Home & Interiors

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. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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When you click on that home value calculator to determine how much a house is worth, one of the factors is its architectural style. According to REALTOR Magazine, a Mediterranean-style home has the highest median list price at nearly $750,000. 

But what is Mediterranean style, and what are the other most popular home styles out there today?

Mediterranean

Pic Credit: Pixabay

This style of home, as the name belies, is common in southern Italy, France, and Spain, and as mentioned, it tends to be worth the most in the U.S. today. Most in the country were inspired by Spanish and Mexican designed homes and frequently featured arched windows and doorways. There are usually few details on the exterior, with stucco walls that are often painted in pastel hues. The architecture focuses on extensions like patios and verandas as well as open floor plans with high ceilings, designed to let breezes flow through.  Many homeowners seeking to embody the essence of Mediterranean living turn to a quality home furniture store to furnish their spaces with authentic pieces that complement this style.

Craftsman

Craftsman-style homes are the result of the Arts and Crafts Movement from about 1880 through 1920, emphasizing natural materials like brick, stone, and wood. They have low-pitched roofs and wide front porches. The style was booming in the early 20th century before being replaced by mid-century modern architecture like the ranch home. But it’s been making a comeback, with many homebuyers favoring this style today. These homes also tend to be easy to build and economical, as the style utilizes readily available materials.

Ranch

Ranch-style homes have long-been popular, replacing the craftsman by the mid-20th-century, mostly built after the war for soldiers who were returning home. It was first used in America’s west and southwest before spreading to other areas, with style featuring a single-story that may be rectangular, U- or I-shaped. Floor plans are simple, with a front-facing garage attached to the rest of the house, a wide asymmetrical facade, and a low-pitched roof. The homes are built from natural materials, like a brick and wooden exterior along with oak floors. There are many Pros and Cons of Ranch Style Homes to consider, but there is something nostalgic about a ranch style home that gives it wide appeal.

Victorian

Pic Credit:Pixabay

Victorian houses refer to those built during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) and come with lots of character, including a romantic feel and lots of detail in everything from textures and colors to patterns. There are several styles within this category, like Queen Anne and Gothic. Still, typically, all Victorian homes have a dominant front-facing gable, a steeply pitched roof, patterned shingles, an asymmetrical facade, and cutaway bay windows. There are contemporary homes built in Victorian style today, allowing buyers to purchase the look along with desirable modern features.

Colonial 

Colonial-style homes date back to 1876, and typically come with two or three stories along with wood or brick facades and evenly spaced shuttered windows. The roof is usually steep and pointed at the top. A classic floor plan for this type of home has the bedrooms on the second floor with a family room and kitchen on the first floor. This style is commonly seen in the northeast region of the U.S., especially from Maine to Virginia.

Not many of us give a second thought to the foundations of our home, which is easily done considering you can’t actually see them. However, if they become damaged for any reason, you will more than likely start to notice damage above ground, such as cracked walls and outdoor paving, as well as leaky roofs. Even the grandest of homes can start to fall apart if they are not built on a strong, solid foundation.

A foundation solutions company have put together some tips below to help you protect your property’s foundations and avoid damage. 

1. Keep nearby trees and plants sufficiently watered. If you don’t, they will soak up all of the moisture in the soil which will cause it to shrink.
   

   Pic Credit: Pixabay

   Your building’s foundations will then shift into the new gaps within the soil, causing cracks inside your home. This is a particularly important piece of advice to remember during summer when rain becomes less frequent.

2. In fact, avoid planting trees to close to your house. Of course, they are lovely to look at but if they’re too close to your property the roots can start to wreak havoc below ground.
3. Monitor changes in the area. Is there any planned construction work in the area? If so, consider how it could interfere with your own property and take necessary measures to counteract them.
4. Ensure you have sufficient drainage. Too much water can be just as problematic as when there’s not enough. With that in mind, make sure to clean out your gutters every once in a while so that they don’t become blocked with leaves and other debris. If you do have pools of water appear on your property after bouts of heavy rain, be sure to clear it away.

If you require any further advice, don’t hesitate to speak to a professional.

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We all love fine objects of art, and when it comes to moving such items, one has to be very careful indeed, as these delicate objects can easily get damaged. Here are a few tips from the professionals regarding the transportation of art.

Framed Art

A framed oil painting or print that has a glass front should be protected by first sticking a large cross of masking tape across the glass, which would hold any pieces together in the event of a breakage. If the art does not have glass, you need to protect the painted surface and wrapping the frame with cling film is the best solution, making sure, of course, that the cling film cannot touch the painted surface. Then, wrap the entire thing in a layer of bubble wrap, which protects against bumps and knocks of any kind, and the item is ready to be transported.

Packing Sculptures

Delicate sculptures need to be very well protected, and if you live in Australia, Vic Palmer Removals and Storage is the trusted office removals Brisbane expert with a lot of experience transporting objects of art and valuable antiques. They do not just offer office removals but residential home moving as well. When dealing with sculptures, start with wrapping the delicate parts with cling film which will protect the surfaces, and then wrap tailored strips of bubble wrap on top of the cling film, using tape to secure them. Eventually, you will end up with an egg-shaped object that is 100% protected and the item can be stored and tied down on the vehicle.

Large Sculptures

This would involve the use of a made to measure crate, and with lots of bubble wrap, the item will not move around while inside the crate. You are not advised to transport large sculptures, rather you should call in a professional removalist that has experiencing moving valuable objects of art.

Think Things Through

You need to look at the complete journey, starting with leaving your current home, right through to entering the new abode and arriving at the eventual destination just to make sure that there are no tight corners or other obstacles that might prove to be a problem. This really only applies to larger pieces of art, obviously, as smaller items are not usually an issue, and you should also look at the route, to determine if there are uneven sections of road that might be a problem.

Insurance

If the piece is very valuable, then you should have it insured, and depending on the value, the removalist’s insurance might cover the transportation. Even when experienced people are handling the move, it is better to have it fully insured for every eventuality.

Whatever the items of art you need moving, talk to an experienced removalist who handles expensive art items, and they would be happy to visit you, inspect the items and offer a competitive quote to handle the project. By using the professionals, you can rest assured that your valuable art is in safe hands.

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The presence of mold in your home is bad news whichever way you look at it especially if you happen to have one of the species that produces a substance known as mycotoxin, which is linked to breathing problems. Mold Damage can be serious if left untreated, so it is therefore important to call in the professionals if there are signs that your home might have the presence of mold.

Here is a look at some of the clues to look for that could suggest you have a mold problem in your home that needs your or an experts attention.

Use your nose

One of the best methods of detection of mold in your home is to use your nose.

There is an odour associated with the presence of mold and one potential sign to look out for is if you notice an odd smell emanating from your air conditioning unit or heating system.

HVAC units are particularly prone to encouraging mold growth in damp or dark conditions. If you do detect a smell that may indicate the presence of mold, do not panic.  The first thing is to have it tested to identify if that odour is in fact indicative of mold.  You can obtain a free mold testing kit which would be a useful starting point.

Is your grout looking grotty?

This type of mold is often harmless, although you should be aware that if the mold appears after you have had a leak in the room it could lead to a more toxic mold developing. If you have any concerns about mold after a leak, be sure to contact a service offering mold testing in Raleigh, NC (or wherever is more local to you) for a professional assessment, followed by, if necessary, safe removal.

How’s your health?

We all get ill from time to time but if you have flu symptoms that seem to persist for longer than a typical cold you might want to check whether it is the cause of your health issues.

It doesn’t have to be black

You probably associate mold with black or grey spots developing but it can actually take on many different forms.  If you notice an unusual texture on your walls, even a bit of green slime, it could also be a mold problem.

Check the state of your wallpaper

Wallpaper doesn’t last forever and a bit of peeling and discoloration is to be expected over time, however, if the wallpaper seems to be bubbling or cracking that could be an indication that you have moisture in your wall.  That moisture normally serves as a warning that mold is developing.

Breathing problems

As well as looking for physical clues around your home you should note any physical changes you experience when it comes to your overall health.  If you already have asthma or some other pre-existing breathing problems your health profile could worsen if mold is developing in your home.  Keep an eye on your health and investigate the possibility of mold if you experience increased breathing problems.

Problems with allergies

Another health clue to watch out for is when seasonal allergies seem to continue beyond their normal timeframe.  Mold exposure can emulate seasonal allergies and cause them to persist, or even worsen over time.

When you can’t get rid of that musty smell

If you vacuum regularly and even steam clean your furniture but still can’t shift that musty odor around your home it would be worth investigating whether the problem is mold.

Mold can irritate your skin

Mold is quite keen on damp clothing and if mold infiltrates the fibers of your towels or any other item that is reasonably wet it could start to irritate your skin.

Don’t encourage mold

Finally, as well as getting any signs of mold checked out immediately by a qualified professional you might want to think about your humidifier use.  Constant use of a humidifier could encourage mold growth by introducing extra moisture into your home.   Check out these classic signs and warnings and take action immediately if you suspect that mold is present in your home.