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.

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The best thing about summer is when the weather gets warm. It’s great to be able to hang out in the sunshine, and it can lift your mood. But it can be quite uncomfortable in your home when it gets too hot. There are a couple of things you can do yourself such as wearing light clothing and drinking water to keep hydrated. Here are some other ways to keep your house cool in summer.

Open windows

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An easy way to get some air into your home is to open the windows in your property. It will mean you will be able to keep cool while being in your home. If they don’t open properly, you may need to get your windows fixed or even replaced. It can be worrying if you have young children or pets who can climb through the window. But most windows do have a lock which you can put on, so they can’t be pushed open any further. Make sure you shut them when you’re out as you don’t want burglars to get in!

Ceiling fan

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If you want to keep your house cool in summer, you can install a ceiling fan. This, in particular, is good to have in the bedroom as this is where we tend to get hot at night. Turning it on for a while can cool down the home. As this article says, the air flow from the ceiling fan can make your body reduce to the right temperature. Research online for a good one which won’t break easily.

Blinds close

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You might be surprised to know, but having blinds down during the summer months can help keep your home cool. This feature reveals that having them down can stop up to 30% of the heat coming into your property, and can reduce your bills. Keeping them down can also mean your house is lowered by 20 degrees in heat! If you haven’t got blinds, it might be wise to look into getting some for the summer months!

Air con

Another great way to keep your house cool in the summer months is to install air conditioning in your property. By turning it on, cold air will fill your property quickly and will help cool you down. It should be checked regularly to make sure it’s working in the summer months. If it’s not working, you can contact companies who provide Premier Air Conditioning Repair. If you haven’t got air con already, it’s worth looking into it to see the different companies who offer it as it can be a godsend in the summer months!

Doors open

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If you feel like your property is getting hot in the summer, why not open the back door for a while to get some air into your home. You could head out into the garden while your house gets cool. Just make sure you only have it open while you’re in the property, and keep an eye on your little ones, so they don’t run out there unattended!

Enjoy the hot weather while it lasts as you will miss it during the winter!

If you’re looking to make some profit, then you’re probably aware of the classic adage about making money. You’ve got to spend money to make money. So sometimes it may seem like the more money you spend, the more money you’re sure to get back. The bigger the investment, the more profit you’re going to get. And what could be a bigger investment than buying loads of land? And what investment could possibly have more potential than a lot of land? It’s basically a geographical blank slate that you own.

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Well, you shouldn’t just rush into buying land. Like pretty much any venture in life, it’s only going to make you big bucks if you’re smart and play your cards right. It’s definitely possible to make money from your land, but you need to follow tips like these in order to succeed!

Get familiar with your land

You’re not going to know what your land is capable of unless you know it intimately. You may think just walking around the perimeter and working out that it was a huge amount of space was enough. When you’re looking at land for sale, you need to pay close attention to its potential.

That means getting a detailed map and an inspection of the soil or concrete below. You should also be looking to the skies and not just the ground. How does the sun rest on this land? It’s important to know all of this because it could affect your plans significantly. You could be planning on starting some sort of plantation, for example. But what if the soil is no good for growing things? What if you’re not getting enough sunlight due to surrounding buildings or trees?

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Find out what businesses exist in that area

You need to know what kind of businesses are flourishing in this area. This may not apply quite so much if you’re buying land out in the mountains, away from municipal society. But if you’re closer to neighborhoods and commercial prospects, then you need to do your local research.

Let’s say you want to build a new property there for consumer purposes. For example, a restaurant. Then you need to find out what other restaurants are available in that area. How are they doing? What kind of restaurants are they? Have any restaurants been opened in this area that had to be closed down due to a lack of business? Speak to local business owners to get an idea of what people are likely to pay for – and what people are likely to walk away from.

Put your talents to use

So what is it you want to turn into a business? Whatever it is, it should be relevant to your particular skills or concerns. Are you good with people and comfort design? Then you may want to build a hotel or a similar holiday getaway. Do you a savvy business-type with landlordship experience? You could consider building a set of offices for leasing to local businesses. You may even want to build homes to sell to budding homeowners.

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Whatever it is you’re doing, you need to combine these three tips together to succeed. Combine geographical knowledge, economic research and your business talents. It’s the only way to start producing profit from a piece of land!

There are few tricks which can be used to reduce the maintenance costs on log homes, other than buying the materials and doing the work yourself. The real trick is to work on the construction so that costs are reduced both there and later on. This is called ‘value engineering’, and is used throughout the industry to try and reduce the amount of money needed for a project.

1. Reduce square footage.

Possible one of the best ways to reduce the cost is to reduce the size! Rather than something imposing, create something small and cosy that you can snuggle up in for a relaxing holiday. Alternatively, you could keep the same number of rooms and simply build up rather than out, creating a two storey building.

Creating a two or three storey building will also potentially help reduce costs in another way – since heat rises, the upper floor will be heated naturally.

2. Choose a stock design.

Lots of people enjoy the challenge that comes with designing a functioning house, but having a unique design means having an increase in overall costs. Choosing a stock design will allow you to save money, since they are both cheaper and more easily installed.

Choosing a stock design will also give you an element of security: since builders are so used to constructing to particular specifications, any problems with the design will have been ironed out before it is time to build your home.

3. Reduce square footage of logs used.

While it does seem odd that this is a way of cutting costs, it does make sense. The wood in log homes is what forms a huge part of the ongoing maintenance costs in cleaning, drying, staining, chinkingcaulking, and general maintenance.

Rather than having an entirely wooden home, consider adding in stucco, stone, brick, or some other material. Not only will this give you a more unusual looking home – particularly if you have followed the advice above and gone for a stock design – it will mean less wood to maintain.

4. Go for a simple roof.

Roofs are, hands down, the most expensive part of building a house. This is partly due to the fact that they are the biggest part of the house. They not only represent the biggest cash dump in terms of materials, but also in labour time and expertise.

