Maintenance tips that will keep your kitchen looking like new for a long time

We usually can't afford new furniture, a living room or a kitchen every couple of years. It means a lot of expenses for people who usually live on a budget. That is one more reason to keep your house clean and maintain your space well organized and intact. This is especially important when it comes to your kitchen because it is a part of your house that is very prone to becoming dirty, messy, to have spills or stains all over the place if you don't take care of it. Your kitchen can look new for many years if you take care of it regularly. Consider that a small investment of your time and effort that will pay off as time goes by. We will give you some useful tips on how to do this properly and what to pay attention to. 

Have a minimalist kitchen

The kitchen that needs to be kept tidy should be minimalist because that way, there will never be too much mess and it will be easy for you to maintain it clean and organized. Also, if you move all those jars and utensils, there will be fewer things that can be broken. You can put them in different cabinets rather than on the counters. That way, you won't have to move them every time you want to clean the counters. You save a lot of time and effort by doing this. Pay attention to countertops as well. Imagine seeing them dirty every once in a while. You would probably not be in a good mood for cooking. Keeping them clean will make them nice and welcoming for what they are made for cooking. By doing so, you will have your kitchen cleaner and you will eat homemade food which is better for your health. 

Think About Your Kitchen Triangle

There is a theory about the kitchen triangle. To be more specific, the three most used kitchen parts should stay one close to another, according to this theory. Those parts are the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator. This theory should be taken into account because it states that keeping these three kitchen features together will make your kitchen more functional because it will save your time. That way, you will have more time to take care of other things like preparing food or cleaning. If you want to redesign your kitchen, bear this in mind. 

Clean the sink and cooktops regularly 

Even if you´re not a person who cooks on a daily basis there is always some dirt left on the sink or cooktops. Make sure their surfaces are maintained clean. It will never take a lot of time if it is done regularly. Never let the dishes pile up because the most expensive kitchen will look ugly if it's messy and dirty. When you spill something, make sure you clean it as soon as possible because if you let it dry, later you will have a lot more work to do since it will be more difficult to clean it. 

Have some budget for domestic appliance repairs because if your dishwasher doesn’t work that will make a mess in your kitchen. It is always good to keep all the elements functional, other than clean and tidy. 

Have kitchen tools and cleaning agent

Store your cleaning products under the sink or any other place that you find comfortable. They shouldn't be in the way and should only serve their purpose. You don’t need to buy cleaning agents if you have the patience to make one at home. The ingredients for a homemade cleaning agent are one teaspoon of baking soda, two tablespoons of vinegar, and half a teaspoon of dish soap. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake it before use. This is a quick and economical way of making a cleaning product that will take away the stains effectively.

Trash Bags & Recycling Containers

Garbage management and recycling is another important step to make your kitchen always look good and also to avoid bad smells. Get some large trash bags and recycling containers. This way, you will be able to get rid of all the trash right away. If not, you will have to use more bags to dump the food leftovers. Having a bunch of little trash bags in your kitchen will make it look messy. Another option is the trash-and-recycling duo for waste management that is a little bit more expensive than a regular bag but it is very useful. 

The right materials

In the end, make sure your kitchen furniture and floors are made of materials that won't get damaged fast and that are easy to clean. Although the physical appearance is very important to make it all look nice, don't make it an absolute priority. Since many activities are carried out in the kitchen, like cooking, eating, even kids playing with schoolmates, this means that the surfaces in the kitchen will always be prone to becoming dirty. Look for stain-resistant materials, especially when it comes to the wall units, the table, and the floor. Even if it is a more plain material that is not that impacting aesthetically, it's still better than one that will require special maintenance. Avoid elements like a glass wall or door because the constant touching will make them always dirty. 

Whether you are buying a new kitchen or you have decided to take more care of the old one, these tips can come in very handy because following them can make your kitchen last for many more years. Think about saving money that can, later on, be invested in other things instead of cleaning products or a new table or floor that was stained and thus not attractive. Make sure the organization of your kitchen space is practical and that you always have some cleaning products as first aid against stains and dirt. Avoid impractical materials that night, be pretty but prone to be stained. Take care of the trash regularly and do some recycling on the way. Although it sound like basic advice, long-term it can make wonders for your kitchen and your budget. 

Improvements to Make in Your New Home to Fit Your Needs

Your new home is likely the biggest investment you've made in your life. With such a large-scale purchase, it's important to ensure that your new home will meet all of your needs and preferences, as well as the needs and preferences of those around you. Here are just a few tips on improving the new home that could help you achieve these goals.

Add a Modern Shower Head

If you are in the market for a new home, one of the first things you will likely want to start doing is shopping around for the perfect showerhead. You may wish to make sure that your shower head will spray in a more modern design than what was in your last home. One large benefit of having a nicer, newer shower head is that it will typically come with better options for adjusting water temperature and pressure. If your showerhead comes with an adjustable nozzle, you will be able to customize the spray of water from one side of the head to the other. This can be especially useful if you have long hair and prefer some mild shampoo action on the other side.

Improve All Your Bathroom Fixtures

Tub to shower conversion kits are typically a pretty easy DIY project for most homeowners. The steps involved in the upgrade include removing your tub, adding the new shower liner, and then putting your old tub back into place. One benefit of this is adding a newly remodeled bathroom without completely gutting the room and starting from scratch.

Update Your Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances are a relatively large investment and one that should be more than enough to warrant going through the design process with a professional. Many upgrades can be completed to make your kitchen machine even better than you had hoped for, especially if you decide to upgrade from an outdated energy-saving appliance to something more energy efficient.

Improve Your Fireplace

A fireplace is an excellent addition to any home, but if you have not used it in years or you do not like the way that it looks, then you may find a remodel job to be a good idea. This is especially true if your fireplace does not fit well with the design of your living room. One way to make improvements to your fireplace without making any permanent changes is by installing a decorative gas log kit.

Remodel Your Garage

It may seem strange to remodel your garage, but there are several things that you can do with your garage as a remodel project. A few of these include replacing the flooring or painting the ceiling and walls an accent color. In addition, if you have converted space in your garage for a purpose other than parking, such as using it as a workshop or storage area, then you could even choose to move some of the building materials back into another room. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

There are many benefits of remodeling your new home, and you may even be able to get some ideas for home improvement projects via magazines or online sources. A little investment and time can go a long way in helping you create the ideal home that meets your needs.

Best ROI Home Improvement Ideas

Are you planning a few home renovation projects? Whether it’s simply repainting the living room or replacing old floor boards, chances are, they can actually increase your home’s value! If you intend to sell your home in the future, check out some of these home improvement ideas known for having the best return of interest (ROI)! 

Apply a fresh coat of paint 

Sometimes old cabinets and doors simply need to be repainted to look good as new. You can also add a splash of color to the kitchen or living room walls to brighten up the space. 

Declutter your space

Basements and garages are influential areas for potential home buyers (and also usually the first parts of the home that become cluttered). This is why hiring professional organizers is a great investment. An organized, spacious garage and basement are both appealing and show potential buyers that they’re easy to maintain! 

Level up the Kitchen

Aside from the living room, the kitchen is an area of the home where there will be the most traffic and family gatherings. Sinks can begin to rust and loosen over time, so replacing them helps improve functionality and aesthetics. 

It’s also a good idea to check kitchen appliances in case any of them need to be replaced. Also consider adding important features to buyers, such as a kitchen island and walk-in pantry. Both of these options free up counter space, which can improve organization and the overall look!

Revamp your landscaping

Last but not least, an excellent landscape design is a great way to boost your curb appeal. If you don’t have a green thumb, hiring a landscaping specialist can be worth the investment. After all, it is the first view of your home and, depending on the size of your yard, can require a lot of maintenance. 

Of course, always evaluate your budget before beginning any project. While some DIY renovations are simple, others may require more than you’ve planned, especially if plumbing and electric installations are involved. 

For additional home improvement ideas, check out HomeAdvisor’s full guide on ways to increase your home’s value.  

What to Watch for When Remodeling an Old House

Remodeling an old house is a great way to add some modern touches to a piece of history, but that type of project can be dangerous in some situations. If you are planning on carrying out a major renovation on a home that is more than a few decades old, then there are some important things that you will need to keep an eye out for.

Asbestos

When it comes to remodeling an aging home, owners and contractors must always think about asbestos exposure. That toxin was used in many different building materials before the 1970s, and studies continue to reveal that it can cause a wide variety of health complications. Luckily, there are now many different companies that will test various materials throughout a home for any signs of asbestos or other similar compounds.

Lead

As a general rule, homeowners should assume that any home built before 1980 has some type of lead inside it unless a complete remodel has already taken place. Practically everyone is going to come into contact with a little bit of lead over the years, and those microscopic particles typically aren’t dangerous. That being said, remodeling a home with lead-based paint can be highly dangerous if you don’t have the proper tools and training.

Mold

It is an unfortunate fact that most homeowners will have to deal with at least a little bit of water damage over the years. When a plumbing leak isn’t addressed right away, it will most likely result in mold, mildew, and structural damage to a home. Those who find mold or any other signs of a leak during a remodel should immediately contact a company that specializes in water damage remediation.

Damaged Wiring

Modern residential electrical systems are designed to be as safe and durable as possible, but those wires and outlets will eventually need to be replaced. Some of the most common signs of an aging electrical system include flickering lights, outlets that are hot to the touch, and breakers that are constantly tripping. If you are already planning on an extensive renovation and your electrical system is more than a few decades old, then you might want to consider replacing it.

While basic cosmetic projects can usually be handled by homeowners, completely remodeling an older home will most likely require at least a few professional contractors. Experienced contractors will be able to help you tackle any potentially dangerous issues that you run into so that you can keep your loved ones safe.