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HOME DECOR, HOME ENTERTAINING

8 Fun and Fresh Home Theater Room Ideas

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Are you getting ready to add a home theater to your abode? Do you want it to be unique and memorable? Are you looking for some popcorn-popping home theater room ideas?

A home theater can give you the same experience as a real movie theater without having to get out of your pajamas. You’ll have front row tickets and no one loud blowing their nose in front of you.

Here are some of our favorite home theater room design tips.

1. Sports Palace

Sports fans will go crazy for a team-themed theater room. Consider hanging your favorite pendants, photos, and framed jerseys while you enjoy the ultimate sporting experience.

Home theater chairs are usually movie recliner chairs that are placed together and have armrests in between. These are a great place to hold your favorite brew while you sit back and watch the game. 

Some sports fans get extra-creative with murals or baseball-diamond carpets. Add a mini-bar and you’ll have the ultimate relaxing and viewing experience.

2. Pool House Palace

Is your pool house not getting used? Consider turning it into a theater party all of your guests can enjoy while the lights twinkle off your pool.

Pool House Designs don’t need to be fancy. Place your large screen on a wall opposite two daybeds or futons. Throw up a few framed posters of your favorite screen icons, and you’ve got the perfect place to watch the magic happen.

Your pool house may already come equipped with a bar or bathroom, so making it a great place to host your friends for a great casual get-together won’t be hard to do.

3. She-Shed Show

Accessory dwelling units are a great place to house your entertainment experience. You can find movie theater seats at antique shops or online. Invest in a projector, sound system, and screen, and you’ve got an escape all of your friends will envy!

Decorate using some splashy or subtle paint color ideas and your favorite movie memorabilia. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your favorite flick away from the pressures of work and family.

4. Basement Family Room

Your basement is one of the most classic places to house an entertainment space. It’s also possible to create a theater in a small basement as long as your screen isn’t too big. 

You’ll want your movie room to be as shielded as possible from distracting noises upstairs. You can soundproof your movie section by adding a second layer of drywall, or by replacing your existing drywall with sound-reducing wallboard. 

It’s also important to know exactly where your audio-visual component rack will be. Your screen, cable box, and streaming box will all operate from the same unit. It needs to be near an electrical outlet and capable of bringing in an Internet source wire.

Your lighting system can be anything from simple track lighting to an elaborate system with dimmers and rope lights. You can add decor like red velvet walls, tiered seating, and even a popcorn maker. Before long, your basement will get transformed into a cinematic wonderland.

5. Science Fiction Fantasy

If your family’s favorite films to get lost in are all out in space, a science fiction hideaway may be the perfect place for screenings. Consider lights that dim and tiny twinkling lights embedded in ceiling tiles. The best colors for these types of rooms are grays and purples that will really enhance the spaceship experience.

6. Rustic Filming

If you have a side room or family room in a farmhouse style, these can be a great place for your home theater. Exposed beams and light woods look great when coupled with comfy leather couches and throw pillows.

A cozy farmhouse theater is a great place to invite guests to, or simply to get the whole family together for the viewing of something heartwarming.

7. Spare Bedroom

Maybe you’ve just bought your first home or you’re living in an empty nest. This could be a great place to create a movie room, although you’ll want to prepare it first.

You’ll need to insulate the room and prewire the sound. Make sure you know where your speakers are going to be so that you can run cables to them. You’ll also want to prewire your video projector and put the wiring in place for any special lighting you’ve got in mind. 

Drywall and appropriate sound barriers will need to get installed. You’ll also need to set up your video and sound systems before bringing in your theater-style seating. Decorating is completely up to you!

8. Sophisticated Theater

Maybe your movie room will be more for business than pleasure. Dark woods, recessed lighting, and leather couches welcome visitors to catch up on the news or hold video conferences.

Decor placed in more business-like theater settings is more subtle. Consider adding black-and-white photos or personal touches like horse-racing or polo memorabilia.

A minibar with leather stools makes this type of room a great place to meet with colleagues like you would in a corner office. And with so much work being remote lately, you may find it’s the perfect place to make professional connections!

