30 October 2020

Commercial Property Improvements That Attract New Tenants

Commercial property owners know that improvements to the structure are a great way to attract new tenants that will pay a premium for top notch quality. Building a great relationship with any new tenant starts with an attention to detail. The more they see that you care for the property, the more they will too.

Consider the façade

Starting with the façade is a great way to give your property a much-needed facelift in order to attract new clients. Whether you are considering an all glass front or a more gritty feel with an exposed brick layer, redoing the exterior of the building will spruce up its outer layer in order to attract more prospective tenants. Upgrades to the outside must be met with some care internally as well in order to really wow renters.

Roofing repairs attract long term business

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Rounding out the exterior, thinking about a roof replacement should be at the top of any owner’s list on an older building. No matter the type of roof you put on your building, it will need replacing at some point. Most Roofs last about 20 years, but metal or high-quality tile roof could last even longer if it’s well maintained. Finding commercial roofing support to replace an old covering or to do routine maintenance in order to extend the life of your current exterior covering is a great way to show prospective tenants that you care for their interests as well as your own. Any business would be wary of moving into a property with a decaying roof that could give in any day, potentially destroying the company’s hard work and expensive equipment in the process.

Think about storage needs

Storage inclusions are also a great addition to any commercial property. Every business will have storage needs, so consider adding some backroom storage. This is a great idea for an office park type property or large lockboxes behind a strip mall — it's a sure way to bring in lots of prospective clients to view the location. Thinking about your tenant’s needs before he or she does is a surefire way to win over new clients.

Adding foliage brings a fresh vibe

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Plant life is a fantastic addition to any office space. Whether you build plant boxes outside the front doors or add China Doll plant pots on every floor to "green up" the interior, dedication to bringing a little color and plant life to the otherwise drab fixtures of a corporate office space can really make a difference for a business looking for a new long-term commercial property to rent.

Central air upgrades show your dedication to the property

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Fixing any issues with air conditioning or heating sources is a must when looking to rent your commercial real estate. Every office needs a working central air conditioning system that is up to scratch. If your AC is aging or failing on you then taking proactive steps to repair or replace the faulty parts will show when you decide to list the property.

New heating and AC system can be leveraged as a high-quality selling point and many businesses that require strict cooling requirements for a central computing room will be looking for this particular upgrade — meaning you may even be able to charge a premium for a maintenance issue that you would be required to resolve eventually anyway.

Think about the needs of your clients when you consider relisting your commercial real estate space. Consider the upgrades you would want in your own office in order to make the property stand out on the market.

29 October 2020

5 Tips When Planning and Fitting Your Kitchen Design

 

Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash

The kitchen is often referred to as being the heart of the home and as such having a well designed kitchen that is both functional and in keeping with current trends is pretty important to most people. On average, we change our kitchens every 10 years so getting the design right is crucial unless you want to be stuck with a dysfunctional space for the next decade. 

With this in mind, we thought it might be useful to provide a few tips to ensure you get the design right first time so you can enjoy your dream space for years to come and ensure a stress free kitchen fitting experience.

1 - Consider How You Will Use The Space

Kitchens can be very different things depending on who is using them. For some it is an area that is simply used for cooking, for others it is a space for cooking and eating, for families it may be a space to be together or have more of a multi-functional use and for some people it might be a space purely for entertaining. 

The point is that you need to understand what your kitchen is to you and to plan it accordingly. If you have a separate dining space then perhaps a dining space in the kitchen isn’t needed and a  breakfast bar with stools will suffice. If you purely want to use it for cooking then how much space do you need for that and can you use left over space for better uses or even for creating a different room?

Planning at the beginning will save time and money in the long run and is probably where most of your time should be spent.

2 - Think Substance Over Style

Although style is important it is worth remembering that trends come and go. You should look for a kitchen that is functional above all else and that has space for storage rather than filling your kitchen units with fancy plate warmers or wine coolers. 

If you want uncluttered worktops then your storage space will be key so plan this into your design.

3 - Choose An Evergreen Colour Scheme

There are plenty of colour decisions to make when planning your kitchen and whether it is the worktops, the cupboard doors, the handles, the tiles, walls or floors, every colour choice you make will change the style and impact of your kitchen. 

We would suggest opting for neutral colours on units and worktops. Colours that are not simply seasonal trends and that will outlast the latest fashions. Of course, if you are happy to re-paint or replace doors and worktops regularly then you can ignore this advice but it could be costly to do so.

4 - Plan All Design Elements

When you are thinking about your use of space you should consider all aspects of the design. Think about the functional areas such as the sink, oven, hob and fridge and consider how close each of these are to one another. 

Creating a triangle of space between the oven, sink and fridge can be really helpful in terms of practicalities. 

Also think about how you plan to use the space. If you want the kids to be up there cooking with you then plan space for tall stools at your worktop and ensure there is space around it.

5 - Don’t Leave Interior Design To The Last Minute

Planning your interior design should not be left to the last minute. Your kitchen units and worktops will of course take centre stage but they will be complemented by a whole range of other design features such as lighting, flooring and decoration such as ornaments, pictures and furniture.

If possible, try and use 3d modellers so you can see your kitchen before you start the fitting. 

These tips should go some way to ensuring you have a smooth kitchen fitting experience and the more you plan in advance the less stressful the fitting should be.

23 October 2020

All About Roof Flashing and Why It Is So Important


Flashing, which is a common thing to do on any construction of a house, is the thin pieces of sheet material, that are installed onto different areas of any house to prevent any water from getting through into the inside, or staying in puddles. They are mounted on the rooftops either onto a joint or at an angle created by a water barrier system, it helps to minimise or completely stop any water penetrating into aspects of the home such as the chimneys, doors, windows, skylights, and walls. 

