Common Home Repairs You Should Never Do Yourself

Adding value to your home is a job worth every praise. A good remodel can completely change and improve your living space. There is a wide array of fixtures you can do around the house, but have something in mind before you start the process. There are some common home repairs you should never do yourself. Even though they might look simple, you can end up hurting yourself, or doing a poor job which will result in additional expenses. With that in mind, do not waste your time trying to fix these seemingly simple issues.

Electrical installations

Having faulty electrical installations is a huge hazard for all the members of your family. Furthermore, it can lead to a fire and endanger not only you but your neighbors as well.

While replacing a bulb does not require professional help, hiring an electrician to fix bad wiring, replace a power socket, or resolve more complicated issues is a smart and safe move.

Plumbing fixtures that require professional assistance

Fixing plumbing around the house is never easy. Leaky pipes and similar issues have a bunch of quick, temporary solutions. However, putting a small bandaid on an open wound will not stop the bleeding. The situation will only get worse over time until you finally admit the inevitable; you need professional assistance.

Unclogging a sewer line

This is one of those plumbing fixes you should not ever try, even if you have access to it. Firstly, this problem requires specialized equipment that you don't have in your garage. Secondly, a poor job may result not only in sewage backups that will damage your property, but it also poses a huge health risk for everyone in the area.

If you have a problem that requires sewer or drain cleaning, do not hesitate to call a professional plumber.

Pipe replacement

Risking a flood in your home is not a good idea. If you have pipes that need replacement, it is always safe to call an experienced plumber. If you are not familiar with plumbing installations in your home, you might remove a pipe that still has access to water. This action will only cause more damage to your property.

Furthermore, have in mind that some pipes are not accessible without breaking the wall. Some even go underground, which is especially hard to fix without knowing how to locate and fix the issue properly.

Water heater installation

Water heaters are heavy, bulky, and tricky to set up on your own. If you have a small bathroom, the entire process will be even more difficult. Besides connecting the water heater to the pipes, there are also electrical installations that require setup.

If you hire a professional to install the new water heater, you are:

• avoiding possible injury

• making sure there is no additional damage or expenses

• reducing the stress and frustration of attempting this complicated installation

• making sure that the fix is done within 24 hours

Leaking gas line

One of the most dangerous repairs to do on your own is to fix a leaking gas line. So many things can go sideways, and one wrong move may result in an explosion that will lead to your death. Furthermore, it might even happen that you think you have fixed the issue, but the gas is still leaking, you just don't know it.

The safest solution is to call a professional. There is no reason to put yourself and your loved ones in danger over something that a skilled professional could resolve safely and in a timely manner.

Tearing down walls

People remodel homes on a regular basis. They feel the need to rearrange the floor plan in their new homes to suit their needs. They remove walls to make more space. If you have decided to move to, say, Illinois, you have probably already spent a lot of time finding someone to help you out with this relocation. So if you have an intention to make such changes in your new house, there is no reason to increase the stress levels by tearing down walls on your own. This is definitely high on the list of the most common home repairs you should never do yourself.

It's a difficult job. More importantly, you have to be familiar with what walls you can remove without damaging the structural integrity of the house. There is no room for error here.

Roof repairs

The last on our list of common home repairs you should never do yourself is fixing the roof. Any roofing issues are delicate and must be dealt with precision and control. A broken tile can quickly turn into a more significant problem. Also, there is always the danger of falling to the ground and, best case scenario, breaking something.

Hiring a roofer with experience will save you a lot of unnecessary trouble, and your roof will be fixed in no time.

Where to find a professional repairer?

The Internet is full of advertisements for various house repairs services. However, what is the most effective way to find quality help? You can never know if you hired a good person for the job before they come to your house and start fixing things.

What you can do is read online reviews of previous customers. There is nothing better than finding a good recommendation from a satisfied client. That is the only way to know that the person you hired is trustworthy!

Common home repairs you should never do yourself - explained!

There are plenty of things you can change in your home on your own. However, when you encounter common home repairs you should never do yourself, it is always the best solution to call a professional. Hiring a maintenance specialist will cost you, but the value and expertise you get in return are entirely worth it. All of the repairs will be done quickly and efficiently. Most importantly, the total experience will be stress-free for you. There si no need to bang your head because repairs are not going the way you want them to. With that in mind, pick up the phone and call for help!

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

Smart Tips to Choose Good Functional Tarps

For many good reasons, heavy-dutytarps are considered one of the most useful creation by men. This is used for a wide range of domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes. There is a wide range of products available in heavy-duty tarpaulins to serve different purposes.  Usually, the 12x12 sized tarps cover vehicles, grills, woodpiles, furniture left at the yard, etc. These can also be used to cover floors, driveways, debris, truck beds, and more. They also have used at the construction sites and commercial spaces etc.

As a study had shown, the tarpaulin market in the United States itself had grown about 4 to 5 percent in the first six months of this year. Over the last several years, we can see steady growth in the market of the same. They have many uses in different spheres of life for the people. Heavy-duty tarpaulins are also used now as camping gear, a tent, or as a bed. A good tarpaulin piece can also act as a very effective protection shield from rain, heat, or snow. There are various types of heavy-duty tarpaulins available now, which are flexible, easy to use, of various colors, and highly functional.

Checking the tarps for buying

While trying to buy a 12x12 tarp, ensure that you ensure its quality for the heavy-duty works it is supposed to be used for. These models of tarpaulins are available at the stores and more than often used for outdoor activities. Heavy-duty tarpaulins are considered to be a protective gear for many types of valuable objects. From vehicles to commercial goods, tarps are used to cover a wide range of entities.

