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Crawlspace Corruption: 3 Storage Space Culprits You Need To Be Aware Of

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Crawlspace Corruption 3 Storage Space Culprits You Need to Be Aware Of

You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the crawl space under your house. Items may sometimes go there for storage, and after that the space is forgotten for months or even years at a time. Unfortunately, however, there are three potential crawl space problems you should be aware of. Ignoring them could damage any items you are storing there or cause structural damage to your home. Here is what you need to watch out for.

Water
Water can seep into a crawl space from just about anywhere. If your space has a dirt floor, it can even come up through the ground. Without proper ventilation, this water stays sitting in the crawl space, keeping it damp. Dampness leads to mold, mildew and rotting wood. The best solution is often to install a drainage system followed by a concrete crawl space liner, like those offered by Perma-Dry Waterproofing & Drainage, Inc. This allows for improved exterior drainage and a concrete shell that keeps water out.

Critters
Insects and rodents find crawl spaces very comfortable and homey. To keep them out, you’ll need to look for any cracks or crevices and seal them with caulk. A vapor barrier will also help slow the invasion of unwanted critters, as will the concrete liner mentioned previously. This works because moisture is attractive to insects and other pests who need a water source close to their nest to survive. A lack of water makes your space less attractive. Of course, it’s not always possible to exclude all unwanted guests all the time, so be sure to have an exterminator check your space periodically and address any issues that he finds.

Mechanical Issues
Your furnace and other large mechanical systems aren’t located in your crawl space, but there could still be some mechanical things there. HVAC ducts often run through crawl spaces where they can pick up mold or mildew and spread the spores throughout the house. Exposed electrical wires may also be present in your crawl space, along with plumbing pipes. Make sure any duct work in your crawl space is properly sealed. Have an electrical contractor reroute exposed wiring and make sure any insulation or plumbing pipes are in good condition.

A poorly maintained crawl space can cause many problems, including a crumbling foundation, damaged subfloor, higher energy bills and poor air quality throughout the home. Exposed electrical wires can also present a fire hazard. To avoid problems, check your crawlspace often and have a professional inspect it frequently.

 

Tiny Abode: How to Remodel Your Small Space to Make It Feel Larger

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Tiny Abode How to Remodel Your Small Space to Make It Feel Larger

As you sit in your home, you might think that the walls are closing in around you. Some small spaces feel this way because there simply isn’t enough space for all of the belongings that you have. There isn’t enough space to entertain or have friends over to the house like you would want. Fortunately, there are a few ideas that you can try to make your small space a bit larger.

Adding Color

One of the ways that you can make a small space seem larger is by adding a new coat of paint. The paint should be in a bright shade, such as white, teal, light gray or yellow. Choose a color that works best with that room of the home, such as green or yellow for the kitchen or a neutral shade for the living room. Once you have the walls painted, you can easily add decorations that will bring out your personality in a way like never before in your small home.

Open Things Up

When it comes to small spaces, it’s important to be able to open the area up more from time to time. This can be done by opening up a window or a bi-fold doors, like the ones that specialty glass stores like Nu-Look Glass & Aluminium Windows have. If the doors lead outside onto the patio, you can leave the doors open during the summer. You can also have certain rooms that lead into living rooms and other common areas have bi-fold doors as well so that you can open them up and have the illusion of having a bigger space.

Hidden Storage

While you’re sitting on the couch, you can grab a book or a magazine from the inside of the coffee table, surprising others in the room as they might not expect this kind of storage. You can find numerous pieces of furniture that double as a table or even a chair with hidden compartments for added space. Small items, like toys that get left on the floor, can quickly get tossed into these compartments.

Extending Upward

Instead of extending out to the center of the room, utilize the space that you have on the wall. Add shelves that reach to the ceiling for everything from books in the living room to toiletries in the bathroom. When the eye looks upward, it makes the room seem larger instead of being cluttered with items that take up most of the room.

A small space can quickly make everyone stir crazy. Use the vertical area that you have for more storage, and add brighter colors to make the room feel open. Consider changing the design of the rooms once in a while as well to give a new look.

Home-Building Happiness: 3 Necessary Tools To Help Your Renovation

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Home Building Happiness

Homeowners often perform renovations without the right tools to get the job done, which results in a lot of wasted time and money. Sometimes the use of incorrect equipment even leads to accidents and injuries.

To make your next home renovation a less stressful project that concludes with you feeling happy and satisfied, utilize these three tools from the start:

Structure Scanners

A lot of homeowners fail to scan existing structures to determine the location of wiring, water pipes, sewage lines and structural damage. They may even dig areas and install foundations without checking that the ground is stable. You can buy or rent inexpensive handheld wire, cable and pipe scanning tools in local hardware shops and online. For underground surveying, you should hire a ground penetrating radar firm instead of renting equipment. These firms can also confirm that any concrete structures that you build on, for example, haven’t degraded to a point that requires that you replace them.

Commercial Forklifts

Another necessary tool during even a medium-sized renovation is a forklift. Ripped out walls and dug up flooring and concrete, for example, create a lot of waste that is far easier and faster to remove when tossed into a bin and transported on-site via a forklift. Forklifts used with wooden pallets are also fantastic for transporting new construction materials and appliances. You can easily buy or rent a forklift through a trusted supplier like Heavy Lift Forklifts. Forklift suppliers typically also offer additional services, including a variety of attachments for different types of jobs and maintenance and repair support.

Waste Bins

No matter the size of a renovation project, you can always expect a lot of waste. You should never begin construction without first having a plan to dispose of old and leftover construction materials and renting waste bins designed for the specific materials you expect to throw away. Keep in mind that many materials are recyclable. Check with local recycling companies and construction waste recycling and disposal firms for more information and to compare bin and transport prices. Since some of the waste materials are likely hazardous, also make certain to ask for a list of materials that you should handle with care and disposal instructions.

Having read about the many benefits related to the use of these three tools, why would you ever begin a home renovation without them? Start investing in them today so that you can enjoy your renovation for years to come without any regrets.

Things To Do After Moving Into Your New Home

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The average American moves more than 11 times in his or her lifetime — often enough that one could assume it would become second nature after a few times. However, moving is one of the most stressful experiences you can have, so it’s also reasonable to assume that a lot of the minor details could get lost along the way. When those minor details include things like, “Where’s my toothbrush?” and “Did I remember to tell the post office I was moving?” they can have a decidedly major effect on everything.

Moving is more than taking all of your belongings out of your old house and moving them into your new one — it’s the act of relocating your entire life. Taking care of details like ensuring everyone knows your new address and taking a walk-through of your new place before you get settled will go a long way toward making the entire moving process feel less stressful. Ultimately, it can make the transition into your new home a lot easier.

Nonetheless, it’s easy to forget about many of the details, so this checklist can help you stay organized as you go through this major shakeup to your life. All the practice you get moving this time may not make the next time you move any easier. However, having a checklist handy while you do can help you stay organized and not be caught off-guard by any of those details that can add up to big troubles when they’re forgotten.

 

Post-Move Checklist
Post-Move Checklist created by University Moving & Storage

Remodeling Your Home: 5 Tips For Making It Cheaper And Just As Beautiful

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Remodeling Your Home

Remodeling your home is an important step to take when you want to update the property and boost its value. Many homeowners hesitate to begin the project due to the significant costs that are involved. If you want to remodel the home without spending a lot of money, there are a few tips to follow to make it just as beautiful.

Opt for Remnant Stone

When you want to update your countertops and allow them to look beautiful, visit granite supply yards and look for remnants that can be purchased. The material can be inexpensive to purchase if you don’t have too much countertop that needs to be covered, according to hgtv.com.

Purchase Appliances with Minor Imperfections

Ovens, refrigerators, and washing machines are easy to find at a discounted rate due to dents or scratches that may be present on the product but don’t affect how well they operate. Visit a local home improvement store and ask about products that are on sale to score a deal and still make your home look beautiful with the new product.

Install Sealed Cork Floors

Instead of spending a significant amount of money on hardwood floors when you’re ripping out tile or carpet, opt for using cork floors. The material costs an average of $3 per square foot compared to $8 to $14 per square foot for hardwood materials. The product is also easier on your feet and back when you walk throughout the home.

Add Light Tubes

According to thisoldhouse.com, light tubes are considered to be an inexpensive addition that will allow more natural sunlight into your home without spending more on adding windows. The feature slips between roof rafters and allows light to flood into areas that may otherwise be dim.

Don’t Move the Kitchen Sink

Rearranging the layout of your home can cost more if you need to move the toilet or sink. If the new layout requires you to move the features, use the opportunity to replace the pipes with the help of a professional from a company like Knights Plumbing & Drain. The investment can save you more money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or water damage.

When you want to improve the quality of your home, you can make changes that transform the setting. Instead of going over your budget, there are a few ways to make the renovation process cheaper. It may require some extra work and research, but it will definitely be worth it in the long run.

Infographic – Maintaining Timber Decking

Posted on Author adminCategories Decks & Patios, DIY Projects, infographicTags , , Leave a comment on Infographic – Maintaining Timber Decking

A timber deck in your garden can be a neat, luxurious area in which to enjoy the summer sunshine, giving you somewhere to sit out and relax, read a book or sip a cool drink as the gorgeous weather shines down upon you. However, there’s also the less glamorous but quite necessary aspect of maintaining the decking so that you can enjoy the idyllic scenario described above.

Crowe Sawmills  produced this infographic guide to timber decking maintenance, talking you through the tasks that are required for each season (apart from winter, when thoughts of spending time on your deck are not so glowing) and offering a few handy tips on carrying out the maintenance work.

In this mid-spring season, the time is right for washing and sealing the deck to remove any rot that threatened to set in over the winter months. Primary repairs can then be undertaken during the summer, when daylight hours are at their longest and the weather is most conducive to such tasks. Once the summer is over, you can trim any bushes or trees near the decking and clear all downspouts so that the onset of rot is minimized coming into the winter.

This vivid infographic outlines the process succinctly while still covering all the jobs that should be done. We think it’s a fantastic guide to timber decking maintenance and we hope you feel the same.

maintaining-timber-decking

 

The Benefits of Porch roofs and Garden Rooms

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porch roof

As summer approaches and the days become brighter and warmer you,  will want to spend more time outside enjoying the sun. Unfortunately,  the weather can be unpredictable and what was a sunny day can turn into a rather wet one. This is were garden rooms and porches come in handy. These structures will allow you to enjoy the sun without getting wet from any sudden and unexpected showers. We have looked into their benefits to help you choose which is the right choice for you.

Garden rooms are an alternative to conservatories and are generally used as a place to relax and socialize with friends and family. They tend to add more light into your home, natural light can add warmth to your home and improve your mood. Conservatories tend to get hot on sunny days, whereas garden rooms are kept cool with their insulated roofs, which also eliminates any condensation problems. These roofs also keep the garden room warm in winter so it can be enjoyed all year round. Garden room roofs are available in various shapes and sizes allowing you to create a unique room to suit your garden.

Porch roofs can be made with or without walls. They are available as an open structure that is supported by pillars or columns or as an enclosed structure. The open porch roofs allow you to enjoy the fresh air, whilst being covered for protection against the sun or light showers. These roofs are great to shelter garden furniture or plants that prefer the shade. Open porch roofs are ideal for entertaining guests in the summer, they offer cover away from light showers without having to go inside.

Porches can also be made as a small covered entrance to your home, usually used to house small plants and as a place to store shoes.

As you can see, both of these options have their benefits.  Garden rooms are more enclosed and are an excellent addition to your home, whilst porch roofs are more open and provide a sheltered area in your garden. Whichever option you choose, it is sure to improve your home and provide a space for you to enjoy the sun. These structures will also add value toapc-mouldings-logo your home by creating a unique feature.

At APC Mouldings, we supply various styles and shapes of porch and garden room roofs to help you create a style that is suited to you and your home. These structures are a great way of enjoying the summer. For more information please visit our friendly team who will be more than happy to offer advice and help you choose the right option for you.

Written by Amy Reed a SEO specialist on behalf of APC Architectural Mouldings.

Author Bio:

My name is Amy, I live in the north east of England. I am a copywriter for APC Mouldings who provide architectural mouldings to help people improve their homes. As a homeowner, I am constantly looking for new ideas for my home.

Be Prepared: 4 Essential Plans For Facing A Natural Disaster

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Be Prepared 4 Essential Plans For Facing A Natural Disaster

There are many different types of natural disasters so try to prepare a general plan for emergencies, and think of different ways to use it. For example, take into account that you may be at work or traveling when the natural disaster occurs. Grabbing your family photo albums won’t be possible in that scenario. Use these tips as a guideline to create a customized plan for your own home and situation.

Windstorms and Tornadoes

If you have time to evacuate, do so quickly. As a backup plan, your home should have a safe room, or at least a safe area, where you can quickly take shelter. Tornadoes may be the hardest natural disaster to prepare for because, after they pass you may find that nothing you own is where you left it. If you can create a safe room be sure to keep your emergency kit there too.

Floods

If you wake up in the middle of the night to a flooded bedroom what would you do? If you live in a flood plain know the location of the nearest high-water shelter. Put together a waterproof bin with essentials items in it. If a bin is too unwieldy, pack everything into a backpack, which you can carry safely, and stay hands-free. Whatever is left behind can be cleaned up with a service, such as NiteOwl Restoration.

Earthquakes

Until the weather service better discovers how to predict these people will be surprised by them. Often an earthquake is the precursor to other dangers, like mudslides and fires. A good emergency plan would be to keep a backpack with essentials in it, such as a first aid kit, water, snacks, a flashlight, some cash or a debit card, and pet food. Keep one at home and one in your car. Expect that cell phone services and emergency providers will be overloaded after an earthquake, or other natural disasters, so try to be self-reliant.

Fires

Like tornadoes, a wildfire may leave you with nothing to return to. And you may need to evacuate at a moment’s notice. The important thing is to get the whole family to safety. Focus on having evacuation-backpacks, or bins, already packed up with important items. If these are ready to go, it will help to reduce panic and stress. Once you reach safety contact friends and family with your status and location.

Don’t count on a stash of supplies as a solution. Depending on the natural disaster it may all go to waste. Rather, put together an evacuation kit that will help you recover from a disaster. Be sure to practice executing your disaster plan with your family. Also, make a backup plan because your vehicle may break down, or your escape route may be blocked. These are the important things to consider when facing a natural disaster.

Rental Remodel: 3 Things To Consider When Fixing To Lease

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Rental Remodel

Renting out a home or apartment can be a great way to earn some extra income, especially considering the number of renters in the U.S. is continuing to rise year after year. Combine this with rising rental prices and a declining number of vacant properties and it spells out the fact that now is a great time to get into the property rental business.

However, before you dive straight in and immediately list your property for rent, you’ll first want to ensure that it’s in good enough condition to actually earn you a profit. While you may not want to undertake any major renovation projects, making sure your property is above minimum requirements and up to code will pay off in the long run. To make things easier, here are a few of the most important things you’ll want to be on the lookout for.

Old, Outdated Décor

Unless the property is brand new, you’ll always want to make sure you give the interiors a bit of a touch up before trying to rent it out. At the bare minimum, you’ll want to give everything a fresh paint job (neutral tones are always best). Still, you may want to consider tearing out those old carpets or linoleum floors and putting in new laminate flooring. Generally speaking, carpet is almost always a bad idea in rental properties. If you make as many repairs as is reasonable, making the space look clean and well-maintained, it will be easier to keep track of damage and needed repairs in the future.

Kitchen and Bathroom Furnishings

Pay close attention to your kitchen and bathroom cabinets and other furnishings, as these are fairly inexpensive to replace and can make a major difference in how much you can charge for the place. Making smaller changes like putting in new faucets or shower head also helps. You don’t necessarily need to remodel the entire room, as even making a few minor upgrades can go a long way.

Landscaping and Exterior

The outside of the property is just as important as the interior, and sometimes even more so, since this is the first thing a prospective tenant will see. If they don’t like what they see on the outside, they may not even bother to check out the inside. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to take a little time to spruce up the exterior of the property as well. Make sure the trees are trimmed, plant a few bushes or even just fix the dead spots in the lawn. Like with the interior, even a little help can go a long way. If you’re planning on renting through a realty company like Adams, Cameron and Co., Realtors, you will also want to ask them if they have any advice to give.

In many cases, it may be necessary to perform some more extensive renovations or repairs before a property is fully ready to rent out, especially if it doesn’t meet all local regulations. Nonetheless, even the more basic remodel tasks listed above should help ensure that you can get maximum value from your rental property.

How to Renovate Your Bathroom the Fastest Way Possible

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How to Renovate Your Bathroom the Fastest Way Possible

Unless you have two bathrooms in the home, then you’re going to want to renovate your bathroom as quickly as possible. Make a plan of action before any work is done in the room so that you know exactly how much money you have to work with and exactly what you want to do to the space. Do as much of the work on your own to save money, alerting others in the home that certain areas of the bathroom might not be functional for a few days.

Adding Color

One of the easiest ways that you can renovate the bathroom without spending a lot of time is to paint the walls and accents. Choose a color that will blend with the size of the room along with the decorations that you plan to use. Gray is a good choice for a background color with teal or peach for a contrasting shade. It usually takes about a day for paint to dry, so you’re not inconveniencing anyone for a long time.

Giving New Shine

If you don’t have a lot of time to spend on the project, then simply refinish the tub and shower or the sink. Adding a bit of shine and natural luster back to the larger items in the room can give a face lift that is inexpensive and easy to accomplish. You won’t have to worry about ripping out these items, which can take time depending on whether you come across any problems. It’s also not as messy as it would be to take everything out and put it back in place or to put new items in the bathroom.

Hardware Details

From new shelves to new handles on the doors and drawer facings, changing the hardware is a simple job that will change the look of the room. It’s best to use new colors and a new design than was originally in place when swapping out the hardware. Changing the faucet handles is also an idea for giving a new look that won’t take a lot of time.

Go to the Professionals

If you don’t have a lot of time to spend on a remodeling project, then consider hiring someone who can get the job done faster. A professional, such as one from Towers Murray Plumbing, can help with any pipes or moving around the tub or shower if it’s in the design plans. The company can clean up the mess that is made and ensure that everything is done right the first time. This can prevent some of the frustration of not having a bathroom for a long period of time as most companies have a few people working at one time to get the job done in a day or two.

The bathroom is one of the easiest rooms in the home to renovate, but it’s also the most used space in the home. Keep your project to a minimum so that family members aren’t waiting to take a shower or even brush their teeth for a few days. Plan ahead before the project starts as to not have questions or concerns in the middle of the renovation.

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