Cost-Effective Kitchen Interior Designing Ideas

You have been thinking of redesigning your kitchen. You already have a picture of a design in your mind. But, the research you have been doing has been scaring you a little bit. The really lovely designs seem to be expensive.  

It can be also challenging to undertake the project on your own. Finding the right contractor to work with is an excellent idea. Searching for “kitchen contractors near me” on Google will lead you to designers in your area. This helps meeting up with professionals much easier. 

With a professional, you get advice on some cost-effective concepts. But it also doesn't hurt to have your own. And that is what we will share in our article. 

Let's dive into it.  

1. Modular Kitchens Are a Good Option

Modular kitchens come with pre-made parts.  The design elements focus on space utilization without compromising on functionality.  

Some features include:-

•  Work surfaces on top of the cabinets

•  Overhead storage with wall cabinets

• Cost-effective material for countertops. We will explore this a little more later

• Focus on functionality when looking for hinges and knobs and so much more  

As much as the parts are pre-made, you can still customize them as you wish.  Ask yourself questions like, do you need many cabinets.  You can up for standard shelving as a way to cut down on costs. 

2. Create Stylish Elements with Accessories

Accessories can bring an element of creativity and interest to your decor design. Chandeliers and pendant lights, for example, are inexpensive. Take a trip to the flea market, and you will find tons of options. You can then get creative with spray paint or sparkle to make them more outstanding.  

Fabric paint and painter's tape can transform how your kitchen looks. Best of all, these are DIY projects that save you money. There are tons of tutorials and platforms like YouTube and Pinterest if you need some inspiration. 

Plants are also a fantastic decor item. Make sure to choose indoor plants so they can thrive indoors. Look for stylish pots or planters for that extra beauty.  

Many people do not include artworks in kitchens. Yet, they can transform how your kitchen looks. You don't have to empty your wallet just to make this a possibility. Get the kids together to come up with some exciting pieces. Look for nice frames to hang up the art. It becomes a fun family project that will stay for years.  

3. Bring a Pop of Color to Your Kitchen

Redesigning your kitchen does not mean replacing parts all the time.  A simple coat of paint can do wonders. Best of all, you have no restrictions on color choice. It is also an excellent opportunity to bring out your personality. And, if you are handy with a paintbrush, you can take on the task.  

One design trend that is making its way into 2021 is colorful kitchens.   Even if you decide to go for one color, you can use various tones within the palette. Say you are going for the dark trend.  You have leeway to use tones of grey as well.  

Feeling adventurous? Bring in some color with bright furniture. The world is yours for the taking with the use of paint to transform your kitchen. Always think about how much light gets into the room when deciding on color.  Dark colors look fantastic in a room that receives a lot of natural light.  

4. Avoid the Usual

There is no rule book that, for example, says an Island has to be rectangular. How about injecting some personality by taking the unconventional path. You can transform your old dresser or old table into an island. Include some color so that you draw people's eyes to it.  

The rule of thumb here is simple. Use what you have in the house. Once again, the flea market can also come to your rescue. What some people describe as trash can be a treasure trove for you. 

5. Go For Cost-Effective Material

There are inexpensive materials you can use when designing your kitchen. Marble and granite are some options for countertops. It does help to do a little research on each to give you more background. Marble, for example, may stain. But, if you take good care of it, it will last for years. 

Laminate is another cost-effective option. Its advantages are the variety you get with patterns, textures, and colors. It’s also very easy to clean and maintain in top shape. But be careful with hot pans and sharp knives. You can damage the countertop with such.  

If you use your surface preparation a lot, a butcher's block is an excellent idea. You also get multiple functionalities because you will not need to buy a cutting board.  

Do not forget that your floor contributes to the overall look and feel. Vinyl is inexpensive and comes in different patterns. You can opt for planks, sheets, or tiles. Ceramic tiles, linoleum, and laminate also offer tons of options.  

6. Refresh What You Have

Before you go out shopping, take a good look at your kitchen. Some of the accessories may need a little love to come back to life. There is a lot you can do for your cabinets and wood floor. 

