Tiny Houses

Tiny Houses

The cost of living has gone up. Not to fear, tiny houses are the new way of life. Keeping the cute, up to date home style you want, with an affordable cost. Tiny houses can have all the essentials needed in a compact space. Not exactly ideal for families, but can make a wonder living area for people constantly on the go or just single person livers. 

Most can be customizable with different types of furniture and crafted with ways to store and hide personal items. Most are designed to have hidden drawers and cabinets in the walls that can store things like, collapsible tables, beds and mattresses, and stowaway closets. Furniture is picked with the idea of storage in mind. So even through you want to maintain the minimalist lifestyle, you can also have a little clutter with the handy design of furniture. Luckliy with the small space that youre working with, saving money comes along with that. 

Most tiny houses try and have solar panels included with them. Saving energy and power. Second with the small space and minimum of people living in it, bills will be more cost effective overall because of the small space that needs to be powered or heated.

You never have to stay in one place. Some tiny houses can be mobile. A trailer attactment and a truck can take out anywhere. Of course keep in mind you will need to make sure youre parked in a spot that will allow you to stay in one place.

Guest Contributor: Klaudia Schueler

The Most Common Causes of Water Damage

The Most Common Causes of Water Damage

Of all the disasters that could hit your property, water damage is perhaps the worst for so many reasons.

An inch of water flooding your home or place of business may not seem like much, but it can already set you back a few thousand dollars or even more.

Without prompt water damage restoration, that much water can already damage your floor as well as any furniture and appliances soaked in it. All that moisture can also cause mold to form inside your property. The dampness also makes the place an attractive environment for ants, rats, termites, cockroaches, and other critters that love moisture.

All that, however, doesn’t compare to the way water damage could weaken a building’s foundation. Water from rain, snow, or leaky plumbing saturates the soil around your property. Once the soil expands and shifts, it will put pressure on the foundation walls, and eventually cause cracks that compromise the entire structure.

You can prevent water damage from happening, but to do that, you need to know its most common causes. And it’s not just thunderstorms and other types of severe weather that cause water damage. Some of the most common causes of water damage are things that happen within your property. Here are some of them.

Blocked gutters

Leaves, branches, bird’s nests, and all kinds of debris can clog your gutter system, which is going to be a problem when it rains. Because all that debris prevents water from flowing away from your house through downspouts like it’s supposed to, rainwater will instead flow over the edges of your gutter and straight down the side of your property. Your ceiling and walls will be prone to water damage when that happens.

Plumbing problems

Loose pipes and broken plumbing are a prime source of water leaks that damage everything they touch over time. It would be even worse if the leaking pipes are inside a wall, especially if it took you a long time to notice the problem. By then, the water-damaged wall would already make for an ideal breeding ground for mold.

Clogged drains and toilets

One of the more disgusting causes of water damage is blocked drains and toilets. Grease buildup, hair, or any foreign object can clog drains and toilets and cause water to flow back up. When more than enough water flows back up your drains and toilets, your home could end up flooded with extremely filthy water that won’t just cause water damage, but also make you sick.

Water heater leak

Old, poorly-maintained, and incorrectly-installed water heaters are prone to leaking, especially when the water pressure is high, out of loose drain valves and cracks in the tank.

Faulty sprinkler systems

Sprinkler systems are great when they arrest the spread of fire inside a building but can be quite damaging when they turn on for no reason at all. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems have been known to cause considerable water damage, especially when the affected area has furniture, appliances, and other stuff that aren’t supposed to get wet.

Leaking washing machines

If your washing machine has a water supply line made of rubber or PVC, the constant water pressure will eventually wear it out and cause it to rupture, which will flood your laundry room fast. This won't be a problem if your washing machine is fed by a braided stainless steel water supply line.

Condensation from AC unit

When your AC unit is functioning properly, the condensation it produces drips down from its evaporator coil into a condensate pan then exits the unit through a condensate drain line or tube. However, when the drain pan is already damaged, or the condensate drain line is dirty, all that moisture will exit straight from your air conditioning unit into your property’s wall and floor and cause damage.

