Category: Home

Having a playground in your own backyard is something kids would be delighted to have. Kids love to be able to play on the swings and slides without having to go far. It can provide a safe and manageable area for children to play and even adults to relax.  However, before this can be possible, the ground has to be prepared properly first. Before getting that swing set installed, you have to make sure that first, your ground is level. This is to ensure that it will function properly. Just like preparing your yard for a pool or patio, certain preparations have to be done first, which you can either do on your own with your own tools or would need professional help and bigger tools.

Here are three tips for leveling your yard for a playground.

 

Locate the best spot in your yard, which is a flat area.

 

It is important to have a wide, flat area for a playground as this structure is more accommodating. Swings and slides are more functional when they are installed in a flat area, rather than situated on a slope. Also, it is important that the area should be clear and not have rocks, sharp plants, or anything that may cause injury to a child. You must also consider how wide the area would be. It has to have enough space just so there is enough area for swings to extend in front and behind. To accomplish this task, you would certainly need a trustworthy equipment. Check out Rent1USA.com to check these heavy equipment rentals for your yard.

 

Purchase playground equipment for long-term use.

If you level up your yard, you must plan on a long-term basis. It is highly suggested that you purchase playground equipment such as swing sets and slides with features that they can still enjoy for more years to come. Do not choose equipment that is only safe and fun for small children. It would be nice if the children still enjoy this playground equipment in the more years to come. It could actually let you save you in the long run as you do not have to update it every now and then.

 

Install everything surely and safely.

Proper planning does not stop at choosing the right spot in your yard and purchasing the right equipment. After you have accomplished these two, installing the equipment requires a thorough and careful approach. If your playground equipment is installed on surfaces such as asphalt, cement, and even grass, chances are, you may be putting your child in danger. To make your playground safe and child-friendly, make sure to fill the ground with protective materials such as sand or mulch. Make it about 6-12 inches deep. This is to ensure that if any case of danger, it can soften a fall. Also, one thing that a lot of people tend to overlook is smoothing out the sharp or rough edges of the equipment. This includes hooks or bolts that tend to stick out, which can potentially get caught in your children’s clothing.

 

As the season of humidity comes, needs of humidifier increases. In winters, the air inside the room loses moisture. It leads to itchy eyes, dry skin and coughing problems. At this time, bringing a humidifier at home is the best option to fight out with these problems.

Selecting your ideal humidifier one is not as simple as we think. In this post, we will discuss some key factors to choose one of the best humidifiers available in the market. These devices are specially designed to increase the level of moisture in the air, but it depends on the size of your room, where you want to setup it.

 

Some Factors To Select Humidifier

Living Room Size:

Firstly, select humidifier according to the room size. The main question here comes is, how to know this humidifier is perfect for your room? It is always better to choose a humidifier that exceeds the area of your room you want to cover.

It doesn’t mean, your place is of 300 sq. ft. And you select humidifier for 500 sq. ft. It will probably do nothing extra but inevitably increase electricity bills.

 

Portability:

It must be lightweight and easy to carry to any other place of your home. It should be compact and take the very small area of your room. If you are looking for the humidifier to add humidity to the specific areas in your room or home, a portable humidifier will prove best for you.

If you want the properly humidified air in your entire home, choose whole house humidifier. You must consider how well-insulated area is in your room. If your room has complete insulation, you can do use a smaller sized humidifier.

 

Usability:

Best humidifiers are easy to use and are simply designed. Humidifiers with the latest technology have multiple features, but they are highly usable. Here, from usability is not only meant for its easy usage.

We mean, it must be simply designed, so that you can do regular cleaning, changing filters and water by yourself. With this, you can save it maintenance cost.

 

Does It Include Humidistat?

Humidistat measures the humidity level in the air just like a thermostat, which regulates temperature and controls when your air conditioner kicks on. It is set up to a limited level, and when humidity level reaches to that particular point, it automatically shuts off your humidifier.

However, if you have humidifier without humidistat, you don’t need to buy a new one. You can buy separate hygrometer, which calculates the humidity level, and you can manually shut your humidifier.

