The Most Common Defective Products Found in the Home

We use our appliances every day. Our kids play with toys every day. The United States is the biggest consumer goods market in the world—we use lots of different products in our everyday life! To keep your family safe and your home a pleasant place to be, look out for the most common defective products found in the home. Get rid of any malfunctioning items now to prevent disaster later!

Kitchen Appliances

A fridge that doesn’t keep your food cold leads to spoiled food that can make you sick. Any appliances that use electricity should have functional and safe wiring; electrical problems, especially in items you use every day, can cause severe burns. And make sure your blender and food processor are in good working condition. Anything with fast-moving parts should close tightly, and blades should be secure.

Heating Equipment

Portable heaters and space heaters present a fire hazard. Follow proper safety precautions and don’t leave the heater near any curtains or furniture that can catch fire. However, if you follow all safety precautions and the heat still causes damage, the temperature controls and auto-shutoff settings may be defective. If your heater burns you or scorches your furniture, research whether you have a product liability case and contact an attorney for further advice.

Toys

Back in the ‘70s, many toys featured lead paint—which infamously led to poisoning in scores of children. Although toy manufacturers no longer use lead paint, other defects can crop up, like sharp edges and loose parts that can snap off and pose a choking hazard. When you buy toys for your kids, read any warnings on the packaging and be aware of any small parts or potential dangers they pose during regular play.

Cleaning Products

Any cleaning product should have a label that lists every ingredient and potential hazard it poses. If a cleaning product releases toxic gases, this may legally be considered a product defect if the label didn’t adequately warn you of the possible danger. All chemicals should warn you if you need to open your windows while you clean.

Smoke Alarms

It’s better to be on the safe side and have an overly sensitive smoke alarm than a lazy one. If you rent your home, your landlord has a responsibility to install a working smoke alarm. If you own your home, the company that made the alarm has a responsibility to sell working smoke alarms.

Keep your living space safe by checking the working condition of items you and your family use every day. These are only a few of the most common defective products found in the home, so keep your well-being in mind as you use them.

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.

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.

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

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.