How to be safe when doing home projects this summer

Summer is here, and it feels long overdue. Queue barbecues and outdoor get-togethers. Say hello to the sun's rays waking you up in the morning, encouraging you to start the new day. Rejoice at the prospect of lounging on a sunbed as waves gently remind you to relax and take a sip of that refreshing beverage in your hand. Immerse yourself in numbers as you calculate how much you will need to fix that faulty air-conditioner and install new blinds. Wait...what? There are certain touch-ups and renovations every home needs, be it summer or winter. To save money, you may want to do it on your own. For example, checking if your HVAC is summer-ready is a responsible step to take.  However, you must know how to be safe when doing home projects during these summer months. Not 100% sure? Don't worry; we've got you!

'S' stands for summer

Can you find all the summer words starting with the letter 's'?

See the sultry sky, sunrays skipping over silent, see-through clouds, as you discover serenity in the shade of a tree during this sizzling season of sun-kissed days, sandals, seashells, and sandcastles. Acknowledged - alliteration was never my strong suit, but one word stands out above the others. Safety. On this note, a slight digression could be in order. You should avoid doing some renovations on your own, altogether, as they require more than just goodwill. The tips in this article are not enough to overcome the difficulties these particular tasks pose.

In any case, no matter what part of the year you have chosen to carry out your home projects, you need to take care of yourself. The summer takes away the cold and rainy weather but brings a host of new challenges, the chief one amongst them being the summer heat. As the thermometer threatens to shatter its glass casing, it is essential to remember that our bodies are prone to overheating. We are prone to dehydration. The number one rule should be to always have a bottle of water at the ready. Whatever project you have chosen to keep you occupied during the summer months, a glass of the old Adam's ale should be the first tool you pick up. Summertime safety simply states stay saturated...ok, ok, I'll stop!

Get out of the heat and stay safe when tackling your home projects this summer!

Shade and rest- essential to be safe when doing home projects this summer

Now that we have regulated our water intake, there are still other dangers that come with the summer sun. Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are not to be taken lightly. Why? We often think we can handle more than we really can. It's nothing to be ashamed of; we're almost hard-wired to act like this. DIY is in our DNA, and there is no better feeling than pushing yourself to the limit. Until, you know, you actually pass that limit. So taking rests is a must. That porch won't mind if it's fixed today or in three days. Your body will be thankful if you treat it right. The work will be more effective, and you will be healthier and feel better if you break up the work into manageable chunks. 

There is a third part that makes up this holy trinity of sorts when it comes to working safely on your home projects during the summer. And wouldn't you know it, it starts with an 's'. Shade is the final missing piece. Stay out of direct sunlight, as it's always cooler in the shade.

One thing should be noted, despite all that has been said. Don't think you get to leave the old safety goggles, gloves, and a hat in the garage because it is hot. If the project calls for it, the full gear should be worn. It just means taking more regular breaks is in order.

Summer moves

Nothing quite like a good summer jam, something to move to during those beach parties. However, many people choose this time of the year to move a bunch of boxes too. If you have decided to relocate during the summer, a look at the sweltering heat outside could leave you second-guessing your decision. It looked good on paper, but now you are not so sure. There are reasons for and against moving in the summertime. While it holds true that you should be careful when relocating in heat, a quick look at the pros and cons could help you make your final decision. Don't forget; there was a reason you chose to avoid moving during an icy winter's day, after all.

Be safe when doing home projects this summer and all year round

You will find that at the heart of most things, there is a set of basic rules. If we put aside differences in weather conditions, most of what applies to frosty February is applicable to ardent August as well. We've organized these tips into a neat little list, just for you:

• First Aid Kit- As a rule of thumb, you should always have a first aid kit, especially if you live alone. All handymen keep one on hand.

• Choose your battles- Not all tasks should be done on your own. Faulty wiring? Ask yourself, do you have the needed equipment and expertise to handle it safely? Have to plan a big move quickly? Maybe professionalmover.ca could be the better way to go.

• Awareness of your surroundings- Yes, it sounds like the cliched advice given to a young apprentice by his master in any given action movie, but this one holds true in real life too. Your workspace is your dojo, if you will. You need to know who is there and where your tools are around the work area. Maybe putting a ladder in front of a door in a house full of kids, for example, is an accident waiting to happen.

• Keep a clean shop- We've all heard about the importance of cleanliness. Keeping your workspace organized and tidy means you avoid possible accidents. Unless you're a certain kid protecting your home from burglars, power tools and sharp objects should never be left lying around the house. Do everything in your power to stay safe this summer when undertaking different projects around the house. 

• Slow and steady wins the race- There is no need to rush, especially during the summer. Take advantage of those long, long days.

A safe summer is a fun summer

A good day's work makes the sunset all the more enjoyable

The above tips should help you stay safe as you tackle those odd jobs around the house. These rules are not here to suck the fun out of your undertakings but simply to give you some pointers on how to be safe when doing home projects this summer. With all that added sunlight, why not fix the front porch, clean that AC unit, and still have a glass of refreshing ice lemonade with your neighbors on the patio? 

P.S. The answer to the question under the first photo was; sunglasses, shade, sea, sky, and sand...thought I'd leave that here for the more competitive of you out there.

 

Photos:

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Artificial Grass

Indulge in the softness, unique texture, and comfort provided by Artificial Grass!

Why are so many people opting for synthetic turf? Simply put, there are benefits. It can save you money and effort, especially when it comes to lawn upkeep, and it can also enhance your lifestyle and benefit the environment. Artificial grass is  practical and ideal solution for garden that comes with a number of advantages that make it much comfortable for the customer. In any weather, synthetic grass looks great. Regardless of the weather, it will remain green, tidy, and attractive all year.Nowadays, thousands of businesses, public spaces, municipalities, golf courses, and homes have turned to Artificial Grass Manchester to create a green, lush, beautiful landscape that saves millions of gallons of water each year and takes minimum resources and upkeep.

40mm artificial grass is ideal for residential lawns, urban and commercial landscape design, recreational activities, and Playgrounds. As Good As Grass offers a new and diverse product line that is suited for all of your landscaping needs, with an unparalleled combination of beauty, durability, and value!Even in the toughest of climates, an artificial lawn looks and feels just like well-kept natural grass all year. Artificial turf is a free of the minor inconveniences that come with real grass, such as herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and the need for watering.Artificial grass requires very little upkeep. While natural turf requires practically daily upkeep in the summer, you can spend your time doing other things instead of watering or mowing the lawn. Synthetic grass also offers a great and cost-effective option for vacation homes, resulting in decreased expenses from local service providers.

Synthetic turf can be utilized to build pathways through your gardens in landscaped areas. It can also be utilized to create tiny sections in an isolated location for a table and chairs. Turf can be cut into strips for a straight or curving path, as well as squares or circles for stepping stones and standing spaces.Synthetic turf is an excellent alternative to overused and sometimes dangerous sports fields. If a grass field is utilized more than three to four times a week, in the rain, or during the six months of the year when grass does not grow, the surface will deteriorate into an unsafe, rock-hard dirt field. Artificial turf is a suitable for pets. Because it can't be dug-fup and ruined by pets as real-grass can, it'll continue looking good even if you have cats or dogs. It is easy to clean and remains hygienic & unaffected by pee. This makes the turf excellent to use in kennels and other similar environments. Furthermore, mud spots dug-up by dogs cannot degrade the grass. Plus, it's just as fun for dogs to play as genuine grass. Using a little detergent and water or one of ours pet-friendly solutions, you may quickly remove animal excrement off the lawn.

Over time, artificial turf may prove to be less expensive to maintain. This is because the fertilizers, pesticides, hoses, lawn shears, strimmers, rakes, waterweed killers, lawnmowers, , and grass feed all contribute to the cost of maintaining natural grass. This makes significantly more cost-effective over its whole existence than genuine grass.Synthetic grass have considerably improved in look over time, and many higher-end grounds now have a  natural appearance. Our synthetic turf has the same feel and looks as natural turf.Artificial grass extremely adaptable. It can be utilized for a variety of purpose and in a variety of environments, including roof terraces, offices, decks,  hotels, gyms, golf courses, poolsides, play areas, exhibition spaces, bars, balconies, restaurants, and events, among others.Artificial grass, when built appropriately, has great drainage properties (upto 60 liters per minute!) and, many circumstances, dries faster than natural grass when it rains. UV-stabilized artificial turf provides excellent sun protection. This mean it won't fade or discolor in the sun and will keep its bright green color.

Pet-Friendly Features to Include in Your Kitchen Renovation

Summary: If you’re a homeowner planning a kitchen renovation and want to include pet-friendly features, read this post. A leading kitchen company in Mississauga offers design tips to make the space more accommodating of our furry friends. These include allowing them to be within sight while you’re cooking and performing other tasks in that space. 

Pet owners consider their animals to be part of the family, so it makes sense to take into account their needs as well as your own when planning a kitchen renovation. 

Ideally, the new elements and designs should make it easier for all family members, including pets, to use the space without inconveniences or injuries. When thinking of ways to upgrade your kitchen, consider these pet-friendly design features. 

Kitchen Renovation: How to Design a Pet-Friendly Space

Here are some features you can add to your kitchen renovation to make the space more accommodating for your pets.

1.Rethink Your Flooring

Flooring materials are impacted in various ways by pet claws, spills, and then there are bathroom accidents. For instance, hardwood floors can be scratched by your pet’s nails and may stain or warp with repeated exposure to water or urine. By contrast, laminate or ceramic tiles are better options as they offer ease of maintenance and you don’t need to worry about staining. Your best bet is to contact a kitchen contractor who can suggest a flooring material to stand up to daily (ab)use from you and your pets. 

2.Hide Waste Bins

Open waste bins in the kitchen corners may result in knocked-over garbage. And there will be a foul smell in the kitchen and nearby rooms.

To avoid this unnecessary hassle, consider dedicating a pull-out drawer to store your waste bins. This will keep your kitchen free from clutter while ensuring you don’t have to deal with accidental spills caused by your pet. Plus you won’t have to deal with unsightly garbage on your kitchen floor, which should always be clean. 

3.Create a Feeding Space

We’ve all accidentally knocked over our pet’s water or food bowl when moving around the kitchen. However, there is a way for you to avoid having to clean up these spills, and it comes down to containment. 

Rather than placing the bowls on the floor, dedicate an open cabinet to function as their feeding and storage space. Alternatively, you can also consider keeping them in a pull-out drawer. But make sure they are tucked away in the lowest ones to keep the bowls within their reach. This will help you have a clean and orderly space while ensuring your pets are well-fed and hydrated. 

4.Add a Bed Area

Let’s face it, the kitchen isn’t the best place for pets, especially when you are cooking and moving about. But they almost always want to be where we are. So, kitchen renovation companies recommend having their crates and beds tucked away to keep the kitchen organized and ensure they stay out of the way while you work. A good place for them is an open cabinet space at floor level for easy accessibility. Alternatively, you can transform the dead space under your staircase, if there is one close to the kitchen, into a cat lounge or doghouse. 

The kitchen is a family space so it makes sense to design it to accommodate your pets while keeping it as comfortable as possible for everyone else. Keep in mind that the design features you intend to add shouldn’t be related to specific trends or styles. Instead, your kitchen should be designed to allow your family members – including the ones on four legs – to live their lives more comfortably. 

The Best Eco-Friendly Lawn Ideas

Well-maintained grass lawns make for beautiful landscaping, but they also come with a cost. Not only do grass lawns take up lots of time, money, and energy to mow, but they require huge amounts of water and fertilizer to keep bright and green. This can lead to both water waste and fertilizer runoff, which has the potential to harm the surrounding environment.

Thankfully, if you want to reduce your environmental impact and spend less time maintaining your yard, there are plenty of lawn options aside from grass to choose from. Below, we’ve compiled a list of more eco-friendly landscaping ideas along with visuals from Angi.

Ground Cover Ideas

Ground cover plants grow low to the ground and spread out to blanket a space. With a little time and patience, you can cover either your entire yard or a portion of your lawn with ground covers.

The best part is that ground cover plants require no mowing; some occasional trimming can keep them in check if desired, but they require far less upkeep than grass.

Some great ground cover options include:

● Creeping jenny: This evergreen perennial has little vine-like stems that look beautiful when winding around garden paths.

● Sweet woodruff: With tiny, white, star-shaped flowers, this plant makes for a lovely stretch of lawn

● Corsican mint: This green plant blooms early in summer and gives off a pleasant, minty aroma. It’s also edible!

For more unique ground cover ideas, see the visual below

Native Plant Ideas

Native plants are the perfect solution to reducing the size of a grass lawn. Flowers, ornamental grasses, and shrubs that are native to your region make beautiful, aesthetically pleasing gardens. Not only do they require no mowing and less water than grass, but since they are adapted to the soil of your region, they don’t need much fertilizer. Native plants also attract friendly pollinators such as birds, bees, and butterflies. Therefore, cultivating these plants in your yard can help support local wildlife.

Some flower options are:

● Native perennials: Colorful perennial flowers look great in a raised garden bed or around trees.

● Shrub beds: Planting native shrubs is an ideal way to add some needed texture into your landscape.

● Roman chamomile: This flowering plant enriches the surrounding soil with valuable nitrogen.

For more native plant ideas, see below:

Non-Plant Ideas

Non-plant options require the least amount of maintenance and can often lend way to beautiful landscaping designs. Of course, they don’t need any water, and only require yearly top-offs or replacements to maintain. With strategic planning and creativity, you can replace your entire lawn or create a sectioned-off area with one of the sustainable materials below.

● Sand: Sand is the perfect, inexpensive ground covering for a fire pit area, a garden path, or a rock garden.

● Recycled mulch: A mulch bed made of compost is a great sustainable option for your grass replacement.

● Gravel: Long-lasting stones or pebbles can add interesting accent areas to your yard.

Below are several inspirational landscaping ideas using non-living alternatives to grass

By committing to one or several of these lawn alternatives, you can save time and money on lawn maintenance while also designing a truly unique outdoor look for your home. If you aren’t quite sure where to start, it’s best to contact a landscaping professional in your area to help you create and implement the design you’re dreaming of.

What to do when moving doesn't go as planned

 

Moving is stressful even under the best circumstances. Before the moving day, there's a bunch of planning, packing, and organizing to do. And on the big day, something always seems to go wrong. Since research will help you out a lot, you should check out helpful blogs and websites for more tips. In this article, we will cover what to do when moving doesn't go as planned.

Hire professionals

Okay, you have prepared a list. You have gone over it multiple times. But somehow, you are still missing essential items for your move. It might be a moving blanket or some boxes that are missing. To avoid these situations and a lot of the stress, many people decide to leave this job to professionals that will make sure that their move goes exactly as planned. 

Professional movers, unlike most people, will have everything necessary to relocate you safely, quickly, and smoothly. They come with straps, blankets, cushioning, packing materials, and anything else you might need. Furthermore, with years of expertise, they know just how to fit that odd-shaped couch through your small door. With the help of professional movers, you won't have to worry about what to do if moving doesn't go as planned. 

What if you get injured

During a relocation, all kinds of mishaps occur. Tripping over boxes or throwing out your back might ruin your plans and bring you to the emergency room. You will likely avoid accidents by entrusting your relocation to a reputable moving company. Expert movers wear clothes and use gear that shields them from any harm. They also routinely carry big things while also understanding how to treat even your most fragile items.

But if you decide to go about it yourself, make sure you get all the necessary equipment, such as straps and dollies. And of course, enlist your friends and family.

And if you do get injured, seek medical help. You may have to postpone your move. But you may also hire movers last minute.

You can get sick

Today's the day! You've got everything packed and ready to go. You've got everything in place. But then, you wake up with a surprise fever. Your room is spinning, and everything hurts. While you rest, professional movers will pick up the slack. They have skilled teams that will show up when you can't. And you won't have to worry about being incapacitated. Their job is to make your life easier.

Even if you get sick, professionals will be by your side!

Bad weather 

As we all know, moving in bad weather is more challenging. That is why spring and summer are peak moving season. But as we all know, weather conditions can be unpredictable. Snowstorms, heavy rain, and scorching heat may make every move appear impossible. At least it can seem like that to you. Professional movers, on the other hand, come prepared for any weather. They wear slip-resistant shoes and are prepared to face most weather conditions. If you have to postpone your relocation, a reputable moving company will also assist you in storing your possessions until the weather improves. So, even when moving doesn't go as planned, there is always plan B. 

Moving on a tight time-frame

You may need to act quickly at times. It's not ideal when you have to rush all your plans. As stressful as it may be, the right moving company can assist you in overcoming schedule changes. With their help, you will easily handle the short notice move. Extra movers can be added to your original plan to assist speed up the process. To accommodate your schedule, most moving companies provide weekly and weekend options.

It's essential to save money

It can be expensive to move from one property to another. The price of anything from packing supplies to moving vehicles may rapidly mount up. Hiring a pro might assist you in sticking to your budget. Many businesses provide a range of services and alternatives to suit your budget and requirements. You'll also come out ahead when you consider the money you'd have spent on those goods and any potential injuries.

Storing fragile items

It's a delicate process to store sensitive and fragile items. There isn't much space for mistakes or improvisation. So, if you realize you are stuck, sit in front of your laptop and consult your best friend - Google. Each successful project requires a good planning method. And to avoid any issues, find and hire a reputable moving company that can ensure the safety of breakables. Do not settle for anything less than the best because it can cost you your valuables. You want your items safe if moving doesn’t go as planned!

It is crucial to have your items safe if anything goes wrong

There could be issues with the sale or your new home isn't ready

You may be all set to relocate when the buyer's financing flops. Maybe you've already moved out of your old place, but your new one isn't ready yet. What can you do if you're stuck between your old house and your new house? Many reliable moving companies offer services to assist you with last-minute arrangements. Make sure to ask about temporary storage and solutions for fast relocation. 

Your potential buyers can often be more of a pain than the transfer itself. They hunt for even the slightest scuff on the sidewalk or insist that the house be professionally cleaned a day early. All of that may delay your plans. Still, whatever you have to deal with, know that with the right help, you can easily overcome anything. 

Stress control 

When we are under a lot of stress, it may harm our mental and physical health. That's why it's imperative to know how to deal with moving stress. Every relocation brings plenty of significant changes. You're moving, changing your home's layout, and maybe even your pals and work. Change is unavoidable, and even positive changes may be frightening. It's normal to be nervous about a major change, even if you know it'll be for the best. Whenever you get anxious or stressed, remember why you are moving and the positive side of it!

In conclusion

A lot can happen that can disrupt or delay the moving process. Just about anything can go wrong, from a minor packing issue to a physical injury. But none of that should discourage you from keeping up with your moving plan as best as you possibly can. On the other hand, while moving is a generally stressful event, that doesn't mean you should worry in advance about what may happen on a moving day. It's most likely you're worrying over nothing, and your move will go over smoothly. 

But, even when moving doesn’t go as planned, it's essential to stay calm, improvise and adapt. There's no situation you can't mend. Most likely, your movers have tons of experience dealing with the exact problem you're dealing with and know exactly how to fix it. It’s their job to assist you and make your move feel less stressful. So, trust that they will do the right thing. 

Photos used:

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Why Custom Blinds Are a Good Idea

 

Unlike regular ones, custom blinds are made to fit your windows’ exact measurements. These accurate measurements allow them to fit perfectly while regular blinds come in standard sizes. Custom blinds are expensive but offer many advantages over regular ones. With custom blinds, you can put together options in the colour combination you want and get attractive choices for larger windows. 

Here are some reasons why you should choose custom blinds.

Why Go for Custom Blinds?

With custom blinds, you can create many different looks. You can use them independently or pair them with curtains for a dramatic effect. Here is what they can deliver to your interior.

1. Snug Fit

Custom blinds are made to the exact measurements of your windows, leaving only a very slight gap between them and the window frames. This allows very little or no light inside, which is the reason why custom-made blackout blinds are extremely popular. 

Custom blinds also insulate better than regular ones because the reduced gap prevents outside heat and chill from entering. They also make a better fit for windows with odd shapes and sizes. 

2. Options to Personalize

Many blinds and drapery stores sell customized products that allow flexibility in terms of style as well as product types, finishes, and textures. This allows you to select from an infinite number of combinations. You can pick from fabric or wood blinds, with or without cords, for instance. 

3. Saving On Your Energy Bill

The perfect fitting delivered by custom blinds delivers considerable savings on your energy bill. Customized blinds leave little or no space for the temperature outside to influence heat or cold inside. So, once you have warmed or chilled your interior, it can stay that way for a few hours. That will save a considerable amount on your energy expenditures.

4. Aesthetics

Poorly fit blinds look shabby and distasteful. As for odd-sized windows, you will find it tedious to decorate them to your liking. The balanced and well-proportioned look of customized blinds will make your home look great.

5. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Custom blinds come with more environment-friendly options these days. Sustainably harvested natural elements and faux materials reduce the damage done to nature while procuring them. Also, regular blinds inevitably end up in waste dumps because you will always be looking for something better.

Find a reliable blinds and drapery store that not only offers variety but quality custom work. Consult them about what you have in mind and work together to get the look you want.

Summary : Custom blinds work well in all kinds of spaces for one reason: they are made to fit windows to the inch. In addition, this close fitting makes them capable of delivering multiple benefits as compared to regular blinds. Let us examine what those benefits are.