When the spring season arrives, it seems like everyone wants to get outside and do something to improve the look of the outside of the home. Instead of just getting outdoors and doing several random jobs, it’s best to have a plan of action for what you want to put as a priority so that the exterior of the home pops after a dull winter season. If necessary, seek the help of a professional landscaper or another company to help with the ideas that you have in your mind.
Flowers
Add a little color to the outside of the home with flowers. Don’t plant a lot of different colors as this can make it hard to focus on the beautiful types of flowers. Instead, try to use one or two colors in various shades so that the garden that you make has a uniform appearance.
Place mulch around the flowers that you plant in front of the home and along the pathways to bring out the colors even more. Landscapers can help with planting flowers and making sure that the proper details are given to the way that they look.
Doorways
Touch up the exterior of the entry doors with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Change the color of the door to match the rest of the home if needed. You can look at J&D Door Sales Inc. and similar companies that sell garage doors to get a modern design for the garage instead of one that is plain and ordinary. When it comes to the garage door, you want it to be in a color that is neutral so that it blends with the other components of the house.
The Small Details
From changing the mailbox to changing the design of the numbers on the outside of the home, it’s the small details that people will notice. These are inexpensive transformations that you can make in a short time. Change the numbers so that the finish matches that of the rest of the home, such as the light fixtures.
New Furniture
If you have a large front porch, then it’s worth an investment to add a swing or even a few rocking chairs. You want to make the home look as charming and comfortable as possible. When you have furniture outside, it gives the look that it’s a home where people enjoy time outdoors.
The exterior of the home is a fun place to work on in the spring. You can add bright colors to everything from the railings to the garage. When you take the time to focus on one area at a time, you can tie everything together in an easier fashion for a delightful outdoor look.
Guest Post By:
Anica Oaks Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.
The kitchen is an important part of the house. This is where the foods we eat are being prepared and cooked. It is also where the ingredients being used in cooking are kept. Moreover, the kitchen serves as the storage area for most of the cooking equipment and dining utensils. It is therefore very necessary to keep and maintain a clean kitchen at all times.
Cleaning the kitchen may be tedious for some. But with the proper methods and helpful tips, keeping the kitchen clean may be easily obtained. Listed below are some of the quickest and easiest cleaning ideas that really work well in the kitchen.
Use lemon to keep the sink bright and white
The sink is an important part of the kitchen. It should be kept bright and white in color to be able to maintain its classic and fresh appeal. One can use leftover lemons to remove the accumulated stains in the sink. The affected area should be sprinkled with the right amount of baking soda. Use the leftover lemon wedge in scrubbing the sink for a shiny and germ-free sink.
Use vinegar to remove hard water deposits
The sink is commonly associated with stains. This is primarily due to the calcium deposits obtained in hard water. Removing these ugly markings require only the use of vinegar. The vinegar helps in loosening and dissolving the calcium deposits in the sink making it completely easy to remove.
Use kitchen floor cleaners
Kitchen floors should be cleaned with the most appropriate tools and cleaners. The kitchen floor cleaners come in different kinds based on the active ingredients that it contains. It is important the best cleaner that fits the needs of the users. Carefully read and follow the instructions written on the back label of the container to ensure the most efficient results. Use the correct dilution, contact time, and directions to guarantee a clean and safe kitchen area. Also, one can use steam cleaners for better outcomes. Steam cleaner reviews are available to learn the basics as well as the benefits of using them in kitchen cleaning.
Use ammonia to clean gas burners
The gas burners become dirty due to the splattering of the grease and food particles. This becomes more difficult to remove when it is starting to harden or solidify. It is, therefore, necessary to immediately clean the area after every use. However, there are times when the gruesome burners are left for a longer period of time allowing the hardening of the particles. These hardened particles can be removed by using cheap ammonia bought in a local store. The affected area should be soaked overnight in ammonia and wiped with a sponge to clean and revive the clean and shiny look.
Remove unwanted smell using vinegar from sink
The unwanted smell in the sink may come from the accumulated dirt from the sink traps and drainage. This can be solved using the aid of vinegar. This liquid can be poured over the sink to help dissolve the unwanted deposits causing an odor that accumulates through time. Allow some time for the vinegar to stay in the sink traps and drainage. Afterward, flush the sink with hot water to ensure that the loosened particles are washed away.
