Category: News

Guest Post by Richard Kayode

You are building or refitting your kitchen and you are thinking about a few eco-friendly ways to move forwards.

In many cases, your options are limited unless you are willing to pay far more than you would otherwise.

We still live in an age where eco-friendly means more expensive.

It is why caged chicken eggs still exist because they cost ten cents less than free-range eggs.

Here are a few eco-friendly ideas for your kitchen.

Start With Sustainable Cleaning Products

Getting started with the simple stuff, there are now enough options on the market for most people to use eco-friendly cleaning products.

Using biodegradable and plastic-free products may seem like a drop in the ocean when you consider how much cleaning product reaches our rivers and seas, but every little helps. Plus, the more that people use bio-friendly products, the cheaper they become.

Opt for Durability Over Environmental Friendliness

The taps made from recycled cans and the sink from recycled tyres may seem like the environmentally sound thing to do, but durable appliances, fixtures and fittings are far more environmentally friendly.

The carbon cost of manufacturing, shipping, fitting, and then disposal are all far more damaging than the slight reduction in carbon that comes from recycled items.

Not to mention how damaging the cheaper items from China are when you consider how much carbon is output to create devices that last fewer than five years.

Recycled Material Insulation

One place where recycled materials really shine is as insulation.

The walls, the ceiling, and any areas where you want to keep heat contained will all benefit from recycled material insulation.

The mixture of recyclable materials used these days is carefully crafted to help it keep in the heat and help to maintain the material’s fire retardant nature.

There are some amazing developments in recycled ceramic-based inorganic insulation that make them better fire barriers than spray foam.

What’s more, even though it is marginally more costly than using other materials, it does have a positive long-term effect on the environment when people choose it over cheaper new materials.

Your Tumble Dryer

There are modern heat-pump dryers that are an innovation in our modern times.

They recycled the hot air inside the machine, running it past a dehumidifier.

By capturing and recapturing the hot air in the system, it takes a little longer to dry your clothes. but you do not need an outside vent, which means you can put it anywhere, and it doesn’t really heat up the room.

The device itself hardly heats up. Internal heat is managed so well that even the longer spin cycles only use a tiny fraction of the energy other spin dryers use.

Also, the slow and warming way that the device works will leave your clothes and bedsheets softer and fluffier.

A Green Hot Water Service

Of all your eco-friendly options, this is probably one of the most readily available.

There has been a real push for energy-saving boilers over the last few years, and there is quite a range to choose from.

As you have probably seen, there are those that use solar heat and those that only turn on when the taps are turned on.

There are those that are super-insulated, and those that push water through massive curls of pipes in attempts to get as much surface area showing as possible.

Save Water in Your Kitchen

There are attachments you can add to taps to make them spread the water in a way that makes it more effective when used; they are often called water aerators.

There are water-saving dishwashers and water-saving washing machines.

Again, the sad side of the story is that you often have to spend a fair amount of money on water-efficient devices.

But, if your water bill is metered rather than a flat rate, then these efficient devices can make up for some of their cost in savings on your water bill.

There are quite a few ways to save money on your washing if you make just the slightest changes in your routines.

Some Eco-unfriendliness is Unavoidable

Whether you are having your new kitchen built or simply refitted, some degree of eco-damage is inevitable and unavoidable.

Try to examine each process and see if you can make them more efficient.

For example, you may have many of your building materials delivered from one supplier in one delivery.

Some of their items may be more expensive than if you shopped around but having them delivered in one shipment is more ecologically friendly.

Keep these things in mind as you are planning and building your new kitchen.

Guest Post by Asad Shoaib

There is a wide range of self storage available in Melbourne, and other major Australian cities, however, you should make a cost analysis before making a final decision.

You should also know about multiple variables that affect the cost of self-storage.

The more time you invest in your research, the more it will help you make an informed decision that you won’t regret later.

Variables & Factors

Here are a few variables that may affect the price of a self-storage unit:

• Type of storage unit; 
• Storage size;
• Duration for which you will need the self-storage;
• And many more.

Here are some factors as well that may affect the cost of a self-storage unit:

• Location;
• Cleanliness of the unit;
• Time since your last visit;
• Last time you had subleased your self-storage unit;
• Last time you had moved the belongings from the unit;
• Number of times you have rented your storage unit.
• Age of the unit;
• Ownership status of the unit;
• Facility management service;
• If the unit is climate controlled;
• Parking space availability;
• Security staff availability.

