5 Ways to Retrieve Keys Locked Inside a Car

Finding yourself locked out of your car is a nightmare, especially when you’re not only locked out, but your car keys are locked in as well! That’s a terrible, frustrating situation that so many of us have experienced at some point in time, but there are quite a few ways to retrieve car keys that have been locked inside a car, like the following five you’re advised to try next time you’re locked out! 

1. Call an Auto Locksmith

As most of us would struggle to retrieve keys in a car using a shoelace or another item (and who carries around a Slim Jim but a car thief anyway?), your best option here is to call an auto locksmith and have them retrieve your car keys for you. Action Lock are leading experts who can help you with all your auto locksmith needs, including retrieving car keys that have been locked inside the car.

This is also the best option because it’s the least likely to cause any damage to your car, which is something that you’ll need to consider if you’re going to try one of the other methods listed here. 

2. Use a Shoelace

As this method only works on locking mechanisms that unlock the door by pulling up the mechanism inside (vertical mechanisms), unless your car is at least twenty years old, this method, which was once the best method to use, won’t work at all. 

3. Use a Coat Hanger

Twist the coat hanger, insert it in the window and jiggle it around until you find the locking mechanism and can release it. Unlike the shoelace method, coat hangers work on locking mechanisms that are horizontal as well as vertical. 

 

4. Use a Rod and Screwdriver

Chances are you won’t have a rod and screwdriver on you unless you’re at home, but if you are, this is an easy method to use. However, you need to be very careful as you can damage the window and the door using this method if you’re not careful. 

5. Use a Slim Jim

Really, who carries a Slim Jim around? If you’re a car thief perhaps, but who else has one? You can, however, use something similar, like a long metal ruler or you can find a piece of steel around the same size and thickness. If you can find something suitable that resembles a Slim Jim, this could be the key that you’ve been looking for.

These are five ways to retrieve car keys that have been locked inside a car. While these are five of the best ways to open a car without the keys, most people will struggle to do so, and as that’s the case, the first method discussed, which was to call auto locksmiths in Perth and have a professional open your car, is your best option However, if you’re feeling lucky, you can try the other four, which were: use a shoelace, coat hanger, rod and screwdriver or a Slim Jim – if you have one handy!

How to Correctly Prune a Tree

As leaves start to fall from the trees each autumn, branches which were formerly shrouded in a canopy of dense foliage, decide to reveal themselves once again. To be honest and given the choice, many good people would prefer not to have to deal with the ensuing mess; while there are others out there who enjoy this time of the year, because of the opportunity to examine each tree canopy. One important observation you may like to make is to make a note of any branches that may need to be removed.

To Prune and Not to Ruin

• Limbs of trees can be pruned for any number of the following reasons; 
• They are diseased or dead
• They are inward growing or in competition with other branches and one has to go
• They are crossing or rubbing another limb and damaging it
• To raise or open the canopy, for providing more vertical clearance or to allow more light to reach the ground

As with most operations, there is a right and wrong way to do the job. If cut correctly, trees will quickly recover, if cut wrongly, it can create chaos.

Steps, 1, 2 & 3

The Professionals Would Suggest Using a Three Step Approach to Cut Tree Limbs

• Step One - Make the first cut about 30 to 60 centimetres away from the tree trunk. This cut starts on the underside of the limb and goes into it, but only about a third of the way. Take note that this is a very important step in the operation.

• Step two - Make the second cut away from the tree and the first cut, another 30- 60 centimetres. This time cut all the way through the branch. The branch should break away as you saw through the limb, and because you’ve already made the first cut on the underside and closer in, the bark will not continue to rip down into the tree trunk. (If you had not made the first cut, the branch would have broken away with the weight of the limb. This would have included the attached and uncut bark going with it, and tearing that from the tree as well. That would create a big potential problem, producing a large open wound with the possibility of allowing an entry point for pests and disease. Definitely a no-no for anybody contemplating tree lopping.)
• Step Three - The third and final cut is right where the branch meets the trunk. Look for the flared area and make the final cut so that the flare is still there afterwards. If cut in the correct way, this flare will heal over and after a while will fill in with new bark and scar tissue. You’ll know when the tree is healing because you will notice what looks like a doughnut shape forming where you made the cut. Should you be lucky enough to be living in W. Australia, Perth Arbor Services are tree surgeons in Perth who will get the job done in the most professional way. Be sure to check them out. 

And there you go. Not that difficult is it? Just be careful if you’re up a ladder, and make sure the only limbs being affected are the trees, and not your own! Remember - make sure to prune, and not to ruin!

Why You Should Be Sleeping Underneath a Cotton Duvet Cover

Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. It should be a place that calms you, restores you, and rejuvenates you after a long day at work, running around attending to various errands, and living life in general. There are many ways that you can make your bedroom a tranquil and relaxing space. Interior design experts suggest soft colors as paint choices to create an atmosphere of calm and serenity in the bedroom. You can add lavender to your bedside table to induce a well-deserved and deep sleep. Duvet covers as your main source of bedding are on trend and keep you super warm in the winter and cool in the summer but what you use to cover your duvet also is equally important. If you aren’t already sleeping underneath a cotton duvet cover here’s what you have been missing. 

Cotton Breathes

If you have an amazingly high quality hotel style duvet and you cover it with a polyester or synthetic material, you are doing yourself an injustice. Cotton is a naturally occurring plant that is one of the best materials out there that are available for bedding. Cotton duvet covers are 100% breathable and allow you to breath better while sleeping. Sleeping with synthetic duvet covers can cause discomfort and allergic reactions in some people disrupting your sleep cycle and leaving you groggy the next day. Cotton duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases free you from these issues and are the healthier choice. 

Cotton Types & Thread counts

Not all cotton is created equal. There are different kinds of cotton on the market and some are better quality than others. For example, Egyptian cotton is regarded by many as the number one type of cotton due to its high-quality fibers and thread counts. Thread counts can range anywhere from 200-1000 and even higher in some cases. Pima cotton is made from lower grade level fibers but is still soft and considered of good quality. The higher the thread counts, the softer and more comfortable your sheets and pillowcase will be. Same goes for your duvet cover. Choose high quality materials and invest in a bedding that will have you sleeping like a baby at night.

