Being an Indoor Plant Parent: A Basic Guide to First-Time House Plant Owners
There are two types of people in this world: those who are natural green thumbs, and those who aren’t. For one thing, taking care of a plant is pretty much like taking care of a precious child. To keep your baby healthy and strong, you need to give the right nutrition, care, and love. The same goes for the plants in your home. You can create your own backyard garden or house your plants in a greenhouse. If you are considering the latter, you can plan for a home addition design for your plants. You can build one by yourself, or hire a home additions builder to help you with your gardening project. How about having indoor plants? A lot of people would love to have their own backyard gardens where they can plant fruits, vegetables, or even lovely flowers. However, not everyone has a backyard, to begin with. These are mostly those who are living in condos and apartments. But for gardening enthusiasts, there is good news! You can consider having indoor plants instead. If you are planning for a condo remodeling soon, you might want to include indoor plants in your renovation plan. Like outdoor plants, indoor plants also need proper care so it will stay alive. Indoor plants aren’t simple home decors unless they are made of plastic. Actually, indoor plants need special kinds of care as compared to the usual outdoor plants. Indoor plants are also prone to wilting and browning if not given enough sunshine and water. What to consider before buying indoor plants There are a lot of indoor plants you can choose from. This includes succulents, ferns, and cactuses among a few. You can add indoor plants if you are planning on building a home addition project. The thing is that taking care of indoor plants is not as easy as it seems. You should also consider the following before buying indoor plants for your home. What type of indoor plant should you buy? First of all, you need to think about what kind of indoor plant will suit your home. Experts say that it is better to buy indoor plants, preferably from a family-owned garden nursery, especially if it’s your first time. On the other hand, a large home and gardening stores are also great places to buy indoor plants for your home remodeling addition project. However, most of these gardening tools are mostly not beginner-friendly. So, if you are a first-timer, you can opt to go to a local plant nursery instead. Where will you put the indoor plant? Make sure to choose a plant that is suitable for an indoor environment. Some plants need to be put in a spot with ample sunlight. Others have to be watered religiously according to schedule. If you want to try taking care of an indoor plant, you can start with a cactus or succulent. If you like being hands-on to your plants, you can try buying ferns or orchids instead. How will I know if the indoor plant is in trouble? Here are some signs that your indoor plant needs urgent help. Rotted […]
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Home Improvement Projects You Should Avoid While COVID-19 is Still Here
It has been a while since COVID-19 flipped our lives upside down. The world did not expect the devastating impact of the virus on mankind in general. It also created a huge impact on the global economy and overwhelmed the healthcare sector. This pandemic also claimed hundreds of thousands of lives around the world, so far. People are reminded to stay at home as much as possible. Avoid outdoor activities or going outside for long periods of time. You may also have to skip hiring a home additions builder or any other home addition companies near you due to physical distancing. Being productive at home On the other hand, being on quarantine has pushed a lot of people to be productive. To make the most of their idle time and do something worthwhile. It may not be the right time to hire home remodeling architects right now because of social distancing. But this doesn’t mean you cannot improve your home while on quarantine. For one thing, there are a lot of things you can do while at home. Bond with your family, learn new recipes or revisit your past favorite songs online. This quarantine period is also the time to accomplish home improvement projects at home. Home improvement does not have to be expensive and need not hire a home addition builder. Then again, it will be a good help to avail of affordable home additions for your home improvement projects. But in the meantime, it might be better to be productive and practical during these uncertain times. DIY home improvement projects you should NOT do When you are cooped up inside your home for a long time, you tend to notice the small things more. Some can be as simple as reorganizing your clothes cabinet. Or it can be as tedious as building a home addition in your property. However, there are some home improvement projects that you should shelf for now. You should already know why. It can also be hard to find someone now in case you need one to help you finish the job. So, what are these specific home improvement projects that you should not do while there’s still COVID-19? Noisy home improvement projects Being mostly at home means your neighbors are more likely to be in the same situation. This also means having to tolerate each other’s noise every day. Or not at all. In such cases, you should be mindful of the right timing when doing noisy chores like mowing the lawn or using the power washer. Perhaps you can do these after 5 PM or during weekends when really needed. Home improvement projects that require a team We are often advised to do physical distancing that is why we are at home right now. But what is the sense of physical distancing if you let a team of strangers come into your house? Avoid home improvement projects that would require a lot of people to go to your home. Home improvement projects that use a ladder It may be a good time to clean your gutter. However, you should avoid this in […]
