Home Blog Page 194

5 Decorating Hacks For Small Apartments in 2025

0
Decorating Hacks For Small Apartments

A move to your own apartment can be both tiring and rewarding. In order to enjoy your new space, you’ll likely need to evaluate several movers or moving companies NYC and determine which one best fits your needs. A move will also cost you money and change your schedule.

While all of these tasks may seem overwhelming, owning a small apartment can be very fulfilling. This apartment could be your reward for working hard for the past few years. You must know how to properly decorate this space to ensure that it creates a calm and pleasant atmosphere. The way you decorate your apartment can make or break its mood and even influence its functionality.

1. Paint all Walls with White Color

Apartments are usually painted in nude colors. Blush, tan, and cream probably some of the most common options. If you want your apartment to stand out, opt to paint all of your walls in white. Contrary to popular belief, this color doesn’t translate to dullness. In fact, using white in your apartment can make space feel bigger, cleaner, and more cheerful.

Paint all Walls with White Color

2. Add Pops of Colors

If you don’t want your apartment to be completely filled with white, invest in pieces that come in bold colors. Using a floral-printed bed cover or green chairs in your kitchen, inside your white apartment is a good combination. This trick is one of the easiest and cheapest ways of decorating a small apartment.

If you want to highlight another color for this month, look at the right-colored décor and place them strategically in different areas of your apartment. Doing this is a cheaper option compared to regularly changing your wall colors to fit this month’s season.

3. Utilize Unconventional Storage Solutions

All of your efforts to make your small apartment look good will be useless if clutter is all over the place. How can you appreciate your white walls if your clothes are hung on the walls? How can you add décor pieces if your space is already filled with unused clothes and damaged items?

Since your apartment has limited space, work on using unconventional storage solutions. This will help make your apartment clutter-free, allowing your décors to stand out. Depending on your available space and items to be stored, you can utilize the space underneath your bed. You can buy clear storage boxes or install some wooden drawers in this area.

You can also invest in hanging racks, wall shelves, and ceiling storage in different areas of your apartment. The rules on DIY storage aren’t set in stone, so go ahead and experiment to find out what storage solution fits your needs!

Utilize Unconventional Storage Solutions

4. Invest in Dual-purpose Furniture

In your apartment, you’ll have limited space. Apartments are smaller than traditional houses. Because of this, you should be careful about what you place inside your apartment. Adding bulky furniture can make a space appear cramped and limit foot traffic. Invest in dual-purpose furniture to avoid this problem. A storage ottoman that serves as a seat can be a great example.

5. Embrace Statement Lighting

Gone are the days when lights are only used to keep rooms well-lit. Today, more and more lighting fixtures are now available in the market that provides more than just brightness. These lights can also be utilized as décors in any area of your apartment.

Statement lighting comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. While some of these lights are small and embody a minimalistic design, others are grand.

Invest in the right statement lighting for your apartment and place them in high-traffic areas. If you usually spend with your guests in the kitchen, place your lighting above the dining table. If you’re fond of spending long hours in front of the TV, install the lighting above the couch or center table.

Statement lightings are smart investments because they create a lasting impression on your apartment. By placing the right statement lighting in the right area of your apartment, your space can look and feel new!

The More, The Merrier

Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything with your space. As long as you know the dos and don’ts in small apartment decorating, you can always upgrade your space any way you want.

Aside from the tips in this article, expand your options by using the internet to look for more decorating hacks. The more choices you have, the easier it’ll be for you to find a decorating hack that perfectly suits your style and personality!

Read more:-

Which Window is More Suitable for a Private House: Plastic or Wood?

0
Plastic vs wooden windows

Wooden Windows vs PVC windows

A picture of a window and a picture of a door

When asked which window can be better placed in a wooden house, many users tend to choose environmentally friendly materials that offer a certain level of sound and heat insulation. You can choose from the design features and type of glazing (frame, frameless) products made of natural solid, metal or plastic.

Modern products are characterized by increased sound insulation, hygroscopicity, and low heat loss. External properties allow the arrangement of rooms with the possibility of color or color preservation. The tree provides a harmonious and comfortable look.

Among the main characteristics, we can distinguish the service life (20 – 50 years) and low statics. Wooden windows do not deposit as much dust as advanced windows. In terms of cost, it is determined by the choice of wood.

A couple of windows that are on the side of a building

Defects include regular maintenance, destruction under the influence of insects, temperature and humidity. Products do not have fire fighting properties. 

Metal Structures

PVC windows are characterized by durability, increased sound insulation and easy cleaning. Inexpensive models hold the heat perfectly and have a warranty of 3-5 years. They are available in different configurations and colors. Distinguish single-chamber and seven-chamber models.

Is it time to replace your windows? Legacy Service USA – window installation in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Call us today for a free estimate +1 267-961-7088.

The assembly of the fittings facilitates opening in different positions (ploughing, ventilation, etc.). Depending on the type of installation, there are fixed, removable, swiveling, hanging, sliding and folding versions.

Aluminum installations

The advantages of plastic constructions are inherent to it. The disadvantages include deformation under the influence of different temperatures.

When heated, the windows release toxins. Products have a good small share and contribute to the creation of complex and large devices. They are often installed in non-residential premises (balconies, annexes, verandas).

Combined version

The combination of the above materials is carried out in different combinations. This ensures that all the properties required by the customer (weight reduction, insulation or decoration) are maintained.

Design features

A window sill filled with potted plants next to a sink

Unary option externally it is presented in the form of a frame with a single glass. Its operation is carried out in places where no high sound insulation is required: in the summer kitchen, on the terrace or in another unheated structure.

Coupled units include connections for external and internal flaps. The internal structure is mounted on hinges on the window box. The absence of expensive accessories has an effect on pricing.

Separate blocks. Wings, vents, and latches connect to the box so that they can plough in different directions. The disadvantage is the high costs.

