Month: January 2020

Renovating a Bathroom on a Budget

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Category : Home Renovation

Along with kitchen renovations, updating your bathroom is quickly becoming one of the most expensive home projects, mostly brought on by reality TV shows that give the impression that the only way to renovate is to rip everything out and restart.

We are here to tell you that this doesn’t need to be the case! In this article, we hope to show you how to keep a bathroom renovation under $10,000 without compromising on a quality result.

First of all, it’s all about planning. Before the bathroom renovation takes place, make a plan and set a budget. With a renovation budget to stick to, variations that arise along the way can always be compared against a projected cost. Then, weigh your options to balance an efficient use of available time and money.

For a full bathroom renovation, a rough guide would be to spend 40% of your budget on fixtures, 35% on tiling, 20% on plumbing and the last 5% on electricals. Always allow for a 10% buffer for any unexpected costs that may come up along the way.

Let’s break it down…

For a $10,000 budget, you would want to allocate your resources like this

  • Fixtures – $ 3600 with a $ 400 buffer
  • Tiling – $ 3150 with a $ 350 buffer
  • Plumbing – $ 1800 with a $ 200 buffer
  • Electrical – $ 450 with a $ 50 buffer

Shall we have a look at how this will work in practice?

1. Fixtures

Accounting for nearly half of your renovation budget, the fixtures and fittings you choose can make or break the look and feel of your bathroom. Keeping a bathroom renovation under $10,000 means the careful allocation of spending across all items.

Ample storage space is a must for every bathroom, so choosing the right vanity and shelving for all your bathroom essentials is vital. If you’re looking for a less orthodox and cheaper option, you can consider re-purposing old furniture, like a chest of drawers or a vintage shop counter. Just get a carpenter to cut a hole to fit your washbasin, and you have a readymade unique feature for your new bathroom.

When choosing a toilet, consider the WELS (water efficiency) rating as well as how easy it will be to keep clean. Wall face toilets eliminate the need to reach around and clean behind your toilet, and rimless toilets provide a more hygienic flushing experience.

Shop around for the rest of your fixtures. You are sure to find several exciting options in flea markets, thrift stores and the like.

2. Tiling

With prices ranging anywhere from between $30 to $200 per square meter, your choice of tiles will go a long way to influence your bathroom renovation cost. Depending on whether you opt for a basic or opulent look you can make clever choices with a combination of tiles at varying price points.

Just make sure you professionally waterproof the areas around your toilet, vanity, shower and bathtub to protect the integrity of your floors and walls.

If your tiles are still in good condition, you could stick re-grouting instead of completely replacing them. Opting for a bit of facelift rather than a complete overhaul will save you lots of money, and in some cases, that fresh white grout is all that’s needed for a brand-new look!

3. Plumbing

Whilst saving money on your bathroom renovation may be your top priority, plumbing is not an area you want to be cutting corners. Skimping on professional installation can lead to problems down the line, and that is not something you want to be dealing with. Some products are only covered by warranty if they’re professionally fitted too, so make sure you do your research. Save costs by working with a plumber that charges per task, rather than by the hour.

4. Electricals

Often overlooked in a bathroom renovation, the electrical elements need to be considered upfront and included in your budget planning. Always plan your electrical layout before doing any tiling as it’s much easier to run the necessary wires and cables.

Effective lighting will allow you to carry out daily activities like shaving, applying make-up and brushing your teeth. As most of these activities center around your vanity, having wall sconces or an LED Mirror will help illuminate this area.

Consider the big picture too in terms of running costs in the long term. Heated towel rails when fitted with a timed eco wall switch are an energy-efficient way of ensuring your towel is toasty warm and dry all year round and may represent a compromise vs under-floor heating, for example.

There are so many options available to complete your bathroom renovation under $10,000 and on time. Do you have any other tips on how to create a beautiful bathroom on a budget? Share them in the comments below.