Remove tarnish
Tarnishing of the sink may be due to the accumulation of dirt and mineral deposits. This can be removed and solved using materials that are readily available in one’s home. The combination of baking soda, vinegar, and lemon is the answer to this kitchen sink problem. The baking soda should be sprinkled prior to the scrubbing of the sink for better cleaning. Vinegar will then be used as a rinsing agent to naturally disinfect and remove the hard water residues in the sink. The lemon will then be used in rubbing the area for a deodorizing effect giving a shiny and bright sink.
Make sure your trash and recycling containers are big enough
Always ensure that the trash is contained and kept in big plastics or containers. It should be properly segregated in different containers to determine and identify which are recyclable and those that are not.
Keeping the kitchen always clean and dirt free may be a difficult task. It requires proper knowledge on the correct methods involves in cleaning. However, simple tips and techniques can also be done to make the kitchen chores a lot easier. These quick and easy guidelines will guarantee the best results using the cheapest and the most affordable materials available.
Mold and mildew are funguses that thrive in moist, warm conditions. These organisms reproduce by releasing spores that cling to organic materials in the home such as drywall, upholstery, cardboard, paper and carpeting. The spores are carried into the home by water and air, and they will continue to spread until the home is cleaned and dried out thoroughly. Fungus growth can cause significant damage to home materials and can also create health problems in sensitive individuals if they inhale or come into contact with the spores.
Fix Plumbing Problems Quickly
Any source of water can cause fungus growth in your home, so if one of the plumbing lines in the house develops a leak, it can lead to the development of smelly, unhealthy mold growth. Check the pipes under the sinks or connected to appliances to ensure the connections are secure. Some leaks can occur deep within the walls of your home. A professional plumbing contractor can use special equipment to locate the leak with the least amount of damage to walls and floors. If you notice moisture or if the rooms develop a moist, humid feel, call in a plumber to repair the leak before it leads to damage to your home’s construction materials and cause the growth of fungus. Professional companies, such E & R Exterminating Company, Inc. can apply wood borate compounds to eliminate fungus growth on wood components under your home.
Prevent Flooding Incidents In Your Home
Some areas of the country are subject to heavy seasonal rains that cause basement flooding or flooding of lower floors of homes. To prevent water damage and fungus growth from basement flooding, install a sump pump system that will automatically remove rainwater from the basement when water table levels rise. If you are in a low area, be ready to pile sandbags around the foundation when heavy rains occur that might flood your home.
Waterproof Your Basement
Even if you don’t experience flooding in your home, ordinary seepage into the basement from heavy rains or snowmelt can cause a constant state of dampness that can promote fungus growth on drywall, storage boxes, paper and other materials. Applying a waterproof seal to your foundation walls can help to minimize seepage and will help to avoid fungus growth in the basement interior. Contact a basement-waterproofing contractor in your area for more information on protecting your home from water damage.
Fungus growth can deteriorate the construction materials in your home. It can also result in health problems for sensitive or allergic members of your family. Use these tips prevent fungus growth in your home, and call in a professional contractor to minimize the damage when it occurs.
It is tough to imagine when the weather is mild, or even cold, that there are sweltering days of summer on their way. You know, those days when the sun is beating down and the humidity is so high your lungs feel like you are breathing through a wet sponge. This is when you need your central air conditioning to be operating at peak efficiency, but is your AC ready to handle the coming summer heat?
Central AC Cleaning
It is the air blowing over those aluminum fins that cover the coils of the condenser and evaporator that slowly build up grime that can drastically reduce AC efficiency. The part outside with the big fan and large surface area of aluminum fins is the condenser. It is the hot side of the AC system that dissipates the accumulated heat from inside your home to the outside. Oxidation, debris, insect nests and airborne particulates can block airflow. The evaporator is the cold side and is usually housed inside the main air duct of your furnace. These coils get wet with condensation that is drained away, and dust is the main offender that leads to blocked drains and coils that freeze up to block airflow. Your central AC system may be in desperate need of cleaning.