When you think about it, all the causes of water damage mentioned above are preventable ones. Your gutters, for example, won’t overflow as long as you clean them regularly. Drain screens can prevent hair and other objects from passing through. Regular AC maintenance will keep condensate drain lines clean.

Flooding caused by severe weather may be hard to prevent, especially if your property is in a flood-prone area, but a little effort on your part can help you avoid having to deal with water damage caused by things around the house or place of business.

Guest Contributor: Rachel Anderson

How to Turn Your Talent for Remodeling into a Thriving Home Renovation Business

How to Turn Your Talent for Remodeling into a Thriving Home Renovation Business

If you love nothing more to go over furniture catalogs and look at HGTV, you might want to consider turning your talent and passion for remodeling into a lucrative career. However, opening a thriving renovation business requires more than just good will and money! You need to find your niche, get permits and form various connections. So, before you step out on the market, here are a few things to know about starting your home reno business. 

Find your specialty

Biting off more than you can chew will eventually land you various bad situations with clients. It’s always better to find your specialty field where you can deliver what you promise. Ask yourself how many things are you willing to take on yourself, how large your jobs will be and what type of renovations will you perform( period house reno, lux house reno, apartment renovation…)What can you actually offer to the market? While many contractors know how to do a lot of things, it doesn’t mean they should do all of them. Find something you truly excel in, something that separates you from the competition, and concentrate on putting that skill on the market. 

Form a business

Before you start seeing clients, you must choose a particular business structure that will suit your needs. There are four main types of businesses: Sole proprietorship (ideal for solo workers or couples), general partnership (ideal for two people in business), Limited Liability Corporations (for one or several parties) and C Corporations (if you want to grow and go public). Learn more closely about each type, but be sure to choose the right one, since changing your business structure later can be hard. 

Get licenses and insurance

Having all the necessary licenses and insurance is the key to successful business. You’ll need all required contractor’s licenses and necessary certificates for your special niche, as well as business licenses for the city. 

Also, don’t start working until you’re insured. Good general liability insurance will come in handy if someone gets injured at the site or someone damages a piece of property. These are both required by law, especially worker compensation should they get hurt. It’s also good to have commercial property insurance that covers your property (equipment and furniture) and cyber insurance to protect all your sensitive customer data.

Purchase a vehicle

There’s no way you’ll be able to be a successful contractor without a truck. You don’t have to go super big, but a medium-size trick will help you haul lumber, brick, kitchen counters and even appliances. And you might be worried about the price, sure. Luckily, there are many affordable dealerships that have quality trucks for sale and offer great prices. You can even go used and choose from a wide variety of affordable trucks in great condition. And if you decide to sell your vehicle, you’ll surely get a good price, especially if you pick something used (their price depreciates less over the years). 

Establish connections with suppliers

Your contact list should be full of reliable contractors. Having plenty of good people around can make or break a job and make a difference between a profit and a loss. Knowing your materials will arrive on time and that your order will be perfect is crucial to finishing your job on deadline or even ahead of it. A firm relationship with everyone from suppliers and vendors to subcontractors is very important. The finished product will carry your name, so don’t let it be dirtied by unreliable business partners. 

Prepare for the slow periods

The home remodeling industry is usually connected very closely to the real estate market and the local economy. But, living in an area with four distinct seasons can also leave a mark on your business. Usually, your summers will be more productive than your winters. This phenomenon is not so visible in places like Australia or Southern USA, but places with cold winters might notice it more. In general, winters are slower, because most people choose to direct money into holidays instead of renovations. But, you can ask customers with a tight budget whether they are willing to postpone their old house renovation until winter. Offer them better prices and you’ll stay busy during this uneventful period of the year. 

Of course, you are expected to make a profit but don’t cut too many corners or you will end up with bad reviews and zero customers. All in all, as long as you offer reliable, affordable and effective services, your home renovation business will provide you with a steady income and plenty of customers looking to get a taste of your product. 

About the author:  Mike Johnston is an avid blogger and content writer with a focus in real estate, home improvement, and the construction industry.

Guest Contributor: Mike Johnston

Image Credit to Trusty Joe

Which Home Improvement Projects Are the Biggest Bang for Your Buck?

Which Home Improvement Projects Are the Biggest Bang for Your Buck?

