Lifestyle

Home automation and smart home add-on-s are obviously a trend. An indicator is the request and the rise in payment for those offering those services.

Smart home projects double over 12 months

Photo source: https://bit.ly/2x5GpDi

 

 

The average pay rates for the most popular smart home installation tasks are:

– smart sprinkler systems … £120 / hour vs £18 / hour for a landscaper
– smart lights … £60 / hour vs £45 / hour for lighting installer / electrician
– lock and home security … £100 / hour for surveillance cameras, smart locks & security systems installation vs £60 / hour for a locksmith
– heating … £80 / hour for a smart thermostat installation vs £50 / hour for a plumber
– smart TV … £60 / hour vs £30 / hour for a TV installer / handyman
– smart home hubs … £50 / hour (no qualification required)

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Adding value to your property should be a constant concern for anybody wanting to sell in a more proximate or distant future. Here are some easy improvements that you can do by yourself:

  1. high end windows
  2. modern railing for the staircase
  3. farmhouse backslash
  4. faux expensive molding
  5. faux drop ceiling
  6. upscale garage door
  7. embellished bifold door
  8. framed bathroom mirror
  9. fresh up cabinets
  10. custom accent wall

How to increase your home's value

10 inexpensive ways to increase your home's value.

Posted by Hometalk on Sunday, 1 July 2018

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Monetizing your second house should be a ‘must’ if you’re seeking for means of income.

If this property is based in the city, renting it is a good way to ensure yourself of a monthly income according to the rental market.

If the property is isolated or located in a nice vacation spot you should consider renting it for vacations. Families usually search for these kind of cozy homes for seasonal small vacations and your offer might be exactly what they need.

You should consider a couple of things before putting your second home up for rent as a vacation hub!

Check out the article below for some useful tips!

Renting Out Your Second Home As A Holiday Let Property

 

Photo source: https://bit.ly/2yQpfMI

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Freelancer or just working remotely? Either way, if your home is your office, you might want to check out if your home is a efficiency boosting environment.

Source:

Six features your house needs if you work from home

  1. The office – an area created especially for working, close to Wifi, away from distractions.
  2. Additional working areas – maybe you can work from the couch, too. But how do you manage to ignore the TV?
  3. Temperature control.
  4. Natural light.
  5. Visible greenery.
  6. Open space.

Here are some available offers that comply with these working ‘standards’!

Photo source: https://bit.ly/2PGgf3A

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  1. Coffee stains are the most common so we’ll just start with these!

Photo source: https://bit.ly/2M9jQF8

from clothing: you will need to water the stain immediately and use some detergent on it as well. A white cloth will come of good use to extract the stain.

from mugs: with baking soda!

from carpets: with liquid dish soap!

Source and details:

How to Get Coffee Stains Out of Absolutely Everything

2. Grease: it’s easy to take it out from clothing just by using dish soap before washing, or by rubbing baking soda on it if we’re talking about the couch. Just vacuum and easily clean it without rubbing intensively after.

3. Paint. We have an entire guide here:

Get Paint Out of Clothes and More

Photo source: https://bit.ly/2oNxSCY

4. Crayons and lipstick:  Apply liquid dish soap and work into the stained area. Let stand a few minutes, rub fabric under warm water to remove the stain. Machine wash using the heavy soil setting and the hottest water the fabric will allow with OxiClean or Clorox 2. Source: Crayola

 

 

5. Blood stains. You should use hydrogen peroxide, but it depends on if the stain is recent/ wet or already dry.

Remove Blood Stains From Clothes, Carpet, Furniture and More

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Photo source: Flickr https://bit.ly/2NUJFdT

Weather changes can affect your home. You can prepare ahead for the cold season.

Make sure you:

  1. Clean the vent hood
  2. Refresh the window boxes
  3. Service smoke alarms
  4. Wash away pollen
  5. Drain the water heater
  6. Fertilize your lawn
  7. Check the exterior lights
  8. Drain and store hoses
  9. Move cold-sensitive items inside
  10. Dust heating vents
  11. Upgrade your thermostat
  12. Extend downspouts

More details and insights on these jobs on the article on ThisOldHouse:

14 Fast Fall Fixes

And if you want to move to the interior, you should make sure you check these 5 boxes first:

1. Perform a pantry audit.

2. Test and clean your smoke detectors.

3. Flip your mattress.

4. Shampoo your carpet.

5. Vacuum all upholstered surfaces.

Source: Good Housekeeping

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