Category: Home Renovation

It’s Christmas Eve Eve! Time for me to finish wrapping the last of the presents and celebrate! I’ve got a light menu planned during the day since we’re going out to eat on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We will be driving around looking at Christmas lights and popping in to see a few friends.

 

I’m feeling extra nostalgic because this is likely the last Christmas we will celebrate in this house. We’ve raised the family here but now we’re ready to move on. My daughter is off to college next year and my family will be looking for a fresh start.

This has been our home for twenty years so it’s bittersweet to be celebrating the season one last time in this space.

I want to say thank you to all of you who visit this blog and remain regular subscribers. You inspire me to keep writing and creating and I’m so grateful for all of you. Even though we’ve never met, you are all very special to me. I appreciate the comments and the encouraging words you share.

For those who celebrate, I wish you the merriest Christmas with your family and friends. I’ll be taking a few days off but I’ll be back next week with a roundup of lessons learned from 2021, it was an interesting year for sure!

Sending much love and feeling so much gratitude for all of you.

xoxo

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.yukonhomeremodeling.com/?p=1080

If you’re still wondering what to give that special person, there’s still time to give someone the gift of an experiences!

Perhaps they’d prefer the gift of a memory instead of a thing. What are they passionate about? What have they mentioned they’d like to try? Below is a list of ideas for gifting a great memory to someone you care about this holiday season.

Tasting Experiences

Consider a culinary or market tour your person may enjoy. Airbnb Experiences and Trip Advisor are great sources for ideas in their area. Look for specialty food gatherings, wine tours, pub crawls, local market tours, and chef led tastings available in their area.

Online Courses

No doubt you’ve seen the ads for Masterclass with all the experts and celebs they’ve rounded up to teach classes. Skillshare and Creative Live are also great sources for anyone who wants to gain more knowledge in their hobby or profession.

Fender teaches guitar to beginners and Flowkey will help them learn piano. If there is a podcaster or mentor they are inspired by, consider one of their courses as a gift too. Airbnb now offers online culinary experiences and tours for anyone who wants to travel to or taste or learn from someone in a different part of the world.

Local Excursions or Tours

I’ve had great success over the years with Get Your Guide. I’ve booked multiple tours and excursions in foreign countries and also right here at home in the Wine Country and San Francisco Bay Area. Day trips by boat, bike, or van allow one to explore different areas even in their own backyard. Each experience has multiple written reviews and a gift card will allow them to book whatever experience they like near or far.

 

Memberships to Museums, Parks, & Gardens

Are there local museums, galleries, parks, academies, or botanical gardens they love to visit? A membership will allow them access anytime they want. Are they off on a road trip next year? Consider the America the Beautiful pass with access to all National Parks.

 

Local Classes

Who are the makers in their neighborhood? Creatives can learn from local artisans, and foodies can learn from local chefs or take cooking classes at Sur La Table. Do they want to learn to dive or paint or become a beekeeper? Getting them started on a new hobby is very thoughtful and they’ll think of you each time they show up for their new class. 🙂

 

Daycations

Perhaps there is somewhere close by where they could relax for a day? Most busy moms would appreciate that, but also anyone with a busy schedule who could use a day off . Check out Resort Pass for local hotels and resorts offering use of their amenities for a day!

all images courtesy of Canva pro membership

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.yukonhomeremodeling.com/?p=1072

The time has come! 2022 is almost here and it’s time to remodel your home with the hottest flooring solutions. However, if you are environment-savvy, just like me, then you may find it difficult to create the space you have always dreamed of. 