Home Theater Room Ideas

Home theater room designs keep evolving as they become more and more popular in individual homes. They can reflect your favorite movies, personality quirks, or house style. With a little creativity, you can find the perfect home theater room ideas to make your entertaining space an amazing escape.

Don’t stop getting smart about home designs now. For more inspiring ideas, read our blog today.

COZY MOVIE NIGHT DECOR….

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home renovation

Top 4 Tips for Property Renovation

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Whether you’re renovating a rundown property for yourself to live, or to sell on once your project is complete, it’s essential that you do it right. If you cut corners and don’t make the home a decent place to live, you will not make as much money as you like or live comfortably if you do move into it. A renovation project of this size is a lot to take on, so you must be willing to see it through to the end and be able to afford to make the necessary changes. Here are a few tips to help you plan for this kind of project if this is something you have been considering.

Renovation Budget

You might not have spent a lot of your budget on the property itself when you purchased it, but the surveyor should have been able to give you a good estimate of what all of the work will cost before you finalised a sale. You should also prepare for hidden costs, as often these kinds of projects have unforeseen circumstances that add more to the final bill. Once you know how much you can realistically afford to spend, you can start to think about the most cost-effective materials to use that will still be good quality for the build.

Structural Work

The most important thing to get right when you’re renovating a property is the structural work. If a house has been left empty for an extended period, there is a good chance that it has sustained damage to the roof, windows, brickwork, and possibly the foundations. Again, your surveyor should have included all of this in their report, and you can use that as a reference to what needs to be done to make the property safe to live in. Make sure you’re investing in these areas, as quality structural work is vital.

Interior

Once you know the property is structurally sound, has new windows fitted, etc., you can begin to look at the interior. For things like your bathroom or kitchen, you will need to find a company that specialises in these designs and installation, like granitetransformations.co.uk. You might also want to think about hiring an interior designer if you can, as they will be able to bring your vision for the property to life.

Reliable Team

Even if you’re a builder or a DIY enthusiast, there is no way you can renovate an entire house by yourself! You will need to find a reliable team of contractors, plumbers, electricians, and so on to help you piece together your dream home. If you are planning to make some structural changes to the property, you might need the help of an architect to draw up these plans for you. Take your time to find the right people for the job, get a variety of quotes to compare, and use reviews and recommendations to help you make your decision.

Renovating a property is a big undertaking, but taking the time to plan it properly and with a strong team to work on it, all of the effort will pay off. 

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REAL ESTATE

5 Ways to Find the Ideal First Home

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Buying your first home is a daunting, and often confusing task. There is so much to know and for the inexperienced, it can seem like navigating a treacherous minefield. But fear not, we are putting together this concise guide on what to do and what to look out for. Here are our five ways to find the ideal first home.

Needs for your First Home

The first thing to know is what do you need from a home? If you have four kids and a dog, then your requirements are going to be different than if you are just a single person. Do you drive? The answer to this question may influence your choice. Does the property have adequate parking if you do? If not, what is the public transport provision like? You should be able to search for properties with minimum square footage and a number of rooms.

Location

Are you tied down to a particular area? Reasons for this may be that you have caring commitments for family, perhaps an elderly parent? You may want to be mindful of how far your commute to work is. Even if most of us are working from home these days, this trend may not last. If you are looking for homes for sale in Utah then make sure you are strict with your distances and not to leave yourself with too far of a regular trip.

Amenities

There are a lot of new housing developments popping up around the country, which is great, but the downside of this is that often the distance from local amenities can be considerable. It might not be an apparent issue, but if you wind up with a twenty-minute drive each way to get groceries it will become tiresome very quickly. It’s as easy as looking up Google maps and typing in the types of amenities you are interested in and then get directions.

