Your house is more than just a building but a home. Having a home is always everyone’s dream and joy, especially after a long stressful day from work or during a vacation, knowing you can have your family and friends over at “your place” enjoying hobbies.  When you decide to build a custom home, you’re probably making a home you have hoped to grow your family and maybe even retire in.  Each day brings a fresh beginning and a new possibility for creating memories with your loved ones.

Custom Built Homes are perfect for buyers who want to build a dream home or house. The most understood housing segment where the complete floor plan fits your desire, taste, style, and personality. However cool it might sounds, having a home also carries its hardships in terms of maintenance and attention from the ground up as it not all about roofs, doors, and walls but creating a place where memories live and flourish. Make up your mind about the type of home you want to build is the most significant decision you will ever make.

Just as the name suggests, the act of building a custom home is less scripted because there are vast choices and menus for an individual to choose from what they think fits their taste.

If you are having a plan of having a custom-built home, you need put into consideration the following key benefits to help you build a perfect home for yourself and your loved ones:-

Lot Choice And Privacy – you can build a home on the land that you own or land that you have acquired, whether you want to be part of a community with other families or have your life privately. You can decide to build where you are comfortable and with all the features you need. There will not be any other person questioning your decisions as this is a free choice for the homeowner.

Customized Your Floor Plan – You can provide a floor plan or commission a set of floor plans drawn from scratch, entirely designed around you, and even make adjustments; these include Sunroom, reading room, breakfast nook, and man cave. With everything of your interest compared with working with pre-existing floor plans, which might limit you to some extent.

High Level Of Self-Satisfaction – You can work with an architect and builder or Building Company of your choosing, as long as you’re comfortable with their processes and policies. For instance, if you want to make changes as the work is still underway, the builder policy should be favoring you and enabling you to have the adjustments. Materials you wish to use are all from your taste and come from your chosen dealer, and friendly to your pocket.

You’re In Control – You will have full control over every detail that contributes more to the process from the ground to the endpoint, enabling you to make as many decisions and necessary adjustments as possible to achieve your desire.

Pocket Friendly – you can pick any product or material depending on your budget. Being the price of materials and unique features do vary with individuals, a custom home builder’s account is always in consideration from time go to the finish. 

Unique Finishes – During the planning and design phase, the customs building makes it easy to integrate unique features into the house. By doing a custom build, you are free to design your living room around furniture of your interest with any material as options are endless.

As incredible as building a custom home may sound over the years, custom-built homes still have come to some with all the benefits. 

Custom Appliances – for energy-efficient appliances, you can also find your own to customize your home further. Many people despise lugging a vacuum cleaner from room to room. With a central vacuum system, that will no longer be a concern.

If you hate doing laundry, you can purchase faster washing and drying machines. You will be amazed by what you can find to make your home precisely for you. misinformation related to custom-built homes and some may include:- 

1. Only For Wealthy People

Custom home budget depends on Size, Style, and details involved. Building a custom home means you are free and will make choices and decisions about everything being used and done. i.e., materials and how big the house will be, any other modification you will be interested in, and even the right floor plan that matches your budget.

2. Custom Homes Take Longer

Building a custom home doesn’t necessarily take longer. The period in building a custom home depends on the owner since you have more choices to make. So the faster the homeowner makes selections and decisions, the faster the process will go.

3. I Need To Have Knowledge And Skills In Design And Architecture

You do not have to know design or architecture to buy or build a custom home builder’s do that word, all you have to do is help make designs and provide the necessity to the builders, and the house will be up within no time.

4. New Homes Are Expensive Than Pre-Owned Homes

The name new home makes people fair to acquire a custom-built home, not knowing this is the type that will fit and adjust with their budget and lifestyle compared with pre-owned homes that will operate under the former’s specifications.

Conclusion

It’s essential to understand your options. Custom built homes are the last home that you should work on having and developing; remember, “There is no place like home.”