The good news is that you don’t have to worry anymore. This blog post is all about sustainable flooring solutions that are going to rule the flooring industry in 2022 and beyond. Let’s begin:

Eco-friendly is the new flooring trend 

Flooring is often a challenging thing to decide since it comes in different types, forms, shapes, materials and prices. When it comes to sustainable flooring, gone are the days when the options were limited. Thanks to the latest technological advancements, buyers have an array of choices, ranging from engineered wood to natural stone tiles

Sustainable flooring makes use of eco-friendly materials that look ultra-chic. This is an added bonus for environment-conscious people who believe in opting for sustainable solutions. However, it’s not easy to choose the right one from a plethora of eco-friendly options. To assist you in your journey, we have compiled a list of the hottest sustainable flooring solutions for 2022. Some are new, some are old and a few will blow your mind. Have a look: 

Sustainably harvested hardwood 

Hardwood is timeless, classic. It’s all-natural, durable, cosy and eye-pleasing, making it the most sought-after flooring material in the world. But if you want to make sure the flooring product you choose has a positive impact on the environment, then invest in certified hardwood products that are sourced from responsibly managed forests. Be sure to verify your hardwood floor is ethically and sustainably obtained.

Bamboo flooring 

Bamboo is the perfect example of sustainable flooring. Although it often resembles traditional plank wood flooring, bamboo is much harder than oak and maple. On top of that, it expands and contracts less than hardwood, making it extremely durable and tough. 

The best thing about bamboo is that it is a type of grass, not a tree. It is obtained from six to seven years old plants, generally available in a variety of colours, ranging from darker tones to natural light tones. Remember, carbonised bamboo isn’t as long-lasting as stained bamboo. So, try to invest in stained bamboo flooring. 

Cork flooring 

Cork comes from the bark of the Mediterranean oak tree, which regenerates itself in eight to twelve years, making cork flooring a sustainable solution. Some flooring experts even use recycled industrial materials, such as scraps from wine stoppers. 

Cork flooring is available in both tiles and planks and provides nice cushioning and insulation. Also, it’s a great option to reduce noise and maximise comfort in the busy areas of your house, such as bedrooms, dining halls and living rooms. Be sure to keep it away from moisture-prone areas. 

Natural linoleum 

People often think of vinyl when they hear the word linoleum. Yet, the two aren’t relevant to each other. Vinyl is a synthetic material, whereas linoleum is organic. Though natural linoleum isn’t new to the flooring industry, it was left behind after the introduction of vinyl. As manufacturers, engineers, architects and designers are asking for it again, it is going to re-emerge with a great force in 2022. 

Reclaimed hardwood 

If you love rustic and vintage flooring, reclaimed hardwood is your thing. It is a popular choice in all sorts of buildings and decor motifs. Why? Because hardwood isn’t the best choice for people like us, who are environmentally conscious. 

However, reclaimed wood is different. It is obtained from old wood, instead of a new one. It has the same aesthetic appeal as hardwood and can last for years when you take good care of it. In addition to being eco-friendly, reclaimed wood is pocket-friendly too.

Engineered hardwood 

It’s cost-effective, eco-friendly and beautiful; there’s nothing like engineered hardwood. In fact, it’s more sustainable than its hardwood counterpart because of the way it’s manufactured. Engineered wood is produced by attaching a hardwood veneer to a plywood core, leaving more area to use the tree. 

Natural stone tiles

This one is quite an obvious one – natural stone tiles. As the name implies, these floor tiles are totally natural. They are highly durable, extremely comfortable and easy to maintain. Plus, natural stone tiles won’t emit toxic gases, unlike white subway tiles. 

However, their place of origin might become a concern for you. This is because some natural stone materials are mined on a large scale, which can leave a negative impact on the environment. Thus, it’s better to ask your local flooring expert about how they obtained natural stone tiles in Melbourne.

Glass tiles 

Have you ever wondered what happens to the beer and wine bottles that are recycled?  They get converted into glass tiles. Yes, tiles! These bottles are a good renewable source for manufacturing floor tiles that are great for bathroom and kitchen walls. Glass tiles have eco-friendly characteristics and are non-absorptive, stain-resistant and easy to clean. Unlike terrazzo tiles, glass tiles reflect light, adding additional light to the room. Plus, they come in a wide range of colours, patterns and finishes. 