Type of Property

We’ve talked about what size of the property we might be looking for, but this tells us nothing of property type. A detached house would be many people’s preferred choice, you get the most space, the fact that you are not attached to a neighbor and won’t get noise harassment or need to install soundproofing. You also have the advantage of a yard with a house; however, this does bring a degree of maintenance with it. If you go for an apartment then you will inevitably have the smaller square footage, but the cost will be lower, and the property will be easier to keep.

Work Needing Done

One aspect of buying a property that is crucial is to be aware of the condition of a property before making an offer. There is nothing inherently wrong with taking on a property that requires fixing up, but you should be going into the situation fully aware so that you do not end up overpaying. You can then factor in the cost of anything needing doing, from installing an air conditioning unit to fully rewiring the entire property.

SHOP HOME DECOR + HOME UPDATES…

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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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home renovation

Switching to solar power? Avoid these 3 mistakes

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Solar power technology has finally caught up with the promise. For decades, solar has been promoted as the future of renewable energy, but it had a lot of shortcomings that needed to be addressed before it could be adopted by the masses.

It finally has fulfilled its potential and many homeowners are jumping on board the solar wagon. However, that doesn’t mean that it is as straightforward as setting up a traditional electrical system in your home. 

To keep you from making a misstep when getting your solar power system set up, we’ve put together this list of common mistakes people make.

1 – Not understanding grid vs off grid

When you get solar, you aren’t off grid. Unless, of course, you are actually going off grid somewhere. If you will still be living in your home in a city or suburb, then you are still going to be connected to the grid. It’s actually the law in most places that you stay connected. 

There’s nothing stopping you from buying a house in the woods and setting up solar panels and battery packs and not relying on civilization at all. For the sake of this article, we will focus on when you are living in a connected house and simply want to go with renewable energy. 

You’ll actually get a better return for your investment when you go with a grid based solar system as you will be paid when you put more energy into the grid than you take out. Batteries are expensive and can make it take a long time to pay for themselves through the savings.

2 – Not understanding your energy needs

When you are in the planning stages of installing solar, finding the best electrician that understands your needs and solar power in general is essential. 

The solar panel company that you are in contact with likely has a salesman that is working with you and is eyeing his commissions while he talks you into a system. An electrician will let you know exactly what you need for the type of household you have. This way you don’t end up with too weak a system and end up relying on the grid, or too much so you overpay for a system that is more than what you need.

3 – Not shopping around for solar power options

A lot of times, when somebody decides to go solar they end up with the first company that they talk to. It isn’t like your regular energy company in that you don’t have much choice. 

So, make sure to talk to several companies to zero in on the right deal and the one that will be with you throughout your time with their panels. Customer service is very important when it comes to installing solar. If you struggle to get answers then it is time to move on. 
And be careful when it comes to being sent off to third party suppliers. Some people can save money when this is an option, but many more end up paying more and you can’t use net metering which is when you are paid for generating excess electricity for the grid.

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DIY, FAMILY

DIY Projects to Do at Home With Your Kids

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With the summer months approaching, you may be panicking when you think of things to do to keep your children occupied while on summer vacation or on the weekends. You may not know how you are going to keep them busy and out of trouble while also doing the things around the house that you need to. But what if there was a way to keep them occupied while also allowing you to do the DIY projects you have been meaning to get to?

This post will detail 4 fun DIY projects that you and your kids can do together this summer; not only will your children be occupied, but they will also be helping you make the small home renovations you have been wanting. 

What Are Some DIY Projects to Do With the Whole Family?

DIY projects are great for a number of different reasons. Not only will you be able to create the exact project you have had in mind, but you will also save money and be entertained while doing so. With that being said, DIY projects that include the whole family takes those benefits one step further. Here are 4 DIY projects that will keep the whole family engaged this summer. 

  1. Repurpose Old Furniture

Getting new furniture is costly, especially if you have little ones. But what happens when you desperately need a new coffee table or outdoor sofa? A great DIY solution is to repurpose old furniture. If you have old furniture, consider making it a family affair and redoing it somehow. Consider repainting it, refinishing it, or even reconstructing it for parts. 

This DIY project will save you money and can be done as a family. If you don’t have any furniture that you want to repurpose, consider buying secondhand furniture either online or at a secondhand shop. 

