How much time do you spend working in your garden? If you spend most of the weekends digging, planting, weeding, or aerating the soil, you need to invest in gardening equipment.

A wheelbarrow is a must-have item for every gardening enthusiast, used for transporting mulch, weeds, and soil. It allows gardeners to transfer materials from one place to another without investing too much physical effort. These one-wheel or dual-wheel vehicles are made with different materials, tires, handles, and wheels.

There is a myriad of gardening websites, such as Gardening With Confidence, offering useful garden wheelbarrow reviews.

These tips are designed to help gardeners make the best choice of a wheelbarrow.

Choose between a wheelbarrow and a garden cart

The first important decision gardeners are suggested to make is choosing between a wheelbarrow and a garden cart. Although both are designed for performing the same function, there are certain differences buyers need to consider before making a choice. The former has slanted sides and a front wheel, easily controlled by walking behind it. Gardeners prefer wheelbarrows for dumping soil, weeds, and compost.

The latter is designed with straight sides and more than two wheels. Instead of being pushed, carts are pulled, which makes maneuvering more challenging on bumpy surfaces. Nevertheless, garden carts provide better stability because of the larger number of wheels. Therefore, gardeners generally use them for handling bulky loads like stones.

Consider the material

An essential consideration when shopping for a wheelbarrow is the tray material. While wooden models go down in history, steel and plastic models have become attractive to gardeners. Steel constructions are popular for their sturdiness and ability to handle loads of large weight. These are however susceptible to rust unless gardeners protect them from the harmful effect of weather elements by storing them in the garage. In order to prevent rust, users are advised to paint them annually.

Plastic wheelbarrows, on the other hand, are lighter, budget-friendly, and easier to maneuver. Anyhow, these are not capable of withstanding heavy loads or freezing temperatures. When looking for a plastic model, make sure the plastic is dense, thick, and resistant to UV rays. The plastic of low density will easily crack under bulky loads. Read here about the composition, types, and uses of plastic.

Wooden models are known for their ability to transport loads of large weight. However, these are not exactly long-lasting, as wood is liable to dampness. Keep in mind that the sturdiness of the tray material is directly related to the load weight the wheelbarrow can handle. Consequently, steel constructions haul much heavier loads than those made from plastic. Since sturdy materials are heavier, steel wheelbarrows are more challenging to operate.

In terms of foldability, gardeners who lack storage space are provided with an opportunity to purchase a collapsible model. Despite their convenience regarding storage, foldable wheelbarrows are not sturdy enough to withstand a heavy burden.

Pay close attention to the handles

The handles of wheelbarrows are worth considering when selecting the right model for your garden. These are responsible for the maneuverability of the vehicle, affecting the convenience of moving it across the garden. Gardeners can choose between traditional and ergonomic handles when looking at models.

Traditional designs feature two handles, whereas ergonomic designs feature a single handle. Wheelbarrows with traditional straight handles require more strength on the part of gardeners. In contrast, models with a single handle can be operated by anyone without investing too much strength.

The material of wheelbarrow handles has a tremendous effect on the comfort of individuals operating the vehicle. Wooden handles are lightweight and flexible to use, while steel handles are not exactly convenient for garden use.

In order to ensure good maneuverability, buyers are suggested to look for rubberized or plasticized handles. Wheelbarrows are loaded and unloaded much easier when the handles have a rubber or plastic layer over the base material.

Consider the wheels

The following factor to take into account when shopping for such a gardening tool is the wheel design. Traditional models are equipped with a single wheel placed in the front, central part of the vehicle. These variants require more hand strength to keep the wheelbarrow under control when maneuvering it around the garden.

Furthermore, models with two wheels in the frontal area are considered more stable due to providing better balance. Nevertheless, dual-wheel models aren’t the best choice for maneuvering on hills or tight spaces. As a result, these are more convenient for individuals with spacious gardens, offering plenty of space for moving the vehicle around.

Additionally, gardeners need to decide between pneumatic and non-pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires work on the same principle as auto and bicycle tires. These are filled with air, which takes the role of a shock absorber. Consequently, models with pneumatic tires run more smoothly on rugged terrain. However, users are expected to check the air pressure of tires regularly to prevent them from flattening. For further guidance on checking tire pressure, make sure you see this link, https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/how-to-check-tire-pressure/.

In contrast, non-pneumatic tires are less likely to go flat or get damaged. However, these would never provide a smooth ride in the same manner as pneumatic tires do. Gardeners looking for the best of both worlds are recommended to look for models with a semi-pneumatic tire, which is made from rubber but stores air in the form of air pockets.

Consider the capacity

When checking capacity, make sure you look for the cubic footage feature of the product. Some manufacturers refer to the capacity feature as the weight of the wheelbarrow. Regardless of the term manufacturers use, buyers should inspect the weight limit and cargo volume of models. Sturdy models have a higher weight limit than those made from a lightweight material like plastic.

Cargo volume refers to the amount of available space of wheelbarrows, used for fitting materials. The largest number of such vehicles have a capacity of ten cubic feet but models capable of holding six cubic feet of material are more than enough for gardening tasks.

It’s paramount for buyers to pay more attention to the cargo volume of models instead of their weight limit. Even if a particular wheelbarrow is able to carry 500 pounds of weight, it’ll be useless if the volume of the tray isn’t large enough to hold 500 pounds.

