 Source - CC0 License
Preparing your home for a new flooring project may seem like a lot of work, but if you make the right preparations, the process can be as smooth sailing as your new floor! Installing a new floor may require a lot of work, but if you are wondering how to prepare for any floor installation in your home, here are some simple things to bear in mind. Find Out if the New Floor Is Going To Raise the Height This is something that we don't always consider, but a floor can potentially cause a few adjustments to the room. For example, it could force you to adjust the door, remove baseboards, and alter the trim. One of the best ways to ensure you are starting with a solid foundation is by leveling the floor. Many floor leveling services ensure that you have a smooth surface, but this will also guarantee the floor can stay compact. Floors can be deceptively thick, and we may not necessarily think that the floor is going to add much height, but you are the one that walks on the floor every single day. So if it starts to feel weird, floor leveling could be an option for you. Prepare for Waste Disposal If you are getting experts to install your flooring, you will need to give them adequate space to prepare their flooring materials. Flooring specialists come with a lot of materials, so if you want them to get in and do the job quickly, you're going to need to give them the space to do their job and dispose of the waste material. You need to make sure that your garbage disposal can hold the waste and there aren't any problems come garbage collection day. Many contractors usually remove their own waste, but it doesn't hurt to help the process along! Close Off the Other Rooms Flooring installation can be a very messy process, so you should close rooms that are not being worked on to protect them from dust. It's important to remember that dust can easily get underneath doors so you should mask them with masking tape. Sawdust is one of those things that can be found for months after the installation, so make sure that you do everything you can to contain the mess. Keeping the Pets Safe If you have a dog or a cat, they can be very sneaky critters, especially when there's a lot of work going on. Amid the chaos of installing a new floor, with contractors coming in and out, doors can be left open and the pets can escape. Keeping the pet in an enclosure where they cannot get out is going to give you peace of mind. It's also important to remember that any dust can be harmful to your pet. Taking them out to the garden or removing them from the property for the duration of the job can give you some peace of mind. A new floor is always something that does wonders for your property. And before you start lusting over its contemporary look, you have to make sure you have the foundations in place.
0 Comments
 Image Credit: GetLostMike from Pixabay.
Renting out property has long been an effective way to generate income. For those fortunate enough to invest in real estate, this income can be significant. That doesn’t mean that it’s easy, however. You’ll need to oversee multiple things throughout the process. If you’re building the property from scratch, then you’ll have even more to look after. It doesn’t need to be an overwhelming process for you. Despite having multiple things to juggle, it could be more straightforward than you’d think. You’ll need to keep a few things in mind to do so. Once you know how to get the most out of your rental property, you should see a decent income start coming in. How To Maximize Your Rental Property's Income: 3 Things To Do 1. Hire The Right Firms If you’re an experienced or first-time landlord, then you mightn’t know how to make the most out of your rental property. There are more than a few people who do, however. You can partner with or hire multiple companies to help you. The most obvious of these is a real estate agency. You could also hire construction companies, such as a townhouse builder, to help you build or renovate a property. Doing so could maximise the value of your property while helping manage tenants long-term. 2. Do Your Own Maintenance Some of the largest costs associated with owning a rental property are the maintenance costs. These eat into your profits. You can minimise this in several ways. While it’s recommended that you find an affordable handyman, you could also do the maintenance yourself. Though you’ll need the skills to do so, these can be relatively easy to obtain. It’ll cut out a significant number of costs when you’re doing so. If you’ve built the property or it’s a new build, then you should expect this maintenance to be minimal. 3. Add Extra Fees For Pets Many landlords avoid renting to pet owners. That’s because animals can cause more damage to the property, which leads to extra maintenance costs. That doesn’t need to be a negative, however. Pet owners are typically high earners, so they’ll have more money at their disposal. You could capitalise on this by charging extra fees for pets. Since renters will have the money and wouldn’t want to be without their pets, they’ll accept the terms. They’ll also understand why you’re charging an additional cost for these. The extra income you earn will more than pay for any additional maintenance. How To Maximize Your Rental Property's Income: Wrapping Up Figuring out how to get the most out of your rental property can seem like a daunting and overwhelming process. It doesn’t have to be, however. There are multiple ways to simplify the process