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Tips

Asphalt Vs. Concrete Driveway: Which One Is Best for Your Home?

September 9, 2020

Do you need to have a new driveway installed outside of your home? If so, you’re probably going to have to pay a pretty penny for it.

On average, new driveways can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well over $20,000 in some cases. It all depends on where your home is located, how large of a driveway you need, and, of course, what kind of driveway you choose to install.

For years now, homeowners have been debating asphalt vs. concrete driveways. If you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on your new driveway, you should take the time to learn about these two great options so that you’re able to make the right choice.

You should think about everything from the durability of asphalt vs. concrete to the asphalt vs. concrete cost. It’ll help you make the right decision with regards to your driveway.

Find out what you need to know about asphalt vs. concrete driveways below.

Which Is Easier to Install?

Once you decide which type of driveway you’re going to install outside of your home, you’re going to have to go through the process of actually installing it. It’s why you should think about which driveway is going to be easier to put into place.

Neither type of driveway is particularly difficult to install. You can have a reliable asphalt company or a reliable concrete company install one without any trouble at all.

But you should be aware of the fact that a concrete driveway can take up to one full week to cure. That means that you’re not going to be able to drive and park on it for at least seven days when you first have it installed.

An asphalt driveway, on the other hand, can be driven and parked on almost immediately in most cases. It’ll make it the more convenient option when it comes to installing it and putting it to good use right away.

Which Requires More Maintenance?

After you have a new driveway installed outside of your home, it’s going to be your job to maintain it over time so that it looks and performs its best. If you don’t take the time to do the proper maintenance on your driveway, it’s going to begin to crack, fade, and wear down on you sooner than it should.

Asphalt driveways are going to require a decent amount of maintenance over the years. You’re going to need to keep a close eye out for cracks at all times and repair them accordingly.

Concrete driveways, on the other hand, don’t usually require much maintenance at all. You will, however, have to do more extensive repairs to them when they do need to have maintenance done. You should keep that in mind from the moment you first have one installed.

Which Is Simpler to Repair?

As we alluded to a few seconds ago, there are going to be cracks that will appear in your asphalt driveway from time to time that will need to be fixed up to keep your driveway strong. You’ll need to plan to patch them up sooner rather than later to stop them from getting to be too big.

That being said, the cracks that form in asphalt driveways aren’t typically all that difficult to fix. You should be able to knock them out yourself in no time at all by filling and sealing them. It’s a relatively easy repair job in the grand scheme of things.

The same can’t always be said for concrete driveways. If a crack ever forms in a concrete driveway, it’s going to be a challenge repairing it on your own. You’ll need to hire professionals to come out and do it in most cases.

You’ll also need to prepare to live with an unsightly patch job since it’s tough to hide the areas that have been patched up in a concrete driveway. They tend to stand out a lot more than the areas that have been patched up in asphalt driveways.

Which Is Better Under Extreme Weather Conditions?

Do you happen to live in a place where the temperature fluctuates quite a bit throughout the course of the year? If so, the weather is no doubt going to put your driveway through the wringer when the temps go up and down.

Asphalt driveways usually handle extreme weather conditions better than concrete driveways do. Asphalt will expand and contract as the temperature goes up and down in your area so that your driveway won’t crack easily.

Concrete driveways, meanwhile, aren’t as quick to expand and contract along with changes in the weather. This can result in them cracking on you when it gets very hot and/or very cold, especially if the temperature goes from one end of the spectrum to the other without much warning.

You’re going to have to be concerned about extreme temperature changes regardless of whether you have an asphalt driveway or a concrete driveway. But you might be able to get away with being a little bit less concerned when you have asphalt vs. concrete.

Which Is More Stain-Resistant?

If you don’t plan on parking cars on your asphalt or concrete driveway all that often, you might not have to worry about it getting stained. But the vast majority of people who take the time to install driveways do it because they want to have a better place to park their cars when they’re not using them.

If you have a concrete driveway, this is going to prove to be problematic if you ever park a car on it that is leaking either gasoline or oil. Gas and oil can both stain concrete in a major way and affect the overall appearance of it.

Gas can also do irreparable damage to an asphalt driveway. But asphalt driveways do tend to handle oil stains better than concrete driveways do. They’ll often hide oil stains so that they can’t be seen by the naked eye.

Which Lasts Longer?

At the end of the day, you don’t want to have to worry about installing another new driveway for a long, long time after installing the one that you’re putting into place now. It’s why you need to think long and hard about which type of driveway is going to be the most durable option for you.

This is one category in which a concrete driveway will definitely win out over an asphalt one. Generally speaking, you should be able to get upwards of 30 years, if not more, out of a concrete driveway.

That’s not usually going to be the case for an asphalt driveway. Most asphalt driveways only last for around 20 years before they’ll need to be replaced.

Whether you go with an asphalt driveway or a concrete driveway, you can make it last longer than it might otherwise by maintaining it properly and making the right repairs to it. But on average, you’re going to find that a concrete driveway will stick around for a longer period of time than an asphalt driveway will in almost all cases.

Which Is More Cost-Effective?

Cost is obviously something that is a big concern for anyone who is thinking about installing a new driveway. You don’t want to have to pay anymore than you should have to in order to have your new driveway installed.

If cost is something that’s a deciding factor for you, you’re likely going to discover that an asphalt driveway will help you stick to your budget better than a concrete driveway will.

The average asphalt driveway will run you somewhere between $2 and $5 per square foot. For the average concrete driveway, you’ll be looking at somewhere between $3 and $10 per square foot.

As you can see, there is a little bit of an overlap there. You could get a low-end concrete driveway for the same price as you would pay for a high-end asphalt driveway.

But the clear winner in the asphalt driveway cost vs. concrete driveway cost is almost always going to be an asphalt driveway. You could install an asphalt driveway for just a fraction of what you would pay for a concrete driveway that is the same size.

This is going to be useful information for anyone who can’t afford to pay an arm and a leg for a new driveway for their home.

Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveway: Which One Should You Get?

It’s pretty easy to see why the asphalt vs. concrete driveway debate gets so heated. There are pros and cons that come along with both sides.

Only you can decide which side of the fence you’re going to fall on. Investing in a new driveway for your home is a big decision, which is why you should weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before deciding on which type of driveway you want.

Would you like to learn more about asphalt and concrete driveways and see how they’ll benefit your home? Check out the other articles on our blog to get the information you’re looking for.

Filed Under: Tips

5 Common Building Mistakes to Avoid for Custom Homes

September 9, 2020

Some mistakes only matter for a short while—like sending an email to the wrong address or putting salt into your coffee instead of sugar.

But when it comes to building your own home, even small errors can add up. With the average homeowner living in their home for 13.3 years, any building mistakes could be noticeable for over a decade to come. Even worse, the wrong mistake can really cost you.

If you’re on track to build your dream home, here are a few common mistakes to avoid.

1. Cutting Corners

Unlike move-in-ready homes, custom building takes time. Don’t be tempted to speed up the process or skip important steps at the risk of your security, especially when it comes to homes for families.

In addition, if you feel your custom home budget is in danger of being stretched thin, you might want to opt for cheaper home building materials or appliances to make up the difference. However, stay strong and remember that a home that stands the test of time is worth the price—and it can even save you money in the long run.

2. Choosing the Wrong Layout

Having a certain “flow” to your home isn’t just a matter of feng shui. If you’re planning to live in your home for years to come, you’ll want to place rooms where they make the most sense in your daily lifestyle.

You might not want to put your master bedroom next to your kitchen, for example, or to step past a bathroom at the front entrance of your house. Thinking about how your rooms should be grouped together can help you decide the right custom home designs and layout for your needs.

3. Going Too Basic

People choose to build custom homes in order to express their personality and get all of the features and details they want—not to emulate the cookie-cutter mold of the homes next door!

Custom homes offer literally endless opportunities to tailor your home to your personality, but that comes with a downside. Despite their best efforts, people sometimes feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available with custom building. The result is settling for the standard or basic option rather than what they truly want.

To avoid this, work to combat decision fatigue by planning each step in advance.

4. Short-sighted Planning

The advantage of a custom home is that you can get exactly what you want at this moment in time—but it’s just as important to consider the future.

Spending a little more money to create an eco-friendly home can save you money in the long-term. Finding a property near your work or your child’s school may be better than a gorgeous location that’s a long commute away. First-floor bedrooms can keep you and your family comfortable as you age.

Don’t forget, you’re in this for the long-term, so make sure your home will accommodate your needs!

5. Changing Your Mind

Some small design features can be adjusted with ease, but it’s not a good idea to change your mind on major details partway through construction. Once your foundation and framing have been set in place, adjustments could add days and weeks to your schedule, on top of added fees. To avoid this, make sure that you and any other family decision-makers have settled firmly on a plan before you begin building.

Avoid These Building Mistakes With Good Help

If you’re trying to avoid these and other building mistakes, the right custom home builder can make all the difference. Constructing your own home is a one-of-a-kind experience, and good builders can help you meld your excitement with a design that will keep your family comfortable and happy for years to come.

For more home and lifestyle tips, don’t forget to check out our other posts!

Filed Under: Tips

What Can You Power Wash Around The House?

August 31, 2020

After years of family get-togethers, birthdays and holidays, it’s only natural for your home to undergo a bit of wear and tear. Several factors can have an effect on the appearance of a house; as the seasons change, the elements of nature undoubtedly do their part in damaging the exterior. If your house doesn’t appear quite as vibrant and attractive as it did when you first moved in, you might want to consider a power wash.

While sun, dirt, wind and water can affect the house any time of year, other pollutants such as acid rain and smoke cause damage and stains by sticking to surfaces. Be on the lookout for mold and grime as well, as they have a tendency to settle into unchecked or uncleaned areas.

Power washing prevents a lot of this damage from occurring, but it’s important to note that not all areas of a home should be power washed. For example, never aim a power washer at:

  • Wood siding
  • Electrical equipment
  • Shingles
  • Old mortar
  • Fragile windows
  • Unsecured gutters
  • Stained wood or freshly painted areas

Your property is an investment, so keeping your home in good condition helps maintain its value. For any home renovation project, preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs down the line. Power washing is a great way to keep your tools and assets in tip-top shape. Not only does it clean and preserve equipment, but it also eliminates mold and mildew and can limit exposure to allergens that could potentially be infesting the house.

Curb appeal can be increased with something as simple as a good, thorough wash. A clean and fresh exterior can help raise the property value, positively impact your family’s health and minimize the need for future repairs. If you’re eager to power wash your home, take a look at the infographic for tips on where to begin.

Author Bio: Debisree Saha is Senior Marketing Strategist at SIMPSON, a leading manufacturer of electric and gas pressure washers. She has 10 years of experience in the industry and focuses on marketing strategy and execution.

 

Simpson Cleaning is a residential and commercial manufacturer of pressure washers.

Filed Under: Tips

What Your Need to Check In Your Car Before a Road Trip

August 31, 2020

Heading out on the road for adventure is one of the great American summer pastimes that has defined the country’s unique culture, uniting often diverse viewpoints from wildly different biomes and local economies. It’s no wonder that the classic cross-country road trip complete with overlanding for camp sites on the way is still one of the most popular vacations for families and individuals, even though more than a half century has passed since the practice was popularized in Jack Kerouac’s classic novel On the Road.

Provide For Your Own Shelter

Today’s road trips tend to be less nebulous than the nomadic wanderings of the beatniks and hippies, but that doesn’t make them any less exciting. Whether you’re traveling to see the country without a clear destination or you’re setting out with an agenda to cover specific trails and see specific sights, there are a few things you can do to manage the risks of a long trip in unfamiliar country. Buying the right equipment to rest wherever night finds you is one of them. A cheap roof top tent, along with a good portable cooking setup, turns any truck into a shelter with the features you need to rest and recover at the end of the day. Roof tents are especially popular with truck owners because they can be deployed anywhere you can part your vehicle, making dispersed camping easy even when there’s not a lot of open ground.

Your Road Trip Auto Safety Checklist

In addition to the supplies that take care of you and your needs on the road, you’re going to need to provide for your vehicle. That means putting together a road trip kit with basic tools and maintenance supplies, including a socket wrench set and screwdrivers. You’ll also want to keep extras of the major fluid types like oil and brake fluid, as well as spare radiator fluid. A lot can happen when the miles add up, and you never know when you might need to add just a little extra juice to a system.

You can minimize the chances of needing to use those supplies with a little preventive maintenance as well. Check out all your cars major systems and get the brakes inspected, and then follow through with any recommendations for updates on worn parts.

  • Transmission fluid
  • Radiator fluid level and condition
  • Brakes and brake lines inspected
  • Tire inspection and possibly replacement
  • Check the condition of your wipers and the wiper fluid level
  • Inspect all your lights to make sure no bulbs need replacing

In addition to these steps, it’s a good idea to get an oil change before any long road trip that involves more than a solid day of driving in each direction. In fact, for many experienced adventurers, an oil change before and after a road trip is just a given. It’s also a good idea to look into your vehicle owner’s manual to see if any other recommended maintenance is due soon. Taking care of your shocks or struts a little early is a lot easier than getting a repair on the road, and you can get those supplies from the same place you get your Toyota Tundra brakes.

 

Filed Under: Tips

How Do Professionals Clean Gutters? This Is What You Need to Know

August 28, 2020

Protecting your home from water damage is no easy task, but it’s more cost-effective than fixing rotted out drywall and studs, removing black mold, repairing shifting foundation, and so on.

Now, one of the things you need to do to prevent water damage is to clean and maintain your gutters. You see, if you don’t do this regularly (once or twice a year), the water that comes from packed gutters could spill over, which could end up damaging your foundation.

Of course, if you’re worried about not doing a good job, you might be wondering, “how do professionals clean gutters?” Here, we’ll discuss the basics of gutter cleaning, and how the experts tackle this job.

How to Clean Gutters: What DIYers Should Know

If you prefer to DIY most of the maintenance tasks in your home, you should keep in mind that there’s no such thing as easy gutter cleaning. This is especially true if you’re dealing with clogged gutters.

Not only do you have to wear protective gear including thick gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask, but you also have to have a good balance. You’ll be stepping on a ladder, after all.

Now, if you have everything ready, the first thing to do when cleaning gutters is to position yourself by a downspout. You can then use a trowel to shovel debris, which you can collect in a bucket or a garbage bag.

Next, with your pressurized hose, flush your gutter. You may need to use a stiff brush if there are stubborn spots that can’t be flushed. If you suspect you have a clog, you can try using your hose again or if that’s not too effective, try a plumber’s snake.

The last steps include rinsing the downspout, and if you don’t have them yet, installing strainers. From time to time, you may have to check if the slope of your gutters. If they’re off, adjust them, and also watch out for sections that need replacement.

How Do Professionals Clean Gutters? Using the Right Tools + Extra Services

When you hire professionals to clean your gutters, you can expect a more thorough job because they’re using industrial-strength vacuums, power washers, and so on. You also don’t have to worry about debris collection because that’s part of their service.

Aside from hauling debris, other services they might offer include cleaning the exterior of your gutters, repairing seams, as well as reattaching gutters and downspouts. There are also companies that install gutter guards. If you’re interested, this gutter cleaning company has a guide on how they do gutter guard installation including their recommended products.

Want to Know More About Cleaning and Maintaining Your Gutters?

Now that you know the answer to “How do professionals clean gutters?” are you thinking of hiring a gutter cleaning company?

If you’re considering it, try to research how to hire good gutter cleaning companies in your area. For more articles like this, feel free to browse our site. We also have articles on other topics including health, travel, and more.

Filed Under: Tips

How to Choose the Right Solar Installation Company

August 28, 2020

Man installing alternative energy photovoltaic solar panels on roof

The average homeowner spends nearly $104 per month on electricity alone. That number can go up when you’re relying on your home’s HVAC system to keep your space comfortable all day long.

If you could find a way to lower your utility costs each month, why wouldn’t you?

Installing solar panels on your home is the easiest way to keep your electric bills as low as possible year-round. However, finding a solar installation pro to handle the job can be overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start.

Here’s what you need to do to make sure you choose the best installation expert possible.

Keep It Local

When it comes to finding solar system installation companies, you should always keep your search local. Look for companies that specialize in solar installations in your area. This way, you’ll know that their team understands the best way to set up the panels to maximize sun exposure in your area.

Start by searching the internet for “solar companies near me” and prioritize those local companies.

When you choose a local solar installation professional, you won’t have to worry about issues with ongoing maintenance and repairs. Remember, they’re a part of the same community you’re in. They pride themselves on helping homeowners keep their systems in great shape.

After all, they know that their reputation is only as good as the service they provide.

Research the Company’s Reputation

Before you start scheduling consultations, take the time to research the reputation of each company you’re considering working with. Read up on reviews from their previous clients and don’t hesitate to ask the providers you’re interested in for references.

Reputable solar panel installation professionals have a long list of customers who are willing to discuss their experiences with you.

Once you receive those references, follow up with at least several of them. Ask about their experience with the company and find out if they’re still happy with the solar system they received.

Pay attention to any complaints each reference has. If more than one customer experienced the same issues, you’ll likely have the same problems with the installation team. However, if most of the reviews are positive, it’s worth considering working with the company.

Get Quotes From Several Providers

Once you find a company that has a great reputation, it’s tempting to hire them on the reputation alone. However, doing so isn’t always in your best interest. Instead, you’ll want to get quotes from several local providers before you make your decision.

If possible, try to get the company to send someone to your property to provide you with an estimate. While they’re there, the technician will be able to assess your home’s electricity needs, identify the ideal installation site, and help you figure out the best setup for your home.

After they determine those things, they’ll be able to give you an estimate on the cost of installation. When possible, get that estimate in writing so you can compare the quotes you get from different companies in detail.

Discuss the Warranty and Guarantee Options

Different companies work with different equipment providers and offer different guarantees for their labor. Before you sign a contract, make sure to get the details on their equipment warranties and workmanship guarantees.

Solar panels are constantly exposed to the elements. This means they’re particularly vulnerable to storm damage and the slightest manufacturer defect can lead to catastrophic failure of the panel.

Make sure you’re comfortable with the warranty for each component of your system. If they seem too short or are too difficult to utilize, you may be better off working with a different provider.

You’ll also want to find out what the installation team will do to guarantee their work. Reputable companies always stand behind their installation and repair work. If a company doesn’t offer a guarantee, keep looking.

The last thing you want to do is end up paying for the same repair twice.

Figure Out How You’ll Pay for the Solar Installation

Your budget is a key factor to keep in mind when setting up your solar power system. The best companies in your area will be willing to work with your budget. Some might even offer in-house financing to help you pay for your installation.

While you’re meeting with each contractor, don’t hesitate to discuss finances. They need to understand your budget clearly so they can help you figure out what’s possible for your home.

If you plan to pay for the installation in cash, let them know. If you need financing, tell them so they can make the best recommendations for your needs. Even if they don’t have in-house financing, they may know of a local bank or lender that will help you cover the installation cost with a personal loan.

Don’t Base Your Decision on Price Alone

When you’re trying to make the most of your budget, it’s easy to think that choosing a solar energy installation pro that offers you the lowest price is the best option. This is rarely the case.

