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Big Challenges of Renovating an Old House – And How to Beat Them

October 21, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

There are two possible reasons for undertaking a venture such as this one: either you have finally made the decision to spruce up your old house and give it a new shine or you’ve decided to purchase a fixer upper. Whatever the reason, it seems as you have a great challenge ahead of you. While old houses do hold a certain type of charm to them, they’re also known to be quite demanding when it comes to renovations. Major remodeling projects can consume a fair amount of time and money, but they can also use up all your energy and patience as well. This being said, this simple guideline will take you through some of the biggest challenges and difficulties that might occur and offer you handy solutions on how to tackle them.

Challenge No.1 – Moisture

One of the biggest challenges that people face when undergoing a renovation of an old residence is the moisture build up. Presence of moisture is not only an unpleasant occurrence because of its appearance and scent, but also because it can cause some major issues later on. High humidity levels in the house can greatly damage the electronic appliances, create big structural issues, attract mould and insects and most importantly – damage your health. The best way to fix this problem is to find where it originated and seal the potential leak and control the humidity in the house with proper ventilation or even

installing a control humidifier.

Challenge No.2 – Electricity and Plumbing

Depending on how old the house is, it might be possible that the electrical and plumbing systems which were installed in the time it was built are now outdated. It also might be the case that the wiring and piping have deteriorated over the years and that they aren’t safe to use. This can lead to all kinds of fire and water related disasters. If you wish to avoid possible floods or combustions, it’d be wise to check the circuits, wiring and the pipes, fix any cracks you find or even replace everything with new installations. Replacing everything with new plumbing and electrical systems might be a costly investment, but nevertheless a wise one.

Challenge No.3 – Pests

Another common problem in old homes are various pest infestations. These tedious little creatures are known to find shelter in abandoned houses or homes that were uninhabited for a long period of time. A thorough inspection of the home will give you a clear insight whether the house is populated with rodents or perhaps insects such as ants, termites, cockroaches and other uninvited guests. If the home you’re remodeling has a dark attic, there even might be a possibility of some bats lurking by. And while some of these pests present just an unpleasant sight, don’t underestimate their ability to create a lot of damage around the household. Pest control services should be one of the priorities in big remodeling projects, regardless of how old the house actually is.

Challenge No.4 – Cracks in The Foundation

Keeping in mind the age of your house, it’s good to consider the state of the foundation. If it so happens that a house suffers certain cracks or faults in its foundation, it could cause some major structural issues. In some countries, people are obligated to make a detailed inspection of their home before moving in, so they’d be sure that the residence is safe to live in. That’s exactly why building inspection Sydney is one of the priority steps of all Sydneysiders who decide to purchase a new home or start remodeling their old one.

It’s important to keep in mind that these types of renovation projects almost never go without a decent amount of trouble and it’s best to be prepared for what awaits you. Although they require a lot of work, once you finally finish the project, you’ll be able to indulge in the savoury fruits of your labour. You can surely expect a few bumps in the road, but nothing that can’t be overpassed.

5 Reasons to Enhance the Exterior of Your Home This Autumn

October 19, 2016adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, home improvement, home maintenanceLeave a comment

Summer gets all of the credit when it comes to the outdoors, and it’s no big surprise: everyone wants to soak up the sunshine as much as possible while it lasts. And, while some take the first falling leaf as a sign that it’s time to retreat indoors, you’re still on the outside looking in.

That’s because you know that your home needs a bit of a sprucing-up this fall before it’s too cold to get any work done on the exterior of your house. You’ve had your summer fun, so add one or more of the following five projects to your list so that your place looks its best — and so that you can relax when everyone else tackles home-update projects when the warmer weather returns.

