HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

Small Accessories Guide: How to Subtly Change the Home in Big Way

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Often, we become a bit tired of our house looking the same old way, day in day out. We yearn for changes but don’t have the time or the budget to do anything drastic on a large scale. The good news is that we can make lots of small changes that all add up to something special. Check out these fantastic suggestions.

Art & Ornaments

We could go down the usual route of buying some prints we like from Walmart or somewhere similar, but that shows little imagination, doesn’t it? We could use a multitude of pictures and portraits to create a gallery wall. Other options include using stencils to create exciting patterns or even going to paint a mural if you are artistic. It is even possible to have custom wallpaper made up.

Shelves & Storage

What type of shelves and storage we use may not immediately seem like the type of choice that says much about our style, but they can make or break the mood of a room? Consider the most basic storage we can think of? Perhaps we could use cheap plastic storage boxes stacked along the wall; this would work in a garage or storage unit, but it’s not aesthetically pleasing at all. There are many better choices, and we should consider both the style and our taste. 

Books & Other Media

We cannot talk about shelving without having an idea of what we should put on them. The type of books, music, and other media we store on our shelves can say much about our personality. For others, it is ornaments or personal possessions. If storage were just about keeping our possessions in place, we wouldn’t bother, but it signifies what we are into.

Kitchen Tools

Sometimes we can be forgiven for thinking of the kitchen as purely functional, but there is a lot more to it than that. Creating food for the family takes up much more of our time than we realize. Even something as simple as this iron brush can look good if in keeping with the room’s theme overall. We should keep this in mind whenever we are purchasing anything for the kitchen. We could keep the kitchenware on a consistent style in many ways; by brand, by colour, or even by style and design. Consider we have an old farmhouse, and the kitchen is styled in a very traditional way; all of our cookware and other items must keep to this theme.

Eating Area

Somewhat connected to the kitchen, often literally, is the dining room or eating area. Some houses these days choose not to have a dedicated eating area and decide to have dinner in front of the TV, but for me, this is a big no! Sitting down to dinner can often be the only opportunity we have as a family to have a proper conversation about our lives and what we have been up to? These opportunities are invaluable and cannot be substituted for by anything else.

Subtle Themes

We have touched on the idea of themes up until now, but this is really a subject that requires some dedicated discussion. When discussing our potential kitchen ideas, we floated how we might buy items for a kitchen in an old farmhouse-style property; let us consider other ideas as well, what if we are living in an inner-city apartment. It is possible we could lay out the interior of such an apartment with décor that would normally be present in an older build, but it would be a bold move. A much more appropriate design would be to look to a modern and slightly minimalist look. The key in achieving a minimalist look is the effective use of space and light. Clutter is generally something we would always look to keep to a minimum, but to be minimalist is a step further than that. We must keep everything simple; if we consider the colour scheme, then it will not do to have too many involved; as little as two will look good. We must have space in between furniture, shelves, and artwork on the wall. It is essential to take a brutal and unwavering attitude to this style of decorating.

Door Handles

This may sound like something that is daft, to highlight door handles with a section devoted to such a small part of the house. It is possible that in many ways, no one really notices door handles, but you would certainly notice if they were wrong or out of place. What we are actually saying with this point is that you need to be mindful of all aspects of the house, no matter how small they might first appear.

House Numbers, or Name

Speaking of doors and entrances, we can also make our style be known by how we present the house number or name. There are so many ways we can subtly modify our house signifier. The first choice to make is whether we go for numerals, or the number spelled out in words? Using words can add a touch of class to the simple job of marking your house. But to take it a step further we can give our house a name. It is very easy to do as we are not actually required to change anything legally; we are simply referring to the property by a different name. You can pick a name in many different ways, it could 

Plant Life

If we add a splash of green, it always livens the home up. House plants are a great way of connecting with nature and making the house feel natural and smell great. It can give a fantastic sense of achievement to see something we’ve looked after grow and thrive in our home. Plants can be a lot of work if we keep a lot, but others are virtually no work at all, take cacti as an example; they barely need water and pretty much are self-sufficient.

