HOME DESIGN, home renovation

5 Stairway Planning Mistakes to Avoid

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

Take the Time To Design A Good Stairway System

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

Avoid 5 Stairway Building Mistakes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allow Enough Space in the Building Design

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

SHOP AREA RUGS….

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HOME REPAIRS + MAINTENANCE

3 Steps to Prepare Your Home for Winter

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

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

#1 Seal the Exterior

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

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

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

#2 Inspect the Roof

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

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

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

#3 Clear Gutters and Insulate Windows

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

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

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

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

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Uncategorized

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

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

Check the Immediate Area

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

Check the Vehicle

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

Having Keys Replaced

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

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

Gather Information Before Calling a Locksmith or Dealership

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

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

Request a Backup Copy

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

The Bottom Line

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

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BATHROOMS, home renovation

Upgrading Your Bathroom? Why You Need A Bidet

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It was just a few short months ago when it was nearly impossible to find toilet paper. Between supply chains being disrupted and people hoarding supplies, it was a real challenge to keep your posterior hygiene on point.

Now, Europeans didn’t have that problem because they have something that many Americans are confused by. The bidet!

To the mind of many Americans, it just seems gross to use one. Whereas, Europeans think it’s gross to not. The reality is that a bidet is very useful to have especially if there are issues again with getting toilet paper.

If you’re already planning a bathroom remodel and have your sink picked out, then you can take advantage and also pick a bidet.

In this article, I will go over the ins and outs of what bidets are all about.

Photo credit: HGTV.com

Installation is easy

If you are already thinking of remodeling the bathroom, then you can take advantage of the water connection being exposed and add a bidet while you’re at it. Browsing a site like Elite Renovations & Design can give you some great ideas for the remodel, but contact a plumber to ask about putting in a bidet that matches your bathroom style. There are a lot of different models so you can find the style you like without a problem.

Some are like sinks that you fill up with soapy water and then do your business, but that is more hands on than a lot of Americans are used to. There are some that shoot jets up as you sit on it that make it more of a hands-off process.The best types of bidets as far as using and ease of installation are the toilet bidet combos however. These are luxurious with heated seats, adjustable jets that set to your preferred temperature and even self cleaning. The best part is it looks like a normal toilet but has the bidet as part of the seat.

They are sanitary

A lot of people have problems with toilet paper and don’t even realize it. They can cause urinary tract infections or develop sensitivity when wiping. Bidets have a reputation as being unsanitary, but the opposite is actually true.

Wiping is more unsanitary and bidets are far more hygienic. The kinds that use jets of water allow you to get very clean without ever using your hands in the process. Something that can’t happen when you use toilet paper.

A bidet is eco friendly

Toilet paper is very unfriendly to the environment. From the trees used to make it to the manufacturing process, to shipping it, it is not at all environmentally friendly. Even if you use recycled toilet paper, you aren’t doing the environment any favors.And since many people are now turning to using “flushable wipes” that are not actually flushable or biodegradable, you can get a squeaky-clean bottom that wipes offer without any of the damage to your plumbing or to the environment.

SHOP BATHROOM…

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HOME DECOR, OUTDOORS

Top Container Gardening Trends to Try

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With so many of us living in smaller spaces where outdoor gardening opportunities are limited or non-existent, container gardening is a big trend. It’s not just a matter of demonstrating that you have a green thumb. Container plants serve a range of purposes from providing food to cleaning indoor air and being living sculptures that make a bold statement.

Getting it right means choosing the right plants and the right containers to grow them in. A look at modern commercial planters will give you a hint of the current trends to follow. To be more specific, we take a closer look at what’s trending right now.

Urban Farming

Urban farming is a massive trend, and it extends to real commercial farming ventures based in derelict factories, on rooftops, or even in shipping containers. In its most basic form, urban farming is practiced by apartment dwellers who still hope to harvest fresh produce despite the lack of a traditional outdoor gardening space.

As with so many trends, how you do it is more important than what you do. Tacky plastic pots and high maintenance are out. Low maintenance and stylish containers, some of which automatically feed, water, and provide light for plants, are in.

