Home and Living: Moms Wish They Did The Following 4 Things To Make Breastfeeding Their Baby Easier at Home

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world. It’s ideal to bond with your baby, and it can often lead them to be a healthier child and adult! And it has some benefits for moms including helping to shift that baby weight quicker! But it’s not easy to breastfeed; in fact, a lot of moms give up as they find it difficult. Therefore, here are four things you can do to make breastfeeding your baby easier!

[Photo courtesy of Catherine D’Ignazio/flickr.com]

Get help and advice while pregnant

A lot of women think that breastfeeding will be easy so they don’t get practice in before their little one arrives. But it’s so important to be clued up before your newborn arrives so that you don’t run into issues! You should meet up with a nursing expert who can give you some tips for when your baby is born on breastfeeding. You can keep their number close by so that you can ring once your baby is here. Also, you should talk to your midwife about breastfeeding. It’s important to make it clear that you are planning to do it so that they can respect your plans. Also, it’s wise to ask a mommy friend who’s nursing for help and advice. You can watch how she does it, and it will help you when your baby does arrive!

Pregnant Woman Holding Baby Shoes in Her Tummy

[Photo courtesy of pixabay/pixabay.com]

Invest in a nursing chair

Some women struggle to find a comfortable position to feed their baby. It’s especially hard if they have had a cesarean birth and are recovering. Therefore, you should consider going for a nursing rocking chair which will allow you to keep comfortable while nursing your baby. The rocking motion will also help your baby feel comfortable and relaxed while you are feeding them. And when you are looking for the best nursery glider available, make sure you choose one that reclines into different positions. That way, you can adjust it when you are feeding your baby.

Purchase a reliable pump

I know how expensive everything is for a new baby. But it’s important to make sure you aren’t buying a pump second hand. For one thing, they won’t last as long when charged up as it might have been used a lot by the previous owner. Also, it’s not very hygienic for you and your baby. So make sure you buy a good strong pump which will be reliable. As this feature says, you need one that’s powerful when you are first establishing your milk supply. So don’t scrimp when buying a breast pump!

[Photo courtesy of UNICEF Ukraine/flickr.com]

Start as early as possible

You need to make sure you start breastfeeding the baby as soon as they arrive if you want to make it easier for you. Once you have given them a cuddle, you should introduce them to your breast. As this feature explains, the baby’s senses are heightened in the first hour after birth. So they are more likely to use them to latch onto your breast instinctually. It will be much easier than to wait until you are home from the hospital the next day!

Remember to make sure you learn the signs that your baby is hungry. That way, you can feed them before they start crying!

Why Doesn’t My Home Look Absolutely Amazing?

One of the homeowner’s biggest dreams is to make their residential property as visually appealing as possible. Nevertheless, many homeowners try to accomplish this objective only to find that their living space still looks drab or somehow lackluster. If you’re having challenges enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your house, there are several mistakes that you could be making. Here are three of them:

1. You Haven’t Updated Your Furniture.

If you really want your house to become the epitome of beauty, order, and organicity, updating your furniture is a must. In addition to growing decrepit and losing tonality, old furniture can pose health challenges and safety issues. Thus if you’re serious about making your home as beautiful as possible, be sure to get in the habit of regularly replacing your old furniture with new items. If you’re looking for a great furniture store where you can buy the products that you want, consider Boyles Furniture & Rugs. The company offers several wonderful brands, including Thomasville Furniture.

Living Room

2. You’re Not Investing In Home Maintenance Services.

Another mistake that could be precluding your home from looking absolutely amazing is a failure to invest in home maintenance services. These services are important because they ensure that your appliances, equipment, and furniture are in optimal condition with respect to both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Thus if you haven’t already started investing in regular maintenance services such as HVAC inspection, be sure to do so immediately. Having your carpet professionally shampooed at least once a year is also a good home maintenance tip to implement.

3. You’re Not Getting Professional Help.

Although you may occasionally be able to successfully complete a home improvement project on your own, major work requires the experienced eye of an industry professional. Yet in some cases, homeowners attempt to do a major overhaul on their own. Don’t make this mistake. DIY projects are oftentimes hit and miss endeavors, and you want to be sure that your home improvement projects are successful. To make it happen, hire an experienced, educated home decor professional who can implement all the strategies necessary to make your home glow.

