Are you Suffering From Poor Water Pressure?

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

Low water pressure in the home can be a bit of a problem, especially if you have a power shower, en-suite, and several kitchen appliances all competing for water. Many people just put up with this problem, even though there are solutions out there to suit most types of system, that are very cost effective. Read on...

Are you Suffering From Poor Water Pressure?

from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2017/09/poor-water-pressure/

Enlighten your outdoor garden space with rattan garden furniture

What can be more wonderful than welcoming your guests for alfresco lunches during summers and springs? And yes, what better than to deck up your outdoor recreational space with rattan garden furniture. They are a great choice when you want to look for something different than the regular indoor dining tables. So, renovate your garden space with the super stylish and highly functional rattan garden dining sets.

How to deck up your outdoor space with rattan furniture?

Rattan or should we say natural rattan is now overpowered by synthetic rattan in terms of popularity and use. Over the years, the love for rattan outdoor garden furniture has only increased, thanks to the manufacturers who discovered HDPE that offers extreme versatility, functionality and above all looks extremely stylish and lasts longer than you could think of.

The first consideration that you should pay is the space for which you are thinking of decking up with rattan furniture. For the conservatories and the patio, you can well think of corner sofa sets or even a table and a chair or even a cube set would look awesome. Well, if it is garden space, then first measure the space and then look for the furniture.

The options in dining sets are immense. You can pick from round dining set, square, rectangle, cube or even corner set. if you just want to achieve a cosy space wherein you can soak in the sun reading your favourite book or spending some close moments with your friends or loved ones, you can well consider sofa sets where you can unwind and retire for the day bed. Day beds are also becoming quite popular for you need not require any parasol and you can still beat the sun and enjoy a small nap.

It is apt to call rattan outdoor garden furniture “Bold and Beautiful” for it is manufactured from the best quality HDPE. You can leave them outdoors for the entire rain even if it is raining, snowfall or harsh sun rays. Rattan furniture bravely faces all the vagaries of nature and still maintains its shine and elegance.

Today’s rattan furniture comes in various colours too. it is not just natural hues from which you have to make a choice, but today you can choose from black, grey, white and silver as well. If you want more colours, why not have colourful scatters that you can change as and when you want. The cushion covers are removable and even washable too.

At Brooks Rattan Garden Furniture, outdoor rattan garden furniture not only comes with extensive range but with the promise of best price and free shipping. Moreover, you also enjoy an extended 10 year all weather guarantee on the entire range.

Outdoor rattan garden furniture is definitely a stylish and at the same time an intelligent investment for the home owners who want to give a different look to their outdoor recreational space.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/09/outdoor-garden-space-rattan-garden-furniture.html

Does Artwork Enhance a Home?

Way back in the mists of time, prehistoric man created cave paintings using naturally sourced materials, presumably to add a bit of ambiance to his home. As the centuries rolled on, man invested in paintings and sculptures to decorate his home. He sought out talented individuals and commissioned works of art. By the time the 20^th century came, the development of mass-market printing techniques enabled artwork to be distributed to the masses. Mrs. Jones at 49 Acacia Avenue couldn’t afford to buy a Van Gogh painting of sunflowers, but she could afford a nice fine art reproduction print in a pretty frame. 

Of course, not everyone appreciates artwork. Some people have no interest in hanging paintings or prints on their wall. For them, the idea of browsing art galleries and buying a painting doesn’t appeal. They would rather hang a 4K HDR top-of-the-range television on their wall and stare at that all night. Well, each to their own, but in case you are ruminating on the question of whether artwork enhancesa home, let’s discuss.

What’s Your Personal Taste in Art?

You don’t need to be an expert to appreciate fine art. We all have our own personal taste in art. Some people love realistic landscapes whereas others prefer modernist abstract paintings. Try to imagine how the world would look with no pictures, no advertising in magazines or on the screen. The world would be a very different place. 

Art is known to relieve stress, which is why it is common to see artwork in hospitals and medical centers. Sure, staring at a painting of a cute puppy is probably not going to make your toothache go away, but it might distract you for a few blissful moments. 

