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If you are looking for a quick way to update your home exterior, then siding is the way to go. Siding plays a massive part in how attractive your home looks from the outside, and when it is in a poor state of repair, your home's curb appeal drops dramatically.  Photo by Robert Linder on Unsplash
But that isn’t the only reason that you should call a siding contractor in. Maintenance New things need less in terms of maintenance. Newer siding options are made for longevity with materials like vinyl or fiber cement. Putting off maintenance over the years will mean that you will eventually need a repair or a replacement. A replacement is a great option, but make sure that you book regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it as strong as it was when it was fitted. Energy With the rising price of energy, every little helps when it comes to becoming more energy efficient. Anything that uses outdated materials or isn’t insulated is going to cost you a lot of money per year and keep doing so. Upgrading your siding will mean that you have a reduced energy cost because you have a reduced energy loss. Modern siding materials are designed and built with insulation and energy efficiency in mind. Protection Siding is a key barrier and protection against the elements. Raid, heavy wind, snow, and even hard sun can cause a lot of damage. With old or worn-out siding, you won’t have the same protection. Upgrading to a new material gives you that protection back. One of the biggest threats to worn-out and old siding is water; when the water resistance is gone, there is a risk of rot, insect infestation, and water infiltration. Property value Anything that is old or will need to be replaced will see the value of your home decrease. This might not matter if you aren’t planning on going anywhere - but if you plan to move home in the next few years, then a siding replacement is a must. Homebuyers prefer to move into homes that need little to no work and offer the best in terms of energy efficiency and protection. Not only does it look more aesthetically pleasing, but those lower utility costs are quite enticing to buyers. Curb appeal If you were looking to make the outside of your home look more beautiful. Then there are several things you could do. Adding flowers, pulling up weeds, replacing your windows and doors - and getting a siding upgrade. It makes a big difference to come home to a house that looks welcoming from the street alone. One of the coolest things about upgrading your siding is that you don’t need to stick with the look and feel of the old one. You can choose to have something completely new - and completely new! Your home exterior needs a little bit of love every now and then, here are some more ways for you to upgrade your home exterior and have it looking beautiful: How To Improve Your Home Exterior.
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Kitchen Design Flaws To Avoid In Your New Home Building a home is a great form of investment. To ensure your family is comfortable and happy, you must ensure the home's functionality. When building your home, it is important to consider its design and whether it is feasible. A common area most homeowners consider when designing and building a home is the kitchen— the heart of the home. However, several design mistakes can prevent your kitchen from being the sanctuary you had in mind. It is important to know these common mistakes to avoid them and make the right decisions should they occur. Here are a few kitchen design flaws you must avoid in your next remodeling project.
 Image Credit Clutter is a major concern in every home. It makes spaces look crowded and smaller, increases the risk of injury, and makes the home disorganized and uninviting. In addition to regular cleaning, it is advisable to install smart storage spaces to adequately declutter. The last thing you want to do in your kitchen is clutter your countertops with several items. The best and most practical solution in this regard is to provide adequate storage. It would be advisable to partition various storage spaces for specific items to ensure functionality. For example, you can dedicate a drawer to cutlery or rack your herbs and spices. In choosing your storage solutions, be sure to select one that complements the style and theme of your kitchen. Additionally, consider the size of your kitchen when implementing the storage.
Another flaw to consider when designing your kitchen space is eliminating ventilation from the plan. Several kitchen activities compromise the home's air quality, such as cooking, odors, and airborne greases. Poor ventilation leads to a number of issues, such as discomfort, and several health issues, such as respiratory diseases, headaches, and dizziness. Therefore, it is important to have a kitchen design that prioritizes ventilation. Be sure that the right solutions are installed. An effective one is ensuring that you install sufficient windows in the design. You can hire professional services from a reputable home window installation company. You should also ensure that various designs you undertake in the kitchen do not obstruct vents, fans, or other sources of ventilation.
