Planning out your bathroom remodel? Here are some plumbing mistakes you’ll want to avoid

Planning out your bathroom remodel? Here are some plumbing mistakes you’ll want to avoid

Next to a kitchen makeover, a master bathroom remodel is one of the best things you can do for your home’s value. Plus, a reimagining of your bathroom can make it a much more enjoyable and usable space. Yet, many homeowners put off this project for years. After all, just where do you start, and how much should you budget? In this article, we’ll review how you can get your bathroom remodel moving forward again, and some of the common pitfalls you’ll want to avoid when planning your project out.

Trying to do everything yourself

When working within a tight budget, it’s tempting to simply remove the cost of labor and take on the entire remodel by yourself. After all, how hard could it be? While there’s a fair amount of a bathroom remodel that homeowners can complete themselves, there are certain aspects that need to be handled by a professional. For example, bring in a licensed plumber to help with anything involving plumbing.

If you’re feeling like you’re in over your head, you may want to consider hiring a remodeling contractor near the start of your project. There are several advantages that come with working with the right person:

• Experience: A trusted local remodeler has remodeled dozens, if not hundreds, of bathrooms. They can put together an accurate budget and scope while also helping you avoid common pitfalls.

• Timeline: A contractor will set a deadline and strive to meet it. If you’re only able to work on your remodel over the weekends, set to your own deadline, who knows when your bathroom will be usable again?

• Results: There’s always a risk with DIY work that the end result might look shoddy or be low-quality. For obvious reasons, working with a good contractor eliminates this risk.

Putting too much into the project

One of the biggest challenges of a bathroom remodel—and perhaps a significant reason why many homeowners put off the start of their remodel year-after-year—is not knowing where to start. After all, everyone has a basic concept of what a remodeled master bathroom looks like. But, translating that general idea into a detailed roadmap that outlines all the tools and materials needed is another thing altogether. 

To add to that challenge, there are so many choices and decisions to make. Quartz, granite, or marble on top of the vanity? What kind of lights should you buy? Does this shower tile and this shower glass go together? Cumulatively, this can lead to something called choice paralysis, where the overwhelming number of options and variables leads to homeowners endlessly talking about their project, but never actually getting going.

Start with the budget. On average, people spend around $19,000 on a mid-range bathroom remodel and later net a 70.1% return on investment. If you work backwards, you can start to make choices informed by your budget: if you’re looking to keep costs down, keep the current layout in place, choose granite over marble, and prioritize the shower over the bathtub. This is setting the scope for your project. You want your punch list of things that need to be completed to realistically fit within both your budget and timeline.

Hiring the wrong contractors

If you’ve made the decision to hire a remodeler, plumber, or electrician for your project, make sure you find the right one. This is another place where things often go very wrong, very fast: in an effort to fit a professional into their budget, homeowners will accept the lowest bid out there. Often, instead of getting a great deal, you get someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing, makes mistakes, shows up late, causes the project to go over its original deadline, or is not honest.

Instead, submit multiple bids with professionals in your area who can be trusted. Read online reviews and talk to your friends and neighbors: there is bound to be a few people in your community who are willing to attest to the bathroom remodeling work of good contractors. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, be sure to ask these professionals about their experience remodeling bathrooms like yours, as well as what kind of insurance and certifications they have.

A little bit of homeowner homework ahead of hiring someone can save you a ton of money and headache down the road. Trust us: the right plumber, remodeler, or electrician makes all the difference.

It’s time to move forward

If you’ve been dreaming of a bathroom remodel for years, but have put it off time-and-time again, there’s no time like the present to get started. Follow the tips above to ensure your remodel starts right and goes smoothly. For even more helpful advice about plumbing mistakes to avoid, check out this infographic:

Guest Contributor: Amanda L

Tools Used by Diy Experts When They Have Less Gardening Experience?

Tools Used by Diy Experts When They Have Less Gardening Experience?

Everyday gardening could be a challenge if you have to call for a handyman to fix or maintain your garden. Thanks to the DIY experts who know how to save money and yet keeping the yard look beautiful always. These DIY handyman gardening tools can save you ample money that you can use on other activities. Perhaps, getting more plants would be an amazing idea for a healthier life.

