Exploring the Latest Trends in Home Decor In the ever-evolving world of interior design, staying…
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3 mins read
Sewer Line Burst: An Underground Disaster
A busted sewer pipe can be a hidden disaster. A broken sewer pipe does not present itself as a rush of leaking water, or a loud bang. Instead, the sewage from the pipe will just slowly leak out underground. Sewage buildup causes a large problem. Inspectors do not actively go out of their way to check the condition of the pipes. It’s a lot of work to dig out the pipes only to see that traditional sewer line repair isn’t needed. It is important for the homeowners to understand the signs of sewage problems so they can get it quickly taken care of.
Signs of sewage pipe problems
1) The smell of sewage
One of the easiest ways to detect a pipe problem is the smell of sewage. The smell could appear in the basement, around the house, or in the yard. The smell is a sign that sewage is leaking underground somewhere.
2) The sink or toilet backups or drains slow
If the water is backing up in the sink, it could be a sign of a damaged pipe. The first thing to do is to use a drain cleaner. If the pipe is just clogged, it should do the trick. If a broken pipe is the problem, it’s a temporary fix at best.
3) Cracks in the foundation
As the sewage sits underground, the cement of the foundation will wear down and crack. The cracks will not be visible at first but will get larger over time. It is important to seek a professional as soon as the cracks are spotted. The longer the problem persists, the more damage the foundation will take.
4) Mold
Leaking water under the floor, or inside the wall will eventually attract mold. Mold likes to live in wet, humid surfaces. Consistent mold in the bathroom could be a sign of broken pipes.
5) Changes in your yard
A lush patch of grass might make your yard look beautiful, but it could also indicate a problem. Sewage fertilizes the yard. Another sign there could be a leak in the yard, a patch of the yard appears swampy, or the ground easily gives when someone steps on it.
Reasons a pipe may be broken
There are several factors that can lead to problems with the sewage pipes.
- The pipe is old. The average life of a pipe is 40 to 60 years.
- Roots have invaded the pipe
- The pipes have not been properly maintained
- The pipe has been damaged due to construction
What to do about broken pipes
At the first sign of a problem, call a professional. Traditional sewer line repair is the only way to keep sewage from continuing to leak underground. The professional first snakes the line to clear any debris. A good sign of pipe damage is the snake hitting a point it can’t go past. The professional will then run a camera through the pipes to see the damage. After the inspection is complete, replacing the pipe is the …
3 mins read
Septic Tank Emptying
You need to make sure that your septic tank is in the best condition it can be, even the best built tanks need to be checked and repaired frequently to ensure they are operating at their best. The way to do this is to have your tank emptied regularly, getting rid of all the waste that has been collected, most of which is “sludge” that gathers at the bottom of the tank. You do not want a build of this “sludge” in your tank as it can have disastrous consequences not only for you and your home but you surrounding environment as well.
If there is too much sludge in your septic tank this reduces the capacity of the tank, meaning there is less space for the incoming waste and reducing the time it has to decompose. This therefore could push the waste into the pipes more than likely causing them to clog and bringing the whole system to a smelly stand still. A lot of sludge will also increase the likelihood of solids escaping from the tank and damaging the surrounding environment.
The frequency your tank needs to be emptied can depend on the size the type of construction, and the use to which it is put; different tanks require different frequency of pumping. It is recommended that you monitor when your septic tank was last emptied and the amount of sludge that was removed this will allow you to calculate when your tank will need to be emptied again. A more efficient owner is a more efficient tank.
Another factor that will also affect how often you need it emptied is the use of the system, if it is being used a lot then you will need to get it emptied more to ensure it does not overflow or breakdown.
If your tank does breakdown or leak it’s not a good situation for anyone, it can be a complete environmental disaster. As the contents in the tank are very harmful to the environment it can kill off the local wildlife. If your septic tank is by a stream or lake of some kind it can be even worse as if the waste water from your tank reaches it, the chemicals will promote the growth of algae which can block sunlight and taint the water, consuming all the oxygen which will inevitably result in the death of the animals in the water.
After reading all the above I’m sure you are now aware of the vital importance having your septic tank emptied the consequences can be very bad if you neglect your tank therefore you must make sure your septic tank is in full working order!