Your Ultimate Guide to Tiling: Ceramic Tiles

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Category : Home Renovation

One of the biggest renovation projects you can undertake for your house is redoing the floor! While replacing furniture can be done on a budget and repainting the walls can be time-consuming, replacing these old, worn-out floors are going to cost is going to way costlier and is going to take even more time.

But just because it’s expensive, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for that scuffed-up vinyl or that ratty old carpeting. With the amount of flooring options available on the market nowadays, you are guaranteed to find something that suits your taste and is within your budget! But that doesn’t mean that any cheap flooring picked at random will work either! So, if you want the flooring you choose to work in your home or in the room where you plunk it down, do a little research on the different types of flooring and find out everything you can about them.

If you are looking for information about tiling, you’ve come to the perfect place! Tiling is among the most popular types of flooring choices for a reason. This post will cover ceramic tiles and will list the advantages and disadvantages of installing this type of flooring.

Ceramic Tiles

No one type of flooring is ideal for every room and for every budget. You want to remember that even if one type of flooring is ideal for a room, it could very well be a terrible choice for another. For example, even if a white as snow carpet looks splendid in your bedroom, you wouldn’t want to install that in a high-traffic area like the living room!

Made from clay and shale, ceramic tiles can come in a large array of shapes, colours, patterns and even types. Actually, there are 4 different types of ceramic tiles. (Some of which are not even hard enough to be used for flooring. To ensure you are getting the correct tiles, confirm whether they are rated for use on floors.)

Types of Ceramic Tiles

  • Glazed ceramic tiles

Glazed ceramic tiles have a glass-like coating and requires practically no maintenance. They also come in almost any colour and texture you may think of.

  • Quarry tiles

Quarry tiles are unglazed and are not slippery. The surface has a slightly rough texture which makes it more slip-resistant than glazed tile. The only drawback with this type of tiles is that you are less likely to find the exact colour you like – they come in a limited amount of colours.

  • Porcelain tiles

Whether glazed or unglazed, porcelain tiles are extra-hard and durable tiles because they are fired at very high temperatures. The fact that they are so resistant, both glazed and unglazed tiles are perfect for outdoor space or in high-traffic rooms. They are also stain-resistant.

  • Terracotta tiles

Terracotta tiles are unglazed and come only in earth tones. Less durable than other tiles, they are not great choices for high-traffic spaces. They will also need regular sealing to prevent stains.

Advantages of Installing Ceramic Tiles

  • Offers a wide variety of options

Since ceramic tile come in many colours and shapes, you are guaranteed to find something that matches the style of your home. That includes tiles that mimic the look of wood and natural stone. Thanks to modern printing technology you can make your even your wildest dream come true!

  • Durable

The manufacturing process of ceramic tiles ensure that they are strong enough to withstand a lot of weight. Some studies have even found that porcelain tiles are the sturdiest type of flooring.

  • More Resistant

Ceramic tiles have proven to be highly resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture.

  • Easy to Maintain

Ceramic tiles are generally easy to clean. Some doesn’t even require much maintenance.

Drawbacks to Installing Ceramic Tiles

  • Not that Comfortable

Ceramic tiles tend to get very cold during the winter season.

  • Can Be Noisy

Ceramic tiles tend to make footsteps sound louder.

  • Harder to repair

Even if one tile cracks, you may have difficulties repairing it. You may even have to contact a professional and have them replace the tile.

Is Ceramic Glazed Tiles and Glass Tiles One and The Same?

Nope! Glass tiles must not be confused with glazed ceramic tiles. Even though glazed ceramic tiles have a glass-like surface, they are not manufactured the same way. Unlike glazed ceramic tiles, glass tiles are made from thin pieces of glass with translucent glaze fired onto the back of each tile.

What with the considerable degree of commonality between the two though, it is common to get them confused for one another:

  • Glass tiles and glazed ceramic tiles are installed the same way.
  • Both glass tiles and glazed ceramic tiles are traditional tile material for backsplashes.
  • They come in endless colour varieties.
  • They are easy to clean – a little soapy water is enough to wipe off the surface.

