Blog Page 46

4 Vital Things You Must Do Before Painting Your Home

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Room with sofa, table and two chairs
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Deciding to repaint your home is one of the best decisions you can make towards revamping its appeal. When you’ve made that decision, you just can’t wait to see the house in all its new colorful glory!

But a lot goes into that flawless finish you desire. There are vital things you need to do before ever holding up the paintbrush. When you neglect these things, the end product of your paint job will likely not be top-notch, no matter how talented you are in painting.

Room with sofa, table and two chairs
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

So what are these things you must do before painting?

1. Clean the walls

You see, the walls are exposed throughout the day and night and get dusty with time. Even your interior walls get dusty when you sweep the floors and dust furniture. Cobwebs, mold, and mildew may also be present.

Before painting, use a duster to remove dust and cobwebs from your interior walls. Next, wipe down the surface with a rag dampened with soap water.

For your exterior, power-wash the walls to eliminate the dirt and debris accumulated over time. If you notice mildew, use a solution containing detergent, bleach, or any other mildew remover.

2. Carry out repairs

Kitchen with island table and bar chairs
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Another important thing you must do before painting is to make repairs.

Go around the property, checking for damages such as peeling paint, holes, cracks, concrete edges, wood rot, and any defect that exists on any area you’d be applying paint to.

Using a wire brush, peel away cracked paint to create a uniform surface for the new coat to adhere to. If you apply a fresh coat on cracked paint, it won’t bind well, and the crack will progress. After peeling, sand the surface to make it smooth.

Patch up holes and cracks and then sand for a smooth finish.

Do not neglect broken wall edges, as they can put a dent in the fresh new look you’re trying to achieve. Rather than calling a builder and wasting precious time, do your concrete corner repair yourself using a fast-setting cement patcher. Within 20 minutes, the area will be all set, and you can start with paint for your interior.

Also, attend to exterior areas that need to be recaulked. For the exterior, use materials designed for outdoor use to ensure durability.

3. Take furniture and accessories out of the way

Bedroom with double bed, nightstand and a lamp on it
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

While it may seem like an unnecessary hassle, removing furniture, rugs, and curtains will make your painting job much faster. That’s because, with these things out of the way, you won’t try to be too careful to minimize paint droppings, thereby wasting considerable time.

For your exterior, use a drop cloth to protect plants and flowers. Consider tying up plants close to the wall to make room for painting.

4. Use tapes to seal no-paint surfaces

Of course, there are certain areas you shouldn’t paint but can’t move out of the way, including windows, ceilings, and floorboards. For such regions, apply painter’s tape. It doesn’t leave residue behind.

You can also use painter’s tape to section off areas you don’t want to stain.

Wrapping up

Painting can be an exciting experience, but the prep work contributes significantly to the outcome. So if you want to be happy with your final results, it’s worth going over the steps below and ensuring you follow through.

Thanks to sakrete.com for consulting.

Bring Luxury into Your Backyard

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House and yard with lawn
Used with permission of Blackband Design

If we have learned anything over the past few years, it is that it feels good to be home. Our home is our own personal oasis to escape the crowds and stress of a work day. It is our sanctuary to relax and recharge or to enjoy family and friends. Bring the luxury of your home outdoors into the garden with these five popular landscape design trends from Hicks Landscape Design, the award-winning landscape design arm of Hicks Nurseries in Westbury, New York.

Self-Care

House and yard with lawn
Used with permission of Blackband Design

Create a space outdoors where you can become one with nature. For peace and relaxation, consider a yoga and meditation space. Include a water feature such as a fountain, pool, or pond. Your guests will enjoy a cool summer dip in a pool with an integrated slide. In addition, it will enhance the pool’s appeal to guests looking for a place to cool off. Anyone of any age can use the slide, which can be set up on the ground or on top of the pool. For more robust activities, consider a tennis court or putting green. Having your favorite sports and hobbies at your fingertips will provide you with joy and happiness.

Create a Flower Cutting Garden

A cutting garden is a place where you grow flowers and plants to ensure you have plenty of beautiful options on hand for floral arrangements in your home. For example, in the spring you can grow tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. For summer, try a combination of early, mid and late blooming plants such as delphinium, coneflower, daisies, lamb’s ear, dusty miller and dahlias. Fall grasses, mums, cabbage, kale and Montauk daisies create beautiful, easy to grow options for your autumnal arrangements. Remember that this type of garden is for production only – it is not necessarily meant to look pretty, so place it in a sunny area out of the way if you have the luxury of space.

