Lifestyle

Exterior landscaping is not only a way to add more beauty to your home̦—did you know it can also increase the value of your home?

Updating your home with curb appeal and landscaping, on average, adds 3-5% to its value. From planting trees to building a deck or patio, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your home’s exterior.

Looking for some landscaping ideas? If so, keep reading for a few tips on how to make your home’s exterior into something incredible.

Create a Beautiful Stone Path

To make your entryway a beautiful, appealing entrance, add a stone pathway. These will look good leading from the driveway to the front door or winding around the backyard.

Look for large paving stones, and add some stones of varying sizes to add texture and variety. For a cheery landscaping design, line your walkway with flowers or shrubbery.

However, if your stone path will need to go up an incline, add rocks to stop erosion and keep the land looking its best.

Add Outdoor Living and Dining Areas

When it comes to amazing backyard landscaping ideas, think about converting some of your lawn into outdoor living space.

If you live in a mild climate, make the most of your weather by enjoying outdoor dining. You can add a patio with dining furniture, a sunken fire pit, or even an outdoor kitchen or pizza oven.

Outdoor living areas are perfect for entertaining and are sure to impress the neighbors!

Build Raised Garden Beds

Another top landscape idea is to add raised garden beds, either for flowers or veggies. They are an easy DIY project and the raised beds should keep your plants safe from wildlife or pets.

Planting your own carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, or your veggie of choice is a fun project to get kids involved with too. Or, use your beds to plant colorful wildflowers, brightening up the yard.

A few garden beds will reduce the area of lawn you need to mow as well, which is helpful in bag yards.

Think About Color

A gorgeous way to approach landscaping is with color. There are plenty of easy ways to add color to your yard.

Planting ornamental flowering trees, bright flowers like tulips or roses, or even by adding a garden shed to your backyard can get your landscape a pop of color.

Browsing your local nursery or garden way is a good way to get inspiration, and you can also learn more from the staff about which plants and flowers are best for your area.

Use These Exterior Landscaping Ideas to Create the Perfect Yard

Exterior landscaping is a beautiful way to add more value to your home, plus it enhances the look and enjoyment of your property. Use the tips above to get started and come up with some creative and gorgeous ways to improve the look of your home.

Get started today and start enjoying your amazing, manicured yard!

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Did you know that the U.S. Census Bureau estimated in August 2020 that around 1.4 million housing starts would take place this year? Popular reasons for having a new house built range from a need for customization and value to an interest in new architectures and the building process.

However, building a house will take a lot of planning and waiting. Not only do you have to think about the type of house you want, but you need to consider the location, building method, and risks that can delay the process.

Are you wondering, “How long does it take to build a house exactly?” Read on to learn what you can expect.

So, How Long Does It Take to Build a House Generally?

As a general rule, you can expect it to take around nine months to a year for building a house.

However, this can be a shorter six months if you’re having a mass-produced home built. You may need longer if you want a home with a special style like eco-architecture.

Further, homes in the South and West usually take a shorter time to build than in the Northeast and Midwest.

Considering the Steps to Build a House

To get a better look at why it can take so long to build a house, consider all the steps involved.

Before any work can take place, you have to go through the process of finding land and getting a permit, which can take a month on its own. That doesn’t even count the months you may spend searching for your dream home plan.

Once you have permission for building a house, you’ll need to find contractors or a building company unless you go it alone. This can take a month or two. Then, the contractors can spend up to a month simply preparing the land for building.

Once building begins, processes like building the home’s foundation, installing framing, putting in mechanical systems, and insulating the house can take a few weeks each. After all interior and exterior work gets done, you can expect another few weeks for inspections and closing.

Knowing What Can Slow the Process Down

While you can expect most homes to get completed within a year, delays can unfortunately occur that extend the time to build a house. For example, you may have issues finding contractors, dealing with bad weather, or requiring an especially complex design.

Even before you start, there may be a backlog of people seeking permits, or the inspector may find your land not suitable for the type of house you want to build. Also, consider quality issues that can require things to get rebuilt or repaired during the process.

Prepare for a Quicker Home Building Process

To get your home completed in the fastest time possible, it pays to start planning long before you want the building to start.

This means researching the land, understanding building rules in the community, and deciding on exactly which home design you want. It also means considering your budget and weighing the pros and cons of building options.

Now you know the answer to the question, “How long does it take to build a house?” So, check out our other posts for some ideas for home designs!

 

Decorating a child’s room is an important step in interior design. Whether you’ve just moved into a home or you’re planning a new build, every child deserves a room that has these 10 essential items. Work with a Malibu interior designer to find out how to incorporate all of these items into a convenient, comfortable design.

1. Quality Bed

A good night’s rest starts with a comfortable bed. Just like you, your child can toss and turn on an uncomfortable mattress. Look for a memory foam mattress or other comfortable option for your child. Don’t forget to look for sheets and a comforter that match the interior design and provide a warm, comfortable bed for your child.

2. Personalized Clock

Clocks are great for setting routines. Whether your child is an infant or a teenager, a clock in the room starts the process of your child sticking to a schedule. It’s a great way to teach young children about counting and time.

3. Nightlight

Your little one may be afraid of the dark, and older children enjoy a soft, natural light for reading. Avoid harsh lighting from screens and other blue light, but choose a natural nightlight that adds a comfortable ambiance to your child’s room.

4. Cherished Books

Foster a love of reading with a dedicated bookshelf for your child. Be sure the shelf is safely secured to the wall for young ones. Children can help pick out their own books to create a personalized library.

5. Storage Space

A child’s room shouldn’t be a cluttered space. Teach organization and create a stress-free space with a kids room design for girls or boys that naturally incorporates plenty of storage for clothing, toys, books and school work.

6. Room for a Sleepover

Sleepovers are a timeless tradition for children. Create a room that has a spare bed, day bed or plenty of sleeping room on the floor. A large enough bedroom keeps your living room free from sleeping bags.

7. Handmade Creations

Children, especially younger ones, love to show off their creations. Make a dedicated space for displaying artwork, sculptures or school trophies to help your child take pride in their accomplishments. Make it an area your child can update or update it yourself every week, month or year.

8. Favorite Toys and Images

When decorating the walls, keep in mind your child’s hobbies, interests and desires. Find posters or create murals that feature their favorite animal, color or toy. A few personalized touches can help your child feel safe in their room.

9. Study Area

Whether studying means scribbling with crayons or studying for the SAT, incorporate a desk and workspace for your child. This area needs to have few distractions, plenty of lighting and a comfortable chair. The contents of the desk may change through the years, but all children should have an area to sit and do school work.

10. Timeless Designs

A two-year-old may love a unicorn mural, but will an 18-year-old? Work with an interior designer Manhattan Beach team to strike a balance between personal style and designs that grow with your child. Enjoy a stunning design that artfully incorporates all the practical spaces needed without affecting the overall aesthetic.

 

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.

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