Guest Post by Natalie lge

While there is no easy way to bid farewell to the regal stretches of strikingly shaded autumnal leaves, we cannot do away with the fact that winter is fast approaching.

Aside from checking your heating system, cleaning your gutters, and inspecting the roof and exposed pipes, your home’s interiors should also exude a winter-ready vibe, without succumbing to a gloomy palette.

One example of a design idea that you should watch out for is the Scandinavian look featuring hygge.

The concept of “hygge” is such a hit especially during the wintertime for the reason that it reminds us to take on a slow pace, be at the present, and embrace warmth and comfort into our lives.

This Danish notion capitalises on the use of candle arrangements, macrame plant hangers, textured decors and rugs, and piled up fluffy throws to build the ultimate Zen den.

In this post, we will walk you through the four cold-busting ways that will help you in radiating a toasty hygge-like atmosphere within your home.

1. Install Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

In the field of designing, blinds, shades, and curtains can make or break the overall look.

Aside from sealing air leaks with rope caulk, draft snake, and plastic sheets, your choice of window treatments can significantly help in giving you full control in terms of light and privacy while offering amazing insulation to your windows.

Cellular shades, curtains with thermal lining, and insulated draperies are the most recommended types as these are discovered to dramatically reduce heating cost and guarantee that the heat from the inside is not lost through the windows.

Aside from its functional and practical purposes, installing one adds character and elevates the space’s feel making it look chic and inviting. Instead of using bold black or deep-toned shades, consider outfitting your room with fresh lighter hues, earthly tones, or winter blues and creams to emulate the colour of the season.

If you plan to mainly use curtains, you can even take a step further by covering not just windows but also walls to introduce more texture and warmth to drab-looking parts of the home.

2. Play with Ambient Light

Have you ever wondered what makes spas and hotels look comforting?

Aside from the interior design, one key element that they utilize is visual effects through ambient light.

The concept of lighting is truly interesting for the reason that it has psychological and biological effects, causing us to process the environment on a different level. Instead of just seeing an open layout, the combination of light sources, direction, and intensity can help draw attention to decors, improve the depth of room while evoking certain emotions.

With this being said, you can make your home extra cosy and welcoming when you add warm-coloured tones with non-uniform light distribution to create a relaxing and intimate look.

Your illumination plan should include fairy lights, energy-saving table and floor lamps, dimmable overhead lights for high-traffic parts of the house, DIY lanterns and candles for an elegant kinder glow.

To turn a space into a real haven without spending much, you may also light up candles with seasonal fragrances like spicy cinnamon or cedarwood to bring a cosseting atmosphere.

3. Bring Nature into Your Space

Since Australians share a love for nature, you must bring organic and natural elements into your home to create a soothing sanctuary.

This change can be in the form of adding authentic piles of rocks, wooden pieces, and low-maintenance indoor plants.

Instead of purchasing expensive seasonal decors, you might want to get your hands on reclaimed resources which can be repurposed into a whole new item for a show-stopping rustic look.

For the living room, a minimalist and clutter-free scheme is recommended.

You can make use of old crates or pallets and turn them into side tables or storage space for your blankets.

Depending on the size, you can also refine a tree stump into a coffee table and perhaps add a candle arrangement, potted firs, or burlap-wrapped succulents for a unique statement.

If you would like to go all out and purchase furniture for lounging, you can never go wrong with organic materials such as rattan chairs, wooden benches, or simple leather couches.

For bedrooms, the hygge principle calls for the use of linen or wool sheets to make the bed more comforting and ready for snuggle season.

These materials are game changers due to their natural insulation properties allowing them to retain the warmth from your body.

For a dreamier slumber, you can also add extra layers of fabrics or a chunky knit blanket to snuggle with.

4.  Add A Dash of Texture

In the field of interior design, texture plays an integral role in the sense that it adds dimension and breaks a plain cold look.

