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Design & the City

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

12/8/2022

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People work hard to get their homes. Unfortunately, a big mistake people make is neglecting the correct maintenance and repairs that are required to keep their property in the best condition possible. Property maintenance and repairs are important, especially leading up to and during the winter months as this can be when the weather is at its harshest.

Why is it important to prepare your home for winter?Not only will preparing your home save you money in the long run, or on your heating costs but it will also slow down or even stop the process of your house deteriorating. All houses need to be warm and dry to optimally increase their lifespan. Luckily there are several things you can do to prepare your home for winter, whether it is clearing your gutters, adding insulation, or hiring professional plumbing services to check your pipes. To help you, here are several things that anyone can do or check to help prepare their homes for winter.
How to prepare your home for winter
#1 Heating systemsThe heating system in your house has a finite lifespan, and they are most likely to fail after sitting dormant over the summer months and then being used in high loads over the winter months. It is advisable that you get these heating systems regularly maintained and that you are aware of when it was installed so that you might have an idea as to when they will need to be replaced or upgraded. There is nothing worse than getting to winter and realizing your heating system has failed and then living without heat.

#2 Cleaning your guttersThe job isn’t glamorous, and many people are reluctant to do it but once all the leaves have fallen from the trees it is time to check and clean your gutters. If they are clogged up with debris then this will cause them to overflow and run down your property, leading to dampness and drainage issues. Luckily in most cases, this task shouldn’t take more than a few hours or a day at the most, and you only have to do it once a year unless you are extremely lucky.

#3 Adding or replacing insulationOnce you have heated your home, you want to keep all that heat in for as long as possible, so it is a good idea to check your roofing insulation and the seals on your doors and windows as these are the most likely places that the heat you are losing will be escaping from. You could also look at what type of windows your property has, and if they are single, double, or triple-glazed. If you have single-glazed windows, then it might be an idea to invest in upgrading them.

Not all of us have the time, health, or experience to carry out some of these tasks, but there is always professional help available. There are of course other things you can also do to prepare your home for winter, but these are a few of the important ones to consider.
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Can You Shoot Interior Design Photos On Your Phone?

12/5/2022

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Taking great interior design photos is an art and a science – and incredibly difficult to get right. Mostly, it’s done by professionals with extremely expensive standalone cameras.

Now, though, many people are wondering whether their phones fit the bill. Is it possible to take great interior design shots on an iPhone?

Well, it depends on who you ask. Die-hards will always tell you that it isn’t. You simply can’t get the quality you need.

But more open-minded people will tell you that it’s not just possible, it’s downright desirable.

This post takes the view that the latter is true: you can use your iPhone to take interior design photos. However, it takes a bit of planning and preparation. Here’s what you need to do to get good results.

Shoot The Same Object From Different Angles And Distances

Getting perfect interior design photos involves a bit of trial and error. Chances are that practically all of the photos you see online were taken as part of a much bigger set and then selected later when the editor whittled the album down to just one solitary photo.

That’s why it’s a good idea to change the angle, distance to the subject, and even the lighting. You can then review all the photos and see which one makes the most sense for the room you want to shoot.

Keep Your Lines Straight
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Behind every great interior design shot, there’s a certain linear logic. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at any popular stock interior photo. You’ll notice that all the lines match up with the angle of the photo perfectly.

Images tend to look really bad when lines don’t line up. But they can look great when they do, according to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukbrg7vEFMs. You want as many vertical and horizontal elements in the image to line up with the angle of the picture as possible. (It won’t always work 100 percent of the time because of perspective. In these cases, just make sure that the most prominent lines line up).

For instance, if you’re taking a photo of a bathroom, make sure that the bath is horizontal and that the lines between the tiles are vertical. Likewise, in the kitchen, keep the countertops horizontal and the gaps between the cabinets vertical.

To convince yourself that this is worth doing, take a few photos of your rooms that don’t take horizontal and vertical lines into consideration and see how they look. You’ll be surprised just how bad they look compared to the ones you take properly.