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home renovation

7 Ways to Finance a Home Renovation

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Investing in renovating a home is a decision worth its weight in gold. Home renovation can boost your home’s value, increase space and add comfort. A renovated home feels new, refreshing and cozy. 

You want might be looking to make your current home into your ideal living space. Yet home improvement projects can be expensive. Here are seven ways to finance a home renovation.

1. Pay Using Cash or Liquid Assets

Most people want the cheapest option when they’re looking to finance a home renovation. Renovation loans can come with charges, fees and interest rates. But cash payment is a free option and it prevents accumulating debt. 

You may have considered savings, bonds, CDs and checking to fund your project. As long as you have enough to spare, they’re the best way to improve your home. The only money or account you should not touch is your emergency fund. 

If you opt for cash payments, make sure you have enough for the entire project. That way, you engage your contractor to ask for some discounts. Partial home renovation or pausing midway can cost you your bargaining power or inflate remodeling costs. 

2. Dip Into Your Home Repairs Account

As a rule, you should create a replacement reserves account when buying a new home. This is because your home wears out with time and you’ll need to do some repairs. Having reserves can ensure you have a financing option when any element breaks down.

Create a separate account and label it home repairs and replacement account. Make sure you save some money every month for emergency repairs and renovations. Experts recommend saving 1-3% of the total home value every year for maintenance and repairs.

If you have this account, you can avoid dipping into your savings or emergency account. Home renovation is sometimes an emergency. But it can leave you in financial limbo if you touch your savings. 

3. Home Renovation Loans

Home renovation loans can be a great source of finance for your home improvement project. You can apply it for a simple home remodel and for larger renovation projects.

A home renovation loan is usually a far much better option than a home equity loan. It has a lower interest rate. And if you’re securing it with Plenti, you can enjoy a personalized rate based on your credit history.

Borrowing amounts are also flexible to your needs. With options like Plenti, you can borrow up to $50,000 and you’re allowed a repayment period of up to 7 years. Imagine finding the money you needed for all your remodeling ideas and repaying at your pace.

A home renovation loan is a great option when you can’t refinance your home loan or want a flexible repayment period. The amount you’re eligible to borrow can go high as the post-renovation value of your old home. 

4. Cash-Out Refinancing

Cash-out refinancing is another good option to fund your remodeling ideas. It means acquiring a new larger mortgage to replace the existing one. You end up getting some cash out of the difference between the two mortgages. 

Cash-out refinancing is best if you’ve stayed in the home for several years. Repaying allows you to build some equity that you can turn into cash and use for your projects. 

A cash-out refinance does come with costs that can add up to a few thousand dollars. You have to pay closing costs, appraisal costs and application fees. The option also comes with interests on cash received plus interest on the mortgage.

The amount received is likely to be much less than from home renovation loans. This is because the lender might limit the amount to around 80% of your home’s value. 

You have to take into account prevailing mortgage interest rates when taking cash-out. Higher interest rates can make your loan expensive. Lower rates can allow you to enjoy a cheaper mortgage and smaller monthly installments. 

5. Home Equity Line of Credit

A home equity line of credit or HELOC is a second mortgage like a credit card. It allows you to borrow against your home’s equity. You can borrow small amounts until you exhaust your equity or use it for a large sum of credit.

If you’re doing your renovations in phases, a HELOC may be the best option to finance your home renovation. You can borrow an amount you need to complete a phase then wait until the next stage is due.

HELOCs are less expensive compared to traditional credit cards. But the lender can adjust interests which means you need to track your loan. Your home is the security for the loan so the lender can take your property if you don’t pay as agreed. 

6. Apply for Home Equity Loan

If you want a large sum of money against your home’s equity, apply for a home equity loan. The lenders give you all the requested amounts at once. You repay on a fixed interest rate and fixed period. 