  1. Make Your Own Wall Decor

This is a great way to get the family involved and create meaningful wall decor. Some DIY wall decoration ideas include:

  • A gallery wall; hang your children’s artwork and family photos to cover an entire wall
  • Custom made/painted wooden signs
  • Paint murals as a family to hang on your wall
  • Homemade dream catchers
  • Make your own stained glass pieces
  1. Get Creative With Storage

Storage is something we all need more of, especially if you’re a parent. Creating storage can be a hassle and extremely time-consuming, however, consider turning it into a DIY project with your children. To start creating storage units with your kids, start in their spaces, either their rooms or playroom, as they will get excited and express interest in this DIY project. 

Some other creative DIY storage projects to consider include:

  • Mason jar brush holders
  • Hanging wicker baskets
  • Hang craft boxes
  • Turn apple crates into shelving
  • Repurposed dresser drawers as shelving 
  1. Create a Gorgeous Garden 

When people think of DIY projects, they often think of projects that have to do with crafts or building something, they don’t typically think of outdoor projects or gardening. However, gardening is in fact a great DIY project to do with the family as you can build the gorgeous garden of your dreams. 

A roofing contractor in Voorhees pointed out that gardens can add to the exterior aesthetic of your home so turning it into a DIY project to do with your family can be worth your while. Consider planting flowers, shrubs, or even fruits and veggies with your kids. To make this DIY project one step further, have your children paint pots to plant things in or create garden decorations as a family. 

Start Your Project Today

Instead of worrying about what you are going to do to entertain your children this summer, look into other fun and exciting DIY projects that you can do with them. Be proactive and try to get the supplies ahead of time so that your DIY project runs as smoothly as possible. 

About the Author

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast and avid beach-goer operating out of Southern New Jersey

KEEP THE KIDS BUSY….

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BATHROOMS, home renovation

7 Reasons to Renovate your Bathroom

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People spend a lot of time in the bathroom – bathing, getting ready for the day or for bedtime, and meeting personal needs. So, this room should be a pleasant place to spend time in, it should be convenient, and it should offer privacy. If a person likes to soak in a tub, the bathroom should have a soaking tub. If a family member likes to take showers, there should be a nice shower. Homeowners are no longer settling for a small crowded bathroom that is inconvenient to use. They want more.

Is It Time to Renovate The Bathroom?

Because a bathroom renovation requires planning, effort, time, and financial outlay, it is a project that homeowners are reluctant to take on. But, home bathroom renovations are a good investment if they are done correctly. Homeowners may renovate their bathrooms for seven or more reasons. The bathroom that the buyer walked through when purchasing a home might have seemed OK, but after living in the home for some time, that same bathroom might not be adequately meeting the family’s needs.

Bathroom Renovations Can be Costly

The family may be interested in adding Cast Iron Bathtubs and other popular features. But, is it time to renovate? A serious bathroom renovation can cost from $12,000 to as much as $90,000. Some families do a lot of the work themselves to save money and some bathrooms get low-cost renovations such as a new bathtub or a simple paint job. This renovation project requires some licensed, professional help including electricians, plumbers, building contractors, and ceramic tile or natural stone installers.

Seven Common Reasons to Renovate Bathrooms

In addition to just hating everything about the family bathroom, there are practical reasons for taking on this renovation project. The reasons families renovate bathrooms include:

1. Make the bathroom function better with a better layout and more storage. Get rid of leaking toilets and faucets. Install a water-saving showerhead that functions better and makes showering more enjoyable. Add lighting above the vanities and other dark corners of the bathroom. Add a double vanity where there was only one sink. Add towel bars so everyone has adequate space for their towels.

2. Solve ongoing plumbing issues in an outdated bathroom by renovating the bathroom. Plumbing and electrical issues can be addressed during a renovation when licensed professionals are employed. Problems with drainage and water pressure are often caused by plumbing mistakes or old plumbing that needs modernizing.

