Everyone can’t afford to buy a 4000 sq. Ft. villa. Buying a house with master bedrooms, a spacious living room, an airy kitchen, and giant-sized washrooms requires a lot of money. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t make a small square feet house look spacious, comfortable, and airy. The way you decorate your place, choose furniture, select color palette, and organize things can really sprinkle incredible impact in a small space. The good thing is that despite having a small space, you don’t have to live with the feeling of living in a cramped and messy place. It is easier to break the code of coming up with a living room that looks bigger than it really is. Here are some tricks and tips to fool your eyes, and make your space look bigger: Don’t Cramp Up Space: You might like to put a giant sofa to give an expensive touch to your place, but it really does no good for space. Big-size furniture, unnecessary cupboards, useless tables, and excessive art pieces do nothing to make a living room look plush and beautiful. In fact, they blow up the whole comfy vibes and leave little space to walk without bumping into stray furniture. So, avoid overstuffed sofas and unnecessary space eaters and go with sleek designed, and multipurpose furniture that can serve multiple functions in one go. For example, a tufted ottoman can serve as a coffee table, footrest, and an extra sitting option.  Use Bi-Folding Doors: Making a small room look bigger is all about playing your cards smartly and getting the best out of your space. Using elements to splash the vibes of openness and movement do wonder when it is about tricking the spacious vibes. So, instead of going with a solid door, insert a bi-folding door between the living room and the dining room. This way, we can use this door as a wall when required, and fold all the doors and connect both places if you want to add some more space if you have to host a party. See? Like Bi Fold Doors UK, the addition of just one thing can change the whole dimension of your room without much effort. Light Up the Room with Lights: Using the right lighting can really change the feel of the room like magic. It goes without saying that you should let natural shine light up the room during the day. It makes your room brighter and cozy. But for the night, let lights do the trick for keeping the brightness of the room intact. If you feel that floor light will take a massive chunk of useful space, go with pendant lighting, wall or ceiling fixtures, string lights, or/and slimline bar. Use lighting throughout the space to bring a bright and warm feeling. Use the Right Color Palette: The colors you splash on your walls play a huge role in defining the feel of the space. We all know that lighter colors reflect light, giving your room a feeling of calm and brightness. So, instead of using dark hues, light colors, like white, beige, and lighter tones of blue, open up your space. The living room is a place where you spend most of your day watching television, chit-chatting with family members, or simply cozying on the couch. So, it feels good if your living room looks organized, airy, and spacious. Use the tricks mentioned above to get such feels – they really work!

Sustainability champion and green hero, The Used Kitchen Company, is offering homeowners, who have become a little less certain about their kitchen renovation vision and budget, some food for thought that could beat any blues that have set in during lockdown. The UK was expecting to see a 6-7% growth rate in home renovations over the next few years, but this is now projected to shrink. Those who had already started work on their refurbishment or build, could now be facing a budget dilemma, wondering whether or not to cut back on their original fixtures and fittings’ budget. From May 14, builders have been allowed to continue or start working on home extension projects and other home improvement plans, with many of these having ground to a halt during the pandemic. Whilst the shell of an extension is probably an inflexible element of the plan for those now seeking to save money, what goes inside it, if the plan was to fit a new kitchen, need not be as expensive as the homeowner imagined. Kitchen seekers may now feel they will have to compromise on the quality of kitchen they buy. New homeowners, typically spend 30% more on renovations than existing property owners and a new kitchen is often part of that. Anyone disheartened and thinking they will have to ‘make do’ with a kitchen in a lower price bracket, could find a fairy godmother in The Used Kitchen Company. TUKC is a kitchen lover’s dream portal, not just because it features fabulous designer kitchens but also because it offers this type of kitchen at many different price points, to suit a wide variety of budgets and at prices all 50-70% lower than the kitchen’s original RRP, (from as little as 18 