It will help you optimize your home energy and to reduce your cost.

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The Productivity Space: What to Know Before Home Office Remodeling

June 14, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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Running a home office isn’t exactly the least stressful way of working, in spite of what many people tend to believe. Whether you are operating a business out of your home or if you are a remote employee for a company, you will have struggled with the multiple distractions and temptations at some point in time. While there are certainly multiple benefits to working from home sometimes, the distractions do take their toll.

For example, Rover wants you to take him for a walk. Or for that matter, your kids and spouse don’t understand the importance of privacy while you are working in your home office. The list of distractions is endless. However, a well-planned home office can help you to achieve that oft-elusive work-life balance. Let us see how you can create a well-planned home office that will allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Location is very important

It is likely that you will spend most of your waking hours in your home office, so it won’t be a good idea to opt for a very small space. Yes, it is possible to squish a very small workstation or desk into a windowless closet but you will also have to consider traffic flow patterns as well as your own innate ability to withstand distractions. Maybe, you can give your best only when there are plenty of people around, or perhaps you can only work in pin-drop silence. Finally, you have to make sure that your office is always tucked away into a very quiet space with plenty of seating arrangements if you plan to invite your clients there.

Functionality Triumphs over Form

It is very important to understand that your shelves, desk, and storage exist to serve you, and it should never be the other way around. You have to plan your daily workflow before remodeling your workplace. You have to understand exactly what items you need permanently at hand and at your fingertips before you consider investing in any furniture or other long-term office supplies. Once you have an idea of everything in your head, you should try to look for highly attractive pieces provided that they are also fully functional. It is imperative that your home office furniture should act as a sort of complement to the other rooms around your office. Otherwise, it will simply scream ‘soulless cubicle’ to every visitor. It is up to you to decorate your working space with your living one. If you have an artistic home, your office can follow suit. Conversely, if you have a modern and metallic outlook then you can do the same for your office as well.

Indulge in your Favorite Colors

There is no need to be hung up on the ubiquitous office beige. You need a color that will help you to max out your creativity and really get your work motor humming. You will have to find out for yourself which color brings out the workaholic in you. For example, it might be a really bright and cheery color such as red-orange or even lime green. On the other hand, many people like to work with a more calming shade such as botanical green or for that matter, even seafoam blue to bring out their very best. You can even use plenty of pictures and multiple shades to break the monotony of staring at the same-colored wall day in day out. It would also help if your new home office has a room with a decent view that will help you to recharge your batteries.

Utilize Extra Space to Create a Home Addition

If your home has plenty of space but is not optimized for a home-based office, you might consider making a few home additions in order to create that perfect custom office. This will save your current living space and prevent your home from becoming cramped.

Conclusion

Making or remodeling a home office to maximize your productivity is not exactly rocket science. You just have to figure out and plan ahead in order to derive maximum mileage from your new and dedicated home-based workspace. Good luck!

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Four Common Causes of Water Damage & How to Avoid It

May 27, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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Water damage is a common phenomenon and a problem that costs billions in repair every year. It is also a problem that is easy to avoid, but due to negligence and inferior building materials, water damage to property is a growing concern for residents. It not only causes monetary loss and contamination but also forces the displacement of residents.

But what causes water damage? When the water reaches where it is not supposed to be, it leads to leaky underground pipes, seepage in the walls, and structural deformity. The issue is so crucial that knowing why it happens in our daily lives and avoiding it becomes imperative.

With that said, the following are some of the most common causes of water damage and ways of avoiding them.

The common causes of water damage and ways to avoid it

The most common places in our house consistently at the brink of being affected by water damage are the kitchen, bathrooms, hot water tanks, faucets. The list is long, meaning water damage can practically happen anywhere there’s water.

Various professional services provide support for water damage and advice on how to avoid it. If your property is a victim of water damage, click here to learn more about the reasons and remedies to prevent more damage in the future. Below we have curated some of the common causes of water damage and how to avoid them.

Extreme weather

Extreme weather like floods and hurricanes are common causes of water damage. These natural disasters are merciless when wreaking havoc on property. If water finds its way through cracks and openings, you’re in trouble.

Torrential downpours are another reason for causing property damage, especially if there’s no proper water flow system. The clogged water becomes detrimental to the structure of the building because when there’s no outlet for moisture to escape, it causes mold and weakens wooden frames.