This loan, like HELOC, uses your property as security. Meaning, the lender can foreclose on you if you default on the loan. 

If you want to finance a large home remodeling project, this is one of the best options. You can enjoy efficient cash flow to maintain renovations.

7. Home Renovation Construction Loans

You may want to take a construction loan if you’re doing major renovations or building a new home. The loan is a great backup when you’re using savings or lack equity to access other credit options. 

A construction loan boosts your borrowing potential. The bank can finance you based on the future remodeled home. This allows you to borrow an amount adequate to complete your project.

Some loan requirements can vary depending on the lender. For example, some lenders can give out the loan in the form of installments. The lender releases installments at various stages of construction. 

Looking for Money to Finance a Home Renovation Project? 

Trying to finance a home renovation can be a challenge even when you have savings. Using cash drains your savings and leaves you vulnerable to financial risks. 

One of the best methods to finance a home remodeling project is to take an affordable loan. A good loan allows you to plan for payments due to its low interest rates and longer repayment periods. For more advice on home loans and renovation, check out the rest of our blog.

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home renovation, HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

Important Repairs to Complete Before You Sell Your Home

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When you’re busy, it’s easy for time to slip away. Before you realize it, it’s been months since you’ve done any repairs in your home. Whether it’s antique clock repair you need, or the tiles on your roof need replacing, it seems that there is always something that needs to be sorted out. It can be difficult trying to stay on top of it everything you have to do in your home!

You might be happy living with a few broken items in your home until you find time to replace them or call a professional in to fix them. However, if you’re looking to put your property on the market in the near future, it’s a good idea to get any major issues fixed before you sell.

Research shows that around a quarter of all house sales fall through due to problems found during a home inspection or environmental issues. To avoid your property sale being one of the quarter that falls through, you want to get as many things fixed as possible!

To make the selling process a little less overwhelming, here is a list of the important repairs you need to complete within your home before you sell.

Fixing the Faulty Wiring

You will not be able to sell your home if there are problems with any electrical wiring. Usually, electrical problems can be fixed quickly and easily by a qualified electrician. If your home requires a circuit breaker, you may need a replacement to comply with the local rules and regulations. Most homes are advised a maximum of 100 amps, but some larger homes may require a 200 amp circuit breaker.

Sorting Out the Walls

If there are any holes in your walls from previously hung photo frames or mirrors, fill them in using some filler. Once this has dried, don’t forget to apply a layer of paint to the wall to ensure it’s all the same color. Even if your walls are hole-free, giving them a fresh coat of paint can immediately make your home look more modern and inviting to potential buyers. If possible, stick to a more neutral palette for your walls as opposed to bright and bold colors, as this will appeal to a wider range of buyers and will increase your chances of selling.

Fixing the Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Therefore, before you sell, get your kitchen in tip-top shape to impress any potential buyers. Replace or repair any chipped cabinet doors, make sure all of your handles are matching, and fix any issues with the plumbing system to the room.

Organizing the Bathroom

There are a number of repairs that your bathroom might need. Firstly, you need to check that none of your equipment is broken or damaged. Make sure the tiles aren’t chipped, the bathtub isn’t dented, and the cabinets aren’t scratched. Remember to take a look at the handles too, and check for any built-up dirt or rust.

From here, you’re going to want to make sure the sinks and faucets aren’t leaking and that all drains are clear. Turn on your taps and ensure there is hot and cold water flow. If you identify a major issue, it’s probably best to call in a plumber to take a look and fix any plumbing problems.

Next, take a look in the shower. Due to the moisture-prone environment of the bathroom, mold can start to build up in the corners of your shower before you even notice. If this is the case, grab some bleach and give your shower a good scrub. In the worst-case scenario, you may have to reseal the shower edges.

