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5 Budget-Friendly Backyard Ideas for a Dream Outdoor Space

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Backyard ideas

Dreaming of a backyard that’s the envy of the neighborhood? You don’t need a huge budget or a complete overhaul to make it happen. With a few creative, affordable upgrades, you can turn your outdoor space into a personal retreat or the perfect spot for entertaining. Whether you’re planning a full backyard makeover or just want a quick refresh, these five easy ideas will help you transform your yard into a staycation paradise-without breaking the bank.

1. Install a Split Rail Fence

Two lawn chairs sitting on top of a grass covered field

A split-rail fence put up to surround your home, especially if yours is a farmhouse, will not only enhance your home’s aesthetics but also improve privacy. You can use split-rail fencing regardless of the size of your backyard, and if you are looking to add a rustic feel, this fencing style will give you everything you need.

To create a split rail fence, you need a few timber logs split in half, lengthwise, to create the rails. You have two options for split rail fences – the traditional free-standing split rail fences with a characteristic zig-zagging finish, a look that can be achieved with or without nails, especially if the area is rocky. You also have the mortised fences. These are more popular, and instead of the zig-zagging design of the traditional split rail fence, this fence will have the split rails put up in notched posts. Out of the two, the mortised fences are trendier, and they are useless wood, meaning they are more affordable.

2. Turn Your Ladder into a Garden

backyard design

You can make your backyard one of your functional spaces and grow veggies, besides grass, flowers, and herbs, especially if you have less space in your backyard. So, turn that ladder you haven’t used for years into the garden and stack up to different veggies in containers. You could also paint that ladder for aesthetics.

3. Build a Firepit

A stone fire pit surrounded by chairs and trees

You can never go wrong with a fire pit in the backyard. Whether you like hosting friends over in the warmer months or you are trying something new, a firepit is a great outdoor idea, and having one in your backyard will transform your home into a social haven with friends and family. The best part is that constructing a fire pit is very easy – just arrange some curved paving stones into a circular shape. Even without concrete or mortar, the pit will be tip-proof, and it doesn’t take a lot of time. If you have kids, creating a firepit will be a fun family activity, and you know that your kids will have a good time around the fire, especially if marshmallows are involved.

4. Floating Flower Arrangement 

A pool with candles and flowers in it

If you are expecting visitors and are interested in creating something unique in the backyard, you might consider the idea of floating floral arrangements and floating candles. Find a simple stand that can hold water for an instant water feature.

5. Jellyfish Succulents

A display of succulents and other plants on a table

Succulents are the most diverse and hardy plants on the planet, and you could use them to make your backyard magical. Essentially, you need to grow different succulents in a relatively wide plant hanging from a tree or branch – go all out on colors, then plant hanging plants on the sizes. The tails will start blossoming after a few weeks, and the succulents at the top will be bursting with color.

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Our Favorite Louisville Apartments

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Louisville Apartment

If you’re considering moving to Louisville, or you’re already living here and you’re ready for a change of scenery, then check out the list below to see some of our favorite luxury Louisville apartments! Louisville is an excellent city to live in and you need the perfect space to make yourself feel completely at home here!

The Edge On 4

Louisville Apartments

The Edge on 4 is known for offering urban energy with a southern comfort overtone! These luxury Louisville apartments are conveniently located within the heart of downtown. You’ll never run out of things to do in the area as you’ll be living in the center of Fourth Street’s premier dining and theater district. You’ll also be within walking distance of multiple Bourbon Trail destinations and the Financial District. From other attractions in the area, you’ll be living close to the Louisville Slugger Museum, Yum Center, multiple historic boutique shopping destinations. 

The Edge on 4 offers multiple floorplan options with amazing amenities mixed into modern interiors. Whether you’re looking for a one, two, or three-bedroom, you’ll find multiple floorplans are available with each number of bedroom options. You’re unique and you shouldn’t have only one option to pick from in a floorplan as you’re looking to move into your next home!

Vue At 3rd

Vue At 3rd

The Vue At 3rd offers a wide array of amenities. The apartments at this complex are newly renovated with modern hard surface flooring, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. They also feature front-load washer and dryers and abundant closet space. With this ideal location, you’ll be positioned in a prime location to see sweeping city views through extra-large windows!

The Vue At 3rd also encourages a close-knit community by offering multiple communities and shared spaces. There is a city view sundeck, a 24-hour fitness studio, a weekly brunch, and a wifi sky lounge. This apartment center is also pet friendly! Both cats and dogs are welcome with no size restrictions. 

Flats At Springhurst

Living at the Flats at Springhurst will bring up memories of past visits to your favorite resort! The Flats at Springhurst offer modern amenities that are aimed at enhancing your lifestyle in every way possible. At the Flats at Springhurst, you’ll find a saltwater swimming pool, sunning deck, an indoor pet spa, and an expansive pet playground!