while maximising your profit margins. You’ll need to have patience with this, however; nothing good ever comes overnight. Spending time implementing various strategies will help you achieve this. Over time, you could generate more of a rental income than you thought. When you’re investing a lot into your home, it’s easy to become more conscious of how safe your property is from damage. Like most things, your home is vulnerable to weather damage, and will naturally see some small issues over time. There are a lot of things that can be ignored, but there are also a lot of things you should be actively trying to prevent and have checked. While it might feel solid, your home isn’t indestructible, and you should ensure you’re giving it the care it needs to remain secure, and hold its market value should you ever deice to move away.  Source
Check the gutters First of all, if you’re going to prevent your home from water damage, one of the first places you should check is your gutters. The gutters help to keep rainwater that lands on your roof away from your home. Too much water running into where it shouldn’t eventually leak into your home, and even a small crack in your gutter can be an issue. You should check out gutters and soffit if you suspect it’s time for new guttering. Get a roof inspection Your roof isn’t going to last forever, no matter how good of a job the person who installed it did. Heavy rains and wind will slowly wear away at your roof, and rain will get underneath the tiles when the wind is strong enough. You want to make sure that when the weather is rough, your home is protected from it. There are services that will inspect your roof thoroughly to make sure there’s no damage being done to your home. In a lot of cases, these services that carry out the inspection will often recommend what you should do and will handle the problem for you if you pay for their services. It’s worth looking into the different options as well, and again, the experts will be able to help you. It could be that the metal roof cost is better for your budget - and your home - than a traditional roof, for example. Alarms Security alarms are an important addition to any house, and they help to protect your home from intruders. Even the sight of an alarm can help to deter someone with ill intent, and you can rest easy knowing that your home is secure. Most people won’t get any use out of their alarm, as having it there is enough security, and burglars aren’t looking for a challenge. You can alarm your windows, your doors, and any other possible openings to prevent intruders. Alarms can come in all shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to worry about them interrupting your home’s design. Invest in new windows Alarms might not be enough, and in any case, you should make sure that your openings are up to date. Older houses might still have old windows installed, which are very easily broken and do a terrible job at keeping the weather outside. A newer window with thicker glass and at least double-glazing will help to keep the house both warmer and more secure, so it’s very much worth your investment. You also won’t have to worry about any water coming through the seals when it’s brand new. You've probably heard the saying, "You can't judge a book by its cover." This is true, but the appearance of your home is one of the first things that people notice when they pull up to your house. A poor exterior design will make your home look uninviting and outdated. So, if you want to improve the look of your house, follow these five simple steps to create a home exterior that will wow everyone who sees it.  Image credit
Change Windows Windows are one of the easiest ways to update your home exterior. In addition to changing the color or design of your windows, you can also add stained glass or shutters. You can find window treatments at any retailer, so it's easy to find something that fits your style and budget. Take care to fix any broken panels or completely change your windows by upgrading them to newer, more energy-efficient styles that look good and lower your energy bills too. Add Siding One of the best ways to update the exterior of your house is with siding. Siding gives your home a fresh and modern look and protection from the elements. Also, siding increases the value of your home. and offers you more options for customization than other exterior design features. For example, some types of siding have windows that can be filled in with different colored panels or screens, giving you a customized look that stands out in any neighborhood. Ask Approved Contractor for advice on the correct type of siding for your home. While you’re tackling this upgrade, why not look into getting a new roof as well? Check out Mr. Roof to find out more. Remove Clutter Clutter is a quick way to make your home look messy and unkempt. It becomes challenging to keep up with all of it when you have too much stuff. If you have clutter in your yard, on your porch, or around the house, take it elsewhere. The less clutter you have outside of your home, the more attractive it will be. Plant Flowers and Bushes One thing you should do is plant flowers and bushes. This will make your home look more inviting, and you can choose the right plants based on what time of year it is. For example, you may want to plant evergreens if it's wintertime. If it's springtime, you may want to plant flowers that bloom in the springtime. These plants will make your house look more welcoming to