Category Archives: Home Improvement

Ways to Decorate Your Living Room for Halloween

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Category : Home Improvement

The time of the year is here, where the world of the living meets the one of the dead. Halloween is the time where the dead are remembered; it is originated from ancient Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain that have pagan roots. Halloween has changed over the years, as more and more people have accepted this festival around the world. So are you ready to dress up your house in the holiday spirit of Halloween? Get your house ready by preparing it in a decrepit dwelling! Here are creative ways for Halloween decoration ideas that are easy to make and will surely embellish your home.

Mantel – No need to spend a lot of money to create a Halloween mantel around your house! Look around for books, vintage accessories, and candles, add a few Halloween-specific accents like stuffed owls or skeletons to complete the look. You can also add a small trunk in the display along with a few vintage finds, such as moss, netting, and toy animals. These make it even creepier. The mantel is another place that can make a statement in the room and make it bolder. If you have a fireplace that is just for decoration purposes, then add carved or painted pumpkins.

Console table – Try creating a Halloween-themed vignette on a console or side table that is in your living room. If you have one which is black or white colored, then perfect, you can add some jewels and a black pumpkin and add up some wall arts to accentuates the art on the space.

Coffee table decors – Style your coffee table for Halloween by choosing colors that are somehow in harmony with the rest of the space. Don’t go too bold, especially if you are not going to make the coffee table a centerpiece of the room. You can decide what elements you will place and how many there will be. If you are still figuring out, here are some ideas, you can use spiders, skulls, skeletons, dark candles and candle-holders to make the scene creepier.

Gallery wall – Add up to the Halloween theme by adding some DIY wall arts, which you can make from scrapbook paper and a plastic spider that can be spray-painted to any color you want. Add some fake crow from the craft store to enhance the eerie feeling in the hallway.

Add pillows – A fun way to add style and elegance to your living room is to add bronze and other metallic pillows along with black and white ones. You can create a haunting look by adding up a pile of pillows of the same color to increase the eerily atmosphere in the house. Throw in some white powder and some spider webs to make it more real.

Reusable Jack o’ Lanterns

Jack o’ lanterns are staple Halloween decorations, but some of us would rather not deal with cutting and carving pumpkins every year. Hobby and craft stores sell artificial pumpkins you can carve and light. Best of all, you can store them for next season.

Directions

  • Purchase an artificial pumpkin from a hobby store. They come in several different shapes, colors, and styles, so pick the one you think will look best at your front door.
  • Use an Exacto knife to carve a small hole in the bottom of the pumpkin, and to create a design on the front.
  • After you finish the design, use a small piece of sandpaper to sand down any rough edges gently.
  • Place a small flashlight or electric candle in the bottom to make your design glow, and pop your Jack o’ Lantern on the front porch.
  • If you use small reusable Jack o’ lanterns, you can place them in the windows of your home, to cast an eerie light on your front yard.

Pro Tip: If you’re not artistically inclined, you can use a stencil to create a Jack o’ Lantern design. A few websites offer free stencils you can print.

Floating Hands

You can turn clear plastic gloves into severed hands, and then place them around your house, sneak them into a chip bowl, or even make a garland out of hands. Whenever possible, use a fake hand to shake hands with arriving guests, and then release the hand and feign dismay.

Directions

  • Fill a plastic glove with tissue paper, popcorn, or small shredded paper waste. You can also open up the gloves and fill them with freshly mixed JELL-O, for jiggly, realistic-feeling hand.
  • Tie the open end of the glove with a clear elastic band to secure its contents.
  • If you want to hang your hands slide a paperclip through one loop of the elastic band.

Pro Tip: You can fill the plastic glove with shredded red scrapbook paper to create a “bloody hand,” or tan or brown scrapbook paper to create a more realistic-looking hand. You can also fill these hands with candy corn to create Halloween-themed treat bags.

Creating a Harmonious Space Using Feng Shui

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Category : Home Improvement

You might have come across the term ‘feng shui’ a lot of times, and you might have been oblivious to the fact that ‘feng shui’ is a thing. Prominently famous in the Asian continent, ‘Feng Shui’ is an ancient Chinese philosophy that is about maintaining wellness and balance. It is believed that a house that has ‘feng shui’ maintains a good flow of positive energy. In the last few decades, ‘feng shui’ has been adopted by mostly everyone in the western world. Architects, interior designers, and homeowners are now keener to have homes and buildings that embrace the magic of ‘feng shui.’ So what is needed to create a harmonious space? Well, here we go!