Enjoy Your Culinary Delights Outdoors

Yard with palm trees, table and armchairs
Used with permission of Blackband Design

An outdoor kitchen makes entertaining poolside a breeze! Solid stone countertops and high-end appliances create an inviting space for dining alfresco in the summer months. Consider adding a bar for easy cocktails day and night. Love pizza? An outdoor pizza oven is a wonderful luxury for entertaining. Upgraded, quality outdoor furniture that compliments your indoor furniture adds to the allure of a larger space that is not defined by doorways and walls.

Warmth & Lighting

Create the perfect ambiance for late night ‘smores and summer evening cocktail parties with outdoor lighting. Craig Donley, a seasoned landscape designer from Hicks Landscapes says, “We create custom lighting plans that will complement the way you plan to use the space.” Extend your time outdoors into fall and winter with a custom fire pit, chiminea or outdoor heater.

Plant a Kitchen Garden & Orchard

Growing your own food is a fun and rewarding experience. Have your favorite fresh herbs on-hand for special meals and cocktails. Grow your own lettuce for salads and your favorite veggies for grilling. Additionally, an orchard allows you to grow your favorite fruits from cherries and apples to peaches and figs. Fresh, organic food from your own garden always tastes best!

Make the outdoors an extension of your home, for a place you will never want – or need to leave.

Thanks to hickslandscapedesign.com for consulting.

What to Do Before Movers Arrive

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Modern farmhouse
Used with permission of Patterson Custom Homes, Architect: Brandon Architects Interior Designer: Tru Studio Photographer: Manolo Langis

Moving day is right around the corner, and you’re getting excited to be in your new house finally. If you need help in moving, the team from Mr Mover Malaysia will ensure that your moving process will be smooth and all your needs are addressed. There are just a few more things that need to be done before the movers arrive! Here are some helpful tips on what you should do before they show up.

Movers with the truck and boxes

Get Rid Of Items You Don’t Need

The first thing you should do is go through your belongings and get rid of the items that you don’t need. This will help to reduce the number of items that need to be moved and will make the process a lot faster. You can either donate these items to charity or have a garage sale to sell them.

Pack Your Essentials and Label Boxes

Since you are moving, it is important to pack your essential items—pack essentials such as toiletries, clothing, and furniture that cannot be replaced. It would be best if you also labeled the boxes of these items, so they are easily accessible once they arrive at their new destination.

Clean and Dust Your Furniture

Modern farmhouse
Used with permission of Patterson Custom Homes, Architect: Brandon Architects Interior Designer: Tru Studio Photographer: Manolo Langis

Before you move your furniture, it is important to clean and dust them. This will help to get rid of any dirt or dust that may have built up over time. It will also make the furniture look nicer when it’s unpacked in your new house.

Clear Pathways Inside The Home

The movers will need to get through your home when they arrive, which is why it’s important for you to clear out pathways. Remove all small items from the floor and set them in a safe place where they won’t be stepped on or damaged by the moving crew.

It would help if you also made sure there aren’t any cords or wires that may cause an issue when going around corners.

Gather All Your Valuables

It’s important to keep all your small valuables together during the move. This includes jewelry, watches, and other valuable items. You can either put them in a safe place or have a designated box for them. This will make it easier for you to track them down once they’ve been moved.

Prepare Parking Space For Moving Truck

If you need to provide parking space for the moving truck, make sure there is enough room in your driveway or garage. If needed, you can also ask a neighbor if they have additional parking available.

Hire Babysitters & Pet Sitters For Move Day

Person taping a box, preparing for moving

If you have children or pets, it’s important to make arrangements for them on move day. You can either hire a babysitter or pet sitter to watch them for the day or take them to a friend’s house. This will help to keep them safe and out of the way during the move.

Take Pictures & Inventory All Your Items

Before the movers arrive, take pictures of all your items. This will help to ensure that everything is accounted for when they are unpacked in their new location. You can also make an inventory list with descriptions and quantities of each item.

Disconnect and Unplug Your Appliances

If you are moving your appliances, it’s important to disconnect and unplug them. This will help to prevent any damage from happening during the move. You can also ask the movers if they would be willing to move them for an additional fee.

