How to Choose the Right Material for Your Deck

composite decking

A perfect way of adding a beautiful deck is finding the right decking material. There are different options you should consider choosing from, and the right choice is dependent on your needs, budget, and specific tastes. For most customers, the perfect material for decking is composite wood. Although it has higher upfront costs, it requires less maintenance, and it is more durable. You can consult your deck building contractors first. These are other materials you should consider.

Aluminum or Metal Decking

If you want to build a deck next to the hot tub, pool, pond, or lake, you should consider metal or aluminum decking. The materials can resist moisture and can be installed in different areas that get wet. Also, it is cooler in the sun. This is an added advantage if you like walking on the deck on bare feet. Also, aluminum decking is not susceptible to wood-boring insects. It is a costly option upfront. This makes it suitable for the decks and can withstand a lot of water.

Pressure-treated Wood

If you find the upfront costs to be high, or if you can commit to routine maintenance, you can go for a pressure-treated wooden deck. In this case, regular maintenance requires painting or re-staining and yearly washings. You should also expect that pressure-treated wood can crack, warp, and splinter. Most homeowners are concerned about the chemicals that are used in the treatment process.

Specialty Wood

nice deckIf you want to add luxury to the deck, you should consider specialty woods. Cedar and redwood are common woods that are used in decking. They contain oils that are naturally resistant to the weathering. However, this does not mean the materials are not weatherproof. They can weather at a faster rate as compared to composite decking, and they still require routine care. It is advisable to apply to weatherproof to prevent splitting, and the color of wood can change over time.

Composite Decking

You should note that the decking materials mentioned here are not the only ones that are used. For instance, if you decide to use composite wood, you will need to use other materials to support the deck. The good thing about composite decking is that it is weather-resistant and it is maintenance-free. If you want to install a gorgeous deck that can last for long, you should go for composite decking. Most composite decking manufacturers are now making products that look like hardwood.…

Ideas on How to Add More Living Space to Your Home

terrible hoarded stuff

When it comes to the storage capacity at home, there is no such thing as ‘enough’. It seems like everyone’s nature is to hoard stuff. Besides, if you have a family, do not blame yourself if you feel like your house has suddenly shrunken in size. Your loved ones want to keep their possessions too. And if you do not know the efficient ways to declutter things or to provide more space at home, everyone’s convenience may get negatively affected. Hence, get inspired first by reading this article. 

Build a Room Addition

This tip is a quick solution, but you must have enough budget for it. On average, building a horizontal room addition will cost you anywhere around $18,000. Consult everything first before you sign any deals so that the project won’t end up as a disappointment. If this is your first time of having a house improvement project, you must know that you can be charged with additional costs. And they can be overwhelming if you make new demands during the construction project is in progress. Therefore, research the materials and the model of the room thoroughly.

Make the Most of Your Furniture

space efficient bedroomToday, many furniture designers have realized how important it is to prioritize space-efficiency. You can find plenty of ideas on foldable chairs, Murphy’s bed, multipurpose couch, and storage contraption furniture on Pinterest. Instead of having a sofa dedicated to seating only, why don’t you buy the one that can also store your favorite books there? If you have never heard of Murphy’s bed, it is a bed that can act as your wardrobe too. Its design allows the mattress to be folded back vertically so that it can provide maximum space when unused. 

However, finding furniture as described above that is ready to use can be difficult in some areas. Even IKEA’s products don’t usually fit with the real situation at your home. In that case, hire a local woodworker. Find the ones that have published their works online because it shows their confidence in their quality. 

Rent a Self Storage Service

This option is the most effective, but it is better to be your last step to take if the others are not possible to realize. If you have a grand piano that has been inherited for generations in your family, yet you don’t like it to be in your house, then storing it in a professional storage service can be a guilt-free solution. This will also work if you like to collect stuff that tends to clutter the house, such as books, action figures, CDs, or toys. However, as you may have guessed, self-storage services will cost you some money. On average, you can be charged $50 to $75 per month for the regular size container. If you want to go bigger, the expense can rise to $300 per month. 

