One of the most common causes of a burst pipe is frozen water, if water freezes, the volume expands which causes a build up of pressure. As the pressure increases, it becomes too much for the structure, and bursts the pipe open. Pipes usually burst at a weak spot, or where ice has formed. To prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting, there are many things that you can do.
1 . Insulate your pipes
If you want to prevent your pipes from freezing you should buy insulation that’s designed for pipes. There are several different types of pipe insulation that you can purchase including foam insulation, polyethylene or fiberglass. Eco-friendly insulation options include sheep’s wool, denim or aerogel. Choosing eco-friendly options can help you to reduce your carbon footprint and even save money.
2. Run your taps
If you leave a tap running this can stop your pipes from freezing. Certainly don’t leave all the faucets in your house running! Figure out which taps are connected to exposed piping, and then leave these taps on (a small amount) during colder weather. Doing so will stop ice build ups and relieve the pressure on your pipes. Running your taps is one of the simplest ways to avoid pipes bursting.
3. Turn on the heat
During the winter you should leave the heat on even when you are away from your property. You don’t need to leave it on full, but just around 14-15 degrees will do. Your heating bill might be a little higher, (but it’s much better than burst pipes)!
4. Try heating tape
Heating tape is a great way to prevent burst pipes, you’ll only be able to use this if you can easily get to your pipes. This kind of tape is especially useful for basements, and loft spaces. You can buy either manual heating tape, or self-monitoring tape. Manual tapes needed to be plugged in, and self-monitoring switches on and off (with the use of sensors). With the right home maintenance checks you’ll keep your home safe and healthy.
5. Fix gaps
Check your property for any cracks, openings and holes. You should check your windows, walls and door frames. You can use caulk to cover up any holes in your walls, or even around the piping. When you fix gaps this will help your home to keep in warm air. There are many other general ways that you can protect your pipes, such as:
Use fans to circulate heat around cold rooms.
Ensure that cabinet doors are left open, (helps warm air to get to the pipes).
Close your garage door.
Remove garden hoses from your faucets outside.
Using all these tips will help you to take good care of your pipes and protect your home during the winter. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to repair a broken pipe yourself. In the unfortunate event that your pipes burst you’ll need to contact a burst pipe restoration company. These companies can carry out the correct repairs, and help you to prevent further problems in the future.
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.
It’s no secret that most people want to have some time out from the world when they’re at home and want to relax and unwind. You’re probably reading this page today because that’s something you seek, but it never seems to happen for some reason.
One of the ways you can guarantee yourself a relaxing time at home is by having a spa experience. Did you know that’s possible to achieve in your bathroom? Check out the following tips to learn how you can create a spa experience at home:
Get a Jacuzzi Bathtub Installed
The first thing you should consider is asking a local plumber to install a new Jacuzzi bathtub for you. Why should you go to such effort and expense, you ask yourself? The answer is simple: a Jacuzzi bathtub is the ultimate in-home wellness solution.
An advantage of having such a bathtub is you can enjoy a whirlpool experience in your bath and all the health and wellness benefits that go along with it. Hydrotherapy is also a good idea if you experience aches and pains across your body regularly.
Heat Your Towels
It’s always a pleasant experience when you step out of a bathtub and begin drying yourself with warm, soft towels. If you haven’t already got a towel rail or rack in your bathroom, it’s worth getting one installed.
Heated towels are excellent ideas, especially during the cold winter months where the ambient temperature can drop. Plus, drying yourself with heated towels means you’ll still feel calm and rested after your relaxing time in the bathtub.
Create a Relaxing Mood
The next thing to do is work on creating a relaxing mood in your bathroom. There are several ways you can achieve that goal. First of all, you can start by lighting some candles to create the perfect ambiance.
Next, add in some aromatic scents. You could light some scented candles or use diffusers or aroma lamps to project the fragrant smells that will help you relax and unwind in your bathroom.
It also makes sense to have some soothing and gentle music playing in the background. You might do this by playing some music through your mobile phone’s speakers. You could even invest in a Bluetooth speaker system for your bathroom.
Lastly, you should fill your Jacuzzi bathtub with some warm water. If you simply plan on soaking your body in the water without any whirlpool action, you could create a bubble bath with your favorite bath foam product of choice.
When you’re ready, you can get into your bath and relax, and let the fragrant aromas and gentle, calming music wash away your stress and pain.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there isn’t much you need to do if you wish to enjoy regular spa sessions in your home. All you need is a Jacuzzi bathtub, some music, and a selection of candles and aromatic fragrances, plus skincare essentials to help you feel relaxed and calm.