Shoot Straight On

You’ll also notice that professional interior photographers always shoot subjects (such as bathtubs) straight on. That is, they don’t try to peer into them. Instead, they photo them side-on.

Why this looks so much better is actually a bit of a mystery but it works. Therefore, think carefully about your body position and how you could change it to take a better shot. Kneeling down, sitting, or even lying down can make your rooms look spectacular.

Shoot Late In The Afternoon
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Here’s another pro tip: shoot interiors in the morning or late in the afternoon if you’re using your phone. You want to avoid harsh sunlight coming in from the top of the photo and casting shadows across all your images.

If you can shoot on a cloudy day, that’s even better. Natural dullness opens up space for you to artificially illuminate images (or get your camera to do it for you). Overcast days generally fill rooms with a soft light that you can brighten up later at the editing stage.

Edit Your Photos

Speaking of which, it helps enormously if you can edit your photos after you take them. Touching them up can bring out the best in the room and show people features as they are meant to be seen.

If you’re not sure how to do this, you can simply follow your phone’s recommendations. There’s no need to use complex software, like Photoshop, unless you’re working professionally or have specific effects in mind that you want to achieve.

The iPhone takes away a lot of the hard work on most pictures for you. You simply adjust the sliders and it’ll give you the effect that you want.

You can also adjust all your settings to the same preset. This way, you can edit photos with the click of a button and get them all in the same style.

Don’t forget, if there’s an interior that you really like, you can set it as your background by following the instructions described on sites like https://setapp.com/how-to/screenshot-on-iphone.

Brighten Your Images With Natural Light

When photographing interiors, don’t forget to brighten them with as much natural light as possible. You want the images to appear as “true” light, something that modern phones are getting better at doing.

Artificial light generally doesn’t work as well. If you decide to use your phone to take artificially-lit interior photos, you’ll need to edit them afterward to make the light appear whiter.

Beware that natural light changes throughout the day. If you take photos too late in the evening, they’ll appear dark on camera and, possibly, reddish in color. Try taking photos a couple of hours before sunset or after sunrise for the best results.

Conclusion

In summary, you can take interior design photos on a phone, but you need to follow some rules. With the quality of modern phone cameras, it’s easier to achieve than you might think.

If you are shooting on your phone, make sure that you get the lighting right and arrange the room in the correct format. Also, avoid the temptation to blur out any of the foreground or background, unless you’re specifically going for perspective. Remember, most people who see interior design photos want to look at all the items in the room, not just the main subject because they want to get ideas.

If a photo doesn’t quite turn out how you hoped, don’t delete it immediately. Play around with your phone’s editing tools to see if you can improve it.
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Ready to Be Mr DIY and Revamp Your Home?

11/12/2022

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Are you someone who likes to take things into your own hands? Are you always looking for ways to improve your home? If so, then you should consider becoming a DIYer! There are many ways that you can revamp your home using simple techniques and tools that you probably have lying around your house. This blog post will discuss some of the best DIY projects for homeowners who want to make a change!

1) Spruce up your front door:First impressions are everything, and your front door is often the first thing that guests see when they come to your house. So, if your door looks a bit drab, consider giving it a makeover! You can easily repaint your door to give it a new look. Or, if you want something more creative, add some decals or stencils. This is a great way to show off your personality and make your home stand out from the rest.
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Via Pexels
2) Give your walls a new lease on life:Boring white walls were so yesterday! If you’re looking for a way to add some personality to your home, then why not try painting your walls in a bold colour? You could add some wallpaper accents or stencils to make a statement. If you’re unsure about painting your entire wall, you could always start small by painting one accent wall. This will still add some visual interest to your space without being too overwhelming. Make sure you have the necessary Paint Rollers and Tape before starting this project!