Glazing. The choice of any frame is accompanied by a firm fixation of the glass for two or more cameras. They form layers of air between them and thus contribute to improved insulation.

Additional criteria are the presence of a protective film, reflective, vandal-resistant or tinted surfaces.

Window shape

Rectangular. In the modern market, there are models that can be deaf, swiveled, folded or folded. You can choose a panorama type. In the case of building constructions, the assembly of latches (ventilation openings at the top) is carried out.

Round. Original exterior designs exclude the possibility of ventilation and provide additional lighting.

Curved. Windows with a similar structure are an excellent addition when creating arched openings in the building. They can be solid or equipped with various accessories for ploughing.

The connecting angle is different from the right angle. They contribute to the interesting design of the veranda, conservatory or loggia.

Accommodation is in small rooms and in the attic. The installation is accompanied by special fittings. An ideal place to relax or for a comfortable stay. 

Due to the unique properties of the environmentally friendly material – wood – the best temperature conditions in the house are created all year round: It is not cold in winter and not hot in summer.

An important issue when building a wooden house is the question of windows. Which windows are best suited for a wooden house? There is no clear answer to this question and it depends strongly on the preferences of the owner.

Some experts claim that only wooden windows are suitable for a wooden house, others recommend metal-plastic windows. The fact is that in a structure such as a wooden house there are practically no rigid fixings, as all structural elements are slightly deformed when the wood dries or swells. Therefore, the periodic “wobbling” of the house must be taken into account. In a log house, frame screens or wooden sediments can reach twenty centimeters for the first two years.

Drying and swelling occur both horizontally and vertically, i.e. up and down. 

A gradual shrinkage of the house leads to a softening of the lateral deformation. In order to prevent the window frame from twisting, it is important to create a mechanism to compensate for the loads that occur when moving the wooden wall. 

To speak in the traditional way, it is necessary to provide an “okosyachku” which is a box between the wall and the window. 

The box is placed on the runners in the window opening so that you can maintain a stable position regardless of the movement of the wall. The gaps that make up the content and the wall are carefully insulated and covered with a casing. Thus, the window is installed in a panel that is not exposed to external influences.

In this case, it is not advisable to rely on your own experience but to entrust the case to an experienced master, as the creation of such a constructive detail requires skill and dexterity. Moreover, not all companies guarantee – the window dealers guarantee a high-quality installation. 

Once the location of the window opening has been precisely defined and prepared, the following question arises: Which of the various market window products do you need to purchase? Shape, color, size? In addition to the popular wood and plastic windows, there are also windows made of aluminum, metal-plastic, PVC, solid wood and combined models.

What to prefer

A pair of windows with wooden shutters on a white background

Plastic and metal-plastic windows are undoubtedly the pioneers. They are often used in the construction of new skyscrapers and the replacement of old wooden windows. It should be noted, however, that wooden windows are used more often than plastic windows in wooden houses.

The quality and durability of plastic windows depend primarily on the manufacturer, the material properties and the glass. Proper installation is extremely important for the long-term successful operation of such a window.

Advantages of plastic and metal-plastic windows: durable and reliable, create good sound insulation, are aesthetic, respond well to hygienic processing, do not require painting and periodic processing, do not require additional insulation and thanks to a variety of plastic shades it fits easily into any interior.

Disadvantages of plastic and metal-plastic windows: the material does not allow air and if the window is not opened for a long time, the room air becomes dry and dry. 

The situation gets worse in winter when the heaters dry the air and there is no regular and prolonged ventilation. “Unnatural” material: Even plastics of the highest quality are not 100% environmentally friendly. 

When heated, a certain amount of chemical compounds evaporates into the air and the effect of these vapors on human health has not been investigated. Another disadvantage of plastic – the complexity of repair: scratches, chips, and other minor surface damage must remain until the frame is completely replaced.

An open window in the middle of a snowy landscape

For reasons of fairness, it should be noted that wooden windows are the right choice for wooden houses. The only thing that can prevent this choice is the desire to save money.

Wooden windows fit well into the interior of a country house and “support” its coziness, originality and environmental friendliness.

Wooden windows “breathe” and let the air in even when the shutters are closed.

Continue reading:

5 Eco-friendly Home Improvement Upgrades for a Healthier Living Space

0
Eco-friendly Home Improvement

A prime location is not the only thing that makes a property attractive. There are many factors that homeowners can consider to improve the health, efficiency, and overall desirability of living space. This especially includes eco-friendly home improvement upgrades that promote healthier living.

Need ideas on increasing your home’s value? This post by Groom and Style can definitely come in handy.

Eco-friendly Home Improvement

Research conducted by the National Association of Realtors indicates that eco-friendly properties have higher chances of sales. Interested home buyers know that an environmentally-friendly home not only helps to minimize carbon footprint but also promotes general wellness. But what are some of the ways that homeowners can use to create healthier homes? Below is an overview of five eco-friendly home improvement upgrades that promote healthy living.

1. Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy star appliances help to significantly reduce overall energy use. Besides that, these appliances have longer lifespans. While most of these appliances are usually costly, they help to reduce total energy consumption.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these appliances can reduce your energy cost and usage by 10 to 50 percent. Star appliances are eco-friendly because they support the conservation of energy. Besides that, they reduce the exploitation of natural resources such as water, coal, oil, and natural gas.

Some of the energy star appliances which homeowners should consider include dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, clothes dryers, and freezers, among others.

Take a look at the following tips to make your appliances more energy efficient:

  • Regularly Clean Appliances: Clean appliances—like your air conditioning unit, refrigerator, and stove—regularly to avoid system malfunctions due to dirt buildup.
  • Use Appliances Properly: Avoid overusing your appliances and only use them according to their intended purpose. For instance, don’t use your microwave oven for your art projects, such as melting crayons or plastics. Doing so will only cause problems to your appliances and possible safety risks.
  • Preventive Maintenance: Perform routine repair and maintenance checks following the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent major repairs. You can hire a professional Dallas handyman if you’re unsure what to check and repair in your appliances and other household systems.