Conclusion

While many homeowners want their house to look incredible, they oftentimes fail to implement the strategies that would help them realize the goal. Yet by referring to the information and advice listed above, you can identify any oversights you might be making while simultaneously attaining the instructions necessary to really get your home in great shape!

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Best Speakers for Enjoyable Home Entertainment

There are four pairs of speaker at home but my mother still want to purchase strong home entertainment system like pa escort, as what I found online the escort series are easy to transport, easy to use, reliable with good audio quality that combines it with state-of-the-art features such as digital multi-effects so I think it is perfect for the music room that my mother is planning to create at home when we finished our house construction.

Black Flat Screen TV on White Wooden TV Rack in Living Room

[Photo courtesy of unsplash.com/pexels.com]

Our home wasn’t near to finish yet, it was two-story floor plan but what is currently built was just the first floor where we all live, on the house plan the second floor will just be rooms and since there will be extra room my mother thought of creating it as music room where she will keep all her movie and dvd collections.

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Choosing Speakers for Home Entertainment

Living in the province doesn’t allow you to do many things, there are no malls, movie theater to go so after doing household chores people are sleeping, watching television or listening to music.  It sounds boring but I guess if you are used to it doesn’t bother at all.

apple, designer, desk

[Photo courtesy of unsplash.com/pexels.com]

We have different size of speakers at home for different purpose, if we want to hear loud Music we used the bigger speaker and if was just mellow the small speaker was used but mostly I played music in my laptop.

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Why Is it So Important to Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaner?

Your home should be your castle. And as the reigning monarch, you undoubtedly want pristine living conditions. That’s hard to achieve on your own, especially in the big cities. Not only is Southern Michigan still battling pollutants from industrial leaders, but over 840,000 residents county-wide track some of that dirt and debris into their homes on a daily basis. Your residence is an investment in time, money, and effort. If you really want your home to maintain or increase its value, sometimes you have to trust a professional carpet cleaner. Believe it or not, professional carpet cleaning is far less of a luxury than a requirement in this day and age. And if you don’t believe it, just read on to find out why hiring a pro is so important.

Material Matters

Modern store cleaners and products offer a one-size-fits-all type of cleaning. But not all carpet is the same. Do you know the material and cleaning instructions for your carpet? Is it wool, silk, shag, or a modern blend? Even if it looks similar to your friend’s or neighbor’s carpet, it may be quite different. A wrong move on your part could lead to a worse situation than you began with. Why take that chance when the pros can easily adjust to the specific needs of your carpet?

[Photo courtesy of kropekk_pl/pixabay.com]

Say Goodbye to Stains

If you have kids, pets, or older carpet, chances are you’ve adjusted at least one piece of furniture to hide a specific stain. The longer you let that sit, the harder it is to remove. And if you use the wrong cleaners or application, it can spread. Regardless of your stain or issue, chances are the pros have tackled worse. Let them show you how temporary those “permanent” stains really are.

No Standard Equipment Here

Rental and handheld equipment may look impressive, but it often barely cleans any deeper than a high-end vacuum cleaner. Either option simply can’t compare to professional grade equivalents. Deep cleaning brushes, special edge cleaning equipment, and an entire team of knowledgeable stain and cleaning masters ensure the best chances of refreshing and reclaiming the beauty of your carpet.

Low Moisture = No Mold

Mold can’t grow on dry substances. But it can grow on food or on wet materials. If food or beverages are permitted in or on carpeted areas, chances are you have your share of nasties trapped inside your carpet fibers. You could vacuum daily and still never reach all the spores, dust, and allergens stuck in your carpet. However, professional carpet cleaning has been scientifically proven to remove up to 85% of mold spores and almost 80% of all common household allergens. Why not invest a little to be able to breathe a lot better?

Effort-Free Cleaning (On Your Part Anyway)

Professional carpet cleaning can be scheduled around your needs or even be completed while you’re at work. They know all the newest tricks of the trade, and can work with you to ensure all furniture is well protected. Imagine the luxury of coming home after a long day at the office to professionally cleaned carpet right in your home. It’s a fraction of the cost of carpet replacement and 100% guaranteed, so why wait another moment to experience your happily ever after?

