Author: Sarah Barkley

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Home

Innovative Ways To Maximize Home Safety And Security

Home Safety and Security

We all want to feel safe and secure in our homes, but this is not always a given. Maximizing home security and safety can provide peace of mind while reducing risks. This guide highlights some effective steps to ensure you feel safe in your own home. 

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Add deterrents

Deterrents can scare thieves off and make your property a less appealing target. If a burglar spots a house with cameras or gates that are hard to scale, they may think twice about trying to breach its defenses. Adding deterrents is one of the best ways to keep your home safe. There are many ways to deter opportunists, including external fencing, electric gates, outdoor lighting, alarms, CCTV cameras, and warning signs, such as ‘Beware of the dog.’ You don’t have to spend a fortune. Choose solutions that cater to your budget. Less expensive options include signage, basic burglar alarms, and outdoor gates and lights. 

Hide expensive, dangerous, and sought-after items away

Hiding expensive, dangerous, and sought-after items away can help you increase safety and security. Adding a safe, installing vault doors, or using lockable cupboards and drawers can help lower the risk of burglaries and accidents at home. Examples of items you might want to keep hidden behind lock and key include jewelry, cash, anything that could be a weapon, and expensive collectibles. 

Update your security system

Security systems have come a long way in a relatively short time. Today, the options available to home and business owners are incredible. Smart systems are ideal for people who travel frequently or spend long periods out of the house, for example, for work. With a modern security system, you can control it remotely and keep tabs on the property via your phone or tablet. You can watch camera footage, adjust security settings, and monitor entry points at the touch of a button. It’s also an excellent idea to explore upgrades and updates, such as new locks, cameras, and alarms.

Carry out a risk assessment

Understanding risks and hazards can help you improve home safety and security. For security purposes, identify weaknesses, such as broken or old windows and doors and outdated locking systems. For safety, pinpoint dangers and draw up a to-do list. Examples of common problems include slip, trip and fall hazards, damaged flooring, poor lighting, fire hazards, and access to products or items that could cause choking or poisoning. Once you’ve done a risk assessment of each room, work through your list of jobs, tackling the most dangerous first. If you don’t have much time or lack the necessary skills or expertise, seek professional advice. 

Recap: Home Safety and Security

We would all love to feel safe and secure at home, but accidents can happen anytime, and any property can be targeted. Boosting safety and security can give you peace of mind, lower risks, and help you protect your home and family. Key steps include adding deterrents, updating your home security systems, carrying out regular risk assessments, and eliminating hazards and dangers.

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Buying a Home

Buying Your First Home: What Buyers Should Know First

buying your first home, home, house

Everyone ends up working towards buying a home. It’s a rite of passage and a major sign of adulthood and independence. As natural as it is, however, buying your first home is an inherently stressful and difficult process. It’s easy to see why so many people feel that way.

You’ll be expected to put down a significant amount of money for it, and getting to where you can afford it often feels like an uphill battle.

There’ll eventually come a point where you get there, though. When you do, it doesn’t mean you should just dive into it. Instead, it’s worth knowing as much as possible about the process ahead of time. That way, you can be as prepared as possible for this major life decision.

There’s quite a bit to know, so dive into some of the more important areas.

buying your first home
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Buying Your First Home: What You Need to Know

1. Make Sure You’re Ready

The first step anyone should take before buying their first home is to make sure they’re actually ready. You’ll be making a major commitment, affecting you for years. The finances alone make this a priority, considering how much you’ll spend on the property.

That’s especially true when you’re buying it with a partner. Make sure you’re in the right position to start looking for a home and actually buy one. Take your overall needs and lifestyle into account, as well as how buying a house will affect these going forward.

2. Decide Between New Vs. Old

One of the main decisions you’ll have to make when you’re buying a home is whether you want to go for an older property or new construction homes. Both offer pros and cons, making it worth taking the time to figure out which one’s best for you going forward.

