When you’re trying to sell your home you might be curious as to which home repair jobs are the ones that are going to increase the value of your home. Thankfully, there are a number of ways in which you can upgrade your home without depleting your savings or going into debt.
From power washing the outside of your home to repairing the roof, and painting some walls, there are some inexpensive renovations that can both increase the curb appeal of your home repairs while also increasing the offers you’re likely to receive.
While you can do most of these renovations yourself, there are some such as roof repairs, where it’s best to let a professional Frisco Roofer take care of the job for you.
Here are our high-value home improvement plans that won’t put a burden on your budget.
Repaint the Walls
If the walls of your home are covered with fading and dirty paint or if the wallpaper is peeling from many places, then you only need a few cans of paint and a little elbow grease to give your home a fresh look. Make sure to choose a neutral colour scheme to give your home a spacious look. Buyers are naturally attracted to roomy and vibrant spaces.
Update Fixtures
Most homeowners do not pay much attention to switch plates, curtain rods, doorknobs, light fixtures, or outlet covers. You can add a touch of glamour to your home by spending a few dollars on these fixtures.
Outlet covers and metal switch plates do not cost much but look much more elegant. Although a bit pricier, decorative curtain rods and light fixtures are a sure way to add a dash of pzazz to your home. Be sure to choose colours and finishes that generally appeal to a broader audience.
Add New Windows
Paper shades, horizontal aluminium blinds, or vertical plastic blinds, are all materials that give your windows a dismal look. Replacing these cheap options with wooden blinds, drapes, or plantation shutters will not only increase the value of your home but will also add colour to the rooms.
Clean the Fireplace
Years of use can cause to renovate your fireplace to become stained with creosote and soot. A clean and beautiful fireplace can be the deciding feature for the buyer, so make sure that your fireplace is as attractive as possible.
First, remove the soot with a wet rag, and then use a fireplace cleaner that effectively removes creosote. Use a stiff brush to scrub the fireplace until it shines.
Renovate the Kitchen
Most home buyers prefer a home that comes with an updated, modern kitchen. But be careful when you are remodelling the kitchen so that you do not go overboard. Start with minor tasks like adding new cabinet hardware or replacing the kitchen faucet. Go for energy-efficient options in place of old light fixtures.
You can also paint the kitchen cabinets a cheerful colour instead of replacing them. This will be much more cost-effective and give your kitchen a completely new look.
Power-Wash the Exterior
A good-quality power washer can go a long way to making your home look cleaner and brighter. You can rent a power washer and use it to power wash your home’s exterior. This process takes very little time and money, but can make your home look shiny as new.
As long as you have the power washer, also clean the walkways, patio, and driveway with it. This will make your home look as if it just got a fresh coat of paint.
Personalised Projects
Knowing about projects that can negatively affect the value of your home will definitely help you in the long run. It’s no secret that the more a task is personalised depending on your taste, needs, and personality, the less likely it is to affect your home’s resale value. You might feel that a home recording studio is just what you need, but this facility may be wasted on a young family.
Swimming pools – Investing in an in-ground swimming pool may seem like a good way to beat the heat in the summers, but some buyers may not be willing to pay the additional insurance and energy costs. Also, families with small kids may find it a safety hazard. So, having a swimming pool can adversely affect your home’s value.
Garage Conversions – Most homeowners look for homes with garages, as it allows them to park their cars in protected places. Converting your garage into a game room is not something that most buyers will appreciate.
Enhance Curb Appeal
‘First impression is the last impression’ – don’t you agree? That is why enhancing the curb appeal of your home is just what you need to give it a charming look. It can be a difficult task such as adding a new walkway, or an easy one like scrubbing your home’s siding. However, it does not have to be expensive to be effective.
Another inexpensive and fast way to elevate the look of your home is by adding a new front door. Line flower pots on your driveway, and trim the existing shrubs and trees to give them a neat look.
Bottom Line
Home renovations do not have to be complicated, expensive, or involve the services of professionals. You can undertake various projects to improve the value of your home without creating much of a burden on your pocket.
Whether you are planning on selling your home or staying in it, undertaking a few of the home improvement ideas mentioned above is sure to increase its value. However, before making any major changes, ensure that these renovations are consistent with the other houses on the block and do not make your home stand out.
It’s time to buy! Yes, but what, how much, and how?
Buying real estate market in New York City is your next resolution. Well done! In addition, we have nothing but good news to tell you. The New York real estate market is doing well, it is even flourishing and offers dozens of condos, lofts, new apartments, and townhouses for sale, just waiting for you, the future owner. Whether it is to live there or to invest, buying real estate in NYC remains a good investment and fiscally interesting. So, what do we start with? Contact your real estate agent and read on.
Real Estate to Buy in New York City
If you want to invest long term in New York City, a co-op is exactly what you need. This type of property represents 70% of the market. In a cooperative building, the owners get a share of the cooperative association and all the shareholders jointly own the building and its units.
The boards of the co-op play an important role and determine if you can rent your home or make major changes there.
Co-op boards of directors, on the other hand, are all-powerful in determining who owns their buildings. It can therefore sometimes be difficult to buy and Tribeca apartments for rent in New York, and even when you can afford it.
New York co-ops are generally older than condos, but the good news is, they’re generally less expensive.
Over 70% of rental demand consists of one bedroom (2 rooms) and 2 bedrooms (3 rooms). Be careful, some buildings should be avoided and the assistance of a competent and patient real estate agent will be useful to you to avoid setbacks and make the right choice.
Mine, Just Mine: the Condos
When you buy a “ condo ” apartment, you are the full owner of it, as well as parts of the common areas of the building (for example, the gymnasium). Although the condominium has a co-owner association, it won’t be as involved as counseling a co-op, for example, owners can easily rent or sell their home whenever they want.
On the other hand, they are generally more expensive – homeowners may have to pay common fees and charges. Depending on the amenities and services offered by the building, especially if it is new. However, despite sometimes very high prices, condos are selling very well and very quickly.
My House in the City: the Townhouses
A townhouse is generally a small building of three or four stories, adjacent to other buildings on the same block; it can serve as a single-family house or have several apartments spread over its floors.
Although townhouses are narrower than detached houses, they often have courtyards and roofs and offer more privacy than an apartment. There are 8,300 of them in Manhattan, so very few.
This is why they also tend to post high prices (from 5 to 20 million dollars depending on the neighborhood). The most beautiful townhouses, called brownstones (because their facade is made of dark bricks), are mostly located in Uptown between the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Harlem where opportunities are still available.
Likewise, in Downtown Chelsea, Gramercy Park, Flatiron, Greenwich Village, West Village, and Tribeca. The good option is to look on the Brooklyn side, with more affordable prices and lower property taxes.
