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Vinyl Flooring for Bathrooms and Kitchens? No Problem!

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When the time comes to consider changing the floor of a bathroom or kitchen, the typical question is whether it will be resistant to water and / or other liquids. The answer for the case of vinyl flooring is a clear “yes, no problem whatsoever”.

It also has another advantage, this type of flooring is very easy to clean, so if the water is going to be constant on your new floor, you will appreciate that it is vinyl.

Maintenance of vinyl tiles

There is virtually no maintenance required. A mop for when it has been wet and vacuuming or a sweeping will be enough to keep it in perfect condition. No polishing is necessary.

Although waterproof flooring is highly resistant, it is not indestructible, so it is advisable not to use abrasive cleaning products. If you find a stain that seems complex to eliminate acquire a specific product for this type of flooring and use a soft brush.

Disadvantages

Nothing is perfect and therefore vinyl flooring is not perfect and has some drawbacks:

  • Continuous direct sunlight can affect the pattern of the surface over time. This is, however, common in many other types of flooring. In areas where you think it may be affected use curtains or blinds, for example, to avoid long and repetitive exposure.

  • It is not ideal in some cases for houses with underfloor heating.

  • If it comes into contact with hot objects, it can deteriorate.

  • For manufacturing, materials that can be harmful are used, especially during the manufacturing process, for example of the PCV.

The price of vinyl flooring

As with everything, there are different qualities, materials or designs, which will undoubtedly affect the price of vinyl flooring, although generally it can be said that this type of flooring is cheaper than many of the alternatives.

It does not make much sense to compare it with floors such as marble, solid wood or ceramic tiles, since they have very little in common. It seems more logical to compare it with similar alternatives such as laminate flooring, cork flooring or even linoleum, that is to say, floating floors or that are fixed with an adhesive to the subfloor.

The cost of a vinyl flooring, as with any other material, consists of two parts, on the one hand the material and on the other the installation. From the point of view of the installation, vinyl flooring is perhaps the most economical, since it is very fast and practically does not require many specialist tools or equipment. In terms of material cost, vinyl flooring offers a range of prices accessible to most budgets and is certainly less expensive than some more luxurious or top-end flooring choices, such as hardwood flooring.


4 Home Improvements That Will Add Value to Your Home

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Today more than ever, more people want to know how they can add value to their houses. They know we’re going through a real estate market slump, and they, therefore, have two options. One is on to hang onto their houses until the market improves. The other is to improve their homes and sell the house despite the slump. If you prefer the second option, here are house improvements that will add value to your home.

1. The Kitchen

Families spend more time in the kitchen than anywhere else in the house making the kitchen the most important room. As a result, buyers first look at the kitchen. So, if you’re going to make any home improvements, start here.

And for your effort, the returns on your investment will be anywhere from 60% to twice that much. With that said, a deluxe kitchen never adds value to a house – it only eats into your profits. So, what should you do? Using cheap, eco-friendly paints, and installing modern appliances is often more than enough.

2. The Bathroom

Once you’re done remodeling the kitchen, focus on the bathroom – the most important room after the kitchen. And like with the kitchen, the returns on your investment will also be high – more than 80%, in fact. So where should you start?

If your house has only one bathroom, start by adding another one in a room you don’t often use. However, your choice of room depends on the size of the bathroom you want to install. For instance, a half-bath needs about 20 square feet, and a full bath and shower, about 30 square feet. But remember; install modest accessories, not deluxe ones.

3. Other Rooms

After remodeling the kitchen and bathroom, now focus on the other rooms. But whatever you do, do not try adding more rooms as the costs might quickly spiral out of control. Instead, reinvent the rooms by, say, transforming an attic into a sewing room or child’s bedroom.

Likewise, you can remodel the basement into a family room, a game room, or an apartment. The garage too can get a makeover to become a small apartment or even a workshop. But in each room you reinvent, bring in more light by installing larger but more energy-efficient windows.

4. The Outdoors

Finally, when improving your house, don’t forget to improve the outdoors as well. If possible, add a deck to create an outdoor room, throwing in flower pots, seats, and a trellis. To cut costs, do the work yourself.

Next, improve the front and back yards. This could mean improving your fencing if you feel it’s outdated or needs to be replaced Companies like Northland Fence Minnesota offer many fencing types for all budgets. You could also take the time to prune the trees and prune any unkempt bushes. Doing so opens up views, brings in more light, and reduces mold. Better still, it makes your house more visible and attractive to buyers.

These modifications are all sure-fire ways to improve the look of your house and make it more attractive to prospective buyers. If you are trying to sell your property fast, or simply improve its overall look, make sure you keep these recommendations in mind.

Top 4 Ways the Right Contractor Helps Customers Choose New Windows

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You want to replace the windows in your home, but you are not sure how to make the right choices. One of the ways that a reputable contractor will help is by guiding you through the process. Here are a few examples of how that contractor will make it easier to come up with a plan and end up with windows you will enjoy for years.

 

Discussing Window Designs

If you’ve never replaced residential windows before, there’s a lot you may not know. For example, are you aware that it’s possible to go with a completely different window design or style? You are not stuck with buying new windows that are the same design as the old ones.

One of the ways that the contractor will help you is identifying various designs that are currently available in the Ottawa windows market. Perhaps there are a couple of different styles that will fit right in with your home design. The contractor can help you explore the merits of each one and settle on a window style that makes your home look better than ever.

 

Comparing Different Materials

The contractor will also point out that you have more than one choice for window materials. Instead of investing in another set of wooden windows, you could go with vinyl or metal. Many window designs are made using any of the three. Some designs may even incorporate the use of two or even all three types of materials.

The contractor will help by pointing out the advantages each material provides. That includes discussing how long you can expect the windows to last, the amount of maintenance involved, and the potential for repairs as the years go by. After that discussion, it will be easier to choose the right material for your purposes.

 

Standard Versus Custom Windows

If your home is newer, there’s a good chance all the windows are standard. Older homes may have windows that vary slightly in size. The contractor can examine the windows and let you know if standard sizes will do or if the replacement windows will need some customization. This is important, since the cost of customizing will vary based on the window design and specifications.

 

Keeping the Project Affordable

Not everyone has unlimited funds to use for a windows replacement project. It’s not unusual for

replacement windows contractors to help clients explore options that fit into the budget but also offer the greatest range of features and benefits. If price is something you need to watch closely, tell the contractor up front. It will make finding a good match all the easier.

Remember that a reputable contractor wants you to be happy with the finished project. Your satisfaction is one of the best forms of advertising that a contractor can employ. Work closely with a professional and feel free to ask lots of questions. Together, it will be easier to make the right decisions and enjoy those new windows for many years to come.

 

Canadian Choice Windows

1750 Steeles Ave W #15,

Concord,

ON,

L4K 2L7

Canada

+1 855-291-5846

How to create a bat-friendly garden

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While they’re not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, bats are a great addition to any garden environment. As the weather starts to get warmer again in spring and the evenings stay lighter for longer, there’s nothing more relaxing than looking up at the sky and seeing these animals flitting about the sky doing their best acrobatic routines.

