How To Choose The Best Framing Nailer For Your Wood Project

How to Choose the best Framing Nailer for Your wood Project

If you came here searching for the perfect framing nail gun, you came to the right place. Framing nail guns are nail guns that are built with the durability, power and most importantly, proper type of nails to be used for doing framing.

Framing Nailer Types

There are many different types of nailers out there that can work for many different types of tasks. It makes sense that the same nail gun you use to secure roofing would not be the proper tool for attaching finished surfaces indoors. Framing nail guns are on the much more powerful size compared to a cheap finish nailer.

There are two different types of nail guns that could be used for framing. One is the coil nail gun, the other is the stick nail gun. The big difference between these two is in how you feed the nail gun ammunition. Coil nail guns use strings of nails and can hold many more nails before needing a refill.

A stick nail gun uses a large hard stick of nails that is then fed into the gun when fired. Generally speaking, coil nail guns are the more durable and more expensive models that are preferred for day to day use by professionals. Stick nail Guns can be slow and clumsy to reload even with practice compared to the massive amount of nails a coil nail gun can carry.

Each nail gun we stock for framing comes with a different set of features. The more expensive the gun, the more fine tuning and adjusting of features will be possible that will enable you to get the perfect gun for every job.

Framing Nailer Basics

Every Framing Nailer we sell however comes with the most important thing to adjust for a nail gun. That would be the depth to which the nail is sunk. This is a vital feature for every construction project and every gun sold will offer you a chance to fine tune on this feature

The second main difference to consider when purchasing your nail gun is how you want the gun to be powered. Cordless and Corded nail buns are equally popular these days and neither shows any signs of slowing down soon. Corded framing nailers are still extremely popular for their low coast and their ability to go all day without interruption.

Cordless nail guns have come quite a long way in the last few years in terms of technological advances. There are two different types of cordless framing ouns. One is electric and runs off a battery that works very similar to a corded nail gun. The other way uses trace amounts of explosives to blow the nail deep into any surface.

Find the Best Framing Nail Gun

A pneumatic framing nailer gun can do an excellent range of jobs, from stud get the job done to joists. You can nail down sub-flooring and even establish trusses. You can fasten sheathing, nail decking, construct fences, and far more. With a framing nail gun, you can do all the rough wood do the job and much more on just about any residential creating. It is an incredibly essential element of constructing a wood construction.

There are lots of diverse framing nailers on the marketplace, from common brands like Hitachi, Senco, Max, Bostitch, Paslode, Porter Cable, and Dewalt. How are you going to opt for the very best 1 for your needs? Since you happen to be not intending to purchase all the pneumatic framing nailers out there, you need to educate on your own on what every single nail gun has to offer you. I place this quick guidebook collectively to assistance you do just that: decide on the correct nailer for your demands.
Inquiries to ask just before you invest in:

Weight – Are you concerned about the fate of the nail gun? Some builders look for the lightest framing nailer since they can get the job done longer with much less arm fatigue. Which is the benefit of a light-bodyweight nailer. Other framers will not genuinely thoughts the more 1 or so pounds. I have personally used guns as heavy as 9 pounds and as light as 7 pounds and can perform just about as quickly with both one.
Dimension – Size is also an essential aspect to some contractors and DIYers. A much more compact sized framing nail gun can match into tighter spaces to shoot the nails in the correct spot. Some framing nailers can fit in between studs and joists as narrow as twelve inches. Other folks are more bulky and you are going to have a tricky time with tight locations.

Electrical power – Pneumatic framing nailers selection pretty a bit in the power to drive nails. Some nail guns can shoot nails up to three-one/4 inches long. Others can simply drive the larger 3-one/two inch nails. Many framers never require to shoot nails any larger than 3-1/4 inches extended. Other individuals, on the other hand, want to have the additional power to drive bigger nails when the need to have arises.

Features – What feature do you require in a nail gun? The modern-day guns have a huge array of capabilities readily available. Some have selective triggers, in which you can switch involving get in touch with nailing and sequential actuation nailing with the push of a button. Instrument-free of charge nail depth adjustment is also offered on some framing nailers. A number of are approved for use with specialty nails. It all depends on what you will need (or want).

Lastly

Now that you know what to think about just before getting a framing nail gun, it is time to make my tips. In this website link I have put together the finest pneumatic framing nailers. These nailers are really encouraged by several developing contractors.

