Over your lifetime, you can put an awful lot of money into your home. And that’s before you consider how much you spend moving into it. Every time you move house, whether you rent or buy, the cost of moving can take a big chunk out of your savings. But you can save money when you move, by going about it the right way. Don’t just go through the motions, accepting how much everything costs without question. Instead, you can seek out the best prices and the best methods of moving to keep your spending down. Try using these top tips to save money next time you move home.

Save on Packaging

You never realize just how much money you can spend on boxes and tape until you start buying them. You’ll start off with one lot, and then as you begin to use them up, you’ll need more and more. But you don’t need to buy brand new boxes every time you move home. Although you need to be careful about the strength of used boxes, there’s no harm in using them if they’re still robust. You can probably get at least a couple of uses of a set of boxes if all you do is pack them up, lift them into a truck and lift them out again. However, make sure you keep them in a dry, clean place. Some moving companies will also hire boxes, often made of plastic or wood.

Cut Down on Possessions

Whether you hire a truck to drive yourself or take on some movers, your move will be measured in space. The more room your boxes take up, the more you’ll have to pay. Go through everything you own to clean out some clutter and save you money. There’s no point moving junk from one house to another, so get rid of anything you don’t want or need. You can create different lists or piles of things that you want to throw away, recycle or sell. Consider giving things to charity or holding a yard sale to help pay for the move.

Save on Movers

The moving truck is going to be a significant expense for you, whether you hire movers or drive it yourself. Hiring just a vehicle will save you money, but you need to have the time and energy to pack everything in and out of it. If you decide that you need movers to help you, you can still save money. Some moving companies like American Home Movers at americanhomemovers.com offer vouchers for some moves. For example, you might get money off a long-distance move. Shop around for the best deals and compare quotes, instead of choosing the first one that comes along. Don’t forget to check that they can handle all your things. You don’t want to lose any money on broken items. If you have anything particularly valuable, such as antiques, make sure they’re adequately protected.

You may not be able to avoid spending money on moving home, but you can cut back on the expense. You just need to put some thought into finding the best deals.

The thought of selling the home that you have lived in for years is a sentiment which isn’t lost on the people who have gone through the same process you have. It isn’t hard to see why it is such as big deal – it is the house you first moved into with your partner and the first house your children grew up in. Of course you never want to leave. Unfortunately, things change and for the majority of people it just isn’t feasible to stay in a house because your emotions have gotten the better of you. If in your heart of hearts you know you have to start looking for a new property but want validation before you make such a big decision, here are four of reasons why homeowners sell up.

1.   Too Small

If you have kids then sometimes the house can seem like it isn’t big enough, in fact a mansion would probably seem like it wasn’t big enough. However, there is a difference between feeling small and actually being small and not having enough room. If this is the case for you – you might have started storing your kitchen appliances in your shed – then you need an upgrade and a bigger property. Overall, it is better for you and the family.

2.  A New Job

Careers are a massive part of life and it is amazing how they dictate what we do. Moving home is no different so if you have a new job on the horizon you might need to relocate to make life easier. It isn’t nailed on that you will it is just an option that you should take into consideration.

3.  Fix It?

Unfortunately, your house can make the decision for you. You might have a lot of sentiment for it, but they do not care about you. They can, sometimes without reason, just start falling apart and if this happens then you have to weigh up whether it is worth the money to repair the damage or whether it is better to get to work on clearing out and moving on. For example, you may have ran into trouble which has caused water damage. It sounds drastic but a few problems can be catastrophic to a home and a lot of the time they crop up together to make the situation one hundred times worse.

4. Compromise

You don’t necessarily have to sell your first home when you move into a new property. If you have the money or the mortgage then you can buy another house for you and your family to move into, while renovating and renting out your old home. This is a great way of making a bit of extra cash as well as increasing the value of the property.

It is a very hard decision but it is one which can benefit your bank balance as well as your family life. If it makes sense to move for your happiness and you can make some money from the process as well then the decision really does become a lot easier to make – you should never compromise on your happiness.

There’s an excellent explanation why stainless countertops are utilized in the majority of the restaurants all around the country; it’s practically indestructible. Now property owners can obtain all of the positive aspects that come with them in the comfort of their own kitchen.

The Characteristics of Stainless Steel Countertops

Considering that stainless steel is created from various varieties of metals, it’s generally cold and shiny. The smooth surface of those counter tops makes them ideal for kitchens, mainly because they are so uncomplicated to clean, along with the durability of this metal means that it can last for many years.

AddedBenefits Of Getting These Countertops Inside Your Kitchen

Resilient and Durable

Not merely are steel counters pleasing aesthetically, but they’re resistant to heat, stains, water and just about everything else. Stainless steel offers a surface that is non-porous, meaning that no type of substance or liquid can penetrate in to it. Mold, bacteria, along with other frequent household germs won’t be able to thrive on your stainless. You are being offered the chance to delight in an entirely hygienic surface for making meals as long as you keep up good cleaning habits.

Sensible

Stainless steel countertops are also extremely sensible in terms of moving pots and pans off the stove without any delay. Since stainless steel is not broken by heat, a hot pan can be easily and swiftly moved to the countertop with no worries of marring the surface. This indicates there’s no requirement to search for heat pads or trivets prior to moving the pot to the counter. Everyone who has ever had to move a pot or pan rapidly in order to avoid liquid from boiling over or foods from burning and sticking to the bottom of your pot or pan will appreciate this attribute of stainless steel countertops.

Best for Modern Kitchens

Steal delivers a distinctive feel and appearance that blends completely into modern day contemporary kitchens. Any time you want something sleek having a shiny contemporary look to it, just look for stainless countertops. Due to the fact the metal can also be neutral in color; it might be perfect for any form of kitchen. Even essentially the most regular kitchen decor can accept a stainless steel counter without a problem.

Shopping For Stainless Steel Countertops onthe Internet

In case you are considering browsing online for stainless steel countertops, you will be happy to hear that probably the most cost productive approach is always to buy stainless steel countertops online and then hire a certified stainless steel countertops Toronto installer to install them. Obviously, for those who have the knowledge and expertise, you can also set up the stainless steel countertops yourself. This is not advisable though since installing stainless steel countertops adequately can be an incredibly tough job.