So, always be double-sure about the quality of the tarpaulin you are planning to buy. You can look for the gauge rating and be sure of the same dimensions based on your needs. You may look for a lightweight tarpaulin too, without compromising on the quality for ease of use and convenience to handle. More importantly, ensure the product's durability and look into what duration of warranty the manufacturers offer.

Another element that will help you identify the worthiness of your tarpaulin is its thickness. Thickness largely depends on what material is used for the fabrication. The lightweight tarpaulins may have a thickness of around 5 mils or more. If your need is to cover goods on transport or cover heavy equipment left outdoors, then always choose a heavy-duty tarp with a higher thickness. 

There are various types of tarps available. A poly tarp is one of the most popular types of tarpaulins now available in the market. This is made using top-grade plastic and is highly water-resistant and heatproof. This is ideally used in commercial applications and for industrial purposes. These can also be effectively used as cover or shelter in camping. Canvas tarps are the other type, which is made of durable fabrics like cotton and hemp. These are costlier than poly tarps, however, may last for longer and can be used for much heavier duties.

Guest Contributor: Silvia Watson

Want to Experience Niagara Water Pressure While Showering? Try Some of These Models

There is nothing worse than taking a low pressured shower, especially after you’ve had a long hard day. Showers are supposed to be a relaxing experience, however, most people are stuck with low-quality shower heads which makes showering a tasking experience. 

But no more, if you truly cherish your showers and want pressure equivalent to the Niagara Falls then we have you covered. Gone will be the days when you could literally count each drop from your shower head and in come the days of rejuvenating showers.

Before getting into specific models of Niagara-like pressure shower heads, you must understand different types of shower heads and what they offer. Only then will you be able to decide which shower head is perfect for you. 

• Rainfall shower head: Rainfall shower heads have become popular with homeowners in the past decade or so. The shower head has a bigger base starting at around 6 inches and going up to 14. Standing under the shower makes it feel like you are showering in the rain, hence, the name. 

• High-pressured shower head: The shower head is designed to provide you the most pressure, even if the water pressure from the pipe is low. The shower experience is spa-like, however, it will result in more water consumption and higher water bill. 

• Dual shower heads: Dual shower heads come with a handheld and rainfall shower head. You can opt to choose which of the two you want to use, depending on your mood. 

• Filtered shower heads: Filtered shower heads will get rid of impurities in the water such as sulfur, chlorine, and minerals to provide you cleaner water as you shower. The shower head comes equipped with a filter that can easily be replaced every six months. 

Besides these, you have numerous other types of shower heads including low-water pressure, shower panels, ceiling mount shower, and so on. While each provides a different type of experience, for Niagara like pressure, there is nothing better than rainfall or high-pressure shower heads. 

Fire Hydrant Spa Plaza Massager Shower Head

The Fire Hydrant Spa Plaza Massager does exactly what it promises, it provides you with a shower experience that resembles a massage at the spa. The shower head is designed to deliver high-pressurized water even when there is low pressure from the pipes. You can also adjust the spray to different angles, picking the angle you feel provides you the best experience. 

If you live in a home with low water pressure and crave high-pressure showers, Fire Hydrant Spa Plaza Massager is sure to deliver. 

WASSA High-Pressure Shower Head

WASSA High-Pressure is another shower head that delivers high-pressure water from pipes with low water pressure. This particular shower head is designed for smaller bathrooms, with a compact design. With high-pressured shower heads, there is always a concern of the nozzles wearing down and getting clogged. WASSA fits the shower head with silicone nozzles that prevent this so, you can enjoy relaxing showers for years to come. 

Speakman S-2252

Speakman has become a brand synonymous with quality and luxury, most luxury hotel brands have Speakman shower heads installed in their rooms. The S-2252 is no different with three jet flow settings and a self-cleaning nozzle, the shower head is sure to please you. You will no longer have to worry about relaxing shower, as the jet stream mimics pressure similar to Niagara, except it won’t crush you. 

Aqua Elegante 6 Function Luxury

Aqua Elegante 6 Function Luxury is all about user preference with six jet stream settings. For Niagara-like pressure, you have two settings to choose from, pulsating massage or the saturating power blast. Both provide enough pressure to help you relax after a long hard day. For those that are conscious about saving water, there is also a water saver setting, which doesn’t provide Niagara-like pressure but conserves water. 

YOO.MEE High-Pressure Multi-Functions Handheld

YOO.MEE uses its 2XP turbocharging technology to enhance this particular shower head to provide exceptional pressure even at lower water pressure settings. High-pressure is usually a problem with handheld showers, but not with YOO.MEE High-Pressure Multi-Functions Handheld. The shower head comes with three settings including powerful shooting and pulse massage. Both settings will leave your body feeling refreshed and relaxed as if you just got a massage. 

AKDY 9-inch Quad Function Rainfall Jet and Shower Wand

As the only rainfall shower head in the list, the AKDY 9-inch Quad Function Rainfall Jet and Shower Wand deliver one of the best shower experiences you can imagine. You have four jet flow settings to choose from, all of which provide high-pressure water flow. When showering with the water head, it will feel like you are standing out in the rain, except every raindrop is pressurized to provide your body relief. Be careful with this particular shower head though, because once you get in the shower, it will be difficult to come out. That is how relaxing it is.

Forget boring, pressure-less showers. Shower head technology is far too advanced for you to have to take unsatisfying showers anymore. All the shower heads mentioned above are easy to install and will be an upgrade for most homeowners. The best part is, they are all reasonably priced. So, if you are looking to turn your bathroom into a personal spa, the first place to start is by picking up one of the six shower heads mentioned above.

Guest Contributor: Martina

Traveling, DIY projects and cooking are just a few things Martina enjoys the most. One thing which is on top of these three is showering. My passion dedicated to showers, relaxing and calming showers, got me to the state where I can spread my experience and enthusiasm on my blog.

Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality During The Winter Months

Before winter sets in, most homeowners find time to prepare their homes for the harsh and freezing weather. Many call on their favorite heating repair professionals to make sure their HVAC systems are in excellent condition. 

Once winter starts, people usually spend most of their time at home, with all the windows closed as they sit by the fireplace drinking hot chocolate. Others turn on their heating systems to full blast, hoping to rub away all the cold winter air. 

However, did you know that the air inside your home may be more dangerous than the freezing winter temperature outside? As the house is closed up, there is no proper ventilation, which means indoor air is trapped inside. 

Confined air can lead to several problems, the most significant of which is poor air quality. With unclean indoor air, residents are exposed to certain health dangers. Some common problem signs include dizziness; headaches; fatigue; itchy nose, throat, and eyes; flu-like symptoms; and chronic illnesses. Allergies and asthma will also worsen, and other respiratory problems can develop. 

Tips for Improving Winter Time Indoor Air Quality 

If you are one of the many homeowners who have had to contend with poor indoor air for several winters now, all is not lost. There are some tips you can follow to improve your home’s air quality in the winter months. 

Regularly clean your home 

Schedule one cleaning day a week so you can sweep away dust and dirt, which can get into your ventilation system or heater. Be sure to include all your rugs and carpets, as well as the floors. Include all areas that easily gather dust. Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner and non-toxic/non-chemical cleaning products to prevent the unclean air from going back or circling into the air.

Additionally, clean your HVAC system regularly, too, specifically the air filters. These filters protect your indoor air from pollutants. If they are dirty, then they won’t serve their purpose. 

Upgrading or changing your air filters will also significantly help. Homeowners are usually required to check and clean the filters and change them every other month during the winter season.

Improve ventilation by opening windows at least once a day 

It’s understandable if you want your windows closed the whole time during winter, but you need to get some air in from time-to-time. Bring in a little fresh air into your house by opening your windows at least once a day or once a week. Keep it open for a few minutes so enough air can get in. 

Remove and change your bedding regularly

Poor-quality indoor air and dust mites do not go well together. As such, you must regularly remove and change your bedding – all beddings in your home. Dust particles float in the air and can cause problems, especially when you’re asleep, leading to you getting allergies, among others. 

Put some plants inside your home 

If you want cleaner air inside your home in the wintertime, consider putting in some indoor plants. Certain plants are actually proven to help purify the air in homes and are even considered a good remedy for muggy air. 

Bamboo palms, Chinese Evergreens, Peace Lily, and Boston Ferns are just some of the plants you should consider putting inside your home. 

Consider installing an air purifier in your home 

Another way of ensuring that your indoor air is protected from wintertime pollen, viruses, and bacteria, among others, is to install an air purifier in your home. Lately, air cleaners have evolved in terms of technology and are now capable of capturing and killing the pollutants.  

You can do many other things to improve your indoor air quality during the winter months, but the ones mentioned above are the most important. The best thing to do is prepare your home before all the cold, freezing air and snow start to take over the outdoors. 

About the Author

Sara Olsen is the Content Marketing Manager of Emergency Air, Arizona’s premier HVAC repair and service company with NATE-certified technicians and the best HVAC service in the quickest time. When not writing articles, she makes the most of her time with her family and gives back to the community.

Are Smart Door Locks Safe? : Smart Locks

The hottest and trending question about the smart locks is that: “Are smart door locks safe?” As we all know that the people don’t compromise on the security of their home, office, apartment building. While security is the main concern and should be. In addition, some people say that smart locks and technology making them very lazy. Yes, it is true but if we talk about the above question then there are different opinions of the people. In fact, Some say that smart locks are safe and some not, but from our more than 11 years of experience our answer is of course yes.

To better know that “are smart door locks safe” we are writing the advantages and disadvantages of the smart locks. And after that, it will be fair and easy to know what is the real answer?

Advantages of the Smart Door Locks

As we all know that there is not a single thing that appears perfect on this planet. So each thing has its own advantages and disadvantages. Today we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the smart locks. And we “FobToronto” will try to present the topic in a very simple way.

1. Fast

Smart locks are very fast. Moreover, they save time. By using the KeyScan remote these locks open within 3 seconds. This means if we use the smart locks in commercial areas like firehouse, hospital, college then they will be very useful. By using the KeyScan remote we can open these locks within seconds. They are very beneficial in emergency times. Suppose that a fire spreads in the hospital so there are almost 100% chances that we can save the people by opening the emergency doors.

2. Easy Usage

Many people think that it is very difficult to use a smart lock. This complicated thing avoid them to use this technology. It is very easy to use these locks. In a few minutes, everyone can know how to use it.

3. Highly Secure Locks

The lock using biometric technology is highly secure. e.g if we installed the fingerprint scanner on the door then it is very difficult to hack. But in case if someone trying to open the door then an alarm sound will raise. The security level is awesome!

4. Scalability

We can use many accessible features with it like a password, fingerprint scanner, a digital card reader, voice and video identification, and much more. The new enhancements came on a regular basis. The smart locks are very scalable in real.

Disadvantages of Smart Door Locks

Please review the disadvantages:

1. It can be Hacked

This disadvantage appears because of the owner. Another reason comes from the manufacturer or programmer. From our research of one decade, almost 80% of new smart locks can be hacked because of the low-quality locks. Now we can solve the issue by choosing a certified locksmith.

Learn more about: https://www.fobtoronto.ca/2020/09/14/5-tips-choosing-right-locksmith/

A certified locksmith will choose the best lock for you and his programming skills will be very good. In addition, he will give you a lifetime warranty for his lock and services. Of course, we recommend a local certified locksmith in your area.

