Toughened glass has quickly become a popular design element in many houses. From full-length windows and entry doors to even staircases, the use of glass can make any space appear bigger and brighter. The material is also incredibly functional, durable, and versatile, blending in seamlessly with many different architectural styles. Here are some spectacular ways in which one can use glass walls and doors to give their home a whole new look: 1. Partitions Making use of walls to divide bigger rooms into smaller sections, such as using a wall to separate the kitchen and dining area, can make the house look smaller. Instead, one should opt for partitions made from toughened glass. This helps give the room a more spacious feel and allows natural light to flow freely throughout the house. With these clear partitions, homeowners can also connect the aesthetics of different rooms, giving the home a more put-together look. 2. Dressing screens Toughened glass can also be used to add privacy to the room. Of course, the glass doesn’t have to be see-through. One can use frosted glass, fluted glass, or etched glass to carve out a little dressing nook in a large room. This creates a private little area without breaking up the space or impeding communication.

Keeping the house clean and sparkly all year long is a continuous effort, and a little help can go a long way. Today, it is easy to find professional cleaning services that can handle a variety of projects, such as regular cleaning, spring cleaning, and even special event cleaning. However, finding professionals one trusts around their home can require some research and careful consideration, so here are some tips to make the process easier: 1. Seek recommendations When starting the search, one can speak to friends, family, and other trusted contacts and ask them for referrals or recommendations. This will also provide one with honest insight into what to expect from a cleaning service. 2. Carefully assess online reviews While reviews can help in shortlisting top services, one should not fall for a 100% performance rating, as some companies pay customers to leave reviews, which can skew the ratings. Also remember that unhappy customers are quicker to leave reviews as compared to happy or satisfied customers. They often use third-party websites to vent about their experiences, sometimes in an attempt to damage the company’s reputation. The truth may not be as bad as it is made out to be. As a regular practice, steer clear of companies with a perfect or absolutely abysmal performance rating.

Every home tells its own story. This phrase may be overused but holds true when it comes to home design and decor. Every house starts giving out signs when it is time to take on a renovation project. These signs could be subtle, like the slight discoloration of the paint on the walls, or more obvious, like a broken roof. Either way, people need to pay attention to the signs and renovate the house. Deteriorating floors This sign is among the easiest to notice. The floor tiles or panels tend to detach from one another and start developing gaping holes when they become old and dated. When that happens, it is a surefire sign that the floors and the house as a whole need to undergo renovation.  It is wise to replace old flooring with wood panels. Wood lasts several years more than tiles and is much easier to clean. Apart from the floor, even the carpets need to be cleaned and replaced periodically for a brand-new look. Leaky roofs Like the floor, the state of the roof can tell how urgently a house needs renovation. Leaky roofs are a red flag. When the roof starts leaking, one must call professionals and not take things into their own hands.

Doors and windows are essential components that ensure protection and security, insulate the house from external factors, and also enhance its aesthetic appeal. But just like any other aspect of a house, they require regular maintenance, with each material requiring different care. Homeowners may overlook certain details while maintaining doors and windows, compromising their functionality and leading to costly repairs or replacements later. So here are some common door and window maintenance mistakes to avoid. Not cleaning regularly Window screens are the main barrier between the interior and exterior elements. Not cleaning them properly can affect their visibility; dust, debris, and pollen may get accumulated and can damage the screen, while unwashed door knobs can accumulate germs. Also, dirty window screens can attract insects and other pests, while pollen and allergens can risk home dwellers’ health. So, one’s advised not to ignore regular weekly cleaning. One can use a mild vinegar and water solution for screen cleaning and a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and dirt from the window tracks. For a door, one can gently scrub or use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the knobs and hinges and remove grime. Not cleaning inside out It’s important to clean windows on both sides and not just on the inside.

Remodeling projects take up a lot of time and resources, and there’s always a tight deadline to follow through with them. When it comes to bathroom renovation especially, one wants to get it done as soon as possible. The bathroom is where people spend their “self-care” time, and, hence, it’s a place that’s special for many. Here are five common mistakes that can be avoided when remodeling this room of the house. Not setting a budget Deciding on a budget for the project is one of the first things to do when starting. Renovations are very expensive, and there’s no particular limit to how much one can spend. The market has different bathroom fixtures and accessories at varying prices. So, individuals should always chart out a budget that will help keep all the expenses in check. Not planning the design Planning the bathroom’s design is another important step. The whole renovation depends on it, of course, so one should take time and plan it out thoroughly. Individuals should think about what all the people using the bathroom require. Does the bathroom need two sinks or, perhaps, a bigger bathtub? Can there be a towel and robe rack or hanging space?

Owning a house is a major life dream for many people across the world. There is a lot of thrill and joy associated with this purchase. However, buying a home is a complicated and expensive process, and the smallest of errors here could be extremely costly. To prepare better and make the process of buying a house as smooth as possible, here are six mistakes one should completely avoid. Trying to rush through the process There’s palpable excitement when it comes to buying a new home, but don’t let this be the reason behind rushing the process. Take adequate time to research the options, gather all the necessary financial documents (such as W-2 forms, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, etc.), and move at a comfortable pace. This will provide sufficient time to think about the important aspects and reduce the risk of buyer’s regret. Failing to check the credit report Always check the credit report before sending in a mortgage application. Those with a history of credit issues are more likely to be burdened with high-interest rates or even have their applications declined. Make sure to check reports from credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) and dispute any mistakes seen on them.

Gutter guards tend to be underrated in terms of their practicality and utility for homes. These guards help avoid mice and insect infestations, alleviate gutter freezing and ice dams, protect homes against fire outbreaks caused by bushfires, improve the water flow in gutters, and prevent premature rust and corrosion. There are several gutter guards one could purchase based on their specific requirements. Some of the best gutter guards for homes are: A-M aluminum gutter guard For homeowners who look specifically for gutter guards that can handle extreme downpours while keeping grime, dirt, and debris out of their gutters, this product will work just fine. This guard comes with a sleek design that blends well with the overall appearance of a house. As a result, this gutter guard is not always visible to the naked eye. Although this product is relatively easy to install DIY, hiring professionals to do the same is the wiser course of action for homeowners’ safety and perfect installation. The aluminum build of this guard helps protect it from rusting and rotting. LeafFilter gutter guard protection This gutter guard comes with a stainless-steel construction that provides great stability to the overall framework of a gutter. Additionally, its micro-mesh material enables water to pass through the screen and seep into the gutter without asphalt roof granules, leaves, pine needles, and other dust and dirt particles passing through along with it.

Roofing is a complicated process for beginners and those who cannot do a DIY. One should also not do it if one is unaware of the basics, so it is recommended to consult experts to avoid problems. The better experience the roofing company has, the easier and more reliable they will be at carrying out the job. Their experience will also mean they can easily skip the common roofing mistakes one tends to make. Mismatched shingles One of the most common mistakes people make when working on roofing jobs is misaligned installation of shingles. It is one of the hallmark signs of knowing whether or not the job has been done well. A roof with misaligned shingles looks messy. In addition, it can also compromise the protection and the coverage the shingles can deliver for the property. If misaligned, it can cause numerous cracks and gaps in the structure. It allows for water to enter the property and damage the roofing. Eventually, the water starts to damage the property, resulting in unnecessary problems. Incorrect use of nails It’s important to remember that nails play a vital role in roofing. If nails are left exposed, they can erode and create holes in the shingles.

The basement is one room of the house that is often ignored. It usually ends up becoming a storage space for everything from extra exercise equipment to old clothes and cookware. Taking on a renovation project can help maximize this space, giving homeowners a better value for their money. However, this can be a laborious process with plenty of roadblocks on the way. Read on to learn about common basement renovation mistakes one should avoid. Opting for wooden flooring While wood looks fantastic in the rest of the home, it can spell disaster in the basement. This is because of the humid environment in the basement. When wood interacts with moisture, it could result in rapid mold and mildew growth, damaging the foundation of one’s home. Therefore, one must opt for inorganic materials like tile or concrete to receive the best value for money. Additionally, keep a check on the moisture level in the basement. If it exceeds 60%, use a dehumidifier. Ignoring soundproofing Before beginning the basement renovation project, it is important to consider the intended use of the space. Is it going to become a home theater or a gym? Will it be used as a makeshift office or a meeting room?

Water seeping into the house during the rains is truly a nightmare. Since water first seeps into the lowermost zones of the property, waterproofing the basement is important. It prevents problems like moistened furniture, damaged basement panels, and unpleasant smells. That said, one must be careful when waterproofing the area and seek the help of a professional if necessary. Here are four common mistakes to avoid when waterproofing basements DIY: Not waiting before draining flood water from the basement Floods usually affect the basement before the other rooms. The water puts pressure on the basement walls as time passes, making them weak. Fearing damage, many homeowners act really fast and try removing this water, which is a big mistake. Experts say one must let the rain stop and wait a few hours before doing that. When water is drained quickly during a flood, there is always the possibility of more water seeping into the basement from the surrounding soil. To avoid this outcome and stop the water flow, homeowners must wait for an hour or two after the flooding stops and drain the basement slowly. Relying only on paint for waterproofing In their ad campaigns, many paint manufacturers state that their products have waterproofing elements and qualities.