Many people today opt to downsize into tiny homes, which typically measure between 300 and 500 square feet. They are easier to maintain and less expensive to live in than traditional homes. There are tiny home DIY kits that allow homeowners to build their own homes without much building experience. However, if you do choose to build your own tiny home, it is best to use a professional HVAC contractor for your heating and cooling systems.

HVAC professionals will take into account that there are special considerations when installing heating and cooling systems into tiny houses. Tiny home HVAC systems can differ from what a traditional home needs.

Determining the Best System

There are different HVAC systems for use in tiny homes. These include a furnace with duct work, mini split systems, wall-mounted electric heaters, and air conditioning units. There are pros and cons to each system and an HVAC professional can work with you to determine which is the best based on your location. For example, needs in Arizona are different than in Pennsylvania. The size of the tiny home and your budget also make a difference. If you choose a traditional furnace, you may still need to investigate air conditioning options.

Traditional Furnace and Ductwork

If you choose a traditional heating system, you’ll need to have ducts installed. This can be tricky because ductwork is bulky and can take up valuable space. Besides considerations for the ductwork, furnaces require indoor space for the furnace itself plus clearances around the unit. A professional HVAC technician can provide the optimal layout of the ducts as well as offer suggestions on the type of furnace that would best heat the space without overheating it.

Installation of Ductwork

Proper duct design and installation is critical to your system working properly according to the US Department of Energy. Ducts that aren’t sealed can cost you hundreds of dollars per year on wasted energy and may result in uneven heating. An added concern in tiny homes is the location of ductwork. When not properly planned, ductwork can severely affect storage space.

Ductless Systems

You might find a ductless system, or mini-split, the best option. Mini splits are mounted on the wall or ceiling with an outdoor heat pump and provide heating and cooling. They take up less space and are energy efficient, without requiring ducts. Mini splits must be installed by a professional, certified HVAC technician who has a refrigerant license. These are only available for tiny homes that are stationary.

No matter which heating and air conditioning system you decide is best for your situation, a professional HVAC technician who is familiar with tiny homes is a must. Tiny homes have extra considerations, such as location, size, budgeting considerations, and personal preferences.

Whether your tiny home is stationary or on a trailer that can be moved also impacts the type of system you can use. An HVAC technician can help you select the right system, plan where the system should be installed, install ductwork that doesn’t interfere with valuable space, and maximize your comfort all year.

 

The average homeowner spends around $2,000 a year on optional maintenance. For the most part, professional pest control is considered optional maintenance. In reality, investing in pest control services should be something you view as a priority.

Without the help of professionals, you run the risk of allowing harmful pests into your home. Allowing a company to perform a thorough pest inspection can provide you with peace of mind. Before hiring a company to do this work, be sure to consider the experience they have and get a feel for what they charge.

Here are some of the benefits that come with hiring a pest control company.

1. The Experience Needed to Perform Pest Inspections

Some homeowners think that running down to their local hardware store and picking up tons of pest control chemicals is the only way to treat an infestation. In reality, these chemicals can be extremely dangerous if used improperly.

The only way to truly get rid of pests is by hiring professionals to find out where they are gaining access. Sealing off these access points is the only to keep the pests from returning.

A homeowner will not have the tools or the experience needed to get this information on their own. Rather than making mistakes during this process, you need to work with a professional pest control technician.

2. Professional Pest Control Saves You Money

The main reason most homeowners cite when asked why they handle their own pest control is cost. Some people think that DIY pest control can save them money, but this is far from the truth.

The pest control chemicals you find at your local hardware store are not only expensive, but they are also ineffective. This means that you will spend a lot of money without seeing the results you are after.

Paying professionals to handle this work is the only way to avoid these issues. Before hiring a company to perform these services, schedule a few onsite estimates. These estimates will provide you with all of the information needed to hire the best pest control company.

3. Consistency Is Important

Keeping pests away is only possible if the treatments are consistent. Simply spraying for bugs, ants or rodents once will not produce the results you are after.