Art Soothes Stress

The fact is, people instinctively feel better when they can look at artwork. It helps us to relax, soothes a fractious mood, and creates a sense of harmony, in much the same way that listening to music does. Researchers have also found that artwork in offices enhances productivity, which is why many businesses pay a lot of money for fine art paintings on top sites like fineartamerica.com to hang on their walls! 

Hanging art on your wall is a form of self-expression. We are drawn to artwork that “speaks” to us on a subliminal level. You might not understand it, but it doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate it. Art often provokes strong emotions, some positive and some negative. Choosing artwork for your walls gives people an insight into your personality. If they don’t know you that well, they can glean things about you from the type of artwork you like. 

The Finishing Touch

Artwork adds a finishing touch to a room’s décor. Think of a print or painting as the icing on the cake. Bare, naked walls are plain and uninspiring, but a colorful painting hung in a prominent spot invites conversation and enhances the room immeasurably. 

You don’t need to be an expert to buy art. You also don’t need to be wealthy. Look for fine art prints or work created by local artists and select the pieces that you love the most.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/09/does-artwork-enhance-home.html

7 Hassle free tips when moving house in Sarasota

Are you planning a move to Sarasota, FL? Maybe you have to relocate for work or an irresistible business opportunity. Perhaps you are in the military or there is a serious health issue in your family. Whatever the situation, you do not have to compound things by stressing over the move, which is a common response. Instead, here are seven moving tips to make packing up your life and embarking on a new journey hassle-free.

1. Plan Ahead

As anyone who has moved can tell you, the process of relocating your home and family to a new location can be thrilling, frustrating, exciting, and angst-filled all at the same time. The best way to avoid chaos during a move is to have everything planned out in advance and contingencies in place if problems arise. Start packing as soon as possible and know what items will be going with you. Then, you can make arrangements for donations and decide how to dispose of other unwanted and/or unneeded items. Maybe family or friends can benefit from your hand-me-downs. It is also a good idea to contact moving and storage companies inSarasota well in advance to ensure services and/or availability on the desired moving date(s).

2. Compile a List

When moving, you want to make sure that everything is documented. As such, prior to packing your first box, you need to develop a record keeping and tracking system. You should also save it to your computer for future reference and/or if problems arise. You can organize via labels, numbers, stickers, or some other coding system to track the contents of your home. If you are on a shoestring budget and/or your family has been devastated by the recent hurricanes in Florida, then even a simple notebook could do the job. No matter what system you use, every box, suitcase, and/or storage container should be marked according to the record keeping system.

3. Find Plenty of Packing Materials

When preparing for a move, you must have plenty of packing materials. This means stocking up on boxes, tape, labels, stickers, and other essential items. The best places to find boxes include liquor stores, grocery chains, recycling centers, etc. They usually have an abundance of clean boxes of varying sizes that are free for the taking. If you are fond of online shopping, save your clean shipping containers or ask family and/or friends to save theirs for you. In a pinch, you can also purchase clean boxes that are suitable for packing. Instead of spending money on bubble wrap, consider using blankets, newspapers, sheets, etc. to cushion fragile items and keep them safe.

4. Keep Important Papers Within Reach

All personal information and important papers,such as personal ID, credit cards, social security information, recent bank records, etc., should be kept within reach. You should have a special container or place for these items and know where they are at all times.

5. Keep Cherished Items Out of Reach

As with number 4 above, any family heirlooms and cherished items should be given extra care and attention. They should be kept out of harm's way and moved by their owners if possible. If this is not an option, the movers should be notified in advance of their significance and extra precautions should be taken to ensure their safe transport.

6. Compartmentalize Your Belongings

In preparation for a move, you should take the opportunity to sort through your belongings and decide their fate. The simplest and most effective way is to compartmentalize your belongings into four sections--Keep, Sell, Donate, and Trash. As you are going through your home and packing up, this strategy should be employed in each room.

7. Downsize Your Life

A relocation presents the opportunity for new beginnings. Consider the benefits of downsizing as you go and the potential profit that can be made from selling off unwanted and/or unneeded items.

As we addressed in this article, there are many ways to help make your upcoming move easier and more efficient. These tips can assist anyone with their relocation--whether it is in Sarasota, across town, coast-to-coast, or another country. Consider these strategies for a hassle-free move when packing up your possessions and embarking on a new life.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/09/moving-house-sarasota.html

Patch That Pipe: What To Do As You Wait For The Plumber

Introduction

What happens when you have a faulty pipe in your property, and you don`t have any experience with repairing such types of damage? Well, it is important that you make perceptive choices, to ensure that you don't rack up a large water bill due to the excessive wastage and in terms of pipe repair costs.

Although, pipe repair might seem like a simple procedure, it requires the competence of professional company to achieve the best results.

This is especially true if you have a large piece of property which has several water flow supply lines and piping systems. It can be difficult to repair the damaged sections of such a system, but you can easily patch up any damaged sections as you wait for the plumber to arrive.

This is perhaps one of the best solutions for you to start with for your unique needs. It will help you save extra cash on wasted water. The following are some of the tips for patching a pipe, as you wait for the plumber to arrive on the scene.

Tips

Block the seepage or damaged area

If the damaged area is simple to access, you want to ensure that you block that damaged area to avoid any wastage of water. You can use various items including cloths, adhesives and more.

By blocking any damaged sections of the pipe, you increase the likelihood that your pipe won't suffer from any added damage or compromised performance.

Turn of the water supply

More so, another important factor for you to consider is that you should turn off the water supply. By turning off the water supply, you reduce any what that is wasted. A good recommendation is to directly turn off the water and main supply as you wait for the plumber to arrive at your property.

Other Tips

Broadly speaking, when it comes to ensuring that your pipe suffers no added damaged or compromised performance, ensure that you make savvy choices for the best results. In fact, ensure that you develop you DIY pipe repair skills since they might come in handy when completing any future projects.

More so, ensure that you also acquire a comprehensive repair tool set, which will help you during the repair procedures, as you wait for the plumber to arrive at your destination.

Benefits of a plumber service

Professional services and experienced staff

Satisfaction guarantee

Long lasting results

Affordable services packages

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/09/patch-that-pipe.html

How Frequent Should You Clean Your Air Ducts

How frequent should you clean your air ducts? The short answer is from three to five years, depending on the amount of dust in your home, dander and hair from pets or an event that would trigger air duct cleaning requirements. The best way to confirm whether you need your air ducts cleaned is to check around your air vents and also the filter area.

If your air vents show signs of dust or even mold it is time to have your all of your ducts cleaned. Check around your cold air return vents for signs of dust buildup as well as around the hot air vents. Remove one of the grilles and using a flashlight observe whether there is a buildup of dust in the duct.

Most furnace and HVAC manufacturers recommend that you change the filters in your system once a year or even more often if you live in dusty conditions or if there is lots of pet hair etc. When you change the filter, examine the filter to determine whether there is a buildup of dust etc.. Check the motor compartment also. If there is dust or pet hair accumulating, you may need your ducts cleaned as well.

Other Triggers for air duct cleaning

New Home Construction – during construction of new homes a great deal of drywall dust and even garbage can settle into the vents. You may have cigarette butts, soft drink cans etc. in the ducts. Needless to say it is a good idea to have all of the vents cleaned before you turn on your furnace or HVAC for the first time.

Major Renovations – if you have just completed renovations in your home, chances are that some dust will have collected in the ducts via the cold air return. If the renovation work is underway during a time when the furnace fan is running, not only will there be dust in the system, you may find that a fine dust has percolated throughout your home. You may need a thorough cleaning of the floors as well as the ducts in a situation like this.

Damp Conditions – In some cases, mold spores can develop in damp basements and find their way into the cooling or heating system. If this is the case consumers should hire a duct cleaning company who specializes in removing mold from the ducts.

Residents with Allergies – During the spring and summer, windows are open, our pets are in and out and our family comes and go. We all track dust and pollen into the home. On windy days a great deal of pollen can be blown into the house if you have your windows open. Although there are no studies to support duct cleaning will help consumers who suffer from allergies, many will have their ducts cleaned at the end of the prime pollen season.

Typically, a clean home will not need duct cleaning as often, unless there are circumstances as mentioned above. Evaluate your home, lifestyle and decide the best course of action with respect to duct cleaning for your family.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/09/clean-your-air-duct.html

Don’t get caught out when renovating your home

Renovating your home can be incredibly exciting (as well as a little daunting) as you delve into the seemingly never-ending world of paint charts and flooring samples. Your mind will be full of colour combinations and textures, while Pinterest is likely to become your most visited site while looking for design inspiration.

However, it is important to keep your head when preparing to update your home and remember that there are a few really important factors that you need to consider. The points below give a little more information on some of the key things you need to ask yourself before the works get underway.

Are you able to complete the work yourself?

Once you have decided exactly what it is that you would like to change about your home, one of the first things to consider is whether or not the proposed renovations are within your DIY scope.

If you are confident you have the necessary time and expertise to complete the work to a decent standard, then doing it yourself is certainly a great way to shave a decent chunk off your costs. However, if you’re in any doubt then getting in the professionals can often be the safest course of action.

Do you need permission?

This point is a particularly important one to get right. If you are making substantial exterior alterations to your property (for example adding an extension) then you are likely to need to seek approval from your local planning authority.

This can be a lengthy process that can take months, so make sure you put in the initial application in good time. This will ensure you don’t end up falling behind schedule before your works have even begun!

If the work you are doing is merely cosmetic, or will only be affecting the inside of your house, then you are unlikely to need planning permission. The only exception to this is listed buildings, for which you need listed building consent to make any alterations at all, no matter how small.

Have you prepared an accurate budget?

One of the major areas where people fall down when it comes to renovations is the planning of a budget. There is one firm fact that you can almost guarantee with renovations - whatever you plan to spend, the final project will end up costing more! Therefore, try to be realistic when budgeting so that you can have the best possible idea of what you will be spending – and always allow a little extra to be left over for those unexpected costs that you just couldn’t foresee.

Will your home insurance cover you?

Another important factor that many people don’t even think of when updating their home, is the effect that it can have on their insurance. Even the most minor works will count as renovations to your insurer (included repainting) so as soon as you have confirmed your works you will need to give your insurer a ring and let them know.

When you advise your insurer of your renovations, it may be the case that they are unable to continue their cover, due to the increased risk of damage to your property. Luckily, specialist companies such as CoverBuilder can provide cover for any scale of renovation, from a new bathroom to a double storey extension.

If you can tick all of these issues off the list, then you know you are ready to embark on your exciting new project. Remember, in addition to all of the above, plenty of before and after photos are a must-have with any renovation project!

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/09/renovating-your-home.html

Why Noisy Neighbours Are Not The Only Reason You Should Soundproof Your Windows

Don't you just love the sound of squealing brakes, screaming babies and blaring music first thing in the morning? No? Not very idyllic, is it?

Unfortunately, with more people, high roads on our doorstep and an increase in the number of cars on the road, unwanted noises are making a greater appearance in our lives and homes. The issue of noise is no longer limited to inner-city areas – the rise in the development of suburban and residential regions means the 'quiet life' has become all but a dream for many of us. So what can we do to get some peace and quiet?

One solution comes in the form of noise reducing windows. The process is not as technical as it sounds – it simply involves upgrading your windows to keep 90-95% of unwanted nuisance sounds at bay. Oh, and don't forget, they add an extra layer of security to your home and can even increase the value of your property!

The day to day sounds we encounter are not actually classed as noise, in fact for a sound to be considered noise it must be "loud, irritating and unwanted". As you can imagine, the constant bombardment of noise can not only become very, very annoying but can truly begin to affect the quality of life.

Aircraft Noise

Aircraft can create some of the most disruptive and disturbing noises which is expected from engines that produce 100,000+ horse power! The noise produced from aircraft is a real concern, not only for comfort but also for health, as frequent exposure can begin to have a physical impact on the body. A study published by the British Medical Journal revealed that people who lived by airports were at a higher risk of developing health issues such as stroke and heart disease.

Many airports have reacted accordingly and now offer soundproofing grants for homes affected by aircraft noise pollution. So, if you happen to live nearby an airport and currently do not have sound proofing, be sure to contact the airport to see how your situation can be improved.

Road Traffic & Rail Noise

 

During the day, noise from vehicles and trains is not particularly bothersome. After all, these sounds are part and parcel of living in modern cities and towns. Living near a busy road or train station can be advantageous for many people, simply due to ease of travel. However, these types of noises become inconvenient during the night and evening, when the desired sound levels for comfort drops.

Although unassuming, noise from cars and trains can contribute to disturbing and disrupting sleep, which can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Many people have taken to sound reducing windows, to eliminate virtually all noise created from these sources during the night, helping them sleep soundly whilst continuing to reap the benefits of living in areas with great travel links.

Noise from Neighbours

Noise from next door is at an all-time high for many of us! This is especially true in cities and towns as we live in increasingly close quarters. When anti-social noise is mentioned, we often picture screaming kids, over-exuberant musicians or yappy dogs, however, poor soundproofing in your home can mean even low-level sounds seep through. Sound reducing windows will contribute to reducing irksome sounds from neighbours and busy residential roads.

Which sound reducing option is best for you?

Suppliers are able to reduce the level of noise by adding layering to the materials your windows are made of, improving their ability to absorb and reflect sound. Your supplier will evaluate your home and consult you on which option is aesthetically and functionally best for you. Soundproofing can be applied to many types of windows, including PVCu and wooden framed windows and rarely requires planning permission, so there's little reason to worry whether your home is suitable.

Triple Glazing

Not heard of triple glazing before? You wouldn't be the first. Triple glazing is the less popular alternative to double glazing and involves adding an extra pane of glass to your windows. Although there are many benefits to adding triple glazing to your home, such as improved heat insulation, if noise is your grievance, it may not be the best option for you. Adding an extra pane of glass does have some noise limiting qualities, however, the type of glass used is typically of the same density and thickness - which does little for sound reduction. That makes triple glazing a solution best suitable for low-level, anti-social noise.

Double Glazing 

 

Double glazing can work wonders for soundproofing your property – with its effects being most remarkable in houses with single pane or old windows. Typically installed on the outside of your home, units are specifically designed to combat noise, with the added benefit of improving energy efficiency and home security.

Double glazing's soundproofing power comes from the space between the two panes of glass and the thickness of each sheet. These factors combined help to effectively dissipate and disperse sounds of certain frequencies, making it great for eliminating road and rail noise.

For extra sound reducing qualities, ask about laminated panes.

Secondary Glazing

Secondary glazing is an option you should consider if you are having issues with unwanted noise. Of the three options, secondary glazing is the most effective method for sound reduction, which could explain why it has been growing in popularity amongst home owners. Typically, units are installed internally within your existing window frame, which not only makes secondary glazing suitable for properties with traditional or listed features but also causes the gap between the two panes of glass to be far wider than double glazed windows. Secondary glazed windows are designed to keep 90% of unwanted external noise out of your home, making it an effective solution for homes affected by aircraft noise pollution.

To find solutions that best suit your needs, contact Bennbrook Windows, as one of the largest UK regional suppliers of windows, doors & conservatories, you can count on us for top quality products, speedy installation and excellent after care for long lasting and effective results. Call for a quote on 01992 574 555.

from Home My Heaven: Home Improvement Blog http://www.homemyheaven.co.uk/2017/09/Soundproof-Your-Windows.html

Have you Thought About Shower Panels Rather Than Tiles in the Bathroom?

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

When people think of refurbishing the bathroom or fitting a shower their first stop is usually the wall tile showroom. A great alternative however; is to use decorative waterproof panels. Choosing shower panels instead of tiles makes installing a waterproof surface easier and faster for the competent DIYer. A shower panel is usually 2.4m high Read on...

Have you Thought About Shower Panels Rather Than Tiles in the Bathroom?

from The DIY Doctor's Blog http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/blog/2017/09/shower-panels-for-bathrooms/