Additionally, you’ll no longer need your current gym membership. The wellness features include a large commercial-quality fitness experience. This apartment complex also encourages community interaction through multiple shared spaces. Here, you’ll find a multi-source video wall, a gaming room with a pool table, dart lanes and shuffleboard. The opportunities for having some fun in the facility are endless! When the weather gets nice, take advantage of the outdoor gathering hub. Your accommodation will be the perfect place to have your friends come over and hang out. 

Conclusion

If crafting is your thing, you’ll find a Maker’s Room that provides enough room for all of your crafting and DIY needs!

Louisville is an amazing place to live! Check out the spaces above to find the perfect home for you!

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Reasons To Hire Professional Home Builders

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Hire Professional Home Builders

Most people from various parts of Australia, as well as outside of it, are moving to the Emerald City. With stunning beaches, prestigious universities, tons of job opportunities, and a bustling arts and culture scene, it’s no wonder why many find it enticing to start from scratch in this massive and populous metropolis. If you’re one of those who can’t wait to live your life in Sydney for good, hiring home builders Sydney is one of the most important steps that you should take.

Whether you have the perfect home design in your mind or you are still on the hunt for one, make sure that you get in touch with the most reliable builders in the city.

Building your dream home can be enticing. That’s because it enables you to be in total control. What’s more, being your own builder can make it easier to stay well within your budget. Skipping hiring builders with years of industry experience, however, can do more harm than good. This is especially true if you have no prior experience with building a house from the ground up, and you are not particularly good at dealing with the stress, challenges, and unwanted surprises that come with a home building project.

 home blueprint

Before deciding to handle the herculean task of building your home, read on. Below you will find some of the top reasons why you should instead consider choosing one from the many experienced and dependable home builders Sydney is offering.

Stay Within Your Budget

Perhaps you have heard or read somewhere that being the builder of your home yourself allows you to save up to 25% of the cost. This is true, provided that nothing will go wrong along the way. However, having a smooth-sailing home building project can be easier said than done if you have no prior experience. Hiring the pros, on the other hand, allows you to stick to the slated budget better.

Conserve Time and Energy

There are a lot of things that you need to do when moving to a new city. They range from getting rid of your old stuff, changing your address to finding a new job. You will find it easier to accomplish these tasks if you focus on them and allow the experts to take care of building your home. Once it’s finished, all you have to do is move into it. Start your life as a Sydney resident with as little problem as possible.

 A man and a woman are looking at a house

Enjoy a High-Quality Home

It’s not enough that your home looks beautiful. It should also be able to hold up against the elements and stand the test of time. Allowing Sydney’s best home builders to build your home from scratch helps ensure that you are going to live where you can feel completely comfortable and safe. With the help of the pros, you can save yourself from facing problems such as leaks, extreme temperatures, and poor ventilation as soon as you move into your new home.

Shop around when looking for home builders in Sydney. Get the recommendations of your family and friends. Check out customer reviews posted on the web. Refrain from rushing when choosing a service provider to have the home of your dreams in the Emerald City.

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Ideas to Get Your Garden Summer Ready

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DIY Halloween Wreath

Spring has officially sprung, which means lighter nights and BBQs are approaching. While we may still be a few weeks (ok – months) away from summertime, we can start investing in our gardens now for those long halcyon days. Read on for ways you can get your garden summer ready.

Get Your Lawn into Shape

Get Your Lawn into Shape

The biggest expanse in your garden is probably your lawn, and the easiest and cheapest way to transform your garden is to cut it into a clearly defined shape. Something like a circle, a square, or an oblong will create a strong aesthetic. Mark it with string and use a spade to cut away the excess grass. It should only take an afternoon – perfect for a sunny Saturday. 

Plant Pollinators

Plant Pollinators

A meter or more in-depth is the perfect size for a border, as it gives you plenty of space for smaller plants at the front with taller ones behind. Planting pollinators, such as rose bushes, lavender, thyme, and primrose will also encourage bees and butterflies into your garden. Not only will your garden look and smell beautiful, but you’ll also be encouraging insects, which in turn helps the planet! 

Work Your Angles

Work Your Angles

While we can all dream of a south-facing garden, sadly that’s not always the case – but all is not lost. Work out the direction of your garden and where the sun hits at different times of the day and plan your garden accordingly. If you enjoy eating your breakfast al fresco, look for a spot that’s east-facing and catches the morning sun. Prefer to sit and watch the sunset? Create a patio area that faces west. 