2. Houseplants

Houseplants

Yes, even houseplants can go a long way in improving home health, not to mention add beauty to any living space. Certain types of houseplants offer lots of health benefits and they can dramatically improve your wellness. First, these plants improve the quality of indoor air. In addition to that, research studies indicate that they can help to boost mood and reduce the levels of stress.

Houseplants are not just for aesthetics and better air quality, but they’re also perfect for enhancing productivity and concentration. Some of the best houseplants include Aloe Vera, which has a broad range of healing properties. Spider plants help to remove any formaldehyde from the air, while English Ivy is known to purify mold particles that can easily trigger allergic reactions. Other beneficial plants include ferns, the snake plant, peace lilies, jasmine, and lavender.

Here are some tips for decorating your home with indoor plants:

  • Place orchid plants in sunniest rooms because they love bright light.
  • Use a hook that serves a hanging planter on the coat rack.
  • Install painted hanging planters to add a touch of geometry and color. Place them in the corner of a room if you have small children or pets to avoid grabbing tabletop and floor plants.
  • For a modern, mid-century style, place your plants in DIY copper pipe stand.

Install wall-mounted plants if you have a small space.

3. Low-VOC Flooring

Low-VOC Flooring

Beautiful and attractive floors should not come at the cost of healthy living. As a homeowner, you don’t need flooring that will destroy a living environment and cause health hazards. low-VOC hardwood is the perfect type of flooring for a healthier living space. Unlike linoleum, carpets, and others, this type of flooring has no solvents. Its finishes are also water-based, thus why it’s safe and eco-friendly.

But wait, what are VOCs? “VOC” stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are harmful agents found in various home building materials and products. This means that flooring with high-VOC materials normally emits chemicals, such as formaldehyde, that have adverse side effects like skin irritation, coughing, and burning sensations. Another benefit of a low-VOC flooring is that it virtually gives off no odor after installation.

4. Energy-Efficient Exterior Doors

Energy-Efficient Exterior Doors

The advancement of home design technology has led to the development of energy-efficient doors. They promote eco-conscious living thanks to their unique design features. For instance, these doors help to conserve heat during the colder months such as winter. Furthermore, they help to cool air during the warmer months like summer. Generally, they improve a home’s thermal performance and improving energy efficiency.

Installing energy-efficient doors allows you to win twice. First, they help to reduce your annual energy bill. Secondly, you don’t need to regulate your house’s temperature in order to attain a certain level of comfort as with regular doors.

5. An Effective Water Filtration System

 Effective Water Filtration System

As long as you are using water and are keen on healthy living, then you need an effective water filtration system. Note that water filtration ensures your home water is safe for consumption. This means that you can drink and use it for cooking.

Besides that, a water filter system for the whole house is also great for bathing and showers. This is because it helps to remove chemicals, sediments, and heavy metals. Additionally, such a system helps to eliminate microorganisms and bacteria. As a result, it promotes healthy living by reducing the chances of health complications.

Take a look at these commonly used water filtration systems:

  • Activated Carbon: It removes chlorine from water, improving odor and taste and odor. Also, activated carbon removes lead and mercury using carbon filters.
  • Distillation: This water filtration vaporizes water, heating it to high temperatures. Distillation removes chemicals, minerals, and microorganisms with a high boiling point.  
  • Deionization: It promotes ion exchange in water to remove electrically charged ions, like salt.
  • Reverse Osmosis: It moves water through a semi-permeable membrane to stop larger and harmful molecules for domestic use. Reverse osmosis systems remove more contaminants as compared to carbon filters, making them a smart choice for many consumers. 
  • Water Softeners: They use ion exchange technology to reduce calcium and magnesium in the water.

The Bottom Line

The best way to add value to your home is by doing several improvements. However, all types of improvements should aim at promoting healthy living. The above-mentioned improvement upgrades are some of the best and most essential. This is because they help to conserve energy and reduce your overall energy bills.

Keep reading:-

Know Some Facts About Indoor Sports Flooring

0
Indoor Sports Floorings
Indoor Sports Flooring

There is nothing better than sports – it has the ability to unite people from all cultures and all layers of society. Sport is a vital part of many cultures whether it is outdoor sports or indoor sports. One thing is for sure though; the facilities have to be in order for everyone to perform their best and to increase safeness. A significant part of indoor sports facilities is the floor – no one should ever neglect the importance of proper indoor sports flooring. However, it can be a little tricky to figure out what is the best type of indoor sports flooring. And what should you look out for when you consider purchasing a sports floor: Durability, friction, ball bounce or all three?

Indoor Sport Flooring

Need to Know About Indoor Sports Floors

Floor Safety and performance are very important and there are some standards you can look at to become a little wiser. However, you should always contrast the standards with the type of sport intended for the flooring as they are only rough guidelines.

For instance, a high rebound rate when it comes to ball bounce is not necessary if you are looking for indoor sports flooring for gymnasts. Instead, it is very important when doing sports such as basket as great ball bounce can increase the pace of the game and control over the ball. When considering indoor sports flooring, you should look at the following:

Friction: Friction relates to the surface of the floor – how smooth or rough it is. The ideal friction rating is between 80 and 110. If it goes below 80, the floor can be too smooth and over 110 it is too rough. The friction rating necessary depends on the sport in question.

Rolling load: The rolling load is important to keep in mind as it says something about the weight it can withstand being rolled over the floor. This is particularly important if the sports flooring is intended for multiple purposes where it can be exposed to everything from heavy musical equipment to retractable seats.