When it comes to the simple maintenance and cleanup, durability, along with the versatility of stainless steel countertops, there’s no doubt this countertop solution is definitely worth thinking about. While this alternative is somewhat far more expensive than other countertops, the difference in cost is more than offset by the lengthy life of the countertop.  Additionally, the counter will not demand any particular cleansers to help keep it clean and germ-free.

Whether you’re living in a flat where the majority of the rooms are windowless, or your windows face away from the sun, a dark room can make your living space feel bleak and dingy. Luckily, there are several ways to brighten up a room no matter what budget, taste or space you have.

Borrow light

When there is limited light source in a room, you need to make it count. Placing mirrors opposite windows or artificial light doubles the reach by reflecting it around the room. Using internal glass doors (such as these internal doors from Emerald Doors) can bring in light from other rooms and open up the room.

Bring in white

White is a great way of brightening up a room but be cautious of how you use it. Contrary to popular belief, white walls can actually make a space look more dingy without the presence of natural light. White furnishings and decorative accessories are a much more strategic way of brightening the room without drawing attention to low light levels or shadows.

Avoid heavy curtains

Dark and heavy curtains can instantly shrink a room, not to mention block all traces of natural light. Opting for a white or sheer curtain lets in plenty of light and also physically brightens up the room with its light colour.

Use artificial light

When you have a dark room, you can never have enough artificial light. Adopt a mix of floor lamps, spotlights and desk lamps to bring light in at every level. Choose bulbs which emit a white light rather than yellow as it is much more efficient at brightening up the room.

Add some nature

Potted plants and bright flowers are a great way to brighten up and add life to a room. They also psychologically suggest open space as we associate them with the outdoors; and they’re a great mood booster.

Opt for coloured accents

Bright, jewel toned colours are great for adding depth to a dark room but can be overpowering if not used sparingly. By choosing these colours for your accents, such as a cushion or decorative piece, you get the benefit of colour without overpowering the room.

De-clutter

Dark rooms can often appear smaller than they really are. By taking care of any mess and clutter, you open up the space which can help lighten a room. Invest in some storage solutions which help to further brighten up the room, such as white cabinets or mirrored jewellery boxes.

If you work on any construction projects, you will need insurance. Often, this insurance is referred to as “contractors insurance,” but, there are actually several different types of insurance available; and not all types apply to the job at hand. Before you take on a contractors insurance policy, make sure that it’s the right type of insurance for the job.

Below are descriptions of the different types of insurance available, to help you determine the best coverage for your needs.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance protects against accidents, injuries, and property damage on the job site. This type of insurance is essential for most construction jobs because it protects you from the financial liability if something happens to anyone on the job site, or if a part of the building or property at the site is damaged. The protection goes beyond just the items on the site and can even cover property and people that are normally not on the site.

For example:

If you are working on a construction site on a college campus and a student wanders onto the site, after hours, and is injured. Or if a teacher’s vehicle is damaged while driving through a construction zone. Although, in both instances, those people might be on the site without permission, they can still try to sue for injuries or damage.

The types of liability coverage available vary depending on the type of work you are doing.

For example:

If you are working in residential construction, you might get residential building insurance. On the other hand, if you are a roofing contractor, or a designer, you might get liability insurance specific to that type of work.

Builder’s Risk Insurance

Builder’s risk insurance covers a structure while it is under construction. Unlike liability insurance, it does not protect against financial liability from accidents, injuries, or damage incurred on the job site. Instead, this type of policy protects the structure from damage from things like fire, theft and vandalism.

For example:

If someone breaks into the construction site and steals the copper piping and wiring from a building under construction, builder’s risk insurance would cover the cost of replacing those items.

General contractors usually don’t need to get this type of insurance, unless they are also the builder. Sometimes, the client that has ordered the build will get this coverage.

Contractor Bond

A contractor bond is a guarantee of contractor integrity, quality of work, and contractor performance. It does not protect you from financial liability in the event of an accident, injury or property damage, but it provides assurance to the client that the job will be completed properly, and in a timely manner.

Government contracts tend to require contractor bonds, and some private-sector projects are also starting to require them. On the one hand, you should consider not getting a bond unless your client requests it; on the other, having a bond could give you a leg when bidding against a competitor who doesn’t have one – because it means that your work is guaranteed.

However, unlike other forms of insurance, the contractor will need to have some kind of collateral to back up the bond.

Equipment Coverage

Equipment covers damage to any equipment and machinery at the job site. This is different from liability insurance in that it only covers the equipment, and not the job site or the people working the site.

For example:

If you rent a forklift and it breaks down during the normal course of the job, equipment coverage will cover the costs of repairs and maintenance. However, if someone is injured by the forklift, the equipment coverage will not cover those costs.

This type of coverage is essential if you need to invest in a lot of large equipment to complete the project.

While your home itself is a great investment, investing in your home goes beyond just buying it and paying it off. Before you purchased your home it’s likely you had it appraised and had people come in to check out that everything was looking good. You made sure there was no black mold, that the plumbing worked, and all of those other seemingly small things.

It’s those seemingly small things that constitute what you want to further invest in, actually. Even when you’ve finished paying off your home, you keep investing in it. Here are a few ways to keep your home, your investment, around longer. Some of them you just might not have thought about.

Health and Safety In Your Home

Asbestos is a nasty thing and if your home is a few decades old there is a chance that there may be some asbestos inside. It could save your health and your life to invest in having someone come in and check your home out to make sure that it is free of asbestos.

Critters like bats and raccoons living in your attic can also be a health hazard. It is important to take some time to check that area out every once in a while and make sure no unwanted guests have made their homes there.

If you’ve had a flood or any leaks, you may want to check for black mold, even if this is something you already did before moving in. Black mold, if left unchecked, can cause allergy and respiratory issues.

Make It Beautiful and Long Lasting

Remodeling can be an excellent way to invest in your home. From making sure you have a new, durable roof to keeping your siding shiny and new, remodeling your home doesn’t just have to be about luxury.

