Skipping Stone Design

Skipping Stone Design

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How to Remove Dog Hair From Your Home: The Complete Guide

Huge Pile of Fur Brushed off Black Labrador

Life will always be better with a dog by your side.

These cute and lovable rogues aren’t called man’s best friend for no reason. They’re loyal friends, cuddly companions, and heart-warming additions to any family.

It’s hardly surprising that more than 63 million households around the country own one.

However, for all the joy dogs bring to life, they cause a fair amount of trouble too. These cheeky chappies tread mud along freshly cleaned floors, raid pantries when nobody’s looking, and delight in shaking water around.

Worst of all, though, you have to remove dog hair from every single surface in the house! They seem to molt fur like trees shed leaves in the fall. It gets everywhere, all the time.

Want some top tips to clean up those dog hairs with greater ease? Let us help. Keep reading for a complete guide on how to remove dog hair from carpet, clothes, and surfaces.

Brush Your Pet Pooch

Prevention is always better than cure, right?

That’s definitely the case when it comes to cleaning up dog hairs. Taking steps to stop your dog(s) shedding so much hair will make your life ten times easier. Less fur will fall out, which means there’s less to remove thereafter.

Sound good? Well, get yourself a high-quality doggy brush. It’s time to get grooming.

Brushing your dog’s coat on a regular basis will do two things. Firstly, it’ll make their coat look beautiful and shiny! Secondly, you’ll brush away fur that would otherwise fall out in your house!

This is most helpful in the warm summer months when molting increases to a whole new level. Be sure to take your dog outside for a brush at every opportunity. They’ll love the attention; you’ll love the lack of hairs in your house!

Break out the Vacuum Cleaner

The vacuum cleaner is your best friend in any pet hair removal process.

A good quality one should make light work of getting up the dog fur. However, the real key to success is staying on top of things. Delay the vacuuming too long and the hair will accumulate to a point that’ll make it more difficult to clear up.

You’ll have to do multiple runs and go over and over your floors (especially if they’re carpeted) to rid them of the dog fur. Prevent that eventuality by vacuuming high and low on a regular basis.

Oh, and you could use a humidifier too! Aside from their other benefits, some quirk of their functioning stops pet hair from clinging too closely to surfaces. The vacuuming becomes easier as a result.

Put Baking Soda Down

Want more of these tips for cleaning your carpets?

Well, here’s another: sprinkle them with baking soda before you start hoovering!

This incredible culinary ingredient can make a significant difference. A light pre-vacuum sprinkling should loosen up any hairs from the carpet, helping your vacuum cleaner pick up any hair with less trouble.

Don’t worry if you don’t have any baking soda to hand. Spraying your carpets with a well-diluted solution of fabric softener and water should do the same job.

Sponge/Mop Your Carpets

Yes, you read that correctly!

We know, wet mops and sponges are usually reserved for cleaning tiles, laminates, hardwoods, and so on. However, you’d be surprised how effective they can be at clearing up dog hairs from carpets too.

Having finished with the vacuum cleaner, try running a clean and damp mop/sponge over your low-pile carpet. Any hairs that were left behind will get stuck to it.

The same goes for your curtains, sofas, or anything else in the house that’s upholstered. The damp sponge, cloth, or mop should handle any animal hair removal from your upholstery.

Buy a Lint Roller

Lint rollers are a classic hair-removing tool.

An adhesive material is attached to a barrel that has a spindle running through its center. Holding a handle, you roll the sticky barrel along any hair-covered surfaces (including clothing), picking up any hairs as you go. Make sure you keep a steady supply of them to hand to facilitate your dog hair removal efforts.

Be wary though. The trick to success is finding a high-quality lint roller that actually works. All too many prove ineffective, leading to hours of fruitless rolling and substandard results.

Consider using other tools and techniques to remove the majority of dog hair first. Then, if there are any remaining, a lint roller should provide the finishing touch.