Easy to Clean & Store

Most cotton duvet covers are super easy to clean and are often machine washable. Unlike their polyester blended or other synthetic made counterparts you do not have to worry about expensive dry cleaning bills every time you want to clean your duvet cover. Simply pop it into the washer and you are good to go. Cleaning your bedding shouldn’t be a huge chore every week and having high quality cotton bedding can save you money in the long run since you won’t have to be shelling out money for their care and maintenance. If you are changing out your duvet covers seasonally cotton also stores easily as the fabric breathes thus reducing yellowing and the harboring of dust and allergens.

To a relaxing night!

10 Things you Need to Know About Welding

Welding is such an integral part of modern life, every vehicle you drive, every building you enter, every device you use, will have been put together by welding metals, and let’s not forget the millions of machines that incorporate this method of fusion. To become a competent welder takes many years of training, and armed with a sound knowledge base, lots of patience, and a whole lot of practice, the apprentice can finally carry out the work to the required standards. The average person knows little about this trade, apart from the fact that it involves heat, so for those who are interested, here are some of the things you never knew about welding.

1. There are Many Ways to Weld – Modern welding enables a range of methods, each with its own specific properties, and they include:

• Gas welding
• Arc welding
• Flux cored welding
• Metal cored welding

2. Welding Uses a Range of Energy Sources – A welder might use a gas flame, an electric arc, an electron beam, a laser, or even ultrasound. If you are in Western Australia, and are in need of some quality work, Diverse Welding in Perth are experienced in working with a range of industries.

3. Multi-Environments – Welding can be carried out underwater and in space, making it a very versatile form, and there are specialist companies that provide specific welding services for a range of industries.

4. Robots Can Weld – Automated welding is a major part of car manufacturing, and other industries also use machines that can weld to a higher level of precision than a human.

5. Glass Can Be Welded – Metal is not the only material that can be fused together by heat, glassblowing is a form of welding, as many of the products are several pieces welded together.

6. Plastic Welding – Many types of plastics are seamed together by welding, namely thermoplastics, which have a much higher melting point than normal plastic. Welding is critical for many industries, and if you happened to need welding in Perth, or any other city, an online search will put you in touch with an established company in your area.

7. Welders Must Wear Protective Equipment – All forms of welding present a degree of risk for the welder, and the eyes must be protected from the harmful infrared that the bright light emits. Not only that, small particles of hot slag could fly into a person’s eye, so welding goggles or a mask is recommended.

8. Welders Must Know the Theory – A welder would need to have a sound understanding of physics and chemistry, and this is learned during the first year of apprenticeship. Typically, a welder undergoes four years of training, and may go on to learn more about one specific kind of welding.

9. Welders Use Solvents – Sometimes when working with thermoplastics, the welder will use a solvent to fuse the two sections, rather than heat.

10. Welders are Highly Paid – If you are thinking of becoming a welder, it is a good career move, as the salaries are definitely in the upper bracket, and the more specialised the work, the higher the hourly rate.

Most people take welding for granted and think it is a job that anyone can do, when in fact, it is one of the most skilled trades, and with new technology surging ahead, the days of hand welding may be soon be behind us.

7 Ways to Get Your Dream Kitchen for Less Money than You Think

You need to make sure your home is your own palace because it’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought. Your home is your fortress, the place that provides shelter from the elements and protection from those who want to steal your stuff. More importantly, your property is there to provide you with a private utopia in which you can relax with the family, catch a good night’s sleep and cook delicious meals. However, you won’t enjoy cooking unless your kitchen looks amazing, but revamping a kitchen can be rather expensive.

Fortunately, a Perth kitchen renovation can be less expensive than you think, especially if you get hands on and do some work yourself. There are many ways you can improve the overall look of your kitchen without having to buy very expensive furnishings. However, if you’ve had the same kitchen for years and have a little money saved in the bank, you might be more open to the idea of changing every aspect of your kitchen, but you should only choose experienced professionals for such a big revamp if you want to feel confident that only high-quality materials and items are used.

For the reason above, many homeowners turn to Kitchen Capital WA when they want a revamp because that’s a company that has already transformed thousands of kitchens in Australia. However, with a focus on saving cash, this article will detail seven fantastic ways you can give your kitchen a makeover without a big investment.

Top Tips for Kitchen Makeovers

While you’re saving for your next big kitchen revamp, you can inject a new lease of life into the room by taking the following tips on board:

- Change the lighting – It may sound small, but you’d be surprised by how much changing the lights could transform your kitchen. Make sure you don’t forget about the lights under the cabinets.

- Change the drawer handles – Swapping old and damaged handles for new luxurious ones could make your kitchen feel brand new, and they don’t have to cost too much money.

- Buy a rug – Maybe you’re bored of your kitchen because it feels too bare, in which case the simple addition of a rug could make you feel happier about the room’s appearance.

- Change the faucet – You use your kitchen sink on a regular basis, and old and dirty faucets may depress you. Upgrade the faucets, and the cleaning up won’t be so boring.

- Add more storage space – Perhaps your kitchen always feels cluttered because you don’t have enough room to store everything. Resolve the issue by installing wire shelves in your cabinets.

- Buy a dish rack – You’ll feel happy about your presentation skills with an attractive dish rack.

- Cover old countertops – Changing countertops is a big job, but you could temporarily hide them with a large cutting board.

Be Proud of Your Kitchen

If you don’t currently have the money to completely revamp your kitchen, you can make it feel fresher by taking the tips above on board. Just make sure that when you’re ready for a revamp you only utilise professionals who will finish the job to a high standard.

How Does a Hot Water Heater Work?

Everybody needs to make sure their home provides a great place to enjoy some relaxation, which is why modern properties are fitted with a wide variety of complex systems. For example, though it’s easy to take for granted, homes are filled with electrical appliances that can be plugged into outlets in the walls which are connected to a complex wiring system. Electricity is fed to the home via the national grid, and we all know how difficult life suddenly becomes when a power cut occurs and for just a short space of time, we no longer have access to any power. It’s strange to think that it wasn’t that long ago when no homes had any electricity at all and yet people survived regardless.

Similarly, plumbed amenities are taken for granted, such as showers and toilets. However, even running water isn’t enough to make us happy unless it’s hot because we’ve simply become accustomed to our nice relaxing showers and baths. Of all a sudden, when you have no hot water to have a nice shower before work, life feels like hell. The only reason hot water on demand is even possible is because households are fitted with hot water heaters. However, everything runs into problems at some stage or another, and that’s when you need to get hot water repairs in Perth.

There are many reputable companies that provide hot water repairs, such as the professionals found at http://ift.tt/2hmlipn. However, though it’s easy to have our hot water systems repaired, most of us don’t know how they actually work in the first place. Below, this article will give you some insight into what makes your water hot.

An Insight into Hot Water Systems

In this day and age, in a developed country like Australia, it’s hard to imagine where we’d be without hot water. However, to help you appreciate just how lucky you are, here’s a brief guide to how a hot water system actually works:

- The tank – Most water heaters are either electric or fuel-fired. Fuel-fired tanks usually use either natural gas or propane to heat the water and feature a vent pipe at the top of the tank to get rid of waste gases. Those fumes can be hazardous to your health, but thanks to modern hot water systems, you never even come into contact with them.

- Electric heaters – Electric heaters, on the other hand, simply connect to the grid or your solar panels via a power cable and use electricity to heat your water. Like with the fuel-fired tank, the electric hot water system features pipes to both retrieve water from the grid and deliver it to you.

- Insulation – Another fascinating thing about water tanks is the fact they are well insulated to keep hot water warm when you’re not using it.

Don’t Take Hot Water for Granted

It’s easy to forget how lucky we are to live in the modern world where we have things like electricity and hot water at our disposal. However, you still need to remember that all equipment will run into problems once in a while, so make sure you have the contact details for a dependable plumber saved for when issues arise.

8 Top Reasons Why You Should Install Window Tinting at Your Home

When most people hear the words “window tinting”, the majority of them will immediately think of car window tinting. Not that many realise that the benefits of vehicle glass tinting can transfer over and be applied to their homes. Residential window tinting can help protect the health and comfort of your family, help safeguard the interior of your house, improve finances by the saving of energy, guard your privacy and make your home simply look more attractive.

The Decrease in Heat

Window tinting for the home or office is now the most popular and efficient way to reduce unwanted solar heat transference going out through windows. It can contribute to an almost 80 heat reduction compared to untreated glass, while managing hot spots, and cooling down sun-drenched areas in your home or office.

Reduces Fading and Helps Maintain Your Health

Window tinting for your home or office will block around an astonishing 99%* of UV rays, while also undoubtedly reducing heat. This definitely will help to protect your lovely furnishings from fading and provides a screen for your skin against the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.

Cuts out Glare

Whatever the reason, be it direct sunlight, reflections from snow, water, or surrounding buildings, there is the perfect window film solution to help cut out any annoying glare. If you’re on the lookout and interested in window film in Perth, do yourself a favour and contact the best out there.

Energy Saving Benefits Galore

The reduction of temperature imbalances created by extreme sunlight is the reason these days, why so many designers, architects and building engineers are leaning towards window film. Reducing the loss of heat will increase HVAC efficiency and lower energy bills.

Increases the Security of Your Home

An accident, environmental effects or vandalism can instantly transform a pane of glass into life-threatening shards. Window film at your home or office can act as a safety net by containing the shattered glass together.

Privacy Enhancement

If you are overlooked by neighbours or passers-by, then quite simply window tinting can offer a simple solution that still allows daylight into your rooms. You can enjoy year round privacy because you can see out, but others can't see in!

Aesthetically pleasing to the Eye

Whether it’s a modern building or older, there’s a great selection of window film products that can aesthetically enhance the outside of a home or office building. Looking ‘cool’ on the outside and being ‘cool’ on the inside is as good as it gets! Happen to be lucky enough to be living in W. Australia? Click here and check out the number one, renowned experts in all things regarding window tinting. You won’t regret it!

Installation Doesn’t Take Long

Professional installation is quick and simple. There’s minimal disruption to one’s daily lifestyle or work schedule and you’ll be enjoying the perks of your new home window tint in no time at all.

Before You Dive In: Key Things to Think About Before Installing a Swimming Pool

If you have decided that a swimming pool would be a great addition to your home, it can be tempting to dive in so to speak, and get started on arranging an installation before really thinking things through about what features you want and other important aspects that could make a difference to the end result.

It may well be that a custom shaped concrete pool could be the right choice for your setting and requirements. Whether you have a young family or want to use your pool for fitness as well as fun, these are all things that you need to think about before going ahead with your plans.

The aesthetics of an inground pool

The general weight of opinion would come down in favour of an inground pool, which is very often more aesthetically pleasing on the eye and offer you greater design flexibility than an above ground pool.

It is fair to say that if you decide to go for an inground pool, you have to be prepared to go through the process of obtaining construction permits and be ready for the excavation work required to install your pool.

It is likely that your inground pool choice will be more expensive than one that sits above the ground, for obvious reasons, but the work and expense is often well worth it when you see the end result, and enjoy a potential boost to your house value too.

A matter of perspective

When it comes to swimming pools, size really does matter and is an important consideration.

It can be tempting to go for a pool that is as large as you can make it, as there is an obvious appeal in that, but what you don’t want to do is be over-ambitious with your plans and end up with a pool that might look out of place, only because the perspective in relation to the location dimensions doesn’t work.

A good tip when you are planning your pool, would be to mark out your intended pool area using something like a rope or a non-permanent spray paint. This will enable you to visualize how it might look and whether you might need to scale down your plans a bit to get the right balance.

Work with your theme

Another important consideration when trying to choose the right style, shape and size of pool, is to work out what sort of theme or feel that you are trying to achieve with your garden space.

Swimming pool design options are a virtual blank canvas these days, so you definitely don’t have to make do with a standard-shaped pool of you don’t want to.

Therefore, you can turn things around and work out what sort of theme and ambience you are trying to attain, then look at your pool options to see what works best to fit in with those ambitions.

When your swimming pool is ready you will certainly be itching to dive in, but avoid jumping in at the deep end when considering your design plans, so that you get it just right.

Charlie Read works in the construction business and has worked on his fair share of swimming pools over the years. He started writing articles after an accident left him unable to work for a few months and hasn't stopped since he got back on his feet.

