How To Get Better Air Quality In Your Home

Most people don’t worry too much about what the air quality is like in our homes, but if you’re serious about a healthy lifestyle, you should think about it. This is especially important if you suffer from allergies or asthma. You can’t completely get rid of all allergens in the home, but there are some things that you can do to reduce them and your exposure to them. Here are some easy ways to improve the air quality of your home and lower the number of allergens. 

Keep It Clean

A clean home is a healthy home. Cleaning your home on a regular basis will get rid of dust and animal dander left by pets. If you hate cleaning, focus your efforts on the jobs that will get rid of pet dander, mould, and dust. The most important jobs to help with this include:

• Vacuum your carpets and rugs. Vacuum once or twice a week with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. Swap carpets for hard-surface flooring to cut down on more allergens. You may need to hoover more often if you have pets. 

• Clean your bedding, drapes, and other soft furnishings that attract allergens, especially if you’re a pet owner. These items should be washed in hot water, and you might want to use dust-mite proof covers on your pillows, mattresses, and box springs. 

• Clearing clutter. Clutter traps and holds dust that can cause allergic reactions. 

Keep Greenery Outdoors

Advice around plants is divided when it comes to allergens. Some indoor plants are thought to help to improve the quality of the air indoors as they release oxygen, but they can actually be an allergy trigger for some people. While pretty, plants can collect and encourage the growth of mould. If you’re struggling with indoor allergens, your plants might be the problem, and you might need to reduce the amount that you have. 

Change Your Filters

If you use a forced-air heating system in your home, then make sure you change the filters on a regular basis. Electrostatic filters can help to stop dust and other irritants from circulating through the house. A heating and cooling company can help you find the right filters and recommend the best way to run your system for the best air quality. Think about having your ducts cleaned to remove any trapped dust. 

Invest In An Air Purifier

If you’re allergic to something indoors, but can’t get rid of the source of the problem, for example, you’re allergic to a pet that you don’t want to part with, an air purifier can help. Put an air purifier in the parts of the house that you use most, and it can capture some of the irritants that trigger your symptoms. You won’t be able to get all the allergens out, but you can reduce them, which might be enough to help with your symptoms. 

For damp areas, like the basement, you might need a dehumidifier to prevent mould from growing. Make sure that any bathrooms are well ventilated, and scrub away any mould that you see gathering in the shower, on walls, or on your fixtures. 

5 Essential Things to Consider When Deciding to Get A Pet for Your Kids

Having a pet at home comes with so many benefits for your kids if the family is prepared to handle the responsibilities that they come with. For example, they can help your kids learn and understand essential social skills and values such as being responsible. However, there are some vital considerations to make before bringing a pet home; especially if you have little ones at home, as you will first need to prepare them for the responsibilities ahead to ensure that your family and your pet have a fun, safe, and healthy relationship. So, are you ready to bring a pet home for your kids? Then first, consider the following points.

Do your research

Before you dash off to the pet store, take the time to do some research about the kind of pet you want or the ideal one for your family life. Pets come with a lot of responsibilities, so be sure that you are ready to handle them. For example, cats and dogs require a lot of attention and playtime to keep their minds healthy, which means they might not be ideal for a family that is hardly at home. A smaller pet like a goldfish needs you to pay a lot of attention to detail, and you need to be sure that your family is up to the task. Luckily, a simple online search like “what does a goldfish eat” should give you all the information you need on feeding your goldfish. If you prefer a reptile for a pet, your research should show you at what age certain reptiles can be considered safe around children.

Settle all health concerns

After conducting your research, make sure that you purchase or adopt your pet from trustworthy friends, family, neighbors and so on. If you have no place or no one in mind, you can always visit a trusted vet for some recommendations. Ensure that your source offers healthy pets, as sick pets can quickly put your children’s health risk. It’s important to bear in mind the average size your pet will grow to when it reaches adult age. Will you still be able  to take care of it? Your pet should receive all the needed vaccinations and your dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered as well. You should be prepared to visit your vet regularly and monitor for signs of possible health issues. 

Kid responsibilities

If you’re going to rely on your little ones to take care of the new pet, ensure that they have what it takes. If you need to continually remind them to handle their responsibilities, then adding pet care might be asking too much of them. As mentioned earlier, dogs and cats require constant maintenance. For example, a dog needs to be fed, monitored, and walked daily. Are you confident that your children will remember to do that? Alternatively, you can train them into becoming more responsible by starting with pets that are relatively easier to take care of, such as a turtle or fish. 

Budget

Can you afford a pet? Bringing a pet home also requires a significant financial investment - from making the right environment available to purchasing the kind of food they need. Depending on the type of pet you want, you might also need to make some changes to your home. No matter how well you train your pet, there is always the possibility of them causing damage to your furniture, carpet, and other household items; this is especially true for dogs. Replacing or repairing furniture also involves a lot of money, so you may need to factor such costs in as well when saving for your pet.

Exposure

If your child has never spent enough time around other pets, you cannot be confident about how well they will react to having pets on their own. The idea of having a pet may sound fun until they are faced with one; they might end up thinking differently after a couple of weeks or months. To be sure you are making the right decision, you can set up play times with friends and trusted neighbors who have pets. Observing how well your child interacts with different pets should give you an idea of how well they’ll do when they have theirs. 

Alternatively, you can also take some days off to visit a local animal shelter. If your child is not comfortable enough around other animals, they might not be ready to own one. 

Five Tips For Doing Up Your House

As 2020 comes to an end, it is time to reflect on what the last year brought to us and how we can improve going into the next year. For many of us, this means looking into doing up our houses. After a lot of time spent in lockdown and not being able to go anywhere, we’ve quickly got bored of the same few walls and have managed to pick holes in everything from the decor to our accessories. This is why it is a good idea to bring about change. If you are looking to do up your house, here are some top tips for doing so. Be sure you have all the relevant equipment before you start, from paintbrushes and tiles to Grundfos multi-stage pumps if you need them.

Make a mood board

Once you have decided to do up your house, it is important to make a mood board so you can check everything goes together. This can be a physical mood board made from collages, a digital one, or even separate Pinterest boards. It will give you a chance to better visualize the room and see how colors and materials go together.

