What happens if you hit a gas main while you are digging?

If you are intending to start a digging project in your yard you need to be very careful. You can easily see any hazards that lie above ground but you should remember that there are potential hazards under the ground as well. If you encounter one of these hazards during the project it can be costly and potentially dangerous.

One of the hazards you are most likely to hit is a utility pipe. These are the pipes which carry utilities such as gas and water into your home. If you are planning to dig in your yard it’s a good idea to speak to an expert about utility locating. This is a process which enables you to see where utility pipes are so that you can avoid them when you begin to dig. We are going to take a look at how you can benefit from utility location and what can happen if you do not know where the pipes are and you accidently hit a gas main. 

Why is utility location a good idea?

Many people make assumptions about the location of utility pipes around their property; this is not a good idea. The only way to know for certain where utility pipes are located is to get an expert to map them for you.

This information should form an integral part of any planning you do before you start to dig. If you know what underground obstacles you are likely to encounter you can make sure you avoid them. This helps you avoid any unexpected incidents which could be costly in terms of both time and money. 

What if you do hit a gas main while you are digging?

If you do not establish the location of utility pipes before you start digging you run the risk of striking them by mistake. This includes the possibility of hitting a gas main. If you are unlucky enough to have this happen to you it’s important that you take the right action. This helps to keep you safe.

The first thing you need to do is get as far away from the gas as possible. Then you need to contact the utility company and let them know there is an emergency as gas is leaking. You should never panic and just try and make the call using your smartphone while you are still in close proximity to the gas main. This can create sparks which could create an explosion if they make contact with the escaped gas. It’s vital that you move away from the leak before you make the call.

Hopefully, we have helped you to see how important it is to have utility location carried out before you start to dig in your yard. It may be tempting to just try and get on with the project but this can cause problems down the line. You could end up having to pay for repair costs, and putting yourself in danger, if you unexpectedly hit a gas main, or other utility pipe of cable.

The best ways to improve the curb appeal of your home

If you want to sell your home you need to give yourself the very best chance of doing so. Obviously, you can enlist the help of professionals to assist with the sale, but you may be surprised at just how much assistance you can get from curb appeal. You should always remember that there may be people passing your property who are in the market for a new home. If your home has good curb appeal they are more likely to show an interest.

The aim of this article is to take a look at why curb appeal can be so important and how it can be improved. Hopefully we will give you the inspiration you need to improve the curb appeal of your property and make it easier to sell. 

What is so important about curb appeal?

If you think about it, we all tend to judge a lot of things in life by first appearances. This is a little different when a property purchase is involved as many checks and surveys are usually completed before a sale is finalised. That being said, first impressions are still important. It’s the first look at a property that first attracts a buyer. If your home does not look appealing from the outside this could detract any potential buyers who just happen to be passing by.

Conversely, if you make an effort to improve the external appearance of your home passers-by may just be tempted to stop and take a look. This automatically expands the potential market for your property.

What can you do to improve the curb appeal of your property?

We have explained why improving the curb appeal of your home is important, but what can you do to make it happen? Let’s take a look at a few options you may want to consider.

• Give your property a paint job. If the paintwork of your home looks a little jaded it’s not going to stand out to potential buyers. If you do decide to give your property a coat of paint it’s a good idea to opt for a more neutral colour that can appeal to all tastes. 
• Bring out the hanging baskets. You may think that something as simple as a hanging basket does not have that much appeal. The fact is that a few well planted plants or shrubs can be very eye catching. 
• Clad the walls of your property. If you want to give your home a new look you may want to give upvc cladding a try. This type of cladding can look really good on your property and it also acts as good insulation. You can certainly use this as a selling point. 

All of these options can help you add curb appeal to your home. It’s also worth remembering that simple things, like making sure the front of your home is tidy and that the windows are clean, can go a long way to making your property more appealing.

3 Reasons Why You Need a Natural Air Home Ventilation System

If you are in the market to improve the overall quality of air that you and your family are breathing on a daily basis in your home, you may want to think about installing a natural air home ventilation system. There are many companies out there that provide these systems that you can select from. Teal Products, based in the UK provides automated solutions for smoke ventilation systems for commercial and home as well as natural air ventilation systems. Here are three reasons why you should consider installing a natural air ventilation system for your home.

1.Improve the Quality of the Air You Breathe

As very well informed consumers, we all are very aware that the air we breathe daily is filled with pollutants, allergens, and potentially dangerous toxins. If you are a homeowner and you add pets to this equation you have just added another element of potential allergens to this mix: pet hair and pet dander. While some of this is, unavoidable and do not present immediate threats to clarity of the air in your home there are things that you can do to at least lower the levels of toxins in your immediate home environment. Installing an automated home ventilation systems can literally filter and clean the air that you breathe. 