It helps to reduce any of the problems, related to dampness, such as mold, bacteria, weakening of the internal structure due to the plaster getting wet, as a result of there being either no flashing or a worn out one. This website can tell you more about the advent of wet plaster. 

The materials that flashing is made out of is usually different types of metal, including copper, aluminium, zinc, alloy and stainless steel. When flashing was not an option back in the day, roof shingles were angled in a way as to keep any water away from the joints in roofs that would lead to the chimneys, and mortar flaunching was used. But now that we have this as a more desirable option, it has significantly decreased any water penetrating through openings and vulnerable parts of the top cover of buildings.

The Different Types of Flashing

There are numerous types available for any property, besides the roofing one, and these include specific ones for walls, used to prevent entry of water into the walls. The sill types, which are commonly placed under the windows of houses and are concealed, the channel ones shaped like a “U” which help to catch water almost like the gutters, and are installed on the edges of the tiles where the roof and walls meet. 

Then there is the drip edge, chimney flashing, kickout, through wall, more of which can be found here: https://carsaconstruction.com/replace-flashing-when-replacing-roof/ and are usually  also replaced alongside the replacement of any roofs or shingles. Especially if someone owns a very old house, and the roof has been around for decades, it is an important thing to upgrade these things before placing a new roof on top of it in case they begin to fail before the new roof does. 

In any construction site, there are local building regulations that can allow the re-use of the flashing if it is still in good condition, although this is not preferred. Because these are normally nailed into the coverings of the houses; re-using the same old ones may not be as stable when re-nailed into the same holes as before. 


The 4 Key Types of Designs

There are 4 key types of flashing designs, namely, Step, Counter, Continuous and Base. Which we will discuss briefly below. 

Counter-flashing. These are commonly placed above or opposite the base flashes to complete the application.

Base. This is the bottom piece of two parts. Chimneys, for instance, require a two-part flash. This ensures that the rain water is directed downwards away from the structure. In any case, because it is notoriously difficult to install this around something like a chimney, when done in two-parts it is guaranteed to be installed the right way.

The other reason for using two parts is due to the expanding and contraction of roofing materials as a result of weather changes. When the two pieces move with it, they can stay more secure, thereby keeping the whole system in place. 

Step. This one is designed into a rectangular piece that is bent to a 90-degree angle so it can be used between the roof and the wall. When they are installed, they are usually placed in multiple layers along side the shingles, so the water can flow away from the walls. 

Continuous or Apron flashing. This is named appropriately because it acts like an apron. This is the long piece of metal that is very visible on tops of houses or buildings, and they carry any rain water down to any shingles below. These are cleverly made with built-in expansion joints due to the house shifting, as mentioned above, because of weather conditions. If they did not have these joint in them, they would either break or warp and lose their ability to divert water away from the walls. 

The importance of these cannot be emphasized enough. If it weren’t for these utilities built on top of your homes, they would be susceptible to leaking and flooding from puddles of water being left on the tops, thereby weakening the structure and causing a lot on invisible internal damage to your property. These are a saving grace that every home must have. 

21 October 2020

What to Know About Water Conditioner Systems

Photo by mrjn Photography on Unsplash

Countless households use water softening systems to prevent hard water from damaging their plumbing, scaling dishware, and causing dry skin and hair. For the most part, water softeners are effective and popular. 

However, many households are using water conditioner systems instead of water softeners. What are water conditioners and do they work? How? Why are people using them?

In this article, we’ll talk about water conditioning systems, how they are different from water softeners, and what types are available. Check them out!

What are Water Conditioner Systems? 

Water conditioners are the most common alternatives to water softening systems. Keep in mind, though, that water conditioners and water softeners work in different ways and give different results.

Water conditioning systems offer the following benefits: 

  • They don’t use chemical additives 
  • They eliminate wastewater discharge
  • They are easier to maintain 
  • They produce less pollution 
  • They are cheaper

But do water conditioner systems really work? Yes, they do. 

How do they work? 

While water softeners remove excess minerals by replacing them with sodium ions, water conditioners alter the hard minerals and prevent them from scaling and damaging your plumbing and wares. 

To further understand how and if water conditioners work, it helps to learn about the different types of water conditioner systems. 

Carbon Filtration 

One way that water conditioners work is through carbon filtration. 

In this process, activated carbon removes chemicals dissolved in water. The carbon traps or absorbs chemicals and organic compounds by attracting them.  

Carbon filtration is highly effective when you want to remove the unpleasant odor or taste in the water. If you dislike the smell of sulfur in well water or the chlorine in city water, carbon filtration is a good choice. 

As mentioned, carbon filtration doesn’t soften the water. It simply “conditions” the water for consumption. 

Space Age Systems 

Another way in which water conditioners work is through space age systems.

Space age systems use wires or magnets wrapped around your pipes. They produce an electromagnetic field that causes minerals in the water to blend with smaller particles within the water. 

The result: reduced concentration of calcium and magnesium ions that mix with soaps to form scales. 

Space age systems have the following downsides: 

  • The magnetic field exists only in small areas, so treating large amounts of water is extremely difficult
  • The water turns back into its previous state or quality after 48 hours
  • The scientific community is still largely skeptical about the effectiveness of space age water conditioning systems 

Meanwhile, such a system requires very little maintenance, and its filter bed can last for years. 

Catalytic Media 

Catalytic media water conditioners are also called salt-free water softeners. 

Unlike traditional water softening systems, which use ion-exchange, this type of water conditioner processes water through Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC). 