Low Refrigerant
Your central air conditioning system relies on a specific amount of refrigerant to operate at peak efficiency. The compressor has a low refrigerant sensor that will shut it off once the compressed gas drops to a set point. However, the system can operate for years with slightly low refrigerant levels that keep it working but at a considerably reduced level of efficiency. Also, low refrigerant can lead to evaporator coil freezing. If you notice your AC system is not pumping out air as cold as it did a few years ago, it is time to call professional AC technicians to have it tested. Getting your AC system back to operating at peak efficiency saves you money in energy costs.
Home Additions
Many homeowners have had a contractor add an addition onto their home. In some cases the ability of both the furnace and central air system to handle the extra square footage has not been taken into consideration. Each furnace and AC unit is designed to heat and cool a specific area usually determined by its volume in square feet. If you have noticed that your furnace or AC system is not heating or cooling your home like they did before the addition, then contacting an HVAC professional who can look up the specifications of your system and calculate the total square footage of your home can be useful. Also, there just may be a problem in how the air is distributed or a problem with returning air back to the system that just requires adjustments and not equipment replacement.
Tree Cutting and Insulation
Things can change around and in your home that affect the ability of your air conditioning system to be able to cool your home properly. Cutting down a large shade tree on the southern side of your home exposes it to more heat from the sun. This can make rooms on that side of the house hotter than they were before a tree was cut down. This can often be corrected with some fine tuning of the air distribution system. Insulation is usually only considered when it comes to keeping the heat in during the winter months, but good insulation is needed to keep the heat out in the summer as well. This may involve something as simple as installing solar films on windows on the sunny side of your home to block out some more of the sun’s heat in the summer.
If your AC system is not performing up to your standards of comfort on the hottest days of summer, it may just need cleaned and adjusted to get back to keeping your house cool and comfortable on those miserable days. The best time to ready your home for the heat of summer is to get your AC system inspected and serviced before that first hot day when you really need it.
Keeping your home sparkling clean is an ongoing process. You will need some basic equipment, such as a bucket, biodegradable detergent and a pressure washer. The time that you invest in keeping up your home’s exterior will add value to the home and provide you with a sense of personal pride.
Clean the Windows
Cleaning your home’s windows improves its appearance inside and out. You will need to clean both sides of the glass in order to achieve optimal results. Basic supplies needed for this project include glass cleaner, a squeegee, a bucket and newspapers. Work from the highest windows down and from the top of the window to the bottom. Do the same for the inside pane of glass.
Use a Pressure Washer
Using a pressure washer is a fast and efficient way to clean your home’s siding. Dirt, dust, and salt residue can mar your siding. Some companies, like Ben’s Cleaner Sales, know that things like bird droppings and pollen can also have damaging effects on the exterior of your home. Use a biodegradable detergent and your pressure washer to get rid of all of the grime. Spring and autumn are good times of the year to pressure wash your home’s exterior.
Paint the Trim
The trim around your home’s doors and windows is prone to chipping. Repainting it will boost the aesthetic appeal of your house. Unlike painting the whole exterior, touching up the trim does not take too long. Use a wire brush to remove any peeling paint. Apply a layer of primer. Allow the primer to fully dry. Use the correct type of oil-based exterior paint for the material you are painting. If you need a second coat of paint, wait at least eight hours between coats.
Get Rid of Roof Stains
Roof stains are unsightly, but they are rarely a sign of damage. Most roof stains are the result of a type of algae that thrives on damp asphalt shingles. A special detergent can be used to wash your roof and get rid of the stains. You can have a roofer install copper or zinc strips along your roof line. This will prevent new stains from forming. Trimming back tree branches helps to ensure that the shingles dry out after rain.
These four simple actions will dramatically improve your home’s exterior. You can do these activities on a clear, mild day. If you are getting your home ready for a special event, your guests will be thrilled at the flawless facade of your house.
A home’s doors and windows are the first lines of defense against burglars and intruders. Doors are by far the most important because they are the main entrance to the house and logically where the burglars will try first. While taking simple steps, such as always securing the locks and repairing broken doors and windows is certainly important, there are a few ways that homeowners can go beyond the basics when choosing new doors and windows for the home.