Most pest control companies provide their clients with very affordable monthly services. By keeping the pest control treatments consistent, you won’t have to worry about bugs or rodents returning.

Don’t Rush Through the Pest Control Company Selection Process

Getting pest inspection and extermination services will require you to find the best professionals. Getting impatient and rushing through this hiring process may lead to mistakes being made. This is why you need to weigh all of your options before hiring professionals for this job.

Are you looking for more articles related to owning and maintaining a home? If so, check out the rest of the content right here on our website.

Creating a space for you to work in your own house or apartment is not an easy task. Study spaces are needed whether you are a student, a family head, a father, a mother, a designer, an accountant, etc., it doesn’t matter, you’ll always need a place in your home that is yours and only yours to work in, think, develop and everything else.

Concentrating on a place that doesn’t have the space you need can be pretty difficult. One of the first things you have to consider is looking at another place to live in if yours isn’t comfortable enough. You can take a look at some Emaar Beachfront apartments and new projects by Meraas. Dubai Creek Harbour projects can also be a good choice.

But if you’re planning to stay right where you are because you’re comfortable and happy, there’s also the option of creating your own workplace or ‘study nook’ that encourages working, developing and learning.

1. DISCOVER YOUR PREFERRED STUDY ENVIRONMENT

You’ll need to decide whether you like a private, personal space where you’ll be left alone with your stuff or if you won’t have any kind of problem working on a messier environment. You’ll need to figure out what works best for you. Some people would study in their bedrooms while others would prefer the living room.

2. CREATE COMFORT… BUT NOT TOO MUCH

Do not trust and rely on your bed or the kitchen table as your main preferred workplace because things simply won’t work in such places. Your bed equals sleeping and relaxing while the kitchen is associated with eating and socializing. You have to be smart when choosing this new workplace.

3. DON’T IGNORE CORNERS, NOOKS AND CRANNIES

If you start thinking outside the box, you can turn that empty wall or that blank corner into an amazing study space that fits all of your needs and, best of all, it’ll be in the comfort of your own apartment. Look for places where you can easily fit stuff like a small desk and a chair. You can always take some inspiration from Pinterest or any décor magazine or website.

4. FOCUS ON LIGHTING

One of the qualities that are essential for this new workplace in your apartment is proper lighting. If you can get straight or indirect sunlight you’ll be all set up, but desk lamps and LED lights can also do a good job for you.

Don’t forget to be creative and don’t make this process something stressful for you, have fun!

 

 

Most people who have experienced moving to a new home will likely tell you that it was an arduous process, but well worth the effort. While it is true that stress almost seems unavoidable when it comes to moving from one home to another, there are still plenty of ways to ensure that things go smoothly. After all, the main reason why it can feel like such a hassle is due to the thought that you might have missed something during the process.

Fortunately, you do not have to tackle such a big responsibility alone. Here are just a few tips that can help you prepare for the big move without any of the hassles that often come with the moving process.

If you have the budget to hire help, do so

Even if you feel like everything is under control, there is no escaping stress when you have to take care of every single problem yourself. It might not be immediately apparent, but stress and anxiety can kick in when you least expect it. Instead of risking high stress levels, why not hire professionals to get the job done for you? For example, companies like Removals Cheltenham are well known for helping their clients move with little to no hassle.

While some might argue that you might as well do it yourself if you can, moving to a brand new home can involve plenty of factors that will require your constant attention. Getting the help of a removal company can alleviate much of the burden, making it much easier for you to do your part.

The earlier you prepare, the easier it will be

Without a doubt, the best way to help prepare for the big move without any hassle is to plan the preparation over a much longer period. Even if the move is still some time away, it gives you a chance to make plenty of preparation beforehand. It will help you develop an extensive checklist, and it ensures that you have every base covered as you take care of the little things as the weeks go by. It will help eliminate the stress of moving altogether and will aid you in keeping things more organised.

