How to Prep Your Home for a House Party This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to catch up with friends while enjoying the nice weather. However, you may need to tidy up your house so guests are comfortable. Follow these tips to get your home party-ready. 

1. Start by Cleaning the Most Important Rooms

Before getting started, write down a list of what areas you need to clean, including entryways and coat closets. Having a list will help you stay more organized. Start with essential locations, such as the living room and bathrooms. 

Your guests are most likely to gather in your living room to socialize, so it should look clean and inviting. Vacuum your carpets and mop your floors to get rid of any dirt or dust. Also, dust off commonly used surfaces, such as tables. Removing dust allows your friends with allergies to breathe easier. 

Your guests may also want to access your bathroom, especially if you provide refreshments. Start by scrubbing your toilet and sink surfaces. Instead of using costly cleaning products, consider using a mix of baking soda and ammonia to get rid of soap scum and grime. Remember to sanitize your toilet tank to prevent the buildup of rust or mildew. 

Also, mop your floors and remove any mold from your shower curtains. If you plan to leave your curtains open, give your shower stall a quick wash. 

To clean more efficiently, start from the front of your house and work your way through. Take note of the areas your guests are most likely to congregate in. 

2.  Clear Your Clutter 

It’s vital to get rid of any clutter. This is especially important if there are children’s toys lying around the house. Also, unplug any electronic cords to clear floor space so guests can move around easily. Consider using a junk drawer or container to hide away items until after the party. 

You can divide these items into separate categories for further organization, such as put away or donate. 

To make the decluttering process go by quicker, consider asking your family to pitch in. This can save you time and teach your kids a valuable lesson in responsibility. 

3. Take Shortcuts 

To make the preparation process simpler, focus on areas you know your guests will be. If they will only be downstairs, you can skip cleaning the upstairs bedrooms. Simply close your kids’ doors to signal to your friends not to enter.

Another area to take shortcuts is the dining ware. If it’s a laid-back party, then use paper plates. This can save you time on washing dishes or buying fancy bowls. 

4. Add Finishing Touches

Once you are done cleaning, you can then focus on the fun stuff. Consider giving your home a few personal touches to make it more inviting. You might want to add floral arrangements, photos or candles. If it’s a themed party, put up your decorations. These added touches can also serve as talking points for the party. 

Here are some other summer decorating ideas to make your home more welcoming: 

• Add beach-themed decor and hues of blue

• Hang up artwork

• Spruce up your outdoor space with comfortable seating and lights

• Purchase colorful accent dishes

• Incorporate floral fabrics

Along with adding decorations, consider rearranging your furniture. Keep in mind that you want to limit your seating. Too many chairs can clutter up the space and make it harder for guests to move around easily. Also, face your furniture toward each other to encourage conversation. 

5. Prepare for Minor Cleaning Emergencies 

With multiple people moving around your house, spills are likely to occur. This is why it’s vital to prepare ahead of time. 

Before the party starts, stock up on stain removal products. You may also want to buy additional napkins and paper towels for water spills. 

Having emergency supplies allows you to take care of messes right away and enjoy your party stress-free. It also saves you time during the post-party cleanup. 

Getting Ready for Summer Festivities

Summer is a busy time for parties and festivities, so you want to make sure your house is ready for your friends and family. Consider these tips to prepare your home for your next event.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

2021 Sunroom Ideas to Enjoy Year-Round

(Photo By © Yongyuan/Getty Images)

Sunrooms are the perfect place to begin and end your day in. In the morning, you can bask in the sun’s early rays as you sip on your favorite caffeinated beverage. At dusk, you can unwind with a glass of wine or tea while admiring your landscape or reading a new book. Sunrooms add sophistication to your house and can be installed in several different ways. 

Below are several sunroom ideas to help inspire your next home renovation or DIY project.

Meditative Sunroom Ideas

These sunroom ideas below will help you enjoy the natural light and relax throughout the day.

1. Install a fireplace 

Installing a small fireplace is a great way to enjoy your sunroom during the wintertime. The warmth of the fireplace contrasted against the cold window panes will make for a pleasant and cozy environment. 

