Modernising your garage to add value to your home

If you are looking for ways to increase the value of your home, and a loft conversion is out of your price range, or just too big a job, why not take a look closer to the ground floor and modernise your garage to create a new living space. It can be equally as effective and there are a lot of options.

If you have a detached garage you will need planning permission to convert it into any kind of living space, but in general, if you are not altering the building structure of a garage attached to your house, you won’t need special permission. Always check with your local council first, just to be on the safe side, before starting any large home improvement projects.

You can be innovative about how you use the space – it doesn’t have to become an extra bedroom or a granny annexe! Why not move all of the loud and noisy appliances out of your kitchen and turn your garage into a kitchen extension or utility room. All you need to do is fit a few cupboards and worktops for ease of use, and move your washing machine, tumble dryer and chest freezer out into this extra space.

It may even make room in the kitchen to add some luxury items like a dishwasher or a nice breakfast bar, improving the quality of both spaces – and the impression it would make when selling on.

Why not look at splitting the garage into two new rooms, if it’s long enough, by using stud walls. You can create a useful home office and storage area, for example, to give some extra useful areas. If updating the use of the space, don’t forget to update the door as well! As most garages don’t have windows, a pair of French doors could bring in light and make it look more like a living space.

Other options you can look at to modernise your garage, could be practical – create an additional downstairs bathroom or bedroom. Or why not take a different route and add a luxury room to your house by converting the garage into a bespoke gym, home cinema, or maybe a games room?

If you live in a family-focused area and are trying to sell the house on, then consider converting the garage into a fun family play room for the children to keep all their toys – it will mean less mess and clutter in the house and will appeal to parents and children alike!

Once you have your ideas, do your homework and research what it will mean – do you need power, insulation, heating to be installed? Do you need planning permission for any of the ideas and plans you have – it’s always better to be on the safe side. There can be no doubt that modernising your garage and creating extra useable space will add value to your home in the long run, if done properly. 

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/modernising-your-garage.html

Staying current with the carpet and flooring trends of 2017 – Spruce up your floor

The present carpet trends are not like anything else that’s trending in flooring at the present moment. When it comes to decorating the hard surfaces, it’s all about adding the stone looks and mimicking wood. Soft flooring is a different story altogether. With regards to flooring subject, carpet is one of the most controversial topics. No, not in the sense of argument but in general, people either seem to love it or hate it and those who purely hate the idea of carpeting will always try to convince you about the fact that carpets are outdated. But this isn’t TRUE!

While there are homeowners who watch out for cozy carpets, carpet is still the #1 flooring sellers among choosy homeowners. The concerns of this article will tell you about the carpet and flooring trends that you may follow to remain trendy and stylish.

Trend #1: Carpets

Carpets are gradually getting more eco-friendly and there are some manufacturers who are creating combinations of fiber which take softness to an entirely new level. There are factories all over UK which make ‘green’ carpets. The ace carpet manufacturers are of the opinion that the evolution of softer textures serves the cutting-edge trend of their business and they’re surprised enough to see the return of luxury carpet. The broad genre called cut-and-loop is in trend nowadays and most of them are multi-tonal and heathered and the trend is towards patterned carpets with cleaner finish. You can get local carpet fitters to fit in your favorite carpet inside your room. 

Trend #2: Bamboo

Bamboo has been in trend for a long time now but something that we can see off late is an explosion of styles and colors. Technically, bamboo is a fast-growing grass and bamboo is harder than most hardwoods after they’re dried. Strand-woven bamboo is a highly engineered product which is twice as hard as conventional bamboo flooring. As with any kind of wooden flooring, it is always best to keep bamboo away from rooms that are moisture-prone like baths and kitchens. 

Trend #3: Reclaimed wood

Another rising trend in flooring is offering classic looks by leveraging new technology and the best example for that is reclaimed hardwood. The new form of hardwood flooring offers the charm of reclaimed timber but the best part is that there are no high costs associated with it. Wood that is factory-finished will be able to withstand all moisture fluctuations and can perform better than any wood flooring which is done onsite.