3) Update your light fixtures:Outdated light fixtures can really date a space. If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to update your home, then consider replacing some of your light fixtures. There are so many different options available on the market, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style. You could even try making your own light fixture if you’re feeling extra creative!

4) Revamp your furniture:If you’re tired of looking at the same old furniture, then it might be time for a change. You don’t necessarily have to go out and buy new furniture, though. Instead, there are plenty of ways that you can revamp your existing furniture to give it a fresh new look. For example, you could sand down and repaint an old dresser. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, you could try reupholstering an old piece of furniture. This is a great way to add some personality to your home and save money at the same time.

5) Add some greenery:Plants are a great way to add life to any space. If your home is feeling a bit dull, then consider adding some plants. You can either purchase some potted plants or grow your own herbs and flowers. Not only will plants add some colour and visual interest to your space, but they can also help to purify the air.

In conclusion, these are just a few of the many ways that you can revamp your home using simple DIY projects. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and see how easy it is to transform your space!
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3 Unique Ways to Transform Your Home

11/7/2022

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There's so much you can do when it comes to transforming your home. Whether you use the space all the time or it is a room that is seldom used, there are many ways to inject new life into your home and increase its value simultaneously. However, transforming your own home can seem overwhelming when starting out on this journey, especially if you have no idea where to start.

Fortunately, this list will give you some unique and often overlooked ideas for transforming your home completely. Home renovation is a great way to improve your home, add value, and create a space that reflects who you are. If you're ready to get started, read on for three easy ways to transform your home.

Install New Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are a major way to transform your home's aesthetic and curb appeal. Installing new skylights and windows can also help make your home more eco-friendly, as you will be using more natural light and less electricity.

Of course, this also has the added benefit of making your home look more attractive to potential buyers. If you want to transform your home's exterior by installing new windows or doors, you can choose from a wide range of colors, styles, and finishes. Not only will these new additions help increase the value of your home, but they can also help you feel happier and more comfortable in your space.

Installing sliding windows instead of standard windows can give your home an incredible look and give you the added bonus of being able to open them easily. If you want new windows, then a sliding window replacement is something you should look into for your home.

Add an Outdoor Entertaining Area
Outdoor entertaining spaces are a great way to transform your home. Outdoor entertaining spaces can add a lot of value to your home. This is because buyers often see outdoor spaces as essential qualities in a home.

There are many ways to transform your backyard into an outdoor entertaining area. You can add awnings, hammocks, outdoor fireplaces, or outdoor lighting. Adding one or more of these features will make your outdoor space feel more tailored to you, with the added bonus of increasing your home's value.

Decorate with Plants
Adding plants to your home can give it a new look and make it feel more welcoming. There are many ways to add plants to your home. You can use pots and planters on the floor or put them on shelves or tables. Not only are plants inexpensive, but they also look great and can be used at any time of the year.

Not only will this inject new life into your home, but the plants will also fill it with a lovely scent and make the environment more welcoming. If you are just getting started in the plant world, you should start with a few succulents or cacti that are easy to care for. Not only will decorating with plants increase the value of your home, but it will also add a nice touch of color that you will surely appreciate.

Conclusion
Home renovations can be a fantastic way to inject new life into your space and increase the value of your property. If you're ready to transform your home, these three easy ways to transform your home are a great place to start. On top of being budget-friendly, they are also easy ways to transform your home without major renovations.

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Making Your Property Safer For Children

11/5/2022

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When we think of making a house child-proof, we tend to think in terms of protecting our toddlers or young children from the threats there. But it’s true that even young teenagers may require some protections too, even if they are generally more independent, and are less likely to be in danger of terrible judgement, like playing with the cleaning chemicals under the sink, or sticking cutlery in the power sockets.

That doesn’t mean they’re completely safe from all things at all times. You, as an independent and intelligent adult don’t have that luxury either. For this reason, identifying what these threats could be can help you better ensure your home is a safe place to occupy for people of all ages - but certainly those who may have a lack of adult judgement. For instance, if you have any legally-owned firearms (such as when living in a rural location), or dangerous tools, then taking the time to buy safe installations can ensure only you have access.

Let’s consider, with that kind of mindset, how to ensure your home remains safe for children of all ages:

Stairs, Ramps & Access

It’s essential to make sure your building has appropriate access, especially if you need room to manoeuvre a pushchair or a wheelchair to the front door. Ensuring your stairs are secure, even, and clearly defined will prevent a child from falling down, or small inclines can also prevent those drops. It’s also important to consider where to lock off access, such as making sure all second-floor windows are stuck on ventilation locks only so falling out of them is absolutely prevented. Still - even with that, a close parental eye is key.

The Driveway Area

Driveway areas are simple in their function, most of us know what they’re for and how to use them on our property. But it’s also true to say that for children, they can be quite dangerous - especially if you’re pulling in or out of the property without your child in the car, such as when heading out to grab a few groceries alone. It’s important to encourage your children to stay away from the driveway, to fence off the area from the rest of the garden, and perhaps to place mirrors, reflector lights, and a front gate to limit speed around obscured angles.

Climbable Objects

Children are pretty adept at climbing anything they can - of course, until they’re not. It’s impossible to make everything in your home anti-climb, for instance, as it’s not as if you’re going to place anti-climb paint on the walls, or wire on the top of your furniture. That said, it’s important to consider locking cupboard doors, to pull chairs in when you can, to make certain children are disciplined if climbing, to fill surfaces where appropriate, and to be very observant. Soft surfaces, carpet, and safety gates can also be helpful.

With this advice, you’re sure to make your property safer for your children in the best possible way. Note that even if you don’t have children, your friends might, and so it’s good to keep this in mind.
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Ideas For Bringing Natural Elements Into Your Home

11/2/2022

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In today’s busy world, people tend to spend more and more time indoors. They work inside buildings, commute in vehicles or public transportation, and come home to spend time with families or binge-watch a favorite show. Make inroads into changing those habits by bringing the outdoors into your home.
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Make the Outside World More Accessible
Let the sunshine in can be your mantra when you have a fully functioning patio door. Whether you have an old one that tends to stick or is cumbersome or are in the market for an addition, look for patio doors near me to find inspiration and the best deals.

One of the benefits of a smooth-moving patio door is easy access to your outdoor space. In sunny weather, you can sit outside with your family for an al fresco meal together. On cooler days, try implementing an outdoor heater. Cozy up together with stocking hats, some plush blankets, and your warm beverage of choice.

When you have an easy and available way to access the fresh air, you will take greater advantage of it and enjoy it that much more. While this is not bringing the outdoors inside of your house, per se, it is a means of extending your living space into the great outdoors.

Plant an Indoor Garden
Embrace your green thumb all year long by planting a small container garden indoors. You do not need to sow an entire crop; instead opt for small and easy-to-grow plants. Herbs are some of the most trouble-free plants you can select. If you enjoy cooking, plant herbs you can fully utilize in your culinary exploits. Some ideas include:

  • Cilantro
  • Basil (multiple varieties available)
  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Chives
  • Chamomile

Add a Sunroom
Extending your home to include a sunroom addition is an amazing way to indirectly interact with nature through a visual lens. By design, sunrooms usually encompass more windows than walls. Those windows allow warm sunshine to flow into your home while the sunroom itself lends space to sit and watch nature from a comfortable place.

When adding your sunroom, ensure you place a sliding door at the entrance from your home proper into the sunroom. This allows the area to be closed off if desired, or opened up completely to expand entertainment options.

Furnish your new sunroom with furniture that is both comfortable for lounging as well as entertaining. Ensure the fabrics or finishes are fade-resistant due to the likelihood of constant sun exposure.

Watch this video for one woman’s positive experience after adding a sunroom.