Need to Know About Indoor Sports Floors

Ball bounce: Ball bounce, as previously mentioned, is the ball’s ability to bounce back. It is measured in percentages and compared to ball bounce measured on a regular concrete floor.

Shock absorption: Shock absorption is the floor’s ability to absorb shock. It minimizes injuries and is determined by measuring the impact energy in percentages absorbed by the floor when landing after a jump.

Final words

Vertical deformation: Shock absorption relies on vertical deformation as it is the floor’s ability to flex when exposed to a high impact.

Keep Reading: 

What is Contractor Bond and Why are They Required?

0
what is Contractor Bonds

Contractor license bonds are a special kind of surety bonds that usually involves the co-operation of three different parties in a construction project.  The bond helps the contractor, client, and issuing agency against costly business decisions that jeopardize the success of the job. 

The bond once signed by parties involved is legally binding on the contractor, the agency and the client. If a contractor secures a contractor licensing bond he is reaffirming his commitment to providing ethical and professional business services.  Surety contractor bonds also protect the public because you indicate that you and the business that hired you will not carry out unethical practices that will put them in harm’s way.

Should you need a contractor license bond, contractorbond.org has some of the best professionals skilled in this aspect of legal documentation. 

Types of Construction Bonds

Contractor license bond: As we have explained earlier, they are a type of surety bond that helps the contractor, the agency and the client against unethical business decisions and failures.

Types of Construction Bonds

Bid Bonds: Bid bonds are protective bonds used to insure a client if a contractor fails to sign a contract after winning a bid. Bid bonds are required from the contractor’s prior to submitting bids. Some times when contractors discover they have underbid a project they might decline to sign the contract. This is why it’s important to carry out due diligence before submitting bids for a contract.

Performance bonds: Performance bonds are self-explanatory. Contractors submit performance bonds to reaffirm their commitment to seeing to it that the project is completed according to the agreed terms.  If the contractor defaults on the contractual terms, the agency or hiring client can use the performance bond against the contractor by hiring another contractor to complete the job. 

Payment Bonds: Payment bonds help to establish a payment relationship between the contractor, the hiring company and subcontractors. It is a bond that ensures that everyone involved in a construction project is paid for their services. 

Contractor Bonds – Why are they required?

Now that you are aware of the meaning of contractor bonds and the different types of contrition bonds, let’s have a look at some of the reasons why these bonds are important.

  1. You have to get licensed: This is the 21st century, gone are the days where you could just take up any project without proper documentation or approval. In a civilized society, things are done in order.  There are various prohibition laws and policies that forbid unlicensed contractors from taking up construction projects. Get licensed to avoid the embarrassing arm of the law.
  2. You need it for construction projects: Almost all construction projects carried out in the United States require a contractor license.  Without one, you won’t win projects and hiring companies won’t take the risk of hiring you. 

Each type of bond discussed above has potential problem areas they cover. All issues surrounding biding, licensing and paying workers are covered by bonds.

  1. Contractor bonds protect against uncertainties: Projects can go sour sometimes because of some unforeseen circumstances. Contractor bonds help to protect all parties involved from the uncertainties that are associated with construction projects. Smart contractors plan ahead of time to accommodate the uncertainties of construction projects.
  2. You need a bond for court proceedings: If construction jobs go sideways all the way to the courtroom, you will need the bonds to defend yourself.
  3. Protect the image and brand of your business: With a contractor bond, you place your business in a positive light of credibility. Since these bonds are obtained by looking at the personal credit of contractors, displaying a bond will demonstrate your credibility to hiring companies and agencies.
  4. Clients have the right to know: Any client, homeowner or companies who hire you have the right to know if the contract agreement is properly bonded and documented.  According to some laws in states, contractors are obligated to inform the client or the hiring company about their contractor license bonds.  If you don’t have one, you are immediately seen as an avoidable risk no one is willing to take.
  5. Contractor bonds will help you win more projects: Don’t be left behind the park. Contractor bonds are for the good of all parties involved. The public views these bonds as a necessary requirement and will opt to hire a contractor with a legally binding bond than those without one. Quit acting like these bonds are unnecessary bureaucracies and do what is expected of you as a contractor.   

The 4 Stages of Contractor License Bond

Reputable agencies will be happy to walk you through all that is required to obtain a contractor or surety bond. Here are the general steps to get on

  1. Determine the type of bond: the first step in obtaining a contractor bond is to determine what type of bond you need.  If you want to carry out construction work in sites such as a municipal environment, you will need a contract bond that serves to cover the local requirement of that region. Two bonds can be at play here; in addition to the state’s contractor license bond, you need a local contractor license bond.  Depending on the type and complexity of the project, you may be obliged to obtain multiple sureties as a grantee of ethical conduct.
Stages of Contractor License Bond

You must find out from a seasoned professional which bonds are required before you begin construction work on any site.

  1. 2. You have to apply for the bonds: The application process is considerably easy in the first step because each state has an online portal where applications are received. These portals can process all types of bonds including tax bonds, bid bonds and a lot more
  2. Submit the completed forms: Once you have received the bonds you requested, it’s time to fill and sign them. Endeavor to make copies before returning the original copies to the appropriate government agency. 
  3. Receiving your license: Once the right government agency receives your application, they will process it and forward it to you the required contractor bond.

Discover More:-

Birmingham Has a Low Recycling Rate

0
Waste Disposal In Birminghams

At Junk Hunters, we specialize in rubbish removal in Birmingham Our experience has given us expertise in rubbish removal and promoting sustainability. As leaders in this field, what are 5 things we at Junk Hunters want Birmingham residents to know about waste disposal?

As of the end of 2018, the city of Birmingham has the lowest recycling rate in the West Midlands. It’s at 21%, based on household waste recycling. The only other local authorities with a lower rate are Barrow-in-Furness Borough Council in the North West (20%) and Newham in London (14%). Birmingham is tied with the Council of the Isles of Scilly in the South West.

