Tips on Choosing the Right Color for Your Bedroom

Tips on Choosing the Right Color for Your Bedroom

How do you paint a room that bookends your day? Bedroom is more than sum of its parts, its function is something sacred – to offer you a moment of respite from daily woes and comfort you when you feel the most vulnerable. In fact, it is a place where you should be able to feel the most vulnerable without any reserve. This is why it is so important to choose the right colors for this area – because you will wake up to them every day and they will be the last thing you see each night. With that in mind, here are the tips on choosing the right color for your bedroom.

It needs to be calming

Calming color scheme is the top priority and the tip you’ll get from basically anyone if you ask them about bedroom aesthetics. Now, the idea of calmness can vary from person to person, but it would be safe to say that you should definitely go for serene composition. In other words – no distinct contrasts. Just make the lines and tones blend into each other and complement each other’s level of warmth. The question of whether you should go for lighter and darker tones is mostly dependent on you, but darker ones are usually recommended for the bedroom.

Dark and calming nuances

Dark colors are actually a good go-to option if you want to create a truly calming and comfortable bedroom. However, these dark colors should not be too harsh or bold. Go for some nice pastels like charcoal, olive, deep violet, navy or silver tones. The best variant is to either go for gentle blue-steely tones with a pinch of milky gray if you want a cold scheme, or olive-celery sort of green that can be a good basis for a room that aims for organic and warm tones. Line your room with furniture that has white skeletons in order to add some crispy visuals and a sense of space to your bedroom.

It needs to be done right

After you have created a hypothetical arrangement of colors for your bedroom – preferably a collage you can actually show to professionals – you should seek out high quality painting services that can bring your vision to life. The last thing you need is a messy environment which cannot be fixed, so avoid doing this all by yourself. Lines that are drawn sloppily can also impact the levels of your anxiety in the long run. You might not notice it at first, but it is one of those things that creeps into one’s mind slowly and insidiously.

If your bedroom is small…

Still, if your room is already cozy when it comes to space, the darker colors (which are there to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere) might not be the best solution. If your bedroom is small, you should consider lighter tones and start with a white basis. According to the type of bedroom you want to create (warm or cold) you can choose a white with a bluish hue or the one with a warm creamy dash. The brighter tones will add a sense of airiness and brightness to your bedroom, almost without fault, so it is a risk-free and solid solution.

The window conundrum

The windows in your bedroom are a tricky element – you’d want big windows for bright mornings and sunny afternoons, but you’ll also want to minimize the presence of light if you want to sleep in. In that case, you will get the best of all worlds if you installed bigger windows but also added some solid shutters which are easy to manage. You will also want to install windows which can be easily opened and don’t let any bulky furniture block them. You will want to have an option to let the fresh air flow through your bedroom whenever you need it.

If you followed at least a few of these tips on choosing the right color for your bedroom, you should end up looking at something truly aesthetically pleasing – a place that, as far as palette of colors go, suits your sensibilities and makes you feel content. Even though people have different ideas of comfort, they all share this deeply-rooted yearning to have a safe place where they can rest, and with just the right combination of colors on your hands, you too can have a bedroom of your dreams.

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

Make Your Home Look Elegant Without Spending a Fortune

Make Your Home Look Elegant Without Spending a Fortune

Having a high-end looking home isn’t easy. Usually, it means you have to spend a lot in order to make your home look exactly how you want it. But what if we told you that you don’t need to spend a fortune in order to make your home look elegant? We came up with 5 tips for doing this that you simply can’t ignore.

Go for hardwood flooring

Carpets may seem like a more comfortable option but in order to make your home look elegant, going for hardwood flooring is a much better idea. Luckily, quality hardwood flooring doesn’t really need to be extremely expensive. In fact, you can find hardwood that is very cheap. However, bear in mind that some materials require you to spend more. Still, there’s no need to worry as hardwood is a long-term investment that’s guaranteed to pay off.

Choose the right colors

When designing a home, people often struggle to choose the paint color they want to go for. Still, if you want your home to look elegant, there are certain color palettes that can give it an instant elegance boost. For instance, a combination of bold and dramatic colors is something you just can’t go wrong with when looking for elegance. For example, a combination of black and white is often used when designing elegant homes. What’s so great about the paint is that it can make your home more stylish without having to spend a lot of money.

