Author: James

With the abundance of flooring options available to homeowners, it can be very difficult to choose the right floor covering for your new home. A good start is to consider some of the more popular flooring options available nowadays and weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Since each room serves a different function, it is also important for the flooring option to compliment the style and function of the respective room.
Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors offer a natural look to the room. With the wide varieties in grain and color, it should not be difficult for you to select a texture that fits with the room décor. Some options include the Australian cypress, Chinese bamboo and Brazilian eucalyptus and walnut. For a unique historic look, you may have to look for reclaimed hardwood flooring from old barns and warehouses in species, such as yellow pine, heart pine and chestnut.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is generally durable and simple to clean. However, it is susceptible to scratching and grout lines. To make the tiles resistant to stains and scratches, you may have to invest in glazed tiles that are specially treated under fire to make them hard and non-porous.

Stone

Stone flooring appears very luxurious while still being durable. It is resistant to stains and moisture and is easy to clean. However, it is costlier than many other flooring options.

Carpet

Carpet flooring feels soft underfoot and is one of the most economical flooring options available. However, it is not suitable for use in areas that are rich in moisture. People suffering from allergy may also be averse to this type of flooring.

Cork

Cork flooring offers a rich, organic look, and feels soft underfoot. It offers sound-absorbing qualities and is suitable for people suffering from allergy. However, this type of flooring may not sustain heavy furniture. It is also more prone to stains than other types of flooring.

Polished Concrete

Concrete flooring has a long life and is very tough and resilient. It is not affected by high heels, pet claws and heavy furniture. It is capable of withstanding pressure from heavy equipment, such as cars and trucks. While concrete floors may require waxing every 6 to 9 months, polished concrete floors, like those on offer at myfloor.net.au offer a high-gloss finish that does not require waxing. Concrete polishing is easy to maintain and can be cleaned using a simple cleaning agent and a mop. Concrete polishing also makes this type of flooring more resistant to chips and scratches.

We often call them accidents, but the truth is that many home damages can be prevented. It is a matter of being prepared and vigilant of the things in your home so that you know when an issue might arise. It may sound impossible to predict and prevent, but there are some easy steps and checks you can do to ensure that your home is as safe as it can possibly be.

Of course, some elements are not within your control and accidents will still happen, but you should do everything you can do to prevent damages, and even injuries, before they happen. You will thank yourself later, and your family will thank you when they are safe and secure in your home. Here are some home damages that you can easily prevent.

Electrical fires

Electrical fires can be started by anything in your home that uses electricity. Especially today, there are a lot of devices that use electricity around your home, so the chances of an electrical fire are great if these devices are not properly maintained. Make sure that you check regularly for exposed wires and loose parts in all of your electrical equipment. Also check that the item is working properly and not in a place where it will overheat.

Damages appliances

Appliances are not usually made to last a lifetime, but you can ensure that your appliances last as long as they possibly can by taking good care of them. Clean out the parts of these items regularly, like the food trap in your dishwasher, so the appliance can run at optimal condition. Also, try to keep these appliances in a cool place to prevent overheating, which can damage them. It might also be a good idea to utilize the warranty supplied by the manufacturer, so you can fix any issue that arises easily and without major cost to you.

Gas leaks

A gas leak may be one of the scariest home damages that a family could sustain. The leak can lead to big issues, like fires and poisoning, that could severely affect your home and your family. You can prevent gas leaks by checking your pipes regularly. Feel along them with your bare hand to see if there are any cracks. You can also have an OhioGasCompanies.com professional come out and check your pipes and system. Most companies will do regular checkups for free. Having a professional do it for you, or show you how to do it yourself, will ensure that you will catch a leak before is causes a bigger problem.

Water damage

This issue is not always easily preventable, when weather is the culprit, but there are a lot of water damage situations that could be easily prevented. You can control humidity with a dehumidifier to prevent water build up that can cause mold and other mildew damage. You can also be sure to turn off the water whenever and wherever you use it. This includes not leaving the lawn sprinklers running outside your home and removing excess water outside after it rains.

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All we want to do during the summer time is relax, unwind, and not worry about anything. It is the perfect time for summer vacations and days off spent with family and friends doing all those great outdoor activities you missed all winter long. Yes, summer is the time to be wild and carefree, but is that really the best attitude to have when you are thinking about your home safety?

