Garage Door Repairs You Should Never Consider Doing Yourself

Every garage door needs maintenance work to keep it functioning perfectly for years.

At some point, it’s going to need some repairs, too. After all, a garage door does have plenty of moving parts, and it’s only a matter of time before one or a few of them cause issues that affect the entire door’s operation.

Some garage door fixes are simple enough for any homeowner with a penchant for DIY work to do. 

Lubricating its moving parts is one thing you can do without much effort. 

Tightening hinges, bolts, and nuts to fix noises that your garage door may be making is another. 

You can even replace the weather seal to prevent critters from sneaking in under the door.

However, repairing a broken garage door spring is an entirely different story. Whatever you do, don’t even think about addressing the problem the DIY way.

Let’s look at broken springs and garage door other problems that you shouldn’t even consider tackling on your own.

Repairing Broken Springs

A typical garage door is heavy. Most garage doors weigh a little over a hundred pounds, while some could weigh up to 400 pounds.

Whenever you open or close your garage door, its torsion spring bears the brunt of that weight.

On top of the weight it’s designed to carry, garage door springs are also wound tight. That means a garage door spring stores a lot of energy. 

Over time, your garage door spring will suffer from wear and tear, sometimes to the point of breaking. 

When it does break, all the energy and tension it has in store will be released and cause accidents that could lead to injuries to fingers, hands, and even heads.

Because of the danger of handling anything that has to do with your garage door’s springs, the only thing to do to address the problem is to call a garage door repair professional who has the training, experience, and tools necessary to perform the task safely.

Replacing Bent or Corroded Tracks

Tracks guide the door every time you open or close it. To make the process run more smoothly, you can add more lubrication as needed.

That should be the extent of your DIY work when it comes to garage door tracks. When you see that the tracks are bent or corroded, get thoughts of repairing them yourself out of your head.

Tracks help hold the door in place. One wrong move while trying to repair their bent or corroded parts or putting them back on track can send the entire door crashing down and hurt you, your children, and your pets, if you have any.

Tinkering With Your Garage Door’s Installation

Let’s say that professionals have already installed your garage door, but you’re not happy with their work. You feel like there’s something off about it. It could be the way it closes or the sound that it makes while in operation that makes you think there’s something wrong with the installation.

If you feel that way and you want your concern addressed immediately, the sensible thing to do would be to call the pros who installed it for a do-over, if necessary.

However, if you’re the type who takes pride in your DIY skills, there’s a possibility that you’ll want to redo the garage door installation yourself. You might also think of it as an opportunity to save money since you won't have to pay anyone else for the service.

Still, unless you’ve had the same kind of training and experience that garage door professionals possess, removing the whole thing and reinstalling it on your own is a terrible idea.

It may seem simple to you, but garage door installation is a highly complex process. There are plenty of parts involved, and it’s easy to make mistakes that could render the entire door inoperable. With garage door installation mistakes, you’ll end up paying more for a professional to undo the mess.

Garage door installation also requires special tools and equipment that you probably don’t have. If you insist on doing it yourself, you may have to spend more money buying them from your local home improvement store. 

Most importantly, your lack of experience and expertise makes a DIY garage door installation risky for you and other members of your family. 

Keep in mind that garage doors are heavy and that alone puts you at risk of an injury. Aside from the physical strain involved in its installation, a garage door has parts like the spring that could hurt you if you handle it incorrectly.

Simple fixes are fine, but for more complicated repairs or replacements, leave the job to skilled, experienced, and adequately equipped garage door repair professionals. It’s the safest route to take when your garage door starts acting up.

Guest Contributor: Irene Trentham

How to Take Proper Care of Your Pool This Summer

Pools are fun ways to beat the summer heat and can be a highlight of your next outdoor party. However, they require regular maintenance. Here are five tips for keeping your pool operating properly. 

1. Regularly Skim and Scrub Your Pool 

Skim the pool to clear off any leaves or debris from the water’s surface every day. Consider investing in a robot vacuum cleaner to make this process easier. After you have skimmed the surface, you will need to scrub the sides of the pool to prevent algae from building up. 

Use an old sock to get rid of stubborn stains. Fill it with chlorine and set it on top for a couple of hours. 

Pool cleaning supplies can be expensive. Many people only think about the initial installation costs when budgeting for their backyard retreat. Here are some household products you can use to clean your pool and save money:

• Baking soda

• Bleach

• Muriatic acid

• Borax

• Dish soap

2. Clean Your Filter 

Your pool filter helps to purify the water and remove any dirt or leaves. You must take off its cap, remove the basket and clear debris. Try to do this at least once a week. 

You also want to clean out the pipes used in your filter system. To do this, set your filter to backwash. You’ll then need to remove and clear the leaf basket. Turn on the pump when you’re done and let it run until it ejects clear water. 

Consider setting a timer for turning your filter on and off to keep your mechanics from cracking. 

3. Keep Your Chemical Levels Consistent 

You want to make sure your pool water has the correct chemical balance. Check these levels at least once a week. 

Here are some chemicals to use:

• Cyanuric acid: This chemical protects chlorine from sun exposure and determines the level of free chlorine needed. 

• Free chlorine: It sanitizes your water, keeping it safe and germ-free.

• Acidity/alkalinity: This is also referred to as the pH level.

• Total alkalinity:  Total alkalinity helps to keep the pH in balance. 

• Calcium hardness: Having the right levels can help prevent plaster damage. 

Pick up a testing kit from your local store to examine your pool water. Fill it with a sample and add the provided solution. After a minute, the water will change color, which will help you determine your current chemical levels. 

4. Shock Your Pool

Shocking is when you raise your pool’s chlorine levels for a short period. Dilute three to four times the amount of normal chlorine with water. Then, slowly pour it into your pool’s return line, letting it filter. The process helps fight off any bacteria. 

You can also use potassium monopersulfate, which is oxygen-based, to shock your pool. This chemical helps eliminate odors and increases chlorine levels. It also allows you to get back in the water right after it dissipates.

5.  Keep an Eye on Your Water Level 

Your pool’s water level will fluctuate over time. Keep it about halfway from the opening of the skimmer. If it’s too low, use a hose to refill, and if it’s too high, rent a submersible pump to drain out excess water. 

Consult a professional if your pool is made of firm vinyl or fiberglass material.  Also, continue to check your chemical levels.

Maintaining Your Pool

A pool is ideal for hot weather and family fun. You just need to keep up with regular maintenance so you can spend less time dealing with problems and more time enjoying the water.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

How To Effectively Communicate To Your Landlord

There’s a saying that goes, “communication is the glue that holds people together,” and nothing proves this more than a landlord-tenant relationship. A good landlord-tenant relationship starts with constantly striving to keep a professional and open communication with each other.

Most of the time, landlord-tenant relationships last a minimum of six months that can extend up to years, and to some, even decades. The relationship you have with your landlord can make or break your renting experience, so keeping it positive and healthy can go a long way in helping you live in the best conditions possible. 

So how can you effectively communicate to your landlord? Here are a few tips that, when followed, will surely save you from the headaches of acrimonious and complex disputes about lease policies, move-outs, security deposits, and dozens of other issues.

Provide accurate information and be honest.

The foundation of any lasting relationship is trust—and that goes with landlord-tenant ties, too. Lying is a ground for an application denial or a lease termination and, at the very least, starts your relationship off on the wrong foot. 

Do not lie and overstate your income and disclose any credit problems that may surface someday. Being honest about why your finances have suffered and expressing your desire to improve the situation will go a long way.

As much as we do not want to, financial struggles are an inevitable part of life. Chances are, in your tenancy, you will experience difficult situations which will cause you problems such as being late on your rent, and not informing your landlord as soon as possible is not the best solution. 

Very few landlords will want to evict a tenant who they believe wants to pay but has a short-term problem. Your best option is to contact your landlord and work out an agreement to get on track. If you are honest and upfront, they will most likely want to work with you to find a workable solution for everyone.

Be the bigger person.

Although, understandably, you would be upset if your water heater burst, plumbing issues, or have toxic molds that have been sitting in your apartment for a while—however, screaming at your landlord isn't going to get the issue addressed any quicker.

Keep in mind that your landlord is there to help you fix property complaints, and rudeness or blaming is not going to resolve anything. Being polite, staying calm, keeping the profanities in check, and being rational throughout any troublesome situations will help your landlord better understand what is going on, what needs to be done, and most likely keep your relationship harmonious.

Honor your contract.

Start by reading your lease thoroughly—understanding your lease contract is the first step to being a good renter; this is also the document to help you if there's any disagreement about the property or anything related to your tenancy. 

Besides the obvious, you need to realize that your lease is a binding, legal agreement between you and your landlord. Failing to understand your lease may cause you predicaments if you fail to abide by the terms—the very ones you agreed to when you signed on the dotted line. 

Your lease agreement can be both a weapon and a shield. It should show all the information and duties expected from both you and your landlord, which will, in return, protect you from any pitfalls that might come during your tenancy in your rented space. Be sure to keep a personal copy of the lease for future reference. 

Get it in writing.

Handshakes have been traditionally done to seal a deal, which works fine until they don't. Although oral agreements are enforceable, it is a matter of he-said-she-said that opens up the chances for miscommunication and leaves an even bigger opening for problems. 

Things go wrong, and conditions change, and when this happens, understand that tenants tend to be at a disadvantage when it's their word against the landlord. It's critical to keep a record of essential communications with your landlord; failing to do so could jeopardize your ability to assert your rights as a tenant if the need arises. 