Think about the lighting

What kind of lighting your decide to go for can have a huge effect on how elegant your home looks. Ideally, you’ll be able to let in as much sunlight as possible. Natural light has the power to make almost any space seem larger and more elegant. That being said, you should consider the idea of installing as many new windows as possible. However, you probably don’t want sunlight entering your home all day long and that’s why you should get shutters that can also add style to your home.

Keep it clean and uncluttered

Here’s a tip that doesn’t require you to spend any money at all. In order for your home to look elegant, you just need to make sure it’s clean and remove all the clutter from it. In order to do this, you need to clean, dust and vacuum your home on a weekly basis. When it comes to clutter, you should think about adding more storage to your home and keeping your clutter there. You can also think if there’s something in your home you can give away or sell online.

Get a lot of pillows

Pillows in your living room serve two purposes. Firstly, they help you maximize the elegance factor inside of your home. If this is what you’re aiming at, opting for large and overstuffed pillows is a good idea. Also, it’s recommended that you don’t skimp on pillow inserts. Besides making your home look elegant, living room pillows can also help you add comfort to your home. If you go for pillows that are large enough, you and your guests will also be able to sit and rest on them.

Once all the work is finished, you might just find yourself surprised by how easy it is to create a home that looks and feels elegant even when you’re designing it on a budget. Also, don’t forget to keep looking for some new ways you can add elegance to your home with.

Guest Contributor, Amelia Atkins 

7 Ways To Prepare Your Plumbing For Fall

7 Ways To Prepare Your Plumbing For Fall

The coming of Fall means a change in temperature, shedding of leaves and shorter days ahead. Have you considered checking the one area that makes up most of your routine?

Getting your house ready for Fall involves having your plumbing system serviced. However, it’s not required to replace the entire system if you happen to notice any irregularities in your water flow or pipe condition. You’ll just need a local plumber to attend to and resolve your plumbing concerns as the new season arrives.

Whether you live in cold temperate areas or not, it’s best to plan ahead and schedule a thorough inspection to keep your plumbing in tip-top condition. Doing so also prevents significant losses spent for large repairs and replacement.

Why You Need a Plumbing Maintenance Service

Plumbing is one of the most used and functional systems in both houses and buildings but is often neglected when it comes to accomplishing regular upkeep. It’s undoubtedly true that your sinks, toilets and water heaters heavily rely on drain pipes and other plumbing fixtures.

Devoting enough time and attention for inspection won’t only minimize your expenses but also offer greater convenience to your family and future guests. Here are effective ways to prepare your plumbing for the Fall season and avoid costly repairs:

1. Check for Potential Leaks

Dripping faucets are an example of common leaks that occur in one’s home. It’s safe to check around the tubs, sinks and showers to see any signs of leaks. That way, you can easily determine the unusual increase in your water bill and resolve the problem right away. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners can save around 10 percent on water bills upon fixing the leaks.

It’s also good to have your plumbing fixtures regularly cleaned to detect any issues that affect their durability and performance. For instance, kitchen sinks that have small gaps or cracks can produce leaks inside the cabinet. Leaving it unnoticed can damage not only the countertops but also the pipes.

2. Clean Your Sump Pump

A sump pump is a device commonly found in the basement and is used to prevent excess water flow from flooding the area. It’s important to check its condition before the fall season to ensure that it’s free from debris or any form of dirt build-up.

You may remove the lid for inspection and pour water into it to test if it operates efficiently. It’s also good to insulate the device to help it thrive in extreme temperatures.

3. Drain Your Water Heater

Rust and sediments have the potential to form inside the water heater and settle at the bottom of the tank over the months. It’s best to conduct preventive measures to help you combat the chilly weather when winter comes.

Flushing off puddles of water is one way to keep your water heater in good condition. Before you inspect the system, you need to shut off the power supply first for your safety. Adjusting the water temperature up to 120 degrees F is necessary to save you money but be careful not to go overboard to prevent the system from scalding.

Your water heater can easily deteriorate without proper inspection. A professional plumber can tell if the tank needs a major repair or replacement.

