Remodeling Part of Your House into a Home Office

Since the pandemic, work from home has become more common and gained considerable traction in the corporate sector too. Many people around the world either have or are planning to set up a home office with their favorite furniture and clean curtains and carpets. Remodeling part of your house into a home office can greatly enhance your productivity and overall comfort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go about it, along with important factors to consider:

1. Define Your Needs:

– Determine the purpose of the home office: Is it just for work, or will it serve other functions too (e.g., a creative space, study area)?

– Identify the equipment and furniture you’ll need (desk, chair, computer, storage, lighting, etc.).

– Consider future needs: Will the space need to accommodate additional equipment or people?

2. Choose the Location:

– Select a space that’s relatively quiet and has adequate privacy.

– Consider natural lighting: A space with windows can help reduce eye strain and create a more pleasant work environment.

– Proximity to amenities: If possible, choose a location close to restrooms, kitchen, and other areas you may frequently use.

3. Plan the Layout:

– Design the layout to optimize your workflow and minimize distractions.

– Measure the space to ensure your chosen furniture fits comfortably.

– Consider ergonomics: Ensure your desk and chair are at the right height to prevent discomfort and strain.

4. Set a Budget:

– Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the remodeling project.

– Allocate funds for furniture, equipment, paint, decor, and any professional services you might need.

5. Obtain Necessary Permits:

– Check with your local authorities if you need any permits or approvals for remodeling work.

6. Electrical and Networking:

– Ensure there are enough power outlets for your equipment and consider adding additional outlets if needed.

– Plan for networking infrastructure: If possible, install Ethernet ports for a more stable internet connection.

7. Lighting:

– Choose appropriate lighting that complements your work style and minimizes eye strain.

– Consider a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting.

8. Furniture and Storage:

– Invest in a comfortable, ergonomic chair and a desk that suits your work style.

– Add storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, and drawers to keep your workspace organized.

9. Paint and Decor:

– Choose colors that promote focus and creativity (e.g., neutrals, muted tones, or colors that resonate with you).

– Personalize the space with art, plants, or decor that inspires you.

10. Acoustics:

– Consider soundproofing measures if the room is not naturally sound-resistant.

– Use rugs, curtains, and acoustic panels to dampen noise.

11. Tech Setup:

– Set up your computer, monitors, printer, and any other tech equipment you need.

– Organize cables to prevent clutter and tripping hazards.

12. Internet Connectivity:

– Ensure a stable and fast internet connection, especially if your work relies on online communication and file sharing.

13. Final Touches:

– Add personal touches that make the space inviting and reflective of your personality.

– Organize your workspace to keep it clutter-free and conducive to productivity.

14. Test and Adjust:

– Spend some time working in the new space and make adjustments as needed for comfort and functionality.

Remember that the most important factor is creating a space that aligns with your work habits and promotes productivity while maintaining a comfortable and inspiring environment. Hope the tips in this article will help you plan and realize your own dream home office.

Carpet Cleaning

Having a beautiful carpet in the living room comes with a cost. You probably already know that the carpet is the victim of countless food spills and muddy shoes marks. Cleaning them is difficult and sometimes you don’t have the classical supermarket products to help you so we have made a list of common substances that help you fight the spots on your favorite carpet. These home remedies only go so far. The following suggestions are great for a quick fix, but for a really thorough cleaning, call a professional carpet cleaning company such as our friends at Annapolis Clean Carpet.

Carpet Cleaning

Ammonia is great against the grease spots.

If somebody dropped a chicken wing on your precious carpet don’t panic! There’s an easy way of getting rid of the grease. First of all, use some paper towels to absorb all the oil you can from the carpet and then make a mix of 2 liters of water and one cup of ammonia. Apply the mix over the spot and clean it with a soft cloth.

The vinegar is your ally

This amazing substance helps you remove the spots and freshens the carpet. There are many mixes for different kinds of spills.