Contact Nu-Way Carpet Cleaning in Macomb, Michigan, to discuss your carpet cleaning needs today.

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The Seasons Are Changing – Make Sure Your Home’s Prepared

The effects of climate change mean we’ve just lived through the hottest August ever recorded. But summer’s soon coming to a close, weather will get colder, and leaves will soon crowd your yard as it transitions into fall. What’s more is winter isn’t too far off, and with such a hot summer, you can expect things to get extra cold by December.

You don’t just need to prepare yourself for the colder months. Your house and garden should also be well-maintained for the fall and winter seasons. There are a lot of home maintenance jobs that become particularly important during the second half of the year. You’ll likely have to work harder for the next couple of seasons since weather conditions are much harsher.

[Photo courtesy of tpsdave/pixabay.com]

The best time to start work is right now before the season changes. Preparing your home is advance is the smartest idea. Your home should be ready for when the wind gets stronger, and the leaves start to fall. Your home should be kept warm and protected from the elements. Here are some useful tips for preparing your home for fall and winter.

Keep Your Home Warm

While the weather is hot, open windows and breezy fans are a must to keep cool. But as the season changes, you’ll definitely want to protect your house from the cold drafts and increase in rainfall. Some people make use of electric heaters to warm their home up, but the most efficient way to do it is using an HVAC system.

For a lot of people, the same system that provides air conditioning around the house can also keep them warm. These systems are prone to problems, though. It’s important you get your HVAC system checked. Professional services can help you with HVAC maintenance, for example, you can learn about Academy Air.

Your heating system isn’t the only thing you should concern yourself with. You should keep your home insulated from the outside. Caulking any cracks or gaps in the construction of your house will prevent drafts. You will also want to ensure windows are double-glazed if they aren’t already. These are jobs many home maintenance companies can handle. Not only will they keep you warm, but they also go towards raising the value of your home.

There are plenty of other ways to keep your home warm when the weather gets cold. Things like halogen light bulbs and heavy curtains can give a room extra heat. We’re set for a cold fall and a freezing winter, so make sure you’re prepared!

Unclog Gutters

[Photo courtesy of Eric Schmuttenmaer/flickr.com]

While your gutter system may not be much of a concern during the summer, it becomes particularly important after. Gutters can quickly become clogged up with leaves and debris in the fall. Make sure to clean your gutter and downspout regularly. This will help to circumvent rain properly.

Although you can call a handyman to do this, it’s possible to handle yourself. You can use a ladder and a plastic scoop to remove any debris. Another method is to use a high-pressure hose to clear it out. Using a hose is also useful for cleaning out your drainpipe of any obstructions.

There are other measures which can help improve rain flow through gutters. You may want to look into tips for cleaning and repairing gutters. Make sure they’re well-prepared before the leaves start falling in October.

Roof Maintenance

Much like your gutters, your roof is another part of your house that can quickly become covered in leaves and debris. Debris from the roof can fall and contribute to clogging up gutters, so it’s best to clear them out. Algae can also accumulate on roofs. You can remove it using a scrub brush and algae cleaner.

September is also a perfect time for roof maintenance. You’ll want to check for any cracks or loose shingles and sort them out to stop the cold coming in from above your house. A lot of roof maintenance work is best left to a professional. You may want to call on the services of a roofer or handyman to make sure the top of your house is well maintained.

Prepare Your Garden

[Photo courtesy of donwhite84/pixabay.com]

Your garden has probably seen plenty of usage over the warmer months, but this is likely to change as the weather gets colder. Due to the harsher weather conditions, you’ll want to make sure your garden is well prepared for fall and winter.

If you have a pool or hot tub, it’ll become increasingly hard to keep them clean from autumn leaves. If you plan to keep using your pool, you’ll need to skim it daily to clean out leaves, dirt, and other falling debris. However, the best idea may be to drain them and use an efficient plastic cover to prevent them getting clogged up.

Garden furniture can also get damaged from falling leaves, rain, hail, and snow. The chances are, you’ll be using your garden tables, chairs, and loveseats less often. The best idea is to put them away in a shed or garage if they’re small enough. If not, you might want to cover them with a plastic sheet.

