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Home improvement is one of those things that can be overwhelming for inexperienced homeowners. It gets even more frustrating for those with difficulties managing a proper work-life balance. Yet, even if a messy home can be problematic, many people resign themselves to it due to a lack of funds or a hectic schedule.

The good news is you don’t have to worry about either time or money (at least not too much money) if you want to make significant improvements to your home. Here are a few home improvement tips for those restricted by budget.

• Improvements through window blinds can be surprisingly effective

Windows can be a challenging aspect of your home to improve, as it can quickly balloon in price if you aren’t careful. However, if you want to make improvements to your windows without having to pay a significant amount, www.boydsblinds.co.uk has you covered in the form of window blinds. Window blinds have a habit of changing the overall look and feel of a room, as it’s typically what people notice first, especially if the sun is shining through the blinds.

The cool thing about window blinds is they can be extremely effective but also generally affordable. So, it allows you to go for more luxury choices without paying a lot, which can go a long way to improving the ambience of a home. It also has the added effect of making a smaller home feel more spacious.

• Focusing on specific aspects of your home can have fantastic results

Learning to focus on specific aspects of your home can help elevate a room, even if you only made a single improvement. For example, if you’re looking to improve the bedroom, focus on the bed. Go for more vivid colours, and take your time to choose a frame that fits the rest of the bedroom. By doing so, you might find you no longer need to make extra improvements in the bedroom, as your bed has effectively elevated everything else. At that point, perhaps a bit of spring cleaning is all that’s needed.

The same goes for the living room, where you can make improvements by looking into the room’s focal point. It can be the entertainment system, the antique clock, or anything else. If you’re curious, step into the living room and figure out what catches your attention first. It is typically the focal point.

• Updating bathroom fixtures can be a quick and easy solution

When it comes to home improvement, you’ll want to focus on aspects of your home that can elicit feelings of comfort. For example, improving the bathroom can be fantastic, especially the bathroom fixtures. You’d be surprised how much of an effect the fixtures have on the rest of the bathroom. The best part is that bathroom fixtures are typically affordable, making it a quick and easy solution.

Home improvement doesn’t have to be a process of trial and error. Sometimes, all it takes is a little change in the right place to make a difference. The above tips will help you push for home improvement without worrying about your budget.

The dining room is one of the most important rooms in any home. It is where family and friends come together to share meals, laughter, and memories. It’s a place of gathering where you can have conversations, exchange ideas, and enjoy each other’s company. That’s why it’s crucial to create a pleasant and aesthetically pleasing space, but many homeowners get overwhelmed and don’t know what to do to maximize the value of their investment in their dining room. Fortunately, there are resources that can provide advice and inspiration. If you’re not sure where to start, keep reading to find out how to take your dining room to the next level.

How can you take your dining room to the next level?

Rattan bar stools can instantly bring a sense of sophistication and style to any dining room. Whether you are looking for an eye-catching addition to your breakfast nook or a chic seating option for your home bar, rattan bar stools offer the perfect blend of comfort and aesthetics. Not only do these pieces add visual interest to any space but they also provide additional seating when hosting guests. Rattan is well known for its durability and versatility which makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The warm tones of the natural material will create a cozy atmosphere.

Creating a focal point in the dining room is one of the essential elements of updating its design. A focal point can be anything from a bold piece of art, to an eye-catching chandelier, to a unique statement rug. When creating your own focal point, think about what you want your guests to notice first when they enter the room – it should draw attention and set the tone. Consider size and scale when selecting furniture pieces or decorations. If you are working with limited wall space opt for something small but impactful such as a dramatic sconce or interesting patterned wallpaper.

Introducing natural elements is another great way to create a welcoming atmosphere. Natural elements such as plants, wood, stone, and fabrics can bring warmth and texture into the space while also providing an opportunity for creative expression. A few simple additions like potted greenery or air plants on the table can instantly give the room more life and vibrancy.

What else can you do to create a pleasant environment?

Now that you have a better idea of how to design the ideal dining room, let’s talk about some other things you can do to ensure that you’re comfortable whenever you sit down for a meal. For instance, your indoor temperature can have a massive impact on how much you enjoy being inside your home. That’s why so many homeowners are upgrading to a smart thermostat. They can be programmed to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule and preferences, which can reduce your energy usage and save money.

Many homeowners don’t think about their indoor air quality, but they should. It can have a significant effect on your comfort and safety at home. This is because indoor air pollution has been linked to serious health conditions, including respiratory infections, coronary artery disease, and strokes. You can ensure everyone in your room can breathe easier by doing what you can to protect your indoor air quality. Some options include using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and purchasing an air purifier to eliminate pollutants and allergens.

