Building an Indoor Pool: What You Need To Know

Are you considering having an indoor pool? I bet you have some questions you want to know including the cost, construction as well as advantages of having an indoor pool among much more. Looking back having an indoor swimming pool was considered to be a luxurious feature in any home, and who would have guessed that it will come a day when indoor swimming pools will not only be for the rich and famous? It is important you know about the dos and don’ts which mostly are the frequently asked questions by homeowners who are looking to build an indoor pool and at the same give you some insight on what you need to know. Therefore without further ado, let us jump right in the matter at hand! Which Is the Best Type Of Indoor Swimming Pool? There are three types of indoor swimming pools you can choose from, and they include fiberglass, concrete and vinyl liner. When comparing, the fibreglass pools in Perth are the best making them the ones which are mostly being installed in many homes. ...

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/Pools-Hot-Tubs-Saunas/10018-Building-an-Indoor-Pool-What-You-Need-To-Know.html

Garbage Disposer Troubleshooting, Repair Tips and Parts

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/appliance-repair/10017-Garbage-Disposer-Troubleshooting-Repair-Tips-and-Parts.html

Hot Water Dispenser Appliance Troubleshooting, Repair Tips and Parts

What Is Wrong With Your Hot Water Dispenser? Check out these simple DIY tips to fix issues like there is no hot water or it's too hot, leaking, there isn't enough pressure, and more troubleshooting ideas.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/appliance-repair/10016-Hot-Water-Dispenser-Appliance-Troubleshooting-Repair-Tips-and-Parts.html

Trash Compactor Troubleshooting, Repair Tips and Parts

Online troubleshooting, maintenance tips and expert DIY trash compactor troubleshooting advice from the experts.What is wrong with my trash compactor? Is it working? Maybe the ram is stuck? Find out simple tricks to DIY and make your trash compactor work again.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/appliance-repair/10015-Trash-Compactor-Troubleshooting-Repair-Tips-and-Parts.html

Range Vent Hood Parts and Repair Troubleshooting Advice

What is Wrong with Your Range Vent Hood?

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/appliance-repair/10014-Range-Vent-Hood-Parts-and-Repair-Troubleshooting-Advice.html

Water Filter Troubleshooting, Repair Tips and Parts

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/appliance-repair/10013-Water-Filter-Troubleshooting-Repair-Tips-and-Parts.html

Fixing Minor Problems Before They Become Major Headaches - Today's Homeowner

We helped condo owner Mary Leavins correct some annoying little issues in her home, before they turned into costly problems.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/fixing-minor-problems-before-they-become-major-headaches/

Essential Services that Every Homeowner Needs

Running a family home can be a full time job, especially if you are not organised, and even if you are a systematic person with good organisational skills, a burst water pipe could quickly cause havoc. Keeping the home clean is hard enough,

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/hiring-contractors-estimates/10012-Essential-Services-that-Every-Homeowner-Needs.html

12 Top Tips for Tiling a Bathroom

Want to save some pennies work on some home improvement projects yourself, such as renovating your bathroom? It’s well worth thinking about taking on the tiling project yourself. Even a novice can do it. The important things to remember are: planning and preparation.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/floors-tile-hardwood/10010-12-Top-Tips-for-Tiling-a-Bathroom.html

Top 10 Home Organization Tips - Today's Homeowner

Organizing your home doesn’t have to be a challenge. Take the time to effectively plan your projects out. Then give them the thought, attention, and time they deserve.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/top-10-home-organization-tips/

Can I Clean My Home’s Air Ducts Myself?

As a DIYer we love to save money and do things just like the pros do. So what about HVAC systems? Is it possible to clean your own air ducts, furnace, and air conditioner just like the professionals do? This is a common question that we get frequently, so let’s go over what you can and maybe can’t do.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/hvac-air-conditioning/10009-Can-I-Clean-My-Home-s-Air-Ducts-Myself.html

Home Energy Efficiency Key To Battling Climate Change

Home energy efficiency is the act of reducing the wasted energy used in houses. This could involve a building survey on a property in order to thoroughly examine its energy outgoings, and see where it’s being wasted.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/hvac-air-conditioning/10008-Home-Energy-Efficiency-Key-To-Battling-Climate-Change.html

Home Energy Efficiency Key To Battling Climate Change

On April 22nd last year, the Paris Agreement was signed off by 175 nations to mark global action against climate change. The first ever comprehensive climate agreement, the Paris Agreement has attracted much praise from politicians and environment figures from around the world. The United Kingdom is a part of the Paris Agreement and it seems the UK’s main climate policy will be to improve home energy efficiency. Home energy efficiency is the act of reducing the wasted energy used in houses. This could involve a building survey on a property in order to thoroughly examine its energy outgoings, and see where it’s being wasted. Home energy efficiency is seen as key in the UK to play its part in the Paris Agreement. Many business and firms offer building surveys for competitive prices in order to establish where your energy is being wasted. It could be through the ceiling, walls or elsewhere. A recent poll of 1000 British adults found that households could be wasting hundreds ...