Use a Rubber Glove Instead

Don’t worry if you’re lacking a lint roller. We’ve got another pet-hair removal hack that could prove just as effective:

Try wearing rubber gloves instead.

That’s right, the rubber gloves you use to wash the dishes can be a useful tool to clear away unwanted dog hair. Pop them on, get them wet, and then rub your hands over any hair-covered surface. The hairs should come away with it.

Lacking lint rollers and rubber gloves?

Well, how about balloons? If you’ve got any balloons in the house, then they too can be used for this purpose. Give it a go by inflating one and rubbing it over the affected surfaces.

The static electricity that gets created should attract any hair onto the balloon. Then, when you’re done, simply burst it and chuck it in the trash.

Time to Remove Dog Hair From Your Home

There’s no denying how much joy dogs deliver to life. They lift your spirits, warm your heart, and provide a loyal companion at all times.

However, as the tens of millions of dog owners in America know all too well, these mucky pups can be a nightmare to clean up after- especially when they’re molting all over your floors.

Do you know the struggle? We hope the tips in this post have provided all the information required to remove dog hair from your home with newfound ease.

Would you like to read more articles like this one? Search ‘pets’ on the website now!

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost on Average?

How much does a termite inspection cost?

It’s not as expensive as you might think. We’ve put together this guide to show you how much you should expect to spend during a termite inspection so you can set enough money aside.

Keep reading to learn more!

Breaking Down the Cost of a Termite Inspection

It’s difficult to put an exact price tag on the price of a termite inspection. The cost can vary depending on a number of factors.

However, on average, you’ll end up paying between $75 and $150 for this type of inspection. When you talk to a pest control company about the estimate, though, don’t be surprised to hear the number go up or down on either end.

The bigger your home, the longer the inspection will take. This means the price will get higher as well.

The Company You Hire

Every company chargers a slightly different amount for their inspection services. Because of this, it’s a good idea to spend some time shopping around before you hire anyone.

But this doesn’t mean you should choose the cheapest option!

Remember, you get what you pay for. Instead of going with the cheapest company you can find, do your research. Read their reviews so you can find the best services and the most affordable price.

What Happens During a Termite Inspection?

There are several different types of termite inspections. For example, you can hire a pest control company to inspect your home, a home inspector can look for signs of termites before you buy or sell a home, or you can get handover inspections.

No matter what type of inspection you get, though, they’ll all be about the same.

The inspector will go through your home and look for any signs of termites. This means they’ll have to climb into your attic, go down into the basement, get into your crawlspace, and check other “at-risk” areas.

They’ll also spend some time outside your home, too. Even if your home isn’t infested yet, they can find any termites that are in the ground outside or already eating away at your deck or the outside of your home.

If They Find Termites…

If the inspector finds any termites, they’ll let you know the extend of the problem. After this, they’ll also be able to walk you through the different extermination methods and which option will fit your needs the best.

If They Don’t…

If they don’t find anything, that’s great!

You should never few this as a waste of money. Think of it as prevention instead. Ignoring termites if you think you have an infestation will only cause the problem to get worse, meaning you’ll have to spend more money to fix it later.

You should always get an inspection to rule out any trouble.

How Much Does a Termite Inspection Cost?

So how much does a termite inspection cost?

While the exact price depends on the specifics of the job, a termite inspection isn’t expensive. It’s well worth the money because it will help you get rid of any termites in your home, which will help you save money in the long run.

Want to learn some other helpful homeowner tips?

We’ve got you covered! Make sure you take a look at the rest of our blogs today!

Replacing a Roof: Should I Be Home During Roof Replacement?

Replacing a roof is a task most homeowners face at some point. Roofing can outlive its useful life or get damaged by stormy weather. Sometimes, homeowners replace the roof so it better matches a new paint job.

When the time comes for the actual work, you might ask: “Should I be home during roof replacement?” It’s an important question since the answer can mean a serious disruption in your life.

Keep reading and we’ll cover whether you should be home and other tips for roof replacement survival.

At Home During a Roof Replacement?

The question about being at home during the roof replacement doesn’t offer a clear answer.

Can you remain in your home during the work? Yes, in most cases, you can remain in the home if you follow some basic safety precautions.

Should you remain in the home? That depends a lot on your lifestyle and distraction tolerance. We’ll cover the pros and cons in the next sections.

Staying At Home Benefits

House roof replacement is one of the most expensive home repairs you can make. For an average-sized home, the cost can run over $10,000.

If you do remain at home during the work, the major benefit is that you avoid additional expenses like hotel bills and restaurant trips.

Remaining in the home also makes you readily available if the roofers need to consult you. For example, say they find damage in an unexpected area. The roofer will need your permission and probably a price adjustment to fix the problem or get someone else to fix it.

Staying at Home Pitfalls

The roofers must minimally tear off the old shingles and remove nails. In some cases, they must also tear off and replace the vapor barrier and plywood.

That work makes a lot of noise, which can prove very distracting if you work at home. All of the noise and disruption can also leave pets out of sorts.

In general, you’ll need to keep your kids inside to avoid falling debris and loose nails on the ground. You must find parking away from your home for similar reasons.

While most roofing jobs wrap up in a few days, bad weather can extend the process a lot. While you get a break from noise and work, you must also brace yourself for it to continue when the weather clears.

Parting Thoughts on Should I Be Home During Roof Replacement

The question of should I be home during roof replacement lacks an obvious yes or no answer.

For homeowners with kids and pets, staying home may prove problematic. You must keep your kids inside and away from the falling debris. The incessant noise and disruption will leave your pets disturbed.

If you don’t distract easily and don’t savor the idea of living in a hotel for a few days, then staying home may make sense. You may still find it’s best for kids and pets to stay elsewhere while the roofers do the work.

Want more home repair or home design tips? Check out our home and decor sections on this site.

7 Spectacular Roof Design Ideas

If you’re a homeowner, you could increase your home resale value by around $12,000, just by installing a new roof.

You can capitalize on the roof design to enhance curb appeal and be the envy of all your neighbors. However, to do that, you first need a stunning roof design that you can work with.

Roof design has changed over the years to involve even more complex and sophisticated designs. Not to say that all modern roof designs have complex geometry and architecture. Many contemporary roof design ideas are in line with the minimalist taste.

In this post, we’ll be highlighting some incredible roof designs that you could consider for your home.

1. Gable Roofs

Gable roofs are as traditional as they come, and are pretty popular across the country. Gable roofs are also known as pitched or peaked roofs.

You can quickly tell gable roofs from their characteristic triangular shape. In fact, the term gable alludes to the triangular shape formed when the two roof panels meet at the top.

Gable roofs are relatively easy to construct, and contractors have a breeze installing them. Apart from their ease of installation, gable roofs also shed water and snow easily because they don’t have hips or interruption on their slopes. You also get more space and enough ventilation for your attic or vaulted ceiling.

The downside with gable roofs is that the roofs don’t do very well in areas with strong winds. If the roofing contractor doesn’t construct it with enough supports, then the roof can easily collapse.

2. Flat Roof

As you can tell from the name, flat roofs are roofs that are flat. However, even the name can be misleading because flat roofs aren’t entirely flat. These roofs have a slight pitch to allow water to run off and drain away.

Flat roofs are among the more contemporary roof designs that have become popular with most American homes.  They are also the go-to roofing choice for many industries, especially for warehouses.

A flat roof can act as an extra outdoor space where you can have a patio, roof garden, or maybe even swing your golf club a bit for practice.  You can even place your outdoor AC units on the roof and leave the backyard to the flowers and garden plants.

The flat roof design is also ideal for solar panel placement because the solar panels directly face the sun. The only downside with flat roofs is that they don’t do well in areas with heavy rain. Because the roof has a very low pitch, water doesn’t drain away as effectively, and it could pool on the roof surface and even lead to leaking.

