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Give Your Kitchen a Sophisticated Upgrade with These 7 Tricks

kitchen-luxurious

Some people consider their kitchen to be the soul and the heart of their home. That’s why it is of great importance for it to look sophisticated, cozy and yet still be functional. In order to accomplish this, the best way is to try to make some changes and renovate your kitchen. Here we will offer you 7 tricks from which you can draw inspiration for upgrading your kitchen.

Extension

If you are willing to make some bigger changes to your kitchen space, you should consider hiring Bruzzese Home Improvements to expand and broaden this room. People are mostly drawn to this option if they have a smaller kitchen and feel like everything is clustered in a really small area. You could also try making some simple upgrades such as adding another counter space or even creating an open-kitchen concept by removing a wall.

Floors

When it comes to the floors, it is a good idea to step out of your comfort zone and do something different. You can never go wrong with choosing hardwood floors, as they provide the feeling of warmth and comfort. Other than this, you may consider some tiles with different patterns. Also, some people have accepted a new trend by placing a rug in the kitchen area; and the best thing is that is looks amazing!

Walls

kitchen-modernAnother thing that may help you with creating that luxurious ambiance in your kitchen is by painting your walls a new color. Do not be afraid to experiment with different shades. Some unconventional colors can drastically contribute to the elegance of the space. Even though most people opt for softer and lighter shades, you can also accomplish a great look with deeper colors such as maroon or teal.

Pipes

Of course, if you wish to achieve that sophisticated look, you must try your best to hide or cover-up some household eyesores. This especially goes for uncovered pipes, which can really take away the marvel of a nice kitchen space. Just as plumbers from Sydney suggest you could easily do this by installing steel pipes. This is because steel pipes can also serve as a decorative detail and can be paired with almost any style.

Furnishing

If you wish to upgrade your kitchen and change the way it looks, the best way to this is by refurbishing. Experiment with style and colors or make a mixture of old and new. There is no kitchen-islandneed to limit your choices on only one style. Add some vintage cabinets, some steel and copper fixtures and supplement that look by adding a new counter and a row of modern bar stools. A huge wooden table can make a wonderful addition to a kitchen space.

Lighting

An appropriate amount of lighting can greatly contribute to the complete atmosphere of the room. Because of this, it is important to invest in some adequate lighting fixtures. If you are striving for a more luxurious look, there is no reason why you should not add an elegant chandelier on the ceiling. Other than that, it is a really good idea to introduce as much natural light as you can, so consider even installing ceiling to floor windows and removing the blinds and curtains.

Details

Details are a crucial part of any space as they can create almost any kind of ambient. If you want to make simple renovations to your kitchen, consider simpler things like adding a little plant life, photographs or any kind of art actually.

The kitchen is not only a space for preparing food but a place for the whole family. Because of this, consider decorating and renovating your kitchen space together, so you would create a lovely haven for all of you.

 

 

Save Green: 4 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bill

Save Green 4 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bill

Reducing your energy bill doesn’t have to require you to make significant sacrifices in the way that you live your life. Making simple changes and investing in new technologies to help you better manage your home can help you save substantially on your utility bills. Take advantage of new smart home technology and soon you’ll find that your power bill more than makes up for itself over the course of a year.

Smart Home Technology

You don’t need a complete smart home solution to benefit from smart home technology. Instead, you can just purchase a few appliances or outlets that you use most to help reduce your output. There are wall adapters that you can plug your devices into, and then you can control those devices using a mobile app. This is also helpful for when you go on vacation, and you want to create the impression that someone is still home.

Programmable Thermostat

If you would like something a little more low-key and automated, consider getting a weekly programmable thermostat. A thermostat that is digital and that you can set manually can help you automatically save money, and you can even save on the startup costs with a Discountrue coupon for AliExpress. Set the thermostat to automatically rise or fall a few degrees before you come home, and make sure it’s just the right temperature when you return.

Stock Your Refrigerator

Aim to keep your refrigerator at least 75 percent stocked to keep costs down. When you keep items in your refrigerator, they cool to the desired temperature. While the refrigerator has to work harder initially, once you cool down the items in the refrigerator, it won’t have to work as hard to maintain temperature. The same is true of your freezer. Keep ice bags or ice blocks inside your freezer to keep it full.

