If you want the outside of your home to look as beautiful as the inside, there are so many ways that you can create a home you can’t wait to come back to. Even if you’re not selling your home, there are plenty of things you can do that add value and quality of life to you. 

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Why does the exterior of your home matter?

Most of the time, we don’t pay much attention to the exterior of our homes; after all – how often do we really see it? Usually, when the sun is out, if we have garden space, we spend time in the back garden. 

Meaning that most often, we tend to the back garden and the windows we can see more than the front. 

However, there is plenty that you can do to the curb facing the exterior of your home too. 

There are other reasons to update the side of your home, too; if it is an older model, the outside might have panels or siding, which means you can call in a Siding Repair Company to have that taken care of. 

Renovations 

If you want to make a big splash with how you change the exterior of your home, then you can go for a renovation. Not only will this give you more room in your home, but it will completely change the look on the outside. 

If you have enough front garden space, you can choose to have a new entryway built, or if you have space on the side, you can have an extension to the main living space in your home. 

Renovations can be some of the more expensive changes you make, but it also has one of the biggest impacts. 

Keep in mind that if you want to change how the outside of the home looks, the windows and doors can be done at the same time so that you have a completely new look. 

Finishes

If you currently have regular brickwork, you might decide that you want to change the finish on the exterior. 

If you have an older property, you might have peeling paint, mismatched brickwork, or pebbledash. Having your pebbledash cleaned can make it look new. But you may prefer to change it completely. 

Changing the color of the paint can bring a new lease of life to your home exterior. Painting is also one of the cheapest options for giving your home a facelift. 

Some of the most popular options are wood cladding – this can give your home the same appeal as a cabin in the woods or something a little more eco-looking. 

Roof

Your roof needs to be replaced around every 12-18 years, depending on where you are located and the guarantee that was on the original work. If you live in a smaller home or a bungalow, then the roof is often one of the biggest and most noticeable features. Changing the shape, adding a skylight, adding solar panels, or a general update can make a huge impact. 

Keep in mind that the roof is typically a costly job, although when it is done, you won’t need to think about it for many years. 

Windows and Doors

Changing the windows and doors on your property can make a pretty big impact. Swapping from a dark to a light color, or vice versa – or changing the style completely can give your home exterior a whole new feel. 

The added benefit of having your windows and doors replaced is that you will benefit from the internal saving on energy. 

Landscaping

Although most commonly, people will spend time and money on landscaping for the backyard, if your front offers a better view, or you have plenty of space, then it is worth creating a comfortable and sheltered area to sit. 

With some careful lighting and some paneling, you can create an extra space for people to sit and enjoy the sunrise or sunset. 

Landscaping the front yard can be particularly useful if you are trying to create a specific feel and look. Cottages typically have plenty of roses and flowers, but you will often find wrought iron seating tucked in shady places. 

During the landscaping, you can look for the best places to add a range of lighting. Outdoor fairy lights wrapped around trees and bushes and path lighting can give the exterior of your home a warm and welcoming glow. And as an added bonus, it is great for safety too. 

If you are looking for new ways you can create a home exterior that you love, read more here: How to Improve the exterior of your home. Making The Exterior Of Your Home Beautiful

Noise can be a source of everyday stress for many people. You may find it difficult to relax in your home and you may even be kept awake at night. If you have kids or pets, they could also be distressed by it.

There are so many different sources of noise. The annoying noise could be coming from inside your home (e.g. creaky floorboards or noisy roommates) or it could be an external source (such as traffic or neighbors). In all cases, there are ways of reducing these noises. Below are just a few tips for making your home less noisy. 

Soundproof your walls

There are several measures you can take to stop noise travelling through walls. A simple option could be to muffle sound by placing furniture against the wall such as wardrobes or sofas. A more effective option is to use soundproof acoustic plasterboard or soundproof mineral wool. This can be installed inside the wall or on the wall (the latter option is the easiest option). 

Soundproof your windows and doors

Noise ranging from traffic to wind can often travel through windows and doors. As with walls, there are lots of different ways to make your windows and doors soundproof. With windows, you can muffle sound by filling gaps in frames, using acoustic window inserts, using soundproof glass, hanging up thick curtains or installing shutters. With doors, you can muffle sound by sealing gaps or by upgrading the material of your doors. Make sure that doors are not a source of noise by keeping hinges lubricated to prevent sqeaking or by adding felt pads to reduce slamming sounds. 

Fix up your flooring

Certain flooring materials like stone tiles and laminate can create a lot of noise when people walk over them. It’s possible to use acoustic insulation to stop noise travelling down to rooms below. Switching to carpet or using rugs is another popular option for muffling sound. Make sure to fix any creaky floorboards – these can often be a source of noise in old homes.

Install outdoor ‘noise buffers’

If external noises like traffic, crowds or trains are keeping you awake at night, consider whether it’s possible to muffle these sounds with noise buffers. Fencing installation could be a simple option – consider installing thick wooden fencing to help block out noise. You can also use trees to block out noise. Brick walls can also help to deflect noise.