The conditioning system uses catalytic media to alter the minerals’ form: the minerals turn into hardness crystals, which don’t stick to surfaces, reducing scale buildup and hard water spots. 

Water Conditioners vs. Water Softeners 

Although both water conditioners and water softeners improve the quality of your water, you might favor one over the other due to various reasons. 

Health 

Water softeners, although popular and effective in removing minerals, use salt ions. Using softened water may increase your sodium intake, and higher sodium intake is correlated to higher chances of hypertension and high blood pressure

Environment 

Salt-based water softeners release huge amounts of salt into the environment. And this can lead to several environmental problems in the surrounding area. Water conditioners, on the other hand, do not use salt and is therefore a lot safer for the environment. 

Costs and Maintenance 

Water conditioners are cheaper and a lot easier to maintain. They rely on water pressure to function, not using electricity, and not producing wastewater. Maintenance only involves removing filters regularly. 

Water Heaters Only: Hot Water Tank Replacement in Langley


There are a lot of duties around the home that require your attention. This can sometimes be tiring and boring. But having a home comes with certain responsibilities that sometimes are better handled by a professional.

If you need your water tank to be replaced, you definitely need a professional to do it. If your water tank isn't working correctly or it has quit working, it is time you get a new one for sure. Half broken tanks can increase your bills and put you in a hazardous area.

It is essential to keep an eye on your heater because it plays a huge role in everyday life. Washing clothes, dishes or taking a bath and washing hands can be very difficult with cold water. In this guide, you will find a couple of benefits why you should replace your water heater. If you want to keep reading about this topic, follow the link https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Water-Heater.

Decrease the chance of unexpected plumbing problems 

Almost every appliance that we have at home has a certain lifespan. This, of course, includes the water tank. The tank is connected to the electrical circuit in your home in order to function.

The malfunctioning of this tank can create a series of problems for the whole line connected to it. Unfortunately, this is also true for functioning but old tanks. As their lifespans get shorter, the probability of them causing some kind of problem gets higher.

They can even get clogged over time and cause plumbing problems, which can cost you greatly if the damage is severe.

This is why everyone says that buying a new water tank is cost-effective. It will save you some trouble but also a lot of money you would probably spend on repairs. Repairing can only lead you to slowly but certainly buying or connecting a whole new system. Then why bother when you could save significant time by just buying a new water tank right in the beginning?

Efficient, fast, and practical 

You may have bought a very good water tank in the past. But you should keep in mind that the development of technology has made every single appliance more efficient and easier to work with. The disadvantages of the past built appliances have been perfected, and the final and improved product has been created.

Therefore, you will buy a better tank than your last one for sure! These tanks are built to keep the water warm for a more extended period. They even heat the water faster using the same electricity.


The recovery rate of the hot water 

Old and outdated tanks may be too slow in reheating water at a sufficient rate. No one wants to take a cold shower after a long day of work. Moreover, it is a pain in the neck, waiting for the water to be heated when you are in a hurry.

The new water heater will heat the water very fast, and this will be very practical if you have a big family. How do you get a good team to install your new heater? You can check some reputable companies like Water Heaters Only Langley, if you are looking for quality work done by experts.

Do some research 

First, you need to see what you need exactly. There are a lot of companies that offer various services, and that is why it is essential for you to decide which service you need.

If you are not quite sure, keep in mind that everything can be done with the power of the internet. When you are on the internet, look for a couple of companies and see their price ranges and offers.

Some of them offer consultation, which can come in handy when you are not really a craftsman and don't know anything about repairing. Consulting with an expert will give you a picture of what should be done and when.

You can estimate from the conversation what kind of company you are dealing with. If they are nice and serviceable, they know what they are doing and have a lot of experience.


Look for experts 

There are many companies, which is why it is crucial for you to focus on searching for professionals. There are many firms that do all sorts of things. That means that they are not quite the professionals in any specific field. If you want the right company, you should search for someone who only does one type of job, and that is fixing or installing water tanks.

This way, you will make sure that the company has performed various problems and installations and can handle your project with ease. You don't want a team that will cause more problems than it solves. Learn more here.

Be sure to ask the right question when consulting with the company to know what you are paying for.


Ask for your family and friends for advice and recommendation 

The best way to get familiar with good companies is to turn to your friends and family for advice. They probably have changed their old rusty water tank by now, and they can offer you their honest opinion on the topic.

They can even recommend a specific company that has done its repair. You can go and check how does the final project looks like.

Even if you don’t have anyone close to you with a similar experience, you can always turn to the internet and search for reviews. People leave comments talking about their experience and offer advice for future customers.

This is one of the best advantages of the internet nowadays. If you can't quite rely on anything said above, just go and visit the firm you are thinking about hiring. You can consult in person and see how their workplace looks like.

Their coordination and work environment will say greatly about their organization both in the workplace and in your home project. Be sure to ask for guarantee and past projects to ensure the quality of the work.

19 October 2020

Mold Remediation vs Removal: What’s the Difference?


Mold is a fungus that can be found in and around our homes. Once these spores latch themselves onto walls and ceilings they can spread at a rapid pace. The danger that a mold infestation holds for family members are devastating. Neglecting to get rid of the infestation can cause many health risks such as nasal stuffiness, wheezing, throat and eye irritation, and other respiratory issues.  For those suffering from asthma, the exposure to mold infested areas are even more dangerous. 

Many companies claim to remove all fungus and spores from properties, the truth is, in order for it to completely disappear from a home one should invest in mold remediation for a successful outcome. Qualified and experienced mold remediation companies will completely understand the science behind the spread and growth of these microscopic spores. 