2. Extra Layer Required for Protection

As we know that a smart lock work with an existing deadbolt, means they are the same as traditional locks in that way. But they don’t work with double-cylinder deadbolts. Morover An extra layer is recommended if you choose a smart lock. With over more than 10 years of experience, we prefer and recommend the keypad method instead of the fingerprint sensor.

Moreover, criminals think that there is something big inside which the building is using a smart lock. They catch the attention of the criminals. FobToronto suggests using security cameras to save yourself from this threat.

3. Lost or Stolen Phone

The smart lock can work with your phone’s Bluetooth. In case if you lost your phone somewhere then anyone can open the door very easily. While the mistake happens from the owner’s side.

How to Keep Smart Door Locks Safe?

1. Choose a certified local locksmith.

2. Choose the best and top-rated company to buy a lock.

3. Use the extra layer protection and security cameras.

4. Use long passwords.

5. Use the “two-factor identification method” but the feature only comes in the quality locks so please select the best lock from the best company.

6. Regulatory update software and stay up to date. You should change the passwords on a daily basis.

We wrote the real facts. In fact, everyone has the right to know the real facts. In some cases, it is good to use these locks and in some not. We recommend to use it for at least external entrances.

Contributor: Fobtoronto.ca

25 Incredible Benefits of Gardening

Gardening is much more than a hobby or fun pastime. In fact, there are many proven benefits of gardening that people enjoy. No matter if you’re a hobby gardener or a professional-level horticulturist, spending time out digging in the dirt and caring for your plants, you too can enjoy these various benefits of gardening. If you’re not sold on the concept, I’m going to change your mind with this article. 

I’ve rounded up the 25 biggest benefits of gardening for you in this post. If you’re considering getting into gardening, either a huge outdoor garden or a small herb garden in your home, understanding the benefits is a great way to feel good about what you’re doing and enjoy it even more. I invite you to read on and discover the various large and small benefits of gardening that you can enjoy every time you settle down to tend to your plants. 

1. Gardening Boosts Mood 

Did you know that gardening can boost your mood while increasing your self-esteem levels? When you make time to go out and work in your garden, your anxiety levels can go down and you could start to feel less depressed. One study looked at this benefit of gardening and spanned several years and took people who had diagnosed depression and had them participate in a 12-week long gardening intervention. The researchers measured several mental health aspects before and after the intervention, including the people’s depression symptoms. They found that each participant had significant improvement in their symptoms. They also followed the participants for several months after and found that the improvements lasted. 

2. Gardening Can Boost Your Immune System 

You’re a lot more similar to your plants than you realize, and your body is just as capable of photosynthesis as they are. This is where your plants use sunlight to make their food. Your skin works in the same way by absorbing vitamin D for this benefit of gardening. Depending on the color of your skin and how much your clothing covers, researchers estimate that the sun can create around 8,000 to 50,000 international units of this vitamin. Vitamin D helps strengthen your bones, boost your immune system, and it can also help lower your risk of developing multiple sclerosis, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. 

3. Gardening Helps Form Connections 

Community, family, or school-oriented container gardens are coming up everywhere around the United States. Some of the main factors that drive these types of garden’s popularity, and it has more to do with simple human connections and interaction than the food you get from it. The connections are one of the main benefits of gardening. One study took students and had them photograph their work before sharing what they learned. Students reported that they got a sense of well-being from the relationships they formed and the new skills they picked up. 

4. Gardening Builds Your Strength 

Gardening is exercise because you do small tasks like cutting grass or raking that fall under the category of light or moderate exercise. However, you also dig, shovel, and chop wood to get this level up to moderate exercise. All of these tasks ensure you work your muscles, and this can help build up your strength. You’ll eventually use every major muscle group you have when you work in your garden, and this is one of the major benefits of gardening for older people. Gardening can help with weight gain due to age, and researchers found that gardening could help people sleep up to seven hours a night. 

5. Gardening Lowers Stress Levels 

Another benefit of gardening is that it can lower your stress levels. It can help you recuperate and bounce back after a stressful event. One study exposed people to a stressful stimulus. Then they split the group and asked one to garden and one to read quietly. Researchers then tested the stress hormone levels in everyone’s body, and they found that the group that gardened had lower stress hormone levels than the group that read quietly. The group that gardened also reported that their moods had returned to a more positive state over the other group. 

6. Gardening Protects Your Memory 

You can grab a pair of work gloves, head out to your garden, and know that it’s helping you protect your memory with this benefit of gardening. Exercise can improve how your brain functions, and Korean researchers decided to prove that it helps to protect your memory. They gave people being treated for dementia 20-minute exercises to test this theory. The residents spent 20-minutes planting and raking vegetable gardens, and they found that these people had more brain nerve growth factors than people who didn’t participate. These findings rang true for both male and female participants. 

7. Gardening Can Help With Addiction Recovery 

Horticulture therapy isn’t a new concept, and this benefit of gardening has been around for years. Many addiction recovery programs incorporate working with plants as part of their agenda. Plants can provoke positive emotions and feelings in people who are recovering from an addiction, and this makes them an effective rehabilitation tool. One study took people in a rehab program and offered them the chance to participate in a natural recovery process. They could choose gardening or art as their therapy of choice, and the people who picked gardening had a higher completion rate for the program, and they also reported a higher satisfaction rate. 

8. Gardening Can Reduce the Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes 

One great benefit of gardening is that it can help reduce the risks of heart attack or strokes in people who routinely participate in it. You could grab your gardening tools, go outside, and lose a few hours tending your plants to help reduce your anxiety and stress levels, and this can lower your blood pressure. In turn, this takes a lot of stress off your cardiovascular system. Research shows that people who are older than 60 who participate in gardening activities have a 30% less chance of suffering from a heart attack or stroke than people in the same age group who don’t garden. 