Let the Plant and Pot Combo Do the Talking

While super-arty pots with at most a nod towards the plants they contain still have their place, choosing minimalist styling for pots and letting the plants themselves enjoy the limelight is a definite trend to watch. That doesn’t mean the containers aren’t an important part of the package, but you’re looking for clean, crisp lines and natural shades. The plant is the focal point, but the container is nonetheless the frame in which it is displayed.

Harmony is the key. Both the container and the plant work together towards the overall effect, and neither upstages the other.

Gardening with Sculptural Plants

While just about anyone can enjoy a potted Begonia or Chrysanthemum, longer-lasting foliage plants with sculpted growth habits are far more in the vogue. Sure, your granny (and secretly, you) love the flowers, but the durability of sculptural foliage plants mean that they’re a once-off purchase. As for their growth habits, they make a perennial statement. Ornamental grasses, grass-like plants,  palms, and succulents with bold, strappy foliage are super-popular in interior design.

Once again, the container serves as a frame rather than a feature in itself. Choose pots whose form will compliment the shape of the plants – and in this instance, you’re looking for snappy lines and angles rather than the more traditional, rounded pot shapes.

Vertical Gardens

If growing plants is something you can’t resist no matter how small your space is, vertical gardens let you pack in a lot of material in the space a feature painting would take up. But, a word of warning: while a vertical garden in its prime is a thing of beauty, it has in-between stages that are far from attractive. That’s especially true if you’re using a vertical module for growing veg. After all, there’s a gap between sown seeds and a cascading bounty of produce.

Consider using flat-growing perennial groundcovers with a cascading growth habit as a basis for a vertical garden. You can fit in your veg and herbs as fillers, limiting the visual impact of refreshing your food plants with new seedlings.

We Love Plants, But Containers are the Prime Investment

Plants in the home or office are a joy, but from a design perspective, choosing the right containers is the key to success. Simply put, if your plants don’t hide the containers, the container, rather than the plant, will be the make-or-break design consideration. Even the look of the most stunning plants will be spoiled by bad container choices – and the container is the longer-term investment. Choose carefully, and enjoy years of indoor gardening pleasure – even when you find yourself having to rethink  the plants themselves.

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Farmhouse, HOLIDAYS, HOME DECOR, SHOPPING FINDS

Neutral Fall Decor Favorites from Amazon

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Neutral fall decor is my favorite look for the season. I know that we are very used to seeing those vibrant orange, red and yellow tones or even rich eggplant and burgundy for the fall season – but if you know anything about my personal taste, neutrals are my style!

What I love about neutral fall decor – is it is so simple to add to your existing palette because very simply – it’s neutral! The fall season is so full of amazing natural textures so by decorating with neutral tones you can really celebrate and embrace gorgeous textures straight from nature (like wood, botanicals and stone).

Neutral Fall Decor Inspo…

Let me share with you some inspiring neutral fall decor home decor images. I always like to seek out new ways to add touches of the season to my own space.

Adding just a touch of a fall hue is a nod to the season but isn’t overwhelming with rich colours. I like to add pumpkins in my kitchen, entry, family room and if I’m entertaining the dining room. I love heirloom pumpkins because their tones are muted and balance well with other soft neutral tones.

I love to play with texture in general but there is something about mixing texture when it comes to decorating for the fall season. Mixing wool with leather (or faux leather), linen and adding those natural elements like (faux) pampas grass or (faux) cotton stems. It adds an immediate feeling of comfort and makes the space feel cozy and welcoming. Again not everything needs to be orange and rusty red just a few pops of those tones will do – or opt for a completely neutral theme.

My top 13 Neutral Fall home decor favorites…

So now that you see why I love neutral fall decor – I have done some of the legwork for you by sourcing out some great pieces available on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases which go towards supporting content on this blog.

