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How to Maintain Metal Surfaces in Your Yard

Since the early times, people have praised metal for properties they couldn’t get from natural materials. But actually, metal is much closer to nature than many people think. The iron ore comes from the depths of the earth, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that metal feels in our gardens like at home. Still, as a man-made material, metal is more susceptible to elements than other materials used in landscaping. Its arch-nemesis is rust – so homeowners need to intervene from time to time to keep metal features like fences, furniture, posts, taps, gates, rails, and grates in a mint condition.

How to Maintain Metal Surfaces in Your Yard

Coating vs. painting

Rainfall and unsteady temperature always conspire to chip away the metal coating. Once the protective layer is damaged, rust is never far behind. One way to avoid it is to choose the most suitable metal for the intended use. Products with baked-on enamel or powder-coated surfaces will last long, without any special maintenance. On the other hand, varnished metal or surfaces protected with regular paint are prone to peeling, flaking, and chipping. Metals with superior coatings are expensive, but their longevity definitely justifies the initial cost.

Debris attracts moisture

With its intricate details, metal patio furniture is particularly exposed to a risk of decay. However, a few simple routines can make it last many years. The first defence against rust is cleanliness. At least twice a year, let’s say in spring and autumn, give your patio set a good scrub. Stir some liquid detergent in a bucket of warm water and use a sponge to remove dust and debris that attract moisture. Use an old toothbrush to reach hidden areas. When you are done, rinse away the detergent with a garden hose and leave the pieces to air-dry in the sun.

Physical protection

As mentioned above, it is the coating that safeguards metal from rusting. Careless handling can make two metal surfaces clink and cause chipping on one or both pieces. Whenever you need to move metal furniture, lift the pieces from the ground instead of dragging them. When the time comes to pack your outdoor furniture inside, make sure you protect the pieces with old towels or bed sheets to prevent them from scraping against each other.

How to Maintain Metal Surfaces in Your Yard

Quick and effective solution

Still, even if you take all precautions, no one can guarantee that rust won’t develop over time. Although seemingly a small problem at first, it can get more serious if left unattended. Once you spot a small patch of rust, clean the area as described above and stop the corrosion in its tracks by using a quality rust converter. These products interact with iron oxide, converting it into an adherent black layer that is moisture-resistant and provides an excellent surface for latex and enamel paints.

Highly damaged surfaces

In cases of more extensive damage and negligence, you may need to refinish the metal – a task that demands more time and effort. Before you can start refinishing, you need to get to the bare metal surface. Using a wire brush or a special wire wheel drill attachment, scrape away the old coating. Take care not to damage crevices and folds that may be a part of the design. After you have removed the coating, wipe down the dust with a damp cloth and let everything dry before you apply the primer and metal paint.

The majority of homeowners regularly tend to their lawns and shrubs, trimming and clipping to add appeal to their gardens, but only a few pay the same attention to metal elements in their yards. With rust, prevention is the best protection, but when the surface layer is already damaged, quality anti-corrosion products can save the day.

 

 

 

Tips for a More Organized Bathroom

Tips for a More Organized Bathroom

Your bathroom is the place where you and your family clean and groom. It’s also usually the first room you head to in the morning and the last room you hit before bed.  It contains a lot of products: everything from your laundry to your make up, your hair products, shower products, and sometimes even your cleaning supplies.  Some of us store interesting reading material, and those that like a touch of luxury will make their bathroom the backdrop for gorgeous towels and candles, along with wonderful bath salts or bubbles. Unless you have a huge bathroom with tons of storage, this can become a bit overwhelming, and it pays to stay organized so your bathroom doesn’t become a haven for clutter.

One way in which to get great storage out of your bathroom is to keep like products together.  This helps to eliminate a frustrating treasure hunt every time you want something specific, and it might help eliminate excess shopping since you can easily identify exactly what you’ve got already.  Your vanity cabinets are a great way to hide products from view, and generally contain enough space for tubs or containers to keep things neat and tidy.  If you’ve got open shelving, it’s nice to get a set of matching or complimenting boxes or baskets to keep things tucked out of sight.  As a bonus you can often get containers like this in a variety of styles, patterns and colours to match your existing bathroom decor.  In fact the organizers can become a cute feature in your bathroom, drawing the admiration of guests.  If you’ve got cupboard doors on your vanity, you can try adding standing shelves to tuck even more supplies away, or use the same baskets or bins as you would with open shelves.  You can also try to increase more space by adding baskets or hangers to the backs of your vanity doors.  Hair dryers and flat irons can handily tuck into these, ready when you need them.

bathroom

If you’ve got available wall space, it’s a great idea to add some shelves.  Once again, the shelves can hold decorative organization bins and create a great look in the room.  Some baskets even come with tiny chalkboard panels so that you can list exactly what each of them holds.  One could be for makeup, while another holds shaving essentials or your favourite supply of soaps or lotions.  Shelves can also hold your baths reading material, or dishes of bath salts or candles if you’re a fan of adding romantic flair to the space.