Aside from incorporating natural materials into your home, it is essential that you add bold textures to add balance and make the room pop.

Accent pieces like a jute area rug, animal skin, pillows, and cosy layered textiles can automatically channel a Hygge vibe.

You can also put up DIY art involving wood, crafting twine, or even dream catchers to add personality to your walls.

Since the goal is to make the room look comfortable, you do not have to lay out all the pieces together as it will create too much visual noise.

To play with texture, you should consider balancing it out by sticking only to a maximum of three distinct textures in a particular space.

For instance, you should always check if the rugs you are using for a single area complement each other in terms of colour, shape, pattern, and texture to boost harmony.

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The winter is truly the most magical time of the year and it is the perfect reason to transform your home into a healthier and serene space.

Instead of completely doing an overhaul, you do not have to spend much to create your piece of heaven as you can simply upcycle stuff and consider DIY approaches.

After all, the hygge lifestyle is about contentment and making most of what you already have to create a truly cosy space for you and your family.

Guest Post by Katarina Ivasco

There’s no doubt about it – Airbnb is transforming the way people plan and enjoy their holidays.

For the traveller, it opens up a whole new world of opportunities and experiences.

For the property owner, it’s a quick and convenient way to make some extra money on the side.

It’s no wonder that the demand for this type of accommodation is growing.

It’s convenient, straightforward, and simple, isn’t it?

If you are thinking of incorporating a Air BnB into your new home build have you thought about how it would affect the insurance?

You may also be thinking about Air BnB letting of a new holiday home.

Well, maybe not quite that easy.

Setting up a room, getting an extra set of keys cut, and advertising your little getaway space may sound simple, . . but it’s important to understand the legal side too.

It’s more than likely that your homeowners’ insurance won’t cover an Airbnb situation.

This raises a burning question: is public liability insurance compulsory?

Warning to Airbnb owners: if your insurance isn’t right, you could be walking on a legal minefield!

Is Standard Homeowners Insurance Sufficient?

Probably not.

Many homeowner’s insurance policies are designed to protect the residence, which is classified as the primary place where the property owner or tenant lives.

A good look at the fine print reveals that things start to change when you turn your private residence into a business enterprise, i.e. when you use your home to make you extra money.

It’s technical, but in the eyes of the insurer, there’s a difference between renting your property out on a long-term agreement and renting it out for a few nights here and there.

What is Public Liability Insurance?

So, you now know you need public liability insurance.

But what is it and how do you get it?

When you run an Airbnb, you’re coming into contact with all sorts of members of the public, most of whom you’ve probably never met before.

In these situations, there’s always a chance that an accident can happen, and you’ll be held liable.

If someone is staying in your holiday home and gets injured or damages the property, you may be liable to pay compensation.

Public Liability Insurance helps protect you and your bank account in this situation.

This type of insurance may help cover the cost of legal fees if you end up in a situation where you need to defend a claim against yourself.

There are many insurance companies out there that offer Public Liability Insurance, so it’s worth calling around to find the right fit for you and your situation.

You may also choose to discuss insurance for your Airbnb property with your lawyer, and they will be able to help you find a policy that suits your situation and provides you with maximum protection.

Airbnb also has its own Host Protection Insurance program that provides hosts with primary liability insurance coverage, which covers the hosts in the event that someone gets hurt on the premises or if there is damage to the property during a stay.

The hosts may choose to have their own cover in addition to this.

What Could Go Wrong?

If something goes wrong at an Airbnb property and somebody gets hurt, you (the property owner) could find yourself in hot water if your insurance isn’t right.

Most homeowner’s insurance packages don’t cover public liability if the home is being used as a business enterprise.

This may include issues such as:

• • • Compensation for injury or death
    • Loss of goods by the customer while on your property
    • Accidental damage to the premises by the customer

As a property owner, you have a duty of care to ensure that your guests remain safe.

While you may not be able to guarantee that no one will be injured while staying at your holiday home, you can take steps to make the premises as safe as possible for all visitors.

