HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

Why Is Air Condition Maintenance So Important?

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Air conditioners are the most overlooked appliances in the house, followed by water heaters. Many homeowners only remember their existence when it’s already too late. Don’t be one of them. Neglecting your air conditioner maintenance can have hefty costs on your bills and health. Learn more about it in this article. 

Know Your Appliance

Air conditioners require regular maintenance to keep their top performance for longer. Failing to do so will impact its functioning, energy efficiency, and overall air quality. Here are the most critical parts requiring attention. 

Filters

Filters must be regularly cleaned or replaced, depending on the case. A clogged filter will affect the airflow, making your system work more for fewer results. Worse still, dust can bypass the filter and accumulate on other parts, damaging the whole system. Replacing an old filter with a brand-new one can reduce its energy consumption by 15%. 

Coils

Condenser and evaporator coils also collect dirt over time. Clean filters can make coils last longer, but they’ll eventually be soiled, impacting their heating absorption. Coils can get dirtier quicker when placed outdoors, especially in surroundings full of foliage. Clean the coils and the nearby area regularly.

Fins

Fins bend pretty easily, blocking airflow. The good news is that aluminum fins can actually be combed. It’s easy to find “fin combs” with wholesalers and related shops. This tool can keep fins on the condenser and evaporator in better condition for much longer. 

Drains

Drains can clog, causing an increase in air moisture. You’ll notice it on discolored curtains and carpets. Pass a wire through it to remove any debris or other clogs. 

Signs of Trouble

Taking care of your air conditioner isn’t that complicated and can save you some troubles down the road. An air conditioner can last much longer if kept clean and regularly replaced with filters. Still, other problems may arise. So, if you notice one of these signs, AC repair is recommended. 

Overly Expensive Bills

Air conditioners consume a lot of energy already. When they’re faulty, though, they consume much more. Problems with your system will show a painful reminder that something isn’t right on your energy bill. Although there might be other reasons for a sudden spike, like the transition out of winter, compare it with bills of the same period in the last few years. 

High Humidity Levels

Excessive humidity is inconvenient, chiefly if you already live in an area with elevated air humidity. Clothes take ages to dry, and everything around you feels moist. These are symptoms that something is wrong with your AC. It could be a matter of unclogging the drain or something more serious. 

Insufficient Flow

If fins and filters are in shape, but airflow is still insufficient, it may indicate more severe problems. Look for a professional if you think your AC capacity has reduced. 

Warm Air

If warm air is coming from where it’s supposed to be cold, watch out. There’s a range of problems that can cause it, from leakages to broken compressors. In any case, it’s better to look for professional advice. 

The Air You Breathe

Simple steps like combing the fins, replacing the filters, and cleaning the drains can be carried out by anyone. Doing so will keep the AC in shape for much longer. Several technical issues can arise by failing to maintain your AC system properly. 

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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 DECOR, HOME STYLING, OUTDOORS

How Your RV’s Decor Can Make It A Home-Away-From-Home

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Having a smooth life while travelling on the road can make you experience the comfort of your home. If you have an RV, you can add some décor to turn it into a home away from home.

In his post, we will look at the different types of décors that can make your home away from home.

Add some few things

If you are not comfortable, your chances of enjoying a road trip are minimal. However, adding a few items to your RV may make life easy. Putting a nice pillow on your chair or having a blanket right on your couch can make you feel at home.

You can add some candles to generate the smell of your house or add a lamp to bring the cozier lighting. If you are spending more time on the road trip, you can even opt to take those items from your home and fix them directly in your RV to help you experience the home feeling. Having a community feeling on holiday and getting some great ideas for life in your RV are some of the benefits of joining a motorhome club, so you might want to look into joining one.

Do some painting

Just the way you would paint your home, you can as well paint your RV. You can select your favorite theme color and use it to paint the walls and your kitchenette’s cabinet to bring your home feeling.

Additionally, if your RV is old, this is the best chance to modify it and update the look.

Re-create your beddings

Instead of sticking around with the bedding and mattress that came with your RV, you can change them to get the sound sleep you usually get while at home. However, to experience your home comfort, you should consider some aspects.