There you have it – a list of eco-friendly flooring solutions for 2020. Which one is your pick and why? Do let us know in the comments below. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.yukonhomeremodeling.com/?p=1032

This time of year I always look around for weekend winter getaways and cozy cabins always come to mind. How lovely it is to escape to a little cabin in the woods! In winter, nature is mostly dormant and invites us to slow down and recharge in anticipation of new seasons of growth. How lovely it would be to explore outdoors by day and sit and read by the fire by night in these featured homes.

Last year I featured cabin getaways and desert getaways. Today I’m back with even more cabins available for rent across the USA. These cabins offer appealing interiors that are just as lovely as their outdoor views. As much as I love a classic log cabin, it’s refreshing to see unique twists on traditional style or more contemporary looks on display in these getaways. They’re fun to glance at for design inspiration but you can rent them too! Click on the header links to explore more images and check out their availability calendar.

Sky Cabin | Washington

Coastal Hilltop | Oregon

Big Bear Lake | California

Lake Arrowhead | California

Mountain Chalet | Montana

Modern A Frame | South Dakota

Blushing Beaver Cabin | Oklahoma

Long Lake | Wisconsin

Frame | Pennsylvania

Fairytale Cabin | Vermont

Tiny Home | Tennessee

Catskills Cabin | New York

Modern Mountain | North Carolina

Lake Hartwell | Georgia

Which one would you pick for a weekend getaway?

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.yukonhomeremodeling.com/?p=960

 

 

 

You can also visit our other websites and post your article.

Chesapeake Digest, Chesapeake Gazette, Chesapeake Wire, Gilbert Bulletin,  Gilbert Headlines, Gilbert Press, Gilbert Tribune, Gilbert Wire,  Landscape Journal, Gilbert Journal,  Royal City Bowmen,  Remodeling Mission Viejo,  Splinters Up,  Zio-Community,  Mcmillens Frame Shop, Modern Home Remodeling, Lotus Heart Zen,  BPW Cambridge,  Blog Business School,  Truck Tires Worldwide,  Here For Business, Deep Visual Insights,  Balaji Insulations,  Andrea Rose,  Sailing Experiences,  Lehi Rotary,  Best Pasco Painters,  Green Ground Zero, Success-Digital,  Reimagining Society,  Learning With Waters,  Winter Park Stamp Shop,  Textilepedia, Advanced Holistic Nutrition,  Maid Brigade For Veterans,  Omni Carbon, Home City Resources,  Bird Nest Roofing Calgary,  Oxnard Plumbing Inc.,  Youth Against Violence, Fil Chamber,  Grace Day Jeff Co,  Saving In Bellerive,  Farnsworth Tree Farm, Single Double, rekonevents.com,  HJ Human Capital,  Internet Infrastructure Group

Imagine this situation: you have just moved into your new rented home after giving your landlord your tenancy deposit. You’re confident that your money is safe with them because they promised to register it with a government-authorised protection scheme.

Fast forward to more than a month later and you have asked your landlord for an update on your deposit, but you have  not received any reply. Take heart though; according to UK laws, landlords are required to protect tenant deposits within 30 days of them receiving the money. Once they have done so, they are to send tenants details about the protection scheme where they registered the deposit. This is called prescribed information, and if this is not provided to you 30 days after you paid the deposit, you may be eligible to file for a dispute or tenancy deposit claim. 

Tenancy deposit protection schemes are intended to keep your money safe throughout the course of your tenancy. If you break any of the tenancy terms or damage part of the property, your landlord can use the money to offset repair costs. But if you have diligently followed all tenancy terms and paid your rent on time, your landlord is obligated to return the deposit to you after your tenancy ends.

Tenancy disputes

Millions of tenants in the UK claim that their profit is not protected. The estimated worth of unprotected deposits is around £515 million, or nearly 50% of tenants. Many renters often think that if their landlord is well-known or has been in business for years, or their letting agency is popular and big, they are automatically guaranteed deposit protection. Most of the time, the reality is the opposite: their deposits were not or have not been protected. 