Trend #4: Large format tile

In the world of tiles, we always see an explosion of shapes, sizes, patterns and materials and mainly popular these days are the large-format tiles. These tiles come in 12” X 24” sizes and sometime even 36” X 36”. Apart from giving a great look to the floor, larger sized tiles mean more tile surface and less lines to clean. In order to get a professional look, hire a pro installer.

Therefore, if you’re confused about the kind of flooring to add to your house, choose any one from the above mentioned trends to stay fashionable and trendy.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/carpet-flooring-trends.html

5 Cases when calling an electrician is mandatory for your home

Electrician

Not every homeowner has all the relevant knowledge about the wires, panels, electrical outlets and other aspects. In such cases, it is better to call an electrician and get the work done. A lot of people try their hands on electrical works just to save their precious money. A minor issue can turn out to be a complicated when you try working out yourself without much knowledge and skill. Therefore, experts recommend having the contact details of the professional electric serviceman in case of emergencies. Electrical wiring and faulty electrical accessories can also increase the power consumption bill and if you do not handle these parts with excat knowledge, then you can get affected by a short circuit. It can also set your house on fire. In these cases, it is suggested to solve the minimal electrical issues by hiring some certified electricians only.

When you should call a professional electrician?

Let us check out five major electricity problems when you will need a professional to repair it in a right way. Have a look at them as follows.

Electrician

Flickering of lights: When you notice the lights of your home flickering all of a sudden and you are unable to fix it by yourself then it might be because of internal damage or wrong wiring. The solution is calling an expert who can actually figure out the root cause of the problem and repair it. You may thinkthat due to power fluctuation, you are facing these problems but if you notice the power fluctuation problems then it is more dangerous. Constant power fluctuation can damage your main fuse and it can permanently damage your electrical meter.

Burnt fuses: Has any of the fuses of your home got burnt or blown out? There is no question of repairing the same fuse; rather you will have to replace the entire fuse. Instead of wasting time and thinking how to repair, call an electrician immediately and get the matter sorted out without risking the entire electrical system of your property. It is suggested that do not try to use any adhesive and tape on the burned fuse because it can lead to some dangerous effects, and it can even set fire to your house. So always replace the damaged fuse by contacting with some professional electricians.

Building a new house: If you have constructed a new home, then surely you will need a complete and effective electrical system. It is mandatory to call a professional to create a perfect and functional system for the home. The certified and professional electrical contractors can easily install and design the electrical wiring and other accessories in your new building.

Security system for the house: Nobody likes to invite burglars and criminals in your house. Hence, nowadays everyone is installing security systems to protect the people and the property. Only experts can install the right kind of security systems to help you stay safe and relaxed.

Water related issues: It is known to everyone that water and current are the worst enemies, which can result in extremely serious situations. Whenever you notice any leaks or such issues, you need to call the electrician immediately to reduce the risk of any danger.

The person whom you are going to hire should have a license that reflects that he is a proficient man for the job. He will assure you right solution and as per the government standards of the country. In addition to this, the licensed person will also charge the fees based on the industry rates and you can be rest assured after hiring him for the task.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/calling-electrician.html

The Quick Guide to Insulating Walls Yourself

The DIY Doctor's Blog
The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

Saving money by insulating your walls is nothing new, but if you haven’t done it yet it is probably because you don’t know where to start. This is our guide to putting that right! We will link to the projects to show you how to insulate your walls, or get someone else in to help Read on...

The Quick Guide to Insulating Walls Yourself

from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2017/01/insulating-walls-yourself/

2 Stunning Hardwoods That Make the Best Bathroom Vanities

The New Year has finally arrived and I’m sure you want every nook of your house to look new-like and fresh. And you also want to change the decor of your house according to the latest trends, right? So, what are you waiting for? Revamp your home and make it look absolutely gorgeous. Home renovation won’t just enhance the aesthetics, but will also increase its value. Therefore, go for a renovation and when renovating your home, don’t ignore the bathroom. You must be thinking, why I am saying this. Well, it’s because more than half of the homeowners ignore their bathroom when they are renovating the entire home and the reason is hilarious. What most of them claim is that “nobody is going to check the bathroom when they visit my home!” But what if the guests want to go to the loo and they find out that during renovation you have focused on living and bedroom and completely ignore the bathroom? That’s really embarrassing. So, do revamp your bathroom, as it is definitely one of the most important rooms of the house and the most used one too.