A Little Bit About Mold: 

  • Spores are very small and can’t be seen with the naked eye. 
  • Spores are spread into homes through windows, the air conditioning system, or doors; they can get caught on your clothing and pet’s furry coat or float into the house with the wind. 
  • It can be found outdoors and indoors; it’s not confined to a specific space.
  • When exposed to moisture or water, mold can rapidly grow and turn into huge colonies. 
  • Colonies are grey, black, and brownish of color and are typically found on walls, ceilings, or floors. 
  • Moldy areas will have a musty, damp, and strong smell that leaves a horrible stench in a room that’s left untreated. 
  • When left untreated, colonies can cause hazardous health risks that has an effect on the respiratory system. 
  • Even after remediation, colonies can form again if the core moisture problem isn’t addressed.
  • Keeping your indoor space at a humidity level of below 45, will prevent colonies from growing back. 

When this fungus is completely understood, a company can assess the level of infestation and come up with a plan to remove it completely. Not just remove it, but also prevent it from growing back again. 

So, if both of these concepts are basically the same, what exactly is the difference between removal and remediation?

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOLD REMOVAL AND REMEDIATION

Even though these terms are used interchangeably by professionals, they mean two different things. Removal refers to only one part of an entire remediation process. It’s only used interchangeably when spoken to clients, because ‘removal’ is a much better understood concept by common folk. 

Remediation actually involves many different steps within the process that ensure all spores of the fungus are removed from the premises. These steps include: 

  • Assessing the area and identifying the severity of infestation
  • Communicating with the client
  • Containing and preparing the area for removal
  • Removing of the spores and colonies in the affected area (known as the ‘mold removal’ step)
  • Cleaning and sanitizing the area after removing of spores and colonies
  • Implementing other treatments that might include demolition of too heavily affected properties
  • Other preventative measures to avoid future growth and spread

As a customer, it’s important that you ask the company about the process they will be following. Asking about the process will clarify the steps that they will be taking. Whether it will be from the assessment through to the preventative measures or will they only be removing? 

Interested in what it looks like when professionals remove mold? Check out this link for an in-depth look: https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-remove-mold/.


WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN DURING THE REMEDIATION PROCESS?

Before you hire a remediation company, you should consider the cleanup process that they will be following. As this will be the biggest indicator of whether it’s only removal or a complete remediation. 

Let’s take a closer look at the entire process step-by-step:

Step 1 – Identifying the Problem

It’s important for a mold remediation company to visit the affected premises first. Not only should the severity of the infestation be assessed but the cause of infection should be identified as well. 

In order for the removal, cleanup, and prevention steps to be successful, the problem should be properly addressed. This will ensure that, after removal, mold won’t return. 

Trained inspectors will use specific tools and measurement machines to assess the humidity levels within the property. If the problem is severe, teams might have to start breaking down walls or look behind building structures to find the source. This will only be done once the area has been properly prepped. 

Step 2 – Preparation and Containment

Before teams start to work it’s extremely important for the remediation company to contain the area. This is important for personal protection, safety of the environment, and preventing spores from becoming airborne and landing on other unaffected areas. 

Quality companies will typically use HEPA-filtered air filtration systems to ensure the environment stays unaffected, clean, and safe. Click here to learn more about how mold can affect you and your immediate environment.

Step 3 – Removal

To remove all fungus from the affected areas, professionals will use HEPA vacuums, and disposable materials. They will also surgically remove fungus and spores from buildings by demolishing it in a controlled manner. 

Other treatments might include the application of antimicrobial and a concentrated hydrogen peroxide mixture that help remove mold roots embedded within the structure’s walls. 

The removal process usually follows a specific protocol that should be followed by licensed companies. This ensures that the entire process is done safely. 

Step 4 – Prevention

To avoid future contamination and re-growth a professional will take necessary preventative measures. This will include removing the core problem and applying a mold-proof coating to the affected areas. 

Because the terms removal and remediation are used interchangeably in the industry, it’s important that you look at the finer details of the process before booking with a company. Don’t be fooled by thinking your fungus problem will be something of the past only because a company claimed to have removed it completely. Ensure that the service will follow all steps within the remediation process and you’ll have a guaranteed successful outcome. 


17 October 2020

Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations Coquitlam

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Do you sometimes feel that your bathroom has lost the stylish touch and appeal that it used to have? Or that your kitchen lacks enough space for you to move around freely? 

The solution lies in a renovation. Things change over time hence the need to remodel according to your new needs. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Sometimes all you need is to rearrange and organize various items in a better way. 

Depending on the type of task to be done, there are lots of factors to be considered. Here are some of the most important tips that might help you for kitchen renovation in Coquitlam.

Factors to consider to ensure successful renovations

  • Amount of work required

    If you are in need of extra space around the room then most of the time reorganizing the items to free up space will do just fine. This is a one-person job that you can do by yourself within a day or two.

    On the other hand, if it entails tearing down cabinets and other structures then it is best if you hire professional contractors to do the job. They’ll certainly have the labor force required and skills to do the job without interfering with other parts of your house.

    Before you hire them make sure that they are experienced and well-trained to handle the job effectively.

  • Estimated total cost

    Proper planning entails estimating the total cost expected to be incurred. This includes the prices of materials that will be used and the fees charged by the workers.

    It will allow you to adjust your budget accordingly and avoid surprises. Make sure to cater to any additional costs that may arise in your plan. You should also use the locally available resources to save some money.

    For example, if done properly, some of the materials from torn-down structures can still be re-used. If you have to buy new materials do so from the local market if possible to avoid importation costs.

  • The reason for revamping

    There are plenty of reasons to do so. For instance, you might be in need of new items that provide better functionality than your current ones or that are more desirable.

    Therefore, you must make sure that whatever you go for will satisfy the need. This makes the process a bit easier since it serves as a guide.

    Otherwise, using the trial-and-error method can cost you a lot of money and waste your time. Click here to see a few reasons why you  might consider doing some renovation.

  • Your taste

    Perhaps this can be considered as the most important factor when it comes to interior designing. The interior of your house should depict who you are as a person right from the walls to the floors.

    For instance, if you like the modern aesthetic appeal then the type of tiles you use on the surfaces should be sleek and modern.

    If you are more of a vintage kind of person then you can go for the classic traditional look which usually entails wooden and marble surfaces with intricate pattern designs. In all, make sure that your renovation doesn’t interfere with your personal style.

Tips to help you with your renovations

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of it.

  • Utilize your space effectively

    One of the most common reasons why people renovate is to create space. Whether in your bathroom or kitchen, you need to be able to move around freely without any obstacles getting in your way.

    Most of the space is consumed by storage. Therefore, once you find a way around that you will definitely have ample room. A good way is to utilize the wall storage units. Wall cabinets come in handy and will help you organize your things properly.

    Avoid throwing things all over the room as they will eventually pile up and take the much-needed space. See this link for some ideas on how you can create more storage space in your kitchen https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/70161/spacesaving-ideas-for-small-kitchens 

  • Choose your colors wisely

    They tend to affect perceptual vision and can also influence your mood. Dark colors have been found to make the room feel small. Most people like light colors, especially, white. For other items such as toilets, sinks, and bathtub you should consider warm colors that radiate positive energy within you. For such equipment, some people dislike white color because it gets stained easily.

  • Get good lighting

    When preparing to start with the renovation, you should include proper lighting as well. In the bathroom, in addition to the general bulb from the ceiling, you should have some on the walls and around the mirror to be specific.

    The latter should provide just enough light to enable you to look yourself in the mirror comfortably. As such, it should not be very bright.

    The central lighting, on the other hand, should be able to illuminate the whole room but also have a dimmer switch for when you want dim light. In general, the lighting should blend in smoothly with the colors of the room.

  • Use a pot filler

    Instead of going to the sink every time you need water then coming back to the cooker, you can use an adjustable tap that can be swung all the way to fill the pot while it is on the cooker. This saves you time and makes your cooking more enjoyable.

  • Use racks 

    There are plenty of stylish racks that you can use to store your cutleries in an organized way and conserve space too.

  • Maintain the plumbing configurations

    This will save you both time and money. Trying to change the plumbing can also interfere with the whole system and result in leaks. Only allow professional plumbers to do this. Click here to see a few bathroom renovation tips.

Conclusion

Renovation can be a daunting task if you don’t know where to begin. If you do it wrong you might end up having an even more messed up room. For this reason, proper planning is key. You have to determine the amount of work required and plan your budget based on this. It is also very important that you only deal with qualified experts to ensure satisfactory work. As much as you should invest in good quality, take care to avoid overspending. Also, feel free to experiment and try out different things.

12 October 2020

Anxiety Over Home Improvement Projects? Take Control and Start by Making a Plan

Home improvements are exciting, but they also come with a certain level of nerves and anxiety. You're anticipating great changes for your home, but these usually come at a heavy financial burden and/or worries about the way they'll turn out. However, there are ways to manage these overwhelming feelings by incorporating a plan for your home and yourself. Keep reading to learn how to implement a plan with your specific improvement ideas, and how to manage your feelings throughout the course of these changes.

Make a plan.

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A very obvious first step since, as with any big changes, planning ahead alleviates a certain level of anxiety. Part of this plan includes pinpointing exactly what you're going to renovate. This can be anything from a big kitchen to something more specific, like an item of furniture within a room. Once you decide on an area or specific thing to renovate, you have to consider what kind of funds you have to work with. Money is a large stressor for many Americans and maintaining an affordable renovation is key to keeping stress levels low.

By staying within your budget parameters, you'll ensure that you'll feel comfortable with the amount you're spending, instead of feeling overwhelmed that you're going outside of your comfort zone on your renovations.

Let the professionals handle it.

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If there's one assured way to relieve some of the stress from renovations, it's to leave it up to the professionals. This means letting the experts handle the jobs that you might not be able to complete. For example, when dealing with concrete, consider this company for mass concrete in Flushing, NY. They are leading concrete professionals that can create large concrete projects. They also complete concrete projects for residential buildings, basements, driveways, patios, and even pools. No matter your concrete needs, they'll be sure to get you great quality service so that you can rest easy in the knowledge that this aspect of your home renovations are in good hands.

Manage your feelings throughout renovations.

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When it all feels like it's getting too much to handle, find other ways to get help for yourself. There's no shame in getting mental health counseling. Around 59 million people attend therapy in the United States. You're not alone in the search to minimize your anxiety. Consider searching the term therapist NYC to find a mental health professional that will help you manage and adapt to these changes. This group of therapists in New York City has all of the tools to help with any mental health concerns, or desire for change. Therapy is a safe space to let out your worries and frustrations. It's not something taboo, but rather a great thing to have in your tool belt so that you can effectively manage stress as it comes, instead of blowing up or becoming so overwhelmed that you can't function.

Obviously, your specific needs for therapy can surpass home renovations. Although, it's worth noting that big changes like these can trigger a lot of feelings that you'll want to unpack with cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. It's also a great outlet to deal with any anxiety disorders, phobias, and other mental health concerns by simply talking and finding the right methods to manage your wellness. Even with the current pandemic and social distancing measures, you can stay quarantined and get teletherapy sessions. This way, you get the same mental health care from the safety and comfort of your own home. You'll have access to high-quality therapists that meet their client's individual needs to create a game plan for long term management, while you focus on the road to achieving your best self. Keep in mind that this ideal version of yourself is possible with the assistance of mental health professionals.