My Very Short House: the Fully Detached House
Without wanting to discourage you, this type of property is quite rare in New York City. For example, the Frick Museum was one of those typical detached houses that one could find in Manhattan in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
From now on, you have to go a little outside this district, towards Ditmas Park, or Forest Hills, if you want to buy a house just for yourself.
Alone in the World, or Almost: the Loft
It is a bit tricky to define a New York loft because many lofts have been “built from scratch” to recreate the ambiance and originality of the old ones. But generally, lofts are spaces of old industrial or manufacturing buildings transformed into residential area. They stand out for their high ceilings, large windows, large spaces, and minimal interior walls.
Most of the originals (and the nicer ones) can be found in neighborhoods like Tribeca, Soho, and Williamsburg. It is important to bear in mind that the purchase of real estate in New York has its own time and procedure characteristics and it is strongly recommended that you use a real estate agent like nyrentownsell. Either way, the buying process is pretty much the same. To find out more, read our (great) article on how to become a homeowner in New York.
Investing in New York Real Estate Is Always a Good Idea in the Long Term
You should first know that Manhattan and Brooklyn benefit from the MLS, a “Multiple listing” where more than 95% of properties for rent or for sale are listed. Since everyone has access to the same database, working with multiple real estate agents is unnecessary. Choose one, and a good one! There are some best places to live in NJ with low taxes as well.
Why is investing in New York stone interesting? Because prices have multiplied by 4 in 30 years (source Miller Samuel Appraisor). Thus in Manhattan, the Lower East Side district saw its prices increase on average by 168%, as for that of Grammercy Park, it underwent an increase of 109% between 2010 and 2019.
On the Brooklyn side, it is the same trend with a 211% price increase in Cobble Hill and 192% in Greenpoint! Buying your home in NY thus remains the best way to build up savings and enhance your property over the long term rather than paying rent.
A Dynamic and Profitable Rental Market
Given current house prices, the New York real estate market remains inaccessible to many. The rental demand remains very well supported in all neighborhoods of New York City and the average rent in Manhattan was $ 3,217 in 2019.
In addition, more than ⅔ of 8.5 million New Yorkers are tenants according to the New York City Department of City Planning.
Real estate in New York is most likely to be a worthwhile investment property when rented for an extended period. With time and rental income in your pocket, the chances of a successful investment increase dramatically. Investing in New York is always a safe bet, so you just have to wait… and cash in.
A Fiscally Attractive Real Estate Transaction
There are significant tax benefits for all real estate investments made in New York. For example, mortgage interest paid on investment property is fully deductible.
Interest on loans used to buy, build, or improve the property is deductible up to $ 500,000 for single taxpayers and $ 1,000,000 for married couples. The property taxes and all other expenses “ordinary and necessary” for rental investment property are tax deductible up to $ 10,000 according to the IRS.
A bathroom is a private space. This ultimate “one’s-own” space is where we unwind at the end of a tedious day by soaking in a warm shower or taking a long cold shower. Many types of research have proved that your bathroom becomes an ultimate sweet spot in between your daily responsibilities. It makes your worries dissipate. So, if you’re seeking to update your functional bathroom into an ethereal environment a walk in shower ideas is a wonderful place to start. Walk-in showers can lend you the ultimate relaxation, calmness, and far less maintenance than normal bathtub demands.
Walk-in tubis all-in and luxury, creating a spa-like ambiance in a bathroom because it can elevate the look of your bathroom. We know that designing from scratch or updating your shower designs can seem like a daunting chore, especially since we use it every day, but the results can be spectacular.
Irrespective of the size of the bath or your budget, we listed 25+ walk-in shower ideas that will inspire you to add an ethereal bath environment.
1. Spruce Up with Patterned Tiles
If you’re looking for tiled walk-in shower ideas, this one ends your hunt. An artistically patterned tile floor like mosaics, floral, or even vertical strips can be one of the best and easiest walk in shower ideas. To achieve that elegant and tranquil environment goes with patterns that are not too busy, the same goes for the color, and avoid the feeling of trippy. Try to bring cohesiveness by matching the backsplash, walls, and floors creating a more uniform look overall.
2. Consider the Plumbing Layout in your Walk in Shower Ideas
Apart from design alterations, walk in shower ideas also include functional considerations like the right plumbing and pipe size to get the best out of the overall plumbing system. Walk in shower requires more water pressure when compared to a bathtub. To get that perfect sublime and airy showering feels you must switch from 110″ pipe size to 2″ pipe size. As the pipe narrows down, more water pressure can be achieved for your walk in shower.
3. Go for Corners
Thinking of optimally using an unused corner? Go for a corner walk in shower.
Placing a walk in shower in a tucked-away corner is a wise solution for bathrooms that are small and busy. It’s also ideal for a bathroom that needs to be utilized by everyone. Keeping the wet area separate from the frequently used dry area can help you keep the entire bathroom dry and clean plus it limits the growth of mold. Additionally, a corner walk in shower is advantageous for children or someone who has mobility challenges, allowing easy circulation.
4. All whites for Walk in Shower Ideas
All whites can be a perfect solution if your challenge is a small compacted bathroom. As white makes any space look big and airy. You can use the hue to maximize the space from the floors to the walls. The all-white theme instantly becomes the perfect background for your sanitarywares, so let them shine.
5. A Linear Shower Drain for a Walk in Showers
A linear shower drain is a perfect technique to walk in showers that keeps at bay quite literally! Linear shower drains, also known as infinity shower drains, are drain systems that seamlessly flush with the floor and make the flooringand drain look altogether.
This will help even in small bathroom walk in shower ideas to keep the area cool. If multiple slopes already exist in your bathroom, they can be positioned along a single wall or in the center of the shower, aiding in the rapid removal of water from your bathing region.
6. Pop it Up with the Right Color
Make your walk in shower a statement piece with colors that pop out. You can use pastels like apple green and turquoise blue that catches enough attention while maintaining the discipline of calmness. Even if your bathroom is small, don’t be afraid to design with color. A good walk in shower color scheme is crucial for achieving the ethereal, feel, and design you’d like in your bathroom, and you can use anything from backsplash and sanitaryware to accessories to achieve this.
7. Transparent Glass Partition
All design elements from the unique backsplash to the color you chose for your sanitaryware can only be visible once you select translucent partitions. This helps dry the area against wetness while not fully closing off the walk in shower area. Furthermore, this will allow your entire length of the bathroom to look much bigger by not dividing it.
8. Get that Aromatherapy Vibe with Sanitary Wares
With aromatherapy, your ordinary walk in shower experience can be transformed into a relaxing spa experience. This starts with choosing the right elements and features like the right sanitary fit that aligns with the hue of your floors. You can also accentuate the calming ambiance by hanging fresh eucalyptus branches on your shower head which brings more tranquility with its perfumes when infused with the steam.
