Lifestyle

Some people dream of living in a large house while others dream of living in a tiny house. This is a more attractive option for those who don’t need a lot of space and prefer to use only what they need.

Building a tiny home and living in it can save you a lot of money. Over 50% percent of people say living in these homes saves them $400 a month.

Before you live out your dreams in constructing the little home, you should plan the construction out first. Keep reading to learn a few tips to consider before you start building.

1. Make the Most Out of Your Space

You want to use every square centimeter you have to the most. This will make any little house feel larger than what it is.

What plans do you have to do this? Will you add more height to the walls? Will you incorporate sliding doors?

How about maximizing window space which will allow you to feel as if the outside is an extension to your place?

2. You Do Not Have to Shrink Everything

Just because you have a small home does not mean you should limit yourself to getting tiny things. All you want to do is make your space more efficient. This means you only want to keep items in your home that are essential.

You do not have to purchase small items alone. It is more effective to get large, multifunctional furniture. For example, you can buy a bookshelf that can become a chair or desk when you need it.

3. Keep Storage in Mind

Having a small home doesn’t mean you cannot have items you consider important to you on a more personal level. You can still make the most out of your space by hiding your storage in areas like beneath the bed or floorboards. The main thing is you do not want your storage space to take over the general space that you need.

4. Take Ideas from Others

You can get incredible inspiration on the perfect tiny home design by looking at what other tiny homeowners do. You’re more likely to figure out what to omit, add, or edit in the design of your place. Installing a deck or garage could be a great addition you never thought of.

5. Know What You Can Do Yourself and What You Can’t

There are some projects you can do on your own, but it can turn into a disaster when you do not know what you’re doing, especially when working with plumbing or electrical equipment. Only do projects you are certain you can do yourself. Otherwise, it’s better to work alongside a contractor.

Building a Tiny Home You’re Happy With

You are already at an advantage when you’re building a tiny home over buying one because you are able to customize the things you want. Although you are in more control, you can make a lot of mistakes when you do not have a good blueprint.

The best way to ensure you are happy with your little home is to create a general layout on what you want even if it is just a little bit

If you enjoyed this article, you can read more content like this and more by browsing through other blogs on our website.

 

Do you have moles in your yard that you’d like to get rid of? If so, there are solutions to this frustrating problem! With a little extra lawn care and a solid strategy, you won’t have to deal with these troublesome creatures tearing up your backyard.

Interested in finding out what to do? Keep reading to learn how you can get rid of moles in your yard!

Maintain a Clean Lawn

An easy way to deter moles from taking up residence in your yard is to keep your yard clean and free of weeds or excess mulch. By maintaining trimmed grass and avoiding debris, you eliminate opportunities for moles to do what they do best: hide.

Another tip? Don’t water your yard too much since damp areas attract moles!

Cut Off the Food Supply

Lawn grubs are one of the main food sources for moles, so if you get rid of the grubs, you stand a better chance of getting rid of moles, too. Grubs are beetle larvae that can destroy your grass, so it’s not helpful to have them around anyway.

Try applying grub control products to help clear them out of your yard. Head to your nearest gardening center or hardware store to find the best option for your space.

Castor Oil May Mean No More Moles in Your Yard

While castor oil can serve as anything from a moisturizer to laxative, it also has the potential for getting rid of moles in your yard. Moles don’t like the smell of castor oil, so if you apply it to your soil, you’ll send them running.

Try to find a repellant that contains castor oil, and check to make sure it’s safe for use if you own pets or have children.

Trap Moles for an Efficient Solution

Sometimes trapping moles is the most efficient solution. There are ways to do this without killing the mole — as long as you’re comfortable catching and releasing them out in the country.

These subterranean creatures can disrupt the beauty of your yard, so the only truly effective way to keep your lawn clear is to remove the moles. And if you’re concerned about safety, it may be better to call the experts when you want these creatures gone!