Go Solid
Doors that lead to the outdoors should always be solid. While hollow doors are often used indoors for improved cost as well as a lightweight feel, front and back doors as well as doors leading to the garage should be made of solid wood or metal with inner reinforcements. Other good options include fiberglass and reinforced steel. Consider options like these attractive and inviting New Jersey doors that look beautiful and are sturdy as well.
Consider Windowless
Numerous doors come with decorative windows to let in light and to provide a curbside statement. However, these same windows also provide easy ways for predators to peep indoors or for intruders to reach into the home to unlock the door. Homeowners that must have windows in their doors should consider choosing ones with metal reinforcements or smaller windows that are quite far from the door’s lock.
Always Include Deadbolts
Instead of using only the small locks that are part of the doorknob, all homeowners should have deadbolts installed with their new doors. Deadbolts extend far into the doorframe, creating another layer of protection for the household. In addition, homeowners should ensure that the doorframe is sturdy to protect it from being kicked out by an intruder.
Choose Reliable Brands And Companies
Of course, any door or window is only as reliable as the company that sells it is. Homeowners should choose reputable companies to buy from. A reputable firm will be able to direct homeowners to the sturdiest doors and to the most secure windows for the home. A good installer will be able to make these recommendations without sacrificing the style of the home.
Beware Of Sliding Doors
Sliding glass patio doors are some of the easiest options for intruders looking to break into a home. Not only are these typically solid glass, but also many of them can be easily forced open. Homeowners that have these patio or balcony doors should only choose options made from reinforced glass or polycarbonate and should always install a sturdy, solid metal or wooden dowel in the track in addition to the door’s traditional lock.
Choose Reinforced Glass
Windows should be made from reinforced glass, such as laminated glass, or from polycarbonate or Plexiglas, which are quite difficult and time-consuming to break. All homeowners should consider installing reflective coatings on the glass to ensure that potential intruders cannot see into the house even if the curtains are open.
Add Window Bars
Homes that are built along the street or that have windows that are very low to the ground are at particular risk from intruders. Window bars can protect the home even if the glass is broken. Homeowners need not worry that these bars will ruin the look of the home. Many options are quite decorative with scrollwork and even shapes that can extend over window boxes.
Homeowners who do not know too much about the windows and doors that are currently on the market today should check with professional installers to determine what the most secure options are. While safe, solid doors and windows almost always cost more than the baseline models do, they are certainly worth it for peace of mind as well as for home and personal safety.
Having a flooring that is nicely tiled and grouted is a great sight to see. However, not everyone is fond of cleaning it on a regular basis. Nonetheless, if you know what you should and should not do, you will be able to clean your grout and tiles with ease. Here are some of the things that you should avoid when cleaning your grout lines and tiles.
Grout cleaning and tile cleaning is a good idea, especially if you do so on a regular basis as this can actually prolong the life of your flooring and your tiles. Cleaning can maintain the flooring looking best all the time. You can find more about grout cleaning process here.
You also have to keep in mind that there are some activities which can actually shorten the life span of your tiles as well as the grout lines and some activities may even be extremely dangerous. Here are some of the things that you should avoid when doing tile and grout cleaning:
Avoid using too much water.
Only use the exact amount of water that you need. Do not use excess water, as grout is tremendously porous. Aside from weakening the grout, it can seep into the grout and be trapped there. Once water gets trapped in the grout, mildew and molds may grow their causing issues in the future.
Avoid using harsh chemicals and use light ones instead.
Bleach and ammonia are never good together if you meant to use them in cleaning your tiles and grout lines, as these two can create a type of gas – chlorine gas to be exact – which is quite poisonous and hazardous to your health. Do not use any harsh chemicals when other light chemicals can do the same job. Over time, these harsh chemicals can contribute in damaging your grout and tiles. Harsh chemicals can also weaken or lower down the durability as well as lifespan of grout and tiles.
Avoid using bleaching agents when cleaning, especially if your grout is colored. Bleaching it will wash away the original color of the grout by lightening or dulling the color.
Your scrubber matters.
Avoid using scrubbers,which are coarse as these can damage the grout and the tiles. In many cases, it is suggested that a brush would be used instead. This will help in making sure that the tiles and grout will last longer.
Cleaning tiles and grouts is not really as hard as it seem. You just need to know the basic do’s and don’ts of cleaning so you will not go astray or cause damage to your tiles and grout.
Jason McCoy is an experienced contractor who enjoys working on DIY projects of all kinds. He maintains a Guru For Grout Sealing Blog, which contains all sorts of information related to grouting, cleaning and sealing tiles.
Roofing problems can arise at any time. Neglecting them is not possible as it can result in a lot of damage which is definitely a question of worry. That is why it becomes necessary to make sure that the roofing is repaired or replaced according to the requirement. Whether your roof is leaking or its shingles are disappearing, the only way to combat them is through the best roof repairs. As roof repairing is a task of experts, therefore, you need to hire someone who specializes in this area. This will prove beneficial as quality services will come your way and at the same time, you can look forward to great outcomes. So, one should be very careful while making the choice and do proper research before you avail the roof repairs.
Roof Repairs
Several Aspects That You Would Like To Look Into But Some Of The Crucial Ones Are Given Below.
Licensed and insured – The very first thing to consider while hiring any company is whether they are licensed or not. If the company is licensed, their services will be guaranteed and will offer complete assistance you are looking for. On the other hand, if you trust any local company that is not licensed and insured you might face some problems thus increasing your tension. So why compromise when you can easily locate a good roof repairing company for your home. Also, your investment is protected as you can avail compensation in case of any damage etc.
Warranty – There are many companies that offer work guarantee. Usually the warranty period of roofing work is only one year but still, some of them may offer a higher warranty period as well. So it will be good if you get in touch with the company as well as the professionals and grab information about the work warranty which is certainly an important concern.
More than the general services – Usually the contractors only offer roof repairs but there are few who provide additional services too like helping you to choose the right roofing material, designs etc. So you can definitely look for a company that is more than just a roofing company and whose professionals are highly knowledgeable to guide you at every step. A skilled professional will also carry out complete inspection and suggest the necessary steps to be taken as per the current status of the roof.
Roof Repairs
Reputation – Another factor that you would like to look into is the reputation of the company. Everyone wants to hire a company who is not only reputed but trusted and reliable too so that you can look forward to finest services. That is why, make sure you do proper research about the company, check the reviews and consult others as well before you finally decide to hire them for the work.
Maintenance services – The Company which you hire should be able to provide maintenance services as well because it is necessary to maintain the roof repairs regularly. Thus it will be better if you consult about the same with the company in advance so that you are able to avail all the services from one place only. Also, it will minimize the need of hiring any other companies for the same work and spending more money.
One more thing that is essential is the experience, knowledge and the skills of the professional as it can make a huge difference to the work quality. Always satisfy yourself completely before you rely on any professional as you are investing money and the best should come your way. So follow the above tips and make a wise decision.
Nothing is perfect, especially a home that was built back in the 1970’s or earlier. An older home is definitely something that needs to be fixed up with repairs and various updates. Such imperfections tend to take a toll on a home and have the potential of making you feel a little uncomfortable. Your home is supposed to be a cozy sanctuary, not something that you dread coming to. The following tips should help transform your home into a comfortable dwelling.
Make a few Repairs
It might not seem too important, but little issues at home could make you feel uncomfortable. That crack on the wall or peeling drywall could look like eyesores and make it hard for you to feel happy. Worse of all, these imperfections could make you a little nervous when someone wants to visit. Try to repair these areas as soon as possible. Besides, pests can use cracks or holes to enter your home.
Add a Splash of Color
Many homes come with boring colors, but there is no need to stick to these colors. It might be time to consider a good accent wall or an entire paint job. One color that you might want to consider is blue. This color is known to help people relax and control stress hormones like cortisol, which should make you feel more comfortable at home.
Consider Upgrades
Many home owners are in need of a few upgrades, such as their kitchen or furnace. Sure, there may be a thing or two that you might be able to upgrade yourself. However, it can be difficult messing with outdated materials and trying to incorporate more modern materials or technology. This is why it’s important to call in a specialist, like one from Glendale Heating & Air Conditioning, to do the upgrading for you. If you’re reluctant to do an upgrade, though, you should consider all of the benefits. For example, an older furnace will be less efficient and cost you more in your heating bill than a newer one.