When was the last time you cared for it as you should?  What you may need to do is sand it down and then paint it. If you have a tan floor, use a darker color for a different look.  

You can also paint cabinet doors. First, check that they do not need replacing in the case of damage. Otherwise, the process you use will be the same as the wood floor.  

Change your backsplash. Invest in good-quality wallpaper or paint and get creative. Just ensure that whatever you use is water-resistant.  

Final Thoughts

Designing a kitchen does not have to break the bank. You can find some fantastic ways to bring it to life using inexpensive methods. We have shared with you some things you can consider above.  

Some of them are DIY projects that only require your time and a few tools. Make the flea markets one of the places to shop for material. There are fantastic deals for those who are patient enough to take the time to shop there.  

For some of the bigger projects, it helps to work with a professional. It will save you time and money. Best of all, you avoid mistakes that could take you back to zero.

Guest Contributor: Daniel M.

House Remodeling on a Budget

People normally renovate their homes when they want to sell the house or make it more suitable for living for them and their families. Regardless of the reason, house remodeling is a challenging and potentially stressful task. Also, the financial aspect is always an issue. More often than not, the total cost of renovation is higher than the budgeted one. Still, there are ways to save money when renovating your home. Here are just some of them.

Boosting the curb appeal

The curb appeal of your home can really make a difference when it comes to what your home looks like. That’s why repainting the front door and updating exterior accents can go a long way when it comes to making your home look prettier. Choose a bold accent color that stands out from the exterior, replace the old house number and repaint the mailbox. Such small interventions are cheap, but efficient.

Paint the walls

One of the cheapest ways to give your home a fresh look is to paint the walls yourself. It will probably take you more time, but you’ll really save a lot of money. If your walls are in good condition, the job will be easier. Also, opt for an all-in-one paint to significantly reduce your paint time instead of applying both the primer and paint.

Remodel your bathroom

If you’re happy with your tiles, consider upgrading hardware and fixtures or replacing cabinet pulls. You might also want to replace the shower door with a modern frosted style. Another thing you can do is get rid of your showerhead with a handheld model with different massage settings. Consider installing a grab bar and storage shelves if there is no niche. If, like many Australians, you need to replace the tiles, you need to be ready for quite a lot of rubbish. So, don’t forget to hire reliable experts, such as those in charge of efficient rubbish removal in Brisbane, to avoid blocking the whole house with rubbish and to ensure a proper disposal.

Refresh the cabinets

Your kitchen is one of the places that really impacts the overall appeal of your home. Old-looking cabinets make the kitchen look dreary, but if they are in good condition, you can upgrade the look by simply painting them or replacing some doors with glass ones. Alternatively, you can simply replace the doors with new ones to give your kitchen and the whole place a completely new look.

Window coverings

Many designers say that one of the cheapest ways to create a new look is to give your windows a new treatment. What they suggest is to install shades or curtains. The fact that you now have no-sew curtains that are easily trimmed and finished to size means that you don’t need to have customized curtains, which are always more expensive.

Updating the old floors

Old, worn-out floors never look pleasing to the eye. However, re-sanding and finishing them will solve that problem. If that’s not an option because of your budget, you should apply a few coats of durable floor paint or peal-and-stick tiles from a local store. That too will make the floor look much nicer and it won’t cost you that much.

As you can see, fixing up your home doesn’t need to be so expensive, but you need to be ready to roll up your sleeves and be creative. While some tasks definitely require professional help, which is rarely cheap, there are still some that can be done on a budget, though they would probably take you a bit more time. The most important thing is to make sure that any renovation work is done in a way that ensures everyone’s safety and compliance with all the local and national regulations. If you respect all the regulations and approach the renovation project shrewdly, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits at a much lower cost.

How to Increase Storage Space in a Small Apartment

One of the most common issue people tend to experience when moving to an apartment is that, after a while, the place starts to look and feel crowded. And it usually happens for a reason, as most of us love gathering all sorts of stuff from everywhere we go. 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make sure that you are using every corner of your apartment as efficiently as possible. Here are some of the ways in which you can increase your apartment’s storage space:

Add as much vertical storage as possible

A well-known trick to creating more space, without taking up too much of the room, is to include as much vertical space as possible. Try to look for organizers that are tall, rather than wide. 

