If you’re looking to increase the value of your home and bring it up to date at the same time, remodeling your kitchen is a great choice. The kitchen is the heart of most homes, and as such, it should convey a welcoming, functional atmosphere.
Today’s kitchens are more advanced and sophisticated than ever, so the task of remodeling can be a bit challenging. You have to pay close attention to the functionality and efficiency of the changes you make, as well as the attractiveness of it all. Whether you go for simple surface changes or an entirely different look, it’s important to stay true to your lifestyle and budget.
Here are five kitchen remodel ideas to consider if you’re in the market for a new kitchen.
1. Cabinetry
If your budget allows, replace all your old cabinets with new ones, opting for solid oak, cherry, or even stainless-steel varieties. Darkly stained cabinets add a touch of warmth and hominess to any kitchen, so keep that in mind as you’re browsing the options.
If your budget isn’t forgiving enough to allow for new cabinets, you may want to think about revamping your old ones. Reface the old cabinets to freshen their look, and then rearrange their placement to give your kitchen a whole new feel. Changing the hardware as well will make it look as if you spent a fortune on remodeling your kitchen.
2. Make Greener Choices
Green living is the going trend these days, so why not instill that same thinking in your kitchen remodel? Choose things like recycled glass or concrete countertops, which are available in an array of designs and colors or opt for something a little more maintenance-free by choosing quartz instead.
3. Open Kitchen Concept
Open, airy spaces are very appealing to homeowners, and the open kitchen concept is one of the most popular. With nary a wall separating the kitchen from other rooms like the dining room or living room, it gives a feeling of openness that many people love.
If this appeals to you, be sure to check your home’s blueprints to make sure the walls you want to get rid of aren’t of the supportive variety.
4. Kitchen Islands
Adding a kitchen island is a great way to increase usable space in your kitchen as well as increase the value of your home. Kitchen islands are very popular among homebuyers, which is a plus if you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future.
5. Add Backsplashes
If your kitchen sink doesn’t already have a backsplash, consider adding one. Not only are they a great way to add pizzazz to your kitchen décor, they are quite functional as they protect the wall behind the sink from moisture.
Backsplashes come in a variety of sizes, designs, and colors, so choose something that coordinates well with the countertops in your kitchen.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to remodeling your kitchen. From surface changes such as adding a backsplash behind the sink to more dramatic renovations like knocking out walls, remodeling your kitchen adds appeal to your home and increases its value at the same time.
Whether you love cleaning, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, these quick cleaning hacks are sure to make your life so much easier.
1. Cleaning The Toilet
When it comes to cleaning the bathroom, the toilet is probably the worst part of the job. To make it easier, pour toilet bowl cleaner into the commode, leave it sit for a few minutes, then give it a quick swish with a toilet brush. Use disinfectant wipes to wipe down the outside toilet surfaces and you’re all done!
2. Remove Floor Scuffs
Hardwood floors are beautiful, but they require a bit of work to keep them looking great. For scuff marks, use a sock or tennis ball to buff the mark away. If that doesn’t work, add a small bit of baking soda and buff again. Wipe any residue away with a damp cloth.
3. Freshen The Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are great and all, but they can get rather stinky if not cleaned properly. To freshen your garbage disposal in a hurry, cut up a lime or lemon and run it through the disposal. The citric acid will clean and disinfect the inside of the unit and leave it smelling lemony fresh.
4. Dusting The Blinds
If you haven’t dusted your blinds in a while, this hack won’t work to remove the thick layer of sticky dust that’s sure to have accumulated. However, if there isn’t much dust on your blinds, close the blinds and use a microfiber cloth in a side-to-side motion to remove dust. Turn the blinds the other direction and do it again.
5. Deodorize Your Home
There’s no need to buy expensive deodorizer products from the store to get out stubborn smells in your home. All you need is a box of baking soda and a vacuum.
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on carpets, rugs, pet beds, and other soft surfaces. Let it sit for a few minutes and then vacuum. It’s really that simple and cheap to remove stale odors from your home.
6. Clean The Microwave
If the walls of your microwave hold more food than what you actually heat in it, this hack is for you. Cut up a lemon, add it, and a couple of teaspoons of white vinegar to a cup of water, and microwave the concoction until you see steam form on the window. Turn the microwave off, leave the door shut, and allow the steam to continue permeating the inside of the unit. After a few minutes, remove the cup and wipe the walls of the microwave clean with a damp cloth.
7. Shine Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances add a sleek, modern look to any kitchen, but when they’re covered in fingerprints, they can be quite the eyesore. Remove those prints and make your appliances shine again by using a soft cloth and some olive or coconut oil. Just be careful not to use too much of either oil as it will leave behind a sticky, oily mess.
The kitchen is often the most used room in the house, which means it’s likely the most visible, too. As such, even the smallest changes can have a big impact.
If you’re looking for ways to give your kitchen an upgrade without spending a great deal of time or money, check out these cheap and easy kitchen DIYs below for inspiration.
1. Replace The Faucet
One of the easiest upgrades that make a dramatic statement in your kitchen is to replace the faucet with something sculptural-looking and high-tech. The upgrade will make your kitchen seem more high-end almost instantly.
To complete this DIY, simply turn the water off underneath the sink and detach the hot and cold hoses from the old faucet. Remove the old faucet and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the new faucet. Once everything is in place and tight, turn the water back on and check for leaks.
2. Redo The Backsplash
A backsplash redo is easy to do and can change the look of the room without changing anything else. A modern choice in kitchen backsplashes is self-adhesive metal tiles. Just cut the tiles to the correct size and shape for the space, then apply them using the pre-applied adhesive on the back.
3. Update The Lighting
One of the most dramatic and effective changes you can make in any room is to update the lighting. Add some under-the-counter LED lighting using double-sided tape or small screws – if you can hang a picture on the wall, you can do this – or change out your old light bulbs for smart bulbs you can control with your phone. This will allow you to change the ambiance in the room to suit the mood with just a touch.
4. Replace The Drawer And Cabinet Pulls
One of the most cost-effective changes you can make in your kitchen to make a big impact is to replace the old drawer and cabinet pulls with new ones. It’s as simple as unscrewing the old hardware and turning in the new ones, so there’s really no excuse not to make this upgrade, especially when most hardware and home improvement stores carry a wide selection of handles and knobs to fit any budget.
If you’d like to give your kitchen an updated look without spending a great deal of time or money, try one or all the ideas mentioned above.
The average home is filled with microscopic particles that float through the air. These particles – pet dander, dead skin, cooking residue, etc. – can clog an HVAC unit’s air filters over time, leading to an increase in utility costs, potential damage to equipment, and poor indoor air quality.
Experts recommend changing your home’s air filters regularly (every 1-3 months, on average) to avoid the following.
1. Spending Excess Money in Energy Costs
A dirty filter on your HVAC system can increase your monthly energy bill significantly without you benefiting from the unit’s operation. When the filter is dirty, it doesn’t allow air to flow through properly, which means less air moving through your home’s vents. As a result of the ineffective air flow, the air that does reach the rooms in your home is less effective at altering the temperature inside the home than it should be.
The end result: your HVAC system operates for longer periods more often to achieve the desired temperature and you pay more in energy costs.
2. Your HVAC System is Less Effective and More Prone to Damage
Dirty air filters trap air flow and can’t effectively trap air particles as they should. As such, these particles collect inside your home and inside your HVAC system to the point they can damage the components inside the unit.
An HVAC system has a life expectancy of about 15 years, but without regular filter changes, it won’t last that long.
3. It Takes Longer to Heat or Cool Your Home
If your HVAC system has clogged air filters, its ability to move air to all areas of your home is diminished. Rooms further away from the unit may not be as hot or as cool as other rooms closer to the unit, which means the unit has to work harder for longer to compensate.
4. Air Becomes Stagnant
Decreased air flow throughout your home causes air to become stagnant. Stagnant air leads to more dust on surfaces and potential mold/mildew growth caused by increased moisture in the air. Sometimes air can become so stagnant that it actually changes the color of furniture and walls inside the home.