9. Create Essential Compartments
What better than shower designs that contain all your essentials without having to jump out during a calming shower session? We guess nothing! Creating storage for accessories like towels, soap, lotions, loofah sponges, and shampoo, in small pockets within your walk in shower is a fail-proof idea.
You can be extremely creative with small spaces like adding open shelves or shelves that look like they’re floating by using glass. Another option is to incorporate niches into your walk in shower cavities. Such storage areas are attractive, take up little space in the bathroom, and are super easy to maintain.
10. Level up the Walk in Shower
Level up the walk in shower, quite literally by adding a step to it. A step up to your walk-in shower adds a new dimension to your bathroom and serves as a zone that easily divides one space into two. If you are searching for a walk in shower tile ideas, you can also opt for a leveled-up wet room floor, in which the walk-in shower’s floor is tiled. However, the level-up can cost you more than the standard same-level walk-in shower.
11. Paned Window Look to the Entrance
When designing a walk in shower, if you wish to have more dimensions and depth try using a door that looks like a paned window to add more texture to a plain space. This will create a unique ambiance as the contrast between the transparent glass and the black panes on this door is striking. Bring out more on this contrast by choosing the right type of lighting in front of the entrance to create a stunning look.
12. Walk in Shower Ideas: Get Nature Inside
Adding some plants to walk in the shower tops the list of walk in shower designs. Indoor plants like strings of turtles can instantly make your walk in shower feel more pleasant and natural when you are showering.
Moreover, plants effortlessly offer a splash of color that is not too popping. And the health benefits that a plant lends are limitless, as nothing helps us relax more than nature. One thing we’re sure of is that by incorporating some plants and shrubs your morning showers will be uplifted.
13. Go for Unique Accessories
Even when you want the entire design to fall into a more minimalist side, you can opt for accessories and sanitaryware with a bronze finish against the subtle while wall. The bronze touch in your walk in shower shall make your sanitaryware dominate the entire design. Make sure to go for good brands that can make the finish last even in heavy-duty bathrooms.
14. Comfortable Seatings
If sitting on a comfortable bench while the waterfalls to your body isn’t a synonym for relaxing we don’t know what else is. You can introduce a feel-good factor in your walk in shower by adding some beaches and seatings to rest while showering or taking hot steam.
Experts also advise incorporating materials that fall on the natural palate like stone, wood, or even exposed concrete to achieve that perfect sitting under the rainfall experience. If your walk in shower falls on a smaller size you can try these seatings by installing fold-down seats, open them when you’re seeking a long shower and fold them up if you’re running a quick one.
15. Timeless Gray and White
This is a wonderful combination if you’re seeking some elegant theme for your walk in shower designs. The duo of white and gray is timeless and the easiest theme that blends with any design theme or even the function. The combination can help you balance the space from being too dark or bright.
16. Play with Material Palette
Walk in showers can allow all kinds of personalizations and customization so why not start with playing with the martial? For instance, marble gives you the perfect impression of grandeur in any design. The elegant, subtle, and effortlessly gorgeous nature of marble makes it the most used material in the bathroom that creates a statement look. Another material could be using artificial stones that grant their own set of colors and veining. However, before choosing your stone or marble, you should look for them in a showroom or suspect the quality in person.
Expert tip: Because no two slabs of marble or stone are alike, design the slabs with caution in large areas to form cohesiveness.
17. Acentric Backsplash
You can make the most out of the centric theme for the backsplash of your walk in shower by choosing the right texture and hue. In Fact, many designers treat backsplash no less than an art piece. You can also spruce up the game by using innovative bathroom lighting to help emphasize subtle shimmer or delicate features, and maximize the amount of wall space available for your backsplash. As the wall carries significant design weight, there’s a lot of room to make it one-of-its-kind.
18. Address a Focal Point for Walk in Shower Ideas
A walk in shower can quite easily become the focal point of an entire bathroom with the right elements. You can opt for different wall patterns in your walk in shower against the bathroom that can easily segregate the stall from the layout. Moreover, adding a colorful partition wall design became the forte of this distinctiveness.
19. Dominating Tiles
Dominating and distinct patterns of tiles can be ageless if you select a color that speaks to you, and being eye-catching is just the by-product. Go for colors that are not the color one thinks at first like yellow to bring the sunny mood and orange to lend some cherry vibe to your showering. Using bold bathroom colors can result in a unique outcome.
20. Experiment with the Layout
If you have a lot of floor space to dedicate to your walk in shower, don’t be afraid to experiment with the layout. For example, go for a larger walk in shower that houses multiple shower heads to give you the perfect rainfall feel. You can also go with a sliding large entrance to your walk in shower that allows seamless circulation to the entire plan.
21. Embrace the Lighting
Many times people forget the potential of good lighting when they are designing a walk in showers or make lighting a tertiary stage in the design. The lighting you opt for while you shower is equally important as the other accessories like showerheads. Go for soft overhead lights and notice how pleasant shower time turns.
22. Opt for Dark Statement Hue
Consider keeping the rest of your bathroom layout bright and airy with a splash of color with sanitaryware while opting for an all-black wall in the shower if you like black but want to keep things striking. The other color option can be green vanity, patterned wallpaper, and unique flooring, giving a hint of contemporary and not very somber.
23. Opt for Teakwood Flooring for Walk in Shower Ideas
Let us assure you first by saying that no real teakwood is not prone to mold even in dampness. Instead, the relaxing hues and use of teak wood texture throughout the floors give your walk in shower a spa-like ambiance. Your walk in shower can feature a beautiful slatted teak wood floor instead of the typical walk in the shower tile floor. It’s gentle on the foot while showering, water-resistant, and gives a calm feel even when it’s a long shower.
24. Replace the Door with a Curtain
If you are not a fan of rigid doors, you can totally eliminate them with flowy curtains. Using curtains can offer you playing with multiple patterns, textures, and colors, from bold red to vintage florals. As curtains are fairly cheaper than doors, it allows you to keep changing them according to season. Moreover, the curtains perfectly fit with a beach-themed design.
5 Tips for Replacing your Bathtub with a Walk-in shower
There’s nothing like soaking in a warm, bubbly bath in your bathtubs but finding the time to do so can be a luxury in and of itself. Therefore, walk in showers are more practical for everyday use and people are frequently adapting.
Try retrofitting the old plumbing of your bathtub to suit the need of your walk in shower. This allows you to keep the original plumbing layout without thinking about the layout of the new service. This also helps you in saving up on some extra cash to shift the internal ducts around.
You’ll also need a division after converting your bathtub to a shower. You can add sliding doors to the edge of your shower unit, or a plastic liner that is a less expensive and more attractive option.
Waterproofing can be the biggest challenge once you convert the bathtub into a walk in shower. Consider putting tiling on the walls of the shower to create a waterproof barrier. And for the floors, you can add a level difference.
Study how the shower door will fit when changing a bathtub to a shower, especially in a compact bathroom. If you want a shower door, make sure there’s enough space for it to swing open without hitting the WC or the sink.
Ventilation is also one of the key aspects when interchanging. Avoid using sealed door frames in walk in showers to let the air flow in and out without trapping the moisture.
Final Thoughts
There are several advantages to consider when replacing your bathtub with a walk-in shower. One is that you’d prefer to bathe more quickly. However, due to the limited space, you will need to modify your bathing area. To prevent a major bathroom renovation, consider these simple walk in shower ideas.
You can completely design your walk in shower to fit all your needs and that it’s right for you and the decor style of your entire bathroom, whether you opt for all whites, teakwood flooring, or relaxing seatings. Some of these alterations are limited by budget and the size of the bathroom, but others are quite simple to incorporate to achieve your ideal ethereal bath environment.
FAQs
Can You Have a Walk-In Shower in a Small Bathroom?
Yes, you can build a walk in shower for a small bathroom easily. As walk-in showers do not require much space. There are multiple small and slim shower trays available on the market that can be installed. The walk in shower can further be reduced in size if you eliminate the level difference. The best trick to make your small bathroom appear big is to go for hues that are lighter in color. Avoid using dark colors on backsplash, walls, and flooring. You can eliminate unnecessary storage units and keep the entire bathroom to the bare minimum requirement.
Alternatively, you could create a wet zone and dry zone to reduce the wetness to reach the entire bathroom. Other than these many design elements can help you make your walk in showers appear big even in small bathroom sizes.
Are Walk-In Showers Practical?
Yes, walk in showers is super practical. They’re especially useful for busy families with children, disabled persons, and the elderly. You’ll be able to use even the smallest of small or awkward spots where a bath or regular shower wouldn’t fit due to the lack of an appropriate enclosure. Usually, bathtubs take up a lot of floor space and are quite high maintenance. If the bathtubs are left unmaintained they’re prone to all kinds of molds and pests. This is not the case for a walk in shower as they’re easier to deal with.
Walk in shower takes up less space than a bathtub, making them an excellent choice for small bathrooms. Also, walk-in showers are constructed to survive years of use. They have fewer parts than a normal tub or shower, which means they are less likely to break or malfunction making them a practical option.
Does a Walk-In Shower Add Value?
Yes, While installing a walk-in shower might be costly, it is becoming a more popular option to increase the value of your bathroom and improve your quality of life. Traditional bathtubs can make a room appear congested and cramped because they take up so much of the floor space. This is especially relatable in tiny bathrooms where there is often a lot of limitation when it comes to adding design elements.
Small bathrooms can add value by featuring design elements that are more functional than beautifying like walk in showers. Furthermore, A bathroom can be transformed by stealing a little extra space through walk-in showers. These are growing more popular, and they’re an excellent way to increase the value of your entire bathroom.
Gas pipes are part of a piping system that transports natural gas from the supplier to your home. The system consists of subsidiary lines that connect to various appliances all across your house. Descend lines, which are straight lines that connect to appliances, are linked to branch lines. Keeping your home warm, especially during the severe winter months, is essential in protecting everybody else indoors. Gas is among the most energy-efficient fuels for heaters and boilers, but householders shouldn’t just turn it on and forget about it. When left unregulated, gas can be exceedingly harmful. Let’s check out some ways to How To Safely Use And Store Gas:
Check Your Gassing System Regularly
Gas pipeline issues can result in flames and negatively affect the environment, going as far as causing major catastrophes. Think about hiring experts such as GXR Plumbing to evaluate your gas system and make any required adjustments before you start using it more frequently during the winter months to avoid problems. When it comes to gas, making sure there are no leaks might mean the difference between living securely in your home and a fatality that could have been completely avoided.
Gas travels from a distribution line, also known as a mainline, to a home or other structure via a channel, which is maintained by the natural gas provider. All apparatus and gas supply connections downstream of this line are the customer’s responsibility. Since this is the case, make sure you always check your gas pipes with a professional when installing a new appliance that runs on gas.
Proper Storage of Gas Bottles
Always store and use gas bottles in an upright position since the gas inside is under pressure and this position is the safest. Make sure to store gas bottles in a well-ventilated place, because this way, if it comes to an unwanted circumstance where there is a leak in the bottle, the dangerous fumes will be safely ventilated outside.
Remember to always store gas bottles away from sources of heat and ignition since the gas inside is highly flammable and can cause damage if left next to an item that ignites. Not only that, but this can lead to a highly dangerous situation. That can lead to a massive explosion and fire that can cause damage to property and be life-threatening to people.
It is vital to store combustible gases properly. It might mean the difference between life and destruction for you and everyone else in your direct proximity, as well as the safety of the estate they’re on.
Install a Gas Leak Detector
Since sometimes a gas leak can be really hard to detect until it’s too late, this option is a great one if you think your gas pipes might be considered unstable. If you know that the main gas pipe in your neighborhood has been punctured over and over by some outside factors, this is a great option.
It will reduce your concerns about the stove gas being accidentally turned on. When they detect combustible gases before they approach an explosive level, these hazardous gas leak alarms will sound the alarm and warn everyone around. It is usually a very loud siren so there is no way you wouldn’t be able to hear it.
If you have a gas detector installed in your home and it suddenly goes off, you should call the gas piping professionals immediately. Remember that most gases don’t have any smell, but some have a really specific smell of spoiled eggs. If you sense this smell in range of your gas source, call the gas professionals and get out of your home as fast as you can.
Final Thoughts
If you’re concerned about the gas pipes in your home, call the gas piping professionals in your region to help you eliminate any danger you think you have. Checking your piping system regularly is crucial for your safety and the safety of your home and property.
If you have gas bottles in your home, consult with the company from which you purchased your bottles to inquire about safe storage and use. In case of emergency, do not try to move the gas bottles and quickly remove yourself completely from wherever the gas containers are.
Installing a gas leak detector is a great idea for extra safety. The best place to put this detector is somewhere near the gas source in your home, but not directly above it. If you have a place in your home where gas has leaked previously, it’s best to place the detector there.
There are a number of really good reasons why it makes perfect sense to consider installing wood effect tiles in your home. They are a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing alternative to more expensive options and this is just one of the reasons why so many homeowners are now choosing this type of flooring.
Let’s take a look at some of the compelling arguments in favor of choosing wood effect tiles in your home.