Maintaining the humidity level is necessary. The standard humidity level is 45%-50%, and it helps to solve the problems created because of the dry air.

 

Maintenance Cost:

Whenever you buy any electronic product, not only a humidifier, it needs maintenance at regular intervals. Before choosing any product, confirm its maintenance cost. It must be less.

You are supposed to change humidifier filters, cartridges and other changeable parts after six months or annually to clean your machine. And, if you do not clean it, it will not be good for your health.

 

Noise Level:

Some humidifiers create sounds after some period even if they are highly paid. Also, when the tank water is drawn to the base, all humidifiers have gurgling sound.

There are some parts in the humidifier that are extremely noisy. If you are very sensitive to noise, the noise level will be a big concern for you. So, check the noise level while searching your ideal humidifier.

When you have deep pockets, you may choose high-quality device without any noise and with an automatic controlling system.

 

Mineral Dust:

While selecting humidifier for your home, make sure it must not disburse any mineral dust. What is mineral dust? When your humidifier is running out from last few hours, you will notice that there is a thin white layer of dust on the furniture. This dust is known as mineral dust and is harmful to your health.

 

Cool Mist v/s Warm Mist Humidifier:

Cool mist and warm mist are the types of the humidifier. How they differs? A cool mist humidifier will add humidity spraying a cool mist in your room. Whereas, the warm mist humidifier adds warm mist in the air.

People living in warm climate, prefer cool mist humidifier and who live in cold climate, prefer warm mist humidifier. Therefore, before investing your hard earned money,s must check which type of humidifier is useful for you.

 

Conclusion:

We are glad to share our suggestions to select best humidifiers for your home. We hope our post will prove beneficial for you. It is not sure; you are paying more, so you will get the perfect device.

Some low-cost humidifiers have similar features of highly paid devices and provide good results. Also, check its reviews and rating from the online sources, you will be more clear about your choice.

The summer season means hosting pool parties for your friends and family to enjoy. But before you send out those invites, check your swimming pool first if it’s clean and safe to swim in. Read the following tips to learn more about taking care of your swimming pool.

 

Clean your pool

The most important task in taking care of your pool is cleaning it regularly. You want to make sure it’s free from any type of bacteria that may have formed in the water. Bacteria in your swimming pool could potentially cause infections and disease, and that’s the last thing you want when you’re hosting a pool party.

Start cleaning your pool by skimming off any fallen leaves and debris at the surface of the water. Then brush the sides of the pool, including the stairs and ladder. Use a vacuum to suck out dirt that has settled at the bottom of the pool.  Add sanitizing chlorine tablets to rid your pool of any bacteria.

Cleaning a pool is lot of work. There are many resources online that can guide you in cleaning properly, like https://ultimatepoolguide.com. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and take advice from professionals.

 

Test your water

After skimming, brushing, and vacuuming your pool, it may look like it’s clean already, but it’s not. Proper pool maintenance always includes testing the water. You can buy a water test kit to determine the pH levels of your swimming pool. The ideal level is between 7.2 to 7.6. If you get numbers outside that range, you may have to use a pH reducer or increaser.

Another option is to get a water sample and take it to a professional water tester, usually at a swimming pool store. They will get important details like the alkalinity, water hardness, pH, and the chlorine levels from the water sample you provide.

 

Balance your chemicals

Based on the results you get from a water test, it’s time to balance the chemicals in your pool. If the pH falls below 7.2, use soda ash to increase it. If it’s above 7.6, you can use sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid to decrease it.

Water hardness is determined by calcium hardness. Ideally, it should be around 150ppm to 250ppm (parts per million). Use calcium chloride to adjust the hardness of your water. Soft water has a tendency to absorb calcium from its environment. In your swimming pool’s case, it will take calcium from the grout in the tiles, which ruins it.

Other metrics you should watch out for:

• Calcium hardness – 150ppm to 250ppm (parts per million)
• Chlorine levels – 1ppm to 3ppm
• Alkalinity levels – 80 to 120

 

Cover your pool

Swimming pool covers are important for different times of the year. It protects the water for any fallen leaves, litter, and debris that could be blown in. If you have children in the house, it’s advisable to get a safety cover. Safety nets help avoid anyone from accidentally running or falling into the pool.