For example, if you need a shoe organizer, you can try to use a narrow and tall furniture unit. It will easily fit all of your shoes, and will not take up too much space of your apartment.

Alternatively, you can try a hanging shoe organizer. The one that can be hung up on walls or doors. This way you are barely wasting any space, while still having plenty of shoe storage room.

Another great vertical storage idea is adding as many shelves as possible. Shelves are great for storing books, small clutter and other stuff. Besides that, shelves will also level up your room decor game, as you can turn your rooms into very cosy and nicely designed interiors. 

Make a great use of each corner

Even in tiny apartments, you can easily get rid of the crowded feeling. You just need a plan as to how you can use each corner and spot of the apartment in the most efficient way possible. Look up for examples of tiny homes – they have everything you need in a house, in an extremely narrow surface. 

If your apartment has more than one floor, you can use the space underneath the stairs for storing pretty much anything. 

You can also incorporate various pieces of furniture that can double up and, besides storage, serve other purposes as well. For example, instead of a simple flower stand, you can get a piece of furniture (similar to a nightstand), place the flower on top and use the drawers for storage. Either that, or you can purchase (or make one yourself) a ladder-type of flower holder, so that you can use it for more flowers. 

Find the right furniture

This is related to the previous point, of using the space as clever as possible. But maybe one of the best ideas to create more storage space would be to take the usual elements of your apartment and make sure they can also be used for their storage space. 

Bed headboards

Instead of installing regular headboard, use one that also comes with a little bit of storage room. You will be able to keep your bed sheets there, for example, and you’ll also thank yourself later, when you’ll see how easy it is to change the bed!

Tables

Most of the affordable furniture providers have designed all sorts of solutions for smaller apartments – and those also include living room tables that you can actually open up and use for storage purposes. 

This is great for you to store magazines, books, or even all sorts of technology bits that would normally just lay around the house. 

Couches & Beds

Another great way to save some storage space is to only buy couches and beds that come with one or two shelves below them. 

Even if it doesn’t seem like too much of a big deal, it is extremely useful to have a place in which you can only store your beddings, as they do take up some space. It’s best to store it inside your bed or couch, rather than wasting your dressing or wardrobe space on bed linen. 

Keep your place tidy and decluttered

As strange as it sounds, one of the best solutions for more storage space is to always re-evaluate the stuff that you need and that you don’t. As humans, we tend to find meaning in all the small things we gather during our day to day lives, and we sometimes end up hoarding all sorts of items that we don’t even have any memory of. 

It is normal to do that, but that doesn’t mean we should. This is why, once every 1-2 months, it is advised that you take a few hours to re-organize your drawers and wardrobes, and throw away/donate everything you think you will not use anymore. 

You can use the “Have I used this thing in the past month?” rule for items you’re not sure about. If you find stuff that you have not used in the past months/year, it is very likely that you will not be using it at all, so you can immediately get rid of it. 

Having less meaningless and not of importance things will, of course, mean that you will have more storage space for the things that you do need. 

Hang your sport gear up on the walls

If you’re an active person, you might have noticed that all the different sport gear might take up a lot of room out of your apartment.

In order to avoid that, and to also make your apartment look more organized, you can purchase wall mounts for your bike, skateboard, and even fitness gear. You will get these big and heavy items out of your way, while also being able to have quick access to them.  

Purchase helpful add-ons

There are plenty of cleverly-designed products that will step up your storage game, like holders created for specific purposes, or hooks that can be hung up on your bathroom/bedroom doors. Using all sorts of cleverly-built gadgets will provide excellent solutions for keeping various household items well organized. 

Author Bio

Leon Collier is a blogger and academic writer from the UK who has vast experience working with professional paper writers. He loves to take on every challenge thrown at him and has the ability to deliver outstanding work regularly. When he’s not busy writing, he loves reading books and playing tabletop games with his friends. Follow him on Twitter @LeonCollier12.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash 

3 Best Angle Grinders in 2021

Would you like to add some power tools to your collection of power tools, such as an angle grinder? It may be that you have experience as a welder or metal worker, or you might have a knack for tackling more complex DIY projects around the house. One of the most versatile hand tools around, the angle grinder can be used for metal or wood work along with concrete. Our three top picks of the best angle grinders are detailed in this full review, along with a few of the most crucial factors you should analyze before making your decision.

Advantages of angle grinders:

The variety of power tools available for home and professional purposes seem endless. Is it hard to tell which grinders you need and what are the benefits of having one? I am frequently asked these and other questions as well. Let’s review the background of this tool beforehand and see some of its typical applications.

A metal worker, fabricator, welder, and other professionals use an angle grinder because of its versatility. With a small electric motor or compressed air driven angle grinder, you can easily take care of a lot with this tool. An abrasive disc is attached to the geared head, and the motor rotates the geared head at right angles. A thin cut-off disc may be present as well.

Here is the three top picks of the best angle grinders from the experts in the blog:

Makita 9557PBX1:

You can save money when you buy the Makita 9557PBX1. Power switches shuffle between various power sources. You might have to work in various places with differing power options.This is a great tool to consider giving a shot if you need one for home DIY projects. If you are looking for a powerful tool you ought to give it a shot. You may need to use this Makita 9557PBX1 angle grinder in various locations with a variety of power sources. With the power switch, you can switch between electricity and battery.

Features:

• It comes with a powerful 7.5 amp motor, which gives this compact angle grinder a high output.

• It includes the Makita angle grinder with an aluminum case, diamond wheels, four 4 1/2 inch grinding wheels, one 4 1/2 inch Turbo Rim diamond blade and cut-off attachment, and a wheel guard that protects the wheels.

• Using the lock on/off feature, you can use this tool continuously.

• Alternative power sources can be used with the AC/DC switch.

• These angle grinders deliver 11,000 RPM.

• Over 1,900 Amazon scores at 4.8 out of 5 stars give this Makita 9557PBX1 angle grinder.

Bosch GWS13-50VS:

Compared to previous Bosch models, the carbon brushes are more durable. They offer a wide speed range.Its features let users explore multiple applications for the Bosch GWS13-50VS compared with competitor products. The Bosch angle grinder is a highly productive machine with variable speed power.

Features:

• There are three-speed settings on this grinder, ranging from 2,800 rpm to 11,500 rpm.

• It is more durable than the previous Bosch brushes.

• Despite its plastic polymer construction, it has a solid sense of quality.

• A direct motor cooling system is available for increased overload capacity.

• Weighing 5.3 pounds, this machine is not portable.

• There's also a backing flange, vibrating edge guard, side handle, a spanner wrench, and a locking nut.

Makita XAG04Z:

We rated the Makita XAG04Z as the best overall performance angle grinder and you can check out why below. If you prefer cordless angle grinders, the Makita XAG04Z is one of the best tools. A highly competent tool, the Makita XAG04Z is undoubtedly one of the best. It was rated as the best angle grinder overall. You will be able to accomplish a lot with our best angle grinder. The best option for keeping your batteries charged is to use 5.0 or higher rated batteries instead of 3.0 batteries.

Features:

• An angle grinder that is powered by lithium-ion batteries, the Makita XAG04Z is cordless and has a 4 volt motor.

• 4.8 pounds is the weight of the product.

• An entirely brushless motor provides cooler and more efficient operation on this angle grinder.

• With the automatic speed change feature, you can get the best performance.

• An 11 UNC thread is used for the spindle.

• The product may be used to cut to shape and sand, whichever is appropriate.

Guest Contributor: Itamar

How to Ensure Downsizing Home Works for You

Downsizing our homes can be the right decision at any stage of our lives. It simplifies life and makes caring for our properties that much easier. However, you’ll need to avoid some common pitfalls if you want your transition to be smooth. Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing provides some tips and resources that will help you during the downsizing process.

Give Yourself Time

Buying a home is not a quick, straightforward process. Yet, many people assume that, because they are downsizing, the length of time to buy a home downsizes as well. Unfortunately, it likely won't, as you must still do some market analysis to know what to expect regarding prices and competition. However, housing costs are expected to continue increasing for the foreseeable future, so remember to take this into consideration. While this process might be longer than many people expect, it isn’t the only thing that has to be planned for. For instance, switching your utilities can take over a month, and you don’t want to move into a new property only to find yourself without electricity, gas, or water.

Know Your Finance

Another all-too-frequent misstep is to assume that a property will be cheaper because it’s smaller. That's not always the case, and you may need a budget to help you save for what could turn into a new mortgage. As a means to start, figure out what your fixed and variable monthly expenses look like. Then, subtract that total from your monthly income — giving yourself a little wiggle room for emergency spending — and determine your potential mortgage.

Taking It All

Moving to a smaller space often means you cannot take all of your current possessions with you. Unfortunately, many items will be difficult to fit and store in a house with less square footage. Even worse, you may not even be able to get larger items, such as furniture, through the door. So, to remove some stress, give yourself ample time to declutter your possessions. Even better, the more time you have, the more likely you may be to turn a profit through auctions, online marketplaces, or yard sales. To help you gauge what can be taken, use an online room design app like Homestyler to visualize your future property's dimensions. By doing so, you can determine if your current furniture will work with your new home.

Plan for Moving Costs

Moving, even locally, can be expensive in and of itself. If you want to ensure you don’t overspend, you’ll have to factor relocation into the overall budget you’ve created for yourself. Although you have the option to take out a small loan, known as a bridge loan, to cover unexpected expenses during moving, it’s best to not need one. Often with high interest rates attached, it’s simply more money out of your pocket in the long term. Given that, do your research ahead of time to figure out the costs of moving to avoid unnecessary spending. You should also look closely at reviews on sites like Angi.com to ensure you’re getting a Chicago-area moving company whose services you can trust; going with a cheaper company now may end up costing you dearly at the end of the day. 

Not Involving Loved Ones

It never hurts to use our loved ones as a sounding board for ideas when it comes to downsizing, yet you want to be certain they don’t end up dominating your conversations. Regrettably, family may have differing ideas on what is best, which could make things more complicated than needed. In particular, adult children might be concerned about losing out on treasured possessions while you declutter. To avoid any disputes, set boundaries when discussing your move, but try to see their perspectives too. As a compromise, and to make matters easier for you, consider allowing them to take what they want. Yet, if you do offer any belongings, make it clear that you can't store these things any longer.

Downsizing is a good decision, but not one to make lightly. However, with the right preparation, you can be ready for the process. Take the time you need to plan for your downsize today.

Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing provides outstanding plumbing services for residences and commercial properties. Call today at 708-845-7922.

Guest Contributor: Bob Shannon

Home Improvement: DIY Projects that Can Boost Your Resale Value

When you decide to sell your home, you want to offload it for a high price in as little time as possible. While most people don’t have the time or budget to make major home improvements that will help make their home more appealing to buyers, there are some projects that just about anyone can do on their own that can add value to their home -- and thousands more to their sale price.

The experts at Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing offer the following guidance to help you give your home a refresh. 

Update the kitchen

Even home shoppers who don’t have superior cooking skills hope to have a nice kitchen, which is often considered the heart of the home. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to give it an edge over other homes in your area. Even simple upgrades can make a big difference in the appeal of your kitchen. Consider small changes, like replacing your tired hardware and installing new light fixtures. Giving the paint a refresher is another great way to update your kitchen with minimal expense, time and trouble. Here are some other suggestions to keep in mind:

• DIY cabinet upgrades

• How to put up a kitchen backsplash

• Modern peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great paint alternative

Make bathroom upgrades

The bathroom is another space that gives a healthy ROI when you show it some TLC. A trip to the home improvement store is all you need to give it a budget-friendly makeover. Just like in the kitchen, simply replacing hardware, installing new lighting and repainting the walls can make a tremendous difference. Sometimes just changing the shower curtain and linens is enough to pack a wallop. If your space is particularly dated or you’re just ready for a bigger project, consider these ideas:

• Refresh your bathroom vanity

• How to replace your toilet

• Is your bathtub showing wear? Here’s how to refinish it

Heighten curb appeal

Just as important as fixing up your house is manicuring the yard. Quick, effective landscaping will give your home some curb appeal, making it eye-catching to buyers and piquing their curiosity about the inside of your home. Start by cleaning things up. Put away toys and tools, and tidy the landscaping by removing broken and dead branches, replacing the mulch, and neatening the edges. Then replace any dead plantings and dead patches in your lawn. With a clean canvas, you’re ready to dive into bigger projects. 

• What to plant to add curb appeal to home

• How to clean your fence

• How to spruce up your driveway

Stage to impress

Once you’ve made lasting changes inside and outside your home, it’s time to stage it, or set it up in a way that allows interested home buyers to picture what it would be like if they lived there. The best part? The investment is minimal -- and sometimes, you don’t need to purchase a thing! The key is to pull out the belongings that really make the home yours, and turn your space into a place where buyers can imagine themselves living there. 

• How to declutter before staging your home

• How to deep clean your home before staging it to sell

Tackling DIY projects to boost your home’s value can be a lot of work. The upside is that these upgrades are in almost everybody’s wheelhouse, and they’ll instill a sense of pride in you when you realize all you’ve done to improve your property -- and in the end, your house will be ready to shine for potential buyers.

Guest Contributor: Kelli Brewer

Various Methods of Drain Cleaning

Clogged drains are a common residential plumbing issue that demand prompt action by homeowners. Clogs happen due to tree root intrusions, gradual accumulation of dirt, grease, oil and fat, food waste, and other debris like wipes, feminine hygiene products, hair, skin flakes, soap, cat litter, and cotton swabs, within the pipes. Blocked drains cause several issues, ranging from slow drainage, water contamination, mold and pest growth, backflow of dirty water, structural damages, foul odor, and severe health problems.

The best way to avoid clogs and protect the home plumbing system from damage is by cleaning the drains regularly. However, not many people include drain cleaning into their home maintenance schedule, which can result in blockages. Using a safe and reliable drain cleaning method clears clogs, improves the drain functionality, increases the life of the home plumbing system, and prevents future clogs. 

Different techniques are used to clean drains depending on the nature and severity of the clog. While minor clogs are easy to clear by the homeowner, more stubborn clogs require hiring the services of a professional drain cleaning company.  

Let us look at some effective drain cleaning methods used to keep drains in optimum condition:

Plunging

A well-known and widely used drain cleaning method using a plunger. Most homeowners use it to clear toilet clogs; however, plunging is also helpful in eliminating blockages in shower, bathtub, and sink drains. Cup and flange are the two main types of plungers used to clear clogs from plumbing fixtures. 

Chemical cleaning

Build-up inside the pipes solidifies over time to block the free flow of water. People often use chemical drain cleaners when the draining process slows down. Neglecting slow-moving drains can lead to complete blockage. Chemical drain cleaning products are available in solid and liquid form and are poured directly into the pipes, where they react with the organic debris and dislodge it to clear the clog. However, most experts advise against using this method as they use toxic and corrosive chemicals that are detrimental to the long-term health of the plumbing system. It is essential to hire professionals or choose eco-friendly, non-corrosive cleaners that are safe for the family, pets, and the environment. 

Drain snakes

A drain snake or a drain auger is a long and flexible metal wire, about a quarter inch in thickness, with a coiled end, traditionally used to fix sink and toilet clogs. It is a highly effective and valuable tool that can clear even the stubborn clogs located even far from the pipe opening. Insert one end of the wire with the corkscrew into the pipe till it reaches the clog. Then use it to poke and disintegrate the clog, allowing the water to travel freely. Motorized drain snakes are also widely available and are capable of clearing any obstruction.

Airburst cleaning

Airburst drain cleaning is a faster and more efficient method than chemical cleaning and is highly valuable to clear blockages from deep down the drain without leaving any marks. The technique uses carbon dioxide gas to clear clogged pipes. The gas enters the drain to create a force that is enough to disintegrate and dislodge the accumulated build-up.

Hydro jetting

The most modern and advanced drain cleaning technique that professionals use to clean drains is hydro jetting. The method involves using a motorized device with a long thin hose pipe with a nozzle to discharge water at a very high pressure inside the drain pipes to break through the sludge and clean the pipe’s interior. It is used to get rid of even the most stubborn clogs, including tree root infiltration.  Hydro jetting is beneficial for long pipes and requires a trained professional to perform the task. It is a thorough drain cleaning method, and may be helpful in preventing future clog formation. However, it is not a suitable method for every situation as not all pipes can withstand the type of pressure it exerts. A professional can inspect and determine whether using hydro jetting is safe or not. It is an environmentally friendly method and does not harm pipes in any way.

Clogged drains are a major annoyance for homeowners. Hire a professional drain cleaning service to get rid of clogs and efficiently clean the drains. Professionals have the skills, knowledge, tools, and expertise to perform the job quickly and efficiently using the most appropriate method. They can also offer valuable tips to prevent clogs. 

Guest Contributor: Richa Khandelwal

Signs of a Clogged Drain

Plumbing issues are not uncommon in homes across the country. As a homeowner, a common problem that people encounter is a clogged drain. Over time, pipes accumulate debris, like soap scum, hair, food particles, grease, oil, wipes, paper towels, non-flushable items, and tree roots that eventually lead to build-ups that cause clogs.

A clogged drain, whether in the kitchen or a bathroom, is a nuisance.  It needs immediate attention to avoid mess, inconvenience, and potential health risks. Clogs hamper the effective functioning of drains, and when left unaddressed for long, can overflow or cause severe damage to the overall plumbing system. While minor drain clogs are easy to fix using some simple home remedies, there is a need to hire an experienced professional plumber to address stubborn clogs and complicated drain problems effectively. 

Clean and free-flowing drains are critical to the proper working of the sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. It is essential for homeowners to proactively look out for the drain clog warning signs to avoid complex and more expensive plumbing issues.

Read on to know about some of the tell-tale symptoms of a clogged drain:

Slow water drainage

One of the apparent signs of a clogged drain is when the water takes longer than usual to go down the toilet, shower, bathtub, and sink drain, or they do not drain at all. The issue may occur in a single drain or multiple drains across the house. The build-up in the pipes is often the reason behind slow water movement. Clean the drains regularly and avoid putting items not meant for them to prevent clogs. Avoid using store-bought drain cleaners as they do more harm than good and can damage the plumbing.

Water back-up

If the water backflows from any of the pipes, it indicates lack of a clear passage to flow smoothly. Sinks and toilets are more prone to water back-ups. The issue is more visible in the toilet as there are notable bubbles after every flush. Backups indicate something is causing an obstruction, and the water has to force its way through a small space. Use a plunger to clear the blockage or call a professional to examine the pipes.

Unpleasant odors

Perpetual foul smells emanating from the drains indicate that all is not well. When food pieces, debris, and other organic matter build-up and start to decompose in the pipes, it leads to stinky smells. Failed attempts of a rodent to gain access to the home by crawling through the pipes can also cause strange-smelling drains. If the unpleasant odor fails to go away, do not ignore it, and check the system to fix the issue to avoid further clogging and damage.

Gurgling sound

If there is gurgling or any other strange noise while flushing the toilet or running water through the tap, it can indicate a blockage. Gurgling occurs  when the air gets trapped inside the pipes due to an obstruction. Issues with the main sewer line or vent pipe blockage are some other reasons for gurgling sounds. Sewer line-related issues require professional assistance to fix the issue safely and avoid back-ups.

Unexplained water puddles 

Water puddles indoors, near the sink, commode, shower area, washing machine or bathtub, or outdoors, anywhere around the yard or lawn requires calling a professional for evaluation. Clogged drains can lead to backflow and leakages. Tree roots can severely damage the sewer pipes and lead to expensive repairs down the line.

Drain clogs are dangerous and annoying and don’t take long to turn into a major inconvenience leading to costly repairs or replacements. Call a professional plumber to unclog the drains and assess the plumbing system when DIY attempts fail to fix the issue. Homeowners should also consider taking preventative steps to reduce the possibility of clog formation and other plumbing issues.

About the author: This article is written by Richa for Dan’s Dirty Drains – Las Vegas drain cleaning experts.

Guest Contributor: Richa Khandelwal

5 Design Tips to Create a Welcoming Open Floor Plan

The open floor plan has become a popular home layout choice. One large, open space works well for entertaining and encouraging family time, but it can also feel a bit gaping. The following design tips can help you put together a homey and welcoming open floor plan. 

Use Furniture as Walls

With an open floor plan, you don’t have walls to break up your living space into rooms, but you can create the feeling of separate rooms using your furniture. Sofas and chairs arranged around a focal point such as a fireplace help clearly define a living room. You can place a console table behind a floating sofa to create an even more solid division. Open shelves and bookcases also make great dividers to set up a reading nook or work area within a larger open space. 

Utilize Area Rugs

Area rugs are a pivotal design element in creating a cozy atmosphere within an open floor plan. You can use rugs as an easy way to define smaller, more intimate areas within your open floor plan. Area rugs also create natural walkways between the separate areas of your space. 

Consider Your Lighting

Lighting can be used to help comfortably decorate your open space. Larger statement lighting pieces, such as a chandelier over the dining table or pendant lights over the kitchen island, help create definition by acting as a focal point for each separate area. More intimate lighting features such as sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps give living areas and reading nooks a cozier ambiance inside your open floor plan.

Create Consistency With Your Decor

In a house with closed rooms, you might be able to decorate each room in a completely different way. That won’t work as well with an open floor plan. While you want to define more intimate areas, you also want the consistency to help create a comfortable flow throughout the entire space. There are a few elements of your decor that can help tie everything together:

• Color

• Patterns

• Materials

You can use color as a unifying element in your open floor plan by keeping a cohesive color theme throughout your space. You might choose shades of one color, use complementary colors, or pick one accent color to use throughout your decor. Design pieces in each area, such as furniture, throw pillows, rugs, and curtains, can all incorporate your color scheme of choice. 

Patterns can be used in the same way as color to help create a cohesive feeling. If you have an animal print rug in your dining area, you might want to carry that over to your other living spaces with items like throw pillows. 

The materials that are used in the more permanent features of your home can also be incorporated into your decor. If you have marble countertops in your open kitchen or a distressed wood accent wall in your living area: you can use those materials in other design elements to connect one section of your vast space to another. 

Stick With One Style 

The overall style is a significant consideration with an open floor plan. The use of completely different designs in one open space can create a disjointed and uncomfortable feeling. If you have a rustic farmhouse-style kitchen, you shouldn’t decorate your adjacent living area with sleek modern furniture. One consistent look will create a better flow and a more comfortable ambiance. 

An open floor plan offers the advantages of easy entertaining and family togetherness. If you consider this option for your home, you can use these design tips to arrange an open space that also feels cozy and inviting.

Guest Contributor: Andrew Adams

Backyard Pond Waterfall Ideas

Are you looking to add a waterfall into your backyard to enhance the view? Do you already have a pond and want to take it a step further and add a waterfall? Having a backyard waterfall is surely a nice and relaxing piece to have to admire, and is a guaranteed stress reliever. Who doesn't want to be able to walk into their back yard and be met with the soothing sounds of a waterfall? There’s many different unique styles of waterfalls you can install in your backyard, anywhere from rustic to elegant to simple, the styles are endless and are completely up to you. The size of the pond is also based on your decision, whether you would like it bigger or small, any size waterfall would surely be relaxing.