Home & Garden

With bushfire season just around the corner, it’s important to check that your home is prepared. Even if you’re not in a bushfire-prone area, the risk of fires increases in hot, dry conditions. So, are you ready to handle a fire? Even the smallest kitchen fire can turn into a serious problem putting your home and family at risk. Especially in older homes or those with a lot of combustible materials, a home can be engulfed in a matter of minutes.

Here is a short list of all the items you should have on standby in your home in the event of a fire.

Fire extinguisher

There are several types of fire extinguishers you can get for the home, and each serves a different purpose. Portable fire extinguishers can contain any of the following materials:

• Water
• Foam
• Dry powder
• CO2
• Wet chemical

Knowing which is best for your home is important. For example, a water-based fire extinguisher shouldn’t be used around electrical fires. Wet chemical extinguishers are best for hot fat an oil fires.

Whichever you choose, be sure to buy a size that you can easily handle, as they come in many different weights. Also, ensure you store it in a place that’s easily accessible, especially in the event of a fire. For example, many fires start on the stove, so keep it away from there.

A working smoke alarm

Smoke alarms are perhaps the best way to protect your family in the event of a fire. Often, a fire may start while you’re asleep or in another part of the home completely unaware. In these instances, the fire may already be too advanced for you to put it out and the best option is to leave the premises immediately. Your smoke alarm is the key alert system for such fires.

Always test your smoke alarm twice a year (daylight savings is a good reminder), and keep your family safe from potentially life-threatening fires.

Fire blankets

Fire blankets can be purchased from any hardware store and should be kept in all parts of the home. Many people only have them in the kitchen, but this is problematic as many fires start there and there blanket may not be accessible. Fire blankets are used to assist those who have caught alight, and can prevent burns from worsening, even saving lives.

Fire-rated insulation

When installing insulation in your home, ensure you purchase fire rated insulation made from non-combustible materials. It’s something a lot of people forget, but with walls most commonly comprising of plaster and timber, the insulation in between serves as a further accelerant in a fire. Old, flammable insulation, that is. Newer products available today are fire-resistant, so if you get the chance to update your insulation, make the fire-safe choice.

First-aid kits

Finally, always ensure you have a first aid kit in an easily accessible part of the house. While a first-aid kit can’t do much to stop a fire, it can certainly help if a member of your family suffers burns during a fire. If you leave your home during a fire and one of your family members has been burned, the condition can worsen quickly if left untreated. A first-aid kit is a valuable tool to keep people safe while waiting for professional medical help.

 

Your home’s roof gets exposed to changing temperatures and extreme weather all the time. The average roof lasts for between 15 and 25 years with routine maintenance before you’ll start needing to figure out how to replace a roof.

If your roof is old or you’re frequently scheduling repairs, installing a new roof is the best option for your home. However, the installation process isn’t as simple as you might think.

You need to know what to expect before you schedule the appointment. Here are a few important things every homeowner needs to know before replacing a roof on their property.

1. Make Sure a New Roof Is Necessary

Believe it or not, installing a new roof isn’t always what your home needs. Before you make the decision to replace your old roof, make sure the replacement is the right choice.

Schedule an inspection with your trusted roofing contractor and let them look at the condition of your roof.

During this inspection, they’ll look for the warning signs that your roof is failing. This means inspecting the attic, the support structure, and the roofing materials themselves. If they think the materials are in good shape, you may be able to simply repair the roof.

However, if they think that the damage is severe or feel that you’ll end up having to make frequent repairs to keep your home safe, replacing the roof is the better option. Rely on your roofer to tell you what’s best for your home.

2. You’ll Need to Choose the Right Materials

The type of roofing materials you choose largely influence the amount of maintenance and repairs you’ll have to deal with in the future. Instead of choosing the cheapest option possible, be more selective.

Choose roofing materials that will last for decades and have manufacturer warranties that are valid for years after installation. If you’re not sure what type of materials will work best for your home, discuss the options with your roofing contractor. They’ll be able to recommend the best materials for your needs and your budget.

If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you’ll need to check with your HOA to see what types and colors of materials are acceptable. The last thing you want to do is commit to a material only to find out that it violates the HOA’s rules. If it does, you may have to remove the roofing materials and replace them with approved options at your own expense.

3. Shop Around With Different Contractors

Roof replacement cost is one of the biggest deciding factors for homeowners and it varies from contractor to contractor. This means you’ll need to shop around with different contractors to find the best option for your budget.

Try to schedule in-person estimates with at least three roofing companies and get everything you can in writing. These written estimates should include the cost of materials, labor, the types of work they’ll do, and the guarantees they offer.

Compare those estimates in detail and choose the contractor that fits your needs best. Remember, the best contractor may not be the cheapest option—in fact, choosing the cheapest contractor isn’t always the best idea.

You want to make sure the contractor you work with will do a good job and stands behind the work they do for years to come. This means you may end up paying more for their services, but the quality of their workmanship will more than make up for the cost.

4. It’s Best to Prepare Your Home for the Appointment

Once you find a roofer you’re comfortable working with, you’ll need to get your home ready for the appointment. This means taking a look around your yard and identifying possible hazards that could get in the crew’s way.

Remove items like lawn decorations, furniture, and toys to provide a clear pathway around your home. If you can, park your car on the street or in the garage to allow the roofing crew to get their equipment as close to your home as possible.

Cover sensitive plants and shrubs with tarps or old blankets to protect them from falling debris. If you have pets, keep them indoors while the roofers are working. This way, everyone will stay safe throughout the roof replacement.

Taking these simple steps before the roofers arrive will help speed up the appointment and makes it easier for them to do their jobs well. The result will be a better and faster installation.

5. Roofing Work Is Always Loud

Roofing work is always loud. This is the case no matter what type of material you install. Make sure you’re ready for that noise.

If you work from home, consider finding a quieter place to get your work done while the roofers are on-site. If your kids get bothered by loud noises, take them away from the property while the installation is underway.

Though it’s noisy, the work won’t take forever. Be patient and know that the roofers are doing everything they can to minimize the noise they generate.

6. Installing a New Roof Is an Investment in Your Home

Installing a new roof doesn’t just keep your home from experiencing annoying leaks. It also adds value to your property. According to the information found at https://prr247.com/new-look-better-appraisal-how-adding-a-new-roof-will-increase-your-boise-home-value/, the right roof replacement can increase your property value by thousands of dollars.

If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, a roof replacement can make all the difference in the price you get. Even better, it can help you attract more qualified buyers and get offers faster.

Ready to Start Replacing a Roof?

Installing a new roof is one of the best things you can do for your home and your property’s value. Just make sure to keep these key things in mind before you schedule an appointment. Better yet, why not contact a credible roofing company to do a roofing inspection if you don’t trust yourself to do one at all or thoroughly? There are a lot of reputable roofing companies that offer free roofing inspections, so feel free to consult them and move forward from there. Such companies include Team Roofing, which is based in Atlanta, for residents around the area. You get to contact their roofing experts to do your roof inspection for free so that you can be guided on what further action to take. Most importantly, you can verify their credibility by asking for their licenses and certificates to prove their qualifications.

When you take the time to understand what goes into a full roof replacement, you’ll be better equipped to make the right choices for your home.

Replacing a roof is only one way to improve your home’s appearance and value. Check out our latest posts for more advice on how to make your home stand out from others on the block.

 

Fixing a broken air conditioner can be likened to a journey through hell. You have to endure the damning heat, and it could get worse if you end up with a poor technician. So when looking for AC replacements and repairs, you want to work with the experts.

There are many reasons why your AC can break down, and if you are good with gadgets, you may be able to tell what the problem is before getting in touch with the technician. Read more about AC problems and possible solutions. When it comes to finding Cincinnati, OH air conditioning replacement and repair experts, there are a few ways to find the best.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Faulty?

You want to try and do some preliminary checks before the specialists arrive. This will include checking that the cable is connected to the power source, and there is no lag in the wiring. You want to also inspect for any signs that there may be an electrical malfunction on your end. Test the switch with another device to be sure that it is not your connection that is at fault. Read more here: https://www.moneycrashers.com/ac-repair-maintenance-tips/ for maintenance tips.

Refrigerant Issues

Your device could turn on but not be cooling through the vents. The problem could likely be that the unit is out of refrigerant responsible for the heating and cooling effect.

While it could be that the refrigerant is empty and needs to be refilled, there is also the likelihood that your tanks could be leaking hence the reasons for the poor ventilation. Sealing the leakage and filling the tank could help solve the problem with your AC.

Poor Maintenance

You will also likely end up with a faulty AC if you are behind on your maintenance schedule. It is recommended to carry out routine checks and inspections of the critical components of the device. This makes it easy to detect problems early, and this can save you more ion repairs later when it breaks down. A regular AC check-up and maintenance should be done to keep your unit running smoothly.

Like I said earlier, there are many reasons why your AC could be acting up, and getting an expert to take a look, could be the quickest to find a solution.

And when it comes to finding air conditioning replacements and repair experts in Cincinnati, OH, you could quickly find it is not all that easy. First off, you will find there are several companies in the area offering electrical repairs and home improvement services, and this can become an issue when searching for who to hire.

Finding AC Experts in Cincinnati

You could either hire a technician or decide to work with a company. The main thing is to go with a professional with years of experience in the field. They have to provide you with the services you need, and there are a few ways to narrow down the best professionals in the area. You can start by

Using Internet Search

You can also use the web to find air conditioning replacement and repair experts in Cincinnati, OH. It is simple to search through google for professionals in the area and get their contact details from their website. You could use contact details from when you visit site to leave a message, and they’ll get back to you, or you call the numbers available on their site.

Asking Around

Most homes and offices have to rely on air conditioning to regulate the temperatures indoors. You can check with neighbors and businesses in the area if they know any technician or company they can suggest you to.

The good thing with asking those close to you is you can rely on their referrals since they would have likely used the service in the past and can give you a first-hand experience of what to expect.

Hiring an AC Expert

You will have to rely on experience if you want your AC device to be properly repaired or installed so you want to go with those who have years of experience on the job. They also need to have the right certification with the appropriate body. It is also best that they have the tools and professionalism to deliver top-notch service.

Final Note

It would help if you carried out regular maintenance of your device to get them to last longer and break down less often. But if you need help with repairing your AC in Cincinnati, you can use the tips above to find the right person to hire.

 

Replacing the garage door requires a lot of attention and consideration. There are a lot of factors that have to be taken into account before replacing, such as color, material, and design. One of the main factors that affect the decision of replacement is the new door’s durability and its resistance to change in weather. If the damage is not too adverse, there are services like garage door repair Vancouver that can help save your garage door. Commonly, there are only two types of materials that are used for garage doors: Steel and Wood. Each of them comes with its own features and is different from the other.

Wooden Garage Doors:

Wooden garage doors have advantages as well as disadvantages; make an informed decision to make sure you don’t regret your choices later.

Pros:

1. Appearance: Wooden doors tend to provide an elegant and natural look to your home. It provides a sophisticated and is much more pleasing to the eyes.
2. Long-Lasting: The wooden doors have natural tensile strength due to which they can resist small shocks or hits upon it. It is constructed with a strong frame, which allows it to last longer than other doors.
3. Scratches: Garage doors usually have a lot of scratches, but on wooden doors scratches don’t show up unless watched very closely. Their wood patterns tend to cover the scratches on them.

Cons:

1. Maintenance: Wooden doors require maintenance from time to time, such as getting them polished. If they are put in a high-temperature area, they are more susceptible to sun damage and require maintenance after 6-8 months.
2. Expensive: As much as it is appealing to the eyes, a wooden garage door can be an expensive investment.
3. Weather: Wooden doors are more susceptible to damage from rain and humidity. They are poor insulators as well.

Steel Garage Doors:

Steel garage doors are used commercially much more than wooden doors. They have their own pros and cons. Let’s discuss them below:

Pros:

1. Durability: Steel doors are much more durable because they are resistant to shocks and the strength of steel can absorb small accidents while parking a car in the garage.
2. Less Expensive: Steel doors are less expensive and are used much more commercially.
3. Installation: The steel doors are much easier to install and are readily available in the market as well.
4. Maintenance: As to maintain steel doors, it is much easier than wooden doors. They require less maintenance as steel is an easier material as compared to wood.

Cons:

1. Dents: Steel doors have the drawback of getting a dent when slightly hit by something which de-shapes the area which is hit. Thinner doors can be easily dented and if the dent is a bigger one, it might be difficult to remove.
2. Rust: If the door has lower-quality steel, it might start to rust after some time. Paint coatings are used to prevent rust but gradually, steel becomes weak and is likely to develop rust.

Wood and steel both have their own pros and cons. It is important to consider your use and the weather conditions of your area before you decide.

 

Do you miss going to the sauna? Or are you itching for your first sauna experience? Unfortunately, the pandemic is making things harder for people to enjoy its benefits.

With the ongoing pandemic, saunas and spas had to tweak their services a bit. However, the risk is still out there. But why go through all the trouble if you can have your sauna experience right in the comforts of your home?

Through a home dry sauna, you can enjoy and relive the benefits of a real sauna experience. But beyond the safety it offers, what are the biggest reasons you should invest in one?

Continue reading below for five key benefits of having a home dry sauna.

1. Helps Eliminate Toxins

One of the primary benefits of a home dry sauna is that you continue eliminating toxins while at home. With gyms still operating minimally, you can use your dry sauna to help flush out your toxins.

The magic behind a dry sauna is the heat. The sauna heats the air around you by combining high temperatures with little amounts of moisture.

As your body heats up, you will begin to sweat. And sweating is one of the best ways to flush toxins out of your body.

When it comes to the toxins in your body, there are many. However, you can expect your dry sauna to flush out common toxins like lead, BPA, and mercury. And if you’re a smoker, heating your dry sauna can help you eliminate nicotine.

And since you sweat, it means you are burning up calories. In turn, you are enhancing your weight-loss efforts.

The heat the dry sauna produces increases your heart rate. As a result, your higher rate will help burn calories faster. Additionally, spending an hour inside a dry sauna can help reduce your appetite.

2. Improves Heart Health

A dry sauna can also help improve your heart health and blood circulation. It is also one of the most popular benefits of a dry sauna.

When the sauna heats your body, your heart rate increases. Your blood vessels will also open up and improve your circulation.

When this happens, your blood vessel dilation will strengthen. You will also experience a reduction of arterial stiffness. If you are going to compare the increase in circulation, it is like the effects of low to moderate exercises.

Furthermore, improving your blood circulation will also improve the functions of your autonomic nervous system.

Interestingly, a study revealed that going to the sauna may lower the risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases. These include sudden heart attacks and coronary artery disease.

However, a sauna alone cannot provide everything you need for your heart health. You still need regular exercise and better food choices.

3. Promotes Faster Muscle Recovery

If you regularly work out, your home dry sauna can help your muscles recover faster. For starters, a dry sauna can help reduce muscle soreness.

And since blood circulation helps your muscles relax, it helps cut excess lactic acid in the body. Your body forms lactic acid after strenuous activities, like high-impact exercises.

Also, because your blood circulation increases, your blood vessels will dilate. In turn, more blood will pump around your muscles, aiding them in their recovery.

This effect will also benefit people suffering from arthritis. It also helps people recovering from injury.

Apart from increasing your blood circulation and heart rate, sitting in the dry sauna also helps release endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that help manage your pain. Since dry sauna helps release endorphins, it will assist people who are managing arthritis and other joint pains.

4. Stimulates Skin Growth

Though dry saunas do not use a lot of water, they do not fall behind when it comes to nourishing your skin. Regular stints in a dry sauna can help stimulate skin growth.

When you sit in the sauna, you are opening up your pores. You also relax facial tension, which affects a lot of people during the pandemic. When the heat of the dry sauna touches your epidermis, it will stimulate the growth of new skin cells.

Furthermore, regular visits to your home dry sauna can reduce skin irritation and inflammation. Hence, it is wise to invest in one if you have acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dry and itchy skin.

Additionally, the sweat that you produce can flush out impurities beneath your skin. It also stimulates your sebaceous glands. As a result, the glands lubricate your body and act as a natural moisturizer.

5. Boosts Your Mental Health

Last but not least, a dry sauna can help boost your mental well-being. As we mentioned earlier, the sauna’s heat releases endorphins in the body. Apart from managing pain, endorphins help enhance your mood.

Furthermore, regular dry sauna sessions can help reduce your body’s cortisol levels. The lower your cortisol levels are, the less you experience tension and anxiety. Additionally, lower cortisol levels increase the nights where you can sleep soundly.

And if you are an advocate of meditation, you can spend those private hours inside your dry sauna at home. With its dark and quiet environment, a dry sauna is a perfect place to relax and forget about all your cares.

Maximizing the Benefits of a Home Dry Sauna

Even if you have the best home dry sauna, you still need to learn how to maximize its different health benefits. Here are a few tips that will help you do so:

• Scrub your skin while in the sauna to further stimulate your pores
• Stay in the sauna until you feel tired
• Take a cold shower after leaving the sauna to wash off the toxins from your skin

By following these tips, you can maximize your investment especially if your home dry sauna costs you a lot.

Explore Other Health-Boosting Solutions

With all the health benefits a home dry sauna offers, it is one of the best health investments out there. But if building a sauna is out of your budget, there are other health-boosting solutions you can go for.

We invite you to read our other articles and increase your knowledge of health and wellness. Check out our different topics and become healthier especially during a pandemic.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

Work with a Roller Blind

Compared to drapes or custom Roman shades, plain roller blinds remain the steal of the century. Plus, they beat out a café curtain for looks by a mile.

They are also a great complement to windows, which have a deep jamb and are in a situation where the windows are detailed without casings or trims.

All you need to do is install your blinds within the jamb instead of mounting them to the wall above the windows. This way, they will be more discreet and have a streamlined appearance.

If you’re unable to handle a valence box, you should at least consider making your shades come in front of the blinds rather than from underneath. This will make your blinds more pronounced.

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!

 

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!