Explore Further: 

• Why Buying Manufactured Homes Are Still in Trend?
• 6 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Custom Home Builder

The art of architecture includes the buildings that you see, the stores, the shops, the cafeterias which are all products of architectural designs that involve the science of designing and styling buildings. For buildings to be put up a lot of entities are required which are vital for its planning, so that the engineers or the builders could have an easier time in projecting the required style of the building. Planning also helps in reducing the cost of the building.

In this article, we are going to get deeper by analyzing how the changes in water and sanitation (plumbing) of the buildings are key in designing. Plumbing is one of the vital things in building and planning. It involves mostly the creation of the water system for good sanitation and a drainage system like the sewer pipes. Most of the plumbers are also involved as electricians like the Sydney Plumbing Business who are among the top plumbers worldwide who also offer a variety of plumbing services at an affordable cost.

A plumber needs to be consulted at the beginning of the building since there is a lot of laying of pipes and drainage pipes that are supposed to be done at the building because this day’s most of the pipes are usually concealed under the building. In most cases to prevent leakages due to tampering. Once you decide on the design of the house arrange with a plumbing consultant i.e. Sydney plumbing business who will help you in coming up with the layout of the pipes and also give you an estimate of the cost for the materials to be used.

Certain ideas can be exchanged and changed to suit your needs at the initial stage of planning itself. Since you will most probably be building from scratch, the builder will have his own team of workmen including a licensed plumbing contractor, and will know the best and the most convenient way of arranging things.

Once plumbing work is done and the building comes up, it is very difficult to alter it so everything should be considered beforehand. If you’re renovating, you need to know if the old pipeline is good enough or whether there is a need for any change. To help you better understand, here are a few details about some services.

 1) Unblocking of sinks and toilets which in some way or another usually get blocked easily and if not fixed in time, this can lead to problems and can even because water overflow ins the house. To clean a drain, it first needs to be inspected to find the cause of the blockage, and then a suitable action to resolve the problem needs to take place. Sydney plumbing business provides service for a much better inspection.

2) Creation of a garbage disposal system helps you dispose of your waste in an efficient and environment-friendly manner. The garbage disposal system is power by electricity, where a garbage disposal system is attached to the sink and the trap. The trap is where a gathering of the waste takes place where all the waste products and shredded into small pieces, making it easier for the waste to run through the pipes.

3) Plumbers also repair damaged sewer lines which can be a nightmare to you and even your neighbors. Damaged sewer emits a foul odor that can be a health hazard, thus the sewer lines require immediate repair. The damaged sewer can lead to further cost if left un-attended since they tend to damage the foundations of the building, so next time you have a sewer problem get in touch with a plumbing professional at Sydney plumbing business for faster services, and quick response.

4) The flashing on the roofs and partials also need to be properly installed in areas where there is heavy rainfall, so that the gutters do not overflow when there is a lot of rain. Properly installed gutters are also eccentric for the purpose of water conservation, thus enabling a reduction of water loss. This is especially important for concealed gutters.

When you make an estimate for plumbing, it is best to make a rough sketch of the rooms and the plumbing work that needs to be done. Every room has some work either on the wall or on the floor.  The more bathrooms the more expensive the plumbing job becomes since taps and other fittings are expensive. Water taps consist of two types; either made of plastic or steel. The steel taps are expensive but are last longer.

It is always preferable to go for the steel ones since most of them are rustproof. The plastic ones are much suited when fixing water drainages on the farm to enable watering in the garden. This is because they are being used for a short period thus will be easy to remove. At times while making plumbing installation, many difficulties can arise with fittings, which have different sizes, shapes, and configurations of various components.

Apart from the major outlined things that plumbers do, which are mostly done during the outlaying or at the beginning of the building. It is also good to note that plumbers are like part of the building’s health line like a human being needs a doctor. You ought to get in touch with plumbers for repairs and other installations that you will require as time goes by.

Like Sydney plumber’s business who has a direct line, and are also called in when there is any problem with the water system within a building. To be able to obtain plumbing jobs and operate at a higher level, one should either train with an experienced plumber or go through a certified plumbing course.

There are many universities and colleges that teach those who want to train for plumbing jobs. But they also need to get trained under experienced builders before they are able to start taking up jobs independently, after getting the required license.