2. Reduced CO2 Levels

We have all read the horror stories of families going to sleep at night and not waking up the next day due to what is referred to as the silent killer, carbon dioxide. With a natural air ventilation system installed in your home you can rest easily knowing that you have a system in place that is monitoring CO2 levels in the air and constantly filtering the air to keep CO2 levels non-toxic. The value that an air ventilation solution can provide you and your family are second to none regarding keeping your loved ones safe and healthy!

3. Full Control and Regulation of System

Many of the natural air home ventilation systems that are available out there offer full control, regulation and customized options for your home natural air ventilation system. There are various inputs that the systems can regulate such as weather elements and of course as mentioned above, CO2 levels. After installation of a natural air ventilation system in your home or business you can manage the system based on your own specific needs and you can set it to work depending on when you are in your home the most. Another option to consider for further home safety is adding smoke ventilation automated solutions to your home or office in the case of a fire. These systems literally provide automation of your windows or valves to open in the event of smoke or fire in your home. Having both systems installed will give you endless amounts of peace of mind knowing that you and your family are breathing the freshest of air and that you are protected in the unfortunate case of a fire in your home or place of business.

The art of a welcoming entry

  Choosing the right piece of art for you entry can set a welcoming scene for your home.

  When I have the option, I always choose art first and then build a room around it  rather than buy art to match a space. It's the artist in me, you need a focal point in a room that doesn't have an architectural one, and art is your most versatile choice.

 I designed this small space several years ago, but it is still on trend today. Here are some elements to think about before making an art purchase for any space, but in particular small spaces where you many only have one piece of art.


Scale

This  contained front entry is a narrow space with a high ceiling. The bench is low and dark and was to the right of the door.  The table  also dark was to the left of the door.

Always choose work that mimics the shape of the space you are filling.

 In a smaller space I often use one piece of art rather than an array of smaller pieces, but that's personal preference.   The vertical orientation  of this painting helps bridge the space between the low bench back and the high ceiling.  The vertical lines of the trees also helps move the eye up.

The width of the painting is roughly 2/3 of the bench width.  This is always a good proportion.

Colour 

The walls are a cool blue grey and were part of the original colour scheme of the house.  Cool colours in an entry with little light can lead  to a depressing space.  One of the best ways to move a visually cool space to  an inviting one  is to choose work that has very warm colours.  There's also nothing like nature's colours to warm a space. 

Repetition

Once I  chose the art for the focal point in this space,  I moved the colour around in the pillow and flowers on the opposite wall.  Also note the repetition of the diamonds from the bench back to the orange pillow  and the cut crystal vase.  The vertical lines in the tree trunks  are also reinforced in the tall, sparse floral arrangement and the lamp.  Even the verticals in the door frame are doing their part in repetition.

Contrast  

This is where your space will sink or swim.  Every room needs contrast or will be boring.  Contrast creates layers/depth and helps mover your eye around a space.  The dark woods in this space stand out against the light walls. The white flower, dish, lamp shade and trim work stand out against the walls and the darker wood. 

Subject matter

Choose images you connect with and forget about what everyone else thinks.  If a work doesn't speak to you why bother to have it? 

Finding just the right piece of art is always a challenge, but in my mind the right piece can make a whole space sing.

And art won

After a perfect summer 

 There's nothing like a summer away from the wear and tear of business to hours and days of art  to make you aware of what's really important in your life.  The voices in my head were murmuring at the beginning of the summer, but by September they reached a crescendo; I couldn't ignore them any longer.

 I need more time to make art.

There, I finally said it out loud.

 I've decided to bring my design business more in line with my art practice by eliminating some of the services I offer design clients and focusing on the ones that are more art related.  Enter the designer artist  from the sidelines to front and centre.

Colour me happy 

Colour has always been my specialty because I've honed my knowledge through years of  mixing colour in art making.  I enjoy creating  welcoming colour schemes for clients, and I will continue to do this.

The art of designing home

 In addition to colour consultation,  Designing Home will focus on the finishing touches/ accessorizing (art and objects) that move  a space from ordinary to exceptional.

Many times decorators can successfully source objects to add interest  to your space, but sometimes what you need is original and designed with you and your home in mind.  That's where Designing Home is different from other design businesses.

I can create commissioned work to fill your needs or offer a large selection of artwork to choose from or help you select work by other artists.   And just as important is  advice on where and how to hang your work. 

Some of my works that already have  homes.... 

Margaret Ryall 

Margaret Ryall 

Margaret Ryall 

Margaret Ryall

Margaret Ryall 

 I work in a  variety of media and styles from realistic to abstract and non representational. 


Check out my Instagram feed or The Leyton Gallery  website.