2. Design a Cabin-Style Sunroom

A cabin-style sunroom is perfect for houses in densely forested areas. An easy way to do this is to use dark-stained wood planking inside the sunroom and on the exterior beams.

3. Create a Sunroom Studio

If you’re passionate about working out via yoga, cycling, or doing online classes then consider creating a sunroom that also serves as a fitness studio. Pro-tip: if you’re using weights in the sunroom, consider installing gym floor mats. 

4. Invest in Dimming Lights

Dimming lights are that much more expensive than regular light bulbs. It’s worth it though to adjust the lights to correlated with the outside’s natural light.

Shed-Turned Sunrooms

If you have an unused shed in your backyard, it’s the perfect place to create a gorgeous extra living space by transforming it into a sunroom. Here are several shed-turned sunroom tips and ideas.

5. Protect Your Garden

A shed-turned sunroom can be a place to both relax by surrounding yourself with plants. Even better, these plants will be enclosed, protecting them from insects and critters. Your shed will serve as a greenhouse and a relaxing place to hang out. 

6. Add on an Additional Office Space 

Perhaps you’re a remote worker and sometimes your home is too noisy to work in. If so, then look to turn your unused shed into a small office sunroom. The natural light will help keep you awake and energized throughout the day. 

7. Construct an Additional Guest House

Give your guests more privacy away from the house by transforming your shed into a sunroom guest house. Your guests will look forward to visiting as they fall asleep under the stars. To make sure they have a working bathroom, use our plumbing services. 

8. Create an Additional Meal Space

If you love entertaining others, then create an additional meal space with a great view. If you’re short on space in your shed, consider placing a long counter bar against the window with the best view. 

Guest Contributor: Chi Whitley

5 Tips for Deciding Which Contractor Is Right for You

Your home isn’t only your castle — it’s probably your biggest investment. The work you have done significantly impacts its resale value, and you don’t want to entrust the job to just anyone who hangs out a construction shingle. Here are five tips for deciding which contractor is right for you.

1. Read the Contract Terms

It should go without saying that you should get all contracts in writing. However, that alone isn’t enough. You need to read the fine print. At a minimum, your contract should clearly state all terms, including the project’s scope, estimated time for completion, and a thorough breakdown of who is responsible for which contingency costs.

Sit down with your contractor and iron out the terms together to avoid any confusion later. You’ll both feel more comfortable proceeding with the project when you’re clear about who is responsible for what.

2. Shop Around

When you want a project completed quickly, it’s tempting to press forward with the first quote you receive. However, remember that your home is a significant investment — it pays to protect the value by doing your due diligence. You might also save some money.

Should you consider unlicensed contractors? It’s probably not worth the risk. You will have a hard time establishing standing to sue for damages. Many such individuals carry insufficient liability insurance to cover damages if they shoot a nail through a pipe or electrical line.

3. Ask for Recommendations

You could do a Google search for contractors in your area, but this approach is hit or miss. You can hire someone with more confidence when you know they’ve completed quality work for other people in your network.

Therefore, put your social media feeds and in-person connections to work. Ask your friends and family who they used in the past and would recommend. Many contractors rely primarily on word-of-mouth advertising, and some quality smaller operations might not have much of a web presence yet. That doesn’t mean they won’t do impressive work.

4. Read Online Reviews

However, the internet is another source of information you can turn to if you still feel unsure who to hire. Sites such as Houzz and Homestars offer insights from many other users who are willing to share their experiences.

Exercise judgment — some people do use the anonymity of the internet to vent their frustrations. Look for patterns. One negative review among a sea of five-star ratings isn’t a cause for concern, but multiple similar complaints should give you pause.

5. Trust Your Instincts

Personal safety expert Gavin de Becker writes this of intuition: “It is always in response to something. It always has your best interest at heart.” Sometimes, you perceive things that signal your “something’s wrong” trigger, even if you can’t articulate what it is at the moment.

Maybe your contractor candidate didn’t slur their words, but your nose detected a slight hint of whiskey. Perhaps something in how they eyed your fine china collection when providing a free estimate raised a red flag. Please keep in mind that the crew you hire will have substantial access to your home and family. If something seems off, keep searching, if only for peace of mind.

