Five features your kitchen needs

Updating your kitchen may be one of the smartest investments you can make, especially if you’re planning on selling your home in the future. Up-to-date features that emphasize both function and design not only make your kitchen a room you love to spend time in but can also be a significant selling point when you’re ready to list your home. Read on for five features your kitchen needs.

1. Lighting
Your kitchen needs light, as most rooms in your home do, but kitchen lighting needs a little finesse because it’s a major hub in the house. You’d be amazed at how much a simple change in lighting fixtures can update the look of your kitchen.

If you’ve got an island in your kitchen, add a statement light fixture -- or two -- above, providing plenty of light for your workspace in addition to decoration. Be sure to consider other lighting sources in the kitchen before choosing your statement piece, not only for continuity but also for overall functionality. Consider adding task lighting or under-cabinet lighting to ensure that your most-used workspaces are well-lighted.

2. Appliance garage
Such a strange name for an ingenious concept many homeowners are adding to their custom kitchens: appliance garage. Kitchen appliance garages not only help you keep your kitchen counters free from clutter, but they also add a unique feature that’s sure to catch the modern homebuyer’s attention.

A kitchen appliance garage can be as simple as a recessed portion of space with a cabinet door that fits nicely over it, or a complex built-in unit, allowing you to keep your microwave and other small appliances out of sight when not in use. Appliance garages are a kitchen feature that helps keep your counters clear and frees up valuable workspace.

3. Deep sink
While a deep sink may not appeal to shorter people -- for obvious reasons -- there are more pros than cons by going deeper. Families can benefit from the additional space deeper bowls provide by allowing more space for dirty dishes, but avid cooks will also appreciate having a sink that works well when washing bulky and unwieldy pots and baking sheets. Whether you choose one bowl or two is up to you, but deep sinks will keep dishwater splashes contained regardless.

4. Storage options
Dividers, deep drawers, inset shelving, and custom cabinetry make kitchen organization a breeze (and maybe even a little fun). Again, you’ll benefit from having plenty of storage space in your kitchen, and that storage will pay off plenty when it comes time to sell your home -- kitchen storage options fetch major brownie points (baking pun intended).

5. Pantry
While you may not have the space to add a walk-in pantry to your kitchen, you may be able to add a pantry (if you don’t already have one). If you’ve never had a kitchen with a pantry, you definitely won’t want to go back once you have one. Helping keep counters and cabinets clutter-free, dedicated pantries make it easy to organize all of your non-perishable food items and often provide enough space to store both cookware and serveware.

If you want to make your kitchen a comfortable and functional hub in your home, consider updating your kitchen with lighting and storage. An update can breathe new life -- and convenience -- into your kitchen by modernizing the look, feel, and features, not to mention increasing your home’s value and appeal when you go to sell. Happy planning!

The Most Common Pests During Spring Time

Winter is over, and springtime is already here. Flowers are blooming once again, and there is much pollen in the atmosphere. As the cold season wraps up, the heat from the sun starts to thaw ice, and many animals are also coming out of their nests after their hibernation ended. Springtime also means that the new pests will hatch, begin their activities and will be eating a lot. This means that pests will be more aggressive in destroying crops, properties, and food products. As a homeowner, you should be wary about the things that these pests can do, and try working with a professional on how to get rid of them. Mountain West Pest Control is a reliable business that can exterminate these pests. Try working with them and see what services they offer to make your home pest free. Here are some of the most common pests that we see during springtime.

1. Carpenter ants are animals which developed a sensitivity with a cold environment. Once the winter ends, carpenter ants would go out of their nests and forage foods available on the ground. They can be seen anywhere – even inside your home – to take food and water. Carpenter ants that are found inside a property would mean that they were able to enter the building through a hole, or they have already established a colony inside the house. They are creating a vast network of tunnels in homes made of wood, so homes like wooden logs are prone to damage and collapse, especially if these ants managed to destroy most of the foundation. Call a reliable pest control company to exterminate these ants that pose a danger to your home.
2. Pavement ants are another type of animal that can be found in the soil, and they will also enter homes to search for food. These ants build large colonies, and they will never stop eating until they are satisfied. These ants should be treated immediately because they will cause a lot of trouble for the homeowner. They will eat the food inside the house, as well as any other food scraps. What you can do is to search for their nest that might be located in the pavement outside the house and see if you can eliminate the nest. If you failed from trying to exterminate these ants, call a professional for help, and they can take a different approach on dealing with them.
3. Bees, wasps, and hornets are also awakened during the spring, and they might have built a nest inside your home during the winter. These animals are dangerous because of their sting, and people who have been stung by these animals might develop a deadly allergic reaction. To make sure that there are no bees, wasps, or hornets that managed to transform your home into their nests, try to investigate and see if you will find traces or pieces of evidence of their presence. If they are inside your home, do not try to destroy their nest. Instead, call a professional for help. It would be dangerous to destroy their nest without any professional assistance because the insects might feel aggravated and attack.
4. Houseflies are also multiplying the population when spring comes. They are some of the dirtiest insects on the planet. Houseflies are spreading diseases like wildfires, and when you see them land above your food, make sure to throw it away because the bacteria and viruses on their feet would immediately multiply and be transferred to the food, which is dangerous for the health. Make sure that the houseflies don't not make it inside your house, and call a reliable pest control that will be able to shoo them away. You can also use flytraps to minimize the number of flies inside your property.
5. Rats and mice also multiple during the spring, and they will be a headache because of how they are attacking homes and eating away food that is left behind. They are also dangerous because they bite, and some rats and mice have rabies. Other are carriers of fatal diseases. Make sure to call a professional pest exterminator to get rid of these rodents inside your home and minimize the chances of diseases being spread.

Damp proofing and eliminating water damage

via

High water tables and a wet climate can add up slowly to structural damages in both older buildings and in new construction. Long before the appearance of mould and mildew, the gradual action of water could be damaging your home.

One of the essential characteristics of water is that it moves through porous materials through a process called capillary action. What this means for most people is that water from the saturated ground will enter stone or concrete foundations and rise up through the walls until it reaches a point high enough where it can evaporate into the atmosphere.

As it engages in this slow march upwards and sideways, it causes structural damage to the material it travels through and makes a perfect environment for mould and mildew to thrive. As a secondary assault, the mould and mildew cause more damage on top of the damage wrought by the original water. The familiar dank smell of a damp home isn’t just the smell of mould, it’s also the smell of a slow motion disaster unfolding in areas a homeowner can’t see.

What there is to do if you suspect you have a problem with rising damp is to call in a professional who can test your home’s foundations and walls to see if there’s a problem to begin with and if there is a problem, how much trouble that problem’s caused.

Fortunately, there are solutions available. Many of these solutions can be implemented relatively quickly and at a reasonable cost. Every structure, every home, every situation is different and each of them requires its own approach. Calling in a true expert is the only way to find the proper fix to your problem.

You don’t need to suffer through another season of damp and the right professional, like the techs employed by Damp2Dry, can set you other the correct path to ensure many years of health and happiness. Rising damp can jeopardise your health by fostering the growth of black mould but it can also jeopardise the health of your home. The solution is but a phone call away.

Bringing a Touch of Luxury to Bathrooms

A recent survey from Lightstream reports that 37 percent of homeowners indicated they are planning to remodel their bathrooms in 2019, edging out kitchen remodels, which 31 percent of respondents said was a priority. Twenty-seven percent of those surveyed said personalization was their primary reason for investing in a renovation. In addition, according to the 2018 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, more than half of Baby Boomer homeowners are planning to renovate their bathrooms to support aging in place. These homeowners are looking for bathrooms with accessible features such as lower sinks and toilets, curbless (zero-entry) showers and handheld showerheads.

Beyond making bathrooms more customized and accessible, a growing number of homeowners are also opting to add luxe spa touches to their bathrooms. Following are some easy ways to create a bathroom space that hits the mark in all of these areas.

Elevate the shower. There is a move away from traditional bathrooms toward larger, more luxurious shower areas. Some may even include a freestanding tub, depending on available space and preference. In addition to desiring well-appointed materials and design elements that offer high performance features, homeowners expect their bathrooms and showers to reflect their personal style, whether that be “all decked out” or on the minimalist side. From natural stone shower surrounds to multiple showerheads to stainless steel linear drains, the focus is on creating a more enjoyable – and memorable – shower experience. Available in a range of styles and patterns, linear drains are particularly well-suited for curbless and step-in showers. And, their streamlined footprint has a cleaner appearance than typical center drains, which complements the trend toward more contemporary bathroom designs.

