Home Archives - Page 2 of 11

5 Ways to Make Moving Less Stressful

July 10, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

You’ve finally found the right house in the right neighborhood with the right schools, and the best mall in the state right next door. You navigated the mortgage minefields and managed to get a fairly decent interest rate on your loan without completely destroying your credit score. The negotiations were tough, but you finally got the seller to agree to fix the heat pump and the compressor and knock 15% off the price because of the roof that hadn’t been changed in 22-years. Now, you are ready to make the big move from apartment dweller to homeowner where instead of calling the landlord to fix the garbage disposal; you go to a big box store, buy an In-Sink-Erator and watch the YouTube how-to about 5 times before you finally call a plumber to install it. But, at long last, it’s time to move in.

1. MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

If you are moving locally, say within a 15-mile radius, you want to plan very carefully so that you get all of your ‘stuff’ out of one home, and into the other, within one day. This is definitely doable – if – you plan your day carefully and intelligently. This also means that all of the pre-packing of boxes, and labeling of said boxes, has been done beforehand. That way, you’ll be able to estimate pretty accurately how long it will take to pack the moving van. Unpacking it will take about one-third to one-half less time than packing because you aren’t mentally organizing the various objects to fit inside the truck.

But if your new home has narrow or complicated entryways and elevators to deal with – those impediments could increase unpacking time significantly. That’s why it’s a good idea to actually visit your new home, with a representative of the moving company, if possible, days before the actual move, so that you can both survey your new home’s location and pre-plan for any impediments that might be there.

2. KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING

Another benefit of surveying your home before your moving day would be to take the time and effort during this scout day to discover the very best route between your old house and your new home. That means driving the route at approximately the same time that your moving van will be doing so on your moving day so that you have some idea of what the traffic will be like. For example, it might be wiser to use surface streets for part of the drive, instead of a freeway because a factory near that freeway changes shifts at the time your van will be traversing that part of your route. Google Maps or Mapquest can be very helpful in your route planning because of their ability to help you change the route and offer alternatives.

3. PAINT BEFORE YOU MOVE IN

If scheduling allows, it is always a good idea to do repair, paint and remodeling tasks before you move into your new home. Also, paint takes many hours to dry completely and the odors and chemical residues during the drying process can be nauseating. But a good paint job is so important not only for the beauty of your home, but also for its durability.

If you are going to paint your home before your moving day, why not consult with a professional stylist to help coordinate your home’s colors to give it a coordinated look. The money you spend on a designer could be more than made up for if you end up changing your mind and re-painting several rooms multiple times.

4. WATCH OUT FOR THE HIDDEN COSTS

Different moving companies use all sorts of different methods for determining the costs of your move. Make sure you pin the company sales rep down on his/her estimate before your moving day commences. It is always a good idea to get an Outline of Moving Costs from any moving company that you involve in the bidding process for your move. You don’t want a big $urprise at the end of a day in which you have been going full-force for 12-to-14 hours and are, consequently, too tired and stressed to even consider haggling about prices.

5. BE PREPARED

In spite of all of your pre-planning, moving days, by their very nature, can be filled with unexpected disruptions. We can all certainly apply Murphy’s Law to any enterprise, like a moving day, that utilizes so many people and consists of so many moving parts. So, be prepared for the ‘wheels to come off’ some time during your moving day. If you’ve anticipated this, and planned prudently, you’ll be able to handle that disquiet with composure and poise so that it doesn’t spoil your day and you can eventually get back on track.

Judy Lees is a super-connector with Photographers In Islamabad who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, Photography, branding and networking. He frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing, digital photography.

Make Your Roof Last As Long As Possible

June 20, 2018 by Painter Mommy 2 Comments

Because you likely can’t see it in its entirety without a ladder, you might not take as good care of your roof as you should, and that’s perfectly understandable. If you’re in the market for a new home, you might use a roofing check list before you buy or sell a property. With that in mind, know that it’s better to take steps to maintain the performance and appearance of your roof over the years to help it last.

Perform Regular Inspections

Just because you don’t have leaks in your ceiling or missing shingles blowing off your roof doesn’t necessarily mean that everything is in order. Have a roofing expert come out and take a close look at your roof at least once a year, especially before the winter season if you live in a place where it snows a lot. That way, you’ll be informed of minor issues that can come with a major cost the longer they go unattended.

Keep Up With Roofing Maintenance

Besides regular inspections, tending to roof maintenance is another vital step in helping your roof last as long as possible. Specifically, you’ll want to keep your roof’s surface free of any debris that might blow onto it, keep your gutters and downspouts clear and look for indications that water might be seeping its way through your roof and into your home.

Know What You Need to Do to Take Proper Care of Your Roof Type

Depending on what your roof is made of, there are certain care tips you’ll want to make sure you follow to take the best care of it. For example, regular maintenance is key to making an asphalt roof last, and having a metal roof installed by experienced professional boosts longevity. No matter what material your roof is made of, it’s always best that you opt for a reputable manufacturer and brands to avoid problems later on.

Keep Your Gutters Clean and Repaired

Going back to your gutters, it’s vital that they remain clear and clean. This is because clogged gutters don’t drain water well, which can lead to leaks and pest infestations. Poor drainage can negatively impact the foundation of your home, and a pest infestation is an unnecessary expense for you to bear. Another reason to focus on keeping your gutters clean at all times is to avoid ice dams in the winter. Standing water that’s allowed to freeze on your roof can work its way underneath your shingles and cause damage.

Be Proactive

Don’t wait until there’s a problem before you take action; instead, you’re better off being proactive. For instance, you can keep your roof in good condition and your energy bills low by making sure your attic is properly insulated so your HVAC unit isn’t working harder than necessary, and so you aren’t losing air through your roof. Proper ventilation is something else your roof needs to better ensure humidity doesn’t cause damage to your roof.

A little time, effort and research are all you need to take superior care of your roof, no matter if you plan on buying or selling a home in the near future. Be sure to keep these tips in mind now and in the years ahead.

5 Amazing Tips to Choose the Best Dining Chairs to Add Grace to Your Dining Decor

May 30, 2018 by Painter Mommy 1 Comment

The dining room is the ideal place to enjoy your meal times and share memorable moments with both friends and family. Being a multi-functional room that hosts daily dinner time with your family, hosts regular Sunday dinner meetings with your extended family or hosts the ever-so-occasional special dinner parties, it’s important to decorate and make the place as beautiful as possible. It is crucial to make sure your dining room furniture matches your exceptional personal style to reflect your way of life, and ensure it is both functional and livable.

Among the most important components of a dining room is your chairs. You should make certain that chairs in your dining space are of the right height for the table, comfortable, and made of durable fabric. There are many questions you should ask yourself before getting the right chairs for your dining room. Luckily, the following tips will guide you to choosing the best dining chairs to add grace to your dining decor.

Buy easy to move chairs

You should consider choosing dining chairs that are easily movable around the house. Portable dining chairs can serve double duty as they can be used as extra seats in the living room when hosting guests. Furthermore, movable dining chairs enable easy change of your dining room design and appearance.

Consider mixing up the dining table chair designs

Acquiring dining chairs of different designs for the same room offers a complementary rather than a matching feeling. Mixing up the plan for your dining chairs provides a mismatched geometric setting brought about by painting the chairs in different colors or when decorated in the same fabric. If you are a fan of a particular style and material, say bucket seats, you should consider acquiring dining chairs that come with diverse backrest designs.

Settle for comfortable and high-quality fabric for your chairs

Comfort and quality are among the main factors to consider when choosing the best chairs to add to your dining room. Consider going for the best fabric that will offer high comfort levels to your guests. Having comfortable chairs in your dining room ensures you get the most value out of the products you have purchased.

Choose the best size for your chairs

The dining room is a busy place that requires clear and clean movement area. Selecting seats that are 18 inches in height provides the much-needed space as they can easily slide under the dining table. Your chairs should offer a minimum of 12 inches space between the dining chair surface and the tabletop to ensure comfortable seating while providing enough legroom.

Seek the services of professional interior designers

Professional interior designers and home decor experts will advise you on the best dining chairs to go for. Their experience in decoration will be vital in helping you choose the best chairs to add the much-needed grace in your dining room. Furthermore, you may consider exploring websites such as the Modern Dining Chairs for Sale at Modern Digs, which offer dining chair for sale.

DIY Tips: Master a Classic Milk Paint Finish

May 24, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

When it comes to discussing milk paint, it seems that many people are misled about what milk paint is, as they seem to think that it is the same as chalk paint. But the reality is that while chalk paint is certainly fun to use, milk paint is something totally different from chalk paint and it provides a totally different finish in comparison to chalk paint.

Upscale finish

Though it is possible to distress milk paint to achieve a finish that looks shabby and chalky, you will most assuredly realize the difference between the paints once you work with them. The outcome is that you can achieve a finish that is much more upscale and modern when you use milk paint. For example, you can create a look that is weathered or restored, which is highly fashionable these days.

No primer required

The good news is that no primer is required when you paint raw wood with milk paint. When you apply the milk paint, you will notice that it has the appearance of wood stain or ink if the color is dark. The paint will be semi-watery and will have a high level of pigmentation. You will love the intensity and vibrancy.

Dries quickly and provides a nice stain appearance

This paint dries rather quickly. It is not uncommon for it to be dry in fifteen minutes. You will enjoy the stain look it provides for wood once it is dry. This paint is unique by its own right and definitely does not resemble chalk paint when it dries.

Good coverage and no brush strokes

Milk paint seems like paint that is thinned out with water and the good news is that you do not need a lot for good coverage. And you are going to be so impressed that your brush strokes will not be visible when the paint dries.

Remove dry paint with wet cloth

You can paint two layers of paint, one on top of another. The fun thing is that when the paint is dry, you can gently rub a slightly wet cloth to remove a bit of paint to provide a distressed type of finish that you are looking for. Other paints must be wet for removal when trying to achieve a distressed look. This process with milk paint, therefore, is fun and intriguing.

As a result, you have much better control when being able to distress with a damp cloth instead of using sand paper or steel wool, which are required with other types of paint, including chalk paint. You will achieve a more subtle and blended finish with this type of distressed technique, which makes your projects look polished and professional.

Start your own project

Maybe it is time for you to try some milk paint on a lovely old table or dresser that you want to breathe new life into to match your updated décor. You will surely have so much fun with the wide variety of color combinations that are available.

So when you are thinking about DIY for spring, milk paint truly is a new painting technique that is great to try. Realmilkpaint.com has all the supplies you will need. The quality of the milk paint is impeccable.

Sweltering Style – Switching Up Your Patio For Summer Vibes

May 21, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

After the colder winter and the associated hibernation, many of us welcome the return to warmer climate through extended stays in outdoor entertaining areas.

If your home’s outdoor space is in need of a bit of a spruce-up, the following ideas may help you create a space which is ripe for summer enjoyment, right in the nick of time.

Gimme Shelter

Although the warmth of summer sun can be pleasant and relaxing, the full heat of Australian summer can also be both dangerous and uncomfortable. If you’re looking to get the more use and enjoyment from your outdoor entertaining area, it can be a good idea to install adequate shade and sun protection.

Outdoor blinds are an ideal way to block out direct light and to control the temperature and glare of an area. They’re also available in a wide range of designs and colours, meaning that you can find a solution for your patio which will enhance the area while providing you with much needed comfort.

Another excellent solution is shadecloth. Shadecloth can be directly installed to overhead wooden beams to partially block out overhead light and dim the area, without completely shading the space.

For a tailored and comfortable solution, combining methods of sun protection is a great way to ensure you get the most from your space.

Light It Up

Outdoor lighting is another key consideration if you’re in the process of revamping your outdoor entertainment area for summer. With longer evenings and warm nights, the temptation to entertain and remain outdoors grows, and so it becomes necessary to provide a source of outdoor lighting.

Solar lights provide a cheap and environmentally friendly way to illuminate your social occasions. They can be installed in a number of ways, including lanterns, spotlights and fairy lights – meaning that you can light the area in a way which suits your space and your occasion.

LED lights are another low cost alternative and are able to be installed to a level of brightness which suits your needs.

Consider providing a lightsource which will deter bugs and pests, such as a bug zapper or a citronella candle. These light sources can keep you comfortable throughout the mosquito prone months.

Taste The Outdoors

If you’re spending more time outdoors socially, it makes sense that you may be considering outdoor cooking facilities. The barbeque is a much loved and time tested outdoor cooking apparatus, and can be used in summer with great gusto.

For a high-quality change, consider installing a wood fired oven or an outdoor cooker to really create a foodie heaven. A wood fired oven can make more than delicious pizza. It can also cook cakes and roast meats and vegetables. An outdoor cooker is like an indoor stove – without the restriction of walls. These are great for preparing high dexterity and high heat dishes such as curries, stir fries and deep fried dishes.

Outdoor cooking solutions provide you with an extra way to cook at all times of year – even in the cooler months. You might find them particularly handy when cooking particularly pungent or less welcomed foods (eg; cabbage soup or kimchi).

Pump Up The Volume

Speakers. Music. Action! An outdoor entertaining area isn’t complete without a little bit of entertainment. An easy way to integrate some fun into your outdoor area is through the installation of speakers or a sound system.

Clever positioning of speakers will allow you to enjoy music outdoors without incurring the anger or wrath of any neighbours. It will also allow you to enjoy streamed indoor content or radio broadcasts without the need for a clunky, static-filled boombox.

Setting up your outdoor entertaining area for summer as easy as preparing in advance. Get your climate and shade sorted, figure out your cooking methodologies and choose a playlist. Then it’s time to get the party started!