3. Skillion Roof

You can use the name skillion roof interchangeably with a shed roof. In some areas, skillion roofs are also known as lean-to roofs. Skillion roofs have a very peculiar design, with only one single sloping panel, hence the name lean-to roof. You can think of a skillion roof as half a gable roof or a flat roof with a higher pitch.

These types of roofs are mainly used for porches and sheds. However, modern designs involve using skillion roofs for the entire house and not just for porches and home additions.

Because of their simple design, installing skillion roofs is simple and requires fewer materials than other roofing types. Rain and snow easily run off skillion roofs because of the high pitch; hence it’s an excellent roof for areas with heavy rain and snow.

With skillion roofs, however, you have to be really careful about the pitch. An overly high pitch can make your ceilings too low. Skillion roofs also don’t fare well in very windy areas.

4. Mansard Roof

The mansard roof is also known as the French roof.  Unlike gable roofs, mansard roofs have four pitched sides. However, these four sides don’t meet at a single point on top. Instead, there’s an almost flat rectangular surface at the top where all pitched sides meet.

Mansard roofs are stunning to look at, and they also provide a little extra space for the attic. The downside with mansard roofs is that they are costlier than many other roof types. However, despite the high costs of installations, mansard roofs significantly increase your home’s value.

5. Hip Roof

Just like a mansard roof, a hip roof slopes on all four sides, but with hip roofs, all four sides come together to form a ridge on top.  Since the roof slopes on all sides, water and snow run off the sides easily.

They are also more stable than gable roofs in very windy areas. The downside to hip roofs is their cost. They are more expensive to construct than gable roofs and also require more materials. You also need to find a competent roofing contractor like Bartlett Roofing because it’s not so easy to install, and anything wrong can be disastrous.

6. Saltbox Roof

The name slat box comes from the roof’s resemblance of old salt boxes with a similar design. These rooms are asymmetric, with one side protruding farther down than the other.

The longer side disperses water to the ground quite easily, and the shorter side doesn’t accumulate much water or snow. It’s also cheaper to install and has a unique look that chic homeowners fall in love with.

The downside to saltbox roofs is that the side of the house where the longer part is will have a slanted ceiling. This makes the roof very impractical for smaller houses.

7. Butterfly Roof

The butterfly roof gets its style from the “M” shape the roof forms that make it look like a butterfly ready to take off. This shape means that the roof slopes and meets in the middle. The point where the roof meets also slopes to allow for better drainage.

Butterfly roofs can withstand heavy, snow, wind, and rain and also look stunning. These roofs are, however, on the costlier side of things.

Find Roof Design Ideas Best-Suited to You

Clearly, there are plenty of roof design ideas, and all you have to do is find one that fits your taste. However, aesthetics aside, don’t forget that roofs also serve a functional purpose. You don’t want a roof that can’t withstand the weather conditions of your areas.

Lastly, remember to get a roofing contractor that can handle the job properly. Your roof is going to be only as good as the contractor you settle for.

For more informative articles, do have a look at the other posts on the site.

Cool Outdoor Lights That Will Light up Your House and Your Life

If you’re looking for a great way to spice up your home, consider outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting is sometimes overlooked, but it can make a huge difference in making you and your family feel safe.

Not to mention, cool outdoor lights make your home more attractive without spending absurd amounts of money.

Since there are lots of options for outdoor lighting, it can be challenging to sift through them all.

Luckily, we’ve compiled all the best outdoor lighting options sure to make your house pop!

Decorative Lighting

If you’re looking to improve the aesthetic of your home, consider string lights, rope lights, outdoor bar lights, or even post lighting around the backyard or patio. Lantern lights can be a charming option around a pool or bonfire area as well.

Changing the colors of the lighting can also add a unique and fun look to your home.

Plus, if you’re someone who hosts parties and get-togethers, decorative exterior lighting can improve the ambiance and make your home more welcoming.

Flood Lighting

If you’re more worried about security than improving the aesthetic of your home, consider putting up floodlights. Floodlights are used to light up stairways, garages, and areas of your property.

Installing exterior home lighting is a useful tactic in warding off potential intruders. You can purchase floodlights with a motion sensor to save energy and ensure it’s used when necessary.

The sensitivity of floodlight sensors can also be adjusted to match your needs.

A good tip is to position floodlights at least nine feet above the ground to maximize the illuminated space.

Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting is considered one of the best options for outdoor light fixtures because it can heighten security while also providing a beautiful aesthetic.

Landscape lighting includes Ballard lights and pathway lights that come in different shapes and sizes to match your home. Wall lights and outdoor ceiling lights are other options that are used to illuminate doorways or highlight attractive aspects of homes.

If you have a garden, you can also use well lights to draw attention to your plants, flowers, or shrubs.

Check out these other outdoor lighting options if you’re looking for even more variety.

Lighting for Safety

If you want to improve the security of your home and increase your safety, you can use dusk to dawn lights. These lights will automatically turn on after dusk and will turn off at sunset.

You can also try less harsh options, like dark skylights. Though they must be fully shielded, they reduce unnatural blue light.

Each of these options can provide increased security and safety. If you are coming home late at night, these lights can illuminate the walkway and prevent tripping and falling.

Now You Have Some Options for Cool Outdoor Lights

Whether you are concerned about safety or you want to make your house look more attractive, outdoor lighting can help improve your home.

No matter what your home looks like, you can find cool outdoor lights that complement its appearance.

Why wait any longer? Get started on those lights! And if you loved this article, don’t forget to check out some of the other awesome content on our site.

Patio Inspiration: 5 Awesome Ideas and Trends for Your Patio in 2020

You’ve got a patio attached to your house. It’s alright, but not exactly something to write home about. Simply put, you want this to change.

That’s why you’ve arrived at this article. You’re looking for a bit of patio inspiration. Fortunately, we can provide it to you.

Without further ado, here are 5 awesome ideas and trends for your patio in 2020.

1. Add Cushioned Furniture

When you think of patio furniture, you likely think of metal chairs. While metal chairs are certainly prominent on patios, they’re far from the only types of patio furniture available. These days, one of the most popular patio furniture options is cushioned furniture.

Cushioned chairs; cushioned couches, cushioned footrests. It’s all available and it could do a lot to improve the look and functionality of your patio. Learn more about buying outdoor furniture now!

2. Install Decorative Lighting

Is your patio lacking light? Is its only source of light a bright floodlight that practically blinds you every time it turns on? If so, you need to think about implementing some decorative lighting.

Christmas lights, recessed lights, path lights, and other types of lighting could be exceedingly beneficial in upping the performance and aesthetic of your patio. You don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars. You can buy sufficient lighting for 20 to 30 bucks.

3. Implement a Fire Pit

As time passes, more and more homeowners are gracing their patios with fire pits. These fire pits serve two purposes: 1. They provide their respective patios with an enhanced aesthetic, and 2. They allow for warm gatherings on cool nights.

There are a few options available to you. One option is to hire a contractor and have a fire pit built into your patio. The other option is to buy an independent fire pit and simply place it on top of your patio.

4. Set Up an Outdoor Kitchen

Like to barbecue? If so, you might consider adorning your patio with an outdoor kitchen. By adding a grill, a refrigerator, countertops, and cabinetry, you can greatly enhance the culinary capabilities of your outdoor area.

Kitchens such as these bring a whole new level of prestige to a patio. They serve as both functional entities and aesthetic statements.

5. Place Succulents

In and of themselves, patios are fairly cold and unforgiving places. After all, hardened cement isn’t exactly the most inviting material. For this reason, you need to provide it with some atmosphere.

One of the trendiest ways of doing this is to place succulents around the patio. Succulents provide a laid-back and whimsical feel, softening the hard edges common of patio areas. Available for about $5 each, they’re affordable and effective.

Take This Patio Inspiration and Run With It

With any hope, you now have some patio inspiration on your side. Now all you have to do is run with it. Doing so is sure to yield a beautiful and interesting patio area, one that’s perfect for parties and get-togethers.

Looking for similar info? Our website is the place to be. Check out our other articles now!

How to Design the Perfect Fitted Wardrobe

You’re making the right decision if you get a fitted wardrobe. It might be expensive, but it will last long. You can also design it in any way you want. If you have a limited budget, it’s not a problem. You can think of a design that will be suitable for whatever amount you can afford to spend. If you begin to plan your fitted wardrobe like the ones at www.myfittedbedroom.com, these steps will help you.

Determine your needs

Start by looking at what you want in a closet. Some people prefer to have more drawers, while others want more rods to hang their clothes. Others also want to have a jewellery box where they can keep all the accessories. Look at your closet and see what’s inside. It’s easier for you to envision how you want your closet to look, depending on your clothing and accessories.

Look at other options

If you don’t know where to start, you can look at other examples. Check out websites where there are samples of fitted wardrobes. Some of them might look good for your bedroom, while others might be too much. Save the images that you think would be perfect for your house. Use them as a reference when you begin to design your closet.

Think of a theme for your bedroom

Since you’re going to spend money to build a customised wardrobe, you should also think about the perfect theme for your bedroom. It’s time to overhaul the design of the bedroom and make it more appealing. If you decided to choose a classical theme, your closet design should be suitable. It means that you have to choose neutral colours and simple aesthetics.

Choose quality materials 

Never sacrifice the quality of materials used in creating the closet. You’re going to use it for a long time, so you need the best materials. Otherwise, there will be frequent repair issues. You will feel frustrated when you already spent a lot of money to build the closet, and you have to spend more for repairs.

Seek advice from the builders

If you still don’t know the design, you can ask the builders. You will get help from an expert in designing a fitted wardrobe. Although the advice helps you in deciding, you will still make the final choice. You can tweak the original design given to you based on your preference.

When you choose the right partner for creating a customised closet, you can expect quality results. You will feel fine spending a lot of money because you know that you can use the furniture for a long time.

Go through the plan again before asking the builders to start the job. A built-in closet will stay in your bedroom forever. You can’t make changes since the furniture is attached to the wall. You can also request a payment plan if you think you can’t afford the overall cost. Don’t settle for anything less if you think you can’t afford the design you want for a closet. Suspend your plans for now and revisit the idea when you have enough budget.

10 Project Management Guidelines to Ensure Your Project is a Success

If you want to have a successful project, you must first appreciate the importance of having a good management strategy. However, according to the Project Management Institute, only 58% of organizations fully know the value of project management.

Managing a project can be very challenging, especially if it is your first time. With the right project management guidelines, you can get the help you need for your project.

Here are some project management tips that you can implement to help you in managing successful projects:

1. Outline the Scope

The first step in project management is defining its scope. You need to know what you are supposed to accomplish and the objective of the project. You should clarify the scope so that you understand it and confirm if it is needed.

Knowing precisely what the project calls for will help you stay on track throughout. You will also have an easy time explaining the project to your team once you can clearly understand it.

2. Define the Resources Needed

To achieve your objective, you will have to use some tools, equipment, and workforce. Every project manager might not have direct control of the resources that the project needs, but you have to define them.

Get to know how many people you need, the equipment you need, and where you will get them from. Technology has also made project management a little easier with management software like Microsoft project alternative for Mac that will help you organize and manage the project effectively.

3. Have a Clear Timeline

To stay on track, you should know when the project should be completed. Several projects have fixed deadlines. This means, as you work out your plan, you must decide how to use the time available well to meet the schedule.

Use the timeline to define the milestones, and do not forget to factor in the risks and any other limitations that you might have in your budget.

