Home & Garden

With the real estate market booming in the United States, people becoming homeowners in record numbers, and others putting their homes on sale, many people are taking the plunge into DIY home repair. If you and your family just bought a new home, are considering a retro renovation, or are just in the mood for a change, here are some things to consider when taking on a DIY home repair on your own.

Using the Internet for Inspiration and Guidance

One of the most fun parts of any DIY project is the planning process. In taking time to look at online vlogs, blogs, and social media websites, you’ll likely get ideas, tips, and tricks for your project. When looking at sites like Renovators Blog for inspiration and tips, it’s a good idea to grab a notebook and begin with a list of your project’s “must-haves.” Try folding a sheet of paper into two sections with the words “must” and “maybe” at the top of the page. Remember to write down the places you found your design and project ideas so you can refer back to them later. Consider bookmarking them on your browser, too. These online resources could later serve as helpful tools once your project is underway.

Outsourcing where Needed

While it can be tempting to jump right into a new home improvement project, it might be a better idea to step back and assess your overall plan before rushing off to the home hardware store. The reality is that most homeowners will have parts of their home repair project that they can’t do themselves. Getting those parts of the project out of the way first, or at least having that work on a schedule is a good way to maintain a budget and time schedule.

Perhaps you’re planning a kitchen repair and renovation but have a broken dishwasher. It’s a great idea to contact an appliance repair online service before doing any type of demolition on your kitchen. A repair person will be able to help you decide whether you’ll need to repair your appliance or if you’ll need to buy a new one. Something this simple could make the difference in remodel measurements. By taking care of appliances and other repairs before starting the rest of your project, you’ll be able to make better decisions later on.

Setting a Budget and Goals

Before heading out for supplies or making any big changes, you’ll also want to check your budget. Make a supply list and begin to make decisions on what you can afford and might want to hold off on. For example, if a project must-have means paints with textures but you’re close to the top of your budget, opting to hold off on the walls until you’re closer to the end of your project could be a good idea.

Making a goal for your project should include a timeline, too. The renovation process can be stressful, and most projects mean obstacles along the way. It’s a good idea to build in extra time, order supplies ahead of time, and start important projects right away. If you’ll be doing your project so you can sell your home, be sure to run your plans and schedule by your realtor. Staying on the same page as your listing agent will ensure the sale of your home goes smoother.

In the end, our homes are our biggest investments and safe-havens. Before taking on your next DIY home repair project, take a step back to come up with a budget and a plan. Consider taking time to research the latest trends and styles out there, too. You’ll be glad you spent this extra time making your home repair one that feels just right to you. Happy renovating! Don’t forget to take those before and after pictures.

 

As first-time homeowners, whether we purchase or rent a house, we have to deal with various responsabilities that ensure that everything is kept in check. From maintenance to sudden repairs, and even renovations, some of these responsabilities can be very simple, while others might be a little bit more complicated, to even requiring specific tools, knowledge, and training to be fulfilled.

When it comes to plumbing, most of the problems that we might encounter will require the help of a professional, not because the problem itself is complicated to manage, but more because it is a matter of properly locating the problem.

For that reason, most people out there tend to rely on professional service providers to solve problems related to water and gas leaks or heater repairs. There are a lot of service provider like Ace Contractors Plumbing visit website to know more that often provide a large variety of services, from repairs to installation and replacements of water and gas pipe systems, and heating devices.

However, there are indeed occasions in which we, as homeowners with little to no experience, can still manage simple problems. The benefit of DIY (also known as Doing It Yourself) besides saving money from hiring a company or individual service provider is that you will probably gain experience from the event, thus, be more prepared in the future for possible undesirable situations.

Learning When You Should DIY

With all that said, one of the most important things about any DIY activity is understanding what you are getting into, and assessing whether you are capable of properly handling the situation or not.

This can be a little difficult overall, but when it comes to plumbing, it is fairly easier in comparison to other DIY trends. The reason is simple: As long as you have visual confirmation of the problem, taking proper action becomes manageable.

For example, the first thing you should consider doing in case of a leak is shut down the pipe. This will avoid further damage and messes, and when we talk about gas, it is very important to do it as soon as possible to avoid possible dangerous (or fatal) outcomes.

Being capable of recognizing and locating the valve in charge of the pipe in question is very important, if you are not capable of doing so because of specific circumstances, trying to do it should be your main priority. After that, as long as you have visual confirmation of the problem, trying to fix it by yourself shouldn’t be too complicated.

As long as you have the right tools, like the ones mentioned over https://www.thespruce.com/basic-plumbing-tools-2718675, you’ll probably be just fine. You can always do your research to learn how to use them and look up guides that could help you approach different problems.

Things get complicated when the problem in your hands cannot be confirmed visually. This means that a hidden pipe is causing the leak, so properly locating it might cause more harm than good. During such situations, it is always better to rely on a professional service provider.

Most Common Plumbing Problems

Most of the time, when we talk about pipes, problems arise for a single particular reason: a lack of maintenance. Maintenance is what keeps pipe working properly and avoid them losing strength and durability, thus eventually damaging. Sadly, not a lot of people recognize the importance of piping maintenance, so they just repair them whenever they start causing problems.

