Do you have a garden that you wish to make more unique? You can create a beautiful gardenthat isn’t a cookie-cutter copy of the one next door. Or of all the gardens in that street! Learn how to stand out from your neighbors and make your garden look more unique with this very guide. Just read on to find out more!

Experiment with levels

A fantastic way to make your garden looking more unique is to add in levels! Who says a garden has to be all on one level anyway! How about building up a patio, and then you can step down onto your garden. Or raise the far end of your garden, so it slopes down into a curve. Doing this also allows to you install a free-flowing miniature river here also!

‘Just add water’!

Even if you don’t make a new level or two in your garden, you can still add water.How about a pond full a fish and frogs? Or you could even dig out a little river with a stepping stone or miniature bridge to step over it! Not only will this look great, but it will also attract more wildlife and animals to your garden! Plus, who doesn’t love the peaceful sound of trickling water in their garden!

[Photo courtesy of LadyDragonflyCC – >;</flickr.com]

Get creative with a fire-based feature!

While having water in your garden is brilliant in making it more unique, there is another natural element that can look stunning. Fire, of course. Chimineas, Fire Pits and other such items of this nature are a great investment for a variety of reasons. Sure, they look great, and will make your garden look more unique. But they can also act as a focal point, and a centerpiece; something that draws the whole garden together. Also, bear in mind their practical uses. They add light and heat to your garden. As for how they look, you can change that season to season by using different shades and colors of fire glass! Look for Fire glass for sale online for the best deals.

[Photo courtesy of jimthompson/flickr.com]

Use unique items for pots and plant holders

Sure, ceramic and glass pots hold plants really well. But there are loads of other things you can use for a more unique look. Got an old pair of walking boots or wellington boots you don’t use anymore? Nail them to your garden fence and use them as planters. Or get creative with other things you find around the house. If you use strong glue to bond a tea-cup and saucer, you can make hanging bird feeders!

[Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Kinghorn/flickr.com]

Go for a metal shed rather than a wooden one

Wooden sheds are great, but they can sometimes look a bit outdated. There are also a number of experts who also say that they are easier to penetrate and break into that metal sheds. The other benefit of metal sheds is that they look contemporary. They add a level of sophistication to your garden, while also keeping your belongings safe. If you want a neat-looking garden, having a place to put garden tools and equipment will help.

Gardening in the summertime is one of life’s little pleasures. You can escape the usual stress and strain of your day-to-day existence, working happily on creating your own touch of Eden. It’s easy to while away hours, enjoying the blooming flowers and perhaps even tending to your vegetables.

Then, it happens. You know it’s a possibility, but somehow, in the pleasure of tending to your crops, you forget. You go back indoors, back aching pleasantly, hands covered with dirt. You head for the shower, shrug off your shirt, and then you see them. Bites. Circular, red blobs where some bug has had itself a feast of your delicious blood. As soon as you see them, they begin to itch. The itch, pain and discomfort continue for days, long past the point your calm happiness from gardening has evaporated.

It’s a fact of life that being outside means that you’re going to get bitten. Try and see it as a compliment – these bugs are saying you’re tasty! Well, it’s a nice idea if you can see it like that, but it more likely just makes you murderous. The bugs, flies, wasps, mosquitoes and everything else have got to go.

1. Bug Spray

[Photo courtesy of Clker-Free-Vector-Images/pixabay.com]

These have a dual purpose. First, they can make you a less attractive feast. Secondly, you can bring about violent revenge should anything try and bite you anyway, as they are instantly poisoned.

If possible, try and find sprays that do not include a chemical compound known as DEET. This has been shown to cause a whole host of problems. If you would rather keep things as natural as possible, diluted neem oil is a good idea.

2. Stay Above Ground Level

If you tend to sit down to weed a particularly stubborn flower bed, you’re putting yourself at a level most insects can find you. At least give them a fight. Stay upright as much as possible, or use something to kneel on when working at ground height. A large tarpaulin can put a protective layer between you and the things that fancy a nibble.

3. Go All In

[Photo courtesy of Jim Gathany/wikimedia.org]

If you’re covered in bug spray and crouching on a tarpaulin, but still ending the day covers in bites, it’s time to think bigger. Companies that specialise in mosquito control can help eradicate the idea garden of the issue, through a variety of methods. If you’ve young children, this is particularly worth thinking about. You don’t want to discourage them from going outside.