So, even if it is specified in the agreement that your deposit will be protected, don’t rely too much on it. There are rogue landlords who often resort to illegal behaviour, such as denying their tenants deposit protection. 

When you can make tenancy deposit claims

There are three instances when you are eligible to file for tenancy deposit claims

When your landlord does not register your deposit in any of the government-authorised protection schemes: mydeposits, Deposit Protection Service, and Tenancy Deposit Scheme. When your landlord protects your deposit and then removes it without re-registering it even while you are still renting and living in the property. When your landlord puts your deposit into the tenancy deposit protection scheme late – after more than the 30 days that was given to them.

If your landlord is found to have breached the tenancy deposit laws, they will be ordered to return the original deposit to you and will be asked to pay between one to three times the deposit value for every breach.

How a tenancy claim works

Before filing a tenancy claim, you first need to verify if your deposit has been protected or not. Here’s what you need to do:

To check if you have a basis for making a claim, you can ask your landlord or letting agent for confirmation. If they did not provide you with the prescribed information, you should ask them for it  because they are required to do so by law. If your landlord or letting agent does not respond or provide you with accurate information, check the websites of the deposit scheme providers. You will have to enter the following details:Your surnameStart date of your tenancyYour postcode

These details are typically contained in your tenancy agreement.

If you are in a joint tenancy, you may have to enter the details of your joint tenants if the information is not available under your name. 

If you just renewed your tenancy, you should enter a different start date. 

If you cannot find the details you need, talk to a representative of the deposit protection scheme provider. Their contact number is usually displayed on their website.

Once you have verified that your landlord has not protected your deposit, you need to get in touch with a team of solicitors experienced in tenancy deposits. After verifying your proof of a right to claim, the team might have to go over your tenancy agreement to determine if your landlord provided you with the right clauses and documentation. 

This step will provide further confirmation if you have a valid claim. 

Your deposit protection compensation claim team might also verify with you if you are still willing to push through with legal action. 

Provide your solicitors with all the information needed for your claim to move forward. This includes evidence such as photos, videos, and documentation of landlord-tenant communication (via email, text, written letters, or personal meetings). 

The team will then prepare a letter of claim for you, which is sent to your landlord. Your landlord is given 14 days to respond to your letter. If they do not, your team of solicitors will prepare to take them to court.

No win, no fee

Choose the team of solicitors from Tenancy Deposit Claims if you want a no-win-no-fee guarantee from solicitors who are authorised and registered with The Solicitors Regulation Authority. Tenancy Deposit Claims’ solicitors are well-versed and experienced in tenancy deposits, so your chances of getting a successful claim are higher.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.yukonhomeremodeling.com/?p=950

The stately 1788 home in South Carolina had expansive rooms and a walled garden. But it needed a lot of work — and that would take time and money.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.yukonhomeremodeling.com/?p=921

The availability of required resources is a key aspect of ensuring projects are completed. Most businesses nowadays have gone ahead and employed procurement experts who work with different team members such as the project manager to ensure resources are available. The role of the project manager is quite large and includes working from every angle with every team member to make certain the building materials have arrived on time and are of good quality.

Tendering and project management mainly focus on completing short-term goals such as a construction project. In this article, we are going to look at some of the steps that are included for the entire process to be a success.

Planning for Tendering and Project Management 

Every development project starts with a plan. What are your plans to accomplish the objectives for tendering and project management? Who are the investors or stakeholders? How much time is needed to complete the project? What is the scope of the project? How large is the budget, and what is the quality level of the materials used? These are examples of questions that you might come across when developing the budget. Answering these questions ensures that there is an appropriate workflow in the tendering and project management process and that issues are aired out and can be resolved in the early stages of construction. 

Begin the Tendering and Project Management Process

Here, the main stage of construction begins. Everything will be determined by the goods and services received. You can start by listing all the potential vendors you are likely to receive resources from. Come up with a list of vendors that you feel will really help with the project. At this stage, you can feel free to communicate with more companies and builders and hear what their proposals are. 