Take a quick read of this article as we have listed some of the best gardening tools recommended by the precioushandyman.com or DIY experts. These tools come handy when you have lesser experience in gardening and do not wish to experiment on anything with little knowledge.

Tools Used by DIY Experts

1. Gardening gloves:

No task is possible without proper gardening gloves especially with less experience. You cannot afford to face any injury by sharp gardening tools or objects thus, buying a pair of gardening tools will cost you less and save more than on injuries.

2. Shovel:

Shovel is made with some amazing creative ideas too online. You may wish to check some videos by the DIY experts. Shovels could be of different types such as post hole diggers, drain spades, digging shovels, scoop shovels, etc.… Based on your requirement you may buy a shovel within your budget. These come handy as you cannot afford to dig every pot of plant or portion of your grass with a knife.

3. Hose:

No DIY activity works without a watering hose. Watering is more comfortable with the help of a good basic hose. Depending on the garden size, you may buy the tool to water plants. You can cover a larger area than otherwise by bringing a watering hose in your garden. Getting the right nozzle will further help you to reach extra and difficult areas too.

4. Rake:

Rake could be built of metal, plastic, or bamboo. Metal rakes are most preferred by DIY experts for longer durability and quality. You can also choose an adjustable rake to make life easier with gardening. Rakes are one of the most essential tools for gardening especially for beginners. The purpose of buying these is to collect piles of leaves with ease and comfort. The different types of rakes are, lawn rakes, shrub rakes, hand rake, and thatch rake. 

5. Wheel barrow:

Wheel barrows are essential if you have unwanted soil that needs to be moved around from your garden. These come handy to settle compost in the garden bed areas. There are some maintenance tips that need to be followed if you go for a traditional wheel barrow. You may find the basic tips along with the product or you can check these online. Choose a wheelbarrow that you can easily move especially after loading it.

Few other tools that come handy for gardening beginners as suggested by DIY experts are watering can, watering wand, Hoe, garden fork, Loppers, and some small tools. Hope you are all set to settle the beauty of your garden with these cost saving tools. 

 Guest Contributor, Maninder Singh

Remodeling Your Home in 4 Easy Steps

Remodeling Your Home in 4 Easy Steps

No matter how big, new or fancy your home is, renovating it from time to time is something you simply have to do. Even though most people don’t like doing that, these things will take your home’s visual appeal to a whole new level, and make it more practical at the same time. However, not all home renovations are the same, and you need to pick the right ideas first. Doing that might take some time, so here are a few remodeling ideas you might want to look into.

Make it eco-friendly

More and more people realize that our planet is heading towards an ecological disaster, which is why they’re getting ready to do something about it. While you can’t do much on your own on the global level, you can certainly make a difference in your own area. Making your home eco-friendly and sustainable is one of the things you should do. Turning this idea into reality is easier than you think, so start simple, small and easy. Place your light bulbs with those LED ones, install double glazed energy-efficient windows, add solar panels to your roof, and switch to eco-friendly appliances. These things don’t look like a lot at first, but they’ll make a massive change, so start exploring them straight away.

Update your kitchen

This is one of those expensive and complex projects out there, but it’s one of those that make the most sense. Updating your kitchen and making it look amazing takes some time and energy, but it’s all worth your while. You can stick to simple projects like repainting your cabinets and replacing handles, or you can do something a bit more expensive. Remodeling your kitchen includes getting new cabinets, countertops, and appliances, but don’t forget to opt for energy-efficient models only.

Designing a home theater

This is one of the most exciting projects out there, and something every member of your family is going to appreciate. Turning a spare bedroom into a home theater isn’t just a great way to get your family another hangout spot, but will also boost the value of your property. This is particularly important, especially if you’re trying to sell your home in the future. Still, before actually creating a home theater, you need to get ready – logistically, financially, and emotionally. Doing this is quite hard, but if you spend some time preparing for a partial home renovation, you’ll be all right. Try to learn as much as you can in advance, and figure out what needs to be done, and your renovation will be smoother than you think.

Fix the façade

This is one of the most important features of every luxurious home, and it’s also something that will boost your curb appeal and make your home even more inviting. But, before you can enjoy your home better than ever, you need to check the façade and figure out what to do with it. Most people don’t do this and end up finding out about mold, ants, and other dangers only after purchasing the property. That’s why you should fix the façade – on your own or call a guy – and make it more appealing than it’s ever been. This will take your home to the next level, and introduce a new dose of luxury to your already luxurious place.

Regardless of their size and age, all homes require love, care, and attention, and your home is no different. If you put your mind to it and find a few projects that can go a long way, you’ll be making the right decision and spicing up your living space once and for all!

 Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

Modern Decor That Will Bring Life to Your Traditional Home

Modern Decor That Will Bring Life to Your Traditional Home

Living in a traditional home can be a very comforting experience to a degree. Just think about it: everything seems old like a relic from a bygone era and for those who are nostalgic that can be a very calming and relaxing experience. Yet, in order to make life more comfortable, sometimes traditional homes need to be upgraded. If you’re currently living in a traditional home and you’re looking to make it more modern, here are some tips that will show you how to do it:

Add some bold colors

Traditional homes aren't known for having boldly colored decor pieces or furniture. Instead, homeowners tend to prefer neutral colors that are easy to match with the rest of the home. If they do experiment with colors, they usually like to incorporate them into textiles and fabrics used for sofas and bed covers, mostly. Therefore, if you’re looking to revamp your old home, make sure to add furniture pieces that are yellow, bright green, purple or even turquoise, as that will be a great way to add some life to your traditionally-designed space. In case you don’t like vibrant colors that much, you can still stick to pastel tones as the main design theme, while bold colors can be used to make your place more exuberant. Painting a room white or beige can look very classy, but remember that adding colorful paintings or modern plants in minimalist pots will transform your home for the better.

Have some clean areas

A lot of modern home design is about minimalism, so if you have too many antique furniture pieces or other decor items at your home, make sure to declutter the space to make it more breathable. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to get rid of all the valuable items and family heirlooms, but always make sure to have at least one clean area in each room, so your house will feel more like a home, and not like a museum or an antique store. Besides, decluttering the place will give you more room to experiment with modern design options. Having too many furniture pieces or decor items will make the home look too crowded and dark which is something you should definitely stay away from.

Details are important

Having a silver vase or a nicely framed painting from your local artist will surely make your home feel more contemporary. Similarly, you can also hang your favourite movie posters or even frame record covers instead of more traditional wall art. This will add a modern vibe to your place even if you decide to keep everything else traditional. Besides, having a vibrant tribal rug will make your home look more boho-chic without losing its original charm. Additionally, you can also incorporate old decor items such as candle holders with something more up-to-date, like silver or glass cube vases.

Update what’s old

The best way to blend traditional and contemporary is to make your home more eclectic and colorful. For example, replacing the old fireplace with the modern one will ensure you a similar vibe and happy moments in front of the fire, but without struggling to get the firewood to keep yourself warm. Also, keeping your old elegant sofa is fine, as long as you opt for modern pillows or even decide to change the fabrics of the furniture into something more current. When it comes to kitchen and bathroom, you can keep the old styles, but make sure to fix everything that’s old and run down, and replace all the appliances and furniture with something that is easy to use. A lot of brands sell modern kitchen appliances that look vintage, so if you prefer traditional kitchen design, there’s no need to compromise anymore.

Living in a traditional home can bring a lot of joy to you and your family. Just keep in mind that, in order to make it work, you need to replace or at least fix everything that’s not functioning anymore. Additionally, playing with various decor styles and contrasting old and new will surely infuse your home with a unique and eclectic atmosphere.

Guest Contributor, Tracey Clayton

Six Houseplants That Are Great For Bathrooms

Six Houseplants That Are Great for Bathrooms

You might think your bathrooms aren't good candidates to grow indoor plants seeing as they typically don't have much in the way of natural lighting and experience dramatic shifts in humidity and temperature, but did you know there are still plants that can easily thrive in these conditions with a minimum of maintenance?

Even small indoor plants continuously add fresh oxygen to your space and absorb carbon dioxide. They also tirelessly work to purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and others. Some plants even become more adept at eliminating indoor pollutants with practice.

Just about any common indoor plant offers benefits both aesthetically and to the overall health and wellness of your household. But some are easier than others to maintain, especially in the tricky environmental factors that go part and parcel with a bathroom.

But it's worth the extra effort to make sure that the enclosed, somewhat claustrophobic spaces bathrooms inevitably represent are decorated with the invigorating and lively presence of living species. And as you read on, you'll come to find that with the right selections it really isn't much extra effort at all.

Did you know that formaldehyde is a carcinogen that is found in virtually every household where synthetic materials can be found? Even if you carefully choose what household products you bring into your kitchen and bathroom, it turns out formaldehyde is outgassed even by many building materials, which means that it is almost impossible to avoid. Fortunately, plants can minimize the impact of formaldehyde by filtering it out of the air. Other plants can reduce odors by working as nature’s air fresheners.

Let’s take a look at some of the plants that make the best additions to your bathroom:

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

The cast Iron plant is an excellent choice for most bathrooms. This plant thrives in a low light setting and can tolerate a stingy watering schedule. It can do well with both higher and lower temperature settings. The plant should be kept in an area with indirect sunlight.

The plant comes in both small (18 inches) and full size (2-3 feet high) varieties. Leaves may vary from dark green to yellow striped or dotted.

To care for your Cast Iron Plant, water it thoroughly when the soil becomes dry.

The Aspidistra does well in the humid conditions

The plant is also a great air purifier that effectively removes formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene from the air.

Ferns

Ferns do very well in bathrooms because they like humid environments. Different types of Ferns such as Bird Nest, Boston Fern and Staghorn Ferns do well in low light settings.

Ferns need regular watering and misting. However, with too much water they will develop yellow or droopy fronds - a sign of root rot.

Ferns can tolerate significant temperature fluctuations characteristic of most bathrooms. However, if a bathroom is kept cold to the point that humidity is reduced, the fern may begin to struggle. Try misting them more frequently or move them to a location where the air isn’t as dry.

Note: some ferns and fern-like species can be mildly toxic. If you have pesty pets who are likely to munch on whatever they come across (or babies who do the same… you know who you are) then you may want to do some research on the species you have or look for an alternative.

Dragon plant (Dracaena)

Dracaena comes in more than forty varieties. It has long spear-like leaves which range in width from a few millimeters to a couple of inches wide. The available colors range from solid green to greenish-maroon and variegated. The leaves of the plant emerge from the stem.

The plant works as an excellent air purifier for the bathroom. It grows well in artificial light and indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided.

Dracaena is a drought-resistant plant and doesn’t need a lot of watering. Water it only when the soil feels dry and then pour lukewarm water generously until water trickles through the holes in the pot. Empty the drainage receiver pan after about an hour and never allow the pot to stand in water. The plant thrives in rich soil with plenty of organic material.

Snake plant (Sansevieria)

Sansevieria also known as “Snake plant” or “Mother-in-Law’s tongue” is very suitable for bathrooms. It is one of the most low-maintenance plants you can grow.

The plant filters out formaldehyde from the air which is commonly found in cleaning materials and cosmetics.

The plant would grow well in light levels ranging from low to bright indirect sunlight. It will also thrive well under fluorescent light.

Water the plant only when the soil is almost completely dried out, which should be ever two to six weeks depending upon the temperature, light and humidity of your home. The plant does well at most humidity levels. Choose a soil which drains freely, and use a terracotta pot to make sure that water doesn’t accumulate in the pot.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The white flowers of the Peace Lily make a great complement to the décor of most bathrooms. The plant does well in low light conditions and is easy to take care of.

Don’t let the Peace Lily’s delicate appearance fool you: it is a hard working plant when it comes to air purification. The plant also reduces the mold spore levels in bathrooms.

Peace Lily does well in low light during summer and spring but in order to grow well, it will need exposure to indirect sunlight during the rest of the year.

Peace lily requires consistently moist soil, but like other low-maintenance plants, it doesn't like to sit in standing water. Water it when the top inch of the soil is dry, and keep watering until the overflow of water starts from pot’s drainage holes. Return the pot to its regular place once drainage has stopped.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Ivy is one of the easiest indoor plants to keep. The plant enjoys warm and humid conditions which makes it perfect for greening up the bathroom. Ivy can give a very good display if the aerial roots of the plant are trained to climb a moss stick or trellis.

Ivies grow well in the medium light, but will also thrive in bright light. They are generally less tolerant of low light conditions than the other plants listed here.

Ivies prefer drier soil, so let the soil dry out before watering it again.

The plant can effectively remove traces of airborne mold spores - making it a perfect addition to bathrooms, the kitchen or anywhere else mold or mildew can loom.

Guest Contributor, Ryan from Fast Partitions

The Ultimate Guide To Surviving Your Bathroom Renovation

The Ultimate Guide To Surviving Your Bathroom Renovation

Want to update your bathroom without spending a huge amount on the renovation? By making some slight adjustments and changes in your bathroom, you can easily renovate your bathroom and not spend copious amounts of hours and money working on it.

Take for example, some DIY techniques like re-surfacing, which can be quite costly and not appropriate for the long-term. In order to survive your bathroom renovation, have a look below at some of the ways to help you survive your bathroom renovation:

Make a list

First begin by keeping a list of bathroom accessories that you would like to purchase, such as good quality bathroom sinks, a flushing toilet, bathroom mirror, toilet paper holder, towel holder, bathroom faucet, shower head (rain shower), shower valve, or bathtub.

Choose a design

Before you begin any work, such as tearing up flooring or putting in a new shower head, you should decide what you want your bathroom to look like when finished.

There are many bathroom trends out this year from futuristic styles to vintage brass and gold components and or beautiful tile patterns and shapes to suit your bathroom.

Set a budget

One of the best approaches to stay away from costly renovation is to set a budget and stick to it. Take a moment to sit down and calculate the different costs from the materials to the cost of extras, fixtures, and fittings that are within your budget.

Also, to survive your bathroom renovation you should definitely set aside some money, in case of any unforeseen turns.

Prepare sanitary products before beginning work

Everything from the bath, sink, toilet, taps, and the shower should be decided on and ready to go before you begin plastering and tiling. This is to ensure all the pipes and waste are in their correct position.

1.   Shower

Consider some important features of a shower during the renovation, for example, the best shower drains, shower curtains and shower heads. You can pick a settled or hand-held shower head, or rain or waterfall showers that suit the structure of your new design.

2.   Sink

To really modernize your bathroom, and if it fits within your budget and if space allows you, then you could decide on his and hers sinks.

3.   Bath

There are so many beautiful bathtubs to choose from so it is important to choose one to fit within your original design. From freestanding tubs to bathtubs with that utilization minimal space, or simple access baths for those with an incapacity.

Fittings and fixtures

First, choose a vanity unit that is of good quality but affordable, one that will last for years to come. Then move on and consider a couple of necessary extras, new tapware, and a toilet. 

The fittings and fixtures that you pick will determine the functionality level of your bathroom, and select low-cost items that will have you paying only a fraction of the price.

Make your renovation pop

One feature that can really make your bathroom renovation pop is using floor or wall tiles. It really brings out the overall design of your bathroom, and it can be an easy enough job if you are choosing floor tiles over wall tiles. Choose a shade and shape that works in with your original design, it will all contribute to the vibe of the space design bathroom.

Installing lights

Consider the region you live in; you may need a dampness verification or heat lighting. As well, to fit within your budget it is advisable to choose LED lights, they are good for the environment and they use less energy compared to other lights, saving you money in the long run.

A bathroom renovation can be done with minimal effort and still look as modern as before. You should de-mess, revive tired looking parts, and apply a couple of other techniques and thoughts.

 Guest Contributor, Megan Hudson

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 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

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