 

Ensure proper maintenance

If you want an awesome pool party, always make sure to clean your swimming pool on a regular basis. Get the proper tools for skimming and brushing the water, and get advice on the best vacuum to use for cleaning the pool floor. Always make sure your filter is clean and functioning. Remove any clogs and clean it from grime and debris. Swimming pool filters are important parts to your swimming pool.

Skim your pool daily if it’s around a lot of trees, or cover it especially when it’s fall. Pool tiles are best cleaned on a weekly basis. Maintenance requires a lot of work, if it looks like too big of a job, you can always hire professionals!

Swimming is a great activity to relieve stress brought about by the summer heat. Make sure your pool is always clean and safe to jump into!

The battle between gas and electric has been confusing many lawn owners for the longest time and some even resort to mindlessly picking any leaf blower near them just because they don’t understand the choices they are presented with. Apart from the obvious which is how the leaf blower is powered—gas or electric, some people are clueless what’s beyond their choices or how it affects the supposedly simple chore of blowing leaves. Yet, for the meticulous homeowner who knows that there is more to these leaf blower power types, it is important to know everything about what they are buying and that includes the advantages and disadvantages of gas and electric leaf blowers.

Yard Care Gurus provide a comprehensive review of the best leaf blowers but before you start picking anything from its list, you have to understand the basic first—the difference between gas and electric leaf blowers.

Gas Leaf Blower

As its name suggest gas leaf blowers are powered by gas or fuel. This is often the choice professional leaf blowers and lawn care service provider because of its performance capacity.

Pros: Gas leaf blowers are often the top choice of many, especially those who really need a powerful leaf blower for their expansive lawns or tricky landscape designs. The primary advantage of gas leaf blowers is their ability to have more power. Gas leaf blowers are generally more powerful than electric blowers. This is the reason why it can be used for a wide variety of projects from small lawns to big ones. They are also generally convenient as they have longer usage time than its electric counterpart.

Cons: It is a general rule in leaf blowers that the powerful the blower, the heavier the equipment is, except maybe for some highly specialized blowers that cost a fortune. Thus, gas blowers are generally heavier than the electric alternative. Some gas leaf blowers may require a special fuel mix and don’t run on the usual gas, while in some cases, the pull-cord start can be very hard to use. Finally, it is known to cause a lot of noise.

Electric Leaf Blower

Electric leaf blowers can be corded or cordless. Cordless electric blowers run on rechargeable batteries.

Pros: First, electric leaf blowers are relatively cheaper to use than gas leaf blowers because there are is no need to purchase gas. Electric powered blowers are very light so they can easily be carried around the lawn without much effort as when carrying heavy gas leaf blowers. This also means anyone can use the blower, adding to the fact that it is easier to use. Due to its electric power source, they emit less noise that makes them convenient for usage in the neighborhood. Easy switch on and you are ready to go.

Cons: For corded models, the reach of the blower is restricted, so it is not ideal for those who have expansive lawns. Battery operated blowers on other hand do not last long and CFM power is restricted by battery and reach. Thus, it only fits for small lawn jobs.

 

Whatever leaf blower you use in the end make sure that it is best for your needs. Decide wisely or you’ll end up buying a new one that will be an added cost.

 

Murals are one of mankind’s favorite ways to tell stories and express identity, as evidenced by their evolution from prehistoric cave paintings, to the elaborate masterpieces on chapel walls and ceilings, to their modern incarnation as graffiti. Given the creative potential of wall murals, it is no surprise that they have become a popular project for homeowners to undertake.

Looking at the vast blank canvas that is your wall of choice, it can be a bit intimidating to begin planning a wall mural for your home. If you are just now getting started on the drafting process for your home wall mural, there are several concrete factors you should always consider that will help give you a better idea of what will work in your space. Here are some important things to think about as you plan the home wall mural of your dreams:

 

1.      Don’t just decorate your space. Transform it.

We can tend to think of wall murals as a means to cover up empty or unused space. But with the right planning- and design-savvy, a wall mural can have a functional impact on the room it is in. If you are dealing with an open floor plan, such as in a studio apartment, a strategically placed wall mural can help to divide your space and create the feeling of having separate rooms. This can be especially important to keep in mind if you are designing this mural for a home office space, where having a distinct feeling from the rest of the home can foster productivity.

