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Many homeowners don’t realize how much lighting affects the design and enjoyment of any room. The right lighting can truly enhance your décor and turn an otherwise boring room into your favorite space. If you’re not sure how to best use lighting around your home, read on. These are our favorite tips for how to use light to jazz up your space.

Know your lighting

First of all, let’s start with the basics. Different types of lighting produce different effects:

• Recessed lights or lights that are flush with the ceiling create an ambient light that is relaxing yet bright.
• Floor lamps cast light upwards which can brighten up otherwise dark corners.
• Accent lamps create visual interest that can draw your eye to favorite objects or art.
• Wall fixtures such as sconces provide indirect light that can add depth and texture to a room.
• Task lighting such as track lighting or pendant lamps cast light beams to a specific area, usually a workspace like a kitchen counter or desk.

Layer your lighting

When you walk into a room and feel like it’s something special, you can often attribute it to layered lighting. To effectively use lighting in any room, you should layer the types of lighting mentioned above. By using a mixture of task, accent, and ambient light, you can enhance the décor and purpose of each room.

Know your bulbs

Just as important as knowing the various kinds of lighting that are available is also knowing what types of bulbs to use. While LED lights may cost more in the beginning, they will save you money in the long run. Compact fluorescent bulbs are also a common choice, but you must properly dispose of them when they no longer work. For something a little more fun, you can try new lighting systems like Phillips Hue.

These bulbs create a personal lighting system that you can control from your phone. The bulbs can be set to any color and you can create different programs and settings with the touch of a button. The app even allows you to control your lights remotely, which can be helpful when you’re vacationing and you want it to look like someone is home, makes any home owner to have an eternal need for this LED light.

Use dimmers

To have more control over your lighting, consider adding dimmer switches. Dimmers can be installed on permanent fixtures like chandeliers, overhead lights or wall sconces. They give you more flexibility in multi-purpose rooms like living rooms and dining rooms, allowing you to turn up the lights when you need to concentrate on a task, or lower them to create an intimate conversation area. Dimmers can also reduce your energy consumption and extend the life of your bulbs.

Get creative

Accent lights can add whimsy or sophistication to any room. String lights don’t need to be used exclusively on the Christmas tree anymore. There are so many styles available for both indoor and outdoor use. They can be used for headboards above the bed, above your dining room table, or tucked inside other objects to make a nightlight. You’re only limited by your imagination.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Patio season is in full swing. Now is the time to enjoy your backyard with friends and family. But do you cringe every time you notice how dirty the concrete floor of your patio is? Not to worry – with information on the Pavelink website and a little elbow grease you can get that patio floor party-ready. Here’s what you need to do.

For a quick clean

If your patio is looking a tad dingy you can give it a quick clean with dishwashing detergent. Just mix up a little soap with water, work up some lather, and use a broom or mop to spread it. Once you’ve finished, rinse with clear water and let it air dry.

For a stain

Does your patio floor have a couple of mysterious stains or a patch of mold? You can conquer those, too, with some household bleach. First, spray your concrete floor with water. Next, use a solution of half a cup of bleach to one gallon of water and spray it on the concrete. Let the solution stand for a few minutes to penetrate. After that, use a brush or push broom to scrub the stain. Rinse the concrete with clear water and let it air dry. If you’re worried that the bleach will leave its own stain, do a test spot first in an inconspicuous area.

For an organic clean

If you don’t like the idea of using bleach, there are some organic alternatives you can try. Many people swear by the cleaning power of vinegar. Mix vinegar with equal parts water and spray onto the concrete surface. For stains, try using undiluted vinegar, or add salt to the vinegar to use as an abrasive for scrubbing. If you don’t like the smell that vinegar leaves behind, try adding a few drops of essential oil. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water and use that mixture to scrub out tough stains. Hydrogen peroxide is another great choice if you want to avoid chemicals. Just spray undiluted hydrogen peroxide on the concrete and scrub with a brush. As with the other methods, rinse with clear water and let air dry.