You may not have even realised that bats are residing so close to your home and garden – and you’re not alone. If you’re looking to up your chances of catching a glimpse of these amazing creatures from the comfort of your rattan garden furniture here are just some of the ways in which you can encourage them to visit your outdoor space.

Attract Food Sources

Many people may find the idea of leaving food in their gardens off-putting, as it can encourage animals to come in and scavenge for food.

However, bats don’t need physical food to be left out for them. Instead, they prefer to catch their own, as they prefer to eat insects, which is why you will see them flitting across the sky – they’re catching their breakfast!

Attracting the insects that these animals feed on is a sure-fire way to attract them to your garden. Light coloured plants or which attract insects who spend their time awake during the dim light at night is a good place to start.

As many of the insects that bats like to eat are considered pests, it is worth noting that you may have to put up with a few more nibbled leaves than usual. However, it’s important that you don’t resort to using pesticides to keep the populations of pests down – after all, more food for the bats will increase your chances of seeing these fascinating creatures up close!

Compost heaps are also an easy way to attract those bat-baiting bugs, and a great way to help your garden grow, too!

Water Features

If you are lucky enough to have a little more space on your hands, adding a pond or area of water to your garden will attract mayflies and other water-loving insects which that bats love to eat,

This way, you’ll be able to get an even closer look at mr bat while he swoops and glides over your pond, hoovering up all his favourite treats!

Give them a place to shelter

While it’s hard to imagine a bat tiring and taking a break when seeing them being so enthusiastic in the sky, everyone needs a rest now and then.

Bat boxes are an obvious choice. These are specifically designed to shelter the bats and keep them safe while they grab 40 winks. These should be placed high off the ground, either in a tree or attached to a sturdy wall. Bats also love warmth, so try to place the boxes in a south-westerly position so that they can stay toasty and warm.

Bats don’t need these boxes to be attracted to your garden though and can often find their own hidey places should they need.

Sharing your garden with nature is something that we wish everyone could experience – will you make a home for nature in yours?

Which is the Best Water Heating System in the UK?

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One factor to consider when buying or renting a home is the installed water heating system. If the system is not your favourite, you can replace it with a convenient and affordable system. Although there are several types of heating systems, not all may suit your needs. Here are some of the things that may determine your choice of heating system.

Hot water demand

Some homes have a higher demand for hot water than others. This may be as a result of the size of the house or family. In case of a large family, you may opt for installing an oil boiler. This boiler is convenient and economical when heating large amounts of water. It can also continually supply hot water to multiple outlets.

Safety

This is the first thing that should come to your mind before installing a boiler. Which is the most family-friendly type of boiler? Although all types of boilers have their safety measures, combi boilers are safer. This boiler consists of a single, sealed compact unit. The boiler components are concealed in a casing. This means that you cannot access the components unless you are a professional engineer.

Cost of installation

Do you have a budget for your boiler installation? The installation fee varies depending on the type of boiler you want to install. It is advisable that you consult a Gas Safe registered installer at www.northerngasheating.com for quotes. If you are on a tight budget, think of installing a boiler you can afford.

Space

Heating systems come in different sizes. Some heaters require large tanks to store hot water. If you are looking for a commercial boiler, this would be your best choice. If you are living in a rental house, a compact boiler would be your best choice. Consider installing a combi or LPG boiler as these need less space.

Fuel cost

There are oil, gas and electric water heating systems. Besides availability, you may also consider the cost of heating water using each fuel option. A few years ago, gas was the cheapest fuel. Today, oil is the cheapest fuel in the UK. If you want to install the cheapest heating system, consider an oil boiler installation.

Environmental friendliness

Which is the most environmentally-friendly heating option? Most homeowners prefer LPG boilers. When well serviced, these boilers do not release harmful emissions. Burning oil is known to emit carbon monoxide, which is harmful to your health.

Finally, consider the cost of servicing. It is required by law that boilers should be serviced annually. However, the cost of servicing may vary depending on your type of boiler. Some boilers are also expensive to maintain. As you search for the best boiler to install in your home, make sure that you take the above factors into consideration.

Image: pixabay

How to Plaster Your Interior Walls

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17Plastering your own walls may seem daunting because you must spend to buy the materials and set aside the time to do the work yourself. However, apart from the appeal of learning something new and ending the day looking at your own handiwork, for those who are willing to try, plastering your interior walls is not that difficult. You can buy your plastering trowels and plaster mix as soon as possible.

  1. Gather your materials

When you decide to plaster your interior walls, select your plaster. You can talk to the sales representative to properly weigh up your options. Have a decent-sized bucket for your plaster mix; you may use one you have at home. Selecting your plastering trowel and hawk might be trickier because as much as people recommend one over another only you can decide on your trowel. Considering how long you are going to work, test how the trowel feels in your hand. The heavier it is does not always mean the better! When you find one that fits you comfortably with its size and weight, you are good to go.

  1. Prep your walls

After you have gathered your materials, prep your interior wall. Clean it well. Remove any wallpaper, old nails, and the like. Go over it with a damp rag or a dry brush to remove any dust. Professional plasterers know that for the plaster to stick properly and to ensure a smooth finish a clean wall is a must. The excess dust may change the consistency of your plaster mix. This may cause parts of the wall to dry faster than others. It can also create small bumps, preventing a smooth finish.

  1. Apply the plaster

When your wall prep is done, mix your plaster with water. Make sure that there are no dry lumps and that the consistency is nice and smooth. Add a generous amount to your hawk and apply your plaster to your wall. Focus on how much you are applying and don’t dwell on one section too long. Taking too long on one part and doing one wall in many sessions can ruin the overall look. It creates inconsistencies.

  1. Clean up

When you finish, don’t forget to clean your trowel and hawk. If you want to continue plastering jobs throughout your house, a clean-as-you-go mentality prevents the build-up of old plaster chunks that may get in the way of your next project. Leave your wall to dry for three days and try to keep the moisture out as much as possible.

As long as you know what to do and aren’t afraid to ask questions, doing the plasterwork by yourself is not impossible. It requires a lot of patience, time management, and upper body strength to get the job done, but its worth it in the end.

Image: Pixabay.com

5 Reasons Why You Need to Clean Your Gutters

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House chores are never really something that we look forward to, but they need to be taken care of nonetheless. In case you have been putting off your gutter cleaning sessions, here are five reasons as to why uncleaned gutters can be more trouble than one might think.

Your Roof May Begin to Rot

If you neglect the cleaning duties long enough, your gutters will inevitably clog up with leaves, dirt and other debris. After a certain time, this will stop the water from draining off your roof, which would lead to flooding. Since stagnant water can rot the roof pretty quickly, it shouldn’t be hard to imagine why it’s a bad idea for your roof to have a dirty clogged gutter.

