SEO Keywords: plumbing problems

Anchor Text: plumbing and heating

How well do you know your home’s plumbing? Did you know that a household leak can waste about 180 gallons a week, which is about the amount of water necessary for more than 300 loads of laundry?

This is why it’s important for you to get to know your plumbing and know what plumbing problems you should watch for. Keep reading to find out about the common plumbing issues.

1. Low Water Pressure

Do you notice that your shower is just a trickle? This may be simply a blocked or dirty showerhead but could be a sign of something more serious.

There could a leak in your home, or if you have city water, someone else’s house down the street. There could also be a blockage or internal corrosion of your pipes.

Try fixing the showerhead first to see if that helps. If not, you may need plumbing repair.

2. Dripping Faucet

This is a pretty common problem, and may not be a big deal unless your monthly water bills are increasing. Having a leaky faucet typically means you need to replace the tap washer. It could also be a damaged valve.

3. Running Toilets

Having a toilet run consistently can waste a lot of water. Some of the main reasons your toilets may run non-stop include worn out flush valves, corroded toilet handles, refill tube issues, or issues with the flapper chains.

4. Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can be messy and smelly, and unfortunately, they can be a pretty common issue. Make sure you have strainers in both your kitchen sink and shower to help stop hair and larger debris from going down the drain. You should also never pour oil down your kitchen sink.

You may need to clean out the filters if your system has one (it would most likely be in the floor).

If you have a clog, try using some drain cleaner first.

5. Plumbing Problems with the Water Heater

It’s important to maintain your water heater to ensure it can provide enough heat. When the water no longer gets warm enough, you may need to check the pilot light if your heater is gas.

However, other issues include loose electrical connections, heating element failures, corrosion in the system, or you may simply have the wrong size water heater.

You may need someone to inspect your plumbing and heating to make sure your water and home stay warm.

6. Leaking Hose Bib

Don’t forget to check the outside of your home. If you do not disconnect the hose, from your hose bib, the water can freeze, expand, and spit inside the pipes.

Water will seep through any cracks. You should always disconnect the water supply to the hose bib before winter.

Keep Your House Dry

It’s important to know about these plumbing problems and what to do to fix them. If you are unsure, you should hire a professional. Don’t let leaks go for too long because they can cause larger problems, like mold.

Want to learn more about your home? Keep reading our Home and Garden section to see ways to care for your home both inside and out.

 

SEO Keywords: house hunting mistakes

Anchor Text: learn more

Studies show that more and more millennials are buying homes. Millennials comprise 36% of the real estate market. For many, buying a home is an essential long-term investment.

Depending on the state of the economy, a house’s value may rise over time. Whether you’re moving or buying a house for the first time, it can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Because homeownership is a large investment, you need to be smart about your choice.

Are you looking to buy a new house? In this article, we show you some of the most common house hunting mistakes. Read on to discover the best way to avoid these mistakes.

1. Not Getting a Mortgage Pre-Approval

The real estate market is a competitive landscape. If you want to secure a deal, you need to get a mortgage pre-approval. Doing this can benefit you in two ways.

First, it lets you know your budget for house hunting. Second, it lets your agent know that you’re a good candidate for a deal. These two can help in securing your position in the market.

Getting your mortgage pre-approval before you begin house hunting is ideal. When you sign up for a mortgage pre-approval, your provider may ask for the following things:

• Fill out a loan application
• Documentation on your income
• Credit history
• Debt, and
• Assets

This information will tell you how much money you’re eligible to borrow. While it is not necessary to get the pre-approval first, it can improve your chances of getting the home you want. If you’re checking for warranties and insurance, learn more here!

2. Not Thinking Ahead

Owning a house is a long-term investment. When you go house hunting, ensure to have long-term goals in mind. Your future goals may range from raising a family to working from home.

