Only a few people would choose to clean during their leisure time. Yes, you may enjoy doing small tasks like folding the laundry while watching TV. But if you have a choice not to do it, you would most likely choose not to.

However, cleaning is not just a simple chore that you have to get over and done with. When house cleaning is not done right, it can result to the build-up of dirt and may cause diseases.

Cleaning Services

This is where a home cleaning service becomes most useful. Having many responsibilities on your plate will wear you out. So instead of spending your extra hours cleaning, you can spend quality time with your family. And although it’ll cost you, hiring a professional cleaner definitely has its benefits.

Here are three reasons why it makes sense to enlist the services of a cleaning professional.

#1. Quality

Cleaning is something that you have to do right or else it would be useless. Hiring a professional cleaning company to do the job means that you’ll get a guaranteed service. Their main priority is cleanliness which makes them the experts in the field.

Professional home cleaners undergo training and assessment on their abilities to clean efficiently. They have specialized cleaning techniques that yield good results. When you don’t have enough time to clean, a house cleaning service can do it for you.

A home also has infinite surfaces that need cleaning. Most individuals only clean surfaces which are visible and frequently used. Professional cleaners take their time to clean. Even those hard-to-reach surfaces like light fixtures can be addressed during the cleaning process.

They carry equipment needed for the job.

Besides the vacuum and usual rugs you use to clean the house, there are specific tools for cleaning. Professional cleaners always carry around the right cleaning essentials. They use the latest tools to ensure that your home is dust-free.

Below are some tools that professional cleaners use to do the job right.

House Cleaning

• Microfiber cloths - Unlike a feather duster, a damp microfiber cloth effectively reduces household dust. Simply wipe any surface clean then rinse the cloth to clean the dust out.
• Steam mop - A steam mop works best in cleaning grout and tiles. This tool works best on marble, wood, vinyl, tile and laminate floors. And with its sterilizing power, you’ll save on expensive cleaning products as well.
• Stick or hand vacuum - A hand vacuum helps remove pet hair and crumbs on upholstery. It also keeps your car interior clean and helps freshen mattresses.
• Extension dusting kit - This helps dust off hard-to-reach places. Dusty surfaces like light fixtures, chandeliers and kitchen cupboards will be easier to clean.
• Squeegee - This one doesn’t sound like a cleaning tool but it gets the cleaning job right. It’s perfect for getting any window clean and streak-free.
• Scrub brush - There are endless ways to use a scrub brush. This tool is good for getting tough stains off garage floors or out of car mats and anything dirty that needs a good scrubbing. 

#2. Hassle-free

When you hire a simply maid, you won’t have to worry too much about maintaining cleanliness, especially in a house full of kids (or pets)! You also don’t have to shop for cleaning products because it’s already part of their service.

The professional cleaners won’t be your responsibility. You only have to collaborate with the cleaning company to plan the most effective way to clean your home and set a schedule.

#3. Flexible and tailored

A cleaning company will need your cooperation to create a suitable cleaning program. You have the freedom to decide on the cleaning schedule for the different parts of your home to avoid causing unnecessary disturbance.

Professional Cleaners

Enlisting a cleaning service is convenient. But before hiring one, you must know the right questions to ask. To make sure that they can cater to all your cleaning needs, here are some factors you should consider first:

• Location - Choose a cleaning service whose location is near to your home. So whenever you need cleaners to come quickly, they’ll arrive at the earliest time possible.
• References - Ask around about the cleaning service you intend to hire. You can also search online for reviews about their people and services to see if they have a good reputation. This way, you’ll have an idea whether they can handle the job well.
• Security - Inquire about what security measures they have in place to ensure that the cleaners are reliable and trustworthy. Since you’ll be letting them inside your home, you have to make sure that they are people you can trust.
• Cost - Ask how much they charge for their service. Do they charge per room per house or on a per hourly basis? It’s best to get several quotes from different cleaning service providers to compare rates.
• Trial cleaning - Once you meet with the cleaners, give a trial cleaning. This will let you see how efficient they are at their job. Remember to go with your instinct on whether you’d like to regularly hire them.

With extra time on your hands, you can hit the gym, read a book, do some grocery shopping, or spend time with your loved ones. At the end of the day, you not just get to come home to a tidy and hygienic house but you also have made significant use of your leisure time.

So save yourself time, energy and money by hiring a professional cleaner for your home.

About the Writer

Mohamed Samad is the Founder & CEO of Matic Services. He started the company in 2016 after a series of small start-ups within the home services sector. Prior to that, Mohamed was Vice President at Greenstone Equity Partners, where he spent 24 months building the UAE business from 2011-2013 with its founder.

The trend toward creating stylish yet functional outdoor living spaces is stronger than ever. Many homeowners see the great value of this trend in elevating the quality of their life at home. Likewise, it goes perfectly well with a lot of folks’ pursuit of happiness in the great outdoors.

Outdoor Living Space

If you’re seriously considering this trend to harness the benefits it’s known to provide, there are many ways to go about it. Listed below are six popular ideas recommended by reputable landscaping company, Hennessey LLC for turning a garden into a beautiful oasis for homeowners. 

#1. Add a fire pit 

Clear space in your yard for a fire pit. Not only will you automatically create an outdoor feature that you can cook in, but it can also create the right ambience for the area. 

