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Winterize Your Home Decor & Liven Up Chilly Days

January 6, 2016adminHome Decor, Interior Design, Winter Tipsdecorating, DIY projects, home decor, home improvement, winterLeave a comment

There is no better way to welcome the cold months ahead than to turn up the heating, curl up in a soft blanket by the fireplace and enjoy your favorite indoor leisure activities. Once you are done with seasonal decluttering, add a note of warmth and comfort to your living area with the help of a few snug accessories that combine aesthetics with functionality. Do not know where to start? Here are some convenient tips on how to revamp the decor with a few inexpensive modifications and turn your home into a lovely spot for relaxation and enjoyment in the face of the cold outside.

Off with the chilling view: Cover your windows

Most homes leak heat like sieves, windows being one of the main culprits for energy loss and sky-high electricity bills. To trap warmth indoors, use rich, heavy drapery and other window coverings: this simple trick will prove a rewarding investment in terms of lower energy waste, added privacy from gossip mongering neighbors and improved room look. If you are not a big fan of lavish drapery, you can install custom blinds and shades that will allow you to weatherproof your home, keep out nosy peepers and protect the rooms from intense sunlight come spring and summer.

Put your foot down and enjoy it: Add soft, colorful carpets

Another aspect of your home that may use a little tender, love and care, floors will both look and feel better if you shod them with soft carpeting this winter. Elegant, thick rugs in either monochromatic designs or bold color combinations will provide an extra layer of insulation and add visual interest to your living area decor. When choosing new carpeting, avoid brash tones, go for soft, full carpets and make sure you match the floor cover color scheme to the rest of the décor (single-tone rugs and carpets with tastefully contrasted colors will work well in most settings).

Colors of windy weather: Use warm tones for comfort

Warm colors such as red, brown and gold will help create a cozy atmosphere indoors so in case your home is lacking in visual warmth, you can add details in one (or more) of these tones to liven up the room feel. Warm-colored knit motifs such as cushion covers, blankets and sofa throws will prove both a functional and appealing addition to your living room. Or, you can use ornaments and functional accessories such as brown, yellow or orange scented candles, golden mirror frames, red or coffee-colored jewelry boxes and lacquered wicker baskets to achieve the inviting look.

Light that shines through cold nights: Use candles and dimmer switches

Winter nights filled with the sounds of raging blizzards and stormy winds outside can truly be daunting. Do away with the common cold and creepy monsters that lurk in the night with the help of a subtle flicker of tea candles and dimmer lights. While scented candles offer an inexpensive and efficient way to add a little warmth to your home, dimmer switches and dimmable bulbs provide an endlessly customizable source of light for rooms which require different lighting for special occasions or different times of day.

Is your home ready for yet another winter fairytale? Follow these simple tips and add a note of warmth to your living area without breaking the bank. Remember: a home that feels cozy is the one which blends function and visual interest. If your house is lacking in the latter of the two, now is the best time to do something about it, before snow and freezing temperatures come knocking on your door and lock you in until springtime.

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.

How to Safely and Efficiently Shovel Snow

January 4, 2016adminDIY Projects, Safety, Winter TipsDIY projects, home improvement, Safety, winterLeave a comment

While school kids are busy wishing for snow days, us adults are wondering if this will be the year we’ll successfully shovel snow without backache or injury.

Most adults assume they know how to shovel snow. We grab a shovel and boldly attack the snow in an attempt to flaunt our strength. The problem is most of us assume wrong.

Instead of a bullheaded mantra of “tough and fast,” try integrating these tips as part of your new mantra: “safe and smart.”

Shovel Smart, Shovel Safe

Most homeowners will do some shoveling, so it is important to familiarize yourself with proper technique. Bad shoveling habits can lead to back injuries, falls, heart attacks and other medical calamities. To avoid injury:

Make a plan so you don’t end up moving the same snow twice. You don’t want to accidentally block your door, the street, your car, etc.
Move in small sections instead of straining to reach it all from one spot.
Don’t wait for the last flake to fall. Shovel every few inches so the snow is not as heavy.
If you’re unable to shovel before the end of the storm, shovel in layers instead.
Whenever possible, push the snow instead of lifting it on the shovel.
If you have to lift snow, lift with your legs, not your back.
If possible, walk the snow to where you want it instead of throwing it.
Don’t turn at the waist. Try pivoting on one foot instead.
Spray your shovel with cooking spray so the snow slides off instead of building up and weighing you down.

