Home & Garden

How would you like to raise the value of your home by 7% to 14%? It’s easier than you think. It’s all about curb appeal, according to Realtor.com. That’s maybe the best reason to decorate your front yard: to improve the curb appeal. While you may have no interest in selling your home right now, creating an attractive front lawn will pay dividends in enjoyment. This is true even if a home sale isn’t in your near future. As such, we recommend the following six tips to help you decorate your front yard and improve your curb appeal at the same time.

1. Fix the Blemishes

Blemishes, like weeds or overgrown grass, broken tiles, or dirty sidewalks, reduce your home’s curb appeal. This, in turn, reduces your home’s ROI at sale time. Before you start any serious work on landscaping and other decorative elements, take the time to fix anything that’s broken, whether it’s windows and doors or an unruly lawn. Make this the first step of your front yard decorating plan. It creates a strong foundation on which you can execute the rest of your plan.

2. Mind the Landscaping

Manicured lawns, with lovely shrubbery and fragrant flowers, calm the senses and invite people to linger a bit in front of your home. To catch the eye, try working with different sightline levels when you’re planning your landscaping.

For example, incorporate low-level, ground-covering flowers and vines in the flower beds. Then add some visual height by flanking your walkway with topiaries planted in brightly-colored pots. Finally, affix hanging flower planters on the ceiling of the front porch. These steps, plus a nicely-cut lawn, create beauty and visual harmony.

3. Create a Focal Point on the Lawn

If you do any kind of interior decorating, then you know that there is such a thing as a focal point in decorating. In your living room, it would be something like a built-in fireplace. It’s the big piece that draws the eye in and around which, the rest of the decor in the room is balanced.

You can employ the same kind of eye trick to the front lawn by creating a focal point. A natural focal point would be a feature, like a large old tree, around which you plant a flower bed or place curved benches.

However, you don’t have to have a natural focal point like a tree to do something like this. Man-made features, like a tall one-piece aluminum flagpole, surrounded by curving benches and flowers all around replicate this idea. Basically, your focal point is meant to draw the eye in and create interest in the rest of the house.

4. Entice Them With a Walkway

The walkway up to your front door offers you another way to draw the eye into the “picture” of your front lawn. As such, it makes a natural spot to decorate. You have many options for this. You can plant flowers on each side of the walkway at six- or eight-inch intervals.

Another option is to add outdoor lights. If you install solar lights, then they’ll recharge during the day and light up the path at night. This gives you an additional safety feature as well, which future buyers may appreciate.

5. Invite Them to Sit a Spell

Once upon a time, people used to sit on their front porches with a glass of lemonade and offer up chat with their neighbors. This setup had everything: a bench to sit on, some side tables for the lemonade, and even potted plants to the sides of the bench.

Adding a bench or a porch swing to your front porch is like giving your guests a subconscious message to sit down and stay a while. It is a throwback to a simpler, better time, which is something many people long for these days.

Add a bit of eye-catching, soul-inviting furniture to your front lawn decorations and see how it will change the vibe for the better.

6. Choose Big House Numbers

This one is a practical suggestion. There’s nothing more frustrating than driving around, looking for a home you’ve never been to, only to find out you’ve driven past it three times. This happened because the house numbers were either too small or non-existent.

Beautiful house numbers not only add to your home’s curb appeal but also ensure that any visitor to your home finds your home safely and easily. This is an especially important consideration at night. No one likes to drive around in circles in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Big house numbers equal getting lost less.

Final Thoughts on Decorating Your Front Yard

While the scope of this article often centered around creating curb appeal if you want to sell your home, the fact is, you don’t need to wait until you’re ready to sell. Having a lovely lawn to enjoy is a benefit in its own right. A beautifully-decorated front yard will welcome you home each night from work, refreshing your heart and soul after a long day. It is just the excuse you need to restart a tradition like lemonade on the front porch.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

If you’re in the market to renovate your bathroom but are looking for some insight into the costs and process, look no further. Continue reading to learn more about the hidden costs of a bathroom renovation.