Do a little spring cleaning before the move

Another one of the reasons why stress plays such a huge factor during a big move is the sheer number of possessions in a home that need to be transported to your new home. Moving to a brand new abode means starting things anew, which is usually an excellent time to take stock of what you have, and perhaps get rid of a few unnecessary items. Who knows? Maybe the money you make from selling a few unwanted items will be enough to cover the removal company!

By not being afraid to hire professionals to get the job done and prioritising preparation over everything else, you are making things easier not just for yourself but for the rest of your family as well. Getting rid of unnecessary items via a garage sale is also a great idea.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

 

Every bedroom in the house should be given the right amount of attention. Most people consider their bedroom as their comfort zone where they can rest after spending a long and tiring day at work. Some people even make an effort to make it look attractive by investing in pulaski bedroom furniture and adding a few personal touches, to make the room look cozier. If you want to do a makeover for your bedroom, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

Do not go overboard with your styling

A lovely looking bedroom should look appealing and cozy without having too much design. Avoid overcrowding your bedroom by putting too much furniture inside. Also, it is best to leave some space between each item so that you can easily move inside the bedroom.

The basic furniture that every bedroom need is a comfortable bed, a nightstand, a dresser, and a mirror. You can choose to add more stuff if you have a large bedroom. However, if you only have enough space, then it is best to stick with the essentials for now.

Decluttering is important

If you have too much stuff inside your bedroom like old books, stuffed toys and old clothes then it is time to let go of some of your things. A cluttered bedroom can become an eyesore, especially if you have friends coming over. Slowly get rid of stuff that you have not used for the past twelve months. Either put it in storage or donate it to charity.

Give life to your ceiling

Most bedrooms have bare looking ceilings which lack character. If you want to make a difference or impress your family members, then the best thing to do is to add some design to your ceiling. Consider it as a blank canvas and paint it using subtle colors that are easy on the eyes. Having a beautiful looking ceiling can help relax your eyes after working.

Transform your bedroom into a relaxing space

If your bedroom is your sanctuary, then you need to let go of all the things that can cause distraction and sleep deprivation. Have the discipline and will power not to use any form of gadget or technology inside the bedroom. You should not have a TV, laptop, or tablet inside your room because it can prevent you from sleeping correctly. Remember that you need to be well-rested every day for you to function well at the office.

Try to do something with the lighting

Most bedrooms have LED lights that are bright and energy friendly. However, you can still do some tweaking with your indoor lights by adding some ambient lighting on your nightstand or study table. The ambient lighting helps tone down some of the bright colours of the walls.

Your bedroom should be your best getaway space inside the house where you are free to sleep all day and do anything that you want.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

One of the Feng Shui favourites, lucky bamboo is one of the must-haves when it comes to planting greens in house. Famous for its quality of minimal caring and positive effects on the ambience, you don’t have to toil to lay your hands on one. You can easily find it in your local nursery or always opt to order it online if you wish to save some bucks and enjoy a mess-free delivery of the plant at your doorstep. It is quite charming indoor plants that possess multiple qualities in different realms of characteristics of plants. Here are a few facts about the Lucky Bamboo that you should know before keeping it in your house or work space.

Nomenclature

Named after a renowned German-English gardner, Henry Frederick Conrad Sander, it goes by the scientific name Dracaena Sanderiana. The other common and popular names for Lucky Bamboo are Curly Bamboo, Chinese Water Bamboo, Friendship Bamboo, Goddess of Mercy plant, Belgian Evergreen, and Ribbon Plant.

Origin

Despite being called lucky bamboo, this plant is not a bamboo at all. It belongs to the same family as a Lilly. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa and parts of Southeast Asia.

Feng Shui Symbolizations

It is one of those few plants that represent the five elements of Feng Shui. The stalk of the bamboo plant represents wood and the pebbles in the containers say earth. The container itself represents metal while the water is the growing medium for this plant. The red ribbon tied around the stalks presents the fire element of Feng Shui.