Now, if you are thinking that renovating a bathroom area will cost you way too much, then that’s your biggest misconception. To renovate your bathroom, you neither have to hire an interior designer nor buy expensive decorative items. And you don’t even have to change every single part of the bathroom. All you need to do is replace the sink area with a stylish bathroom vanity.

A bathroom vanity won’t just make the sink area look more royal, but will also help you keep the bathroom clutter free. Wondering, how is that possible? Well, these vanities come with cabinets where you can easily store your bathroom essentials. So, wait no more and visit a reputed store that is famous for selling attractive and affordable Wholesale Bathroom Vanities.

Thinking, which type of bathroom vanity to purchase? Well, there are varieties of bathroom vanities available in the market. But as an interior designer, I would suggest you purchase wooden vanities as they will make your bathroom look stunning. Here is the list of wooden vanities which are best for bathrooms and their characteristics.

Take a look

2 Best Hard Wood For Bathroom Vanities

• Maple Wood

This is one of those woods which are mostly used in making the bathroom as well as kitchen cabinets. I’m sure you must have come across people saying that maple kitchen cabinets are the best. But trust me; bathroom vanity cabinets made of this wood are good as well. So, you can opt for maple bathroom vanities. Some of the pros of this wood are:

1. It has consistent and fine grain all over it that makes for a uniform, handsome appearance.
2. This wood has warm consistent shading, which takes stains brilliantly.   
3. It is absolutely durable. And in fact, it is said to be sturdier than any other wood.

• Walnut Wood

After maple, if there is another wood that is loved by interior designers and furniture makers or carpenters then that is none other than walnut wood. And believe me, if you purchase walnut bathroom vanities, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of its specialties:

1. This is quite a strong wood. But still, try o prevent it from blows and bashes.
2. Walnut wood has smooth, fine and general straight wood grain, which makes it look classy. In fact, it mellows with age. Trust me; you’ll love to see the color transformation from dark to light.

These were the two best kinds of wood that will make great bathroom vanities. So, wait no more, rush to a reputed store and purchase wholesale bathroom vanities.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/wholesale-bathroom-vanities.html

What Type of Concrete is Right for Your Garden Project

Garden renovations are a common practice for homeowners all over the world, whether it’s turning a jungle of a garden into a neat, clean living space or it’s just bringing your outdoor area up to date. Everyone has an idea of what they want their renovated garden to look like – what plants are going to take which spots, where the pond might go, how big the patio is going to be – but knowing the materials required for certain aspects of the project is a different matter.

In this piece, we are going to detail why you might concrete for different aspects of your garden project and why they are necessary. (Different types of concrete have different pricing, so please ensure you understand the costs of each concrete before you begin):

External pathways:

For external pathways, we recommend C30 concrete. This concrete is designed for lighter applications, like paving in gardens. The PAV 1 mixes of C30 concrete contain an air entrainment additive, used to create standard air bubbles that help to protect the concrete from freeze-thaw cycles. 

Swimming pools:

As swimming pools are obviously heavy, the concrete that they need to be built upon needs to be strong. C40 concrete is ideal for this purpose. It’s used commonly for support beams and structural support, including footage and foundations. C40 concrete is also used for septic tanks.

Fence posts:

In order to ensure your fence posts are secured in the ground, they need to have solid foundations. C20 concrete is the ideal choice for this, as it is designed for lightweight domestic applications.

Patios:

For seating and socialising in your garden, you can’t go wrong with a patio. But the patio needs a solid base to ensure people are sitting comfortably. C20 concrete is the material for you.

Find out more at EasyMix Concrete UK Ltd in London

 

The post What Type of Concrete is Right for Your Garden Project appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/what-type-of-concrete-is-right-for-your-garden-project/

Points To Consider When Buying A Mini Digger For Yourself

When it comes to comparing the different mini excavators, there are some main factors that need to be taken into consideration. These include the operating height, dump height and digging depth. These 3 aspects will always have an effect on the size and type of machinery that you will obtain as they impact directly on the productivity levels when it comes to job sites.