Overall, it is a good idea for homeowners to transform their dining room into a stylish, inviting space. There are an infinite number of ways to achieve this, but some options include purchasing new furniture, creating a visual vocal point, and introducing natural elements into the room. You can make your home’s interior more comfortable with investments like upgrading to a smart thermostat and buying an air purifier for high-traffic parts of the house. By following these tips, you can create a unique and appealing atmosphere and ensure you and your guests have a fantastic dining experience.

While we all love indoor rooms since we are used to them, there is no harm in trying out outdoor rooms and see where that would take you. One good way to get to those outdoor rooms is to install retractable screens in Jacksonville. Surely, you can sell your property for a high price in the near future.

Transfer in the Future

When your family would grow bigger, you would have no choice but to transfer to another home. It would be better for you to sell your home first so you would have more budget for your new home. Your new place could even be in the same village. There is no harm in doing so since you should be a bit proud of your accomplishments. There will come a time when you are tired of the same surroundings and your family will feel the same way. As they say, it is time for a change so you should pack your bags and look for a better place.

Relax at Good Times

When the weather is good, you can find yourself relaxing in your outdoor room. Besides, you can isolate yourself from all the stress that is happening inside the house. Once in a while, it would be nice to be by yourself and see where that would take you. When it is sunny outside, you can surely sunbathe. You can even pretend you are at the beach if you play some outstanding music. When you put a TV there, you can watch the big game with your friends and have food delivered too. If you have time, you can cook for them and they can criticize it.

Visitor’s Lounge

When you have sudden visitors, they now have a place to chill while waiting for you. Surely, you don’t have to make them wait when it is a bit hot outside. If that is the case, they would rather bail and go somewhere else where they would be appreciated. Don’t forget to put an air-con or even an electric fan in the visitor’s lounge so you will feel a bit confident that they feel preoccupied while you are attending to something else. They would also understand that you can’t possibly give them all of your time.

Creative Decorations

It is evident you’d want to hire an interior designer and make the outdoor room a place worth going to. After all, you’d feel terrible at times and need a place to unwind. Now you don’t have to travel far especially if you put some nice activities there like a billiard table and a video game console. When you have something to do in your outdoor room, you can find yourself coming back there plenty of times. The outdoor room can even become an exercise place so you can burn calories at times when you thought you gained a lot of weight. The outdoor place can definitely be a mix of things that you can enjoy in the nick of time.

 

It would be cool to make home cleaning a whole lot easier if you do all the right things in life. It is just one of those things that we would love to get out of the way so we can proceed to more important things. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when it is time for you to clean your home:

Wipe Mirrors and Glass

Drying wet towels after a shower is a light task and you should wipe mirrors and glasses in the bathroom. It is one of those things that often gets ignored but you need to do it as everyone goes to the bathroom several times in one night. When you wipe the glass you can avoid inhaling dust as that can lead to some serious allergies before you know it.

Dust and Vacuum

If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner in your house then you should buy one as soon as possible. It is one of those things that make cleaning your house a whole lot easier than you can imagine. It is not even that hard to know how to use a vacuum cleaner anyway. You just need to follow a few simple instructions and you will eventually get used to it. It is one of those things that gets rid of all the dust in your room so it is worth every second of doing it.

Clean the whole house

There is always the temptation of taking the process one room at a time. It would be better to clean the entire house though so you won’t have to worry about doing anything else the next day. It would be a different story when you have a really big house but you should keep in mind that everything eventually ends so you should just start it at the earliest time possible so you can also end early. You can even enlist the help of the other people who live there and you all eventually get to exercise a bit.

Gather all cleaning tools in one place

In order to avoid confusion, you must have all of your cleaning tools in one place so you will know where to find them. Of course, this would save up a lot of your time so you won’t have to waste time trying to look for all the cleaning tools. Just make sure to place them in the right manner so that the liquid substances won’t spill. That would actually depend on the container you choose as it would be better to go for eco-friendly ones so you can feel great about doing your part in conserving the environment.

Focus on Toilets and Sinks

Germs gather in sinks and toilets all the time so it would be wise to focus your energy on cleaning these things in the nick of time. You better buy some high-quality toilet cleaners so you will be happy about the result. Words can’t describe how many times you use the toilet in a day so focus on these things.

 

If you’re thinking about making the move to Bangkok but need to figure out where specifically you’d like to live, the first and most important question on your mind will be: “how much?” How much is the average cost to rent a Bangkok condo? Which areas are the most expensive?

