Home & Garden

Solar technology has taken a giant leap forward in the past years, and the introduction of solar powered gate openers has definitely made an impact as homeowners now have another option at their disposal when it comes to the manner in which they access their property, as well as keep it safe from intruders. The cost of solar panels has considerably decreased as well, which made consumers more interested in all systems that rely on solar technology. However, unbiased reviews bring to light both the benefits and the downsides of the solar-powered gate opening systems, and it is in your best interest to undergo proper research before you reach a decision. How you benefit from the solar-powered system: Lower energy bills The most obvious perk of them all is that you spend less mo...

Garage doors need to endure a lot of wear and tear. This is because they are opened and closed several times every day. Therefore, it is only a matter of time until something goes wrong with your garage door and you need to have it repaired. This is not the type of repair that you should attempt on your own. You would be wise to call a professional to handle this task. The company you decide to hire is a very big decision. Choosing the wrong company could create some huge headaches for yourself. Here are a few tips on how to go about selecting the right company to fix your broken garage door. 1. Read online reviews of garage door repair companies that operate in your area. You need to get a sense of which companies satisfy their customers on a regular basis. One of the best ways ...

Save on Appliances Whether it’s discounted refrigerators or marked down gas ranges, there are plenty of options to help you cut costs on the most expensive pieces in your kitchen. Don’t overlook scratch and dent appliances before giving them a chance. Many times, the cosmetic flaws are small enough to go unnoticed or may be located on a side of the appliance that won’t be visible once it’s installed. If you want to buy new, many retailers and suppliers offer deep discounts and rebates when purchasing multiple products or buying at a certain time of year. Do your research to find out if waiting a few weeks could save you some serious cash. Lay Tile and Hardwood Yourself If your kitchen needs updating, chances are you really want to complete the look with new tile or hardwood floors

In most cities, there are many companies that offer moving services. These companies have a variety of ways for you to get a quote. Some movers offer a dedicated call center that will provide you with an estimated cost. There are other companies that utilize an online form for their customers. Whenever you call or fill out a form, you need to remember that these are just estimates. You cannot get an accurate cost without the movers coming out to your home. For a more definitive quote, you want to set up an in-home estimate. During this process, the movers will look at your belongings and determine the correct price for the move. It is also important to get several estimates from different companies. These quotes will allow you to compare costs and find the company that will fit your bu...

Even the most reliable air conditioning unit will need to be replaced eventually, and it's up to you to recognize when this time has come. Here are a few signs to watch for. Higher Utility Bills The first sign that you might need a new AC unit is that your utility bills have been higher than usual lately. This is often a sign that your HVAC system is working less efficiently than it used to, which means it's starting to show its age. Strange Sounds If your air conditioner is on its last legs, you might notice sounds such as knocking, rattling, or even grinding coming from the unit or the ducts. An air conditioner should be nearly silent, so any sound that wasn't there before is a sign of trouble. You Have an Older Unit A good air conditioning unit that has undergone r...

If you’re struggling with how to decorate a small room in your home without making it feel too cluttered, you’re not alone. Many homeowners have at least one decor problem with their home that they struggle with on an ongoing basis, and navigating the issues around having an awkwardly-small room is one of the most common problems. If you’re ready to fix the issues with your small room once and for all, there are some simple tips you can follow to open up your room and make it feel larger and more open. Declutter The first thing you should do with your room is to completely declutter. Drag all your furniture and decor into another room so you are starting with a blank slate. Before you put anything back into your room, decide if it makes sense in that room or if it could be better sui

Cabins are a wonderful place to relax and reconnect with nature. While you can find many cabins located along lakes and rivers around the world, there are others who are hidden deep in the forest. If you have a woodside forest or would just like to decorate your home with a rustic wooden cabin theme, then be sure to incorporate these tips. Use Muted Colors Muted colors like rich browns, coal blacks and spruce greens are popular color choices when decorating a wood cabin. While you can paint the walls, these colors, you can also incorporate them through using bedspreads and throws. Think about hanging art, like wild birds art, on the walls that feature these colors. Create a Fireplace A fireplace helps create the rustic cabin feeling. You can have a real one installed, use an electr...

There are many reasons to consider epoxy floor coating, appearance being just one of them. A few of the advantages include a seamless finish, stain and fade resistance, and a broad color variety you can use to make your pick. You'll find epoxy a perfect alternative to many of the other flooring types commonly used over concrete, and it offers a lot of unique benefits for whatever space where you decide to use it. A Perfect, Seamless Finish Both paint and sealants tend to peel, requiring a lot of regular upkeep, especially on high-traffic floors where appearance is everything. Tiles offer a lot of variety, but often end up coming loose, which is unsightly and causes a fall risk if someone is unaware of a tile being loose. When you choose epoxy, you'll have a seamless look throughout...

If you are considering building a home, you probably have already been looking around for design ideas. More than likely you have noticed that many developments have homes that look quite similar. They just do not seem to suit what you have in mind for your new home. Many homes are built with the average family in mind. However, no two families are alike, and each has their own ideas of how their home should look. Choose the Style That Suits Your Family Your home does not have to stand out like a sore thumb, but it should have features that you want and desire. The design may be something you have always wanted in a home. Maybe memories of visiting your grandmother's home when you were a child have an influence on the type of home you envision. This is why services such as Perch ...

The climate in cities like Houston, Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, San Diego and the likes is humid. For example, the relative humidity in Houston is 78%, but it can go as high as 90% during the summer. Consequently, the home interior humidity in this city will be very high and bathrooms in such homes can suffer the brunt of excess humidity. EPA is of the opinion that any humidity rating higher than 60% is not ideal. Therefore, the Houston humidity can be labeled as being above board.   Humidity in the bathroom can cause molds to grow on the walls, furniture, and even the piping. The bathroom would become unhealthy since the humidity can increase the bacterial load in the room and make the place not as healthy as it is supposed to be. The air too will be tainted, and one may end up...