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Starting a DIY Furniture Making Project: What You Need to Know
It can be boring at home due to the ongoing lockdown, quarantine, or whatever it is called in your place. But instead of bumming all day, you can use this time to be productive at home. Some may already be productive since they are working remotely. Otherwise, you can improve your home little by little during this time. Hiring a home additions builder may not be the best decision for now. However, you can plan for a home remodeling addition or condo remodeling (if you live in a condo unit). A home addition can be a simple tile replacement or a major one like building a living extension in your home. DIY furniture, anyone? It’s nice to imagine living in your dream home. With your own backyard pool, a landscaped garden, and majestic walk-in closet. You’ll feel like a celebrity having these amenities. There are home addition companies that can help transform your house into your dream home. Then again, it may not be the right time to hire home remodeling architects while there’s a lockdown/quarantine ongoing. For now, you can focus on other things that you can improve at home. Say, change your current bed and pillow sheets or add a carpet to your bedroom. Or why not make your own furniture? Making your own furniture may seem intimidating. However, you don’t have to be a professional carpenter or craftsman to make your own furniture. More so, it’s not complicated to maintain your home and keep it in style. DIY furniture ideas Want to make your own furniture? It can actually be not that as hard as you think. You can use your old furniture and recreate it into a creative and useful one. You can use an old bench and turn it into an extra space to place your home décor. You can just repaint it if there is no damage to the bench. It won’t spend a lot of your time refurbishing the old bench, table, or chair. Not only is it a resourceful way to reuse old furniture but can look good in your home, too. Why not add an indoor swing? You and your kids will surely love this DIY swing right in the comfort of your own home. You can make a hanging chair made from canvas, leather, or any other durable fabric available. With some knots, drills, and couple of stitches, you can create your DIY indoor swing. Make sure there are no vases and other fragile items nearby or else it might be knocked down accidentally. If you have an old drawer, you can revamp it into a kitchen island. You can repaint, repair, and modify some parts if you want. For example, you can add a slab of wood on top so it can be a countertop as well. Plus, this DIY kitchen island can be your extra storage space and a kitchen attraction, too. Old road signs can be converted into stylish stool seatings at home. Secure the metal signs on wooden stools, bend it if necessary, and you will now have eye-catching trendy seats at home. Tips in crafting […]
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Tips on Getting Your Home Ready This Summer
As of now, we have to stay at home and keep ourselves protected from the ongoing virus. Getting stuck at home can be boring later on. However, this is actually the time to be productive and plan for a major spring cleaning session. It is also a good time to plan for a home remodeling addition. However, you might have to wait for a while until the impact of COVID-19 already subsides. Once everything goes back to normal, you can contact a home additions builder for your home addition design project. Getting started Summer is already here. Supposedly, this is the time where there are a lot of beachgoers. This is also the time where travelers will be flying in a foreign country for some much-deserved vacation. However, now is not the right time to go traveling elsewhere. In the meantime, we have to stay at home to avoid the spread of the virus. It can be boring at home, much more a nightmare, especially for social butterflies. Then again, it doesn’t mean you cannot be productive while you’re stuck at home. Winter season is done, and so this is the time to prepare your home for summer. A home addition builder can help you with your home improvement needs. But for now, you can start from small steps without breaking your budget. Simple ways to prepare your home for summer Here are some ways you can do to prepare your house this coming summer season. These simple tips will help you save money and time in the long run. Have your air-conditioning unit checked. The last thing you would want to happen is your air-conditioning unit breaking down in the middle of the summer heat. That is why it is best to have your air-conditioning unit serviced as early as spring. You should check the following in your air conditioning unit: Filter – make sure it is not clogged and dirty. Change heating and air filters once every two to four months. Cooling capacity – check its fuses or circuit breakers if it doesn’t start or cool for more than a minute. Repair or buy a new one – if it is an older model like a 10-year old type of AC, you might want to buy a new one instead of repairing it. There are energy-efficient AC units that you can consider. Window-type or split-type? It depends on the space you have at home. Check your home exteriors and roof. It is also a must to check your roofing and home exteriors. Check for cracks or missing shingles. Check the caulk around the pipes for any cracks. Consider painting your roof white due to its energy-saving benefits. If you have a masonry chimney, check whether there are vegetation growing or fallen brick pieces. Check your attic. Make sure to wear long sleeves and dust mask to protect from insulation. Your attic may already have critters who made the attic their home during the cold winter. In such cases, you should clean out animal droppings that have accumulated there. Find the hole where these critters have supposedly entered through […]
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Flat Roofing System: Is this the Best Choice?