Reason for Choosing Wood Effect Tiles
A good place to start would be to take a look at what is fueling the growth in sales of wood effect tiles.
Design trends have a lot to do with their rise in popularity. This option has become a go-to default choice for many design-conscious homeowners who are looking for a certain look or feel to their property.
If you are wanting to emulate the popular Scandanavian trend for Hygge then wood effect tiles give you the perfect base for creating a look and feel in your room that is all about coziness and warmth.
It is also easy to follow the design statements of post-industrial and mid-century design when you are able to choose from such a diverse range of tiling options that look so realistic and help create the look you want with such ease.
Another key consideration is that wood effect tiling delivers some outstanding performance credentials and characteristics.
Compared to real wood, wood effect tiles are made to be very durable and much easier to maintain than other alternatives.
When you consider the benefits wood effect tiles offer and add in the flexibility in design and installation options that are on offer it is not hard to see why these types of tiles have soared in popularity in recent times.
4 Benefits of Wood Effect Tiles for Home
You will already appreciate by now that wood effect tiles can be created to look very stylish and compliment your decor perfectly, but what else does this option have to offer in terms of benefits?
One important selling point that gives wood effect tiles an advantage is their durability.
It is often the case that wood effect tiles are designed and manufactured to offer considerably more durability than traditional wooden flooring. This is a great point to remember for a cost-conscious homeowner who doesn’t want to compromise on style or quality but wants to get full value for money.
Installing a wood effect tiling solution will ensure that high-traffic areas in your family home can withstand the impact and continue to maintain their good looks despite heavy use.
You will find that wood effect tiles have been designed to last and keep their looks. That means they are less likely to show signs of fading and wear and tear than traditional wooden floors.
If there are parts of your home that get a lot of natural sunlight this can be bad news for a wooden floor as it is likely to fade over time. You don’t have the same concerns with a wood effect floor that has been designed to cope with that threat.
1. Protection from Water Damage
You can’t expect any sort of flooring to be totally waterproof, especially when subjected to a heavy amount of water from a flood or leak in your home.
However, you can choose wood effect tiles that offer a better amount of waterproof protection so that you can install them in vulnerable areas like your bathroom and kitchen without having the same concerns about water damage as you would with a traditional wood floor.
Wood effect tiles are usually designed to withstand a reasonable amount of compensation and cope with the sort of small spillages that can regularly happen in these rooms. A minor accident needn’t become a disaster when you have installed wood effect flooring.
2. Whatever You Want
It is well worth mentioning versatility as another major plus point when deciding whether to go with wood effect flooring in your home.
You can get this flooring in a huge array of different colors and finishes. That means there is almost certainly going to be an option that suits your design requirements, delivering the right look and feel at the same time.
3. Looks Like the Real Thing
We all know that a really expensive wooden floor can look great but the cost is often hugely prohibitive.
The great news about wood effect flooring is that you can achieve that same expensive look without the same amount of spend. One of the primary reasons why wood effect flooring has surged in popularity is due to the fact that it is manufactured to look very realistic.
With lifelike knots and grooves in the finish, you will have to look very closely to realize that the floor you are standing on is a wood effect because it has all of the characteristics of real wood.
4. Brilliant Value for Money
Most of us have to make purchasing decisions based on budget and you will always want to get as much value for money as possible, especially when you are spending on home improvements.
More often than not, wood effect floors are usually available at a lower cost than their wooden counterparts. If you can pay less per meter to cover your home and still have a finish that looks so good, it is a real no-brainer as far as many homeowners are concerned.
What Finish Do You Want?
Bear in mind that wood effect tiles and shining titles are not just a great option for emulating the look and feel of a traditional wooden floor.
You can also expand your creative options so that you can enjoy a floor that looks like glazed porcelain, for example. What about a contemporary look with an aged look to your tiles that look stunning in an urban dwelling?
That’s part of the reason why wood effect tiles are such a great choice when you are giving your home a makeover.
Glass furniture always adds a modern touch to any space. But if it has scratches on it, then it would give such an ugly look that it would make you ashamed in front of others.
Sometimes your brand new glass furniture gets scratched and gives an outdated/old look to your interior. The main reason behind your glass furniture getting scratched is that the dust and debris particles are not visible to the human eyes. When you clean the glass furniture, these dust particles are dragged across the surface, remove scratches from glass furniture.
Many people face this problem, but they don’t know the right solution to get rid of these scratches. That’s why designfurniture bought a solution for you to cope with such a situation successfully. Today, we will tell you the most effective methods to get rid of scratches on glass furniture.
Effective Methods for Removing Scratches from Glass Furniture
There are different tips and tricks for removing scratches from stained glass furniture made of glass material, but we will discuss a few of them that will give you amazing results. So, without wasting time, let’s discuss each method one by one:
With the Help of Baking Soda
As we all know, baking soda is a well-known cleaning agent that is used for cleaning scratches off wood furnitureas well. With the help of baking soda, we will give you a perfect method of remove scratches from glass furniture. Follow the instructions given below to get better results:
Take 1/2 cup of baking soda.
Then take a bowl and add some water to it.
Now add the baking soda into the bowl and mix it well until it gives a thick texture that is a symbol of a perfect solution.
After this, get a clean and soft microfiber cloth.
Clean the surface of the glass from which you want to remove the scratches.
Now dip the cloth into the solution and let it get damp.
Now place this cloth onto the infected area and rub it in a circular motion.
Once you have finished this task, take another clean cloth and wipe the extra residue from the glass furniture.
Then leave the furniture so that it gets dry.
If the scratches weren’t removed in the 1st turn, then you must repeat this task again and again until you get a smooth surface.
Applying the Metal Polish
This method is used for removing deep scratches from glass furniture.
Get the metal polish and a soft microfiber cloth.
Then apply the polish to the scratched area.
Rub the surface of the glass with the help of the cloth in a circular motion.
Do this task for the next 30 seconds.
Then take a clean, damp cloth to remove the excessive residue.
Now check if the severity of the scratches has been reduced or not.
Repeat this task again and again until the scratches are totally removed from the glass furniture.
Once you have removed the scratches, take the damped cloth and wipe the furniture. Then leave it to get dry quickly.
With the Help of Toothpaste
You can also remove glass scratches with the help of toothpaste. Follow the method given below and you will get rid of scratches easily:
First, make sure that the surface of the furniture is neat and clean.
Now get a non-gel toothpaste that has baking soda as an ingredient in it.
Then take a soft clean cloth.
Put the small amount of toothpaste in the cloth’s corner.
Now start the buffing process by placing this cloth on the infected area.
Do this task for a few minutes.
Then take a soft and damp cloth to wipe off the extra residues from the furniture’s surface.
In the end, let the furniture dry.
After the furniture has been dried, look at the scratches to see whether they are removed or not. If they are still there on the furniture, then repeat this task as many times as it needs to be done.
By Using the Nail Polish
Applying the nail polish to remove the scratches may be a tedious task, but you will get effective results after applying this method. This method is used for removing light scratches, so you can easily get rid of them. Let’s look at the steps for removing the scratch with the help of nail polish.
Get nail polish and nail polish remover.
Use the bottle brush to apply the nail polish to the scratched areas.
Leave the nail polish on the furniture’s surface for at least one hour.
After one hour, take a soft microfiber cloth and apply some nail paint remover to it.
Then wipe down the nail polish with this microfiber cloth.
Clean the surface in such a way that no excessive nail polish or remover is left on the surface of the glass.
After this, let the glass dry and check that the scratches are removed or not.
How to Prevent Glass Furniture from Getting Scratches
There are different ways to protect your glass furniture from getting scratches. A few precautionary measures are listed below.
Avoid putting hot items directly onto the surface of your glass furniture.
Always place the mats and coasters to keep the surface safe and sound.
Clean your glass furniture regularly so that the dust and debris don’t stick to the surface.
Keep pets and children away from the furniture.Place the rubber bumpers on the surface of your furniture.
Avoid placing heavy items on the furniture.
Conclusion
So, these are the most effective methods of removing scratches from glass furniture. If you didn’t get rid of scratches after applying all the above methods, then tell us by posting a comment. Our professionals will help you solve this problem.
If you have another fantastic method for removing scratches from glass furniture, please share it with us in the comments.
Are you struggling with surface voids on your concrete structures? No doubt, every concrete producer desires to have concrete surfaces with zero defects. Such a surface is admirable and attractive. However, this is not always the case. Issues arise during the concrete pouring process and surface voids become a norm.
Also known as pitting or bug holes, Surface voids on your concrete have a disappointing effect on your concrete structure. The small holes forming on the surface makes the structure unappealing and unattractive.
Fortunately, you can change the aspect and get that desirable smooth surfaced voids on your concrete. But how is this possible? Here are some powerful tips for preventing surface voids on your concrete:
Ensure You Have the Correct Viscosity
Surface voids occur when your concrete traps some air. As the concrete settles, the air finds opportunity to get out leading to bubbling that pop up and leave some holes on the surface. You can reduce the chances of air trapping in your concrete by changing your mixing design. This aspect requires the selection of the right viscosity.
Getting the right viscosity when pouring or placing your concrete will reduce the chance of air trapping. By foxing this aspect, your concrete will have zero bubbling which will solve the surface void problem.
Increase the Mixing Times
Another approach to deal with surface voids is increasing the mixing times. Extend the time you use to mix the concrete. This approach helps to separate water and allow releasing of the trapped air.
The process enhances the breaking up of water and air in your mixture. By the time you are placing the concrete mixture, no air will be left. This way, you make your concrete surface void-free.
Use Vibration Tools
Probably, you have seen construction workers having a vibrator during constructions. You sometimes wonder what the role of such tools is. Also, you may have heard some noise of vibrating tools in use on construction projects. You wonder why they are using such noisy tools for simple tasks.
If you didn’t know, vibrators play a crucial role. They are the powerful tools behind the soft and admirable concrete structures you always love. A good concrete builder like Top Coat Concrete always use a vibrator to eliminate surface voids. The vibrator helps to break up water and air trapped inside the concrete mix. This way, no bubbling or holes will form on the surfaces.
Pick the Right Releasing Agent
Nothing can be more disappointing in your concrete surfaces than the presence of voids. One of the causes of this is that failing to choose the right releasing agent comes with detrimental effects on your concrete surface. A releasing agent plays a crucial role in ensuring no air and water remain trapped on your concrete mixtures.
A bad agent leads to puddling which traps air and water. Even if you use a vibrator, the air and water will not break up. The result will be bubbling as air tries to escape during the settling face leading to surface voids. No one would like such an experience.
If you must use a releasing agent, you should always apply it thinly. Only use a small amount to avoid puddling. Using the right quantity of releasing agents is crucial. With the right amount, your concrete will release the remaining air during the vibration or pouring phase. So, no surface voids will appear.
Choose the Right Concrete Placing Method
The placing method you use can be another reason why your concrete surface has those ugly small bug holes. There are different methods that architects use in placing concrete panel. These options differ in their application and pouring rates. For this reason, the method you use when placing the concrete matters. Your pouring rate determines the surface void possibilities.
When you pour the concrete at a high speed, you push a lot of air into the surface. This will mean that the air will try to escape later and voids will be the real deal. A slow rate reduces air trapping chances. No encased air will go to your surface. This way, your concrete surface will be smooth and attractive.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, you can avoid those ugly surface voids in your concrete structures. Surface voids always make your concrete structure unattractive. But you can deal with or avoid them. The only way to achieve it is by reducing the chances of encasing or trapping air during the pouring and mixing phase.
By eliminating surface voids, you will not need to invest in concrete crack fillers. This way, you will save your construction costs and have an attractive concrete structure.
Bathrooms are a moist, humid environment by default, given the nature of the space and what it’s used for. Therefore, it’s essential to make sure that all HVAC systems are well functioning. The letter “V,” stands for ventilation in HVAC mostly ignored by both homeowners and builders. As they are unaware that poor ventilation can be hazardous to your home as well as your health. That is why proper bathroom ventilation should be on the top of your priority list. Not only does this help reduce dampness from the bathroom, but it will also help prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Fortunately, well-thought bathroom ventilation helps keep humidity and the problems that come with it at bay. Here are the 5 dos and don’ts to keep your bathroom from being too wet.
Do Get the Correct Bathroom Fan
The simplest approach to ensure that your bathroom fulfills all the air ventilation requirements is to use a bathroom exhaust fan. As showers produce a lot of steam, they can be easily reduced by using an extractor fan. Condensation from your shower might lead to a more serious issue to your interiors like mold growth of molds. They have the potential to permanently damage your bathroom wall and other fixtures.
A good line of defense against this is an exhaust fan. There are various styles to pick from for exhaust fans. That includes simple ceiling box fans, combination bathroom fan/light fixtures, and wall-mount bathroom fans all depending on your requirements. However, if working with fans and electricity is out of your comfort zone, delegate the tasks to your local technician.
Don’t Place the Fan in the Wrong Place
Getting rid of bathroom odors and wetness provides for a far more enjoyable restroom experience for everyone which comes with the right placement of the exhaust fans. Once you’ve decided on the exhaust, make sure it’s installed correctly by your local technician. Experts advise it to install the fans near the areas of the shower like bathtubs.