If you reside in a flood-prone locality, you must be mindful of taking proper measures to protect your property against water damage. In severe cases, you can use the flood protection alarm system to help prepare for the worst with time to spare if you have to evacuate.

Acting promptly to alarm systems helps avoid long-term damages to property and, you’re always ready to cover up the damage with flood insurance well before time.

Leakage in the kitchen sink and faucet

The kitchen is among the most utilized places in the house and prone to get damaged the most due to clogged water. The kitchen sink and faucet are the most susceptible to leakage due to worn-out gaskets and washers.

Additionally, due to mold and corrosion build-up, the rusty moving parts of the faucets start leaking with constant water dripping on the floor, which can ruin the flooring and damage food items.

To remedy this problem, make it a habit to inspect your house every once in a while. This way, you can isolate and fix the issue before it goes out of hand. You may find a crack in the pipe, or the gaskets in the kitchen might be getting loose, and being proactive can save you a lot of trouble.

Leaking pipes

Leaking pipes are another cause of water damage. Older buildings with outdated plumbing systems are especially prone to water damage and can worsen if the house has underground or behind the wall pipes. With clogged water, the damage spreads across the wall, and control gets more costly because the entire area needs to be repainted after repairing the pipes behind.

You can spot a water problem in the form of bulges, stains, and signs of moisture. You may also find the paint flaking off the wall wherever there’s moisture inside the wall.

This can quickly get out of hand; therefore, it is always appropriate to systematically call a plumber to deal with the issue. Additionally, when buying or constructing a house, always have a detailed blueprint of the house to know about the plumbing system.

This way, you can spot the nearest water pipe or a junction in case of leakage and have it fixed before the damage worsens.

Clogged gutters

Having gutters is a common and yet excellent way to keep the water running and prevent stagnation on the roof. However, when leaves or debris block the gutters, it prevents the regular flow of water. Hence, the rainwater does not find its way for proper flow.

Stagnant water or leaky pipes can cause fungus on the roof, or worse, the water will inundate and fall through the sides of the wall. The unsightly streaks of dirty water on the walls, not to mention the water damage caused to the walls and floor, are unbearable.

Therefore, make an effort to clear the gutter opening, especially during the rainy season, to allow continuous water flow.

Conclusion

Water damage is a leading cause of concern in areas prone to storms and floods. According to an estimate, water damage is a rising concern in the U.S, with repair bills getting higher due to storm season getting more and more severe every year.

A proactive approach and timely action can avoid water damage in most instances. It is always prudent to look out for any signs of water damage in the form of mold, find an expert who can guide you, and manage issues like soggy and stained walls to avoid costly repairs.

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8 Must-Have Features in Your New Home

May 25, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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Designing your new home is an excellent opportunity to be imaginative and add some unique features and customize every detail to match you and your family’s desires and expectations. In the US, every state demands a different approach towards building a house. Usually, the weather showcases the kind of house people live in.

For example, in a state like Atlanta, GA, in the suburbs like Dacula, Berkeley Lake, Tyrone, and Woodfield, dream home design implies houses are enormous with lavish gardens, outdoor living areas, and pools, either inside or in the backyard.

Georgia has a subtropical climate where the summers are hotter, more humid, and longer than almost any other state. Daytime temperatures can reach a staggering 95F, with widespread precipitation and tropical cyclones from June till August.

So, where do you start? following are a few pointers

  • Look for knowledgeable professionals for help
  • Check with the builders whether or not your customizations are possible in your budget
  • Don’t fear customization, be imaginative and creative
  • Take a tour of models that are similar to what you’re planning

After you have the basics taken care of, let’s move on to the list of the must-have features to include in your brand-new home.

An Exotic Pool

Putting a pool into your new home feels posh and exciting. Building a pool might take building costs higher, but it’s worth it because it contributes towards the home’s overall value. If you need ideas of the kind of pool you’d want to have, search for the term backyard pool designs Atlanta ga for some stunning examples.

You can go for either an exotic, high-quality outdoor pool, depending on what kind of style suits you; either way, it will increase the resale value of your home. A pool area is,

  • The best refuge in summer to keep you cool
  • An excellent venue for parties and get-togethers

Outdoor Living Area

If you intend to entertain your neighbors and guests during the summer, an outdoor living area is necessary. You can include a TV or any other entertainment system in the outdoor living area to make it more accessible for gatherings and stuff.

Incorporating technology right in the backyard is one reason why outdoor living spaces have gained so much popularity. Besides using this space for entertainment or gathering, you can also utilize this space for the following.

  • You can place a flat-screen tv in the enclosed area
  • Outdoor kitchen spaces for cabinets, sinks, cooktops, and refrigerators
  • Installing fireplaces and pits for cozy winter evenings
  • Outdoor lounge or dining area with comfy seating

High Ceilings

Homes with high ceilings offer more visual appeal because it’s space for hanging chandeliers, architectural details, paintings, and other decoration items. High ceilings also increase the resale value because they depict that classical look popular among today’s property enthusiasts. Other benefits of high ceilings are:

  • Making the area look larger
  • Showcasing a passion for decoration items
  • Allowing more natural light to enter the house
  • Giving options for custom décor and light features

Personalized Built-Ins

With custom built-ins, you can upgrade unused space, add more value and elegance to your home. Building a new home gives you the liberty to add as much space as your family requires. You can customize what materials you’d want to use, depending upon the purpose of your built-ins. Following are examples of built-ins you might like.

  • Shelves for storage and display that are practical and attractive
  • Customized cabinets in the kitchen or the stairway
  • Benches or window seating with concealed storage
  • Tv and entertainment systems that provide room for unnecessary electronic and wires

A Mudroom

A mudroom is usually located at the back, the side of the house, or the shed. It is a beneficial addition to every family home. Nowadays, people are looking for more than just a coat closet. You can add a mudroom with a functional cubby system featuring extra storage, coat hooks, and shoe cabinets. A closed closet hides everything and gives the impression of being more organized. A mudroom can include the following:

  • A bench or a couch to sit and remove shoes or clothes
  • You can add furniture depending upon the size
  • An overhead and task lighting
  • Cleaning necessities of the room

Smart Home Technology

It is a blessing to have a home that adds comfort and ease to your daily routine in your life. The advancement in technology has introduced devices for home automation and security. Via the internet of things, you can monitor every part of your home through home automation. There are endless opportunities in home automation, whether you want to run your home through a central system or app-based devices. You can also use this technology for the following purposes.

  • Home security system: intelligent door locks, doorbell, CCTV camera, security alarm
  • Built-in speakers
  • Built-in Air Conditioning and heating systems

A Central Vacuum System

A central vacuum system is something to consider if you don’t want to drag around a bulky vacuum cleaner. Issues arising from portable vacuums can be kept away by central vacuum systems. CVS keeps all the heavy machinery out of the house, so you don’t have to listen to the loud noise of the motor. They are more powerful than portable vacuums, with up to three times the suction power. The benefits include:

  • It allows deep cleaning by getting into nooks and crannies, and the dirt in the carpets
  • It improves the quality of air and consequently impacts the lives of people
  • It has a series of outlets placed in the wall that makes it easier to use
  • CVS is a long-term investment

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are ideal for families that are out for a more extended period during the day. They assist you in keeping your home comfortable while conserving energy and power. These thermostats are of two types: mechanical and digital. They automatically control your home’s temperature, so you’re at the ideal temperature whenever you walk in. Other benefits include:

  • Low energy bills and reliable precision
  • Programmable system alerts

Summarizing

While constructing or buying a new home, you have a lot of leverage over the features you’d want to include; take advantage of. Many of the features listed above would cost a pretty penny, but they’re worth it in the long run. They not only offer an outstanding experience when you use them and increase the resale value of the house if you decide to sell it later. If you still can’t choose, try speaking to professional builders to assist you in adding favorable features to your new home.

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Ideas to Improve the Pathways to Your Abode

February 2, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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Everyone likes taking care of their house. Whether it’s giving it a new paint job, buying new furniture, or renovating the entire structure, we are all heavily invested in home improvement. Similar to the interior of our house, the exterior needs just as much work. Driveways and pathways leading to a house are subjected to intensive work every day, from being used daily to being exposed to different weather patterns. Over time all these factors take a toll on them, and they begin to lose their appeal.

Furthermore, it makes no sense to completely change the interior without changing the exterior to complement the new design and decor. Good housekeeping is all about managing every aspect of a household. This article will teach you several ways in which you can upgrade the pathways leading to your house to a fresher and modern look.

There are many different ideas you can apply to improve your house. To get you started, we compiled a list of some of the relatively well-known ideas such as:

Get Path Lighting

Pathways are crucial for making first impressions. Path lightings need to be pleasing to look at and elegantly placed. They illuminate a path for guests to walk on and establish a boundary between a walk away and the garden. These lights also soften the atmosphere of your outdoor space and give a glimpse into your garden. You can find a variation of lights from angled to rustic and modern ones.

Repair Your Pavements

Pathways are subjected to rigorous wear and tear every day. From being subjected to severe weather patterns to overloads of heavy vehicles, cracks begin to appear on the surface and spread gradually after assessing the severity of the damages. One of the best ways is to get a paveway asphalt and sealcoating done. It fortifies the strength of your paveway and gives it a nice solid color that lasts for long and is an excellent investment. They’re also visually appealing.

Change The Walkway

A walkway is a guide for guests to walk towards your house. Their design and look adds appeal to your entrance and gives it an overall elegant look. There are many ways to go about redoing your walkway. You can get a stone walkway that is hand-carved and has no fit shape. Their unique style gives a casual and random look. You can go for rectangular slabs that blend nicely with the grass, giving it a carpet look, making it easier for people to walk on. You can also create a continuous pathway from the driveway using a different material than the one on the driveway, creating a contrasting look.

Add More Trees

Maintaining a lawn is not enough. Invest in plants and trees. These not only add to the beauty of your house but increase the property value. Trees give you a modicum of privacy, make the atmosphere smell fresh, and provide shade under which you can add outdoor swings or a small wooden bench. A beautifully managed outdoor space only enhances the look of your house and makes it look more inviting.

Build a Deck or A Patio

When working on a pathway leading from the driveway to your house. It is an upgrade to give your home a deck or a patio at the entrance. It provides the place with an allure at the door of your house. Coupled with outdoor furniture and decoration, it gives your house an upgraded sense of style and boosts the property value. A patio also lets you enjoy sitting outdoors and enjoying the view of your house.

Upgrade your Driveway

It makes sense to repair and take care of your driveway. There are many different materials you can apply, and each carries a distinct look and durability. Driveway maintenance is essential because an improved walkway and a weathered driveway don’t complement each other. There are several material changes which you can apply, such as:

Concrete Pavers

These are also incorporated into walkways and are factory-made paving stones that come in various shapes and sizes and a range of colors. These are by far the most affordable option and can be installed by you or a contractor. They are also easier to look after than a stony pathway, which can get injurious if the stones aren’t placed correctly.

Asphalt

It is by far the most popular material. It once again can be used for a walkway or a driveway. These are incredibly durable and long-lasting, an excellent idea if you own a heavy vehicle. However, it can be damaged in dying hot weather, but that can be remedied with regular maintenance and applying a layer of the coat over it. Asphalt driveways are also easy to clean and look after, giving your house a fresh look.

Pure Concrete

Pouring hot concrete also makes for a good driveway. It is best suited for warm climates as it can withstand high-temperature changes and doesn’t crack. However, you may need to switch over or add another coat over your concrete driveway during winters as it is highly susceptible to cracking. You can also give patterns and designs for aesthetics to the concrete.

Gravel Pathways

These are excellent if you experience a lot of rain and wet conditions. Gravel has an integrated drainage system and provides good traction from the lawn. You need to give it a proper edging detail, so it doesn’t spread outside the confines. Also, it needs replenishing once it gets into the soil or starts slipping onto the walkway.

Wrap Up

A well-looked-after home is always a pleasure to visit. Like everything else in life, you should look after your house and every aspect of it carefully. Trends are changing in design and maintenance. It is now easier to find tips and techniques that are easy on the pocket yet work well with your house.

Your outdoor needs are just as much as loving as your indoors do. From a fresh paint job to hefty repair work, many areas could use an improvement. Applying these techniques and tricks is a sure way to boost your outdoor appearance. The key to a well-looking house is proper installation and good care. So try these different tips and beautify your house to fit the changing trends.

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5 Time Savers for Household Tasks

August 28, 2020
Chloe Taylor
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Are you always on the go and not have time to clean or do some chores? Unfortunately, some don’t have a house helper to tidy, vacuum, or do laundry. That’s why some hate household chores, especially on days when they are in a rush. They can’t be bothered with a simple household task, and they go home to a great pile of housework. Household chores are tedious and never-ending tasks that eat up most of our time, and time is gold. It is something we cannot buy. So, we have to maximize our efficiency in doing household tasks to save time for more exciting life activities and rest. Make the most of your time. Check our time savers for household tasks!

Do Weekly Groceries and Create a Weekly Meal Plan

The household task is not all about cleaning. You have to prepare food on the table, too! To make things easier for you, create a weekly meal plan. The meal plan will guide you in which items are already in your fridge or cupboards, and what to buy. Creating a shopping list before you go to the groceries will help you know which aisle to go and item to pick. Also, it helps you not waste time buying unnecessary items. If you really have no time to go to the supermarket, you can do grocery shopping online and have the items delivered to your home. By that, you don’t have to drive to the store, scour through the aisles, and unpack the groceries at home. The weekly meal plan will also save valuable time from thinking of which meal to cook for each day.

Save Time When Cleaning and Dusting

Cleaning and dusting is the most lengthy task on household chores, especially if you have a large house. Now, how could you save time? Set 15-minutes on your time to clean and dust your home. Cleaning, dusting, and decluttering day by day could save you time when the general cleaning day comes. If you have a two-story home, it saves more time if you start on the second floor and clean your way down. As you clean and dust, gravity’s power will make bits of dirt and dust fall to the floor. So, to avoid doing it again, have a pattern that could help you clean efficiently. Not going to lie, there are corners of our house that we do not like– they are too difficult to reach! In this case, you need to use a vacuum cleaner to suck dust and crumbs. Before you start vacuuming, make sure to pick up all loose items on the floor and move some furniture to make it quick and easy for you. Lastly, have each of the family members to help out when cleaning and dusting. It is best to be hand-in-hand in cleaning, especially in this pandemic. We have to protect our family from Covid-19. Also, teach them how to develop a good habit of clean as you go (CLAYGO). It will genuinely make cleaning easier if you do not have to follow crumbs of mess.

Spend Less Time Doing Laundry

We always have dirty laundry and, each day it piles up, it never gets empty. To spend less time doing laundry, sort all your clothes every time in the basket. It would be best to provide each family member at least three separate laundry baskets to sort their clothes by color. Do you do your laundry a couple of times each week? Americans do an average of 8 to 10 loads of laundry each week. It is best to choose one day a week to do the laundry to save time and laundry detergent. It will save you time in doing multiple cycles in the laundry, folding, and putting away. Also, you can make your homemade laundry detergent for frugal tips.

But, if you want to save a lot of your valuable time, use dry cleaning and laundry service. We are now in modern times. It is easy to appoint a schedule for laundry services by contacting them through their phone or website.

Invest in High-Quality Dishwasher

Washing the dishes by hand takes up a large portion of your time. If you are a busy person, investing in a high-quality dishwasher could be worth the time and water you will save. Buying a dishwasher will help you clean pots, pans, and dishes neatly half the time you do dishwashing by hand.

Keep Organized

Some think that the real challenge is organizing. Little did they know it is the most efficient way on how you could save time. Place things in a designated place where you could quickly put them back after using them. You do not have to re-organize your home in just a snap. Do it small and regularly. You wouldn’t notice that you have already organized your home. Try out these time savers for household tasks, and you will surely be amazed at how time-efficient you can be. Spend less time on housework and more on the things you love and with your loved ones!

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10 Things To Keep in Mind When Remodeling Your Home

June 24, 2020
Chloe Taylor
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Our house is our comforting abode. It is the place that resonates with our personality, our hideaways from the world. It is the reason why we make sure our homes look beautiful and pleasing. We want to design the interiors in the most aesthetically pleasing manner. We want our houses to provide us the most ease and comfort every day. It is why certain things are essential when planning on building or remodeling our home.

It would be best if you keep these pointers in mind while remodeling your house so that they are not an annoyance later.

Drawing A Budget

Well, you will have a baseline figure in mind regarding the remodeling; that is not something you will forget. However, what we often look over is the budgeting for separate areas of the house. Like what is your budget for the renovations in the kitchen? Do you want to spend a significant chunk of your remodeling expense on your bathroom because you love long showers? The answers to these and many more questions are crucial. It is because they will help you direct your spending most efficiently. You will not have to fret over, later on, when the project is midway over how to allocate your resources. And of course, you will want to allocate your limited resources effectively unless you are a millionaire.

Do Your Research

By research here, we mean going through all your options regarding how to make your house more spacious and practical for a living. But how do you make a home effective? Planning things out in a way that makes your day-to-day activities smooth and not difficult is what we mean by planning your house effectively.

Today, with people having to survive to live in small spaces, there are tons and tons of ideas about how to make the best use of areas and spaces inside the house. Look them up and find the ones that are the best fit for you! You can also hire professionals to provide you with advice regarding different spaces in your house, such as any kitchen or bathroom remodel company in San Diego if you are from California.

Choose The Right Paints

Most of our house remodeling involves a change in the colors of the walls. It is an essential thing that gives the house a revamped look. However, while choosing the colors for your walls, should you only focus on what looks pretty and what doesn’t? No, the selection of the paints for your walls should depend on a few other factors rather than just liking. And one of these factors is lighting.

The color of your walls can affect the amount of lighting inside your house. Darker colors tend to absorb light, which makes rooms feel dark and dingy, whereas lighter colors and specific hues of white reflect light, which makes the space look lit up and bright! So, which ones do you want to choose according to your preferences?

Focus On Storage

All looks pretty and cute until it serves no purpose. The underlying motive behind a house is for us to live and function in it. And for that, we also need a lot of storage, especially in our kitchen. You would need a pantry, or if you don’t have enough space, design your cabinets in a way that provides hidden storages.

Storage planning is an entire art. If you look up and research a little, you will find unusual avenues and opportunities to create storage. Remodeling will give you the chance to work out the efficient use of the house space.

Focus On Switch Boards

The right placement of switchboards is very crucial. You would know the importance if you have struggled with setting your furniture according to the switchboards only so your TV could get the supply. It is sometimes restrictive and a bummer. This is why we advise that while remodeling your house, you keep this in check too.

Don’t Forget The Doors

When you enter a room, the first thing you come in contact with is the door. The right doors create the ideal first impressions. They will either create the vibe or spoil it. Therefore, make sure you give in enough thought in the appropriate kind of doors. One unusual way to revamp your house is to get different colored doors for each room if you are into colors and is willing to accept a drastic change. It is a fantastic, cost-effective way to add some zest to your house space.

Window Placement

If you are someone who adores sunshine and loves soaking in the sun, then don’t ignore the importance of window placement. You can get some extra windows in your lounge or redecorate the existing windows. Window décor adds a massive impact to the interiors and is one opportunity often disregarded. You can switch the windowpanes or get them repainted. On the other hand, if you dislike bright light, get the windows boarded shut for a dimmer light source for your space!

Don’t Neglect The Bathroom

We spend quite a time in our bathroom, which includes taking unwinding hot showers after a hectic day. Do not forget to look for any leakages and repairs as well. Moreover, a little revamp of the shower area, or your vanity won’t hurt anyone.

Get A Laundry Area

Often, people neglect to get an appropriate laundry area and regret later. Focus on planning out a spacious area that allows you to wash and dry some clothes. It will be a backup if there is rain or a thunderstorm, and you need to dry clothes. Also, sorting clothes and putting them in the wash and drier is a messy chore. You will find it convenient if you design a proper laundry space for yourself in the remodeling plan.

Devise A Remodeling Timeline

Yes! One thing you may completely forget is defining a timeline for your remodeling project. Even if you are hiring professional renovators, you should have a schedule for your tasks yourself to ensure the deadline. Some costs and services may also be time-related, making it more important to keep a check on your schedules.

Conclusion:

Remodeling your house is an extensive project. It requires quite a lot of planning and a whole lot of research to pull off, making the house of your dreams. Focus on all the details and plan out a well-researched remodeling plan with the expected budgets, and you are good to go!

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Green Roofing – Reasons Why People Are Counting on It

April 7, 2020
Chloe Taylor
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Homeowners are continually experimenting with roofing ideas! They want to maintain their roofs well as well as arrive at new ways of arranging it, aesthetically. Recently, planting rooftops of these urban areas brings ample advantages to the social, public, economic, and private sectors. It also benefits global and local environments.

Most of the green roofs have the same function, but every installation is unique. Hence, the technical performance varies by climate, region, green roof type, design, and building. That’s the reason why most homeowners today are getting attracted to the concept of green roofing.

To install a green roof, it is essential to get in touch with an ace roofing contractor. To learn more about this, you can check out PRC Utah Roofing Contractor Utah Service Areas.

The standard benefits

The usual benefit of green roofing are:

  • Increases the life of your roof – A green covering protects the roof from ice, snow, and harsh UV rays. When the roof is shielded from extreme temperatures and the elements, it lasts longer and becomes more durable.
  • Sound insulation – Green roofs absorb noise, from hail and rain. It also absorbs other environmental noise.
  • Provides insulation against cold and heat – Green roofs remain cool during summers and pleasantly warm during winters. There’s effective energy management, which minimizes the energy bills.
  • Added space – A green roof is an area where you can walk around and showcase like a garden space. It gives you ample space to grow herbs and vegetables.
  • Aesthetic benefit – Green roofs add to the beauty and look of your home. It gives the residents a good view.

Some of the ecological benefits are:

  • Enhances the ambient air – Leaves can absorb heavy metals, 16% of zinc, and about 95% of lead, copper, and cadmium. The air pollution atop parks and gardens is 80% less. Also, the photosynthesis process minimizes the amount of CO2 in the air and generates more oxygen.
  • Better microclimate – Green roofs usually get created in big cities and towns. It enables the buildings to store all the heat during the daytime and radiate the same when night falls. It reduces the humidity levels and increases the temperature. Green roofs are known to reduce this impact. Hence, residents can stay in better and comfortable living conditions.
  • Minimizes the water issues – About 30% to 50% of the rainwater gets filtered as well as absorbed in the vegetation layer, drainage layer, and the substratum. And this leads to reduced water present in the sewage systems.
  • Maximized biodiversity – The green roofs are contributing to the growth of fauna in urban city life. It creates a habitat for birds, butterflies, pollinating insects, and many more.
  • The greenery around – City life lacks greenery when compared to the rural regions. Green roofing helps to maximize the greenery in your roof, which is a refreshing and pleasant sight.

Can any roof get converted into a green roof?

Though most roofs can get converted to a green roof, many roofs aren’t suitable. Concrete offers the sturdiest structure and gets used with plastic, metal, wood, and gypsum. Additionally, the flat roofs can get converted to green roofs easily.

Green Roof Installation

Green roofs get installed in commercial and residential buildings to minimize the adverse environmental impacts. However, it is essential to consider a few aspects before the installation process. The crucial factors are:

  • Estimate the weight tolerance

One of the essential elements before installing a green roof is to estimate the weight the roof can handle. The soil layer depth for the roof without the need for a specialized structural design is between four and six inches. As the soil layer depth increases, it also increases the roof pressure as well.

Hence, roofs need to be sturdy enough to withstand this pressure. In any situation, the roof shouldn’t wobble or shudder. If you are unsure about your roof structure, you need to consult a roofing expert before installing the green roof. For seismic zones, it is essential for homeowners to opt-in for special considerations to stay safe, based on the roof height.

  • Choose the best location and surface

It is essential to choose the best place for a green roof installation. If your roof has a flat surface, the installation process is simple. Also, upkeep and maintenance are easy. You can install the low-sloping roof surface without any stabilization requirement. If a roof has a steep surface, it might require an extra reinforcing system, for instance, a terracing system or a tray planting so that the soil stays in place.

Easy steps for installing the green roof

You can install green roofs by making use of planting trays. Also, you have the option to develop an edged rooftop landscape space as well. The other way is to buy vegetated mats that have succulents and other plants that grow on ground akin to any nursery. Some of the steps that will help you with the installation are:

  • Make sure to install a waterproof membrane of plastic or rubber.
  • Place a plastic sheet atop the membrane to act as the root barrier.
  • Place a slim insulation layer atop the first two layers.
  • Manage the drainage mat that has capillary spaces atop the insulation
  • Now you can add the soil and keep the plants in place.

Alternatively, you can also install the mesh gutter guards with wood as well as other edgings. It enables drainage and keeps the soil in place. Organizing and devising support is essential so that it doesn’t pass through the waterproof membrane for preventing leaks.

Today, more people are moving to urban areas. That makes green roofs as an obvious housing choice as it can support plant and other crop growth. It helps homeowners to look at their roofs as a potential source of urban agriculture, which can add to the overall agricultural growth. It also plays an essential role in managing the urban environment. Furthermore, green roofs help improve the air quality that gets affected because of pollution. Green roofs also help in providing fertilizer-free, organic produce as well.

Even though there are several DIY methods for green roofing, it’s a smart call to seek advice from professional roofing contractors. They can guide you based on your roof conditions, requirements, and budget capacity. You can search for the one online and sign up.

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Pro Tips: 5 Ways to Know You’ve Found the Right House

March 24, 2020
Chloe Taylor
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When looking for your dream house, you may want to approach the matter with caution and care. The last thing you want to do is haphazardly buy the first property you see just because it was convenient.

Purchasing a house is far more serious an investment than buying virtually anything else. That being said, here are some surefire ways you can easily determine whether you’ve found the house of your dreams or not. Check them out.

It has everything you need

The most important question you need to ask yourself when looking to buy a house is what you want to have in it. You need to determine exactly which features you want to have in your new home, as well as the ideal number of rooms, bathrooms and other similar things. Once you’ve determined exactly what you’re looking for, it will be far easier for you to choose.

The house is in the right neighborhood

Additionally, if both the house and the neighborhood it’s in fall under your preferred category, there really is not much to think about. The neighborhood you’ll be living in plays a very important role. Ideally, you want to choose a neighborhood in a good school district if you have or are planning on having kids. Moreover, it’s always a good idea to move into a neighborhood that has a low crime rate, as well as a good connection to public transport. Otherwise, no matter how good the property looks, chances are you won’t be too happy with your choice in the long run. Also, having a park nearby would be an added bonus, especially if you’re a dog owner.

The price is right

Let’s be real, no matter how perfect the property you are inspecting is and no matter how well the neighborhood it’s located in works for you, the fact is that you can kiss it goo-bye if it’s entirely out of your price range. So, to save yourself some heartache, make sure you make it very clear to your real estate agent what your budget is and that you absolutely can’t afford to look at houses outside of it. This way, you’ll be presented with a curated offer where everything will be within your budget. And, if you manage to score an ideal house that’s actually somewhat cheaper than you’ve originally planned on spending, you’ll be left with more money you can spend on sprucing the space up.

You can already see yourself living there

It may sound a bit funny at first, but if you can imagine yourself and your family living in the house you’re only looking at, chances are you’ve found your dream house. If the house you’re inspecting instantly gets your mind racing with the décor you’d implement in the space and how you’d use various rooms, you can rest assured you will be happy there for a long time to come. However, it’s important not to make any decisions with heart-shaped glasses on. If a certain property makes you feel like this, go home, discuss it with your family, sleep on it and leave the decision-making for the next day. This will allow you to reassess the property once more and make a clear-headed decision.

You want to move in straight away

On a similar note, if you had some time to clearly think about making your decision and you still can’t help but feel like you want to move into the house as soon as possible, you’ve already made your choice. This is where you need to act fast and let your agent know you’ve made your choice. But it’s also important to mention that if – for any reason – you simply can’t purchase the house any longer, don’t despair. There will be plenty of other houses you may end up liking even more than this one.

In the end, buying a house is a major financial move that shouldn’t be approached willy-nilly. The more you communicate with your real estate agent, the greater the chances that you’ll soon find something that’s right up your alley. So, take your time, decide exactly what you’re looking for and don’t settle for anything less than absolute perfection.

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Smooth Decorator is a website dedicated to our little sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of the outside world – to our homes, sweet homes. We believe that the foundation of a quality life needs to be set right there, in the place where we first dream things up, and that only when we organized our homes can we hope to organize the rest of our everyday existence.

Copyright, 2015