Bird Nests

The gutters could become home to birds and while we don’t usually mind that in the garden, it can be a problem on the roof because whenever you decide to clean it, you will have to remove the nest. If she has already laid eggs and the nest has baby birds in it, that’s going to pose a whole new set of problems as it’s immoral and illegal at the same time! To avoid having to uproot entire avian families, clean your gutters regularly.

Pest Haven

The last thing you would want is for your gutters to be infested with ants, mosquitoes, bees, wasps and even termites. Mushy, leafy and damp places are ideal for bugs to live in, and if you leave the gutters uncleaned for too long, they will multiply and calling pest control would be your only hope of getting rid of them.

Your Garden Might Suffer

If for some reason, you have let your gutters go uncleaned for so long that in addition to having stagnant water, the roof has actually started overflowing onto the garden bed, it’s bad news for the garden too. The section of the garden which is being overwatered continuously will begin to rot, and if you have plants there, they may die out.

Cracking the House Open

This is probably the last thing that would want to happen to your house, but it’s true that the stagnant water from a clogged gutter can eventually crack the foundation of your home during the winter. As it’s common for the water to pool along the house’s foundation when your roof starts overflowing, that same pooled water will freeze and crack the foundation if the temperature drops below freezing point.

If the job is too tough for you, search on Google for “gutter cleaning near me”. There are gutter cleaning services all over the US, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find a professional willing to clean out your gutters before your property sustains serious damage.

Now that you know how important it is to clean your gutters, we have some good news for you too. Instead of spending your limited spare time and the weekends on cleaning dirty gutters, book a service with a professional gutter cleaning company and you won’t have to worry about this anymore.

Top 10 Electrical Mistakes in your Home

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Mistakes in wiring are some of the most common issues we face at home. These could lead to possible damages and accidents including electrical shocks and short circuits that could cause fires. Hence, hiring reliable electricians such as the best electrical perth team is a must to protect your home. In addition, learning what you can about these wiring issues could also help in detecting electrical errors before it worsens. Thus, here are the top 10 electrical mistakes common in homes:

  1. Leaving Wires Outside Electrical Boxes

Some may think that a hanging wire outside the electrical box is forgivable. However, this is totally dangerous as it might emit heat or sparks. Hence, always keep or reconnect them inside. If you’re not sure, call an expert.

  1. Cutting Short Wires

It’s ideal that you leave an extra inch or two when you cut your wires. It’s possible that you’re going to re-wire in the future so to avoid hassles, leave extensions.

  1. Neglecting the Plastic Cable

If the cables are made of plastic, you should protect them from wear and tear since they’re more prone to breakage, especially the cables inside the walls and ceilings.

  1. Supporting Outlets and Switches Poorly

Doing this is hazardous in every way. Not supporting these can cause movement which can lead to terminal breakage, overheating or fires.

  1. Wiring Outlets without Ground Wires

Never install a three-prong plug on a two-slot outlet if you don’t have ground wires available. Ground wires make sure that everything is in a correct placement. If you don’t have a tester, buy one at your nearest hardware before you tinker on your outlets.

  1. Adding Protective Padding on Electrical Boxes

If you directly connect these electrical boxes on combustible materials, you’re likely to start a fire. Thus, add a protective layer to their surfaces.

  1. Forgetting the Clamps

It’s dangerous to leave your cables without clamps. Clamps are made to secure the cables in order to avoid cuts and heat in the long run. That’s why cables should be under the clamps when you’re installing them inside an electrical box.

  1. Overcrowding the Electrical Box

Some of us might think that as long as the cables have clamps and extra protection, we can already overcrowd the electrical box without concerns. However, doing so can overheat the box. Plus, short-circuiting could also happen. This will not only break your wirings but also cause fires.

  1. Failing to Check the Neutral and Hot Wires

This issue might only appear after someone gets a shock from the wire. That’s why you need to be wary of the neutral and hot wires. Make sure that you’re not interchanging them because this can create a lethal shock which can greatly distress anyone.

  1. Installing the GFCI Incorrectly

Don’t mix up the lines from the ground fault circuit interrupters since these are the ones that protect you from shock. If you’re not sure how to install them, don’t hesitate to watch tutorials or call an electrician to do the work.

Although electrical problems are oftentimes a problem at home, we can manage to eliminate these by simply becoming aware of the basics. Therefore, use this as your guide to protect your home from possible electrical malfunctions in the future.


Home Loans 101: Build a House of Your Dreams

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The financial landscape hasn’t changed that much over the past few years, leaving home loans as the most frequently chosen option for people who want to move into the house of their dreams. In fact, getting the keys to your perfect abode is a long process.

The first of many steps on this journey of yours is getting as much information as possible on all kinds of loans, ranging from land to VA construction loans. This is why we have decided to offer some help by putting together a list of home loans that you should definitely know about.

VA Construction Loan

Since there are more than 21 million veterans of the U.S. armed forces, we have decided to include the VA construction loan on our list. Veterans share a dream with many other people, the dream of building a custom home, but since they are as not informed as they should be, some of them are not aware of the available VA construction options.

The VA construction loan program is a no down payment program, but at the same time you will need to have at least a 620 credit score to get the loan from the VA lenders. Currently the main issue for VA borrowers is to find a lender willing to give them a construction loan.

The best possible route for VA borrowers is to get informed by talking with as many banks, construction firms and financial institutions as possible. This will help the veterans chose to work with a partner that offers the best terms.

Land Purchase Loans

In some instances, people prefer to go step-by-step, as they don’t have enough financial assets or a high enough credit score to get into the house loan process. For these people getting a piece of land where they will build their estate is the primary concern. You should know that there are special types of loans that can help you buy the plot of land you’re interested in.

Where can you seek information about these land purchase loans? Your first stop should be all the local banks. Ask their representatives about the land purchase loans, the process and credit score requirements.

You should know that banks look at land purchase loans as riskier loans, because the collateral doesn’t have the value that it would have if there was a household built on it. This is why you will see higher figures on down payments and interest rates on these loans than on others.

Home Purchase Loans

If we are going to rate loans by popularity, then home purchase loans are the absolute winners. If you take a look at any bank or financial institution, the chances are that you are going to find at least one available home purchase loan option for yourself.

When it comes to the age of the house you want to buy, there are no restrictions. Home purchase loans are designed to cover your expenses whether your are buying and old farm house or a brand new residential property.

How much money do the lenders give in this instance? Usually, this amount doesn’t go above 85% of the market value of the house. As with any other loan, do your best to get as much information as possible.

These loans come with different interest rates, so make sure to check the terms before you make your final decision and look up the difference between fixed and floating interest rates.

Home Expansion Loans

If you would like to add a new room or an entirely new floor to you home, then you should know that there are loans specifically designed for this scenario – home expansion loans.

As the banks define them, home extension loans cover the expenses tied to the alteration of the current home structure. Usually, people take these kind of loans when they wish to add a balcony, bigger bathroom or make significant home improvements.

In the end, you should know that these kind of loans may hide behind different names, such as home extension and home improvement loans.

These four home loans are the ones that most people are interested in. They are designed to help you construct or purchase the home of your dreams. As you can see, the most important thing is to stay informed and make sure you know your interest rates and possible penalties.