Changing temperatures and weather conditions can also mean your lawn needs a different approach. Lawn care services can help you with keeping your garden healthy over these months. However, it can also be the best time to do more work in your garden. Some flowers and plants are easier to grow during these months. Check out BHG’s fall lawn care secrets for getting the most out of your garden during the autumn season.

Mow the lawn and give your plants and hedges a trim before the season changes. It’s also worth investing in a leaf blower at this time. A leaf blower is one of the most useful tools you can have during fall and winter. It can be used to remove leaves from the gutter, your car, your garden, and pretty much anywhere else. There are also some lesser known uses to have more fun with your leaf blower, so it’s well worth getting one.

Clean The Chimney

If your home has a fireplace, you’ll probably be making much more use of it once summer ends. Be careful, though. Over time, chimneys can become clogged with debris and chemicals. Failing to clear these out can result in toxic emissions and even chimney fires in worse cases.

Cleaning a chimney isn’t a job you should handle yourself. It’s best to schedule a cleaning from a handyman or a dedicated chimney cleaner to get your home ready for winter and fall. If you use a wood burning fireplace, now is also the best time to stock up on firewood to make use of throughout the rest of the year.

Winter Preparation

While the autumn season can bring on some colder weather, things will get even worse in the winter. You should prepare in advance for the inevitable lower temperatures and snowfall.

If you don’t already have them, it’s worth getting a snow shovel and scraper. These will help you clean out your driveway and remove snow from your car on those snowy winter mornings. Having a cover for your car can also help. A lot of people hate having to do this every morning, which is why one person found a way to clear snow in the laziest way imaginable.

A lot of the work you carry out for the fall will benefit you all the way through winter. However, as temperatures start to get even colder, you may want to put extra work into keeping warm. An electric blanket is a good way of keeping your bed warm and cozy during the winter. A cheaper solution is to take a hot water bottle to bed. Winter is also the best time to stock up on hot chocolate, and you may also want to buy a thermos flask so you can keep your coffee warm on the way to work.

Interior Decorating

[Photo courtesy of newhouse/pixabay.com]

Right now is also the best time to redecorate your house with some winter interior decorating ideas. You may want to use brighter lighting and warmer colors to counteract the winter darkness. Decorations like candles are also great to have around the house during the colder months.

Redecorating now is also a good way to start energy-proofing your house. You can look into some energy saving ideas to cut down your bills in advance.

Make sure your home is warm, comfy, and looking good for the fall and winter. There’s plenty of decoration you can do yourself. However, you may also want to consider using an interior decorating service to rehaul your home completely.

Reassess Your Home Insurance And Energy Plan

Home insurance becomes particularly important as winter approaches. The worsening weather conditions lead to a greater risk of property damage. Pipes can get frozen, and hailstorms and high winds can damage your home exterior.

Because of this, it’s best to reassess your home insurance before the winter comes. Websites like Credio can help you compare home insurance companies. You should also check your energy bill. The chances are you’ll be using much more gas and electricity as temperatures cool down. Make sure you’re getting the best cover for what you pay.

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Decorating Solutions For Your Music Room

A music room is about your love for music, and your family’s delight in the refined musical expressions can be an extraordinary motivation for planning the music room. It is imperative to pick fitting furniture for the music room, to upgrade the nature of the music and make listening a great deal more pleasurable. Here are five improving answers for your music room, in no particular order:

Seating

Seating is essential in your music room, as it offers an unwinding place for your family and visitors to appreciate the music introduced. Foot stools can be made out of old piano seats or comparable music-themed things, and these can likewise be an extraordinary friendly exchange or ice breaker after the music closes.

Black Upright Piano Near Orange Glider Chair

[Photo courtesy of unsplash.com/pexels.com]

Lighting

It is anything but difficult to be extremely innovative when you plan lighting for the music room. Unusable musical instruments, for example, woodwinds, clarinets, violins, guitars, trumpets, cornets, and even saxophones can be changed over into interesting lighting for the room.

Accessorizing

Beautifying the room can be as fun and intriguing as getting a charge out of the music, so don’t hesitate to get extremely imaginative with this angle. Awesome illustrations incorporate a piano, wardrobe containing guitar grimoire books with voicings and chords ever written guitar, maracas, bongos, and comparable musical instruments.

Record, Vintage, Record Player, Music, Vinyl, Sound

[Photo courtesy of ponce_photography/pixabay.com]

Instruments

At long last, it’s a given that you will need to have the absolute best instruments in plain view for your picked musical instrument. Take uncommon consideration to have fitting sheet music or going with soundtracks available, so you can enthrall visitors. Set aside time for practice, and keep your instrument perfect and prepared for use at whatever point you wish to stimulate companions or build up your aptitudes. All things considered, the playing of the instrument is the thing that drove you to make the music room so you can celebrate the music.

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Want More From Your Garden? Build A Log Cabin!

Unused garden space can feel wasted. If you have a large patch of grass with nothing on it, you probably want to fill it up with something exciting. That’s why building your own D.I.Y. log cabin is a fantastic idea. As well as being a fun project to take on, it’ll give you a perfect little hideaway and make your garden stand out.

The time it will take depends largely on how you go about getting materials and how big you want it to be. You can finish building a simple log cabin with purchased materials in a couple of weeks! However, no matter what kind of cabin you want to make, it will take a lot of planning and preparation. Here are the things to consider when building a cabin of your own.

Log Cabin, Wood, Nature

[Photo courtesy of Pezibear/pixabay.com]

Setting Up

First of all, you’ll want plenty of wood to build your cabin. Plan out the size of your cabin and make sure you have the right amount of wood in the right size. The simplest way to get wood is to buy it. Many places deal in selling dry logs. You could also use other types of wood if you prefer. Some people go all out by chopping down and treating their own wood, but this takes much longer. You can also find ways to recycle old wood into your new project.

Be mindful that wood requires a lot of treatment. You’ll need to stain, caulk, and chink your wood to keep it all together and make sure it’s well protected. Maintenance is required to ensure your cabin doesn’t get ruined by the weather. Luckily, there are services dealing in cabin supplies to help you out.

Make sure you have your wood ready, as well as the plans and tools to set it all up.

Learn To Build

Once everything is setup, you’re ready to start building your cabin. Even for many D.I.Y. experts, this job might be completely new to you. It’s best to look for online tutorials to run you through the process. You could even watch a YouTube tutorial to give you a video demonstration of what to do.

Be prepared to spend a lot of time and effort on this. Some people spend weeks or months on building their perfect cabin. The best idea is to get friends or family to help you out, as more hands are always better.

Decorate Your Cabin

Learning to build and executing your plans will take a long time, but the results will make it all the more rewarding. Now you have your brand new backyard hideaway; it’s time to get to the really fun part.

You can repurpose your cabin in so many ways. You might want to use it as a faux holiday home, to get away from your house and spend some luxury time in. You could even make it into a guest bedroom for having people over.

You could extend the electricity from your house into the cabin or use an electric generator. This allows you to add things like a TV and electric heating. However, you might want to use your cabin to go back to basics and shut technology out. Pinterest can give you plenty of log cabin decoration ideas. Enjoy!

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Why Buy a Perfect Bathroom Lighting

There are some people that consider their bathroom as one of the great place of investment from stylish decor to modern tub and a Jacuzzi. It is also the place where most people spend their time to relax while dipping in a bubble bath, drinking wine and so on. Furthermore most of our time in the morning is spent in the bathroom grooming ourselves to start our day. Imagine a bathroom without a good lighting it simply looks like a dim place to start your day.

Well you should know that one of the important factor that everyone should consider is the having perfect bathroom lighting, a good lighting can add perfect touch and complement the look of your bathroom . You must select lights that are in good quality and safe for your bathroom use no matter what your style is, modern or traditional.

White Bathtub on White Tile Bathroom Near Brown Framed Clear Glass Window

[Photo courtesy of William LeMond/pexels.com]

With so many styles and types of bathroom lighting to choose from you should also be keen enough to understand what is the perfect bathroom ceiling lights that will complement the size of your bathroom. Ceiling lights are usually very simple to install and does not require a lot of work. If you are planning to remodel your bathroom at home you should consider hopping at bathroomlightingoutlet.com they offer a wide range of bathroom lights, vanity lighting and mirror, wall sconces, bathroom accessories that will surely satisfy your needs.

If you have thoughts what is the best lighting for your bathroom you should take time time to read their lighting guides that will help you to understand what are the other things you should consider in choosing the best bathroom light. It is easy, safe and secure to shop at bathroomlightingoutlet.com and they also offer free shipping. With their 20+ years in the business you find the right place to shop for your bathroom needs.

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The A To Z Of Home Maintenance: Things To Check Regularly

Owning your own property is its own reward. Your home is yours and you can do what you want with it. You don’t need to abide by the decoration rules of a landlord; it is full of its own touches and delights. It feels more like your home than any rented property ever could.

Despite all of the benefits, there is one downside to home ownership – you are totally responsible. If something goes wrong, there is no landlord to call to ask for help. Your insurance can cover some things, but most policies require you to at least make the effort when it comes to maintenance.

Maintenance is one of those thankless tasks. Rarely does it feel like you have made a difference; the whole point, of course, is to keep things running as they should as http://www.thepackratwifey.com/why-household-prevention-is-better-than-cure/ shows. It doesn’t feel like an exciting way to spend money, especially if you have design and decor ideas that are clamouring for investment.

Yet not only does poor maintenance damage your insurance policy, it damages your quality of life. If you’re living in a house that is not fit for purpose, it goes without saying that there are changes that need to be made.

There are so many areas of your home that need constant updating, improvement and quality checking. To try and exercise some kind of control over this most fluid of things, below, there’s an A-Z rundown of all those little tasks. Run through it at least once a year, or setup a calender like this: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-set-up-an-annual-home-maintenance-calendar-176043 (or as advised; some things are seasonal). If you do that, then you can be sure that your home is always working as it should be.

A is for Antifreeze

[Photo courtesy of Dmcroof/wikipedia.org]

When winter rolls around, the last thing you need is your gutters freezing and water gathering. That’s no joke: it can lead to gutters collapsing, which is expensive to replace. Try and run antifreeze down your guttering at least once a week.

B is for Boiler

If your boiler is more that four years old, have it serviced annually. If it’s younger and under warranty, check the terms of the warranty. Some require annual services from the off to remain valid.

C is for Cavity Wall Insulation

If your home is not insulated, make it so as a priority. You are likely spending more than you have to on heating bills. If it is, get into the attic and check it annually to ensure there’s no damage.

D is for Drains

[Photo courtesy of CharlesHodgson/flickr.com]

Especially important in fall with the fallen leaves, clear drains out regularly.

E is for Energy Efficiency

Smart Meters can help maintain proper energy efficiency, but there are less hi-tech ways of doing it. Do you turn lights off when you leave a room? Turn off devices rather than putting them on stand-by? You should be, so think over your habits and make changes where necessary.

F is for Flooring

As floors age, they become more susceptible to heat variations. When it’s cold, they will contract, and the expand again when the weather warms up. This can cause cracks and weaken the whole flooring structure, so check every year that a bigger problem isn’t developing.

G is for Gas Central Heating

Along with the boiler servicing mentioned in “B”, there is another step to take to ensure your central heating is working as it should. Bleed radiators with the change of every season to keep them at the top of their game.

H is for Home Invaders

[Photo courtesy of Earth’sbuddy/wikipedia.org]

No, not aliens, though that would be far more entertaining. Move kitchen appliances and check the attic every few months to check for signs of invasive pests. If you see signs of such an invasion, act as quickly as possible to prevent the spread.

I is for Internal Holes

Terrorised by spiders every fall? Wondering how bugs keep getting inside? Mouse problems? The solution to keeping the wildlife outdoors is to check for any holes in walls. A mouse can fit through a hole of less than an inch in diameter, so be thorough.

J is for Jagged Cracks

Vertical wall cracks are usually due to use and stress, rather than structural problems. The ones you need to worry about are jagged, horizontal cracks. Call an engineer the moment you see anything fitting that description.

K is for Kitchen Sink and Waste Disposal

Even if you practice the best methods possible, every sink is prone to blocking. Run a dose of unblocker through the kitchen sink system every six months to prevent any such issues developing.

