can be traditional and burn wood or connect to a home’s natural gas supply for on-demand ambiance. What’s more, fireplaces may come in vented or ventless varieties, depending on homeowners’ preferences and what is allowed by community building codes. That means a chimney or flue may not be needed — expanding the list of rooms where a fireplace can be installed.
Certain trends have emerged among fireplace fans in recent years. Here’s a look at what’s getting consumers fired up about these home decor elements.
• Minimalist style: Many fireplaces are designed in neutral colors with minimal trim that directs focus on the fire and not the appliance. When the fireplace is not in
use, it blends in with surroundings and will not compete for attention with other design elements.
• Convertible fireplaces: Homeowners can choose
between open or sealed fireplaces. A convertible fireplace enables homeowners to have the best features of these options. A convertible fireplace can be converted to wood from gas, or the opposite, in as little as 30 minutes.
• Nature-inspired materials: Natural stone continues to be a material of choice in fireplace surrounds. Light colors work well for a fireplace, and also fit with today’s lighter color interior design preferences. Natural stone also works perfectly with both contemporary and rustic decor.
• Vintage fireplaces: Vintage continues to be a buzzword, and the choice to go vintage also applies to fireplace styles. A room decorated in vintage elements can be complemented with a vintage fireplace or one designed to look vintage.
Home Decor Begins On The Floor
While big-ticket renovations may not fit your budget these days, there are still plenty of improvements that can offer a dramatic impact without emptying your wallet. Start from the ground up when considering cost-effective changes that make a big impact. Cosmetic changes such as a beautiful area rug on the floor can give the impression that you’ve altered your entire living space. Don’t underestimate what an area rug can do to instantly transform a room.
• Use area rugs to separate spaces or tie rooms together where large expanses of hardwood floors do not make for a cozy, inviting space. Using a larger area rug can make a space appear larger.
• Integrate into wall decor: Fireplaces that are built right into a wall save space. One can have a television and a fireplace on the same wall. These types of fireplaces work well in modern home designs. Other fireplaces may be built into bookshelves or other wall features.
• Use an area rug on top of a carpet: Create a striking focal point in a wall-to-wall carpeted room with contrasting color area rugs strategically placed in a room.
• Experiment with color: Choose your favorite color palette. Once your rug is in place, you’ll have several colors to use to match when introducing small accent pieces throughout your room.
Fireplaces can improve the appeal of a home. Various trends are popular this year, making fireplaces highly coveted features.
• Texture, Texture, Texture: Even solid colors can become interesting because
of the textural properties of the raw fibers that make the rug. Natural wools from flatweave to plush; wool blended with pure silk or today’s high tech synthetics; plus shags and novelty yarns are just some of the many choices of constructions with different textures.
• Don’t be afraid of patterns: Adding geometric patterns can take a traditional setting and make it appear more modern, while floral patterns and Persian designs have a more traditional appeal. In today’s fashion forward rug selections, many of the traditional patterns are revitalized in newer color palettes so a traditional rug can have a totally new appeal.
• Remember that with area rugs, you are not married to your design decision: If you want to change a room’s look on a whim, pull up the rug and put a new one in its place. Use seasonal rugs to change your environment a few times a year. Use a darker, warmer palette in the cold months, and the opposite when the weather warms up. Pull colors from the flooring to use in complementary accents for the room.
Creative use of area rugs can replace costly renovations for that new look to your home.
Details To Include In A Home Renovation Work Contract
Contracts provide protection for all parties signing on the dotted lines. According to LegalMatch.com, a contract is an agreement between two parties that creates a mutual legal obligation. Oral contracts are possible, but written contracts are preferred for a number of reasons.
Any time a person sets out to do a home improvement project that involves the use of contractors and other professionals, he or she should have a contract drawn up. A contract can ensure that the work will get done safely, within a given time frame and according to specifications. A contract should contain certain details.
1. A defined scope of work: Here is where the scope of the job should be spelled out in detail. This portion should include the materials being used, what the homeowner has requested, special details, and who will take care of each facet of the job. For example, if the homeowner will be providing the materials, it should be noted here.