Even if you don’t plan on those any time soon, putting them on your priority list may save you stress in the future. One of the biggest house mistakes is limiting your options. Planning ahead will allow you to grow into your house and not force you to move.

3. Going Alone

Having a real estate agent by your side is a smart move when looking for a house. It may be tempting to go alone and save the commission by going online. However, house hunting alone may prevent you from finding your dream home.

An experienced real estate agent is the best companion you can have in your local housing market. They have direct access to the market, giving you a wide array of available listings. Real estate agents can give you some advice and help narrow down your options.

A good real estate agent has deep knowledge and insights about the area. A reliable agent will not give a sales pitch, but objective advice.

4. Not Keeping an Open Mind

Keeping a closed mind while looking for a house can prevent you from finding a home. While not everyone may have the same aesthetic, being too picky may hurt your chances. If you find yourself passing each house or nitpicking details, change your mindset.

If there’s an element of the house that’s important to you, you don’t have to compromise. However, try to keep an open mind on things that you can change. This could range from a new coat of paint to new cabinets.

5. Rushing During an Open House

When you go to an open house, take your time going around. Giving yourself time to explore will allow you to get a good feel of the house. Look into every nook and cranny including the closets and pantry.

Even if you plan on getting a house inspection, a house with issues right off the bat should not be a part of your list. You can inspect foundations and floors by yourself. During an open house, you can also check if the light switches and windows are in proper order.

6. Ignoring the Neighborhood

Make sure to check out the neighborhood when you go house hunting. Verify whether you feel safe in a neighborhood. Consider researching the neighborhood before you go to an open house.

Understand if the neighborhood attracts singles or homes for families. Check where kids play and if cars speed down your streets. Checking on the surrounding area will allow you to avoid problems down the road.

Check for any amenities that may be important to you. This may include local shops, restaurants, or nearby parks and gyms. Prioritize public transportation and easy access to freeways.

7. Rushing to Put in an Offer

The competitive market may prevent you from securing deals immediately. But if you rush in making an offer, you may end up with the wrong decision. Making sure a potential home is right for you should balance out with the need to make a quick decision.

Try visiting at different times of the day to make sure that the neighborhood is safe. Remember to take all the needed steps to ensure you’re choosing the right home. Take your time researching and thinking about your decision.

8. Offering Too Much

Try not to get trapped into a bidding war on a house with high competition. Avoid offering a high price during a bidding contest. Offering a high price immediately may present some issues later on.

The bank may not give you a loan until the seller reduces the price. You may even end up paying money out of your pocket if you fall short of your bid. You may also not be able to sell the house in the future if market conditions get worse.

Avoid These Common House Hunting Mistakes

Choosing the right home can help you save money, time, and stress later on. Are you looking for a new house? Here are some of the most common house hunting mistakes that you need to avoid.

Thank you for reading our article! Looking for more tips on real estate and house maintenance? Check out our other blog posts to discover more great content!

 

SEO Keywords: how to make your house look expensive

Anchor Text: The range of Saarinen Tulip Tables has been extended with the new Portoro Marble

Did you know you can make your home look like it came straight out of the pages of a luxury magazine, even on a budget? Most people think fancy homes require spending an extravagant amount of money on home improvement projects.

There are several small-scale changes that are low cost while still giving your home a more lavish look. In this guide, we’ll share with you our tips on how to make your house look expensive.

Keep reading to learn more about our budget-friendly ideas you can use today for a fancier looking home.

Maximize With Mirrors

A few strategically placed mirrors can create the illusion of a bigger space and make it seem far larger than it actually is. When you look at the interior design of expensive homes, you’ll often see an abundance of large mirrors.

The key is to hang or place your large mirrors across a lighting source, like a lamp or a window.

Let the Light In

If you’re wondering how to make your house look expensive, but on a budget, incorporate more light into your space. Using light is one of the easiest and most cost-effective tricks for fancy homes.

You can either take advantage of natural light or invest in bold lighting pieces that will make a statement.