Choose the Right Contractor for You With These 5 Tips

Choosing the right contractor is a challenging decision. Follow this guide to find the help you need to get your project done right the first time.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

Moving your kitchen to another room

A typical kitchen remodel done when moving your kitchen to another room.

Of all the home remodeling projects you can think of, moving your kitchen to another room is definitely on the list of the challenging ones. Why would someone consider want to move kitchen to a different room, you might ask. Well, the kitchen is an essential part of any home. You want it to be operational, spacious, and it needs to serve a daily purpose. Furthermore, transferring your kitchen to another room creates lots of opportunities to change the layout of all the equipment. Also, kitchen upgrades are quite often, so let's see how to tackle this project with ease!

Get all renovation permits

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, you will need renovation permits, especially if you plan to tear down walls. Thoroughly check state or municipal rules because they might be different from place to place.

Furthermore, if you have contractors coming over to do the renovation, they also need to have valid permits.

To sum it up, you will need:

• a building permit (covers any structural changes to your home);

• a plumbing permit (for drainage and water inlet);

• mechanical and electrical permits (for heating, energy supply, and ventilation);

No matter what kind of home remodel you want to do, you need to acquire different permits.

Once you get all the permits, it is time to start moving your kitchen to another room.

How much will everything cost?

The golden rule is that the entire project will be as costly as you make it. The more you complicate, the more money and time is required to complete the job. Besides doing all the electrical wiring and plumbing, you will also have to tidy up the old kitchen room.

With that out of the way, it is crucial to plan what changes you want to make precisely. Put everything on paper, get a quote from your contractor, and see if everything fits into your budget. If the remodel seems too expensive, see how you can simplify it to avoid overspending. Consider some cost-effective kitchen interior designing ideas.

How to plan this project?

The first step of the plan is to empty the designated room for the new kitchen. You need to make space for all of the changes. It is a good idea to consider getting a self-storage unit for this. If you have no idea where to put all the furniture and other things, find the right unit for your items and store them until the new kitchen is done. This is a good approach because it creates more space to work with. If you live in a small place, you can avoid making a mess by piling up all of the stuff in one room.

Do all the plumbing and electrical installations before moving in kitchen equipment to the new room.

Before you start moving all of the stuff from the kitchen, it is crucial to make all the necessary changes. Do your plumbing, electricity, and other installations. Furthermore, perform any structural changes to the new kitchen area.

Consider the airflow setup

Every kitchen must have good airflow. You don't want the food smell to spread across the entire place. If you have large windows, you might even reduce air conditioning costs this summer because you won't have to use the HVAC system or the extractor fans to get the smell out of the house.

Clean the new kitchen

Before you start moving in things, clean the room thoroughly, especially the areas where large appliances will go. If there are no other changes to make, it is best to clean everything.

Prepare the old kitchen for the transition

While the contractors are working on the new kitchen area, you can spend that time packing your kitchen for the transition. Good preparation makes things easier, so do not rush it.

Clean all the appliances, and start packing the glassware and the cutleries. If you have cabinets with pots and other kitchen utensils, see if you can move them without taking everything out. If not, pack everything into boxes so you can move the cabinets.

Keep in mind that your refrigerator and freezer need to work all the time. To move them, you have two different approaches to consider:

• wait for the new kitchen to be finished, take out all of the food, move the appliances immediately and return everything inside;

• if you don't have a lot of food, you can take everything out and defrost and clean the units. Use a mini-fridge to keep the food fresh.

Moving in the kitchen to the new room

When all of the changes are done, and the new room is clean, you can start moving in your stuff. Start with the largest items, like cabinets and electric appliances. If some things cannot pass through the door, you will have to take them apart. Think about it in advance, and disassemble everything.

When all of the cabinets and appliances are in place, connect the freezer and fridge first, and then the stove and other electrical devices.

Moving your kitchen to another room is worth it if you finally get the kitchen you always dreamed of.

When all of the more oversized items are in place, you can move all the kitchen utensils.