Go for a simple roof – the cheapest and easiest to install is probably a single ridgeline with a shallow pitch. Having a shallow pitch will also allow you to keep more rain away from your wooden walls, because it will be deflected away.

Steep roofs, also known as valleys, are more visually interesting, but they are a lot more expensive.

5. Use drywall on your interior.

Wooden panelling looks very nice, but even panelling made from pine costs about twice the amount of dry wall (and cedar panelling costs twice as much as that!). Drywall will also decrease the cost of upkeep, since it does not need such extensive maintenance performed on it, though obviously it still needs to be maintained.

No home would be complete without a fully-functioning plumbing system. Just think about how much water we use every day! That morning shower, that boiled water for the coffee, brushing our teeth, that bath at the end of the day… the list goes on.

Tools of the trade // Credit

So, this in mind, it’s vital that we care for these systems. You should think about plumbing when you move into a home, when you’re renovating a home, and when you’re ready to sell. Luckily, there are numerous tricks you can use to make your plumbing life just a little bit easier. So, read on for some quick water-based tips!

Wrap pipes in insulation

Colder winter weather brings with it more risks, and one of those is that your outside pipes could rupture. Actually, so could your inside ones, depending on their location in the house. A burst pipe can put certain water systems out of action for days, and can grind your household to a halt.

So, take some measures to help prevent this from happening. Wrap any pipes that are under this risk in insulative materials. This stuff is cheap, and can be bought from pretty much anywhere these days. Keeping the pipes warm has multiple effects. For starters, they’re less likely to burst and succumb to the cold. Secondly, the time you’ll have to wait for hot water will be shortened significantly.

Monitor your water pressure regularly

The pressure of your water system probably isn’t something you often think about, but it absolutely should be! A water pressure that’s too high can result in broken pipes and faucets – they’ll be working harder to contain that pressure. Water pressure that’s too low can make the water come out of your taps slowly, and you may not be able to shower or use water properly.

You can measure your water pressure yourself using a hose bib gauge, which should be available at most good hardware stores. If it’s above the recommended 85 psi, consider calling a service like Pink Plumbing to help you bring it down. You could burst a pipe, and it’s nigh-on impossible to reduce the pressure yourself at home.

Address leaks quickly – no matter how minor

A minor leak can very quickly turn into a major leak, so don’t ignore them. Whether it’s a faucet, leaky toilet or shower, make sure you either address it yourself or call a plumber. The thing about leaks is, they never get better, and will always get worse. A leak is indicative of a larger problem, and it’s that which you need to solve.

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Avoid chemical-based drain cleaning products

When a drain gets blocked, it can be a nightmare. As a result, we tend to resort to the quickest fix available, scrambling through store shelves in an attempt to find the best cleaning product. Sadly, in reality, some of those products can do more harm than good.

Some of the chemicals found in these bottles can actually erode cast-iron drain pipes. Each time the clog doesn’t go, or each time you get a new clog, you use the product again, further eroding the pipework. Eventually, it’ll be damaged beyond repair, all for that cheap cleaning product. A professional can properly unblock a drain for you, or you can do it yourself at home. Either way, look after your pipes!

Finding the right builder is important. It might be a home extension, a new office block, or even a factory that you require, which means the company that completes the work should be experienced in the particular type of building you require. As there is so much at stake, take your time in choosing the main contractor. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect partner for your construction project.

Accreditation and associations

Any established builder will be accredited with registered organisations, and this tells you they are familiar with building regulations and procedures. One thing you should always ask to see is the contractor’s public liability insurance. If your scaffolding collapsed onto your next-door neighbour’s property, this would be covered by the contractor’s public liability insurance.

Specialist builders

With such a wide range covered by construction, most builders specialise in one type or another, perhaps complete house building, or extensions, or maybe commercial premises. By choosing someone that usually works on your type of project, they should be familiar with all aspects from design, planning approval, to construction and completion. A competent contractor will be able to assist you with design and planning approval, as they regularly deal with the local council. If you are looking for such a company, the most reputable London builders will be listed on Thomson Local, the leading online directory in the UK.

Contracts need to be clear and comprehensive

Before allowing your chosen contractor to start work, make sure you have agreed everything, and all points are covered in the written contract. If everything is agreed beforehand, there are no surprises later. Do not sign a contract until the local council has approved the project, and all costs have been finalised. It is always a good idea to ask for a sample contract at the very outset, which you can browse through at your leisure.

Customer references

The best way to find out if the builder is professional in his work is to talk to existing customers. Any reputable contractor will be able to provide you with a number of references, which gives the assurance that they have successfully completed many projects already.

View recent projects

This will give you an insight into the standard of work you can expect. If you ask to see some examples of work, a good builder would be happy to provide you with some addresses. You can also talk to the owners of the property, and find out how they feel about the work.

Here is a list of questions to ask previous clients,

• Was it a pleasant working relationship?
• Did the contractor communicate well throughout the project?
• Was the project completed on time, and within budget?
• Was the contractor fair and honest?
• Did the contractor do any remedial work?
• How was the follow up service?
• Were you happy with the standard of workmanship?

If the contractor has a current project running, ask if you can pay a visit. It will give you an opportunity to see how the work is carried out.

Several contractors should bid

It never pays to go with the first company you see, there are many available so spend some time and screen them carefully, until you have three or four that meet up to your standards. Then ask the contractors to submit a bid for the project, giving them a reasonable amount of time to prepare their bid. This gives you the upper hand and each contractor will be trying to impress you, so expect to receive some concessions at this stage.

Selecting the best contractor for the project

Once you have received all of the written quotes, go through them carefully, while making notes of any questions you might have, or any points you are unclear about. Then ask each one to clarify these points, then you should be ready to make your choice. Check out this link for more information on hiring the right contractor for your building project.

Payment schedules

Once you have chosen your main contractor, you need to discuss the payment schedule. It is normal for the client to pay at certain stages, the first being a small advance at the contract signing stage. Then the next payment might include all work up to ground level. This covers foundation and footing work, with everything below ground level completed. The next stage might be the first floor, or perhaps to roof stage, depending on the size and type of project. Once the schedule has been agreed, you should thoroughly inspect all stages before making a further payment. This allows remedial work to be completed before the project continues.

Be particular when checking

Builders are only human, and when a client pays great attention to detail, the contractor soon realises this and makes sure the standard of work is of the highest. Any signs of careless checking will encourage the builder to lower their standards and they may be tempted to cut corners.

Hire a Project Manager

If it is a big project and you are not always available, it might be an idea to hire someone who can oversee the project on your behalf. A retired builder would be perfect, as he has intimate knowledge of the construction business, and can represent you at meetings, and provide you with regular progress updates. This is not essential for a smaller project such as a house extension, but a larger project would require at least one experienced person to be onsite regularly, with your interests at heart.

Don’t expect the builder to start straight away

Most good builders are very busy, so it is unlikely that work can begin immediately. Set a schedule that is practical, you don’t want to rush things, as this might be the cause of sub-standard work and missed deadlines. You may want the job finished as soon as possible, but it is best to allow sufficient time for the contractor to complete the work. With clear communication and a written contract, things should go smoothly if you follow the above steps.

Owning a house right on a lake is nice enough. However, having a little dock at the end of your garden makes the perfect finishing touch. If you’ve got a lake property that you feel is missing something, then you’ve probably considered getting a dock before. Like any big improvement project, there are some important factors which you need to bear in mind. Here are a few.

Image: Pixabay

First of all, the shoreline you’re working with. Most docks can be modified and tweaked to work well with almost any shoreline. However, if you want a dock you’ll be able to rely on for decades, then I recommend finding a spot with a good stone wall. You can drill the stone, and attach a steel baseplate with relative ease. A dock fastened to one of these will certainly stand the test of time. If you’re lucky enough to have a sand beach on a nice, gentle slope, then the ramp can simply rest on the beach. Setting up a dock only really gets hard when your shoreline is made up of large rocks and uneven terrain. Here, you’ll either need a custom base plate, or a ramp which can be lain over the rubble.

Another important thing to consider is the shape of the dock you want to have built. Floating and pipe docks can be configured to have a variety of different shapes. This will be great for accommodating for large seating areas or boat slips. If you want to be able to remove your dock in the winter, then you’ll have to take the structure into account. Docks made of a few small, linking sections are the best if you want to be able to de-construct it with ease. Like many, you might want a lift dock like the ones exhibited here: www.SummersetMarine.com/piers-and-docks/ . These can have a classic, straight shape if that’s all you need. Or, you could have yours constructed in a T, L or U shape.

Image: Pixabay

Finally, water depletion. This is something a lot of people neglect to consider when they’re having a dock constructed. As you can imagine, the consequences can often be horribly expensive! If your property is on a lake where the water level rises and falls a lot, then your options are going to be a little more limited. You’ll have to go with either a pipe dock equipped with a wheel kit, or a floating dock. Alternatively, you could set up a pipe dock with a ramp attached, and then a floating dock. If you’re going with this last set-up, just be careful. You need to make sure that the ramp is long enough to accommodate for a fall in the water level. Otherwise, it will end up at too steep of an angle for you to walk on safely! You can find a more detailed guide to water depletion at http://pubs.usgs.gov/ .

After you’ve covered these three points, the rest of your considerations will be purely financial. Pretty soon, you’ll have a gorgeous dock making the perfect finishing touch to your lake home. After that, all that’s missing is the boat!

Having a steam cabin at home adds a more luxurious feel to your bathroom. It makes the bathroom look even better. If you are looking for ways to remodel and come up with something totally unique, then this is the best option for you. However, aside from its aesthetic appeal, another reason why you should buy a steam cabin is because of its health benefits.

Perfect glowing skin

One of the reasons why you always look oily and dirty is because there is dirt stuck underneath the skin. You need to have it removed and plain facial washing won’t suffice. It is important that steam hits your skin for the pores to open and remove the dirt. It is usually buried deep down and only a nice steam shower can open the skin on the surface to allow you to wash off the dirt. As a result, your skin looks healthy and glowing.

Prevent respiratory illnesses

It is also said that a steam shower cabin can help solve or at least prevent respiratory problems. This includes sinusitis, asthma, colds and bronchitis. If you or anyone in your family is suffering from these issues, then it helps if you have a steam cabin at home. It helps loosen the airways and prevent you from feeling discomfort. You have to understand though that the steam cabin will just help alleviate difficulty in breathing. It is not a permanent solution to the problem.

Lose weight

You might be surprised, but it is also a way to lose weight. Blood flow increases when you are inside the steam cabin. As a result, your metabolism rate also increases. A faster metabolism leads to weight loss. It is like the equivalent of running for a few kilometres without even leaving your house.

There are a lot more benefits that you can get from using a steam cabin at home. It is high time for you to give it a shot. You can take a look at the models available and find out which of them is perfect for your bathroom. You have to take into consideration the price of the model that you choose along with its quality.

With the choices available online, it is easier for you to find the best shower cabin that fits your personal criteria. You may also read reviews or compare models available from various websites. You can check the advantages and disadvantages of each option so you won’t make a mistake. Take note that there are models that represent a considerable investment, so you need to see to it that you end up taking home only the best choice.

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According to a study conducted by the Construction Industry Institute in 2012, 57 percent of the tasks that construction workers perform at a job site are a waste of time and resources. Although projects do get completed, they often go over budget and over the target date agreed upon with the client. They are also grossly inefficient. This leaves clients dissatisfied and construction companies that can’t attract repeat business.

The obvious solution is to institute lean construction principles. This offers less waste, reduced costs, improved value to the client, and the ability to consistently meet deadlines or even come in ahead of schedule. Even so, getting those involved in the industry to embrace the idea of lean construction has proven to be challenging. This goes from everyone from the CEO of a multi-million-dollar company to those on the front lines creating new building projects.

Learning to Identify and Eliminate Waste

A change in construction industry culture from seeking to complete projects at all costs to recognizing wasteful habits and making a plan to change them is the first step in implementing lean construction practices. The bidding process is just one example of this. Bid captains often walk miles each day trying to track down the response to their bid. By switching to a more open floor design, bid captains can decrease the time they spend wandering around and increase their productivity. As an added bonus, subcontractor meetings can be scheduled for the most productive moments during the bidding process.

Last-planner system scheduling is an effective method of scheduling using lean construction principles. This requires teams to start with the target completion date and then work backwards to determine the tasks that must be completed to meet their goal. Also known as bottom-up management, last-planner system scheduling also requires teams to define tasks as well as put them in order. The driving force behind this system is for construction crews and management to decide which tasks create the most work for them and commit to a more efficient way of doing things.

Merging Integrated Project Delivery with Lean Construction

Integrated project delivery is an offshoot of lean construction with a structure familiar to anyone who works in the construction industry. At the start of a project, key trade contractors, designers, the client, and construction managers meet to create a contract that is mutually beneficial to all. The risks and rewards of the project are shared among the entire group. The concept sounds simple, but it has a profound effect on how it gets people working together as a team to achieve the same goal.

Incorporating the lean construction concepts of pull planning, Big Room co-location, and target-value design serve to improve efficiency and collaboration even more. What is truly exciting about both construction approaches is that they work well on projects of any size. The methods a construction team uses to complete a project are not nearly as the results that occur when everyone feels personally invested in the outcome. When management and work crews care about increasing efficiency and reducing cost, the client is the ultimate winner.

There is a little bit of a DIYer in all of us and everyone likes to save money on projects they can handle themselves. However, there are those random exterior home renovations which should never be attempted by a layperson. The key is to know what you can safely do and when you should call in a pro. The cosmetic appeal of your home may be your primary concern at the moment, but if you don’t exactly know what you are doing and could be subject to a serious injury as a result, it is most definitely time to call in the pros. Here are a few examples to ponder.

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Exterior Electrical Work

Actually, according to law, only licensed electricians are allowed to work with electrical wiring or in their absence, you must find one who is willing to sign off on the job. Unfortunately, more people get electrocuted due to trying to work with electrical equipment and wiring than you’d care to count so always leave this one to the pros.

Repairing or Reroofing Your Home

Most people don’t have the knowledge or experience to repair a roof so that it doesn’t leak and even if you feel you have watched enough YouTube videos to walk you through the process, you probably don’t have the safety gear or agility to manage such a feat. Unless you have a safety rated fall harness and the agility of a roofer (or a cat!) don’t try roofing your home. The money you save is minimal and your life is worth so much more.

Cutting Trees that Threaten Your Roofing Structure or Foundation

Cutting trees that threaten your home is an art. There is a reason you need them down and why you have finally decided to do something about it. Those huge roots may be threatening your foundation or the large, heavy branches may be ready to breech your roof. Always get a professional to cut your trees. A layperson is likely to drop the tree in the home or on himself, so don’t even try it!

Window Replacement

There is also an art to replacing a window so this is one for the pros. You may be able to replace a pane of glass but when it comes to fitting the window securely into the frame – or replacing the frame itself – it takes a lot of knowledge and experience to get it fitted well and draft free. Get an expert now rather than later when that window comes crashing out.

There are other exterior home renovations you shouldn’t attempt either such as paving your driveway and walkways. Working with concrete or hot asphalt is a tricky undertaking and something that requires special equipment and even more specialized know-how. If you can safely paint your home, go for it. But leave these renovations to the professionals or you could be out more money than you would have spent hiring pros in the first place or you could seriously injure yourself which would be even worse than that. Know when to call in the pros and you’ll have the house of your dreams. Failing to do so could put you in dreamland – forever. Do the smart thing and be safe.

Don’t make the same mistake many other people make and wait to see if your HVAC will cool your home once summer is upon you. Rather, make certain your unit is ready for its summer job in the spring. This gives you time to perform any necessary repairs prior to the hotter months, and if you can’t do them yourself, you’ll have time to book an HVAC contractor before he is busy with emergency calls.

1. Change Your Air Filters First

Before you begin your spring HVAC check, make certain to change your air filters. The heating part of your HVAC unit has kept you and your family toasty warm throughout the winter, and the air filters have trapped unwanted animal dander, dust, pollens and other pollution. Chances are your air filters are quite dirty, even with your doors and windows closed for months. Replace the old ones with fresh ones and then move on to the next step.

2. Open Your Windows and Doors

Before you turn on your HVAC unit, open your windows and doors. For the first few minutes that the unit is on, you might notice an unpleasant odor as the air pushes through your vents. Avoid this by opening up. If you are extra sensitive, such as asthmatic or a person who suffers from other respiratory ailments, you can also place fans in the windows facing outdoors instead of indoors to help push the musty air-conditioned air out of the home.

3. Set Your Thermostat to a Cold Temperature

Next, switch the thermostat from heat to cool and set it to a cold temperature that will force the unit to turn on. Quiet everyone and everything in the home so you can listen for the click of the unit when it turns on and then the sound of the unit. If you notice any strange noises coming from the unit, turn the thermostat off immediately. If you don’t hear a click or the HVAC never turns on, turn off the thermostat and call for repair.

4. Close the Windows and Test the Air

If everything turns on as it should, close the windows once the odor from the stale air subsides. Next, test the air to ensure it’s cool by placing your hand in front of all the air vents in the house. Also, make certain you can hear air exiting the house through the intake vent. Pay attention to temperature and the air. If you notice the house isn’t cooling down, you might have a problem. You may also have an issue if you begin coughing or otherwise become irritated by the air-conditioned environment. If so, shut the unit off immediately and reopen the windows and doors.

Finally, even if everything appears to be working in tip top order, contact a professional for a spring maintenance visit. He will take your HVAC unit apart to ensure there is no problem with any of the elements that keep the machine running efficiently. He will also clean and oil the machine and clean out your air ducts and vents to ensure all the winter mustiness is gone. This helps you and your family breathe easier every time the unit flips on and cools the air.

Some of the top interior design trends in 2016 were pendant lighting and classic country furniture. New trends will emerge this year as people develop new tastes and adopt new technologies. In this piece, design specialists Baytree Interiors outline some of the top emerging interior trends to keep an eye on this year.

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Color Trends

Pantone chose Greenery as the trending color of 2017. Greenery brings the outdoors to the indoors while giving the interiors a pop of color. The vibrant green shade may be too much to use on all the walls in a room. However, the color makes a perfect feature wall in any room. Combining it with soft furnishings will give the room a bold and fresh look.

Dulux have a different pick for the color of the year. According to Dulux, Denim Drift is the color of the year 2017. The blue shade has a calming effect and can be used in any room. The color gives room for experimentation and makes any space appear larger. Other trends for this year for soft furnishings and wallpaper include added texture, geometric patterns, and tropical prints. The color trends for kitchens and bathrooms are combinations of marble and brass.

Interior Furniture

We should expect unobtrusive furniture with simple fabric and lines to trend in 2017. The simple design of the furniture creates different focal points in a room without giving the illusion of a disjointed and cluttered design. In addition, the simple designs will highlight a few elements of the furniture design.

Many people may choose multi-functional furniture that can be placed in any space. Modern interiors play multiple roles in a home including resting and entertainment. Some of the choices for multi-functional spaces this year will include stackable chairs and extendable tables.

Baytree Interiors advises that we should expect upholstered headboards to make a comeback this year. The furniture pieces give the bedroom a wow factor and enhance its texture and color. Another furniture trend we should expect in 2017 is the integration of technology into interior designs. The trend has been there for several years now but it will continue in 2017. TV manufacturers are now making interior design statements with the latest products. Furniture designs will evolve will evolve in a similar manner.

Lighting Trends

Chandeliers have been creating lighting statements for many years. The trend will continue throughout the year. However, we can expect modern designs to rule the market. Modern chandeliers do not have the same candlestick design as classic chandeliers. Instead, they have different geometric shapes and are made of a mixture of metals. Most of them are combinations of nickel, copper, and brass. In the past few years, we have witnessed an extensive use of geometry in indoor lighting. Cage light fixtures are now made in different geometric shapes and sizes.

Another lighting trend to expect in 2017 is the expansion in the integration of smart light bulbs into interior designs. The bulbs are new to the market but their popularity will increase as their prices go down. A smartphone is used to switch the smart LED lights on and off at a pre-scheduled time. Another amazing feature is that some smart LED lights change into different colors. They give any room a different feel at specific times of the day.

Technology

We are constantly adopting new technology in our daily lives even as innovations emerge in the world of technology. We are likely to witness more technologies in our home now more than ever before. Some of the innovations that we may witness this year are appliances with Bluetooth technology. The appliances will transform all aspects of our lives including preparing meals. Smart devices will hit the market that can brew coffee to your preferred taste with just a click on a smartphone app. Some appliances may prepare your toast to your preferred color.

Other technologies that are already transforming our lives are virtual personal assistants. The assistants include Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Smart Assistant by Lenovo. The virtual assistants have already become home gadgets of the year. Users can plan their daily activities, check traffic flows, and follow weather updates using the applications. Other virtual assistants enable users to play their favorite tunes with voice commands. The applications are designed to recognize the user’s voice and instructions.

While the idea of having a minimalist garden may sound boring and plain to some, to others, it is stylish and simple. Practically, minimalist gardens work great as family gardens. They suit our lifestyle and do not take a lot of space.

Minimalist gardens are all about making the best use of available space. It has a perfect blending of hard and soft landscaping that works for most of the small spaces available for such gardens. Getting help of a professional is the best idea when designing a minimalist garden as they are well experienced and trained and will make the best use of the available space.

Here are some tips that will help you with designing a minimalist garden in your home.

1. Set Boundaries

The first thing to do when planning a minimalist garden is to set boundaries. To create a successful and workable scheme, you have to pay special attention to the hedges, walls or fencing, the colour options and the overall designs. Using neutral colours is a good idea as it will give an understated and calming aura to the garden.

2. Limit Materials

Since minimalist gardens are all about working in a restricted area, you have to ensure that you don’t overuse various elements to avoid making it seem over cluttered. To get a simple clean look, limit the number of colours and materials. Choosing similar tone of colours will create a harmonious scheme that works best with minimalist gardens.

3. Don’t Overdo Plants

Minimalist gardens are set up in a restricted area. Therefore, you need to be very careful about the kind of plants you use. For the best look, don’t use more than three species of plants in the garden. You can repeat the placement of same plants if it is necessary. Having a limited palette of plants will not only make the garden look good, it will also make it much easier to maintain the garden.

When choosing plants, you can also go for a monochromatic colour of plants. Some of the suggestion you can choose from are:

• Gray: Artemesia ‘Powis Castle’, Santolina chamaecyparissus, Perovskia ‘Blue Spire’
• Black: Phyllostachys nigra, Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’, Phormium ‘Platt’s Black’
• Acid Green: Alchemilla mollis, Euphorbia polychroma, Euphorbia schillingii

4. Add Water for Controlled Movement and Sound

In most of the minimalist garden settings, the use of water options is quite understated. It is important to incorporate them in the overall scheme of the garden rather than thinking of them as an added ornament. If used the right way, they can add to the feelings of calmness and serenity in the garden. Adding a water feature at one of the corners will make the garden look and sound beautiful and it also does not cost a lot.

When designing a minimalist garden, it is important to make sure you do not overdo the features as it can make the garden look cluttered. As said earlier, keep the features to a minimum according to the area restrictions you have for the garden.