Use Candles in the Winter

During the winter, make use of candles to help heat up your house before you sleep at night. Surprisingly, candles are an affordable way to produce a noticeable bit of heat. There are even candle wreaths you can purchase to greatly increase the heat production. The amount of heat produced by a set of candles can offset some of the cost associated with running your heater.

Try to keep your thermostat at about 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. These settings can help you get the most out of your cooling and heating system while saving you money. It’s estimated that you can shave six to eight percent off your energy bill in the summer for each degree higher than 78 you set your thermostat to.

Guest Post By:

Anica Oaks

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

Six Yard Preps you have to do Before Winter

autumn

Just because your yard is going to go dormant in the winter, doesn’t mean you can skip a little TLC before the snow starts blowing. Doing a little maintenance in the fall will create a thick, luscious lawn when spring comes around again, and less work for you when spring cleaning comes around.

Rake Up the Leaves
It may be tempting to leave your yard covered in leaves when the last of them finally fall, but a layer of leaves will slowly kill your grass. Leaves prevent the grass from getting necessary sunlight through the season, so make sure you remove them as they fall, since it can take a few months for trees to fully shed their leaves. Any time leaves or other debris are left to sit on your lawn, the grass will die from lack of sunlight or from mold and disease. If you have a mower with a mulching attachment, you can shred the leaves into fine pieces and leave them on the grass.

Water Throughout the Winter

Many homeowners think once winter hits they don’t have to water their grass anymore. This misconception is a big reason why it takes so long to bring your grass back from a long, dry winter. Homeowners often believe this because they think grass dies in the winter, and simply comes back to life in the spring. Grass actually goes dormant and stops growing, but it still needs water to keep it alive. If you live in a region where you get a lot of snow, then you don’t need to water your lawn. However, if winters are warmer and/or dry, you’ll need to water your grass every two to three weeks.

Seeding 
The end of fall is a great time to seed your lawn. Autumn seeding allows your grass to grow thick and strong. When you shop for seed, make sure you read the bags or talk to knowledgeable staff at the garden center. There are various grass seed mixtures for different climates, and some seed mixes are better for shady conditions, while others are great for cold, dry winter weather. Use a rotary spreader set at the manufacturer’s recommended rate. Once you’ve put the seed down, ensure it gets plenty of water so it can germinate.

Fertilize
Fall is also a great time to fertilize. Aim for the beginning of November if you live in a warmer climate. Consider fall fertilization a boost to give it the strength to survive the cold temperatures. If you want to get really fancy, send a soil sample off to have it tested for the nutrients it’s deficient in. Most commercial fertilizers are suitable for lawns of all types, so there isn’t any need to get too elaborate. Remember not to apply a fertilizer/weed killer combination if you’ve just seeded your grass.

Control Pesky Weeds
Lawn experts agree that fall is the ideal time to tackle weeds. Plants are in an energy absorbing mode in the fall, so they willingly absorb everything given to them. This includes weed killers. If you apply a weed killer in the fall, you shouldn’t see those weeds return again for a long time. The best time to apply it is in the middle of fall when temperatures are still above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mow One Last Time
Even if you keep your grass fairly tall in the warmer months, winter is not the time for long grass. Experts recommend mowing your grass down to one or one and a half inches. This puts lawn-careless stress on the roots as the grass goes dormant, and makes it easier to aerate. If your grass is currently three or more inches in height, don’t mow it down all at once. Spread the cutting out over a few mowings to prevent stressing the grass.

It might seem odd to prepare your lawn for spring in the fall and winter, but some cold winter prep work ensures your lawn is thick and green after the snow melts.

 Guest Post By:

“Kara Masterson is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in West Jordan, Utah. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking and gardening. For more information on how to protect your lawn and landscaping from winter, talk to Classic Jack Landscaping, one of the leading Utah County landscaping companies.”

CONTEMPORARY INDUSTRIAL ARCHITECTURE IN HOUSING

There’s a hot design scheme that embraces the symbols of a mighty age, even as that era is passing from the scene. The industrial age ruled North America and Europe for more than a century. Economists tells us that this era, the one into which most of us were born, has given way to the information age, a fact that can be supported very simply by counting the number of hours we spend on social media. But something inside many of us longs for the “good old days” of that period of muscular manufacturing and production.