An Introduction to National Lawn Care Month

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Just about everyone living in suburban areas has their own lawn. It happens to be something that has become one of the most characteristic features of living away from the big city.

Regardless of where you may be living, you will have come across plenty of houses having their own lawns and grassy patches. Then again, it isn’t entirely a ‘suburban thing’ either. Although cities are often criticized as being nothing more than ‘concrete jungles’, not all areas of the city happen to be patched up to the last square feet with cement.

On the contrary, one can find plenty of places in urbanized areas where there are at least a few patches of grass here and there. The same is also true of people who live in apartments or high-rises that are increasingly becoming ‘green’ by creating little grassy patches wherever space may allow.

To many people, it may seem rather strange when they observe our desire for grassy lawns and green patches. While it may seem to be the case at face value to a lot of people, it isn’t the case at all if you take a deeper look at it.

The reason for this is because of our ancient origins. Humans didn’t randomly emerge in a concrete city that was up and running for them to begin with. The reality is that we came from nature and this earthly origin of our species shows itself in the smallest of things that we look forward to and appreciate in our everyday lives; be it looking at a bird sitting on a tree or getting our thumbs green. In very simple terms, you could say that this is our instinctual way of staying close to nature, from which we came.

Coming to lawns in general, you could say that lawns are our way of reclaiming a connection to nature and expressing our desire to distance ourselves from the artificiality of our environment as much as possible.

This yearning has, in turn, led to a multi-billion dollar lawn-care industry, which is growing at a steady pace with each passing year. Lawn care, which encompasses everything from the grasses themselves to the implements, chemicals, and what is not required to keeping it in good condition, happen to be an excellent business opportunity because of the demand that exists in the current marketplace.

As with anything in life, lawns too require routine maintenance in order to ensure that they are in their optimal condition. In fact, the fact that you are dealing with something that is alive makes it all the more important that people pay attention to regularly maintaining them.

It is here that the concept of ‘National Lawn Care Month’ comes into the picture. It is not really that hard to understand what the whole thing is about. It is exactly what it sounds like; which is to say that it is a way of raising awareness among the people about the importance of how to care about their lawns.

National Lawn Care Month’ is in very simple terms a way of helping people understand the benefits of having a lawn, caring for it, raising awareness on the many ways their lawns can be maintained and so on. The month of its celebration happens to be in April, which is very interesting considering that in the temperate countries and regions of the world where it snows during the winter, this happens to be spring and nature is in full bloom.

The timing of the event with it being spring is not something that is coincidental in any way. On the contrary, it is a very clever and strategic way of helping people to understand the concept in a way that can be augmented by natural changes that occur every single year.

It should be added here that the event is not something that should be considered an exclusive thing to the temperate areas of the world alone. While it is true that the spring season doesn’t exist in other parts of the world, you can still enjoy celebrating National Lawn Care Month in your own way even if you happen to be living in a tropical region of the world where it is ‘technically’ spring year-round.

So just how can people celebrate National Lawn Care Month?

There are a lot of different ways that one can go about doing this. Given below are some of the important ways that you can participate in the event:

  • Start your own little patch of grass regardless of how small it may be.
  • Understand the importance of watering them at regular intervals, including the appropriate time when it can be done. It is a good idea to water lawns at early morning or evening while avoiding the afternoons entirely. This is because doing so will help to greatly minimize water loss due to evaporation.
  • Choosing grass varieties that aren’t water intensive can greatly help if you are living in an area experiencing water scarcity.
  • Learn about the many different varieties of grass currently available in the market and the ones that are ideally suited for your requirement.
  • Know that you are always better off with native species of grass rather than exotic ones. The reason is that they are usually better suited to the local environment as compared to the ones that have been brought from elsewhere.
  • Understand the proper use of chemicals like herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, etc.
  • Find out the best lawn mower in your market based on efficiency, ratings, and general comfort of use. This will go a long way when it comes to helping keep the lawn appealing and trim.
  • Create a time schedule for routine maintenance regardless of how busy you are to ensure that your lawn is kept orderly and appealing.
  • If you are unable to dedicate time for taking care of the lawn, find out the closest lawn care services and outsource the work to them. They aren’t always cheap but it is all worth it if time is of your utmost concern.
  • Tell others about National Lawn Care Month and help them to embrace and celebrate the same.

In all, it can be said that National Lawn Care Month is a great way of caring for our little patches of nature.

In an age where people are living life with little time to spare, this is a great way of helping to raise awareness among the masses not just about lawn care, but about nature and the earth itself.

Desert Living at Sky Crossing

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Want to wake up to the view of the beautiful Arizona desert every morning? Now you can with Sky Crossing, the new master plan community in North Phoenix. Sky Crossing offers not only a remarkable lifestyle, but also the access to endless resort style amenities. Plus, Sky Crossing is conveniently located near all of North Phoenix’s hottest spots.

Remarkable Lifestyle

Inside of a gated community sits 16 neighborhoods full of elegant homes that include the canvas of the Sonoran Desert right out the backdoor. Sky Crossing offers a number of floor plans to choose from including one-story and two-story options. All of the modern-day home designs come with culinary-style kitchens complete with beautiful backsplash and granite countertops. Local builders Pulte Homes and Taylor Morrison come together to design and build one-of a kind homes with different options for all size families.

Taylor Morrison’s Adelaide

Looking for a gorgeous one-story home? The Adelaide by Taylor Morrison is a 2,465-square foot home complete with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a dining room, den and a 3-car split garage. The floor plan comes with only the best features and is the perfect size for any growing family.

Pulte’s Springfield

Searching for the right two-story home? The Springfield by Pulte Homes has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a 2-car garage and is 1,852-square feet. There are 2 different floor plans to choose from, but both are filled with brand new and stunning features.

Resort Style Amenities

In case you want to venture outside the new homes in Phoenix, you don’t have to go very far to experience resort style amenities. The onsite community center is surrounded by a beach entry pool, spa, shaded pavilions, cabanas and even a fire pit. It is the perfect place to lounge with your favorite book and enjoy the beautiful desert sunshine. Not far from the pool area sits an onsite fitness center with state of the art equipment. They also offer a variety of fitness classes for residents like dance, yoga and aerobics. If you are looking for a place to be active outdoors, the Village Green has a park full of fresh grass and a basketball court. But this is also an area where you can relax with a splash pad and barbeque pavilion. Plus, there are plenty of pocket parks throughout Sky Crossing where you can walk your dog and toss the ball around. And to top it all off, Sky Crossing is located in the Paradise Valley School District, which is ranked as one of the top school districts in the whole state of Arizona and it is located right next to only the top hospitals including the award-winning Mayo Clinic.