Promises do not always get things done, but written agreements sure do. So, it is a good practice to put things in writing so that when a disagreement turns up, there will be a document that you can refer to to get the relationship back on track. 

The main takeaway here is remembering that your relationship with your landlord is heavily dependent on communication, just like any other relationship. Being a tenant has its challenges that even having excellent communication skills will not guarantee that everything will go smoothly. But if you do take the time to establish open, honest communication with your landlord, you will likely have a breeze and far fewer hiccups with your tenancy.

About The Author: Kat is a Molecular Biology Scientist turned Growth Marketing Scientist. During her free time, she loves to write articles that will bring delight, empower women, and spark the business mind. She loves to bake but unfortunately, baking doesn't love her back. She has many things in her arsenal and writing is one of her passion projects.

Renting To Save Money — But What About Home Repairs?

In the recent National Rent Index, according to Salviati, Popov, and Warnock (2021), rents continue to rise annually and this occurs in nearly all of the nation’s largest cities. Sacramento, California experiences the highest rent growth with an impressive increase of 9.3%. Idaho, when on a state level, experiences the fastest growing rate of 4.9%. Relatively, based on the United States Census Bureau’s data that was analyzed by the Pew Research Center (2020), it was found that more and more U.S. households are renting an apartment at any point in 50 years, with at least 36.6 percent of households renting their home. It was also mentioned that the last time renting became this significantly high was in 1965 at a rate of 37%.

Why People Choose To Rent

Worth noting, the latter study’s respondents included even those who were traditionally less likely to sign a rental agreement aging from 45 to 65-year-olds while around 65% of renters are obliged to do so for matters of financial reasons. Thirty-two percent only rented out because of a personal preference. Especially now that the world is experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are preferring to rent an apartment for various reasons. In fact, according to Entrata (2021), people chose to rent as an effort to make spending and financial changes to their lifestyle because of the global pandemic. Taking into account the millions who are directly affected by it due to loss of employment, many grappled to pay for the basic necessities like food and shelter. Most of these individuals find the government financial support a lifeline that helps them get by but housing eats up the entire budget as it remains to be the most expensive need that needs to be fulfilled and that their spending habits need not only be controlled but trimmed to the bare minimum. 

Seventy-eight percent of renters have already made financial chops in several expenditure categories such as dining out (23%), deferred travel plans (22%), shopping (19%), and entertainment (18%) based on the latter study cited. Saving money is something people see a silver lining in when the financial circumstances are just hard to bear and as such, renters fret hidden and unforeseen costs that even the financially prepared stumble on as rent always entails a few other expenses: the application fee, security and pet deposits, move-in costs, additional furniture, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. Among all these, there is one question that has always stirred confusion on the side of the renter. Who is responsible for all the home repairs?

Rental Home Maintenance Issues

We know, constant and recurring maintenance issues are exhausting for both the tenant and the landlord. For tenants, it could be very frustrating having to write requests over water and never get any response. Landlords can simply ignore them and just turn a blind eye to the tenant's maintenance needs. This situation happens at a frequent rate especially when you failed to put this on your to-ask-the-landlord list upon seeing the place the first time and prior to moving in. 

You are not unfamiliar with the cliche that you should make reading a habit in signing agreements. Critically check the scope, inclusion, and coverage of the rental contract. Think it through so you will not find yourself sighing with frustration and a lot of “I thought..”. You might want to reread your rental contract and check if the answer is there but if not, you have to have the heart and courage to ask your landlord whose responsibility it is. Most of the time, landlords cover it but the reality to this is that it will usually take some time to the point that you already fell by the wayside.

What Tenants Must Know

Tenants should know the importance of keeping open communication with their landlords. Compliment on the things you like about the apartment from time to time and update them about the status of the place so that there can be no room for shock and surprise if one pipe already fell off due to their neglect after you told them about its shaking and unstable condition three weeks back. If maintenance should be done by your landlord based on your rental agreement, there should be no problem insisting. But if it is not, there is a huge possibility that he does not want to cover it although you can always consult him kindly and ask sincerely.

Landlords should take these matters seriously and in return respond to the needs of their tenants as this is ideally good for their business. They should consider the long-term results of foregoing repairs which can actually bring in more profit and more disciplined tenants. When tenants see that their landlord addresses their needs and spend money in maintaining and upkeeping their property even if it is rented, renters will highly appreciate it, take good care of it, remain a good payer. They will also speak of the apartment and landlord in good light. Nowadays, because households are embracing the idea of renting their homes, the rental market can get really competitive and small improvements and effort in maintenance can make all the difference.

About The Author: Regi Publico is a full-time writer based in Manila who is also an artist for fun. She takes pride in her tower collection of books and loves reading about anything under the sun. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge through every article that she writes.

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