LIGHTING

8 Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Home’s lighting

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Lighting can make a home more attractive and welcoming, or it can fall short. Homes with a shortage of lighting can be fine during daylight hours, but after dark, it will be hard to read or play games and there may be dark areas in hallways and corners. Lighting can make or break a home’s design and mood. But, modernizing light fixtures and adding light in halls and dark corners can make a dramatic difference in the home’s usability and comfort. New lighting fixtures can even lower lighting bills.

Home Lighting For Both Inside and Outside Areas

Good home lighting starts before you even enter the home. Modern exterior lights can be powered by the sun to charge during the day and light driveways, entries, and exterior areas at night to add to home security and curb appeal. Exterior lighting can create nightscapes of beauty and interest in home landscaping. Contacting a company such as nightscapes.ca can be the start of better lighting for the home and its exterior areas.

Solar-powered or LED lights can give a home’s exterior great lighting at a small cost. Patios and deck areas can suddenly be used for entertaining or relaxing in the evenings. Coming home can be well-lit and safe because of motion sensing entry lights. There won’t be any more fumbling for the keys in the dark. A well-lit entry is safer than a dark one.

8 Simple Tricks and tips To Improve Home Lighting

Moving to the inside of the home, lighting can be improved with an affordable investment. There are ways that interior designers improve the lighting in homes they design interiors for.

1. Choose one light fixture in a room to be a focal point, then add to that lighting with smaller fixtures located in crucial spots around the room. There are several types of lights, including ceiling fixtures, chandeliers, table lamps, sconces, floor lamps, and track lighting. Layering lighting can be very effective.

2. Purchase new light fixtures for each room that are the correct scale so they don’t get lost or overpower the room. Adding layers of light such as under cabinet lighting in a kitchen can be very effective. Accent lights can draw attention to special room features such as artwork or a fireplace.

3. Replace older light bulbs with more-efficient ones, and consider installing dimmer switches to control light levels and the mood in each room. Light fixtures that use three-way bulbs are the best.

4. Update old ceiling fans and lights with new ones that provide better energy efficiency and a modern look.

Replace Outdated Lighting Controls

5. Consider updating the light switches and controls to make use of smart-house technology and wireless options. With this improvement, people can control lights anywhere in the house or outside with one control device.

6. If money is limited, replace the oldest, or least attractive, light fixture in the house first, then replace other fixtures as money becomes available. The homeowner can take photos of each place they want a new light and take the photo to the lighting store for easier shopping. Lights can also seem brand new if they are given new lampshades.

7. Reduce the layers of heavy window coverings on windows and clean the windows to add natural light to a room. Consider using shades that can be lifted during the day and lowered at night for privacy.

8. Candles can add to the decor of a room. They can even be scented to add more interest. Then, they can be used as emergency lighting if the power goes out. Candles can also be lit to give a room a romantic feeling.

Walking through a house with a notepad in hand is a good way to make a lighting plan to follow. Make notes of outdated light fixtures or dark spots in rooms. Then, use those notes to add to or update the lighting.

SHOP LIGHTING…

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REAL ESTATE

5 First Home buying mistakes to avoid

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Homeownership is still a significant dream for many people, but there are numerous issues buyers need to be aware of when shopping for a home. Rather than being a dream come true, buying a home can quickly become a nightmare if a purchase is rushed. Here are five mistakes to avoid when purchasing a home.


Missing Legal Issues


Purchasing a home requires signing a variety of legal documents. It’s a good idea to have an attorney review all documents prior to signing them. Those documents range from an agent representation agreement to closing documents. Even a minor error in a document can prove to be costly later, so hire a lawyer to go over every document.


Ignoring Budget Realities


Real estate industry experts all agree that anyone shopping for a home should visit a lender and be prequalified or preapproved for a mortgage before contacting a real estate agent to look at properties. Many agents will also insist that prospective buyers be preapproved before shopping for a home. It’s vitally important to know what you can afford to spend when browsing the area’s homes for sale. It’s also a good idea to avoid spending more than you’re pre qualified for with the idea you’ll be making more money in the future. In some cases, that will be true, but taking any risks is not a good idea when the economy is as unsettled as it is today. Evaluate your real home needs as well all financial commitments prior to making an offer to purchase a home.