Beauty of Phoenix

The weather is nearly perfect in Phoenix, which makes it a great spot for Sky Crossing so you can enjoy all of their outdoor amenities. Plus, the view of the desert and Arizona mountains from Sky Crossing is breathtaking. If you want to completely venture off the property, there are plenty of nearby attractions including plenty of shops and dining options. Located conveniently just off of the freeways, the Loop 101 and SR-51 in North Phoenix, you are close to some of the best attractions in the state like sporting stadiums, the Phoenix Zoo, Butterfly Wonderland and more. Desert Ridge is just a short drive from Sky Crossing and is home to shops like Target, Kohl’s and Barnes Nobles along with tasty restaurants like BJs Brewery, Kona Grill and plenty more. If you are looking to experience the wildlife of Phoenix, there are a number of great hiking spots that are also just a short drive from Sky Crossing. Just make sure to always carry plenty of water, avoid hiking in the super high temperatures and be cautious of all of the little critters that call Phoenix home as well.

5 Home Improvements that Will Increase the Value of Your Home

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Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. It is where you will live and perhaps raise a family. You want to take care of it to the best of your ability and make sure it does not lose any market value. Regular upkeep and maintenance will take care of this.

Whether you choose to live in your home for many years or decide to move shortly after you buy it, you would like to make money when you sell it. Property values can fluctuate, and this may afford you some profit when selling your home. This is not something you can depend on, as recent history as shown.

A better way to ensure that your home will be worth more when you put it up for sale is to perform some home improvements that are designed to increase its value. To accomplish that goal, you may need to rely on a home improvement loan from a reputable home finance company like Hearth.

Here are 5 home improvements that will increase the value of your home.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint will make your home look better and sell more quickly, while also protecting your home’s surfaces. When getting ready to sell you don’t need to paint everything, according to Consumer Reports. Instead, concentrate on high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Exterior doors should look good and be scratch free, to entice potential buyers during your open house period.

Avoid dark or overly bright colors, sticking to color schemes concentrating on whites and off-whites, as these neutral color palettes allow the prospective buyer to see the space as their own. These colors also appeal to buyers of all age groups. It is worth the money to go for a high-quality paint, as the look and feel will be noticeable. This is the type of improvement that can be done by the homeowner or by hiring a professional to do the job.

Kitchen upgrade

Upgrading your kitchen is a great way to impress home buyers and increase the value of your home. The new generation of homebuyers, namely the millennials, are particularly interested in having a modern and updated kitchen. A coat of paint, new appliances and countertops, and some new flooring can make a big difference in increasing the asking price for your home.

Looks that are particularly popular these days are the contemporary and clean design of stainless steel, including black stainless steel for a slightly more subdued look. Quartz countertops are also a big attraction and can round out your kitchen with a distinctive look.

Energy efficiency

There are many areas of your home where energy efficiency can be incorporated into home improvements. These certainly add value to your home as the ability to save money on a monthly basis is a big selling point for any buyer.

One place to start is with your windows. Energy star certified windows can save upwards of 10% on heating and cooling bills. New windows can also make a difference in your home’s visual appeal. Upgrades in insulation can also lead to energy savings.

Consider going green and installing solar panels if your location and climate will permit it. In addition to saving money on utility bills, the fact that your home is environmentally friendly will appeal to a large section of home buyers. Replacing your hot water heater with a more efficient, tankless model is another option that will make your home more likely to sell quickly. Many homebuyers request two years of utility bills to ascertain their future costs,

Landscaping

Curb appeal has long been a catch-phrase in the real estate business, and it still holds true today. According to thisoldhouse.com, landscaping is one of the investments you can make that results in the most return on your dollar. Spending several hundreds of dollars on landscaping can net you 4 to 5 times as much in added value to your home.

Do not ignore the outside space around your house. Overgrown landscaping detracts from the visual appeal of your home and may drive prospective buyers away. Pruning and trimming your shrubs will make your house more attractive. You can also use the space to increase the livability of your home by the addition of a deck, patio, or outdoor seating.

Built-in grills, pools, and children’s play sets are all additions that you can consider that will add value to your home. Outdoor lighting to take advantage of the outer space at all times of day will also interest many homebuyers. These improvements will add to the enjoyment you get while you are living there as well as increasing the selling price when it is time to move on.

Technology

Technology is everywhere these days, and it can be incorporated into your home in a number of ways that add value and increase its appeal to buyers. One way is through the installation of smart, programmable thermostats that can be controlled remotely by a smartphone or computer. Other smart appliances can also be purchased to give your home a very modern feel that may draw in potential buyers, especially younger ones.

The seeming increase in devastating storms has brought issues such as power failures to the forefront of many homebuyers’ concerns. If you live in an area that is susceptible to power failures, you may want to consider installing a whole house generator. This serves the double function of ensuring your family has power no matter what the weather conditions, as well as being a big selling point when you are attempting to sell your home.

Conclusion

Many of the additions that increase the value of your home to buyers will also increase your enjoyment of the home while you are living there. These 5 improvements should be seen as a starting point in getting your house ready to go on the market and a way for you to maximize your return on this investment.

Was this article helpful and informative? Leave us a comment with your thoughts in the section below.

Vinyl VS Aluminum: Which is Better for Your Home?

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While it is great to have choices, sometimes it can be confusing when you are thinking about improvements for your home. There are many options for any project that you want to do with your home and when it comes to siding, people often get stuck trying to figure out whether they want aluminum siding of vinyl siding. In this article, we are going to talk about whether vinyl siding or aluminum siding is better for your home.

Which is Better? Vinyl or Aluminum?

There are many factors that will play into which of these options are the best for your home. Aluminum can be a good choice for your home depending on the location, but as with anything else there are going to be pros and cons that you will find as you are working through the decision process.

Understanding each of the pros and cons for aluminum siding and vinyl siding is important. If you are thinking about aluminum siding repair, the following information will be helpful as you are going through the decision process. It may be helpful to get a sheet of paper to write down the pros and cons that you find so that you can have a visual aid to understanding what will work best for you and for your home.

Pros & Cons of Aluminum Siding

The first thing you should know is that not all aluminum siding is created equally. The thickness of your siding has a lot to do with its quality. If you get cheap siding it is only about 0.4 thick and you may hear it referred to as 40-gauge aluminum. The standard quality is 44 gauge but if you want the best siding, you will purchase 53-gauge siding. It may be more expensive but it is going to last longer than other siding. However, it may require painting two to three times during its lifetime in order to keep it looking new.

You can get both vertical and horizontal format which gives you freedom of creating the appearance you want for your home. It is light and easy to install which means it may be less expensive to install, at least in regard to labor costs. If you live on the coast, it is a great choice since there is a lot of moisture and salt spray. While wood and some other siding products absorb moisture, you won’t deal with that with aluminum. It is actually completely waterproof and gives your home great protection against moisture problems.

Homeowners living in extremely cold areas may find aluminum to be a better choice than vinyl because it is not affected by the elements. Aluminum also great in moderate and warm climates, as is insect proof and fire resistant. You may be able to get a lower rate on your house owners insurance because of it.

Some of the drawbacks of aluminum siding are the susceptibility of aluminum to dents, scratches and other damage. If you have to replace a single panel or a section of the panels, this can be difficult because of the manner of installation, as well as the challenge of matching the color. You may have to re-paint your whole house if you want it to match.

