Steps Involved in Installing Additional Electrical Outlets

Adding one or more electrical outlets to a room can greatly increase the ways in which you're able to use the space. The good news is that you can easily turn this task into a do-it-yourself job if you proceed with caution. It's essential, though, that you follow specific steps so that you stay safe and end up with a functioning electrical outlet.

Turn Off the Power

Whenever you work on anything electrical, the first step should always be turning off the power. Use your circuit breaker to interrupt the flow of electricity between the breaker and the area where you'll be working. Once you've cut the power, make sure to test the individual wires and outlets you'll be working with to ensure there's no power running through them.

Figure Out Location

When installing your new outlets, you'll want to be sure to be picky about placement. It's important to make sure that the new outlets meet code requirements in that they're the proper distance away from existing outlets. Additionally, it's best if the news outlets are next to a stud so that you can easily attach each outlet to something solid. Once you've found a good location, you'll want to trace around the junction box, cut through the drywall, and mount the box.

Make the Connection

Proper wiring is the most crucial component of a news outlet. Keep in mind that an outlet is just another stop on a complete electrical circuit. Therefore, you'll need to connect the new outlet to at least one existing outlet using electrical cabling with the same gauge as the cabling already in use. Using the correct wiring makes it easy to splice the wires together to ensure the flow of electricity remains uninterrupted. If you become confused during the wiring process, be sure to involve an electrician so that you don't run into issues down the road.

Test the Outlet

Before you patch the drywall around the outlet or install an outlet cover, it's vital to test the outlet. Make sure to turn the power back on first and then plug any electronic device into the outlet to check for correct wiring. If you notice that the device works but has issues with flickering or interrupted power, you'll want to turn the power off again and reach out to an electrician.

Take It Slow

If you haven't done electrical work before, you'll want to be sure and take your time when installing a new outlet. Getting in a hurry will only cause you to make a mistake that could lead to injury or property damage. Take things slowly, though, and you'll soon have a new outlet that will make life in your home much more convenient.

What Contractors Do You Need To Build A Home Addition?

Whether you have a growing family or perhaps just want to add some more room to your existing space, you've decided it's time for a home addition. Depending on what you have in mind, you will need various contractors to make it happen. Now that you're ready to get started with your home improvement project, here are some typical contractors who will need to be on the job to make your home addition come to life.

Plumbing

Whether you are adding a new bathroom, enlarging your kitchen, or maybe adding a utility room to your home, you'll need plumbing contractors who can perform a variety of jobs. Since running new water lines and pipes can be very complex and result in plenty of damage to your home if not done correctly, make sure you hire plumbers who have plenty of experience with home additions.

Electrical

Since your home is like so many others today and relies more and more on electronics for the internet, smart appliances, security systems, and much more, plan on hiring a residential electrician contractor to work on your home addition. In many instances when a home addition is done, a new electrical box will need to be installed to handle the increased workload of the electrical system.

Roofing

Should you be expanding the size of your home with new rooms, adding a garage, or other similar projects, roofing contractors will be part of the equation. Like other contractors, you will need, make sure you hire only the best for your home addition. For many homeowners, getting a home addition can also mean changing the style of their roofing, such as going from asphalt shingle roofing to a metal roof.

HVAC System

No matter what type of home addition you are getting, you need to ensure it will be properly heated and cooled to keep you and your family comfortable year-round. Thus, hire an HVAC contractor you know and trust to get the job done right the first time. Since your home addition may require new ductwork, a new heat pump or furnace, or other components of an HVAC system, work with a contractor who is trained on the latest equipment and installation techniques.

Though it will take some time to speak with numerous contractors before deciding which ones you will use for your project, having the best contactors possible on the job will give you peace of mind, get the job done right the first time, and result in a home addition you and your family will love.

Best Ways To Improve the Look and Feel of Your Bed

Everyone deserves to have a luxurious bed that will give them a good night’s sleep while still being the best-looking part of the room, but not everyone can afford it. New mattresses can be insanely expensive. However, you shouldn’t let that deter you from having the bed you want. If you are dead set on upgrading the place where you sleep every night, then this list of the best ways to improve the look and feel of your bed will be right up your alley.

Buy a Mattress Topper

Since comfort is the key to a remarkable bed, you have to start with getting yourself a quality mattress topper. There are some really good ones out there that are made from memory foam and help regulate your body temperature while you sleep. If you didn’t know it was there, you would assume you were sleeping on a top-notch mattress, but this accessory is only a fraction of the price.

Get a New Set of Sheets

Of course, no matter how plush your bed feels, it won’t feel soft enough unless you buy some better sheets to go over it. Most people purchase cotton ones with a high thread count, but that simply won’t do for your upgraded bed. Compared to eucalyptus and bamboo, cotton doesn’t stand a chance of being the comfiest set of sheets. Going for one of the other kinds will be your best bet for giving your old bed a more luxurious feel.

Remove a Few Pillows

We’ve primarily focused on the comfort of your mattress so far in this list of the best ways to improve the look and feel of your bed. Now let’s talk about the looks. One reason why people buy a new mattress is so that they can get a bigger one. Even though there’s no way to increase the size of your current one, you can create the illusion that it’s bigger than it actually is. The best way to do that is by removing a majority of the pillows that you currently have sitting on top of it.

You’d be surprised by how much of a difference this will make, especially when it comes to laying down on it. Every pillow you add pushes you closer to the edge of the bed. Even if you take them off before sleeping, you still don’t get the illusion of a larger bed that you would by not having them in the first place.

Add Some RGB Lighting

While some people may not like how RGB lights look, they are starting to become much more mainstream due to their versatility. No matter what theme your bedroom is, you can set up your RGB strips to fit the feel of the rest of your room quite easily. Simply attach them underneath the side of your bed, and your floor will look better than it ever has before.

Of course, what good is style without some utility? The best part about these lights is you can turn them on if you ever need to move around in the dark without disturbing your partner. They only light up the ground, which is perfect for walking to the bathroom without stubbing your toes.

7 Tips to Increase the Value of Your Home

If you want to increase your home value, you might have one of two different motivations. First, you might want to boost the value so you can sell it for more money. Second, you might just want to grow the value while you are in it so to allow you to refinance the mortgage and possibly borrow money against the increased value. In either case, there are many tips to increase the value of your home that you can use.

Inspection of the Property

Knowing any potential problems with your home and addressing them immediately improves the value of your home. The peace of mind of knowing everything is known or fixed is priceless. Also, an inspection may also include an appraisal, which is not a bad idea if you are wanting to take out a second mortgage.

Paint a Room or Two

Whether it's a single room or the entire exterior, a fresh coat of paint improves the visual aesthetics where it's applied. The market value increases and it gives you a nice fresh feel to your home. Depending on your timeline, you can do it yourself or hire a professional. 

Plant Some Trees

Trees add value to most residential properties for multiple reasons. They allow for shade and coverage of the yard. They also provide privacy in many cases. They also add an overall aesthetic value. Their potential lumber and firewood have an actual monetary value.

Replace the Roof

Prospective homeowners are spending a lot of money on the home that they buy. That means they're likely to be cash-strapped for years to come after the purchase. The longer they can wait before doing a roof replacement, the more valuable they will find your home.

Opt for Energy Savings

From insulation to manage heat retention or keep it out to energy-efficient appliances that use less energy than their predecessors, anything you can add to your home that minimizes how much you or future owners will have to pay for monthly utilities will add property value.

Update a Bathroom or Kitchen

These two rooms benefit the most from any kind of update you can do. A full renovation isn't necessary. New wallpaper and just refinishing cabinetry can go a long way to breathe new life into these spaces.

Go for an Open-Concept Floorplan

Open-concept floorplans are a national trend in most housing markets. If you can knock out any walls to open up your own living space, you'll add a feature that should add some serious market value to your home.

Home improvement projects don't always bring a return on your investment, but they also have a really good track record of delivering results. Do as many things as you can to boost your home value, and you should generally come out ahead in making your money generate more financial wealth than you currently have.