Got A Garage? Here’s How To Stop It Being A Security Hazard

As a homeowner, the main concern is to keep the property and safe and secure as possible. Let’s face it, your home is your castle and no one should be able to bypass its defences easily. The thing is that some abodes do have features that are not safe, such as a garage. Yes, it is perfect for parking your car and keeping it off the street, or as a place to get away from the family, but that doesn’t make it safe. The shocking truth is that thieves often use a garage as the main point of entry into a property. As the owner, it is your responsibility to ensure it isn’t burglar-friendly, and here’s how.

garage

[Photo courtesy of Jaymantri/pexels.com]

Make Repairs ASAP

Garages are often out houses that are open to the elements. As a result, it isn’t uncommon for bad weather or external factors to cause damage. Most people don’t care about it unless it is significant, so most leave the repairs until further notice. This is the biggest security error you can make because garage door repairs are essential. Not only do secure doors dispel thieves in the first place, but broken ones are easier to bypass. The key is to fix any flaw as soon as it appears to ensure that the garage is as tight as every other feature of the house.

Broken, Car, Classic, Dirty, Door, Garage, Outdoors

[Photo courtesy of maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com]

Don’t Go Electronic

Yep, pressing a button is easier than getting out of the car and opening the garage but hand. However, it is also less secure. For starters, all it takes is for you to misplace the control and anyone can have access to the entire house. It might fall into the hands of thieves, it might be found by the neighbours, yet you can’t take the chance. More worryingly, automatic doors are hackable. It sounds silly, but burglars can connect to the system and open the doors remotely. A traditional garage with a deadbolt doesn’t have these issues.

Cover The Windows

Some garage doors have windows. To most people, windows are a harmless feature that they can take or leave. But, underneath the surface, they are an aid for criminals. Although thieves can use the garage as an entrance into the house, they will also check it for cars. If there are valuables motors inside, they won’t think twice about kicking down the doors and driving off with your vehicle. A window allows them to see what is inside and what isn’t, which is why they need covering. Alternatively, you can replace the door for one that is solid.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Garage_door_sliding_up.jpg/360px-Garage_door_sliding_up.jpg

Don’t Forget To Close It

Sometimes, theft is not the garage’s fault – it is yours. It is amazing how many people leave the garage doors open while they are doing something else. Sure, you might be around the corner, but you will not be able to react in time. Anyone that walks past will be able to pop their head in, have a look around, and steal the valuables. The worst thing is they will be able to take their time!

Even if you are only going to be a minute, always close and lock the garage.

[ Tagged In ] , , , , ,

Redecorating The Exterior Of Your Home For The Autumn

Fall is just around the corner, and this means it’s time to redecorate the exterior of your home in preparation for the incoming change of mood. If you’ve been mulling it and put off decorating the exterior of your home, now is the perfect time to get moving and create an autumn inspired look. The return of cooler temperatures brings along with it the colors of brown, yellow, orange, burgundy, reds and dark greens. Festive yet, not as pastel as the colors of summer and spring, you could use the tones to make your home look imposing yet warm at the same time. It isn’t all about looking good, the practical elements of redecorating your home, will give it usability during the next months when the rain, sleet, hail, wind and snow become a part of normal life once again. Contrary to popular belief, just because you’re going to be heading into a design that’s using bolder tones and functioning style, it doesn’t mean you have fewer options that counterpart seasons with warmer weather.

[Photo courtesy of Wonderlane/flickr.com]

Paint it bold

When the season changes, the exterior of your home goes through a lot. The hail and rain weathers and erodes the wood and brick little by little. You can see this happening if little paint flicks have started to come off to expose the wall underneath. This will only increase the longer you let it linger, but there is a way to make your home bolder and newer. You could paint your home in a strong, autumn wood color, of dark brown. First, clean the area, with a good soaking of hot water. Take a piece of rough leather and in circular motions, take the grime and dirt off. Seal and prime the walls ready for the paint. Make sure you put on at least two layers of paint, but as it’s the exterior, preferably three.

