The Ultimate Guide To Affordable Home Remodeling: 15 Easy Steps

 

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Your home reflects who you are, so when the urge arises to upgrade it a bit, home remodeling projects may seem tempting. Unfortunately, many individuals shy away from such endeavors out of fear they're too costly, with finances being one of the critical causes of renovation stress.  But what if I told you you could actually take on an affordable home improvement project?  Read on to discover your ultimate guide to budget home remodeling:

1. Setting a Budget

Step one to affordable home remodeling is creating a budget, yet many homeowners often forget this essential step and end up overspending. Without setting an initial plan or goal in mind, it's easy to become distracted by all of the available options, leading to overspending that far exceeds initial intentions. Therefore before embarking on any home improvement projects, take time to assess your finances and create a realistic budget.

2. Prioritize Your Remodel Projects

With your budget established, the next step should be prioritizing your remodeling projects. First identify which areas need the most urgent work; for instance if your roof is leaking it would make more sense to address that before undertaking another kitchen remodeling. Doing this will allow you to stick within your budget while meeting all your urgent needs on schedule.

3. Do It Yourself 

One of the critical decisions when it comes to home remodeling on a budget is whether to do it yourself or hire a contractor. DIYing could save on labor costs; however taking into consideration your level of experience before embarking is best advised; certain remodeling projects might need specific skills you don't possess. That's why it's often a better idea to look to remodeling experts with the necessary skills and expertise to get the job done right.

However, if you’re choosing the DIY method, there are ways you can cut costs when remodeling, like shopping around for materials - as different stores may offer differing prices on certain things.  You should take time to compare the prices in each store before purchasing anything. Consider using salvaged or recycled material instead as another cost cutting tactic or by doing specific work yourself (ie painting/demolition).

4. Hiring Contractors

Although DIY projects may save money, specific remodeling jobs need the expertise of professional contractors. When hiring one, make sure to do research their credentials, read reviews, obtain multiple quotes and check references as necessary - then ensure they possess both skills and experience needed for your specific job! Hiring one will allow you to fulfill your vision for your home while receiving valuable insight and advice along the way!

You can also hire expert remodelers specifically for certain rooms; for example, companies like New Bath Technologies use new bathroom remodeling technologies to provide a quality job for a reasonable price. By hiring professionals, you can ensure that your home remodeling project is completed to a high standard and within your budget. Finally, when searching for contractors make sure that they are licensed in your locality.

 

5. Financing Options 

Finding financing for home remodeling may appear to be daunting on a tight budget, yet homeowners do have various financing options available to them for home improvements. Personal loans, home equity loans and home improvement loans are the three primary financing methods; each should be carefully evaluated to find one which meets your financial situation and meets its requirements. 

6. Take Advantage Of Emerging Technologies

Home remodeling doesn't have to break the bank. By taking advantage of new technologies, you can save money and get the desired results. For example, there are now apps and software programs available - many of them free - that can help you plan and visualize your remodeling project.  By using these tools, you can get a better idea of what your finished project will look like, and you can make changes before any work begins. 

7. Prioritize Energy Efficiency Upgrades

When planning a home remodeling project, take into account the significance of energy-efficiency upgrades. By increasing energy-efficiency upgrades in your home, you'll lower utility bills while simultaneously cutting your carbon footprint.  Energy efficient upgrades include upgrading windows, doors, and insulation and installing an HVAC system as well as smart-home technology that monitors and controls usage of energy resources.

8. Investment In High-Quality Materials

When it comes to home remodeling projects, choosing higher-quality materials could save money over the long term. Although cheaper materials appear cost-effective initially, their durability or longevity could leave your renovation needing expensive repairs or replacements later down the line. When investing in premium quality materials you ensure your remodeling will stand up well over time and reduce future repairs or replacements expenses.

9. Make Sure Safety Is Priority 

When undertaking home remodeling projects, be sure to prioritize safety as a top priority. This includes taking steps to protect you, your family, and contractors alike by hiring only licensed, insured professionals that adhere to safety protocols and follow proper protocols themselves. Furthermore, home owners must also take measures like shutting off electricity sources during remodeling processes as well as properly disposing of dangerous materials during this process.

