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”
Tag: home maintenance
The right tools make DIY home repairs easy
Even if you don’t consider yourself handy, when you buy a home, you quickly learn why having your own tools is important. With no landlord or property manager to harangue when things go bust, homeowners are on their own to make minor repairs. And in order to handle all the little things that can go wrong around your home, you need to invest in some basic tools.
As you assemble your toolkit, take a look around your home for cues. For example, you may notice that most of the screws in your home’s hardware are compatible with a Phillips screwdriver. Get a general idea of what you need, and then decide what tools you need right away, and which ones you can buy later.
Becoming competent at home repairs
Making repairs in the home isn’t terribly difficult, but it does require some practice. It’s a worthwhile investment to buy a do-it-yourself guide to basic home repairs, if you truly feel lost about basic maintenance tasks you need to take care of, or how to repair common problems.
It might feel like an unnecessary expense, but buying tools and performing repairs yourself is less expensive than paying someone else to do the work. Good tools are also built to last for years, allowing for repeated use. Some basic tools that you can buy right off the bat include:
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Measuring tape
- Box cutter Continue reading “The right tools make DIY home repairs easy”
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.