4. Unclog the Pipes

Grease, dust and food particles are a common cause of blocked pipes. Falling leaves, twigs and sludge also contribute to clogging the pipeline especially if placed outdoors. Pipe tubes may acquire significant damage over time if left unchecked.

It’s good to know how you can maintain your drainage systems to reduce the risk of potential clogs. Failing to remove them may cause unwanted pipe bursts which can affect not only your finances but also your daily activities.

You may also want to clean the gutters to allow free flow of water within the pipe system. This involves removing the debris and accumulated dirt from the gutters.

5. Wrap and Insulate Your Pipes

When water starts to freeze, it expands and causes your pipes to burst out - and it can happen overnight. Covering both your indoor and outdoor pipes with insulation can prevent them from reaching their breaking point.

By doing a comprehensive inspection, you can easily locate tiny holes and cracks within the pipes. Sealing them using an adhesive can help protect your pipes while avoiding structural damage around your property.

You can also check for exposed pipes and buy an additional insulation if you must. Asking for professional assistance helps to guarantee a successful installation without worrying about the outcome.

6. Turn Off Your Outdoor Plumbing

Some homeowners tend to focus more on indoor plumbing that they forget about the outdoor faucets and garden hoses. It’s important to disconnect these fixtures including the sprinklers from the main supply to keep them from breaking. Not turning off the shut-off valve can leave them freezing out when the winter breeze hits hard.

It’s best to shut off the water supply and allow your irrigation systems to operate until excess fluid runs out. If it’s not possible to turn it off, insulating them using a heat tape can be an alternative solution.

7. Get Help from Your Local Plumber

Fixing toilet flappers or dripping faucets may sound easy, but for other jobs that require comprehensive procedures to complete the task, it’s always safe and convenient to have a professional plumber to assist you.

Make sure to prepare and follow a plumbing checklist to help you prepare for the fall season and minimize household expenses in the future. Conducting a routine check is also necessary to help reduce water consumption and safeguard your property from significant damage.

 Guest Contributor, Sofia Hann

What Are the Advantages of The Gas Plumbing Services of the Professional?

What Are the Advantages of The Gas Plumbing Services of the Professional?

The plumbing projects are quite complex and so the need for specialized knowledge for the same is evident. Homeowners need to understand this fact and accordingly get the gas plumbing services from the professional for safety as well as budgeted expenses. Of course, if you get the work done by a local service provider or plan to do it on your own, chances of increase in the expenses are highest. It might even not be safe as you are not aware of the safety measures required for the purpose.

It is the skills of the professional that make him apt for the gas plumbing services. You can make the selection based on these points so that you get the work done in the best manner.

·       Improvement in the condition of the property

One of the benefits prominent and always required from the gas plumbing service provider is the improvement and perfection of the systems installed in your residence. You would always want to get expert advice when the issues are related to plumbing like drainage system etc. At such time, the task undertaken by the professional will give you the guarantee of excellence. The gas plumber exactly knows how to get the pipelines fixed for the passage of gas which is used for different purposes at the house. The plumbing company will employ the technicians who are excellent in understanding the issues and dealing with the same providing best solution. This will be highly beneficial for the homeowners.

·       Handle project safely

The tasks which are hazardous in nature need a skilled service provider. You might require the gas plumbing services for any of the appliances with the basic aim of safety in mind. There are certain safety measures which are taught to the plumbers during their initial training period. They make it a point to keep the same in mind for each of the projects handled whether a small one or a bigger one. It is dangerous to deal with the gas fitting appliances like the gas water heaters etc. If proper care is not taken at the time of installing or replacing, it will keep the residents and the technician both in danger.

·       Technical know-how

The hiring of the gas plumbing service provider mainly depends on the technical knowledge. It is totally wrong to depend on the information available online when gas fixtures are concerned. The fixing issues at the time of the visit to the site can be quickly solved by the expert due to their experience and exposure in the field. You might be wondering about the expense but surely the option of hiring the professional who has the right skills will be beneficial when his knowledge is used. A highly experienced individual will always know how to deal with the leakages and the gas pressures required for each appliance. You will not require looking over the same again and again thus saving expenses too.