Clutter-free your space – It might be old news to keep a clutter-free home, but it is vital to maintain a serene environment. Clutter creates stagnant chi energy and prevents life vitality from growing in your home. Just establish a few simple house rules that will ensure your initial feng shui efforts are on the right track. You can also keep a decluttering checklist that you can cross as you remove clutter from your home.

Define your home’s energy map – The Bagua or energy map of your home serves as a blueprint or a clear map as to what colors are used in specific rooms, what images are the best in your home, and how to position each furniture for the best flow energy. It is important that you have a knowledge of Bagua in order to create a successful feng shui decoration. Alert to remember always

Use colors and elements in all rooms – Selecting the color and element for each room should be based on compass direction. Each compass direction has several assigned colors, and one element and incorporating these into any room designs is how you create a harmonious room. One exception is the use of water elements in bedrooms as it is not recommended to place water in a bedroom.

Focus on your master bedroom – The master bedroom should be a retreat and start by using bedroom colors assigned to each compass direction. Add some of the right elements for the compass direction to boost the chi energy. Don’t overpower the room by adding too much of the component. Creating a balanced design is the key to a successful feng shui design.

Pay attention to your kitchen location and designs – Your kitchen is the yang room, and it is not always a serene setting since it is filled with fire and activity. The right way to include your kitchen in your home is through organization and layout.

Harmonize your living room – The most important place in any house is the living room, where everyone gathers to spend time together to relax. To achieve this goal, you can do these few things:

  • Furniture placement is a vital part of a feng shui layout of any room.
  • Do not place furniture in natural pathways between doors.
  • Always place the sofa against a solid wall.
  • Be sure to allow enough space between each furniture for chi energy to move through the room.

Centralize your dining room – It is important that you make your dining room the center of your home as it is the place where there are more wealth and abundance of a family. Add these few things to create a flow with the rest of your house design to ensure a sense of comfort and calmness.

  • You can place a wall mirror, so it reflects the table and the food, it is believed that your fortune is doubled. There is also a feeling of satisfaction and abundance.
  • Do not have your dining room near the front door as it sets an uneasy feeling that will cause your fortune to slip away and cause stress slowly.
  • Remember to always keep the dining room and the kitchen on the same level.
  • If your dining room is located in the southeast or north, then place a water feature in the garden as it offers a tranquil view. Make sure that the water flows toward the house!

If you do not have enough space to have separate space for eating, then designate one in your home, it can be either the kitchen or living room.

Start by creating the ideal home office work environment – Another important room for a feng shui home design is the home office. Create a restive work environment with a few feng shui additions and the ideal office layout. Do consider feng shui when designing your business office, as well.

Focus on the front entrance and exterior of the house – As much as the interior of your home is essential, the exterior also requires much attention, especially when it comes to feng shui. You can give your home exterior a stunning curb appeal. An aesthetic gives a peaceful effect and invites you to enjoy the beauty and serenity that only nature can provide. Some of the aesthetics include:

  • Create a private garden space or a meditation space.
  • Always keep the entrance clutter-free.
  • Sweep the walkways regularly.
  • Remember to maintain and manicure your yard and shrubbery.
  • Gather and keep all your tools in the gardener’s cabin.

Now you know what to do to create the perfect feng shui home!

How To Choose Your Feather Mattress Topper

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Category : Home Improvement

A feather mattress topper is the epitome of coziness and sometimes the essential part of a warm and comfy bed. However, selecting the correct mattress topper can be quite confusing because of the large variety of designs and prices. Below you will find some useful advice for selecting the best topper for your night’s sleep.

1. Materials

Choose an acceptable thread count.

The thread count refers to the number of threads per area unit of cloth. A higher thread count topper relates to a tightly woven cloth that is softer, finer and cozier than one in a relatively lower thread count.

A topper made up of muslin can usually have a low thread count between 100-180. Prime quality cotton features a thread count of over 250. Any fabric with a thread count of over 400 is accounted for as a luxury.

