How long does a roof last?

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve probably never had to worry about replacing your roof before. When the time rolls around and you have to choose a new roofing material, you may not know what the best option is for your home. 

That’s why we’ve put together this list to show you how long different types of roofing materials last so you can install the best choice. 

So let’s get started!

How Long Does a Roof Last? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The exact lifespan of your roof depends on a number of factors, such as the material, the weather conditions in your area, how well you maintain it, etc. 

On average, you can expect your roof to last at least 20 to 25 years, but many roofs last much longer. Here’s a closer look at different roofing materials and how long they last. 

Shingles 

Shingles are the most common type of roofing material, but there are several different kinds of shingles, which include: 

• Asphalt 

Asphalt shingles are both durable and affordable, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. Since they can withstand almost any type of weather, they can last up to 30 years. 

• Architectural 

Architectural shingles are three times thicker than asphalt shingles, which make them even more durable. This extra thickness does make the price go up, but the added cost also improves the appearance. For example, homeowners can choose architectural shingles that look like they’re made of wood, slate, or tile. 

these shingles last 25 to 30 years. 

• Wood

Wood shingles also last about 30 years, but they require much more maintenance. Since they’re made of wood, they’re prone to warping or even rotting. If you don’t take care of these shingles properly, you may find yourself replacing them long before the 30-year mark. 

Metal 

Metal roofing is one of the strongest and most durable options out there. Its tough surface helps it withstand extreme weather conditions, and it also prevents snow from piling on (and possibly damaging) the roof structure. 

Most metal roofs can last up to 70 years. However, some metals, such as titanium or zinc, can last 100 years or more. 

Clay or Concrete Tiles

This type of roofing material is durable and low maintenance. In other words, you won’t have to do much to make it last a long time. These tiles can last over 50 years, but they’re heavy. So you’ll need a specially designed roof frame that can hold the extra weight. 

Slate

Slate is a pricey option, but once you install it, you might not have to worry about replacing it again in your lifetime. The durability of slate roofs allows them to last about 100 years. 

However, like clay or concrete tiles, slate is heavy. You can’t install this type of roof unless you have a frame that can hold the weight. 

Composite 

Composite roofs are cheaper than wood shingles or slate, but they have a similar appearance. This means you can get the style and beauty you want at a more affordable price. 

However, this material doesn’t last nearly as long as slate. You can expect to go about 30 to 50 years before you have to replace it. 

PVS and TPO Membranes

While PVS and TPO membrane roofing systems are affordable, they don’t last as long as most of the other options on this list. Their lifespan is about 20 years, but they may last a few years longer. 

Other Things That Affect the Lifespan of Your Roof 

The material isn’t the only thing you have to consider when you’re thinking about the lifespan of your roof. There are a number of other factors that can affect the longevity of your roof as well. 

Here are a few of the most common. 

Installation 

If you hire a roofing contractor that doesn’t have a lot of experience, you might not get as many years out of your roof as you thought. Small mistakes during installation can weaken the integrity of your roof, meaning you’ll have to replace it sooner than planned. 

Make sure you always do your research and find a quality roofing contractor before you install a new roof. 

Weather 

Living in a place that experiences extreme weather conditions, such as tornados or heavy snowfall, can also wear out your roof faster. That’s why it’s important to find a roofing material that can withstand the weather in your area.

Maintenance 

If you don’t maintain your roof, it might not last very long. You should inspect your roof at least once a year and make any necessary repairs right away. Otherwise, even small damages can turn into big problems. 

Make sure you call a professional, such as this repair service, any time you think something’s wrong with your roof. 

Ventilation 

Ventilation is an important part of your roofing system. Without proper ventilation, your attic will get warm and stuffy. This can cause snow or ice to melt on your roof during the winter, and the moisture can create leaks, warp, or rot. 

During the warmer months, a roof that doesn’t have the right ventilation can get humid or moist. This can turn the roof into a breeding ground for rot and mold. 

These things require costly repairs to fix, and they can take several years off the lifespan of your roof. 

Understanding the Lifespan of Your Roof

So how long does a roof last?

It depends on the roof. Some roofing materials last 30 years while others can last upward of 100 years. A roof that gets proper maintenance will also last longer than one that’s left to its own devices. When it comes time to choose a new roof for your home, make sure you keep these things in mind. 

Want to learn some other helpful home improvement tips?

Make sure you take a look at the rest of our blog!

Each year, about 1,000 deaths occur as a result of electrical injuries in the United States. Electrical problems are also responsible for tens of thousands of non-fatal injuries, while power outages cost the country tens of billions of dollars in losses.

Electrical problems, as you can see, can be dreadful, aggravating, and sometimes devastating. They can happen anywhere and at any time. 

Some common electrical problems are minor and pose no threat to you. Such issues you can handle on your own. 

That said, always remember that electricity is one of the most dangerous things on the planet, and you should never meddle with it if you’re not sure what you’re doing. It’s best to consult an electrician to fix an electrical problem than do something risky. 