For a deep clean

Even though the methods above work well for most patios, you may be confronted with a stain that just won’t budge. For those tough areas, it’s time to pull out the big guns. Use a pressure washer if your patio has been neglected and needs a deep cleaning. If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can often rent them by the hour from a local home improvement store. Make sure to follow all manufacturers’ directions for using the pressure washer, including wearing protective gear. Use a steady back-and-forth motion to clean the concrete until it sparkles.

If you need paving, sealcoating, concrete and pothole repair services, make sure to contact Residential or Commercial Asphalt Paving Contractors; you can visit their paving website to learn more about what they do. Finally, when it’s time for you to get that concrete patio ready for a party, we recommend starting with the least toxic cleaner and working up from there. Once you’re done, it’s time to bust out the barbecue, invite some friends and family over and celebrate!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Have you ever considered owning a mobile home? Mobile homes from ListedBuy can be a great choice for many reasons, and today’s mobile homes often feature state-of-the-art designs that make them very comfortable and desirable. If you’re wondering whether or not you should buy a tiny mobile home and if it would be right for you, here’s what you should consider.

Price

One of the top reasons to buy a mobile home is that they are usually less expensive than a site built home. Since they are constructed in a factory on an assembly line, the cost to manufacture them is considerably lower and these savings are passed on to buyers. Buying a previously owned mobile home will net you even more savings. You’re also likely to save money on your property taxes as well as maintenance and repairs. Get in touch with a double wide mobile home dealer to explore your options and find the one that fits your needs and budget.

Space

In addition to getting a break on the price, you’ll also get more space for your money. In fact, today’s mobile homes have quite a bit of diversity in terms of size and layout, and you can choose what works best for you and your family.

Flexibility

Since mobile homes are semi-permanent structures, they have more flexibility than a traditionally built home. If you own the land on which you want to live, you can buy a park home and have park home refurbishments down the line if you desire. It’s a great way to purchase a beautiful piece of land and still live on it while saving for a site built home.

Land

There are generally two options when it comes to finding land for your mobile home. The first, of course, is to purchase the land on which the mobile home will sit. Depending on the location, you may be able to purchase both a mobile home and the land together. The second option is to lease the land on which the mobile home sits, usually in a mobile home park in a residential area. If owning land is as important as owning a home, you’ll want to take these choices into consideration. Generally speaking, the land will appreciate in value over time, whereas the mobile home itself won’t.

Vacation home

Have you been thinking about buying a second home? Mobile homes make great vacation homes, and more of them are popping up in highly desirable destinations. You may even be able to use the mobile home as a rental property for the times of the year when you aren’t using it. Not only will you save money by purchasing a mobile home instead of a site-built home, you’ll offset the cost even more with the addition of rental income.

Financing

Finally, financing is an option if you want to purchase a mobile home. The Manufactured Housing Program from the Department of Housing and Urban Development has several loans that are available for mobile home buyers. One of the programs is the FHA Title I Loan that can be used for buying or refinancing an existing loan.

What’s right for you?

With the information outlined above, you can make the decision about whether or not a mobile home or camper van is right for you. While they may not be the best choice for everyone, they are a great option if you’re eager to become a homeowner.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Selling a home brings with it a sizable dose of uncertainty as well as a heaping helping of stress. It’s no wonder that home sellers can feel anxious or depressed during the process. Although it’s common to feel a little overwhelmed, it doesn’t have to overtake your life. Here are several tried-and-true ways to beat the home selling blues.

Prepare

You know the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? It applies to the home selling process as well. By preparing as much as you can before you list your house, you’ll alleviate many of the headaches you may otherwise encounter. Make any needed repairs and declutter your home before listing. This may include a residential roofing replacement with the help of roofing contractors, an ac repair, paint touch ups and power washing your home’s exterior. Do some research about your local market so you know what price range houses like yours are selling for. Read up on the steps of the home selling process so you know what to expect. You can’t prepare for everything, but you can familiarize yourself with what’s ahead.

Keep things in perspective

We totally understand that now is a stressful time. But always keep in mind that this process won’t drag on forever. Yes, you may have some stressful days ahead. But soon you’ll reach closing day and this process will become a memory. Remember that you can’t always control every aspect of a situation. Try not to worry too much, as it will only make you unhappy and the worry is unlikely to affect the outcome.

Take time outs

While selling your home will take a good chunk of your time, you don’t have to spend every waking moment thinking about it. That will only add to your stress. Instead, take some time outs now and again. Go for a walk. Get a massage. Take the family to dinner and a movie. Spend time with family and friends. You’ll need your energy during this process, so taking time out to care for your emotional well being is paramount.

Remember why you’re selling

Selling your home is an emotional process. After all, it’s the center of your life and it’s the place where many of your fondest memories have been made. Perhaps you raised your family here. Not only are you making a financial transaction, but you’re also letting go of something that has been important to your life. Allow yourself time to detach emotionally from the house, and remember the positive reasons why you are selling. Maybe you’re upgrading to a bigger house or moving closer to your grown children. Perhaps you’ve gotten an exciting new job in a new city. Acknowledge that you’re feeling a sense of loss, but that the future also holds possibility for new and exciting experiences.

Work with a professional

Finally, the best way to get through the process with the least amount of stress is to work with a professional real estate agent. Seasoned agents know what to expect and can give you solid advice and guidance throughout the entire process. Partnering with a professional will ease the burden on you and help you get to the finish line with your sanity intact.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Do you feel like you’d get more use out of your porch if it were screened in? Edmonton screen rooms combine the best of indoor and outdoor rooms, and they can be affordable if you already have a porch. Here’s what to expect if you decide to take on the project this summer.

Costs

First, let’s look at the costs associated with enclosing your existing porch. The cost will be dependent on the size of your porch, the type of materials you choose, and whether or not you hire porch builders to complete the project. According to ImproveNet, the cost of materials to screen in a 200 square foot porch range from $470 to $680. Associated labor costs, should you choose to hire a pro, will run you about $350. To compare, if you were to build a new screened-in porch from scratch, the cost would average about $70 per square foot.

Permits

The next order of business when deciding to screen in your porch is to check local building codes. You need to make sure you secure any permits that may be required. Although it may seem like screening in an existing porch isn’t a major job, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Frames

Once your permits have been secured, it’s time to build the frames. Install posts to each corner that are the height you want the porch to be, which is usually eight feet. If you have an existing roof, check for damages and make any needed repairs with the team at http://bellroofcompany.com/roofing-redlands/. If you don’t have a roof, construct a triangular frame and cover with roofing materials.

Rectangular frames are constructed with pressure-treated 2x4s. The width of the frame is the same as the width of your screens. Use an extra 2×4 to install horizontally for added stability. Screw each frame into the porch floor, making sure they are level. Continue until all frames have been attached. Leave an opening for a screen door that is either 32 or 36 inches wide. Then screw the insides of the frames to each other and the corner posts for added strength. Paint or stain the frames before installing the screens.

If you are installing frames onto a concrete porch, then attach a foundation board to the cement. The frames can then be attached to the foundation board.

Screens

Once your paint is dry, a custom Woven Wire mesh screen can be installed. Cut sheets of porch screening to the appropriate height and staple to the frame. To make the screens look more finished, add trim to cover up the staples. For your security doors, install a standard screen door that can be purchased at any home improvement store.

Floor

Finally, don’t forget the floor! If you really want to make your screened-in porch feel like an outdoor room, then add an outdoor carpet. They can add a pop of color and really tie the room together. You can also upgrade the floor by installing deck tiles. These tiles snap together and come in a variety of styles to match your taste. Decorate with patio furniture and potted plants and get ready to enjoy your screened-in porch all summer long!

Compliments of Virtual Results

When you’re moving, it seems like unpacking boxes is a chore that never ends. But there will come a day when every last box is empty. The question then becomes – what do you do with all those empty boxes? Check out these great ideas for giving new life to all those old boxes that would otherwise end up in the trash.

Offer them on CraigsList

If you weren’t already aware, CraigsList is one of the best places online to buy and sell just about everything, including moving boxes. When you’re finished with your boxes, post them on CraigsList for sale or for free. You’ll be surprised at how quickly they’ll get snatched up, and how grateful the recipient will be.

Post them on Nextdoor

Do you know about Nextdoor? It’s the latest social network that allows you to connect with all the people in your neighborhood. When you move in, set up an account for your new address. Once you’ve been verified, list your boxes for free. It’s a great way to get rid of those boxes and meet a new neighbor!

Recycle them

If your city has curbside recycling, check to make sure they accept cardboard boxes. Many times, you’ll be asked to break them down before the city will collect them. It’s a small price to pay to make sure they get recycled instead of ending up in a landfill. If your city doesn’t accept boxes, check to see if there is a recycling center nearby where you can drop them off. You can read at Sky Van Lines more ways in which you can repurpose cardboard boxes.

Use BoxCycle

More and more people are becoming aware of how important it is to reuse or recycle materials. Recycling cardboard is better than simply tossing it out, but it’s much better for the environment to reuse those boxes while they still have life in them. For that reason, BoxCycle was created. It is a marketplace specifically for used cardboard boxes. The website helps to connect you with people who are in the market for used boxes. Not only do you get the boxes off your hands, you make a little money while doing it.

Post on U-Haul Box Exchange

Even the big moving companies are getting in on the action. U-Haul operates a message board called Box Exchange that lets customers buy, sell, or give away boxes and other moving supplies. Post on their message boards and see if there are any interested takers in your area.

Use them in your garden

There are so many ways to use cardboard in your garden. It works great as a weed barrier in flowerbeds and vegetable gardens or along walking paths. Remove all staples and packing tape from the boxes before using them in the garden. The cardboard will break down over time and help to nourish the soil. Boxes can also be used as temporary compost bins. Of course, many a good fort has been created out of used cardboard boxes, giving kids hours of fun. All it takes is a little imagination!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Do you wish you could get a handle on the chaos inside your kitchen cabinets? Or maybe you’ve just moved into a new home and want to start off with cabinets that are well organized. Whatever your motivation, it’s actually pretty simple to organize your kitchen cabinets and keep them that way. If it’s time to replace the cabinets in your kitchen, you may look at some custom cabinetry designs and styles that are suitable to your home’s interior.

Declutter

The first step in organizing your kitchen cabinets is to do a serious declutter. Go through everything in those cabinets (or as you’re unpacking boxes) and determine if you really need to keep it. Chances are, you don’t need six bottles of cinnamon, five spatulas, or three blenders. And you certainly don’t need any small appliances that don’t work or that you don’t use. Donate what don’t need.

Clean

Once you’ve taken everything out of your cabinets, wipe down the inside shelves and doors. You’ll probably never have this opportunity again to clean all the cabinets at the same time. You can clean the shelves with a simple solution of warm water and soap. For tougher grease or grime on the outside, try Murphy’s Oil Soap or another wood cleaner made specifically for cutting down grease.

Organize

Now that everything has been properly cleaned, it’s time to organize. Think about how you use your kitchen and your typical workflow. What do you need nearby when you cook? Items should be grouped together. Store food items in the same place separate from dishes. Cookware should also have its own space. Items should be placed where you use them most frequently. And if you use an item every day, like a travel coffee mug, it should be within easy reach.

Think about putting lighter items inside the top cabinets. This could include dishes as well as food items. Bottom cabinets should be reserved for heavier items like small appliances, mixing bowls and cookware. Store your cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink. If you have kids or pets, get child-proof locks.

Categorize

Once you’ve organized the contents of your cabinets, you should further categorize them. For example, store all canned food in the same location. Put kids’ snacks all in one place and make them easy to reach. When categorizing dishes, put all plates in one place, all bowls in another. What is a wine cabinet? It is a designated cabinet that separates your drinking glasses from wine glasses. Then also find out the proper way on how to store your champagne. Have a space dedicated for mugs. The point is, by categorizing like items together, you know exactly where to find them when you need them.

If you enjoy wine and keep a few bottles at home on a regular basis, you should be aware of the correct temperatures to store your wine.

Maintain

After all that hard work, be kind to your future self by keeping it maintained. When unloading the dishwasher, return items to their proper locations. Enlist family members for help with keeping the kitchen organized and tidy. Keep countertops free from clutter so you always have workspace available when you’re preparing a meal. And plan to do a big sweep through the kitchen once or twice a year. As you use your kitchen, you’ll notice that some items may have a better home and this will give you time to rearrange. You can also remove items you don’t use and food that has expired.

Do you have a sneaking suspicion the house you’re interested in buying might have a pest problem? Whether it’s ants in the kitchen requiring the work of ants extermination experts, termites in the walls, or raccoons in the attic, it’s important to know what you’re getting into.

When you’re viewing homes, pest control appleton wi recommends to keep a lookout for these telltale signs of infestation.

Damages to the lawn

When you’re exploring the outside of the house, look for lawn damage like a pattern of brown patches. This could indicate a pest problem. Also check for ridges and piles of dirt that could be a sign of moles.

Strange smells

When you’re inside the home, notice if there are any unusual smells. Pests give off their own unique odors. If you detect a musty smell coupled with the scent of ammonia, it could be a clue about a probable infestation. Also notice if there is a garbage smell, because accumulating trash can attract pests.

Odd sounds

In addition to the smells that pests give off, they also make sounds. Rats and mice can be heard scurrying through walls and ceilings or under floorboards. You might hear scratching, gnawing, or squeaking as well.

Dead bugs

Check around windows and in basements for any signs of dead bugs. Notice if there are many of the same kind. This could indicate that a large number of them are holing up somewhere on the property.

Droppings

This is obvious, but if you see droppings, there could be a problem. Do a little research beforehand to know what kinds of droppings certain pests leave behind, like bed bugs and roaches. That way, if you see any droppings you’ll have a better idea of what you’re dealing with.

Holes in walls and floors

If there’s a rat problem, then you will generally see holes or gnawing marks on walls and floors. Look also for electrical wires that have been chewed up as well as evidence of nesting. Rats will often nest in kitchen cabinets and behind appliances. Look for chewed up paper that has been stashed in nooks and crannies, you should look for info about where to locate the very best pest control service in Florida.

Sagging floors

Do you notice that the floors are sagging in some areas? That could be a sign of termites. Other signs of termites include small holes and wood that sounds hollow when you tap it. You might also see remnants of dead termites, such as wings, and little pellets that look like sawdust.

For insects in the home, some are far more costly than others. Don Brody, a professional that offers termite and pest control in Maryland says “termite damage costs homeowners $6 billion yearly and affect over 600k homes across the country.”

Visible tracks

Pests like rats will often take the same path through a property. Look for any signs of tracks, like greasy marks on floors and walls. You might also see footprints in any areas where dirt or dust has accumulated.

A collection of pesticides

Finally, if you notice that the current owner has a large stash of pesticides, you can be sure they are battling an infestation. Check out this link on how you can control it.

While most infestations can be dealt with, it’s important to know what you’re getting into when you make an offer on a house. Be smart and keep an eye out for any of the signs outlined above to tell if the house you love has a pest problem. You can even get the house inspected by a specialist at pest control Sydney just to make sure that you’re not buying a home that has an infestation problem. If you are having problems with coyotes, make sure to contact a specialized pest control service like a coyote removal expert for professional help.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Is exterior home painting on your to-do list this summer? Do you already know what kind of paints should you use? There’s nothing that spruces up the exterior more than a fresh coat of paint, especially if you’re getting ready to sell. If you’re planning to do the painting yourself instead of hiring a professional, follow these tips to get the job done right. However you can simply avoid the headache by contacting Original Style Decorating and Painting. Hiring a residential and commercial painting contractor will assure you of professional work. Apart from repainting, you may also consider getting a siding replacement to spruce up your home’s exterior.

Prepare the surface

Just like painting interior walls, it’s essential that you prepare the exterior before painting. Your finish will not look as good or adhere as well if you don’t take this critical step. Check for areas with mold or mildew and kill it with a bleach solution. Check for chipping or peeling paint and pressure-wash the entire outside. You want to make sure you remove all the dirt and loose debris before you begin.