Every home needs repair or renovation from time to time. Some of it may be that finishes are dated and worn out. Some may be personal preference — someone might just want a different arrangement for a kitchen or an expansive bathroom. And some may be that things need replacing because they’re failing, such as a roof. But when it comes to making an investment of time and money, what is the biggest return on your investment? Meaning, what might you get more back from the money you spent once you decide to sell your home?

Luckily, those kinds of things are what the experts track. They’ve figured out what repairs should be prioritized (hint: those holes in the wall need to go away). And then when it comes to renovations, the biggest bang for your buck project might surprise you: it’s a garage door replacement. What else should you try to do first? This graphic explains it.

For more information about Taxes, learn more here.

Guest Contributor: Sean Farrell

How to Make Your Backyard Perfect for Entertaining Guests

How to Make Your Backyard Perfect for Entertaining Guests

Throwing a party in your backyard is so much more than moving your guests from indoors to outdoors. There are certain things you need to prepare for depending on the time of day or year you decide to entertain your guests. Here are a few tips and tricks to help make your backyard perfect for entertaining friends and family at any time!

Outdoor kitchen

A party planner’s worst nightmare is having to isolate yourself in the kitchen, scrambling to get everything together. You want to be able to enjoy your own party that you’ve spent so much time preparing for. 

Who says you can’t prepare the food while you’re entertaining your guests? Setting up an outdoor kitchen is the perfect way to go about this. Install an outdoor sink for easy cleanup, and have an outdoor fridge to keep food and drinks cool for those hot summer days. Put together your canapés and tiramisu while you have a cold beer or a glass of wine. This way, you can have a chat with your guests and maybe even show off your cooking skills! 

Drink station 

A party’s not a party without a drink or three! Make drinks accessible to your guests at all times regardless of what you’re serving. You don’t want your guests having to ask you where they can get a drink, that’s embarrassing! Have a look online for inspiration - there are plenty of fun drink station ideas you can incorporate at your party. Put all the essentials together – glasses, plates, ice, shakers and straws, pop, beer, water, wine. Making it convenient for your guests to get their own drink means that you won’t have to worry about being the bartender the entire time!  

Outdoor dining

At every party, it’s important to feed your guests. When your guests leave with a full belly, that’s when you know the party was a success! Along with having good food, you should provide comfortable seating where everyone can enjoy the food. No one wants to stand around awkwardly while they eat. Invest in a beautiful outdoor dining set with a long table. Nothing is more intimate than sharing a delicious meal together. Seat everyone together an in a family-style and break bread! 

Photo from Pixabay

Make it Comfortable

Not everyone wants to sit at the dinner table the entire evening. Have a variety of seating options to keep everyone comfortable and relaxed. Get the outdoor furniture ready, so your guests can lounge out and enjoy the evening. Make sure you have some big and comfortable outdoor cushions lying around and a few throws to ensure you’re your friends and family don’t get cold. These are perfect for keeping the party going when the sun sets and the temperature drops.

Set the Mood

What marks a perfect outdoor party? It’s the atmosphere, of course! It doesn’t have to be an evening event for you to light a fire. The glow and crackling of a fire warms up your backyard and sets a nice, relaxing mood. If you don’t have an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit, you can recreate the ambience with real or battery-operated candles! Fairy lights and paper lanterns are also enchanting and will give your party a magical, whimsical effect. Be warned, with a mood like this, there is no doubt that your guests will want to stay late!

Wi-Fi ready backyard

Thanks to our digital age, everyone is posting things online. This includes your party! Make it easy for your guests to do so by ensuring there is a Wi-Fi connection in your backyard. If they want to show all their friends and family what a success your party is, let them! After all, you’ve put so much effort in making your backyard perfect for entertaining guests, why not let everyone know?

It’s time to swap out your lounge for your backyard. It’s a great chance to get outdoors and enjoy nature and fresh air. It’s alright if this is your first time throwing an outdoor party. By following these tips for creating a party-ready backyard, your guests are bound to be impressed!

Author’s bio:

New Zealand-based writer Harper enjoys hosting parties for family friends.  After enjoying a hearty meal, they love to sit back, relax and take in the view of the city's beautiful skyline with a glass of wine in hand. Check out more of her work on her personal blog.