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/improvements-remodeling-building/10008-Home-Energy-Efficiency-Key-To-Battling-Climate-Change.html

Home Energy Efficiency Key To Battling Climate Change

On April 22nd last year, the Paris Agreement was signed off by 175 nations to mark global action against climate change. The first ever comprehensive climate agreement, the Paris Agreement has attracted much praise from politicians and environment figures from around the world. The United Kingdom is a part of the Paris Agreement and it seems the UK’s main climate policy will be to improve home energy efficiency. Home energy efficiency is the act of reducing the wasted energy used in houses. This could involve a building survey on a property in order to thoroughly examine its energy outgoings, and see where it’s being wasted. Home energy efficiency is seen as key in the UK to play its part in the Paris Agreement. Many business and firms offer building surveys for competitive prices in order to establish where your energy is being wasted. It could be through the ceiling, walls or elsewhere. A recent poll of 1000 British adults found that households could be wasting hundreds ...

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/electrical-lighting/10008-Home-Energy-Efficiency-Key-To-Battling-Climate-Change.html

What the Colour of Your Front Door Says About You

Every life decision you make shows the type of person you are, giving away personality traits without you even realising it. From the way you dress to the way you decorate your home, it all gives glimpses into your wonderful mind – even your front door style and colour can give things away about you.

We’ve decided to break it down and look at what the colour of your front door might say about you! Let us what colour front door you have and if it’s a relatively accurate depiction of you (or whoever decided on the colour of the door).

Red

If you have a red door you are possibly quite a traditional person, you love to entertain and be centre of attention. You are a great host, very hospitable and passionate. You probably have a polished and slightly nostalgic decor – you may also be a keen gardener, often pruning your shrubbery.

In Scotland, if you have a red front door it symbolises you’ve paid off your mortgage!

Light Blue

If you have a light blue front door, you’re probably a calm and relaxed person. It has visual connections with a crystal clear blue sea, so you may be a bit of beach-bum. You also possibly enjoy bringing the outdoors in.

Your home tends to be peaceful and you are a grounded person who’s true to yourself.

freeimages.com/porah-54478

Dark Blue

This is a very common front door colour so you’re probably a very traditional person, family orientated and caring. You find you’re quite nostalgic so have photos of family dotted around the house along with family heirlooms that have been passed down generations. These are probably displayed on natural wood furniture.

Grey

You’ve probably negotiated to a grey door, be it in your mind or with your partner. You are prepared to compromise, however, you are smart and sophisticated, keeping up with the latest trends.

Your home is likely to be very stylish, possibly minimalist as you like things to be just so. Your friends and family know that they will have a great evening if they come round though as you enjoy the finer things in life.

Green

If you have a green door, you are ambitious and continually try to better yourself and your family. Because of this, you’re probably good with money, taking care of the pennies to ensure your family have everything they need. You also have traditional values, such as taking your shoes off when you come in, having dinner at the table every night and family days out are organised regularly.

You are probably quite an autumnal person who enjoys the colourful season, comforting food and warm nights in with the family. You are at one with nature, choosing to blend in rather than stand out.

Black

Like the famous No.10, this is a home in order and control. It oozes power, authority, sophistication and wealth. You’re a cultured individual who has a good grip on life with vast experiences to have you prepared for anything thrown at you.

A black front door is simple and elegant, which leaves you plenty of headroom to concentrate on other important things in your life – it gives you the option to accessorise your door and home too.

White

A white door is clean and clinical, there’s no dramas with your life. You like to keep things in their rightful place, no clutter and definitely no dirt or grime lingering in your home. Cobwebs can only dream of forming in the corners of your rooms.

Organisation is key to the running of this house!