The truth is that because of everyone’s carefree attitude during the warm summer months, there are actually higher rates of home-related incidents this time of year, so it is good to take some extra precautions before you let loose and take off for summer vacation. Here are some ways that you can build a safer home this summer.

Install a home security alarm system

Having a really good home security alarm system is the best way to keep your home safe at all times. There are a variety of systems from ADT Security Dallas, Texas that will fit the needs and demand of any home. You can choose the system that is right for your home and your family and feel good about knowing that everything is secure 24/7. The initial installation can be expensive, but the monthly rates are low and the prices are small to pay considering the peace of mind that you and your family will be receiving.

Install a backup generator

The weather is something that none of us can predict, that along with all the other issues that can happen outside of our control, it is good to be prepared in case an incident arises. Think about installing a backup generator for the essential things in your home that need power. It may seem like an unnecessary precaution, especially in the summer, but when a thunderstorm hits and a tree is blown over the sole power line to your home, you will be glad that you took the time to install a reliable backup generator.

Check all your appliances

You may think that all of your appliances are working fine, but there may be some unseen issues that could cause big problems for you and your family this summer. Check all your appliances to make sure they are working as well as they possibly can. Check for loose wires and exposed wires that could cause electrical fire. If you are seeing issues, it may be a good time to update your appliances. You can get energy efficient appliances that will help you save money all year long too.

Keep everything clean and tidy

Keeping a clean home and yard doesn’t just make your home look better, but it also helps keep your home safe. Take some time do to some real spring cleaning, and maintain a cleaning regimen all summer long to keep your home safe. For example, keep your lawn and hedges trimmed to eliminate hiding places for intruders, keep your air conditioner filters clean to avoid overheating, and keep dust out of your air vents to prevent fires in your home.

 

Author Bio:

Tina Hamilton is a journalist, blogger and social media guru. You can usually find her online or walking along one of Southern California’s beaches with her dog, Joey. You can find her on Twitter.

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Today everyone is looking to save more money in everything they do. We want to build our wealth, protect ourselves from debt and live in financial freedom. All this being said, we also don’t want to give up all the things that we enjoy most in life to save a little money. We want to find that balance between enjoying life today and saving for the future.

To do this, we need to understand our expenses and find out what is really worth paying for and what we should reconsider. This can be a difficult process for many of us, but the benefits of eliminating unnecessary expenses is worth any amount of time. Here are some of the home expenses that you really should be paying for, along with ones that you should avoid.

Energy bills

Energy is a home expense that can fluctuate drastically month to month. There is no doubt that we need electricity, heat and air conditioning and other items that require energy to operate, so this expense cannot be eliminated completely. However, there are a lot of ways that you can lower your energy bill. Consider maybe switching providers to one that provides lower rates for the same service. You can also cut your energy bill by using colder water, turning off all energy-using items when you are not using them and turning down your heating/air conditioning.

Some form of entertainment

We all need some way to relax and unwind at the end of the day, so it is crucial to have some form of relaxation to come home to every day. For many of us, that may be coming home to watch your favorite TV show. Cut those costs by switching from cable TV to satellite TV fromhttp://www.direct2tv.com/ or even just using a site like Netflix to save you money every month. If you like to play new video games all the time, but find it really expensive to buy new games every month, consider renting games instead. These things can give you the entertainment you want without the cost.

Water

We need water not only to drink, but to do many of the daily activities we take for granted every day. Water bills are inevitable, but there are some ways that you can lower this bill every month. Some examples include taking shorter showers or opting for baths instead, only running the dishwasher when its full, using less water to wash your dishes, and turning off the water while you are brushing your teeth and shaving. Just doing a few of these things each month will help cut back on your water bill and your impact on the environment.

Food

We have to eat! But there are a lot of things that we do every day that waste more money on food than we really should. Try to cook at home more often than you eat out, going out only once a week if you can. You can also consider using coupons from your local grocery store to save extra money on your food.

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Author Bio:

Tina Hamilton is a journalist, blogger and social media guru. You can usually find her online or walking along one of Southern California’s beaches with her dog, Joey. You can find her on Twitter.

 

If you are a business that requires things to be stored and moved on a constant basis, then you ought to look for solutions that can help your staff be more efficient. Also, there needs to be effective measures taken such that the products are not damaged and are stored under complete safety. So, what do you do when there is not enough storage space for your things stuff? Well, you can make use of adaptable steel sheds from www.shedsnhomeshobart.com.au.

 

What is an adaptable steel shed?

An adaptable steel shed is one of the best investments anyone can do. With this option comes the versatility of choosing the design that suits your requirements and making it practical with minimum cost and effort.

The lightweight components that are part of the steel shed construction kits make it easy to adapt and use, so that it meets your expectations. Commercial ventures of all types and sizes can benefit from the use of adaptable steel sheds. Factories, offices, schools, warehouses and storage depots could all use this excellent option to store, stay or use for their commercial needs.

Steel sheds come in a range of adaptable steel designs, which are flexible to be designed or drawn into the designs that you require. This ensures that you get what you want quickly and easily. The industrial specialists who are attached to the construction and marketing unit of steel shed units will be the right person to guide you on the configuration and layout that would work for your business requirements. Their experience and expertise in the construction field will ensure you get the best idea to put your setting in place with minimum effort and expense.

Different Uses

Each user has a different intention with his business establishment, and not all want the same rigid design. To facilitate these innovations, pre-engineered industrial buildings that can be adjusted to meet your design requirements are the right option. The materials used in building these steel sheds are light weight, but durable and hence practical. Not only do you get to customize your solution to meet your specific needs, but you also benefit from the ease of installation and the cheaper cost that is part of the deal. This innovative solution is indeed an engineering wonder and will do you good to make your building efficiently and in a cost-efficient manner.

Steel buildings are great for outdoor storage purposes because they can withstand hurricane speed winds, heavy snow, rain, sun and other harsh weather elements. Steel structures have always proven to be profitable investments because they can be used for agricultural, commercial and domestic use. Steel is a green material and can be recycled with ease. It is also resistant to termites and rust. Thus, only minimal maintenance is involved.

While choosing for a shed for your industrial and commercial use, it is extremely important for you to grab an understanding of your requirement. This way you can be rest assured that the steel shed you are about to purchase is neither too big nor too small in size.

Last month, the International Design Week took place in Milan. From the Salone del mobile at Milan’s Fiera to hundreds of events as “Romeo and Juliet 2.0” (featuring Fontanot’s exterior spiral staircase) or “Baas in Town” by Maarten Baas, the city was definitely full of life. Working as a photo reporter for Mondadori the biggest publishing editor in Italy, I’ve grabbed my camera and went to the Salone del mobile to check the last kitchen trends. I will start with my favorite Italian brand. Toncelli combined in his latest kitchen designed by Studio Carlesi Design the modern with the simplicity, incorporating advanced home automation systems, made in fiber without grooves and handles. The shapes are simple and clean; the lacquered black color is elegant, giving a minimalist style and a contemporary atmosphere to the kitchen. It is of course equipped with high technology appliances with tactile surfaces facilitating the tasks of the modern housewives.  The large efficient hood is incorporating several soft lights and adds a real something to the overall look of this kitchen. My second favorite one but totally different is the design of the Elmar pavillon.  Especially the kitchen table designed by the studio C+S Architects Diego Collini, Alessandro Mimola, and Davide Testi made in titanium with a table in oak wood. Simple line but perfectly studied with its 6 feet and the hood enabled to play music, enlighten the cook’s work and of course aspired cooking smells. I like the clean and naturel wood.   Finally the third brand that I would like to talk about is Ernestomeda and its line called “Soul” designed by Giuseppe Bavuso. Functional, compact, and traditional, the priority of his new line is to be practical. The main kitchen table is studied to have everything at your fingertips with a large sink, several extra-storage, and accessories to facilitate the use.     The kitchen trends of this last international exhibition it is not only about finding new ways to entertain the customers, it is also about trying to use materials of quality as wood, carbon, aluminum, marble and timber, made by dedicated teams of creative employees and craftsmen using new machinery and technology to get the best results.

Also known as the silent destroyer, termites pose a constant threat to the structure and contents of your home. As wood boring insects, termites feed off of the material and breed in it as well. The termite colonies live and grow inside of wood walls, planks, floors, decks and other areas of the home. In fact, house foundations, furniture; even boxes and books are all possible food sources for a colony of hungry termites. Unfortunately, they are typically dormant for a period of time. As a result, it may be difficult for a homeowner to realize the presence of an infestation until the pests create more obvious damage.

 

Identifying Termites

Should you suspect a termite problem, you may initially choose to survey your home yourself. Some indicators to look for include cracked or bubbling paint, wood that sounds hollow when you knock on it, and mud tubes on the surfaces of walls or in crawl spaces. Another sign of a termite infestation is small wood shavings and chips close to where they may be residing.

Inexperienced homeowners frequently confuse termite damage with water damage as the two are similar and oftentimes related. A good way to tell the difference is to gently pull off the surface of an area of damaged wood and search for the tell-tale pencil-thick tunnels and droppings of termites.
 
Termite Treatment Options
Most termite problems are too large to be handled without experienced, professional help. Fortunately, many pest control companies will perform free termite inspections. Once termites are detected, the company will determine which termite control treatment to use. Two of the most popular treatment methods are the liquid method and baiting.
 
Liquid Method
The liquid method is the quicker and efficient option. This process involves drilling holes in and around the house to create a continuous liquid-treated zone around the foundation. The injected insecticide prevents more termites from entering the property and eliminates those already on the property as the insecticide is shared amongst the rest of the colony. The liquid insecticides available on today’s market are more effective than those available in the past. Now, not only are smaller amounts of poison are required, but a smaller amount of drilling inside the home is necessary when using the liquid method.
 
Baiting
A less intrusive, but often more costly, approach to a termite problem is baiting. This involves the installation of stations baited with a piece of wood around a home’s perimeter. The bait is routinely monitored until the presence of termites is detected. The wood is then replaced with a slow-acting insecticide to be taken and shared with the rest of the colony. Please note that baiting is not always entirely effective. Termites may find the station in a week, or sometimes it may take as long as six months or more. Even once distribution of the insecticide has begun, the baiting process needs to be repeated to insure that all the termites have been successfully wiped out.

 

Dealing with a termite problem can be costly and disruptive, but with regular monitoring and inspection of one’s property, termite damage can potentially be minimized or even avoided altogether. When in doubt, contact an experienced pest control company for inspection and control measures.

 

Robin Mountjoy is the general manager and president of Connor’s Termite & Pest Control.  She has over 25 years of experience in the pest control industry and frequently shares her knowledge and expertise on the Connor’s Blog. From getting rid of bed bugs to effective termite control treatments, you will find a wide variety of helpful posts on the Connor’s Blog.

 

Home design is a reflection of one’s personality.  While creating a functional, fabulous flat can be accomplished over time, basic design fundamentals like scale, proportion, balance, harmony, light and rhythm are the elements that reflect our design personality.  A home is where you go to relax, be inspired and find comfort.  Incorporating these design elements into your space can be done subconsciously and are as easy as bringing home that coffee table you fell in love with from the local charity shop.

 

Cosy Comfort

One’s home interior must be as comfortable as it is visually appealing.  Creating comfort is based very much on functionality.  If there are elements in your space that allow you to use the space effortlessly, you will be comfortable spending time there.  Accessorizing an already functional space is the icing on the sandwich-cake.  Layering and adding heavier textiles in the colder months and alternatively, using lighter colours and featuring fresh, contemporary elements when it is warmer out is the best approach. Knowing your style preference will allow you to easily use timeless furniture pieces and then blend in season-appropriate accessories throughout your home.

 

Functionally Fabulous

Whether you prefer cosy-casual, favouring warmth and comfort from traditional-styled rooms or are more modern-graphic and into colour, a functionally fabulous flat can be equally eclectic and contemporary at the same time.  Humans require and thrive in both large and small spaces and the most important design element of function in any room is lighting.  Light creates shadows, showcases colour and changes the mood of a room while also illuminating and adding length and visual dimension to our living spaces. Rhythm is what makes your space flow and is accomplished through functional furniture placement.

Ten additional design tips

1. Rearrange your furniture often.  This keeps your space interesting and allows you to incorporate seasonal accessories and display artwork throughout the year.
2. Decorate your home with items you love.  Home design should be dynamic and reflect the current happenings in your life.
3. If you enjoy seasonal activities and celebrate holidays, incorporate these touches into your home.
4. Knowing how you live.  If you are a morning person and enjoy being awake in the early morning hours design your space with dim-able light and area rugs that will protect you from the cold morning floors.
5. Look through magazines and create a sample board of fabric scraps, paint chips and even flooring samples that appeal to you.
6. Use decorative dishes and cushions to express your style.
7. Always create a feeling of unity in your living space and promote harmony by coordinating textiles and tchotchkes.
8. Definitely include photographs from special occasions, or paintings that you like.
9. Use symmetry in your rooms to promote balance. Mirrors are an excellent tool for creating balance in your living space.
10. Lastly, maintain access to all utility closets and your boiler just in case power flushing or other essential maintenance is necessary.

 

Turning a house into a home is done by allowing style to come together on its own.  Spending time in your cosy home and sharing it with the ones you love will fill your home with fond memories and many happy times.  Finally, creating a living space that is as stylish as it is practical, can give you a continuous sense of rejuvenation and promote a positive outlook on life.

Every April, most Americans have to pull out their wallets and pay Uncle Sam. Likewise, countries across the world demand that their citizens pay up through different forms of taxation.

As frustrating as they may be, the taxes we know and don’t love are actually pretty reasonable compared to a handful of the absolutely absurd taxes that have been levied throughout history. From bricks to bagels, lawmakers have thought of some pretty crazy things to tax.

From 1746-1845, England taxed its people for glass. The glass tax hurt the economy as few could afford glass in their homes. This tax, along with the window tax, was blamed for unhealthy, dark living conditions throughout England.

Although not actually a tax, but a tax exemption, this one made our list because it’s so unique and humorous. In New Mexico, if you’re 100 years old or older you are tax exempt. That is, assuming you aren’t a dependent. This law, enacted in 2002, is still in effect today.

Check out the graphic below to learn more about the world’s most unbelievable taxes.

If you’re planning ventilation for a new home or simply taking care of the space you’re in now, proper airflow is something that should be practiced in any space. Without ventilation in a property there are a whole host of potentially dangerous incidents that can occur. Did you know that on average we spend 90% of our time indoors and actually draw in around 12,000 litres of air each day? That’s a lot of space for harmful pollutants and respiratory diseases to spread around!  Make sure that you’re not going to run in to any of these issues and protect your home at the same time by following our simple tips below…

 

The simple and free act of opening a window in your home can not only eliminate odours caused by things like cooking or dirty washing, but also allow for a much fresher quality of air. In an ideal world, your house should be aired out daily, providing ventilation throughout, banishing stale smells, pollens and bacteria. However, if you’re in a household where having a window open all day long just isn’t ideal, (perhaps if you have a curious house cat on an escape mission!) then there are options for you too. Companies like Rocburn Limited have a great selection of both manual and electric window openers that can really help with hard to reach areas or high up skylights. Not only do they offer a bespoke service for your ventilation issues, but they offer both electric and manual options. Whether you’re looking for a plug-in electric system that you set to a timer, allowing proper ventilation throughout the day, or you simply need traditional window openers, Rocburn cater to everyone. Check out the latest technology they offer including rain and wind sensors!

Aside from small things such as cooking foods with the extractor fan on or switching on the bathroom fan when showering, there are a number of other changes you can make in your lifestyle to ensure a properly ventilated living space. If you’re home has an open fire or improperly fitted extractor fan or boiler, you could be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Often referred to as ‘the silent killer’, carbon monoxide is extremely difficult to detect as it has to odour, taste or colour. Make sure all your home appliances are checked regularly and installed correctly. Practice proper ventilation and also get yourself an audible alarm. Carbon monoxide alarms can be purchased from most hardware and DIY stores (make sure they are approved by the latest British or European standards) and will emit a high pitched sound when the gas is detected, great for a prompt and early warning.

 

Every home needs fresh air flowing through each day to remove stale, damp air, not only for the integrity of the building, but for your health too. This guide on proper ventilation for your home, taken from the book ‘Home Improvement for Dummies’ is simple to read and offers some fantastic additional advice, give it a read! Make sure you’re sticking to the tips mentioned above and you’re sure to have a much more pleasant, comfortable living space for you and the family.