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When you love birds and want to keep them as a pet, you will need to build an aviary to have the perfect place for them to live in your home. Whether it will be an indoor or an outdoor aviary will depend on the type of birds you want to keep, and you will need to decide on the kind of birds and how many before starting to build your aviary. Below is a short guide on what you need to do when building an aviary in your garden to give your birds an ideal home, but you will first need to download some birdy aviary plans.

Choose A Location & Build A Foundation

You will want to choose a south-facing location for the aviary that is not too close to trees and will offer the birds protection against the elements. The aviary will not be too heavy, but you will still want a foundation, so you have a level surface for it. You can do this using sand and gravel and then placing paving slabs on top and levelling them off, but if all this seems too much for you, you can look for an aviary for sale online.

Building The Frame

The next step is to start building the frame for the aviary, and you will need to ensure it is sturdy and can handle being outdoor in all weather. Whether you use nails or screws, you will need to ensure they are made with galvanised steel, so they do not rust. You will need to ensure you build the aviary to a decent size and give the birds as much room to move about as possible, giving them a better quality of life. Once the frame is complete, you will want to put the roof on it.

Raising The Roof Of Your Aviary

The next step is putting a roof on the aviary, and you will need to ensure it is sealed, so it does not leak. You can use a layer of plastic underneath the roof to help prevent water from leaking in, and you can also add some wooden shingles to make the aviary look nice. Once the roof is complete and everything looks good, it is time to add mesh to the walls to keep the birds in and predators out.

Adding Mesh To The Frame

You will want to use a wire mesh on your aviary to prevent predators from getting into your aviary and help keep your birds safe. You need to ensure that there are no gaps in the mesh and use plenty of nails to hold it in place. Once the mesh is on your aviary, it is almost ready to be used by your birds.

Getting The Aviary Ready For The Birds

You will want to add a layer of builder’s sand to the floor of the aviary and create lots of places for the birds to roost, and you will need perches at various heights. You will also need somewhere for them to nest, and you can add nesting boxes near the aviary roof. You should now be all set to add the birds to your aviary and get them used to their new home in their brand-new purpose-built home.

The timing for major home improvement or upgrade can never be more suitable, especially now that many individuals spend most of their time at home.

You might not be interested in relocating now, but this doesn’t mean that you need to put off that landscaping job or kitchen redo.

Any updates you make in the house now will increase the value of your home later. So whether you want to sell your house or just need to spruce things a little bit, the following are great ways to update your home:

1.      Consider Adding New Lighting

The right lighting will bring life to your home. Among the easiest methods is to add floor lamps or table lamps. Consider placing them strategically in darker corners to make them look more amazing.

You can also layer your lighting with lamps on the side tables to ensure you make the house looks cozy and welcoming.

2.      Update the Entry Door

Entry doors are a vital part of every home. It normally offers a focal point for every individual looking at the front of the house, and it is among the first things you see when going to the home.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the type of door to buy. For instance, you might want your front door to make the style of the house and improve the curb appeal.

The likes of metal doors don’t just make homes look amazing. They are also durable, energy-efficient, and add another layer of security.

3.      Apply Paint

Paint is one of the best ways to change the appearance of your home. Plus, it serves as a great plan against outdated homes.

While you need to paint your walls to suit your taste and offer it a clean and fresh look, there are other things you can transform using paint.

Similar to kitchen cabinets, applying paint may bring new life to outdated bathroom vanities. Apart from kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, you can also paint:

• Baseboards
• Doors
• Light fixtures
• Fireplace
• Countertops

4.      Upgrade Appliances and Fixtures

Most holder houses have dated brass or gold fixtures and hardware. You can be surprised at the differences such simple and minor details will make.

Plus, there are many options of styles and finishes, which may offer your home a fresh look. The best part is that this is a simple project, which you may handle without enlisting an expert over the weekend.

5.      Add Rugs and Pillows

Home décors are among the things that offer a home a great personality, and that’s why it is advisable to stick to neutral wall colors.

You can bring change and colors with new pillows, and if you could, invest in a few rugs. Get a few for warmer months and others for colder months.

Updating pillows and rugs from time to time can make your home feel more comfortable and refreshed.

Final Say!

There is no better time to refresh your home than now. The New Year is still fresh, so you can make your home neater and more comfortable than ever.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on home improvement. Just choose two or three ways that you are comfortable with and update your home.

Provided by 32 Ways to Amplify Curb Appeal for Selling Your Home

Mirrors can serve as both functional and decorative elements in a house. They can help add value to your room, as long as you add them the right way. Decorating your room using mirrors is easy. However, some things can ruin the entire idea. Do you need a mirror wood frame for your mirror? Do you know how to fix it the right way? It is important to know the things to do and to avoid making your mirror decoration complete. Let us look at the things you should avoid.

1. Don’t Keep the Mirror in the Dining Area on Eye-Level

You should never put a dining area mirror in an angle or position you can look at yourself when eating. This can make it uncomfortable, especially for the guests, if they have to worry about being seen eating from different angles. Consider installing the mirror on a higher level.

2. Don’t Put Twin Mirrors on a Single Sink

A bathroom mirror is mostly meant for functionality. You will look at yourself when brushing your teeth, washing your face, or early in the morning when you wake up. Therefore, the mirror must be placed in the right position. If you have a single sink bathroom, avoid placing twin mirrors. If you have more space, consider a larger mirror instead.

3. Avoid Using Small Mirrors for Large Rooms

Choosing the right size of your mirror is crucial depending on the space you have. So, when picking the style you want, don’t forget to consider the size too. A small mirror will look lost in a big room. Get a mirror based on the size of the room. Nonetheless, large mirrors in small rooms are acceptable.

4. Don’t Place Mirrors in the Kitchen

One big reason why you should never place a mirror in the kitchen is that it will always be covered with grease unless you develop a daily cleaning routine. You might have gotten the idea from your favorite decoration magazine, but if your kitchen is greasy or messy most of the time, a kitchen mirror is not something you should go for.

5. Avoid Putting a Mirror in Front of your Bed

Mirrors in the bedroom can create the illusion of a second person. Furthermore, they can distract you when trying to sleep. Not only will it create reflections but also shift your bedroom’s energy from calming to active. If you have to place a mirror in the bedroom, ensure you put it at the right angle. It can be ideal to place the mirror on the side or opposite the bed.

6. Avoid Reflecting Mirrors on Cluttered Areas

Even if you have too many things, but you organize them, placing a mirror to reflect these things can make everything look cluttered. The idea of using mirror decoration is to showcase your décor and artwork and not the many things you have placed on a corner. So, try not placing a mirror on an angle that will reflect these areas.

The Takeaway!

We hope that this article has helped you understand the things you should not do when decorating using mirrors. When installing a new mirror in your bathroom or living room, remember to observe these things.

Introduction

According to Mark Roemer Oakland, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen for the summer to deal with the hot climate and mess that comes along with the hot weather. Fortunately, preparing your kitchen for the summer is not that difficult if you know how to proceed forward with the task.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips you can follow to prepare your kitchen for summer:

1. Conduct a deep cleaning – One of the easier ways to prepare your kitchen for the summer is to conduct a deep cleaning of the room. Cleaning and decluttering the kitchen space would make the kitchen feel more inviting and also allow you to work in a more organized environment.

For effective deep cleaning of your kitchen, we recommend you clean the floors, wipe the dust off the kitchen cabinets, and clean and organize all the kitchen items and utensils thoroughly. It is also recommended to organize the refrigerator and reduce clutter since you have to use it a lot more during the summer.

2. Add some flowers and plants – Green plants and colorful flowers are some of the most wonderful decorative items you can add to your home in the summer. Natural decorations such as bright daffodils and sunflowers would allow you to make the space feel more vibrant, welcoming, and infuse it with a warmth that makes you enjoy cooking even more. Just ensure you place the flowers and plants in a location that receives plenty of sunlight so that they can continue to thrive.

