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Category: Exterior

  • Genius Ways To Save And Make Money Around The Home And Garden

    Running a home can be expensive. Between all the different things that need paying for, the costs can quickly mount. You need furniture for each room, and you need to pay for bills. There are things like electricity, gas, water and council tax.

    As a result, it makes sense to start thinking about some various ways that you can save money. There are many out there; you just have to find them.

    Luckily, you are now in just the right place! Here we will suggest a number of different methods that can help you save money around the home.

    Save money

    Upgrade your heating, cooling and plumbing equipment

    Your initial reaction to making home improvements in terms of your heating and electricity might not be a good one. You may be concerned that the cost will be too prohibitive. However, it is a good idea to consider things as a bigger picture. Thinking about the long-term may be wiser than thinking of the short-term. There are companies out there that you get contact who can fix or improve home issues of this nature, like Save Home Heat. They deal with heating, cook and plumbing systems. It could be that the one you have at the moment is actually costing you a lot of money in terms of running costs. While investing in a new system may cost you today, it could save you a significant amount in the future.

    Make money

    Rent out a room

    This point will help you make money by putting a share of your rent onto somebody else’s shoulders.  Do you have a spare room in your house that can be turned into a guest bedroom? Or do you have a room that could be renovated, like an attic, garage or basement? If so, turning it into a bedroom allows you to rent it out. Don’t be put off by needing to invest an amount of money in order to fit it as such. You can get a second-hand bed, and if you are worried about the comfort of a cheap mattress, get a mattress topper. Other than that you will just need a place of storage, so a wardrobe or chest of drawers, and some kind of bedside table or shelf. Once you have these things in place, you can start to rent out the room. You can make improvements as you start to earn money from the room. Adding a rug and upgrading any curtain fixtures will both make the place more homely, as will a canvas or mirror on the wall. Sites like AirBnb let you rent out your room. However, be aware that they do take a cut for themselves. It may be more beneficial to get the word out there via cheap newspaper ads, or putting up signs in local stores and shops. Gumtree is also much cheaper than AirBnB, although it doesn’t have the same levels of safety regulations and protection.

    Save money

    Buy certain groceries, food and drinks in bulk

    When we go shopping, we often only buy what we need for that week or month. However, it may be wise for you to start buying certain items in bulk. This is because when you do buy in bulk, you can save a lot of money. So, do you drink a bottle of sparkling water every couple of days? Then buy multiple packs at once. This goes for anything that you consume a lot of and believe you always will. Research good deals online, and never discount the option of ordering online. After all, online is where some of the best deals are.

    Save money

    Make the most of deals when you see them

    This point is related to the one above, about buying certain household items in bulk. If you find fantastic deals in store, then make the most of them. Sure, it will mean that you have to spend more at that particular point. However, you will save this in the long run.

    Make money

    Hire out your driveway for business people

    Do you live near a city or town centre where lots of people visit on a daily basis? Or near a large and busy factory, office or another workplace? Finally, do you have a driveway either in front of or behind your home that belongs to you? Perfect. You could be sat on a huge moneymaker without even realizing it. Start hiring out your driveway. People will pay good money for a safe place to park their car that is close to where they work. As long as you charge slightly less than nearby competitors, you will get interest. Incentivize people to book your driveway for their car for elongated periods of time by offering bulk booking discounts. A six-month booking could bring in hundreds! Word of mouth will also help, so keep your driveway clean and avoid complications or difficulties wherever possible.

    Save money

    Create your own storage solutions

    Storage boxes and crates can be surprisingly expensive. Instead of splashing out, find items around the home that you can use instead. If you have an old chest of drawers that you are planning to throw away, keep hold of the drawers. Fix them to the wall and use them as floating shelves. Add a few hooks to the edges and use them to hang off.

    Also, get crafty in other ways to help store things. Instead of using coat hangers, use cheap shower hooks instead. These will hang more neatly, and there will be room for more stuff. Instead of using expensive shoe racks, store your shoes in cheap, cardboard organisers. Not to forget simple command hooks, which can be attached to a variety of different places in the home.

    Make money

    Hire out your garden for campers

    If you are using your driveway to make money, why not use your garden too? If you live in a place where there is lots of beautiful nature or scenery nearby, why not let people camp in your garden. You might live near a beach, or a forest, or a lake, for instance. People interested in outdoorsy activities will likely to be happy campers also! They bring their own tent and equipment. All you have to provide is the space, and access to a toilet! You could create extras that people can pay extra for, like a hamper of goodies when they arrive or off-street parking.

    Make money

    Hire out your shed or garage for storage

    Finally, there is a fourth part of your home that you can hire out to people to make money. We’ve covered a spare bedroom, your driveway and your garden. How about hiring out your shed or garage for people to store items in? Storage solutions can be expensive, and there will always be other people out there like you looking for ways to save money. Be sure you vet the items being stored, however. You don’t want to be keeping any illegal items on your premises!

    Save money

    Plant a veggie patch

    Another way that you can utilize your garden to make you money is by planting a vegetable patch. While you’re at it, how about planting a few fruit trees as well? Instead of spending money on groceries and items in store, grow you own. Many people find growing their own fruit and veg very fulfilling. It is also a great way to know exactly what you are eating. When you buy ‘fresh’ items from the store, they often contain certain chemicals and preservatives to keep them fresh. You can also use your patch to grow herbs, like fresh mint and thyme!

    Save money

    Learn how to DIY

    There are some tasks in the home that you would be wise to get professional help for. If you have issues with plumbing, for example, trying to fix it yourself could make the issue worse. It should cause water damage. In fact, it could even be dangerous, and cause you or your family home. The same goes with electricity-related issues. If you have loose wires or plug sockets in the home, trying to fix them could be very dangerous.

    However, there are many other things you can do yourself in the home. Doing so could save you time and a lot of money. So, if you’ve got a rip in a sofa cushion, don’t throw it out. Sew it up again.

    Save money

    Be wiser with your lighting

    Because lighting in your home is small and inconspicuous, it can be pretty hard to forget about. However, your lighting solutions may be sucking up more money than you realize. Counteract this by switching to energy efficient lightbulbs. These are getting cheaper to buy, and in turn cost less money to run. As for battery or plug-powered decorative lights, switch to solar powered ones. The chances are that you only use them when it is dark anyway, so you won’t even notice the difference. Just be sure you leave the solar panel in a place where it can pick up enough light. Use solar lights in your garden also.

  • How To Create Your Dream Garden In 12 Easy Steps

    Is your garden in need of some serious TLC? Are you a novice looking to become a green-fingered expert? Do you dream of designing a heavenly outdoor haven to escape to after busy days at work? If so, look no further. No matter your level of gardening expertise, it is possible to make your dreams come true. Here’s how to design and create the garden of your dreams in twelve easy steps.

    #1. Clear the space

    Is your garden overgrown? Has it become a dumping ground over the spring? If so, the first step to take towards your dream garden is a good clear out. To do this, all you’ll need is some gardening gloves, some trash bags, and some elbow grease. Use secateurs to cut down long grass and put weed killer down. Use a hoe to collect dead leaves, and pick up branches and twigs. The aim of this stage to ascertain just what kind of blank canvas you have to work with. If your garden is in a real state, ask friends and family to come over and help you out. Many hands make light work.

    #2. Look for ideas and inspiration

    Even the most creative and imaginative people can struggle to envision what their garden could look like when it’s just an empty area. Thankfully, there are loads of places you can look for inspiration. The Internet is a fantastic resource. Search online for gardening blogs and design ideas. You’ll find many design companies have their own websites, which may provide you with ideas. You can also browse sites like Instagram and Pinterest. It’s also beneficial to flick through some home and garden magazines and have a look around some garden centres. Sometimes, visiting Oriental parks, luxury hotels, and country gardens can also get you thinking. You may find that you like aspects of different designs and you enjoy a variety of styles. Write down your ideas, and take cuttings from magazines and websites. You can use the information you gather to create a mood board.

    #3. Plan your new garden

    Once you have some ideas about styles, themes, and layouts, you can start planning your garden. What does your dream garden look like? What kinds of styles do you prefer? Are you going for a simple design? Or are aiming to create a collection of different areas or add eye-catching features? Many people think about lawns and flower beds when they hear the word garden. But gardens come in all different shapes and sizes. If you don’t want a traditional lawned garden, there’s no rule saying you have to have one. Choose styles and themes that you like. It’s your garden after all. If you want a modern backyard with gravel, pebbles and bark chippings, that’s fine. If you want an overgrown country garden with a mini wildflower meadow, turn your vision into a reality.

    To plan your garden, it’s wise to take measurements and to seek advice from experts if you have grand designs in mind. Discuss your ideas with a landscape gardener and work on plans together.

    #4. Carry out any construction work

    Do your garden designs include construction work? If so, it’s best to do this first before you start planting seeds or making your lawn pristine. Are you hoping to create a decking area? Are you erecting fencing or adding a water feature? Are you eager to produce a multi-level space with distinguished areas? Do you dream of glass walls or waterfalls? Once your plans are in place, you can contact local building or gardening firms to get quotes and set out timeframes. Make sure you have a full breakdown of costs before you sign any contracts.

    #5. Lay and mow the lawn

    If you have an empty backyard, and you’d like a lawn, order your turf and lay it. You’ll find local firms online. Ring around for some quotes and make sure you have measurements to hand. You’ll find that many companies will offer to lay the turf, as well as supplying it.

    If you already have a lawn, now is the time to mow it. Mowing the lawn may seem like a simple task, but there’s a knack to it. Wait for a dry, warm day and stick to a pattern. If you mow randomly, there’s a risk of going over the same patch of turf again and again or missing an entire area. If you don’t already have a modern lawnmower, it’s wise to invest in one. If you have a large lawn, or you don’t have time to keep on top of mowing duties, consider hiring a gardening maintenance firm. Enlisting professional help ensures excellent results, and it’ll also save you time.

    #6. Prepare planters and beds

    Before you can start planting and scattering seeds, you’ll need to make sure your beds are ready. Remove any weeds and dead leaves or flowers and add compost to the soil. Water the soil.

    #7. Choose your plants and sow your seeds

    If you’re going for a traditional garden with a neat lawn and colorful planters and flower beds, now is the time to get planting. You can sow your own seeds, or buy ready-filled planters. If you prefer something a little different, replace traditional tubs and pots with barrels, trunks or vases. If you are planting, follow the instructions carefully. You’ll also find loads of helpful tips online. Once your flower beds are ready, don’t forget to water your plants regularly.

    #8. Think about furniture

    Most of us like to have furniture out in the garden so that we can relax in the sun and have friends and family around. Think about the type of furniture you want and how it will fit into your garden. If you’ve designed a modern space, you may be thinking about a rattan sofa set or a trendy hanging teardrop chair. If you’ve gone for a vintage look, you may be toying with the idea of a rustic wrought iron table and chairs set. Have a look around and see what styles you like best.

    #9. Make your garden bespoke

    Designing a new garden gives you the opportunity to put your stamp on it and create a bespoke space. Let your garden show off your personality and style. Use your experiences to shape your designs, or add personal touches. If you’ve traveled extensively, showcase your souvenirs or use them as inspiration. Jewel colors, hanging lamps, and opulent floor cushions could catapult you back to holidays in Morocco. Pristine white decking, whitewashed wooden furniture, and nautical themed prints may remind you of trips to the sea. Add a personalized plaque to the shed, or a custom-designed bar sign.

    #10. Invest in outdoor lighting

    Outdoor lighting is an effective way to bring your garden to life and add ambiance. There are all kinds of options out there. Create a romantic, relaxing space with twinkling fairy lights. Use lanterns or uplighters to illuminate entertaining areas. Hang strings of mini bulbs on decking to create a party atmosphere. Line paths with tiny LED lights to showcase your garden in all its glory. Add portal style lamps to fencing to channel a nautical theme.

    #11. Weatherproof your garden

    The last thing you want when you’ve spent time, money and effort building a beautiful garden is the weather to rain on your parade. Take some time to weatherproof your garden by coating wooden furniture, decking and fencing with varnish. It’s also a good idea to buy some furniture covers if you don’t have room to store your furniture in the garage.

    Once you’ve varnished wooden features in the garden, make sure you keep on top of maintenance. Follow the usage instructions on the tin. In most cases, you’ll need to apply a coat once or twice a year.

    #12. Go shopping and add the finishing touches

    This is the fun part! Your garden is probably looking incredible by now, but it may be lacking those all-important finishing touches. Take a trip to homeware and garden stores. Browse online and visit yard sales, street stalls and markets. You can often find unique features and accessories in quirky independent shops and outdoor markets. If you have an idea of what you want, search online. You can compare prices, and many companies offer next day delivery for a fee. It’s also a good idea to have a look for bargains on online auction sites.

    Have you recently moved house? Or have you let gardening slide over the winter? If you’re determined to create a dream garden this summer, this simple guide will help to make your dreams a reality. Do some research and make some plans. Inject your taste, style, and personality. Look around for inspiration, but use your own ideas as well. Don’t be afraid to stray from the traditional garden template. This is your canvas, and you can do what you like. Stick to a timeline and get the major jobs sorted first. Once you have a basic framework in place, you can focus on decoration and finishing touches.

  • Quick and Easy Ways to Improve the Look of Your Garden This Summer

    In summer, we often spend a lot of time in the garden. There might be barbeques, garden parties and just relaxing in the sun. You might be looking around your garden at the moment and wishing it looked a little different. Gardens can easily get a little-worn looking, and they do need to be taken care of; just like the rest of the house. Gardens often get neglected, but they should be treated like any other room in the home. With that in mind, here are some great ways that you can update your garden easily. A few changes can make the world of difference!

    First of all, you might want to change the layout of the garden. You might have an uneven garden and want to make it level. You might have a pond that is no longer used, or you might want to create a focus, using a water feature. If there are some big changes that you want to make, they can still be easily changed. It might just be worth consulting with a landscaper first. You don’t want to start knocking down walls or steps in the garden to make it level if there are other ways to do it.

    If you are looking to make changes, it is a good idea to be ruthless about what is in your garden. Are your borders quite large and overgrown? Are they full of plants? I’m not suggesting getting rid of all the plants in the borders, but you can afford to be more selective. A garden will look much cleaner and crisp if there are only a select amount of flowers in it. Summer is one of the best times to check on this too as most of them will be in bloom. If it looks a little overgrown, then get pulling! You can plant more later if needed but starting afresh will give your garden a new lease of life. Along the same lines, pruning trees and bushes is a quick and easy way to improve the state of things. You don’t want to just pull up a tree necessarily, so pruning is the way to go. You can shape them and ‘train’ them in the way that you want them to look.

    Do you have lots of plants or shrubs in planters and containers? If you do, it might be a good idea to get rid of a few. They can overtake the garden if there are too many. On the flip side, if you don’t have any, getting a few can make such a difference. It adds a new dimension to the garden as well as a bit of color. Just don’t go crazy with the number of planters or pots.

    Can you get bird feeders or a small water feature to add something new to your garden? They are such an easy way to add something new to your garden. Have you got any plans to update or improve your garden this summer? I’d love to hear what you have planned.

  • 9 Brilliant Ideas For Using Reclaimed Materials In Your Garden

    When you’re at home, it’s likely that you’ll spend a large part of your time in the garden. During the summer months, you’ll no doubt be relaxing and perhaps reading a good book. You may even invite friends and family over for a BBQ.

    And when it’s colder, you can look out at your garden from indoors and watch as your plants begin to flower and bloom. There’s no denying that many homeowners are proud of their gardens. Of course, there are a few of us that look at our gardens in despair!

    Why? Because we haven’t thought of any inspirational ways to improve them! If your garden is looking a bit unloved, today’s blog post has come to your aid! The following are nine ways to use reclaimed materials to brighten up your outdoor space.

    1. Old watering cans

    It’s likely that you’ll have some old watering cans lying around your garden. We often lose track of things in our garden, only to discover them hidden away in some far-flung corner! Old watering cans serve as decorative ways to grow small plants and flowers.

    To some people, they are the epitome of shabby chic. And, to others, they are just a unique way to grow things!

    2. Railway sleepers

    Did you know that it’s possible to buy used railway sleepers? When I say “used” I mean previously used by a railroad company! You can repurpose them in a variety of ways in your garden. For example, they can make attractive feature flower beds.

    You could also use them to build some borders around your garden. Or you might wish to adapt them into a unique bench.

    3. Pallets

    In case you didn’t know, pallets are strong bases for companies to store and ship dozens of products. When they are no longer needed, they end up getting destroyed.

    You could save some pallets and use them in your garden! They offer a variety of interesting uses. For instance, some people have converted them into vertical growing areas for walls. Others use them as chairs!

    4. Tires

    Have you spotted some discarded tires lying around somewhere? If so, don’t just leave them there: take them home with you! I’m not suggesting you use the tires on your car.

    Instead, give them a coat of paint and repurpose them as unique flower beds! The great thing about tires is they are durable enough to hold soil. But, they are light enough to move to different locations in your garden.

    5. Food tins

    It’s likely that you will recycle your food tins once you’re done with them. You should consider setting some of them aside and using them in your garden.

    With the addition of some cheap chains or rope, you can convert them into hanging baskets! Or, should I say, hanging tins! They are ideal for growing small plants and herbs.

    6. Bicycle wheels

    The sad truth is that a lot of old, unused bicycles end up rusting or going to landfill. Did you know that you can make many creative items out of ordinary bicycle wheels?

    For instance, you can use some to build a dome! They are perfect for climbing plants. Once those plants grow, they’ll cover the dome and hide the wheels themselves. They can make for an interesting talking point whenever you have guests visit your home!

    7. Rubber boots

    We all know how useful rubber boots are. They allow us to work in damp or muddy areas outdoors without getting our feet wet! But, as with most things in life, they have a limited lifespan.

    You might think about throwing your old boots out in the trash or recycling them. One thing you could do is keep them at home and grow some plants in them!

    8. Ladders

    We all seem to have a few old ladders lying around the house. The truth is, we only need one set of ladders! Consider using some of the unused ones as attractive garden features.

    You could put some small plant pots on them, for example. The creative person in you might even use old paint pots to grow plants in, and put those pots on the ladder. How cool is that?

    9. 2-liter plastic bottles

    Plastic bottles are another type of household item that we usually recycle. Keep some of them aside and convert them into nifty planters! All you have to do is cut a hole on the side of them and fill the bottle up with soil and plant seeds.

    You could attach some chains or rope to them and hang them up from a wall!

  • Outdoor Living: 4 Ways To Move Outdoors This Summer

    When summer arrives, we naturally spend more time out of doors. We eat at pavement cafes and bars. We go to the beach and for long walks. And we spend more time in the garden. Make the most of the warm weather this year, with our outdoor living tips.

    1. Get Your Garden ‘Summer Ready’

    Before you spend more time outside, get your garden into shape. No-one wants to sit surrounded by a jungle. Cut back overgrown bushes and plants and get rid of weeds. Keep on top of them by putting down some bark chips. Cut the grass and redefine edges.

    If you’re looking for something a little more ambitious, a landscaping company like Dream Retreats can help. Consider decking or paving to create an outdoor kitchen. Or, just as somewhere to eat and drink. A dedicated area will make all the difference and will be much easier to maintain throughout the year.

    2. Work Outside

    If you’re lucky enough to work from home, move your office into the garden. It makes sense. We work for most of the week, and it seems a shame to waste the sunshine by working indoors. And after all, we live in a largely wireless world.

    Tips:

    1. Find a quiet shady spot that is out of direct sunlight. 2. Use a comfortable chair and table. Don’t just perch your laptop on your knee. 3. Ensure you’re not overlooked or be prepared for interruptions. 4. Move indoors for private or confidential calls. 5. Take out plenty of bug repellant. 6. If your internet signal is weak or intermittent, invest in a booster. They are relatively inexpensive.7. Avoid distractions.

    Many people are now investing in permanent garden offices. This offers lots of advantages. It clears space within your home. It also provides a clear cutoff between work and home life. In the summer, you can enjoy being in the garden with a little shelter. Heated options are available for the colder months.

    3. Eat Outdoors

    Whether you have a full-on outdoor kitchen or a simple patio set, eat outdoors as much as possible. This doesn’t just apply to BBQs and garden parties. It applies to weekdays too. Sitting outside with your breakfast in the early morning is a calm and tranquil way to start the day. Most people will be sleeping or indoors. Enjoy the early morning birdsong and gentle breeze.

    And after a hard day working, make a simple supper and take it outside. Light some candles and hang a few fairy lights. Let everyone serve themselves and enjoy talking and laughing as the sun goes down.

    4. Mindfulness

    The garden creates a wonderful opportunity to be mindful. When creating your garden, make sure you think about stimulating all of the five senses. Plant flowers that are fragrant as well as beautiful. Plant trees and grasses for the sound the wind makes as blows through their leaves.

    Move your daily yoga or meditation practice into the garden. Immersing yourself in nature will enhance the experience.

    Don’t limit this year’s garden time to BBQs and social events. Make the most of the sunshine and embrace the outdoors this summer.

  • The Best Advice You Could Ever Get About Gardening Equipment

    Having the right equipment is essential if you want to care for your garden. For amateurs, choosing your gardening equipment can be a tricky task. You don’t know what to buy, and may spend money on things that aren’t necessary. Well, today, I’m going to give you some trustworthy advice. I’ll inform you of all the gardening equipment you need to have!

    Hand Rakes

    Hand rakes are great for dealing with any garden debris you have lying around. Most people use them to tidy up piles of leaves that have fallen to the floor. But, they can also be used to tidy up plant areas without damaging the soil. Either way, they’re a fantastic tool to get your garden in tip-top shape. Clearing any unwanted leaves/debris is a great way to keep your garden beautiful.

    Lawn Mowers

    Taking care of your lawn is an essential part of garden maintenance. You need to ensure it looks great and maintains a lovely green color. To do this, you have to cut it regularly, so it stays healthy. And, they quickest and easiest way to do this is with a lawn mower. There are so many types of mower out there for you to use. It all depends on the size of your lawn. For people with large lawns, you need a petrol mower to make your task easier. Something similar to Beacon Equipment’s John Deere lawn mowers would be a good shout. If you only have a small patch of grass, then a small non-powered mower is all you need.

    Shears

    If you need to do some general garden maintenance, then shears are a much-needed tool. You can use them to trim bushes, hedges; you name it. They’re fantastic for tidying up the place and ensuring things don’t grow out of control. Some gardeners will even use them to trim small patches of grass around trees if their lawn mower can’t reach.

    Trimmers/Brush Cutters

    Strimmers, also known as brush cutters, are another great gardening tool. They can be used to trim grass after it’s been mown down short. But, most people will use it for trimming down weeds on patio or pavement. Getting rid of weeds is vital if you want a good looking garden. With a trimmer, you can cut down any weeds right to the roots. Then, you can spray on some weed killer, and it will be even more effective. In fact, for maximum effectiveness, I recommend spraying weed killer down beforehand too. This will start to kill the weeds, meaning they’re weaker. Then, it’s far easier for you to trim them down with your strimmer.

    Make sure you have all four of these things if you want to maintain your garden. Of course, ensure you know how to store and use all the equipment too. Keep them in a dry place and make sure you read any user instructions. My top tip is to keep them in your garage or build a little garden shed. This helps keep you organized and you won’t worry about losing your valuable equipment.

  • 4 Things That You Can Do To Get Your Garden Ready For Summer

    I think it is safe to say that we are well into the swing of summer. The evenings are lighter, and the temperature is warmer. If you have a garden outside, then you will have noticed that the grass is growing faster and so are the weeds. So now is the time to get your garden ready for summer, if you haven’t already. It won’t take long, but will make it a much more enjoyable time when you are out there.

    Get Weeding

    Plants just grow and grow in summer. Sadly, so do the weeds. So one of the first things to do is to get started on your flower beds. The weeds will just be starting to grow so it is best to nip them in the bud (see what I did there), as soon as possible. Make sure that you lift them right from the roots, so they don’t continue to grow. Then it will make it easy to care for your lawn and flowerbeds over summer. You might get a few weeds grow back, but not too many. So stay on top of it and it will be simple to take care of.

    Get Decorating

    If you have a patio or a decking area, it is a good idea to get the area looking pretty. So tidying up the space is a great idea. Wooden decking might need to be washed with a pressure washer to lift up and old or stains. The same will apply for tiled patios too. Then you might want to decorate the space. Some cute planters or lanterns are good options. You could even get something like fairy lights that you could string up around the area. You can get solar powered ones so they can charge up during the daylight. Then when you are dining al fresco, they will light up and look sparkly and pretty.

    Get Some New Furniture

    Some new garden furniture is a must for summer, right? You might want to get a couple of loungers for sunbathing or relaxing. You might prefer to just get a new table and chairs set. Rattan options look good, and they are durable over summer. You could even choose metal ones too. Just make sure that you get some cushion covers to make things more comfortable. If you wanted to add something extra special, you could consider getting a hot tub. They are perfect to use in summer but can be used all year long if needed. You could get a hot tub in a wood setting if that would help it to blend in with the rest of your garden and furniture. It looks much more subtle. Not convinced? Have a look for a wooden hot tubs article online so you can read about the pros and cons.

    Get Trimming

    Summer is the perfect time to get trimming your trees. If you shape and trim the trees in your garden, it will allow them to grow in the best shape that you want them to. They will grow quickly over summer so it makes sense to do it now.

  • Creating An Incredible Summer House

    Do you want to plan, build and enjoy an incredible summer house for your garden or outside space? Then you’re in the right place! Read on for a guide to creating an incredible summer house.

    Check if your need planning permission

    It might seem silly applying for planning permission for a summer house, but in some cases, you need to. Check if you do before you make any plans, invest in any materials and especially before you start building. If the local authorities become aware, or if the neighbours report it, you may be instructed to take it down. That’s a lot of money, time and hard work wasted, not to mention a big disappointment for your and your family. Don’t risk it. Be sure to check the rules in your local area first. It might just be that your plans are a little too big, and if you reduce the size you can go ahead!

    Find the best location

    If you’re building a summer house, you’ll probably want it to be able to enjoy the best of summer. We’re talking about the sunshine of course. Spend some time figuring out where the sun falls in your garden, and build accordingly.

    Buy your tools

    There are a number of different ways you can build a summer house (we’ll get to that next!) But before you start building, you need to get your tools. So if you’re making a wooden structure with a concrete base, you’ll need wood and concrete! You’ll also need all your basic power tools, like a drill. Don’t forget the extras too. Things like extra strong glue, like the Dorus HKP21 by technomelt will be needed, as will items like ladders.

    Build it

    While building your own summer house might seem like an impossible feat, remember that confusing instruction manuals are no longer the only way! Thanks to YouTube, there are now a wealth of free videos online where you can see with your own eyes how it is done. Take this two-part construction of a summer house. This video is part one and you can also find part two on their channel. It is speeded up, so it doesn’t take long to watch. That being said, construction didn’t take them that long either. In fact, they built the whole thing in just two weeks! Being able to see the different steps and methods makes doing it yourself so much easier.

    Add your extras 
     
    A summerhouse will be fine as a standalone structure, but what about some added extras? Or bonuses, you might say. If you fit it with electricity, you can install lights, and have heating in there too. This means that you summer house becomes an all-season house. Another option, and a rather luxurious one, is underfloor heating! This is a good idea if you’re going to have kids using the summerhouse and want to keep them away from oil-based heaters or radiators. On the opposite end of that spectrum, will you need to keep the space cool in the future? If so, fitting an air conditioning system could be a very wise move!

    Paint it 

    Now you have your structure; you can get painting. You can leave the structure plain, and it may look lovely if it is made of wood. But it might be a good idea to put at least a clear, protective layer on top to keep it in good shape. If you do want to paint, great! Think about the color. White and cream will look great for the first few days, but will show dirt quickly and easily. A lovely shade of green is a good bet, especially as it helps it blend into the rest of your garden.

    Plan your interior design

    Hold your horses! Before you go crazy with the designing and painting of your interiors, take sometime to plan. While you might be super keen to get started, considering your options carefully is wise. What will you be using your space for? If it will be for kids, keep this in mind when it comes to furniture. Sharp edges are a no-no, of course! If it is for relaxing- a reading room, for example, plan for this too.

    Do your interior design

    Now you know what the purpose of the space is, finally, the fun bit arrives! Get interior design for your summer house from glossy magazines; you can then rip out your favorite bits and make a mood board. Or look online for inspiration. Just be sure to make the summer house that you want!

  • Top Tips To Do More With Your Garage

    Why is it so many of us dump all our junk in the garage? Decluttering takes so much time and energy it can leave you wondering why you didn’t just chuck all that stuff out years ago! The garage is one of the most neglected parts of our homes. Even integral garages seem to pile up with old boxes and broken appliances. We can be so reluctant to throw things out. But wasting this valuable space could be costing you money. A clean, functional garage can add value to the home. And converting it into attractive living space can be even more appealing!
     
    Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, you probably need to give the whole interior of your garage a good clean. Sweep the cobwebs from the walls and the rafters. You may need to power wash the floor to bring it back up to a shine. It is possible to repaint the floor with a hard wearing adhesive coating. This provides the perfect surface for storing a vehicle, gym equipment, tiling, or carpet underlay. The choice is yours.
     
    To restore your garage into a place to park your vehicle, you need a couple of things. Start by considering how to store the other items you need in your garage. This may include ladders, tools, oils or even your lawn mower. Wall hooks and shelving can be quite handy in here. Why not paint the walls white to maximise the light? Add some PIR lighting that will come on when you open the door. 
     
    Of course, if you’re ready to convert your garage into a new room, you may need to think about insulation, power, and ventilation. If you create a gym or simple games room, little is required. But if this is to become a bedroom, there will be local building regulations to consider. Windows are an important consideration. You may also need to provide extra insulation and a ceiling. Bricking up the vehicle access will also be a job for the professionals.
     
    The garage can become a handy hobby room. As a music practice room, it certainly keeps the noise away from the main part of the house. If your garage doesn’t currently have any power, it may be worth considering. A qualified and certified electrician will be needed. In many cases, the mains is run from a cable at the main house. If this isn’t convenient, you may need to consider more expensive options.
     
    Integral garages often make excellent dining rooms. Some people create a downstairs bedroom with ensuite bathroom. The length of a garage is particularly useful for this kind of thing. However, be wary of the amount of work required for this. A proper ceiling may need to be installed. And there is a chance that any external walls are not up to the same standard for insulation as the rest of the main house. You may also need to consider the appearance of the facade when you brick up the original garage door. How will you use your garage in the future?

  • Natural Turf or Synthetic grass – Which is Right for You?

    Now that you’re looking for a green cover to brighten up your day, you might be dealing with a tough job of choosing between synthetic turf and real grass. Is the real thing good? Or the synthetic makes a better option. To help you come up with a well-informed decision, here’s a definitive guide in choosing between natural turf and synthetic grass.

    Aesthetics

    Aesthetics definitely depends on your own personal preference. While some people are amazed with the aesthetic beauty of natural turf, there are also some drawbacks that come with it. Say for instance, it would be a tough job to maintain natural lawn during droughts as water can cost you dearly. However, it does not mean that it is not an ideal choice for you. You can still take your green lawn into a newer height throughout the year.

    On the other hand, synthetic grass has been very popular in terms of landscape use. Performance is usually the most importance factor in choosing the best artificial turf in Sydney. The good thing is that there is a wide range of selection of amazing synthetic grasses that look really cool and realistic.

    Feel

    Although natural turf and synthetic grass have differences when it comes to feel, you can find either one that is soft and comfortable enough to sit and play with. The only major difference is that natural turf will still stay cool under the sun while synthetic grass tends to warm up. But one advantage of synthetic grass is that it is not susceptible to insects.

    Longevity and Maintenance

    You’re looking for a lawn that can last forever? With the right maintenance, natural turf can be the best answered prayer for you. It needs less maintenance than synthetic grass. All it takes is fertilising, weed control, mowing and watering. On the other hand, you can enjoy synthetic grass for fifteen years before replacement. One great thing about synthetic turf is that you don’t have to deal with the daunting task of removing worn spots, dark areas, and insect damage.

    Cost

    When choosing between natural turf and synthetic grass, you should never overlook your budget. While natural grass can cost around $25 for every square meter, synthetic turf can will cost around $75 up to $100 for every square meter. When it comes to cost of maintenance, artificial grass can be a better option.

    Environmental impact

    While natural turfs need watering, synthetic grasses don’t. Also, real grasses need fertilizing and chemical application. Although synthetic turf does not these stuffs, they are generally made from plastics that contains petrochemicals.

    Which is better?

    When choosing between natural grass and fake turf Sydney, identifying your exact needs can make a difference. When you’re clear with your particular requirements, be guided to consider these factors and you’ll end up to the right one. Say for instance, if you are planning to keep a green lawn, cost should be the key factor that you need to consider.

    Rounding off, choose what you think is better for you. Natural turf and synthetic grass has both advantages and drawbacks so it is just a matter of choosing that conforms to your needs. Consider the look and feel, maintenance, costs and environmental factors so you’ll surely pick one that fits your unique requirements. Visit a display center to make things work out for you.