Tag: DIY

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For the Home Home

5 Home Improvements You Can Make Without Breaking The Bank

The words home improvements usually cause people concern when it comes to costs, as house renovations and furniture can be quite expensive, but your home upgrade doesn’t have to cost you a fortune – it can be done on a budget! You can completely transform your home without getting yourself in debt and feel refreshed in the new atmosphere you’ve created. Of course, without all of the investment, it might require a lot more work on your end, but it will all be worth it once you get the finished result!

Home Improvements
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Home Improvements You Can Make Without Breaking The Bank

A new paint job

First things first, if you’re looking to make a big difference within your home, you might consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. It doesn’t have to be the whole house, but changing up the color scheme can be quite exciting. Bright colors can make for a much more vibrant environment and can leave the rooms feeling warmer depending on what you go with. Either way, a new color is a big change, and that will already give your home a new feeling to it. You could attempt to do this yourself if you really want to save money, and it doesn’t take too much experience – though you should consider calling a professional if you’re afraid to make a mess!

Making repairs

It’s not uncommon for people to live around their broken furniture or utilities in their home, as the inconvenience doesn’t bother them as much as the cost it takes to fix them. However, you shouldn’t let your home become uncomfortable for these faults. You could instead, try to fix them yourself! For example, if your exposed pipes are leaky, the fault in them could just require a simple wrench to tighten them up but – something you could do in no time! If you’ve tried that, then you should definitely call a professional to handle it, so that you don’t make the problem worse.

If it’s something like a broken window, you might consider services like Florence Window to help get it replaced. It might be expensive to think about, but a broken window can cost you much more when it comes to the heating within your home. If you have an air leak, then you’re losing a lot of your temperature, and in turn, paying a lot more to keep your home warm during the winter.

Warm lighting is one of the most essential home improvements

During the evenings, is your home a cozy place to be? Is it due to the heat? Is it the lighting? Well, warm lighting can do a lot for the atmosphere of your home, and you should be making use of it if you’re to give your home that warm and cozy feeling. Invest in some warmer bulbs for your light fixtures, or buy lights specifically for when you want to create a warm environment. Fairy lights work perfectly for this, and they’re very inexpensive for what they can do! They’re easy to wrap around furniture, and you’ll have them up in no time at all.

A home without proper lighting can make it difficult to be comfortable, as rooms will naturally feel colder without the proper lighting, and duller.

Spreading natural light

While you’re trying to fix the dull lighting issue, you should also consider ways you can make your home brighter during the day! You shouldn’t have to rely on your light fixtures to make a home living when the sun is up, and you should instead explore ways to improve the natural light around your living space! It might sound impossible, but you can easily do this by reflecting what light you have into more of your space. If you’ve got small and limited windows, you can fix the coverage by having mirrors face them. It might not sound like much, but if your home has a lot of bright colors and reflections, your home is going to feel much brighter.

Reupholstery 

If your furniture is in need of replacement, you should instead consider reupholstery. It’s not a skill that everyone has, and some furniture pieces are harder to repair than others, but if you can; reupholstery is often the cheaper option. Furniture like couches can cost a lot to replace, and almost as much to have repaired, which is why reupholstery is a skill worth learning! Of course, buying the equipment might be expensive, but you should consider it as an investment if you have a lot of furniture that could use repairing.

Home Improvements That Don’t Break The Bank

Small tears in the fabric can lead to larger holes, and having the skill and tools to deal with that before it gets out of hand can save you money and time.

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For the Home Home How To

6 Easy Home Renovation Ideas to Implement in 2022

Are you planning on making improvements to your house in 2022? The beginning of a new year is an excellent time to consider upgrades to your home, improve the quality of life, minimize costs, and increase the monetary value. Home renovation ideas are limitless, and your choice will be according to your needs and budget.

However, there are a few suggestions that every household should take into account as the new year begins. The following article will provide unique home renovation ideas to help those who want to embark on this quest but have doubts.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Home Renovation Ideas
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Home Renovation Ideas for 2022

Attic or Basement Conversion

Nowadays, most people spend more time at home with their families, which can cause problems associated with space. A basement or attic conversion is an excellent way to augment the living area and is convenient and less expensive than building an extension. In addition, the converted space can be used as a home office, additional bedroom, amusement room, or gym, to name a few possibilities.

Upgrade Technology

It is astounding to see how technology has advanced in recent years, accompanied by the invention of different technological devices to be used at home to optimize your convenience, lower energy bills and improve safety. The following are some of the few technological upgrades that could significantly improve your home and life experience:

You can experience the thrill of using these technological upgrades at these apartments, where you are sure to experience luxury living at its finest.

Propane-Powered Heating

Many property owners are shifting to using propane as the primary source of fuel, which is a smart move. Propane is a clean energy source that can help reduce both the ecological repercussions of your monthly utility bills. You can locate a propane gas company near me and plan routine deliveries and propane equipment maintenance.

Garden and Yard Improvements

Your yard is a beautiful place to relax, but it also requires a lot of time and effort to keep it at its best. Tending to your backyard can make a significant difference in your home and life experience and add aesthetic value to your property. The following are some of the numerous ways to tend to your yard and improve your home’s exterior;

Bedroom Home Renovation Ideas

Do you have trouble getting the recommended sleep time of 7-9 hours every night? If so, you are not alone in this, especially for parents. However, this lack of sleep can adversely impact your life in multiple ways.

One possible explanation why some people have trouble getting enough sleep is the lack of a comfortable bedroom. Some of the few upgrades worth noting include a new bed frame, mattress, and bedding sets. You can also choose to purchase dimming curtains and a new nightstand.

Install Water-Efficient Appliances

Investing in water-saving nozzles and showerheads will help you save lots of water each year. Another way to save energy is to use a dual-flush toilet with a two-button operation. The water consumption of these dual flush restrooms is a small percentage of the water used in ordinary bathrooms.

In addition, the models of taps, showerheads, and toilets are fashionable, and they will undoubtedly elevate your bathroom styling to a higher level.

Home Renovation Ideas to Implement This Year

The trends in home renovation promise to be very enticing as we begin a new year; consequently, the ideas mentioned above will be sure to keep you updated on the latest trends while bringing you comfort and saving money on your utility bills.

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For the Home How To Learning

8 Essential Tools You Need to DIY The Best Projects

Many people have taken up DIY because it is interesting and allows you to learn so much through the experience. It is also a great way to upgrade your home. If you plan to start a DIY project or are an amateur, you must know the tools you need to DIY.

As you grow and improve your DIY skills, you may need to stock up on more tools to improve your DIY experience. However, you must be extra careful when handling these tools.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Tools You Need to DIY
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Essential Tools You Need to DIY

Hammer

Hammers are tools you cannot afford to miss in a household, especially if you are into DIY. It is a very functional tool that can do so much. You can build a house or anything from scratch with the help of a hammer. It would be best if you considered stocking up with one or two hammers.

Screws

Screws come in different categories, diameters, and sizes, and you could get guidance on the screws that suit your kind of DIY from online fastener stores such as screws. They are essential because they can get used to doing so much in a DIY project; holding things together, lifting heavy items, and tightening objects.

Screw Drivers

If you use screws in your DIY project, you will need screwdrivers. A screwdriver is a versatile tool that works in various situations. Without a good screwdriver set, handling a DIY project is incredibly difficult.

Tape Measures

A tape measure may be entirely underrated, but it is essential when doing DIYs. It would be best if you had accurate measurements when doing a DIY project, and the only way you can do that is by using a tape measure. Suitable sizes will make your project look nice and presentable.

Tool Box

As a DIY lover, you will probably buy more tools as time goes by because everyone wants to grow in terms of experience and expertise. As you continue to add tools to your collection, you will need a toolbox to keep everything in one place.

It is essential because all your tools get stored safely. Plus, having tools lying around may be dangerous. It also makes it easier to find what you need because you keep all of them in one place.

Work Bench

Workbenches are an excellent method to boost productivity when carrying out your projects. However, working on the floor or any other space may be stressful because the posture may make you get tired quickly.

It would help if you had a workbench where you can place all your tools and whatever you are working on; workbenches can withstand a wide range of operational stresses, which shows that they can handle any DIY project.

LED Flashlight

An LED flashlight is essential when you prefer working at night or when you find yourself working through the night. However, lightbulbs may not be so efficient, which explains why LED flashlights are recommended for DIYs.

Safety Glasses

As you work on your DIY projects, you need to put your safety first. Protect yourself from any potential accident that may take place. Safety glasses are essential because you get to protect your eyes as you work.

Tools You Need to DIY

These tools are essential for most of your DIY tasks, and you may turn out as the best DIY TIk Toker or Instagrammer if you utilize them well and take cool educational videos. Whether you take videos or keep your projects to yourself, having the best tools is essential. 

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For the Home Home How To

4 Practical Tips to Making Your House Smell Good Always

Making Your House Smell Good

Everyone yearns for a fresh and sweet smell in their house. However, there’s a difference in what someone calls a good smell because it can be the floral aroma, spicy scent, minty fresh or medicinal antiseptic smell. But you agree that despite the difference in taste, everyone wants an appealing smell. No one ever wants foul odors like smelly socks or rotting vegetables to strike them. Scientifically, a good scent is beneficial to individual wellbeing, so making your house smell good is essential. 

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Tips to Making Your House Smell Good

1. Use Natural Air Fresheners

Your pantry is a magic worker if you want the house to always smell good. Whether you’re masking odor from cigarette smoke, fresh paint, pets, or from other sources, check on your pantry for ingredients that will absorb the unwanted smell. 

Deactivated charcoal, vinegar, baking soda, lemon water, coffee grounds, peppermint, or vanilla extract absorbs odors, leaving your house smelling good and fresh. Placing them in an open bowl will ensure good smells at all times of the day. 

Of course, you can also give things a helping hand by buying some gorgeous smelling room odorizers, like bolivian rock – your home will smell fresh and lovely if you try it. 

2. Spray Essential Oil

Essential oils are amongst the best products when you yearn for a good smell. Putting them on a filter is another genius trick to have a fresh home always. You can sprinkle drops of the oil onto the furnace filter to have the scent pumped across the house. 

If not, spray it manually using a spray pump to get the desired scent. You can have the fragrance of essential oils such as vanilla, lemon, lavender, cinnamon, peppermint, or tangerine. 

3. Use Scented Candles

Making Your House Smell Good
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Over the centuries, candles have been excellent for medicinal healing and giving restful thoughts. Today, its decorative purpose is gaining popularity, and every interior decor enthusiast can’t go without it.  

Besides creating ambiance, you can use scented candles for aromatherapy. It is best to choose candles from scents like lavender, spicy cinnamon, sweet baked goods, and many more scents.

4. Contract Expert Cleaners

While you may think your home is clean, sometimes it’s best to seek expert services. You can contact an air duct cleaning contractor to make your house dust-free and smell fresh. 

The experts will help you remove debris, dead insect remains, and other undesirable things in the HVAC air duct, purifying your air. When you occasionally hire professionals, you will be keeping respiratory diseases like asthma and allergies at bay, and your home will always smell good. 

Making Your House Smell Good

Making Your House Smell Good

Making your home smell good doesn’t have to cost you a lot. These smart tips will make a massive impact if you incorporate them into your interior décor activities. Besides, they are budget-friendly and available anywhere.

You can try one and then move to the next, or use them simultaneously to get the sweet and fresh smell. The goal is to get your home smelling good always.

Do you have any other tips for making your house smell good? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Adulting For the Home Home How To

4 Home Modifications That Will Increase The Value of Your Home

Are you looking to increase ROI on your home? As a homeowner, you want to choose modifications that will increase the value of your home. In some cases, home modifications can be futile depending on how much you plan to spend and the maximum value of your home on the current market. Negative equity is a problem many homeowners face and making changes that won’t directly impact your ability to get the best price can be a fine line to walk.

Increase The Value of Your Home

Home Modifications to Increase The Value of Your Home

A New Roof

While many people are concerned with how their homes look on the inside, neglecting the roof can lead to some serious issues. These issues include dampness and less protection from the elements. Your roof is a major component of your home, so ensure it is in good condition at all times to avoid internal problems and damage. Replacing your roofing can add around $12,000 to the resale value of your home and increase insulation by around 60%

Basement

Basements are becoming more and more popular, especially with high-income buyers. Even unfinished basements can add value to your home. The actual price increase depends on the size of your basement and the level of finish and utilities.

For example, if you have electricity and running water, your basement could add more value to your home. Finished basements can add anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000 depending on house prices in your area and the size and finish.

Remove Walls

Never attempt to remove internal walls without checking if they are load-bearing because it can cause serious structural damage. However, open-plan homes are still popular with buyers, so freeing up space by removing internal walls and doors will help. Not only will it give your home a fresh look, but it will also increase the ROI.

Exterior

The curb appeal of your home can make all the difference when it comes to the sale value of your home and the type of buyer it attracts. Adding siding to your home can instantly revive an old and tired exterior and hide any imperfections. Before you do this, make sure you aren’t covering up any structural damage that needs looking at. If you cover structural issues, it will still be an issue even with a new facia on your home. Typically an investment of around $10,000 to install stone cladding to your home can recover up to 96% at resale.

Increase The Value of Your Home

It is important to weigh the value of adding new features to your home, especially if you are selling soon. The resale value is also affected by the level of finish, the quality of products used, and artistry.

Leave a comment and let me know if there is anything you’d add to the list!

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Adulting For the Home Home How To

3 Ways To Fix Up Your House And Make All The Neighbors Jealous

The state of the properties in a neighborhood tend to mimic each other. You find beautiful accommodations in one part of town, and then dilapidated buildings side by side in another. Even if you are in a bit of a run down area, there’s still plenty that you can do to fix up your house and make all the neighbors jealous. 

As a homeowner, though, you don’t always know where to start. Intellectually speaking, you understand the financial benefits of home restoration. But, putting your plans into practice is never easy. 

Fortunately, in this post, we clear up any confusion you might have around the subject. Check out the following guidelines for making your property look new again. 

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

How To Fix Up Your House

1. Clean Up Your Siding Or Cladding

How To Fix Up Your House
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If your home has siding or cladding, try cleaning it up and repainting it. Begin by sanding down the old paint and then washing it with sugar soap. Doing this will help remove any dirt and debris. 

Next, apply a coat of primer to the surface of the siding. This will provide a base on which you can apply new layers of paint. Then simply gloss the surface or hire a professional company to carry out the work for you. The result will be an exterior that essentially looks brand new.

2. Sand And Treat Your Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring can look amazing. If you don’t look after it properly, though, it can eventually lose its character and let you down. The best approach here is to begin sanding it down using a large, wheeled sanding machine.

Next, as with the siding, you’ll need to wash the floor gently to remove any dust and dirt and then repaint with fresh varnish. The result should be a floor that looks just about brand new. Please note that you should only use fine-grade sandpaper. Coarse versions could leave marks on your floor. 

3. Retile Your Kitchen

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It’s amazing how much of a difference something as simple as retiling your kitchen can make for how your home feels. Putting tiles on the floor and walls can change the entire character of the room. What’s more, when you choose cozy colors, it makes you feel more at home.

For the kitchen, your priority is to fit tiles around the kitchen sink to act as a backsplash. You also want a row of tiles running along your countertop wall to make it easy to clean any splatter from food prep off the walls. 

You might also want to consider tiling the entire floor. This way, you can easily mop up food spills. 

As a final note, if you like the look of tiles but need something more affordable, there are now many good imitation products on the market. Mock vinyl floor tiles, for instance, look almost as good as the real thing. 

Fixing up your house to make the neighbors jealous is something anyone can do. It’s all about making your property look new and luxurious without spending a huge amount of money. 

How to Fix Up Your House and Make Your Neighbors Jealous

Fixing up your house doesn’t have to be impossible. You can do it yourself and save a ton of money that way. Leave a comment and let me know any tips you have to fix up your house!

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Adulting For the Home Home How To Life

8 Things to Consider When Deciding How To Organize Your Home Renovation

How To Organize Your Home Renovation

Renovating a house is a major project that can be complex and difficult. Planning a project like this can be tricky, but it helps to organize your home renovation first. With organization, you know exactly what needs to be done at each stage. 

How To Organize Your Home Renovation
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How To Organize Your Home Renovation

Design and Planning

Design and planning could include detailed architectural plans, a quick sketch, or at least a clear idea of how your renovations should go. It will be much less expensive and stressful if you can correct any problems before the renovation begins. Make sure you have your budget prepped and ready, too. 

At this stage, write a list of which projects you can do yourself and which projects you will need to hire professionals for. Find the contractors or subcontractors for the professional jobs. This is also the time to apply for any permits you might need. 

Major Areas

Start with the biggest jobs like repairing or fixing the roof, the best foundation repair, repairing siding, or installing new windows. The big projects should be done first as smaller projects are usually impacted by them. 

Structural problems should be figured out first. Secure the foundation and make repairs to things like walls, joists, and beams. Repair the roof, replace damaged windows, and replace any broken siding.

While most of these repairs are straightforward, it would help to work with a trusted window company, John McCarter Construction if you need help replacing your windows and giving your home the elegance it deserves.

Demolition

Next, take on demolishing any sections of the house that will be rebuilt during the process. Rent a container for waste so you can dispose of everything correctly.

Demolish all areas of the house that will be renovated. If you won’t be living in the house during the project, demolish all areas at once. However, if you will be living in the home, demolish one area at a time so your entire living space isn’t gone.

Structural Carpentry

Your next stage is any carpentry that supports drywall, walls, windows, or doors. This would include moving existing walls, building new walls, adding beams to support upper floors, putting in new doors, removing existing doors, or enlarging or constructing window openings. 

Electricity, Plumbing, and HVAC Ductwork

While your walls and ceilings are open, get your vital services installed. Now is the ideal time for your HVAC company to put in the ductwork needed for heating and air conditioning. It’s also the right time for fitting any new plumbing and electrical systems. Get inspections done now too. 

Windows

Putting in new windows, whether in the whole house or just one room, is common in a renovation project. This is where it should go on your list if it is something you need to have done.

Insulation

Lay the insulation in your walls, ceilings, and attic. This is usually a fast job, so book the drywall company right away to avoid delays in your project.

Drywall

Close up the walls with drywall. Bring in the electrical and plumbing inspectors for a second check before you close up the walls, though. Drywallers can then hang sheets of drywall, apply drywall compound, and let the compound dry. Once it’s dry, they can sand it smooth for you to paint.


Infographic Provided by Rock Solid Stabilization & Reclamation, Inc.

Organize Your Home Renovation

With quite the list of things to address for your home renovation, getting organized is essential. You don’t want to do things out of order and cause more work for yourself later. Plus, having to go back and re-do things will cost extra money.

Avoid those types of problems by implementing these tips to organize your home renovation. It will make the entire process less stressful.

If you have done a home renovation, leave a comment and let me know how you organized it!

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Adulting Finances For the Home Home How To

Avoid Renovation Disaster in Your Home By Not Making These 7 Mistakes

Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

A home renovation require a lot of preparation, and planning for objectives, teams, budgets, and more is essential. If you skip any of the steps, it’s easier to make a mistake that can risk the whole project than you might think. There are some major home renovation mistakes that you should be avoiding and what you should do instead.

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Home Renovation Mistakes

1. Buying Only Cheap Materials

There are plenty of ways to save money and cut costs during your renovations, including when it comes to your materials. You can source materials that aren’t being used from local building sites or find discounts.

However, you should make sure that you’re buying quality materials no matter what. If you’re only buying cheap and low-quality materials, then you’re a lot more likely to experience problems with them both during and after construction. In the worst-case scenario, your project will complete seemingly without a hitch, only for those materials to start breaking down months after, meaning you have to invest in repairs all over again.

2. Choosing the First Team That You Talk To

You are likely eager to get started, but you shouldn’t let that get in the way of making sure the project is done right. Take the time to talk to at least five or six contractors to get a feel for them. Do they communicate well with you? Do they understand your wants, and do you understand their plans to meet them?

We tend to overlook some of the small red flags when we’re trying to bring a team together right away. Take the time to interview different teams and compare and contrast what you did or did not like about them. You will be glad you took this time, and you will be more confident in the entire project.

3. Not Expecting to Go Over Budget

Making a budget for your home renovation is an essential step, of course. Even with a budget and funds, you still have to think about money, though.

Inaccurate estimates, changes in material costs, unforeseen workflow problems, and the like can all pump up the costs of the project. Make sure you have a little extra on top of the budget to help cover costs of the unforeseen and identify additional sources of funding like Buddy Loans. This way, even if things do go over budget, you can keep up with the payments so that the work doesn’t freeze entirely.

home renovation mistakes
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4. Not Expecting to Go Over the Schedule

No one wants to live in a home with ongoing renovations. Choosing a team of reputable contractors to help you will expedite things, but you should still avoid scheduling renovations when you have a tight schedule. Make sure you can add some time to the renovation schedule if you need it.

Otherwise, you will experience stress seeing the deadline approaching when you’re not sure everything can be completed on time. It’s also going to increase the stress the builders feel, which can make them less cooperative and force them to rush, reducing the quality of the work.

5. Not Planning For All of The Waste

If you’re doing the renovations yourself or acting as the project manager in control of a team of sub-contractors, then you can’t forget about the waste. All renovations are going to leave waste behind, and if you’re not careful, it can linger around for weeks even after the project is done.

Work to keep your home clean during the renovations by making cleaning a regular aspect of every part of the project. Look at hiring a waste removal company like Waste Connections ahead of time. If you wait until the last minute, they’re likely to be booked up by the time you need them.

6. Neglecting the Natural Character of the Home

You can modernize an older home, add space to a small space, or change the entire vibe of the property. Keep aware of the natural characteristics of the home in mind, though. Look at the fixtures that are likely to remain after your renovation is complete.

You don’t want a home that looks like it is in conflict with itself. This mistake is most often seen when updating period homes.

A good renovation preserves what works about the home already and enhances those positive characteristics. It’s typically more expensive to try and change everything about the home, too, so keeping the natural character can save you money.

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7. Entrusting it All to Friends

Asking your friends to come help with painting the walls is one thing, but refrain from asking for more. It’s not likely that they are trained contractors who are licensed and insured.

If they get injured while helping you out, you will be responsible for paying for the treatment. You could come under fire to a liability claim. Not only is this going to make your friendship much harder to maintain, but it’s going to add significant costs to the project.

Those costs are more than most homeowners are equipped to deal with. Plus, the simple truth is that working with amateurs leaves you more likely to see an amateur-ish project.

Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

Not every aspect of your home renovation project is going to be under your control. Outside variables can affect it in many ways, so avoiding these common home renovation mistakes is essential. With the tips above, though, you can make sure that you are as prepared as is possible.

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Adulting For the Home Home How To Life

3 Ways To Make Your Home Safer And Prettier At the Same Time

Make Your Home Safer And Prettier

If you have spent most of the past year inside your home, there are likely things you want to change. Home renovations, DIY projects, and rearranging can take time and money, causing some to get overwhelmed before they even start. Improvements to make your home safer and prettier are an investment, so do all you can to make it worthwhile.

One aspect that is on people’s minds right now is safety. Home safety, particularly when you have kids, is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, oftentimes, security measures being added to your home can compete with the aesthetic side of things.

People think they have to choose between “ugly” safety measures and “pretty” home improvements. This isn’t the case, though, because you can make your home safer while improving how it looks in the same investment!

Make Your Home Safer And Prettier, safe home, pretty home, safer home, make your home safe, make your home pretty

How to Make Your Home Safer And Prettier

1. Replace Your Windows

Windows are a focal point because they give your home dimension, access to light, and a feeling of openness. Homes with natural light are valued higher than ones that feel claustrophobic, dark, or boxy. Windows can be designed to fit the aesthetic of your home by painting the frames or opting for metal window frames.

Windows are also a crucial part of your home’s safety, too. The windows are a likely target for any criminal who might want to enter your home illegally. Replacing your windows using Renewal by Andersen Windows can make them stronger, easily lockable, and generally less vulnerable to home invaders.

By replacing your windows, you can make your home safer and prettier in one go. Think of all the money you would save on your electricity bill, too, since updated windows will keep your home at the right temperature.

2. Have Beautiful Gates Installed at the Front of Your Home

Having gates on your front driveway adds immense value and prestige to your home’s exterior. Gates provide a grand entryway into your home that will impress guests and potential future buyers. They create an elegant aesthetic and improving your home’s look overall. Whether you opt for wooden, metal, barred, or solid gates, you will add a sense of grandeur to the property.

Of course, gates are also one of the first ports of call for making your home safer. Having electric gates with security cameras that allow you to control who enters your property is a way to reduce the risk of criminal activity. Your home will be much safer if gates are included because their presence acts as a deterrent to criminals.

You can give any regular visitors an access code or fob so that they can enter the driveway. Other visitors will have to wait until you give the okay for them to come in.

Make Your Home Safer And Prettier
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3. Add Foliage Such as Trees and Bushes to the Exterior of Your Home

When you picture your dream home, you likely imagine greenery in the yard. Homes that are framed by beautiful trees and hedges are classy, elegant, and more beautiful than those without. Adding foliage to the exterior of your home makes it more beautiful, adding a natural and unique aesthetic. 

Adding foliage such as trees and bushes makes your home safer, too. If your home is secluded and surrounded by trees, it is less likely to be the target of a break-in. Burglars often target homes that are easy to flee rapidly. If your home is private and appears difficult to access, this can deter potential home invasions.

Make Your Home Safer And Prettier

Safety is on everybody’s minds, but that doesn’t mean you have to turn your home into a cold place. Your home can still have a comforting, relaxing, or beautiful atmosphere while being safe at the same time. Use this guide to get the best of both worlds. You can have improved safety for you and your family and a more beautiful home for everyone to enjoy.

Have you added any safety measures to your home in the past year? Tell me about them in the comments!

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Adulting For the Home Home How To Life

5 Common Household Bugs To Be Aware Of

common household bugs

No matter how hard you try, there will be instances where you find an unwelcome critter in your house. This might alarm you, especially if you’re scared of bugs, have children, or have pets, but it’s important to remember that not all creepy crawlies are bad, and some are even to be expected. There are a handful of common household bugs you might find in your home, and knowing how to deal with the situation will help put you at ease.

Common Household Bugs

1. Dust Mites

Dust mites naturally live in every house, and generally, they don’t cause issues. When there’s a lot of them, though, they can cause a range of symptoms including:

  • Rash
  • Itchy eyes
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing

Dust mites typically can be found on fabric such as carpet, curtains, bedding, and other plush surfaces. You won’t be able to keep them out entirely, but you can certainly minimize their effects by washing bedding, curtains, and soft items frequently, as well as vacuuming weekly.

2. Woodworm Beetles

Dampness is a common issue that many homeowners face in some capacity, and generally, it doesn’t cause major damage. Certain types of damp can attract bugs like woodworm beetles, though. Woodworm beetles can be destructive, but they’re relatively easy to spot and treat.

There are a few types of woodworm beetles, the most common being the common furniture beetle which is brown and roughly half a centimeter long. They don’t usually cause any harm to humans or pets, but they can damage furniture and skirting boards. To avoid woodworm beetles, you need to avoid dampness in your home.

The beetles are attracted to damp wood, so you need to tackle the root cause of dampness first. If the affected area is only small, you can dry out the wood with the use of a heater, or you can inject a vinegar-water solution into the boreholes to drive the remaining larvae out.

3. Fruit Flies

We’ve all had instances where we’ve left fruit on the kitchen counter a little too long past its recommended eat-by date and it’s attracted flies. One or two fruit flies aren’t a problem, but they multiply really fast and things can get out of hand fairly quickly. No one wants to eat fruit that’s got fly larvae in it, so to avoid it, you should store fruit in the refrigerator and get rid of it as soon as it starts to turn bad.

4. Ants

You’re more likely to have an ant infestation in the warmer months, and most of the time they’re not a problem aside from the fact they’ll eat their way through all your snacks, but some types of ants can be potentially dangerous in the sense that they can sting and bite.

If you spot an ant, watch it carefully to see where it’s coming from and apply ant-killing solution. Keep in mind that some ant-solutions can be harmful to children and pets.

If you don’t want to use ant powder, you can try ant traps which are a safer option for those with children and pets. To avoid ants altogether, it’s a good idea to store any loose food like cookies and cereal in airtight containers.

5. Silverfish

silverfish, common household bugs

These pesky creatures are very small and hard to see, but they can cause a lot of damage to fabric, wallpaper, and books. They’ve been known to also eat glue, oats, and flour, so there’s not much these wingless insects won’t go for!

Since silverfish eat anything, it makes treating them hard, especially when you consider how hard they are to see. The best solution is usually sticky traps, but sealing up food, reducing the amount of clutter in your home (letters/newspapers, etc.) and sprinkling diatomaceous earth can also work.

common household bugs

Common Household Bugs To Be Aware Of

Hopefully, you don’t have the misfortune of encountering these creepy crawlies any time soon, but if you do, use the ideas suggested here. Have you had a problem with any of these household bugs before? If so, tell me about it in the comments!