Your drawers offer an opportunity for being wonderfully organized, or they can hold a mess of products that you have to scramble through on a daily basis.  There are some super options out there for keeping everything in order!  Drawer dividers are extremely flexible and come in all shapes and sizes so that you get a customized look for your space.  Divide each of your drawers so that your dental hygiene products, feminine products, grooming tools, makeup and hairbrushes all have their own individual areas.  Everything will be tidy, organized and easily accessible when you need it, cutting down on grooming time in the morning and maybe even allowing you a few more minutes in bed.

If you’re a parent you know how kid’s stuff can quickly clutter a bathroom.  There are so many fun bath toys and products for our kids from the time they arrive right through to the teenage years.  A very simple and cost efficient way to handle their mess of supplies is with a hanging net.  These can be very handy especially with regards to tub toys – which seem to multiply over night!  You can also get tub toy holders in cute animal faces that hold a lot of things at once and attach to your tub or shower wall with suction cups.  You can even tuck the kids shower gel or soap into the same bin to keep all of their supplies together.

bathroom

One really cute idea is to make your mason jars do double duty.  If you’re an enthusiastic canner, you probably have a bunch of these things sitting around collecting dust, and with a little time you can turn them into unique and beautiful holders for your Q-tips, tweezers, make up brushes, and a variety of other little easily lost bathroom products.  Simply take a nice piece of wood, and either paint or stain to match your decor or rough it up to add a rustic touch.  Use clamps to attach the jar neck to the wood, and mount into the studs in your wall, ideally over your bathroom sink for easy access.

If you’ve got the floor space, a cute cabinet or a cart is ideal for holding bathroom products, cleaning products, or even rolled up towels and face cloths.  The nice part about the cart is that you can quickly roll it around depending on where you most need it at the time.  It can be tucked into one corner with toilet paper rolls, or moved over to the tub where it can serve to hold all of the bath products you need for a luxurious soak.  This is great for renters too, where putting up shelves or making other alterations to the bathroom isn’t an option.

Home improvement doesn’t need to be extravagant. Starting with simple things such as this can ease your mind in the long run and help you remain motivated for bigger projects in the future.

This article was written by Martin from Poshh. He has over 10 years’ experience in writing health related topics and specializes in the health benefits of saunas and hydrotherapy.

 

Is Your Home Ready for Fall? 4 Things You Must Do Before the Season Changes

Is Your Home Ready for Fall 4 Things You Must Do Before the Season Changes

Fall is a time when the leaves change color, football is back on television and the temperatures start to cool off. This is a good time to inspect your home and make sure that it is ready for the cooler and wetter weather typical of fall and beyond. Let’s look at some items that you should check before summer ends.

Check for Nests of Any Kind

While there may not be any wasps or bees flying around this late in the year, it is a good idea to check for nests. If you see any, it is a good idea to knock them down as it increases the odds that they don’t come back next year. You should also spray for bees, ants and any other pest that may try to make a home in your home.

Organize and Clean the Garage and Shed

As the weather gets colder and wetter, dirt can easily turn into mud that gets tracked into your house. If you have old grass clippings or other debris in the garage or shed, it can turn into sludge or otherwise decompose, which can lead to a nasty smell. It may also attract insects looking for an easy meal. If you own a lawn mower, make sure to clean it and store the gas securely before putting it away for the fall and winter.

Have Your Roof Inspected

Even a slight amount of water damage can wreak havoc on your home. In many cases, water leaks from the roof and flows throughout the entire home. Inspecting your roof and having it worked on by a professional, such as one from Berwald Roofing Inc, can prevent water damage from becoming a major issue. It can also prevent damage caused by insects and exposed roof decking.

Get the Furnace Inspected Too

The summer months are the perfect time to have your furnace inspected because demand will be low. This means that you can get someone to look at it in a timely manner and for a lower price. Many contractors offer service packages that provide seasonal inspections for a flat fee, and repairs may also be covered with a service package.

The fall season is considered to be a transitional one. While it won’t be cold and snowy for another couple of months, you know that winter is coming sooner rather than later. Therefore, now is the best time to get your home ready for the changing weather conditions. If you aren’t up to doing this work yourself, don’t hesitate to call a professional as soon as possible.

5 Things to Know before Converting Your Garage to a Living Space

5 Things to Know before Converting Your Garage to a Living Space

If you have decided to add new living space to your home by converting your garage into an additional living space, you’re in for a treat! This is a popular trend in home renovation. However, before you begin making any changes, make sure you read these five things to be fully prepared for your project.

Budget

Know exactly how much you are able to spend for your transformation project. Keep in mind that unexpected expenses will probably occur, and you should budget for them accordingly. Also, don’t forget to budget the cost of furniture for your new living space! You will be disappointed to learn you don’t have any money left over for these items.

Check Your Cars

Double check to make sure you won’t need your garage to store your cars. If you plan on getting an additional vehicle in the future, you may want to delay your renovation. Also, if you are comfortable keeping your vehicles outside of your garage, you still may want to consider investing in covers for your cars to protect them from the elements.

Know Your Purpose

Make sure you know the exact purpose of your new living space. Are you interested in using it as a place to quietly relax? Do you intend to use it for parties or social gatherings? Will you be using it as an additional bedroom? The choice is up to you. However, knowing exactly what you want to get out of the new living space will give you the focus you need to complete your project successfully, whether that be managing the garage door or adding amenities like air conditioning or more electrical fixtures.

Checking Permits

Remember, transforming your garage into an additional living space is a type of renovation project. This means you may need to obtain permits for some of the work. Double check with your local officials to learn if you will need to get any paperwork done before you begin. If you don’t, you may be forced to pay a fine or undo your entire transformation!

Can It Be Undone?

Keep in mind that the future owners of your home may want to use the garage for more traditional purposes. This means you should consider how easy it will be to undo your renovations. There also may come a time when you need to use the garage for other purposes. Having a plan to transform the garage back into a great storage area for cars and other big items is something you should consider.

Transforming your garage into an additional living space is a great idea. After you have considered the above points, get started on that transformation!

What Chemicals are Needed for Normal Hot Tub Operation?

What Chemicals are Needed for Normal Hot Tub Operation?

Having a hot tub at home means that you can relax and unwind in the warm water any time you want to. A hot tub is ideal for relaxing alone or with your partner. In order to keep the hot tub functioning safely and effectively, be sure to use the right chemicals for its optimal operation.

Chlorine

Chlorine has long been the chemical of choice for keeping a hot tub’s water clean. Chlorine is a potent sanitizer. The substance has a familiar smell that reminds most people of swimming pools. It comes in granules and tablets. You should not use the same chlorine for a swimming pool for your hot tub. A hot tub requires a different concentration of chlorine. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the concentration, amount and frequency of chlorine to add to the water in your hot tub.

Bromine

Bromine is an element that is similar to chlorine. It is one of many chemicals for your spa that keep it in operating condition, and safe for you to enjoy. It could be used as an alternative to pure chlorine in a hot tub. In most bromine preparations, the substance is a mixture of sodium bromide and chlorine. The bromine comes in tablet form and is applied through a floating feeder to the hot tub’s water. When used in a hot tub, the bromine does not have as strong of a smell as chlorine. This makes it a good choice for hot tubs that are located inside of the home.

Select the Best Spa Chemicals for Your Hot Tub

It is wise to select the best spa chemicals for hot tubs. Spa chemicals for hot tubs are designed to protect the filters, heaters and other mechanical parts of the hot tub. They are also safe for use indoors. Choosing the right spa chemicals for your hot tub also helps to promote your health. Because you immerse your body into the hot tub, it is important that the water is clean and free of germs that could cause you to become ill.

Mineral Purifiers

Mineral purifiers may allow you to cut down on the amount of chlorine or bromine that are needed in order to keep the water of the hot tub clean. Most mineral purifiers are applied to the hot tub’s water filter. They can also be used in a floating device that stays in the main part of the hot tub. These sanitizing minerals are released into the hot tub’s water over a long duration of time. The purifiers work to remove impurities such as salts and calcium from the water. They also help the filter to capture more bacteria, skin cells and hair from the water. Mineral purifiers might not be recommended for use in all hot tubs or with all water types.

Ozone

Ozone is a chemical that can offset the amount of chlorine or bromine that is needed to keep your hot tub’s water sanitary. It can only work if your hot tub already has a machine that is equipped to handle the ozone and release it into the water. Ozone works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. A low level of chlorine or bromine is still needed in order to keep the hot tub clean and free of contaminants. If a hot tub does not already have the machine needed for inserting ozone into the water, it might not be a good idea to retrofit the tub.

These chemicals help to keep the water in your hot tub safe for use on your skin. Be sure to use the right amount of chemicals for the size of your hot tub. Remember that you will still need to completely empty your hot tub every couple of months in order to keep it safe.

Lonely Loft? What to Do with the Attic You’ve Never Used

Lonely Loft? What to Do with the Attic You've Never Used

As you walk around your house, one of the spaces that might seem a bit lonely is the attic. It’s often an area that is used for storage, especially if you don’t have a lot of closet space in the home. There are a few remodeling ideas that you might want to consider so that you’ll have some kind of living space for the family instead of a wasted room.

Design an Extra Bedroom

If you plan on expanding your family in the future or if you want to invite parents or other family members to move in when they are older, then consider transforming the attic into a bedroom. Wire mesh—think of the type that you would have it you were to use SKS overscreens—can be added before dry-walling and painting so that there is a bit more insulation as well as support for the walls. Add a bed, dresser, television and other comforts that your guests would have at their own home so that it’s a relaxing environment.

Play With the Kids

Transform the attic into a playroom for the kids. With bright paint, fun wall stickers and decorations and a hardwood floor that’s fun for playing on, your attic can be a mecca for children to enjoy. Carpeting is an idea for young children, but if you have hardwood or at least laminate that looks like wood, then children can ride a tricycle or play with cars and other toys that have wheels on them easier than they could if there’s carpet in the room.

Relax the Day Away

Since the attic is often a quiet space away from the rest of the home, turn it into a reading area. Install plush carpet and oak walls that make space look like a library. Put bookcases along one wall and a comfortable couch or chair along another wall so that you can read a book in peace when you want some time to yourself. You could also create a space where children can do their homework without worrying about the noises from the rest of the home.

Take a Soothing Bath

There’s nothing like having an extra bathroom in the home, which is a design option for the attic. You’re going to need to make sure the plumbing is installed correctly before decorating so that you have a tub, shower or combination. This bathroom can be one where you escape from the stress of everyday life or just an extra bathroom for when it seems like a line is forming at the other one in the home.

There are numerous ideas for your attic space. Think about what you could use in the home, and get to work designing a space that can be enjoyed by the family. It might take some work since it’s at a higher level than the rest of the home, but the effort will be worth the investment.

Outdoor Living Spaces: Three Things Homeowners Must Know

Outdoor Living Spaces: Three Things Homeowners Must Know

Anyone who has watched cable television’s popular shows on home remodeling or home selling knows that outdoor living spaces are all the rage. Capable of adding extra space and comfort to homes in just about any location, these spaces go beyond the porches, decks, gazebos, and bare patios that were once the only options for outdoor seating and entertaining. In addition to being popular, a beautifully designed, outdoor living space can offer even more benefits. If you are a homeowner who is wavering about whether or not to invest in adding an outdoor living space to your home, the following information can help you see what this type of space has to offer your family.

1. Increased Living Space Offers Comfort for Growing Families

No matter how carefully families choose the home they buy, there will still be many times when it feels too small for comfort. Growing children, visiting relatives, and many other situations can cause a home that was once spacious to feel cramped and small.

Adding an outdoor living space provides another area suitable for use from spring through fall in most areas of the country. If the space provides comfortable seating and cooking facilities, it can even become the chosen location for family dinners, helping to reduce traffic in the house and keep it cleaner and more organized.

2. Entertaining is Easier With an Outdoor Living Space

Many homes today are built without a formal dining room, making it difficult to host large gatherings for meals and snacks. An outdoor living area offers a spacious location that can be furnished to handle gatherings of any size. If the outdoor living space also provides electricity to power small appliances, along with a sink, cooking surface, and a cooler or refrigerator, complete meals can be easily prepared and served outdoors, making cleanup far easier.

Many people also add some type of heat to their outdoor living spaces, such as a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, or specially designed outdoor heating appliance, to make these spaces more usable in cooler weather.

3. Outdoor Living Spaces Add Real Value When Selling a Home

Just like porches and patios, outdoor living spaces are considered as part of the base area of the home. Although the base area is not the same as finished interior space, it will still be able to add value in the eyes of both a real estate appraiser and prospective buyers.

To get the most value from your outdoor living space, sellers will want to:

  • make sure the planned outdoor space fits well with the neighborhood and architectural style of the home
  • make sure the size of the planned outdoor space remains in balance with the size of the yard and does not diminish the usefulness of the backyard space
  • make sure the planned outdoor space is attractive both when in use and during the off season
  • make sure the planned outdoor space offers privacy from prying eyes of neighbors or people passing by

For more information about how an outdoor living space can be a benefit, homeowners should consult their real estate professional.

Through the use of recent listing and sales data for similar homes with and without outdoor living spaces, homeowners will be able to gain a better understanding of the amount of added value their home would have after the space is completed. This information can help homeowners  create a realistic plan for these improvements, as well as a suitable budget.

Top 5 Outdoor Home Projects to Increase the Value of Your Home

Top 5 Outdoor Home Projects to Increase the Value of Your Home

When it comes to doing renovations, many homeowners upgrade their kitchens or bathrooms. Their thinking is understandable: They believe these projects add to their home’s bottom line come sale time. However, many outdoor projects also increase a home’s value as well as its curb appeal. If you’re looking for some outdoor projects, start with these five. They’ll add to your home’s beauty today and its value tomorrow.

1. Light up Your Landscapes

Lighting up areas like sitting nooks, backyard fountains, and, of course, the porches makes your home cozy come evening. Additionally, if you’re planning on adding any other outdoor features, you’ll want to light them up, too.

If you’re planning an extensive outdoor remodel, it’s best to map/sketch out your plans for lighting at the same time that you’re planning everything else. This ensures that you’ll have enough wiring for all the lights you install. Also be sure to have a lush lawn, as many of the other additions will look a bit too fancy for a dead lawn. Orem lawn care specialists can offer advice for restoring a damaged lawn.

2. Outdoor Rooms

According to Today, adding an outdoor room increases the value of your home. But these rooms do more than that: They expand your living space. Today prices outdoor rooms like outdoor living rooms starting at $12 a foot, going all the way up to $50 a foot. Outdoor kitchens can run anywhere between $15K and $100K.

There is one more thing to consider, however, if you’re going to build outdoor rooms: Pests. Bugs and other creepy crawlies can detract from an outdoor room’s enjoyment factor, especially if you’re cooking outside. Companies can give you a quote for pest control. Ask about one-time visits as well as maintenance visits to see which plans best suit your outdoor living needs.

3. Garage Door

Aside from your front porch and the front door, your garage is one of the major contributors to your home’s curb appeal. It’s also one outdoor home project that offers plenty of ROI when you sell your home. Typically, replacing your garage door nets you almost an almost 90% ROI at sale time. However, that’s not the only advantage. Replacing your garage door increases your home’s security and even lowers your monthly heating bills. The heat can’t escape out of the cracks around the door.

4. Front Door

If you’re going to change out your garage door, you may want to consider also changing out the front door. Its sale-time ROI runs in the 85% to 100% range. A steel door replacing your existing door will bring the most bang for the buck.

That said, an attractive front door says “Welcome” like few outdoor features can. The porch and door become the backdrop for many of your seasonal decorations. It’s also a place where your lighting investment really pays, too.

5. Water Features

Outdoor fountains and fish ponds add a magical element to your outdoor space. They also provide your backyard with a focal point (or a secondary focal point if you’re also adding an outdoor room.)

A landscape designer as well as a pool designer should give you a hand with this project. The advantage of hiring these professionals is that they’ll guide you toward the right kind of shrubs and greenery as well as the right “ingredients” for your pond or fountain. In the latter case, it’s especially important to get a professional opinion if you’ll add fish to the pond.

Remaking your outdoor space expands your living area and adds to your overall quality of life. The right renovations also add to your home’s bottom line. Even just changing out your front door can bring you a significant amount once you sell your home. However, adding an outdoor room, a water feature, and some lighting adds even more value.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks

Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

The Ultimate Houseplant Cheat Sheet

The quality of the air we breathe every day is so important to our overall health. This infographic from Capital Garden Services takes you through the health implications of indoor air pollution and takes you through the best plants for each room. Research has shown that indoor air pollution can increase our risk of stroke by 34% so it really is worth taking the time to read through the infographic and finding the perfect plants for your home.

Sometimes, people buy plants and are a bit unsure of how to take care of them. They might put them in the wrong room or water them too much or too little. For example, many plants, such as the Chinese evergreen and the English ivy, require much less water in winter so it’s important to keep things like this in mind.

Also, some plants need less sun than others. For example, the Snake Plant is a great addition to the bedroom and it needs minimal direct sunlight. Find out more in the infographic.

The-Ultimate-Houseplant-Cheat-Sheet-Infographic

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