Showing posts with label Home Improvement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Improvement. Show all posts

Friday, May 27, 2016

Home Maitenance Checks You Need To Complete Each Year READ THIS INFORMATION


Do you ever thinking about maintaining your home? It’s easy to forget without attention from us our homes can fall into a state of disrepair. When this happens, you will be losing value on your home. That’s going to be a problem when you think about selling it in the future. It also might affect your quality of life and your children’s welfare if you allow your home to fall into a poor state. Luckily, we have the answer. By completing a few checks on your home each year, you’ll be able to make sure that it stays in good condition. Let’s look at some of the checks that we’re talking about.

Roof Inspection


Every so often, you should inspect your roof for any signs of damage or holes in the slating. A hole in the roof is typically caused by bad weather. Something might hit the roof or your roof might even have been struck by lightning. When this occurs, it can damage the structure. You might think that a hole in the roof isn’t that big of a deal. But a hole in the roof can mean a leak. That leak will land on the floor of your attic. The damp could then spread onto the ceiling of your upstairs rooms. Before long it’s an expensive and time consuming problem that needs to be fixed. As well as this a hole in the roof can allow animals to get into your home. They can cause all kinds of havoc.

Fire Alarms


Your fire alarms should be checked regularly through the year too. You might think that if there’s a fire in your home, the smell of smoke or the heat will wake you up. But this isn’t always true. In fact, there have been cases where a fire has spread into the bedroom before the victim has woken up. At that point, it’s almost always too late. If you want to protect your family, you must ensure that your fire alarm is working and completely functional. Without it, you could be leaving your children’s lives in danger.

Boiler Inspection


It’s always terrible when your boiler gives up. But if it happens in the summer you can probably get by for a few weeks or days without it. If it occurs in the middle of winter, we wish you luck. You’ll be facing high levels of demand with numerous people trying to get their boilers fixed at the same time. That’s why it’s best to always know the state of your boiler. Getting it checked out through the year will let you know if there’s any problems or issues with the system. Perth Metro Plumbing & Gas as well as other similar companies provide checks on water heating systems.

Appliances In The Home


You may also want to get your appliances checked in the home on a regular basis, particularly if you have young children. If you have young children, electrical appliances can be dangerous. Particularly if they have fallen into a state of disrepair. Loose wires can cause electrical shocks and serious injuries. You must be aware of this danger and make sure it is not present in your home.


Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Have You Ever Thought About Using These Materials In Your Home? READ THIS INFORMATION


When you go to your nearest DIY store for all the materials for your next decorating project, you’ll probably stick to all the usual stuff. Things like MDF, plyboard, and glass. But why just stick to all the same old boring materials, when there are so many cool avant-garde ones you could be playing around with in your home? Not knowing anything about them isn’t an excuse anymore. Here’s a blog post dedicated to everything you need to know about using unusual materials in your home.

Bamboo


Native to Asia, you’ll probably know bamboo as the favorite food of pandas! But did you know this fast-growing tree can also be used in a variety of ways around the home? One popular use is on floors.There are many advantages of bamboo flooring. It is a highly durable material so will last a long time, even with people walking over it a lot. It is also low maintenance and very cost effective. Once you have it installed, you won’t have to pay much to maintain it.

Faux Leather


Adding leather to your decor can certainly create a decadent air to any room, but it would be very expensive to cover your walls in real leather. Those on a budget can always opt for faux leather, though. This material is made out of rubber but feels the same as the real deal. There are three shades to choose from: chocolate, black, and neutral. This versatile material can really add a depth of warmth to your room, especially bathrooms.

Stainless Steel


Stainless steel isn’t just for cutlery! This metal has fantastic potential and can add a contemporary style to your interiors. What’s more, it easily wipes clean, so you don’t have to worry about your kids’ sticky fingers! You can use it in your staircases or light fixtures and fittings. There are also lots of decorative features made with stainless steel, including photo and mirror frames.


Natural Fabrics


Lots of people are beginning to use natural fabrics in their homes. All because they are a great way to increase your home’s carbon-friendliness. Hemp is particularly popular right now and can be found in cushions, blankets, and rugs. No matter the style of your decor, you will be able to find natural fabrics to suit. It’s possible to keep your rooms minimal and free from the clutter of cushions and rugs. Buy some stylish drapes made out of natural fabrics instead.

Chalkboard Paint


It is now possible to buy paint that creates a chalkboard effect once dry. Can’t stop your kids from doodling on their bedroom walls? Then this could be your solution! Paint one of their walls in this chalkboard paint, and they will be able to write and draw on it with chalk as much as they like! Simply wipe their scribbles away with a damp cloth. This is also a fantastic way of incorporating your child’s art into the design of your interiors!

