It’s an undeniable fact that making improvements in our homes can be a satisfying and rewarding experience. But don’t be fooled: depending on the scale and scope, these types of projects can be colossal undertakings that, if left unchecked, can put a sizeable dent in the bank, if not break it entirely. So to avoid any potential issues that can cost you more time and money on your home renovation or remodelling, here are just a few money-saving tips that should know.

Include a financial cushion in your budget

A common mistake that many homeowners make is overlooking the additional fees and unexpected costs that usually come from home improvement projects. After all, there’s more than a good chance that you’ll encounter problems and issues that will require further expenditure. As such, it’s vital to include a financial cushion in your budget before making any commitments. In this way, you’ll avoid any costly and expensive delays. And as a result, keep your expenses well-within your allotted budget.

Avoid spending on impulse

Impulse buying is one of the reasons why a lot of homeowners struggle with staying under budget when tackling a home improvement project. So before you start spending your money, make sure that you take the time to shop around first and consider every available option first. Whether it is the materials and equipment for your planned renovation or the shower pod upgrade for your bathroom, exploring every single avenue will increase your chances of finding good deals and cheap alternatives. And as a result, allow you to save more money.

DIY jobs that you can do on your own

It’s easy to see why the majority of homeowners often take the do-it-yourself approach to home improvement. After all, not only is it much more satisfying to tackle specific tasks ourselves but it also helps us avoid spending on labour costs too. As such, so should you. But keep in mind that not all jobs can be done on our own. And if necessary, it’s better to leave specific tasks to the capable hands of experienced specialists. In this way, you’ll keep the risks of making any potentially costly mistakes at a minimum.

Stay focused on one project before doing another

It’s not hard to see the appeal of tackling multiple home improvement projects simultaneously. After all, doing so can help us achieve the home makeover that we want in a shorter period of time. However, it can be much more challenging to manage the budget in this way. So if you’re working with limited financial resources, it’s better to stay focused on one project before committing to another. It will save you money.

While generally associated with high costs, home improvement doesn’t always have to cost a small fortune. And by following the tips mentioned above, not only will you achieve the desired makeover for your house but do so at a price that you’ll be more than happy to pay.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

The Hazards of Roof Cleaning

It’s dirty, it’s tough, it’s necessary.

We’ve all experienced the severe storms that lead to mould forming on rooftops, which eventually leaks through to contaminate your ceilings. It’s not just unsightly, rendering your beautiful clean house ugly on inspection, it becomes a source of unrest as you lay in your bed at night staring into the patchy grey/black haze forming above you. It can also cause disease and is a severe safety concern for you and your family.

Though it is one of those jobs that you dread, not solely because of the difficulty involved in doing it yourself, firstly purchasing all the tools necessary, ladders, broom length scrubbers, and effective cleaning products, but being able to keep your aching arms up in the air for long enough that your scrubbing makes a difference. Then, in only days, after a change in the weather, having the splotches return and needing to do it all over again.

There is always the option of paying extortionate amounts of money to have it done for you, on a regular basis.

It becomes one of those jobs that you put off, but you tell yourself you will definitely get around too… At some point… In the near future.

But what if you could stop it in its tracks, way before it reaches this stage?

Roof treatment

What if there was a simple way to clean your roof long before these consequences made themselves apparent? What if you could clean any roof surface with a simple spray? One that can kill all forms of moss, mildew, mould, algae, and lichen. These hard to kill disease causing agents, from any type of roof, tile, slate, even colorbond steel. All you need to do is spray it on and leave it for a few minutes, then hose it off. This product will do all the work for you, and subsequently save you further money, time and effort later.

Health Concerns

Mould associated with damp buildings can trigger nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing and respiratory infections, a scary prospect for the health of your family. It can worsen the effects of asthma and allergies, and in severe cases, cause chronic, obstructive, or allergic lung diseases.

Lichen causes several types of skin dermatitis, dry, patchy areas of skin that become scaly and thick. Alopecia, a condition which causes hair loss, is a type of lichen that lives within the scalps skin cells, causing thinning of the hair follicles, producing the fluffy regrowth that looks like babies hair, and breaking down the lustrous healthy growth, of long strong strands. It’s very sad that that there is such dire consequences for something so easily controlled by cleaning.

