Home & Interiors

We have moved house 3 times over the last 10 years each a different stage, before kids, with one kid and when pregnant with our second. While im no expert I can certainly share from a practical point of view what worked for us thus making a stressful process a little easier on all involved. Moving can be especially hard on kids. I have actually written about this before so if its relevant to you have a read here.

• Planning – I know this may sound like im stating the obvious but planning really is key from the outset, line up the trades, the dates, the help etc.
  

  Pic Credit: Pixabay

  The aim is that it will flow as seamlessly as possible. Having been through this before as much as we all hope it goes smoothly it does take a huge effort to try to achieve this so don’t get disheartened if things do slip a little.

• Removal Company – Unless you have access to a van or lots of help you will like us most probably need to assistance of a domestic removals company. The key here is to shop around, get personal recommendations if you can.  You want somebody who will pack and transport as quickly and as efficiently as is possible and if needs be work with your timetable which can often move.
• Charity/ Dump/ Sell –  You need to be a little ruthless when packing up. If you haven’t wore it or used it in years what are the chances you will now? Lots of options to either donate good quality clothing, dump or even use site like ebay or local deal site to sell goods. This can sometimes even be a nice way to earn a little bit of extra cash for the house move.
• Labels, labels, labels – I went a tad crazy with white labels and my sharpie, every box had labels, notes, instructions and priority rankings as I was never going to  have it all unpacked in a few hours! Slightly related also is a tip from my Dad to take a pic of the cabelling for TV’s etc as for the non techie like me, trying to piece that kind of thing back together wouldn’t be the easiest task. However bad the packing up the unpacking can be twice as bad!! If you can pack up as efficiently as possible room by room it will make the unpacking that bit less stressful hopefully.
• Help! – Take all the help you can for either packing or unpacking or even making dinner until you get sorted. Particularly if moving any large furniture yourself.  And crucially don’t stress to have it all done in a day, likely not possible so my advice is to take your time and do it right. It will work out far better in the long run.

Ill be the first to admit moving is so stressful but hopefully with these simple tips it can make it a little easier.

Note: This is a collaborative post however I retain full editorial control

Save on Your Energy Costs With Energy Star

One of the complaints I hear from some folks thinking about a new appliance is that Energy Star certified appliances are too expensive and don’t really save you a lot of money on your prepaid energy bill.

Well, the first part is true. Energy Star certified appliances are more expensive because they are more energy efficient. The part about them not saving you a lot of money is… well, wrong. The truth is they do save you money. However, consumers must face the hard part: educating themselves about the appliance they are looking to buy. Just because something has the Energy Star label on it doesn’t mean it will save you money if it doesn’t do the job you need it to do. Different consumers are going to use different appliances different ways. You need to keep you usage habits in mind when you go shopping.

The big energy loads that are going to make a difference when it comes to Energy Star compliance are refrigerators, air conditioners, furnaces, washing machines, and water heaters. Take for example water heaters. Water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy used in your home. Generally speaking, consumers have three options (not counting solar) when it comes to water heaters: the standard tank, an energy star compliant tank, or an on-demand system. Water heater tank will heat the water but they have the hidden cost of stand-by energy use. In other words, they keep the water hot while its waiting to be used. The only way to save money on a tank is to make certain that the energy used to heat the water has as much thermal energy wrung out of it as possible.

The Department of Energy estimates that in 2018 most residential hot water in Texas is heated in a hot water tank heater that is 5-9 years old and does not have a heater blanket installed. A 50-gallon standard electric tank water heater costing about $200 rated at 0.86 to 0.95 efficiency can use $370 to $410 per year.. Electric heat pump water heaters can cost 3 to 8 times more but use half as much energy to provide the same amount of hot water (compare these two hot water energy guides for a standard and a heat pump from Lowes). Gas waters are also available with similar comparison results. One of the chief differences is that more efficient heat transfer means it is more difficult to vent cooled exhaust so heaters now have fans built into them.

