Modern Living

5 Tips to Keep a New Deck in Great Condition

Wooden decks catch the sun, attract water to their surface, and see considerable foot traffic too. As such, it’s necessary to take care of a new deck as it ages to ensure it remains in tip-top condition. When taken care of properly, a deck can last many years and provide an excellent form of outdoor space too.

Here are 5 tips to keep a new deck in great condition over the years.

1.      Protect the Wood to Get Value for Money

When thinking about getting a deck, it’s natural to wonder how much does a deck cost? After all, when investing in one, it’s important to get value for money and long life out of it. Be sure to choose a longer-lasting, durable wood species.

The cost of a deck depends on several factors including its size, what materials have been used to build it, etc. For a clearer idea, check out this deck cost estimation article from Outdoor Living who install decks, fences, and more.

Once you have the deck, avoid soil or dirt staying in contact with its wooden surface (use bricks to raise any planters off the deck). Also, be careful of those BBQs because they can add unwanted grease; a grease catcher is best here.

2.      Clear Leaves and Other Debris

Moisture is the enemy of wood. Whilst you’ll doubtless be using protection for it, moisture can still get inside and create damage.

Make it a point to brush up any leaves, twigs, and other debris that lands on the deck which could be damp. Even wet leaves during autumnal months landing onto its surface shouldn’t be left unattended. Brush them up. Avoid putting them in a collected pile in the corner to be bagged up later – this will only make matters worse. Remove them from the deck entirely, as soon as practicable.

3.      Avoid the Snowy Winter

While looking out from indoors to the snow-covered deck and back yard is pleasant to the eye, that snow will have a cold wet underside and potentially could damage the wood.

It’s best to put a shovel to it to remove the snow once it’s formed and before it creates any issues.

4.      Regular Maintenance

Beyond clearing the surface, decks should be cleaned professionally typically between 2 and 3 years apart. Along with the cleaning, they need to be resealed to provide refreshed protection from the sun’s rays and any future rain damage.

While a new deck was sealed before being delivered and installed, the ravages of time come to bear. So, don’t make the mistake of assuming that your deck is protected forever because that’s just not the case. This includes pressure-treated wood too, despite what you may have heard otherwise.

5.      Attend to Repairs Promptly

Damage to a deck such as a broken piece of wood leaves the edge or side vulnerable to the elements.

It’s best to remedy the situation or if it’s outside your wheelhouse, getting the original supplier to return promptly and perform repairs.

Taking care of a new deck means it’ll last far longer and provide many years of enjoyment. Thankfully, it only requires a little attentiveness and the occasional fix to maintain it.

Buying a Waterfront Property

Nоwаdауѕ, many people such as rеtіrееѕ and іnvеѕtоrѕ are kееn оn rеtаіl wаtеrfrоnt homes fоr sale. Banks and lеndеrѕ are ѕеllіng waterfront homes аt a сhеареr рrісе, indicating a growing mаrkеt of real еѕtаtе foreclosures. Thіѕ mау be thе rіght time for you to соnѕіdеr buуіng wаtеrfrоnt рrореrtіеѕ if уоu drеаm аbоut еnjоуіng thе реасе оf lіvіng on a hоuѕе оn thе wаtеr in one of the Venice Florida homes for sale.

Prісеѕ fоr wаtеrfrоnt hоmеѕ fоr sale dереnd lаrgеlу оn thе hоuѕе lосаtіоn. Across thе Unіtеd Stаtеѕ, lаkе- аnd ocean-front hоmеѕ lосаtеd іn tоurіѕt ѕроtѕ аrе more expensive thаn thоѕе found іn non-tourist destination places. Outѕіdе оf tоurіѕt ѕtорѕ, such hоmеѕ аrе оftеn сhеареr thаn tурісаl rеѕіdеntіаl hоmеѕ. Furthеrmоrе, the owners that рut uр their hоmеѕ in thе waterfront рrореrtіеѕ fоr ѕаlе ads аrе frеԛuеntlу selling fоr lеѕѕ than thе оrіgіnаl value. Thеѕе waterfront homes mау be vасаtіоn properties, аnd to be ѕuссеѕѕful аt ѕеllіng, most оf thеѕе waterfront properties аrе sold аt less than what thеу were wоrth еvеn a уеаr bеfоrе. If you look at Venice Florida Waterfront Real Estate you will be able to compare the prices yourself.