Waste Disposal In Birmingham

The city was down 3.7 percentage points from the 2016/17 period. The 2017/18 rate of 21% is the lowest rate the area has scored since the Department for Environment started taking these statistics in 2011. Although this decrease can be attributed to the industrial action in the summer of 2017, Birmingham has had consistently low recycling rates in the last few years compared to other cities across the UK. At Junk Hunters, our goal is to increase the recycling rate for the area with our professional Birmingham waste collection services. You can prefer the grab hire services for professional delivery and material removal service.

The 2017 Birmingham Bin Strike Cost £6m

In the summer of 2017, bin workers in Birmingham went on strike over job losses and changes that had been proposed by the Birmingham City Council. Union officials said that a restructuring of the service would lead to 120 staff being laid off. The Council pointed to funding cuts from 2011 to 2017 which reduced the waste management budget by £6m. It also expressed concerns over productivity levels, which were lower compared to other local authorities in the country.

The strike lasted 3 months, ending in late September 2017. The work stoppages resulted in tonnes of waste lining the streets of Birmingham, which drew national and international attention. The Council has said that the dispute cost over £6m.

Tonnes of Batteries Are Sitting in Landfills

Over 20,000 tonnes of batteries are sent to landfills in the UK per year. Batteries consume 50 times more energy to make than the energy they provide. Only about 1000 batteries purchased per year are recycled and every person in the UK uses about 10 batteries per year. The EU issued a Battery Directive in 2006 stipulating battery recycling and collection. Since then, the number of used batteries collected relative to the number on the market has increased.

Tonnes of Batteries Are Sitting in Landfills

There are battery recycling companies in Birmingham that are certified to dispose of your used batteries. When you rely on Junk Hunters for your rubbish removal needs, we can ensure that your batteries are disposed of properly and recycled when possible.

Food Waste is Almost Half of Birmingham’s Rubbish

On average, 48% of rubbish in a bin in Birmingham contains food waste. In the UK, 30.8% of all food purchased is thrown away. Food waste is a major problem nationally and internationally. Many households in Birmingham don’t have a waste reduction plan. This could be anything from avoiding disposable items like plastic water bottles to planning a weekly meal plan to avoid buying and then tossing food.

Birmingham has improved in overall waste reduction, though. In 2016/17, waste collected in the city was 568kg per person. In 2017/18, it dropped to 354kg per person. In total, the Birmingham City Council collected 402,337 tonnes of rubbish in 2017/18.

One Tonne of Recycled Paper Saves 17 Trees

Paper and cards are some of the easiest materials to recycle. Indeed, paper and card made up 38.1% of all 5.9m tonnes of dry recycling in England in 2017 – the largest percentage. Paper and cards made up 16% of Birmingham’s waste in 2016. It’s easier than ever to go “paperless” in our digital world. When you do use paper, always recycle.

What are some other paper recycling facts? It takes about 5 liters of water to create one sheet of A4 paper. Recycling paper consumes 70% less energy than producing it. The average British family throws away 6 trees per year in paper products.

One Tonne of Recycled Paper Saves 17 Trees

Conclusion

Hopefully, these 5 facts about waste disposal in Birmingham gave you a clearer picture of rubbish collection. At Junk Hunters, we have experience dealing with unwanted rubbish and we do so at the highest environmental standards. Give us a call today to see why we’re a top rubbish collection agency in Birmingham and what we can do for you.

Harsha Rathnayake is the CEO of Junk Hunters. Junk Hunters started in 2009 and now has an annual turnover of over £ 2 million. Harsha has experienced growing teams from the ground up and is now utilizing this knowledge to create successful franchises.

To find out more:

20 DIY Fall Wreaths: How To Make A Wreath

0
Thanksgiving Wreath

A wreath is a simple and elegant way to welcome your guests into your house. They’ll feel the fall vibes just looking at your beautiful wreath, which is hanging on your front door. Want to decorate a door with a wreath? but confused about how to make thanksgiving wreath? Basically, a wreath is an arrangement of flowers, leaves and other fall items on a circular loop or ring. As it sounds to you, it is effortless to create also.

Buying a wreath is a good idea, but what about making a one? They are easy to make and also budget-friendly. Even if you have never made one, don’t worry, here we are to guide you to make your first wreath. So, if you’re here in search of some really cool ideas to make your own personal wreath, you are in the right place.

Here, we are providing 20 fresh and easy DIY wreath ideas, so take inspiration from here and surprise your visitors with totally unique and personalized wreaths.

With the appropriate material, foliage and some basic supply items, you can make an awesome wreath in no time. Definitely, these wreaths will stand out in the whole decoration of your home.

What You’ll Need:

  • Wire
  • Wire Cutters
  • Glue & Glue Gun

After getting these basic supplies, let’s start with the 20 easy DIY fall wreaths:

Leaf Wreaths: 

Fall is all about the changing of the leaves from green to bright orange, so why not you include these pretty leaves into your fall decors. Here are four easy wreaths that you can make in under five minutes.

1. Arbor Boxwood Wreath 

 Arbor Boxwood Wreath 

Arbor Boxwood Wreath is a perfect transitional wreath because of its green leaves as it reminds us of departure of hot summer and arrival of cozy fall. Just pick some Arbor Boxwood leaves and wrap them in a ring shape, and your leaf wreath is ready for fall.

2. Autumn Grapevine Wreath

Autumn Grapevine Wreath

This autumn wreath includes fall berries and velvety delphinium. Tie all this in a loop and decorate it fall peonies, and your Autumn Grapevine wreath is ready !!

3. Eucalyptus Wreath

Eucalyptus Wreath

To make this wreath, you’ll need a wooden hoop, and some eucalyptus adorns. Place them only to the bottom half of the loop.