3. Add value to the home with a bathroom renovation that meets modern bathroom standards for home buyers. The homeowner will spend anywhere from a few thousand to as much as $90,000 on a bathroom renovation so it should increase the value of the home and make it easier to sell the house when the time comes. A good bathroom renovation can have as much as a 50% return on investment for the homeowner.

The most important improvements to add value include updating worn-out items, getting new modern bathroom fixtures, and making the bathroom more functional. Take the time to visit home improvement centers with model bathrooms to learn what colors and finishes are popular now.

4. Improve the energy efficiency of the bathroom with new low flush toilets and water-saving shower units. Every aspect of an old, outdated bathroom can be wasting either water or electricity. New heating and lighting fixtures can save energy and improve bathroom comfort. Water is costing more and more, so using water-saving toilets and faucets is important.

5. Add a whole new bathroom where one is most needed. If the family home has only one bathroom to serve both parents and children, a new bathroom might be considered a necessity. Finding the budget and space to add a new bathroom could be a challenge. A master bathroom added adjoining the master bedroom would be a good investment. If the bedroom is large or has a guest bedroom next-door, space could be taken from both areas to add a master bathroom. Adding a whole new bathroom will require the services of a building contractor specializing in bathroom renovations.

This is because the new bathroom must be hooked up to the home’s existing electrical and plumbing systems. This requirement will limit where the bathroom can be located and may affect the size of the finished bathroom.

6. A renovated bathroom can better meet the family member’s needs including more storage. Even with a small renovation budget, homeowners can get the best return for their investment by concentrating on projects such as replacing the bathroom vanity, sinks, faucets, and countertop. Natural stone countertops are a good investment and are durable and easy to clean.

The bathroom flooring can be replaced with ceramic tile, good-quality vinyl, or natural stone tiles to be waterproof and durable while looking stylish. The new floor can also have radiant heating under it for added comfort in cold climates.

The tub and shower features can be combined or separate depending on the size of the bathroom and the budget. Especially in master bathrooms, a walk-in shower is a good investment. The tub should be a nice deep soaker tub if there is space for one.

7. Add beauty and style to the bathroom with a facelift that meets modern design and decor standards. Don’t use colors and decor items that will soon go out of style. Instead, go for a more timeless style and color scheme that will be enjoyable to live with for years to come. Add spots of bright color with towels and shower curtains that can be changed at will.

Keeping Costs Down

A homeowner can keep costs down by shopping for materials carefully and taking advantage of sales and closeout pricing. If the budget is limited, go for standard shower features and skip the heated floor feature. Go for quality, energy-efficient products with a timeless look. Don’t buy cheap products, take the time to find good-quality products at sale or clearance prices.

The effort and money invested in a renovated or new bathroom will pay for itself every day the family uses the room in its new, improved form.

SHOP BATHROOM ACCESSORIES….

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REAL ESTATE

10 Signs Your Foundation Is in Need of Repairs

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Residential property owners must follow the necessary steps to prevent foundation damage. Gutters are installed underneath the edges of the roofing to allow rainwater to flow away from the property. The installations lower the risk of foundation flooding. However, gutters aren’t the only fixture that protects the property or affects the foundation. Property owners read through the 10 signs your foundation is in need of repairs and decide if the signs are present in their home.

1. Cracks or Damage in Sheetrock

Cracks and sheetrock damage are clear signs that the foundation is damaged, and moisture from the lower levels of the property have reached the walls. Unfortunately, moisture is a leading cause of mold and mildew that increase respiratory diseases for the homeowner. Property owners hire contractors to investigate the sheetrock damage and find out if there is mold and where it has spread.

If mold is found, the homeowner faces the expense of mold remediation and restoration services. An insurance claim might help the homeowner get the coverage they need to pay for the foundation repairs and mold remediation. Unfortunately, homeowner’s insurance providers aren’t cooperative always when it comes to existing mold. Some policies restrict coverage according to how long the mold and property damage have been present. Property owners must stay on task and discuss issues with their repair service before major catastrophes occur.