Shop…

  1. Warm Cozy candle
  2. Wood dough bowl
  3. Rustic farmhouse 3 tier tray
  4. Ivory cable knit pillow
  5. Farmhouse wood bead garland
  6. Grey-white check blanket
  7. Glass jug
  8. Fall wreath
  9. 3 small faux plants
  10. White faux pumpkin
  11. Rustic lantern
  12. Whitewash seagrass tray
  13. Hello Fall candle

What is your fall decor style? Neutrals? Classics like red and orange tones? Or, rich wine tones?

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home renovation

7 Common Signs of a Sewerage Problem

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Backed up sewerage lines can cause thousands of dollars of damage before you even know you have a big problem on your hands. Aging private and municipal sewerage lines are prone to damage. We will outline some of the tell-tale signs that you have a sewerage problem below and hopefully save you time and money in the process. If common fixes do not help solve your problem, then it is more than likely that you have a much more serious problem that cannot be fixed without professional help.

Blockages and Back Ups

It is pretty safe to say the lowest drain will usually be the one to give you problems. If your problem is isolated to that drain, then the fix is a lot simpler and often is just a case of unblocking that specific pipe. If the back up or blockage affects all your plumbing, then it is more than likely a problem with your main sewerage line. If you are experiencing problems even with regular drain cleaning the there is possibly underlying issues like tree root intrusion or cracked pipes that are letting soil in. This kind of problem requires closer inspection by professionals, there are just some plumbing jobs that you should not try yourself.

Strong Odour

You should almost never be able to smell sewerage in your house or in your yard. The sewer lines should be airtight so if there is a smell it is safe to say there is a problem.

Extra Green Grass

Leaking sewerage will act as a fertilizer to plants and vegetation so if yours are looking a little too healthy for no reason then it could be that they are getting a nutrient boost courtesy of your faulty sewer line.

Unexplained Indentations

Cracked or badly broken sewer lines lead to consistently saturated ground which creates soil erosion over time which can cause a collapse of concrete pavers or an indentation in your lawn. A licensed plumber for sewer line repair in Peabody, MA can detect your specific problem and repair it or suggest a complete sewer line replacement.

Cracked Foundations

Prolonged and untreated leaks may cause a void to develop under the foundation of your home. This void causes settlement and could result in needing to call in a foundation repair specialist as soon as possible to prevent further damage and possible sinkholes.

Pest Prevalence

If you have noticed a sudden increase in the amount of vermin and critters crawling around, this is often a tell-tale sign of sewer problems. Whilst these pests are normally contained to sewers, when there is a crack in the pipes rats and cockroaches can squeeze through even the tiniest of gaps and take up residence in your home. These pests are disease-ridden and are not safe to have around children or pets.

Mold or Mildew

Damaged main line inside your home’s walls can be catastrophic to your way of living. A simple crack in the sewer line is enough to let water leak into your home and cause mold growth overtime which can be an incredible danger to your health and the health of your loved ones.The most important thing to take away from this light read is to not take shortcuts when it comes to sewerage problems, this will often end up costing you so much more in the long term.

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BEDROOMS

Pros and Cons of Sleeping on a Mattress With no Bed Frame

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Consumers examine more ways to get the most out of the bed, mattress, and their bedroom. If the bedroom is more quaint, the homeowner won’t be able to fit a large bed frame in the room. An alternative to using a bed frame is to just place the mattress on the floor. It will free up space and make it easier to get a larger mattress in the living space. However, if space isn’t a consideration, is it a great idea to place the mattress on the floor? Reading the 4 pros and cons of sleeping on a mattress without a bed frame helps homeowners weigh their options.

What are the Pros?

1. Preventing An Unnatural Curve in the Spine While Sleeping

Some bed frames can create an unnatural curve in the spine while the individual is sleeping. This is because the bed frame doesn’t support the mattress properly. It can lead to sinking into the mattress and increase potential discomfort. Sleeping on mattresses on the floor gives consumers a more aligned spine.

2. Increased Blood Circulation

Putting the mattress on the floor could increase blood circulation and improve heart function. If the body isn’t supported properly, it can lead to pressure in the legs that prevents blood from circulating properly. This could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Placing the mattress on the floor might improve circulation and heart function.

