Home Improvement and real estate

Tips for checking doors and windows for leaks .

Leaks near doors and windows mainly cause two problems. Firstly, it leads to higher energy bills as the HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain the desired indoor temperature. Secondly, it can also lead to water damage.

Tips on extending the life of your roof .

A roof is one of the most important elements of a house's structure. One fault in the roof can lead to multiple problems like water damage. Let us look at how to extend the life of your roof.

Using natural light to light up your home.

Natural light is often overlooked while building a home. What many do not realize is how much natural light can contribute towards enhancing a home's visual appeal. Let us look at how to make the most of natural light.

Renovate or buy a new home?

It can be quite a tough decision - 'Renovate or move out?' Let us look at what to consider before making such a decision. First of all, you will need to look at your current home, and see where you would like changes to come in.

Tips for handling plumbing leaks.

Plumbing leaks go far beyond just a ‘leaky tap’. Plumbing leaks can lead to more serious issues like water damage, besides encouraging the growth of microorganisms like mold. Sometimes a major leak can lead to an overflow which can seriously damage the house, household items and furniture. Let us look at a few tips for handling plumbing leaks.

Identifying issues with the foundation.

The foundation is what supports the entire house. Any issues with the foundation must be immediately dealt with, because if it is left unchecked the problem can get worse and even damage the house. One of the most common reasons for foundation issues is water damage.

Lighting up the bathroom.

A great bathroom can often look less impressive due to bad lighting choices. Let us look at a few lighting ideas for enhancing the way your bathroom looks while also paying attention to functionality.

Choosing between open kitchens and closed kitchens .

If you are confused whether to choose open kitchens or closed kitchens, let us look at a quick comparison of the two. Open kitchens come with many advantages. Firstly, it doesn't isolate the cook from the activities in the living area.

What you need to know about universal design.

What is universal design? Many individuals may not be fully aware of this term, but it is very well-known among architects, interior designers etc. Universal design refers to sensitivity towards the needs of people of all ages, as well as people with disabilities.

Looking at what makes a home perfect.

What makes a home perfect? The answer can only be arrived at after looking at many factors like individual preferences. Let us look at a few features of a perfect home. One feature is that of universal design.

Tips for painting your home's exteriors the right way.

A coat of paint can do wonders for your home's curb appeal. Let us look at how to go about painting your home's exteriors the right way. The first step is to thoroughly wash your home's exterior with a mixture of water and a good cleanser.

How to prevent becoming a victim of contracting scams.

One of the most common contracting scams involves the contractor demanding a large sum as advance payment – a percentage of the total amount that is larger than the percentage that is usually demanded by contractors. After pocketing the money, the contractor may then proceed to execute subpar work, or worse, he may simply just disappear.

How to incorporate universal design in your bathrooms.

The principles of universal design attempt to make a home 'sensitive' to the needs of all kinds of individuals, irrespective of whether they are elderly, disabled etc. Let us look at how to incorporate universal design in your bathrooms.

Spots in your home where mold hides .

You might think that your home is free of mold, but there could be mold-spots in your home of which you might not be aware of. Let's look at some of these 'mold-spots'. One mold-spot is your refrigerator's drip pan, as it offers a very comfortable environment for mold to grow.

Tips for keeping your home's plumbing system in good condition Effective maintenance of your home's plumbing system is quite simple. Let us look at a few tips. Firstly, you must fix leaks as and when they occur.

What you need to know about green roofs?

You may have heard of 'green homes' but have you heard of 'green roofs'? Let us look at a few ways to turn a roof green. If you are looking at adding to your roof to make your home cooler, then you could go for a 'cool roof'.

Tips for preventing smoke from damaging your home.

Many know that smoke can be bad for health. But are you aware that smoke can even damage your house? The causes of smoke can be numerous - cooking accidents, fire etc. Let us look at how to prevent smoke from damaging your house.

Doing kitchen remodelling the smart way.

Kitchen remodelling is one of the most common home improvement projects, as it has great chances of high returns on investment if you are looking at selling at your house in the near future.

Signs that your home may have drainage issues.

Let's look at the signs that indicate that your home may be facing drainage issues. A serious case of drainage issues is when the rain drains away in sheets, carrying with it mulch, wood chips etc, and ruining the landscaping.

Looking at how secure your home is.

One must check to see whether one's home is really secure, and be prepared for the possibility of burglary. Installing a home security system may seem like the obvious solution, but you will need to evaluate your home, and do a few simple fixes before deciding on the kind of security system that you will require.

Deciding whether to repair or replace windows.

Taking a look at the homes of the future.

If you look at the homes built a decade back and the homes of today, you will see an astonishing gap. Advancements in technology are changing the very way we live at home - from how we cook in the kitchen to how we take a shower.

Tips for prevention of electrical fires.

A fire is one of the most damaging accidents that can happen to a home - it is also a serious threat to life. Many associate a 'fire' with kitchen accidents. However, many may not be aware that fires can also be 'electrical' in nature.

Getting cockroaches out of your home .

Cockroaches are quite a common problem in most households. Despite keeping a home as clean as possible, the simple sight of a cockroach is enough to make visitors associate your home with poor hygiene. Let us look at how to keep cockroaches out of your home.

Tips for carrying out a low-cost kitchen renovation.

Let us look at a few strategies you can use to carry out a low-cost kitchen renovation. A good way to keep your kitchen renovation low-cost is to carry it out in stages.