We recommend you add a herb garden if you have a windowsill that can accommodate small plants. Fresh herbs can offer a country vibe to your modern home and enable you to pluck fresh herbs for cooking during the summer.

3. Add a few seasonal wall arts – It is possible to transform the look and vibe of your kitchen by adding a single piece of seasonal wall art that reflects the continuity of the season. Wall-arts don’t have to be expensive or large; they just have to be beautiful and evoke an emotional response.

Something simple such as a picturesque landscape, sunny day, or a beach is appropriate during the summer since it reflects the summer vibe and fills the space with liveliness.

4. Install kitchen mirrors – During the summer months, you can add kitchen mirrors to harvest as much natural light as possible and also optimize the flow of light that enters your home and the kitchen. You can hang the mirrors opposite to the windows so that that light that enters the kitchen can bounce off the mirror and illuminate other areas of the room. This would allow you to reduce electricity costs and make the kitchen feel more spacious.

Conclusion

Mark Roemer Oakland suggests you consider purchasing new accessories that can come to your aid during the summer. For instance, you can purchase an ice crusher and cocktail maker to enjoy refreshing drinks during the summer. You can even replace the old refrigerator or oven if they are not functioning properly.

Introduction

Sectional sofas have become very popular over the years and for all the right reasons. They are usually made of two or more pieces that form a single unit. If your old couch is broken, you can get it fixed by pros by searching for “furniture repair near me”. On the other hand, if you’re in the market for a new sofa, here’s how you may choose a new one:

The Choices

1. Budget – Your budget is a very important factor that dictates the choices available to you. It’s important to look for stylish and functional sectional sofas within your specified range. It’s important to choose the features you can and can’t do without. For instance, certain sectionals like power recliners are going to cost a lot more than regular sectionals since they use motors, levels, suspenders, and many more complicated components.

The material and size of the sectional will also affect the price. If you want your sectional to be made of exquisite wood, layered dynamic density foam, and plush fabric, the cost is going to be sky-high. It’s important to note the existing seating that your sectional is going to replace and act accordingly. 

2. Size and shape of the room – You also need to pay attention to the size and shape of your room before you can buy your sectional. The sofa needs to fit the room before it can satisfy your aesthetic taste and comfort requirements. That’s why you need to measure the room and make sure that all the sectionals you’re browsing fit that budget.

The sofa doesn’t just need to fit the room but should also leave a decent amount of space in the room. For instance, you’d want at least 1.5 feet of distance from the wall on either side of the sectional. Otherwise, traffic in the room would be very congested and you would find that moving in the room is very annoying. You need to consider the same thing if you have a sectional with a chaise lounge.

You need to place the chaise on the side with the least amount of traffic to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Also, make sure that you don’t block architectural features like windows, fireplaces, and shelving with the sectional. Blocking certain features would impede functionality and, in some cases, may cause safety issues.

3. Consider functionality – In interior design “function over form” is the key to designing any feature or piece of furniture. The same goes for your sectional sofa. You need to think about the functionality of the sectional sofa very carefully. Think about the room in which the sectional sofa is going to be. What is the purpose of the sectional in that room? What is that room most used for?

For instance, if you like to use that room for seating guests, you may want to consider a sectional with extra seating. If you use the room mostly for binging on Netflix shows with the family, you may want to consider a setup with ample sprawl. In this case, a chaise lounge would fit the purpose. In this case, you need to think about how you and your family use the room, not how others may use the room.

4. Consider scale – When you choose a sectional sofa, it’s also important to consider furniture scale. When it comes to design furniture scale usually involves the dimensions of your sofa, length, width, and height. You’ll want your furniture to be proportional to the rest of the furniture in the room so that it doesn’t look out of place.

For instance, if you have a small coffee table you may not want to go with a huge sectional sofa. Otherwise, you may consider switching out the coffee table with one that fits the scale of the new sectional. Scale also includes height and it’s especially important for a sectional sofa. For instance, if you have tall ceilings, a low-profile sectional sofa may not be the right fit.

5. Consider your style – You’ll also need to consider while choosing a sectional sofa is your own interior design style. If you have an ornate silhouette with large furniture pieces and light fixtures, you may want to stick with the traditionally styled sectionals. On the other hand, modern sectionals suit low-profile and minimalist designs. If you’re lucky you may come across sectionals that have a neutral style and fit right in with a vast range of interior decor styles. 

6. Types of sectionals – When you have nailed all the above-mentioned factors, it comes to choosing the right type of sectional. There are various types of sectionals available in the market and you’re spoilt for choice. The most popular among the bunch are L-shaped sectionals that form a right angle with one side being longer than the other.

You can also choose a chaise sectional for your home. Chaise sectionals are a form of L-shaped sectional sofas. However, instead of being bent at a right angle, you get two pieces that come together to form a right angle. Chaise pieces are modular pieces that can be added to other sectional sofas to create a vast range of shapes. These kinds of sectionals are perfect for sprawling and falling asleep during movie nights.

If you have a big room, you may want to consider a U-shaped sectional sofa. As the name suggests, they are U-shaped sofas that extend outside on both sides. That makes them great for accommodating a lot of guests and entertaining them. They are by far some of the most comfortable sectionals. Some of them even have an ottoman in the middle so that everyone can rest their feet on it. 

Conclusion

There’s a lot that goes into choosing a new sectional sofa. From your budget to the size and shape of the room and much more. You can use the above-mentioned factors to choose the perfect sectional sofa for you or get the old one fixed by searching for “furniture repair near me”.

Choosing a sofa appears to be a simple task. You go to the store, select one, and have it delivered. Better still, order it online and have it delivered with the click of a button. But not right now. It’s not easy to find the right sofa for your home.

Sofas are one of the most expensive home design items you’ll buy, so you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. So before you go out and buy the first sofa you see, be sure you’ve done your homework.

The Perfect Size

When buying a sofa, don’t overlook the importance of size. The number of people you need to accommodate, the size of the area, and your physical ability to bring the piece of furniture into the room are all aspects to consider when it comes to size.

Needs for Seating

How many people will use it regularly? What are the numbers one, two, and three? This will directly impact how spacious your sofa needs to be. You could be flexible if it’s just for one or two people, but if it’s for more than that, you might want to consider a spacious 3-seater sofa.

Room Dimensions

What is the size of the room where you will place your sofa? It’s crucial to make sure the couch is sized correctly for the rest of the space. Many people who live in small areas choose small “apartment” size sofas, but this can be a mistake depending on how furnished your room is. A room might get congested if there are too many minor components. Instead, consider a regular-sized sofa to fill the space and make it look full, even in a small room.

Fit Physically

Make sure to measure the entrances, hallways, and staircases to ensure that the sofa will fit. Also, check if the couch will fit inside and around any corners. The most common cause for large furniture returns is that it does not fit, so take meticulous measurements before you buy.

Quality

Quality is essential when purchasing a sofa, and the phrase “you get what you pay for” should always be considered.

Prices for sofas range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. If you’re on a tight budget, stick to the lower end of the spectrum, but keep in mind that the less you pay, the more likely you’ll have to replace it in a few years. So, while it may appear to be cost-effective at the time, you will end up spending more in the long run. That implies you have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a sofa, but you should consider price and quality. Keep in mind that a high-end sofa should last more than 25 years, whereas a low-end sofa will likely last only ten years.

There are two things to look for when determining whether or not a sofa is of decent quality. First, inquire about an eight-way hand-tied structure from the manufacturer. This is a sign of high quality, and most high-end furniture is constructed in this manner. The other option is to rub your hand across the sofa’s back. If it feels hollow, it’s a sign of inferior quality. Remember that cost and quality typically go hand in hand with sofas and other big pieces of furniture. So it’s always a good idea to choose the most excellent quality you can comfortably afford.

