Timeliness

One characteristic a contractor should have is that they are always on time. When they come to your home for an estimate, they should at least arrive on time or a few minutes early. When you call and leave a message; they should not take too long to return your call. This will show how dedicated they are to the job and whether they respect their client’s time.

Pricing

When picking a contractor, have several contractors give you an estimate. Choose a contractor that quotes you a fair market value. Contractors that charge low prices that are too good to be true, should be avoided, since they may not be honest or dependable. Paying high above market value does not insure you from faulty contractors. Also, find a contractor that will help you make updates without blowing the budget. This will show you how dedicated they are and whether they are just after the money.

Payment

Another thing to watch out for, are contractors that require you to pay the entire amount up front before the job begins or even on the first day. This is a red flag. Instead, the contractor should set up a payment plan so that you paid in increments as the job gets done. This prevents you from losing a hefty sum of money, in case the contractor walks away from the job.

Licenses and Certifications

Ensure that the contractor you choose has the required licenses and certifications that your area specifies. Check out your local government website and see what licenses are required and make sure the contractor meets the requirements.

Rating and Reputation

Check out several different websites on ratings for the contractor you would like to go with. See what various people have to say. Always choose contractors that have a good reputation. If possible, meet with the contractor’s former clients to see what they have to say and whether they would recommend the contractor. Also meeting with past clients would allow to you to see what kind of workmanship e contractor has.

Everything in Writing

Once you choose the right contractor, make sure the contract is in writing. This prevents any type of confusion and serves as protection in case you need to go to court. Contractors that are willing to putting everything in writing and sign the documents are more likely to stick to the contract versus leaving the job.

Insurance

This is important for any type of business. Contractors should have the proper insurance as stated in the local and state requirements. Some forms of insurance include workers compensation and liability insurance. Having the proper insurance will keep both you and the contractor from suffering from unnecessary financial burdens.

Before Hiring a Contractor

Finding the right contractor may be a bit of a complicated process, however evaluating whether they meet the above criteria is important for choosing the right contractor and reducing the chance of using a faulty one. Don’t be afraid to ask for their license number, certifications, and proofs of insurance. Remember, if you have any type of concerns or questions, always discuss them right away with your contractor; do not wait till the last minute.

The post How to Choose the Right Contractor appeared first on Element 360 Design Studio.

What Is The Cost Of An Outdoor Kitchen?

An outdoor kitchen’s cost is dependent on the appliances that'll go into the kitchen, their size, and the kind of materials used. How extravagant and unique you want the kitchen to be will also affect the cost. Is the thought of adding an outdoor kitchen financially intimidating? You're not alone.

Building an outdoor kitchen can be costly, and you may be left wondering if the return on your investment is worth it. Well, it doesn't matter what your outdoor kitchen's cost is; the investment is worth it. Here's why we're convinced:

1. You Increase The Value Of Your Home

According to a Casual Living Magazine survey, 49% of all homeowners have an outdoor living space and cooking area in their homes. 25% of those that said they didn't have an outdoor kitchen were expecting to add one in a year. Having a backyard kitchen is becoming more popular and won't go out of style soon.

Investing in an outdoor kitchen will upgrade your home and ensure it's on par with contemporary kitchen remodels. It'll ensure you are visible in a volatile real estate market and enhance your home’s value in the future. Results of a survey done by the National Association of Realtors disclosed that more than half of potential home buyers were prepared to pay a premium for houses with an outdoor living space.

Outdoor kitchens return 100%-200% of their improvement cost according to Remodeling Magazine, CNN Money, and About.com. This ROI formula works by offering you a design and kitchen- build that is at par with your location and your home's value. This is also reliant on the climate in which your home is located.

For instance, colder areas will see a lower ROI than warmer climates. However, outdoor kitchens in colder regions are becoming more popular. Another factor that'll affect ROI is the quality of the materials used to build the backyard kitchen.

