Home & Garden

 

An air conditioner is something that makes the warmer months bearable. Rather than sitting in your home uncomfortably sweating, you can Adjust your climate to a more tolerable level. However, it may not always be easy to tell if your unit is running as efficiently as possible.

Many homeowners make the mistake of holding on to their old air conditioning units far too long, not realizing that they’re hardly doing as good of a job as they should. It’s important to know when it’s time to schedule a service or whether it’s time to buy an entirely new unit. Take a look at some of the common signs that indicate your air conditioner should be replaced.

 

Problems Coming Up Frequently

 

It’s normal to have to make occasional repairs on your air conditioner. However, if you need frequent air conditioning repairs, it’s a pretty big indication that it may be time to accept your old machine is breaking down.

 

It’s important that you get your air conditioning unit cleaned and maintained regularly. The better care that you take of your machine, the less likely it is to develop problems early on. The last thing you need is finding out you have a broken air conditioner on one of the hottest days of the year.

 

High Bills

 

As the years go on, your air conditioner will start to be less and less efficient. The harder that it has to work to keep your home cool, the higher that your energy bill will be. As your system becomes dirty, it gets harder for it to function. If you find that your bills are significantly higher than usual, then you might want to consider your aged air conditioner as the reason for it.

 

The newer that an air conditioner is, the more energy-efficient than it will be. If you’re looking for a way to cut down on your energy bill, then a newer model which is more energy efficient is the way to go.

 

Your Home Isn’t Cooling Down

 

If you notice that despite how much your air conditioner is on in your home, it doesn’t seem to feel as cool is it once did, then it’s probably a sign that your old machine isn’t giving you the same results anymore. Although this may be caused by poor insulation, more often than not, it’s a sign that your air conditioner is losing its performance over time.

 

It’s a good idea to question how old your air conditioner is before considering this possibility. If it’s over several years old, then there’s a good chance it’s simply lived the course of its life, and it’s time to start looking for a new machine.

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While building your dream home can be an exciting adventure, it can also be fraught with a lot of challenges and obstacles that you hadn’t initially anticipated. However, with the right preparation and forethought, there are ways that you can plan for some of the most common issues that people run into when building a home from scratch for the first time.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three things to consider when building a brand new house.

Plan For Bad Weather

When most people think about building a new house, they initially think about how beautiful it will be. However, to ensure that your home will stand the test of time, you need to start thinking about how your home will handle during those less-than-ideal times.

As your home is being built, you should think about how it will be protected during bad weather and inclement conditions. In addition to taking measures like properly sealing and insulating your roof and attic, you may also want to consider adding features that will make living during bad weather something that’s easier to endure. For example, Laura Mueller, a contributor to Moving.com, recommends looking into something like a heated driveway if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow. To save you from having to shovel it every morning before leaving for work or school, you can simply have the snow melt away from the heated surface.

Include Enough Light

While you’re going to be thinking about things like windows and lights when designing your new home, many people fail to realize just how much light a home needs in order to look bright and fresh.

To help you bring in more light than you might already have in your plans, Jessica of Freshome.com, shares that you should try to add in as many windows as is feasible for your home’s layout. Additionally, you may want to add in a few skylights to help bring in some more natural light to strategic places that may not get access to windows.

Upgrade From Builder Grade

As your home is being built, your contractor or those who are building the home will build things with materials that are called “builder grade”. While these things will get the job done, Brittany Anas, a contributor to Apartment Therapy, shares that if you’re wanting to add any real value to your home and make it more attractive to future buyers, it’s best to upgrade wherever you can. Although this will make your build more expensive, it could be very worth it when done in the right way and for the right things.

If you’re going to be building a new home in the future, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you avoid some common mistakes and really get the home of your dreams.

 

Outdoor kitchens are a must have for your outdoor entertaining space! When adding one to your backyard, why not make it as gorgeous as you can. When the weather starts to warm up , having an outdoor kitchen is ideal. It is a great investment that will not only add value to your home, but will also upgrade your outdoor living lifestyle. It will change the way you interact while allowing you to enjoy the outdoors more frequently.

By including all the appliances to make cooking convenient and within reach, things can only get more interesting. Having a well designed outdoor area allows you to enjoy time with family and friends as you enjoy a hearty meal outdoors.

There are some amazing stone outdoor kitchen ideas that you should definitely consider. An outdoor kitchen is more than a place for alfresco feasts and grilling. It is a place where you can have a lot of fun in the backyard, as well as an area for cocktail parties over the summer months. You should ensure that this area can accommodate you and match your yard.