You should ensure you purchase a good quality mattress that will last long. By researching what the best is between a Queen vs queen short mattress, you can consider which is the best mattress. You should take into account which one will serve you for the longest time and help you get the best sleep.

Add some pictures

After entering your home, the first thing you notice is the pictures around you. The feeling is unbeatable, and it makes you activate the home mood. However, you can make your RV feel 

no difference from your home by hanging the pictures you love in it.

It could be your family pictures or of places that you visited. You can utilize Velcro straps to ensure the pictures are well placed on the wall. It is also important to note that using a lightweight picture frame helps the pictures stay intact on the wall as you drive.

Put some rugs

The floor of an RV may look good, but it would be cozier and more comfortable when you put some rugs in your living area. You will feel exactly how you feel at home walking on these rugs hence living you contented. Getting rubber backing rugs can prevent them from sliding as you walk around or drive.

Hang curtains

Putting curtains on your windows can make the whole interior space feel like home. It’s one of the simplest things you can do, but it greatly impacts your RV.

 It’s good to choose curtains that go in hand with other colors, décor, and materials in the space.

Use a placemats or tablecloth

Even if your dining table changes into a bed when you need it, that does not mean that you cannot fix it well during the day. There are more reasons to organize it well if you do not have a convertible table.

Putting a tablecloth and a centerpiece or placemats can give you the home feeling, and there are so many ways you can dress up your table nicely.

Get your RV organized

When your RV is untidy, it would be difficult for you to feel the comfort of your home. If your items are scattered all over, it’s also hard for you to see the unique touches that you have put in your RV to make you experience the home vibe.

Look for better ways to organize your items in the RV to allow space. Use different strategies to utilize the space to the maximum level you have. You can also eliminate some of the items you have that you do not use.

Look for inspiration

The internet is equipped with all ideas of how you can turn RV into your home. The unlimited creativity that individuals have used to create an environment they love.
Conduct some search and pick what suits you best. At long last, these are only ideas to help you outside the box. It is good to choose what feels good to you for it to feel exactly like your home.

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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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BATHROOMS, HOME DESIGN, KITCHENS

Bigger Is Better: The Role of Big Floor Tiles in Indoor Design

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When most people think about tile, they think about the small square tiles that are often used in kitchens and bathrooms. However, larger floor tiles can be an excellent option for indoor design as well! In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using bigger tiles in your home and give you some tips on how to choose the right ones for your space.

What are Large Format Tiles?

As the name suggests, large format tiles are simply tiles that are larger in size than the standard tile. While the standard tile size is usually around 12” x 12”, large format tiles can be anywhere from 18” x 18” all the way up to 36” x 36”.

These are the kinds of tiles you’d use for flooring in a large space. The bigger the tile, the fewer grout lines there are, and the fewer grout lines mean less opportunity for dirt and grime to build up over time. Not to mention, large format tiles give your home a more luxurious feel – even if you’re working with a tight budget!

What are the Advantages of Using Large Tiles?

There are a few key advantages to using large format tiles in your indoor design.

First, larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which makes for easier cleaning and maintenance. What’s more,  because there are fewer grout lines, your floor will have a more seamless appearance.

Another advantage of large format tiles is that they can make small spaces look bigger. If you have a small bathroom or kitchen, using large tiles can give the illusion of a larger space – something that can be very helpful if you’re working with limited square footage.

Finally, large format tiles are often more durable than small ones. Because there is less surface area for dirt and grime to build up, they’re less likely to crack or chip over time.

How to Choose the Right Large Format Tiles

Now that we’ve gone over some of the advantages of using large format tiles let’s talk about how to choose the right ones for your home.

When selecting large format tiles, it’s important to consider the space you’re working with. For example, if you have a small bathroom, you’ll want to avoid using overly large tiles as they can make the space feel even smaller. Conversely, if you have a large open floor plan, you can afford to go with a bigger tile size.

It’s also important to think about the design of your space when choosing large format tiles. If you want a more traditional look, smaller tiles might be a better option. However, if you’re going for a more modern aesthetic, large format tiles can definitely help you achieve that.