Set yourself a budget

Doing up your home can be expensive, and costs can quickly rack up. It is a good idea to go into it with a budget in mind so you know what you can and can’t afford. Total up what you want to spend on each aspect or room of the house and try not to go over the final amount. This way, you know you are getting the home improvements you want at a price that you can afford and it takes away a lot of the stress.

Try paint testers on different parts of the walls

When buying paint testers, try them on different parts of different walls so you can see how they look in different lights. It could be that you really like a color, but it is a strange shade when certain light hits it, and you don’t like it. By testing it more than once you can compare how it looks in different areas.

Accessorize 

Never underestimate the power of accessorizing when doing up your house. These have the ability to totally transform your home and make it feel cozy and welcoming. From plants and photos on the wall to sculptures, throws, and cushions. Don’t be afraid to play around with accessories and use them to add in splashes of color and personality to your space.

Choose colors that will stand the test of time

When selecting a color for your wall, you want to choose something that will stand the test of time - you don’t want to go through the effort of decorating only to grow to hate it in a few months. Neutral shades are a good idea then you can add in color with accessories.

These are just a few top tips that you can utilize when it comes to doing up your house. Be sure to follow them, and you will have a space that you love in no time and with minimal hassle.

How To Spruce Up Your Home On A Budget

Is your once-full-of-life house looking a bit tired and run down? Whether you’re hoping to improve the overall vibe of your home ahead of putting it on the market or just preparing for a last-minute visit from the in-laws, these easy tips will help to give your house a new lease of life without breaking the bank. 

1. Give the place a fresh lick of paint-

You probably could have guessed this one, but one of the most popular ways through which people update their drab interior  is with a simple lick of paint. You can’t really go wrong with this advice, but just think carefully before making your colour choice. A classic white or cream is always best if you’re looking at selling your property in the near future, or if you just don’t have an exact colour scheme in mind for the room yet. As long as you aren’t thinking of using a colour that will darken and close off an already smaller space, then you should be good.

        2. Invest in a new headboard-

Bedroom decor can easily be centred around a nice, sturdy headboard. It really is a piece that’s worth investing in; you can skimp on other items if you’re looking at saving money. A cushioned fabric headboard can help a large room feel cosier, especially if it is in a neutral tone that compliments the bedding colour well. If you want to spruce up your current headboard without splurging on a new one, you could always think about up-cycling the one you already have. All you really need is a fabric of your choice, and the tools to attach it. Check out some ideas for DIY headboards here. 

       3. Deep clean your carpets- 

If you feel like your house just needs a good spring clean, the best place to start can be your carpets. Over time, carpets hold onto dust and dirt that just can’t be picked up by your average vacuum cleaner. This is where professional carpet cleaners come in. For a small fee, they can deep clean all of your home’s carpets and leave them looking brand new. You will be surprised at the difference the clean can make, and you might even be surprised to discover that the original colour of your carpet was much brighter than you had remembered. 

      4. Set the mood with some new lighting- 

People often underestimate what the right lighting can do for a room. Adding new, warmer lighting to a room can achieve a feeling of cosiness and warmth in a way that little else can. Even better, if this new light source is in the form of a large, possibly antique, lamp, then you’ve also got yourself a fun new piece of furniture out of the purchase. 

If you aren’t in a position to be splurging on lighting, there are a few other steps you can take. One way to improve your room’s lighting without spending a penny is to redirect the light sources you already have to highlight particular features in the room. This helps in drawing attention to those areas. Oh, and next time you’re replenishing your stock of light bulbs, make sure to go for the warmer, more gold-toned ones. These will add much more warmth to a room than white light, especially for creating a cosy and inviting living area.

      5. Make a statement- 

Whether it is a feature wall donning a playful pattern, a killer piece of art, or a bright and colourful piece of furniture, adding an element of ‘statement’ to a room can make a massive difference to the overall feel. With it being, in essence, a statement, whatever you decide upon will immediately draw the attention of people when they first walk into the room. So you want to make sure it is something you’re really happy with. You could even bring your old, dull sofa to life by switching up the cushion covers for a vibrant new pattern or texture, depending on the mood and aesthetic that you are aiming for in the area.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you begin thinking about home improvement and re-decorating, but the key is to remember that not every room needs a complete makeover. Try and take the time to analyse each room, and work out the best small changes you could undertake to make the most impact on the overall space. These simple changes can make a huge difference, and are a really great place to start in sprucing up your home. And always remember to have fun with it!

Home Exterior Brush Ups

First impressions count. If your house looks shoddy from the outside, no one is going to expect much from the interior. You can improve the value, saleability, and overall appearance of your home by giving the exterior a makeover. You don’t need to break the bank either, as we have plenty of great DIY suggestions below. 

1. Start with a simple clean-up - Some basic maintenance can go a long way. Spread fresh mulch over flower and plant beds, mow your lawn, get rid of any clutter, and give your exterior a good power wash. 

2. Change your front door - One of the easiest ways to give your property a fresh look is to change your front door. Ditch the boring, standard style of door that all properties have, and opt for something new and exciting. You could paint your current door a vibrant shade, such as letterbox red, or replace it with an elegant door featuring intricate stained glass detail. Simply make sure your choice matches in with the overall style of your property. 

3. Landscape your garden - You don’t need to hire a professional for the task. There is plenty of inspiration on the Internet and videos you can use if you are unsure about gardening. Take the time to design your garden, rather than diving right in and planting a plethora of different flowers everywhere. Instead, group together clusters of planets for depth and height. You can also create a beautiful homemade pathway without spending a lot of money. 

4. Change your roof tiles - Changing your roof tiles can have a huge impact on the appearance of your property. There are plenty of gorgeous materials to choose from when it comes to roofing services, with a natural slate being a stunning option if your budget will allow it. If not, there are some good fiber cement slates that will make a great alternative. Other natural options include wood and concrete tiles. 

5. Refresh exterior paint - A new paint job is the most inexpensive way to make a big impression. For the most dramatic effect, keep your color palette simple. You don’t want your property to stick out like a sore thumb for all the wrong reasons. Creating a collage of exterior styles with many colors, textures, and elements is not advised. Bring out the charm and elegance of your home with simplicity and consistency. 