These are only a few factors mentioned above, you should also consider your transportation cost if you intend to access your self-storage unit every month.  

Location

Moreover, to determine the cost of a self-storage unit, you should do a location search and then conduct a cost comparison using google maps. 

You should also consider the above-mentioned factors and then come up with a cost analysis of the self-storage unit based on the location.

Since you want to make a proper cost estimate of self-storage, you should also know about the locations where you can search for self-storage units:

• Altona North
• Southbank
• Melbourne CBD
• West Melbourne.
• Brunswick.
• Coburg.
• Preston.
• Inner West Melbourne.
• Flemington.
• Docklands.

Most self-storage units are located in industrial areas.

However, you can also find some self-storage units located in metropolitan areas which are particularly convenient if you intend to visit your unit every month.

Online Websites

Furthermore, when it comes to the cost of self-storage in Melbourne, you can get quotes through multiple websites.

The Internet is a great source of help that can help you compare different costs of the same product to have a clear idea about the money that is required to make the purchase.

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of a self-storage unit, you should also do some research on different companies that provide storage services.

Service Providers

You can put up an advertisement on a renowned website to see if there is anyone willing to provide storage services for a short period at a lower price.

You can also go to the corporate directory section on the internet and search for storage services providers.

Many companies offer a “Bulk Buy” option to purchase several storage spaces at a discounted price.

Surprisingly, many companies offer free storage services to their first-time customers.

This is a good opportunity for you to get a trial on their services without spending money.

Once you are satisfied with their services, you can purchase more storage spaces.

You can also negotiate on the cost of storage spaces as most companies will try to find the best price for their customers.

Discounts & Offers

You should also check if the company gives any discount for long-term storage.

To save money on your self-storage unit, you should look for special offers.

For instance, many renowned Altona North self storage companies organize seasonal sales during Christmas, Easter, and other holidays.

Storage facilities are usually provided by the owners of the self-storage space, or by contracted storage service providers.

You can easily find both types of companies that provide storage services.

Size

The average cost of storage services depends on the size of the storage.

A small 1.5×1.5 meter unit costs around $100-$120 per month, while a large 6×3 meter unit can cost $500 or more.

The pricing incrementally changes for unit sizes in between.

The cost of a standard self-storage unit depends exclusively on the size and duration for which you want to use the space.

Categories
Self-storage facilities used to be on the outskirts of populated areas; however, nowadays they are more often found in urban areas or suburbs.

This is due to increases in rental prices on smaller homes and apartments within city limits.

The self-storage industry is divided into two categories:

A facility controlled by the owner of the building and a facility with an outside company that provides storage services.

The latter one is more common for personal storage units, as facility-controlled self-storage units are only available in large business-oriented buildings.

Hidden Charges 

As most self-storage spaces are rented per room, it is easy to calculate the monthly costs associated with storing your belongings.

However, it is important to find out if there are any hidden costs associated with renting a space you need to factor into your budget.

Guest Post by John Guevara

Buying a new home is one of the most stressful, worrying, exciting and happy times to go through, and once you actually have the keys it can be a little overwhelming.

At this early stage there are some tasks which you need to look at, in order to make your moving-in and your living experience better.

For most people there are only 2 moments when they have an empty home, the first is when they buy the place and the second is when they sell it.

Once you finally get the keys, here are some important things to do.

Deep Clean 

No matter how well the previous owners may have left the place, this is a great chance to get in and give the place a deep clean before you start to move your stuff in.

Companies like Jim’s Home Cleaning Services in Sydney are experts in deep steam cleaning and they are just the kind of service which you will need once you get the home.

An empty house is of course so much easier to clean than one which is full of items, so take the chance to get the place in good shape now.

Carpet and Flooring Replacements

 If you have plans to replace carpets and/or flooring in the home then now is most certainly the time to do just that.

If you can do it now then it is going to be a far easier, smoother and quicker job than if you were to make changes once you have moved all of your furniture in.

The space will enable a company to work freely and without fears of damaging goods in the home.

This may set you back a little in terms of your moving date, but in the grand scheme of things it will be worthwhile.