The material utilized in the development of a topper is the barrier weave.

A barrier weave stops the down from slippy out of your topper. Many times more leak-proof than alternative materials, the tightly-woven barrier weave conjointly mutes the sound of feathers moving within and keeps your topper in perfect condition.

2. Design & Construction

The construction and style of a mattress topper affect how the heat is distributed throughout the topper and the way it supports the fragile down feathers packed inside.

Down that slips to the sides of a topper traps heat on the sides, keeping the heat distant from the body. A system to keep the down in place is needed to keep you snug and warm during the progression of your sleep.

A common topper style is the baffle box. It ensures that the down is not clumped or shifted to the corners but lays smooth.

Baffle refers to the fabric that runs perpendicular inside a topper, making boxes from top to bottom that hold the feathers in place. A baffle-box style keeps the down firmly in place with the assistance of pockets sewed throughout the topper.

However, since the handicraft goes from top to bottom – these toppers do not offer the best insulation and do not seem to be as downy.

3. Size

A comfortable mattress topper must be of the proper weight to suit the temperatures in your bedroom and must be of the correct size for your bed.

Is your bed queen size, king size, Californian, single or a double?
The size matters because a topper is intended to fit on your mattress.

The other thing affected by the scale of your topper is that of the cover. Some covers are smaller than the mattress topper designed for the same size of a bed. Measure your topper accurately to make sure it’ll fit inside the cover. You will use a cover to keep the topper clean.

4. Weight

A light-weight topper is ideal for people who slightly need to feel warm at night.
A regular-weight is appropriate for those who like to cuddle in warmth and like comfort in bed.
Summer-weight toppers are ideal for hotter climates, during summer or for people who feel their bedroom is hot.
Ensure that your mattress topper is not too heavy or too warm. Each factor has a major impact on the quality of your sleep.

5. Comfort

The factor affecting your comfort is the warmth of the mattress topper. Choose a warmth level that’s suited to the room temperature of your bedroom. The fill power indicates the level of warmth. A light-weight warmth topper with more fill power will not be as warm as a winter weight topper. The quantity of down inside a topper affects the warmth more than the fill power.

6. Avoid Triggering Allergies

The cleanliness of the feathers plays a major role in the comfort of the topper. An allergic reaction is normally the cause of dust, dirt, and allergens in bedding and not from the feathers in the topper. A quality mattress topper is stuffed with feathers that are washed, rinsed and dried many times.

7. Care

Frequent laundry causes the down clusters to separate. Instead, use a cover to keep your topper clean. Later on, you will be able to remove the cover and wash it.

Although the topper is safe for washing, most home laundry machines do not seem to be large enough to accommodate it. So, it would be best to bring it to a professional.

Why Will You Choose a Mattress Topper?

It can turn your bed that is too firm into plush, comforting bliss. You will feel like you are sleeping on a brand new bed without having to spend thousands of dollars. The purpose of a topper is to make your mattress softer – the focus is on providing an extra layer of comfort. You will get the effect of sleeping on a cloud! I hope the above will help you to choose your mattress topper. Remember to share your views in the comment section below!


Types of Metal Roofing That Last Longer

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Category : Home Improvement

Selecting the right metal roofing can be a daunting task. After all, this type of roof comes in a variety of different forms. Metal roofing materials differ in various aspects, including their performance, composition and cost, to name a few.

Here are some of the typical metal roofing types and panels that you can use for your upcoming project:

ALUMINUM

Many architects regard aluminum as the best type of metal roofing for large-scale industrial and residential developments because it is resistant to corrosion. It does not react against external weather conditions, which makes it a favorite choice for people living in coastal areas.

Many homeowners prefer aluminum because of its corrosion resistance, light weight and strength compared to other metal roofing types. Using aluminum as your roofing material has several additional advantages discussed below:

Aluminum panels are easily formable, thus you can comfortably work with them

Aluminum panels are stain resistant

Aluminum can be coated or painted easily to give an excellent aesthetic appeal

Corrugated aluminum roofing has good resistance to denting compared to other metal roofs.

Aluminum will withstand periods of freezing rain or hail.

Of course, people selecting between various types of metal roofing will have two primary considerations: How much are the metal roofing materials and how long will the material last? Fortunately, aluminum is both affordable and durable, compared to zinc and steel.

STEEL

Galvanized steel is highly valued in the construction industry because of its durability and strength. Steel is sturdier and heavier than aluminum. It is ideal in a climate or locale that experiences strong winds.

Here are some benefits of steel roof systems you need to know:

They have excellent resistance, so they’ll last a long time

Steel roofs can be painted, thus improving the aesthetic appeal of your home

They are more resistant to denting compared to zinc or aluminum

Steel’s durability and strength make it the most valued metal roofing material after aluminum.

ZINC

Zinc is a suitable metal roofing material thanks to its eco-friendly nature. It has been used in various commercial and residential developments due to its distinct curb appeal and flexibility. It can be formed easily into multiple curves and shapes. It is also corrosion resistant, lasting up to eight decades at most.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

A standing seam is considered to be a very durable metal roof that can last for more than three decades without requiring maintenance. It offers additional energy efficiency advantages and can easily be installed, in most cases, over an existing roof.

It is made of vertical panels, each having two seams that stand vertically. Standing seam metal roofs were once just a dream for homeowners, but today, they’re popping up on every block that is built. This type of roofing raises seams above the average roofing level. If well protected and maintained, this roofing can last for more than fifty years.

Max-Rib Metal Roofing

Max-rib is one of the popular roofing options available which is designed as lightweight and can last longer. There are several benefits that homeowners can gain by using max-rib metal roofing compared to other types of roofing as discussed below:

Max-rib roof does not fade over time like other metal roofing types

It withstands major problems thanks to the thermoforming processes it undergoes.

Fortunately, max-rib roofing is both affordable and durable, making it a perfect choice for either residential or commercial applications.

R-Panel Metal Roofing

The R panel is durable, low maintenance metal roofing alternative to traditional roofing. It is usually used for retrofitting over already existing shingles, thus saving labor, time and disposal costs. It is typically used for siding panel and metal roofing for commercial applications.

You can select from many designer colors for an attractive, sleek appearance. R-Panel metal roofing has several benefits including outstanding durability, hail resistant, fire resistant, and energy efficient.

Top Benefits of Metal Roofing

Here are some reasons that make metal roofing a reliable and architecturally pleasing choice for your project:

LONGEVITY

One of the main factors to consider when purchasing a new roof covering is the length of time that it will last. If you opt for metal roofing, then you can be sure that the roof covering will protect your home for many years to come.

This is because metal roofing can withstand all kinds of weather conditions. Furthermore, many metal roof manufacturers give a warranty of five decades, offering you peace of mind in the event that you experience issues with your roof prematurely.

SAFETY

Safety is a significant factor that should not be overlooked when selecting a new roof covering. Picking a metal roof is one of the safest decisions you can make for your home. Metal roofs are noncombustible, which makes them the best fire-resistant option available on the market.

COMPATIBILITY

Sure, endurance and safety are two major features to look for in quality roofing material. But you need a roofing material that will match the style and aesthetic value of your home. Thankfully, metal roofing comes in various styles that enhance your home, regardless of your color scheme or architectural style.

ENERGY EFFICIENT

Metal roofs are generally environmentally friendly— specifically, they’re very energy efficient. They reflect the sun rays instead of absorbing heat, which keeps your home cool and minimizes the cost of air conditioning your home.

LOW MAINTENANCE

Since metal roofs are resistant to extreme weather conditions, you can easily keep them looking new all the time. Metal roofing does not require expensive annual maintenance, which saves you time and money on upkeep over the years.

If you need professional roofing services, then browse through Sky High Roofing. They are specialist in high-quality roofing, re-roofing, and insurance claims for residential and commercial clients in Jacksonville and other areas.

Types of Cleaning Services

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Category : Home Improvement

Cleaning is one of the hardest work we have to do, but still, we keep postponing it that never appears on our calendar. However, there is a fact, the longer we avoid, the harder it gets and, we end up with a huge pile of dirt to clean up. In this situation, professional cleaning companies come to the rescue, and they leave your home sparkingly clean. Cleaning companies take away the burden of cleaning even the dirtiest place in your home, well not for free, but they do ensure that their services will meet your needs. Cleaning is a profitable business which can be easily grown with quality service, strong marketing skills, advertisement and a solid reputation. It’s all about the network and the quality of the offered services that matter. Commercial cleaning might be some businesses’ forte, so is residential cleaning. Residential cleaning involves cleaning everything that is inside and outside the house, from spiderwebs filled attic to the garden store. Well, there are various cleaning services exist, and we are going to know more about them now.

  • Commercial cleaning – This involves cleaning office and business premises, and it is quite advantageous for business owners in a big city. Commercial cleaning services are mostly undertaken after working hours, at night or during weekends. Some offices that have kitchens and showers, so more attention is given to these spaces and they combine the residential and commercial services in order to provide better services. It is important to know that the services are scheduled according to what the management decides so that there is no interruption in the work process. Commercial cleaning services include office, shop, retail, bank and financial institutions; these services involve various department. Commercial cleaners need to be professional, available 24/7, dedicated to the service and complete their work. Commercial cleaning also involves industrial cleaning, whereby the company goes and handle all the miscellaneous cleaning tasks that are left. Industrial cleaning refers to the fact every nook and corner is cleaned, and the workplace is germ-free and safe. In this service, they use the latest technology to get hold of dirt and clean the place properly. Industrial and commercial cleaning is done according to the norms and regulations set by the Health Department.
Young Female Maid Cleaning Glass Desk With Feather Duster In Office
  • Carpet cleaning – This service is mostly provided to clients who have carpet on a large scale and cannot clean it by themselves. This includes cleaning the carpets in proper treatment, deodorising and sanitation of the carpets. These companies have the right experts, machines and products that are required for this job, and they ensure that all work is completed on time and within the decided budget.
  • Steam cleaning – This is one method which gives mind-blowing results in a limited time-frame. Steam cleaning is perfect to use when cleaning dirty carpet or upholstery furniture by turning into a great looking one. Only professionals handle the steam cleaning aspect of the business as they know how to treat and clean a specific surface. Steam cleaning is often used in commercial and industrial cleaning services. As mentioned before, only experienced cleaners handle these machines.

The Savvy Business Group provides these various cleaning services in Melbourne CBD. They have over 15 years of experience and are family-owned and operated. This cleaning company ensures to provide top-quality property maintenance service to all clients who need their services. Their team of 25 trained and dedicated staff guarantees a no stain cleaning. Whether you have a building site to clean or a messed up conference room, The Savvy Business Group will take care of it in no time. They provide a wide range of services such as:

  • Cleaning Contractors
  • Maintenance Contractors
  • Demolition
  • Renovations
  • Bathroom Contractors
  • End Of Lease Maintenance
  • End Of Lease Cleaners
  • Builders Cleaning
  • Bond Back Cleaning

The Type of Home That’s Perfect for You Based on Your Zodiac Sign

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Category : Home Improvement

Your perfect home can be determined by much more than your preferred location or favorite color palette. Today I have made a research on each and every zodiac sign to be able to determine what kind of house would suit your personality. Whether you are a beach loving Pisces, city-dwelling Capricorn, the houses mentioned below would wonderfully suit your personality and traits.

Let’s get started!

1. Aquarius – Pacific Yurt

Since you are incredible unconventional and unstructured, a pacific yurt would be the perfect house for you. It is also the best choice as we all know that you care a lot about the environment. Pacific yurt is a modern adaptation which was initially used by nomads from Central Asia. These homes are built by using sustainable energy which impacts the Earth as minimally as possible.

2. Pisces – Beach House

Artistic, imaginative and dreamy as you are, your ideal spot will be a beach house as it will rhyme perfectly with your vibe. Beach house is perfect for people who want to be distinct from others, on top of that being it is perfect for an ocean lover as it allows Pisces to be closer to their element.

3. Aries–Mid-Century Modern Home

Aries are known for being adventurous, open and have an intense need for space that is why they need a mid-century modern home. This house style has a focus on keeping the entire house open as if each room flows into the next one. This space also allows you to be closer to nature and bring it in you. Aries don’t like to live in places which makes them feel closed off. This layout is perfect for the space that you crave for.

4. Taurus- Victorian-style Home

Since you are practical, timeless and are attracted to gorgeous and aesthetic things, a Victorian-style home would be perfectly suitable for you. These home are timeless classics and the attributes which will attract a Taurus would certainly be their regal and elegant vibe. Everything about this house will merge with your personality as it has stained glass windows and intricate staircases.


5. Gemini-Mediterranean-style houses

Electric as you are, your home should be able to reflect your lively personality. That is why Mediterranean-style houses are the perfect type of home for you. These styles have large glass panels which make your home feel larger and connected with the outside world. Since Gemini like to be social and create a fun atmosphere, the structure is perfect for outdoor social events. Plus Mediterranean houses are surely going to make you stand out from the rest of the world.


6. Cancer-English Cottage

Cancers are known to be cozy, compassionate and love to feel at home people. An English cottage will be the perfect abode for Cancerians as they have a big heart and enjoy creating a relaxing atmosphere for their family at home. The cottage’s structure will give you a classic “ feel at home” feeling while it also gives others the chance to feel comfortable and relaxed with you.


7. Leo-Castle

Excitable and charismatic as you are, Leos are destined to be kings as a castle would be the perfect place for them to be. Since Leos are determined and stubborn, they can live their lives on their own terms in their castles. They can host gathering and parties or they can retreat and be alone as well when they need to.

8. Virgo-Modern Style

Practical and efficient, Virgos like to keep their outer life simple. That is why a modern style would be perfect for them. The modern and sleek approach allows you to keep everything how you want it to be and put your ideas on display to represent who you truly are.


9. Libra-French Provincial

Libras are known to be romantic, artistic and love to have people around, that is why they should opt for a French provincial which represents a structure of harmony and balance as these houses are pretty symmetrical. On top of that, they tend to give a lot of indoor and outdoor space.

10. Scorpio-Log Cabin

Since Scorpios are mysterious, private and intriguing, a log cabin would be their perfect hideout as this type of shelter can be built as simple or extravagant as you would like. These types of home are private which is perfect for you.

11. Sagittarius-Tiny House

An optimistic traveler who is forever ready to take on the world which is why a tiny house is the best option for you as you hate anything which tries to hold you back from living the life you want. A tiny house allows you to travel as much as you want and not worry about the ramifications of a fixated structure.


12. Capricorn-City Apartment

Career oriented, stubborn and dedicated, a city apartment would totally fit your lifestyle. Being located in a larger city is more profitable for you as you could network with potential clients also an apartment’s structure is something you can live with and appreciate.

Home Insulation

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Category : Home Improvement

What is Insulation?

Insulation in all types of buildings is essential as energy is hugely wasted in non-insulated house. Insulation is stuff-designed to specially prevent heat energy from transferring through the walls, ceilings, and floors of your house.

If ever we have an open-air porch that is hot during summer, would we air-condition it or not? At least, we wouldn’t do so without building walls first to enclose it, right? Well, we normally wish to keep the conditioned air that is cooled or warmed (depending on the season) away from the outside air.

However, if your walls have been built out of newspaper or plastic food wrap, they will certainly not be that much effective despite the fact that they will still keep the air separated. This is because any thin wall will not be able to prevent the movement of heat from the warm side to the cool one productively. When actual air cannot transfer through the walls, the contained heat in the air can actually move through the wall material.

Insulation of walls in buildings of all types is a necessity. Non-insulated houses are simply a huge waste of energy produced in any way. Most single-family houses are insulated from the outside, but there are quite a few buildings that cannot be insulated in this way. Then the only way out is warming from the inside.

Importance of Insulation

Insulation of your home is not only economic, but it is also a great factor in making one’s home more comfortable to be in.

Below are some of the reasons why Home Insulation is so important:

  • Precious energy is easily wasted both when heating or cooling your home, by allowing heat movement if the house is not insulated.
  • Insulation houses help to reduce energy costs and thus, saving money and, it prevents needless hassles on your air conditioner or heater.
  • Being incorporated with sound absorption qualities, all unneeded noises that are generated by appliances, audio equipment, or other causes of noise pollution can be lessened. Those unwanted sounds are thus prevented from transmitting through your walls or floors at home.
  • Properly insulating one’s house keeps it more comfortable, making it easier for air conditioners and heaters to keep the temperature consistent and sustained.

Some popular insulation types are:

Non-traditional Insulation – Straw Bale and Hempcrete.

Blanket Insulation – Fiberglass, Rock/Mineral/Slag Wool, Sheep’s Wool and Cotton.

Loose Fill Insulation – Cellulose, Loose Fill Fiberglass, and rmiculite/Perlite.

Expanded Foam Insulation – Polyurethane foam (PU), Polystyrene foam and Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso).

Spray Foam Insulation – Open or closed celled Polyurethane Spray Foam (PSF), Cementitious foam and Cellulose.

Tips For Creating The Ultimate Outdoor Dining Experience

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Category : Home Improvement

Summer is here finally, the days to stay out until late at night, the warm evenings spent with the right people and have barbecue evenings with your best friends. What better place to enjoy the summer than the garden or backyard! The winter months might have looked bad and caused a lot of problems to your patio. So if you are looking to create a space where you can enjoy dining with your friends and families, then here are some tips that can help you.

  • Create an ambiance – If you want to create an ambiance, then go for string lights, they have a better effect on making space look more comfortable. Deck it up on a rail or on the wall nearby or on the pergola to produce a warm glow. String lights can add the perfect amount of intimate lighting for evening soirees. If you have a pergola, then look out for lighting options available to be added to the structure.
  • Protect from the weather – Yes, it is summer but with summer comes the unpredictable rains! So protect your dining area with a retractable canopy that makes any space waterproof. These can work best with pergolas, awnings or with other outdoor structures.
  • Figure out your furniture- Once you know which furniture to use, then it becomes easy to decorate the space. Check if the furniture fits and if there is any space left. Always keep the bar chairs and the dining table chairs separate. If you prefer to have casual dinner parties, you might focus more on seating, perhaps with small coffee tables or side tables to put down plates, instead of having a dining table. But you might prefer a more formal setup, with a table and dining chairs.
  • Arrange and style your pieces – Focus more on the comfort for yourself and that of your dinner guests. For a small space, add a counter-height table and a pair of chairs. Family-style dinners lend themselves well to long, rectangular tables and benches, which seat more guests. If you have a large patio space, consider dividing it into zones—the grilling and bar area, a lounge area, where guests can prop their feet up and settle into a club chair, a dining area lined with benches along one side and chairs along with the other.
  • Add dinner entertainment to your dining area – If you want to create a sociable and relaxed outdoor dining area, you might consider some entertainment outside too. Some people prefer dining while they are watching TV or listening to music. Install a sound system so that you are able to play your guests’ favorite music while you eat or socialize.

Now you can set yours up as soon as you can to prepare for summer.

5 Ways to Decorate Around and Above Ground Pool

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Category : Home Improvement

Have you recently added a pool to your home and you are thinking of decorating it? Well, when adding a pool or shopping for a pool, then you have to focus on how the pool will look once it’s decorated. Above-ground pools boast a ton of positives (budget-friendly, easier to keep clean), they simply aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as their in-ground counterparts. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be! Whether you’re searching for ways to spruce up your current pool’s look or are on the hunt for inspiration before you buy, we’ve got you covered with eye-catching design ideas to fit any size budget or backyard.

1. In-Pool Chaise – Create the perfect place to lounge in or out of the water. The chaise loungers are made from nearly indestructible polyethylene which is UV16 resistant for 16,000 hours. These are easy to clean and adjustable in any area of your pool. These chairs are designed to create perfect outdoor spaces for entertaining and relaxation.

2. Shade Sail – If you don’t want the pergola to take up space, then consider a shade sail! They are durable, UV-blocking, and very affordable. The shade sail is ideal if you don’t want to lounge in the sun. These shades can be embellished with ribbon and sisal. The shade sail does not obstruct the view and does not take up space. It gives a bohemian air around the pool. Think outside the box and dare a totally exotic decor around the pool!

3. Use decorative stones – Decorative stones determine the space between the pool and the relaxation area. If you want them to evoke the beach, sunbathing, and summer then sprinkle them around the pool to create a Zen space. You can use decorative stones and gravels to make around the pool more versatile.