Before deciding on one model, make sure you are pairing your requirements with the capabilities of a machine in order to ensure they are matching up. Choosing an excavator that is undersized will not provide enough functionality or power in order to accomplish your job requirements in an effective manner. And even when the bigger excavators may seem like a better choice they can risk causing unnecessary damages on a job site as well as using significant amounts of fuel.

Factors To Keep In Min When Comparing Diggers

Below are the main factors that manufacturers make use of to compare diggers to their competing models. Some of the machines can fall outside of the ranges, they still represent an average of the availability currently.

Bore

These are mainly utilized for installing cables or conduits and underground-utility construction. The directional bores are able to drill in a horizontal manner underground with average diameters of between 3.7 to 4.5 inches in relation to diameter for the mini excavators.

Net Power

This is a representation of the “total output” these machines are capable of. The lower end machines are designed for lighter duties such and handling of materials and landscaping and the higher end machines are designed for mining applications, heavy-duty construction, trenching and stump removals. You can expect these machines to feature horsepower of between 10hp and 50hp.

Swing System

This design will allow the operators the ability to hydraulically-shift their boom in specific ranges of degrees to the right or the left. These are utilized for trenching and digging in a parallel way to the tracks of the machine. The typical swing speeds range between 9.2 and 11 RPMs.

Engine Fuel

In regards to the horsepower required even with the light-duty tasks, each mini digger uses diesel fuel and will feature tank sizes that vary from as little as 3.6 gallons onto 33 gallons dependent on the output and size of these machines.

Maximum Governed

With the intention to maintain torque loads placed on the engine which occur with varying demands, a typical maximum when it comes to governed RPM is about 2200 RPM.

Maximum Digging Depth

This should be one of the main considerations to keep in mind before purchasing a mini excavator. This is because it will dictate the depth of the trenches. When it comes to mini diggers you can expect a 5.5 to a 12 feet deep range.

Max Dump Height

Another important consideration, particularly when the machine will be used to handle materials on a job site. The maximum dump height varies between 6 to 13 feet.

Operating Weight

Often referred to as “compact” or “mini” this portion of the excavators weigh anything from 2,000 to 18,500 lbs and will be chosen according to the least impact it will have on the working environment.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/buying-mini-digger.html

The rage of steam: don’t panic – if looked after, steam radiators aren’t dangerous

As a home heating device, radiators operating via steam have been around for many decades. In fact, they predate central heating systems relying on hot water-based radiators. Granted, in many homes up and down the UK, hot water-powered systems have long been favoured over their steam counterparts, yet in some instances (and certainly in homes outside the UK; for instance, in the US) the latter remains very common. But why?

Well, the advantage with a steam system is it drives heat through pipes and to radiators without the need for pumping, which makes heat distribution easier – and cheaper – through large, tall buildings, such as inner city apartment blocks. However, there is a drawback. Relatively speaking, a steam-based central heating system may be considered more dangerous than a hot water-based one – if it’s not properly maintained, that is. Obviously, these dangers can be avoided so long as inspection takes place regularly and worn out and faulty parts are repaired and replaced.

Old radiators, systems and boilers

So what goes wrong with steam systems? Well, as many are ageing nowadays, some are at the mercy of wear and tear; specifically corrosion inside their pipework and boiler, usually unseen and unnoticed, thus potentially causing pipes to burst, blasting steaming vapour into rooms or even causing explosions.

Additionally, there can also be pressure build-up within the pipes and so stress on the entire system because ageing boilers are not being turned on and off automatically due to faulty thermostatic controls. Or because a boiler may have become clogged up with chemicals and minerals or because radiator relief valves have worn out and refuse to open. In such aged and compromised systems, valves may also simply break off if they’re worn out, resulting again in a room filling with steam and suddenly resembling a piping hot sauna.

It’s worth mentioning too that should a system be leaking a large amount of steam or generating a lot of humid air via its radiators, it’s likely to foster mould in a room, which can prove to be a health hazard for young children, the elderly and people afflicted with allergies and respiratory conditions. Again, however, it should also be stressed that, although the wearing out of components is common, these worst case scenarios are rare because steam systems are, by and large, effectively maintained.

