The shower is an area of the bathroom where you can wash away the stresses of the day. The hot water cascades down the back, cleansing the skin while taking you to your own spa of sorts with your favorite shampoo and bath wash. However, before you can enjoy this oasis, you need to have a shower that has enough space for bathing and that is functional. Remodeling the shower is a task that can involve a bit of work, but there are a few tricks to give you a design that you appreciate.
On A Base Level
Instead of the shower being attached to the tub, many people are using one level for the shower. This makes it easy to enter the shower area and to allow the water to flow down the drain. It’s a design that is safer to walk into for those who might have trouble stepping over a tub just to take a shower. It’s also less expensive to build as there aren’t as many materials that are used.
Doorways
When you take a shower, you might notice that water gets on the floor because of the shower curtain. Solve this issue by installing glass doors that slide open and closed. The doors will keep the water inside, which will keep the floor dry and protected. If you’re unsure of what style of door or best installation techniques, consider using professionals like those at Glasshopper Schor Glass.
Storage
If you want a place to sit but don’t want the seat to take up a lot of room, install a seat that flips down. This is ideal for those who are older and can’t stand for long periods of time or others who may prefer sitting. Create a storage space inside the wall for soap, shampoo and other products. This is an idea to add storage to a small shower.
Getting Rid Of The Grout
With a shower, you’re always trying to clean the tile and grout as this is an area that attracts mildew. You can eliminate scrubbing and cleaning by installing a solid surface when you remodel the shower. A large piece of tile or even stone to give a beautiful look in the bathroom will take away the issues that you see with the tile and grout.
The shower in the bathroom can be a place where you relax after a long day. There are a few tricks to keep in mind when remodeling that will give you more storage and that will give you a contemporary design instead of a boring tub and shower combination. Before you do any kind of work, make sure the water is off and the plumbing lines are in place.
The tell-tale signs of winter are here: you’re late to work because you can’t bring yourself to get out of the warm bed and your car has trouble starting because of the below-freezing temperatures.
As the cold weather moves in, you may be tempted to flee to a warmer climate. But for most of us, jobs, family and other responsibilities prevent us from becoming expats in the Caribbean.
Instead, it would be wise to focus on how we can make our lives more comfortable and warm with manageable home improvements. Let’s explore seven ways to prep your home for the chilly weather that winter inevitably brings.
Clean Your Chimney and Gather Firewood
There is nothing more quintessentially winter than curling up next to the fireplace. But a poorly maintained fireplace can cause damage to your home and your health. Hire a chimney sweep to clean and inspect your chimney, and ask him or her how to clean it yourself.
Check your chimney flue and cap to ensure they are operating correctly. A missing or loose cap could create water damage or encourage little critters to nest near the warmth of the fire. Store your firewood in a dry place and ready your shovel and poker so that you don’t have to touch the hot surfaces directly.
Check Windows and Doors for Leaks
You might remember your grandparents carrying on about drafts, but they were on to something. Check out the weather stripping around exterior doors, and install storm doors as an extra layer of protection if you’ve got them. Caulk around windows when you see gaps to keep cold air where it belongs.
There is an added benefit to updating your garage door: since it is one of the largest exterior surfaces of your home, you can add a lot of curb appeal by updating its style. So this move makes sense economically and aesthetically in addition to warming you up this winter.
Inspect Your Furnace and Boiler
Many of us just assume our heating and hot water will come on when we want it to, no questions asked. If pressed, you might not even be able to say where your furnace and boiler are, or how they function.
The system of pipes and heating varies from home to home, but the one consistent is that they should be inspected every winter. If it is time to replace older systems, expect to gain some energy efficiency and lower your bills.
Purchase a Generator
Lots of people who lived through Snowmaggedon or the Polar Vortex remember living without power for days on end. At first the candlelight was charming, but that wore off quickly.
A generator would provide a backup power source should you lose power in your home. If you want a generator for convenience or for safety – say, if a family member needs refrigerated medication or an electric medical device – there are several factors to consider. Among them are installation, sound and cost. But if an alternate power source is a must for you, then purchasing a generator is an important part of getting your home ready for winter.
Drain the Outdoor Plumbing, Ready for Frozen Pipes
One of the most common winter mistakes first time homebuyers make is not draining the water from faucets and hoses that sit outside the home. Frozen pipes can burst and cause immense damage to the home. Disconnect hoses and store them inside to prevent freezing and cracking.