Create a Natural Barrier Against Moles

Since moles like to dig, another strategy is to create a barrier that they can’t get around. Create a trench that’s roughly three-feet deep, and line it with rocks or aluminum to keep the moles out. While a standard fence might seem like a tempting solution, it won’t be deep and secure enough to keep out the moles.

Get Rid of These Pests

Having moles in your yard is a pain, but it doesn’t have to be a problem forever. Follow these tips to help prevent your grass from turning into a sea of molehills. You’ll be much more proud to show off your yard.

When you’re ready to find the latest tips and trends related to home decor and lawn care, check back for more great articles!

When an important appliance in your home is on the fritz, the first question you may have is, “How much is this going to cost me?”.

To call in a repairman to switch out an air filter can cost up to $195 on average while a coil leak can cost up to $2,000. But, the great thing is that many times, the issue can be fixed with a little knowledge and some elbow grease. Unless you have a serious AC malfunction on your hands, you should be able to fix the issue yourself and save a lot of money.

Keep reading to discover some DIY alternatives when it comes to residential AC repair.

1. Check the Circuit Breakers

When it comes to simple AC repairs, making sure it has power is the easiest one.

Many times people will assume something horrible is wrong with their AC if it turns off unexpectantly and won’t turn back on. But, the first thing to check is that the circuit breaker connected to the AC is turned on. Often times, this breaker can become switched without a homeowner noticing, leading to a loss of power to the unit.

2. Change the Air Filter

Wondering how to fix your AC? First, you have to diagnose what the issue is.

Is your AC struggling to keep up with the temperature you set the thermostat at? Does your unit run constantly in an attempt to maintain a comfortable temperature? If so, repairing your AC may be as simple as changing out the air filter.

You need to change your filter every two to three months for optimum performance. If not, this puts unnecessary strain on your AC, which can lead to bigger issues down the road.

3. Clean the Outside Unit

Before you start stressing out about how to repair your AC, make sure you check the outside unit. Many people neglect to take care of their exterior unit, which can lead to improper airflow.

Experts recommend that you keep at least a three-foot distance between your exterior unit and any plants or debris. This means that you need to cut away any intruding bushes, weeds, or tree limbs on a regular basis. In addition, make an effort to remove grass clippings, leaves, and general yard debris from the area surrounding the unit.

You can also clean the interior of the unit by taking off the protective cover — just make sure you disconnect power to the AC first. Then, take a hose and wash away any dirt that’s built up on the unit.

If you’ve tried all three of these DIY solutions and your AC is still not working as it should, nows the time to contact a professional HVAC company.

Try DIY Before Turning to Residential AC Repair

Before you give up and call a residential AC repair company, do your research and attempt to DIY the fix yourself.

Start by checking the circuit breakers to see if your HVAC unit is receiving power. From there, change the air filter to help your AC run as efficiently as possible. And while you’re at it, clean the outside unit to make sure the unit has proper airflow to function.

Have none of these tasks fixed the issue but you’re still not ready to call in the professionals? Search the Tips section of this site to see if the answer lies in one of our many other articles.

There’s no substitute for a quality roof. It’s one of the main things a home inspector looks at when your home is up for sale.

Think of a roof replacement as an investment into the appreciation of your home. Check out this guide to finding the best roof replacement services.

Roof Replacement Cost

When looking for roof replacement, it’s important to think long term. Things like discounts and promotions shouldn’t drive your decision towards a roof purchase.

The leading factor driving your purchase should be the quality of materials used. Before you talk to a service provider, have an idea of what you want.

Research roofing materials and their varying levels of durability. Here’s a brief overview of roofing materials by cost.

Asphalt

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing materials available. These are the flat, rectangular sheets you see on the roofs of most new construction homes in subdivisions.

They’re typically black or dark grey and last around 5 to 10 years depending on how well they’re maintained. Asphalt shingles are considered all-weather roofs but a relatively short shelf life.

If you live in areas prone to extreme weather like hurricanes, asphalt shingles are still a great option since you might prefer a low cost replacement option if you’re constantly replacing your roof.

Slate & Tile

Another popular roofing material is slate or tile. This is a pricier option, but the longevity is unmatched. You might not need to replace your entire roof for 100 years.

This is rare, but it’s an indication of how long lasting slate roofing can be. Choose this roofing material if your home can support the weight of a heavy material.

Metal

One of the newer roofing material options for residences is metal. Homeowners switching to metal are looking for better ways to conserve energy in the summer months.

It’s moderately expensive to install a metal roof. The key is choosing a roof replacement contractor with experience installing metal roofing.

The large sheets are cumbersome to wield on steep inclines without proper equipment. One wrong move by an inexperienced team could be disastrous for your home.

Roof Replacement Installation Time

The next thing to consider is the time it’ll take to install your new roof. In cases where you select a roofing material that is in stock, it might take as little as two days to install your roof.

Things like the square footage of your home and slope of your roof impact installation time. Ask three companies to provide quotes on replacing your roof.

This is the best way to compare pricing on roof replacement if you haven’t had the process done before.

Finding Good Customer Service

As with any vendor, good customer service starts with the first phone call. The minute your roof replacement team picks up the phone you can sense whether customer service is a priority.

If you feel like your questions aren’t getting answered or that they are too busy to handle your needs, it’s a good idea to skip this company. Roofing is a major investment and you want the best possible service for your money.

For more information and tips, visit our blog for updates.

A living room truly brings life into a home. This portion of the house allows for a comfortable space to visit with guests, so it should feel inviting.

If your living room looks a little dark, you cannot easily add windows or change the position. But, you can bring color to this area in creative ways.

Read on to learn how to brighten up a dark living room and make it feel and look livelier!

Paint the Walls Light Colors

Bold colors on the walls will set a dark tone for the entire room. Brighten up the room with light-colored paint.

White walls will make everything appear bright. If you want to add a pop of color, keep the trim bright white and choose a warm orange, rose, or yellow with gold undertones to pick up any hints of sunlight shining through.

Feeling unsure about your color choice? These painting services can help you choose the perfect hue!

Go Glossy

Low gloss paint finishes do not reflect light, so the room may appear darker if you choose flat, matte, or eggshell. Pearl or satin finishes may not even do the trick in rooms that do not receive enough natural light. Choose a gloss finish over your living room paint to help the place shine.

Lay Light Wood Flooring

Glossy wood floors also reflect light as opposed to carpet. Opt for lighter shades to prevent the atmosphere from feeling dark. Blonde wood offers a natural look while giving the space a trendy vibe.

Install Overhead Lighting

Lamps work well for reading, so keep one or two in your living room. But, you still need a bright overhead light source to make the room more inviting.

Stay away from low wattage bulbs that give off yellow light. Instead, use fluorescent or LED lights in your fixtures.

Use Mirrors

Mirrors will bounce light around a room, both brightening it up and making it appear more spacious. Hang a couple of mirrors on your living room wall. Try to place the mirrors so they reflect a light source towards the darkest corner of the room.

Add Plants

Bringing more life into your living room will lighten the mood. Plants give off vibrant colors and bring character to a space.

Small succulents look adorable on bookshelves and ledges. Place larger potted plants with lots of greenery into corners, but make sure they can thrive in low light. Near a window, hang a prayer plant or some flowers for a color pop.

Accent With Bold Art Pieces

Add in contrast to all the light colors of the room. Accent the room with a bold painting or sculpture that jumps at you with bright colors. Metalic art pieces will also radiate.

Don’t Know How to Brighten Up a Dark Living Room Yet?

Changing your home can feel a little nerve-wracking. But, it also brings excitement and fresh possibilities! No better time to start than today!

Did this article help you learn how to brighten up a dark living room? If so, keep browsing for more tips!

 

Are you a wine lover? If so, join the club!

After all, there are few things more enjoyable than driving a glass of fine wine while spending time with friends or family. Best of all, wine is one of those things in life that get better with age. That’s why it’s so much fun to collect bottles of wine, store them somewhere cool and shady, and let the passage of time do what it does best.

This article takes a look at how to build a wine cellar in your own home. Keep reading to learn the secrets of wine cellar construction so that you can transform your basement into a wine lover’s dream.

Assess Your Basement

The first step is to make sure that your basement is suitable for a wine cellar. This includes checking the room for air leaks that might pose a threat to your wine collection and negatively impact the aging process.

Keep in mind that the quality of your wine cellar will have a direct impact on how your wine will age and taste over the passage of years. Thus it’s important to remember that air leaks and exposure to light will damage your wine. This is why the basement needs to be prepared before the wine cellar is built.

Install Vapor Barrier Sheets

Once you’ve checked for air leaks, you’re ready to install the plastic sheets that are designed to protect the room’s insulation. Vapor barrier sheets should be installed on the warm side of the wall to prevent mold from growing, which creates rot that can quickly ruin the finish on your walls.

For help remodeling your basement, check out RLP Enterprises INC.

Prepare the Floor and Walls

Now you’ll need to seal the concrete floor and begin furring the walls. Keep in mind that a concrete floor can be extremely porous, so you’ll want to apply a high-performance coating such as epoxy or urethane.

Next, use 2-inch by 4-inch strips of foam to serve as wine cellar insulation. These strips should be installed after the vapor barrier sheets are in place. It’s also important to use spray foam to fill any cracks found in the walls.

Select a Door

One of the most fun parts of building a wine cellar is selecting an attractive door. Just make sure to choose a door that provides adequate insulation and won’t allow outside air to leak into the cellar. A glass door should be sealed around the entire frame and be at least 1 3/4″ thick.

Install a Cooling System

You’ll also need a cooling system. Keep in mind that your wine cellar cooling unit will be responsible for the task of maintaining the ideal temperature for your wine, regardless of the weather outside. Therefore it’s crucial to choose a system that’s right your specific space.

A Homeowner’s Guide to How to Build a Wine Cellar In Your Basement

When you’re ready to start collecting wine, you’ll need a great place to store it. Fortunately, these tips will help you build a wine cellar that you’ll love in the convenience of your own home.

Keep scrolling to discover more great home improvement and lifestyle advice on our blog.

Are you trying to sell houses but getting nowhere? Now that everyone is online, it’s harder to reach them if you’re not personally connected.

Growing your business and selling houses with social media doesn’t have to be a big mystery, though. You can use the power of social platforms to reach new clients and potential new homeowners. Use these tips to get started.

1. Curate a Group

If you want to sell your house fast, curate a group on Facebook. Post the most beautiful new homes every day that you know people will want to see.

Some people really love to look at houses, especially if they’re unique. Even if they aren’t looking to buy, they’ll still follow and share your amazing photos.

When you have an especially beautiful home you’re selling, throw it in the mix. They’ll see a property like others you’ve posted, but this one might be one they could actually buy (more local, better price, etc.).

Because of the outreach and legwork you’ve done to build up your group, other followers will see it, too.

2. Selling Houses on Snapchat

Update your story every day to build followers. Post interesting aspects of the house you live in or a house you want to show off.

Don’t be boring! If you share monotony every day, your followers will skip through and stop paying attention to you. Post anything that demonstrates unique features and interesting homes to build a reputation as a realtor with taste and an eye for detail.

3. Video Tours

Use video to your advantage. Drones and other equipment are more readily available and higher quality than ever. It’s not hard to produce a video that shows off a home. If you don’t have the skills, hire it out like you would for a home’s photos.

Your posts get more attention if you have a virtual tour. More Instagrammers share it, and it’s a better way to tour a home during a global pandemic. Buyers feel more comfortable if they’ve seen a video, not just photos.

4. Harness the Power of Influence

Instagram influencers are accounts with many followers. These personalities often make a living at it, with corporate sponsorships. If you partner with an influencer, your posts will get more views.

While you may not have a lot of money to pay an influencer, you can probably think of local celebrities who you could contact. Talk with them about a partnership. If one of them shares your property, you’ll have a lot of extra exposure.

5. Create Meaningful Content

Use your blog and Pinterest to create meaningful content. If your followers see posts about how to clean their den or throw a bbq, they’ll check back more often.

Giving your followers something of value keeps them interested. Hitting the “unfollow” button is too easy to risk.

Share decor ideas and other home tips and tricks on Pinterest. Curate boards that will be helpful to people looking to buy, move, or redecorate.

Selling and Promoting Online

It takes a lot of work to sell a house. Using social media can be a job all by itself. Yet if you start selling houses with social media, you’ll find you can reach more people.

Use the tips above to help build a following and harness the power of social platforms to grow your business.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our website for more information!

To set the tone of a room, Malibu interior designers rely on lighting. Whether it is a flood of natural light through the window, an elegant pair of lamps on matching end tables, or a string of fairy lights along the crown molding, lighting is an essential part of your living room design. Keep in mind that lamps are typically less expensive than furniture, making them an easy and affordable way to update your space without a complete remodel.  To make the most of your living space, try these five lighting ideas that are at the top of designers’ must-haves for their California clients.

Lots of Layers

In the past, matching light fixtures were all the rage. Today’s style is more about creating textures by layering light. A combination of task lighting, perhaps for reading near a table, blended with ambient lighting, such as recessed lighting overhead, creates a mood and enhances the other design elements. Use the color of light as another way to add a layer; for example, soft, yellow lighting mixes well with natural light for a relaxed atmosphere.

Superior Sconces

Another idea that you may see from almost any interior designer Santa Monica is the return of the sconce. These wall-mounted light fixtures are having a moment, especially since they run the gamut from traditional shaded lights to abstract pieces of art. Sconces used to work in pairs, but now, designers may feature just one as a focal point or conversation piece in the living room.

Modern Mounts

Homeowners dearly love their ceiling fans, but if it were up to interior designers everywhere, they would have to go in favor of a chandelier. Pendants and smaller ceiling-mounted chandeliers have been a big part of trends in kitchen remodel Los Angeles, and that focus on lighting from up above has made its way to the living room. Look for geometric motifs, multi-armed lighting, and even mixed materials.

Larger Than Life

Balancing elements in a living room has focused on furniture, rugs, and artworks, but again, it’s time for lighting to take the spotlight. Oversized ceiling pendants or enormous architectural floor lamps are showing up in design magazines and showrooms. To make the style work for your living room, be sure that the scale of your lamp is appropriate for the size of your space.

Tactile Textures

How about a word or two on lampshades, that often-overlooked aspect of lighting? Designers have found a way to breathe life into dull shades by recommending new colors or textures to their clients. The new rule is that there are no rules, so if you want to add a bright color, chunky woven texture, or pattern that reflects onto the walls, go for it. Do not forget that shades should be sized according to the base; otherwise, that bold, daring shade may look awkward or out of place.

These five lighting ideas may get you thinking outside the box for your living room, but they are just a starting point. For more ideas, talk to a knowledgeable interior designer who can listen to your desires and make suggestions that fit with your lifestyle.

When people are pulling up to your home, what’s the first thing they notice? You might think it’s your home’s exterior, but your lawn is actually what carries the most potential for a powerful first impression.

So, what makes a great lawn? Having an impressive lawn is about so much more than planting things outright. In order to keep your lawn looking beautiful, you’ll have to stay on top of lawn maintenance. This isn’t a simple or passive task: in fact, it requires special knowledge and skill to do it successfully.

Luckily, the basics aren’t difficult to learn. By following the right guidelines, you can build and maintain a lush lawn that will be the envy of all of your neighbors. Keep reading to learn all about lawn maintenance.

Planting Grass

The first step in lawn maintenance is getting your lawn started! Even if you’re working with a lot of bare dirt, there is still potential to grow a lush, green lawn.

Here are a few tips for planting your grass:

1. Choose the best grass type for your region. Different types of grass thrive in different climate conditions, so it’s best to know what is most suited for the climate in which you live.
2. Plant your seeds at the ideal time for your grass type. Many kinds of grass do best when planted in the early fall, but you should check what time of year is best for your particular type of grass.
3. Prepare your soil beforehand. Pull out any weeds, roots, or other stray plants that could inhibit the growth of your grass.
4. Loosen your soil before planting. Using a hoe or a rake, loosen the top layer of your soil before laying down your grass seed. If needed, purchase healthy lawn soil and layer it on top of your existing dirt.
5. Spread your seeds evenly. You can purchase a spreader at your local hardware store to ensure you spread an even layer of seed.

Most grasses take about 7 days to start growing. If you notice any bald or sparse areas, you can re-loosen the soil and lay down more seed as needed.

Watering Your Lawn

In the beginning, your grass will need plenty of water to create food and grow. After your initial seeding, be sure to water enough to penetrate 6″ of soil twice a day.

Once your lawn has become established, you won’t need to worry as much about lawn maintenance and watering. However, if you’re living in a particularly dry area, you might need to water your lawn frequently to keep it from drying out.

Lawn Maintenance Basics

After you’ve successfully grown your grass, how do you keep up with lawn maintenance? To answer this question, let’s focus on a few key areas of lawn maintenance.

Aerating Your Lawn

Aeration is the process of creating small holes in your lawn area at fixed depths and intervals. By doing this, you make the soil more permeable for water, fertilizer, and other nutrients.

You can purchase aeration tools at any hardware store. You can also get machines or shoes that will help you achieve evenly-spaced holes.

For most lawns, doing this every few years should be sufficient. For higher-traffic lawns, though, you might want to do it once or twice a year.

Feeding Your Lawn

Another key area of lawn maintenance is feeding your lawn. Generally, this is done twice a year. Again, depending on the type of grass you’re growing, it may be more or less.

For most grass types, you should feed them with a nitrogen-based lawn feed in the beginning of spring. Then, once the cooler temperatures of fall arrive, feed your lawn with a phosphate-based lawn feed.

Mowing Your Lawn

Most people tend to mow about once a week, but the best way to determine how often to mow is by looking at the type of turf you’re working with. If you know your species of grass, then you can better determine its growth rate and use this information to plan out your mowings. However, even if you don’t know what type of grass is on your lawn, you can still observe the growth habits of the grass.

As a general rule, you should mow often enough to remove about 1/3 of the grass’s height. If you remove too much at a time, you could remove the healthy part of the grass that produces “food” for the lawn via photosynthesis. As a result, your lawn will thin out and look a lot less vibrant.

If you want to take the guesswork out of mowing, look for these services to professionally mow your lawn and keep it looking healthy.

Over-Seeding Your Lawn

If your lawn starts to thin out or look less vibrant, there are ways to get it healthy again. Cover the affected areas with a mixture of seeds and fertilizer. This should fill in any bare spots and rejuvenate your lawn to perfect health.

Weeding Your Lawn

The most labor-intensive task of lawn maintenance is weeding, but it’s very important for the health of your grass. Weeds can easily take over a lawn and suck up vital nutrients, leaving your lawn malnourished.

To keep weeds under control, you can pull them up by the root. If there are a lot of weeds, you can use a grass-friendly herbicide to help you get rid of them.

Landscaping for Beginners

If your lawn is bare, or if you’d simply like some more foliage to look at, there are endless landscaping options that will have your lawn looking beautiful. Look for shrubs and flowering bushes that are suited to your area’s climate and sun level. Again, the key to success here is buying the right plant varieties that will thrive under the conditions in your yard.

Growing a Beautiful Lawn

Your lawn is what drives the positive impressions of your home, so be sure you treat it that way! Now that you know the best tips for lawn maintenance, you’ll be able to grow a beautiful lawn that you can be proud of.

For more home topics, check out our other blog entries.