Remodeling to add a nice deck or make your kitchen more current can raise your home’s value, which also makes it a good investment. Updating your home really isn’t a frivolous expense and if you are adding energy efficient appliances you just might save some extra money. You will want to make sure that the contractors you choose to work on your home have commercial general liability insurance, and can cover any property damage that might occur during the remodel process.

Make Sure You Insure Your Investment

It is very important to have home owners insurance. You really never know what can happen and what will happen. Being insured is more than just having the coverage though. Make sure that you have the recommended amount of smoke detectors in your home. Also, you should have at least one fire extinguisher.

It’s pretty likely that when you call to get your home insurance quote, your insurance agent will inquire about smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. They may also suggest you have a radon detection device in your home too.

If you live in a flood plain, make sure you find out about flood insurance that may not be covered by your regular insurance.

Investing in your home will not only make your life less stressed, but it will help ensure that your home is both a happy and healthy place for you and your family to live in.

Having a small garden doesn’t mean missing out on the beauty which a well landscaped garden can bring. While there isn’t enough space to add huge amounts of plants, décor or outbuildings, a few smart tricks can mean your garden is a stunning piece of land no matter what the size.

Work in layers

When a garden is small, there isn’t the luxury to use a lot of ground space for landscaping. The best way to get around this is to add different layers of height to the garden. Not only does this bring more surface area to play with, it gives the appearance of more space due to added height.

• Open bottomed benches can be used as a seating area, to hold potted plants and to protect young plants from extreme weather.
• Look into vertical planters which can make use of walls and fences, freeing up space on the floor while still allowing you to have flowers and plants
• Pick decorations which can be hung on trees or placed on steps

Build an arbour or arch

Both an arbour and arch are a great option for small gardens as they don’t take up much ground space, they make a garden seem more majestic and they highlight an area of the garden which means less attention or maintenance is needed on other areas. A wooden frame is best suited for a smaller garden as it looks less imposing than steel structures; choose one which allows climbing plants to be entwined around for a beautiful floral display.

Split the garden up

One way to maximise a small garden is to split it up into three parts;

• Patio/ terrace. This can be nearest to your house entrance to provide an area for seating
• Lawn. This should be the majority of the garden
• Flower beds. This could be around the lawn, in raised planters, or even potted plants along the patio

Splitting up a small garden makes it look much more spacious as, despite each section being small, it brings more depth to the garden. It is also a much more functional way of using up your garden space.

Create a cosy feel

With a small garden, sometimes the best choice is simply to play on this feel and create a cosy, intimate zone for reading, having friends round for drinks, or simply sitting back with a cocktail and enjoying the sunset. A roofed patio with cosy, plush deck chairs, a small table and candles can create a lovely relaxed ambience without the need for a grand garden.

Play on the space

Another way of emphasising the small space is to fill your garden with exotic plants, coloured garden lights and jewelled stepping stones to create a Secret Garden feel. This is particularly good for households with small children – hide gnomes and fairies behind bright flowers for a magical playground full of wonder. This is an eccentric but fun, bold way to use your small space to its full advantage.

Don’t you wish to have a smart home? Having an attractive and classy house isn’t enough now-a-days. The need of the hour is making your house trendy and smart. When you buy a new house or decide to renovate the house that you live in you should definitely consider making it smart than spending lakhs on redesigning it. A smart house attracts the attentions of people more than an attractive house. The new technological inventions and innovations to make your house for rent smart and trendy have definitely created a good opportunity for people to reflect their style and stay at ease at all times. These technological inventions not only make your life easy but the appliances that make your house smart provide you a luxurious time too. There are various and variety of appliances dealing with different things that make your house smart.

Some of the appliances that are considered as smart are very useful for security of your house too. Making your house smart doesn’t mean making it look smart but to also utilize these things to upgrade security and safety of the house. The house is more safe and secure with these appliances and you are tension and worry free immediately. These appliances range from automatically switching on your air conditioner to switching off your boiler to opening door for people coming to your place even if you aren’t in the house. For example if you have a get together at your place and you get late but all your friends are already waiting on your door, with the smart appliances you can open the door with a click on your mobile phone and let them in.

Here are some of the appliances that you should consider setting up in your house when you buy a new one or renovate the existing one.

1. The most important concern for you in your house should be the security and safety of the house and your family members. You can keep an eye on them and your house for rent in Chennai or flat that you own in Mumbai with the help of CCTV cameras by setting them in each and every room.

2. Just like CCTV cameras you should install door camera. This camera does the function of showing you who is on your door step and lets you watch his actions. There is also a microphone with the camera. If the person is not known then you can ask him about things right on your door step. You wouldn’t have to open the door.

3. With the help of certain application you can switch on the ac before you even enter your house and change the temperature according to the weather outside. Even if you are in the house and you want to switch on the ac you can use this application. Similarly you can unlock doors and lock them later with the application.

4. There are applications to help you make your house more secure. The application sends out a signal and alarm if anything wrong happens in the house. This system is correct for the people who are very possessive and worried about their house. This system will help you to keep a very close eye on the house and your belongings. The application is connected to your phone and hence you will receive updates about things happening in your house.

5. Gone are the times when you had the keys for your house. Now unlock your house using the smart digital lock that recognises your voice and password and lets you into the house. This application works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This device sends pictures of people visiting you. In case of power cut you can still use the application to unlock and lock your house but the updating of information will only begin after the power is back.

6. When you have a lot of automatic working devices in your house for rent in Chennai you need something that will organize them and help you to open the right one at the right time. There is a device for that too. It works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

7. You can know the right temperature of your house and the temperature that the AC needs to work on with the help of a device. It will save energy and cool right.

8. The device that keeps you updated about everything happening in your house through smart phone or smart TV is just the thing that you need.

9. There is an application which works as a central force of your house and keeps you updated about every minor detail in your house.

10. The device that automatically switching on your boiler on the right temperature and then switches it off is the face of new age.