3. Reduced Back Pain

Sleeping on a mattress on the floor could help some consumers with back pain and discomfort. With the popularity of platform beds, more consumers are placing memory foam mattresses on the platforms instead of box springs. This prevents them from getting enough support for their backs. Placing the mattress on the floor gives them the full benefits of their mattress and better back support.

4. It’s Cooler if You are Closer to the Floor

You will stay cooler sleeping on the floor. This factor is pretty basic since everyone knows that heat rises. If the bed is up higher then, the sleeper increases their chances of staying hot all night. Sleeping on the mattress on the floor can provide a cooler night’s rest.

What are the Cons?

1. You are More Likely to Breathe in Dust Particles

Dust particles become trapped in the flooring even if the homeowner vacuums or sweeps frequently. If they sleep on the floor, they are closer to dust and allergens that are in the flooring. This could increase the risk of allergic reactions and respiratory illnesses.

2. There Isn’t Adequate Airflow Through the Mattress

Improper airflow through the mattress is not possible if the mattress is lying on the floor. The bottom of the mattress will not air out, and sweat from the sleeper could become trapped in the fibers.

3. Mold Could Develop in the Mattress

Mold could develop in the mattress because of improper airflow. New mattress designs allow sweat to flow into interior fibers and dissipate through the side of the mattress. If the mattress is on the floor the sweat and condensation has nowhere to go but inside the mattress.

4. You Could Get Bed Bugs in Your Mattress

Placing the mattress on the floor could lead to bed bug infestations. Bed bugs hide in darkened areas where dust accumulates. If the mattress is on the floor, it is in the most optimal place for bed bugs to get into it and infest the bed.Consumers could get great benefits by placing their mattress on the floor. They could increase blood circulation, sleep cooler, and avoid back pain. However, it could also place them closer to pests and dust. Reviewing all the pros and cons of sleeping on a mattress on the floor shows homeowners what option is best for them.

SHOP BEDROOM….

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LIGHTING

Proper Lighting for Every Room in Your Home

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Whether you want to improve the lighting in your bedroom or are planning to renovate your entire home, plan for the setup of lights in different rooms. Each room in your house has a different function; therefore, they will need a more specific type of lighting.

To ensure maximum lighting, consult with your home lighting electrician and keep the following room-by-room lighting suggestions in mind.


Living Room/Family Room Lighting


Laying lights is an important concept when planning the lighting for your living room, which is an area of the house where most people gather and spend a long stretch of time together. The activities in living rooms include conversations, reading, watching TV, and other family activities. Install lights that bounce off the ceiling for ambient illumination. This type of lighting creates a strong sense of brightness in the room, as well as avoids the downward direction of recessed lights or shadows. Bouncing lights off the ceiling also suits the human tendency to see vertical planes versus looking at your feet.

Achieve this set-up by integrating valance or cove lighting into a room’s interior. If you have an entertainment unit or bookcase that doesn’t go all the way to the ceiling, add a linear fluorescent or a piece of millwork behind.

Kitchen Lighting

This room’s focus on food preparation and cleanup requires careful consideration of ambient lighting. One of the main reasons sinks are located near the window is to take advantage of natural lighting. Augment the natural light with a recessed fixture or a ceiling-mounted one above the sink. Lights under the cabinet can also illuminate the countertop without relying on an overhead light.

Another basic lighting plan is to have a ceiling-mounted fixture provide ambient light with soffit lighting shedding light above the sink.

Bedroom Lighting

The bedroom needs lighting that promotes comfort and relaxation. Overhead lighting well-diffused by the frosted glass or other material creates a cozy ambiance minus the glare. If you want variety, you can also invest in architectural light or sconces flanking a wall mirror.  

Bedside lamps with warm bulbs are essentials. This enables you to turn off your lights without leaving the comfort of your bed.

Bathroom lighting

Halogen bulbs are the standard for bathroom lighting but compact fluorescent bulbs also help. You can also use recessed downlights or decorative lights for areas in the bathroom over a hundred square feet.

Complement this design by adding close-to-ceiling fixtures that can supplement wall brackets in larger bathrooms.

Mount one lighting fixture over the bathroom’s mirror to light up space but it can cause shadows on your voice. Avoid creating shadows by not mounting them directly over the mirror. If you’re using exposed lamps, avoid using higher wattage. Avoid going beyond 40 watts. Go for lights that provide crisp lighting to render your skin tone accurately.

In the shower, you can use ceiling mounted plastic units or recessed lights. Angle the lights to make sure your fixtures will sparkle.

The right lighting sets the right mood for the right room. Work with your electrician to determine which lighting option or plan is the best for your room.

SHOP LIGHTING….

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

5 Investments To Increase Your Home’s Value

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The right investments are key to improving your home’s value. If you are considering selling your home like millions of Americans do each and every year, you likely want to get the most money possible for it. However, if you simply attach a high asking price for the home without warrant, you will struggle to sell. The home will likely sit on the market far longer than the average amount of time and you will see few interested buyers.

In order to get more money for your home, you need to improve it. There are several renovations and other changes that you can do to take your home to the next level. But which of these are truly worth the investment of both time and money?  With that in mind, this guide is going to look at a few investments that can help to increase the value of your home.

Add a Security System

When people are buying a home, they want a place that they can feel safe and comfortable in. As a result, adding a security system to your home is a worthy investment that can help make your home more valuable. These systems secure the home and everything inside of it. Some include cameras and most can instantly contact the authorities once set off. These systems aim to prevent burglaries and other types of crime, and also minimize the damages if they do occur.

Many security systems also have smart home capabilities. They can control things like the lights and temperature throughout your home. Of course, be sure to know how the system works so you can use it yourself and tell interested buyers about it and the many benefits it has. The internet is full of resources to help, such as this informative article that explains all you need to know about alarm codes for these systems.

Boost The Energy Efficiency of the Home

Another way to make your home more valuable is to make it more energy efficient. Not only does making your home more efficient save the planet and appeal to the millennial audience, but a more efficient home can also be more affordable in terms of monthly utilities.

There are a few different things you can do to boost the energy efficiency of your home. This includes using LED light bulbs, getting new and efficient appliances, reducing your usage, and upgrading your windows. Sure, there are some costs associated with making the switch, but these will often pay for themselves quicker than you think.

Give the Bathroom a Small Makeover

The bathroom is without a doubt one of the most used rooms in most homes. Whether we are showering, getting ready or doing a range of other things, the bathroom is a place we will visit more than a couple times a day. As a result, updating it can increase the value of your home and make it more desirable.

While some people will go out and spend a fortune upgrading every single part of their bathroom, this often isn’t needed. A few small changes such as new floor tile, a new light fixture and a new vanity top can often be enough to give the room a whole new look. Going with fairly neutral colors is often a good idea, as people can add their own touches with things like art and the shower curtain they choose.

Redesign the Kitchen

Another room that sees a lot of traffic on any given day is the kitchen. Not only is it the place where we eat and prepare food, but the kitchen is often a place of gathering, where families spend time together. Many call it the heart of a home, and we would have to agree. In many cases, kitchen redesigns or renovations are quite expensive.

A lot can be changed, and the bill can be run up quickly. Thankfully, an updated kitchen can dramatically increase the value of your home, so the higher costs of this renovation compared to other rooms can often be worth it. However, there are still ways to save. These range from handling the demolition yourself, to using recycled materials, to shopping around for the right contractor.

Don’t Forget About the Yard

While focusing on the inside of the home is a good idea, it is important not to disregard the outside. Many home buyers love outdoor space and a nice yard can often be enough to convince people to buy your home. Not only that, many people are willing to pay more for a home with a well-kept and landscaped yard.

This is especially true in warmer areas of the country, where the outdoor space can be enjoyed all year round. There are many ways to easily and relatively affordably upgrade your yard to boost the value of your home. This could be adding a deck, ensuring your fences are in good shape, adding a garden, and keeping the grass and foliage in check.

In conclusion, any of the investments mentioned can have a positive impact on the value of your home. This will help you fetch the most money possible when it eventually becomes time to sell.

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