Natural Wood

Everyone is given a very warm welcome to this home as you are very generous and down to Earth. You are a child of Mother Nature and help nurture all creatures, great and small. Plants and shrubbery blossom in your home and you can guarantee you have a family pet for you to love.

Your garden is a haven and there’s probably a bird-feeder hanging from a tree and an insect hotel tucked away at the bottom of your garden.

Yellow

You’ve put yourself well and truly out there with your yellow front door because you are a flamboyant outgoing and vibrant person. Creativity flows in this house and guests are welcomed with open arms and probably a cocktail with a sparkler!

We bet you’re a morning person too, rising at the crack of dawn with the beautiful sunshine.

freeimages.com/sumeja-50491

Brown

If you have a brown front door you are warm, stable and reliable. You don’t like to be as bold as Mr Yellow next door, instead you are quite the opposite, enjoying the private, quiet life. This doesn’t mean you’re not caring or family orientated, just a lot more subdued than your eccentric neighbour.

Glass

A glass front door signifies that you are open minded, friendly, outgoing and are very honest. You have nothing to hide and if anything, you’re proud of who you are and what you have.

These descriptions are obviously a bit tongue in cheek and it doesn’t apply if you didn’t choose the colour of your front door! If you didn’t choose the colour, maybe you should get in touch with Anglian and pick a new front door you do want.

 

The post What the Colour of Your Front Door Says About You appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/home-news/colour-front-door-says/

How to Achieve a Stylish Eco-Friendly Kitchen Design

Ensuring your kitchen is environmentally friendly does not mean you have to sacrifice its stylishness. There is a widely held misconception that one cannot have both an elegant, chic and modern kitchen as well as embracing eco-friendliness. However, these things are not mutually exclusive. Eco-friendly products can not only protect the environment and save money around the household; they can also improve your home by giving it a fresh, unique aesthetic.

Investing in stainless steel

Homeowners looking to invest in some new products to renovate their kitchen should keep stainless steel in mind. Cabinets, shelving, worktops, sinks – most of the main items one might need for their kitchen can be purchased in stainless steel. They are made from up to 70% recycled material and therefore are a great choice for those keen to reduce their carbon footprint. Equally important, however, is that fact that a stainless steel kitchen is incredibly stylish. It can create an industrial chic aesthetic that is trendy in contemporary homes.

Salvaging recycled products

While stainless steel requires some financial investment, some of the finest eco-friendly products for your kitchen are far more affordable – even to the point that they barely cost anything at all. Many homes have managed to successfully attain a stylish look by using items salvaged from scrap yards.

From using truck springs as bar stools to repurposing discarded wood planks as cabinets, many people have used these items to create a vintage kitchen that is both cheap and eco-friendly. 

Related: 5 Steps to Healthy Interior Design

Choosing the right kind of flooring

With careful research, it is easy to ensure your home has sufficient eco-friendly flooring. For instance, vinyl flooring is often made from up to 75% recycled material and, when you want to replace it, is 100% recyclable after use. The soft, warm style of vinyl flooring, furthermore, ensures that you do not have to lose any of your kitchen’s comfort or quality.

Other eco-friendly types of flooring include linoleum and cork. However, these are considerably less fashionable.

Low-energy lighting

LED lighting, some of the most eco-friendly lighting one can find with its ability to save up to 90% of energy compared to conventional bulbs, might not necessarily be stylish in itself. There are, however, lots of creative ways that you can use LED lighting around a kitchen. Perhaps the simplest yet most attractive way is to install them under cabinets to achieve a post-modern atmosphere even in the most traditional of kitchens.

Eco-friendly painting

Many paints can be hazardous to the environment as they contain solvents and Volatile Organic Compounds. However, to complete your eco-friendly kitchen, you should look into using paints made from natural ingredients. Water-based paint is possibly the most popular but all-natural milk paint is also available, as are those made from minerals such as chalk and linseed oil deriving from plants.

There is little noticeable difference between using eco-friendly paints compared to traditional paint. A variety of colours and hues are available for whatever style your kitchen requires.

