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home renovation

HOME DESIGN, home renovation, OUTDOORS

8 Things To Know About Patio Doors: How To Find the Right Style

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It may shock you to learn the door industry is valued at over $140 billion. However, considering how essential doors are to a home, you’ll understand why so many people spend big on entryways.

If you need new patio doors, it may seem as simple as picking the first option you see when you arrive at your local showroom. 

However, there is more that goes into selecting the perfect patio door. After all, your yard is a sacred, serene space where you can enjoy the outdoors, so ensuring your entrance is up to par is paramount.

Stuck on where to start searching for the best option? Keep reading to learn how to choose the ideal patio door for your needs. 

1. Narrow Your Needs

Before you can start shopping, you’ll want to determine what you want from your patio doors. Though the answer may seem obvious – serving as an entrance – there’s more to it than just walking in and out of your home.

If you plan on installing your patio door in an area of your home that doesn’t see as much light, you may want to ensure you can bring as much natural light into the space as possible.

Also, you may want to use it as a functional entryway but as a decorative element. The type of patio door you choose can help complement the rest of your home’s style, adding a decorative touch.

Finally, you may want to create a more energy-efficient home, so installing the correct type of patio door can help you achieve that. This will impact how many panes the door has and the material of the frame.

Assessing these factors before you start shopping can help you determine what you’re looking for and narrow your options, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed by all the choices. 

2. Set a Budget

Much like assessing your needs, setting a budget is something you’ll want to accomplish before you start shopping.

Much of the cost for your patio doors will be the material they’re made from. Depending on the size and material you choose, you can spend anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Though most homeowners won’t pay five digits, this can be a pricey project. 

However, setting a budget before you go into your project is essential. You’ll need to consider the size of the door, preferred material, and the style you’d like. This helps narrow down your options by making the process less intense. 

3. Look at the Types of Doors

Next, you’ll want to consider the different door styles you can choose from.

One of the most popular options for outdoor entryways is sliding patio doors. These sit on a track and, as the name implies, slide back and forth to open and shut. Sliding doors are ideal for small spaces, as they don’t have to swing open.

Another popular choice for homeowners is French doors. These are a set of double doors that open from the middle. One of the main appeals of these doors is the fact you can open one or both at the same time, giving you control over the amount of air and light you allow inside. 

You can learn more about your sliding door options and opt for a more sophisticated style depending on your budget. Combining French and sliding doors, you can find an option that allows you to slide both panels to the side. 

4. Consider Security

Another significant factor you’ll want to consider is the security and safety the door can offer. After all, it is an entryway into your home, so ensuring you can secure it quickly and easily is crucial. 

Most all exterior doors come outfitted with a lock mechanism featuring a deadbolt for additional security and peace of mind. However, if you have a sliding door, you should consider adding a safety bar to the bottom of the track. 

This will fit in the space where the sliding door would sit if it were open, making it impossible to move the door. 

Similarly, you can invest in additional door locks for French doors that wrap around the parallel handles to ensure they can’t open even if someone can pick the lock.

Finally, you’ll want to decide on how much privacy you want. While many opt for stunning glass sliding patio doors, if you’re backyard doesn’t have much privacy, you may want to consider frosted glass.

This helps prevent wandering eyes from peeking into your home, offering an additional layer of security and privacy. 

5. Decide on a Door Material

Once you have researched all the significant factors of your patio doors, the next aspect you’ll need to cover is the material of the door. This is the element the glass panes will sit in, so ensuring it fits your budget, style, and maintenance needs is crucial. 

The most popular options offered by nearly every patio door company are wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. Each has its pros and cons in durability, longevity, and price. 

Wood is one of the most expensive options due to its aesthetic value, but it may not be as durable as the others. Vinyl is much more affordable and lasts longer than wood but may not look as nice. Fiberglass is the most durable and right in the middle of wood and vinyl when it comes to price. 

For example, wood is one of the most expensive options as it is the most visually appealing. However, you can get a cheaper option in a vinyl material that’s concocted from various chemicals. However, the vinyl may not look as nice as wood.

6. Think About Furniture

Though it may not seem important at the moment, you’ll find yourself frustrated once you have to rearrange all your furniture because you forgot to consider how easy it would be to open your french patio doors with your dining set.

Ensuring you pick the best patio door that works functionally with your indoor and outdoor furniture is crucial.

If you have a smaller space or furniture that obstructs your hinged patio doors from opening fully, opting for a sliding door may be your best bet. You can even look into having your sliding door track lead into a pocket for a smoother and cleaner look.

However, if you have plenty of space, you can install a swing door. You may even opt to keep one of the panels propped open at a time, allowing natural light and fresh air into your home while making it easy to move in and out of your home. 

7. Don’t Forget the Details

Next, you’ll want to consider all the less important details that go into your patio sliding door.

For example, you’ll need to choose the best handle and lock hardware that matches the style of your home while being secure and functional. You’ll likely be able to choose from a selection of hardware colors that match the other details around your home. 

You’ll also want to consider a patio screen door that helps keep bugs and debris outside while allowing an uninterrupted airflow in your home. Many screen doors, especially hinged doors, come in various decorative styles for additional details that add elegance to your patio space. 

8. Ensure the Quality

Finally, you’ll want to ensure the quality of the patio door installation and that the door itself is up to standard. After all, this is a pricey investment, so you want to make sure it’s money well spent.

Many assume that all installation companies are the same, however, the quality will vary based on the experience and professionalism of the workers.  Researching your options, whether you reside in Columbia, SC, or Sacramento, CA, is crucial to ensuring you get the best installation.

Similarly, you’ll need to research the best quality material. For example, vinyl is cheap and easy to produce, meaning there’s an abundance available. However, not all vinyl is the same, as some options are more durable than others. 

Pick the Best Patio Doors to Complement Your Space

Though you may not have thought there was much to consider when choosing the best door for your patio space, you would be surprised. Keeping these factors in mind can help put your mind at ease, confident you made the most informed choice. 

Remember, the most essential factor influencing your choice is the functionality of the door. After all, an impractical patio door is a waste of money.  

While you may know how to choose patio doors, your search for home improvement content doesn’t end here. You’ll want to check out the rest of our website for more tips and tricks. 

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

4 Upgrades to Consider if You Want to Increase Your Home’s Value

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There are many reasons why people would want to upgrade their homes. Of course, the first is that your home is where you will spend a lot of time with your family, so you would naturally want it to be an aesthetically pleasing place.

Another reason why you should consider upgrading your house is the fact that it will boost your house’s value, which means that if you ever decide to sell it, you may be able to get a better price for it. But with so many upgrades out there, how do you know which ones are worth it? If this is what you’re asking yourself, you’ve come to the right place.  

Build a deck

More and more people are looking for outdoor entertainment areas in their homes, so if you sell your house and it has a deck, it will instantly attract more buyers, and you will also be able to ask more for it. 

And if you don’t plan on selling your house any time soon, a deck is still a great option because if the inside of your house feels a bit cramped, you can always entertain outside. Have a look at Valleywide fence and deck to learn more.

Upgrade your kitchen 

If you truly want to boost your home’s value, you should redo every single room. But while this would be ideal, most people don’t have the money to do this. If you can only afford to renovate one room in your house, it should be your kitchen. 

This is something that most buyers look for, and an upgraded kitchen can help you raise your asking price by a lot. If you do upgrade your kitchen, be sure to follow these kitchen organization ideas to keep things looking tidy. 

Redo your bathroom 

If you don’t think your kitchen needs an upgrade, another room you should focus on is your bathroom. Once again, this is one aspect of a house that will often make or break a sale. 

You can redo the entire bathroom by changing the layout and perhaps adding a shower if there is currently only a bath, or you can leave the structure as is and focus on smaller details like the bathroom tiles. If you’re still not convinced whether this is a good idea, you can read this post to learn about reasons why you may need to remodel your bathroom. 

Replace your flooring 

You’d be surprised at what a difference new flooring can make. Our floors often experience a lot of wear and tear, so replacing your flooring can give your entire house a face lift. You can stick to the same flooring you currently have, or you can switch it out for something more modern. Laminated and hardwood floors are always popular with home buyers, but there are also some great carpeting and tiled floor options available. You might want to compare hardwood floors with tiles if you’re not sure which upgrade is best for your house.