4. An Old Wives Tale

It’s not possible to say if this really works or why, but there’s plenty of evidence on a colloquial level that people swear by it. If you fill a plastic bag with water and hang it around where you’re working, bugs may well leave you alone. There’re theories that the water disrupts the many-eyed insects and confuses them. Or perhaps it does nothing- no one knows for sure. It is, however, an easy and inexpensive idea if you’re at the point where you’re trying anything.

Employing the above can help reduce the discomfort creepy crawlies may be unleashing on you. After all, your garden should be a place of pleasure, not pain!

When you find out you are expecting a baby, it’s an amazing time for you and your partner. You are bringing a little one into the world who you will love and adore (well, most of the time). You will have plenty you need to buy for the baby including a crib, a pushchair, and a dozen packs of nappies. You may decide to move home to have more space for the little one. But if you decide to stay where you are, there are several things you should do in your home to make it more suitable for a little baby. After all, there now will be three, not two of you. Here are six home improvements you should make when you are expecting a baby.

[Photo courtesy of AdinaVoicu/pixabay.com]

Create a nursery

One of the first home improvements you should make when you are pregnant is to create a nursery. You will need to look at the current bedrooms in your home and decide which one will now be the nursery. You may need to have a home extension if you don’t currently have space in your home for a new baby. A lot of people convert their attic so that they can have one or two extra rooms. You should get a company out to discuss how much it will cost to convert the loft. Of course, the baby will be in with you for the first few months of its life. But a nursery is essential to hold all their stuff and have the crib and changing unit in there. You may want to use the smallest bedroom as a nursery, and then as they grow, you can move them into a larger bedroom. As we discuss here, it’s a lot of fun decorating the nursery for your baby. You need to choose a great neutral color to decorate the room in that will last for the first year or two. You may need to choose a different carpet now for the room too. Go for a darker color so that any stains don’t show easily. You may want to go for wood flooring so it’s easy to clean.

[Photo courtesy of andremergulhaum/pixabay.com]

Consider changing the heating

Another home improvement you should make when you are pregnant is to consider changing the heating. It’s so important that your home is properly heated when you are having a baby. The baby needs to be able to keep warm in your property so they can stay comfortable. As this feature reveals, you should make sure the baby’s room is between 68 and 72 degrees. Therefore, if your heating isn’t working effectively, you should look into getting a new efficient boiler. You can speak to companies about fitting a boiler, such as from Save Home Heat. A thermostat would be good too so you know exactly what the current temperature is. That way, you will know whether you need to turn it up or down. Getting a new boiler should help you reduce your energy bill which is good when you have to pay out lots for the new baby!

Check the condition of the stairs

An additional home improvement you should make when you are pregnant is you should be checking the condition of the stairs. You need to make sure that the carpet is still fitted correctly so that you and your baby won’t end up hurting yourself. Get a new carpet if it’s getting old and tattered. Make sure the handrail is still secure so you can grab it if you were to fall with the new baby. You will need to get a baby gate to help stop your baby from going down the stairs when they do start learning to walk.

Build more storage

Another home improvement you should make when you are pregnant is to build some more storage in your home. You will need extra space now that the baby is coming. You will need somewhere to put all their belongings. Have a look around the home and decide where you have the space to build more storage. You could look into getting some new cupboards fitted in the kitchen so you can put their bottles in there. You may want to build a cupboard under the stairs so you can put the pushchair in there. You may want to go through your current belongings and get rid of old stuff, so you have more space for your baby’s new belongings.

Upgrade your bathroom  

You should also look into upgrading your bathroom when you are expecting a baby. If the bath in there is not in the best condition, you should have a look into getting a new suite fitted. After all, you will want to bathe your newborn in there, so it needs to be in a good condition. You need to be able to have easy access to it as well. You may want to consider installing an en suite in your master bedroom. That way, you and your partner can have an extra bathroom for use. En suites are great for adding value to a property as well.