Cleaning up the old kitchen space

After your new kitchen is up and running, you can slowly start to clean the old place. If you have any electrical or plumbing installations that need to be removed or sealed, do it while the room is empty.

It is a good idea to plan in advance what you want to do with this space. That way, you will avoid potential delays while thinking about what to do with the room.

Moving your kitchen to another room made easy

As you can see, moving your kitchen to another room is a challenging process. It will cost money, so know what your budget is. The main idea is to plan everything in advance so that the contractor can finish the project on time. Even though it might take some time, it is all worth it if you finally get the kitchen you have always wanted!

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

Ways to Beat the Summer Heat Without Breaking the Bank

Time flies so fast, and summer is here before you know it. This means only one thing: scorching heat! Depending on where you live, temperatures can be shooting up as early as May. Unfortunately, the most effective way to keep cool is also the most expensive—running the air conditioner round the clock.

The good news? There's no shortage of ways to stay cool during the summer without spending a fortune. The following are some of the best and cost-effective ways to beat the summer heat:

1. Invest in a New AC Unit

If you have an old air conditioning unit, it would be best to get rid of it and invest in a new AC unit. While purchasing a new AC unit will involve spending money upfront, it is considered a wise investment, especially if you choose a certified Energy Star model. Undeniably, a certified Energy Star model uses less energy compared to conventional models.

2. Tune-Up Your Central Air Systems 

If you have a central air conditioning system at home, it is recommended that you ensure it functions accordingly by having an HVAC specialist check it during spring. This can help guarantee it runs at maximum energy, helping you save energy as a result. 

You can also do a DIY tune-up of your HVAC system by changing the filter and vacuuming the compressor coils. Keep in mind that every kind of air conditioner, from portable A/C systems to window units, can benefit from a good cleaning.

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat

It would be impractical to keep cooling your home if you are not around. This is especially true if you leave the house for a holiday. Fortunately, this is where a programmable thermostat can come in handy.

Programmable thermostats are affordable and can be instilled easily, even without professional help. Set the thermostat only to come on when you are at home. Smart thermostats can offer energy savings by as much as 10 to 20 percent.

4. Shade Your Compressor Unit

If your central air system has an outdoor compressor, you can help ensure it works as efficiently as possible by keeping it in the shade. If it's situated on the north side of your property, you can place some shrubs strategically. Providing some shade for your unit can keep the hot air away so your unit won't have to work overtime to keep you cool.

5. Try Using an Evaporative Cooler

If the place you live in has low humidity, it might be a good idea to use an evaporative cooler. Evaporative coolers work with just a fan and water. When the water evaporates, it can drop the air temperature instantly. The fan will also push the cool air into your room. 

 6. Use a Dehumidifier

If you reside in a humid climate with hot, sticky summers, it might be a good idea to try sucking out some of the moisture so you can feel more comfortable. When the weather gets too humid, the body can't cool itself by sweating alone since it won't evaporate into the air that's already saturated. Drying out the home using a dehumidifier can make it feel cooler. You may even have to run your air conditioner less. 

7. Change Your Light Bulbs

At times, making small changes can already make a massive difference in your comfort during the summer months. For instance, if you are using incandescent light bulbs or halogen, you can keep cool (and lower your energy bills significantly) by switching to LEDs or CFLs. Said bulbs are also more efficient and won't make as much electricity on heat loss. 

Conclusion

Beating the summer heat does not have to cost a fortune. If you want to stay cool and save money simultaneously, the tips laid out above can help you achieve both objectives.

About the Author

Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of New AC Unit. Aside from heading the company's content marketing strategies, she writes articles about how to stay fit and energy-efficient home living.

5 Key Design Considerations to Remember When Building a Commercial Property

The way your commercial property is designed plays a vital role in determining the success of your business. It’s a matter of finding the perfect balance between function and aesthetics, and it involves incorporating different design elements that are in line with the way the building is utilized by your business. With that in mind, here are five key design considerations to remember when building a commercial property.

Functionality and cohesiveness as top priorities

First things first, when it comes to building a commercial property, you want to make sure that its design is as functional as it is cohesive. The layout you select needs to be easy to navigate and flow in a way that’s uninterrupted. Another way to achieve this continuity between spaces is to use similar materials and color palette in each room. This will help maintain a flow within the building and prevent different parts of it from feeling disconnected.

Speaking of functionality, you’ll also need to consider how you’re going to use the space and choose your design accordingly. Depending on your water requirements (which vary with the type of commercial property), you’ll also need to address a few principal plumbing considerations and rely on an expert plumber to plan a specific plumbing grid that’s in line with the building’s needs. Once the project is done, make regular maintenance a priority. This will help put your mind at ease and also save you a significant amount of money down the road.

Efficient windows and lighting as a sustainable approach to building

A functional commercial building design is also the one that promotes productivity among employees and makes the customers feel welcome, and windows and lighting both play vital roles in creating such spaces. That’s why enhancing natural lighting and ensuring optimal levels of illumination all throughout the building is an essential part of the design process.

The style, size, and type of windows and lighting you select will depend on your building’s lighting design needs and its floor layout. For optimal results, it’s best that you consult with a professional and get their opinion on how you can enhance your property’s appearance. This is also the right time to consider the principles of sustainable construction and make green, eco-friendly choices. Energy-saving lighting lasts longer and is less costly to operate while double or triple-pane glass windows with aluminum or vinyl frames will keep your commercial property project eco-friendly.

Modular construction as key to ensuring construction efficiency

Windows and lighting can make all the difference in terms of efficiency and sustainability of a commercial property. That said, they’re not the only way to ensure building efficiency. A growing number of construction companies are incorporating modular building in the design phase of commercial properties, and for good reason.

For starters, going modular results in faster building times since these properties are easier to build. This directly impacts labor costs which are dramatically reduced. The controlled environments where the buildings are assembled offer higher quality standards while responsible construction waste management offers significant environmental benefits. Given the many advantages it has over onsite construction practices, it’s easy to see why modular construction is considered the new standard in the construction industry.

Visual appeal crucial for making a lasting impression

When building commercial properties, visual appeal is everything, so you’ll need to focus your design choices on making a lasting impression. You need something that will entice the guests and customers to come back, and oftentimes, this will have to do a lot with how memorable, attractive, or innovative the building is.

It can mean anything from coming up with an attractive lighting design that will highlight the best features of the building to putting extensive landscaping efforts to enhance the ambiance of your commercial establishment. Beautifying your entrance is a great way to appeal to business owners looking for the perfect premises for their customer-based business and need an office reception or a lobby that’s welcoming as well as statement-making.

Safety as a key feature of a good commercial property design

Making your commercial property aesthetically pleasing is important, but it also needs to incorporate features that will ensure the safety of the customers, guests, and staff. Whether you’re building an office, a hotel, a manufacturing facility, or a retail building, there are certain codes and standards you need to follow in order to address safety considerations.

Generally speaking, a good commercial property design makes use of clear and bright signage that warn about different hazards, has secure stairwells as well as technological protection that ensures easier monitoring of individuals who leave or enter a facility. It also has an exit strategy in case of fire or any other event of emergency so that the staff and customers stay safe and protected.

Wrapping up

Coming up with a commercial property design that ticks all the right boxes is no easy feat. However, if you make sure to address these five points during the design phase, you can ensure project success and help your property stand out.

About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid blogging enthusiast and experienced freelance writer. He’s a regular contributor to numerous online publications where he writes about real estate, construction, home improvement, and interior design.

How Often Should You Clean Your Home?

Cleaning can sometimes feel like a chore. Giving your home a quick wash helps eliminate dirt and germs and is also essential for keeping your family healthy. Here are some tips for when you should give your home that extra shine.

When Should You Clean Your Home?

This depends on the specific space. You should clean some home features regularly and others annually. Grime or stains should be taken care of right away because the longer they sit, the harder it will be to remove them. You may also want to clean after family parties or social events.

What Should You Clean Daily?

You probably have a busy schedule, but try to clean these areas at least once a day. 

1. Your Kitchen 

You want to clean your kitchen regularly. It can get cluttered with unwashed dishes and scattered cooking supplies. Prepping food can also lead to spills and messes. Be sure to wash your counters and mop the floor at the end of the day. Leftover food particles can attract pests and grow bacteria. 

Here are some tips for cleaning your kitchen effectively:

• Keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh

• Wash your oven rack

• Polish woodwork with lemon oil and vinegar

• Use vacuum to clean cabinets

• Scrub out your sink’s disposal guard with an old toothbrush

2.  Your Sinks 

Bathroom sinks can collect germs from unwashed hands, and kitchen sinks can become contaminated with bacteria from leftover food residue. This is why it is important to wipe down your sinks daily. 

Here are some steps for giving your sinks a good clean:

1. Scrub and rinse

2. Clean nooks and crannies

3. Disinfect it

4. Clean your sponge

5. Keep the space tidy

3. Your Sponges

Your kitchen sponge can collect lots of bacteria from your dishes. To keep your family safe, replace your sponges every couple of days. Try boiling them in water to clear out any germs. 

What Should You Clean Weekly?

Some other areas require less maintenance. Tackle these surfaces at least once a week. 

1.  Rugs and Floors

Vacuum your rugs to remove any dirt or dust. This is very beneficial for family members with allergies. Spend extra time on more high traffic areas, such as living rooms and hallways. Also, empty the vacuum bag after each use.

Washing your floors is another important weekly task that removes any grime or food stains. Use a mop or dampened cloth and floor cleaner.  

2. Bathrooms 

This area in your home is vulnerable to the spread of bacteria and E. coli. Disinfect toilets and sinks to keep your bathroom healthy for your family. Also, scrub down the bathtub, shower and curtains to remove any mildew.   

Here are some tips for a more efficient clean:

• Clear out the space

• Dust and sweep

• Apply cleaner to bathtub and shower

• Mop the floor

• Wipe down the vanity area

3.  Frequently Touched Surfaces

You should wipe down doorknobs, TV remotes and light switches regularly because these surfaces contain multiple germs. This is especially important if a family member in your house falls ill. Try using a disinfecting wipe to remove bacteria. 

4. Refrigerator

Your fridge can accumulate spills and grime over time. Wipe down surfaces, shelves and drawers. Also, remove any expired or rotten food. This can help to prevent mold growth and keep your refrigerator smelling fresh. 

Here are some tips for deep cleaning your refrigerator effectively:

• Empty and defrost

• Lower the thermostat

• Eliminate odors

• Pay attention to expiration dates

• Invest in storage solutions

What Should You Clean Yearly?

Annual cleaning is an essential chore. Here are some important home features to clean once or twice a year. 

1. Windows

Windows can collect dirt, dust or pollen. They also can be exposed to outdoor debris. First, use a vacuum to remove dust. Then use a wet cloth to get rid of any dirt or lingering cobwebs. You should also use a garden hose to spray down your exterior windows. 

2.  Pantries and Closets

Remove any excess food from your pantry. This helps to declutter the space and get rid of any expired products. It can provide additional room for you to stock up on all your favorite snacks. 

You should also go through your bedroom closets and get rid of any unwanted clothes. Consider donating them to help others in need. 

3. Garage Door 

Your garage door can accumulate soot from outdoor elements. You want to clean it twice a year to keep it looking brand new. Having an attractive garage door can enhance your curb appeal and increase your home’s ROI. Cleaning also helps to make sure all the parts are functioning properly. 

Use a hose with a light spray followed by a soft cloth and soap solution to wash down the door. 

4. Oven 

Your oven can collect burned food crumbs. Clean out hood vents and wipe down the walls around your stove and oven to remove any grease. Consider using baking soda and vinegar to remove stains. These natural products use fewer chemicals. 

How to Keep Your House Clean

Cleaning can feel like a hassle sometimes. However, regular maintenance helps remove unwanted germs and debris — and it also keeps your family healthy.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

Reasons Why Your Toilet Keeps Clogging And How Can A Plumber Help You?

A constantly clogged toilet is a big issue in Australian families. It leads to a non-functional lavatory which creates many problems for the people. Toilet clogging is stinky and dirty, and if the sewer and the drain waters get mixed with this water, then the filth increases manifold.

Does your toilet often get clogged too? If yes, these are major toilet clogging reasons with their solutions provided by the plumbers to resolve these problems.

Clogged Toilet Trap:

A toilet trap is S-shaped and is present between the toilet bowl and drain-pipe. It holds a small amount of water which prevents the unpleasant smell of sewer gases. If the toilet trap is clogged, the water does not pass easily from the toilet bowl to the drain-pipes, and it remains partially obstructed. There are certain DIY methods that can be applied for cleaning the drain-pipes, but they are not always effective. Hence, hiring the best professional plumbers helps a lot.

What Can A Plumber Do?

The plumber clears the clogging of the toilet by plunging it. In some cases where plunging does not work, plumbers use an auger that pushes the things down the drain and unclogs the toilet.

Hard Water Trouble:

Water plays a significant role in toilets, and their functionality also depends on the type of water. If you have a supply of soft water at your home, it does not clog the toilets.

What Can A Plumber Do?

In such cases, there are two options. One is a temporary solution while the other one is permanent. In short-term solution, the plumbers use strong and harsh chemical solutions to get rid of the calcium and magnesium deposit, which cleans the pipe.

The permanent solution is to get a water softener installed in your toilet by the plumber. It will reduce the extra minerals from the hard water, and the toilet will be clogged less.

Clogged Toilet Vent:

A toilet vent allows the sewer gases to escape from the toilet. As the frequency of toilet usage increases, it becomes harder for the toilet to flush the human waste, and it gets clogged. There are many chemical vent cleaners that are available in the market, but when you hire professionals, they work with the less harmful cleaners if you tell them. This keeps the toilet clean, fresh and germ-free.

What Can A Plumber Do?

The plumber cleans the toilet vent by pouring water in it from a garden hose or another pipe. It may sound simple to you, but only a professional plumber should handle this issue.

The Toilet Itself Is The Issue:

It is not always the pipes responsible for the clogging of toilets. Sometimes, it is the toilet itself. The pressure decreases in the toilets with time. It is why in older toilets, the pressure is not enough to drain the human waste in the pipes with full efficiency, which in turn blocks the pipes.

What Can A Plumber Do?

The only solution to counter this problem is to change the toilet. The plumber will help you to choose and install the appropriate toilet for you. The plumber has the right set of instruments and equipment that can clean your toilet and make the toilet dry and pollutant-free.

In a Nutshell

While the above-listed factors are unavoidable and they can happen unexpectedly, there are many avoidable measures that Australian families can adopt to prevent the frequent clogging of their toilets. Always avoid flushing too much toilet paper, diapers tissues or condoms in the lavatory.

Taking these measures, you can avoid the frequent clogging of your toilets and reduce the cost of plumbing charges too. You can hire the local plumber and check whether he has worked earlier in unclogging toilets.

Guest Contributor: Ashley Kinsela

2021 Landscaping Designs for Your Backyard

The presence of a beautiful yard creates a royalty feeling and increases the property value. A perfectly designed backyard is an excellent start to throwing BBQs and quality family time. With all the backyard landscaping designs available in 2021, it is customary to be confused. If you are struggling to find a suitable choice, you are in the right place. Consider the following backyard landscaping ideas:

Mountains of Plants

You can make your backyard appealing in 2021 by creating a mountain of plants. The technique allows the incorporation of flowers into your backyard by carving out curved paths or circular areas. It would help if you worked by placing the taller plants at the centre surrounded by pretty flowers. The result is a mountainous view that draws your eyes upward. To experiment with a range of plant types, you should have multiple but separate spaces in the backyard. These spaces allow you to explore more options rather than sticking to one design.

Wandering Paths

It is perfect for small-sized backyards as it makes the space look and feels bigger. The wandering path takes you and your viewers around the backyard. The journey is ideal during meditation walks in the morning or evening. These walks help clear the mind. For a more natural feel, you should consider flat rocks or landscaping sand and gravel over traditional pavers. While the stone edges minimize weeds, the patio and pergola create a perfect hangout spot.