6. Lighting - Re-think your exterior lighting. Lighting is so important, both inside and outside of your house, as it is responsible for creating the ambiance. You can make your home look warm and welcoming yet classy and elegant with carefully placed lighting. 

So there you have it; some top tips for giving the exterior of your home a makeover. You will be shocked by how much of a difference these simple changes can make. Not only will they make the exterior of your home look stylish and refined, but they will boost the value of it too. 

4 Tips For Keeping A Safe And Comfy Home

Your home is the one place in the world you have complete control over. By maintaining and boosting your home's safety and comfort, your wellbeing will flourish, and your love for your family home will grow.

For some tips on how to take the best care of your home to keep it safe and comfy forever, here are four tips for a happy and healthy home.

Check The Attic And Basement

These are two areas you probably don't use much, but they could play host to various problems. 

These are two areas you probably don't use much, but they could play host to various problems. 

It’s important that you are keeping on top of these essentials, as it is often all too possible for you to experience property damage otherwise. If you do discover any damage, you should seek out some property damage restoration in Kansas City to make sure you are fixing it. The worst thing you can do is leave it alone.

Check the attic and basement regularly, and when possible open the doors or hatches to let in a new airflow. 

If you get a whiff of dampness or notice any pest droppings, it's essential to call in a professional to assess these issues. 

Leaving problems such as water damage or pests could lead to more significant problems. For instance, a leak from the ceiling could cause severe structural damage and may call for a Foundation repair of the property. 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The alarms in your home will help alert you in the worst-case scenario that there's a fire or carbon monoxide has been detected. 

There should be a button in the center of each alarm you can press to check it's still working. The alarm will make a sound if it's active. To keep your home and family safe, test your alarms at least once a month.

Boiler pressure

An instant frustration in any home that can ruin comfort is a broken boiler. Having your boiler serviced at least once a year will ensure it's in good working order.

Plus, if you hear any unusual sounds coming from your boiler. Or you've noticed the boiler pressure is low. Providing the boilers still in warranty, call a professional for assistance. 

If your boiler is out of warranty, consider setting up an emergency fund in the eventuality you need to pay for someone to come and repair the boiler. 

Boiler replacements can be quite expensive. And so it might help to purchase a warranty to cover it if it breaks.

Gutters and Rooftops

Working rooftops and gutters protect your home from the elements and shift water down the drain pipes and away from your home. 

If there are missing shingles from your roof, or the gutter is overflowing with water. These problems need to be assessed immediately. 

A cracked rooftop will leave your home exposed to water and snow. And a clogged gutter can prevent drainage, leading to water overflowing onto the side of your home, which can damage the walls and ceiling in your home.

Keeping a safe and comfy house is easier to do when you keep a checklist of things to look at regularly. Spotting issues early, be it a brown smoke alarm or a clogged gutter, will save your home from a lot of expensive damage, and in turn, enable you to maintain it as a safe and comfy place to be.

Winter Home Tips For A Cosy Space

When winter hits, it often hits overnight and suddenly your whole house becomes a cold, harsh place to be. If you haven’t yet prepared your home for the cold season now is the time to do so - and you can do many things to get your home feeling warm and cosy. 

So take some time this weekend to cosy up your home and turn it into the perfect space to enjoy your favourite tv and films on the sofa. 

Get Christmassy 

We know it’s not December yet, but with the way 2020 has gone so far, we could all do with a little festive cheer in our lives. Take the opportunity now to get festive and bring some Christmas cheer to your home and make it cosier. Hang fairy lights, play around with garlands, and bring out the cosy blankets and cushions for the sofa. Create a warming and fun space this week that your whole family will be happy to enjoy for the festive period. 

Assess your heating system 

It is important to ensure your house is warm enough during winter and that your heating system doesn’t suddenly pack in when you need it most. Call a local hvac company and assess your heating around the house. You could install extra radiators or update the ones you have, and make some key changes to ensure the house is warm and cosy all season long. 

Invest in blankets 

Blankets are the epitome of winter comfort at home. There are many amazing blankets you can buy online or at homeware stores to brighten up the space as well as provide a comfy layer for your legs. Don’t scrimp on your blankets - and buy a few different colours and patterns to make the most of your winter space. 

Enjoy tealights 

One simple way to make your home feel warm and cosy in seconds is to light some candles and dim the lights. Rather than turning on your main living room light at night - swap for a lamp and some well placed candles instead. Tealights are cheap and they bring soft light and heat to your space, creating a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. 

Use warm colours 

If you want to make your house feel cosier and warm this winter, why not invest in a warm toned colour for your walls? Colour can make a huge impact on the look and feel of your home, and a rich red or berry tone will bring warmth and a sense of relaxation to your space. This coupled with warm accessories is a brilliant way to make your house feel warmer and more welcoming in the winter. 

Get cooking 

Great smells always make a big difference to your home, and the scent of a stew or cookies in the oven is a brilliant way to bring a sense of warmth to your house. Plus, when you have the oven on this will naturally heat up your home so it’s a win win! 

Use these easy tips to make your house cosy and warm this winter. 

What’s That Strange Smell In Your Home?

Odd and unpleasant smells in your home could be worth investigating. In many cases, they could be a sign of a hidden danger. Below are a few strange smells to look out for and the cause behind them.

Rotten eggs

A long-forgotten box of eggs in a cupboard could be causing a rotten egg smell, but it’s more likely to be something else. That rotten egg smell is in fact sulfur produced by various types of gas. It may be possible that you have a gas leak, in which case you should call an emergency plumber immediately as it could be very dangerous (you should also open all windows, turn off the gas at the mains and ideally get out of the premises). If you smell rotten eggs when you turn on a tap, the issue may be caused by a water heater fault (the anode rod may need replacing). 

Fishy Smells

If you haven’t eaten any fish recently and there’s an oddly fishy smell in your home, it might be caused by burning electrical components. Many people compare this burning plastic odor to the smell of fish. Try to follow the smell to see if it’s coming from an outlet or a fuse box. If so, you should turn off the power and call out an electrician - this smell could be the early warning sign that an electrical fire is about to take place. 