Through preventive maintenance, most of the problems caused by damaged pipes can be avoided, but there are times in where damages are caused by external reasons, such as accidents or natural disasters.

Regardless of the cause behind the problem, accurately assessing said problems can help you determine whether repairs or replacements are needed. We will briefly showcase the most common plumbing problems one can encounter, and if you are interested in more information about them, you can check out this article over here. Among them, we can find.

• Low water pressure, which often means there’s a leak around the water pipe system.
• A faint smell of rotten eggs often means that there’s a gas leak inside the house, the stronger the smell, the more dangerous the leak. Some other symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and irritated nostrils and eyes can also be linked to a gas leak.
• Slow draining or clogged sinks, bathtubs, and faucets can be linked to a faulty pipe.
• Water with a nasty smell means that there’s stagnant water inside of the water pipe system, which can cause health problems and is generally uncomfortable to stand.

Remember, if you find similar problems and you just can’t seem to fix them yourself, you can always rely on a professional plumber. They are trained, experienced, and equipped to handle most situations as soon as possible, so make sure to consider it before making any harsh decision.

For anyone in the market for a new house, joining a Homeowners Association (HOA) and obtaining property in a planned community can be an attractive option. It can also be confusing. For those who’ve never been a part of an HOA, understanding what the advantages and disadvantages of joining one really are can be tough.

With that in mind, here are some of the things you should know before deciding if an HOA is right for you.

HOA Dues Impact Mortgage Payments

HOAs aren’t free. Becoming a member of one requires you to pay dues, which can have a big impact on your cost of living. While an online house payment calculator can give you a good idea what your future mortgage will cost you, it’s important to factor in HOA dues when determining your budget.

You won’t be the only one doing so; your mortgage lender will also consider HOA dues when deciding if you can afford their loan terms. This may result in you needing to decide whether the expense of HOA membership is worth the effect it has on your mortgage. The choice is up to you.

HOA Guidelines Limit Your Autonomy

Joining an HOA has no shortage of benefits, although different HOAs offer different amenities and advantages. The main purpose of any HOA, however, is to maintain property values so that you know you’ll be able to sell your home for the same amount you bought it for, if not more.

Maintaining those property values comes with a cost, naturally. All HOAs have certain guidelines in place to ensure this goal is met, and these guidelines often limit a homeowner’s autonomy to a certain extent. You may, for instance, be forbidden from painting your home a certain color, installing certain kinds of additions, or even owning a pet.

HOA Punishments Can Vary Widely

Failure to abide by an HOA’s guidelines can result in a homeowner receiving punishments. These can include everything from verbal warnings to small fines to full-blown lawsuits and even foreclosure. Just as every HOA’s approach to amenities is different, every HOA’s approach to punishment varies widely as well.

That’s why, before joining, it’s a good idea to research how HOA conflicts were settled in the past. It’s vital that you know your rights and responsibilities in order to avoid becoming an HOA horror story. Simply put, if the consequences are more than you’re willing to risk, HOA membership just isn’t worth it.

 

With every new year we see new arising interior design trends. The start of this decade saw an outcome that no one had expected and resulted in the interior design world changing shape as more people have been spending time at home than ever before. Social changes have a large impact on the design world and here we are going to dive into the interior design trends we have seen forming over this past year.

Colour Palettes Featuring Various Shades Of Green

With increasing popularity, green can be spotted being used all over people’s homes. The colour is covering kitchen cabinets, bathroom tiles and large pieces of furniture like sofas and armchairs. Dulux’s colour of the year for 2020 was a colour called Tranquil Dawn which could be described as a subtle green colour, this has transferred to this current year with different hues from olive green to forest greens being styled.

Scientifically the colour green has been found to relieve stress and decreased heart rates, it is closely related with calmness and tranquility. It is understandable after the disruptive year that everyone has faced why we feel the need for some peacefulness in our home.

Scandinavian Inspired Interiors Are Here To Stay

One trend that doesn’t seem to be going out of fashion anytime soon is the very popular Scandinavian interior design trend. It has been mixed with other design trends like the admired Scandinavian-Bohemian design trend. The Scandinavians use the word Hygge to describe a state of cosiness and comfort that your home should try to achieve. Your home should be an escape from busy, stressful or difficult times in life so it is understandable why this style has taken the world by storm.

The style’s elements are still relevant today which is why the style has become so timeless, the key elements include natural materials, clean lines, muted colours and high-end craftsmanship. Pieces of furniture that feature all these elements like Egg Chairs, Tribeca Coffee Table and DSW Chairs, are ideal for more than just Scandinavian homes. It is important to look for pieces that can transform with your interior style.

Flexible Home Offices

With a change in the working environment, we believe that home offices are here to stay with remote and flexible working styles on the rise after COVID restrictions forced people to not attend the businesses office locations.

We believe that we will start to see more dedicated home office spaces as issues with flexible work spaces is the lack of private space to help with concentration. Guest rooms may be replaced or doubled as a working environment, with a desk and suitable office chair to be used in more homes.