So, what are some of the common electrical issues you need to beware of? What can you do to prevent or fix them? 

These are the issues we cover in this comprehensive guide. Read on to learn more.

Common Electrical Problems and How to Solve Them

As long as you use electricity, you will occasionally experience electrical problems.

A smart way to prepare for some of the inconveniences caused by electrical problems is to invest in one or more reliable used portable generators, depending on your power needs. That way, you can still have power while the electrical problem is being fixed.

Below, we discuss eight common electrical glitches you might encounter at home or in your business.

1. Power Surges

Also known as transients, power surges are usually the result of high-voltage disruptions in electricity flow. They occur at a lightning-fast speed and can damage your electronic devices. Most of the time, power surges will stop on their own, and you have nothing to worry about.

However, if these surges keep happening, you need to check if something might be wrong with your wires. Consult an electrician for help.

2. Continuous Tripping of the Circuit Breaker 

The occasional tripping of your circuit breaker is not unusual. But when the tripping frequency is on the rise, you need to do something about it. Chances are there’s a problem in the current circuit.

The circuit breaker’s job is to break up the circuit when it detects issues in the current flow that might cause a bigger problem. 

So, what do you do when your circuit breaker trips? Well, the quickest solution is to locate the main electrical panel and flip the switch back on. If the problem persists, contact an electrician.

3. Frequent Bulb Burnouts

Your bulbs won’t last forever. However, when you find that you must replace bulbs in your home every few days or weeks, then it’s highly likely that you have an electrical problem. Chances are there’s high voltage in the electrical system that’s causing the bulbs to burn out.

Check whether the bulb holders are loose or depleted. If everything looks fine, but your bulbs still keep going to waste, consult an electrician for help.

4. Power Dips and Sags

Power dips refer to short, temporary drops in the voltage magnitude in the electrical system. The problem is usually caused by a variety of things. It may be that there are faults in the transmission and distribution network or problems in your connected electronic equipment.

A power sag can damage your electronic equipment, depending on how severe it is. That’s why you need to have your electrical system checked and any issues fixed as quickly as possible.

5. Dysfunctional Switches

Another common electrical problem involves electrical switches. If the switches aren’t functioning as usual, then chances are they may have been overridden. It could also be that there’s improper wiring or there are circuit problems.

If the problem is with the switch, then having it replaced can get things back to normal. Wiring issues can be fixed by your electrician. 

6. Cables Sticking out from Electrical Outlets

This is undoubtedly one of the most hazardous issues you can have in your building. Live wires falling off from outlets can easily lead to electrical fires, not to mention electrocute people who come into contact with them. The problem is typically caused by improper wiring or aging of the building.

A temporary solution would be to tape the wires securely. But, as you probably know, tape loses its adhesiveness over time and will peel off the wires. The best solution is to get the wires tightly secured and the sockets replaced. 

7. Backstabbed Wires or Outlets

Backstabbed wires refer to electrical cables that have cuts and holes in them, thus exposing live wires that could electrocute someone who touches them. Once you notice such a problem, address it right away.

Turn off the power supply and tape the impaled part of the cable tightly. Doing so will provide safety from electric shocks for a while. A more permanent solution is to get a brand-new wire fixed so you never have to worry about the problem again.

8. High Electricity Bills

There are, of course, many reasons why your power bills may be on the rise. It could be that you’ve increased your power usage, in which case the solution is to adopt new habits that help lower your power consumption. 

It could also be that power rates have gone up in your region. The most sensible solution here is to consider getting off the grid and switch to alternative power sources, such as solar power.

However, if none of the above is the case, then a sudden surge in your power bills could point to an underlying electrical problem. Chances are there’s a leakage in your electricity system, or the wiring might be faulty. Whichever the case, you need to consult an electrician to diagnose the exact root of the problem and provide the solution.

Address Electrical Problems Promptly

Electrical issues can be inconveniencing, costly, and potentially dangerous. One way to prepare for these occurrences is to have some basic information on the common electrical problems so you can address them appropriately when they do strike. 

Would you like to read more great content like this? Please keep visiting our blog.

The answer to the long-debated, “does size matter?” question is yes – at least in terms of home size! When it comes to the question “how much house do I need?” size definitely matters. 

But it’s not a matter of big meaning good and small meaning bad. In fact, in some cases, it’s just the opposite. 

That’s because there are tons of factors that affect how big or small your house should be. So if you’ve been wondering, here is the ultimate guide to understanding what the perfect home size is for you! 

How Much House Do I Need? 8 Factors Of Home Size

Using these 8 factors, you can determine just how big or small your house should be. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Priorities

House sizes will vary based on where your priorities are. Creating your ideal home when you begin your search will help with this. 

Whether you create your ideal home floor plan yourself or pick one, utilizing a plan will help you notice what is most important to you in a home. Once you have your priorities outlined, you can factor them into the way such priorities will affect the size of your home. 