The post How to Achieve a Stylish Eco-Friendly Kitchen Design appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/home-news/how-to-achieve-a-stylish-eco-friendly-kitchen-design/

5 Areas You’re Forgetting to Spring Clean - Today's Homeowner

Here are five areas of your home that you're likely neglecting to clean, which could be affecting your family's health and your wallet.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/5-areas-youre-forgetting-to-spring-clean/

Tips for Excellent and Cost-Saving Home Repairs and Glass Works

When was the last time you did major repairs to the house you spend most of your days in? You know that prevention is better than cure, right? So, rather than waiting for your house to have major problems and all glasses in dire need of repairs, why not have the repairs done early? Say, before you see crevices on all walls. Lack of repairs poses a great risk to your entire household and passersby. Here is the guide on how to give your house the best repairs affordably: Get experienced technicians When it comes to home or window repairs, you have to have the best person on the job to prevent accidents or shoddy and costly work. It is advisable to hire a technician and/or a company that has been around for at least 10 years. What will the services cost? Go into the market knowing that there are different glass works and home repair companies offering seemingly similar services at totally different prices. So, before signing up for the services of any one company, ensure that you have ...

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/appliance-repair/10007-Tips-for-Excellent-and-Cost-Saving-Home-Repairs-and-Glass-Works.html

How to Stop Birds Flying Into Your Windows

Having wildlife in the garden is lovely, educational for children and helps make you feel a little bit happier that other creatures can thrive in your garden. However, one challenge for a feathered friends is knowing what a window is and how to avoid them!

Here at Good to be Home, we try to look out for all of Mother Nature’s creatures, so we thought we’d give you some advice to ensure there’s no injuries. A study in the US suggested around 1 billion birds die every year from flying into a window, so it’s tips we all need.

Day and Night Crashes

There’s a couple of reasons that birds will fly into windows. The reasons depend whether it’s day or night. During the day, a window is a reflective surface, so birds flying towards the window may see the reflection of garden shrubbery, trees or foliage and think it’s a safe flying zone.

Birds occasionally see their own reflection in a window and will attack it, but this doesn’t normally end with a fatality.

At night time it is nocturnal birds that are at risk, often flying towards windows with a light on in the room. Although the reasons for them being lured in by light is unknown, it is a big problem as the light can disorientate these birds causing collisions.

Image source

Improving the Birds View

Large glass doors such as bi-folds or French doors and large windows are the main culprits for such incidents. If you stand near where the birds often feed in your garden and you look at your doors and windows, what can you see? If you have a reflection of your garden, that’s likely to be what the birds are seeing.

You may be scratching your head thinking how you can help them, but there’s some simple tricks you can do without changing your windows. If you have a long garden, try putting the bird feeders as far from your windows as possible.

Alternatively, put them closer to your windows or doors (about 3 feet away) as the birds won’t be able to reach top speed and hurt themselves if they do decide your window is a good direction to fly.

Related: How to Help Injured Birds

If it has proven to be a major issue and you’re windows are a regular flight path for birds, you can take more drastic action by putting up screening or netting, about 3 inches from the glass. Make sure it’s taught enough to bounce birds off without hurting them.

You could cover the glass with a one way film that allows you to see out, but it makes the window opaque from outside, preventing reflections and confusion.

External shutters are another option, as you can adjust them to let natural light flood into your home, but prevents birds believing it’s a safe flying zone. A slightly cheaper option could be internal blinds or having cottage bars in your windows as they help break up the reflection.

Hopefully, this advice keeps the flying wildlife in your garden safe and prevents any injuries. Do you have any advice on protecting birds and other wildlife in your garden? We’d love to hear your tips – send them to us on Facebook or Twitter.

The post How to Stop Birds Flying Into Your Windows appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/garden-news/stop-birds-flying-windows/

How Handyman Services can be Handy

Living in the big city, where everything is on the go, life can get hectic and often times it is your home that may be left neglected over other more seemingly important things. With all the tasks you have to juggle from your everyday work, to running a business, attending to your social needs, and taking care of your loved ones; the wear and tear and even the damages in the home needing repair may be left until such time comes when the problem escalates. So for your small and big home improveme

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/hiring-contractors-estimates/8952-How-Handyman-Services-can-be-Handy.html

Top Things You Should Prepare Before a Big Remodeling Project

Starting a home remodeling project is always exciting. You have a new design in mind and you are eager to get the project started. You have a team of professionals from a reputable contractor already gearing up for the job. All you have to do next is start the project, right? Starting a home remodeling project is always exciting. You have a new design in mind and you are eager to get the project started. You have a team of professionals from a reputable contractor already gearing up for the job. All you have to do next is start the project, right? Well, not quite. There are actually a few more things you need to prepare in order for the remodeling project to be as effective – and as hassle-free – as possible. We are going to take a look at the top preparations to make in this article. Plan Ahead and Divide the Project Depending on the scale of the project and other aspects, it may be necessary to divide the project into several stages. The last thing you want is to have ...

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/improvements-remodeling-building/10006-Top-Things-You-Should-Prepare-Before-a-Big-Remodeling-Project.html

5 Ways to Use Wood in Your Home

Wood is a diverse, classic material and, as such, is a staple in homes across the world. From kitchen tables and rocking chairs to wardrobes and stair rails, our homes are brimming with products which are made from wood. With rustic and vintage trends set to continue their rise in popularity this year, we’re exploring 5 ways you can bring wood into your home in 2017.

Get creative

When it comes to utilising wood in the home, you can never go too big. Whether you’re lucky enough to have a home with exposed natural beams or you’re looking for ways to add a vintage feel to a modern interior, there are a number of ways to work this material into the design of your home. From introducing wooden doors into your home to sanding down furniture to expose natural wood, when it comes to finding your perfect fit, the possibilities are endless.

Start small

One of the greatest benefits of wood is its sheer versatility – giving homeowners and designers the chance to be creative across shape, size and style. If you’re working with a smaller space or just want to trial wooden features in your home, why not consider introducing smaller accessories like coasters or a clock? This will allow you to experiment without wasting too much time if you decide this trend isn’t for you.

Do it yourself

Wood is one of the easiest materials to craft with, so if you’re feeling creative, we’d suggest getting out your toolbox and playing around with some design options. Some of our favourite ideas include recycling wooden pallets to create attention-commanding shelves for plants and other small accessories, or wooden clocks made from trunk ‘slices’ – but the list is endless! There are a number of ways to get creative with wood, and you needn’t spend a lot of time or money on introducing this natural material into your home.

Related: 10 Amazing Wooden Pallet Upcycling Ideas for the Home 

Experiment with flooring

Wooden floors look fantastic in any home and, thanks to their versatility and varied options, there’s a lot to be said for a home with this flooring type. Whether you’re opting for solid wood flooring or choosing a vinyl or laminate alternative, this popular flooring type can brighten spaces and add a charming, classic feel to a home. We think wooden flooring looks great in any room, but is particularly well-suited to living rooms and conservatories, where light oaks or painted bamboo can enliven the space and provide a great base for decoration.

Find your theme

Wood can be incorporated into just about any style – so whether you’re a fan of the vintage theme or you’re looking to blend your wooden accessories with your modern appliances, there’s a style to suit you. Vintage furniture like wooden wardrobes, drawers or shelves offer an opportunity for you to get creative and add a touch of personality to your home interior. By stripping, sanding and painting existing furniture, you can give your tired looking items a new lease of life – without breaking the bank!

If you’ve been thinking about overhauling your interior in 2017 but don’t know where to start, wood is a timeless material that allows you to continue to change and alter the design of your home – without having to splash out on pricey new furniture items.

The post 5 Ways to Use Wood in Your Home appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/home-news/5-ways-use-wood-home/

How Large can I Build a Structure in my Backyard?

If you are really asking how big you can build without having to worry about permits and paperwork, that is a different issue than having an absolute legal size limit. So whether you are building a structure from scratch, or tackling a renovation job that requires more sophisticated services like concrete scanning, you should know your size limits before you begin.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/garden-landscaping/10005-How-Large-can-I-Build-a-Structure-in-my-Backyard.html

5 Steps to Healthy Interior Design

Environmental psychology has a history of thousands of years. It existed in the form of the popular Chinese discipline Feng Shui, and it was also studied in India where it was known as Vastu Shastra.

Today, we base what we know mostly on neuroscience and psychology. Numerous studies show that certain design elements awaken positive or negative feelings in people. These findings are often translated into the interior design world, where they’re used to trigger positive emotional responses and create a healthy and pleasant environment. If you want to live in a house that puts a smile on your face and is free of health-endangering toxins, here is everything you need to know.

The Power of Interior Design

Interior design, especially our spatial perspective of some space, can largely impact how we feel in it. A space in which you feel confined and trapped will affect your mood, creativity and productivity. In fact, things we usually don’t consider very relevant can be great mood-changers. One of them is the ceiling height. A study by University of Minnesota reviews the influence of this particular factor on one’s mood. It suggests that higher ceilings improve focus and creativity, and boost the mood.

Many other things related to interior design can influence your health and well-being: good air quality, space arranged for free circulation around the house, access to natural light, safe exit and stairs.

Each Room Has a Function

A 2015 survey showed us that certain rooms can, depending on their functions and design, produce very tangible emotions. There are some pre-established opinions about interior design no one dares to defy and for good reasons too. For example, there’s a common rule that the TV shouldn’t be placed in a bedroom. A bedroom should evoke calmness and be free of any digital distractions, strong colors and clutter. Each specific room has a specific function, and its design is adapted to that purpose.

Why Should You Go Green?

Your home is your safe haven, but sometimes it is a source of health threats and an energy vampire. Eco-friendly design makes sure that there are no such issues in your home. First, you shouldn’t use paint colors and finishes that contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are emitting gasses and can hurt your eyes and respiratory system. Second, save energy wherever you can, from eco-friendly kitchen appliances to energy-efficient lighting. Using organic and natural materials is an important feature of green design, too.

Related: The Basics of Indoor Gardening

Designing Your Personal Space

We spend an awful lot of time indoors. Designing a space that makes you feel happy during that time is the basis of a healthy and happy life. Here is a short checklist on how to do that.

• Use mood-enhancing colors (e.g. blue, green, yellow, lavender, pink, etc.);
• Include natural materials (wood, stone, reclaimed wood, bamboo, eco-friendly fiber);
• Choose functional and comfortable furniture;
• Infuse the décor with your personality through homeware;
• Allow natural light in (windows and skylights), and layer artificial lighting solutions,
• Introduce plants to purify the air and boost your mood; and
• Use soft fabrics and different texture to evoke comfort and bliss.

Cluttered Home = Cluttered Mind

Whether it is your living room or closet, excess things in your environment can have a negative impact on your ability to concentrate and process information. Physical clutter in your surroundings leads to mental clutter, which is much more difficult to get rid of. Decluttering your home, on the other hand, is very simple:

• Use multi-purpose furniture with storage compartments;
• Get rid of the stuff you aren’t using frequently (use a three-box method: one for keeping, one for storing and one for throwing away);
• Give one item to charity each day;
• Organize a garage sale;
• Use the 80/20 rule (normally you wear only 20 percent of your clothes all the time);
• Clear off flat surfaces;
• Categorize things based on similarity; and
• Use alternative storage solutions (boxes, bins, baskets, etc.).

When someone says “home”, you instantly think of a happy and healthy place, but that isn’t necessarily true. However, it can become so, when interior design complies with what we know from psychology and medicine.

The post 5 Steps to Healthy Interior Design appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/home-news/steps-to-healthy-interior-design/

Infographic: How to Improve Your Home Security

The days are growing longer and the nights are getting shorter, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precaution when it comes to safety. A lot of the time, home break-ins occur due to opportunistic thieves and so you should try reduce the risk of being targeted as much as possible.

From installing outdoor lighting to upgrading your window and door locks, making changes inside and outside can save you time and money in the long run. For example, installing a motion-sensor can be extremely effective – the bright light will make it easy to see when someone is approaching your house and possibly make them reconsider their attempt.

Sainsbury’s Bank has created a handy guide, full of handy tips and security measures you can take.

Making these small changes can not only help deter intruders but protect your property should someone actually attempt to break-in or gain access. Electronics such as webcams can be used as a home security system – making it easier to identify the thief and hopefully getting your belongings back.

Have a read through this infographic, and let us know on Facebook or Twitter which of the tips you’ll be carrying out this year to make your home even more secure.

The post Infographic: How to Improve Your Home Security appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/home-news/infographic-improve-home-security/

Enter the “Backyard Paradise” 2017 Contest - Today's Homeowner

Enter our “Backyard Paradise” contest from March 14 through April 9, 2017, for a chance to win up to $10,000 in Pavestone materials and labor to turn your yard into the outdoor living space you've always wanted!

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/enter-the-backyard-paradise-2017-contest/

Enter the “Backyard Paradise” 2017 Contest - Today's Homeowner

Enter our “Backyard Paradise” contest from March 14 through April 9, 2017, for a chance to win up to $10,000 in Pavestone materials and labor to turn your yard of the outdoor living space you've always wanted!

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/enter-the-backyard-paradise-contest-2017/

Buying Property Near the Beach

What does one look for when buying property? If you want to live in a serene environment away from all the noise and forgot about being right in the middle of the city where you get to live in the midst of all the madness?

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/real-estate-finance/10003-Buying-Property-Near-the-Beach.html

3 Tips For Hiring a Property Manager

Whether you're leasing one property or a high-rise full of condos, getting the right property manager on board saves you time, stress and cash in the long run. However, it's pretty easy for just about anyone to call themselves a property manager even when they have zero experience.

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/real-estate-finance/10002-3-Tips-For-Hiring-a-Property-Manager.html

When Should I Call A Plumber For Blocked Drains

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/plumbing-basements/10001-When-Should-I-Call-A-Plumber-For-Blocked-Drains.html

The Basics of Indoor Gardening

Although living in a city has many perks, those of you who appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature probably find yourself wondering how you can spend more time surrounded by that calming green and the wonderful flowery fragrances. People who spend longer stretches of time indoors typically have lower levels of energy, they are more prone to depression and anxiety and usually have other health issues.

So, what can you do to surround yourself more with natural beauty? Here are a few tips on how you can spruce up your home and turn it into a tiny oasis filled with plants that will create a charming and serene atmosphere.

Photo Credits: amber frye / the bird and her song

Flowers and Greenery

You don’t have to be a flower fanatic to take care of a few pots here and there. If you’re just starting out, there are many plants that are very simple to care for, take up very little space, and they will instantly improve the atmosphere of any room.

For instance, heartleaf philodendron can be plain or colourful, it can grow up a trellis, down your kitchen cabinets and living room shelves, or in a regular pot, and all it needs is some water when you notice the soil is dry. The parlor palm also grows well even in low light and it gives character to any room. There’s also aloe vera, a succulent which has wonderful healing properties, so you can also use it to nourish your skin.

There are many types of orchid, lily, fern and ivy that will go well with any space. Also, in addition to their decorative value, houseplants will serve as air-purifiers and humidifiers, and increase oxygen levels in your home. In fact, a touch of green can have a significant effect on lowering blood pressure, improving your focus, and keeping you healthy.

It doesn’t matter which plants you choose, get creative with their containers, layout and placement. Using wood and stone to design the area meant for your garden is an excellent way to create a coherent, well integrated green zone. For more tips and interesting ideas, look up home decor online and you might be surprised by just how many options there are for creating your own indoor garden.

Photo credits: domainehome.com

Delicious and Nutritious

For those who would like to take a more dedicated approach, you can include a small indoor garden to grow your own fruits, veggies and herbs. This takes more time and effort, so make sure you do your research and find a suitable plant-friendly area with plenty of light to ensure their growth.

Since your entire garden will likely be located in only one area of your room, make sure to choose plants that grow in similar circumstances and require a similar level of care. Cherry tomatoes and peppers make for an excellent start, while lemons and strawberries are also easy to grow from the very beginning.

Getting the right soil, fertilizers and nutrients is critical for maintaining proper growth and health of your plants, as keeping them in containers does require more care than if they were planted outside.

Photo Credits: Wonderful DIY

Get Organized

No matter if you’re only going for a few pots of cherry tomatoes or you want to build a versatile garden, you’ll need to set up a system that will help you keep your plants healthy and happy. Some plants need regular watering, while others should also be sprinkled with water from time to time. Certain greens need more nutrition to flourish, while ensuring regular light, ideal levels of humidity and perfect temperatures for others is a must. If you already lead a busy life, creating a schedule to remind you of everything you need to do can be of great help.

This might sound like a lot to handle at first, but a few weeks in, you will fall in love with your newly built patch of green, bountiful heaven, and you will quickly see that it was all worth it.

The post The Basics of Indoor Gardening appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/garden-news/the-basics-of-indoor-gardening/

Preparing Yourself For Major Home Renovation Projects

Remodeling any part of your home can be exciting. It will increase property value and for many homeowners the project is a great DIY challenge that simply makes them happy. The problem in many cases is that most of the jobs necessary for the major home renovation projects will be much more than what people can tackle alone. In many cases it is a really good idea to contract out the work. At least part of it should be done by specialists in order to guarantee safety, among other things. Even if you do the work alone or you hire a specialist, preparing yourself and the home for the project is definitely something of high importance. While you can easily learn about options like the storage unit to get rid of the clutter and basically all about getting the home ready, the same thing cannot be said about getting yourself ready. That is why you need to consider the following important things. Preparing Accommodations When Needed Building a home addition will normally take around 2 and a ...

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/improvements-remodeling-building/10000-Preparing-Yourself-For-Major-Home-Renovation-Projects.html

How to Make a Composting Bin - Today's Homeowner

Composting bins can be expensive. Here's how to make one from an old plastic trash can.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-make-a-composting-bin/

Ames Collector Series Leaf Rake - Today's Homeowner

The Ames Collector Series 26-inch leaf rake is designed so leaves are collected quickly and efficiently. It is available at The Home Depot.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/ames-collector-series-leaf-rake/

When Should I Call A Plumber For Blocked Drains

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/plumbing-basements/9999-When-Should-I-Call-A-Plumber-For-Blocked-Drains.html

Tips for a Cosier Conservatory

from 411HomeRepair.com http://www.411homerepair.com/diy/interior-design-decor/9998-Tips-for-a-Cosier-Conservatory.html

March Lawn & Garden To-Do List - Today's Homeowner

March marks the arrival of spring, but depending on where you live, freezing weather can persist well past the official start of spring. Read more to find out how to get your lawn and garden ready for the upcoming growing season.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/march-lawn-garden-to-do-list/

5 Ways to Entertain Friends This Spring

With unreliable weather conditions a key part of living in the UK, catching up with friends can often be put on the back-burner during the wintertime. But with March just around the corner, the nation is finally looking ahead to the warmth of spring.

As we leave the worst of the winter weather behind us, there’s never been a better time to reconnect with your nearest and dearest. From hosting a springtime coffee morning in the crisp outdoors to holding a family-friendly Easter egg hunt, today, we’re bringing you a handful of ways to open up your home to friends as you welcome spring in with style.

1. Host a bring-your-own-baking afternoon tea

From Shrove Tuesday to the Easter weekend, the array of national springtime events means you’ll never fall short of an excuse to treat your friends and family to a catch-up with home-baked goods – and that means that afternoon tea should certainly be on the menu!

A bring-your-own-bake event is one of the tastiest ways to catch up with good friends, whether it’s the chance to see who’ll bring the best bake or a fun-filled afternoon in aid of a local charity, an afternoon indulging in freshly-made cakes is guaranteed to be enjoyed by all.

2. Make the most of the garden and dine outdoors

We may fear the infamous April showers during the springtime, but with warmer temperatures and bright flowers beginning to bloom, heading out into the sun-drenched garden means you can make the most of an afternoon of good weather.

You might not be quite ready for BBQ season just yet, but serving deli platters or canapes and fresh fruity cocktails, after a long winter, there’s nothing better than enjoying a taste of spring al fresco under your conservatory veranda.

3. Spring clean your wardrobe with an outfit exchange

Spring is a time for welcoming the new and for many of us, this starts with the annual spring clean. If your wardrobe is also in need of a makeover, this is a perfect excuse to switch up your style and exchange outfits with friends. From out of season styles to outfits that no longer fit, there’s nothing more satisfying than cleaning out a wardrobe – especially when it means making way for the latest trends.

Hosting an outfit exchange with friends means you can give your least-loved outfits a new home, and encouraging guests to bring their own unwanted attire means you could give their old getups a new lease of life too!

4. Invite the family to an Easter egg hunt

With the schools breaking up for a two-week Easter holiday, having fun with all the family will solve any childcare issues – so you can still catch up with any friends who have children. Holding an outdoor Easter egg trail will no doubt get the little-ones excited over the bank holiday weekend, and the hunt for hidden eggs can be just as fun for the adults too. This is a great way to make the most of your garden and dig out those old weeds to make it child-friendly – so when summer finally hits, your garden will be ready.

5. Start a book club and share your thoughts over coffee

Whether it was a New Year’s Resolution to enjoy more ‘me time’ or you’ve been meaning to finish that thriller since your summer holidays, the post-Christmas calmness means there’s never been a better time to start up a book club.

Bookworms or not, discussing your thoughts about the latest novel means you and your friends can try an entirely new activity together – and by whipping up some flavoured coffees and snacks at home, you can impress with your knowledge of literature, and your skills in the kitchen!

With warmer temperatures on their way, there’s never been a better time to say goodbye to cosy nights by the fire and hello to opening up your home. From trying something new to traditional Easter time activities, our springtime ideas are sure to help you give spring a warm welcome in 2017!

The post 5 Ways to Entertain Friends This Spring appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/garden-news/5-ways-to-entertain-friends-this-spring/