·       Assistance with the customer services

The emergency 24/7 services of the customer care executive are the most required thing from the gas plumbing service provider. Once the installation, repairs or replacement is conducted by the professional, they take up the responsibility in case of any issues faced by the clients. You just need to call them and inform the problem of getting the best solution. The technician will reach to the client site immediately as they exactly know how the gas leakage would affect the lives and so will never delay the services.

This is the reason why the professional should be hired. You will have peace of mind with their excellent gas plumbing services.

 Guest Contributor, Emma Smith

Shower Repairs: Know In Details Before Going For It

Shower Repairs: Know in Details Before Going for It

A shower is a contrivance for bathroom, fixed at a suitable place where a person can take his or her bath under a spray of water conveniently. The main advantage in shower bath is in providing an uninterrupted flow of water for taking bath, application of soap and shampoo effectively without the botheration of pouring water by mug repeatedly.

Most showers have the provision of temperature, spray and pressure adjustable shower head nozzle. The showers of the simplest design have a swiveling nozzle aiming down on the user. Other more complex showers have a shower head connected to a hose that is mounted on a bracket. This allows the shower user to hold the shower head by hand to spray the water at different parts of their body. A shower can also be fitted in a small shower stall or bathtub with a plastic adjustable curtain around the shower to prevent splashing of bath water all over the bathroom floor.

It is obvious that more sophisticated design brings in more complexity of shower repair and maintenance work of the shower head, piping and valve system.

The vitality of shower repairing

In the present scenario, the design and manufacture of bathroom shower technology have advanced phenomenally. A wide variety of shower and tub options are available today which include sophisticated designed shower heads, spa-friendly water jets, faucet designs, water heating systems, along with many water-saving facilities. It is to remember that each design of shower head has its special technique of maintenance and repair.

How to stop shower leakage?

One common reason which requires shower repair is leakage. First, identify the leakage source. Feel the temperature of water leaking from the shower head. If it feels warm, you will be sure that the leak is coming from the hot water valve. If the water is dripping for a while and is cold, the leak is due to cold water valve leakage. Remove the faucet handle. Check the valves and pipes of hot water supply line. If leakage is found, replace washers and reassemble the supply line.

How to remove clogging of shower perforations?

Removal of clogged particles from shower is also a common reason for shower repair. To remove mineral deposits on your shower head, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar then fix the bag carefully over the shower head with a rubber band and leave it overnight. Remove the bag and clean shower head carefully with a soft toothbrush to clear the deposits inside the perforations. Now your shower head will work and look like new.

What is a diverter stem?

In a faucet for tub shower, the diverter is a small flap behind the handle of a facet of the bathtub that controls the flowing water out of the shower or out of the tub faucet. In a single-handle faucet, generally includes push or pull facility for the shower faucet handle to divert water. A separate showers and tubs system do not contain this. A shower faucet cartridge is a special type of valve. In this system, a faucet with a single handle is moving inside the plumbing fixture to adjust the flow and temperature of shower water.

General repair work involved in shower

Some common shower repair types are mentioned below:

•    Water pressure adjusting valve repair or replacement

•    Shower head repair and replacement

•    Clogged drains cleaning and draining pipeline repair

•    Water pipe relocation

•    Low-flow correction of shower heads and faucets

•    Walk-in bathtub with photocell control related repair work

•    High-tech type showers and bathtubs repair

•    Repair and replacement of concealed pipelines etc

Additional repair and maintenance also involve in toilet interior repairs, geyser repair work, electrical wiring and lighting repair or renovation. In addition, provision of water conservation tips is available from expert plumbers.

Conclusion: Shower repair is a difficult job and only licensed plumbers should be appointed for the process.

Guest Contributor, Lauren Bracy 

Designing the Perfect Home: Mission Possible

Designing the Perfect Home: Mission Possible 

When facing the home designing process, most people complain about not having enough money to fulfill their dreams or how building laws and regulations are acting as an obstacle. Well, unless you are a billionaire with your own island paradise, some trade-off may be inevitable. Then again, they do not have to feel like compromises. Designing a perfect home is not about fantasizing— this is just the first and easier part of it all. So, you cannot just spit-ball ideas. You have to separate essentials from features and amenities you can do without. Likewise, start thinking about what realistic and feasible is. 