Conversation Pieces

Speaking of making a statement, what’s something expensive homes all have in common? The answer is bold conversation pieces. Their decor is neutral and acts as a backdrop to pieces that turn heads and spark conversation.

It doesn’t have to be an over the top avant-garde piece of art either. An intricate lighting fixture or an elegant tulip table will do the trick. Tulip tables are popular choices for expensive homes and the range of Saarinen Tulip Tables has been extended with the new Portoro Marble.

A Fresh Paint Job

Sometimes, painting the walls of your home isn’t cost-effective. However, painting other areas such as cabinets or furniture can instantly breathe new life into your space.

Take a look at some of the older pieces in your home like your kitchen or bathroom cabinets. If you find them drab, grab a fresh can of paint and paint them a neutral shade, like white or gray.

Install Molding

When you think about fancy homes, molding probably crosses your mind. Molding, trims, and even wainscotting can be installed for little money if you do it yourself.

If you’re wondering how to make your home look expensive, installing molding is a great way to achieve a polished and elegant look.

Upgrade Hardware

You don’t have to go all our with complete kitchen and bathroom renovation projects. All you need to do is simply switch out the outdated hardware finishes like handles, knobs, drawer pulls.

The small yet effective elegant details are sure to stand out in your kitchen.

The Right Curtain Length

If you’re wondering how to make your house look expensive, remember this golden rule: never, ever buy curtains that are too short. Short curtains look cheap and store-bought.

Make sure to install your curtain rods well above your window and buy drapes that hit an inch above the floor.

Know How to Make Your House Look Expensive

If you’re wondering how to make your house look expensive, know that you don’t need to spend an extravagant amount of money

We hope our tips gave you some inspiration for a fancier and more expensive-looking home without running up your credit card.

If you liked this post on tips for a fancier looking home, check out our blog for more posts like this one!

 

 

SEO Keywords: tips for cleaning your house

Anchor Text: pressure washing

A disorganized home leads to a disorganized mind. You know the feeling. When you look around your home and notice all the jobs that have piled up. It can be quite overwhelming and off-putting.

The trouble is that our lives are so busy, we tend to neglect the little jobs until they reach a point where it’s all too much to handle. The mess isn’t going away on its own!

Lucky for you, this article brings you some top tips for cleaning your house effectively, allowing you to clear your head and get on with the more important things in life.

1. Start With a System

The most crucial starting point is to approach the clean systematically. That means doing one room at a time, one job at a time. This helps break down tasks into more manageable chunks, so it’s less of a chore, and you’re much less likely to miss anything.

Be methodical about it with a step-by-step process for each task and work around the room in stages. Once you’re back where you started, you’re complete. Use this system every time and it’ll almost feel automatic.

2. Tool Up

Get out everything you need at the start of the clean, including all the tools, equipment, and cleaning products. It helps to keep them in a caddy that you can easily move from room to room.

This helps save you bags of time and multiple trips to the cupboards. For those home-made solutions, like lemon juice and vinegar, be sure to keep a stock handy for cleaning and ready to go in case you run out of anything.

3. Under Pressure

When you’re cleaning outside areas, a pressure washer is an excellent way to remove hard-stuck dirt from patios, garden furniture, and driveways. Pressure washing shouldn’t be limited to just cleaning the outside of your house.

Most pressure washers come with a variety of accessories and settings to allow for deep clean inside your home too. This can take so much of the work out of stubborn areas like ovens and showers. Forget elbow grease and put that dirt under maximum pressure!

4. Learn the Tricks of the Trade

You may be used to your usual branded cleaners when dealing with dirt. Professional cleaners know the real secrets of effective cleaning with normal household items.

Did you know that lemon juice is good for stains, rust, and gunk? Or that scrubbing windows with newspaper removes streaks? There are so many of these useful tips and tricks for cleaning your house you may have never even known about. Check out more of these tips here and save yourself some time and money.

5. Regular Maintenance

Have you heard the expression that prevention is better than the cure? Well, the same applies to cleaning. If you set a time to clean regularly, there won’t be time for it all to accumulate.

This is the best way to ensure things like stains don’t build up and get worse. That goes for clutter too. If you stick to this quick-clean time each week, it makes the big clean so much easier, and your home will stay tidy for longer too.

Maximizing These Tips For Cleaning Your House

These five tips for cleaning your house should hopefully help you get started more easily. If nothing else, they should help you get clearer in your head on how to tackle each job.

Once you get in the swing of things, you’ll be able to do it all without thinking. Then all you need is a bit of music and a cup of tea, and cleaning your house will be a breeze.

If you want more great household tips, be sure to check out our other blog articles today!

 

Plants are such a lovely little piece of nature that we can control, but pests are not. Unfortunately, these little buggers will eventually find their way into your houseplants. Yes, even plants inside your home can fall victim to unwanted visitors!

When you think about cleaning your home, the first thing you think of most likely isn’t the gutters. The gutters can easily be forgotten because they’re out of sight and out of mind. It’s crucial, however, that you don’t skip this cleaning task.

Gutters that go for a length of time without being cleaned can cause more damages to your home than you know. Leaks in the roof, mold and mildew, and a pest problem are just a few reasons why you should clean your gutters on a regular basis.

How often should you clean your gutters, though? In the guide below, you’ll discover all the important factors to consider when creating your own gutter-cleaning schedule.

At Least Twice a Year

At the very least, you should clean gutters twice a year. Do keep in mind, however, this is the minimum. It never hurts to conduct gutter cleaning more often, especially if you live in an area with lots of trees overhead or harsh weather.

Other factors, such as the type of trees in your yard might cause you to clean them more often.

After Major Storms

Another important time to clean the gutters is after any major storm. When rain or snow falls, so will debris from nearby trees. All of this debris can land in your gutter, even if you don’t have trees in your yard.

The wind can pick up leaves and small twigs and place them right in the gutters! Once the weather clears up, be sure to inspect the gutters for any debris left by the storm. If you see anything in them, then clear them out to prevent clogs.

After Each Season

There are some benefits of cleaning your gutters and inspecting them after each season as well.

Spring and summer both bring showers and can carry debris into your gutters. Fall is the most common time to find an abundance of leaves and other debris in the gutters as the leaves change colors.

Because each season brings its own weather conditions causing a fall of debris, it’s best to inspect the gutters just to be safe. In some cases, they’ll still be clear, and you’ll be free to go!

Regular Maintenance

Although you should know when to clean gutters, you should also know when and how to conduct regular maintenance. Gutters don’t only need cleaning. Sometimes, gutters will need to be adjusted to ensure proper water drainage.

Other times, you’ll need to nail them back up when certain sections begin to fall. This type of maintenance is just as crucial as cleaning the gutters.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters as a Homeowner?

Were you once wondering how often should you clean your gutters? As a homeowner, be sure to follow the tips given in this guide below to keep your home’s gutters clean and running properly all year long!

Are you interested in other home and garden topics?

If so, be sure to visit on a regular basis to find new posts and topics!

Have you spotted some signs of mold growth in your home? Did you know mold can affect the health of you and your family? Are you wondering how to remove mold and get your home back to being spot-free?

Here, you can learn everything you need to know about mold removal. These mold removal tips will also help you prevent future mold growth, so you can keep your home clean as a whistle.

Mold Is Hazardous to Your Health

You might think mold isn’t a big problem. It’s common enough that people get used to it and don’t take it seriously. However, you should never underestimate the dangers of mold growth, especially in your home.

Mold thrives in damp indoor environments, but it can also grow inside walls and under floorboards. If you smell something musty but can’t target where it’s coming from, the culprit may be hidden mold. If left unchecked, mold can spread quickly and release mold spores into the air.

The real danger exists in these spores. The spores are a form of air pollutants that can cause a variety of respiratory issues. These issues can include everything from trouble breathing to stuffy noses and wheezing.

If you have asthma or bad allergies, mold can magnify reactions. You may also experience red or itchy eyes and skin if exposed to moldy environments. For these reasons, you don’t want to live with mold in your home, especially if you or your family have respiratory issues.

Aside from health-related issues, mold can also affect the structural integrity of your home. If allowed to grow on wood surfaces, it can rot the wood and put your home at risk of some serious damage. If you ever catch sight of mold, you should do something about it as soon as possible.

How to Get Rid of Mold on Your Own

For small areas, removing mold on your own is doable without too much effort. Wet surfaces attract mold, so if you have a particularly damp area in your home, look for green, yellow, brown, or white specks of mold growth. Before you start cleaning it, make sure you ventilate the area.

Open windows, turn on a fan, and put on a mask to avoid breathing in any harmful pollutants. Soak up any wetness with a towel, and make sure the area is completely dry. You should also wear a pair of gloves and eyewear before you start the removal.

Once you’re ready, you can use a basic solution of soap and water to clean away mold. If you want something heavy-duty, you can use bleach, but soap and water or any type of commercial cleaner should do the job well enough. Never mix any cleaners together.

Then, you can use a brush and start scrubbing away at the mold with the cleaner applied. Don’t let the cleaning solution sit for too long. Dry it up as soon as the mold has loosened.

If you’re worried about staining, you can reapply the cleaning solution after the area has dried. The most important thing is to get the mold gone first.

To remove black mold, you can use the same process. If you’re worried, you can apply a disinfectant after the mold has been scrubbed away.

Hire a Professional Mold Removal Service

Cleaning up mold on your own is simple enough for a small area, but you may need professional mold removal services for larger areas. You may also want to turn to a professional cleaning service if you find mold growing in carpeting. Professionals know how to eliminate mold quickly and easily, and you won’t have to worry about any of the risks of cleaning it yourself.

A professional service will offer you a remediation plan. This plan lays out everything the team will do to remove mold, customized to your exact needs. They may also use air scrubbers to remove mold spores from the air, so you won’t have to worry about any lingering spores after removal.

That said, you should take the time to find the right professional service for you. Look for a licensed team and ask about the extent of their services to understand what they’ll do. Mold can take a long time to remove, so you want a good partner on your side.

How to Prevent Mold Growth

Once you remove mold from your home, you have to stay proactive to keep it from coming back. To do so, you’ll need to monitor the humidity levels within your home. You should also dry any damp or wet areas as soon as you find them.

For help, you should invest in a dehumidifier if you don’t own one. Place the dehumidifier in especially damp areas to help absorb moisture. Doing so will keep the moisture from becoming a breeding ground for mold.

If you need extra help, set up a few fans to get rid of wet areas. Watch out for leaks and spills, and clean or mop them up as soon as possible. You may also want to buy an air purifier and put it in areas where mold has grown recently.

If you notice mold growing, don’t let it sit. Once it starts growing, it can prove difficult to stop it from spreading. Apply the previously mentioned cleaning tips to get rid of mold, and keep the area spotless.

If you follow these tips, you’ll find yourself well on the way to a home free from mold in no time.

Eliminating Mold Is Key to Having a Happy, Healthy Home

With these mold removal tips, you can do your best to eradicate mold and keep it out of the home for good. If you get professional help, they can field any questions you may have and provide additional advice to prevent future mold growth.

Once you’re clear, you can stop worrying about the harmful effects of mold on you and your family and start focusing on enjoying your home life.

Looking for more tips and tricks about taking care of your home? Check out some of our other posts.

Bulky furniture and fixtures are not the only things that you can use to spruce up your home. You can also use indoor plants for interior decoration. Aside from the aesthetic value that indoor plants bring, they are known to clean up and freshen the air inside your home by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide and other air toxins. Indoor plants can also improve your mental health and performance. They can enhance concentration and productivity, reduce stress levels, and uplift your mood. Plus, using indoor plants is cheaper than buying new furniture and installing fixtures to decorate your home.

How can you use indoor plants for interior decoration? Which plants are best for indoor use? How can I properly care for these plants? What if I don’t have a green thumb? Read on to discover the answers to these questions.

Use Indoor Plants to Fill Empty Corners

You know those awkward corners that are too cramped for a table, too roomy for a lamp, too irregularly-shaped for shelves, and so on? A tall indoor plant might just be the answer to that vertical space problem. Pot them in decorative planters like wicker baskets or sleek, ceramic pots and put them in corners where adjoining walls meet. You can also put them near tall windows or behind statement seats.

Indoor plants for interior decoration that can fill empty corners:

1. Dracaena marginata. Dracaena, or dragon plant, has a palm-tree-like look to it. It has long, slim green leaves with reddish-purple edges and can grow up to 8 feet. Check if the soil is no longer moist before watering it. It also grows well in bright, indirect light.
2. Fiddle Leaf Fig. The Fiddle Leaf Fig has big, leathery leaves that curl a bit on the edges and thin, woody branches. When planted in a big pot, it can grow up to 10 feet. It’s slightly harder to please than the Dracaena as it needs just the right amount of water (moist soil) and sunlight (very bright, indirect light).
3. Rubber Plant. The Rubber plant has waxy, oblong, dark green leaves and can grow around 6 to 10 feet. It’s one of the best indoor plants for purifying the air and is reasonably resistant to diseases and pests.

Use Indoor Plants to Add Pops of Fresh Color on Tables and Desks

You can put fresh flowers in vases as centerpieces on tables to give that much-needed pop of color. Or, if you don’t really like replacing those fresh flowers almost weekly, you can go for small, low-maintenance plants that also offer equally bright colors. You can also jazz up that coffee table with a colorful assortment of succulents arranged artfully on a plant dish. If you want a little natural boost in your mood, concentration, and productivity while working or studying, you can put one of these colorful little indoor plants on your desk.

Indoor plants for interior decoration that can add pops of color on tables and desks:

1. Succulents. There are a lot of succulent species you can choose from and they come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. You can put them in small, individual pots or you can mix and arrange them in a plant dish. Succulents prefer dry soil, so make sure to space waterings well.
2. Oxalis Triangularis. True to its nickname “purple shamrock,” the Oxalis has purple leaves that resemble shamrocks. It likes a lot of sunlight and light, weekly waterings.
3. Anthurium. This plant has waxy leaves and bright-colored flowers. It does fine in bright, indirect sunlight and being watered once or twice a week.

Use Indoor Plants to Adorn Blank Walls

If you don’t want to install more framed photos, paintings, or floating shelves to dress up blank wall spaces, then you can try indoor hanging plants to decorate it instead. There are many lovely and creative planters for hanging plants to choose from and you can match these to the interior design of the room. Some of these hanging planters are made of glass or wood, and some come in crochet baskets. These hanging plants themselves also lend a beautiful cascade of natural greens that can easily liven up a room.

Indoor plants for interior decoration that can adorn blank walls:

1. String of Pearls. This uniquely-shaped hanging plant has long vines with round leaves shaped like peas. Because it is a succulent, it can tolerate drought better than wet soil. It’s recommended to use cactus soil for this and plant in a pot that drains well.
2. Pothos. The leaves of this hanging plant can come in bright green and variegated white and yellow. As one of the most low-maintenance plants, they thrive in bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate low light. Water this plant when the topsoil feels dry.
3. Boston Fern. This hanging plant looks great if you want bursts of volume, with its frilly green fronds spilling forth gracefully from its pot. This fern likes moist but not wet soil and indirect light.