Newer homes tend to cost more than older ones, but they’ll have much fewer issues. Take the time to decide which one’s right for you and your needs before moving forward with your house hunt.

3. Have a Firm Budget

You’ll naturally need a budget when house hunting, so set it as early as possible and stay firm. A clear upper limit you can’t go past is recommended, as it helps make sure you don’t overspend.

Don’t just keep the upfront cost in mind when you’re doing this. For example, you’ll need to consider the monthly repayments on the mortgage after buying. It affects your finances and overall lifestyle for years to come, making it a priority to focus on.

4. Don’t Overlook the Community

When most people look for a house, they focus on the property itself. While this is important, remember that the house doesn’t exist in isolation. It’ll be a part of a neighborhood and overall community, and it’s worth keeping that in mind.

Once you’ve found a home you like, take the time to tour the community and see if you like it. The amenities, locals, and multiple other factors will all play a role. Touring on different days of the week helps give you an accurate idea of what it’ll be like living there.

5. Shop Around for Financing

When you’re getting a mortgage for your home, you might think you’ll have to stick with whichever institution you’ve been with already. While you’ll already have a relationship with them, that doesn’t mean they’re your only option. Quite the opposite because you’ll likely have more than a few others.

You could be much better off shopping around for your mortgage before choosing. It could help you get a much better deal later on. Focusing on the interest rates with this is recommended. Even a difference of 1% or 2% could help you save thousands in repayments.

6. Work With a Real Estate Agent

Finding and buying a house by yourself means putting significant time and effort into it. The easiest way around this is to hire a real estate agent to help with the process. They take on much of the time and effort for you.

They’ll find out exactly what kind of property you want to buy and find suitable options for you. After that, they can arrange viewings, negotiate with buyers for you, and more. They could be more than worth the extra cost of buying a house.

7. Be Aware of Closing Costs

Everyone knows buying a house costs a lot of money. Focusing on the listing prices of the properties is deceiving, though. It isn’t the only cost you’ll need to be aware of going forward. You’ll also need to know about closing costs.

These are the fees associated with finishing up the purchase of the property. They could end up being higher than you’d think, and you’ll need to pay them. Make sure you’re prepared for them so you don’t end up scrambling to get them together later on.

How Much Does Buying Your First Home Cost?

Speaking of closing costs, it’s worth figuring out how much buying your first home actually costs. It could end up being noticeably more than you might’ve thought. The property listing price is often just the tip of the iceberg, with extra fees later tacked on. Unfortunately, putting an exact figure on this could be difficult. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to it.

Most of the extra costs impact how much you’ll pay for the house. Many fees are charged as a percentage of the sale price, so they could cost you thousands by the time you’re done.

In general, it’s worth adding between 10% and 15% on top of the offer you’ve put in. It should help you cover all the extra expenses when closing on the home.

Tips for Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home seems more straightforward once you know which steps you need to take. That doesn’t mean it’s just a matter of going step-by-step. It can still be relatively complicated when you’re doing it that way. That’s where a few home-buying tips come in.

These can help to simplify the process more than you’d think, with some steps helping more than others. Some of the more useful of these include:

  1. Understand Your Mortgage Options – A mortgage is a notable part of buying a home, but you might not realize you have several options. Each option has pros and cons, and it’s worth understanding them to get the best one for you.
  2. Explore Buyer Assistance Programs – There are plenty of buyer assistance programs out there that can help you buy your home. It’s worth looking into these to see if you’re eligible. They could help with your deposit, making the initial purchase much more affordable.
  3. Know Needs Vs. Nice-to-Haves – You’ll have a dream home in mind, but it’s always worth being realistic with this. Separate what you want into your non-negotiable needs and nice-to-haves, or optional extras. It helps make sure you find a house that meets your needs.
  4. Don’t Skip Inspections – Once you’ve found a house you want to put an offer into, don’t skip a property inspection. It helps you find out the exact state of the property before you buy. This information could end up being vital for your purchase.

Adding these to the steps above makes buying your first home much simpler. At a minimum, they should help to make the process much more manageable.

