Tips

If you have expensive or sentimental jewelry, whether it’s a vintage engagement ring that once belonged to your grandmother or a diamond necklace you were given as a gift, it’s important that you know how to keep these items safe and secure in your home. The failure to do so could result in the jewelry losing its value or integrity or even becoming misplaced or stolen.

To show you how you can best protect any and all of these expensive items that you own, here are three tips for safely storing your jewelry at home.

Be Careful With The Environment

To make sure your jewelry stays in pristine condition while it’s stored, you must be careful about the environment in which you keep it.

According to Lauren Thomann, a contributor to The Spruce, you’ll want to store your jewelry in a place where it won’t be subjected to extreme temperatures or humidity. If you were to leave your jewelry in a place that’s too warm, too cold, has too much direct sunlight, or is too humid, it can easily become tarnished or discolored. For this reason, you should seek to store your jewelry at room temperature and in an area where it can stay out of direct sunlight.

Keep Most Things Out Of Sight

Because your jewelry is going to be most protected when it’s not in the sunlight, Lindsey Mather, a contributor to Architectural Digest, recommends that you should try to keep it out of sight when you store it. This can easily be done by putting it in a well-organized drawer or keeping it in your closet.

While the options mentioned above will work for jewelry that isn’t too expensive or sentimental, anything that you’re worried about being stolen should probably be stored in a more secure way, like in a safe.

Get A Safe

If you do choose to get a safe in which to keep your jewelry, there are actually multiple reasons why this could be a good idea for you.

According to Steven John, a contributor to Business Insider, keeping your jewelry in a safe will help ensure that your expensive or sentimental jewelry won’t be easily stolen if someone were to gain access to your bedroom. As long as the safe you choose is secure enough not to get broken into and is large enough that it can’t be easily carried off, your jewelry should be secure in a safe.

In addition to this type of protection, a safe can also help to keep your jewelry safe from fire or water damage. So if you’re concerned about these things, a safe can give you some added protection as well.

If you have jewelry that you’re wanting to keep safe while you store it in your home, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you accomplish this.

 

 

Although summer break isn’t for a few more months, it’s never too early to start planning and preparing for this time that your kids will be spending at home. Whether you’re able to stay home with your kids or you’ll have to be at work during their summer break, there are things you can do to make their time at home easier and more enjoyable for everyone in your family.

To show you how this can be done, here are three tips for preparing your home for your kids’ summer break.

Maintain Your Yard

To encourage your kids to get outside and spend less time sitting on your couch in the air conditioning, you should spend the weeks or months leading up to summer weather preparing your yard for your kids to play there.

If you’re lucky enough to have a safe outdoor space that your kids can enjoy while at home, you should do everything you can to make this space inviting for them. Not only will this help your kids get some sun and fresh air that they likely aren’t as exposed to during the school year, but Beth Arky, a contributor to ChildMind.org, shares that having your kids burn off their energy outside is also good for their mental and emotional health as well.

Set Up Some Fun At-Home Activities

For many families, finding ways for your kids to spend time with other children or in day camps takes up the majority of the summer schedule. However, for the times that your kids will be at home, it’s wise to have some fun activities on-hand that will keep your kids busy.

According to Catherine Holecko, a contributor to Very Well Family, you might want to consider getting supplies for various art projects, sidewalk chalk for doodling outdoors, child-friendly exercise equipment, and odds and ends for crafting. Additionally, if your kids have expressed interest in learning anything new recently, you could get what they need to learn these things as well.

Make Summer Routines Easy

Even though your summer routine is likely going to be different than your family’s routine during the school year, it’s important that you don’t let your determination to stick to a routine falter simply because your kids don’t have school each weekday.

GreatSchools.org shares that having a daily schedule for your kids, even if it’s relatively flexible, will help your kids feel the structure and security that they need in their young lives.

If you’re wanting to make this an enjoyable summer vacation for every member of your family, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you prepare your home and family for the upcoming summer months.

 

In 2019, about 16 million homes in the United States were using digital antennas to receive broadcast stations. Indeed, the number of households around the country that have been opting for antennas instead of cable or satellite TV subscription has steeply increased in the past decade.

For those looking to enjoy top-quality, uncompressed signals by tuning in to over-the-air television broadcasts, a professional TV antenna installation may be necessary. That’s because while HDTV antenna installation may seem like an easy process, it usually isn’t. The project often involves handling electrical equipment high up on the roof of a house.

In this definitive guide, we’ll tell you all you need to know about professional TV antenna installation, including its average cost. Read on to learn more.

What Factors Determine the Cost of Professional TV Antenna Installation?

The overall cost of professional antenna installation depends on a variety of factors. Below are some of them.

The Type of Antenna You’re Installing

One of the main determinants of the total cost of TV antenna installation is the type of antenna you intend to install. Generally, indoor antennas are easier to install. Many homeowners are usually able to install these antennas on their own, thus saving on labor costs.

In most cases, however, indoor antennas aren’t suitable. Installing an outdoor antenna typically yields better results. As you’d probably expect, outdoor antenna installation costs are usually higher than those of indoor antenna installation. Talk to a seasoned TV installer to find out more.

The Cost of the Antenna

Where you’re installing a new antenna, the overall cost of antenna installation may include the cost of the unit itself. Many professional TV antenna installers also sell top-quality TV antennas.

TV antennas can range dramatically when it comes to cost. Some of the factors that determine the price of an antenna include:

• Antenna type
• Materials used
• Size of the antenna
• Manufacturing quality

The signal type in your area will determine which type of antenna to go for. If the signal in your area isn’t strong, you may need a larger outdoor antenna. Top-quality materials boost the durability of the antenna.

The Location of Your Home

Antenna installation costs vary depending on where your home is located. Homes in hilly areas, black spots, and places with low signal strength will typically need larger, more powerful outdoor antennas. Actually, calculations of the signal power are for professionals and a reason to order custom term paper to make it clear for others. But let’s be simple here. That increases the overall installation cost.

Keep in mind that your technician will also need more time to access your site, do additional testing, and position your antenna higher. This also contributes to higher costs.

The Type of Building

The type of house you live in can also significantly affect how much you pay for antenna installation. Standard rates are typically based on standalone, single-story houses. These homes are comparatively easier for antenna installers to access as their roofs are lower and walls accessible for cabling.

What if you live in a townhouse or a multiple-story home? Well, installation in such a home will most likely be complex. More equipment and cabling will also be necessary, so you may need to pay more.

Number of TV Points

For first-time TV installation, you’ll most likely need extra TV points to be installed so you can watch TV in different rooms in your home. These additional TV points mean extra labor, cabling, splitters, and other components. This contributes to higher installation costs.

Whether You’re Installing Signal Boosters

If you live in an area that has a weak signal, you’ll most likely need to install a TV antenna booster or amplifier to raise your signal to the right level. A TV amplifier may also be necessary where you intend to split the signal to several wall points. Because TV amplifiers are additional pieces of equipment that add extra steps in the antenna installation process, the cost of installation will go up.

Whether You Want Wall Mounting

Getting your TV wall mounted isn’t a must, but you may want to get it done during the installation of the antenna. There are many reasons you may want to get your TV mounted on the wall, including ensuring that the antenna wall point is spot on. Wall mounting can also enhance your TV viewing experience by making sure that you get the best viewing angles.

Of course, this extra service can push your overall TV installation price slightly higher.

Qualifications and Experience of the Installer

You can, of course, get some cheap TV antenna installation services around if that’s what you want. However, be careful who you entrust the installation project to. Be especially wary of installers that charge suspiciously low prices.

Qualified, seasoned TV antenna installers may not necessarily be expensive, but they hardly ever charge rock-bottom prices. In return, you get the following:

• Antenna installed at the best possible location: Only a professional knows the most appropriate point to install your TV antenna, so you get optimum height and reception
• Correct antenna and mast securing: Outdoor TV antennas are continually battered by the elements. A professional contractor knows the most suitable way to mount the antenna, so it withstands the elements.
• Minimal damage to existing structures: A seasoned contractor knows how to drill into walls, install roof flashing, cut into tiles, and so on without causing much damage to the building. You want to avoid future complications, such as parts of your roof leaking.

What is the Average Cost of Professional TV Antenna Installation?

As you’ve seen, TV installation costs can vary depending on many factors. In 2020, antenna installation costs range from $190 to $368. The national average is thus $279.

Regardless of the reason you’re installing a TV antenna, it’s best to get it done by a professional. Sure, you may have to incur the cost of professional TV antenna installation, but the benefits are well worth it. Not only do you get the project done more quickly and safely, but also enjoy a much better TV viewing experience for a long time.

Would you like to read more great articles just like this one? Please keep visiting our website.

Is there anything more pleasing than looking out at your backyard to see a luscious, vibrant green lawn as a homeowner? Probably not. There’s something to be said about keeping your lawn healthy, thick, and green year-round – it’s no easy feat.

This is where the technique of overseeding comes in handy if your region faces harsh winters and summers. Learn more about this lawn care technique in this blog…

What is Overseeding?

The overall goal of overseeding your lawn is to grow thicker, vibrantly colored, drought and disease-resistant grass. During this process, grass seed is planted on top of existing turf. The beauty of overseeding is that this can be done without having to tear up or remove the turf or soil below.

Generally, overseeding aims to improve the density of turf, improve grass varieties and amp up the color of your lawn. So if your lawn looks a little tired or worn down after winter or summer, overseeding could help. Also, if your grass is disease or insect prone, overseeding could help combat this.

Topdressing

This is sometimes another step that may be needed after overseeding a lawn. A top layer of material is laid down on top of the turf after it has been overseeded or aerated. If your lawn has been overseeded, it will be topped with a mixture of sand, seed, and fertilizer. If it’s been aerated, it will be topped with a mix of soil, sand, and fertilizer. What is lawn aeration? Check out this lawn aeration company for more…

What are the Benefits?

Overseeding is most beneficial to older lawns. This is because they have been grown with the wrong type of turf to start with. Ultimately, this means they’re more likely to become infected with disease, require more water, and fertilizer.

With this in mind, the benefits of overseeding a lawn are second-to-none. It can help to fight off disease, insect infestations, drought, and heavy amounts of traffic. It also saves you money in the long run as you don’t have to spend on pesticides, fertilizer and extra water. Finally, your lawn looks healthy, luscious and inviting, year-round.

What to Consider Before Overseeding

The older the turf of your lawn, the more likely it is to deteriorate and die off completely over time. So it’s only natural to consider overseeding with an improved, ”younger” grass seed mixture. Overseeding is also handy for amping up areas of your lawn that look patchy, unhealthy, and threadbare.

However, it’s super important to analyze why your turf has deteriorated- other than just age. There may be a pre-existing condition that leads to the death of a newly overseeded lawn, too. Some top considerations to keep in mind:

• What is the pre-existing soil condition like?
• Does my lawn have proper drainage?
• Does the soil have efficient air circulation – is aeration required?
• Are the soil and turf receiving enough water?
• Does my lawn receive enough sunlight to remain healthy?
• Have I chosen the correct grass variety for my region?
• Are there any issues with soil compaction?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, it may be worthwhile contacting a professional landscaping company. Essentially, you’ll need to correct any underlying issues before overseeding your lawn.

Find Homeowner Advice Just a Click Away

If you’re looking for a little more than overseeding, such as homeowner advice on home care, home construction, style, decor, and design- you’re in the right place!

Alternatively, explore the rest of this website for all the advice on lifestyle, travel, health, and budgeting tips you need.

If you are thinking of building your own home, then there is a lot you need to know and consider at the design stage.

Thomas Studio, based in Hereford in the UK provide a host of information, their guide being sure to help you on your way to building your own dream home.

The Things You Need To Know

• You’ll need to understand just what building a house entails

• What the major decisions are when choosing to self-build

• How to pick the right house plan layout

• How to work out how much floor space you need

• Just what the cost to build a house per square foot is

• All about the home building process

Hidden Costs

There are lots of hidden costs in the process of buying land and building your dream home, and you need to understand about all of these before you start the process.

For example, when you are purchasing a piece of land, you need to be able to ask the right questions before you start as well as fully understanding your needs and options.

Whether you are experienced at buying plots of land or are a first time self-builder who wants to buy land to build your own home from scratch, you really do need to understand what is involved.

The guide provided by Thomas Studio will provide you with a whole lot of answers to the many questions in understanding what is involved in the self-build process. It is a sad fact that many self-builders fail, simply because they don’t carry out all the necessary research.

There is no doubt that designing and building your dream new home is a complex process and it can be a daunting one too. However, with the right support and guidance, you can be sure to reach your goal, that of a perfect dream house and in just the location too.

One of the biggest issues to consider is what your new home has to provide, how you like to live and how this new home can meet those needs. Only when these needs and the options you have available are known is it possible to move forward.

Many self-builders want to build a ‘green home’, one that is easy on the environment and uses sustainable components. Often, they also desire a better build quality than that provided by traditional volume house builders.

However, constructing a green home will more often than not increase the overall project costs. You therefore need to be fully aware of all of the implications and hidden extra costs when using green technology and green building materials in your home.

The good news is that whilst the construction costs are often higher for green self builds, the running costs tend to be lower. You can also sometimes obtain grant payments which will offset the initial investment.

Designing and building your own home

So, what are the hidden and ‘unknown’ costs in the self build process.

Stamp duty is still payable, not to mention the clearing and excavation of the site.

You also have to be aware that the type of soil will influence such things as the type of septic system, not to mention the depth of the foundations.

One of the biggest issues is working out the actual cost to build a detached home. Once you have a good idea of the overall cost, you will want to hire a contractor that can deliver the project on budget.

That however is not as easy as it sounds as contractors are known to maximise their profit by using cheap materials whenever they can. It is therefore necessary to decide what quality design standards you want adhered too. Once decided, these standards can be written into the building contract, thus ensuring you get the standard of build you require.

There are advantages of building a custom home though.

One of the biggest advantages about building your own home is the fact that, when properly planned, that it can be very enjoyable and rewarding process. What you need is a guide to make sure you ask the right questions at all stages and who will point you in the right direction throughout the entire process.

About Author: Rudy is an outstanding author and blogger. He loves to write on various topics especially on Home improvement.

Are you thinking of installing solar panels in your home as a way to reduce your bills and make your house eco-friendly? Using the sun’s energy is good for the environment, but it’s also a great way to increase your property value and even earn some tax credits.

Even if you live somewhere cloudy, your solar panels will still produce energy to power your home. This is one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner.

Keep reading to learn why solar panels are good for your home and budget.

1. You’ll Save Money on Utilities

For most homeowners, saving money on utility bills is the best reason to use solar panels. You’ll cut your costs drastically, and have eco-friendly electricity, home heating, and hot running water at all times.

Solar panels are a one-time investment and they’ll still produce energy even on cloudy days. Talk to your local solar provider to learn more about this incredible system.

2. They Produce Eco-Friendly Power

Solar energy is environmentally-friendly because it uses a renewable source of energy, i.e. the sun. Panels don’t use coal, water, fossil fuels, or any other non-renewable resources. As long as the sun shines, your solar panels will produce and store energy.

There’s no need to exploit any land or natural resources to power your home. Solar panels function like independent power plants.

3. You’re in Control of the Costs

Solar panels will give you total control of your home energy production and costs. You don’t have to rely on public systems and be affected by power shortages. You can also control how much energy your panels save for rainy days or for nighttime use.

Finally, as you’re off the grid, you won’t be subjected to rising energy costs, especially if you have a business or a big property.

4. They Increase Your Property Value

One of the best reasons you should use solar panels is to increase your property value. When potential buyers hear about lower home maintenance costs and renewable energy, they’ll be more motivated to buy. Plus, you already did the hard work by installing the panels so they don’t have to.

5. You Can Earn Tax Credits and Rebates

Aside from being the most economical energy solution for your home and budget, solar panels can help you earn tax credits and rebates. Depending on your state, you can get a significant sum of money back along with solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) that you can sell to utility companies.

This way, you’ll pay off some of your initial investment, and even get some extra money back into your wallet. Ask your state or local Department of Energy offices to learn all about it.

Now You Know Why Solar Panels Are Good for Your Home

Now that you know why solar panels are good for your home and your wallet, it’s time to have them installed and enjoy all the benefits.

Need more home decor and home improvement tips? Read some of the other articles we have on these topics and stay tuned for more industry news and trends.

You finally decided to rent some storage place to conquer the ever-growing pile of things with nowhere else to go.

The truth of the matter is you’re not alone in your pursuit of extra space. Not by a long shot. As it were, one in 11 Americans are actively renting storage space.

The question is: how do you pick the size of your unit? After all, nothing can be more horrifying than showing up with your stuff to find out that your rental unit is too small to fit everything.

This is where a storage unit size guide is worth its weight in gold. Keep on reading to know all about the standard sizes, and which would best suit your needs.

Storage Unit Size Guide 101: Take Inventory

In order to pick the right storage unit size, you’ll need to take a thorough look at your inventory—that is everything you want to put in storage.

Use a measuring tape to get the dimensions of the larger items in your inventory. This will help you determine the smallest space you can pick without worrying that your bigger items won’t fit.

Once you have your dimensions down pat, you can use the size guide to select your perfectly-sized storage units.

Standard Unit Sizes

There are standard unit sizes readily available in the market and at most facilities. All —usually— come in with a height of eight feet.

However, the width and length of the unit can vary tremendously, from closet-sized units to small-house-sized units.

1. 5×5 Storage Unit

This is the smallest standard-size unit that you’ll find. It’s basically the size of a small walk-in closet.

Usually, it can hold tall narrow items like lamps, or one piece of furniture that’s narrow at the bottom. You can also add in from six to eight boxes stacked on top of each other.

2. 5×10 Storage Unit

Quite similar to the previous size, it can still be considered to be the size of a walk-in closet.

However, you can actually manage to add two large pieces of furniture as well as 10-15 boxes, due to the added five feet of space.

3. 5×15 Storage Unit

Once you hit 15 feet of space, the space becomes equivalent to the size of a small bedroom. Quite the upgrade from “closet” spaces.

It can hold multiple furnishings for a regular 500 sq. ft. residence, if you exclude any major appliances.

4. 10×10 Storage Unit

Now, we’re officially in the bedroom-size territory. The 10×10 storage unit is almost equal to one bedroom.

This storage unit can hold furnishings for a 750 sq. ft. house and you can store all the major appliances as well.

5. 10×15 Storage Unit

An upgrade from its smaller sibling, the 10×10 storage space, this storage unit is the size of two bedrooms.

If you have —an average of— 1,000 sq. ft. residence, you can store your appliances and a solid chunk of your furnishings in this storage space.

6. 10×20 Storage Unit

Taking the space of (almost) three bedrooms, this 10×20 storage unit can hold the furnishings and appliances for a 1,500 sq. ft. residence.

In addition, this storage unit is the start of suitable storage units that can hold vehicles. In this unit’s case, it’ll have to be compact vehicles. Our recommendation is to keep your car’s dimensions in mind.

7. 10×30 Storage Unit

This storage space is the last on the list of readily-available storage spaces on the market.

The 10×30 storage unit is the size of a boat, a commercial trailer, or even must full-size vehicles.

Storage Unit Sizes: Unlocked

We know how daunting it can be to try and pick the right storage unit for the uninitiated.

However, with this storage unit size guide, you can select the perfect storage unit to meet your needs (and no more).

Yet, if you’re hungry for more home improvement tips, make sure to check out our tips section for all the advice you can possibly want.

 

If you are looking at creating more space in your home, there are two main options open to you: building a conservatory or adding a home extension.

These options both have their merits and disadvantages, and the one you will likely choose will depend on your personal taste, need, and budget. However, when you take the time to compare both options, you will find that one trumps the other in terms of features, function, form, and even cost.

So, in this article, let’s delve in and provide the information that will help you make an informed decision on the one to pick for your home.

What is the difference between a conservatory and an extension?

If you are looking for a way to create more usable space in your home, both a conservatory and an extension will serve that purpose. Either choice will give your home a unique, new look, while also affording you and your family the much-needed space. But what are the differences between the two?

Conservatories:

• Conservatories are typically attached to the back of the house, but where there is no space at the back, any other position will work.
• Conservatories are primarily built of glass, with the structure being about 80% glass and 20% other material like steel, wood, or aluminium.
• A conservatory is usually built to match the structure and style of your home, and in such a way that it looks like an original part of the house and not an afterthought. Even the windows and doors are specifically selected to match what is already on the house.
• Conservatories come in all manner of sizes, shapes and styles, but has to be smaller than the house so it doesn’t look like something that was added after construction. That said, you can always find a conservatory installation that suits your preference and budget.
• A conservatory will provide your home with access to the natural rays of the sun, making the room ideal for virtually any purpose – as a living space, working space, gaming room, or even indoor garden – based on the thermal properties of the glass used.

Extensions:

• An extension is usually built anywhere on the house and can be built upwards (in the loft or attic), downwards (in the basement), or anywhere else you need the extra space as long as there is land or unused space to accommodate the construction.
• An extension is usually constructed from the exact same material used in constructing the house, making it seem like an original part of the actual structure.
• Regardless of where the extension is constructed, it can be used for virtually any purpose, except as an indoor garden. The extension can be used as a living room, bedroom, bathroom, home office, game room, kitchen, and so on.
• Depending on the laws in your neighbourhood, an extension may require that you apply for and receive planning permission before construction commences. You will however, require building approval or its equivalent before you can add an extension to your house.
• Because of the materials and scale of work, constructing an extension will cost a lot more than constructing a conservatory, and this can be a critical factor if you have budget constraints.

How to decide whether to build a conservatory or an extension

If the main purpose of your home improvement project is to create usable space, it may be difficult to decide exactly which of the two to go for, unless your personal taste and budget is making you lean towards one direction.

But where there is nothing to influence your decision and you don’t know which way to lean, consider the following factors.

What will the space be used for?

Your choice of whether to go for an extension or a conservatory could be influenced by the purpose for which you are carrying out the home improvement. For example, if you simply want an extra room for practical purposes, then you may want to consider investing in an extension, but if you want extra space that can serve dual purposes, a conservatory is a right way to go.

Where will the new room be located?

Another important factor that will play a role in your decision is the location of the extra room. Typically, an extension is constructed to be completely indoors, although there are cases when an extension is constructed separately from the main house. However, if you want a place where you can enjoy warmth and comfort during the day, then an east-facing conservatory, or a north-facing conservatory is what you want. And because a conservatory is made primarily of glass, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the outdoors, something that may not be possible in an extension.

Which one looks the best?

Another factor to consider is aesthetic value. Admittedly, both options will increase the value of your home and afford you more usable space, but if you are really interested in form, then a conservatory will add more aesthetic value to your property than an extension.

What is your budget?

Finally, the amount of money you are willing to spend on the project will play the biggest role in your decision making. As already established, building a conservatory is not as expensive as building an extension. The number of materials used in constructing a conservatory is smaller and less expensive than that of an extension. So if you are looking to create usable space without breaking the bank, want you want is definitely a conservatory.

 

 

Renovating your current home is a good idea if you want to breathe new life into your home or transform the look and feel of your personal space without relocating. It is also the ideal solution if you have a growing family and love living where you are.

However, home renovations involve a lot more than is shown on TV. There are a number of things that should be put in place if you want your home renovation project to be a success.

If you are looking to transform your current abode into your dream home, here are some essential factors and steps that will help you plan a successful renovation and create the exact home you have always wanted.

Determine how long you intend to live in your current home

The length of time you have left in your current home will determine the scope of your renovations. If you will be living there for a few months or years more, then you will likely not need to make big changes, unless you intend to put the house up for sale when leaving. In that case, you want to carry out renovations that will boost the value of your house, as well as solve your immediate upgrade needs.

If on the other hand, you intend to live in the house for many more years, or it is something you want to keep in your family for generations, then you will have to consider renovations that add more space, improves structure, and makes allowance for current and future trends.

At the end of the day, your decision will likely affect your choice of materials, and consequently your expenses, as you will want to get quality materials that will stand the test of time.

Determine the current and future needs of your family

This is where home renovation gets a bit more personal. Before investing in home renovations, you have to first determine how your plans will affect you and the people living in the house.

For example, if you live with an elderly family member who prefers to “age in place”, that is live at home rather than move to a facility, or if you have a family member with physical disabilities at home, then you have to take these factors into consideration when planning for a renovation. For instance, you may have to opt for having a bedroom and toilet facilities on the down floor and install handholds and ramps at all the right places.

Another thing to consider is your personal status at the time of renovation. If you are single with intentions to get married, you want to renovate and get a home that will fit in with your new married status and is a place where you can raise a family. You don’t want to spend huge sums of money renovating only to relocate after getting married or when a child comes.

Determine what your new house will look like

Before striking the first hammer or contracting a master builder/ contractor, it is important that you have a firm idea of what your new house will look like. Having some ideas beforehand will make it easy for you and the contractor you will hire to accelerate the design and renovations process.

Thankfully, it is very easy to get Auckland house renovation ideas online, such as by looking going through house and design magazines, spending some time on Pinterest, and doing a simple Google search. Be sure to review your ideas with your designer so that you can get their professional input.

While the aesthetic value of your renovated house should not be underrated, it is equally important that you factor in how it will affect the balance of your neighbourhood.

For instance, if your neighbourhood has a tailored design structure for every house, going outside this uniform design will affect the aesthetic balance of the place. This is partly why some types of renovations require that the owner get permission from the local council.

Find out if you need permission to carry out renovations

As already pointed out, some types of home renovations require that you obtain permission from your local council. This particularly applies to major renovations that will either affect the structure of the house or the planning of the neighbourhood.

Finding out if you will need planning permission or building consent for your renovations work is simply a matter of engaging your local building council. If your planned renovation requires approval, you will need to submit an application that contains the new plans and design specifications.

If you plan to hire a contractor or master builder for your renovation work, this individual or their agency may be able to help you get the necessary paperwork and building consent approval.

Determine your renovation budget

There is one final thing you need to put in place to avoid jeopardizing your renovation plan – that is your renovation budget.

Many homeowners have gotten stuck midway home renovation because the renovations expenses got away from them. But this is a situation that can be avoided when you make a proper renovation budget.

To get started, first find out how much materials cost, how much labour will cost, and determine any other miscellaneous expenses you will have to deal with. When you have all the necessary information, add at least a 20% mark-up in case an unforeseen cost crop up.

Be sure to work with your contractor when creating a budget so that you take all the necessary costs into account.