Guest Post

How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Workshop

September 21, 2017 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Everyone has a creative streak in them. Whether they express this as art, music, photography, or even general craftsmanship, every artist needs a space in which to work and to create. For most people, this is as simple as giving over some room in the home to your artistic pursuits. For some crafts, however, such as wood or metal work, more specialized equipment is required. This equipment is often too large to be placed inside the house and is instead suited to a garage or dedicated workshop.

Setting up such a workshop can be expensive, but if you are passionate about your craftwork then it is a worthwhile investment. For those who don’t have the space to give over in their own homes, there is also the option of constructing your very own outdoor workshop. Below are some top tips for constructing your very own workshop outdoors.

Check Your Local Building Codes

Before you begin planning your dream outdoor workshop, it’s important to know what restrictions there are on the type of structure you’re allowed to erect. Building codes will vary between states. Also make yourself aware of the relevant regulations regarding wiring and electronics if you are planning to run power to your new workshop. Doing this stuff beforehand will make everything that follows run that bit smoother.

Local building codes will also dictate what materials you can use. Usually it will either be timber or steel. In either case, ensure that you scout out potential suppliers ahead of time and check existing reviews of them to ensure that you’re dealing with someone with a good reputation like Armstrong Steel.

Base and Walls

This is the logical place to start. You’ll want to first grade and compact the soil under where you intend to situate your workshop. Once that is done, you need to make sure that everything is level; lay some heavy blocks down and leave them overnight. Check that they remain level.

Rafters and Roof Work

Notching each rafter you install will allow you to fit them more securely, and more easily. Many builders also opt to use metal hurricanes to provide even more support. In some states, this is required by local building codes, but even where it’s not, it will make your build more secure.

When it comes to choosing a material for your walls, a simple system of batten and board is inexpensive and gets the job done. Make sure to seal and paint the outfacing board to protect it against the weather.

Doors, Storage, and Work Bench

These are usually the final features to be put in place. For the doors, it is a good idea to hold them in place using clamps and then paint them and allow them to dry before putting them on hinges.

If you’re into woodworking then you’re going to need somewhere to store all your lumber while still leaving room to work in. You can help yourself here by choosing a work bench that leaves enough room underneath to use as storage. Be creative with how you arrange the space you have. Once you start really thinking about ways to creatively improve your storage space, you’ll start seeing opportunity everywhere.

Building the perfect outdoor workshop is a fun project that, while challenging, will leave any builder feeling proud and any craftsman eager to take it for a spin!

Simple and Cost Effective Ways to Prevent Break-Ins

September 20, 2017 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

If you are worried about your home getting broken into while you are out or during the night, we have some steps that should help with the issue. Even though none of the below steps are going to give you a 100 percent guarantee of no break-ins, we believe these steps will ensure the risk is close to negligible. Here are some simple and cost effective ways to prevent break-ins.

Stop Showing Off

It may sound obvious, but if you are going to show off your wealth there is a much higher chance of you getting robbed. And that is especially true if you are not living in a highly secure neighborhood. If you have an expensive motorbike or bicycle do not leave it out unattended. If you have pricey electronics do not throw the boxes they came in to an area that is clearly visible to those who are passing by. And if you have those expensive electronics set up in the house avoid leaving the drapes or shades open while you’re out so that everyone can see your huge screen TV.

Trick Burglars

One of the best ways to ensure you are not robbed is to give the illusion that you are always home. Even when you are heading to work, keep one or two lights on. You may even want to leave the TV on or some music playing as that will really make people think there is someone in the house. Statistics show that a break in is far less likely if someone is home.

Secure Your Windows

It is always a good idea to keep all of your sliding doors and windows secured. You may think no one is going to realize your back sliding door does not lock, but all it takes is for a burglar to try getting inside. We suggest connecting with locksmiths in Perth so they can help you get all of these doors and windows secured. It is much better to be safe instead of coming home to a place that was robbed because your window was unsecure.

Stop Leaving Spares

We have all seen this in many movies or television shows –homeowners leaving a key under the mat or a nearby pot. Do NOT do this under any circumstances. Unless it is for a specific occasion and the key will only be there for a couple of hours, it is a bad idea. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that burglars don’t know this too! The first thing they’ll do is look for a ‘hidden’ key – and they know all the good hiding spots.

Get an Alarm System

With most alarm systems, you are getting a high level of protection for a very low price. And sometimes all it takes is having one of those signs in your front yard that says you are a customer for an alarm company. It will deter burglars, because they know that an alarm is going to go off if they attempt to get into the house through a door or window.

Four Affordable Mattress Options Every Flat Owner Should Consider

September 19, 2017 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Every home has limited space – it goes without saying that this doubly applies to flats. With small bedrooms (and small rooms in general), you only have so much space to accommodate a mattress or sleeping area. Because of this, you want to get the absolute maximum efficiency out of the process.

Some bed types take up more space than others, and others may not even fit through smaller doors and entry ways. As such, seeking out the best options that balance size with comfort should be a top priority. To help you out, let’s cover four affordable mattress and bedroom options that any flat owner should evaluate when making their next bed-related purchase.

Futons

Originating from Japan, the futon is the quintessential bedroom solution for those in flats or with limited space. Generally consisting of a mattress set complete with duvet, the futon can be folded into traditional seating solutions during the day and rearranged each night as a bedroom solution.

While the futon may not be the ideal solution for those with severe pains or particular back conditions, it is by far one of the most affordable mattress options on the market. Sleep Junkie rates the futon as one of the most popular bedding options in high-density areas because of its compactness and overall affordability.

Adjustable Beds

For those who need a bit more customization in their bedtime routines, an adjustable bed may be just the item. Especially useful for flat owners, these beds can be configured in any number of positions to maximise both floor space and comfort during night-time hours.

Much like the futon, an adjustable bed can be contorted to serve as de-facto seating in some situations (though not as ideally as the futon). Single- and double-partner adjustable bed variations are available, making it possible to procure a smaller, individual bedding option or something more optimised for two sleepers.

Bunk Beds

Many people think of bunk beds as ideal merely for children, but this bedding solution may go farther than any other in maximising floor space in tightly-packed flat environments. You’ll be able to utilise this option either for two children or for you and a roommate.

Ultimately, bunk beds are rather affordable, but the true advantage lies in how compact they are; you’ll literally double the amount of space available when compared to two comparable mattress sets.

Day Beds

Designed to function in many of the same ways as a futon, day beds add a bit more style to any cosy flat. These can be used not only for sleep, but also for lounging and hosting guests in common areas of the flat.

The best way to describe a day bed is a hybrid between a couch, bed and lounge. There are many variations of the day bed available at all price points, but many affordable solutions exist on the market that simultaneously maximise floor space.

Fighting for floor space is a common problem in any cosy flat, but finding a bedding option that makes things simpler doesn’t have to be hard. With these four choices, you’ll be able to spend less and enjoy more room at the same time.

Tools of the Trade – Fitting Your Kitchen Out Like a Pro

September 18, 2017 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

A bad worker always blames his or her tools, or so the saying goes. While this cliché might be a little tired, when it comes to how we work in the kitchen, it is still as relevant as the day the phrase was first coined. Whether you love cooking or dread the daily chore, there are plenty of ways that the equipment that you use can make a tangible difference to the quality of the food that you turn out. Let’s look at what you need in your kitchen to get the best out of it, whatever your culinary skill level.

Ware and Tear

The quality of your cookware sets drastically impact not only the food that you cook but also the experience of cooking it. Pots and pans that stick, stain easily or don’t cook evenly are every chef’s nightmare and can severely affect the experience for anyone, particularly those with less experience. You are far better served investing in something a little sturdier and upmarket than settling for a poor-quality set of cookware based on the lower price.

Cuts Like a Knife

I never cease to be amazed at how many people struggle through the food preparation process with substandard, blunt knives. This perennial frustration is easily fixed by ensuring that you have the right selection of quality knives on hand at all times and keeping them sharp. Most people can get by perfectly well with a decent chef’s knife, a paring knife and a Santoku knife. For extra credit, I always keep a couple of simple serrated knives to cut vegetables with tough membranes, such as tomatoes and bell peppers.

Like White on Rice

One appliance that I cannot live without is my rice cooker. My family are adventurous eaters, and we frequently sit down to Asian and Indian style meals serve with rice. Cooking rice on the stovetop is a skill requiring precision and attention. One slip and you can end up with a gluggy mess, or hard, undercooked blobs. With a good rice cooker, you can just flick the switch and forget about it, which is a dream come true for busy households preparing for meal times.

Microplane and Simple

A microplane is one of my best friends in the kitchen. These handy little implements are perfect for grating garlic, ginger, hard cheeses or nutmeg, as well as zesting citrus. Microplanes are far easier to use for smaller jobs than graters, and allow the flesh to retain juices and oils far better. Best of all, they are a cinch to clean and won’t end up shaving the ends of your fingers.

Can You Feel the Heat

Many home cooks struggle to get the balance right when it comes to cooking meat and poultry. Achieving a beautifully seared skin while ensuring that the meat is adequately cooked all the way through can be a bit of a guessing game. This is where an instant-read thermometer can come in exceptionally handy. Ensuring the right internal temperature is the secret to a perfect beef, lamb or turkey or steak, so utilize this handy tool to take the guesswork out of the process.

Going Slow

If there is one appliance that is essential to busy, modern lives, it is the slow cooker. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve hurriedly thrown in a random assortment of meat, vegetables, herbs and spices and come back a few hours later to find the most succulent flavors. These fabulous machines are incredibly versatile and will save you time while making cooking deliciously simple.

Understanding the Various Benefits of Regular Termite Inspections

August 22, 2017 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Pests are a nuisance. Controlling them is of extreme importance. They not only pose health concerns but also are a cause of property damage.

When it comes to termites, they can actually cause a massive damage to the foundation of the house which can create a lot of unwanted future expenses. Other than causing harm to the property, they also pose a risk to your health.

Many of us commit the mistake of trying to deal with the termites on our own. While some of us might turn lucky with the DIY approach, it is wise to leave the termite treatment to the professionals. A company which offers termite inspection in Ipswich told us that people often end up causing more damage while trying to deal with the pests on their own.

A professional service can help locate the source of infestation and hence eradicate it more easily. Going for regular termite inspections can help you a lot in the long run. Here are some benefits of availing professional help for regular termite inspections:

It saves your time

Bringing termite infestation under control is a time consuming process. In case you have bought the necessary products from the market and are ready to deal with all of it on your own, do know that it will cost you a good amount of time. On the other hand, a professional service has the expertise and experience to handle the job in less time and do it more efficiently.

It saves you from potential health hazards and safety risks

The products used in termite inspection need to be handled carefully or else they can cause harm to your health. In case you are following a DIY approach, you could land yourself in trouble by exposing yourself to the side effects of harsh pest control products. In case you have children at home, their health can get severely affected due to the effect of the harsh chemicals especially if you don’t take precautions. Take the help of termite control specialists who have the know-how about using these products properly. In fact, there are several termite inspection services which use eco-friendly products and thereby reduce the negative effects on the environment.

It saves money

As we said, termite growth can cause a lot of damage to the property which can be really heavy on your pocket. A termite inspection carried out in the right time can help you save a lot. When you avail a professional service, they focus on locating the source of infestation and targeting it thereby preventing any further termite growth as well. So if you choose to conduct regular termite inspections, it is a pocket friendly investment.

So, do you need a termite inspection?

Yes, if your house is made of wood, you definitely need a termite inspection. Even the stone or metal houses can have some parts made out of wood. Those areas will also require a termite inspection.

Conclusion

As you can see above, there are multiple advantages of getting your house inspected for termite growth. The earlier it is detected, the less damage will be caused. Also, make sure that you hire professionals for the job instead of doing it on your own since dealing with termites requires certain level of expertise.