Pay More Attention to The Fire

Isn't it lovely to have a fire pit in your backyard? Most backyard landscaping ideas in 2021 revolve around this space. Choosing this design, however, requires you to plan for a brick patio. The patio ensures safety when lighting the fire. With green plants in the backyard, you encounter little distractions and concentrate on yourselves and the fire.

Incorporate Color

It is tempting to settle for a grassy backyard, especially for easier maintenance. The decision, however, denies you a chance to enjoy the impact of color. A fire area fitted with tiny pebbles, for instance, dramatically transforms the space. Adding poles around the exterior of the fireplace ensures a vertical definition of the space. These poles are great for hanging flowers and lights useful at night.

Design for Beginners

It is perfect for beginners with little experience in backyard landscaping. It comprises curves that are easy to maintain and last up to one year. Of course, it would help if you trimmed them once in a while. For the appeal of flowers, allow the nursery to determine the design of the flowers. All you should do is buy hanging planters of flowers and plant them on the ground. Flower pots are not suitable in this case.

Mini-makeover

It is an excellent idea for people with plans to upgrade their backyard with minimalism. It is simple and involves planting flowers in a small area outside the home and using bricks as edges. The vast green plants act as hosts and are easy to maintain. You should also include striped options for a different outcome.

Your backyard is a significant part of your home. It gives the exterior impression before one gets inside while increasing the value of the property. It thus requires your time, attention, and money. Therefore, it would help if you were cautious about the landscaping design that you choose for your backyard. That way, you get relevant results.

Alex Capozzolo is a partner of Cash Offer Kentucky, a home buyer based in Louisville, KY. He has been writing for the real estate industry for several years. Cash Offer Kentucky focuses on single-family and small multi-family houses.

5 Tips to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs This Summer

The summer months are often hot, sweaty, and sunny, no matter where you are. As a result, summer’s the time when many people crank the air conditioning. However, air conditioning can be a little expensive, especially if air routinely escapes or your air conditioning system isn’t working as effectively as it should be.

Many people spend more on air conditioning than they need to, and you could be one of those people. And who wouldn’t want to save a little bit of extra money on their bills every month? If you want to reduce your air conditioning costs this summer, here are just a few ways you can do that.

1. Open the Windows at Night

While this doesn’t work for every climate, there are certainly places where the temperature drops significantly at night. And if you live in one of those environments, you can actually turn the air conditioning off and let nature do the work for you!

If you put a fan beside the window, this is even better, and it can circulate fresh air throughout the home.

2. Replace Your Windows

Again, your windows are one of the first things you should look to if you think you might be losing air conditioning to the outside. Lots of older homes still have inefficient single-pane windows that provide poor insulation and don’t keep cold air in.

If you happen to have an older home with windows like these, it might be time to look into replacements. While it is an investment upfront, it can save you money on your bills each month.

3. Seal Your Windows

However, if you don’t have the funds to go for a full window replacement process right now, you can always go for a less expensive option like sealing your windows. This can be especially helpful if you notice drafts and gaps.

While it might not fix every problem, it can certainly be a great easy fix for the moment, especially if the gaps are small.

4. Insulate Your Garage Doors

Speaking of proper insulation, your garage could be the culprit of air escaping and your HVAC system working harder than it has to all summer long.

Garages aren’t usually designed to keep temperatures in or out, as they aren’t as well-connected to the lived-in portions of the home. But they are still connected to the home, and air can escape easily through the garage. When less air escapes, your air conditioning system won’t lose so much air quickly, saving you money.

5. Use Smart Temperature Controls

Whether you’re opening the windows at night or you simply want to have a bit more of a watch on your temperature controls, smart technology can save you a lot of money on your air conditioning.

Smart temperature controls can regulate themselves better than standard human-controlled thermostats, specifically through the use of intelligent triggers and automated regulation.

Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

There are so many ways to save a bit of extra money in your home, and keeping a closer watch on your air conditioning is one of them. Whether you open the windows at night or seal everything up, you shouldn’t have to break the bank to stay cool this summer.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison