Home Improvement

How to Hang Pictures on a Wall Straight & Secure Every Single Time

September 19, 2017 by derick

Hanging pictures in a space, along with adding decorative flair to a room, also allows us to bring style and character into our own home. However it’s not just hanging a frame in your wall but to make sure it is attach to the wall safely and secured.

Use this guide, & you’ll never patch an unnecessary hole in your wall again

You get a new amazing piece of artwork home from the gallery or get a professional family portrait back from the framers, and you’re so damn excited about how good it looks that you just can’t wait to get it on the wall. So you break out the toolbox and start hammering away, only to get disastrous results. Does this scenario sound familiar?

It’s happened to the best of us. When you don’t take the time to properly hang something on the wall, you wind up with a crooked mess. Or even worse, you put it in a part of the wall that can’t support weight, and you wind up with some broken glass and a big hole. But when you abide by a couple of rules of thumb and follow our handy tips, your wall hanging will look like, well, a work of art.

Like, did you know that you should drill a hole and hammer in an anchor before you put in a nail to hang a picture on a plaster wall? And if you fashion a piece of painter’s tape as a little shelf prior to drilling, you’ll have a little catch-all for all the plaster bits that are destined to fall.

If you’re hanging a picture on a brick wall, that’s a whole new ballgame. You’re definitely going to want to pick up a brick clip.

Easy Makeover: A Hardworking Homework Room

September 16, 2017 by derick

A homework is where you kid’s study or or sometimes do your planning here. And based from my experience it’s really hard to concentrate when you have a messy homework room. You don’t need an extravagant makeover for this. Just go for simple and easy one!

Remember how I’m slowly slinking around my BFF’s house and eating all of the food in her fridge making over rooms for her? (You’ve seen her living room upgrade here). Well, I’m back with a sweet and simple homework room that we pulled together for her kids….juuuuust in time for school to be over for the year. #FlawlessTiming

Thankfully they’ve already found that it’s pretty useful year round. Our goal was just to create a space that’s functional, not too spendy, and something that can grow with them (the kids are 2, 6, and 7). And since it’s right off the foyer, we wanted it to look nice since it’s one of the first things people see when they step through the front door.

Let’s flash back in time to the room as it looked when they moved in. It’s a gorgeous house with big windows and a cool spiral staircase. Our secret weapons for this makeover? Not-so-secret things like some fresh paint on the walls, a light fixture switch, a new rug, some homemade art, and a few inexpensive finds from Ikea, Target, and HomeGoods. No item that we bought for this room was over $160. Even that giant rug was under $140! I know, it’s pretty exciting.

10 Things Not to Do When Painting Your Home

September 1, 2017 by derick

There are lots of flaws people can do when deciding to perform the home painting. If your dream is to paint your home with beautiful colors, you have to be cautious. Avoid common painting mistakes that have the possibility to turn your own home into a disaster.

In the bright light of a new summer, the outdoors couldn’t look better. The grass is neon-green, the sky is itself-blue, and the clouds gleam wispy-white.

As you stroll the grounds of your castle (or just step out on your front stoop), you notice that one thing doesn’t fit in the brilliant glory: your house.

It’s faded. It’s dirty. It’s peeling and cracked like an old sunburn.

Suddenly, summer doesn’t seem as fun anymore, not when you have an endless exterior house-painting job looming over you. To make it more enjoyable, let’s play a game where we predict the horrible house-painting mistakes you’re about to make before you make them. Avoid these, and you might salvage your summer, as well as your time and money.

10. Under Pressure

For those who are into cutting corners, the idea of avoiding a thorough exterior scrubbing before painting is tempting. I mean, you’re going to literally paint over any dirt or grime — no need to change your spaghetti sauce-stained shirt if you’re just going to wear a jacket over it, right?

Unsurprisingly, washing off the built-up dirt or paint residue is not just an unduly complicated step in the painting process. It’s also a necessity for ensuring the paint job adheres well. New paint won’t cover filth for long. This critical step rinses away any mildews or molds that have developed on the old paint, too [source: Hurst-Wajszczuk]. A good pressure wash is essential to that dream of a 12-year paint job. Do a merely superficial rinse and you’re not giving your new paint the clean canvas it needs. Rent a pressure washer and don’t look back.