Meaning of perfection

Preferences are always subjective and personal. When thinking about the realization of our wishes, there are many factors such as land and climate that act as potential hurdles. These objective factors affect design, floor plan, size, shape, and construction of the home. So, we may have to adjust the definition of what a perfect home is. I would say you should ignore glossy magazine pictures and images on the internet. They are a nice source of inspiration, but not something you should even try to recreate. Designing revolves around what YOU want and your ability to make it happen.

A list of things

The construction process is a living thing that changes and develops over time. As it unfolds, what is possible and perfect tends to shift. So, you cannot expect to simply translate a fixed image into reality. Often, you have to choose one priority over another: perfect choices most often equal suitable and prudent choices. To navigate this labyrinth of decisions, you should be crystal-clear on what you want to achieve. Determine the optimal layout, type of home, number of rooms, etc. Work out a list of must-have features and only then establish nice-to-haves.  

Assemble a team

Note that you have to be a design leader guiding the whole process or you can decide to hire one if you are not up to the task. It helps to work with designers, architects, and builders that are able to understand, but also expand your initial vision. You need to trust them to flesh out your ideas by sketching a draft of the floor plan with all desired features. For instance, these Sydney-based home builders offer custom, bespoke solutions that reflect who their clients are. They support them every step of the way, from conceptualization and planning to construction and completion.

From dreams to reality

For the time being, you can think about your dream home as if money was no object. Feel free to tour actual neighborhoods that spark your interest and see if there are any houses that are close to what you dream of. You can take photos of them for later studying. At one point, though, you have to take into account your budget— how much you can afford to spend on construction. What is more, it is necessary to consider specific site conditions and the environment, as well as town planning requirements and zoning regulation.

Finishing touches

Next, it is time to finalize your plans. The key question is: how do you want your home to feel? What are the design styles that speak to your personal sensibilities? Do you crave to have a connection to nature, an open and airy environment, or something else? Try to keep a design notebook with notes, photos, calculations, and musings. Set a preferred level of privacy, the amount of space you want, and get familiar with specific materials and building techniques. Finally, pick an ideal location. After that, you can finally start building a home that feels like ‘you’ and ticks all the boxes. 

Success by design  

Finding a perfect home is not overly likely, but you can design your own. You need to plan ahead of time and start mining for ideas to get the best outcome. Make an effort to manage your expectations and use a reality check. Have clarity about what you set out to accomplish. Enlist the help of trusted professionals and draw up an articulated budget. The ultimate goal is to put together a home that perfectly matches your lifestyle, budget, and circumstances on site. Following the steps above, you should be able to do that and get the most bang for your buck.

 Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

Hidden Costs of a House Renovation

How to avoid hidden costs of house renovation

Every now and then, your home is in need of an update. Whether it’s a simple repair in the bathroom or a complete kitchen makeover, home renovations can amount to a sizable sum. However, with careful planning and a detailed approach, you can renovate your home without breaking the bank.

Start by creating a plan and a budget

It’s not uncommon for home renovations to cost more than you’ve expected. This typically occurs because homeowners didn’t really take everything into consideration. Therefore, you should avoid making this mistake and start planning your home renovation on time and in detail. You should make a list of all the necessary materials you’ll need, determine different stages of renovation and try to come up with an efficient approach. You should also set up certain deadlines to prevent any unnecessary delays.
Furthermore, you should definitely set a budget for your renovation. This will prevent you from spending more than you can afford. When doing so, make sure to add around 20 per cent for unplanned costs.

Decide whether to DIY

Hiring contractors and architects isn’t only expensive, but also time-consuming and tiring. However, you should evaluate your skills and experience realistically and determine whether you should DIY or call a pro. If you already have some experience in home renovations, or you’re apt at design or construction, you can probably take on a range of renovation projects. However, if you have no experience in the field whatsoever, it’s better to call the experts.

