Why the Vinyl Flooring In Your Mississauga Home May Be Shrinking

Summary: While vinyl flooring is a durable option, it can shrink and cup when exposed to certain external stressors. So, if you have chosen vinyl flooring installation for your Mississauga home, be wary of exposing it to rapidly changing temperatures, floor damage, and breakdown of esters. 

Vinyl flooring is made from a variety of synthetic materials such as PVC vinyl, plasticizer, and fibreglass. It has multiple layers, including a sturdy wooden core, which creates a durable product that stands up well to wear and tear. And it is available in many styles, designs, and colours which helps homeowners not only update their interiors but freshen the space. Being an artificial material, it’s more affordable than natural flooring options like hardwood. 

However, vinyl flooring is known to shrink after just a few years of use in certain conditions. 

What causes this? And how can it be prevented? 

Experts at a leading vinyl flooring store in Mississauga, Ontario, have researched the answers to these questions.

 

Let’s find out what they are. 

Why Does Vinyl Flooring Shrink? (Advice from Experts in Mississauga)

There are a few reasons why your vinyl flooring planks may be shrinking. Let’s look at some of the most common ones. 

1. Exposure to Fluctuating Temperatures

One primary reason that your vinyl flooring may expand or contract is exposure to heat and sunlight throughout the day. When vinyl becomes warm, it expands slightly which causes buckling over time. 

Moreover, if your vinyl flooring was glued down or came with a self-stick option, sunlight, and heat can release the glue bond and cause the tiles to shift. When it’s exposed to colder climates, this flooring will contract, resulting in gaps becoming visible between the planks or tiles. 

If you live in an area that experiences frequent temperature fluctuations, choose luxury vinyl tiles. While they may be slightly more expensive than regular vinyl tiles or planks, they are more durable, making them a suitable option. 

2. Floor Damage

Your vinyl flooring can sustain damage from furniture being moved around, when it is exposed to water, or when heavy objects are dropped on it. The result is gaps appearing between the planks.

If you need to move heavy furniture around, it’s better to either carry them or place furniture sliders or pads beneath them before sliding it across the floor. They will reduce friction on the planks and diminish chances of them sustaining damage. 

Alternatively, if your flooring has sustained water damage because of a leaking water heater or busted pipe, make sure you mop the area promptly; failing to do so can cause separating and cupping. 

3. Breakdown of Esters

Esters are also known as plasticizers. These liquid solvents are added to synthetic resins to promote elasticity and flexibility in vinyl planks. They allow the material to offer superior durability and to expand and contract easily. 

But this can also have the reverse effect when the planks are exposed to a drastically changing environment. Over time, these esters break down, resulting in gaps appearing and edges cupping. 

Vinyl flooring is one of the most durable options available, but it can shrink and cup when exposed to external stressors. This makes it necessary to have experienced professionals install your vinyl flooring in Mississauga and elsewhere. Along with ensuring they look beautiful, it will also help the material last for many years to come. 

Shutters or Draperies: Which Is Best for Your Toronto Home?

Summary: Are you deciding between draperies and shutters for your Toronto home? Discover the main differences between these window coverings. Consider factors like privacy, light control, maintenance, appearance, and price to make an informed decision.

Image:pexels.com

Are you looking for high-quality window coverings for your house? The right ones will not only enhance its aesthetic appeal and illumination but preserve your privacy. 

But with so many options, it becomes difficult to choose the best one. To make this decision easier, you should first know the differences between them.

 

In this post, we’ll examine how shutters differ from draperies. Find out, for instance, why plantation and California shutters are suitable for some Toronto homes while draperies are perfect for others. 

Are Draperies or Shutters Better for Your Toronto Home? 

Draperies and shutters differ significantly. Let’s find out the key features of these window treatments.

 

Privacy

Both draperies and shutters are perfect window treatments when it comes to privacy. 

Use a mid-rail to each panel of California shutters to keep the top half open to let light into your Toronto home. The bottom half is effectively closed for maximum privacy. 

Draperies are heavier and offer maximum privacy. Compared to shutters, draperies don’t allow both privacy and light control. When drawn apart, you may get an adequate amount of light but not privacy. If pulled together, you can get privacy without any light. 

Light

You can tilt, open, as well as close shutters to receive maximum natural light. But, unlike draperies, they do not provide a variety of options to diffuse light. These shutters are perfect for places where you require a lot of light such as the bathroom, kitchen, reading room, or living room. They are a good option for letting in adequate light while hiding the view outside. Draperies are ideal for offering either a diffused amount of light or none. 

Appearance

Both shutters and draperies have a distinctive look that adds a touch of sophistication to interiors. Generally, shutters have a limited range of patterns and styles. They also give a house a formal appearance. Their chic appearance is perfect for a modern house. Shutters with the classic two louvers and a center tilt rod meanwhile are a good choice for traditional home decor. 

Draperies have a more diverse range of options. For example, if you want a formal look then choose draperies with solid colours that blend with the walls and drag a little on the ground. Use a valance for a regal look, or go for custom draperies to make a statement. 

Maintenance

Shutters are easy to maintain and only require periodic dusting with a soft cloth. You may clean the louver occasionally using a wet cloth to keep them looking new. 

Drapery maintenance however is exhausting. For example, you have to feather dust them in order to prevent the accumulation of dirt and dust. Moreover, you have to vacuum them at least monthly. You also have to wash them quarterly in order to retain their texture and shape. It also takes quite a long time to take them down and hang them up again.

Price

The total cost of shutters is dependent on the materials and price of installation. Generally, they are more costly than draperies but also last longer if properly maintained. 

Choose draperies if you want a cost-effective window treatment or if you want to alter the look and feel of your room frequently. But, remember, not all draperies are less expensive, especially custom ones. The texture, design, and material you choose are key factors that determine their price.

Draperies and shutters in the Toronto area both have their pros and cons. You may also combine them in order to get window coverings that are unique but functional. Which work best for your house will depend on several factors, such as privacy, light control, appearance, and cost. Make sure you take all of these factors into consideration to pick wisely for your house.

Sources:

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/shutters-vs-drapes-94771.html

https://www.moderngroup.com.au/plantation-shutters-vs-curtains-and-blinds-which-is-better/

https://www.homestratosphere.com/blinds-vs-shades-vs-shutters-vs-curtains/

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-choose-window-treatments-36820872

https://www.gotchacovered.com/blog/2019/june/how-to-pick-the-best-window-treatments-for-each-/

5 Must-Haves for a Modern Kitchen in Mississauga

Summary: Are you designing a modern kitchen in your new Mississauga home? Perhaps you are remodeling your current one? It is a good idea to install the latest features to make your kitchen as functional as it is stylish. Check out these must-haves when it comes to having a modern Mississauga kitchen. 

Are you updating the kitchen in your Mississauga, Ontario home? Or designing a new one? In either case, it is always a good idea to understand the latest kitchen decor developments. This guarantees that you get the best in terms of functionality and style. 

Upgrading your kitchen in the latest style and improving its functionality can have major payoffs. Indeed, it is estimated that you can recoup around 59.7% of your investment. So, if you are looking for a good resale value, this is something you need to consider. 

Here are some features a modern kitchen in Mississauga can’t do without. 

 

Key Features for Every Modern Kitchen 

1. Choosing the Right Cabinetry 

Every modern kitchen needs proper cabinetry as this is a major focal point for the space. 

Feeling unsure about what to choose? Try this kitchen visualizer. Then share your ideas with your interior designer. It’s that simple. 

2. Embracing the Open Concept 

Kitchens separated from the rest of your living space by walls are a thing of the past. Modern kitchens are open fluid spaces where your living room meets the kitchen. Open concept is all about large spaces, or at least the illusion of one. 

If you have a segmented kitchen, consult a well-regarded kitchen designer in Mississauga to help you with the project. 

3. Selecting The Right Countertop 

Counter Topsent are another focal point of your kitchen. They need to be both functional and stylish, so consider your choice carefully. Quartz and granite kitchen countertops are popular choices. Both stand the test of time in terms of how long they last practically and in terms of decor trends. 

These types of countertops are also easy to clean, which makes them great choices for kitchens. To add a stylish note, match your countertops with your kitchen backsplash. Check out the latest kitchen design trends if you really want a modern kitchen. 

4. Pick Sleek And Simple Hardware 

Another clever trick to quickly and affordably spruce up your kitchen is to update the hardware and paint your cabinets. 

Sleek and understated hardware with metal detailing is the essence of a modern kitchen. This includes drawers that are easy to pull out and C-channels 

5. Ensuring Proper Finishing

What makes your modern kitchen in Mississauga perfect? The answer is simple, flawless finishing. Touching up all the small details truly adds up. 

And who better to do the job than a professional? The last thing you want is to have to re-do your new kitchen. Hiring a professional who understands your needs and budget can turn your dream kitchen into a reality. 

These are the must-haves you will find in any modern Mississauga kitchen. If you are planning a complete overhaul or just a few simple upgrades, keep them in mind. Then get in touch with a well-regarded kitchen and cabinet designer near you for the best results. 

 

7 Best Ways to Organize Your Home Office

 

Source: Unsplash

You’re preparing for an important meeting that’s due in 10 minutes. All that’s left to do is put the notes in the right order and you’re good to go. But, no, you’re missing one note that’s the pinnacle of your presentation! Maniacally, you start to look for it all over the home office. The meeting’s about to start and not being able to find the note has thrown you off the balance. This is a problem most employees face when working from home. The solution is simple — keep the office organized at all times. Here’s how to do it. 

Make Use of Natural Light

Are there any windows in your home office? If there are, you should make use of any natural light you may have at your disposal. Natural light increases productivity and satisfaction and reduces eye strain and fatigue. In brightly lit rooms, you don't need any artificial lighting. To take advantage of the light, direct your desk towards the window or parallel with it. In case you don't have any windows in the room, then move the desk closer to the door. By leaving the door open, your room will get some light from the hallway or other rooms.

Use a Monitor Stand 

When setting up their workstations, one rule most people don't follow. Their laptop or monitor height isn't on their eye level. That's the reason why they mostly suffer from eye or neck strains. Also, the keyboard should be flat or slightly tilted, so your wrists stay straight. A simple monitor stand or a desk mount can help you make the necessary adjustments. When you put them up on the desk, make sure to keep the screen at least 20 inches away from your eyes. This way, you won't have to squint when visiting a website or doing your work.

Clear Your Desk 

No matter what kind of work you do, you need no more than 10 to 15 minutes to declutter your workspace. When your creative juices start flowing, it's only natural to keep the work area messy. But, once you finish work for the day, you should spend some time putting everything back in its place. Otherwise, you might misplace some important files or even worse, throw them in the bin. You don't have to tidy the office every day, although it's highly recommended. An organized and neat workstation is all the motivation you need to dive into your daily tasks.

Hang Some Shelves 

If your desk isn't facing the window but a wall, you must have some free space above it. This is a great place for hanging some shelves and creating extra storage space. Also, when combined with some wooden boxes, it adds a nice decorative touch to the room. You can keep those supplies you need often. All you have to reach for them instead of searching the whole home office for something you need right away. In case you don't need shelves, you can hang a wall calendar or a bulletin board as a reminder of important dates and deadlines.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Items

When organizing your home office, there's one question you have to ask yourself. Which items will help me stay productive? Then keep only those items that are essential to your work and maximum productivity. Find a new place in your home for everything else. You don't need extra chairs, piles of magazines, or souvenirs. The same goes for the TV. Take it to another room unless you're a journalist and you need to stay up to date with current events. Otherwise, they'll distract you from your daily tasks. 

Organize Drawers

Drawers make our lives easier. That's at least what most of us think. If you open your drawer right now, chances are it's one giant mess. Take some time and sort through your drawer's contents. Throw out pens that no longer work and return all misplaced items to their original place. Then go to a nearby office supplies store and get yourself an organizer. They contain various sections where you can place all your office supplies and keep them separate. The next time you open the drawer you'll easily find what you need. 

Hide All Loose Cables 

What irritates most people working from home is seeing loose cables and power strips laying around the office. If you're one of them, then it's time to hide them away. For example, you can hide the power strip behind or beneath the desk. Then, use zip ties to tie all loose cables together. You can also find cable clips to keep the cables you occasionally need near your desk. To reduce the use of cords in your home office, switch to a wireless mouse or keyboard.

Wrapping Up 

Misplaced supplies, disorganized drawers, and lack of storage space are the features of most home offices these days. They’re also the reasons you feel unproductive and unmotivated to get stuff done on time. If you just declutter, use zip ties, monitor stands, and drawer organizers, your home office will soon turn into a productivity hub. 

Home improvements that may not pay off when you sell

As a home seller, you'll want to make the most of the sale. Before putting your home on the market, there is a lot of work to do. It's in your interest to invest in upgrades that add value to the house. Thus, after estimating your budget for maintenance, cleaning, and improvements, make a list of what you want to change. Then, calculate which changes will benefit you most. As a homeowner, you may be biased and not realize that you've chosen home improvements that may not pay off when you sell.

Expensive kitchen elements

A renovated kitchen can significantly add to the value of your home. Still, it's important to stay realistic in your expectations. If you have a big home with luxurious features, it's appropriate to invest in such upgrades in every room of the house. Still, focusing on a specific area, like the kitchen, and spending a lot of money on new appliances, cabinets, tile, and countertops won't pay off. No buyer wants a single area that stands out. When exploring their options, future homeowners lean toward homes that offer the most in every field. Marble countertops and expensive tiles are home improvements that may not pay off when you sell. Instead of such investments, go for energy-efficient home upgrades - they are much more sought after among buyers.

Marble countertops would be appropriate in a spacious kitchen, but not so much in a small one.

Luxurious bathroom upgrades

Bathroom improvements that may not pay off when you sell usually include fancy tiles, marble countertops, bathtub and shower replacement, etc. These upgrades are unnecessary if you have a functional and well-maintained bathroom. Instead of spending your remodeling budget on non-essential upgrades, replace the shower curtains, bins, refresh cabinets, and thoroughly clean everything. If you scrub the tiles, grout, and utility areas, your bathroom will look brand new. Add a few decorative pieces to it, and you're done!

Master bedroom expansion

Even though a large master bedroom provides comfort, you should ask yourself whether the future homeowner thinks the same. Moreover, calculate if sacrificing additional space is worth the hassle. If you join two rooms into one, you'll have one room less. The number of rooms is a frequent keyword buyers use when browsing houses for sale. Thus, before deciding on this remodeling step, research which option benefits you more - a huge master bedroom or an additional room? When it comes to value-adding home improvements you should tackle before selling, the ones worth considering shouldn't cost too much. But they'll be worth the mention in your listing.

Instead of expanding the master bedroom, investing in closet and storage space might be a better idea.

Floor treatment 

Quality flooring is a significant feature of every home. Therefore, investing in this area is recommendable before putting your house up for sale. Still, some types of flooring are considered more valuable than others. If you have quality floor-to-floor carpet in the living room, your home probably doesn't lack any coziness. However, carpeting often looks dated, and it requires a lot of maintenance. If this is your primary flooring, this could drop your home value by approximately $4,000. Make sure to hire professional cleaners to thoroughly scrub your flooring in case you cannot do anything else about it.

A swimming pool can be a double-edged sword

In an area with a warm climate, a swimming pool can add up to 7% of your total home value. Still, its maintenance can be incredibly time and money-consuming. Additionally, if you don't have a big backyard, the pool will take up most of the space, which the buyer might want to use differently.

Homes with swimming pools only pay off if the owners can use them all year round. Moreover, it can pay off if you're to a specific group of buyers. According to relocation experts from centennialmoving.ca, families with kids avoid homes with swimming pools. However, in neighborhoods with many vacation homes and rentals, adding a swimming pool is a good idea.

Expensive mosaic tiles and pool upgrades are home improvements that may not pay off when you sell.

Going overboard with landscaping

Dedicating some attention to curb appeal and landscaping is essential if you want to attract buyers. Poor maintenance of the property leads to early decay, and such homes only attract fixer-upper enthusiasts. However, fixer-uppers usually have lower price tags since they require significant investments. If you want to sell your home at a realistic price, improving the exterior matters the same as the interior. Usually, home sellers invest in lighting, repainting the doors, windows, pressure washing the stairs, porches, and driveways. Such home improvements can take years off the property, giving it a clean, new look. Still, nothing makes a house more welcoming than tasteful landscaping.

You can do many landscaping projects on your own. But without the right information, a backyard makeover can cost you more than you'd expect. So, before starting with this project, research native plants for your garden. They are affordable, need less water, and are more sustainable exotic flowers. Keep in mind that seasonal plants might not be a great idea since your home could stay on the market for a while. No homebuyer wants to see photos of a booming yard and face the grim reality of a dying garden.

Conclusion

Selling a home for the first time can be difficult. It requires a lot of preparation and a practical approach to attract potential buyers. If you're uncertain about some of your choices, there are experts that you could consult about home improvements that may not pay off when you sell. Alternatively, you can get inspired by comparing home features with similar properties on the market or visiting open houses.

Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/contemporary-bathroom-with-mirror-and-big-tub-6315803/

https://unsplash.com/photos/eUvshcvtULI

https://unsplash.com/photos/hCU4fimRW-c

https://pixabay.com/photos/pool-house-luxury-swim-that-blue-5055009/