2. Cracks in Exterior Walls

Flooding around the foundation is a leading cause for damage in upper levels of the property including the exterior walls. Siding that is disconnected and falling off the outside of the home is a sign that serious damage has traveled upward, and too much moisture is a real problem for the homeowner. The exterior walls are often rotten, too.

If wood rot is present, larger sections of the exterior walls require repairs and could present a more complex repair project for the property owner. Underlying wood rot spreads to surrounding materials, such as the framing. The contractor might have to remove the entire section of the exterior wall to restore the property and prevent the depreciation of its value.

Contractors must remove the siding in the damaged area to find out if more issues are present. Under the circumstances, the homeowner sees large cracks in the exterior walls and bricks that are sticking out from the exterior walls if they have a brick home. Homeowners who find the signs schedule foundation repairs for preventing additional damage to their homes.

3. Obvious Signs of Uneven Floors

Uneven floors are an obvious sign of foundation damage. The floors are starting to give and present a hazard to the homeowner, their family, and anyone who enters their property. Homeowners notice the difference in the floors when spills seem to flow in a downward or opposite direction instead of puddling in one spot of the floor. It could mean that the support is sagging nearby causing an incline in the property, too.

Tripping hazards occur due to uneven flooring, and homeowners are at a greater risk of facing liabilities, such as premises liability or accident claims. Homeowners who entertain guests more frequently increase their risks if they don’t get the flooring repair quickly. An inspection of the foundation helps owners prevent more risks, and they can replace their flooring after the foundation is fixed to prevent new sections of the flooring from becoming damaged.

4. Separation Around Windows and Doors

Separation around windows and doors is caused by foundation damage, too. Homeowners notice that there is a space between the window casing or the door framing when the issue arises. The space offers an entry point for pests and could lead to a serious infestation. If the separation continues without action, the security of the home becomes a major concern, too.

Window and door separation causes irregularities, such as doors failing to close properly and warping window casings. It increases the odds of breaking window glass and potential safety risks for the owner and their family. Cracks in the windows are often visible when separation occurs.

Exterior temperatures enter the property causing the thermostat to detect inaccurate temperatures and engage the heating or cooling system. Property owners see rising energy costs and consumption due to heat transfer and loss. The exterior air comes in through cracks in the walls, too.

5. Signs of Weakened Floors

Bouncy floors are a sign of serious damage that leads to the floor caving in and causing personal injuries. It means the flooring has been compromised and has weakened. It won’t provide adequate support for the homeowner or their family. Property owners who notice a bounce in their step when walking across their floors need to take immediate action and replace their flooring. Foundation damage is often the cause of flooring damage due to moisture and dampness.

Homeowners should take note of all sections of the flooring where it is bouncy and tell their repair service provider. They should move around their furniture and find out if there are weakened flooring sections underneath heavier than average furnishings, too. If the flooring is weak underneath the couch or an entertainment center, the furnishings could cave through the floor without warning.

6. Cracks in Tiling

Tiling lifts from the flooring when moisture is present in lower levels of the property. Homeowners notice chips and sudden breaks in their tile floors when moisture builds underneath each section. The tiles disconnect from the subflooring when the wood is rotten or damaged. Homeowners must replace the entire subflooring along with the tiles under the circumstances.

Ceramic tile starts to chip and break as it is lifted off the flooring. It can chip and break into powder presenting a financial loss to the property owner. Acting quickly could present the owner from facing the expense of replacing each individual tile.

7. Nails Popping Out of Drywall Consistently

Nails popping out of drywall consistently are a sign of wet sheetrock. Moisture has built up behind the walls and is causing the drywall to stay damp, and it is no longer supporting the nails. Nails won’t stay anchored into the sheetrock if it is wet, and some might fall out of the sheetrock entirely. Homeowners need a complete inspection of the affected wall to determine if the framing and all the drywall is wet.

The cost of moisture removal is high, too. Service providers use dehumidifiers whenever possible to draw the moisture out of the walls and prevent more damage. Sections of drywall are often replaced due to moisture.