The trending use of industrial architecture in residential housing is partly nostalgic. Industrial is now vintage, the new hip retro look.

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source: www.bdnhomes.com

This design scheme in residential architecture started as a cost-effective way to convert empty industrial space into residential housing. It was cheaper to leave the I-beams, pipes, commercial ductwork, concrete and bricks exposed rather than cover it all up behind drywall and drop ceilings. In time, the raw, utilitarian look became part of the allure for a younger crowd moving into converted industrial space. It became an essential element in the revitalization of urban centres in places as diverse as Seattle, Moscow and Melbourne.

What started as an economic necessity quickly became a fashionable design scheme even in new construction and the remodeling of housing that never had an industrial look. Soon, furniture, cabinetry, flooring and lighting were being produced with the industrial vibe, and the design style was complete!

Today, industrial residential architecture and design is a sought-after style in post-industrial cities throughout the world. More than a decade after it took hold, it is showing excellent staying power.

Pros and Cons of Contemporary Industrial Architecture in Housing

Every style has its pros and cons. Here are the strengths and weaknesses of industrial design in residential housing.

Let’s start with the advantages in industrial architectural design:

  • Remodeling industrial space into living space is cheaper than tearing down a warehouse or factory and building from scratch, and this should, at least in theory, produce lower rental and purchase prices

  • The structure of many warehouses and factories is in excellent condition, and many have useable ductwork, windows, wiring and plumbing

  • Many of these buildings are located in urban neighborhoods that are hot places to live and which offer walk-to-work proximity, an attractive feature for young urbanites concerned with reducing the use of fossil fuels

  • Industrial building materials such as brick and metal are recycled and recyclable and they last indefinitely, making this a green architectural style

  • With the production of industrial-style furniture as well as exterior features such as entry doors and garage doors, your comprehensive design comes together brilliantly

  • Wear and tear to materials and changes in appearance with age are expected, viewed as character and not as detrimental

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source: www.moderndesignidea.com

There are a few disadvantages of industrial residential design to keep in mind:

  • Furnishings and décor featuring industrial design are produced in smaller quantities, and while this is seen as a plus by those who don’t want mass-produced pieces, it does make them more expensive

  • Remodeling your home’s exterior using the industrial architecture style is risky since your house may be the only one like it in your neighbourhood, and this could make it harder to sell

  • The danger with trendy styles is that they tend to fall out of favor with homeowners faster than more enduring styles like traditional, contemporary or French country

Where to Find Housing with Industrial Architecture

If you’re intrigued with the idea of living in space with a distinctive industrial feel, the place to begin your search is in a large city near you. Many buildings and factories are being converted into beautiful, functional housing units. You might want to lease a place with this design scheme for a couple of years before you buy to see if it is really what you want long-term.

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source: www.rjgaragedoors.com.au

Designers are also employing industrial architectural design when remodeling apartment buildings and homes in urban and near-suburban locations. If you own your own home or own rental properties, the nearer you are to an industrial hub, the more it makes sense to invest in contemporary industrial architecture. It’s not such a good idea away from the city in rural settings where industrial design might look out of place.

Contemporary industrial architecture embraces the spirit of a great age while employing a forward-looking philosophy of “repurpose, reuse and recycle.” There’s something to embrace there for all of us.

An Insight into Energy-Efficient Windows

energy efficient windows

In the wake of winter, most homeowners begin to dread the prospects of high energy bills and inadequately heated living areas. Even with seamless weather-stripping and optimal external and internal insulation, there will always be a few phantom heat leaks that may compromise the comfort of your home.

As a general rule, windows are the biggest heat outlet and if not outfitted with the right type of panes, they can considerably up your electricity bills without providing warmth that goes with the price. To keep freezing temperatures and high energy expenses at bay this winter, opt for energy-efficient windows with either double- or triple-glazing. If the idea sounds worth a go, here are some retrofit window basics to help you pick the right set of new panes for your home.