Finally, make sure to take your budget into consideration. Big floor tiles can be more expensive than small ones, so you may want to stick with the smaller size if you’re working with a tight budget.

Summary

Large-format tiles are a great way to add style and luxury to your home – but you’ll need to make sure they are right for you! Keep these tips in mind when choosing the right tiles for your space, and you’re sure to love the results. Thanks for reading!

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HOME DECOR, REAL ESTATE

How To Downsize Your Home In Preparation For A Move

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The cost of living has risen so much recently that many people are beginning to look into ways to save money. One of the easiest ways to save a lot of money is to downsize your living situation. Since a mortgage is usually the biggest expense a person can have, it makes sense to move to a smaller home that costs less money. You’ll save on your mortgage as well as the costs to heat and cool the house since it’s smaller. You’ll also save on the cost of moving all those items and getting a more reliable quote from a moving company like Cookson Moving.

The trick is to begin downsizing before you make the move. It takes some preparation to be able to make a move from a large home to a small house. In this article, we will go over several things you need to do to get yourself ready for downsizing. 

Take inventory

You’ll need to get an idea of everything that you have in order to be able to figure out what you need to take and what to get rid of. This is for two primary reasons. One is that you have to be able to calculate how much space you have for furniture and for storage. You can only fit so much into a small space. 

The other reason is that you have to plan for the mover. To get a quote you have to know how many boxes you will need to move, plus the big items that require professional piano movers in Springfield, MO. This is a big factor in how much it is going to cost to move as well as get a timeline in order. 

Once you have a list of everything, then you need to put everything into a category. This is so that you will know what should come and what shouldn’t. 

Create a plan to get rid of things

Once you have everything categorized and organized, you will need to come up with a plan to get rid of the things that are not coming with you. This can be a time-consuming process, so the more organized you are about it the easier it will be to get it done. 

There are a few ways to get rid of your things. Some items that have good value can be posted online and sold in the various marketplaces. This is a good way to raise some money for the move as furniture in good condition will still have some value. 

Once the large items are sold then the way to get rid of smaller items is to have a yard sale or two. You will likely get pennies on the dollar for many of the items, but at the end of the day you can end up with a decent amount of money. Asd an added bonus you are keeping these things from getting into landfills. 

Next, give away anything that wasn’t sold. You can donate to charity and use it as a tax write off. Or, you can post it for free online for anybody who wants to come pick it up. 

Try to avoid throwing things away, but in some cases it’s unavoidable.

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HOME STAGING, REAL ESTATE

Smart Ways To Sell Your Home Faster

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Whether you want to sell your starter home to buy your dream home finally, you’re relocating, or you’ve outgrown your current property, you might be dreading the process of selling. 

It’s no secret that some homes are on the market for years on end, with hardly any interested buyers. Moreover, you might be worried about getting less than what your property is really worth. 

So, if you’re selling your home, we’ve listed some smart ways to sell your home faster. With this, some of these approaches will also boost property value. 

Create A Virtual Tour

Virtual house tours became pretty popular as a result of the covid19 pandemic. Virtual tours are far more convenient for buyers as they can view numerous listings from the comfort of their own homes. At the same time, this innovation is also beneficial for sellers, as your home is visible to a much larger audience. 

Moreover, your listing will get more attention from viewers as the virtual tour provides an in-depth perspective of your home, providing viewers with a transparent view of your property. Photographs alone cannot offer the same benefits for your listing. 

Hire A Home Stager

A home stager is a professional that will evaluate your home and modify the interior design to impress potential buyers. Home staging will leave your home looking like it’s never been lived in, which is ideal when selling. 

Invest In Landscaping

Landscaping is an improvement project that can dramatically boost property value while remaining budget-friendly. So, it’s a practical choice for sellers. 

Landscaping won’t just boost the value as it will also draw more attention from buyers. The area around your property provides the first impression; therefore, your home will sell faster if it can give buyers a lasting first impression. 

Rely On An Estate Agent

Even though some assume that relying on a realtor will be an avoidable extra cost, these professionals really can sell your home a lot faster; an expert realtor knows where to advertise your property and how to negotiate with interested buyers. 

Repaint The Walls

Another quick and affordable improvement project to consider that will help you sell your home faster is repainting the walls. With this, be sure to repaint the interior and exterior walls while paying attention to window frames and doorframes.

Consider Property Buyers

Suppose you are hoping to get rid of your property as soon as possible, and you aren’t prepared to afford even minor upgrades; it’s worthwhile to consider property buyers. Because property buyers are prepared to purchase any property in any condition, these companies are a suitable solution. 

If you’re in a rush to sell, there are several viable solutions. Whether you decide to rely on a realtor, settle for property buyers, or draw the attention of buyers with impactful improvements, you can sell your home sooner with the right approach. Moreover, be sure your homes’ listing value is reasonable and complements the value provided by a professional property evaluator. 

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REAL ESTATE

How to Know if You’ve Found Your Dream Home

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Most people dream of finding the perfect home for themselves and their families. Of course, it’s highly unlikely that you will find a house that fits the exact picture you have in your head. So, how do you know if you’ve found the right house for you?

While this will differ from person to person, there are a few things that can help you determine whether or not you have found your dream home, and we’re here to share them.

Is it your dream kind of home?

As mentioned, most of us have a picture in our heads of what our dream home would look like – and you probably won’t find that exact house unless you build it yourself. However, you should try to find a home that is the same kind of home that you’ve always dreamed about. 

For example, some people may dream of a massive mansion, while others may want a small low-maintenance apartment. Some people may want a little cabin in the woods, while others may be more interested in New York City condos for sale. Finding a house that has the same atmosphere as your dream house is always a good sign that you’re on the right track. 

Does it fit your budget?

Unfortunately, for many people, their dream home doesn’t fit into their budget. This means that they will need to lower their expectations a bit. 

However, just because you’re looking at homes in a lower price class doesn’t mean you can’t find your dream home. In fact, it might be a great idea to buy a relatively cheap home with good bones, and then renovate it as needed until you’ve added your own touch and it resembles your dream home. 

The key is to buy a house within your budget – even your dream house isn’t worth it if you have to go bankrupt over it. You might also need to take out a loan, so be sure you have these documents ready to make the process easier. 

Does it feel like home?

Most people would agree that home isn’t as much a place as it is a feeling. As cliché as that may sound, it’s true. You will know I the place is the right fit for you or not the moment you walk through the door. Of course, you should still take all the other factors into consideration, but you shouldn’t discount your gut feeling. 

If you can’t choose between two homes, and you prefer one above the other for no particular reason, you should trust your instincts. 

Does it have enough space?

We often get caught up in the aesthetics of a home when house hunting. If you don’t like the colors of the walls, you might not want to buy the house.

But remember that things like that are easy to change. It’s more important to look at things like the structure and space that the house can offer you since they are much harder to change. Naturally, you can still make a small room look good, but you should try to find a house that has enough rooms for your family. Also keep in mind that if you want your family to grow, you might want a house that can accommodate this growth. 

Is it safe?

Safety is a major concern of anyone buying a house, especially if you’re hoping to live there for a long time. Keep in mind that this shouldn’t make or break your decision since you can always add safety features like an alarm system or burglar bars after you’ve bought the house. 

However, one thing you can’t change is the neighborhood the house is in. While crime can happen in any neighborhood, some neighborhoods are simply safer than others, so if possible, try to get a home in a safe neighborhood. If you’re not sure whether a neighborhood is safe or not, you can use these online tools to help you.

In conclusion

Just because you might not find the exact home you’ve always dreamed of doesn’t mean that you can’t still find your dream house – it might just look a bit different than you always imagined. 

There are many things that you need to consider when deciding whether or not a home is the perfect fit for you. Buying a house is a big deal, so try not to make emotional decisions. Rather focus on the things that matter – remember, you can always add your own style later so that it feels like home.

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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 DESIGN, OUTDOORS

How to Choose Front Entry Doors for Your Home

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What does your front door say about you? Do you prefer the elegant look of glass and iron, or do you like the warmth of wood?

Your front entry doors are one of the first things people see as they approach your home. As such, you want it to make a statement. It should also complement the look of your house.

The right front door is both practical and beautiful. So how do you begin to choose the right entry door with so many options out there? Start with these tips to find a door that says, “Welcome Home.”

Wood Front Doors

Wood used to be the go-to option for front doors for thousands of years. The first depictions of doors appeared in Egyptian tomb paintings 4,000 years ago. King Solomon used olive wood for his temple doors.

Wood doors can last for generations in the right conditions. Some of the most famous and most iconic doors in the world are made from wood. For instance, the door of St. Edward’s Church in Gloucestershire has been welcoming people since the 1200s.

While you may not want to go as far as framing your front door between two trees, there are many creative front door ideas that involve wood designs.

Even today, many homeowners choose wood for their front entry doors. Wood doors are extremely versatile, as you can stain and paint them any way you wish. They also add warmth to your front entryway, making your home seem more welcoming.

The downside to wood is that it’s porous. Wood also expands and contracts as temperature and humidity levels change. Wood doors are more resilient these days compared to older doors, but they still require sanding and staining every few years.

Steel Front Entry Doors

If you prefer the look of a modern door, steel might be the better choice. Steel doors are incredibly durable and popular in the south, where heavy rainfall and bright sunlight are a concern.

If security is a concern, you can’t go wrong with steel doors. These doors are much stronger than wood or fiberglass, protecting you from intruders and holding up to any kind of storm debris.

They won’t crack or warp no matter the weather conditions, and any dents can be fixed with a repair kit. Steel doors also come in a variety of different styles, from classic to contemporary.

Fiberglass Doors

Steel has one downside, and that is it’s prone to rust. Fiberglass doors won’t rust, and they won’t rot either. Modern fiberglass doors are designed to withstand the elements, making them a durable choice for homeowners.

Fiberglass doors are also relatively low maintenance, making them a good choice for homeowners that don’t have the time or experience to handle DIY jobs. Unlike wooden doors, you won’t have to maintain them as much.

Another benefit of fiberglass doors? They’re excellent insulators, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in the winter.

Fiberglass composite doors can mimic the look of wood, and you can stain them to look like cherry, walnut, oak, or other types of wood.

Choosing a Style

There’s more to choosing exterior doors than just selecting a material. You also have to consider the style.

What kind of home do you have? The architectural style should influence your decision. For example, a wood-paneled front door makes an excellent choice for a traditional home, such as a Victorian, Tudor, or Colonial.

If you have a contemporary house, you might want to choose a metal or glass front door that matches the exterior and feel of your home.

If you want the design of your home to flow, match your front entry doors to your patio doors. Beautifully designed French doors look elegant in any home and match well with a similarly designed front door.

Picking a Color

Depending on the material you choose, you have many options for stains and paints. Try to match the material and color of your door to other exterior elements, such as your windows, garage door, and so on.

You can work with your surroundings and choose a natural color that blends in, such as an earthy tone. White and black are classic choices that never go out of style.

You might want to make a statement and make your front door pop. Shades of blue and green are popular choices among homeowners. Some people also believe a red door symbolizes good luck.

Think about your location, your surroundings, and the other homes in your neighborhood. If you live in a coastal region, you might consider painting your door a nautical color such as seafoam green or navy blue.

If you want a wooden door, you also can’t go wrong choosing a natural stain finish.

Security and Locks

When choosing a front door, you need to consider security as well as aesthetics. A front door with a multipoint locking system offers more security and can help put your mind at ease.

Lock grading varies from Grade 1 to Grade 3. You might consider choosing a door or lock with a higher deadbolt level.

Locks these days are also designed to match any kind of decor. While security should be your top priority, you should then consider a door with locks that have a shape and finish that complement the look of your house.

You might also want to consider adding a keyless smart lock to your home. You can control these locks from your smartphone, so you never have to worry about whether you locked the front door or not again.

A Door to Welcome You Home

Choose front entry doors that welcome you home by following these tips. The right front door can boost your home’s curb appeal and add value to your property. The front door should look beautiful and keep you and your family safe.

Are you looking for additional home decorating or DIY advice? Take a look around our website for more.

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