Embrace the Plant Life
Including sleek green snake plants or overflowing spider plants in your interior design scheme will add multiple benefits. Plants are proven to help clean the air inside your home in addition to lightening the mood. The ritual of tending to plants can be as cathartic as your morning coffee ritual.

Use the colors of the plant’s leaves and flowers to complement your current aesthetic, and pot them in containers that are artful and decorative. Create a hanging array of plants or make a living wall. Bring them into every room in your home to add texture and life.
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Enjoy the comforting qualities of nature. Invite the sunshine, fresh air, and beautiful greenery into your home. You will breathe easier and appreciate the serenity of it all. Try enjoying nature a little more both inside and out with these tips today.
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How to Construct an Apartment Building: A Step-By-Step Guide

10/11/2022

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If you are thinking about constructing an apartment building, there are a few things you need to know. The process of building an apartment complex is not as simple as putting up some walls and calling it a day – it takes careful planning and execution to make sure everything goes smoothly. This blog will walk you through the entire process of constructing an apartment building, from start to finish.
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Find the right piece of land:
The first step in constructing an apartment building is to find the perfect piece of land. This may seem like a daunting task, but there are a few things you can keep in mind to help you find the right spot. First, consider the location – you want to be sure that the apartment complex is situated in a safe and desirable neighbourhood. It should also be close to public transit and other amenities like supermarkets and coffee shops.

Once you have found a few potential locations, it’s time to start looking at the actual property itself. Make sure that the land is large enough to accommodate the size of your desired apartment complex and that there are no zoning restrictions that would prohibit you from building on it.

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Draw up the plans:
After you have found the perfect piece of land, it’s time to start drawing up the plans for your apartment complex. This is where you will decide on the number of units you want to include, as well as their layout and design. You will also need to factor in things like parking, storage, and common areas. Once you have finalized the plans, it’s time to submit them for approval from the city.

Hire a Multifamily Construction company:
After your plans have been approved, it’s time to start looking for a Multifamily Construction company. They specialize in constructing apartment buildings and will be able to help you bring your plans to life. This is an important step, as you want to be sure that you are working with a reputable and experienced contractor.

At this point, the construction company will take over and begin working on constructing your apartment complex according to the plans you have drawn up. Depending on the size and scope of the project, this process can take anywhere from several months to a year or more.

Furnish the interior of your apartment building:
Once the exterior of your apartment complex is finished, it’s time to start furnishing the interior. This includes things like flooring, paint, fixtures, and appliances. You will also need to decide on the layout of each unit and how you want to furnish it.

Remember that you will need to purchase enough furniture and appliances for all of the units in your apartment complex. This can be a sizable investment, but it is necessary to make your apartment building move-in ready.

Find buyers or tenants:
The final step in constructing an apartment building is to find buyers or tenants for the units. If you sell the units, you will need to list them on the market and wait for interested buyers. If you are renting out the units, you will need to find tenants and have them sign leases.

In either case, it is important to screen potential buyers or tenants carefully. You want to be sure that they are responsible and will take good care of your property. Once you have found the right buyer or tenant, you can hand over the keys and officially open your apartment complex!

Apartment buildings are an excellent investment, and by following these steps, you can be sure that yours will be successful. With careful planning and execution, constructing an apartment complex can be a smooth and rewarding process.
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7 Self-Build Blunders To Avoid

10/2/2022

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While the opportunity to design and build your own home can be exciting, it requires a lot of careful planning and preparation. Many people undertaking self-builds end up making mistakes along the way. While some blunders can be easily fixed, others can be much more disastrous. Below are a few of the mistakes that you definitely don’t want to make when building your own home.

Neglecting a soil survey
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A soil survey can help to tell you what type of soil you’re building on so that you know what kind of foundations to lay. If you lay foundations without undertaking a soil survey, you could end up building a home with inadequate foundations, which could lead to all kinds of structural problems in the future. Make sure to skip this task.

