Our homes are definitely our castles. Somewhere to spend time with family and relax so we’re ready to face the world, whatever it throws at us. A home that you feel happy and comfortable in is so important. Are you making the most out of yours? Is the space being used to it’s maximum potential, and does it make you feel happy and inspired? If not, it’s time to fix that.

One option could be a complete refit from a company such as MillionDollarMakeovers.net.au. Alternatively you could pick and choose areas of your home which you want to upgrade. This will make the space functional and beautiful, and will allow you to fully enjoy your home. Here are some of the ways you can make the most of your property.

[Photo courtesy of Mike Birdy/pexels.com]

Add Extra Space

This could be in the form of an extension, a conservatory, a garden room or a loft conversion. If you need more usable space this could be the ideal choice. It could be for a home office, a guest bedroom or studio. Why not make the most of the space on your property and turn it into an additional usable and functional room.

Tackle Repairs

This could be niggly things like a wobbly toilet seat or a leaking tap, or be a case of finishing up half-done projects. Make sure everything works well and looks finished. This will make your home functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it enjoyable to spend time in.

Make The Layout Work For You

If you love hosting dinner parties for friends and family but constantly find yourself running to and from the kitchen all evening, then your current layout isn’t working for you. Consider transforming the space into an open plan area, or changing the doorway to a large arch. The same applies to things like bathrooms. If you have to traipse down long hallways or even up/down stairs to the bathroom during the night, you could consider having an en-suite fitted. Don’t adapt your lifestyle to fit your home. Instead, make your home fit the way you live.

Make it Cozy and Comfortable

Beds, living room furniture, and even garden furniture should all be chosen with the utmost comfort in mind. Having comfortable areas to relax gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy your home. Choose good quality mattresses for beds, and sofas with large, deep seats that you can sit back and lounge on. In the garden, instead of flimsy plastic chairs how about a garden three piece suite or a comfortable swing seat? Since your home is the place to relax, the right furniture will enable you to do this.

Make it Reflect You

Bring in your taste and personality to make it into a space that you really enjoy spending time in. Choose colors that you love, if you’re unsure you could go with neutral decor and bring in color with accessories. Hang artwork that you find beautiful on the walls to inspire you. Find places to display the things you love. Grouping smaller items onto trays is a good way to prevent the space becoming cluttered.

Your home should offer you the highest standard of living. It should make life as easy for you as possible and should be somewhere that you look forward to returning to all day long. If your home is pretty basic in terms of appliances, the chances are, you’re not as in love with it as you could be. You might not realize it, but there are some gadgets and gizmos that every home needs. To give you a better idea of the things your home is lacking below is a guide to all the essential gadgets and gizmos every house needs.

Digital doorbell and wireless security alarm

Let’s start with the entrance to your home. Our homes are our sanctuaries, our private retreats from the world. When they’re breached by an intruder, it can leave lifelong emotional scars. The home that you once loved can become a place of terror and fear, leading to you having to sell up and move somewhere new. The impact of your home being broken in can last a lifetime, so it’s more than worth investing in top notch security.

Photo from Flickr

One of the best security gadgets is a digital doorbell. This is because when it’s pressed, it calls your smartphone and works like a camera. This allows you to see who’s outside your home. You can then talk to them to see who they are and what they want, before deciding to let them in. Or, if you’re out and about, it’s a great tool for seeing who’s hanging around your home. As for a wireless alarm system, these are fantastic because they’re much harder to disable than traditional, ones. And, can even be linked to your smartphone, alerting you when the alarm has been set off. So that you can choose what steps to take, such as calling the police, for instance.

Instant hot water dispenser & water filtration system

Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to wait for the kettle to boil? Well, now you don’t have to, as you can opt to install an instant hot water dispenser. This heats water up in just over 30 seconds, so that by the time you’ve put your teabag in the cup and got the milk out, the water is ready to pour. What could be easier? As well as this option, there are also iKettles that you connect to your smartphone and can boil by using a simple app. These are also a fantastic tool to have in your kitchen. It’s just a case of choosing which you’d prefer.

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As well as being able to boil water quickly, it’s also important that the water you’re drinking tastes as good as possible. That’s why a water filtering system, like those sold on theberkey.com, is also a must-have gadget. There are lots of makes and models to choose from; it’s just a case of selecting one that is right for your home. Look at your options and pick a system that fits into your kitchen well and isn’t too large for the space.

Intelligent thermostat

Have you ever wished that your home knew when you needed it to be warm and when you needed it to be cooler? Well, now it can do, that is if you invest in an intelligent thermostat. These thermostat learns when you need your home to be warm, such as early in the morning and late at night, and when you want it to be cooler. They’re incredibly effective at keeping your home at just the right temperature. Of course, should it not work exactly as you want it to, you can always control it from a handy app on your smartphone. To learn more about how this would work, check out lifehacker.com.

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There are lots of other gadgets and gizmos that you could add to your home to improve it, but these are some of the best ones.