Fixing Heating Issues

Sorting out your heating system might seem like a non-essential task when you’re selling your home. However, if it’s the middle of winter and your home reaches extremely cold temperatures due to a lack of sufficient heating, nobody is going to want to buy it! If your current system is not working correctly, you may not need a full replacement. It may just need a few repairs by a qualified technician, and this shouldn’t cost you too much money.

Fixing the Lawn

If you’ve decided to sell your property, don’t forget about the outside as well as the inside! If you’ve managed to maintain your garden all year round, you might have very few things to do outside. Spend some time removing any weeds, trimming the bushes, and repairing any damaged fencing. You may also wish to apply a quick coat of paint to your fencing to give it a new lease of life.

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HOME DECOR

6 Design Tips for a Small Room

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Having a small space can feel like you’re trapped in a dead-end in terms of design and décor, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Even cramped, tiny rooms can be transformed into something beautiful with the illusion of space to expand your horizons. However, this might take a few tips and tricks to achieve – keep reading to find out how to get it done.

#1 Focal Points 

The main focal point of a room – the bed, the sofa, etc. – can play a major role in the size and space available to you in the room. This can relate to the pieces themselves as well as their placement in the room in contrast to other furniture and décor. Take into consideration standard couch depth (for comfort and design factors), the height of your bed and headboard, and other elements like this to create height in a room and add to a bigger, bolder feel. 

#2 Fake it Until You Make It 

Faking height in a room is one of those design tricks that everyone has heard of – and loves because it really does work. Creating the illusion of space using high hung curtains, vertical lines and tall mirrors is a sure-fire way to draw the eye upwards and create space within a room that isn’t really there.

#3 Keep it Simple

If your design style is “busybody” you might want to reconsider that for your smaller rooms and areas in your home. Clean, simple designs and layouts are going to be your best friend in terms of maximising the space you have available to you. Keeping your rooms devoid of clutter, exaggerated décor or trinkets and overbearing colours will help keep it from becoming a cramped and cluttered nightmare instead of a relaxing space. 

#4 Lots of Light

Light and bright is the way to go. Sticking with crisp, pale shades and bringing in as much natural light as you possibly can is a great way to expand the way a space feels. Darkness can feel dingy, gloomy and claustrophobic, which is why creating light can help brighten your space and add to the room in a big way. Choose a light, neutral palette for your base and incorporate light in whichever ways you can. 

#5 Double Up

When you don’t have a lot of space to work with, it’s important to go for multifunctional pieces that can serve for design and practicality. Nightstands with loads of drawer space to hold clothes (or whatever else you need it to) and ottomans or benches that can function as seating or a makeshift table and serve as extra storage space at the same time. Make your furniture work for you!

#6 Use the Walls

Your walls don’t have to be dead space – take advantage of them. Install some floating shelving for some extra storage space or use the area for décor. Art, plants, books or whatever you wish to have on display on your walls at any height can be both useful and look amazing.

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

New Home or Fixer Upper: What To Know Before Buying

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When you’re buying a new home, you want it to be your perfect dream home. The problem is that when you are dealing with a house that has already been built, it may not be exactly to your standards or wants. 

This means that you have to make some tough decisions. Namely, should you buy a house that was just built, or buy something to fix up? It’s not an easy decision to make so you have to think about a few things before buying. In this article, we will go over several factors you should consider while house hunting. 

New construction has everything

When you see some land for sale Werribee, or wherever it is that you are looking to buy, you have a completely blank slate on which to create a masterpiece. You can use your wishlist to construct the house that has everything. All the modern conveniences and the exact style you are looking for. 

If you can dream it you can build it. Though, if you aren’t very creative when it comes to building design, you can often choose to have a prebuilt home done and still get some say in the design and style of the house. 

A newly constructed house will also be able to use the land and materials to be very efficient and use a lot less energy than an older home. For instance, you can position the house to make the most out of the sunlight in the winter so it can heat itself passively. And new materials keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter so you use less energy. 