4. Artichoke & Herb Wreath 

 Artichoke & Herb Wreath 

You don’t have to stick with the traditional themes, try different colors or rainbow wreath like this one.

Wheat Wreath

5. Wheat Bundle Wreath

Wheat Bundle Wreath

A wheat wreath is soft and effortless to make. Just grab a few strands of ripe wheat and wrap it around the circular loop in a bundle.

6. Wheat Berry Wreath

Wheat Berry Wreath

These wheat wreaths can easily blend with the neutral surroundings. To make the simple wreath more interesting, add some corn husks, pinecones, and acorns. It will look astonishing and gives the perfect fall vibes.

Berry Wreath

7. Faux Juniper Berries Wreath

Faux Juniper Berries Wreath

Want a dark color themed wreath? Then try Faux Juniper Berries Wreath; it is a dark, moody, and perfect piece for fall.

8. Red Berry Wreath

Red Berry Wreath

Who says that berries are only for eating? They can also look great as winter decor. Pick some dry red berries and place them in a circular loop. You’ll feel the festive burst with its vibrant red color.

9. Scented Berry Wreath

Scented Berry Wreath

A wreath with bright sunset orange berries will be the perfect thanksgiving wreath. The scent of the berries will remind us that the holiday season is coming..!!

10. Beaded Berry Wreath

Beaded Berry Wreath

This wreath is made from frosted fall berries, so you can already guess it !! It is very simple to make; you can make this in just 5 minutes.

11. Maple Leaf And Berry Wreath

Maple Leaf And Berry Wreath

To add more interest to a Maple leaf wreath, place some berries with them. The yellow-orangish colored leaves will be a pop of color in your decor.

Flower Wreath: 

A flower wreath is mainly made from flowers and foliages, which are sewed onto a circular loop. They look exquisite and classy.

12. Plum Blossom Wreath

Plum Blossom Wreath

What’s better than a flower wreath? Right..!! As they bring happiness to any place. To make this wreath, all you need is a Plum blossom flowers. Pick some long and thin tree branches and wrap them to make a circular loop. And finally onto this place the flowers and your beautiful Plum blossom wreath is ready.

13. White Tulip Wreath

White Tulip Wreath

We’ll think that tulips are associated with summer. But that’s not true; you can also use them in your winter decorations. Grab some tulips from the local flower shop and place it around a circular wire loop.

14. Golden Sunflower Wreath

Golden Sunflower Wreath

As we already told you that you could use summer flowers in your fall decorations. And the simplest way is to make a wreath from these. Use a thick branch ring instead of a traditional one.

15. Autumn Harvest Wreath

Autumn Harvest Wreath

To get a burst of color in your home decorations, use various kinds of flowers. This twig autumn harvest wreath is perfect for thanksgiving. Complete the wreath by placing a bow on top of it.

16. Geranium Wreath

Geranium Wreath

If you want a romantic fall decoration, then try out this wreath. It is made from Geranium flowers, which are the perfect definition of romance. Beautiful red will add more beauty to your outdoor decorations, and it is very easy to make. Just buy some geranium flowers from a local shop and start winding them around a thin tree branch. And your romantic wreath is ready, hang this onto your outdoor door.

Unusual Wreaths

So this holiday season ditches the traditional wreaths and makes the wreaths that are unique. Here are some cool and funky wreath ideas:

17. Vintage Bulb Wreath

Vintage Bulb Wreath

We all embellish our houses from lights, but now it is an ordinary style. This season, accessorize your home by a fun glowing wreath. Yes.. you read it right !! you can also use your old bulbs, which are not working. Tie them with the help of wire and secure tightly on a wire loop. This DIY wreath hardly takes ten minutes.

18. Shiny Brites Ornament Wreath

Shiny Brites Ornament Wreath

Don’t think that ornaments are only for the Christmas tree; you can also make a beautiful wreath from them. Tie all the shiny and funky looking ornaments on a wire loop. You can also attach some ribbons.

19. Candy Wreath

Candy Wreath

This holiday season, if you’re planning to make candies, then think about a candy wreath. A candy wreath is perfect for thanksgiving. Wrap your homemade candies in colorful papers and then make a wreath from them. It looks fascinating and unique. Kids will love it, but make sure they don’t steal all your candies from it.

20. Pom Pom Wreath

Pom Pom Wreath

A Pom Pom wreath? We know it sounds a little weird… But we assure you that you’ll love this after you make one. Just grab some pom-pom from a dollar store and a wooden loop. That’s it. Now start placing pom-poms around the loop in a random manner. You can either go for colorful ones or neutral/basics ones; both will look amazing.

Thanksgiving Wreaths

Conclusion

This holiday season, Feel the autumnal energy by these DIY wreaths. Just add a wreath along with some garlands and shows your festive spirit to your neighbors. Don’t think that you can decorate wreath only for holiday season; they are evergreen beauty. So include them now in your house decor. You can place a wreath anywhere in your house from the main entryway door to place above your fireplace. For more holiday decor, visit Architecturesideas.

Read More:-

Making the Most of Your Interior Design for The Least Amount of Money

0
Interior Design in low budget

So many people feel like they have to wait until they have beefed up savings before they can start working on interior designs. It’s like they have to live with feast or famine. It’s all Ikea couches and Craigslist beds until they finally have enough to buy everything at once.

It doesn’t have to be that way! Part of building a personal style is collecting items you love along the way. You design your home the best you can with what you’ve got. Not everything costs a ton of money. There are plenty of ways to make your home modern and stylish on a realistic budget.

A living room filled with furniture and a chandelier

Here are some good ideas on how to make the most out of your interior design for less. There are a ton more than these, but the below options are a great place to start. A few key upgrades in your house will make all the difference and get you started on an interior design kick. Try one and you’ll see the difference and can go from there!