How energy-efficient windows work

Double-glazed windows consist of two panes separated by a gap (usually 16 millimeters wide). The air trapped between the two glass sheets is filled with either air or gas and functions as an insulating block which prevents escape of heat. Triple-glazed windows have three panes of glass, each separated from the other by an air- or gas-filled space, and they often provide better insulation than their double-glazed counterparts.

Top benefits of retrofit windows

In addition to keeping the house warm and reducing electricity bills, this retrofit also entail a lower carbon footprint than the traditional option, which it more earth-friendly, we learn from Melbourne-based retailers of double glazed windows. Other known benefits include fewer draughts, lower external noise levels and minimal condensation. On top of that, double- and triple-glazed windows are very durable and can last up to 20 years, which translates as higher long-term savings.

Retrofit glass and gap filling options

When choosing energy-efficient windows, pay attention to BFRC ratings, and if possible, opt for low-emissivity panes internally coated by metal oxide to minimize loss of heat while ensuring ample sunlight. Other features to keep an eye out on when shopping for new windows include use of internal gasses (such as argon, krypton or xenon) and pane spacers known as warm edges which should contain little or no metal for maximum heat loss prevention.

Window frame types used in earth-friendly windows

Energy-efficient windows are available in four main frame types, i.e. uPVC, wood, composite and aluminum/steel framing. While uPVC and aluminum/steel frames are recyclable, slenderenergy efficient replacement windows and provide a lengthy lifespan, wooden frames entail minimal environmental impact but they also require proper maintenance. Composite framing, on the other hand, requires less maintenance and is extremely weatherproof thanks to its internal timber structure with plastic or aluminum coating.

ABC of energy and U-value ratings

Most double- and triple-glazed windows are rated according to their energy efficiency. The energy performance scale devised by the British Fenestration Rating Council runs from A to G, A-rated windows boasting highest heat retention. In addition to the window energy rating, you should also check the U-values shown on the label and pick the panes with lowest U-values as they entail minimal heat loss and improved insulation features.

Ventilation aspects of earth-friendly windows

Retrofit windows are air-tighter than standard panes, so you should strive to keep your home properly aired to prevent condensation buildup. If your house is lacking in adequate ventilation features, consider either regularly airing the rooms or choosing windows with trickle frame vents. If condensation continues to build up despite your best efforts, your household may be suffering from a damp problem which you will need to tackle on your own or hire experts to fix it for you.

Winter is just around the corner, but days of warmth and comfort are not gone. With the right set of windows, you home will stay cozy and well-heated even with blizzards  raging outside – so go ahead and replace your panes with retrofit glazing while the weather still allows it.

 

Creepy Crawlers: How to Eliminate those Spooky Pests from your Home this Fall

rodent

As the weather starts to get chilly and autumn really sets in, a variety of pests will start to infiltrate your warm, cozy home. If you aren’t prepared for these creepy house guests, there are a few things you can do to eliminate them before they move in permanently.

Seal Entryways

Pests, especially mice, will take advantage of any opening they can fit through to escape the cold nights. Check around pipes, vents, and other openings for holes. Seal them with some kind of caulk or approved spray foam to fill them. If mice are trying to sneak in, then fill their entry points with steel wool. According to Pest Control Arlington, these fine fibers are unbearable to their feet and faces and they’ll immediately turn around and leave if they feel it.

Keep a Tidy Home

If you have kids and pets, it can be difficult to keep a tidy home, but you should still keep a clean home. Don’t let anyone eat outside of the kitchen, and put away leftover food before you go to bed. If you have dishes in the sink, ensure they’re rinsed and not still caked with food. Food sources are the biggest reason why pests sneak inside. If you’ve got a warm place to crash and free food for the taking, can you blame them for wanting to check-in? This includes food in your pantries and cupboards. Keep sugar and flour in tightly sealed containers, and ensure open packages are closed neatly to avoid spilling. When anything spills in your pantry or cupboard, even if it’s just dry noodles or beans, clean it up immediately. Your pests aren’t going to care whether it’s cooked or not. Food is food!