[Photo courtesy of midascode/pixabay.com]

Invest in CCTV and check your alarms

Another home improvement you should make when you are pregnant is you need to make the home more secure. You want to prevent anyone from breaking in and stealing anything with your little baby there. You should invest in CCTV which will prevent people from coming into your home. It will also mean you can check who is there before answering the door. You should also make sure you check your fire and carbon monoxide alarm to ensure they are working efficiently. It’s so important to make sure your baby stays safe in your home.

[Photo courtesy of Harrihealey02/en.wikipedia.org]

You will need to read these tips for trying to do home improvement when you are expecting. After all, you don’t want to harm yourself and baby while decorating the home. If you feel unsafe doing a job, it might be best to let your partner do it himself!

A lot of effort goes into gardening. We cut back, mow, weed, and prune. We water and fertilize plants, and then we repeat and do it all again. We nurture tiny seedlings until they bloom into sturdy flowers and vegetables. We put down bark to keep weeds at bay. And we put up netting and pellets to detract birds and pests.

[Photo courtesy of stux/pixabay.com]

When it all dies away in the winter, the garden can look bare and dull. But there are several steps you can take to make the most of your garden throughout the year.

1. Plan

The trick for planting an all-year-round garden is to plan. You need to carry out a little research. Look for plants that bloom at different times of the year. Perennial plants work well because they don’t die after one season. The flowers die away, but the roots remain active under the soil. They regrow year after year.

[Photo courtesy of condesign/pixabay.com]

2. Cultivate All Weather Plants

Not all plants and flowers bloom only in the spring and summer months. Some do well in all weather, such as foxgloves, verbenas, and geraniums.

3. Winter Blooming Plants

When choosing your plants, include some that bloom in the winter months. Examples are snowdrops, winter flowering pansies, and crocuses. In that lull after Christmas, it’s always cheery to see the first snowdrops and crocuses poking through the frozen earth.

[Photo courtesy of sunflair/pixabay.com]

4. Prepare Your Garden For The Next Season

Gardening is a year-long commitment. It’s not something that is confined to the spring and summer months. There is work to be done throughout the year, even in winter. Make sure you keep on top of maintenance tasks. Prune trees and dig over beds. Keep on top of weeds. Get your garden in good shape for the coming season.

[Photo courtesy of icon0.com//pexels.com]

5. Look For Inspiration

Visit public gardens and greenhouses for inspiration. Learn from the professionals by reading descriptions of the varieties of flowers that are growing. Ask for suggestions for your own garden. Most gardeners are only too willing to share their knowledge and advice.

Garden centers will also be able to offer advice. Their trade slows down during the winter months. They are always seeking ways to attract buyers during autumn and winter.

[Photo courtesy of markusspiske/pixabay.com]

6. Create Shelter

Make the most of your garden throughout the year by building a shelter. This could be a simple canopy attached to your home. Or, it could be a more complex structure such as a gazebo. This will allow you to enjoy the garden throughout the year, despite the weather. You may need to wrap up and take a blanket. But there’s nothing nicer than sitting in the garden on a brisk autumn morning with a warm mug of tea. Canopies and gazebos are also useful during the summer months, as they provide some shade.

Gardens are not just for summer. With a little thought and planning, you can create a cheery space for all year. Don’t be ruled by the weather. Stagger your planting and opt for varieties that bloom at different times. Look for hardy perennials and enjoy the explosion of color during the long winter months.

Problems around the house are a little like flies at times. A certain amount you can ignore, especially if they’re small and quiet. But the bigger they are and the more of them there are, the worse. And before too long, because you ignored the little ones, there are a lot of big ones, and they’re doing real damage. As tempting as it may be just to say “it’s not a real issue” or “I’ll get that looked at – soon”, it’s a bad idea.

The fact is that problems are usually easier to solve than we build them up to be. Would you rather be under the sink fixing a pipe or sitting watching TV? Probably the latter, but considering it takes next to no time to do the work there’s no reason to cancel the great binge-watch. A fifteen-minute postponement won’t ruin the whole thing. And you won’t have to worry about an inevitable kitchen flood, which is always good.

Image by Daren

Of course, there are going to be some problems around the home that you won’t be able to fix. It’s useful to have the wisdom to know the difference between the two. It’s also wise to bear in mind that stopping it getting to the point where repairs are needed is the best course altogether. Yes, it’s boring. But it takes so much less time and money.

The truth is, repairing even minor issues in your home can be a time suck and can cost more than you would like. Yes, you can replace your faucets yourself – and at some point, might do so just for a change. But if you keep them in good condition on an ongoing basis, you won’t be forced into it.

Those basic bits of housekeeping will save you a lot of time and money, but annoyingly they can be things you just wouldn’t consider in the basic run of housework. If you’re not sure what you should be doing then these details from Assured Comfort are a handy reference. If you really want to save time then it’s always going to be better to, say, stop food from being washed down the sink. That way you don’t have to ask yourself whether to call a plumber for the blocked pipe or do it yourself.

The same goes for issues anywhere in your home, not just within the plumbing. Major electrical issues such as frayed wires and regular fuse blow-outs are likely to need some intervention. A trained electrician will know precisely what to do and do it safely. However, a blown fuse in a plug can typically be easily replaced by hand, and you should change light bulbs on a semi-regular basis.

Problems around your house can be simple or complicated. If you treat them as a minor inconvenience, then you’re not saving yourself time or money. If problems are allowed to become chronic, the time will come when they present a real threat to your and your family’s health. If that happens, then you can end up paying in much more than dollars. Taking preventative measures is a huge step towards securing safety.

If you feel like it is time to give your home a new lease on life, then there are plenty of things you can do. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a huge mission. With just a few simple changes and additions, you can make your home a little more lively and liveable in no time at all. What’s more, with the right approach, it doesn’t even need to cost you that much. In reality, this is a good time of year to get started with a project like this. The days are long, the sun is shining, and it is likely that you find yourself with plenty of energy, even well into the evening. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the simple things you can do to spruce up your home. Easily, quickly, and without any of the fuss – or cost.

[Photo courtesy of Binyamin Mellish/pexels.com]

Spring Cleaning

It is never a bad time for a touch of spring cleaning – even if spring has been left far behind. If you want your home to take on a new life in no time at all, then this is one way to achieve just that. A lot of the time, people don’t particularly want to do this – for one reason or another. However, if you can pluck up the energy to get it done, you will be glad that you did. Really, all that you need to do to notice immediate results is give the main living areas a bit of a touch up. Go through the living room, and probably the kitchen and bathrooms, first. Just doing this will make a considerable difference to how you feel in the home.

[Photo courtesy of mikadago/pixabay.com]

Gardening

All too often, people forget about just how important the garden is to the overall feel of the house. The truth is, it is vital. If you want your home to look as good as possible as soon as possible, you need to spend some time in the garden. One of the most important aspects of looking after your garden is the lawn care. Done right, looking after your lawn can mean the difference between a happy and beautiful garden and one which you would rather not look at. With it being the time of year it is, you really don’t want to leave this one any longer than necessary. Otherwise it might be overgrown before you even know it.

[Photo courtesy of unsplash.com/pexels.com]

Furniture

One great way of making a place seem like new in moments is to refresh the furniture. Don’t worry, this doesn’t necessarily mean buying new furniture. Most people can’t afford to do that very often, so it would not be a viable option. However, simply changing the furniture around can make a world of difference to how the living room and bedrooms feel when you step into them. Considering rearranging things once in a while, just to see how it looks. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t like it – you can always switch it all back.

Many people think that they can do it themselves when it comes to carrying out a plumbing job. And it’s certainly true that many tasks can be carried out on a DIY basis. But this isn’t always the case. Many people don’t realise when they need to drop the tools and call in a professional. So, here’s when to do it yourself and when to let someone with professional knowledge take over.

DIY

Small small jobs can be carried out very easily. For example, if you simply want to update the faucets in the bathroom or kitchen, you can do this yourself. That doesn’t mean that the job isn’t challenging, but there is not too much that can go wrong. You can see what you’re working on very clearly and easily, which isn’t the case with all plumbing jobs. And there are online guides that can help you out too.

[Photo courtesy of Joe Shlabotnik/flickr.com]

As well as those kinds of replacements, cosmetic repairs to bathroom and kitchen hardware can be done by yourself too. Some of these repairs are routine and very simple. For example, a toilet might have problems that cause it to move or not function properly. These issues can usually be fixed very easily with some basic tools and sealant. So, don’t be afraid to carry out that kind of DIY work. Calling a professional would be a waste of time.

[Photo courtesy of OpenClipartVectors/pixabay.com]

Preparation is key to any successful DIY plumbing job though. You have to know the basics, such as turning off the water supply before you undertake the task. As long as you think logically, do the basic things and plan it out in advance, the DIY plumbing job should be a real success.

Professional

First of all, you should always call a professional if you have an emergency situation. Doing a DIY task is only ever possible if you have the time to assess it and plan it out. That’s not the case when an emergency repair is needed, so call a professional. Many plumber repair services offer fast responses, so these should definitely be taken advantage of.

[Photo courtesy of OpenClipartVectors/pixabay.com]

As I mentioned above, the easiest jobs to carry out by yourself are the ones that are obvious. If you can see the problem in front of you, then it’s easier to fix it. But that’s not the case for many plumbing jobs. If a pipe has a problem and it’s hidden behind a wall, sorting out the problem can be a challenge. And when there are external plumbing problems with the drains that run under the ground, that kind of problem demands a pro.

[Photo courtesy of Joe Fred the Oyster/Drain Trap- wikimedia.org]

When you’re taking on a large remodelling of your bathroom, big changes often need to be made to the plumbing. Sometimes, these changes even require permits to be given. This is complicated work in terms of the physical task of carrying out the job and the paperwork. So, it’s the kind of task that is always best left to a professional with the right experience behind them.

If you’re thinking about updating your home to enhance its look and value, one thing you don’t want to do is leave out the roof. While the average lifespan of an average-grade asphalt shingled roof is 15 to 18 years, with a higher grade lasting even longer, once your roof reaches the 15-year mark you begin to see wear and tear. This not only can cause harm to your home’s interior with leaks or unsightly water stains but it can also mean not being able to secure a homeowner’s insurance policy. Or, at the very least, you may have to take a state offered policy until you make the necessary repairs or replace the roof.

“I want to wait until the last possible moment to get the most out of my roof.”

Think of your roof as a protective cover. It’s the first point of contact protecting your home’s interior from sun, rain, wind, hail and snow. The type of roof you may require depends in large part on where you live and the elements you experience. This can include living in extreme climates that have higher temperatures, heavy rains or significant amounts of snow that can decrease the integrity of your roof.

[Photo courtesy of meineresterampe/pixabay.com]

Also, any objects resting on its surface, like tree limbs and leaves, can shorten its lifespan. If it’s been a while since you’ve replaced your roof, chances are good that there are probably already soft spots developing. Instead of waiting for an inside sprinkle of rain, it’s in your best interest to call a licensed contractor in the business, like the experts at ABC Roofing. They can schedule an appointment to come out and do a thorough check of your roof. You may need a few shingles replaced, or they may recommend a new roof.

How do you know it’s time to replace the roof?

Replacing your roof is costly. It’s an expense that no homeowner wants to take on without warrant. Luckily, there are several signs you can look for to help determine if it’s time to have your roof replaced. Shingles should lay flat in uniform rows. If your shingles are now turning either up or down, they are not going to perform at their best. Also, if you’ve noticed that several shingles are missing, the area now has exposure to the elements. Living in an area prone to steady wind gusts can cause your shingles to crack. Generally, one side of the roof, the side that receives the most punishment, would show visible signs of damage. A damp climate may produce moss or algae that sticks and eventually allows dampness to penetrate the surface. More obvious and severe conditions can include a sagging roof or the ability to see daylight when up in the attic.

[Photo courtesy of Hans/pixabay.com]

When thinking about remodeling your home, it’s easy to overlook the obvious, your roof. Most people want to gut a kitchen or bathroom or slap on a new coat of paint in a living room or bedroom. Remember, your roof is the only thing protecting that new renovation. And if it has damage, you could watch your home improvements go right out the door. Depending on the type of roof you have, it’s a good idea to have it checked periodically, especially after a significant weather event. If you are not comfortable climbing a ladder, you can call a professional and get a written assessment.

Do you find that your home isn’t all that liveable at the moment? This could be for a number of different reasons. Maybe you haven’t been living their long, or you just don’t know what to do with it. These simple tips will help you to make your home more liveable in no time. Enjoy…

Create A More Practical Layout

Having a practical layout inside your home is really important if you’re going to live in it and enjoy it at the same time. If you can’t go from room to room without bumping into things and tripping over, you have some rethinking to do. You can use applications and things like that online to help you create a layout that suits you perfectly. Ideally, you’ll be able to make your way around the house without bumping into obstacles.

Match Your Personality

If you love to watch films and listen to music, having a room dedicated to these things could be an amazing idea. You could turn the room into an entertainment room, complete with expensive speaker system and impressive home cinema. If you prefer to read, you could make your very own home library. Making your home match your personality will always make it more liveable. This doesn’t just mean watching the things you keep in your home, but making sure the decor is right for you too. Just because neutral is popular with buyers, doesn’t mean your home has to be neutral. Paint it bright green if you want to!

[Photo courtesy of Tom Borowski/flickr.com]

Don’t Leave Repairs And Maintenance For Too Long

Leaving repairs and maintenance too long in a bid to save some money is a bad idea. You’ll only cost yourself more money and make things worse in the long run. Ridge Top exteriors will tell you exactly what you need to do if you notice your roof needs to be repaired. Serious repairs like that need fixing ASAP and shouldn’t be ignored!

Keep It As Clean As Possible

Keep your home as clean as possible. Not only does this make your home look better, it makes sure your home is healthy and fit for use too. Keep on top of the cleaning and you won’t need to spend hours doing it in the future. Keeping useful cleaning products in the rooms you need them in can make it easier too, such as keeping bleach next to the toilet.

Don’t Hoard Things

Avoid hoarding so your home doesn’t become messy and cluttered. If you don’t use something, be vigilant and get rid of it. If you get a letter that you don’t need, shred it straight away rather than putting it to one side. This is how you become more productive when it comes to your home and keep things running smoothly.

These are all simple tips you can start using right away to make your home more liveable. They won’t take long or cost much to do, so you can enjoy your home more in no time at all. Leave any of your own tips and ideas below. Thanks for visiting!

Moving into a new place is fantastic, and you can’t wait to decorate the home. A lot of people start to paint the rooms and refit the kitchen and bathroom in the home. But there are some home improvements people forget to do. Here are some of the top home improvements that you should not forget to make when you move into your new home.

Enhancing the security

A lot of people forget to improve the safety in their new home when they move in. It’s time to check the locks to ensure they are all working correctly. After all, you don’t want someone to break into your home at night as you have a broken lock on your back gate. You should consider changing the locks on your front and back door if you have just moved in. Otherwise, the previous owners could easily get into your home and take your stuff. You might consider improving your home by installing a burglar alarm and CCTV to ensure your new home is safe when you are away. By adding these security systems, you will be able to lower your home insurance too.

[Photo courtesy of Skullman/pixabay.com]

Updating the roof

When you move in, you need to ensure you don’t forget to check the state of the roof. Over time, the roof may deteriorate because of the hot weather and storms that may occur. Therefore, you may need to get it repaired or even replaced so it lasts a long time. You may even want to do it for cost purposes because reflective roofs can save your energy costs by nearly half. You should look for a local company such as roofing company TX Roofing Solutions who will be able to come out and talk to you about options for your roof.

[Photo courtesy of Tan2/pixabay.com]

Changing the energy supply

Another home improvement people often forget to make is checking whether they need to change their energy supply. There may be a cheaper option out there for your home. As we talked about here, you may want to consider instaling solar panels to improve the energy in your home. It might also be useful in the long run to switch from electricity to gas so that you can save a lot on your bill. You may not have the funds available later to make this home improvement. Even if you stick with the same energy source, you need to look around to find a cheap supplier.

Converting the loft

A lot of people forget to consider what home improvements they can make to the loft when they move in. It’s such a big room so you should make sure the utilize the space. Don’t just put your old stuff in there; make another bedroom to add value to your property. Before converting the loft, you need to ensure that it’s cost effective to do so, and there is plenty of space to do it. As this article reveals, you need also to check the building regulations when considering a loft conversion.

[Photo courtesy of Holland And Green Architectural Design/flickr.com]

You should also remember to replace the flooring if it’s in bad shape when you move in. You can also consider changing the bulbs to energy efficient ones which will end up saving some money.