Landscape Your Theme

Landscape Your Theme

If you dream of a little slice of the Mediterranean or perhaps prefer an English country garden – maybe you even want to create a Parisian pied-a-terre – with cleaver landscaping you can do just that. The color of the paving and the way it is laid can provide a strong design direction and can impact the whole scheme of a project. For instance, grey or white stone laid in a random pattern creates a chic French look, whilst chequerboard black and white paving suggests a modern aesthetic, and golden stone arranged in an ad hoc pattern creates an English country feel. White-washed walls scream hacienda, while wisteria-clad walls evoke the feelings of midsummer in a manor house.

Add Lighting

Ideas to Get Your Garden Summer Ready

The final flourish to get your garden summer ready is the introduction of outdoor fairy lights. They’re a quick, simple, and cheap way to transform an outdoor space. Whether they’re strung around trees or hung up around seating areas, they add a delicate twinkle to any garden. Perfect for late-night summer gatherings with friends and family. Choose solar-powered lights to save on electricity bills or opt for plug-in lights that tend to offer longevity. 

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How to Remove Drywall Wallpaper with Ease?

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How to Remove Drywall Wallpapers

If you are looking to change the whole look of your apartment, you must have considered getting a new wall paint or changing the wallpaper. Almost every architect and interior designer suggest that you should get light hues to make your space look bright and fresh. Changing the wall color not only transforms the whole look of the space but it is an affordable way to make your apartment look more spacious and airy. There are many Orange County wallpaper removal companies out there if you are looking for professional assistance.

How to Remove Drywall Wallpaper

In most cases, people like to paint the wall but it’s messy and quite time-consuming. Also, you need to make sure the coat is even and you are not splashing the paint on your furniture. Overall, it is quite difficult to work like a professional so, the easy way out is using wallpaper. If you already have a wallpaper and you are bored with it, it is a high time to change the look of your apartment.

One of the basic reasons is that the weather is changing and no one wants to waste the beauty sunlight. For changing wallpaper, the first and most important stage is removing the wallpaper and the second is estimating the requirement by using a sheetrock estimator.  This works as a base because if you are not familiar with the actual process, you might end up damaging the wall. For removing the wallpaper where are few tricks that can help you to make the process easier, safer and more professional. 

Cover The Space

Just like painting the walls, you also need to cover your space while removing the wallpapers. This will help in protecting the roam from the soap water and everything else that you might be using for your ease. It’s better to cover with plastic sheets, painters tape, and clothing. 

Start Scraping

if your wallpaper is dry and already peeling off, you can simply peel it off without using water or soap liquid. however, you can use a taping knife that is mostly used for patching walls and you can crap off the corners to peel it off further.  

Use Water

once you have peeled off the paper that is easy to scrape off, you will need water. splashing water is not good, you need to spray it with warm water. in case it doesn’t work, you might have to use steamer rather than just warm water. 

Wash The Wall

washing the wall doesn’t mean you need to start scrubbing, instead, you have to be very careful. you can use a simple sponge and start cleaning the wall. the main idea is to completely scrap off and clean any of the access wallpaper that is still left on the wall.

Wash the wall to Remove Drywall Wallpaper

Smoothing Treatment

after washing comes the smoothing part, you have to make sure that once the wallpaper is removed the wall is smooth because this will affect the next wallpaper treatment. in case there is something left, scrape it off and once it is done, you can start applying gel stripes for removing any bump or uneven space on a wall. 

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Uplift The Ambiance Of Your Room By These Awesome Bed Frames!!

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bed frame

After a long hectic day, we all want a nice meal and good sleep. Right? These two things should be as per your desire so that you’ll feel refreshed when you wake up the next morning. For good sleep, you must have a good sleeping area. Your bed should be cozy enough to cuddle and sleep. If you have already selected your bed type or have an existing bed but are confused about the bed frame, don’t worry! We are here to help you by bringing 17 types of bed frames, select anyone you like. 

But before you decide to buy any bed frame, there are certain things that you should keep in mind. Don’t buy any frames either on the basis of design and style. Now you might think about how to buy the right snooze bed frame. What are the things that you should pay attention to?

Read this blog as we are providing all the details about how to choose one and the major factors that it depends on. Go through each category and whichever bed type you’ve in your home, on the basis of that, select the bed frame design. By category, we mean that we tried to gather every little detail that’ll help you in buying the right bed frame for your bed. From simple bed frames to modern ones, here you’ll find every type of bed frame. So, let’s start with the first category, 

Types of Bed Frames

Before you buy any kind of bed frame, first you should have a bed to place it on. Hahaha…Right? The first thing is to know what is the design of the bed or if you’re planning to buy one, first decide the shape, size, and design of the bed. This really helps you pick the right frame for your bed. 

bed frames

There are varieties of bed shapes and styles available in the market. To learn more about the bed frame below are some of the types of designs:

1. Platform Bed 

Platform Bed frame

Platform beds are those that come with a bed frame that can support any kind of mattress without the need for box spring. They are sleek, modern, and stylish looking beds. Isn’t it? 

