Finding Inspiration for Your Next Home Project

Home improvement projects are extremely popular across the country. The industry itself is exceedingly successful, seeing as in 2020, Americans spent about $457 billion on home improvement projects. A lot of that had to do with people spending more time at home, but it’s a trend that’s here to stay as more people are working remotely and want living spaces that make them feel comfortable. 

However, even if you know you want to strap on your tool belt and tackle a home project, you might not know exactly where you want to get started. 

If that’s the case, don’t worry. There are plenty of places you can find inspiration for your next home project. You just have to be willing to use your imagination, get a little creative, and decide which renovations are most important to you. 

So, if you’re still scratching your head about where you can find inspiration, keep reading for a few helpful tips.

Look for Ideas Everywhere

Thankfully, because the home improvement industry has become so popular, there are countless ways to find inspiration for your next project. 

And, let’s face it, the Internet also makes it easier than ever. 

Browsing online is a great place to start gathering project ideas. Check out things like: 

• Home improvement/renovation blogs

• YouTube channels

• Pinterest

• Social media

You can also take things one step further and look at how other people have designed their homes. That can put things into a more realistic perspective for you. Looking on real estate websites like Zillow will allow you to check out houses that might have similar layouts to your own. So, you’ll get a more accurate feel of how your living space might look. 

You might also see designs and decor that you would have never considered before just by taking ideas from other people’s projects. House hunting can be fun, even if you’re not looking to buy anything. Additionally, you can get a feel for which design and decorating trends can boost a home’s value by checking out listing prices. If you ever do plan on selling, knowing some of those ideas can make a big difference in the projects you choose. 

Set Your Project Priorities

Finding inspiration for your next home project can quickly become “the easy part” once you start digging. But, you can hone in on that inspiration by setting your priorities and thinking about things that really need to be done around your house. 

If you’re not sure how to get started there, think about areas of your life you want to improve, and how making changes at home can help. 

For example, are you working remotely? Maybe your next project should be renovating a room into an office space. Did you give up your gym membership but not your fitness goals? Why not turn your basement or den into a home workout space? Even if you just want a cozy place to read and journal each day, let that be your priority. It can give you the motivation and inspiration you need to get started and to make positive changes around your home. 

If you’re ready to make changes to your living space, don’t let finding inspiration overwhelm you. It can actually be one of the most fun parts of the whole project if you’re willing to get creative and step outside of the box. 

Whether you look online, watch home improvement shows, or even check out what others are doing to tap into the latest design trends in their homes, make sure you choose a project that fits your needs and wants. When you do, you’ll feel more “at home” than ever, and you’ll be even more motivated to tackle the next one. 

Guest Post - Plumbing Upgrades That Help With Water Conservation

Here's an interesting statistic: the average American uses an average of 88 gallons a day. Undeniably, that's a lot of water! That said, if you want to improve your conservation efforts (and save money simultaneously), you can start by saving water. 

Fortunately, routine plumbing maintenance and investing in the right plumbing upgrades can cut your water utility bills by more than a third and save you a substantial amount of water. Plumbing fixtures come in all finishes, profiles, and styles, and the options can seem endless. 

Below are some of the plumbing upgrades that can help minimize water consumption, help conserve water,  and keep your water utility bills low:

Pressure-Reducing Valve

While unfortunate, many households often use more water than they need because there's too much water pressure in the pipes. In reality, homeowners won't notice any change if the home's water pressure has dropped from 70 to 35 psi (pressure per square inch).

Fortunately, this is where installing a pressure-reducing valve can come in handy. A pressure-reducing valve works by automatically controlling the amount of pressure that flows into the pipe system. You will need the help of a professional and competent plumbing contractor to measure the psi and install the pressure valve.

Electric Water Heater

This might not be common knowledge, but the water heater is one of the biggest consumers of electricity in households. This is especially true if you are using an older model. The good thing is you can save a significant amount on your heating bill by switching to electric heaters. 

Electric heaters work by heating water on-demand, so you won't need to heat water in a tank constantly. To maximize your savings, make sure you pick the most energy-efficient model you can find.

High-Efficiency Toilets

Do you have an idea how much water is used each time you flush the toilet? The answer might just surprise you. If you are using an old bowl, you will send at least 3.5 gallons of water down the drain each time you flush. By investing in a high-efficiency toilet, you will not only save thousands of gallons of water annually, you will also slash your water bills substantially.

Low-Flow Showerheads

Did you know that showering can use as much as 2.5 gallons of water per minute? It's no surprise showering accounts for up to 20% of the typical household's water consumption. If you are the type who loves long and luxurious showers, it would be a smart idea to invest in a low-flow showerhead.

Low-flow showerheads can reduce your water usage by a staggering 70 percent. Another enticing benefit of using low-flow showerheads is that the less water used, the less wear and stress on the water heater. This means you can save on both the water and electricity costs.

Water-Saving Fixtures

In the average household, faucets, toilets, and showers account for 63 percent of water usage. You will be surprised by the amount of water (and money) you can save when you upgrade outdated plumbing fixtures. 

• Installing a high-efficiency toilet can save you as much as 13,000 gallons of water usage annually. You can also save around $2,000 over the service life of your fixtures.

• You can save as much as 2,900 gallons of water annually by investing in low-flow showerheads. The amount of energy you can save on heating water can power your home for almost two weeks!

• Low-flow faucets can save you enough water to enjoy 40 showers each year—free of charge. Also, refitting your old faucets with aerators can make them as efficient as today's new models.

Do some research or ask an expert to help you determine plumbing upgrades and leak fixtures that can help you conserve water and save money without compromising performance. It is also recommended that you opt for products that have been tested by third-party organizations to ensure they meet the strict standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Final Thoughts

While investing in plumbing upgrades will require a significant upfront cost, the investment will save you a substantial amount of water and money down the road. If you can use further advice and recommendations on how you can save water and money through your plumbing, don't hesitate to seek the help of a trusted plumbing contractor.

About the author

Rachel Watson is the Senior Content Editor of Precision Air & Plumbing, a full-service HVAC, plumbing, and home performance contractor operating in Chandler, Arizona. Rachel enjoys yoga and writing articles about how to make home living more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

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.