Examples of priorities are backyards, how many bedrooms, space for storage, etc. Then you can dive deeper into what each of these priorities entails. 

2. Outdoor Land

Depending on what your priorities for land space are, your home space can also vary. If having a lot of land is important to you, the location of your home will become a bigger deal. 

In the city, it will be harder to find outdoor space and homes will be generally smaller in comparison to the country. So, if you like your outdoorsy lifestyle and want that space, bigger homes in the country might suit your style. 

Whether it’s to increase your property value or to have a large expanse for backyard barbecue parties, land should be a factor in considering the size of your home. 

3. Family 

Obviously the size of your family impacts the size of the home you’re looking for. It would seem like a big family = big house and a small family = small house, but there is a little more to the equation!

If most of your children have moved out, how much space do you actually need? If you have small kids, would they prefer to share bedrooms or have their own? 

There’s actually a lot of flexibility here, which is where your priorities come in for yourself and the rest of your family. 

4. Environment

Yes, the environment comes into play when picking a home size believe it or not – at least it should! 

Living sustainably to benefit the earth comes in many small ways, like limiting waste through reusing and buying secondhand. But it also can come in big ways like choosing a smaller house to limit your carbon emissions. 

In design, you can also make energy-efficient choices like picking a kitchen that fits Energy Star appliances. Obviously, in comparison to making sure you can accommodate your needs in a house, this factor is a bit smaller.

But, when you can add it into your house size choice, it’s a great decision to make!

5. Comfortability

Being comfortable in your home is key, and that looks different for everybody.

Some people get claustrophobic in small places and need that openness in a home. Others hate having too much space and need to have everything close together. 

Figuring out where you stand can help you pick a house size that fits just right. And don’t forget that in home decor and potential renovation there are plenty of ways to make a big space seem smaller and vice versa. 

6. Price

Here is where some compromising and big decisions get made on the HGTV shows. Prices of homes can make or break the choice to buy them a lot of the time, and in selecting house size the price applies. 

Make a budget for yourself so that you know how much you’re willing to spend on a home. You should consider the location of your house when you do this because prices fluctuate a good amount. 

A large house in one city might be far more affordable than a house the same size in a different one, so where are you willing to find a middle ground? 

7. Designated Space

When you think about space, it can seem a little vague, but the best way to think about it is the space that isn’t a bedroom or bathroom. That means living rooms, kitchens, family rooms, storage, and the like. 

A lot of the time people get a house with too much space and find they don’t know what to do with it. This can lead to that space being used for storage, causing an accrual of unnecessary items. 

When looking for the perfect house size, plan out designated spaces for activity and storage so that you know how much space you actually need. 

8. Future

Finally, when considering the size of your home, think about the way that your home is going to last in the coming years. How do you want it to stand the test of time? 

Are you hoping to add more members to your family or see your kids leaving and becoming independent? And how will that change the way that your house will be used? 

Envisioning a future in a home can help you find out the size that matters most to you. 

Home, Sweet Home

So whether it’s a ranch-style on the countryside or a penthouse in a metropolitan city, hopefully, you’ve answered the question, “How much house do I need?” 

House sizes may seem tricky at first, but with this ultimate guide, you’ll have a strong foundation to start with. So what are you waiting for? 

Draft that priorities list and look into that real estate market to find your perfect home today. 

If you enjoyed reading this post, check out some of our other ones. Also, check back again soon for more content!

Diesel powered generators are a common sight in many industries, institutions, and business establishments. These generators are famed for their ruggedness, build quality, and reliability in handling whatever you throw at them. They are more efficient and last longer than gasoline generators, which explains their widespread popularity. 

These generators have broad applications and are a staple in many industries. So whether you’re in construction, mining, hospitality, or even healthcare, a diesel powered generator always comes in handy. 

If you’ve been mulling whether you should get a diesel powered generator, read on to learn about its many benefits. That way, you’ll be more confident about your next purchase, if you’re getting a diesel generator.

Advantages of a Diesel Powered Generator

When you’re out looking for a generator, your options boil down to two main types. These are diesel powered generators and gasoline-powered generators. Admittedly, each has its own pros and cons, but the diesel powered generator has a clear edge over its counterpart.

Here are a few benefits of diesel generators that give it bang for the buck.

Super-Efficient

Diesel generators are very efficient for the mere fact that they use diesel. Diesel is great because of its high energy density to volume ratio and relative stability as compared to natural gas. This translates to greater fuel efficiency with incredible work output.

When you compare it to its natural gas counterpart, diesel generators will do the same amount of work with half as much fuel. In the long run, you end up saving a bundle on fuel costs when you opt for a diesel generator.

Incredibly Versatile

It’s hard to miss a diesel generator in the power room of many industries and large establishments. Because of their versatility, you’ll find diesel generators everywhere. Most industries prefer diesel generators because of their fuel efficiency and capability.