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.
You might have dreamt about buying your first home for quite some time. Or perhaps, you’re hoping to buy your first overseas property to make your dream holiday or retirement home. Nevertheless, most people’s dreams and plans tend to revolve around how the house would look and how it will be decorated. However, you and I know that when it comes to reality, there’s a lot more involved in the process.
Naturally, being able to afford the property will be the largest obstacle to owning it. That’s why it can take people quite some time to save up for a mortgage. If you’re in this position, you might worry about whether or not you’ll ever own a home. You might have heard a few tips and tricks to help with this.
As useful as those can be, some could be much more suited to you than others. Knowing what your home buying costs could be will be one of the more recommended.
When you’re buying a home, you’ll know how much you’ll be able to spend. You may have already spoken to a financial institution to get preapproval on a mortgage. You’ll need to read the fine print with these, especially when it comes to interest rates.
Simply because you’ve borrowed a certain amount, doesn’t mean that that’s how much you’ll pay back. You’ll end up paying significantly more, especially if your mortgage is quite long. This is the case for mortgages all over the world, as Simon Conn announced when offering a French mortgage calculator for those looking to buy property in that region. Calculate this via a mortgage calculator before buying to make sure you can afford it.
You can also use multiple tools to find the best mortgage for you, such as Mortgage Quote. That’ll help you find options with lower interest rates, which means fewer repayments over time.
Figure Out How Much To Offer
Home sellers will want to make as much profit as possible during the process. You’ll want to spend as little as possible on the property. That means some negotiation will be needed. Knowing how much to offer will be a part of this.
Once you’ve bought your first home, you’ll need to move in. That’ll have a few costs associated with it that you mightn’t have thought of. As you would’ve spent a significant amount on the house itself, money could be relatively tight. That could rule out hiring professional movers, leaving you to do it yourself.
If you want to avoid this, factor your moving costs into your budget. Moving will be relatively affordable, so you shouldn’t need to spend too much. To reduce the costs further, you should do the actual packing and unpacking yourself.
Wrapping Up
If you’re planning on buying your first home, then you’ll need to get your finances in order. Saving up for a deposit and a mortgage could take a significant amount of time. It could also be quicker than you’d think. To determine this, you’ll need to have an idea of what your home-buying costs will be.
Keeping all of the above in mind should make sure that you have a rough estimate of what you’ll expect to pay. Using this to develop and adjust a budget will help you save up much better than you otherwise could have.
Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.
9 Fabulous Fall Additions for Your Home This Season
The season of fall is just around the corner, and before you get excited about pumpkin spiced lattes and trick or treaters on your doorstep, it might be time to upgrade your home decor. The changing of the seasons is the perfect time to get your home ready with autumnal accessories and warming features. Whether you’re keen to redecorate your entire house or you’re happy to make just a few small tweaks, now is your chance to explore some fabulous ideas for your home this fall.
It’s time to bring out the cooler, darker and moodier tones this autumnal season. As it gets cooler outside, your home can afford to embrace the fall spirit and blend in with the outdoors. Change the neutral colors on your living room walls to statement shades such as maroon, navy blue and emerald green. Opting for a single statement wall in your main living space can completely transform the vibe from summer to fall.
2. Divine Decor
If you’re not quite ready to swap your cream walls for darker tones, why not embrace some seasonal decor? Invest in some decorative pumpkins or spruce up your window sills with plants or candles. Just a hint of decor can make a huge difference when you’re embracing the new season.
3. Wonderful Windows
On a more practical level, now is the time to assess the energy efficiency of your home. In the summer months you can forget about heating costs, but you don’t want to get a nasty surprise as the cooler weather kicks in. This is where renewal by Andersen casement windows come in very handy. Their window replacement options are one of the most energy efficient types in their product line.
4. Smart Soft Furnishings
Warming up the inside of your home with cushions and blankets is the perfect way to prepare for the fall. Instead of light, feathery cushions upgrade to thicker soft furnishings so that you always feel cosy in your home. You could also invest in some new cushion covers to match your new interior design.
5. Soothing Scents
Is there anything better than the soothing scent of a pumpkin during the fall season? Now is the time to say goodbye to your fresh scents and welcome in the autumnal goodness. Schedule a day out to your local candle store and try out some of the latest scents they have to offer. As well as stocking up on candles, you may also want to invest in a reed diffuser for a stronger smell throughout your home.
6. Garden Glories
Don’t forget about your garden this season; there is so much fun to be had in your outdoor space. During the winter months it is very easy to neglect your backyard, but you should do the opposite this year. Treat yourself to lush greenery and fill decorative pots with orange, purple and red flowers to compliment the changing trees. Even if you don’t have green fingers, there are so many things you can do to your garden during the fall, even on a budget.
7. Bedroom Bliss
Your bedroom should be one of the most relaxing spaces in your home, especially as the season changes. The fall represents new beginnings, so now might be the time to change up your bedroom in line with your new routine. Perhaps you’ve taken on a new work or school schedule; your bedroom needs to accommodate your needs flawlessly so treat yourself to new bedding, accessories or look into Feng Shui for an even bigger change!
8. Classy Kitchenware
You probably spend a lot of time in the kitchen and this season is no exception. Create more space in your kitchen by using storage jars and glass containers so everything is neatly placed. There is something so exciting about labelling new storage when you’re looking to give your home a boost.
9. Elevated Elegance
Take your elegance to the next level in your home this fall and embrace the smaller details you might have missed. For example, changing up the lighting in your main living space can completely transform the way you feel in your home. Even the smallest of changes can create a huge impact when upgrading your home.
Use this inspiration to fuel your fall decor this season. Whether you’re investing in beautiful scents or you’re changing up your bedroom environment, there are so many ways to embrace the new season and bring out the best fall styles in your home.
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.
Checklist: Important Things You Need To Do Before Putting Your Home On The Market
If you are planning on selling your home, you should not simply put it on the market as soon as you have decided to sell. There are a number of different things you need to do first. So, let’s take a look…
Make Sure It’s Structurally Sound
There are plenty of key techniques and ideas that you can use to make sure your home is as saleable as possible once you put it on the market. And this means that you need to ensure you focus on the best ways of helping to improve your home and make it structurally sound. One of the best and most effective ways of achieving this is going to be to make sure you improve your roof. This means hiring a quality roofing service company to make sure your roof is as safe and secure as possible, and making repairs if needed as well.
Making sure your home is structurally sound is so important, and you need to try to make sure you carry out the right steps that can be used to help you achieve this. So, it is important to ensure that this is something you work on as much as possible, and checking the foundations and structural integrity of the property is also vital. This ensures that there are no underlying problems that might rear their ugly head when it comes to trying to push through the sale of your home.
Make low-cost curb appeal improvements
First impressions count! And, the first impression of your home will be made as soon as the buyers step out of their car, which is why your garden is so important! Impress them with these low-cost tips…
Wash the front porch light fixture or replace it if necessary.
Keep the garden lawn mowed. There is nothing worse than an unkempt garden!
Buy some large house numbers! There is no worse way to begin a viewing than by discovering your buyers have spent the last thirty minutes driving around the estate looking for your home.
Plant flowers by your front door or along the walk. This will create a welcoming atmosphere. Yellow flowers are a great option, such as marigolds.
Purchase a new welcome mat for the front steps to your home. The perfect way of welcoming people into your home!
Clean the exterior windows thoroughly. Grubby windows are never a good look!
Use the power spray to get rid of all the dirt and dust outside.
Re-paint your front door or replace it if necessary. The front door is an extremely important aspect of your home. It is one aspect every single person who comes to your property is assured to notice.
Get rid of family touches
Most homeowners have photographs of their family situated all over the home. It adds a personal element to your property and creates a warm environment. This is what makes a house your home – the keyword being YOUR home!
We all love to have reminders of the ones we care about and to display fun memories we have had together. But, when it comes to a home viewing, it’s time to put them away! Don’t take it personally – but the buyer doesn’t want to see pictures of your daughter getting married or your last family holiday to America. All this does is remind the buyer that the property is someone else’s.
By keeping your photographs out you merely distract viewers and you make it difficult for them to connect with your home. Put yourself in their shoes. Imagine walking into a home you were thinking about buying and seeing photographs of another family at every turn. It would make it extremely difficult to imagine yourself living there.
The same goes for all other personal items – whether it is dance awards, football medals, school certificates, or anything like that! Model your home on a showroom. You wouldn’t see aspects like this whilst at a showroom, so they shouldn’t be on show whilst someone is viewing your home.
Freshen up your bathroom
Many people, especially those with young families, like to view a bathroom as a potential oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic household. To others, it’s a place where they expect high standards of hygiene and cleanliness. Replacing a bathroom is an expensive undertaking, and when marketing your property, showing what you have off to the best effect can make or break a sale.
What most people find inviting is a clean, bright room. The preference is always for a neutral colour scheme – no overwhelming, bright shades here! – and a white bathroom suite. But if replacing the large fixtures and fittings is beyond your budget, a few small changes can cast the most important room in the house in the best possible light.
Use bleach to clean up grotty looking tiles and grout. A mildew remover may also help to remove the worst of the stains. If necessary, re-seal the bath with white sealant. Do the same with the sink and shower area. Invest a small amount of money in replacing cracked tiles. Consider buying a fresh, new shower curtain or screen.
Remove half-empty shower gel and shampoo bottles and, for the duration of viewings at least, replace with quality bath products. Add white, fluffy towels for a final, homely touch.
Clean your home from top to bottom
Picture this… You welcome viewers into your home, they start looking around, and then you realise that you have left a dirty ashtray on the living room table! How did you miss it? We are all guilty of missing the obvious when tidying our home! Use this cleaning checklist to make sure you don’t…
Make sure your clean your appliances inside out.
Clean your windows and windowsills.
Polish all interior woodwork.
Clean the inside of all of your cabinets and neatly organise everything that is inside. Make sure they aren’t too cramped; you want to show off how much space the buyer will benefit from.
Mop and sweep all of your floors.
Make sure you clean the entry thoroughly – this is the first thing buyers will notice when they walk into your home.
Clean all of your blinds, drapes, and curtains.
Git rid of all odours – especially food and pet smells.
Shower curtains and doors should be clean.
Keep your corridors and stairways clear.
Make sure everything is organised – your bookshelves, closets, wardrobes, entertainment units etc.
Empty ashtrays, rubbish bins, and recycling bins.
Remove all clutter – store in your car if necessary.
Be sure that all of your drawers, cabinets, and doors can be opened fully without any blockage.
Check The Roof
If someone wants to come and view your home, it goes well and then they request a survey, you have got to make sure that there is nothing bad for them to find. Often, people think that they can get away with not sorting out their roof because it’s generally something you can’t see from the ground. You need to hire professionals and make sure things like ice dam removals are sorted, any leaks are patched up and whatever other problem there is up there is taken care of. If you don’t, then you could lose a sale.
Find a good estate agent
Finding a good estate agent is obviously an important ingredient in selling your home! You should never just go for the first one you lay your eyes on, nor you should ever go for the cheapest agent! – Recipe for disaster.
You need to compare different estate agents against one and other in order to find the best one for you. But, what sort of things should you be looking for? Here is a checklist of things you should take into account…
Can you contact them via mobile phone and email?
How far away is their office from your home?
Will they provide you with a detailed marketing plan? What ideas have they got for advertising your home?
Do they seem enthusiastic about selling your home?
What is their track record? How many homes did they sell in the past year? Have they sold properties similar to yours?
Are they available on evenings and weekends?
Can they provide you with some references and/or reviews?
You have probably realised that one key factor is missing – how much they charge! So many homeowners make the mistake of looking for the cheapest agent. This is not an area to cut costs. If an agent charges more, it’s usually because they are worth it.
Some final home improvement tips to follow before you sell your home
Replace light bulbs – Bright rooms look inviting and fresh. Dark rooms look dingy, depressing and cramped. Just remember, safety first!
Fresh paint – Paint is the easiest way to make a huge difference to your property. Neutral colours are best!
Clean windows – Windows are often forgotten about, yet grubby glass is never attractive.
Deal with anything that needs to be repaired – Whether your kitchen light needs repaired or your require water pump repairs, deal with it before your property goes onto the market!
Clean your closets – Buyers often want to see how much storage space they are going to benefit from.
Play music – Soft music can be a great tactic to use when showing someone your home. Note the word ‘soft’ – no heavy metal, please!
Remove pet bowls – Not only are they distracting, but a buyer might not want to be reminded that you have pets running around the home every day.
Fresh glass and plants – Often a garden can be the first thing people notice. Make a good impression by creating a space that looks beautiful and inviting.
Clean the carpet – Nothing looks worse than a mucky carpet. If yours is beyond saving, consider getting rid of it and showcasing your hardwood floor.
Open curtains and blinds – Let as much natural light in as possible! It will open up the space.
Fresh flowers – Buy some fresh flowers and place them around the home. They create a welcoming feel.
So there you have it: the complete checklist of everything you need to do before selling your home. Good luck!
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.