Turning On Utilities

If you are absolutely desperate to get into your property then you can always get things set up once you have moved in.

With this being said however, if you are not in a rush it is worth you taking your time and making sure that everything is perfect before you move everything into the property.

This will include getting all of your utilities and services set up before you move in.

Making calls to set up your gas, electricity and water for example, or ensuring that your cable and wi-fi is in place.

This will mean that when you do move in, there will be no teething problems and no worries about being able to use all aspects of the property.

Painting and Decorating

If you are planning on making changes to the colors and designs of the rooms in the property then this is the perfect time for you to do just that.

You can always make changes once you have moved in of course, but an empty home makes life so much easier when it comes to adding a lick of paint, putting wallpaper up or adding any other design features.

Remember that you are not going to get the chance to decorate your home whilst it is empty again, so take this opportunity to get it looking just how you have envisioned.

There will be no need to worry about splashing paint on furniture or moving items around to redecorate, which is why now is the perfect time for you to get this work done.

You will no doubt be busting to get into your new home, but understand just what an opportunity this is for you to get jobs done before you move in.

Guest Post by Samantha

Awnings are a great way to provide shade for your home during the hot summer months.

They can also help with insulation, protect UV rays, and reduce energy bills by up to 50%.

Hence, installing retractable awnings is an investment that will last you many years.

Some people might not know about all of the benefits they’ve got to offer, so keep reading to learn about the seven benefits you’ll get from having retractable awnings installed in your abode.

Retractable Awnings Protect Your Home From The Sun

When the sun is beating down on your windows and walls, it can heat up your home.

This increases energy bills and causes you to have a harder time staying cool during summer months.

Moreover, if an area of your roof faces direct sunlight throughout the day, installing retractable awnings, such as Helioscreen retractable awnings, will help protect the roof while still allowing natural light to stream into your haven throughout the day.

Retractable Awnings Protect Furniture And Floors From Sun Damage

The heat from the sun can also cause damage to your furniture, hardwood floors, and carpets.

It can make the colours of your furniture fade and burn wood floors.

Retractable awnings help prevent these issues from happening by blocking the sun’s rays before they reach surfaces in your home.

Retractable Awnings Create A Sense Of Privacy And Security For Your Family

If you have an abode with more than one floor, it is sometimes hard to find places for your children and pets to play that are out of sight from anyone on the street.

This can be especially true if there are houses close by or in front of yours. Installing an extendable awning between two floors will help provide some privacy while still inviting natural light into the house since they increase the height when they’re moved.

This sense of security can even come in handy for any renovations done in outdoor areas, such as patios, decks, and balconies.

While your home undergoes some upgrades, your neighbours or people who pass by won’ be able to see the changes being done. 

Another benefit to the added level of privacy and security that retractable awnings bring is that you don’t have to worry about someone seeing you in your home when the shades are open.

Retractable Awnings Reduce Glare On Windows

It can be hard to see out at times if you have a window that gets direct sunlight for most of the day. Installing retractable awnings on these windows will help reduce glare and create some privacy since they are opaque screens covering your home from view when pulled back.

This is especially helpful if there are other dwellings close by or across the street where people might be able to take a peek into your place whenever the shades or curtains in those rooms are drawn back.

With this added benefit comes an additional level of insulation during colder months that helps keep heat inside and outdoor noise levels down while still attracting natural light.

Retractable Awnings Keep Out Rain, Snow, And Strong Winds

One of the main benefits of retractable awnings is that they can protect against harsh weather.

When it starts to rain, snow, or blow strongly outside and you don’t want to go out, having a retractable awning installed will keep your home from getting wet and still keep it well lighted.

Suppose strong winds occur outdoors under stormy conditions and send leaves, debris, dust particles into the air and onto your property, causing damage, such as broken windows.

Installing retractable awnings will help prevent this kind of problem since their screens are made with high-quality materials for wind resistance up to 120 mph.

Retractable Awnings Reduce Cooling Bills 

As mentioned earlier, retractable awnings create an added layer of insulation for your home during cold months.

They help prevent heat from escaping indoors and block cold air from getting in.

Since your residence is able to stay warm, you won’t have to worry about spending a lot of money on cooling bills each month.

Retractable Awnings Help Maintain Your Home’s Value

When you sell your home, the proper installation of retractable awnings will add more value to it.