PROS
  • Inexpensive
  • Provide additional storage space
CONS
  • Chances of mattress damage

2. Folding Bed Frame

 Folding Bed Frame

These kinds of beds are generally used by singles and for guests. As they take very less floor space, they’re suitable for compact spaces. They have a bed frame very different from regular beds. They have a hinged frame that is foldable. If you’ve limited space, then this will be a good option. 

PROS
  • Can be placed anywhere 
  • Takes Less Space
CONS
  • Only for a Single Person

If you want to know more about a foldable bed, read our blog on how to build a murphy bed

3. Panel Bed

Panel Bed

The panel bed has headboard and footboards that are entirely made from flat panels. Later they’re framed in wainscoting or old wood framing style. If you like this, surely go for a panel bed or bed frame. 

PROS
  • Has beautiful intricate detailings
  • Has under storage 
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Requires box paneling

4. Sleigh Bed Frame

Sleigh Bed Frame

Want a classy and elegant looking bed? Go for this type of bed. They have a slightly curved headboard and footboard, which adds real beauty in a Sleigh Bed. They come in multiple sizes, colors and materials, you can pick anyone as per your liking. 

PROS
  • Sold with matching furniture sets
  • Attractive looking
CONS
  • Can be a little expensive than the other beds
  • Take a lot of space

5. Trundle Bed

Trundle Bed

Have a family with two kids, and they both fight to have a separate sleeping place? The trundle bed is the solution!! Why? Because it comes in a pair. So, it also does not make space for another bed as the second bed is beneath the first bed. 

PROS
  • Space-saving
  • Additional Slide bed 
CONS
  • No under storage space

6. Adjustable Bed

Adjustable Bed

Do you like to watch movies on the devices & television on your bed? Buy this bed, as it comes with a special feature – you can adjust it at multiple levels and various sitting positions. So watch your Netflix series with your loved ones as it has an adjustable feature on both sides. 

PROS
  • Adjustable sitting positions 
  • Good for those who have back problems
CONS
  • Hard to install
  • Installation cost is high

7. Standard Bed Frame

bed frames

A normal bed frame that you can find at any home depot center or online is this type.

Whether you’re single or just want an extra sleeping space for guests, this bed frame is available everywhere.

PROS
  • Lightweight
  • Cheap 
CONS
  • Can’t bear heavy Loads

8. Santiago Bed

Santiago Bed

Look at the amazing headboard of this bed, this bed is known as Santiago Bed. It has a beautiful crown-shaped headboard. 

PROS
  • Decorative crown headboard
  • Comfortable
CONS
  • Heavy 

9. Daybed Bed

Daybed Bed

Living in an apartment that is already filled with random stuff, but you want an extra bed? If this is your situation, the perfect solution is Daybed. Yes, they’re used for sleeping, lounging, and sitting. Now, you have a bed and a couch together!!

PROS
  • Multi-functional
  • Foldable
CONS
  • You can’t be able to use both at the same time

10. Traditional Solid Wooden Bed Frame

 Traditional Solid Wooden Bed Frame

Wooden frames have been used for ages. There are also various types in it such as – four-poster and half tester. The best thing about wood is you can also customize it according to your mattress size. 

PROS
  • Sturdy
  • Long life
CONS
  • Little bit costly than the other bed frames
  • Difficult to move

11. Round Bed Frame

Round Bed Frame

Tired of sleeping on a rectangular bed? Try this one!! You can always go with ones that have different shapes like this one. It is a modern round bed, with a comfortable mattress.  

PROS
  • You can sleep in any position
  • Looks appealing
CONS
  • Hard to find this type of bedding
  • Difficult to place in smaller rooms

12. Wicker or Rattan Bed Frames

 Wicker or Rattan Bed Frames

Did you see these kinds of beds before? Don’t they look beautiful? You can also buy these kinds of bed frames online to give your space some natural vibes. 

PROS
  • Eco- friendly
  • Versatile and Hardy
CONS
  • Loosens over time
  • Requires care and maintenance

13. Pallet Bed Frames

Pallet Bed Frames

Another type of bed frame is the wooden pallet bed frame. It is very trendy these days. The best thing about them is that you can also DIY them, so they’re budget-friendly. 

PROS
  • You can DIY this
  • Budget-friendly
CONS
  • Susceptible to Termites

14. Bookcase Bed Frame

 Bookcase Bed Frame

Who doesn’t love to have some extra storage space? We always tried to buy those things which consume less space but also have some additional storage area. Right? What about a bed frame with storage, where you can store your books. If you love to read before going to sleep, then this is the bed for you. 

PROS
  • Have a lot of additional space
CONS
  • Heavy and Difficult to move

15. Canopy Bed

Canopy Bed

You might have seen these kinds of beds in hotels and resorts. Canopy beds are gaining popularity in recent years. It immediately makes any room cozy with its enveloping design. You can also shut down the curtains to get some privacy. 

PROS
  • Stylish
CONS
  • Required high maintenance
  • Comes in limited sizes

16. Bunk Bed

 Bunk Bed

This type of bed frame has two or more beds stacked upon each other. You can place this in your kids’ room. They also have an attached ladder with them. If you’re looking for space and budget-saving options, these are great choices. 

PROS
  • Separate place for multiple kids for sleep
  • Space- efficient
CONS
  • High bunk beds nay cause injuries from falling from them

17. Convertible Ottoman Bed

Convertible Ottoman Bed

You might have already seen an ottoman or some of you also have one in your house but have you ever seen an ottoman bed? Yes, this is a bed inside an ottoman. Quite amazing, right? There are some long ottoman benches available in the market which can be easily convertible into beds. 

PROS
  • Multifunctional 
  • Requires less space
CONS
  • Only for one person

Size of the Bed Frame

After you know the exact shape and style, the next step is to measure your old bed the size or determine the size of your new bed. This is very important because just looking at the frame designs, you’ll not know whether it’ll fit in your bed or not, right? 

Here are the various range of beds sizes they come in: 

  • Single
  • Twin
  • Twin XL
  • King
  • King XL
  • Queen
  • Queen XL 

Material of the Bed Frame

The material through which any bed is built is an important thing to take consideration. Here are types of materials that a bed can be built: 

1. Metal

Metal bed frames are light weighted and also strong. They’re modern but they’ll not give you the warmth that a traditional one gives. If you’re looking for movable furniture pieces, you can definitely buy a metal bed frame.  

2. Wood

Wood is the most common and oldest material that we use in furniture building. From the ultra-modern beds to the heavy traditional beds with a lot of intricate designs, you’ll find or customize your bed frame in this material, which is not possible with the other materials.  

Bed Styles

So, after you confidently know about what kind of bed you want, the accurate size, and the material in which you want your bed. Now you can select the bed frame from the below bed frame styles. 

There are two ways to do it – select on either on the basis of the material or the style or theme. 

The style actually defines the overall theme and look of the bed. You can easily match it up with the rest of the house decor. Yes, other than the size and type, these things also matter while choosing the best bed frame. 

1. Contemporary

Contemporary material for bed

Contemporary is the latest style that people are going for! They’re simple, sleek and classic looking so if you’re a minimalist, then surely you’ll love these kinds of bed frames. 

2. Traditional

Traditional material for bed

Living in a colonial house and loving the old style of it? Then definitely go for this type. They’re classic and evergreen looking. 

3. Modern

Modern bed frames

Modern furniture is all about luxury and comfort. Love both? Then buy a modern bed frame in the desired size and place the mattress on it and your relaxing place is ready.  

4. Mission

Mission bed frames

This style consists of standard horizontal and vertical lines that look absolutely amazing. The frame is made out of light color wood and has flat panels. 

5. Cottage

Cottage material bed

These types of beds generally have large headboards. So, the bedframe should be strong enough to take the weight of it.  They’re simply looking but with little detailings which make them different from the rest. 

6. Country

Country bed

They are pretty heavy as they are made out of solid wood. Country style is basically a mixture of traditional shapes and designs. It is a quite popular choice between all Americans. 

7. Vintage

Vintage bed frames

Vintage is very unique in its own way. You might have already seen these types of beds in your grandparent’s house.  It is quiet, cozy and versatile. You can definitely select this type of bed frame for your bed. 

8. Industrial

Industrial bed frames

Industrial vibes are more raw and rough looking. They’re mainly made from materials like iron and metal. 

9. Rustic

 Rustic bed frames

Bed made from wood doesn’t mean that it will be a boring one. Rustic style beds also have pretty intricate detailings which look really amazing. Select the bed frame in rustic brown color with the horizontal lined pattern. 

10. Scandinavian

Scandinavian bedroom

Scandinavian furniture is mostly built from Oak, mahogany, pine, and teak woods. They have slightly rough finishing but you can polish or stain them easily.  You’ll find a variety of shapes in the market. Select the one according to your room size.

11. Mid-century

. Mid-century types of bed frames

After the modern style, mid-century is the most prevalent choice. Mid-century beds have streamlined headboards with tapered legs. 

After reading this much, you know what kind of bed you want, what design and style are best for you. Right? Always measure your room before you go to any bed shopping. Always buys the one which has size proportional to your room, so that you’ll not end up with a bed that is not even passing your door!!? (too big to fit). So to avoid this, keep in mind those things which we told you before. 

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Does Hydronic Heating use Electricity?

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Hydronic Heating use Electricity

Have you ever wondered if hydronic heating would be the right choice for your home? Two common concerns people tend to have are the use of electricity and how the installation process works.

Hydronic Heating

Whether this is your first time reading about hydronic heating or if you’ve been researching it for a while, we’ll share with you some valuable insights on the topic. Read on to discover what Hydronic heating is, its uses with electricity, and how to determine if it’s a good fit for your home.Does Hydronic Heating use Electricity?

What is Hydronic Heating?

Hydronic heating is a type of heating system that has been widely used in European homes for years. Hydronic heaters use natural convection to radiate heat throughout the entire house. A huge perk of this system is that the heating process is silent. You don’t have to deal with the annoying whirr of the fan that old-fashioned heaters make when they startup.

A hydronic heating system is also a fantastic option for dust allergy sufferers. With the absence of a fan blowing out hot air, you don’t have to deal with dust mites, allergens, and bacteria being circulated around the rooms you’re heating up.

Does Hydronic Heating use Electricity?

Most hydronic heating units will use electricity for some parts of the unit. For example, most hydronic boilers need electricity to run a circulation pump that will pump the water around the system to make heat. The only exception is if you are using a ‘gravity fed’ system. This system uses a solid fuel (wood) boiler that doesn’t use any electricity. However, these are not a common household option.

You’re probably wondering just how much electricity a typical hydronic heating system uses. Most systems only need a small amount of electricity to run. For example, if you’re using the most common arrangement with a gas boiler, it requires very low electricity usage, as the heat is obtained by burning gas. Other systems, including wood, wood pellet, and diesel boilers do not require much electricity to run. The electricity is just present in these systems to keep the pump and fan working.

Does Hydronic Heating use Electricity

Why does it Matter?

With the growing trend to make everyday living more environmentally sustainable, more people are opting for an all-electric home. The reason for this is that a lot of people have solar PV panels that are creating electricity to supply their home for free.

Battery storage is also becoming a hot topic in the solar panel community. Solar batteries are a fantastic option for storing the electricity your solar panels have created. This stored energy can be a reliable resource for your home’s heating system when you need it.

What’s the Best Option?

If you’re looking to make the switch to hydronic heating, there’s a vast range of boilers to choose from. Heat pumps are also available that run exclusively on electricity to meet the needs of your home. Electric boilers are available but tend to be a more expensive option.

Research has shown that Hydronic heating is estimated to be 35% more cost-efficient than the standard heating system. So you will likely find that you’re spending drastically less on your heating bill! The good news is that electric hydronic heating systems are even cheaper to run if you have them integrated with solar PV panels!

In addition to saving money on running the system itself, you’ll find that hydronic heating has low emissions and you can monitor your temperature to make sure the system is running at its maximum efficiency. You can even customize your hydronic heating system to fit in with your existing home decor. So you won’t have to worry about it being an eye-sore in your home.

With a hydronic system, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that it is safe for anyone who suffers from dust allergies or asthma. No harmful dust or bacteria will be circulated around your home! The system accomplishes this by using natural convection through pipes and radiators instead of spewing the bacteria right into your air!

Our Verdict

Our Verdict for Hydronic Heating

Overall, a hydronic heating system is an excellent option for many reasons. It can significantly reduce your heating bill. Your home’s solar panels can power any electrical components of the system.

Conclusion

It’s also a fantastic heating alternative for anyone in your home that suffers from dust allergies and asthma. You’ll notice everyone getting a better night’s sleep on those cold winter nights when you need to leave the heat on. Overall, these systems use a small amount of electricity and are can be very customizable to suit the everyday needs of your home.

Contact the experts at Hunt Heating if you’re ready to make the switch to Hydronic Heating.

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High-pressure Cleaning is a Great Way to Quickly Improve The Appearance of Your Home

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High-pressure Cleaning

If you’re struggling to keep slate floor tiles clean, or it’s taking up too much time to do so, high-pressure cleaning your tiles is an option. High-pressure cleaners are a popular choice for removing stains and cleaning driveways, bricks, and all manner of flooring because the process is so efficient. In this article, we speak with Ben Louden, a professional working in the industry who shares with us a few key pointers on high-pressure cleaning.

There are high-pressure water cleaner systems available for hire; it’s not recommended they be operated by anyone who is not correctly trained in their use. If you don’t have experience or safety training, you’re putting yourself at risk. The risk of high-pressure water usage is real. If the spray is misdirected, you can damage your eyes, and skin, or bruise and cut your skin.

A person using a pressure washer on a wooden deck

So, how do they work? The washers boost water pressure, either using a gas hose or an electric motor. One method professionals use is a truck mount machine. This comes with a specialized tool and attachment that applies high-pressure steam and extracts dirty water at the same time.