Accepting the Wrong Type of Mortgage


Virtually every home can be financed by more than one type of mortgage.The long-term costs of mortgages will vary significantly, so don’t accept the first proposal from a lender without exploring all the available options. VA, FHA, and conventional mortgages have different closing costs and interest rates, so shop carefully when looking for a mortgage.


Overlooking Faults


A home may be in an ideal neighborhood and be the style you’re looking for, but if there are substantial issues present, making an offer isn’t a good idea. Even if the issues with a home appear to be relatively minor, the repair costs can be devastating. Underlying issues can easily cost far more to fix than a buyer can comfortably afford. Even when a home looks good, a home inspection often uncovers major issues. Rewiring a home or making expensive upgrades to the home’s heating and cooling system frequently add costs that push the home’s real price out of reach. If major issues are discovered during an inspection, and the seller won’t make the repairs, look for a different house.


Not Considering All Homeownership Expenses


When purchasing a home, the mortgage will generally be the single largest
expense, but there are other costs to consider. According to national statistics, normal annual maintenance expenses are roughly one to four percent of a home’s value. On a $200,000 home, that means buyers should expect to spend between $2,000 and $8,000 per year for normal maintenance. Replacing appliances, repairing storm damage, and even having a tree removed are all issues property owners routinely experience. Make sure enough money is held in reserve to deal with those types of expenses.


Ready to Shop for your first home?


If you’re ready to start looking for your first home, start by putting a team of experts together to provide the help you’ll need. An attorney, a lender, and a real estate agent should all be parts of that team.

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HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

How to make Your Roof More Weather Resistant

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Roofing is expensive and the labor to install it is also expensive. So, it is to every home or commercial building owner’s advantage to make each roof last as long as possible. Good roofing material quality and good installation help roofs last longer. But, there are other tips to make a roof more weather resistant and long-lasting. Choosing the right roofing company and the best roofing product for the location is a good first step.

Choose a Good Roofing Company

Choosing a good, reputable roofing company is the first step in getting a roof that will last over many years. Make sure the roofing company is licensed and insured for the community. Getting bids from two or three reputable roofing companies is also a good practice. Choose the roofing company that offers the best product, installation, and completion schedule.

The roofing company that will come in and remove the old roofing and installs the new roofing in the shortest time possible, without open roof time in between, is the best choice. No one wants to endure a rainstorm with an open roof, even if it is tarped. There are roofing companies with two teams of workers, one to remove the old roof and another crew to install the new roof. If the company overbooks and leaves days between the two crews doing their jobs, the house can suffer.Keep the roofing company information handy so if there is a bad storm or other roof damage, they can come and repair it. The same company can do periodic roof inspections and repairs to keep the roof in good condition for more years, saving the building owner money.

Weather-Proofing Roofs helped Them Last Longer

When choosing a new roof or after a new roof is installed there are 6 tips roofers list for making the roof more durable and weather resistant.

1. Choose the roofing materials that are right for the building location and weather conditions.

2. Consider installing one of the new cooler roofs. These roofs are lighter in color to reflect the sun’s heat. There are also cool roof paints or cool-colored roof tiles. All of these roofing products make the roof more resistant to heat and more energy efficient. New technology has devised formulas for shingle topping granules to reflect more heat.

3. More people are considering eco-friendly roofs or green living roofs. These roofs cut down the building’s carbon emissions and are natural insulators.

4. Make efforts to windproof the roof. This can include installing truss bracing and other efforts to make the roofless prone to wind damage. Some of these efforts include using adhesive on the roof edges, using more roofing nails, and better securing the hip and ridge parts of the roof, using improved drip edging, and more.

5. Make the roof fireproof by picking non-flammable roofing materials such as tiles, asphalt shingles, and metal roofing.

6. Avoid ice build-ups by having the roofers install a layer near the lower edges that has water-repelling properties or install de-icing cables on lower shingles, gutters, and downspouts. In addition, insulating the attic helps stop the thaw-freezing cycle that causes the ice build-up.