After doing all this, it is time to sit down and make a list of builders and other companies that you want to involve in your project. Reputable architecture companies such as Humphreysandsons will help you with numerous construction services such as making plans, drawing the plans, seeking approvals, and even supervising the project.

Control as Part of Tendering and Project Management

Most vendors will promise you a lot of support in your project, but you need to be aware that not all will fully agree on the same terms. As a project manager, one has to go through and ensure that every vendor and builder has agreed with you about their intentions. Active oversight improves how work is carried out. The more vendors are aware that there is someone watching, the more performance improves at every level. 

Wrap Up the Project 

This stage of tendering and project management involves the project manager going through every detail included in the project and making sure that everyone has done their part respectively. In case of any unaddressed issue, the project manager will try and resolve it by forwarding it to the right person.

At the end of every project, the team ensures that the client is happy with what they receive and also that the team itself has learned from the mistakes made for future growth and improvement.  

Conclusion 

A successful project comes with its own ups and downs, which should be expected. The above article provides everything you need to know about tendering and project management. Read it to learn more. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.yukonhomeremodeling.com/?p=893

Renting sometimes gets a bad name from people who think that buying a home is the ultimate goal, and even if it is your ultimate goal, renting can be a great stop-gap for single people or couples who don’t want to be tied down. One of the biggest benefits of renting is that you can move on fairly quickly. You just need to give the landlord notice and pack your things. 

This can be really good if you’re moving to a new city for work, or you just want to try out a new neighborhood.

What’s In A Home?

If you are considering renting, though, there are some things that you should know before you start looking at apartments. This is a list of things that everyone who rents needs to know before they sign on the dotted line.

1. Work with a real estate agent

It’s important to make sure that you are comfortable with your decision, or else it could cause problems later down the road. Look at reviews for local estate agents, search for estate agents in Erdington Birmingham, or wherever you are looking, and see what their reviews are by renters to ensure you’re going with a good agent. They will be able to help you find the ideal home for you. 

2. What kind of space do you need?

Are you bringing your whole family with you, or just yourself? How many bedrooms do you need? Do you want to live by yourself or with friends? All of these things can make a difference when it comes to choosing a rental home so think about them carefully. 

3. Think about what size storage space you will need

This is significant because, in some apartments, the storage space is in another unit or building. That could make moving in and out much more difficult if the landlord doesn’t offer help for this process. It’s important to find an apartment that makes moving in and out as easy as possible for the tenant. 

4. Consider neighborhoods

This is important for a lot of reasons. For instance, if you want to live in a neighborhood that is safe and has great schools, this could be beneficial when it comes to your child’s education. If you want to live near a park or restaurant, something like that can also make moving in easier and more convenient. 

5. How durable is the building?

One of the most common complaints about rental homes is the quality of construction and material quality. This can be very important for both tenants and landlords if they want to avoid costly repairs down the line, especially since this will happen regardless of whether you own your home or rent it.

6. Does the property owner have a reputation for managing repairs/maintenance?

The landlord’s reputation is important to know before signing an agreement, especially since these disputes can go on forever. It’s important to have a sense of whether or not the property owner is responsible over the long haul. 

7. Does the property have any history of complaints about pests?

There are some things that are just unavoidable, but some landlords will knowingly rent out properties that have pests. It’s important to ask around and see if the landlord has a reputation for being on top of this sort of thing or not. 

 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.yukonhomeremodeling.com/?p=890

The results of influencer marketing are phenomenal, and many of you even agree with that. The way digital marketing works has evolved in the last few years as the internet has reached almost every corner of the globe. With more and more creators emerging on the digital platform, influencer marketing has reached new heights, and with that, it has become a hot topic of the industry.

Yet, many businesses still lack the right and maximum benefit of influencer marketing. So, below are the recommended tips to grow your business with influencer marketing.

A quick definition of influencer marketing: Influencer marketing is promoting your content/products with influencers across blogging websites and social platforms.