Most buyers want a place to relax on their porch or patio during warm months, so using an awning will be an excellent way to make your property more appealing.

Conclusion

The benefits of retractable awnings for your home are many.

Not only can retractable awnings provide shade and protection from weather elements, but they also add to the curb appeal of your property.

Guest Post by John Guevara

If you’re looking for a rug to spruce up your home, there are many options available.

You can find rugs of all shapes and sizes on the market today.

There are many options, and it can be challenging to choose which one will work the best.

This blog post will help you decide by laying out all of your options and providing some helpful tips on picking the perfect rug.

Runner Rugs

A runner rug is a long strip of fabric that can be placed in almost any room.

These are great for hallways, where you want people to have the ability to wipe their feet clean before walking across your carpet.

They are available in various widths, which you will need to consider when purchasing.

A runner rug also makes a nice piece to place in front of your bathroom door, especially if you want something that helps people wipe their feet clean before entering the room.

Shaggy Rugs

Shaggy rugs can be both fun and stylish.

They may not work well for every room, but they certainly have their place within the home.

If you want a unique and different rug from what most people put on their floors, you should consider purchasing a shaggy one of your own from Rug Empire.

These don’t work well for high-traffic areas, as it is challenging to keep them clean. If you have a room in the home where little foot traffic occurs, a shaggy rug can make a great addition.

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are durable and tend to last a long time.

They can be found in all styles and designs.

Wool is easy to clean, and it makes these pieces of art both functional and beautiful details to have in your home.

Be sure you keep them well maintained, as wool rugs attract dirt, pet hair, and dust quite easily. If you have pets, consider purchasing a wool rug to go in front of your pet’s food dish.

Lambskin Rugs

A lambskin rug is unique because it can be used in many different areas of the home.

The fur makes it well suited for your living room or den, but the size and shape make it suitable for the bedroom as well.

You don’t need to worry about spills or dust with these rugs, as they are very easy to clean and maintain.

They work great in various spaces, but you may want to avoid them if you have a pet that sheds frequently.

Cotton Rugs

A cotton rug is an excellent choice for anybody who wants to add a touch of style and class to any room in their home.

Cotton rugs tend to be thin, making them easy to place on any surface or floor within your home.

As long as you take care of them properly, they should last for many years without wearing them down.

Keep in mind these rugs can be damaged pretty quickly, especially if you have pets.

If you want the perfect rug to place under your pet’s food dish, a cotton one will not do.

It would be best if you had something more durable and resistant to spills and stains.

Polyester Rugs

Polyester is an affordable and durable solution for your rug needs.

They tend to last a long time and stay in place on most surfaces, making them a great addition to many homes worldwide.

A polyester rug can be found in almost any color or design you want, but it won’t work well with high-traffic areas of your home.

If you’re going to place it in front of your sink, be prepared for easy stains and spills that are challenging to clean.

 

If you’re in the market for a new rug, we hope this post has helped you determine which type of rug is best suited to your needs.

Guest Post by Asad Shoaib

Plantation shutters can be a great addition to your home as they help enhance the look and quality of your property.

However, there is a huge number of plantation shutters available in the market, so you should know where to start before making a final buying decision.

It is better to follow a guide step by step through the process of buying plantation shutters in Melbourne.

It will help you get started with your physical inspection of plantation shutters and be ready to make a final buying decision.

Here are seven things mentioned that you should know before buying plantation shutters.

Types

The first thing you need to know is that there are two main types of shutters: plantation and PVC.

Today, most professionals think that both types of shutters have their pros and cons.

To ensure your satisfaction, you can hire a professional installer who can guide you through this important decision-making process. He will explain in detail the type of shutter you should go with, the benefits of each option, and if there is an alternative available for your specific needs.

Moreover, there is a third type of plantation shutter that is nowadays available in the market which is further divided into various types.

The first type is an ordinary blind made from wood or steel, which has a classic look that is easy to find in Melbourne’s style and architecture.

The second type of plantation shutter is a Venetian window with a brown wood finish and lattice design, which adds more beauty to the interior design.

The third type of plantation shutter is made of bamboo or rattan material.

They are relatively expensive, but they are premium products, which make them worthy enough for you to consider them for your home renovation projects.

Budget Plan 

The second point to keep in mind is that plantation shutters are very much affordable today, so you should consider how much you are willing to spend on them.

You can save up to 50% by deciding beforehand how much the project will cost.

Another important thing your budget will influence is the quality of materials used for your plantation shutters, so be sure to choose an option that best fits both your budget and requirements.

Price 

Plantation shutters are available in different price ranges.

The more expensive option will offer you better materials and therefore higher results.

There are a few options for plantation shutters in Melbourne designed to be extra heavy duty or with security lock mechanisms for the safety of your home.

Since these options cost several times more than other options on the market today, it is best to pay attention when looking for a new shutter solution.

Professional Installer 

We highly recommend you ask for a professional installer’s advice that has expertise in Plantation shutters Melbourne, especially if you are going to install plantation shutters for the first time.

There are many things you should consider – the size of your windows and doors, how big your budget is and what material you would like to choose.

There are many factors that a professional expert will know about to make your purchase worthwhile.

Material

The wood and steel plantation shutters are made from various materials.

Along with the regular plantation shutters, you will find plantation shutters made of aluminum, which can be durable and elegant looking.

The metal plantation shutters provide a more rustic look and complement modern Australian-style interior design.

Although they do not match most people’s taste, they do come in handy for weathered wooden buildings, especially when one wants to use them to cover up openings of doors and windows.

Style

There are many styles available for you to choose from that suit your style and preference.

These styles include minimalist, contemporary, modern, traditional and rustic.

Many plantation shutter companies in Melbourne offer customized styles to suit your style.

However, if you are purchasing a very expensive set of plantation shutters from a reputable company, the chances are that the plantation shutters have been designed by professionals and offer a beautiful blend of colors and textures to enhance any space in which they are used.

Service 

In terms of cost savings, you should buy from reputable companies that sell luxury products at reasonable prices, with many years of experience in this industry.

In terms of the number of options available, you should look for a reputable company that offers a lot of color and texture choices as well as custom design services to fit your needs.

A reputable company will also offer professional service to its customers through installation, maintenance, and repairs.

You must hire reliable professionals for installation because improper installation can lead to damages or even accidents if performed by inexperienced people.

Therefore, it is essential to know who you are hiring before entrusting your home with their care.

It is recommended to use a construction company, which has a license and has its workshop and employees who are capable of performing different tasks, such as: installing and repairing shutters, painting shutters, and installing windows.

Guest Post by Aldrin Daniels

The advent and continuous innovation of technology have definitely made our lives easier and more convenient.

The practical automation of tasks within the home has been a primary goal pursued from multiple angles for several years now.

Today, we’re seeing more and more smart homes that can automate anything from electrical systems, appliances, and even electronic systems.

Transforming your home into a full-scale smart home with all the associated conveniences and comforts is easier today than ever before.

Here are essential tips if you’re thinking to automate your home.

Decide What You Want

The first thing you need is to outline what you want and your goals.

You have a variety of options for smart home devices, and it can get really expensive if you don’t know which devices to prioritize.

So, before you start shopping, do a complete review of your home and note which automation technology is essential and should be utilized.

Break it down into categories such as air control, lighting, entertainment, and home security. then, start prioritizing.

Automating your home is an investment, and fortunately, it is something that you can build over time.

Hire The Experts

Once you have an idea of how you want to automate your home, you need to start looking for an expert that can help you.

Consulting someone who has experience and knowledge about home automation systems can help make the process easier and less daunting.

Also, the installation of home automation technology systems can be complex.

For instance, the wiring and electrical installation alone can be confusing, especially for those without prior electrician knowledge.

So, consider consulting and hiring a master electrician in Brisbane with experience in home automation systems if you’re living in the area.

By hiring the experts, you can gain expert advice and ensure an effective and proper installation of automation systems.

Invest In Good Internet Connection

How well your smart home will perform will depend fully on the strength of your internet connection.

At the end of the day, most issues with home automation are mostly caused by a bad internet connection.

Thus, before investing in the installation of your home automation systems, you need to subscribe to reliable internet service and invest in a good Wi-Fi router.

Also, you need to know more about the most-used frequencies— 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz.

Most smart home devices operate on 2.4 GHz. However, 5 GHz is becoming more popular today, thanks to its longer range and faster speeds.

Meanwhile, there’s also an emerging Wi-Fi protocol called Wi-Fi 6E, supporting 6 GHz.

It can handle more devices, is more secure, and uses less power.

However, since it is relatively new, most gadgets and routers are yet to support it.

Choose An Ecosystem

There are three main smart home ecosystems to choose from:

Amazon Alexa

Perhaps the most common choice in the smart home industry, Amazon’s Alexa offers the widest range of compatible devices and products.

You can ask it just about anything, however, it’s not as accurate as Google’s. but it does support a wide variety of devices and apps developed by third parties and even offers the most affordable smart displays and speakers.

Google Nest

For those who use Android devices, Google Nest is a good option.

Google Assistant is the main strength of this ecosystem.

This voice assistant swiftly responds to voice commands and is smart enough for conversational speaking.

It also understands complicated commands and even follow-up requests that will put Siri and Alexa to shame.

Apple HomeKit

If your home is filled with Macs, iPads, and iPhones, then it only makes sense to go with Apple HomeKit.

It’s the most restrictive though, having tighter control over third-party certification, but this ensures smooth operation for the supported devices and is by far the most secure option.

Think Compatibility

Compatibility should be a priority if you want to create a successful smart home technology.

There are numerous companies in the smart technology game and your options are endless, which is not always a good thing.

If your home appliance or lightning system is not compatible with your smart home ecosystem, then it will have troubles working smoothly or it may not even work at all.

However, it doesn’t mean that you should purchase every gadget and device from a single provider.

As mentioned before, some ecosystems can work with products outside their own line.

Just make sure that the ones you choose are compatible with your smart home system before purchasing.

Conclusion

Building a smart home can make your life easier, anticipating your needs and empowering you in fine-tuning your environment and home processes.

With that said, you need to consider the above tips in order to ensure a proper installation of your automation system and add real convenience to your life.

 

Aldrin Daniels: Aldrin Daniels is a master electrician. He shares his knowledge through blogging during his free time. He loves woodworking and painting too. Aldrin also enjoys mountain biking and camping.

Guest post by Ricky Miles

Setting up a small workshop at home can be exciting, but it’s also challenging when your garage is small and cramped.

Square footage can be limited, especially nowadays that it’s at a premium.

If you have the space to expand your garage to accommodate your workshop, then it’s to your advantage.

If you don’t, you have to be more strategic about your approach.

Whether your workshop is for the purpose of working with metal or wood is immaterial.

The important thing is setting it up the right way, so you can have an effective and functional workshop, even in your garage.

Here are some tips on setting up:

1. Plan Power Sources For Tools

The corner or area where you’ll position your workshop should have enough provision for power sources for your tools.

It’s a safety hazard to have a spaghetti of long extension cords and wires because the power source is on the opposite end of your garage.

Planning enough power sources for your tools is important so it doesn’t overload or tip your circuit breaker.

It’s also a plus to have to simply turn a switch on, plug your tools right beside you, and you’re good to go.

Because this is a major technical work requiring the expertise of tradesmen, call an electrician Sydney and others to do the job for you.

2. Create Ample Space For Tool Storage

A garage workshop is never going to be complete without ample space for tool storage.

For beginners, you may not have a lot of tools just yet. but once you get the hang out of woodworking, you’re going to acquire many more tools.

This is when you’ll start to feel the need for more space.

Early on in the renovation or construction process, make sure to have enough provision for tool storage, even when you think you don’t need it yet.

Apart from keeping your garage workshop organized, it’s also a matter of safety.

You shouldn’t have sharp and dangerous tools placed all over your garage, which can become a safety hazard.

3. Clean And Prepare Your Garage

If your garage is overflowing with tools and other equipment, you may want to start by giving it a good clean.

Declutter your garage so you can free up more space and make room for your workshop.

By cleaning and preparing your garage, you have to do a major purge.

For instance, you may have accumulated a lot of old items you’re still keeping like books, toys, bicycles, old furniture, and other equipment you may not be using anymore.

The more items you can let go, the more space you’ll have for your workshop and a proper storage system.

 

4. Paint Your Space

Your garage doesn’t have to feel gloomy.

Especially now that you intend to have a workshop in your garage, you may want to consider repainting it to a brighter colour.

Remember that your workshop is your personal space where you’re supposed to feel happy working long hours for your hobby or doing something you love.

If your workshop is less than inspirational because it’s dingy and dark, you won’t even enjoy staying in it at all.

When you give your garage a fresh coat of paint, you’ll realize it’s one of the best changes you can do for a pleasant-looking space.

5. Install The Needed Insulation

While a garage is now one of the staple parts of a home, it’s also the case that many garages today aren’t equipped with the needed insulation.

This means during the summer, your garage is too hot and during the winter, your garage is too cold.

Unfortunately, the unpleasant temperature can become a deterrent that’ll inhibit you from enjoying your workshop.

In fact, you may not like working inside at all because the weather makes it unbearable.

If you’re up for a major re-do of your garage, installing insulation is a good idea to have a comfortable workshop.

Conclusion

The garage is a common feature in many homes today, and its function has also gone beyond simply a home for your car.

If you enjoy working with wood and metal, it’s a plus to have your workshop at home.

In fact, a garage workshop is often the starting place a new wood and metalworker can practice their hobby and skills.

If you’ve long wanted to set up your workshop in your garage, the tips above can help you get started with that pursuit.

You don’t have to do all of these at once; take it one step at a time and make a decision based on what tips apply to you.

Ricky Miles

Ricky Miles is an expert electrician, who enjoys both electrical work and blogging. His focus, however, is in helping budding workshop owners in setting up their own at home – just as he has done one, too. When he’s no working with electrical-related matters, he enjoys blogging to share his thoughts and ideas about his trade.

If you haven’t already heard, the world is going through an environmental crisis and the future isn’t looking bright for our planet.

Now, we don’t want to sound all gloom and doom – there are ways each individual can help the cause, starting within our very own homes.

If we all tried to do our bit then this could definitely make a difference.

Check out the ideas below and get started today.

Energy Usage

Every single day we use energy in some form or another, so you should make sure that the provider you’re using is one that is eco-friendly.

Consider a carbon neutral energy retailer, as this kind of energy reduces carbon emissions to net-zero through neutralisation.

What does this mean? . . . It means that overall, carbon emissions can be cancelled out.

This is great news for the environment, as carbon dioxide is the greenhouse gas with the highest levels of emissions in the atmosphere, which leads to global warming.

LED lights

Using sustainable bulbs, such as LEDs, is a no brainer.

There are so many benefits to LEDs, including the bulbs running for longer periods, not producing strong heat, being more cost-effective and generally, better all-round.

If you’ve not already made the switch to LED bulbs, then you should definitely look into it as it’s an easy upgrade to make and you’ll never look back.

Change Habits

Simple habits that can help your bank balance, as well as the planet, include always turning the light off when you leave a room, dressing appropriately for the temperature instead of automatically reaching for the thermostat, taking quick showers instead of baths, and so on.

These small daily habits will not only reduce your outgoing costs but will mean that you’re not being wasteful.

Insulate Properly

You need to insulate your home sufficiently to create better temperature control.

This can be done in many ways.

You should think about getting thick, dark curtains, using draft blockers, having double-glazed windows… the list is endless and will result in your home being warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer if done correctly.

Recycle

It’s shocking to think that millions of people around the world neglect recycling.

It’s such a straightforward thing to do, yet many people completely overlook it. However, things are improving, slowly but surely. People are becoming more aware and are taking action.

Almost anything can be recycled, from furniture to appliances, so if you’re considering updating something in your home, then ask yourself if you can buy it second hand?

Or if you could upcycle an item you already have?

If you do end up replacing something you already have, then give the old item to charity or sell it if you can, as at least this way it can be reused by somebody else and won’t just end up in landfill.

 

There are so many opportunities for us to be kinder to the planet, and you can start today in your very own home.

By simply changing just a few of your daily habits and thinking before taking action, you are helping the greater cause in the long run.

Guest Post by Rahi Mam

As soon as you know your baby is on the way, it’s time to start thinking about safety in the nursery.

Remember when buying a bassinet or crib to check that it has been tested by an independent laboratory and passed all necessary safety regulations.

Some of the best looking nurseries are whimsical, but your baby can’t tell that there are white mice peeking out from behind the bedside table or that birds are flying around in circles on the ceiling.

Even if they can’t see exactly what’s going on, babies will feel more secure if no part of them is dangling off the edge of a table or in the path of a fan.

Use Beautiful peel off wallpapers

If you decorated your nursery with peel off wallpaper, wait till after your baby’s born before removing it so that they won’t feel insecure when they come home from the hospital.

It’s best to avoid textured wallpaper or wallpapering over windows, doors and vents, since these features might be perceived as holes by your baby.

Reasons why Removable Wallpaper is perfect for Nurseries

When you are decorating a room for your little one, the choice of wall coverings can be overwhelming.

The majority of people tend to go with wallpaper as it is an easy and inexpensive option which does not require any real work or expertise.

However, you should consider another solution for your newborn’s nursery – removable wallpaper which will help you change the decoration of the room in a matter of minutes.

Lighter color schemes are perfect for nurseries as they make the room feel light and airy, giving it a positive vibe for both parents and child.

In addition to this, lighter colors encourage imagination and creativity which is something that every newborn should have.

Simply put, if you go with darker colors, your kid will eventually turn out to be a more serious person.

Consider Non-toxic Vinyl Nursery Wallpaper

You can also look for non-toxic vinyl nursery wallpaper so that you won’t have to worry about whether or not it contains lead.

Just cut the wallpaper into smaller pieces before you apply it to the wall so that baby won’t have any loose pieces they can pull off.

Not only are wallpaper borders dangerous because babies will try to eat them, but these borders also don’t give your room a finished look so if you’re dead-set on using this type of decoration, at least use several different patterns or colors to give the room a more interesting look.

Head-Space

Make sure that no part of your baby’s head is within an inch (2.5 cm) of any wall, floor or shelf (especially if they like to stand up and walk around).

Some infants will stick their arms straight out when they start to crawl; make sure there isn’t anything sharp or breakable within their range.

If you worry that your baby might hit themselves on the wall when they’re crawling around, don’t place something breakable near the spot where they usually bump into it.

Cover the electric sockets

As for electrical sockets, many parents just tape them up with clear warning tape, but this isn’t good enough because babies will still touch the sockets.

Replace the tape with plastic caps, available at hardware stores.

Keep all unnecessary things away

Don’t put anything you don’t want your baby to have within their reach, but if they can get on top of your couch or dresser, you might have to rearrange the living room so that there aren’t any tall furniture pieces near their play area.

You can also put them in a playpen or on the floor with some toys while you’re gone, but make sure there are no strings attached to anything within reach of your crawling baby.

Take care of the mirrors

If you have any wall mirrors, make sure they aren’t dangerous by covering them with shatterproof plastic or adhesive paper.

If your baby is crawling around on the floor, it’s best not to have anything breakable within their reach because if they do manage to knock something over, they may cut themselves on the broken shards.

Put the furniture against the walls

If your baby likes to stand up and falls a lot, it’s best to put furniture against the walls so that there aren’t any corners they can bang their head against.

Make sure only soft toys are within their reach until you know for sure that they won’t fall or bump into anything while they’re standing.

Additional Tips to keep your baby’s nursery safe

When designing your baby’s nursery, try to think of ways to keep it as safe and injury free as possible. Here are some fun and affordable ideas to help get you started:

• • Hide all sockets with the plastic safety plugs that come with most appliances, or just use a coat of paint instead.
  • Keep your baby’s crib away from windows and be sure to attach hook and eye locks at the top of the window so your baby can’t climb out of it.
  • Place the crib on carpet instead of an area rug, which could cause your baby to slip and fall.
  • Make sure all cords are hidden behind furniture or just cut them off completely.
  • Use outlet covers on every electrical socket. If you have too many to cover yourself, contact an electrician for help.
  • Don’t hang anything on the wall above your baby’s crib, not even posters with plastic push pins. And don’t use nails or screws either.
  • Turn furniture to face the walls rather than the center of the room. This is especially important if you have stairs in your baby’s room.
  • Try to keep all items in your baby’s room at floor level, this will make it easier for you to get to him/her quickly if something does happen.
  • Keep everything off the night stand like glass lamps and vases with fresh flowers that could easily fall over and hurt your little one.

Conclusion

Removable Wallpaper is the most convenient wall covering choice for nurseries as it does not damage walls and can be easily replaced with new decorations every now and then.

Most importantly, removable wallpaper can be a great help in an event of an emergency.