Roof Maintenance Helps Roofs Last Longer

Maintaining existing roofs can add years to their lives and make them better able to resist weather damage. Have older roofs inspected and repaired regularly? Trim tree branches away from the roof, and have the roof cleaned to get rid of algae and other soil build-up that might degrade the roofing material. Inspecting a roof after a storm to replace missing shingles or re-apply loose shingles is important. The attention a building owner gives their roof can save them damage and expense later.

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CLEANING, HOME DECOR, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

Carpet care tips – If You Have Pets at Home

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Ideally, pet owners should consider other flooring options for their home other than carpets. Carpets and pets do not go well, generally. Why waste a good carpet or rug when you know that dogs and cats will most likely scratch the heck out of it? Even with your best puppy training skills, animals will still do what they do -scratching, biting, and peeing over stuff. But we understand that sometimes you must have carpeted floors and you just have to make adjustments to make it co-exist with your pets.

Carpets will definitely accumulate pet hair, absorb stains, and retain odors, but these can be dealt with if you know how to take care of fabrics from the mercy of your pets.

Here are some tips on taking care of your carpet as a pet owner:

#1 Choose Stain-resistant Fabric

This is the least you can do if you insist on having carpeted floors even with pets inside the house. Stain-resistant fabrics are usually more expensive than ordinary ones, but the toughness of the fabric makes this carpeting last for a very long time, thanks to protective layers inserted into the fibers. You can vacuum, spill, and steam-clean all you want with this fabric and it will still come out looking good even after a while.

#2 Apply Scotchgard on Non-stain Resistant Carpets

Scotchgard is a line of water-repellent products that protect fabrics from spills, stains, and other liquids. If your carpet is not stain-resistant, you should consider putting these protective guards on the fabric. It’s better to have this done professionally to make sure that every inch of the carpet gets treated. If you do this yourself, you might miss a spot, which leads to those spots still vulnerable to stains. You may have to repeat the process after a while and if you intend to keep your carpet for a long while.

#3 Learn How to Take Care of Pet Urine

No matter how good you are at puppy training, your adorable pooch can still have accidents and pee on your carpets. The key here is to act immediately when your pet urinates on the fabric. The quicker you get to it, the better the chances of removing the stains.

A classic trick is to press an old terrycloth towel over the stain to remove as much moisture as possible. This is not enough though, because you also have to clean the spot with a mixture of warm water and liquid dishwashing detergent. Several drops of this will do and then you have to rinse the area with water and towel. Next, you blot the surface with vinegar and water mixture. The smell will discourage your pet from soiling this spot again.

#4 Use Tiles or Hardwood For Your Home Entrance

Keep your dog’s muddy paws from soiling your carpets by putting tile or hardwood at the entrance of your home. Your dog will walk through this first and his paws will be clean by the time he steps on the carpet. You can also place a towel near the entrance so you can easily wipe your dog’s paws off before letting him enter the house.

#5 Trim Your Pet’s Nails

Scratches are another common problem you have to deal with in relation to pets, especially with cats. Your kitty can use your carpet as a scratching post. Numerous scratches will eventually make the fabric unravel and ruin your carpet after a while. Nip this problem in the bud by trimming and filing your pet’s nails.

#6 Sprinkle Carpet Powder

Spread the powder over the carpeting and allow it to remain on the fabric according to the time indicated on the product’s package. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly afterward and go over the length of the fabric twice.

#7 Vacuum Your Carpet Twice A Week

This removes not only shedding but dander as well. Running the vacuum over the carpet at least twice a week should accomplish this. Remember to move the furniture if necessary in order to vacuum hard-to-reach areas. Hair and dander can travel and spread underneath furniture.

#8 Have Your Carpet Steam-cleaned At Least Once a Month

This will clean your carpet thoroughly and will remove all hair, dander, and saliva squeezed into the fabric. Only mild cleaners should be used in order not to ruin the structure of the carpet file.