Wrapping Up

Everyone dreams of owning their own home. It’s easy to see why. It’s seen as a rite of passage and a major sign of independence and adulthood. Despite that, getting there can feel like an uphill battle at the best of times. Thankfully, it doesn’t need to be nearly that complicated.

By knowing as much as possible ahead of time, you’ll have much less to worry about. You’ll end up in a position where buying your first home is much more manageable.

Knowledge is power because there’s so much to know about buying a house. While it seems overwhelming, it could be much more manageable than you would’ve thought with some time and effort. There’s no reason you can’t get there.

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Wine

My Ultimate Guide to Wines That Make Netflix Binges Absolutely Epic

Netflix and wine

Let’s be real – there’s nothing quite like settling into your favorite worn-out couch, grabbing the remote, and diving deep into a Netflix series with a killer glass of wine. I’ve spent countless nights perfecting this art, and I’m here to share my top five wine recommendations that’ll transform your binge-watching experience from mundane to magical.

bottles of wine with Netflix on the TV in the background, wine recommendations for binge watching Netflix

1. Pinot Noir: The Comfort Wine

When I’m deep into a moody drama like “Ozark” or “The Crown”, there’s no wine more perfect than a smooth Pinot Noir. Its light-to-medium body and subtle berry notes complement intense storylines without overwhelming your palate. I’m particularly fond of Oregon Pinot Noirs – they’ve got this incredible balance of fruit and earthiness that just feels like a warm hug during a suspenseful plot twist.

2. Sauvignon Blanc: For Light-Hearted Comedy Nights

Comedies demand a crisp, refreshing wine, and Sauvignon Blanc is my go-to. Its zesty, citrusy profile matches perfectly with shows like “Schitt’s Creek” or “New Girl”. The bright acidity cuts through the humor, keeping your taste buds as entertained as your funny bone. Pro tip: A chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is basically comedy in a glass!

3. Cabernet Sauvignon: The Bold Series Companion

When I’m watching something epic like “The Witcher” or a gritty crime documentary, I want a wine as bold as the content. Enter Cabernet Sauvignon – a full-bodied red with robust tannins that stands up to intense narratives. California Cabs are my personal favorite, offering rich dark fruit flavors that match the drama unfolding on screen.

4. Prosecco: For Reality TV and Guilty Pleasures

Let’s be honest – sometimes you just want to dive into a trashy reality show with something bubbly and fun. Prosecco is my secret weapon for shows like “Love Is Blind” or “The Circle”. Its light, sparkling nature makes everything feel like a celebration, even when you’re watching total strangers make questionable life choices.

5. Rosé: The Versatile Streaming Companion

When I can’t decide what to watch or what wine to drink, rosé saves the day. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of wines – works with comedies, dramas, documentaries, you name it. A dry Provence rosé is particularly delightful, with its delicate pink color and subtle strawberry notes that make any Netflix marathon feel slightly more sophisticated.

Late Night Microwave Snacks: The Perfect Wine Pairing Partners

No binge-watching session is complete without snacks, and my microwave is my best friend during these marathons. Caramel popcorn is an absolute game-changer – sweet, salty, and ridiculously easy to make. Pro tip: Drizzle a little sea salt over your homemade caramel popcorn to elevate it from good to mind-blowing. It pairs surprisingly well with most of these wines, especially the Pinot Noir and Prosecco.

A Few Final Binge-Watching Wisdom Nuggets

Remember, wine and Netflix are about enjoyment, not strict rules. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Some of my best streaming nights happened when I threw conventional pairing wisdom out the window and just went with what felt right.

Grab your favorite blanket, queue up that series you’ve been meaning to watch, pour a glass of wine, and let the magic happen. Cheers to epic nights in and awesome wine recommendations!

