More and more people prefer a wardrobe with mirror doors to standard models. Due to the design of such wardrobes, they significantly save usable space in the room. Also, there are no open shelves, and therefore, they are distinguished by visual integrity. In this article, you will learn about all the advantages and disadvantages of mirror wardrobes.

Pros and Cons

It is advisable to buy a mirror wardrobe if you want to put it in a small room. Its design saves space, and mirrored surfaces reflect light, making the room visually more spacious. Therefore, mirror wardrobes are often installed in small corridors and bedrooms.

A characteristic feature of the wardrobe is the non-standard way of opening the doors. Doors are installed on special systems, as a result of which, they can be moved without taking up additional space. A wardrobe with mirrored doors is convenient to use, and it can also become a decoration of any interior.

Such wardrobes have a number of advantages:

They make the room visually more spacious

Mirrored surfaces visually enlarge the room, which will be beneficial for a room of any size, especially cramped ones.

Versatility

Mirrored wardrobes fit well into a variety of apartments and rooms. Classic double-leaf models are best combined with the interior.

Wide range of design options

These wardrobes are produced in different colors and decorated with modern techniques. Mirror cabinets with images that are applied by photo printing are especially popular.

Multiple price ranges are available

Speaking about the cost of mirror wardrobes, it should be noted that it does not significantly exceed the price of conventional models.

Illumination of the room

A room that has mirrored surfaces that reflect light always looks brighter. In this sense, a wardrobe with mirrored doors can be a great design element.

For more details, search here: https://urbanwardrobes.co.uk/.

As for the drawbacks, it is hard to find any. Just order such a wardrobe and enjoy it!

Many times, homeowners think of building a shed or garden shed when their garage is overrun with clutter. They think of adding a shed because their lawn mower and other tools cannot fit into the garage. However, there is more to your shed than being a storage space. While there are many considerations when creating the perfect shed, choosing the right company is the most important one.

So how do you choose the right company to take care of everything from the initial consultation to completion? It is recommended to consider the following factors when choosing the right shed builder.

Experience

Find out how long they have been in business in your area. Long experience is a sign of better customer satisfaction. A company can stay in business in an area only if they have been consistently delivering the desired results.

Free Site Inspection

An initial site inspection must be conducted. It will be better if the builder offers free professional inspection. This is important to determine the right location and size for the shed. They should address all your concerns about the location.

Use of Quality Materials

Check the brand and quality of materials used by different companies. Some of the materials you need to check include:

• Top grade panels
• Composite trim boards
• Vinyl
• Fully treated floor systems
• High-quality lumber

Check whether thy use galvanized ring shank nails to prevent resulting and pullout. Heavy-duty continuous piano hinges are required for well-fitted shed doors.

Structural Features

Ask them the structural features they can add to your shed. Check whether they can build the features required to meet your unique needs. Examples include:

• Wall studs
• Standard floor joists
• Treated floor

And other custom features.

It is also important that the shed builder match the structure to your home and landscape. They must have the experience and expertise to build it to complement the existing features and structures on your property. This includes matching the following features:

• Style
• Exterior siding
• Colors
• Roof pitch

Knowledge & Answering Your Questions

Once you have selected a few companies and fixed appointment with them, find out if their staff is knowledgeable.

• Are they able to help you with the answers you need?
• Are they able to demonstrate their knowledge during the site inspection?
• Do their opinions about different locations on your property make sense to you?

Assistance with Permits

During the initial discussion, ask them about the permit requirements. Will they be assisting you with getting the requisite permits? Will they be providing the essential engineering plans and letters required for the applications? Only an experienced and licensed garden shed builder can assist you in this area.

Will they be able to design and build a custom shed that is durable and beautiful? Will it meet all the industry standards?

Check Feedbacks & Reviews

Once you have evaluated and chosen a few companies for your shed, check the reviews and feedbacks from previous clients. Checking with the Better Business Bureau is one step. Also look for online reviews. The higher the ratings and better the feedbacks, better it is for you.

So, it is recommended to consider all these factors when choosing the right company for designing and building your custom shed or garden shed. Also check if they have a well-established local physical business location.  Ask them to share a portfolio of their past work. This will further make it easier for you to make the right choice based on your matching needs. Also make sure the shed builder is fully-licensed, insured, and certified to operate in your area.