For example, by maintaining walkways, footpaths, and flooring to help protect against falls.

If someone is injured at your property due to their duty of care not being met, they may seek out public liability compensation.

In this case, they may make a claim to help cover costs incurred (both economic and non-economic).

These could include:

• • • Income lost due to the injury.
    • Medical expenses including doctor’s appointments, rehabilitation, and medication.
    • Money spent on in-home care.
    • Costs associated with mental health and recovery (eg psychologist services).
    • Legal fees.

In short, you could be sued.

So, is public liability insurance compulsory? YES!

Guest post by Stepheny Jonson

If you are a gardener but only have a small outdoor space, all is not lost.

Small spaces are becoming more common as more people move to the inner city.

With a little bit of creativity and the proper lighting, furniture, and landscaping, you can transform your yard into an inner-city sanctuary.

All you need is a few small garden ideas that will make your space feel cozy.

When it comes to small backyard ideas, you have to think differently than if you have plenty of room.

Here are some of our best small courtyard ideas for your backyard garden design.

Hanging Plants

If you are short on square footage, consider going vertical with hanging plants.

This idea will work even if you only have a balcony.

You can also think about going vertical with flowering vines on trellises in pots or letting vines climb a gazebo.

When choosing hanging pots, one thing to consider is that the string is heavy enough because the pot can pick up weight when you water your plants.

Also, make sure that the pot has plenty of drainage in the bottom.

Hang String Lights

String lights in the back yard create a mood that is great for backyard gatherings.

Placing string lights on your dining umbrella sets the perfect mood for enjoying an evening meal together with friends.

They can be used to illuminate a garden path or to provide general lighting on a porch.

You can find string lights in a range of bulb styles and lighting temperatures.

They are available as standard electric, or you can choose ones that run on solar power.

Bench Seats with Storage

If you have a small area, maximising the space that you have is essential.

One way to do this is with a garden bench that doubles as storage.

You can use the space underneath to store garden supplies or dinnerware and serving utensils for when you have guests.

This is an excellent way to get double duty out of a single item.

For a bonus, you could even add an outdoor ottoman that doubles as storage, too.

Vertical Green Walls

Vertical green walls are a popular way to add privacy and maximise your green space.

Succulents are a popular choice for vertical gardens because they do not have deep root systems and do not have to be watered frequently.

You can construct one cheaply and simply using a plastic tray with planting cells.

You also might want to add some landscape cloth to keep the soil from falling out.

They are beautiful and add variety to the garden space.<

Create Layers with Pavers

Pavers make the space look larger and give it a finished look. Pavers can cost between $20 and $60 per square metre, and if they are professionally installed, they can last for many years.

You can use the pavers to create layers of texture and colour in the space.

This will make it look lush and abundant.

The visual interest will make the area look elegant and draw the eye upwards.

Be sure to create focal points throughout for a professional look.

When choosing plants for small gardens, make sure to consider the light that they will receive.

If you have taller buildings or a fence blocking the sun, then shade-tolerant plants are essential.

Also, think about creating a terraced effect using layers of plants with taller ones in the back, ending with short spreading plants that creep on the pavers and break up the hard lines.

Now you have a few ideas for making the most of your small backyard garden space.

A well-planned space will make a place for entertaining and for relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors.

It can feel like a sanctuary tucked away from the rest of the city.

If you’re looking to transform your backyard in time for summer, then the time to get started is now.

Guest Post by John Guevara

Your outdoor space should be as reflective of your personal aesthetic as your indoor spaces are.

By taking some time to think about how to best utilize and furnish your backyard, you create a peaceful retreat or vibrant place to entertain.

Here are some ways you can make your backyard a personal outdoor oasis.

Privacy
Privacy is key to making your backyard space feel like a mini getaway.

If you don’t have the natural privacy of mature trees or bushes, there are plenty of other options available.