Pros & Cons of Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is made from PVC plastic resin and this is why it is so strong. Unlike aluminum, vinyl is not going to rust, dent or conduct electricity. If your kids hit a baseball into the side of your house, it is going to bounce off the siding. It is rain, sun and wind resistant so you don’t have to worry about it wearing down and fading in the elements. It won’t be affected by air pollution or humidity. Since it is so long-lasting, you may be able to keep your vinyl siding as is for 40 years without noticing a major difference in the look of it.

Make sure to ask about the manufacturer’s guarantee. Besides for all of these benefits, you are not going to experience sticker shock. This man-made material is one of the cheapest around. This material is quick, easy and does not require a lot of maintenance.

When you are picking out your vinyl siding, you will notice there are many different designs, colors and styles available. No matter what color you want, you can get it since you can ask it to be produced in any shade that you want. While vinyl siding gives you the durability and other great properties of plastic, you can get it to imitate the look of wood. Many people love the look of wood grain, but would rather have vinyl and this is a great solution.

You can get vinyl siding that comes in different clapboard width, vertical and horizontal styles and even different textures depending on whether you want smooth or wood grain. You may be surprised to find out that it is very elastic so you can get the look that you want for your home. You might even be able to work with the manufacturer to coordinate with other products in the system.

Some of the cons for vinyl siding are the fact that it is not fully impenetrable. If a lawn mower grazes it, it may get chewed up and damaged. High winds can also take down vinyl siding if it isn’t properly secured. There is also no patchwork that can be done. You have to replace entire panels. If it is not properly installed, it may leak and cause the siding to be vulnerable.

Conclusion

You have to decide which siding is going to be the best for you, and you should certainly weigh both options before making a decision. Use the information in this article as a basis for your decision process.

Was this article helpful and informative? What kind of siding do you currently have on your house? What are the factors that would most affect your decision to switch? Leave us a comment with your thoughts in the section below.

Tips for Finding Houses You Can Flip for a Big Profit

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When it comes to real estate—especially buying and flipping houses and properties—there is money to be made whether you’ve been in the real estate business for a while, have just used a tagline maker to come up with the perfect slogan for your new company, or are trying it out on your own. With strong housing markets throughout the US, house flipping is on the rise. In fact, it is at the highest it has been in more than a decade. As of last year, over 207,000 homes and condos were flipped, totaling over $16 billion for the purchases of homes that were flipped.

The rise in the number of homes being flipped is due, in part, to the opportunity in the market, the creativity of the work, the money to be made, and the influence of shows like Flip or Flop and Fixer Upper. Not all houses are easily flipped or resell well, though. There’s more to flipping properties than just buying, fixing and painting, and relisting a house on the market—you have to find the right house to flip in the first place.

 

Whether you run a business, have just launched a startup, or are interested in trying flipping on your own, the following tips will help you find the right house to flip so that you can have the highest potential for profit.

Make Sure You Have all the Resources You Need

Before you start flipping houses, it’s important that you have the cash or loan that you need to make a purchase, that you have a good team behind you to get the necessary renovations done, and that you have the cash you need to purchase the items for the reno. Before you even start watching the market, find a team that you can trust to do the job well, do it on time, and do it in the budget. Although you might be hoping that the profit from the sale will cover some of the costs, you should never rely on money you don’t have to get the job done.

Location Matters

Whether you’re looking for a house to make your home or for a property to flip, the location of the house matters. People want houses that are located near good schools, surrounded by other houses that are well taken care of, and that will give them easy access to the freeway and shopping. While one house may not have it all, it’s important to find one that has as much as possible. Nobody wants to move into a crime-riddled neighborhood, especially one that is well off the freeway.

Do a Though Inspection Before Making a Final Decision

It’s easy to see the surface issues that are a simple fix and fall in love with a property you’re considering flipping, but if you don’t do a thorough inspection before you put in an offer and close the deal, you could end up in serious trouble. Some houses may have what look like cosmetic blemishes on the surface that can easily be fixed, but once you get into them and start going through things, you could find that all of the electrical and plumbing is bad, requiring that walls be knocked down and everything be redone, putting you over budget and past your projected completion date.

Consider the Comps

Not only do you need to ensure that the location is good and have a thorough inspection done, but you should look at the other houses in the area and consider what they’re worth and what they’re selling for. If you find a house that needs some pricey renovations, but those renovations will put it too far over the market value of the other homes in the area, you could end up with a property you can’t sell or that you have to take a loss on.

Always Leave Extra Room in Your Budget

When searching for houses that you can flip, you will likely find some that are well within your budget as well as some that push it. While it may be tempting to push your budget to get a bigger house that will hopefully bring a bigger return, it’s important to avoid stretching yourself too thin by leaving plenty of room in the budget you have. Once you get into a house, you may find that it requires more work than you though, you may have to pay some extra fees, or you may find yourself wanting to spend a little extra on certain features, so having that wiggle room in your budget can be a big deal.

Final Thoughts

With strong housing markets across the US, there are plenty of opportunities to make a big profit flipping houses. Having success flipping houses, though, requires that you find the right houses to flip. From choosing properties in a good location to ensuring you leave extra room in your budget, you will be able to make the most of the property you flip.

What about flipping houses interests you most?

Wedding Décor Ideas that You Can Use in Your Home

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Everyone has attended at least one wedding where the color scheme and the décor choices have raised some questions. (There are always trends when it comes to weddings, but some are better than others.) Even if they haven’t been too whimsical, outlandish, or mismatched, the style may have caused you to wonder how the décor would ever be used for anything else again. While there’s nothing that says you have to make your wedding décor reusable, it’s a good idea.

Not only can it save you money, be better for the environment, and go a lot further than it otherwise would, reusing your décor gives you some decorations that you automatically have to start your new life with—décor that comes with wonderful, beautiful meaning and memories. So before you start matching your centerpieces to your Pinterest board of blue plus size wedding dresses, you might want to consider whether you’ll want those things to be stored in your home later. While you shouldn’t change your wedding colors to match your home décor, you might want to consider style and color before making the final decision since reusable décor is the best kind.

Need ideas? Here are a few wedding décor ideas that can easily be reused:

Chalkboard Signs

Some may feel that chalkboard signs are more of a trend than anything, but it looks like they may be here to stay, making them a great wedding decoration and a great addition to your home décor as well. At your wedding, you can use chalkboard signs to list menu or drink items, direct guests to different areas of the venue, give instructions, or to display a sweet quote or your names in cursive. Whatever you use chalkboard signs for, there’s use for them in your home afterward, too.

Chalkboard signs fit well with nearly every décor style from farmhouse to modern, and it seems that no matter what style you have in your home, you can make them work. From using them in the kitchen as a menu board or using them in the living room on the mantle to hold seasonal quotes, there are plenty of ways that you can use chalkboards both at your wedding and throughout your home.

Vases

Vases are a classic, beautiful décor item that works perfectly for both wedding and home décor. Whether you use clear vases, colored vases, ceramic vases, or glass vases, there are plenty of ways you can use them on your big day and then again later when setting up your new home. For your wedding, they can be filled with everything from beads to fruit or can hold flowers. At home, you can use them as table centerpieces, candle holders, bookends, or anything else you can imagine.

Wine Bottles

Wine bottles are starting to seem like the new mason jars—cute, versatile, and used for everything. Whether you and your fiancé are wine lovers with plenty of bottles you can save up for the big day, or want to incorporate them and have asked family and friends to hang on to them, there are a lot of ways that you can repurpose used wine bottles and turn them into décor. From turning them into lighting fixtures to using them as vases or candle holders, there’s a place for them at your wedding and then in your home after the big day is over.

Photo Frames

Photo frames are wonderful décor items that add to any space, even if the frames are left empty. At your wedding, you can use an eclectic collection of frames to house photos of you and your new spouse and display them for everyone to see, then you can put them up on your wall with the same photos or empty them and use them to add texture to your walls. If you prefer, you could use a set of uniform frames at your wedding to display table numbers, then fill them with your favorite photos and use them to create a gallery wall in your home after the reception. No matter what you do, there are plenty of ways to use photo frames both at your wedding and in your home.

Flowers

Fresh flowers can liven up any space, and since you’ll likely have plenty at your wedding, it’s a great idea to take them home and keep them alive as long as possible to help you remember what a beautiful day your wedding was. If you choose to use fake flowers, there are plenty of ways to incorporate those into your home décor after the big day. Whether you create an everlasting centerpiece for your table or break out your bouquet and put pieces of it in vases throughout your home, on shelves, and in different rooms, flowers are always a versatile décor option. There are plenty of ways to reuse your wedding day flowers at home.

Mirrors

Mirrors can not only help you ensure that you’re looking perfect all day on your big day, but they also reflect light, making small spaces seem bigger and adding a unique perspective to any wedding reception. Even after the big day, though, you can use them for the same thing in your home, making the space look and feel bigger and adding depth and character to corners and walls. Whether you use small mirrors or go for some that are large and decorative, there’s a place for them at both your wedding and in your new house.

Final Thoughts

Wedding décor is sometimes very specific to the event, but it doesn’t always have to be. While you shouldn’t plan your wedding décor around the decorations in your home or plan your home décor around your wedding, giving your décor a bit of extra thought may make it possible to reuse and include it in your home as a wonderful reminder of your special day.

Which décor do you plan to reuse in your own home?


When a Plumbing Disaster Strikes, Call for an Expert Immediately

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When a plumbing disaster strikes your home, there’s no time to lose. This is a problem that must be addressed immediately. You want to act fast before it has the chance to develop into a full scale emergency. This is why you need to call an expert plumbing service as soon as possible. You need to contact the expert plumbers Tampa Florida residents rely on to get the issue fixed in a fully professional manner.

The Time to You to Call for Expert Assistance is Now

If your sink faucets are broken and won’t stop running, there is no time to waste. If your sewage system is running out of control and backing up into your yard, you need expert help. This is not a situation where you can afford to cut corners or delay on. The longer you wait, the worse the problem is bound to become.

You won’t have to worry about spending an arm or leg to secure professional services. Our charges are extremely reasonable and tailored to each job that we perform. You can count on prompt service and a full solution to your problem. You can also count on a fee that is very easy to afford.

Our team of experienced and certified plumbing experts will come to your home, diagnose the issue, and quickly get it fixed. All you need to do is let us know that there is a problem and we will deal with it. When it comes to plumbing services in your area, we are the acknowledged experts.

Contact Us Today for Expert Plumbing Services

When it comes time to call for the expert plumbers Tampa Florida residents rely on, you can contact us day or night. We are available on a 24 hour, 7 day a week basis. Whatever your problem may be, you can rely on us to handle it in a quick and professional manner. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what we are ready and able to do on behalf of your home.

From DIYer to Entrepreneur: Tools to Help You Manage Your Home Improvement Startup

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There’s something so satisfying about creating and working with your hands. Whether you’re designing hand-made décor or are designing an entirely new room from scratch, the chance to create and then enjoy the result is incomparable to anything else, so it’s no wonder that you would want to take your DIY hobby and turn it into a home improvement business. As great as it is to work with your hands and be able to admire your work, though, it can also be time-consuming, tricky, and difficult to run and operate a home improvement business.

Despite the difficulty, there are plenty of rewards that come from running a business that enables you to work with your hands. Considering that the home improvement industry is expected to grow by seven percent each year and that 51 percent of people believe that starting a company is the best way to learn about entrepreneurship, a home improvement startup is a great way to go from DIYer to entrepreneur. And with the help of the following tools, you can take away some of that difficulty and make the transition even easier whether you’ve decided to start your business or have been working on building it for a while now.

Homewyse

If your business is focused on home improvement projects that require you provide an estimate, then Homewyse is a tool you won’t want to work without. It makes it easy to provide a fully detailed, custom estimate in a matter of minutes, helping you focus more on the task at hand and less on the details your clients need before you can get started. It enables you to include everything from materials to installation or even maintenance, so whatever kind of project you’re working on, you can offer an accurate estimate quickly.

Safety Meeting

OSHA has set specific standards and rules that businesses must comply with to better ensure the safety of the workplace. No matter what type of home improvement business you’re running, workplace safety is important, and part of that includes holding safety meetings and documenting meetings and incidents. With the Safety Meeting App, it’s much simpler and easier to keep track of everything instead of trying to do it on your own and is an app that no workplace should be without.

eChecks

Getting payments can be an issue that any business owner faces, but making payments is an equally important issue that can throw everything off. Even if you have the money you need to make payments, getting the payment to the right people at the right time can be a struggle, especially if you’re using traditional checks. Instead, using eChecks, you can make all of your business’s payments as quickly as an email can be sent, making it a faster and easier alternative to paper checks and even ACH.

Porch

When it comes to running a business, one of the biggest priorities you have is getting clients. While there are several ways to get clients, like word of mouth or local flyers, sometimes they aren’t enough. Porch is a website that connects professionals and people looking to have projects done, making it easy for you to build up your client base and your portfolio.

Etsy

While home improvement is often associated with construction work, it can also include design and décor. If your home improvement business is more focused on the finishing touches rather than the preliminary work, then Etsy is a tool you should be using. It’s a great way to get your products and services out there and make sales to people in all different stages of all different kinds of projects.

Mint

A big part of operating a business is budgeting. You can offer the best estimates for jobs, create the best home décor items, and make more sales or take on more projects than any of your competitors, but if you don’t budget and keep track of your money, then you could very easily land yourself in trouble. With Mint, you can create and track your budgets easily, check your credit score, and take care of bills, helping you keep your business running smoothly and helping you grow it from the ground up.

In Conclusion

Going from DIYer to entrepreneur is exciting but can be difficult. With the help of the right tools, though, you can make the transition smoother and easier than expected and spend less time on logistics and more time working with your hands, doing what you love, and growing your business into the success you want it to be.