So why stick to boring materials when you can have fun with these trendy ones?!

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Creating A Gender Neutral Playroom That Your Little Ones Will Love READ THIS INFORMATION

If you’ve got two boys or two girls, creating a shared playroom tends to be a fairly easy task. But what about if you have a boy and a girl? The good news is that creating gender neutral shared spaces is much easier than you would think, it just takes a little creativity, that’s all. To create a beautiful space that both your kids will love, you’ll need a little inspiration.



In case you’re struggling to come up with ideas, here’s a few that I thought I would share. It’s easy to make a shared space a success, as long as you’ve got a little inspiration to take ideas from. As well as using Pinterest - the best tool for decorating ever, use this useful guide to help you.


Get some ideas from Google


Step one, spend some time on Google browsing different ideas. You need to get an idea of what designs you like and which ones you don’t. That’s what makes the internet such a handy tool, as there are plenty of places you can find inspiration. Any design ideas that you like and think are suitable, save. You can then use these as your inspiration and create a similar space for your kids.

Create a space that will grow with your children 




Kids grow up fast, so it’s important that their playroom will grow with them. Of course, it should still be a fun space, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be somewhere that they’ll still be happy to use as they grow up. Because of this, and because of the fact boys and girls tend to like different colors, keep the walls neutral. Or, if you do opt to decorate using a certain color, ensure it’s gender neutral. Pastel hues like blue, lemon and mint can work well for this, as can bright, bold tones.

Jazz them up with wall stickers


If you’ve chosen to keep the walls a neutral shade - white, beige or gray, use wall stickers to jazz the space up. The great thing about wall decals is that they come in a range of designs, are easy to apply, and best of all, don’t damage the walls. So if your children outgrow the decals you’ve picked, you can easily remove them. For a gender neutral space, animals, numbers and letters, and nature-based designs tend to work well. Or, if there’s a TV show or character that both your kids like, you could use that for inspiration.

Get the flooring right 




The flooring can often be a tricky one when it comes to creating spaces for small children. The problem is that carpet is a great option because it’s soft and comfortable, and is a safer option that hard flooring. However, it’s not easy to keep clean, and kids tend to be quite messy. Especially, younger children, which is why hard flooring is often the most popular choice for kid’s spaces. However, if you are happy to clean any stains on the carpet and have a rug in areas where the kids paint or draw, carpet can work well.

Pick the ideal furniture and features 




Last but not least, take your time choosing the furniture and features. The playroom you create should be a totally child-friendly place, which is why you need to think carefully about the furniture. A table is a must, as this gives your little ones somewhere to play board games and cards, and get creative. It’s also a good idea to have a comfy area so that your kids have somewhere to relax and read or listen to a story.

Hopefully, these tips have helped you to get some ideas and put together a plan for your kid’s gender neutral playroom.

5 amazing towel racks to hang your towels with style! READ THIS INFORMATION


Bathrooms are tiny places in the house. Even the most spacious bathrooms are kind of congested because there is a lot going on. Usually, there is a tub, vanity, toilet, and shower. In short, a bathroom is serving multiple purposes and there is never going to be enough space.

As much as it is a disadvantage from design perspective, the challenging small space is also a tempting opportunity to create aesthetically beautiful stylish models. Every little space invites you to be imaginative with it, be it a tooth brush holder or an electrical socket.

Similarly, towels in the bathroom are a necessity. You can’t use a bathroom without towels. So obviously they get amazing attention in the bathrooms. People like to create a whole different space for them. In case you want some really brilliant ideas for the towels in your bathrooms, check out following ideas;

1. Towels on Hooks


Rather than going for old fashioned rails, you can get a rack with hooks. It is just like a headboard, only small in size. Racks can be placed anywhere, no matter how small the available area is. You can use small racks with one hook near the sink to hang hand towels for easy access.

2. Jute Ropes Instead of Rails for Towels


Towel rails are a classic option in every bathroom so this idea is just an improvisation of it. Instead of rails, hang jute ropes. You must have seen jute ropes and its design application in various parts of fancy homes. So why not bring them in the bathroom to get rid of the rails.

3. Ladder Inspired Towel Storage Area


For people who love shopping towels and has a really awesome collection of towels, it is criminal to not display them in the best way possible in your bathroom. And what can be a perfect towel showcase than ladders. Just get one for the bathroom and display all your purchased towels. You can get great deals on towels from many online shops like lyallway.com.au.

In case you want to know more spots to buy quality towels at discounted price, izzz.com.au is a perfect online shopping store for towels.