4. Go for beautiful garden furniture – During summer, you will spend more hours on the edge of your pool than inside of your home. That is why it is important to decorate your garden and around your pool. Even though, you are looking for comfort then blend your garden with elegant furniture. Choose colors that will match the garden and the deck around the pool.

5. Install a large pergola – Even though shade sail is trendy, pergolas haven’t lost their charm and they are in demand even now. If you want a long term decoration, then go for pergola as it has a charm of its own and it doe not deter with time. The pergola near the pool creates a nice and relaxing space in which you can install sunbathing chairs and sofas. Add a shade if you don’t like the afternoon sun.

Insider Secrets Only Electricians Know

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Category : Home Improvement

The electrical system is one of the most important elements of your home. You always have to make sure that it is working properly as it involves your family’s safety. However, that does not mean that you always need to call a professional electrician for every small thing that goes wrong.

There are some basic things which you should check before rushing to your phone and calling a professional. It will save the expense as sometimes it can be a minor issue. Below are some few things your electrician would want you to know if you do have an electrical problem. Sometimes the answer is just in front of you, all it needs is a little troubleshooting before you think of hiring a professional electrician.

• Check for “Overlamping”

If you think that your electrical problem seems limited to one light fixture, you should start checking your bulbs. The first obvious question which might pop up will be “ did this bulb burn out?” It might seem pretty obvious, but it is easy to forget to check.

Another less obvious problem electricians see is overlamping. This means that the bulb in the fixture has a very high voltage that it can handle. For example, installing a 100-watt bulb in a lamp designed to handle 50 watts.

The problem with overlamping is that it will melt your socket and damage the wires of the fixture. That kind of damage creates a significant fire risk known as arc faults. In simple words, the electricity cannot follow its proper path and may jump to the carpet or table and ignite a fire.

• Check the circuit breaker

Most houses have a very easy-to-check circuit breaker. All you need to do is to open the door on the circuit breaker panel and flip the switch back to the “On” position.

If you have an older home, you will have to look for the fuse box, To spot the fuse which is burnt out, look for one which is cloudy or discolored. It may seem to have melted in some areas.

You will see the problem fuse as it would be labeled as the area which has lost power. For example, if the lights of your kitchen have gone off, you should look for the fuse which is labeled as “kitchen” if it looks different from the other ones. If everything works apart from the stove, look for the fuse labeled as “stove”.

If you sense that your fuse or circuit is blowing a lot, look for a pattern. In other words, are you losing electricity to one area in the house often? Do you have a microwave running at the same time as a vacuum cleaner? You have to check if there is no other appliance which is overloading the circuit.

• Are the neighbor’s lights on?


If your whole house is in the dark, the first thing to check is if your neighbor’s house has lights. If not, then it is a power outage. I would be better to call up the utility company before calling an electrician, The company might provide you with some information or send someone to check on your house.

• Not all electricians are equally trained

As you hit on the search button on the internet, you will notice that you will see two different labels of electricians. The classifications of Journeyman and Master electrician indicate levels of training. It is similar to having a bachelor’s degree vs master’s degree.

A Master electrician has higher skills such as :

• Electrical Installations
• Codes
• Safety regulations
• Project management
• Electrical systems
• Permits

A journeyman, on the other hand, can definitely do the job but may not know as many of the details like codes. Now I am sure that you are confused and asking yourself, “which one is right for your project?”
Let me simplify it for you, while both of them will be perfectly able to complete minor repairs, it would be however recommended to hire a Master electrician for complex jobs such as reconfiguring the electrical system.

Even if electricians don’t work for free, when it comes to the safety of your home, it is worth the money.

• Reset a GFCI outlet

GFCI is also known as Ground-fault circuit interrupter. These outlets monitor the electrical circuit to make sure there is an even flow of electricity. If you are having trouble with just one outlet, it may need resetting. If it is a GFCI outlet, you will see two buttons: Test and Reset.

Press the reset button to see if the outlet starts working again!

• Recognize these signs of a potential electrical problem

Keep an eye on these problems as they may lead to more expensive issues :

• Lights dim or flicker
• Frequently needing to reset a breaker
• Wiring is at least 30 years old
• Outlets sparks
• Unidentifiable burning smell

If you see any of the above symptoms, then it is time to call a professional.

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