Repaint Your Front Door: One of the easiest ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and make a statement at the same time is to brush a fresh coat of paint onto your front door. You can pull some of fall’s most traditional hues — like red, orange, goldenrod or brown — to make your door both new and seasonally appropriate.
If you’re feeling in a particular mood to paint, you can also brush a coat onto your home’s shutters. The result will be more uniform and even more fall-friendly if your colors match the changing of the season.
Update Your Hardware: It’s amazing what a difference a little metal can make. Try it out on your own home by updating your home’s numbers, as well as your doorknobs, kick plates, etc. If you’re unsure which metallic finish goes best with your home’s exterior, buy a few from the store, hold them up and see which stands out just enough.
You can even take time to update the hardware on your mailbox. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, combine tips one and two: repaint your mailbox and give it a new set of numbers. You’ll be amazed at what a difference that makes to the overall look of your home.
Take Care of Your Plants: Summer’s flowers are probably starting to wilt. The hedges might be a bit overgrown, too. And, while it might seem like the perfect opportunity to let Mother Nature step in to take care of your garden, you should make a point to clean up your beds on your own.
Depending on whether your plants are one-time or annual bloomers, you will need to either pull them up or trim them back for winter. Overgrown hedges will have to go, too. In completing this task, you’ll see that the entire front of your home looks cleaner and clearer. In other words, all eyes will be on the work that you’ve put in to spruce up your home’s exterior.
Upgrade Your Garage: It’s not often that the garage door gets any attention when it comes to DIY projects, and why would it? It’s just there to open and close when your drive your car in and out, right?

Think again.

Your garage door can make more of a statement than it is right now if you choose to replace it with something with a bit more character. A rustic wooden door, for example, will give your home more of a custom, country feel. You might even find that a new garage door will save you on heating costs because they provide more effective insulation. There’s not much better than an upgrade that improves both function and looks.

Add Outdoor Lighting: It’s no surprise that the sun begins to set a bit earlier when fall rolls around. Take advantage of the earlier nights by installing landscape lighting that highlights, for example, the pathway to your front door, the biggest tree in your yard or the curvature of your garden beds.
The best news here is that you don’t have to install a complicated wiring system or rely on battery after battery to power your lighting system. Instead, you can purchase solar lights or another low-voltage option that requires little input from you to shed just the right amount of mood lighting.

Fall In Love With Your Home

No matter which project(s) you decide to tackle, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be pleased with the end result. And, with colder weather coming, you’ll be looking even more forward to driving up, seeing the refreshed façade of your house, and heading inside for a warm night with the ones you love.

Guest post by:

Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

https://twitter.com/kacey_mya

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Cost-Efficient Solutions for Bacteria-Free Water at Home

October 17, 2016adminHome Improvement Tipshealth, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

Having in mind the fact that 1 in 10 people in the world lacks access to safe water, it’s no wonder that this so-called water crisis is a number one global risk based on the impact on society. Of course, it’s a more common problem in the developing countries but actually, everyone’s affected. That’s why inventors and engineers are trying so hard to find efficient yet affordable solutions for purifying water. Here are some of the cost-efficient solutions you can use in your own home.

Trusting carbon

Activated carbon or charcoal is treated with oxygen to open up a bunch of pores between the carbon atoms increasing the surface of the carbon and allowing it to absorb many chemicals and particles. In short, that’s how carbon filters work. It’s a process called adsorption and it’s effective for removing sediments, VOCs, taste and odor from water. Once the pores are full, the filters need to be replaced since filtering will stop. It’s quite environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient, not to mention the low maintenance it entails.

Using solar energy

The oldest solution for bacteria-free water is to boil it over the fire but you can do the same by using solar energy. By simply leaving the bottle of water in the sun long enough, you’ll get the same effect. UV radiation will kill the microbes and your water will be safe to drink. In other versions, dirt and contaminants are eliminated through the process of evaporation. This method was presented after the big earthquake in Haiti in 2010 but now you can even purchase a device carefully designed for this solution.

Relying on the UV radiation

Since not everyone has the option to use solar energy on a daily basis, engineers have come up with a UV filter for disinfecting the water in your home. It works with strong lamps that produce UV rays. A UV water filter with sterilizer is easy to maintain and doesn’t produce harmful chemicals. Not a single microbe can survive the UV radiation so you’ll be sure you’re protected. Another advantage to this method is that it won’t change the taste of your water, unlike some chemicals – chlorine for instance. Simply put a UV filter under your sink and don’t worry about it – until the next annual service.

Going with ceramic

In 2008, Cambodia was provided with ceramic water filters. Because of that, UNICEF was awarded by the International Water Association. Those filters are made of clay mixed with combustible materials, such as rice husks or sawdust. After that, the filters are shaped to look like flowerpots and fired in a kiln. Combustible material burns in this process, leaving tiny pores in ceramics which serve as a water filtration system. It’s a quite simple system but it removes most of the bacteria from the water. Cambodia, for example, has reduced diarrheal illnesses by 50 percent since they got the ceramic filters.

Disinfecting water with chlorine

Chlorine is widely used in pool sanitation as well as for disinfecting the tap water. In a process called water chlorination, chlorine or hypochlorite is added to the water. It can prevent waterborne diseases so you can thank chlorine for not having cholera, dysentery, or typhoid. Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent so it kills the microbes via the oxidation. It’s usually used in community water supply so the water is already clean before it comes to your household.

Safe water is a major problem all over the world, but nowadays there are so many cheap solutions for every home. Try some of these methods and see what works best for your household – either one will provide you with the drinks of all drinks – pure water.

3 Lighting Types That Will Make Your Home Glow With Elegance

October 14, 2016adminHome Decor, Home Improvement Tips, Interior Designhome decor, home improvement, lightingLeave a comment

When lighting up your indoor spaces, you have to remember that the performance of the fixture relies heavily on the bulb used. Different bulbs have different lighting effects. The terms that you should familiarize yourself with when shopping for lighting fixtures for your home are as follows:

Wattage: this is the electricity amount consumed by a certain source
Lumens: the amount of light the source produces
Efficacy: the number of lumens produced per watt
Foot-candles: the light amount that reaches a subject.

Ambient lighting
When trying to set the mood for the home, proper illumination adds allure to both the space and the source of light. Floor lamps do not only serve the traditional purpose of lighting rooms up, they can be used to show creativity and create an illusion of expansiveness in spaces. Lamps that depict planetary illusions, sculpted wooden figures, wild animals and abstract art are some of the common floor light designs. There is no better way to make a statement with your lighting than installing a chandelier. These are ideal for places like living rooms, dens and other open spaces.
Task lighting
This is the type of light that will be useful when one is carrying out activities such as reading, cooking and so on. In areas like the kitchen, pendant lighting will be ideal while sconces and bath bars will be ideal for the bathroom. When installing task lighting, make sure that it is for the bright enough for the user to see but not too harsh to create an imbalance to the décor in the room. Consider enlisting the help of a Lowry Services: Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling professional to install a dimmer or timer for added convenience to your room.
Accent lighting
This is the lighting type to use when you want to highlight specific objects in the room such as art on the walls, sculptures and book cases. Accent lighting is also great when highlighting other architectural features of the home. Track lights and picture lights are the conventional accent lighting options. However, candles can also fall under this category. If using candles to serve as accent lighting, make sure that they are unscented, especially when you use them in dining areas

Most homes will need the three main types of lighting for complete illumination and accentuation of the décor. As Oscar De La Renta once said, the most important thing is perfect lighting at all times. When lighting is done right, the home reflects class, elegance and beauty. Consulting experts in home lighting and improvement will help you get the beauty you envision.

Useful tips and efficient ways to clean window blinds perfectly

October 12, 2016adminDIY Projects, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, home maintenanceLeave a comment

One of the most popular decorative items for the home and office buildings is the ‘window blinds’. There are some varieties of window blinds to suit the customer’s taste. To just give a heads up about this window blind, here is the list of different varieties available.