To clean floor tiles effectively, a professional would follow the following steps.

  • The floor would be stripped of old sealant that remained on the surface.
  • It should be swept to get rid of large particles of soil that have collected in the process.
  • An alkaline cleaning solution would then be applied.
  • A grout broom and other tools would be used to agitate the grout. This process brings dirt and grime to the surface of the tiles.
  • Extraction using high-pressure cleaning is then undertaken.
  • The area is dry-mopped.
  • High-speed dryers are positioned to dry the area to prepare for sealing.

Once your floor tiles are clean, it’s advisable to discuss with the technician what kind of finish you want to achieve. If you want a high gloss effect, for example, at this point, they would apply three coats of wet-look sealer.

What are the Advantages?

There are advantages to using high-pressure cleaning. Using hot water under high pressure makes it easy to break down the dirt and dust particles so you can avoid having to rely on chemicals to clean your tiles. Even sticky or oily materials and stains can be removed more quickly than other methods. It’s also a hygienic option as it will remove the buildup of mold and mildew in bathrooms, for example,

Compared to manual cleaning methods, pressure cleaning in Sydney is also a great timesaver. You will need less staff to achieve the same results and also cut down on drying time. But, importantly, it’s also a better option for the planet. You can cut down on water usage for cleaning flooring by two-thirds by choosing to go with the high-pressure cleaning method.

A person using a pressure washer to clean a sidewalk

What Are Some Safety Tips?

If you are using a professional cleaner, you can rest assured they have safety training. If you choose to hire a high-pressure cleaner, these are the main safety guidelines to follow:

  • Use eye protection to prevent damage from debris shot up from the water damaging your eyes.
  • Wear the correct shoes and protective gloves. Note the pressure of the water can blast water through your shoes and damage your feet.
  • Always start with the nozzle roughly a meter’s distance from the surface you are cleaning, and then slowly move it closer until you reach your desired distance, avoiding getting too close. If not, this could damage the surface or put you at risk by spraying back at you.
  • First practice, so you get a sense of how it feels.
  • Place the wand at a slightly downward angle and work horizontally, guiding it from side to side with both hands.
  • Don’t linger in one spot and move consistently to prevent streaking.
  • Never point the hose at other people or pets, or place your hands in front of the hose to test it. The pressure is very strong and can cause injury.
  • Don’t use the equipment while standing on a ladder.
  • Don’t spray anywhere near electrical outlets, or within three meters of any source of power.
  • When finished, ensure the pressure is relieved by squeezing the trigger and then placing the safety lock on.

With the success of high-pressure cleaning of your tiled floors, you may be inspired to use it elsewhere in your home. Here are areas it’s NOT advised for use:

  • If you use it on laminate sandstone, which is a relatively soft material, you risk washing it away or washing grooves into it.
  • Painted items can be washed but the paint can easily be destroyed if you lack experience or training.
  • Used on an asphalt roof, a high-pressure cleaner will remove the granules and destroy it.
  • Old wood items, such as furniture and decking, may not be able to withstand the pressure if they are old or have dry rot. If the wood is stained, you also risk removing the stain.

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6 Ways to Revamp Your Home Without Major Renovations

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ways to revamp homes

We all want a beautiful, well-designed home but not all of us have the DIY skills necessary to renovate and update their nests on a regular basis. So, what’s the other option? Hiring professionals who will do the remodeling for you. This sounds great but it will probably cost you a fortune.

ways to revamp home

Is there a middle ground?

Remodeling doesn’t have to mean expensive and messy projects. We’ve put together a list that combines super-easy DIY interventions plus a few projects only pros can do. Check them out and see which ones will work best for you based on your budget and preferences.

1. Create Open Space 

Create Open Space  to revamp home

At the moment, open floor plans are on top of the list of home buyers. People prefer airy floor plans where the living room, dining room, and kitchen share a single vast open space. So, what can you do to achieve something like this in your home? Can it be done without tearing down walls?

If your budget can allow it, tearing down walls is the best option to finally get rid of that formal dining room you never use. If you’re renovating an older home, you might be thinking about removing the chimney breast in the living room – probably because it is taking up valuable space. If that’s the case, you should start by looking into chimney breast removal prices. On average, a job well done can cost you anything between £1500 and £2000.

If you’re on a tight budget, try removing any bulky pieces of furniture or changing their place to see which arrangement creates the most open space. If this is not possible, consider painting such pieces in an off-white hue to create an illusion of more open space. Mirrors are another great way to create an optical illusion. Place them opposite windows to reflect light and make the room seem bigger and more open.

2. Freshen Up the Walls

Freshen Up the Walls to revamp home

When it comes to freshening up the walls, you also have two options – hiring pros who will paint them in your favorite color or simply using wallpaper.

Today, wallpapers come in a plethora of amazing graphics and patterns that will make any room look like you hired an interior designer. The best part is that they can easily be removed without damaging the wall and most of them can even be reused!

3. Dress Up the Windows 

Dress Up the Windows to revamp home

Many homeowners tend to overlook the windows. They often can’t decide what style of windows would suit the home best, so they opt for bare windows or just install plain blinds for privacy.

But unless you have a spectacular mountain or sea view, you should definitely dress your windows. In fact, window dressing can add a whole new level of decoration and really freshen up the room!

When it comes to dressing up windows, there’s something for everybody, from gauzy white sheer curtains for coastal getaways to bamboo shades for minimalistic homes.

4. Update the Cabinetry

Update the Cabinetry to revamp home

Worn-out, old-fashioned, or dirty knobs and pulls can really make your kitchen and bathroom cabinetry look dated.

Luckily, updating all your door and cabinet handles is simple and really cheap. You have many finishes to choose from like brushed nickel, bronze, shiny stainless, and aged copper.

If you’re unsure about which style would suit your home best, don’t stress out. There aren’t any fixed rules to follow – a rustic kitchen can look great with modern stainless steel knobs, while vintage knobs can make ultra-modern kitchens look really cool. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference.

5. Make an Outdoor Room

Make an Outdoor Room to revamp home

When remodeling your home, don’t forget to take a look outside. Even if you don’t have a backyard patio or a big porch, you can still find an unused space and turn it into a fantastic outdoor room. All you need is a little creativity.

Start with an outdoor rug to define the outdoor “room”, then add a few comfy outdoor chairs, throw several cozy cushions, some hanging string lights, and a small fire pit! So simple and beautiful.

If your budget allows it, you can take things to a whole new level and put down some flagstones or brick pavers, add an outdoor heater, install a big pergola, put some curtains on the sides for privacy…let your imagination run wild!

6. Consider Investing in a New Roof

Consider Investing in a New Roofs to revamp home

If your budget is limited and you want to invest it in something really worthwhile, consider installing new roofing. Of all major home repairs, replacing the roof is probably the most important one. While it is true that it won’t glam up your home or give it an exciting new look, the importance of replacing an old roof that could fail or allow water to ruin your home can’t be argued.

Installing a new one isn’t something to take lightly, so if you think that your roof is approaching the end of its useful life, start soliciting bids from contractors offering roof replacement services.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, revamping your home doesn’t have to be a messy and costly experience. Take a good look at the rooms in your home and go through this list of tips, then ask yourself what needs immediate intervention. Are your cabinetry knobs outdated? Maybe the wall paint has faded or your roof is really old? What about the outside space? Could it use some freshening up? Once you’ve made a plan, it’s time to get to work.

Happy Renovating!

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Items You Need to Clear Your Office Like a Professional

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Office clearance

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving to a new office or you just need a good office clearance; by providing your employees with a clean and sanitary work environment, you’ll have a happier workforce. 

office clearance

Even if you have cleaners that visit your office, it’s still smart to invest in some office clearance items that will help keep your office looking junk-free.

Bins and Bin Liners 

Bins and Bin Liners 

Every office needs multiple bins for employees to place their rubbish – otherwise, you might find a build-up of waste on desks. If there isn’t room to provide bins at every desk, try to at least have a bin between every few desks and use liners to keep them fresh. Aim for a bin office clearance of at least once every few days, especially if there is waste food packaging. 

Vacuum Cleaner 

Vacuum Cleaner 

If you don’t have a regular cleaning team that visits your office, it’s important to invest in an office vacuum cleaner to keep your floors looking clean. If you have a receptionist, you could ask them to vacuum either first or last thing in the office. Or, you could create a rota between all the employees for a regular hoover. 

Sanitizers for Surfaces 

Sanitizers for Surfaces

Whether it’s for desks or a kitchen area, sanitizers are essential for any office clearance. Keyboards are one of the dirtiest items in any office and are often a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. By investing in a little cleaning kit for every desk, employees can keep their own desk clean. This may even help stop the spread of office colds!

Sanitizers should also regularly be used on other well-used surfaces as part of your office cleaning schedule. This includes doorknobs, coffee stations, water fountains, light switches, and telephones. 

Kitchen Cleaners 

Kitchen Cleaners 

The kitchen of any office can become seriously dirty – especially appliances like the fridge and microwave which can get caked in food residue. Even worse, the handles of these appliances can spread viruses and bacteria. 

Cleaners for a kitchen need to be non-toxic due to the close proximity of food, so keep that in mind before buying anything. You can also ask your cleaning firm for their advice here. Then, when you have your cleaners, ask employees to clean up any messes after themselves or have a cleaning rota. 

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