A house or any kind of building is not complete without a roof. It protects the structure against rain, snow, and the sun’s heat. Without a roof, people and furniture inside the structure will be exposed to harsh outdoor elements. However, you need to know the different types of roof options that will suit your roofing needs. Aside from roofs, you might also consider planning for a home addition. For your home addition needs, you should contact a home additions builder. You would need a home addition design depending on your home improvement needs. Some would choose to convert their garage, basement, or attic into an additional living space. All about flat roofs Most of us are familiar with the sloped roofs commonly found in many homes around the world. However, there are also those so-called “flat roofs”. For one thing, flat roofs are not entirely flat. Rather, flat roofs have only slight tilts primarily to drain rainwater although not as effectively as sloped roofs. There are also different types of flat roofs. Each type of roof system varies according to price and warranty. Some can even last for more than 25 years as long as it is installed properly and well-maintained. EPDM Ethylene propylene diene monomer, also known as a rubber membrane, is specially designed to tolerate sun exposure. It can be glued, fastened, or added with stone during installing as a flat roof material. On the one hand, it is light, easy to install, easy to repair in case of leaks, and tear-resistant. However, this flat roofing material can be more prone to punctures and tend to absorb heat more. It can also be expensive especially the light-colored variant. Built-up Roofing (BUR) This one is another common type of flat roof. It is composed of several layers including the insulation board, asphalt or tar, and gravel. BUR provides protection against water and outside elements. It is also low-maintenance, low-cost, and easy to remove during repairs. On the downside, installing BUR can be labor-intensive as it has several materials and layers. You might also have to remove the entire roof if you have to look for any leakages. BUR may also not be as flexible in cold weather, hence prone to damages. Modified Bitumen It was developed around the early 1960s as an alternative to Built-up roofing. It is made to be flexible with a top coating containing minerals. It comes in rolled sheet forms and installed by heating the roofing’s backside while unrolling it. Generally, it is easier to install than BUR, durable, recyclable, and low-maintenance. On the downside, modified bitumen should be installed by skilled personnel as it requires an open flame during installation. It might not also be as aesthetically appealing as BUR. Flat roof systems: Pros and cons If you are planning for a condo remodeling or any home addition project, make sure to hire professional home remodeling architects. In some home addition projects, you will need to choose a roofing system. One of the most popular roofing options is a flat roof system. However, a flat roof system has its own pros and cons. […]
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What You Need to Know in Choosing a Roof System
Any structure, including residential homes and commercial buildings, would not complete without a roofing system. Not only it adds aesthetic value to the structure but it also provides protection against outdoor elements such as snow, rain, and sun. Looking for a roofing material may not be as exciting as choosing a home décor or furniture. However, it is important to understand why you need to know different roofing materials. If you are planning for a home remodeling addition, you should also consider the right type of roofing that will suit your home’s needs. For one thing, building a home addition is an important decision for every homeowner. It will make a lot of difference in your domestic living. Still, it will depend on the type of home improvement you are aiming for. Different types of roofing materials When it comes to home improvement, a lot of people tend to focus on choosing nice tiles, paint colors, and home décor. However, it is also important to choose the right roofing system for your home extension. For starters, there are different types of roofing materials you can choose from. It will depend on your budget, personal preference, and your home’s structure. A home addition builder and home remodeling architects can also help recommend a nice roof for your home addition. More than aesthetic appeal, it should last you many years and provide protection to you and your family in your home. Some popular roofing materials include the following. Slate This type of roof is made from stone which makes it durable, fire-proof, eco-friendly, and weather-resistant. It is also available in different shades that can suit your house exteriors. Plus, it can add a nice aesthetic appeal to your home. However, this should be installed by professionals. It is also expensive and requires reinforcement to support the slate’s weight. These can also be expensive as well. Clay/concrete Like slate, clay or concrete roofs are also durable, eco-friendly, and weather and fire-resistant. It also comes in different styles. However, it also has to be installed by professionals and should have underlying support to handle the weight of the roofing material. Metal It includes different materials such as aluminum, copper, and steel. Some come as sheeting and tiles. It is also durable, fireproof, and effective in shedding ice and snow. Make sure it has some kind of protection against corrosion as most metal roofs can be prone to rust. Wood Such wooden roofs are made from pine, redwood, cypress, and cedar. These are also visually appealing and ideal for those who are looking for sustainable materials. However, the main issue is it is fireproof and prone to decaying and rotting over time. What to consider in choosing a roofing system By now, you already have an idea of the different roof options to choose from. It will depend on several factors such as the following. Terminologies Before choosing a roofing material, you should be familiar with the roofing terminologies home addition companies use. For example, architects builders use “squares” in measuring the roofing area. Material The roofing material you choose depends on your budget, home […]
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Planning a Bathroom Makeover? Here are Some Upcoming Bathroom Trends This 2020
We are almost at the end of the first quarter and about to usher in the second quarter of the year. What have you accomplished in terms of home improvement, so far? It’s not too late to start renovating your home, one day at a time. Maybe you can start as simple as changing your bedroom carpet or rearranging your living room furniture. Or perhaps consider planning for a home addition design. In such a case, you should hire a professional home addition builder. There are a lot of additions or renovations you can do for your home. For example, you can plan a living room extension or bedroom addition. Or perhaps upgrade your bathroom in time for 2020! Bathroom trends this 2020 Just when you think your bathroom seems fine, you can be wrong. You can do more for your bathroom but you might be too busy focusing on other parts of your home. That is why it might be high time for a bathroom makeover. Before that, you need to look for experienced home remodeling architects to help you with your home improvement project. Before that, you need to know the latest bathroom trends for the year 2020. Perhaps this is the right time to have a bathroom makeover. Out with the old and in with the new! You will definitely love these following bathroom renovation ideas you can try soon. Bath fixtures with brass or gold finishes Brass and gold are back especially for bathroom fixtures this year. From toilets, sinks, showers, and other bathroom fixtures, you can enjoy a classic and luxurious bathing experience every time. Industrial-themed bathrooms Not everyone may find this bathroom design appealing. However, this bathroom design is definitely back in style for this year. It’s tough and edgy, yet modern and classy appeal will be the norm in many households. If you are aiming for an urban and modern-looking home, you should consider this bathroom design on your next home improvement project. Woody accents The cool grey theme is out, and warm woody accents and tones are becoming popular once again! Various wood shades can match different bathroom themes – they’re basically versatile. This is also one home addition design you would want to consider. Open showers and huge bathtubs Open showers are still in this year, as well as huge luxurious bathtubs. Add ambient lighting, asymmetrical mirrors, and “floating” vanity cabinets and you will have a bathroom that you can be proud to let your guests use. Get that wallpaper back Just when you think wallpapers are only for bedrooms, you are wrong. Wallpapers with bold and intricate patterns will surely make your bathroom look more interesting. To avoid peeling and moisture issues, you can install wallpaper in the powder area. Bathroom trends you should not look back… for now For your home improvement needs, you should call reliable home addition companies. On the other hand, you might want to avoid these following bathroom designs for now. Anything pink – rose gold or anything with pink hues, stay away for now. Tiles with hexagonal shapes – you can opt for simple-looking […]
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Home Remodeling Essential for Your Senior Years
One study revealed that more around 76 percent of individuals age 65 and above own the house they are living in. Out of the respondents, about 88 percent of them are planning to have a home renovation after a few years. This study only shows that elderly people are also interested in real estate property ownership and home improvement. For one thing, comfortable home is important for elderly people. This means considering their mobility and ensuring their safety when they are in their own homes. A home remodeling addition may be necessary to accommodate the elderly person’s domestic needs. In building a home addition, one must hire a professional home addition builder to ensure quality and satisfying finish. But it doesn’t mean you have to delay planning for a home addition design just because you are not yet 60 and above. In fact, now is the best time to plan for a home renovation while you are still able. We all need to prepare for our retirement, and that includes making our home a senior-friendly one when that time comes. Planning a senior-friendly home renovation As mentioned, now is the right time to plan an elderly-friendly home. On the contrary, it is not a good idea to delay a home renovation or addition project when you are already old and unable to do tasks like before. Also, you can have more time to pay attention to details if you plan a home addition or renovation while you are still at the peak of your health. Planning for an elderly-friendly home remodeling or renovation may seem overwhelming. However, home remodeling architects assure everyone that it doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s mostly just replacing or adding certain items to ensure the elderly person’s convenience and safety. Nonetheless, it is important to prepare for a home renovation or addition especially in terms of budget. It depends on what type of remodeling you want, but it is better to be financially prepared nonetheless. You should not wait until you reach retirement to hire a home addition builder because you might be qualified for a loan if you are going to rely on your monthly pension. Elderly-friendly home renovations Here are some of the most popular home renovations that can help home living easier, more convenient, and safer especially for the elderly. Elevator/chair lift This is important especially if your house has a second or third floor. There are chair lifts that can be attached to the stairs, and costs at least $3,000, excluding installation fees. Kitchen/bathroom countertops and cabinets It is also a good idea to adjust the countertop lower than regular countertops. This is to make kitchen tasks easier for the elderlies. Make sure there is also enough space in the kitchen and bathroom to walk and navigate around. Flooring Elderly people are prone to accidents that is why safety is crucial. In the case of flooring, it is safer to use linoleum, vinyl, cork, or bamboo. Such floor options may cost at least $3 per square foot depending on the type of flooring. Grab bars This is important in bathrooms to […]
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My House’s Walls Need Some Repainting. Now What?
Every home needs a refreshing change from time to time. It can be boring to stare at the same wall color every day for many years. Your child has already grown into a teenager and may already be bugging you to revamp his/her room for the longest time. There are many options you can do to improve your home depending on your budget. On one hand, you can plan for a home addition design as part of your major home improvement project. There are affordable home additions that you can consider if budget is your concern. Building a home addition can either be creating an entirely new living space within your property. Or using your existing space at home in building a new room for your family. Revamp your home with paint If you are in the mood to revamping your home without having to tear down walls and buying building materials, you may want to consider repainting instead. It is cheaper and easy to do. However, there are some things to consider before proceeding with the home improvement project. Nonetheless, painting is a cheap, practical, and quick alternative to improving your home. As mentioned, it can be boring staring at the same wall and ceiling color for so many years. At some point, you should update your home in any way you can. One way to do so is by applying a fresh coat of paint on every wall of your home. What to consider in choosing wall paint In case you don’t know, there are different types of paint that you can choose from. Each paint type has its pros and cons so make sure to choose the right type according to your painting needs. Whether you are planning for a home remodeling addition or simply update your wall color, you should know what kind of paint to choose. Water-based One popular type of paint is water-based. In fact, a lot of builders and homeowners choose water-based paint mostly due to its easy use. Water-based paints do not need pre-treatment; meaning, you can go ahead and paint your walls immediately. It also doesn’t promote mildew growth, has low VOC levels, dries quickly, resists cracking, doesn’t easily fade, and can be applied on different surfaces. It is also easier to clean up. Oil-based This is another type of paint being used by builders and homeowners. Like water-based paints, it can also be used on different surfaces. It has a nice glossy and durable finish. It is also the better type of paint to use in high-moisture areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. However, oil paint may emit overwhelming fumes that can be potentially risky to health. It also requires solvents to wash away oil-based paint on the walls or the brush used to paint it. Matte This is a popular paint method that provides a classic appeal to any room. It has no sheen and instead provides a feeling of a velvety surface. It can also help hide any imperfections in ceilings and walls and makes you appreciate the wall color more. Gloss/semi-gloss This type of paint finishing […]
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Getting Ready for a Home Renovation This Coming Holiday Season
A lot of homeowners prefer doing their home improvement projects during the summer season. For one, the fair-weather enables homeowners to accomplish the home improvement without delays due to the weather. Also, it is a great time to build a home addition design whether inside or outside of the house. But did you know that the winter season is also a good time to hire a home additions builder for home addition or renovation project? However, it depends on the type of renovation you are planning and the availability of the contractors. There are many other reasons why it is a good idea to plan for a home addition design project this coming winter season. Why plan for a winter home renovation? As mentioned, there are various benefits of planning for a home renovation. Here are some of these said perks. Less competition Winter is more likely to be an off-season time for renovations. So if you hire a home contractor at this time, there is a chance that you will be accommodated because they have fewer clients at that time. Possibility of discounts Since it’s off-season, you might also avail some discounts for home renovation projects. While some contractors may not offer discounts, home improvement stores may do offer instead. Thus, it is a good idea to purchase materials you will need for your home addition project. Good timing Renovations during the holiday season won’t affect your domestic life. For one thing, a lot of homeowners would be traveling out of town. Hence, it would be fine to do renovations at this time since your home can be easily vacated during a renovation project. Home renovation and addition ideas in time for the winter season First of all, you need to determine what kind of renovation or home addition you really need. Do the kitchen or bathroom tiles need some updating already? Do you have an unused shed or garage area that you want to convert as an additional room? The next step is to set a budget for your home improvement project. Doing a home improvement project can be possible regardless of the season. However, it depends on the type of renovation you want. That said, interior home renovation can be done during the winter season. You can plan for affordable home additions if you want to, say, convert your old, dusty attic or basement area into a liveable space. Other home renovations you can do during the winter season include the following. Change your old light fixtures with brighter ones that will make your rooms even brighter and illuminated Consider replacing your carpeting at home, or hire a professional carpet cleaner to get rid of allergy-causing dirt and debris stuck within its fibers Pay attention to your laundry area, too. Make sure to keep your laundry area more organized by adding a storage area or hooks. Replace leaky pipes or defective cabinets and cupboards in your kitchen or bathroom areas, as well as old appliances with energy-efficient ones. The truth about home remodeling The 2019 Remodeling Impact Report revealed that around 35 percent of homeowners in the […]
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