Benefits of Using a Drinking Water System

August 28, 2017 by derick

Water forms an essential part of our body. An ample amount of our body is made up of it. We need it in our everyday activity for a number of uses. Probably the most crucial purposes of it is for drinking. Drinking it is what keeps us well. Without that, we cannot make it through. But there are plenty of harmful toxins and contaminants that are present in it. So, it is important for us to cleanse it before drinking with the help of a drinking water system.

It is crucial that you understand that there are great number of other contaminants which are within your home and office water. By using a drinking water system could greatly lower the chances of being harmed by the everyday water we ingest by either cooking with it or simply drinking it. Water makes up 80 % of the composition of our bodies, therefore it is obvious how it can seriously affect us if that 80 % is contaminated.

If you continue to drink water that has not been through a drinking water system, it’s likely that it’s going to contain chlorine, estradiol, lead, weed killers, parasites and much more. Even a layman will recognize that the existence of such matter in your drinking water poses a real threat to your health.

If it is not purified and the germs and contaminants are disregarded, it could be a major risk for the health of your family. There are many ailments which are caused because of these germs and at times can cause a serious threat to the health of your entire family. You would not want anything to occur to your family thus may wish to take proper measure to make certain your family stays healthy and disease free.

Perhaps you may think that getting bottled water will be far easier and less expensive than getting a home drinking water system. You’d be wrong. What is in our drinking water from the tap is actually the same water as with those fancy imported bottles.

When buying a water treatment system for your home, you’ll discover there’s a wide range of choices. Be it simple countertop models to those that are installed during the building of your property, having clean water is simple to achieve, take time to familiarize yourself with the types of systems available. Take control of your health today and begin drinking the purest water that you could. Drinking purified water is essential should you want to stay healthy and feel good for a long time to come.

How to Buy the Best Manufactured Gas Fireplace

August 21, 2017 by derick

Today’s manufactures have stepped it up and have really given the public what it is that they have been looking for. When purchasing a new gas fireplace there are a number of options available, to find the best product requires a brief understanding of the latest choices.

Flickering flames and glowing embers: Nothing is quite as cozy as a fire on a cold winter’s day.

Of course, for a fire, a house needs a fireplace that will safely contain it, encourage the fuel to burn, exhaust any smoke, and deliver warmth to the room.

A traditional masonry fireplace heats by radiation. Radiant heat from the fire warms objects in a room, not the air. As a result, the fireplace wall retains heat and releases it slowly into the room.

Unfortunately, most traditional masonry fireplaces are notoriously inefficient at heating. In fact, they may actually increase drafts in a house. This happens because they may draw room air through the mouth of the fireplace and send it, along with as much as 90 percent of the heat generated by the fire, up the chimney.

To cut heat loss and drafts, glass doors seal the fronts of some contemporary fireplaces. In addition, these sealed fireplaces draw combustion air directly from outdoors so the fire doesn’t steal the air it needs from the room. Some efficient models also have vents that pipe room air past the firebox so it can be heated and then return it to the room. Furthermore, some fireplaces are specially designed to maximize radiant heat delivery and retention.

Direct-Vent Gas Fireplaces

Unlike traditional mortar-and-brick masonry fireplaces with foundations and chimneys, direct-vent manufactured gas-burning fireplaces take advantage of zero-clearance technology.

Best Use of Venetian Blinds

August 13, 2017 by derick

There are many approaches to cover the windows in your home, from vertical blinds, to shutter, curtain, shades and blinds. One very common approach is the ‘horizontal window blind’, that’s commonly known as the Venetian blind. They’re made up of thin slats of assorted materials, which are threaded on a ‘ladder’ of string which is rigged to a control that permits you to shift the angle and tilt of these slats. These kinds of control mechanism separate Venetian blinds from other types of vertical blinds.

Commonly, Venetian blinds are made from numerous materials which includes aluminum, wood, or some kind of plastic. Aluminum Venetians produce a stylish, sophisticated, contemporary style whilst offering great durability. Aluminum blinds come in a wide range of colours and will match up the design of any room.

They give you more control.

These lovely blinds are available in 2 types. The blind that rolls up and down like a curtain or the more well-known vertical type where each and every blind could rotate on its own axis. Vertical types tend to be preferred since they make it possible for partial light into your room whilst preventing the harsh sun rays travelling inside the house. They can be installed as a single one for the whole length of the window or separate blinds for each pane of the window. The horizontal model won’t enable this convenience. They’re also available in different colors so that you can select one that suit the décor of the room.

These types of blinds are easier to install.

Apart from giving another control, window blinds are user-friendly and are much easier to install. Anyone who has purchased a set of these blinds find that they do not have to worry about employing a professional to have them installed. These blinds may be custom made to match the type of window that house owners may have. One simply needs the handbook and a basic tools. Just before buying a window blind, it is crucial that you correctly measure the size of your windows. There are lots of online tools and videos that will help guide even non-professional on how to properly measure their window for window blinds purchases.

They are easier to clean.

Now to the item of cleaning the Venetian blinds. The very best manner to wash your Venetian blinds is to bring them outside and lay them on a massive clean dry towel or blanket. Use a bucket nearby full of water and soap. Then wash the blinds by scrubbing them with a soft bristle brush. Once the front is finished, reverse the blinds so that the rear facet happens to be on the front. Scrub the blinds thoroughly

Apart from being elegant and trendy looking, venetian blinds can offer many first-time home owners with lots of positive aspects that may jazz up their house. It is often advised to pick venetian blinds for a low maintenance upkeep of one’s house.

Pre-Checking Your Home Before Renovation

July 17, 2017 by derick

An effective pre-check on your own residence before you begin a renovation is always a good idea. Below are a few stuffs you want to check out prior to committing to a minor or major remodeling.

• Decide which stuff in your home you are able to recycle: doors, windows, timber, cabinets, flooring, and so on.

• Pay close attention to what is it you do not like and want to change in the household. List them based on priority. However, make an effort to choose a design that suits well to the whole family..

• If you’re able to effortlessly access the roof space, check the insulation levels, condition of the roofing and whether there are any major repairs necessary.

• Check out showerheads to find out if they need to be upgraded for energy efficiency.

• You might need professional guidance regarding your hot water system. An electric storage unit will have the highest greenhouse impact. Should you have one, you should think of whether it’s worth upgrading to a solar or natural gas system.

• Cutting down your lighting expenses can be also an effective way economizing energy and cash. Changing bulbs to a more a efficient type and with a proper use would instantly make a difference. Consider utilizing Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) as opposed to your standard light bulbs..

• Always always remember on the health and safety of the household. Assess your home and look for possible hazards like asbestos, lead, mold and silica hazards..

Renovating isn’t as easy as everyone thinks particularly when one is in a constrained budget and not a professional. This is the reason why everything have to be well planned and various things are regarded to ensure there’ll be no adjustments as the project begins. The original plan must be followed and reduce sudden changes on the plan.. This could blow your costs out of proportion.

Assessing every single section of the home is essential because you might neglect something when you just center on one area. Also, first impression do always count. The first impressions create the perception worth of a house. When the design and other elements fuse well, it generates an even more gratifying feeling. It’s best that you not just center on one area and attempt to look in the exterior and interior areas of the home. You possibly can explore creative yet affordable ways to improve the house. Accessories can also produce a more eye-catching and improved worth of the house.

A knowledge of the whole process is incredibly critical on the results of the renovation task. The property owner must have a fix plan on the theme, design and function of the place to be renovated in the house. It is best to develop a plan that incorporates goals and approaches to help you get to the end goal. You’ll want to include financial, emotional or even design-related targets.

How To Set A Welcoming Summer Table

June 26, 2017 by derick

No paper plates and Styrofoam cups required this year. You can set an elegant summer table with very little effort and even less money. Let me give you some great ideas from an article that you can play with to create some fantastic looking tables for this summer.

Have you had your first outdoor dinner party yet? Enjoying a meal outside is the best way to make the most of the summer months. When it comes to setting a summer table al fresco, you can really let your creative side shine. Inspiration can be taken from almost anything, be it the natural surroundings, a favorite color, or the flower currently in bloom.

For my summer tabletop, I was inspired by terra cotta. The warm hue is making a comeback (you a can see more terra cotta inspo here). To create my tabletop, I paired terra cotta rimmed dishware that I found on Overstock.com with golden-hued linens, birch flatware and cut glassware with soft lines. The mixture of warm tones, pops of white and a variety of textures kept the table feeling both warm and welcoming, but also light and airy. To up the fancy factor of an outdoor place-setting a bit, all you have to do is layer your dishes. A salad plate, atop a dinner plate, atop a charger elevates an outdoor table from humdrum to holy cow. A mound of fresh flowers will also make everyone at your table feel special. Keep scrolling for all the details on how my summer table came together!

If you’re also looking for a similarly simple, yet stunning summer appetizer, I’ve got your back. The Prosciutto & Melon Toast recipe below is the perfect solution. It’s bright, vibrant, delicious and crazy easy to make! Plus I’m always partial to food that goes with my entertaining color scheme.

Septic Tank and Septic System Maintenance

June 6, 2017 by derick

A septic tank is the primary element in common septic system. In doing full maintenance it is additionally crucial to include the other to fundamental elements, the drain field and the soil.

Extreme water can lead to the entire system stop working. The soil should soak up the water which is used in your home. So if there is excessive put into the soil, the absorption will obtain influenced and it might damage the drainfield. To avoid this, keep a look at all the devices that use a lot of water as well as aim to reduce unneeded wastefulness. The more you could reduce the consumption, the better it will certainly be for the life of the septic system.

Dispose chemicals as well as other fluid materials effectively, this is one crucial reason for failure of septic system, lots of sewage-disposal tanks have failed as a result of absence of attention to the products disposed in it. Gasoline, paint thinners, motor oil, varnish, as well as other chemicals which contain active substances could destroy your septic tank walls as well as could cause danger to groundwater too. Make sure you get rid them appropriately and away from your septic tank system. Additionally, grease can quickly clog in your septic tank so make sure you steer away from disposing them in your bathroom.

There are several products which can create issues for septic tanks. Some are evident, but some may shock you. Anybody who washes their flower pots in the sink or bath tub could not realize they have a blockage waiting to happen. The dust will develop in pipelines and at least trigger slow-moving draining, otherwise even worse: complete clog of the drainpipe field. Sure cotton bud are small as well as seem harmless, however bear in mind they are not biodegradable. Any type of items which are not biodegradable or can trigger clogs need to be avoided your septic system. If in doubt, leave it out.

Do not flush leftover foods. Solid materials flushed down the drains dramatically increase the buildup of solid wastes in all-time low of the tank. While non organic compounds might just add up to the mass of waste in the container. Periodic pumping of these wastes is had to avoid the storage tank being full.

It is your obligation to guarantee that you septic system is always functioning as well as useful in a longer amount of time. For instance, there are dos and don’ts that you need to pay attention to for proper septic system maintenance. Work with specialist contractors to assist you with this task understanding the appropriate time to earn the essential maintenance. It is also a must to care for this essential system in your house via common and also basic things such as avoiding flushing of things that may block the pipes and pumps.

Central Vacuum System – Modern Eco-Friendly House Cleaning Ideas

May 21, 2017 by derick

Hate lugging your heavy machine from room to room? You might consider having a central vacuum system installed in your home. With a central vacuum system it is no longer necessary to lug one piece of equipment all over the house.

Central vacuum system is a comfortable and easy way to clean the house quickly without the trouble of maneuvering with the vacuum cleaner between the furniture, carrying it up and down the stairs or dragging it from one room to another. What is a central vacuum system? How does it work? What are the advantages and disadvantages of it? There are many questions to be answered and despite the fact that these systems are on the market for some time now, many homeowners are not well acquainted with the benefits of a central vacuum system.

A central vacuum cleaner, also called built-in vacuum, is a system designed to aid the cleaning process of homes as well as buildings. It consists of several elements and the system is constructed to provide perfect cleaning, maximum ease of use, environmental friendliness and quiet operation.

How does a central vacuum system work?

A central vacuum system is convenient and practical. These systems have long deserved recognition and many homeowners prefer a central to portable oner, as built-in central vacuum is easy to use and does not take up space in comparison with the normal household machines. A central vacuum system consists of several elements – a power unit, which is usually installed in a basement, garage, balcony, attic, or ventilated utility room, tubing installed through the interior walls which connects vacuum inlets to the power unit, inlet valves, accessories, cleaning attachments and an exhaust system.