Tips for Renovating Your Basement

January 8, 2020 Leave a Comment

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Adding more usable space to your home is a great way to add value to your property, and your family’s life. Of course, renovating a basement is no walk in the park, so if you’re thinking about renovating the space under your home, here’s a few things you need to know to get it right: 

 

Find the Best Contractor

 

If you’re having a contractor do the work, it’s important that you shop around and find one who has experience dealing with basements and a good track record. A bad job could render your renovation useless.

 

Check for Hazards

 

It’s really important to remember that a lot of basements are teeming with hazardous materials of all kinds. Things like asbestos can often be found in walls and floors, as can lead paint, and you will need to remove them before you even think about renovating. Your contractor and a good testing lab can help you with this.

 

Plan the Exits

 

Something many basement renovators forget is to plan safe routes out of the basement in case of emergency. At the very least, your basement should feature a window that is large enough for a human to escape from but depending on where you are, you may need to adhere to stricter building codes.

 

Get Rid of Unwanted Water

 

There is little point renovating your basement if it is going to be compromised by water whether that be in the form of flooding, damp or mold. That’s why you should install the best sump pump you can afford, such as the Tsurumi HS2.4S, and why you should find and fix any and all sources of water before you even begin the project.

 

Dig Down

 

If the ceilings in your basement are low, it’s usually a better option to dig down into the ground than it is to relocate pipework and wiring to give you the required height. It’s more affordable and less work to do this overall.

 

Think About the Future

 

If your basement renovation is just the first of many changes you plan to make as a homeowner, it’s a really good idea to think about the exact changes you plan to make on the rest of the house because the basement will likely need to be worked on again if you, say decide to extend your home or remodel the kitchen. If you plan ahead, you can, for example, add extra circuits into the floor plan so that when they are needed, you won’t need to mess up your basement again.

Make it Stylish

 

If you’re going to the effort of renovating your basement, then it makes sense to spend a little more time and money on making it look good. A lot of people choose the same kind of decor for the basement as they do the rest of the home so that it all gels together. However, since the basement is usually a little cut off from the rest of the home, it can be lots of fun to go crazy in there and do things you wouldn’t usually – the choice is yours!

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Growing Your Property Portfolio in the Best Possible Way

December 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

Property is one of the safest markets to invest in if you have the money to do so. This is why so many people every year are looking at the ways in which they can invest in property or real estate, and start making serious money. But, if you are new to this process, it can seem pretty daunting, especially with the sums of money that are being talked about. 

 

Make sure you think about the different ideas you’ll need to consider if you want to get involved in the world of real estate. Growing your property portfolio is one of the key things you are going to need to consider, and this is something you can work on right now. These are some of the best things you can do to achieve that, and you should use these ideas to help grow your portfolio. 

 

Diversify

 

One of the key things we would recommend would be to make sure you aim to diversify as much as possible with your portfolio. There are a lot of things that play a part in the process, and this is going to help you when it comes to making the most of your property portfolio. This means looking to invest in things like mobile homes as well as traditional apartments and houses. This is a great way of attracting more people and giving you a more unique edge to your portfolio. 

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Rent Out for a While

 

When you are getting involved in the world of property investment, you will generally have two choices; you buy a property, fix it up, and sell for a profit, or you buy and then rent for a while before selling. Renting is a good way to build up your portfolio because it is providing you with passive income on a monthly basis, and this is important. Make sure you do what you can to make the most of this and try to rent out several properties at the same time, so you increase your cash flow. 

 

Maintenance & Upgrades are Key

 

Maintaining and upgrading your properties is also really important when looking at how you can grow your portfolio. Just because you own a property doesn’t mean you can overlook basic improvements. Saving money on home improvements is important, but you definitely need to make sure you maintain and upgrade the properties as much as you can. This can make a massive difference to making your portfolio more appealing to prospective buyers and tenants. 

 

Cash Flow!

 

Cash flow is one of the most important things to consider here because, without money, you can’t purchase property. As we suggested earlier, renting is a good way of bringing in some cash flow, but you need to consider other ideas as well, such as buying positive cash flow property and coming up with side-gigs to help you supplement your income. 

 

As you might imagine, creating a strong and diverse property portfolio is a challenge, and this is something you need to make sure you consider as much as possible. There are a lot of factors that play a part in helping you achieve success in the property market, and these are some ideas that will help you to get started as much as possible.

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Top 4 Tips For First Time Buyers

December 11, 2019 Leave a Comment

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When you’re a first-time buyer, you might want to dive straight into the deep end and buy the first property you find. And although this might be tempting, there are certain things that you need to get in order before making the big move. 

 

Yes, it’s an exciting milestone – no matter what your age. But it’s vital that you are fully prepared for the decision in advance of moving day. To help ease this transition, here are the top four tips that you should follow:

Location, Location, Location 

 

This might seem like an obvious point to make, but it’s nonetheless important to mention. At the start of the journey, you need to consider where you want to live – do you want to live in your hometown? Or perhaps a new location that you’ve loved to visit? This will be dependent on your budget, where you work and your bespoke preferences. Key factors that many people take into consideration, is how far the property will be from family and friends, as well as how close it will be to amenities. 

 

If you’re moving in with a friend or a partner, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re on the same page and are both happy with the location in question.

