Moving home is always a challenge. It’s not just the uprooting of everything and moving to the unknown – it’s the actual physical and mental stress it can cause as there is so much to be done, and usually not a lot of time to get it all done in.
Here are some handy tips from experts to help make the whole process just a little easier.
Electronics
You may have a tech-genius in your home, or your electronics might have been installed by a technician from the company you purchased the item from. If you’re worried about being bamboozled by disconnecting everything in your old home and then reconnecting it all again in your new home, don’t be. Here’s the smart way to go about it.
Use your phone camera to take pics of all wiring before you start disconnecting anything. Take pics of each item (TV, computers, sound system, etc.) with all the wiring in place, and make sure to focus on anything which might cause problems later. Make sure the pics show each cable and socket it attaches to. Once you’ve snapped all the necessary devices – you can go ahead and unplug everything.
Another smart tip is to use large zip-loc sandwich bags to bag cables for each device and then tape the bag to the device so that the cables and the device don’t become separated during the move.
When you arrive at your new home, you simply need to unpack the device and the cables and re-insert or connect the cables according to the pics you took earlier. Nothing could be simpler, and it will save you some serious time if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.
Valuable items
Whether it’s your super-large HDTV or a work of art hanging on your living room wall, you need to make sure that it will be adequately protected during transit. First off – check your own home insurance policy to find out if it covers such items when being moved from one home to another. If not, you might have to shop around for some additional insurance cover before moving day.
If you’re contracting professional removals Gloucestershire offers to do the job for you – you’ll also need to enquire about the level of insurance cover they provide and the conditions which apply. While it may sound great that they will be responsible if anything happens to your prized TV, you might not be so happy if they inform you that they will charge you for packing it in a special box to their level of satisfaction just because you don’t have the original factory packing available. Additional packing charges such as these can soon mount up (if you have several such items) – and might make buying your own extra insurance worthwhile after all.
Planning ahead to avoid such problems will make moving day much easier when it arrives.
Summer is in the air and families everywhere are looking outdoors for recreation and leisure. The backyard is an excellent place to pass time, host friends and enjoy food and drinks. However, gathering all of the furniture and essentials for your backyard can be expensive, especially if you are going to brick and mortar stores. Luckily, nearly everything can be purchased online at stores like Wicker Paradise, including these essential backyard patio accessories.
Replacement patio cushions can be very difficult to track down in the flesh. If you purchased your chairs from a retail establishment, they may no longer be carrying that style or offering the cushions as a separate accessory. Luckily, there is a wide array of replacements available online.
Outdoor chair cushions are a great way to get comfortable on your patio and spend some time soaking up the sun. Before paying a king’s ransom at a retail store, try searching online for the style that you’re looking for. You might be surprised at what you can find and how cheap it can be.
Wicker furniture cushions are a stylish and summery way to make your patio a bit more comfortable this summer. When the weather takes a turn for the dreary, you can bring them inside and use them as throw pillows or decoration. Once again, check online before opening your wallet. Online retail has seen an incredible growth in the past decade, and the explanation is simple. It’s easy, cheap and convenient.
Buying a new construction home is an exciting process. Not only will everything in the house be brand new, but you may also have the opportunity to select features and finishes that best suit your taste. Do you want hardwood floors throughout the entire house? You got it. Would you rather have white kitchen cabinetry instead of the dark brown ones that were proposed? No problem. Do you want to incorporate some custom tile features in the bathrooms? That can easily be added as well.
While purchasing a new construction home seems glamorous, it also requires a lot of work on your part. Following are a few pieces of advice that you need to keep in mind throughout the process.
Don’t Be Fooled by the Model Home
Neighborhoods and home builders are smart. Have you ever seen a model home that didn’t look like it was straight out of a magazine? While everything that you see in a model home can be incorporated into your house, it will likely come at an increased cost. Model homes are typically full of lots of upgrades, so you will need to find out what comes standard and how much it costs to get the upgrades that you see.
Research the Builder
Building a house is an important and expensive endeavor, so you want to make sure you are working with a reputable builder. Take some time to do your research – read reviews, look for customer testimonials, and find examples of their work. You don’t want to skip this step and end up with a builder who cuts corners and take shortcuts just to get houses built as quickly as possible.
Get Everything in Writing
When you are building a home from the ground up, there are so many details involved throughout the process – both big and small. To ensure that everyone is on the same page and the end product is exactly what you envisioned, get everything in writing. Even if you are working with one of the very best builders in your area, this will help you to feel more confident that things will be completed as planned and decrease the risk of errors.
One thing that is certain when it comes to home buying – buyers know what they want! Especially when it comes to purchasing new construction homes, many buyers will keep on looking until they can find a house that checks off every item on their list (or at least most of them). So, what exactly are the most desirable features that homebuyers want to see in new construction homes?
Quality Over Quantity
The obvious reality is that larger homes can be very expensive. Not only is the purchasing price higher, but all of that square footage will also require more money to maintain, heat, and cool. Plus, that’s just more space that you have to clean on a regular basis. Today’s homebuyers are valuing the quality of a home, rather than just following the notion that bigger is better. Quality design elements and high-end finishes are becoming more appealing than simply having a bigger house.
Open Floor Plans
Homebuyers today want to embrace open concept living. While older homes tend to have distinct rooms separated by walls, the majority of new construction homes feature open floor plans. Homebuyers want to be able to interact with their family and friends, and that is accomplished much more easily when the living room, dining area, and kitchen all flow together.
Luxurious Bathrooms
Regardless of how big or small the house may be, everyone wants to have their own little sanctuary where they can relax and get ready. We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms, and homebuyers want to be treated to a luxurious space. With a soaker tub, huge shower, and glamorous vanity, homebuyers will appreciate all of the lavish details.
Impeccably Designed Kitchens
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so special attention needs to be made in this area. Homebuyers want a kitchen space that is functional, stylish, and inviting. They want a space where they can cook gourmet meals and also hang out. With plenty of seating at a large island, a creative backsplash, top-of-the line appliances, and plenty of storage space, an exquisitely designed kitchen can sell pretty much anyone.
Steam showers can certainly turn a daily bathing ritual into a relaxing spa experience. Steam bathing does not just help you relax; it also promotes overall health through its numerous benefits. It is not surprising why steam showers are becoming more and more popular. Installing one in your own home may be easier than you think because you can modify your existing shower, build one from scratch, or buy a full unit. Opting to purchase a standalone steam shower allows you to benefit from more features, making the experience more fun. Here are some features you can look for:
-
Quick Start Features
Manufacturers of steam generators, the component that produces water vapour, offer quick start features that produce steam faster. This way, you do not have to wait long for the steam to appear. However, this may take up more energy because the unit has to heat water continuously to boiling point.
-
Chromatherapy and Aromatherapy
This is simply light and scent capabilities. You can choose standalone units that have these features. Aromatherapy is made possible using essential oils placed in a reservoir and dispersed together with the steam. Some units are equipped with different colours of LED lights so you can choose the colour that suits your mood.
-
Wireless Controls
Wireless control of a steam shower allows you to operate it remotely. This comes in handy if you want to turn it on and do other things while waiting for it to reach your preferred temperature.
-
Music and Phone Connectivity
Make the most of your steam bath by choosing a steam shower with a radio or music features. Some models boast high quality sound systems that you can connect with your gadget. The speakers are excellent, with some having a built-in microphone. Connect it to your phone and with a click of the remote, you can answer a call.
-
Foot Massage
Why not enjoy an ultimate spa experience right in your own bathroom? The foot massage feature typically combines hydro massage water jets and foot rollers to massage your feet while sitting within the steam shower. Some have a specific area where hydro massage jets spray water onto the soles of your feet.
-
Digital Control
Modern units are equipped with digital control panels for easier access to the steam shower’s features outside the enclosure. Right before you enter the shower cabin, you can turn it on; set the temperature, lighting or music.
With advancements in technology, it is not surprising how steam showers have also been built with modern features. Many other features can be found on modular units and your product of choice may depend on what features you prefer. It is still best to purchase one that works best for your needs and lifestyle.
Image: freedigitalphotos.net (marin)