Ignoring planning restrictions
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When choosing a plot of land to build on, it’s worth also looking into planning restrictions. There may be limits as to how high you can build, where you can put windows or trees that you’re not allowed to remove from the area. It’s important to always get planning permission beforehand and to not construct anything if your plans are rejected - you could be heavily fined and your home could be ordered to be demolished if it goes against local restrictions.

Not insuring your self-build

Self-build insurance can offer compensation if your home is damaged or a worker is accidentally injured during construction. While you’ll hopefully never need to apply for this compensation, it’s useful to have this cover just in case the worst happens. You can compare insurers that provide this cover online.

Choosing the wrong contractors

It’s important that you choose reliable and well-priced contractors. When choosing contractors, consider looking up reviews online and checking that they have an online presence. It could also be worth checking if they are insured and whether they provide a performance bond for construction. Make sure that they also have all the right certification. All of this can prevent you from potentially hiring poor quality contractors.

Taking on too much yourself
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If you’ve got some basic handyman skills, you may be considering taking on some of the construction work yourself. This could save you money, plus you can say afterwards that you literally helped build your own home. However, you should be careful of taking on too much work. You will need some helping hands - especially when it comes to handling tasks that may require a licensed professional like electrics or operating a crane. Having some help will also help you to complete construction in good time.

Underestimating the cost

You should have a clear idea of how much your self-build project is going to cost. This should include the cost of acquiring land, seeking planning permission, designing your home, ordering supplies and hiring contractors. On top of all these costs, it’s worth setting aside some extra cash to plan for the unexpected. If there are delays and you need to pay contractors for longer than anticipated, you’ll have the money to pay for them.

Making mid-build changes
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It’s important to establish a design and stick with it. If you start trying to change things mid-build, it will throw off your budget, plus contractors may start to get annoyed. This is why it’s important to take time pouring over the design so that you’re happy with every aspect. Get an architect to provide a 3D model and take the time to inspect every detail of it so that you’re 100% happy with it.
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Green Living Ideas That Massively Upgrade Any Home

9/27/2022

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Most homes were built in a time before concerns about the environment were so widespread. It was only really in the 1970s that environmentalism got started and even by the early 1990s, it was still small.

Now, though, things have changed. It’s mainstream and something that practically every major media outlet now openly discusses.

Unfortunately, despite the changes in the conversation, the way we live hasn’t adjusted all that much. Homes follow much the same format as they always have.

The good news, though, is that there are a bunch of little things that you can do that really add up over time. Check them out below:

Change The Temperature On Your Thermostat
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One of the first things you can do is change the temperature on your thermostat. For instance, if people are home, set it to 75°F instead of the usual 70°F if you use air conditioning in the summer. Similarly, change your winter temperature from the usual 68°F to 65°F. Small alterations like these can make a tremendous difference to your overall bills.

Rely More On Renewable Energy

Of course, if you have ample renewable energy installed on your property, you may be able to avoid the need to turn down your thermostat at all. Companies like Wayne's Solar are already selling things like solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels that can power electrical heating systems.

The more you rely on renewable energy, the greener your home will become, and the less carbon it will produce.

Recycle What You Can

Unfortunately, you still can’t recycle everything that you use in your home. Recyclers simply can’t process some forms of packaging.

However, you can process most of it, especially if you know where to look. Check your local area to see what electronic items recyclers are willing to take, including things like old computers, TVs, and smartphones.

Use Appliances Intelligently

The amount of energy your appliances consume depends a great deal on how you use them. In some cases, you can avoid the need for them entirely.

For instance, you could try running your washer on cold and see if the results are acceptable. You could also hang more of your clothing out in the sun or avoid the temptation to preheat your oven. If you have an opportunity to use the microwave, do so. Set the water heater to just 120°F instead of higher.

Reduce Water Usage

Water requires energy to pump to your home, which releases CO2 into the atmosphere. It also depletes freshwater in many areas which can have a knock-on effect on local ecosystems.