9. Gardening Improves Hand Dexterity and Strength 

Gardening requires you to make precise movements, and this benefit of gardening helps build your hand strength and dexterity. This is especially important as you age, and doctors even recommended rehab programs for stroke patients involving gardening tasks as a productive and satisfaction to build their hand strength and improve how well their hands work. You should position your body naturally and be careful about repetitive movements to enjoy this full benefit of gardening and avoid injuries like carpal tunnel or tendonitis. Also, use both your left and right hand. 

10. Gardening Helps with Aerobic Exercises 

No matter if you have raised planter boxes, indoor flowers, or a bigger vegetable garden, it’s a great way to get a daily dose of aerobic exercise with this benefit of gardening. You may even get so into your project that you don’t realize you’re starting to break a sweat. Reaching for different tools and plants, pulling weeds out, and bending or twisting as you plant starts to work new muscle groups all over your body. In turn, this can help build your flexibility, stamina, and strength the more you do it. You can slowly lose weight, sleep better, and feel less winded when you do other activities. 

11. Gardening Can Help You Eat Better 

The cost of fresh produce can skyrocket in the off-months, and this causes a lot of people to turn to canned vegetables. One benefit of gardening is that you can harvest a huge amount of vegetables, and you don’t have to be a professional to do it. There are dozens of easy vegetables to grow, and you can preserve them to eat later in the year. You may even discover new vegetables that you’ve never tried before, and you’re getting food that doesn’t have pesticide or herbicide treatments on it. You can have fresh, organic vegetables and even fruits if you live in the right climate to grow them. You can also check out and read: A Beginners Guide to Vegetable Gardening.

12. Gardening Can Improve Your Self-Esteem 

With your busy life, it’s easy for your self-esteem to drop. This is especially true if you’ve never gardened before and you’re not sure if you’re going to be good at it or not. One benefit of gardening is that it’s a natural and quick self-esteem booster. You plant your seeds, water, weed, and fertilize your garden, and watch it grow. As more plants start to grow, your self-esteem will also improve. It feels great to accomplish new tasks, and gardens give you endless opportunities to learn new skills. 

13. Gardening Burns a High Amount of Calories 

Gardening is commonly labeled as a moderate-intensity level of exercise, and this is especially true if you have a larger garden with perennial vegetables. According to the Centers for Disease Control, you can burn up to 330 calories for every hour you do light yard or garden work. A few years ago, the American Journal of Public Health published a study that showed that people who participated in a community gardening program ended up with lower BMIs than their neighbors who didn’t participate in gardening, so you could lose a decent amount of weight while enjoying what you do. 

14. Gardening Can Strengthen Your Bones

As you age, your bones can get thinner and much more brittle. Your body’s levels of vitamin D start to drop, and this is the main vitamin that supports bone health. Getting outside in the sunshine and working around in your garden exposes you to more vitamin D through the sun’s rays. If you wear shorts and t-shirts while you’re out, this maximizes the amount of vitamin D you soak up each time you’re outside. This vitamin D can help prevent your bones from getting brittle and weak. 

15. Gardening Lowers Blood Pressure Levels 

Anyone who has a high blood pressure is at an increased risk for cardiovascular events. One big benefit of gardening is that it can drop your blood pressure levels without the aid of medication. One way it does this is to naturally reduce your anxiety or stress levels because you get so into tending to your plants. This same phenomenon occurs for people who have indoor gardens or plants too because they all need care. The more time you spend tending to them, the better off it is for your cardiovascular health. As your blood pressure goes down, this reduces the stress on your arteries. 

16. Gardening Can Relieve Chronic Pain 

For a lot of people, chronic pain exists in the joints. They can get stiff, and this makes people less likely to move them because it causes more pain, and it goes in an endless loop. Gardening could help alleviate some of this stiffness caused by chronic pain. You could start small and have a Mediterranian herb garden in your home and work at tending it every day. Planting, watering, and maintaining the herbs will help you move your joints, and this can ease some of the symptoms you feel. If the chronic pain is from arthritis, movement can help increase the range of movement you have and decrease some of the swelling. 

17. Gardening Helps You Sleep Better

Spending a few hours outside has the pleasant side effect of wearing you out. It also helps you clear your head of all of the anxious or stressful thoughts that are plaguing you, and this can help you fall asleep faster. The moderate workout you get weeding and tending to your garden are other benefits of gardening because it can help you feel more tired. In turn, you should be able to fall asleep quicker, sleep deeper, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. If you garden every day, you could start sleeping much better each night. 

18. Gardening Saves You Money 

No matter if you decide to grow vegetables or you want to grow fruit trees, one benefit of gardening it entitles you to is saving money. Generally speaking, seeds to start your garden aren’t super expensive, and you can create your own fertilizer out of scraps from your kitchen. You can also collect rainwater to keep your plants watered. A small garden can produce a surprising amount of vegetables, and you can preserve them to eat all year-round. This saves you money because you won’t have to budget for fruits, vegetables, or herbs when you go to the grocery store. 

19. Gardening Exposes You to Good Bacteria 

One unexpected benefit of gardening is that it gets you up close and personal with a host of good bacteria. Several studies show that strains of bacteria found in your garden dirt can stimulate your brain to release serotonin, and this is the feel-good chemical that can help fight off symptoms of depression. It can also boost your immune system. This is a theory called hygiene hypothesis.This theory also suggests that there is a connection between your immune system and your brain. Gardening can help improve both at the same time. 

20. Gardening Can Encourage Creativity 

Gardening is all about creativity, and one big benefit of gardening is that you can let your creative thrive. Whether this is putting together a vegetable garden layout to maximize your space or figuring out which vegetables will grow better together, you can get creative with it. If you have kids, you can encourage their creativity levels and ask them to help you set up and maintain the garden. They can even make adorable garden signs to help you tell which vegetales you planted where to keep track of everything. As a bonus, everyone is learning new skills at the same time. 