Have you noticed that your energy bills continue to rise each month? Do you feel draughts along the window areas of your home? If yours is an older home you may need to replace your windows with some of the newer styles that are more energy efficient. Today’s new styles offer you a plethora of benefits that can make this investment a worthwhile effort for you to make. Let’s take a look at a checklist that you can use to determine if your home needs new windows before the next season arrives with increased energy costs.

1. Upon examining your windows do you find cracks between the window itself and the opening of your walls? Are you finding decaying wood around the glass and peeling paint from the window frame? If you see areas where your window seems to be deteriorating it’s definitely time to begin the search for replacement windows that can help to make your home more energy efficient.

2. In inspecting the paperwork about the windows in your home, do you find an energy rating that is acceptable for use in your home? Today’s new styles carry energy ratings that indicate the level of performance that you can expect from your windows. If you have an older home, there may not be an energy rating listed which indicates you can save more money if you replace your older windows with newer models that work better to keep warmed and cooled air inside your home.

3. If you look at your windows from a safety perspective, do you think unwanted intruders could gain entrance into your home easily through your windows? If you answered yes, you may want to consider UPVC windows for replacements because of their durability and sturdy construction. This can be another layer of protection for your home and can help to thwart criminal activity such as burglary at your home.

4. Finally, you should visit the website www.mcmnwindows.ie so that you can begin to find some styles that you like that provide the features that you need to improve the energy efficiency of your home. You will find professional help here that can give you instructions about how to measure for new windows, what the window styles used in construction of their inventory, and the warranty that comes with your purchase. It’s wise to learn as much about replacement windows before you actually begin the process of undertaking this home improvement project. Prioritise your needs and begin to replace those windows in the most challenging condition first; then you can work your way around the house replacing all windows eventually so that your home will be more comfortable and more cost-effective.

With the savings that you get from replacing defective windows with newer, more efficient ones you can almost pay for the windows without having to dip into your savings. If you like to pay as you go, begin a savings plan so that you can replace the windows that allow energy to escape from your home as soon as you can.

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As a homemaker, you might as well be flooded with multiple home improvement ideas. It isn’t really necessary that you’ll have ideas only when you have embarked on a concrete plan of extending your home or renovating the same. You can always visualize a “better living space” by adding an extension, redoing your furniture, renovating your basement or your entire home or for that matter giving a facelift only to your bathroom. At the back of your mind, you are perhaps always decking up your home in some way or the other. We know that you love to think about and work towards an improvised living space and today we’re just going to talk about that. Our point of discussion? Garden sheds- how you can convert your garden sheds to external game rooms if you feel that your interiors do not have sufficient space to accommodate them (i.e. game rooms).

Garden sheds transformed in to sleek game rooms

Garden or backyard sheds are typically associated with storage purposes—garden tools, furniture sets, automobiles or anything which needs protection from the heat, rains and storms. However, with the passage of time, garden sheds have evolved from merely being monotonous storage facilities to quilting rooms, home offices, art studios and a string of other options as per the different preferences of the homemakers. Needless to mention, they can jolly well be transformed to real edgy game or sports rooms for the men in the family. Decking up the place with interesting games memorabilia can always help you add to the “whole environment.” It is quite obvious that you will be running power to the shed and in that case you can even put up a television set where one can catch up with the ongoing matches or their highlights. Arranging for gaming tables is a must as well.

Considering steel sheds for your gardens

Steel sheds have become very popular storing options among homemakers. The durability and cost effectiveness of steel are the primary factors which have propelled its demand among homemakers today. Generally garden tools/equipments like the mowers, wheelbarrow, spades and other require protection from the climatic extremities and that is why they are stored in proper sheds. Sheds, in general, have an aesthetic function to fulfill as well. The lawnmower tucked away oddly behind the trees of garden or for that matter— that spade leaning against your garden wall generally doesn’t make for a pleasing sight. Steel sheds offer you the blend of functionality and aestheticism. No other metal beats steel when it comes to resisting the impact of climatic extremities. They also are huge turn-offs for pests like rodents and rats.

You can contact the guys from Tassie Sheds in order to get your steel shed set up at your garden or backyard. Make sure you are checking out the background of the steel shed dealers/manufacturers before settling for their product. You would not really want your sheds to be crafted with poor quality steel. Tassie Sheds guarantees aesthetically appealing garden sheds procured from superior quality steel.

Do you want to renovate your kitchen? If yes, then you will obviously want to increase eating area, counter space and the place for storage. Many homeowners may think of installing kitchen island for several reasons. This will add value as well as practicability at the time when you want to sell off your valuable property. The best part is that these islands can be installed along with various amenities like sink, basin and various other things. Besides this, they are easy to install which makes the work easier of home builder when you hire them to upgrade the kitchen.

Different sizes and shapes of kitchen islands

While looking around for the right kind of island for your kitchen, you will find that they are available in various shapes and sizes.  Make it a point to measure the present space before buying and installing one in the kitchen. Try to match it with the color of cabinets and countertops since they will give a stunning look to the kitchen. The latest trend is to install a kitchen island that complements the kitchen. This will make the kitchen look simply awesome which is quite similar to other rooms of the house. Nowadays, quartz kitchen island have become very popular amongst homeowners who want to install island in the cooking space. Make sure you get right size island for kitchen that will fulfill your exact requirement.

(Picture taken from Caesarstone Canada Official site)

Choose a unique design that matches with the kitchen

Homeowners should look for a design that will go best with the interior decoration of the kitchen. You may choose same color that has been used for countertops and cabinets. However, if the homeowner prefers some other color, then he/she can go for it and choose a unique design for their kitchen. It is advisable to match kitchen island with the theme of cooking area so that it gives a classy and sophisticated look to this space of your home. By choosing an island that matches with the kitchen, you can change the entire look of the cooking space and feel as if it had been original installation.

Serve the purpose of additional counter in your kitchen

Installing island will serve the purpose of additional counter and provide more storage space. If your kitchen is big, then you may choose an island that has more cabinet space. It will also have various amenities like cabinets, sink or stove top. Homeowners who do not have sufficient space in the kitchen can install island and use this area for storage. Now, if you wish to sell off your house sometime in future, then adding kitchen island will increase the value of your property and you will be able to make good profit from it.