It’s important to note as well that a fire pit can actually contribute to the market value of your property. 

Perhaps the best thing about adding a fire pit to your garden is that you get a warm and cozy outdoor spot to spend a balmy evening in, regardless of whether you’re on your own or with other people. 

#2. Incorporate a water feature

A family swimming pool, a charming fountain, a little birdbath, or even a small pond will literally turn your garden into an oasis. It’s a source of physical comfort (for you and for any small creatures that pay a visit to your outdoor space) on a hot and humid day. 

The beauty of incorporating a water feature in your garden is that it can help achieve a balance of elements, especially if you also have a fire pit. And if you subscribe to the principles of feng shui, you get to make sure that the garden is a wonderful source of energy with the water and fire features present (especially if these features are placed properly in the landscape according to the laws of feng shui). 

Garden

#3. Shelter and shade

You can make your garden useful through the different hours of the day and even the changing seasons by incorporating a shelter and shade. Awnings, umbrellas, gazebos, lanais, and a canopy are all worth considering. 

These will allow you to use your garden maximally for outdoor entertaining or for your own relaxation anytime you want. Additionally, shelter and shade can bring a lot of personality to your garden. 

#4. Define spaces clearly

Create a good design for your garden by defining areas with vertical elements that frame spaces such as hedges, trees, raised garden beds, railings and others. If you wish to draw attention to the living area of your garden, consider a gazebo or a cabana-type sitting area.

Lighting

#5. Lighting

This plays an important role in making the garden as visually pleasing as possible. From lamps to standing torches, to bistro string lights, to handmade luminaries – all these can highlight the beautiful features of the garden. At the same time,strategic lighting will make the outdoor space more inviting. 

It’s worth noting as well that lighting will make your garden a safe place. Crime prevention experts stress the fact that burglars do avoid homes that have external lighting all around. The illumination makes them and their activities very visible.

Therefore, when you add lighting to your garden, don’t think of it solely as a beautification feature because it can contribute to the safety of the entire property as well. 

#6. Accessorize 

Gardens appear more inviting, inspiring anyone who sees them to indulge in a few hours of relaxation, when they are creatively accessorized. Pull in colors and textures from your home’s design and architecture to achieve the look of continuity for the indoors and outdoors.

Hang plants, invest in outdoor furniture and a audio system (great to use for parties), and add wind chimes and garden art, for example. You’ll enjoy every moment you spend in your garden when it has little elements that you like and that bring you joy.

With a garden that is functional and fashionable, you will surely want to spend more time at home, which is a great thing (considering the cost of getting your res and relaxation elsewhere). Such a garden is  a delight to the eyes and it offers long-lasting enjoyment for the entire household.

About the Writer

Rachel Hennessey manages the Pools and Landscaping Division of Hennessey LLC. She also works on Tender and Pre-Qualification and brings in new business to the company's Construction, Interiors and Civils Division.

Nowadays the entertainment units have taken a lot more vital place of importance in every living room than just being a TV stand. Well, you can take it in different ways. It is actually the center of gathering in every house; take it to be the gathering of family members for a movie time, or friends and family sipping on a cup of tea over an entertainment show, one of the lazy afternoons watching the home video with pals. As per statistics in most cases, people spend at least 3 to 4 hours a day watching TV.  Well, the TV units or entertainment centers have actually emerged as the ultimate zone for daily entertainment in the everyday life of people. But, much more interestingly there has been a steep advancement in the requirements of entertainment centers since nowadays there are no more just TV units but a one-stop solution for multiple roles.

Entertainment Units for Your Living Room

• Storage unit
• Wall shelving
• TV stand
• Media storage
• Showcase for decorative items

However, most importantly, it now stands essentially to be a designer inclusion of any living room which epitomes the signature style of the interior decor, lifestyle, and taste of the homeowner as well. Therefore, keeping in mind the importance and utility of an entertainment center you must make proper considerations while making one for your home. Here are some of the most essential factors that ha been highlighted.

Entertainment Units

Space to offer

When you are considering the design and measurement of your TV unit, it is very important to take into consideration the size of your living room. Perhaps, it is the most important factor which helps you to acquire a unit that goes in sync with your available space. Like for example if you have a large room, it is recommended to opt for a comprehensive, complete wall unit with storage options, showcasing, abundant shelves as well a large TV standing option. This kind of elaborate unit will also help to define your room exclusively. However, contrasting to this, if you have a studio apartment or limited space, it is somewhat smart to go for sleek and creative design, utilizing minimum space yet adding the zing to your room decor.

Utility

The design and style, measurement as well as storage option of your entertainment center depend on your requirement of its functionality. You must take into the consideration of having enough storage options in the room. If you want your entertainment unit to be more inclined to showcasing decorative items, or if preference lies with just a simple unit highlighting maximum on the TV, it can affect the alter the design of the unit. Therefore, you must first jot down your preferences, functional requirements, and requirement of shelves, racks, drawers, etc. before finalizing any unit.

Material and finish

Different people have different choices of material and finish. Like for example, while some like teak wood finish, others find creative and designer laminate finishes more interesting. Many people like to have light colored units and there are some who have a certain affection for matt finish wooden units. Therefore, your style expression is also reflected in your choice of TV units.