21. Gardening Encourages Mindfulness 

Mindfulness is a state of focusing on the present moment, and you see it a lot with meditation. However, you can achieve the same state by gardening. One of the benefits of gardening is to be able to dedicate your entire attention to the task at hand. This could be making sure you get all of the weeds out, planting everything in the exact right place, or monitoring your vegetables so you pick them at the best time possible. It’s possible to get lost in what you’re doing and spend hours out in your garden making sure everything is healthy. 

22. Gardening Improves Mental Clarity 

One hallmark of gardening is that you have to remember a lot of information, especially if you have a bigger garden. This benefit of gardening helps sharpen your mind and improves your memory at the same time. Studies show that gardening forces you to keep track of several tasks at the same time. You have to remember which vegetables you planted where, their needs, whether or not you applied your natural fertilizer, your watering schedule, and when is the best time to harvest your vegetables. You use more parts of your brain, and this can boost your overall mental clarity. 

23. Gardening Gives You Family Bonding Time

Bonding with your family is so important, but it can be hard to accomplish with the digital age. Many families spend a lot of time in front of screens, but gardening gives you a chance to dial this back. You can get your kids in on the fun and use this benefit of gardening to bond. Have them decide which parts of the garden they want to be responsible for and help them take care of it. Teach them about every aspect of growing their own food, and let them help you preserve or cook it when it’s time. This can give you hours of bonding time each season. 

24. Gardening Teaches Responsibility 

One of the benefits of gardening is that it is a fun and stress-free way to teach responsibility for everyone in the family. Your kids will learn what happens if they let weeds overtake their garden, and what happens if you don’t water them correctly. You can set up each area of the garden for every kid or family member you have. Give them the responsibility of helping you keep it healthy and harvesting your vegetables and fruits when it comes time. This can also encourage a love of being outside and doing things with the family. 

25. Gardening Gives You a Sense of Purpose 

One final benefit of gardening is that it can give you a sense of purpose. It’s a way to care for something and nurture it from a tiny seed up to a large plant. Sometimes, this is enough to give you a sense of purpose and pride when the plants take root and start to grow. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking on a larger project like growing raspberries or something smaller like keeping a houseplant healthy, the feelings are the same. You can grow plants all year-round to keep this sense of purpose going. 

Contributor: Happydiyhome.com

Budget-Friendly Ways to Waterproof your Basement

Your basement is a vital part of your home since it’s the foundation of your house. Most people use their basements as a place to store their unused items or even to use it as a space to spend their leisure time in. The basement is very versatile and can be transformed into a living room or a storage space depending on what you need.

However, due to their placement, lack of exits, and limited ventilation, the basement can be prone to a lot of issues such as mold growth, water damage, and flooding. 

Floods from stormy weather aren’t predictable but there are several ways you can minimize water damage by waterproofing your basement. However, waterproofing basements can cost a lot of money. The average cost ranges from $250 to $20,000.

For those with enough funds, this cost won’t be an issue. What happens if you’re a bit tight on budget? In this post, we’ll talk about a few budget-friendly ways you can waterproof your basement.

#1. Gutter maintenance 

Broken or clogged gutters are common causes of basement flooding and water damage. Gutters are supposed to funnel water away from your home and when it is clogged, it won’t be able to do its job.

One thing you can do is inspect your gutters on a regular basis. Once you spot any issues and get them repaired as soon as you can, it will decrease the cost of waterproofing your basement.

#2. Foundation crack maintenance

Cracks can appear in the foundation due to a variety of factors. Over time, it is expected to crack at one point. The solution to this is to fill those cracks with epoxy. The sooner you spot foundation cracks and fill in those spots, the less expensive the whole process will be.

When cracks are left unnoticed for a long time, they will continue to grow in size and let in more water. 

#3. Add a drainpipe

Installing drain pipes in your yard can help reroute excess water from reaching your house. Sometimes puddles can form outside due to rain and can pool up. By placing a drain pipe in saturated areas, you can prevent water from reaching your basement and reduce the chances of water damage and flooding. 

#4. Floor barrier

If you’re not sure about installing drain pipes, another thing you can do is install a plastic vapor barrier at the base of your flooring. Water can rise up walls and having these barriers can provide extra protection when you are waterproofing your basement walls.

Simply place the waterproof tape in between the pad under your carpet and concrete floor. Also, try to place the plastic underneath the baseboards around the edges of your walls.

#5. Use dehumidifiers

Lastly, opt for dehumidifiers. Since basements can be moist and filled with high humidity, one simple way to decrease water in basements is to reduce moisture.

Having a dehumidifier will save you a lot of time and money. You won’t have to repeatedly clean out the water in the basement thanks to the dehumidifier. 

Wrapping Up

Waterproofing your basement can be done in many ways but in the end, the main key is maintenance. Keep an eye out for any cracks or damages early on and you can prevent your basement from water damage and flooding. 

Some other things you can do include not keeping nice furniture or belongings in the basement, store your belongings in plastic tubs, raise the plastic tubs off of the ground, back up the sump pump with battery, and simply stay diligent about crack monitoring.

Guest Contributor: Diana R

The Best Tools To Take Measurements For Building And DIY

When you open a toolbox, one of the tools that you might stumble on is a measuring tool. There are many types of measuring tools available that are used for both small to huge jobs. Examples of measuring tools builders use include a folding ruler, tape measure, laser measure, levels, laser levels, and sometimes a dumpy level or a rotary level.

Whether you are a homeowner or an apartment dweller, one skill you might want to have that will be useful is being able to accurately measure. This skill is helpful if you want to build something or do a repair by yourself. Even the simplest hanging of display or decorative in your room, you might want to measure the distance first for a proportion display, for building and calculating materials needed, or to position furniture as a homeowner. For example, when you want to add a rug to a room, you might want to know the exact measurement of your room size. 