Take Time to Prepare

Just as important as your technique while shoveling is your preparation for the task. Make sure you:

Wear thick shoes with a good tread and ankle support.
Dress in layers so you can easily remove them as you work up a sweat.
Treat it like a workout: Stretch and warm up before heading out.
Take frequent breaks to warm up, stretch and hydrate. This is especially important for anyone with pre-existing health concerns.

Pick the Right Equipment

The right tools — whether that’s a shovel, a snow blower or heavy machinery — make all the difference.

When it comes to shovels, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Find a shovel that is the right length and weight for you. Be wary of shovels with ergonomic handles. They may make scooping and throwing snow more difficult.

Snow blowers are fantastic tools, but they must be chosen and handled with care. Bigger isn’t always better, so ignore flashy marketing and speak to a sales rep about your specific needs.

Follow safety precautions when using a snow blower. Never use your hand to clear clogs or debris. Use a broom handle or similar tool instead. Have family and pets stay inside to avoid ice, debris and other non-snow projectiles. Always wear gloves, hearing protection and protective glasses. Follow the same dressing guidelines as shoveling.

Have needs that can’t be met by a shovel or snow blower? My brother-in-law swears by his skid loader. He bought it when building his home and now uses it as his go-to snow removal tool. If your property is too big or annual snowfall too heavy, you may benefit from heavy machinery.

“Pride goeth before a fall.” That’s especially true when snow shoveling. Don’t let a need for speed or a desire to show off your strength put your health at risk. Following the above tips may not win you any snow removal races, but they will ensure you get through the winter without a visit to the chiropractor or ER.

6 Important Features Home Buyers Are Looking For Today

January 2, 2016adminHome Improvement Tips, Tips for homebuyers, Tips to sell your homehome improvement, home trends, remodeling tipsLeave a comment

Homeowners who want to list their property often want to avoid having their home on the market for an extended period of time. This makes it important to sell a property that is in demand with certain features that are available. Before making necessary changes on the home, it’s important to be aware of important features that home buyers are looking for.

1. Home Office

More people are telecommuting and working from home, which makes it important to have a home office that is available. Home offices have a high level of appeal for a space that is closed off from the rest of the home. Not only do potential buyers want a home office where they can work, but they also need a space to pay bills and store important documents.

2. Energy Efficiency

Energy efficient homes are currently in demand due to more buyers who want to reduce their global footprint with their home. Energy efficient homes are known to cost less throughout the year with the use of the HVAC system and other technology on the property. This can be achieved by installing new insulation, using solar panels on the roof, and having a solar reflective roof. There should also be Energy Star-rated appliances and Energy Star-rated windows on the property.

3. Open Floor Plans

Spaces that are closed off and confined are no longer in demand. More buyers want to live in a property that is spacious and is easy to entertain in, like those built by these Utah home builders. The kitchen should be connected to the living room and include a seating area where guests can enjoy spending time in the room. This makes it easy for the host to maintain conversation as they cook and serve food. Additionally, the space should flow and be easy to navigate.

4. Larger Garages

It’s important to increase the size of the garage if possible, as more buyers are looking to store more than one vehicle in the space. Three-car garages are a popular feature that is often sought out for a spacious area that can store tools, personal belongings, cars, and sporting equipment without feeling cramped.

5. Fireplaces

Fireplaces are a feature that is currently making a comeback on residential properties for a cozy addition that livens up a living room or bedroom. More people are spending less time watching television and instead are now more entertained with laptops, e-readers, and tablets. 40 percent of buyers are willing to pay more for this feature, making it important to have at least one fireplace on the property to allow the home to stand out with what it offers. Outdoor fireplaces in the backyard are also popular and make for a space where the homeowners can entertain their guests while spending time outdoors.

6. Updated Kitchen and Bath

Kitchens and baths that appear outdated or dingy will likely cause the home to sit on the market longer. Homeowners aren’t looking to remodel after moving in, making it important to install new appliances, add decorative backsplashes, and paint the cabinetry. You can also install new countertops or add a kitchen island to increase the functionality of each room.

Although it’s important to update your home and enhance the curb appeal of the property, there are several features that should be added to allow it to sell quickly. The features will catch the attention of buyers and make for a home that can be more functional in the coming years. This will not only allow the home to sell quickly, but can also increase the value of the property.

Cabin in the Suburbs: How to Give Your Home a Rustic Theme

December 29, 2015adminHome Decor, Home Improvement Tips, home remodeling, Interior DesignDIY projects, home decor, home remodeling, home trends, remodeling tips1 Comment

Rustic-themed homes have quickly become popular as homeowners want the benefits of a relaxed country lifestyle without giving up the benefits of living in the suburbs. Unless you have a country cabin already, there are fun and even inexpensive ways to create the peaceful, rustic look in any home, even one nestled in a suburban neighborhood. These ideas range from big to small and can be used in part or in whole.

Remodeling Options

Homeowners starting a major home remodel have the most leeway when it comes to choosing a design theme for the home. According to Zillow, rustic homes are generally open concept with soaring ceilings, such as those found in a barn and use very little or no drywall. Instead, homes can use bare, stained or painted plank walls or even brick or stone accent walls, particularly surrounding fireplaces. Other design ideas include using salvaged metal for walls, having stained open beams in ceilings and choosing large farmhouse sinks with apron fronts.

Natural Colors

Rustic homes make use of natural colors, particularly browns and grays. However, to avoid a home that is entirely brown, homeowners can bring in other tones found in nature, such as soft blues and greens as well as creams and soft whites. Colors to stay away from are bright, glaring ones.

Furniture from Nature

Homeowners can choose from numerous pieces of furniture that are designed with the country in mind. For example, farmhouse tables with bench seating have become popular, especially for large families. Other options to look for include end tables made from tree trunks, log bed frames, plank headboards and tables or mantelpieces with roughhewn edges.

Rustic Touches

To complete the rustic look, individuals can add some quaint touches to make their homes inviting and comfortable. Many stores, such as MyBarnwoodFrames.com, specialize in these accent pieces and make it easy to pull the look together. One can look for bare wood picture frames, vintage metal signs and chunky cable-knit blankets to create a cohesive rustic look.

Country-themed homes are the perfect antidote to a long winter with their cozy wood accents and cable-knit blankets. However, the rustic style is equally suited to summertime when the natural colors inside blend with the beauty of nature outside the home. Whether a homeowner is remodeling with the help of a designer or making some do-it-yourself changes, these ideas are sure to create a country oasis in the midst of the suburbs.

Guest Post By:
Anica Oaks

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

Hands-off Renovation: 4 Reasons to Hire a Professional Interior Designer

December 28, 2015adminHome Decor, Home Improvement Tips, Interior Designdecorating, home decor, home improvement, interior designLeave a comment

Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed when we walk into a new house and see all that must be done to get it looking like home. Thankfully there are many ways to get that extra design inspiration to completely transform your new space, including enlisting the aid of a professional interior designer.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

If you buy furniture that is the wrong size for the room, there’s little you can do to correct the visual balance without getting new pieces. Mistakes involving flow and space concerns can be costly to correct, as well. If you make a mistake in planning your rooms, fixing the error can be time-consuming and expensive. Your designer will help you get it right the first time and save you money.

Access to the Best Discounts and Materials

A designer knows just where to find those draperies you want at a good price, along with knowing where to get the best reupholster service. They know where to get great deals on everything from art to materials and everything in between. This can save you countless hours hunting and negotiating for the best price, which will save you a lot of money over the course of the renovation.