In this article, we’re going to look at some prices, ranging from the lower end, some mid-class quality condos, and all the way up to the luxury-end of the spectrum. Here’s everything you need to know…

What’s the average cost to rent a condo in Bangkok?

The average cost to rent a condo in Bangkok is around the 15,000 THB mark (approx. $417 USD). This price is considered very good for cheap apartments to rent in Bangkok.

This will get you a reasonably sized studio / 1-bed apartment with all of the Western features you’d require to live comfortably.

The price may also include exclusive access to a shared swimming pool, fitness centre, free room cleaning, and more.

All in all, it’s a very good price for a level of comfort that would cost a significant amount more in most Western countries (e.g., an average 1-bed apartment in London would be around $1,300).

How much is it to rent a cheap condo in Bangkok?

At the much lower end of the spectrum you can get an apartment with basic facilities and a fridge for somewhere the region of 5,000 and 10,000 THB per month ($140 – $280).

This is very cheap but you will be living in a basic condo with minimal facilities. No swimming pool or fitness studio, you won’t have much of a kitchen, and the bathroom will be bare.

In any case, if you plan to eat out every evening and don’t expect to spend much time at home, it’s an affordable way to save money and keep a roof over your head.

How much is it to rent a luxury condo in Bangkok?

If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, you’ll be looking at somewhere around 30,000 THB as a starting point (about $1,000 per month).

This cost will go up depending on where you are located (e.g., the central business district is highly expensive / the closer you are to BTS and MRT stations, etc.).

Luxury apartments will be more spacious, have larger balconies with a view, quality fixtures, fittings, and appliances, lavish furniture, kitted kitchens, dreamy bathrooms, and plenty of in-house facilities, such as a pool, fitness room, sauna and steam room, restaurant, and more.

All in all, if you’re happy to spend between $400 and $900 USD per month on rent, you’ll be able to enjoy top quality accommodation with all of the amenities you could ask for.

When it comes to maintaining your roof there are a surprising number of things to be considered. From the guttering to the indoor fireplace and the actual chimney stack, you can’t afford to forget about any area if you want your chimney to remain in tip-top condition. Keep reading for some key points on how to properly maintain your chimney stack.

What are Chimney Crowns and What is Their Function?

The chimney crown is the top part of your chimney. It’s made of brick, stone or mortar and rests above the chimney’s flue. The purpose of it is to protect the top of the chimney from weathering and similar damage. The crown achieves this protection by covering and sealing the top of the chimney’s opening around the edges. It also helps to deflect moisture away from the top of the chimney.

A well-built chimney crown should last for many years. However, over time they can become weathered and deteriorate, especially if they are not cared for properly.

How to Check Your Chimney Stack

To keep on top of everything and to understand the signs that there’s something wrong, you should safely check your roof and chimney yourself. Despite this, you must never attempt to climb onto your roof without appropriate safety equipment and professional training because it is incredibly dangerous. Missing parts, leaks and fallen debris are all signs of issues. You should be able to spot obvious issues from the ground, but height will prevent you from seeing the roof up close.

To get a proper roof health check, you should therefore arrange for a professional roofing inspection to be carried out annually.

Signs You Need Chimney Repairs:

Some of the telling signs you need a chimney repair include the following:

• Rusting metal
• Debris from the chimney interior
• Cracks in the chimney crown
• Damp
• Missing capping
• Water damage around or below the chimney
• Damaged chimney flashing

Does Your Chimney Need Repointing?

If you spot gaps within the mortar around the bricks, your chimney stack probably needs repointing. In locations where chimneys are susceptible to weathering like Durham roofers will look at your chimney and ask the following questions:

• Is there missing grouting? This might show through cracks in the mortar joint.
• Does the chimney look in poor condition? If it’s started to disintegrate, its structure might need repairing.
• Have you noticed any moisture ingress in your attic? Gaps in the roof could be causing rainwater to enter your property.

Does Your Chimney Need a Capping Cowl?

One of the more complicated parts of chimneys are capping cowls. These are covers placed at the top of the chimney stack. A capping cowl might be installed for ventilation purposes, stopping downdraughts and reducing the risk of fire. The caps are also good for keeping out birds, preventing chimney blockages and stopping rainwater from entering the chimney or your home.

The bottom line is, if you’re not sure whether your chimney or crown is damaged, it’s best to have a professional look at it. Experienced roofers will be able to tell you whether the crown is in a good condition and if not, recommend appropriate repairs. One thing that is for certain is that you must never leave roofing or chimney repairs to an amateur – it is not worth the risk.