Choosing a Color Scheme That Matches Your Home

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Category : Home Improvement

If you are building or decorating your new home, the interior design and color scheme can be quite a daunting task. This is because there are so many color combinations to consider, and determining the best one is not easy. The house has different sections, and each of these sections is unique in their way as they are used for various purposes.

It would be best if you considered the living area, the bedrooms, the kitchen, and even the bathrooms. The most important parts of the house are the bathrooms, the living room, and the kitchen. This is because these are the areas used most around the house, and your guests access these areas every time they visit. However, this does not mean the other areas don’t deserve great color schemes; they do.

Color schemes for the living area

It is essential to select your living room’s color scheme carefully. You need to determine the feel you want to bring to your living room. It would help if you decided whether or not you prefer a warm cozy feeling, a bold or neutral feel, or a simple homely feel. Once you determine the feel you want to accomplish, you are halfway through to settling for the most appropriate color. You can also choose a color scheme that reflects your personality.

Kitchen color schemes

Getting the ideal color scheme for your kitchen can be tiresome. There are thousands of kitchen color ideas to look at, and they will all seem great for your kitchen, but not all of them are. The color scheme you go for will be the difference between having your dream kitchen or a disastrous makeover. The most important aspects to consider are your preferences, the kitchen lighting, and the size of your kitchen. It would help if you were daring; do not fret about using bright colors as they can work perfectly in a kitchen. Find a great way to blend several bright colors.

The size of your kitchen is also of importance when it comes to lighting. Figure out whether you depend on artificial or natural light most of the time. Dark colors are not ideal for small kitchens as they make them look even smaller. You can go for intimate colors like red, brown, or gold to offer an intimate feel to your kitchen. If your kitchen does not get much natural light, you can use bright colors to make it brighter, even with the lights off.

Bathroom color scheme

The bathroom is the other part of the home, mostly used. With the right color scheme, the bathroom can have a very calming effect. It is important to select colors that you love. If you are clueless, try bright aqua colors like ocean blue and even snow-white or even other bright colors like lime yellow. A bright color insinuates cleanliness and comfort. Dull colors, on the other hand, can be uncomfortable for bathrooms. You can also choose bathroom lighting, toilet bowls, sinks, and even bathtubs that reflect the wall and décor of the bathroom. However, be careful not to overdo the colors as too many colors can be uncomfortable. Choose a maximum of two colors and blend them.

Tips in Decorating Your House With Warm Colors

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Category : Home Improvement

Winter is all about staying in and enjoying the comfort and beauty of your home. As much attention is given to the furniture and accessories, the same should be given to the walls and ceilings and also to the colors that are added to the décor. Adding warm colors to your existing décor is a step that will change the overall look of your home. Warm colors are often the combinations of reds, yellows, oranges, and yellow-greens. These colors are known to increase adrenaline and breathing rates, as well as raises the blood pressure, and body temperature, thus making you feel warmer. One of the best ways to work with warm colors is to turn into a statement piece that will bring more attention to it.

If you are planning to have a warm color added to the palettes of colors in your home, then here are some tips that you will need when decorating your home.

Add colors in more layers

Having a colorful centerpiece in your room is great, but more often than not, you will find that one piece is not enough. To truly bring a sense of warmth in a room, you will need to layer your warmer colors into the spaces that you want to accentuate. You can create layers of colors that might sound complicated, but it is simple, as all it requires is that you use similar colors in different ways in different parts of the room. Remember, layering allows different elements into the room to relate to each other, thus creating a unified and cohesive look.

Consider darker colors

If you think that dark colors make your room look a bit on the juvenile side, that is a valid concern. It might be a bit risky, but looking a little deeper at the darker shade, you can expect that the décor will turn out to be one of its kind. To start with dark colors, opt for green colors as it is the perfect choice for bringing a warm touch to space, particularly in a dark and moody tone. A tip is to have green paired with a neutral black and a warm brown to create a more sophisticated and warm environment.

Level with wall arts

Bringing warm colors in your living room or any part of the home should not be limited to furniture only. Do consider hanging wall arts that have warm colors in them as it brings a variety of colors to your space. Create a gallery wall to give your home a higher level of visual interest.