Some of the ideas

Here are some ideas that could give you some inspiration, and you can use them to create even more gorgeous kitchens.

1. Mixing and matching

We’re all used to mixing indoor patterns. Even with the outdoor stone kitchen, you should experiment with materials and textures too. When you incorporate more, then you will achieve a balanced space that also adds intrigue for the eye. Combine the stone kitchen with resistant outdoor countertops counters, wood furnishings, brick floors, and stainless steel appliances. This gives you that modern and rustic style combination that everyone can enjoy.

2. Place the kitchen front and center

When you decide to build a stone outdoor kitchen, you might be tempted to set it on the periphery. However, you will receive more benefits from it if you place it front and center. If you have an outdoor cooking station, make sure it is located near your home. Since there are frequent trips from home to the cooking station, you will save yourself a few steps and considerable time!

3. A hidden kitchen

Just because you want an outdoor kitchen, it does not mean that you have to leave it to be exposed to the outdoor elements. You can have a stone kitchen that is enclosed to shelter your appliances. This allows you to add cabinets that can come in handy when you need to entertain. You could consider double doors to highlight the setup when you need to use it, and then close them when you have finished.

4. Tropical set up

What is better than having a tropical setup for your stone kitchen; you can use natural stones and add some beach tones. You can also add pergolas to create that sophisticated yet playful look. It is a gorgeous idea for your outdoor kitchen that will definitely give your backyard a lift.

5. Creating an earthy environment

This earthy environment involves the use of earth tones that are warm as well as other accents to compliment the look. This allows you to create a serene design while paying attention to the details. If you opt for the earthy environment look, you could consider adding natural patio pavers and rustic hues.

Conclusion

Your stone outdoor kitchen will be gorgeous by incorporating different elements. You can choose to add artwork and other decorative items to make it even more beautiful. Feel free to experiment until your space is exactly what you have dreamed of.

 

 

Are you bored with how your home is looking? And are you feeling that your space is not being used as well as it should be? Then it is a good idea to reflect upon whether home improvements should be made to change the look and layout of your home. This article will explain your decorating options and how they can be put into place to work for your home.

Decorate!

Changing the way your home looks by redecorating is probably the most obvious first step to take when you are looking for a slight change in how your home looks. However, it is a good idea to have a plan of action before you go ahead and redecorate. It is important to do some research into the kinds of themes and colours you want to incorporate into your rooms. If you are looking for a modern kind of vibe, then the latest colour trends are, greys, neutrals and most recently navy. However, this may not to be everyone’s taste and if you are desiring a more timeless interior, stick to neutral colours and let your furniture be the statement points opposed to using boldly coloured and designed walls.

Consider making changes to your garden

It is just as important to have a beautiful garden as it is to have a beautiful interior. People who have gardens tend to use their gardens as hosting areas when they have guests round (providing the weather is willing to allow them so), so if you are frequently showing your garden off, why not make sure it looks presentable and is welcoming to your guests. If you are sure that you want a stylish garden, but you are not willing to keep up with the upkeep, why not consider using artificial grass? It seems like a no brainer when its zero maintenance and will save you time or money on keeping your grass cut. Whilst we are on the subject of artificial grass, Grass Warehouse offers variations of artificial grass which can limit the upkeep of your garden space.

Consider changing your home’s layout

If you feel your home is disorganised and cluttered, it is a good idea to have a rethink of your home’s layout. It may be of benefit to change a few rooms into one big room, so you have an open plan living area. This will help you to make the most of your space and it will give a modern, more social feel to the house. Furthermore, if you have surplus money and space, why not consider building an extension on to your house? This is a great idea if you lack space or if you have a growing family. It is also of benefit to adapt your living space to your own needs. If you want to use more of your outdoor area, then adding huge glass doors to your living or kitchen area will help to make more of a display of your garden and it will be easier to be in and out of your living area and garden.

Attics can also be converted as a method of adding an extra room to your home. Many people have used attic conversions as extra bedrooms or living areas and if you have a decent sized attic and you are wanting more living space, then this is a very good cause of action to take.

Have fun with it!

Whatever option you choose to improve the look of your home, make sure you enjoy the process and are pleased with the results. Home improvements are often timely projects and often large sums of money are used within this process, so it is a good idea to consider all of your options and how look the tasks will take to be completed.