Add luxe accents. Even in cases where it’s not feasible to upgrade to a frameless or spa-sized shower, there are a number of creative ways to infuse a touch of luxury into the bathroom. Incorporating accessories such as an eye-catching mirror, statement lighting and heated towel racks can go a long way in achieving a more luxurious feel. Using a layered lighting approach that utilizes a mix of several types of lighting – for example, vanity lighting, accent lighting such as vertical fixtures or sconces, and natural light – can create a relaxing space for resting and recharging. Heated towel racks not only provide the tactile appeal of freshly warmed towels, but can also dry towels in between baths and showers, and double as a convenient way to dry lingerie and delicates. Larger models can help heat smaller bathrooms, especially beneficial in cooler climates.

Go beyond the surface. When designing or remodeling a bathroom, it’s also important to pay attention to surfaces such as flooring, walls and backsplashes. Adding natural stone, porcelain or ceramic tile can bring a sense of sophistication to bathrooms while also being simple to maintain. Lightweight natural stone veneer can be installed on vertical surfaces to create an organic look that delivers texture and dimensionality. Luxury tiles, such as those from the namesake of iconic carmaker Lamborghini, come in a range of interesting designs for a high-end, luxury feel. Glass-tiled or mosaic backsplashes are another popular way to enhance the look of a bathroom space, especially when paired with colored or metallic grout, which is becoming a desirable alternative to white and beige grout.

For many people, the bathroom has become a sanctuary. Adding even a few luxe elements can transform an ordinary bathroom space into an inviting retreat. Many of these upgrades are surprisingly affordable, making it easy for homeowners to let their inner-diva shine.

Stated by roofing companies in Dallas, your roof is critical to protecting your home from the elements, and if it’s damaged, water leaks are likely, which can lead to mold and other issues.

In this article, we look at the common roofing problems you’re likely to encounter, and how to keep your roof in tip-top shape.

Leaks
Leaks are the most common problem affecting roofs, age and improper sealing are the prime culprits. You can detect leaks by doing a visual inspection inside and looking for signs of water. Fixing a leak as quickly as possible is essential to keeping your family safe from mold that can lead to respiratory issues and allergies, and the integrity of your home’s inner structure.

Poorly Installed Flashing
When the roof is penetrated by a vent, chimney or cooling system, contractors use flashing to seal the gap to prohibit the ingress of water. If the flashing isn’t installed correctly or if it becomes damaged because of weather or age, it can lead to leaks or loose shingles.

In most cases, small holes in the flashing are easy to patch with roofing cement, and you can do that yourself. However, large holes often require the help from a contractor to ensure the job is done right and that the seal is tight.

Soffit Damage
The soffit is material connecting the roof’s overhang with the side of your house. The soffit is an aesthetic and a vital component to roof function. As with many roofing issues, soffit can become damaged because of water from poorly installed or damaged gutters. When gutters aren’t cleaned or installed correctly, water sits on the edge of the shingles and drips down rotting the soffit.

If you have a damaged soffit, the best course is to call in a professional roofing company who can replace the rotted area and match the style to the rest of the house, so the repair is seamless.

Animal Infestation
Yes, animals can damage your roof and can sometimes be worse than what Mother Nature throws at it. Animals that are nuisance include squirrels, bats, birds, mice, and raccoons. These animals usually are looking for warmth and shelter and once in, they can damage wiring or chew up your wood.

Keep animals out by making it tough for them to get in, and that means cutting any branches that overhang the roof. Also, keep your gutters clean to discourage birds from making their nests in them.

Damaged Shingles
Damaged shingles are another major cause of roof problems, and they become damaged because of age or weather. To ensure the health of your roof, make sure you perform routine inspections and repair damaged shingles.

Poor Maintenance
Not maintaining your roof and fixing small problems before they become big ones is another substantial reason roofs leak and fail. It’s vital to the health and longevity of your roof you get up at least once a year and inspect it from the outside and the inside.