Go for dark-colored wallpapers

One way of adding warmer colors is to add wallpapers that will accentuate the beauty of the room in a more visually pleasing way.

Home Automation: What is Gate Motorization?

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Category : Home Renovation

The gate motorization allows the opening and closing of the gate to be triggered. This is one of the many applications for home automation. Let’s review the possibilities according to the type of gate.

Gate Motorization Systems

There are different types of openings for power-operated gates. To make your choice, it is important to first look at the technical criteria.

Technical Criteria

You will need to know a few things before making your selection. Indeed, 5 variables are essential for manufacturers.

This is particularly the case for the type of opening: casement or sliding. The weight of the gate and its length will also determine the ideal home automation system. You should also know that there are different materials: metal, wood, PVC, aluminium, etc. Finally, think about the options to be provided for greater comfort, security and ecology: alarm, remote control, signal fire, underground system, solar power, etc.

Ecology can be combined with home automation. There are more and more home automation kits on the market, particularly solar-powered. You can find them for the motorization of shutters, garage doors, gates, etc. Be careful, however, that the power supply is powerful enough for the motor to ensure the movement of your gate.

For a Swinging Gate: Arm or Wheel Mechanisms

These two large families of gate motorization mechanisms are the most suitable for a swing gate. The mechanism does not require heavy work.

The arm mechanism is composed of two electric jacks, supported on the masonry pillar on one side and on the gate on the other. The wheel system consists of one motorized wheel for each gate leaf. It rests directly on the gate itself and ensures the movement of each of the two parts.

However, each of these mechanisms is completely visible, most of the time, and therefore not very aesthetic.

Warning: if your gate is made of wood, opt for a motorized gate with an articulated arm that provides smooth and regular movement of the wing. It will require less assembly work.

For a Sliding Gate: Choose the Appropriate Motorization Kit

A system of racks, connected to the motor, allows the gate to slide automatically in its rail. You can easily find complete kits including motor, racks, remote control and accessories. They are preferable to buying separate components, whose compatibility can be a problem.

The plus: for long and/or heavy gates, opt for the kit with buffer battery which will avoid having to push the gate in the event of a power cut.

How to Choose Your Home Automation Gate?

Once you have selected the above elements corresponding to your needs and tastes, you have a more precise idea of the product you are looking for.

Carefully note the distance between the edge of your gate and the pillar. This value must correspond to the possibilities offered by the product you wish to buy. It is usually given in the technical instructions. Take a few photos of your gate and then go to the automation dealer or the appropriate DIY store.

Good to know: some remote controls allow you to trigger other elements of your home automation system, such as roller shutters or the alarm, with a single device.

Site Preparation

Clean the gate and surrounding area thoroughly. Check that there are no parts to change, such as locks or hinges. If necessary, make these changes. If you can bury your electrical cables in sheaths, this is a much more aesthetic solution. You must carry out this part before installing the automated system.

Attention: remember to leave enough cable length to protrude so that you can correct a first mistake, if necessary, without having to cut out a complete new length at the right dimension.

Installing the Gate Operator

Please follow the instructions below.

Remember to take and postpone the necessary measures carefully. Systematically use a level and a ruler to install the various components: the correct operation of the motorized gate depends on this step. Any level or axis error will cause a malfunction which, even if it opens the gate, will shorten the life of the automated system and the gate.

Fit the motors with blanks, then mark the screw and bolt holes on the wings. Carry out the necessary assemblies. Check the measurements and levels one last time, fit and tighten the bolts. Then make the electrical connections.

Carry out a few test runs to make sure everything is OK.

What Are the Prices for a Gate Operator?

Count from $250 to $500 for most DIY models of motors (conventional electric or solar) and from $500 to $1,500 excluding tax for a motor supplied and installed by a professional.

There are rare models of complete motorized gates in kit form (metal pillars, gate, threshold, motor, remote control, and wiring): count from $1,500, to be installed by you, for a good quality set.