Categories
Home Life

What to Do After a Fire at Home

A fire at home is the worst fear for so many people, and it feels like a nightmare if it happens to you. Once the initial blaze is out, there is so much to do to minimize the damage and return to a safe and clean home. Eventually, you will want to return to a degree of normality, but you may feel lost in the traumatizing moment. With this in mind, here are a few steps to take after a house fire.

firefighter equipment and gear lays on the floor of a firetruck after a house fire
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Contact the insurance company 

At this initial stage, it is more than likely that you will want to make some insurance claims. So, you will need to contact your insurance company right away. You don’t want to end up with delayed claims, and you may run into issues that slow the process.

Work out your alternative living arrangement 

You’ll need a place to stay while all the cleaning and repair work is ongoing at home. Ideally, choose somewhere that doesn’t have a timeframe for leaving – such as with friends and family so you don’t have to stress any more than you already are. Some people may have to pay for a hotel or similar accommodation, and if you’re in this situation, you will want to find somewhere nearby so you can easily travel back and forth as needed.

Get your utilities repaired and inspected

When you move back home after a house fire, you’ll want to make sure everything is safe and secure. This means getting in touch with your utility suppliers and ensuring they reconnect everything as needed. By doing this early in the process, you help ensure your home as normal as possible when it’s time to move back in.

Get the home cleaned by professionals 

While you may be able to take care of some of the cleaning and reorganizing yourself, some aspects are best left to the pros. A smoke odor removal service will help remove the lingering scent that stays behind. The amount of cleaning your home needs depends on how much damage has occurred. Consider calling a professional so you have one less thing to worry about and can return to a clean home.

Take time to return to normal 

A fire is such a traumatic experience that you don’t want to rush yourself to return to normal before you are ready. After all, not only is there physical damage, but there is also emotional upheaval to handle.

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Finances

What To Do In Difficult Financial Times

overcoming financial problems, finances, charts, picture of someone taking notes while looking over charts and graphs

We all experience financial difficulty at some point, and you’ll want to prepare for it to make your budget work. There are steps you can take to overcome money troubles, but it can take a while, and sometimes you may need some help, too. Regardless, you should never feel that it is impossible. In this post, we look at solutions for overcoming financial problems.

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Step Back

Step back and take a fresh perspective on your situation. It is sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself financially and can help you get through your situation in one piece. So give yourself a chance to step back and re-appraise your situation. You’ll be more likely to overcome any circumstance you find yourself in.

Look For Quick Solutions

There are quick financial solutions to consider, and while you need to be careful, they can help. It might well be that you end up in a situation where you need to take out some online payday loans, for instance. In the right circumstances, this approach can be helpful, and it’s the sort of thing you’ll want to be aware of as a possibility. If you can repay the loan quickly, it could help you through your difficult times.

Build Some Resilience

It’s also important to build up some resilience for the next time something occurs outside of your control. As long as you have the financial wherewithal to deal with it, you should have a much better chance of getting through it and making the most of it. With some financial strength behind you, it will be easier to manage any situation.

Recap: Overcoming financial problems

Difficult financial times happen, and we’re not always prepared for them. Planning can make all the difference, though, giving you solutions for pulling through the hardship.

Do you have any other tips to add to the list for overcoming financial problems? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Home Sustainability

Is Your Home Equipped For An Electric Car?

Can you charge an electric car at home?

Like it or not, electric cars are the future. They let us get from A to B without emitting carbon emissions, which is essential if we want to make this planet livable for many years. You’ve probably toyed with the idea of buying an electric car – in fairness, most of the ones out there are designed to be family vehicles – but there’s more to think about than the cost of buying one or if you can find a suitable option. For starters – can you charge an electric car at home?

The biggest concern is whether your home can handle an electric car. For some people, the answer is a resounding “no,” stopping them from getting an EV. How do you know if your home is ready? These three questions will help you figure it out: 

Can you charge an electric car at home?, woman closing the trunk of her electric vehicle, electric vehicle charger,
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Do you own your home?

If you own your home, you should have no problems with electric vehicle chargers installation. You own the property, so you decide what happens to it. You can install an EV charger, add an extension, or do any other home improvement. 

Things are trickier if you rent your home. You’ll need permission from the landlord to install a charger, which they’re not legally obliged to give. If they don’t want to add an EV charger to their property, there’s not much you can do. Your home won’t be equipped for an electric car – you’ll have to move elsewhere instead.  

Do you have a driveway?

This is a huge question for homeowners. Having a driveway means there’s a place to park your electric vehicle. It also means you can easily install a charger on the side of your home or in your garage to charge it without cables running everywhere. 

However, many homes don’t have driveways or garages. This is one of the main reasons some people can’t buy electric cars: there’s no space to install a charger. You can’t install one on the side of your home and run a big cable across the sidewalk to where it’s parked. It’s a massive safety hazard, and you’ll annoy the neighbors. You need somewhere to keep your car when it’s parked, allowing for easy charging access. 

How far do you live from your daily commute spots?

You might own your home and have a suitable driveway, but how far do you travel each day? If your daily commute takes you hundreds of miles away from home, your house still might not be ready for an EV. You should ideally live close enough to handle your daily commute without charging your car until you get home at night. 

Granted, this will partially depend on your car as it depends on the range. But, if you moved out into the middle of nowhere to feel more secure and enjoy some tranquility, you might not live in a home that can support daily EV usage. 

Recap: Can you charge an electric car at home?

Keep all of these questions in mind before buying an electric car. Your home must be able to handle this type of vehicle, or your life could become more complicated.

You’re not out of options, though. A hybrid car might be better for you if an EV won’t work.

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Home

Home Renovation Checklist for First-Time Homeowners

When you first move into a home of your own, it can be an exciting milestone. However, it’s important to recognize that it also comes with new responsibilities to maintain and protect your property. Use this home renovation checklist to determine what work your home might need, why it’s so important, and how to keep an eye out for any issues that first-time homeowners tend to miss when they first move in.

home renovation checklist, new homeowners taking a selfie in front of their unpacked boxes
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The Roof Replacement

Your roof needs to be reliable. It’s the first line of defense against the wind, rain, snow, and more. However, wear and tear can compromise your roof over time, either through damage to the shingles or the gradual degradation of the materials that comprise it. As a result, you’re likely to experience leaks and energy efficiency. Assess your roof’s condition with the help of a professional. If you have any damaged or missing shingles, you may only need to replace them. If there’s structural damage to your roof is decades old, however, you may need to consider a replacement.

The Plumbing Update

If the plumbing in your home is faulty or outdated, it can drastically affect your quality of life. It can lead to leaks and burst pipes, resulting in costly water damage. Even if it doesn’t get that far, reduced water pressure can be a pain in the neck. Check to see if your home is due for a plumbing upgrade, and consider some improvements like replacing old pipes or replacing fixtures that are likely to pose problems in the future. Even if the plumbing works fine, you might need to consider some upgrades, like using a tankless water heater to provide more hot water for a growing family.

Improving Your Electrics

Outdated or inefficient electricals for the home are less energy-efficient and pose a fire risk. Have an electrician inspect your electrical panel and test the wiring to ensure they’re up to modern standards. If you want to replace or upgrade your existing sockets and switches, such as adding additional ports for your appliances, you can save money by sourcing them directly from wholesale electrical suppliers rather than buying retail. Just make sure that you don’t try to DIY any installations. Any changes to your electricals should be done with professional help. Old wiring systems can cause issues, from drops in your power supply to a higher likelihood of blown fuses. These should be checked every few years, at least.

Replacing Your Windows

Don’t underestimate how important a good set of modern windows is for the home. If the windows are old or damaged, you’ll likely experience more drafts, leading to higher energy bills. Rotting frames, poor seals, and single-pane windows can lead to problems. As such, you might want to replace them with energy-efficient windows that help better insulate the home, keeping it comfortable and less costly. New windows are also a security investment, as they tend to be more solid and come with locks that fit modern standards.

Upgrading Your Flooring

While it might not be quite as vital as the other renovations mentioned here, flooring is a key part of the home’s comfort and style, all the while. If you’re living with flooring that requires more effort and cost to maintain, such as carpets, then replacing it with hardwood, laminate, or vinyl can make your home easier to clean. For wet rooms, such as the bathroom and kitchen, you should look into durable, waterproof options that can withstand moisture. Make sure you choose materials that fit your budget and the demands of that part of the home. For instance, if you have kids or pets, choose scratch-resistant and stain-proof flooring.

Recap: Home renovation checklist

With the tips above, you can plan for the additional work that sometimes comes with buying a new home. First-time homeowners can avoid being surprised by these in the future by working with a home inspector to identify any potential issues ahead of time and by asking the sellers the right questions. However, with the home renovation checklist outlined here, they shouldn’t be too much of a problem anyway.

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Health Parenting

Ways for Busy Parents to Look After Their Health

woman sitting on a bench with two children, mom enjoying nature with kids, ways for busy parents to be healthier

Many who want to live a healthy life think it seems time-consuming and struggle with fitting it into their busy lives. There’s more to it than just making sure you eat healthy foods, and you have to figure out the best way to fit changes into your schedule. Add in being a parent, and it may seem like there’s no time to look after your health. It doesn’t have to be the case, though, because there are ways for busy parents to be healthier.

Many of these ideas are quick and easy, so you’ll have no problem with working them into your lifestyle.

ways for busy parents to be healthier
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Cut Back on Alcohol

Alcohol negatively impacts your health, so avoiding it helps you take care of your health without sacrificing any of your time. It is often easier said than done, though. The trick is to start cutting back as much as possible. It doesn’t just avoid the hangover, after all.

The less alcohol you drink every week, the healthier you’ll be. If you can avoid it, you shouldn’t have a problem getting healthier. There are even plenty of non-alcoholic drinks you can go with whenever you’re having a night out.

Be Smart With Medications

You’ll need to take prescription and over-the-counter medications throughout your life, and being smart with them is essential. Make sure you only take them as intended. That isn’t all you’ll need to worry about, though.

You’ll also need to consider where you get these medications, especially over-the-counter ones. They often might not be as high-quality as you’d think. The likes of Kamagra Apotheke (kamagra-apotheke.com) are more than worth considering for sexual health medications, for example. Take the time to find the right places to get your medications.

Get Active

Getting active is one of the best ways to look after your health as a parent. You might think you don’t have the time to go to the gym regularly, and that’s okay. Thankfully, this is far from the only way you can get active. There are plenty of other options, and they don’t need to be as time-consuming as you’d think.

Going for a walk could be more than enough to help with this, especially if you do it regularly. You can even get the kids involved to make this even easier.

Recap: Ways for busy parents to be healthier

Parents have so much to do, and they often don’t have the time to look after themselves. Because of that, their health often gets put on the back burner. Using these ways for busy parents to be healthier can change all of that, helping you live the healthy life you desire.

Once you make these changes a regular part of your routine, it won’t take as much time as you’d expect. No matter how busy your life as a parent is, your health is important and should be prioritized.

Categories
Home

Help Your Home Feel Like New With These Cleaning Tasks

woman cleaning

While you might have plenty to do with your usual cleaning routine, some parts of the home don’t get touched nearly as regularly. After all, doing a deep clean every week isn’t sustainable. But, if your home is starting to feel a little too lived in and you want to give it a breath of fresh air, there are a few tasks that you don’t have to wait until spring to take on. Here are some of the best essential cleaning tasks to make your home feel new.

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Wash Your Carpets and Rugs

A few parts of the home bear the brunt of daily living, including your carpets and rugs. They collect dirt from feet and shoes, dust, pet dander, and even the allergens that naturally flow through the home. Vacuuming these soft furnishings can help maintain them but it’s not enough. Over time, many of these particles sink deep into the fabric fibers, dulling their appearance. Avoid letting these particles nestle too deep by renting a carpet cleaner that can fully wash and revitalize these surfaces. You might even want to use a steam cleaner for the highest traffic areas or particularly grimy spots.

Scrub the Oven

If you’ve just gotten through the holidays, then it’s likely that your oven has been put to the task recently. Even if you didn’t do much holiday cooking, months of grease and grime buildup can make your oven a pretty gnarly sight. If you’ve avoided looking directly into your oven for a while now, it’s time to clean it thoroughly. Remove the racks and soak them in warm soapy water before thoroughly cleaning them. For the oven itself, you’ll need either a commercial oven cleaner or a DIY mix (usually using baking soda and vinegar as the primary ingredients) to help break down the food residue and built-up grease inside. Be sure to use a damp cloth to wipe everything down after scrubbing them clean.

Wipe Your Tiles

Don’t ignore your tiles. Even the tiles in your shower, which get splashed by water regularly, need some care. Aside from the fact that they accumulate dirt and soap scum, they are havens for mold, as well. The mold that gathers between your tiles can spread, greatly affecting the health and hygiene of your space. Use a mild cleaner and a scrub brush on the bathroom and kitchen tiles. Be sure to scrub extra deep in those grout lines. If the mold isn’t going away, you should make a DIY mold-killing mix (typically just vinegar and water) to disinfect the space.

cleaning tasks to make your home feel new
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Clean Your Windows

If you want your home to look and feel fresh, crystal-clear windows play an important role. If your windows are dirty, dusty, or streaked, you won’t get as much natural light in your rooms. It makes them look darker and grubbier. Cleaning the inside and outside of your windows is vital to keeping your spaces bright. Of course, this can be time-consuming for the whole home, so finding window cleaning services can be vital. Especially if you have windows on the upper floors that might be dangerous to reach yourself.

Clear Your Vents

If you have frequent problems with dust build-up and worsening air quality, your home likely isn’t getting enough circulation. Your HVAC system is vital to maintaining your air quality and comfort indoors. Dust, debris, and allergens can build up in your vents, blocking them and spreading dust throughout the home. Thankfully, cleaning the vents and replacing the filters isn’t too difficult. Wash vent covers in warm water and vacuum inside to remove dust and debris. Meanwhile, your filter should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on how quickly dust builds up.

Empty Your Gutters

While you might not notice it as much indoors, your gutters can be distracting if they get dirty enough. When your gutters become clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, it can cause water to spill over. Not only can this cause it to flow down the side of the home, but it can even lead to leaks heading inwards. Emptying your gutters is an essential part of your routine home maintenance. If they’re too high up, you might want to hire a team to take care of them for you. Otherwise, there are gutter cleaner rental services you can use to take care of it yourself. Gutters typically need to be cleaned twice a year. Doing it in the fall is most important thanks to loose leaves flying around.

cleaning tasks to make your home feel new
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Power Wash Your Exterior

The home’s exterior, such as your driveways, walkways, decks, and siding, can build up with dirt, mold, and grime. Not only can this make them extremely unsightly, but they can become slip hazards due to the buildup. You can rent or buy a power washer that makes it much easier to target these outdoor areas. Lower pressure settings are typically recommended for more delicate surfaces, like wood or siding. You can use higher-pressure settings for stone, concentrate, and other tougher materials.

Recap: Cleaning tasks to make your home feel new

Taking the time (or hiring help) to handle the tasks can freshen up your home, helping it feel almost like new. Doing it a few months in advance might also mean you don’t have to do some of these as part of your spring clean.

Are there any cleaning tasks to make your home feel new you’d add to the list? Leave a comment and let us know.

Categories
Home

Signs Your Home is Due for a Plumbing Upgrade

picture of a sink

No parts of the home do any heavier lifting than your plumbing systems. Providing you with the water you need for daily life, keeping that water at the right temperature, and directing waste away from the home is a luxury of modern living that we can easily take for granted. It can soon become a more prevalent issue when your plumbing system isn’t doing what it should. Here are some of the signs you need to upgrade your plumbing:

person washing a razor at a sink with shaving supplies sitting on the side, for a post about signs you need to upgrade your plumbing
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Frequent Leaks

The occasional leak might not be something to worry too much about. If you do it quickly, a faucet with a worn-out seal is an easy fix. However, if your plumbing leaks regularly and you see damp spots on the walls and ceilings, it may be that your plumbing infrastructure has hit its limits. This can be due to deteriorating seals in your pipes, corrosion, mineral buildup, and more. Whatever the case, you need a plumber to help.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be a major annoyance, especially if it’s making it harder to wash, do the dishes, or keep the toilet functional. If your faucets have lost some of their usual force or struggle to maintain a decent water stream, look into the problem. Water pressure can drop due to leaks, mineral deposits, sediment buildup, and corrosion in your pipes. Pipes made from modern materials like copper are less likely to have these issues.

Rusty or Discolored Water

If your water doesn’t look right, you shouldn’t drink from the taps. Rusty, discolored, or bad-smelling water indicates your pipes are corroding from the inside out. This is especially prevalent in older pipes that are made of cast iron or galvanized steel. It affects more than just the taste of your water too. It can cause blockages and weaken parts of the plumbing system, potentially leading to leaks and bursts.

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Frequent Clogs and Slow Drains

It could quickly become an issue if the water isn’t draining from your fixtures as effectively as it should. It might be that your plumbing system needs an upgrade to handle your modern usage demands. Using a plunger or drain cleaner can help you clear up blockages closer to the surface, but if it’s affecting more than one part of the home, you may need sewer line repairs. The sewer line takes sewage water away from the home. When blocked, it can cause this water to seep into the soil or back up into the house, which can be a major health risk.

Unpleasant Odors

If you’re trying to keep your home smelling nice, you don’t want to deal with the bad smells that can come with faults in your pipes. Sometimes, the cause is bacteria, which can be washed away with pipe cleaner. It can also be from blockages, especially in the sewer line. If boiling water, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice don’t clear up any unpleasant odor in your pipes, you’ll need a pro to go deeper.

Visible Corrosion

If you see visible signs of corrosion, like flaking, rust spots, or discoloration, the situation is urgent. This means that corrosion is affecting the entire pipes, which can weaken their structural integrity and might mean that they can burst at any moment. You have to replace these pipes before it’s too late. If you see any signs of corrosion in your water or pipes, inspect the whole system to make sure nothing is in critical condition.

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Water Damage and Mold

If you see unexpected mold in your home, you should always investigate. It may be that there are issues with air quality and humidity that could be improved by, for instance, investing in a dehumidifier or improving your ventilation. However, if there’s also water damage or thorough dampness, it can typically be traced back to leaky plumbing. Leaky pipes behind walls and beneath floors can cause mold and water damage to spread rapidly. Inspect beneath the surface when you see mold to ensure the damage isn’t more extensive inside your walls or ceiling.

High Water Bills

If you see a sudden or inconsistent rise in your water bills and it can’t be easily explained by higher water usage in the home, then it’s likely that there are hidden issues that require your attention. These could be leaks that you have to fix or find. Or, it could be inefficiencies in the plumbing that cause you to use more water than necessary, such as high water pressure. 

Old Fixtures and Appliances

It’s not just the pipes that are worth upgrading after a while. You should also look at your fixtures and appliances, from your faucets to your toilets to your water heater, to ensure they work efficiently. Older plumbing fixtures are more likely to fail. And, even when working well, they are unlikely to comply with modern water-saving standards. It’s worth taking the time to upgrade these fixtures so you can see reduced water bills and a more efficient experience throughout the home.

Recap: Signs you need to upgrade your plumbing

The longer you wait, the more expensive the damage will likely be to repair. Act quickly when you spot any signs you need to upgrade your plumbing. Call a professional for an expert opinion, and get a couple of quotes on how much the work will be.