Slat blinds
Mini blinds
Venetian blinds
Vertical blinds

To my knowledge, they say that it is very important to regularly clean them and there are strict dos and don’ts to be followed while cleaning them. Few methods of cleaning are applicable to all blinds irrespective of their type. Yet, it is necessary to clean them based on the way it has been built. First, let us see some basic cleaning techniques for any type of window blind.

Make use of a duster, or a soft material cloth for dusting the blind regularly. Before dusting, ensure that the window blinds are extended fully and all the slats are wide opened. First dust the slates in the same direction as they face, then repeat the same in opposite direction as well.
When you want to dust a little harder then you can use the vacuum cleaner with an attached soft brush in the front and show it the blinds in the same direction as they face. Suction settings should be kept at the lowest blowing speed level.
There are also some specially designed dusting tools available in the market, like in home-based hardware stores.
At least once or twice a year, you need to make sure that you perfectly clean them. For this you need to take a cloth and dip in water+ vinegar mixture. Use it to remove the heavier dirt by wiping on all the slates.

The advantages of using vinegar to clean the blinds:

Vinegar is one of the cheapest materials that can be used for cleaning purposes. It helps in making the dust get released into the air rather than just sticking to the cloth, socks or the gloves that were been used. It is definitely a better choice to be used on any material or surface when compared to some bad chemical solutions.

Some tips and precautions to be considered before cleaning

When cleaning wooden blinds, never use water and make it wet, just regularly damp it. Also look into the guiding manual and check for any special instructions are mentioned in it. Ensure that you take care of your eyes and skin and cover them all while dusting and you need to make sure that you keep all your cleaning materials like vinegar, away from children. It will also be good if you can use a fabric softening sheets after the cleaning the slates. This prevents dust getting deposited and also you will get a nice aroma in the room/home.

Fastest as well as a very effective method to clean the window blinds.

Thing needed to start this faster cleaning method are:

A pair of tongs,
A pair of microfiber dust cloths and
Four rubber bands.

Cover the dust cloth around the tongs and tighten them using two rubber bands. You need to make sure that the soft side of the cloth is not used for cleaning; the rough side at the back will give better results in dusting. Now you will see the magic in a second! Just clasp the tongs on each of the slate separately and move from left to right or vice versa and you will see that all the dust is gone. This is the best way you could do blind cleaning ever. You can also use some of your favorite cleaning solution on the dry cloth and get them do a better cleaning job. You can change the clothes during your next cleaning and wash the tongs along with the kitchen utensils and save it for next time. This method saves a lot of time and makes the cleaning a lot easier.

Barnware Doors – Rustic versus Faux

October 10, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Interior Designhome improvement, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Rustic versus Faux

What started as a way to accommodate smaller spaces has become a home renovation phenomenon. Everyone, from trusted renovation personality Bob Villa to property flipping shows on TV, is getting in on the craze, and it’s easier to join them than you would think.

Like with any trend, the two biggest questions to you is what are willing to spend, and what is the end result you’re looking to achieve? Real, rugged barn doors start at a few hundred dollars and go as high as a few thousand. And that’s before you spend money on the hardware. Faux barn doors, while cheaper, don’t achieve the same rustic flavor as the real doors. Before you make a huge purchase on your home renovation, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons of both types.

Rustic Barn Doors

Rustic barn doors, the ones that kicked the craze off, is what most people fall in love with when they’re house hunting. Having a big, heavy, rustic barn door is a dramatic way to contrast colors and styles, even in a small apartment setting.

Rustic barn doors are also the more expensive option. Whether they were recovered and restored, or custom built replications, these large rugged door options are going to cost more. However, the effects they achieve are unparalleled. Because of their size and thickness, they offer added versatility as sliding walls, shifting privacy areas, interior/exterior doorways, and any other creative ends you can think of.

You may have difficulty finding the right areas to hang traditional rustic barn doors. Their added weight can make hanging them properly a challenge, especially in an apartment setting. Also, finding the right hardware to support them may be an issue, especially on a budget. But if you’re looking to achieve the true effect of the interior sliding barn door, rustic is the way to go.