The lighting you place in your kitchen is of great importance when building. Unfortunately, homeowners and designers do not give this aspect of your kitchen much mind. Good lighting provides safety in the kitchen space. Inadequate or poor lighting would increase injuries and reduce safety, making navigating the kitchen tiring and difficult. Additionally, poor lighting can make food preparation a hassle and less enjoyable. It also makes the space uninviting, preventing you from spending valuable family time. Therefore, it is advisable to research and invest in the right lighting for your kitchen. According to experts, using undercabinet lights and recessed spotlights illuminates your kitchen and adds character while increasing its functionality. You should also pay attention to the hues and shades of the lights you use in the kitchen.
After cooking or using the sink, you may have splattered the wall behind it with grime, soap curds, steam, and other materials. For many, a backsplash adds aesthetic appeal to your kitchen space, but this is far from the truth. A backsplash is a barrier that protects your walls from areas that may expose them to various factors that could stain them or cause long-term damage. Therefore, when setting up your kitchen, include a backsplash in your design. When selecting a backsplash, paying attention to the material is more important. Research shows that tiled backsplashes are the best choice. This is because it is durable and easy to clean. It is also easy to find tiles that complement the overall style and design of the kitchen.
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The truth is that kitchen islands can add class, luxury, and style to a kitchen. However, this is also true that you do not need a kitchen island! In some cases, your kitchen space may be too small for an island. Placing one would only cause a waste of space and cause your kitchen to look less appealing and more cluttered. Additionally, placing the island in an inappropriate part of your kitchen is a recipe for disaster as it affects the functionality and appeal of the space. Therefore, you should evaluate your kitchen space to determine if you need an island and why. Next, choose an island that your kitchen can accommodate without compromising functionality.  Image Credit
With Fall fast approaching, the weather will get cooler, perfect for a lovely time outdoors. It’s time to slow down, embrace the season’s scenery, and savor each moment before the winter starts. If you have a backyard, there’s no need to travel far to enjoy the weather. Just spruce up your space and make it comfortable enough to enjoy the beautiful season. Whether you want to host friends and loved ones or spend some quiet time alone, here’s everything you need to create a cozy backyard this Fall.
A backyard fire pit is a game-changer if you plan to spend much time in your outdoor space this season. Of course, the obvious benefit is that it offers a source of heat when the temperature drops. But that’s not all you get. A fire pit will also light up your backyard when you want to spend time outside at night. It also adds to the scenery, creating a more comfy space and welcoming atmosphere. The soft crackling sound of a gentle fire can also be soothing and therapeutic if you want to spend time alone.
You might need comfortable seats to enjoy your firepit’s beautiful sight and heat. Invest in the right outdoor furniture with comfortable cushions perfect for long hours of sitting. You can add some heated blankets and throw pillows if you plan on spending your cold evenings in your backyard. Adding a hammock or a hanging outdoor chair can also work wonders and make your space extra comfy.
Kids love to spend time outside, too, so don’t leave them out when designing your backyard for Fall. You can set up an outdoor playset where they can spend time during the day. Consider adding things like a trampoline, a playhouse, a swing, or any other things that will keep your little ones engaged and occupied. Even if you have no experience installing a playset, you can work with a playset assembly service.
A cold season always calls for a hot beverage, and you don’t want the inconvenience of dashing in and out of your house to fix something warm to drink. So, add a hot beverage station to your backyard setup. You can serve your favorite hot chocolate, coffee, tea, or other special drinks from the station. If you plan on cooking, eating outside, or hosting loved ones in your backyard, an outdoor dining area will be a perfect addition to your hot beverage station.