It will not last if you do not take care of it, no matter how excellent the quality is. As a result, be sure you don’t do anything to destroy your sofa.

Pattern and Color

While size and quality are essential, the color and pattern of your sofa may have a more significant impact on the room’s overall look. Because sofas take up so much visual space and are so expensive to replace or recover, conventional decorating wisdom says it’s best to play it safe.

Stick to neutrals that are easy to live with and simple and minimal patterns. While bright colors and trendy designs are fun for a while, they can start to look dated after a time, or you may grow tired of them. Sticking with a neutral basis and dressing it up with colorful pillows and throws is the best thing to do. Remember that neutral does not always imply plain. Tweed and herringbone are subtle textures that can add depth to neutral palettes.

Shape and Style

There are many different kinds and shapes of sofas available nowadays. If you’re unsure what you want, consider your home’s overall style, the room you will place in it, and the look you want to achieve. In general, you don’t put a traditional sofa in a modern home, but in some cases, that’s precisely the look someone wants.

Take into consideration the arm style, cushion type, back shape, and base style. Then, examine photos of several styles in rooms comparable to yours to pick which you prefer.

Comfort

When purchasing a sofa, an essential factor to consider is comfort. It doesn’t matter how nice it appears, how well it fits, or how cheap it is if it isn’t pleasant to sit in. Unfortunately, too many people buy this item only to find out they can’t use it the way they planned.

So, before you buy a sofa, take it for a test drive. Sit in it, lie down in it, and try to get comfortable for a few minutes. Also, be truthful with yourself about how you want to utilize it. Don’t buy it if it doesn’t feel right in the store.

Photo by Terry Magallanes from Pexels

Everyone dreams to own a home someday, and while this is a valid investment and aspiration to have, many may not know that managing a home involves a lot of maintenance and this can sometimes be quite cost-intensive. This is where a home warranty comes in. In this article, we expand on the average home warranty cost as well as some very useful tips to help you in the selection of your home warranty.

But firstly, what is a home warranty?

A home warranty in a way works like insurance. It is an annual service contract covering the costs of the inevitable replacements and repairs of home appliances and other components of a home system. Home warranties help you save costs and prevent you from breaking your budget on home appliance repairs and maintenance. It is a smart way to manage your finances. Some examples of appliances and systems covered include refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, plumbing systems, heating and cooling systems among others.

Today, there are so many companies that offer home warranty coverage. A challenge that is today faced by warranty-seeking homeowners is getting the best value for their money given all the options available. It is therefore important to consider factors such as the type of plan, the coverage spread, size of your home, state of your appliances and systems, among other factors. Putting all this into perspective will help in the decision-making process.

So how much do home warranties cost?

These costs do not always come in one lump sum, they usually consist of a home warranty contract premium cost, service fees, and sometimes an enrollment fee as well. It is important to consider all of the cumulative costs in order to make a well-informed decision.

Please note that these costs vary across different companies. See below the industry average cost range of the different fees:

Warranty Plan: This usually costs $25 – $50 for a monthly premium or $300 – $804 for the yearly option depending on the company.

Service Fees: This is a fee that is required by all warranty companies for services rendered by the service technicians when a claim is made. This charge is not refundable and is usually within the range of $75 – $125, depending on the company. For example, if in a year, five claims are made and the cost per claim is $100, this will take the total service charge for that year to $500.

Enrollment Fees: Although not always required, depending on the provider this is a one-time fee that is paid before the commencement of contract service. Some companies also offer a free first month for this fee within the contract.

At the end of the day, it is always advisable for homeowners to conduct their own extensive research by looking through reviews of the different policies under consideration as well as placing the fees side by side to their budget. A general rule of thumb is that the warranty should not cost more than what it will cost to carry out the repairs without a warranty.