What are the common types of measuring tools?

It is not enough to know only one tool that you can use to take a measurement. It would be best if you all the options, what tool will work best for you, and to also know how to use each tool properly and perfectly like a professional. 

1. Folding ruler:  A ruler can be folded together quickly and can be used in narrower spaces. Typically, a ruler is often divided into 150mm or 6", 200 mm or 8" or 250mm or 10". And typically marked with imperial or metric measurements, or it can be both. This is ideal for measuring small spaced and longer distances, including the difficult points to reach. And is more accurate for smaller measurements compared to using a tape measure.

Hold the first segment on top of the ruler and pivot it 180 degrees. If the ruler does not have a lock, hold it tightly and carefully align the second segment of it. From that second segment, pivot the ruler 180 degrees one more time. Now, the ruler has nearly three times the size of the first individual segment. You should continue laying and extending each segment until you reach the length required to take your measurement. 

Tip: Note that you should lay or extend each segment carefully for an accurate measurement.

1. Tape measure: When using a tape measure, you must know the parts first for an effective result of your measurements. 

• The housing: It is the metal or plastic that holds the tape. 

• The tang: This is the clip you will find at the end of the tape. It is either in clip or hook, and when reading measurement, the tang indicates zero, but it has movement to make up for the thickness of the tang for when you do hock measurements.

• The lock: This is the button found on the tape measure's housing that locks the tape when it is pressed. It is used to prevent the tape from moving.

• The blade: This is the technical term for the tape itself. 

To start measuring using a tape measure, you must pull the tang out from its housing and place its clip or hook at the edge of the material you want to measure. Stretch the blade or tape until it reaches your desired measurement of the object. Press the lock button on the housing and read the measurement. 

Tip: Note that the lock is essential to keep the accuracy of your measurements.

1. Digital laser measure: This tool is one of the fastest and efficient measuring devices you might want to use. However, you should know that taking successful and accurate measurements starts with aiming at a solid target.

To use the digital laser measure, you should be on the starting point and aim the device on what you want to measure. Turn the device on and let it cycle until it is ready. When it is ready, hit the measure button and wait for the device to find the distance. 

Tip: Note that it would be best to have a specific target when aiming a laser tape measure. With no physical points, you cannot take a measurement. For example, you want to measure the distance in the middle of your room. You can place a chair on both endpoints to get an accurate measurement—likewise, practice putting the device on the object for a stable aiming rather than holding it by hand.

1. Levels: A level is typically used to specify how parallel or perpendicular a surface is. The vials at a level are yellow-green containing additives for UV protection and provide quality performance at different temperatures. 

To start using a level, you need to locate the bottom of it. Make sure that it rests against the surface you want to level. You should look at the vials located at the center to find the horizontal level. Moreover, look at the vials on both ends to find the vertical level.

Tip: Not all levels are the same, and you should be aware that they come in different sizes. You should also check for grabbing points on the body of the level, don’t block the vials with your hands when reading the results.

1. Laser levels- This is a type of tool that can save much of your time and effort. But how do you use a laser level?

 First, you need to set up the level either on a stand, on the ground, or attached to a wall. After ensuring that it will not be moved or altered, you can start leveling with the device. It is time to turn on the laser, position it, and project it on the surface you want to level. Check that it is leveled and do not forget to mark off its point when you are finally sure that it is stable.

Tip: The key to taking accurate and successful measurements using a laser level is the device's stability and ensuring the exact and absolute level points that you need. Likewise, builders use a green laser level for a brighter display and a crisper level line while taking measurements.

1. Dumpy level: This is a leveling instrument with a telescope tube with two collars fixed to a stage by a vertical spindle. The telescope can only be rotated in a horizontal plane.

 When using a dumpy level, you will also need a tripod and an  E meter. The tripod will hold the measuring device on top. Make sure that the tripod is in a balanced position by pressing its legs into the ground for stability. Look through the telescope and make sure that an assistant is there to hold the E-meter vertical to the under measurement point. The measurement typically starts from the benchmark with its known height or called a datum point by builders.

Tip: For the device to work correctly, the dumpy level must be entirely level and horizontal. You want to use the leveling screws to set the device perfectly level.

With the above tools and guides, you should know how to level and measure like a builder even as a DIY’er or homeowner any time!

Common Plumbing Problems and How You Can Attend to Them

There are quite a few plumbing problems every homeowner is likely to encounter from time to time. These can range from minor issues like a dripping faucet to a burst pipe that can cause extensive damage to the property. Some of the most common plumbing issues you should look out for and how you can minimize their occurrence:

Dripping Faucets

Unfortunately, dripping faucets are not only irritating and stain your bathroom or kitchen sink but also potentially waste hundreds of gallons of filtered water during the year. A worn-out washer is usually the reason, but if you have the right tools, it is not too difficult a job to fix the drip.

Slow Draining or Clogged Sink

The typical culprits for water not draining out properly are food debris and congealed cooking fats in a kitchen sink, while a bathroom sink is more likely to fall prey to soap residues and hair. Installing a drain guard is the best way of preventing clogging. However, if it does occur, using a plunger, a plumber’s snake, or even pouring down vinegar and baking soda can usually solve the problem if spotted in time. Using harsh chemical cleaners is not a good idea because they tend to corrode the pipes, according to Chicagotribune.com.

Blocked Shower or Bath Drains

Very much like bathroom sinks, bath and shower pipes also tend to get clogged due to soap scum and hair. While you should install grain guards to take care of the issue before the clogging can take place, over time, you may still experience a situation where the water drains too slowly. Using a plumber’s snake, a plunger, or an environment-friendly drain cleaner can help if the problem is not too severe and can be resolved only by a professional Plumber Auckland.

