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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

How To Choose a Real or Artificial Christmas Tree

Real and artificial Christmas trees have their pros and cons. But which is right for your home? Find out how to choose between the right tree this year.

How To Choose a Real or Artificial Christmas Tree

It’s that time of year already—time to start thinking about your Christmas tree plans. Will your family choose a live tree or an artificial one this year? It can feel impossible to decide some years. If you’re having trouble deciding, consider these factors for how to choose a real or artificial Christmas tree this year.

Convenience & Cleanliness

When choosing between a real and artificial Christmas tree, one factor to consider is how it will fit with your room. Size is important for picking out a tree; in fact, you should know what size tree you’re looking for before you order online or visit a tree farm for a live one. Keep in mind that you can find both live and artificial trees in a variety of sizes and heights. Though, the convenience of artificial trees may win for some, as they don’t drop pine needles no matter what size and how much space they take up.

Any Seasonal Allergies at Home

If you or anyone in your family suffers from seasonal allergies, you may want to rethink getting a live Christmas tree. Fresh-cut trees can still carry pollen or even mold on their branches. This could lead to symptoms of seasonal allergies due to Christmas tree syndrome, even indoors. You can minimize these symptoms by cleaning off your tree before you bring it indoors and placing it in a low-traffic area of the home. Make sure you watch for mold growth on artificial trees, too, especially ones that are boxed up in the attic or other areas subject to moisture buildup.

Cost

Finally, there’s the cost of each to consider. Artificial trees are typically more expensive when you buy them the first time. However, an artificial tree has the potential to last decades. Fresh cut Christmas trees, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from 50-100+ dollars per tree, which you would need to pay each year.

If your family loves the tradition and the fresh evergreen scent of a live tree, then a live tree is for you. However, if you can’t stand the constant dropping of pine needles or the possible allergies, it might be best to choose an artificial tree this year. Consider these factors when it comes to how to choose a real or artificial Christmas tree for your home.

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Guest Post - How to Plan an Outdoor Living Space

Outdoor living spaces are more popular than ever, and that extension of your home could quickly become your family’s favorite place to relax. It would allow for a plethora of activities and events to take place without having to leave your own property. You might even think about renting out the space for weddings or other outside parties. If you have recently begun the planning process for an outdoor living space, then there are a few important steps that you must take if you want to create the perfect environment.

Outdoor living spaces are more popular than ever, and that extension of your home could quickly become your family’s favorite place to relax. It would allow for a plethora of activities and events to take place without having to leave your own property. You might even think about renting out the space for weddings or other outside parties. If you have recently begun the planning process for an outdoor living space, then there are a few important steps that you must take if you want to create the perfect environment.

Write a List of Must-Haves

Your outdoor living space can be as basic or luxurious as you would like it to be, and that is why it is so important to sit down and write out exactly what you want that area to have. For some homeowners, an outdoor living space is going to be nothing more than a covered area with a small cooking station and a few comfortable places to sit. Other homeowners might want an attached patio with water features, fireplaces, televisions, and a full outdoor kitchen to entertain guests or to have for larger parties. Depending on your budget, and your imagination, it can be as simple or extravagant as you’d like. 

Contact an Experienced Contractor

Once you have a general idea of what you would like, it is then time to contact a certified and reputable contractor. Your contractor will be able to help you through every step in this process, and that includes acquiring all of the required permits. When it comes to city ordinances, it is always better to be safe and ensure things are done in the proper order. 

Most outdoor structures require some type of permit and failing to get that paperwork could result in a wide variety of safety and legal issues. On top of the permits, a contractor will know how to get from “A to B” with your new planned outdoor space, as well as give you rough estimates so you will know if you need to leave anything off your list for now or if you have room for more. 

Explore What Utilities Must Be Configured

During your initial consultation with the contractor, one of the most important topics that you are going to discuss is utility lines. You will most likely need to have at least a few different lines installed if you plan on having a sink, bathroom, BBQ, or any electronics outside. If your contractor is not licensed for that type of work, then they should be able to direct you to a third-party company that they prefer to work with or have had experience working with.

Create a Comfortable Environment

After your outdoor living space has been constructed, it is then time to start thinking about ways you can make it as comfortable as possible. At the very least, you are going to need a comfortable and eye-catching outdoor furniture set that includes chairs, couches, and a place for food and drinks. Adding an outdoor fan is another great idea for those who live in particularly hot climates or areas with quite a few bugs. Another option is a mister to keep things cool or even a free-standing propane heater for when the sun goes down and the party hasn’t stopped. 

Your outdoor living space could increase the value of your home by a substantial amount, and that means you will need to rethink your insurance when it is completed. Adding the outdoor living space to your home insurance policy could help you avoid overwhelming financial issues in the event of an accident.

Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Rachelle recommends finding outdoor furniture set for your home. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700

Other relevant information for home building and renovations

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Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

How to Determine When It's Time to Replace Your Roof

When it's time to replace your roof, how do you know? You might not realize it, but many different warning signs indicate the need for a new roof. These include discoloration of shingles, curling or buckling shingles, and more. If any of these problems occur on your roof, you should call in a professional immediately to get an inspection done and see whether or not you need to replace your roof.

Curling or Buckling Shingles

If your shingles are curling up at the edges, this is a pretty good indication that it's time to have them replaced. The reason for this is simple: shingles curl up when they are exposed to too much heat. Curled-up shingles eventually lead to the cracking of the shingles, which will cause water damage underneath your roof. One of the best ways to prevent this is by having a reflective coating added onto your roof after it has been replaced.

Flashing Problems

Your flashing is meant to keep moisture out, but if they are damaged or torn, you could be in for some trouble. Damage to your flashing can allow water to enter underneath the shingles. This is dangerous for many reasons:

-It will lead to significant damage inside your walls and ceilings.
-It gives insects and other pests a chance to move into your home.
-If there is enough damage, you could be looking at mold problems soon.

Moss and Algae Growth

Do you see moss or algae growing on your roofing? This is another good sign that it's time to replace your roof. Not only does this look bad, but if the moss and algae are over multiple shingles, it can also cause problems with the curling and breaking of your shingles.

Blistering and Cracking


If you notice blistering or cracking on any part of your roof, this is another sign that it's time to replace your roof. Generally speaking, the further along the blistering or cracking is, the worse it will be when you have a replacement made. If your roof has a lot of blistering and cracking, you need a replacement as soon as possible.


Shingles Missing

If you see any shingles missing from your roof regardless of whether or not there is a visible hole in the spot where they are missing, you need to have a roof replacement as soon as possible. This will allow any ice dams that may be forming to be cleaned up before they become too much of an issue.

If you see any or all of these signs, it is time to call in for your roof replacement. Having the work done quickly will prevent damage to your home and save you money in the long run.

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Simple Daily & Weekly Cleaning Schedules For Working Parents

Working parents do have a lot on their plate and, we give them far too little credit for it. Juggling and balancing on a very thin line between work, family, personal life and, what-not is a superhuman endeavor. In regards to that, they do need all the help they can get. Making their homes squeaky clean and sparkly takes time and talent. But, on the other hand, it doesn't hurt to know a few tips and tricks of the trade.

Working parents do have a lot on their plate and, we give them far too little credit for it. Juggling and balancing on a very thin line between work, family, personal life and, what-not is a superhuman endeavor. In regards to that, they do need all the help they can get. Making their homes squeaky clean and sparkly takes time and talent. But, on the other hand, it doesn't hurt to know a few tips and tricks of the trade.

1. Kids can help out

If two heads are smarter than one, then four (or more) hands do more than just two. While your kids may be small or you don't want them to do complex and dirty jobs, they can help around the simpler things. Like taking out the trash, tidying rooms, maybe even putting some of the dishes back (depends on their age) etc. This helps them cultivate healthy habits and makes them responsible adults. You are doing them, and yourself, favor in the long run.

2. Your space, your pace

When you even think about cleaning the entire house, it can seem daunting at first. You are already thinking about billion things that need to be done, and get overwhelmed before you even start. But it doesn't have to be like that. By fragmenting the task into many smaller ones, you are motivating yourself. For example, do the kitchen on Mondays, living room on Tuesdays, bedroom on Wednesday etc. and, simply rotate. Or if you want to do it all in one day, dust first, then make a coffee break. Then vacuum and watch just one episode of your favorite show. Then jog and polish, followed by a break after that as well. When it's all done, you will accomplish what you set out to do and, your back won't become sore.

3. Outsource the dirty work

To make everything sparkle time, money and effort are needed. Since life doesn't care if we have all of the three in one moment, there is no shame in asking for help. Just putting it all on paper can make you realize just how much it costs you. On the other hand, affordable and quick professional cleaning services are available for the entire Sidney area. As these trained professionals do the work for you, you are free to indulge yourself in the meantime. Spending more time with your family or running other errands are now all viable options as you are relieved of this duty. And that comfort is something that pays for itself.

4. Make it fun

We mean it and, you can do it. Dusting or cleaning during your favorite song or jam makes all the difference. Only you can liven up your home and, your attitude goes a long way in doing so. If you treat cleaning up as another drag, boring, exhausting chore, then guess what? It will become just that. But by making it an activity where you get to exercise a bit, listen to some music while making your home a safer and cleaner place to live, you will realize the other side of things. It's all about perspective and, only you have the power to change yours.

Making everything work is part of working mom’s daily routine. It's something you can take great pride in as the feat alone requires a lot of planning, hard work and dedication. The result is a clean and safe home for your family coupled with an accomplished carrier. With you, in between, you can be proud of yourself and what you managed to achieve. So, slouch back, pour a glass of wine and enjoy. Cheers!

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