Gardens and gardening have endless benefits. There are all types of gardens and all of them are wonderful. They offer peace and connection with the earth, they allow us an excuse to really get our hands dirty, and they can even grow to feed and nourish us.

There really is no way to go wrong when it comes to gardening. It is all about the journey you take for you and your garden.

Pollinator Gardens

If you are a fan of brightly colored and wonderful smelling flowers, so are the bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies! Plant pollinator gardens where you can easily see them and watch nature happening in real-time.

Don’t forget to give the birds a nice birdbath to cool off in. Encourage even more hummingbirds with a hummingbird feeder!

Herbal Gardens

Why not skip the store and head to the garden to flavor dinner tonight? Herbs are able to take even the simplest of meals to the next level. Herbs have been staples for humanity as medicine, delicious teas, and beauty products for centuries.

Beginner’s favorites include basil, cilantro, dill, sage, parsley, rosemary, fennel, and mint.

Spice up your life with healthy, fresh herbs!

Vegetable Gardens

While your ambitions might lead you to want to feed your entire family from the garden, be patient. This one takes time, planning, and research.

The reward–when you bite into that first cherry tomato wrapped in basil–is complete and utter satisfaction!

Raised Bed Gardens

Sometimes the soil just isn’t up to par to sustain the kind of life you’d like it to hold. Design your plants’ home and fill it with lush, fertile soil for success!

Raised beds are particularly useful for vegetable growing. The raised soil warms up faster in the spring allowing you to extend your growing time.

If you have back problems, the beds can be raised as high as a table. The possibilities are endless.

Annual Gardens

Annuals die annually. They perform an entire seed-to-flower, back to seed-cycle from spring until fall. However, as long as they are deadheaded regularly they will continue to fill your garden with color and perfume all spring and summer.

Perennial Gardens

The flowers that keep on giving year after year! It is important to understand that most of these will not bloom in their first year, and when they do they typically only bloom once.

Yet, the foliage when they are not in bloom can be just as appealing to your curb appeal, especially during the winter.

Types of Gardens For You and Your Yard

There are many different types of gardens, finding the one that fits your style, wants, needs, desires is what really matters here.

As you grow and learn with your garden, it’s important to be patient. If you’re feeling stuck, start with some lovely garden essentials that will give to your garden without much effort on your part.

Growing a garden can be an absolute pleasure. Get dirty and have fun discovering which type of garden is best for you and your yard.

 

Did you know that there are more insects than humans on the planet? Ratio-wise, there are 200 million insects for every person!

The good news is that most of them are harmless. Having said that, some species can cause issues.

Take cockroaches, for example, they can be a reservoir for a number of bacteria including salmonella, streptococcus, and staphylococcus. That’s not all, they can also harbor viruses such as those responsible for polio.

Do you have a cockroach problem in the house? Want to know how to kill roaches fast? If so, you’re on the right page.

Keep reading for some tips!

About Cockroaches

Cockroaches are found on every continent in the world except Antarctica. While they don’t bite, they can transmit diseases by vomiting and defecating on food.

Generally speaking, they’re found in food preparation areas such as kitchens. For example, you might find them in wall cracks, below sinks, kitchen cupboards, and behind the refrigerator.

4 Tips on How to Kill Roaches Fast

There are a number of things that you can do to remove these pesky creatures. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Cut Off Their Food and Water Source

Remove their food and water source and they won’t be able to survive and repopulate.

For example, it’s a good idea to seal off open bags of food in the kitchen. That way, cockroaches won’t be able to get into them. Similarly, you want to vacuum or wipe up any crumbs that are on the floor.

2. Set Out Cockroach Bait

Cockroach baits are a type of pest control that contains a slow-acting insecticide.  Once they ingest the bait, they will crawl away and eventually die (it usually takes one to three days). In some cases, they might also take it back to their nests.

Here’s a tip—don’t place the bait in an area where children or pets can access it.

