5 mistakes to avoid when remodeling the bathroom
Home and Garden

5 mistakes to avoid when remodeling the bathroom

Remodeling projects take up a lot of time and resources, and there’s always a tight deadline to follow through with them. When it comes to bathroom renovation especially, one wants to get it done as soon as possible. The bathroom is where people spend their “self-care” time, and, hence, it’s a place that’s special for many. Here are five common mistakes that can be avoided when remodeling this room of the house. Not setting a budget Deciding on a budget for the project is one of the first things to do when starting. Renovations are very expensive, and there’s no particular limit to how much one can spend. The market has different bathroom fixtures and accessories at varying prices. So, individuals should always chart out a budget that will help keep all the expenses in check. Not planning the design Planning the bathroom’s design is another important step. The whole renovation depends on it, of course, so one should take time and plan it out thoroughly. Individuals should think about what all the people using the bathroom require. Does the bathroom need two sinks or, perhaps, a bigger bathtub? Can there be a towel and robe rack or hanging space?
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6 mistakes to avoid when buying a dream home
Home and Garden

6 mistakes to avoid when buying a dream home

Owning a house is a major life dream for many people across the world. There is a lot of thrill and joy associated with this purchase. However, buying a home is a complicated and expensive process, and the smallest of errors here could be extremely costly. To prepare better and make the process of buying a house as smooth as possible, here are six mistakes one should completely avoid. Trying to rush through the process There’s palpable excitement when it comes to buying a new home, but don’t let this be the reason behind rushing the process. Take adequate time to research the options, gather all the necessary financial documents (such as W-2 forms, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, etc.), and move at a comfortable pace. This will provide sufficient time to think about the important aspects and reduce the risk of buyer’s regret. Failing to check the credit report Always check the credit report before sending in a mortgage application. Those with a history of credit issues are more likely to be burdened with high-interest rates or even have their applications declined. Make sure to check reports from credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) and dispute any mistakes seen on them.
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4 best gutter guards for homes
Home and Garden

4 best gutter guards for homes

Gutter guards tend to be underrated in terms of their practicality and utility for homes. These guards help avoid mice and insect infestations, alleviate gutter freezing and ice dams, protect homes against fire outbreaks caused by bushfires, improve the water flow in gutters, and prevent premature rust and corrosion. There are several gutter guards one could purchase based on their specific requirements. Some of the best gutter guards for homes are: A-M aluminum gutter guard For homeowners who look specifically for gutter guards that can handle extreme downpours while keeping grime, dirt, and debris out of their gutters, this product will work just fine. This guard comes with a sleek design that blends well with the overall appearance of a house. As a result, this gutter guard is not always visible to the naked eye. Although this product is relatively easy to install DIY, hiring professionals to do the same is the wiser course of action for homeowners’ safety and perfect installation. The aluminum build of this guard helps protect it from rusting and rotting. LeafFilter gutter guard protection This gutter guard comes with a stainless-steel construction that provides great stability to the overall framework of a gutter. Additionally, its micro-mesh material enables water to pass through the screen and seep into the gutter without asphalt roof granules, leaves, pine needles, and other dust and dirt particles passing through along with it.
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6 mistakes to avoid while cleaning window blinds
Home and Garden

6 mistakes to avoid while cleaning window blinds

All kinds of fixtures, furniture, and furnishings in homes require frequent maintenance to stay clean and work as intended. One of the things that can get dirty pretty quickly is window blinds, as dust and pollen can settle on blinds. While this problem can be addressed with regular cleanup, certain errors could increase the effort and upkeep required to clean the blinds. So here are a few mistakes to avoid while cleaning window blinds: 1. Using harsh cleaning products One may try to tackle stubborn stains and dirt on the window blinds with harsh industrial-power cleaners. However, such strong cleaners may not be meant for at-home cleanup. So, using them to clean window blinds may cause discoloration or staining, whether one is cleaning fabric, aluminum, vinyl, or wood blinds. 2. Overlooking manufacturer’s instructions Manufacturers of blinds typically provide a manual that may contain maintenance instructions or cleaning guides for blinds to remove dust, dirt, and mild stains. The instructions may also mention the type of cleaning products that can be safely used on the blinds, depending on their material. One should always read these instructions before trying to clean blinds. This can help one avoid using unsuitable materials and techniques.
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5 landscape construction ideas for homeowners
Home and Garden

5 landscape construction ideas for homeowners

In the past, a well-manicured lawn in the front yard was considered the only way to enhance a home’s aesthetics. But in recent years, the trends have shifted significantly. Grass has become one of the least interesting options; instead, landscaping has become quite popular. It provides a distinct, personalized look to a home and increases its value. That’s why homeowners must pay close attention to their landscape design by considering the latest trends and ideas. Micro prairies and tapestry lawns Micro prairies and tapestry lawns are good options to consider if natural aesthetics is the priority for the yard. These are particularly suited for smaller yards since they are easier to manage in constricted spaces. Besides, such landscapes are supposed to appear wild, so it is less demanding to maintain an aesthetic design. One can construct micro prairies using native grasses, plants, flowers, and tapestry lawns. The added benefit is that these fauna will attract birds, butterflies, insects, and other wildlife native to the region. Combine sculptural plants with airy flowers When choosing plants and flowers for their landscape yard, most homeowners are often overwhelmed with the available options. In such situations, many landscaping experts suggest using a combination of sculptural specimen plants and airy perennials.
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6 benefits of installing a new exterior door
Home and Garden

6 benefits of installing a new exterior door

The front, or exterior door, is one of the most essential elements of a home. Apart from making a first impression on people who walk up the porch, the door also affects other aspects like a home’s energy efficiency, security, and comfort. An exterior door is subject to wear and tear and will eventually require attention. While it may be possible to repair the existing door, replacing it with a new exterior door can have various benefits. Enhanced home security The front door is the first line of defense against intruders. If one upgrades the exterior door, one could consider a more secure option and a better frame than their older door. The upgrade could give homeowners and other family members an enhanced sense of safety and security. One could also make other additions to improve security, such as installing new door locks, automatic lighting to ensure the front area is well-lit to detect movement, and installing security cameras. Improved appeal Since a door is the first thing people see when they walk up to a home, looking at an old, worn-out entryway may not be appealing . Installing a new exterior door could help improve the overall aesthetic of the front of the home and make guests , as well as family members , feel good about walking through the upgraded structure.
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4 benefits of home appliance warranty plans
Home and Garden

4 benefits of home appliance warranty plans

Home appliance warranty plans (or home warranty plans) are contracts between homeowners and warranty companies in which companies cover the repair or replacement of damaged home appliances. The plans typically cover major home appliances as well as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. While the coverage details differ from company to company, home appliance warranty plans are generally beneficial for homeowners. Understanding their advantages can help homeowners decide if they should get a home warranty plan. Key benefits 1. Helps save money on repairs Appliances are indispensable for households today, so when they break down, it can be a major inconvenience. The breakdown of key appliances becomes even more troublesome when one finds out how expensive their repairs can be. Also, getting a new appliance can be a hassle. With a home appliance warranty plan, however, one does not have to worry about these costs. The warranty plan covers the expenses of repairing as well as replacing the malfunctioning appliances, helping reduce the financial burden of the homeowners. 2. Offers convenience in repairs One of the biggest advantages of home appliance warranty plans is that they make the process of getting repairs done easier. Usually, when an appliance breaks down, one will have to spend some time looking for a reliable technician who can fix it.
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5 roofing mistakes to avoid
Home and Garden

5 roofing mistakes to avoid

Many homeowners opt for roofing projects to enhance the protection of their homes against natural disasters and improve the aesthetic appeal of the house. Whether one is doing it themselves or hiring a contractor, a significant amount of resources, money, and time goes into it. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the results are successful and meet one’s requirements. It is essential to be mindful of some of the common roofing mistakes. Forgetting to apply for a roofing permit Having a roofing permit is crucial because it ensures that the roofing work being carried out is safe for the house and complies with all the local building codes and regulations. In most areas, obtaining a permit is mandatory for a new roof installation. Failure to secure a permit may result in the risk of work suspension by the authorities and the imposition of heavy fines. Retaining the old shingles Some homeowners save on costs by skipping the step of removing old shingles from their roofs before installing new ones. While it may be legal in some areas to place new shingles over older ones, it is a mistake that can end up being costly. This is because installing new shingles on the old ones can create crevices and gaps where moisture and dirt can accumulate, leading to damage to the roof sooner than expected.
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4 mistakes to avoid while choosing a front door
Home and Garden

4 mistakes to avoid while choosing a front door

Choosing a front door for a house may seem like an easy task that does not require much thought. But in reality, it is a task that one needs to be careful about. The front door of a house not only completes the aesthetics of the property but also ensures its security. So, when choosing a front door, homeowners must take care of certain factors and avoid the following mistakes. Not taking accurate measurements Before one proceeds to choose a new front door for their property, one must make sure to take all the required measurements. These include the width and the height of the door frame, as well as the radius of the inswing and the outswing. Oftentimes, individuals forget about the inswing and outswing measurements, which then inhibits the proper opening of the door. One must also take these measurements accurately and not leave any dimension to estimations. This will ensure that the door fits into the frame perfectly without leaving any gaps or being too big. Also, to be on the safer side, it is advisable to confirm all the measurements two times. Not choosing the right material The front door should be durable enough to ensure the house is properly secure.
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4 mistakes people should avoid when selling their home
Home and Garden

4 mistakes people should avoid when selling their home

People sell their houses for several reasons. For instance, someone may want to downsize, relocate to another place, or simply take advantage of a profitable housing market. Whatever the reason, selling a home can be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with the various rules and regulations. Knowing the common mistakes people make when selling their homes and trying to avoid them can save precious money and time while reducing stress. Refusing to hire a professional real estate agent Many homeowners do not hire professional real estate agents because they charge high commissions, generally 5% to 6% of the house’s overall sale price. While it may seem expensive, the services of an agent are quite worth the high price, especially for those planning to sell their house for the first time. The expert will help decide a competitive and fair price for the home, which can invariably increase the chances of a quick sale. Besides, they will work as a representative while interacting with potential buyers, saving time for the homeowner. Not setting a realistic price Overpricing is one of the top mistakes many make. Whether working with an agent or alone, homeowners must set an appropriate asking price for the property.
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7 tips for choosing the perfect roofing company
Home and Garden

7 tips for choosing the perfect roofing company

A roof is essential for protecting the interiors of a house from extreme weather conditions. Despite regular maintenance, roofs experience constant wear and may need to be replaced over time. One’s best bet at getting good quality roofing is to find the right roofing contractor. But with several contractors claiming to be the best at the job, a homeowner may need to do a little research before signing a contract. Set a budget The first step in selecting the ideal roofing contractor is to set a budget. By determining a price range, one can narrow one’s options and avoid those beyond one’s budget. Setting a budget will also help prevent roofing companies from offering inferior materials for a lower price. Ensure the contractor is licensed Each roofing contractor should be bonded, licensed, and insured. The documentation helps assure homeowners that the job will be done right. One should check if the roofer has the necessary license and permits to undertake projects in one’s region. Consider the contractor’s experience level Investing in new roofing is expensive, so it is important to consider how long the roofing contractor has been in business and whether they are well-established in one’s area. An experienced roofer will be able to execute the job more precisely.
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