Apart from industrial plants, you’ll find them in supermarkets, hospitals, and colleges countrywide. Industries and most organizations connect them to the grid to provide energy in case of power interruptions. There are, however, portable diesel generators that are ideal for off-grid projects.

So whether you’re on the grid or not, you can always trust a diesel powered generator to satisfy all your energy needs. 

Durability

Generators need to withstand harsh conditions to meet energy requirements for specific industrial applications. As such, manufacturers build these generators to be as sturdy and as rugged as they can.

The rugged build of these generators means you don’t have to worry about your generator breaking down because of high compression use. It also means you can also use your diesel generator for rigorous operations like construction and mining provided it satisfies the power output requirements.

Longevity

Diesel generators generally last longer than their gas-powered counterparts. Generally, a standard diesel generator should last a minimum of 15,000 hours to 50,000 hours before they require any servicing. If you do your math, say you use your generator for 5 hours a day, it will take 2,000 days to reach 10,000 hours, let alone the 50,000.

The reason for this longevity is because diesel generators have simpler parts that move much slower than gasoline generator parts. As such, there’s not much friction between the parts hence less wear and tear. 

Furthermore, diesel generators have water cooling, which is more effective than standard air cooling. Because they run cooler than gasoline generators, you can expect them to last much longer.

Require Less Servicing and Maintenance

Diesel powered generators don’t require as much servicing and maintenance as gas generators do. Apart from being tiresome, frequent servicing and repairs also run up a huge tab and disrupt ongoing company activities for repairs and maintenance.

Unlike gas generators, these generators don’t have spark plugs, which means you don’t have to maintain them as much. If you only use the generator for power outages and such, you won’t need to service it for a good long time.

Cheaper to Run

Diesel generators are cheaper to run than standard ones. First off, diesel fuel is significantly less expensive than gasoline, so the first thing you save on is operating costs. Next, you don’t have to spend so much cash on servicing and maintenance because of the reasons we’ve already talked about.

Also, because of their rugged and robust build, you don’t have to worry about paying for unnecessary repairs. All in all, a diesel generator is much cheaper to run than the standard gasoline generators.

Lesser Likelihood of Ignition failure

Remember, we mentioned earlier that diesel generators don’t have spark plugs for ignition, but instead use a combination fuel injection and air compression to start. This mechanism drastically reduces the chances of ignition failure that is too common with gasoline generators. 

No Need for Extra Fuel

Large diesel trucks are ideal for transporting these generators. That means you won’t need to carry any extra fuel when transporting the generator to where it needs to be. This is more convenient than having to carry extra containers of gasoline with the generator when transporting it.

Choosing the Right Diesel Powered Generator

When you’re in the market for a diesel generator, here’s what you should consider to make the right purchase.

1. Size– Your generator is of no use if it doesn’t meet your power requirements. As such, you must get the right size generator for it to suit its purpose.
2. Control systems– A generator’s control system determines its efficiency and ease-of-use. So before settling on a generator, make sure you get one with an ideal control system. Try your best to find one with a power management system (PMS) for easier operation.
3. Fuel efficiency– Diesel engines are already fuel-efficient, but you need to find the most fuel-efficient model. Ask for an estimate on fuel consumption before purchasing one.

Diesel Generators Are Worth Every Penny

Diesel powered generators are incredible contraptions with excellent value for money. Despite the acquisition costs being high, diesel generators are an economically feasible choice with excellent ROI. Now all that’s left for you is to get a good manufacturer and see how you can snag yourself a diesel powered generator for your organization.

However, before doing that, be sure to check out our other pieces for more insightful reads.

She Sheds are gaining popularity all over the world. Like the man cave, the She Shed is a garden retreat where women can go sit, read, paint, knit, exercise, or just get away from the house.

Even a basic shed that isn’t as glamourous is very useful. It keeps things like lawnmowers and garden tools handy. It also protects your summer furniture and BBQ when not in use.

But is it cheaper to buy a shed or build one? Read on to find out. 

Building a Shed from a Kit

Many box stores carry shed kits. You can also order sheds Melbourne online and have it delivered to your home.

These sheds come in a flat-pack box with all the pieces pre-cut and drilled.

You can get everything from simple sheds to large, fancy models in kits. 

Depending on how handy you are and how complicated your kit is, you could spend a day, a weekend, or a few weeks putting these types of sheds together.

Is it cheaper to build a shed or buy one? The answer requires you to factor in some other variable. 

Take into account the cost for other materials such as the base your shed will sit on. This is not included in the kit. Usually, the kits also don’t include flooring which is another cost to calculate. 

Buying a Shed and Paying for Professional Installation 

If you are not handy, you might choose to buy a shed kit and pay for a professional to put it together for you.

Many people who do this, quickly find out that this can get quite expensive. Even with inexpensive shed kis, the cost of labor, materials, and other costs can be more than triple the cost of the shed kit.

Building a Shed From Materials

Another option for a backyard shed is to build it to your specifications from parts.

Most of the time, building a shed from parts is significantly cheaper than buying a pre-fab kit. That’s because you will have to do all the work of cutting and measuring yourself. 

This method allows you to choose the materials and sizes you want. You don’t have to compromise on materials or workmanship.

Yet, building a shed from scratch does require a high level of skill. If you are an amateur and this is your first time building a shed, it will likely take you much longer than you anticipated.

Don’t forget that mistakes add up. If you mess up and need to buy more material, that makes the total cost of your project go up.

The good thing about building a shed this way is that you have full control over the budget.

It is easier to stick to a budget when you know how much items cost and you can decide where that money goes.

You can choose to add in a window and opt for less insulation for example. These are the types of decisions you can make in order to stay on budget.

So, Is It Cheaper to Buy a Shed or Build One?

At the end of the day, there is no easy answer to the question, “is it cheaper to buy a shed or build one?”.

There are so many variables to consider including whether you will have professionals build it, and whether you will buy a kit or buy the parts. We hope that this article has given you the information you need in order to make the right decision for your needs.

Come back soon for more informative articles.

Is your home’s hot water heater on its way out? If so, you should think about trying to have it replaced before it kicks the bucket for good.

By replacing your water heater, you’ll ensure that your home doesn’t run out of hot water anytime soon. You’ll also ensure that you can fit the water heater installation cost into your budget.

But before you start shopping around for a new water heater, you should take the time to learn about the potential cost of one. You can avoid the inevitable sticker shock that will come along with finding out the water heater cost by taking this approach.

There are several key factors that can influence hot water heater prices. Read about them below.

What Kind of Water Heater Do You Want to Install?

There are several different types of water heaters that you can install in your home in this day and age. The final cost of a water heater will depend on which type you choose.

Traditional water heaters that rely on large tanks to store hot water start at around $300 and go all the way to $3,000. Tankless water heaters, meanwhile, start at around $1,800 and can go for as much as $5,000 or more.

There are also solar water heaters now that are available for between $1,000 and $5,000. You should keep these prices in mind when trying to figure out the water heater installation cost that you’ll face.

Where Do You Want to Install Your Water Heater?

Most people install water heaters in their basements or in utility closets where they’re easy to get to. They don’t have to worry too much about paying extra for water heater installation service.

But there is a chance that your water heater might be set up in a spot that’s going to be hard to reach. That could send your installation service costs skyrocketing and make the cost to replace a water heater much higher for you.

It’s best to bring in a water heater specialist to let you know if there might be any unforeseen challenges that come along with a water heater installation. These challenges could drive your hot water heater prices up.

Who Are You Going to Hire to Install Your Water Heater?

There are about 120,000 plumbing companies in the U.S. right now. And all of them are going to charge you a different amount to install a new water heater.

Call around to a few of them in your area to see what your water heater installation cost will be if you choose to work with them. You might be able to save yourself a significant amount of money by going with one local plumbing company over another.

Find Out How Much Your Water Heater Installation Cost Will Run You

As you can see, it’s not possible to tell you exactly what your water heater installation cost will be. It’ll vary depending on everything from the type of water heater you install to the plumbing company you hire to get the job done.

Crunch the numbers to see how much you’ll have to pay for different types of water heaters through different plumbing companies. It’ll help you pick out the right water heater and the right plumbing company in the end.

Read our blog to find more plumbing tips and tricks that you can put to good use.

Outdoor lighting is something people often think about for security reasons. 

A well-lit street is less likely to attract would-be thieves than a dark street.

Even if you’re thinking about where to place outdoor lights for your overall landscape design, they may end up serving a dual purpose. 

Looking for some amazing outdoor lighting solutions for your backyard? Stick around to learn some lighting hacks that will brighten up your summer evenings.

Outdoor Lighting Solutions to Brighten Your Entertainment Space

What are the best lights for outside? Well, that depends on your needs and your style.

What kind of look do you want? Do you want mood lighting? Do you need a lot of bright light? 

Let’s take a look at these 5 outdoor lighting tips, hacks, and solutions. 

1. String Lights 

String lights are perfect to string over a deck or hardscape, like a firepit, for just the right mood lighting. 

They provide subtle light, a beautiful glow, and create a picturesque backyard scene. String them on trees or add planters with posts to hold the lights around your patio or firepit area. 

2. Flood Lights 

Do you have a large area to “flood” with light? Maybe you want bright light on your driveway for when you arrive home in the dark. 

Floodlights are also great to light up your patio for an evening dinner party or your backyard for some late-night cornhole or bocce ball. 

Check out this flood light buyer’s guide to find what works best for your home. 

3. Bollard Lights

Do you have a path up to your front door or in your backyard? Bollard lights are designed to shine light in all directions and light your path. 

These posts with lights on top are easy to incorporate into your landscaping and they give your yard a look of sophistication. 

4. Spot Lights 

Spotlights point in only one direction and are usually used to highlight something like a beautiful palm tree, a decorated wall, or a statue for example. 

You can choose from really bright to more subtle spotlights to point upward and create a grazing effect. 

5. DIY Lighting

Use your creative skills to put together some unique outdoor lighting ideas. Use jars with wire hangers and tealight candles. 

Repurpose an old chandelier and hang it from a tree. Use mason jars to create a canning jar light fixture. 

String icicle lights around a hula hoop for a unique chandelier over your outdoor dining table. 

Paint your planters with glow-in-the-dark paint and place them around your yard for a subtle glow. 

Backyard Lighting

Now that you’ve learned some awesome outdoor lighting solutions, it’s time to get to work. Which type of lighting fits your backyard vibe? 

Be sure to bookmark our site for easy access to great real estate related information. From how to sell your home quickly to questions about moving or decorating tips for your rental property, we have you covered!

So, you just bought your dream home?

Between packing, driving back and forth, and completing all the necessary paperwork, moving into a new home is an exciting, yet time-consuming process! As you go through your checklist of moving tasks, don’t forget one of the most important items:

Cleaning your new home!

If you aren’t sure how to give your new home a thorough cleaning, keep scrolling to see our move-in cleaning checklist. 

How to Give Your New Home a Thorough Cleaning

When you purchase a new home, it’s important to clean everything before you get settled.

Unlike an apartment complex, there isn’t anyone hired to clean the home for you. So, it’s up to you to either clean the place yourself or hiring a cleaning service like Orange Crew. Since you don’t know when the last time your home has been cleaned is, you shouldn’t skip this step.

Here’s how you can give your new home a thorough cleaning:

1. Start With the Bathroom

The bathroom is the area that is the most likely to have germs from its previous owner.

Who wants to use the same toilet as a stranger, or take a bath in a tub that hasn’t been cleaned since the last owner? Here’s how you should clean your bathroom:

Sanitize the Toilet

This is probably the first thing you’ll want to do when you buy the home.

Between realtors and potential buyers coming in and out of the home, you never know who has used your toilet. Plus, the previous owners may not have cleaned the toilet as thoroughly as you’d like.

So, use a sanitizing solution to clean the toilet bowl, seat, handle, and base of your toilet. Clean the entire toilet so you can feel confident in using it safely. 

Clean the Bathtub

Before you take a bath or a shower, you’ll want to give the bathtub a thorough cleaning.

Clean the tub itself, the faucet, walls of the shower, and showerhead well with a sanitizing solution. If you want to use natural cleaning products, keep free to use water and vinegar. 

If you want a more thorough cleaning, use chemicals that are made for your shower. 

To take your cleaning a step further, clean any cobwebs in the corners above your shower! 

Clean the Sink Well

What is the first thing we do after we use the bathroom?

Hopefully, you said wash your hands! Since we touch the sink right after we use the bathroom, cleaning the sink is almost as important as cleaning the toilet. 

Using a vinegar solution, disinfecting spray, or another sanitizing solution, clean the entire sink. Clean the bowl, handles, faucet, and surrounding counter area. If there’s a mirror above your sink, clean that with a window cleaner as well.

Clean out Your Drains

Cleaning out a drain isn’t necessarily a fun chore, but it’s essential when you move into a new home.

You have no idea when the last time your drain was cleaned out, so this should be a priority as soon as you move in. If there is hair or other gunk clogging your drain, you don’t want to find that out when you go to take a shower or bath.

Clean out the drain for your shower as well as your sink before you get settled in.

2. Tackle the Kitchen Next

After you’ve cleaned the bathroom, you’ll want to do a thorough cleaning of the kitchen.

Since this is where food is stored, cooked, and disposed of, all the little nooks and crannies can get really gross. Here’s your kitchen-cleaning checklist:

Oven

Cleaning out the oven isn’t only important for sanitary reasons, but safety reasons as well.

If there’s cheese, crumbs, or any other kind of food burned at the bottom of the oven, you may find this out the hard way. To avoid a fire or smoke filling your kitchen, give your oven a thorough cleaning. 

Clean the bottom of the oven, the racks, and stove above the oven.

Refrigerator

Refrigerators are another spot in the kitchen that can get messy if not properly cared for.

Check your refrigerator doors, racks, and drawers for any food residue. The door may have dried sauces that have been left sitting for months at a time, or the drawer may have solidified juice from meat that was stored there.

While your seller should have cleaned this out before selling it, people don’t always think to clean out the refrigerator. So, to be safe, use a disinfectant to wipe down the inside of the fridge, as well as the handles and doors.

Cabinets

Check the inside of your cabinets for any crumbs leftover from snacks.

Also, a quick dusting may be necessary if nobody has been in the home for a while. To be safe, consider disinfecting the handles to the cabinets as well as the shelves inside the cabinets.

Sink

Check your sink for bits of food or other debris.

Check in the sink itself, on the faucet, and on the backsplash behind the sink. Sometimes leftover debris around and in the sink can go unnoticed. 

If you have a garbage disposal, consider cleaning that out before you start adding more to it. If your garbage disposal is broken, this isn’t something you want to find out by making a mess with your food!

Clean the Walls and Floors for Safe Measure

While the bathroom and the kitchen are the most important spots to clean, give your floors and walls a quick clean.

Vacuum, sweep, and mop all floors. You may be surprised by the amount of dust and hair you find! 

Next, use a wet rag with soap and water or vinegar to wipe down all the walls. This will remove any fingerprints or marks.

Is Your New Home Ready to Move Into?

A huge part of making a home move-in ready is the cleaning you do.

Doing a thorough cleaning of your new home is important for your health and safety as you settle in.

If you loved this post, check out our other real estate content!

Is a bathroom remodel in your near future? A home’s bathroom is one of the most essential rooms in the house following only the kitchen. Your bathrooms and kitchens in a home are what oftentimes sells a house.

It’s one of the most relaxing rooms and should be designed to make you feel at ease. This is the place where at the end of the day, you come home, rid yourself of all those uncomfortable work clothes and enjoy a nice relaxing bath or a hot shower. The bathroom style you choose has an effect on how you feel when you walk into it, however.

Before you decide on what style you want, you should first determine what you want most from your bathroom. Do you want a super-luxurious feel, relaxing feel, beachy feel, or something else? Whatever your preference is, you can achieve that look with the help of our guide.

Continue reading below to discover several different bathroom designs! 

Contemporary

Contemporary styles have a great focus on cleanliness and clean lines. The furniture pieces used in this style don’t have many architectural features or much character. Everything is smooth and clean.

For example, Boffi bathtubs and their timeless and minimalist design would work perfectly in a contemporary bathroom.

It’s a great look for those who enjoy simple, clean, and clutter-free space. You won’t find many decor items in a contemporary style bathroom and the lighting will be simple. If you’re someone who enjoys all of the latest technology, materials, and designs, then a contemporary style might work well for you!

Rustic Farmhouse

Rustic farmhouse bathrooms use minimal accessories as well, but the accessories that are used in this look have a lot of character. One piece of furniture can make a huge statement in a rustic farmhouse style bathroom. In this style, you’ll find plenty of reclaimed wood and repurposed pieces. 

Shiplap can be used on the walls and vintage mirrors and light fixtures blend in wonderfully. Tie everything together with a free-standing bathtub. Rustic metal bins or tins can be used for trashcans and soap or toilet paper holders.

European

European bathrooms create a design using features across several different eras. You’ll find a good mix of new and old design features. Although this mix might not seem like it’d work well together, somehow the European style pulls it off. 

You can see wood or stone used for the countertops with a more modern-style cabinet. Consider placing a pedestal sink next to a bathtub with clawfoot legs. 

Traditional 

Elegant materials are used in traditional bathroom designs such as marble and other timeless pieces. When picturing a traditional design, you might be lead down a thought path of outdated or old features. This, however, is simply not true. 

Traditional design has more of a focus on classical features and materials that have tons of character and will still be trending for years to come. Be sure to use calming colors and mix in some unique tilework as well. 

Beachy

A beachy bathroom design works well for homes located on or near a coastline. Beachy style bathrooms also work well in any type of home. There’s nothing wrong with creating a beach vacation getaway in your bathroom, especially when you don’t get to visit the beach often.

This style uses calm, light, and sandy colors. The accessories can include some beach shells, corals, and other items you might find in the ocean. All finishes should be made durable and give you the feel as if you’re in a beach rental right on the water!

Industrial

Industrial-style bathrooms are commonly found in condos or lofts located in big cities. They also work well in all other types of homes, though. If this is the style you like, then don’t hesitate to create it in your own bathroom. 

The materials used in this style include durable brick, steel, and concrete. There are no finishes on these features as everything is left in its raw and original state, which makes the industrial look. 

Asian

An Asian-style bathroom will have you feeling like you’re on an Asian spa retreat. You’ll want to include a soaking tub in your design and a lot of wood elements. Ambient lighting is also a must. 

When you bring all three together, you create an Asian spa. Remember to keep Eastern designs and traditions in mind as well when creating this bathroom style.

Craftsman

A craftsman-style bathroom works well within a craftsman-style house. This type of bathroom might not work well in other house styles as it might stand out in an odd manner. If your home is a craftsman style, then you can give your bathroom the same look by using dark-stained wood elements, porcelain toilets, bathtubs, and sinks, and handmade tiles.

All of these design features come together to create a craftsman style with a lot of character.

Which Bathroom Style Can You Envision?

Do you have a favorite bathroom style listed above? Which one could you envision having in your own home? Use these tips above to help you create the bathroom of your dreams!

From craftsman style bathrooms to contemporary and farmhouse, there’s a style to match any homeowner’s preferences and needs. Consider the style of house you own and then be sure to add your own hints of personality to design a bathroom that’s truly yours.

For more posts as helpful as this one, be sure to visit us regularly! 

If you truly love yourself, then you should only let clean, filtered water inside your body. That’s because there are plenty of health risks associated with drinking dirty water like gastrointestinal issues and diarrhea, among others. 

More than 5 million people die each year from drinking unsafe water, so do your best to avoid consuming unclean water at all costs. However, this is easier said than done because, in most cases, you can’t tell clean and dirty water apart. Sometimes even tap water isn’t as clean as you think it is.

The safety of tap water has been a debate for decades with no clear-cut answer. Generally, tap water won’t send you to the ER, but most people don’t buy that narrative. 

Homes that don’t trust tap water either buy bottled water or install home filtration systems. In the long run, the latter is more economically feasible. Plus, it’s also much friendlier to the environment.

What most people don’t know is there are tons of benefits that come with installing a filtration system at home. In this post, we’ll be highlighting some incredible health benefits that a filtered water system offers for you and your family.

How a Filtered Water System Can be Beneficial to Your Health

Both homes and businesses have a lot to gain from filtered water systems. The ill-conceived notion that filtered water is only for classy folks is far from the truth. Drinking filtered water isn’t a sign of class or sophistication, but is a sign that you care about you and your family’s health.

If you don’t believe it, then here are five health benefits of a filtered water system:-

1. Promotes Nutrient Absorption

The advantage of having a filtered water system at home is that you drink pure, clean water every day. Your body rewards you for this with an increased readiness to take up nutrients from food. That’s because there are no chemicals in filtered water to inhibit the absorption of these vital nutrients.

 Think of it this way, when you drink clean water, you make the body work more efficiently since it doesn’t have to deal with the contaminants. So by drinking clean, filtered water, you’ll be streamlining your body’s internal processes, which translates to a much healthier body.

2. Promotes Drinking More Water

Water is the fuel that keeps our bodies running. In fact, water is more important than food, and here’s why. A healthy person can last up to three months without food, while the same person can only last a few days without water.

Water is crucial for most body processes like digestion, maintaining body temperature, creating saliva, tears, and nutrient absorption.  

That’s why the average person should be looking to take at least two to three liters of water a day. Enough water not only means a healthy body, but it also means great skin and sharper cognitive abilities.

Most people are put off by water that has a funny smell or taste to it. It’s no wonder; some folks are averse to tap water. This weird taste is because of chemicals used to treat the water from harmful pathogens, and there is mostly some kind of contaminant in the water.

A filtered water system eliminates all those weird tastes and smells from water. That way, you’re more likely to drink water for a healthier body. 

Water from a filtration system is tasteless, smooth, and refreshing and great for the body. With a filtration system, you’ll be gobbling up liters of fresh, clean water for your body’s benefit. 

3. Reduces Ingestion of Chemicals and Contaminants

Tap water is treated with chemicals to eliminate harmful pathogens. However, as much as these chemicals destroy disease-causing bacteria, they aren’t very good for our health. For instance, excess fluoride in water can cause fluorosis, which is bad for your teeth.

Apart from chemicals, you also have to worry about contaminants in the tap water. Public water systems don’t exactly have the best filtration systems. So it’s easy for other contaminants to get through to your tap water. 

In some cases, dangerous contaminants like aluminum pass through to tap water. This can lead to many severe conditions, including cancer or skin problems. Bottled water isn’t much better in terms of contaminants; the chemicals from plastic bottling contaminate the water.

If you don’t want to drink water with chemicals, then consider installing a filtration system for your home.  This system eliminates all chemicals and contaminants for chemical-free drinking water that won’t harm your body.

4. Great for Kids’ Immune System

Among the best things you can do for your growing children is getting them clean, filtered water. Children’s bodies still develop until their early teens. As such, it is essential to nourish them with the right nutrients for optimum growth.

You need to couple good nutritive eating habits with high-quality water to bolster their growth. Apart from being instrumental in your child’s growth, high-quality filtered water is also vital for a robust immune system.

If you care about your child’s health, then get a water filtration system for your home. That way, you can ensure your children remain strong and healthy as they grow into teenagers and then adults.

5. Boosts Detoxification

Drinking filtered water accelerates detoxification. This means the water helps get rid of all the nasty stuff that harms your body. So after an entire day of stuffing your face with all kinds of junk food, filtered water is just what you need to cleanse your body.

Distilled water also works too, but only for a shorter time. Plus, drinking distilled water for too long is not good for your health.

Detoxification is imperative for a healthy body. Drinking filtered water is just what you need to flush all of those toxins away.

Most homes get filtered water systems for their tap water. If you have a well, then you could have a look at some of the best well water filter systems in the market instead.

Get a Filtration System for Better Health

A filtered water system for your home is the easiest way to keep you and your family as healthy as they can be. Now that you know all the benefits of filtered water, maybe it’s time to install one for your home. Not only is it great for your health, but you’ll also be doing the environment a huge favor.

If you want to read more informative posts, then check out other insightful reads on our blog.