Guest Contributor: Harper Reid

Bathrooms Trends of 2020

Bathrooms Trends of 2020

If youre buying a new home or just trying to freshen up the look of your bathroom, a timeless theme is key. Making a bathroom look at modern and up to date as possible without is showing its age quickly. Exacmples of bathroom treands that are HORRIBLY out of style would be; carpted floors, pink shell sinks, and the pastel colored toilets.I have provided some modern ideas and examples to get the creative juices flowing for ideas for future use.

Shiplap

 Shiplap wooden boards can be an super easy way to freshen up walls. With easy application these peel and stick strips can be adheard to any wall. This takes away the stress of paininting and can be easily cleaned and wiped down. Not to mention they can mask any dirt or dust as well so dirty walls will never be an issue again. Packages of shiplap can be bought at a reasonable cost too making it an affordable remodel. They can either be purchased as real wood boards that can be fitted and stacked to desired wall or, as decals. Being a slightly cheaper version but still getting the job done.

Marble Accents

 Marble is a beautiful and simple way to make any room or home look more expensive, and crisp. Marble accents can be subtle too. Weather it’s the counter tops, floors, or even as tiles in the shower. This will keep a bathroom from showing its age because just about everyone enjoys the clean, simple look of marble.

Colors

 Most bathrooms show their age by the colors used. It may sounds simple and boring but, monochrome or grayscale keep youthful. The colors and simple and easy on the eyes. Décor and surrounding accents are easy to find and match up and you don’t have to go searching all overall to keep a certain theme. The theme is simple, more or less “black and white”

Decorative Tile 

 Decorative tile is another trend that keeps getting more popular depending on how much of it you like, and where. Not only can it make a wonderful blacks splash or wall pattern. The mosaic and pattern of ther tile can make a room look beautiful. I have provided several examples of decorative tile and arrangements for sinks and surrounding tub areas.

Contributor: Klaudia Schueler

5 Budget-Friendly Ways To Remodel Your Bedroom Space

Your bedroom isn’t just a place where you sleep – it’s an environment where you and your partner can relax, eliminate the stresses of the day, and rejuvenate yourselves. Unfortunately, an out-of-date bedroom that’s lacking in style or functionality also might not give you the sensational experience that you’ve been looking for.

While some bedroom redesign projects can take a lot of time and money to implement like changing the type of your mattress, there are also several small steps that you can take to remodel your bedroom without spending a fortune. Here we’re going to look at five budget-friendly ways you can transform your room.

1.    Improve Your Air Quality

The air quality in your bedroom can make a huge difference to how the space feels. Making sure that you have plenty of ventilation, as well as a fan that can circulate the air around the home, stops your bedroom from smelling stale and unappealing.

Improving your air quality can also help you to sleep better at night, by ensuring that you have everything you need to breathe easy. As well as improving the ventilation, think about adding diffusers to your room for a touch of luxurious scent, a ceiling fan, and even a dehumidifier.

2.    Install Floating Shelves

Clutter is the enemy of a beautiful bedroom space. Unfortunately, once you run out of room on your nightstand, you can end up leaving your belongings sitting on the floor around your bed. A set of floating shelves in the right places around your room give you more space to work with when it comes to storing things like books, perfume, and even makeup.

You can also use your floating shelves as a chance to show off your signature style with knickknacks that are special to you.

3.    Let there be Light

Nothing revives a bedroom space quite like the right lighting. Start by making sure that you can get plenty of natural light into your room by choosing the right blinds or curtains. You’ll need something that blocks the moonlight out in the evening but lets plenty of illumination stream in during the day.

After you’ve figured out the natural lighting, you can add some finishing touches with things like custom candles, or quirky lamps for your bedside table.

4.    Repaint your Bedroom Walls

Did you know that the colour of your bedroom can actually affect how you feel every day? Human beings have a unique relationship with colors. Blue on your bedroom walls might make you feel calmer, but it can also cause the room to feel colder too. On the other hand, while red is exciting and passionate, it’s also a harsh and dangerous shade that makes it hard to relax.

To get the best results from your bedroom, experiment with how different hues make you feel. Most people find that soft pastel colors are great for bedrooms. What’s more neutral colors will help you to sell your home when you’re done with it too.

5.    Update your Heating

Finally, if you want a quick and easy way to update your bedroom and make the whole space feel more appealing, why not update your heating and cooling strategy? Adding a new heating unit or AC product to your bedroom ensures that you can maintain the ideal temperature for a good night’s sleep, without having to worry about leaving your windows open.

Remember, if you’re installing new heating systems, make sure that there’s plenty of open space around them. Blocking your radiators with beds and other furniture can make it difficult for you to feel a change in the temperature.

Ready to Update your Bedroom?

Improving your bedroom doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The tips above, combined with a few finishing touches like the right bedding or a few throw pillows will make your bedroom look and feel amazing in no time. 

Guest Contributor: Emma Carter

“How to Avoid Rookie Plumbing Mistakes”

“How to Avoid Rookie Plumbing Mistakes”

When you finally have your own home and a minor plumbing problem happens, you might start to feel one of the following: your home is brand new and it’s impossible to have major issues already; your bank account was drained by the purchase of your house and you really don’t feel like spending more money at the moment; you have a hands-on approach to everything and you feel like there’s no problem you can’t fix if you just set your mind on it; all of the above at the same time.

While your enthusiasm and self-reliance surely might help your finances in some situations as well as making your life easier, it might also make it considerably harder when you don’t know what you’re dealing with. Most experienced plumbers report that half of the repairs they’re called to do are caused by people trying to fix the original problem and turning it into a bigger nightmare in the process.

It’s important to remember that while some plumbing repairs are pretty much intuitive, not all plumbing problems are easily fixed with common-sense alone. The golden rule in this case (as well as in regards to any other task you’re not familiar with) would be to face the matter with a “when in doubt, ask a professional” attitude.

In the meantime, there are a few helpful tips you can follow to avoid turning a minor problem into a disaster and to keep your hydraulic system in good health.

10 Tips To Avoid Most Common Plumbing Mistakes We’re not talking rocket science of course, but approaching plumbing with little to no knowledge can still cause considerable damage both to your house and your wallet, so you might want to be careful and keep in mind a few of these tips below.

1. Use the Right tools

When you’re not familiar with the world of plumbing, you might think whatever tool you already have at home is as good as any. Unfortunately, that’s a very common mistake and one of the most dangerous, because 99 out of 100 times using the wrong tools will either cause a bigger problem or ruin your fixtures. It is recommended to use the right tools and proper fitting like parker hydraulic fittings.

Especially when dealing with chrome, for example, you might want to avoid using just any adjustable wrench you have lying around and invested in a strap wrench instead. This way, you’re going to kill two birds with one stone: you’ll avoid over-tightening and scratches on your brand new fixture. Awesome!

2. Drain Cleaner is NOT your friend

When dealing with a clogged pipe, your first instinct will be that of using a drain cleaner. It’s quick, it’s easy and it’s cheap so it’s understandable. What you don’t know is that using a drain cleaner does not guarantee your pipe is completely free from obstructions, which might cause a bigger clog in the future. Also, if used too often the chemicals of the drain cleaner will end up ruining your pipes.

3. The Plunger, On the Other Hand, is Your Best Friend

There should always be a plunger in your house. In most cases, it’s the tool-to-go for problems like toilet clogging or too much hair down the shower drain. It’s cheap and it does the job without ruining your fixtures. Owning more than one plunger at a time might be a good idea, too.

4. Don’t Become an Outlaw

A common mistake is thinking that as long as you do work in your own house, you’re not overstepping any line, but this way of thinking can quickly put you into trouble with the law. No matter what you decide to do within your four walls, there is a code to follow. Before replacing your piping or installing a new fixture, you will have to get a permit from local authorities. This is very important because otherwise you might get fined and your house might lose value on the market. It might also become impossible to sell it altogether.

5. Sweater Weather

This is important for everyone but essential for those who live in places with very frigid winters.

When the cold season hits, any exposed water pipe you might have in your house is at risk of freezing and frozen pipes can more easily break or burst. The solution to this problem is to insulate any pipe outside of your house, but also in your garage and in your basement.

Wrapping your pipes is more than a safety measure: it will effectively “isolate” them, leading to a more stable transfer of heat/cold. This means that during warmer seasons your water won’t be too hot, while during cold seasons it won’t take as long for the hot water to reach your faucet.

6. Your Toilet is Not a Trash Can…

If you have the habit of flushing anything that isn’t toilet paper down the toilet, you might want to stop doing so. Solid food waste, diapers, pads — these things belong in their respective bins and should not be flushed down the toilet because you might cause huge clogs that might eventually break your toilet.

7. ...and Neither is Your Garbage Disposal

For the same reason, you need to becareful when disposing of your food waste down your garbage disposal. Things like coffee grounds and food wrapping should not be going down the drain and doing so will only come back to bite you in the future.

8. Some Pipes Are Not Meant for Each Other

When changing or installing new pipes most people will probably consult a professional, but if you resolved to embark on this adventure on your own, please remember not all pipes work well together. For example, copper and galvanized pipes will only end up corroding each other when connected.

9. Turn Off the Water

This might sound obvious, but it’s actually a very easy step to forget. Before attempting any work on your piping remember to turn off your water supply unless you want to turn your house into a waterpark.

10. Small problems = Future Big Problems

No matter if you’re planning on fixing a problem yourself or calling a plumber, never ever put off repairs. You don’t know when and how quickly a small problem can escalate into an emergency that will be way more expensive to fix in terms of time and money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, everyone has attempted to fix a plumbing problem on their own at one point in their lives, so don’t feel too bad if you made any of these mistakes. Keep these tips in mind next time and remember: the safest option will always be to rely on a professional.

Guest Contributor: Mark William

Top 7 Tips for Great Air Quality in Your Working Area

Top 7 Tips for Great Air Quality in Your Working Area

Poor air quality can lead to a multitude of different health problems. It can trigger allergies, irritate eyes, aggravate asthma and if there’s long-term exposure, it can cause serious health issues. Good quality air is vital for a healthy work environment. Here we look at 7 top tips that are going to keep you healthy.

1.) Ventilation

Workspaces can often get very stuffy. You can have the likes of odors, dust and chemical smell from cleaners. One of the easiest ways to get better quality air is simply by opening up the workspace and letting air flow through it.

This isn’t just about getting the clean air from outside, it’s also about getting rid of the air in your office, which can often be quite humid. There is a word of warning, however. If you work in a city center then the air outside may not be the cleanest.

2.) Use an Air Purifier

If you want the highest quality air, get an air purifier . They work to remove dust and other small pieces of debris from the air. This is perfect for anyone with allergies especially but everyone is going to benefit from not having those pollutants in the air.

They work by sucking the surrounding air and running it through various types of filters. The air then comes out of the other side much nicer and easier to breathe. Even a highly-effective air filter is quite affordable and would be a great option.

3.) Clean your AC

While an air conditioning unit can help to clear the air to some extent, their primary use is to keep you comfortable, and not healthy. It can be easy to forget about them and let them do their job without ever thinking about maintaining them.

In reality, it’s vital that you clean and maintain air conditioning units. They accumulate dust and dirt over time and you don’t want them sitting there. There is also the threat of Legionnaire’s disease that is caused by breathing in a mist that can contain bacteria. This can potentially be from unclean AC’s.

4.) Clean the Area of Dust

It is not just the dust in the air that needs purifying, it’s dust everywhere. Clearing your workspace of as much dust as possible will improve air quality. The most obvious culprit here is from the carpets as they need to be vacuum cleaned regularly.

Aside from that, there are also blinds, computers, work areas and any other exposed surfaces that will need to be cleaned. Sometimes a little hard work is needed to get your air quality the highest it could possibly be.

5.) Bring in Some Plants

Everyone knows that plants use up carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. It makes them great for preventing an office space from feeling stuffy and humid. This is especially a great option in those city areas where the air outside isn’t the healthiest.

You do want to be careful about what type of plants you’re going to use. Any that produce pollen is a no-go and you want them to be as easy to maintain as possible. Not only will they improve air quality but they will also make your working area a lot nicer.

6.) Don’t use Industrial Cleaners

Ever been into a kitchen or any other area that has just been bleached? For some, it will instantly give them a headache or make them light-headed. Any use of chemicals in a working area should be limited to only when absolutely necessary.

