For a lot of people, when they think of a bathroom renovation, particularly something luxurious, they instantly think it’s going to be expensive. It’s honestly reasonable to think about, too, because, typically, bathroom renovations are fairly pricey. Plus, if you want anything remotely luxurious, you can then expect this to be even more expensive. But thankfully, all of these renovations don’t need to be expensive. In fact, you don’t even have to get a new bathtub or a new shower in order to add some luxury touches to your bathroom. So, here is everything you need to know to bring in that luxury on a budget!

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Start Off By Upgrading Your Faucets

Whether it’s the shower, sink, or bathtub faucet, these little changes can make a massive difference! For the most part, new faucets are fairly inexpensive, and on top of that, you can count on this instantly giving off modern vibes to your home. Brassware is often described as the ‘jewelry of a bathroom,’ and pairing it with a stylish yet affordable basin or bath will deliver stand-out luxe style. But realistically, it doesn’t need to be brassy. Overall, the main goal is to just make a transformation by doing something small and cheap. Plus, you don’t even need to hire someone to install this, either. 

Go with Tiles

You essentially need tiles for the bathroom, especially bathrooms that can’t push out moisture quickly. Generally speaking, you can always check tile stores and select something from there. It will be entirely up to you whether you want them on the wall or floor, but some new tiles will certainly be a great way to make a transformation!

Add Some Plants

If you search “luxury bathroom ideas” on Google, one major theme you’re going to find would hands-down would be planted. You’re going to find all sorts of indoor plants, from the peace lily to palm trees, and so much more. Plants have a way of instantly uplifting a space, and for the most part, they don’t need to be expensive, either. It’s really about hunting around for good deals. While yes, a large palm plant may sell for $100, if you search hard enough or wait til the right season, you can expect to find major discounts. Now who doesn’t love that?

Update Your Bath Rug

Honestly, all it really takes is a few simple tweaks, and styling tricks are all that’s needed to turn your bathroom into a relaxing retreat. Texture is key when it comes to creating a luxurious vibe, but don’t be afraid to mix things up with different surfaces and materials. For example, highly textured tiles look stunning when paired with brass fittings. But better yet, you need to have that softness to fit in there too. So, why not update your bathroom rug?

Don’t Forget the Towels

The towels are going to make up a major part of the luxury experience for your bathroom, so this is something that you shouldn’t neglect whatsoever! When it comes to the towels, it might be time to get some new ones. While luxury hotel-quality towels are expensive, you can’t still find excellent ones for a low price. Better yet, you can even soak your current towels in vinegar and tumble-dry them to make them feel soft to the touch! 

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The garden is the place to go, especially during those wonderful summer months, but when we have a garden space that requires a lot of upgrading, this can be a lot to deal with. Sometimes, we have to make do with the bare basics and make sure that our garden looks the part, even though we may not have the tools to give it the full-on upgrade that we know it deserves. With this in mind, here are a few ways for you to make those garden upgrades look the part for now.

Clean the Surfaces

If there’s one thing we can learn from what creates an amazing curb appeal, it’s by getting the basics right. Mowing your lawn, trimming hedges, and creating those shapes will guarantee a greater foundation. If you have a lot of decking or walls that look dirty, giving them a good clean is a simple way for you to add an extra sparkle. You can opt for tools like a jet washer that can get rid of the surface dirt, but if there are garden items that look old, for example, metal frames that have rusted over, you could benefit from something called shot blasting which will clean those surfaces without compromising the materials. A good clean can be all you need to upgrade your garden, and you should not neglect this.

Adding Color in the Simplest of Ways

If you are slowly aiming to expand your green fingers and you want to freshen up your garden scenery, one of the best things you can do is to add color with potted plants or flowers. It’s an amazing way to contribute to the aesthetics without spending a lot of money. There’s nothing quite like a cascade of color with a variety of succulents in the plant beds. It looks and feels amazing, but it could also be an inspiring location, not to mention a hub of activity for local wildlife.

Invest in Some Comfortable Furniture

If the garden looks underwhelming, it’s a good idea to fine-tune the art of disguise. If you want your garden to be the place where you relax and unwind, it’s essential to add some comfy furniture into the mix, whether it’s an outdoor hammock or some rattan furniture. If you are looking to create an amazing aesthetic on a budget, you might benefit from finding old items of furniture that you can invest time and effort into upgrading it. While upcycling furniture is something that many people do these days, it can add to the aesthetic in the short term if you have an unkempt garden. Rustic is, after all, very trendy.