Conclusion

Once established almost all plumbers have very successful career opportunities and with experience, they are able to start their own private companies. So a plumbing job is a very satisfying and lucrative job especially if you are good with such jobs and have an inclination towards it.

Find out more:-

• Things To Compare When Looking For A Plumbing Company To Hire

Having a swimming pool at home can be a sweet deal, especially during those hot summer periods where you get to invite your friends and neighbors for those coveted pool parties. You will probably end up being nicknamed “the cool neighbor” where stay. However, awesome as it may sound, having a pool also comes with its own share of responsibility in terms of maintenance and attention. Maintaining that clear water is not an easy job, and if left unattended you may just come back and find it cloudy or filled with slimy greening algae. Nobody wants that!

While many people would rather enlist the help of cleaners to work on cleaning and maintaining their pools, it not a bad idea to know how to clean it yourself in case you do not have that extra dollar to hire a pool cleaner. So, if you are the do it yourself kind of person, you can follow this pool cleaning guide that shows you how to clean a green pool. 

Before we get into the How to Clean your Pool part, it is also important to understand some of the reasons why your pool can get dirty and green with algae. 

Algae growth in your pool can be caused by the following factors:

1. Weather changes

Algae tend to flourish in warm and humid environments which makes the periods of summer and during monsoons perfect for their breeding. It is therefore important to monitor weather changes.

2. Poor pH levels

pH is the acidity or basicity of the water. Too high or too low pH can lead to the spreading of the algae. It is thus important to maintain pH between 7.4 – 7.6.

3. Clogging of the Water Filter

The filter is important for keeping the water free of debris and various dirt materials. If it clogs then it will not be able to perform this function and thus lead to the growth of algae.

Users

The people who use your pool, including yourself, bring in a lot of debris with them, which eventually are trapped in the water. 

The following are some of the steps you can take to clean a green pool:

Lower the pH Level

As complex as it may sound, this procedure does not require a chemistry expert to pull it off. There are numerous water chemistry testing kits available in the market and they all come with simple instruction guides to help you understand the process. Taking instructions from pool cleaning experts can also be helpful. 

It is important to understand your pool’s pH (how acidic or basic your pool is) and chlorine levels to avoid cloudiness. It is advised to check the levels twice a week to ensure that the pH lies between the recommended 7.4 -7.6 parts per meter. Too high or too low pH level can lead to an increase in algae levels and can corrode some of your cleaning equipment. 

Chlorine is available in granules and tablets and is good for sanitizing your water by killing any harmful bacteria. 

Shock the Pool

Once you have maintained the perfect pH level and added chlorine, it is now time to shock the water. This means getting rid of the irritating effects and odor from the chlorine used and it also helps to keep the water clear. Some chlorine products have built-in shockers and thus do not need another shocking process. 

Pumping and Filtering

Once you have gone through and completed all the chemical procedures, it is now time to pump and filter the water for balance. The filter is important for keeping the water free of debris and various dirt materials.

If it clogs then it will not be able to perform this function and thus lead to the growth of algae. You should therefore ensure that the filter is clean. You can do this by first shutting down the pump and checking the backwash pumps to ensure that there are no blocked valves. Once this is done, you can turn the pump back on and allow the water to pass through until it is clear. 

For those who can afford it, it is recommended to run your filter pump 24hrs a day, every day to ensure the pool’s cleanliness. However, not everyone can afford such and therefore it is advised to run the pump for at least 10 hours a day to keep the water turning and help avoid the collection of bacteria and algae. 

Flocking the Pool

If the pool remains cloudy after the chemical process is complete, you can use flocculants that help by clumping the remaining debris (microscopic chemical particles) together and sinking them to the bottom of the pool. Once this happens, the pool floor can now be vacuumed. This is also a good time to brush the pool. 

Killing Algae

Some algae can be very persistent, and if you do not wish to keep on repeating the cleaning process every now and then, you can employ the use of algaecides to kill them instead. The algaecide destroys the algae and sinks them to the bottom of the floor after which they can be scrubbed off. Continued treatment will, however, be necessary to keep them from returning. 