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HOME DECOR, HOME DESIGN, home renovation

Tips for Treating Your Corner Windows

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One of the greatest things you can have in your home is corner windows. They offer a great outdoor view and allow natural lighting, especially in the residential space. However, most people face a hard time when it comes to treating corner windows since they are tricky to decorate and find the right window coverage.

You need to know that not all window treatments can fit corner windows. Therefore, when searching for window treatment for corner windows, determine your functional preferences and aesthetics to have the right one.

This guide will help when looking for simple yet amazing styles to treat your corner windows in your office or home.

Use valances

Valances are the best options, especially for tall and large windows. They are very applicable and necessary when you don’t want the entire window covered. Therefore, select a heavy fabric valance that contains tassels and loops. 

Valances will make the illusion of a smooth corner turn every time you move your curtains by creating a coherent appearance of the whole window set. A nice valance will help add visual interest to your room decoration.

Get semi-sheer curtains

Even though corner windows allow too much light depending on the house’s location, don’t eliminate natural light inside the room by using heavy draperies. Use sheer or semi-sheer curtains and treat the corner window as a unit to create a unifying look.

Sheer curtains look elegant, decorative, and airy. They come in various patterns and colors to fit different style needs and living areas. Sheer or semi-sheer curtains provide the privacy you want without compromising natural light intensity. 

Use 90-degree adapters on your hanging rod from one wall to another to create an ongoing window. You can pull sheer curtains to the middle when you don’t want to compromise your privacy. Each side of the corner window should have a sheer curtain and gather on each side of the unit.

Install Blinds

Vertical blinds are perfect, especially when there is a small gap between the corner windows. You have two options depending on your preference: outside and inside mount mechanism. Go for a Venetian blind or inside mount roller blind if your wall has no gaps between the windows. Each blind will create a beautifully streamlined look to the overall room style.

Use layered treatment

You can add style to your corner window and introduce a designer look by pairing up multiple window treatments. For instance, you can put sheers or curtains with blinds. Each piece will play a different yet important role in the corner window. Open curtain or sheer will provide privacy without compromising the intensity of the incoming light and outdoor view, while blinds will enhance your privacy when moved to the corner or pulled down.

Try window scarves or valances with draperies to get a stylish look. Research well before you try a new style combination to have something that looks good on your window and the entire room. Also, look for quality shutters, drapes and curtains when treating your corner window.

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home renovation

All You Need to Know Before Renovating a Loft Apartment

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Finding a low-maintenance and appealing living space is something most people are adamant about. One of the best options for people looking for modern living spaces is loft apartments. Currently, over 39 million people in the United States live in apartments.

If you are buying the apartment you live in, you will have the freedom to change your surroundings. Updating some aspects of your loft apartment can make your living space more valuable and appealing. Are you on the verge of starting a loft apartment renovation project? If so, check out the useful information in this article.

New Flooring Can Make a Big Impact

Taking the time to develop a list of things you want to change in your loft apartment is a good idea. One of the first things you need to take a look at is the condition of the flooring in your loft apartment. If the existing flooring is old or damaged, then replacing it should be a top priority. With all of the different flooring options on the modern market, you will need to do some research before making a selection. Many of the Dallas Texas lofts on the market feature hardwood or epoxy flooring. If you are renovating your loft apartment on a tight budget, then you might want to use epoxy to coat your existing concrete floors. This epoxy comes in a variety of different colors, which means you should have no problem finding something that works with your existing décor.

Opening Up Your Kitchen is a Good Idea

Every part of a loft apartment is relatively open with the exception of the kitchen. If you feel like the kitchen in your loft apartment needs to share the same open floor plan, then you need to think about knocking down a few walls. Remove the walls around your kitchen and installing a large kitchen island is a good idea.

If storage is a concern, then you need to think about installing overhead racks over your newly installed island. These racks will allow you to put things like pots and pans above you. This makes this cooking equipment more accessible and can also add appeal to your newly designed kitchen. Updating the appliances in this space is also a great way to boost efficiency levels. With some online research, you can find some open kitchen floor plan examples to draw inspiration from.