If уоu аrе lооkіng tо buу a wаtеrfrоnt рrореrtу for ѕаlе, thеrе аrе more things to consider thаn just thе hоmе іtѕеlf. Sіnсе іt іѕ a home оn wаtеr, уоu must аlѕо knоw the ԛuаlіtу of water, thе ѕоіl, options to build dосkѕ fоr уоur bоаtѕ, and many mоrе. For example, wаtеr frontage, whісh іѕ thе bulk of lаnd that bоrdеrѕ thе water, іѕ a key fасtоr оn the price оf these wаtеrfrоnt properties. Higher water frоntаgе еԛuаlѕ hіghеr price. Thе following аrе mоrе tірѕ and wіll guіdе уоu аѕ you pursue уоur drеаm, аѕ many реорlе dо, оf оwnіng a wаtеrfrоnt hоmе.

Yоu mау plan оn buіldіng bоаt docks. Knоw if boating іѕ реrmіttеd, оr thаt only a few bоаtѕ are allowed іn the community. Yоu соuld аlѕо ѕесurе a реrmіt from thе county оffісеѕ tо build bоаthоuѕеѕ, аnd dееdеd boat ѕlірѕ fоr уоur рrореrtіеѕ whісh are nоt on wаtеr.

Know аbоut thе wіldlіfе аrоund thе еxраnѕе оf уоur wаtеrfrоnt рrореrtу. Animals uѕе the body оf water аѕ a wаtеr аnd food source. Knоw mоrе аbоut thе animal lіfе аrоund the wаtеrfrоnt рrореrtу fоr sale area by speaking tо lосаl wіldlіfе administrators.

Shoreline is аlѕо аn important соnѕіdеrаtіоn, аlоng with ѕеwеr ѕуѕtеm реrfоrmаnсе, ѕоіl drainage, еtс. For ѕаndу and rосkу soil shorelines, thе adjacent water is uѕuаllу clearer соmраrеd tо thаt оf сlау ѕhоrеlіnе. Hоwеvеr, rocky ѕhоrеlіnеѕ аrе bеnt on bеіng slippery, аnd could be hаzаrdоuѕ fоr children. Wаtеr safety іѕ also іmроrtаnt. You muѕt аѕk hеlр frоm еnvіrоnmеnt tеѕt lаb ѕресіаlіѕtѕ to test the wаtеr, especially if thеrе are іnduѕtrіеѕ nеаrbу which mіght dіѕсhаrgе waste іntо the wаtеr. Knоw thе types оf industries around the аrеа оf уоur wаtеrfrоnt property bу checking out the local соuntу rесоrdѕ.

4 Tell-Tale Signs that You’re Dealing with Foundation Issues

If there’s one thing a homeowner never wants to hear is that there are issues with the house’s foundation. One thing you can’t afford to do, however, is ignore them. The faster you catch issues, the more damage you’ll be able to prevent, and the lesser you’ll have to spend on repairs. This is why you need to look at the early signs and get some help as soon as possible. Here are some of the clear signs that you might be dealing with foundation issues.

Distress Signs on the Foundation

One of the clearest signs that you’re dealing with foundation problems is if you see visible signs of distress on the foundation itself. If you notice any kind of gaps, cracks, mold, buckling, water stains, fracture, flaking concrete, fracture, or even small zigzagging lines, then you will need to have these addressed immediately.

If that’s your case, we strongly suggest you contact a basement waterproofing Quad Cities foundation repair company like Helitech. Services like these will be better equipped to know the severity of the issue and what needs to be done. They will also be able to tell you if the issue is structural or not.

Damage on Exterior Walls

Damage to exterior walls is another thing you have to pay attention to. You want to look for things like water stains, mold, decay, cracks, and warping. Settling can directly affect support on the walls, which will make them more prone to warping and fissures. If you notice any of these, then this can be a sign of something very serious since walls are usually supposed to allow a bit of “give”. Crumbling cement walls and bricks should be particularly alarming.

 Warping and Sagging of the Floors and Ceiling

If you notice your floors and ceilings are sagging or warping, then this is another clear sign that there might be something wrong with your foundation. That’s because the ceilings, floors, and sometimes the roof, are the only parts of the house that are perfectly parallel to the foundation. So, everything that happens with them is a reflection of what’s going on underneath. In this case, it would also be wise to constant an expert immediately before the situation deteriorates.

Doors And Windows are Either Too Tight or Too Loose

Another warning sign of foundation issues is if you notice that your doors and windows don’t fit the way they used to. Doors and windows are installed according to the wall’s configuration at that particular time. If they suddenly don’t fit properly, then it could be a sign that the wall has shifted and warped, and it’s almost guaranteed that the foundation is the underlying cause. You need to also pay special attention to cracks around doors and windowsills. Openings that won’t stay close or stick should also be looked at.

These are all clear signs that your foundation might be experiencing issues. If you notice any of these, the best thing to do is call a professional immediately and don’t put off repairs.

Plan Your Kitchen Remodel Now

If you’re only going to renovate one room in your property, make it the kitchen. As well as enhancing your living environment and upgrading your interior design, a kitchen remodel can add value to your home too. With so many benefits associated with revamping your kitchen, it should be the next project on your list. To get started right away, take a look at these top tips for planning your perfect kitchen remodel:

1. Consider Changing the Structure

If you’re going to modify the structure of your kitchen, this is likely to be the biggest element of your remodel. Perhaps you want to increase square footage by adding an extension or maybe you want to knock down an internal wall to create an open plan kitchen dining area? Making changes to your property rather than simply altering the aesthetics can be an effective way to enhance the flow through your home and create a more functional space to enjoy.

2. Plan the Layout

Once you know how much space you’ve got to work with, you can begin choosing the layout for your new kitchen. Altering the layout can help to make the area more user-friendly, so consider where you want to position appliances. Galley, L-shaped, and island layouts are all popular options but there are other styles to consider. The layout will determine how you use your kitchen and how comfortable you find it, so be sure to take your time and find the perfect layout for your property.

3. Incorporate Plumbing, Heating, and Power

When you know where your appliances will be going, you’ll be able to incorporate plumbing, heating, and power. If you’re moving a dishwasher from one side of the room to another, for example, the plumbing will need to be modified to facilitate this. Similarly, additional power outlets can be installed to improve the flexibility and functionality of your kitchen.

4. Choose Your Kitchen Style

Arguably the most exciting part of a remodel is choosing your new style of kitchen. Take a look at the materials, colors, and designs out there to get an idea of what’s possible. With quartz counters, for example, you can create a stunning visual and enjoy no-maintenance kitchen worksurfaces. What’s more – when you source your top-quality quartz counters from World Stone Group, you can arrange for professional installers to fit them in your new kitchen.

5. Plan the Décor

When you’ve chosen the theme for your kitchen and made some initial decisions regarding the style, you can begin to plan the décor. This can include flooring, paint, and window fittings, as well as small appliances and lighting, so there’s lots to consider. Find inspiration in look-books and work with designers to help you create the ideal environment for your home.

Project Managing Your Remodel

If you’re going to be managing your own remodel, it’s vital to have a clear schedule. Whether you’re undertaking some of the work yourself or relying on professionals from start to finish, a pre-agreed schedule will help to keep your project on track and ensure you can start enjoying your new kitchen sooner than you think!

Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

If you are thinking of eventually selling your home, whether it be in the next year or several years down the road, it is always good to consider ways to increase the value of your home. While some additions might be more involved and time-consuming, some can be done quite affordably and easily. Whichever category you are in, here are a few things you can do to increase the value of your home. 

Curb Appeal

One of the easiest, and potentially low-cost, ways to improve your home’s value is to update the exterior. Curb appeal has a huge impact on the marketability of your home, and something as simple as painting your front door can make all the difference. Other ways you can improve curb appeal are landscaping, removing unsightly awnings, and adding dimension through a front porch.

Updated Bathroom

Small, cramped bathrooms with outdated colors and light fixtures can bring the value of your home down. Give the bathroom a fresh coat of paint, install modern light fixtures, and consider getting a new vanity. The addition of a steam shower in the master bathroom can be an easy way to make a home feel more luxurious. If space allows, you might even build your own steam room. Bathrooms are often overlooked, so splurging on extras there will give your home an edge over others. 

Updated Kitchen

Perhaps more than any other room, renovations to the kitchen can significantly raise the value of your home. Update old appliances, paint cupboards, and install new countertops to wow potential buyers. 

Interior Paint

It seems silly that the color of your walls can impact the value of your home, especially when wall colors are so easily changed. But having your walls painted in neutral colors not only increases the value of your home but makes buyers more likely to make an offer. The bright pink room in your home might be perfect for your daughter but could make it harder for potential buyers to envision themselves living in it. When choosing a paint color, find out which colors will have the biggest impact on the value of your home. 

While not all renovations will add value to your home, there are many things you can do to help. Before jumping into a big project, take into account what will best help you sell your house later on. It will save you time and might even make you money later on.

Why Everyone Needs a Hanging Daybed

Unwinding outside your house just got better. Thanks to hanging daybeds you can now relax, read a book or enjoy the beautiful environment of your yard or garden. There are plenty of hanging bed designs you can choose to suit your preferences and tastes.

What is a hanging day bed?

A handing bed consists of a cot suspended against strong logs or trees to provide support. These are some of the common trends that people use to decorate their yards and gardens. The hanging beds come in different designs and colors from which a person can choose one that suits their preferences. Hanging beds can be used as a swing whenever you feel tired and needs to relax.

Benefits of a hanging bed

Do you have a garden or yard that you feel needs to be added more accessories for it to look beautiful? Well, the best thing to add is a hanging bed. These beds come in different types, and you will get one that suits your preferences. A lot of people tend to choose wooden beds since they create a natural look in your environment.

Fill a Space

If you have a lot of free space on your property and do not wish to plant flowers, bushes, or shrubs in that area, a hanging bed can perfectly occupy the space. Once you have installed the bed for beauty, you do not have to use it. However, its comfort is irresistible, and you will yearn to rest on it.

Enjoy the View

Given that such beds are placed outside, they allow the owner to enjoy the spectacular view of their environment. If you are planning to have one of these beds in your home, ensure to place it facing your favorite spot. You will be amazed by how much you have missed while cooped up indoors.

Bask in Nice Weather

During the summer, the weather is usually very hot. People spend a lot of energy cooling their houses since, without AC, the house could not be the best place to stay. The good news is that you do not have to spend that much energy cooling your house during the day. The hanging bed, placed outdoors, will allow you to enjoy the outdoor breeze at no cost. Given that the bed is safely on your property, you can also use it to relax at night. This is a good idea for star lovers.

Stargaze at Night

Imagine how amazing it would be to lie on that bed at night gazing at the stars. Well, if you do not have one of those hanging daybeds, it is time you got yourself one. The average cost of a hanging bed is affordable to most people, and therefore, you should not have trouble finding one that matches your budget.

Add a Custom Furniture Piece

You can have the bed custom made to suit your taste and budget. If you like having unique furniture, you should be willing to spend a little more to get the exact hanging bed that you wish to have. The beds do not take long to make, and within a few days, you will be enjoying its comfort in your home.

Decorate the Space

The best part about hanging day beds is adding decorations that you feel makes the bed look better. For instance, you can add colorful throw pillows to make the hanging bed pop. However, the choice depends on your preferences. You might not want to use brightly-colored throw pillows if your outdoor area is full of bright flowers. In such a case, muted colors would work best for the bed. If your garden does not have many trees and flowers, you might need to make the bed a center of attraction. This means bright colors are allowed.

The way you decorate your hanging bed plays an important role in creating the right mood for you. For instance, if the bed looks appealing, the chances are high, you will need to spend most of your time relaxing on it. All you need to do is choose the right colors and design to create something that you will always fall in love with.

Pass the Time Peacefully

A hanging day bed is a perfect spot for you to enjoy your free time during the day. During the hot weather, the sun might make it impossible to lay on such a bed. However, this should not worry you. There are plenty of ideas that you can implement to create a shade for your bed. If you are looking for a permanent solution, you need to create a roof over your bed. Such would also protect it against the rain. Ensure not to include walls that might block the intended beautiful view. You can also place the bed under a tree where it will have a natural shade.

Hanging day beds are the modern trends that people with gardens have been using to make their outdoor environment look appealing. The beds do not only create beauty but are a great place to relax.

3 Unique Ways To Add Curb Appeal to a Business

Wondering how you can make a great first impression on potential customers? Here are three unique ways to increase the curb appeal of your commercial space.

1. Keep Everything Clean

Create instant curb appeal by making sure that the exterior of your business remains clean. This can be a time-consuming task that’s better left to a routine maintenance service. Enlist the help of a professional parking lot sweeper Washington to provide regular maintenance of your parking areas and keep them free from debris. In addition, remove grime by performing routine power washing on paved surfaces as well as the exterior walls of your building. Customers notice the time you put into keeping your property clean.

2. Install New Signage

If you want to get your business noticed for all the right reasons, install a new high-quality sign. Work with a local sign company to design the right sign for your needs. Your sign should include your business name and maybe even a brief summary of what you sell or the services that you offer. Incorporate your logo and your overall business color scheme, if you have one. For maximum attention and visibility, choose a sign lit by LED bulbs or a marquee that allows you to adjust the message you send out to the public whenever necessary.