Consider the Market 

 

Unfortunately, the market is ever-changing. And because of this, it’s perhaps harder now more than ever to find a home that is suitable for your budget and personal preferences. 

 

So when you’re starting to gather the funds for your first property, it’s important that you keep an eye on the real estate market, including the trends within the area you are wanting to purchase etc. It’s also invaluable to gage the advice of a realtor, who will help to indicate what you can realistically get and the areas/types of properties that you should avoid.

Decide on A Realistic Budget

 

You don’t want to have to contact a bankruptcy lawyer as you have overstretched yourself on purchasing or renting a home (or even because you’ve gone over the top with buying furniture which was way more than you could afford). So before you make the investment, you need to sit down and consider how much you can realistically spend. Houses are expensive – no matter where you’re located or the type of property you are looking for. 

 

It’s essential that you work out how you will acquire your deposit and how you will pay your mortgage each month. If you’re thinking about buying rather than renting, you’ll need a good amount of money that you can put towards the property at the start of the process. Whether this is acquired through an FHA loan or through the bank of mom and dad, it’s a key factor into purchasing your first home. 

When setting a budget, you might also want to consider the following:

 

  • Potential costs of any renovations you want to make. 
  • How much home insurance will cost.
  • Other costs associated with moving – e.g hiring a moving van. 

What Mortgage You Can Get

Mortgages might seem terrifying, but they don’t have to be. Although they signify that you’re now an adult that can no longer rely on living for free at your family home, they indicate the start of a new phase in your life. When you’ve found your dream home, the reality that comes with getting a mortgage is something that you’ll have to face. 

 

But how do you know which type of mortgage is suitable? It’s a good idea to compare and contrast various mortgages, paying attention to the following:

 

  • What type of rate do they offer you? Do they offer a variable or fixed rate?
  • How much they cost each month.
  • The repayment terms – e.g 25 or 35 years.

If it has other fees – e.g valuation fees, advisory fees and arrangement fees.

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How to Sell Your Home Fast

December 9, 2019 Leave a Comment

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There are lots of reasons to want to sell your home fast. Maybe you need to move for work or perhaps you found the home of your dreams, put in an offer and now need the money to complete the sale. 

 

Selling your home fast can be simple if you know the right tricks and keep an open mind. If you are living in a fast market, you might even be able to find a buyer within a few days! But there are always a few house selling tips that will come in handy. 

Know Who to Sell To

The first thing to keep in mind is who you are selling to. If you are selling to the general market, you will have to be more patient than if you are selling to a company like Gem Homes, which can offer you the close day of your choice. Equally, if you are selling on a more select market, you may have to wait a bit longer. 

 

You can help yourself by making sure that your home is appealing to the right target audience. So, if you are looking for a family to buy your home, make sure the bedrooms are all made up and child-friendly. Similarly, if you want to sell to a young couple, you might want to show off your home as a starter property and might even put out some leaflets detailing the local amenities, including bars and entertainment.

Prepare Your Home for Sale

Preparing your home for sale is a really important part of the sales process. You need to show buyers that your home could work perfectly for them. So, put your junk into storage, clean everywhere and do a few touch-ups around the house so that it is neutral.

 

You need to make sure that your home is a blank canvas that anyone could live in but you should also add some homey touches. So, while you should paint your walls in neutral colors, you might light to add some scatter cushions to your sofa, light a scented candle and put some flowers in a vase. 

Be Ready to Move

If you aren’t ready to move, you won’t be going anywhere fast! Put the things you don’t use every day into boxes and hire some storage space to keep them safe. Make sure that any valuable personal items are also stored away safely. 

 

You should also plan your budget for the move. As soon as your house sells, you will need to be able to move quickly so you should gather your packing materials together and start searching for a moving company to help you out. You might also like to prime your friends and family so that they can come and help you. 

 

Selling your home quickly is all very well but you must be ready to move once your home is sold. Getting everything ready to go is essential if you want to show your buyers that you are serious about a fast sale. The more you can do to prepare, the easier it will be to move.  

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Selling Your Home – Tips

November 29, 2019 Leave a Comment

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There are many reasons why you may have decided to put your property on the market. Perhaps you’re adding to the family and you need somewhere bigger? Maybe you are ready for a new adventure and are moving overseas? Or, have you found a better house a few blocks away? No matter the reason, you need to make sure you present your property in the greatest light. Find out how you can increase your chances of a quick and successful sale. 

 

A Warm Welcome

 

The first thing you need to do is make sure the entrance to your home is a welcoming one. A lot of people underestimate the importance of having a stylish front door and a clean porch. This is the entryway to your home. It sets the tone for the rest of the property. This is your opportunity to impress and get your viewers excited about the rest of the house, so don’t waste it. 

 

Sweet Smells

 

A lot of people do not realize that their house smells because they are so used to it. This is especially the case for those who have pets. Get someone you trust to give you an honest opinion regarding what they can smell when they walk into your home. After all, last night’s takeaway is not going to encourage a quick sale, is it? Instead, you need to add a pleasant but subtle smell to your home, which you can easily do via scented candles or a diffuser. 

 

Present The Lifestyle

 

When you are selling a property, you are not just selling the walls and floors. You are selling a lifestyle and a neighborhood. It is important to remember this. This is why professional home stagers recommend getting rid of all personal photographs. Items like this act as a barrier, making it difficult for property viewers to imagine themselves living in your home. It is all about presenting your house in a manner that makes it possible for others to imagine the amazing life they could have there. If the viewers aren’t familiar with the area, why not provide them with some helpful leaflets and pamphlets regarding the schools and such like in the area? 

 

No Secrets

 

The final piece of the puzzle is to be honest. Don’t assume you can cover up water damage with paint or that a roof problem will be overlooked because the buyer isn’t going to climb up there! If you know you have an issue with your roof, it is better to pay for a roofing company to rectify this before you put your property on the market. The same goes if your siding is damaged or there are any other issues. Otherwise, when the buyer gets a professional survey carried out, the issue will be flagged and you will end up with egg on your face. This could cost you the sale.

 

Selling a property is a big undertaking. By being truthful, making your home welcoming, and presenting it in a manner that makes it easy for people to envision living there, you should be able to secure a sale sooner rather than later.

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Sell Your House Fast In 3 Simple Steps

February 26, 2019 Leave a Comment

When we come to list our homes on the open market, we might assume that they will fly. Your open house day should be jam-packed, potential buyers should be entering into a bidding war to pick up your piece of prime real estate, and you should be batting them away left, right and center. However, more often than not this simply doesn’t happen. Why? Because we think of our humble abodes in a highly subjective way. We have adored the pink flamingo wallpaper and bright teal hallway for a decade so why wouldn’t anybody else? Instead, you need to sell your home by imagining yourself as a buyer. Take a look at how you can sell your house fast by following these three simple steps.

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Get The Best People On Board

 

Hundreds of real estate agents will be vying for your business. While you might be tempted to go for the guy or company who takes the least commission, this can be a false economy. Sure, he won’t take as much cash out of your sales price, but if your home is on the market for an extra six months, this means extra home loan repayments which negate the very reason why you chose the guy.

 

Opt for a professional outfit that has a solid reputation in your area. Companies like William Pitt have a varied portfolio of properties, and the chances are yours could fit right in. As well as a real estate agent, you need the services of a top quality property lawyer to navigate the legalities of selling your home.

 

Decorate

 

While it may seem counterintuitive to decorate your home as you are planning to wave goodbye to it, a quick lick of white or magnolia paint to cover up the highly personalized purples and yellows can work wonders. Instead of a colorful abode, your buyers will be greeted by a sleek and modern pad ready for them to make their own mark on.

 

Dress your home appropriately with decent furnishings. If your money won’t stretch to purchasing a new sofa for the living room, hire one. Dressing your home will help seduce your buyers with a lifestyle. At the same time, you need to show off the space and airiness of your pad. Don’t leave untold amounts of clutter adorning every orifice of your rooms. This gives the impression that your home is poky and that they would outgrow it. Never say you are leaving because you need a bigger place. It always rings alarm bells in a buyer.

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Curb Appeal

 

For a few hundred dollars you can revolutionize the facade of your home. Clean the windows, paint the front door, off the lawn and weed the driveway. Put out a few colorful pots of foliage and create a welcoming atmosphere for your viewers. The chances are they will make their mind up about your home as they walk up to your drive.

 

Forget seeing your home languishing on the market and follow this guide to see your home sell fast.

 

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Three Ways to Organize Your Tools

February 6, 2019 Leave a Comment

Three Ways to Organize Your Tools If you’re like most homeowners, you have a collection of tools you look to whenever a repair is needed around the house. Or, maybe you use your collection of tools to work on DIY projects. You probably own several screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers and pliers along with nails, screws, etc. It’s a good idea to have a nice collection of tools, but it can be challenging to keep it organized. Check out three easy ways to organize your tools. Store Tools by Size Homeowners with garage storage cabinet systems find it very easy to organize tools by size. As an example, if you have several number two screwdrivers, then you would store them together in one area of a cabinet. If you have four number three screwdrivers, you’d store them together in another part of the cabinet. Of course, you would sort the screwdrivers by type as well. Keep all of the Phillips head screwdrivers together and all the flat-head types together. Organizing in this way allows you to find exactly what you need right away for the repair or project you’re working on. Prioritize Tools You Use the Most There’s a good chance you use some tools more than others. You may find that you use your needle-nose pliers for a lot of repairs around the house. If so, when organizing your tools, put your needle-nose pliers front and center in the cabinet or drawer. That way, you don’t have to search for tools you use on a regular basis. Alternatively, if you have a basin wrench that you rarely use, keep it near the back of the cabinet so it’s secure and doesn’t get in the way of tools you use more often. Keep the Same Types of Tools Together Do you know any friends who simply throw their tools in a box or chest without any type of organization? In short, they have a drawer of miscellaneous tools that they have to search through every time they need one. It’s a good idea to organize your tool cabinet by keeping the same types of tools together. Put all of your hammers in one area and all of your wrenches in another. This will make the process of finding a tool a lot quicker. Lastly, organizing your tools can make any project more enjoyable. You can spend more time repairing an appliance or putting up a new front door and less time searching for the right tool in your toolbox or cabinet. Plus, if another family member needs a tool from your collection, he or she will be able to find it without a problem.

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The Pros And Cons Of Open Plan Living

August 18, 2017 Leave a Comment

If you have recently purchased a new home or if you’ve not renovated your own dwelling for a little while, the lure of open plan living can be overwhelming. When you glance at your humble abode, you see numerous rooms downstairs, blocked off by walls, compartmentalized and blocking out the natural light that you crave. Switch on the TV, and home makeover shows reel off renovation after renovation singing the praises of open plan living, the natural light it allows, the space it creates and the lifestyle it affords. Open plan living looks amazing on the TV, but what about real life? Is it all it’s cracked up to be? Take a look at the pros and cons of open plan living and decide if you want to head down the open plan road when you come to renovate your home.

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Pros

 

The natural light that you will see streaming into your new open plan living space can make any renovation seem worthwhile. With windows creating multiple aspects, you’ll also be allowing the outside in. Vistas become more accessible from any position downstairs through multiple viewpoints.

 

The atmosphere within your house will naturally shift from fragmented to all inclusive. Your kids won’t have a choice but to be in the same vicinity as you as they watch TV and you cook up your latest culinary delight. The impetus to enjoy more quality time together as a family can make open plan living a worthwhile venture.

 

Although the square footage of your floor plan won’t have altered, it will feel like you have created more space. This illusion can make the resale value of your home increase as open plan living is the most favorable lifestyle choice today. Homeowners enjoy inviting friends around for a dinner party or a gathering and love having a large flowing space that is flexible to entertain in.

 

The actual renovation itself will be a liberating experience. There is no better way to release your frustrations and anger than by grabbing a sledgehammer and knocking down a wall or two. If money is tight, look into using a homeowner loans company to fund your renovation plans. You can utilize their online affordability calculators and borrow well within your means. Although the cost of converting to open plan living may seem hefty, you could see a healthy increase in the value of your home when you come to sell it. It’s always best to think of your renovation as an investment.

Image Source – Holland And Green Architecture

 

Cons

 

The sheer scale of creating a single open plan living space from three or four distinct rooms can seem overwhelming. The labor costs can be steep, the dust and mess created will last for a few weeks and the project can seem like an uphill task. Open plan living is a dramatic shift in lifestyle, so if you aren’t sure, it pays to hold off before embarking on any renovations. It’s easy to knock walls down but a lot harder and more expensive to put them back up.

 

Open plan living will inevitably see a merging of your kitchen, dining room and living area. This means all those cooking smells from your fragrant Thai curry will linger when you settle on the couch to watch a movie three hours later. This can be a pet peeve of many so think about the practicalities of open plan living before you allow yourself to be seduced by the stylish facade of a home makeover show.

 

While open plan living and quality family time sound great in theory, there will be a lot less space downstairs to find a moment of privacy, and you may find your kids spending more time upstairs holed up in their bedrooms. You may want to consider whether you actually need to renovate or whether you are happy with the configuration of your home the way it is. Just because something is on trend doesn’t mean you have to succumb to it if you are more inclined to enjoy the traditional home layout.

 

Home renovations are expensive and dramatic. By their very nature renovations allow you to refresh your living environment and can afford you a new lifestyle. However, open plan living is not the only renovation available to you. If you wish to create a new look for your home, a simple and cheaper redecoration, new kitchen or even an extension may be the answer. Only once you’ve assessed the pros and cons of open plan living, can you decide if it is right for you.

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Create Your Own ‘Barbie Dreamhouse’ & Make Your Childhood Dreams Come True!

June 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

As a child did you ever dream of living in your very own Barbie Dreamhouse? Did you love the way in which Barbie’s home perfectly reflected her tastes – lots of pinks, and her style, as well as her needs? Back then, you most probably wanted a pretty pink home like Barbie’s. Today, you may no longer want to build a life-size version of Barbie’s Dreamhouse, but what you might want to do is build your very own dream house – somewhere that reflects your personality, style, and needs.

Thinking about moving anyway and love the concept of living in a home that’s custom made for you? Then read on, for everything that you need to know to make those childhood dreams come true by creating your own dream home.

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Set a budget

Like with any project, the first step is to set a budget. As once you have set a budget, you then know what you have got to work with, and can use your budget to determine what is and isn’t within your reach when it comes to the design of the property. As well as working out what your budget will be, it’s also important to think about where the funds will come from and when you will have access to them. Do you have savings that you plan on using to fund this project and can access immediately? Are you planning on selling your current property and will need to wait until then to get your hands on the funds? Or, are you hoping to take out a loan and have the money shortly? For any project, setting a budget is the most important thing, so this has to be your first step.

Get inspired

Once your budget is in place, the next step to take is to get inspired. You may already have plenty of ideas about how you want your dream home to be, but even so, it still pays to take the time to get some ideas and inspiration. You never know, you might come across some design ideas that you wouldn’t have even considered but love. As well as looking at ideas in home design magazines, online on sites like Pinterest, We Heart It, and Instagram, it could also be worth taking the time to look at a range of house plans. From modern house plans to more traditional ones, it’s worth having a browse, to get an idea of what your options are. To ensure that your dream home is perfect in every way, getting ideas and inspiration is a must.

Find the perfect plot

Before you can start your project, you need to select a plot. Now, whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of rushing the process of picking a plot, else you may live to regret it. Take the time to research locations that have plots for building properties on and learn as much about each area as you possibly can. Even if the location is near to your current home, it’s still worth taking the time to research the area, to ensure that it’s somewhere you would be happy to live.

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Consider going green

There is a lot of emphasis on eco-friendly living today, which is something that can be hard to implement in an older building or implement fully. However, if you are building a new home from scratch, you could consider making it an eco-friendly and sustainable property. It might cost a little more to build, but in the long-run, it will save you money in terms of running costs, plus it will reach a higher value should you ever choose to sell up. From choosing to use eco-friendly building materials like reclaimed wood, to implementing green features like solar panels, wind turbines, and water power, there are plenty of ways you can make your new build green, helping to reduce your carbon footprint. To determine the best way to create a greener home, talk to your contractor about it.

Think about the interiors

Don’t make the mistake of focusing purely on the exterior and layout of your dream home, as it’s just as important to think about the interiors. The layout of the property will impact the interior design and layout of it, so it is worth thinking about the interiors and the types of spaces you want inside your property. It’s not necessarily about things like room color schemes or furniture styles, it’s about how light and airy the rooms are, and the vibe that each room creates.

To design the most incredible house that makes your childhood home design dreams come true, building from scratch is the answer.

 

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Tips to Take the Stress Out of Moving Home

June 19, 2017 1 Comment

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Along with death, divorce and serious illness, moving house is one of the most stressful experience most of us will ever have to face. If you’ve ever moved, I’m sure that you’ll agree the act of moving house really does take a toll on the whole family. However, it doesn’t have to be quite as stressful as it is for most of us. Here are some of the tips to take the stress out of moving that seasoned movers recommend:

Organize Yourself

The number one reason why people get stressed out when moving home is that they simply aren’t organized enough. As a minimum, you need to set your move date, get your affairs in order, pack your whole house up and stick to your moving schedule. This is a lot more taxing than it sounds, so make spreadsheets, use charts and get the whole family involved if you want to make it easier on yourself.

Create a To-Do List

Having a to-do list where you’ve listed every task in order of priority and urgency might seem like a small thing, but it can help you to keep things on track and feel more under control, which will help you to avoid those last minute stresses and panics that come on when you realize you haven’t booked a kennel for the dog on moving day.

Hire a Professional Moving Companies

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Hiring a professional moving company with years of experience and numerous options including  long distance moves and international moves, of which you can get more details from Corrigan Moving Systems, will not only put your mind at rest that your stuff will get to its destination in a timely manner, but it will also cut the chances that your precious things will turn up broken significantly.

Double Check Everything

Another major moving day stressor is that realization that you’ve booked the moving van for the week before you’re set to move in. You might think this rarely happens, but it’s actually very common, and it can be disastrous when you’re left stranded with your belongings in a new place with nowhere to go. That’s why you should always double check every little detail.

Pack in Order

If you want to avoid the stress that comes with unpacking when you get to the other end, pack one room at a time and pack in order of least to most likely to need when you get there. That way, you’ll be able to access the essentials like dishes, plates, and bedding immediately without having to upturn all of your packing boxes and make a huge mess in your lovely new home.

Take Some Time Out

 

Of course, the best thing to help you avoid the stress of moving home is to ensure that you and your family take some time out from planning and packing relax and have some fun together. Go to the park, see a movie, hike the local trail one last time and you’ll feel a whole lot better.

Have you moved house recently? Do you have any tips to make moving a smoother, stress-free process?

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How To Keep Cool This Summer!

June 1, 2017 Leave a Comment

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It’s going to be a hot summer this year, so preparations should be in order! Instead of putting up with the scorching heat and wishing you could transport yourself into an igloo – get creative and find your own ways to keep cool.

It’s really not as complicated as you’d expect it to be. So here’s a list of all the different options you have this summer.

 

Cold water bottle

It is exactly the same idea as to how you would use a hot water bottle in the winter, but instead of filling it up with boiling water, instead, fill it and put it in the freezer. You’ll have the perfect sized ice pack that’ll last for at least an hour or two.

 

Damp sleep

Dunk your towel into ice cold water and use that as a blanket when you go to sleep, this will keep your body temperature down long enough for you to fall asleep. You should probably keep a dry towel under you though so you don’t get your whole bed soaking wet!

 

Pop them in the freezer

Put your clothes or bed sheets in a plastic bag, and place them in the freezer for a couple of minutes before you want to use them. It’ll be a great quick fix if you’re too hot.

 

Get loose, not naked

You would expect to be cooler if you strip bare instead of wearing pajamas in bed, but this can actually leave you feeling very hot and sticky. So it’s best to choose some loose, light cotton clothing instead. – Obviously not something that covers your whole body, but shorts and a tank top would be ideal.

 

Air con

If you haven’t already thought about getting a decent air conditioner – now is your chance. There are many on the market to choose from, so if you want to start looking, acpulse.com may be the best place to start.

 

Make your own cooler

All you will need is a fan, ice, and something to put the ice in.

Put as much ice inside a pan, or something similar, and position the fan so that it blows the icy air in your direction. It sounds silly but it 100% works! – Try it and see for yourself.

 

Hang it up

Attach a wet sheet in front of an open window, as the wind blows through, you will be getting a cool gentle breeze entering the room.

 

Put it on your pulse

If you need to cool down asap, grab something icy and place it wherever your pulse is. So this can be your wrists, your neck, your groin or even behind your knees. This will give you an instant relief.

 

Stick to cotton

Cotton sheets and clothes are a wise choice when the weather gets hot because they allow a lot of ventilation and airflow compared to polyester or silk. The lighter the color – the better. White reflects heat remember, whereas darker colors absorb it.

 

Fly solo

If it’s too hot on those summer nights, an effective option is to kick your partner out of bed. It may sound harsh, but sometimes you just have to be. Cuddling with your other half will just double the body heat between the two of you, leaving you drowning in sweat… Ew.

 

Go wild

If you have one, use a hammock to sleep in instead of a bed. Because of the way it is suspended, you will allow yourself a lot more airflow from all angles.

 

Go hard or go home

Instead of sleeping in a cozy, snuggly bed, why not go back to basics and sleep on a rustic straw-like matt. Sure, they may not give you as much comfort as a double bed would, but they won’t be anywhere near as hot.

 

Drink plenty of water

We all know how great water is for us, but it’s so much more important to drink it than you normally would in the next few months. The more you sweat, the more water you lose, which means you can end up with a nasty case of dehydration.

Just don’t drink too much before you go to bed otherwise you’ll be waking up in the middle of the night, sweaty and needing the bathroom!

 

Nice cold shower

Having a cold shower sounds pretty daunting, but when you get hot and desperate, this will be your favorite thing to do. The sensation of the cool water gliding over your body will leave you feeling pure bliss.

 

Get down low

Hot air rises right? So set up camp as low to the floor as possible. If that means dragging your mattress downstairs and sleeping in the kitchen – so be it!

 

Turn the lights off

Keep your rooms dark and aired. Even if you have energy saving light bulbs, they still give off heat, so turn everything off and open the windows instead.

 

Unplug your things

Believe it or not, even your appliances that you leave plugged in at night can give off heat. So unplug your charger! Plus it’ll save you energy, essentially cutting the costs of your bill.

 

Stay away from the oven

Summer isn’t the time to start cooking tuna pasta bakes or lasagna; it’s far too hot for that.

Go grocery shopping and get yourself lots of fresh ingredients, and a whole load of fruit and veg. Get creative and make some big salads. Not only will this be a healthy option, but it’s the perfect food to eat when you’re hot and exhausted. No one wants to be full in the sun!

 

Keep your feet cool

When you’re cold, you are told to wear socks to instantly warm your whole body up. So it works the opposite way too. Get a bowl of cold water and dunk your feet inside. It may be tough at first, but within seconds you’ll feel cooler! Another thing you can do is keep the bowl by your bed so you can have a cool off if you get too hot throughout the night.

body up. So it works the opposite way too. Get a bowl of cold water and dunk your feet inside. It may be tough at first, but within seconds you’ll feel cooler! Another thing you can do is keep the bowl by your bed so you can have a cool off if you get too hot throughout the night.

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Make Your Home A Secure One

May 30, 2017 Leave a Comment

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If you’re worried about the security of your home, there are many things that you can do to ensure a safe environment

 

 

Social media

If you’ve just bought a new expensive gadget or maybe you’re getting ready to go away on holiday – don’t tell the whole world!

The same goes for calendars, don’t put them somewhere that can be seen through the window. Otherwise, it’s just asking for trouble.

 

Remove flyers from your door

If thieves are having a look around the next potential target, the build up of flyers outside your home will give them the impression that you’re away on holiday, which is perfect if someone is looking to break in and steal any valuables you may have.

So if you actually are away, ask a trusted neighbor to remove them for you.

 

Pets

A lot of people think it’s a good idea to advertise the fact that you have a dog at home, but it could actually work to their advantage instead of yours. Not only can pets be bribed with food, but burglars will know that you are less likely to use an alarm if you have an animal at home.

 

Windows

Try not to leave your windows easy to look through, by doing this you will prevent thieves from seeing the layout of your room, and also stops them from seeing any possible valuables.

Always make sure that windows are locked and are visible. Thieves hate to break glass because it makes a lot of noise and can cause unwanted injuries.

 

The garden

Don’t leave any tools out in your garden as these can easily be used to help break into your home.

Burglars will go through your bins too, so make sure there is nothing of value there either, especially letter with your personal information on. And if you install some home security cameras, you will most likely scare people away without having to do anything else.

 

Doors

Make sure you have the best locks for all your different types of doors. If you’re dealing with a professional thief, they will most likely know all the techniques to breaking into a lock within a few seconds. But by having the protection for each door, you will be making it a lot harder for them to get in.

It’s also a very good idea to fit a letterbox cage to your door; this means they won’t be able to put anything through in order to open the door from the inside.

 

Valuables

With a number of valuables out there nowadays, it’s no longer about finding the largest item within your house. Little things can end up paying off, maybe, even more, the a tv would, such as phones, laptops, jewelry and any other gadgets you treat yourself to.

The best areas to put your special things are in the loft. Thieves will avoid places like this because there is no escape route.

Don’t leave anything out that you don’t want to be taken – it really is that simple.

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A Roof Over Your Head? Don’t Take It For Granted

May 29, 2017 Leave a Comment

One of the most important things is the home – or the idea of home. A home means comfort, wellbeing, family and safety and we all know in our own way just how important each of those aspects is to our own lives. We want comfort to relax and let the worries of life flow away. We want wellbeing to be healthy and live a fulfilling life. We want family so that we are surrounded by the people we care about most. We want safety so we don’t have to worry about the outside world, for one reason or another.

 

Now when we think of the idea of a home, a phrase comes to mind – does it not? Four walls and a roof, for that, is home the typical home is constructed in the physical world and within the mind. Four walls and a roof is all we need to call something a home, well – in the most basic form anyway. The perfect home is going to be different in its own way for everyone in this world – as everyone has different expectations of what a home should be. However, those four walls and roof? That’s exactly what we need to get started.

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So if you’re a homeowner, or a parent – or anyone living in a home with those four walls you need to avoid taking that for granted. But you also need to ensure that you’re looking after the roof – as without that – you’ve not got much of a home at all. The roof serves a number of important functions not least protecting the inhabitants of a home from the outside world and the weather.

 

The roof does a number of things for the home, and it needs to be on form during these tasks at all times. Being at 90% isn’t good enough, and the condition of a roof can deteriorate at any moment, and the condition can plummet fast.

 

The most basic check you can perform on a roof is a shingle check. A roof needs shingles to ensure that no wind or rain escapes into the confines of the home from the outside world. If your shingles are broken or missing – you might need to replace them with a like for like – or even an improvement like Wakefield Bridge Steel Shingles. Shingles are the first line of defense on the roof so if they are missing or broken, replace them.

 

The main job of the roof is to guard the home from the weather, but it also has another critical function, and that is to guard the foundation of a building from debris and water.

 

The roof does this with its shape, so that water falls away from the bottom of the building, but it also uses guttering to lead water towards drains. This is to prevent erosion. One of the easiest things you can do to help you roof is to clear the gutters or replace broken guttering.

 

A leaky roof means hell for the home. Don’t take it for granted. Fix any issues and keep it safe so it can keep your home safe.

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17 Bright Ideas For Hiring Reputable Tradespeople

May 26, 2017 Leave a Comment

If you find yourself in the midst of home improvements and needing some professional help to get the job done, then it can be a worrying time. You’re inviting people you don’t know into your home, hoping that they are going to do the work to a standard you find acceptable. It can be tough to know who to trust when it comes to hiring tradespeople; it can also be awkward when you have hired them and work begins. So here’s a few ideas to make the process as streamlined as possible.

 

1) Google everything you can about the company. You’d be surprised how many people don’t check a company out online before hiring them.

 

2) Know exactly what you want. One of the worst ways of hiring in a tradesperson is being unsure of the work you need doing. Make sure you have a clear idea in your mind.

 

3) Know the numbers. Whenever you invite someone to quote, always ensure that you have a rough idea of the budget you have in mind…

 

4) … But don’t tell them! If you are asked for a budget, then just shrug and say that you’re open to offers.

 

5) Check local records. If someone has been called to the attention of local authorities for bad workmanship, there may be a record at a local authority. You need to speak to anyone involved in trading standards.

 

6) Check local courts. If it’s a big job involving a lot of money, then go the extra mile and call the local court also. They will have any record of prosecutions or civil cases that may have resulted in the past.

 

7) Give them space. It can be tempting when someone is working in your home to stand over them, checking what they are doing. It’s tempting, but it’s also a bad idea. Not only does it foster a sense of unease, but you might distract them from something important.

 

8) Get at least three quotes, but five is better.

 

9) Never commit to anything immediately. If someone gives a quote you’re happy with, don’t commit to it on the spot. Give yourself at least 24 hours to do the relevant research before you agree.

 

10) Write everything down. Even for a basic job, get everything written down and signed by both parties. There’s far less room for confusion if this happens.

 

11) Request multiple contact details. Any reputable company will have at least one phone number and an email address. Ask for these at least; you want to know you can contact them if something goes wrong.

 

12) Go local. This is especially important for someone you might need to call in an emergency, such as a plumber or electrician. The sooner they can get to you if you have a problem with the project, the better.

 

13) Don’t hand over money upfront. If you are asked for money “for supplies”, then insist on accompanying them to the store.

 

14) Only pay for work that has been done. There is no need to make advance payments, especially for small home-based projects.

 

15) Be polite. If things are not progressing as you expect, it’s still better to be polite and courteous. This ups your chances of a satisfactory result.

 

16) Get quotes, not estimates. A quote is an official record, preferably on paper, of what something will cost. An estimate is far vaguer and can be subject to increases without your knowledge.

 

17) Ask for references. Try and obtain at least one reference from previous work they have completed.

 

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6 Things That Will Improve Your Home DIY Skills

May 25, 2017 Leave a Comment

As a homeowner, you’re going to need the right DIY skills if you want to get the most from your house. Without them, you might find that you simply can’t make your property into the home of your dreams. That would be a massive shame, so maybe now is the time to start thinking about improving your DIY skills. If you do this right, you will be able to make your house into the home you want it to be.

 

Of course, DIY is not easy, especially if you have no existing experience of it. That’s just the truth of the matter, and you should realise this before you dive in head first. Here are six things that will help to improve your home DIY skills.

 

  1. Get Comfortable with the Basics

 

First of all, you need to make sure that you’re as comfortable as you possibly can be with the basics. This is essential, and not everyone is. So, you need to be prepared to do a bit of research read some books and get the basics nailed do. This will provide you with the basis from which you can push on and learn more about DIY. So, don’t hesitate to get started. Start learning about all the different kinds of hammers, nuts, bolts and power tools that are out there. Don’t forget to learn about any safety equipment you might need too.Visit kennards.com.au to find the tools you need to hire and learn how to use them.

Protection Tools Diy Gloves Suitcase

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  1. Watch Plenty of Demonstrations and Learn From Them

 

The best way to learn from other people when it comes to DIY is watching. Watching and learning allow you to see for yourself what needs to be done. This is useful because DIY is practical and hands-on. You need to see other people doing what you need to do before you can go ahead and carry out the work yourself. It’s much easier than following written instructions too. Luckily, video sharing platforms online provide you with a bountiful supply of instruction and demonstration videos that you can watch and learn from in seconds.

 

  1. The Willingness to Take on a Variety of Projects

 

A willingness to delve in and try new things will take you a long way. If you are apprehensive and move too slowly, you will never learn fast enough. You will constantly be holding yourself back, which is not what you want at all. So, show a willingness to try new things and take on a variety of DIY projects. In reality, you will only improve and get better by doing things with your own two hands. No amount of guides or demonstrations can replace the experience of getting stuck in and using your hands to make or mend something.

 

  1. New Tools

 

You are also going to need a set of tools to get you started. You won’t get very far without these. Start off by investing in the basic things, such as a tool belt and all the things that it needs to be filled with. When you’ve done that, you can move onto the more advance tools. If you’re buying power tools, always research the options first. If you’re looking for a new router to use, read router reviews before making a purchase. There are so many tools out there, and you need to weigh up the options before handing over your cash.

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  1. Basic Plumbing Knowledge

 

Plumbing is one aspect of DIY that many people ignore or assume that they can’t get right. But there is no need to assume that that’s the case. There are plenty of small plumbing fixes that you can carry out if you want to. Hiring a plumber to come over and fix a minor problem can be expensive. So, why pay for that if you can carry out the work yourself. It simply doesn’t make sense. Learn some of the basics, and get to know how the shower, taps and toilet in your home work. That’s always the best way to start.

 

  1. Small Compartments and Storage Solutions

 

Finally, you’re going to need an organised storage arrangement to keep all your bits and pieces in. This is something that many people overlook, but if you want to do DIY properly, you need to make the most of compartments and storage solutions. All those nuts and bolts and other little things need to be kept organised. That way, you will be able to find what you need in the future when the time comes to use them. Create a setup in your shed or garage with these things in place.

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Simple Ways to Take Care of the Outside of Your Home

May 24, 2017 Leave a Comment

When it comes to home renovations, one of the most common things everyone does is look inside the home. This is completely normal, however, because most home renovations are designed to make your life a little more comfortable, productive or practical. For instance, you might renovate your bathroom so that it’s a lot more comfortable and spa-like, or you might paint your home to give it a fresh and new feeling to brighten up the mood in your home.

 

Whatever renovations you choose, don’t neglect to take care of the outside. It’s what your neighbors see and it gives your guests the first impression of your home. If the outside of your home is nasty, rundown and neglected, then don’t be surprised if your guests turn tail and run or if your neighbors see you as that lazy family that doesn’t want to mow the lawn. Here are a couple of tips to give your exteriors a little makeover.

 

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Roof Maintenance

 

Our roof can take a beating during bad weather. It’s assaulted with rain and hail, blown around by strong winds, and debris from guests can clog up the roof and make it look nasty. Assuming you have a friend or family member who’s willing to help, you can climb onto your roof and clean away all the nasty dirt and look for any signs of damage, such as loose or missing shingles. If you do encounter some problems, then contractors like www.andersoncontractors.net will be able to help you repair your roof if you lack the expertise or knowledge to do so yourself. Remember that it’s incredibly dangerous to climb up onto a roof, so practice caution!

 

Cleaning the Driveway and Garage

 

If you want to clean asphalt, make sure you’re not using detergents because it can actually damage it. The best way to clean it would be to soak it with some water and use a brush to scrub it away. If there are stains on your asphalt, then you may need to use cleaning products but be careful not to use too much. If you want to clean concrete, then a pressure cleaner will do the job. If you don’t have a pressure cleaner, you can rent one or look at www.trustedreviews.com for a few reviews and tips on how to pick one.

 

Wiping Down Siding

 

Because of rain, moisture and a number of other factors, vinyl siding can easily get clogged with dirt, grime, and mildew. Your best friend to clean the siding would be to use a pressure washer, make sure you are wearing protection because the water and lose bits of dirt are going to fly everywhere. If it’s close enough to wipe down, then simply use a bit of soapy water and a fresh cloth (throw it away after you’re done) to clean it.

 

Keeping the Yard Clean

 

Lastly, ensure that your yard is nice and clean. Pick up and get rid of any bits of rubbish that have been blown onto your lawn, trim it down so it’s presentable, and don’t leave dead plants to rot and wilt away on your grass. If you have furniture outdoors, then give it a nice clean and make sure it looks worth sitting on.

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