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Expand The Amount of Usable Storage Space In Your Loft Apartment

One of the biggest complaints people who live in apartments have involves the lack of storage space. If you feel like your surroundings are cluttered, then you need to work on enhancing the amount of usable storage space during your apartment renovation. You can do this by adding things like:

·        Floating shelves/hooks

·        Larger shoe racks

·        Small end tables

·        Door organizers

With the addition of these new elements, you will be able to house your prized possessions without cluttering up your apartment. Expanding the size of your closets is also a great way to spend your renovation budget.

As you can see, there are a number of things you can do to make your loft apartment more appealing and functional.

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home renovation, KITCHENS

5 Tricks For Helping Your Older Kitchen Fit Modern Times

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The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. If your space is lacking in design and function, know you are not alone. An older kitchen with outdated design is a common complaint among homeowners. Look no further to learn our top five tricks for helping your older kitchen fit in with modern times.

Thinking about doing some upgrades to sell your home in the spring market? Learn exactly how to sell your property to get top dollar and understand the importance of hiring a real estate professional to help guide your sale.

Cabinet Refresh

A commonplace that makes an older kitchen feel outdated is the cabinets. Giving your existing cabinets a refresh with a coat of paint can make your kitchen feel modern and clean. Those ultra-warm oak tones of the 90s are plaguing your space giving an outdated appeal. Instead, dive into endless color options for playful and modern design.

Consider selecting a rich tone for your lowers, and a bright and clean shade for the upper cabinets. Or go for a clean and crisp white or light gray all over for an airy look to your space.

You can either hire a professional to paint your cabinets or do it yourself to save some money. Know that if you decide to tackle the project on your own it’s best to do some research and understand that it is not a one-day job.

Metal Upgrade

Cabinet hardware and kitchen fixtures are like the jewellery to your space. These finishing touches may seem like they don’t matter, but they can make a big impact. If you’re stuck with an old outdated finish, or builder-grade cabinet pulls, give them a modern upgrade to bring your older kitchen into today’s times. 

Get creative by mixing metals (maybe consider combining edgy black with timeless brass) for added interest and a high-end design. When selecting your hardware, go for something that is beautiful, but also functional. 

Countertops Matter

A large piece of your kitchen real estate is your countertops. If yours are looking dull and outdated, consider investing in some new ones. If you can’t afford real stone countertops, think about looking into man-made stones or engineered stones. If your space is on the smaller side, you can also ask about purchasing a remanent of a slab for a lower cost. 

If these options are out of your budget, know that Formica countertops have come a long way in the last 30 years. They can give you the look you crave at a fraction of the cost.

Splash of Modern

Another way to upgrade your outdated kitchen is to install a backsplash. Selecting a fun, modern tile can make a big impact on your space. If this is too pricey for your liking, consider using a peel-and-stick version to give the look you’re after at a much more reasonable cost. 

Let There Be Light

Our final tip on updating your kitchen space is to upgrade your lighting. This can be as simple as swapping out your existing fixtures, or hiring a professional to add recessed can lighting for a bright, cheerful finish to your space. Consider adding under-cabinet lights for a moody feel in the evenings, and bright light on your countertops while cooking. Lighting can instantly make a space feel more modern.

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home renovation, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE, REAL ESTATE

How to add value to your home

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When you are adding to your home, adding value to it is important. Whether you have just moved into your home that needs fixing up or if you are just looking to add more space for your family then you will be looking for new ways to improve your home. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there that can not only make your home nicer but also eliminate any problems that may come into your property in the future. Here is a little advice for your home improvements. 

Improving the circuitry

You need to know how the electricity of your home works. If you have a property that has not been rewired in the last few years, then it will likely need upgrading to fit with modern standards. If you, don’t it may be dangerous to your home. However, this will likely be messy and disruptive work. The cables will need to be installed and made live. You also need to make sure that you have a reliable circuit breaker with replacement amp breakers. The best 30-amp breakers should be easy to install and be kept in a known location. 

Extensions

One sure-fire way to increase your value is to increase the square footage of your property. A well-thought-out one can add up to 12% of the market value of your home. You should spend time planning out your extension so that you can get your design and execution correct. It will not only transform your living space but change the way that you interact with your own home.