A place to relax outside

If you’ve ever thought that clearing, cleaning the garden and mowing the lawn was a task in your life you could do without, it’s time to seriously think about decking. The front or back gardens can be landscaped to replace the grass with a stable, flat surface that you can practically use. With a seating arrangement outside you can buy a couple of rocking chairs, sit outside with a blanket and watch the stars, come either rain or snow. To brave the cold, a good hardwood decking company should be contacted to come and survey the land. With their skills, they can work out, how much of your land is feasibly ready to be altered in favor or laying down the foundation and then decking.

[Photo courtesy of Tony Alter/flickr.com]

Welcoming guests in style

When guests come to knock on your door, welcome them with simple adornments of pine cones, radiant orange, yellow and red leaves. On the front door, you can hang a fall-style wreath of dark green pine tree branches, formed into a circle or heart. Perhaps the wreath could be decorated with some fruit such as red apples, cherries and some blackberries to add in a little more color to balance out the green. Consider smaller wreaths to hang above your windows on the ground level floor. Hang some winterberry holly over the corner of your home to add in a little bit of passionate red to the mix.

[ Tagged In ] , , , , , , ,

The Grass Isn’t Always Greener: How To Make The Most Of The Home That You Have!

There’s a feeling that a lot of homeowners can relate to. It’s the sense that, after you’ve lived somewhere for a while, you can’t help but want to move on to somewhere new. The idea that after a few years, you’ve gotten everything you can out of your home and it’s time to start over. Granted, there are some genuine reasons why you might want to move to a new home. You might be starting a family and need more space, or your income might have increased, and you want to move to a nicer neighborhood. However, one of the main things that you need to be aware of is the fact that, if you’re not careful then you’re just going to end up doing the same thing every few years. As the old saying goes, the grass is always greener on the other side. If you spend your life going from place to place trying to find that one perfect home, you’re never going to be satisfied. Instead, you should make an effort to make the most of the home that you have. You will often find that doing that will make a huge difference to the way your home feels while saving you a lot of time, money and stress. With that in mind, here are some ways to make the most of your home if you find yourself feeling dissatisfied with it.

Maximize space

Free Creative interior design of small shop with wooden shelves full of assorted colorful bottles and green plants Stock Photo

[Photo courtesy of Maria Orlova/pexels.com]

Space is probably the biggest issue that a lot of people have with their homes. People often feel that their homes are cramped with no room to move around. They feel that going somewhere new with more space is the answer to their problems. However, the reality is that, unless your finances have changed dramatically, most homes that you can afford will be the same size with only slight differences. It’s a much better idea to take the time to maximize the space that you have in your home. There are a lot of different ways to do this, but the first thing that you do should be to reevaluate the layout of the rooms in your house. If a room feels too small, then that’s probably because there are too many things encroaching on the floor space. Perhaps your couch is in the center of the living room, and you could free up space by having it pushed up against a wall. Or maybe your dining room table is larger than it needs to be and just ends up completely dominating the room. By thinking about the way in which a room is laid out more carefully, you can often add a surprising amount of space throughout your home.

Use light carefully

Light is one of those things that a lot of homeowners tend to ignore because it’s a lot harder to put your finger on than things like layout or furniture. It’s a more vague and nebulous idea that has more of an impact on how a room feels than anything else. But the reality is that light can be the secret weapon that turns a depressing home into a vibrant place that you want to spend your time. We’ve all had those moments where you walk into a room, and it just feels dank and claustrophobic, even though you have plenty of space to move around. If that has happened to you, then there’s a pretty good chance that it was because the room simply wasn’t well lit. Natural light is, of course, the best way to make a room feel more spacious but you can also use lamps to help a room feel cozy without feeling cramped.

Clear out the clutter

Chaos, Clutter, A Mess, Things, Stuff, Table

[Photo courtesy of Hans/pixabay.com]

Even the nicest, most spacious home in the world can end up feeling untidy and unpleasant if it’s full of junk. It’s all too easy to end up letting your home become a mess because you spend so much time there that things blend into the background more easily than they would anywhere else. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t have an impact on how your home feels. You might consciously take in the pile of papers on the kitchen countertop, but it’s still going to make the room feel untidy. Keeping the place clean and free of junk and clutter is going to make it feel like a much brighter, more enjoyable place to be for you and your family.