Once you’ve got the outdoor plumbing taken care of, be on the looking for indoor plumbing that might freeze, like pipes that sit against exterior walls. If your faucet produces just a drip of water, it’s a sign of a frozen pipe. Leave the faucet on, and apply heat using a hair dryer, towels soaked in hot water or an electric heating pad. As the pipe thaws, water will drip out of the open faucet. Continue until your regular water pressure is restored.
Prepare Your Pantry
The kitchen is probably the hub of activity in your home, and for that reason it should get a little winter preparation as well.
Stock the pantry with chicken broth, canned beans and crushed tomatoes so that you can pull together a quick chili in a pinch. Grab cocoa and marshmallow for the requisite hot chocolates. And update your recipe box with some popular winter recipes, so that you can keep your family warm inside and out.
Most of us look forward to the holidays, more time spent before the fire and cozy scarves and mittens. But the reality of a cold, harsh winter is anything but romantic. So prepare your home for winter weather before the snow men show up in your front yard.
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.
Renovating your home causes quite a bit of a cluster within your space and it can be quite frustrating for you and the contractors to try and work around all of the clutter. If you are looking for somewhere to keep your belongings during a renovation, a self-storage unit is a good idea.
If you have never had a renovation performed, you may be surprised at how messy the home can get. If you want to protect your furniture and valuables, it is recommended that you simply remove them from the home, otherwise, you may find that something was knocked over damaged in the process.
Reasons to Rent a Storage Unit
When it comes to renting a self-storage unit, there are many ways that one can help you out. For instance, you will be able to move all of the items out of the way to prevent dust and damage. Your furniture will be safe within your storage unit and you will not have to worry about them coming out dusty or dirty.
Next, you will be able to prevent breaks when it comes to your valuable items. Whether you have an antique clock or you have a lamp that you purchased on your honeymoon, you are probably not ready to say goodbye to it. You can place these items safely within your self-storage unit and then remove them once the renovation is performed. A storage unit is much more affordable than having to replace all of the items that were damaged.
If you place all of your items into a storage unit, you will find that the construction contractors do not have to wiggle and squirm around all of your items. The contractors will be able to get the job done efficiently and quickly without wasting time making sure a wire doesn’t tap your curio cabinet. In addition, if you remove your tables, the construction workers cannot place their tools on top of it. Sometimes, contractors forget that they should not place their tools on your table and they do it to save some time. This can lead to scratches on your tables, which can ruin them.
Lastly, if you will not be home when the renovation takes place, you will have the peace of mind knowing that your items are stored and secure when you are away. Sometimes, you cannot be home when construction begins and you never know who may enter into your home. While most contractors do not take items from homes, you may want the additional peace of mind that a storage unit has to offer.
If you are getting ready to have a home renovation started, you should consider renting a self-storage unit until the renovation project is complete. Not only will you keep your items safe, you will be able to enjoy not worrying about them when the contractors are moving in and out of your home.
Self-storage units are an affordable way for you to enjoy the protection of your items any time of the day or night.
Bathrooms are often wrongfully left out of the interior design predictions, since most people view them as dull and uninspiring rooms where functionality always tops the aesthetics. Although no one can argue the necessity of a functional bathroom, it’s inevitable to notice that people spend a lot of time in this room, and that therefore it deserves the same amount of time and effort invested in its design as the rest of the home. Fortunately, there are plenty of interior designers who are aware of the enormous potential bathrooms have, and each year they are presenting us with new innovations and creations. Here is what they have in mind for 2017.
Brass Yourself: Brass Is Back!
One of the most notable 2017 bathroom trends is a stylish return to the ‘70s, at least when it comes to color combining. And that means a lot of classy brass for metal accessories and marble cladding for the walls. The two make an irresistible couple that transmits the ambiance of the ‘70s bathroom straight into the 21st century.
Less Is More
Along with trends such as Tiny House Movement, there is a resurgence of minimalism in design, especially in urban dwellings. This trend is going in the direction of smaller and more intimate bathrooms with functional features. The shape and the size of toilets, vanities and bathtubs are significantly reduced, both to fit into small spaces and to represent a sense of privacy and restrained elegance.
Go Bold or Go Home
Unlike the restrained design of a minimalistic bathroom, there is also a trend of creating a dynamic space that evokes a true stylish sensation. It’s achieved by combining modern and organic materials. For instance, a modernistic, yet homey composition can be created with a modern freestanding bath, wooden floor, colorful ceramic tile and stone elements.