3. Use Boric Acid

Boric acid is a natural cockroach killer. Mix three teaspoons of the powder with three teaspoons of sugar and three teaspoons of water and place it at the base of a jar.

Leave the lid off and place the jar somewhere with heavy roach traffic. As soon as they come into the solution, they will dehydrate and die.

4. Hire a Pest Control Company

Depending on the infestation, you may need to hire a pest control company. They’ll have all the tools that they need to eliminate the roach problem in your house.

For those of you who are in the Park Royal, London area, you may want to check out https://ccsenvironmental.uk/.

Getting Rid of Cockroaches

And there you have it—four tips on how to kill roaches fast. As you can see, there’s more than one way to go about it!

Was this post helpful? If so, why not check out some of our other pages?

The average midrange roof replacement costs upwards of $20,000, but the average homeowner in 2017 spent just over $6,000 to have their roof replaced.

The best thing you can do for your home and your pockets is to catch any issues before they grow worse. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to know what warning signs to look for.

Are you wondering if your residential roof needs repairs or replacement? From leaks to damage, keep reading to learn 7 warning signs that it might be time for new roofing on your home.

1. Your Roof Is Old

Depending on the roof you own, a roof can last anywhere from 20 to 50 plus years. Shingle roofs tend to sit on the lower side, with an average lifespan of about 20 years.

Generally speaking, one should expect a residential home roof to last between 20 and 25 years.

How old is your existing roof? Was your existing roof installed over several other layers? If the answer is yes and your roof is over 20 years old, it’s likely time for a replacement.

Is it properly ventilated? Was the old roof removed before the most recent roofing job? All these factors influence the lifetime of your roof.

2. Your Roof Has Algae or Moss

Does your roof have significant dark spots? Algae causes dark streaks on roofs. It doesn’t always harm the roof, though. Typically, these streaks can be removed by spraying a bleach and water combination on your roof.

It’s important to use low water pressure, though, so you don’t knock protective granules off your roof’s shingles. If you opt to clean your roof on your own, be sure to protect your greenery from bleach run-off, too.

Algae can lead to significant roof damage, depending on how much of it there is or how deeply it has penetrated your roof. It’s a good idea to call a roofing service if you notice algae spots so that you can repair any damages before you have to replace your roof.

Moss grows on roof surfaces, too, especially those that don’t get a lot of sunlight. While it’s often cosmetic, it can become more than that. Moss holds moisture against the surface and can cause significant damage over time.

3. Curling and Buckling Shingles

Curled or buckling shingles are often a sheer sign that it’s time to replace your home roof. Take a look at the slopes of your house, especially those that get direct sunlight.

Do you notice that your shingles are losing granules or curling? If the answer is yes, it could indicate that the shingles have aged past their life expectancy. It could also mean that your roof is defective.

If you notice curling or buckling, don’t wait to contact a professional roofing company. They’ll assess the damage and let you know if you might be entitled to reimbursement from a previous installer.

4. Roof Valleys or Missing Shingles

Are you shingles falling apart? Do you have any missing shingles? If the answer is yes, it’s probably time for a new roof.

The valleys of your roof are the most integral areas. Rain and snow and other debris flow through valleys and into your gutters. If the valleys become compromised, your roof could become susceptible to roof leaks.

Roof leaks can lead to additional home damage, which is why it’s vital to call a roofing service as soon as you notice compromised or missing shingles.

If you do notice missing shingles, check to see if all the shingle tabs are properly in place, or ask professional roofers to do so for you.

5. Granules in Your Gutters

Check your gutters. Are they loaded up with shingle granules? Towards the end of their life cycle, roofs begin to lose more granules.

If you notice the darker color on some parts of the roof, it could indicate algae, but it could also indicate that the granules have begun to wear away.

If your gutters contain lots of shingle granules, then it means those shingles have reached the end of their life.

6. Daylight and Moisture

Have you noticed any daylight coming through the roof boards on your home? Go up into your attic to see if there is even the slightest amount of daylight coming through.