Clogged Toilet 

If you see the toilet bowl filling up when you flush, you know that you have a clog that needs immediate attention to prevent a messy catastrophe. The main reason why toilets clog is that you have chucked in non-flushable items or there is an accumulation too much toilet paper that is not dissolving. If using a plunger does not work, you may have to use a drain auger or a plumber’s snake to push and prod to loosen the blockage.

Leaking Pipes

Far more than just being an annoyance, leaking pipes can damage your floor and furniture while the damp can lead to the infestation of bugs and the growth of mold and mildew that can be a health hazard. While you can temporarily repair the leaks that usually happen at the joints with tape or fillers, you will need to replace the pipe or the fittings for a more permanent solution. Since the pipes can burst due to ice forming in them in cold weather, you need to allow faucets to drip slowly to prevent it.

Conclusion 

Most of the common plumbing problems in the house can be resolved without needing the attention of a plumber if you know the right technique and have the right tools. However, the real secret is spotting the problem in time so that it does not develop into a crisis.

Guest Contributor: Lucy Jones

The Hottest Trends For A High-End Kitchen Design

Are you in a mood to redo your kitchen? You may be looking to make it more functional for meal preparations. Or, there can be some other reason. No matter what it is, New Year is around the corner. So, it can be the perfect time for fresh beginnings, and starting with the kitchen can be a great idea. But before you proceed, you need to know that kitchen remodeling tends to be an expensive undertaking. Even if you opt for average changes, the cost can go up to thousands of dollars. And areas like the kitchen and bathroom play a massive role in the resale value of your home.  

One of the real estate marketing agencies in 2018 said that home buyers minutely scrutinize your kitchen and master bath.  From this, one thing is evident: if you pay attention to this part of your house, you can eventually expect fantastic returns.  Since you will spend a massive amount, you would want your kitchen to look its best for many years. And rightly so! Having an idea of the new trends can help you determine your choices without any hesitation. The chances of making mistakes will also be less.

Some homeowners believe that trends are nothing but a brief period of indulgence in a taste or habit, while the truth is they introduce you to the innovative technologies in the industry and the consumer-driven choices. You want to add beautiful things to your kitchen, and brands ensure that those features are functional, sustainable, and eco-friendly too. Still, you have to be careful about the trends, as tomorrow a few things can fade out from the market. No one can be okay burning thousands on a renovation that becomes a passé way too soon. And if you belong to millennials, your preference for a kitchen can be anything that is low maintenance and high performing. 

Going by this, you can think of adding porcelain countertops, touch screen refrigerators, ovens with a camera, etc. Plus, you may round up the high-end kitchen look with a gorgeous sink. Finishing a high-end kitchen with a sexy sink can feel incredibly satisfying because it doesn't just add to its beauty but increases its functionality also by many notches. Nevertheless, explore the latest kitchen design trends and find out what is popular.

Kitchen interiors by the trend

Open floors

The kitchen and living room are no longer separate entities in the open floor plan. Due to this, the kitchen has to be multitasking as a part of your living space. From entertainment to dinner to relaxation and work, it has to take care of everything. Now it doesn't hide from anybody's view as there are no walls to protect its privacy.  It's right there before everyone's eyes, and hence, occupies a central position. The homeowners want it to look de-cluttered and straightforward. For them, the transitional theme works the best as it maintains the balance between modern and traditional. Some also enjoy the farmhouse look.

If you want to retain a touch of old and new in your kitchen, you can outfit it with a workstation sink, undermount sink, or top-mount sink. The choice of materials can range from stainless steel to granite. For your farmhouse interiors, you don't have to look beyond apron front sinks. 

Soft colors

People are leaning towards calming and soothing tones. Because a lot of time goes into the kitchen with your family every day, it must most likely become the center of your home. That's why you may want to make it relaxing, bright, and comfortable. And only a soft and bright color palette can ensure this. As per designers, light gray and light blue shades have become famous for this reason. Other than these two, cream colors are also having a moment, while the preference for bright whites has seemingly reduced.  

If you get to see some of the latest kitchen designs in magazines, you will encounter the extensive use of a combination of spring green and blue in many layouts. People are also showing particular interest in shaker-style cabinets and selecting different colors from pale blue to cobalt for them. 

Porcelain countertops

Another wave in the kitchen is the porcelain slabs. Easy maintenance and the ability to blend with any modern or traditional theme give them an advantage over others; you can pair it with a monolithic backsplash or 3D or textured tile. Many homeowners are ditching marble for this material because of its stain-resistance. Quartz has also lost the market for its high prices.

Kitchen sinks

You don't seek it for washing dishes only. It has to perform the role of a multi-purpose workstation that features colanders, drying racks, cutting boards, bowls, etc. These sinks are in demand for smaller kitchens where space tends to be an issue. And the best thing is you get many stylish options in these functional appliances to give your kitchen a dose of oomph. From a single bowl to double in various colors and sizes, these can mingle with any décor and deliver. Make sure you pair your sink with the right faucet. For instance, farmhouse or deep bowl sinks need gooseneck-style kitchen faucets. If the basin is shallow, look for short-height options.

Other elements 

Family and guests gather at the kitchen island for dining, homework, and meal prep. That's why it has turned into a hot spot of your house, occupying more space and serving as furniture. Then, the wood floor is another thing in the kitchen trends. Since it gives a sense of continuity with the living area, homes are adopting wood flooring. Space will look separate if you use any other material. 

Overall, successful kitchen design has to last for years, which depends on the choices you make. A lot of time and money go into renovations. But the good thing is trends also take time to develop. So, if you are thorough with your homework, you can safeguard your investment. You can study different options and pick from them to fulfill your demands.

Guest Contributor: Lucy Jones