A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.
How to Organize a Basement Area for Maximum Storage
Here, our focus will be on how you can organize your basement area for maximum storage.
Many basements are used to store waste. As a result, clutter forms over time. While a basement can serve as a great storage space, most basements are not designed to be dumping grounds.
Many people will store their gym equipment, old furniture, and other unused items in their basements and then forget about them. A properly maintained basement will last longer and will not attract pests that can make your living situation unpleasant.
Here, our focus will be on how you can organize your basement area for maximum storage.
Steps to Organize Your Basement
When you clean and organize your basement space, you are triggering a reset of the room. While you go through your basement, you will encounter many items that you have not used for months or even years.
Clutter is something that should be avoided. Clutter takes up space and makes it hard to navigate a room. Clutter will also attract dust and pests and may even rot, depending on the housed items.
A junk removal service may be of service. Simply call or email a junk removal company in your area. They will pick up any unwanted items and recycle, donate, or dispose of your unwanted basement items.
By donating items you no longer use, you will essentially be giving them a new lease on life.
Create a Master Plan
Before you tackle your basement, you should create a master plan. Your master plan will help you in the decluttering process by saving you time and stress. Efficiency is the name of the game.
Create a realistic schedule for the project. Create a deadline and stick to it. Factor in time for breaks, meals, and other projects to avoid burnout.
You can take advantage of long weekends and the holidays to take care of business. Friends and family can also be asked to volunteer their time to expedite the process.
Declutter Your Basement
It is now time to declutter your basement and bring your master plan to fruition. It may help to sort unwanted items together. The condition and size of your basement will either make your organizational challenge easier or more difficult.
The decluttering process may prove daunting, so try and take frequent breaks to reduce your stress. Old furniture and other obsolete items should be thrown out or donated to a local charity.
Some items that are worn but still functional can be refurbished. They can then be donated to the less fortunate, or they can even be sold. You can try selling unwanted items on local classified websites or online auction websites to make some money.
Plan Your Basement Storage Area
If you want to make the most of your basement space, you need to plan ahead of time. Sturdy shelving is very important. The items you plan to store should be carefully measured beforehand to ensure adequate shelf storage for them.
If you wish to build your shelves, you should use plywood that is paintable and 2x4 studs. Also, do not place heavy items on the topmost shelf, as you may injure your back when you try to remove them for future use.
If you have several storage areas, then specific areas should be set aside for certain items. You may also want to add large labels to boxes or containers, as doing so will make it easier for you to identify items in the future.
Moreover, using plastic bins will also make it easier to see what is inside them. Airtight lids can help certain items last longer and prevent bugs and other pests from accessing them. However, certain items, such as clothing, should not be stored in airtight containers.
Clothing requires ventilation. If you would rather use cardboard boxes to store your clothing, then avoid stacking them so that they will have sufficient air circulation.
In addition, if you have sewing equipment, then they can be stored using pegboards. You can opt for magnetic systems to store tools.
If you also use your basement as a rec room, you can save some space and make your basement appear more modern by installing a wall system with baskets that slide in and out.
You should also look under the stairs to see if there is sufficient space for storage. If your budget allows for it, you can also look into adding a few built-in cabinets to further expand your home’s storage capacity.
Groundwater is also a possible issue, depending on where you live. If you have valuables that you need to protect from groundwater, then you should try to keep them off the floor if possible.
You can make tracks on the ceiling by fabricating a basic flange system. All you will need is some basic framing material to make it.
Then, store your items in Tupperware containers and hang them in the flange system to expand your home’s storage capacity further. Use your basement’s ceiling as an additional storage unit.
Taking the First Step
Decluttering a basement and maximizing its storage capacity will take some planning. The basement accessories that you use should help prevent moisture damage and should provide optimal ventilation.
Maximal access is also a must, as you will need to access your basement now and then without feeling claustrophobic or possibly injuring yourself. Metal cabinetry and shelving are also superior to wood-based storage solutions, as most basements are vulnerable to dampness.
Cardboard boxes should also be used as a last resort. Instead, try to use plastic bins whenever possible to help protect your valuables from damage.
A junk removal company can also be of use if you have many items in your basement that you wish to throw out, recycle, or donate without having to handle all of the work yourself.
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How to Determine if My Freezer Needs a Repair Service
A freezer serves as one of the most important appliances in a household. However, it will eventually need to be repaired due to natural wear and tear. In some cases, it may need to be replaced altogether.
One way to help your freezer last longer is to maintain it on a regular basis. Maintaining your freezer will add several years to its lifespan, allowing you to save money in the process.
If you have noticed an issue with your freezer then you should evaluate the situation in order to determine the source of the problem. If you are not able to repair the issue yourself then you may want to contact a professional in the area. Here, our focus will be on how to determine if your freezer needs a repair service.
A freezer serves as one of the most important appliances in a household. However, it will eventually need to be repaired due to natural wear and tear. In some cases, it may need to be replaced altogether.
One way to help your freezer last longer is to maintain it on a regular basis. Maintaining your freezer will add several years to its lifespan, allowing you to save money in the process.
If you have noticed an issue with your freezer then you should evaluate the situation in order to determine the source of the problem. If you are not able to repair the issue yourself then you may want to contact a professional in the area. Here, our focus will be on how to determine if your freezer needs a repair service.
What is the importance of refrigerator maintenance?
If you want your freezer, or any other appliance for that matter, to remain in good working condition then you will need to maintain it on a routine basis. Perform rudimentary maintenance checks every now and then to determine if there are any minor issues that can be taken care of as soon as possible.
Problems often begin small but become bigger issues as time passes, so it’s best to nip such problems in the bud. You will save hundreds of dollars over the long run by performing regular maintenance checks, as seemingly minor repairs can make a significant difference.
Tips to Keep Your Fridge in Good Condition
Refrigerators are very common appliances that have become a staple in the modern North American household. They are also left on 24/7 in most cases. If a seamless operation is your end goal then your fridge should be kept in tiptop condition.
You can save quite a bit of money on repair costs and energy expenditure by performing basic maintenance checks and repairs when you have some free time.
Begin with a coil cleanup. Your condenser coils will accumulate dust over time. When this happens your fridge’s efficiency will take a hit. You should pull your fridge away from its supporting wall at least once every six months in order to expose its coils.
Proceed to unplug your fridge before vacuuming the coils using a brush attachment. The temperature of your fridge should also be optimal if you don’t want to run into any problems down the line. Your freezer should be kept at 0 degrees, while your fridge’s temperature should range between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal performance.
You should also examine the gasket. A gasket that isn’t sealed properly will allow cold air to escape. Your fridge will then need to work harder in order to maintain the ideal temperature, leading to extra energy costs.
You should examine the gasket once a month to check for wear and tear problems. You should also keep it clean by using some warm water and soap. If you notice that your gasket is cracked or damaged then you should replace it as soon as possible.
You should also inspect the seals on the fridge door as often as you can. If the seals are loose then cold air will escape, forcing your fridge to go into overdrive mode to maintain the perfect internal temperature.
Your seals should be cleaned twice a year in order to remove the food residue and other gunk that has stuck to their surfaces. Simply create a baking soda/water mix and use an old toothbrush in order to clean your seals.
A good way to determine the tightness of your seals is to try the dollar bill trick. Simply insert a dollar bill into the fridge door so that half of it is inside and the other half is out. Then, pull the bill out. If the bill slips out easily then your seals may be loose.
Contact a professional asap if you notice that your seals are loose. You should also change your filters in order to keep your water dispenser and ice maker clean. Always remember to keep your fridge door closed tightly to save the motor from having to work extra hard to keep the unit cool.
Your refrigerator should also stay level at all times. Otherwise, the doors may not seal or close completely which will place an added strain on the unit’s motor. In order to check your fridge’s position, you can use a levelling tool.
Common Indicators That Your Refrigerator Needs Repair
If you notice a sudden fluctuation in temperature then your fridge may need to be repaired. Any vibrating or buzzing noises coming from the unit should also be investigated by a professional.
If you notice condensation forming, then your refrigerator may be defective. Coil overheating is another serious issue that should be rectified sooner rather than later if you want to salvage the unit.
Moreover, you should check your freezer to see if ice is accumulating. If it is, then you may want to call an electrician or plumber. Perhaps the biggest telltale sign that something is amiss with a freezer is spoiled food.
The technician will examine the unit from top to bottom in order to identify the source of the food and beverage spoilage.
Taking the First Step
If you are having issues with your refrigerator then you should call a qualified technician to investigate. They have the tools and expertise needed in order to repair your refrigerator.
If you want your fridge to last for several years without any major failures, then having a maintenance plan on hand is a must.
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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.
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.
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.