5. Air Quality Diminishes
It’s a known fact that inside air quality is many times worse than outdoor air. As technology has improved over the years to increase energy conservation, which is good for the planet and our wallets, it’s made indoor air quality worse, especially when people fail to change out their home’s air filters.
Since homes and buildings are sealed so well these days, poor indoor air just recirculates throughout the home. For those sensitive to it, this can lead to allergy-type symptoms and an increase in asthma-related illnesses.
Remembering to change out your home’s air filters can have a dramatic effect on the indoor air quality, as well as your monthly energy costs and the value of your home.
A majority of the population spends as much as 90 percent of their lives indoors. Two-thirds of that is spent inside the home. Sadly, very few of us consider how much our homelife impacts our wellbeing. With just a few changes inside the home, you can create a healthier space that promotes good mood and improves relationships. Here are a few suggestions.
1. Balance Social And Private Spots
Studies suggest that the key to happiness resides in the strong bonds we form with family and friends. As such, it’s important to have spots throughout the home that are conducive to socializing. Sharing a regular meal around the dining table is ideal.
Alternately, too much social can often lead to conflict, so be sure you have areas where people can get away to be alone when they need.
2. Have A Dedicated Workspace
Today’s digital world allows many of us to work from home. Unfortunately, most people who do telecommute don’t have a dedicated workspace. To create a healthier work and home environment, it’s best to have a separate workspace that you can close the door on at the end of the day. Ideally, the space will include natural lighting, a few green plants, and décor you find stimulating or pleasing.
3. Let Natural Light In
Research shows that a flood of natural light instantly improves mood and maintains good health. Adding natural light is relatively easy. Simply wash your windows more often and pull curtains back. Consider replacing solid wood doors with glass ones to allow light to filter through from one room to another. Allowing as much natural light as possible to infiltrate your home helps regulate sleep patterns and balance hormone levels so you feel better overall.
4. Heat Your Home Properly
A home that’s heated properly can have a dramatic impact on your health and your wallet. Cold, drafty, poorly heated rooms can be uncomfortable and weaken your immune system.
The first step is to ensure your home is insulated properly. This will help the heat stay in and keep temperatures consistent. Consider installing in-floor heating as it delivers a more consistent heat. Alternately, installing a wood burning stove or a heat source with fake flickering flames will give your home a feeling of warmth and comfort.
5. Reduce Noise Levels
Too much noise can have devastating consequences on our health and wellbeing. From being unable to recuperate from stress to not being able to sleep properly, constant noise is a bad thing.
While it’s very difficult to eliminate noise completely, you can soundproof areas of your home by strategically placing furniture or installing soundproof doors and floors. Try to have at least one spot in your home that doesn’t include any electronics to give family members a space of peace and quiet.
6. Eliminate Clutter
Cutting down on clutter in every room of your home can greatly reduce stress. Implement storage space to organize belongings and get rid of things you no longer need or use. A more minimalist lifestyle can save time and drastically improve your overall mood.
Rental apartments aren’t known for having large, spacious kitchens. In fact, they usually have barely enough counter space to prepare a sandwich on. If your rental kitchen is on the small side, the following tips will help you transform that limited space into something reminiscent of a well-designed, functional kitchen.
1. Get Rid Of Stuff You Don’t Use
As you pack up to move into your new apartment, get rid of all the kitchen appliances and gadgets you don’t use. For example, when’s the last time you used that panini maker? Or what about that espresso machine? If you haven’t used it in a year or two, donate it to the thrift store. Doing so will free up valuable real estate in your new but tiny kitchen.
2. Store Things Vertically
In a small kitchen, every inch of space is valuable, so get creative and store things vertically. The walls in your kitchen hold lots of storage potential if you use your imagination. Things like magnetic knife strips, hanging pot racks, dish-drying racks installed above the sink, and hooks for hanging aprons, potholders, and small tools all help you make the most of your limited space in a small kitchen.
3. Decorate With Everyday Items
It just makes sense to leave things you use every day out for easy access. For instance, brooms, dish brushes, and soap dispensers can all be used to “decorate” in a small kitchen. Look for a wooden broom, glass soap dispenser, or a natural fiber dish brush to soften the look of your kitchen while still getting the job done.