Hope the above helps you in choosing and installing your gate motor. Remember to leave your comments in the section below.

How to Choose Your Curtain Rail

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Category : Home Renovation

Like curtain rods, there are several curtain rails available for hanging curtains.

To decorate and dress your windows in an original way, you can decorate your curtains with curtain accessories.

Presentation of Curtain Rails

The purpose of your curtain track is to support your curtains and drapes.

Curtain sheers, double curtains, vertical slat blinds, or Japanese curtains, you will need curtain rails to hang them. A brief description below:

– Curtain rails make it easy to close and open curtains.

– They are available in various sizes.

– The colors are often white, aluminum, brown or gold.

– They can be fixed to the ceiling or wall.

– They can have several slides (double rails) to hang two curtains.

– The curtain track is easily cleaned with a damp sponge.

Types of Curtain Rails

Depending on the curtains you wish to hang, some rails will be better suited than others, namely: the railway track, door rail, curtain box, vertical slat rail, Japanese panel rail, malleable rail or electric rail.

The Railway Track

Unsightly and very functional, it will be hidden behind the top of the curtain.

Description of the rail:

– The rail track has its own wall brackets for fixing.

– It is equipped with sliding roller wheels.

– The curtains are fixed with hooks.

– A cord is used to set the curtain in motion.

– The railway curtain can be designed for one or two curtains.

The Door Track

This acts as a curtain rod because it is fixed on a pivot pin of the door. This makes it possible to follow the movements of the door.

The Curtain Box

– The curtain box is equipped with a rail that is concealed by a wooden or PVC cladding.

– Possibility of double rails such as the railway track.

The Rail for Vertical Slat Blinds

– The vertical slats of the blind are clipped onto a sliding carriage.

– It is important to leave 5 cm between the window pane and the rail for the orientation of the slats.

– The rail is equipped with a chain to operate and move the slats.

– It is possible to fix the rail to the wall with suitable accessories.

The Curtain Rail for Japanese Curtains

Here are some features of the Japanese curtain track:

– screwed to the ceiling;

– a sliding carriage allows to fix the Japanese curtain;

– the rail is crossable;

– it is possible to connect two rails to obtain a central opening;

– it is equipped with a pull cord to operate the curtain.

The Malleable Rail

– The malleable track is ideal for rounded windows or corner installations.

– Bending is easy and manual.

The Electric Rail

The electric rail is an intelligent, design and elegant product which is equipped with an integrated programmer with possible bending.

– It operates on low voltage.

– It is delivered ready to install and with a remote control to operate the curtains.

– It can be used for all types of curtains.

Accessories and Curtain Rail: The Leg Glides

Leg glides are curtain accessories that come in various designs, shapes and colours:

– The leg glides allow you to hang curtains and drapes with legs on a curtain rail. Simply slide them on.

– They are sold in sets of 10 and cost between 5 and 20 dollars depending on their diameter.

How Do I Install a Curtain Rail?

Here are the main steps to install a curtain track:

– First of all, the length of the rail will be according to the width of the window.

– If necessary, cut the track to the right size.

– The curtain should cover the window completely, about 15 cm on each side.

– If you hang two rails, leave at least 5 cm between them.

– The rail is attached by means of small rings (rail holders) that you click onto the rail. For large curtains, leave about 50 cm between the rail holders to allow ease of movement.

– If the rail is mounted on the ceiling, use toggle plugs.

– Screw on the rail and place the stops and sliding hooks to hang the curtains.

Good to know: if you fix the rail between two walls, do not forget to insert the stops and hooks before hanging the rail, because afterwards you will not be able to do so.

Price of Curtain Rails

Prices are given as an indication and vary according to the material, quality and type of product.

Prices for curtain rails range from 10 to 20 dollars:

– Count between 30 and 80 dollars for Japanese curtain rails.

– The electric rail about $1 500.

Hope the above helps you choose your curtain rail. Remember to write down your comments in the section below.