If you can safely walk on your roof, notice if you feel any spongy areas as you walk around. If you feel a bit of bounce or sponginess under your feet, it means that the roof’s underlying decking is weakened.

The weakening results from moisture damage, which means it’s probably time to get your roof replaced.

7. Chimney Flashing

Does your home have a chimney? The chimney area is of great concern. What is your flashing made of?

If your chimney flashing contains tar or roof cement, it might need replacing with a more long-term flashing solution. Water-tight fitting metal flashing systems last much longer.

If the flashing is damaged, get it fixed as soon as possible, before you have to replace the entire roof.

Don’t Wait to Get Your Residential Roof Checked

Is your residential roof upwards of 20 years old, and you’re wondering if it might need replacement? Have you noticed changes such as curling or buckling shingles?

Do you have a leak? From dark algae spots to granules in your gutters, there are many warning signs that indicate it’s time for a new residential roof.

The best thing you can do if you’re unsure is to contact a licensed, professional roofing service to make an assessment of your roof’s damage before it grows worse. Many roofing services offer free assessments and accurate quotes, so you shouldn’t have to worry about breaking the bank for that first visit.

If you enjoyed this article, check back daily for more blogs and tips on all things home and garden!

When you want to succeed as a homeowner, it means building the perfect house from the top down — literally.

Taking care of your roof will protect everything and everybody underneath it. Buying a new roof and changing out your old one can help you out more than you know.

How much does a new roof cost?

Read on to learn more about buying a new roof and what’s required of you.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost?

A lot of variables go into what you will pay for a new roof. Think about the materials, roof style, and a host of other issues.

On average, you will pay anywhere between about $2,000 and $12,000 for a new roof. Get your budget together and make sure that you’re able to pay whatever is required for a roof that looks great, adds to your property values, and holds up over the years.

What Should You Look for in a New Roof?

Now that you know more about roof costs, it’s important to know what to look for. There are several different roof options, such as stone-coated steel, asphalt shingle, composite, and rubber slate roofing.

Consider why you are changing your roof and what you are hoping to experience. If your house needs leak protection and durability from the sun, you might need different materials that you would when you’d like to take advantage of solar energy and the most aesthetically pleasing options.

How Can You Get the Ideal Roofing Service?

Bringing a roofing contractor on board to do the work is the most important piece of the puzzle. Look into the background of the roofing pro, and ask them about the different options they can provide.

Take the roofing estimates that you’ve gathered, and compare them among a few different contractors. The more diligent you are about shopping around, the more likely you are to get a return on investment (ROI) for your roof that you will appreciate.

You can learn more about hiring the ideal roofing professional by checking out this article:

https://prr247.com/15-tips-for-choosing-the-best-roofing-company/

What Can You Do to Take Care of Your Roof?

Finally, it’s absolutely necessary that you learn the ins and outs of maintaining your roof. When you know a bit about cleaning your gutters, cleaning off your roof shingles, and fixing leaks, the better you can count on your roof to perform.

The same roofing contractor that you bring in for the installation will also be able to assist you with your roof repair and maintenance strategies. This will pay off in the long run not just for your roof, but for your entire house.

Invest in the Roofing Work That You Need

So how much does a new roof cost? You have the answer to this and more in the article above.

Your next step is to begin meeting with professionally licensed roofers that can move forward with the work. From there, your home will have the protection and aesthetics that will sustain it.

Let these tips guide you toward getting the roof work that you need.

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

While it’s always nice to have a clean car, both inside and out, going to get a professional car wash isn’t always possible. Especially during the time of coronavirus, your favorite car wash might not even be open yet. So to ensure that you have a clean vehicle, it’s wise to learn how to do a great car wash all by yourself.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for doing a professional car wash at home.

Ditch Your Sponges

Traditionally, when people think about washing a car, they imagine using a bucket of soapy water and a sponge. However, using a sponge is actually not the best idea if you’re wanting to protect your vehicle.

According to Rick Muscoplat, a contributor to the Family Handyman, sponges have large pores that will soak in tiny bits of debris or dirt from your car. While this might initially make your car clean from this dirt, the sponge isn’t easily rinsed from the debris. As a result, when you rub your car with the sponge, it acts like sandpaper, potentially scratching up the paint of your car rather than further cleaning it. Knowing this, you should use a microfiber mitt or cloth to clean your car rather than relying on a sponge, especially if it’s an older sponge that you’ve used before.

Use The Three-Bucket System

To really get your car clean at home, Anthony Alaniz and Stef Schrader, contributors to Popular Mechanics, advise that you use the three-bucket system as opposed to using just one bucket with soapy water.

To do this, you’ll want to have two buckets that have soapy water and one bucket that’s just clean water. With one of the buckets of soapy water, you’ll wash the body of your car. When your cloth or mitt is dirty, you’ll rinse it in the bucket of clean water. After you’ve washed the entire body of your car, you should then use the second bucket of soapy water to wash your tires. Since the tires are the dirtiest part of your car, you’ll be sure to get them and all the other areas of your car cleaner by not using the same water for both areas.

Keep Things Cool

The environment in which you wash your car can also have a big impact on how well you’re able to get it clean at home.

According to Consumer Reports, you should avoid washing your car when it’s hot or in direct sunlight. If you were to wash your car when it’s hot or out in the sunlight, it could dry too quickly and cause streaks or spots to show up, which won’t have your vehicle looking very clean.

If you’re wanting to get a more professional-looking car wash at home, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you accomplish this.

 

The U.S. plumbing industry is worth $105.5 billion.

Plumbing issues include faulty faucets, leaky pipes, poor drainage, and clogged sinks. These issues are common in homes, so don’t be surprised if you deal with them often.

You only need an experienced residential plumber to inspect your plumbing systems and recommend the ideal solution. Be warned that the right plumber might not be easy to find, and that’s why you should not haste the searching process.

Consider the following factors to hire the right talent and avoid future disappointments.

1. Availability

You need an available plumber because you cannot tell when you will experience a plumbing issue. Imagine a situation where your drainage systems accidentally get damaged at night. Will you wait until morning to get help?

The ideal plumber should be available both day and night. The 24-hour service allows you to get immediate services both day and night without delays.

Note that the 24-hour service plumbers may charge more for the late-night service, but that would still be better since your emergencies would be sorted.

Just ensure that you get the right contacts for the plumber. The contacts should include the telephone numbers, email addresses, and any other handy information you might need to reach them.

2. License and Insurance

Consider the license, insurance, and other certifications that the plumber owns. These documents provide proof that the plumber is indeed trained and allowed by the state to carry out the plumbing activities.

The insurance assures you that your interests are well-protected. If any injury or property loss happens in the line of duty, you will not incur any financial losses since the insurer will pay.

When the plumber hands over the certifications to you, check them well to confirm that they are valid. They will not be useful if they are expired. So check the date, the stamp, and the body which issued the certificate. Only hire if the licenses look valid and legit.

3. Professionalism

The right plumber should be professional. Their dressing should be professional, and they should decently talk to you.

Many plumbing firms take pride in the communications skills and dressing modes, and so, you can find a presentable plumber if you search well.

The professional plumber will answer your questions and explain the techniques they will use. They will be transparent, and they will appreciate your effort in seeking their help.

So don’t compromise professionalism with anything. You deserve the best plumbing services and that’s why you should only work with the best.

4. The Costs

Always consider the plumbing costs before you make the final decision. Note that the price differs among the plumbers and you might need to compare different quotes.

The ideal residential plumber will mention the price and give you a breakdown of the costs. They will also explain to you the right payment methods which they accept.

Comparing plumber costs is vital. Note that some plumbers may offer competitive rates without jeopardizing the quality of services they provide. Don’t always assume that the low prices translate to poor services.

Similarly, high prices should not always mean excellent services. Create a budget and choose the plumber who seems affordable and easy to work with. Don’t pay upfront fees for the plumbing job.

5. Reviews and References

What do other people say about the plumber? The reviews show the reputation of the plumber, and that’s why you shouldn’t ignore them.

Visit the plumber’s website and head to the reviews section. Go through numerous remarks from past clients to see how they say about the plumber. Too many negative reviews will be a red sign that you shouldn’t hire them.

You may even contact one of the reviewers to get first-hand information regarding the plumber’s services. And since reviews on the website may not always be genuine, you may consider the third-party sites that review service providers.

Check them out and hire the plumber who seems reputable.

6. Expertise

Find out the number of years that the plumber has been in the industry. As a rule of thumb, you should only hire the most experienced plumber.

There’s nothing wrong with hiring a trainee, but the expert would deliver excellent results. Since they have been in the industry for an extended period, they can apply their experience to help with leaky pipes within the shortest period possible.

The experienced plumber can also handle different plumbing issues at once, meaning that you don’t need to hire separate people.

7. Support

Find a plumber who offers long term support after the job. If they do shoddy work or make a mistake while working, they should come back and rectify the issue without arguments.

This means that they should have a warranty for their services. The warranty should extend for months or years if the project is vast.

A plumber who does not issue the warranty shows no sign of providing long term support. And if they support you, the chances are that they will ask you for more money.

Avoid such plumbers and only hire professionals who can support you for an extended period. The support can also come in terms of professional advice on handling your drainage systems to avoid future problems.

8. Tools and Equipment

The right plumber should carry the right tools and equipment for the job. The tools possession shows that the plumber is independent and will not waste your time or money asking for the tools.

If you hire an incompetent plumber without the right tools, the project will end up taking an extended period, and the final work results might be unappealing.

Don’t hire someone who will keep asking for more money to hire tools, or to repair the old ones. Hire the fully equipped plumber to save both time and money.

Ask Your Residential Plumber the Right Questions

It’s your right to get the right plumbing services. As such, you should not hesitate to ask any questions regarding the plumbing project. From the costs to the project duration, you should get clarification on all things which concern you.

The right residential plumber will listen to you and provide clear answers. So don’t hire in doubt; ask the right questions to know more about the plumbing project.

Find other helpful guides like this one from my website. The articles touch all aspects of life including business, home improvement, travel, technology, finance, etc. Feel free to contact me to express your opinions, ask questions, and learn more about the website.

Is your craft room looking more like a home office rather than a vibrant, inspirational space? If so, it’s time to spice things up a bit. After all, a craft room should the most inviting area in your home, right?

Well, if you’re looking for some ideas to spark your creativity, this article has you covered. Come along on this virtual craft room tour to get some tips on how to make your design room look amazing.

Add a Bit of Nature

One of the best craft room ideas is to incorporate nature into the space. A craft room is an area that is designed to spark inspiration, and nature is great for helping with that.

You can decorate it in a tropical theme, add in houseplants, bamboo furniture, and other earthly designs. This concept is especially helpful for individuals who live in regions that have rainy or cold weather.

Paint a Mural

Another incredible idea is to paint a mural on the wall in your craft room. Nothing sparks creativity like a beautiful atmosphere. A mural works well for a kid’s craft room or for an adult.

Even if you don’t know how to paint or you can’t get someone to paint for you, a huge wall portrait will do the trick as well.

Spruce up Your Pegboard

If you have a craft room, chances are you have a pegboard to hold your crafting tools. Well, instead of sticking to the standard brown board, do something a little different.

You can bedazzle it or spray paint it in metallic colors. It’s a great way to add a little pop to the environment and redesign a craft room staple.

Add Something Fun

Who says your craft room only has to include items for your crafting? It should be a space that makes you feel happy and inspired.

With that in mind, you should decorate with items that bring you joy, like a gumball machine. You can buy one that stands up on its own or a small one to sit on your craft desk. It’s a decoration that is light and fun and goes with the theme of a craft room.