Check out the extras

Even though wheelbarrows do not come with a lot of extras, high-end models are equipped with certain add-ons that make gardening easier. For example, individuals who need to use such vehicles on hilly terrain should consider purchasing a model with a break bar. Wheelbarrows with brakes are easier to control when pushing them downhill.

Additionally, buyers looking for greater convenience when loading materials should invest in a model with collapsible sides. Some variants come with racks, placed between the handles. These racks are used for the storage of garden tools.

Look for a warranty

Last but not least, garden wheelbarrows should come with a warranty period of at least two years. Never forget to check whether the manufacturer offers a guarantee before purchasing the product. Make a comparison between the warranties provided by different manufacturers, as not all warranties offer the same coverage.

Stay away from manufacturers offering no guarantee or a very short warranty period. Companies producing low-quality models do not provide good warranties due to the bad quality of their products. On the contrary, some manufacturers of high-end wheelbarrows offer lifetime warranties, which speak volumes about their remarkable quality. During the guarantee period, manufacturers are expected to replace any broken or damaged part, as well as replace the product if necessary.

Final thoughts

Make sure you invest in such a gardening tool to spend less physical effort while working in the garden.

It is worth every single penny!

The construction of most homes follows local regulations. The means any given home will stand up fine under generally normal weather conditions, such as thunderstorms and snowstorms. Unfortunately, the weather sometimes throws more extreme weather at an area and your roof is the most likely victim in those cases.

Take a hurricane for example. Even a low-level, Category 1 hurricane can produce winds up to 95 miles an hour. After that, roof wind damage should come as no surprise. That begs the questions of what qualified as roof damage and how to identify roof wind damage.

Read on and we’ll cover the essentials of what wind damage to a roof is and how to spot it.

What Is Roof Wind Damage?

In essence, wind damage to a roof means anything that compromises the roof’s ability to maintain the building envelope of your home. You can think of the building envelope as all the structures and systems that keep the outside weather outside of your home.

When wind compromises the shingles, membrane, or supporting structures, it compromises that envelope. Your home becomes less efficient at retaining heat or cool air, as well as keeping out moisture. That constitutes wind damage.

Now that you have a general idea of what wind damage means, let’s look at some specific kinds of damage you might see.

Missing Shingles

Most basic, 3-tab shingles can withstand wind speeds of up to around 60 miles per hour. You can get specialized shingles with higher wind ratings. However, you don’t typically see these shingles outside of areas known for hurricanes or tornadoes.

That being said, almost any area can experience the occasional storm with strong winds. If the winds climb above the speed rating of your shingles, you may see a few tear loose. In extreme cases of prolonged high winds, you may lose a substantial number of shingles.

You cant typically spot this kind of damage with a visual inspection from the ground.

Curling Shingles

Normal shingles come with an adhesive on the back that lets them stick to one another. High winds can break that adhesive seal.

When that happens, the shingles curl back under the pressure of the wind. You don’t normally see this in the main area of the roof.

Instead, you see curling shingles in high-stress areas of the roof, such as along the edge or on the roof’s ridge, at corners, or near a chimney. Much like missing shingles, you don’t need a close inspection to spot curling shingles. A visual inspection from the ground will usually show the damage.

If you cannot see the entire roof from the ground, though, you or a contractor will want to make a visual inspection from a ladder or on the roof itself.

Lifting Shingles

Another of the signs of wind damage to a roof you may find are lifting shingles. With this problem, the shingle itself remains undamaged. The wind creates enough pressure beneath the shingle that it actually loosens the nails that help hold the shingle in place.

Unfortunately, this is not a problem that you can typically see from the ground. At that distance, the shingles all look intact and secure. You’ll generally only see this issue if you take a close look from on a ladder or on the roof.

Since the nails are loose, it creates a path for water to get into your home through the nail holes. When properly secured, the nails themselves plug the holes securely. Once they lift out, there is enough give around the nails for water to sneak in around them.

Leaking Roof

Sometimes, the only evidence you get of wind damage to a roof is when the roof leaks. Depending on how dry the weather proves after the high winds, you might wait weeks before the next serious rainstorm rolls through.

If you remember to check after the first major rainstorm after the winds, you can probably spot water in your attic. Depending on how bad the leak is, you might see a puddle on the floor or simple wetness on the underside of the wood that supports your roof.

If you don’t check, you may see brown stains, mold or mildew growth, or bubbled areas in the paint on your ceiling.

Granule Loss

Shingles come with mineral granules on them. These granules extend the life of your shingles by offering protection from sunlight and boosting fire resistance. Following heavy winds, you should check your gutters.

If you find a lot of granules built up in the gutters, consider it a red flag. They don’t mean your roofing will fail immediately, but it does mean you’ll likely need a roof replacement far sooner than you originally planned.

Dealing with Wind Damaged Roofs

Assuming the damage to your roof is not catastrophic, how do you deal with that damage. If you’re only dealing with a missing shingle or two, you can probably handle fixing it yourself. Once you get beyond a few shingles, though, you should minimally get a roof inspection by a roofing professional.

They can detail how much damage your roof suffered and provide an estimate for repairs. Unless you possess substantial experience in roofing, securing the services of a roofing pro is the best option for a problem-free repair. As with any major home repair, you should get estimates from several roofing companies.

Roof Wind Damage and Your Home

You can face roof wind damage anywhere in the country. While areas on the east coast will face more hurricanes and the midwest sees more tornadoes, high winds can occur almost anywhere. With extreme weather events growing increasingly common, you should prepare for routine roof checks.

Keep an eye out for missing, curling, or lifting shingles. All of these indicate that the wind compromised your roof. After heavy winds, keep an eye out for leaks in your home and granule buildup in your gutters.

Ready for some more tips for your home? Check out the posts in our Home & Garden section on this site.

The aesthetics of your home can have a significant effect on your feelings and sense of worth. However, we should not focus only on how the house should look on the outside but also how it should give us comfort and a sense of security every day. Many of those people who are looking for a new home have the priority of checking if the house is safe, no preexisting repairs and if the electricity and plumbing system works well. It will also add value to your home if everything works fine.

Based on reports, there will be an approximate 9,000 gallons of water from pipe leaks annually in your household. This is caused by unchecked and unmonitored plumbing issues that may eventually cost you thousands of dollars for repairs and cause stress and anxiety when you badly needed some water but you can’t use it.

The most common questions in having these kinds of plumbing issues are: Do you urgently need to book an appointment with a plumbing contractor or do you have the capacity to fix it? Also, other factors that you need to consider are the money, abilities, materials, time, and patience to fix everything.

Every home should have safe electricity and a well-functioning plumbing system. This will help everyone in the house to be comfortable and safe. A plumbing system is a network of pipes, that provides and aids the flow of water when you use the bathroom or other members of your family that is having a shower or using the toilet. Considering the complexity and intricateness of a plumbing system, it will be a complicated repair if something went wrong with the pipes and the water supply.

Being a consumer and also a responsible member of the family, you need to know the basics about the plumbing system and what are the necessary steps in taking care of it. This will also save you a lot of money if you know how to look after our home. Sometimes there are home remedies that can help you have a quick fix with clogged drains and pipe leaks.

As mentioned, a plumbing system is considered a complicated and intricate part of your home. Thus, it also needs a professional plumbing contractor to fix it whenever there are any plumbing issues. Plumbing contractors like Sugar Bear Plumbing Co. can fix all sorts of plumbing issues. This may vary from all shapes and sizes to any complex and expensive damages such as a major leak on the pipes or a broken sewer system. Click here to know more about plumbing.

Furthermore, the most common issues that require a professional plumbing contractor and need more complicated plumbing work are as follows:

Running Toilet

When there is a problem in your toilet and it starts to malfunction, you and the rest of your family should stop using it temporarily and immediately call for a plumbing contractor. Most people don’t know what to do if they are experiencing having running toilets at home.

People often do some things to fix it but they do not know that sometimes they will just actually make it worse. It is important to know first the cause of the problem and then book an appointment with the plumbing for the latter to check and fix it accordingly.

Also, when the toilets keep on running sometimes the float height needs some adjustment or the flapper needs to be changed for a new one. Other issues are also from the excessive refill tube that must be reduced into a more suitable length for your toilet.

Clogged Drain and Leaked Pipes

You may experience in your life having to fix clogged drains or leaking pipes in your bathroom or kitchen sink. In some instances, you will eventually search on the internet which is a quick fix for these plumbing problems. When you are washing the dishes and suddenly your kitchen sink stops draining or you may notice a leak, you can call a plumbing contractor for it to be fixed and see to it that everything will be back to normal.

On the other hand, a shower drain that has been clogged is mostly the result of having residues in your bath soap or buildup of fallen hair. Most of the bathroom drains have internal stoppers, you may check them before you start removing hair or other residues that clogged your drain. If this will not work, the help of a plumbing contractor, such as Sugar Bear Plumbing, is needed. You may visit https://sugarbearplumbing.com/ to know more about their plumbing services.

Leaking pipes are often caused by the sudden pressure of water and high temperature. There are also some old houses are that require checking their pipes regularly. It is important to consider having PEX pipes than copper ones.

The latter can’t adapt abruptly to the changes in different temperatures. These changes can cause the copper pipes to break and start to leak, while the pipes that are made from PEX will eventually adjust to the temperature and flexes. Also, pipes that are made from copper are prone to corrosion.

Water Pressure is not enough/too weak

When you are having a shower or in the toilet having low water pressure is one of the most annoying plumbing problems that you will encounter. This problem is often caused by a leaking or clogged pipe. Sometimes you need to change your faucet to have better water pressure or some adjustments in the pipe-levels or valves. If it will not work, you need to consult the services of a plumber as soon as possible.

Summarily, most of the plumbing issues will remain undetected for a couple of months, and then suddenly some pipes in your plumbing system will stop working. This happens when the leak will reach a breaking point and the repairs will hurt your bank account. Considering all these problems, don’t let your broken plumbing system interrupt your daily routine and stress you out. It is important that you are knowledgeable and prepared for it when it happens.

As most people say, prevention is better than cure. As a responsible owner of the house and a consumer, you must have the capacity and ability to minimize these types of problems from happening again, or much worse cost you a lot in the future due to unattended home repairs. The aforementioned plumbing problems are some of the most frequent issues that you will encounter with your plumbing system.

Again, it is emphasized that a well-maintained plumbing system is one of the most important parts of your household. This will help you and your family to save up money for any unfortunate and expensive plumbing repairs in the future.

Have you always wanted to grow vegetables? Well, urban gardening isn’t impossible as long as you have a bit of free space in your yard.

Although vegetable gardening seems daunting for most beginners, it can be mastered by anyone willing to invest time and patience in this rewarding hobby. Making the right choice of location, improving soil quality, using raised beds, and companion planting are only some aspects worth considering.

The following tips will prove practical for homeowners looking to grow vegetables.

Consider the location

The first step towards planning your vegetable garden is considering the location and its size. Homeowners whose yards aren’t spacious enough should consider container gardening, as pots take up less space than planting crops in the ground. If space presents no issue, be careful when selecting the right size of the garden. The larger the garden, the more time you’d need to spend planting, aerating, harvesting, watering, and weeding.

Moreover, sunlight plays an important role when picking the location, as the largest part of vegetables needs a minimum of six hours of sunlight. Only certain leafy vegetables like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and spinach thrive in some shade. Read more about sixteen types of vegetables that grow in partial shade. In order to prevent any damage done to the plants, keep them away from wind-prone and flood-prone spots.

Use raised beds

Instead of planting vegetables in rows, future gardeners are advised to make raised beds. These are more efficient when it comes to spacing, which helps gardeners with limited yard space. Raised beds offer numerous benefits in terms of providing better yield and saving significant time doing gardening tasks.

The need for fewer paths allows gardeners to plant crops closer to one another, which reduces the growth of weeds. As a result, you’ll waste less time on watering, weeding, and harvesting. The dimensions of raised beds can be adapted to the yards of homeowners as long as they have a proper drainage system.

Pay attention to soil

One of the essential aspects of vegetable gardening is soil type and quality. It’s necessary for the soil to be moist enough to provide crops with hydration and nutrients. Gardeners having no clue about the type of soil in their yards can purchase a soil kit, which reveals the amount of clay, sand, and slit. Clay and sand are supposed to make up for the largest percentage of the soil, whereas slit should be no higher than twenty percent.

In addition, the PH of your soil is also supposed to be inspected in order to check its acidity and alkalinity. Although the PH value of soils ranges from 4.0 to a maximum of 8.5, most vegetables require a PH of approximately seven PH units. The easiest way to calculate the number of nutrients is by making a PH test, revealing the amount of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

The PH can be lowered or raised with the help of limestone or aluminum sulfate. The former is used to raise the value, whereas the latter is necessary to reduce the value. Make sure you check out this awesome website for gardeners for some useful tips about improving soil PH level and nutrient content. When gardeners need to increase alkalinity, the procedure of adding aluminum sulfate should commence three months ahead of the gardening project.

Drainage is closely related to the type of soil, as not all variants retain moisture in the same manner. For instance, sandy soil doesn’t provide vegetables with enough hydration unless they are watered regularly. Conversely, clay soils retain water and impede oxygen from getting in touch with the crops, which makes drainage the only solution for vegetable growth.

Consider companion planting

Companion planting is an essential aspect for gardeners to take into account when choosing vegetables. It refers to a process that allows crops to induce each other’s growth by being planted in close proximity. Besides growing faster, companion planting prevents vegetables from being attacked by pests and even makes them tastier.

Moreover, vegetables can be used in combination with herbs and flowers for better growth. For instance, basil is believed to protect tomatoes by preventing hornworm from getting close to these crops. Marigolds are universal when it comes to protecting veggies from the nematodes fond of feeding on their roots.

Additionally, sage and mint are useful in the protection of veggies against cabbage moths. Mint is also capable of repelling ants, which are keen on causing crop damage. Zinnias are considered absolutely helpful in every garden due to their ability to attract ladybugs. Unlike other insects, ladybugs aren’t harming but protecting plants from damaging pests such as cabbage flies.

Checking this page https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/companion-planting-guide-zmaz81mjzraw would give you in-depth guide about companion planting.

Furthermore, asparagus is compatible with carrots, tomatoes, and parsley, whereas beans work well with beets, corn, cucumber, peas, and carrots. Broccoli is a good companion to lettuce, garlic, carrots, onions, spinach, carrots, and celery. Carrots are compatible with peppers, onions, tomatoes, and beans. Potatoes are excellent companions of corn, garlic, peas, radishes, spinach, celery, and basil. Ultimately, zucchini thrive when planted near peas, spinach, oregano, radishes, and beans.

Final thoughts

Why purchase vegetables from the market when you can grow them in your garden?

There’s nothing tastier than the taste of fresh veggies harvested from your yard and used for making a delicious salad!

If there is one room in the whole house that is a messy zone, it is probably the kid’s room. The children’s room is the only room you have to creep around in. Because you never know where a heap of clothes is hiding a runaway Lego block that will inevitably get wedged in your foot.

As a way suggested, it is always better to include your children in the cleaning up process to feel more responsible for the clutter. This way, they will know exactly where everything goes. Since a child’s room is a projection of their personality, they can express which items can be stowed away. Here are a few ideas to help you declutter your kid’s space.

1. Pare things down: It is an excellent idea to pare things down before you begin. You will need all the storage you can get as children have many little knick-knacks to store. So it makes sense to discard all the non-essential things. You also donate your child’s old belongings to charity. It can be a teaching moment for them to illustrate the significance of giving back to the community. And if it is too much, you can always rent storage units to stash the clutter.
2. Shelf the shelve-worthy stuff: Shelves aren’t only great for storage, but they can also add color to a room. They can work as decorations, and they give a break from monotony. You can place shelves anywhere in the room. They can go above dressers or desks. Place the shelves within reach of your child, so they can easily put them away. Paint the shelves in bright colors to liven up the surroundings.
3. Don’t be droll, buy a cubby hole: The best thing about cubby holes is that they can work with any age group. It does not matter whether you have a toddler or a teenager. Put a cubby hole to keep things out of the way and take the decor up a notch. Add bins and baskets in each slot to make it more organized. You can also label these containers to simplify the declutter process. Do not feel pressured to buy designer-made cubes. Milk crates work equally as well, at a quarter of the cost. Just paint the cartons vibrantly, and then voila – you have a unique DIY piece for the room.
4. Bunk bed storage: If your children share a room, then space can become a big issue. Therefore you must have functional storage solutions as every square meter of extra space is valuable. Add a bunk bed since they are an efficient use of your vertical space. You can also place hooks on the bunk bed to hang everyday use items. Place storage shelves above the bunk to create extra storage space. Many bunk beds also have slide-out drawers beneath the bottom bunk bed. You can store socks and undergarments in these drawers.
5. Choose pieces that work as storage and furniture: Every square inch of your child’s room is valuable. You can not afford to get furniture that only looks great. You must decorate the room with items that are functional pieces. So, look for laundry baskets that can double up as stools for your little ones. You can also make your own storage place. Many beds come with drawers under the bed for additional space. But if you have already bought a bed without pull-out drawers, do not worry. You can make your drawers or buy one from an online store.
6. Hang organizers for little knock knacks: Organizers can be excellent options for toy storage. Hang one behind the door of your child’s bedroom, and put their most-used toys in the slots. Put everyday pieces in the lower spots for easy access and stock the others on the higher ones. You can also label each holder for special items so that your child knows which things go where.
7. Get hooked on hooks: Like shelves, hooks can be decorative and functional storage. Customize all your hooks according to the theme of your child’s bedroom. You can get a safari animal-shaped hook or one with stars. It is an ingenious idea since each child will know that their things go on the hook with their name.
8. Maximize the storage space in the closet: Most homes have restricted closet space nowadays. It is your mission to make the most of things by becoming an expert closet designer. Decide how much closet space your child needs and then get to work. Use space-friendly hangers to make use of every centimeter. Then add shelves, hanging shoe racks, and pull-out baskets. Install some hooks for belts and jewelry.
9. Get a storage cabinet: A storage cabinet can be just the thing for small and breakable items. You can store toys, clothes, and stationery in the cabinet. Some storage cabinets can also function as work tables. That way, you are killing two birds with one stone.
10. Train your child to be organized: You can spend thousands on storage for your child’s space and still come home to a cluttered room. Therefore, it is necessary to teach your child how and where to put things when they are done with them. Let them know where everything goes and put things away with them to show them how everything works.

Conclusion:

Remember that a cluttered room is a cluttered mind. Therefore you must teach your child the importance of becoming more organized. However, children often learn by example, so you must also lead by example. That is why you too must sharpen your organizational skills. Pretty soon, your child will follow in your footsteps and put things away on their own.

Appliances are virtually in every American home. They save your time, increase efficiency, and generally make your life comfortable. However, because most appliances are electronic, they can be prone to damages due to power surges or wear and tear. And guess what? Appliances are not covered by your regular home insurance. To avoid paying a lot of money for repairs or replacements, you can buy a warranty for appliances offered by the ARW company (American Residential Warranty). This article highlights some things that you need to know about these warranties and what they commonly cover.

What Appliance Warranties Cover

Warranty companies have different appliance warranty policies. Some will cover the major appliances you have in your house, while others will cover systems. Better still, some companies offer customized plans that can enable you to choose what you want to be covered. However, the most common appliances that these warranty covers include dishwashers, refrigerators, ice makers, freezers, cooktops, ranges, ovens, compactors, washers, water heaters, and dryers dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and air purifiers.

Most warranty companies will offer an appliance warranty policy that covers most of these appliances. That means that if any of them break down because of damages or poor workmanship, the company will send a technician to repair them after you’ve made a service request.

Some companies may also allow you to use your contractors to do the repairs, and then they’ll compensate them. The contractor only needs to contact the company and give them their details. To know what a plan covers, go through the fine print and other policy documents to ensure you select the right plan.

A home warranty cover can be vital, especially if a manufacturer’s warranty has expired. A manufacturer’s warranty may only cover an appliance for about two years, while an appliance warranty plan will cover them for as long as you can pay the annual premiums. That may even be ten or fifteen years.

Extended Warranties

Some appliance warranty companies also give extended warranties to their customers. Once a policy expires, some homeowners become reluctant to buy new plans. However, that’s risky because it’ll still plunge you into the stress of paying expensive repair costs for your appliances. Research shows that annual repair costs can go up to $15000 for an average American home. If you compare these figures with a yearly warranty plan of $800, the policy way is cheaper. It’s because of this that some companies offer extended appliance warranty plans. These plans will ensure that your appliances are serviced for a longer period.

Some benefits of extended warranty programs include guaranteed repairs by satisfied technicians, interest-free payment plans, and protection from paying for labor out of your pocket.

However, some people aren’t comfortable with extended warranty plans because they see them as a wastage of money. Some appliances don’t last a lifetime, making it unnecessary to take an extended cover for them. Others also argue that they may upgrade their appliances and buy more advanced ones, which may require new covers. Despite these arguments, extended warranty plans have many benefits for homeowners.

Conclusion

If you’d like to use your appliances for a longer period and avoid paying regular maintenance fees, you need to purchase an appliance warranty plan. Warranty companies offer different plans depending on their customers’ preferences and needs. Therefore, you should ensure that you purchase a policy that’ll cover all your essential appliances and systems.

The flooring type you choose can make or break your home renovation project. Your lighting and paint choices are essential, too, but your flooring is probably the most important element to consider.

Your flooring has immediate transformative abilities. It matters a lot because it is your initial ‘physical interaction’ with a room the moment you step inside one. Moreover, it accounts for a huge portion of your budget. Therefore, you must ensure you are making a well-informed decision, so it’s best to choose a flooring type that will last a lifetime.

When it comes to durability, you can’t go wrong with wall-to-wall carpeting. It provides plenty of benefits, too, including good acoustic performance, superior comfort, safety, and thermal qualities. It will also help you set the mood you want for your space and create an ambiance indicating to occupants how the room is supposed to be used.

Here’s everything you need to know about wall-to-wall carpeting and what makes it an excellent choice for your flooring.

Wall-to-wall carpet – what is it?

Also known as “broadloom carpets” or “fitted carpets,” wall-to-wall carpets can cover an entire space with just a few pieces because it is manufactured in long, wide rolls. Thus, it can create a seamless look for your home. And with so many varieties to choose from, it is not difficult to find the piece that will satisfy your needs and budget.

5 benefits of wall-to-wall carpets

Wall-to-wall carpets provide the following key benefits:

1. Versatility

Wall-to-wall carpeting is available in a wide range of styles. You can choose from different patterns and colours. It gives you the greatest freedom in terms of creating customized designs because there are no unsightly seams or modular requirements that can affect your design.

2. Unparalleled plushness

Wall-to-wall carpeting offers a wide variety of yarn options and carpet backing, allowing for unmatched plushness that other options can’t provide. It offers underfoot comfort, minimizes back pain from standing, and absorbs the heavy impact of foot traffic.

3. Greater safety

Home safety should always be a priority, especially if you have kids or elderly parents. Wall-to-wall carpeting functions like a buffer for your steps and minimizes the risk of falling and slipping.

4. Better insulation

Wall-to-wall carpeting offers sound insulation, helping to minimize disturbing noise from outdoors. Privacy and silence are ensured as it inhibits transitions across floors.

5. Good for health

Wall-to-wall carpets are manufactured in a way that will benefit your health. With the innovations in carpet manufacturing, some carpets today are designed to be resistant to deformation and stains. These carpets also do not shed, produce bacteria or trigger different types of allergies.

Buying a carpet: 3 important considerations

When choosing a wall-to-wall carpet, there are carpet properties you must consider.

1. Construction

When it comes to carpet construction, you can choose from among these options.

• Woven – These carpets are produced on a loom using primarily natural materials. These offer superior durability and quality.
• Needle punched – These carpets are often used as entry mats because they dry fast and are highly resistant to fading and sunlight.
• Tufted – These carpets are your best option when endurance and superior quality are of your top concerns.

2. Style

Besides construction, another crucial consideration that can significantly affect the feel, look, and performance of a carpet is style. Here are three main carpet styles:

• Cut pile – These carpets are made by cutting yarn loops, creating an upright pile. These give off a more luxurious and formal look.
• Loop pile – These carpets are created by combining lower and higher loops to play with patterns and textures. They have a smoother and softer feel and look.
• Cut and loop pile – These carpets are built with a mixture of cut and loop yarns, allowing for a wide range of styles and patterns and more sculptured effects, like swirls and squares.

3. Fibres

An in-depth understanding of the type of fibre used will help you understand the qualities you’ll expect from a specific blend.

• Polypropylene – This is a synthetic fibre that is highly resistant to stains and fading, but is quite deficient when it comes to durability.
• Wool – This is a natural fibre, famous for being luxurious, stain-resistant, and durable. It also provides the utmost comfort and upholds excellent structural integrity. Because of its cream colour, this fibre has a more minimalist look than other fibre options.
• Polyester – This is also a type of synthetic fibre with a long history of being applied in carpet manufacturing. With today’s tech advancements, this fibre’s durability has significantly improved.
• Nylon – This is a popular option because of its high durability, comfort, and resilience. Also, it is stain-resistant, static-free, and maintains its height well.
• Recycled materials – Made from fishing nets and other types of industrial nylon waste, this fibre type is gaining popularity, especially among the eco-conscious crowd. This will boost your environmental footprint because it is made from sustainable and durable materials.

4 Tips When Choosing a Wall-to-Wall Carpet

A successful wall-to-wall carpet home project is the outcome of thorough planning and preparation. Here are steps you should take before making a purchase.

1. Get a sample

Depending on the lighting condition, the options you see online may appear different from the actual. Thus, make sure to get a sample of the style and design you want so you can look and feel it in person. Ensure that the sample is made with the same weight and quality as that of the product for sale.

2. Choose a carpet backing

The carpet backing will affect the underfoot comfort, durability, and acoustic properties of the carpet. Choose a supplier that does not use additives in their carpet backing, such as PVC and bitumen, because these pose environmental hazards.

3. Create a carpet placement plan

Mistakes can quickly become costly with wall-to-wall carpeting, so you need to have a detailed carpet placement plan before getting started. This way, seam placement and direction will be a lot easier. Make sure to have the flooring plan checked by your carpet supplier to ensure its accuracy.

4. Prepare for installation

For best results, let a professional install your wall-to-wall carpeting. But before these pros deliver and install the carpets, ensure that your home is ready to avoid costly delays. A clear plan and thorough communication are crucial to ensure that the installation is performed on time and within budget.

Maintenance

Your wall-to-wall carpeting can last long if you maintain it properly. Create a maintenance plan, and be sure to stick with it. Also, regularly check for potential problem areas, such as traffic lanes, congested channels, and track-off areas. Deal with problems immediately to prevent further problems.

Wall-to-wall carpeting is a great choice for your flooring because of its many benefits and the many options to choose from.

But to ensure the success of your wall-to-wall carpeting project, buy your carpets from a reputable supplier and let a professional do the installation. More importantly, make sure to care for it to preserve its beauty and prolong its lifespan.

Author Bio:

James Prathap is the General Manager at NGC Nafees, one of the leading distributors of wallpapers, floorings, and fabrics in the Middle East and South Asia. Formed three decades ago, the business also offers high-quality panoramics, coordinated fabrics, and creative stickers for residential and commercial projects.

Having extra space around the home is always ideal. If you have bought a house with a fantastic loft space, there is no doubt that you utilise it well. However, if it’s simply storing Christmas decorations, old furniture and keepsakes rather than serving a more worthwhile purpose, you could consider converting it.

If you are looking to transform your attic into a practical space, here are some design ideas that you might like:

Create a new master bedroom

Converting a loft space into a master bedroom is a very popular idea. Not only will the extra bedroom add value to your home, but it will also provide you with the perfect tranquil space to escape to after a busy day.

When it comes to the design, don’t forget that under-eaves storage might make it harder for you to buy the wardrobes or drawers you want to store your belongings. Instead, consider fitted furniture that can be tailored to your exact needs.

Invite more natural light into a dark home using extra windows

Is your house particularly dark? Natural sunlight always makes a home feel lighter, brighter and more welcoming, so you could also consider opening up your top floor and loft space to let more light in with huge windows. If the windows are particularly large and heavy, gas struts will be able to assist you with opening them.

Add a new bathroom

Are your family always falling out over who spends the longest time in the bathroom? If so, an additional bathroom could be a great investment. If you don’t have loads of room, you can simply add another toilet and basin, but if there is space, an additional bath will provide you with a place to unwind.

Create a new home office

Working from home has now become the norm, with more and more people choosing to work from the comfort of their own living room or spare bedroom instead of heading into the office. With that in mind, transforming your loft space into a home office could be a great idea. It will provide you with a separate room to set up your desk, computer, chair and files, and at the end of the day, you will be able to close the door to it and simply relax in another room.

What are you hoping to convert your loft space into?

Owning a dream home is something that a lot of people strive for, and the reasons for wanting this are varied. Some people just want to be homeowners. Many others desire a change in household size to meet the needs of a growing family. Others want to be closer to in-laws, so they’ll buy a home in a neighborhood closest to their loved ones. Some people just want to move where the best neighborhoods and schools are or are just looking for a great place to live.

 

Whatever the reason, people everywhere are moving into their dream homes on a daily basis. In 2020 alone homeownership is expected to reach 64 percent for residents in Australia. In longer term estimates, the percentage is projected to stay the same in 2021. The average cost for building such homes (at the average dwelling size of 229.8 sqm) is $320,238. When you’ve decided to make the jump to creating a new home, here a few tips for creating your new dream domicile.

1. Look into home loans.

First and foremost you’re going to have to find a way to pay for your dream home. Most homeowners will need to look into receiving a home loan for buying a new home, and there are a number of areas where you can do this. After first doing a home loan rate comparison between different lenders, you’ll also see that there are a number of loan types to choose from. These include a bridging loan, a construction loan, a fixed vs variable home loan, a jumbo loan, an interest-only home loan, a conventional loan, an introductory loan, a mortgage loan, a line of credit loan, a low doc loan, and a non-conforming loan.

 

 

When looking into what type of loan works best for you through a mortgage lender, you’ll want to consider that first the principal and interest will pay off a loan. Secondly, try and get the shortest loan which is affordable through a mortgage lender. It’s a good idea to find out what the shortest loan will be through a reputable lender. After all, you will be dealing with this lender for a long time, so find someone who will provide a mortgage that works for you but is also a lender who you, the borrower, won’t mind working with for years to come.

 

The life of the loan will be how long you have to pay off the loan, which has an impact on your mortgage repayments size, and the amount of interest that you’ll have to pay back. You don’t want to have to pay back a higher interest rate. Do your best also to shoot for paying a lower interest rate. All these details of your mortgage will depend on your credit score or credit history and the amount o a down payment you can put down when you initially take out the mortgage form the lender.

 

Also, work out what the best amount will be for you to borrow. You don’t want to borrow beyond your means. Factor how much money you’ll be able to pay back in the hopes of being able to make your payments on time, and with no hassle. As mentioned before, there’s a chance that you will have a higher interest rate, so it’s best to plan realistically about what you can and can’t afford. In the long run, you want to be able to create your dream home in as economically feasible a fashion as possible.

2. Balance your interior design goals with your current and future budget.

Piggybacking on the last section, you’ll have to keep your budget in mind when trying to figure out ways to decorate or stylize your home. When you take on the task of interior decorating, things can get a bit involved, as you seek to give the house a life of its own. Personalizing your house gives you a place that you love coming home to each day, but also acts as a place that you can show off to your friends and family.

 

 

When you are dealing with interior design for a home, your focus is going to be on enhancing, modifying, or bringing to life space, line, forms, light, color, texture, and pattern of your home’s look. The goal is to keep them balanced so that you can create a visually pleasing interior. All of this costs money though.

 

When you are designing your home, don’t lose sight of what your budget is. You don’t want to overspend. When you overspend, you lose money that can be used for other parts of building your dream home. On the other hand, money is not finite. You need the money not just for your home, but for other household needs, like maybe buying a new car to replace the old ride for the family. If you spend too much money on interior design goals, there’s a chance you won’t be able to choose from many cheap cars for sale when you go through your home’s budget. When you are considering a new car for the family, don’t forget to check out the best rate on a car loan, as well as how much mileage you’ll be getting on the various cars you’re considering.

 

Start as simple as you can when it comes to interior decorating and ask yourself a few questions before going a bit crazy with designing the home. Will you be in the house long enough to consider it a retirement investment? What will your monthly costs be with your monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance combined be? What will your utilities on a monthly basis be? So before splurging on interior decorating needs, figure out what your other home costs and car loan costs will be.

3. Decorate and accessorize for less.

 

There’s nothing wrong with saving money, especially when you are creating your dream home. You want to fill your home with furniture and accessories which make your home pop, but you don’t want to break the bank doing this. There are a number of things you can do to make sure that this happens. First look for buying discounted furniture or accessories.

 

Check out faux fur rugs which might be for sale or even a discounted living room couch and loveseat set that can help save you money. Faux fur rugs look luxurious but don’t cost as much. Plus, a rug made of faux fur is better for the environment as well! Painting your kitchen cabinets, refreshing your throw pillows, and even updating discounted kitchen appliances can go a long way to helping you decorate for not much money.

4. Let there be light.

When designing your dream home also consider how much light you’ll want to add to your house. Some people aren’t big fans of having a well-lit home, while others love to bask in the sun rays which hit their house. In some cases, light can have a strong effect on people. For example, when you have a home that doesn’t have a lot of natural light coming into the house during the winter months, some people have been known to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This type of disorder occurs in climate locales where there is less sunlight at certain times of the year.

 

 

If you’re building a home in an area where there is less sunlight during certain points of the year, it’s best to design your home to try and bring in as much light as possible. You’ll want to add skylights to your home design plan, to offset possibly suffering from SAD.

 

Light also plays a part in the placement of certain rooms of the house. Let’s say you have a desire to wake up to the great experience of sunlight hitting your dining room. When designing your dream home it would be good then to design your house to face the east, so you can catch the rays of the morning sun. Let’s say that you aren’t a big fan of the sun blasting your face when you wake up in the morning. In this case, you’d request at the planning stages that the main bedroom not be built in an area where this would happen.

 

Also, consider how electrical lighting will play a part in the home, and what will be the best way to have such electrical systems installed. Do you ask your electrician to install a lighting system which allows you to adjust the lighting in various rooms, or do you have the “one light switch, one light bulb” option throughout your dream home? Indoor lighting can facilitate comfort just as much as natural lighting, so consider your options carefully when trying to find ways to finance such additions to your dream home.

5. Figure out the function and flow of your new home.

 

Before building your dream home, you’ll want to determine how well things will flow and function in the home. For example, you want to consider noise reduction when it comes to building certain areas of the house. In this case, you’ll have your sleeping areas a bit further away from the more communal areas of the house.

 

If you’re a person who doesn’t like food smells wafting into their bedrooms, place the kitchen as far as possible from the bedrooms of the home when designing your dream house. Also maintaining an open floor plan for areas where your family likes to hang out, can also help to keep the flow and function intact. You want the time spent living in your home to be a great experience so make sure the flow and function of your home can create such an experience.

Heat loss through the windows of your household can be quite high during the chillier months of the year. After all, windows account for more than 20% of the surface area of the standard construction of homes on average. The higher this percentage is in a given home, the higher the amount of heat loss. Fortunately, there are many tips that can help reduce the heat lost through windows even during the coldest times of the year. Here are a few of the most important ones.

1. Reduce the Fully Glass Of Your Windows:

In most cases, the windows in your house have a greater area of glass than the spaces that are filled with other materials like wood, drywall, stone, etc. Therefore, contact any window specialist near you and ask whether you can have your windows altered to make them more energy-efficient. The changes may cost you a little of your money, but they will save you more in the long run.

2. Use Low-E Coating:

Low-E coating is a chemical coating that helps to reduce the heat loss from your windows. However, they increase the cost of your windows, so it is best to contact a window specialist and discuss your options and requirements with them so that you can get your windows altered with low-E coating as required.

3. Use Thermal Insulation:

If you contact a window specialist, they can talk to you about installing a thermal insulation layer between your windows and the weather to help you control the amount of heat lost from your windows. You can choose whether you wish to face your windows inward or outward based on the layout of your home.

4. Use Window Treatments:

It may sound silly, but the different window treatments you use can go a long way in helping you reduce the heat or coldness coming from your home. Thus, it can be a wise idea to go for the traditional treatments like curtains, blinds, shades, etc. that can help you in blocking out whatever is happening inside and outside of your home as required.

5. Get New Windows:

In case your windows are already leaking heat, then you should not hesitate in replacing them. Replacing your windows may cost you a large sum, but it will pay off in the long run as you will have made your home energy efficient. Getting new windows will definitely cost you, but it can be very beneficial as you will have made your house so much better. So, rebuild credit now in case you need to replace your windows.

Conclusion

Use these tips to reduce the loss of heat through your windows when the temperatures are at their lowest during the winter season or even at night. Once you start making changes in your home, you will notice a difference. The heat loss through windows will reduce and you will be able to save a little on your electricity bill. Contact a window specialist to schedule an appointment so that they can help you make the necessary alterations.