Renovating the bathroom

Whether you are looking to add a second bathroom or just renovate your previous one, it can massively improve the value of your home. You should consider finding the space for an ensuite that can make your larger bedroom much more attractive to a prospective buyer. However, you have to be sure that you are not compromising your space and forcing a bathroom in when there is no space for it. Keep an eye out for modern trends to give you an idea of what your bathroom should look like.

Getting your garden in order

The exterior of your house is just as important as your interior. Many people decide very quickly about the home they are buying when they see the outside of it. As well as this, you can invest in a fresh front door which can attract the eye of any potential purchases. You should also think about regular maintenance of your extremities like the drains, fencing, and gates. Remember tidy garden will always seem larger than a messy one.

Increasing the value of your home

 It can be quite an enjoyable experience to fix up your home and it is doubly beneficial if it improves the value of your home. There is always something that can be done. Try and keep up to date with the trends of decorating. You don’t want to let your home become dated. Stay on top of the maintenance and your home will improve in value.

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HOME DESIGN, home renovation, LIGHTING

Natural Light Vs Privacy: How to Find the Best Solution for Your Windows

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Windows are considered the eyes of a home. They let sunlight in and allow you to enjoy views of the outside world from the comfort of the sofa. However, they can also allow strangers to peer into your home. 

Many homeowners face this dilemma at some point: how to enjoy natural light and privacy simultaneously? Finding the right window coverings is critical for your comfort too. For instance, south-facing windows can let in intense sunlight for several hours throughout the day, which can be either beneficial or inconvenient, depending on the season. 

What window treatments to choose if you want to strike the perfect balance between natural lighting and privacy? Read on to find a few tips and tricks. 

The Importance of Functionality 

When looking for window treatments, you will discover many designs and materials. Some homeowners prefer soft treatments like curtains, drapes, or roman shades. Others prefer blinds, shutters, and similar options made of hard and durable materials. Layered coverings that combine hard and soft materials can be a great aesthetic choice.

To make the right choice for your home, start by evaluating functionality. Would you like to install the window treatments inside or outside the frame? Would it be more convenient if the coverings functioned up and down or side to side? Would you prefer blinds that can be tilted open and closed? 

Functionality is a crucial factor to consider. Some window treatments allow you to control the amount of sunlight inside your home. You can find window treatments that block sunlight entirely and can turn your rooms dark instantly. There are also soft and transparent window treatments that let light stream through while blocking outsiders from getting a peek into your home.   

How to Find High-Quality Materials and Designs 

Through their shapes, materials, and the views they offer, windows play a fundamental role in the overall design and ambiance of a room. Big windows that let in abundant sunlight make a room look spacious and inviting. Small or improperly covered windows make a room look small and can even trigger feelings of claustrophobia. 

You cannot do much about the size or shape of the windows. This is why choosing practical and aesthetically pleasing coverings is vital. If you don’t know where to start your search, take a look at Hunter Douglas blinds. You will discover high-quality window treatments made of long-lasting materials in line with contemporary design trends. There are many models to choose from, each with unique features. 

 Window treatments should be the last elements to buy when decorating your home because their texture, color, and shape must be in perfect balance with the style of the rooms. 

If you prefer to install window treatments outside, choose durable materials that can withstand various weather conditions. Consider how the window coverings will affect the architecture and look of your home.   Follow our tips to find window treatments that allow you to enjoy the benefits of natural light without giving up on your privacy.

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home renovation, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE, REAL ESTATE

How to add value to your property without overspending

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Whether you are moving home or have been living in your property for a while, there will come a time that you will need and want to update your home. This may just be to freshen the look and design of it but you should make sure that everything you do not only makes you happier but that it adds value to your property. 

The process of taking on home redecoration can be fraught with potential anxiety as well as lots and lots of costs. With all home improvements, planning is essential. One in four projects goes over budget. Even on the TV home improvement shows reveal that the homeowners always overspend. It is worth doing the extra planning work upfront to avoid this. 

Follow these tips and tricks to make sure that you can boost your home’s value without breaking your bank. 