You need to take a balanced approach when reviewing the quotes you receive. Remember to think about the quality of their workmanship, their reputation, and the customer service you experienced during the estimate.

It may be in your best interest to pay a little more upfront for a higher quality installation than it is to cut corners with a company you’re not completely comfortable with.

Finding a Great Solar Installation Pro Can Be Simple

Installing solar panels on your home can help you keep your utility costs low for years to come. However, you need to make sure you hire an experienced solar installation team to make sure your system gets installed correctly.

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to choose a professional you can trust with ease.

Looking for more tips and tricks to help you make simple improvements around your house without breaking the bank? Check out our latest posts.

Filed Under: Tips

Managing Renovations in a City

August 26, 2020

Redesigning and renovating a property in the city is always going to be vastly different from renovating one in the quiet countryside or the suburbs. Here are some of the things you need to think about before taking on a project such as this.

Access

What is the access to the property like and how will the renovations affect this? For example, many people need to hire a skip as part of their renovations. If you have no off-road parking, this skip will have to go in the street and there is a risk that your neighbours might also try to grab a little room in it.

If you have a flat, what is the access to it like for workmen? Having to carry heavy equipment up several flights of stairs with no lift is never a pleasant idea. However, these are all considerations that have to be made. Planning the renovation overall might become more complicated if the access to the property is not ideal.

Work Hours

Neighbours are much closer to you in a city than they would be in the country. You need to make sure that you find out when the local noise restrictions kick in, and ensure that you are not working into them. Try to disrupt the lives of your neighbours as possible.

This can be difficult when trying to handle renovations yourself, as you might not have a good window to work in except after work. Unfortunately, this is prime time when you could be disturbing those around you. Instead, it might be worth looking into some of the decorators Edinburgh, Manchester, and other cities could offer. They will help to fully co-ordinate the renovation and could take care of the renovations while you and your neighbours are all out at work.

Choice

At least one of the major advantages of renovation in a city is the sheer amount of choice you have when it comes to picking fixtures and fittings. There are furniture shops everywhere that could have perfect gems for you to grab. You also have a fantastic range of things like flooring and wallpaper to choose.

This is often the most fun part of a renovation so make sure you give yourself enough time to fully enjoy it. Try to keep the end goal of the project in mind. You should have a vibe and a rough look of the final room in your head, whether you are transforming a small café or your own bedroom. Just keep your budget in mind when choosing pieces!

Managing renovations in a city is always going to be a very different experience from managing ones in the country. You need to make sure that you pull together all the resources that you can to make this a seamless experience. With some careful planning, you should be able to pull off these city renovations without a hitch – no matter what form they might take. Think about how you can make a start planning today!

Filed Under: Tips

7 Architectural Styles to Help You Build The Home of Your Dreams

August 25, 2020

In 2019, 5.34 million existing homes were sold.

Are you thinking of building or buying a home but are not sure what the style options are? Do you know which home styles you like? Where will your home be located?

Style is important for your preference and the home’s overall curb appeal. Learning more about what each style brings will help you narrow down what type of home you are looking for.

Keep reading to learn more about architectural styles for your home:

1. Ranch

Ranch homes are one of the most cost-effective architectural styles and place a focus on a layout that is efficient. These homes are one floor (may include basement too) and maximize the space. This home can fit a family of four or be a perfect size for two people without feeling like too much space is being unused.

2. Modern

The modern style of home is perfect for warmer climates but can fit in anywhere and will complement the surrounding homes. This style is characterized by its open floor plans and large windows.

This style is one that often gets confused with the contemporary style of the home but defines itself with a function-over-form layout that looks clean, both in exterior and interior design.

3. Farmhouse

The name describes this style of home. These homes don’t hide the beams and purposely leave a rustic look when finished. The rooms are often quite large and open, making it a spacious area to raise a family and host gatherings.

4. Craftsman

The benefits of a craftsman home are that they are small and relatively easy to maintain. This is attractive to hardworking homeowners that may not have the time or need for a large, expansive home.

When weighing your options for home architecture styles, it is important to consider the maintenance of the home and if the style will require frequent maintenance to keep up its curb appeal or if it is self-sustaining.

5. Spanish

The red roofs give way to the Spanish architectural style of home. The exterior is often stucco and includes small windows to prevent too much heat from entering the home.

These homes often have wooden doors that are older and heavy to complement the exterior finish.

6. Log Home

There are several types of log homes but the concept is the same. These homes are built with a wooden exterior and rely on that structure to define the home.

They are often found in more rural areas and can range in size from small to multi-level, depending on the desired floorplan.

7. Mediterranean: A Blend of Architectural Styles

This style of home has been popular in the past and continues to be a popular choice today. It pulls from the Spanish style of architecture as well as including some Italian influence.

These homes are popular in areas like California and Florida, where the year-round warmer weather complements the style of home well.

Get Started Today

Now that you are familiar with the architectural styles for your home, you can pick the one that is right for you! Weighing the location, floor plan options, and aesthetics will help in the decision.

Check out our blog for more informational articles like this.

Filed Under: Tips

This Is How to Choose a Front Door Color for Your Home

August 24, 2020

If you’re among the 67.9% of Americans who own a home, you likely consider it an extension of your life. After all, your sanctum sanctorum is easily the place that you spend the most personal time. Between relaxing, engaging with hobbies, spending time with friends, cozying up with your partner, cooking, and sleeping, your home is a place where you can be the most yourself.

This means that you want it to be as appealing as possible to both yourself and to passersby. Having the right front door is an important part of this, and the color of that door is one of the first things that people will notice when they see your house.

Here, we’re going to delve into how to choose a front door color that’s right for you. Read on to make your house as gorgeous a place as it can be!

Do Your Research

Before you can decide on a front door color for your home, it’s important that you do a little research. But don’t worry- this is the fun kind of research!

Head onto Pinterest and browse pictures of homes. Pay special attention to the color schemes that you like and pin them so that you can view them later. When you go back to look at them, make note of the trends and patterns that you’re noticing appeal to you. This is a good place to start in determining what colors you like on a house.

Choosing something you like is essential to picking a front door. If you don’t like looking at your home, it’s going to bother you every time you drive up and needle at you every time you walk through the door. This can put you in a bad mood for the rest of the day, so make sure that you look at lots of pictures and do your research thoroughly!

Match Your Home Exterior

Choosing a color scheme that you like is critical, but so is making sure that your door doesn’t clash with the rest of your home. If you have pastel-pink trim, for example, a forest green door is going to look ridiculous and laughable. You aren’t going to like it, your neighbors aren’t going to like it, and you can kiss both your satisfaction in your home and your property value goodbye.

There are generally three color schemes that always go well together:

  • Analogous color schemes, where you choose three colors that are side-by-side on the color wheel
  • Complementary color schemes, where you choose two colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel
  • Any single color (accounting for multiple different hues) + black or white (not both)

Occasionally you can do something different, but we recommend that you stick with the basics since you aren’t a professional designer. Plus, since there are limitless color schemes to choose from that fall into these three categories, you’re sure to find something you like!

Use Color Psychology

Color psychology is the scientifically-proven phenomenon that color affects the way that we feel. Different hues make us feel different ways. Some colors like blue and green are serene and calming, while other colors like yellow and orange are energetic and put us in sociable moods.

You can use color psychology to choose a front door color for your home. Since the door is the first thing that people will see when they enter into your space, it can set the tone for the mood to expect inside.

If you work long hours and want to be in a relaxed mindset when you get home, a blue front door will make your muscles less tense and get you in the mood to unwind. However, if you work from home or are a generally extraverted person, a yellow door can put you in the mood to accomplish tasks and talk to others. It all depends on your own personal needs!

Don’t Be Afraid to Stand Out…

Many people shy away from bold color schemes because they don’t want to stand out. You may be worried that others in your neighborhood will judge your home (and, as a result, you), but there are a couple of reasons that this isn’t something to concern yourself with.

First, people are really unlikely to pass negative judgment on you or your home. Not only is it not their concern or business, but they also will probably respect you for making a bold move. Taking the leap to do what you like with your space is, after all, a respectable endeavor, and it’s one that more people would likely take if they weren’t worried about prying eyes.

Second of all, let’s say that they do judge you. What does it matter? Your home is your sanctuary, and as long as you like it, who cares what anyone else thinks?

You can read more here to determine what color schemes you like best for home exterior decor.

…But Feel Free to Blend In

However, if you feel more comfortable blending in with your neighbors, there’s no shame in that, either. You can match with the majority of homes on your block or with a house that you specifically like to look at. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so you aren’t going to offend anyone!

It’s a good idea, though, to put a personal spin on these styles that you like. Consider getting a slightly different color door than your neighbors have. Eggshell white rather than cream is a subtle yet undeniable difference, as are orange or purple accents/trim on a predominantly white door.

Beyond How to Choose a Front Door Color

While there are an infinite number of color schemes out there to choose from, it’s a fun and easy task to choose the door color that you love. Make sure that you choose a matching color scheme and select something that you personally like to look at, and you’ll be golden!

Now that you know how to choose a front door color that works well for you, it’s time to get started! Check out the ‘decor’ section under our homepage’s ‘lifestyle’ tab. Here, you’ll get more awesome tips for making your house a home.

Good luck with your exterior renovations!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Tips

5 DIY Home Improvement Projects You Can Handle as a Beginner

August 24, 2020

Are you looking to get into the wonderful world of DIY home improvement? Are you worried about starting off on the right foot?

Well, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few projects you should be able to handle when you’re just starting out.

1. Add Crown Molding

Crown molding may look fancy and complicated, but it’s actually much simple than you think to install. Just make sure that you have your measurements correct — as the saying goes, measure twice and cut once!

Now, crown molding can be an expensive project, so you may want to start out with a smaller room in your house if you’re just starting out or looking to experiment.

2. Use a Stencil

Do you enjoy intricate patterns in your designs? Stencils are an easy way to add a ton more interesting patterns to your home without having to worry about messing up and making a mess. You can even find patterns for stencils online, or make your own, so it’s a simple and cheap way to redecorate!

3. Carpeting

Changing up your flooring isn’t as difficult as you think! You’ll just need to be sure to do your research so that you’re prepared for what you’re getting yourself into when you start your new diy home improvement project.

Check out some of the floor trends that are popular this year to get the best ideas on how to redecorate your flooring.

4. Change Out The Hardware

Switching out the hardware in your door or in furniture in your house is a great way to change up the look of your home with very little labor.  For example, you can change out the knobs in your cabinetry to give your kitchen or bathroom an entirely new look.

You’ll have to figure out what types of hardware will work for the hardware you’re replacing, so that you can make sure that the screws and other fasteners will work. Otherwise, it may escalate into a much bigger project than you were looking to start off with!

5. Paint It Up

Painting is a relatively simple DIY project that you can execute with little equipment. If you don’t want to all in and paint an entire room, you can paint a border or even a piece of furniture to experiment with the process.

You should also make sure that you get all the supplies you need for your home improvement project, and figure out how much paint you will need to successfully complete your project. Plus, you can get your family members involved so it can be a group bonding project!

The Best DIY Home Improvements You Need to Know About

These are just some of the amazing DIY projects you may want to try out. Do your research and find the projects what work best for your home!

Are you interested in more information about DIY home improvement projects and other, related topics you need to know about? Check out some of our other blogs today.

Filed Under: Tips

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Hi and welcome! I’m Lenny, and this blog space is my Internet home. I write, I cook, and I design. I love to take pictures of all things food and home décor.

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About

Hi and welcome! I’m Lenny, and this blog space is my Internet home. I write, I cook, and I design. I love to take pictures of all things food and home décor.

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