The same goes for toys. If you really enjoy cars or dolls, make a display of the gadgets that you like. Let’s say you love Disney. Well, make your room Mickey Mouse themed… you get the point.

Play Around With Patterns

The best craft rooms are never boring. One of the best ways to add a little pizzazz to the atmosphere is to use different patterns.

Maybe you can put down a colorful rug with a zigzag pattern or put up floral wallpaper. You can also have a little fun with polka dots, the choice is yours.

Make It Comfy

Of course, a craft room is a place where you should work and design. But it should also be a space where you can relax. Sometimes you’ll need to think or just soak in the environment of your craft room.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to add in items that will allow you to take mini breaks as you’re crafting.

If you don’t have a lot of space, you can put a bean bag in the corner. Or, if you want to go all out, hang up a hammock!

Incorporate Motivation

When you’re trying to get work done, sometimes you need a little nudge to keep going. By putting up pictures or other decorative designs with inspirational quotes, it’ll help you stay motivated.

You can hang up a sign that says “Boss life” or maybe an electric fluorescent sign that says “Good Vibes Only”.

Do Things a Little Differently

It’s common to store your supplies on a bookshelf or in a cupboard. However, you can find other creative ways to combine storage with decorating.

For instance, instead of using standard shelving, consider buying a mini locker for your craft room. It’ll provide an area to put your things away, while also giving your room a cool look.

You can even buy the lockers in different colors to spruce things up.

Don’t Try to Be Fancy

Just because you’re decorating your craft room, it doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg. You can buy items from the dollar store or thrift store to decorate.

If your kids enjoy painting or making cards, that’ll look nice in your room as well. The design is all up to you!

With that said, if you’re looking for craft room ideas on a budget, check out these Hobby Lobby Black Friday deals.

Buy Quality Chair

If you’re going to splurge on anything, it should be your seating chair. As you know, crafting requires a lot of sitting down. The last thing you want is to buy a hard, uncomfortable seat.

So keep that in mind as you’re buying furniture for your room. If the chair is cool and chic, but uncomfortable, pass on it. Try to find a chair that’s the best of both worlds—comfy and decorative.

Craft Room Tour Ideas: Make It Your Own

Hopefully, these craft room tour tips give you the inspiration to decorate your space. The important thing to remember is that you can decorate it however you’d like.

Unlike the living room or kitchen, this is your own personal space and it should be an area that makes you feel good. So get to decorating!

Did you enjoy this article? If you did, check out more of our blog. We discuss topics like travel, home & garden, lifestyle, and more.

We’re sure you’ll enjoy it!

 

Due to the global pandemic, you spent countless hours in your home and more than likely noticed quite a few changes that you wanted to make. Since the new year is quickly approaching, it is the perfect time to remodel the interior of your home.

There are plenty of 2021 interior design trends that can revamp your home in ways you would never even imagine. If you’re thinking of redesigning your home, then you’re going to want to make sure that you pick awesome designs that are in style. When looking for specialized guidance, you should contact those experts capable of easing the process while taking your home to the next level, giving your home an appearance that won’t disappoint either visitors or family. For that and more, you better look for the best Perth home renovation contractor.

Keep reading for our guide to seven of the biggest design trends that we can’t wait until 2021 to try.

1. Natural Materials

Using natural materials isn’t necessarily one of the new 2021 interior design trends, but it will become even more popular this upcoming year, which is why it is at the top of the list.

There are so many different ways you can incorporate natural materials into your home. Whether you want to do it in the bedroom, living room, or kitchen, it can be done.

One of the most obvious choices would be to use some type of wood or stone in your home. You could also incorporate straw or bamboo as a natural material.

Whether you completely revamp a room in your home or add furniture pieces that use natural materials, you can rest assured that this design trend is very in right now.

2. Statement Pieces

Are you looking for some interior design trends for your home that don’t involve changing things too much? Adding a statement piece to certain areas of your home is a great way to change the way a room looks and feels.

Minimalist rooms are perfect for incorporating a statement piece. The simpler the room, the more the piece will stand out.

You will also want to make sure that your statement piece is unique. Many people will opt for something that is handcrafted because there won’t be two that are alike.

3. Textured Wallpaper

Another one of our favorite hot interior design trends to look forward to in the upcoming year is textured wallpaper. No more simple and boring walls that are one color!

Instead, we want our walls to pop with something fun and exciting. Consider marble wallpapers, geometric wallpapers, or wallpapers with awesome patterns that you can’t pass up when you see them.

One of the best things about adding wallpaper to your home is that it is an easy change. It might take you some time to apply to the walls, but it isn’t a big change that is going to take weeks and cost you a lot of money.

It also makes a huge difference to the room! You’ll be astonished by what a good roll of wallpaper can do to a room even if you decide to do an accent wall.

4. Grey Tones Are in This Year

Did you know that interior design 2021 is going to be filled with the color grey? This cool neutral color is going to be all the rage, and for good reason!

One good way to mix grey into your home is by pairing it with the color beige. If done incorrectly, too much of the color grey can leave your home feeling cold and abandoned. Try to get a good mix of this neutral color this year.

If you need help figuring out the interior design trends of 2021 for your home, consider reaching out to a residential interior design professional.

Some people want their home to feel cozy but don’t know how to execute it, and that’s where an interior designer will come in. Be sure to contact them right away so they can get started helping you as soon as possible.

5. Dried Flowers

Are you someone who isn’t blessed with a green thumb? If so, then you’re in luck! One of the hottest 2021 interior design trends is dried flowers.

An arrangement of dried flowers can last you up to two years and will look amazing in your home as a decorative piece.

All you need to do is find the perfect vase to put your dried flowers in. There are tons of different styles of arrangements for whatever type of look you’re going for.

Whether you want something large for on the floor or something small for a table, there is definitely an arrangement for you.

6. Gold Accents

One beautiful yet simple way to add a bit of sparkle and shine to your home is through a touch of gold. Gold accents can make the interior of your home stand out, and they will be very popular in 2021.

You might be wondering about the best ways to incorporate gold accents into your home this upcoming year. Add gold accents to the small corners of your home or little details of furniture.

This is the pop that your home needs to stand out. Especially if you’re going for an all-over neutral color scheme, the gold will really shine through.

7. Use the Color Navy

Besides the color grey, another one of the upcoming hot interior design trends is the color navy.

Before jumping into a can of paint, you should know that it might not be the easiest color to work with. Darker colors can close off your space, so you need to be conscious of where you’re putting them.

When finding the right ways to use navy in your home, you will feel luxurious. You may even want to go all out with this color depending on what room you’re decorating.

Make sure that you use the color navy in a room with lots of natural lighting. This way, you won’t feel closed off like you’re in a dungeon.

Biggest 2021 Interior Design Trends

If you’re trying to revamp your home, then make sure to check out some of the biggest 2021 interior design trends. There’s always a new and exciting way for you to decorate your home. But keeping up with the ever-changing trends will be much better in the long run.

Our website has a little bit of everything, whether you’re looking for business, finance, photography, or home and garden. Be sure to keep scrolling or bookmark our page so you never miss an interesting post!

Are you planning on selling your home soon? One of the most important steps during the selling process is getting a home inspection. This will determine if your home has any underlying issues and can make or break your sale.

Keep reading to learn how to get the best home inspection possible and don’t miss out on getting a great deal for your home.

1. Fix Any Issues First

If your home is older then there is a good chance there are a few repairs that will be required before you are able to sell your home. These issues can range in severity but usually require some electrical updates if you have a historic home with old wiring, pest issues if you live in a warmer climate, or repainting where there may have been some water leakage.

Take the time to fix the minor issues yourself, this will save you time and money, and hire a contractor for the bigger repair issues that you can’t handle yourself. Namely, any electrical and plumbing issues should be completed by a professional who knows how to do it correctly and according to your local codes.

2. Give Them Enough Time

When the inspector arrives at your home the inspection should last between 2 to 4 hours. The amount of time they need will depend on the size of your home and if it has any additional features such as an attic, shed, pool, or crawl space. Rushing the inspector to finish quicker will only make the process take longer and might raise suspicion that you are trying to hide something from them.

Instead, see if your real estate agent can help schedule the inspection for a time when you and your family are not at home. This way you don’t have to be there during the process and can remain separated from the process. You can arrange your agent to be present during the appointment if you don’t feel comfortable having your home unattended.

3. Keep the House Operational

If you are receiving a home inspection after you have already vacated the house, it is important that you leave all the utilities on. The inspector will need to be able to test all the features in your home which will require the use of water, gas, and electricity.

They will need to test the appliances, run the water, and check the toilets and other bathroom fixtures. They will also need to see that the HVAC system is functional as well as checking to see if the lighting and ceiling fixtures work.

None of this can be achieved if the utilities have been cut off from the home. In order to keep the process running smoothly, leave them turned on until your home has sold.

Learn More About How to Get the Best Home Inspection Today!

When you are selling your house these are the most effective ways to ensure that you will get the best home inspection. Always fix any issues that your home has first, either do it yourself or hire a professional, give the inspector time to do his checks without rushing him, and make sure you leave all the utilities on so he can do so.

If you would like some more household tips or information be sure to visit our website daily!

Unless you live in Florida, it’s time to face reality: Winter is coming.

Before you know it, the leaves will fall from the trees and the first snow will fall. Maybe you’ve already bought new coats for the kids and snow tires for the car.

But what about your house? Is it properly prepared for the upcoming winter season?

Winterizing houses is a process many people aren’t familiar with—especially new homeowners. Some things you’ll want to leave to the pros, but other tasks you can probably handle yourself.

Here are our expert tips to ensure your home is ready for winter.

1. Add Insulation for Attics

Relying on unvented space heaters wastes energy and increases your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. A better strategy is to prevent heat from leaving your house in the first place.

The EPA recommends homeowners to use a minimum of R-38 insulation and layer it to a depth of 10 to 14 inches. Ideally, it should provide uniform and complete coverage without any lumps or gaps.

2. Switch to a Programmable Thermostat

Slash your energy costs this winter by installing a programmable thermostat.

You can schedule it to turn on the heat in the mornings when everyone is getting ready for work and school. Then you can program it to lower the heat during the day while everyone is gone and to warm up again as everyone arrives home.

Bonus: If you get a smart thermostat, you can monitor and adjust it from anywhere with your phone!

3. Replace Weather Stripping

No matter how great a job your home builders did, the original weather stripping around your doors and windows will eventually wear out.

Check all your exterior doors for any weather stripping that’s crushed, ripped, or missing. Next, check for any air-leaking gaps on all four edges of the door. You can detect any drafts by slowly passing a lit incense stick around the perimeter—even a slight draft will increase the smoke stream!

Another step to winterizing houses is to check under all your doors. If there’s any sunlight getting through, you’ll want to install a door sweep or raise the threshold.

4. Caulk Holes & Cracks

While we’re on the subject of stopping cold air infiltration, let’s talk about holes and cracks.

Buy a high-quality expanding-foam sealant or acrylic-latex caulk and use it to fill any visible gaps. Pay particular attention to the outside of your windows, doors, and hose faucets.

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but it works!

5. Install Storm Windows

If you bought an older home, it may still have traditional single-pane windows. While these look nice, they’re not terribly efficient at keeping your house warm.

Give your home a winterizing makeover by installing insulated storm windows. These provide an amazingly effective barrier against snow, ice, and cold winds.

You can even remove them in the spring and save them for the next winter season.

Final Thoughts on Winterizing Houses

Winterizing houses might seem overwhelming, especially if you’re a new homeowner or new to a cold climate. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll ensure your home is safe and ready to stay warm all winter long.

Did you find this article helpful? Be sure to browse our other Home & Garden posts for more great information.