4. Define the Work

You need to define the components that you have to create to complete the project. For example, if you are organizing the launch of a product or service, you have to get a reception, food or drinks, entertainment, and the invites.

You will need to have people in charge of each component, and your team should also be aware of what is expected of them. They should understand the options available, cost limitations, and flexibility of the component that they are working on.

As the person in charge, you should list down every step that your team should take, depending on the project’s complexity and the size.

5. Have a Plan

Get all your ideas, steps, and everything that the projects need, and use that information to develop a plan. Identify the path that you should take from the start of the project to the end. Get to know what needs to be done at first, the resources needed and the timeline.

Please take advantage of the project management software and use it to automate such details. Share your plan with other stakeholders and make any adjustments to the plan so that you can have the final or baseline plan.

Remember, you can never have enough money or time assigned to a project. You have to make do with the resources that you have. However, if the goals set are unrealistic, you should ensure that you negotiate for better terms at the beginning so that you can have a successful project. Do not wait until you get into trouble to ask for more time or money.

6. Put Your Team Together

Your team should consist of experts in the various fields of the project. It would be best if you had a very strong and capable team that can work with little or no supervision. This way, you will have an easy time monitoring their progress.

The team you have should also be flexible enough and ready to make any adjustments necessary. Remember to clearly define their responsibilities and try to assign each member of your team a task that aligns with their skills and talents.

7. Keep Good Records

Write down everything about the project, including the plan you are working with, the roles of each member of your team, budget, resources, and any changes that you make. It is impossible to remember everything. It would be best if you wrote them down so that you can have a report at the end of the project.

8. Have Clear Lines of Communication

It would help if you kept the project stakeholders informed on the progress whenever you complete a milestone. To do this, you should also engage and listen to the members of your team.

Projects fail because of a lack of proper communication. If you make any changes, you should ensure that your entire team is aware of the change and have also adjusted as per the changes.

Good project management includes learning more about the team that is essential for the success of the project. To do this, you have to communicate.

9. Risk Management

Have a risk officer whose sole responsibility is to detect any potential problem. You need to assign this role to a very skeptical person. Your team members should report all their concerns and challenges and track all the issues raised so that you can offer a resolution.

Assessing risks, however, should not be your main priority. Do not waste a lot of time tracking every risk, especially if it does not pose a real threat to your project. Your risk management plan should be a healthy one.

10. Evaluate the Project

To assess the overall performance of the project, you need to evaluate it when it is complete. Doing this will help you and your team learn from the success of the project and what you would have done differently to implement it in the next project.

Follow These Project Management Guidelines for a Successful Project

To have a well-planned and well-executed project, you need the best project management guidelines. These steps will help you ensure that you have a successful project and a happy team.

For more interesting topics, check out our other articles.

Reaching New Heights: 6 Unique Loft Design Ideas

Lofts are valuable square footage, and in small homes, you don’t want to waste an inch. In addition to making your home more spacious, a loft conversion can also add 20% to your home value.

With the right loft decoration, your space can be both functional and on-trend. Make the most of your space with these creative loft design ideas.

1. The Library Loft

An odd-shaped loft room, with shorter ceilings around the side, is the ideal place for books. DIY bookshelves are cost-effective and would fit well into the dormer area.

Throw in some comfortable cushions, throw blankets, and your loft will be a cozy, quiet space for reading and lounging.

2. The Ultimate Storage Loft Design Ideas

If you’re low on storage space, the loft is the perfect place to organize your extra things. But, a dingy old attic with no real floor or storage organization units isn’t going to make you feel good about your space.

Get some help with loft boarding, so you have a visually appealing and safe floor. Then add some custom, DIY shelves and cubes for organizational purposes. Your attic storage space will go from drab to fab.

3. Cozy Loft Bedroom

When it comes to a loft bedroom, it’s best to stick to minimalism. A bed, a small side table, and some string lights for a romantic and cozy vibe are all you need.

Splurge on luxurious bedding, like velvet throw pillows and a gorgeous quilt for some extra style.

If you’re concerned about the cost of a loft conversion, statistics have shown that an attic bedroom will return at least 53% of your investment.

4. Kids Playroom Loft

What’s more magical for children than playing in a cozy, hidden loft? Lofts are the perfect place for forts, reading in nooks, and playing make believe. Plus, tiny humans aren’t going to hit their heads on a low ceiling.

The first thing you want to do when converting your loft into a play space is to create a bright space. A dingy, dark looking attic is not going to be appealing. Paint the ceiling white, and add some additional lighting if needed.

If you need loft decoration ideas for your play space, consider adding floor cushions with brightly colored pillows and a couple of throw blankets. You could also add some cube shelving for toy storage.

5. Zen Yoga and Meditation Loft

The great thing about a meditation and yoga space is it doesn’t require a lot of stuff. A cozy rug, a yoga mat, and some natural lighting will create the perfect zen space.

If you like to do yoga during the daytime, think about placing your rug or mat right in front of the window where the light comes in. Also, consider adding some real plants to bring nature into your space.

6. Home Office Space Loft

When it comes to a home office, natural light is essential. Especially if you’re working remotely, you don’t want to be sitting in a dark space all day.

Maximize the natural light in your loft space, and position your desk so that you can look out the window. If you have room in your budget, you can also consider adding a skylight or two to increase light.

Design Your Loft Oasis Today

With so many amazing loft design ideas, the hardest choice will be deciding what to do with your space.  Be creative, and, most of all, enjoy your new refuge.

Are you looking for more helpful design ideas? Check out our home section today.

How Are Online Slots Created?

When you play online slots at leading online casinos such as Gold Rush Slots, the same basic principle tends to apply: launch an enticing game, spin the reels and hopefully trigger plenty of bonus features which should see the prizes tally up. But what it is about slots in particular that appeals to people – the soundtrack? Theme? Gameplay, or narrative? We don’t need to worry about it, of course, that’s up to the developers, but to consider the lengthy process from ideal to production can be quite intriguing. After all, the casino software developers are in fierce competition to produce as many high-quality and engaging games as possible.

Player Expectations

By 2024, the online gambling industry is expected to be worth a staggering $73 billion. This is fantastic for slots developers, of course, however, there is a great deal of work ahead. The competition is already intense, and as standard get higher and higher; the expectations of players also increase. The key for slots developers in this case is to produce online slots that truly stand out from the crowd. But, how?

Work in Progress

One might assume that slots online are pretty easy to churn out at a regular pace, but in fact, a slot game of decent quality will actually take around 12 months to develop. The project begins with an end target ideal and a great deal of in-depth research before the final design can even be considered.

As a result, the slots development team includes many people: project managers, designers, mathematicians, developers, for instance. Every small detail must be scrutinised even before the idea of the game is released to anyone outside of the company.

Market research must take place next, in order to discover how well received the slot game is likely to be. The main mission is to appeal to as many players as possible; so how are you going to do this?

Up next is the creative design. Visual design, colour schemes, characters and soundtracks are just a few of the elements that require perfection. Meanwhile, a mathematician will be working hard on the Random Number Generator (RNG) software to ensure entirely fair play thanks to random reel spin outcomes.

Testing

Before the big launch, the game needs to be meticulously and rigorously tested. This testing may lead to last-minute tweaks; each of these will polish and perfect the game that has been in the making for so long.

The Big Launch

Much relies heavily on the launch of a slot game too. At which casinos will the game be available? Naturally, many developers ensure that their game is available to play at multiple casinos in order to increase chances of being enjoyed by players. Furthermore, leading casinos will work hard to promote the new online slot; after all, they are keen to boost their custom too. This might be done via a free spins promotions for the new game, for example. Gaming reviews – both online and on paper – can also have a significant influence on a slot game’s popularity.