Draining the Pool

This process is used in the most extreme cases where one has no other choice but to drain the water. However, once you have drained the water it is important to clean and disinfect the pool floor first before filling it up with water again. 

Conclusion

Therefore, before you host your next pool party it will be important for you to first take a stroll around your pool and assess its cleanliness. Is the water still as clear as you last saw it? Does it have any odor that your friends would not like? Does the water irritate your eyes and skin when you swim in it? Rather than go through that embarrassment, you can easily follow the step-by-step guide on how to clean your pool on your own and be ready for the next awesome pool party.

Discover More: 

• 10 Best Large Indoor Plants to Grow in Your Home!
• 12 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Fibreglass Pool!
• How to Save Money on Pool Maintenance
• Best Ways to Clean a Dirty Shower Curtain and Liner!
• Small Swimming Pools: 17+ Dreamy Pool Designs For Your Backyard

Installing a solar panel can be a hassle, especially when you don’t know which type and brand you should buy.

Types of Solar Panels: What You Need to Know

1. Monocrystalline solar panels
2. Polycrystalline solar panels
3. Thin-film solar panels

1. Monocrystalline Solar Panels

The widely used solar panels are monocrystalline solar panels. Each solar cell in mono solar panels is constructed with a silicon wafer made from a single silicon crystal. The number of solar cells depends on the size of the panel.

Usually, a monocrystalline solar panel contains 60 cells used for residential purposes. You will find the solar cells in a square shape with the corners cut off. Since these solar panels are made of a single silicon crystal, it makes the solar panel highly efficient and better in terms of power capacity.

Monocrystalline solar panel’s efficiency ranges from 17% to 20%. Also, if the output is greater, the cost increases too. So, a monocrystalline panel has a price higher than polycrystalline and thin-film solar panels.

2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are multi-crystalline solar panels and are best for people with a limited budget. These solar panels’ appearance is simple, meaning they usually have un-cut, square-shaped solar cells.

The multiple crystals used in the construction cause these panels to have a “bluish” color, which doesn’t appeal much to customers and makes the panel less efficient. Polycrystalline solar panels also contain 60 to 70 solar cells depending on the size of the panel.

The multiple silicon crystals in each cell cause the efficiency rate to decline, and their efficiency rate is 15% to 17%. With the continuous improvement in solar technology, a standard 60-cell polycrystalline solar panel has enhanced efficiency and power capacity of 300 watts instead of 240 watts.

Since polycrystalline panels are cost-effective for manufacturers, but its price for customers is not very less than monocrystalline solar panels. Their lower efficiency rate makes it a less desirable choice for customers, and they usually opt for monocrystalline panels for a better investment.

3. Thin-Film Solar Panels

Thin-film solar panels are a shocker in terms of appearance. They are entirely different than the other two types of solar panels with a solid black color. They are flexible and lightweight than monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.

If you have a large solar project, like for industrial purposes, thin-film solar panels with lower efficiency rates are the best choice. Although with the on-going improvements in the solar panel industry and specifically thin-film panels, the commercially available thin-film solar panels have an efficiency rate of 10% to 13%.

Lower efficiency means you will have to install several thin-film solar panels to reach the rate of electricity produced by a monocrystalline or polycrystalline panel. Therefore, fitting thin-film panels in a limited residential space isn’t the smartest choice.

Here’s another caveat, thin-film solar panels have a shorter life span. Where mono and polycrystalline solar panels have a life span of 25 to 30 years, thin-film panels degrade faster and have a shorter life span of fewer than 25 years.

They degrade quicker, which requires frequent replacements over time. With lower efficiency and power capacity rates, thin-film panels have a lower price. Plus, they are easier to install (cutting the price even more), making them more appealing for industrial purposes.

Even though thin-film panels have a lower price, mono and polycrystalline panels’ market price has also decreased. It means that a more robust and efficient mono or polycrystalline panel will not cost you a lot more than buying a bigger size, less efficient thin-film panel.

Read more:-

• 9 Myths About Solar Cell Panels That You Must Stop Believing In
• How to Use Old Wooden Windows: The Best Ideas for Craftsmen
• Community Solar: What is it and Why You Should Care
• 5+ Best Solar Pool Heater: Save Energy Cost and Nature As Well
• How to Choose the Best Solar Panels for Your Home Online

Given how tough last year was and the extra amount of time that we’re all spending at home now, it’s a perfect time to spruce it up. Not only will it make the home feel more like a new place, but it will become one that you’ll feel happier to relax in too.

Here are 4 ways to spruce up your home. 

Put in a Deck

A wooden deck at the back of the property is a lovely addition. Being able to step outside and relax on a deck is ideal in the warmer months, but it also gives us something to look forward to as spring comes into view too. 

Firms like Home Pro America can install a deck with the appropriate size and shape that will fit into your backyard. It can then be used to relax, cook a BBQ, or sit out and read during the warmer parts of the day. Getting more sunlight will surely help with any potential Vitamin D3 deficiency from being indoors a lot.

Add a Throw to the Sofa

When a sofa or armchair has become a little stale and boring, then adding a throw rug to them does the trick. It’s an inexpensive update (rather than changing the sofa itself) to bring fresh vibrant color, cozy warmth, and a different texture to the lounging experience. Watching Netflix or Amazon Prime Video and relaxing never felt so good now.

Also, add some table lamps so you can turn off the main lights and rest your eyes. A standing lamp is also good when you love to sit in an armchair and read a book. Make the lounge as comfortable as possible rather than remaining as an afterthought. 

Create a Zoom Room

Just like a reading nook was a popular thing in some homes, now the Zoom Room is what it’s all about. Anyone who’s finding they’re increasingly connecting to multiple friends, family, or even business associates using the Zoom app needs a quiet place to do so.

Creating a room specifically to have private conversations is the best way unless you can guarantee that your office won’t be invaded by the kids or your partner. Preferably it should be in a quieter part of the home too. And rules should be established that when someone is on a Zoom call, they’re only to be disturbed in an emergency. Use an OPEN/CLOSED store sign to clarify when the room is in use. 

Update Your Entrance Way

Clean up the area to make it more inviting. Remove any clutter that’s built up like shoes or boots that rarely get used and can be stored elsewhere. Avoid the tendency to create a bottleneck when people first enter the home. 

For homes with a porch out front, then don’t forget this area too. It could likely do with a little TLC to bring it back up to a good standard. Consider adding standing or hanging plants to introduce extra color into space. 

If you have a bigger budget, consider upgrading your entrance door to a smart new one. As well as looking more attractive, it will also be more secure. 

Add a Garden Office

Homeworking is all the rage right now. Millions of people have started working from home since the pandemic began, but it can cause problems when you are forced to share your workspace with kids and partners. After all, trying to participate in a teleconference while the kids are asking you questions about their schoolwork is not desirable; nor is working at the kitchen table with people in and out in search of food. 

One solution is to build a new garden office. Timber buildings make ideal home offices. If you plan on using your office all year round, look for an insulated building with double-glazed windows. To save money, you can buy timber garden offices as self-build kits, but you will need to hire an electrician to add lights and power outlets.

One great reason to add a garden office is that it will pay for itself by increasing the value of your property. Since so many people are working from home these days, home offices are a highly desirable feature, and homes that have them tend to sell faster. 

Conclusion

Sprucing up your home doesn’t always require major changes to get a satisfactory result. Leave the bigger ones to the professionals to ensure everything goes as expected. 

Discover More

• Best Home Style Ideas to Spruce Up Your Interiors
• 7 Simple Ways to Personalize Your Kitchen Space
• Simple Home Renovation Tips That Can Increase The Value Of Your Home
• 4 Smart Tips for Using Large Sofa Throws Artistically

One of the worst nightmares of homeowners is a broken or damaged sewer pipe. It’s because dealing with sewer line problems can be messy and troubling. From minor sewer issues like a clogged drain to major problems such as burst pipes, there are different ways sewer line problems can be repaired. 

In this article, get to learn the signs of major sewer pipe problems and the best way to repair a damaged sewer line. 

Signs Of A Broken Sewer Line

Professional plumbers always advise homeowners to invest in proactive maintenance than waiting for major plumbing issues to occur. However, many homeowners fail to do this and end up needing emergency repairs. 

When you observe the warning signs below, it means you need to contact a professional plumber to perform emergency sewer repairs in Lorton.

• Strong Sewer Odor: One of the first signs of a damaged sewer line is a strong, unusual smell that must be seriously taken care of. A crack in the sewer line may cause this problem.
• Gurgling Toilet: A toilet that makes unusual noise after flushing could be an indication of a damaged sewer line. The gurgling sound happens because the trapped air is released abruptly. A leakage allows air to go into the sewer line. 
• Slow And Clogged Drain: An isolated drain involves one drain that takes a long to clear, which is a minor plumbing problem. However, if all drains are affected, and you’re having a hard time clearing them, it indicates a major sewer line problem.
• Mold And Mildew Formation: Mold growth means high moisture content is present. High humidity levels can aggravate the problem, causing the spread of mold and mildew on ceilings and walls. If this growth is accompanied by sewer odor, then it’s likely a damaged sewer line that’s causing the problem.

• Regular Sewage Backup: If you notice regular sewage backup in the tub or toilet, then something is wrong. A tree root intrusion, crack, channeling, and a misaligned pipe connection are just some of the possible causes of this plumbing problem.
• Other Signs: Also, walls that start cracking, pest invasion, greener lawn patches than usual, indentions on pavers or the lawn, and sewage pooling on the lawn are also possible signs of sewage line damage.

Different Ways To Repair And Replace Sewer Lines

Sewer lines suffer inevitable damage over time, such as corrosion of pipe materials, underground pipe disturbance due to trees and other vegetation, and physical damage. For this reason, prioritizing your plumbing during renovation is an important step whether you’re dealing with an existing plumbing problem or not.

Take a look at the different ways of repairing and replacing damaged sewer lines:

Spot Sewer Repair 

This method is a cost-effective way to repair damaged sewer lines, requiring less digging. It’s less invasive and it’s the appropriate solution for common minor sewage line issues. It involves repairing just the damaged part without having to replace the entire sewer line.

Trenchless Sewer Repair

Trenchless sewer repair or traditional trenching includes directional drilling and bursting. This repair method doesn’t require excavation to reach the pipes. Hence, trenchless sewer repairs leave the yard intact. The common sewer problems corrected with the trenchless method include the following:

• Cracked pipes
• Sewage backups
• Broken pipes
• Minor pipe misalignment
• Corrosion due to rust
• Tree roots

Pipe Bursting

This trenchless pipe repair technique allows sewer line replacement without causing damage to the landscaping. It’s a trenchless method that can replace existing pipes without wreaking havoc on the ground.

Here’s how pipe bursting is done:

• A hole is created in the yard to reach the sewer pipes. 
• The old pipe is broken down into pieces.  
• A new pipe replaces the old pipe on the same exact space once.

Directional Drilling

Directional drilling or boring involves using a high-powered drill to create a path for a sewer pipe. Unlike bursting, this method has a low ground impact which reduces the need for steep restoration.

Best Way to Repair A Damaged Sewer Line

New plumbing technology techniques can fix or replace sewer lines faster than ever, and one of the most recommended methods is CIPP lining which is a form of trenchless sewer repair. A cured-in-place pipe or CIPP seamlessly repairs older pipes through a fiberglass or polyester liner inserted into a damaged pipe, creating or reinforcing a new piping system. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to repair a damaged sewer line. When it comes to choosing the method to repair or replace your damaged sewer line, the answer depends on different factors. While CIPP pipe trenchless lining is a great solution, there are times when a complete pipe replacement method is the best solution. For an extensive sewer line problem, it’s best to talk to a professional plumber with experience in performing all the above methods.

Explor further :

• Collapsed Sewer Lines: Signs, Causes, Effects, and Repair Options
• A Definitive Guide on Common Pipe Problems
• How To Prevent Common Plumbing Problems
• Importance of Plumbing in Architecture
• What are Sustainable Practices for Sewage System Repairs?