Upgrades to Smarten Your Bathroom

It’s no secret that a successful bathroom renovation can enhance your home. 

Whether you are updating your primary residence or a rental investment property, consult a professional and they will likely tell you that there are few things that boost a property’s value more than a top-notch bathroom.

In today’s tech world, our homes are getting smarter and the bathroom is no exception.

Today we’ll be covering just a few of the best smart options for your bathroom, but first, lets do a little dive into the origins of smart home technology.

The Start of Smart

Did you know that the evolution of smart home technology began in the 1960s?

The Honeywell Kitchen Computer made its debut in the 1969 Nieman Marcus Christmas catalog. 

The ad read, “If she can only cook as well as Honeywell can compute.” 

It went on to say, “Her souffles are supreme; her meal planning a challenge?”

For the low price of $10,000 husbands could make their wives Christmas dreams come true with 100 pounds of pure meal planning power. Just the push of a few buttons and PRESTO! Your five-course, gourmet meal would be computed in a snap!

*Two-week programming course included. Teletype and paper reader sold separately.

You may be surprised to learn that despite the convenience, affordability, and charming advertising only a handful of units were sold. 

While it didn’t work in any practical sense, it generated new thoughts about computers being consumer products. 

Fast forward to 2021 and aside from flying cars, the list of Jetsons prophecies that have been fulfilled continues to grow. (Eighties kids get it.)

Robots, home offices, online classes, telemedicine, and video calls are commonplace. There’s smart energy, smart security, smart lighting, smart kitchens; you get the picture.

It should come as no surprise that our bathrooms should advance as well.

If you are building a new home or renovating your property, incorporating technology in your bathroom is just a smart idea.

The market is flooded with waterproof speakers, smart lighting, smart scales, and a slew of other gadgets promising to bring your bathroom into the future. 

Today, we are going to focus on just a few elements that you can install to smarted up your bathroom.

Smart Showers

Smart showers allow you to create personalized settings with customized water temperature, flow, and set a maximum run time, all controlled from the convenience of your smartphone or by simple voice commands if you have Amazon’s Alexa. 

The ability to run a safe bath from the dinner table using their phones may feel like a superpower to some parents.

Pre-set temperatures reduce the risk of accidental burns, while pre-set run times reduce the risk of overflow. 

Water damage can have devastating effects in terms of out-of-pocket repair costs for any homeowner. If you have never had the pleasure of a bathtub overflow, prevention is vital. Nobody thinks it will happen to them. 

If you’re a landlord, water damage can negatively impact your rental income as well as expenses. If you are looking for bathroom upgrades to boost rental value, this one should be on your list.

The Bottom Line

A lot of smart home technology caters to convenience or entertainment. 

Convenience is great, and who doesn’t love an epic shower jam session? 

But the personal safety and property protection smart showers provide for homeowners and renters alike is what makes this a gadget worth having. 

With prices starting at just under $250, smart showers are a great choice for any bathroom!

Smart Toilets

Smart toilets were once a thing of science fiction, but as smart home technology has progressed, it has changed the toilet game forever.

The newest generation of toilets can eliminate the need for toilet paper, water and even the use of your hands.

A smart toilet can sense when a person is approaching and lifts the lid automatically.

The available technology includes an instant heat system that not only warms the seat to the perfect temperature, it warms the bidet water as well.

A heated air dryer aims to reduce or eliminate toilet paper use while also being more sanitary. 

Users can adjust the pressure and position, as well as the water temperature of the bidet with a wireless remote control.

Perhaps the best part, the toilet flushes itself and the seat and lid are put down for you. This technology could save marriages.

Newer technology has even produced self-cleaning options with antimicrobial seats and a disease-detecting toilet that will pick up on multiple signs of illness through automated sample analysis. 

The Bottom Line

Smart toilets are impressive luxury design elements that are functional, comfortable and are sure to add value to your bathroom. That value doesn’t come without a price tag though. If you want to trade your old toilet for a smart experience, these tech toilets start at $1,200 to upwards of $500,000.

Smart Faucets

With the focus on going green and preserving water, one tech that is gaining popularity in the home is the smart faucet.

Digital faucets with sensor taps offer touchless technology. An infrared tap can “read” when hands are under the faucet and turns on and off automatically accordingly.

Smart faucets are designed with water conservation in mind. If you have ever been stuck in a public bathroom waving your hands under a stubborn faucet that won’t recognize your soapy, waving hands you may wonder why anyone would want to bring this technology into their own home. 

The sensor taps that you would install in your property offer programmable sensitivity and other features for different scenarios, such as a teeth-brushing option that runs for an allotted time frame.

More advanced models include smart meters that can monitor your water consumption and detect abnormal use. Not all water leaks are visible. This technology can be invaluable for detecting a water leak before it becomes catastrophic.

