Four Home Maintenance Tasks To Do This Summer

There are plenty of things you can get up to over the summer when it comes to your home. It’s the time of year where many households will focus on things that need to get done around the home in order to keep up with the look and feel of the place. Here are four home maintenance tasks to do this summer to keep you occupied.

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Improve Your Water Pressure

Not all homes have great water pressure, and it can make a real difference when you come to improve it. The right water pressure can turn the average shower into one that you won’t want to get out of in the mornings or evenings. It all depends on what system you have and what’s available to help give it that extra boost it needs to perform better. One way to improve the maintenance of your water pressure is by purchasing a water pressure booster like this Grundfos SCALA2. It’s something that can help bring a bit more power to your water pressure and provide more of a satisfying pressure for things you’d need water for in daily household life.

Do Any Paint Touch-Ups

With paint touch-ups, it can be a good idea to get these done over the summer because that way you can air out the rooms that have been painted without freezing to death. It’s always a good idea to go around your home and to do any painting jobs that might need doing because there may come a point where you want to redecorate and perhaps incorporate some new items of furniture or artwork and having clean walls can definitely make this more appealing.

Get Your Boiler Checked 

Your boiler supplies the hot water to your home, and there’s nothing worse than this falling apart or breaking down during the warmer months. With that in mind, it’s definitely worth getting your boiler checked annually and to do this over the summer when the boiler isn’t going to be in use. Keeping an eye on your boiler is something that’s worth doing because these are definitely not something that’s cheap to replace. The more you can do to keep it maintained, the longer it’s likely to last as a result. It’s also worth following any maintenance tips that are recommended to ensure you’re not overworking it at any point.

Wash Your Windows

Windows and doors are a good place to focus on over the summer because again, you can spend a long period of time outside without having to wear a thermal coat, at and scarf to keep you warm. Washing your windows down is definitely an activity that you’d want to do during the summer, and it can be a great way to help keep the windows clean and presentable. There’s nothing worse than dirty windows and frames, especially as they provide details to the property from a passerby point of view.

These four home maintenance tips should definitely keep you busy for the summer and be sure to add to the list where necessary!

Tips for Protecting Your Septic System

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Your septic system is like a private sewage plant, carrying away the waste from your household. Those who don’t have access to a municipal sewer line rely on these systems that are out of sight and generally odorless. If you can smell your sewage, there is a problem with the system. With the proper maintenance, you shouldn’t have any issues with your septic system. However, it is recommended that you call the septic cleaning Danbury CT area professional for a cleanout every one to three years. In the meantime, you can follow these rules to reduce damage or malfunction.

Inspect and Record

Make sure you are inspecting your system several times a year. You can just do a visual inspection, documenting anything that looks out of place and how you resolved the issue.

Pump Out Regularly

The general rule of thumb is to pump out your septic tank at least once every three years. This helps to make certain that the solids in the tank are fully broken down and won’t clog the drain field. Having the system routinely pumped can extend the life of the system and prevent failure.

Conserve and Monitor

Watch how much water you use at one time, as an overload can cause a backup. Septic systems have sizes that correspond to the design of the house, and too much pressure on the system causes malfunction.

Avoid Excessive Chemicals

It is okay to use normal amounts of household cleaners and detergent, as conservative amounts don’t destroy the bacteria keeping the septic tank working. Dumping too many chemicals or thick liquids down the drain (such as oil, paint, cooking fats, or coffee grounds) can easily clog the systems and create a backup.

Many people know the dangers of flushing paper towels, diapers, and other non-decomposable materials into the septic tank. However, these other areas are less commonly recognized as harmful to a septic system.

What To Do If Your Home Gets Flooded

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If your home gets flooded, either due to excessive rain, a river nearby bursting its banks, or through a plumbing problem, it can be catastrophic. The damage that water can do to your property and all of your possessions is significant. Dealing with the aftermath of a flood can be upsetting, and stressful. There is a lot of work that you will need to carry out, and it is important that you do everything that you can. 

What To Do Immediately During The Flood

Your first priority is to your safety. If it is unsafe in your home, or if the emergency services have told you to evacuate, then you need to leave your home as it is and come back to it whenever you can. Your life is more important than your possessions. 

Once you are able to enter your property again, you should take photographs of as much of the damage as possible for your insurer. Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can. You may be covered for support in getting your house cleaned up, but at the very least, they need to know about a potential claim as soon after the flood as possible. 

If you are able to, hire a professional company such as Service Restore to help you to get the home cleaned. 

Removing The Water From Your Home

Your first priority is going to be to clear the water out of your home. You can do this using a combination of buckets and a wet-dry vacuum. If you don’t have a wet-dry vacuum, you can try and borrow or hire one. 

It may be possible to push some of the water out from your home, assuming you have somewhere outside where it can easily flow to. 

For any residual water remaining on the floor, you can mop this up. Use towels as much as possible, but ensure they are constantly being rung out. You will be left with a damp home. 

Airing Your Home

It is important that as soon as the water has been removed, that you air your home immediately. Open windows and hire dehumidifiers. If you have fans or air conditioning units, use these to circulate the air. 

If damp is allowed to remain anywhere in your home it will quickly turn to mold. 

Assessing The Damage

Following on from a flood, your home may have sustained damage. Flood water may contain sewage and there are some severe health implications relating to some forms of flooding. You need to get your property professionally checked out by an expert recovery team.

You may have serious safety problems if water has got into your electrical wiring. Where water has soaked into flame retardant wall panels, it may be compromised. If water has got under flooring, then there is of mold developing under the tiles. All of these could be major problems that could cost a considerable amount to repair. A professional assessor will be able to advise on the full course of action that will be required. 

Why Choose Plastic Pipes For Your Home

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Irrespective of what type of pipework system you require, whether it be for clean water or chemicals, you need to choose the material of the pipes with a great deal of care. In general, you have two options at your disposal. For many years metal was the favoured choice, however, nowadays more and more people are opting for plastic pipes instead. There are many different reasons why this is the case. Thus, keep on reading to discover the key reasons why plastic pipes are better than metal pipework systems…

Firstly, one of the main reasons why plastic is the preferred choice for pipes and tanks from the likes of Tank Direct is because it is much more flexible. This type of material can be used with a whole host of applications. From chemical systems to agricultural irrigation systems – the list is endless. Whilst you can use metal in these circumstances, it is often not as effective. This is because metal has a tendency to corrode. In chemical systems especially, you will find that the metal weakens over time because of corrosion and rust. This can easily lead to leaks, which consequently leads to expensive repairs, not to mention a lot of hassle as well. It is also worth considering how detrimental this would be in a pipework system for drinking water. Traces of the metal can end up in the water, and this can lead to that awful metallic taste. Nonetheless, if you opt for a plastic pipework system you will not experience any of these issues. Plastic is not a material that corrodes, nor does it rust. Therefore, aside from flexibility and a much higher degree of quality, you should also factor in the longevity of this type of system. If you invest in plastic pipes you will get a lot more years out of them than you would with metal pipes, and thus value for money is assured. 

This leads onto the next point perfectly – the cost savings associated with plastic pipes for your home. As mentioned, you are less likely to require a repair if you opt for a plastic system. Moreover, your pipes will last for more years when compared with metal pipes. Nonetheless, these are not the only savings you will benefit from. Plastic is actually a lot cheaper to produce, and thus plastic pipes will cost less, to begin with. In addition to this, they are also much lighter and therefore they are easier to transport. Not only does this further indicate that they are flexible, yet it also showcases how you can save money on transport costs. 

The final factor you should consider, which a lot of people have a tendency to overlook, is the environmental benefits that are associated with plastic. When compared with metal, this is the more eco-friendly option to go for. This is important because the need to look after our planet is evident and businesses all have a responsibility to play their part. So, why is plastic the more environmentally friendly option? Generally, they reduce the user’s need to use as much energy. This is because they have low thermal conductivity, and thus they do not conduct heat as easily. Nevertheless, they are also a great insulator, meaning you lose less heat in hot water supplies. Again, this represents cost savings, yet you can also be safe in the knowledge that you are doing your bit to reduce the damage being done to our planet. 

Maintaining A Rural Property - Simple Advice For You

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Almost everyone wishes to one day escape to the country. Even for the most urbanite social butterflies, the idea of getting out away from everyone and being at one with nature can be quite peaceful. They may deny it, but almost all get this impression during a particularly bad day at the office, or when stuck in traffic.

What might be even more crazy to imagine is that actually - many act upon these thoughts. More and more people willing to settle down or simply to experience something new in life enjoy the comforting grace of the rural environment and manage their homes to that end. However, managing a home within this area can sometimes take a little extra effort to perfect. That’s not something to fear, of course. In fact, it can be thoroughly restorative. You just need to know what you’re doing ahead of time, to avoid any growing pains that can often accompany a large change in your personal situation.

Thankfully, maintaining a rural property is not rocket science, nor is it arcane knowledge only accessible to those whose families have lived in said conditions for generations or generations. With this advice, you’ll see just how true that is:

Odd Odors

It’s important to know that when in a rural property, you will smell many textured and different smells. This is in part due to the lack of pollution, allowing you to distinctly smell things in your environment without much interference. This is a good sign! However, remember that farmers need to feed their fields with manure, farm animals can have their odors if coming close to your property line, and also, your home may not be connected to a thorough sewage system. This is where septic tanks, and the best sanitary septic company in your address book can help you keep things cared for. If you do not attend to this you will surely notice smells sooner rather than later. We would recommend understanding where the septic tank is for your property (if part of a small development of houses, it could be shared) will help you avoid unnecessary odors.

Ragged Roads

Private roads that lead off from the main publicly paved lanes are often where you will be situated when living rurally. This means that it could be your responsibility, and the responsibility of those living on your lane to pave over said potholes, especially if they are bad. This can get expensive, so splitting the difference between the residents on said lane or having concrete ‘bumps’ elongated over the worst parts can save money. Ensure you know what your responsibility is to your neighbors and what the current discussions are.

Supposed Suspicion

It’s also important to ensure that you’re in good communication with those who live around you. It’s not uncommon for thieves with interest in moving in the cover of night to target rural properties, and this means that the community needs to come together to assess and identify potential threats that take place. Odd cars parked at strange times, perhaps figures moving in the shadows near the village hall, all of this should and could be reported for the best mutual care.

With this advice, you’re sure to maintain your new life in the countryside - and well at that.

Repairing vs. Replacing Your AC

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Summertime is in full swing, and that means your air conditioner is probably going full throttle — that is, unless it's not working correctly. Before you start searching "AC repair near me" though, it is important to consider whether you truly need repair, or whether your home would benefit from an entirely new unit.

 How Old Is Your Air Conditioner?

The first thing you should consider when working through the "repair vs. replace" debate is the gave of your HVAC unit. Of course, there is no steadfast age that makes a unit too old to repair, which is why some experts use a dollar amount instead. To determine if your air conditioner is too old to repair, consider its age as well as how much the repair cost is. Multiply them, and if the number is more than $5,000, consider replacement instead. For example, a 10-year-old unit that is going to cost $500 to repair will equal to exactly $5,000, so it may be best to replace it instead. However, a 5-year-old unit at $350 will only multiply to $1,750, so it is fine to repair.

Is Your Current Unit Energy-Efficient?

Energy efficiency matters as well. Even if your HVAC unit is technically repairable, it could still be costing you hundreds of dollars each year if it lacks any energy efficiency. Energy Star recommends purchasing an energy-efficient unit if your current unit is 10 years old or older, and even HVAC technicians recommend replacement after 15 years. The average lifespan of a unit is 14 years, so if yours is on the brink of old age, now is the time to purchase something more efficient.

Whether you decide to hire someone to repair your current unit or replace it with a brand new, energy-efficient model, it is important to hire technicians who are licensed, certified, and insured. This not only saves you money but ensures the safety of you and your property since HVAC work requires being around dangerous electrical or gas components.

How to Choose a Valve Lock System

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When it’s time to perform maintenance or repairs on a pressurized valve, it’s necessary to shut off whatever material is in inside. Valve locks perform this critical role, one which can prevent potentially harmful accidents. But before you install one, it’s important to know that valve locks are not one-size-fits-all. There are several different types which are engineered for specific valves.

It’s more likely than not that your valve is one of the three most common: Ball valves, butterfly valves, or gate valves. Here’s how their corresponding valve lock systems work:

Ball Valve Locks

Ball valve lock systems combine an outside handle with an interior ball to control flow through the valve. You simply shift the handle to the off position to do so. They typically range from one half to eight inches in diameter and will work on a wide variety of pipes, including ones constructed of stainless steel, brass, bronze, chrome, titanium, PVC, CPVC and others.

Butterfly Valve Locks

Butterfly valves themselves are discs positioned in the center of a pipe. When given a quarter turn, they control flow. They are generally cheaper than ball valves because of their lighter weight. Butterfly valve locks, like ball valve locks, can be used on different sizes of pipes, but have a more limited range of 2.5 to 4 inches in diameter.

Gate Valve Locks

Gate valve locks work by blocking access to valve handles. They are thermoplastic covers in the shape of half circles. After they’re installed, a padlock or hasp can be used to secure them in place. Gate valve locks are mostly used with larger pipe diameters (from 2" to the largest pipelines).

Valve lock systems have a wide range of applications: manufacturing, mining, utilities, municipal service, and oil and gas. But before choosing one, always make sure it is the right fit for the valve you need to shut off.

DIY Time: Sourcing Parts For Your Home's Pipework

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If you are doing any pipework in your home, then there will be some essential accessories that you will need to buy. Before you go ahead and start completing the task it is crucial that you think of all the options at your disposal. After all, you need to make sure you have all of the necessary accessories. 

The first thing that you should do is make a list of all the accessories and goods that you need for your home DIY task. This will ensure that you do not forget anything. After all, there is nothing more frustrating than starting a job only to find that you cannot complete it because you are missing a key component. The following are some of the main accessories you will need to consider; compression reducers, pipe clamp fittings, backing rings and end feeds. Don’t forget to make sure that you have all of the tools for the job as well. And consider sheet metal fabrication services if you need custom parts for a non-standard fitting.

Once you have made your checklist you can then begin to search for all of the accessories you need. The first thing that you should do is source out a reputable company like Slater Pumps. This is crucial because you need to be assured of quality. Moreover, a top company can provide you with advice regarding which will be the best accessories for you as well as even giving you a heads up relating to the task at hand. The best way to discover a company’s worth is to see how much experience they have in the industry. At the end of the day, you don’t want to be someone’s practice project.

Once you have found a good company to source your materials from you will also need to decide on which material pipe accessories you need. If you are doing some pipe work repair and already have either metal pipes or plastic pipes then you will have to stick to the material you have already utilized. Nevertheless, if you are starting a job from scratch then you have choices at your disposal. People generally tend to lean more towards plastic because it is much more durable and long lasting. The reason for this is because it does not corrode or rust and thus you need not worry about any expensive repair work in the future. Moreover, the thickness of plastic means that it tends to act as a heat retainer as well and therefore it is energy efficient.

3 Tips to Improve Your Heating and Cooling Bill

A significant amount of your electric bill is contributed to heating and cooling. When it comes to your heating and cooling Williamsburg VA AC technicians have a few tips for you to follow. It can end up saving you quite a bit of money over the course of the year.

Program Your Thermostat

It’s important to program your thermostat based on when you are and are not going to be in the house. There is no need for your HVAC system to be running constantly if you aren’t home. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, it is well worth the investment. This way, you can program different temperatures for the mornings when you are getting ready, during the day, as well as a different temperature when you are getting ready to go to bed.

Change Your Filters

You should change the air filters on your returns on a regular basis. Depending on how many people you have in your home and whether you have pets, filters should be changed every one to three months. Otherwise, you are expecting your air-conditioning system to work extra hard, penetrating through a thick layer of dust and dander on the filters.

Schedule Inspections

It’s a good idea to schedule inspections on your HVAC system at least twice a year. A professional repair technician can come in to identify if there are any issues with the system. Your system can be charged. Issues can be addressed. Plus, the coils can be cleaned. It will help your system to work as efficiently as possible throughout the year.

There’s no reason to spend more money than necessary on your electric bill. By following a few tips, you can keep your system in good working condition so that it doesn’t cost you too 

Hiring a Company to Repair Your Roof

Have you recently moved into a house that is rather old? If this is the case, you might have some problems with your roof at some point in the future. You need to be sure that you have a very dependable and reputable company to call to fix your roof. Not all roofing companies are the same. In fact, the difference in the quality of work they provide you with can be quite staggering. Here are a few tips that will allow you to hire the best roofing company in your area.

1. Go to the site controlled by the Better Business Bureau and look at all of the roofing companies they have listed. 

The BBB is one of the best places to find companies that perform emergency roof repairs Denver CO. You will be able to read detailed info about all of the roofing companies in your area. This will give you a better idea of what options you have. Take a look at the letter grade that the BBB has given to each roofing company. This letter grade will help you to tell which companies are the best and the ones that should be avoided.

2. Get the opinions of your family and other people you know.

You probably know many people who have needed roof repairs in the past. Find out who these people hire to repair their roof. Are they totally happy with the way their roof was repaired? Did the company use the best materials for the repair? How long did it take the company to finish their work? What was the amount of money they charged? Compiling all of this info will make hiring a roofing company much easier.

3. Make sure that the roofing company has both a license and insurance.

A license indicates that the people who work for the roofing company have the right amount of training. Insurance will come into play if the roofing company causes damage to your home while they are working. The insurance will pay for the repair of the damage they caused. Always ask to see their license and proof of insurance.

Home Maintenance Tips: How To Avoid and Repair Cracks In Your Driveway

We often overlook how common concrete is. It makes up virtually all roads in the United States. Most city streets are lined with sidewalks made of concrete. Residential driveways, garage floors, and industrial-purpose floors are made of concrete as well. There being so much concrete across modern society, the likelihood of some concrete being cracked in any given location is reasonably high.

You most likely don't know that cracks are caused by a myriad of factors. They're not all simply cracks, as different originating factors of cracks are most effectively treated in different ways. Let's brush over the most common types of cracks that sidewalks, driveways, and other concrete structures endure.

When the Ground Settles, Bad Things Can Happen

This goes without saying, but concrete sits on dirt, rock, or a combination of the two. When the ground beneath the concrete wasn't settled before the concrete was poured or installed, large cracks can and often will split driveways, sidewalks, and slabs in halves, quarters, and potentially many more pieces. Cracks formed as a result of settling can also rear their ugly head if trees or major plants have recently been pulled.

Have You Heard of Heaving? It's a Phenomenon, That's for Sure

Tree roots can reach out from trees for hundreds of feet. They can also grow to be quite thick, displacing things like sidewalks if they were once poured near growing trees. Cracks that are caused by heaving involve concrete - it's almost always sidewalks that are affected - slabs breaking clean in two and one of them rising several inches over the other. Over time, the gap grows. The only way to fix heaved concrete is to remove trees or pour new concrete.

Plastic Shrinkage

Plastic shrinkage refers to the process by which moisture leaves recently-poured concrete, causes the slabs to crack, and slide towards or away one another. These types of cracks are by far the most common in concrete.

Concrete is everywhere. Most people don't think of concrete repair, however. Knowing what type of concrete crack you're dealing with can make concrete resurfacing in Charlotte, NC infinitely easier.

Tips and Tricks that will Help you to Make More Money from your Property Sale

Selling your home can be a difficult decision. After all, you have to think about where you are going to live now, how your family are going to feel and even if it is the right choice to move. If you end up getting less for your home than you originally planned, this can put even more pressure on you financially and this is the last thing you need when you already have so much going on right now. Luckily, there are a couple of things that you can do to try and make way more money from your home sale by following these top tips and tricks.

Stage your Home

77% of real estate agents believe that it is much easier for a buyer to visualise themselves in a staged property. It doesn’t cost much to stage your home when you look at the value it could add, not to mention that it is also essential if you want to show your home in the best possible light. It’s so important that you are able to stage your living room, bathroom and master bedroom, as these are generally the most desired rooms in a family home.

Target your Buyer

Different types of property will attract different types of buyers. Each type of buyer will have their own individual needs, and if you are able to meet these needs then you will see the price of your home rocket. If you have a rundown property for example, there is a high chance that you will be targeting an investor who is looking for a project. For this reason, you need to try and spend your time advertising the house towards this type of buyer. When you are able to take things like this into consideration, you can then make your home way more appealing because you can find out exactly what your buyer is looking for. Little things like this can make a huge difference, not to mention that it also gives you the chance to have much more control over your sale.

Boost Appeal

When you own a property, you probably won’t spend too long looking at it from the outside. You might not notice any cracked paint, chipped windowsills or even mould growth. Your buyer on the other hand, absolutely will, so outside appeal is a very important concept for you to take into consideration. Think about replacing the door if it is looking a little worse for wear, or even think about pressure washing the walkway to your property. If you have bushes, shrubs and trees overgrowing your home then cut them back and really open up the space. Little things like this can add thousands to the value of your home, and it gives your buyer a good first impression from the moment they enter the property.

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Landscaping

As mentioned above, trimming back your greenery can make a huge difference to your home’s appeal. Studies show that a home that is well landscaped can sell for up to 12% more. You don’t have to spend a lot of time upgrading your garden, you just need to make sure that your lawn has been cut recently and that your patio area is clean and free of grime. Quality garden furniture can also go a long way when it comes to your landscaping as well, so if you can, you should always invest in this. You may even be able to make a deal with the buyer to sell them the furniture, adding even more value to your property.

Upgrade your Kitchen

A minor kitchen remodel can really help you to boost interest. The kitchen is often thought as being the most important room in the house for a lot of buyers and for this reason, you need to make it stand out. Steel appliances and granite countertops are considered to be the most sought-after. If you want to step things up to that next level then consider painting over your dated kitchen cabinets with some glossy, white paint. You can also invest in some new tile flooring if you want to bring everything together, as it is easy to maintain and even easier to clean.

The Bathroom

A bathroom renovation can be very costly and it can also be incredibly time-consuming as well. When it’s done right, it can make your lives way better and it can also be very attractive to a potential buyer. Mid-range bathroom remodels can increase the value of your home by over 3.8% and this is certainly something that you will want to take advantage of if you want to sell your home for more money.

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New Hardware

If you can’t afford to upgrade your kitchen or even your bathroom then consider investing in some new hardware. This can include new doorknobs, cabinet pulls and even drawer handles as well. This can have a huge impact on your market potential and it is great if you are on a small budget. They can also add charm to your home if you choose them carefully. If you feel as though your bathroom or kitchen needs more of a boost then look into cabinet refacing and even new lights. When you have these installed, you will soon see that they can drastically change the look and feel of the room without bumping up the price too much.

De-Clutter

An organised and a very clean home can really give you the impression of a well-maintained property. If you have a bed that isn’t made, a spare room that is full of clutter or even blinds that are covered in dust, then this can give a really bad impression of the home. Tidy rooms also appear way bigger as well, so this is well worth doing. When you are trying to improve your home, you need to wipe down your baseboards and cabinets. You also need to dust everywhere and get rid of any clutter. This will have a notable impact on the viewability of your home.

Smart Technology

You may think that it is daft to install smart technology when you are due to move out but this is not the case at all. Smart door locks and even thermostats can really make your home stand out. Consider having your home security system, foyer light, carbon monoxide detector and more hooked up to your smartphone. This is usually very cheap to do but it also gives you the chance to advertise your home as being “smart”. On top of that, buyers will remember your home for all the right reasons as well so there are numerous benefits to getting this done.

Decorate!

A lot of homeowners spend so much time looking at their walls that they don’t realise when they become faded or dated. A lot of wallpapers and even bright colours can also be a real turn-off for potential buyers. If you have wallpaper in your home then it is a good idea for you to remove it. Studies have shown that most buyers in this day and age actually prefer something with a much broader appeal and this can include neutral-coloured paint.

Ceiling Fan

People love to have a ceiling fan, and this is especially the case in the master bedroom. Most people are also willing to pay way more for them as well. To make things even better, they are generally very cheap to install so you won’t have any issues there. If you are having a problem trying to afford everything you need in your home then it may be worth you looking into OnlineCash4Payday® | installment loans online for good and bad credit.

Update your Flooring

Old carpet can be a real eyesore for buyers. It can also be a hazard if you have allergies as well. if you want to try and make your home as appealing as it can be then hardwood floor is certainly the way to go. If you cannot afford hardwood then don’t be afraid to go with laminate. Of course, if you have a hardwood floor installed right now then instead of ripping it out, consider getting it refinished. When you do this, you can then add thousands onto the value of your property and you can also really make the most out of your renovation.

Natural Light

The more natural light you can let into a home, the better. Consider cleaning the windows, opening up the blinds and then turning the lights on. This will instantly brighten up the room and it can make it look bigger as well. Most buyers look at lighting when they look around a property, so if you can, you should try and invest in some new lighting as well as this can really boost the appeal of a room.

So, there are many things that you can do to try and sell your home for more money and when you follow the above tips, you will soon find that there is no reason why you can’t do most of these upgrades yourself.

Getting Your Home Ready For Spring: The Actions To Take

Spring has finally sprung and that means that more of us are looking ahead to the warmer season and nicer weather. It certainly means that we dusting off the cobwebs of winter, both personally and within our homes. It is amazing how the sun shining through the window can highlight some of the areas they may need your focus on your home. I thought I would share with you some of the ways that you can get your home ready for spring with the actions that you can take. 

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Ensuring any air conditioning is working 

The weather is about to turn warmer, and so our homes can become the stuffy and uncomfortable environments to be in if we are not careful. This is when air conditioning can really help. It has the power to keep your home cool in the summer months. But, the chances are you won’t have used it for some time. This is when get companies that are experts in Heating, Cooling and Plumbing can really help you. Ensuring that all aspects of your air conditioning system are working as they should be so that you can rest assured that even on the hottest of days your home will be cool. 

Spring cleaning to the max

Spring cleaning is one of those things that many of us feel motivated to do at this time of year. It is a chance to really give our homes the thorough cleaning they need, especially have the hibernation period of winter. There is nothing like the sun shining through your window and highlighting ever spec of dust. Get yourself a list and note down all of the jobs and chores you want doing. Give yourself a routine or schedule for each room and see the difference a good clean could make to your home. 

Decluttering your home

We can let clutter build up over time, and this can less than ideal if you are wanting a clean and tidy space. Now would be the ideal time to start decluttering your home of anything you no longer love, want or need. Websites like eBay area great platform to utilise to get rid of things that are still working, and then recycling things that are not worth anything. Don’t forget that you could also donate to charity shops to help them. 

Adding spring interior touches

Finally, why not add some spring touches to your home? Fresh flowers are a great way to add some colour and a subtle hint of scent to your home. You could consider changing the theme in terms of colour and add some new cushions into the mix, or new pastel shades for the spring season ahead. Other people like to add different touches to their home in terms of decorations like banners and reefs on the door. Also, at this time of year, people actually use it as a chance to totally redecorate or at least freshen up the walls. 

I hope that this has given you some inspiration to help get your home ready for spring. 

Spring Cleaning Your Home for a Carefree Summer

If you cannot wait until the weather turns warmer, and you can hold those house parties again, you are not alone. We all get the winter blues, and the best way of getting rid of them is by getting busy and preparing our home for the summer. From cleaning your gutters to painting your fascia boards, and decluttering the basement and loft, there are so many tasks to complete before you can host your summer party. Below you will find a simple guide to spring clean your house to get ready for a stress-free summer. 

Attic Space Clearout

We all tend to store things in the attic, just to forget about them and find them years later. Whether you put your daughter’s doll collection in a box years ago, and they are now at university or still have your old blankets out there that you no longer need, it might be time to fill the trunk of the car and visit the local charity thrift store. You can donate clothes and blankets to your closest homeless shelter, and some organizations even offer a pickup service. If something broke during the winter that you have since replaced, it might be time to recycle them and free up space in the attic. More space means better air and a better chance of spotting signs of broken tiles or pest infestation in the summer. 

Basement Cleaning 

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Your basement needs more attention after a long winter as well. If you have your furnace there, you might be lucky enough not to have damp and mold. However, if you don’t have any heating, it might be time to get a portable heater or dehumidifier installed, and leave the doors or windows open during the first dry days of the Spring. Get your vacuum and pressure washer in, and deep clean your basement. You can treat the wood to prevent rotting and improve its appearance and performance. 

Checking for Gaps and Cracks

When you start moving furniture around for spring cleaning, you might want to check for small gaps and cracks on the wall and in the corners. If you find them, chances are the weather did its best, and you need to get the contractors in as soon as possible. Check your ceiling, the walls by the window, and get an assessment done if you find gaps, signs of dampness, or cracks. 

Pest Repellents

When the weather gets warmer, creepy crawlers will also become active. If you use pest repellents in the problem areas of your home in the spring, you can prevent the unwanted guests from turning up. If you see signs of bugs anywhere, including in the basement or the porch, you need to get in touch with Reynolds Pest Management the best termite company to take care of the issue before you get invaded by bugs and have no choice but watch your property being damaged. 

Steaming Is Your Best Friend

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The best way of spring cleaning your toilet, kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom is by using a portable steam cleaner. You can disinfect the tile floor and walls, and get rid of the nastiest stains you thought you had no chance of eliminating. Steaming your oven and microwave will get rid of burnt-on grease, and leave your kitchen sparkling for the summer. 

Garden Furniture Maintenance

When Spring arrives, you might also want to check out the condition of your garden furniture to get ready for the summer parties. Give the chairs and tables a good clean, and use a pressure washer to clean the patio and pavement. This will help you bring back the original color of your decking and tiles. Whatever is broken, get them replaced, and get rid of the dead plants in the garden, as well as damaged or broken planters. 

A Lick of Paint Makes a Huge Difference

Once it starts getting drier and warmer outside, you can check your roof tiles, gutter, drain pipes, and unblock whatever is full of fallen leaves or dirt. Next, you have to pay attention to your fascia boards, handrails, stairs, and porch. Getting rid of the cracked paint by sanding down the surface, and using a paint sprayer will help you complete this essential regular maintenance job in a few days. 

Washing the Ceiling and Walls

Once you have managed to move your furniture around and cleaned everywhere you usually don’t get to, it might be time to give your ceiling and walls a wipe. Use a damp cloth or white vinegar if you have white walls or a soda crystal solution for washable wallpaper and coverings. You will be surprised how much dust and grease can build up on the top of your kitchen cabinets and on your ceiling. Wiping your walls and ceiling will get rid of all the smells that built up in your house during the long months, and give your house a fresh feel. 

Descaling for Long Life Appliances

Lastly, as a part of your spring cleaning routine, you should start descaling your household appliances and your taps. The best way to go about taps is getting a plastic bag or balloon, filling it with a solution, and attaching it to your faucet, using a rubber band. You can get professional limescale remover tablets for washing machines, dryers, and water boilers. Get in touch with your local plumber to find out whether or not your water pipes have limescale buildup that needs to be cleared. 

The first bright days of Spring are exciting and might get you thinking about barbeques and summer parties. While you might be ready for the summer, chances are that your house is not. Get your spring cleaning gloves on, dig out the steam cleaner and pressure washer, and transform your dull and tired looking house into something bright and sparkly. Declutter and look out for problem areas, get your heating and cracks fixed, and pest-proof your home, so you can make the most out of next summer. 

New Year, New Start: Clearing Out Your Property Before January

We’re coming to the end of the year, and it’s around now that we start to consider New Year’s resolutions. One that tops many people’s lists is to make their home more comfortable or closer to their image of the ideal property. But why wait until the 1st of January to start making changes? If anything, now is a better time than ever to start making changes to your living space. If you make sure that everything is clear before you put your festive decorations up, your home will be a completely blank canvas when you take the tree and lights down in 2018. Here are a few things that you should prioritise over the next couple of weeks to allow this to happen!

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Waste Removal

We all tend to have a fair few unwanted bits and bobs by this time of year. So it’s around now that you should consider having a complete clear out. First, tackle day to day waste. This can include whatever is in the trash cans around your home. Separate plastics, tin, paper and card where possible. These items can be recycled. Next, onto the harder work. Start taking a look through all of your belongings and identifying the ones that aren’t worth the space that they take up. This can be difficult. Often we will look at things that we own and think how they’re nice and how we want to keep a hold of them. But if you’re not using them and they have no sentimental value then they’re just taking up room that could be clear. If the items are in good condition, donate them to a local charity store. Someone out there will love them and get much more use out of them. If not, use an ethical waste removal company such as dirtcheaprubbishremoval.com.au. Companies such as this reduce fly-tipping and its damage on the environment. All rubbish that they pick up is disposed of in an eco-friendly manner at approved waste recycling centres.

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A Fresh Coat of Paint

We’ve all been there: felt adventurous and painted a room bold colours… only to have some regrets about our choices later. Now is a better time than ever to give your walls and ceilings a fresh coat of paint. Keep ceilings matte white and opt for more neutral tones on the walls. Creams and magnolias are often the best way to go, as they aren’t imposing, yet aren’t as sterile or professional as white. Throw in a quick touch of white gloss on the skirting boards and door frames and your home will be looking like new. This will be great for the festive period, as it provides a blank backdrop for your decorations. Then in the new year, it’s almost like you have a completely new, fresh property to work with in terms of interior design.

Following this instructions will endow you with the perfect home to start afresh in January. You can just stick to the little touches once the new year comes, rather than worrying about clearing out and painting.

Don't Let The Cold Snap Cost You Cash

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It’s not a secret that winter is on the way. The temperatures are dropping, and the frosts are starting to creep across the grass. You can see your breath in the air when you walk down the road and you’re slowly reintroducing those winter togs you have had put away since last year. Winter is well and truly on the way and while you may be ready, your house may not be.

The damage that winter weather can cause isn’t always as obvious as shutters blowing off the windows or creeping damp inside the home. Sometimes, it takes dealing with a leak, a cracked pipe and water damage to realise that there was even a problem in the first place. It’s easy to call in Plumbing Diagnostics to help with the issues once they become issues, but the best thing to do is to prevent them happening at all! You can but prepare your house for whatever Jack Frost throws at you and with the tips below, you can make sure you’ve checked off the most important things to look for.

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• Gutter Cleaning. It’s a job that should be done at least twice a year anyway, but it’s time to get the gutters, well, gutted! Removing leaves, debris and clogs now will mean that the melted snow and rain will drain away properly. Hose the gutters down and get someone to help you by holding the ladder so you don’t have any gutter-related accidents.
• Pipe Wrapping. There is a surprising number of people who don’t wrap their pipes in the winter. Considering that a burst pipe can bring utter chaos to your property, it makes sense to wrap the pipes in these rubber sleeves. You can get any pipe insulation at a DIY store, really, but it’s good to use something easy to remove. You could also use heating tape if you can’t get the right rubber sleeves.
• Loft Insulation. Adding extra insulation to your loft can make a big difference to your heating bills. Heat rises in the house and without the right insulation, it’ll rise right out of your roof. This means your heaters have to work harder to keep the house warm enough to enjoy, and it also means your heating bill will shoot up.
• Avoid Draughts. Did you know that a draught in your home can lose you up to 30% of your energy? Adding curtains to the windows over the existing blinds, placing knitted draught excluders below outside doors and covering your windows in see-through plastic can all help to keep the heat in and the cold air out of the house.

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Getting a home ready for winter shouldn’t take you long, as long as you are doing it early enough. The more you wait, the more you risk water damage from the gutters, high heating bills from the lack of loft insulation and the possibility of frozen pipes that crack and leak all over the place! Get your house ready as soon as you can!