Tips to Improve the Value of Your Home

home

When you resale your home you always aim to make more than you bought it. Everyone wants a good business and increasing the value of your home is one guarantee to more money. However, it is not everyone who knows how to raise their home’s value. You do things thinking they will make your home better only to turn out you are spoiling it. If you want to attract top bidders, here are tips to improve the value of your home:

Maximize Your Curb Appeal

It is true that first impressions last forever; and once an impact is made it is hard to take it away. You need to give your home an appealing impression. How do you do just that? Work on your curb and make it an irresistible section of your home. Clean it up and add a few potted plants. You will be surprised how such simple tasks would increase your home’s value.

bathroom

Remodel Your Bathrooms

Of all the rooms in your house, your bathroom is the workhorse. Due to constant use, expect it to face a lot of tear and wear. You should try to keep it looking good and functional. Do some beautification of your bathroom every once in a while. For the countertops, use marble or granite. The dropping sinks are an old idea; you need under-mounted sinks. Do the small things that would make your bathroom look great, and you will increase the value of your home by a massive margin.

Revamp Your Kitchen

You should know that your home’s kitchen is the king of all the rooms. Any potential buyers will first look there before heading to anywhere else. It does not mean you spend an arm and a leg to remodel your kitchen. Give it a good facelift: add a few amenities and appliances. With a functional kitchen, the value of your home may grow by a 30% margin.

Make your Home Energy Efficient

If your home is an energy hog, its value takes a nose dive at the time you decide to sell it. Old houses are the ones likely to be affected by increasing energy use. Take time and make your home energy efficient. You could add energy-saving windows and seal all loopholes leading to energy loss. You could even decide to use solar power. With that, you will be entitled to subsidies from the government.

De-clutter Your Home

home for saleIf one feels like they are in a stuffy place in your home, it will never fetch you close to the amount you spend building it. It is time you to de-clutter and leave adequate space in your rooms. The illusion of space makes your home look bigger. This is an old trick that works for everyone. You do not need to have a big house as long as you can make good use of every square foot.

Your home’s value is something you can increase. You only to be smart about the “what” and “how” you keep your home. Follow a few of these tips and your home will be a gem when you decide to sell it.…

Bedroom Improvement Ideas

If you realize that you need to enhance the look of your bedroom, you are therefore required to look for new ideas to improve your bedroom. As we all know, the bedroom is one of the most integral parts of your home. That is why it needs serious considerations when it comes to designing. Buying expensive beddings and furniture is not the best way of improving your bedroom. Therefore, you need to ensure that you know some of the best ideas that will make your bedroom look great always.

It is recommended that you conduct your research and know some of the home or bedroom design ideas. One of the easiest way or ideas is to flip through some of the magazines on home improvements. Also, you can even decide to use art books. They are the best because they even have colored pictures of finished bedrooms. You can, therefore, copy their ideas and use them in your bedroom.bedroom

Some of the bedroom improvement ideas to consider

Use your own creativity and imagination

You can try to be creative by making a list of your favorite materials and colors. After listing them down, ensure that you look for a place where they have arranged these colors together. There are some of the colors that can be used in your bedroom. For example, blue can match with orange. Therefore, you can decide to use these colors on your bed spreads or your window curtains.

Purchase new linens

This is also the easiest way to update the look of your bedroom. That is why you are required to purchase a new sheet and new comforter covers. Your new linens, therefore, are likely to give you a new way to introduce some of your favorite colors into your bedroom. Though some of the comforters opt to be expensive, it is important if you can afford them and you will be amazed at the new look of your bedroom.

Replace your cabinet knobs

This is another important idea you can use to improve your bedroom appearance. Ensure that you purchase affordable and durable cabinet knobs. This will help your bedroom look great and also they will last for long without making any replacement. It is crucial that you visit more than three stores to compare some of the brands that are sold. Purchase the cabinet knobs that are made of good quality. Do not consider purchasing them at an affordable price.

Organize the inside of your closets

classic bedroomThis idea also can improve the look of your bedroom. If you organize your bedroom with the closet organizers, you will not struggle with paperwork and piles of clothing. If you organize your bedroom with closet organizers, you are likely to enjoy a lot of benefits. Your bedroom will always be tidy, and it will always look better. This, therefore, will save your time because it will make it easier for you that is if you are looking for something. Also, you can improve the appearance of your room by investing in the new headboard.…