 

2.      Lighting the way…

You will be putting a lot of thought and time into your wall mural, don’t mistakenly relegate it to some dark wall of your home where its beauty can’t be properly appreciated. If and how your wall mural will be lit is something for which you need to develop a plan. What are the lighting conditions like in this room during the time of day it is most used? Is the design better complemented by natural, overhead, or lamp lighting? Is track lighting something that should be installed in order to showcase the mural? Can the wall mural work together with the lighting in the room, rather than the latter only serving to highlight the former?

 

3.      …without too much sun exposure.

Natural light is an awesome perk in any indoor space, but too much sunlight can be damaging for some wall murals. Many painted wall murals do not hold up well with prolonged exposure to sunlight, and in particularly hot regions they can begin to peel and fade over time. Printed wall murals can meet the same fate when adequate consideration is not given to the materials. If you know your wall mural is going in a room that sees a lot of sunlight, make sure you are printing your mural with UV-resistant inks. You may also want to consider laminating the print to extend its longevity.

4.      Is this wall mural forever, or for a while?

Sadly, most wall murals are not portable and are not the type of thing that is easily taken with you when you move. If you do not plan to stay in this home forever, it is worthwhile considering what is to become of the wall mural when you leave. Is the design something that has broad appeal and would likely be seen as desirable by anyone who might be looking to live there next? If you will need to remove it, what will that process entail? Some painted wall murals can easily be stripped and repainted. Other, more textured paints, can be quite difficult to remove. Some printed custom wall murals come with a low-adhesive backing that can be removed without damaging the original surface.

 

5.      Is your wall mural safe for the whole family?

This is your living space after all. When planning a wall mural for your home, you should always consider what chemicals you stand to expose yourself and your family too. Most house paints include volatile organic compounds that are toxic to inhale while the paint is still drying, and sometimes for several months afterward. Some plastic decal materials also contain compounds such as PVC, which can have adverse health effects with prolonged exposure. These considerations should be of extra importance when planning a mural in a space where children, the elderly, pregnant women, or anyone with a compromised immune system will be spending a lot of time. Because of these risks, many large format printing companies have begun to offer PVC-free wall mural printing materials.

 

Conclusion

The creative possibilities with a wall mural are virtually endless, but it is also important to consider the some more practical aspects of the design and inspiration process. But after once you have taken a moment to think through the logistics of your home wall mural, you can get to the fun part. That is, the imagery!

 

About the Author

Mark Krenn is the founder of Coastal Creative Reprographics based in San Diego, California. Mark enjoys keeping active outdoors and traveling in his free time. Connect on Facebook.

 

Image via http://www.thinkstockphotos.com.au/

 

End of lease cleaning is nobody’s idea of a good time.

It’s a once-in-a-decade clean that takes time, energy and resources. Below are 6 tips that will leave you more organised and on top of your moving out agenda, so that you’re free to enjoy your new space in clean comfort.

 

Clean Machine

Perhaps the most laborious and disliked task of the moving process, cleaning is essential and entirely necessary. End of lease cleaning is a particularly labour-intensive and time-heavy task, requiring all sorts of cleaning that we don’t usually even dream of. Items which will need attention include: cupboards, window-sills, skirting boards, ovens, showers, ceiling fans and even exhaust fans. If it’s a house fixture, it will need a thorough clean.

 

Another option is to call in a professional cleaner and opt for a special end of lease clean.

Specialist Melbourne end of lease cleaners have the attention to detail and experience necessary for end of lease cleans, ensuring that you receive your bond back (if necessary) and any future tenants are left with a clean slate.

 

Plan It Out

Planning your move and allotting plenty of time to packing, sorting and shifting will save you from any last minute rushes and will enable you to better organise your possessions.
Create a timetable – doing this also allows you to evaluate your possessions and decide whether to keep or rehome items – with the option to organise a garage sale or swap in order to make a bit of extra money.