2. It Increases The Outdoor Size Of Your Home

Installing an outdoor kitchen automatically increases the size of your outdoor entertaining space and your kitchen. If you've ever thought about the possibility of having a larger kitchen that'll allow you to entertain, spend time with your family, and cook, an outdoor kitchen is your prayer answered. It's more cost-effective to build an outdoor kitchen than to expand or remodel your existing indoor kitchen.

Outdoor kitchens are becoming popular because they increase your home’s size and your kitchen's size. You build a new room when you invest in an outdoor built-in grill. You get a fully functional room outdoors where you can relax, play, or eat. You become more efficient when you have everything you require outside rather than struggle to run in and out to your indoor kitchen. Many home owners opt for some sort of pass through to unite the indoor and outdoor spaces. A larger window with plantation shutters, for example, can make the pass through not only functional, but stylish too.

If entertainment is one of the things you like to do, you can be sure that an outdoor kitchen will impress your guests. In a way, an outdoor kitchen can also be seen as a social currency. Dining out isn't as appealing as hosting events and dinner at home. And, you may reap significant financial benefits from hosting your dinners rather than dining out.

3. Improve Health And Wellness

One of the most significant reasons to invest in an outdoor living space and kitchen is that you invest in yourself and your family's wellness. It'll offer you the opportunity to spend a lot of time outside while reaping the health benefits from it. Spending time outdoors while making delicious meals in your kitchen has significant advantages.

You benefit from improved concentration, reduction of stress, creativity, better memory, and much more. While investing in an outdoor kitchen can set you back a few thousand dollars, your investment will pay off significantly in the future.

Ensure your kitchen is built in the right way and with suitable quality materials. Amenities such as granite countertops, stainless steel cabinets, or a built-in grill will further upgrade your backyard living space.

Conclusion

Even though outdoor living areas are built to offer you comfort, fun, and endless entertainment, they will provide you with excellent returns on your home's value.

The post Is an Outdoor Kitchen a Good Investment? appeared first on Element 360 Design Studio.

To get started, let’s begin with its composition. Is epoxy oil or water based? Commonly, epoxy floor coatings are two-part solids based, solvent-based or water-based. These coatings feature a Resin component and a Hardener component, similar to epoxy glue. So, when it comes to epoxy floor paints, is epoxy oil or water based? While ordinary garage floor paints are one-part oil or water-based, first-class epoxy floor paints are neither one part oil-based nor water-based. Furthermore, all epoxies are different, which plays an important role in its use.

Epoxy Flooring Important Facts

Despite all of them are paints, epoxy flooring is definitely different from the rest of the conventional garage floor paints. First of all, the adhesion of an epoxy floor coating is remarkably better than any regular oil based, water or enamel paint, and your floor will have a more stunning look with a top-notch gloss finish like no other paint. Furthermore, epoxy flooring is waterproof, as well as mold, and mildew proof; and when cured, a top-grade epoxy floor coating is stain proof as well.

Garage Flooring Epoxy Types

Top-grade floor epoxies are 100% solids, which means no percent of the paint will evaporate while it dries. However, if an epoxy is lower than 100% such as 50% for instance, it means that 50% of the coating will evaporate away as it dries. Therefore, the lower the percentage of solids is, the lower the quality is as well. Nevertheless, for primers and topcoats this is not a rule. Primer’s percentages of solids are lower because they need to be thinner in order to soak into the concrete pores, while topcoats incorporate urethane, which displaces a percentage of solids. In a few words, it is okay for primers and topcoats to be lower in solids, but stay away from high percentage solid epoxies (they are still not 100%), and water-based products to obtain the best, high-quality results.

One Part Epoxy Coatings & No Floor-Prep Coatings

These type of epoxy coatings are difficult to work with because they are thin, and when flakes are used, they displace the epoxy underneath them, leaving a thinner coating of epoxy paint for concrete. When it comes to concrete epoxy floor coatings that do not need any floor prep, the truth is that your expectations should not be high. Prepping your floor is crucial before adding any coating. Also, “high solid epoxy” is nothing but a primer, so make sure not to fall for it. Keep in mind that epoxy can stick to tile but it is not recommended.

Primers

Despite primers are not strictly needed, they are highly recommended. Just as epoxy and topcoats, primers have their particular function, which is sealing the floor while adding another layer of epoxy. Make sure not to fall for those products that claim to be a primer, epoxy and topcoat all at once and get each one separately, especially if you have heavy duty traffic.

Moreover, a primer is great when you need to extend the coverage of the epoxy layer, as it provides the epoxy a sealed surface instead of the porous concrete. Whatever type your floor is, ask professionals for the best primer option for you.

Garage Epoxy vs Garage Paint

Learning about the differences between garage paints and garage floor epoxies is vital to obtain high-quality results. For example, conventional garage floor paints are single component products made in either oil or water-based formats, and they are only suited for ceiling and wall applications. On the other hand, epoxy flooring is designed to resist many tons over it and its components are two: the resin/pigment part and the hardener part.

Epoxy Floor Coating: Pot Life

The time you have to work with the epoxy after it has been mixed is named “pot life.” High-quality epoxy floor coatings will have less than an hour pot life at 70 degrees, while poor quality products will offer a longer time. A properly mixed batch of epoxy floor coating will provide you with 40 to 45 minutes to apply. Afterwards, high-quality epoxies will reactivate the curing process when applying the following batch to the wet edge, and it will blend as a rock hard, monolithic sheet without any seams, and with exceptional gloss. On the other hand, poor quality epoxies will leave seam lines and cure to a soft finish that will deteriorate soon.

Epoxy Topcoat

While epoxies provide thickness and adhesion, topcoats are made to be chemically harder than the epoxy coat they cover, and they will provide your flooring with durability. When topcoat is not used, your hot turning tires will quickly wear the gloss finish off. Thus, while planning your garage interior design, do not forget to consider a topcoat.

Epoxy Coating’s Ratings

To know if your floor epoxy or topcoat will be able to resist the hot twisting tires in your garage, you need to know what the Abrasion Loss Rating is. This rating measures the mgs that came off the coating after hot tires, foot traffic, etc. Therefore, the lower the mgs, the better. However, these levels change depending on the coating application. For instance, a 20mgs rating is okay for a garage floor epoxy, while under a 5mg rating offers the highest level of protection and is necessary for commercial/heavy duty applications.

Other floor epoxy ratings to keep in mind are a 350-psi adhesion at least and an impact rating of 125-inch pounds or more to protect your flooring from cracks or chips if you accidentally drop a tool or any home gym equipment on your epoxy flooring.

The post Is Epoxy Oil or Water Based? appeared first on Element 360 Design Studio.

There are also many different phases to a construction project such as design, building, and handing over which must all be managed carefully. Are you interested in becoming a project manager in construction? Then read on for the ultimate discussion on what is important for construction project management.

What is Construction Project Management?

We should first start by defining what exactly project management in construction is. Construction project management is the function of controlling and managing resources from the start to the end of a construction project’s lifecycle. Various tools and methodologies are used to ensure that aspects such as scope, cost, time, and quality are effectively managed.

Types of Construction Projects

Construction projects are classified into buildings, infrastructure, and industrial structures. These can then be further divided into two main categories: residential and commercial. Under residential projects, you would have home building and renovation projects. Commercial projects include agricultural projects, heavy industrial construction, engineering construction, heavy civil construction, and institutional and commercial construction. Project management is required for all types of construction no matter how small or big.

What Does a Construction Project Manager Do?

The construction project manager is the person responsible for ensuring that a project is successfully completed. Specifically, they are tasked with planning, budgeting, scheduling, coordinating, and supervision of all the construction activities. The project manager has to be a skilled communicator and negotiator in order to ensure that everyone involved in the project works together harmoniously. They also need to have an understanding of both construction and project management principles.

Key Steps in Managing a Construction Project

There are four main steps in construction project management. The first step is to conceive and initiate the project. This means that before you start a project you must be sure that it can be completed. This can be tested using a feasibility study or business case. A construction project manager must also identify and mitigate any risks they perceive in the project.

The second step is to define and plan the project. This means that the project manager has to map out all the tasks, milestones, people, and resources that are required to complete the project. It is important to involve everyone that will be part of the project in the planning phase so that nothing is missed. The more transparent a plan is, the higher the chances of success.

The third step is the launching of the project. This is the most taxing part of project management. The manager has to ensure all timelines are met and report to all stakeholders the progress being made. The project manager also has to communicate with all stakeholders of the project and ensure they are working together.

The fourth step which is closely related to the third is to track the project performance. This is done using key performance indicators like time, cost, and quality. Staying on top of your performance indicators throughout the project ensures that it is completed successfully.

Stages of Construction Project Management

Construction projects are best achieved by breaking them down into manageable phases. The four main stages of a construction project that should be managed are the design phase, pre-construction, procurement, and construction. The project manager must first make sure that the construction project has a feasible design.

They also must get the design drawings approved by the local authority planners. The next stage is preconstruction whereby the construction manager should appoint the key personnel and do the initial site visit and investigation. The next stage would then be the procurement of construction materials after which the construction will commence.

Construction Management Tools

Successful project management requires certain tools to be effective. For construction management, these tools include project management software that has features like Gantt charts, team collaboration functionality, resource allocation and management, document control, task lists, etc.

Challenges of Construction Project Management

Some of the problems you can encounter with construction project management include communication problems as there are several people, companies, and teams that can work on the same project. Another big problem is scope changes or creep whereby work not included in the original plan is added. This can increase the cost or completion time of the project.

Another problem is hiring the wrong team or people. Conflicts within the team or unqualified personnel can delay a project or even cause it to fail. The worst situation is if the project manager is inept as strong leadership is a key requirement for project success.

Finally, management of risk is a major problem in construction management as the risk of injury is high. Project managers have to ensure risks are identified and properly mitigated.

What is Important For Construction Project Management?

Construction project management is necessary for the successful completion of building projects. Successful construction project management requires a project manager with strong leadership skills as well as a deep knowledge of both construction and project management processes. For more information about construction project designs, read the rest of our blog.  

The post What is Important for Construction Project Management? appeared first on Element 360 Design Studio.

Then, you look at your old, stained carpet and start wondering if steam cleaning is good for your carpet. After cleaning it, looking at your renewed carpet makes you feel inspired to change your lifestyle as well. Just when you start thinking about getting in shape and setting up your home gym…your bathroom shows another issue.

Now it’s your shower head. Do you have problems with a leaking shower head? It’s important to find out what causes your shower head to drip, and by following these easy tips on how to fix leaky shower heads, you’ll avoid the annoyance of a dripping shower head, high utility bills, and a possible shower leak.

What Causes your Shower Head to Drip When It’s Not Being Used?

When you take a shower, you might notice that more water drips and runs out from behind the shower head faceplate than out from the spray holes. Besides, it’s also common that you notice a dripping shower head when water is off. What causes your shower head to drip? How to fix a leaky shower head?

If your shower won’t stop dripping, it’s time for a little servicing. Consider that those droplets can increase your water bills and even stain the interior of your shower if this situation is left unattended. Fortunately, we’ll tell you how to fix a dripping shower head without requiring special skills or tools.

However, fixing a dripping shower head when water is off is more difficult, and depending on what’s causing it, you might need professional help.

How to Fix a Leaky Shower Head

Try Soaking the Shower Head in Vinegar

Due to water deposits building up in the holes of the shower head over time, the spray can be restricted and may force the backed-up water out from the junction of the shower head and the arm, or around the faceplate. All you have to do is break up the hard water deposits. To do so, remove the shower head by loosening the nut that secures it to the shower arm, and soak it in white vinegar all night to soften the mineral deposits. Then, scrub away any residues with an old toothbrush before installing it again.

Replace the Seal

Over time, O-rings can harden or split and allow water to leak out between connections on a shower head, which is particularly common in shower heads with swivel connections with a seal behind the swivel assembly. If you suspect a worn seal, remove the shower head to replace the O-ring. To make sure you get the accurate seal, take the old one with you when you go to the hardware store to buy the replacement. A faulty O-ring can be what causes your shower head to drip. Replacement should be easy enough though, no worries.