10. Take Advantage of Creative Storage Solutions

One of the main challenges associated with home remodeling is finding enough storage space. Instead of adding more, consider getting creative when choosing storage solutions; install shelves, hooks or any other devices that make use of vertical space like hooks and shelves - even reuse old furniture to build custom solutions to fit your specific style and needs!

11. Planning for Future Needs 

It is critical that when undertaking home remodeling projects, one takes into account both present and future needs. While you may have specific goals such as setting up an at-home office or renovating your kitchen in mind, consider how those may change over time and think about features which could add resale value (i.e. adding an additional bedroom/bathroom). 

12. Consider Curb Appeal

While interior remodeling projects should prioritize interior space, pay attention to curb appeal when planning remodeling projects. Your exterior home's first impression should make a positive first impression and can dramatically affect its value - and adding fresh paint, replacing doors, or planting flowers could do the trick to enhance its curb appeal and bring life and charm back into it. 

13. Consider sustainable materials

When remodeling your home, it's essential to consider the environmental impact of the materials you use. Choosing sustainable materials not only helps reduce the carbon footprint of your home, but it can also save you money in the long run. Sustainable materials can include anything from reclaimed wood to energy-efficient windows and appliances.  They can help the environment while also saving you money on your energy bills.

Additionally, using sustainable materials can increase the overall value of your home. Many homebuyers are willing to pay more for homes that have sustainable features, making it a wise investment for the future. So, when planning your home remodel, consider incorporating sustainable materials into your design to benefit both the environment and your wallet.

14. Be Flexible

It's essential to be flexible and open to changes along the way. Sometimes unexpected issues arise during a remodel, so it's vital to be prepared to adjust your plan as needed. Keep in mind that the end result may look different from what you had in mind, but with careful planning and a willingness to be flexible, you can achieve a beautiful and functional home that fits your needs and budget.

15. Once Your Remodel Is Done 

After your home remodeling project has concluded, make sure to enjoy every moment. Plan a housewarming party, invite family and friends over, take plenty of photographs documenting all your hard work - as well as take time out just to appreciate all you've achieved while enjoying living in an environment reflecting both your individuality and unique style and personality!

Conclusion

Affordable home remodeling can be achieved with careful planning and implementation. By setting a budget, prioritizing projects, selecting an experienced contractor and looking for ways to save money you can achieve your ideal home without breaking the bank. Remember home improvement isn't a sprint but more of a marathon so take your time completing projects - patience will get you far in transforming your space into the place that feels truly like your own!

How To Make Every Day With Your Kids More Fun

 Every parent across the world fears hearing the phrase “I’m bored,” from their kids. After all, it can easily be followed with tantrums, complaints, or misbehavior.

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 As a result, you must be on the lookout for ways to make the time you spend together more fun and exciting - so that you can keep boredom at day. 

Celebrate different national holidays.

By paying attention to different national holidays, you can find a reason to celebrate each day while also upholding historical traditions and teaching your children more about the world. 

For example, each February, you could celebrate Presidents Day by hosting a celebration of Presidents Day for kids. At this party, you could serve up traditional cherry-themed desserts or carry out some fun arts and crafts projects. 

Try something new.

Encouraging your children to step out of their comfort zone and try something new is a great way to make every day more fun, as it simply does not give them enough time to get bored! 

Not only will this mean that you have a tonne of different ideas that you can use to keep kids entertained on rainy days, but it could also help them develop a range of useful life skills. For example, if they pick up a hobby such as dancing, they learn about the importance of regular exercise and self-discipline as they commit to learning a new craft. It can also be a great way to boost their confidence.

You can make it easier for your child to start stepping out of their comfort zone and trying something new by leading by example. After all, they often tend to emulate their parent's behaviors! 

Let them take charge.

Part of being a good parent is letting your children become more responsible over time so that they are ready to take the world by storm. One way you can help them in this respect while also making their day to day lives more fun is by letting them take charge from time to time. For example, you could have them plan a family day out or let them choose which movies you watch come movie night.

The more you empower your children to make decisions, the happier and more confident they will feel. 

Encourage them to use their imagination.

Another way in which you can make life more fun and exciting for your children is by encouraging them to use their imagination. After all, a bit of imagination and play can turn a dull, boring day into one that’s full of laughter and magic.