A Wider Introduction To Biophilic Design

Biophilia stands for a love of nature, and Biophilic design is an approach to connecting humans with nature through the use of interior design. We have an innate connection to nature and with more urbanised living situations we have seen a rise in well-being and mental health issues. This approach is important to try and achieve a happier and healthier living environment.

After a lot of time indoors, the pandemic has increased people’s desire to be outside. We believe we will be seeing more and more homes taking a biophilic approach to their interior design to help reconnect people with nature and satisfy that innate human connection we need.

 

Finding room to store your belongings while ensuring your space is clutter-free is tricky when you have a small home. Small living spaces are becoming more common and finding practical solutions for additional space is important when organizing your belongings. Avoid letting your house turn into cluttered piles by finding smart and efficient ways to add more storage. Here are storage options to help you make the most out of your space.

Moveable Storage

Rolling storage carts are a simple way to organize items while also being able to move them around your house as needed. An example is laundry supplies and cleaning items. Consider using a storage cart to store laundry and cleaning supplies. This cart can have a place in the garage, a closet, or your laundry room. Nevertheless, storage carts are a great way to store your goods and are accessible for your needs. Storage carts also come in different sizes and materials, so if you plan on having one out in the open, perhaps choose a more visually pleasing cart that can serve as decor.

Concealed Storage

Utilize your living room by considering an ottoman. An ottoman serves as a comfortable cushioned lounge bench and a concealed storage unit. Not only will this ottoman provide comfort for your enjoyment, but it can also store pillows, blankets, toys, remotes, and games until you need them. Ottoman beds are also an option to consider when thinking of ways to save space. An ottoman bed proved the perfect space for additional towels, linens, pillows, and other seasonal items.

Shed

If you have multiple holiday supplies or memory boxes that seem to not fit anywhere in your home, rather than throwing them in the backyard, purchase a shed to house and keep them safe. A shed can do wonders when it comes to storing your belongings. For the extra supplies that are crowding your closet, organize them neatly in the shed so that you can have more room for necessities in your house.

Display Your Pantry

If your cabinets are overfilling, free up some space by putting your spices and other dry ingredients in glass jars and place them on the countertop. This method is a simple and stylish way to add additional space to your cabinets while also adding decor to your kitchen. To avoid mixing up different ingredients, get a label maker to help identify each jar.

Hang Shelves

Make the most out of unused space by hanging shelves. You can use shelves to create more space for essential belongings. Hanging a few in the kitchen can serve as a place for a few of those glass jars to sit, perhaps with the ingredients that you barely use. Shelves in the bathroom can provide extra space to nicely store air freshener, extra toilet paper towels, and more. Living room shelves would also be beneficial for picture frames, books, movies, and small antiques.

Get Started

Enjoy every corner of your home by utilizing your space to your benefit. Whether you decide to add in those extra shelves, or purchase a shed, get creative. There are plenty of small organization projects that will not require strenuous work. Love where you live despite the size of your home and turn it into a comfortable place that better serves you.

 

Updating a room is a large part of planning before you can even scrape off your first corner of wallpaper or paint your first cabinet. You have to figure out a few basic things, but once you can answer these questions, you’ll be able to step forward and start on the home renovation of your dreams. Why not make a home you adore?

Decide What

Pick which room needs the update! Is your master bedroom so severely out of date that you hide it from guests? Are you trying to update your kitchen so that you can impress during the next holiday season? Try to figure out which room you feel the most need for growth in, and then try to sketch and plan out what you would like. If you’re at a standstill for inspiration, consider surfing sites like Pinterest or Instagram for aesthetically pleasing rooms that suit what you want from your rooms.

Decide How Much

What’s your budget for this project? The average kitchen remodels range from twenty to forty thousand dollars. Do you plan on spending that much, or are you hoping to save money? It’s essential to get a general goal for spending first, even if it’s not set in stone, so that you can look at materials, work from professionals, and hours put into it, and decide what’s worth that. If you end up at a budget of five thousand for a kitchen redo, it might just be time to repaint the cabinets and replace the faucet and microwave for now. Don’t feel like you have to update immediately if you can’t afford it.

Decide How

Of course, this means what tile, or paint, or floor: but it also means are you doing this yourself, or are you hiring a contractor? When looking at real estate for sale in Whistler, did you pick this project because you thought you could handle it, or is it one that just fell into your lap and you’re confused about it? There’s nothing wrong with bringing in a professional who knows more and has more life experience than you. Being too proud about it, and not accepting help, could lead to you DIYing yourself into a sizable unfixable mess.

Decide When

Although this may not seem like a significant decision to make, since most people would instead just start their renovation the moment they can, some upgrades can put your home out of commission. If you’re renovating your entire kitchen, you’ll need to know when and for how long it’ll be out of order so that you can plan accordingly. Likewise, if you’re updating a bathroom and it’s your only bathroom, you’ll have to plan for showers at your gym that week if you can complete it that quickly.

Decide when you want to start and when you want to finish, and then work to make that plan come true.

After you can answer all of these, you should have a pretty clear plan for your home renovation. Move forward with good planning, and you can achieve anything you want.