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The Need for End of Tenancy Cleaning
At some point, your lease will be over, and you will need to find a new place to live. You can decide to extend, though if your landlord allows it and you don't have any plans to change the job for at least a year. However, you can renegotiate the contract to make it more favourable to you. If you think that you can no longer stay in the same place, you need to inform your landlord about it. You can't leave without telling the landlord regarding your plans. Read your agreement and check how long before your lease ends you need to inform your landlord about your decision. Check the place for potential repairs: You need to know first if there are possible problems with the property that you need to fix. However, don’t fix anything or seek repair services without informing your landlord about it. Your landlord might know people who can do the job at a lower price. Besides, you can’t make any changes at home without seeking permission, if the contract states it. Hire cleaning services: Usually, the tenant is responsible for making sure that the property is in excellent condition before leaving. You need to hire experts in end of tenancy cleaning London offers to help you clean up. If you spent a year or so in the house and didn't keep it clean and tidy, you can only imagine the amount of dirt and mess accumulated. The easiest way out is to ask for a cleaning service company to come over and help. Check everything that you own: As you start packing your stuff, you need to classify it and determine which is your property. You can’t remove anything that does not belong to you. If you arrived in an empty house, it is easy for you to determine what to pack. However, if the landlord provided some of the items for you to use, you need to double-check while packing. You can also go back to your contract as it might include the list of things your landlord lent you. Avoid issues: When you leave, you want to retain your cordial relationship with the landlord. You want to make sure that everything is okay, and there are no potential issues. If you did everything right, returning your deposit won't be a problem. However, if you felt like you already did your part and your landlord is still holding your deposit, you need to prepare for potential legal battles. It could be quite messy if your deposit is a considerable amount and your landlord does not want to return it to you. The landlord usually has 30-60 days to clarify any issues and return the money. If not, you need to challenge your landlord in order to get back what rightfully belongs to you. Moving to a new house can be quite a challenge. You need to know what to do and what to avoid. You also need to find the perfect place to relocate before you tell your landlord you won’t renew your first contract. Read Also: Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean In One Hour Or Less How Cleaning Helps Us Feel Better And Why We Don’t Do It
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5 Signs The Roof in Your Edmonton House Needs a Repair
You may have heard that “a house is only as strong as its roof.” There’s certainly truth to it. After all, nobody wants to live under the risk of a weak or poorly constructed roof that may collapse and give up on you. This is why most of us pay close attention to the construction material that goes into erecting a roof. However, if your Edmonton home’s roof is aging or is poorly constructed, then it may be hard to figure if it requires a repair or needs to be replaced altogether. Pricing of both roof repair and roof replacement vary significantly. HomeAdvisor states that the average cost of roof repair totals to an average of $792. The costs, of course, drill down to how intense the damage is and how much repair work is required to fix it. Generally, the investment ranges anywhere between $335 - $1,252 with the lowest cost being $150 in expenses and the high end of investment standing at $4,100. RoofingCalc.com estimates that the typical roof repair costs too. The main estimates made include: Minor repairs cost anywhere between $150 to $400 Moderate repairs demand cash of $400 to $1,000 Extensive repair work takes about $1,000 to $3,000 It may take up some time to realize that a roof repair is due. However, these signs can help you figure out your roof’s requirements: 1. Check the attic for any roof leakage: If you have not been to your home’s attic for a while now, then it’s high time that you visit it. Apart from the prevailing dust, check for any signs of water. You need to run this leakage check, specifically, if a big storm or heavy rains have just passed. Any water leakage in the attic is a telltale sign of a roof that is in need of some repair work. Alternatively, check for any signs of light rays coming into your attic. If light can pass through your roof, so can water. 2. Observe the shingles for any curling or cracking: Detect the shingles on your roof. These may be cracked or curled. In certain instances, some or several shingles may be missing. All these indications are signs that the shingles are nearing the end of their life. Consequently, you need a roof repair in your Edmonton house. However, if you note that numerous shingles are damaged or absent, then you may need to replace the roof altogether. 3. Notice any shingle granules in the gutter: If you observe any granules that resemble black sand in your house’s gutter, then be aware that these are granules from the shingles. Such a loss of granules highlights that the shingles are wearing off. In such cases, you typically require a new roof because shingles that are wearing off are of no use. If you hadn’t foreseen the cost of roof repair, then a repair can help you buy some time. In the long haul, know that a roof replacement is in order. 4. Check the roof objects for any wear and tear: To further learn about your roof’s condition, survey the room objects. These include vents, pipes, chimney, and other objects that penetrate the roof. Scrutinize carefully for any signs of wear and tear. Minor roof repairs can help correct such a situation. If you are unsure, you can get these areas and your roof checked from a professional such as Silverline Roofing - Edmonton roofer. This will help avoid further roof deterioration by leakage and so on. 5. Peeling and blistering paint: Another telltale sign which indicates the need for a roof repair is an improper paint. Two significant signs are blistering and peeling paint. Essentially, your roof should be well-ventilated. However, a poorly ventilated roof encourages the buildup of humidity and moisture. This results in the peeling of paint. If you notice peeling paint near your roofline, then your roof needs repair. This pointer shows that it is not essential that only old roofs require repair work. New ones that may be poorly constructed can also need repair. Wrap up thoughts: Summing up, your roof, whether old or new, may require repair. These signs can help you understand your roof’s needs. Be sure to get your roof rectified at your earliest. Ignoring the matter will only worsen the condition, which is why you may end up needing a costly roof replacement. Read Also: What Are The Services Offered By Roofing Companies? Professional Roofing Services And Different Decorating Styles