Number of Stalks

A popular plant to gift, the number of stalks in a lucky bamboo plant represents different meaning:

• Two Stalks: Love or Double Luck
• Three Stalks: Happiness, Long Life and Wealth
• Four Stalks: Should never be gifted. Presents negativity.
• Five Stalks: Over all health
• Six Stalks: Prosperity
• Seven Stalks: Good Physical Health
• Eight Stalks: Fertility
• Nine Stalks: Great Luck
• Ten Stalks: Contentment In Life
• Twenty-One Stalk: Very Auspicious

Potting Technique

Lucky bamboo can survive well without soil. To put it in a pot with water, fill it with some pebbles, enough to hold it upright. Pour water in the container to cover the roots of the plant. Change the water in the container on a weekly basis.

Placement of Lucky Bamboo in The House

Here are a few tips to place the bamboo in your house to get this plant exudes maximum effect:

• Try to place the plant on a round table instead of square or rectangle one. Shapes with edges tend to cut positive chi energy.
• If you wish to place the plant in the home office or the work station at your office, try to do so in the east or south-east direction.
• To get fame luck, the south direction will be best for the Lucky bamboo plant.
• In the kitchen, the plant can be placed on the top of the refrigerator.
• Three or five stalks in the Lucky Bamboo plant is favourable in the kitchen.

Medicinal Uses

It is used in the treatment in some infections and also to accelerate the healing process from wounds.

Air Purifying

It absorbs more carbon dioxide than other plants hence maintaining fresh air flow in the space it sits in. It helps in reducing greenhouse effects.

 

 

Nowadays, everyone is talking about getting a memory foam, latex, hybrid, or polyfoam mattress, but what about the innerspring mattress? Some years back the innerspring mattress was the only mattress available, and it was great. Fast forward to today, this mattress has been refined and perfected with numerous benefits and it still remains a great old school mattress for your bed. Its design provides your entire body with consistent support and comfort and it responds very well when you want to change sleeping positions at night.

An innerspring mattress is made up of thousands of springs and coils that have different strengths and thickness. Your mattress will be firmer if the coils are stronger and the more coils in your mattress the greater the support for your body’s individual contours. While in the olden days the innerspring mattress would wear out quickly and sag because of weak coils, the innerspring mattress of today is made with titanium or steel coils that are individually wrapped for durability.

However, before purchasing an innerspring mattress you need to look for one that is highly durable, sleeps cool, and available at a good price. You also need to understand its features so that you can make the best choice.

Features

Comfort Layers

The comfort layers are important because they will determine how well you’ll enjoy your mattress. While innerspring mattresses aren’t the most comfortable to put in the comfort layer, the microcoils are specifically designed for the comfort layer. They’re made from thinner and flexible wires and have a coil count of at least 800. Most of the products will have a thin foam layer on top of the microcoil layer to prevent you from feeling the individually wrapped coils. Microcoils are more comfortable and offer pressure relief than other innerspring, cheaper than foam and latex, durable, and very elastic.

Quality of foam encasement

Your spring mattress can have several layers of foam on all sides which are mostly low density and high-density foam layers. High-density foam helps to support your back and makes your mattress feel solid and firm. The low-density foam gives you a comfortable and plush feeling.

Easy to clean

Cleaning your mattress is a healthy practice that preserves health and helps you sleep soundly. Pocket coil mattresses don’t have hypoallergenic properties, but they can be constructed in a way that helps you in cleaning. A washable removable mattress cover should help and you can vacuum your mattress with the upholstery fixture.

Quality of the types of support coils

The Bonnell coil has an hourglass shape with a thinner middle that compresses with soft pressure. Bonnell coil products are least expensive and least durable and because they can be made from different wire gauges they have different firmness levels to choose from. They’re good for small children and guest innerspring beds.

The continuous coil is a simple and inexpensive option made using a continuous wire made into rows and attached with helicals. It provides support in the middle of the mattress which is great for people suffering from lower back problems.

The offset coils are of higher quality and use a hinged and shaped wire at the top which has a hinging effect when soft pressure is applied. When more pressure is applied the main body of the coil is engaged.

The pocketed coils are wrapped individually and work more or less independently of each other for more support and motion isolation.

Benefits of innerspring mattresses

Provide targeted pressure relief

Innerspring mattresses that have a combination of springs and comfort foam layers are the most versatile beds. They provide targeted pressure point relief and a well-balanced support structure for your spine while still keeping the coils in place.

Eliminates motion transfer

The pocketed coils are wrapped individually in their own pocket of fabric that allows each spring to provide isolated support to every part of your body without interfering with any other spring around it. This is the excellent mattress for couples because it eliminates motion transfer so that you and your partner can sleep uninterrupted throughout the night.

Different firmness options

Innerspring mattresses come with different firmness options ranging from soft to firm which is perfect for all types of sleepers. For light-weight body types, the soft comfort level provides your body with a body-hugging feel which is ideal for side sleepers to provide relief on your shoulders, waist, and thighs. The luxury firmness level is the medium firmness that is neither too soft nor too firm which is an ideal comfort level for medium back sleepers to relieve their back pains. The extra firm level is excellent for heavier body types or stomach sleepers to make sure your spine is well supported and provide even pressure on your neck and stomach.

Great airflow

Compared to foam and latex beds, innerspring mattresses have better air circulation and tend to retain less of your body heat which leaves you cooler throughout the night. Air is able to circulate between the coils leaving you cool and comfortable making it an ideal mattress for sleepers who aren’t a fan of memory foam mattresses because they retain heat causing you to sleep hot.

Excellent edge support

A traditional innerspring mattress like the saatva mattress doesn’t adjust or feel different according to your body temperature. The top layer mostly has a comfort foam made of an inch of base foam to keep the coils in place and a 5-inch layer of foam around the bed to provide edge support. Innerspring mattresses have a coil-based support core which provides adequate support around the edges to prevent sinkage when you sit on the edge. The Bonnell coils support the core to help maintain a flat and even bed surface and reinforce the edges to minimize sinkage when you sit on the edges.

Final thoughts

Innerspring mattresses come in different types with different comfort layers. You can take advantage of the budget-friendly options available and the innerspring technology that provides you with superior comfort and added features that make you sleep better. This will boost your productivity and make you feel energized during the day.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

 

One of the advantages of owning a home is having the liberty to make changes to its design whenever you wish to have it renovated. If you are planning to upgrade the look of your bathroom, then it is an excellent idea to consider checking out different types of freestanding baths to make your bathroom look more sophisticated like the ones that you usually see in magazines. If you are still unconvinced, here are some of the reasons why you should invest in at least one freestanding bath for your favourite bathroom.

It makes your bathroom more elegant

If you want to make an impression on your guests or relatives who often visit your home, then it is a great idea to do something about your bathroom. There is something about a freestanding bath that gives the bathroom a more sophisticated ambience. If you are interested in a particular theme, then you can choose aclassic Victorian tub and add some fancy looking chandeliers making it the highlight of your bathroom. Classic designs will make you feel like royalty whenever you want to have a relaxing bath.

It gives life to your bathroom

If your bathroom looks dull and boring, then you must do something drastic to make it more appealing. Adding a fancy freestanding bathtub will make a significant difference to the overall appeal of your bathroom. However, do not forget to add more accessories to complement each fixture that you install inside your bathroom. As a homeowner, it is a rewarding experience to see that you have been able to buy beautiful things for your bathroom.

It helps you get quality sleep

Having insomnia or sleepless nights can affect your brain’s function. Lack of sleep brings numerous side effects such as lack of focus, irritability and stress. Insomnia also affects your daily productivity at work or your mood even if you are just staying at home for the remainder of the day. What you can do is fill your freestanding bathtub with warm water and lavender essential oil to help calm your senses. Submerge your body for at least 30 minutes a day before bedtime, and this will help you get your much-needed rest at night.

