
A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.
Steps You'll Need to Take for Turning Your Basement Into Livable Space
When it comes to your home, the basement is often one of the most neglected areas. This space can be a great place for kids to play or an adult's personal man cave, but you need to take action in order to make it livable. Here are some steps that will help you turn your basement into a usable space:
When it comes to your home, the basement is often one of the most neglected areas. This space can be a great place for kids to play or an adult's personal man cave, but you need to take action in order to make it livable. Here are some steps that will help you turn your basement into a usable space:
Clean the Basement Out
Most people use their basement for storage and over the years it accumulates a bunch of junk. If you want to turn it into usable space you will need to clean it out. If you don't, there may not be enough room for furniture and other items that would make the space livable.
Dry It Out
Basements have a particular smell. That smell comes from the humidity and moisture. To make it livable, you need to dry out the area. After the basement is cleaned out you can run fans and dehumidifiers
Waterproof the Basement
Once you go through the work of cleaning out the basement and making it dry, you now need to perform basement waterproofing. This is important because if water gets into your basement from flooding there are not a lot of ways for it to escape. You will need to waterproof the basement from the inside and outside of your home. This is a step that you will want to make sure you have a professional do for you. When it rains, the surrounding water table rises. It can potentially be higher than the floor of your basement. The water may enter through a variety of outlets in an inadequately waterproofed basement. Leaks in the floor or walls might reveal the presence of water.
Install Walls and Flooring
Unless you want one large room, you will need to install walls and flooring. If you are looking for more privacy, consider installing drywall or paneling on the walls. Installing wood floors can help give your basement a homey feel while making it easier to clean up messes from playing with children while carpet will provide more cushion to protect from falls.
Install Lighting
Most people do not like to spend time in places with poor lighting. Make sure that you have a sufficient amount of lighting throughout the basement. There are many low-power LED options that simulate natural light that really makes a difference.
If you are looking to turn your basement into a liveable space, there is a lot that goes into it but it can really turn a drab space into a great hangout or bedroom. If you make sure to do these simple steps, you will be well on your way to enjoying a livable basement.
How to Save Money: Recognizing Perceived Obsolescence
Nowadays, more and more people are finding themselves trapped in the never-ending cycle of purchasing new products. As you browse through Amazon and see a shiny new set of kitchen knives, you might impulsively make the decision to hit the “buy now” button. But did you really need the new set? Or did you already have a perfectly functioning set of knives in your kitchen? This is where it becomes important to understand the cost of perceived obsolescence.
Nowadays, more and more people are finding themselves trapped in the never-ending cycle of purchasing new products. As you browse through Amazon and see a shiny new set of kitchen knives, you might impulsively make the decision to hit the “buy now” button. But did you really need the new set? Or did you already have a perfectly functioning set of knives in your kitchen? This is where it becomes important to understand the cost of perceived obsolescence.
Perceived Obsolescence: What Does It Mean?
If you’ve ever purchased a new product to replace an older, perfectly functioning product, you’ve suffered from perceived obsolescence. This is a common occurrence when it comes to cars and technology. Someone has an iPhone 12 that works fine, but they feel the need to buy an iPhone 13. Put simply, perceived obsolescence is when you feel the need to unnecessarily update products you already own.
While it’s okay to make a new purchase every here and there, when perceived obsolescence gets out of hand it can really break the bank. The cost of constantly buying new phones, cars, kitchen appliances, and clothes can add up.
Common Examples of Perceived Obsolescence
One of the best ways to defeat perceived obsolescence is to recognize its presence. People are particularly susceptible to obsolescence when it comes to a couple of specific industries. Here are some examples:
Sports Apparel
In the sports apparel industry, new jerseys come out every year. To support your favorite team, you have to keep buying new apparel to keep up with new players, logos, and designs. Over time, the cost of sports clothing can add up.
Technology
When it comes to tech, new products are emerging every day. Particularly, when it comes to phones, each model goes out of style within a couple of years. At this point, having the latest smartphone is a status symbol. That said, before you buy that new phone upgrade, you may want to stop and consider whether or not it's a necessary purchase.
Automotive
People experience perceived obsolescence all the time when it comes to cars. Car companies are on the constant move, designing their newest model of car to look prettier than its predecessor. As drivers start to see others driving around in new models of cars, they might feel the urge to unnecessarily upgrade. After the upgrade, however, the same thing is bound to happen again a couple of years later.
Conclusion
While it can be difficult, the first step to resisting perceived obsolescence is to recognize it. Now that you know the industries where the phenomenon is most common, you can take steps to avoid unnecessary purchases and save money. For more information on how to defeat perceived obsolescence, check out the infographic provided below.
First-Time Homeowner? HVAC Maintenance You Shouldn't Ignore
Did you know that your heating and air conditioning system is one of the most important features in your home? It not only provides comfort for you but also keeps your home at a comfortable temperature. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to keep up with regular HVAC maintenance when there are so many other things on our plate as homeowners. If you're new to owning a home or this is the first time you've had to think about HVAC maintenance, then this post will give you some helpful tips.
Did you know that your heating and air conditioning system is one of the most important features in your home? It not only provides comfort for you but also keeps your home at a comfortable temperature. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to keep up with regular HVAC maintenance when there are so many other things on our plate as homeowners. If you're new to owning a home or this is the first time you've had to think about HVAC maintenance, then this post will give you some helpful tips.
Inspect Filters Monthly
Inspecting your filters on a monthly basis is a great way to ensure that your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible. These filters should be replaced every month but if you have pets or allergies, then it's recommended that they are changed more frequently. When replacing them, make sure the new filter matches the old one in size and type for best results.
Check for Mold
HVAC systems are susceptible to mold growth so it's important to check for this on a monthly basis. If you see any, then remove the source of the moisture as soon as possible before removing all visible signs of mold. You can use bleach or another type of cleaning product that won't damage your HVAC system in order to get rid of any spores left behind. Mold can cause respiratory problems, so it’s important to have professional remediation if you spot it in your home.
Address Leaks and Cracks
Leaks and cracks in your HVAC system can affect its overall performance, which is another reason why they should be addressed as soon as possible. An inefficient system will end up costing you money on your utility bills and be less effective overall. Addressing any leaks early will also prevent mold from growing inside of the unit because moisture won't be able to escape through any leaks or holes.
Air conditioning repair can be expensive if you do not stay on top of your units. If you find leaks or cracks in your HVAC system, then contact a professional to come fix them as soon as possible. This will ensure that your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible and that it's keeping you nice and comfortable at home.
Replace Air Conditioning and Heating Coils
The air conditioning and heating coils in your unit can wear down over time, so it's a good idea to have them replaced every five years. This is an important part of HVAC maintenance that should not be ignored because you never know when they'll stop working properly or fail altogether, which could end up costing you more money than they're worth. Be sure to keep a record of when tasks like this are being performed so that you can get them done on time.
HVAC maintenance is important for all homeowners, but it's especially crucial if you're a first-time homebuyer. It can be difficult to keep up with regular HVAC maintenance when there are so many other things on our plate as homeowners. But these tips should help make the process easier and more manageable. If your heating or air conditioning unit isn't functioning properly, then don't hesitate to contact an expert who will come out immediately to repair any leaks or cracks you have found in your system.
How to Build Your Lifestyle into Your Custom Home
At the very least, your home should reflect your lifestyle. You will feel comfortable having a space that is able to handle all your needs. It also feels nice to come back to a home that you don’t have to conform to. Designing your custom home allows you the opportunity to build the home around your needs. It is like a blank canvas where you get to create spaces and add features that facilitate your way of life and the things that you love most in life.
That being said, here are some of the ways you can make your custom home complement your lifestyle for a life of fulfillment.
At the very least, your home should reflect your lifestyle. You will feel comfortable having a space that is able to handle all your needs. It also feels nice to come back to a home that you don’t have to conform to. Designing your custom home allows you the opportunity to build the home around your needs. It is like a blank canvas where you get to create spaces and add features that facilitate your way of life and the things that you love most in life.
That being said, here are some of the ways you can make your custom home complement your lifestyle for a life of fulfillment.
1. Spacious kitchen for the avid cook
If you love cooking and spending time in the kitchen, having a spacious kitchen that can handle all your needs should be your focus. Think of having extra counter space and/or an island to facilitate food preparation and serving. A walk-in pantry can also come in handy since you might need ample space to store your grocery supplies. Moreover, if you love your kitchen, odds are you might want it to double as a social spot or a space where your family takes their meals. If this is the case, designing a sitting area in the kitchen becomes a necessity.
2. A cozy bathroom for people who love relaxing at the end of the day
Your home is the place that you run to at the end of the day for relaxation and unwinding the day’s stresses. If you are one of those people who love sitting in the tub with a nice read or a glass of wine, then it is only right that your bathroom accommodates that. You can design your bathroom to have a shower and a tub or a Jacuzzi. Privacy is also important, so having your bedroom all en suite is a good choice. Additionally, chances are that you want the same lifestyle for the rest in the household. Decide whether you want all the bathrooms to be full baths or just your bathroom and an extra one.
3. Open plan for the entertainer
Love entertaining and having guests over, then having an open plan home where there is a good flow of spaces should be in your custom home design. Think of cozy seating areas and ample space for people to walk around comfortably. Design a home that is warm and inviting with décor that sparks conversations in all corners. Keep in mind that guests are different. For this reason, design different seating areas to accommodate different personalities. For instance, you can have cozy nooks for the introverts and comfortable seating areas on the balcony, porch, and garden for the outgoing people.
4. Secure environment for home with kids/seniors
If you have kids and/or elderly relatives living with you, you need to incorporate their needs into the design as well. Think of having a children’s room with colorful furniture and ample storage space for the toys. You also need to rethink your furniture choice to ensure that there are no sharp edges that can cause accidents. For the elderly, think of widening the door and having enough space in case they use a wheelchair or a walker. The bathroom should also be secure, complete with non-slip flooring and grab bars to avoid falling.
5. Pet-friendly areas for the furry friends
While you might have a lot of love for your pet, the last thing you want is damaged upholstery or having to clean the mess from carpets and rugs. Design a space that accommodates the needs of your pet to save you the trouble. A dedicated play area for your pet is a good idea to keep them away from your furniture. If that is not an option, go for furniture with quality upholstery that can withstand the claws and resist pet hair. You might also need to do without expensive rugs and carpets.
6. Ask the expert
Designing a home that takes care of all your needs is no mean feat. You need to honestly evaluate your lifestyle if you are to be successful. If you find it overwhelming, it is always good to seek the help of a professional. You can contact a custom home builder to help you build your lifestyle into your custom home. Such experts have the necessary experience to ensure that no stone is left unturned.
Conclusion
Having a home that complements your lifestyle makes you happy and satisfied. It is very important that you don’t compromise on any of your needs regardless of the importance unless you have no other choice. Of course, there is a lot that you can do to reflect your lifestyle into your custom home. Hopefully, the above ideas got you thinking.