visitors. In addition to planting flowers and bushes, you should also cut the grass on your lawn weekly or bi-weekly, depending on how fast your grass grows. This area must look clean because people will often judge a house by its lawn. Fix Any Damage Damage in front of your home or on your property can detract from curb appeal and undermine any changes you want to make. Take a good look at your property, identify any issues or corners, and then rectify them. This can be from small jobs such as replacing a broken gate to fixing fencing, replacing damaged pathways to new gutters and doors to improve security and functionality and curb appeal. If you're looking for a way to add a touch of luxury and modernity to your backyard, consider bringing the indoors out. By transforming your backyard into an outdoor living space, you'll have a place to relax and entertain guests all year round. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and ideas on creating the ultimate modern backyard!  Via Pexels
Organizing The Space The first step is to declutter your outdoor space. This means getting rid of any extra furniture, knick-knacks, or décor taking up valuable space. Once you have a clean slate to work with, you can start thinking about best utilizing the space. Creating A Living SpaceOne popular trend is to create an outdoor living room. This can be done by having an arbor installation provide some shade, adding some comfortable furniture, and stringing up some lights. This will give you a space to relax and entertain that feels like an extension of your home. Making The Space Feel Warm And Inviting One thing that can set your backyard apart is making it feel warm and inviting. This can be done in several ways, but one of the most important is creating a cohesive design. Think about the colors and materials you use in your home and incorporate them into your backyard. For example, if you have a lot of natural wood elements in your home, consider using wooden decking or furniture in your backyard. Or, if you have a lot of stone features, use stone pavers or gravel. By installing the correct lighting, you can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your backyard. Try string lights, torches, or even candles. Creating A Garden Another way to make your backyard feel warm and inviting is by adding greenery. This can be done with potted plants, hanging plants, or even a tiny garden. Not only will this add some color and life to your backyard, but it can also help to create a natural barrier between your neighbors and your yard. Consider adding a minor water feature like a fountain or a birdbath if you have the space. The sound of running water is very relaxing and can help to mask any unwanted noise from the outside world. Also, adding some greenery and a water feature is a great way to create your little oasis right in your backyard. Furniture Is Key The first step in achieving the perfect modern backyard is to select the right furniture. You'll want pieces that are both stylish and comfortable, as you'll be spending a lot of time relaxing in your outdoor space. Keep in mind that while wicker and metal furniture can add a touch of elegance, they may not be the most comfortable options for lounging. Instead, opt for plush fabric-covered chairs and sofas that you can sink into. Another important consideration is to make sure your furniture is weather resistant. You don't want your beautiful backyard set to be ruined by a sudden rainstorm! This is the perfect way to bring the outdoors in, and with a few strategically placed plants and some comfortable outdoor furniture, you can create your private oasis right in your backyard. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your modern backyard today! Giving your home a contemporary look and feel doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. This blog post will provide you with some tips on how to achieve a modern aesthetic on a budget and also discuss some popular design trends that are currently popular in the world of contemporary interior design. So whether you're looking to update one room or your entire home, read on for some inspiration! Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels  #1 Use light and neutral colors
One of the easiest ways to give your home a contemporary look is to use light and neutral colors. This will make your space feel more open and airy, and it's also a great way to create a blank canvas that you can then accessorize with pops of color. When it comes to choosing paint colors, go for something in the beige or white family. And if you're looking for some furniture or decor items, look for pieces that are made from natural materials like wood or stone. Another way to achieve a contemporary look is by using clean lines and simple shapes in your design. This means avoiding ornate details and instead opting for straight lines and geometric shapes. You can achieve this look by choosing furniture with clean lines and minimal embellishments and also by hanging artwork that is simple and modern. #2 Mix and match different textures One of the most important things to remember when creating a contemporary space is to mix and match different textures. This will add interest and depth to your design, and it's also a great way to add some visual contrast. Try pairing together items made from different materials such as wood and metal or smooth and rough surfaces. You can also experiment with mixing different patterns and prints; just make sure that they are all in the same color family so that everything looks cohesive. Another way to achieve a contemporary look is by incorporating natural elements into your design. This can be anything from using live plants as decorations to adding stone or wood accents throughout your space. Incorporating natural elements will help to create a more organic feel in your home, and it's also a great way to add some visual interest. #3 Use bold and unique accessories One of the best ways to give your home a contemporary look is to use bold and unique accessories. This can be anything from colorful throw pillows to statement-making light fixtures. And don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and finishes, such as brass or glass. The key is to choose pieces that stand out without being too overwhelming. In addition, to achieve a truly contemporary look, it's important to keep your space uncluttered and organized. This means only displaying the items that you absolutely love and use on a regular basis. So take some time to go through your belongings and get rid of anything that you don't need or use anymore. This will help to create a more streamlined look in your home. #4 Invest in quality pieces One of the most important things to remember when creating a contemporary space is to invest in quality pieces. This doesn't mean that you have to spend a lot of money, but it does mean that you should choose items that are well-made and will stand the test of time. Look for furniture and decor made from high-quality materials, and be sure to avoid anything that looks too cheap or flimsy. In addition, it's always worth investing in timeless pieces that you'll love for years to come. Also, remember that less is often more when it comes to contemporary design. This means avoiding anything that is too fussy or busy. Instead, opt for clean lines and simple shapes. And don't be afraid to leave some empty space in your design - it will help to create a sense of calm and tranquility. #5 Replace light fixtures One of the quickest and easiest ways to give your home a contemporary look is to replace your old light fixtures with new ones. This can make a huge difference in the overall feel of your space, and it's also a great way to add some extra light. When choosing new light fixtures, look for pieces that are simple and modern. And be sure to experiment with different materials and finishes, such as brass or glass. In addition, to really give your home a contemporary look, it's important to use a mix of different light sources. This means incorporating both natural and artificial light into your design. For example, you can add more light to your space by adding additional Windows Doors or skylights or by using mirrors to reflect light around the room. And be sure to choose energy-efficient bulbs for all of your light fixtures. #6 Consider the molding and trim Another way to give your home a contemporary look is to consider the molding and trim. This can include anything from painting the trim a different color to adding new molding throughout your space. And don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and finishes, such as brass or glass. Also, remember that less is often more when it comes to contemporary design. So keep the molding and trim simple and understated. Finally, remember that a contemporary space should feel warm and inviting. This means incorporating plenty of cozy elements, such as plush throws and soft rugs. And be sure to add some personal touches, such as family photos or artwork. By following these tips, you can easily give your home a contemporary look and feel that you'll love for years to come. By following these simple tips, you can easily give your home a contemporary look and feel. Just remember to keep things simple and uncluttered and to choose quality pieces that will stand the test of time. With a little effort, you can create a beautiful and stylish space that you'll love for years to come. Thanks for reading! I hope this was helpful.  Unsplash - CC0 License You don’t have to limit your design ambitions to your home’s interior. You can also add exterior features that make it more functional and welcoming. The choice of features here is spectacular. There are all sorts of things that you could try. These include outdoor lighting, charming fences, spacious porches and so on. What’s great about working on your home’s exterior is that it makes it feel welcoming while also enhancing its curb appeal. Approaching your property will never feel the same again. In this post, we take a look at some of the types of exterior design details you might want to add to your property. Check them out below. Garage Doors Standard garage doors aren’t much to write home about when it comes to design. Sure, they are functional, but they don’t provide much of a wow factor. Today, though, the range of garage doors available is greater than ever before. Consumers have more choice over styles, designs and appearance than they did in the past. Today, most homeowners choose garage doors that reflect the overall design and appearance of their property. They can be matching or contrasting with the rest of the house – the choice is yours. Front Porches Another exterior area ripe for upgrade is the front porch. These days, many property owners are looking for seating that allows them to lounge outside the front of their homes while at the same time storing their possessions. Porches built during the 1960s and 1970s are quite uninspiring and many of them are now in a dilapidated state. Flat roofs don’t add much charm to properties, making them appear austere and uninviting. Newer porches, however, often feature pitched roofs that make them more appealing to look at from the road. They also have space for all the things you need to grab quickly before you leave the house, such as your umbrella, coat, jacket or shopping bags. Doors  Unsplash - CC0 License Doors can make a tremendous difference in how your property appears from the outside and security. What’s more, the market is expanding. The feature set of ProVia entry door options is increasing. For instance, modern doors offer both energy efficiency and customisation. Manufacturers are combining features so that homeowners don’t have to make tradeoffs. Doors are also becoming more durable. Instead of making them out of wood or UPVC, vendors are choosing fiberglass, since it is both strong and weather resistant. Exterior doors should be the focal point on your home. When your exterior door is expressive, it helps to bring the rest of your property to life. Bright colors immediately add personality to your home. What’s more, you can add interesting architectural features to modern exterior doors. These include iron railings down the middle, large knockers, and paneling that makes your home stand out. Even if the main door to your home is at the side of your property, it pays to invest in it. The higher the quality of your door, the more welcoming your home will appear, and the more secure it will become. Exterior Lighting  Unsplash - CC0 License
Exterior lighting is becoming progressively more popular among homeowners. The idea is to illuminate your property from the outside at night, instead of relying on interior lights. There are both aesthetic and security reasons for doing this. From a security perspective, exterior illumination makes it difficult for anyone to come onto your property without being seen. From an aesthetic point of view, it can help make your house look more attractive at night. How you arrange your lighting depends very much on the way in which you want to illuminate your home. The majority of homeowners install lighting at the foot of their exterior walls and then project beams upwards which reflect off their cladding, woodwork or masonry. You can also illuminate your home from a distance, however, this is a less common option. With modern LEDs, the opportunities for customizing your home’s light show have never been greater. Not only are these lighting sources inexpensive, but they also come in different colors. This lets you add real ambience to your home. Landscaping When it comes to customizing your home’s exterior, don’t forget landscaping. Adding trees and shrubs can work wonders for enhancing the architectural features of your home. What’s more, a well-tended property with beautiful plants and shrubs elicits an emotional response. You can’t help but feel happy when you approach a house that’s overflowing with beautiful flowers. Hardscaping is something that you’ll also need to consider. It’s not just about the organics that you include outside of the front of your property, but also the appearance of your driveways and decking too. When choosing materials for these options, look for something that complements the rest of your property. You want the colors to match. You should also consider the scale. A small driveway at the front of a large home could look a little odd. When arranging your plantings, put them in groups with contrasting colors. Try to avoid being too monotone if you can, or just having a large expanse of lawn at the front of your home. While this can look good on very large properties, it isn't the best approach for smaller dwellings. Window Trim Window trim helps to complete the look of a home. When you get the windows right, the whole aesthetic and ensemble comes together and just makes a lot of sense. There are many different ways that you can use exterior trim to improve the appearance of your property. You’ll want to look out for things like shaping, containing and sharp edges. You’ll also want to check that the trim color matches the rest of your property as well as surrounding siding, doors and other architectural features. Of course, vinyl is the classic material, but if you live in a modernist home, you might also want to consider aluminum. UPVC is an option too, with an increasing selection of colors now available on the market. So, which of these exterior design features will you use to make your home unique? |
Design Services
Looking for interior design help? Offering design consultations and online design for anyone, anywhere. Happy to help with any of your design needs! About
Archives
September 2024
Categories
All
Offering sponsored blog posts + social media campaigns, details here.
Gift Cards E-Cards for Design Consultations, more info here.
Online Design: complete flat rate room design, for anyone, anywhere. More info here.
Book A Design Consultation On-Site or Online for anyone, anywhere! Details here
Window Treatment Consultations
Moving Day Services
Design Layouts, details here
Color Consultation for Interior/Exterior
Flat Rate Kitchen Design & Bathroom Design Package. Details here
Flat Rate Home Office Design, just $450. Details here.
Flat Rate Outdoor Design, $450. Details here.
Flat Rate Room Design for Kids $500 per room, details here.
“Work with what you got!” - Room Makeovers. Details here.
Room Refresh! - Room accessorizing services. Details here.
|
RSS Feed
