Category Archives: Home Renovation

Create or Renovate Your Bathroom

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Category : Home Renovation

The bathroom is one of the rooms in the house where work is most complex: space is often limited and technical constraints are high. Whether you wish to create or renovate your bathroom, Homemyinfo is here to guide you through the stages of your project.

The designer bathroom seduces lovers of noble materials and pure aesthetics. To compose your designer bathroom, you must carefully choose the wall and floor coverings, furniture, and accessories. At the entry-level, the designer bathroom is breathtaking and also accessible to small budgets.

What is a designer bathroom?

The designer bathroom is characterized by a contemporary, minimalist and airy look. Whatever its surface, the space is uncluttered, volumes and light are highlighted. Furniture and accessories are chosen to form a coherent whole.

Designer bathroom: a minimalist base

Colors

The designer bathroom is available in a maximum of 2 or 3 colors. You can favor:
– Neutral tones, such as beige, gray, white;
– the natural colors of the raw materials;
– black and white for a graphic effect.

You also have the option of decorating the designer bathroom with a strong color, such as orange, mauve, royal blue or canary yellow. In this case, you may prefer discreet accessories or bathroom linen.

Wall and floor coverings

The designer bathroom gives pride of place to prestigious and durable materials. For the walls as well as for the floor, consider:
– wood, which brings warmth;
– waxed concrete, for an industrial style;
– marble, for a majestic and luminous aesthetic;
– monochromatic tiles or 2-color tiles for an electric effect.

For the walls, think about wall painting in a sober color.

Materials

For accessories and furniture for your designer bathroom, turn to:
– ceramics;
– concrete;
– glass;
– wood;
– metal.

Dressing a design bathroom: simplicity and elegance

Chic equipment

The equipment sets the tone for your designer bathroom. We recommend:
– the Italian shower, spacious and visually light;
– the island bathtub, which dramatizes the space;
– the washbasin, placed on a countertop or a piece of furniture;
– the hanging toilet, if your toilet is not in a separate room.

Uncluttered furniture

To store your beauty products, bath linen and possibly your cleaning products, you need bathroom furniture.

Choose furniture that visually occupies as little space as possible. If your bathroom is narrow, it is better to choose furniture that sits on the floor, under the washbasin, to save space. If you are fortunate enough to have a large bathroom, wall-mounted furniture is an effective solution.

Tip: make sure that the color of your furniture matches the color of the walls and/or floor of your bathroom.

Discreet accessories

Accessories play an important role in the decoration of your designer bathroom. For example, you can opt for:
– Chrome-plated fittings;
– recessed lighting fixtures for walls, ceiling or furniture;
– shower accessories, towel rails, and stainless steel cups;
– large mirrors or even a whole wall of mirrors;
– plain and matching bath linen.

Where to find the elements of the designer bathroom?

For wall and floor coverings, you can go to the DIY and home improvement store. Equipment can be bought from specialist companies and furniture chains. As for accessories, you have a wide range of choices: department stores, decoration shops, furniture, and DIY stores, etc.

Prices vary enormously depending on the range and the number of people using the bathroom. On average, without taking into account the work of a craftsman for the installation, count approximately:
– between $40 and 400 $/m² for the wall covering;
– between $40 and 1 000 $/m² for the floor covering;
– between $70 and $4 000 € for the equipment, per unit;
– between $20 and $300 € for accessories, per unit.

All in all

A bathroom must be well thought out to provide maximum storage space and equipment while maintaining easy circulation.

Between shower and bathtub, washbasin and practical storage, the development of a functional and pleasant bathroom requires a little thought.

Whether it’s a question of creating it entirely or renovating it, you have to ask yourself the right questions.

The layout of a bathroom requires a good evaluation and anticipation of your needs so that the room corresponds to your uses. It is therefore essential to devote the necessary time to the development of your project before you start.

Take a look at your situation

Start by identifying present and future users of the bathroom. Bathrooms are not designed the same way when you live alone or as a couple and when you have children.

Take into account the technical constraints

Before you start choosing equipment, find out about the feasibility of your project. Indeed, depending on the constraints that already exist, you may not be able to afford everything, unless you undertake very heavy work. It is not always easy to evaluate these technical constraints. The help of a professional will be invaluable to you, especially if you wish to completely review the structure of the room.

Replacing a Broken Roof Tile

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Category : Home Renovation

While all home problems, whether it’s a broken doorknob or failing light switches, must be resolved as soon as possible, it’s safe to say that homeowners unanimously agree that roof repair must always be at the top of every priority list. One loose shingle can have disastrous effects! If left unattended, that shingle will most definitely lead to water leaking into your house. And water coming through the roof can easily travel from the attic right down to that expensive and painstakingly remodelled living room and maybe even onto that new big-screen TV.

But roof replacement and repair is not simple and cannot be done at leisure. Considering the disastrous consequences you can suffer because of roof failure, roof repair must never be delayed. Whether you think you need to repair one loose shingle or replace the whole roof, you will most probably have to call in an experienced contractor to ensure that the job is done right the first time. This post will help you brush up on roof basics so you are well prepared when it comes time to solicit bids from roofing contractors.

Roofing Materials: Common Choices for Residential Roofing

Roofing materials typically vary from one state to another and from one country to another. This is because it not only depends on individual homeowner’s taste but also because the local weather has to be taken into account.