Entertainment Units Design

Media storage

Last but not the least, nowadays an additional requirement  adds up to the entertainment units are a need for media storages, that storage option for DVD player, music systems, sound bars, and home theatre unit, etc. therefore, you must necessarily take into consideration if you already have such media units or plan to have one. It is wise to have options for media devices since, you hardly replace your TV units every two years or so, but you do change your music systems once in 3 to 4 years.

You avail yourself two basic options when it comes to installing an air conditioner in your house. Either you hire a team of professional HVAC technicians or you fold up your sleeves for a DIY installation. Nonetheless, while HVAC technicians ensure a seamless service with minimum future complications, the DIY method involves a lot of stress and may cause recurring future repairs and incorrect placing of the machine. It is suggested to hire trained installers to install the air conditioners in your home and office because they can ensure you the utmost safety features along with the standard installation process.

Air Conditioning

How would you install the air conditioners in your home and offices?

Air conditioning installation must not be that hard to carry out once you know the tips and tricks of a successful technique. While many people, out of intimidation, opt for hiring a team of professionals carelessly, others choose to extract sufficient knowledge before proceeding with a DIY installation. The following tips should help you with any kind of air conditioning installation.

Hiring a licensed contractor

Avoid stressing yourself too much into hiring a professional for installing your air conditioner. The key to a seamless experience by the hands of HVAC technicians lies in hiring a licensed professional who has been confirmed for a liability insurance as well. This ensures that any damage done to your new machine in the hands of the contractor is liable to be borned by the contractor, and he will also be bound to pay the reparation fees created in the entire process.

Do not tamper with the correct levelling of the conditioner

Air conditioning machines work almost as a dehumidifier that causes water to condense and collect inside the unit only to drain it out. Many people are of the mind that air conditioning installation requires being set at a certain angle to facilitate the drainage. In reality, the air conditioners are built with gutter and channels for eliminating the excess water level. Hence, altering the angle might cause it to malfunction. Professional air conditioner installers can easily install these channels and they can also drill your walls to fix the air conditioner units perfectly.

A good room insulation

It is obvious that an air conditioner has to work harder if it were installed in a room with poor insulation. Air conditioning installation in the windows requires keeping the window open creating an opening between the inside and the outside of the house. You could fill in the space between the top and bottom window panes with good insulating foam.

Air Conditioning Installation

Know which system would work best for you

This one might sound a bit obvious, yet several owners are spotted making the wrong call in terms of an air conditioning system for their houses. Air conditioning installation comes with several hacks and the most crucial of them all is to decide between a dual fuel Air conditioner, split central system, ductless mini splits and several others. If puzzled, consult a professional for the right home cooling option.

Do not ignore the placement of the outdoor unit

The outdoor unit of the split air conditioner must be installed in an open space so that it gets no hindrance for dissipating the heat. Since the unit consists of important components of the split air conditioner like the compressor, fan motor, condenser, etc., the unit must be placed on a flat surface. Otherwise, the vibration might cause the copper pipes to break, coolant leakage and compressor/condenser damage.

It is comprehensible that the summer heat compels you to proceed hastily with the air conditioning installation. Yet, if you do not keep in line with these simple tricks and hacks, the air conditioner may not perform as well as you had expected.

Windows can be covered for privacy and protection from sunlight. Many households opt for these curtains or blinds not only to ensure safety but also to create the stylish look of the home. In general, the blind consists of horizontal or vertical long slats hold together with cord that can be operated manually or with remote. Different kinds of materials are used to make the slats. There are many advantages of shades that include privacy from outsiders peeking into the room. Along with privacy, you have the control to amount of light that will enter the room during any time of the day. It offers good insulation so the heat inside the room does not go out and keep you warm in winter and the vice-versa.

Modern Blinds

Different styles and types of blind to consider

You can find blinds in different colors, styles and also they come equipped with a motor. The commonly used blind in commercial spaces is the roller. Venetian one, available in a variety of options such as faux wood, vinyl, wood, aluminum etc. offers a classic look to the room. Cellular shade is a combination of Venetian and fabric shades that offers thermal insulation with no dust. Pleated blind is another shade made out of cloth and used for light blockage like Roman shades.

Shades for modern homes

#1. Vertical shades

To give a sophisticated and stunning look to a home, you can consider choosing the vertical blinds that are available in different styles and colors. Because of a variety r of choices available, it becomes easy to choose the one that works with any décor. You can make your home look classy and elegant with these shades along with enough natural lights and privacy.

#2. Sheer Vertical blind

This type of blind is unique because of the high level of contrast it offers. The blind comes with an elegant and super sleek fabric. When it is closed it offers privacy but at the same time allows natural light to come in. You can find motorized version of this type for smooth open and close operation.

Beautiful Roman Blinds

#3. Roman shades

The most stunning homes can be created with the simplest ideas. Roman shades are simple yet glamorous option available in materials like fabric and bamboo. With simple manual or motorized operation, it can be pulled up or down as and when needed.

#4. Horizontal window blind

Horizontal window blind has the ability to compliment a traditional house and also add charm to a modern home. Wooden shades available in dark or light shades can go well with wooden furniture. With little creativity, it is possible to experiment with color and create a classy contemporary look to home.

#5. Door blind

Doors too require shades and choice should be made after careful consideration. It is ideal to choose vertical blind for the patio door. Mini blind that can be attached directly to the window is ideal for French doors.