Upgrading Your Garden Lighting

If you are trying to get your garden ready for the summer months you might not give much consideration to lighting, but when there’s that beautiful dusk on approach, you can create an amazing atmosphere that makes your garden appear brighter. You can do this by adding string lights or keeping it simple by using candles. An added bonus of using candles is that they can get rid of bugs that tend to cause a lot of frustration when we’re just trying to relax!

If you are looking for simple ways to elevate your garden’s look, there are plenty of ways of upgrading your aesthetics.

Photo by Nikita Belokhonov

Storms can be frightening experiences for homeowners. There are various measures available to you for protecting your home against strong winds; but how do you know which are effective? In this post we look at 15 effective solutions for beating the wind and keeping your house secure during a storm – from installing hurricane shutters to anchoring down outdoor furniture, there are various steps you can take to ensure your home remains well-protected.

1. Install hurricane shutters.

If a storm is predicted, installing sturdy shutters can be one of the best ways to protect your house against wind gusts. Shutters will protect windows and doors from flying debris and strong gusts while keeping windows safe from flying debris and gusts of air.

2. Secure outdoor furniture.

Make sure that all outdoor furniture is safely secured before the storm arrives in order to prevent it from flying away with high winds. Heavy items should be placed at the center of the yard away from walls or other structures which might collapse under debris from storm-borne objects.

3. Trim trees and shrubs near your home. 

Trimming back any overgrown branches near your home can help protect against broken limbs striking against its side during storms.

4. Install window and roof protection.

Add extra protection for your windows and roof by working with your local window installation company to install hurricane-proof glass, impact-resistant plywood or both – especially important if you reside in an area prone to storms with strong winds.

5. Install heavy straps or chains to secure garage door openings.

Before a storm hits, make sure all garage doors are properly secured using tight straps or chains so they do not blow open in high winds, creating an opening for debris to enter your house and potentially create havoc in its wake.

6. Strengthen roof trusses by adding braces or reinforcing ties between them.

For your roof to withstand wind pressure, strengthening it by attaching bolted braces or reinforcing ties may help ensure its structural integrity is preserved.

7. Strengthen the foundation of your home.

Installing metal straps around the foundation of your home can prevent it from shifting or cracking during a storm–particularly in regions prone to floods and high winds.

8. To add extra protection for windows, cover them with plywood or heavy blinds for additional coverage.

If hurricane shutters are out of the question, another way is to cover your windows with heavy duty blinds or thick plywood sheets, so flying debris won’t break them.

Photo by Dejan Nouval

9. Install windbreaks around decks and patios to protect against sudden gusts of wind.

If you own a deck or patio, erect barriers around it to ward off high winds. This will also keep outdoor furniture safe during a storm.

10. Before leaving the house, double-check that all doors and locks are properly closed and secured.

Before a storm arrives, it’s essential that all doors and windows are locked securely so they won’t flutter open during strong gusts of wind.

11. Sandbags should be used whenever possible to prevent flooding near doors and windows.

Sandbags can be an effective means to prevent floodwater and heavy rainfall during storms from seeping through low-lying areas such as doorways or windowsills, providing relief in flood-prone regions.

12. Secure any objects that could become projectiles during a storm.

Before the storm strikes, make sure to safely store away any loose objects that could become projectiles during high winds – from lawn chairs and umbrellas to garden tools.

13. Should storm-proof shutters become necessary, install them.

If storms with strong winds are frequent in your area, installing permanent shutters could provide extra protection over time.

14. Check for obstructions or debris accumulation in your gutters and downspouts.

Always ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to allow water to flow away from your home when there is a storm. Clogged gutters may lead to backup of water that causes flooding or even worse damage.

15. Prep for emergency situations by stockpiling emergency supplies.

Stock up on emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries and first aid kits just in case of an unexpected power outage. Keeping these essential items close at hand will make any storm more manageable; additionally it’s essential that enough water and non-perishable food be saved just in case an extended blackout occurs.

Preparing for storms may seem daunting, but it is essential for the safety of both you and your loved ones. By being prepared before an approaching storm arrives, taking the necessary steps can reduce damage while protecting all involved if an emergency arises. Stay up-to-date on potential storms so you can best prepare as quickly as possible for them.

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When looking at easy but effective summer renovation projects you might wonder if it’s finally time you did something about the spare room. For too long now, it’s just been a place for everything that doesn’t have a home. Frankly, it’s a mess, and you need to change it sooner rather than later. If you’re struggling with ideas about what to do with your guest bedroom, here are a few useful tips that can add the much-needed finishing touches to your home.

Guest Bedroom 

The guest bedroom is the easiest and most obvious choice for your spare room, especially if you have adult kids who need a place to stay the night when they come to visit. Because of this, you’ll never feel like you’re wasting space, and styling the perfect guest bedroom can be heaps of fun for anyone interested in interior design and decorating. 

Entertainment Hub 

Of course, some people want to design a spare room they will actually use. For this, an entertainment hub is perfect, especially if your family loves to watch movies, games, or read. Setting up a space for your consoles (especially so many new and fun games out) or investing in comfy sofas and a large television to watch Sun Moon movie here when you’re finished means you have a space dedicated to relaxing and catching up on the most exciting media. 

Home Gym 

If you’re into fitness (or want to get into fitness) a home gym is a superb solution. The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy gym equipment, at least not yet. All you need is a few free weights and resistance bands, while one machine like a treadmill, rowing machine, or exercise bike can complete the space. Your home gym can be as sparse or as decorated with motivational posters as you like, but make sure you actually use it to work out.

Your Office or Workshop 

Those who work from home or have practical hobbies will benefit from transforming the spare room into an office or workshop. This offers a range of benefits, including having your own space to create and also ensuring you don’t make a mess around the rest of the house. You might even be able to make a doubly-functioning room for both of your creative or professional endeavors. 

Kids’ Playroom 

If you’ve got kids on the way or are tired of picking up Legos and stuffed animals, a kids’ playroom can solve some of your problems. There are some great playroom ideas to inspire you that work for kids of all ages and genders. Here, you can create a positive environment for your kids without the risk of them hurting themselves or damaging things around the house, making a playroom a place that’s truly theirs.

A Blank Canvas 

Having a spare room can be one of the most exciting things about owning a home. Here, you have the freedom to do whatever you like with it to make it something you’ll actually use. Whether you’re expecting kids, changing careers, or want to create a space for the whole family to spend time in, these tips can give you plenty of ideas to consider. 

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If you have your heart set on buying an older home, perhaps because you want to fix it up and resell it, or because you want to live in a property that has more charm and character than something modern, it’s important that you understand the issues that come with the purchase.

If you don’t do your homework first, you might end up with a property that isn’t worth the money you spent on it. You might also be forced to spend more money than you can reasonably afford if there are any issues that prove costly. 

With this in mind, here are the issues that you need to look out for when buying an older property. 

#1: A deteriorating roof

If the roof of the house hasn’t been well-maintained, it could cause you major problems when you later move into the property, such as water leakage and cold drafts.

Signs of a deteriorating roof can include: 

• Missing or decaying shingles
• Bowing gutters
• Water stains on the walls and ceiling
• Pools of water in the attic
• Mold and damp

The weather is a major factor of roof damage, but improper installation can also be the reason for any problems. 

If you spot any issues, especially signs like missing shingles or water leaks, call a professional home inspector to assess the state of your roof. It’s important to spot potential problems early to prevent further damage. Once they’ve completed their inspection, ask them to provide a detailed report and outline the repairs that are needed, ensuring the longevity and safety of your home.

#2: Issues with the foundation

Unfortunately, foundation issues are very common in older homes. Issues often arise because of outdated techniques used to create the foundation but wet soil, tree roots, house pests, and natural wear and tear can also create problems. 

Signs of a failing foundation can include:

• Uneven floors
• Doors that won’t close properly
• Cracks in the interior and exterior walls
• Sagging floorboards

A house with foundation issues isn’t necessarily unsafe to live in but your life will be made uncomfortable. For one thing, you may have to find ways to stop bugs from entering the house if there are any cracks in the walls as you could be inundated with cockroaches and termites if you don’t make repairs or hire pest control. 

If you do spot any problems before buying the property, ask a structural engineer to assess the damage. If they suggest the house is a potential money pit, it might be wise to consider another property if you can’t afford to pay for the repairs to the foundation damages. 

#3: Outdated electrical systems

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If the electrical system in the house is over 40 years old, it’s unlikely to be code-compliant. Today’s homeowners use way more electrical items than homeowners in the past, which is why modern houses are fitted with electrical systems that fall in line with modern ways of living. 

Signs of outdated electrical systems can include:

• Burning smells from the outlets
• Flickering lights
• A circuit breaker that trips often
• 2-prong outlets
• Frayed wires
• Scorch marks around the outlets
• Crackling, sizzling, and buzzing sounds

If the property’s electrical system is outdated, you will need to call in an electrician to rewire the house and replace the circuit breaker and outlets. If you don’t, both your life and the property itself could be in danger of serious harm.

#4: Hazardous building materials

Properties built before 1978 often contain asbestos and lead-based paint, both of which can be dangerous to your health. 

Before moving into the property, you will need to pay somebody to delead the house and remove the asbestos.

Spotting the signs of asbestos and lead-based paint can be difficult as they are often invisible to the naked eye. However, if you know the property was built before 1978, there is a good chance that both of these hazardous materials exist. As such, you should contact a specialist firm that can assess the property for these materials and remove them. 

#5: Plumbing issues

Pipes start to corrode and decompose as they get older and when they do, they are in danger of bursting. There is also the danger of lead poisoning in the water supply if the pipes in the property are made from lead.

Signs of plumbing issues can include:

• Slow water drainage
• Low water pressure
• Discolored water
• Faulty fixtures
• Water leakage

If you spot any of these signs, you should hire a certified plumber to inspect the plumbing and replace the pipes in the property. 

Finally

The safety of yourself and your family matters so if you do decide to move into an older property, you need to carry out all the necessary checks before you finalize the purchase. 

After moving in, you need to look after your older home by making the necessary repairs as this will prevent further damage to your property. 

Once these repairs have been done, you should be able to enjoy your home for many years to come. Unless, of course, you are fixing it up for resale, in which case, you will be able to profit from the purchase if the repairs have added value to the property. 

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When it comes to improving your quality of living, your home is one of the first places you should look to. The problem is, home improvements can often be costly, and it can be difficult to know where to start. If you’re going to start investing in your home, you should focus on the things that make a big difference and are going to last you a long time. Something that you’re going to benefit from on a daily basis, and may even add value to your home when it comes time to change up your location.

Window renewal

If your home is quite old, the chances are that your windows are old too. Having newer, double, or even triple-glazed windows can make a huge improvement on your living conditions, for multiple reasons. You can learn more here about how you can get your windows renewed.

Firstly, an extra layer of glazing in your windows is added security. Single glazing is incredibly fragile and easy for anyone to break – it’s not ideal for keeping a safe home, especially if you haven’t got alarms and other anti-burglary systems in place.

Secondly, triple glazing is great for insulation. A single-glazed window lets the heat out and the cold in easily, and vice versa – it’s not ideal during the winter or the summer. Maintaining the temperature in your home easier will save you money all year around, and it will add to the value of your home – as it’s one less thing that the new owners will have to invest in.

An extension

How many problems in your home could you solve if you just had a little more space? Looking at the price of an extension, it’s easy to feel a little put off – but just know that not only are you going to be much more comfortable at home as a result, but you’re likely to get that money back when you sell. Extensions and conservatories can add a significant percentage to the value of your home, so don’t worry too much about the cost of the extension itself. Whether it’s an additional bedroom, a kitchen conversion, a home gym, or otherwise, that extension can be used for anything.

Loft conversion

Have you got all that unusable space in your loft that’s just being wasted? Having a loft conversion done is a great way to free up a lot of space in your home, as well as opening up an opportunity for another bedroom or more storage space. You shouldn’t let the space go to waste, and loft conversions can help a great deal when bumping up the value of your home. 

Even if you can’t get an extension done, you can still get more from your home with a loft conversion. While it might not be completely profitable, if you look at how it’s going to improve your life while you’re living there, you’ll see that it’s worth it.

Landscaping

There’s no better time to think about your garden than right now, as summer is coming in. Having your garden remodeled can be a great way to add some value to your home, all the while making it a much more pleasant place to be. As mentioned before, Summer is right around the corner, and you’ll be wanting to use your garden to relax and host guests. If there’s ever been a time to work on your garden, it’s right now. Of course, like the other renovations, landscaping can help to bump up your property’s value.

Often if there’s one part of the home that gets neglected, it’s the garden. There’s not always time to take care of what needs to be done, and before you know it your garden is an overgrown mess. Now’s the time to turn that around, and having professional landscaping done can make that a much easier task for future maintenance.

Roof renewal

While it might not necessarily add value to your property, a roof renewal can do a better job of protecting your home from the weather. As your roof ages, it will crack and wear down, and eventually, you’re going to notice leaks here and there. These leaks will make your home damp, and in severe scenarios, a dangerous living environment. Having your roof redone can reduce the risk of serious damage happening to your home, meaning that you won’t have to pay out any money for repairs down the line, and have to pay for a roof renewal when it’s too late.