Planning a Budget

To begin a budget you’re going to want to do your due diligence and research the potential price it may amount to. The average cost of a bathroom renovation is over $10,000. This is no small sum of money for the average homeowner. The good news is that renovating a bathroom can increase the value of your home by a considerable amount. When choosing to tackle any type of renovation, your first step is to create a budget that fits your finances. When budgeting, make sure to set aside some funds for any hidden costs that you will inevitably encounter.

 

Regardless of your budget, you’re going to need a way to pay for this project with room to cover additional expenses if need be. Utilizing an equity home loan could be beneficial in this instance as it allows you to use your home’s equity to pay for your renovation. Using a home equity loan (HEL) toward home improvement is also tax deductible so it works in your favor to use it towards a project such as this.

 

Now that your budget is in place, it’s time to start renovating. Below is a list of some hidden costs you may run into when remodeling, and how to combat them.

 

Obtaining the Correct Permits

If you’re planning on doing anything other than cosmetic upgrades in your bathroom, you’re most likely going to need the correct permits. As a rule of thumb, if you’re planning on changing any plumbing, electrical, or anything structural, a permit is required. Make sure that you research when you need a permit so that you do not run into any trouble down the road. Check into your city’s local government to apply and pay for any permits that you’ll need to complete your project.

 

Encountering Mold and Water Damage

You never know what you’re going to find when you start tearing down walls. Mold and water damage are common problems that can add an unexpected strain on your budget. The average cost to remedy a mold problem in a bathroom is around $1,000. You will not be able to avoid any current water damage or mold in your home; however, you can avoid it in the future. Enlist the help of a professional when dealing with anything related to plumbing. This will ensure that any water stays where it belongs, and doesn’t cause any damage later.

 

Disposing of Old Materials

One thing that you may not have planned on paying for is the disposal of any old materials or fixtures. Disposing of an old toilet and bathtub could cost you around $200 depending on the cost of labor, disposal, and the location you’re in. Add this to the cost of removing and disposing of drywall, a sink, and any flooring and you could break your budget. A great way to cut down on costs during this process is to donate any materials that you can.

 

Upgrading Electrical

If you’re planning on adding or upgrading any electrical fixtures in your bathroom, you’ll want to make sure to hire a professional. A professional electrician can cost between $65 and $90 per hour, and this is not the place to cut corners. To keep electrical costs low, try keeping existing outlets and lighting fixtures where they currently are if you can.

 

Changing Your Plumbing Layout

A major cost when renovating a bathroom is choosing to change your plumbing footprint. Relocating a shower, tub, or toilet can add thousands of dollars to your budget that you may not have expected. If you’re looking to save some money, consider leaving the plumbing where it is currently and only upgrading your fixtures instead. This gives your bathroom the wow factor without the price tag and you won’t need to hire an experienced plumber to come in and do it for you.

 

Making the Space Your Own

Don’t forget about the smaller costs once you’re done with the hard stuff like putting money into the decor and visual staples within the space. You’re going to want to make your vision a reality, so paint the walls with a color that speaks to you and add some decor. Once you’ve chosen a color, check out some DIY tips and inspiration to use around the house to make your painting and renovation experience smoother while on a budget. Pick out new items to include in your bathroom that you didn’t have the chance to have in your previous space but be sure to view the price tag before having your heart set on them. Now is the time to really make the space your own and update it how you see fit.

 

The Bottom Line

Remodeling your bathroom is a big project where a lot of unforeseen issues can arise. Having a budget in place will guide you through the process and allow you to know where your should prioritize your spending. Make sure that you plan ahead for the unknown, and you will have a stress-free experience.

Are you moving into a new home soon? Whether it’s your first home or just another move, making the transition go smoothly is key. Here are six tips to help make the process easy and headache-free.

1. Make a Plan

The moment you know you’re moving, it feels like there’s a million things to do and not enough time to do them. Packing up an entire household is daunting, especially if you’re moving to a new city or state.

Before you start throwing everything into boxes, take a deep breath and make a plan. Start by purging anything you don’t need or use, then make a list of everything that needs to be packed, shipped, or thrown away.

One of the best plans to make moving into your new home a breeze is to ship your car cross country. This will save you time and money in the long run, and it will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your car is safe and insured during the move.

2. Delegate Tasks

Have each family member or friend who is helping with the move take on a specific task, such as packing up kitchen items, loading furniture into the truck, or unpacking boxes in the new house. Having everyone focus on one thing will help to keep things organized and moving along smoothly. In addition, be sure to set aside some time for yourself during the move.

Take a break from unpacking boxes and explore your new neighborhood, or treat yourself to a relaxing bath in your new home. With a little planning and some help from friends and family, moving into your new home can be a breeze.

3. Hire Professionals

One piece of advice that will make your move go much smoother is to hire professional help. This can be in the form of a moving company to do the heavy lifting for you or hiring a cleaning service to clean your new home before you move in.

Even if it is just for a few hours, having professional help will take a load off of your mind and allow you to focus on other aspects of your move.

Additionally, if you are moving into a home that requires any renovations or repairs, it is best to hire professionals to do the work for you. Not only will this save you time and hassle, but it will also ensure that the work is done correctly and up to code.

4. Start Packing Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing – it will only make the process more stressful. Start packing up your belongings a few weeks in advance, and be sure to label all of the boxes so that you know what goes where

Begin by making a list of everything you need to do, and then break each task down into smaller steps. For example, if you need to pack your kitchen, start by gathering all of the boxes and packing materials you will need. And when the big day finally arrives, you’ll be able to just sit back and relax knowing that everything is under control.

5. Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Need

The best thing about relocating is that it provides a great opportunity to get rid of items you don’t require. Declutter your home before you start packing by getting rid of items you no longer use or need. Take a few days to go through your belongings and determine what you can live without. This includes items that are damaged or no longer serve a purpose.

Once you’ve pared down your possessions, it will be much easier to pack and unpack, and you’ll have more room to enjoy your new home. Plus, getting rid of clutter will help you to feel fresher and less weighed down as you start this new chapter in your life.

6. Stay Positive

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit daunting. There are so many things to think about and do, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One of the best things you can do to make the process easier is to stay positive

Remember that moving is an opportunity for a fresh start. Try to focus on the excitement of your new home rather than the stress of the move itself, and things will go more smoothly.

Conclusion

Making a move into a new home can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. But by following these simple tips, you can ensure that your move goes smoothly and that you’re settled into your new place in no time.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

A comfortable, cozy home can be built on any design platform if you can keep your focus on livability. An empty home can be lovely, but it can’t be cozy. Personal touches, rich colors and plush textures can all boost the coziness of your home.

1. Greenery

A livable home contains life, and plants provide oxygen. They’re a perfect fit! To keep plants looking tidy and still vigorous, carefully review your scale. A series of small herb pots in a small kitchen window can be a wonderful choice. However, in front of a large picture window, small pots can look cluttered and messy. Consider an asymmetrical placement; one large plant at one corner of a picture window will give you more light and more visual interest than a pot centered in the middle of the window.

2. Color

Rich color can boost the coziness of a room. Bright sunlight in a white room can be quite harsh. Try to use darker tones on walls and fabric to saturate the space. If you prefer cool tones, lean toward charcoal grey and blue tones with touches of cherry red. A warm palette can focus on rust, moss green, and gold.

3. Fabric Texture

The Hygge design trend reminds us that simple colors can be used to great effect when decorating a cozy home. Suede, velvet, and velour are wonderful fabrics for cushions, whether on dining chairs or in your living room. A plush sheepskin rug or animal print upholstery draws the eye and welcomes touch. Look also for fleece blankets and throws that have a great deal of loft; these fabrics reflect light differently when folded than when draped and will offer a lot of visual variety in your home.

4. Rugs

In many modern homes, open concept ideas can leave the space feeling rather ungrounded. Rugs can help you regain a sense of definition across the space. Consider stacking rugs for more coziness during weather changes. For example, a jute rug can define your living room seating space in the summer. Adding a faux cowskin rug over the jute when the temperature drops can make things feel warmer and cut down on noise in your space. If you want to put down an especially fluffy rug as a foot pad in front of a favorite chair, get in the habit of leaving your outside shoes at the door to keep things cleaner.

5. Furniture

Color is the key to cozy! Skip furniture sets and look for pieces that invite relaxation. One comfy high back chair for reading, a snuggly couch for movie watching with family, and a more spare wooden framed chair can be all you need to make your living room both visually interesting and soothing. You can find beautiful furniture in Edmonton or anywhere specific to your local to find pieces that will bring you joy and provide a welcoming environment into your space.

6. Window Coverings

Many high-end design images leave windows uncovered. However, privacy and weather protection matter in a cozy home. Start with simple blinds set inside the frame for privacy and light control. Sheers over blinds can cut down on dust and offer a lot of light filtration while giving you some privacy from street traffic. If you live in somewhere cold, lined drapes can keep the heat in when the temperatures drop, especially overnight. Keep things simple; thermal drapes that stop at the bottom of the window can make cleaning easier.

7. Light

Use natural light for as much of the day as possible for a cozy feel. As the sun goes down, look for lamps that will help you create pools of light that invite lingering. For example, a comfy side chair and table can become a reading nook with the right lamp. A mirror with a candle shelf in front can send a great deal of light into your dining room.

Closing Thoughts

A cozy home is one that invites folks to linger and feel comfortable. Focus on eclectic design options to take the formal edge off your space. Use seasonal pieces that will warm things up when days get short and temperatures drop.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

Many people don’t know that their home is an asset rather than just a place to live. Many people’s homes are worth more than what they paid for them. If you’re one of these homeowners, make the most of it. Here are 10 ways you can increase the value of your property.

1. Install Energy Efficient Appliances

Replacing your old, energy-sucking appliances with more efficient ones could increase the value of your property by as much as 10%. This may not seem like a lot, but if you take into account the fact that most homes are purchased for over 100% of their listing price, this change could make all the difference. You’ll also save money on your electricity bills in the long run.

2. Upgrade Finishes

Installing laminate or bamboo flooring in your home is a great way to increase its value. Many buyers will pay extra for a home with this type of flooring, knowing that it will add value to the property. You can even install hardwood floors, although this will cost more money than laminate and bamboo flooring.

3. Add A Landscape

Just about any outdoor space is an asset when it comes to increasing the value of your property. A well-designed, professionally landscaped area is a great way to increase the value of your home. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding or high snowfall, you may want to consider installing a gutter system instead of having a retaining wall built around your property.

4. Install Artificial Grass Installation

The best way to increase the value of your property is to install artificial grass in your yard. If you live in Flordia, you can consider artificial grass installation in Orlando, it can be costly, but many people choose it because they know that it will decrease the maintenance needed on their lawn. Since synthetic grass fits well with farm or ranch-style homes, this type of home tends to be more popular with buyers than other styles.

5. Install Skylights

Skylights are a great way to increase the light in your home and make it feel more spacious. They are easy to install, and they don’t cost a lot of money. Although skylights tend to cost more than other types of lighting, they usually last longer, making them worth their price.

6. Update the Kitchen

When it comes to increasing the value of your home, people are looking for luxury. If you update your kitchen, buyers will know that your home is a high-quality investment. Many buyers choose to remodel the kitchen completely or update it slightly. It’s always a good idea to think about what future buyers may be looking for when planning the design and layout of your kitchen.

7. Repaint Your Home

Paint is cheap, and it’s easy to apply. You don’t have to hire a professional to do it for you. All you need is a paintbrush and some paint that coordinates with the color of your house. It will take a few weekends to do the job, but in the end, you’ll be glad that you did it, especially if your home looks better than before.

8. Clean and Declutter

Cleaning and decluttering is one of the least expensive things you can do to improve your home’s value. This is a good thing because you’re going to be cleaning and decluttering regularly, so you might as well get used to it. Buyers want to see their potential future home in its best possible condition, so get rid of clutter that is meaningless or too personal to part with.

9. Finish Your Basement and Other Incomplete Spaces

You can increase the value of your home by improving unfinished spaces in your home. The work you have to do will be minimal, so you don’t have to worry about being able to afford it. You may want to talk with a contractor who specializes in finishing the basement and other unfinished spaces because you’ll be dealing with an expert who knows what it takes to finish these areas.

10. Upgrade Your Front Door

An old front door is the first thing that people see when they first visit your home, so you want it to look as good as possible. You can spend a lot of money on a new front door, but it will be worth it. You’ll also want to pay attention to the details like hand-carved designs and stained glass.

Conclusion

Increase the value of your home by making some of these simple changes. Most of them are relatively cheap and easy to do, so you can improve the value of your home without spending a lot of money.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

Older homes can often feel dated and stuffy, but with a few simple changes, you can give them a modern chic facelift that will make them feel fresh and stylish. The beauty is that most of these changes are easy and inexpensive to do, so you can enjoy a whole new look without breaking the bank.

However, before making any changes, getting a clear vision of your expectations is important. It’ll help you make choices that align with your overall style and taste. Once you have a vision, here are six ways to make older homes look modern chic:

1. Paint the Walls in a Light, Neutral Color

Neutral colors are safe and calming options for walls. They can help brighten a space, making it feel more open and airy. Additionally, painting an older home’s walls in a light neutral color can give it a chic, modern look. It’s the best choice if the home has some traditional features you want to keep while still giving it a fresh new feel.

Alternatively, use limewash, a type of paint made of lime, water, and pigment. It works well on any surface, but most people use it on brick walls because it can give them a stunning appearance. You can use a brush or a roller to apply and it dries quickly, so you won’t have to wait long before you can start using your room.

One of the best things about its versatility because you can apply it on drywall, plaster, or brick. It also comes in many different colors, so you can find one that will match the color scheme of your room. The paint is also environmentally friendly because it has no harmful chemicals and is biodegradable.

2. Hang Modern Artwork or Photographs on the Walls

One of the best ways to make an older home look modern and chic is by hanging modern artwork or photographs on the walls. It can add a personality and style to any room and help brighten a space. Also, hanging modern artwork or photographs can help keep a home updated and stylish.

3. Swap Out Old, Heavy Curtains for Lighter, More Modern Ones

Consider swapping old, heavy curtains for lighter, more modern ones. The relatively cheap and quick, simple changes can significantly impact the appearance. The main benefit of swapping out your curtains is that it will instantly brighten up the space and make it feel more airy and open. In addition, modern curtains boast lighter materials like cotton or linen, which will help to keep the room cooler in the summer months.

4. Update the Furniture to More Contemporary Pieces

Many people think they have to live with outdated furniture when they have an older home. Updating your furniture can make your home look more stylish and elegant and help you feel more modern and current at your home. Additionally, it improves your home’s function and flow.

However, choosing pieces that will complement your home’s overall style and architecture is crucial. You should also ensure that the furniture is functional, has high-quality pieces to last for years, and fits your family’s needs.

5. Change the Light Fixtures to More Modern Ones

Replacing outdated light fixtures with more modern ones is a great way to make an older home look stylish. By doing this, you can completely transform the look and feel of the entire space. Additionally, modern light fixtures are often more energy-efficient than their older counterparts, so you can save money on your energy bills while enhancing the look of your home.

6. Add Some Greenery With Fresh Plants or Flowers

Plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, making them an important part of keeping the air in your home healthy. They can also help to purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde. Flowers can add a touch of color and brightness to any room, improving your mood by providing a sense of relaxation or cheerfulness. Lastly, plants and flowers are a natural way to decorate your home without using artificial materials, which can be better for the environment and your health.

Closing Thoughts

With the above affordable changes, you can give your older home a modern chic facelift. However, it’s advisable to engage the services of a professional home designer to get the best results. They can help you determine the best way to improve your home’s appearance while staying within your budget. They also have access to many resources, helping you find the perfect furniture, lighting, and accessories to complete your vision.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

Your life may be made more accessible, and your everyday responsibilities are eliminated by contacting a professional cleaning service to clean your house. When you have a busy schedule, you won’t have to worry about fitting everything in.

Furthermore, professional services provide health advantages, including eradicating allergies and getting rid of dust by providing a thorough clean. Since their crew is skilled in the removal of germs, you don’t need to worry about mildew and mold.

So, here are some benefits of house cleaning and sanitizing services.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Areas

When cleaning your home, it’s crucial to keep various surfaces clean. Competent cleaning and sanitizing agencies can assist in guaranteeing infections won’t develop rapidly. Studies show that a professional service helps decrease microbial counts by between 90 and 99.9%, depending on the methods used and the cleaned surfaces.

Although germs may cling to and develop more readily on porous surfaces, non-porous surfaces pose a considerably higher risk of transmitting bacteria and viruses that cause illness. A 2013 study found that non-porous surfaces are more effective in transmitting microorganisms, with the rate of microbial conversion efficiency hitting approximately 80% under optimum circumstances.

Although the efficiency of cleaning and sanitizing surfaces varies based on the cleaning product, techniques, and intensity, it considerably reduces this risk.

Preventing Allergies and Other Health Problems

Maintaining a clean home is especially crucial when a family member is sick. A professional emergency cleaning service will decrease the likelihood of illness by lowering bacterial and virus concentrations on surfaces around the house. Additionally, regular cleaning can help prevent illnesses like COVID from spreading throughout the house.

Millions of people globally experience allergies, a primary source of chronic sickness in the nation. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are frequently used in vacuums by cleaning companies to remove various allergens from homes, thus removing irritants that trigger allergies.

Bathrooms are particularly crucial areas to keep clean in a home. Regular expert cleaning services will ensure they don’t turn into bacterial, mold, and other fungus habitats.

Getting Rid of Pet Odors

In addition to the typical pet allergies, domestic animals frequently have unpleasant odors. These scents can be removed with regular washing and sanitizing.

Professional cleaning services are more likely to pay attention to areas of a home that need extensive cleaning and sanitizing than amateurs do. Amateur cleaners may have challenges due to not knowing how to perfectly clean a specific place or being unable to reach the area.

Safeguarding Your Children

Infants and young children must be safeguarded since they are more prone to contracting numerous diseases. Keeping your house germ-free is the best way to ensure that your kids are safe. Whatever your work schedule demands, you can hire an individual to ensure your house is cleaned regularly.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Equipment

The cleaning and sanitizing chemicals used in the home are a crucial additional component to consider. Professional cleaning services frequently employ cleaning solutions that are especially created to thoroughly clean and sterilize items like appliances, carpets and other floors, granite worktops, wooden materials, and furniture. Professional cleaning services know the types of cleaning agents to avoid using on particular items and how to clean without causing dents or leaving stains. They frequently have recourse to cleaning supplies that are far more powerful. A trustworthy expert will also guide you in maintaining proper hygiene standards.

Energy and Time Savings

Cleaning your house is labor-intensive and requires a lot of time and effort to perform correctly. Professional agencies have created methods that make a thorough home cleaning faster and more effective. Utilizing cleaning services will help reduce labor intensity to maintain a clean and safe house.

Bottom Line

Professional cleaning and sanitizing services ensure that your contoured areas are tidy using certified appliances and staff inspections, which are extremely important. Unskilled individuals could miss the areas that require cleaning, while professional services assure competent teams clean and disinfect any surface. These include walls, carpets, bathrooms, window glass, etc.

Hire competent cleaning and sanitizing services to relieve you of your tedious everyday cleaning responsibilities. Reach them out to ensure you have spotless restrooms, clean areas, and window glass. Instead of choosing cleaning and sanitizing when you’re short on time, you may take a long, soothing warm bath and indulge in cans of beer as they work on your cozy dwelling.

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Your home is where you’re supposed to feel most comfortable. While many people focus greatly on the inside of their homes, too often do they overlook their backyard. Your backyard could be one of the best places in your home if you upgrade it enough. There are many DIY backyard upgrades that you can do that are easy enough to do on your own, without sacrificing results. But what are they?

 

Add a Fire Pit

It may seem like a no-brainer, but adding a fire pit is an easy backyard upgrade that adds a lot of luxury to your yard. A fire pit is great for night-time fires, roasting s’mores, and enjoying the outdoors with those you love most. Not only that but adding a fire pit is easy to do!

To add a fire pit to your backyard, you’ll need to make sure that you have a clearing suitable for it. This means no overhanging trees within 8 to 10 feet above your pit, and at least 6 feet around. This ensures safety while the pit is in use. Once you’ve found the place, you’ll need to collect your materials and build the pit. You may build a fire pit out of brick, stone, or something similar. For the base, you may wish to put a layer of dirt, or stone. This helps prevent the fire from spreading to your grass. Build your pit, and relax, you’ve just added a major upgrade!

Add an Outdoor Porch

Having an outdoor porch is a great way to relax in the summer without the risk of being bit by too many bugs. This is great to help keep animals and other intruders out as well. Many people prefer an outdoor porch for the added layer of safety and comfort. These are great for late-night book reading sessions, family game times, and more.

To build an outdoor porch, you’ll want to create blueprints or buy a kit. You may wish to consult the advice of a professional. Consider having custom tarps made for your porch panels, as they provide a great source of shade, as well as weatherization benefits.

An outdoor porch is great for some added luxury as you relax, especially with the bonus of tarps for shade during the hot summer days.

Add a Gazebo

Adding a gazebo is a great way to spruce up your backyard. By adding a gazebo, you’ll add a place to relax, garden, and even grill. Not only that, but gazebos look great, which only adds to the overall style of your backyard.

Consider purchasing a gazebo already made, or building one with pre-made plans. If you’re crafty enough, you’ll have the option of building a gazebo from scratch. However, this is by far the most time-consuming and hard option. Be sure that you have the skill and the tools to complete the project safely before beginning.

Add a Pool

Pools are a great way to add some extra zest to your backyard. They’re a great way to beat the heat while adding fun and luxury. There are many ways to add a pool, whether by an inflatable, an above-ground, or even an in-ground pool. However, in-ground pools may require special equipment and professional expertise.

For added safety, consider adding a tarp and a safety fence to protect the pool when in use, and when it’s not. If you have children make sure your pool is properly fenced.

Many DIY backyard upgrades will transform your backyard into an oasis of fun and relaxation. From adding a swimming pool to adding a comfortable porch with tarps for shade, and so much more. There’s an upgrade to fit any backyard. You may even consider adding a garden or focusing on your landscaping to help tie it all together! Your backyard is a place to entertain and enjoy. Doing those things gets a lot easier when you spend some time putting in some DIY backyard upgrades!

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The summer months are the time to relax and kick back with friends at the pool or beach. But when temperatures heat up, it’s important to ensure you stay cool. Summer is also when energy bills can skyrocket because your air conditioner will run more than it usually does. Estimates show that up to a third of households’ energy use goes towards keeping the home cool in the summer. Following these simple steps can reduce those bills and save more money.

1. Turn Down the Thermostat in the Summer

If your home is too hot, try turning down your thermostat by a few degrees. If you’re not home during the day, make sure you have a programmable thermostat so it will turn down automatically when you’re gone.

A programmable thermostat is a handy device that controls your home’s temperature without you having to do it manually. The programmable thermostat is the smarter way to maintain the temperature in your home. You can easily set the temperature in your house at night, so it’s cooler when you get up in the morning, and set it back at night when you’re going to bed, so it doesn’t get too warm.

2. Do a Deep Cleaning of Your Air Conditioning Unit

One way to keep your bill low during summer is to clean your AC filter monthly. This can help you save on your energy costs because you’ll notice that your heating and cooling system works more efficiently when it’s kept clean. It would help if you also had the unit serviced by a professional each year to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible.

3. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Another way to save money is to schedule routine HVAC maintenance with a reputable company. At least twice a year, you should have your ducts and vents cleaned so that the cool air reaches every area of your home. It would help if you also got the unit serviced once a year to fix problems as they arise quickly. Keeping up with these regular maintenance appointments will help ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently for many years.

You can also get emergency furnace repair. However, most of the time, you will find that the problems you have can be solved by regular HVAC maintenance. This includes cleaning or replacing furnace filters and emptying the furnace’s collection box at least once a year.

4. Close the Blinds During the Day

Even if you live in an apartment, you can still control the temperature in your home by closing the blinds during the day. This will help to block out direct sunlight, thereby keeping your home cooler. You should also pull down window shades at night, as this will help keep it cool and dark when you’re ready to sleep.

5. Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a must, especially when it gets a little hot in the late afternoon. They can reduce your cooling costs by up to 40 percent. Fans help circulate the air in your home and keep it moving, so it doesn’t get stale or too hot. They also help evaporate moisture in the air, which helps cool you down. Make sure you have ceiling fans in all bedrooms to enjoy them throughout the house.

6. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances

To reduce energy use throughout the year, try switching out your incandescent bulbs for light-emitting diodes (LED). They save money over time because they don’t need to be replaced often, and you’ll also see a distinct drop in your energy bills.

If you’re not cleaning the inside of your dishwasher, you’re wasting money. The same goes for not running your clothes washer properly. Also, if you aren’t drying your dishes properly, it will be more efficient to hand wash them instead of using a dishwasher. By investing in energy-efficient appliances and replacing them with newer models that are more efficient, you’ll save money for years to come.

Conclusion

Following these seven tips will save much money on your energy bills. Make sure to save energy in the summer to enjoy the pool or the beach while keeping your air conditioner running more efficiently. By utilizing these tips and working towards energy efficiency, you can do your part in saving the environment one step at a time.

To read more on topics like this, check out the Home & Garden category

If you’re ready to complete a few fun home DIY projects in your spare time, you’ve come to the right place. As if you continue reading you’ll discover DIY tips and inspiration which will help you complete your home DIY projects.

House DIY tips and inspiration:

Use baby oil to get paint off your skin:

If you plan on painting your drawers to give them a new lease of life or painting your walls with a fresh coat of paint, it’s inevitable that you’ll get a bit of paint on your skin. While paint may be notoriously hard to get off your skin, you can easily remove paint from your skin by using baby oil to clean your skin.

Add a couple of drops of vanilla essence to your paint tray:

In order to avoid having to breathe in overbearing paint fumes, it’s a great idea to add a few drops of inexpensive vanilla essence to your paint tray.

Glue the bottom of your paint cans to plastic plates:

If you don’t want to accidentally spill paint onto your floor, it’s a great idea to glue the bottom of your paint cans to plastic plates.

Use double sided tape to fix your rugs to your flooring:

If you’re sick of your rugs slipping and sliding around, there’s a simple solution which you should try out. Simply use double sided tape to fix your rugs to your flooring. As there’s no need to purchase a specific rug gripper to keep your rug firmly in place.

Dunk your craft scissors into hot water before attempting to cut fabric:

If you find it difficult to cleanly cut fabric, there’s a magic solution which you should try out. Simply dunk your craft scissors into hot water for a few seconds before cutting your material and your scissors will glide through your material with ease.

Use a cheap broom to apply a stain to your wood floors:

If you want your wood floors to sparkle like new, you don’t need to purchase a specific stain applicator to evenly stain your wood floors. Instead, simply use a cheap broom to stain your wood floors.

Use shoe polish to buff out any marks on your wood floors or furniture:

If you discover marks on your wood floors or furniture, don’t panic as you’ll be able to easily buff out any marks on wood surfaces using a dark shoe polish. Alternatively, if you don’t have any shoe polish in your home, you can used ground coffee to buff out your unsightly marks instead.

Consider painting your radiators with spray paint:

Instead of trying to hide a radiator turn your radiator into a statement piece of wall art by using inexpensive spray paint to give your radiator a brand new lease on life.

Cover the tips of nails with soap before hammering them into your walls:

To make it a whole lot easier for your nails to glide into your walls, it’s a wise idea to cover the tips of your nails with a bit of liquid soap before hammering them into your walls.

So if you frequently compete home DIY projects, hopefully you found all of the home DIY tips and inspiration listed above useful. Especially if you spend your weekends completing fun DIY projects.