Maintenance is crucial

If you’re responsible for a steam system then it’s crucial you ensure it’s regularly inspected and kept in good condition. This should involve a professional expert examining the boiler, its radiators, its exposed pipes and its release valves, specifically for any worn or broken components. They also should check the guide marks to be found on the boiler’s sight glass; these will inform them whether or not the boiler contains the correct amount of water. Moreover, they should insist on the area in which the boiler’s stored be kept free of all dust and debris – allowing the latter to build up here is just asking for trouble as they could become potential fire hazards.

All that said, there is, of course, an alternative to maintaining an old steam system. Depending on the constraints of the building it serves, it may be possible to upgrade it; that is, replace it with a more modern and (relatively) safer hot water-powered system, which would also be a good excuse for installing new, stylishly designed radiators. And why not? Given there are so many different smart and elegant types to choose from today, including the likes of the towel rail radiator and the mirror radiator.

Rarely dangerous

If installing a whole new central heating system isn’t an option, though, then it’s certainly possible to keep a steam system going; irrespective of its age, so long as it’s been well looked after. To that end, such a system is unlikely to pose significant dangers to home occupants. Indeed, most injuries from a radiator tend to occur because children have foolishly touched its piping hot, metal surface rather than because steam has escaped or exploded out of the radiator owing to a broken or worn out valve or any other system components.

It is true, of course, that steam can burn skin worse than hot water because it may be superheated; however, children tend to get burned much more often by scalding bath water than by steam, while the severity of steam burns are often lower than those caused by fire. Unlike steam systems and radiators then, fire – that potentially highly dangerous component found in every home – is surely the main one every household should remain ever vigilant about.

The post The rage of steam: don’t panic – if looked after, steam radiators aren’t dangerous appeared first on UK Home Improvement Blog.

from UK Home Improvement Blog http://www.ukhomeimprovement.co.uk/the-rage-of-steam-dont-panic/

Thinking About Installing an Outside Tap? This is What you Need to Know

The DIY Doctor's Blog
The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

There are several good reasons to fit an outside tap. We look at them further down the page, but you have probably already made up you mind that you need a garden tap – now you need to choose one to suit your own style. Decorative Garden Taps You can get decorative taps like this Read on...

Thinking About Installing an Outside Tap? This is What you Need to Know

from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2017/01/installing-an-outside-tap-tips/

Why Wear Safety Boots or Shoes?

The DIY Doctor's Blog
The DIY Doctor's Blog - DIY and Home Improvement Hints, Tips, Help and Advice from The DIY Doctor

Construction workers in the UK suffered approximately 66,000 non fatal accidents a year since 2013, according to HSE (the Health and Safety Executive). OK, so obviously not all of them are foot-related so they couldn’t all be avoided by safety footware, but many can. Puncture Wounds to Feet Stepping on sharp objects is a very Read on...

Why Wear Safety Boots or Shoes?

from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2017/01/why-wear-safety-boots-or-shoes/

How to Remodel Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace and you are looking for a way to brighten it up, breathe a breath of fresh air into your fireplace, whether indoors or outdoor, or you just want a change, you really can do this quite easily. Refreshing up a fireplace can be as easy as adding paint, or more complex – such as shaving down the niche. Also, when planning on selling the house or rent it off, (landlordstation.com sort it for you) it’s still a valuable remodel. Below, we will be talking about a few ideas you can use for your own fireplace to change the look of it completely.

Remodel Fireplace

Add Some Paint

Paint is such an easy and inexpensive option. One idea is to also change the paint in the space on the walls. This will create a more fluid look. Add in a few paintings to the walls that also incorporate the colors of the walls and the fireplace to tie it all in. One thing to remember though; when painting a fireplace made from brick, this is a very porous material. If proper precautions are not taken beforehand, you are going to end up using more paint than you ought to! Try to use a paint that is specifically for a fireplace or masonry paint. One suggestion is to use something like a breathable latex paint such as Sherwin Williams Super Paint Acrylic Latex. The great thing about paint too, is that you can easily change the look whenever you want to another color or another texture. Simply paint over it! No removing adhesives or modular panels or whatever else. This is definitely one of the cheaper and easier options.