Make repairs

Even though you’ve prepped the surface, you’re not ready to grab the paintbrush just yet. Now is the time to repair any issues that you find. Seal cracks around windows, doors, and molding with caulk. Patch holes in stucco with new stucco and give it ample time to cure. Replace rotted wood and sand wood surfaces that you’ll be painting. Cover windows with plastic sheeting. However, you can check more information at Surepaint and schedule an appointment at home.

Start with a prime coat

After making all the needed repairs and giving everything time to dry and cure, it’s time to add a coat of primer. Primer gives you a nice clean surface to begin with and will make your final coats look much better. If you’re painting vinyl or wood siding, choose a latex primer. If the exterior is chalky, then choose a sealer that will seal in the dust.

Move to the finishing coats

When choosing an exterior paint, you’ll want one that is 100 percent acrylic latex in the color of your choosing. Ideally, you’ll need two people when it comes time to apply the finishing coats. The first person will quickly spread paint over the surfaces with a sprayer. The second person will then use a roller to smooth out the paint that has been sprayed. This will give you a smooth, even finish. Once the first coat has dried, apply a second coat. That second coat will give you the professional look that you’re after, and ensure your paint job lasts for years to come.

Final touches

The last step when painting the exterior of your home is to paint all the details. This includes trim, shutters, molding, doors and other decorative elements. This is probably the most time-consuming part of the job. You’ll need to use a paintbrush and take your time to get the best results. But what a difference it can make! Once the paint has dried, remove plastic from the windows and clean.

What to expect

Once you’ve completed your new paint job, you can expect it to last up to ten years. Taking time to do the proper preparations, using quality paints, and applying at least two coats of paint will help your hard work last longer and hold up to wear and tear.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Do you dream of owning your own home, but feel like you’ll never have the money for a down payment? While saving for a down payment can seem like a daunting task, it isn’t impossible. In fact, there are ways to begin saving right now that won’t put a crimp in your lifestyle. Here are the best sneaky ways we’ve found to save money for that down payment.

Use cash

We’ve gotten so accustomed to paying with credit and debit cards, having cash on hand can seem like a real hassle. But it’s so easy to spend more than you think you are when you’re swiping that card. Instead, opt to pay with cash. You’ll have a better sense of how much money you’re actually spending, and will spend less on impulse purchases.

Limit food waste

How much food do you end up throwing away in a typical week? If it’s more than you’d like to admit, perhaps it’s time to curtail those food expenses. In fact, according to the National Resources Defense Council, the typical American wastes a whopping 40 percent of the food they buy. Think of how much money you can save by only buying what you can actually eat.

Adjust your thermostat

As the temperatures rise over the summer, you may be tempted to crank that AC. But think about how much extra money you’re spending just to lower the temperature by a degree or two. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it so that the house is warmer while you’re away. Keep curtains closed on sunny days. According to the Department of Energy, you could save up to three percent on your energy bill for every one degree you change your thermostat.

Set up automatic savings

Help yourself get into the savings mindset. Instead of only saving what you have left over from your paycheck each month, decide how much to save in advance. Then set up an automatic transfer from your checking to your savings account, and watch the dollars add up.

Don’t chase trends

Is it really necessary to have the latest phone or wear the newest clothing trends? See if you can resist the urge to go shopping for new things. Instead, make do with what you already have or shop second hand. You’ll begin to see that not only will you save money, but you’ll also be happier as a result. It’s exciting to see your savings grow as you edge closer and closer to your goal.

Compete with your spouse

If you’re buying a house with your partner, why not introduce a little friendly competition? This is a great idea, especially if one of you is very competitive. Have weekly challenges to see who can save the most money or the largest percentage of their paycheck. The loser each week then makes dinner for the winner.

Cancel unused subscriptions or memberships

Did you get that gym membership hoping it would inspire you to exercise more often? If it’s just sitting there unused, then cancel it. The same goes for magazines you don’t read and any other recurring payments for goods or services that aren’t meaningful to you. While those celebrity tabloids can be fun to read, by giving them up you’ll realize your dream of home ownership a little faster.

Compliments of Virtual Results