In the world’s most fire-prone regions, metal roofing is generally the preferred material precisely because of its fire resistance property. In regions prone to cold winters and snow, the choice of roofing material would typically be slate roofing or fibreglass asphalt shingles. On the other hand, in other regions, the predominant home styles might call for a Spanish-influenced tile roof. Another factor influencing the kinds of materials used for a roof is the roof pitch (or the roof angle). The steeper the pitched roof, for example, the wiser it would be to opt for wood shake shingles. This same material will be completely unsuitable for flatter, low-pitched roofs though.

If you are considering replacing the whole roof, you can select from on the most popular choices for residential roofing there are:

1.      Asphalt Composition Shingles 

Even though asphalt composition shingles are generally less attractive than the other options out there, they are relatively cheap and easily obtainable. So, do not let their flat appearance deter you from getting them. There’s a reason why asphalt shingles are by far the most popular type of roofing material.

2.      Ceramic tile or Clay Tile

Ceramic tile, also known as clay tile, are great options. However, these Spanish-style red tile roofs are gradually losing in popularity and are slowly being replaced by metal and composite materials. These new materials have the same fire retardant characteristic as ceramic tile but weigh much less than those. If you want a more traditional look, you can stick with the clay tile. Otherwise, you can adopt the new shingles called the half-barrel for a lighter material that looks just as good.

3.      Composition Slate

Composite slates are synthetic tiles that bear a lot of resemblance to the traditional slate roofs and other forms of stone tiles. Composed of about 95% recycled materials, such as rubber, composition slate are gaining in popularity because even though they look the same as the more traditional materials, they offer greater security as they are less vulnerable to weather damage and are also much lighter.

4.      Metal Roofing:

Although known for being expensive and requiring specialty contractors for installation, metal roofing is gradually gaining traction among homeowners. Made of steel or aluminium, metal roofing is rightfully gaining in popularity because it is both fireproof and highly durable. While they may cost a lot at the beginning, they are eventually more cost-effective than any other roofing systems as they are able to outlast all of the other ones. Metal roofing systems also come in different types, such as raised-seam panels and products that mimic the look of composite shingles.

5.      Slate Roofing

Slate roofing is our personal favourite, to be honest! Slate roofing is incredibly beautiful! But we acknowledge that it probably has cons than pros, what with them being both very expensive and very heavy. To top it all off, they are difficult to repair and tend to be very slippery. But this high-end roofing option beauty is truly timeless and unique!

6.      Wood Shakes or Wood Shingles

Wood shakes, also known as wood shingles, are gorgeous roofing systems as well. But this attractive roof is also pricey and are not great options for houses in regions at risk of fire. However, they are very durable and can withstand harsh wintry weather.

So, Do You Replace the Whole Roof, Tear Off those Loose Shingles and Replace Them, or Simply Lay a New Shingle over the Preexisting Layer?

That depends. If too many shingles are damaged, you would probably be better off replacing the whole thing. If there’s only one shingle that’s damaged, on the other hand, stick with repairing it. Depending on where you are, you might be able to just lay a new shingle on top of another. Just check the regulations in your jurisdiction. If complete tear-off of the previous roofing is not obligatory, go ahead and layer all you want!

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.

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.

The Pros and Cons of Popcorn Ceiling

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Category : Home Improvement , Home Renovation

Popcorn ceiling, also known as stucco ceilings, textured ceiling, or cottage cheese ceiling, is a type of ceiling that has a certain paint-on or spray-on treatment. The materials used for popcorn ceiling include styrofoam or stucco, which gives them a bumpy appearance similar to popcorn and hence the name. We’ve listed a few pros and cons of popcorn ceilings below.

Pros

1) Hide Imperfections

The bumpy appearance of the popcorn ceiling makes it perfect for camouflaging any imperfections. This is possible since its texture on walls creates small shadows that darken the shade of the surface when there is light. The darkening effects help to better mask a multitude of imperfections such as cracks, leaks, damage, poor drywall artistry, and others.

2) Cheap

Popcorn ceilings are a more affordable option than painting and can effortlessly be installed. You can easily find a contractor to do it or even do it yourself if you’re used to painting as it is a sprayed-on textured installment.

3) Noise Dampening

Popcorn ceilings offer noise insulation qualities due to its increased surface area. Noise reduction is possible as the thick textured raised bumps help in absorbing sounds. This can be especially helpful in rooms where noise is an issue such as high-traffic entryways or hallways, rooms that echo due to high ceilings, or a great advantage to grab your midnight snack without causing much noise! The thicker and more porous the texture, the better it will be at muffling sounds.

Cons

1) Difficult to repair

Repairing popcorn ceilings can be hard. If there’s a leak, crack, or other ceiling damage, the destroyed part will need to be cut out replaced by a perfectly matched color and texture, which can be extremely difficult to achieve. In many cases, the recurrence of the issue is most likely to happen. If you want a uniform and perfectly repaired ceiling, unfortunately, the entire ceiling will need to be redone from scratch.

2) Difficult to clean

The bumpy surface of the popcorn ceiling makes it hard to clean as dust, cobwebs, spiders, and other little insects attach to it quickly. A brush head or vacuum cleaner might help to get rid of dirt, but constant cleaning using such devices can also break the popcorn ceiling, resulting in more harm than good. Dirt in between the crevices is too hard to reach and clean. Moreover, smoke can also stain the popcorn ceiling.

Are you considering popcorn ceilings for your home?

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