Flooring 

Considering that this is something that you constantly walk upon and probably rarely look at, flooring can really affect how your home looks and feels. If you have had a carpet for a while, you may want to think about changing to wooden flooring. If you already have wooden flooring, you could try a natural wood stain to change the color and make sure the floor remains sealed and looked after. These little ideas can really improve your home for a little cost.

Recent trends have shown that the wooden floor aesthetic is incredibly popular right now. Full true wood can be expensive and difficult to install. However, you can invest in vinyl flooring or laminate flooring in order to rejuvenate your home without having to spend loads of money. Also, they are really easy to install without the cost of hiring a fitter. 

Budget

Speaking of spending money, knowing what your budget is, is essential when it comes to redecorating your home. As well as this, you need to know what estate agents call the ‘ceiling price’ of your home. This is the maximum price you can expect to achieve based on similar properties in your area.

Even if you were to turn your house into a palace there will still be a limit on how much people will pay when it comes to the area that you live in. It is worth speaking to local estate agents before committing to any major plans as they can guide you when deciding how much money you can spend on your improvements and still recoup your money when selling your property.

Converting your garage

If you have off-road parking and depending on the area in which you live, you may find converting a garage can significantly increase the value of your home. In some cases, this can be as much as 10 to 15 percent. Getting extra living space that you don’t need to add an extension for is an invaluable asset in such a crowded property market.

If your garage is attached to your house, then you should be able to convert it into another room between $10,000 to $20,000. This can grant you extra square footage. However, your options are not limited to another bedroom. You could convert the garage into something that you need or want such as a home office, a gym, a playroom, or a bar that you can invite your friends around. Quirky ideas like these will increase the value of your home exponentially.

Knocking down walls

If you find that you have lots of smaller rooms divided by walls that are not load-bearing, then you could knock one or more of them down to increase the flow through your home. If you have a little bit of technical knowledge how then you can even do this yourself.

The modern market shows that most people prefer to have a large kitchen or dining room rather than a small kitchen with a separate dining room. Additionally, if you have multiple living spaces adjacent to each other then you may be better off knocking down the walls to create one luxurious and large space. This is a minimal cost to double the amount of space you have in these rooms.

Updating your kitchen

The popularity of open kitchens and dining spaces has transformed the kitchen into the focal point of many homes. They can provide everything from the dinner table to the place where people do homework. Basic makeovers like changing fixtures and fittings like the door and drawer handles and adding energy-efficient appliances can make a huge difference without a large cost.

Fitting a completely new kitchen can increase a home price by up to 10 percent and as such is one of the more lucrative ways to increase the value of your home. Though it will cost you upfront.

Adding bathrooms

Adding an extra bathroom or an ensuite onto one of the bedrooms can not only make your life easier in the long run especially if you have a family but also increase the value of your home. It is a huge selling point for any home if it has bathrooms upstairs and downstairs as well as if they are joined to bedrooms.

One thing that you should be aware of though is what room to make into a bathroom. If you have dead space or extra unused storage space, then they are ideal for conversion. However, you should never give up a bedroom for a bathroom. Instead, you should look at carving space from the larger rooms like the master bedroom to make sure for an extra bathroom.

Improving the value of your home

There are plenty of options out there to improve your home. Some will be much more expensive than others. These are often dependent on your own ability to do things yourself without outside help and what space you have available.

Things like converting dead space are really easy ways to increase value to your home. You need to take stock and plan your home with care but also boldly. Don’t be afraid to go outside the box. Speak to local builders and architects who may be able to inspire your new home.

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HOME DECOR, home renovation

5 Essential Items for a Full Home Office

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So many companies have decided to make the permanent switch over to remote working. For many of us, this is great news and there are a load of benefits.

However, it also means that our sketchy work-from-home set up at the kitchen counter has to become a permanent solution. For obvious reasons, that isn’t going to work. 2022 is the year to commit to setting up a full home office to make your work life easier and more efficient. Here are some essentials you need.

A Printer

If you’re someone who works with a lot of administrative tasks, constant documents coming in and out, and needing to sign papers every 30 minutes, you know the value of having an office printer.

While for some of us this might not be very useful, others know that a color laser printer can completely change the game for a home office setup. The best thing about this is that it can serve you in your personal life too (but we’ll call it a business expense). 

A Second Screen

If you grew accustomed to working with two screens at your regular office, you’ll know the struggle of having to readjust to the single-screen life. Switching between 300 different tabs, windows and documents every two minutes gets tedious, and having that second screen can boost your time efficiency and productivity by miles.

Good Internet

With the kids streaming Netflix downstairs and your husband working on a Zoom call in the other room, your cheap, unstable internet connection is probably bursting at the seams and slowing your workflow. 

When anyone in your household works from home or studies remotely, investing in a good internet connection is well worth the money and effort you’ll have to put into finding the perfect setup. Ask for recommendations, read reviews and compare prices – but don’t cheap out on this one.

A Comfy Chair 

The plastic chair you took from the patio furniture isn’t going to cut it long-term. If you’re officially a work-from-home employee, you need to invest in a proper desk chair to support your back.

An ergonomic chair is important for someone who spends most of their hours sitting at a desk – and you’ll want to spend good money on this one too. If your budget is tight, look for second-hand options, but make sure they’re a good brand and suitable for your body. Remember, everyone is different. 

Noise-Cancelling Earphones

Chatty, invasive colleagues can be annoying, but the difference is that in the office, there’s nothing we can really do about that without potentially stepping on toes. When you’re at home, it’s different. It’s important that you can break away from the sounds of your home and get into the right mindset. 

Using noise-cancelling earphones to drown out your bickering kids or the football on the TV while you’re trying to get some work done is perfectly acceptable in your home office, and definitely encouraged. Don’t let yourself get distracted. Throw on some focus-friendly beats and get into work mode.

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HOME DESIGN, home renovation

Window Shopping: All About Window Glass Types

window-shopping-all-about-window-glass-types

You might not be thinking about it when you’re searching for a new home, but windows are a critical component of any living space. Not only do they contribute to the outside architecture of your home, but they help bring in natural light. The better your windows, the more comfortable you’ll feel in your home.

One of the biggest things you need to consider when shopping for new windows is the different types of window glass. Don’t know what to look for? Read on to learn all about window glass types!

Safety Glass

People who have homes with large panes of glass, such as sliding glass doors, need to make sure that all of the occupants of their homes are safe in the event that the glass shatters. That’s where safety glass comes in. 

Safety glass is created through the fusion of two panes of glass to a layer of polyvinyl butyral. Instead of shattering into shards when this glass breaks, it breaks into rounded pebbles. This type of glass is most commonly found in automobiles and anywhere else objects may fly at the glass, but it’s also one of the types of glass used in windows.

Float Glass

If you’re looking to give the windows in your house a refresh without draining your bank account, then float glass might be one of the best types of glass for windows. Float glass is simply a sheet of glass that hasn’t had any kind of treatment. 

The end result is a thin sheet of glass without any color. It’s one of the lowest cost options out there, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the best type of glass for your home. Since it hasn’t gone through any types of treatment processes, it is easily breakable, and if it does break, it breaks into shards.

Insulated Glass

Did you know that energy loss through your home’s windows is responsible for up to 30 percent of your energy bill? Thankfully, insulated glass is a great option to help prevent excessive energy loss.

Insulated glass consists of two panes of laminated or tempered glass with argon in between the panes. The interior of the panes also contains a desiccant to prevent moisture build-up. This combination helps keep outside air outside and inside air inside.

Low-E Glass

Another option for window glass replacement that’s energy-efficient is low-e glass. Think of it like insulated glass taken to another level. It’s treated with a coating that reflects thermal radiation, keeping heat energy from invading your home.

The only downside? It’s quite pricey. If you live in an area with excessive heat or cold, however, then it’s definitely worthwhile.

Which of These Window Glass Types Will You Choose?

There are so many window glass types to choose from when you’re buying a home or replacing your windows. Whether you opt for budget-friendly float glass or lessen your environmental impact with insulated or low-e glass, you’ll be happy that you took the time to research your choices. Now all you have to do is get the windows installed, and you’ll be good to go!

Do you need help with other homeowning decisions? You’ve come to the right place. Check out the rest of our blog for all the homeownership advice you need!

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