Guest Contributor, William Aguinaldo

Principal Plumbing Considerations for Commercial Buildings

Principal Plumbing Considerations for Commercial Buildings

When building any sort of building, commercial being no exception, you will need to pay attention to plumbing before you finish the entire project. Having a well-thought-out plumbing system in place is extremely important, especially for commercial buildings, where the supply of clean water and disposal of wastewater need to be constant and seamless.

Therefore, if you’re building your commercial space, aside from the architects and other contractors you’ll need to find, you’ll also need to search for a reliable expert plumber who will take care of this job for you. With that in mind, here are some considerations you’ll need to address.

Know the requirements

First of all, it’s important to mention that different types of commercial properties all have different water requirements. Establishments, such as hospitals, restaurants, hotels and high-rise buildings all have different water requirements and require a specific plumbing grid. The engineer you decide to hire for this project will have to know what type of commercial property you’re building so that they can accurately plan out the type of plumbing grid you’ll need. For instance, if you’re aiming at building a high-rise building, the plumbing system will need to be equipped with booster pumps and gravity storage tanks so that the topmost floors receive the same amount of water as the lowest ones.

Do the calculations right

Additionally, in order to calculate the average water flow your plumbing system will need to be able to handle, you need to know how much people – on average – will be occupying the space on a daily basis. For a commercial property that’s not in the hospitality industry the grid can be significantly smaller than the one that is a part of this industry. Simply put, if you’re building a hotel, your grid will have to be significantly more advanced and complex than if you’re building a regular office building.

Rely on expert advice

Since plumbing is one of the crucial aspects of a building’s infrastructure it needs to be addressed as early in the process as possible. That’s why it’s important to run this by the commercial construction company that you’ve hired to get the job done. Simply put, if you pair an expert plumbing team with a trusted commercial construction company you can rest assured that the entire project will be done as efficiently and as responsibly as possible. Of course, make sure that both teams are true experts in their field and pay close attention to what they’re saying and advising you to do.

Conduct regular maintenance

Finally, once your project is done and you start using your commercial space, that doesn’t quite mean that your job is done. Rather, your job as a building owner has just begun. What this means is that now you’ll need to take care of the plumbing system you have in place. Again, depending on the type of your commercial building, you’ll need to schedule regular maintenance. Sure, in a hotel or a hospital, the maintenance will have to be conducted more regularly than in ordinary office buildings. Regular and preventive maintenance is crucial as not only can it save you huge amounts of money in the long run, but it can also put your mind at ease.

If you’re thinking about building a commercial property and you’re struggling to come up with an optimal plumbing design for the space, have your construction company work closely with your plumbing experts to create a layout that will work best for everyone. Also, make sure that you vocalize any questions and concerns you might have during the process to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that you’re happy with the final result.

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

Interior Paint Colors: A Comprehensive Selection Guide

Interior Paint Colors: A Comprehensive Selection Guide

When trying to decide on the perfect color or color scheme for your interior, do know that you absolutely don’t have to rely solely on the traditional color choice for a particular decorating style you have going on. Instead, it’s always better to start off with your favorite colors and work your way around.

If you make your favorite color the base of your design, you’ll be able to create a color scheme around it that will work perfectly for your interior. Besides, this way, you’ll be able to create a completely unique color palette with your favorite color working as the base, which will allow you to reflect your personality in your interior design with ease. So, let’s see what are some of the main points you should pay attention to when choosing the perfect colors for your interior.

Find your inspiration

To start off, you will first need to get inspired. While we once used to draw inspiration from décor magazines and catalogs, nowadays, the Internet is the place where it’s at. With websites, such as Pinterest, allowing you to browse through different shades and hues and even create your own inspiration boards, choosing the right color for your interior has never been easier. So, allow yourself to get inspired and learn how you can decorate your home with your favourite colour, without making it too overwhelming.

Determine your favorite color

One of the easiest ways you can determine your favorite color is to inspect your wardrobe. All of us have wardrobes filled with items in various colors and hues, but in every single one, there is bound to be one color that sticks out the most. We usually tend to gravitate more towards certain hues without ever realizing it every time, so chances are that the most dominant color in your wardrobe is your favorite one. Alternatively, you can even find a color wheel on the internet – the more detailed, the better – and spend some time looking at it. Chances are that one color, or even shade, will speak to you more than the rest – it’s safe to assume that that’s your favorite one.

Get creative

When trying to implement your favorite color in your interior design, you need to be somewhat careful. If, for instance, your favorite color is red, simply painting the entire room in this shade would turn out to be a bad idea. However, these interior painting experts from Sydney, for example, suggest that if your favorite shade is such a vibrant one, you can choose to implement it in your design through details, rather than wall paint. This means that you should stick to neutrals – most commonly whites – for your walls, and introduce your favorite color through throw pillows, area rugs, wall art and even painted bookshelves.

Pay attention to lighting

If the room you’re about to paint is exposed to a lot of natural light throughout the day, do know that it can significantly affect the final outcome of the paint job. Let’s say, as an example, that you’ve chosen a light grey shade as your wall color. If the wall you’ve decided to apply it to is well-illuminated during the day, the shade will appear to be much lighter than it actually is. However, versed painting experts will warn you about this potential issue and will even advise you on how to avoid it altogether – usually by going with a deeper shade on the sunniest walls and treating the rest of them with the shade you’ve originally chosen.

When choosing the perfect color scheme for your interior, make sure you take some time and really think things through. And if you want to go with a color your other housemates really strongly dislike, consider making a compromise and choosing some different shade together.

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

How To Clean Up After A Home Remodel

How To Clean Up After A Home Remodel

A successful remodel can leave you with an incredible sense of satisfaction. It can also leave you with an unbelievable amount of dust and debris. Cleanup is a natural part of the renovation process, of course, but it's often frustrating if you haven't prepared for all the tiny details involved in tidying up.

Many homeowners tend to underestimate the work they have to do post-project. They're more concerned with the project itself — the granite they want for their kitchen counter tops or the wood for their flooring. While these are critical considerations of a renovation, they are only a partial view of the bigger picture.

More specifically, you'll need to keep things neat and orderly once you've finished your work. It isn't always as simple as it seems, so we'll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning up your home after a remodel. Follow these five suggestions to manage waste and maintain cleanliness.

1. Vacuum and Mop the Floors

Your vacuum is one of your most valuable assets when cleaning up. If you have carpeting, pass over it several times to ensure you've removed all the dust and particles you possibly can. Wood, tile or linoleum floors will need a quick mopping as well, so make sure to wash them after you've vacuumed.

As for your upholstered furniture, you might have kept it under wraps while you were working — but dust always finds a way. It's essential to vacuum these areas as well, so use the upholstery attachment to get in those hard-to-reach places. Also, attend to any accessories or fabric window treatments.

2. Recycle the Correct Materials

Misplaced items in recycling bins are a frequent problem, with an average contamination rate of approximately 25% for communities and businesses. Far too often, non-recyclables taint recycling batches. Fortunately, a little selectivity with your recycling can help manage the issue.

Recycling practices are distinct in different areas, so you should do a bit of research before you move forward. In general, you're free to recycle cardboard and paper, glass, metal and rigid plastic. But again, look into the details of what you can and can't recycle, as it's somewhat complicated.

3. Clean the Walls of Any Residue

Your walls and molding will also need a good cleaning, but you shouldn't just scrub them down with a damp towel. That method is effective if you're working with old paint, but new paint is far more sensitive. You'll need to dry dust the walls if you've applied a fresh coat during your project.

It's best to use the brush attachment on your vacuum if you're dealing with textured wallpaper or natural materials like grass cloth. Other wallpapers are OK to wipe down with a damp cloth, but spot-check them first. And if you have trouble reaching high places, wrap the towel around an extension duster or broom.

4. Check and Replace Your Air Filters

Painters will sometimes remove filters as they work, and they'll occasionally forget to put them back in. This small oversight can damage your HVAC system, so it's critical to check your filters after the job is complete. You can save yourself a substantial sum of money by taking just a few minutes.

Of course, your air filters deserve attention whether or not your project involves painting. If your filters remained in place during construction, it's advisable to replace them with a new one. With all the dust, particles and residue the average remodel produces, your system may need a new filter to maintain its efficiency.

5. Take a Proactive Approach If Possible

A proactive approach is always preferable to more work. If you haven't started your project yet, you can take steps to streamline the cleanup process. One of the top methods for keeping clean during a renovation is engaging in daily cleanup, managing the mess little by little to reduce your overall workload.

To that end, you should talk to your contractor about their daily cleanups. When you prompt them to tidy up the area after they've finished for the day, it'll eliminate much of the dust and debris that would otherwise circulate through your house. It's a small but effective measure to consider.

Cleaning up After a Home Remodel

As you move forward, follow the five suggestions above. You'll see it's easy to clean up after a remodel, and immensely rewarding when the project is finally over.

Guest Contributor, Holly Welles

Holly Welles is a home improvement writer who believes anyone can make the most of their space. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.

5 Effective Home Improvement Tips To Grab The Attention of Your Guests or Buyers

5 Effective Home Improvements Tips To Grab The Attention of Your Guests or Buyers

Almost every person cares about interior design. Even those who say they don’t would much rather spend time in a pleasantly decorated space, than in a home that looks drab and boring. Of course, having a beautiful home isn’t a must, but it can definitely help, especially if you ever decide to sell it. First impressions are important, so here are some decor tips on how to increase the attention and awe of your prospective buyers and visitors alike:

Make your home well-lit

If you want to attract attention to your home, the first step would be to make your home well-lit, as it’ll seem bigger and more beautiful. You can do it by installing bigger windows, or simply removing window blinds, and instead, you can add breezy and light curtains, that will let enough light in, but also maintain your privacy. Another option would be strategically placing one or two mirrors, as they reflect the light, and make the home look brighter. This one is especially useful if you don’t have enough windows or access to natural sunlight. Also, it would be helpful to paint the walls in a bright, yet still neutral colour, and get furniture that isn’t heavy or too dark.

Get rid of the unnecessary junk

Maybe you have a lot of stuff that means to you on a deep, personal level. Old teenage magazines, your old stamp collection, books that you may want to reread once more...it’s all fine, but remember that guests nor buyers want to wade through your old things while trying to get in. Therefore, it’s crucial to clean and declutter everything that seems unneeded. If you don’t want to throw everything out, at least try to put things into separate storage boxes and place them somewhere where they won’t catch anyone’s attention. Also, you can donate them to your local church, school or charity, or give them to friends and relatives to keep them for you. Additionally, renting a special storage room locker is also a great choice, as your belongings will be safely stored without causing unnecessary clutter.

Keep it clean

Once you’ve gotten rid of all the junk, it’s time to clean your home. First, it’s necessary to clean the windows, kitchen counters and floors. Also, it’s important to keep the furniture clean, and if you can’t do that, at least use a sofa cover so you’ll be able to hide all the spots and stains that couldn’t be taken off. Next, you should definitely make sure that your floors, carpets and rugs are all clean and without a grain of dust. And finally, if you really don’t have time to clean by yourself, feel free to ask someone to help you, or hire a professional cleaning team who’ll do it for you.

Make your home look appealing

Having a home that is clean is the first step, it helps sell it faster, but if you really want your guests or prospective buyers to fall in love with your home, you need to beautify it as well. Now, the issue is that sometimes your taste and the taste of the overall buyers might be different and if you want to be certain that everything will be attractive you can opt for a property styling service, where an expert will make sure that everything in your home, from furniture to potted plants, is aesthetically balanced and eye-pleasing. Hiring a property stylist isn’t too expensive, and it has multiple benefits such as saving you time and giving your home the makeover it deserves.

Take care of the exterior, too

Once your interior looks all dolled up, it’s time to move on to the exterior. Taking care of your curb is a must, as this is literally the first thing everyone sees when they come for a visit. You can change the front door, or if you like it, just repaint it and change the doorknob. Make sure that your front lawn is always mowed and plant more various flowers for a more interesting appeal. Also, it’s recommended to repaint the facade, so your house will look fresh and welcoming to the guests.

Making your home look attractive doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive task, but with a bit of effort, you can definitely make it come to life and look fabulous. If you follow these tips, you’ll be amazed by the difference, just remember to be friendly and welcoming to your buyers/guests, so they’ll want to come back.

Guest Contributor, Mike Johnston

About the author: Mike Johnston is a lifestyle blogger and DIY enthusiast from Sydney. He is a regular writer at Smooth Decorator, but his articles can also be found on numerous other interior design, family-friendly, real estate and green living blogs as well. Mike’s goal is to create insightful and compelling content that will help readers navigate through these vast and ever-changing fields..

How to Stage a Home for Selling

How to Stage a Home for Selling

Should you bother with staging your home before potential buyers see it?

Think about items posted for sale on Craigslist. That “gently used” rug appears to be in great shape, but the cats or filthy highchair in the background make you think twice. 

It’s the same with houses. Good staging hides flaws and puts a home in its best light. 

It gets even better. In a recent study by the National Association of Realtors, around half of agents reported that staged homes usually sell faster and fetch higher prices. 

Set Aside Your Feelings

Don’t take this personally, but home buyers don’t especially care what you’ve done with the place. They just want to envision themselves living in it. They want a blank canvas that sparks the imagination, and your fondness for industrial chic or the color orange might stand in their way. 

You probably have exquisite taste, but the point of staging is to minimize distractions and let your house speak for itself. There’s room for a little personality, but it can’t be yours.

First Things First

It’s tempting to bust out the scented candles and arrange fresh flowers, but there’s much to be done first:

Repair and upgrade

There are easy fixes for leaky faucets, dinged walls and nasty-looking caulk. Start with cosmetic touch-ups.

Painting is one of the cheapest ways to give your house a fresh, modern look. Choose warm, mostly neutral colors that appeal to everybody. If you introduce small doses of accent color, stick to one per room.

Ask your real estate agent if major upgrades, such as wood floors or modern appliances, are worth the investment to increase your home’s value.

Thoroughly clean

What makes the strongest impression: the aroma of fresh-baked cookies or unsightly grime behind the toilet? Unsightly grime wins every time. 

Roll up your sleeves, and boldly go where no one has gone before. Don’t forget to spruce up the exterior.

Declutter

Clutter obscures your home’s best features and raises doubts about your storage space. As you reorganize and eliminate, shoot for a modern, minimalist look.

Pack up the vintage TV lunchbox collection. Run the paper shredder. Increase your closet space by storing bulky items and seasonal clothing in under-the-bed containers.

Depersonalize

You’d hate to lose a buyer just because someone in your wedding photos reminds him of his mother-in-law.

People have all sorts of prejudices, unfortunately, so don’t give potential buyers a chance to discriminate. Hide anything that indicates your race, religious beliefs, political views, sexual orientation or other personal details.

The Storage Dilemma

Now that everything’s boxed up, where do you put the boxes? What do you do with the plethora of end tables, paintings and tub toys that are taking up space?

With any luck, you can impose on a friend who has room to spare in the garage. A number of charities might love to have your stuff.

The next-best solution is to lease a storage unit short term. The expense is well worth it if your home looks cleaner and roomier.

No matter how well you arrange it, shabby or outdated furniture can spoil the effect you’re trying to achieve, which is that of a brand-new house with endless possibilities.

Consider renting more stylish pieces until your house sells. Alternatively, hire a professional stager with a storehouse full of goodies. We’ll talk more about that later, so keep reading.

Room-specific Tips

Kitchen

Stowing the coffeepot may be impractical, but nix the toaster, cereal boxes and 2-liter soda bottles. 

An attractive set of wooden spoons or cookbooks should be fine if they’re neatly displayed. A bowl of lemons or apples adds a homey touch provided the fruit is real, and the same goes for houseplants. According to realtor.com, fakery will get you nowhere.

Set the breakfast bar and dining table to suggest livability.

Living Room

Stage to scale. A cavernous space with scattered doll furniture, so to speak, looks stark and uninviting. If there’s plenty of space to walk freely, the proportions are probably right.

Master bedroom

Lose the TV. Create a serene, romantic atmosphere with fluffy pillows, a plush comforter and fresh flowers.

Put away toothbrushes and grooming products in the bathrooms. Visitors know they’re there; they just don’t want to see them.

Display only clean, fragrant towels and unused soap. Think day spa.

In every room, move anything that’s even partially blocking the windows. Open the drapes and blinds and add ambient lighting in dark spaces.

Is This a Job for the Pros?

In 2004, Meridith Baer’s rental house sold out from under her. She called a buddy who had already moved to another city. His completely empty house had been on the market for some time.

Baer got permission to arrange all her furniture — and 250 plants — in the vacant house. A bidding war ensued, and the home sold for half a million more than the asking price.

Baer subsequently launched a successful staging company.

Realtor.com estimates that a 2,000-square-foot home costs around $7,200 to stage professionally for three months. That may sound like a fortune, but it could be significantly less than your first price reduction. 

Do the math before you decide.

The Payoff

Whether you do it yourself or hire an expert, the benefits of staging can’t be denied.

In the NAR study, 83% of sellers’ agents said that staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a property as a future home. Almost half said it boosts selling price anywhere from 1 to 20%.

If nothing else, your house will show well online, especially if you hide the cats and power wash the high chair.

Did this blog inspire you to stage before you list? Don’t hesitate to leave comments and share it with friends.

Guest Contributor, Russell Jones

Household Chemical Storage Guide

Keeping your family healthy and safe relies in part on maintaining a clean home. Unfortunately, many cleaning products used to kill germs can be harmful if used improperly. This is especially true in homes with small children and pets who might unknowingly access or be exposed to hazardous chemicals. This is why it is every homeowner’s duty to use and store household cleaning products in the safest manner.

One of the most important steps you can take in safeguarding household chemicals is to make sure all containers are clearly labeled. Labels can fade or fall off over time, so it may be necessary to write the name and contents of the cleanser onto the bottle with a permanent marker or find another way to identify what is in it. This also makes it easier for you to keep all cleaning supplies out of the reach of children, which is another key to preventing accidental usage and exposure. And when the time comes to dispose of old chemicals, you should know where your town’s disposal facility is located and what household chemicals it will accept.

Keeping your family safe and healthy requires more than regularly cleaning your home. It also means knowing what to do with those cleansers once you’re done with them. For some important tips you can use to safely store and dispose of household chemicals, see the accompanying guide.

Author bio: Lynn Place is Vice President of Marketing for SolvChem Custom Packaging Division. She has 30 years of professional experience in the manufacturing industry and specializes in consumer packaged goods, new product development and strategic planning. 

Household Chemical Storage Guide from SolvChem Custom Packaging Division

How To Renovate A House

How To Renovate A House

If you are one of those who have decided to buy an old house, inherit a property or need to renovate your home for many years, do not worry: no matter how bad some spaces look, everything can be improved.

The best thing we can do when planning a reform is to evaluate in advance what we want to do, ask for estimates and ask what type of work is required and how many weeks or months of work each replacement involves. There are three key issues that, when analyzed, prevent mistakes and unnecessary expenses. You can get more ideas about home renovation on 10ion.com.

If we are thinking about economic and simple reforms, the budgets are more limited and, the times of work, more reduced. But more than once, especially in the case of the kitchen reforms , we underestimated the deadlines and the costs and then we found ourselves with a difficult problem to travel.

You must assume from the outset that a "radical change" in your home will not be economic, because a major remodeling is often expensive. You should Product Reviews, Buyer's Guide, Why Reviews are important, What Things Needs to consider before online shopping before renovation. There are ways to spend less if you plan things well and learn which arrangements are more expensive and which require less investment . From there, according to your desires and possibilities, order your priorities and move forward.

House reforms: what you should know

Reforming a house is not something you can face from one day to the next. There are several issues to evaluate in detail:

The fundamental thing when planning a remodeling is to have clear your priorities: think about what you want to achieve. It is not the same to reform only one bathroom that to make an integral reform. Nor is it the same to make a traditional reform (raising walls, etc) that opting for dry work and cut execution times and budget. If we are going to modify the distribution of the house we must consult with an architect and also define what materials and coatings we want to put in each place

If the renovation is a simple change of face, without throwing walls, lifting floors or making structural changes, the thing is simpler. But, even so, bear in mind that, inevitably, a reform -especially if it is in bathrooms, kitchens or laundries usually demands changes in water inlets and drains, in pipes, in plugs and points of light and in coatings. You may be interested:  Water heater or hot water tank: the ideal option for each house.

One of the main excuses or factors that discourage us when starting work at home is time. As fast as it may be, a remodeling always alters the routine and order of the home , which makes it difficult to find the ideal moment. But doing a "refresh" at home renews the energy and totally changes a space.

If your house is small and you want to enlarge it, there are small tricks that help us create much wider spaces: take advantage of the outside space (like a small patio or terrace to enjoy with the family) or I grew up, adding a second level . You may be interested:  different types of stairs for indoor and outdoor .

Keep in mind that the extensions are not all external. If the house has many environments and partitions, it is advisable to eliminate some to have large spaces , which will make the sense of spaciousness inside the house multiply considerably, creating a much more welcoming and social.

If the height allows it, it is important to raise the ceilings to expand the space, but having analyzed well where the facilities will be passed.

The small environments can be reset with good decorating tricks, which give the feeling of a much wider space. We share some keys to decorate a small kitchen or a small bathroom.

Painting and renovating the curtains you can renovate quite an environment: you can see ideas of paint colors for interiors and  models of curtains for windows.

How to reform an old house

Remodeling environments has its complexity, but when we want to find out how to renovate an old house the thing gets even more difficult, because more than once we have to touch structures and rethink measures. In general, it involves changes in the facade, interior and domestic equipment. A refresh is not enough. The ideal in these cases is for an architect or builder to see the plans and advise us.

A good idea is to renovate the exterior with modern color combinations , which completely reinterpret the appearance of the house.

Kitchen renovations

Making changes in the kitchen is resetting the heart of the home . Some keys to keep in mind:

The first thing you must evaluate is the structure: if you want to make deeper changes it is essential that an architect see the plans to avoid problems. Pipes and wiring design is fundamental.

Do not rush the coatings. Today there are many options and different types of floors for each environment and it is worth seeing pros and cons of each one. Something important you should know if you want to remodel the kitchen is that, if the floor is in good condition and you just do not like it, you can stick on it another covering: you do not need to break.

Changing the kitchen furniture is a way to give a completely new air to this environment and generate a sense of absolute renewal. Keep in mind that cabinets are what you see most when you enter the kitchen, because they occupy much of the available space and are at eye level. Also, it is something that you use daily and the investment is worth it.

Bathroom renovations

The bathroom is one of the environments that most need a periodic renovation, both for pipes and for the wear of coatings, paint and artifacts. In addition, fashions change and new possibilities arise that add comfort and we can take advantage of it. Changes you can make:

Initial step is to check the pipes: the first thing to renovate in a bathroom is usually the pipe.

Change coatings and colors of the paint. Venecitas and colored walls are widely used. In general, they look very good on a single wall, combining with wood or smoothed cement. You can see:  Colors for double bedrooms: all options.

Replace the bathtub with a shower. It is one of the most classic reforms in bathrooms, saves space, gain practicality and accessibility when you get older or suffer some type of reduced mobility. You can read:  how to decorate a small bathroom.

You can also think about adding a whirlpool and make some changes to build a spa at home.  Also, if you have space and budget, do not forget the benefits of the sauna.

 Guest Contributor, Jacklin J

How to Reduce Hazardous Waste at Home

How to Reduce Hazardous Waste at Home

Products that we use daily in our homes can be harmful to both our health and the environment. Direct contact with some of these chemicals can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, throat, or nasal channels. Some of them may even cause headaches and nausea. On the other hand, some household chemicals can impact the natural environment unless properly disposed of as hazardous waste. Dumped into kitchen or bathroom drains, they can pollute water supplies and harm marine ecosystems. Here are some ways of dealing with hazardous waste in your home.

Reduce the use of cleaners

Many drain cleaner formulas contain sulphuric acid, while oven cleaners are known to contain potassium hydroxide. Both chemicals are highly corrosive and cause irritation of eyes and mucoid membranes. Cleaners that contain grease-removing chemicals such as petroleum distillates can damage lungs if inhaled. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, use products made of natural ingredients whenever possible. For example, a mixture of baking soda can be used for cleaning drains, while lemon and vinegar are great from removing limescale.

Avoid pesticides

Pesticides are formulated to be deadly to insects, rodents, weed, and fungus, but some of them are potent enough to be harmful to other living organisms, such as pets and their owners. Instead of spraying pesticides, try to find alternative ways of pest control, such as using natural grade diatomaceousearth for getting rid of bugs, pulling weeds by hand, or using mulch, and using covers to keep flying insects at bay. Recently, the use of beneficial nematodes, microscopic parasites, has been reported highly successful in garden bug control.

Remove contaminants professionally

Building sites, repurposed lots, and heavily cultivated soil sometimes contain contaminants that seem impossible to remove by their owners. Derelict homes are especially challenging as contaminants, such as asbestos, are often difficult to isolate from demolition debris and recyclable waste. Before you give up on the location, give these experienced demolition contractors a call. With more than 20 years of experience in providing remedial services, they can make your site clean and legally compliant again.

Check the laundry detergents

Many household laundry detergents contain ingredients that have nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) as by-products.These organic compounds are identified as one of the major threats to marine life. NPEs have been discovered to mimic hormone strings and disrupt the endocrine system in sea organism. They don’t decompose naturally, and in reaction with sewage bacteria, become even more toxic. Fortunately, companies such as Cintas and P&G offer many NPE-free detergent brands.

Be careful with motor oil

Almost all car fluids, from antifreeze and AC coolant fluid to motor oil and petrol, can be extremely dangerous if disposed of irresponsibly. Motor oil and antifreeze contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium that can be potentially very hazardous, contaminating water supplies and poisoning aquatic organisms. Instead of contributing to the pollution, contact your local environmental agency or sanitation department and inquire about available disposal and recycling procedures for automotive liquids.