In the meantime, your potential therapist will give you coping tools to manage your stress and anxiety during your home renovations. In turn, this helps your overall health and wellness for this life transition, and for years that follow.

07 October 2020

How to Use Your Couch in Different Areas of Your House

In recent years, the parts of a home that used to be so strictly defined have started losing their rigidity.  People double bedrooms as home offices, the dining room is also a study room, and living rooms have become home gyms.  This option comes to mind, especially when it comes to furniture.  Our couches have lived lifetimes in our living rooms, saved for use only when we're watching tv or reading a book and wanting to lounge.  They don't have to be left for this!

There are dozens of other places in your home that could use a couch- these are some of them!

Home Offices


Although we know better than to let ourselves lounge and be comfortable when we're trying to work, since it can risk us wanting to nap,  Still, having a couch in your office can give you a huge advantage.  When you need somewhere to sit on your breaks, but don't want to go too far from your computer, a couch can help.

Another great tip is that you can double your office into a guest room if you don't have enough rooms in your home.  This plan can help you avoid putting a bed into your office or make your guests sleep on an air mattress. Instead, you can find a couch that doubles as a bed.  Make sure to choose carefully when you select your couch, or you could end up with a two in one that's not great at being either.

Bedrooms

Our bedrooms are made to be palaces of comfort, yet we often don’t have any comfortable surfaces besides our beds!  We deserve more places to sit and enjoy our rooms.  A couch could offer a place to sit and put on your socks in the morning, or a sanctuary to slip away from the world and read.  

Take the time to dig around for a couch or sofa to make you comfortable, check out materials, or look at different sofa reviews to find the perfect choice for your room.  A sofa can reimagine how you enjoy the bedroom and make it into more of a suite than a simple place.  If you live with roommates or a family and need time to yourself- a couch in your bedroom can make it so that you don't have to spend all of your time in your room in a bed.

Some bedroom sets have a loveseat option you can get to go with the group, but don't be afraid to be bold with this piece!  You can make it the one jewel tone item in your room, or get a dark couch for a mostly light place.  Don't be afraid to be bold with it!

Guest Rooms


Guest rooms are often just a bed, a chair, and a small desk.  Instead of just doing that, you can look instead of what can make them comfortable.  A guest may need time to themselves while they stay in your home.  Offer them the comfort of a space where they can relax, keep their bags, and spread out when they want to enjoy time to themselves.  A comfortable and happy guest is more likely to come back and visit, plus everyone wants to make their guests and family happy and satisfied.

If you want to double your bed count for guests, you can also utilize this couch to make a second bed.  Making this couch a pullout couch will let more than one guest stay, without making them remain in the same bed.  As mentioned before, make sure you get a high-quality pullout couch so that your guests will get to be as comfortable and happy as possible.  You don't want to skimp on this and leave someone with back pain or a terrible night of sleep.

Laundry Room


This laundry room isn't the first place much think of when considering where to put a couch, but hear me out!  Almost a third of American families often end up with a pile of laundry they stash somewhere and dig out of when they need clothes.  When you have kids, that laundry pile is unavoidable.  Make folding and doing laundry something you want to do by making the room more comfortable.  A small sofa or loveseat is all you need; you can even read or work on a laptop while you wait for the dryer to finish.  It may sound like a bizarre idea, but the more comfortable you make a room, the more likely that you'll end up using it.  Allow yourself to catch up on laundry without having to feel like you're undertaking a monumental task.

Sunroom


Sunrooms are beautiful rooms that not every home has.  Like screened-in porches, these areas allow you to feel connected to the world outside of your home, while also enjoying the comforts of staying away from bugs or rain.  Many people use patio furniture in these rooms, but it doesn't have to be like that!  Depending on the area you live in, a sofa or couch could happily live in your sunroom.  

Look at brands that call themselves mildew or mold-resistant, and then work out from there.  These days you can find a couch in almost any style or price point that matches what you want, so don’t be afraid to look!

Our couches don't need to live only in our living rooms, they're versatile pieces of furniture that can be put to use in most rooms of our home that need a little comfort.  If you have a place that needs a little more space and somewhere to sit and have time to yourself or with others, think about putting a couch there!


6 Useful Pest Control Tips For Homeowners


Are you suspicious of pest infestation in your home? Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to notice the presence of these destructive creatures until they’ve invaded every single corner of the house. Therefore, even before seeing a minor sign of infestation, one is advised to take precaution measures to deny entry to these unwelcome guests. 

As long as homes are regularly cleaned, food is stored correctly, garbage is regularly disposed of, and moisture is kept minimal, there’s no reason to feel threatened by pests. However, if things get out of control, you can always count on professional assistance. Homeowners can choose from the myriad of pest control specialists, like http://pestaid.com.au/, offering comprehensive inspections and custom pest control services. 

The following tips will prove handy when protecting your home against these awful creatures.

Clean your home regularly

One of the most effective tips for a homeowner to avoid pest infestation is keeping its home pristine by cleaning it regularly. Residents are advised to pay special attention to the cleanliness of their kitchens and bathrooms, as these destructive insects thrive most in damp conditions. For instance, dirty dishes should be washed daily, not left in the sink for days. Also, kitchen counters, drawers, and other surfaces should be wiped with a disinfectant cleaner to minimize the risk of infestation. 

Moreover, it’s paramount for the bathroom to be kept clean to reduce the level of dampness. Consequently, the sink should be washed as much as once a week, whereas the shower curtain should be kept dry most of the time to prevent moss. You’re also advised to keep the drain unclogged by conducting regular inspections for the presence of hair, grime, and soap. 

Additionally, every homeowner should vacuum and mop the flooring regularly to ensure no debris is left for pests to feed on. While performing these chores, there’s a chance for you to locate the homes of these annoying bugs or ruin their plans of making one. 


Minimize moisture

Pests are particularly fond of dampness and standing water, which is why residents need to minimize moisture as much as possible. Start by inspecting the outdoor faucets for potential leaks, as well as check the direction of the water flow coming out of the rain gutters. It’s paramount for the water to drain away from the house to prevent stagnant water. Also, wood mulch is supposed to be kept far from home in order not to attract insects indoors. Click here for some handy tips about drawing water away from the house. 

Furthermore, your home has to be properly ventilated to discourage pests from finding entry points, particularly the basement and the attic. Make sure you use dehumidifiers in those parts of the house you consider most susceptible to moisture. Apart from ensuring proper ventilation, you aren’t supposed to overwater your houseplants, as these are an often neglected source of dampness. 

Store food properly

Another useful tip for homeowners to prevent pest infestation is storing food in containers and leaving no food source for these destructive insects to find. Your pantry should be cleaned regularly, as most residents fail to check this room for spoiled food. Every food should be sealed in a reusable container in case the original package can no longer be 100% sealed. 

In addition, overripe fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be stored in the fridge for longer periods, particularly when cut, as these appeal to cockroaches and ants. Also, homeowners with pets are advised against leaving their companions’ food in a bowl throughout the day. Keep in mind that your pet won’t be the only one feeding on the food. Make sure your companion eats the entire meal shortly after you’ve placed the bowl on the floor. 

Leave no entry points unsealed

Another effective method of preventing pest infestation is sealing all the entry points that enable these destructive insects to access your home. In order to locate such points on your property, you need to perform a detailed inspection of all doors, windows, pipes, and wires. Bear in mind that most of these annoying creatures are tiny enough to squeeze through gaps and cracks. 

It’s vital to seal any holes and gaps that you find in your roof or utility pipes, which pave the way of pests into your house. Broken doors and windows should be immediately repaired, as well as any foundation cracks. Use no expanding caulk or foam when sealing the gaps, as these destructive bugs are likely to make holes through them via chewing. 

Dispose of garbage regularly

Garbage accumulation is an inviting sign for pests to invade your home, especially rodents and cockroaches. Therefore, homeowners are highly recommended to dispose of their household garbage on a daily basis. Since most of the rubbish ends up in the garbage bins in your yard, these are supposed to have close-fitting lids. 

Moreover, your yard should be kept rubbish-free, as well. Apart from looking unappealing, a messy yard is a paradise for pests. Hence, make sure you cut your grass and weed your garden regularly, as well as remove fallen branches and leaf litter. All tree branches should be adequately trimmed in order not to come in contact with your home. These are the perfect way for insects to cross over and find a shelter in your house. 

Secure nets on your windows

Pests can be impeded from entering one’s home by attaching nets to all the windows. These nets are capable of stopping cockroaches, mosquitos, and spiders from making themselves welcome on your property. 

Besides denying access to these ruinous creatures, nets are an excellent ventilation method. When the weather is warm, you can leave your windows wide open without fearing unwelcomed guests will invade your property. Additionally, inspect all windows around the house for broken glass or panes, as these are a common entry point for these noxious bugs. 

Final thoughts

Doing your regular household chores minimizes the chances of pest infestation. 

Hire professionals if the situation gets out of control!

7 Tips on How to Design an Eco-Friendly Kitchen

As the world is evolving with its latest inventions, the use of appliances and substances harmful to the Earth is also increasing. People should be advised to use eco-friendly items to reduce the Earth’s resources exploitation as much as possible. To save our planet, we can start by taking small steps and using recyclable and eco-friendly materials. When designing your kitchen, you can make environmentally thoughtful choices.

Create a Sustainable Design:

You can style your kitchen that does not require the usage of so many resources, and on top of that, sealing it with paint can produce toxins in the environment. Design a kitchen that does not need many replacements, as it will help reduce the usage of natural resources. 

Having a functional, beautiful, easy to use kitchen space for everyone that can last many years is an essential factor in designing an eco-friendly kitchen.

Cabinets:

Instead of getting newly designed cabinets, you can reface them as it uses less wood. Usage of a lot of wood can reduce our forest count and affect the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. When you reface your cabinets, it makes them durable and stronger than before. It will cost you less as compared to when you replace your cabinets.


Counter-Tops:

People mostly like to choose granite material as their countertops. But granite is not a renewable resource, thus leading to increased waste on Earth, and it requires more mining than other materials. You can choose quartz and Corian as your countertops as they do not need toxic sealants and tend to last longer without cracking.

Increase Your Use Of Recycled Materials:

Increase your use of recycled material in the kitchen to reduce waste and improve the environment. 

  • The stainless steel used in making sinks is often made using recycled material.
  • For flooring and cabinetry, look for wood made with a non-chemical adhesive.
  • Bamboo is a great eco-friendly product as it grows at a faster rate.
  • The cement used for building a kitchen uses chemicals and huge quantities of water. You can replace cement with resin.

Choice of Appliances:

When designing your kitchen, buy kitchen appliances that will save you energy and keep you away from harmful pollutants.