The Bottom Line

Smart faucets can help conserve water and reduce germ transmission. At prices starting at just under $100, a smart faucet is another smart home technology that is relatively affordable for most homes. 

Final Thoughts

The smart home options are endless and new technology is available every day. 

A whopping 81% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase or rent a home that has smart technology. If you are making plans to complete a bathroom remodel, including smart options is a wise choice.

Easy DIY Floral Home Decor Ideas

Nothing works better to liven up a space than flowers and elements derived from nature do, and sometimes they’re exactly what the room needs to look it’s best. There are flowers for every occasion - whether you’re welcoming a friend to your new home or having a dinner party with your relatives.

When you shop for flowers yourself, it’s easy to picture how they’ll look next to your decor and to decide whether you want to buy them or not. But when you’re buying flowers online, it’s harder to do that. In that case, it’s best to know in advance exactly what flowers you want and what to do with them. 

If you want some decor inspiration, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for some great flower decor ideas! 

Light Pink Against White and Black 

Your interior decor might be sleek and minimalist, but sometimes all you need is an extra splash of color that’s nowhere to be seen. Look at this photo for instance. Without the flowers, it looks pretty drab and dull, all you can see for miles is the black and white with some hints of brown. 

The light pink flowers aren’t too bright and bold. They don’t disrupt the room’s peace or make it look too loud, which is how the room retains the subtlety and calmness that the designer was originally going for - but now the flowers provide some much needed cheer as well! 

Green Against White 

White walls with wooden furniture are really popular for most people now, mainly because of the versatility this background has to offer - it’s a blank canvas waiting to be filled with decor and cushions that determine what the theme would be. Some colorful lamps and bright posters turn it into a colorful extravaganza, but put potted plants and leafy greens all over and it reminds you of the woodlands.

Work areas are meant to be calm anyway, which is why we think there’s nothing wrong with surrounding it with some green plants. Not only will it provide a calming era, but it’ll also help keep the room fresh and the air crisp! 

A Little Hint of Red 

Enough with subtle options and flowers that complement the rest of the decor in your home. Putting some bright red flowers in front of a grey couch is a bit like putting on a simple white dress and putting a huge, chunky statement necklace with it. It’s one hell of a look, and we’re not sure if people will be getting tired of it any time soon. 

Bedside Flowers

Flowers on your bedside never get old, and are the perfect option if you don’t have room on the desk or the windowsill. From colorful roses in a simple vase to yellow sunflowers with a white bedsheet on your bed, there’s no end to the combinations and possibilities.

You can even be creative about the vase itself, using things like coffee mugs and spare cans to create a vintage feel and effect. As long as the end result is visually appealing, you’re doing it right! 

Recycle Old Containers and Bottles 

Talking about old bottles and cans, there’s no end to the creative things you can do with your flower arrangements. If you have your old perfume bottles saved and lying around somewhere, put them to good use holding beautiful but minimalist flower arrangements. 

While glass perfume bottles would look great with minimalist designs, opt for brighter and bolder flowers when it comes to tinted bottles, or anything with text and labels. You can even use mason jars to keep flowers in, which is much cheaper than buying decorative vases. 

Outdoor Arrangements 

If you’re making flower arrangements to be placed on the table on the balcony or in the patio, no need to hold back. Use flowers picked from your own garden or ones you bought from the store - here, you can get away with arrangements that are spilling out of their vases and jars, leafy bursts of flowers and bright blooms that stand out. 

Whether you want the flowers to stand out against the background or blend in with the background, there’s an option for everyone. It would be a great idea to add some leaves and twigs to your flower arrangements to make them look even better! 

Guest Post - Ways to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Fall is known for crisp leaves, chilly air and the holidays that take place in succession. When the temperature drops for the first time, many people pull out their boots and scarves and won’t look back until the following spring. While you may be preoccupied betting yourself ready, you should consider taking the time to make sure your house is prepared for the colder weather, too.

Your house shelters you, so it makes sense that you should care for it in return. Before the weather grows too cold, you can patch up the areas that may be failing and ensure your family has an easy winter ahead of them.

1. Check Batteries

Checking the batteries of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be a routine item on your checklist. At the very least, you should change these batteries once a year to ensure everything works properly.

Work the battery check into your seasonal routine, and you’ll never put your family at risk. As a bonus, you’ll never have to worry about the annoying beeping from those devices when batteries run low.

2. Go Through Clothes

As you prepare for the winter months that will soon be here, you may be digging through boxes in the closet or your garage full of warmer, thicker clothes. Take this time to go through any summer clothing that doesn’t fit your family members anymore and donate it to an organization that will give it to someone in need. 

Giving away clothes that your family doesn’t wear anymore can help you clear out some space in your house, which might work exceptionally well as storage for new holiday decorations. You can also pride your family on a job well done in a simple task that can make a huge difference.

3. Catch up on Maintenance

Look out for the areas of your home that need a little extra care before the cold weather comes — especially your gutters. As autumn rolls in, leaves will be falling everywhere. Make sure your gutters are spotless before the season begins so they won’t be blocked by so many leaves.

Additionally, you can save money on your heating bill by insulating your garage door properly. If your garage is attached to your home, you mustn’t allow heat to escape through it. You should also clean or replace any weather stripping that looks dirty or rotten. Doors and windows can receive the same treatment if you have the time.

4. Test Your Backups

Test your backup generator to make sure it still works. Replace batteries in flashlights and radios if need be. By testing these items out when you don’t need them, you’ll feel better prepared for the storms that are sure to come. You’ll know that reliable backups are waiting for you in case of an emergency.

5. Make Outdoor Repairs

Before it gets too cold, you should focus on making the repairs you put off or didn’t get to over the summer. For example, if you need to trim or remove dead limbs off trees so they don’t pose a hazard to your home, you should do so before the winds of fall come rolling in.

You should also fix walkways that are damaged. Later in fall or early winter, when ice forms overnight, sidewalks can become slippery and a falling hazard. Even healthy and active people are at high risk for outdoor falls, maybe more so than their senior citizen counterparts. You’ll also want to have a plan for clearing snow and ice in place, like when you’re going to salt your driveway or sidewalk or if you plan to shovel it the next day.

Preparing to Fall Into Cooler Weather

Fall is a transitional period of the year. You should ensure your household is prepared for the worst of the cold weather to fully enjoy all the exciting parts of the season and the most beautiful time of the year.

Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.nd slow-paced lifestyle now, because your little ones will be back in school before you know it!

Guest Post - Types of Storm Damage and How They Should Be Addressed

You never know when a storm will strike, but it's best to prepare for any damage to your property. Here are some common signs of storm destruction to your house and how you best address the fallout. 

1. Damage to Your Roof

Maybe a nasty thunderstorm blew through your neighborhood last night and took a few of your shingles with it. If you find them littering your lawn, pull out a ladder and do a quick inspection of your roof. You’ll likely find a patch of missing tiles. 

If you have a tarp and you feel comfortable, climb up and place it over the damaged section to protect the interior of your home. Your roof is likely now compromised, and if you continue to have bad storms, you could get a leak inside the house. Moving forward, you'll either need to patch your roof or hire someone to do the job for you.

If you decide to hire a contractor to repair your roof and live in a northern state, inquire about installing an ice shield. Roof shingles aren’t waterproof, but they are water-resistant. Each winter, when snow accumulates on your roof and then melts, your shingles are flooded. Installing an ice shield provides additional protection against melting snow.

Another way to confirm you’ve incurred damage to your roof is by inspecting your gutters. Make sure they aren’t bent or broken, as they need to function correctly and drain water away from your property. If you find any broken or bent pieces, quickly replace them yourself or with the help of a professional. 

2. Damage to Your Fireplace

Many people look forward to using their fireplace to warm the home when it gets cold out. However, when it comes time to light a fire, you might find that your chimney sustained damage you didn't even realize due to heavy hail, wind or rain. Broken chimney caps are one of the most common repair issues people face with their fireplaces. Chimney caps are necessary for your fireplace to function correctly — keeping things properly ventilated and protecting your chimney from wild animals and the elements. 

Another issue to be on the lookout for with heavy storm damage is a cracked chimney flue. Extinguish your fire immediately if you suspect this. A cracked flue can trap heat in your house, risking a fire or even causing CO2 to leak into your home.

3. Damage to Your Walls or Windows

If a tree branch crashes into your home during a storm, breaking a window or damaging a wall, you first want to ensure everyone in your family is safe. The best course of action is to call 911 and then leave your house to get a look at the damage done to your property. If you smell smoke, stay outside of your home until authorities arrive and clear the scene. 

Depending on the severity of the destruction, you might need assistance in boarding up the broken windows. A local contractor can help you patch a hole in your wall until more permanent work can be done. Also, don’t forget to contact your insurance company to file a claim. Depending on the situation and your insurance, you may be covered.  

4. Damage to Your Pipes

If you notice a sudden problem with your water — either your pipes are leaking or you turn on your faucet and no water comes out — turn off your water source. Before you proceed, you'll want to ensure no more water can add to the mess. Next, unplug all appliances in the area and remove valuable devices. Contact a licensed plumber for their help. Then begin to remove excess water from the site. 

No water coming from your pipes following a storm could be evidence of a more significant issue in your community. Check in with local news sources online for more information. If nothing has happened, contact a plumbing professional to help resolve your issue. 

How to Fix Storm Damage Around Your House

The idea of dealing with an emergency on your property is less than ideal. However, now that you know how to repair your home in four key areas, you'll be more than prepared if the worst happens.

Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.nd slow-paced lifestyle now, because your little ones will be back in school before you know it!