If you want to create a Fall-themed outdoor design, consider adding the right decor elements to your backyard space. For example, you can purchase faux pumpkins and gourds, outdoor string lights, outdoor rugs, and metal lantern sets. Also, incorporate Fall foliage in your setup by gathering some colorful leaves, pinecones, and acorns. You can even use them to decorate your dining areas. Scented candles or diffusers with autumnal or fall-inspired scents will also do wonders for your sense of smell when spending time in your backyard.  When it comes to creating a top-notch hospitality building--such as a restaurant, hotel, or conference center--architects must find the perfect balance between form and function. While it is important to create a structure that is durable and efficient, it simply cannot come at the cost of a stunning ambiance. Fortunately, there are many innovative building materials that allow developers to blend the best of both worlds, creating a hospitality environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Keep reading for more information on some of the most trending building materials that can help promote ambiance and quality guest experience! Open Interiors for Increased Natural Light Flow  Natural light is a powerful mood booster, and studies have shown that exposure to sunlight can improve sleep, reduce stress, and increase productivity. In a hospitality setting, where guests are usually looking to relax and enjoy themselves, natural light can play a major role in creating a positive and welcoming ambiance. There are a number of ways to achieve an open concept in a hospitality interior. One popular option is to use demountable wall partitions. Demountable wall partitions are a type of movable wall that can be easily disassembled and reassembled, making them ideal for creating flexible and adaptable spaces. Demountable wall partitions are available in a variety of materials, including glass, metal, and wood, and they can be used to create a variety of different looks. Another option for creating an open concept in a hospitality interior is to use large windows and skylights. Large windows and skylights allow natural light to flood into a space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. They can also be used to frame views of the outdoors, which can help to create a more relaxing and inviting environment. Enhanced Versatility  When selecting building materials for a hospitality interior, versatility is key for creating a truly memorable and satisfying guest experience. With enhanced versatility, hospitality environments can easily adapt and transform to suit various events, functions, and guest preferences. This helps maximize the use of available space, accommodate different group sizes, or simply provide guests with a variety of surroundings to choose from. One way to achieve a versatile hospitality environment is through the use of flexible furniture and modular design elements. Movable walls, folding screens, and reconfigurable seating allow for easy adaptation of the space to suit the occasion. For example, a large ballroom can be divided into smaller, more intimate spaces for private events, or a restaurant dining area can be seamlessly converted into a dance floor for special occasions. Another important aspect of versatile hospitality design is the use of acoustical materials. Acoustical wall panels are an excellent option for controlling noise and reverberation, helping to create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for guests. By absorbing sound, these panels reduce distractions and enhance speech intelligibility, making it easier for guests to converse and socialize. Additionally, acoustical wall panels can be integrated with lighting and other design elements to create visually appealing features that contribute to the overall ambiance of the space. Stunning Curb Appeal First impressions matter, especially in the hospitality industry. When guests arrive at a hotel or restaurant, the first thing they see is the building's exterior. If the curb appeal is top-notch, it will immediately set a positive tone for their stay. There are many ways to achieve stunning curb appeal for a hospitality building. One of the most effective is through the use of innovative cladding materials, such as glass or brick rainscreen systems. Glass rainscreen cladding is a type of exterior cladding that consists of a layer of glass panels attached to a metal frame. The panels are typically made of tempered or laminated glass, which makes them very strong and durable. They are also available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can create a unique and eye-catching look for your building. In addition to modern cladding systems, some additional tips for achieving stunning curb appeal for a hospitality building include:
When carefully coordinated, these exterior upgrades work together to create a stunning first impression that guests will not easily forget. Safety Without Sacrificing Aesthetics In any hospitality interior, safety is a top priority. However, it's important to remember that safety doesn't have to come at the expense of aesthetics. There are many ways to improve safety without sacrificing the overall look and feel of your space. One way to do this is to use commercial glass railings. Glass railings are an excellent way to improve safety in areas such as lobbies, staircases, and balconies. They provide a clear line of sight, so people can easily see where they're going. This helps to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, glass railings can be used to create a more open and airy feel in a space, which can make it more inviting to guests. Warm Natural Accents  Incorporating natural accents in hospitality buildings is a powerful strategy to create a warm, inviting, and memorable atmosphere that enhances guest satisfaction. Plants are a versatile and impactful way to introduce natural elements into any space. Strategically placed potted plants, hanging gardens, or vertical green walls add a touch of freshness, purify the air, and reduce noise levels. For example, in a hotel lobby, a lush plant installation can create a welcoming and relaxing ambiance, setting the tone for the entire stay. Stone countertops are another elegant and durable natural accent that elevates the look and feel of any hospitality space. Whether it's granite, marble, or quartz, the unique veining and textures of natural stone add a sense of luxury and sophistication. In a hotel room, a stone countertop in the bathroom or kitchenette can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal, making guests feel pampered and comfortable. Exposed wood is a timeless and charming natural accent that exudes warmth and character. Wooden beams, wall paneling, or flooring can add a rustic or modern touch to a hospitality space, depending on the design style. In a restaurant, exposed wood elements can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy their meals. Choose the Right Materials to Maximize Guest Experience
In the competitive realm of hospitality, it is critical that businesses leverage every technique they can to gain a leg up. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through the careful selection of building materials to enhance the ambiance and improve guest satisfaction. For more ideas on how to utilize innovative building materials to maximize interior design concepts, explore the resources at Jill Seidner Interior Design for the latest in the industry! Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.  Image credit
Autumn is a beautiful season of change, but it also brings specific challenges for homeowners. The transition from summer to winter requires some essential exterior maintenance to keep your home in top shape and ready to face the colder months ahead. It’s not only due to the fact that there’s an immediate shift in weather, but it rains more, and those gorgeous red leaves can do far more damage than you may expect. Overall, before it gets too chilly outside, it’s best to do some maintenance work outdoors. Thankfully, since all of these are outside, you don’t need to worry about protecting your furniture or your belongings that stay indoors; most of these aren’t too labor-intensive either. So, here’s what you can do to prepare your home exterior for Autumn, but for winter too! Clean Your Gutters ASAP Whether you choose to do the eavestrough cleaning yourself or get someone else- like a professional, to do it is all going to be up to you. But this is something that absolutely 100% needs to be taken care of before it gets bad. During the autumn season, you might need to get your gutters cleaned a few times, especially if your house is directly underneath a large tree. Overall, clogged gutters can cause so much damage to your house. It’s not even about aesthetics; it’s about actual damage. It can get into the siding of your house, which can cause mold, water damage, and rot- leaving the structural integrity of your home at major risk. Get Your Roof Inspected So, you don’t need to do this annually, but it’s something that should be done at least every few years, and it’s even better if you can get this done earlier in the year, such as in the summer. So, when it comes to a roof inspection, it’s just to check to make sure there isn’t any damage; the same goes for your shingles. You (or the person you’re hiring) need to look for signs of wear and tear, like cracked or curling shingles, and get them replaced promptly. A well-maintained roof is crucial for keeping your home warm and dry during the colder months. Autumn and winter are incredibly rainy; this is the time when there are hard winds, too, which is why you should get your roof checked. If you have a shed, then getting that one checked is a good idea, too. Repaint if Needed So, this is more about aesthetics, but with the excessive heat and humidity in the summer months this can make paint wear down and even chip. Obviously, for any home, this is a bad look. So, instead, before it gets too wet and cold in the autumn, it’s a good idea to just go ahead and repaint where needed. Overall, just taking care of this early will leave the outside of your home looking gorgeous for the rest of the year. Trim What You Can Autumn is one of the last times of the year to trim your grass, shrubs, and trees if you’re able to. Try to cut down on what’s overgrown because once winter hits, and if there’s heavy snow and low temperatures, these overgrown branches can have the potential to cause some damage. Keeping historical relics safe across continents doesn't need to be a worry anymore - take heart fellow history enthusiast! We have you covered.  Photo by Alexandre Valdivia on Unsplash
