house Archives - Serendipity Mommy

Freshening Things Up: 5 Ways to Remedy Stale Air in Your Home

March 6, 2020 by Mandy

When most people think of air pollution and related stale air issues, they mainly think of the air outside. After all, a person can see the haze, ozone, and smog literally hanging in the air, especially during the summer month. However, the truth of the matter is that the air that is inside offices, homes, and virtually any other building may be more polluted than the air that is outside.

The air inside a home can be polluted by an array of different substances including volatile chemicals found in cleaners, radon, formaldehyde, and more. There are some pollutants that are tracked into the home and some arrive through the purchase of new furniture or mattresses, a new coat of paint, and even the use of carpet cleaning chemicals.

The good news is, there are several things a person can do to freshen up their home’s air and eliminate that “stale” effect. From using diffusers to using the right cleaning products, keep reading to learn what these methods are.

1. Keep the Floors Fresh by Sucking Up the Chemicals

Allergens and chemicals can accumulate in typical household dust. A good way to prevent this is by using a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, which can help to reduce the concentrations of lead in the home. With this type of filter being used, it is possible to get rid of various toxins and allergens.

2. Maintain Healthy Levels of Humidity

Mold and dust mites both love moisture. It’s a good idea to keep the humidity level in a home or another building at levels of 30 percent to 50 percent, which will keep them under control. Using a dehumidifier can help to reduce the moisture present inside and control allergens.

3. Don’t Smoke Inside the Home

The most important factor that will help reduce that “stale” smell inside a home or building is to avoid smoking indoors. Not only does this smell bad, but it will also present an array of health risks for everyone. The best way to prevent stale and dangerous air is to make the interior of any home or building a no-smoking zone.

4. Have Radon Testing Conducted

Regardless of the age of a home, there may be radon present. This is an odorless, colorless gas that is going to increase the risk of lung cancer. If a house has never been tested for this, now is the time to do so.

5. Use Natural Cleaners

Avoid chemicals with artificial scents. The chemicals and toxins that are used in these are quite dangerous. Try to avoid using these as much as possible.

Today, there are more than a few natural cleaning solutions that can be used. However, the cleaning products are not the only things that are resulting in toxins released in the air. Other items like candles, smell-good disinfecting sprays, and even laundry detergent are also adding to these airborne toxins, so it is best to avoid the use of all of these.

When it comes to freshening up the air in a home or commercial building, there are more than a few things that a person can do. Be sure to keep the information here in mind to take the right steps and make the right decisions. It will pay off in the long run and provide the desired results.

6 Tips on Dealing with Home Financing

January 23, 2020 by Mandy

Purchasing a house is no easy task. This is especially true if you’re a first-time buyer. With so many things you need to do and research, things can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. However, thanks to the professionals in the real estate industry, as well as the internet, you’ll be able to find some relevant information quite easily.

That being said, though, you will still need to organize the entire process down to a tee. So, with that in mind, here are some useful tips on how to properly deal with your home financing.

Do your research

Since you’re not trying to buy a t-shirt you will wear for a couple of times and then donate, you should do some research. Here, you should consider your needs, inspect the current prices in the real estate market and see what is being offered. Also, research the areas you might be most interested in or the state you’re about to move to. Moreover, try to see if the area you’re moving to has growth potential. If it does, that means you could probably sell your house for more profit later on. Additionally, find out what you should be looking for in a real estate agent if you’re planning on hiring one.

Plan your budget thoroughly

The next thing you should take care of is your budget. Planning a budget for purchasing a house will require you to dive deep into your personal finances. See what your loan options are and try to get approved for a mortgage. However, see to it that you get a mortgage consistency built into your contract because the real estate market is fairly uncertain. Additionally, when planning a budget, do know that you’ll need to account for more than just the price of the property. You will also need to include renovation prices and have a contingency budget (of roughly 20%) in case anything unexpected happens.

Secure a loan

Moreover, you will need to ensure that you can, in fact, secure a loan. If you’re looking to get a bank loan, you will first need to make sure that your credit score is excellent. If your credit score is not great, there are ways you can remedy it. First, check your credit history and see if there are any mistakes. If everything seems fine yet your credit score is still bad, work on improving it before you apply for a loan. If you still get denied for a bank loan, you can always look into alternative lenders. Finally, your family members might be able to help you out if all else fails.

Make a down payment

To secure a property you are interested in purchasing you will need to make a down payment. The down payment is the percentage of the property’s price you will need to provide upfront to the seller. The rest will be paid off with your mortgage. However, if you’re not sure you have enough funds for this you can always look for ways you can earn some extra cash. One of the most lucrative ways you can do so is by joining an affiliate program. These will allow you to secure some extra funds that will come in quite handy. But make sure you focus on the right niche that has great earning potential. For instance, since iGaming is gaining in popularity, online casino affiliate programs have become quite a popular choice.

Hire an agent

Hiring a buyer’s agent is not mandatory. But hiring them will make the entire process of finding and actually buying a house so much easier. The fact is that these professionals will help you understand the market and the offers better. They will also help you narrow down the search based on what you’re looking for and your budget. Additionally, they can even help you negotiate the price, as they know what the realistic prices in the market are. For best results, look for someone skilled and highly professional.

Thoroughly inspect the home

Finally, to make sure you’re not purchasing a money pit, you will have to conduct a thorough house inspection. Some states require that this is done prior to making the purchasing offer, while others make it a contract contingency. Either way, you should hire professionals to inspect the property before you actually sign the purchasing documents. Do know that if you uncover any issues the seller won’t be required to fix them. So, it will be up to you to decide if you want to buy a fixer-upper or you’re more interested in a house you can move in right away.

Buying a house is not something you can decide overnight. This type of purchase will require you to plan and prepare for it in advance. So, make sure you educate yourself about the current state of the market and your purchasing abilities. This way you will ensure that you’ve made the best possible decision.

What should we choose for our house wall?

November 28, 2019 by Mandy

When you are going to decorate your new house, there are many ways to do. For most people, the way to decorate the wall is painting directly, however there are some people choose wall paper. But for many of us, decorate the walls with paint and wall paper is time-consuming and more expensive. Have you ever noticed that other decorating methods? I am suggesting you to check out the wall decals. It is very easy to install, remove, and beautiful also. Now, let’s talk it in details.

First of all, wall decal is one of the simplest product to apply on the wall. You just need to choose a reputable shop to find the pattern you like, get it in your cart, paid. After 5-7 days, you will receive the decal. After that, you opened the package, seeing the decal product. Find out the pattern according to the instruction book, peel off the backing paper, applying the decal piece step by step on the wall while following the book. After all the decal pieces on the wall, you can use a credit card squeeze the bubbles out, then from one side carefully peel the transfer film off. Now, a beautiful wall pattern shows up in front of your eyes.

Secondly, wall decal is a wall decoration that very easy to remove. After it is on the wall for a long time, you may find it boring, and you want to add some freshness to your home. Now, I am telling you the way to remove the decal. You can just peel it off directly. But if your wall is old and not strong enough for this project. You may use a hairdryer to soften the wall decal several minutes, then peel it carefully and slowly. There will no residue on the wall left either. That’s why people love the vinyl wall decal very much.

Last but not least, wall decal refreshes your home with happiness. It brings you a new atmosphere no matter where you applied. Such as, living-room, bedroom, nursery room, dining-room, washing-room. Or even the office. There are various pattern for different places, and for different people. It is really popular for young people since most of the young are renting house. They can change their home quickly and economically and many of them are customizing the quotes they love, it really shows their personality, life style, way of life. I have to say that wall decal is really a good product.

So, what are you going to choose to decorate your room when you are living a new house? I will surely choose wall decal for the reason above. It is simple to install, easy to peel off, and brings our home many beautiful moments, makes house a home with happiness and love. I hope you can try this one day, then you are definitely loving it without hesitation. Here is the official website: www.fancywallz.co.uk

Different Types of Leather Used in Furniture Upholstery

October 20, 2019 by Mandy

Have you ever sat on a quality leather sofa and wondered if a similar piece would work well in your home? A good sofa is always the focal point in any living room. If you invest in a good quality couch, it can become a valuable part of your life, and essential in providing much-needed comfort at the end of a long day. Indeed when it comes to buying a sofa leather is the top choice. This article will help you understand further the different types of leather furniture, and how you can choose which is best for your home.

Full-grain leather

Full-grain leather refers to the outermost layer of cowhide, including the fibrous secondary layer also known as the split. This material is smooth, stiff, and highly durable. But despite the characteristic stiffness, full-grain leather remains breathable. As such, it is also absorbent and will last a long time. After years of use, you will notice the leather developing a distinct patina and ‘aged’ appearance.

Full-grain leather is the best choice when making furniture. You will find most sofas, ottomans, recliners, and chairs made using this material. Those who prefer a more natural style and texture to their leather furniture will like full-grain leather.

Top-grain leather

Unlike full-grain leather, top-grain leather only uses the outermost layer and does not include the ‘split’ layer of cowhide. Since it is thinner, it is also more stretchable and become much softer after years of use. Top-grain leather is another excellent choice for furniture upholstery, which is often treated with a protective coating.

Sanding top-grain leather creates the velvety texture of nubuck, and nubuck is another excellent material used in upholstery. Top-grain leather is also easier to clean, making it the perfect choice for a living room, and games room furniture.

Bonded leather

Bonded leather is another popular material in upholstering furniture. But, unlike other types of leather, bonded leather is made by blending pieces of cowhide. The heating process used to bond leather scraps together makes it easier for the manufacturer to customize textures and patterns on the leather’s surface. Compared with other kinds of leather which did not undergo processing, bonded leather tends to be thinner; hence, less durable.

Split leather

Separating the top-grain and full-grain layers from cowhide yield the lower layer known as split leather. The texture is soft and downy, which makes it ideal for making suede. The delicateness of split leather does not make it suitable for furniture upholstery. However, it may be used to accentuate furniture pieces, but not to upholster an entire piece.

Different types of leather finish

Apart from the different kinds of leather used in furniture upholstery, you will also encounter leather finishes that give the material its color as well as enhance its strength. Ideally, you’ll want your leather furniture to be as natural as possible. Aniline leather, for example, refers to treating the leather with a transparent dye which accentuates the grain and texture of the leather. On the other hand, pigmented leather adds a layer of protection over the material; hence, it is more stain and scratch-resistant.

What to Fix Before Selling a House? The 6 Improvements That Are Absolute Must-Dos

June 24, 2019 by Mandy

Due to the high cost of moving, most people are reluctant to pour money into the house they are leaving behind. Maybe you have learned how to live with a faulty electrical outlet or the toilet handle is not working properly. These may seem minor issues but they can deter buyers from making an offer.

There is a variety of property types in the Dubai real estate industry. For instance, if you want a villa, you will find numerous villas for sale in Dubai such as Arabian Ranches Villas Dubai . At the same time, there is a rich selection of apartments for sale in Palm Jumeirah.

With so many options available in the market, you need to make sure that your property is up-to-date in order to attract buyers.

Here are the fixes that are absolutely necessary:

1. Faulty wiring

Electrical issues are of huge concern because they may lead to electrical fires. Rewiring is the only solution to most electrical problems. Chances are most of the problems will require small fixes such as missing nuts, frayed wiring or faulty switches. These fixes will only cost you a few dollars.

2. Poor grading and drainage

Grading and drainage refer to how water is directed away from the house. Ensure the gutters and downspouts are working properly and the lawn slopes slightly to allow water flow away from the house. The solution could be as simple as cleaning the gutters.

3. Roof problems

If the gutters are clogged, running water is collected along the edges. This can damage the shingles and cause the wood to rot. In addition, the roof can also endure other damages due to varied weather conditions. If some of these damages are not fixed on time, you may need to replace the entire roof.

4. Foundation

Improper drainage is one of the major causes of foundation issues. In some cases, foundation issues can be caused by the natural settling of the house. Severe foundation problems may include slanted floors, cracking walls, etc. Sometimes severely damaged foundation can affect the structural integrity of the house.

5. Poor upkeep

Some cosmetic issues such as peeled paint, worn out carpet and damaged tiles, may seem minor, but can cause the price tag of the house to drop. Conducting a simple facelift can significantly increase the value of your house.

6. HVAC issues

Due to the high temperatures in the Middle East, it is difficult to sell a house if the HVAC system is not working properly. Sometimes you may only need to make small repairs. However, if the system is completely damaged, you may need to replace it.