When your home is flooded, you need to start thinking about repairs and saving as much as possible as soon as you can. Unfortunately, this is not something that is easy to do. Wet materials can easily start developing some serious problems in just 24 hours. This includes mold and more. You need to contact Melbourne water leak detection professionals as soon as possible but you also need to understand what repairs will be needed. Some of the important information you need to be aware of is presented below.

Different Water Types

Three water types exist:

• Clean water coming from condensation, rain and so on.
• Grey water that is slightly dirty and comes from clean toilets, washing machines, dishwashers and so on.
• Black water that is normally sewage or comes from serious flooding that happened due to nearby rivers.

Understand the differences between these water types since the repairs that are possible after the flooding vary based on what type of water was present.

Always Inspect Really Serious Issues

This includes mildew and mold. Whenever you notice that materials were damaged by them, quick actions need to be taken. There is mold that is really dangerous for humans. When such mold is present, the best thing you could do is to simply get out of the home and try to restrict airflow. Mold is also present in some hidden areas like under your floors. Inspection is thus needed after you take out the water. You never know if toxic mold appeared until you look for it.

Dry The Area As Soon As Possible

This needs to be a clear priority. You need to remove moisture as soon as possible or more damage will appear. This is true even when we look at the smaller leaks. You need to be as thorough as possible. Usually, fans are needed in the area that is affected to circulate air. If you have a large area affected, you need to rent some larger capacity dehumidifiers. Zero moisture should be left after water damage is repaired.

Throw Away Porous Materials

This includes fabric, insulation, carpets and all similar items. When these end up soaked, they have to be thrown away because water permanently damages porous materials. Mildew only makes the matter a lot worse. In the event that you have a piece that you absolutely love and you want to try and save it, just isolate it and see if dying works. Sometimes the damage is not that much and you can fix everything. Remember that drywall, wood and unsealed cement also fall into the category of porous materials.

Disinfect The Home

After removing the components that were damaged, you need to disinfect everything before you do something else. Bleach tends to work really well in such cases. However, countless homemade options do exist. No matter what you decide to use, be sure that you lightly spray the area and you wipe it down before water damage repair starts. This helps you to remove lingering mold spores and reduce the possibility of being infected.

It is important to look for a reliable concrete contractor using diligent effort and observation. There are various questions which you need to ask in order to chalk out the criterion for finding the right concrete finishing contractors Essex. Keep in mind that the more knowledgeable you are, the more equipped you would be to find the right contractor.

An experienced and competent contractor in your area is what you should look for. There may be several options to choose from. You can begin your search by looking on the internet. You need to make an effort to look into the details of the business and ask them the right set of questions. There are different things you need to inquire from the provider.

• The length of time they have been established in the business

Typically, it is worthwhile to hire a contractor having at least 5 years of experience in the industry. This would indicate that they have a stable business and can be relied upon. The last thing that one wants is someone who would not be able to live up to expectations in the crucial time of construction. On the other hand, if you have an experienced contractor by your side, you would be able to get helpful insights for the project.

• Insurance and updating of knowledge

One requires choosing a contractor who is duly insured and bonded for carrying out the work in accordance with the government regulations. Contractors should also have worker’s liability insurance for ensuring the protection and safety of the workers and your property. Competent contractors keep themselves updated with the ongoing requirements in the field through having regular training and attending seminars. It would ensure that they would be making use of the most cost-effective materials, products and techniques while rendering you the services.

Finding a good contractor:

1. Ask around

One of the other highly reliable methods of finding a trustworthy concrete contractor is by asking around to your friends and family members for giving recommendations.  If someone you know has recently used the services of a good concrete contractor, it would make sense to ask them for recommendations or services to avoid.

2. Due diligence

After having a list of reputable concrete contractors in your area, you should make some effort for determining their reputation in the market through conducting research on the internet. You can also directly reach out to their earlier clients by getting references to form the companies to know about the kind of services they provide.

Only after you are completely satisfied with the services they provide in terms of quality, timely delivery, and budget, you should opt for a service of concrete finishing contractors Essex.

Swimming pools are extremely good to have on your property. The hours you spend there with your family and friends make some of the most memorable moments. However, maintaining those pools can be no less than a nightmare. This is why it is a great idea to avail professional services like swimming pool maintenance Essex.

Here are some benefits of hiring professionals:

• Keep stress away

If you have attempted to clean a pool yourself, then you know how stressful it can be. There is much more to pool maintenance than removing debris from the surface. You have to check the filters, inspect the pumps, and check the bottom surface. In addition, you have to inspect the water quality and check for a microbial count. These procedures can be really exhausting. A simple way out of this stress is to hand over the task to a professional.

• Save your time 

All the maintenance tasks that are mentioned above requires a lot of time. So, if you set out to clean your pool yourself, you have to devote an entire day for it. In contrast, a professional maintenance representative will clean the pool, even if you are not at home, This saves a lot of your time.

• Maintain your pool’s worth

Just as you regularly pay for the maintenance of your car and house to maintain its market value, you should do the same with your swimming pool. Regular upkeep of your pool by a professional will not only keep it maintained but will also retain its value in the market. In case you have to sell your property in the future, the condition of your pool will play a big role in determining the market value of your house. A professionally maintained pool will not only attract potential buyers to your house but will also increase its value.

• Proper chemical treatments 

Pools require chemical treatments from time to time. This is especially important after severe rains or storms. When you hire service including swimming pool maintenance Essex firms, you ensure that these chemical treatments are done properly and promptly. These companies also perform the mandatory chemical tests to record the chemical composition of pool water.

• Timely checks

By hiring a professional pool cleaning service, you ensure that your pool will be serviced regularly. They will maintain a log of your pool maintenance and clearly mark the dates on which they will visit.

There are so many benefits of hiring a pool maintenance company that there is no reason for you to think otherwise. When you reap the benefit of these services, you will realize that the money you pay to the cleaners is nothing when compared to the peace of mind and extra time that you get in return.

You have probably worked hard to furnish your home to your liking but there is always something else that you can add or redesign. In fact, the search for new home improvements is a constant one, occasionally constricted by the budget that you have at your disposal. Use a spreadsheet to map out a budget so you aren’t hit with unexpected expenses later on.

There are always other things that are more important, so you probably (falsely) believe that buying a new lamp is all that you can afford at the end of the month. However, there are numerous home improvements that require little investment but a lot of hard work and dedication which is something that you probably already have plenty of. Here are just some of the many ideas for your next home improvement project.

Accessorize the Bathroom

The bathroom is the area inside your house that is most frequently associated with relaxation, so why not spruce it up a bit so you can truly enjoy the next bubble bath you decide to take? For instance, a towel warmer would be an ideal addition to the bathroom. Your towels will always be ready at hand and warm but most importantly, they will dry much faster.

Also, you could add LED lighting around the vanity mirror. There are portable LED straps that can be bought cheaply and simply made into the shape of the mirror and secured by adhesive tape. This extra light source in the right place will significantly improve the atmosphere of the whole bathroom space.

Declutter the Hallways

People tend to notice and are bothered by clutter only in the living room or in the bedroom. All the hallway clutter that usually accumulates near the front door tends to be disregarded. The next time you enter the house, don’t just leave everything at the door but put all the things where they belong. Hang the coat, put the umbrella in the umbrella stand and place the keys inside the drawer (so as not to lose them). By adopting this simple routine, your house will look a whole lot tidier to outside visitors.

Don’t Skip the Roof

A home is not comprised of the interior but of the exterior as well. For once, your roof needs constant maintenance and an occasional addition. If you notice any leaks, it might be necessary to reinforce the flashing around the skylight or the chimney.

Since you will be working at height, be sure to take all the safety precautions. One such measure is hiring a crane like the ones Universal Mobile Tower Hire offer. Experts will best advise you which type of a crane you need and how to safely operate it. However, for most roof repairs a cherry picker or a boom lift will do just fine.

Go Green

Even you don’t own a backyard, that doesn’t mean that you cannot introduce some form of greenery. The driveway is an excellent location for planting shrubs and other kinds of decorative plants that will add aesthetic value to your house. It might not seem as much at first but for prospective buyers, this will be a huge plus and will be ready to spend more cash on a lusciously verdant home.

Replacing the Showerhead

Again, this is a relatively tiny improvement but it has the potential to completely redefine your bathroom. Ditch the old showerhead and install a handheld one that slides up and down the wall. With it, people of all heights will no longer have trouble using the bathroom. Your children will be especially grateful!

The best thing about the listed home improvements is perhaps not the fact that they cost little to no money. The most important point is that they are all DIY improvements that you will one day be proud to say that you yourself have installed them.

Sometimes we get so carried away by interior renovations and decorations that we forget that the exterior of our home also needs some TLC. Other than repainting the facade and doing minor roof repairs, there are other, more significant things we have to keep in mind. One of those is roof waterproofing. Here is what you need to know.

Why should you do it?

The roof’s surface is constantly exposed to the weather, which is bound to result in some wear and tear. While roofs can last from 15 to over a hundred years depending on the material they are made of, sun, wind, rain and ice can all damage it. This damage can lead to potential leaks which can put the entire structure at risk. Thankfully, manufacturers have found a potential solution. Applying a waterproof sealant to your roof’s surface can protect your whole house.

What type of issue are you facing?

You need to do a thorough inspection of the roof. That way, you can see whether there are any structural and non-structural issues. Are there any missing shingles? Do you have a leak that you can see from the inside of the house? Track it down. Don’t forget to check the flashing as well. Water seepage can easily compromise the primary structure of the house. Moreover, leaks can lead to mold development which causes allergies and other health issues in humans. If you have a flat roof, check if there are any areas where water accumulates after heavy rain. These areas might be more susceptible to damage.

What materials to use?

There are some traditional materials, such as tar felt, brickbats and bituminous treatment, which are a bit outgrown and have some limitations. They might be vulnerable to variations in temperature which can result in cracks. Bricks are quite heavy and can hold water, which again leads to leakage. Furthermore, removing brickbats can be quite damaging for the roof’s surface. A good solution, in this case, would be to opt for a lead roofing since it has proven to provide a good protection when it comes to these situations.

On the other hand, technological advancements now provide us with more innovative solutions. These include primers, sealants and roof waterproofing paints. Finding the right solution can help protect your surface from UV rays. Moreover, you can repair cracks and fix porous slabs with injection grouting. When waterproofing a concrete roof, you can opt for topical or permanent sealers, depending on your needs.

How to do it?

There are two routes you can take here – doing it on your own or hiring professionals.

If you decide to do this yourself, you first need to clean the roof thoroughly as any remaining dirt and debris can cause the sealant to not adhere properly. Then inspect the entire surface of the roof for any cracks and damage. You can use silicone caulk to fill in the holes or cracks. Make sure it is properly sealed and dry before the next step. Now, you should cover all seams with seam tape. Once that is done, you can apply the primer to the entire roof. Wait for it to dry before determining whether you need another coat. The final step is applying the liquid membrane onto the roof. Check the label for detailed instructions.

On the other hand, if you are not entirely confident in your skills, it might be better to leave the job to professionals. Amateurs could leave a tiny spot uncovered and that is often enough to result in leaks. Consider hiring waterproofing leak specialists that can detect leaks and seal your roof without any issues. Moreover, make sure to look for a company that provides guarantees. That way, your roof can last for much longer.

Remember that waterproofing your roof is essential for protecting your entire home. Keep your family safe by avoiding unnecessary diseases and structural issues.

Lighting makes a powerful statement in every room. The kind of light bulbs that you choose can impact everything from the level of your brain power to the schedule of your sleep. It’s quite obvious that you spend a considerable amount of time in your home so you need to make sure that it’s lit properly. The right lighting can make you feel relaxed and productive. You cannot just pick out a random light bulb and expect that it will match your requirement. There are so many different types of light bulbs on the market that come in different designs such as the flicker flame light bulb; choosing just one can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

How do I pick the right light bulb?

Before you can choose the right light bulb for your house, you need to put several factors into consideration. For example, the purpose of that room; different rooms have different purposes so you have to make sure that you get it right.

Generally, when you’re considering the room’s function, there are 3 lighting categories involved. They include:

1. General/Ambient Lighting

General lighting as acts as the overall lighting of a room. It functions to illuminate the entire room and is often considered as the room’s “natural light.” For general lighting purposes, you may use a chandelier, wall sconces, pendant light, or track lighting.

2. Task Lighting

Task lighting is supposed to light up a working or reading area. This lighting is supposed to be brighter than the ambient lighting. The light source should create a contrast that focuses on the specified area. Desk lamps are commonly used for this type of lighting.

3. Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is intended to highlight a particular area, creating a shadow around the object for a more dramatic effect. Landscape lights and wall lights are commonly used to give this kind of effect.

What kind of illumination do I need for various rooms?

In order for you to properly illuminate the different rooms using the techniques that we mentioned above, consider how each of the rooms will be used. Generally, start off with ambient lighting and then consider task and accent lighting.

Another thing that you need to consider is where the light will do in the room.

Here are some suggestions for you if you’re not so sure on how to go about the whole process:

• Living Room

Use accent lighting in one of the room’s corners, in addition to ambient lighting. Use the accent light to focus on a piece of art or furniture.

• Kitchen

To add to your ambient lighting, get a lower task lighting to illuminate the sink and the counter space.

• Bedroom

Add task lighting to on your bed stand, facing away from the bed. It’s recommended that the source of light be angled in such a way that it faces the dressing area.

• Bathroom

It can get quite tricky when installing lights. You need task lighting for the mirror as well as an overhead task light that creates shadows.

Cooking has, over the years, become more an art than just a mundane and boring household chore. As more and more high-end electronic appliances are introduced in the market, most kitchens are a storehouse of beauty and luxury.

That being said, besides all the functional benefits, that women love to invest their savings in, many of these electric appliances are masterpieces made specifically to save our energy and time.

There are a few electric appliances that all kitchens need. So, in case you are setting up your new home, or just taking stock of the items you have, use our list to ensure that you have all the essential electric appliances in the kitchen.

1.     A Blender

Nowadays, it is hard to imagine a contemporary kitchen without such an incredibly wonderful appliance as a blender. Whether you have a countertop blender or an immersion blender, keep in mind that, both will be immensely helpful.

An electric blender is an essential appliance for making those delicious smoothies as well as other frozen drinks, mixing custards, pureeing soups, chopping soft ingredients. It can also do a lot of other emulsifying and chopping tasks.

If you are going the countertop route, it is probably better to upgrade to a reliable, high-end model that provides sheer power as well as versatility. On the other hand, if you need a reliable and multi-functioning tool and want to save space, then a high-quality immersion blender is certainly the way to go.

Try this Cuisinart Automatic Bread Maker as it will make your job a breeze.

2.     Toaster Oven

Sure, a toaster oven takes up a little more space compared to a regular toaster, but it is an extremely useful electric appliance that you must buy.

You can heat or toast thicker and stickier items such as oversized bagels, homemade bread, French toast or waffles. You can also use it to melt cheese, brown breadcrumbs or broil a sugar topping.

Digital Countertop Convection Toaster by Oster can be a great addition to your kitchen

And that is not all as you may use your toaster oven to prepare small quantities of food, like a mini pizza or a few cookies, without needing to waste a lot of energy or heating up your house with a conventional oven.

3.     Food Processor

The third on our must-have electric appliance list is the versatile and reliable food processor. You can do plenty of things with this handy device. A food processor is brilliant as it can slice, chop, grate, knead dough, puree, and blend and emulsify, among other things.

This is why you could save a lot of time in your kitchen if you skillfully use the food processor for various everyday tasks, like chopping onions, grating cheese, slicing vegetables and kneading biscuit dough.

Although a food processor is usually a costly electrical appliance, investing in a top-quality version means you will get a larger-capacity bowl, more powerful motor, as well as a sturdier design, along with some useful accessories.

4.     An Electric Kettle

Our list would not be complete without this appliance. An electric kettle is certainly one of those deceptively important small appliances. You may not think it is essential for your kitchen until you get one, and then you will realize that you use it almost all the time, perhaps more compared to any other electric appliance in the kitchen.

It is a lot more energy-efficient and convenient than boiling water on your stove, and ten times as fast. If you happen to binge-drink a fair amount of tea or coffee, it is a game-changer and godsend. An electric kettle is simply a wonderful appliance and your kitchen would not be complete without it. And the best part is it won’t hurt your wallet.

5.     Pressure Cooker

Whether you are cooking stubborn vegetables or beans, a high-quality pressure cooker is definitely the way to go!

This appliance will save you both time and money. It will save you time, as it cooks much faster than most other cooking methods out there, and it will save you money, as you will save gas if you use it!

In this day and age when most women work and don’t have a lot of time for cooking decent meals, there is no doubt that a good pressure cooker is something that would save the day!

If you are into efficient cooking you will like Programmable Pressure Cookers.