Rustic barn doors do achieve a lot more than what faux doors do. Their thickness and heaviness provides better privacy than hollow sliding doors or lighter materials can provide. Faux barn doors can really only be used as doors, while rustic barn doors are only limited by your imagination. While many may be fooled by a faux barn door, those who know craftsmanship will be able to spot a fake a mile away.

Faux Barn Doors

Sometimes the imitation works just as well as the real deal. Or, sometimes it just isn’t possible to go with the Real McCoy. In some living spaces, a faux barn door or even a custom built faux barn door can actually work better than choosing a rustic door.

With creating a custom faux barn door, you have a few more options available than choosing a rustic barn door. Although rustic barn doors come in a variety of different styles and lumber, they all have a similar makeup and use; to be heavy, durable, and rustic. With faux barn doors, however, you can choose far more options than just heavy lumber.

Faux barn doors can be created from wood, from glass, or even from your existing hollow sliding door. When you create a custom faux door, or have someone else make it for you, you can generally do it for the same price or less than what a rustic barn door would cost, even from the lower price range. Better still is the added customization options using a faux barn door would create.

Not every home can benefit from the rustic-ness of a barn door. But with a faux barn door, you can have better control over its style through its fabrication and paint. For instance, a glass sliding barn door would look great in a bathroom, while a heavy rustic barn door may not. If you want the effect of a rustic barn door but want to be able to soften its edges, you may want to choose a faux door instead. It’s also a better option for renovators on a tight budget.

Farm versus City

There’s no right or wrong way to use a sliding barn door. Both rustic and faux options are great choices. It all comes down to whether or not you’re trying to add farmland rustic style to your home, or whether you’re trying to add innovative metropolitan charm. If you’re looking for something that’s going to offer more than just “wow” factor, it may be worth going for the extra expense of rustic barn doors. They offer style and functionality, as well as added privacy. However, if you need to customize your home renovation, choosing a faux door is more affordable and let’s your style shine through.

Author Bio:

Ray Adams is a writer at Barnware Doors. He’s available to write about rustic homes and home decor, and excited to make a living outside the corporate world.

Elegant and Functional Walk-In Closet Design Ideas

October 10, 2016adminHome Organization Tips, Interior Design, Tips for homebuyershome improvement, home organization, home trends, interior designLeave a comment

One of the biggest mistakes of first time home owners is giving too much significance to the unimportant things. For example, it’s not that important how much room you have in your bathroom or even in your bedroom (if it is one-purpose room). Both of these places have simple functions and you don’t usually spend more time there than you absolutely need.

On the other hand, the size, position and layout of your closet can play a vital role in making your home more orderly and practical. Unfortunately, this is something that people often tend to oversee. Not only does it keep the rest of your home neat, but it also makes it easier for you to find whatever you are looking for. To make things even better, walk-in closets can be designed in a fashionable and enthralling manner, thus ensuring the rest of your home look even better.

Taking Care of Storage Capacities

First things first, when designing a closet, you must appeal to its practical side. What this means is that you have to come up with the way to organize it properly. Naturally, your first step would be to get the right storage capacities, which means finding someone to deal with shelving installation on your behalf. DIY projects are a great idea, but in this particular case, they might not give as satisfactory result, since any irregularity may seriously damage your valuables. Imagine if the shelf you keep your jewelry on suddenly broke or fell. Sure the results may not be catastrophic, but why take any chances? Another option would be to get a secure nightstand with compartmentalized drawers, where you will keep all the most precious things you own.

