Tag Archives: home

January 10, 2019 · 4:29 pm

Red Flags You Need To Be Aware Of When Hiring A Contractor

Hiring a Contractor

Your home is your haven and something you have worked very hard for. It is where you build your family and celebrate the milestones in your life. Owning a home is no doubt you have worked very hard to do and maintaining your home is something that goes hand in hand with being a homeowner.

Beyond ordinary maintenance, enhancing your living space with home improvement projects as your family grows, is something many homeowners do.

House

Home improvement projects are abundant, and they are easily one of the best ways to update your home and make it more functional for your needs.  However, not all of us have the time or the skill to perform these projects ourselves. That is why we choose to hire a professional contactor.

Contractors vary in skill and qualifications. When you end up hiring a bad contractor, you run the risk of shoddy workmanship or worse, you may even end up with an unfinished home improvement project. Both scenarios mean that you’ve just thrown your hard-earned money down the drain.

So, what are the red flags that you be aware of when looking for a contractor for your next home improvement project?

Addition

Poor Reviews

The lack of reviews or worse, the presence of negative reviews should already be an indication that the particular contractor does not perform well. Background checks are also necessary when you want to make sure that your hard-earned money goes somewhere worthwhile.

References also work in the same way in that they provide you with a glimpse of a contractor’s work ethic and whether or not they truly deliver results.

New Roof

No Proposal

A good contractor is going to be able to plan for the entire project, from start to finish. They’re going to be able to determine the time needed as well as the materials required to get the job done.

They should present you with a clear proposal for your to review. If your contractor asks for unlimited time as well as unlimited materials, then you’re just asking to get overcharged for the project. Walk away if this is the case.

new construction

Overpromising

If something sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. That old adage is almost always correct, and this situation is no exception. Before you sign a contract, you need to do a bit of research on how much the project is going to cost to complete.

This site should provide you with a comprehensive idea of the price of materials. Use this as a point of reference for when you want to see if a contractor is offering you a low price that’s too good to be true.

Lack of Construction Permits

When a contractor dismisses building permits as unnecessary expenses, you should already be raising an eyebrow. Permits are standard procedure, as well as the inspections that precede their release. You aren’t only risking your project getting shut down. You’re also risking your safety and that of the people around you.

Luckily, if a faulty construction should result in injury to you or anyone in your house, you do have legal remedies that should help you along the way.

Home Improvement

This is a collaborative guest post, the words and views do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.


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December 5, 2018 · 7:15 pm

Three Great Decorating Styles to Spruce Up Your Home This Christmas

The air is getting colder. The leaves have all fallen. Stores are starting to advertise upcoming sales, and all the signs are clear: Christmas will soon be here!

Christmas

Okay, that’s a little dramatic, but it is true that another holly jolly season will soon be upon us, and I bet you’re already planning ahead for what you’ve got to do.

There’s obviously gift lists to assemble, you’re calling your mom to figure out who’s hosting the Christmas dinner (“Oh! I am?”), and, bless you, you’re probably stressing over how you’re going to decorate this year.

Christmas Decor

Every proud homemaker knows that having a theme at Christmas is essential for transforming a house into a home. It’s not that you’re being vain or anything, but you know that having a house that feels warm, welcoming, and, dare I say jolly, are key to helping enhance the joy of being reunited with your friends and family during this special time.

Christmas Stockings

With that being said, it can be a pain. It takes time, and it can be tough to keep things fresh and interesting, trying to come up with a new, engaging theme, year after year. To help you out this season, and take some of that burden off your shoulders, I’ve put together a few ideas that you can use to really spruce up your house for all of your guests, whether you’re hosting or not (“Yes. You are.”).

Classical Style

Classic Christmas themes work extremely well because they’re, well, tradition! These are the common color and design staples that leave your guests with no doubt that you treasure the season, and look forward to it every year. It may not be revolutionary, but it’s effective, and when the goal is to relax with those closest to you, and focus on quality time with each other, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Classic Christmas

To capture the perfect classical look, stick with shades of dark greens and bright reds, as well as gold and silver. Common design elements include Christmas trees, reindeer, Santa’s sleigh, and turtle doves. Sticking with naturals decor items, like a real Christmas tree, and a pine need centerpiece, is also a great way to accentuate this style.

Traditional Style

Traditional style during the holidays is all about keeping the same sense of warmth and comfort that you find in classical style, but eschewing a lot of dynamism in favor of a more subtle impression. To that end, the reds, greens, and other colors that make up the classic Christmas palette remain, but are presented in subtler ways.

Traditional Christmas

To start with, you don’t have to go overboard with Santa statues, reindeer napkins, nativity bookends, and all other manner of Christmas staples. Instead, you can do simple things, like swap out the throws or pillows on your couch for some dark greens and reds, or incorporate a subdued, but elegant rug to introduce just a hint of the Christmas spirit into your living space.

Unconventional

If you’re someone who’s never been one to just go along with the crowd, or forced yourself to keep up with the latest trends, good for you! It takes a lot of courage to live your life that way, and you can use that same philosophy to decorate your home for the season, and leave quite the impression with your guests.

Merry Christmas

You can use colors and designs that mean something unique about Christmas to you, and incorporate them into your decorations. Maybe one Christmas your family took a trip to the beach, and you have a seashell that represents that trip; or maybe you the most cherished gift you ever received was a pair of socks your mom knit for you, and you use them as the centerpiece of your table.

The possibilities are endless with this approach, and the more unique to you, the better!

Christmas Fireplace

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.

 


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November 14, 2018 · 1:06 pm

6 Creative Ways to Pay for Your Next Home Improvement Project

Your home is a special place, somewhere to spend time with family and friends, a haven to relax and unwind after a long day. It’s no wonder we want our homes to look inviting and attractive. For most homeowners, this means embarking on a home improvement project. However, even with opting for DIY instead of paying a professional home remodeler to do it, the cost of a home improvement project can be overwhelming.

Unfortunately, high remodeling costs mean that many have to put off their dream of renovating their home until they have saved enough money. Depending on the scope of the project, saving up could take months or years.  Don’t get discouraged, there are other options to create your dream home. Here are six creative ways to pay for your home improvement project.

Declutter 

You would probably be surprised to learn how much money  some of the junk and clutter you have around and in your house is worth.  If you are serious about funding your home improvement project another way, then it’s time to scrap your junk for cash. Find out the scrap price for cars, and get rid of that old clunker taking up space in your garage. Go through your basement and attic and put together all the old items you no longer want or need, then start selling them online or through classified ads. Just because you don’t need it, does not mean it’s not worth something to someone else. Remember one person’s junk is another person’s treasure.

Barter 

Bartering is trading goods or services without using money. Bartering was very popular back in the day, but you may be able to benefit today. Do you have any items or skills you can trade in order to get the materials or services you need for your project? For instance, if you are a CPA, it may be possible to trade your tax services to a local handyman in exchange for their labor. Think outside the box, and reach out to your community to find someone who is interested in your offer.

Reuse and recycle

It’s possible you have all the stuff you need for your project already in your home. For instance, if you want to renovate a bathroom, consider reusing some of the pieces you already have in the renovation. For example, painting an old vanity can transform its look for just a few dollars. Adding new trim around your old mirror can give it new life, while painting light fixtures and hardware can update their look without breaking the bank.  Instead of assuming you have to buy all new materials for your home, think about the ways you can reuse the items you have.

Use store credits, gift cards, and rebates

Most home improvement stores today provide you with all the tools and products you need to complete your project. Instead of buying everything outright, consider asking for gift cards to that specific store for your birthday and holidays. This way, you can save up these gift cards and use them to pay for the stuff you need for your project. In addition, if you have store credits or rebate offers, be sure to cash those in and use them to fund your project. These are great ways to eliminate the overall expense and still get the home you dreamed of.

Get a part-time job

Taking on a part-time job can help you fund your home improvement project. Although the thought of working more may not sound appealing, you’ll be happy when the home improvement project is finished. Think about opting for a job that lets you work on your own schedule, such as driving for Uber or starting a side freelance business. When you can generate some extra income and put that aside for your project, you’ll be knocking down walls before you know it.

Consider guest funding

It may be a long shot, but sites like GoFundMe, allow you to make an online, public request for donations to your “cause.” Starting a GoFundMe account for your home improvement project could entice others to fund the project for you. Requests like this are often best if the home improvement project is needed for health issues or to make your home safe. For instance if a family member is in a wheelchair and you need an entrance ramp or if your roof was damaged from a falling tree and is not covered by insurance.

Keep The Faith

Your home improvement may have a hefty price tag, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. Implementing some of the ways above can help you create the house of your dreams in less time than you think.

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.


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September 24, 2018 · 1:07 pm

4 Inexpensive Ways To Make Your Home More Secure

Home security is an important consideration for anyone, regardless of age, income or where they live. When you welcome a new addition to your family, those natural, protective instincts kick in, making it more important than ever. Of course, growing your family is also one of the most expensive periods of your life, not to mention one of the most chaotic. So, from a pragmatic perspective, it might not be the most sensible time to call in contractors to tear your home apart installing a state of the art home security system. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to improve home security significantly that are cheap, quick and simple.

Send out the right signs

Home Invaders and burglars are opportunists who look for easy targets. Make it clear that you don’t fall into that category, and they will go somewhere else. If you place signs on your gates telling the uninvited to stay out, it makes it clear that your household is aware of the possibility of intruders. Simply putting a sign up sounds almost too easy, but it is a proven and effective way to stop people trespassing on your property – all for the price of a sandwich and a cup of coffee!

Let there be light

Intruders tend to operate either while everyone is off to work or under the cover of darkness. If you are a new mom, chances are you are around most of the day, so it is the nighttime hours that are the highest risk. A security light is a must-have these days. The technology has become so inexpensive and energy-efficient that there is no reason not to. As well as illuminating anyone who approaches the property and shouldn’t be there, lighting also provides additional comfort and security for you, your family and any genuine visitors who approach the front door after dark.

Gravel and shingle

If you are planning on resurfacing the drive any time soon, give serious thought to gravel or shingle as opposed to concrete or paving. As well as being a cost-effective option, it makes a distinctive, loud noise when anyone walks or drives on it. If your parents had this kind of driveway when you were younger and you ever tried to sneak in quietly after a late night, you will remember exactly what it is like!

Trespassers hate trellis

Trellis, the thin wooden framework that you can put above your fence or wall, looks
innocuous enough, and certainly wouldn’t seem like anything to bother a burglar. However, as well
as providing the perfect environment for vines and creepers to grow on, it has another
interesting feature. Trellis is so fragile that if anyone tries to climb over it, it will immediately start
snapping and quickly collapse – and it will do so very noisily.

Trying to climb over trellis is an even noisier challenge than navigating a gravel driveway.
For a few dollars, it is the perfect way to make your garden look better and at the same time,
add a simple but effective intruder alert system!

This is a collaborative guest post. The ideals and views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.


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August 22, 2018 · 10:42 am

“Homespun” Blog Book Tour- Amish & Mennonite Women in Their Own Words

I love learning about different cultures and religions. The most profound thing I have learned, is that when we really take the time to learn about others, we usually discover we are more alike than different. I think our world could benefit greatly if we all took the time to learn about others.

Given my feelings, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review a new book edited by Lorilee Craker. The book, Homespun: Amish and Mennonite Women in Their Own Words,

 

Is there a better way to connect and get to know someone than over a cup of coffee or tea? That is exactly how it feels reading the stories of the Amish and Plain Mennonite women in this book. Editor Lorilee Craker, bestselling author of Money Secrets of the Amish, collects these personal writings about hospitality, home, grief, joy, and walks with God.

Hear from one woman who struggles with feeling inferior to her sister, from another about her longing for a baby, and from a third who accidentally bought stretchy material to sew her husband’s pants. tEach woman’s story is a testament to the grace of God and the blessings of community.

This book is such a great read, one to savor while laying back and enjoying the end of summer. Homespun is such a comfortable read, it is so hard to put down. As I read the stories of the women on the pages, I found there was much more I had in common with them than not. The stories draw you in and make you laugh, cry and connect. You will love this book.

Learn more in my video below:

Behind Amish romance novels and tourist spots and television shows stand real people, with longings and loves just like the rest of us. Every Amish and Mennonite woman has a story. In Homespun, you get to hear some of them.

About the editor:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lorilee Craker is the author of thirteen books, including Money Secrets of the Amish; Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me; My Journey to Heaven with Marv Besteman; and the New York Times bestseller Through the Story with Lynne Spears. Connect with Lorilee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


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July 13, 2018 · 2:53 pm

5 Things You Can Do To Improve The Look of Your House

It is important to work on the aesthetics of your home. A well-kept home not only makes a great impression, it can also help make you feel more relaxed and happy. We all want our homes to look good, but not all of us know where to start to achieve that perfect look. Do not be fooled into thinking that  decorating or updating your home is not possible without the help of an interior designer.

If you have the right eye, you can create some small changes on your own to change the look of your house, and make it appear more attractive. To help you with this, check out these five things you can do to improve the look of your house:

Paint your house

You can have a mansion worth millions of dollars, but if the walls are covered in scuffed, stained paint, the whole look would be compromised. If your house has old, dingy paint, consider freshening it up with new paint  as soon as possible. Nothing adds value and transforms your house better than fresh paint. It can make your house look more attractive, and also allows you to fix issues such as cracks in the walls.

Update your kitchen

Your kitchen is truly the heart of your home, so make sure to keep it updated, organized and clean. Some of the ways to update your kitchen game without breaking the bank include:

  • Resurfacing or painting cabinets
  • Updating your lighting fixtures
  • Installing new countertops

These additions can make your kitchens more useful and also increase the worth of your house as they bring a ROI as high as 60%.

Spruce up your Living Room

If you want to make a good impression on guests and make your house look better, than you might want to consider updating your living room. You can make your living room more inviting in the following ways:

  • Installing new curtains and blinds from a company like Select Blinds Canada.
  • Buying new furniture for the living room or updating the old furniture with new paint or upholstery.
  • Getting rid of excess clutter to make the room appear larger and more organized.

Keep It Clean

Now, this is an area where you need to invest your time not your money.  Go through your house, purge excess clutter and clean rooms from top to bottom.  A cluttered, dusty home looks unattractive and can be depressing to yourself and your guests.

Install new lighting

Ditch those ordinary or basic lighting fixtures that add no pizzazz or style. Spice up the lighting in your home and make it look more elegant. Try looking for chandeliers, table lamps and floor lamps that have style and flair. The right use of lighting will not only brighten up your house but also make it look more lavish.

If you follow these tips you can add new life into your home and make it feel welcoming and stylish.

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideals expressed are not necessarily those of Mommy Ramblings.


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July 5, 2018 · 3:10 pm

Top 4 Reasons to Renovate Your Home

Renovating your home can be a costly and time-consuming process, but the benefits outweigh the money you spend on it. Many homeowners, in spite of draining their pockets, fail at giving their home a lavish look simply because they do not know how to get things done.

Renovating a home enhances the comfort, and the money spent on it serves as an investment. Moreover, the right renovation options also increase the value of your home and help you earn a good profit in case you decide to sell the house.

Here are the top 4 reasons to renovate your home:

1.Reduced Energy Bills

When you hire an experienced contractor, he/she can remodel your home in a way that can maximize natural light so that you don’t need to keep the lights on. This will help reduce energy consumption and help you save money.

Renovating a home also includes upgrading insulation. This will seal any exit points in the roof or anywhere else in the house to control temperature better. Doing so, will save you money on AC and heater bills, which is important a heating and cooling costs make up for about 50% of the total energy consumption.

Last but not the least, switching light fixtures to LEDs can also help you save energy as they are more energy-efficient than other options. They can run 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

2. Increases The Home’s Value

If you think that renovating your home is a money wasting process, think again. Renovating your home is a wise investment. Making both minor and major improvements in your home can boost the home’s value.

Renovating a kitchen has a ROI of almost 59% while making bathroom improvements give you 59.8% return on investment. Similarly, making upgrades in the rooms and hall can also increase the overall value of your home.

It’s not just the interior that will boost your home’s value, making upgrades outside can help too. A deck addition gives a ROI of almost 80%. Adding a small garden too can help you a great deal.

3. Increases The Comfort

It’s important that your home provides the comfort that you need. If the rooms look messy, cluttered and congested then it can be a bit difficult to find peace in your home.

Renovating your home helps you reconsider the space and make changes. It’s a great way to exclude unnecessary things. For example. a large coffee table in the hall might be occupying a lot of space. You can install shelves in the kitchen to make more space in the hall. Similarly, you can make adjustments for other areas as well.

We suggest that you visit ResCom Designs to find some inspiration.

4. Improves Aesthetics

No one wants their homes to look dull and unattractive. However, when a renovation is long overdue, the aesthetics are compromised. New upgrades such as fresh paint, new flooring, window replacement etc., can help enhance the look of your home.

This is a sponsored guest post, the views and ideals do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.

 

 


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June 30, 2018 · 3:54 pm

How to Choose The Right Paint For Your Home

One of the most crucial decisions that homeowners need to make is selecting the paint for their homes. This is because the right paint can turn a dull looking home into a piece of flamboyant beauty and the wrong choice can affect the aesthetics of your entire home.

A lot of homeowners try to paint their homes on their own, because they think that grabbing a brush and stroking it on the walls is all there is to it. However, it’s not true. There are a lot of factors at play that only experts are aware of.

Besides hiring an expert to do the job, here are some tips that can help you pick the right paint for your home:

Do Your Research First

The paint for your home shouldn’t just be there to color the walls, but also to brighten your mood every time you walk into your home. To make this happen, you must choose high quality paint.

The first step towards finding the right paint is to conduct some research.

Find A Reliable Company

The paint you buy should come from a reliable company because quality matters. Buying paints from a trusted paint company will get you high quality paints that are durable and vibrant.

They should be free of hazardous chemicals, because the use of such paints can put you and your family’s health at risk.

Spend some time on the internet looking up several paint companies to see which ones are licensed and have good reviews regarding quality and safety.

Choose The Right Color

The paint for your house needs to blend in with the overall theme of your home, which includes the furniture, wall decor and floors. Bright colors are trending these days, as they literally brighten up the house and your mood as well.

Another thing to consider, is what kind of look you want. If bright colors make you uneasy and make it difficult for you to sleep, then going for dull colors is your best bet.

At the end of the day, we return to our homes to get rest and loosen up, hence, it is better to go for colors that give you a calm feeling, and help you relax when you enter your home.

Hire An Experienced Painter

Last but not the least, hiring an experienced painter is what you need to do next. It does not matter how good the paint is, if it isn’t applied properly, it will not look good on the walls.

The benefit of hiring professionals is that they know how to fix damages and spots. So, it’s wise to spend a few more dollars and have professionals take care of things for you.

If you are not a fan of paint, you may consider wallpapers as they provide the same benefits. A good choice is MuraleDesign, as the company offers a wide range of options. Just pick something that meets your taste.

This is a sponsored guest post, the ideals and views expressed are not necessarily those of Mommy Ramblings.


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June 4, 2018 · 12:58 am

Grip-It Is The Ultra-Strong Way To Hang Your TV #Giveaway

Do you want to hang your flat screen TV on the wall? If so, you are in good company, because it is a very popular way to showcase your TV and enhance your viewing options.

When you are looking fo the best way to secure your TV, check out Grip-It ultra strong plasterboard fasteners. Grip-It is designed to securely  hang anything that weighs up to 400lbs. This innovative product took the UK by storm , has been seen on TV, and is the winner of the BBC show, Dragon’s den.

Grip-It’s  patented design is masterfully engineered to provide a safe and secure wall fastener that works 100% of the time, so that you can confidently hang your flat screen TVs without the fear of it falling down and breaking.

Grip-It has 3 unique gripping system that creates a vice like hold in plasterboard walls. All you need is just a simple DRILL, TAP and TURN for quick installation. Once drilled, the unique backing wings expand inside the wall to provide a secure anchor, creating a strong tight grip.

 

Giveaway:

Would you like a chance to win your own Grip-It TV Kit? If so, enter our giveaway below.

Win the Gripit TV Kit #10


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May 18, 2018 · 12:23 pm

Vremi 10 Piece Colorful Knife Set & Bump N’ Grind Coffee Grinder Giveaway

If you are looking to add some color to your kitchen, you will love the Vremi 10 Piece Colorful Knife Set. You will be on the cutting edge of style with these 5 bright knives and sheath covers. 

Set includes a Chef’s Knife, Carving Knife, Utility Knife, Paring Knife and Serrated Knife. 

For all your prep, cooking and carving needs, you can’t beat the value of this rainbow-colored knife set. Each knife is forged with a heavy-duty real steel blade and perfectly weighted for optimal performance. Knives are odor and stain resistant with never dull edge tip end that will stay rust proof with proper care and sharpening

  • NON STICK with MATCHING BLADE GUARD – Professional Knife kit features food grade non-stick coating and protective cover guards  for drawer storage and kids safety. Magnetic blades also store nicely on any wall mount hanging magnet rack organizer
  • ERGONOMIC NON SLIP HANDLES – Each modern colorful individual knife also features non slip comfort grip on its solid narrow plastic handle that makes big or small fruit vegetable and foods slicing more fun, whether it’s a tomato, onions, or cake.

These knives come in a nice box, perfect for gift giving or for your own kitchen.

From knives to grinding up coffee, we are excited about the Vremi Bump N’ Grind Electric Coffee Grinder. This easy to use coffee bean grinder is equipped with one touch control settings. Grinding is easy as pouring in your beans, placing the top on and pressing the button.

The double stainless steel blades are durable and sharp letting you grind your beans coarse, fine or to a powder consistency to match your needs. Easy to clean with included cleaning brush, no disassembly needed.

Giveaway:

Enter below for your chance to win the Vremi Knife Set and Bump N Grind Coffee Grinder.

 


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