Don’t forget your yard

Even if people stay on top of keeping their homes well organized and tidy, it’s incredibly easy to end up neglecting your backyard. This is because a yard often takes a fair bit more work to get up to a high standard than your home might. Sure, there might be more steps to a perfect lawn than to a clean carpet, but putting in that effort is always worth it. Even if your home is totally clean and perfect, looking out the window to see an overgrown and untidy garden can sour the whole thing for you. Plus, you want your yard to be the kind of space that you can actually use and enjoy. Because of that, you don’t want to spend your time wading through knee high grass and tripping over weeds poking up through the patio.

Use every room

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

If you really feel like your home doesn’t have enough to offer you, ask yourself this question: are you using every room properly? There’s a decent chance that the answer to that question will be no. Take the office for example. A lot of people tend to use their offices as a place to dump things that they haven’t found a place for but still want to be able to access at a moment’s notice. This turns an office into a glorified closet very quickly. The same goes for your attic. Instead of just having it be the place where you store boxes of old junk, why not turn it into a fully functioning room. It doesn’t take that much work, and it will be a perfect playroom for the kids or a spare room for guests to sleep in.

[ Tagged In ] , , , , ,

Don’t Let Your Lack Of Space Drive Your Crazy!

When you run out of room at home, it can feel like the end of the world. And if you’ve ever suffering from a lack of space, you’ll know that’s no exaggeration. Living in clutter can be one of the most frustrating things ever. Not only can it make you feel stressed and claustrophobic, but you may also find that your entire family is always stepping on each other’s toes. But, you don’t have to let it drive you crazy. Instead, you need to take action. When you finally think that enough is enough and you need more room, here’s what to do.

Black Leather Book Cover

[Photo courtesy of Unsplash/pexels.com]

Have A Huge Clear Out

The first step is probably the most obvious one, but it’s also the one that we all tend to avoid. Having a clear out can be one of the most stressful things you go through. Not only does it make your space problem worse to start with, it means you have to live in mess for a while. But, remember, it’s for the greater good. So get to work. Start small, take it room by room and be sure to get rid of anything you don’t need.

architecture, cabinets, carpet

[Photo courtesy of ATBO/pexels.com]

Organize Your Spaces

Then, as you start to free up a bit more space, you’re going to want to make sure that you work to organize everything a bit better. It’s often a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the long run. You’re going to want to make sure that you’re using all of your rooms for the best purpose. If you have to switch around bedrooms, living spaces and storage spaces, do it. If it means that your home is more harmonious, it’s always worth the work.

Do Some DIY

Next, you might want to think about doing some DIY. When you lack in space, you’re going to want to do what you can to change that. So, put up some shelves, add in storage and even start to build some more cupboards if you need to. You’ll find that you’re able to live a little more clutter free when you do.

White and Brown Wooden Book Shelf Beside White Calendar

[Photo courtesy of Unsplash/pexels.com]

Add Additional Options

If that’s not enough, you may need to think outside of the box – and even outside of the home. Sometimes, you need to add storage to your yard or elsewhere on your property to make things work. Look into the cost of metal building options or even for a wooden construction that you can add outside. Not only could it be for storage, but it may give you a space to work from if you need home space for storage.

Extend Your Home

And finally, you may also want to think about extending your home. If you have the budget, getting an extension can be a great idea to add more space. You may want to go for a single story to increase your living space or add a garage, or even double to add more bedrooms. If can also be a great option if your family is growing and you need to house more children.

[ Tagged In ] , , , , , , , , , ,

Colorful Pinch Pleat Curtains for Healthy Mind and Body

Curtains are part of any home decorating ideas. Their presence can be magical when they create a beautiful artistry in homes, offices and hotels. It is no wonder why interior designers would include the curtains in their top ten lists. A window without curtains looks motionless and boring. Curtains are comparable to your dress and they create a convivial atmosphere with their unique designs and style.

Among interior designers highly recommended curtain style are the pinch pleat curtains. They are the typical curtains that look formal and cool. The pleats are intricately sewn to give the curtains fullness while hanging on a decorative drapery rod. Jacquard, floral and prints are ideal fabric designs for a pinch pleat curtain.

adult, architecture, chair

[Photo courtesy of Unsplash/pexels.com]

The simplicity of the pinch pleat curtain makes them ideal for any type of architecture. They do not go out of style if they are adorned in baroque and Gothic inspired homes. What’s more if you adorn them in a contemporary or log house. Their appeal is overwhelming and creates an illusion of wealth and fame.

When your room is adorned with pinch pleat curtains, you can feel the luxurious ambiance of a hotel room. As you wake up each morning, you don’t feel like going out from your room. For bedrooms, choose bold colors to keep the emotions burning with passion while having your romantic interlude with your spouse. The most ideal color is burgundy, crimson or any shades of red.

The kids’ room should be adorned with playful colors such as red, yellow, pink, orange, aqua blue and floral prints to keep the mind active. Students are encouraged to adorn their bedroom with red curtains to stimulate their brain and increase the body processes and blood circulation. Rooms with patients who are suffering with psychosomatic illness are advised to hang yellow curtains to purify their minds from any negative thoughts.

[ Tagged In ] , , , , , , ,

Will These Luxuries Add Value To Your Property?

In every neighborhood, there is one property that stands out. It looks good, and you know it’s worth substantially more than the other properties on that street. It is the property that hits that ceiling price or value for the block. Beyond that, it is often the house we aspire to own, or at least make our property look just as good!

It takes a lot of care and maintenance to achieve a great looking property that the neighbors can be jealous of. Of course, you need to have a quality finish to begin with. And chances are, a few luxuries would be desirable if you were hoping to achieve the ceiling price for your property.

There is a problem with investing heavily in your home, though. That ceiling price may limit what you should do. Spend too much, and you may never get the money back. So how can you be sure the luxuries you fancy will one day ensure a quick sale at the top figure price you desire?

Pool

Owning a pool is good for your health as well as for your financial security in the future. Many homeowners find a swimming pool to be a desirable and beneficial addition. Aside from the upfront cost of installing it, there will be ongoing maintenance costs to ensure it is hygienic. You may need to upgrade the railing, gates or water pumps at some point too. Safety is everything when it comes to a pool.

bathing suit, bikini, daylight

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Check the railing is secure and at the appropriate height. Make sure the gate locks well, and that the pumps are working efficiently. If they’re not, water pump repairs should be undertaken by professionals, but it might be possible for you to find the spare parts you need. Keep the water clean, and enjoy this much-valued addition to your home.

Hot Tub

Hot tubs are highly desirable at the moment. They offer a place for private entertaining, as well as somewhere to sit and relax after a long day. These days, you can find cost-effective inflatable hot tubs at your local DIY store. However, if you invest a little in a gazebo or private structure and planting, you could ensure a greater return. Look for quality spas and hot tubs that are easy to use, and look good in their place.

Does a hot tub add value to the property? If you’re able to allocate a dedicated area of your garden to this, then yes, it could be quite desirable. However, it may not be enough to increase the value of your home substantially. Check your local property listings or ask a property agent for their opinion about your neighborhood prices.

Summerhouse

If you have a good-sized garden, it can be very tempting to fill the space with extra living areas and structures. Always be wary of doing this. It’s best to consider the type of accommodation you live in. If it is a typical family home, then level lawns and clean paths are essential for children and pets to play. An executive home may need the same or additional patio space for entertaining.

Black Wooden Round Analog Wall Clock on Brown Wooden Wall

[Photo courtesy of Unsplash/pexels.com]

With that in mind, plan your summerhouse addition carefully. You will want it to be sizeable enough to be practical, but not overwhelm the rest of your garden or yard. Wooden structures that are well cared for are very attractive and highly desirable. This might push the asking price up for you.

Landscaping With Decking And Patio

If you design your garden with care, you can enjoy it for multiple purposes. Think about safe play areas for the kids and a doggy patch that’s out of the way. Perhaps you’re keen to grow your own healthy produce? Landscaping to create these areas means that you can ensure you have the right space and aspect for a great patio and deck. Create a desirable view with the planting of shrubs and flowers. A small flowering tree or fruit tree might also increase the value of your home when it matures.

chair, coconut, exotic

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

If you are showing your home to potential buyers, be sure to set out the patio furniture. This should include a high-quality dining set. Adding place settings to the table can help viewers gauge the size of the space and how many people they could cater for. Give the area a good sweep and power wash to be sure debris and grime are removed.

Garage With Auto Doors

Convenience is everything when people are house hunting. They want easy ways to live the lifestyle they aspire to have. Something as simple as upgrading your garage doors might push the value and desirability of your home all the way up. Remote controlled auto doors offer additional security too. Imagine being able to just drive in and out without having to get wet in the rain. Make sure there are adequate security lights providing illumination along the drive too.

Designer Fitted Kitchen

A high-end kitchen will always be desirable. If it looks contemporary and like new, any potential buyer will be relieved they don’t have to put all the work in. Installing a kitchen takes a long time and a lot of upheavals so most buyers would prefer to have it all done before they move in. Best of all, they’re often willing to pay a premium for it all to be in place and looking grand.

apartment, architecture, ceiling

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Look for minimalist fitted kitchens with all the appliances built in. If it’s all hidden away neatly, this can be far more attractive. Make sure there is space for a dining set here, even if it is only a breakfast table or bar. Choose your colors wisely to make sure they are neutral enough for most tastes but offer a good level of vibrancy and energy to be stylish.

Flooring and countertops are very important to potential buyers. Look for better quality materials like granite with a high gloss finish. The details can make all the difference. Soft-close cupboards and drawers, and a big, roomy fridge-freezer will appeal to most potential buyers and might make for a quick sale.

Jacuzzi Bath

Some people love the idea of jumping into a jacuzzi bathtub in their own homes. They imagine the bubbles caressing and soothing their muscles, while the skin enjoys a gentle cleansing. Those that own jacuzzi baths might be less inclined to have another one. They can be noisy, and difficult to clean. This one is a tricky one to gauge when it comes to being a valued investment for your home. If you have no personal use for one, it might be worth avoiding.

Sauna

Saunas are a very healthy way to take care of your body, mind, and skin. They can offer a great deal of relaxation as well as a handy, natural way to detox the skin. Saunas at home don’t need to be very big. You might have one in the corner of your home gym, or it might form part of your family bathroom. They are reasonably easy to maintain and can be used every day.

If you install a sauna in your home, this may attract buyers that are particularly health conscious. The installation cost can vary quite a lot. If you keep the sauna area clean and well-maintained, then it might offer a valued add-on for any potential buyer.

Luxury Bedroom Decor

Buying a new home is often more about buying the lifestyle you desire. Luxury finishes will always be desirable and can indeed demand a higher price for the property. If other homes in your neighborhood are finished to this kind of standard, then it makes sense for you to invest in the right style of decor to compete with them.

architecture, bed, bedroom

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Luxury decor should look like a luxury hotel suite. Imagine a well-dressed bed in a room with plush rugs or carpets, enormous headboards, and designer bedside cabinets. Your master bedroom should be the most attractive room in the house. This is the room where you spend most of your hours when you’re at home, especially if you work full time. It needs to be opulent, luxurious, and comfortable.

New Driveway

Don’t forget – the front view or curb appeal of your home is the very first thing anyone will see. It has to impress, and it has to welcome visitors toward your front door. A big part of this is the driveway. If it’s a little dated now, consider having it re-blocked, bricked, or paved. Some surfaces can look as fresh as new if they’re power washed.

Consider bordering the driveway with green planting. Lawn, shrubs, or even a hedge can look beautiful here. Keep all planting trimmed and tidy. Of course, you might prefer to use artificial plants to keep them low maintenance. Avoid gravel and loose surfaces as they can quickly become untidy and invite neighborhood cats and other animals.

Some luxury touches to your property might make it appear more attractive and become more desirable. This could, in turn, hasten a sale. To really add value, consider the add-ons that are most likely to appeal to the type of people that would want to live in your home. These are the ones that could help you reach that ceiling price.

[ Tagged In ] , , , , , , ,

5 Stunning Patio Styles To Inspire Your Outdoor Dining Space

When you’re looking to add an outdoor dining space to your garden, you can often feel completely overwhelmed with choice. Because there really are a lot of options to consider. Not only do you have to pick out the perfect furniture, but you also have the accessories, plants and even the patio style to think about too. To help you hone in on the right design for you, you might want to consider a few very different options. When you’re looking online, you can often be inundated with styles that all look and feel the same. But if you want something that feels completely your own, here are five to think about.

Small & Simple

If you only have a small outside space, you might want to keep your dining area as cute and compact as possible. And you totally can. You don’t have to go big and brash and ruin the rest of your garden. Instead, you can create a small patio area, even if it’s super narrow, add a chair or two, and a French style bistro dining set along with a few potted plants and you’ve got the perfect alfresco area to enjoy all summer long.

chair, coconut, exotic

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Classically Influenced

Regardless of the space you have, you might want to go for something classic. A traditional patio area can look completely charming in any backyard. Old cobbled stones make for incredible patio areas, and lots of vegetation can give off a rustic vibe. If you’ve always wanted to make your outside dining space feel like it was taken from your favorite vacation spot, with a classic look, you can.

Hamptons Style

If you want to go for a super chic summer look with your outside dining space, why not think about styling the area based on your favorite Hamptons beach house? Here, the look and feel of the patio should be very light, bright and airy. Blues, white, grays and neutrals are always good options to go with. With a minimal yet still stylish vibe, and the odd nautical element or two, your outside space will give you the relaxed air you’ve been hoping for.

Water Inspired

Sometimes, a tranquil eating space is exactly what you need. If you love to feel apart of nature, enjoy a glass of wine as the sunsets, or even read outside, you might like the idea of having a few water features around your patio. While the flooring choice itself may not matter, you’re going to want to make sure that you choose fountains or features that make you feel calm, relaxed and facilitate an easy evening.

A Space For Entertaining

Or maybe you want your patio area to be all about entertaining? When you love to have people over and let out your inner social butterfly, you’re definitely going to love outdoor entertaining. Your focus here should be on the flow of your furniture layout, having enough seating or relaxation areas, and of course – the food and drinks areas. A grilling area and bar could really make your dining space the talk of the town.

[ Tagged In ] , , , , , , , ,

Hotel-style Home Décor

If you have ever been fortunate enough to stay in a fine hotel or upscale resort then you know that hotel style home decor is different than what you have at home – the luxury pillows and bedding enhance the experience and you leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and invigorated. With some savvy shopping it is actually possible to experience many of the best hotel amenities at home in your bedroom and bathroom for less than even the cost of one night in a luxury hotel.

Start with bedding – look for fine quality Egyptian cotton sheets with a high thread count and invest in the very best set you can afford. When you think about it you spend almost a third of your life in bed and the sheets are in direct contact with your skin; this is not the place to cut corners. If you spend money on nothing else than top-quality sheets you will still have invested wisely and will enjoy a more restful and comfortable night’s sleep.

Black and Grey Bedspread on Bed and Pillow

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

A mattress pad can help to improve the sleep surface, especially if your mattress has some age to it. There are mattress pads designed to address a variety of issues so if you seek a less firm or more firm sleeping surface you can achieve it. Look for memory foam mattress pads along with mattress pads and toppers designed to reduce motion transfer and relieve pressure points. Much like sheets, mattress pads are available in a variety of sizes ranging from twin and twin extra-long to queen, king and California king.

Pile on the pillows – hotels use lots of pillows to make the bed the focal point of the room plus they are comfortable to lean against while relaxing, reading or watching televise while in bed.

[ Tagged In ] , , , , , , , , , , ,

Beat The Heat And Win Back Your Home

It’s definitely getting hotter and it’s becoming harder to spend your time indoors. However, we can’t ignore the nightmare that is the muggy, musty house forever. What we can do, however, is beat it. Here’s how you prepare your home for the worst that summer has to bring and make it into that cool retreat from the heat that we all need. Just a few habits and additions can make the home a much more pleasant place to survive the heat.

Fan, Keys, Mirror, House, Indoors

[Photo courtesy of StockSnap/pixabay.com]

We spring clean for a reason

If there’s anything that’s worse than a home that’s too hot, it’s a home that’s hot, humid, and dusty. Dust isn’t just unpleasant and an allergen. It also makes it a lot harder to control the airflow of the home. It builds in vents and air conditioning units, make them less effective and efficient, driving up the costs. Go for a thorough spring clean of the home and try to stay on top of dust as much as possible. It’s a lot easier to both control dust and to circulate air by decluttering the home, as well. If there’s any furniture you can spare for the moment, move it into storage so you have more spacious, airy rooms that are easy to clean and cool.

Keep the outdoors to the outdoors

Your first thought when summer rolls around might be to let the sunlight in and throw the windows open. However, if you’re cooling the interior, that’s only going to invite hot air in. Solar heating also plays a massive role in increasing the temperature of the room. Use fans as a more energy efficient method of circulation in the room you’re using and close that window, using sun blockers to keep the heat out without completely darkening the room. Don’t neglect the heat that builds in the attic that can get upwards of 150 degrees in the evening. Seal it up by using isotherm insulation and making sure that you don’t have any leaks by way of cracked or missing roof tiles. In the evening, if it’s cooler outside, then you crack open the window and use a window fan to cool the house down.

Remember, energy equals heat

If there’s any reason to get more energy efficient, it’s to make the home a lot more comfortable. Every appliance you keep on when you’re not using it is just adding more unnecessary heat. This effect is in full force in the kitchen most of all. Extractors are well and good, but there are other ways to use less energy when cooking and thus create less heat. For one, you can cook outside. But you can also use a microwave or toaster oven instead of a full-sized oven or use the refrigerator to defrost frozen goods instead of the microwave.

Remember, working to make the home easier to cool isn’t just going to make summer a lot more bearable. It’s going to help you drive down the costs of controlling the environment of your home. Save your money alongside your sanity by following the tips above.

[ Tagged In ] , , , , , ,

Are You Making The Most Of Your Yard?

Now that the summer is pretty much here, we all want to be able to enjoy more time outside. With warmer weather and lighter nights, it always just seems a shame to stay indoors. But, sometimes, you can feel as if your yard just isn’t cutting it. Whether you live out in the country and have a lot of space to play with, or you’ve got just a small backyard, it’s time to start making the most out of the garden you’ve got. And if you’re not exactly sure where to start, here are a few ideas to think over.

backyard, bench, daylight

[Photo courtesy of Pixabay/pexels.com]

Create A Dining Space

The first thing you should think about doing will not only be a benefit to you but the whole family. Everyone loves to be able to enjoy their breakfast, lunch, or dinner outdoors when the weather is nice. But to do that, you need a suitable dining space. So make sure you look for the right outdoor dining set and even a grill. Backyard barbecue spaces can be super fun to create, and in the summer, you will always get a lot of use out of them.

Enjoy Gorgeous Flowers

When you have a garden, it can be a shame not to see it flourish. You don’t have to be the most green fingered person to make it happen either. Whether you pick out some pretty flowers at the garden center and plant a few in pots by your door, or fill your entire garden with beautiful blooms, having flowers in your yard can give it a new lease of life. As well as creating a relaxing atmosphere and attracting nature, you can also clip them to bring indoors and put in vases.

blur, blurred, eco

[Photo courtesy of skitterphoto/pexels.com]

Keep Animals

If you have a lot of space, particularly if you live in the countryside, you might want to think about keeping animals. A coat can be great to keep your grass short, and then there’s always the option to keep chickens and enjoy fresh eggs in the morning. Even if it seems like a lot of work, you can do your research online so that things like chicken incubators are explained to you to make it easier. It will also take your love of growing vegetables to the next level.

Build A Sanctuary

Then, as a little treat for yourself, you might want to think about creating a little sanctuary. Whether that’s a garden house where you can escape for an hour or two of peace, a lovely seating area in the sun, or even a hot tub to soak your evenings away in, your yard can often give you a lot of potential to work with.

Make It Fun

With the adults covered, you might want to think about adding in something for your kids too. There are lots of outdoor play areas that you could consider building or putting in yourself. You just need to work of what space you have first. Then, your kids can also be kept entertained when everyone is enjoying some time outside.

[ Tagged In ] , , , , , , ,