Any damp, ventilation free areas contain the spores that can cause these very real culprits of disease. Your roof is a prime example of the perfect environment for which these pathogens can thrive. It will create a much safer, healthier environment for you and your family to get to the heart of the solution first, by roof cleaning after any severe or long term weather damage.

If you suspect that damage is present even if no rain has been present, wind can also bring the minute spores that harbour disease.

If any tiles are cracked or bolts gone rusty affecting your roof, fix these problems immediately. The consequences are dire, most electrical cords run through the roof, and if gutters are not cleared periodically as well, this could become a very real fire danger.

In short, it is getting easier to do these difficult jobs, with more effective and affordable products becoming available all the time, but these chores are a necessity for the welfare of your family.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

When buying a house or condominium, people take on a great deal of risk that can be managed by the right kind of homeowner insurance protection. But there are several types of homeowner policies, just as there are several types of homes.

Dwelling insurance for homes and condos provides a good deal of protection against a wide range of perils, but not all potential disasters are covered. For the most part, damage or destruction caused by fire, internal flooding, falling objects, lightning, and other perils are included in a typical dwelling policy. Internal flooding might be caused by a bad water heater, burst water pipe, or an overflowed toilet, among many types of indoor flooding. And a falling object might be a tree, meteorite, or even an aircraft that crashes into the home or condo.

But if living in a flood plain or wanting to protect against external flooding, such as might be caused by a rising river, flash flood or tidal surge, an additional rider must be purchased. And in many cases, those types of additional protection can be costly, especially if living in a flood-prone area, such as along the Gulf Coast or next to a large river. Many homes lack full protection against external flooding when situated near the Atlantic Seaboard, the Gulf Coast, or along rivers known for flooding on a regular basis. And the National Flood Insurance Program administered by the federal government limits flood policies to no more than $250,000 in coverage, making many homes and their owners vulnerable to damage or destruction.

And while falling objects generally are included in typical dwelling property insurance plans, protection against damages caused by wind or hail requires yet another rider and additional expense. Often times, such as during a hurricane, home or condominium might face more than one threat, such as high winds that damage homes and bring with them a tidal surge when a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. And homes vulnerable to tornado damage must have an additional rider specifically protecting against wind damage.

Also needing more protection through a dwelling policy rider is damage caused by landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Often times, a home located where earthquakes are common are damaged by landslides when the ground shakes, the soil becomes liquefied, and a steep slope suddenly breaks loose and takes out one or more homes in the process. Without a specific landslide policy added to the dwelling plan, the home will not be repaired or replaced.

Even when carrying a full range of protection against potential perils, homeowners and condo owners still could find themselves coming up short if their property is damaged or destroyed. To save costs, some property owners opt for actual cash value policies, which base claims costs on the actual cash value of the property that has been damaged or destroyed.

If a homeowner paid $200,000 for a home that is determined to be worth $150,000 by insurance adjusters, the property might not be restored to its prior condition. Properties can lose value for many reasons, the most common being depreciation over time or simply a market adjustment that makes the home worth less than its initial purchase price. Property owners generally opt for actual cash value when there are fewer perils and they want to trim the cost of their premiums.

To ensure a property will be restored to its full condition, homeowners need a replacement-cost dwelling policy, which will rebuild or replace the property regardless of its current value. Such policies cost more than actual cash value plans, but they do not leave the owner vulnerable if the insured property is damaged or destroyed.

Choosing the right dwelling policy takes a great deal of consideration, but the right decision will save money and possibly even the family home. Find good deals on dwelling insurance and other policies at

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

Nothing beats a long warm bath to end the day. It’s your time to relax and relieve stress in the comfort of your home. If you are looking to renovate your bathroom, you may want to invest in a freestanding bathtub for the ultimate bath experience. While you have the option to have a built-in tub, there are various benefits that you can get from freestanding baths that will make you want to choose them.

Make the bathroom look more luxurious

One of the top reasons why owners go for a freestanding bathtub is because it gives an instant facelift to the bathroom. It’s the only piece that you need to turn your ordinary space into a magnificent spa-like area. It can serve as the focal point of your bathroom. Moreover, this bathtub can make the area more inviting, and it will inspire you to keep it looking at its best.

Easier to clean

Built-in bathtubs are confined in corners, making them challenging to clean. It is difficult to reach those parts that are next to the corners, which will not be an issue with a freestanding one unless of course, you choose to have it installed in a corner. If you do not place it in a corner, it will be quicker and more convenient to clean since you can move around on all sides. Plus, some bathtubs are made from materials that are even easier to clean than others, especially the non-porous ones.

Better heat retention

As mentioned, these bathtubs can be made from different materials and some of them have better heat retention properties like copper, brass, soapstone, cast polymers, acrylic and enamelled cast iron. Since heat is not easily lost, you can enjoy a longer time soaking in warm water. To make the experience even better, light some candles, put essential oil in your diffuser and play relaxing music. You will feel relaxed and rejuvenated without having to go to a spa.

Hassle-free installation

You need to hire someone to install a built-in bathtub, which can take time. You also have to hire a plumber to do the plumbing work. It’s also inconvenient because you can’t use the bathroom while the bathtub is being installed. Since a freestanding bath is pre-built, the only thing you need to do is let a plumber work on the plumbing so it will have water supply and a drain system. It will not take a lot of time, so it will be ready to use within a short period.

Not confined in corners

You have more freedom to place it in the area that you want. It does not require the support of the walls so you can put it anywhere you want, as long as it fits the space and the plumbing system allows it.

If you decide to invest in a freestanding bathtub, make sure that you consider your space and the material. Other factors to take into consideration are the sturdiness of the floor where it will be installed and the price.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

 

It’s easy to see the appeal of home improvement for many homeowners. After all, it presents us with the opportunity to make changes that will increase the charm, comfort and value of our properties. However, careful thought and consideration are necessary before tackling any of these projects since they can just as quickly have the opposite of the intended effect. So to ensure that you achieve the desired results of your home makeover, here are a few factors that you should consider.

Make sure you have adequate funds for the project

There’s no denying that our budget plays a critical role when it comes to home improvement projects. After all, the financial resources allocated will ultimately determine what you can achieve. But don’t just rely on the estimates. Make sure that you have a financial cushion on top of the money that you can afford to spend on your home makeover. In this way, you will have peace of mind that you’ll be much more prepared to deal with any potential issues that may arise and prevent expensive and costly delays as a result.

Research the project that you plan to tackle

Before you start a home improvement project, it’s a general rule of thumb to research it first. After all, not all changes and upgrades can benefit a home. In actuality, some might even be detrimental to the comfort and look as well as the value of the property. And by investing time in research, you will avoid spending on projects that won’t yield the desired results. And in turn, save money in the process.

Not all tasks can be achieved on our own

In the interest of keeping expenditure low, a lot of homeowners will often opt for a DIY approach rather than hire professionals. And while it can certainly reduce labor costs, it’s imperative to understand that not all tasks can be achieved on our own. So before you decide to tackle the job yourself, make sure that it doesn’t require the expertise of a specialist. In this way, you will avoid making any mistakes that will be too expensive to rectify.

Always compare prices before making any financial commitments

One of the reasons why home improvement can be an expensive proposition is that many of us tend to buy on impulse. Instead, it’s a much more economical approach to compare prices before making any financial commitments. Whether it’s the Ashley North Shore furniture that you’ve always wanted or materials and equipment for your remodeling project, time spent exploring every avenue will allow you to keep expenditure at a minimum.

Regardless of scope and scale, it’s easy for a home improvement project to take up more time and money than we’re willing to spend. But by carefully considering the factors listed above, not only are you likely to achieve the results but you’ll also stay well within your allotted budget.

To read more on topics like this, check out the home & garden category.

If you’re surprised to learn that the singer Ricky Martin has launched his own lifestyle and parenting site, simply continue reading to discover everything that you need to know about his passion project the Piccolo Universe.

Everything you need to know about Piccolo Ricky Martin:

Ricky Martin is the creator of the Piccolo Universe:

International singer Ricky Martin decided to launch the Piccolo Universe in order to provide parents and caregivers a safe and supportive platform to explore lifestyle related content as well as parenting content. Ricky Martin also founded Piccolo Universe in the hopes that parents would be able to form an online community and to share parenting tips with each other, using his new platform.

Ricky Martin is the proud father of three children:

Ricky Martin is the proud father of two twin sons and a daughter, who is raising with his husband Jwan Josef, who is a Swedish Syrian. As Ricky Martin’s husband is multicultural, Ricky Martin is even more invested to create a parenting platform which individuals around the world can relate to. Instead of going down the normal route of creating a website that would appeal primarily to American or British audiences.

The Piccolo Universe is bilingual:

All of the content available through the Piccolo Universe is available in English and Spanish. Which was important to Ricky Martin as is a proud latino and was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. So it makes sense that the Piccolo Universe is bilingual. So if you’re a Spanish reader you’ll love having the option of reading articles and responding to articles in Spanish.

Ricky appears in many of the videos which appear on the Piccolo Universe:

It’s obvious that Ricky is actually passionate about the Piccolo Universe and is involved in the day to day management of his website as Ricky appears in many of the parenting videos which appear on the Piccolo Universe. So if you’re a Ricky Martin fan, it’s definitely worth joining the Piccolo Universe in order to learn more about one of your favorite singers and to discover the platform which he has worked so hard to create for parents.

The Piccolo Universe features must read articles that contain valuable parenting advice:

One of the main reasons to visit the Piccolo Universe is order to stay up to date with the latest parenting articles which provide sound parenting advice, which you may want to keep in mind. Better yet, there’s a comment section under each article, so if you’d like to further discuss some of the topics which are talked about in the Piccolo Universe’s articles, you’ll be able to chat with other parents in the comments section.

If you’re worried about online bullying and having your comments attacked by online trolls, there’s no need to worry as the Piccolo Universe’s forums are heavily moderated to ensure that all users feel safe interacting on the Piccolo Universe.

So if you’re a parent who wants the best for your children and you’re interested in reading parenting articles and lifestyle articles and connecting with other parents around the globe, it’s well worth visiting the Piccolo Universe.

If you have your heart set on dressing up as Piccolo this Halloween, simply continue reading to discover a step to step guide on creating a high quality DIY Piccolo costume.

How to make a homemade Piccolo costume:

Use long green gloves in order to give the illusion that you have green skin:

If you visit your local dollar store or costume store you shouldn’t have any trouble finding long green gloves, which you’ll be able to use to give the illusion that you have green hands and arms. This is a great idea if you are afraid of green paint rubbing off on your clothing or furniture or wearing off over time. If you have trouble finding green gloves, you can also purchase plain white gloves which you’ll be able to dye green in a bucket, using a bit of green food dye.

Create a Piccolo mask or paint your face green:

When it comes to creating Piccolo’s face, you have two viable options. Firstly, you can choose to paint your face green, in order to look like Piccolo or you can opt to make your own home made Piccolo mask.

If you’re keen to take on the challenge of creating a Piccolo mask you may want to print off an A4 picture of Piccolo’s face, which you’ll be able to glue onto a piece of cardboard. Such as the back of a used cereal box. Once you’ve cut out your cardboard mask, use a hole punch to punch two holes on the left side of Piccolo’s face and the right side of Piccolo’s face, so that you’ll be able to thread some elastic string through each hole in order to complete your DIY Piccolo mask.

Use a plain white sheet or a white towel to create Piccolo’s iconic cape:

One of the easiest parts of putting together a homemade Piccolo costume is creating Piccolo’s iconic white cape. As you’ll easily be able to use a white sheet or a white towel to create your cape. If you’d like your white cape to be shaped just like Piccolo’s cape, use an old wire coat hanger in order to fix your cape into place.

Sew a purple onesie or jumpsuit to wear:

The most important part of your Piccolo costume is Piccolo’s outfit. To recreate Piccolo’s outfit, simply sew a simple purple onesie or a purple jumpsuit. Remember to sew a blue sash or ribbon around the waist of your onesie to recreate Piccolo’s blue sash.

Find the right clothes to recreate Piccolo’s outfit:

Alternatively if you don’t have the skills or time in order to sew a whole outfit, simply pair a plain dark purple tank top with a pair of purple pants. As Piccolo’s pants fit loosely you can also get away with using dark purple pyjama pants in order to create Piccolo’s outfit.

Create Piccolo’s iconic hat:

Your last job will be to create Piccolo’s iconic hat. You may want to wrap a long white gauze bandage around your head before pinning a small circular piece of purple felt to the top of your makeshift hat. Or you may want to pin a piece of purple felt to the top of a white beanie. The choice is up to you.

So if you think that you can handle following all of the steps which are listed above, it’s well worth creating your very own home made Piccolo costume for Halloween!