  • Replace your kettles for boiling water that costs a lot of electricity with a boiling water tap. 
  • When using a coffee maker, use a reusable filter. Using disposable paper filters end up in the landfill and pollute the environment as they contain trace amounts of dioxin pollutants.
  • Use a toaster with two slots for bread as it requires less energy compared to a four slotted toaster.
  • Before you purchase a waffle maker, make sure that it is Teflon-free as it leaches out chemicals when heated at high temperatures. It can be harmful to the environment.

How to Choose Your Cookware:

Stay Away from Teflon Coated Products:

In Teflon, PFOA is a carcinogen and hormone disruptor that harms the body by staying in the environment. Perfluorinated chemicals found in Teflon coating can leach toxic substances into your food. They are found in saucepans, muffin tins, and baking sheets.

Alternatives to Teflon:

Stainless Steel:

Pans made out of stainless steel are a great option for eco-friendly cookware. These pans are coated with aluminum and copper, which conducts heat well. It can cook acidic foods.

Non-Stick Cookware:

Non-stick pans are good for your health as they use a ceramic coating. It is free of toxic chemicals and is considered safe under high temperatures. In the manufacturing of these pans, no heavy metals are used, and its exterior is made of durable heavy-gauge die-cast aluminum.

Use of Green Products:

Eco-friendly products use less energy and water than the standard ones, and they help reduce energy costs. The pandemic that we are facing these days is known as Coronavirus, and because of it, we are confined to our houses, which makes us more exposed to the air pollution created by the kitchen. Air pollution is produced because of cooking fumes and the gases produced from paints, flooring, renovating cabinets, and countertops. 

Try to increase the usage of green products to reduce air pollution. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful for our eyes, nose, and throat and can cause cancer and are produced by paints, wood, preservations, and other materials. Use eco-friendly paint that does not contain VOCs.

Author Bio: 

Amy Rehan is a guest post manager at Globex Outreach. Her job is to ensure all guest post projects are completed on time and according to client’s requirements.

05 October 2020

How To Remove Bad Smells In The Kitchen

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Gone are the days when the kitchen is merely utilized as an area to prepare and cook meals. Today, kitchens are becoming more diverse as they’re now used by homeowners to entertain guests and share conversations with the family. Most homeowners will also invest in the newest kitchen appliances and furnishings as they treat this particular area as an extension of their living room. 

The kitchen is very functional, but it’ll be very challenging for you to enjoy the space if it smells bad. How do you think you can have fun in your kitchen if the area stinks?  Do you think you’ll have the confidence to invite your friends over at your kitchen if everything in it smells bad?  It’s common for the kitchen to have all sorts of smells, but this doesn’t mean that you should let the odor linger. 

Here’s how you can remove bad smells in the kitchen:

  1. Check Your Air Filter

    There are many reasons why your kitchen often smells bad. Aside from the odor coming from raw ingredients and wastes, your kitchen can also smell bad if your air filters are damaged. Dirt and dust can easily accumulate when you have a damaged air filter, as well as cause bad odors in your kitchen.

    If you often notice that your kitchen smells bad even before you start cooking, spend some time to check your air filter and replace it with a quality air filter when necessary. Aside from keeping your kitchen smelling good, replacing your air filters regularly can also improve the air quality in your kitchen. Doing so will lessen your family’s susceptibility to allergies.

  2. Put Lemons In Your Garbage Bins

    Your kitchen will always have wastes. This is where you’ll prepare meals for friends and family, which is why your kitchen trash bins will be often full.

    For your garbage containers to, still, smell fresh, feed them some lemons. Simply slice several pieces of lemon and place them inside your trash bins. Lemons contain citric acid that can effectively break down the grease and gunk that cause bad odor in your kitchen.  Lemons will also leave a light and lemony scent in your kitchen, which can improve the overall ambiance of the space.

  3. Spritz Some Homemade Air Freshener

    Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a lot of money just to keep your kitchen smelling good. There are actually many ways you can easily get rid of bad smells in the kitchen, and making your own air freshener is a great example.

    You can make your own air freshener simply by mixing two tablespoons of water, three quarters cup of rubbing alcohol, and about 20 drops of your favorite essential oils. Some of the best oils you can use for your kitchen are orange, lavender, and peppermint.

    After mixing the liquids together, put everything in a spray bottle and spritz it on areas that are prone to bad odors. Using homemade air fresheners is one of the easiest ways to make your kitchen smell good, which is perfect when you’re expecting guests after using the kitchen for hours!

  4. Keep Your Sponges Dry

    No kitchen would be complete without sponges. This is an essential tool that helps clean your silverware and different surfaces in your kitchen. A sponge is very useful, but can also cause bad odors in the kitchen when not cleaned properly.

    Another hack that you can try to remove bad smells from your kitchen is to always keep your sponges dry. A wet sponge can cause strong odors, especially when your kitchen is enclosed. A wet sponge can also attract germs and bacteria, and can become the reason why your entire household will become sick.

    Make sure that none of these happen by placing your sponge in an area with good airflow. Don’t forget to put your sponges in the dishwasher at least once a week to get rid of any stink.

  5. Cancel Out Cooking Smells

    Certain dishes leave bad odors in your kitchen. Spaghetti marinara, for example, will usually leave a stink in your kitchen for hours. The same is true for fried fish and recipes that require different types of cheeses.

    You can easily cancel out cooking smells in your kitchen by filling a saucepan with about a cup of water and three tablespoons of vinegar, and letting it boil for a few minutes. The steam from the mixture will neutralize any nasty smells from your kitchen and make the area feel cleaner. 

Use Simple Strategies

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There are many ways you can remove bad smells in your kitchen. You just have to find and use a strategy that’s easy to implement and suits your lifestyle. You’ll be encouraged to make your kitchen smell good if you know strategies that are to do and effective!