There are plenty of more friendly cleaners out there on the market that will also kill off bacteria. Using chemicals in a confined space can often do more harm than good. It’s best to avoid them when you can and the air quality will improve because of it.

7.) Check your Appliances

In a working area, there can be numerous types of devices, products, and appliances that can cause air quality to worsen. This could be exposed chemicals, a small gas leak or an inefficient heating system that hasn’t been maintained for years.

It’s important to check appliances regularly and get a professional to give them the green light. Some issues aren’t always that obvious and could be causing illness and headaches etc. Checking them will not only keep air quality high but it’ll also give you peace of mind.

The Importance of Air Quality

The negative effects of air quality aren’t always apparent. Health issues such as headaches can be caused by a wide range of factors and they could be blamed on another issue when, in fact, it was due to the poor air quality.

Longer-term, the effects can be very serious. Respiratory and lung issues have long been linked to air pollution. It’s important to take steps as soon as possible to improve your working area and you’ll soon notice a cleaner, more productive and healthier environment.

Author Bio: Steve Brian is a blogger and writer lived in Los Angeles. He likes swimming, traveling and hiking. He contributes articles about indoor air at airbetter.org.

Guest Contributor: Steve Brian

Common Bad Roofing Decisions You Should Avoid

Common Bad Roofing Decisions You Should Avoid

Buying a home should be seen as a long-term investment, which means that people should have no reservations when it comes to making sure that the structure is sturdy. Homeowners should include getting a sturdy roof to protect themselves from the elements.

Getting a sturdy roof to protect the home is only the first step since homeowners must also check on their roofs to ensure that they will stay protected from the harsh elements without complication. However, most homeowners neglect their roofing and make bad decisions when it comes to maintaining them.

Neglecting to Inspect the Roof

Many homeowners are content to know that they have a roof covering their heads and neglect to check on its current status. Our roofs will sustain damages throughout their service lives, and inspecting them is a must before any problems with them become worse enough to cause inconveniences.

Not Remedying the Problems Immediately

Inspecting the roof is one thing, but taking steps to fix the problems spotted during an inspection is another. Some homeowners deliberately neglect to fix the issues since they believe that their roofs can still withstand the weather and offer adequate protection. Due to their neglect, many minor issues tend to worsen and cause significant damages to the roof. Homeowners will also likely see whether their gutters are clogged or not when inspecting the roof, which is why cleaning them is a must. Gutters clogged with dead leaves, twigs, and other debris won’t be able to drain water through the downspout, resulting in water damage on the roof and other parts of the house. Roofs damaged due to curling or missing shingles will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Poorly maintained roofs will also need to be replaced when they’re past their service lives. When the roof has curling or missing shingles, it iss wise to replace them as soon as possible. Roofs that are past their service lives must also be replaced, primarily when they are poorly maintained.

Settling with Low-Quality Roofing Materials

Roof replacements are expensive, which is why homeowners must properly maintain the roofs that they have to ensure that it can stand up to the harsh elements. However, a time may come when homeowners have no choice but to replace their roofs. Some homeowners might look for ways to save money during the initial purchase, which can mean getting a roof with low-grade materials. People can indeed save money now when they settle for the cheapest option, but the level of protection such roofing can give is never assured. Relying on the cheapest roofing contractors. Another mistake that homeowners commit in their bid to save money is relying on the cheapest roofing contractor to install their roofs. Having a reputable roofer handle the roof’s installation should be a homeowner’s priority, but due to how costly it can be, some are forced to look for alternatives. An experienced and reliable roofing contractor may be rather pricey, but their services are guaranteed to be of high quality. There is no guarantee that a cheap contractor can do the job well, and there is also the possibility that the installation will be done poorly.

Conclusion

Roofs are expensive, which is why people should invest in them to ensure that they will receive the best protection from the elements. When the homeowners have already decided on the roofing material for their homes, then they should rely on the best residential roofing contractor to install the roof for them. After having a durable roof, homeowners should conduct regular maintenance checks to make sure that they won’t fail at a crucial time.

Guest Contributor: Jeremy Kinsworthy