Spend Money on Affordable Decorations

A living room filled with furniture and a center table

Cool style is all about finding a way to express yourself through your interior design. Anyone with money can buy something that looks like it came straight off the showroom floor. It looks decent, but the best way to make the interior design your own is to find ways to communicate who you are and build the kind of home you want to live in.

Too many people have bare walls and tables in their house! You can change that by frequenting yard sales, consignment stores, and local arthouses to find unique pieces that change the look at feel inside your house. Even people with unlimited budgets look in these places because you can find real antiques and one of a kind art pieces. It’s a fun activity you can do on the weekends.

Try Some Easy DIY Home Improvement Projects

A living room with a gray couch and a white coffee table

Labor costs are the biggest component of interior design projects. If you cut out labor costs, your money will go a long way. It’s daunting taking on renovations yourself. That first time swinging a sledgehammer into a wall can carry a lot of anxiety. We’re not suggesting you take on something major unless you’re a seasoned home improvement pro.

Instead, take on manageable tasks that you can do on evenings and weekends to improve your home interior design. Believe it or not, you can switch out bathroom fixtures, lights, and doors without too much trouble. If it’s been years since the house was upgraded, changing out doorknobs, switch plates, and other fixtures will make a huge difference. It’s a small but very impactful upgrade that you’ll notice every day.

Affordable Countertop Upgrades

A kitchen with a center island and a sink

Changing the countertops in your kitchen and bathrooms is another interior design improvement idea. If you’ve got older countertops that are starting to crack or look a little drab, put some thought into replacing them.

Countertop upgrades don’t cost an arm and a leg, either. Yes, if you go for rare marble countertop slabs, you could be looking at a high price tag. However, there’s been a lot of innovation in the countertop space that brings them into almost everyone’s price range.

Quartz comes in different grades. You can find lower grades for under $100 per square foot that look fantastic and are very durable. The more you pay, the more options you have, but you should top out at under $200 per square foot for the best quartz on the market, according to this article. One of the reasons countertops have become more affordable is the popularity and availability of quartz.

Quartz slabs are manufactured, unlike the mining process that produces granite and marble. It uses recycled natural stone and crushes them into slabs that come in all colors and shapes. You’ll get plenty of variety of choice and your kitchen and bathrooms will look fantastic.

Experiment with Paint

A living room with a couch a chair and a table

The house is yours, you bought it. That means you get to do what you want with it. No written rule says every house has to be white on the inside.

Look for inspiration online for information on color and paint trends. Find what you like and take a trip to your local paint or home improvement store to buy a sample. When you get home, find an inconspicuous spot to test the samples out. Leave them up for a few days and soak them in mentally. Once you’re ready, try changing the color of a wall in your living or dining room.

The best part about the paint is that it makes a big difference and is very affordable. Paint doesn’t cost much, and if you find a color you love you’ll spend time thinking about what else you can switch up inside for style points.

Keep Reading:- 

Step By Step Guide On: How To Frame A House

0
How To Frame A House

You already heard about people building their home stairs and backyard deck area. People can easily make wood furniture by following a DIY guide and decorate their house interior. It may look intricate at first but with proper guidelines nothing is impossible. You would have felt like a pro after completing the project.

A large brown and white house next to a brick wall

So, like that Have you ever thought of building a house? We know that it also sounds really complicated task to do. But as we said “with proper guidelines nothing is impossible” at the end of this blog, you’ll get an overall idea on how to frame a house.  Framing of a house is a lengthy procedure, and you will have to do it in stages to get the finished look.

With the right steps and process, you’ll able to do house framing pretty easily. With these simple steps, you will be able to build a house without taking help from a local builder.

So, let’s start our complete guide on house framing:

What Framing Is?

house Framing idea

First, time hearing the word framing? Framing is the backbone of the house, aka “ walls,” which is made from specific materials (mostly from wood). If the walls are not sturdy and durable, then, there is quite a chance that your house will not stand for a longer period.

So, choose the proper and suitable tools and materials to frame your house.

Materials

There are two types of framing- heavy-frame construction and light-frame construction. Pole, Timber, and steel are used in heavy construction framing. Choose the framing according to your house size and budget because heavy framing can be a little heavy on your pocket.

Whereas, light steel, balloons, and platform framing are used to lightly frame the house, which is more budget-friendly.

Methods Of Framing

Balloon and Platform framing are the most basic type of framing; that’s why it is prevalent these days.

1. Balloon Framing

Balloon Framing idea

Whereas in the Balloon framing, studs are running from bottom to the top of the house. It goes up to a maximum height of 2 feet. This style of framing was popular back in the 1920s. The empty spaces between the studs were filled with stucco. These types of walls are expensive and sometimes dangerous (because of their height and weight).

2. Platform Framing

Platform Framing idea

To achieve platform framing, the first step is to make a subflooring on the ground and then onto this; you’ve to build all the walls. These floorings are present at each storey of the house. They give strength and support at every level of the house.

Both the framing have some pros and cons. Balloon framing is good up to 2-3 storeys, whereas you can go as many levels in Platform one. They are more sturdy than the Balloon one.

How To Build A House

Here are all the steps, read them carefully before you start building your dream house:

1. Take Permission 

Always take permission from the local authorities before you start building. Take care of the building codes such as the size of the windows and doors, and the framing of the house.

A diagram of a building with all the parts labeled

2. Wall Stud

First, measure all the dimensions you want and choose the material accordingly. After that, cut the dry wood in the 8-foot sections. (Typically the size of a storey is around 8-9 foot). Once you are done with cutting wall studs, then toenailing them at about 16 inches with nails. Repeat the process and pre-build the outside frame with these woods.

Tip: You can also draw the design roughly on a paper to get a clear idea of the house design.

3. Jack Stud

Jack studs are also a type of wall studs which is used to cover windows and doors. They are special types of bracing used to brace the trimmers and headers.

Tip: nail down every part securely with the appropriate size of the nail.

A house being built in the middle of a field

4. Sill Plate 

The sill plate is a horizontal base where all the wall studs are vertically attached to it. Carefully, place wall studs one by one on this. And don’t forget to insert braces at every corner, until you finish.

Tip: Adding the post in the corners will add more support and power to each section

5. Repeat 

Follow the same procedure for the entire circumference of the house. After completing the first storey of the house, do the same for the upcoming storeys.

Tip: place the studs, joists, and rafters precisely at 16 inches apart to provide reliable support.

6. Roof Trusses

After succeeding in the previous steps, its time to build the roof. So the first and foremost step is to make roof trusses. Build the truss according to the shelter you want. Nowadays, some houses have high pitched roofs and dormers. Think before you start building your roof, go through all the options and select the one which works best for you.

A house under construction with a lot of windows

7. Wall And Roof Sheathing

Once you’re done with the framing, the next step is wall sheathing. The sheathing is used to provide sufficient rigidity to the base – Brick, concrete and other materials to fill up space. In earlier times, people used ½ inch thick boards to cover up the wall studs. Same as wall sheathing, you can do roof sheathing.

After completing all these steps, its time to install doors and windows. And paint the whole house with the color of your choice and decorate it.

A house under construction in the middle of the day

At The End

Framing acts as a “skeleton” to the house, no matter how expensive is your house exterior and finishings, but if the base is weak, then it’s not gonna work out. So, always make sure that you use good material with sufficient support is provided in the framing. A house with a good foundation will bear all the harsh weather condition and remains as it is for years.

A large wooden house sitting on top of a lush green field
A large wooden house with a lot of windows
A large house in the middle of a snowy field

In case you missed it!

Deco TV Frames: Why Buy a Television

0
Deco TV Frames

We are the golden age of television. TV shows have never been this good nor are there as many options to choose from. So, why is there still a lot of hesitance from people in buying a television set? The reasons range from economic to practicality. But now, more than ever has been the best time to invest in some of the best quality entertainment hubs. If you are worried about having a television set ruining your living room decor, you could just buy Deco TV frames.

In this article, we will look at the reasons why you should definitely start to browse for the best value television that you can get.

TV Frames

Deco TV Frames: Why to Buy a Television – Sports Nowadays is a Spectacle

I do not know about you but I love sports and a majority of America agrees. There is a reason why there is a sudden spike of interest in sports with the advent of high definition TV. Television and sports go together like baseball and hotdogs in a bun. Never had the excitement of watching a game back at home become as nerve-wracking as being in the actual stadium itself. Accompanied by the best audio systems that technological advances have to offer, being a sports spectator has never been so fun and comfy.

Deco TV Frames: Why Buy a Television – Drown the Noise

The world is getting more populated than ever before. And let’s face it. The simple truth is that if you are living, then the chances are you are staying in one of the densely populated areas of the world. That is simply how communities have evolved over time. And knowing that, one of the biggest problems that modern society has to endure is the constant noise that both overpopulation and industrialization has brought upon.

Deco TV Frames: Why Buy a Television - Drown the Noise

Having a television ready to drown out the noise outside the four walls of your room can be a big blessing that you might not have yet come to realize. The first time that I have lived without a television set was right when I graduated in high school. I was renting a studio apartment a few blocks away from the university. Everything about the place was perfect except that it was right across the busiest intersection in the area.

The days were fine but when the night comes, the street transforms into the party spot of the county. I had little recourse. I could buy noise-canceling headphones but Having anything attached to my ears kind of throws me off. And then, I figured that if I could not live in a place that was quite enough for me to function, I could, at least, choose the kind of noise I would be drowning in. And that is when I invested in a television set.

Note however that this trick is not for everyone. For instance, living with family is not always the best situation for you to unplug yourself from. Television, as much as any of the wonders that we have today, must be used responsibly.

Deco TV Frames: Why Buy a Television – For the News

Ask the people you know where they get the news and you would probably hear them say social media more often than you expect. This is after all that had been the trajectory ever since the smartphone and the internet were invented. Ever since the information was reachable by the palm of our hands, who needs to crawl over to find a remote that usually disappears into another dimension each time you sit down to watch your favorite show.

So, if you could get information faster and easier through other means, should we not cast away the television the same way that we cast away the newspapers? The answer is of course no. While viewership has indeed declined, like the newspaper, every once in a while, we are reminded of how much we rely on the basics when we need to hear the news.

Deco TV Frames: Why Buy a Television - For the News

News from the television is carefully curated and packed for us to summarily see what is worth seeing. This is in contrast with news from the internet which really relies on the kinds of news that interests the majority of people there. This means that the news about a war breaking out could be overtaken by a windsurfing squirrel because the squirrel video got more likes and shares.

Deco TV Frames: Why Buy a Television – For the Family

Remember a simpler time when the whole family would cozy up in the living room watching a show that all of you loved? Well, I do, and it is said that this is slowly becoming out phased by our desire to get our entertainment from means that would let us have it when we want it. Television was special because the time we had to watch it was limited.

We would savor each of the scenes and even try to entertain ourselves with the commercial breaks. The feeling was shared by the entire family and though we did not talk a lot and see eye to eye throughout the day, we knew that when TV time comes, we would share an intimate time with each other.

Deco TV Frames: Why Buy a Television – To Relax

The choice is a powerful concept. It is the bedrock of democracy and, as we live and breathe, we are given each our own free will. This was the same power that overtook when the excitement over the latest streaming services have arrived. We felt that there could be nothing else to obstruct us from the way we wish to consume our entertainment. While this is all well and good, we sometimes fail to see the stress that it brings.

Deco TV Frames: Why Buy a Television - To Relax

Choice gives as much of a problem as it does in happiness. Knowing that we can pick what shows we want to watch and when to watch it means that we now have the desire to watch the best one that is showing and to watch them all.

Discover More: