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Redesign: Which Major Home Projects Are Worth It?

March 2, 2022 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

A little sprucing up goes a long way in boosting your home’s value, but the money is not always there to do major renovations. You can always try to work on some projects yourself, but others are better left to the professionals. It is important to think about what you want for your home and what your home needs. In this article, we will discuss some major home improvement projects that may be worth your time.

1. Incorporate Energy-Saving Fixtures

Most consumers prefer home improvements that promote environmental sustainability because these improvements are also energy-efficient and help save more money. If you incorporate more of them into your home, you’ll be a step ahead not only for yourself but also towards building an eco-friendly environment. Consider doing these things:

Use sustainable building materials for your renovation
Develop more efficient waste recycling systems
Install solar panels
Rework your home’s caulk in the attic, windows, and doors
Replace plumbing fixtures with low-flow alternatives

2. Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

Your home’s exterior is the first impression your visitors get before entering your home. Therefore, you must spruce it up the best way you can. If there’s one thing that COVID-19 taught us is the freedom to enjoy the outdoors. Most people would instead buy a home or work with a custom home builder in Ocean City to create a space where they can rest outside on their own property without restrictions

These upgrades won’t cost you much but will certainly do the trick. Consider the following:

Powerwash any concrete surface like your front steps or patio
Add a firepit
Repaint your home’s exterior, including the door
Get a yard professional to reseed and tend to your lawn
Repave your driveway and pressure wash it

3. Expand the Living Area

A home is not complete without a sufficient living room space. It’s the main center for interaction, entertainment, and relaxation. If you have an underutilized space like the attic or basement, you can finish it to create a new living space. You can add a home theater, a library, or a playroom just by taking advantage of under-utilized spaces in your home. It’s typically a less expensive option than a home addition, and it’s a worthy consideration.

4. Modify the Kitchen

The kitchen is a central functional space in any home; therefore, an upgrade is worth the cost. There are tons of renovations that you can do to give your kitchen that stylish look and easier to maneuver while in it without looking crowded. Consider doing these things:

Modernize the storage places by using built-in cabinets with lighting beneath them or repaint
Replace the countertops
Upgrade the sink and faucet
Buy stainless steel appliances
Replace the lighting fixtures
Update the flooring with ceramic tiles in a pattern of your choice

5. Upgrade the Bathroom

Besides the kitchen, the bathroom is the next space you can focus your energy on when thinking of a remodel. It may be uncouth to discuss, but everyone needs to use the bathroom at some point. Here are upgrades to consider:

Install a new bathtub or replace it with a modern showerhead to get more space
Replace old plumbing fixtures
Install support bars
Update the lighting and floor
Setup storage spaces

6. Refresh Your Windows

More homeowners are opting for uncomplicated techniques of refreshing their home looks by taking advantage of the available modern window treatments, which are more energy-efficient. Depending on your choice of window treatment, the professionals can seamlessly fix blinds inside glass panes of your existing windows.

Over time, this has become a popular option since it doesn’t require a complicated fixing process. Windows with internal blinds can transform your home since you can get rid of the heavy curtains. Alternatively, if you have more wall space, you can add more windows or a skylight, especially in the darker rooms. The bottom line is to ensure that all rooms are well-lit.

7. Add Automated Systems

In a modern world, it would be ignorant not to acknowledge the effectiveness of modern gadgets even in our homes. Smart devices can make your home’s life easier, especially security, convenient operation from anywhere, and energy management. Consider adding automated systems for:

Security-house alarms, door locks
Garden Irrigation by a sprinkler system
Lighting and appliance control through voice commands
Thermostat for temperature control

8. Replace Old Flooring

Tile floors can easily stain, they’re hard to clean, and they can get freezing over the cold season. In the cold season, these tile floors are also hard to heat up, and they may increase your utility bills exponentially. For this reason, vinyl floors have risen in popularity since they’re easy to install, and you can easily coexist with them across all seasons.

At least with these, you will not need many rugs, which makes the floor look crowded. For your bathroom, however, the best option remains porcelain non-slip tiles. However, if you need wooden flooring for your bathroom, you must ensure that it’s well refinished to prevent water from sipping into it.

9. Do an Entire Interior Paint Job

Just like you did that exterior repaint, a complete interior repaint will undoubtedly refresh your home’s look. Avoid mixing unusual colors and stick to colors that easily blend in with almost everything. The most common colors are; beige, white, and grey. Use durable high gloss paint with a non-porous finish that’s also easy to clean.

10. Think About Renovation Your Closets

Storage is a crucial factor for many homeowners with large families. No matter how neat you are, your bedroom’s storage choice will always let you down if it doesn’t hide away everything in your bedroom in place. It’s also exciting to wake up to a neat bedroom, rather than one with a crowded look.

A closet redesign ensures that your bedroom is always tidy and livable and enhances organization. Depending on your space, look for the best closet system to use for your bedroom.

If you’ve wanted to revamp your home, then those upgrades will do just that. Please don’t shy away from doing your research to ensure that you get it right and hire the right professionals to do it.

Tags: bathroom remodeling, contemporary, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, flooring, home improvement, home organization, kitchen, landscaping, paint, windows

Trendy and Budget-Friendly Home Renovation Ideas That Will Make Your Home Look Fresh

March 25, 2021 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Does your house need to be renovated? If that is the case, then make sure that the home renovations that you decide to go for will give it a fresh and trendy vibe. While it might sound like a huge investment, it does not have to be that way. There are many budget-friendly ways to make your home look as if it were brand new.

To make it much easier for you, we prepared a list of trendy and budget-friendly ideas that should make your house look fresh and well-taken-care-of in no time. Check it out!

Replace Your Garage Door Springs

If you own a garage, you should take a look at your garage door torsion springs. Due to the fact that you probably use your garage on a daily basis, the springs will get worn out and stop doing their job at some point.

If you can see a gap under your garage door and have trouble with opening it or closing it, it means that that day has come and that you should replace your garage door springs as soon as possible. Luckily, they are not that expensive and should be really easy to get.

Add Some Color to Your Bathroom

Painting the walls of your bathroom is one of the best ways to make your house look much better without spending a fortune on expensive upgrades. Ideally, you should use subtle colors, such as light green or pastel pink. If you are not a fan of these colors, traditional white will probably do just fine.

Clean Your Kitchen Appliances

If your kitchen appliances are dirty, there is no way you will ever feel like you have a clean kitchen. Considering this, clean them up as soon as possible and make sure that they stay that way for as long as possible.

To do that, you should clean your appliances every time you use them or once every week. You can use hot water and dish soap to do it quickly and effectively.

Change Your Curtains

Curtains are not very expensive, and yet they can change the vibe of a room in the blink of an eye. If you think that the rooms in your house need that kind of change, try purchasing new curtains. However, make sure that they match the color scheme you used in the room in which they will be located. That way, they will not look out of place.

Replace Your Light Bulbs

Did you know that lighting can have a huge impact on the way a room makes you feel? For instance, warm lighting is said to promote relaxation, which makes it your go-to type of lighting when it comes to your bedroom.

On the other hand, if you go for cold lighting, it is supposed to make you feel more focused and energized. Considering this, if you feel like the lighting in your house needs an upgrade, buy a few new light bulbs and experiment with different types of lighting to see if that is true!

Buy a Few Plants

Plants can do wonders when it comes to your home decor. Not only do they look beautiful and fresh, but they also clean the air and fill it with fresh oxygen. If you worry that you will not be able to take care of a few plants, go for the ones that are both pretty and low-maintenance, such as succulents.

Freshen Up Your Sofa

Sofas are one of the pieces of furniture that you are guaranteed to use on a regular basis. As a result, they tend to get dirty and worn really fast. If that is the case when it comes to your sofa, try to freshen up its looks a bit.

You can do it in many different ways. For instance, you can clean the cushions or change them completely if you have the means to do that. Additionally, you might want to purchase a few new pillows or a brand new blanket if you feel like it.

Clean Your Mirrors

Mirrors are great if you are interested in making a room look bigger, but they can quickly get really dirty. To prevent that from happening, keep your mirrors clean. Whenever you need to wipe a mirror clean, getting your hands on rubbing alcohol and clean cloth should be more than enough to get the job done.

Change Your Air Freshener

Like every other thing in your home, air fresheners can become old and less effective over time. If you want to make your home appear fresher, just buy a brand new air freshener. Try to find one that you like and which will keep on working for a long while.

Change Your Flooring

Like any other part of the house, your floors need to be upgraded from time to time. To do that, you can add a few area rugs or install new flooring in the kitchen. By doing that, you can instantly freshen up the look of any room.

Clean the Outside of Your House

What your house looks like from the outside is really important. If you were to invite anyone to come over, that is going to be their first impression of your house. Consequently, you should remove any dead leaves and branches from the lawn, trim the bushes, and keep the garage door nice and clean.

Making Your House Look Fresh Does Not Have To Be Expensive!

As you can see, making your house look good can be really budget-friendly. There are many things that you can do, ranging from cleaning your kitchen appliances to replacing your light bulbs and freshening up your furniture.

If you do not know where to start, make a to-do list of things that you would like to do and set priorities. For instance, if the floor in your living room looks extremely worn and old, consider making installing new flooring your top priority.

Once you make the effort to plan everything out, you should be able to make your house look trendy and fresh in no time!

Tags: contemporary, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, home improvement, landscaping, repair

Gas or Electric Leaf Vacuum Blowers: Which is Better?

February 23, 2021 | DIY

The fall season brings with it a steady collection of leaves accumulating on the grass and sidewalks. Unless you are a glutton for punishment, utilizing a rake just isn’t a good option for time management or your back. Leaf vacuum blowers are a much better solution for quickly gathering those leaves together which maintains good curb appeal. Leaf blowers come in two different varieties; gasoline-powered, and electric power.

How do you know which one is right for you?

Depending upon a few factors, one option might be better for you than another. You’ll need to consider a few factors in your decision; the size of your property, your budget, and how much weight you’re comfortably able to carry around. Once you decide the answers to these questions, selecting the right leaf blower will be a breeze.

How Large is Your Property?

An important aspect of selecting a leaf blower is determining what’s best for the size of your lot. While both gas and electric blowers perform well, if your property is larger than an acre in size, the battery of the electric unit may not last long enough to get the job done. While an electric model can handle a smaller yard easily, you may want to consider a gas model if you have a bigger job. Gasoline leaf blowers can operate for well over an hour and then immediately refuel and continue operation.

Electric battery models operate for only as long as the battery has a charge and then must be plugged into an outlet for an extended period to recharge. Electric corded leaf blowers can continue operation as long as necessary. However, to complete the job, you must have a long enough extension cord to allow you access to your entire property.

What is Your Budget?

Both gas and electric vacuum leaf blowers come in at many price points. Typically, the electric models are less costly and the gasoline units more expensive. If you have a small to medium-sized property, either option would be a good choice. Although, if you are looking to save money you might consider the electric model.

Gasoline leaf blowers, on the other hand, are usually more powerful than electric units. This extra power can come in handy when the leaves start clinging to the grass or become weighed down by moisture. The gasoline model can blast through those piles of stubborn leaves and help get the job done faster.

Gasoline Models Weigh More

One advantage the electric leaf blower has over the gasoline model is the weight. The electric motor is lighter and even with a battery pack attached doesn’t equal the weight of a gasoline-powered motor. Carrying a gasoline-powered leaf blower around can become tiresome. There are options for straps that go over the shoulder for additional carrying support. However, if you have a large area to cover you might find yourself constantly switching arms while holding the leaf vacuum blower.

The Right Question: Which One is Better for You?

Consider the previous points made regarding the size of your lawn, your budget, and the weight of the unit itself. Both gasoline and electric vacuum leaf blowers have positives and negatives. Either type of leaf blower will help you get the job done. But one model might serve you better than another. Take the time to consider which model will help you tackle fall with ease and keep your property looking its best.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, home improvement, landscaping

Paving Your Driveway for a Long-Lasting Effect

January 7, 2021 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Block paving is not only beautiful, but is incredibly practical and durable. We use materials that are spec… | Modern driveway, Patio pavers design, Driveway design

While your driveway may look like an unexciting part of your building, it is actually among the important elements of the landscape. You may be wondering, why? That is because it is being used on a daily basis and it is fundamental in the creation of curb appeal for your home.

The resale value of your property will increase if your driveway is attractive. Well, that is if you intend on selling. But before then, it is the first thing you will see each time you get back home. Paving the driveway of any building makes the exterior appear safe and neat. However, the landscaping needs to be carefully planned to bring about a long-lasting effect.

As a homeowner, you need to know what is involved in paving your driveway. This will enable you to make the right decision and protect you from contractors who just want to earn quick cash. If you also need to repave the driveway, it will be easier to know what to expect from a driveway repair service if you have a basic understanding of what it entails.

When Can a Driveway Be Paved?

A driveway can be paved two years after the property has been built. This period of waiting will allow the ground to settle properly, thereby, providing a strong base which is essential when paving the driveway. On the contrary, if the property is not a new one or older than two years, all you need to do is choose a suitable season for the paving.

The ideal paving condition is when the weather is relatively warm and dry. If the weather is too wet, the base gravel will wash out quickly. And that base is needed for the asphalt to set in if you are using asphalt paving. Different materials are used to pave driveways. Keep reading so you can know which one suits you.

Types of Paving Materials

What are driveway paving options? - Quora

The most common materials people use when paving driveways are asphalt, poured concrete, gravel, and pavers. Before settling for a type of paving material, you need to know that every driveway will degenerate with time, but some will require face lifting faster than others. However, this depends on the weather conditions in your area, how often the driveway is being used, and if the paving was properly done.

We will be discussing each type of paving material; including its pros and cons.

Asphalt

Asphalt paving combines stone, sand, and gravel with asphalt cement (a liquid petroleum product). This mixture is unbelievably stinky and very hot. Asphalt is commonly used in areas that require snow removal during snowy periods. It is also a suitable option if you are on a strict budget.

Pros

It is economical
It is not likely to crack due to frost heaves
Asphalt makes it easy to remove snow
Re-layering is possible when it gets worn or damaged

Cons

It is prone to cracking when sealed improperly
It requires routine sealing, every 3 – 5 years

Poured Concrete

Concrete is gotten from a mixture of rocks, sand, and stone with cement and water. Concrete paving can be customized to suit different architectural styles.

Pros

It is long-lasting and can be maintained with ease
Various decorations can be made on it, including stamping and staining
It can be used to form various geometric shapes, giving your house a custom look

Cons

The site and frames need to be prepared properly before pouring the concrete
Roots of nearby trees can crack the concrete over time

Gravel

There are 2 types: crushed granite and traditional gravel. Crushed granite has a finer texture and it is very stable. Traditional gravel is usually used in rural areas.

Pros

It has a variety of colors
Minimal maintenance is required besides weeding and regrading
It allows water to seep back to the ground which makes it eco-friendly
It resists cracking

Cons

Some gravel may be lost when using a machine to remove snow
When it gets loose, it will look messy

Pavers

They come in different styles: concrete, cobblestone, and brick. The concrete version is stronger than the poured concrete we mentioned earlier.

Pros

If a piece goes bad, you can fix it without having to replace the entire driveway
The concrete option is basically interlocking, and this makes for quick installation

Cons

They are expensive
Some designs and patterns can look outdated over time
Roots of trees can damage pavers

Conclusion

The appearance of your driveway is very important. If it is stained and cracked, people will have a low impression of your home, whether your lawns are well trimmed or not. Hence, you need to choose the right paving material that will last for a long time.

Tags: concrete tiles, contemporary, eco-friendly, garage, home improvement, landscaping, patio

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Backyard in Winter

December 18, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Many of us regard winter as the most wonderful time of the year. With Thanksgiving and Christmas to look forward to, spending time with our loved ones is key for keeping spirits up, especially in 2020. However, far too many homeowners neglect their backyard in the winter months, claiming that it is too dark or too cold to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you want to spend more time outdoors, or you’re thinking of selling your property, here are five ways to get your backyard ready for winter.

Add Lighting

As the winter months roll in, it starts to get darker earlier. If you enjoy being outdoors but don’t want to go inside when the sun goes down, adding lighting in your backyard is the way to go. Whether you opt for LED lights or solar, scattering them around will illuminate your outdoor space. Regardless of where you live in the country, it’s a good idea to purchase waterproof and rechargeable lights that will work in all weather conditions.

Add Color

When temperatures begin to fall and the colder weather sets in, many people notice a decline in their mental health as a result. Adding color to your backyard can make all the difference and help you enjoy your outdoor space. There are lots of winter plantings you can put in your backyard that will not only add a pop of color but help you think more positively. Although winter is notoriously known for its dull and drab weather, you will be surprised at the health benefits you can gain from adding a splash of color to your backyard.

Install Heating

If you’re hosting Christmas this year and having your family over to celebrate the festive season, spending time outdoors under the moon and stars with your loved ones can serve as the perfect backdrop for making everlasting memories. To keep warm and cozy once the sun goes down, having a patio heater near your seating area will help warm up cold guests. If you have enough space, adding a fire can be the perfect spot to gather around, drink hot beverages, and roast marshmallows.

Purchase Weatherproof Furniture

The last thing you want is to head out into your backyard to find your furniture ruined by the colder weather. With many parts of the US prone to severe storms, floods, and hurricanes, you need to invest in weatherproof furniture that will stand the test of time. Make sure you buy outdoor furniture that’s made from materials such as teak, steel, or polyresin wicker.

Add a Hot Tub

What better way to enjoy the festive season than by relaxing in your hot tub with your loved ones? It’s easy to see why hot tubs are so popular. Not only do they help you feel warmer and more relaxed throughout the winter, but there are numerous health benefits you can receive too, including relief from lower back pain and symptoms of arthritis.

If you have plenty of outdoor space, there are lots of ways you can transform your backyard, giving you more room to spend time with your loved ones. Executing any of the ideas listed above will help you make the most of your outdoor living space, regardless of the season.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, home improvement, landscaping, lighting, patio

Top Tips to Help Prep Your Home for Winter Storm Season

October 5, 2020 | DIY, Remodeling

While they are words that most people don’t want to hear, the fact of the matter is, winter is coming. In just a matter of months much of the country will be into the winter season and with it comes the strong and rather harsh winter storms. Everyone is well aware of how much damage a strong summer storm can do, but the reality is that winter storms can be just as fierce, bringing with them high winds, ice, snow, hail, and plummeting temperatures that can do a real number on the exterior of your home. This is exactly why it’s important to prepare in advance.

Top Tips to Help Prep Your Home for Winter Storm Season

So, let’s dive right in and look at the steps you can take now in order to prepare your home for winter storm season.

Repair Any Existing Damage

A great place to start is by repairing any existing damage. Perhaps the exterior suffered damage during the summer storm season, such as roof damage, issues with the gutters, a cracked window, siding damage and so forth. As Advantage Construction points out, these damaged areas no longer have the same strength and integrity, which means they are going to have a real hard time standing up to the winter.

Fixing these sorts of problems will help prevent water leaks in the home, heat loss, and prevent a small issue from getting bigger and therefore more expensive to repair.

Secure Loose Items Outdoors

You’ll also want to do a walk around the perimeter of the house and the yard looking for any loose items that could potentially be tossed around in the wind. This can include things like outdoor furniture, toys, planters, and so forth. These items should either be secured, tied down or stored indoors until spring.

Trim Branches that Overhang the House

Again, it’s all about looking for potential issues and any large branches that are overhanging the house, or even close to the house can pose a potential problem. It’s best to trim them back now and eliminate the risk completely. At the same time, any dead branches should also be trimmed so that they don’t fall off and cause damage.

Clean Out the Gutters

Making sure water is able to flow and drain away from the home and the foundation will be another important step in prepping your home. This is the time to inspect the gutters, clean out any debris or build-up, and make sure the water can flow freely.

Make Sure Windows and Doors Are Weather-Sealed

Your windows and doors can act as a huge heat loss in the winter, allowing for drafts and the warm interior air to escape. The good news is that there’s an easy solution, and that’s to caulk and weather-strip the windows and doors. This will provide a tight seal and thereby eliminate that energy loss.

Your Home is Ready for Winter Storm Season

Using these tips will help you to prepare your home for winter storm season no matter how cold and fierce it gets.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, home improvement, landscaping, roofing

Self-Inspection: 10 Key Parts of Your Property That Attract Pests

August 31, 2020 | DIY

Are you tired of attracting unwelcomed guests to your home in the form of pests? Pests are a nuisance; if your home attracts them, you need to figure out why and you can only do that through an inspection.

Most homeowners end up calling an exterminator the moment they notice pests. However, you can save some money and inspect your home yourself to determine the reason why pests are attracted to it. You can start with the following 10 parts of your property that are likely to attract pests.

The Garden

The garden is an ideal spot for pests to not just survive but thrive. The soil and plants give most pests plenty of food and space to hide. The plants in your garden are one of the biggest attractions for pests in your home especially if they are unhealthy and not either treated or removed. Homes with an unkempt garden will definitely end up being pest infected.

The most common pests found in gardens are aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. If these are not dealt with swiftly, chances are they will make their way into your home.

Houseplants

Similar to your garden, the plants you keep inside can attract small pests. Inside the home, plants usually lack sunlight which makes them vulnerable to aphids, which in turn produce honeydew. Ants are attracted to honeydew and are pretty common in homes with house plants. At the same time, the soil of the plant attracts springtails, especially when overwatered.

To determine whether your houseplants attract pests, make sure to examine them properly now and then to see if there is a trail of ants around them. Also, keep a regular watering schedule and don’t overwater your plants to avoid excessive moisture in their space.

The Trash Area

It is common knowledge that trash attracts pests such as cockroaches and rats. You need to dispose of trash properly and ensure that when you store it in your yard, you conceal it. Leaving trash out in the open until pickup day will attract pests.

You won’t just attract pests by leaving trash out in the open, if there are coyotes in your area, you are likely to attract them also. Make sure all your trash is properly concealed in the trash can until it is time for you to take it out for pickup.

The Closet

On a daily basis, you probably only spend a few minutes in your closet. The rest of the time, it is dark space with plenty of hiding spots for pests such as silverfish, cricket, and carpet beetles. These pests survive on fabrics so the closet is like a buffet reserved all for them.

The Sink and Drains

Sinks and drains around the house present pests such as rats, cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish a way in. It is common to find silverfish in bathroom sinks and shower drains because the pest enjoys products that contain cellulose such as shampoo and shaving foams. Rats have no trouble navigating water as they can swim and cockroaches also see drains as a safe passage into homes.

The Furniture

The furniture in your home is vulnerable to pests when ignored. One of the most common pests found in furniture is the bed bug and that is the one most homeowners look out for. Other pests such as the carpet beetles and silverfish can also be found in the furniture around your home. These pests survive on both animal fiber and synthetic fabrics. So, make sure to regularly maintain and clean all the furniture you have at home.

If you notice bed bugs and other smaller pests, chances are you won’t be able to get rid of them on your own. Call the most reputable bed bug exterminator and they can rid your house of any pest.

The Car

Have you noticed pests such as mice and rats coming from your garage? Inspecting the garage would probably be your first instinct but, don’t just stop there. You’ll need to inspect your car as well because the pests can easily get under the hood or into the trunk. This is especially important if you have a second car that sits in the garage.

Along with rats; spiders, cockroaches, and fleas are some pests that are commonly found nesting in cars.

The Crawl Space

Most homes have a crawl space, this is the area that lies between the bottom of your home and the ground. This space is typically not well maintained, damp, and dark, a perfect shelter for pests. It is common for homeowners to find spiders, termites, and rodents in the crawl space of their home and if they aren’t dealt with, they can and will make their way into your home.

Pets

Pets such as cats and dogs can bring pests such as ticks and fleas into your home. Their waste is also a huge attraction for other critters if not disposed of properly. How well you take care of your pets will determine whether they attract pests or not.

Properly grooming, disposing of their waste, and clean up after their feeding can greatly reduce the chances of attracting unwanted visitors.

Untended Gutter

Clogged gutters, one of the breeding grounds for pests. It’s easily filled with leaves and other debris that if left unchecked can create a perfect shelter for birds, wasps, rodents and ants.

For example, if left untended, wasp nests can become a big problem. Once the nest is big enough for a colony, they can start acting defensively and attack anyone nearby.

Make sure to inspect your gutters and have them cleaned out once every few months to avoid situations like these.

Conclusion

Inspecting your home for pests is just the first step. If you notice any signs that would indicate you can potentially attract pests, you need to address them immediately.

For those that are already dealing with pests, rather than trying to eliminate them on your own, you need to seek help from experts such as the reputable pest control company. Not only are they able to exterminate the pests but also identify the root cause of your pest problem and help you rectify it.

About the author:

With more than 20 years of experience as a pest control technician Luqman Butter has decided to start sharing his knowledge about solving pest and wildlife problems. Luqman currently works for https://www.pestend.ca and believes all pest related problems can be solved through eco-friendly and humane methods.

Tags: backyard, eco-friendly, home improvement, landscaping, pest control

5 DIY Projects that Increase the Value of Your Home

| Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling, Uncategorized

Home improvement is the best thing to do if you want to upgrade your home. DIY projects can provide more appeal and value to your real estate, including houses for sale in North Vancouver. Having some home projects and home decorating can also ease your mind to make sure that the value of your home will not deteriorate. Home improvement projects can also allow you to Feng shui your home to get more positive energy to come in. IF you want to have a DIY home, you can just choose some easy DIY project to make the DIY home improvement to be fun and rewarding.

1. Renew Your Landscape and Curb Appeal

If you want your real estate looking polish, you need to go ahead and do some DIY outdoor to add more curb appeal to your surroundings. You can redecorate your front porch as well as your front door. Try to use chalk paint and get some designer tips online to transform your real estate facade. That will add more appeal to your home, and you don’t even have to hire anyone to get things done. You can always find more exterior designs online and go for DIY home improvement.

Another great idea to improve your landscape is to have a herb garden. You can have a modern house number planter using some pieces of wood from your barn. While you’re at it, redesign your barn door as well and make it look prettier. You can paint it with tree stumps design so that it will blend in perfectly to your garden.

2) Replace Carpet with Laminate Floors

Another essential thing to do when it comes to doing some DIY home projects is to replace your carpet floors with the laminated floors. It will change the overall look of your house, and it will surely look brand new. You don’t have to worry about reinstalling laminated floors by yourself. There are many video tutorials from YouTube that you can watch so that you will learn how it’s done. It will save you a lot of money by doing that.

After changing your floors, it’s about time also to repair essential items in the house. You can check your air conditioner to see if it needed service and repairs. You can also try to check your electric wires that may need more attention and have some electrical repair already. The last but not the least is your plumbing that may also need some plumbing repair to ensure that everything is running well within your real estate.

3) Add an Outdoor Space

A DIY patio is a great addition to make your real estate more sophisticated and cozy. Just add a patio umbrella and outdoor table to have your very own outdoor space. It’s great for your mental health as well as you’re family members because it can be the place for you to hang out with each other or just relax by yourself. You can also add a porch swing if you have kids so that they can also have their playground without the need to leave the real estate.

Having an outdoor space will add more appeal to your home. You don’t always have to stay indoors since you can still sit back and relax in your DIY patio. It will also be picture-perfect in case you’re planning to sell your real estate soon. The buyers will be enticed to seal the deal right away because it’s an ideal home. But you can also just keep it for your enjoyment.

4) Make a Home office

A home office is a good idea, especially because of Covid 19, people need home offices. It’s a perfect DIY home project so that you can have your workspace from your real estate. It will ensure productivity since you will get the feel of working from your own office. There are many design ideas that you can check online or just go for your design and avoid hiring interior designers.

You will need to decide about the coat of paint that you want to use for your DIY home office. It can be a simple task that you can tackle this weekend. Make sure to add storage space for relevant documents that you need for your home office. Have your contact paper and picture frame as well so that you will be comfortable in your workspace once it’s done.

5) Renovate Your Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen cabinets are often neglected since it’s being used as food storage or just to keep some kitchen utensils for cooking. But it’s best if you will also spice up your kitchen by using some faux marble that will guarantee to spruce up your space in no time. Just decide what will be the new theme of your kitchen and align it with the cabinets to make your kitchen better looking.

Of course, saving money should also be prioritized when doing a DIY home project. That’s why you’re doing it yourself. You can check some IKEA hack, Lowes, or home depot so that you can compare the prices of the materials. Then you choose the most affordable yet with excellent quality materials so that you can make sure that your kitchen will look great for a long time.

Conclusion

These DIY projects will increase the value of your home without the need to spend too much. Since you can just buy the materials from a place that you can get it the cheapest, you no longer have to pay for the labor of doing the project. You’re real estate will surely increase the value since it will look as if it’s newly built as well as well maintained. It’s best to just research the materials that you will need and compare the prices from each store so that you will not end up paying more. Once you have everything that you need for your DIY project, you can go ahead and start working so that you can already see the results. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and feel proud about doing the DIY project that looks like a PRO made it.

Tags: contemporary, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, flooring, home improvement, kitchen, landscaping, patio

What You Should Know About Wood Primer and How To Use It

August 27, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Wood primer is a type of preparatory undercoat coating applied to wood, especially before applying paint to it. Wood primers are designed to increase the durability and longevity of a paint job and ensures improved adhesion of paints to a surface. It also protects the wood surfaces that you plan to paint over.

Primer is one of the important parts of the painting process. It also adds beauty and visual appeal to paint jobs by providing a polished, uniform, and smooth look to structures. Primer also ensures you use a lot less paint during the painting process.

When Should You Be Using Wood Primer?

This depends on the type of wood you plan to paint. If you are painting an unstained new wood, it is best to use a high-quality oil-based primer or a latex primer. If the wood is stained or painted, it is better to go for a stain-blocking primer. More weathered or old wood requires a high-quality oil-based or latex primer.

Why Does Wood Need A Primer?

Primers contain a blend of chemicals that dissolve onto the surface in order to hide any imperfections. Primers are also designed to ensure the wood receives the paint better in the way of improving and enhancing the existing surface. Primers have adhesive characteristics that ensure the paint absorbs and adheres well. A wood primer also assists with hiding small holes present in the wood and it helps to make knots and stains less visible. A primer will ensure that your paint looks better and lasts longer than it would without the primer.

Tips On How To Apply Primer To A Wood Surface

Before you get started, make sure to choose best wood primer which is well combined, and that you are using the correct technique to apply the primer. You can use either a spray, a roller, or a brush to apply a high-quality primer to your wooden surfaces. If you are looking for the easiest way to apply primer, choose one of the spray primers. With a spray primer, you will need to apply a number of coats to achieve good coverage. Brushing does take more effort and time, but the layers will be more even, consistent and thinner.

Every primer comes with its own set of instructions on how best to use and apply the product. However, here are the general steps on how to prepare and apply primer to a wooden surface:

– Clean the surface, ensuring there is no grease, dust, or grime on the wood.

– After thinning the primer properly, apply the product to the wood using a brush, roller, or spray.

– Allow the product to dry for at least 6 to 8 hours before you apply a polishing paste.

– Use a 180 sandpaper grit to sand over the putty. From here you can apply another primer coat.

Experts recommend using a fine-grit sandpaper to achieve an even surface between each coat.

From here your wood surface is now prepared and ready for a paint application.

Tags: backyard, cabinets, contemporary, eco-friendly, home improvement, landscaping, patio, wood

How to Landscape around Trees

August 19, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY

There are certain vital principles that you must keep in mind when you are planning to landscape an area that has trees else. The desired results may not be achieved, and your landscaping can go wrong. Therefore, let us look at some of the issues that you must keep in mind when landscaping around the trees.

Simplicity is the key

If you are designing the landscape around a large, beautiful tree, keep the design simple. If you make the surrounding too complicated, the overall beauty of the tree can get lost. You can try planting simple ferns around the trees. Another good option can be creating a ground cover with periwinkle or the myrtle vine with tiny violet flowers. You can select other varieties that grow well in the shade and can complement the beauty of your tree.

Coordinate colors

When you landscape around flowering trees, you must keep the color scheme in mind when planting the foliage around the trees. Remember to plan your garden’s colors in different seasons to keep the landscape look like a work of art, a professional from nampa lawn & landscape pros can help you even with changing seasons and the peak blooming period.

Keep in mind the lighting

Keeping in mind the light and shade zones around the trees is essential when you are creating the landscape as the level of light may not be uniform in all areas and all times during the day. Some trees like maple, magnolias may allow more light than evergreens. Place plants that grow well in shades closer to the tree, while those which need sunlight in the outer, sunnier areas will allow your plants to grow well around the trees.

Challenges with thriving

Large trees, apart from less sunlight, also pose the challenges for the roots of foliage around it. These trees have long roots that go deep into the earth, and hence the plants and around these trees will always face stiff competition for water and nutrients and, therefore, will struggle to survive. Thus you have to select tough foliage that can survive under these conditions. Adding mulch around the plants can also help the roots of these plants will keep these new plants well hydrated even in the presence of the deep-rooted trees.

Pay attention to the soil level

Many people create a raised soil level around the trees with a border to plant other things. However, the raised soil around the tree trunk often causes rotting in the bark of the tree and gives rise to infections and diseases that may attack the tree. It is better to create a border that leaves a gap from the tree trunk. If you wish to make a plant bed under the tree, it’s essential to remove the grass before adding fresh soil else. It will be difficult for the tree roots to get air and oxygen, and they may get clogged and will eventually start affecting the tree’s healthy growth.

Take care of Tree Roots

When you are planning a landscape around the trees, it is important not to damage the tree roots while planting other plants. This should be done more carefully, especially for trees with shallow roots or those that have roots spread even above the ground. If you cut damage these roots during landscaping, the tree’s health may get affected. So dig the soil around the trees with utmost care.

Use Stones & Rocks for Maintenance free landscaping

Though plans and lawn around a tree base may look beautiful, they will take regular maintenance. If you do not wish to spend a right amount of you time in maintaining your landscape, make use of bricks, stone and rocks around your trees, Keep the designing sustainable and do not layer the stones or rocks on a plastic sheet and this is will create a barrier for air and water and impact your trees and plants.

Make it a focal point

Using the large beautiful trees as a focal point in your garden and creating landscape around it will give a unique personality to your landscape. If you have a large tree, instead of trimming it down, create the additions like a patio or seating area around it. This will give you a different texture to your landscape while retaining the beautiful trees.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, eco-friendly, home improvement, landscaping, trees

Vinyl: Is It Really a Good Material for Fences?

July 9, 2020 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

Before we begin on the topic, let’s make it clear that whether a fencing material is actually good or not, largely depends on what purpose it serves. This is why chain-link fences are excellent options when protection or physical security against potential intruders is a primary concern, but they are not going to be the best for obvious reasons, if you have privacy concerns. Keeping that in mind, let’s now discuss vinyl and what purposes it’s good for as a fencing material.

Vinyl is It Really a Good Material for Fences

The Short Answer

Even with the point about specific use purposes in mind, vinyl cannot be considered as anything but one of the most all rounded fencing materials available for most people out there. So, the short answer is yes, vinyl is a great fencing material in general, and especially for private residences.

The Long Answer

The claim for vinyl being one of the best, if not the best fencing material available today is often made by companies that deal in vinyl fencing exclusively. However, that claim isn’t totally unfounded, because it just has too many advantages over almost every other fencing material we generally use. To shed more light on the kind of advantages we are discussing here, let’s get into the details.

Moderate Protection

The physical protection which a vinyl fence can offer is somewhat limited, as compared to its metallic and hardwood counterparts such as steel and cedar. In spite of that, high quality, thick vinyl fencing can also provide significant physical protection against potential break-in attempts. It may not be industrial grade protection, but as far as home invasion is concerned, thick vinyl fences can provide dependable protection.

Privacy

Make your vinyl fencing high enough and no one will ever be able to peek in while passing by. There are no gaps (unless you want gaps) in vinyl fencing, so privacy is guaranteed.

Design

While it used to be boringly white at one point in time, that is no longer a limitation. Pay a visit to Northlandfence.com if you want to choose from vinyl fencing options that come in a wide range of colors, designs and patterns. They even offer a non-prorated lifetime warranty on all their vinyl fencing products and installations.

Lifetime Investment?

Unlike any other material used for building fences, vinyl does not or rather cannot rot or rust. This technically makes vinyl fences a lifetime investment. This means that come rain, snow, ice or sunshine, your vinyl fences will remain unaffected by the weather for decades.

Zero Maintenance

Unless there’s intentional, natural or accidental trauma, vinyl also doesn’t get chipped, and it won’t peel away or develop cracks under normal circumstances. The color may or may not fade after a long time though, depending on the quality of the material itself.

It’s not just one aspect of the material that makes vinyl perfect, but it’s the combination of it all. If you take the time to do some of your own research, there is no other fencing material in the market that can cover so many fronts, especially at that price point.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, deck, fence, home improvement, landscaping, patio, vinyl

How to revamp your backyard

May 6, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Your backyard should be an oasis for you. It’s your private green pasture that you can mold as you see fit, without changing the curb appeal of the front of your home. Unfortunately, this freedom leaves people frozen in indecision with what to do with it. This need is reasonable, all that most people need is a push in the right direction.

Here are some tips to give your yard the life and beauty you’ll want everyone to see.

First, Plantlife

The state of your greenery is paramount to your backyard. You need to ensure that you’re building up from a good base so that you don’t have to try and put in flower beds around furniture.

Consider the flow of your yard

Mow all of your grass to start, make sure you weed and rake if there are stray leaves. From there, decide what portions of your yard will go mostly unused. The best places for flower beds are close to the home, no more than three feet out. With a more substantial yard, you could get more creative, heavily consider what space you have to work.

Go for flowers that are local to your area, and avoid any plant life that might cause allergy issues for anyone in the home.

Shade

If you live in a warmer climate, you understand the need for shade. In summer, standing in the shadow could mean it feels ten to fifteen degrees cooler. This effect is due to a lack of solar radiation that you would usually feel in full sunlight.

Look at what kind of shaded structure would work best for you. Smaller yards may need a sun umbrella or two, but with larger yards, you can put in a structure like a gazebo or build out a structure with a permanent roof.

Furniture

Again, this option has to do with how much space you have. Define areas with lawn furniture. You can even put in a patio for lounging, and layer it so that a lower section is for grilling and enjoying drinks.

Go for a furniture style that compliments the rest of your home, while also keeping budget in mind. It’s easy to spend a lot when it comes to these, so keep an eye out for a Home Depot coupon code or other things that can help you save some cash.

Water Features

Putting in water features can be the most exciting part. It can be anything, from a coy pond to a Jacuzzi: but keep a budget and a vision in mind.

Moving water is for the best if you’re in a humid area since it’ll stop mosquitoes from breeding, and consider what kind of enjoyment you’d like to get out of it. If you want to swim, and you have space, plot out a pool! If pool upkeep is a nightmare for you, consider putting in a waterfall fountain, or something else that fits your style.

The most important thing about a backyard is that it matches your style. So take your time, think deeply about that, and you’ll have no trouble creating a backyard perfect for you!

Tags: backyard, contemporary, deck, eco-friendly, home improvement, landscaping, patio

5 Simple Tricks for Boosting Your Home’s Curb Appeal

April 20, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Whether you’re planning to move to a new house in the near future, or it’s time for a long-needed makeover, the exterior of your property can say a lot on what is on the inside. To impress potential homebuyers, friends, and family, maintaining the outside of your home is important. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are 5 simple tricks on how to boost your home’s curb appeal.

5 Simple Tricks for Boosting Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Take Care of Your Lawn

One of the biggest parts of maintaining your home’s curb appeal is by taking care of the lawn. Whether you do this by raking off leaves, mowing the grass, or pulling weeds, doing everything you can to keep your lawn looking pristine is key. To prevent brown spots, it’s important that you keep your lawn well-watered. No one wants to tackle a huge project, so as long as you keep a close eye on your lawn, you shouldn’t have too many problems.

Look After Your Driveway

When homebuyers and guests pull up to your property, having a well-cared for driveway can make all the difference. If you have a concrete driveway, there are lots of top tips that you can take on board to keep it looking as good as new. Regular cleaning, sealing the surface, avoiding chemicals, and repairing small cracks can help keep your concrete drive in pristine condition for a longer period of time. There is also the option to contact a professional like Richfield Blacktop who specializes in concrete driveways.

Lose the Junk

Whether it’s lawn furniture, unruly garden hoses, old vehicles, or dead bushes, getting rid of anything that is seen as an eyesore can help boost your home’s curb appeal. If it isn’t necessary or attractive to your lifestyle, it’s best to get rid of clutter immediately. To reduce your carbon footprint and do your bit for the environment, recycling any junk can give it a new purpose.

Focus on the Front Door

When visitors arrive at your property, they will immediately notice your front door. Making it look great and appealing should be your top priority, so whether it’s by washing it, refinishing or painting it, giving your front door a new lease of life can only be a good thing when it comes to boosting your property’s curb appeal. If it’s time for a change, replacing it with a brand new one may be the best option.

Add Interesting Details

There are lots of quirky items that you can add to the front of your property to make it stand out. Shiny new house numbers, a new doorknocker, or a stylish front porch light can set the scene for what is on the inside. If you have plenty of space, you may want to consider investing in a water feature or purchasing a garden sculpture for your front lawn.

A house that looks nurtured, well loved, and designed with integrity can help make your property stand out for all the right reasons. First impressions count, so taking all the advice above into account can help you on your way to boosting your home’s curb appeal.

Tags: contemporary, curb appeal, home design, home improvement, landscaping, lawn

7 Warm and Wonderful Ways to Cozy Up Your Home

February 26, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Coziness is one of the main reasons why people love the winter season. Most places have that warm and fuzzy look with dimmed lights, where you can relax and spend time with your friends or family. Cozy places like this can make you unwind from work, inviting you in another world to feel warm and spoiled. Now, imagine that kind of feeling in your home! It’s like therapy! Your home should be the place where you feel the most relaxed and pampered.

7 Warm and Wonderful Ways to Cozy Up Your Home

The cold months of winter are here, and all you can think about while you’re at work is to come home to your cozy sanctuary. A long hot shower, a hot chocolate, and a good movie can make you release all that stress accumulated throughout the day. But, although nothing compares to the comfort of your own home, lately, you felt like there’s something about your it that needs improving. You either don’t like the elements of your home anymore, or you just feel the need to add something new, for your own pleasure. Cozy doesn’t have the same meaning for everyone, it depends on how you want to improve your home’s comfort. However, cozy induces feelings of warmth, relaxation, and comfort. Do you wonder what could bring more comfort to your home? Maybe reorganizing your space? Bringing some new decorations? There are tons of interesting ways you can make your home feel so cozy and welcoming. In this article, you’ll find 7 steps to make your home cozier.

Organize Your Home

Have you ever been invited to a place where you couldn’t feel relaxed and comfortable? Maybe it’s because it was filled with too much stuff. A home can’t be welcoming and comfortable if it’s filled with mess. When a place is visually full of clutter, it may disturb your focus. If you think about the hotel rooms, you’ll realize that there’s almost no decor. The purpose is to leave the space cleaner and choose just a few items and put aside the rest of it. Your home will look more open and comfortable. You can look through magazines and see the latest trends in home decoration.

Create a Space for Ultimate Coziness

Your entire home can be cozy, but not everyone can afford it. Some have kids or pets and it might be difficult to keep everything organized. So, design a corner in your home where you can display many candles, small fuzzy pillows, a blanket that can replace a rug, and many other seasonal decorations. Also, you can put a bench where you can relax or maybe you can use it as a table to place all your decorations. Ribbons are colorful, fun, and can be used for different things around your house. You can decorate your curtains by hanging a few ribbons on them, they’ll look more stylish and fun! There’s always a chance to find a discount ribbon in bulk if you do some research on the internet.

Throw Blankets All Over

Blankets are perfect for creating that cozy atmosphere, especially the soft ones made out of cashmere or cotton. Throw a few blankets around the house, so you can easily grab one if you ever feel cold. For maximum coziness, choose a chunky knit blanket and put it on your bed. Also, flannel sheets will give you that soft feeling to your skin and make your bed look much more comfortable. Now, imagine when you get into your bed, after a long working day. Mm, so cozy!

Bring the Elements of Nature in The Decor

For a minimalist look, get inspired by Japanese interiors. Many homes get that cozy look by bringing elements of nature in their décor. The mixture of plants, water, stone, creates a nice contrast and really makes the atmosphere look so calming and have that zen-vibe. If space allows you, get bigger plants, a fountain, and create a garden inside your home. It’ll look awesome and unique!

Introduce Art to Your Cozy Space

So many homes with no art hanging on their walls are simply missing the chance to bring some charisma into them. Art can bring so much coziness into a home but people rarely step out of their comfort zone. This is the element that’ll make your home feel welcoming and interesting. Art is a personal choice, so it should represent you and your lifestyle. Before you hang it on your wall, think about what inspires you the most, it’ll be easier and less scary to introduce it to your home.

The importance of Good Lightning

Do you know those cute cafés with dimmed lights and a warm, comfortable atmosphere? The right lighting can make you feel more relaxed and lift up your mood. It’s an essential ingredient to make your room cozier. If you tend to spend more on the furniture, consider that lightning can completely make the space look warmer. The goal is to create a comfortable, cozy place, and get rid of that boring feeling when entering the room. For extra ambiance, add a few scented candles. The delicious smell will freshen up the room in a moment. But don’t forget to turn them off while you are away.

Decorate with Books

Books can be a super cheap décor method for making your home cozier. You can purchase them from your local store, or just use the ones you already have at home. There are so many different ideas on how to decorate your home with old books that can add a vintage touch. Decorating with books can be fun but it also brings knowledge and life to your home. Transform your living room into a library by adding a wall of books. Guests will be impressed with your idea! Place books in different areas of your home, on the coffee table, for example, on the kitchen counter, or even in the bathroom. You can decorate the entire home with books, just pick the right colors that complement the rest of the house. However, the point is to make sure that these decorations ideas stand out visually.

Hopefully, these wonderful, warm tips will help you transform your home into a cozy place where you and your family can spend quality time together.

Tags: contemporary, decor, design, eco-friendly, home improvement, landscaping

How to Look After Your Concrete Driveway: 5 Top Tips

February 7, 2020 | Design And Decor, DIY

As a homeowner, being proud of both the interior and exterior of your home is important. When guests pull up outside your property, the last thing you want is for them to get the wrong impression. If you have a concrete driveway, keeping it well maintained should be your top priority, so to make sure the surface looks its best and stands the test of time, here are five top tips you can use.

How to Look After Your Concrete Driveway

Regular Cleaning

To keep your concrete driveway gleaming, it’s important that you factor in time to clean it. If left untouched for a long time, concrete can begin to look really dirty, which can set a bad tone for those coming to visit your property. Giving your driveway the attention and care it needs is important, so using a pressure washer can be a great way to keep it clean.

Seal the Surface

No matter how great your driveway sealer is, it will ultimately wear out over time, regardless of how much money you shell out. The main purpose of a driveway sealer is to stop water from getting into the porous surface, as this can cause major damage. It can also help protect the driveway surface from UV light degradation and spillages, so make sure that you reseal the surface every 3-5 years.

Avoid Using Chemicals

When it comes to driveway maintenance, there are some harsh chemicals that are best to avoid, such as deicer. Deicers are known to eat into the surface which results in gradual deterioration. If your driveway becomes icy or slippery, it’s best to use sand which will provide traction. Sand can also be easily brushed to one side or swept away once the summer months draw in. If you have any grassy areas at the front of your property, chemical products will only cause damage in the long run.

Avoid Spillages

Another way to keep good care of your concrete driveway is by avoiding spills. Your car oil may be the root cause of a spillage or stain that can cause major damage to your driveway’s appearance. If you notice any spillage, make sure that it’s cleaned up quickly and appropriately by using a professional driveway cleaning solution.

Seek Professional Help

If you’ve lived in your property for many years and feel the damage done to your concrete driveway is irreversible, it may be time to hire a professional who can lay down a brand new one. Richfield Blacktop is a company you may want to consider using, as they specialize in concrete driveways, asphalt driveways, and commercial paving.

While concrete is known as the easiest surface to maintain when compared to other driveway types, that’s not to say there aren’t measures that can be taken to make sure it looks its best. If you have noticed any changes to your driveway, there are lots of tips that you can take on board, but you may also want to seek out a professional to help.

Tags: concrete tiles, contemporary, driveway, garage, home improvement, landscaping, patio, repair

3 Ways to Increase Your Property’s Appeal by Renovating Your Yard

November 11, 2019 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

Homeownership is one of life’s greatest milestones, and owning a property is often one of the biggest financial investments we will make in our lifetimes.

Most people will pay a lot of attention to the interior spaces of their homes. Every year, millions of dollars are spent on interior design, home appliances, and features that add both conveniences and value to a property; but not enough people take the time to add some value to their gardens or yards.

Here in this quick guide, we are going to look at the three best ways to add some value and features to the outside of your home to make it one of the most desirable houses in the neighborhood and help you make a quick and profitable sale when the time comes to move on.

Use Decking to Take the Inside Outside

One of the most popular uses for a garden or yard is to use it as a cooking or dining area when the weather permits.

Having a space in your garden for dining is a great way to add value and character to a property and having a barbeque or outdoor oven nearby means you can take your mealtimes outside and enjoy good weather all day and into the night.

Use wooden decking to designate a dining space in your garden or yard, and give you a flat and even surface for a dining table or garden furniture. Decking can be incredibly good value and easy to install. Features like this are fun for you to use, and more than pay for themselves in property value.

Landscape Your Garden or Yard

You may well have a lovely garden on your property, but with a little extra work and investment, you can take a garden to the next level and give your home the ‘wow’ factor with a landscaped and themed garden or yard.

Giving a garden a theme can be a fantastic way to show off your outside space and give you more reasons to make better use of your garden or yard. A Hawaiian theme is a popular choice with a lot of homeowners as it is easy to achieve, uses hard-wearing and low-maintenance plants, and can incorporate desirable features like a hot tub or a fire pit.

Re-Lay Your Driveway

If you have a driveway in the front of your home, you have a great opportunity to increase your home’s ‘curb appeal’ by re-laying and recovering your driveway with a new surface that is easy to maintain.

Asphalt, or blacktop, has become the driveway covering of choice recently as it is inexpensive, quick to install, is easy to maintain and lasts a long time. At Richfield Blacktop, you can get a comprehensive planning service and a professionally laid surface for less than ever before. Having a blacktop surface also creates an opportunity to use your drive for sports like basketball and street hockey, which are popular with teenagers. You can even get ‘court markings’ painted on your asphalt, adding a feature to your home.

Our homes are one of our life’s biggest investments, and many of us will have our financial future tied closely to our home’s resale value. Small, high-value investments like these can make a huge and profitable difference to a home’s resale value, and our retirement.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, home improvement, landscaping, patio

5 Home Improvements for Families with Children

September 11, 2019 | Design And Decor, DIY, Remodeling

When you have children, change is to be expected. Not only do you have to adjust your life so it works around your children, but you will also have to adjust your home. When you make changes to your home, you need to make sure you choose wisely. Wrong decisions can reduce the value of your property and can end up costing you a lot more money than the improvement was worth, but when something is done right, not only will your property go up in value, but your family will be happier for it. To help you make the right decision, here are five home improvements you should consider if you have children.

Convert Rooms

Reinventing a room can increase the value of your home as well as make your life easier. You can convert spaces that aren’t being used, such as a garage, basement or attic space, into something that could be used. You could change them into an extra bedroom, a second living room, a games room or a room that can be used by your child if they have a particular hobby they want to excel in, such as music, craft or exercise.

Consider a Playroom

A playroom is another good idea if you have the space and they have many benefits. This can keep the rest of your house tidy and in good condition because your children will have their own area where they can play and make a mess. If you decide to move home, this feature would appeal to buyers who have or plan to start a family.

Add an Outdoor Play Area

Exercise and fresh air are essential for child development. If you have a good-sized back or front yard, then installing an outdoor play area for your children is a great way to ensure they get outside, and it will be a safe area for them to do so. If you don’t have the time or skill to create your own outdoor play area, you should contact KG Landscape to help you create a safe, fenced play area.

Increase Storage

Nowadays, people like a minimalist look when it comes to their homes. This can be a hard thing to achieve when you have children, but it isn’t impossible. Making alterations that increase the amount of storage your home has will increase the value of your property and will make it look neat, tidy, and modern while you live there. It can also make your home safer, especially if you have young, curious toddlers walking about.

Improve Your Home’s Efficiency

There is no denying that children are expensive, so making changes that help to save you money as well as increase the value of your property whilst helping the environment are always great ideas. One of these changes would be to improve how energy efficient your home is. You can do this by adding installation, adding renewable energy sources, and installing double glazed windows. These are just a handful of things you can do.

To summarize, when you decide to make changes to your family home, space, efficiency, and usefulness are the key things you need to consider. If the alterations will help you, then there is a high chance it would help someone else, which leads to a rise in property price.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, eco-friendly, energy efficiency, home improvement, landscaping

Chic Outdoor Spaces With Pergolas

July 25, 2019 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

Entertaining at home is often done outdoors, on the patio, deck, verandah or in the garden. Lush greenery, floral scents, stone paving and well thought out garden beds all inspire serene feelings of calmness and joy.

Even you are an avid gardener, you have spent many happy hours outside either tending to your garden or just relaxing in the sun or breeze. If you enjoy being outdoors, perhaps now is the time to transform your piece of green heaven and introduce some new and exciting features to use outside. Think pergola.

Perfect Pergolas

The quickest and easiest way to transform your outdoor space is by placing a pergola outside. There are so many ways to use these structures, you will never be stuck for pergola ideas.

Pergolas come in a variety of makes. You can opt for the traditional timber pergolas, composite, steel frames or a combination. Add vinyl, cloth or shutters on the top and your pergola can take on many functions.

Pergolas give the sense of incorporating an extra room to an area because of the pillars and roof which mimic a room. This makes a pergola the perfect outdoor addition which will not only delight homeowners but adds value to the property.

Function And Form

Whether you want a practical outside dining area, seating area or relaxing area, you can achieve any look and feel with a pergola.

Warm winter evenings outside with a fireplace and blanket might be your taste or a functional dining area in spring where everyone can sit outside comfortably. Add a bar for that instant poolside feeling.

Perhaps you desire privacy and would like your outdoor spa to be covered, or a quiet place to lie outside and read in the hazy summer days. All these functions can be achieved by using a pergola.

Adding color and accessories to your pergola area is easy when you have decided on what the look and feel of your space should entail. Keeping it classy and chic is just as easy if you plan the accessories properly. Look for weather-resistant or outdoor pieces that will be easy to maintain and move around.

The great thing about having a pergola is that when you decide to update or refresh the look and design of your outdoor space, you simply bring in new elements to make the change. Remember less is more, a cluttered outdoor space is not a haven of peace and tranquillity.

Simply Add Furniture Or Plants

Attaining chic looks under your pergola can be done in so many ways. The best way to add flair and functionality to your pergola is to add furniture.

Do you want a seated area? Add weather-resistant outdoor furniture and pillows. Include small side tables and an ottoman or two to entice relaxing family gatherings outside. If your pergola is poolside, add sun loungers and potted plants with a side table or two.

If you prefer your pergola be a simple extension of your garden added creepers or plants in pots to grow against the pillars and over the roof. Perhaps you can grow a grapevine and add two chairs and a table for intimate Italy like dinners by candlelight.

Tags: backyard, contemporary, fence, home improvement, landscaping, patio

Stamped Concrete: Why Is It the Most Popular Material For Driveways?

July 24, 2019 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

There are a number of routes you can take when choosing the right material for your driveway. If you’re confused about making the right choice, you can take the route most people take and choose the most popular material for driveways – stamped concrete. You don’t have to take our word for it, ask popular contractors like https://www.kansascityconcreteartisans.com/ about the most popular driveways people want and we’re sure you’ll get the same answer.

Why it is so popular and the various designs and styles you can get with stamped concrete will all be broken down in this handy guide to understanding why stamped concrete is such a popular choice for driveways and why you should take the leap.

Why is it so popular? The advantages of stamped concrete

There are various reasons why stamped concrete is a great choice for your driveways, and knowing all of them can help you understand why it is such a popular choice.

Durability

There is nothing quite like concrete. And by that, we mean that when it comes to sheer strength and resistance, concrete is king. For a driveway, it is important that the material used is able to hold up against things like weather, weight, spills, grease stains, and track marks.

On all those things, concrete ranks high. It holds up well against sun exposure and rain and is stain-resistant against most things. You also don’t have to worry about concrete driveways cracking under the weight of numerous cars.

Longevity

It can be a real pain to both your time and your wallet to have to constantly think about replacing and redoing your driveway over the years you’ll live in your home.

With this in mind, it is important for your driveways to have good longevity to make sure they will hold up for many years to come. Stamped concrete driveways are able to last a long time because concrete is a durable material that does not need constant maintenance. With proper care, it can last for up to 40 years.

Furthermore, you can be assured that the design imprinted on the stamped driveway will remain there and not fade away over time.

Cost

Compared to other driveway materials, concrete comes at an affordable and cost-effective rate. It is a widely available material that has a speedy installation period which helps keep the cost of it low.

And when you add a stamped design to the mix of things, the cost does not dramatically increase. Because it is a process that is neither labor-intensive nor timely, stamping concrete can be done in a single day depending on the size of your concrete.

Customizability

More than anything, the customizability of concrete elevates it from the rest of the flooring materials on the market. Concrete has the ability to be personally stamped and customized according to your wishes.

This means that for houses with unique layouts and decorations, stamped concrete driveways offer a way to customize your driveways according to what looks best with your home.

Value

Stamped concrete driveways are highly attractive features for a home that can increase the overall value of your home. Not only does it look expensive and attractive, but buyers will know that a concrete driveway is a good investment for a home that will last a long time.

The many design options for stamped concrete driveways

Driveways don’t have to look boring or standard at all, and they especially don’t have to when you choose to have concrete driveways. Stamped concrete is an option for everyone that can deliver unique design options, like:

Border designs

If you’re hesitant to stamp the entire driveway with a pattern or design, you can get a very attractive appearance for your driveways by stamping only a portion of the area, more commonly the border of the driveway. With this technique, you choose a design for the border of the driveway like a geometric pattern or a faux stone and either apply a simpler pattern to the middle or keep it completely plain. The contrast between the border and the middle of the driveway will look elegant and not overly done.

Faux stone designs

Stamped concrete is capable of mimicking other flooring materials for driveways, such as stone. If you want the aesthetic value of stones like slate and cobblestone but the durability, cost, and longevity of concrete, stamped concrete is capable of delivering that. For faux stone designs, you can have them laid out straight or patterned in a fan effect for a more stylish stamping.

Unique patterns and designs

If you’re interested in stamped concrete driveways for its versatility, you may be interested in getting more unique designs on your driveway. For example, you may be more inclined to get a large-scale pattern or a large design like a specific image like a sunburst or compass. This can likewise be done with concrete stamping.

Brick patterns

If you love the look a brick driveway but are concerned about its cost and need for constant maintenance, you can achieve a “brick” driveway with stamped concrete. Choose the kind of brick you want to emulate for your driveway and leave the rest to your contractor to get the best results possible.

Tags: concrete tiles, contemporary, flooring, home improvement, landscaping, patio

Wood vs Vinyl Fencing: Which Option is the Best for Your House?

July 8, 2019 | Design And Decor, Remodeling

For better or for worse, your fencing will have a huge influence on how your place feels and looks. While for some, utility will be the most important factor, for others, they might prefer something that complements their house first. Factors such as climate and cost also have to be considered as well. This is why the question of which material should be used can be a tricky one. Let’s take a look at two of the most popular options, vinyl and wood, and the pros and cons of each to see which option would be the best for your needs.

Wood: The Pros

One of the best things about wood fences is the way they look. Some people just love the whole white picket fence aesthetic, and stained wood can give a rustic feel to any backyard. So, if your first goal is for it to look good, then wood is a sure bet. Wood is also one of these materials you can work with even if you’re not a professional, so it’s a good pick for those DIYers out there. Wood also gives you a wide array of colors and finishes based on the staining and the wood you pick.

Wood: The Cons

Wood fences demand a lot of maintenance. And they’re not the best suited for every climate. You have to work on them every year so they can keep their appearance, whether its repainting or treating them. They’re also vulnerable to things like insects, especially termites. And they have a tendency to warp as well, especially when they haven’t been properly treated.

Vinyl: The Pros

Vinyl is one of the most low maintenance materials you can use as far as fencing goes. And it comes in a wide variety of styles, textures, and shades as well. While you can install it yourself, it’s always better to work with professional fitters. Teams like Northland Fence will be able to set up your vinyl fence in as little as a day and all their vinyl fences come with a lifetime warranty on the material. Good luck finding that with wood.

Vinyl: The Cons

One of the issues with vinyl fencing is that it’s slightly more expensive upfront than wood. But you end up recuperating these costs with lower maintenance and higher durability. Another issue with vinyl is that repairs are a bit more complicated, but since it’s so durable, it doesn’t require repairs as much as wood.

The Verdict

At the end of the day, it’s all about your priorities and what you need in a fence. If you want something that will last a long time and require little to no maintenance, go for vinyl. If your main priority is the look and you don’t mind having to maintain it every year and replace it at the end of its lifespan, then wood might be the choice for you.

Conclusion

Whatever choice you pick, make sure that you consider how much time and money you can afford to spend on your fence. Also, consider if your climate or even the general look in your area would make either option more suitable.

Tags: fence, home improvement, landscaping, vinyl, wood

1. Incorporate Energy-Saving Fixtures

2. Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

3. Expand the Living Area

4. Modify the Kitchen

5. Upgrade the Bathroom

6. Refresh Your Windows

7. Add Automated Systems

8. Replace Old Flooring

9. Do an Entire Interior Paint Job

10. Think About Renovation Your Closets

Replace Your Garage Door Springs

Add Some Color to Your Bathroom

Clean Your Kitchen Appliances

Change Your Curtains

Replace Your Light Bulbs

Buy a Few Plants

Freshen Up Your Sofa

Clean Your Mirrors

Change Your Air Freshener

Change Your Flooring

Clean the Outside of Your House

Making Your House Look Fresh Does Not Have To Be Expensive!

How do you know which one is right for you?

How Large is Your Property?

What is Your Budget?

Gasoline Models Weigh More

The Right Question: Which One is Better for You?

When Can a Driveway Be Paved?

Types of Paving Materials

Asphalt

Pros

Cons

Poured Concrete

Pros

Cons

Gravel

Pros

Cons

Pavers

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

Add Lighting

Add Color

Install Heating

Purchase Weatherproof Furniture

Add a Hot Tub

Repair Any Existing Damage

Secure Loose Items Outdoors

Trim Branches that Overhang the House

Clean Out the Gutters

Make Sure Windows and Doors Are Weather-Sealed

Your Home is Ready for Winter Storm Season

The Garden

Houseplants

The Trash Area

The Closet

The Sink and Drains

The Furniture

The Car

The Crawl Space

Pets

Untended Gutter

Conclusion

About the author:

1. Renew Your Landscape and Curb Appeal

2) Replace Carpet with Laminate Floors

3) Add an Outdoor Space

4) Make a Home office

5) Renovate Your Kitchen Cabinets

Conclusion

When Should You Be Using Wood Primer?

Why Does Wood Need A Primer?

Tips On How To Apply Primer To A Wood Surface

Simplicity is the key

Coordinate colors

Keep in mind the lighting

Challenges with thriving

Pay attention to the soil level

Take care of Tree Roots