There are some types of islands that have a counter ideal for extra space in the kitchen. If you want, you can add bar tools and chairs in the kitchen to enjoy lunch and dinner with the family. By adding island near eating area you can give a warm welcome to your loved ones. Apart from this, with extra seat in the kitchen, everyone will feel comfortable and relaxed while having their food together with the near and dear ones.

Wicker Emporium is an established and recognized retail chain which offers handcrafted and handmade furnishings and furniture for the home. While the retail brand started off in 1972 with only wicker products in its catalog, over the years it has expanded to offer products made of different materials. Today, the retail chain offers a full range of wicker furniture, solid wood furniture, leather products, wrought iron furniture, upholstery, textiles and various other home décor products and related accessories.

Based out of Canada, the retailer offers products to consumers through a number of outlets spread out all across the nation and also through an online web store. Both retail outlets and the online store have been designed in a unique fashion, similar to how a boutique store is designed. The retailer offers an array of products across multiple price ranges, allowing it to serve all classes of customers, ranging from the elite, up to the budget conscious. The retailer doubles up its large selection of products with high quality customer service, multiple financing options and quality shipping to build up on its reputation of being one of Canada’s leading retailers.

Included in the retailer’s product catalog are all types of handcrafted furniture and home furnishings products, including seating products, beds, tables, shelves, cabinets and various types of home décor products. Products are categorized by room or by location in a home, so as to facilitate ease of purchase of consumers. The retail brand offers pay and pickup services as well as shipping options for consumers all across Canada.

While consumers can definitely find products of any budget available on the retail store, consumers can also gain access to special Wicker Emporium discounts by purchasing online. These discounts are offered though special promo coupon codes, the use of which offer customers excellent savings on all types of product categories, including both budget products as well as high end merchandise.

So as to make use of a Wicker Emporium coupon code, customers simply need to visit the online store, select their products of choice and present the code before checking out. This simple step translates into hefty savings, with dramatic reductions in prices, even across expensive high end products.

Canadian customers looking for top quality handmade furniture and furnishings have few better retail options than Wicker Emporium. Furthermore, with the availability of promo coupon codes, customers can obtain cash back offers, free shipping and rebates on all types of product purchases made online. However, coupon codes are valid only for a certain period of time, so consumers will need to stay on the prowl and take advantage of these wonderful offers while they last.

Whether you’re thinking about completing your own do-it-yourself project or you intend to hire general contractors, there are a lot of things that you will need to consider prior to starting a renovation. Because there are so many facets to renovations and home improvements, you may find that it is very easy to get “lost.” As the homeowner, you have a lot of decisions to make that go beyond the scope of how much you’re willing to pay.

As you prepare for a room renovation, there are at least five things that you’ll need to keep in mind:

1.  What is the Main Objective or Goal?

The very first thing you should ask yourself is what the goal of this renovation is. Are you looking to improve the property for a sale, designing a new room for a baby, or are you simply improving the aesthetic appeal of your home? Having a visual in mind can help you stay on track and ensure that the end results are exactly what you’ve been planning for.

2.  Functionality and Space Planning

Whether you’re adding on space or fixing up an existing room within the home, it is a good idea to determine the room’s function and map out the use of the space. For instance, if you’re looking to remodel the living room where might you place your flat screen TV? Will you need to contact a cable or satellite television provider, such as http://satellitetv-deals.com/, to install new equipment? These are all things you’ll want to map out ahead of time.

Simply go around the room and assess the distinguishing factors of the space. You want to try and amplify those as best you can so that you can maximize the space and improve the overall appeal. This might include things like the feature wall in the living room or the natural lighting that shows through the bay windows in the kitchen.

3.  What’s Your Budget?

Whether you’ll be completing the renovations yourself or hiring a professional you need to have a budget in mind. Though ironing it out to the exact penny might be a bit impossible in the world of renovations, you should at the very least have a ballpark idea of what you’re going to spend on the project. If you’re going to work with a contractor, be sure that you ask for a detailed estimate so that you have a clear understanding of what’s included in the costs. If changes are needed outside of the original estimate, be sure that you’ve instructed the contractor to get prior approval from you before moving forward so you don’t go over budget if you really can’t afford to.

4.  Furniture

Now comes the fun part of the renovation project – selecting furniture. Remember that this too will need to be factored into your budget. As you begin choosing the appropriate furniture for your home, be sure that you consider functionality as well as style. For those with a tighter budget, it may be best to refurbish your larger furniture items to save on costs. There are plenty of wood finishes and fabric choices you can choose from to reupholster a couch, love seat, or tables. Replacing fresh linens like curtains, for instance, is more affordable so you can incorporate your details with bold colors and patterns.

5.  Accessorize

Once the maintenance segment of your renovation is complete and your furniture has been strategically placed for style and comfort, you can begin adding new details to your living space by investing in accessories. There are so many ways you can make your home fit your personality. Add culture with beautifully painted canvases; brighten up a dark room with nicely colored throw pillows or vases. Just have fun creating a space that you’ll enjoy retreating to on the regular basis.

Home renovations require a lot of hard work and attention to detail. In order to ensure that you enjoy the outcome of your renovations it is a good idea to have a plan in mind. Start by creating a budget and determining how the space will be used. From there, it’s a matter of finding the right contractor (or investing in the right tools if you’re a DIYer) and putting the finishing touches on your home with awesome furniture and accessories. 

If you’re trying to make up your mind whether to go for granite or marble worktops as part of your kitchen remodel – here are some important points to consider before making any final decision.

Both granite and marble worktops are extremely attractive options in terms of their aesthetic appeal. Natural stone worktops can help transform an otherwise ordinary kitchen into an outstanding space which is beautiful and functional. Granite and marble both require some looking after to get the most from them, but with regular cleaning and care, they will both last for a long time and indeed add value to your kitchen and home overall.

Durability

Granite and marble are both natural porous stones. Granite is typically more hardwearing than marble, but only marginally, and in terms of everyday kitchen use, there’s really not much to choose between them in terms of durability.