Homeownership is an expensive endeavour, not least because mortgage repayments can often be a life-long burden but also because utility bills and home maintenance costs add up to a significant sum over the years. Some problems seem small enough to ignore when we’re a little strapped for cash, but major issues need to be addressed right away, especially when it comes to vital everyday appliances like your washing machine. Plus, even problems that seem negligible will inevitably worsen if neglected, and it’s almost always cheaper, in the long run, to fix them while they remain minor.

Most families in the UK can’t live without a working washing machine for more than a few days, especially if three kids and two working adults needs clean uniforms daily to attend work and school. Many things can cause a washing machine to stop working as it should, and it’s usually best to hire the professionals for repairs to keep yourself out of harm’s way and ensure it’s fixed correctly the first time to prevent further future costs. However, there are some issues you can address without professional help with relative ease and safety, and there are also particular problems that might make you want to consider scrapping your machine and replacing it altogether. For those reasons, this article intends to shed light on when it’s best to hire the professionals, fix the machine yourself or take it to a scrapyard.

Problems with Washing Machines You Can Often Fix Yourself

Before deciding to go ahead and repair your own washing machine, it’s important to remember that you must accept responsibility if anything goes wrong, and you may be putting your safety at risk. Additionally, wrongly diagnosing problems can result in further issues sooner than they would otherwise arise, so when it comes down to it, hiring the professionals is the smartest option. Nevertheless, if you have very little cash and some experience carrying out fixes, as well as the ability to correctly diagnose problems, you might be able to put your DIY skills to the test by addressing the following issues.

• Blocked Pressure System
• Replacing broken motors or heaters
• Broken door hinge
• Addressing the issue of water not draining
• The machine stops mid-cycle
• Fabric softener not being drained properly
• Low water pressure

The link above offers a variety of guides and tips to help you address the issues such as those listed above and more, but it’s worth again stressing the fact that wrongly diagnosed problems and subsequent repairs that didn’t need doing could cause further harm to your appliance. Plus, the symptoms can be similar for different issues, meaning only experienced professionals can accurately find the root of the problem and carry out the right fixes. Before you start to worry about the costs of hiring others for repairs, you might be interested in learning the most common fix prices.

Hiring the Professionals for Washing Machine Repairs

Needless to say, the make and model of your appliance will affect how much replacement parts and repairs cost, and this can also help you decide whether to scrap your machine instead. However, hiring the professionals for repairs can often extend the lifespan of your appliance by many years, so it’s worth consulting with local washing machine repair companies before deciding how to take further action. Here are some typical average costs for washing machine repairs in the UK:

• A new door and seal typically costs around £75, though prices can range from £69 to £89. It usually takes trained professionals no more than an hour to finish the job.
• New motor brushes cost an average of £69, which includes parts and labour. Prices can range between £55 and £86, and it shouldn’t take more than an hour for the repairs.
• Unfortunately, having a new motor fitted can be rather expensive with an average price tag of £200, though that can go up to £239 for certain models. Needless to say, you need to consider whether this cost is really worth it rather than replacing your machine, but you can expect the fix job to be finished in around an hour.
• Professionals typically charge £85 to install a new washing machine pump, and the maximum cost rarely exceeds £92. Again, this job takes less than an hour in most cases.

Of course, the repair costs listed above only represent a fraction of problems that can occur with your machine, but they should give you an insight into what you’ll be expected to pay. You can use the costs to ask the professionals questions regarding their prices and time frames, or you might decide to take your appliance to the scrapyard instead of repairing it and replace it with a new model that should last at least five years and be covered by a warranty. If you decide to scrap your machine, you ought to consider the environment and call a company that takes recycling seriously.

Finding the Right Professionals for Repairs

If you decide to call trained repairers to get your current faulty washing machine back up to speed, you need a way to find honest and reliable professionals in your area. You now know a few typical prices for common fix jobs, which will help you determine whether you’re being quoted something realistic or outlandish. However, the price is just one factor to consider when it comes to repairing such a crucial appliance.

Because you probably depend on being able to use your washing machine regularly, you need to call a company that can send professionals to your home promptly. It’s no good having to book an appointment days or even weeks in advance because you can never predict when problems might occur. The easiest way to find dependable, local companies is to search using an online directory that features reviews and contact information in one place. As long as you choose the right repairers for the job, you’ll be able to use your appliance again in no time.

TV wall mounts are becoming more popular. People love to watch movies on a wall-mounted TV instead of the usual stand. It makes them feel like the screen is wider and seamless. It is as if they are watching a movie on the big screen.

In the office, it is also nice to have a wall-mounted TV. While guests are waiting, they can just watch movies on the screen. You can even play clips about your business so it becomes a tool for advertising as well.

Whether used at home or for business purposes, TV wall mounts are very useful. There are a lot of them to choose from. Here are some of the choices to consider.

1. Full motion wall mount

This is the most popular option today. It is easy to use. It also allows the TV to be positioned in several directions. It means that you don’t have to adjust the entire wall mount or have it uninstalled just to change directions. The flexibility of this option makes it a popular choice. Usually, it is made from heavy duty steel so that it won’t easily break with continued use and changes in angle. The full motion wall mount usually holds a screen weighing up to 175 pounds. There are different sizes available depending on your needs and where you would want to use it.

2. Low profile wall mount

This is the type that makes the screen look seamless. It is inexpensive. It allows the screen to be as close to the wall as possible. The only problem with this type is how to connect the cables and wires. It can get a bit messy along the way. This is also the type that has a small tilt function. It is not as flexible as the full motion type. It provides a more basic wall mount function, but it is good enough.

3. Tilting mount

This type is designed to handle heavier television sets. As it is slightly tilted, it has to fight gravity. This is perfect for heavy duty purposes. It should be properly installed though or else it could be problematic. Watching the screen placed in at a higher height in this position is very comfortable. This is why this type is becoming more popular these days.

Choosing the right TV mount is essential if you want the viewing experience to be better. You should also consider where the TV will be placed and how many people will be watching. If placed at home, you just need to consider what the majority in the house wants. However, if placed in a bigger location where more people can view the screen, you must have a different standard. These wall mounts won’t cost a lot, so price will be the least of your concerns.

Image via freedigitalphotos.net (MR LIGHTMAN)

Moving can be a very stressful event, but with some thought and a plan, moving can be a much easier task.

Let’s discuss eight tips to consider when moving to a new home.

1. Moving is not a spur of the moment activity. It is critical to allow enough time to pack and clean before hitting the road to a new home. If you will be hiring professional movers, be sure to get several estimates before making a choice. It is essential to read the fine print of any estimate and contract before signing to be sure the mover does not include any off-beat moving mandates such as they will only move boxes purchased from them or they will not move items in trash bags.

2. As soon as you know your new address, file change of address cards with the post office and any entity you do business with. This includes online and offline entities. Be sure to notify utilities of your move so you will be up and running as soon as you get to your new home.

3. Consider cleaning out and discarding anything you do not want before beginning the packing process. Packing less will help save time and quite possibly minimize the number of boxes necessary. If the removals are in decent shape, consider donating them to a charitable organization or if you are enlisting volunteers for your moving task consider giving them first crack at the items to be discarded. Removals intended for the trash pile should be discarded so they are not accidently packed and moved.

4. Pack items you will need first in a plastic container. Include items such as trash bags, a utility knife to open cartons, toiletries, eating utensils, select cookware and perhaps a change of clothes. Putting such items in a clear container will identify the must have items from the rest of the cardboard boxes. If desired, this box could also be transported by car rather than with the rest of your belongings.

5. To save on bubble wrap and other packing materials, consider wrapping and packing breakables in clean clothing, using clean socks for stemware. This technique actually hits two birds with one stone. You are packing clothes and kitchenware at the same time.

6. It will be helpful if you take a picture of the connections of electronic components. This will help make re-assembly easier and quicker. Put all wires and connections in zip lock bags and label each bag appropriately. This will keep all the right wires and connections in a safe place and eliminates the task of sorting through a box of everything to get your electronics up and running.

7. Consider using containers such as laundry baskets, hampers, bins and suitcases to pack items in. This cuts down on the number of boxes you have to purchase or scavenge from the neighborhood stores. Suitcases with wheels are especially helpful when getting items to the moving truck and into the new home.

8. Before the cheap movers in Perth or friends arrive to help you move, make sure everything is packed and ready to go. Trying to pack as you go will only lengthen the time it takes to get from point A to point B and cause frustration for the moving team if they have to spend time waiting for you to assemble your belongings.

Have you come across the name sump pump? It is a device which helps a crawlspace or a basement from flooding. It is installed in a sump pit to drain water that forms thus ensuring a mold-free, dry basement and a stable foundation. Despite being a mere mechanical tool, testing it from time to time is crucial for effectiveness.

Never let small rains turn your basement into an expensive mess. Ensure that the pump and

the backup battery is working properly. Test the pump four times, doing this yearly is a good thing. Testing on a stormy day is recommended by Plumbing to see how the pump is working when hit by real rainfall.

First, confirm that water is entering from the drain tile. Use a garden hose with a bucket to increase water level to assist the pump while being tested.

Ensure the button is on and off. The switch confirms the pump is working correctly and in the right condition. Repeat the procedure for at least four times to ensure the pump is working consistently.

Check whether the valve of the pump is working properly – hold the outside of the valve when the pump is operating and switched off. Ensure that you are feeling a thump inside the valve because water is settling. The test confirms the flapper valve inside the pump is working well.

Ensure the pump vent is clear – this is the final step in the self-testing. A vent is a tiny hole in the pump casing or body. The small hole allows air caught below the pump equipment by the impeller to be released efficiently when the pump needs to work. If the vent is closed or clogged, it will not operate correctly. To take out all the water and make the hole visible, lift up and hold the pumps switch. You can separate the two plugs in the pump manually. If you see a little stream of water coming out of the pump near the bottom, it means the pump is okay.

Another way is unplugging the pump from the wall socket and waiting until it stops running. You will hear the air-gasping noise. It means that the pump vent is working properly.

If the vent is not working, it means that your pump is clogged.The blocking is due to dirty water that passes through the pump. Try scooping dirt from the sump pit then run clean water through the tool to help remove the buildup. Running clear water several times through the sump pump to ensure your drainage pipe is clear of all the dirt as well.

Plumbing Perth recommends that you repeat the above testing procedures and schedule along with annual service visit to check over the pump equipment. If you use your pump frequently, it is wise to inspect it often. The above testing will only take a few minutes of your time that could prevent severe disappointment in the future. For more information on testing the sump pump, visit Plumbing Perth.

When you are building a new home, you need to consider how the kitchen is arranged. Kitchen designs change occasionally to make it easier to use the space. Here are five things that you must consider when designing your home’s kitchen.

1: Create a Highly Functional Floor Plan For Your Kitchen

Having a highly functional floor plan in your kitchen makes it simpler to prepare foods to cook meals. After consuming a meal in your kitchen or dining room, you also need to have a way to wash dishes before storing the clean items in cupboards. Creating a usable kitchen seems simple, but it requires a lot of thought. You want to have fast access to the stove, sink and refrigerator while preparing meals. In addition, it is vital to have a wide pathway through your kitchen so that multiple individuals can work at the same time. Think carefully about your kitchen’s floor plan before making a final decision.

2: Fantastic Plumbing To Have Water For the Sink and Appliances

If you currently own an older home, then you might not have a dishwasher because there is no way to supply water for the appliance. Modern kitchen designs include using top-of-the-line appliances such as refrigerators that supply ice cubes and cold water from the door. You may want to have a point-of-use water heater in your kitchen near the sink so that you can have hot water in seconds to sanitize your hands or countertops.

3: New Electrical Systems For Additional Appliances and Lighting

When you are remodeling your home’s kitchen, make sure to update the electrical systems to protect your new appliances along with adding more lighting. Today, kitchens have numerous electrical appliances such as microwaves, convection ovens or freezers, and you will want to protect the items from power surges that can damage the components of the devices. You can also add wiring to the ceiling so that you can have more lighting, making it easier to prepare meals.

4: Customized Wood Cabinets and Storage Systems

Your kitchen cabinets are the first thing that anyone notices when entering the room, and you can customize these to store your glassware, utensils and cookware. It is possible to have covered or open shelving that is designed for easy access of the items that you use on a daily basis long with storing seasonal items. A carpenter can create storage systems that have sections for holding large or small items along with having shelves that you can pull out to retrieve dishes or pans.

5: Countertops and Backsplashes

An important part of residential kitchen designs is making it easier to clean the surfaces, and this is why homes have countertops or backsplashes made of stone or tile. After spilling food or beverages on a countertop, it is simple to sanitize the surface with detergent or bleach. If you also have backsplashes, then you can protect the drywall or wallpaper on the walls above your cabinets to prevent ugly stains.

Today’s market is full of high-tech gadgets that can be fitted around your home to make life easier. For many years, the bathroom has been left out of this revolution thanks to the difficulty in mixing electrical items with water. Now, though, high-tech bathroom appliances are a real thing, and are becoming extremely popular.

Toilets

High-tech toilets may sound like a thing of the future, but they’re already in production and are incredibly popular in Asian countries. Toilets with features such as heated eats, motion sensors to life and close the toilet lid automatically, and automatic flushing system are set to become incredibly popular. Experts have also designed a self-cleaning toilet to save germaphobes the excruciating experience of having to manually clean around a toilet basin. There are also toilets that don’t require paper; instead, they come complete with a ‘cleaning’ function, shall we say, that makes toilet paper redundant, helping to reduce the amount of paper used. In Asia where these toilets are currently on the market, the water is also temperature controlled.

Digital taps

Touchless technology is becoming commonplace in public bathrooms; it’s now possible to turn a tap on without having to touch the taps thanks to the emergence of digital sensors. The aim of touchless technology is to help prevent individuals from coming into contact with germs, and the technology is set to prove exceedingly popular. The sensors can also detect when a hand has been removed from the tap, after which a signal is sent to the taps telling them to shut off. Even the temperature settings can be digitally controlled, offering a safe place to children to wash their hands and helping to conserve energy in the home

Waterproof technology

Watching TV in the bathroom is now possible thanks to the development of waterproof TVs. The TVs can be fitted close to the bath, allowing you to catch up on your favourite shows whilst you’re having a soak. For the shower area, waterproof LED panels can be installed; they come complete with colour changing lights, a temperature control panel, and even waterproof speakers. Some panels even come complete with a timing setting; as the user, you simply dictate how long you want your shower to last, and once the time’s been hit, the water automatically shuts off. Waterproof phones have also hit the market in recent years, meaning it’s now possible to tweet from your tub (although submerging them completely in water is still discouraged). One of the more popular items that are quite affordable is the bluetooth speaker, which you can see here. These allow you to connect your phone and play music whilst you bathe or even answer phone calls!

Baths

Gone are the days of shower-bath combinations; today, it’s all about the soaking tub. Metal stand-alone baths (basically a posher version of the humble tin tub) are enjoying a rekindled popularity. The types of taps being installed are also changing; gone are the standard two taps, one hot one cold set-up, and in its place come over the bath, waterfall taps that pour water into the bath from the floor. Colour changing lights in the bath are also becoming a thing. Previously, Jacuzzi baths were all the rage, but they’ve been replaced now with softer, more subtle air baths. The baths produce a stream of gentle bubbles that help to relax muscles.

Your home security is crucial, and you should give it the top priority. Burglaries occur in every 15 seconds in the US according to FBI. The stats indicate that strangers can easily access most homes. There are straightforward and low-cost steps that you can take to reduce chances of a break-in.

Buy a security system

Choose a security system according to the needs of your home. You can decide to have a professional install for you a monitored smart system, or you can have a simple camera. You may also need to install a motion sensor for windows and doors, alarm, and a smoke detector.

Secure the doors

Make sure all the doors are well fixed and have strong locks. Deadbolts and peepholes should also be installed in your doors to increase the level of security. You can rely on Locksmith Joondalup to make for you quality and reliable locks of your choice.

Place warning stickers

Place stickers in a visible place. A sticker can be a dog or an alarm warning sign or any other sign. Have signs of what is there; having fake signs in place can work against you.

Avoid hiding keys

Most people have a habit of hiding keys under doormats or in some specific areas in or near the house. Burglars know where keys are hidden and getting your key may not be a challenge to them. You can consider getting a spare key from a trusted locksmith Fremantle expert like locksmith Joondalup. All car keys should all be kept in a secure place but not in the garage, and also you can get another key from car locksmith if you need a spare one.

Perform a fake burglary

Have a friend walk in your house and pick things that are not well stored. The mock burglary will help identify what you are not doing right. Some of the things that people store in obvious places are jewelry and documents; you may need a safe to store them.

Check windows

Most windows don’t have smart locks that ensure maximum security. You can install aftermarket window locks that enable it to open and remain secure.

Eliminate hiding places

Trim all the flowers near the house and cut down shrubs that you don’t need. Burglars can use them as hiding places.

Meet neighbors

Be friendly to your neighbors and know the new ones soonest. Let them be aware when you are away so that they can keep an eye on your home. Friendly neighbors will let you know when they notice unusual activity in your home.

Install timers

Timers make your home look like someone is in when in the real sense there is nobody. They are of great help when you are out for a vacation, or you are attending a late night meeting. You can use timers to switch on the television and lights.

Formulate a plan

Have a meeting with people you stay with and set simple security rules. The rules should be on how to open and close the doors and windows, using emergency exit if there is a need, and how to handle strangers. You should also visit an auto locksmith immediately in case any of the car keys is missing.