#6. Custom blind

If you are highly creative or have a team of expert interior designers, you can also get your shades customized as per your home improvement needs. There are many companies who can provide you with a variety of styles designed exclusively for your home.

Blinds for Home

Concepts for beautiful homes

• Choosing a pale color shade with a beautiful design like floral linen can create a beautiful and vintage look to the living space.
• Simple pale blind can be enough to add style to a modern house. You can also choose fabrics with simple lines for contemporary feel home.
• Be bold with colors and big patterns for the stunning home.
• You can team the simple blind with curtains to match décor of the house. Combing two fabrics can work well in adding style to the home.

Blind is an inexpensive way of decorating your home. There are many choices available in the market to choose from. By using different styles and combination of window covering you can create a beautiful and stylish look to your home by installing these blinds in your room with long lasting and durable window shade option.

Homeowners are always excited to get their home build in a unique style. Some may purchase their dream home after getting it customized from the builders. They may even prefer to build on their own by giving contracts to the experts for each work related to their dream house. This is the best thing in the life admired by all to have the house that is different from others. People have a special liking for country house style and design that includes old-fashioned look with a modern plan of execution. The idea revolves around having the house look like country-living. You need to search for the country style home builders who can help you in fulfilling this dream.

Dream House

Follow these steps if you are looking for such an architect who can design your house with a perfect blend of modern twist along with a classic look.

#1. Prepare a list of builders

You have to select the builder carefully. Just like you take utmost care in selecting your dream home similarly take note of each and everything when you have to select the country style home builders. When you are sure about the style of the house, the process of listing becomes easy. The builders who are expert in designing the house in country style should be jotted down. Consider all probable names of the company, which can fulfill your expectation. You can even get suggestions from the home builders association of the particular area where you stay. They can guide you with the names of the reputed builders. Even friends and family members can help you by suggesting names of builders they know and have experienced. Go through the local newspaper to know about the new projects of the builders to get some good ideas from them.

Country Style Home Builders

#2. Time for research

With the list ready for you, it is time to analyze each of the options. You have to do research for country style home builders so that you get satisfied with the prospect before the work begins. Ask questions related to their work and the terms on which they work by meeting them in person. It will help you in comparison to their services. Their way of answering and solving your query lays the way towards a healthy relationship. It is necessary that they understand your requirement and can prove themselves to be the best country style home, builders. You can also visit their on-going projects to have a look at the expertise of the workers and the organized way with which the builder is getting work done. If you are happy with the visit to a particular site, you can think of fixing the perspective option. They should promise to give the house an appealing look.

Home Builders

#3. Selection and finalization

The research work should be done by noting down the information of the would-be country style home builders. It is important for any homeowner to get the worth of their invested money. Therefore, the selection process must be proper to get good results. You can look for different shows for getting the ideas related to the designs. The selection can be done by making them prepare a model house for better understanding. You have to meet the builder and finalize the deal at a fixed price. Make sure the quality of the material used in building the house is the best. When you are planning to renovate your home, you should keep one thing in mind the utilization of the available space is done appropriately.

The expert country style home builders can give the homeowners the sense of satisfaction by the best designs. They can give the house a traditional look without giving up the modern amenities.

Glass is fragile, as we all would know all too well, and therefore it’s almost a certainty that some of the window panes in your home would break at some point. If you have kids, sooner or later a baseball is going to come flying through a window, instead of safely into a catcher’s glove. Or you might have an accident indoors while decorating a Christmas tree, ending in a branch poking a hole through a closed window.

Window Panes

Accidents happen, unfortunately, and when they do, you need a contingency plan. Chances are that you haven’t saved up any loose change in a jar to prepare for unexpected window breakages. That means that, if you have modern double glazed windows, you are in for an expensive replacement exercise. But older, simpler, single glazed windows are much easier to work with, so you may want to try your hand at replacing your broken windows yourself. How hard can it be, right? Well, not that hard at all, thankfully. But to help you remove some of the trial and error from your first attempt at replacing broken windows, here’s a neat little step by step guide to help you through the process.

Things you will need to get the job done

Before you can get started, you need to head to your tool shed or garage to gather all the tools and materials you will need. You may also need to take a trip to the hardware store to purchase everything you don’t have.

Tools:

• Safety first! Heavy duty gloves to handle glass, safety goggles to protect your eyes.
• Putty knife
• Heat gun
• Sandpaper
• Tape measure
• Paint brush
• Caulk gun 

Materials:

• Replacement glass
• Glazing points
• Glazing compound or putty
• Paint primer
• Linseed oil or wood sealer

Replacing Window Pane

What to do, step by step

1. Remove window frame (optional):

To make the work easier, it is advisable to remove the window sash if possible. This will enable you to lay the window down flat at a convenient height.

2. Remove broken glass:

Remove the broken glass carefully, using gloves to help prevent the glass from cutting your hands. You should also use safety goggles in case you stab yourself in the eye with a sharp shard of glass. Also, remove the old glazing points from the frame.

3. Scrape off old glazing putty:

Use your putty knife to remove all the old glazing putty. Use a heat gun to soften the putty, if it’s the good old-fashioned kind. Be very careful not to burn the frame. If it’s a newer window, it may have a vinyl glazing strip that you can pull out easily.

4. Sand grooves:

Next, you need to sand the grooves of the frame to remove old putty and paint residue. Then you need to paint the surface with wood sealer, or with linseed oil, if you will be using traditional glazing putty. This will help to keep the wood from drying out the putty too quickly as it absorbs its oil.

5. Measure size of new glass:

Using your tape measure, measure the inner dimensions of the window frame. Then subtract about 1/8 inch from both the length and the width, otherwise, you may find that you have a fit that’s too tight. You can always trim it to size with a glass cutter, but it’s better to have it cut to the correct size by the company that supplies the glass, in case your glass cutting technique needs some practice.

Installing Window Panes

6. Install new glass:

Now that you’ve prepared everything, the real fun can begin. Before you grab the new pane of glass, you first need to prepare a layer of glazing. Take the caulk gun and insert a tube of glazing compound. Then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the grooves in the frame. If you are using old-school putty, you need to kneed it until it’s soft and add linseed oil to get it to the consistency recommended by the manufacturer. Then you need to roll it into thin strips and smooth the strips down into an even layer on the inside of the frame.

Now you can carefully insert the new pane of glass onto the layer of putty or glazing compound, and bed it down gently. Then, finally, you need to insert glazing points into the frame. Lay them flat on the glass, and carefully wedge them into the frame using the putty knife. Space the glazing points about six inches apart.

7. Apply glazing compound:

Now that you have set the glass in place, the final step is to apply a layer of putty or glazing compound to the outside of the frame to cover the glazing points, and to create a neat finish. If you are using a caulking gun, squeeze the trigger with even pressure, while applying glazing compound to the edge where the glass and the frame meets. Then, take a wet cloth and smooth the glazing down. If you are using traditional putty, roll it into a sausage as long as each side of the glass, and smooth it down while holding the putty knife at an angle.

8. Paint the frame:

The last step is to paint the frame. You can’t do this right away, however. Depending on the kind of putty or glazing compound you used, you will need to wait anything from a few days to a week before you can paint over it. Traditional putty will take the longest, but sometimes it can be painted over as soon as it has formed a skin over the putty. It is best to wait until it has hardened, and then paint it with an oil-based primer. More modern glazing products, such as latex glazing, may be ready to paint over within a day.

When painting the window frame, paint about 1/16 inch over the edge of the glazing, onto the glass. This will help to ensure that water can’t get behind the glazing. When the primer has dried, you can finish the job by painting over the primer with a suitable weatherproof exterior paint.

About the Author: This article is a contribution made by Apex Window Werks, a house window repair & replacement company located in Chicago, IL. The company deals with wood windows more than 8 years already. Feel free to get in touch with them for a free estimation.

Thinking of revamping your bathroom with cooler tiles? Allow me to offer some inspiration, so you can replace your outdated tiles with newer and better ones! Below, I have some tips to help you pull off the look effortlessly. Keep reading to find your next tile crush.

Bathroom Tile

Similar Post: Small bathroom plans you should copy

1| Mix + Match neutral tiles

Mix and match your neutrals! It makes the typical neutral look much more exciting when paired with different shapes and patterns. Take a classic white subway tile with black grout lines and transform it by pairing it with an intricately patterned black/white tile. Also, black and white is the ultimate contrast duo which creates instant visual interest. So, definitely look into tiles with these classic colors.

Natural Stone Tile

2| Natural stone tile

The natural stone look is a classic and will add texture to your bathroom. It will also bring a whole new level of elegance to your shower — especially if you use marble! Marble has a timeless beauty, so you won’t have to worry about updating your bathroom every year. Just make sure you provide proper care for marble tiles, which need to be sealed at least twice a year to prevent discoloration and preserve their texture.

Arabesque Bathroom Tiles

3| Arabesque

The Arabesque shape cyclically trends because of its distinctive and timeless design. The lantern-like shape is the perfect balance of geometric and intricate, making it super versatile! Since white Arabesque bathroom tiles are the standard go-to, you do have to pay attention to grout color. Try to avoid white grout lines. Too much white washes out the style, which is why white-on-white bathrooms are out. Instead, frame your fresh white tiles with a sandy beige colored grout to keep the look natural and give it harmonious contrast. This color combo also matches the natural wood-look for that spa effect.

Geometric Tiles

4| Geometric

Geometric patterns are totally in and not just circles and triangles! Think beyond your basic shapes and mix them together for a completely different theme. Look into vintage geometric patterns or tribal patterns to really be up-to-date. The clean lines will add an interesting element to any space, plus it will show off your fun and sophisticated personality. You can play with these patterns by choosing different color combinations like a contrasting black and white duo or an effortlessly cool grey.

Mosaic Glass Tiles

5| Colored glass tiles & Mosaic glass tiles

Bring some light and color to your bathroom by adding colored glass and mosaic tiles to your bathroom walls. Not only will the tiles offer a pop of color to liven up the space, it will also add some shine because of the naturally reflective properties of glass tiles. Glass tiles are also easy to maintain and will give your bathroom a high-end look. Incorporating color is also a good way to create a theme for your bathroom. For example, using blue shell-shaped tiles to create a lighthearted nautical look. Pair light blue glass tiles with gold hardware for a luxurious color combination.

I hope these ideas have provided you with some ideas and inspiration for updating your bathroom’s tiles. As always, your personal preference is the most important factor. If you love it, then it works! The only caveat is to make sure it’s the right type of tile material for the space you’re working in.

Disclaimer: All images are provided by the author.

About the author: Lucy Parker is the Resident Design Consultant at HomeDecorAZ.com. When she's not busy helping clients with interior design projects, Lucy writes blog posts related to home décor. She’s also a foodie who loves traveling and enjoys movies (except horror).

Image Sources:

1a Image via Byrdesign
1b Image via Byrdesign
2 Image via Luxesource
3a Image via Decorpad
3b Image via Myamzingthings
4a Image via Digdigs
4b Image via Decorpad
5a Image via Digdigs
5b Image via Decorpad

The requirement of heating water becomes essential during the chilling winters when water feels ice-cold in normal temperatures. So, the water heaters of reputed brands are installed in most of the common households to keep a steady supply of hot water. But like any other machinery, these heaters too may face breakdown anytime. So, it is necessary to get in touch with an expert who is experienced in handling hot water systems of any brand.  Though many homemakers try to fix trivial issues of the heaters themselves, it is best to call the professional technicians for repairing the serious issues.

Hot Water Repairs

Common problems that need professional hot water repairs

• When water starts flowing out abnormally from the Temperature Pressure Relief or TPR valve; too much water is wasted in the process instead of being heated. In that case, the valve and associated parts should be professionally checked for repairs.
• The large cylinder for storing the heated water may start leaking profusely, resulting in the immense wastage of both water and energy. Thus, only professional hot water repairs services can save these wastages and the money that would be otherwise spent in this regard.
• If the flow of hot water from the tap slows down or simply stops, you should hire a plumber or a water heating professional to fix the problem immediately. But in this case, thorough checking of the entire heating system may be required to know the actual problem if the concerned tap is found to be in fit condition.  
• The total heating system may void the water supply due to an obstruction in the adjoining pipes or valves. So, an expert plumber can easily detect the problem and address it efficiently to restore the normal water flow into the water heater.

Prominent reasons for hiring expert services for hot water repairs

• The experienced professionals complete all the repairing works of a water heating system within a few hours only, irrespective of the complication level of the problem detected anywhere of the heater.
• The local repairing technicians offer prompt services to their clients whenever called at the time of emergency. Their services are available for 24 x 7 days for the convenience of their clients, but they do not charge a service fee for working during the official working hours.
• The plumbing professionals thoroughly check the system to detect the issue and give a report of the spotted defects to the clients, for seeking their permission to carry on with the necessary hot water repairs. But if no visible problem can be detected there, no fee is charged for this plumbing inspection.
• When any part of the heating system needs to be replaced by the professionals, the clients are offered long guarantee period on those high quality spare parts for 1-2 years.
• All the water heating professionals charge fixed amount of fees for delivering their services. So, the clients are never dissatisfied with the qualities or the charges of these water heating repairs.

Professionals for Hot Water Repairs

Many house owners may prefer to apply some DIY techniques for the fast repair of their hot water systems. But they should have all the necessary tools and adequate knowledge of handling the sensitive parts of the water heater system, without causing further damage. Moreover, any lack of proper safety measures can result in disastrous accidents, which may land with more expenses and all the related hassles that can be occurred during the process. So, it is better not to try these DIY techniques of heater repairs, unless you are confident about your ability to do it.

Ever wondered what goes through a burglar’s mind? How do they identify their target homes? What are their preferred break-in methods?

With every client that you have, it is important to think about their home security like a burglar. The intruders will focus on their favorite weak spots and strategies. Statistics show that a burglary happens every 15 minutes in the US, and most cases go unresolved.

Here is a peek into a burglar’s mind. Learn tips and strategies used by the criminals to gain access to your home and use them to prevent it from happening to yours.

Burglar

Posing as maintenance/Utility workers

A potential thief often poses as a utility worker. They will flash a fake ID or claim to leave it in the truck. The intruder will ask to check something in your basement, attic, or backyard. You will be distracted as an accomplice enters your home and steals from another point of entry. Others will learn your routines and patterns before striking later. Always ask for identification before authorizing entry. Also, keep your security system armed even when you are home.

Where to find valuables

The burglar will look for valuables, cash, and jewelry in the master bedroom first. They will steal electronics and appliances from the kitchen and living room. Consider keeping all your important documents in a home safe.  Do the research and get one that will hold up in different situations from weather related changes to home fires.  Read safe reviews to learn more about these items and other security products that you can use to safeguard your home at InformedMag.

Is your home on the market?

Open houses and realtor showings are ideal ways to see how a home is laid out and which items are located where. After all, they have unrestricted entry to all the rooms to view it all. The intruders have enough time to check out the windows and open the closets to check security on the access point. The thieves may leave the windows open for an entry later.

What burglars look for while targeting homes

They are not looking to draw attention to themselves. The intruders will pose as the cable man for a closer inspection. Most of them will scout for their targets when most people are away from home.

Robbery

Some of the common things to be aware of around your home that sends a message to a potential thief:

• High privacy fences and vegetation can offer cover from attempted break ins
• Toys in the backyard indicates someone is present
• Home security alarms makes their work harder
• Expensive toys and items on the outside may indicate expensive items on the inside
• Your delivery mail and newspapers that are left outside may indicate vacationing residents

Burglars favorite weak spots in your home

#1. The front door

The intruders first instinct is to try the front door. Statistics show that 34 percent of the break-ins happen at the front door because we assume no one would be so obvious, and we leave them unlocked. Dim lighting and a hedge shrouding your house from the street makes the robbery easier to conduct.

Always lock the front door. Use a solid deadbolt and properly light your house to make it visible to passersby. You can also install motion-light sensors that will go off when someone or something crosses their path.  These are adjustable to prevent a raccoon or other animal resident from setting them off.

#2. The windows and side entrances

22 percent of break-ins happen on the windows and other entrances. The thieves must do their work quickly. When the front door doesn't budge, they will walk to the windows. If you offer the proper criminal camouflage such as the high walls, shrubbery, and trees, it, makes their work easier.

The solution is to light the sides of your house with motion sensor fixtures that light the area. Ensure you neatly trim your foliage. Fix your sliding doors and windows by installing jamming rods.

#3. The risky garage door

Garage doors are easy to open. They are big and visible from the streets. For the roll-up garage doors, the thief only needs a piece of wire that cracks the top of the door, and it pulls the emergency clutch. Also, there is enough room to hide in the garage should they want to do so.

Invest in a secure garage door made from reinforced steel or solid core wood. The side-mounted deadlocks should be accessible from the inside.

Polished concrete is a kind of concrete, which is polished through a series of mechanical and professional machinery which is specifically designed for polishing concretes. It takes various grinding procedures to fully utilise the equipment and get perfectly finished polished concretes. A hardener or also called densifier is a penetrant chemical which is used during the process that penetrates right into the concrete, making it harder and dust-proof. Polished concrete is a part of the ‘green flooring system’ and has been approved by the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Dyes specially prepared for concrete polishing are generally applied to add colour to the concrete as well as other options like creating radial lines, grids, scoring, bands, borders, and other similar designs. The concrete is polished up to at least 800 grits and more since it is not considered as polished concrete below that. Sometimes it is also polished till it reaches the level of 800, 1300 or even at 300 grit.

Polished Concrete

Known and unknown facts of polished concrete:

Lower lifetime cost

One of the major benefits of polished concrete is that it requires minimum maintenance. In areas like schools, hallways, corridors; polished concrete proofs to be long lasting and effective. Polished concrete can be cleaned with ease and requires occasional damp mopping and can also endure scuff marks and tire marks. They eradicate the need of any top coating of messy wax or other coatings and the labour, time and expense associated with it. They only need to be refinished in every five to ten years.  Such concretes are dense in nature, thus can bear the oil stains or other sticky liquids. Polished concrete is said to be better than vinyl composite tiles or superior stone tiles.

Aesthetics

It is typical of people to judge a material on the basis of its price and appearance. Being inexpensive, viable and long-lasting, polished concrete is often questioned for its appearance and the results are positive. The concrete is shiny, beautiful and striking. The reason why it looks expensive and elegant is the smoothing and exposing the concrete while polishing which reflects its natural stone appeal. Sometimes the polishing may also affect the flaws or imperfections or also show a rusty look of the concrete but then the customer has to make peace with that. Sometimes the concrete also shows the crack on the floor or uneven concrete, which make its imperfections visible, but according to some people, that is an organic and natural form of the stone which they find aesthetically pleasing.

Concrete Polished

Ambient lighting increases

Polished concrete, as the name suggests, is highly polished and thus has a high light reflectivity which is beneficial especially for offices, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and other formal public facilities which have a clean and professional image. It makes the place look unique, formal and beautiful. It is believed that highly polished concretes look very similar to granite and provide a very higher degree of shine, more than what can be achieved by high-gloss coating.

Environment friendly

The most unique feature about polished concrete is that it is eco-friendly and is not fatal to the environment in any way. Polished concrete contains compounds like Volatile Organic compound (VOC) which make it completely harmless to nature. Also, there are no other top coatings added like epoxies, urethanes or waxes, so there is no accumulation of slurry or any other hazardous waste.

The process of making polished concrete:

The floor is cut into various diamond slabs and polished wet or dry according to one’s preferences. However, various industries are encouraging wet refinement system developments and also the use of industrial vacuums. Then the densifier is applied which determines the slab hydration. After being applied, the concrete opens up and accepts the chemical readily. The densifier is allowed to harden, followed by more cuts and trims until it reaches the required level of reflectivity.

Blocked drains are not only inconvenient but totally disgusting. They emit an odor which seems to be long lasting; besides they can be the cause of ill-health among the family members. This is one problem which needs a ‘quick’ sorting out. The causes of these blocked drains can be accumulation of hair, grease, flushing down foreign objects and the list goes on.

Drain Blockages

What are the major causes of blocked drains and how will you get rid of it?

#foreign objects:

Many a times, unintentionally we tend to drop foreign objects down the drain.  This might seem a small error but for sure, can lead to the major problem of blockage. This problem needs to be addressed and your family members should be strict about this.

#Hair and hair strands that block the drain:

Wash your hair as frequently as you want but make sure to clear up the stray hair which has fallen. Slowly but surely this gets collected in the drain and lead to that unwanted blockage. A little care is required to keep this nuisance of blocked drains at bay.

#Fat/Grease:

Beware of what you flush down the sinks, more so with the kitchen sinks. Oil and grease can be a major problem with drains.  They tend to stick to the sides of the pipes and after a short span of time cause blockages which might require professional help.

Blocked Drain

#Plants:

As we know roots normally head towards moisture or sources of water to keep the trees breathing. This might lead them to your drain. Pipes tend to get cracked, which in turn, leads to blocking of drains. During autumn you have the trees shedding leaves.

#Pipe installation:

Inexperienced professionals installing pipes is asking for big time trouble. You need to ensure you only opt for qualified professionals who have the required experience in pipe installation. In correct installation is one of the major causes of drains getting blocked.

#Toilet paper blockage:

Flushing down toilet paper in excessive amount down the toilet can lead to this blockage. Though not too serious, you need to make sure this is cleared up as soon as possible. You can try using the plunger for this blockage. You need to flush excessively to ensure the drain is back to normal. Toilet papers of any varieties are harmful as they clog even the smallest of drains. The mouth of pipes and the drainage lines must be put and lined in the most perfect order to enhance the flow of water.

#Concrete in the pipe:

This concrete in the pipe is due to the carelessness of the workers working in a new house. They normally pour the left-over concrete down the drain without realizing that this can solidify and damage the drain. This problem requires only professionals as homeowners will not be able to tackle this.

Block Drain

#Tips to avoid drain blockage:

Following some tips in a routine manner can reduce the drain blockage problem.

• Small blockages can be cleared by throwing a handful of baking soda and flushing this down with warm/hot water.
• Pour some hot water regularly in your drain. This can flush out small blockages.

#Opting for professional help:

Drain blockages attended immediately might be easy, but blockages which are stubborn cannot be handled by any homeowner. You need to seek professional help. Look for well reputed professionals who have the experience in clearing drain blockages. An online search is one convenient manner to search for professionals dealing with drain blockages. Blocked drain specialists are also available online to help you out in cleaning the drains. You can call 24X 7 plumbers to get rid of the blocked drains problems.

Security is a top concern in all countries around the world. A roller shutter is a good option to secure the house and also protect from weather extremes. As a result, there are many places where you can find these installed. If you are considering getting these installed in your home or office, here are some of the important things that you need to know and knowing these things will help you in making the right decision.

Roller Shutters

What is a roller shutter?

As the name suggest security roller shutters operates by rolling up or down and are closely fit to the door and window. They are fitted to either side of the window and move along the special guide. The shutter can be pulled to one side to access the door. The shutter when pulled up rolls into a compact cassette.

Similar Post – Give A Modern Touch to Your Windows by Installing Shutters

Types of security roller shutter

There are varieties of roller shutters available in the market. There is aluminum roller shutter made of aluminum slate which has insulated foam filled in cavity of each slat. Other types of roller shutters are steel roller shutter, timber roller shutter and poly carbonate roller shutter made of polycarbonate and metal.

Roller shutters can be manually operated or motorized. A manual roller shutter has a winder that lowers or raises the shutter when the winder is turned. The motorized roller shutter is fixed with small motor to operate the shutter when the button is switched on.

Electric Roller Shutter

Electric roller shutter vs. manual roller shutter

Electric shutters are convenient as they can be operated from a distance by a remote control. On the other hand, a manual roller shutter requires someone to work on the winder. The electric shutters are expensive and time taking to install but can be low on maintenance when good quality material is used. Working with manual shutters is time consuming and it requires more maintenance to have them in the best condition.

Benefits of a security roller shutters

• Security – The fact that the shutters are so closely fitted to the window or door makes it safe. The sturdy shutters require great deal of effort to be broken. The biggest benefit of the roller is definitely security as it is a good physical deterrent.
• Insulating – Security roller shutters have insulated material filled within the slats. The insulators prevent extreme weather conditions to affect the temperature inside the house. The shutters not only prevent external temperature to affect interior conditions but also stop the heat or cold to leave the home. They are also sound proof thus reducing the transmission of sound.
• Gives control – The security shutters can be used to control the room condition. A completely rolled up shutter will allow good amount of sunlight and fresh air to enter the room whereas the lowered shutters will darken the room completely even during the day. One can even choose to partially roll up the shutters.
• Provides privacy - The rollers give a complete solution to privacy issues. The firm shutters when lowered provide complete privacy to the house. Installing roller shutter gives a control over the privacy. Unlike fabric shades the roller shutters are sturdy structure that guards the view.

Security Roller Shutters

Cost of installing security roller shutters

The cost of roller shutter will depend on four factors:

1. Size of the shutters
2. Type of roller shutters. You can choose between manual or electric rollers
3. Material of the roller shutter
4. Price quoted by the manufacturer

Some manufacturers customize paint the shutters in colors as requested but this will add up to the cost. Some companies provide DIY installations as well. To get the security roller shutters installed, get the quote from the manufacturer or a local company that specializes in installation. It is advisable to get several price quotes before choosing the vendor to install the shutter. Also taking reference and conducting good research should be done before selecting the type of shutters.

About the Writer

Mike Warner, an experienced and professional blogger. I love to write blog on various topics, like: home improvement, locksmiths, fashion, travel, automotive, wedding, pet, health etc. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter.