How Do You Refurbish a Swimming Pool?

Even when a pool is carefully maintained throughout the year, that type of water feature will need to be refurbished at some point. Properly refurbishing your pool is going to improve its appearance and greatly reduce your risk of expensive damage later on.

Draining

Every pool is slightly different, but most experts suggest that homeowners drain and refill their pools at least once every three to five years. Draining is typically carried out during the coldest months of the year, and that maintenance will allow you to remove any dissolved solids that are lingering in the water. When you drain your pool, it is vital that you get a swimming pool refurbishment of the surface and refill it as quickly as possible.

Inspecting the Pool

After the pool has been drained, it is then time to carefully inspect all of the pipes, gaskets, motors, filters, and lights for any signs of damage. Repairing damaged parts is going to be much easier when the pool is completely empty, and you might want to work with a pool specialist who knows exactly what to look for. Taking care of minor problems while the pool is empty will allow you to avoid serious mechanical issues down the road.

Prepping the Walls

Prepping the walls of the pool is extremely important because it will allow the new material to adhere to the existing concrete or tiles. As a general rule, a pool contractor is going to carefully clean all of the grime off the walls, fill any cracks, and sand down intrusions. Your contractor might also suggest that you acid wash the sides of the pool so that there aren’t any lingering bacteria or mineral deposits.

Applying Epoxy

The final step in the swimming pool refurbishment process is applying a layer of epoxy material to the walls. Using high-quality epoxy paint is going to make it much easier for you to keep the pool clean and eye-catching for quite some time. In most cases, a high-quality epoxy product is going to last for 10 to 20 years with the proper maintenance.

Once your pool has been refurbished and refilled, you must then keep a close eye on the chemicals for at least a few weeks. Your chemicals will most likely need to be adjusted multiple times during those first three or four weeks, and that type of maintenance will ensure that you don’t struggle with algae or other issues in the coming months.

What Is the Highest Paying Scrap Metal?

Collecting and recycling scrap metal is a great side-hustle to earn big money simply from recycling discarded cars, appliances, electrical equipment, and other forms of scrap metal. Collecting old scrap metal can be somewhat lucrative, but you have to know the best types of base metals to collect and which types pay the most.

Copper is King

For most scrappers, copper is the king of scrap metal because it gains as much as $2 to $4 per pound. When it comes to scrap metal, that's a pretty high amount, especially compared to other metals like aluminum or brass. Copper is also much lighter in weight than steel or iron, which makes it much easier to lift, carry, and haul.

Why Copper is so Valuable

Copper is valuable because of its versatility and because it's used in a variety of applications like plumbing and electrical systems. It's important to keep in mind that not all copper commands the same price. There are grades of copper that vary in price. For instance, #1 bare bright copper commands the highest price, while #2 insulated copper wire will get a much lower price, so it's crucial to understand the different types of copper.

Copper pipes and tubes used for plumbing are very valuable and can be easily recycled. If you want to earn more money for your copper wiring, remove the insulation from the wiring before you take your copper to be recycled.

Where to Find Copper to Recycle

You can find copper in electrical motors, compressors, copper transformers, electrical wiring, and plumbing systems in commercial buildings and houses. If you have access to demolition sites, you can gather discarded copper pipes and electrical wiring for recycling.

Other Base Metals to Recycle

While copper is the highest paying scrap metal, there are other base metals that are worth your time to have recycled. Brass and aluminum are two scrap metals that people often discard. Brass can be more difficult to find than aluminum, but if you know where to look, you can find brass in several household products, such as doorknobs and handles, bed frames, faucets, and serving trays.

Aluminum is almost everywhere. You can find aluminum in cans, car parts, household appliances, bicycles, and other products. While aluminum doesn't pay much per pound like brass and copper, the sheer abundance of the metal makes it worthwhile to collect and recycle.

Recycling is good for the environment and is an excellent way to put some extra cash in your pocket. Separate all your metals by type to ensure you get the best prices for all your scrap metals before you head to the recycling plant.

How to Choose a Condo That Fits Your Lifestyle

Some people wonder if buying a condo is a wise investment. In truth, condos serve as a more cost-effective way to become the owner of a property. They also offer many benefits that conventional homes do not, such as being easier to maintain.

Another benefit of condo ownership is that you will only require insurance for the interior of your property. Here, our focus will be on how to choose a condo that fits your lifestyle.

How can you tell if a builder is trustworthy?

Hiring a renovator or a contractor is something that should be given some serious thought. There are many fly-by-night companies that may try to scam you out of your hard-earned money if you are not careful.

You thus need to perform the necessary due diligence in order to look into their qualifications. They need to demonstrate that they are who they say they are, and they should also have a proven track record of success.

Referrals may help you narrow your search, so try asking trusted friends, family, or colleagues if they can send you to a trustworthy builder. Being accredited by the Better Business Bureau may also help you find a reliable and transparent company to help your cause.

Advantages of Buying a Condo

One of the reasons why condos are all the rage at the moment is due to their limited upkeep. Condos also tend to be far more affordable when compared to a typical townhouse or conventional single family home.

People who are part of a condo suite may also feel closer to their neighbors, and may form enduring and cordial relationships with them. Being part of a larger condo unit also means that you will be able to take advantage of the shared amenities of the community.

Examples may include a gym, swimming pool, sauna, recreation room, garden, and/or library.

What should people consider before buying a condo?

You need to have an open and candid conversation with your loved ones. Take the time to discuss what you need, as well as what you desire in your new home. 

You also must determine how much you can realistically afford to pay monthly, as well as how much you can pay in the form of a down payment.

Is your job stable? Does it have opportunities for advancement? Is the neighborhood safe? Is the condo located in close proximity to supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, malls, schools, police stations, and fire stations?

Additionally, do you plan on growing your family soon? If so, how many rooms will your family need? Does the condo provide indoor and outdoor parking? How much are the condo fees? What amenities are included?

Look into mortgage rates and other costs, such as closing and brokerage fees, that may be incurred upon purchase. In regards to closing costs, they tend to range from 2 to 5 percent of the total loan amount.

If the closing costs will be a problem, then you can ask the condo seller if they would be willing to cover a portion of the amount. You can also save some additional money by shopping around in order to find an affordable home inspector to examine the property.

As for the down payment, you can use a free down payment calculator that is available online in order to help decide a goal. Next, you can arrange automatic transfers from your checking account or your savings account to get the ball rolling.

In order to choose the perfect condo, you need to analyze a wide variety of different factors, assessing the unique needs of your family, before you make your final decision. 

New condos in Richmond Hill can help improve your lifestyle, but you still need to analyze your unique financial situation beforehand. Do not hesitate to negotiate with the vendor in order to get a lower price.

How to Choose a Condo That Fits Your Lifestyle

New condos in Richmond Hill are luxurious, spacious, and elegant; however, do they fit with your lifestyle? For example, if you enjoy being physically fit, then your condo should include jogging or walking trails.

If you like working out, then you may require an indoor fitness center in order to exercise without having to leave the vicinity. If you love swimming, then an indoor swimming pool can help you get a great workout even during the frigid winter months.

Many new condos in Richmond Hill are also geared towards nature enthusiasts. You may be able to enjoy exclusive access to stunning parks, mesmerizing beaches, and spectacular nature trails. 

Some condos will even include zen gardens for those who like meditating under a bodhi tree. Those who enjoy being pampered may want to look into a luxury condo that includes a decadent sauna and spa. You can kick back after a hard day of work by decompressing in a state-of-the-art steam room. 

Some luxurious condos also include movie theaters, media rooms, and video game recreation rooms for those who enjoy watching the latest movie blockbusters or playing the latest video games on monolithic 4K or 8K screens in 120Hz mode.

Taking the First Step

Buying a condo is not a walk in the park. It will involve some serious planning and budgeting on your part. However, condo ownership is a wise investment that will pay great dividends in the future.

You should choose a condo that speaks to your unique needs and preferences. It should gel with your lifestyle in order to elevate your overall happiness and well-being.

To help avoid financial hardships after you move into your new home, you should set aside some money. For example, you will likely need some cash in order to purchase new appliances and furniture, albeit such costs can virtually be eliminated if the condo comes fully furnished. 

In any event, you should set aside a nest egg to fund home repairs and renovations in the future, as upgrades to your condo will increase its real estate value when you are ready to sell it.

Sources:

14 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers - NerdWallet

Choosing a Condo That Fits Your Lifestyle (suzannemvolkman.com)

Toys Down the Toilet? What to Do When Your Kids Cause Plumbing Problems

A clogged toilet can be an emergency if you don't have access to another bathroom. When your commode is clogged because your child put a toy down it, you may want to try fixing the problem yourself before contacting a plumber, especially if the bowl is overflowing. First, close the shut-off value, if you have one, then take these steps.

Reach In

If you can't see the toy clogging the drain, you may be able to feel it. As disgusting as it sounds, you can try putting on sturdy rubber gloves and reaching into the toilet drain through the bowl. Toys often lodge in the first bend of the drain, which you can easily reach on most commode models. If you can feel the toy but can't grab it, try a coat hanger or needle-nose pliers.

Use a Plunger or Snake

A plunger or snake can push the toy past the toilet's bends and into your home's drain pipes where it can wash away. Try a special toilet plunger, also called a flange plunger, for the best seal. If it doesn't work, try a toilet auger, also called a closet auger or toilet snake. This steel cable can force the lodged object down the drain and may also have a hook at the end that can pull the object back into the bowl where you can remove it. 

Keep in mind that forcing the toy further into the pipes should only be attempted if you know it won’t cause a clog further in the system. Otherwise, you should always try to remove it instead. Snakes can also damage the pipes, so be very careful if you chose to use one.

Call a Professional

If you can't free the object after a few minutes, it's time to call a plumber. Professionals have more drain cleaning options than you can find at your hardware store. The plumbing company may use a camera to see the problem and an electric drain snake to clear it. They might also try forcing a high-powered jet of water through your plumbing. In some cases, they may have to remove or even replace the toilet to fix the problem, especially if your do-it-yourself efforts have damaged the inside of it.

Protect for the Future

Closing the toilet lid or bathroom door may be enough to prevent some children from putting toys down the drain again, but others can maneuver around these obstacles. If your child can raise the lid or open the door, consider an adhesive toilet lock that requires firm pressing to operate. When your child is older, you can get rid of the lock and follow the directions included with it to remove the adhesive residue.

If you didn't see a child put a toy down the drain, your toilet clog could have another cause, perhaps hidden inside your home's pipes dozens of feet from the bathroom. Do-it-yourself efforts can't reach those clogs, but a plumber can. Whether your kids caused your plumbing issue or something else did, it's fine to try to clear the clog yourself. If that doesn't work, depend on a plumber to get things moving again.