  • The fruit juice spots can be removed with a mix of white vinegar and detergent. Apply the solution on the spot and wipe the area with a soft cloth.
  • If the spots are dark mix vinegar with a teaspoon of borax and apply the solution on them. Let it dry then rinse with water and wipe with paper towels. The spots will disappear and the carpet will have a fresh look.
  • The classical mix of salt with vinegar can be used for cleaning the fridge, the stove and the carpet as well, being one of the best allies against the muddy shoes marks.
  • The paint spots can be cleaned with a mix made of white vinegar, liquid detergent and water. Attention! The paint should be cleaned immediately, and it will be harder to remove if it has already dried.

Salt and white wine remove the red wine spots

If you spilled red wine on your favorite carpet do not try to clean it while it is still wet. You will only spread the spill and make it even more difficult to clean. Just let it dry and then put a little white wine on the spill, use a paper towel to dry the spot then put salt over the area and let it do its job, vacuum the spot carefully and you are done. The red wine spot is gone and your carpet looks as good as new.

Cleaning the carpet is a difficult job but it is worth it. There’s nothing better than relaxing your feet on a fluffy warm carpet after a long winter day. To remove the dust that gets caught into the carpet’s fibers make sure you vacuum at least a few times a week. Keeping the carpet clean and beautiful is mandatory and to make sure that it stays beautiful you should have it professionally cleaned at least a few times a year. There are many companies on the market that offer great cleaning services.

Landscaping importance

Having a beautiful, welcoming home is one of anyone’s biggest dreams. The industry of interior design has gained popularity in the past few years. Of course, in the modern world, looks are everything, so your house must not only look great indoors, it has to have a welcoming air when you look at it from outside as well. Luckily, there are landscaping companies such as our friends at Tree Services Annapolis that make sure your yard looks perfect at any given time. The busy, mundane life of the modern man requires specialized help when it come to household tasks. Landscaping your home has many economic, environmental and social benefits. Creating a beautiful environment for a Sunday barbeque was never as easy as it is now. The landscaping business might seem easy, but the architects spend a lifetime studying the mysterious science of the beautiful.

Landscaping

There are many professional landscapers with experience that have studied the impact of different species of plants, trees, and flowers to the surrounding environment and that know exactly what to recommend. A professional landscaper will be able to increase the value of your property, create a beautiful environment, reduce the soil corrosion and will give your front yard a healthy, welcoming look. Make sure that you check the company’s website before inviting them in. Read carefully the reviews, check their previous work and make sure that they have experience. A professional landscaper will not be cheap but will totally worth your effort.

The attempts to landscaping a place without having experience is obvious to any buyer, so if you are trying to sell a house and want to raise its value, make sure that you contact a professional landscape to do the job. There are fine details, that can be observed only be a professional eye. To make sure that your home looks amazing and it sends good vibes, you should contact an architect or a landscaping services company.

Making sure that your property stays beautiful after being decorated by a professional is hard and finding a trusted tree service company might be a little difficult. Finding a good residential tree service company in your area might seem a lot easier than it really is. You have to make sure that the workers have experience, that they will not ruin you front yard and that they are offering a clean, healthy look to your trees. Maintaining a beautiful landscape means effort. Hiring a professional tree service is mandatory every few months. The good news is that most of the companies offer discounts to their loyal customers.

One of the perks of living in 2017 is the fact that we can search everything on the internet. We can find plenty of tree service companies near us, and we can study their profile, their previous works and the reviews from their previous customers.

The big capitals of the world have made the landscaping of the house mandatory. By doing so, they make sure that the architecture of the city, the colors of the houses and the front yards combine in a perfect harmony creating a pleasant landscape.

Foundation Waterproofing

Waterproofing is a practice that involves coating the wall’s exterior of a foundation to prevent water vapor and water from moving through the wall. A foundation problem is the second worst case scenario to a homeowner or any residential structure, other than fire. This is the base of the house and any problems affecting it put the whole building at risk.

Foundation Waterproofing

Water is the primary enemy of foundations today. Wet soil in most cases causes the soil to lose strength and swell. Another impending problem is crawl spaces and wet damp basements which make the building susceptible to mold and create an unpleasant environment suitable for pests.

Concrete is not waterproof and most of the times it is cracked. If not cracked, it would be able to prevent water from getting in but water vapor can still go through the concrete easily. A successful structure is one that ensures the foundation is kept dry at all times. This is by draining any water around the area and ensuring a dry interior space.

This is dependent on a lot of factors like climate, topography, geographic location, foundation depth, and soil/water table conditions. Any system designed to ensure the area remains dry runs on three main components, namely;

Wall Treatment

Routes water down the drains and prevents movement of moisture through the walls.

Drains

Directs water away from the foundation’s bottom.

Ground Surface Treatment

Located adjacent to the building and directs surface water elsewhere.

Several products and techniques employed in the market for waterproofing include;

1. Damp Proofing

It is an asphalt-based coating brushed or sprayed on the outside of foundation walls. Damp proofing is mistakenly named as a waterproofing method which is not the case. Its main purpose is to keep out soil moisture while waterproofing keeps out both water and soil moisture.

2. Interior Drainage Systems

This method is quite favorable as it includes minimal disruptions. It focuses on hydrostatic pressure through the walls. Drainage piping is installed to enter a sump pump system through the basement.

3. Exterior Drainage Systems

This involves excavation in order to install or replace drainage water pipes. Sometimes a waterproof membrane is applied to the outside to avoid water infiltration. It is more expensive due to the digging down and also cause a lot of disruption to porches, driveways, or landscapes. It may also lead to clogging of French drains during the backfill process.

4. Waterproofing Paints and Primers

These are thicker versions of your normal acrylic paint. This is something you can be able to do yourself.  Paints and primers are mostly a cosmetic fix and won’t work if the source of the problem is not addressed. It is not a sure way to stop seepage through the walls. Sometimes the paint traps condensation inside the wall. Other times bubbles can form on the wall and cause the paint to peel off.

It is extremely important to find a skilled contractor for the underground work. If done wrong the first time, it can lead to extensive damage to the structure, finishing, and furnishings. It can also lead to damage to expensive equipment, especially in commercial buildings. This leads to disrupted work, wasted money and resources, and even sometimes legal battles.

Floor Refinishing

Hardwood flooring can get dull, scratches, and dents with time, but unlike other floors, this can be corrected. A floor refinishing is all it needs. Hardwood flooring can take a number of complete sanding and refinishing jobs in its lifetime unlike other types of flooring.

If you want to save some money, you can decide to do the refinishing by yourself. However, caution must be taken with some of the tools and equipment used to avoid costly mistakes.

Floor Refinishing

Here is a guide to some DIY floor refinishing practices;

  • Wear a good dust mask or respirator
  • Wear goggles and ear protectors
  • Seal doorways
  • Turn on HVAC to prevent dust circulation

Two methods are involved when refinishing hardwood floors; buffing and sanding.

Buffing

It is also called screening. It is most applicable when the scratches and wear are on the surface, and the wood found beneath the surface is in good condition. Here, the surface is restored by buffing the top coat. For this process, you will need a floor buffing tool and screen grits. The tool is easy to handle and use. Any dust between each grit should be swept or vacuumed.

Sanding

This process is most suitable for old damaged floors. It completely restores the floors and even changes the color using stain. It also has its special equipment for the process which involves a progression of grits and, a drum sander.

The problem for beginners is that a drum sander can gouge the floor if you aren’t careful. You might try an orbital sander instead. You will also need an edger for along the walls and in the corners.

Finishing

You need to vacuum and then carefully clean the floor with a tack cloth or something similar. Don’t wet it. Then you can leave it a natural color or put on a stain to change the color. Finally, you put on coats of polyurethane. For some other tips check out this article by clicking here.

Call in a professional floor refinisher, if you want to save time and energy. They are highly trained and skilled in using this equipment, and they will be efficient in their work. This way, the refinishing will be economical and will last for a couple of years.

House Cleaning Services

The last thing anyone wants to come home to after a long day at work is a dirty house. And yet sometimes, this is the scene that often greets you when you get home. Families are getting lesser time to tend to house chores and this can become quite stressful if not taken care of. Piles of dirty laundry, dirty dishes in the sink, the musty smell in your living area, etc., should not overwhelm you.

Sometimes you are hosting a party or a special event and are pressed on time so you need special attention to your house. The good thing is that professionals in house cleaning services are just a call away. The best thing about hiring a professional is that the services are customized for your needs and those of your family. They are also more efficient and use the right products and equipment to get your home looking and smelling fresh.

General Maintenance Tips for a Clean House

House Cleaning
  • Clean the dishes daily and wipe off messes from the countertops
  • Mop the kitchen floor at least weekly
  • Dust the living area weekly
  • De-clutter the living area on a daily basis
  • Wipe tabletops
  • Clean your bathtubs weekly
  • Remove content from cabinets after every six months and wipe down the shelves. Get rid of all the unnecessary stuff in there
  • Make your bed first thing in the morning
  • Keep dirty clothes in the laundry basket immediately

Don’t forget to regularly clean these areas that are often overlooked;

  • Doorknobs
  • Telephones
  • Ceiling cobwebs
  • Baseboard dust
  • Behind and under major appliances

Homemade Cleaning Solutions

Apart from the common tools that we mostly use for cleaning in the home like vacuums, mops, brushes, rags, gloves, etc., there are some efficient homemade solutions that can be used for effective cleaning.

  • Hot water and lemon juice to remove garbage smell
  • Water and lemon juice mix for mirrors
  • Lemon juice and olive oil as furniture polish
  • Salt into a fireplace to loosen soot
  • Vinegar and baking soda for clogged pipes and drains
  • Vinegar and baking soda for deodorizing the kitchen sink
  • Vinegar and water for fresh floors
  • Vinegar, salt, and flour as a polish for metal surfaces

Residential cleaning services are affordable and they can be a weekly or a monthly thing. Ensure that the company is licensed and insured. Trust is important since they mostly clean your house while you are at work. Don’t be afraid to ask questions on what their cleaning will entail. Different cleaners will have different methods and so consistency is important if the service was satisfactory.

Why you need to get three bids for your construction project

When you have a construction project at hand, you should make sure that you get at least three bids from different contractors. Most people who accept the first bid claiming to be in a hurry end up regretting their uninformed decision. You should ensure you have proper time to seek competitive bids from contractors. If you only seek a bid for one company, the company may put their price very high. Regardless of the size of your construction project, you should have proper knowledge on how to make a hiring decision. If you only talk to one contractor, how will you know if the bid being offered is a “good” price? Below are reasons why you should get 3 bids for your construction project.

You have no means of comparison

When buying commodities, you can shop for prices in the local stores and get to buy from the store with an affordable price. However, this is a construction project which you need a company that will be able to complete it safely, within a specified time and a good price.

Can you know if a price is too low with only one bid? Definitely, it is not easy. When a company offers a very low price, it could be an indication that the company uses inferior materials, inferior workmanship or both. Inferior workmanship and inferior materials on your project is the last thing you want on your project. Look out for three bids so as to have a point of reference when choosing a company to work with.

If the price is too high would you know it with only one bid? It is almost impossible to if you’re being ripped off if you only have one bidder with no competition. You can easily be ripped off and get inferior workmanship as well as substandard materials in your project. Your construction project may be completed only to realize it does not meet the federal construction regulation causing you to incur more expenses.

Reasons for variation in quotes from different contractors

When you consider the advice and get three bids from three different contractors, don’t rush into accepting the lowest bid. You should closely examine the detailed quotes of each contractor to ascertain what each bid includes. Check the quality of materials to be used and the services to be offered. At times, the variation in price could be as a result of a misunderstanding of the project requirement. Ensure the standards observed in the bid are as per the building codes.

It is therefore recommended to have at least three bids so as to know the general price range as well identify the outliers.  You will avoid being overcharged as well as being enticed into a low bid that could result in poor quality work.

While price is an important factor to consider before choosing a contractor, the decision shouldn’t solely depend on this. Ensure the company you hire has a good reputation, is insured and offers guarantees and warranties.