Recycle power-saving bulbs

Although LED bulbs have become a standard for energy-efficient lighting, there are still many compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) being sold and installed. Although the amounts of mercury used in those bulbs have been reduced due to more stringent laws, more than 670 million mercury-vapour light bulbs are thrown out only in the US every year. Most of them end up in a landfill or being incinerated, despite environmental expert’s warnings that recycling is the only sustainable way of disposing of mercury products.

Our homes often contain corrosive, flammable, chemically unstable, or toxic chemicals. Found in cleaning products, automotive fluids, and even the light bulbs, these materials shouldn't be disposed of with regular waste. Apart from recycling and using local safe disposal programmes, the only way to limit exposure and adverse environmental impact of those chemicals is to reduce their use to a minimum.

Guest Contributors, Lillian Connors

5 Home Improvements to Boost Water Efficiency

5 Home Improvements to Boost Water Efficiency

It's all too easy to forget that freshwater is a finite resource. With the convenience of public utilities, water conservation isn't a top concern in the United States. Even so, it's one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century, especially when you consider the EPA's findings.

The average family can waste as much as 180 gallons of water each week from household leaks. These leaks account for approximately 900 billion gallons of water waste across the nation each year. As context, that's equivalent to the annual household water usage of 11 million homes.

Clearly, the subject of water conservation demands attention. If the average family is losing that much from leaks alone, how extensive is the problem? More than that, what can you do to alleviate pressure on the country's water resources and participate in conservation efforts?

Here are five home improvements that can increase water efficiency.

1. Rainwater Collection Systems

The strategic placement of special barrels on your property can capture rainwater and reduce your water usage. Many towns and cities distribute these barrels to residents during annual sales, so check if your area participates. You can also purchase them from online retailers and home and garden supply stores.

However, it's essential to note that rainwater can pick up pollutants as it runs over the surface of your roof. If you're thinking about using rain barrel water on edible plantings, you should research the subject in greater detail and take the proper precautions. It's an essential preliminary measure.

2. High-Efficiency Sprinklers

Many sprinkler systems consume far more water than necessary to maintain your lawn and garden. When the water pressure is too high, the system will mist the air instead of providing a proper flow to soak the ground. As the mist evaporates, your plants receive less nourishment and your water efficiency plummets.

Fortunately, a high-efficiency sprinkler system is a simple improvement with both economic and environmental benefits. Certain systems with pressure-regulating stem heads can save up to 45,000 gallons of water per year. That's the equivalent of flushing your toilet 63 times each day, every day for one year.

3. Low-Flow Bathroom Fixtures

According to the EPA, the average person uses at least 20% less water with efficient fixtures and appliances. Since showers and toilets are the two biggest sources of consumption, your bathroom is one of the best places to start. A variety of low-flow products are available today.

More specifically, low-flow faucets, shower heads and toilets can make a dramatic difference in your water usage. When searching for products, remember that a toilet should use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush, and a shower head should have a flow rate under 2.5 gallons per minute.

4. Automatic Shower Timers

On the subject of bathroom renovations, shower timers are effective in regulating a homeowner's water usage. You simply install the device in your shower, and it monitors your consumption. If you're taking too long, it alerts you and automatically shuts the water off to let you know it's time to get out.

Of course, not everyone likes the idea of a shower timer. When you come back from an exhausting day at work, you might want to take a long shower before you call it a night. While this is fair, a timer will let you know when enough is enough, even when you're reluctant to admit it.

5. Upgraded Dishwashers

Your dishwasher makes your life easier, taking care of dirty plates and silverware without the time-consuming task of hand-washing. While this isn't necessarily bad for water consumption, the model of your dishwater definitely matters. If you have an older dishwasher, it can use as much as 10 gallons per cycle.

An investment in a newer dishwasher can reduce your consumption by almost half. Modern machines require an average of 5.8 gallons per cycle, which make them an excellent option for water efficiency. That said, you don't always have to upgrade your appliance if you clean and repair your current washer.

Start Planning Your Changes Today

As you assess the water efficiency in your home, consider some of the suggestions above. Any of the five improvements on this list can help you minimize your impact and make a big difference to our planet.

Holly Welles is a home improvement writer who believes anyone can make the most of their space. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.

Guest Contributor, Holly Welles