months ago). What is available to view online is an array of kitchens that are either second-hand and from a private home, or displays on sale from kitchen showrooms. The used kitchens have often been lovingly cared for, high-quality kitchens when new. Occasionally some are purchases that were never unboxed. The ex-display kitchens are usually still current, allowing a purchaser to buy extra units to go with their TUKC purchase, if needs be. Currently, a £7000 budget would give the buyer the opportunity to size up an ex-display grey and sand gloss Lago kitchen with glass worktops, or an ex-display Kuhlman kitchen with Dekton worktops and appliances. Other brands in their price range currently include Pronorm, Second Nature, Nolte, Alno, Schroder and, for £500 more, Nobilia, Schuller and Warendorf. Many TUKC kitchens even include appliances. Looeeze Grossman, CEO at The Used Kitchen Company, says: “There is no need for anyone midway through a home extension or renovation project to feel they have to compromise and not go for the quality of kitchen they had seen as being integral to their vision for their space. For a lower budget, they could get an even better kitchen – that’s how our model works. At the same time, we throw in something else for free – the feelgood factor that comes with knowing you have also assisted the environment, by buying a kitchen that would otherwise potentially just have been put in a skip and sent to landfill. That happens all the time, but TUKC buyers can prevent it. “Hopefully, our message is a blues-buster for those believing they have to downgrade their plans. We’ve already started to see signs of this amongst those who know about our brilliant sustainability focused service, so we need to spread the word to other home renovators, self-builders and improvers. We must also not forget that homeowners, who now have a disinclination to move home, can give a new lease of life to their space with a nearly new designer kitchen.”

Unexpected plumbing problems can be a huge disruption to your everyday life, especially when they occur late at night or during odd days, such as holidays and weekends, when your plumber might not be available. That is why it is imperative to have the right plumber on speed dial who can be there within minutes in case of emergency.  You might be tempted to solve the problem on your own, but without the necessary plumbing equipment and expertise, you may end up worsening it and get the whole house drenched in sewer water or even hurt yourself in the process. Call a professional to get the job done right. So, what factors should you consider when choosing an emergency plumber? Plumbing Services Offered Ask what services your plumber offers for both emergencies and regular issues such as routine maintenance. A great emergency plumber should be conversant with different types of plumbing systems and be ready to provide real-time solutions.  The three main types of plumbing systems that their company should be able to work on are sanitary drainage, potable water, and stormwater drainage. Availability and Location If you want an emergency plumber who can respond to your requests as soon as possible, then you need someone in your area. A local plumber has less distance to travel, and thus a better chance of responding faster to your problem.  Hiring local will save you time and money in the form of call-out fees and unspecified allowance charges. Also, the faster the problem is fixed, the more you save on water and utility bills. Make sure the company you choose offers 24/7 service so they’ll be available for emergencies at all hours. Professionalism Does your plumber deliver prompt service with professional courtesy? Do they have the necessary tools and equipment to do a good job? If your emergency plumber uses substandard equipment or cuts corners, then you may find yourself experiencing the same problems over and over. The best way to evaluate your plumbing company is by asking two simple questions: was the problem fixed in a timely fashion? And did it recur? Response Time Response time for plumbing emergencies should be less than thirty minutes. This is essential because broken pipes can cause significant damage on a property, damage that compounds the longer the problem remains unsolved. A prompt response to your requests will not only save you on plumbing expenses, but also on other repairs to your property that may be necessary. Cost How much does your plumber charge for emergency service? Make sure you research different plumbers in your area to find out which one delivers the service you want at a price you can afford.  Companies based in different cities may have different rates for the same service.  For example, a Long Beach emergency plumber may charge significantly less than a Santa Monica one.  So, if your property is located between each city, then opt for the lower quote.  

If you’re looking to ensure your home looks its best from first glance, you need to work on its kerb appeal. The term ‘kerb appeal’ applies to the way your home looks from the front, as the first thing people will see from the street and you want it to stand out and look the part. From general tidying up tips to changes that can have a big impact, the following post will help you perfect your homes kerb appeal and create a warm and welcoming feel from the moment you reach the front door. The Front Garden First things first, having a neat and tidy front garden is essential. Whether it’s a long strip of grass that runs along the length of a wall or fence, or it’s the trees and bushes that are positioned around the front of your home, if these are untidy and overgrown your home will instantly look messy and uninviting. Start by ensuring your lawn has been cut, hedges and bushes are trimmed back and in shape and any weeds or overgrown plants are pulled or trimmed back to a neater length. If you struggle to get your garden looking its best, hire a gardener, which you can do online here, to make a start on the work for you, then you can simply keep up with the maintenance every few weeks to keep your home looking its best. Balance of Lighting Having the right lighting at the front of your home can have a huge impact on the overall kerb appeal. Not having enough lighting will leave your home looking dark and dingy through the evenings and into the night, whereas a touch of light in the right areas can really help to enhance your home and illuminate certain parts to create a really homely feel. Positioning lighting outside your front door is a great way to open up the front of your home and create a welcoming feel, with lighting dotted around the garden to help show off your beautiful outdoor area whilst also adding some security measures too. Lighting can help to deter thief’s too, as you’ll find they don’t want to be seen snooping around when the areas are lit and easily visible. You can find stylish and traditional outdoor lighting online at MY KNX, or alternatively you could pop to your local garden centre to see which styles they have available for your home’s exterior. Front Door Design From the moment someone steps foot outside your home the front door is the focal point that the eye is drawn to. With this in mind, you want your front door to stand out and welcome people to your home, in your own personal way. From a simple lick of paint to a bold brass knocker, which you can find at House of Brass, and beautiful house number plate, you can transform your front door in a few small steps and have a stunning entrance to your home. You can get away with almost anything when it comes to the front door, with so many vibrant colours to choose from that will enhance your home and take the overall aesthetic to the next level. The Perfect Pathway Paths are ideal for creating a clear entrance to the home, which can help enhance the overall warm, welcoming atmosphere that you want to create. From individual stone slabs, to subtle stones like these from Stone Warehouse that pave the way, you can create a lovely aesthetic with a path that will make the perfect finishing touch to your homes kerb appeal. Take your path to an even higher level by lining neatly with flowers and plants to bring some life and colour to the space.

Double garages are becoming increasingly popular in new builds and residential areas as a practical addition to any home. Previously, double garages were considered as a luxury for larger properties, however, now they are commonly included within the build design of many residential homes. The addition of a garage to your property can be a great investment, as well as having many practical day-to-day uses. Here are some of the benefits that you can expect from the addition of a double garage. Increase kerb appeal With a double garage, there are many possibilities for what can be done with the extra space, with this extension onto your property adding instant value to your home, with a double garage increasing a property’s value by up to 20%. There are numerous designs for double garages, that feature high-quality materials, giving them aesthetic value and the ability to increase a properties kerb appeal.  If you’re wanting to increase the value of your property and add instant curb appeal, double garages from Lidget Compton are a smart, long-term investment. More space for vehicles and additional storage Many households today own more than one car, so it goes without saying that many of us need more space to keep them than a single garage can provide. One of the benefits of a double garage is the safety it offers for vehicles, as well as other items that are stored in the garage. With a standard single garage, other vehicles are parked outside, which can make homeowners worry about their security. A double garage allows two average sized cars to be stored easily, as well as offering peace of mind to the owners during the night and when away from home.  A double garage also provides alternative space for storage and are ideal for storing large items such as bikes and storage equipment. A larger garage means more room for shelving and cabinets to store extra clutter, freeing up space inside your home. Additional living space If you have some spare room in your double garage, it can easily be utilised as additional living space with some homeowners even choosing to convert their garages into home offices, gyms or utility rooms. It can also be easily converted into a social space for parties and gatherings, or even a bedroom for guests, or to rent out as a studio space for additional income. Vehicle safekeeping and protection Keeping your car inside a garage will keep it away from potential hazards and outdoor elements, but more importantly, it will mean that your vehicle is safer from theft and damage. A 2019 study found that there were over 114,000 motor vehicle thefts in England and Wales in 2018/19, which is an increase of over 8,000 offences when compared with the previous year and a nine year high for motor vehicle theft offences. By knowing your vehicles are safe in your garage and not outside overnight, this minimises the worry many vehicles owners may have surrounding theft and damage. There are many uses for a double garage, with a staggering 650,000 households in the UK converting their garage into another room, and many more planning on investing in a double garage, it’s clear to see that there are several amazing benefits that a double garage can provide to both you and your property, so it’s definitely an additional feature that many homeowners should consider adding to a home.