Plant dense, tall grasses at the perimeter of your yard or around your deck and patio areas.

Fences are another great option for providing privacy.

If you like a more natural look, you can install artificial hedges instead.

Shade
It is important to have ample shade in any comfortable outdoor space.

Large umbrellas add a vibrant touch.

Pergolas are structurally beautiful and provide a framework to grow exotic looking vines for natural shade.

Shade sails provide shade for a large area with a variety of styles, fabrics, and colors to choose from.

Seating
Depending on how you use your outdoor space, you may want to have lounge furniture, dining furniture, or a combination of both.

Find comfortable lounge options with weather resistant fabrics that will make your yard inviting.

Consider featuring a large table with a mixture of bench seating and different styles of chairs for an eclectic feel.

It is best to shop at a place like Papaya, where you can find all different types and styles of furniture to mix and match and accessories to go with.

Lighting
When you create an incredible outdoor space, you want to enjoy it any time day or night.

String lights add light and beauty to your backyard at night.

Hanging LED lights or lanterns from trees adds a dramatic effect.

Install lights or torches along paths and perimeters to make your whole yard glow.

Incorporate solar powered lanterns or globes among your gardens for a magical feel.

Plants
Whether in beds or in pots and planters, plants and flowers are essential.

Use large, long planters to define spaces and feature your favorite flowers.

Potted palms can be moved around for shade or privacy in addition to being beautiful.

Showcase the flowers you grow in vases on your outdoor tables.

You can even hang baskets of flowers from your larger trees as a unique way to add interest and color.

Color and textures

Think about the colors and textures you would like to bring into your space.

Choose various tones of the same color for a subtle and relaxing vibe.

Choose bright and contrasting colors to amp up the energy.

Soft pillows made for inviting lounge spaces.

A textural outdoor rug will add depth and ground your other pieces.

 

Style your yard like you do your indoor spaces and it will feel like an extension of your home, transforming it into a special spot just for you or for hosting friends.

Control and Prevention Guide

Guest Post by Natalie Ige

Wasps are nothing to sneeze at, they are a serious pest, and you should take serious preventative steps to avoid an infestation. I

f you have already missed that opportunity and they are in or outside of your home, don’t worry; controlling an infestation and getting rid of these pests isn’t impossible.

Wasps are a danger to adults, children and pets, not to mention the unsightly look of a wasp nest on your or near your home.

To set yourself up for the future, consider this guide to control and prevent wasp infestations.

Wasps are not a pest you should underestimate; they are a genuine threat to your safety. If you have wasps, controlling them and eradicating them can be tough.

You can do it yourself, but if you don’t feel confident then don’t try and take care of them.

One of the easiest ways to control wasp infestations is finding pest control in Melbourne.

A pest controller can assess the infestation, treat and also identify any other risk areas on your property.

Consulting with an expert can give you the peace of mind you need to sleep easy at night.

Fill in your cracks

Wasps love to burrow and nestle in cracks around your home, especially those in the windows or where people enter the home.

Take the time to inspect your windows, walls and any external entry points for cracks and spots where wasps may like to nest.

If you find any of these areas, be sure to fill them immediately.

This is a simple process that can help prevent serious infestations as wasps will no longer view your perfect home as their perfect home either.

One of the best times to do this exercise is in autumn, which is when most wasps will be inactive or have died.

This lowers the risk of being stung or filling in cracks with wasps still inside.

Clean up your bins

Bins are a major source of attraction for wasps; they love both the source of food and the opportunity to nest under the handles of the bins.

Your typical wasp and the dangerous European wasp have many similarities, especially when it comes to how and where they infest.

Both wasp infestations can quickly get out of control if there is an easy and simple food source close by.

Limiting the chance of food waste being accessible is the best way to prevent wasps in your home.

If you can, sealing your bins to ensure there is no chance of food escaping is the best way to prevent wasps from having a food source.

Don’t take your recycling for granted either, be sure to seal all of your bins.

