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3 mins read
Detoxing Your Space’s Space
The following is an excerpt from the book, Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In, by author/eco-shui design consultant, DeAnna Radaj. Enjoy!
Did you know that the air you breathe inside your house is more polluted than the air you breathe outside? In fact, the EPA considers poor air quality a top risk to human health. Indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air. But DeAnna, you’re thinking, I live in a quiet suburb not near a factory, so how can my air be bad? Carpeting, paint, household cleaners, fabrics, even the candles you light for ambience are all culprits in polluting your indoor air. Many of these things were created to make your life easier, however, they also give off vapors or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause allergies (or make existing ones worse,) compromise respiratory problems, cause headaches and make life miserable for those with environmental sensitivities.
Over the last 30+ years, houses and office buildings have been constructed with energy conservation in mind. Doors fit tighter, if they open at all, and window drafts are a thing of the past! At the same time, a new wave of chemicals has been invented and injected into building materials, cleaners and household supplies. There are about 75,000 chemicals being used in everything from carpet pads to dryer sheets, window cleaners, dish soaps, hair products, air fresheners, bedding, aromatherapy products and pet supplies.
We talked previously about off gassing, but what exactly does it mean? Molecules break down and pollute the stale air inside our tightly sealed homes and offices. People often complain about “canned, dead air” inside airplanes, sick building syndrome at offices, or colds passed back and forth between family members. According to the National Institute of Health, we are “marinating in a broth of invisible toxins that cause everything from headaches to cancers.”
***The best way to get rid of “dead” air-open a window! Even in winter, opening a window or door for even a few minutes will help clear the dust and energize a space and it’s occupants. ***
What’s one of the simplest least expensive ways to clean the air in your home? Plants. In fact, one of the best ways to breathe clean air in your home is to have one plant for every 100 square feet of space. Plants clean the air by breathing in dirty air and trapping pollutants, and then expelling oxygen-rich clean air. Substances such as formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia (the afore-mentioned VOCs) are transformed, while keeping humidity levels steady. This in turn helps to keep allergies at bay. “If you are bothered by mold, stop it from growing by putting an inch of aquarium gravel on top of the potting soil. This will also help stop cats from digging in there as well,” states Avery Hurt in his article Freshen the Air from the March, 2006 issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Although any kind of plant is beneficial, some plants do a …
3 mins read
Don’t Leave Home Without This Checklist – How to Buy Car Battery
Cars are a very important part of our modern lifestyle – we use them to go to work, to visit our loved ones, to go to the grocery, to spend leisure time. Our hectic days are very dependent on our means of transportation, so it is very important to make sure that our cars are in tip top shape and always running well.
The car battery, of course, is a very important part of car maintenance. There is no definite time span when you should change your car battery, but if you buy car battery of high quality and the right kind, then it should last for a very long time and serve you and your car for many miles. Here is a simple checklist for things you should remember before you go out and buy car battery again:
Check the size that your car needs. Consult your vehicle’s manual so that you would know what size of battery it requires. Car batteries come in four basic sizes: 37, 75, 34/78 and 65.
Check the shelf life – it is better to buy car battery that hasn’t been sitting on the shelf for a long time (this greatly reduces its warranty and actual life span on your car). Get one that has been there for at least twelve months. (tip: to know when the battery was manufactured or delivered, check the label on the bottom for the shipping date code. The letter stands for the month is was manufactured, and the number stands for the year. So a battery with a M8 label means that it was manufactured on March 2008).
Check if the auto battery comes with a good warranty. Warranties for car batteries will usually have two warranty periods: the free replacement period and a warranty coverage period. The warranty information on a battery usually comes in the form of two numbers, i.e. 24/84. The first number is for the number of months for the free replacement period, and then the second number is for the warranty coverage. It is usually better to buy car battery that has a higher free replacement period.
After you have purchased your auto battery, it is up to you to take care of it and prolong its life. Most people make the glaring mistake of leaving their headlights on in the garage, and then coming back to a dead battery and a car that would not start. You can install an alarm in your car to prevent these kinds of mishaps. Also, check if the car battery you buy is designed for extreme heat or extreme cold, so that you can choose one according to your usual driving conditions. Buy car battery with these things in mind and you can enjoy longer trips and a safer ride on the road.…
3 mins read
Home Remodeling Tips – For The Smart Homeowner
Home remodeling can add value to your home, along with making it more comfortable and beautiful. However, a good home remodel, that gives you the most return on your investment, is not as easy as just opening the phone book and picking out the first name you see. This article is meant to help homeowners confidently get through the worst roadblocks of a home remodeling project with ease and comfort.
Know What You’re Getting Yourself Into
First thing’s first-before you start picking out hand towels and door handles, you must figure out exactly what you want to have done. It is amazing how few homeowners take the time to really establish their wants and needs before they call their contractors. From upgrading your kitchen, master bedroom, to bathrooms, just start with one area you think needs the most work.
Sketch your ideas down on paper after you have figured out which room you want to remodel. Try and determine exactly how you’ll use the space and what your goals are with the room. Is it optimized for relaxing? For entertaining? These questions will make your planning stage with the contractor much easier. Also consider asking other people-friends and neighbors-what their experience has been and where their problems have occurred.
Next, plan your budget. It is always the safest to work in an additional 5-10% above what you tell your contractor you can spend, in order to cover any inevitable added costs (these can include high material costs and increased labor costs).
Make sure you have researched and know which permits you will require. Any structural change (like a room addition or a porch) will require permits and inspection, to make sure everything meets local building codes and safety regulations.
Do not over-improve. Once you get started, you can be swept away in the possibilities, but to really get the most out of your home remodeling, do no overdo it. Take a look at home prices in your area, and try not to exceed, in one room, what the general neighborhood values would be. If you spend half the estimated value for your neighbor’s house in your master bath, you will never be able to sell!
Lastly and maybe most importantly: Prepare yourself for problems! Yes, even the most thoroughly planned project can head into unexpected trouble. Using a professional, reliable contractor can ease these issues, but ultimately weather or other unforeseen circumstance can always put a snag in your plans. Remember your extra budget and keep calm, and you can make it through any obstacle.
Getting the Most Out of Your Home Remodeling Dollar
There are, of course, certain home remodeling projects that are going to offer the best return on your investment. Remodeling magazine published the following list to show where you get the most bang for your buck:
Bathroom Addition: 89%
Kitchen Remodel: 87%
Two Story Addition: 84%
Attic Bedroom Conversion: 83%
Master Suite Addition: 82%
Bathroom Remodel: 73%
Siding Replacement: 71%
Ultimately the best tips come on …
3 mins read
Do Your Bit for the Environment With Timber Flooring
Are you planning to renovate your house and refurbish its floors? This is a good opportunity to do your bit for the environment. You must be surprised by the connection between the two. What can possibly be the connection between decorating your floors and making a positive difference to the environment? The answer lies in timber flooring. This is because in this form of flooring, recycled timbers are used that are sourced from forests thereby encouraging more and more tree growth. We all wish to contribute something to the cause of a greener world but our super busy lives hardly give us a chance to fulfill them. Here, we can easily achieve that just by opting for timber while going for a flooring renovation. There are many individuals who feel that if something is environment-friendly, it cannot be good looking. However, this is completely untrue in this case. Timber looks really classy and colorful so that you can increase the style quotient of your house to a considerable extent.
This is not the only reason why you should go for timber. There are other benefits too that it has to offer. Firstly, it is a cakewalk to clean floors made of timber. While renewing your floors, you have to think of the practical side too. You cannot concentrate on appearance alone. It is true that the look will play an important role in defining the overall appearance of the house. However, that does not mean you should sacrifice on the practical aspect. In fact, it is something that you have to take into account in the initial stages of choosing and selection itself. Timber floors are better equipped to battle dirt and dust. Since they have a soft covering, you can easily eradicate dust mites. This is definitely convenient since now-a-days, nobody has the time to spend hours on cleaning floors and tiles. Moreover, it is not possible to spend a significant part of your savings on flooring frequently. You do want it to be a long-term investment. This can be guaranteed in this flooring type.
If you are an Asthmatic patient, you have one more reason to go for timber flooring. The simple reason is that timber has anti-allergic properties. Owing to this feature, timber is also used by professionals in their workspace such as offices, showrooms etc. The eclectic variety of colors facilitates a more inspiring work environment.
However, if you find this option to be too costly, you can go for regular hardwood flooring. Though it has been there for decades, you have no reason to think that it is outdated. There are certain things that never go out of fashion and it is one of them. When it comes to class and culture, hardwood truly scores. Moreover, if you ever sell your house in the future, you can get a slightly higher price just on account of wooden flooring. The best thing about it is that in spite of offering so many benefits, it is highly …
2 mins read
The Top 4 Creepiest House Pests
Homeownership is the best, but it’s also a big responsibility. While taking care of your castle, you might come across some eerie things that you weren’t expecting, like rodents or insects. It usually happens when you least expect it. Here are four creepy house pests that you might discover and what to do about them.
Common House Mouse
Some people think mice are cute while others are terrified of them. One thing is for sure–you don’t want them playing house inside of yours spreading disease. Finding mouse droppings is upsetting and means a lot of cleaning. Where there’s one mouse, there are usually more, so it’s important to contact a rodent exterminator Staten Island to assess the situation.
Cockroaches
Imagine you’ve just purchased a home and decide to visit the kitchen for your first midnight snack. You turn on the lights and see something run across the counter. Nothing compares to that feeling of disgust. Unfortunately, a cockroach problem isn’t one you can fix by yourself. You’ll definitely require expert help to eradicate the problem swiftly.
Bats in Your Belfry
If you’ve ever had a bat in your house, you know capturing it can be a scream-fest. A bat fluttering around your home is what nightmares are made of. If this happens frequently, there’s a chance you could have a colony living in your home. Bats are illegal to kill, so you’ll need to call on a professional to perform an exclusion.
Hornets
Attics can be scary places which is why people tend to stay away. Sometimes they putter around the attic and make the horrible discovery of a large hornet’s nest. If you’ve noticed more than the normal amount of errant bees in your house, or discover a nest, don’t touch it and seek the advice of an expert immediately.
Frightening Discoveries
Owning a home can be a wonderland of discoveries, some of which are frightening. The good news is that there are solutions. Seeking prompt, professional help will get you back to enjoying your investment.…
3 mins read
How To Fix Your Laminate Floor
Even though a laminate floor is extremely durable and is created to be able to withstand a high amount of foot traffic, from time to time it needs to be fixed. There may be nicks or scratches that need repaired or perhaps an entire board needs to be replaced. Many laminate floors will buckle or peak and this may be what the problem is. No matter which one is causing your laminate floor to look less than perfect, there are ways that you can fix the floor yourself.
You will need to purchase a laminate flooring repair kit and have that on hand. You will also need a hammer, screwdriver and the laminate flooring. The repair kit can be purchased at a local or large hardware store. Bring along a sample of your laminate so that it matches perfectly.
The easiest fixing would be the nicks and scratches. You can simply read the instructions on the repair kit and easily eliminate those unsightly scratches.
If you need to replace part of the laminate flooring boards, you will need to do more than just read repair kit instructions. Using a screwdriver or a hammer, loosen up the molding around the floorboard. Be very careful to not damage the molding because it needs to be put back once the floor board is replaced.
The next step is to remove the floor boards that are beside and that lead up to the board that needs to be replaced. Once you have taken up the board to be replaced, simply click the new board right into it’s’ place. After the new board is correctly positioned, the other floor boards that were taken up first can then be put back in their places. It is then time to hammer the molding back in it’s’ place. Pound it carefully to avoid accidentally harming the molding.
If you have the peaking or buckling problem, you need to reduce the tensions of the boards. The age of the boards and the weather can expand the flooring and that is what causes the buckling. Once again, it is necessary to take out the molding with a hammer or screwdrivers. Do this carefully and save it because it will need to be put back down. Then take out the spacers from the original installation of the floor. These are the units that give support between the wall and laminate board.
To replace the old ones by putting in much smaller ones. Then very gently, push down on the peak. If the peak does not go down right away, don’t panic. The floor may just need to settle on its own and without any force from you. It will have to expand by itself at some point. Then you need to carefully put back the molding by using the hammer.
If there is a gap that has formed between the boards themselves, this will also cause the buckling or peaking. In this situation you will need to put larger spacers in …
3 mins read
Creative Up-Cycle Ideas For Home Design
Upcycling is trendy, green and economical, but all too often, upcycled projects look – well, upcycled. We’ve all seen those oh-so-crafty projects that use old CDs to make artwork on the walls, or repurpose old sweaters into sofa cushions. While some of them look great in any apartment living room, the typical “saved from the trash” decorating project really does look like it was saved from the trash. It doesn’t have to be that way!
It is possible to turn trash into treasure that really looks like treasure. It takes attention to detail and a careful eye for professional finishing of your project. These tips will help you create beautiful furniture and design accents for your home from throwaways that you find in your own garage or at a local yard sale.
Start with quality materials. The best way to end up with a high quality upcycled accent is to start with a well-crafted piece that needs cleaning, repair and updating. Keep your eyes peeled for items at yard sales and on the side of the road that fit your design scheme, and that are basically sound.
Use the right tools. Good tools can make the difference between a frustrating, time-consuming project that looks slapped together and a fun, easy-to-finish new piece of furniture or decor for your home. The tools are dependent on the type of project, of course. A decent sewing machine is a must for sewing projects, for instance, and an electric drill with a full set of bits will make woodworking projects so much easier.
Start with a plan. Before you lay a finger on your project, decide exactly how to tackle it. Have a clear idea of what you want your finished piece to look like. Examine your starting piece to figure out what needs to be done to make it look the way you want it to look, then follow through on your plan step by step.
Clean and repair first. Any redesign or upgrade needs to start with a clean, sturdy base. Sand away any rust from metal pieces, and clean all surfaces of your piece. If joints are loose or rickety, tighten them up. Repair any parts that need repairing. Don’t let your eagerness to dig in overcome your good sense. This is a vital first step that will ensure a quality result.
Pay close attention to finish and detail work. The difference between a “craft project” and a striking piece of home decor is in the detail and finish work. Finish all seams on sewn work. Countersink screws on wood pieces. Clean up any corners and edges. Install the right hardware. Do whatever it takes to give your finished piece that finished look.
Creativity is great. Having an eye that can see a gorgeous planter in a paint-dripped old wooden ladder is a gift. When you couple that funky, creative side with meticulous crafting and attention to detail, you can truly lift a “home made” piece into the realm of “hand crafted …
2 mins read
Easy HVAC Maintenance Tips
There are several large cost items associated with homeownership, and your heating and air (HVAC) unit is one of them. Rather than leaving repairs and replacement up to chance, you can proactively reduce the risk of breakdown if you follow some simple maintenance tips.
The Maintenance Schedule
When it comes to keeping your unit in the best shape, you should have it serviced twice a year. A spring service tune-up is a good idea, as the pre-season maintenance can identify potential issues. It is also suggested you have fall maintenance routinely scheduled so you don’t deal with a breakdown in the middle of winter. Unfortunately, winter breakdowns can keep heat exchanger repair Signal Hill CA companies very busy. Trying to get your unit repaired quickly may not be possible, so preventative maintenance is strongly recommended.
The Maintenance Tasks
It is estimated that your heating and cooling system is responsible for two-thirds of the energy use in your home. If you neglect your HVAC unit, you may have decreased efficiency and performance. Here are some things to do to keep your system in it’s best shape.
- Conduct monthly inspections of filters, cleaning or changing them as needed. A dirty filter can damage your equipment and increase energy costs.
- Keep the area around your HVAC system free from debris. Trim any plants or scrubs near the unit to allow proper circulation and airflow around the condensing unit.
- One or twice a year, have the condenser coils and evaporators cleaned. You should also clean vents and registers at this time to help keep the air circulating as well as possible.
- Install a programmable thermostat to keep the temperature stable. This can avoid excessive periods of demand or continual running.
Inefficiency in your HVAC system can increase your energy consumption by 30%, leading to higher electricity bills. Schedule proper maintenance to keep your unit in good condition.…
3 mins read
How Do I Benefit From Home Warranty Plan?
What is a home warranty plan?
Where to start from is to know what a home warranty plan is; this will help you to determine the necessity of it. A home warranty plan is a service contract made by the warranty company or an insurance company to fix any home appliance default irrespective of the age of the appliances. This contract offers protection through repairs or replacement of the appliance.
Benefits of home warranty policy:
Adequate coverage:
Most times covers essential appliances in a home, leaving the less important ones. This coverage actually prevents any home owner to fall short during emergency default of those appliances. You are basically secure that the company will definitely cater for the repairs and sometimes the replacement of the appliance irrespective of the age of the appliance.
Availability of technical aid:
If any of your appliances is having problem, you don’t have to have your mind bog about who to call, the company has many technical providers that can handle and repair your appliances without you losing your sleep.
It improves the sale value of the house: if you are desirous to sell your home, having a home warranty will do a lot to boost the value of your home. Buyer tends to respond better to this better than if the home is not on warranties.
Your home appliances are protected:
Having the assurance that when you run into trouble with your home appliances in an odd period of the month, you don’t have to seek an emergency loan is a solace to all homeowners having this policy. The company will assist in the repair and probably the replacement of such appliances.
Who pays for the plan?
This varies from locality to another. Any party can pay, that is, either the buyer or the seller or even both. However it would be advantageous for the seller to pay for the plan to prevent the buyer’s constant call to the seller to fix one thing or the other. For then, the company will take full responsibility of repairing any appliances required by the buyer after the closing. Both parties can cut a percentage of the cost of a home warranty.
Who pays for the plan?
This varies from locality to another. Any party can pay, that is, either the buyer or the seller or even both. However it would be advantageous for the seller to pay for the plan to prevent the buyer’s constant call for the seller to fix one thing or the other. For then, the company will take full responsibility of any repairs required by the buyer after the closing. Both parties can cut a percentage of the cost of a home warranty.
The cost of the plan:
Home warranty plan could cost less than $500 per year but they have to be paid in advance and they are renewable after a year. Some warranty companies inspect the property ahead of time to determine what exactly to charge for the coverage.…
3 mins read
Marble Applications In The Home and Office
Marble has been used within the hotels, commercial establishments and a variety of residential applications for many years, however the increase in popularity is nothing short of phenomenal when one considers the explosive growth of sales of marble for home and office applications of the natural material of marble and related products within the home improvement context.
One of the most popular additions of marble within the home and office is that of flooring and flooring tiles. This provides the setting with an air and grace in terms of d?�cor, and is practically second to none when it comes to those wishing to create that grand look within an entrance hall and even a staircase, that is normally the first sight that greets the visitor to the home or office in question. In so far as design of the marble itself, there are so many different options available that one is really spoiled for choice and can practically select an option that matches the exact look and feel required within any desired setting within which the marble will be installed or applied.
Specific to the flooring designs and options when it comes to marble, one can choose from the marble tile options, which allows for a relatively easy installation process, as well as replacement repair when a specific tile is broken, although this may not occur easily based upon the strength of the materials in question. In so far as the actual design options, and going beyond that of the availability of colours of marble, some of the most common designs include that of the inlaid medallions. These are ideal at the entrance of the home, and often times even complimented with an overhanging chandelier or similar type of attention grabbing light structure. The inlaid medallions can be as complex or as simple as one wishes, and the application of this certainly requires the services of expert within such marble applications. Common medallion designs include the square marble medallion and the round option, with additional more sought after options including complete floor design, bordering and subtle design options for those seeking a slight change to the neutral approach.
Marble is additionally incorporated into the home with columns and pillars, almost recreating the scenes of ancient Greece or Roman influences within the home or office setting. This also makes it ideal for implementation around a large fireplace or hearth and additionally providing that timeless classic look and feel to the setting within which it has been applied.
In so far as the selection of the marble itself, it is often times best to do so with the guidance of experts or specialists. This will allow the discerning shopper to realize the actual requirements of any treatments or related care of the marble which in turn will allow for extended longevity, beauty and durability regardless of where this natural material has been installed within the home or office environment.…