8. Expansion Joint Separation

Contractors install expansion joints to prevent structural instabilities due to land shifts, increasing humidity levels, and consistent changes in the temperature. Foundation damage causes structural instability and the expansion joint isn’t able to compensate for the sudden change. The joint fails, and the portion of the property where the joint was installed begins to crack. Sudden cracks could lead to complete separation of the walls leading to framing and roofing instability causing the entire property to become structurally unsound.

9. Signs of Rotten Wood

Foundation damage causes moisture to spread throughout the property. Most residential properties have wooden supports and framing. Wood rot is a serious risk to the property and could create a total loss for the owner.

Wood rot could also present a food source for termites and cause a major termite infestation underneath the home. Termites are a major risk to residential properties. The insects destroy wooden framing and support, and the termites could multiple and build colonies quickly with a dedicated food source nearby.

Under the circumstances, the owner will have to spend more money exterminating the termites and cutting the colonies off from food sources. The services are necessary before the homeowner starts any repairs. After the insects are gone, the property owner faces the expense of replacing all wood that rotted due to the foundation damage.

10. Signs of Wall Separation

Wall separation is the greatest risk to a residential property and is caused by foundation issues. If the homeowner notices wall separation, major construction and repair services are needed to correct the damage. It means the walls are rotten, the framing is damaged, and the sheetrock inside the home must be replaced.

It also presents the possibility of electrical issues if an outlet was installed within the section of the wall. In addition to tracing the cause of the wall separation, the homeowner must make sure that the electrical connections weren’t disturbed. Frayed wiring could cause an electrical fire and the total destruction of the property.

The foundation of the home is a vital part of the overall home design. It keeps the property structurally sound and stable. If the foundation cracks the property shifts and presents a major risk to the owners as well as a potential financial loss. Knowing the signs of foundation damage helps property owners lower the changes of surrounding damage, such as rotten wood, broken support beams, and flooring instability. Acting quickly and scheduling repairs protects the home and restores property values.


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HOME DECOR, REAL ESTATE

Garage Makeover: How to Transform Your Garage

garage-makeover-how-to-transform-your-garage

Often an afterthought, the garage is usually wasted space in a home. Instead of putting an addition on your home, consider transforming your garage into a usable space.

If your garage is simply a place to put all your stuff that doesn’t fit anywhere else or is just the area for extra freezer space, then you are missing out on a prime opportunity.

Instead, create a space that will add life to it and take some pressure off of other areas of your home.

In this article, I will go over some ideas on how to make better use of your garage space.

Photo credit: hgtv.com

Start with upgrading the space

Before you can plan on what to do with the room, give it a good clean up and upgrade some of the fixtures. 

You should start with a quiet garage door opener from soundproofpanda.com/ to figure out which one is best for your garage. There is nothing that kills a vibe than a loud door opening. If you’re lucky you may even find a garage door that matches your front door.

Then clear out your space and see what you are working with. You may want to swap out some windows and see if the floor needs some TLC.

Make it a play space

When your family starts growing you need way more space. Often, the first thought is to make an addition. If it is not in your budget, try transforming your garage into a play area for your kids.

Because of the uniqueness of the space, you can really get creative. Even adding a swing is a possibility in a garage that you couldn’t do in a spare bedroom. Sandboxes, sensory tables, things like that are all possible now.

Home office

If you work from home, then you can add a few steps onto your commute by making your office in the garage. 

You can take over the entire garage or use just a corner depending on your needs. That opens up the area for other uses so you can really maximize the space.

The office can be as elegant or barebones as you like, but make sure you take the time to plan out the space. You need it to work best for your needs so you actually get use out of it. 


Photo credit: decoist.com

Home gym

Forget about spending tons of money on a gym membership that is also hard to cancel. You can set up your garage with everything you need for your own personal workout space. 

The best part is that you don’t have to deal with anybody else’s sweat on your machines! 

You have all that space at your disposal. Use the walls for full size mirrors so you can watch your workout technique. The floor can be softened with mats or left as is. 

Spare bedroom

If the walls are insulated, then you can even use it as a spare room for guests. If you live in a touristy area, then renting it out on Airbnb will help you pay your mortgage!


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attitude, CLEANING

How to smudge your home

how-to-smudge-your-home

Have you heard of ‘smudging’?

I started smudging my home about 3 years ago – my husband thought that I was a bit crazy but after the first time I smudged our home he noticed a difference too!

Smudging is a common practice in feng shui and many Native Americans as well. You will also hear followers of alternative healing mention speak of this practice, too! In short, it involves burning certain herbs (I will explain more about the types of herbs , keep reading). The smoke from burning these herbs will fill the air and it helps to clear out negative energy. Don’t be intimated by the practice – it’s quite simple!

The benefits of smudging

I try to smudge my home once a month but we are a busy family and if I’m being totally honest it doesn’t happen every month. One routine I do try to stick to with this practice is – to smudge after having guests over. Why? People carry energy with them and you never know what energy they are surrounded by….so we like to clear it all out!

Photo credit: Apartment Therapy

  1. Clears out negative energy.
  2. Improves mental focus
  3. Clears the air from pollutants
  4. Relaxing effects
  5. Increased energy
  6. Improved sleep

Everytime I smudge my home we all notice a big difference. Everything in the house feels lighter. If you want to read more about the practice and it’s benefits – I found this article to be very useful – 8 Reasons You Should Try Smudging

How to smudge and what you need

There are different herbs that can be used to smudge and they all deal with different aspects that affect your home’s energy in a negative way.

Cedar is said to be calming, purifying, comforting and protect.

Juniper is clarifying, cleansing, helps with focus and centering.

Pine is for renewal, strengthening and cleansing.

Sweetgrass is for healing, purification and encourages positive energy.

Sage is for clearing negative energy and encouraging balance.

Personally I use White sage most of the time. If you are wondering about the smell when you cleanse your home with buring white sage – I don’t mind it (it smells a bit spicy, like Christmas spices).

Photo credit: Cedar Lake

You will need a bundle of dried herbs also known as a ‘smudging stick’. You will also need matches, a candle and a fireproof bowl (if you look online you will see a lot of sheels being used but any fireproof bowl is fine). Some sand – you will spave it in the fire proof bowl (I don’t always use sand, to be honest). You might also see feathers used in smudging. You don’t have to use one (I don’t) if you carry the smoking herb bundle (aka smudge stick) around the home with the fireproof bowls in the other hand (to catch any falling embers that’s just fine). I also keep my windows open while I smudge the house – this allows the negative energy to be released from the home. I’m not sure if this is how everyone practices but this is how I was taught.

So how do you smudge your home?

Start by getting out all of the supplies you need.

Next light your candle with a match – you will use the candle to light the smudge stick. It’s not a torch you want it smoldering. So once lit wave it around. Be sure to have the fireproof bowl under the smoldering smudging stick – for safety reasons and for catching embers that may fall off.

I circulate around my home – smudging room by room and waving the smudge stick around (some use a feather to circulate the smoke but I like to keep it simple). Be sure to focus on corners – it is believed that negative energy ‘sticks’ in the corners of a room. Pay attention to all rooms not just the main or mostly used rooms – laundry rooms, closets and even the garage can have stagnant energy.

So now that you have circulated around the entire home – you need to conclude the session. You will put out the smoldering sage stick in the sand in the fireproof bowl. You can keep the candle burning (I ujsually do for anothwr 30 mins or so). When it comes to smudging be sure to set aside enough time – this process shouldn’t be rushed (15-20 minutes is usually enough time – the time depends on the size of your home).

Shop – Home Smudging

Smudging Kit

Pack of 3 Smudging sticks (white sage) – this is the one that I like to use!

Smudging stick with copper bowl and sand

Smudging your home is a great way to start the new year – a clean slate, a clear energy in your home and peace of mind. I will be smudging this week and I know you will enjoy this practice too!

SHOP CRYSTALS, CARDS + SMUDGE STICKS…

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