The Right Light

As we emphasized several times already, practical function of your closet is the most important. This means that your walk-in closet should always have adequate lighting. Now, while the illumination should be your first concern, this isn’t that hard to deal with. Just follow Watts (or lumens if you are going with LED) and you should be fine. What you might want to give some more attention to is making the light in the room match the overall ambiance. If you decide to go with a shimmery color (like petal pink) hanging fixture might be a perfect solution. Furthermore, seeing how glass is a natural light enhancer (due to its reflective nature) you might want to think a bit about investing in some glass shelves.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Speaking of reflective surfaces, no walk-in closet will ever be complete without the mirror. Seeing how this closet is going to be a room without windows, it is vital that you use all you can to enhance the effect of your lighting system. For practical purposes, it goes without saying that what you need is a full length mirror, but this is only the tip of the iceberg of all that you should pay attention to. This mirror is also a part of the room and as such it must fit in. The easiest way to do so is to make the frame match the surrounding wallpaper pattern. To find a universal solution that fits it all, you can always get mirror closet doors.

While to some they may seem like a luxury, but those who once lived in a home with a walk-in closet could never again live without it. Just having them, means that your home will be overall less messy and that you won’t have to make improvised changing rooms wherever you are. Still, in order to make you feel even more comfortable in this little fashion realm of yours, you might want to go one step further and go that extra mile when decoration is concerned.

Guest Post By:

Chloe is an art historian, recreational ballet dancer and a contributor at smoothdecorator.com. She is passionate about photography, dance and music. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world with her husband and take stunning photographs of beautiful places. She also enjoys learning and writing about home design, since she is crazy about aesthetics. You can find Chloe on FB, Twitter, and G+.

How Underfloor Heating Can Increase House Value

October 8, 2016adminEnergy Efficiency, Home Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homeenergy efficient, home improvement, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Thinking of selling your home? If you are, you will be hoping that it has increased in value giving you a pleasing profit.

Renovating and updating a property is more or less guaranteed to create an increase in property value, providing of course you do all the right things, in the right way. For example, always employing professional tradespeople to complete renovations and keeping work in keeping with the age of the property and so on.

There are also new technologies that many incorporate into their homes which significantly boosts value. We think of underfloor heating as a new technology, and yet it has been around many centuries. The Romans, for example, heated bath houses with underfloor fires and there are Roman ruins that suggest they also used hot water in sub-floor chambers.

However, in the 21^st century, we still view underfloor heating as a decadent luxury and this is one of the reasons why it could boost the value of your property.

It spells luxury

Underfloor heating warms the floor above it, leaving it pleasantly warm to the touch. Most people would expect to find it in a bathroom, but to have a property that uses underfloor heating as its main source of warmth is simply fantastic.

Easy to install, maintain and run

The problem with new technologies is that the early prototypes can be slightly confusing to get to grips with. This means a cumbersome set of instructions and tasks to complete in order for it to work.

Underfloor heating, however, uses equipment that we are already familiar with. For example, underfloor electric mats simply plug in. Water underfloor systems use a combi-boiler to heat and pump the water through the system, although there are either systems available.

Compatible with alternative sources of energy

We are all aware of how we need to use energy wisely, and use less of it. Maximising every kilo watt of energy to heat the home will save you money on your energy bills but both underfloor heating systems are compatible with ‘free’ sources of power.

Electric underfloor heating systems can work off energy created by solar panels and/or wind turbines. Wet underfloor systems can work well with ground source heat pumps and so if you want to be really green – and save oodles of cash and add value to your property – then underfloor heating, powered by alternative energy is a great move.

Increases your property energy efficiency rating

Every property that is bought or let in England, Wales and Scotland have to have an Energy Performance certificate (EPC). This certificate rates the energy efficiency of a property from G which is the lowest rating, to the top rating of A or, better still, a carbon neutral property.

When you install underfloor heating, no matter whether dry or wet systems, you will be advised to ensure that your property is as well-insulated as it can be. This can be anything from upgrading the loft insulation to it meets current standards, to efficient double glazed doors and windows and cavity or solid wall insulation.

The heat produced by underfloor heating is not as intense or concentrated in one spot as that given off by radiators or even a blazing open fire. Thus you need to hold on to as much of this heat as possible.