SD Sealants, the UK’s leading sealant and cosmetic repair company, is looking to expand its workforce after growing rapidly in the North of England. The Caldicot-based company, which provides sealant application, cosmetic repairs and tiling for homeowners, housebuilders and commercial businesses, has seen continuous growth for the past year with a new office in Leeds and the acquisition of sealant company H2O Sealants. The recruitment drive will see up to 20 new recruits, from experienced/ skilled workers to those starting out in the trade, join the company in order to keep up with a period of growth which has seen the business turn over more than £1million in what has been a record-breaking 12 months for the firm. SD Sealants has been involved in a number of significant construction projects in the UK, particularly in the North of England, including Liverpool FC’s training ground and Aintree racecourse in Merseyside, Lincoln Cathedral and the Dewsbury and District Hospital, Yorkshire. SD Sealants Tiling division recently won a prestigious contract worth £600,000 for contemporary flats in Bristol’s city centre and other highlights include Sir Thomas Rich’s school in Gloucestershire, which called on the tiling team to carry out a full refit of its swimming pool facility and the brand new York Stadium, home to York Football Club and York City Knights rugby league team, which is a £44m development boasting 8,000 seats. And, just last year, SD Sealants rooted itself in Yorkshire with the purchase of a new 2,600sq unit in Leeds last year as well as the acquisition of Leeds-based H2O Sealants. The new unit is at Gelderd Trading Estate, West Vale and will allow the business to create a real foothold in the North. The demand for work has grown significantly and more jobs will be created to make sure that future projects are also finished to the usual high standards. He said: “We set up our first office in the North two years ago and the demand for work has just grown and grown. We’re thrilled to be growing our team. We’ve already had the opportunity to work on some fantastic projects around the UK and we look forward to welcoming some new members to the SD team who can help us to continue our hard work. “We’ve found there is a great deal of skill and expertise all over the UK and we’re looking forward to having some new faces on our team. We pride ourselves on having the best crew in the business.”  Launched in 1973, SD Sealants and Cosmetic Repairs originated as a family run business in Somerset that specialised in the supply and application of sealant. Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, becoming one of the UK’s largest sealant companies, with eight offices across England, Scotland and Wales. SD Sealants has extended its services to include cosmetic building repairs, tiling and as of 2019 has introduced both painting and decorating and marine repairs services to its portfolio.

Scaffolding is a vital part of building and constructing, and if you are planning on doing home renovations, you will likely be needing scaffolding services.  However, before you hire a scaffolding firm, it is essential to consider some factors that will help you choose the right Scaffolding company and also evaluate if there is a need for Scaffolding. To make your job easier, you can read through some of these factors below. But first, what is a Scaffolding?  Significance of the Scaffolding Scaffolding refers to the temporary structure used to support workers, equipment, and materials during construction. Scaffolding may also be necessary during house renovations and repairs. Its primary function is to get workers and materials to where would ordinarily be too high or difficult to go and to support workers while working above ground level.  Factors To Consider Before Hiring Scaffolding Services For Home Renovations 1.Do You Need a Scaffolding: The first thing to consider is whether you really need Scaffolding or not. You may need a professional opinion to make this decision. For example, repainting a ground-level house might not need Scaffolding, but you will definitely need the services of a scaffolding company if you are repainting a story building. Nonetheless, your decision to use a scaffold should be determined by the difficulty and risks involved in the renovation project. 2.Hiring the Right Scaffolding Firm: The kind of Scaffolding services you hire can either result in an excellent job or ruin your renovation plans. Hence, making sure you hire the right firm is one of the things you will have to consider. Location matters a lot when hiring the ideal scaffolding company. You will need to know that they are capable of reaching your site quickly and vice versa. This might mean going for a local scaffolding service or hiring one that can adequately cover vast areas such as Cambridgeshire Scaffolding Firm that caters to Cambridge and its environs and a more significant part of the United Kingdom(UK). The right scaffolding firm should also be able to provide the necessary certifications to assure you of quality service and equipment that suits your needs and budget. 3.Type of Scaffold: Another factor you need to consider is the type of scaffold you need. There are basically three types of Scaffolding, they are Suspended Scaffolding, Supported Platform Scaffolding, and Adjustable Scaffolding. Suspended Scaffolding, as the name suggests, is suspended in the air and built with wood, metal, and ropes. This type of scaffold is ideal for construction and renovation projects that require workers to work at a very high position or an uneven terrain. Supported Platform Scaffolding, on the other hand, has an elevated platform raised from the ground. It is also the most common type of Scaffolding and ideal for almost all types of projects. Last but not least is the adjustable scaffold. It is a type of suspended scaffold that can be adjusted to your suit your needs. The flexible platform gives you control; you can either lower or raise the platform and direct it to wherever it is needed.         Now that you know your options, your choice of Scaffolding should be based on your renovation needs. 4.Budget and Financial Costs:  one of the most important things you will need to resolve is your budget and the financial costs of hiring a scaffolding company. It might help if you use a local scaffolding firm such as hiring Royston Scaffolding for your home renovation services in Cambridge and its environs. Using a local company will reduce the cost of moving equipment and workforce.  You will also need to consider the cost of the type of scaffold you want to use. Suspended Scaffolds are the most expensive, and this is because they are usually custom-built for a specific project. Adjustable Scaffolds are also costly, but one advantage is its flexibility of use. The least expensive is the Supported Platform Scaffold. Whichever you decide to go with, make sure it is proportionate to your needs and budget. 5.Safety Concerns: Scaffolding mostly involves working from an elevated position, and with working at heights comes safety concerns. If your renovation projects include working from far heights or unusual designs, then you need to make sure that the Scaffolding Firm you hire has all the necessary safety measures in place, including licenses and permits. You also need to ensure that the firm carries out a thorough risk assessment before starting any work.  A good Scaffold company will have a safety guideline and insurance in case an accident occurs. Some of the safety measures that should be in place include sturdy and secure platforms, handrails and guardrails, etc. 6.Company’s Experience: You must check the scaffolding company’s experience, track record, and reviews; this will help you evaluate their efficiency and integrity.  Besides, you will also need experienced workers to deliver quality service and reduce the risks of accidents while working.  Conclusion Scaffolding can make your renovations safer and faster when used appropriately, and it is only wise to consider certain factors to ensure you get the right scaffolding companies. Factors such as verifying if Scaffolding is necessary for your home renovations, considering the cost, your budget, and the expertise of the scaffolding firm can determine the type of performance you get at the end of the day. This post was written by Royston Scaffolding Ltd- a fully CISRS qualified and CITB accredited Cambridgeshire Scaffolding Firm, providing industrial, commercial and domestic scaffold services.

A new study by Draper Tools, the UK’s leading distributor of hand and power tools, has revealed that the average tradespeople have more than double the household repairs and home improvement jobs on their list than the rest of the UK population. The survey of 2,000 people found that those who worked in a trade such as construction, plumbing or electrics had on average 18 DIY and maintenance jobs currently on their list to do at home. By comparison the average person had just eight. Furthermore, tradespeople will spend an average of five weeks each year on their own home improvements, whereas the rest of the public will spend around three weeks a year getting their DIY jobs done. Draper’s ‘Job Done’ study looked at the nation’s attitudes to some of life’s essential but often put off jobs. From everyday home, garden and car maintenance, right through to DIY and household repairs, the research explored how Britain gets the job done, paying close attention to the nation’s hard-working tradespeople.  The research revealed a staggering number of unfinished jobs on UK tradespeople’s to do lists. Among the most common tasks needing to be done were cleaning the car, painting walls, bleeding the radiator and cleaning the patio. Other neglected jobs included checking tyre pressure, building flat pack furniture, hanging a picture frame, weeding and clearing out the shed.  It seems hectic lifestyles and busy work schedules are mainly to blame for tradespeople having so many jobs left undone at home, with over a third of trades saying they just never have the time. A quarter of tradespeople said they often made a mental note to fix something around the home but ultimately went on to forget it. While 1 in 5 tradespeople admitted they didn’t have the right tools for the jobs on their list.  Clive Richardson, Marketing Director at Draper Tools said:  “When you consider that the UK’s tradespeople often spend their working lives coming to the rescue in other people’s homes and sorting out the general public’s DIY dramas, it’s easy to see why they may not always have the energy to take on their own home improvements. And, once the list of jobs start to build up, it understandably becomes overwhelming, even for a seasoned professional.  However, with the right tools and some dedication to getting the job done, these tasks don’t have to take over anyone’s life. It can even be very rewarding. More than 85% of the tradespeople we surveyed actually said that nothing beats the satisfaction of a getting a job done – so it can be incredibly worthwhile when you finally tackle those put off jobs.” Despite the number of jobs on their list, tradespeople have a better attitude towards home improvements than the general public, with nearly half of them saying they actually enjoy DIY and repair jobs, compared with just 15% of the general public. Perhaps unsurprisingly, tradespeople also rate their DIY skills highly with almost 90% of them scoring their skills as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. Meanwhile just over a third of the general public claimed to be this accomplished at household maintenance jobs.  However, even the most skilled tradespeople sometimes need to ask for help with their home improvements and when they do, Draper’s Job Done study found that they’ll turn to a mix of both traditional and modern sources. Jointly topping the list of popular resources for help getting a job done were tradespeople’s own dads and YouTube videos. In fact, 93% of tradespeople said their dad was the first person they’d call on for help with repairs, maintenance and DIY jobs.  It seems the old adage of ‘If A Job’s Worth Doing, It’s Worth Doing Well’ rings true for the UK’s tradespeople too. Almost 90% of them admitted that if they set out to do some DIY, they get the job done right. Draper’s Job Done survey has revealed the most common unfinished household jobs on UK tradespeople’s lists.  The top ten jobs on UK trade’s to do lists: Cleaning the car Painting walls Cleaning the patio Hanging a picture frame Bleeding a radiator Replacing a doorknob Painting a door Checking tyre pressure/inflating tyres Organising or clearing out the shed Weeding 

Owning your own home is one of the largest investments you will make in your life, as well as being a comfortable and relaxing space to live. The value of our homes, when the time comes to sell, will often have a large impact on our retirement plans, as a lot of our financial future is tied to the value of our property. The profit you make from selling a home can often be the difference between a comfortable and early retirement, or having to downsize later in life and continuing to work in your retirement years. Making some smart improvements to your home can even return double their cost, making them a smarter place to invest your money than some savings accounts and investment schemes. Refinancing your mortgage to get a better rate and pay less each month is a possible way to save enough to make these improvements on your own over the course of a year. Here we have compiled the top three ways to improve your property’s curb appeal, so not only are you investing in your home for the future, but also making your property more attractive to potential buyers and giving you a more welcoming sight to come home to at the end of the day. Landscape Your Front Yard – Why Not Add a Theme? Any garden or yard is a great asset for a house to have, and is a feature that most house buyers will look for when they are searching for their next home. Having a well landscaped front yard or garden is a great way to invest in your property. It can be very cost effective to do, and you will likely see a marked improvement in your home’s resale value if you make some tasteful changes to your front yard’s landscape. You can even add a theme if you like, maybe one that shows off your property’s design to the fullest and makes your home stand out from the crowd in your neighborhood. Give Your Driveways and Paths a New Look Your home’s driveway and the path leading to your front door will often be the first thing people see of your property, so make the right first impression. Re-covering or re-paving your driveway is another cost-effective choice that can give your home some extra value and some visual impact to visitors. At Richfield Blacktop, you can enhance your driveway with some high-quality asphalt, giving your home a sleek and hard-wearing driveway that is also good for families who want to play sports like basketball in the front yard. This makes your driveway a feature for your home, and more attractive to families looking to move home. Take Some of the Inside Outside Many new and renovated homes are using their outside spaces to bring a little of their inside, outside, by adding an outdoor cooking or eating space. Having a functional kitchen in your garden or yard has become very popular and adds a lot of value and desirability to a home. Another popular choice is adding a dedicated living space in the yard that can be used for relaxing, sunbathing, or to pursue hobbies like art or pottery. The costs of these investments are easily returned in your home’s resale value. A home is more than just a place to live; it is an investment. If you want to retire comfortably and on your own terms, then you should consider making investments and improvements to your property to maximize its resale value.

Indoor allergies can be nothing short of miserable to deal with. Your symptoms can range from mildly bothersome to downright awful, affecting your ability to relax and enjoy your own home. And just like with outdoor allergies, your indoor ones can go through phases where they range from bad to really bad. So, what can you do about it? Is the solution to take allergy medicine around the clock just to cope with your symptoms? While allergy medicine can certainly offer relief, ideally, you want to try to identify your triggers and limit or even eliminate them from the home. Here’s a look at some of the best ways to keep your indoor allergies in check and keeping your symptoms more manageable. Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly One of the best tips for those who suffer from allergies is to make sure you change your furnace filter on a regular basis. Your furnace filter is busy capturing all that pollen, dust, and even mold from the house, so you want to be sure it is able to operate efficiently. If you wait too long between replacements, it will end up getting so dirty and clogged that it can no longer do a good job. It’s best to check the filter every 30 days to see how it looks, and then most likely change it out every three months. Discount Filter Store makes it easy for you to order furnace and air purifier filters online at a discounted price, so you’ve always got one on-hand and ready to go. Wash Bedding in Hot Water Today, you’ll find plenty of laundry soaps that make it possible to wash your clothing in cold water, which is great for energy savings. The problem is that they are not able to get rid of allergens such as dust mites. Washing your bedding once a week in water that is at least 130 F will ensure you kill off all the allergens. It’s also a good idea to use dust mite-proof pillowcases and mattress covers to help protect them. These covers can also be laundered weekly. Hard Surface Flooring is Easier on Allergy Sufferers If you have a lot of carpeting in your home, and the budget allows, tearing it out and replacing it with a hard surface such as hardwood, tile, or laminate will be much easier on your allergies. These hard surfaces won’t trap the allergens in them, so you can get a better clean when you vacuum. Get Rid of Excess Clutter in the Home Excess clutter is prone to being dust collectors in the home. The more clutter you have, the harder it is to clean, and the more dust is going to build on all the surfaces. Try to keep things simple and basic without clutter. Hang Washable Window Coverings Window coverings such as drapes and blinds can also be dust collectors and aren’t so easy to clean. The best tip is usually to hang drapes that can easily be laundered, again in hot water, allowing you to get rid of the buildup of allergens. Each of these tips will help you to create a space that won’t be as tough on your indoor allergies and make you a whole lot more comfortable.