5 Tips On Preventing Winter Pipe Leaks

Another winter season is upon us, and it is about time we started winterizing our homes, especially since weather forecasters are predicting an especially cold winter in the GTA this year. During winter, our pipes are some of the most affected areas in our homes. With the constant changes in the weather, pipes are bound to expand and contract causing stress, cracks, and leaks. Later, when the pipes become too weak for the fluctuating temperatures, they burst and cause a lot of damage. This can be avoided by implementing the following pipe leak prevention tips.

Insulation of Pipes

Insulation of pipes ahead of winter can go a long way in preventing frozen pipes, which later leads to cracking of the pipes. Insulation of pipes can be done easily with the purchase of insulation sleeves from local stores. You can wrap your exterior pipes with electrical insulation while the interior pipes will do just great with a fiberglass insulation. However, if you don’t have the time or energy, you can always call in a professional to give you the results you’re looking for. If you live in the GTA, WaterWorks Canada can help you prepare for a harsh winter with the right tools and professional service.

Leave Cabinets Open

Most constructions have kitchen sinks located on the outside wall. This increases the vulnerability of pipes to the cold air coming from the outside. To prevent this, it is important that you leave your cabinets open. This allows warm air from the house to enter the cabinets, warming up your pipes and preventing freezing.

Remove and Store your Outdoor Hoses and Insulate your Faucets

Before winter comes, remove hoses and store them in your garage. Leaving them outside will make them vulnerable to freezing. Also, do not forget to turn off your outdoor sprinklers and faucets. For added protection, invest in an insulation for your faucets — even wrapping them in electrical tape will do in a pinch!

Warm Up your House

Keep your house warm at all times. Regulate your thermostat to 30 degrees Celsius. Particularly, if you plan on being away from your home for a long stretch of days. This will keep water, already in your pipes, warm enough, effectively preventing bursting and leaking.

Maintain a Slow Drip

During the winter season, you want to ensure that there is constant flow of water, where even a tiny amount of drippage can mean the difference between healthy and broken pipes. Maintain a slow drip in your hot and cold water pipes to save on pipe repair and maintenance.

As water damage can be costly, winterizing your pipes is the first major step towards protecting your home during winter. Calling a professional plumber to conduct preventative maintenance is the best way to prepare your pipes to weather the winter season.

If you are looking for professional pipe leak prevention services in Toronto, Ontario, start your search with WaterWorks Plumbing and Drains. Offering affordable water leak prevention services, satisfaction is guaranteed, this GTA business only asks you to pay upon completion of the project and only if you are satisfied by their services.

Tastemaking with a Twist-Pop Art Radiators as Home Décor

Nothing can be as boring and mundane as home heating units. Perhaps there is something but from an interior design perspective I can’t think of anything as drab and purely functional, especially here in the United States where baseboard heating has been the most prevalent form of heating for years. Yes, baseboard. There is nothing, absolutely nothing glamorous about baseboard heating and what it does to a room is a totally different story. Until stumbling across Warm Rooms, I had little hope for finding heating options with functionality, efficiency and style.

Pop Art Colors Schemes

What a joy it is to be able to choose from the various vibrant color options that are available in the world of radiators. You can have a room that is literally all white or all black and you can utilize your vertical radiator units as pop art design elements. Vivid hues of red, yellow, blue or any other colors that set your heart and soul on fire breathe life into a dark, drab or otherwise boring room. Pops of colors are a great way to add simple but noticeable design elements to any living space whether personal or business. 

Vertical Design Radiator Panels as Wall Décor

There are some stunning options out there when it comes to radiator units as wall décor. You can literally find vertical radiator units that you can mount on your wall that look as if they are artwork in and of themselves. What a genius way to marry style and function. There are some Italian manufacturers that offer beautiful designs that can fit any style home. From traditional design, to contemporary, modern or combinations, the options online are truly endless. There are different sizes and shapes to choose from as well as all different types of materials and finishes like stainless steel, chrome, and anthracite finishes. From super sleek curved panels, to long and super slim vertical wall mounts there is something for all taste and styles. Having a specific design theme in mind prior to setting out on your search is the best plan of attack. If you have an idea of what you are looking for the selection process will be that much quicker and that much easier.

Choosing Your Colors

This sounds super simple but in reality selecting the right color scheme for your room is not as easy as it sounds. There are so many things to take into consideration such as the color of the existing design elements in the room such as wall décor, throw pillows, area rugs, etc. If you are working with a monotone room choosing a color for your radiators will be simple but if you are already working with a room filled with color you are going to have to select carefully. You don’t want to have the colors of the radiators so overbearing that they take over the entire focal point of the room. A good rule of thumb is to remember that they should be adding pops of color and complimenting the style and other design elements that already exist in your home.

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.

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.

5 Best Places to Raise a Family in America

The average American can expect to move at least 11 times in their lifetime. Moving can be a sign of a new opportunity – either a new job or the accumulation of wealth – or instability due to job loss or foreclosure. Either way, a newly married couple should choose a location that is conducive to their overall pursuit of happiness and economic prosperity.

With that in mind, here are the top five places (in no particular order) to raise a family based on key metrics like relative cost of housing, quality of health care and education systems, opportunities for recreation, and crime rate. 

1. Irvine, California

Irvine, CA has continually appeared as one of the best places to live on various online publications, and for a good reason. The city is home to great public schools, a lively economy and low crime rates compared to the rest of the country. The city is home to about 100,000 people and is billed as the Best Run City in the U.S. Irvine is home to many major businesses and there is no shortage of jobs in the finance and technology sectors. This makes it a favorable city for fathers and mothers looking for jobs to support their families. In addition, the city hosts several parks, public libraries and the Irvine Global Village Festival. 

2. Cedar City, Utah

As a small university town, Cedar City, UT, is famous for being one of the most budget-friendly cities in the U.S. Although income levels may not be as high as some other cities, cost of living here more than makes up for it. In fact, the Cedar City real estate market is within reach of most people’s wallets and you can get much more bang for your buck than many other urban areas. And contrary to popular opinion, the region is far from boring. The Southern Utah University is not only the biggest employer in town, but is the cultural center hosting a huge number of events like the Utah Shakespeare Festival that runs annually from summer to fall. 

