Bathroom renovations add value to your home, they give you an upgraded sense of comfort and style, and if you’re smart about it, you can add a lot of functionality without having to take out a second mortgage. 

If you’re looking to make some changes to your bathroom, but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you. These tips will not only help improve the function of your bathroom, but they will add a touch of that spa experience too!

Style vs. Functionality 

We recommend staying away from design trends that will not stand the test of time. It’s always hard to predict where our aesthetic preferences will go, but we’re pretty sure a carpet in the bathroom, 1970s style, never had a practical component. 

Instead, where possible, opt for solutions that combine the style and function of bathrooms. And if you do go for style only, go for the inexpensive details you can easily replace when you decide you want something a little different. 

The ‘Miracle’ of the 2-inch Drain Pipe 

Many modern bathrooms clog regularly, which can get incredibly annoying. With this very small (potentially DIY, if you’re up for it) improvement, functionality will increase plenty: 

Replace your drain pipes with 2-inch diameter varieties. Most use PVC pipes that are only 1.5 inches, which clog super easily, particularly if you have a big family sharing a single bathroom. The cost difference is approximately nothing, which makes this upgrade a no-brainer. 

Low Flush Toilet 

According to the EPA, the average low-flush toilet can save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year. For those of you who are concerned about the environment and your monthly bills, this is a big win. 

Low-flow toilets have a bit of a bad reputation. That’s because the 1990s vintage was terrible in terms of performance. These days, however, they’re just as efficient as the ‘normal’ varieties. Just be aware that high-pressure versions are a little bit louder. 

Think About Ventilation 

Bathrooms are the most humid rooms in the house, for obvious reasons. Condensation on windows, tiles, and mirrors can lead to expensive issues in the long term. And if you develop mould, that’s not good for your health. 

Ventilation is therefore an important component of a healthy and low-maintenance bathroom. We recommend investing in a bathroom vent fan; don’t skimp on the cost, as the cheap varieties are nowhere near as effective, and can even be a potential fire risk. 

Say Goodbye to Your Bathtub 

Ask yourself an honest question: how often do you really use your bathtub? And even when you want to have a relaxing candle-lit bath after a rough day at work, something (or someone!) tends to get in the way.  

Instead, consider a bathtub-to-shower conversion. There are several benefits: 

• Increased safety. The bathroom can be the most dangerous room in the house, with the CDC recording over 20 million injuries per year. 
• More space. Bathtubs do not use space efficiently. Not only that, showers that use clear doors can also give the impression of more space, resulting in a roomier feel overall. 

• Accessibility. If you’re planning for life in your later years, shower rooms are far more accessible and will make it easier for you to get clean. 

Hidden Tanks 

Toilets aren’t exactly stylish, no matter the type you purchase. You can, however, make this essential bathroom component a little more aesthetically pleasing by hiding the tank inside the wall. This will not only improve the overall look and feel of your bathroom, but it will also save a fair amount of space. 

Note: ensure that the setup still allows for routine maintenance. You don’t want a leak to develop, only to find that there is no way of accessing the water tank without causing significant damage. 

Ultimate Luxury: Rainfall Shower Heads 

We don’t know about you, but we love that luxury 5-star hotel spa feeling. And why not bring that into your home for a fraction of the price? This is how you do it: rainfall shower heads. 

Just imagine yourself disappearing into a tropical getaway, with the gentle drip of a waterfall above you. It’s a huge pro to any bathroom, and the plus point is that it’s quite inexpensive. 

Heated Flooring 

Our final tip may not be attainable depending on your budget, but if you can swing it, heated flooring will cause a revolution of style and comfort in your bathroom. They require a bit of an up-front investment, but the cost won’t be as high as you may imagine. Get a few quotes and you will be pleasantly surprised. In the long term, it’s also a more efficient way to heat the room.

 In terms of comfort, it’s no contest. You won’t get the problem of stepping on cold tiles after your morning shower, and it will make the getting ready process far more comfortable overall. 

Just remember: put most of your money into function, as this is where you’ll get the most value. The details are for styles that change yearly, as these can be swapped easily and for little money. 

5 Kitchen Features You Need to Implement to Make Your Mornings Better

The freedom to add many kitchen features can help you be more productive during the mornings. It’s a time when cooking takes a lot of energy and effort, especially when you have work or school. 

If you increase functionality and accessibility in your kitchen, you can have more productive mornings. Having a great kitchen also ensure you have a positive and stress-free start to your day. 

Even if you’re someone who sleeps late, having a stress-free and productive morning routine is crucial. To help you out, we’ve made a list of kitchen features you can implement to make your mornings better. 

If you live in a town like Northampton, you can add these features to your kitchen by hiring a specialist. 

Let’s get started!

Have an Organised Storage Space

To lower the time spent making breakfast every day, you need to make everything easily accessible. We recommend investing in a clever storage system because it helps to eliminate clutter while making it easier to find items.

A smart storage system should have cabinets for dishes, pots, pans and other utensils. You should also have space to easily find fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients.

Having a smart and organised storage space makes it easier for your to tidy up your kitchen before and after cooking. Additionally, having cabinets, drawers, and other organisers makes it more convenient to find items in the kitchen.

Invest in Multipurpose Kitchen Islands

Multipurpose kitchen islands have grown in popularity over the years and could be the perfect inclusion for your kitchen. These areas are the heart of the kitchen and provide versatility. 

You can use a kitchen island to make meals while allowing others to sit and interact with you, making it a social area. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to juggle the responsibility of cooking and talking to family and friends simultaneously. 

They also provide extra storage space you can use to make your breakfast more quickly. Overall, these kitchen islands carry out the purpose of being a breakfast table while cooking and can make your mornings more active and exciting.

Provide Proper Kitchen Seating

If you have a large kitchen, we highly recommend trying banquette seating on the side. While breakfast might not be the time for a lot of conversation, socialising can help improve your mood and plan a schedule for that day. 

Proper kitchen seating is ideal if you have family or regularly host guests for sleepovers. This addition makes your kitchen a conversation-friendly place for long relaxed breakfast meals. 

It also makes your home more welcoming and comfortable if you add soft and cosy furniture. Having a relaxing conversation area in the kitchen can make your morning more exciting with your family and friends.

Use Modern Appliances

Having modern and reliable appliances plays a crucial role to make the cooking process smoother in your kitchen. If you’re looking to create your breakfast quicker, we highly recommend purchasing appliances that can assist you in making meals. 

The ability to make your breakfast quickly can reduce the amount of stress that comes in the morning. Some modern appliances you can consider buying include a digital fridge, blenders for smoothies, programmable ovens and more. 

These appliances in your kitchen ensure that you can get your breakfast ready with a few taps. However, prepare your ingredients and cut them if required at night to make your next morning more easy-going.

Have a Modular Lighting System

If you prefer waking up before the sun rises, you should consider having a modular lighting system in your kitchen. However, many people underestimate the power a well-designed lighting system and don’t have one at their home.

Good lighting can have many underlying benefits and works wonders for your mood and productivity in the morning. You should try using a combination of cool primary lights and warm ambient lighting to optimise your kitchen. 

It helps you to start the morning in the right way and helps you focus better when you’re cooking a delicious breakfast. We recommend consulting a kitchen specialist if you want to implement modular lights in your kitchen. 

To Sum Up

This sums up our suggestions for kitchen features that can improve your mornings. You can implement these features whether you’re looking to build a new kitchen or upgrade your existing one. 

These simple kitchen upgrades can help bring a more modern feel to your space that caters to your needs. It can also play a massive role in making your mornings more productive and enjoyable. 

Now, go ahead and work towards bringing these beneficial changes to your kitchen space. It can help start your day right, building the foundation of living a healthy and productive life. 

Note: This is a collaborative post 

How to Inspect Your Roof After a Storm

Storms can be incredibly destructive on any aspect of your property, especially your roofing system. Hence, it’s crucial to inspect your roof after a storm to ensure it is still in good condition. Doing this will help you identify potential damage that could lead to more severe issues. Now, you might be thinking about whether or not it’s possible to DIY the investigation process.

The short answer is yes! And in this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on inspecting your roof after a storm to ensure it is structurally sound and safe. Fire away!

Step #1. Safety is always a priority!

Before you begin the examination process, it’s vital to ensure that the area is safe and secure. You should always inspect your roof from the ground first to check for any potential hazards, such as fallen tree branches or debris. This can prevent any potential harm from being inflicted on you. Once you have secured the perimeter, take a ladder and examine the roof from up close. Wear the appropriate safety gear, including a hard hat, gloves, and protective eyewear.

Step #2. Try doing some cleaning first!

When inspecting your roof after a storm, you can start by doing some general cleaning. Look for leaves and debris that might have been swept up during the storm and remove them. This will help make your inspection process much easier as there won’t be any obstructions in the way. Just remember to use caution when climbing on top of the roof.

Step #3. Note any roofing material damage

Take a close look at the shingles or tiles on your roof in order to check for any signs of damage. Pay close attention to any cracks, tears, or missing pieces that could indicate damage. If you find any signs of wear, it is important to contact a roofing specialist right away to make the necessary repairs.

Step #4. Look for any water or moisture damage

Water and/or moisture damage can be particularly destructive as it can lead to mold and/or mildew invasion and further destruction of your roofing system. As you inspect your roof, check the areas around the vents, chimneys, and other openings to make sure there are no signs of water leaking or pooling in these areas. Additionally, check for any soft spots on your roof that may indicate water damage.

Step #5. Is there something wrong with your gutters?

Your gutters can often be some of the most vulnerable parts of your roof during a storm. Forcing these to function can only lead to flooding on your landscape, which causes further complications. Check for any signs of clogging, damage, or displacement, which could indicate that your gutters are not functioning correctly. Additionally, check for any kind of debris build-up in the gutters and on the roof itself.

Step #6. Compile a list of all the issues you noticed throughout the inspection

Once you have completed the roof inspection, it is essential to document all the noted issues. This will help you determine which repairs need to be made and if further action is necessary. This list can also be helpful when you contact a professional roof contractor or insurance company to get an estimate on the repair costs.

Can you DIY the roofing reparations?

Now that you’ve made a list of the things that need attention, it’s time to ask whether or not you can DIY the replacement and repairs. Frankly, we don’t recommend DIY-ing your roof. Replacing and repairing a roof is a complicated job that requires professional skills and equipment. For reliable roof repair Hounslow services, it’s best to contact an experienced local roofing specialist who can assess the damage and recommend the appropriate solution. Suppose you attempt the repairs without any experience. In that case, it will only aggravate the situation, leading to more severe problems in the future.

It’s best to contact an experienced roofing contractor like Mighty Dog Roofing and have them professionally repair your roof. Not only will they get the job done quickly and efficiently, but they’ll also ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.

Summing things up

Inspecting your roof after a storm is integral to ensuring its structural integrity and longevity. These are the most straightforward steps to inspect your roof, either after a storm or as a routine. By keeping these steps in mind, you can get your roof all bandaged up in no time. Good luck!

Note: This is a collaborative post