Get Rid of Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials such as paints, oils, and gasoline should be disposed of before the movers arrive. This will help to keep everyone safe during the move and avoid any accidents.

Empty Gas & Oil Gas Powered Tools

To avoid any accidents, it’s important to empty the gas and oil from your power tools. This includes lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, etc. If you are unable to do this yourself, ask a friend or neighbor if they are willing to help out for an additional fee.

Takeaway

As you can see, there are a lot of things to take care of before movers arrive, from packing up your belongings and making sure you have the right paperwork. This blog post has provided some tips for this process so that it can go as smoothly as possible without any hiccups along the way.

Thanks to mrmover.com.my for consulting.

3 Places To Turn To When You Need Interior Design Inspiration

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White designed living room with firework
Used with permission of Kira David Design

Setting out on an interior design journey, whether for your home or business can be stressful. It’s ambitious to think that you can change the way an entire space looks, but it is definitely possible. By setting goals, making sure you have a smart budget, and getting some professional help, you will be able to create the interior of your dreams. Whether you need to replace your windows or just spruce up the paint, there’s inspiration all around you. Here are three places to look when you need interior design inspiration.

White designed living room with firework
Used with permission of Kira David Design

Pinterest

Pinterest is a social media adjacent website that you can use to “Pin” different photos and articles by saving them to what is essentially an online mood board. You might be surprised how many people use Pinterest for things like makeup inspiration, wedding inspiration, and you guessed it – interior design! It’s a great place to go for photos of just about anything you can think of, and therefore an easy way to check out whether your vision would actually look good in real life! Best of all, it’s free!

Instagram

If you are familiar with social media at all, you probably have heard of Instagram or have an account of your own. It works well for people for both personal and business reasons because it is a simple and free way to share photos and information in an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly format. It’s also a great way to go for inspiration of any kind. There are tons of accounts out there dedicated solely to interior design where you can go to view photos and even ask questions and learn some DIY hacks!

Bright designed bedroom with Retriever in the room
Used with permission of Kara Miller Interiors and Brantley Photography

Take advantage of the large community of professional and amateur interior designers on Instagram to figure out exactly what you want to do with your own space. Have some fun with it!

Friends

Looking at your friends’ or family members’ houses can be a great way to see what types of colors and textures complement each other and you may decide to gain some inspiration this way. You can also ask your friends and colleagues what they think will look good in your home or office.

Interior design takes a lot of teamwork sometimes, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. It could also end up being a great way to connect with the people you love. 

Grey and white kitchen cabinet
Used with permission of Kira David Design

Designing your space doesn’t have to be a constant source of stress. Remember to have fun with it and create a space that makes you happy. It’s OK to break the rules sometimes. Hopefully this list will help you to find all the inspiration that you need before getting started with your own project!

Thanks to ngwindows.com for consulting on this post.

7 Points To Keep In Mind When Hiring National Restoration Experts

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Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

Unfortunately, unforeseen and unpleasant events can impact a residential or commercial property. Such occurrences could result in significant damage that requires major cleanup and remediation. In such circumstances, stricken individuals might need the assistance of national restoration experts.

Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

The Specific Times A Restoration Contractor Might Be Needed

Sometimes, homes and businesses experience significant structural and internal damages. Such occasions include fires and floods. Damages incurred from these events carry the potential to cause significant physical deterioration, structural problems, and potential health issues caused by detrimental materials like mold, mildew, and a host of toxic chemicals circulating through the surrounding air.

Restoration contractors possess the experience and equipment needed to remediate property impacted by such events and prevent untoward and possibly life-threatening complications from arising. That said, not all said professionals are the same.

Seven Important Factors To Consider When Hiring A Restoration Contractor

Living room with sofa, coffee table and lamps
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Recommendations

Prospective clients are strongly urged to obtain referrals and recommendations from associations such as friends, co-workers, neighbors, or family members who utilized a restoration contractor’s services.

Said subjects can share their experiences and make favorable recommendations for those who performed well. The feedback received can go a long way towards narrowing the field of potential candidates.

Background Checks

Before making any major decisions, home or business owners are firmly urged to conduct background checks on all viable candidates. Such actions will give researching individuals additional information about the company and said entity’s business practices.

Communication

Reputable companies will be receptive to prospective customers’ needs and inquiries. Granted, successful establishments will typically have a busy schedule, and representatives might not be able to return a would-be client’s calls immediately.

That said, they should be receptive to a potential customer’s concerns and respond as quickly as they can. Moreover, they should display a pleasant and professional nature, use simple and understandable terms, and clearly explain every step of the process.

Certifications

Used with permission of Millhaven Homes

Prospective customers are implored to work with companies possessing all necessary certifications. Said establishments should hold proper state or municipal licenses, be fully insured, and have certifications like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

Certifications are crucial because said documents demonstrate that a specific company has proven to a governing authority that it possesses the necessary skills to perform specific jobs.

Availability

Anyone who has experienced any type of accident or inconvenience knows that such events do not always occur during normal business hours. Therefore, individuals are strongly encouraged to identify entities that offer emergency services and will promptly respond at all hours of the day and night.

Guarantees

Many reputable companies will guarantee the work they do. Successful establishments take a great deal of pride in their staff members and work and typically will not hesitate to guarantee results.

Fair Pricing

The most professional restoration entities will demonstrate fairness and honesty when pricing their work.

Before beginning a job, reputable establishments will itemize the job in question and explain how their representatives reached the estimated calculated costs. Moreover, they should not try to sneak in hidden expenses after the job has commenced and be willing to work out some type of payment plan for exceedingly expensive undertakings.

Thanks to restoration1.com for consulting.

How Do You Choose the Right Real Estate Agent To Meet Your Needs?

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Used with permission of Millhaven Homes

Are you trying to find a home in the local area? If so, you have probably realized that this can be a bit of a challenge. Even though there are a lot of advantages that come with living in the Florida area, it can also be a challenge to find a house that is right for you and your family while also staying under budget. That is why you should work with a real estate agent who can help you. For example, you may want to check out SRN Real Estate Pros to learn more about the local real estate market. At the same time, how can you select the best possible real estate agent to meet your needs? Take a look at a few of the most important factors below, and hire the right real estate agent to help you find your next home.

1. Find Someone With Local Knowledge

If you want to find a drawing real estate agent, the first thing you should do is locate someone with local knowledge. Even though you might be able to find a real estate agent with experience in other parts of the country, this local market is incredibly unique. You need to find someone who knows how to navigate it. The market can change quickly, and you need to make sure you do not overpay for a house. Furthermore, you need someone with local knowledge who can share those hidden gems about traffic, schools, and neighborhoods that can help you make the right decision. Local knowledge is critical if you are looking for a home in the immediate vicinity.

used with permission from Millhaven Homes

2. Chemistry Is Everything

Next, you need to make sure that you and your real estate agent are on the same wavelength. You may have found the best real estate agent in the world, but if he or she does not understand your goals, you will have a difficult time locating the right house. Sit down and talk with the real estate agent ahead of time. Make sure they understand where you are coming from. You and your real estate agent will work as a team to find the best house. If you don’t understand each other, the chemistry will not be there. Make sure you have the right chemistry with your real estate agent. 

used with permission from Millhaven Homes

3. Consider Reviews and Ratings

Before you purchase a product or service online, do you take a look at reviews and ratings? You need to do the same thing when you are trying to find a real estate agent. Most real estate agents are going to be open, honest, and transparent about their prior reviews and ratings. You may want to take a look at what other people have to say. You might even want to ask that specific real estate agent for a list of references you can speak to. Make sure you find a real estate agent who has positive reviews. If other people have had a good experience with that real estate agent, you should have a good experience as well. 

used with permission from Millhaven Homes

4. Ask For a Referral

You might also want to ask for a referral. Did you work with another real estate agent in a different part of the country? If so, you may want to reach out to that real estate agent to see if they know anyone in the local area. If you liked that real estate agent, and that real estate agent likes someone in the local area, they might be a good fit for you as well. 

In addition, if you know somebody who recently purchased a house in the local area, you may want to see if they can refer you to a local real estate agent. If they had a good experience with their agent, you may have a good experience as well. You may want to ask for a referral to a local agent. 

used with permission from Millhaven Homes

5. Ensure They Have Time To Help You

Furthermore, you need to find a real estate agent who has time to help you. Real estate agents are very busy people, and some of them may not have time to help you locate the best possible house. Real estate agents want to do the best possible job for their clients. If a real estate agent says that he or she does not have time to assist you, do not take it personally. At the same time, you may want to see if that specific real estate agent can refer you to another agent who can help you. That way, you don’t have to delay your housing search. 

6. Talk Strategy Before Making a Decision

You and your real estate agent should also develop a strategy together. It can be difficult to find a house in the local area, but if you and your agent develop a cohesive strategy, the process should become easier. For example, you may want to talk to your agent about how many showings you want to do. You may also want to talk to your agent about how many offers you should make. Be sure you develop a cohesive strategy with your real estate agent. You and your agent should be on the same page.

7. Ask About the Local Housing Market

Finally, before you start your housing search, you need to talk to your real estate agent about what the local housing market looks like. Your real estate agent might say that he or she will have a difficult time navigating the current market. Or, the real estate agent might say that you will have to go significantly above the list price to purchase the house. If your real estate agent is not giving you a good vibe, then you may want to go with someone else. On the other hand, if your real estate agent says that now is the time to buy a house, then you should get started as quickly as possible. 

Find the Right Real Estate Agent for Your Needs

In the end, these are a few of the most important tips you need to keep in mind if you are trying to find a real estate agent who can help you locate the best house. Even though there are lots of real estate agents available, you need to find the best possible want to meet your needs. You and your real estate agent need to be on the same page, and you need to find someone who has the right experience to help you. If you locate the best real estate agent, you should maximize your chances of finding the right house for you. Thanks to SRN Real Estate pros for consulting.

10 Decorative Elements Every Stylish Home Needs

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Wall with images in living room
Used with permission of Melanie Gowen

Whether you are interested in redecorating your home for a total new and stylish look or are contemplating design elements for a new build, you are probably in the market for a few pointers. Following are some of the most stylish and trendiest decorative elements every home needs in the 21st century.

1. Wall Coverings

Wall with images in living room
Used with permission of Melanie Gowen

For so many years it seemed like the only thing that designers ever did with walls was to paint them various shades that happened to be trending at the time. While that is all well and good, the stylish homes of today which you see featured in all the home decorating magazines will often highlight walls featuring wallpaper or perhaps even paper with a chair rail to separate a wallpaper lower and a painted upper. The goal is to give a more textured appeal, so don’t feel like you are limited to solid colors.

2. Window Treatments

The same holds true for window treatments. You can pick and choose the types of shades and blinds you want to use but don’t forget that window treatments don’t stop there. Curtains and draperies are also part of the entire appeal, so get creative there as well.

3. Ambient Elements

One of the most stylish of all elements in today’s trendy homes would be ambient elements. These are usually decorative yet unimposing items that are casually placed around the room to add an extra layer of delight. Designer candles from Jo Malone are absolutely perfect for adding a waft of fragrance to any room. Just ensure that you place the Jo Malone candle created with traditional British tradition in a place where it can add a certain quality of elegance to the room. Based in the Marylebone District of London, this house of luxury fragrance available on SSENSE will say all that needs to be said about the care in which you have decorated your home.

4. Eclectic Use of Patterns

Often referred to as pattern on pattern, this element can be used on anything from wall hangings to furniture to even the walls themselves. Often you will find geometric patterns interspersed with other shapes, florals, or animal motifs. These needn’t be ‘loud’ but can be subtle without the use of too much color. It’s interesting to note just how intriguing the use of patterned layers can be.

5. Decorative Use of Baskets

Part of the bright designed living room with chair, table and pillows in the basket below the table, and a mirror on the wall above the table with flowers and books
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

It seems like woven baskets will never go out of style. At one time in our history they were purely functional in the days prior to modern transportation and shipping but the heritage. We lovingly continue to use them to hold items we once carried from shop to home. Fruits and flowers, artificial or real, make lovely items to display in baskets of all sizes and shapes. You can even use them as outer pots for decorative plants.

6. Skirting and Table Runners

Today’s stylish homes are often found to have a rather elegant and formal appeal in the dining area. You will find table cloths with skirting on dining room tables with a table runner completing the look. Don’t forget cloth napkins, and candelabras to add an extra touch of elegance. You can learn to fold your dinner napkins in dozens of ways, resembling the Japanese art of origami.

7. Comfortable Seating

You may want an air of elegance in your home but if it is uninviting, you’ve not given your guests time to appreciate all those little touches you painstakingly added. Comfortable seating in the living room and dining room are an absolute must. Dining chairs can be softly padded and upholstered to put your guests at ease for a companionable dinner (don’t forget to light the candles mentioned above!).

8. Curios

Bedroom with book shelf and vases
Used with permission of Casework

This is one decorative element you might find addicting. Curios are those little items you find intriguing and collect from literally every vacation you’ve ever taken. Often these are little mosaic dishes or knick-knacks that have been handed down through the generations. Hummel figurines are especially attractive.

9. Dimmable Lighting

You’ve already set an ambient element with the lovely fragranced candles mentioned above. However, if you want those candles to offer a full effect, don’t forget to dim the lights when you are seated in the room that hosts the candles. Dim lights along with a gentle fragrance and softly strobing candles are seen as the height of elegance.

10. Room-by-Room Themed Approach

Finally, don’t feel as though you need to decorate your home in one era or style. Each room can be themed differently from the last, giving an appeal similar to pattern-on-pattern wall hangings. Having said that, take care to ensure that everything in each room is true to the theme of that particular space.

Now that you have an idea of decorative elements every stylish home should have, it’s time to call on your Muses. Let the creativity begin!

Thanks to ssense.com for consulting on this post.

5 Essential Home Chores To Prepare For Winter

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House and Cottage
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

Following an annual maintenance schedule, investing in the right tools, and relying on services where necessary are all part of the basics of home maintenance. These ongoing home chores are all essential to maintain property value, avoid the high costs of repairs, and keep your property in top condition.

That said, when the colder weather starts approaching, particular home maintenance chores become crucial. These are the top five home chores that homeowners must prioritize before winter arrives.

Chimney Inspection And Maintenance

House and Cottage
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

If your home holds a chimney centerpiece, there’s no doubt that you value the feature. But with this, chimney maintenance is essential. Because you will be using your chimney during winter, you must book an inspection as the seasons grow colder.

Protechchimney.com provides chimney inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and repair services. By relying on a professional service, you can be sure your chimney and fireplace are in functional order for the winter.

Clear Out The Gutters

It’s essential to clear out the gutters at the start of each season. Clogged-up gutters that can’t drain well will lead to costly water damage. While cleaning gutters, it’s important to check that downspouts are clear of blocks as well.

Seal Windows And Doors

Entrance door to the balcony
Used with permission of Kira David Design

If the windows and doors of your home don’t seal properly, drafts can prevent your heating system from working efficiently. Not only will your power bill be higher than it has to be, but your home also won’t be as warm as it could be.

It’s also worthwhile to inspect the insulation of your home. Replacing the insulation can also effectively lower your home’s heating bill by keeping warmth in more effectively. You can hire services in spray foam insulation Denver to replace your old insulation with new one. Typically, home insulation needs to be replaced every fifteen to twenty years.

Heating System Maintenance

It’s also important to have your home’s heating system inspected before the winter arrives. If you don’t, a problematic heating system might leave you freezing in your home until a repair service can attend to the issue.

Prepare The Pipes

Kitchen with bar table and chairs
Used with permission of Jack Gardner

Frozen pipes are a fairly common problem for homeowners in colder regions. Unfortunately, frozen pipes can burst, and this typically leaves the homeowner with a hefty repair bill.

Fortunately, it’s relatively straightforward to prepare pipes for the winter so that they don’t freeze and potentially burst. You can wrap pipes with electrical heating tape on extremely cold days. It’s best to also insulate behind and around pipes where possible. Furthermore, keeping your home warm is also an effective way to prevent frozen pipes.

In addition to the above chores, it’s also worthwhile to consult a pest control service as winter approaches. Because pests will be in search of warmth and a food source when the season turns cold, pest control is also pretty important. That said, even though you can manage these chores with a DIY approach, certain chores, like chimney and heating system maintenance, should be left to professional services.

Relying on a professional service is the best way to ensure efficiency and to keep the costs of home maintenance low.

Thanks to all the companies linked above.

Guide to Hiring Window Cleaner and Its Benefits

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White house with front yard
Used with permission of Blackband Design

No matter how well you keep up with the upkeep of your home, windows are easy to miss until you can’t see anything out of them any longer. Professional window cleaning services can take care of the unpleasant work if the smokey coating of dust, filth, and who-knows-what helps make you want to turn a blind eye. This hiring advice for an Orange County window cleaner will assist you in making an informed selection.

How to Find an Orange County Window Cleaning Service

When looking for an Orange County window cleaner, the first step is to ask for referrals. The person who lives next door to you with the immaculate bay windows may be able to recommend someone, or you may ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Great prospects can also be found through social media and web searches.