With a better EPC rating and a property that is effectively insulated, you will increase both value and desirability of your property. In a nutshell, your property will be cheaper to heat than the only for sale in the same price bracket but with a lower energy efficiency rating.

Great flooring too

Underfloor heating works at its best when the top layer of flooring is an efficient conductor of heat. This conductivity is not apparent in all materials but hard flooring surfaces tend to conduct heat better than carpet or rugs.

Thus, many potential buyers prefer the polished concrete floor or the laminate, slate or wood flooring because it is clean. It is hardy and robust too, and can mean that there are no nasty dust mites lurking in the corners.

Quality from start to finish

However, like some other areas of home improvements, there can be a temptation to save money by buying an unbranded underfloor heating system, using materials of a poorer quality and ‘having a go at installing it yourself’.

Whilst this can work if you take your time and have all the right tools, it may mean that all aspects of installation of the system is correct. Underfloor heating is preferred by many people because it is reliable and needs little, if any, maintenance.

Do not skimp on professional systems nor installation if you are really serious about adding value to your property.

What renovations are you making to your property? How much value do you think these changes will add?

Underfloor Heating Supplies have a range of underfloor heating systems right for every property and every budget. Making sure you get the right system that allows for maximum comfort is essential when considering underfloor heating.

Looking to Remodel? How You Can Estimate the Costs

October 7, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, home remodelinghome improvement, home remodeling, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

The thought of remodeling should be exciting and create some sense of enthusiasm. However, for some, the thought of estimating the costs can be overwhelming. With so many resources online and conflicting reports, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what you’re going to spend.

To help you budget for your upcoming remodeling job, here are some tips you may want to keep in mind:

The Basics

First of all, understand that there are some basic methods when estimating your remodeling budget. A list can be an excellent starting point to give you an idea on what you’re more than likely going to pay. When creating your list, here are some things you’re going to want to answer:

A basic labor estimate – Try your best to search the Internet to see what particular remodeling costs may be. While the numbers will be all over the place, it can give you an idea where your project costs may fall.
A list of all tasks you want performed – Every project will be unique. What do want to have done? Do you want planter boxes added to your deck? Do you want Trex lumber instead of wood?
Planning – How is it going to be done? Do you have a deadline? Does it need to be done immediately or are you willing to wait for a few months? Some contractors will cut you a discount if you’re willing to work with their schedule.
Material and equipment acquisition – What is needed for the project? For instance, if you were to dig a new pond, you would more than likely need some larger equipment, which in turn, would show up on your bill. Take a close look at what these rentals will cost.
Area preparation and the protection – How long will it take to prepare the area to get your project rolling? For example, if the deck is already there and needs to replaced, this will probably be cheaper than starting from the ground up.
Clean up and setup – This kind of coincides with the preparation/protection point. What kind of cleanup is required? Tearing off a new roof will more than likely involve a dumpster. The same can be said with remodeling a basement.

The Actual Budget made Easy

Determining the final budget for your remodeling isn’t so difficult if you set aside some time to research the costs.

Determine exactly how much you are willing to spend on your project – write this number down
Find out how your estimated price can be broken down.
Take 20 percent of the final budget and put it in the bank for any surprise issues.
Prioritize your entire list of renovations.

Create a detailed list with the methods that you will pay for your project.

Don’t Forget the Extra Fees

The estimating of your remodeling project might include some hard and soft cost fees. These are some extra fees you may want to think about:

Construction fees
Fixtures
Permits
Consultants

Conclusion

It’s hard to get an exact quote for any project since there are so many factors and each job is truly unique. The great thing about getting an estimate is that most professional contractors will be more than happy to offer a ballpark estimate for free. If you want a true ballpark price, even after doing your research, it’s best to talk with at least three to five licensed contractors in your area.

About the Author:

Stephanie Lynch resides in Gilbert, Arizona, and works for Howmuchisit.org – a cost-helping database. In her free time, she enjoys reading, scrapbooking and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Building Inspections: The Need-To-Know

October 6, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Tips for homebuyershome buyers, home improvement, real estateLeave a comment

When buying a piece of property to proudly call their new home, many people fall into the trap of clever real estate marketing campaigns, which usually costs them thousands in additional expenses once the estate passes into their hands. Homebuyers with a tad more experience, on the other hand, know that minor oversights during preliminary property tours can result in major update costs later on, which is why they always base the final property purchase decision on objective building inspection reports. But what exactly do building inspectors do, and how can the unbiased assessment save you cash down the road?

ABC of Building Inspection

A building inspector holds qualifications and licenses that entitle them to review and report on the state of residential and commercial property for a set commission. In the audit, the building inspector will go over the building plans and the property itself to make sure it is compliant with relevant standards and regulations. During the inspection, the inspector will strive to identify defects or faults that may compromise residents’ safety and report thereon. A building inspector also has the authority to issue building permits prior to the beginning of construction, oversee the works to ensure observance of regulations on design, materials, and construction methods, propose solutions to potential issues, and certify the building plan compliance with relevant local standards upon completion of construction.

The Role of a Building Inspector

In order to ensure observance of valid building regulations and standards, the building inspector will undertake one or more of the following tasks.

Interpretation of building plans, regulations, standards and codes of practice;
Inspection of materials, structure, and workmanship for compliance with regulations;
Coordination of action plans during construction process;
Preparation of time scale estimates and costs prior to and during the building process;
Data collection with the help of surveying tools and photogrammetric equipment;
Provision of assistance to building managers, architects, and surveyors in construction planning and organization.

Down-To-Earth Report Details

If the list above sounds too complex for you, here are some practical examples of the defects a building inspector can uncover during the audit.

Structural faults, such as roof, flooring, or foundation defects which can compromise safety and well-being of residents and therefore need to be repaired before moving in;
Electrical system issues, such as wiring faults, smoke alarm defects, and low quality of installation workmanship;
Plumbing and sewer defects, such as drain, waste, and vent damage, as well as pipe, fitting, and water heater installation or operation faults;
Air-conditioning and heating system faults, such as blocked filters, valve defects, and poor installation quality;
Health hazards, such as presence of pests, mold and invisible toxins such as asbestos, water pollutants, and gas leaks, as well as balustrade, floor, ceiling, and wall defects, and other potential problems that can jeopardize residents’ health and safety;
Mechanical defects caused by age and wear which will require post-purchase repairs, updates, and makeovers that can cause additional costs.

Speaking the Inspector’s Lingo

Most building inspectors seem to speak a language of their own, riddled with vague terms such as ‘serviceable condition’, ‘conducive to deterioration’, and ‘deviations from the site plan’. For this reason, understanding the building inspection report can be a tough task for an average homebuyer unacquainted with technical vocabulary. To avoid misunderstandings, you should ask the building inspector to provide both a written and an oral elaboration on the state of the property you’re set on buying, and you can also ask them to produce a broad assessment of home repair and upgrade costs that will have to be covered if you decide to purchase the piece of property. On top of the inspection report and cost estimates, a certified building inspector will also be able to refer you to reliable environmental consulting experts for additional tests and audits to establish compliance of the estate with relevant health regulations and standards.

An unbiased building inspection can be a lifesaver for first-time homebuyers, as it will expose and point to structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical problems below fine frills and shiny polish which you’d otherwise overlook. Based on the inspector’s report, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on property purchase and avoid common mistakes that can set you back more than you ever thought was possible. For a cool bonus, you can try to use the specifics from the report to bring down the price of your future nest in the negotiations before you sign your name on the dotted line.

Ready to buy a home of your own and settle down? Make sure you get the property inspected before you dash off to sign the purchase contract: it will save you cash, nerves, and hassle later on. You’re welcome.

This article was written by Zoe Clark. Zoe is an environmentalist, home decorator and DIY enthusiast. When not obsessing about designing perfect homes, she is spending time with her family.

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