Sewerage

Sewerage is not an odor that anyone wants to smell in their home. A blocked drain could be the cause - an emergency plumbing company such as Sydney Emergency Plumbing may be able to get to the bottom of the issue. Dried out p-traps in seldom used sinks can sometimes be to blame too, allowing sewerage gas to rise up through the sink - running water through the sink may be able to solve this, but if not you should call out a plumber. 

Musty odor

A musty smell is often caused by damp and mildew. It’s possible that there could be visible signs of mold on the walls or there could be a hidden source of mold somewhere (it could be growing behind furniture or in a cupboard). Mold likes to grow in damp, warm and dark places with little air circulation. Ventilating your home, letting in sunlight, using heating sporadically and fixing water leaks can help to prevent mold. Buying an air purifier may also help to prevent mold growth. 

Harsh chemical scents

Chemical scents are often caused by cleaning products, paints or varnishes. A particularly pungent chemical smell could be caused by mixing cleaning chemicals that shouldn’t be mixed - if the smell is too strong, open a few windows and get out of that room (the fumes could be toxic). Chemical smells can also be caused by burning plastics. Make sure that laminated furniture isn’t kept near heat sources as this could be a cause. 

Burning smells

The smell of burning in your home is never a good sign. If you’re not cooking anything and haven’t got any candles or fireplaces lit, check your home’s electrical outlets. Before an electrical fire breaks out, an outlet may give off a burning smell, possibly accompanied by smoke and odd sounds. Turn off the power in your home and call an electrician if you suspect this to be the problem.

How To Prepare Your Kids For A Move

There will come the point in every family's life where they need to move house. It could be because of work, or it might be to accommodate a brand new family member. Moving can be stressful, though, and if you think it's stressful for you, how do you think your kids feel? They won't like the sudden change and unfamiliarity, and this can make them anxious and scared. You want your move to be as smooth as possible, though, so here is some advice on how to prepare your kids for a move. 

Involve Them 

Kids love feeling they are part of something, so you can get them used to moving house by asking for their input when selecting new furniture and decor for your home. Ask them which color chairs or tables they would like, and get their feedback on the wallpaper. You don't need to follow through with all their suggestions (there's a chance the whole house could become a tribute to Spiderman, after all), but having them feel they are in control by giving them a choice will help them feel more comfortable with their new home. 

Show Them The New House 

Whether you choose an older house or move into Bellriver new homes, showing your kids around will ensure they know what to expect, making moving day much more comfortable. If your child is old enough to remember the journey, take them to the new home to get used to their new surroundings. Being thrust into a new home on moving day won't benefit them in the slightest, so let them see the house, show them their bedroom, and take them for a walk around the neighborhood, showing them the park where they can play, as well as anything else they might enjoy.  

Unpack Their Room First

The last thing you'll want to do after moving day is to go through the rigor of unpacking every box you've piled into the house. However, if you're going to make this house feel like home for your kids, you can unpack their room before doing anything else. This will immediately make them feel at ease, as they'll recognize everything as familiar. You can save your bedroom for tomorrow. 

Give Them A Job (With Supervision)

Moving day can be stressful, and you might think you're the only person who can control what you do. This will put a significant burden on you, though, and it could lead to even more stress. If your kids are old enough, you can give them a job to help you get through the day without any issues. Assign them duties such as packing their toys or games away, and once they've done that, they can help out with the rest of the house, even if they will need some supervision. 

Starting Over 

Your kids may not be super thrilled about moving house. They will miss their friends, and it will take your kids time to get used to their new surroundings. However, by involving them in the move and showing them that things won't change too much, you can help them start over confidently and positively. 

Six Tips To Help You Deal With Dry Skin at Home

One of the most common skin woes we face on a regular basis is dry skin. It’s usually not a serious condition and is often caused by things like low moisture in the air or being exposed to hot water for too long. However, it can get to a point where flakes of skin are actively shedding off our bodies. It can also worsen the appearance of our skin and may cause redness or itchiness.

So to help you manage your dry skin, we’ve put together six helpful tips that are easy to follow.

Remember to moisturize daily

One of the most important tips to remember is to moisturize on a daily basis. This sounds like a really obvious and simple tip, but it’s also quite important. Don’t just stick to the same moisturizer either. Make sure you try different types to see what works best for your skin type.

Are you washing your hands too often?

Some people may find that washing their hands too often can cause redness and drying of the skin. This is because your skin produces natural oils that help to keep your skin moisturized. Some people that wash their hands too often will scrub away these natural oils, resulting in dry hands. If you need to wash your hands regularly, remember to moisturize afterwards.

Try a humidifier

A quality Dyson humidifier can increase the moisture levels in the air. This can help with dry and cracked skin especially during cold seasons where we’re prone to using heating units throughout the air. Heaters can actually make the air around us dry, hence why you might be more prone to having dry skin in the winter. A humidifier can help introduce more moisture into the air to counteract this.

You may need to exfoliate more often

Some people find that their dry skin is unavoidable. Sometimes, they might experience flakey patches of skin as well. It could be caused by a skin condition such as eczema. In some cases, gentle exfoliation on a regular basis can help reduce the appearance of dry skin which might actually be caused by a skin condition.

Create an oatmeal soak

An oatmeal bath is a popular remedy for dry and itchy skin. It can also help with some skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, poison ivy and insect bites. Make sure you don’t just put regular oatmeal into your bath. You need to get colloidal oatmeal and you can usually find it online or in health stores.

Adopt better shower and bathing habits

Bathing and showering too much can actually dry out your skin. This varies from person to person, so if you find that your skin gets really dry after getting out of the bath, you may need to adjust your bathing habits. Either reduce the number of times you bath if it’s more than once or twice in a day or consider lowering the temperature so the hot water isn’t drying out your skin.

Four Ways To Heat Up Your Home

Heating up your home is certainly important during the colder months. If you’re keeping wrapped up when outdoors and ensuring the house’s warmth when you’re indoors, it should hopefully keep any nasty colds or sore throats at bay. With that being said, here are four ways to heat up your home.

Keep Your Blinds & Curtains Closed

Firstly, make sure you’re keeping your blinds and curtains closed. This is very important because it helps as a protective layer against the cold that comes through the windows. Not only that, but you’re also helping with any sunlight that shines through the blinds or curtains and into your room. You’re locking that heat and warmth in when you’ve got your blinds closed so during these winter months, it’s better to leave curtains and blinds drawn for the most part, especially on particularly cloudy or dismal days. If you can, it’s worth looking at the quality and thickness of the blinds or curtains you currently own. If you’re able to replace any that are too thin, then it’s certainly worth doing. You can also get ones that are thermal and so are better at keeping in the warmth than most.

Make Use Of Home Upgrades

Home upgrades are worth doing because they can definitely help to keep the home updated, as well as hopefully increasing its value over time. One thing worth doing if you’re able to afford it is to get underfloor heating. It’s worth knowing the average cost of underfloor heating as this will be helpful to understand how much you’ll need to acquire in relation to the floor space you’re considering. It’s worth putting it in rooms where they’re usually cold or perhaps in spaces like the kitchen area where you’re more likely to have wooden flooring or tiles in it.

Use Draft Excluders

Draft excluders are very useful when you’re spotting cold areas around your doors. These can usually come from external doors, but you might be in one or two rooms throughout the evening and therefore want to keep these rooms nice and warm when you’re in them. Draft excluders can be very useful and easy to make yourself if you don’t fancy spending the money to buy them already made. Make sure you’re popping these at the bottom of the door and leaving them in a place that’s easy to access when it comes to putting them away and getting them out again. For some, it might be easy to leave it by the side of the door where possible.

Add In Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings are a great way of adding layers to your space, and as a result, it can also help with the warmth of a room. A good throw or two on your sofa to a rug covering part of your wooden flooring can certainly make a big difference. Consider what soft furnishings that you can buy or utilize already.

Heating up your home is important, and it doesn’t have to be something as simple as using the heating. Use these tips to help keep your home warm.

Make Moving Day A Dream With These Simple Solutions

If you are going to be moving soon, you need to try and ensure that moving day goes as smoothly as possible. There are a lot of stresses that come with moving day, and you don’t want to let it get on top of you. Instead, there are some things that you can do that will make everything go smoothly and keep you happy. In this article, we’re going to be looking at what some of these things are, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Recruit Your Family

The first thing that we suggest is that you recruit your family to help. We’re sure that if they have time and if they are able to, they will be willing to come and help you out. Talk to them, let them know when you’re going to be moving, and ask if they can come and help you out. Or, even if they have time to come and help you pack up some of the things before moving day, this could be a huge help. Ideally though, you are going to need someone at least to come and aid you when it comes to actually moving the items out of your home because this is one of the most challenging parts of moving.

Hire A Professional Team

It might be the case that your family can’t help you out, or even that you want some professional help alongside your family. Hiring a professional team will take a lot of the stress out of moving day! You don’t have to worry about a thing because a company such as Chess Moving will sort out everything for you. From packing up your items if you want them to to moving the items from the home into the van and more! It’s entirely up to you how much or how little you want a professional company to do, but having their help could prove to be invaluable. 

Keep Yourself Organized

Finally, you should try to keep yourself organized throughout moving day. It’s a challenge we will grant you, but that’s why we recommend that you make a list of everything that needs to be done and who is going to do it. You can then tick things off your list as they get completed, and this should keep you on track. If things are going to be completed on separate days, then you need to make sure that you have written down the dates so that you’re keeping to schedule. It might seem tedious to make the list in the first place, but it will really help you stick to the plan that you set out.

We hope that you have found this article helpful and now see some of the ways that you can make moving day a dream. You don’t want to let it get to a stage where everything is in a shambles, and you’re ready to tear your hair out, so take this advice to avoid this. Good luck and we hope you are very happy in your new place.

5 Reasons People Buy A Fixer-Upper

Buying a property is a huge commitment, both financially and emotionally. Some buyers are looking for the perfect property that they can just move straight in to. No work required. Just unpack your boxes and you’re home. 

Then there are those that take on the challenge of the fixer-upper. The properties that all but the bravest of people will pass right by in the property listings because they look like too much work. Here are five reasons people buy fixer-upper properties.

1. To  Create The Home Their Dream Home

Some people buy the house of their dreams and some people want to create it themselves.  A property that needs extensive repair and renovation can be a fantastic opportunity to reconfigure your property into the perfect home. Usually, you’ll need the help of a number of specialist contractors and repair companies. To find some in the local area see details on local Facebook pages and directories. 

1. They Want A Period Property

New build properties often lack character. If you are looking for a particular style of home, you may not have a large choice of well-maintained properties to buy, so your only option may be to buy one that needs a lot of work. 

1. To Buy A  Property They Ordinarily Couldn’t Afford

If you have your heart set on living in a particular neighborhood, only to find out it is way out of your budget range, then buying a run-down property may be the only way you can afford to get a step on the property ladder in that particular area. 

Or perhaps your budget will only buy you a two-bedroom apartment but what you need is a three-bedroom house with a garden. Choosing a house in a run-down condition will let you get the space you need now while having to spend longer on renovating as and when you have the budget available to do it. 

1. As An Investment Property

The economy is unpredictable and many people feel safer investing their money in property. Buying cheaper properties that need some work can represent a good investment. After bringing the property up to a suitable standard, you can then make a monthly rental income. 

Many people who do this are experienced property investors who can assess a property and work out if the money needed to fix it up will allow you to make your money back. 

1. To Flip The Property

Similar to investment properties, property developers look for opportunities to buy for a low price, complete renovations, and then sell on at a profit. There are many people who make a living from doing this, and they develop a keen eye for finding the best properties. 

Final thoughts

Whatever the reason for buying them, run-down properties present a unique opportunity to create an innovative, well-designed home. Not for the faint of heart, the road to creating your dream can be stressful, expensive, and requires a lot of hard work and determination.  In the end, though, it is worth it. 

Is Piano Restoration Worth It?

Piano restoration parts depend on the specific instrument involved. If your piano is old, for instance, it may require more work than a newer model. However, there are common aspects that piano restorers look at when first assessing whether a partial or full restoration is economically viable for any given piano.

Keys are one of the first things we notice about a piano and it’s quite easy to tell when one of them isn’t working properly. Similarly, if there are problems with the exterior of your piano, such as issues with the casters or the casing, it’s usually easier to notice them. However, when there are internal issues with your piano, you’ll be reliant on the expert knowledge of your piano restoration professional. 

Choosing a reputable piano restorer will ensure that the advice you’re given is not only the best possible for your specific piano, but it will also ensure that you won’t be charged for unnecessary restoration. There are so many working parts within a piano, whether it’s an upright or a grand, and so it’s easy to be baffled by the language involved. This can lead to unscrupulous piano restorers to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. For instance, your piano may require new strings, felt, turning pins, springs, or a new soundboard, but it may not. Don’t trust the word of just anyone when it comes to restoring your old piano. It’s something you don’t want to have to do several times, so trust a reputable restoration company in the first instance.

Piano Restoration Cost: Is it Viable?

Piano restoration cost estimates can be markedly more than you expect. When you’re looking at having a piano repaired or restored, you need to work out if it’s financially viable to work on the current piano or whether it would be more worthwhile to invest in an entirely new piano. You also need to consider all costs as well, as you will probably need to hire removalists who can safely get the piano out of your home and back into, as they need to be handled with specialist care.

Pianos can be sentimental objects. As family heirlooms, pianos can carry a lot of history with them. As such, when things go wrong with a piano, it’s tempting to get it restored or repaired because it’s a reminder of days gone by. However, piano restoration is not always economically viable and there are many factors that go into a decision like that. For example, if your piano was manufactured by one of the leaders in piano design, it’s more likely to be worth restoring than one that was made by a relative unknown in the field. Similarly, older pianos with older internal mechanisms are generally not worth restoring. There are also issues related to humidity that affect pianos and dictate how well they work. 

When you’re looking at whether restoring your piano would be viable, contact reputable dealers for cost estimates. The beauty of dealing with a larger dealer is that they won’t pressure you into restoration if it’s not right for you or your piano. Sometimes, although it’s hard, saying goodbye to a family heirloom in the shape of a piano is the best course of action. It might be time to browse pianos for sale instead of attempting a restoration.

Creating The Perfect Environment To Improve Your Sleeping Habits

Not all of us can get to and stay asleep as easily as we might like to. However, if you’re currently having trouble drifting off at night, it’s not likely because sleep is entirely impossible for you. It might down to the environment that you’re trying to sleep in. Here, we’re going to look at ways to change the environment bit by bit so you can the problem that’s keeping you up and fix it.

Turn off the TV

Whether it’s a digital television, a PC monitor, or a laptop, the bedroom is no place for screens. This means leaving your smartphone on the other side of the room so that you can’t reach it, as well. As shown by https://brighamhealthhub.org/beware-of-blue-light-before-sleep/, the blue light produced by these devices can have a hugely disruptive impact on your ability to sleep. Blue light keeps both the eyes and the mind active, which is naturally going to make it harder to settle into the kind of peace and relaxation you need to fall asleep.

Steep your senses

There’s no guarantee that it will work for you, but a lot of people who have trouble sleeping will swear by the power of aromatherapy and the right scents. You can have essential oil in your bedroom or use soaking solutions right before going to bed, but whatever you use, the smell of lavender has always been highly recommended to help with sleep. You don’t want to use too much, as it can get a little strong and be distracting, but a touch of this scent can do wonders for some.

Seal off your environment

The sleeping environment itself might work just fine, if only you were able to effectively enjoy it. If light and noise from outside your bedroom can make their way in, it can be very disruptive to light sleepers. Installing blackout blinds can help you effectively deal with the light, but sound waves can be a little tricker. However, services like https://www.insulatekansascity.com/sound-proofing-insulation/ may be worth investing in if you’re truly having trouble sleeping. Create a room that sound simply does not get into and you might find yourself driving off with the greatest of ease.

Cut the clutter

It’s all too easy to treat the bedroom like it’s just another room for storage and to let all manner of surface get cluttered up by all manner of objects. However, clutter has been shown to have a most distracting effect on the mind, which can increase your feelings of stress before you lie down, which then stops you from falling asleep as easily as you should. One way to cut clutter in the bedroom is to make sure you’re not using it for any purpose other than what it’s intended for. Treating it like an office or a gym can lead to you leaving a lot of unnecessary objects lying around when it comes time to sleep.

Improving your sleeping habits, including the duration and quality of your sleep, isn’t always as simple as solving one problem. You need to take a holistic approach where possible, so you can take care of all of the little factors keeping you from your dreams.

Five Ways You Can Calm Your Nervous Dog

Anxiety is common in dogs as well as humans. There are many dogs that struggle with being nervous. It can stem from being mistreated, abondondoned, but also from purely being unsure of theri surroundings. 

Just like any other unhealthy behaviours; barking, biting, chewing on household items, nervousness in dogs can be treated. It is possible to cure it, however, other times it can only be managed. 

If you have a dog that gets nervous, this post is really handy. Let’s have a look in more details how you could help them: 

Plenty Of Exercise 

If your dog suffers from the most common anxiety, separation, the obvious fix is to not leave them alone, however, in reality this isn’t possible for the majority of pet owners. Using exercise as a great bonding time and to hep tire them out is a really simple fix. 

Anxiety can lead to your dog having excess energy levels, so taking them for a walk before you leave or throwing a ball around to tire them out can help them to relive stress and produce good feeling endorphins. 

Good Physical Contact 

There is nothing more soothing to a nervous dog that having the comfort of touch from their owner, the person they trust to keep them safe. Learn to recognise the signs that your dog is feeling anxious and nip them in the bid sooner rather than later. Pick them up, give them a treat from petness.com, or have a cuddle on the sofa.

Massage

Yes, a massage. Just like a human having a massage can help to calm them, it can also work really well for dogs. Anxiety can lead to a  tensing of the muscles and massage therapy is one way to help alleviate the tension. Begin at the neck and work down with long strokes. 

Music Therapy

It has being proven that music is great for both humans and dogs. Music is powerful when it comes to relaxing and calming it’s listeners. Whether you are in the car, at home, or away from your part you can also guarantee that music will help to soothe them. It also help to alleviate noise sensitivity by blocking out common noises such as the street or other noises that bother some dogs and create anxiety.Research shows us that dogs really like classical music suhc as harps. 

A Safe Space 

Anxiety isn’t bad behavior, however, if your dogs is starting to act out because of it may be time for them to have some timeaway and in a safe zone. Try creating a space that they know is just for them. If they start to show the signs of anxiety, take them their safe space, You could also include things like aromatherapy, classical mucia, low lighting, and calming treats to make sure they are ultimate in a calm zone. 

These are five good ways to make sure you look after your dog who get nervous. Is there anything that you do to help your anxious dog? Please share them in the comments below. 

How You Can Renovate When You're On A Budget

Despite the reputation for renovations being expensive, it is possible to create a new look with a high standard without needing to spend a fortune. You just need to be able to make the right considerations. 

Let’s have a look at how you can achieve this below: 

Think About Your Suppliers 

Just because a supplier is big, doesn’t mean they are the best option. It can be very easy t be drawn in by shiny brochures, great looking websites, fast-talking sales reps, and flashy tv adverts. But,  bear in mind that just because a supplier or tradesperson has a bigger number of employees and impressive sales ploy, it doesn’t mean they will do a better job than a ‘one-man-band’ or a small team. However, you may find that they will charge more. 

Make Yourself The Project Manager 

One of the best ways to reduce the cost of a budget when it comes ot renovating is to make yourself the project manager, as the homeowner, you know exactly what you want and you are also very aware of the budget you have. Don’t underestimate the role of a project manager though, the decision and time you make to the project can be very consuming. But, you are in control of the project and therefore in complete control of what is spent and where. This gives you more power to pick and choose the project that you may be able to complete yourself. 

Always Shop Around

Although it may be more simple to buy all of your materials or even a complete bathroom or kitchen from the same supplier. It’s most certainly not going to be the most cost-effective. You should always make sure you shop around, especially when it comes to kitchens. There is no reason whatsoever, why you should be restricted to buying your worktops, appliances, and your Cabinet door replacement from the same supplier. If you do your research and shop around you are almost able to guarantee that you will save some money. The exact same applies to bathrooms. 

Get More Than One Quote

You will be surprised how many renovators go with the first quote they receive, you should always get more than one quote for any project if you’re not doing it yourself. The prices can sometimes vary by hundreds. Three quotes are the ideal amount, recommendations go a long way, and remember that the cheapest quote may not be the best value for money. 

Reuse Old Materials 

You will find that some of the materials that are coming down during a renovation, particularly large ones, can be used again. Bricks are a brilliant example of this. Roof tiles are also good material to reuse if they are of sound quality. If you are working with an older building, using the older materials can help you to blend the new in with the old and therefore maintain the integrity of the building. 

Use A Mix Of High-End And Standard Products

If you have already started to shop around, you may have noticed that high quality and high-cost no longer go hand in hand. Ok, so not all cheap kitchen or bathroom suites offer you value for money, however, many of them off the shelf products have come on leaps and bounds and are now great quality, great news if you are on a budget. 

Buying the standard units and carcasses and sprucing them up with more expensive handles, concealed lighting, and striking worktops are just a few of the ways this works for a kitchen. 

Plan For Bargains

Try to arrange some storage space that enables you to store the bargains you come across that are just to-good-to miss. Things like ex-display are a great example. You shouldn’t wait until the last minute to search for items, try to plan in advance and buy a bargain when you see it. 

Do It Yourself

DIY can go a long way for cutting costs when it comes to renovating. Anything you can do yourself may take a little more time and research but it can definitely save you money. How much you can complete is going to depend on how confident your feel, things like plastering and electrics are usually best being left to the professionals. You can actually save thousands if you do similar jobs like painting and tiling yourself. 

These eight tips should help you to realize that you can still renovate when you are on a budget. How do you make sure you stay within budget with your house projects? Please share some of them in the comments below. 

Can you reverse wrinkles or are they permanent?

Loads of different things can cause wrinkles, and we know there are ways to prevent them. With the right preventative approach, you can stop wrinkles from forming or slow them down as you age. But, can you actually reverse existing wrinkles? It's definitely possible to stop them from getting worse, but can you eradicate them from your face? 

The brief answer to this question is...yes! Wrinkles can be reversed, though it depends on what has caused them. Sometimes, treatments are similar to wrinkle prevention, while other times the treatment is slightly more extreme. If you've got wrinkles of fine lines that make you look older, try out these tactics to reverse time and smooth out your skin:

Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is one of the most essential nutrients for the human body. It plays loads of vital roles, with one of the most common being its role in preventing sickness. However, vitamin C also helps with skin formation and collagen production. In short, the more vitamin C your skin gets, the more collagen you produce. As a result, this can plump up your face and make it a lot tighter. Wrinkles will iron themselves out thanks to the increased collagen production. 

Microneedling

Next, you can try a facial procedure that's very popular in the beauty world right now. Microneedling uses an instrument that has loads of tiny little needles on it. A technician will roll the needles across your face, making minuscule incisions in your skin. An incision isn't even the right word - they're invisible to the naked eye, and it just feels like a tiny prick on your face. By doing this, it triggers the skin's natural healing process. Therefore, this creates more collagen and elastin production in the skin cells. As a consequence, your wrinkles can be reversed by your skin tightening and feeling more elastic. This works faster than a serum as you go beneath the upper layer of skin and get a lot deeper. 

Laser Therapy

Lastly, you have another cosmetic procedure called laser therapy. You will see this type of treatment available from various different cosmetic surgeries or practices. Sometimes, as seen on https://somaplastics.com/, it's called something like Skin Tightening. Basically, the heat energy from a laser goes through your skin and triggers the collagen underneath. It makes the collagen expand, which will tighten your skin almost immediately. This is a non-surgical treatment with zero downtime, so anyone can get it. You feel a slight burning sensation, but it's not a painful thing to go through. 

To summarize, wrinkles can be reversed by trying any of these three techniques. The first option is for people that want to see results at home without undergoing any treatment. The second two are best if you want quicker and more long-lasting results. Or, they work better for people with deeper wrinkles. Thankfully, you can reverse your wrinkles without going under the knife! You'll notice the common theme of each option is that you have to boost your collagen production. This is the protein that builds skin cells and keeps your skin firm. As you get older, you produce less. Hence, you need to boost your production to get rid of and prevent wrinkles.

Weight Loss Wisdom For The Whole Family

Whether it's because your favorite jeans no longer fit, or you have a big event coming up and want to look your best, losing weight is often at the top of our priority lists. Of course, shedding the pounds is often easier said than done. Unless you follow the smart advice below, that is. Keep reading for more. 

Control your calories 

One of the most straightforward ways to lose weight is to cut the calories you are taking in. Unfortunately, many people think of this as the most challenging option because they are focused on restrictions. 

However, reducing your calorie consumption doesn't have to feel like a chore at all. Instead, you will find that one of the biggest boons of this method is that you can eat whatever you like, as long as it's in your allowance, and you will still lose weight. 

That's not to say I recommend living on candy bars and chips, but if you want to indulge now and again, it's possible as long as you plan out your food intake. 

Luckily, planning and tracking your food is super simple to do nowadays. The reason for this is that apps like NutraCheck come with a continually updated food database for your location. Something that means finding whatever you have just eaten and logging the correct amount is fast and easy. 

Cut your carbs 

Next, if you are looking to lose weight, then a carb-cutting approach may be the way to go. This method works because it encourages the consumption of a higher percentage of fat and protein than we usually take in. These substances are much more filling and help curb food cravings, and that empty feeling can sometimes occur when losing weight. 

Studies have shown that by switching to a lower-carb diet over the long term, you can retrain your body to be more effective at burning fat. Something that makes losing weight and keeping it off a lot easier. 

The good news is that there is a wealth of lower-carb recipes to try online too. Chaffless are incredibly popular at the moment, in both sweet and savory forms. That is waffles made with almond flour and mozzarella in a waffle iron—then topped with cream cheese and your choice of savory items like cheese and ham or sweet options like cinnamon. 

There are also some good low carb bread recipes out there that are worth trying. 

Use a supplement 

Sometimes we need a little help when it comes to shedding those stubborn pounds. Fortunately, there is a wealth of supplies on the market that can make our weight journey less laborious. 

In particular, Apple Cider concentrate is very popular with people trying to lose weight right now. Although, supplements that mimic the prescription weight loss drug phentermine are also beneficial. 

There are several phentermine-mimics on the market to choose from. You can even read more about their advantages and disadvantages in posts like this PhenQ VS Phen24: Which is Best? Something that can help you decide whether they are right for you and your weight loss journey. 

Up your workout 

Another way to create that vital calorie defect that results in weight loss is to increase the amount of energy you burn. The best way to do this is to increase your workouts, so they are more intense. 

Most people immediately think of heading to the gym here, but that is not the only option available to you. Instead, you can spend more time doing physical activities and sports with the family, cycle to work, or even work out at home if you'd like. What matters is that you up your calorie usage, so you create a larger deficit. 

Be more mindful when eating

Finally, a tactic that fewer people discuss when it comes to losing weight is mindfulness. The idea that by slowing down and being more aware of what we are eating, we recognize being full much faster. Of course, that means we are at much less of a risk of overeating, one of the biggest roadblocks to weight loss there is. 

Many people also find that eating more mindfully revolutionizes their relationship with food. That is, by truly tasting what goes into their mouths, they find they prefer more natural and healthy options like fruits and vegetables instead of processed food and snacks. 

That's not to say that they cut the latter have to be cut from their diet completely, just that being mindful can help to create a better balance that supports weight loss and your health overall. 

Man-Made Lakes: The Southeast’s Most Beautiful Bodies of Water

America is home to some of the most beautiful lakes on Earth. But while some of our country’s natural lakes are astounding, our man-made lakes are also just as gorgeous and are popular sites for vacations, water sports, and yes, even homes for potential homeowners.

Finding the perfect house for you and your family can involve a lot of factors, but one of the most popular considerations people think about is finding a lakeside property. And it makes sense: lakefront houses increase in value every year, and it’s a perfect opportunity for families to create a permanent homestead for generations to come.

There are over 100,000 man-made lakes and reservoirs in the country, and here are five of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the good ol’ U.S. of A.

Lake Murray

Located in Columbia, South Carolina, Lake Murray occupies a whopping 50,000-acre property in the midlands of the Palmetto State. It was created in the late 20s to provide hydroelectric power to South Carolina. However, it has grown to become a popular tourist attraction, thanks to the beautiful natural features around the lake. It’s home to a variety of watersports like boating and fishing, making it one of the most popular vacation spots in South Carolina.

Homeowners looking for waterfront homes will also be happy to know that the area is renowned for its comfortable, quiet lifestyle that focuses on small communities and recreational activities.

Lake Hartwell

Sitting on the border between Georgia and South Carolina, Lake Hartwell is also one of the most popular vacation lakes in the Southeast, with the lake occupying a massive 87 square miles of pristine countryside. It was created in the early 60s as part of a project to develop the Savannah River basin. With more than 962 miles of shoreline, Lake Hartwell is a popular site for hikers, campers, boaters, and recreational fishermen. The lake also boasts of diverse wildlife, with almost 300 different species of birds and nearly 50 different species of mammals around the lake.

Lake Hartwell is also home to small, permanent communities and is particularly popular for retirees, thanks to the areas beauty, relaxing scenery, and lower cost-of-living (as compared to other lakefront properties).

Lewis Smith

Lake Located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River, Lewis Smith Lake covers 33 square miles in North Alabama. While it’s relatively smaller than the other two lakes, Lewis Smith Lake still boasts of 500 miles of shoreline and is the deepest lake in the state. It was created in 1961, but it wasn’t fully developed for the first 20 years of its existence, serving only as a reservoir for the Lewis Smith Dam. Because of its proximity to major cities like Birmingham and Huntsville, Lewis Smith Lake saw a boom in development when the two cities also started flourishing in the 80s and the 90s, and it is now one of the most popular recreational sites in Alabama.

Lakefront homes in Lewis Smith Lake are popular with boaters and fishermen, thanks to the lake’s crystal-clear waters and a large variety of fish in its 264-foot depths.

With these details in mind, you can consider the place that you want to see, even for just a short vacation. You can also think if it’s the right location for you to settle down.