Home ideas

Home ownership is a goal for many. Down payments and mortgage payments are the big items you think about but it is the hidden costs that cause stress if you are not prepared for them. Some costs happen at purchase time, some happen every month, and some can be a surprise. Here is what you need to know about all of them. Early Unexpected Costs Many of these costs have to be paid before you even move into the home and they can easily total more than $10,000.00 you weren’t expecting to pay. House Inspections and Appraisals There are things your home inspector won’t tell you but you should find out about any possible major issues. You can use the information to negotiate a lower price or refuse to buy. Inspections cost between $300.00 and $600.00. Some mortgage lenders and insurance companies require an inspection certificate when you buy a house. All lenders require an appraisal before writing up the mortgage agreement. (You will also find out if you are paying too much for the pro...

Concrete is a tough product that does not require sealant. Under the right conditions, unsealed concrete driveways, patios, and sidewalks can last up to 50 years. They may also last as little as 10 years due to poor product or installation or adverse conditions. Proper driveway sealing extends concrete lifespan. Consider all the pros and cons when deciding whether or not to seal your driveway. Benefits Of Sealing a Concrete Driveway Concrete driveway sealant repels water, increases lifespan, resists stains, and usually looks better than raw concrete. Freshly poured concrete must cure for at least 30 days before a sealant is applied. Sealing the driveway too soon traps moisture in the concrete–preventing complete curing and shortening the lifespan of both concrete and sealant. Water Protection Contrary to its look and feel, concrete is very porous. It absorbs water and moisture. Driveways experience a lot of moisture–rain, lawn watering, vehicle washing, etc. Water can erode concr...

Now that the equinox has been and gone, it’s time for my updated round-up of the best scented candles for autumn. I have a year-round obsession with candles, but there’s something particularly special about lighting them as the days grow shorter and the nights longer – in fact I tend to have one or another flickering away from the moment I wake up until I head back to bed again. Not only does it make the gloomy mornings and afternoons that much easier to bear, it also helps me get in the mood for sweater weather, falling leaves and other seasonal joys. Below, you’ll find 21 of my personal fall favourites – some new, some not so new. Most come from independent makers or small businesses, and almost all are hand-poured using natural wax. I’ve focused on the kind of scents that appeal to me at this time of year – smoky blends that conjure up crackling log fires, earthy aromas that remind me of moss-covered autumn woodland, nurturing fragrances that are ideal for cosy nights at home… ...

Any plaster or stucco–residential or commercial–applied in the USA after 1990 should be free of asbestos. Asbestos was declared a health risk and banned in 1989. Older houses–especially those built in the 1940s and 1950s–made extensive use of asbestos in many products. Asbestos was incorporated into stucco and plaster to enhance fire resistance and soundproofing qualities. It also made the product stronger and lighter. Asbestos is inexpensive and readily available. It is still used in construction materials around the world. Over 50 countries have banned it–including the US, Canada, and many European countries. Any plaster or stucco–residential or commercial–applied in the USA after 1990 should be free of asbestos. Asbestos was declared a health risk and banned in 1989. Older houses–especially those built in the 1940s and 1950s–made extensive use of asbestos in many products. Asbestos was incorporated into stucco and plaster to enhance fire resistance and soundproofing qualities. I...

First impressions matter and are a powerful motivator to improve the curb appeal of your home. Whether you are about to put your home on the market or simply want to make it more appealing, increasing your home’s curb appeal is an exciting challenge that you can complete in one day. A quick transformation can improve the appearance of your property, making it more welcoming and attractive. By focusing on the most impactful ideas, anyone can refresh their home without significant time and effort. The first thing people notice about your home is its curb appeal. This is one of the most vital ways that you can either attract or discourage potential buyers and guests. Do not feel obligated to complete every project on our list. Instead, consider the layout and condition of your home’s exterior and determine which ideas will be most effective in your situation. Fresh Coat of Paint for the Front Door The front door is a vital focal point on the exterior of most homes. Making sure that th...

Laundry never seems to end. The hamper is filling up as you finish the last load. Here are some suggestions that save time, save money, and make laundry easier. Clean Your Washer Clean your washer every 4 – 6 weeks. A lot of dirt passes through washing machines and some of it sticks in seams, holes, and on paddles. Eventually, it comes loose and sticks to your clothes–leaving them less than perfectly clean. Aluminum Foil Dryer Sheets Tear off two or three paper-sized sheets of aluminum foil, crumple them up, and throw them into the dryer with a load of laundry. They eliminate static and do not add extra material to the lint trap. Stop Losing Socks – Use a Mesh Bag It seems that everyone is looking for a sock that went missing last year. Wash and dry all socks in a mesh bag to keep them from disappearing. Consider separate mesh bags for each family member to further reduce sorting. Buy One Pair of Socks Find a style, type, or color of sock you like and buy several pairs. This e...

Drywall manufactured since the mid-1990s is asbestos-free. Houses and commercial buildings constructed between the 1930s and 1990 likely used many of the 3000 products containing asbestos. Asbestos was used in drywall boards, tape, and joint compound (“mud”). Any older house that has not been renovated can contain asbestos in the drywall . Houses built in the 1940s are almost guaranteed to contain asbestos in the drywall. Drywall is also known as sheetrock, wallboard, or gypsum board. Why Was Asbestos Used In Drywall? Before asbestos-related health problems began to appear, asbestos was considered an excellent additive to hundreds of products–including drywall. It has many attractive and useful properties. Fire Resistant . Soundproofing . Insulates . Lightweight . Improves Product Strength . Inexpensive . Availability . How To Identify Asbestos In Drywall You can’t see, smell, or feel asbestos in drywall. If you have an old home with undisturbed drywall, get an asbestos ...

It turns out the jar of mayo in your fridge is good for more than making sandwiches.  The ingredients in mayonnaise—vinegar or lemon juice, egg yolks, and oil—are cleaning powerhouses. The vinegar or lemon juice makes mayonnaise acidic, capable of breaking down grime and adhesive. The oil is a lubricant and glosser. While mayo doesn’t have the best smell, it can help you tackle household jobs when you’re out of other cleaners. However, to prevent bacteria contamination, it’s essential to have your own “cleaning” jar of mayo separate from the one you use to eat. Warning: Before You Clean With Mayo Due to its oily nature, mayonnaise can stain or ruin certain materials. Always do a patch test in an inconspicuous spot before using mayo to clean or shine. Remove Crayon Marks From the Wall Mayo can remove crayon marks on the wall if you have a shiny paint sheen like satin or semi-gloss. (Don’t try this if you have matte or flat paint; the mayo can cause staining.) Apply a thin ...

Today is a big deal for me because it’s publication day for my first book, The Soft Minimalist Home – Calm, Cosy Decor for Real Lives and Spaces . It’s a dream come true – a moment that’s exciting, nerve-wracking and surreal all at the same time. I’ve always wanted to write a book, and specifically this book . Over 10 years of blogging and styling, I’ve come to appreciate the benefits of minimalist decor on our mood and wellbeing. But I’ve also found myself coming up against the same misconceptions – that minimalist spaces are stark, soulless and impractical – over and over again. With this book, I want to dispel those myths and introduce a more relaxed approach to minimalism – one that’s warm, inviting and highly liveable. In it, I visit 15 real homes around the UK and Europe, exploring how a diverse range of people have designed pared-back spaces that are as individual as they are. Throughout, I hope to show that minimalism does not necessarily mean living with less, but r...

Your backyard offers endless possibilities for making it a space that helps to expand your living area. By reimagining this underutilized space, you can create a retreat for personal relaxation, entertaining family and friends, and devoting time to activities you enjoy. Enhancing your backyard will not just make your home feel bigger; it will add value to your home, making this endeavor a worthwhile investment. Whether you imagine a cozy dining nook or an expansive entertainment area, you can tailor these outdoor living room ideas to fit your lifestyle and preferences. To help transform your own outdoor living area into a space that is versatile for all of your needs, combine a variety of the ideas listed below that resonate with your goals. Outdoor Seating and Dining Creating a space in your backyard for comfortable seating and dining is one of the most practical ways to expand your living space. Above all, select high-quality, weather-resistant outdoor seating and dining furnitur...

I’ve just got back from my annual holiday with my friend Becky and this year we embarked on a fantastic 12-day road trip around northern Spain. Our journey took us down through the Basque Country to the wine region of La Rioja, before we headed back northwards through the little-known province of Navarra and the elegant coastal hub of San Sebastián . I’ll share all the places we visited over the coming weeks, but today I’m focusing on the city where we started and ended our trip: Bilbao. Huddled along a valley where the Nervión river meets crashing Atlantic waves, with green hills rising on either side, Bilbao is spectacularly sited. An extensive urban regeneration programme has reversed the decline it suffered after the disappearance of its steel and shipbuilding industries, and the result is a vibrant, creative centre with thriving art, architecture and food scenes. It feels like a city that’s moving upwards, and it has a distinctive Basque character that marks it out from other...