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Turn Your Basement into a Useful Space with These Tips
Who wouldn’t want a place where they can play to their heart’s content, focus on their work, or simply relax and unwind? You don’t have to look outside for these things. You can have them underneath your home, right in your basement. Turning your basement into a useful space is the next best thing when it’s not possible to expand your home outside. The foundations are already there, so all you need to do is to continue the work. Before you work on your basement, take note of these home-improvement tips to your project. Plan What You Want for Your Basement: To start, figure out what you want your basement to be. You can only begin securing a building permit, buying the materials, meeting a contractor, and taking the next steps once you already have a plan for your basement. The basement is located away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house, so it can be the perfect place to concentrate on your work or meditate and relax. The location also renders it natural soundproofing, making ideal to turn into a studio or a home theater. If you want to be more practical, you can also turn it into an extra bedroom for guests or for a new family member. You can even add in a bathroom for more convenience. With an upflush SaniBest Pro toilet, installing a toilet doesn’t require you to break ground for drainage. The up-flush system allows you to conveniently connect the toilet and other fixtures in the basement bathroom to your existing sewage system or septic tanks through the toilet’s external discharge tank and pipe. The basement has endless potentials—an entertainment room, an extra bedroom, an office or study, or a children’s playroom. You can turn it into anything you want. Create a Budget: Like with any other home improvement projects, renovating your basement can quickly drain your funds. You’ll be spending money every step of the way, from securing permits to finishing your basement. You need a budget plan so you don’t end up spending far more than you intended. Creating a spreadsheet for your expenditures can also help you keep track of how much funds you’ve already used up and how much is left. It will help manage your expectations and stick to your initial budget. Secure the Necessary Permits: Renovating or remodeling your basement will require a building permit. If you’re caught doing construction on your house without one, you will be made to pay a fine and ordered to take down all the work you’ve done. A building permit is necessary especially if you’re doing major changes to your house’s structure or mechanical systems. A contractor usually deals with this bit, but if you’re working the project independently, you should contact your local building department to apply for a permit. If you plan to apply for a loan to fund your project, a lending company will ask you to present a building permit before they approve anything. In addition, a permit is necessary in order to count the renovated basement in your home’s appraisal. Resolve the Moisture Problem: Moisture is one of your biggest problems when renovating or remodeling your basement. Because of its location, the place is naturally damp, and it doesn’t help that water from the house typically ends up below. Being exposed to a damp environment for prolonged periods can be detrimental to your health. Moisture usually causes the growth of mold, and mold can cause an otherwise-healthy person to develop upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing, as well as trigger the asthma of some people. Even without mold, dampness itself already presents a risk to a person’s health. Remove the sources of moisture in the basement before you start building your plan. Seal up cracks where water can come in, and waterproof the walls. Get rid of excessive humidity, and insulate the plumbing pipes. Finally, install a drainage system for a long-term solution to the problem. Conclusion: For some people, it’s not feasible to expand their living space outside due to lot and legal restrictions. Renovating the basement is their only opportunity to build another room in the house. But even if you don’t have that same restriction, working on your basement can still be a good investment for your property. For one, a renovated basement is usually not counted as one full room so that it won’t be counted in your tax, but it can still raise the value of your home in case you sell it. Instead of leaving your basement alone, you can turn it into a useful space and reap the benefits later. However, you need to commit to the project since it does need considerable work and resources to do. Read Also: Five Ways To Improve The Air Quality Inside Your Home Outstanding Design Advice If Your Home Is Really Small
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5 Ways To Maintain And Decorate The Study Room For Kids