Most tank heaters will last about 10 to 12 years depending on the water. Like it or not, the tank will eventually rust out and begin to leak. The best way to beat this is by using a whole-house tankless on-demand system. By heating water only when it’s needed, gas tankless water heaters cut water heating expenses by 30% to 60%, while also providing continuous hot water delivery. The drawback is they cost about on average 5 times more (about $1000; not including labor and additonal parts). Lifetime averages are 20 years. The point is that if you can cut your yearly bill in half, you are saving money. Let’s look at the costs this way:

If you go the tankless route, you can also eliminate the expense of replacement every ten years and save even more. Either way, you DO save money with Energy Star appliances and add value to your home.

Note: This is a collaborative post

A couple of weeks back the very lovely people at Carpet Cleaning Dublin asked me if I would like to try out their service.  This was an offer I could never refuse! I see lots of people online embracing the cleaning craze thanks to Mrs Hinch and her army of so called Hinchers! Not me!! Don’t get me wrong I do keep the house clean and tidy but I don’t enjoy cleaning!

We have 2 arm chairs in our office/ play room and a cream (I know i know!!!) carpet in our sitting room so I thought it would be ideal to try out the service on these.

The company

A little about the company first.  Carpet Cleaning Dublin provide carpet and upholstery cleaning services around Dublin and surrounding areas. Their carpet cleaners are professionally trained for carpet, upholstery, leather cleaning and floor cleaning. They offer our cleaning services to all domestic or commercial customers, working with landlords, homeowners, tenants, estate agents etc In addition to carpets I was surprised to learn they also do rug cleaning, upholstery cleaning, mattress cleaning, stain removal and leather care. A huge plus too is their eco friendly credentials.  Unlike many services, they can provide 24 hour availability. Very handy particularly for commercial organisations I would think. They respond really quick and provide free quotes.

The Service

Two very polite team members arrived early that morning and straight away set to work.  They were ultra professional and efficient.  I was really impressed at the professionalism of the two team members who arrived to our house. A credit to the company no doubt about it.  It took a couple of hours to deep clean both and before leaving they advised that they couldn’t be used for 24 hours to let them dry out.

Overall

Hand on heart this was a fantastic result. I understand that not all stains may have come out but with two young kids, there was a mix of yogurts, calpol, milk  and all sorts which I wasn’t totally convinced could be removed. The before and after is opposite. It speaks for itself. Really fantastic job and and we are genuinely thrilled, so much so we plan on getting Carpet Cleaning Dublin back for our stairs and in time the kids mattresses.

I can genuinely recommend this service, professional, hard working and the result is even more than I had hoped. They can be contacted via the online form or the email and mobile on the site. Full marks from the Mamma Fairy house.

Whether you’re extending your house, converting the loft, or just giving it a bit of a spruce up, there are lots of things to consider when renovating a property. Home renovations projects can be overwhelming at times but they’re also extremely rewarding once complete and let you put your mark on your home. What’s more, if done well, a home renovation might even increase the value of your property. On the flip side though, in my experience getting a loan to finance the work can be very stressful especially if like us you has to seek out self employed loans. The good thing is there is a huge amount of resources out there to help with your research, take for example Associates Home Loan  who have produced a really handy guide on self employed loans.

 Here are five things you might need when doing up your home based on our own recent renovations:

Storage

A renovation project is a great opportunity to install some of that storage space you might have been lacking. If cupboards won’t look right in the space, some simple shelving is another good option, especially if you have lots of books!

Lighting

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Think about what you want to use the room for as this will help determine the type of lighting you install. For instance, if you plan to use the room for relaxation, an oversized floor lamp might be your best bet because it will create a warm, cosy glow. Bear in mind that LED bulbs are your most energy efficient option. 

Windows

If you are installing new windows, make sure they are double glazed as this is a more energy efficient option as it prevents heat from escaping and cold air coming in. Advice from organisations such as SEAI is to choose the most sustainable type your budget allows – opting for triple glazing if you could. The windows were the item we did spend the most on as we felt that we would get the best return buying the best our budget would allow. Speaking of budget, if yours isn’t looking very promising, you could consider looking at refinancing – companies like SoFi should be able to help you weigh up the pros and cons as they have lots of information on this. There’s a lot of implications as you could expect, but it could really help you out in the long run.

 Flooring

Regardless of whether you’re laying a new carpet, laminate, tile or solid hardwood, it’s wise to install it once all of your other jobs (especially painting and decorating) have been done so that you don’t damage it.

Sockets & Switches

Upgrading your sockets and switches to something a little more modern will really tidy the place up. You might even want to consider a dimmer switch because that will allow you to alter the ambiance and set the mood. One of the best decisions we made as part of our renovation project was to install usb port plugs. I wasn’t convinced at the start – now I love them!

Money

 You cannot commit to something as significant as this without dipping your hands into your bank account. You will have a choice between expensive options and cheaper options, but even the cheaper options will burn a hole in your pocket. You won’t have the luxury of builders insurance most of the time, so you won’t be able to get the backing you crave financially should anything go awry. Make sure you have enough money to look after yourself before, during, and after this large project. 

Note: This is a collaborative post

Are you planning to rent out your property? Before doing so, you should consider updating your property to ensure it appears attractive to tenants. This not only increases tenant demand, but it also enhances your property’s prospects, allowing you to up the rent and helping you receive excellent returns on your investment. Its so important to do your own research from the outset and sites such as  A+ Construction & Remodeling can prove to be an invaluable resource.

There are several ways to add value to your property. Here are a few ideas which will help you enhance your property and achieve success as a property investor.

Enhance room decor

Is your living room or bedroom looking a bit worse for wear? This will be off-putting to a lot of tenants; therefore, you should make sure every room in your house looks presentable before advertising it. This may just mean applying a new layer of paint, which will cost you next to nothing but will give your property a well-needed revival. On the other hand, it may be that you need to undertake a complete renovation, including new flooring, wallpaper, and furnishing. While this may cost more, the changes will be worthwhile in the long run, as your property will be much more appealing.  

Perform necessary repairs

There is nothing more off-putting to tenants than a damaged property, as the reason people to choose to rent is so that they avoid the responsibilities associated with owning a home. To avoid scaring away tenants, you should make sure that everything in the property is functioning and well put together. For example, it is vital that any structural problems are fixed by a professional to make the property as safe as possible, while also preventing it from looking like an eyesore.

You should also check every inch of the house to ensure that nothing is broken, especially if you’re renting out a furnished property. This could include white goods, furnishings, and any electrical fixtures which may need to be restored or replaced.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a real buzz word at the moment, particularly re energy sustainability.  Which according to wikipedia is using energy in a way that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Therefore if you are renovating a house it is highly advisable to consider the most sustainable way of heating your home or utilising energy. There really is a raft of literature out there on this topic and it can be a little overwhelming where to start. I have read a number of articles by leading utilities attorney Douglas Healy who remarks that the issue of sustainable energy is very much on the minds and agenda of the big utilities.

There are some simple steps you should take to ensure your home is efficiently heated thus more sustainable in terms of energy consumption, such as sealing or replacing any doors or windows to prevent cold entering the property. You should also consider updating your insulation, as this will not only keep the cold out but will also retain heat, meaning the heating will be used less which will result in reduced energy bills.

More costly sustainable options include, solar panels, wood burning stoves, low energy light fittings. Its important to remember every change no matter how small is a positive step towards (1) sustainable energy (2) make your property more attractive to potential purchasers thus adding value.

Update your exterior

Boosting your property’s kerb appeal is one of the most effective ways to add value. This is because it is the first thing that your potential tenants will see, and if this looks aesthetically-pleasing, their interest will increase. To start, you should sort out your garden, whether that is in the front, back, or both. To improve your green space, you should rip out any weeds, fix fences, and add colourful florals to make your garden more appealing.

Another way to update your exterior is by updating your front door, which may be the first point of focus for any tenants coming to visit your property. Therefore, you should make it stand out by using a bright colour like red or blue, which will highlight the entrance and make it look much more attractive. You could also consider implementing a porch, as this will frame the entrance making it look more homely and inviting.

Note: This is a collaborative post

We would all love to go to the cinemas every weekend, big box of the saltiest popcorn that makes your lips crinkle halfway through, a 1L drink you normally wouldn’t finish and topped off with a bag of chocolate raisins, but due to increased prices that doesn’t happen nearly as often as we’d like it to. Boo. Read this article and see the opinions on this topic.

So, these days, with all men deciding they are now handy DIYers who can put their hands to anything, the home cinema theatre rage has boomed and every second house has a ‘version’ of a cinema, looking more like an over-sized screen with a cushion filled couch in-front of it. But it keeps them busy and out of our hair, so we go with it.

DIY Projector screen.

Ok, even though they claim they know what they’re doing, it often ends in more mess than to begin with, and we applaud them for giving it a go and having the courage to tackle the task, but without some idea, manual or even basic tutorial, it’s pretty much pot luck if it’ll work out.

Technology is fast-paced and advancing each day, so it makes sense to read up on the latest techniques, gadgets or methods for a job to ensure you are first, on track, but secondly are using a procedure that is modern to be able to source parts.

A few minutes’ research will save you from a headache, a crying wallet, and an annoyed spouse, so click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEjq-pF20pI for a quick fix lesson that’ll make you look like you knew what you were doing all along.

What to Consider to Create a Home Cinema?

• Seating. This is usually in the form of a large, wide couch you can stretch out on, can fit the whole family and friends’ group and is so comfortable you inevitably end up falling asleep.

• Snacks. If you can afford to splurge on a popcorn machine in the room then definitely go for it, movies are nothing without popcorn, otherwise making a quick batch upstairs in the kitchen will do just fine, and then the array of sweet or savory bars and packets on the side. Drinks will be in the bar fridge no doubt, so that’s sorted.

• Lighting. A wall sconce is a great way to not only complete the cinema them and overall look, but they provide light without being obtrusive and in your face, it also doesn’t reflect onto the screen, have a look at different styles and models of cinema lighting to inspire you.

• Projector and Screen. Of course, without these 2 essential items, no-one is going to be watching nothing nowhere, these will be the biggest expense so do your research and buy wisely. More expensive doesn’t necessarily equal quality.

How to Choose a Projector.

As this part of the project comes with a hefty price tag, it’s vital to do your homework, have a guideline of the features you are looking for and be sure the budget you set is the price range you are looking at, no point shopping for cars when you came for a horse if you know what I mean.

Go to the shops and have a look at a wide range of models, speak to the experts, people and companies who specialize in this field to give you the best advice, and take your time, there are many factors to consider, a lot of questions you need to ask yourself, and the professionals, and make a decision based on facts-and budget.

How bright should it be, does it need 3D, 4K HD, Bluetooth or WIFI, how long does the bulb last, should it hang or be on a bench and even if you didn’t think of it, how silent is it? Just these few simple questions can be overwhelming and a lot to take in.

Many people tend to put a few more pennies in the pot when it comes to the sound side of things, the noise of the fan can be annoying and wear out over time causing it to get even louder, but seeking the opinion from the pros on the quietest screen projects will put your mind at ease and they can explain all the benefits of certain features.

Top 5 Features to Look for in a Projector.

• The contrast, adjustments and color accuracy, we want our film to be shown in the right colors, of course, see more info on this and get a better understanding of ratios.
• Lens Zoom. This means you can adjust it back and forth when positioning it to get the clearest image, a larger zoom provides a better ‘throw-distance,’ which is the ideal distance ratio of screen to a projector for the type of model you have, be sure to measure before you mount.
• Lens Shift. A key feature most will appreciate because not all rooms are the same and the projector can’t always be mounted where we would like it to be, so having the lens be able to move in all directions gives us that extra bit of flexibility.
• Brightness. While a bright clear picture is great, too much light output can cause fatigue and you’ll end up with a lot of people staying over.
• Noise. There are a lot of mechanics going on inside that little box, fans and wheels and moving lenses, so opt for the quietest model your finances allow, and that ambient movie scene won’t be ruined by whirring fan blades.

It is a lot to think about and who even knew projectors were so in-depth, but with proper planning and pros and cons lists, you’ll find the best solution that works for you, happy movie watching.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Boilers, despite them being largely reliable, do need some TLC from time to time to keep all their components functioning as they should. There’s no good using your boiler day in and day out for a number of years and expecting it not to break down or experience issues in some way. Your boiler’s performance and efficiency will naturally deteriorate over time, so booking your boiler in for an annual service is one way to make sure any issues are identified before they escalate and become detrimental for the health of your boiler. Besides the obvious benefits of servicing like having any old parts replaced, you risk your boiler warranty becoming invalid by failing to have your boiler checked once a year.

As stated by Heatable depending on whether your boiler is insured or not, your boiler servicing may come at a cost. Despite this, making sure your boiler is running at optimum efficiency is sure to save you money in energy bills month on month, making it entirely worth it

So, what are you waiting for? Give your boiler some much-deserved TLC by scheduling it in for a service.

What does boiler servicing include?

• Inspection of parts. 

Professionals will check over your boiler and pipework for any leaks, blockages or corrosions by removing your boiler casing. Older boilers will naturally need more parts replacing due to the natural build-up of grime and sludge. 

If your boiler is particularly old, your engineer may advise a replacement rather than recommending that you spend tons of money on new parts. BOXT offers a range of top-quality boiler brands that can help homes to hugely reduce their energy bills with their A-rated energy-efficiency. All their new boilers also come with a five-year warranty, so you can rest easy knowing that if anything goes wrong, you can have a local engineer called out to help. 

• Gas pressure and flow. 

Over time, your boiler pressure can become too low or high. This is due to numerous factors and can usually be fixed with techniques like bleeding radiators, flushing your system or repressurising your boiler. Boiler servicing means any minor issues like this can be identified and fixed to prevent your boiler from breaking down further down the line. 

As your boiler heats your home, waste gases are produced and sent through your flue pipe to leave your home. Your engineer will check your flue pipe to ensure there are no blockages causing danger to your household and will take note of the amount of waste gas being produced – too much flue gas can be a sign that your boiler is running inefficiently. 

• Working faults.

As well as checking your boiler internally for underlying issues, an engineer will fire up your boiler to see if there are any obvious problems. For example, does your boiler make any odd noises, does your displays screen show up as it should, etc. 

Why do you need an annual boiler service? 

• Household safety.

The most obvious and important reason to prioritise boiler servicing is to ensure your household is safe. Faulty boilers can be dangerous and put your family at risk of gas leaks. Boilers can put families in huge danger if things go wrong by releasing lethal gases like carbon monoxide. 

• Catch issues early on. 

Boiler servicing is important for finding and tackling problems while they’re still easy to fix. Small issues can end up becoming problematic and even unfixable if left alone for too long. 

• Reduce energy bills.

Depending on whether your boiler is insured or not, your boiler servicing may come at a cost. Despite this, making sure your boiler is running at optimum efficiency is sure to save you money in energy bills month on month, making it entirely worth it.

If you are debating whether to book your boiler in for a service, don’t hesitate. All it requires is as little as twenty minutes for an engineer to check over your boiler and pipework, give them a test, and you’re good to go. 

Note: This is a collaborative post