There are several misconceptions about flat roofs and this article aims to address them. Keep reading on and discover how five commonly heard misconceptions about flat roofs will be debunked down below.

1. Rain has nowhere to go

It’s likely that this myth comes from the word ‘flat’ in the name flat roofs. This misconception regarding flat roofs is a common one but actually there is no such thing as a completely flat roof. Every roof has some sort of gradient in it to direct the moisture off the roof and onto the ground.

While flat roofs are actually not completely flat, it is easy to understand why people may think that they are. Flat roofs tend to have a small wall that stands just above the sloped area called a parapet. This means that the sloped part of the roof is hidden and cannot be seen from the ground.

2. Flat roofs can’t handle the weight of snow

While snow might seem concerning, especially in areas where there is a lot of it, every properly built flat roof is engineered to suit where it is located. In these cases, the chance of flat roof failure is extremely low. In areas where there is a lot of snow, it can be dangerous to have the snow shed from a roof that isn’t designed properly.

For snowier locations like the North East flat roofing solutions can be found by a professional roofer who will help you to make informed choices.

3. Flat roofs are leakier

You would probably never guess it but flat roofs are actually less prone to leaking than regular pitched roofs. This is because the materials used to weather-proof flat roofs cover a larger area than the shingles used on a pitched roof. Large pieces of rubber material are stuck to the surface of a flat roof, and fewer gaps between the pieces means that there is less chance of water getting under them.

However, a roof of any type can be susceptible to leaks, especially if it is not maintained properly. Because roofs are always exposed to the elements, it is nearly impossible to completely leak-proof any roof forever.

4. Flat roofs are too expensive

When you take into account the long-term savings you can make by installing a flat roof, it works out as a very affordable option. The costs of installation are lower than for traditional roofs and they often last longer too. Another bonus is that they are quicker to install and require less maintenance over time which also saves money.

Flat roofs can be installed with fewer materials than pitched roofs which have a more complex design. Pitched roofs also take more time to install, which increases labour costs.

5. There are limited design possibilities with flat roofs

Contrary to popular belief, there are many design possibilities for flat roofs and you are not limited to one traditional look. Lots of flat roof styles can be used to create unique looks for your building. Often, skylights and solar panels are added to create an extremely unique look with practical benefits. With such a range of possibilities, you are likely to be able to find a style that suits your taste, no matter how unique it is.

All in all, flat roofs are a severely underrated roofing choice, especially when they are designed and maintained well. To keep your flat roof in pristine condition, you should consider getting a roof health check from a professional roofer at least once a year.

If you’ve ever had to lug firewood from outdoors into your home, you know it can be quite a chore. Not only is it heavy and awkward, but it’s also dirty and can track mud and debris into your home. A log holder is a perfect solution to this problem. A log holder is a simple yet effective way to transport firewood indoors without any hassle. Here are some of the benefits of using a log holder.

Convenience

One of the best things about a log holder is that it’s so convenient. No more struggling to carry heavy logs into your home; simply load them into the holder and wheel them inside. You can even get a log holder with built-in handles for extra convenience.

Log holders are perfect for homes with limited storage space because they keep firewood off the ground and neatly organized. Most units come with removable canvas or nylon bags that make it easy to transport logs from the holder to your fireplace or wood stove.

Staying Warm and Toasty

Another great benefit of using a log holder is that it helps you stay warm and toasty all winter long. By keeping your firewood close at hand, you’ll always have plenty on hand for those cold nights when you need it most. A log holder also makes it easy to build a fire in your fireplace; simply place the logs in the holder and arrange them in the desired order before igniting them.

Protecting Your Home

One final benefit of using a log holder is that it can help protect your home from damage caused by firewood. When left on the ground, firewood can attract pests like rodents and insects, who will then make their way into your home in search of food or shelter. A log holder helps prevent this by storing firewood off the ground and out of reach of pests.

Keeping Your Wood Organized

If you’re a fan of cozy fires on chilly nights, then you know how important it is to have a good supply of firewood. However, storing firewood can be a challenge, especially if you have a lot of it. That’s where a log holder comes in handy. A log holder helps you keep your wood neatly organized so that it’s always easy to find what you need. Plus, it prevents the wood from getting wet or pest infested. As a result, a log holder is not only convenient, but it also helps to protect your firewood supply. So if you’re looking for an easy way to keep your wood tidy and dry, then a log holder is the perfect solution.

Bottom Line

Overall, a log holder is a great investment for any homeowner who burns wood for heat or ambiance. Not only is it convenient, but it also helps protect your home from damage caused by pests. So if you’re looking for an easy way to transport firewood indoors, be sure to invest in a quality log holder today.

 

Depending on where you live in the US or Canada, you might experience the 4 seasons in a large variety of ways. If you’re in the midwest, you will have harsh humid summers and bitterly damp, cold winters. If you live in the northern parts of the states or in many parts of Canada, you will have exceptionally cold winters where losing power or your furnace can be incredibly taxing and dangerous.

For people who don’t live in areas with mild winters like the southern states, it’s imperative that your home furnace is operating as efficiently as possible at all times.

Furnace repair is never something you want to have to do, but it is something that unfortunately does happen. The last thing you want is to have it happen right in the middle of a cold front that brings freezing temperatures and snowfall.

You might need a furnace repair if…

Here are some signs you might need to go ahead and get your furnace repaired.

1. You are having some difficulty starting up your furnace
2. You are getting strange or burnt smells coming from your furnace
3. The pilot light for the furnace is a blue or different than normal color
4. Poor heat output from the furnace
5. The furnace is much louder than normal
6. Air quality in your home is poor
7. Your carbon monoxide detector is going off

If your carbon monoxide detector is going off, you need to immediately look into the issue. Follow the instructions found with your carbon monoxide detector or furnace to remedy this issue immediately and for anyone in your building to be safe.

For any of these other issues, you can contact your local professional HVAC specialist or companies and they will be able to provide you with the proper information related to how you can best go about fixing your furnace before the coldest weather hits.

 

A beautiful home can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be costly without considering the budget. Home renovations are expensive and should not be taken lightly, but they can also greatly benefit your life. When you’re considering undertaking a large home project, following a budget is an important step to make right up front, especially if you want that project to pay off.

Why Is It So Important to Have a Budget?

Budgeting is a good way to prepare for a big home spending decision. It allows you to anticipate and plan for the costs of your home project and make smart decisions regarding the purchases you make while completing your renovation.

A budget provides a structure of sorts—an outline that you can use to guide your project planning so that you end up with a finished product that will last and provide the value it costs you—not just now but in the years ahead. For example, when installing a barn door, you can use your budget to calculate how many to buy and how much it will cost.

In addition to helping you keep tabs on spending, having a budget is also an excellent way to prepare yourself for the many expenses that can easily come up during your home renovation.

Many homeowners don’t realize that more than 50% of the cost of their home renovation project will be spent on labor, not material costs. The reason that is so is because of the high labor rates that are common in this field. When deciding on a project, you must understand what it will cost to complete the work so that you can budget properly.

Another aspect of planning with a budget is knowing your current financial status. If you’re living month-to-month and don’t have any cash saved up, then paying your mortgage or utility bills may easily be out of reach.

You also need to understand your net worth or financial position. If you are carrying a high credit card balance and not generating any interest, then it can be easy for you to fall into the trap of continuing to make those purchases. Budgeting allows you to see your financial position in terms of where you are heading and finds solutions that will allow you to achieve your budget goals while still living within your means.

A budget correctly formed around your home renovation project can help you make the right decisions regarding where to allocate your funds and will allow you to have a home renovation that is a pleasure, not a burden. For instance, when you have a proper budget, you can choose a central air conditioning unit instead of a window AC unit, which would be more expensive but will require less work in the long run.

Home renovating on a budget is possible with the following tips that help you to keep track of your spending and overall renovation goals. Using a home renovation budget can help you to decide which projects on your list are possible and which ones need to remain a dream project for now.

Using a budget is one of the best ways to get the most out of your money, both for the upcoming home renovation and in the years ahead.

1. Develop a budget plan before you get started. Determine the cost and timing of all current home renovations currently in your home. Please review what you hope to accomplish with each of them, and develop an overall plan for the direction of your renovation project. Review this list with your spouse or other household decision maker to see if any holes in the plan should be filled before it is approved.
2. Select the items that are important to you and those that are not, and determine which will take priority. Then work back from your desired overall result. What needs to be completed in the first quarter of the process to ensure you can complete the first project on your list? What do you need to get done to complete that part of your vision, and what is required to accomplish those objectives? This way, you can plan out your budget properly and make the correct financial decisions with each new phase of your home renovation project.
3. Be aware of unexpected expenses. Decide now how much money you would like to have in your budget for repairs to your home and how much extra money you are willing to spend on home renovations. How much-unexpected income or expense can you expect?
4. Determine your goals for each item on your list. Each room of your home has certain needs. Determine what you want to accomplish with that particular room and the budget you need to ensure the renovation project can be completed within the projected time range.

Before you know it, your renovation will be done and you will be enjoying the fruits of your labor. You saved some money because of the budget you set up, and that is a nice feeling.