Category: Home Improvement

Are you considering a kitchen refit? It’s a great idea.

Updating your kitchen improves the functionality of your home, adds to your living space, improves sustainability, and even increases the value of your home. Best of all, upgrading doesn’t have to result in an expensive remodel.

By using a few tips and tricks, you can make small but strategic changes that result in a big impact. These small changes can have the look and feel of a full remodel at less than half the cost, time, effort, and stress.

If your kitchen needs a facelift and you don’t have the budget for a full remodel, here are several upgrades you can make to makeover your kitchen.

Change Your Backsplash

One of the best kitchen upgrade ideas is to change your backsplash. This is a simple upgrade that can change the entire look of the space. Use your new backsplash to set the tone for all of the other changes you will make in your kitchen.

Replace Your Countertops

If your countertops are outdated and faded, consider replacing them. There are plenty of options for beautiful countertops that can brighten and refresh your kitchen. Do your research into all the options available and choose the best material for your situation.

Paint Your Cabinets

A great way to update your kitchen is to paint the cabinets. This upgrade only requires a small kitchen refit cost but can make a big impact overall. You can paint your cabinets as a DIY weekend project or you can hire a professional cabinet painting company.

Brighten With Lighting

If you are wondering how to refit a kitchen, consider brightening the space with new lighting. You can add recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, surface-mounted lights, and more. Consider supercharging your efforts by buying energy effecient-lighting.

Upgrade Your Hardware

A great kitchen refit idea is to upgrade your hardware. This is a simple change that can give your space a brand new look. Consider mixing hardware for added flare and don’t forget to replace your faucet as well.

Incorporate a Splash of Color

A helpful tip for how to plan a kitchen refit is to incorporate a splash of color. You can do this by painting your walls, applying wallpaper, using open shelving, creating an accent wall, adding a few decorative elements, and more. A pop of color will help brighten your kitchen and give the room a more comfortable feel.

Use These Kitchen Refit Ideas to Upgrade Your Kitchen

By using these tips, you can complete a kitchen refit that increases the value of your home.

Consider changing your backsplash and replacing your countertops. You can also brighten the room with new lighting and paint your cabinets. Make sure to upgrade your hardware and incorporate a splash of color for added interest.

Follow these tips and create a more comfortable and appealing kitchen

Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on real estate, home improvements, gardening, and more.

Home siding is not to be left unattended. If left unchecked, you can find yourself with rot, ruin, and a really big bill. In fact, water damage is one of the costliest repairs on a home.

The cost of home siding differs from place to place and depends on the amount of material and the type of material you need. We’ll go over all that and more in the article below.

Average Cost of Home Siding

Nationally the average price of home siding sits at around $8,500, with the typical price being $3-$15 per square foot. This range does include labor, so if you’re hoping to save a few bucks, you could opt to install it yourself.

The Types of Siding Materials

If you’re repairing your home, you’ll likely want to keep the materials the same as those around your damaged area. Of course, if you’re planning to remove and replace all the siding, you can do so as you like.

New builds also benefit from knowing the different types of siding, based on costs and their benefits:

Wood Siding

A popular siding for homes, and one of the most common across America. The most common wood sidings are Cedar Shake and Cedar Clapboard.

Cedar shake costs anywhere from $4-$8 per square foot. This includes labor in the cost, but it does not include paint, which costs extra.

Cedar clapboard is your more traditional siding that can be painted or left natural. This siding costs $5-$9 per square foot.

The reason cedar is so popular is that it is rot and insect resistant.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is another popular choice for similar reasons, especially in the northeast and midwest. It’s easy to maintain and has high durability against the elements. On average, vinyl siding costs anywhere from $3-$10 per square foot.

Vinyl has a lot of different grades and styles making it look marvelous on many different homes.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum is great because it is moisture resistant and doesn’t get brittle in harsh weather. Naturally, the metal aesthetic is harder to paint or modify and it is prone to dents and bumps. Not great if you experience a lot of hail where you live.

The cost of aluminum ranges from $3-$7 per square foot.

Brick

Many might not realize that most “brick homes” are a brick veneer. That’s because full brick siding can be costly, ranging anywhere from $7-$15 per square foot.

What should be noted is how durable brick is. There’s a reason so many homes use it, and the look it gives off is simply timeless.

Alas, brick is difficult to install properly and requires an expert mason. Raleigh locals will benefit from this siding installation contractor should they go with an option like brick.

Stucco

Stucco is long-lasting, just like its peers. The cost is somewhere in the middle, at $7-$12 per square foot. Like vinyl, there’s very little maintenance involved and can come in a variety of aesthetics.

Considerations, Materials, and Quotes

As you can see, the cost of home siding ranges quite a lot. That means you have room to negotiate and see what you can do to lower that cost.

If you’re building a home or need to replace the entire siding, choose something that lasts forever, doesn’t require tons of upkeep, and looks great. Spending a few extra dollars upfront can save you redoing it all a few years later.

If you liked this article, check out our other articles on home improvement projects.

When it comes time to move into a new home, you can’t expect miracles. After all, your dream home can’t simply be bought, and you’ve got to get your hands dirty in order to transform a “good enough” house into the perfect home. Here are some tips.

Maintenance

The perfect home is one in which you don’t have to worry about its structural integrity, and that means you’ll need to find and assess any damaged present when you move in. For starters, a cracked foundation can start as a fairly innocuous problem but will cause a house to collapse if left alone for too long. You can Google “house piers Tulsa OK” in order to find contractors near you that help you deal with this kind of problem in order to make living in your new home less stressful and more comfortable.

Exterior

A perfect home simply needs a perfect yard to go with it, so enhancing the outward appearance and features of your home is a must. For example, you can build a patio from which to comfortably enjoy the outdoors when weather permits, and this also adds a touch of class to a home. Don’t be afraid to add a nice flower garden, as well.

Interior

Interior Design is often the first place a mind goes when considering renovations, and that’s arguable because interior decoration is the most fun and immediately gratifying way to spruce up a home. It’s also the most subjective, so you’ll have to look around to find what speaks to you. However, there are certain guidelines that can help you capitalize on your dream designs more effectively. For example, furniture should match; if they don’t match perfectly, matching the styles of your furniture can still make everything feel like part of a cohesive whole.

We know how frustrating plumbing problems are; if we ignore them longer it will create chaos at our office or home. Therefore, it is better to recognize the plumber issues beforehand and resolve them before it turns into a bigger problem. Whatever might be the plumbing issue may be a leaking faucet or burst pipe. It is better that you hire someone who can provide good plumbing services. 

A good plumber will not only resolve the existing issue but also let you know if there is an  issue with other plumbing-related things. The knowledge and experience that a plumber has will make your plumbing better and it will avoid further issues in the future and it will be safe for you and your family.

If you are going to hire a plumber for the first time, given below are some tips that you may consider.

License

The most important thing that you will look for is a plumber license. Make sure the plumber is licensed. It should be your default consideration before hiring the plumber. Do a Google search about the plumber and his company and you will find many reviews both positive and negative reviews of the plumber then you can make a decision based on that. Avoid the plumber who has more negative reviews and go with the one with positive reviews. 

Ask Around

After checking the reviews, it is better to check about the plumber with the people in your circle. Word of mouth is better than the reviews that are shown online. The most effective decision you can take by word of mouth. Therefore, it is better to ask around before choosing one. If anyone you know might have used a plumber these days check with them about the plumber they hired and ask them about the price and their work. It is one of the effective ways for you to make the best decision.  

Suitability

Plumbing companies’ works in a different schedule make sure you are hiring the one that matches your requirements and schedule. Once you meet the make, then you are getting enough information from them. You need to ask about the things like the completion time, estimated cost, liability insurance, and additional fees, just to name a few.

Consult Different Plumbers

It is better to meet some 2-3 plumbers before you choose one. The more you meet the more you will have an idea about the issue and about the price. You may find the plumbers may charge different prices for the same issue. Do a little research and check with different plumbers about the estimated time and price. This will give you a much better idea about the experience, qualification, and values of the provider. If you are looking for a Local Plumbers Solihull, we suggest that you check out above the information before choosing one.

When designing or remodeling your home, you should pay special attention to the kitchen layout. Since it is the focal point of the home, the kitchen’s flow will determine how easily you can navigate, cook, and socialize in the space.

Every kitchen should be designed with the classic “work triangle” in mind. In other words, there should be clear access to the stove, the sink, and the refrigerator in a relatively small triangular space.

Depending on the design of your home and the kitchen’s location, there are many types of kitchen layouts to choose from. To find the best one for your house, keep reading.

One Wall Kitchen

A one-wall kitchen is more common if there is very limited space available for a kitchen. It sits on one wall and might not have all the same appliances that a bigger kitchen would have.

However, it is a great space-saver for studios or one-bedroom apartments. Make use of all the vertical storage available, and you can still create a luxury kitchen in a small space.

Peninsula Kitchen

If you want an island but don’t have space for an independent island in your kitchen-designated space, a peninsula kitchen might do the trick.

A peninsula kitchen provides extra counter space and the possibility for a breakfast bar. It can help break up the room in an open concept home without adding a wall of any kind.

L-Shaped Kitchen

Similar to peninsula kitchens, L-shaped kitchens are great space-saving layouts that can form to fit any home.

There’s also plenty of flexibility when deciding where to place appliances. This means that the parameters of your work zone are also almost completely customizable to your preferences.

U-Shaped Kitchen

The U-shaped kitchen is the ultimate layout if you’re designing a kitchen with the most available storage options. There will be ample counter and cabinet space and more flexibility for ergonomic movement within your kitchen.

With three walls-worth of space, the kitchen can truly become a socializing centerpiece in your home. Depending on the size of your kitchen, there might also be space for an island in the middle of your horseshoe-shaped kitchen.

Island Kitchen

Speaking of island kitchens, they’re one of the most popular kinds of kitchen layouts.

Islands offer exceptionally accessible space in the middle of the kitchen space. They can be used as a workspace or eating space.

Plus, it can make it easier to establish your ergonomic work triangle. The sink or the stove can be in your island space, making them more reachable for checking temperatures or washing your hands.

Having a sink in the center of your kitchen is great for busy cooks. To find the best faucet, you can read on more options here.

Types of Kitchen Layouts

The best kitchen layout for your home will depend on how you want to use your kitchen. Obviously, you will cook and eat, but other needs like storage and family meals will be impacted by your kitchen layout.

Deciding between different types of kitchen layouts isn’t the only thing you’ll need for your new home. For every other kind of home project, head to our website to find the guidance you need.

Coming home should always be a relief; a moment to kick off your shoes and let go of your cares and your worries. Home should be an oasis from your daily concerns and worries. You shouldn’t have to feel stressed out in your own home, so what can you do to make sure that your home is as relaxing and healing as you need it to be?

Upgrades

The best comforts of home probably aren’t built into your house’s structure, and they can be as big or small as you like. An extra comfortable mattress, that recliner you always wanted or sunrise spas Pittsburgh PA or your area can all constitute an upgrade that brings your home a little closer to heaven. Even a fresh paint coat or a little extra storage to clear the clutter off the floor is a small kind of luxury that can have a big impact on your peace of mind.

Harmony

Upgrading comfort is just one part, and on its own, it means very little. If your home is messy or the design of the colors or the layout is disharmonious, then you won’t have any peace. Visual clutter can be a source of stress for many people, so make sure that your home is harmonious and in good order. If that means finding the right storage solution, the right color scheme or the right cleaning service, then it will be worth it in the long run.

Boundaries

The final and arguably most important piece of the puzzle is to set boundaries. Set boundaries with your friends, because it can be very hard to relax and unwind at home if you’re constantly on a call with people, even people you care about deeply. It’s also important to set boundaries with your family and the other people you share your home with. That might mean compromise and negotiation; remember, your home is a shared space, and you must respect the needs of those around you if you want them to respect your needs. But the person you probably need to be most aggressive about setting boundaries with is yourself. If it’s time to relax and unwind, you have to put down that project and wait to make that phone call.

With these ideas in mind, you should be able to turn your home into an oasis. By setting boundaries, prioritizing harmony of design and maintenance and adding in a few little upgrades, you can make your home into a haven.

Hiring a landscape designer can be tedious. You want your yard to look the best it can, which means finding the right people for the job!

But how do you know that the people you’re hiring are best for you? When it comes to hiring anyone to work on your house, there are several questions you’ll want to ask to get a feel for them and their business.

If you’ve been looking into hiring a landscape designer but are not sure which one to go with, here are 11 questions you should ask before hiring someone.

What Services Do You Offer?

The first thing you should identify when choosing a landscape designer is what services they offer. Do they complete all of the hardscaping and planting? Will they be able to set up a pergola? Are they qualified to install a fountain, or will they have to sub-contract? Ensure that they design and install so that your vision for your lawn translates perfectly.

Asking what the specific scope of their service is is critical to know if you need to hire additional contractors or save time and hire a different designer altogether.

For those who want to find their landscape designer and installation in the same place, visit https://www.franzwitte.com/landscape-design to get more information!

How Long Have You Been Doing This Work?

Experience should be a requirement for any home contractor. You want your lawn in the best hands, and the way to be sure of that is by hiring someone with years of experience in their field.

Ask your potential landscape designer if they have experience completing the work you want or something like it. If your project requires complex design elements or is in for a total transformation, you’ll need to double-check your landscape designer is capable of producing the work.

Do You Have Insurance? What Does It Cover?

Most home improvement and contracting jobs are dangerous in some capacity or another. Landscaping is no different. Ask if your landscapers have insurance so that if anything ever happens to someone on your property or your home, you know they’re covered.

Who Will Be Conducting the Work on My Lawn?

Many landscapers hire subcontractors and independent workers to assist in the labor of completed a landscape design. Ask upfront who will be working on your yard and how many people you can expect.

Where Will You Have Access?

It’s essential to draw boundaries and confirm with the landscapers where they will be completing the work and how that will affect your ability to move around your home.

Keep an open and friendly line of communication with your landscape designer, so if any issues arise, you’ll have no problem speaking with them.

Do You Have Client References?

Client references are essential for any reputable home contractor. If they can’t provide you with positive reviews, client references, or testimonials, it’s usually a bad sign. Look especially closely at the projects most similar to yours so that you can identify similarities.

How Long Will the Work Take?

Having an estimated timeline for the completion of the project is important not only to hold the landscape designer accountable but also to make your plans. As previously mentioned, keep an open line of communication with the project manager so that you’re aware of progress and any potential hold-ups.

What Will a Day of Work Look Like?

It would be best to have a generalized idea about when to expect your landscape designers to be working.

What time will they get there? What time will they leave? If you work from home will the noise be an issue for you?

Asking questions about expectations from the beginning alleviates chances of miscommunication and stress on you and the landscape designer.

Do We Need a Permit? If So, Who Obtains It?

Some projects require city permits to move forward. While many home contractors get these for you, you want to be clear about expectations ahead of time, so a lack of a permit doesn’t stall your project.

Suppose your designer will not be obtaining the permit for you and you’re not familiar with how to get one. In that case, you may be better off finding a landscape designer who takes responsibility for that part of the process.

What Is the Estimated Cost and What Does It Include?

Before you begin any big home project, you and your contractor should be on the same page about pricing. If you have a strict budget, make sure they are made aware of that from the get-go. Can they complete everything you are asking for within your account? If not, what does it include?

You should also clarify if you are okay with them completing any work outside of their initial estimate. Say your ground is more uneven than they anticipated, and it will take them a couple more days to complete. Are you okay with spending more money than you initially agreed to?

Where Do You Source Your Plants From? How Do I Take Care of Them?

Native plants are hands down cheaper than plants imported from other countries or regions. They also usually thrive better in your environment. Knowing where your plants are sourced from can save you money and time, especially if they have to be shipped to your landscape designer. You also shouldn’t be afraid to ask if the plants will be sustainably sourced.

If your plants die after a landscaping designer has completed their job, will they replace them? Or are you responsible for those plants now? Ask about the type of plants they intend to use and the typical upkeep. If you know you don’t have a green thumb, make it known to your landscape designer that you need something easy to take care of.

Hiring the Right Landscape Designer

Hiring a professional landscape designer can take time. You want to find someone that has the best interests of your lawn in mind. Take the time to ask the right questions, and you’ll find them in no time!

For more home blogs, tips, and tricks, check out some of our other articles like these!

Moving into a new house is exciting; you get to rearrange your furniture, choose your own decor, and figure out your new surroundings. As you work on packing your belongings and securing a moving company, don’t forget to check your new house for these issues.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals such as lead are poisonous, but that knowledge is relatively new. Houses that are around 100 years old probably have lead paint and may also have lead pipes. Have a professional check your house for lead dust or paint and invest in water testing Fort Myers Florida to make sure your water pipes are also lead-free. This step is especially important if you have kids since lead causes developmental delays.

Mold

Depending on how long your new house has been empty, it probably has some mold growth. While several kinds of mold are harmless, others cause severe allergic reactions, and they all smell bad. Check every surface in your home for mold, including the insides of cabinets and behind your refrigerator and washer. Regular household products are usually effective at killing mold, but serious infestations require professional disinfecting. For persistent cases, purchase a dehumidifier and leave it running as you move in.

Old Wiring

You count on electrical wires to power all your devices and machines, but if the wiring is old, you’re at risk for a house fire. Also, sometimes animals get into the wall and chew through the wires, causing the system to fail. Have an electrician inspect the wiring before you use the electricity to avoid further damaging your electrical system.

Ensure that your move is surprise-free by checking your house for these problems before you arrive. With patience and the help of professionals, your house becomes safe for your family to live in, even if you have to delay your moving date.

The quality of the indoor environment is an important component of physical and mental health. At a time when many people work from home, the home environment, including temperature, can also affect productivity.

Research finds that the ideal temperature for productivity is around 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Deviations from this ideal temperature can reduce performance by as much as 10%.

Your thermostat lets you keep an eye on the temperature in your home. What happens, though, when your thermostat isn’t working to its highest standards?

Thermostat problems make it nearly impossible to maintain an ideal temperature in your home. Fortunately, thermostat issues are fixable. However, you need to know what you’re dealing with.

Read on to learn more about five common thermostat problems.

1. Your Thermostat’s Display Is Blank

The most obvious sign that your thermostat isn’t working is a blank display.

Causes of a blank display include dead batteries and chewed, loose, or corroded wires. They also include a blown fuse and a tripped safety switch. Finally, the causes of a blank thermostat can also include an aging thermostat. Like other devices, your thermostat’s lifespan is limited. If the display is blank and the device is old, you may simply need to replace it.

Find out more about the causes of a blank thermostat at https://www.schneidermechanical.com/possible-reasons-for-a-blank-thermostat/.

2. Your Thermostat Is Inaccurate

Maybe the temperature on your thermostat is going up, but the room still feels chilly. Or maybe the thermostat won’t go down no matter how long you run your AC.

The problem, in this case, could be a buildup of dirt and debris inside your thermostat. Even the tiniest dust particles can cause inconsistent readings when they accumulate between the thermostat’s contact points.

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to clean this debris. Simply open the case and gently brush the dirt away with a soft brush.

Another possible reason for an inaccurate thermostat is poor placement. Perhaps your thermostat was installed near a drafty door or window. Or maybe it’s directly in the path of the afternoon sun or near the kitchen. These problems can make it difficult for the thermostat to get an accurate read on the room temperature.

If sunlight seems to be the problem, try using curtains or blinds to shield the thermostat from the sun’s warm rays. A longer-term solution—and, in most other cases—the only solution is moving your thermostat to a better location.

A final problem related to thermostat placement and accuracy may be less visible. However, it’s also easier to fix. If you find that your thermostat is inaccurate, check for holes or cracks in the nearby walls, attic, or crawlspace. These fissures can let cold air in and cause inaccurate temperature readings.

For small holes near the thermostat, use a silicone sealer. Larger holes in the attic or crawlspace will likely need rock wool or fire foam insulation.

3. Your Thermostat Needs to Be Recalibrated

Another common problem with thermostat accuracy involves calibration. When your thermostat was installed, it came with factory-calibrated internal sensors. These sensors kept the temperature consistent throughout your home.

Over time, though, these sensors can become less efficient, and miscalibration can produce uneven temperatures throughout your home. In addition, it can cause system problems, like short cycling.

Short cycling happens when the thermostat tells the system’s compressor and fan to turn on and off too frequently. The result is not only an uncomfortable environment but higher energy costs and a reduced lifespan for your HVAC system.

4. Your Thermostat Isn’t Level

If your thermostat is an older model, it may rely on a mercury bulb. To produce an accurate read on the temperature, a mercury bulb thermostat needs to be level.

When your handyman or HVAC technician installed your system, he surely checked to make sure the thermostat was level. Over time, though, houses shift and settle on their foundations. As a result, your once level thermostat may be level no longer. And as a result, your once accurate thermostat may now be leaving you in the cold (or heat!).

Of course, the problem, in this case, isn’t really the thermostat. It would work fine if it were level. It’s not, though, and if it relies on a mercury bulb, it’s also old. That means it’s probably best to replace it with a newer model.

In fact, a new thermostat brings with it a host of benefits. Newer thermostats are programmable and easier to use. Programmable thermostats, in turn, bring energy savings. Finally, newer thermostat models also offer additional helpful data. These include system alerts and even reminders to change the furnace filter.

5. Your Thermostat’s Software Programming Is Faulty

Installing a new thermostat usually brings comfort and peace of mind. In most cases, moreover, you can expect a new thermostat to last at least a decade.

Modern thermostats replace mercury bulb sensors with safer and—generally more accurate—computer software. However, even the best computer software is subject to glitches and programming problems.

Maybe you’ve run through the list of possible causes for your thermostat problem, and you just can’t find the problem—let alone a solution.

If that’s the case, the problem might be the thermostat’s internal software. If so, the only solution is to replace the defective device.

If you’ve recently had your thermostat installed, contact your installer. In fact, if your thermostat is less than five or six years old, you should check with the installer or manufacturer. Many devices come with a limited warranty that covers the first two to six years of the thermostat’s life.

Don’t Let Thermostat Problems Leave You Frosty—Or Hot Under the Collar

If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s wrong with my thermostat?,” you know how important indoor temperature is to your comfort, your productivity, and even your health.

This guide has offered a few of the most common answers to your question. It has also suggested possible solutions to common thermostat problems.

As you work to implement these and other solutions for a happy and healthy home, remember to count on our blog for the best advice.

About six in ten students need Internet to complete their homework or schoolwork, so many of them do this at home.

If your student is going to be at home and studying, you should make sure that you set up a good home study environment for them.

But how do you do that? What if you don’t have a lot of space? Keep reading to find answers to all of these questions.

Designate a Certain Space

If possible, you should set up space in the house or their room that is only for studying and working. This way, whenever they sit down in that space, they’ll realize that they need to be in the mindset to do some work.

If you don’t have a lot of space, you can focus more on creating a space for them rather than making a large space. For example, you could use just the corner of a room and put in folding tables and chairs so that when they’re not working, it can easily be put away.

If you really don’t have space for it, you can also just dedicate a lap desk as their workspace. That way they know whenever they use that work desk, they’re expected to be working.

Plan Practically

A lot of parents will turn to Pinterest to try and figure out how to create a cool space for their child. However, Pinterest can have all kinds of cool ideas that really aren’t practical.

You can design the best space for your child because you know them best. Is your child active? If so, they might have difficulty sitting still.

Do they need somewhere quiet because they get distracted easily? Do they have any favorite colors or interests? This can be a way to keep them engaged while they’re still working.

If you think about your child and their needs, it will be easier for you to design a space that will be perfect for you.

Get Rid of Distractions

Even if they aren’t distracted easily, you want to make sure they can focus easily.

Make sure they turn off their phone and don’t have access to any social media or games while they’re working or learning. Make sure all TVs are off too.

If their space is in their room, you should make sure that they aren’t distracted by anything, like their bed either. If you need new beds, you can check out these beds for sale!

Discover More Ways to Make a Good Home Study Environment for Your Child

These are only a few ways to make a good home study environment for your child, but there are many more things that you can try.

We know that having your children home and working along with you can be stressful, but thankfully, we have plenty of other tips for your home to help you!

If you enjoyed this article, make sure that you explore our website to find more articles just like this one!