Find Niche-Specific Influencers: Biggest breakthrough you can make with influencers is finding the right and best-match influencers that serve content related to your business. 

FACT: Nearly 82% of people follow the recommendations of micro-influencers.

Build a Walkthrough or Detailed Product Review: With a detailed walkthrough of your product, you can tell people about its compositions alongside its pros and cons. The better they explain your product, the better the audience can understand.

Populate Content: Once influencers share the video/blog on their platform, a new audience will reach your doorstep (website/physical store). It’s equally important to promote the content on your social platforms to get enhanced results.

Boost Your Organic Reach: With the right influencer marketing, you can boost your organic presence and add elevation to the sales count. Furthermore, integrating influencer marketing into your marketing strategy will also help in increased decision-making. 

Now, newbie markets will find different ways influencers can work. Below are the top ideas to work with the influencers. 

Technical Subject Experts: Many influencers have technical expertise, which can be advantageous to companies looking for a technical audience. Numerous technical experts are available that can help you create detailed content on your products and reach new audiences.

Connect with Influencer Bloggers: Undoubtedly, Vloggers are in trend, but bloggers still have a solid user base that makes them an excellent option to connect and populate your business content to new audiences.

Podcast Endorsements: Podcasts are the new way of running successful influencer marketing. According to the study, every third American listens to a podcast, making it another popular marketing tool. Advertisers can consider podcast endorsements to expand their reach.

Social Media Ads: Whatever influencer content you choose for your business promotion, you can leverage social media to enhance its reach and grab a new user base.

Find Influencer on All Social Platforms: Today, numerous social media platforms give birth to numerous influencers. Tiktok, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and many more are some of the best examples. You can find influencers from all and turn their audience into customers. 

In short, the options are many, but it entirely depends upon how you take advantage of influencer marketing to boost your sales or organic reach.

So, these are the smart yet trending practices that can provide assured results to your business.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.yukonhomeremodeling.com/?p=827

Making your home business look friendly and professional can have a lot of benefits, especially if you are expecting to deal with customers in person on a regular basis. Even if you aren’t, being surrounded by a pleasant working environment is good for your health and mental wellbeing.

Sort Out Your Roofing

One of the first things you should sort out is the appearance of your home from the exterior, such as things like your roofing and the state of the grounds surrounding your home. In fact, you may even want to hire a company such as commercial roofing contractors in Brisbane, Australia. That way, you can ensure that your roof is well looked after and put together professionally.

First Impressions Matter. This is important because the appearance of your building is actually important. The impression you give to your customers when they see it is vital to their impression of your company as a whole. As they say, you only get one chance at a good first impression, so make sure your building doesn’t let you down.

Get Fresh Paint Going

To build on that, so to speak, you can also help to improve the appearance of your home by freshening up the paint on both the outside and in. It is sometimes hard to notice how much of an impact the color of a building can have on your customers, but that impact is there whether you like it or not.

You Want Your Clients in a Good Mood. One of the best things you can do to help your company thrive is to ensure that your clients are in a good mood when they are engaging with your business. This is beneficial for many reasons, and fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make sure that your customers stay happy; the appearance of your business is one of them.

Color Theory is Effective. If you can utilize specific colors to evoke certain emotional responses from your clients, then you want to be sure that you engage with the right colors to bring about that positive mood that can be so beneficial for business. This is why studying color theory might be particularly useful before deciding on the colors you want to paint your walls.

Implement a Dress Code

Finally, something you may not have considered that might help to spruce up your home office a little is to implement a dress code for yourself. By doing so, you can create a more professional atmosphere at ome, and make you feel more motivated and put together.

Your Appearance is Important too. Plus, what you wear has a psychological effect on your productivity. So, by wearing a crisp suit to work, even if you’re just at home, can help to make yourself feel more productive and keep more on top of your responsibilities for the day. This could even end up overall improving your business as a whole, as each of your employees could experience something similar.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.yukonhomeremodeling.com/?p=824