How to Remove a Red Wine Stain

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Category : Home Renovation

Summary

– Cleaning a Red Wine Stain on Leather

– Removing a Red Wine Stain From a Fabric or Garment

– Removing a Red Wine Stain From Wood

– Cleaning a Red Wine Stain on a Floor or Wall

– Removing a Red Wine Stain on a Smooth Floor Covering

Introduction

Removing a red wine stain is difficult. Two preconceived ideas to avoid:

– Putting coarse salt on the stain: it can damage the fabric.

– Do not machine wash a wine-stained garment without first detaching it: the heat fixes the stain.

If you can, soak the stain as soon as possible in cold water. Three detergents are really effective: hot milk, vinegar or white wine, soda water with rubbing alcohol.

Cleaning a Red Wine Stain on Leather

To remove a red wine stain from leather:

– Soak a cloth in water with 90° alcohol.

– Dab the stain.

Other effective detergents: Sommières soil, soap, bisulphite, hyposulphite.

Good to know: salt on a wine stain is a myth. On the contrary, it worsens the stain.

On suede

– Absorb the stain while still fresh with a paper towel.

– Place sparkling water on a cloth and rub the stain.

– Rub the stain with a cloth soaked in white vinegar.

On nubuck

– Squeeze a padded cloth over the stain.

– Wipe off any remaining residue with a cloth soaked in sparkling water.

– Remove the remaining stain with a cotton pad moistened with vinegar.

Removing a Red Wine Stain From a Fabric or Garment

To remove a red wine stain from a cloth, it is important to blot the stain as quickly as possible.

On a synthetic textile

– Dab the stain with water and dishwashing liquid.

– Put the garment in the washing machine.

Other effective detergents: terre de Sommières, soap, bisulphite, hyposulphite.

On cotton, jeans or linen

– Rinse the stain with clean water.

– Rub a dry Marseille soap vigorously over the stain.

– Run the washing machine at 40°C.

On silk

Immediately blot the fabric with cold water.

On satin

– Rub the stain with a cloth soaked in soda water.

– Dab the remaining stain with rubbing alcohol.

– Rinse.

On velvet

– Rub the stain with a sponge moistened with white wine.

– Wash the sponge and remove the residue.

Another effective detergent is vinegar.

On wool

– Soak the cloth in warm milk for half an hour.

– When the bath turns pink, remove the cloth.

– Then soak it in a basin of soap and water, then in clear water.

– Let it dry.

On goat or sheep hair or skin

– Apply white wine to the stain.

– Leave to work, then rinse with a little water.

On natural fur

– Dab on the stain with a cloth containing sparkling water.

– Then wipe with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.

– Press a damp paper towel over the treated area.

On synthetic fur

– Rub the stain with a sponge soaked in some dishwashing liquid.

– Rinse with a little water.

On oilcloth

– Immediately wipe the stain with a sponge.

– Drown the stain with vinegar.

– Scrub with a clean cloth.

– Sponge to remove residue.

Removing a Red Wine Stain From Wood

A red wine stain on wood can cause serious damage, which is difficult to clean.

On white wood

– Immediately blot the stain.

– Scrub with a cloth soaked in diluted bleach.

– Finish with soft sandpaper to erase the last traces.

Another effective detergent is oxalic acid.

On waxed wood

Try to remove the red wine stain with a cork at first. If this doesn’t work:

– Dilute pumice powder in linseed oil.

– Dab the stain with a cloth soaked in the mixture.

On painted wood

– Rub a damp cloth over the stain.

– Polish with a cloth soaked in bleach.

– Rinse.

Another effective detergent is oxalic acid.

On teak

A simple damp sponge can be used to clean a red wine stain on teak.

Cleaning a Red Wine Stain on a Floor or Wall

A red wine stain on a floor or wall can be removed with different detergents depending on the surface.

On natural fibres (sea rush, jute, coconut)

– Sprinkle the stain with Sommières.

– Leave to act for 5 minutes.

– Suck up the powder.

– If traces remain, remove them with a vinegar cloth.

Removing a Red Wine Stain on a Smooth Floor Covering

Smooth floors such as doormats are relatively insensitive to red wine stains and are therefore easy to clean with a simple mop.

On plastic or rubber

Run a damp sponge over the stain.

Apply a cloth impregnated with diluted scouring powder.

Rinse off.

Wipe off.

On glass or crystal

To remove a trace of red wine from a glass, simply clean the glass with a little dishwashing soap.

On ceramics, earthenware or porcelain

Soak the object in a bath of soapy water.

Note: if the porcelain contains metal parts, do not wet them!

Hope the above homemy.info tips help you out in maintaining your home in good condition. Remember to write down your comments in the section below.

7 Ways to Brighten up a Dark Room With Natural Light

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Category : Home Improvement Home Renovation

Not only is a well-lit room more inviting, but it also helps in improving your sense of well being by boosting the mood and lowering stress levels. From incorporating simple accessories to flooring or ceiling remodel, we’ve gathered a few useful ways to brighten up your rooms with natural light.

1) Replace Walls With Windows

Replacing sections of your wall with windows allows in a considerable amount of natural light where otherwise, no light would be entering the room. Moreover, you can also take advantage of a beautiful exterior view. If you’re searching for new ones, opt for glass windows with minimal framework. Windows with more exposed glass allow plenty of light and ventilation to an area.

2) Hang Mirrors Strategically

Placing mirrors strategically to walls or across anywhere else can double the amount of sunlight entering the room. This is possible as mirrors are reflective surfaces that catch and disperse light throughout the home. For instance, adding a range of small mirrors can help natural light to lighten up dark staircases. Track where beams of light move within the room and position mirrors or other reflective surfaces like glass furniture, shiny objects, or silver photo frames at the right angle and height to increase natural light and give the space a whole new feel!

3) Get rid of the heavy and dark curtains

Curtains made of thick and dark fabrics absorb light and prevent it from coming through into a room. The type of material and color that you opt for can profoundly affect the amount of light you allow in. Choosing lighter colors such as white or other neutral colors will instantly brighten up a room on its own and also enables sunlight to pass through. If you don’t want to remove your dark and heavy curtains, invest in some curtain holdbacks. Practical and stylish, these allow you to tuck the curtain back and let natural light come in. Moreover, they also come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes to suit the style of your home. For instance, wrought iron handles shaped like leaves will complement traditional spaces.

4) Install Skylights in the room

Skylights are an effective and incredible way of bringing more light into a place, especially for high traffic spaces such as the washroom or living room. This light-transmitting structure is installed into the roof space of an area to allow daylight to pass through. For example, the sun tunnel skylights consist of a tunnel passing through the roof to the ceiling. The ceiling diffuser used to install the sun tunnel skylights blends seamlessly with the ceiling while bringing soft and restful light to an area. Additionally, skylights are also energy efficient and help to reduce your electricity bills. Seek a professional for the installment of your skylights to avoid any unexpected issues!

5) Prune the Trees by Your Windows

Make sure that any trees or bushes by your windows are regularly trimmed. If not, the trees will be too high and dense, and the foliage will prevent sunlight from entering. Not only will trimmed trees allow natural light to pour in, but it also enhances the exterior look of your home. Pruning will allow the plant to produce more flowers and also enable you to maintain your desired plant shape. Now, you can have a great looking landscape to enjoy at home as well!

6) Think ‘’Light’’ for the Colors of Your Ceiling and Interior Walls.

Color choice is an essential factor to consider to allow light inside. Generally, dark colors absorb light and make rooms feel more confined. Alternatively, light colors are known to reflect light into spaces, and for this purpose, nothing is better than white ceilings and walls! White paint will brighten up the room and open up the area, making it appear larger and fresher. For those who do not like white walls and ceilings, including things such as a white or light grey rug can help in adding light. You can also play around with different other lighter tones and hues until you feel like you’ve achieved the best result.

7) Clean Your Windows!

This one is too obvious and probably the easiest fix. However, cleaning your windows at least once a month can make a drastic difference upon how much light streams into a room. The more dust, dirt, and splatters on windows, the lesser sunlight can peek into the areas. Moreover, glass windows are little maintenance and dry rapidly. It’s also easier to clean than installing more windows!

Natural light is often overlooked when purchasing or remodeling a house. Luckily, there are various ways to adjust and allow more natural light to your home. We hope that these few tips have been able to get you started on transforming the dark spaces in your home into a light-filled oasis!

Ways to Renovate Your Garage into a Livable Space on a Budget

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Category : Home Renovation

Modern homes have gone a long way in terms of style and function rolled into one amazing place of abode. Thus, the usual and conventional home ideas observed in the past are long passe and irrelevant in contemporary times. Just as in the cases of home garages, it is no longer confined to the traditional car storage and parking area. As an integral part of the house, it is considered an asset that may boost the market value of the property depending on the creativity and resourcefulness of the home owner in upgrading his garage. Now more than ever is the perfect time to think of ways to transform your idle and space consuming home car garage into a more livable and functional space.

So what exactly are the best options to consider when remodeling this area and converting it into a multi-functional and productive space of your house? There are actually vital components to consider that most home owners need to give utmost importance. First and foremost is the financial allocation you can afford to spend in this home project. Be sure that you have sufficient budget in order to start and finish your renovation or else it may give you more losses than profit.

It is quite normal to have a garage that is full of stuff, from lawn care tools to boxes from when you moved in, the list is inexhaustible. The best solution to this problem is to have all the junk removed by either the municipal services or give away for donations. It is always easy to donate things that can be of other people’s use. Have your friends or family to help you clean up!

With all the junks removed, it is now time for preparing the upgrades you plan on making. This step requires smalls tasks that you can knock out in a few hours. It will include replacing the old drain caps or floor covers plates with something that is going to last for long. You can also update the garage door seals by replacing them with more functioning and fit for the look you want for the garage. Removing floor fixtures is one of the best thing makeover that you can give to a garage. You can either have the help of a handyman or do it yourself.

One of the hardest decision that you will have to make while renovating your garage is whether you want to keep the flooring as it is or change it. Whether you want to take on applying garage floor coatings yourself or hire a professional to do so. There are advantages to both and each have a wide range of options. Plenty of big box store retailers offer DIY epoxy garage floor kits, and there are numerous online tutorials to back them up. Professional garage floor coatings offer unparalleled quality and, of course, make the work easier on you.

You have to consider is the budget. You will not be able to push through with the conversion if you do not have the means to do that. If you want generate some cash before you start your project, you can do so. Scavenge through your stuff and prepare them for a garage sale. This is definitely a good way to start over. Besides, you need to empty your garage before you start your project, right?

Keep in mind that your budget has to be realistic. You can use some things you have at home; however, you should consider the structures to build. This means you will need a plan. It will be best to hire a professional to do this. Although there are several do it yourself guides in the net today, you want to be certain that everything is well taken care of.

Your plan should be clear. What type of room do you want it to be? Do you want it to be your home office or a play area for your kids? Do you want it to be an extra bedroom or a living room? Your decision, will greatly affect how the plan will go.

Once you have your plan ready, empty the garage. Check for the repairs that need to be dealt with first. Hire an electrician to check the electrical lines. If it is going to be your office, you need to have sockets installed as well as proper lighting. You have to check the condition of the room as well. Do you need to install an AC because of its temperature? Remember, you will welcome future clients there if it will become your office.

After taking care of the basic things, carry out your plan. If you are going to do it yourself, you will need a lot of help. So make sure that you ask your family and friends to help you in the project. This is also why it is important to have a detailed plan. This way, you will know exactly what work to assign. Before assigning tasks though, you have to make sure that all the materials you need are purchased. This includes the paint, paintbrushes, blue tapes, nails and the like. Having all your materials ready will ensure that you finish the task on time.

Monitor the progress. Prepare a time table to be able to do this. You have to be visible during the entire project so that if there are questions and problems, you will be able to deal with them right away. It can be tough, but it is definitely rewarding after you finish.

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