Replace the Washer in a Compression Faucet

When it comes to compression faucets, they use a hot handle and a cold handle. If this is your type of shower and it leaks when turned off, it’s possible that the problem is a worn washer in the assembly. To fix this, you must determine which handle is causing the leak by feeling the dripping water’s temperature. Afterward, turn the water supply off and try removing the faulty faucet handle (the screw that keeps it in place is either below the handle or hidden under a pry-off cap). Then, slip off the cover trim to have access to the faucet stem, which is secured with a hex nut. After removing the hex nut with a deep socket wrench, you’ll find a rubber washer. Get a replacement for the rubber washer and reassemble the faucet.

Despite it’s not common, the seat (small curved area behind the washer) is sometimes so damaged that a new washer won’t seal properly to prevent water from leaking out of the shower head, it’s possible that you need to call a professional plumber to replace the entire assembly.

Replace a Faulty Cartridge in the Valve Body

In newer showers, there’s a valve body with a plastic, cylindrical cartridge in the wall behind the single handle that controls cold and hot water flow. Water can seep through if this cartridge becomes cracked or worn, even when the handle is in the “off” position, which leads to dripping or tricking water from the shower head.

To replace the damaged cartridge, it’s necessary to turn the water supply off. By removing the shower handle, access the cartridge and take off the decorative faceplate and the cap that covers the valve body stem by removing a screw. To reveal the end of the plastic cartridge, slip the stem cover off. Usually, cartridges are secured with a clip or a twist-on nut that you’ll have to remove. Then, use some tweezers to grasp the stem of the cartridge and pull it out. To make sure you get the right one, take the worn cartridge to the hardware store to get the right replacement. If replacing the cartridge doesn’t stop the shower head from leaking, chances are the valve body is damaged. If so, you’ll need to contact a professional to replace the valve body.

Although shower plumbing works similarly, the way shower heads, faucets, and valve bodies are connected vary with each model. Therefore, consider consulting the manufacturer’s manual before trying to fix anything or contact a professional to do the job for you. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent all the damage a leaking shower can do after a while.

The post What Causes Your Shower Head to Drip? appeared first on Element 360 Design Studio.

One of the most frequently asked questions by people who use bleach for their routine cleaning is: “can bleach cause stains in bathtub.” So what if we told you you could get a bleach stain from using bleach? You’d probably think we are crazy.

A while back, we had some issues with our bathroom drain. Once it clogged, we knew it was time to get things back to normal. So we asked our friends for some advice, and one suggested that we pour bleach into the drain. 

Soon after we did it, we realized that we made a horrible misinformed decision. There were stains all over the tub. Even after we tried to scrub them off, the stains didn’t come off. We decided to consult further, and our search led us online.

If you’ve found yourself in this situation, you must be exasperated. Now that you can’t ignore these stains, you must be wondering, “How do I get my bathtub white again?” Or maybe you are trying to figure out how to get rid of bleach stains. Well, we are here to help answer that question.

After reading countless blogs, we found a possible explanation for our dripping shower head and found multiple solutions to our stained bathtub.

Here are our test results:

• Hydrogen Peroxide

Once we applied hydrogen peroxide to the stains, we had to wait for 10 minutes before scrubbing the stains off. If you’ve been trying to find out how to reverse bleach stains on your bathtub, this is the way to go.

• Barkeeper’s Friend

It took a lot of work to scrub off the bleach stains with this stuff. However, even after toiling for a couple of minutes, not all of them came off. The only upside to using this stain remover was that it cleaned dirt in the grout well.

• CLR

After a long time searching, can bleach cause stains in bathtub, we had to accept that the bleach did cause the stains. One of the solutions given to our predicament was CLR. If you decide to use this remover, you have to prepare to scrub. However, while it did remove some of the faint stains after lots of scrubbing, the more prominent ones were still visible.

• Naval Jelly

This was one of the solutions we found for how to remove bleach stains. But, we didn’t use it because, for one, the hydrogen peroxide worked. Two, the process is pretty intense. We needed to ventilate the area for at least four hours, have paintbrushes, goggles, and gloves. 

• Pumice Stone

The pumice stone did a great job on the stains. Our friend suggested we try it after finding both of us hunched over the tub, scrubbing. But this method required a lot of elbow work. 

Conclusion

Before you get online searching for answers for “can bleach cause stains in bathtub,” you can ask an interior designer to help or get some good old hydrogen peroxide and get scrubbing. We promise it works.

The post Can Bleach Cause Stains In Bathtub appeared first on Element 360 Design Studio.

What are Traditional Shutters?

Regular shutters have a traditional style, the reason why they’re also called Colonial shutters. Used in homes since the pre-Revolutionary era, traditional shutters are known for their insulating property. Nowadays, they are commonly installed in country-designed homes.The downside of regular shutters is they’re less flexible than other window coverings. True to its shutters definition, they are either totally closed or fully open as there is no option to adjust the light or privacy.

What are Plantation Shutters?

More modern than regular shutters, plantation shutters originated in the Old South and were installed on the outside of plantation homes (hence, the name). Along with the type of roof that makes your home cooler, plantation shutters were used to cover the windows to protect the inside from the sun.What are plantation blinds? What are plantation shutters and how are they different from traditional ones?Today, plantation shutters are placed inside US homes, acting as interior window coverings. Unlike traditional shutters, plantation shutters are very flexible, allowing you to adjust the degree of opening or closing. Opened shutters provide a good view and plenty of light, and when totally closed, they block sun rays and heat and give full privacy if you don’t want others to see you setting up a home gym or steam cleaning your carpet.

Louvers

Both regular and plantation shutters have moveable louvers or slats. These allow adjustments to manage the amount of light that goes into your house. What is the difference between plantation shutters and regular shutters? Usually, the difference lies in the louvers.

Regular Shutters Louvers

The louvers of regular shutters are wedge-shaped and narrow with only 1¼ inches width. Depending on your window’s dimensions, these shutters can be set out in a wide array of panel configurations. You can choose between single or double tier panels. A double-tier arrangement features top and bottom panels that open individually, which allows you to regulate the amount of privacy and light you prefer.

Plantation Shutters Louvers

The louvers of plantation shutters are wider and range from 1 7/8 to 5 ½ inches, but the most popular ones are 2 ½, 3 or 3 ½ inches wide. Bigger windows usually use a wider-louver style of plantation shutter to allow for broader views and maximum light. Large windows best match with a big TV for display. You can choose between flat or elliptical louvers. The latter type is tougher than the flat-shaped louvers and can endure wear and tear better.

Options to Choose From

Material

Although synthetic plantation shutters are becoming popular, wood is the most common material used for making plantation shutters. They usually come in white, but manufacturers of wood plantation shutters offer a wide variety of colors.Meanwhile, regular shutters are always made of wood. Good thing they are available in bare wood and a wide array of paints or stains.

Size

Regular and plantation shutters come in standard sizes, but custom orders are available to make sure they fit precisely in your windows. Both types can be placed inside or outside the frame of the window, but it is best to use your traditional or plantation shutters as interior window treatments.What are shutters? Shutters make a great window covering, and the question of what is the difference between plantation shutters and regular shutters is often asked when deciding which type to use. There are differences in appearance and flexibility between the two shutters definition, but both have advantages. Just like how you can transform a room from good to great, installing plantation shutters can give your windows an aesthetic boost.

The post Difference Between Plantation Shutters and Regular Shutters appeared first on Element 360 Design Studio.

Let’s be honest: gym memberships could be much more expensive than what they’re really worth. And nowadays, it’s way easier and cheaper than ever to work out at your cozy and lovely apartment/home with the rise of online workouts. So, if you truly want to cancel your monthly fitness membership and commit to a full fitness routine at home, you must learn how to set up a home gym that helps you achieve your goals.

Step 1: Get the Right Place

The first step you have to take while setting up a home gym is choosing where you want it, way before you start doing your kettlebells workout or begin performing burpees. You’ll need enough space for a yoga mat at least, as it’s just the space you need for stretching and performing core exercises. Depending on the rest of the workouts you plan to do, you’ll need more space. For instance, a HIIT workout needs enough room to jump on, while Pilates only needs a little more room than a yoga mat.For those who live in apartments bigger than a walk-in closet, it would be good to use a corner of your living room or bedroom for your workout sessions. If the weather and your living situation allow you to do it, using an outdoor space would be great. If you have an empty room or vacant garage, make sure it’s appropriate for a safe workout. For instance, check if the roof is the best to keep the room cool enough to work out without the risk of overheating.

Step 2: Stock Your Home Gym

You don’t need lots of equipment or bulky machines when building a home gym. Actually, some of the best equipment is small and cheap. You will want to ensure you properly take care of all pieces of equipment. Proper care can help with your equipment lifespan. Read the following tips to learn how to make a home gym with just the equipment you essentially need:

Cardio

If both your space and budget are tight, just get a jump rope for cardio, instead of that expensive and bulky treadmill you had in mind. To make it more challenging, try using weighted jump ropes, so your wrists and forearms work harder as this one is heavier to turn. Even so, treadmills shouldn’t be totally overlooked, as they could really help you out. If you have enough room, you can get an inexpensive treadmill to reach your fitness goal and stay on budget.

Strength

Forget about all the huge cable machines for a strength workout, just get a single kettlebell, a pair of adjustable dumbbells, a whole set of dumbbells, or a set of resistance bands. Also get balance discs instead of stability balls and BOSUs, as the benefits are the same while taking way less space. Also, keep in mind that the power of effective body-weight moves should never be underestimated.

Recovery

No matter what you prefer for your workout, recovery equipment is always necessary for a home gym setup. Consider getting recovery tools such as a hot and cold foot roller or a foam roller, as research shows that rolling out your muscles regularly can help speed up recovery, enhance muscular performance, and reduce muscle fatigue and soreness.Remember that there’s no need of buying all equipment at once. You can start with a couple of items and eventually get more, until making a home gym that meets your highest expectations.

Step 3: Create a Storage Plan

Storage is the key if you want to use lots of equipment in a small room. For the minimalist workout, you can use a storage container that fits under your bed or couch to storage your portable pieces. Don’t forget to get the best out of your walls! You can also get a hanging organizer and place it on one of these empty spaces. For your dumbbells, you’ll need a compact rack, but if you want something stronger, steel bars will be right for you.

Step 4: Design Your Setup

Part of learning how to set up a home gym is being aware of how important the actual set up of a workout space is, which you’ve probably realized if you’ve been to a gym that’s crowded with equipment and no room left. Make sure you have plenty of light and a mirrors to easily watch yourself while you work out. Not only can mirrors be a great tool for workout feedback, but they can also make the room seem larger than it actually is, which will make you feel less cramped in your home gym.If you’re turning a spare room into a home gym, gym flooring would be useful to give you a bit of cushion while you exercise, and will also protect your floor from getting slippery with sweat drips. Flooring gym installation is quite easy as it comes in squares that interlock like a puzzle.Most importantly, remove all distractions while making a home gym. Get your shoes inside your closet, and put the laptop back on your desk. If you’ll use it for an online workout, place your computer at the right level and distance to follow the routine correctly.

Step 5: Put It to Good Use

Now that you know how to set up a home gym, here comes the easy part: using your gym. You can ask your partner to rock a partner WOD next to you, invite your friend who’s been thrilled to sweat and lose those pounds with you, or just hit the treadmills and weights for a relaxing workout on your own.You’ll see all the benefits if you regularly visit it, just like a real gym.

The post How to Set Up a Home Gym appeared first on Element 360 Design Studio.

This is the right question to the right post. Here you will learn about various roofing materials. You will also know about their reflectivity power. In the end, you will be able to make a decision on the type of roof that will keep your room cooler even during the sweltering heat of summer. Generally, it is all about making your home cozy at any weather.

Roof Types that Keep Your Room Cool

Did you know that a dark roof can heat up to as high as 180 degree Fahrenheit even on a windless and mildly hot day? Imagine what it becomes during the hottest day in summer. Of course that means dark roofs are the last thing you should be thinking of using if you live in a hot climate.

White roofs are the answer to keeping your house cool in hot climates. They can reflect most of the sun heat and keep everything cool and comfortable from the inside. Experts argue that a combination of white and flat roofs can eliminate heat from your rooms entirely. They are equally great at keeping temperatures within comfortable levels during the extremely cold seasons as they do not allow heat to escape.

The tip when choosing roofs for hot climates is finding the ones with highest solar reflectance rates. Smooth and white roofs are the best choices you could ever make. These roofs can reflect up to 80% of the solar heat. That means only a mere 20% of the heat has real chances of reaching to you. But the only downside of white roofs is that they get dirty over time. This can decline their solar reflectance index to 50%. Such is not a bad rate as you will still be able to live in your house without much heat making way into the rooms. Actually, getting the right roof for your home is equally important to knowing the correct way to clean your carpet and organizing your home interior.

Your Options to Keep Your Rooms Cool in Hot Climates

Your type of roof will play the biggest role in keeping your room cool. Another thing that should be at the back of your mind is how extensive your reroofing project is. For flat or mildly sloping roofs, white roofing materials will seal the deal for you. For slopping roofs, shingles will be the best choice. They will not only offer better reflection of heat, but also add aesthetics to your roof. However, asphalt shingles are not easily available. You may have to settle for their alternatives such as concrete and clay tiles. In other instances, you can go for curved wood or tiles that will increase the level of air circulation and in turn tame the heat.

What you should be on the lookout for are reflective roofs to beat the heat. They will both reflect most of the heat and last longer.  That now answers the question about which type of roof will keep the room cooler. You will have to stay away from dark roofs as they absorb most of the heat and your rooms will be extremely hot.

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Steam Cleaning for Carpets

It is easy to assume that steam cleaning uses steam to clean your carpet. But that is only logical. Actually, this method uses chemicals and water to clean and remove stains from your carpet. You will need a steam cleaner to do this. The cleaner sprays a mixture of hot water and detergent into the carpet fabric. However, the water is not steamy just in case you get it twisted. Once the detergent and water cover the entire carpet, the next step is vacuuming to get as much of the moisture out.

Is Steam Cleaning Good for Your Carpet?

Before cleaning your carpet, you should make sure the method you are using is appropriate. On the case of steam cleaning, you should be assured that it is good for your carpet. First of all, there is the combination of water and chemicals. The solution is sprayed under pressure into the carpet. That is the best way you can deep clean your carpet. You can get deep into the carpet’s fabric and remove dirt and stains lodged far beneath the surface. With a clean carpet and the right interior set up, your home will become cozier.

Another reason why steam cleaning is good for your carpet is the results you get. Your carpet is going to be clean instantly. This is the best method to clean all manner of dirt, debris, remove stains, and give your old carpet a new look.

Lastly, steam cleaning is straightforward. You can do the job in a few hours and be on your way to do other things. It is the drying that may take a lot of time. Besides, with the steam cleaner, you will not need a professional to do the job. As you clean your carpet, keep yourself busy watching news if you have your TV displayed in an optimal position.

Cons of Steam Cleaning Your Carpet

While steam cleaning is one of the best methods to clean your carpet, it does not come without its cons. There is the possibility of leaving a lot of moisture in the carpet fabric. That leaves room for mildew and mold to grow. If left to happen, this is not only a threat to your carpet but also a health problem to everyone. The precaution is making sure that you remove as much of the moisture as possible. You should also allow the carpet adequate time to dry. Also, if you ever need help disposing of your unwanted carpet you can always find help here.

To make sure that you will not be making an amateur mistake when steam cleaning, it is advisable that you leave the job to the professionals.

Is steam cleaning good for carpets? Yes, it is actually among the best carpet-cleaning methods. It penetrates deep into the fabric and gives you the best cleaning results such as neutralizing dog urine. The only precaution is not to leave a lot of moisture and allowing the carpet to dry completely. Finally, speak to your carpet cleaning experts before using baking soda or any chemical on your carpeting material.

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