Before Hiring a Professional Orange County Window Cleaner

White house with front yard
Used with permission of Blackband Design

Before phoning a window cleaning professional, follow these simple steps to save time and make the most of your discussion.

#1 – Make a list of your window cleaning requirements so that you can get accurate quotes

You should obtain quotations and compare prices once you’ve reduced your options down to a handful. Preparing particular data for your window cleaning project will help you receive the most accurate quotation possible. Some factors to keep in mind include the following:

  • It is necessary to specify the number of windows to be cleaned
  • The kind of window that you have installed as well as the dimensions of the window to be cleaned
  • Take into account any possible additional services like cleaning the window blinds or screens
  • Take into account if there is a need to move any large pieces of furniture
  • Whether you have any windows that are hard to access like high windows that are going to require a ladder

A minimum of three quotations from various window cleaning providers is required to obtain the most value for your money. Don’t forget to talk about price models, what’s included, and what’s not (and how much).

#2 – Examine the qualifications and references of the window cleaner you are considering

The ideal professional will be transparent in the same way that the windows that they clean are transparent in appearance. In addition to having enough insurance and a valid license, any professional worth considering will gladly give proof. In addition, be certain that the company has workers’ compensation insurance in place to protect you from any claims if employees are hurt on the company’s premises.

If at all possible, speak with others who have used the window cleaning service in the recent past. As a result, referrals from friends and family may be really helpful, or you can ask the professional for a list of names to ensure a stellar reputation.

#3 – Make That You Can Ask Your Orange County Window Cleaner These Questions

You should ask the window cleaning business some critical questions while you’re getting quotations since there are a few things you should look out for:

  1. Has your window cleaning business acquired a valid license and insurance?
  2. Have you been doing window cleaning services for a long time now?
  3. What are window cleaning services in Orange County are you offering?
  4. Are the staff that you employ had undergone background checks?
  5. Is there any type of safety training being provided for your employees to prevent falls and other types of injuries?
  6. Can you also safely move furniture or other fragile items?
  7. Are you offering a satisfaction guarantee?

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Orange County Window Cleaning Service

Living room with big white couch
Used with permission of Millhaven Homes

The façade of your business is a significant investment. Before visitors or clients enter your business, they will make an impression based on the appearance of the structure. If your windows are dusty, dark, or grimy, customers may choose to conduct business elsewhere, so here are some of the many advantages of hiring an Orange County professional window cleaning business.

1. Saves Time

Your workers’ time at work should be spent on job-specific duties. If they are given responsibility for janitorial clean-up, including window washing, you may be jeopardizing your business’s bottom line. Additionally, window washing is a bit more involved than just pulling out a bucket of soap and water. Individuals who are not window washers may cause harm to your business’s windows if they clean them inappropriately. Outsource your cleaning needs to the specialists to help keep everyone working, save time on irrelevant job duties, and guarantee your windows are kept to the highest degree of cleanliness.

2. There Is No Need to Worry About Sophisticated Cleaning Methods

To achieve the greatest results, different windows require unique cleaning chemicals or approaches. For instance, tinted windows and stained glass both require particular care. Using standard cleaning products on these types of windows may cause them to deteriorate, leaving you with an unappealing appearance and a possibly large repair price. You can now just leave the task to the professionals to guarantee that every window is properly cleaned.

3. Allows Light To Enter

Clean windows allow for increased natural light to enter the structure. You may notice the following benefits from a cleaner, brighter environment:

  • Increased concentration, which results in improved employee performance
  • Improved initial impressions of consumers or clients
  • Enhancement in energy efficiency
  • Curb appeal enhancements

Professionals can effectively remove smudges, streaks, and grime buildup from your windows, hence enhancing these favorable benefits.

4. Ensures Your Safety

Desk with a picture on it and a chair and big windows in the back
Used with permission of Colleen Duffley

Without the proper equipment and skill, window cleaning may be deadly. Even a single-story fall might result in significant injury. When you hire window cleaners, you or your employees will avoid the need to climb ladders, deal with dangerous cleaning supplies, or navigate around difficult spots to completely clean each window.

5. Assists in Extending the Life of Your Windows

Built-up dirt and other debris can etch into glass over time, resulting in permanent damage and scratches. These blemishes can weaken the panes, resulting in future fractures, chipping, and other costly issues. Professional window cleaners can assist preserve the longevity of your windows by utilizing specialized cleaning solutions and their comprehensive experience.

Thanks to squeegeepro.com for consulting.

Get Your Inspiration for Home Style Design Right Here

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Living room with sofas and coffee table
Used with permission of Jenny Keenan

Did you know interior design can impact how you feel? Improve the atmosphere in your home, and boost your mental health. If you want some tips on interior decoration, we can help.

In this guide, we’ll go over determining your home style design. Work with an interior designer or brainstorm with your friends. Make a plan for your upcoming renovation or home decor project.

Living room with sofas and coffee table
Used with permission of Jenny Keenan

Want to learn more? Keep reading.

What Is Your Style?

Think about your home interior design and what you prefer. Is there a particular atmosphere you want in your home? Create different moods by changing the color palette.

Some people prefer to create a cohesive style in their homes. You could consider elegant, formal, modern, or traditional designs.

Begin gathering design inspiration. You can look at home interior magazines or browse Pinterest. Start to understand your interior design style before you make any plans.

Outline Your Dislikes

People often have an easier time explaining what they dislike. If you have a challenging time with the former point, write down what you dislike.

Would you prefer to steer away from bright colors like your childhood home? Consider choosing a neutral palette.

You might want to avoid past design trends that evoke a negative feeling. These memories tend to be individual and private.

How Does Your Space Currently Work?

Take stock of your current home. Do you feel certain rooms are super crowded? Sometimes, homeowners make the mistake of picking small furniture. You might choose furniture that’s way too large for the room.

Try to choose furniture that will suit the size of your space. You also want to create a balance and flow in your rooms.

For example, if you have a large room, you should create zones for various activities. You might have an area for television viewing and a work area in one corner. Have a seating area around a focal fireplace.

You should try to find a balance between being symmetrical but not too contrived.

Browse a Variety of Paint Samples

Island table with chairs in the kitchen
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Another critical step is comparing different paint selections. You should try and choose a paint color that will connect spaces harmoniously. For example, avoid choosing different bold colors for each room.

Instead, consider thinking about your house or condo as a whole. You should try and create a flow between rooms instead of making them feel disjointed.

Also, think about how different colors will affect people’s moods. Blue and green tend to calm people.

Observe the paint samples during different points of the day. Look at the samples in natural light. If you’re unsure about paint colors, you could always try out a few samples.

Paint chips are helpful, but the paint will often look different on your walls. If you’re looking to paint the walls white, remember undertones. Whites will have touches of yellows, blues, or even pinks.

The exterior can also affect the temperature of the light. The sky can end up creating a reflection of blue on your walls.

Try Shopping Around

Try looking for deals as you shop around for interior decoration and furniture. You could end up finding the perfect piece at a local thrift store or online.

Mix up high and low prices when working on your interior design style. You can splurge on something you love but look for second-hand items, as well.

Begin Designing From the Bottom

Homeowners often get overwhelmed by designing their homes. You might not know where you should start.

Start by working from the ground up. Will you add new carpeting to the floor or buy a stunning Persian rug?

Would you like to install hardwood floors? Think about your floor first and how other pieces will get layered overtop the flooring.

You should also think about how often people will walk through specific rooms. You might need flooring that will endure a lot of foot traffic.

You should also think about how your choices will affect the design and feel of the room.

How Do You Live?

A room with a bench and table
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Another factor to consider is how you and your family live in your home. Do you want a formal or relaxed setting? How many children and adults live in your home, and what do you all do? Do you need a home office?

If you have children, consider creating a playroom. The decorations you choose for a family home will look a lot different compared to someone who’s single.

You might like to host dinner parties. You will need adequate seating and a large dining table. If you plan to eat out or travel a lot, you won’t need as much furniture.

Think about what you’re looking for in your home. This will guide your choices as you shop around for furniture or decor.

Work With an Interior Designer or Builder

Some homeowners will choose to work with an interior designer. If you want to get insight from an expert, find a local designer.

Work with an architect or engineer if you’re completing a major renovation or want to build new. Some contractors will tell you about new home options. Consider contacting a barndo specialist or a tiny house builder.

Get Excited About Home Style Design

We hope this guide on home style design was helpful. Consider what kind of interior design style you want in your home. You could work with an interior designer.

Are you looking for more design tips? Check out our latest guide on the blog about how to make your home more peaceful and calm.

Thanks to thencbuilders.com for consulting.