What type of home improvement business are you planning to start?

Properly Grooming Dogs with Long Coats

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Regularly and properly grooming your dog is very important if you want to boost the natural look of your dog. However, you should know that dog breeds that have long coats require different grooming than dog breeds with short coats. Grooming is not that hard thing to do if you follow a few steps. However, if you feel uncomfortable doing it at home, you can always take your dog to a professional that will properly groom your dog. A good idea would be to visit a professional first and see how it is done correctly before you do it at home next time.

Steps to Follow

  • The first step in the grooming process is bathing the dog. If your dog has a clean hair then the grooming will go much easier. After bathing your dog, make sure you dry its hair completely before proceeding towards cutting or trimming its hair. You can dry the dog`s hair by using a blow dryer or pin brush, the choice is yours. If you use a blow dryer then always use the low-heat setting in order to avoid burning the skin of your dogs. When you are drying your dog`s hair, it is advisable you start from the back of your dog and then move forward. This is because this type of drying will not make your dog`s hair flat, but it will make it fluffy. Always focus on drying smaller hair sections and after they are completely dry then move upward.

  • As you dry your dog`s hair, you can start combing in order to prevent tangles. Combing while drying will not only prevent tangles from forming, but it will also make your dog`s hair full and fluffy.

  • Next step in the process is the trimming. Start from your dog`s anal area, but be very careful because the skin is very sensitive there. You can use clippers or scissors for this part of the grooming process – the choice is up to you. Besides trimming around this bottom area, some dog owners are also trimming the underbelly area of their dogs. If you want to do this then start from the groin area and go towards the naval.

  • Trimming the area between the paw pads is also important, although it may require some time to do it. However, when you trim this area your dog`s paws will look nice and clean.

  • Next, stand back and check your dog to see how it looks. If there are any long hairs left that stand out, cut them properly so the hair will nicely blend in the entire look. Remember to cut a little bit at a time and then re-check. That way you will prevent cutting too much of your dog`s hair.

  • Final step in the process of grooming is using a quality conditioning spray on your dog`s coat. The coat should be sprayed evenly and after that the coat should be properly brushed. That will ensure the coat of your dog looks nice and shiny.

5 Common Carpet cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

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Cleaning your carpet on a regular basis is the best way to keep dirt and dust away in Auckland. However, letting a professional carpet cleaning company near you clean the carpet at least two times a year is highly recommended.

Why?

Because it’s only through proper cleaning and maintenance that you can extend the lifeline of your carpets, and also help it withstand wear and tear after years of use. But even so, homeowners still want to muddle and clean the carpets on their own. What they do not know is that they could be destroying their carpets every time they attempt to clean it.

Here are five common carpet cleaning mistakes that most homeowners make, and how to avoid them:

Ignoring stains

It’s not uncommon for a drink to spill on the carpet, and when it does, it can leave behind a stain. The best way to ensure that the stain does not stick is to clean it immediately. Most homeowners often procrastinate removing the stain because they are too busy, or they are not sure what to do, and that’s perhaps the biggest mistake one can make. Cleaning the stain immediately prevents it from setting in too deeply and spoiling the look of the carpet. Besides, when the stain is still fresh, one doesn’t have to use too much pressure or heavy chemicals to clean it.

Choosing to DIY

DIY can be a great option if one has the carpet cleaning experience; otherwise, it is best to work with a professional carpet cleaner, like KLEVER Carpet Cleaning. Expert cleaners have the right equipment, experience, knowledge, products, and passion for cleaning the carpets. They will get rid of any dirt, mud, food, and stains from the carpet, and leave it sparkling clean. DIY solutions can ruin the carpet’s condition, and make it worse than before; and without the right equipment and product, one can affect their health and that of their loved ones.

Cleaning before vacuuming

Vacuuming before cleaning is essential, as it helps loosen the debris, grime, and dirt stuck in the lower layers of the carpet. It helps make the cleaning task easier and also thorough. Vacuuming is extremely crucial for high traffic areas like walkways and entrances.

Using the wrong stain removal product

The market presents an incredible selection of carpet cleaning products, which makes it hard for a layperson to select the right one. The internet also offers a tone of advice regarding the best “natural” products for stain cleaning. Unfortunately, most of these solutions will only do more harm than good. For the best advice, one can check what the carpet manufacturer recommends – either by calling their customer support or browsing their website for the recommendation. Better yet, they can leave it to professional carpet cleaners in Auckland.

Using carpet cleaning products before testing them

Many homeowners tend to skip the “testing” part before they start cleaning their carpets, and this is a big mistake. Even the most qualified carpet cleaning professionals, like KLEVER, test the cleaning products first before they start cleaning. Products vary; besides, carpets are designed from different fibers. As such, there are high chances that a particular product may not be suitable for a carpet type.

Spare the environment and your personal economics – get eco-friendly bespoke windows

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Many people live in old houses that (let’s be honest) have seen better days. Thin isolation, a paramount heat consumption, and old low-isolation windows are some of the environments’ worst enemies, when it comes to consumer generated CO2 emission. Some house owners think that they have to choose when it comes to eco-friendly living and high-quality building materials – but it does not have to be that way. You can start with the windows.

A high return investment

Old low-quality windows are big sinners when it comes to consumer generated CO2 emission. And many home owners think that they have to compromise their wishes of high-quality designs if they have decided to install new environmental-friendly windows. But, fortunately, that could not be farther away from the truth. Companies are now making bespoke, high-quality, eco-friendly windows that ordinary mortals can get their hands on.

It is a big investment to get new windows, it really is, and often homeowners get price-related unpleasant surprises when they have decided to invest in new windows. But in spite that new windows at first can seem as an expensive investment, the consumer will after few years see their investment as a very fortunate one. New windows compared to old ones is not only CO2-frendly but also friendly when it comes to the consumers personal economics – the consumer will experience that his/hers consumption of heat will reduce drastically and that his/hers heat-bill will likewise reduce in a profitable direction. Actually, many home owners will see that their investment in windows have paid for itself after just a few years. Additionally, the new windows will without a doubt raise the total price of the house, if the consumers are thinking about selling their house.

Design your home’s personality

The design of the windows that you are investing your money in, of course, has to complement the overall esthetic expression of the house – especially if you are living in an old house. Many window manufacturers today have a service where you in collaboration with them can design your own personal window, so you do not have compromise the esthetics of the house by implementing new windows that do not complement the old house’ overall esthetics.

New, bespoke windows are also a unique opportunity to leave one’s stamp on a street with identical houses. With unique, specially made windows you can really develop the personality of the house that you live in. You can see examples of bespoke windows here.

Before you begin

Before you contact your window company it is a good idea to research which kind of window design you are in search for. There is thousands and thousands of different window designs out there, so to help both yourself and the window company it is a good idea to have an idea of which kind of window you want to design. A good idea to find inspiration is to search the market and to go for walks in neighborhoods that you find inspiring.

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