If your kid has lost interest in his studies then get his attention back to studies by making the study room comfortable and attractive. A well-organized study room can prove to be a sort of enthusiasm for your kid. It will encourage the kid to spend more of his time in studies. If the room is painted with his favorite color and themed with personalized artwork using some 3D effects then the study room will become the most desired place of your kid. There are a few ways that are quite economical and very creative in decorating a study room. 1. Choosing the Right Place to Study: Select the right space in your house that can be used as a study place. A room should have a window for cozy feelings. Fresh air is really important to make the mind active. A room should be in a silent zone of the house, keeping all the distractions aside. It will prove to be very healthy for learning. Our mind concentrates more in a calm atmosphere. So, be wise in selecting the study place for your kid. No matter how small space is, a good interactive change in managing the things properly will yield your effort. For small places, things are managed on the minimalist theme. 2. Organize the Furniture: Make the set of shelves in that room where you can organize the books on the shelves nicely. It will help in developing the habit of organizing the things in your kid’s nature. Maintaining the stationary and books is handy for your kid while studying. Proper furniture like a chair and table gives a professional look to their study room. A comfortable chair and the perfect sized table will give some relaxing feel while you are working for hours on them. There are now study desks designed specifically to grow with the kids - check out these kid’s study tables (made in Singapore). They are comfortable, cheap, and artistically designed. Manage things according to space. It will be more suitable if you put the things according to the size of that room. Be wise in selecting the wall for bookshelves, then the number of bookshelves according to the size of the wall. Don’t make it seem flooded with shelves as space should be in view. Make it look spacious. 3. Prepare an Attractive Study Planner: Make an attractive planner of their study routine, put that on the openers and change that planner accordingly. Make the notes of motivational quotations on their desk. It will help motivate your kid even more. Put some inspirational words as bookmarks on their desk. You can also make some attractive charts of inspirational thoughts and about the ambitions and goals of your kids. Like if he wants to become an astronaut, set the theme of galaxy and stars and put the words of achievers on their openers. This will help in getting your kid’s attention in his study room. 4. Plan Activities to Add to the Room: Place a whiteboard on the wall. This will help your kid in assuming his room as a classroom where he can be a teacher for a while. This will inspire him to study more as a teacher of that imaginary class. Your kid can spend hours with this indoor activity of learning. You can plan more creative activities to get him to inspire with studies. Learning should be fun; it will ease the process of converting a heavy workload into progressive learning. All you need is to grab their attention by using different sort of interactive things. 5. Add Creative Art Work: Give the room a touch of personalized art according to your kid’s interest. The theme should be very enchanting. And set the room with proper lighting because experts suggest keeping the room bright if you want to be more energetic and active. Bright lights dodge your mind to stay active for more time. You can also use some vibrant colors on the background wall. Colors are the activators if they are used wisely according to your kid’s choice. Study room should depict the taste and interests of your kid as your home decor shows your personality. By adding simple innovative ideas, you can simply change the concept of boring study rooms. You will be surprised to see that your little efforts can works magic for them. Once you get done with the right setting, you will be surprised to see that your kid likes to spend hours in his study room. Study room will become his favorite place. Your little effort will help him a lot. And all of this will pay off when your kid will achieve his goals. Read Also: 4 Emerging Trends In The Education Sector 5 Innovative Ideas To Lend Your Bedroom With More Space
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How Long Does Vinyl Flooring Last?
Maintaining a home is costly; you have to replace components now and then, and you also have to remodel some or all parts of the house to keep it sustainable and to prevent any more damage from happening. The floor is one of the things that you have to take care of, as it bears the brunt of heavy foot traffic every single day. In choosing a type of floor, you must consider if it is durable enough to withstand years of wear and tear without showing any signs that it is ready to be replaced. Luxury vinyl flooring is one such option that is slowly gaining ground in home flooring, because of several factors, such as durability, cost-efficiency, and look, among others. 1. Synthetic materials designed to last Synthetic or human-made materials are what comprise vinyl flooring. You can find chemicals such as ethylene and chlorine in vinyl flooring. Other materials such as fiberglass, felt and dye also make up its composition. Manufacturers create a formulation that ensures that vinyl flooring will last a decade or so under normal circumstances. 2. Making vinyl flooring last past its lifespan Generally, vinyl flooring has a lifespan of ten to twenty years. But if you take proper care of it and maintain it, you can make it last for more than twenty years. Kids and pets can scratch the surface of the floor, and heavy foot traffic contributes to the deterioration of the boards. But if you clean it frequently and remove stains and scratches, it can withstand years of the same use and abuse. 3. Choose a design that you can stand the look of for years to come Since you will be looking at your floor for decades, choose a design or look that is timeless and classic. You can never go wrong with a simple and classic look. Over the years it will still be good to look at. You don’t have to go crazy with a design that will lose its charm throughout the years and will make you regret choosing it. 4. The thicker, the better Vinyl flooring is available in different thicknesses. The general principle is that the thicker the boards, the longer it will last. The thicker variety can last well over twenty-five years, while the thinner one can only last up to a decade. Of course, the thicker one is costlier, but if you think of the hassle of replacing cheaper vinyl flooring after several years, the price that you pay for thicker vinyl will be worth every cent. Final Take Away Just like with any type of floor, proper care and maintenance will make it last longer. Make sure to dedicate time to keep it clean and free of dirt, dust, and debris that can scratch the surface. With a wide variety of flooring available on the market, it is very easy to get lost trying to determine which type best suits your home and your budget. Keep in mind that vinyl has excellent benefits and will not cost you as much. Read Also: List Of Most Durable Kitchen Flooring What You Must Know About Wood Flooring? Use Floor Polishing For Keeping Your Flooring Looking New
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Cheap and Simple Tips to Give Your Bedroom a Makeover
We should invest in our bedroom. After all, this is our retreat after a long day, our haven. It’s where we can relax and meditate. You don’t have to break the bank to have a cozy bedroom. Whether you have a small space or a big and spacious bedroom, you can revamp your area at an affordable price. You can go ahead and search the net for whatever blog feels appropriate to your DIY bedroom makeover! Here are cheap and simple tips to give your bedroom a new look: Clean Your Room: It’s free! If you've been the busy type, you may find old receipts scattered on your dresser, expired products, clothes you no longer use, trinkets, and knick-knacks that are just gathering dust. Some tips when cleaning your room include: Throw away things that no longer give value to you. Donate items that are still in good condition but you no longer need. Pass off items to friends and family that you may feel would better serve them than you. No matter how you style your room, a messy one will destroy its overall look and feel. Want to know why hotel rooms always have a very comfortable feeling? No unnecessary things are lingering around. Organize Your Products, Cosmetics, and Clothes: Bins, bins, and even more bins! Use one color and style of containers, and each one should store one category of products. Clear and transparent drawers give a sleek and polished look and let you see what’s inside. Your motto should be: Everything always has its place. Clothing pieces that are "loose" and "awkward" on hangers (like underwear, socks, ties, scarves) will look neat if you store them in organizers specifically made for them. Other ways you can organize your products, cosmetics, and clothes include: Start by decluttering and throwing away expired products and by donating clothing pieces that you haven’t used in the last six (6) months. Put your makeup brushes all in one cup holder, mug, or whatever you can find lying around your home that you haven’t necessarily been using anymore. If you have boxes that are unused, wrap and decorate these boxes so you can use them to store makeup by kind: blush, foundation, eyeshadows - all in their place. Sort and divide your clothes by kind: jackets all in one place, jeans, shirts, blouses, dresses, and so on. Sorting will help have all your clothes in plain sight. Maintain the organization system that you have created (so when you get an item, put it back to where it belongs - don’t mix and match again!) If you can use the space under your bed, do so. You can keep shoes hidden from sight to minimize clutter. Clean Those Sheets or Buy a New Set! Maybe you've put off cleaning your sheets in a long time. Now is the time to do it! A fresh, crisp, and clean set of sheets or colourful decorative bedding will significantly change the look of your room – and the feel of it, too. If you haven't already done so, now could also be the time to take advantage of that ongoing homeware sale. Making a big switch from your all-white set to being more adventurous and going for decorative bedding will totally revamp the look of your room! Buy new sheets to replace your dying, old ones. On this note, too, make sure your set of sheets match the overall theme and color scheme of your bedroom. Mismatched sheets will blotch the look of your room. The Floor Matters, Too: If replacing your flooring isn't on the budget right now, rugs can do just the trick. If your existing carpets are dirty and too old looking, then maybe like your sheets, it's about time to get new ones as well. A good trick is to use dark-colored rugs for high-traffic places like your bedroom door so that dirt isn't readily visible. For accent rugs, go bright or printed. Other tips when selecting a rug for your bedroom include: Study your floor plan and choose the rug that best fits the area that you’re going to fill. Focus on the style that suits your bedroom: floral, Persian, classic, geometric, monochromatic. See what your room needs. Choose the right material. For bedrooms, rugs made out of light elements are acceptable. Most importantly, pick a rug that you can maintain. Change Old Knobs, Hooks, Locks, and Hardware: Switching from silver to gold hardware or from gold to rose gold will do wonders. Just make sure that you stick to one hardware color! It’s not the right area for you to mix and match. Cabinet knobs and handles of different styles and materials are available in hardware stores and online, and installing them is as easy as one, two, three! Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect style and colour for your bedroom: Always stick to your theme. Don’t forget about functionality! Pick the kind of hardware that you’re comfortable using. Have the same finish throughout either glossy, nickel, matte, brass, etc. Remember the quality. Don’t settle for hardware with decorative purposes only. Make sure your chosen one will last you for years. You’re trying to stay cheap - not to remodel every year. Buy Brand New Lights and Lamps: Manufacturers usually come up with new and innovative lights and lamps each season. Having one statement piece will move your room from boring and dull to creative and soothing. (Bonus tip: yellow lights in your bedroom will set the mood for relaxation. Imagine yourself being in a hotel room in the comfort of your own home every night! Here are some tips when choosing the perfect light: Go for LED lights. You want to be an eco-warrior, too. Dimmer switches are perfect for your bedroom! Here you can control the brightness, which makes your overall ambiance more relaxing. Keep your lamps close to your bed - so you can have the convenience of not having to stand up each time you want to switch on (or off) a lamp. Make sure the lighting you choose is easy to maintain. Install a Headboard or Hang an Art Piece: A headboard can instantly bring elegance into your room. You don’t even have to buy a new bed at all. Hanging up a piece of art or a portrait on top of your headboard will also make your room look well put together. Wall clocks can be a good option as well, aim to choose the best wall clock to complement your bedroom. Wall clocks are artistic and modern which is the perfect piece for a room makeover. Go Green! Add in plants that require little to no sun exposure at all. If you can, however, go for fresh plants. Plastic plants cost more and will also collect dust and dirt. Certain plants can even cleanse and purify the air in your room naturally. Plant baskets have also become quite popular with so many beautiful options. Use Only One Color of Hangers: Hang all your clothes in a uniform direction and use only one color for all your hangers. Doing this will instantly reduce eyestrain. Black is a great color option as it neutralizes the various shapes and styles of clothing pieces that you may have. Repaint Your Room: Even if this is all you’ll focus on, a fresh new paint color will improve and change the overall look of your room. If you can do it yourself or ask a friend to help you out, then the better! You’ll be able to save more money. Try incorporating in an accent wall with prints or one with a different color. Some tips when choosing the right paint color includes: Choose your inspiration and know your theme. Be sure your paint color will match your theme. Make sure your paint color will look good when the lighting is either on or off. If you’re still confused, go for neutrals. Don’t be afraid to use testers first. Don't Forget the Details: Make your small room look bigger by installing a mirror. Increase height by using vertical blinds or curtains. Add in photo frames. Buy an alarm clock that can also serve as a decoration. If you’re going for a boho-chic look, you can put up string lights or fairy lights. Overall: Use these ideas to get started. Take a quick look at your room and see where and how you can apply any of these tips! A brand new place is now at the tip of your hands. Get those creative juices flowing and sleep sound and well tonight. Read Also: 5 Ways To Make A Big Statement In Small Bedroom 5 Innovative Ideas To Lend Your Bedroom With More Space
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Which one of the Memory Foam Mattresses out there Worth Your Money
The decision of buying the right mattress can change things significantly. The mattress will have a serious impact on your lifestyle as the quality of your sleep depends on it. It can give you a good night’s sleep that will make you ready to work harder. Also picking the wrong mattress can leave you tired and sleep-deprived which is not good for your sanity. So, investing wisely in the first place is important. There are plenty of options out there and we are here to help you as well. Which one of the Memory Foam Mattress out there Worth Your Money: Nectar mattress: The four foam layers technology that nectar uses best for good pressure relief. It gives you comfort by layers of gel and standard memory foam. The firmness options of the mattress make it the best memory foam mattress. The mattress is medium-firm which is perfect for most kinds of sleeping positions. Two-layer polyfoam can protect you from having back and body pain. The mattress does not transfer motion. So, you do not have to wake up with your partner in the middle of the night. Highlights of the mattress: Medium-firm Good pressure relief Does not transfer motion Lightweight and easy to move Nest Bedding Alexander Signature: If you side sleeper then this sleeping mattress is going to be your heaven. This mattress provides a comforting experience by medium firmness and pressure-relieving technology. The gel memory foam used in it is thicker. So it will not sink in easily. The motion is not going to be felt in the mattress. The polyfoam base layers ensure a surface that is going to support your whole body. Sinking mattresses cannot keep the body aligned. But this does not happen with the nest bedding alexander signature. Highlights of the mattress: Firmness option available 5.5 and 7.5 Pressure-relieving Good for people with back pain The Polyfoam layer is of high density Signature sleep: Signature Sleep is a brand that is trusted for its quality. It has different layers is suitable for our lifestyle. The layers provide the utmost comfort while sleeping. You will get verities of size and depths to choose from. There are various options available according to your bed frame. The fabric is breathable and easy to clean. The best Side of the mattress is that it is safe for Mother Nature. Highlights of the mattress: Two comfortable layers Easily washable Durable and quality products used Environment-friendly Live and sleep: The mattress is a little bit pricey but it’s totally worth your sleep. You are getting the best quality product that comes with a free memory foam pillow. If you are someone who changes their position frequently while sleeping then this mattress is going to save you. Its fabric is made of flex thread textile so the fabric is washable and durable at the same time. The breathable material makes sure you do not have a shower with your sweat. The foam used here is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and anti-bacterial. Highlights of the mattress: Anti-bacterial Provides comfort by contouring the body Breathable material for the hot region Compressible for shifting easily Zenus green tea: The perfect mattress with memory foam comes in several thickness options. Pressure-relieving and body supporting features make it comfortable to sleep on. But the mattress does not sink in no matter how old it has become. The unique thing about this is it’s infused with green tea and castor seeds. This kills bacteria and odor. Highlights of the mattress: Green tea and castor seeds infused 2 inches higher than others Affordable price Final verdict: These were hands-down best mattresses available in the market. Every one of them is known for their features and quality. Nectar mattress is mostly known for its good service but I would also go with Zenus green tea for its uniqueness and touch of nature. Read Also: Natural Latex Mattress Vs Foam Mattress The Best Memory Foam Mattresses For Staying Cool This Summer
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The Best Countertops to Help Revamp Your Kitchen
There are a lot of reasons why a person might remodel their kitchen. You might choose to remodel or upgrade your kitchen while repairing your house or simply for a change. Replacing the countertops is a great means of kitchen remodelling. Countertops often form the kitchen surface, and that is one reason why they get so chipped, stained, and scratched. You are bound to come across them in a plethora of options that match your budget. What you get in the end is your ideal kitchen that gets all eyes fixed on it. The extra amount that you are required to pay for your granite countertops is likely to be recovered by the durability and elegance of the material. The different layers of the rock show their colours. You may pick one out of the various shades. The predisposition of granite towards any product that contains cleansing agents, vinegar, alcohol, and citric fluids gets checked by experts. Experts are known to advise you against putting items on it directly. Countertops can be protected when appropriate precautions are taken. The countertops are not identical because they are often created manually. The fact that the countertops are easily customisable allows them to be designed while keeping with your specific needs and preferences in mind. Apart from fine detailing, you may ask for a rare texture to be created with pigments and coatings. The chemical solutions will enable the concrete to gain either the feel and look of limestone or that of marble and granite. What are the best options that you have in hand? A countertop comes with several design options. Apart from trivets, the small inserts and sinks are also an important point of consideration. Various quartz countertops have been engineered, following the advent of new technologies. They have become indestructible with time. While placing a hot pot or pan over the countertop, you must use trivets as these units are most susceptible to heat. Is there any inexpensive option? Laminated countertops are among the cheapest options. With models resembling stone and wood, these countertops come in various other patterns and colours. You may even choose between numerous patterns and designs. While the organic patterns are quite popular, you may also pick from a few designs depicting polka dots, rock, and wooden varieties. Know a few good benefits that the countertops come with: Colour versatility: Quartz gets developed from actual stone. That is why it can adapt to various styling options. You can certainly choose between a clean and smooth body. Quartz countertops are a good option as they appear both modern and monochromatic. Easy maintenance: You may have to get the surface re-sealed once every year. All you have to do is to read through the instructions laid down by the manufacturer carefully. Uniform durability: You will not have to think twice about putting a toaster on the surface. The surface may only be damaged by the hard impact. Stain resistance: Stain resistant countertops are good for your household if you have kids. Besides being much easier to clean, these countertops are made to resist stains. The surface is bound to remain elegant and smooth for many more years to come. Depending on your budget, you may choose between numerous kitchen counters that you find on the market. A good number of them will deliver the looks that you prefer for your kitchen. A marble countertop is a simple option for those that are on a restricted budget. Read Also: 9 Feng Shui Tips For A Calmer Kitchen Top 4 Must-Have Appliances In Every Kitchen
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Las Vegas Electricians Share Fun Lighting Ideas for Your Home
Callidus Nevada electrician service providers have made calls to a significant number of homes in Las Vegas. This gave them the unique opportunity to get a glimpse at the different home lighting styles and preferences of the city’s residents. In the same process, they were able to pick out fun lighting ideas and methods that are beneficial in terms of both form and functionality. Below are a few fun lighting ideas that these Las Vegas electricians want to share for your home: 1. Switch to LED Light Bulbs: Anything that will help you save money easily will be fun, wouldn’t it? Ditching your incandescent and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) light bulbs in favor of light-emitting diode (LED) lights can help you reduce your electric bills and save hundreds of dollars in a year. LED lights use 90 percent less energy to give off the same brightness as their incandescent counterparts. Technology has come a long way in LED lights that they now come in a variety of colors apart from cool white. You can even have several color options in a single LED light bulb. While you may need to cough up some cash initially to go full-on LED in your home, it will be a very wise investment. Apart from the savings that you will make on your electricity bills, LEDs also last considerably longer than incandescent and CFL lights. 2. Think Beyond Overhead Lighting: Overhead lighting does a very good job of lighting up a room and comes very handy for a variety of uses and occasions. However, relying solely on overhead lights can be impractical in some situations, and it can get boring over time. For instance, some shadows may fall in areas where you may especially need more light such as the stairs, kitchen counter, or couch where you do your reading. Overhead or ambient lighting can get boring in the sense that it is constant. It may light a room, but it does very little to change the mood and character of a room. This is why you need to consider what experts call the “three layers of light” when installing lights. Overhead or ambient lighting is the main layer of light in a room. It provides general illumination in the whole area. Examples of these types of lights are fixtures like chandeliers, recessed lights, and troffers. The second layer of light is accent lighting, and they come in the form of wall sconces, path lights, and recessed wall lightings. Accent lighting is generally for decorative purposes. The third layer of light is task lighting and, as its name suggests, you use it to light up specific areas for certain tasks. Examples include reading lamps, vanity lights, under-cabinet lighting, and pendulum lights above a kitchen island. The second and third layers of lighting provide a room with character, and they can empower you to change the look and mood of the room at the flip of a switch. With power-saving LED lights and strip lights at your disposal, the combination of the three layers of lighting can present you with a myriad of ways that you can play with the layers to suit your taste. 3. Don’t Forget Natural Lighting: If you live in Nevada or anywhere that is sunny for most of the year, you will do well to make use of the abundance of outdoor lighting. Not only will this liven up a room, but it can also likewise help you lower your electricity bill as well. Use sheer curtains to let in more light. You can also do away with the window treatments to maximize the light coming from the outside. Bare windows will also give the room the illusion of being more spacious. Just like ambient lighting, outdoor lighting is also constant and may cast permanent shadows in certain parts of your home. While shadows do add some drama and depth to a room, you can install wall sconces in the darker areas as an option. As you may have already realized, most of the lighting ideas here are quite simple, and the results can be dramatic. You may even take on some of the more labor-intensive tips above on your own if you are handy enough. For some other lighting ideas, however, you may need to acquire the services of reputable Las Vegas electricians, especially when installing lighting fixtures. Take a long good look in and around your home and see how where you can improve and make your lighting more interesting. It just may be the right time for you to see your home in a new light — pun intended. Read Also: How to Choose LED Lights for Every Room in Your Home Five Ways To Improve The Air Quality Inside Your Home Create A Stunning Outdoor Space With These Residential Landscape Lighting Tips
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Are You a Taurus? 8 Things to Know About Yourself
Are you Taurus? then What words come to mind when you think of a bull? Strength. Power. Intensity. Sublimity. All of the above!? Contemplating the character of this immense animal is a useful first step to understanding the qualities of a Taurus too: that illustrious second sign of the Zodiac that bears the symbol of a bull. Here are some quick facts for you. Taurus's are born between April 20th and May 20th. Their element is Earth. Their planet is Venus. Their lucky gem is an emerald. But what does that all mean for you? What are the specific Taurus traits that might shed some light on you and your personality? Let us help! Keep reading to find out the 8 key traits of this particular star sign. 1. You're Independent: Any Taurus-born is fiercely independent. Strong and resourceful, Taureans can walk through life confident in the knowledge that they have the qualities required to handle any challenges that arise along the way. Taurus doesn't need to rely on the support of others in such situations. They can quite happily navigate any obstacles alone. That said, they have strong social ties too. Their magnetism and strength of character draw valued friendships and bonds between loved ones. 2. You're Hardworking: Taureans are known for their hardworking characteristics too. Bulls symbolize work ethics, strength and power. All of these traits translate into an individual who strives to do their utmost to succeed in a task. Their resilience under pressure and willingness to achieve, all stacks up to create someone utterly committed to working hard. There's a reason we talk about 'grabbing the bull by the horns'. It speaks to initiative, perseverance and seizing the day. Through hook or crook, a bull will get you to where you need to go. 3. You're Dedicated: There's no going back once a Taurean decides on a particular path. We've already seen how you've got a hardworking nature. But it's possible to work hard for a short period of time, before quitting. That isn't in your character as a Taurus! Far from it. Think of a bulldozer. Why do you think it's called that? The image of this mechanical beast pushing, breaking and overcoming obstacles is the exact image that comes to mind when a Taurus gets its teeth stuck into a task. Simply, there's no stopping them. 4. You're Patient: Nothing will stop a Taurus from achieving what they set out to. This is partly to do with their dedication and commitment. But it's also thanks to the quiet patience that runs like a thread through their personality. A Taurus knows what they want and that one day they'll get it. And they're willing to both work hard and wait for the privilege of that achievement. Taureans are patient with people too though, and, for that matter, in almost all other aspects of life. 5. You're Sensual: Taurus is one of the most sensual of star signs. There's a hedonism to their pursuits, making sensory pleasure paramount. From touch, taste, sight, smell, and sound, Taureans place a high value on sensory gratification. There's an intensity to a Taurus. Beauty is big; satisfaction is sought-after. As you might expect, love-making is passionate and important (check out these tips on how to improve your sex-life). There's a tendency to fall hard for someone though, which can lead to challenges for the smitten Taurus. Without due care, the intensity behind their emotions can lead to a neediness that can harm the relationship. Sound familiar? Consider checking out your Taurus horoscope for clues on how to navigate the situation. 6. You Can Be Stubborn: Taureans have a reputation for being stubborn and bull-headed at times. Which makes sense, given the star-sign! Ever tried to get a bull to back down? It's no mean feat. It's the same with a Taurus. However, there's a fine line between stubbornness and extreme commitment. Some might argue they're two sides of the same coin. That's definitely the case with a Taurus. You're extremely committed, but that can easily be misconstrued as stubbornness. 7. You Can Be Lazy: You might be wondering how someone can be hardworking and lazy at the same time. It's a fair question! But Taureans pull it off adeptly. Again, think about a bull. Can you imagine trying to get a bull to do something it doesn't want to? Conversely, with the bit between the teeth, try stopping them from getting what they want! A Taurus creates their own destiny. They're utterly dedicated and committed to their own endeavors and they'll do whatever it takes to succeed. The issue comes when someone else's needs enter the equation. Operating under authority can be a challenge. It's difficult to persuade these zodiacal bulls to behave in the sole interest of others. It isn't malicious. It's simply a conflict of interests between the needs of self and other. 8. You Can Be Indulgent: A Taurus' independence and hardworking nature often lead to the ability to earn a lot of money and be self-sufficient. Think of it as the antidote to your hardworking nature. There's a hedonistic side to you. It feels good to indulge in decadence and material pleasures. You're prone to treating yourself. From long spa days and lust-filled encounters to eating rich, beautiful foods and so on, you like to feel satisfied. Do You Possess These Taurus Traits? There you have it: 8 Taurus traits to help you understand you and your star sign. A Taurus is an intense individual with a life characterized by extremes. Your positive qualities far outweigh the negative though. You're hardworking, dedicated, sensual, patient and independent. You're high achieving and exceptionally popular to be around as a result. Your internal drive can make you stubborn though. Your commitment to your own goals can make you seem lazy to others as well. And your hedonistic desires can lead you to overindulge at times. However you walk through life, you can be sure of having an adventure! Hopefully, the information here will have helped you understand yourself a little better. We'd love to hear about it if so! Can you see these traits reflected in who you are? Which one do you relate to most strongly? Let us know in the comments!
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Upgrading Your Home to a Smart Home
It seems like a thing of the future; something reminiscent of sci-fi films set on spaceships, complete with large, omniscient motherboard computers. But having a smart home controlled by virtual voice command technology is very much a thing of the present. With the release of Apple’s Siri technology in 2011, the virtual assistant game was changed. The ability to give commands verbally to an in-device personality, Siri, opened the door for easier, more productive living. Now with Amazon and Google joining the race, and other companies following suit, there’s suddenly a whole heap of new virtual assistant options. Moving away from purely phone/tablet based assistants, the market now includes home-based alternatives. Google Home or Amazon’s Echo (complete with assistant Alexa) allows users to turn their space into “smart homes”, wherein with a simple verbal command, they can instruct their assistant to perform all kinds of tasks around the home, such as turning lights on and off. There are also some things you should be careful about. According to Lendi smart home can be targeted by hackers since the whole house is connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Some of the best things include While upgrading Smart Home: Controlling lights Changing a home’s temperature Playing music Opening/closing garage doors There are loads more options you can choose from, and third-party capabilities you can put in place (Amazon’s Alexa can perform over 10,000 tasks!), like creating lighting sensors, or scheduling changes to your lights, alarms, and thermostat. Virtual voice assistants also signal a massive change in the lives of people living with disabilities or illness. The chance to utilise voice commands to perform everyday tasks removes the barrier that mobility issues and physical impairment create. For able-bodied people, virtual assistants are a cool new way to increase productivity and promote convenience. Consider then the massive improvement this technology can make in the lives of people living and thriving with disabilities. The extra support can be life-changing. All in all, another point scored for the virtual assistants’ pros list. So, the basic gist is that having your house properly set up as a smart home is awesome and opens you up to a heap of benefits. However, setting the system up can be confusing. You’ll largely need to consider two things: Choosing your assistant: The main players that hold the monopoly on the smart home/virtual assistant market are Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google’s Assistant. They all have their pros and cons, and your choosing which one suits you best is ultimately a matter of personal preference. They all offer easy-to-use voice commands, but there are several different things to consider when deciding on an assistant: Price Capabilities (what can you do/control?) Compatibility with Android or Apple products Ease of set-up (how long and difficult is it to get running?) Ease of use (Is it perceptive and easy to talk to?) Assistant’s intelligence (How easily and well it can answer questions.) Choose your hardware: After deciding on your virtual assistant, you’ll need physical hardware to support it. Each different assistant offers different options, like the Amazon Echo. They too have their pros and cons. There are also different models of each hardware device, so there are multiple cost, sound and utility options. Your hardware largely depends on which assistant you choose, so that will also narrow down your options. The last important thing to think about when considering the purchase of a virtual voice assistant is your internet’s performance. If you’re having to use your phone’s personal hotspot at home because your connection is slow and temperamental, perhaps think about changing your home internet’s carrier or plan. You’ll need to choose a reliable broadband connection to run and use your assisting device, and you may need to research bandwidth, and how this affects how well your devices stream content and perform commands. Read Also: 8 Smart House Upgrades That Are Totally Worth The Money 8 Tried And Tested Secrets Of A Productive Home Office
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How Cleaning Helps Us Feel Better and Why We Don’t Do It
From the moment you wake up in the morning until you go to bed, your days are filled with mostly routine stuff with preferably less out of the blue moments that force you to leave your comfort zone. No matter what you expect or hope to do this day, it is very important to have a plan and be organized, to set small task you know that can be done, and feel satisfied and happy afterward. This sort of task-reward plan helps you feel more in control over your life and more confident to try different stuff. No matter how good it feels, people easily fall out of that habit and return to their aimless daily grind. We talked to guys at Happy Cleans to try to understand how cleaning, as a form of organization, can make us feel better. Hoarding: It is in our society’s DNA to continuously buy and consume products. We just want more stuff and we don’t really care if there’s enough room at home or if that particular item is really necessary. One day you realize that you are surrounded by a bunch of stuff you don’t know what to do with, yet there’s this emotional attachment that just won’t let you let go. You feel relieved when you get rid of things you no longer need because cleaning has therapeutic properties as well. Maybe it’s an old vase that’s been sitting in the corner gathering dust, boxes of old magazines, or old clothes you haven’t touched in years. Whatever it is and however you choose to dispose of it all, there is always the feeling of a restart. You’d be giving your home, and indirectly yourself, a fresh start and more room to breathe. Lack of time: This is the most common excuse people grasp for when facing their filthy home when they leave for work in the morning. Cleaning is not an easy task. It takes a decent amount of time and energy, but excusing yourself with the lack of time is not the solution you are looking for. Work, family, hobbies, these are all prioritized over cleaning, but being well organized by spending an hour, thirty minutes or less every day doing some cleaning, will show great results and the feeling of accomplishment of working towards a clear goal every day will help reduce stress and make you feel better about yourself. Laziness: It’s a great feeling when you are finally able to sit down in your clean home and just enjoy the sight. Don’t let that wave of good emotions trick you into remembering old habits. Before you notice, your home will return to that undesired state of neglect you worked so hard to change. What you can do is just keep the trend of doing less cleaning but more frequently. This should be your new routine, you could also start doing dishes right after a meal or not leave dirty socks on the floor to camp for a few days, etc. Don’t fall into passive state where you feel like you keep hitting a wall, so you choose to rather not do anything. Start with your home, the energy you spend there will boost your physical and mental health. This flow of positive energy will come in handy when dealing with the rest of your daily tasks and smile about it, which consequently means that you’d be eager to do some more cleaning and feel rewarded for your effort. It’s a circle of positive energy and a way forward. Read Also: 6 Tips For Keeping Your Home Clean (With Pets And Kids) Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean In One Hour Or Less Feature Image: Source
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