Save a Lot of Frustration

One of the biggest obstacles with attempting to design your own space comes when everything is already in place and, for some reason, the room looks ‘off.’ You can’t pinpoint what’s wrong, exactly, but you know it doesn’t look or feel right. This can lead to countless hours of rearranging furniture and other items to find something workable. A designer can look at a room and know precisely what needs to happen for optimum flow and balance.

Give You the ‘Wow’ Factor

Whether you like to entertain a lot or are hoping to sell your home post-renovation, an interior designer can get you to look you want. For example, Susan Hopkins, interior designer in Philadelphia, creates a gorgeous white-on-white look that is clean, crisp and inviting. No matter what style you’re shooting for, your designer will be able to give you, your guests and potential buyers the ‘wow’ factor you want.

Hiring a professional interior designer to help you with your renovation is a smart move that pays big dividends. If you’re renovating, get professional help to give you the look, feel and tone you’ve always wanted in your home.

Planning an Eco-Friendly Home? Here Are Some Tips!

December 27, 2015adminDIY Projects, Energy Efficiency, Home Improvement TipsDIY projects, energy efficient, green living, home improvement, home trendsLeave a comment

An eco-friendly home is the best way to express your gratitude towards nature. Moreover, it also saves you a lot of money in giving energy bills. That’s why a greener home is a good choice to fulfill the energy needs of your home without destroying the environment.

Modern technology offers you huge options for eco-friendly materials. But if you are confused where to take a start then consider the following post.

Seal Doors and Windows Properly

If your windows and doors are poorly sealed then this allows the air to flow in and out of the home. This puts load on the heating and cooling systems of your home and they have to work harder in order to maintain a particular temperature. This means simply waste of energy and money.

So, save energy and money by choosing quality doors and windows that don’t put stress on the heating and cooling system of your home.

An Efficient Duct System Can Save Costs

If you have efficient duct systems at your place then your heating and cooling costs will get reduced to great extent. Around 20% of the air that flows through duct systems of your home gets lost because of leaks and poor connections. Thus, sealing duct system can help you to save energy and energy bills.

Make Use of Solar Energy for Your Home

Instead of installing clay or asphalt tiles for your home it’s better to get solar panel roof tiles for your home. Clay or asphalt tiles are subject to environmental and temperature strain and also are not an eco-friendly choice. Thus, get in touch with a company which provides photovoltaic solar panels that can cover the entire roof. This is a good choice to satisfy the energy needs of your home without big energy bills.

Don’t Ignore Insulation

Poor insulation leads to large heating and cooling losses in your home. Rather poor insulation only leads to utilization of more energy than needed because poor insulation makes heat exchange easier.

So, get quality insulation for your home so that the insulation continues to control your home’s temperature for years. A good home builder will guide you to find the suitable insulation for your eco-friendly home.

Choose Efficient Lighting Systems

Lightning is important but if you use energy efficient devices then you can cut down your electricity/AC bills. Install only Energy Star certified light bulbs and fixtures so that less energy is utilized and more bill is saved.

Also try to use natural light and avoid installing extra bulbs here and there in your home.

Eco-Friendly Faucet Fixtures

As per World Health Organization, one in three people are suffering due to lack of sufficient water resources. Thus, you can do your part to solve this problem of water scarcity by using the water only which you need and not wasting it. Installing water-efficient faucets can help solving more than half of the problem. Electronic faucets are also an eco-friendly choice as they will prevent water wastage by allowing water to run only when required.

According to EPA.gov, around 10,000 gallons water gets wasted every year due to household leaks and if these leaks are fixed it would lead to reduction of 10% of water bills.

Author Bio: – Dan Kogan is owner of NY handyman NYC, one of the leading handyman in New York City, with more than 20 years of experience. He is passionate about all things related to home improvement and fixes all the things around your home.

7 Common Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself

December 23, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, home improvement, home repairsLeave a comment

When it comes to common home repairs, you don’t always need to call a professional. You can tackle many simple home repairs yourself with just your toolbox and this great interactive infographic!

Simple Ways You Can Enhance Your Home’s Value And Comfort

December 22, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Tips to sell your homeDIY projects, home improvement, home remodelingLeave a comment

Enhancing your home’s value and your own comfort doesn’t have to involve extensive, expensive renovations. There are some simple ways you can boost your home’s value.

New coat of paint

One of the most inexpensive ways to improve your home’s value is with paint. Changing colors of a room to something more neutral can make it easier to sell your home and usually can be done for cheap compared to other upgrades. A new coat of paint also can enhance your comfort by making a dingy room livelier.

Spruce up your landscaping

Before people get to your front door, they will form a first impression based on what they see outside, and if they see a brown lawn, dead shrubs and untrimmed trees, it won’t be a good one. Studies show that what potential buyers want most in landscaping is trees, native plants and outdoor lighting. Taking the time to invest in those items will increase your value without breaking the bank.

New fixtures

Something as small and simple as a few new fixtures can greatly enhance your home’s comfort and value. If you have old light fixtures that don’t go with the home, swapping them out for new ones can make a big difference. The same goes for faucets.

A new door

Your front door is one of the first things visitors and potential buyers see, so if it is in bad shape, it can leave a poor first impression that can be hard to shake. If your entry door is in poor shape or is out of character from the rest of the house, replacing it can add value. You can find a variety of styles and materials at Arch Design.

Cabinet hardware

Changing or adding cabinet hardware may not sound like it would make much of a difference, but such a small thing can greatly enhance the look of your kitchen, which enhances value. And it’s something you can do yourself that won’t cost more than a few hundred dollars.

Carpet cleaning

If your carpet has been around awhile, it’s probably showing its age, so having it cleaned can make a big difference. Carpet cleaning only costs a few hundred dollars and can considerably enhance your home’s value and comfort.

These are just a few of the small things you can do to make your home more enjoyable and worth more in the eyes of potential buyers.

Home Garage Door Openers: 6 Common Problems and Troubleshooting

December 21, 2015adminDIY Projects, Home MaintenanceDIY projects, home repairsLeave a comment

Automatic garage door openers are modern conveniences that many homeowners cannot live without. When your garage door opener suddenly stops working properly, there might be a few things that have gone wrong. You might be afraid of a hefty repair bill that comes along with repairs. However, you don’t need to immediately call a professional when this happens. Oftentimes, you can just do a little tweaking and some do-it-yourself to fix these problems.

Doing things by yourself can potentially save you extra money. Troubleshooting these common garage door issues does not need a lot of work. These only require some testing and adjusting on your side. Try these simple solutions for the common problems before calling a professional.

Problem 1: Garage door does not close properly.

This is a security concern for many homeowners. A garage door that does not close properly can attract burglars. In this scenario, ensure that there aren’t any objects that are blocking the sensors at the bottom of the door. Obstructions on the sensors, including spider webs, will not close the door properly.

Another way is to check the garage door motor. When the garage door opener does not fully close, the lights will flash in a certain pattern indicating what the problem is. Get your manual and look up the flashing patterns.

Take a look at the close limit switch and see if it needs any adjustment. Make proper adjustments and test your door opener to see if everything works as it should. You might just need to do a little fine-tuning to make your garage door opener work properly.

If your garage door still does not close properly, disconnect the opener and try to open the door manually to check whether the door is binding.

Problem 2: The remote does not work.

If your door does not open with your remote, try opening it with your wall switch. If it opens and closes with the wall switch, chances are your remote control does not work. Ensure that you are holding it within the specific range and that the antenna is faced down.

Your first option is to replace the batteries on your remote. Then, check it if it works. If not, ensure that the remote is properly programmed. If the remote still does not function, you might to purchase a new one.

Problem 3: The motor will not stop running.

If your garage door closes properly but the motor unit keeps running, the limit switch needs to be adjusted. Do some simple tests by moving it away from the motor unit.

If this does not work, you might want to take a peek at the manual to see additional troubleshooting techniques for this problem. If not, you will need to call a professional for safety reasons.

Problem 4: The garage door won’t open with remote control and wall switch.

If your door opener does respond to both the remote control and wall switch, check the lights on the opener motor. If the lights are not on, then it is not receiving power. Ensure that the motor is connected to power and if the outlet is working. Check the circuit breaker or fuse to determine if you have an electrical problem.

After you have ruled out the electrical problem, look for the emergency release chain. Engage it by pulling the chain and use the door manually without the garage door opener.

Problem 5: Squeaky door.

Although your garage door opens and closes just fine, it creates squeaky noises to the point where your neighbors start complaining. This is usually caused by normal use of the garage door and is not a serious problem.

First, inspect the tracks and look for any debris that may be interfering with its movement. After clearing the tracks, apply a lubricant on the pulleys and hinges of your garage door. If the noise still persists, you can call a professional for a service.

Problem 6: Only the trolley carriage moves.

If you’ve activated the opener and only the trolley carriage moves, then you might need to replace the carriage assembly.

To install a new carriage, you have to separate the chain and slide off the old trolley. Then, replace it with a new trolley and reattach the chain. Adjust the tension accordingly afterwards.

Ensure that you test the garage door to ensure that everything works properly.

About the Author:
Kristy Jones is a DIY fan and enthusiast. She loves implementing life hacking topics especially about home improvements. She loves to declutter the home and would love to volunteer to help others live a clutter-free life. As the lead content curator for A Click Away Remotes, Kristy also contributes on writing other informative articles about basic architecture and house renovation.

Unfinished Business: How to Care for a Crumbling Basement

December 20, 2015adminBasement renovation, Home Improvement Tips, Home Maintenancebasement, basement renovation, home improvement, home repairsLeave a comment

Considering their importance and utility, basements rarely get their fair share of TLC from homeowners. Older basements in particular are often ticking time bombs that can impact the health of the rest of the home if they’re not looked after properly. To ensure your own basement remains sound, it’s worth your while to adhere to these prudent practices.

Reduce Humidity & Standing Water
Ultimately, moisture is what kills a foundation the fastest. It’s important to keep a basement as dry as possible for its longevity. Install an automated sump pump or two if you experience standing water or flooding every spring. While you’re at it, set up a dehumidifier to keep the air as dry as possible.

Landscape for Long-Term Success
Whether your foundation is a stone-walled number or a poured concrete model, there are in-ground ways to keep water away from the basement. Digging out a perimeter trench, filling it with loose rock, and adding a few drainage pipes away from the building works wonders in making sure it stays dry and safe. Be sure to have an expert contractor do this kind of work.

Keep the Pests from Doing Damage
Varmints are especially problematic if you own an older home with a stone foundation since it’s easier for them to get in and cause damage. Come up with a strategy to prevent them from getting in and wreaking havoc by using traps and sonic deterrence. Chem-Wise Ecological Pest Management Services might have other options that can help deter animals and bugs from getting inside in the first place that work better for your home or location. Contact a quality pest control company to advise you of the right solution.

Reinforce Every Element Possible
Keeping your foundation and basement walls in tip-top shape is a major priority regardless of the age of your home. Have concrete foundation cracks filled and strengthened when they appear, and make sure stone foundation mortar work is patched up regularly. Finally, use jack stands and beams to support floors and take stress off of basement walls.

Carefully Seal Up Each Surface
Your basement walls should be an impervious barrier between the ground and your home’s interior. If your basement walls consist of mortar, “parge” them by applying an even layer of mortar. If they’re concrete, thoroughly dry out the basement area with a dehumidifier and desiccant agents before applying a layer of waterproof sealer to the inside walls.

If you live in any area where humidity and high precipitation are normal, keeping an eye on basement walls is a must. Even after you’ve performed each of the preventative steps detailed above, it’s important to monitor the situation and enact fixes as needed to head off problems before they snowball into catastrophes.

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Winterize Your Home Decor & Liven Up Chilly Days

How to Safely and Efficiently Shovel Snow

6 Important Features Home Buyers Are Looking For Today