Visual appeal

Granite has a grain which consists of various coloured specks, so a granite worktop may appear to have distinct dark tonal shades, especially under different lighting scenarios. With marble, the pattern is typically larger than that of granite and its colour is usually more consistent, with characteristic veins which traverse its surface, giving marble its unique appearance. Both granite and marble are available in a range of colours, and at the end of the day it will be a case of personal preference regarding the look you want to achieve in your kitchen.

Resistance to heat and stains

Being harder than marble makes granite a good choice for a well-used kitchen as it provides more protection against scratches and chips which might occur under heavy and constant use on a daily basis. Both granite and marble are capable of withstanding heat, although care should be taken with extremely hot pots, pans and dishes coming from a hot oven when placed on the worktop. It’s best to use some form of mat to absorb as much of the heat as possible.

For optimal protection against the ingress of water, oil, and spills such as wine or citric juice onto a granite worktop London experts JR Stone recommend applying a specialised sealant to provide an impermeable barrier on the surface of the worktop. If properly sealed, both granite and marble provide non-porous surfaces which will reduce the buildup of mould and bacteria and provide a sanitary food preparation surface. Sealant should be reapplied each year, ideally, to maintain the level of protection. Make a habit of wiping up all spills immediately to help protect the lustre and look of your worktops.

Maintenance

When properly sealed, both granite and marble require little or no maintenance other than regular cleaning with a damp cloth and possibly a specialist stone cleaner now and then to help keep its shine.

Pricing

There is no clear winner on price, as both granite and marble have high-end and economy versions, and the most suitable will depend greatly on the overall look you are trying to achieve.

When you have started a family, your dream is to just have a house to call your own where you can happily raise your children. As they grow older, circumstances may change. Therefore, at some point, you might have to consider moving to another house. This is not easy, but there are instances in which it is the best thing to do. When is it best to move to a new place? How do you know if it is finally the time to start a new life?

A growing family

Before getting married, you might have thought of raising 1 or 2 children only. Now, you might have exceeded the plan. If you think that your house is getting smaller for all your children, then you should consider moving to a bigger house. This might be a bigger expense, but you need to think about the kind of life that they will have. They deserve a better place and you need to do whatever you can to secure it.

A better job opportunity

Aside from the need to have a bigger house when you have more children, you also need to find a better job. Your current salary might not be sufficient. If it means you have to move to a new place to get a promotion, then go for it. You can provide a better life for your children if you accept a higher paying job.

A new beginning

Hopefully, this won’t happen to you. If it does, then it is best for you to move out. You might have decided to end your marriage, or someone in your family might have died. This is an extremely devastating situation. Therefore, you could consider moving out and starting over. Staying in the same place might be toxic and depressing. Whether you are prepared to leave or not, it might be the only way for you to emotionally cope with the situation.

Making it easy

If you have finally decided to move out, then you can’t do everything by yourself. You need help from professionals. You can find a removal company in Gloucester that will be there for you every step of the way. You can contact the company in advance about your plans to move. Then, you can talk about the details like the date of moving, where you want to move, and how much the payment would be. You will then realize that removals in Gloucester are not that difficult. If you choose the right company, then things will be swifter. You can also check out www.andrews-removals.com to find out more details.

Soon, you will find a new home and you can have a new beginning.

Image: Stuart Miles at Freedigitalphotos.net

Building your home instead of buying it is a fantastic alternative if you don’t want to buy one that isn’t perfect. The truth is that any home you buy will always need work before it morphs into your dream property. If someone else lives there, they will have a different interpretation of interior design. After all, they are individuals. A new build, however, is a house that you build in your image. As such, it is a house that you design specifically for you and your family.

Still, there are issues with building a house instead of buying one. In fact, there are several issues that can come back to bite you on the backside. Designing a house from the ground up isn’t an easy task, and that people make mistakes as a result. Do you want to make the same mistakes? The answer should be no as it will save you a mountain of cash and hassle. To avoid the common mistakes, take a look at the list below.

File

Picking The Wrong Plot

Your plot of land is where you will build your property. Or is it? Some plots might look like they are perfect, but they turn out to be a nightmare. They could have foundation issues, so it is bad for building. Or, you might struggle to get planning permission because it is in a highly populated area. On the flip side, you might struggle to get planning permission because it is secluded. Local authorities like to look as if they are doing their bit to the local environment. Before you make your choice, hire an expert like Cochran Engineering to survey the land. You can learn about Cochran Engineering here, or you can find a surveyor of your choice. As long as you trust them, it doesn’t matter who you pick.

Not Getting Planning Permission

Let’s take a deeper look at planning permission because it is essential to your cause. The first thing you can do is inquire about the probability of it going through. Local authorities or the people that are in charge should be able to give you an insight. If they can’t, you need to go undercover. The main reason you won’t get permission to build is because of your neighbors. Neighbors think that your home will detract from theirs which will lower the resale value. Or, they might think it will ruin the scenery. Whatever they reckon, they are the ones that will lodge a complaint. Without telling them that it is you, inform them that someone is planning to build a house in the area. All you need to do next is gauge their reaction and see how they feel.

Not Having The Money

Running out of money is the biggest mistake that people make because they under budget. Yes, you want to build your new home for a cheap as possible. But, you have to cover all of the necessary costs if you want your dream home. At first, there is the cost of labor and the cost of the contractor’s materials, as well as the money for the land. As work progresses, more expenses appear. For example, you will have to pay for an electrician to wire the house, as well as a plumber to fit a boiler. Before you know it, your budget skyrockets. The only way to negate this problem is to secure the money in the first place. A good tip is to extend your budget so that you have a safety net. A new build seems like it will cost X amount, yet it always costs Y.

