Lifestyle

More and more Americans are moving into smaller houses.

These houses are often cheaper, and some believe they can actually encourage a happier lifestyle. However, there is one big challenge that comes with small houses.

They don’t have a lot of space.

This isn’t always a problem, but it does mean you have to get creative with every square foot. And one of the biggest features that sucks up space is your staircase.

We’ve put together this quick guide about staircase ideas for small spaces to help you get inspired. So let’s get started!

1. Staircase with Storage Space

One of the best ways to fit a staircase into a tight space is to make it double as a storage solution. Turn each step into a drawer where you can put clothing, install shelves under the steps for books, or keep seasonal items tucked away into an under-the-stairs cupboard.

Turning your staircase into a storage space can also make it a beautiful feature for your home. Not only will it save space, but it can also be a creative design element.

2. Pull-Out Stairs

You only need your stairs when you need them.

This might be an obvious statement, but there’s no reason to let your stairs take up space when you don’t need them. Pull-out stairs can slide in and out of the wall, so you can put them away to free up some floor space.

3. Vertical Staircase

A vertical staircase is similar to a traditional staircase, but the slant is much steeper. Think of a ladder, but this “ladder” has the same stability as stairs. Because of this, you may need to add handrails to make climbing up and down safer.

If you really want to save space, you can choose to skip the staircase and use a loft ladder instead.

There are many different types of loft ladders you can find. So if you don’t like the traditional look of a loft ladder, you’ll be able to find something else that matches your design preferences.

4. Ribbon Staircase

Ribbon staircases are also more vertical than normal staircases, but they aren’t as steep as vertical stairs. They’ll help you save space, but you won’t feel like you’re climbing up a ladder.

These stairs also double as an artistic eye-catcher.

Instead of normal steps, ribbon staircases wind each step like a piece of ribbon candy. The back of each step is also left open. This allows light to get through, which can make a small space feel much more open.

5. Extra Thin Staircase

If you don’t want to make your staircase nay steeper than normal, you can also save space by making it thinner than normal.

But be careful.

These stairs should always have a safety rail to prevent you from falling. It’s also a good idea to keep at least one side of thin staircases against the wall.

6. Floating Staircase

Floating staircases don’t touch the ground (except for the bottom step). Instead, the staircase is fastened to the wall.

That leaves all the space underneath the steps open. You can fit entire pieces of furniture in this space, including tables, desks, TVs, couches, etc. Because of this, floating stairs are a good choice for small living rooms.

7. Hanging Staircase

Don’t have enough wall space for a floating staircase? You can install a hanging staircase instead.

These steps hang from the ceiling, meaning you can put them anywhere.

And they don’t look as out of place as you might think. Since the space between each step is open, it makes the room feel airy and open. Just make sure you have the proper handrails at each step. Otherwise, falling is an easy mistake.

8. Spiral Staircase

You might think a spiral staircase would take up more space than a traditional staircase. But actually, the opposite is true.

Spiral staircases take up much less floor space. You can fit a spiral staircase in a corner without having to climb up and down a steep slope.

These types of staircases can also serve as an interesting design element, spiral stairs are uncommon, and they can complement other unique features of your home.

9. Mix and Match

If you’re trying to find the right staircase for your small home, you aren’t limited to these options. You can mix and match your favorite elements from each choice.

For example, do you like the idea of an extra narrow staircase, but do you also want to turn your stairs into additional storage space?

Do both.

Narrow stairs might smaller than normal, but you can still turn each step into a drawer or bookshelf. And the same is true for many other stairs on this list.

Like the idea of both a floating and hanging staircase? Keep the stairs against the wall, but hang each step from the ceiling to make a creative design.

Picking the Best Staircase Ideas for Small Spaces

When it comes to picking the best staircase ideas for small spaces, you have to get creative. Let these ideas give you inspiration, but don’t let them limit you. There are several other staircase designs out there to choose from.

And don’t rush into a decision.

You can always use a loft ladder in your home until you find the best staircase design for your needs. If you hurry through the stair installation process, you might get stuck with stairs that really cramp up your space.

Want to learn some other helpful home design tips? Make sure you check out some of our other posts!

Nowadays, wall water fountains are not that hard to come across in relatively recent homes. They are appealing to many, but that’s not the only reason they are becoming more and more popular. In this read, we are going to take a look at some of the great benefits of indoor wall fountains.

Increases Home Value

The installation of wall water fountains calls for special skills and expertise. As such, if you have one in your home, the value of the property will automatically increase. Wall fountains not only make a house look more appealing, but it makes it look more expensive as do outdoor water features. If you are planning to sell your home in the near future, a water fountain would be an excellent addition.

Health Benefits

There are various health benefits that indoor wall fountains have to offer. These include alleviation of stress, relaxation, and also acting as an air purifier. These features help keep you happy and healthy. The indoor atmosphere is transformed into a place where you can rest easy without having to worry much. Such an atmosphere is what many people want in their homes, especially those leading busy lives.

Great Noise

Most homeowners like to have sound insulated homes, but the sound of a water wall fountain is one that you will really appreciate. You will love the sound these features produce, which really helps in getting into your zone, allowing you to forget about the stressful outside, keeping you in a relaxed mode.

An Appealing Humidifier

There are times during the air when indoor air become dry. Well, with a wall fountain, you do not have to worry about that as it helps keep the air moist. This is beneficial in that it prevents cases of sickness like dry skin and other health concerns. Also, an indoor wall fountain helps keep the indoor plants healthy.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

The water in the fountain will naturally create negative ions which draw dust and other harmful elements present in the air. This results in improved indoor air quality. You and your loved ones will always stay healthy by inhaling good air at all times.

When combined, all these benefits ideally add the comfort of the house. Most of the benefits in this list on the health side. If you like the idea of these benefits in your home, then you should not hesitate to have an indoor wall fountain installed in your house. However, ensure you use a professional to ascertain quality.

 

During their lifetime, the average American will move more than 11 times. This may be due to starting a new job, wanting to move into a larger house, or downsizing after the kids have moved out.

If you’ve been asking yourself “should I sell my house?”, you may be feeling a bit nervous. However, 2019 is a great time to put your home on the market.

Do you want to know why? Then keep reading to discover 3 reasons that make 2019 the perfect year to sell your house.

1. It’s a Seller’s Market

If you want to get the most money for your home, you’ll want to list it while it’s still a seller’s market. There are fewer homes available, so buyers will often pay more or go into a bidding war with other buyers in order to purchase the home they want.

You may think the higher prices would scare most buyers off. However, those who are moving for a new job or to upgrade their home to meet the needs of their growing family will still be in the market for a new house.

Of course, there is a catch. With more homes being listed, it’s expected that a buyer’s market will take over soon. So, if you’re planning on moving in the near future, it’s better to list your home sooner rather than later.

2. Millennials Are Entering the Market

Millennials are known for renting longer and putting off home-buying. However, the generation is finally entering the housing market. In fact, millennials accounted for 45% of all new mortgages at the end of 2018!

While there are older millennials who are looking to trade up into something bigger, it’s the demand for first-time homes that’s really on the rise. So, if your current home is under $300,000, now is the perfect time to list it.

3. A Recession May Be Approaching

Many experts have predicted that a recession will soon hit. When this happens, the country may be dealing with fewer wage increases and a higher unemployment rate.

This means that fewer people will be in the market for a new home, and the ones who are will be trying to snag a lower price. While there’s no way to predict exactly when the recession will hit, many believe it will be in the next couple of years.

If you’ve been thinking about moving, consider doing it now. Once the recession starts, you’ll find fewer potential buyers and may end up selling your home to one of those companies with the slogan “we buy houses”.

Should I Sell My House in 2019?

We hope this article has answered the question, “should I sell my house before the year is up?” With a buyer’s market and a recession looming in the near future and a large influx of millennial buyers currently in the market, now is the perfect time to sell your home. If you wait much longer, you may miss this opportunity and end up selling your home for less than you could fetch today.

Are you looking for ways to upgrade your home before you list it? Then check out the rest of our blog for the best renovation and interior design advice.

The windows in your home do so much more than let light in. They also provide ventilation and keep drafts out when it’s cold.

Over time, you may notice signs that you need to replace them.

When this happens, you have 2 options: you can either go with the original style, or you can switch things up and try something new.

Thinking of doing the latter? Then here are the different window styles you can consider for your home.

Double-Hung or Single-Hung

Double-hung windows are the most popular type you see in homes. It consists of 2 sashes, which are the panes of glass. They sit right on top of one another.

With a double-hung window, you can either slide the bottom pane up or the top pane down. A single-hung window will be similar, but you can only open the window by sliding the bottom pane up.

These 2 types of windows are great choices because not only are they affordable, but you also have a wide variety to pick from when it comes to manufacturers. Also, they’re easy to open and close, so you can get excellent ventilation in your home when you desire.

However, you’ll need to get regular maintenance performed on these windows since things like the sash cords and counterbalance springs can break. Also, if you live in an area that’s prone to crime, it may make it a bit easier for burglars to get into your home.

Casement

Casements are also very popular in homes. They look similar to double-hung and single-hung windows, but instead of having 2 sashes, they only have 1.

Another major difference is the hinges. The first examples are hinged horizontally and open by sliding up and down. Casement windows are hinged vertically and open by swinging outwards through a crank. Basically, it pivots on one side and opens how a door would.

If you live in an area that has colder weather, they’re better at keeping drafts out than double-hung and single-hung windows are. They’re also better at deterring intruders.

The only downside is if you live somewhere particularly windy, you risk your windows breaking off if they’re open. Their crank mechanisms are also not so tough, and they have a high chance of breaking.

Awning

Awning windows are similar to casements; they also open and close through the use of a mechanical crank.

Awning windows are hinged across the top and open by swinging out on the bottom when you turn the crank. These are popularly found in bathrooms for ventilation, but you can use them anywhere in the house you wish.

These are great to have if you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain. That way, you can get some fresh air in without getting anything wet. This type of window is also excellent if you want to deter intruders.

Because they operate similarly to casement windows, awning windows are also prone to breakage, regarding their crank mechanism.

Slider

As the name implies, slider windows open by sliding from one side to another. These usually comprise of 2 panes so you can completely close the window when they’re both on either side. Some slider windows will let you slide both panes, while others will only let you slide one.

If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, slider windows are optimal since they don’t swing inwards or outwards. They’re very cheap and are also very durable.

The only slight disadvantage they have is the tracks may gather dirt and dust over time. But this can be easily remedied with regular cleaning.

Fixed

This is the simplest type of window on our list. This is just a single pane of glass that’s affixed to a frame.

Since it’s solidly attached to the frame, this means it won’t open or close. All it’s good for is keeping the cold out (it’s permanently sealed) and letting light in.

For those of you looking for something cheap, this is definitely it. However, do be aware that if you live somewhere warmer, it can cause your house to heat up, sometimes to uncomfortable temperatures.

It also doesn’t provide you with fresh air, so you’ll need to think about implementing other types of windows.

Skylight

Skylights are a fantastic window choice if you want ventilation and/or light but have limited wall space and can’t install a regular window.

This is essentially a fixed window, but up top. It works great for lighting up a dark room in a natural way.

If you want a skylight that opens up, consider getting a roof window. These are beneficial in spaces like attics where you need fresh air to ward off mold and mildew. It can also help you cool down the house in the summer.

However, these types of windows get weathered quickly. This means you’ll need to replace them more frequently.

Regardless of the styles you choose, we highly recommend using professional window replacement services. Not only do they have a large selection of brands and styles, but they’ll also ensure your windows are installed correctly on the first try.

Consider These Window Styles for Your Home

Hopefully, this article’s helped clarify things about window styles and now, you have a better idea of what’s ideal for you.

The best thing about all these choices is you don’t have to just stick with one. Feel free to pick a few that you like and give your house some interesting windows that’ll let in a good amount of light and air.

For more interesting articles, please check out our other blog sections.

Let’s be honest: selling a house is not an easy or relaxing task. There are so many things that are completely out of your control that it has probably made you feel some anxiety. Plus, if you’re a first-time home seller, you may be surprised to find out about some costs with selling your house that you were not expecting at all. The good news is that as far as the unexpected costs go, all you have to do is a bit of research, and you’ll be in the know. Now, while you can’t take control of absolutely every single aspect of selling, there are some things that you can do to help it sell faster. Let’s find out what those are.

Light It Up

Light has always been a very important aspect for home buyers, since everyone wants plenty of natural light around. Perhaps Dracula’s the only exception to this rule. Regardless of whether your place gets plenty of sunlight or not, there is something that you can do to get not just more light, but better light. Make sure to start off by replacing all light bulbs with LEDs, and after you’re done with that, have a system installed that allows all lights to be controlled with a smart phone or a tablet. This will instantly make your house more environmentally and consumer-friendly.

First Impressions

First impressions are everything, and nothing has a bigger impact on that first impression than the exterior of a house, known as the curb appeal. Hopefully, you’ve already taken care of the obvious bits, such as cleaning up the yard and re-painting the fence, but there’s something more that you can do to make your home even sexier to potential buyers. There are video doorbells, which can be connected to pretty much any device. They don’t only allow you to see who’s at the front door, but thanks to them, you can also speak to that individual.

While we’re talking front doors, consider installing a smart door lock as well. A digital keypad is great because it can be programmed to give access to certain people at certain times (like when you have guests over). They can also be unlocked remotely, like when the owner is on vacation.

Thermostat

Smart thermostats are a true treasure for a house. They ensure added comfort by allowing individuals to control the temperature of the place, but they also make the house more environmentally-friendly, because they come with features that allow homeowners to program a certain temperature for a certain day. This works beautifully for when someone is on vacation and doesn’t want to their home to be cold when they return.

Speak Up

There is a great deal of systems that are voice-activated, and which can be used for security systems, speakers and smart lighting. Consider installing a system like this if you wish to impress potential buyers and maybe even convince them to purchase the house.

Speakers Everywhere

Music has always been an important part of humans’ lives, but lately, it has become even more so. With that in mind, consider getting an entertainment system for the place you’re trying to sell. This will make it a breeze for individuals to listen to anything they want regardless of where they are located in the house, which is why it will look quite good for those considering to purchase the house.

Thanks to these lovely smart systems or devices, your house will become that much more tempting for potential buyers. With that in mind, consider adding at least one of these to your place, if you want to sell it as fast as possible.

 

Fact: did you know that the average size of American kitchens has only increased by 80 feet within the last 50 years? Although this is a cause for celebration, most of us would agree that we could make do with a little more counter space in the kitchen department.

That being said, it’s pretty pricey to uproot your family to a new home for the sake of a larger kitchen. Need a handy kitchen appliance but crunched for space in your tiny kitchen? Discover the best space saving appliances for small kitchens here!

1. Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker

Can we just say that the Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker in Aluminum EN125S is practically the king of all kitchen countertop appliances? Like most pod coffee makers, the Nespresso Pixie is a little on the more expensive side.

But with all of the money that you’ll save from making coffee at home, we’re sure that this espresso maker will pay for itself in no time. It gets better: the reason why it’s received such high ratings is that it’s one of the tiniest pod coffee machines out there. So, if you’re cramped for space in your kitchen, this appliance won’t take up much room at all.

At 12.8 inches deep, 4.3 inches wide, and 9.3 inches high, the aptly-named Nespresso Pixie Espresso Maker can be easily slid next to any other appliances on your kitchen counter. That means that any spare nook or cranny will do the trick. Another thing that sets this espresso maker apart is that it’s very speedy too!

2. Instant Pot Multi-Cooker

Let’s talk about the Instant Pot DUO60 7-in-1 6 Quart Multi-Cooker. If you’ve already been seeing this all over your health and wellness social media feeds, then you’re not alone. The most surprising part is that it’s not as expensive as you’d think.

In fact, you can typically get this useful multi-cooker for less than $100 online. Don’t have any spare counter space for an Instant Pot? Try storing this gem inside of your kitchen cabinet instead.

For those who aren’t exactly sure how a multi-cooker works, allow us to enlighten you. Basically, the Instant Pot Duo uses a special pressure cooking method to make sure that your food is thoroughly cooked. Plus, you can even use it as a slow cooker too.

This is crazy: you can fill up your Instant Pot with a whopping six quarts of whatever you want too. You can buy the Instant Pot in several different sizes as well, including a 3-quart alternative that is two inches smaller in terms of diameter. What a cute concept!

3. Sharp Microwave

Guess what? No tiny kitchen is truly complete without the Sharp SMC0710BB/BW Microwave. Even though no microwave can avoid taking up space, the Sharp Microwaves does the trick without getting in your way.

That’s because it’s one of the tiniest microwaves you can find. Another perk of the Sharp Microwave is that it’s extremely good at defrosting frozen meals. With a 700-watt output, the Sharp Microwave will take a little longer to heat things up for you.

However, we promise that the wait will be worth it. At 13 inches deep, 17 inches wide, and 10 inches high you might become too obsessed with this microwave to even notice how much time has passed. Try it and see for yourself!

4. Panasonic Toaster Oven

News flash: the Panasonic FlashXpress NB-G110P is one of the most efficient toaster ovens on the market. Even though it’s larger than a regular toaster, it’s still mini enough to be dwarfed by your microwave.

Not only that, but a toaster over can do way more than a regular microwave anyway. Don’t believe us? The Panasonic Toaster Oven can do almost anything, including:

• Broiling hamburgers
• Baking cookies
• Heating leftover food

Are a huge fan of making pizza for dinnertime? With the Panasonic Toaster Oven, you can become a pizza pro in seconds. Bonus points for baking muffins inside of this thing too!

5. Cuisinart Food Processor

At just under $200, the Cuisinart Prep 11 Plus DLC-2011CHBY Food Processor is really built to last for a lifetime. Why on earth would anyone pay that much for a food processor? The answer is simple.

This particular food processor can do anything from chopping up nuts to grinding nut butter. Also, you can easily dice veggies and puree them into a soup-like texture. Have a dinner party to prepare for?

Then there’s no harm in pulling out your Cuisinart Prep’s 11-cup container to make a gigantic batch of whatever your family craves. As if that’s not enough, you can also grate cheese and chop onions with this handy tool. Is there anything this food processor can’t do?

6. BlueStar Burner Range

To be quite honest, not all of us have over $3,100 laying around to invest in a compact refrigerator. However, if you’re lucky enough to have that kind of money on your credit card, then we highly recommend that you pick up the BlueStar 24-Inch Culinary Series Sealed Burner Range.

Ever wanted to feel like a professional chef in your tiny kitchen? Now you can. Made out of stainless steel, this baby has four burners that can get up to 21,000 British thermal units (for those that don’t know, that’s flaming hot).

In addition, you can choose to burn propane fuel or natural gas with your BlueStar Burner Range. Plus, it comes with special simmer and searing burners to take your culinary skills to the next level. How can you beat that?

7. Bosch Integrated Dishwasher

There’s a big reason why so many magazines suggest the Bosch Fully Integrated Dishwasher for small kitchens everywhere. Think about it: this high-powered dishwasher can clean up to nine place settings at once. Also, it has four distinct different wash cycles.

Do you only have a few dinner dishes to clean up? Try using the sustainable half-load setting on your Bosch Integrated Dishwasher. With a flawless stainless steel or customized panel on the front, you can add this dishwasher to your household for less than $1,000!

8. Vitamix 5200 Blender

Let’s be honest. The Vitamix 5200 Blender is anything but your ordinary countertop appliance. Once you receive this high-quality blender, you’ll actually want it to take up more countertop space.

That’s because it’s so handy, you’ll practically never want to put it away. From smoothies to purees, this incredible mixer is the ultimate tool for smoothie-lovers everywhere. Even though Vitamix no longer produces space saving blenders, the 5200 model is the slimmest one that’s still available.

Although some say that it’s a little too tall to fit beneath your kitchen cabinets, it’s definitely worth putting this beauty on display. With the Vitamix 5200 Blender on your counter, your tiny kitchen will go from small to cute!

9.  Liebherr 24-Inch Refrigerator

Although it’s not technically in the countertop appliances category, the Liebherr 24-Inch Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator is still a must-have for any kitchen. Once you take a look at its super sleek design, you’ll see why it costs more than $3,200 to put one in your kitchen.

But if you can afford it, the Liebherr Refrigerator will end up paying for itself. That’s because it stands at almost 80 inches tall and has a capacity of 13-cubic-feet. What does this mean?

No more worrying about squeezing all of your groceries into your mini-fridge ever again. Plus, it’s Energy Star-certified, meaning you’re doing your part to take care of the environment. With separate cooling settings for the refrigerator and the freezer, your food should be cooler than a cucumber!

10. Cuisinart Hand Mixer

When it comes to small kitchen appliances, the Cuisinart Power Advantage HM-50 Hand Mixer is probably one of the tiniest ones that you can get. As a mini portable blender, you can’t go wrong with bringing this with you on vacation too.

Want to make a little bit of pesto? Luckily, your culinary dreams can come true with this micro hand mixer. Now, the hardest part will be deciding what to mix!

Are you in the market for portable countertop ice makers? Not only is this a great way to save room in your freezer, but it’s also super convenient!

Space Saving Appliances = Less Hassle

What’s the bottom line? When you have a small kitchen on your hands, buying space saving appliances can result in less hassle and more free time.

Need help choosing the perfect micro refrigerator? What about a compact dishwasher? With our list of mini appliances, your tiny kitchen will seem bigger in no time!

Craving more home decor tips? Check out our blog!

Did you know that 28.1% of Americans have stated that the living room is their most valued room in a home?

If you’re a part of this statistic and love to relax in your living room, we’re sure you want it to look as stylish and cozy as possible.

And that might mean that it’s time for you to plan a living room makeover!

If so, we have seven ideas that will certainly give you plenty of inspiration. Keep reading!

1. Decorate With Local Art

You don’t always have to shop at big art and decor stores in order to find awe-inspiring pieces for your living room.

Check if there are any small stores or even special markets where you can buy local furniture and art. They’ll certainly be unique!

2. Make the Curtains the Star of the Room

Your curtains are one of the most visible pieces in your whole living room. So why not choose the most stylish ones you can find?

Even if the rest of the decoration is very neutral, you can certainly make a statement with the right curtain patterns, colors, and materials.

3. Mix Fabrics

When you think about the different fabrics you’ll have around your living room, your first instinct is probably to find matching ones.

But you don’t have to do that!

A mixture of fabrics that have the same vibe can end up matching just as good, or even better, as traditional fabric combinations.

4. Let the Natural Light In

If your budget and location of your home allow it, turning a living room wall into floor-to-ceiling glass doors can completely change the entire ambiance of the room.

Plus, natural light is way better for you than the artificial kind!

5. Think Further Than Sofas

Sitting is most likely what you and your family do the most in your living room and right now you probably do it on a sofa.

However, there are many more sitting options that are just as comfy as your sofa. Ottomans and floor cushions are two awesome examples.

6. Create Space

Do you always feel like your living room isn’t quite as spacious as you wish it was?

Well, perhaps your color and decoration choices aren’t helping.

Going for light wall colors, multi-functional living room furniture and well-placed lamps and mirrors can make a huge difference.

7. Turn It Into Your Own Museum

If you love art, this idea will make for the living room of your dreams.

It’s quite simple: all you need to do is go art shopping and then hang all the paintings in one single wall. And there you have it, a mini-museum inside your own home!

Start Planning Your Living Room Makeover Today!

Giving your living room an upgrade doesn’t have to break the bank: changing some small details can make the world of a difference in how unique and comfortable this room is.

So decide what you’d like to change and how much money you can spend, and start planning your living room makeover.

We’re sure you’ll end up with the living room of your dreams!

If you enjoyed this article, make sure to further explore our blog and read more on all things home decor!

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it makes sense that you’re going to want your yard looking great. Are you proud of your lawn? Do you regularly entertain guests? It’s time to start thinking about ways that you can upgrade your outdoor space for the better. Here are five to help you get started.

DIY decking

Stunning decking designs are more than just a few planks of wood thrown together. However, you’ll probably find it easier than you think to get a great-looking wooden feature set up in your back yard.

You could purchase finished and unfinished wood wholesale to build a corner space for your BBQ. You may even want to portion off a section of your lawn for decking plants. The choice is yours, but don’t be afraid to go DIY.

Outdoor lighting

Whether it’s August or December, outdoor lighting can do a lot for your lawn. Think about installing hanging lanterns or lights from a power source to add a little sparkle to your yard.

Why not set up solar-power torches to light your pathways? These will power up during the day and activate after dusk, meaning that you’ll get full beams after dark. Outdoor lighting really helps to add to the atmosphere if you’re entertaining guests.

Creative concrete

If there’s one thing you’re going to rely on when upgrading your yard or home exterior, it’s concrete. Concrete is amazingly versatile and can be both practical and aesthetic support for many different projects and ideas.

Make sure to use flowable fill concrete for creative paving, patio designs, and even driveway upgrades. This concrete is ready-mixed and a breeze to lay out without the need for vibration. If you’re upgrading or insulating the outside of your property, you’re going to need a lot of ready-mix to go. Be sure to stock up.

Outdoor comfort

A lot of outdoor furniture is built in plastic and metal. While much of this is weather-resistant, it’s not necessarily going to be very comfy. A modern twist on garden furniture is to throw in cushions, padding, pillows and more.

Why shouldn’t you feel comfortable in your own back yard? Set up hammocks, chairs with removable cushions, rocking chairs, beanbags and more. Sure, you won’t be able to leave them out in the rain, but you’ll be thankful for a soft seat when you’re sat out in the sunshine.

Bring your kitchen outside

Plenty of us have BBQs set up in our back yards. But what about full kitchens? An excellent idea for al fresco entertainers, an outdoor kitchen will let you cook and serve a wide variety of dishes for guests in the cool evening air.

You could go for a simple grill-and-patio system. If you’re really feeling adventurous, you might want to set up a covered kitchen suite, complete with mini-fridge, workstation, wood-burning oven and range hood. You’d be surprised how affordable outdoor kitchens can be, so don’t be too put off by the money aspect.

 

Lawns are no laughing matter.

Heck, people literally spend billions of dollars on them every year in America.

In 2015, for instance, almost $30 billion was spent on lawn care across the country!

Mowing the grass is, of course, a central part of yard maintenance. You could spend all the money in the world making a garden look its best. However, it would all be wasted if the lawn remained unkempt and overgrown.

Doing it right requires a quality mower. But with a huge number of options out there, it’s hard to know how to choose a lawn mower that’s right for you.

Wondering how on earth to decide? Let us help!

Keep reading for 7 top considerations for buying the best lawn mower for your needs.

1. Yard Size

First thing’s first:

How big is your yard? The size of the space will be a primary factor in deciding the best lawn mower for your needs.

Imagine pushing a walk-behind mower around a 4-acre patch of grass! It would take hours, and you’d be exhausted.

Conversely, taking a riding mower around your 300 square foot garden would be excessive. It might even be difficult to maneuver around the limited space.

You want to find the right balance. Small space? Manual mowers would be fine. Medium-sized yard? A powered push mower may be preferable. Finally, larger gardens arguably call for heavier duty mowers. A sit-down mower, or even a lawn tractor, may be best.

2. Yard Terrain

The type of terrain you have outside is another key consideration.

If it’s flat all the way, then your job’s nice and easy. A simple push mower is going to be fine.

However, adding hills into the mix is sure to make life that bit more difficult. Just seeing the giant incline outside might be enough to make you want a riding mower!

Pushing an ordinary machine up and down is sure to be a challenge. Likewise, rougher and bumpier land will be harder too.

Mild slopes over a smaller space? Self-propelled mowers should do the job. A push mower would do the job, but it’d be a serious workout. Riding motors would be a better bet over larger, hillier terrain.

3. Budget

Of course, finances are bound to be a factor too.

You’ll want to find the perfect balance between quality and affordability.

Mowers come in all shapes and sizes.

As you might expect, bigger, powerful and more technologically advanced machines will inevitably cost more. Consider seeing your mower as an investment! Paying more upfront can prevent expensive repairs and replacements in the future.

What’s more, buying an appropriate mower for your garden can save countless amounts of time and effort. This is arguably priceless.

4. Mobility and Strength Levels

It’s important to think about your physical capabilities too.

Mowing the lawn might sound like an easy task. However, don’t underestimate it! Mowing a large space with difficult terrain takes serious effort. Even smaller spaces can be tiring in certain conditions.

Think about how much you’re willing and/or able to do. A riding mower is sure to make life easier for anyone with physical limitations. After all, you’re sat down throughout the process.

They cover larger and more challenging spaces with ease.

The same goes for self-propelled mowers. They’re walk-behind, but they assist you in doing the job quicker and more easily. They’re good options for smaller lawns that don’t justify a riding mower, yet where mobility is a problem.

5. Power Supply

Mowers are generally powered in one of three ways:

Manually, with gas, or by electricity.

Manual reel varieties are your typical old-school mower! With no motor, the blades spin and act as scythes as you move the machine. It’s a clever and purely mechanical item. However, they’re only be suited to small and easy lawns.

Onto the powered mowers. There are pros and cons to both.

Gas mowers are run for longer and tend to offer more power. However, they make a mess and demand a relatively high level of maintenance.

An Electric mower is better for the environment and demands less upkeep. Yet they’re generally less powerful and have the potential to run out of charge. It’s best to have a spare battery to ensure you can finish your lawn!

6. Access & Storage

You have to think about access to your lawn as well.

Imagine buying a riding mower and realizing it won’t fit through the gate to your garden! You’re stuck in all senses of the word.

Consider the size of the mower you want. Is there enough space to store and use it easily? If not, then downsize accordingly.

The cord is a similar thing to keep in mind. Electric mowers sometimes have a cord that you attach to the power supply. You’ll want to ensure that it’s long enough to cover your entire lawn.

7. Cutting Style

Finally, keep the cutting type in mind.

This consideration only applies to walk-behind mowers. Basically, not all of them cut grass in the same way.

Some project the clippings outwards from the side. Others mulch the grass. Finally, some mowers discharge clippings into a bag/box that’s attached to the machine.

In truth, the best alternative comes down to personal preference. Think about how you’d rather mow your lawn and make an appropriate purchase.

Final Thoughts on How to Choose a Lawn Mower

There you have it: top considerations for how to choose a lawn mower that’s right for you.

Americans take their lawn care very seriously, spending billions of dollars each year on their upkeep. Mowing the lawn is, of course, a central part of the job.

A shabby lawn can ruin the overall aesthetic appeal of the garden.

For that reason, it’s crucial to find a quality mower. Unfortunately, with a huge amount of variety out there, that’s easier said than done.

Hopefully, the information in this post will help you choose one that’s right for you.

Want more articles like this? Check out the other posts on the lifestyle section of the blog!

Over 30% of new homes built in the US choose vinyl siding. Why? Vinyl siding is typically cheaper and quicker to install than other types of siding.

But that doesn’t mean that vinyl siding is the full-proof option. Even the best choice of siding will need to be replaced eventually.

Keep reading to discover the top signs that it’s time for a vinyl siding replacement.

1. Rotted Siding

If you see any rotted siding on your home, you’re in desperate need of siding repairs.

Extreme temperatures, pests, and moisture all lead to rotting when left untreated for extended periods of time. While rotting is more common in wood siding, it can happen to all different kinds of material.

Sometimes siding rot isn’t very obvious. Run your hands across the panels. Do you feel the siding material giving away or weak spots on the panel? If so, you’ve got siding rot.

Wondering how to replace rotted siding on your house?

First, find out how far the rotting has spread. If it is just a small area, you can replace the panel on your own with a little DIY. If the rotting is widespread, it’s best to consult a professional to ensure that the whole problem is properly dealt with.

2. Gaps or Cracks

Gaps or cracks, even just a few, are both signs that you have bad siding.

These are often caused by aging and are a good clue that your siding is old enough for replacing. Sometimes, your siding will receive gaps or cracks due to contact damage. This includes hail, impact due to strong winds, or even a stray baseball from your children.

While one little gap or crack may seem harmless, but they can allow moisture to enter into your home. This leads to mold, which is dangerous to your family.

3. Loose Siding

Loose siding most commonly occurs after a severe storm with strong winds.

If you find that only one panel of your siding is loose, you can attempt to reattach it yourself. Just keep an eye on it to make sure that it doesn’t become loose again.

Failing to reattach the loose siding can lead to much bigger problems, such as moisture causing widespread rotting.

4. High Electricity Bills

Still not sure when to replace vinyl siding? Take a look at your electricity bills for a clue.

If you’ve seen a gradual rise in the costs to heat or cool your home, your siding may be the culprit. Bad siding leads to less insulation for your home, meaning your home uses more energy to maintain its ideal temperature.

Take a look at your utility bills and compare them to previous months and previous years during the same time period. A small fluctuation is okay. But if your bill is gradually increasing over time, you have a problem.

Don’t Put off Vinyl Siding Replacement

If you see any of these signs start to appear, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.

If the issue is isolated, like one cracked siding panel, try repairing that one panel. But, if the problem is widespread, you’ll need complete vinyl siding replacement.

Overwhelmed by all the needs of homeownership? Bookmark the Tips section of this blog and check back often for all the best home advice.