Invest in quality projects

The most profitable home renovations are the ones that will help you enhance the value of your property, make your living space more comfortable and provide your home with timeless appeal. You should definitely steer clear of passing fads and trends because they are a waste of money. Instead, make sure to invest in high-quality materials, green improvements, projects that will enhance the comfort of your home, such as better insulation, or remodels of your home’s exterior. Also, if you’re currently living in a home that was built before 1990’s, it is strongly advised that you hire asbestos clearance professionals. Asbestos was once one of the most commonly used building materials. However, it was eventually found out that prolonged exposure to this hazard may cause a variety of serious health problems, including cancer.

Find opportunities for increased savings

Renovating your home will definitely cost you some money, but there are still opportunities to cut your expenses. For instance, you should take some time to shop around, find great deals and even discover some discounts. Researching your options will allow you to compare prices and find offers that fit into your budget limits.
You should also consider purchasing used and recycled materials, or repurposing your old materials. This solution is both budget- and eco-friendly, so it’s definitely one of the best options. You can repurpose old slates, bricks, wood and even furniture pieces.

Update your roof

If you’ve noticed some missing shingles or other roof problems, you should definitely give your roof an uplift. Not only will this project boost your home’s curb appeal, but it will also help you prevent other serious problems that may cost you even more later on. You don’t even have to go with complete re-roofing, but opt for partial one and change only the damaged parts. You can save even more by finding a low-cost scaffolding hire company that can rent you all the necessary equipment. This is also advisable if your own equipment isn’t sturdy enough – safety is the number one priority.

Opt for green improvements

When renovating your home, you can go with eco-friendly and sustainable upgrades that will provide you with numerous benefits. Energy efficient installations are a popular choice because they can help you save money on electricity in the long run. You can also go with other simple green improvements, such as installing LED lighting, low-flow toilets and shower heads, etc. Designing a lush green wall is another beautiful project that will provide you with numerous benefits, including improved insulation, better air quality and an infinitely charming look. Furthermore, this mesmerizing addition will fill your home with a sense of serenity and tranquility. If you want to spend a bit more, you can install an energy efficient water heater, a sustainable heating system or an entire renewable energy system. Although these projects may require a bit more money, they are an investment worth making.

Style up your kitchen or bathroom

Modern and functional kitchens and bathrooms can increase the value of your home significantly. The best part is the fact that you don’t even have to go with complete remodels. Instead, you should implement minor changes that will enhance the appeal and functionality of your bathroom and kitchen. Replacing the hardware, painting the walls, introducing more storage solutions or updating the floors can actually bring a higher return on your investment.

With a detailed and carefully planned renovation approach, you’ll be able to remodel your home without spending a fortune. Furthermore, you’ll even be able to undertake projects that will help you increase your savings in the long run.

Guest Contributor, Lucas Bergman

Lucas is a real estate agent and renewable energy consultant with many hobbies and passions, but above all, he enjoys the most spending time with his wife – Mara. He also likes Lord of the Rings. He, actually, very much likes Lord of the Rings. He is a regular contributor at smoothdecorator.com

Points Which Underlines The Importance Of House Leveling

Points Which Underlines the Importance of House Leveling 

Any structure whether it’s a house or a commercial building stands tall and strong on its foundation. Foundation of any structure bares all the weight of the house and thus it is very important that it remains strong. If anything happens to foundation, then it affects the entire structure whether big or small. Thus, it is very important to deal with any problems related foundation carefully. The most common problem related to house foundation is damage caused to its leveling. And if you are not careful enough and tend to keep on ignoring the issue, then it can cost a fortune.

As soon as you encounter any issue related to foundation, immediately call for house leveling experts. They will help you with the whole process and will correct it. So, to make sure that these signs do not go ignores leading to the house rumbling down, here are some the signs which showcases the importance of house leveling.

Jamming of Doors and Windows

No one likes jamming of doors and windows and sometimes they often get stuck due to various reasons. This happens especially with wooden doors and windows, as due to moisture they swell and thus becomes stuck at times during rainy season. One of the reasons of jamming can be loose hinges causing jamming of doors and windows. If these reasons are not the cause of jamming, then it is definitely the case of problem in house leveling. As when the roots of any house start to change then its signs are visible in the doors and windows as they are moving parts attached to the house structure. Uneven base of the house causes the nonalignment of doors and windows thus if that’s the case you need house leveling.

Gaps between Seams and Ceilings

If we define a house leveling then it is a process of making the base of the house stable, so that everything build upon it remains stable in a straight level. But sometimes due some reasons, the base gets uneven and thus the first signs that one can get is by observing the gaps between seams and ceilings. This cracks or gaps created overtime can turn bigger over the period causing a damage to its foundation. Thus, when you spot a crack, it is sure sign that you need a house leveling done to your home before it’s too late.

Bent basement

The best way to know whether your house needs a leveling or not is by checking the basement. Basement is the closest to the foundation thus it shows the signs. When you start observing that the basement walls have started bending, then it is a result of shifting the foundation and due to which the entire structures are jeopardized. To overcome this situation, one must consult house levelling experts as soon as possible.

Water Damage

When the foundation of your house start losing its ground then it creates some unprecedented situations which can directly affect your house. For instance, when the foundation has shifted it creates space for rain water to sip in and accumulate in those gaps. Drainage system can also get affected with uneven foundation. Another sign which ensures that you need a house levelling done is the constant repairs needed to drainage system.

Crooked Floors

Crooked floors occur when you observe that the flooring is not levelled as before. When things start to roll on its own then its time to correct the foundation of house. Thus, house levelling is required to be done to correct the mess.

All these points when kept in mind properly will help you out in getting the idea that you need a house leveling.

 Guest Contributor, Amelie Lawrence

A Practical Guide To The Home Building Process

A Practical Guide to the Home Building Process

Choosing your new home is certainly one of the most important decision you’ll be making in the course of your life. However, it’s not an easy and quick decision to make, as you’ll want a home that is filled with character, matches your lifestyle and offers all the desirable amenities.

The whole idea becomes instantly more serious when you decide on building your home instead of buying a finished one. It can be a quite stressful and overwhelming process, so to make sure it all goes smoothly, you need to understand how it works.

Here are all the essential phases a typical builder will undertake in building your dream home.

Planning and professional help

While still in the planning stages, consult a professional, such as an architect and a project manager, as they will walk you through the design ideas and building phases. In this way, you’ll have the chance to address any safety concerns, costs, permits and various ways of turning your desires of a dream home into reality.

Building a home is not simple so without professional help of experienced project builders and designers, you’ll hardly be able to make any substantial progress. The construction market in Australia is growing rapidly and whether you’re looking for new apartments in Sydney or houses that will satisfy all your needs and grow with you, turn to the best property developers you can find to ensure the highest quality service, and attractive and innovative design.

Phase 1: preparation and foundation

With the exception of a wooded lot, one crew usually does all site preparation and foundation work. The work starts with clearing the lot of debris, rocks and trees, which is then levelled out, wooden forms are placed, holes are dug and the footing positioned. If the plans include a well and a basement, it will be done in this phase as well. Only after all that can the foundation be poured. After it cures for some time, foundation walls are built up, drains, sewer and plumbing are installed.

This is when you can expect the first visit from a city inspector who will ensure everything is properly installed and up to code.

Phase 2: the rough works

Phase two sees all walls, floors and roof systems completed. OSB sheathing or plywood is put up on exterior walls, doors and windows are built in, and the roof and walls are covered with house wrap, a protective layer that reduces risks of mold and wood rot.

After the siding and roof have been installed, electrical and plumbing work is done through the ceiling, floors and interior walls followed by HVAC system installation.

Phase 3: insulation

An essential element in creating a comfortable and cozy interior and improving the energy efficiency of your home is proper insulation. The most common types of insulation are fiberglass, foam, cellulose, mineral wool, concrete blocks and rigid boards that will insulate exterior walls, basement, attic and floors.

Phase 4: completion

At this point, construction works are coming to an end and usually include finishing drywall, interior textures and trims, flooring, cabinets, countertops and finally exterior landscaping, pathways and the driveway.

Phase 5: the final inspection

The last phase calls for the final inspection so you can get familiar with all the new features, future maintenance and warranty coverage. It’s also a valuable chance to spot any details or imperfections that need a touch-up or adjustment.

Regardless of how long and meticulous the home construction process is, it’s necessary to ensure your home is properly built, and safe for you to enjoy in the following years.

Guest Contributor, Amelia Atkins