File

Choosing The Lowest Bidder

A direct consequence of not having enough money is going to the lowest bidder. Please don’t! The cost is a sign, a warning sign that says you should avoid them like the plague. The only reason they are cheaper than their rivals is because they are overcompensating. Companies like this lack the usual experience and expertise that you need for such a job. The result is that they end up making errors along the line, which cost you more in the long-term. Your best option is to go with the contractor that you trust and that has the best sales pitch. Forget about the cost for the moment and just concentrate on the quality. Then, you won’t get any nasty surprises in the future. If money is tight, go with the contractor that the market underrates. For whatever reason, they don’t have the same reputation as the others, but they do have the same credentials. This isn’t a warning sign – it is a bargain.

Choosing A Builder Without Doing Your Research

If you are thinking about how you find the cheap and quality builders, the answer is simple. All you have to do is look at their background. Regardless of who they are, they will have a background that is full of information. And it is this information that you need to read. Stats and figures are a like a language – they tell a story, but have to be able to understand the narrative. So, what are you looking for from your builder? The first thing you want to check is their reputation. Although a reputation isn’t everything, it is a good indicator of their quality. Look at their reviews and see what the people have to say. If they have bad reviews, analyze why they are bad. The reasons might not be an issue for you, and that makes them a viable option. Also, use their testimonials to gauge their track record. Firms that are consistent tend to be consistent all of the time. It is simple logic, but it is effective. Finally, check their prices against the industry standard. The best way to tell if they are legit is to list the services and reference the prices against the industry. Prices that are too high or too low are bad signs.

File

Taking Charge Of The Building Process

Unless you have an impressive resume, you shouldn’t tell your contractor how to work. The saying ‘teach your grandmother how to suck eggs’ comes to mind. They are the professionals, and they know how to complete the job to your satisfaction. You, on the other hand, are a novice. One thing you have to deal with is that you can’t control every aspect of the build. At some point, you will have to trust your builders to make your plans come to life. When you involve yourself, things will go wrong. Don’t let that happen. Just sit back, relax, and watch from afar.

Letting The Builders Change Your Plans

Saying that, you can’t let the builders bully you into doing what they want to do because it is easier for them. You don’t care if it is easier because that is not what you pay them for. You pay them to do what they said they would do when you hired their services. Okay, there might be areas that need a slight tweaking as they verge on the impossible. When that happens, come to a compromise. But, don’t compromise unless you have to as it will take away from the final product. You are the boss, and you need to put your foot down from time to time.

Changing Plans

Changing the floor plans after the architect has signed off on the project isn’t a good idea. For one thing, you will have to get the architect to sign off on your new plans. And, as they cost a couple of hundred an hour, that will cost you a lot of money. But, a change of your plans will also have a domino effect on the entire house. Although it seems drastic, moving a doorway can have an impact as it might make the building less sound. Even if the property is safe, you have to think about your builders. They will buy their materials and hire their men based on your initial plans. If those plans go sideways, they will charge you for the excess. Plus, they will be far harder to work with because they will consider it an insult. The last thing you want to do is annoy the people that are building your home.

File

Not Getting Everything In Writing

You are a trustworthy person, so you don’t need everything in writing. That is a bad way to look at the scenario because it doesn’t give you any protection. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but a dispute happens. Sometimes, you or the contractor feels like the opposing party isn’t doing their job. When that situation occurs, you can end up in court. If you don’t have anything in writing, they will side with the contractor. You could well be in the right, but there is no official proof. To make sure you have proof, get them to sign a contract. It isn’t that you don’t trust them, but that you are responsible.

File

It seems like a lot, and it is a lot. But, if you avoid them, you will end up with the home of your dreams.

Image Source: Flickr

Despite construction hitting a 7 year high in the final quarter of 2015, the latest figures to be released suggest that the UK house building industry is not out of the woods just yet. The Market/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index revealed that UK housebuilding was expanding at its slowest pace since June 2013. Below is an examination of the challenges for the UK construction industry in 2016 and beyond.

Meeting Demand

The 2004 Barker Review into UK housing found that 240,000 new homes were required each year in order to meet demand, and to maintain affordability. In 2015 the house building industry in the UK built 140,000 new homes, meaning that there is a short fall of 100,000 new homes each year in the UK. This shortfall is driving up the cost of both housing and land.

Lack of Land

Despite attempts by the Government to identify and provide more public land for housing developments, the supply has remained inadequate, and there is ongoing controversy about building on green belt land. As the price of land continues to rise, private landowners are reluctant to sell to property developers.

Lack of Skills and Material

After the financial crisis, many skilled construction workers left the industry as demand for new housing fell. As the market has slowly improved, the industry is struggling to fill this skills gap. However, the house building sector is helping to provide a crucial way for young people and lower skilled workers to enter the labour market, by providing 16,000 apprenticeships in skill sets such as plumbing, carpentry and bricklaying. Although it is helping to house the population, while also training workers and reinvigorating the economy, the house building sector is still facing many challenges as a result of the fallout from the recession and the current economic climate.

The resurgent housing market has also led to lack of materials such as bricks. A report by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors found that this could cause a drag on continued recovery of the house building sector. Investments made by private companies, increasing the supply and quality of materials and, in the case of Ardent Hire, equipment, should provide some help.

The EU Referendum

Goldman Sachs has predicted that house builders would be hit if Britain votes to leave the European Union. The lengthy period of trade agreement renegotiations that would follow a UK exit would be likely to cause significant economic uncertainty.

The Future

Although it is helping to house the population and reinvigorate the economy, the house building sector is still facing many challenges. With the extension of the Help to Buy scheme, through which the government provides loans of up to 20% of a property’s value, it is likely that demand for new homes will continue to remain high.

The highly developed and complex networks of working relationships and supply chains, which bring together a wide range of skills, specialisms and trades, from large companies to individual sole traders, will have to find new ways to work together in order to meet the demand for housing in the UK.

It takes time to finally decide which shower tray to use at home. There are so many options for you to choose from. Finalizing your choice could be a huge challenge. However, after searching for options in local stores and online and finally finding the right one, you might think that the problem is solved. But the truth is that you still have to find a way to install the shower tray in your bathroom. Take note, if not done properly it could lead to bigger problems. If badly done, it could break the shower tray.

Do-it-yourself installation

If you want to avoid spending more money on installing the shower tray, then you can do it yourself. You just need a few materials. If you have tried dealing with a similar installation before, this could be easy for you. If not, there are tutorial videos online that you can follow. They will explain what materials you need and what processes are involved. It might take time, but you can get the hang of it if you are really serious.

The only downside to not asking for professional help is that you might not get the installation right the first time. Once the adhesive dries, and if the shower tray has not been properly positioned, it won’t be possible to remove it, easily. If you do, it could break the tray. You might also think that you have installed it properly when the truth is you haven’t. Imagine the amount of money and effort spent on a high quality stone resin shower tray that you can’t use because of improper installation.

Seeking help

The best option is to hire someone who can install it for you. When you ask for help from a professional, the process will take just a few minutes. You don’t have to watch videos or do a trial and error method. You can just let the professional do the job and wait for it to be finished. In less than an hour, the job will be done. You can now use the shower tray without worrying about any problems.

It is also possible that you ask the same person for maintenance services. They can come back later to check if there are cracks or other issues that have to be addressed. In the process, you save more money. Imagine paying a small amount for this service compared with not paying anything because you did the installation by yourself, just to find out that later on, you have to replace it with a new tray. As long as you find the right person for the job, everything will be fine.

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net (VichayaKiatying-Angsulee)

Don’t you wish to have a smart home? Having an attractive and classy house isn’t enough now-a-days. The need of the hour is making your house trendy and smart. When you buy a new house or decide to renovate the house that you live in you should definitely consider making it smart than spending lakhs on redesigning it. A smart house attracts the attentions of people more than an attractive house. The new technological inventions and innovations to make your house for rent smart and trendy have definitely created a good opportunity for people to reflect their style and stay at ease at all times. These technological inventions not only make your life easy but the appliances that make your house smart provide you a luxurious time too. There are various and variety of appliances dealing with different things that make your house smart.

Some of the appliances that are considered as smart are very useful for security of your house too. Making your house smart doesn’t mean making it look smart but to also utilize these things to upgrade security and safety of the house. The house is more safe and secure with these appliances and you are tension and worry free immediately. These appliances range from automatically switching on your air conditioner to switching off your boiler to opening door for people coming to your place even if you aren’t in the house. For example if you have a get together at your place and you get late but all your friends are already waiting on your door, with the smart appliances you can open the door with a click on your mobile phone and let them in.

Here are some of the appliances that you should consider setting up in your house when you buy a new one or renovate the existing one.

1. The most important concern for you in your house should be the security and safety of the house and your family members. You can keep an eye on them and your house for rent in Chennai or flat that you own in Mumbai with the help of CCTV cameras by setting them in each and every room.

2. Just like CCTV cameras you should install door camera. This camera does the function of showing you who is on your door step and lets you watch his actions. There is also a microphone with the camera. If the person is not known then you can ask him about things right on your door step. You wouldn’t have to open the door.

3. With the help of certain application you can switch on the ac before you even enter your house and change the temperature according to the weather outside. Even if you are in the house and you want to switch on the ac you can use this application. Similarly you can unlock doors and lock them later with the application.

4. There are applications to help you make your house more secure. The application sends out a signal and alarm if anything wrong happens in the house. This system is correct for the people who are very possessive and worried about their house. This system will help you to keep a very close eye on the house and your belongings. The application is connected to your phone and hence you will receive updates about things happening in your house.

5. Gone are the times when you had the keys for your house. Now unlock your house using the smart digital lock that recognises your voice and password and lets you into the house. This application works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This device sends pictures of people visiting you. In case of power cut you can still use the application to unlock and lock your house but the updating of information will only begin after the power is back.

6. When you have a lot of automatic working devices in your house for rent in Chennai you need something that will organize them and help you to open the right one at the right time. There is a device for that too. It works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

7. You can know the right temperature of your house and the temperature that the AC needs to work on with the help of a device. It will save energy and cool right.

8. The device that keeps you updated about everything happening in your house through smart phone or smart TV is just the thing that you need.

9. There is an application which works as a central force of your house and keeps you updated about every minor detail in your house.

10. The device that automatically switching on your boiler on the right temperature and then switches it off is the face of new age.

Moving is notoriously stressful. But it can be a whole lot easier if you follow some simple guidelines for a smoother move. With a bit of forward planning and some on-the-day organisation your home move will be less of a problem and more of an exciting opportunity. Take a look at these easy move tips:

1. Pack the Bed Separately

Not the whole bed, but the sheets and pillows you need for your first night. You won’t want to rummage through all the boxes trying to find something to sleep on when you are exhausted after the day’s move.

2. Keep the Fridge Fresh

A quick tip to keep the fridge smelling nice and fresh once you have cleaned it and dried it is to put some baking soda or some charcoal into a sock and place this in the fridge. It removes odours before they start developing.

3. Use Correct Boxes for Weight

Heavy items should be placed in the smallest boxes and vice versa. You will never be able to lift a giant box filled with heavy hardback books, and it is also dangerous for movers. Extremely heavy items should be placed in boxes that are clearly marked “heavy”.

4. Stay in Touch with Your Removals Firm

Make sure your removals firm, such as http://www.advanced-removals.co.uk, has all your details handy including more than one mobile phone number in case one battery dies. Make sure you are all clear on the schedule for the move and what time exactly the pack up and the move will take place.

5. Don’t Pack Valuables

No matter how reliable your removals people, make sure you take any valuables with you in the car and don’t pack them in the van. You don’t want to risk losing anything and also you need to safeguard important pieces from damage.

6. Pack an Essentials Box

Make one box, which is clearly labelled and easily recognisable, the essentials box that is filled with the things you will immediately need in your new home. Include coffee, tea, mugs, a set of disposable plates and cutlery, cleaning supplies, a torch, snacks, toilet paper and your essential toiletries. Make this the first box you open when you arrive.

7. Help Pets Chill Out

Send a pet onwards first with a friend or relative, or have them stay at a friend’s house when you pack the majority of the home. It is very stressful for pets and they will also be out of your way and not underfoot.

8. Take Care with Computers

Pack all components for the computer together in the same box, wrapped individually and padded to avoid knocks and scrapes.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net