5 Ways to Utilize Your Attic Space

There always seems to be a shortage of storage. We find innovative ways to pack our things, every nook and cranny of the house is cleverly utilized, but it never seems to be enough. There really are many ways to maximize the use of space, but at the end of the day, we always seem to have too many things. Until, one day, that proverbial lightbulb goes on, and you realize that, just like that, the answer has been above your head the whole time. We tend to take attics for granted. The bathroom gets new tiles, the kitchen shiny new appliances, but the poor area below your roof gets no love at all. Let us show you five ways to utilize your attic space and turn this forgotten gem into an essential part of your home.

Water, Water Everywhere, but Not a Drop in the Attic

The first thing you should do is check that there are no leaks. The primary sources of headaches when it comes to storage spaces are water and humidity. The roof is there to protect you from the elements. The roof also takes a lot of punishment. Wear and tear is normal, and if there is a leak, it is the first thing that needs fixing. A small hole may seem unsubstantial until you realize the raindrops will be falling directly on a family heirloom you moved upstairs for safekeeping. It's not hard to check; Mother Nature can help. Wait for a particularly good storm, sit it out in the comfort of your home, and once it passes, inspect the attic for any leakage. Keep a lookout for signs of rot or possible stains.

Bonus tip: make sure that any vents that go through the attic go all the way out and that the final destination for that moist air is not the attic itself.

Bonus, bonus tip: Check for condensation on any metal surfaces while you're there. Moisture is your number one enemy. Check the pipes and ducts and be content knowing you have performed a thorough search.

One Word...Insulation

For long-term storage, you will want to make sure your storage space is well insulated. It is vital to prevent any heat transfer with any bordering areas in the house. Some attics only have insulation installed on the floors, so make sure to check your roof as well. There is a reason why we put this in second place. For insulation to have any effect, it cannot be wet. Therefore, you need to take care of the leaks first. See, when you mix insulation with water, what you get is a very comfy breeding ground for mold. If you think you have mold in your home, there are specific steps you can take to solve this problem. 

A Similar Word...Ventilation

Well...at least it sounds similar. Vents and attic fans are your friends in this case. They help combat those enemies we have been raving on about - humidity and heat. They will also help ensure your stored possessions can make it through all seasonal temperature changes. Proper venting is not just vital to help keep your belongings safe; without it, the buildup of moisture could cause the structure of your attic to rot.

Floor or Ceiling?

What the attic calls the floor, the room below it calls its ceiling. This means the flooring in the attic is crucial. Want to avoid that comical situation you may have seen in many a sitcom where the person's legs are left dangling from the hole in the attic floor? Take a look at the flooring, see if you have a weight-bearing floor and if the ceiling joists are not damaged or affected by rot. If you plan on storing clothes and your collection of exotic bird feathers in the attic, you could be alright. But if you plan on putting something heavier up there, make sure the floor, or rather the ceiling, is ready to handle whatever comes its way.

Creativity Goes a Long Way

You shouldn't just throw your things haphazardly into the attic without giving it a second glance. Use the space as much as possible. With modern technology, you can even access online help on how best to organize your space with the help of professionals. Attics have peculiar shapes, but you can use that to make an aesthetically pleasing room, even if it is "just" a storage area. A sloped ceiling could be an excellent opportunity to install some interesting shelves and artsy cabinets. This will help maximize the storage capacity of the attic and give it a bit of flare. We tend to associate the attic with dusky, dust-drenched chambers primarily used by horror movie directors, but there is no reason they cannot be as appealing as any other room in your home.

Bonus Way to Utilize Your Attic Space

There is another path you could take. If you lack storage areas but need a little private nook or an additional bedroom, you can convert the attic into a new room. A lot of the tips mentioned above still apply here. Maybe even more so. Who wants to be in a room that has no insulation and ventilation, with water dripping down their backs the whole time?

But...Before All Else

There is one preliminary step that you should take. Whenever you don't quite want to throw away something that really should end up in the trash, those possessions tend to have an interesting habit of ending up in the attic. They also tend to stay there for a long time.  Do not worry; there are many guides for cleaning out residential junk. The first step should be to get rid of the clutter that piled up to have a good look at what you are working with. It will help make evaluating the attic and understanding how much actual storage space there is easier.

You're All Set

As you can see, the attic can be a handy space in your house if used wisely. By reading through the above ways to utilize your attic space, we hope you will be able to transform this neglected part of your house into something truly useful. Sometimes, all you need to do to find the answer is look up! 

Guest Post - Useful Tips for Hiring the Right Home Builder

Getting a home builder is a complex matter. In fact, the choice of a person or a team to help you conduct these works will make all the difference in the world. It will determine whether the home is built in time, whether it’s built the way you wanted it to. At the end of the day, it will also determine the total cost of the project.

The most important thing you need to keep in mind is the fact that people generally tend to either distrust contractors or have problems with them. For instance, almost 40% of people stay at home while builders are there in order to ensure that they’re doing everything right. Almost as many people claim that they had negative experiences with builders or that they are victims of shoddy workmanship. 

So, how do you avoid this scenario? Here are several tips to help you out.

1. Ask around

Construction companies (especially construction companies specializing in residential homes) are usually hired locally. This means that they probably have a local reputation that you can research quite easily. Chances are that one of your friends or acquaintances built a home recently, which means that they have either positive or negative first-hand experiences. Sure, WOM is not always 100% reliable but it’s probably the best bet that you have.

Sure, just because someone had a negative experience, this doesn’t mean that the company is bad. Still, this is a major investment and a major life decision, so, are you really willing to take the risk?

2. Ask about previous experience

If you already have a dream house in mind, chances are that it’s based on a real place that you saw somewhere. There’s no better way to find your target construction company than to find out who built the place in question and reach out to them. According to experts behind Bounds Constructions, asking for examples of previous work is probably the best way to see if the company in question will be a good match.

Sure, some would say that the design is a task of an architect but here, you’re looking for someone capable enough to make this plan a reality. What you’re really admiring is not a 3D model or a sketch of a home but the home itself – a construction that someone actually built with their own hands. The first step in replicating this gargantuan success lies in finding out who exactly.

3. Insist on a contract

You need to insist on a contract and make sure that it is as detailed as possible. You need to set an end date and make your contractor accept it. If they see the due date as unfair, they can argue against it and if they manage to persuade you, you can move it further down the line. Bad weather and unexpected occurrences are not valid excuses. They need to be predicted and some room in the schedule left for them. 

Approximately 1 in 10 people are conned by rogue builders. Now, the first indicator that a builder is not to be trusted is their reluctance to sign a legally binding contract. This doesn’t mean that the contract can somehow magically protect you from all sorts of shady activities. All that we’re trying to say is that their reluctance to sign (without arguing against a specific point) is never a good sign.

4. Talk about sub-contractors

One of the biggest problems with building a home is the fact that your home builders don’t provide an end-to-end service. What this means is that they’ll work with sub-contractors. Now, let’s say that you’ve vetted a construction company and are satisfied with the results. The fact still remains that you have no idea who else they’re working with. 

One thing needs to be abundantly clear from the very start – they are responsible for the sub-contractors. Alternatively, you want to have the list of all the sub-contractors and you want to vet or approve them yourself. This is a much harder thing to pull off (from the logistical standpoint), therefore, it’s better to just make it your general contractor’s liability.

Sometimes, the sub-contractors will be the reason for delays. If you’re trying to wrap it all up or finish some vital works before winter, this becomes even more important.

5. Gut feeling

At the end of the day, it’s incredibly important that you don’t ignore your gut feeling. People are programmed to interpret other person’s stance and their non-verbal communication. So, if you have a bad feeling about someone, it might be best to talk to someone else. We’ve already mentioned that about 40% of people stay at home in order to supervise the crew. This is one of the reasons why. Sure, you can’t afford to be lulled in by false security just because you like someone but having that extra relief sure does help. 

Also, if someone tries to confuse you by using too many technical terms or if they avoid giving you straight answers, chances are that they’re being dishonest. While you may not have much experience in dealing with contractors, you’ve probably encountered your fair share of dishonest specialists (plumbers, mechanics, electricians, etc.). The same rules apply.

In conclusion

The last thing you need to bear in mind is that hiring the right home builder might turn out to be one of the best or one of the worst decisions that you’ll ever make. With this much pressure on you, it’s paramount that you do your research and take as many factors as you can into consideration. Take your time, shop around a bit and only make a final decision when you’re 100% sure that it’s the right one.

Author Bio:

Gabriel Hill is an Australian blogger interested in various spheres from home improvement to health and management. 

Guest Post - Interior Design Ideas to Create Safer Spaces for Seniors

The aging population continues to grow and with their special needs for daily life, it is important to design homes to suit their needs. When creating spaces for seniors home designers should have the expertise and knowledge to design spaces that are accessible, safe, and comfortable for the seniors. This will not only ensure that they live independently and dignity, but they will age gracefully in their homes. Here are some practical interior design tips to help you create safer spaces for seniors.

General Design -

When designing a space to suit the safety and accessibility of seniors, it is essential to follow these general design rules:

1. Set Up Well-Lit Areas – 

Ensure all parts of your home are well lit since adequate lighting makes it easier for the elderly to find their way around. It also prevents injuries, and you can use large windows to maximize natural light.

2. Use Specific Colors – 

Bright and specific colors aid with creating a contrasting effect which helps with depth perception. This allows the seniors to differentiate items and it reduces confusion in their space.

3. Consider Open Floor Planning –

Rearrange your open floor layout to allow the seniors to move around without bumping or knocking over the furniture. Consider clean and clutter-free planning to allow free passage and ensure it doesn’t disrupt the traffic flow in the home.

4. Choose Slip-Resistant Floors –

Such types of floors make the home safer by minimizing accidents. If installing or changing the flooring is not possible you should consider using anti-slip rubber mats.

5. Install Ramps –

Ramps are safer and easy to walk on, thus you can replace step entries with ramps and this will allow the seniors to move in and out of their spaces with ease. Ramps are suitable for seniors who move by wheelchairs because it makes their home more accessible. 

The Kitchen – 

Ease of use and fluidity should be your principles when redesigning the kitchen for the seniors. If your loved one loves cooking install easy to reach cabinets and ensure all appliances are well-positioned to reduce too much movement. Adjust the height of the sink to their suitable height, opt for a hands-free faucet, choose shallow sinks, consider under-cabinet lighting and invest in a pull-out pantry. Have a sturdy stool in the kitchen that the elderly can sit on while cooking, have round edges for countertops, and put the microwave at counter height.

The Bathroom –

Bathrooms are a challenge for the majority of the elderly to navigate, however, there are a wide array of options to make them user-friendly and more safety. Invest in a shower seat, a handheld showerhead, or a walk-in shower will make the bathroom safer and accessible. For adults with difficulty in standing, you should adjust the height of the toilet or install a seat extender, an anti-slip flooring will help to avoid accidents, and adding shower rails will help facilitate their balance while they are in the bathroom. 

Bedroom & Closet Design –

The bedroom is an important space, and you should take into account the bedroom design tips to make the experience for the seniors hassle-free. Redesign the bedroom flooring with a soft, plush carpet and this will keep the room warmer, it will be easier on their joints, and it will prevent falls by providing friction. Avoid throw rugs or mats at all costs as they are a higher risk for causing trips that lead to accidents. Change their closest design so that it has more space and is accessible to avoid cluttering. Consider adding a sturdy chair in their closet to allow them to sit while they are dressing, add a bed rail, have a phone beside their bed, and adequately lit their closet. Finally, a profiling hospital bed can reduce the danger of falls, help discomfort of pressure ulcers that can be an issue in long term care environments and maximize comfort.

The Living Room –

The best living room for the elderly is one that is uncluttered and has a simple furniture arrangement to make it easy for them to navigate. Grab bars are also essential in the living room when they are fixed on the walls next to where the elderly love to sit the most. Consider adding lift chairs to aid the elderly with getting up from the furniture and arrange the living room in a way that accommodates the needs of those with limited mobility.

Laundry Room Design –

When designing the laundry room you should consider the needs of the mobility-impaired, thus you should design the laundry room in a way that makes it easier for the seniors to access the laundry room. Consider having the laundry room near the bedroom, easy-to-read controls, have the washer or dryer raised, and choose pull-down shelving.

Miscellaneous Tips –

Some of the miscellaneous design tips include installing a chair lift on stairs, clearing pathways, installing longer-lasting LED lights, and choosing east to maintain plants.

Final Thoughts –

These interiors design tips can make much of a difference and before redesigning your space you should consult with professionals. Redesign your home in a way that meets the needs of your aging loved one.

Author Bio: This article was written by Conor O’Flynn of O’Flynn Medical. O’Flynn Medical are the leading supplier of medical equipment in the UK and Ireland. 

How to Organize a Kid's Play Area for Small Houses

When you have toddlers, it seems pointless to organize your kid's playroom. They are going to mess it up anyway.

However, organizing your kid's play area can help you streamline your entire cleaning process. That's because it reduces the amount of clutter that you need to clean.

Luckily, the key to having an organized playroom does not have to be grand. Instead, you should give them an accessible and fun organizing system. It can also help if you make clean-up fun for your kids.

To help you achieve a clean and organized playroom for your children, here are tips that you can follow:

Get Rid of Old Broken Toys

The first step to having the perfect playroom for your kids is to get rid of old and broken toys.

Scour through your children's toys and which of them are broken or have missing pieces. Next is to ask your kids which of the remaining toys they have outgrown.

The rationale here is that you should thin out the inventory first. That way, you have fewer items to organize.

On the other hand, you can send broken toys to a recycling center and donate the old ones. This is an excellent way of extending the life of your kid's old and broken toys.

Install Playroom Mats

Rubber mats can ensure that your kids have a safe place where they play.

They are as cushy as a carpet. Hence, they lessen the impact whenever your kid tumbles. Another reason is that it prevents your kids' toys from scraping the floor.

In addition, you can install rubber mats in different colors with alphabets. That's because you can use them to teach kids about letters and colors.

The best part is that they are easy to clean. All you need is a clean piece of cloth to wipe the mats, and you are all set.

Give Their Favorite Toys a Home

It is common for kids to have a favorite toy. As such, it would be best to store them differently.

For instance, you can build a garage for your son's favorite toy car. Another is to make a bed for your daughter's favorite stuffed toy. You can also opt to create a small house where your children's favorite dolls or action figures can stay.

Doing so is another way to make cleaning and organization fun for your kids, as well.

Use Clear Open Bins to Organize the Rest

An excellent way to organize your kid's toys is to use clear bins. That way, it will be easy for you and your child to find a specific toy. It also allows the kids to know where to bring them back once they are done playing.

Meanwhile, having an open bin makes it easy for children to access and return their toys. Add to that the fact that little hands struggle with opening the lids. So, you might as well ditch them.

Label Your Bins

Another way to make it easy for you to organize your children's playroom is to label your bins. That's because it removes the need to figure out where you should place the items.

Moreover, you take advantage of this feature to teach your kids how to read. If you have the time to get creative, we suggest attaching images on the label.

However, kids' choice of toys changes as they grow older. Hence, it would be best to use removable labels. That way, you can replace them as needed.

Use Kid-friendly Storage Solution

While using clear and open bins with removable labels can help, it is just scratching the surface.

Keep in mind that you are organizing a play area for your kids. Hence, you must make everything baby safe.

First, do not use high shelves or tall storage. That's because it poses the risk of falling objects. It also prevents your kids from helping you clean up their playroom.

That said, it would be best to use low shelves that you can install vertically or horizontally. They are low enough that your kids can easily reach them and reduce the risk of falling objects.

Lastly, you should anchor your shelves on the wall. This is to prevent the furniture from toppling down.

Make Cleaning Fun

Here's the thing: Organizing your kid's play area is something that you do not have to do alone. Instead, you can encourage them to clean with you.

However, it would help if you make it fun for your child. And what better way to do that than to turn cleaning into a game?

When you already established your storage solution, you can do the following:

• Pick up by color. This is ideal if you organize toys by color. Ask your kids to pick toys of specific colors and put them in the right bin.

• Scavenger Hunt. Tell your kids to find a toy and then put it in a specific container. Better yet, attach a number to it (e.g., "Find me two train tracks."

• Tidying speed game. If you have grade-schoolers, this can work for them. Set up the timer and check how fast your kids can clean their room. Reward them if they can break their record.

Conclusion

The key to having an organized playroom for your children is to give your kids space to play and clean independently.

It would also help if keep these three principles in mind:

1. Teachable. Your organization system is something that you can easily teach your kids.

2. Reachable. Your storage solutions should be accessible for your kids.

3. Repeatable. Your cleaning process should be something that your kids can eventually do on their own.

Doing so can make it easy for you to instill discipline and cleaning habits in your kids.