Company websites will be able to tell you more about septic tanks and septic tank emptying, and may even offer advice on how often you should get your tank emptied.…
3 mins read
Why Build a Sustainable Home
A sustainable home does not mean a minimal home, or one without style.A� With most homes, you wouldn’t even know it is one unless you look very closely.A� Sustainable simple means that you are designing and building with certain goals in mind, in order to receive specific benefits.A� You as the homeowner choose what and how much.A� Here are some reasons for building one:
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oA�A�A�A�A� Money savings
oA�A�A�A�A� Appeal to buyers
oA�A�A�A�A� Environmental responsibility
oA�A�A�A�A� Positive effect on health
oA�A�A�A�A� Increased satisfaction
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Money Savings
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oA�A�A�A�A� Many of the techniques and materials you will use will cost less.
oA�A�A�A�A� There are government rebates and/or tax benefits.
oA�A�A�A�A� This kind of home design can save you money on your monthly utility bills
oA�A�A�A�A� Upkeep is often easier and less expensive in a sustainable home.
oA�A�A�A�A� Your chosen builder will not create excessive waste of materials you’ve paid for.
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Appeal To Buyers
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oA�A�A�A�A� The sustainable home typically has a timeless style and quality build. There is less need to tear it down to build an updated home. You will often incorporate space for future room additions into the plan, providing easy solutions and more options for buyers.
oA�A�A�A�A� Energy efficient homes certified by your utility company are sought-after.
oA�A�A�A�A� If you sell at some point, your perfect home will also appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers.
oA�A�A�A�A� You won’t be caught in that trap of having to find “that one perfect buyer” for an overspecialized house.A�
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Environmental Responsibility
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oA�A�A�A�A� Every choice has an effect on the environment.
oA�A�A�A�A� Making choices that are eco-friendly encourages others to do the same.
oA�A�A�A�A� This kind of home is an investment in our future.
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Positive Effect On Health
oA�A�A�A�A� Many new construction products contain VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) that irritate asthma sufferers and contribute to health weaknesses in many.
oA�A�A�A�A� Such a home brings the outdoors in, creating a restful environment.
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Increased Satisfaction
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oA�A�A�A�A� A great deal of thought goes into the design aspect.
oA�A�A�A�A� You’re more likely to be satisfied with the home for a longer time.
oA�A�A�A�A� The builder will have worked to preserve land and landscape, leaving you with more to enjoy.
oA�A�A�A�A� Your eco-friendly choices are contributions to your health and that of your community.
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A sustainable home is mindful of budget and desire to get the most for your buck.A� It will be a home that is eco friendly, through careful choice of building materials and appropriate size for the land and neighborhood.A� You will benefit physically, through decreased exposure to environmental toxins, and emotionally through the knowledge of having built with environment in mind.…
2 mins read
Want Wide Plank Pine Flooring Underfoot?
Wide plank pine flooring is a versatile look that can go with a variety of decorating schemes. Country, contemporary or covered with antiques and bright leather chairs and sofa, this wood flooring practically screams “home sweet home.” Wouldn’t you like to have this be the foundation for your abode?
First thing that a homeowner needs to do is to find a style and stain color that they like. There is a large variety out there, so it’s wise to go to showrooms, pick up a few samples and bring them back to your house to see how they will look. There are narrow planks as well as wide ones, and light, medium and dark stains. There are some that are very smooth and refined looking, while others are adorned with personality-plus knotholes and irregularities. Some wood has been converted from antique sources that have been recovered from old barns, pickle vats, factories and homes. How’d you like to have a bit of history converted into your gorgeous new floor? Not only is this a huge design statement, but it’s a green thing to do in that you’re recycling used wood rather than cutting down another tree in the forest. Once the style of wood has been picked out, it’s time to get it installed.
Some handy homeowners can do it themselves. Others will need to hire an experienced installer in order to have it done professionally. Since pine is a softer wood than some of the hardwoods such as oak, it tends to be an easier installation. A do-it-yourselfer will need to own or rent a ready supply of tools such as a table saw, circular saw, a heavy duty stapler, nails, clamps, router, tape measure or ruler, and of course a hammer and some nails. Drills with an assortment of drill bits will also be needed. If there is existing flooring or carpeting in the home, tools will be required to tear it out as well. This tool list will depend of the type of flooring to be removed. A trip to the dump to discard the old carpet, padding or tile remains may be in order, as well.
