7 Must-Have Modern Bathroom Electronics

Technology has made its way into our daily lives and there’s no stopping it. Home owners are pimping up their kitchen with ultramodern appliances, tricking out living rooms with futuristic home theater systems, and installing remote-controlled gates and garage doors like there’s no tomorrow. Whether its laziness or just the thrill of pushing buttons, one thing is certain, the demand for technology is soaring and will continuously invade even our most private dwelling places. Continue reading “7 Must-Have Modern Bathroom Electronics”

Avoid Plumbing Problems With These Handy Tips

Clogged drains and stopped-up pipes really suck. Or, don’t suck – which is worse. Unclogging a clogged drain or fixing a leaking pipe can take up a lot of time and money, depending on how much damage is done. This is especially inconvenient in a restaurant or medical environment where routine cleaning is necessary. Luckily, you can avoid channeling your inner Mario by taking steps to protect your plumbing before it gets out of hand. Continue reading “Avoid Plumbing Problems With These Handy Tips”

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Condo Unit

What to Know Before Buying a Condo
What to Know Before Buying a Condo

Buying a condominium seems to be a good idea these days. City Condos are great as second homes and also qualify highly as a potential source for long or short-term rentals. However, like any other piece of property, people should seriously take into account some important factors which affect the “livability”, equity and resale value, and maintenance of your property. Continue reading “What You Need to Know Before Buying a Condo Unit”

Prevent Electrical Hazards In The Home

Electricity is a necessity but it is one of the most dangerous things lurking in our home.

You can’t hear it, see it or smell it but an electrical hazard not only causes irreparable damage in seconds, it can kill.

Here are some of the most common electrical hazards that can occur in the home and how you can prevent them. Continue reading “Prevent Electrical Hazards In The Home”

Creating a Better Deck Space

Warmer weather means it’s time to head out to the deck to enjoy sunny afternoons and do some grilling on summer evenings. You’ll probably find yourself even using your deck well into the fall, or even throughout the year depending on the climate where you live. Whether you have a huge deck or a tiny one, do what you can to make the most of it and create a space where you, your family and your friends will be able to enjoy some time outdoors this year.

Make it Squeaky Clean: Your deck is probably looking a little bit dirty after the long winter, so give it a good spring cleaning in preparation for all the time you’ll be spending out there. If you have a composite deck, a power washer can get off any grime, and you can use a stiff-bristled brush and all-purpose deck cleaner for the detail work. If you have a wood deck, you should wash it gently to avoid damaging the wood and stain. You’ll need to strip and stain your deck every few years, so if it’s lost its shine, consider completing that project this season.

Choose Comfortable Seating: If you don’t have any seating on your deck, now’s the time to get some because standing out there all the time isn’t very comfortable. Choose a set that fits your space well and provides surfaces that meet your needs. If you want to serve meals outdoors, you’ll need a dining table of some kind, whereas end tables are sufficient for just setting down drinks. Bring new life to old patio furniture by power washing the frames and laundering the cushions to bring back their original luster. If you don’t have cushions, a few weather-resistant pillows can make a big difference.

Add Attractive Plants: Especially if you have just a deck and not much of a yard, some greenery and flowers can go a long way in making it a prettier place to spend time. Choose some annual plants for large pots or planters around the perimeter of your deck so they’ll come back year after year. In addition, put together some hanging pots with annual flowers or herbs to hang over the railings or dangle from your overhang, if you have one.

Install a Hot Tub: If you have a large deck, the best thing you can do to literally make it the hottest gathering place around is to add a hot tub. This is the perfect place to relax on your own after a long day or to spend some time chatting with good friends while you’re entertaining. Built-in hot tubs look especially inviting because they fit right in with the overall look of your deck. If your deck is elevated, consider installing your spa on a lower level of a cascading multi-level deck to make it easier to get in and avoid having it visually take over the space.

Your deck is really an extension of your home, so don’t ignore it as you spruce up your home for the entertaining season. Pick your projects now and create a timeline for completing them before the summer is over. Once your deck’s ready to go, consider throwing a party so your favorite people can come enjoy your outdoor space with you!

Holly is an Indianapolis native who works with her father in the real estate industry. In her spare time, she enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she uses.