It gives added value to your home

If you have plans for selling your home soon, it is essential that you make it look presentable. The resale value of your home depends on its location and its current condition. It would be a great idea to make some changes in some of the rooms inside your house. Remodelling your bathroom by changing its tiles, painting the walls and adding a freestanding bathtub can significantly help increase the selling price of your home. A significant number of people prefer buying a house that has gone through remodelling because they do not have to worry about spending more money to fix things before moving in.

Having a freestanding bath inside your bathroom can bring lots of benefits to you, and other family members. Take your time when shopping for one.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

Studies show that having an alarm system in your home reduce the chances if being a burglary victim. However, there are homes that get attacked, yet they have a home security system in place. This begs the question, are home alarm systems effective?

Traditional alarm systems relied heavily on whistles and bells to deter burglars. However, modern home alarm systems are complex, and can catch a burglar in the actof breaking in. In this article, we look at the seven most important factors that make home alarms systems successful at deterring intruders.

Copyright: Unsplash | hence CCO

Sensors

Modern home security systems come equipped with advanced technology that deters intruders from coming into your home. One of the most important features are sensors. They are placed at every entryway, right from the doors, windows, pet doors, the garage, and more.

If the sensors are triggered and the alarm is not disarmed within 45 seconds, the system will send an automatic message to the police .

Video and Audio Devices

Surveillance camera technology has come a long way, and they can be placed in hidden places in and around your home. Approximately 85% of all alarms in the us are false alarms. For this reason, police have to wait for a video or audio confirmation before responding to an alarm.

This makes it necessary to get an alarm system that incorporates surveillance equipment.

Carbon Monoxide, Flood, and Smoke Detectors

A threat to your family and home does not necessarily have to come from outside; sometimes it is on the inside. This could be in the form of carbon monoxide (CO), flooding, and smoke.

The alarm will detect any danger and if you have cameras; the monitoring team will call the fire department and prevent the damage of your home as well as gas poisoning, which could lead to death.

Motion Detectors

In the dead of night or when you are away, it can be challenge keeping your home secure. With bushes and blind spots in your yards, you could be at risk of a burglar attack. This is where motion detectors come in handy.

Motion sensors will trigger the alarm to send an automatic message to the monitoring center, who can then take the appropriate action. With that said, the best spots for placing motion detectors should be at every corner of the home and attached to surveillance cameras.

Copyright: Unsplash | henceCCO

Smartphone Apps

As much as a monitoring center is required for every alarm system, it is better to stay in control. Modern home security systems come equipped with advanced technology and smartphone apps.

The application of the apps is quite broad, right from arming and disarming the alarm system remotely, to receiving a live feed via Wi-Fi, and more. In case of a break in, you will receive a text message or email. However, you need to ensure that you can hear the notification sounds.

Alarm System Customization

Home security systems are not created equal. That is why the companies have different packages to suit different clientele. However, this, too, could fail to provide the required level of protection. For one, it is not realistic to pay for an alarm system with too many features that you can use, or a system that does not cover the particular security needs of the home.

Users today can enjoy custom home alarm systems to fit the security needs of a home. This could include additional sensors, surveillance cameras, and more. There are also high-risk areas that need close monitoring and the ability to customize a home alarm system will contribute to the success of the system.

Wireless Connections

Traditional alarm systems relied on phone lines to send distress signals to a monitoring center. They also relied on direct power from the mains. Modern alarm systems, on the other hand, have a backup battery that ensures that the alarm is still active during a power outage.

Since a majority of the modern systems connects via Wi-Fi, they do not rely on analog phone lines to transmit messages. No matter what the burglar gets up to, your home alarm system will remain online and send a message automatically to the monitoring centers or the police.

On top of this, a wireless connection allows for home automation, and it will make your work easier when you get home. For instance, you can program the system to control a smart thermostat to set the right temperature when you get home via the system’s smartphone app.

Conclusion

There have been doubts if home alarm systems work as advertised. Coupled with the right additions and monitoring center, you will be able to watch and protect your home and family successfully. For this reason, we recommend that you change your traditional system and get a modern one.