Even recycling waste can harbour food scraps that wasps love to feast on.

Look out for holes

Certain types of wasps aren’t picky when it comes to choosing a home and will even nest in the dirt.

To prevent any of these types of nesters, be sure to check your lawn or yard for holes and fill them in.

It doesn’t have to be large holes either. Look for small holes or any potential spots for tunnelling as wasps love to build nests that tunnel.

Take the time to fill the hole in properly and compact the dirt to ensure no nasty little pests can build a nest and create an infestation.

Wasps are a pest you don’t want to deal with and will want to get rid of if you do have an infestation.

Whether you need professional help or need to spend some time wasp-proofing your home, you’ll want to invest the time to do it properly.

If you need help learning how to prevent or control a wasp infestation then you can also call a pest control service for extra help.<

Guest Post by Maria Dalit

Building a house requires a lot of decision-making.

Every detail must be planned accordingly, like the space layout and wall colors.

One more thing is to select between single-storey and double-storey house structures.

It seems a simple choice to make, but it will impact your family’s comfort in the coming years.

Perhaps you are in trouble which of the two best suits your needs.

Then, we provide a list of the pros and cons of each, together with the things you must consider in making decisions.

Single-Storey versus Double-Storey Houses

Each house structure has to offer a variety of reasons to show which is more relevant for the buyers.

It is all up to the particular household’s needs and budget which to pick.

However, we collected some details to assist buyers in which option is right for their family.

Pros and Cons for Single-Storey Houses

Some home buyers prefer a single-storey home because of its cost.

It is 30% less expensive than double-storey houses and also weighs lesser maintenance.

Besides, single-storey houses are quicker to build by months that could permit more flexible design.

It has wider areas and a higher ceiling.

Safety is more certain with single-storey houses.

Little kids and elders won’t need to walk through the stairs and be at risk of tumbling down.

Pieces of Stuff can also be more accessible.

And lastly, single-storey houses have the advantage of natural lighting with their open design.

The only disadvantage is that single-storey houses have a limited space.

There will be fewer outdoor spaces for gardening, pools, and playing areas.

Pros and Cons for Double-Storey Houses

A double-storey home, on the other hand, looks better for some families.

The way it is built is more attractive than a single-storey house.

It’s biggest advantage was its defining features that people passing by will stare at.

Double-storey houses will stand out among other properties on the street.

Moreover, it provides more living room space as well as for outdoor living.

Kids can enjoy playing around within the property.

Privacy is enhanced with double-storey houses because of its zoning construction.

Bedrooms could be upstairs and away from the living room, in case you want to live at peace when there are guests.

It also benefits from noise reduction to have a goodnight’s sleep.

Families living in a double-storey house can also delight in great views.

That being said, adding a veranda is highly advised.

Double-storey houses are not easy to maintain.

Investing in cooling and heating systems is necessary to regulate the home’s temperature, especially upstairs.

Also, cleaning the house is more challenging for the most part like top gutters and windows.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing A Home

After weighing up the pros and cons of each house design option, here are some other things that you should know:

Cost

There is no such thing as a temporary home purchase, but a lifetime decision.

It is clear that single-storey houses are way cheaper than double-storey houses.

However, buying a block of land could lower the cost.

Consider your long-term needs in purchasing a house.

For instance, you want a bigger garden in the future and so a double-storey home would be better.

See what lies ahead and that could assist your decision.

Always pick what is more valuable for your money in the long run rather than your present needs.

Lot Size

If you are living in the city, a double-storey house is best recommended.

It aims to maximize your living space, including bedrooms and outdoor spaces.

Block sizes will assist house buyers with which to choose depending on future needs.

Single-storey houses are more suitable for wider lot sizes.

As said earlier, it will be constructed with fewer outdoor spaces.

Home Layout

Purchase a home that could meet your lifestyle.

A family that prefers open living should pick a single-storey home layout. In contrast, a split-level layout is perfect for people who like privacy.