Downsides to building from scratch

One of the biggest downsides to building a new home is the cost. Land alone can cost as much as a house in some areas. And then the costs of construction can be more than most people can afford. Not only that, but financing a new construction is also a bit tricky. You’ll need to have substantial savings to be able to pull it off. 

Finding land where you would actually want to live is another challenge. In areas near a city where you would likely be commuting to there is not much land available where you can build a home. Though with remote working being so prevalent now, and new developments popping up that offer something of a village, you can live further away from a metropolitan area and still enjoy modern conveniences. 

Buying a fixer upper

When you buy an old house to fix up, you have the second best thing to having a blank slate. You can strip the house down to the studs and essentially make it to your exact standards. 

You may already love the structure and just need to modernize it to where it can suit your needs. The downside is that the structure may not even be that good. And the materials are not as efficient as modern ones. 

You will save some money, but you will also have to compromise on many things so you never really get everything that you want with a fixer upper.

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HOME DECOR, home renovation

5 ways to rejuvenate your home

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Whether you have just purchased a new property or if you are just looking to shake things up in your home, there are many ways that you can breathe new life into your property. These don’t even require a huge budget. You can target certain areas in your home and tackle them one by one. It can truly bring a new essence into your living space. This article will give you some ideas to give a more stylish modern feel. 

Outdoor polished floors

Honed outdoor polished concrete floors are a versatile material that can be used to create s simple, contemporary minimalist aesthetic. They can also stand up to the strength of harsh weather conditions. They can be used in driveways, alfresco areas, pathways, staircases, and water features. Outdoor polished floors offer the ultimate strength and durability for your outdoor areas whilst offering thermal properties that are slip-resistant. Once they are installed, the upkeep of the floor is actually relatively low costing to upkeep. They are even pet and family-friendly. All in all, investing your money in outdoor polished floors can not only improve your house aesthetic but increase the value of your home. 

Modernizing old furniture

Providing the piece of furniture is not a priceless antique, you should check how sound the furniture is. Make sure you cannot see any signs of rot or damp otherwise it might not be worth attempting to upcycle. Light scratches and wobbly legs can be easily resolved. Deeper set problems cannot. For those feeling nervous about attempting to modernize your furniture, you can always start small by using chalk paint on solid surfaces. Painting an unfashionable piece of brown furniture with a contemporary color can transform your home’s look. 

Customizing kitchen cabinets 

One of the first things you can do is covering up the spaces you don’t like but cannot afford to replace is a good start. Veneer kitchen cupboards can be painted if you use the right stuff such as correct primer and paint. Sanding down the doors can also make sure that the paint has a rougher surface to cling to. If you can, you can also buy replacement doors for your standard-sized kitchen units. One way to save money, though it is more labor intensive, is to head to builders’ merchants and get fresh wood to attach to your cabinets. This will provide a rustic and traditional look to your kitchen. 

Cheap Aesthetics

Money can always be an issue for those who are redecorating. However, you can always get yourself some fantastic piece of decoration for cheap prices if you can be creative. You can forage for treasures in nature. Dried poppy seed heads and thistles or feathers and driftwood can work as display pieces in your home. Using local charity shops can also open lots of options for you. 

Rejuvenating your home

There is a lot you can do in your home that will not break the bank. All of these improvements will no doubt increase the value of your home but also make you enjoy your living space even more. 

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HOME DECOR, HOME DESIGN, REAL ESTATE

Nantucket vs. Cape Cod: What’s Your Coastal Style?

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Coastal New England offers some of the most beautiful properties in the country. Who wouldn’t want to live on a gorgeous coastal area? There is so much to see and explore in these areas. Those who are attempting to decide between Cape Cod and Nantucket should keep reading so they can make the right decision when deciding where to purchase a home. 

Nantucket and Cape Cod Offer Vibrant Lifestyle

To get more information about life in these two coastal regions, it is important to research carefully. Although one must travel through Cape Cod to get to Nantucket, the two areas are entirely different. Yes, they both offer beautiful beaches, but each of these areas is unique. Cape Cod is more of a bustling metropolis, while Nantucket is full of cobblestone streets and a more laid-back atmosphere.  Neither is better than the other, but they each appeal to different people.

Nantucket Vs. Cape Cod

Understanding how these two coastal communities differ is important for anyone who is considering moving to one of these areas of New England. These areas both offer amazing views, beautiful homes, and plenty of amenities to keep people of all ages happy. By continuing to read further, individuals can learn everything they need to know about these two vastly different coastal experiences. 

Quiet Or Hustle and Bustle?

One of the biggest differences between the two is one offers a quieter setting while the other region is bursting with noise. Cape Cod is filled with tourist attractions, restaurants, and big-name retailers. Many travelers come in and out of Cape Cod, especially during the summer season. Some people love being in on the action, while others require a quieter place to live. 

While Nantucket gets busier in the summer, when tourists come in, it is very quiet the rest of the year. Nantucket has a much more laid-back atmosphere that is ideal for people who enjoy peace and quiet. 

Size Matters

Cape Cod is much bigger than Nantucket. While Cape Cod is 339 miles long, Nantucket is only 100 miles in area. Cape Cod boasts of over 216,000 residents, while Nantucket has a population that hovers around 10,000. When it comes to choosing between the two, the decision depends on preference. 

Coastal Living Is Paradise

No matter which New England region a person chooses, life is grand. Each beautiful coastal community offers its own charms that are enjoyable for residents all year long. When choosing between the two, it is important individuals consider their needs and style of living. It is wise for individuals to visit both areas as a tourist first so they can determine which area is going to appeal to their lifestyle the most. 

Those who love the beach will find both areas to be perfect for their needs. There is just something so special about living in a coastal town, whether it is bigger like Cape Cod or smaller like Nantucket. 

Conclusion

Those who have been considering purchasing a coastal home have options in both Nantucket and Cape Cod. Both areas offer a distinctive impression of east coast life that cannot be forgotten. 

No matter which region a person chooses, getting help from an agent will assist them in finding the property of their dreams. A beautiful new home is waiting for you on whichever community you choose. Get help from an agent and make the process of choosing a new home much more exciting. 

SHOP EAST COAST STYLE…

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HOME DESIGN, home renovation

A Designer vs an Architect?

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When a person is about to renovate a home, build a new home, or just redecorate the home they are living in or just purchased, the question often comes up about hiring an architect or an interior designer. In some cases an architect is the right choice, in others, an interior designer is the best one to hire, and in other cases, the homeowner or commercial building owner should hire both. It is important when taking on a large renovation or building project to hire the right team of professionals.

What Does An Interior Designer Do?

An interior designer will have a college degree in interior design where they studied space planning, interior materials, rendering designs and making floor plans, and every aspect of interior design. Where an architect designs the building or home structure and details, the interior designer works with the interior spaces of a building once it is constructed. Interior designers can work with a home builder, an architectural office, or residential and commercial design companies. They can also work for retail home decorating stores or building supply centers. There are interior designers who work independently or have their own interior design companies.

Interior designers can work for design supply companies that people call for carpeting services, interior finishes, and design services. These companies can sell flooring, cabinetry, countertops, window coverings, wall coverings, and more. When a company like this offers design center services, customers get better service and results.

Some of the services designers offer include:

·         Interior designers can offer space planning for homes, hotels, commercial buildings, offices, hospitals, and public buildings.

·         Designers will meet with clients to learn their needs for the space and then create floor plans and renderings of designs for the interior space that create function and beauty.

·         Designers will also cost out the design plan for clients and submit a bid for the materials and labor.

·         Once the client approves the design, materials, and cost of the project, the designer will oversee the work of creating the finished design.

·         A designer can create a space by creative use of paint, fabrics, and furnishings. Other jobs require building renovation or alterations that require a builder or construction contractor to be hired and supervised by the designer before the finishes are installed.

·         Designers must create an interior space that is functional, beautiful and meets all building codes for safety.

·         Interior designers must have both aesthetic design skills and the ability to plan the best use of any space.

·         Designers must have training and knowledge of architecture, construction, design, sustainability, building codes, and environmentally friendly practices.

What Does an Architect Do?

Architects handle large building projects from the ground up from planning through construction and finishes. They have trained in college for engineering, design theory, and project management. They are trained to design a project, create blueprints and mechanical drawings, cost out the project, solicit bids, manage the building project, choose the contractors, subcontractors, and other professionals, oversee the work, control the money, and solve complex building design problems.

An architect’s services come at a cost and the more involved with a project you want them, the more the cost will be. But the cost is worth it when a building is built correctly and is functional and beautiful. The larger the building project, the more important it is to hire a good architect. An architect can visualize building ideas three-dimensionally. This is important in creating a building that is aesthetically balanced and attractive as well as structurally sound and functional.

Look for the initials AIA after the architect’s name because this means they belong to the American Institute of Architects. This professional organization requires its members to meet high professional standards. Each state has a process for licensing architects who meet their professional standards.

When Should You Hire an Architect or an Interior Designer, or Both?

A residing factor in hiring an architect is the size of the job. If you are building a new home, you need an architect. If you are doing a large renovation that includes removing walls, impacting the footprint of the house with an addition, changing the height or grade of the home, you need an architect. If you are moving staircases or installing a new kitchen or bath, you may need an architect.

An architect is mainly needed for the big structural changes and the exterior or shell of the building. They basically design and build the structure of a building. The interior designer can work with an architect in choosing building features such as windows, doors, finishes. But, their main responsibility is with the interior of the building once it is constructed. They add the finishing touches and the aesthetics.

If you are working with an existing structure and need interior design help, then you need an interior designer. When an existing structure needs a professional to choose and place finishes, floor covering, artwork, furniture, window treatments, and accessories to make the space functional, safe, and attractive, an interior designer is needed.

Then, there are large building and renovation projects of both residential and commercial buildings that will benefit from hiring both an architect for the structural design and concerns and an interior designer for the interior decoration and finishes. Since interior designers and architects have different skill sets, they often work together from the beginning of a large project.

Hiring both professionals does not mean twice the cost. A well-planned project will have a division of responsibilities for the architect and the interior designer. When the project is complete and the building owner has the aesthetics and functionality of both the building structure and the interiors they want, the cost of hiring these professionals will be well worth the investment.

It is important to hire the correct professionals for the job size and complexity. If the home needs an interior designer but does not involve structural changes, then pass on the architect. But when structural changes are being planned, don’t hesitate to consult an architect.

SHOP FAVOURITES…

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HOME DESIGN, home renovation, OUTDOORS

Should You Invest in Solar Panels?

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Solar panels can greatly increase the value of your home. If you are thinking about building a green home based on the principles of sustainability and energy efficiency, you need solar panels.

Installing solar panels so your home can power itself may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is now a feasible and affordable reality for many homeowners.

If you invest in solar panels now, you will end up increasing the equity of your home in the long run while saving yourself money. Read on to find out more.

Invest in Solar Panels for the Long Term

Solar panels are one of those investments that pay off in droves in the long term. As soon as you get them installed, they start saving you money.

This accumulated savings over a long time is what makes them worthwhile. Solar panel costs may seem steep at first, but keep in mind that many states offer to subsidize their installation costs.

There are also some federal tax credits available to help pay for any high initial installation costs. Once you have gotten the panels installed, you only need to do a bit of maintenance on them now and again.

You also need to make sure that you keep your roof in good condition to maintain its structural integrity. Other than that, once you have your solar panel system you are good to go and ready to start saving money. 

Increase Your Home’s Value 

One of the things that prospective homebuyers love is a home with solar panels. This is because they don’t need to go through any of the efforts of getting a system installed, yet they reap all of its benefits.

This is why solar panels increase your home’s equity. If you want to make your home’s value skyrocket, think about installing some solar panels. This is even more true in states where the cost of energy is through the roof.

To determine if going solar is a smart financial choice for you, first, calculate your monthly energy bill. Next, calculate how much a solar panel system will save you. 

Don’t forget to factor in that the system will increase your home’s overall value over time as well. Keep in mind that your only major solar panel cost is a bit of maintenance over time, and the initial installation cost.

If you need help making a thorough cost-benefit analysis, contact Blue Raven Solar to get an estimate on some installation costs for your home. 

Go Solar and Save Money 

If you are looking for a worthy way to help out your financial situation you should invest in solar panels. It is one of the few investments that you can make that will also help save the planet. 

Having an opportunity that benefits you while saving the earth is rare so you should take advantage of them when they come around. Get some solar panels today for your home. Make sure to peruse our site often for other great news.

SHOP OUTDOOR DECOR…

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OUTDOORS

5 Modern Agricultural Techniques

5-modern-agricultural-techniques

Humanity has come a long way since its initial forays into agricultural production that defined the shift toward modern civilization. That’s a good thing because there are now billions more people on the planet, and all of them need to be fed. The five modern agricultural techniques described below all play essential roles in improving yields, making it easier for farmers to keep up with seemingly ever-increasing demand.

1. High-Yield Varieties of Seeds

One of the great things about domesticated crops is that they can be manipulated using techniques like selective breeding to bring out their most desirable traits. For most farmers, a high yield potential tops the list. When combined with specialized seed treatments, high-yield varieties of seeds can produce larger, healthier crops that will go on to feed more people. Farmers can find details at empoweringfarmers.com about how to increase their yields using improved seeds and tailored seed treatments.

2. Modern Fertilizers

Not all agricultural land is created equal. In many places, a combination of overuse, soil erosion, and other environmental factors have led to nutrient deficiencies. The good news is, modern agriculture has a solution for that, too. Farmers can apply chemical fertilizers that will provide all the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium required to grow large, healthy crops.

3. Effective Irrigation

Food crops don’t just need nutrients to grow and thrive. They also require access to plenty of water. Modern farmers can’t rely on natural rainfall to ensure that their crops receive a sufficient supply of fresh, clean water. Instead, they install irrigation systems designed to provide field-grown plants with optimal levels of water, even during the driest seasons. A well-designed irrigation system can help farmers save water, as well, by ensuring that each plant gets exactly the right amount of water to minimize runoff.

4. Chemical Pesticides

Pesticides can be defined as any substance that prevents seeds and plants from being attacked by pests or diseases. Chemical pesticides have been shown to be more effective than organic alternatives, and when used correctly and according to the manufacturer’s specifications, they are believed to be safe. It’s now commonplace for farmers to use multiple chemical compounds to control pest attacks throughout their crops’ growth cycles.

5. Multiple Cropping

In areas of the world that have tropical or subtropical climates, modern farmers aren’t stuck working with just one growing season. They have the potential to grow crops to feed the world year-round. It wasn’t always the case that tropical and sub-tropical farmers could use multiple cropping to take full advantage of their areas’ beneficial weather patterns. It’s only the use of the modern agricultural techniques described above that have led to the popularization of this technique.

To harvest multiple crops successfully, farmers need to make sure their plants get everything they need to grow and thrive even when nature can’t provide it. Since most places with arable land have rainy seasons and dry seasons, water capture and irrigation are a must. Similarly, most places see increases in agricultural pests during certain seasons. Pesticides can all but eliminate this problem. Finally, the right seeds and fertilizers can allow farmers to continue using their fields with shorter fallow periods so they can plant them out as soon as the last crop has been harvested.

The Bottom Line

The combined effects of the suite of agricultural developments described above are incredible. They allow modern farmers to provide more food on the same amount of land and even expand their operations into areas that would otherwise not be able to support crops.

DON’T HAVE A GREEN THUMB? SHOP FAUX PLANTS….

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