3. Greenwich, Connecticut

Connecticut is an upper middle class city that is said to among the safest cities in America. It is home to a thriving culture with a choral society, natural history museum and an orchestra. The rail travel to Manhattan’s Grand Central Station makes this city ideal for dads and moms who are working in the city, but love the suburban lifestyle offered by Greenwich. There are several landmarks including islands, bird sanctuaries and wildlife habitats that will certainly become a favorite weekend activity for your kids. Plus, there are several private and public schools that graduate a huge number of students to the nation’s top colleges. 

4. Keller, Texas

With a population of about 45,000, Keller, TX is found to the north of Fort Worth. The city offers you and your family exceptionally low crime rates, scenic landscaping and top-ranked schools. In fact, two schools in this location have made it to the list of the best high schools in America. Economically, the city is hailed as one of the most stable cities in Texas. Keller is idealized as the best location for what a perfect southern town should be for a stable, happy and healthy family. 

5. Boulder, Colorado

Do you love fresh air? Then waking up to refreshingly beautiful Colorado mountains will make every day your day. Boulder also happens to be home to one of America’s greatest universities – the University of Colorado. The excellent school system, relatively low crime rate and awe-inspiring scenes make Boulder one of the best places for a family to live in.

Everybody wants to offer his or her family the very best, including a suitable household in an area where there a proper school system and a low crime rate. In consideration of these factors, you will certainly find that the cities listed above offer all these plus a host of fun things to do, a bustling culture and individuals of similar mindsets and goals.

5 Common Pool Maintenance Problems and How to Overcome Them

Having a pool is fantastic, except for when it doesn’t seem to be working the way that it should be. Then, you may be in a position where it may be difficult to deal with it. That being said, there are a lot of things that you may have issues with. Blue Sparkle Pool Service in Las Vegas has put together this article to help you figure out the 5 most common pool issues and how to fix them yourself.

1. Algae seems to have overrun your pool. Algae is a common issue that happens to many pools. If the chlorine doesn’t seem to be high enough, then you will likely get that little bit of algae on there. Take some time to do a shock treatment to get it out of there and get the chlorine levels back to where they need to be.

2. Your pool water is a strange color, like brown or bright teal. If this is going on, then it means that there are likely some odd minerals in your pool. Iron and copper are usually the culprits, and they can get taken care of easily if you get the right things for your needs. Blue Pools Phoenix can help you to get the right tools for your needs and can give you some help with getting rid of the minerals for good.

3. Foggy water issues. Usually, this means that the pH level isn’t where it’s supposed to be. Most of the time, this will happen after a rain, which can really throw off the water levels and leave you unable to see the bottom. Consider getting a water testing kit for your pool and seeing what may be going on with it. Then, talk to a pool expert and see what the necessary adjustments may be. It can be a huge help and leave you with a clear pool once again.

4. Water leakage. Just because you are seeing a leak in your pool doesn’t mean that it needs to be completely replaced. Instead, you may want to call someone like Clear Blue Pool Builders in Dallas to take a look and see if they can make repairs first. It may be something as simple as a crack that can be filled in without any issues.

5. Stains on the sides. If you are starting to see stains on the side of your pool, it may be because of too much chlorine or too high pH levels. Either way, you want to take some time to test the water and see what is going on with it. Then, you can make the necessary adjustments and

Taking care of your pool can seem like a hassle, but there are a lot of ways to make the whole thing easier on yourself in the long run. Take some time to look into options for your issues and to find solutions that make sense for just what you need to do for your particular issue at hand.

Sustainability and Utility Cost-Effectively

LED solutions

Sustainability in today's age isn't something reserved for those with a bottomless budget. Technology becomes more streamlined with time and development. Today, it has reached the point where even those with limited budgets are able to enjoy the many benefits which become available.

An LED is a Light-Emitting Diode. Because of the nature of this innovation, it is able to provide energy-efficient illumination that requires less energy, and lasts longer. Oftentimes an LED will last as much as fifty times longer than a conventional filament bulb.

That means less replacement. You'll be able to purchase an LED fixture and trust in it for years—decades even, depending on its use. And all that comes with diminished cost to your pocketbook. You actually pay more on your utility bill for older lighting options, as they require more electricity to operate.

Ultimately your carbon footprint decreases with such options, meaning going this route is better for the environment as well. If that weren't enough, LEDs don't burn “hot”. This means they're usually not hot to the touch. Sometimes they may be warm, but it's as likely they'll be near the room's ambient temperature.

The light which is emitted from LED solutions is usually easier on the eyes, too. According to ATG Electronics, LED Outdoor Lighting Fixtures offer “glare free and uniform lighting.” Oftentimes there is flickering with filament bulbs on a frequency that isn't always immediately identifiable, but which definitely has a cognitive effect.

Solar Solutions
Solar panels are cheaper than ever today as well. As a matter of fact, according to Wikipedia, you can get solar panels in an industrial capacity as low as $0.70 per Watt. That means you could purchase a system of 3.1 kWh for $2,170. Installation and necessary functional accoutrements will likely bring the price up to somewhere around $5k; but still: for ten years you'll be entirely energy independent.

Using an LED option with solar technology allows you to remain off the grid perpetually, with illumination options that are good for the environment, last longer, look better, and ultimately save you money. The only real downside to either solution is initial investment; but it pays for itself over time.

Applying Modern Technological Breakthroughs To The Home
Whether you're looking to remain energy-independent from grid solutions that are increasingly less trustworthy in modernity, or you're trying to be more conscientious in the choices you make as they affect the environment, solar and LED options are definitely recommendable.

Additional breakthroughs are coming every day, and it is now theoretically possible to function with full modern technical connectivity while remaining entirely grid-independent.

Such a lifestyle would look something like this: you would have a garden utilizing prepared human waste collected via composting systems which are becoming more affordable and easy to use. You'd get your energy from the sun, and your lighting from LEDs that don't use much of that solar power. Collecting water from a rain barrel, or a well dug on the property, will likewise serve your purposes.

If you throw in a prefabricated steel building, you can even have a structurally sound, low-impact housing option from which to expand your ecologically and economically friendly sustainable options. The only difficulty at this point is finding proper land on which to build; but if you look in the right places, that can be sourced inexpensively as well.

It all depends on your proclivities and the kind of work you do. Keep an eye out for online work—you may be able to eke out a career using the 'net which doesn't require you to be involved in a corporation that doesn't keep your best interests in mind. Do that, and you can live anywhere.

Ways to Update Your Dining Room Décor on a Budget

For many, the dining room is only used for special occasions or family get-togethers, and can often become neglected and forgotten when its not in use. For others, the dining room is a room that is used frequently for some valuable family meal time, but again, can become overlooked or put to the bottom of the list for when it comes to a quick makeover. There’s no reason why renovating your dining room should be an expensive process, as there are many different ways you can update the décor without having to spend too much time or money doing so. Here are a few ways in which you can update your dining space whilst keeping things cost-efficient and simple.

Brighten up

The way you light your dining areas can completely transform the overall atmosphere and ambiance of the room. Brightening up your interiors will create a brand new, fresh feel that will lift the atmosphere in your dining area and create a welcoming feel. From spot lighting to oversized pendant lighting, you can create a stunning look without having to make much of a change at all.

Another way to brighten your dining areas is to allow as much natural light to travel through the room as possible. Natural light is perfect for brightening the room and making it seem more spacious and roomy. Natural light is also a perfect way to create a welcoming, homely atmosphere.

Bold Furniture

Every dining room deserves a statement piece of furniture to draw the room together and create the perfect focal point. Investing in one bold piece of furniture will lift the rooms atmosphere and create the perfect finished look. It’s always a good idea to keep your furniture pieces similar, from the same material, to keep the consistency and make your dining area look complete. As the largest piece in the room, the dining table is usually the centre piece that stands out and can be dressed to make the room that little more creative. Whether you have an oak dining table or a glass top table, there are so many stylish ways that you can dress the table and make it stand out beautifully.

Bursts of Personality

Your home reflects your personality, and therefore the way you decorate your home is crucial to highlight your interests and personal style. If you’re a bold, bubbly individual then incorporating bright, bold artwork or colours into your dining areas décor will emphasise your bright personality. Similarly, if you prefer to stick with a contemporary, chic look then introducing neutral palettes and chic detailing will highlight your personal style beautifully. Introducing items such as family photographs and artwork adds a really simple yet effective touch of character to the room and instantly creates a warm, welcoming touch.

Add a Rug

A statement rug will add a touch of energy and life to your dining area. Whether you opt for an out-there style with a bold pattern, or a simplistic style that simply adds some extra detail to the interiors, adding a rug is the perfect finishing touch for any dining room.

You can find many inexpensive rugs that still look great and add character to any room. It’s best to choose your rug to suit the room, for example smaller rooms may look better with a smaller rug that doesn’t create a cramped look. Similarly, placing a tiny rug in a really large room will look out of place and create a strange look, so adding a rug that suits the rooms size is key.

Easy Ways To Enhance Your Home’s Interior Design

As a homeowner, you will want to do everything in your power to optimize your home’s appearance. This includes keeping your home clean and well maintained. Some homeowners will strive for something more. They’ll want their guests to gasp in awe, when they enter their home. If you fit into this category and share this mindset, you will want to tweak your home’s design frequently until you get it just right. Just remember that there are numerous aspects of your home’s design that can be tinkered with. Within this guide, you will discover easy ways to improve your home’s appearance.

Organization

Many homeowners make the mistake of loading their rooms down with too many items. Unfortunately, this can cause the room to feel chaotic and cluttered. This can also make it difficult for guests to navigate through the room. If you feel the need to add more items to a specific room, you should choose those that will remain out of the way. Wall art and rugs are a good choice. These items will remain out of the way, while enhancing your home’s appearance. Also, make sure the furniture within the room is well organized.

Add A Rug

Hardwood floors and carpets are beautiful, but they can wear out over a period of time. Also, the floor’s appearance may eventually become tiresome. When this happens, you will want to consider making a change. Since it would be too difficult to tear up the wood or carpet, you should consider opting for a brand-new rug. Rugs are available in various styles and can be found in numerous colors. This helps to ensure that you’ll be able to find classic or modern rugs, which match your room’s current color scheme. Purchasing a rug is effortless and you can add it to your room within a matter of seconds. Despite the simplicity, a new rug can do wonders for your room’s appearance.

New Coat Of Paint

If you wish to completely change the appearance of a room, you should purchase paint. A new coat of paint can dramatically alter your room’s appearance. Using light paint over a dark green can help to bring the room to life. Alternatively, it is possible to cool down a room and make it more relaxing by covering up that light paint with something a little darker in tone. The difficulty of painting will depend on the size of the room, but the effort will be well worth it. Just remember to choose a new color that matches the other items within the room.

Lighting

When it comes to altering your home’s interior environment, you will need to start with new lighting. There is a long list of lighting option available to you, making the task of just choosing one a challenge. First of all, you should consider the location, since some areas will require more lighting than others. If you are unsure about the type of lighting fixture that will suit that area, be sure to speak with an expert. Independent shops are the best place to go for advice, because these are often run by individuals that have a lot of experience with accent lighting and décor.

If you are looking for a lighting fixture that will also be utilized as a decoration, you should consider a contemporary pendant or traditional chandelier. These fixtures have personality and will liven up any entranceway or hallway. The decorative design will also enhance the existing décor, bringing your home to life and drawing attention from all angles.

Patterns To Match

Renovation is a challenging project to undertake, plus the steps must be broken down and completed in a timely manner. Mixing and matching your décor, pillows, furniture pieces, rug, lighting, and flooring is a crucial step to perfection. Your furniture will play a huge role in the appearance of your home. The colors and design of the furniture should match the rug in your home. Coordinating these pieces will not be easy, but with a little assistance from a home designer you will do just find.

Believe it or not, the furniture is the most important part of each room in your home. Once you pick out the furniture pieces, you will then start to choose the other items, just make sure that they match in color and design.

Simplify The Materials

Instead of having a home scattered with different materials try using just one simple fabric. Whether you choose a floral or solid design on every piece of upholstered furniture, this technique will allow people to notice the shape of the furniture. If you are thinking about using a patterned fabric, you can really make a statement by using large quantities.

Hanging Artwork At The Right Height

There is a reason that galleries and museum hang artwork at a certain height. Each piece is usually hung around 57 to 60 inches off the floor, because this is level with the average human eye, and you should practice the same technique in your home.

Burglar-Proofing Your Home from the Outside

Home security can often be an element that is overlooked and mainly considered for the inside of the home. Whilst ensuring your home is safe and secure on the inside is really important, it’s just as important to ensure the safety is carried through to the garden, as this can often be a starting point for any burglars targeting your home. Making sure both your interiors and exteriors are safe and secure will enable you to rest assured that your home is as burglar-proof as possible.

Install Sensor Lighting

One of the most obvious yet surprisingly forgotten features to any garden security is motion lighting. Motion or sensor lighting is ideal for adding extra security to your garden, especially through those wintery months. The lighting will help a great deal when used in areas that may have extra foliage or built up hedges. If you look into your garden and cannot see a certain area, this is an indicator to you that you may need to add some motion lighting to ensure that if needed, you can see exactly what is going on in your garden at all times. When the lights are detected, you can set them to stay on for 2 to 30 seconds, dependant on where they are and how practical that is for you. If the motion is no longer picked up then the light will automatically switch off, however, if there is something there and it does not leave the area, the lights will stay on and you’ll be able to see exactly what has set the sensor off. As a result of this, motion lighting works as a very, very good deterrent, as potential burglars will become spooked and leave the area immediately.

Add Fences or a Wall

Whilst fences are ideal for privacy within your garden, they also work very well as keeping unwanted people or animals out of your garden. By surrounding your garden with strong fencing or a built up wall, you can create a difficult obstacle for the potential burglars which will hopefully prevent them from being able to enter your garden. The fencing needs to be strong, however, as that will prevent anyone from being able to break it down in order to gain access to your garden. When it comes to the top of your fencing, you’re best to go with a design that causes problems for anyone who tries to climb it. Picket fencing or fencing with a pointy or sharp top is ideal, as this is really difficult to climb and would be even more of an issue when trying to climb in the dark!

If you choose to put a gate in your garden leading from the front to the back, you should invest in a locking mechanism. Ensuring you can lock your gate is important as otherwise the burglar won’t need to worry about climbing the fence as they’ll have instant access through your garden gate. You can find all kinds of really effective locking mechanisms, from the traditional padlock to a simple latch that cannot be opened unless you’re inside the garden. You can then invest in locks with a key, which may cost a little extra but will really ensure nobody can enter your garden when you don’t want them too!

Protect Your Belongings

The garden can be a great place for social gatherings and get-togethers, and often you find yourself purchasing some stylish outdoor seating, tables and even features such as fire pits or fancy umbrellas. These belongings are all great and so beneficial to have, however they can also be seen as an invitation to the garden by a burglar, as they may see enough money in your garden furnishings to not even need to enter your house! The last thing you want is to attract the attention of any burglars by having fancy items left outdoors overnight, so making sure expensive items are stored away in the garage or storage areas overnight or when not in use is essential. Another key thing to consider is where you position your outdoor items. Items such as ladders, seats, steps or even bins should never be stored next to your fencing. This can, without noticing, create a step or easy access point for burglars as they climb your fence, so don’t make things easier for them!

Make them Aware

Burglars often assess somewhere before they choose to target. This is because they’ll need to know they’re not walking into a garden or home that is going to illuminate and alarm, exposing who they are. Investing in an alarm system is really important, as not only will it let you know when something isn’t quite right, but it will also show any potential burglars that you have the system fitted and they have no chance of getting into your home without sounding the alarm!

Don’t Forget to Check

It’s usually the same routine for each homeowner, checking all doors and windows to ensure that they are locked or closed. It can often be an easy thing to overlook however, especially if your home has a few residents and each are coming and going at different times. Making sure your door locks, sliding door locks, window locks and even back door locks are in full working order and locked will really help make sure nobody can enter your home without permission. Closing curtains is another helpful thing to do, as you’re preventing anyone from the outside looking in!

Important Services Every Homeowner Should Be Aware Of

There are certain phone numbers every homeowner should have close at hand in case of an emergency. Preparing in this way gives you a better opportunity to react to any problem or potential problem that could occur in your home. Below are the main service providers every home homeowner needs to be aware of and be able to contact quickly when things go wrong.

Plumber

Water has the potential to cause serious damage in a home. This is why it’s vital to call out a plumber as quickly as possible. The faster a burst pipe is fixed or a flood is cleaned up, the less damage it will cause. However, not all plumbers are the same, so you want to ensure that the plumber you contact is able to provide a range of plumbing-related services including a leak detection service, pipe fixing service and flood cleanup service. 

Electrician

Electricity plays an important role in a modern home. Over time, faults can occur and home appliances fail. Safety should be your main concern and having a reliable, experienced electrician on standby will ensure that any electrical problems are dealt with in a safe and professional manner.

Fire Fighters

Reacting quickly to a fire can prevent injuries and reduce the amount of damage that occurs in a home. Fire has the potential to spread quickly, but it is often smoke that causes the most problems when a fire breaks out. Isolating the fire and putting it out fast prevents this kind of damage from spreading to other areas of your home.

Local Doctor

It goes without saying that your doctor is one of the most important people in your locality. However, when an accident or other health-related incident occurs in a home, your local doctor’s phone number may not be close at hand. Finding this information can take time, which could be the difference between saving someone’s life or leading to a much more serious situation.

Local Hospital

When someone suffers from a serious health problem, every second counts. You should always place the number of your local hospital in a prominent place in your home and add it to your list of phone contacts. This is particularly true if there is a family member who has a health condition you already know about.

Pest Control

A wide range of pests will make your home their home if you let them. Rodents, wasps, ants and other creatures can quickly invade a home and have to be dealt with by professionals who are equipped to control these kinds of pests in a humane and effective way.

Emergency Dentist

Any work carried out on your teeth usually comes at a high cost. An emergency dentist can save a tooth or reduce the need for more expensive treatment later, if you contact them in time with any dental problems you or your family members have.

As you can see, being prepared for any emergencies or unusual events in the home can make a huge difference. This is why it’s vital to be able to instantly contact each of the service providers above and reduce the impact of these events.

Burglar-Proofing Your Home from the Outside

Home security can often be an element that is overlooked and mainly considered for the inside of the home. Whilst ensuring your home is safe and secure on the inside is really important, it’s just as important to ensure the safety is carried through to the garden, as this can often be a starting point for any burglars targeting your home. Making sure both your interiors and exteriors are safe and secure will enable you to rest assured that your home is as burglar-proof as possible.

Install Sensor Lighting

One of the most obvious yet surprisingly forgotten features to any garden security is motion lighting. Motion or sensor lighting is ideal for adding extra security to your garden, especially through those wintery months. The lighting will help a great deal when used in areas that may have extra foliage or built up hedges. If you look into your garden and cannot see a certain area, this is an indicator to you that you may need to add some motion lighting to ensure that if needed, you can see exactly what is going on in your garden at all times. When the lights are detected, you can set them to stay on for 2 to 30 seconds, dependant on where they are and how practical that is for you. If the motion is no longer picked up then the light will automatically switch off, however, if there is something there and it does not leave the area, the lights will stay on and you’ll be able to see exactly what has set the sensor off. As a result of this, motion lighting works as a very, very good deterrent, as potential burglars will become spooked and leave the area immediately.

Add Fences or a Wall

Whilst fences are ideal for privacy within your garden, they also work very well as keeping unwanted people or animals out of your garden. By surrounding your garden with strong fencing or a built up wall, you can create a difficult obstacle for the potential burglars which will hopefully prevent them from being able to enter your garden. The fencing needs to be strong, however, as that will prevent anyone from being able to break it down in order to gain access to your garden. When it comes to the top of your fencing, you’re best to go with a design that causes problems for anyone who tries to climb it. Picket fencing or fencing with a pointy or sharp top is ideal, as this is really difficult to climb and would be even more of an issue when trying to climb in the dark!

If you choose to put a gate in your garden leading from the front to the back, you should invest in a locking mechanism. Ensuring you can lock your gate is important as otherwise the burglar won’t need to worry about climbing the fence as they’ll have instant access through your garden gate. You can find all kinds of really effective locking mechanisms, from the traditional padlock to a simple latch that cannot be opened unless you’re inside the garden. You can then invest in locks with a key, which may cost a little extra but will really ensure nobody can enter your garden when you don’t want them too!

Protect Your Belongings

The garden can be a great place for social gatherings and get-togethers, and often you find yourself purchasing some stylish outdoor seating, tables and even features such as fire pits or fancy umbrellas. These belongings are all great and so beneficial to have, however they can also be seen as an invitation to the garden by a burglar, as they may see enough money in your garden furnishings to not even need to enter your house! The last thing you want is to attract the attention of any burglars by having fancy items left outdoors overnight, so making sure expensive items are stored away in the garage or storage areas overnight or when not in use is essential. Another key thing to consider is where you position your outdoor items. Items such as ladders, seats, steps or even bins should never be stored next to your fencing. This can, without noticing, create a step or easy access point for burglars as they climb your fence, so don’t make things easier for them!

Make them Aware

Burglars often assess somewhere before they choose to target. This is because they’ll need to know they’re not walking into a garden or home that is going to illuminate and alarm, exposing who they are. Investing in an alarm system is really important, as not only will it let you know when something isn’t quite right, but it will also show any potential burglars that you have the system fitted and they have no chance of getting into your home without sounding the alarm!

Don’t Forget to Check

It’s usually the same routine for each homeowner, checking all doors and windows to ensure that they are locked or closed. It can often be an easy thing to overlook however, especially if your home has a few residents and each are coming and going at different times. Making sure your door locks, sliding door locks, window locks and even back door locks are in full working order and locked will really help make sure nobody can enter your home without permission. Closing curtains is another helpful thing to do, as you’re preventing anyone from the outside looking in!

Add Value to Your Home with Beneficial Updates

In order to work your way up the property ladder and add value to your home there’s a few things to know for maximising the final cost. You may think that huge changes like refitting your whole kitchen or converting your garage into a games room may make large differences to the price, but you’d be surprised at the smaller changes that will have just as much of an impact on your home’s value.

Central Heating

Possibly a very obvious feature to have in the home, but surprisingly many homes today still do not have central heating throughout. Central heating systems always add more value to a property, and even though they may be a slightly expensive feature to add, they are very beneficial. You can rest assured that central heating systems add more value to a home than they cost to install, so this is a benefit in itself.

If you’re going to update your central heating in your property, then it’s essential to check other elements to your homes energy efficiency. Sealing any potential drafts, especially in doorways or windows, is a great place to start. This will ensure the home contains the heat and doesn’t have a cold draft blowing through and wasting the energy being used to warm it. Double glazing is another element to consider. If your windows aren’t double glazed then you may eventually find they don’t insulate the home as much as you’d like and you start to waste heat warming the home. Double glazing will also add value to your home as it’s am modern feature that many homebuyers are looking for in their new home.

Introduce Sliding or Bi-folding Doors

One of the biggest interior trends today is the sliding door. Sliding doors have become a huge desire in many homeowner’s eyes, as they come with a whole host of benefits. Whilst the sliding doors may be pricey, you can invest in some cost-effective ones that add so much more value to your home than you’d have ever thought. Sliding doors are ideal for opening up spaces, for example opening up the living room to the dining room and so on. You can create an open-plan look and close the rooms up whenever you feel it necessary. With an easy installation process and simple features such as their sliding door track and sliding door locks, they are a great addition to any home.

Bi-Folding doors are another hugely popular feature in interiors today. Seen mainly on the exterior of the home, leading from rooms such as the kitchen to the garden, you can create a beautiful look around your home whilst still keeping it practical and secure. Whilst bi-folding doors are often glass panes, you can invest in some stylish blinds that are situated inside the door panels to ensure your home is secure and private whenever you wish it to be.

Revive Your Garden

As easy as it is to pay little attention to your garden, it is a huge factor in the overall value of your home. Many homebuyers are looking for a beautiful garden that they are able to enjoy and make the most of. Viewing a home with a messy, overgrown garden sets an instant sour taste in the mouth and instantly gives people a negative impression of the home they’re viewing. Your garden is a part of the home you should show off and be proud of, as to many people having a garden is a huge benefit in a home.

Give your garden some TLC by making sure the lawn is cut and fresh. Remove any overgrown or dead plants or bushes, and trim down any weeds. The changes you make can be simple and quick, but they will make a really big difference to the value of your home.

If you have any garden furniture that is rusty of broken, now is the time to throw it away and replace it with some stunning garden furniture that creates a vision in your viewers mind as to how they can enjoy the garden themselves.