Lifestyle

Regardless of how busy the housing market gets, selling a home can be a long process. One thing that helps a lot: improving curb appeal.

As a general rule, homes with great curb appeal fetch higher prices. The secret lies in providing a good first impression. Studies show that people gain impressions of objects after a few seconds, and these initial ideas are hard to shake off.

Not sure how to improve the curb appeal of your home? Here are 4 effective tips that should help you out!

1. Clean the Exterior

Before doing anything else, you should wash your home exterior. A thorough washing – a couple of weekends’ worth – can remove years of dirt and dust. All you need is one pressure washer, a long-handled brush, and a bucket of soapy water.

If this doesn’t make your walls shine, you may want to repaint them. This isn’t a low-budget option, but it can be worth its weight in gold. If you can’t afford a complete paint job, consider focusing on the trim.

2. Manicure the Lawn

Proper landscaping is another thing that can make a big difference in curb appeal. That said, you don’t want to go overboard. A simple yard facelift will only set you back a few hundred dollars while increasing the home’s value by 5-10%.

Focus on trimming the trees, pruning the shrubs, and making sure the grass is neat. If you notice any dead patches, replace them with sod from a local department store. Pulling up weeds, removing foliage, and putting down more mulch also helps a lot.

3. Inspect Your Roof

Does your roof have curled, faded, or missing shingles? If so, that can have a significant impact on your home’s value. You may not think about your roof too often, but this is one of the first things potential buyers will notice.

This is why repairing your roof is one of the best ways to increase curb appeal. You may also be able to get away with just a thorough cleaning, which could set you back about $1,000. For more information, contact a professional roofing contractor.

4. Add More Style

Curb appeal isn’t only about repairing what you have. Knowing how to add curb appeal can go a long way toward expressing your home’s personality. Keep in mind that buyers are more likely to go for a home they can picture themselves in.

For example, most front doors are boring to look at. Why not add a burst of color by painting it red or even replace it with a rustic wood door? You can also install a gray picket fence, add a new mailbox, or lay down an interesting welcome mat.

More on Improving Curb Appeal

These days, most home buyers start their journey online. Many of your prospective buyers will decide whether to drive by your home based on what they’re able to see from the street. The above tips can help you impress them.

Want to know more about improving curb appeal? Interested in making the most out of your driveway or concrete patio? Check out our Lifestyle section!

Many homeowners often use their living room as a relaxation spot whether they want to spend time alone or with their loved ones. Given this, it should allow your unique style shine through effortlessly and remain functional.

It’s ideal to focus on the living room first whenever you’re enhancing your home instead of working on all the rooms at the once. Without much ado, here are some little steps you can take today to transform your living room.

1. Introduce artwork

The artwork is one of the elements that can give an instant lift to any space. This step doesn’t require much effort or money. A large one can come in handy if your living room feels empty.

The good thing is that you can roll up your sleeve and create something stunning. Apart from that, adorn your living room with your children’s artwork.

2. Get quality furniture pieces

The furniture in each room in your home should be comfortable and durable. Bear this in mind as you shop for designer cushions and sofas. Introducing colorful throw pillows in your living room will help to achieve a more vibrant look.

At times, your living room may only need a slight alteration to the seating areas. If you can’t afford new pieces, consider rearranging and cleaning the existing ones.

3. Create a new focal point

In case your fireplace or accent wall has been serving as your focal point for a while, it’s time to switch things up. Other ways to create a focal point is to design a gallery wall and hang a large painting.

4. Use bold colors

Colors can make or break your living room design. Your best bet is to rely on bold colors that will make your home welcoming with a neat appearance. Colors like beige and cream can be used for your walls.

5. Your layout matters

It’s common for some homeowners to have attractive décor pieces and furniture but lack a proper layout. This will make their living room look unappealing. Try to get the furniture pieces that are the right size for your space.

Stick to a layout that will help you achieve a cohesive look and give enough room to move around freely.

6. Lighting fixtures

The lighting system of your living can affect mood, create the illusion of a bigger space, and accentuate other features. The latest LED models can be controlled remotely. This will go a long way to boost the security of your home regardless of your location.

Lighting fixtures come in different sizes. It’s imperative to get your lighting right and opt for the size that’s perfect for your space.

7. Keep it simple

Your living room can reveal a lot about you. Simplicity will help you achieve a balanced and classy look in your living room during each season. Remember to consider this when choosing your furniture and accent pieces. Another thing is to keep the items you rarely use out of sight.

About Author: Rabin is a popular home DIY topic. He is well known to inspire other homeowners.

A warning light on your vehicle is designed to inform you of an emergency repair or maintenance issue, but it can be difficult to know what to do when you see one. Learn the signs of an emergency what to do when you see a warning light on your dashboard. Find the exact error code related to your dash light, what wiper blade size you need and other information to maintain your vehicle.

What Flashing Lights on Dashboard Means

Most dashboard warning lights are either yellow, orange or red. Lights are often color-coded to indicate the level of urgency. A red light is usually a more serious issue than a yellow or orange one. If you see a red light on your dash, you should pull off the road as soon as it is safe and inspect the issue.

Flashing lights on dashboard, just like red lights, are used when there is a serious issue. A flashing light should be dealt with immediately to prevent further damage to your vehicle. Examples of a flashing light are dangerously low oil pressure, high coolant levels or transmission issues.

Pay attention to other warning signs on your vehicle. While lights are helpful, there are typically other signs when your vehicle is experiencing a significant issue. Here are some common sights, sounds, smells and other sensory signals that you need to pull over when it is safe to do so:

• Black smoke from under your hood
• Grinding, scraping sounds
• Stuttering or stalling engine
• Sudden increase in RPMs
• Difficulties steering, stopping or accelerating
• Burning odor

These may not always be present, but these signs typically show that your vehicle needs to be serviced. Pull over and inspect your engine, coolant level, brake pads and other components for signs of damage. If you don’t experience any of these symptoms but still see a vehicle warning light, it may be a sign of a loose wire. You should still proceed with caution, otherwise a minor repair issue could cause additional damage to your vehicle and require more costly repair parts.

How To Find Out What Windshield Wiper Blades Best Fit Your Car or Truck

Windshield wipers are a common item that needs to be replaced on your vehicle. If you haven’t inspected or replaced your wipers recently, it may be time to inspect them. Look carefully for damage, a loose fit or other signs that you may need new blades.

Windshield wiper blades are sorted based on size and type. You can use conventional, hybrid or beam-style blades for your car or truck, but you shouldn’t adjust the size. The ideal size should be located in your service manual. You can also ask your local auto parts store representative or use an online database to search for relevant blades that match your make, model and year of vehicle.

For more information on the proper size for windshield wiper blades, stop by your local auto parts store or shop online. Your local auto parts specialist can help you find the exact size you need to see clearly on your next drive.

Packing for a move is stressful. We’re not going to pretend that it’s not.

You’ll need to ensure the new home is ready and has no issues. You’ll need to know how you’ll be transporting your items safely, and you’ll need to disconnect utility services and transfer them to the new home. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by a move.

We’re here to show you how to pack for a move in the most stress-free way possible. If you have a plan on how you want to tackle it, then you can do so with ease.

Below is our guide on the best way to pack for moving from one home to another. Continue reading below to get the scoop!

Start the Process ASAP

Our first tip is to start the packing process as soon as you can. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to correct errors and figure things out. If you try to do everything at the last minute, then it’s certain you’ll put a lot of stress on yourself.

Pick a day when you have time and begin to plan out how you’ll move from one home to the other. Will you hire a man with a van to transfer your items for you, or will you enlist in help from friends and family?

Have a date for the move and the help you’ll need planned out and marked on the schedule.

Create Your 3 Piles

When you’re packing up your old home, you’re given the perfect opportunity to declutter and rid your home of all that useless junk you never use. To do so, you’ll want to create 3 piles.

As you go through each room, create 1 pile of items you’re keeping, 1 pile of items you’re donating, and another pile of items you’re throwing away. This will ensure you’re not taking any items you don’t want or need with you into your new home.

You can also consider selling some of your old items if they’re in good shape and you simply no longer have use for them. Some extra cash during a move always comes in handy.

Pack Room by Room

To make things as simple as possible, pack up your home room by room. Don’t start one room until you’ve finished packing the first one. This will help you stay organized and sane.

You should start with the rooms that you use the least. For example, begin by packing up your guest bedroom, attic, the basement, or the office. You don’t want to start with the bathrooms or kitchens, because you’ll still need to use these rooms during the moving process.

Have 1 Essential Box Per Person

There will be a few items that can’t be packed until the last minute. These items typically include toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoos and conditioners, toilet paper, and other toiletries.

Because of this, each family member should have their own box for essentials. Their essential box stays with them at all times so their items are always available to them. There’s no sense in packing these items up and then having to dig through the boxes to find them and use them throughout the move.

Make an Inventory Checklist as You Go

While you pack, don’t forget to make an inventory list. An inventory list is essential for ensuring nothing is lost, stolen, or forgotten. It’s even more crucial when you’re using the help of a moving company.

It’s the best way to keep track of everything. Create the list as you pack and then check off items on the list as you unpack.

Label Everything and Keep Rooms Together

Don’t place items in a box and seal them up without labeling them first. You’ll want to label EVERYTHING. It may seem like a tedious task, but it’ll save you lots of time and stress when it comes time to unpack in the new home.

You’ll also want to load boxes from the same room together on the moving truck. All kitchen boxes should be piled together and so on. Also, keep in mind that you’ll want to place toiletries in plastic bags.

If you’re packing any type of item that has the possibility of spilling, you’ll be thankful you placed it in a baggie.

Know What Items Can’t Go on a Moving Truck

Not all items can go on a moving truck. It could be a disaster if your moving company needs to remove different items from each of your boxes because they’re unable to transport them.

If you’ll be using a moving company, then take the time to give them a call before you start packing and ask them what items they won’t move for you. These items can then go in a box labeled with the room they came out of and a note that they can’t go on the truck.

Don’t Unpack Drawers or Containers

You want to make the process as simple as you can. There’s no need to unpack drawers or containers just to place the items in a box. If you can keep your knick-knacks or clothing items inside their drawers, then do so.

The same is true for any type of container you have in your home. Pack the containers with all of the items inside them.

Know How to Pack for a Move and Remain Stress-Free

If you know how to pack for a move, then you can remain stress-free and focus on other more important things regarding the moving process. Use this guide above to help you navigate your move!

For other topics on home and lifestyle, check out our website regularly.

New modern home features a backyard with covered patio accented with stone fireplace, vaulted ceiling with skylights and furnished with gray wicker sofa placed on concrete floor. Northwest, USA

Curb appeal is a vital part of any home. Even if you don’t intend to ever sell your home, it makes everything feel far more luxurious and beautiful.

One way to bump up your home’s outward appearance is by installing a stamped concrete patio. Many homeowners are turning towards this material to bring an extra sense of style to their home design.

If you’re curious about what stamped concrete can do for your home, keep reading! We’ll tell you how to get the most out of this unsung patio hero.

The Biggest Benefit of Stamped Concrete

Have you ever wanted a beautiful wooden patio but hated the idea of all that upkeep? Who wants to work on keeping the wood pristine with sealants and stain when you’d rather enjoy your time out in the sun?

With stamped concrete, you can create any kind of texture or pattern that has all of the strong properties of the concrete. It requires next to no upkeep and lasts for a long time. Plus, it’s often a much cheaper choice than other materials.

It’s possible to make your patio look like wood, marble, natural rock, funky patterns, and more.

By studying the stamped concrete process, it’s possible to make this into the ultimate DIY project. No matter what kind of pattern you wish to create, stamped concrete designs are the perfect way to make them happen.

Match Texture With Similar Texture

When you’re uncertain about how to add a stamped concrete patio into your home’s design, take a look at the textures.

If your home already has a striking texture somewhere else in its design, use your patio space to reinforce that feature. Matching textures bring a sense of symmetry to the entire home that helps it feel cohesive and beautiful.

If there’s no real texture anywhere in your home, the patio is a great way to introduce some! The outdoors is a place to have some fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment with what works for you.

Add Some Fun With Accent Colors

Most of us think of concrete as being a typical neutral gray color that often clashes with a cozy home. These days, however, it’s possible to add all kinds of color to the concrete so that it works well with any design.

When coming up with your stamped concrete patterns, don’t forget to throw in some color. For example, using an accent color on your patio brings out the beauty of your home and adds new energy to the entire design.

Enhance Your Outdoor Area With a Stamped Concrete Patio

Whenever it comes time to spruce up your outdoor space, why not try amping up the design with a stamped concrete patio? The ability to mask this special concrete into nearly any color or texture makes it the perfect choice for all homes.

Feel free to brainstorm any kind of stamped concrete patterns and see what you can create. There are so many possibilities, you’ll make your dream patio a reality in no time at all!

Explore the rest of our blog for all the latest news and trends in home design!

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.

Between inviting family over for the holidays, or friends for dinner parties and get-togethers, most people entertain guests at least several times a year. It’s always a fun time hosting as long as you have enough room to accommodate everyone. Failing to have the right space, however, can lead to everyone feeling cramped, and you feeling a bit stressed out trying to make things work.

If you’re ready to start feeling more comfortable when you invite guests over, it’s in your best interest to start making your home more entertainment-friendly. Here are some of the best places to start.

Plenty Of Seating

When you attend a get-together, one of the first things that you do is sit down. Whether you’re planning on feeding your guests or not, it’s important to have enough room for everyone to be able to have a seat. It can be awkward if only one or two guests are left standing.

The seating should be well spread out and provide balance. For example, rather than placing rows of chairs in a room, think about putting a couch next to a few chairs, as well as a bean bag chair, or bench. Guests should have plenty of options for places to sit so that they can mingle and chat.

A Place To Keep Their Things

Guests usually come bearing belongings, especially if they’re going to be staying at your house for a while. It’s important that you have the space to be able to accommodate all of their things. You should have a few empty drawers to offer them and a shelf or two.

If they’re only coming for the evening or afternoon, you should have hangers to keep their coats and purses. There’s nothing worse than attending a party where the only option is to throw your coat and purse in a pile mixed with everyone else’s things. Usually, someone ends up accidentally taking other people’s things home, particularly if there is alcohol involved.

Have an Extra Bed

If you don’t have an extra guest bedroom where friends and family can sleep, then you should consider investing in a pull-out couch so that you can offer them somewhere to sleep. If space is an issue, then as a last resort, you should consider an inflatable mattress that can be easily stored in a closet or under a bed.

The idea is to have a way for them to be able to stay with you if they’re visiting from out of town. However, as an extra courtesy to guests, you should always be willing to offer your bed to them to sleep on the pull-out couch or inflatable mattress yourself.

Looking to furnish your home with new furniture? It’s probably going to cost you a pretty penny in most cases.

A sofa alone will cost, on average, about $1,000. And that’s just one of the many, many pieces of furniture that you’ll need to buy to revamp the look of your home’s interior.

You’ll also need to get your hands on tables, chairs, dressers, and so much more for all the various rooms throughout your home. It can get to be very costly very quickly.

Fortunately, there are some useful furniture buying tips that you can put to good use when picking up new furniture to save yourself some money. You can purchase high-quality furniture for your living room, dining room, or bedroom without breaking the bank.

Take a look at some of the best furniture buying tips below.

Start Things Off by Establishing a Furniture Buying Budget

About how much are you prepared to spend on new furniture for your home at this time? That’s a question you’re going to want to ask yourself before you begin shopping around for it.

Crunch the numbers and see how much money you can afford to set aside for furniture shopping. This will help you narrow down your search once you start looking around at different sofas, tables, chairs, etc.

If you shop for furniture without a budget in mind, it’s going to be very easy for you to spend way more than you should on everything you’ll need to furnish your home. A budget will serve as a guide for you and allow you to reel yourself in when you fall in love with furniture that’s out of your price range.

Look for Stores That Have a Reputation for Selling Affordable Furniture

When you’re trying to work your way through the process of choosing luxury furniture for your home, there are going to be plenty of places for you to shop. From brick-and-mortar furniture stores to online furniture shops, you’ll have no shortage of options.

If you want to make sure you don’t overspend on furniture, look around for stores that have established a reputation for offering high-quality furniture at great prices. Ask family members and friends for recommendations and read reviews for furniture stores to see what their prices are like.

Shop for Furniture at the Right Times of the Year

Did you know that there are certain times of the year when you should shop for furniture if you want to get the best bargains? Generally speaking, January and July are going to be your two best bets.

This is because most furniture stores will update their inventory in February and August with new furniture. As a result, they need to clear out the furniture they already have to make room for the new stuff, and they often try to do it by slashing prices on their old furniture.

If you can afford to wait a little while to buy new furniture, you may want to think about waiting until January or July to do it.

Try to Negotiate the Prices for Furniture With Salespeople

Not everyone realizes this, but you don’t have to agree to pay whatever is listed on a price tag for a piece of furniture. The salespeople who work in furniture stores are often willing to negotiate a little bit on price if it means making a sale.

Use this to your advantage when you’re in the market for new furniture for your home. If you think the price tag on something should be lower for one reason or another, tell a salesperson what you would be willing to pay for it and see what they say.

They might respond by saying, “No.” But they might also respond by bringing the price down for you or, at the very least, meeting you somewhere in the middle on price.

Negotiating could help you get great furniture for a fraction of what it’s supposed to cost. You’ll walk away from a furniture store feeling like a real winner following a successful negotiation.

Steer Clear of Sacrificing Quality for Lower Costs When Buying Furniture

In an effort to save a few dollars when you’re looking for new furniture for your home, you might be tempted to sacrifice quality for lower costs. It can be hard to convince yourself that it’s a better idea to pay, say, $1,000 for a sofa than $300 for one.

But here’s the thing: That $300 sofa that you’re thinking about buying? It might only last you a year or two before it starts falling apart and forces you to buy a new one.

The $1,000 sofa, on the other hand, might last you ten years before you even need to think about replacing it. So by going with a sofa that’s slightly more expensive, you can save yourself a ton of money over the long term when you aren’t replacing your sofa all the time.

You should think in those terms when you’re considering why you should pay a little extra for furniture when you’re shopping for it. Of all the furniture buying tips listed here, this one might be the most useful. It’ll help you avoid furnishing your home with cheap furniture that won’t stand the test of time.

Use These Furniture Buying Tips to Furnish Your Home Today

Buying new furniture for your home can be an overwhelming process. It can also leave you with a big pile of debt if you don’t go about doing it in the right way.

The furniture buying tips found here should help you buy high-quality furniture for a great price. You won’t have to worry about blowing your budget on one or two items when you use these tips to your benefit.

Would you like to learn more about picking out the right furniture for your home? Check out the other articles on our blog to discover how much fun it can be to shop around for new furniture.

Do you have trouble falling and staying asleep? You’re not alone. In fact, 68 percent of people say they struggle with sleep at least once a week.

The environment in your bedroom can make or break your quest to catch those nightly ZZZs. Luckily, there are some awesome bedroom gadgets on the market today that can help to turn your bedroom into a sleep oasis. Take a look at a few of our favorites.

Sound Headbands

Sound makes a huge difference in our ability to sleep. Unfortunately, if you sleep with a partner, you may not both appreciate the same background noise at bedtime. Sound headbands solve this problem!

These are flat headphones that sit inside a soft headband and connect to your smartphone through a Bluetooth connection. This way you can listen to music, podcasts, or white noise while you drift off to sleep.

Relief for Stomach Sleep

People who sleep on their stomachs often toss and turn all night, trying to stay comfortable. A pillow for stomach sleeper may be the perfect answer! The thin memory foam material helps to provide spinal support and it has a cooling gel that will keep you from getting sweaty while you sleep.

Smart Lights

Have you ever been jolted awake by your alarm clock? Of course you have! And this can set your whole day off to a bad start.

Enter the smart light. These bedroom gadgets simulate the rising of the sun to wake you up naturally, instead of with a loud sound.

This can help you feel less groggy when you wake up and may keep you from waking up throughout the night dreading the morning alarm.

Sleep Trackers

From armbands like the FitBit to sleeping mats that go under your mattress, there are many options on the market for tracking your sleep habits. These will show you how long it takes you to fall asleep, how many times you wake up throughout the night, and the quality of your sleep.

Some also monitor your heart rate and will even tell you if you snore! You can use this information to make changes that will help you sleep better. Bonus points for choosing one that has bedtime reminders and alarms that wake you up gently at the perfect time based on your sleep cycle.

Dual-Zone Duvet

If you and your partner prefer different sleep temperatures, there’s no need to shiver or sweat all night. There are now dual-zone duvets that will deliver either heated or cooled air on separate sides to keep you both comfortable all night long.

Try These Awesome Bedroom Gadgets Today!

Pick up a few of these cool bedroom gadgets and you’ll be well on your way to getting a great night’s sleep and waking up feeling rested!

Want even more smart tips for improving your life? Take some time to browse through a few more of our blog posts.