4. Light It Up!
Good lighting can make even the smallest of spaces seem bigger and brighter. Invest in new light bulbs that provide plenty of cool light that’ll wake you up in the morning and get you going.
White is white is white, right?
Wrong!
There are so many shades of white, it can be hard choosing the right one for any given project. Is it a cool white or a warm one? What vibe are you going for? A stark existence or a welcoming hue?
The color white, although simple in theory, is actually quite complex and it can be difficult choosing the right shade. Below, we give you some pointers to help you choose the perfect shade of white for your painting project.
Cool Or Warm White?
White comes with both cool and warm undertones. Cool whites include gray or blue undertones that lend a soft touch to the color. These undertones can soften harsh lighting and create a fresh vibe in the space. Many home improvement projects look great with a cool white rather than a warm one.
Warm whites, on the other hand, have yellow, pink, or peach undertones that give off a warm, inviting feel. Warm whites are best suited for rooms that don’t receive a lot of natural lighting as they lend a sunny vibe to the room.
When you’re searching for the right shade of white for your project, it’s a good idea to get samples of both cool and warm whites so you can determine which is best suited for your space.
Don’t Buy Before You Try!
It’s a bad idea to commit to a white before you’ve had a chance to see it in action in your home. Grab a few samples or paint cards to take home and really give each color a fair chance to show its beauty in all different kinds of light. You may be surprised to find out that the white you thought you liked really isn’t the right choice after all.
Finally, invite a few friends or family over to give their opinions on your samples. Fresh eyes can give a new perspective, so get a few opinions from other people to determine the right shade of white for your project.
There are literally thousands of shades of white to choose from, so don’t choose blindly. Go through the process and make sure to sample both cool and warm whites to eliminate an entire group of hues from your search.
Don’t get intimidated by your options. It’s only white, after all. The right shade will present itself in a quick hurry if you follow the tips above.
Value Plus 3% Real Estate INC | Value Plus 3% Real Estate INC
info@vp3.ca | (250) 308-1888
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🚰 Humidity in a basement is a problem for many reasons.
👍 If you’d like to find out how to prevent humidity in your basement, this article is for you!
Humidity in a basement is a problem for many reasons. Not only is the space smelly and uncomfortable, but it can also cause structural issues and health concerns, as well. There are several causes of dampness in a basement. From temperature changes and the presence of groundwater to excess rain and/or moisture inside the house, damp basements are a common issue for many homeowners.
The good news is, there are a number of ways you can prevent humidity in your basement. The trick is to be proactive in finding the source of the moisture and then eliminating it. Below, we give you several things you can do to get rid of and prevent humidity from being a problem in your own basement.
Get Rid Of Dampness Inside Your Home
Moisture and leaks from inside your home can cause humidity to form in your basement. If you know of any leaky pipes in your home’s plumbing, make sure to get them fixed right away. Additionally, you should turn off humidifiers, make sure your clothes dryer is vented outside properly, install and use exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen, and during humid months, run a dehumidifier on each level of your home to remove as much moisture as possible from the air.
Eliminate Outdoor Moisture Sources
Basements are humid enough without additional moisture coming in from the outside. Do your best to control these sources by cleaning out your gutters at least once a year. This will keep rain and runoff flowing away from your home, so it doesn’t spill over right next to the foundation and leak into your basement.
Also, it’s important to make sure your sump pump is functioning properly at all times. This is a vital piece of equipment that cannot fail, for if it does, it could mean thousands of dollars in damage.
Lastly, make sure your basement is as watertight as possible by covering the dirt floor with a plastic sealant, filling in any cracks in the foundation, and covering the walls with waterproof paint.
Prevent Condensation
Temperature changes occur in the basement quite regularly. This causes condensation to build up, making the space more humid. You can prevent condensation from occurring by increasing ventilation in the room. Open your basement windows on dry days to increase the airflow to help dry things out. Be sure to close the windows each evening and during humid/rainy weather, though, to prevent excess dampness. Lastly, insulate exterior walls and cold-water pipes to keep them warmer.
Nothing is worse than a damp basement that smells funny and is uncomfortable to be in. By getting rid of moisture in and around your home, you can prevent humidity in your basement.
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