2. Procedure for changes: To be comprehensive, renovation contracts should note the process that will be followed for any alterations or additions to the project.
3. Floor plans: In some instances, the contract will include floor plans, architectural drawings and other details.
4. Indemnity clause: The contract should include a clause that indemnifies the property owner against legal liability should any damages or injuries take place on the property.
5. Work schedule: The contract also should include
a work schedule that identifies the requested start time and estimated end time for the project. Parties should understand that inclement weather or other delays could affect the schedule.
6. Cost: The contract should reference the agreed upon bid price, highlighting the agreements for procedures if additional materials are needed or if the job runs long
7. Warranty: If a warranty is being offered, the details should be included in the contract. Homeowners can expect a one-year warranty to cover any defects in the contractor’s work.
Renovation contracts are essential any time there is an agreement between homeowner and contractor. Good contracts will include various components.
Saving Space Where You Cook And Dine
A
There are many steps to take to maximize space in an attractive and utilitarian way. Certain techniques can be useful, particularly in the kitchen and dining area.
• Rationalize your kitchen gear and get rid of anything you don’t use frequently.
• Create pull-out and foldaway surfaces that can be concealed when not in use.
• Use the walls for storage.
• Hang racks and rails from the ceiling for storing pots, pans and utensils.
• Buy a chopping board that fits over the top of the sink, making the most of dead space and hiding the mess.
• Use the backs of cabinet doors to hang spice racks, utensil storage or any other items.
Tips For PetProofing A Home
Expecting parents realize that as their child grows and becomes mobile, certain safety precautions must be made around the house. The term “baby-proofing” refers to making modifications that prevent little ones from getting into trouble and causing injury. Measures include bolting tall furniture to walls, using special inserts to make outlets inaccessible, installing locks to prevent cabinet access, and using gates to block access to dangerous rooms or areas.
Even though pets may not require the same level of home modification, some measure of pet-proofing is necessary to safeguard companion animals. Any animal that is given free rein of the house, whether it’s a puppy, rabbit or kitten, can get into trouble. These tips can help pet parents ensure the safety of their pets at home.
Get down to business It may seem silly, but pet owners can get down on all
fours and crawl around spaces to see just where their new companions might get into trouble. Put those “downward dog” yoga moves to work and try to see where electrical cords may generate curiosity or if any low-level cabinets are accessible. Utilize locks and covers to keep pets away from these hazards.
Lock away chemicals
Certain cleansers, automotive fluids, paints, and even some foods and beverages can be toxic to pets if ingested. Animals often seek things with their noses first. Products such as antifreeze can smell sweet and appealing. The pet resource Porch suggests researching which foods, beverages, plants, and other items can be harmful. Keep those items away from pets — even under lock and key, if necessary.
Keep a neat home
Any item within reach is fair game for pets. Even something as seemingly innocuous as a sock can cause intestinal blockage if a puppy ingests it. Top Dog Tips suggests keeping up with the tidying by storing toys, clothes, shoes, tissues, sanitary products, diapers, knickknacks, and other objects out of sight.
Garages are no-gos
Make the garage off-limits
to pets. There are too many potential hazards in there, from chemicals to sharp tools, according to American Humane. Cats may want to snuggle up against the warm car engine under the hood, and can be injured or killed when a car is started. There also are too many places to hide and get stuck in the garage.
Don’t forget the yard Pets that spend time outdoors need to be watched carefully, especially when they are young. In addition to wild animals and potential predators, fertilizers and herbicides used on lawns can be toxic. Outside dogs may consume mushrooms or sticks. Pets could get into animal or insect nests. Conduct a sweep of the yard to see where the pet may be able to escape and how other animals might be able to get in. Blocking access to pools or spas to reduce drowning risk also is a smart idea. Petproofing often involves installing fencing.
Caring for a pet bears some similarity to caring for a child. Much like parents take measures to protect young children, certain safetyproofing measures should be taken to keep animals from getting hurt or sick around the house as well.
Traditional Home Hallmarks
A home can say a lot about its inhabitants. Perhaps that’s one reason why renters and homeowners alike spend so much time and expend so much effort on the various design components of their homes.
Home styles are as diverse as the people who live in the homes. Each design style has its proponents, but traditional style homes are among the most enduring designs. The popularity of traditional style homes has endured for centuries. And though homes built in the twentieth and twentyfirst centuries might be
vastly different from those constructed in the 1600s and 1700s, they still include characteristics of homes one might have found back in colonial times. But it’s also important to note that the notion of “traditional” has changed, and some may now see homes built more than 50 years ago as traditional. That’s an important distinction to keep in mind when working with contractors and interior designers, as homeowners who prefer traditional should not hesitate to share how they define that style. As individuals shop around for new homes or seek inspiration before redesigning their existing spaces, they can consider these hallmarks of traditional-style homes.
• Color: According to the home renovation experts at HGTV, traditional-style homes are not typically associated with the muted color palettes common to more modern design schemes. Traditional styles utilize color throughout the home, and each color of the rainbow can be utilized
if individuals so desire. Though neutral colors are found in traditional-style homes, Architectural Digest notes they are typically accompanied with pops of bold colors in jewel tones.
• Classic decor: It might be an oversimplification to suggest modern and
traditional are at opposite ends of the design spectrum, but traditional-style homes lean on classical decor like chandeliers and bookcases, each of which is unlikely to be found in a modern home.
• Architectural details: Certain architectural details also are commonly found in traditional-style homes. Wainscoting and crown molding, which harken many back to the style’s centuries-old roots, are some hallmarks of the traditional style.
• Defined spaces: Open concept floor plans have
become very popular in recent years, but traditionalstyle homes do not feature open floor plans. Living rooms and dining rooms (which are used exclusively as dining rooms) are defined spaces in traditional-style homes, which also tend to have all bedrooms on the second floor or higher. The traditional design style has endured for centuries. That serves as a testament to the appeal of a style that will seemingly always have a place to call home. 9
What To Know When Remodeling Your Garage At Home
Homeowners tend to want to maximize all of the space they have in their homes. For some this may involve turning a garage from a utilitarian space into one that serves multiple purposes.
According to The Mortgage Reports, a home-buying and improvement resource, garage renovations can increase the value of a home and add living space. Garage remodels can create additional storage space, provide an area for a home gym or even create room for a home office. Prior to beginning a garage remodel, homeowners may have some common questions about the process.
How much does the renovation cost?
Several factors will ultimately determine the final price of a garage remodel, but HomeAdvisor says the national average for a garage remodel falls between $6,000 and $26,000. Most homeowners come in at around $15,000 for a total garage conversion. Will I recoup the investment?
A garage conversion adds value to a home if it creates new and usable living space. The firm Cottage, which
pulled together a team of builders, architects and technologists, advises the average garage conversion provides an 80 percent return on investment. That ROI varies depending on location.
How can I upgrade the flooring?
Garages traditionally feature concrete floors. Although durable, concrete floors can feel damp, hard
ment experts at Danley’s say window installation enables people to circulate air in the garage without having to open the garage door. Improving the lighting means the garage can still be enjoyed or utilized after dark. Spread out lighting in the garage, and use a combination of overhead and task lighting just as one would in the home itself.
How do I deter bugs or other pests from entering?
Types Of Bird Feed For Backyard Feeders
and cold underfoot. Both vinyl plank and epoxy flooring options can elevate the design and functionality of the garage.
Can I have the best of both worlds?
Sometimes a garage needs to serve many purposes. Lofting the garage means a homeowner can still park cars or utilize the lower space as a living area, all the while items are stored overhead. Some flip this design scenario and have the loft
area as a bedroom or finished living space, while the lower portion remains a traditional garage area. Another thought is to finish only a portion of the garage. This works well for two- or three-car garages where there will be room to park a car and the remainder will serve another purpose. What are other ways to improve the garage?
Insects often want to hunker down in garages, and they may find it easy to get inside a garage. Keeping the garage clean and organized is the best way to deter pests and to spot infestations before they become problematic, indicates Mosquito Joe pest control company. Reducing water and humidity in the space, weatherproofing at the base of the garage door and other entry spots and utilizing insect repellents to make the garage less hospitable also can decrease the risk of insect infestation.
Birding is a wildly popular hobby. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, about 45 million Americans are birders, while data from the popular bird observation app eBird indicates that submissions from Canadian birders increased by 34 percent in 2020.
It’s not uncommon for birding enthusiasts to travel great distances to see beautiful birds in serene settings. But individuals also can entice beautiful birds to come to them. Bird feeders beckon birds to millions of backyards every day, making them an ideal addition to properties owned by people with an affinity for avians. After choosing a bird feeder, novices may not know which food to fill it with. This breakdown, courtesy of the National Wildlife Federation® NWF), can help anyone find the right food for their feeders.
Installing more windows or improving on the lighting in the garage can be important. The garage improve-
Remodeling a garage can add value and plenty of usable space to a home. Whether a garage houses cars or hosts neighborhood game night, a garage renovation can be well worth the investment.
• Nectar: Individuals who want to attract hummingbirds can do so with nectar, which the NWF describes as
colored sugar water. Nectar must be placed into a hummingbird feeder and also might attract orioles to the backyard.
• Black-oil sunflower: The NWF notes that black-oil sunflower is the most popular bird seed. Black-oil sunflower attracts an array of birds, including blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, and sparrows. Novices may like that black-oil sunflower seed can even be found at many grocery stores, which can appeal to individuals who live in remote locations without specialty bird stores nearby.
• Mixes: Seed mixes also can be found at grocery stores and appeal to a variety of birds. Individuals who want to keep their feeders close to their decks or patios may want to look for mixes described as “no-mess.” The NWF indicates that these mixes have been de-hulled, which means there won’t be as big a pile of unwanted seeds beneath the feeder. That tends to be the case with regular mixes that birds pick through as they choose which seeds they want and discard the others, often dropping them to the ground
beneath the feeder. The NWF reports that mixes tend to attract ground-feeding birds, such as doves and sparrows.
• Suet: Suet is sought after in winter by bird lovers who want to help birds stay healthy and strong during times of year when food sources are scarce. Suet requires a suet feeder, which is unlike most bird feeders. Suet comes in squares and isn’t in seed form, though seeds are typically mixed in to the gelatinous cake. Despite its appearance, which can seem like a square block of fat, suet is an excellent source of protein for birds in winter.
• Thistle or nyjer: The NWF notes that goldfinches love this small, high-quality seed. Because thistle or nyjer is something of a specialty seed, birders who want to put it out will need to purchase a finch feeder.
Birding has millions of devotees across the globe. Knowing what to feed birds can be a great way for birding enthusiasts to attract these beautiful creatures to their own backyards.
Strategies To Give Your Living Room A New Vibe
An “out with the old, in with the new” mentality can extend to people’s visions for their homes. A home in need of repair or renovation can serve as a catalyst to take inventory of personal style and help make interior spaces reflect one’s unique vibe.
A living room can grow stale over time and often serves as a catch-all for clothing, blankets, gadgets, and other items. Upon recognizing a living room has seen better days, individuals may decide it’s time to give the space a new vibe. That transformation can start with these strategies.
Organize First
Clutter frequently is the culprit behind a living room that may not give off the vibe individuals desire. As families grow and people add belongings, space may be at a premium. Less is more has never been a more important concept. Remove extraneous items before purchasing new furniture or transitioning to a new design. You may even want to remove everything and start from scratch before reintroducing desirable elements to the space.
Some people are adept at decorating and designing spaces. But just as you wouldn’t perform your own medical procedures, you should leave jobs like interior design and renovations to the professionals. Hiring a professional interior designer and contractors can really bring a living room together in ways homeowners may have never imagined. These pros can build off of your ideas and truly create a space that may be worthy of a magazine spread.
Promote Wellness
You may want to consider adding natural materials in
the design to promote wellbeing. Eco-friendly furnishings, raw fibers and organic textures will create an environment from sustainable choices. Plenty of plants also can create a welcoming environment that helps you surround yourself with positive energy and the items you love.
Light It Up
One of the easiest ways to transform a room’s vibe is to utilize lighting. Change draperies to allow more natural light to shine in. Consider additional windows or skylights if yours is a particularly dark home. If you desire to create a more vivid or cozy ambiance, use
a combination of accent, task and supplemental lighting in the space so there are no dim corners.
Create An Industrial Or Urban Vibe
Industrial-chic design celebrates the bones of a building. It’s what makes city lofts so appealing, with their exposed beams and brick. Even those who live in suburbia or out in the country can give a living room this look with subtle nods to the style. Unadorned windows, clean lines on furniture, oversized, gallery-style art, and metal accents can add touches of this popular look to your home.
Seek The Assistance Of Professionals
Situations When Self-Storage May Be The Right Solution For You
When organizing a home or apartment, homeowners and renters are often confronted with a stark reality: they have more stuff than space. Storage issues tend to snowball as individuals acquire new items without discarding old ones. Few people may consider a home addition or upgrading to a larger home to address their storage situations, as those can be costly solutions to problems that often can be solved with a less significant investment.
Self-storage facilities are a practical and simple way for homeowners and renters to solve the problem of having too much stuff and too little space. Such facilities can accommodate individuals in
various situations, making this an ideal option for anyone looking to organize their homes without getting rid of their possessions.
Organizing a Home
Perhaps the most common reason to rent a self-storage unit is to create space in a home and make it feel less cluttered. Clutter isn’t just a nuisance, it’s also a potential mental health hazard. A 2016 study from researchers at the University of New Mexico found that clutter was negatively related to a psychological sense of wellbeing. Ridding a home of clutter may create greater feelings of happiness. Individuals who want to see if this approach works for
them can rent a self-storage unit, where they can keep items that might have sentimental value but little practical value.
Selling a Home
Real estate professionals note that staging is an important part of selling a home. In fact, a 2019 report from the National Association of Realtors indicated 47 percent of buyers feel a
well-staged living room had a significant effect on how they viewed a home. Staging typically involves removing excess furniture and knickknacks to make rooms appear more spacious and free-flowing. Sellers can temporarily rent a selfstorage unit where they can keep extra furnishings and other items so the rooms throughout their house are
less cluttered and more appealing to prospective buyers.
Renovating a Home
Every homeowner who has lived through a renovation project is likely aware of how claustrophobic a home can feel once the project commences. Cramped quarters and little room to move around can turn the weeks spent renovating a home into an exercise is stress management. Prior to a renovation, homeowners can rent a self-storage unit so furnishings in the room or rooms that will be renovated are not crammed into bedrooms, hallways and other living spaces. Most storage facilities offer temporary unit rentals that can make it much easier to navigate home renovations. These are just some of the situations when renting a self-storage unit can make life easier and a little less cramped. Homeowners and renters are urged to consider self-storage solutions if and when things start to feel a little claustrophobic or crowded at home.
Four Things Homeowners Should Know About Kitchen Renovations
Kitchens are often described as the most popular room in a home, and that’s not mere conjecture. A 2022 survey from House Digest asked participants to identify the room they consider most important in their homes, and roughly 41 percent chose the kitchen.
Residents tend to congregate in kitchens in the morning and then again in the evening when meals are prepared and, in homes without formal dining rooms, eaten. With so much time spent in the kitchen, it’s no wonder that the 2022 U.S. Houzz & Home Study: Renovation Trends found kitchens to be the most popular interior room to upgrade. With so many people interested in kitchen renovations, the following are four things homeowners should know about these popular improvement projects.
1. Expect to spend some money. Most home improvement projects require a significant financial investment, but kitchen renovations are among the more expensive undertakings. The overall cost of a project will depend on a host of variables unique to each home, including homeowners’ preferences, but HomeAdvisor estimated the average kitchen remodel in 2023 cost between $14,611 and $41,432. Homeowners considering an upscale kitchen remodel may receive six figure estimates for such projects.
2. Expect a good return on investment. If sticker shock settles in when receiving an initial kitchen remodel estimate, perhaps it can help homeowners to know that such a project may provide a strong return on investment (ROI). According to Remodeling magazine’s “2024 Cost vs. Value Report,” a minor kitchen remodel provides a 96 percent ROI. A major kitchen remodel mid-range (49 percent) and a major kitchen remodel upscale (38 percent) did not provide as notable a ROI.
3. Expect the project to take some time. Kitchens are large rooms with a lot of components, so renovating these spaces can take some time. Estimates vary depending on the size of the room, the scale of the remodel and the materials chosen, but Angi reports a kitchen remodel for most homes takes six weeks to four months. That’s a sizable window, and it reflects the
likelihood that unforeseen issues like supply chain interruptions or the discovery of mold will arise at some point during the renovation. Though it’s impossible to determine precisely how long a project will take before it begins, homeowners renovating their kitchens may want to plan for the project to take two months if not longer.
4. Expect to use your kitchen during the renovation. If the timeline of a renovation is scary, homeowners should know they will likely be able to use their kitchen even after the project begins. Though the
room might not remain a
popular gathering space once the work starts, Angi notes kitchens are typically out of commission for around six weeks during a renovation. That still re-
quires some pre-planning in relation to meals, but it also suggests homeowners won’t be without a kitchen for months on end.
Kitchen renovations are
popular projects. Homeowners who know what to expect before such projects commence can make it through a renovation more smoothly.
Did You Know?
Planning plays an integral role in the home improvement process, and it’s perhaps a more time-consuming component of renovations than homeowners realize. According to the “2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study” from Houzz Research, homeowners spent almost twice as much time planning their kitchen renovations in 2023 as it took for the projects to be completed. The researchers behind the report found that the average time spent planning a kitchen renovation in 2023 was 9.6 months, while the building took 5.1 months.
Additional projects featured a similar disparity between the time to plan and the time to build. For example, homeowners spent 8.1 months planning living room renovations, which then took an additional 4.1 months to complete. Even smaller projects like closet renovations required ample planning (6.5 months) that more than doubled the time required to complete the project (3.1 months).
Your Guide To Maintaining And Cleaning Your Wood Floors At Home
Wood floors are coveted for a number of reasons, not the least of which is their aesthetic appeal. Many people prefer wood flooring because dust and dirt do not become trapped as they would in carpet fibers, seemingly making wood flooring easy to clean.
Most floors endure a lot of wear and tear. However, with care, wood flooring may last for decades. Part of that care includes understanding how to properly clean and maintain wood floors so they look their best. The following are some steps for keeping wood floors as pristine as possible.
• Remove shoes. It’s a good idea to remove shoes, particularly heels, when walking on wood floors. Sharp heels, cleats and other shoes can scratch or dent wood flooring. All shoes can track in excess dirt, which can contribute to a lack of luster as well.
• Sweep or vacuum frequently. The experts at The Spruce suggest sweeping, vacuuming or dust mopping wood floors daily. Dirt and dust make floors more slippery, and dirt or sand
warping. With laminate flooring, avoid wet mopping unless the flooring is specifically marked as being able to be wet. The underlayers of laminate flooring can warp if it gets wet.
• Damp is better than wet. When cleaning wood flooring, use a damp rather than a soaking wet mop. Better Homes & Gardens says standing water can damage wood surfaces.
particles can lead to scratches on the floor.
• Learn your flooring type. Wood flooring is broken down into three main categories: solid hardwood flooring, engineered hard-
• Use the hard floor setting. When vacuuming, adjust the vacuum to a hard flooring setting, which will not engage the brush rollers on the vacuum head. Rollers can scratch wood and laminate flooring, advises The Home Depot.
wood flooring and laminate wood flooring. Traditional hardwood is made of planks or strips of any hardwood covered in a wood stain. Engineered flooring is manufactured by gluing together several thin plies of hardwood. Laminate flooring looks like wood but generally is a veneer or a photographic image of wood covered by a thick layer of melamine resin over fiberboard.
• Skip harsh cleansers. Regardless of flooring type, most are covered by a sealant that can become streaky or dull if the wrong cleanser is used. Avoid chlorine bleach, ammonia, pine oil, or undiluted vinegar. Instead, choose a cleanser that is specifically recommended for the flooring type. Do not allow water or solutions to sit on the floor, as that can contribute to staining and
• Use repair products as needed. Scratch and repair kits can fill in small scratches. Wood floor polish and wood waxes also can revitalize worn floors. Again, check that the product is safe for your particular flooring before use. Wood floors bring warmth to a home and are very popular. Cleaning them correctly can add to their appeal and longevity.
Water
in countries with ample regulation and sophisticated filtering systems, there are times when anyone, regardless of where they live, should take stock of the water in their homes.
Frequency of testing
One of the variables for individuals to consider is how long it’s been since they last tested the water quality in their homes. For those who have never done so, those who have done it but can’t recall precisely when or those who know it’s been more than a year since the last test, then it’s a good time to test the water. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends annual testing for coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. The EPA notes this testing is especially important for anyone who is using a new well or has replaced or repaired pipes, pumps or the well casing.
What about public water supply systems?
Testing may not be necessary for individuals who get their water from public water supplies. The EPA notes that anyone who pays a water bill gets their water from a public supply system, which is responsible for monitoring and testing water and reporting the results of those tests to the appropriate agencies as well as the individuals who use the water. Homeowners and tenants who pay a water bill should receive an annual water quality report from their water supply utility,
while renters can request a copy of that report from their landlords if they do not pay the bill themselves.
What about private water supply systems?
Individuals who receive their water from a private system, such as a household well, are responsible for conducting their own water supply testing. These tests should be conducted annually and in the aftermath of a spill or other incident that could taint the water supply.
Are there any special circumstances to test the water?
The EPA notes that certain situations may call for
testing the water supply, even if it’s provided by a public supply system. For example, the EPA recommends that expecting parents test their water supply for nitrates in the early months of a pregnancy.
Testing should then be conducted again prior to bringing an infant home and once more during the first six months of the baby’s life. The EPA notes nitrate tests are best conducted in spring or summer after periods of rain.
An eye, taste and/or smell test also can indicate if the water supply should be tested. Water that stains, has an unusual taste and/or a conspicuous odor should be
tested. In these instances, test for sulfate, chloride, iron, manganese, hardness, and corrosion.
A local chemical or fuel spill also should trigger a test of the water supply. The EPA notes that these tests can be expensive and recommends individuals contact a local expert to determine which contaminants to test for.
Water quality is easily taken for granted. However, various scenarios may necessitate testing the water supply. A local health department office can be a useful resource for individuals who want to confirm that their water supply is safe.
Tips For Budget-Friendly Ways To Make Your Home More Inviting
Home interiors can be spruced up in a number of ways. Ideas run the gamut from relatively inexpensive changes in paint color to more extensive (and expensive) remodels that may include demolition and reconstruction. Investing in new home decor is another way to breathe new life into spaces, and this approach that falls somewhere in the middle in regard to cost.
Material and product costs remain high across the board, so individuals inter-
ested in changing the furniture and other design elements in their homes might be seeking ways to do so in the most affordable way possible. In such instances, homeowners can try these budget-friendly ways to overhaul their home decor.
• Create the illusion of more space. Light, bright and white are key attributes to remember when selecting design elements for rooms where you want to create the illusion of more square footage. Painting the walls
in very light colors, increasing natural and artificial light, including using wellplaced mirrors to reflect
light, and decorating with light-colored fabrics can help a space seem more roomy.
furniture and accents. Traditional design centers can be great places to find plenty of high-quality merchandise. However, don’t overlook local discount or close-out centers that may have items at very reasonable costs. Stores like Home Goods, At Home and Big Lots routinely get new merchandise that changes with the season, helping homeowners to refresh their spaces without having to dig deep into their pockets. Shop the high-end stores for inspiration, then try to find “dupes” in the discount stores that will mimic the looks for less.
• Replace the accessories. Replacing curtains, area rugs, throw pillows, and chair cushions is an easy way to change a room without a big investment. Consider updating some wall art and tying color schemes together with all of the newly introduced elements.
• Splurge on statement pieces that will be used frequently. These may include chandeliers, unique rugs or an eye-catching piece of furniture.
• Shop ‘discount’ stores for
• Cut out the clutter. Modern homes are lean and clean. A home’s interior instantly looks more highend and appealing when the clutter is removed. Consider keeping main living areas free from too many knickknacks and other accents. If you want to display a special collection, set aside a room specifically for such items. There are many budgetfriendly ways to make interior spaces more inviting.