To reduce how much water you use, take quick showers and not baths. Use low-flow faucets and shower heads. And if you are brushing your teeth, turn off the faucet.

Automate The Lights To Turn Off When You Leave The Room

Modern technology has given us something incredible: lights that turn off when you leave the room. These work using a combination of sensors and smart chips. If they detect you’re in the room, they’ll switch on. If you leave the room, they’ll turn off. This way, you never waste electricity on lighting that you don’t use.

Install LED Bulbs

Related to this, you might want to install LED bulbs. These use dramatically less electricity than standard incandescent and they last much longer, too.

There are two ways you can go about this. Either, you can wait for your incandescents to burn out before replacing them. Or you can replace them all immediately and benefit from lower electricity costs.

These days, you can install LED bulbs all over your home. They’re equally beneficial in indoor and outdoor areas.

Use The Same Bag Every Time You Go To The Store

Bags for life usually turn into “bags for the week.” And while they reduce the number of single-use plastic bags around, they still add to the overall quantity of non-biodegradable waste in the environment.

Fortunately, you can simplify your grocery trips by using a single canvas bag made of material that will break down in the ground. Take it with you wherever you go so that you always have a bag available. If you have a car, keep it in the glove box or trunk.

Use Approved Appliances
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Lastly, prioritize buying ENERGY STAR appliances. These are tested by an independent energy rating body that determines their energy efficiency. Some appliances use less than half the amount of electricity as standard versions, and they may last longer, too. But only replace your existing appliance if you absolutely have to. Otherwise, it will wind up in landfill.
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The Easy Way To Decorate A Rental Apartment On A Budget

9/27/2022

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If you own a rental apartment, you want to present it to potential renters in a way that makes them want to move in straight away. And the best way to do this is to freshen up the décor and make it look better.

But what, exactly, should you be focusing on? You’re about to find out. In this post, we take a look at some of the easy ways to decorate a rental apartment on a budget. Check them out below.

Give Everything A Fresh Lick Of Paint
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Start by giving everything a fresh lick of paint. The easiest option here is to make everything clean and white, though you can try other colors in some special cases.

A new coat of white paint immediately brightens the whole room. Plus, it goes with whatever furniture you have in the apartment (if any).

Don’t worry about buying expensive rollers or using fancy application techniques. Ultimately, a simple brush will suffice. Most management companies, like Bridlewood Real Estate, would suggest going as neutral as you can to attract the widest array of tenants.

Focus Energy On The Kitchen
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Old kitchens can put tenants off and may force you to offer your property at a lower price. But some simple upgrades can change the game entirely. The more expensive that you can make them look, the more positive reactions you will accumulate.

Start by making the kitchen neutral. White, gray or charcoal are all good choices. Then install overlay panel doors on European hinges. If you already have cabinetry, you might want to consider refacing it. You should also consider hanging pendant lighting to enhance the room’s feel.

Cover Up Eyesores

If there are any eyesores in your home, cover them up. Stains on the walls that you can’t remove or ugly radiators in the bedroom can put tenants off and make them feel like “something isn’t right” when they visit your property.

For instance, try making light switches the same color as your walls to make them disappear visually. White on white is the obvious choice here.

You might also want to create radiator covers. Pre-fabbed products are often made of walnut and look very attractive compared to standard metal.

Correct Bad Lighting

Next, you want to ensure that whatever apartment you are selling has good lighting. This means adding both warmth and brightness to spaces to make them look less tired.

To upgrade your property and bring it into the 21st century, try layering lighting. Use a combination of ceiling lights, sconces, and table lamps to create the perfect ambiance. Experiment with using warmer colors to help tenants feel more welcomed.

Add Lots Of Art
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While it might sound strange, adding a lot of art is a great way to encourage tenants to take up residence in your property. And, if you go generic, it’s cheap, too. These days you can get paintings and murals for just a few dollars instead of having to pay sky-high oligarch prices. Place it around all your rooms, including the bedroom.
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