The Game of Continuity
Continuity can seem somewhat boring at the first glance, but just imagine: the same cladding materials for floors and walls create a seamless flow between the two, making the entire room look elegant, yet playful.
This invisible transition between the floor and wall in the bathroom will be a huge trend throughout 2017 and even in 2018.
A Trip to the Dark Side
When someone says ‘bathroom’, people usually imagine a room covered with white tiles, a white tub, a white vanity and white sink. Does it have to be that way? No. The year ahead is the time to be bold with color choices in your bathroom. A black bathroom can reflect timeless elegance, and gold accents can give it a true Hollywood charm. Since the return to nature is one of this year’s prevailing design tendencies, slate tiles will be very popular. The trendiest shade of the year will be grey which will create a tranquil and moody atmosphere.
Rediscover Clay
Clay is one of the oldest materials people used to create vessels for containment of water, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that we are again seeking ways to recreate that connection. The new trend of bathroom design brings back clay in the form of water-dispensing products and other fashionable bath appliances. Clay is adding emotionality and value to the function of bathroom faucets, and thus brings in serenity and nature.
Following Nature’s Footsteps
Nature is the most brilliant creator out there, so it is no wonder the designers want to learn from it and copy it. The trend of organic bathrooms arises precisely from those aspirations. The organically produced items introduce a huge array of designing possibilities, since each of them is unique in its own special way. The stone surfaces, wood and other natural materials create a rich tactile sensation and a bathroom like no other.
There’s one conclusion that sticks out the most – nature is the basic source of inspiration for most of the interior designers this year, so you can’t go wrong if you decide to introduce organic materials, plants or anything else that reminds you of nature.
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+.
There is no reason for stairways to serve solely functional purposes. Many staircases enhance the aesthetics of the home and there are a myriad of materials and designs to choose from. Simply keep lifestyle needs and artistic aims in mind. Then decide if your main priority is to create a stairway focal point, save space, or some other aim. Be sure to keep overall home design and mood in balance with stairway ideas.
Glass Staircase
Glass stairways are well suited for elegant interiors. The achieved look is transparent, sleek, and contemporary. Glass staircases lend an airy feel to indoor spaces. Some companies, like Tarosa Stairs, realize that various looks can be achieved via design options such as hanging staircases and glass and cable handrail systems. Glass staircases must be kept continually clean and dry due to obvious considerations of visible smudges and slippery surface areas.
Spiral Slide Staircase
Fun loving home owners may opt to not only avoid discouraging the young and old from sliding down a spiral staircase, but actually encourage them to do so in a well-defined manner. Instead of flirting with danger on a stairway banister, try incorporating an actual stairway slide. This unexpected stairway gives an air of whimsy and refreshment to any living space and the slide element can sometimes be added to an existing staircase.
Space-Saving Staircases
If your interior is low on storage space, optimizing the under the stair area is a brilliant way to find more storage options, and even to incorporate unexpected design elements. Open under-stairway cubbies can hold books, collections, or art. Under stairway storage can be compact or expansive and also feature closing drawers with innovative hardware knobs.
Mural Staircases
This look can be achieved using decals, wallpaper, or actual paint. Murals range from timeless to whimsical or even entertaining. They can mesh with stairway carpeting or create smaller places of interest, such as simply using a mural in a tucked away nook under the stairs. They can combine with other color elements for added atmosphere. Murals can also create outdoor illusions within the indoor living space, especially when combined with rustic wooden accessories.
Going up and down steps is just a normal part of life, but there are many ways that homeowners can make these frequent trips more pleasant than plodding. By combining common sense with building code requirements and design quality, there are many options for creating staircases that make a statement and fit your personality and needs. Ambiance begins at the entryway, and stairways provide a great space for aesthetic delight.
We all know that material things are not the main value that turns a house into a home. At some point however, for any reason, we might decide to move, and selling a property is always a nerve-wracking experience. Due to constant trend changes and price fluctuations, you never really know how much of a return on investment you can expect. There are, however, certain home improvements that never go out of style, and which are guaranteed to boost your property’s value considerably, including the following features:
Light up your property
Investing in quality lighting is one of the most affordable improvements you can make, and offers a tremendous return on investment as a result. Simply put, light creates a pleasant atmosphere, which means that badly illuminated places will always come off as being unappealing to most buyers. For that reason, take steps to install artificial light sources wherever necessary. Dimmer switches are especially popular nowadays because they offer control over light intensity, and allow users to carefully craft the mood they desire.
Set up a backyard and garden
Staying in contact with nature is essential for one’s well-being, and what better way to do so than by setting up a garden in your backyard? You don’t even have to go out of your way to buy expensive plants, as just a few shrubs and flowers will likely do the trick when it comes to improving your quality of life and your property’s value at the same time. Just make sure you have a stable water supply nearby so you can provide your plants with the sustenance they need.
Update your property to save energy
Saving energy should not be done with the sole reason of cutting down the household expenses. Reducing household emissions is something that should be our responsibility as well. There are many ways to approach to make green home improvement changes, from solar panels and insulation to environmentally friendly home appliances. Such home upgrades will ensure future sustainability of the property, and lower the dependence on externally provided energy.
Convert unused space into livable rooms
By far one of the best features for boosting a property’s value lies in creating additional living space. While adding a new room is often too expensive to take into consideration, most properties have barely used attics and/or basements which can rather easily be turned into livable quarters with just a little bit of work. Even something as small as a closet can be turned into a compact office, so always seek to take advantage of every inch of space your property has to offer.
Invest in green solutions
We are living in an age that’s preoccupied more than ever with the idea of environmental friendliness. Therefore, anything you can do to boost your property’s “green” profile will likely translate into big gains in value. Simple things like placing light tubes to let natural light in, or installing solar panels on your roof can lead to substantial savings on bills.
These five home improvement features that can add to the value of your property are just some of the changes you can do. Of course, small things like keeping every room clean, fixing a leaky roof and getting rid of any mold as soon as it forms can also make a real difference. So do your best to remain vigilant, and don’t allow your property to slip into disarray!
There are all kinds of reasons for buying a fixer upper home. Maybe the structure is going to be restored into your dream home. Maybe you just want to live in it for a few years while fixing it up to sell for a profit. Maybe it is all your budget will allow at the moment. Regardless, there are some things that need to be fixed first on fixer-upper residential homes. Here are the top four renovations you should consider early in the restoration of your bargain home purchase.
Replace the Roof
This is the part of the exterior of your home that gets pounded with everything from the hot sun to driving winds and rain. All of your interior upgrades and renovations that are next on your list can be ruined by even small leaks from a roof that is in poor condition.
You need to make sure that the roof over your head is keeping out the elements before upgrading any insulation, especially attic insulation. A qualified roof inspector can let you know if your roof is leaking even a little bit. Plus, because of how large a roof on a house is means that fixing it will make a dramatic difference in its visual curb appeal.
Update the HVAC System
Chances are the furnace and air conditioning system in the home is very old. The house obviously did not get into its fixer-upper status by a former owner who went all out with upgrades and renovations.
HVAC companies like Pacific Aire, Inc. offer expert advice for HVAC systems and advocate repair where possible and replacement when necessary. They typically advise us to keep in mind the statistic published by Energystar.gov, which indicates almost half of HVAC systems are incorrectly installed and correcting installation issues may be all that is necessary for an efficiently functioning system.
Replace Flooring
The floors are the first thing people notice when they come into your home. One of the first things you should do is to look underneath wall-to-wall carpeting in every room and hallway where it is installed. Owners of fixer-upper homes often find hardwood flooring that only needs refinishing. That nice shiny oak hardwood flooring that is so popular in new homes today may have been preserved under carpeting for decades.
Do not judge it by its current looks. Check it to make sure no holes have been cut and replaced with plywood and look for other serious damage. If the planks are intact, they can be sanded and refinished to shine like diamonds at far less cost than installing a new floor. For areas that do not have hardwood subflooring, clearance laminates, vinyl and ceramics are available at less than a dollar per square foot. Also, many flooring types are available for easy DIY installs.
Upgrade the Electrical Service
Even if you cannot get into the wiring in the walls that feed every outlet and ceiling fixture in your fixer-upper, you should install a new service panel including the main service entrance power cable and electrical meter box. Most building codes require a 200 amp breaker panel for a regular residential home. Some older fixer-upper homes have a 50 amp fuse box. This is completely inadequate for today’s families and their electricity needs.
If you have ungrounded, non-polarized outlets, that wiring should be replaced immediately too. You should never use an adapter to plug in your three-prong appliances. Upgrading the main service entrance, breaker box and household wiring is one of the wisest and safest things you can do first for your new bargain home.
Unless your fixer-upper home is really old, the plumbing is likely to use copper supply lines and PVC drains. If you suspect a terracotta sewer line underground, have it inspected by camera for tree root intrusion and broken pipes. Simply put, work on the infrastructure of your home first. Your renovations will go smoother as you go along if you have a sound infrastructure to work with.
Guest Post By:
Anica Oaks
Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.
Together with other accessories, a faucet determines the level of attractiveness of your bathroom. With this in mind, buying a faucet finish can be a pretty challenging and confusing job. The safest option is to purchase all the fixtures and accessories from the same company to ensure they match. Nevertheless, if you’re in a process of remodeling your bathroom and you feel like experimenting a little bit, mixing different styles can produce outstanding results.
Whether you are installing or redecorating, make sure you take into account all the pros and cons of different faucet finishes. Also, consulting a pro will help you make a final decision relating to price, durability and appearance of the faucets. Bruzzese Home Improvements is the company that offers a full home improvement services and can be a helping hand when it comes to bathroom remodeling.
There are many different designs of faucet finishes, some of which include chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, copper, stainless, dark and light, brushed and polished options, and even faucets with texture. Whichever you pick, there are a few things you should bear in mind.
Attractive Styles and Designs
Chrome is one of the most versatile finishes at the moment and it works well with almost every style. This is a great option if you’re on the budget, as it can easily match any other type of bathroom accessories.
Oil-rubbed bronze is another excellent choice and can be used instead of chrome. It’s quite easy to maintain, durable and doesn’t show water posts or fingerprints. Choose this type of faucet finish if you want your bathroom to give Mediterranean/Tuscan impression.
Copper faucet finishes are easy to find, but difficult to match with other bathroom accessories. If it’s mixed with marble, it gives a really impressive rich feel. Copper has some antibacterial properties, but the shiny finish requires more maintenance than chrome or oil-bronze.
The cool thing about polished nickel is that it appears to change its color under different lighting. This material is smooth, shiny and very easy to maintain. It can be mixed with a wide range of bathroom accessories and still look as good as new, due to the fact that it’s one of the most durable finishes. Try not to combine it with stainless steel because it won’t be able to stand out.
Important Pieces of Advice
If you like your bathroom shiny and neat at all times, go for a brushed finish. This material hides fingerprints and water spots and it’s not reflective as, for instance, polished finishes.
If you’re into latest technology, consider purchasing the faucet that features PVD, physical vapor deposition. The finish that includes PVD is slowly but surely becoming an integral part of the faucet. Ozzy plumbing suggests you try this out since it’s one of the best options against scratches, corrosion and water scale.
While choosing the ideal finish, think about the style of the whole space, including the shape of the sink, door, window, edges on the counters, and even lighting. It’s also possible to go for multiple finishes if you think it won’t disturb the harmony of the room.
A bathroom might be the smallest room in a household, but it is an inexhaustible source of frugality. On the flip side, many bathrooms weren’t designed to save energy, and we have to plan and remodel in order to make a difference. The focus is on lowering the water consumption with a wide array of cutting-edge appliances and fittings. This brings you financial benefits, while also diminishing the energy footprint. So, assemble a future-proof bathroom from the pipes up and immerse yourself in your soothing watery shelter like never before.
Test the waters
The chief goal is to lower the amount of water coming into the bathroom, and with it, the electrical energy needed to move it around. Namely, water-related electrical use accounts for nearly 20% of total consumption in a household. The first step is to figure out how much water you’re spending and identify the main culprits behind the squandering. Read the specs on shower heads and faucet aerators or utilize a flow rate bag to conduct a test. Next, turn your attention to the bills and pay attention to detail. The good news is that almost half of the water use can be reduced by simple hardware switches.
Hit the wastefulness hard
High-efficiency showerheads are much less wasteful than their predecessors that featured 2.5 gallons per minute flow rate. The best thing is that the new fixtures maintain steady pressure without sacrificing water flow. They’re so well-designed that you might not even notice any difference. Likewise, these products should work hand-in-hand with high-efficiency faucets. They’re easy to install and shrink the water use by more than half, compared to the regular faucets. With a fast payback period, they are one of the most cost-effective ways of optimizing water consumption.
Flush the problems out
Dual-flush toilets exist in many newer homes, and they have a handy setting which uses less water. Those who do not possess them can opt for flush converters, and change settings according to how much water is needed per flush. A cheaper solution would be to install a tank bag. Furthermore, a washing machine is another water-hungry appliance. You have to choose between a top and front loader washing machine. The latter is bigger, more expensive, but also more energy-efficient. Keep your eyes open for features such as internal heating and automatic water level that trim the utility bills.
Preserving heat
In bathrooms, people are generally more sensitive to cold. Hence, one should consider creating a well-sealed, insulated bathroom. It is advisable to enhance the insulation on walls of the shower, under the bathtub, as well as cavities around it. Doing away with this energy drain is what allows you to use much less heat. Another crucial aspect is how you heat your water. An Energy Star-rated hot water system is the cream of the crop, as it prevents the heat from escaping the pipes. And if you want to go an extra green mile, install solar panels on the roof and solve the heating problem for the bulk of the water supply.
Let there be light
Bathroom lighting is often overlooked, yet it greatly contributes to your efforts to save money and energy. It’s surprising how many bathrooms are over-lit, with fittings such as five-bulb vanities illuminating a small space. Apart from doing the makeup, bathroom activities don’t require that much lighting, so cut the usage substantially by installing LED bulbs. They don’t contain harmful chemicals, operate on much less electricity, and last way longer than traditional bulbs. Finally, strive to let in as much as natural light as possible with skylights, high windows and glass brick walls.
Smart revolution
The bathroom does not only reflect our ideal lifestyle, it’s a place where we can cut down the water consumption, but also its hidden cost— electricity. Efficiency-rated appliances, insulation, and natural light are your greatest allies in this quest. Don’t forget to do the regular maintenance and inspect the bathroom for leaks and drips that could cost you a fortune. Treat yourself with a smart haven of rejuvenation and let it mark the beginning of the homey energy-efficiency revolution.
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+.
Keeping your home safe should be a top priority. But with burglars getting smarter and trickier these days, securing your biggest investment may require you to go beyond the basic. This can mean more devices- and more expenses.
Fortunately, however, that isn’t always the case. With the right ideas, there are still ways for you to augment your home security without burning holes in your wallet. Here are 5 of them.
1. Upgrade your locks
Aside from installing a budget-friendly home security system, upgrading your locks is also necessary. As lock pickers and bumpers are becoming more common, you need to make sure your locks are resistant enough.
Deadbolt locks are one of your best options. Although they are not as expensive and advanced as smart lock systems, they are tough when it comes to brute force and lock picking.
The importance of keeping your doors locked at all times, particularly when you’re going out of your home isn’t rocket science. If you want your locks to be effective, you have to make sure you use them constantly.
2. Improve your landscaping
Increasing your yard’s visibility is one good way to keep intruders out. When your yard is clear of overgrown bushes and clutter, it will be easy for you and your neighbors to see who’s prying around your property. Aside from trimming plants, you can also add low thorny bushes to your yard. They are best placed on the areas near your windows and the sides of your home.
It can also help if you can increase the lighting in your yard. Although any type of lighting can be useful, it’s still a good idea if you can invest in motion activated lights. These lights can be triggered at the slightest sign of motion and can be used to alert your neighbors of possible trespassing. They are also good in sending intruders scampering away from your property.
3. Start or join your neighborhood watch program
Neighborhood watch programs are effective burglar deterrents. They encourage the community to be more proactive when it comes to security. They also make everyone in the neighborhood more vigilant, especially in knowing who goes in and out of the area.
If your neighborhood doesn’t have one yet, you can start your own group by inviting the people in your area for a short meeting. You can seek the help of your local police so that there won’t be anything amiss in the program. Working directly with your local authorities also makes their response time a lot faster.
4. Secure your garage
Because garages typically connect to a home, a large number of burglars use them to gain access to properties. This makes your garage as important as your front and back doors.
Your garage should always be closed or locked even if you’re home. As long as you’re not inside it or you’re not using it, keep in mind to secure its door. You should also push back any valuables further inside it so that they won’t be easily seen by prying eyes. It’s also a good idea to lock motorcycles and bikes inside.
5. Lock away your tools
Screwdrivers, hammers and even your ladder should not be left in sight as burglars can interpret them as a clear invitation to break into your home. The same thing goes for your pry bars and garden tools.
Instead of having them lying around, gather and tuck them inside your home. If you have a separate storage area in your yard, make sure that it can’t be easily seen by other people. It will also be helpful if your storage can be locked.
Author’s Bio:
Rose Cabrera is one of Top Security Review’s lead content writers. She’s highly passionate about writing home security system reviews and sharing budget-friendly home security ideas.