L is for Limescale

If you live in a hard or well water area, then you will likely suffer from limescale issues. Not only can this tarnish taps, but it can also render your washing machine unusable. You can find some ideas to combat it at https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/aug/23/how-to-remove-limescale

M is for Mildew and Mould

[Photo courtesy of Gil mo/wikipedia.org]

Mildew is the product of a house being too damp. Check corners and edges of window frames for any sign of small black spores. If identified, be ruthless with regards to cleaning. Tea tree oil works well.

N is for Nail Holes

This is only a particular worry if you are planning to sell the house soon! But from an appearance point of view, nail holes in the wall can be unsightly and leave the buyer feeling that they have to patch them up. Even if you’re out of the home by then it can leave residual bad feeling. Any time you remove a nail from a hole, patch it up. Then there’s no need to go around looking, should you ever sell up.

O is for Organisation

Some order to your home maintenance plan is essential. For one, basic reason, there is the fact that some jobs will get in the way of others. For example, would you paint a skirting board before sanding down the wall that is above it? No – that’s just asking for trouble. Order will save time, and extra work.

P is for Preparation

Before the season changes each time, check you have everything you need to survive it. For fall and winter, flooding and freezing are the major hazards. For spring and summer, access to water and sensible shaded areas to be in when outdoors are required.

Q is for Quotes

There will possibly be some jobs around the house that you find yourself struggling with. It’s worth having a go, but you also need to know the things you can’t do, such as http://www.nextavenue.org/home-repair-when-not-do-it-yourself/. If you decide you need to bring in help, get three quotes from different contractors. Don’t just listen to the prices – hear what they say about the job too. Anyone can quote a low price for something they won’t do properly.

R is for Roof

[Photo courtesy of DMahalko/wikipedia.org]

Your roof not only keeps your home dry, but it plays a part in the structural integrity of your home. If you have any leaks or see missing tiles, then bring in the professionals such as www.fergusonroofing.com/metal-roofing/ as soon as possible. It’s not an area to leave to chance.

S is for Smoke Detectors

Make sure they’re working, obviously. Test them by lighting a match underneath and see if they go off. Also, if any are emitting regular “chirp” noises, chances are that they’re on the way out. Replace the batteries once a year, even if they’re showing no sign of running down

T is for Trashcans

Yes, just screams glamor, doesn’t it? But it is essential to check the trash cans and dumpster every once in a while and clean them regularly, ideally with a jet washer. The reason? Well, they may get emptied on a regular basis, but particles cling on. Left to fester for too long, these will rot. Your garbage will become a haven for pests who may then decide to move to the house.

U is for Underneath

Everything above ground level is easy to keep an eye on, as you go through it every day and see it with a keen eye. But in the basement, unless there is a bedroom or living space down there, things can happen unnoticed. Check for water ingress, as this can affect the foundations.

V is for Vanities

One of the most popular bathroom improvements you can make, a vanity makes use of space in a room where there is usually so little. On the larger models, which are enclosed, do make sure you check for any issues in the pipes regularly. Leaks can lead to pooling of stagnant water, which is no-one’s friend.

W is for Windows

Cracks around the outside of a window, or even any minor gap between window and wall, can become a way in for water, and a starting point for mold. Ensure that yours are in order.

X is for eXtremes Of Temperature

We pick the materials that we do for housebuilding because they are durable and hard wearing. But depending on where you live, temperatures over the year can go from below freezing to over 100 Fahrenheit. Things contract when cold and expand when hot. This can cause damage, so look out for cracks outside after a cold snap.

Y is for Yellow

Some white gloss paint, within months of application, can turn yellow on wood. This is believed to be as a consequence of weaker solvents being used in the paint. It’s something to check for if you have recently painted door frames or window sills.

Z is for Zzzzzzzzzz

Okay, maybe a little bit of a cheat. But finally, it is most important to pay attention to the bedrooms and particularly where you lay your head to sleep. This is the most important place to check for nasties like mold. If they are allowed to make their way in, and get close to where you sleep, they can be inhaled and make you very ill. And as sleep is the only time you’re in the same spot for six to eight hours a day, you’re a captive audience. So be careful.

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