Then, have a clear mindset that will suit your way of living before purchasing a house.

Your lifestyle may change over the years, like growing a family someday that might need more space to keep the household.

This has a great impact on your decision.

Which is Better – A Single-Storey or Double-Storey Houses?

Both house structures are a good choice and have different advantages and drawbacks.

The final decision is really all up to your preference.

It is important to consider your budget, needs, and lifestyle before picking the right house for you and your family.

Making the right choice can benefit the household to live in peace and be happy.

Buyers can take advantage of designing their own house.

The first step is choosing which of the two – a single-storey or double-storey house.

Professionals can assist you through the process of turning your dream home into a reality.

Best-Recommended Double-Storey House Provider

A provider of Double storey homes in Perth, WA will make your dream come true.

They value money by building a home that fits your lifestyle and needs.

New Level Homes guarantee 10 years of first-rate structural home building in the business.

It offers many home design options that are budget-friendly with the help of an award-winning team.

Their building techniques attract more and more buyers each year to trust the company’s services all the more.

Get in touch with the double-storey home provider to acquire supportive advice in building your fantasy home.

New Level Homes will accompany you toward the finish of the task.

How to Detect Them and What To Do About Them

Guest Post by Natalie lge

Natural gas is a very popular fuel and has made cooking, heating, and drying clothes a simple affair.

However, in instances where natural gas is improperly installed or maintained, too much of a good thing can eventually become a health risk and a source of danger in your home.

Today, we have a look at how you can detect gas leaks, when gas leak detection will be necessary, and what you should do should you notice that something may be awry in your home.

Read on to find out more!

Trust Your Sense of Smell

In most cases, the scent your nose picks up will be the first indicator that something’s wrong.

Although gases such as carbon monoxide and methane remain relatively scentless, the vast majority of appliances that run on natural gas in our homes contain a harmless chemical known as mercaptan.

Mercaptan has a distinct smell that is often compared to rotten eggs, and it is a smell that is incredibly difficult to ignore.

If you smell gas in your home, it is imperative that you take immediate action.

Following the scent to its strongest point is the best way to detect your leak, and turning off all gas supply until you call a licensed professional is absolutely crucial.

Set Up A Carbon Monoxide Detector

Although not everyone may have a carbon monoxide detector at their disposal, they can come in very handy in a situation such as a gas leak.

All of your gas-powered appliances, such as furnaces and stoves are equipped with vents that safely remove carbon monoxide in the home.

However, if any of your vents get blocked, this deadly gas can leak into the home and silently poison its residents.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include feeling weak, sleepy, and or nauseous, and in extreme cases death.

The best way to remain vigilant is with the help of a carbon monoxide detector which will be able to quantify information for you instantly.

The Soapy Water Test

This method of testing for a gas leak may sound like an urban legend or old wive’s tale, but you’ll be surprised at how effective it really is.

The soapy water test involves mixing a concentrated solution of a teaspoon of dish detergent with one cup of plain water.

Apply this solution to areas in which you suspect you may be experiencing a gas leak and look for bubbles to form that indicate escaping gas.

Sounds crazy, but it’s a tried and tested method that has worked for many folks all around the world.

Use A Gas Leak Detector

Lastly, the most efficient way of detecting a gas leak is with a dedicated gas leak detector.

These devices can be purchased at your local electronics or hardware shop and are able to detect flammable, toxic, or combustible gases in your home.

All you have to do is run a quick check over your appliances to ensure all outlets are safely sealed.

In the event of a gas or leak, your detectors will allow you to contact relevant emergency response teams in a timely fashion.

What Do I Do If I Detect a Gas Leak?

Detecting a gas leak is one thing, but what you do after it is equally as important.

If you have detected a potential leakage in your home, it is important that you take immediate safety measures.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, lightheadedness or lethargy, it is crucial that you contact a doctor immediately or head to your local emergency department.

If you suspect a gas leak, avoid lighting candles, cigarettes or any form of open flame.

You should also turn off any gas-run appliances in your home and remove pets, children and loved ones from the home.

Once you have done this, call your local gas provider and let them know of your findings.

Your gas provider should walk you through the necessary steps you need to take and establish a time that a licensed representative can come to your home to confirm and or fix the problem.

The threat of a gas leak in your home can be a very daunting thing to face, but ensuring that you are well versed in how to spot danger and the proper steps to take in the event of leakage is key to keeping your family safe and sound.

We hope that this article has given you some insight into how you can assess a potential gas leak and everything else you need to do to keep yourself safe. All the best!

Guest Post by Natalie Ige

Winter is right around the corner here in Melbourne and along with it comes rodent season.

As the days and nights get colder, rodents and other pests are going to seek warm and dry shelter in and around your home, and so rat control must absolutely become a priority for you and your household.

Find a list of telltale signs of rodent infestation below and study up to ensure that you and your family stay well-equipped to deal with potential infestations this winter.

1. Rat droppings

As most of the signs of rodent infestation are largely unseen or often go unnoticed, the most common sign that triggers families to call pest control services are in fact rat droppings clearly visible in your living and kitchen spaces.

As rats are largely nocturnal and tend not to traverse open spaces, rat droppings that are clearly visible are a sure sign of infestation and you should absolutely check for droppings in and around your pantry and cupboards and any other nooks and crannies.

2. Scratching noises

Once you’ve seen a dropping or two, it’s worthwhile keeping your ears pricked for scratching sounds around your home so that you can pinpoint where the rats may be hiding.

It’s common for people to hear scratching sounds above their ceiling in their insulation, but rats can also be just as comfortable in your walls.

If you do hear anything scratching sounds in your walls, it’s recommended that you promptly call a pest control professional to minimise damage to your home.

3. Scratch marks and other damage in the home

Like rabbits, rats have teeth that grow continuously, and so they need to be constantly chewing and gnawing to prevent their teeth from becoming overgrown.

This continuous gnawing will come at the expense of your skirting boards, furniture legs, and any exposed cables.

Frayed wires can be a genuine fire hazard in any household, so if you do find any evidence of this or other rodent damage, it’s best to act quickly to ensure the safety and security of not just your home but also your family.

If left unchecked, a rodent infestation has the potential to cause great structural damage to your home, so it’s highly recommended that you take a proactive approach to rat control to ensure minimal risks of lasting damage.

4. Torn packaging

In a similar fashion to structural damage, you may also find that food packaging in your pantry and other kitchen spaces may be torn and foods may be displaced due to rodent activity.

If you do find any torn packaging, be sure to clear any spilled foods efficiently to minimise your risk of attracting more rodents and potentially also other pests like ants.

If you have pets or small children, you should also search your kitchen and living areas for bits of food or plastic packaging that may have been carried by rats and clear any of this potentially harmful debris.

5. Tracks and smudges

If you’ve ever had a rodent infestation in your home, you may be all too familiar with the little footprints and dark smudges that tend to give away the nocturnal movements of your rodent population. . . . But why do rodents leave these dark smudges on your walls?

As rats are wont to crawl through some tight and rather unclean spaces, they’re very likely to carry grease and other contaminants on their coats.

Alongside this, rats tend not to walk across open floors and prefer to stick closer to the edges of any indoor space, which is usually what leads to dark streaks on the walls of a house that’s tackling a rat infestation.

Feel free to try and find patterns in your rat tracks to see if they may help you find where your rodents may be hiding.

Just be mindful of hygiene practices whilst searching so as to minimise you and your family’s risk of disease.

6. Rats visible during daylight

The last and most compelling sign of an infestation tends to be seeing a rat with your bare eyes and in broad daylight.

Although you may find this to be the most concrete evidence, it’s also a sign that your infestation has progressed to a dangerous point, as there are bound to be many other rats that are going by unseen.