3. Add Some Greenery

Good landscaping gives even the coldest commercial space some extra visual interest and personality. Even if you don’t have a dedicated area to landscape, you can add greenery and color to your business by installing planter boxes near your main entries. If you have an awning or other overhang, some hanging baskets filled with blooming annuals are a charming addition that your customers will appreciate.

Curb appeal is an important part of your customers’ overall experience. Follow these tips and you’ll give your commercial space the charm that customers can’t resist.

Signs It Is Time to Call for Pest Control Services

In the modern, do-it-yourself world, taking control of home improvements and repairs is something many people do. However, for some issues, it is a good idea to call in the pros. One example is with pest control.

Do you know the signs that professional pest control Weston CT is needed? If not, keep reading.

Property Damage

Have you noticed something chewing on the walls, your clothing, or furniture? Have you seen tunnels running through the walls? Is there chewed on wiring in the home? All of these are signs of property damage caused by pests.

There is no reason to let these problems go on, untreated. After all, the situation will only get worse. Calling for professional service right away will ensure the issue is handled, for good.

You See Pests in Your House

There is a belief that if you see a single cockroach, there are 100 more hiding and living in the walls. While this may be a bit of exaggeration, it is a safe bet if you see one bug, there are likely more. Call the professionals for a full inspection and evaluation to ensure the right treatment steps are taken.

Scratching Sounds

If you notice scratching sounds in the walls or around your house, don’t worry, it isn’t a ghost. That’s good news. However, it indicates a pest problem and one you need to address sooner than later.

When it comes to dealing with pests, there are a lot of factors to keep in mind. Be sure to remember the information here, which provides you with an overview of what to look for to know if it is time for professional pest services. Being informed is the best way to ensure you take the right pest control steps in a timely manner, regardless of what pest you are dealing with.

What To Do if You Get Hurt on the Job

There is no one type of workplace. Some people work in offices and retail, others in factories and construction. But all work environments are the same in regard to safety measures. Nobody wants to get hurt when they’re at work but accidents can happen. Here are a few things you should do if you do get hurt while working.

Notify Your Supervisor

If you get hurt on the job, you need to notify your supervisor. Tell them in writing exactly how the injury occurred. You need to do this to make sure you are eligible for any legal or medical relief while you are injured. You have to do this in a timely manner, usually 30 days, or you can lose the right to compensation. There will be forms you need to fill out and you’ll need to keep track of your medical bills

File a Legal Claim

If it turns out that your accident or injury was caused by negligence on the part of your employer, you should contact Iowa workers compensation attorney for legal representation. These types of lawyers represent injured workers and make sure that their employers fulfill their worker’s compensation obligations so the employee can get the financial and medical assistance they need.

Get Medical Attention

If you get injured, be sure to get any medical attention you need. You don’t need to wait for your compensation to be approved to visit a doctor. In some states, you are allowed to visit any doctor you want to, but your employer may refer you to one. Follow the advice your doctor gives you and return to work as soon as you are able.

The best workplace is a safe workplace, but sometimes people do get hurt. These are the steps you can take to make sure you get better and back to work feeling good as new.

How to Keep Safety First at Your Business

Ever since you were a little kid, people have reminded you to prioritize safety, and while you haven’t forgotten about the importance of minimizing risks, it’s easy to let that slide in the name of profit. Don’t neglect these critical tasks at work, or you put you and your employees in unnecessary danger.

Check Your Water System

Your water system lets you and your employees stay hydrated and clean throughout the day, but if it malfunctions, it causes disaster. To avoid drinking from a contaminated source or paying exorbitant amounts to repair your water-damaged building, have your valve maintenance system inspected regularly.

Replace Your Fire Extinguishers

If you don’t have fires in your workplace, your fire extinguishers go unused for so long that you don’t even notice them. While it’s good to stay fire-free, if you neglect your fire extinguishers, they won’t work when the time comes. Depending on the manufacturer, your extinguisher should work for five to 15 years. When you buy a new one, check the user’s manual and write the expiration date on the canister. If you don’t know how old an extinguisher is and you can’t find the expiration date, throw it away.

Test for Dangerous Substances

No matter how old your building is, there’s a possibility for dangerous substances to build up. Older buildings are more likely to have asbestos and lead paint due to different construction standards in the past, so you should have a professional test for these materials before beginning a new project. Additionally, every building can have issues with carbon monoxide and other toxic gases. Install detectors for these toxins throughout your entire building to prevent a fatal accident.

As you focus on making your business profitable, don’t forget to keep everyone safe. After all, your money’s not worth anything if you can’t enjoy it.