Replacing Kitchen Countertops On A Budget

Architect, House

Countertops are a noteworthy improvement for any house. Surfaces made of solid surfaces, natural stone countertops, or any other material can be expressive. All of this is accurate, but there are some situations in which your financial situation can prevent you from getting the kitchen countertop you want. In that instance, there is no need for alarm.

It’s easier than most people realize to replace a kitchen countertop on a tight budget. There are various inexpensive materials that can help you produce a high-end design for your kitchen remodel. Although you won’t be able to buy gemstone worktops on a limited budget, there are several countertop options for your home.

Laminate

Laminate is an alternative to tile for upgrading your kitchen countertop on a tight budget. Although laminate countertops were once the norm, demand for the surfaces is still high.

Although laminates are common, you cannot readily repair damage to them, and you must be careful when maintaining them. Laminate countertops are a cost-effective solution for countertops because they typically range from $20 to $50 per square foot.

Artistic Marble

An increasingly popular fake marble surface that can replace natural marble is called cultured marble. These countertops are created by blending polyester resin, marble dust, colours, and fillers.

Cultured marble surfaces are made to resemble marble’s appearance while providing stain protection that natural stone counters do not. Aside from that, cultured marble is a cost-effective substitute for marble because countertops normally cost between $30 and $100 per square foot.

Clay Wall Tile

One of the best solutions to take into account when replacing your kitchen countertops on a budget is ceramic tile. Additionally, they are simple to DIY and easy to install.

Additionally, you have a variety of design and style options to choose from. You will have to deal with the grout lines, which is the one negative. Ceramic tile countertops typically cost between $10 and $15per square foot in terms of price.

Granite

Even when homeowners are wanting to replace their kitchen worktops on a budget, granite is one of the most popular options. These natural stone surfaces come in a wide range of hues and designs. Additionally, they require little upkeep and are highly resilient.

Granite countertops are heat, stain, and scratch-resistant, which is the best feature. However, applying a sealant may be necessary once a year, and the procedure is quick and easy.

Granite is a great option for backsplashes and kitchen island tops in addition to kitchen counters. Granite is a genuinely spectacular natural stone you will come across when choosing countertop selections. But bear in mind that the price of granite countertops typically ranges from $32 to $75 per square foot when purchasing them.

Quartz

You should give quartz significant consideration if you want to replace your kitchen countertops on a budget. Natural stones like granite and marble may be installed with ease using quartz because it doesn’t need to be sealed and is suitable for the harsh conditions found in the kitchen.

Around 90% of powdered quartz is combined with 8–10% resins, dyes, and polymers to create quartz, a man-made stone. As a result, quartz creates a firm surface that is similar to granite and functions as a good granite countertop substitute.

The look of quartz is influenced by how it is handled since coarsely ground quartz seems flecked while finely ground quartz appears smooth. On average, quartz kitchen countertops cost between $15 and$70 per square foot.

Marble

The most exquisite countertop material now on the market is marble, however it does take yourattention. The majority of homeowners still prefer marble when replacing countertops in a kitchenmakeover.Marble isn’t the ideal countertop material, though.

Marble can significantly raise real estate value,however it is porous and requires a lot of maintenance. Being a porous material, marble can be etchedby acidic liquids like lemon juice or vinegar, creating a dull, yellowish mark.

Marble countertops are also available in a range of grade levels, with prices ranging from $15 to $190.

Bottomline:

What it really comes down to is that, when you’re planning to replacing kitchen countertops on a budget, you have to consider the material you’re planning to use and really research or ask expert contractors for help. As for DIY, or do it yourself, our advise would be research everything carefully before executing any actions.

Signs That Your Architect is Exploiting You

Architect, House

First of all, congratulations on starting your building journey. Building requires a lot of time, money, and effort. Therefore bringing on board professionals that are reliable and ethical is essential. Architects are a relevant part of the building, so you need an Architect that brings value to the construction.

For this reason, you should ensure that the Architect you desire to hire is licensed. WHY? Well, a licensed Architect is qualified to undertake the design and construction of a building. A licensed practitioner will bring creativity and economic value to the project. Moreover, a registered architect will ensure they exercise a duty of care and, in doing so, develop a project that is in line with the health and safety standards and suitable for the need of the client.

According to the Legislative Guidelines and Model Regulation, an unqualified/unregistered person is involved in architecture will be held liable for their actions. Thus, Civil and Criminal suits may be instituted against such persons.

An Architect should explore the client’s values and design the building and bring out that element. There are four phases of the process;

• Pre-design/ Programming

• Schematic design

• Design development and Drawing

• Construction documentation

Each stage is involving, and there should be open and honest communication between the client and the Architect.

Exploitation by an Architect may come in several ways. While the Architect must enhance construction efficiency and cost-effectiveness, this should not be detrimental to the project.

These are the signs of exploitation you as a client may experience is;

1. Their design is not detailed.

A detailed design will enable the client to know the scope of the project. It acts as a guide to the contractors while bidding on projects.

2. There is no contract.

There ought to be a contract between you and the Architect to regulate the relationship. It will also determine the scope of service and the fees to be paid. Therefore guarantee your protection from the negligent acts of the Architect.

3. Uneconomical in construction administration

If your Architect is not acting in the best interest of the client, it is wrong. The Architect has a duty of care and should exercise this duty in their service provision. This means they should purchase standard materials and at a reasonable price. In bidding, they should recommend those that can ensure service delivery at a fair cost.

4. No open Communication

The Architect should involve you in every stage. This should be more of a collaborative project to ensure that the vision is brought to life. The Architect should always inform you of changes or modifications in the construction that will impact the building to prevent conflict.

A good Architect will protect the client from extra costs, ensure the project is up to the standard set and bring the client’s vision to life. Some provide this by taking up insurance to cover for any structural failures. That is why you need to have an architect that is trustworthy and ethical in their duties (https://www.mymove.com/home-inspiration/decoration-design-ideas/signs-that-you-should-become-an-architect/).

Looking Into Different Home Renovation Ideas

House

 Whether you want to sell your home or upgrade it, it could enjoy some renovation. Home renovation ranges from small scale to large scale. But it depends on your budget and house size. But small the renovations are, they make a massive impact on the value of the house.

 There are many home renovations that you can use. The renovations include both interior and exterior spaces. Let us delve deep into these home renovation ideas.

 Exterior Renovations

 Keep Your Front Door Area Tidy

 The first place everybody notices is the front door area. Imagine a home with a patchy lawn and overgrown bushes? They turn you off immediately. One crucial part of house renovation is tiding up your lawn.

 Ensure that your grass gets well-trimmed, prune your bushes and shrubs. A neat front door area makes your home eye-catchy.

 Segregate Room for Building Life Memories

 A home is not a home without memories. You should set aside some exterior space for building memories. The perfect spot should include a gazebo, a deck, or a patio. These are ideal spaces for family and friends gathering. You can have your patio covered or open, depending on your taste.

 Another fantastic spot is a gravel-filled area with seating arrangements. It makes a beautiful and comfortable meeting place.

 Plant Plenty of Trees and Trim Shrubs

 We all love a yard with trees. Trees clean the air around our homes. They also make a serene environment for a perfect family setup. Among your trees should be a shade tree that aids in cooling your house. Apart from planting trees, ensure that you often trim them for perfect views.

 Keep A Low-Maintenance Landscaping

 Low maintenance landscaping saves you a lot of money from the beginning. Your grass cutter requires minimal oil to trim your landscape grass. In turn, well-organized and clean landscaping attracts prospective buyers.

 The exterior home décor adds value to your home. If you live in a dry area, you can find suitable grass for dry weather and vice-versa.

 Interior Renovation

 Entry Way Lighting

 Lighting is an essential aspect of every home interior. Suppose your home does not have natural lighting on its entryway. Ensure that you add artificial lighting. You can choose a detailed and attractive lighting feature. Your lighting should light the path well from the daytime up-to nighttime.

 Entry Way Patches

 The first thing a visitor notices in the house is the entryway. To make it more appealing, ensure that you apply a new coat of paint. Choose attractive colors that blend with your furniture. The paint makes your home stand-out.

 You can add some art pieces on the path that leave your visitors mesmerized. Remember also to replace your old door furniture. That is your door handles and kick plates. If your handles are old and rusty, replace them with new and modern ones.

 Dress up your entry door with a doormat. This enhances your door look. You can either use:

 •          a vulcanized rubber mats

 •          coir fiber

 •          cast iron with attractive designs and colors.

 The mats are for décor purposes or for removing shoe dust before entering the house. They are among the first things visitors notice at your door.

 Living Room

 The living room consists of a space where the family shares bonds. There is more to a living room than a contemporary sofa-set, a table, and TV. There are many ways of renovating the living room at prices.

 Paint Your Living Room

 Paint improves your sitting room appearance. Fresh paints make it look clean and modern. More, when the colors are neutral, they make the room more attractive. You can add some interior decors such as art and flower vases to break the painting monotony.

 Living Room Arrangement

 Apart from the paint, the living room organization makes it more beautiful. Ensure that the room isn’t cluttered. Put minimal furniture. Leave some space for movement and some empty spaces to make it look big and clean.

How to Sell a Property at a Good Price

House, Real Estate

While selling your home can be exciting, it can also be a time in which hopes are dashed as your expected financial gain turns out to be a mirage rather than a reality. Preparing to maximize your profits is a wise choice. However, you must do your homework first.

 There have been countless people who have trodden the path before us, only to be let down because their approach to selling their home was not advantageous. The following are eight practical steps that you can follow to ensure a maximum return on your investment.

 •          Advertise – The vast majority of people who see your home will first see it through avenues such as Zillow or Realtor.com. These websites offer you the wonderful advantage of advertising your home to the world.

 It is important to take good pictures and a lot of them. Paint your home in a good light, and take the best pictures you can. Many people sell their home without anyone physically coming to see it but rather through the buyer simply seeing the home online.

 •          Price reasonably – A real estate agent should be able to properly appraise your home for you. Price it reasonably. If you price your home too high, you may eventually sell it. However, you run the risk of first having to drop the price, possibly quite frequently.

 This will reflect poorly on your home. People may think they have a lot of leverage in their offer. It also may appear to would-be buyers that your home is flawed.

 •          Sell in the spring – Selling in the spring is a common trend in the real estate market. It can be harder for people to sell their homes in the winter. People do not usually want to move during the winter, and the pictures of dead grass and trees are less than appealing.

 •          Seller’s market – Within the market, there can times when the buyer has the advantage (there are more homes for sale than there are buyers). However, times will arise when the seller has the advantage.

 Look for times when homes like yours are selling quickly, preferably in less than a month. If you notice this trend, it could be a good time to sell, as there are more buyers out there than there are homes for sale.

 •          Spruce up the place – Making minor investments of money or time on your home can prove to pay off considerably. Replacing faucets, cleaning up the yard, painting the walls, etc., could be exactly what is needed to convince a would-be buyer.

 Another great benefit of making minor fixes and adding new features to your home is that you can advertise that you have done so. This is something that catches the eye of buyers as they search.

 •          Turn your lights on – As someone comes to see your home, make sure you turn all the lights on. This will illuminate the home and drive away from the darkness and the dreary feeling that comes with poorly lit rooms.

 •          FSBO – The For Sale By Owner (FSBO) approach is not for all, but if you decide to go this route, you could save a lot of money. Real estate agents typically receive 5-6% of the sales cost on your home. If you cut out the agent, you will pocket the money instead.

Having Trouble Sticking To Your Diet? Here’s My Advice

Diet, Health

Setting a healthy routine for our diet can be easy, but some of us can have trouble sticking to it. Did you know that having a healthy diet can reduce your risk of disease? Of course, it can also improve your overall mood. If you’re one of those people who want to stick to their diet or don’t know how to set up a healthy routine successfully, here’s my advice for you.

1. Start by having an end goal or simple expectation of what you want to achieve within three months, six months, one year, or a lifetime diet you would like to stick to. So having an achievable expectation can help motivate you and increase your chances of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

2. A perfect diet plan or a perfect combination of food doesn’t exist, so stop looking for it! You read it right. You can eat in a very healthy way but still have one favorite food. Remember, the secret to a successful diet is not just the food we eat but also eating everything in moderation every day. If you get tempted to eat something that isn’t on your “diet plan” list, eat it shortly before bedtime. Allow yourself to enjoy food once in a while but in moderation.

3. Motivation is indeed needed. Rethinking why you’re making healthy choices or what motivates you can help you stay on course. It may sound not that important to you, but listing down specific reasons can help you adhere to it. So, whenever you feel like you need a reminder of your end goal, you can refer to this list.

4. Weigh yourself every day. You have to stay accountable, whether or not you have followed your diet list. It helps to have an accountability buddy to email, call, or text to report your everyday progress. If you don’t want to or don’t have someone as your accountability buddy, you can also have a diary to keep posted on daily progress.

5. Know and teach yourself the difference between craving and hunger. The feeling of wanting or desiring something to eat is called a craving, while the empty feeling or growling stomach when you haven’t eaten for hours is hunger. Knowing and teaching yourself the difference can discipline you to stick to your healthy diet routine.

6. One ground rule to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is eating when it’s time, not when you feel like it. Set a plan of meals with or without snacks, pick a time, and regularize that eating pattern.

7. Remember to remind yourself that every time matters. When you’re tempted to eat something else, and every time you choose to stick to your plan, you strengthen your resistance muscle no matter how tempted you are. You’re simply training yourself to resist next time and the time after that. On the contrary, if you give in and eat something you’re not supposed to, you’re training your craving muscle, which is more likely to keep giving in the next time after that.