Smart Ways To Save Money When Renovating Your Bathroom

Bathroom renovations can be pricey. Yet there are tactics you can use to make sure that your money doesn’t go down the drain when it’s time to update your bathroom space. Read on to find out our handy tips on frugal bathroom renovations. 

Pick a theme

First of all, to save money on a bathroom renovation it can help to pick a definite theme to use. Indeed, by choosing a theme for your bathroom you are effectively setting the parameters of its design, something that can make the whole process a lot easier because it limits your options, meaning you won’t end up wasting time or money on things you don’t need. 

There are plenty of themes to choose from too, including minimalist, modern, nautical, and even (for those that have a flair for the whimsical – steampunk). The great thing about choosing a steampunk or more historical theme is that you can pick up pieces secondhand that with a little TLC can work perfectly in your bathroom while saving you money at the same time.  

Take the time to consider your plumbing 

One of the best ways to save money on your bathroom renovation is to pay special attention to your plumbing. Indeed, there are two parts to this action. The first is to work with a professional local drain cleaner to eliminate odors in the sink and bath, improve your water pressure, something that will help maintain your plumbing and ensure you will not have to pay out to replace it or disturb your renovation work in the future. 

The second part of this action is to keep your plumbing layout the same as you do your renovation. This is because changing the layout of where your plumbed-in items will go can be one of the most expensive parts of doing up bathroom space. However, by making use of the floor plan you already have, you can avoid this cost. 

Master the magic of paint 

There are many options to choose from when decorating your bathroom walls including tile and wallpaper. However, these can both get very expensive very quickly! With that in mind, one of the best options to get a finish that you love, and save money is to paint the walls. 

Indeed, you can change the entire look of your bathroom with a single coat of paint, making small rooms look larger and more spacious and vice versa! You can even get creative with some masking tape and a few different paint colors and make your patterns on the wall, creating a more interesting space at a vastly reduced cost compared to tile and wallpaper. Just be sure to use paint designed especially for bathrooms in the areas where the water hits the wall, like the bath, shower, and behind the sink.

Avoid expensive flooring 

Natural floor tiles such as slate or stone can look great in a bathroom space, but they will set you back a pretty penny. Instead, why not opt for one of the more reasonably priced options out there such as linoleum, or laminate? Both of which can look great, and make sure there is enough money in your budget for the rest of your design materials. 

DIY don’t buy a new suite

While we are on the subject of sinks and baths it’s also pertinent to note that you may not need to replace them when renovating your bathroom. While many people believe the first step to doing up their bathroom space is to replace their suite, it can be very expensive to do so. 

Instead, why not consider refinishing old, worn tubs and sinks, either professionally or by DIY? Some won’t even need full refinishing but instead can be brought back to life with something as simple as replacing the caulking or seal that goes around the sink or bath.  

Used reclaimed supplies 

Last of all, if you want to save as much money as possible on your bathroom renovation, then it’s best to opt for reclaimed supplies over those that you buy brand new. This is because supplies that have been reclaimed from other projects can save you a fortune! 

If the supplies like tiles, paint, or coving come from a previous project of your own you won’t need to find money in your bathroom renovation budget at all. 

However, even if you choose to look for reclaimed materials online or at a reclamation yard, you can usually find some great bargains which means you can use many high-quality items in your renovation without breaking the bank. 

5 Care Tips Every Dog Owner Should Know: Keeping Your Pup Healthy and Happy

There’s something about dogs that makes them almost universally endearing. Perhaps it’s their tendency to give us their complete loyalty and trust, or their goofy antics and unbridled joy when playing or running around. Whatever it is, there are more than 160 million dogs in the world, and the vast majority of those live as beloved family members rather than pets. 

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there are currently more registered dog owners than there are human ones. 

Whether you have a brand new pup who needs training and guidance or an older dog who needs special care, there are plenty of ways to ensure your pet has a happy, healthy life before they pass on to that Great Doggy Inn in the Sky. 

Ensure your dog is spayed or neutered

Many dog owners opt to have their pooch spayed or neutered to help reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as uterine infections or testicular cancers, as well as certain types of aggression. 

In fact, female dogs who are not spayed can develop uterine infections, which can be fatal. It’s also worth noting that spaying your dog can be beneficial in terms of controlling the pet population. 

Neutering male dogs can help reduce the risk of them roaming, getting into fights, and spraying urine in your home. This can help reduce noise complaints from neighbors, too.

Put boundaries in place

When you have a garden, you naturally wouldn’t want your dog to escape and run off somewhere. They could get lost and you’ll spend hours, if not days, looking for them. Put boundaries in place to prevent that.

Getting some products from a dog fence company helps with this. It’ll make sure your pet doesn’t escape your garden and get lost.

These are relatively low-cost, but they’ll be quite effective. They’ll keep your pet from getting hurt somewhere while letting them play around the garden. You’ll have nothing to worry about.

Don’t forget the puppy dental care

Dental care is an important part of every dog’s health, but it’s especially vital when it comes to puppies. In adult dogs, their teeth naturally begin to fall out, but in puppies, they don’t. 

This can lead to major dental health issues, such as painful tooth decay or even tooth loss. When you’re caring for a puppy, make sure to give them plenty of chew toys that help massage their gums and remove plaque from their teeth. 

Always provide plenty of exercise

Picture by Matan Ray Vizel on Pixabay

Dogs who live sedentary lives are at risk of developing joint issues, obesity, and behavioral problems such as excessive barking or chewing. 

When it comes to exercising your dog, think creatively. You can go for walks, run with your dog, or play games indoors. 

Make playtime a priority and avoid keeping your dog cooped up for too long. Depending on your dog’s breed and health, you may want to consult your vet before spending a lot of time exercising, especially if your dog is older.

 

Never feed your dog from the table

People and dogs have a natural curiosity about one another, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some things that are off-limits. 

Your dog’s food should always be kept separate from human food. While some owners may be tempted to feed their dog table scraps, this is not a good idea. 

Dogs’ digestive systems are different from ours, and they can’t break down table scraps in the same way. Feeding your dog table scraps can lead to health issues, such as digestive and stomach problems. 

 

Better Safe Than Sorry

Your dog is part of your life. 

Thinking about doing some ant pest control work at home? You must contact the company to ensure your dog is not at risk.

Planning a vacation? Also plan where you will leave your puppy. 

Think proactively about the choices you make in your home that have an impact on your puppy’s life. Most importantly, treat them with the care they deserve.

How To Make Your Home Interior More Relaxing

It’s safe to assume that every homeowner wants a comfortable and relaxing space to come home to — a place where you can rest, recoup and enjoy some privacy. Coming home to a disorganized and chaotic space will certainly not help you to relax; quite the contrary. A disorganized, messy, and cluttered space can cause more stress. But there are a few things you can add to your home’s interior that can turn it into a relaxing space. Here are some of them. 

  1. Elements of comfort

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What makes a relaxing home environment differs from one person to the other. For example, some may choose to listen to soothing music, while others prefer CBD oil. Regardless of which elements of comfort you prefer, make sure you have them in your home. For example, if you prefer CBD, you can purchase different products from companies like CBDistillery, so a relaxing and calming product is available to you when you need it. If you love soft music wafting in your home, adding music players, speakers, and high-quality woofers may not be a bad idea. 

  1. Air fresheners

There’s a strong connection between scent and emotional wellbeing. Aroma has been shown to significantly improve mood and promote stress reduction. The better your interior space smells, the easier it is to relax and be in a better mood. Practicing aromatherapy may also promote better sleep and refreshed each morning. According to some experts,  it may influence dreams and memory formation. You can use several things as air fresheners in your home, but it’s best to stick with natural options, as they come without the health risks of toxic chemicals. You can look for several ways to make your home’s interior smell great. 

  1. Organization

Sometimes, all you need to do is declutter, clean up, and organize your home. Several studies have already shown how a messy and disorganized home can add up to your stress. So, look around your interior space. Does it look messy? Do you struggle to find the things you need? Do you always forget where you placed something? Then it’s time to declutter and reorganize. But organizing isn’t just about making your space look good. It should be about convenience. In other words, keep the items you need where you need them, not where you think they look better.

To help with decluttering, it’s definitely worth looking into storage units, especially when it comes to keeping your home organized. It’s a great option for those who don’t want to get rid of their belongings but still want to free up space in the home.

  1. Softer light sources

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It makes sense to want a strong overhead light to brighten your interior space and improve visibility. But strong and harsh lights can ruin any relaxing feeling in a home. If your lights are too harsh, try adding softer options like table lamps and floor lights. You can turn off your main overhead light when you need to relax and turn on the softer ones for a more gentle glow. Floor and table lamps can also add a touch of decor to your interior space. But it’s best to purchase lamps with adjustable lighting, so you can set them to lower levels when you need to wind down.  

1stDIBS PICKS: ANTIQUES FOR $150 OR LESS

A small investment in a piece of antique goodness pays off in the long run. Check out our latest finds from 1stdibs.com.

The dealer of this Soviet Television has quite a few in stock, all dubiously brand new, yet in non-working condition. Don’t question the Russians and get one or more for an art piece.

Vintage Soviet Television, $95

At $50 a piece these school chairs are a steal. Would be great as a side table to stack your books on.

Vintage School Chairs, $50

Looking to furnish your new bar or dining room? At $425 for the set, these midcentiry barstools come out to only $70 each. Sell the ones you don’t need on Craigslist.

6 industrial barstools with swivel seats, $425

At $125, this one of a kind 1940s McCarthur Folding Chair won’t disappoint.

McCarthur Folding Chairs, $125

This rare, never used late 60s molded acrylic serving piece makes a great gift for any newlyweds with taste.

Raymor Modernist Acrylic Double Serving Piece, $150

AFFORDABLE ART: THE BEST OF SOCIETY6

Written by Yevgeniy Vostokov

A recent feature of Eugenia Loli’s custom collages on Cool Hunting prompted a search for more great prints on Society6, where the artist sells her work. If you’re looking for fun, dirt cheap prints ranging from abstract to street-inspired, Society6 probably has something you might want. All prints come in several sizes to suit your needs. Here are our favorites.

This Eugenia Collage is a twisted mid-century modern delight.

Private Auction by Eugenia Loli, $12.99

BOX by Ali GULEC is perfect for the avant-garde apartment.

BOX by Ali GULEC, $18

Americana fans will appreciate this plaid flag by Nick Nelson.

Plaid Flag. by Nick Nelson, $18

I could see this abstract Half 2 by Rui Ribeiro hanging in a black and white themed apartment.

Half 2 by Rui Ribeiro, $15.60

Sci-Fi lovers will appreciate this colorful “Back To The I’m From The Future” by Rubbishmonkey.

Back To The I’m From The Future by Rubbishmonkey, $16

I’m willing to bet that this “Not My Cup of Tea” print is someone’s cup of tea. By Zina Nedelcheva.

Not my cup of tea by Zina Nedelcheva, $21.84

“There is another world, but it is in this one.” Nothing like a Yeats quote to blow your mind AND decorate your walls, daily. By Tina Crespo.

There Is Another World by Tina Crespo, $18.50

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A Checklist To Complete Before Selling Your Home

No matter if you are selling your home to first-time buyers or someone who has house hopped for over 50 years, it is essential to selling your home in its best condition to boost value and appeal. 

On that note, here is a checklist to complete before you move on to selling your home. 

New Home For Sale Construction – Free photo on Pixabay

Fix the roof (but don’t do it yourself)

Roof repairs are a nuisance but essential when you think about selling your home. There is no hope in trying to sell a home with a dangerous or damaged roof. Buyers will not be interested as they won’t feel safe and it can be expensive. Therefore, it is a task to complete before you put your house on the market. 

You should never try to repair the roof yourself. It can be a danger to yourself as well as the house. 

Getting expert help with roof installation is essential as it isn’t a task anyone can perform. It will involve plenty of experience and knowledge to get it right. It is a feature that requires professional guidance and installation. Hence, always leave this task to the experts so that you can attain the best and safest results before selling your home

Consider upgrading other external features

While you are thinking about the exterior of your home, you will also want to consider upgrading other external features of your home. The fence, plants, grass, and front door also might need some TLC. These are all tasks that you can easily complete yourself. Hence, you can get to work straight away. 

Freshening up the exterior of your home will boost its curb appeal and attract more buyers to offer the asking price. 

Get the inside clean and sparkling

As well as perfecting the exterior of your home, you will also want to think about getting the inside up to high standards too. 

Cleaning and tidying can be enough if your home is in great condition. But, if it isn’t, then you will want to give yourself more time before you put it on the market. If there are marks on the walls and floors, then this might put buyers off. It will show that you haven’t taken great care of the home over the years. 

Use your time to get the house in tip-top shape so that it can impress any buyers. 

Hire a great real estate agent

Although you can promote your house yourself and show people around, you will often attain better results if you use a great real estate agent. 

Finding someone with plenty of experience and lots of enthusiasm will likely enhance the interest of buyers. If they are engaging and know how to win a buyer over, then you will have a greater chance of attaining the asking price and making the best profit possible. A great real estate agent might be an investment. But, it will be an investment that is well worth making and is a step that everyone should add to their checklist. 

Update your kitchen

Updating your kitchen is a great way to create an appealing home for potential buyers. Giving your kitchen before you put your house on the market will set you apart from the competition. Whether that means adding a fresh coat of paint, resurfacing countertops, or purchasing new appliances, taking the time to spruce up the area where homeowners will inevitably gather will give them an easy reason to pick your place over another. After all, who wants to stay in a freshly updated home? Taking care of this important piece of the checklist in advance could make a world of difference in your sales process. Installing new kitchen cabinets will round off all your hard work. Get a company that specializes in custom kitchens to create a one-in-a-million space.