Once the floor has been assembled in place, the handy homeowner or professional installer will need to finish with sandpaper, stain and wood oil. The best thing about wide plank pine flooring is that it will only get better with age. The natural wood will adapt to the surroundings and develop a look all its own.…
3 mins read
How to Decorate Your House and Make It a Home
Do you want a makeover for your home? It is always very important to make sure that you make your home the best place to live in. this is the reason why you need to choose the best d?�cor for your rooms as well as other parts of your house.
These days you can select a special theme for your room and you can decorate your room based on that theme. You need to choose the color and design as well as the accessories based on that theme.
There are various companies which can help you plan about the home d?�cor. There are certain steps of choosing the accessories as well as colors and designs for your room. The first thing that you need to do is plan everything properly.
Planning is very important because it helps you decide your budget. You need to find out how much you are ready to spend on the decorations. You can then choose the company, the items as well as the decorations according to the budget.
When you choose a home d?�cor company you must provide them with your budget so that they can provide you with decoration plan on that budget. Always choose a one stop shopping center for these items. You can get decorative artwork for your room. You can also choose from a wide range of decorative candles.
You also have the option of choosing throw pillows and throw blankets. You must choose each of these items according to the color and style of your room. It is very important to match all the items present inside the room.
If you choose a d?�cor for your bedroom then make sure you pay attention to your bed sheet, quilts and blankets. They must match the color and other items present in your bedroom. If you check out the brochure of these home d?�cor companies you will find different kinds of themes available for d?�cor.
Some of the popular themes are classic d?�cor, ceramic decoration, and wicker decoration, tin and pewter decoration, storage d?�cor, fun and games d?�cor, fruit d?�cor and much more.
Other than the accessories and the colors you also need to make sure that you pay proper attention to the doors and windows. Door and window treatment can help you make your house look more beautiful and attractive. Choose the best wallpapers that suit the color and the accessories present in your room.
These wallpapers are available with these companies. Try to get a set of good curtains for your study because this will help you adorn the place. You can also choose contrasting colors for the walls of your rooms. This d?�cor is simple as well as cost effective.…
2 mins read
Having a Hoot With Interior Design and Owls
Are you looking to introduce a new theme into your interior design or home decor? Choosing something new is all down to a matter of taste and opinion but if you just want to be trendy and current, there are plenty of pointers available in the home sections of high street shops and stores. If you like the idea of having an “owl” theme in your home, then you are in luck, because (at the time of writing) owls are incredibly popular, not just for home items but for clothes, toys and many other things as well.
We are talking about the home, so what you can do to introduce the wonderful owl to your decor? Here are just a few quick ideas.
Hallway – For most homes, the hallway is the entrance to the house and the first place to make an impression when entering. How about an owl inspired mirror directly facing your front door? It will certainly make an impression on your guests when they enter and it will make a statement that you are right up to date with your home design. An owl shaped clock could also be really cool in the hall. It’s often a place people look for the time as they head out the door and it will add further to your growing theme.
Bedroom – The bed is always the quickest and easiest way to introduce something new to your room. You could treat yourself to a brand new duvet cover that has a cute owl print on it. A tastefully chosen owl picture or painting can make a feature of a bedroom wall whilst complimenting your bed. If you are lucky enough to have fitted sliding wardrobes in your room, then some owl themed transfers on the doors will again make a feature.
Living Room/Dining Room – There are endless ways in which your owls can be implemented into these rooms, whether it’s cushions/covers, curtains, tablecloths, rugs, ornaments and pictures. It’s just a case of deciding what you like without completely going owl overboard!
Bathroom – Once again, you will be spoiled for choice when trying to bring owls into the bathroom with some lovely pieces available. There are trinket holders, toiletry jars, toothbrush holders or even a trendy shower curtain!
Not only will you have the theme you want but also have a bright and trendy look throughout your owl inspired home.…
3 mins read
Baby Nurseries – How to Create One That Nurtures and Protects Your Baby
After waiting the 9 long months and enduring discomfort, back pain and unknown sleepless nights you’ve finally become a parent. Like any proud new parent you’ll want to make sure your child is as comfort in the outside world as it was in its mothers womb. You’ll want to create (if you already haven’t created it that is) a nursery that gives your new little bundle of joy a combination of style, absolute safety and of course comfort. This article has some tips to help you along in your quest to create the best nursery that you possibly can.
The first thing you need to think about is the color of your baby’s new nook. Although they may not be sensitive to different hues at first (they may only distinguish black and white), the color you choose will gradually become significant. Decide on colors that are easy and calming such as pastels in peach, yellow, blue or green. These shades will provide a relaxing atmosphere while exuding comfort and style! Colors in the primary wheel perk up your kids interest in his or her surroundings. However using too much at the same time might cause your child to become overly excited. Rather than sleep, your child might lie awake all night and you wouldn’t be resting soundly either! And it’s not just because of your baby’s awkward feeding patterns. This time, the colors are the culprit!
Different textures and varied patterns should be included in your nursery. These variations spark up the interest of your growing child. Their sense of touch will be further heightened when they encounter new textures once in a while! Although it’s a must to cover the crib with soft cushions to prevent bumps, you can still add a touch of texture to it. With regards to blankets, the general rule is that babies should not be put to sleep covered with a blanket…unless they happen to be at least a year old. Though a soft cuddly blanket offers added comfort during feeding time, it could cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS and should be avoided inside the crib during sleeping hours. Get rid of that adorable blanky even if it breaks your heart!
As a last piece of advice, be sure you choose a particular design that can ultimately grow as your child grows. Yes, I’m sure Pooh Bear and Disney Princesses are all the rage for your youngster now, but what will happen if she outgrows it? Make sure the theme and color schemes are flexible enough to adapt to your child’s future needs. So think again before buying that huge Little Mermaid crib, not unless you can picture your teenage daughter still enjoying under-the-sea moments in it thirteen years from now. Invest in a wall color and design scheme that will work for a boy or a girl for that matter. You never know just what your next child may be right (or was the first experience enough for you)? Keep decoration …
2 mins read
EarthWerks Flooring – A Beauty Only Mother Nature Could Create
A product of the 73-year old Texas-based Swiff-Train flooring manufacturer, EarthWerks is known by the hardwood flooring industry as a leader in natural-looking hardwood floors, with woods so beautiful, only Mother Nature herself could shape them.
Woods created by EarthWerks are subtle and soft. The company’s artisans favor soft touches of pigment and light distressing techniques rather than splashing the woods with bold colors and hiding the wood’s natural character.
In EarthWerk’s Prestige engineered line, oak, walnut, maple, birch, hickory and cherry hardwoods are handsculpted and hand scraped at the surface, with a variety of colors and color application techniques. The techniques, such as the “bleed technique” are what truly separate this line from all other manufacturers.
With the “bleed technique,” color seeps onto the outer edges of the planks. When the floor is installed, the darker outer edges make each individual plank stand out, giving the floor a very earth, “old-world” feel. Natural French Bleed Cherry is absolutely charming, with a floor that looks to have come straight out of a 17th century French cottage.
Walnut Antique is another hit in this collection, hand sculpted with rich shades of umber and burnt sienna. Birch Latte is another favorite, also hand scraped, with shades of russet and sepia swirled so eloquently to create a marble effect.
If the swirls are something that appeals to you, you’ll also appreciate Smooth Walnut Natural, with a soft watercolor effect softly blending light to medium shades of brown. The depth of the walnut woods in this collection are truly incredible!
In EarthWerk’s Durango collection, you’ll see some of this marble effect as well, but with more of an American-Western vibe. The clay-colored Mesa and the coppery Sunset are favorites of that line, although people who enjoy dark wood floors will be drawn to Adobe.
All woods in both collections come in the standard five-inch wide planks with random lengths. Durango’s woods are beveled on four sides, whereas Prestige’s are either four-side rolled or micro beleved. Prestige offers a lifetime structural warranty with a 25-year finish, while Durango offers a 20-year finish warranty.…
3 mins read
Using Renovations to Increase a Home’s Value
When it comes to determining a home’s value, the primary metrics are location and square footage. However, there are a number of other factors that can help. For some homeowners, the best way to improve the value of their homes is to perform renovations.
– Structural Upgrades
Some renovations deal with structural changes to the home. Rebuilding a staircase, for example, provides both structural and aesthetic improvements that will lead to higher property appraisals. Another such renovation is to build a new porch deck or patio. While it will not increase a home’s size, those who look at the home will view a deck or patio as an extra room that makes the home a more attractive purchase.
– Aesthetic Upgrades
Renovations that focus solely on aesthetic components can also help. An attractive, modern shade can make a room seem more impressive, and appraisers and potential buyers will consider these improvements even if only on a subconscious level. While modern design trends are useful, it is also important to have a look that embodies the area in which the home is located.
– Exterior Renovations
While people spend most of their time inside their homes, it is the exterior that they see first. Further, people like to live homes that appear attractive to those who pass by. The simplest exterior renovation is a simple paint job; paint can radically transform a home’s appearance, and the right paint can improve a home’s value. In addition, it might be worth installing a new door or making it larger. While it can be an expensive renovation, installing new windows may make a substantial difference.
– The Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms for renovation as people spend much of their time in kitchens. Upgrading to modern kitchen appliances can improve a home’s value far beyond the cost of the appliances, and new countertops can make the room stand out. While kitchen appliances must perform well, it is also important that they also look great. Fortunately, many of the best upgrades score highly on metrics of usefulness and attractiveness. Granite countertops, for example, last for decades, are easy to maintain and look great.
– The Bathroom
Everyone spends part of their days in the bathrooms, and people often enter the bathroom right after waking up and right before going to bed. Homeowners should ensure that their upgrades will last for a while, and careful attention must be paid to bathroom renovations. Upgrades that can help fight mildew are useful, and it is critical that all renovations are tested to ensure that water does not leak. An upgraded bathroom is one of the best ways to impresses appraisers and potential buyers.
People often live in their homes for decades. After a while, a home’s look can begin to appear a bit stale. An occasional upgrade can both make a home more enjoyable and increase its value should the homeowners decide to sell.…
2 mins read
Affordable Septic Tank Cleaning And Pumping Service At Your Door Step
There are millions of people residing in the rural areas who install septic tanks in their houses. Most of the people are not aware about what exactly a septic tank does and what should be done to maintain it in a good way. Septic tanks are of two types; cement septic tanks and plastic containers. Cement sewage containers are in huge size and are carefully installed under the ground.
Plastic septic containers are of light weight and these sewage containers are mostly installed in houses where there is no space for large tanks. Drainage containers main job is to collect the waste materials that exit from lavatories, bathrooms, washing stations, and kitchen. Most of the house owners don’t know how to maintain the septic tank effectively. Maintenance is very important for its successful functioning.
Sewage tank is to collect all the unwanted waste materials, but all the waste material should not be dumped into the sewage tank. Dumping heavy solid waste materials can block the leachfields or drainfields and lead to clogging. Every container should undergo cleaning or pumping for at least once in a year. Septic tank cleaning and pumping schedule varies according to the size and number of people staying in the home.
Drainage tank holders should not dump heavy solid waste materials like toilet paper, paper towels, sanitary napkins, tampons, cigarette butts, and cotton balls. You should also avoid dumping cooking oils and grease. This will cause damage to the entire system and increases the cost of repair. The cost of cleaning and pumping can be affordable if the tank is maintained effectively.
Generally, a sewage tank pumping typically cost around $75 to $200. Cost also varies according to the size of the container. If size increase, cost also increases. For large containers, service providers will cost around $200 to$350 or even more. If the tank is completely damaged, then they have to replace it with a new one. The cost of replacing and installing a container depends on the local service providers.
You must be cautious in selecting a service provider. There are many agencies that offer all septic services at affordable cost. Before choosing a company, you much enquire about their quality of service from your neighbors. This can help you in selecting the right agency. You can also browse on the Internet and know about the agency. Do not forget to ask them about the discount and offers in the agency. This can save you some bucks from your pocket.…