6 mistakes to avoid during a home renovation

6 mistakes to avoid during a home renovation

Renovating a home is an exciting event for most people. The project brings about a ton of benefits. Individuals could install new things they’ve always wanted in various spaces, apply a fresh coat of paint to brighten their home, and even improve their backyard. It also enables one to remove elements that have overstayed their welcome. But here are six mistakes people make during renovations that they ought to avoid.

Forcing DIY hacks
Getting work done without professional help is a great way to reduce costs while renovating a home. This includes hanging wallpaper, painting walls, moving furniture, and light wood staining or finishing. But someone not experienced with more significant components such as electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, or the structure should not attempt to do it themselves. Doing so may lead to larger, costlier issues and may also put them in harm’s way. Hiring a professional to get such jobs done will ensure that the work is done effectively.

Setting unrealistic budgets and timeframe
A contractor quill quotes a certain amount of money and time to complete the renovation project. However, most renovation projects will take longer than the stipulated time. The job may also cost more, considering unforeseen damages and changes in the layout. So one should always expect to pay about 20% more and time when it comes to such changes in a home.

Cheaping out on materials
One should not buy cheap materials to renovate their home. Using inferior materials may help get the job done at a lowered cost, but they will degrade faster. And though one might save initially, these materials might be more prone to damage after a year, if not sooner. Therefore, it is better to invest in higher-quality materials for the best results. Similarly, one should not pick a contractor that quotes a lower fee. Instead, they should check the type and quality of materials offered for the quoted price.

Buying furniture early
Among all the excitement, people tend to buy furniture and home decor early before the job is complete. However, this may lead to purchasing the incorrect measurements or a particular room, which might result in a loss if there isn’t a return policy. Therefore, one should ensure they wait until the entire house is renovated before replacing the furniture.

Delaying installations
An individual may skip installing new components, including pantry pullouts and toe-kick storages, because of a limited budget. They might hold on to this and decide to do it later. However, doing so may result in them damaging any other changes made during the renovation. So one must account for these costs when planning a home renovation. It will ensure the installations are completed promptly and without any unnecessary damage.

Forgetting relevant permits
An unpermitted project may lead to the county or local municipal building imposing fines or tearing down the project. Moreover, the lack of proper documentation may also affect the home’s resale value. Of course, the contractor in charge of a project usually gets all the building permits required to carry out the project. However, it is essential for the homeowner also to check if all the paperwork is in order.

Another important aspect related to paperwork is home warranty. One should make sure to opt for a home warranty, as its cover protects your house from liabilities that can arise unexpectedly. This buffer helps pay for emergency fixes and repairs without having to dip into emergency savings or funds that may be needed for home maintenance after purchasing a property. Home warranties can be taken in addition to homeowners insurance, and it is a prudent investment for the long run.

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5 common vacuuming mistakes to avoid