Marble For Less

Marble can be a very expensive material. Not only in terms of production, but also because you have to get a professional to install it. But, what if there was a quicker, easier and cheaper way around it that you could do yourself? One idea is to use faux marble adhesive paper for the tile surround. Even better: Keep any adhesive handy you find, that you really love the look of, such as granite, slate or another stone, you can use this as well. It takes just a few minutes to cut the tiles out and then place them on the surround. This is also a really great option for people that rent!

White Washing Brick

Brick tends to have a very outdated look to it, especially on a fireplace. Would you want a way to change the “color” of the brick? you can actually whitewash it. This can also be done by you which means it can be a budget friendly and cost efficient project. Simply take white paint with an eggshell finish and brush it onto the brick in small sections. Then, take a clean cloth and wipe it down to remove the paint. You still get the texture of the brick, but it changes the color of the dark red to something a little more bright and clean looking.

Wall Treatments

Wall treatments are panels that are specifically designed for walls – or any flat surface for that matter. These particular panels are made of hardwood that is used for flooring or any composite wood material. These panels can actually be attached to the surround of the fireplace to create a really different look, add texture, and create a whole new style for the room. If you are really concerned about the wood that you will be bringing in for your wall treatments, go through rainforestinfo.org.au which provides you with ample information on improted wood.

Above in the brick red section, these panels would work wonders in taking a room from outdated to modern or shabby chic, or even traditional. It really depends on the texture and pattern on the panels. One company to consider is called tilemarkets.com. They have interlocking panels which are super easy to install.

Statement Making Tile

Let`s say you have the ability to install tile or you’ve ever installed tile on a floor or in your bathroom, this should also be an easy project you can do. If not, that’s okay. This shouldn’t cost all that much so, have someone else install the tiles for you. You can simply visit an online store such as tilemarkets.com to have many options in hand right away. The plan is to purchase tiles which will complement the rest of the room. For instance, an area rug in the living room, with blue and white chevrons, you can take blue and white tiles and place these around. It’s a really easy way to change the look of the fireplace and you can use and find any colors or patterns of porcelain tiles for the job. You can also use any other material you want besides porcelain. You can use slate slabs or square tiles, granite, marble, glass, pretty much anything you can think of, you can use for the surround, or the entire wall for that matter.

More On:

landlordstation.com

rainforestinfo.org.au

tilemarkets.com

 

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/how-remodel-fireplace.html

Stove Top Kettle Versus Electric Kettle: Which One is Better?

Electric kettles are getting more and more popular these days. Aside from their sleek and modern look, they also come with a handful of hard-to-resist features. Although in-demand, there are still tons of people who prefer stove top kettles. If you are wondering why, here are some of the most common criteria buyers use when deciding which type of kettle to get.

Usage

Electric kettles are convenient to have at home. They can automatically turn off once the water boils which means you’ll have more time to do other important tasks. Unfortunately, since you won’t have to constantly keep an eye on your kettle, it’s easy to forget that you even turned it on. As a result, you’ll have to boil the water again which can double the energy you consume.

Stove top kettles, on the other hand, doesn’t turn itself off so you’ll need to patiently wait for your water to boil. If you fail to turn it off on time, you can end up drying up your kettle and you’ll need to fill it with water and heat it again. That means you’ll use twice the energy and water.

Heating efficiency

When you boil water using a stove, you’re diffusing heat not only to the kettle but the surrounding air as well. This means you’ll be wasting more energy during the process. In contrast, electric kettles come with enclosed heating components which means you’ll only be heating the water. Since the energy is more focused, you’re likely to spend less time boiling water with an electric kettle.

Dependability

Electric kettles can technically run on any place that has electricity. This means that they are not your best option if you and your family frequently go on trips or campsites that don’t have electricity. You may have to buy a stove top kettlefor that purpose. They are also a less reliable choice if you live in an area that frequently encounters power outages.

Temperature setting

There are drinks that don’t require being boiled to over a hundred degree Celsius. Some herbal teas need to be heated under lower water temperature to retain their flavors and healing properties. If you are going to use a stove top kettle, this can be a bit difficult to achieve without investing in good kitchen thermometer. Even if you do have a thermometer, turning off your stove at the exact temperature can still be tricky.

If you are into specialty teas, you’ll be better off with electric kettles since some of them come with specific temperature settings. You just basically need to know the optimum temperature for your tea, set it and just wait until your kettle is done brewing the tea for you.

Cost

When making a purchase, it’s essential to make some comparisonsbetween electric and stove top kettles first, especially if you are on a tight budget. Most electric kettles come with special functions, such as rapid boiling and automatic shut down features, so you can’t expect them to come cheap.

If your main goal in purchasing a kettle is just to boil water, a stove top kettle should be enough. It costs less but basically gets the same job done. It may not give you the benefits modern electric kettles have to offer but it’s durable enough to last you a long time. In the end, you can even save more money from it.

Stove top kettles can also make you feel more at home. It has a retro feel that can make you feel relaxed when you’re boiling water in a lazy morning.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/stove-top-kettle-versus-electric-kettle.html

5 Reasons You Should Renovate Your Bathroom Now!

The bathroom is one of the most-used rooms in the house, and is also subject to wear and tear. However, when it comes to upgrading the home, it is often overlooked. Many people see the bathroom as a purely functional room, but it need not be this way. In fact, a beautiful bathroom is a very satisfying place, so we have put together a list of five reasons why you really should be renovating your bathroom. 

Add Value to Your Home

Perhaps the most important factor is that a well-designed, modern and fresh bathroom adds value to the home. If you are thinking of selling, it is one of the most cost-effective methods of getting the best price, as buyers will certainly be impressed with a beautiful bathroom. Use the latest fixtures, from showers to taps and more, and you will present a room that is a pleasure to enter and use. Whether you choose a modern, sleek style or a more traditional bathroom suite, you have a great choice of quality, affordable fixtures and fittings, so choose wisely, and you and you friends will be impressed with your new room.

Update a Tired Room

Over the years, tiles become cracked, floors become worn and discoloured and your bathroom fixtures and fittings may be worn or broken. It’s all too easy to simply overlook this and work with what you have got, but you may be surprised to find out how affordable it is to rectify the problem. There are many different types of flooring you can choose, for example, in many different colours and designs, and when it comes to tiles, the choice is endless. Carefully designed tiling can really make a bathroom, so check out the many options and you will find something that suits.

Install Modern Equipment

One of the most impressive aspects of updating a bathroom is the range of modern equipment that you can choose from. The latest taps are very stylish, and many do not need to be touched to work, and the choice of very attractive, sleek and beautiful bathtubs, sinks and toilets means you can change your current, ordinary bathroom into one that is stunning in every way, and practical too. If you wish, you can stay with the traditional look but use more modern furnishings, perhaps with a stylish claw-foot bath, a popular choice for larger bathrooms.

Efficient Electric Shower

Taking a shower is likely one of the most important of your daily routines, but the modern electric shower is a far more impressive item than you may realise. Electric showers come in many forms and are very powerful and efficient, and they are affordable to buy, install and run. There are many head designs offering excellent distribution of water, and with effective control of heat and pressure you can have a shower that is perfect every time. There is plenty of information on the best electric shower for your bathroom design, so make sure you check out the various options and take all the advice you can get. 

A Fresh Approach

For many people, the reason for renovating a bathroom is simply because they want a new look. It is often the last room in the house to get the fresh treatment, so once you have improved the rest of the house, the bathroom may look out of place, dated and tired. Or, you may simply be bored with your current design, and want something new and impressive instead. Taking a bath in a new, modern bathroom is a pleasure that you will enjoy every time, so have a look at the options for renovating your bathroom carefully, and you will find something that is perfect for your available space.

The above are just a few of the reasons why you should renovate your bathroom, and there are many more. Whether you design your new room yourself or have a professional take a look for you, don’t forget to include storage space and shelves, two items that are often overlooked. Once you have your new bathroom design you will feel like you have a whole new home, so start searching now for the best designs available, and enjoy a beautiful, usable bathroom that will be the envy of your friends.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/01/renovate-your-bathroom.html