 

Whether you’re staying home more than usual or looking for ways to fill your evenings and weekends, there are many ways to stay creative at home. Embrace your new situation and explore creative ideas like a kids room remodel, journaling or baking. Don’t let extra time at home feel like a burden, but use it wisely to stay creative and encouraged.

1. Practice Writing

Writing is a wonderful skill. Whether you need to write emails and reports for work or are branching out into a new hobby, find some time to practice your writing skills. Look for creative writing prompts or try your hand at poetry.

2. Journal Your Dreams

Your dreams are a surprising source of inspiration and creativity. Unusual times tend to bring out unusual dreams, so practice journaling your dreams to make sense of them. While you may not find the right answers or perfect clarity, a dream journal is a great way to connect with your creativity. You may come up with some unusual ideas and thoughts, but it may spark some insight and help you process your daily events.

3. Start Painting

You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy painting. Whether you are an artist of another kind or don’t feel particularly creative in your daily life, carve out some time to pick up a pen, brush or other utensil to start sketching.

4. Bake Your Favorite Creations

Use your time at home to fall back in love with your home. Baking is a fun hobby and a great way to eat healthy. Use extra ingredients in your cupboards or find fresh, local produce and products to make tasty treats, healthy breakfasts and other creations. Create a personalized cooking and baking workstation with the help of a kitchen designer Los Angeles.

5. Enjoy Digital Interactions

More time away from friends and family doesn’t mean you need to feel isolated. Take advantage of digital communication technologies to connect with your loved ones. Create personal greeting cards, talk face-to-face with video calling technology and share your favorite articles and recipes through social media.

6. Take an Online Course

Use your free time to experience new things and learn new skills. An online course can help you train for a new career or stay up-to-date with your professional skills. These courses can be surprisingly affordable or even free.

7. Sleep in

More time at home often means more free time. Enjoy some well-needed sleep after months or years of hustle and bustle. Sometimes a few minutes or hours in the morning or a short nap in the afternoon can leave you feeling refreshed and spark your creativity.

8. Plan a Room Remodel

Take advantage of your time at home to recreate your home. Choose a room to remodel with the help of an interior designer Santa Monica. Contact an experienced interior designer to start a virtual or in-person consultation where you discuss your ideas for remaking a space for a new purpose or updating the look and feel of a room. Give your kitchen an appliance upgrade, your bedroom a new color or a complete makeover for your living room.

 

Moving to Brisbane is well worthwhile due to all that the city has to offer in terms of lifestyle, climate, family friendly activities and work opportunities. However, when moving to Brisbane there’s much to discover in terms of which suburbs are the most desirable to live in, what the buying and rental markets are like, the cost of living and how to get around. This article provides an overview so you can decide whether Brisbane is right for you.

Family Friendly Activities

There are many family friendly activities to be had in Brisbane, including family walks in parks, nature sanctuaries, beach or lagoon days, museums, riding the wheels of Brisbane, feeding dolphins at Tangalooma Island, plus much more. Moving to Brisbane is an excellent family friendly choice.

Brisbane Climate

Before moving to Brisbane, you need to be aware of the climate. With Brisbane’s subtropical days, you can expect plenty of warm sunny days. During summer, there will be some humidity too, plus a lot of rainfall and perhaps some storms. Winter brings chilly evenings and mornings, but sun most of the time.

Brisbane Suburbs

Some of the top Brisbane suburbs to live in include East Brisbane, Mount Gravatt East, Taringa, Bridgeman Downs, Tingalpa, Sandstone Point and Greenbank, among others. Some more well-known candidates include New Farm, Paddington, West End, Bulimba, Kedron, Manly and South Bank.

Buying and Renting

According to rental reports, Brisbane is touted as one of the cheapest capital cities for renting in Australia. The median price for units is $390 per week, while for houses you can expect to pay about $450 per week. Want even lower prices? Head out to the outer suburbs and you won’t be disappointed. As for buying, Brisbane has long been an investor’s paradise with the potential for strong growth. The median house price is $665,000, and units are priced at $480,000 on average, meaning moving to Brisbane might just save you some money.

Cost of Living

To get around on public transport, you’ll need to invest in a go card. For other leisure expenses, they can be as cheap as you wish due to there being plenty of choices when it comes to activities, restaurants and cafes in Brisbane. Moving to Brisbane doesn’t need to break the bank, as the cost of living is quite reasonable.

Getting Around

When moving to Brisbane, you’ll discover there’s a range of ways to get around, including via ferry. You can also catch a bus, train, taxi or hire a bicycle. CityCycle bike hire in Brisbane allows you to get where you need to via bike, with 2,000 bikes at 150 stations.

Working in Brisbane

Surprisingly, moving to Brisbane could widen your opportunities for work. This is because Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing capital city for employment. Almost half of Queensland’s total job growth is due to what’s going on in Brisbane. So, no matter what you do for a living, you have a good chance of finding your dream job when moving to Brisbane.

With all that’s happening in the world today, it is only right that we try to do our part to reduce the stress and anxiety however small it may be.

One of the ways we can do this is to plan for the future and do what we can today to positively impact the future.

If you’re a contractor then you have the power to push this bid and put it into action through good communication and having the right information for making your design ideas green and helpful to the environment.

In this article, we will look at a few of the most ingenious green designs for 2020.

Prefabs are Fab

Prefabricated houses have been around for quite some time. But they’ve recently had the spotlight thanks to the innovations and designs they created as well as the sharing of videos and information on social media platforms.

The best thing to know which prefab houses are good for the environment, look for ones that are LEED or ZNE (Zero Net Energy) ready. This means that they have been built in an environmentally conscious facility and most of the time, they have better quality compared to the ones that do not have this certification.

Another benefit of using prefabs is that they are faster to produce. That also helps keep the carbon footprint to a minimum because of shorter manufacturing time.

Zero Net Energy Homes

ZNE is a steadily growing movement across the globe. This is a simple method of matching the energy you consume with just what you produce.

This may seem like a challenge, but as mentioned before, it is being done and is steadily on the rise. Be part of this movement and find ways how your next kitchen remodels or any construction can center around this concept.

Water Conservation Measures

The water crisis is something we have been dealing with for a long time now and with efforts from both public and private organizations, we are finding different means to keep our water supply thriving.

One thing you can do to help is to take steps in dealing with this matter especially if you’re thinking of doing a bathroom remodel.

Investing in a good water treatment facility or rainwater catchment systems and the likes is a great move toward a greener home.

Conclusion

There are many more ideas that can be discussed that can help in making a home greener and more environment friendly. If you know some remodeling experts, then it would do well if you talk to them about these concepts often and ask them to insert a thing or two of these green ideas.

We have one world and we should do our best to take good care of it. Even small things will do a great deal in the long run.

 

When most people sell their homes, it’s because they have a purposeful move coming up. And because most people can’t afford to be paying rent or a mortgage for two homes at the same time, it’s financially for them to sell their current home before buying a new home. However, the timing may not always line up correctly.

If you’re crunched for time and are needing to sell your home fast, there are some things you can do to help expedite the process and get the money you need quickly. To show you how this can be done, here are three tips for selling your home fast.

Consider Selling For Cash

In some instances, waiting for the right buyer may not be the best option for you. If this is the case, you may want to consider selling your home for cash to a business rather than selling your home to a person or family.

When you sell your home for cash, you can often forgo a lot of the conditions that traditional buyers need, like an inspection, financing conditions, and more. While you might not be about to sell the property for quite as much as you could have had you gotten multiple offers from buyers, selling your home for cash can be done quickly so you can get the cash you need and get rid of the responsibility of that home.

Set The Right Price

If you’re not wanting to sell your home for cash just yet, you should then do everything in your power to make your home as appealing to a buyer as you can possibly get it.

To do this, Laure Mueller, a contributor to Moving.com, recommends that you put your home on the market at the right price from the get-go. If you price your home with the intent to sell it as fast as you can, not only will you increase the chance of getting quick offers, but you may even get multiple offers that will allow you to sell the property for more than you initially listed it. While pricing your home to sell can sometimes cause your pride to take a hit, it can be well worth it in the long run.

Take Every Showing

While going through the process of selling your home can be a stressful headache, if you’re wanting to get rid of the property as soon as you can, it will be beneficial to you to be accommodating to those who are interested in your home.

According to Teresa Mears, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, by taking every showing that your realtor sets up for you, you’ll ensure that you don’t miss out on any buyers who may end up buying your home from you. And when you’re needing to sell you home fast, you really can’t afford to let any opportunity slip by.

If you’re needing to move out of your home fast and want to get your property sold as quickly as possible, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you accomplish this goal.

 

Maintaining your home’s heating and air conditioning unit is important because replacing the unit is never cheap. In theory, your home’s HVAC unit should have a lifetime of 15-20 years. If you care for it properly, you will likely get closer to the 20-year mark.

However, not everyone is skilled in the art of caring for an HVAC unit. If you’re unsure as to how to properly take care of your heating and air conditioning unit, take a moment now to read through a brief look at some helpful tips for proper maintenance.

Call in the professionals for maintenance

There are some things your HVAC unit needs to remain in good working condition that you may not be able (or equipped) to handle on your own. For these tasks, you should call in the professionals to maintain your home’s heating and air conditioning unit.

Keep air filters clean

The air intake vents inside of your home are complemented with a filter that cleans your air of dander and debris before it is pumped back into the home. It’s important to keep your filters clean.

Dirty filters not only muck up your home’s air, but they can really put an extra strain on your HVAC unit. If you have a busy home with animals, change the filters once per month. A slower home environment without pets may only require a filter refresher every three months.

Clean debris from vents

It’s important that you pay attention to the vents inside of your home. The intake and blowing vents should always be kept free of debris and dust buildup.

It’s also key that you don’t block your home’s air vents with furniture or stuff. Keep the vents clean and free-flowing, so your HVAC unit will have no trouble properly heating and cooling your home.

Clean up your outdoor unit

Your HVAC system has an indoor and an outdoor unit. It’s important not to neglect the outdoor element of your system. Built-up dirt, leaves, and other debris on your outdoor unit can stifle the function of your system. The fan in the unit should regularly be cleaned of buildup and debris as well. Watch a short YouTube video to figure out how to easily access your unit’s fan for cleaning.

Keep the condensation line clear

Your air conditioning unit releases excess moisture through the condensation line. If you don’t clean it every once in a while, mold, mildew, and algae could build up in the line.

Blocking the condensation line could mean real trouble for your HVAC system and your home. Take the safe route, and make sure the line is clear every few months.

 

Our lives are entangled around gadgets, and these gadgets find themselves entangled with loads of cables. As irritating as it may be to have these loops of wires, it is the truth of the hour that your electronics get their much-needed fuel via these cords.

Getting rid of them is not an option. However, they can be improved. No, no, we do not mean venturing into the array of electric improvement by yourself, what we mean is decorating them and rather justifying their presence beautifully.

Following are a few helpful tips that would ensure that your cables don’t spoil your look or mood:

1. Organize: The first step towards getting rid of these ugly nests is to organize each strand of those wires you have no idea about. Pick them up and spread them over a table. Try to decode their purpose, origin, and utility. In this process, you would understand if you even need those, to begin with.
2. Label: After you have removed all the ugly wires you do not need, you would have only the wires that are necessary. Now, you must label those wires as per their need. For instance, all the wires that go on the same floor should be separated. You could use DIY labels to name their categories. According to these categories, you can then start binding them or securing them in the right spot. The right spot can be behind the desk, under the carpet, or anywhere your wires can be disguised into a hidden loop.
3. Cable covers: The best way to secure cables is by using cable covers. In the process of binding them, you may break their delicate wires. In the process of pasting them to the wall using adhesives, you may end up making a bigger mess with the paint of the wall. Thus, smart and affordable cable covers are always a better way to go about organizing, labeling, and securing these cords.

You should, however, make sure that your cable covers are flexible and sturdy so that they can retain the natural shape of the wire. At the same time, also keep them stuck, to avail of such good cable covers, you should only consider specialists such as TripSafe cable protectors.

1. Cordless: The best way to get rid of these cables is to go for cordless devices. The more wires you have at your place, the more would be your need and patience to organize them. However, with the advent of wireless TV, phones, etc., if you are up for it, you could get rid of them all, plus give you house this much-needed reinvented look.
2. Hangers: In case you do not want to go through all the above, you could consider changing your cables down the nails strategically dug into your walls for this very purpose. This doesn’t do much to your house’s charm but can hold the wire in place for the time being you are busy. You could also place the nails in a way that they outline the walls, and thus, the wires wouldn’t look so bad. If executed properly, this may look like a silhouette of your house while also restoring the order back into your place with confined cables.

Please note that whatever method you choose to secure your cords in place needs to be on par with your lifestyle. If you have chosen to hide the cords under the floor carpet and you have toddlers at home, this may not be a good idea. With elderlies at home too, you may risk trips and falls with uneven surfaces. We hope you make a wise decision. Stay safe!