Most individuals rely on their vacuum cleaners to help clean floors, carpet, tiles, sofas, upholstery, and sometimes hardwood floors. Though the vacuum is a versatile and sturdy tool, you may be unknowingly doing things that could damage its parts or body in the long run. After all, they are not indestructible and surely not always cheap. In order to keep them in good working condition, you should avoid making the following mistakes with your vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming things you shouldn't Dry foods like salt or sugar spills can be cleaned with a vacuum. But bits of wet food left on the floor, like pieces of tomato or baked beans, should not be vacuumed. They contain moisture that can clog the pipes and ruin the motor. Small and heavy objects like screws, coins, or large pieces of broken glass could cut the dust bag if vacuumed and damage the internal parts. Used coffee grounds are another thing that should not be vacuumed. They can block pipes, destroy motors, and result in the growth of mildew. Avoid vacuuming long clumps of hair, too, as they can get stuck inside the machine. Running the vacuum when the dust bag is full Whenever the dust container or bin is full, it should be emptied. On the off chance that you don't do that, the performance of the vacuum cleaner will be affected. You also risk overheating and harming the machine. However, time after time, we're in a rush and run the machine when it's overfilled. In the event that you notice the vacuum cleaner doesn't appear to have as much suction, take a look at the bin or dust bag first. More often than not, emptying these can have a tremendous effect on the vacuum's performance. It will likewise lessen the weight on the motor and extend the life of the machine. Throwing away the vacuum prematurely If your vacuum cleaner isn't suctioning things like it used to, don't just assume it's old and broken. There are various easy ways to fix the machine. First, check if the dust bag is full. Most vacuum cleaners perform poorly when the dust bag is full or nearly full. If this doesn't work, there could be a clog somewhere. Unplug the machine and remove its parts carefully. Check if the hose or its surrounding openings are blocked. Your brush-roll could not be running smoothly because of too much hair or carpet fibers stuck inside. Clean the clogged parts and your vacuum will start running just fine. Assuming the motor is broken Sometimes vacuum cleaners stop working mid-way. This is not because the motor is broken. It could simply mean that the machine has overheated because of a full dust bin. Empty the bag and try running the machine once it's cooled down. Some machines have a manual reset button that needs to be pushed to reset the motor. Read the instructions booklet on how to resolve this issue. Not cleaning the filter All vacuum cleaners have a filter that can get blocked due to excess dirt. They prevent dust from recirculating back into the air. The process of cleaning the filter is different for every model. Some have washable filters while others need to be replaced. Read the instruction manual and take the necessary steps to clean it accordingly.

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6 easy tips for maintaining a lawn

How does your lawn look right now? Do you long for lusher, more substantial grass? It's not just you. Every lawn owner wishes to have a relaxing evening sitting on a lush green lawn after a hectic day. But you must realize that managing a lawn is a difficult task. However, it is not an impossible one. These lawn care techniques can improve your lawn and make the grass look greener. Aerate the soil This will enhance drainage and promote growth. The roots will receive more moisture and air. Aerating the soil in the summer helps prevent dry areas. Doing so in the winter or spring, when it's wetter, can lead to the collection of extra mud. You need a garden fork to aerate the soil. You could also walk across the yard with a lawn aerator. Use fertilizers and organic manure Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn requires regular maintenance. The best advice is to fertilize your grass only when it's raining so that the root properly absorbs the fertilizer. If you’re not expecting rain soon, water your plants adequately once fertilizer is applied. Within a week or so, you will notice a greener lawn. Applying organic manure to maintain soil health can also help. Remove the weeds Weeds can destroy your lush, green grass fast. Keeping an eye out for these issues and handling them effectively can resolve the problem, rather than worsening the situation. To keep all weeds at bay, a lawn care expert might suggest treatments like a mix of pre- and post-emergent weed control methods. Overseed This process can help revitalize worn-out and drab lawns. After aerating the lawn, use a seed spreader to spread the seeds around. You can use your hands to spread the seeds if you don’t own a spreader. The yard needs to be watered and mowed to distribute the seeds evenly. The grass must stay damp to encourage growth. You might want to do this if your grass has been harmed. Deal with moss Moss is a serious issue on lawns. Its development in lawns can be caused by poor drainage. This is an issue that needs to be tackled right away since moss will hinder the growth of grass. Before you can eliminate the moss, you must determine its underlying cause for it, such as shade, clay soil, or anything else. If you find it difficult, seeking professional help is advised. Edging This process can give your lawn a well-kept appearance. You can use a spade/half-moon edger to neaten up and curve the edges. You can also use edging shears for a perfect edge on the lawn. Remove any worn edges by sawing while swinging back and forth. Maintaining a lawn means there will be a lot of dirt and debris. If unchecked, this can lead to issues like clogged gutters. LeafFilter Gutter Protection acts as the perfect gutter guard and can help prevent such problems. They take care of issues like damage to your roof, rotting wood, among others. LeafFilter's patented technology has been designed so that your gutters remain unclogged.

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