However, do not place the bathroom fan adjacent to an air conditioning or the heating vent, as the forced air can create currents that interrupt the humid air intake of the bathroom fan. Also, make sure that the outflow of the air is not flowing into some interiors of the room.
Do Wipe any Spills and Water Accumulation
Before the dampness causes your bathroom to deteriorate, you should take action and manually remove any moisture that causes dampness. Wipe the tiles, washbasin, cabinets, walls, and mirrors with an absorbent fabric, a sponge, or a microfiber cloth. And a mop can also be used to clean the floor. A puddle-free bathroom floor is not only safer, but it also guarantees that the complete bath dries up as rapidly as possible during the 15+ minutes of fan run time, saving up on energy costs.
This can be easily accomplished by hand-wiping any spills or drips from your bathroom once you’re done showering. It may be time-consuming and tiresome to manually clean them, but it will ensure that your bathroom is dry and mold-free.
Don’t Forget to Clean the Exhaust Fan
A good, effective bathroom exhaust fan is crucial since it protects you from contaminants as well. Therefore you should ensure that it is completely clean. Simply spend a few minutes inspecting your bathroom exhaust fan’s appearance and see when you last opened and cleaned it. Find a means to have it cleaned straight away if it has been months or years, or if you find any signs of slow working fan blades.
Regular fan maintenance, particularly in the bathroom, can save you a lot of money and time. Make an appointment with your local technician to clean your bathroom exhaust fan. This would only cost a little instead of paying much more for the damaged fan or in the worst case buying new ones.
Do Measure the Size of Your Bathroom
It’s crucial to understand how your bathroom exhaust fans are sized and how to pick one that’s the right size for your bathroom. To achieve the perfect workability of the exhaust fan there is a standard exhaust fan sizing applies to bathrooms with a square foot of less than 100 square feet. As a general rule, you’ll need at least 1 CFM per square foot of bathroom area. Then you multiply the length by the width to get the total SQM. of your bathroom. The SQM. of a bathroom that is 5 feet wide and 5 feet long, for example, is 25. As a result, it should have a minimum CFM rating of 25.
Don’t Keep the Doors and Windows Closed
Leaving the door open after bathing is a free way to ventilate a bathroom without windows. Also, if at all feasible, leave it open while showering as well. Allowing any extra moisture and streaming to not get trapped inside while also allowing fresh air to enter. In the case of a shower curtain, don’t pull it back because this will cause folds and catch water droplets. Even the material type of your curtains is important, as some materials tend to soak up moisture. If you absolutely can’t afford any kinds of openings in your bathrooms, even a 10% opening from the bottom or above the partitions can work efficiently for airflow, keeping your bathrooms well ventilated.
Do Allow Enough Time for Your Exhaust Fan to Run
When you turn off the bathroom exhaust fan immediately after your shower bath, it doesn’t give enough time to exhaust fans to vent out all of the steam. The bathroom exhaust fan should run for around 15-20 minutes after the shower has been used, according to the Home Ventilation Institute (HVI). This will help you keep the dampness at bay and allow an appropriate amount of ventilation to take place. You can also ask for the exact time to keep your exhaust fans on to your local technician to save up on that extra energy.
Don’t Ignore Dehumidifiers
Sometimes a bathroom exhaust fan needs a little extra help removing moisture, dehumidifiers come in handy here. Dehumidifiers help remove warm, damp air and replace it with fresh air. There are times when you have overnight guests and more people are bathing, you can install a dehumidifier to help take the overload from exhaust fans.
Do Consult Your Local Technician
Before you invest in any HVAC systems or any revamping for your bathroom’s ventilation, it is always better to consult an expert and your technician to get a holistic idea about the ventilation. As moisture in your ventilation system can be a major problem like structural damage to your home it’s preferable to avoid DIYs without any prior experience in dealing with electrical systems.
Don’t Seal Your Bathroom Doors
There will be no way for airflow to vent or filter if your bedroom door seals so firmly in its door frame. Avoid air-tight frames that make it easier for moisture to collect. It is advisable to leave enough space beneath and above it, to allow air to flow out.
In most cases, one strategy of dos and don’ts is unlikely to be beneficial, especially if you take a hot shower every day. If that’s the case, you’ll have to experiment with different approaches and mix and match them. Use an exhaust fan, for example, while keeping some of your openings open for airflow. Even if you don’t regularly use your bathrooms, take long baths or showers very often, and make sure your bathroom is ventilated in some way for a comfortable and safe breathing zone.
Bathroom exhaust fans perform best when they are installed as close to the source of moisture. It is always crucial to make sure they are positioned in the right place. Bathroom exhaust fans are an electrical device and might get complicated to maintain. Therefore make sure you contact your local technician for the best results.
FAQs
Is It Necessary to Vent Bathroom Exhaust Fans Outside?
Yes, having your bathroom exhaust fan vent outside is always advisable. As the exhaust fan’s job is to remove the extra moisture from the air and keep the interiors dry. If you simply move the dampness or the moisture to another bedroom or attic, you may be merely shifting the same problem to a new setting. That is why always make sure your bathroom exhausts fan vents outside to completely avoid wetness and mold.
Why Are Exhaust Fans Important?
Daily, up to 5 liters of water vapor can be emitted within your bathroom, which, if not retrieved, can lead to the growth of mold and dampness. Hence, it’s important to exhaust the moisture from the interiors of the bathroom with a well-functioning exhaust fan.
What Should You Do If Your Bathroom Has No Exhaust Fan?
If you don’t have an exhaust fan in your bathroom, use the door, window, and another opening to let steam escape. Open the window during your shower or bath and leave it open for at least 10-15 after you are done.
A signs of a blocked drain can occur at any time, whether it’s in the toilet sink, kitchen sink, shower drain, or roof drain. Even a minor leak can cause fungus or algae growth in your ceilings, pipes, and cause water to seep into flooring and walls, damaging your property. Water damage to your property can be disastrous, that can attract all kinds of insects and pests.
As blockage drains usually gradually develop over time, early detection is crucial to preventing the blocked drain from worsening and resulting in a messy and costly situation.
We’re sharing five early signs of blocked drains so you don’t have to face the uncertain inconvenience and expense that comes with blocked drains.
Change in Water Levels in Toilets
Flushing the toilet is a good way to see the signs of how your soil pipes are working. If you flush the toilet and the water level appears to be lower than usual, signs are that it might be clogged. And if the water flows quickly and smoothly, the drainage system is perfectly fine. It’s usually better to deal with a slow drain problem as soon as possible because it appears to be more of an insignificant problem than a major problem at first, but it can quickly increase, causing more significant issues.
Keep checking on these signs with “is a sufficient amount of water being released? Is the water still flowing? If there isn’t, you’ll need to look at the drainage pipe and find the issue.
Foul Odors
Any foul odor where you live is uncomfortable and unpleasant to bear, this also indicates the space is not clean to sustain. A foul drain odor is the first clue that the drains are not clean and it isn’t working properly. Several factors can result in a foul-smelling drain, for instance, food and other leftovers become lodged in the pipes, a foul odor often results. Sometimes when the solid waste is stuck in areas where there is an obstruction and couldn’t pass smoothly.
Later on, it begins to degrade, and in the worst scenarios, the water that has been combined with it becomes stagnant. Additionally, it also causes a foul smell in the surrounding areas that are connected like supply pipes, sinks, bathtubs, and toilets.
Water That Is Slowly Flowing
This is the easiest sign to notice when checking a blocked drain. Due to soap, vegetable washing, cooking oil, and other cosmetic materials being washed down the drain pipes in your bathrooms and kitchen sinks can easily be clogged. You will notice that the water drains slowly. Water can collect over an open drain then slowly drain away instead of immediately, as it would if the drain were healthy and in excellent functioning order.
These build up over time, narrowing the breadth of the drain pipes and causing an obstruction for water to drain more slowly. This is a normal occurrence, with a plunger or drain cleaner, you might be able to clear the drain clog yourself but regular drain cleaning will keep things running smoothly.
Drains That Are Noisy or Gurgling
Apart from the slowly flowing water, you may hear gurgling sounds from your drain pipes and fixtures in some circumstances, any tub, sink, or shower with a clogged drain will make a gurgling sound as the water tries to drain freely. These gurgling sounds occur when the air becomes trapped in the drain pipes because of the blockage, whenever water tries to flow through, gurgling is produced.
In cases of bad drain blockages, the gurgling may be louder than usual. This is a major reason to hire a plumber or get expert advice from agencies like Jim’s plumbing.
Bills Have Risen
A clogged toilet can be extremely damaging, including to your pockets. A sudden spike in your water bill is not only inconvenient financially, but it could also indicate that your drains are leaking or there are some major issues related to your drains. It is better to connect drain services like Jim’s plumbing to check for concealed leaks. Continuously running water and frequent flushing from a toilet can waste a lot of water daily and cause your water bill to rise. It’s critical to get the blocked drains cleaned right away to save up on your cash.
FAQs
Why Are Drain Systems So Important?
A good drainage system is essential for keeping your house hygienic and safe, and even a minor issue can quickly turn into a major issue. Like it can cause structural damage as well as a range of health issues. Mold, algae, insects, and pests can lead to a variety of health problems such as respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and asthma. Even the strongest wall or the tough material used for construction may start to deteriorate with time under such damp conditions.
Should I Clean My Drains Regularly to Avoid Blockages?
Yes. Cleaning your drain pipes every month can help prevent clogs caused by food, soap scum, hair, and other solids that block the water from free-flowing.
What to Do If You Have a Drain Blockage
You may be able to remove minor obstructions yourself with a drain cleaner, which can be purchased at most local hardware stores. This is, however, suggested for minor drain blockages. Contact an expert or good draining agencies if the blockage is serious. Jim’s plumbing caters to drainage issues and clears clogs using cutting-edge technology and equipment. Overall, it is critical to treat any blocked drains concerns as soon as there are any of these signs to keep your drainage system in good working order. Nobody enjoys the concept of clogged plumbing lines or cleaning them, whether they carry liquid waste or solid waste. Blocked drains may be avoided in many circumstances with help of some experts like Jim’s plumbing, to help you keep your plumbing lines clean and safe
A balustrade is an important safety device, that’s why you find them around stairs, balconies, and even swimming pools. They must be strong enough to prevent people from falling from heights and injuring themselves. However, being functional doesn’t mean that they can’t also be aesthetically pleasing.It’s important you speak to a specialist in balustrade designs and take the time to explore all your options before choosing the perfect balustarade for your project. Considering the following before you commit to a specific balustrade will help you to find the right one.
The Material
Traditionally, balustrades were made of concrete or wood. These were functional, affordable, and could even be quite ornate. However, once metal was used to form balustrades the array of designs quickly expanded. There are hundreds of different ways to bend metal and create stylish yet unique balustrades.
More recently, glass balustrades have become extremely popular. They allow more light through, protect views, and there are a stunning array of different glass designs available. The glass is just as strong as any other balustrade option and a viable choice. It is often seen as the most aesthetically pleasing.
In short, know what materials are available before you choose a balustrade.
Style
It is often easier to choose the perfect balustrade if you consider the style of your project. Modern properties tend to do well with modern options, such as glass. Equally, a glass balustrade is not always the best option for a traditional property, metal is often the better look.
Of course, as well as considering the style of the project you need to consider your own personal style, you are the one that will need to live with the balustrade.
Maintenance
Maintenance is often overlooked when choosing a balustrade but it is very important. Firstly, balustrades are often difficult to reach to clean as leaning over to clean an outer edge is dangerous. Secondly, wood, concrete, and metal tend to be full of small details that make them time-consuming to cleaning tips. In contrast, you’ll find glass is virtually maintenance free and potentially the best option.
Visibility
An aesthetically pleasing balustrade will transform any project. In some cases, this means choosing frameless glass. However, while this can look stunning, it can also be virtually invisible. Before you can commit to any balustrade you need to spare a few moments to consider how easily the balustrade can be seen and how important this is on a daily basis.
Sometimes visibility is essential to avoid people walking into it and injuring themselves.
Light Level
Glass balustrades let a lot of light through, making them a great option for staircases where there would otherwise be dark spaces at the bottom. Metal and wood balustrades can also let a surprisingly amount of light through. It’s a good idea to look at some examples of these balustrades in-situ before deciding which one will work best for you.
This will help you to select a balustrade that works for both levels of your project.
Compliance
As mentioned already, there are strict rules and regulations surrounding balustrades, including how they are made and installed. That’s why it is generally best to choose a professionally made one and have them install it for you. It will help to ensure your project conforms to all the latest standards.
This is particularly important for insurance purposes and if you are creating a project to sell.
Budget
It’s impossible to consider a balustrade without at least thinking about the cost. Balustrades vary greatly in price depending on what you are after and the level of customization required. However, before you set a budget you should spare a little time to investigate the average costs and see how far your money will stretch.
It’s important to remember that a balustrade is an investment that should last for years, paying a little extra for the perfect balustrade is worth it. Of course, that doesn’t mean completely destroying any budget you have, but you can stretch it a little further to get the right one.
Final Thoughts
There is no correct or incorrect balustrade for your project, the decision is personal. However, it is worth sparing a thought for the end-user. If that’s you then you know the style you prefer. But, if it is someone else you need to consider what will work best for them, as well as what looks the best. This will help to ensure you have the perfect balustrade for your project.