Carpets do require high maintenance, whether you are living with pets or not. Having your furry friends indoors means you have to put in extra work in keeping carpets clean and tight. It’s important to keep this in mind just in case you are choosing which flooring options to put in your home.

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REAL ESTATE

Drones: How are they used for real estate?

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For various industries, drones have been used for other roles, especially when working that humans can’t typically do. In the shipping industry, drones are used for traversing through demanding terrain while delivering packages to clients. Drones have also been used by different security forces worldwide for surveillance and even warfare. Since drones have been used to help ease up on labor in various industries, it’s also logical that the real estate industry would also follow suit.

Since drones are the craze these days, it’s one of the industry’s newest trends. Taking breath-taking aerial views and images has been a tried and tested way of getting the public’s attention. Most wedding and event photographers know this and have incorporated drones in capturing landscape images. In addition to getting a better lay of the land, it’s easier to get shots on places that people won’t usually see, which can come in handy if there are potential buyers.

But does how do these real estate drones help real estate agents? How does this help attract more potential buyers into the scene? Here’s what you’ll need to know.

How Do Drones Help with the Industry?

Before anything else, we have to first look at how drones help real estate agents and most industry workers.There are essentially two types of drones that are incorporated in the industry:

Residential drones – These types of drones are used by property clients (real estate agents) looking for aerial shots. Compared to the commercial drone, these shots won’t necessarily include the land around the property. Most expert photographers and drone operators would say that an altitude of 30 to 70 feet high while the drone is fixated on the main structure is known for captivating most potential buyers.

Commercial drones -On the other end, commercial drones are used by real estate investors and land development companies to sell the land in the area usually. That will typically have a larger site.

If you’re looking for real estate agents that can effectively market and take breath-taking snapshots of your home with or without drones, you must take a step back and take some time on whom you’re planning on hiring for the business process. Most real estate agents, such as real estate agents, are known for using key marketing strategies in selling homes.

Accuracy of Shots

As most of us know, aerial shots are quite different from images on the ground. There’s no problem when most real estate firms upload photos of homes and properties on social media platforms and sites but will often use traditional

cameras. However, it might “dupe” sellers into coming to the property with their expectations not being met.

While traditional shots still do work, it’s going to be a challenge in getting to different areas that most people can’t go to. Drone shots are a great way of getting a more “realistic” feel of the property and the land.

Storytelling

A part of marketing a home is looking into the rich history of a particular home. Most buyers want to know the type of hole that they’re getting into. Being able to tell a compelling story is a determining factor that can usually win listings.

Most websites that sell properties that have aerial views can easily attract a technologically savvy clientele while also bringing an edge over the sites of other competitors.

Commercial Licensing and Exams

We understand that most people are excited to fly their own drones, but it’s crucial to remember that most will need a commercial license when flying drones. When you’re getting your license, this will involve exams that will cover different aviation and airspace regulations. These exams will also cover various aviation restrictions and the capabilities of drones in terms of physical characteristics.

Drone operators will also have to remember that local restrictions can stop individuals and commercial users from flying drones in a particular area, especially in state parks and close to public infrastructure. Most of the time, regulations will come to vary from one city to another.

Some drones are also programmed to not fly over restricted and unsafe areas through geofencing.

Some firms also specialize in providing insurance requirements for drones that are used in real estate. Most of the time, general liabilities will be extended to include drone accidents. Still, most real estate firms should consider investing in this type of insurance, especially when drones are prone to accidents.

In summary, using drones can give real estate agents an advantage in marketing by showing realistic images of different aspects of the home. Most real estate buyers love knowing the geography and topography of the land. Drones are the best way of giving an in-depth view of the property.

Besides, who wouldn’t want a drone, anyway? They’re easy to operate, can be used in various activities, and can be practical for a variety of different events and industries. Still, it’s important to note that real estate agents don’t necessarily need a drone to sell their home. However, having these types of drones can efficiently expedite the process, especially when aerial shots easily lure people in.

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HOME DESIGN

Home redesign due to the pandemic

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Even if you’re fortunate enough to have been unaffected by the pandemic, there’s no denying its impact on our daily lives. It changes the way we go about and walk outside, and how we interact with others. When businesses close, our options for leisure activities are limited.

The implications of communicable diseases have made people turn indoors more than ever. Employers have allowed us to work from home. Schools are exploring online learning as an alternative or supplement to the classroom. And whatever you need, from groceries and gadgets to disinfectant and kitchen appliances, you can buy online.

Many of these changes in our behavior can prove to be here for the long term. And with this lifestyle shift, an indoor design change will be helpful. Here’s how we can rethink our living spaces.

Design shifts through history

It’s a designer’s job to craft specific user experiences. Product designers will try to make things simple and functional so that you don’t need a manual, or refer to one as little as possible. Layout designers subtly guide your eye through the pages of a book or website, presenting information in the right hierarchy of importance.

The nature of design implies that it’s intimately connected to user behavior. Trends don’t just come and go on the collective whims of designers; they are tied to shifts in the values and perceptions of the people over time.

History has shown that during times of economic downturn, consumer behaviors will change. And in response, design adapts. The Great Depression saw a refinement of the Art Deco aesthetic into Streamline Moderne styles. Designers moved away from excess and began to emphasize practicality and affordability,

In a similar manner, the recent recession of 2008 had a strong influence on the design world. Even as it became clear to the millennial generation that job prospects were bleak and lifestyles less affordable than before, design shifted to accommodate their needs. Shabby chic and the DIY ethos were two closely related trends that blossomed as an outcome of these tough economic times.

Trends after a recession

We’re little more than a decade removed from that last recession. And the aesthetic trends it helped spawn are still flourishing. Thus, with the pandemic having triggered another recession, it’s reasonable to expect that design will continue to evolve along those same lines.

Due to financial difficulties, both on the consumer side and within the design industry itself, people value the DIY approach as a low-cost way of making things look good. Blemishes and flaws speak to authenticity, frugality, and sustainability.

We can expect the trend of overall minimalism to continue as people move away from consumerism. Spending more time at home, you’ll inevitably learn more about what you can and can’t live without. As people lose jobs and overseas manufacturing returns onshore, we’ll want to support locally made products more than ever.

Sustainability also ties into the need for nature that many people feel during a time of lockdowns and social distancing. We’ll continue to bring plants and natural materials into our homes as they become office spaces. They help us to deal with stress; growing herbs or vegetables in an indoor garden can also prove attractive for cost-saving reasons.

Your response to the pandemic

You can adjust to the pandemic in terms of health measures. This can be as simple as placing hand disinfectant in every room, or it can involve extensive improvements to your ventilation. HEPA filters, and HVAC systems that use less recirculated air, can reduce the presence of disease-spreading particles in the air.

More practically, you might want to adapt your home for improved functionality. We’re missing a lot of things due to the impact of the pandemic. A kitchen upgrade, for one, can help offset the closure of local restaurants by elevating the home cooking and dining experience. Multi-functional spaces within the home can also help to address those lost comforts.

For instance, if you haven’t been able to hit the gym lately, rolling out a yoga mat in your room might not yield the desired experience. Try bringing more dedicated fitness equipment into one of your existing spaces. You could even combine it with your home office, as the ability to hold video calls can also connect you to fellow fitness enthusiasts and online trainers.

Ultimately, design trends reflect the needs of a wide swath of the population and how designers respond to those voices. But when it comes to how you live and go about redesigning your home, you have the final word on such matters. No one else is more keenly attuned to your needs.

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OUTDOORS

A guide to building a courtyard gazebo

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An idyllic garden wouldn’t be complete without a stunning gazebo. This outdoor structure can transform your simple courtyard into a breathtaking retreat and creates a climate of restful elegance to your backyard, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your residential space.

Aside from that, a gazebo is multi-functional. From family barbecues to wedding ceremonies to simple celebratory dinners, it can serve as a convenient venue for different outdoor activities.

If you’re planning to refurbish your backyard with a striking gazebo, here are things you should take into consideration: 

Decide on a Design Structure

Of course, the first step of building a gazebo is planning. You have to determine the type of outdoor structure you want to install in your courtyard. Select a structural design that is aligned with your style and tailored to your needs. There are four main types of gazebos you can choose from.

If you want a simple yet sleek gazebo, a rotunda is perfect for you. This European-inspired gazebo is a round-shaped structure with circular pillars and a dome-like roof. However, this type of gazebo is more of a decorative piece than a functional design, as it is often without benches and balusters.

Pagoda, on the other hand, is a suitable architectural design for homes with a lush garden of blooms. Pagoda is more rustic and traditional in design, which blends well with an oriental-themed backyard. This Asian-inspired structure is primarily made out of wood. It boasts intricate woodwork designs, rectangular pillars, and a multi-tiered roof. This outdoor structure has railings, benches, and balusters custom-made for leisure activities.

A pavilion is another type of outdoor structure. It is an open-air gazebo, which is an ideal location for large gatherings. A pavilion is supported by four or more columns and topped with a massive roof structure. It provides a more spacious area where homeowners can integrate multiple furniture pieces into its interior.

But if you want a more elegant outdoor structure for your courtyard, a pergola is a suitable choice. A pergola is an open-sided gazebo composed of four pillars and a flat roof structure made out of wood, fiberglass, plastic, or metal. If you want a gazebo that offers a relaxing sitting area or an alfresco dining experience, opt for a pergola-style structure.

Choose a Picturesque Location

You should mount your outdoor structure in an area that offers a terrific backdrop. You can place your gazebo against a striking background of pink carnations or crawling bamboos in your backyard. You have to strategically choose an area that will enhance the look of your outdoor structure.

You also have to consider the space of your backyard when deciding on the size of your gazebo. Your outdoor area should comfortably accommodate your desired structural size. The standard size of a gazebo is 3×3 meters or 4×2 meters, which can fit at least 12 people. You can adjust its size depending on your available space. So you might want  

to consider having a few of your trees professionally trimmed or removed to make room for your gazebo. That is necessary, especially if you have limited space in your backyard.

Pick Out the Best Materials

In building your gazebo, there are different types of materials you can choose from. Canvas is perfect for homeowners who want an easy-to-assemble gazebo. This material is made out of plastic and metal frames that come in different colors and patterns. This material is famous for its versatility and durability as it can withstand extended exposure to harsh elements. Aside from its sturdiness, the canvas is also extremely budget-friendly.

Another DIY-friendly material for gazebos is vinyl. Homeowners won’t have a hard time building their outdoor structures when using vinyl because it comes in convenient assemble kits. This material is also low-maintenance. Unlike wood, you don’t have to coat it with paint or varnish to achieve a smooth finish. If you don’t want to have a hard time installing your gazebo, vinyl is your best option.

However, if you want a more reliable outdoor structure, opt for natural wood. The best types of wood are redwood and cedar, as they are not easily infested by insects. Though wood requires more maintenance, it is more versatile than other materials, giving you more freedom to experiment when constructing. Just be sure to take care of wooden gazebos as it is more prone to deterioration and defects.

Map Out a Plan for Lighting Fixtures

When building your gazebo, don’t forget about your lighting fixtures. Lights are essential components of an outdoor structure. You have to map out a plan to integrate your electrical wiring seamlessly into your structure. Ask an electrical expert on how you can eliminate electrical cords from plain view. That will also reduce the potential tripping hazards in a gazebo. You should invest a budget for the installation of electrical outlets which you can use for outdoor appliances and equipment. If you want to make your gazebo a venue for all occasions, you have to install outlets that you can use for lights and music.

A panoramic view of the sky, a garden of blooms, and a stunning gazebo – these are the elements you need for a striking backyard. Indeed, your residential space wouldn’t be complete without adding a perfect outdoor structure. If you’re planning to refurbish your garden space, consider the importance of design, location, materials, and electrical blueprint in your planning process.

SHOP OUTDOOR FURNITURE + ACCESSORIES…

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HOME DESIGN, home renovation

5 Stairway Planning Mistakes to Avoid

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Commercial and government buildings are often built with steel and concrete. In all the designing and construction planning, the necessary stairway may not get enough attention. They may be kind of an afterthought. But, in multi-story buildings, the staircase has a vital importance to building users for moving from one floor to another safely.

Take the Time To Design A Good Stairway System

Every building owner should make a point of asking the architect, designer, and construction company to give special consideration to stairways in the new building. A stairway with bad design can not be easily corrected after the building is completed. This is one construction element that must be done correctly the first time. Consider getting help from frasercon.com in the design, engineering, and construction of concrete and steel commercial buildings.

Avoid 5 Stairway Building Mistakes

At the beginning of the building design and engineering process, the stairways must be given the attention they deserve to avoid badly functioning staircases in the finished building. Ripping out a poorly designed concrete and steel staircase and redoing it would be a major structural renovation project costing thousands of dollars.

1.A stairway with steps that are too narrow or too tall will be unsafe for many people to climb. The height plus depth of each stair should equal 18 inches to be comfortable for most users. Incorrect height or depth will present unnatural footing leading to mobility problems and tripping or falling hazards. It might be tempting to make the stairway too narrow to save space, but this can make people uncomfortable using the stairway. The treads must have proper nosings for safety.

2. A stairway that is too steep with the wrong angle of stair treads risks the user’s health, comfort, and safety. The correct 30 degree angle can be altered in planning a stairway in cramped space to up to 45 degrees, but this change is not healthy. Allow sufficient space for a proper stairway when planning the building. Resorting to this steep angle in a cramped stairway space may lead to headroom issues.

3. A stairway that is not well lit can cause liability issues. People need good lighting in a stairway to safely travel up and down without tripping or falling. The stairway should include windows, skylights, and sufficient light fixtures.

4. Ventilation in stairways is important to keep the air fresh and the stairway the same temperature as the rest of the building. Windows that open for ventilation are one solution. Having enough doors off points along the way contributes to ventilation. Building owners should also consider having an HVAC system serving the stairways in the building.

5. Handrails of the correct type and height are important in any starway for safety. Children and older people may lean on them for support, so they need to be strong enough to carry that weight. Even though the local building codes may only call for railings on one side of a stairway, consider having handrails on both sides.

Allow Enough Space in the Building Design

There are national and local building codes for stairways that must be followed. Complying with these codes helps avoid mistakes such as the architect drawing the wrong width of stairs or drawing the treads too small. Another mistake is to make the landings too small in the planning stage. The building design might not show handrails or allow enough space for them.These mistakes can be avoided with careful coordination between the architect and the structural engineer. Design flaws must be discovered early when they can be corrected before any construction begins.

SHOP AREA RUGS….

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HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

3 Steps to Prepare Your Home for Winter

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As summer winds down, many homeowners know that winter is fast approaching. While the fall months still offer warmer temperatures, now is the time to get ready for the harsh weather that the summer can bring.

Preparing the home for winter can help make those cold months a little more comfortable. Various steps taken can ensure a warmer home and lower costs to keep it that way. These steps can also prevent problems that can arise when the temperatures drop.

#1 Seal the Exterior

Protecting the home from the extreme temperatures, snow, and ice that winter can bring is very important. Sealing the exterior of the home can help minimize heat exchange and prevent damage from the wintry storms. Exterior coating can provide homeowners an easy method for accomplishing this task. Homeowners can get more information about how this product can help at their site.

One of the earliest methods for protecting the exterior of a home is paint. Paint can help prevent the natural elements of winter from destroying the exterior of a home. Unfortunately, paint fades, chips, and peels. Not only does this reduce the protection it provides, but it also diminishes the look of a home.

Another method for protection is the siding. Siding can prevent the weather from damaging the home. It can even help prevent heat transfer. The colors also last a lot longer than any type of house paint. Unfortunately, it does not provide the complete protection that exterior coating provides a home.

#2 Inspect the Roof

The winter weather can really wreak havoc on a roof. Small cracks or areas of wear can be vulnerable to water seeping between the materials. When the temperature drops, that water can freeze and expand. This can create larger cracks and damage to the roof. Eventually, the home may face leaks or other issues.

It is important to have a roof thoroughly inspected before the winter sets in. This should be performed by someone who is trained to identify even minor roofing issues. If problems are found, steps should be taken to correct those issues before the winter months.

It may also be a good idea to inspect the fireplace and chimney during this time. It is important to check for any debris or nests on the chimney cap. The mortar and bricks should be inspected for damage. The liner and flashing should also be checked for damage to prevent problems during the winter.

#3 Clear Gutters and Insulate Windows

Autumn brings a lot of fallen leaves. These leaves can easily build up in the gutters. When the winter months come, it can prevent the proper flow of water. Eventually, this can create an ice dam. This can cause damage to the gutters and even allow water to saturate the ground and damage the home’s foundation.

It is important to have the gutters cleaned out at the end of the fall season. It may also be a good idea to check to ensure that all the gutters are in good repair and lined up properly to the downspouts. Worn or damaged materials should be replaced to ensure proper drainage away from the home.

Windows should also be checked during the fall. Windows are the main culprit to allow heat to escape during the cold winter months. Checking the insulation or even replacing damaged windows may be a good idea to prevent costly heating bills this winter.

If the home is in an area that gets extremely cold in the wintertime. It may also be a good idea to ensure that all water pipes are insulated to prevent them from freezing or breaking. These handy steps can help protect a home from many of the issues the winter can bring.

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Lost Your Car Keys and Don’t Have a Backup?

lost-your-car-keys-and-dont-have-a-backup

Almost every driver has lost their car keys once in his or her life, and not everyone has a backup key on-hand. The situation may feel dire, but it’s not as bad as drivers may think. Read on to find out what to do to get the car unlocked and get back behind the wheel.

Check the Immediate Area

It’s important to remain calm and make sure the key is actually lost before taking any other actions. It’s often the case that drivers misplace their keys then write them off as being gone for good when they just haven’t taken the time to look for them. Before calling a locksmith like Action Lock Doc, check the immediate area and consider asking a friend or family member to do the same.

Check the Vehicle

If the keys aren’t in the house, office, or wherever else drivers have found themselves without their keys, it’s time to check the car. One of the leading causes of lockouts is leaving the keys locked in the car. This isn’t a huge deal. Just call a locksmith to have the car unlocked and retrieve the keys. It won’t cost much and will get drivers back on the road almost immediately.

Having Keys Replaced

If the keys are truly lost and never to be found, drivers will need to have them replaced. The process for doing this differs based on the car. For older cars, locksmiths can fashion replacement keys that don’t need to be reprogrammed.

Newer model cars have more intricate keys, which can complicate the replacement process. Key fobs or transponders often need to be replaced by the dealership, which can cost a good deal of money. Modern keys can cost hundreds of dollars to replace.

Gather Information Before Calling a Locksmith or Dealership

Regardless of whether they wind up calling a locksmith or getting a ride to the dealership, drivers will need to collect certain information to prove they own the car and ensure the person replacing it will be able to fabricate the right key. Start by writing down the make, model, and year of the vehicle and determining its VIN number. This information can be found on drivers’ vehicle registration documents. If these documents are locked in the glove compartment, as is so often the case, drivers can also check their insurance cards or their cars’ titles.

Can’t find the title, registration, or insurance card? A skilled locksmith should be able to take a look at the lock and determine what type of key will be required to open it. Expect to provide personal identifying information that proves vehicle ownership or to contact the owner of the vehicle for permission to have the key replaced. A reputable locksmith will never fabricate a replacement key for someone who can’t prove they have permission to access the vehicle.

Request a Backup Copy

Whether the key just needs to be retrieved from inside the car or a new one must be fabricated to replace a lost key, drivers should make a point of requesting a backup copy. It’s worth the extra money. Just make sure to leave it someplace safe but easy to find.

The Bottom Line

Getting locked out of a vehicle isn’t the end of the world. Trained locksmiths can help drivers access keys locked in their cars or replace lost traditional keys for minimal amounts of money. Drivers with newer cars may need to head to the dealership for a key replacement.

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