 

Garage Days

If you’ve managed to organise your time effectively, a great way to get rid of excess possessions and to make some extra money is through organising a garage sale. A garage sale is a time-honoured tradition where you can display old or unwanted items on the street in front of your house (or median strip) and label them with prices. There are online groups dedicated to advertising upcoming garage sales, and you can also advertise in your local area by printing out posters and attaching them to power-poles and local noticeboards.

 

Dog Day Afternoon

Another consideration you will need to take into account is any animals involved.

If you have pets around, it’s a good idea to plan for them well ahead of time. Some pets are best kept in boarding for a few days either side of a house move, in order to allow you the time and space necessary to pack and unpack. The stress of moving is also a reality for animals, and the sounds of items banging and bouncing around can be distressing for your pets.

 

Hired Help

When moving day comes, make sure to take plenty of rest breaks, and don’t attempt to move or lift things which are too heavy. If you’re opting to do-it-yourself, enlist the help of a couple of good friends, if possible. Many hands certainly make light work, and you’ll be grateful for the extra manpower. You’ll find the extra hands are also handy for any impromptu cleaning that pops up during the day.

A little known service of many professional removal companies is that they can often take away old mattresses and beds for free – saving you time and money on their disposal. Check online for movers in your area offering this service.

 

Give It Away

The last tip is the easiest and most manageable task of your move.

At the end of a process such as a house move, you will inevitably find yourself with many possession you no longer want or are in need of owning. In this case, there are many services and charities which gladly accept usable donations of household items in good condition, items such as cookware, furniture, and clothing. By donating these items, you’ll be lightening your load and also helping out those in need.

 

Clearing out your home to move is a time-consuming task, but there are ways to make the process easily. Armed with the above tips, you’re hopefully on the way to a more smooth, well-organised move.

Plan Ahead

When working with a petite internal area, identifying the functionality of your room is a fundamental step in space creation. Consider the purpose of your room – is it for sleeping, eating, working, lounging or washing? The primary purpose of the space you’re working with should be prioritized in your interior design.

From here, furniture selection and décor that supports this purpose should be selected with this in mind, in order to avoid potentially impractical design choices.

Clutter, be gone

To maximize the efficiency of an existing space, some decluttering may be in order. Not only should personal items in this room be sifted through, (see guru Marie Kondo for assistance in this area) but the configuration of larger, permanent items should also be studied.

Are curtains necessary? Installing outer shutters or fully retractable internal blinds will make the windows appear larger and allow more light to enter. If curtains are a must, hang them as high as possible and slightly wider than the frame to suggest a larger window.

Do you have appropriate, realistic storage? Having a location for items in a designated zone will create order in a limited area, but also determine whether you will actually return them to this location when not in use, otherwise, the functionality of your storage will be diminished.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall              

Mirrors not only reflect but when used cleverly, can create depth and refract light which opens up a smaller space. Good placement may include those opposite a window, mirrored splashbacks for kitchens, floor to ceiling mirrors to add height to a room, and placing a mirror over fireplaces. These will all enhance your room’s space.

A windowless room can also benefit from a mirror when a lamp is placed in front or in its sightline to spread light around the room.

Consider your palette

Colour plays a vital role in defining space. Especially if your room also lacks light, a reliable interior design technique is selecting lighter shades for walls, flooring, and ceilings.

This minimalist colour use is essential to directing how the eye moves around the room so once your neutral base is established, add colour accents via small furnishings or perhaps artwork. However, only incorporate a few colours so the room does not become busy and appear cluttered.

If lots of colour is unavoidable, you can opt to group shades together. Their organization will overcome the colour clashes that jostle for attention and overwhelm the space.

Mount it up

Having less furniture will increase your floor space so mounting your television, speakers and other devices will eliminate the need for a TV unit. The wireless capabilities of many electronics reduce the number of cables and wires once required. Minimalist floating shelves can also be incorporated to house any related items that need a home.

Similarly, installing high shelves will also rescue floor space back from a traditional bookcase and draws the gaze upwards, which also gives the perception of more height in a smaller room.

 

Paying for your home forms a big part of your budget. Whether you are renting or buying, you must ensure that everyone takes good care of it. Even when you are very careful, there will still be times when you will need to carry out common home repairs. While it may be tempting to call a professional, some of the problems can be repaired with little or no experience. However, homeowners should exercise caution when dealing with electricity. Knowing how to handle common bathroom repairs will help you to save money and avoid the inconvenience they bring.

Fixing or replacing a broken toilet lever
This toilet repair issue is relatively easy to fix. The first thing you can do when you experience this problem is to press the lever. If this does not flush your toilet, you should open the tank and re-attach the chain.

To replace a broken lever, the following steps should be taken:
• Open the tank and look for a number inside the tank. This will help you to identify the best replacement parts
• Unhook the clasp that attaches the lift chain to the arm
• Use the crescent wrench to loosen the nut then remove the old handle
• Clean any rust or mildew, insert the arm into the hole and firm the nut
• Attach the chain to the same hole as on the arm you removed

The tools and materials needed
• Adjustable crescent wrench
• Utility knife
• Replacement toilet lever kit

There’s a wide range of parts available online based on the exact repair needed.

Unclogging a toilet drain
Before calling a plumber to unclog your toilet, you can try to do it on your own. A toilet plunger will help you to deal with minor clogs while a toilet auger will handle major clogs.

Using a plunger:
• If there is no standing water, add until the plunger head is submerged
• Cover the drain hole with the cup of the plunger and apply several downward thrusts
• After clearing the clog, flush the toilet to wash away any remaining obstructions

Using an auger:
• Insert the tip of the auger into the opening of the toilet drain. Make sure the bend in the auger is pointed towards the back of the toilet bowl
• Push the handle while extending the cable until the auger reaches the clog. Turn the handle and push the cable to break up the clog
• Pull the handle to remove the auger then flush the toilet

Get specifics on what a toilet auger is

Tools and materials needed
• Toilet plunger
• Toilet auger
Fixing a leaking bathroom pipe
Most leaks in the bathroom will occur under bathroom sinks. This could either be due to a loose or broken compression or a worn out washer.

To fix a leaking bathroom pipe, the following steps should be taken:
• Turn off the water supply to the sink with a leaking pipe
• Place a bucket under the leaking pipe to hold the leaking water
• Twist the compression nuts off and clean out any dirt in the curved pipe using clean water
• If this does not work, you can use a joint compound around the leaking area
• Consider replacing the washer before turning the water back on

The materials needed
• A bucket
• A replacement P-trap
• A replacement washer

Replacing a light switch 
Bathroom repair may involve replacing a light switch. Electricity presents the risk of serious injury and death, making it important to leave the job to a professional. However, replacing a light switch can be quite easy.

To replace a light switch, the following steps should be taken:
• Turn off power at the switch in the main circuit breaker
• Unscrew the switch plate and test if the circuit is dead
• Unscrew the switch and pull it out with wires still intact
• Ensure that the new switch is the correct position
• Attach the wires to the same-colored screw on the new switch as in the old one
• Push the new switch in the electric box and screw it firmly in place
• Turn the power back on

Tools needed 
• Fathead screwdriver
• Head screwdriver
• Replacement light switch

 

Patching a Hole in Drywall
It is normal to have holes in walls, whether you are renting or buying. Small holes made by screws or nails can be fixed easily.

To patch a hole in Drywall, the following steps should be taken:
• Clean the area in which the hole is located and then wipe down the wall.
• Use the putty knife to press spackle into the affected area and allow it to dry
• Once it is dry, sand the spackle using sandpaper to ensure that it is flat and looks nice.

The tools required
• Putty knife
• Joint compound
• Drywall
• Electric drill
• Wood screws
The major box stores carry a range of patch kits that can also work utilizing the steps above

Numerous things can break in your bathroom; however, most of these problems can be repaired easily if you have the right tools, get some supplies from the hardware and a bit of information from the internet. When the problem is serious, or you do not have the skills to repair it, you should call for professional help.