If you happen to come across a rat’s nest, the best path of action that you can take is to call a pest control professional and have your infestation handled expertly to minimise risks of disease for you and your family.

Like most household pests, rodent infestations are never an enjoyable experience, but they don’t need to be debilitating either.

So long as you act quickly, chances are high that you and your family will be on your way to experiencing a rodent-free abode once again!

Guest post by Asad Shoaib

Plumbing is one of the most important tasks that help keep your home function.

If you don’t pay heed to it, you might end up having a clogged pipe, leaked faucet, and a lot of other severe issues.

It will waste both your time and money.

So, you should take help from a proper plumbing guide to analyze what you can and cannot do to fix plumbing issues.

It would help save you from a lot of disasters at the end of the day.

Here is a DIY plumbing guide mentioned for those living in Adelaide.

What you CAN do?

Leaks

You can deal with the leaks if they haven’t become severe yet.

A leaky faucet will waste eight gallons of water per day.

If you ignore the problem for longer, it will become a significant loss.

So, you can analyze the exact location of the leaks to get them fixed.

Any durable sealant would help you fill the gap that is causing leakage of water.

You can also replace the faucet if the problem seems to get out of control.

Clogged Drain

A clogged drain is one of the most common issues that every homeowner faces.

However, you can deal with it easily with the help of natural solutions.

You can prepare the solution by mixing vinegar in hot boiling water.

When you pour this solution down the drain, it will clear the clogs.

You can also push a plunger, wet-dry vacuum, or drain snake into the drain to get rid of the clogs at once.

Shower Head

You can replace your shower head if it has started showing severe plumbing issues.

All you need is a ladder or stool, thread tape, old toothbrush, shifting spanner, and new shower head.

After clearing the dirt from the old shower, you can remove it.

Check for the manufacturer’s instructions before you start replacing the shower head with a new one.

You should apply the tape in a way that it doesn’t get displaced while installing the shower head.

Also, watch out for leaks to check if the shower head is tightened properly or not.

What you CANNOT do?

Hot Water System Repair

Hot water system repairing is one of the riskiest plumbing tasks.

You shouldn’t get into it unless you become an expert.

It is always better to call a renowned professional like Fawcett plumbing Adelaide for help.

Only certified and highly experienced professional plumbers should deal with the hot water systems as they know about the precautionary measures they need to take.

Fittings or Pipes

You are likely going to overtighten the fittings or pipes.

It will result in cracks, breakage, or leaks.

You might also have to deal with a flood later if it doesn’t get fixed.

So, you should take help from a professional plumber to ensure that the connections are not overtightened.

Sink or Toilet Valves

Sink or toilet valves may get seized when they are not operated for a longer time.

You cannot solve the problem by applying more muscle to it.

It will only result in breaking off the knob and valve stem.

Since it is a complicated plumbing issue, you must hire a professional for help.

However, it is better if you check the certificate, license, expertise, and professionalism of the plumber before making a final hiring decision.

Installing a Humidifier

Most homeowners try to install the humidifier or icemaker themselves.

But it is the biggest mistake they do as the saddle valves may develop leaks easily.

Since the valves are mostly installed in hidden places, the leaks get unnoticed for a longer period.

It results in the loss of water that further causes mold problems.

So, if you don’t have the required skills of installing the humidifier, you should better leave it for a professional.

Low Water Pressure 

Low water pressure is the most annoying issue as it can have a lot of underlying reasons.

You might not be able to determine the actual reason due to the lack of expertise and skills.

This way, the problem will persist for longer.

So, you should hire a plumber who understands the specific plumbing configurations of your home.

It will help him monitor the situation to analyze the exact cause.

 

Bio:-

Asad is a passionate writer and loves to contribute articles to different online blogs and Magazines.

He loves to write about Health, lifestyle, Real Estate and Home improvement.

He has a personal blog where he writes about House care tips in his free time.