Most of us enjoy DIY projects as part of our leisure time. They provide us with interesting things to do that can be very fulfilling. A few of us enjoy creating DIY projects to enhance the comfort or decor in our homes. But did you know that your DIY skills could be put to use to actively increase the value of your home? One area that could become a hugely desirable part of your home is the backyard. So what can you do to your home exterior that would see your property snapped up if you put it up for sale?

Family homes often have gardens or yards that can be utilised for many different things. You might cook and eat there. Perhaps you enjoy sitting in the garden to relax or read a book. You may have pets that make use of the outside areas, or kids that love to play. It could be a good idea to put your DIY skills to use. You could make a play area, a doggy yard, or even a private reading nook.

[Photo courtesy of Barry Peters/flickr.com]

Your local garden centre could be a good place to start when you’re looking for inspiration. There is likely to be plenty of planting options that could help you make the important landscaping decisions. It’s always best to sketch out your ideas to help you visualise the areas you wish to create. Good DIY stores will provide the materials you need to build decking, patios, play surfaces or gazebos.

A pool is a great addition to the home. It can add a lot of value, particularly in hotter climates. There are many advantages of concrete pools over fibreglass pools that could offer you opportunities to make the space your own. Once it is dug out, you can create any shape or size you like. Concrete is used to ensure the longevity of your pool. Then tiling, like a mosaic, can be used to decorate the whole area. It’s certainly a big project, but one that could be worth doing.

[Photo courtesy of anthony kelly/flickr.com]

Building a pergola, gazebo or arbour will require a heavy duty saw. A motorised one is best if you’re concerned about the physical stress. Alternatively, carefully measure what you need from your design, and get the DIY store to cut each piece. A power drill and screwdriver can connect the pieces. You will also need to stain the wood to protect it once the project is complete. Ideally, the floor posts will be concreted in. However, it’s possible to bolt the structure to the walls of your house or garden.

If you like the idea of a rugged-style backyard, why not build your own brick barbeque or fire pit? These can look amazing, and they’re very practical too. If you prefer, you could use the style to disguise a gas grill. Create an outdoor cooking and dining area with some inspired paving ideas. You’ll need to fence or wall in the area. You can also secure a light roof. These can be big projects to take on, but they can add to the function, comfort and value of your home.

Have an unused room in your home? Rather than stuffing it with junk and boxes, how about turning it into usable space? Creating a guest bedroom means that friends and family can stay over (without having to sleep on the sofa!) You can go as simple or fancy with it as you like, but either way there are a few essentials that will make it as comfortable as possible. Check out these five tips for creating a guest bedroom that people won’t want to leave.

A Comfortable bed

Forget about the wonky old camp bed or blow up mattress you have hanging out in your attic, just as you would choose a comfortable bed for yourself you should choose one for your guests too. A memory foam mattress will suit most people, they offer the most support and also alleviate allergies so are a good choice for guest rooms. A DIY headboard makes a good project that you can probably complete in just one afternoon. Finish off the bed with clean and cosy sheets, a good quality duvet and plush pillows.

Storage Space

Guests will need somewhere to unpack their things and hang up their clothes, and so sufficient storage space is a must. But why buy ready made furniture when you can build your own or hire a handy man for those pesky jobs? Custom built furniture will be a perfect fit for the space you have, which is particularly useful when guest bedrooms tend to be on the smaller side in the majority of homes. Plus you can put your carpentry skills to the test, most simple pieces of furniture don’t require too many tools so aside from the wood you probably already own everything you need. There are loads of ideas for projects online so have a scour through and decide what will work in your space.

A Tray of Essentials

[Photo courtesy of Taryn Elliott/pexels.com]

Leaving out a tray of essentials can make all the difference in making your guest’s stay as pleasant as possible, plus it shows you’ve really thought about them. A bottle of water, some snacks and some toiletries are a good start. You could even consider a universal phone charger and a couple of books as well. Don’t forget to leave them the code to the wifi! You could make the tray yourself or even upcycle an old one; lining it with decorative paper and adding a perspex sheet over the top is a quick way to tie it in with the rest of the decor in the room.

Blackout Blinds

Blackout blinds are an obvious choice, your guests aren’t going to get much sleep with car headlights and lampposts shining through the window at night. You can create blackout blinds yourself with some thermal blackout fabric, a sewing machine and a blind kit. Slatted vertical blackout blinds are another good option, as then your guests are able to adjust them to their own personal preference. Adding some curtains over the top will really finish off the window area.

A Neutral Colour Scheme

[Photo courtesy of Max Vakhtbovych/pexels.com]

Regardless of your personal tastes, keeping a guest room neutral will mean it appeals to everyone. Light, neutral shades will keep the room looking bright and airy, and make it appear larger. You could add a few colourful touches with homemade cushions and throws- but try not to go overboard and overwhelm the space with your own personal treasures.

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!

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.

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!