Create More Space
One thing that some older homes are notorious for is their misuse of space. This issue can sometimes make a home feel a little smaller than it actually is and make you feel cramped. This is the reason why it is recommended that you consider knocking down unnecessary walls to give your home more space, which should make you feel comfortable.
Of course, these are just a few suggestions that may make you feel a little better at home. Be sure to be honest with yourself, and look around your home for any modifications that it might need.
It can be hard to think of spring while in the depths of winter. However, this has been one of the warmer winters in recent years, depending on where you live. However, the colder it gets, the closer we are to spring! Spring is a classic time to clean and update your home because everyone is sick of being cooped up all winter and you can finally get outside and play. If you’re interested in making your home more environmentally friendly, then this spring is the perfect time to do it.
Give Your Windows a Perk
Bringing natural light in is always a welcome relief from winter, but it can also put a hurting on your climate control. Replacing the windows in one room, each year, lets you update them slowly so you don’t have to shell out the money all at once. Double paned windows allow for the best insulation, but they are more expensive at a minimum of $500 each. In order to get the full benefit, all windows would have to be replaced. A cheaper option is to upgrade the insulation around your windows, but that requires regular upkeep.
Paint Your Roof
Greece is well-known for their stark, white homes. There’s actually a very good reason for that. The white helps to keep the home cooler, which is a necessity around the equator. You can achieve the same thing by painting your roof either white or another light color. However, it’s likely that you would have to repaint it frequently, about once a year. If that idea doesn’t agree with you, it’s also a good place for a garden or solar panels!
Update Your Insulation
A properly insulated home is your best defense again wasting extra energy to remain comfortable. Take a look at your home, and see what’s lacking. Insulation in the attic and basement is often neglected, even though it’s vital to keep your home’s heating and cooling costs under control. Putting in new insulation isn’t even that expensive. If you shop around and are willing to put in the work, it’s even something you might be able to DIY, if you get some advice.
Replace Old and Damaged Goods
Old drafty doors need to go. If unchecked, they can be a constant drain on your energy usage. This actually applies to a lot more than just your front and back doors, as well. Garage doors are rarely replaced when they need to be. Damaged siding or roof tiles also need to be replaced before they cause more damage. Doing a thorough, yearly inspection of your home’s exterior can give you the chance to fix problems before they become serious. Plus, a new garage door can do a world of good for improving your curb appeal. That update can pay for its self, as do many other green updates.
Pack Your Home with Green
House plants are good for a variety of reasons. They tend to be good for your spirits, they help keep the air clean, they provide a visual reminder of warmer weather and they can help your home be a bit eco-friendlier. In addition to filtering out a wide variety of potentially damaging chemicals from the air, they also pack your home with humidity. Heating and air conditioning both tend to suck that right out of the house!
Update Your Floors
Most classic flooring isn’t exactly environmentally friendly. A little updating can make a big difference in it. This is a slightly more expensive option, but floors take a lot of wear and tear. They all need to be replaced at some point. Bamboo is a beautiful, sustainable option but it’s also pricy. It’s hard enough to last a lifetime, cutting down on the environmental impact of another replacement.
However, if it’s not in your price range, or you don’t like the look, then cork is another green option. It’s much cheaper, incredibly simple to harvest, it lasts a very long time and it has an unusual texture. It’s great for kids and keeps the floor warm during the winter.
Take it Outside
Since these are tips for spring, it only makes sense to remember the landscape. Native plants are wonderful, and provide a simple way to keep your lawn healthy with minimal work. You can also look into drip irrigation, composting, rainwater harvesting, and growing your own garden. Leave as many plants and trees as you can, especially if they provide protection to your home. Bushes provide an extra layer of insulation, and lots of plants allow for the wildlife to have food and cover. With humans encroaching on their land everywhere, they need it!
If you plan to spend a hefty chunk or just a bit, there are a ton of options to make your home greener. Pick a small one to start, and progress on to larger endeavors. With all the savings you’ll get from updating your home, you’ll be able to make bigger changes!
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.