4. Wine Rack for another Use


Wine lovers will love this storage idea for towels. Have you seen a wine rack? Isn’t it just right for storing towels too? Yes, absolutely yes. So find a place to put the wine rack in your bathroom and keep your towels in there. It will be great to put the towels of different colors in a wooden rack because contrast will add a ton of value in the bathroom.

5. A Towel Rack under the Bathroom Vanity


It is not a new place for storing towels; most of you already have a dedicated rack under the bathroom vanity. Nevertheless, a perfect option to neatly fold your towels and put them nicely in different baskets placed on the towel rack. There are plenty of towel storage ideas but before adopting anyone, make sure that your bathroom has enough space for it. Also, synchronizing and symmetry is crucial especially in small places like a bathroom. So it is always good to be 100 percent sure about anything than regret it later.

Friday, May 6, 2016

The Best Home Security Options And Why You Need Them READ THIS INFORMATION


Our house is supposed to be our very own fortress. The place where we can feel safest. However, in this day and age burglary happens alongside other things. This can make us feel vulnerable especially if we know that the security of our house isn’t up to scratch. It isn’t just about protecting yourself against burglaries and crimes, though, it can be more about feeling safe in your home. Especially if you ever spend anytime in it just you. So I thought I would share with you some of the best home security options available to you. You may not need them all, but you might want to consider installing a few. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Alarms


The most common form of security on a home is an alarm system. This is something that is placed on your house and is normally activated by entering a code. You only tell your code to the people that need to know. If a code is entered a few times incorrectly or not entered at all the house alarm will go off alerting the surrounding neighbours. Some can even be linked to your local police departments. They are an excellent way of securing your home.

Security lights


Another great option to consider would be security lights on the front, side and rear of your property. This is especially good at night. They will switch on if the motion sensor is activated alerting you to someone or something in that space. Considering home security lighting installation to protect your home is worthwhile. It would work well alongside some other forms of security.

CCTV and cameras


Installing cameras and CCTV on your home is increasingly becoming more popular. This will allow you to record certain areas of your outside space. They are visible so it could warn people away from your home. If they don’t get seen, then you can at least record things happening. They are great if you feel worried and isolated in your home. You will be able to look at the feed and see if anyone is approaching or lurking around.

New windows and doors


A great thing to consider when increasing the security of your home is to install new doors and windows. Mostly these are made with security in mind. The window panels are tough against breakages and the doors have added security like locks over the entrance. This means that even if someone had a key to enter your home, they wouldn’t be able to get past the barricade lock. A bit like when older doors had a chain.

Sensors on doors and windows


If adding new windows or doors or not you may want to consider motion sensors on them. This will make a bell sounding noise if any of them is opening. Alerting you to it at whatever time it is happening. This could put off anyone entering your home without permission. As you will be immediately alerted to their presence.

I hope these options help you increase the security in your home.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

When Weather Strikes: Preventing Your Roof From Damage READ THIS INFORMATION


One of the only things we have no control over when it comes to protecting our home is the weather. You can do all the work you like, but a hurricane is a hurricane. That said, you can certainly limit the effects of weather damage in many cases. What might be a catastrophic incident could turn into minor damage or nothing at all! So, before the roof caves in and you’re left with devastating consequences, start implementing some of these tips.

Think About Trees


If you’ve got any trees in the near vicinity of the house, that’s an accident waiting to happen. All it takes is a big storm to come along and knock those trees over. Suddenly, you could have a tree through your house, causing any number of injuries or even deaths. Make sure you trim branches to a suitable length. You’re also going to need help from the experts to cut the trees down if they’re in the path of your home. It could save your life!

Clear Out Your Gutters


After a particularly bad storm or bout of rain, you must clean out your gutters. Look for build-ups of leaves as well, especially in the autumn months. They’ll block up the gutters, causing a greater amount of issues in the long term. You should be maintaining these on a regular basis in any case, but make sure you do so after bad weather.

Inspect The Roof Regularly


You don’t have to go overboard with this, but make sure you visually inspect the roof from time to time. You’ll be able to see if any issues have occurred or anything looks out of place. You’re looking for damaged shingles or wobbly tiles. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you can always call on the help of the professionals as we’re about to mention.

Call The Experts


You should never be carrying out roof repairs on your own. It’s very dangerous, both to your health, and the health of people inside the house as well! When looking for a professional roofing company, you need to think about reliability. Read up on Roofing Reviews to make sure you’re picking the right services. As well as fixing any problems, they’ll be able to inspect the roof for any potential damage that might occur in the near future. You could even ask them to do a quick check-over after a particularly bad bout of weather.

Insulate The Roof


At times when it’s particularly icy, and the snow is falling, the roof can have a tendency to leak. Water will then enter your property, often in the attic. This then causes mold, which again causes your roof to suffer from issues. By properly insulating the roof, you should be able to prevent this from occurring.

Of course, the roof is just one part of the house. There are plenty of other things you can do to prevent the home from damage, and you can find tips about this all over the web. For now, start with the roof, and make sure it's protected from the elements.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Here's How To Get Your Bathroom Ready For Guests! READ THIS INFORMATION


Having guests over can be great but stressful. As much as it’s nice to entertain them at your home, you have to make arrangements for them, so they have an enjoyable visit. You need to decide where they will stay in your home. You may need to move the kids into one bedroom so that your guests can stay in the other one. As well as tidying up the rest of the house in preparation for the visit, you need to focus on getting the bathroom ready. They will need to get ready in there for the day so it should be looking fantastic. Here’re some top ways to make sure it’s looking beautiful.

Put out fresh towels


A lot of guests forget to bring towels with them when they go to stay at someone’s home. Therefore, you should have some fresh towels ready for your guests for use the next morning. Try and put out at least a large towel and hand towel ready for them to use. Make sure you wash any dirty ones that might be laying around so that it looks neat and tidy. If you have an ensuite, why not move your own towels in there.


Clean the toilet


Before you let your guests in your bathroom, you need to make sure the toilet is clean. As you know, there’s nothing worse than using a dirty toilet which hasn’t been cleaned. Therefore, make sure to give it all a good scrub. Don’t forget to clean the rim and many people forget to give the lid a wipe. There could be a large amount of bacteria hiding on there. You may want to use some bleach to make sure that all marks are gone in the toilet.

Replace the products


If you want your bathroom to be ready for guests, you need to make sure all the products are full up and ready to be used. Check that the soap dispensers are full enough to last them the day or two. Also, you may want to replace the toothpaste and shampoo as your guests may forget to bring theirs, so will ask to use yours. You may want to put some room spray out so that they can hide any smells which may occur.

Redecorate the bathroom


Your bathroom needs to look fantastic in time for their arrival. Take a look at the room and decide if you need to decorate before they get there. If you have had the same design for ages, it might be time to mix things up. Why not go out and buy some fresh paint to make it look great or perhaps a new blind will give the room a fresh look. Also, you may want to add more storage in the bathroom so maybe you could think about adding an under the sink storage space. Or you could even add some shelves in the corner which will look perfect. 


Repair anything that's broken


You should consider whether everything is working correctly in the bathroom. You might want to check if the toilet if flushing okay as this is not ideal for when guests are coming over. You should also turn on the shower to make sure it’s working okay, and check if there are any breaks in the bath. Not only is it the right time to repair them because of guests coming, but it’s also necessary because otherwise the problem could get worse. You may feel that the bathroom needs renovating completely. You can contact companies such as Lavare Bathroom Renovations to get your bathroom looking fantastic. You will need to sort this renovation well in advance of your guests coming!

Change the shower curtain


Your guests may decide to have a shower the morning after staying over. Therefore, to get your bathroom ready for guests, why don’t you chance the shower curtain? We often leave the same one up for years, and it can become dirty and scruffy over time. Consider going to the shops and seeing what other ones might look great in your bathroom.

Wipe the floor


We are always walking in and out of the bathroom, meaning the floor can often be covered with bacteria which could be on our feet or shoes. Therefore, you need to make sure to give it a mop (or a hoover depending on your flooring) so that it’s tidy for when your guests come over. Make sure you clean behind the sink as this often ends up getting dirty, and people forget to do it.

Clean the plugs


If guests decide they want to have a bath while staying at your home, they don’t want to go turn on the taps and find hair from the plug joining them in the tub. Make sure you clean the plugs in the bath and the sink. Get rid of any hair which might have got stuck so that it’s perfect for when the guests arrive.

Clean the mirror


Another thing that gets dirty quickly in the bathroom is the mirror. Whether we are touching it with our dirty hands or the steam from the shower leaves marks, it’s time to give it a good wipe. Remember to clean the base as well as this can often get dirty. Try and use a glass cleaner when you are wiping the mirror as you don’t want to end up with further permanent marks!


Put away your stuff


So that your guests feel at home when they stay at yours, you may want to move your stuff out from your bathroom into your room for the night. You may have a spare bathroom or an ensuite which you can use to get ready. Also, you should check what’s in your bathroom cabinet. Unless you want your guests to see all your personal belongings, which you may keep in your bathroom, you should move them into your bedroom.

Remember, make the bathroom look as nice as you would expect if you were visiting someone else’s home.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Getting the Basics Right | Essential Improvements for Your Home READ THIS INFORMATION


When you move into your new home, it’s likely you’ll have a checklist of updates and improvements. It’s an exciting time, and the instinct is to dive in and start making changes. But it would make more sense to prioritize and work on the essentials first.

Fix the Roof


A good place to start with any home repairs is the roof. After all, if you have a leaking roof, any other improvements you make could be compromised. You may be aware of issues already. Or you may want to replace the roof if you feel it’s a little old. Experts such as Southwest Roofing, roof restoration services can evaluate the situation and advise.

Check your roof routinely throughout the year and be aware of any signs of wear or leaks. Blocked gutters can sometimes cause water to overflow and discolor the walls. Make sure there are no plants growing out of chimney tops. Check your loft for signs of leaks. Never climb to the roof yourself. Check from the ground using binoculars.

In addition to providing essential shelter and keeping in heat, your roof is important to the exterior appearance of your home. Old and worn roofs can look untidy.



Safety and Security


Providing a safe and secure home for you and your family is your main priority. Follow these tips to upgrade your security.

1. When you move into a new home, always change the locks. You never know who previous occupants have lent keys to in the past. It’s always a good idea to start fresh with a completely new set of locks.

2. In addition to locks, make sure all entrance points and windows are safe and secure. Ensure windows can be locked from the inside and move keys away from the window ledge.

3. Install a burglar alarm. Infrared alarms are good if you have pets as they can distinguish between them and an intruder.

4. Make sure any garages and outhouses are locked and secure.

5. Depending on your circumstances and local regulations, consider installing a CCTV camera. This will act as a deterrent to vandals and burglars.

6. Add motion detectors and automatic lighting to the exterior of your property. This will make it safer when you arrive home in the dark. It will also deter criminals.

7. Ensure your heating system is up to code and arrange for it to be serviced regularly.

8. Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month.

9. Check plug sockets and electric cables regularly and replace if you see signs of damage. 


Windows and Doors


Windows and doors are also essential for your safety and comfort. Check for any visible signs of damage including breaks in the seals. Replace any cracked panes to avoid further damage. If you have double or triple glazing, make sure this is intact. Condensation or water between the panes is an indication that they have failed. Also, be aware of any drafts. If you notice problems decide whether to repair or replace.

Starting with the basics will enable you to provide a safe, secure and comfortable home for your family. You can then move onto enjoyable tasks like choosing new furniture and decorating.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

3 Luxurious Touches To Add To Your Garden This Year READ THIS INFORMATION

Your garden deserves to look and feel just as luxurious as your home does. It shouldn’t be a space which you should avoid using or spending any time in. It can be the ideal setting for socializing, fun and relaxation if you want it to be. Many people find the landscaping and designing of their dream garden to be difficult as there are so many things to consider. But with a few luxury touches, you can quickly create a garden you can be proud to show off. So take a look at these items and consider whether they could make the perfect addition to your outdoor space.




Gazebo


Gazebos are a fantastic luxury addition to any garden as they offer space, shade, and shelter. They can be temporary structures that can be assembled and disassembled as and when you need them. Or you can invest in a stronger more permanent design which can stay in place all year round. Think of it as an additional room. You can use it to recreate a foreign beach house where you can relax on a day bed. Or you can use to shelter your outdoor dining table when eating outside with friends and family. You can choose a suitable size, colour and style to suit the rest of your home’s decor. If this is an item you might be interested in, start to look for gazebos for sale online or in a local showroom.

Fire Pit


If you enjoy summer nights under the stars, a perfect addition to your home would be a fire pit. Ideal for parties or evenings at home alone, they provide heat and light to your garden area. They come in a variety of styles ranging from thick concrete to steel wire. They can also be buried or placed on legs depending on the look and feel you wish to create. It’s a brilliant way of interacting with your friends in a group, by toasting marshmallows and sharing stories. Or you can use it to help bring some romance back into your relationship. If you would like to learn more, look at the different options of firepit online or talk to firepit expert.


Hot Tub


Nothing says luxury more than a hot tub. So why not get your own and add it to your garden or decking. Hot tubs come in an array of styles and sizes depending on what you require it for. You can use it for family parties or just as a way to relax. If you’re worried about space or don’t one full time, you can also get inflatable hot tubs that can be put up and taken down. For more information, visit a local hot tub showroom and try some options out for yourself.

These luxury garden items will be the envy of all your friends and encourage you to spend more time outside. Each of these items comes in an array of shapes and sizes to fit a garden of any size while also varying in price. So don’t let your garden be ordinary anymore and transform it into a celebrity worthy space you spend every second in.