Pack Like a Pro Antiques can be delicate objects, much like the fragile egos of comedians when no one laughs at their jokes. The key to protecting these historical gems from damage during transport is packing. While you might fancy using your grandmother's doilies to wrap and cushion your precious items, bubble wrap and packing peanuts are your go-to materials for proper cushioning - think of these magical materials as extra protective parents at playgrounds: never too much padding is never a bad thing! The Shipping Route: It's Not About the Journey, But the Destination Whilst walking down the Appalachian Trail with your grandfather clock may sound like an exciting adventure, it certainly won't be. When selecting a route, keep distance, climatic conditions, and potholed roads all in mind when selecting your route. Home delivery services, antique movers or even air freight are all viable solutions - remembering that sometimes straight paths don't exist when transporting something as expensive as Persian rugs! Hand Carrying Antiques: When You Want Absolute Security Sometimes the safest way to transport antiques is doing it yourself. At airport security, explaining why you're carrying around an 18th-century samovar can be awkward; but being an antique collector shouldn't be easy! Carrying them yourself ensures their precious treasures receive all of your tender care. Remember though that this method may not always be practical or appropriate if your item of choice is something larger, such as a 6-foot-tall Victorian mirror or marble bust of Julius Caesar. But for smaller items that can fit easily in hand luggage this approach provides safe protection. Sometimes doing it yourself is the only way! Hiring a Moving Company: Your Superheroes in Disguise If your antique collection rivals that of the British Museum, professional moving services could save both backache and emotional strain in transporting it all. Moving companies like Allied Van Lines serve as real-life superheroes of the antique world, utilizing expert packing skills, specialist equipment and knowledge of safe transportation to quickly secure items for safe transport. Professional moving services have years of experience handling everything from grandma's ceramic cat collection to an awkwardly large mahogany armoire, and are equipped with insurance should anything unexpected go wrong during transit. Just be sure to choose a reputable company with plenty of positive reviews who specialize in moving precious cargo - it may cost more but peace of mind is priceless! Store It Then Ship It Another option for transporting antiques involves the "store and forward" method, in which your valuable items can be safely stored until you're ready for shipment. This service can come in especially handy with international relocations where import/export regulations may prove tricky. Conclusion Transporting antiques long distances is no small undertaking. It requires extensive planning, the appropriate resources, and an understanding approach in order to keep our beloved pieces of history safe during their epic travels. With this in mind, let's all hope that successful antique roadshows take place and that your odds for safe transit increase as we go forward!  Credit - CC0 License You’ve chosen to renovate a room in your house and you’re eager to get things underway. It could be a simple renovation - like adding a new lick of paint to the room - or something more complex, like knocking a wall down for an extension. During any renovation, there’s always one question to keep in mind: what do you do with your furniture? If you’re not replacing it, it needs protecting. You’ll do a lot of work in the room you’re renovating, so how do you ensure your furniture doesn’t get damaged or covered in paint? Here are three different ways to protect your furniture, with each one offering an increased level of convenience. Furniture Coverings The simplest method is to protect your furniture with covers. Lay protective blankets over things so they don’t get hit by paint, dust, or debris. Realistically, this is only convenient if you’re doing minor renovation work that doesn’t require your furniture to be moved out of the way. If you’re painting the ceiling or walls of your living room, some furniture coverings can be all that’s needed to protect the sofa and chairs. For larger tasks that require furniture to be moved around, you’ll have to explore the other two options.  Credit - CC0 License
Move Your Furniture To The Garage One of the many benefits of a garage is the ability to add storage space to your home. When renovations begin, you can move some items of furniture into your garage to keep them protected. They’ll be completely out of the way, so you can get on with everything without worrying about damaging your furniture. It’s a convenient solution - but there are two major concerns:
Some of you may already have things in your garage, so there’s not enough room for any furniture. Or, you converted it to a home gym or something else practical, so it can’t be used as a storage solution. In this case, the third option is likely the best one for you. Keep Your Furniture In Storage Lastly, you could keep your furniture in storage until your renovations are over. This is the most convenient option as you don’t need extra storage space in your home and everything can be well out of the way. You can find self-storage companies that come to your house, load your furniture on a truck, and transport it to a storage unit. Or, there are providers like SMARTBOX Solutions, Inc. that introduce the idea of portable storage containers. In this instance, a company delivers a storage container to your home and you can fill it with your belongings. You then either keep the container on-site until the renovations are over, or it gets picked up and moved to a storage facility. Storage solutions are excellent when you don’t have enough space in your home to store furniture and the items can’t remain in the room being renovated. Using self-storage is often the only option during major renovations, like elevator modernization. These take up so much room in the home that you simply can’t keep your old items nearby and have to get them off-site. Therefore, you’ll want to consider the extent of the work and whether your furniture will be safe anywhere on your property. All three of these ideas will work - and they will protect your furniture while you conduct remodeling work. Our suggestion is to pick the method that suits your needs the most. Small jobs may only need some protective covering while larger jobs require you to move your furniture to a safer storage location. A garage is a space on your property that is often underutilized if you do have one already. There are also benefits to installing one onto your property, which is worth considering. Garages were predominantly used to store vehicles but they now have been utilized for many different reasons. Whether you feel it’s necessary to have one or not, it’s worth considering what benefits it can bring to your home this year. With that being said, if you’re looking at a home extension or helping maximize your home’s potential, then here are some benefits of a garage for your home in 2023.  Image Source
It’s helpful for keeping your car safe and well-maintained If you have a nice new car that you don’t want to get damaged or broken into, or perhaps you’re looking to improve the maintenance of your vehicles in general, garages are a great use of space. The garage is a space that was originally intended for storing vehicles and still to this day, they are used for that same purpose. However, there are households that opt to keep their car out on the road or in an open parking space. While it might be easier to just get in and go, the shelter that a garage provides might be able to help with the longevity of your vehicle. When it comes to harsh weather conditions or matters of security, a garage can help keep your valuable assets, such as a car, locked away. Extra room for storage Not every property comes with a lot of space and when you first moved into the property itself, you might have arrived with a lot fewer belongings. At the same time, you might have also arrived with fewer household members in tow. If your household has grown, then it might be worth considering a garage for the purpose of an extra storage room. Of course, it’s worth making sure that your garage is more secure. A faulty garage door, for example, could make it easier to break in and steal your valuables being stored in this space. To make this a great space for your storage needs, make sure you get a garage door repair service sorted so that this space within your home is secure enough to store your belongings. It can be transformed into a living space Transforming spaces into something new is always fun when it comes to your home. It might be that your garage, in particular, is not something that you can do much with. Perhaps you prefer to store your cars outside and any storage is already kept hidden away in the main areas of the home. Another benefit of having a garage is that it’s got solid foundations to be transformed into another living space. If you replace the garage door, brick it up, and replace it with a standard exterior door, it could be another room for your household to benefit from. Whether that’s a gym space, an office, a cinema room, or even another bedroom, you’ve got the option of transforming the space completely into something more usable. Improves your property’s curb appeal A garage can certainly add something extra to your property’s look, particularly from the outside. If you want to improve the look of your property, especially when it comes to the property’s curb appeal, then a garage is a worthwhile investment. Where you might be adding a room onto the property, consider a renovation that provides your home with a garage. Easy to access and convenient While some may find storing their car outside more convenient, you can’t deny that a garage does provide easy access and convenience in general. Whether you’re storing your car in the space or using it for storage, it’s somewhat separate from your main home but can still be accessible from whatever door you’re using. Often enough, garages are connected to the main part of the home, making it more manageable to use as and when it’s needed. You can use a company like Closing Time Doors to ensure that you get the perfect solution to keep your garage secure from the outside. It might be easy to access for you, but you don’t want the same to be true for everyone else! Adds value to your property There are many benefits to having a garage for your home, mainly the additional space it provides. With that though, it can add value to your home that you might be looking to add. Who doesn’t want to move into a property, make changes, and then come away with a profitable sale of the home later down the line? There are some great benefits of a garage for your home, so make sure you consider it for your property this year. |
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