Confront/report noisy neighbors

It’s important to tell your neighbors if they are being noisy. In most cases, neighbors will make an effort to be less noisy whether it’s turning down the music volume or moving a drum kit into another room. Some sources of noise can be more awkward to confront such as arguments – calling the police may be a better option if things are getting very hostile. Similarly, you should make a noise complaint to your local council if neighbors are continuing to play music loudly or ignore your requests to be quiet. 

Wear earplugs to bed

If you can’t sleep because of traffic noise, noisy neighbors or overhead airplanes, another option could be to simply wear earplugs. In some noisy areas, it is impossible to block out all noise (especially if you rent property and cannot renovate it) and so earplugs are the best option. Explore different types of earplugs. 

Choose quieter appliances

You can also reduce noise around the home by switching to quieter appliances. A quieter tumble dryer or washing machine could give the option to use it at night without the risk of waking up kids. Most modern appliances tend to be quieter than older ones – if you’ve got very old appliances, consider upgrading them. 

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With the gloom of January and February now well behind us, you might have taken more than one glance around the house and thought this place needs a facelift. By this point, you should be well-rested from the stress and energy it took to get the house ready for the festive period. Maybe you’re looking for a new lease of life to breathe into your home; this could take the form of some new decorations, an art project, or a deep clean. We’re here with just a few of the many ideas you can employ to spruce your home up for spring (on a budget).

1. Deep Spring Clean

The no.1 best way to switch up your home without spending too much is to focus instead on improving what you already own. This means decluttering and deep-cleaning fabric like carpets and upholstered furniture. Companies like Nature Works Chem-Dry specialise in cleaning the parts of your home that require a little extra attention, leaving the areas that see a lot of traffic – carpets, rugs, couches – looking and smelling fresh. You can also declutter your space without feeling the need to buy more “stuff” – that’s the point of a declutter! Present your home in its best light by freeing up some surface space, and storing less-important items in cleaned-out closets.

2. Find Your Spring Sound

If your main living area doesn’t garner a lot of natural light, or perhaps has a restrictive view, you can help foster a sunny, springtime atmosphere using music. Bluetooth speakers don’t have to break the bank and their portability makes them great multi-use items. Crafting a thoughtful playlist, especially one that can be heard throughout the house, is a great way to open up the space in your home. If winter is the time for shut doors to keep in the cosy heat, allowing more open space for music to flow through your home is a great way to greet the new springtime air. Or, you can trailer this atmosphere to your living room or bedroom specifically by treating yourself to a gorgeous record player. The vintage sound quality is instantly soothing and the right jazz record complements the warm, relaxed feel of mid-spring. Buying second-hand records is not only a fun weekend activity but a more cost-effective way of bringing music into your home than splurging on an expensive sound system.

3. Get Crafty 

You don’t need to ransack the nearest furniture shop to smarten the place up. Decoupage is a fun, easy and cheap style used to upcycle tired pieces of furniture. Using furniture glue, a brush, and any lightweight paper, you can modernise an old desk or give some character to a brand-new cabinet by glueing carefully chosen art paper onto it. Be as meticulous as you want, or overlap scraps to create a shabby, homemade look. If you’re feeling tentative, pick one part to focus on, like the legs of a chair or a statement drawer. It’s a great activity for kids to get involved with too, though we’d suggest starting them on something small, like a picture frame or jewellery box.

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Life happens at home, and when you are lost in the day to day of what needs to get done for yourself and your family, a lot around the house can go unseen. At least twice a year (if not once a month) it may be to your benefit to take a tour of your home and look out for household hazards. Here are some hidden dangers in your home you need to know.

Leaking Pipes

Take a look at all of your pipes. Look under sinks, go into attics and basements, and check around the outside of your house. A leaking pipe is the last thing you need because one leak can cause several problems for you. Water deteriorates just about everything in its path. You will have to replace walls, floors, and roofs in the event that you have a pipe dripping water everywhere. Pipes are hidden, so this danger could be hidden as well.

Mold

Leaking pipes brings us to mold. A humid, moist area can cause black mold to form in corners, crawl spaces, and in walls where you cannot see it. Black mold spores are terrible for your health and can cause serious health problems. Seek out mold remediation experts and have them come to the house to check for mold. Mold poisoning is serious and can take months, if not years, to recover. 

Cracked Foundation

If your home’s foundation crumbles, the entire structure can collapse. Have a home foundation expert come to your home and give your foundation a quick inspection. If you notice any cracks or crumbling, that is cause for alarm. A strong gust of wind from a storm or any renovations you may be performing in your house can cause serious structural damage that could put your life and your family’s lives at risk. 

Gas Pipes

If you smell gas, get out of the house and call your energy provider and the police. Gas is an indicator that there is a serious leak. But what if you don’t smell gas? It is always a good idea to know where your gas pipes are in your home and give them the once over to make sure everything is okay. Keep the pipes clear and don’t store anything around them. One small puncture or crack could cause your house to explode. 

Inspect Your Roof

If you have a ladder and you are not afraid of heights, get on the ladder and give your roof a glance. If you notice broken tiles, loose tiles, clogged gutters, or missing tiles, get them fixed immediately. You may have rainwater leaking into your home and you don’t know it. That leak can cause a weakening of your roof, and if you live in a place that gets snow, the weight of the snow can cause your roof to collapse while you are inside. 

Taking the time to do a self-inspection before calling the experts will save you a lot of headaches, damage, and danger in the future. 

Giving your living room a complete makeover can be a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be! In just one weekend, you can completely transform the look and feel of this important space in your home. Here are some tips to help get you started.

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1) Paint The Walls

This is perhaps the most dramatic and impactful way to change the look of your living room. Choose a color that you love, which will help set the tone for the rest of your decorating decisions.

If you’re unsure where to start, try looking at some inspiration pictures online or in magazines. Once you’ve found a color or two that you like, head to your local hardware store to pick up some paint samples. Paint a large swath of each color on different walls in your living room and live with them for a few days before making your final decision.

Don’t forget to also paint the trim! This will help give your living room a polished and put-together look.

2) Paint Your Furniture

Another great way to give your living room a fresh look is by painting your furniture. Again, you can either choose a color that matches or contrasts with the paint on the walls or go for something completely different.

If you’re not sure what color to choose, take a piece of paper and fold it in half several times until it’s about the size of a piece of furniture. Tape it to the furniture and then use a spray paint primer to try out some different colors. This is also a great way to test out different finishes, like matte, satin, or high-gloss.

Once you’ve decided on a color, make sure to read the instructions carefully before starting so that you avoid any mistakes. If you are unsure there are a lot of guides on painting your farmhouse furniture.

3) Add New Furniture

If your living room feels a little stale, why not add some new furniture? This can be a great way to inject some new life into the space.

When choosing new furniture, think about what you want to use in the living room. If you primarily use it for relaxing and watching TV, a cozy couch and chair might be a good choice. But if you often have guests over, you might want to choose something with more seating options.

Be sure to measure the space carefully before buying any furniture so that you don’t end up with pieces that are too big or too small. Once you’ve selected your new furniture, take your time assembling it correctly so that it lasts for years to come.

4) Add Some Decorative Accessories

One of the quickest and easiest ways to give your living room a new look is adding some decorative accessories. This can be anything from a new rug to some brightly colored pillows.

Try to choose accessories that will reflect your personal style and taste. If you like things that are bold and colorful, go for something bright and eye-catching. But if you prefer a more subtle approach, try opting for earthy tones and textures.

In conclusion, giving your living room a complete makeover doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple tips, you can create a space that you’ll love spending time in.

A roof is one of the most important aspects of a home. Not only does asphalt roofing keep you and your family dry, but it also protects your home from the elements. That’s why it’s so important to inspect and maintain your roof regularly. If you don’t, you could end up with a lot of expensive repairs to make. This blog post will discuss the importance of inspecting and maintaining your roof regularly, as well as some tips on how to do it properly!

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1) The Importance Of Inspecting Your Roof Regularly

One of the most important things you can do to keep your roof in good condition is to inspect it regularly. By doing so, you’ll be able to catch any potential problems before they become too serious. Some things you should look for when inspecting your roof include:

-Missing or broken shingles

-Shingle damage from hail or wind

-Leaks in the roof

-Damaged flashing around vents and chimneys

-Mold or algae growth on the roof

If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to have them fixed right away. Otherwise, they could lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road. It’s also a good idea to have your roof inspected periodically by a professional. A qualified roofing contractor will be able to identify any potential problems and suggest solutions.

If you’re not sure when you should inspect your roof or if it needs repairs, don’t hesitate to call a professional for advice. They’ll be able to help you figure out what’s best for your home and your budget.

2) Tips For Maintaining Your Roof

In addition to inspecting your roof regularly, it’s important to take steps to maintain it properly. This includes:

-Keeping trees and bushes trimmed away from the roof

-Clearing debris off the roof regularly

-Replacing missing or damaged shingles right away

-Checking eaves and gutters for damage and cleaning them out regularly

-Using a waterproofing sealant on the roof every few years

If you’re not sure how to do any of these things, don’t hesitate to call a professional contractor for advice. They’ll be able to help you get the job done right, and they may even be able to offer some tips on how to save money on future roof repairs.

3) Tips For Hiring A Professional Roofing Contractor

If you’re not comfortable inspecting or maintaining your roof yourself, it’s important to hire trusted roofing professionals. When choosing a contractor, be sure to:

-Check their license and insurance

-Ask for references from past clients

-Look at pictures of their previous work

-Get quotes from several different contractors

By following these tips, you’ll be able to find a qualified roofing contractor who can help you keep your roof in good condition.

The importance of inspecting and maintaining your roof cannot be overemphasized! By taking the time to do so regularly, you’ll ensure that your home is protected from the elements. Additionally, by hiring a professional contractor, you’ll have someone you can trust to take care of any necessary repairs. So don’t wait – start inspecting and maintaining your roof today!