Reduce Clutter

According to Green Pest Services who specializes in pest control in Arlington, cleanliness is important, but so is cleaning up clutter. When you watch those hoarder television shows, clutterthey’re typically infested with every kind of pest imaginable. This is because there are plenty of places for them to hide. If you add privacy to your heat and free food, you’re a veritable five-star hotel. Cardboard attracts pests of all sorts, but rodents and cockroaches particularly love it. Try to avoid keeping cardboard boxes full of paper and fabric in your garage or attic.

Prevention is key when it comes to scaring pests away. Before the weather turns, make sure your home is sealed and clean to prevent bugs and rodents from turning your home into a shelter.

 

15 Must Have Items for Your First Nursery

baby girl

There are so many options for baby gear out there that it can be a little overwhelming when you’re shopping for your first nursery. If you’re a minimalist, on a budget or just lacking the space, check out this list of nursery must-haves.

1. Changing Station

Changing stations are a necessity in a nursery but you don’t need to have a changing table. You can use a short dresser that can double as storage. Make sure your changing station is stocked with diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, a thermometer, extra onesies, lotion and hand sanitizer. Here’s another helpful tip: attach a lingerie laundry bag to the changing station and use it for tiny, dirty socks. When it is time to do a load of baby laundry, toss the bag in with it. This will ensure that those miniature socks don’t end up lost in the laundry.

2. Crib

This is kind of a no-brainer, but there are a lot of things to consider when choosing a crib. You need to make sure it’s sturdy and reliable. Decide if you want a crib that will later convert cribinto a toddler bed, because that can certainly come in handy. Choose the right crib for your baby based on functionality, style, safety and budget.

3. Storage

Babies come with a lot of stuff. Make sure you have storage to handle all of that baby gear. Besides using a dresser as a changing table, you can put shelving on the walls to hold books and toys. Use a closet in the nursery to hold clothing your baby will grow into, your stock of diapers and wipes, and any baby gear that isn’t in use. Find plastic containers that will slide under the crib and use them to hold sheets and blankets.

4. Extra Sheets

When it’s three in the morning and your newborn has an explosive diaper, you’ll be glad you kept extra sheets in the nursery. You don’t want to have to search through your linen closet half asleep. The trick is to change your baby and the sheets as quickly as possible so that both of you can get back to sleep.

5. Rocker or Glider

Some of the sweetest moments you’ll have as a new parent will be rocking your baby to sleep. Pick out a comfy glider or rocking chair and set it up in the corner of your nursery. Savor those few months when your baby is tiny enough to rock to sleep. Plus, it’s nice to have a place to sit during a midnight feeding.

6. Nightlight

Some parents want their baby to sleep with a nightlight on and some don’t. A soft light to turn on at night is good for when you need to change a diaper or rock your baby back to sleep. Put it beside or above your changing station. You won’t be sorry!

7. White Noise Machine

A white noise machine will help your baby sleep better. While you’re vacuuming or when your dog barks, a white noise machine will muffle the sounds so your baby stays asleep. If you’re on a tight budget, consider using a fan you already have instead of purchasing a new white noise machine.

8. Curtains

You need blackout curtains or dark window shades in your nursery. These will help during the day when it’s naptime.

9. Swaddle

Some babies love being swaddled and some hate it, but either way it’s good to have a swaddle blanket in the nursery, just in case. Find one that your baby won’t escape from like the Ollie Swaddle, which uses Velcro and a very breathable material, or the SwaddlePod.

10. Humidifier

Humidifiers put moisture back into dry air, especially in the winter when you’re running the heat. Baby skin is sensitive, and babies are susceptible to congestion and colds. A humidifier will help bring moisture and healing to chapped and dry skin, as well as help your baby breathe easily.

11. Nursing Station

If you plan on breastfeeding your child, set up a nursing station in the nursery. You should also consider doing so in other main rooms of your house, such as the living room and your bedroom. Use a small basket to hold nursing pads, lanolin, tissues, water bottles, granola bars, burp cloths and maybe a book you’re reading. You’re pretty much stuck in one spot until your baby finishes nursing, so it’s good to have everything you need within reach.

12. Diaper Pail

There are certainly differing opinions on whether or not diaper pails actually work. Despite all of that, you at least need a trash can with a lid. Blocking some of the smell of dirty diapers means you don’t have to walk out to the garbage can 10 times a day. Do some research and decide what product is best for you.

13. Something for Your Baby to Look at

Studies show that babies respond best to high contrast colors. It helps their brain development and vision. Blacks, whites and reds are most appealing to babies. So get a mobile with artisticcontrasting colors and hang it above the crib. Consider black and white crib sheets or some artwork with high contrast colors.

14. Books

It’s never too early to start reading books to your baby. In fact, there will come a point when you aren’t quite sure what to do with your baby when he or she is awake. They aren’t playing with toys yet and they seem to just lie on a blanket and look around. Books in the nursery are a great option. Babies love the sound of mommy’s voice, and hopefully they’ll grow to love reading too!

15. Safe Surfaces

Babies love to feel different textures. A sheep or cow skin rug on the floor or over your glider will make the nursery a safe place to learn how to crawl and walk. Decorate it with pillows and cuddly stuffed animals. The nursery should be a great room for every stage. You’ll be spending a lot of time there, so create an atmosphere that both of you will love!

Potentially Deadly Side Effects of Home Disasters

deadly side effects of home disasters

Two of the most dreaded home disasters are fire and flooding, and for good reason. The damage they cause can be so extensive—and expensive, that home insurance categories were specifically created in recognition of their destructive power. While everyone recognizes the threat of fire and flooding, many people remain unaware of the dangers that remain after one of these disasters strikes.

Flooding

The use of advanced meteorological technology like Doppler radar and satellites have increased our ability to predict the weather. These advances have resulted in far fewer deaths from drowning during floods. However, drowning is only one of the dangers of flooding.

Electrocution

Electrocution is the second leading cause of death resulting from flooding. Often, the main electrical switch is located in the basement, which is the first place to be flooded. Experts advise that in the event of a flooded basement, the safest thing to do is disconnect completely from the electrical grid. That requires removing the electrical meter face from the meter pan, which can be done by an electrician or a utility company employee. It may also be necessary to shut off the gas if there are gas appliances in the basement.

If you must go into the basement before having disconnected completely from the electrical grid, it is advisable to wear rubber boots. In order to reach the main electrical switch, use a non-metal step-stool. If the rest of the house isn’t flooded, you can shut down just the basements circuits and use the electricity upstairs to run a shop vac. However, this can be risky, and if the water is too deep to ensure that the electrical cord doesn’t come in contact with the water, it’s best to call a professional with equipment designed specifically for job.

Once the water has been drained, it’s important to address the potential danger of damage caused to heating and cooling systems that have been submerged in water. Your system and appliances should be inspected before attempting to use them, since a malfunctioning system can be extremely dangerous. Rust can also prevent proper grounding.

Mold

Despite numerous medical studies that demonstrated the potentially deadly effects of some toxin-producing molds, the EPA has still not set any minimum standards for acceptable levels and types of molds. However, while many molds can result in allergies or respiratory ailments, others can produce deadly toxins. To prevent mold, adequate sunlight and ventilation are vital. A dehumidifier can also be helpful in damp climates.

Fire

According to FEMA, the top three causes of residential fires are cooking, faulty heating systems, and malfunctioning electrical appliances. Not only is fire itself a danger, but the heathome fire from a blaze can create other dangers, including injuries from breaking or falling objects.

Smoke

While everyone knows that prolonged smoke inhalation is deadly, but many people don’t realize how dangerous even brief exposure can be. Many items commonly found in homes are made of materials that undergo pyrolysis when exposed to heat. The chemical composition of plastics, synthetic fabrics and asbestos change and become toxic carcinogens.

Soot

Like smoke, the potential health risks associated with inhaling soot are increased according to the type of material that produced it. The size of a particle of soot is estimated to be 2.5 microns, which is capable of deep lung penetration. Larger particles can get trapped in the upper respiratory system. Since the size of a speck of dust is 40 microns, soot particles can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Preventive Measures

A few initial preventative measures and investments can help reduce the risk of flooding. Checking and clearing your rain gutters and inspecting your foundation for cracks regularly is essential. A sump pump and a generator in case the power is lost can reduce flooding damage as well as raise the value of your home.

Fire prevention means regularly testing smoke detectors, especially in the kitchen. Regular safety inspections of heating systems and replacement of aging electrical appliances are essential. While all home disasters are tragic, none is quite as tragic as a preventable one.

Simple Projects You Can Do In A Weekend To Improve Indoor Air Quality In Your Home

cleaning your home

If you’ve ever thought about improving the air quality in your home, you may be surprised to find out that your project can be achieved in very little time. In fact, you can try some of these simple projects to ensure that you can breathe a little easier at home:

Clean Your Home

When it comes to dust and allergens, there’s no better way to get them out of the air than to have a strict cleaning regimen. When cleaning your home, you should not only vacuum the pet hair out of your carpet, you should also try to keep your pets as clean as possible. If you have any pet supplies like toy baskets, litter boxes or food bowls near your vents, you need to move them because of the propensity for vents to blow airborne irritants around your home.

Upgrade Your Bathroom Vent Fans

Your bathroom can eventually develop poor air quality because of mold and mildew. Therefore, you should make sure you remove excess moisture from this area by installing quality vent bathroomfans in every bathroom of your home. Newer models of bathroom vent fans come with humidity sensors, which make them far more effective than their predecessors.

Test for Radon

It doesn’t really matter if your home is old or new, you should always test for radon. Since radon is colorless and odorless, there’s only one way to find out if it’s inside your home. Over time, it may affect your health, so getting this checked is important.

Add Spot Ventilation

Many times, closets and closed in spaces get musty odors. If you want to combat these potential irritants, try installing a recessed light fixture and vent fan combination. These nifty devices are also useful for ventilating humid air from laundry rooms.

Get your Heating System Checked

A malfunctioning heating system can contribute to poor air quality, so be sure to get your heating filter changed and get your heating system checked. It’s important to replace faulty and older units that aren’t working well, and professionals can help make sure it’s replaced or repaired properly. You can also consider other indoor air quality products like UV lights to help improve the air you breathe in your home.

Your family’s health can be greatly affected by the air quality in your home, so it’s important to take necessary steps to make improvements. These tips will help you get started to making your home air quality better.

Informational credit to One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating.

 

 

5 Home Renovations for Winter 2015

remodels for winter 2015

By tackling a few home renovation tasks during the winter, you can increase your property’s value and lower your utility bills. The biggest benefit is that most projects can be completed on a budget.

Redecorate the Walls

If your walls are dull, a fresh coat of paint, crown molding, and a new trim can instantly change the look of the space.

Painting on a cold day while the windows are closed is totally safe if the paint is water-based and environmentally friendly. Eco-friendly paints dry fairly quickly and do not emit any harsh fumes. Using painter’s tape and a bold paint color is highly recommended because dramatic patterns or stripes will give your walls visual flair.

Redesign the Kitchen

For about $100 dollars, you can customize your kitchen by adding a backsplash. Over 400 sizes and styles are available at most home improvement stores. If you prefer a classic design, kitchen backsplashtile or metal is a great choice.

Because the process of installing a backsplash is time-consuming, you should begin this project during the weekend. To avoid costly errors, set aside time so that you can prepare and test a design template. If this step is skipped, you will have problems installing the materials in irregular spaces.

Update the Bathroom

You can transform your regular bathroom into a spa by installing new faucets, fixtures, and tiles. Because a bathroom renovation project is ambitious, professional help will be needed. To achieve the best results, choose a BBB-Accredited business, such as Bruzzese Home Improvements.

Install New Lighting

ceiling-fanA ceiling fan that has multiple lights can lighten up your home on dark winter nights. If you choose a modern fixture, you can update the style of the space as well.

Fixtures that use LED lighting should be considered since LED bulbs use less electricity. In the family room, install dimmers because they can help you save even more energy.

Do not install any lighting fixture without professional assistance. If you hire an electrician, the best installation procedures will be implemented to prevent future electrical issues.

Replace Old Doors

When doors age, they usually develop cracks and scratches. By replacing your outdated doors, you can give a dull space an updated look at a low cost.

Although sliding doors are popular, double doors are more stylish and functional. However, if your home needs more natural light, a French-style door is a better option.

By completing any of these home renovation projects, you can impress your guests this winter.

About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her 3-year-old husky Snowball. The information in this article is credited to A P Plumbing.

 

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