Furthermore, whether they’re painting, writing, or playing, using their imagination  “helps boost kids' social, emotional, creative, physical, linguistic and cognitive development.” As a result, it can help them develop crucial skills they’ll need in later life, even though it may not seem that way initially. 

Don’t feel as though you have to sit on the sidelines when your kids are playing - as when you get involved, you make it more fun for everyone and can make many lasting memories together in doing so. 

Saving Money Within Your Home Is Easier Than You Think

 

If you have been feeling the pinch lately then you are not alone, thousands of households have been hit by the cost of living crisis. If you are looking for hacks and other ways to save money throughout your home then you have come to the right place. Take a look at the article below for some tips and tricks on how you can start saving now. 

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Turn The Lights Off

One of the best things you can do for your home, the environment, and your energy bills is to turn the lights off when you are not using them. You may remember years ago when energy-saving light bulbs came into effect, this totally eradicated all other light bulbs so you didn’t have a choice about purchasing energy-efficient ones. You may think that they don’t cost you a lot, and while they don’t, it can work out quite costly if you keep leaving the lights on when you are not in the rooms. If you are one to forget or you have kids that constantly forget to turn the lights off, create signs to remind people. 

Think About The Pool

If you are lucky enough to have a pool then you may be hesitant to use this due to rising energy bills. There are plenty of ways you can still enjoy your pool and not have your bills shooting through the roof. If you like your pool nice and warm then rather than pumping hot water into your pool to warm it up, consider using a solar heater. These can take longer to heat up but being all-natural, it won’t impact your heating or water bill. You could also use a water pump with variable speed settings. All you need to do is set them to the speed you want and let them do the magic. They have more efficient motors and are better for the environment. 

How Are Your Windows

Have you noticed any breeze coming through your windows lately? If so, then you may be using far more heat than necessary to stay warm. You will only really notice this problem during the colder winter months. If there are any issues with your windows then you should get these sorted as soon as possible. The heat you use to warm your home will just be canceled out by the constant draft and breeze coming through your damaged windows. As windows age, the seals can weaken due to being hit by various elements. Another way to save money with your windows is to add tinting to them. This keeps the heat in during the winter months while also preventing heat from entering during the summer. Take a look at the pros and cons of home window tinting. 

Renewable Energy

Something else you could look into is using a renewable energy source to power your home. This could be anything from solar power to wind power, it is whatever works best for you and your home. The common renewable energy source for residential homes tends to be solar power. These are panels that attach to your roof and convert heat from the sun into energy. Using solar power can cut your annual energy bills in half, a huge bonus during the cost of living crisis! If you fancy looking into getting these installed then shop around for the best deal, occasionally getting these installed during the winter months can save you some extra dollars. Make sure you use a reputable company before signing on the dotted line. 

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Don’t Leave It On Standby

Finally, when you switch your technology and appliances off, make sure you don’t leave them on standby. You may think that just because your products aren’t being used that they are not consuming vital electricity. In order for this to be the case, they need to be completely switched off at the wall. Quite a lot of homes flick their tv off using the remote control, this will cost you money even when you are not watching something. If you have a smart meter you will be able to monitor the difference, these were bought in by electricity companies to help households save money. If you don’t have one and would like one then contact your energy provider to have a chat about how they can save you money. 

We hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you some new ideas that you haven’t tried yet. The money you are saving within your home could be put towards something awesome, such as a vacation. 

Stop and "Wade!" The 5 Toughest Things About Owning a Swimming Pool

 

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There are so many benefits to owning a swimming pool, but not many people talk about the challenges that come with it. A pool can be a source of exercise, relaxation, and enjoyment for the entire family, but there are some challenges that we all need to be aware of, including the following:

The Time and Effort

Looking after your pool can take a lot more time than you think. It's not just about cleaning the pool, but it's also about the other lesser-known maintenance tasks, such as washing the filters and ensuring the pool has the right chemical balance. This is why services like Pinnacle Pool Service can be invaluable as it takes the time and effort out of the equation.

The Costs

It's safe to say that even though you have invested in building a swimming pool and may have had to pay additional taxes or fees depending on where you live or obtain permits, your work is not done. The overall cost of maintaining the pool can add up over time. The best thing for you to do is to look at what it takes to maintain it over the course of a year and break those finances down to see if it is financially sustainable. Lots of people think about the cost of installing a pool as the only factor, when in reality, it is much more than that.

The Environmental Impact

You might be looking for a way to get your kids exercising or have more fun as a family, but you also need to consider the overall environmental impact. They require a lot of water to operate but also use up a lot of energy. There are things that you can do to minimize the overall environmental impact, such as reducing your chemical use where possible, installing energy-efficient equipment like a smaller pump, and operating it less, while also using a pool cover.

The Safety Concerns

It is so important to stay on top of safety factors. Pools can be a safety hazard for pets and young children, so you need to take extra steps to secure the pool. In addition to the pool cover, you may want to think about installing a fence or even an alarm system. There's also the potential for slip and fall injuries, and even the unseen things that can cause concerns, for example, swimmers’ ear or respiratory issues.

The Animal Attraction Factor!

Depending on where you live, you may find creatures flocking toward your pool. Lots of water-loving animals like frogs or ducks may want to take a dip in your pool, and if you have new pets, they may want to jump in too! You may have to consider the bigger picture when it comes to protecting your pool from animals. You can use barriers as one approach, but you may also want to think about natural ways to keep animals away from your pools, such as imitation predators or pool covers. 

Having a swimming pool is a great way to get everybody fitter and healthier, but it's definitely worth thinking about some of these things too!

How To Encourage Your Family To Be Environmentally Friendly

 How To Encourage Your Family To Be Environmentally Friendly

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People are adopting eco-friendly elements into their homes as the world moves towards creating a greener world. You can do your bit to make this happen faster, and it starts with you and your family getting on board to preserve the planet for future generations. Eco-friendly habits and practices help decrease your carbon footprint while reducing waste and better using the world's natural resources. Although research reveals that 93% of the American way of life lacks sustainable habits, you and your family can make that change using the tips below.

1. Reduce single-use plastics

How much plastic do you use at home? When you live with family, your use of single-use plastics could be significantly higher. Unfortunately, most of these plastics end up at landfill sites, creating even more environmental concerns. A 2019 United Nations report stated that 300 million tons of global plastic waste are from human activities, with about half being single-use plastics. Household items like plastic straws, one-time water bottles, beverage cups, plastic bags, balloon sticks, and so on can harm the environment. Thankfully, you can reduce this by avoiding or limiting your family's reliance on single-use plastics. Biodegradable paper straws are better than plastic ones, while reusable water bottles and cups are excellent for home use or other locations. Indeed, today the options are limitless because of the boost in producing eco-friendly products and materials.

2. Using environmentally friendly insect sprays

Many households deal with insects and many types of bugs using chemicals and compounds that aren't environmentally friendly. If you look around your house now, you will likely find an insect spray that could be substituted for an eco-friendly one. These traditional sprays sometimes harm humans, pets, and the environment, explaining why you may get allergies. Meanwhile, a 2021 Environmental Protection Agency report indicated that many chemicals seep into groundwater and contaminate potential water sources. However, you can decrease the likelihood of this when you switch to plant-based bug spray and repellants. Natural plants like lemongrass are excellent insect repellants and are often safe for your skin. The natural elements in such sprays make them better and healthier substitutes. 

3. Encourage recycling

Did you know that the US alone generates 292 million tons of solid waste annually, but only 32% is recycled? Research further reveals that 4.40 pounds of waste are produced per person in US households, and that is only in a day. That may be higher if you are a family of four or more. The solution to limiting waste in your house is reconsidering your recycling habits. Contrary to public perception, recycling habits are not hard to adopt. It takes a commitment to see through each one and ensure that your family follows suit in daily activities such as correct food disposal and composting, opting for reusable products, and so on. Unfortunately, no law is backing mandatory recycling at home, but that doesn't mean it's unimportant. Your family's recycling commitment can significantly impact the environment.

What To Know Before You Bring Home Your First Cat

 

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Cats are among the most popular animals to keep as pets. Those who love cats highlight their curiosity, independence and quirky personalities as positives about our feline pals. While many people divide the world into “cat people” and “dog people”, the truth is that you don’t need to choose. Depending on the breeds, cats and dogs can share a home and often become good friends.

With that said, keeping a cat is a very different experience from keeping a dog - although both will ensure you get a lot of use out of a pet vacuum cleaner, and if you are used to being a dog owner, there is going to be a learning curve when you bring home your first cat. It doesn’t need to be a painful learning experience, but it is important to know a few things before you become a cat owner. This matters, both for you and for your new cat, and if you learn well then you’ll be rewarded with a pet that is full of love for you - despite what some people might think.

Cats enjoy affection, but it’s on their terms

After a few weeks of having a cat, some pet owners will say with deep concern: “He/she doesn’t like me! I try to pet the cat and it runs away!”. The most important thing to learn about cats is that they are plenty affectionate, but you can’t force it. When your cat wants to be cuddled, it will come to you, but it won’t trust you initially unless you’re very lucky. Provide it with food, somewhere comfortable to sleep, and a safe environment, and it will return your love with interest.

Cats have to eat meat; it’s not a matter of choice

Your dog can be a vegetarian, although they might not enjoy it. Scrape the leftovers from a roast dinner into your dog’s plate, and they’ll wolf down the meat and the veg with equal enthusiasm. And if you chose to only feed your dog non-meat products, it would be fine, as long as there was enough protein included. A cat can’t have a vegetarian diet. Cats can’t make taurine or arginine on their own, and both nutrients are essential to their survival. They can only be found in meat, so even if your household is non meat-eating, if you want to keep a cat you’ll need to make an exception for them.

You’ll need to know about the things that are toxic to cats

Perhaps because they are both popular pets, and because they share certain characteristics (like four legs and a tail), some people are confident that cats and dogs are alike in other ways, but their physiological makeups are very different. Cats have a more finely-tuned system which needs different food, and also different medications than dogs do. 

A dog in pain can tolerate a certain amount of gentle over-the-counter pain meds like acetaminophen. A cat will not, and will become ill unless it is given specific cat medication. In addition, certain plants are toxic for cats to the point of being lethal. That means you can’t keep lilies in any room a cat may be in - it’s usually best just to ban them from the house. Additionally, while poinsettia are a popular Christmas plant, they’re not something you should risk if there are cats around. They’re not as toxic as lilies, but your puss will try to eat them, and it will make them sick.

Mistakes a Lot of People Make When Getting A Dog

 If you want to get a dog, then you are doing the right thing by doing your research. If you want to avoid some of the top mistakes that people make then take a look below.

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Dismissing Training

Every single dog has to undergo basic training and socialisation. Some dogs require a bit more than others. If you avoid training your dog, then you will be putting them at a huge disadvantage. They won’t be able to learn the rules and they will lack structure or guidance. Training isn’t a choice and when you do it positively, you will soon find that it is a fun and enriching experience. Socialisation gives your dog the chance to get used to the things that they will see in their environment. This includes other adults, animals, objects and more. If you set your dog up properly when it comes to socialisation, then you can stop them from developing phobias or fears. Lack of socialisation is a huge contributor in terms of behavioural issues as well, so make sure that you take that into account. If you have a huge yard then this is great for training, but you’ll need a wireless dog fence if you want to keep them contained.

Picking the Wrong Dog

Getting a dog impulsively is easy to do. Sometimes it can be difficult to resist those cute puppy eyes, and this is especially the case if you see a dog who needs a home. That being said, when it comes to getting a dog, there are some practical decisions to be made. Are you going to be able to undertake dog training? Exercise? Bonding? Are you willing to put up with behavioural issues? Shedding? Mess? By asking yourself questions like this, you can then make it easier to choose a dog that is suitable for you and your family.

Not Giving Them Enough Exercise

Exercise is truly a basic need for every dog in the world. If you do not exercise your dog enough, then this can lead to a world of health issues. You may also find that your dog ends up experiencing some behavioural issues too. Some dogs need more exercise than others so you have to know your dog’s breed so you can accommodate this. If your dog is restless, bored or if they seem hyperactive all the time then this is a sign that you need to walk them more. If you do not have a lot of time in your schedule to devote to walking your dog, then there are some breeds that need less exercise. That being said, if you do not walk your dog at all then this is a major sign that they are going to experience issues later down the line.

Dogs don’t just need exercise; they need mental stimulation too. Play games with them and also help them to participate in dog sports, if you believe that they have a drive for it. If you can do this, then you will soon find that your dog ends up being happier and healthier.