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15 common home renovation mistakes to avoid

15 common home renovation mistakes to avoid

Renovating a home can be a thrilling endeavor, promising to breathe new life into one’s living space, amplify its value, and tailor it to one’s unique needs. But without meticulous planning and execution, this endeavor can morph into a costly and frustrating nightmare. As a homeowner, understanding renovation pitfalls is important to avoid unnecessary stress, delays, and financial setbacks. Here are some common home renovation mistakes to avoid for a smooth process.

Ignoring permits and regulations
Neglecting to obtain the necessary permits and ignoring local building codes can lead to fines, delays, and even having to undo completed work. One should check with the local authorities and ensure that one’s renovation adheres to the required regulations.

Neglecting structural issues
Before embarking on cosmetic renovations, one should address any underlying structural issues in their home. These may include foundation problems, roofing issues, or termite damage. Addressing these issues early on will prevent further damage and ensure safety.

Failing to plan for contingencies
Home renovations can quickly become more expensive than what was initially anticipated. In addition to the costs of materials and labor, one should factor in additional expenses like permits, inspections, shipping, and other unforeseen costs. One can set aside a contingency budget of around 10-15% of the project cost.

Hiring unqualified contractors
Choosing the wrong contractors can lead to shoddy workmanship, missed deadlines, and disputes. One is advised to research, read reviews, and check references before hiring any professionals. Ensure that the contractor is licensed, insured, and experienced in handling similar projects.

Sacrificing quality for savings
While it’s essential to be mindful of one’s budget, cutting corners and opting for low-quality materials and finishes can result in higher maintenance costs and a shorter lifespan for the renovated spaces.

Not tracking the progress
One needs to clearly convey their expectations to the contractors and ensure that both parties understand the scope of work, the timeline, and any potential challenges. One should also regularly monitor the progress to address any concerns promptly.

Overlooking storage and functionality
Esthetics are essential, but one should not ignore the functionality and storage needs of their home. It is important to plan for necessary storage solutions and design spaces that cater to one’s lifestyle and also has room to accommodate the family’s changing needs.

Changing one’s mind midway
While some changes are inevitable, making frequent alterations to the design midway through the renovation can lead to delays and increased costs. One should try to finalize the design choices before starting the project and stick to the plan unless absolutely necessary.

Neglecting safety measures
Skimping on safety equipment and protocols during renovation can be dangerous. One should ensure that the worksite is safe for both workers and residents. One can use caution tape and barriers to prevent access to hazardous areas.

Not seeking professional help
While DIY projects can be cost-effective, not seeking professional help for complex renovations like electrical work or structural changes can result in safety hazards and shoddy craftsmanship.

Buying new furniture early on
It might be tempting to shop for new furniture and décor pieces while the renovation project is ongoing, but doing so can lead to buying furniture that doesn’t fit or complement the renovation outcome.

Making measurement errors
Whether it’s the dimensions of a room, the placement of fixtures, or the sizing of materials, even small measurement errors can lead to costly mistakes. One should always double-check measurements, use precise tools, and consider the space from various angles to avoid ordering incorrect materials or making irreversible changes.

Not testing materials and finishes
Before committing to specific materials and finishes, it is essential to test samples in one’s home’s lighting conditions. Colors and textures can appear different in different lighting, and testing will help one to make an informed decision.

Disregarding the HVAC System
If one’s renovation involves altering the layout, it is crucial to assess the capacity of one’s HVAC system, which stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. An outdated HVAC system will struggle to efficiently heat and cool one’s home, leading to discomfort and higher energy bills.

Overlooking proper ventilation
Areas like kitchens and bathrooms require adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth, odors, and moisture-related damage. One should ensure that the renovation involves installing proper ventilation systems, such as exhaust fans and range hoods, to maintain a healthy indoor environment.

Home renovations can be immensely rewarding, and a thoughtful and strategic approach to the process will result in a beautiful, functional, and enjoyable living space for years to come.

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Top 7 indoor purifiers for improving air quality

Air quality in and around structures can be affected by pollutants like asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, radon, pesticides, indoor particulate matter, tobacco, volatile organic compounds, and wood smoke. Purifier devices are the safest and most trusted options for improving air quality. The country's air purifier market was 2.17 billion in 2020, with a growth estimation of 8.6% by 2028. Here are seven of the best indoor air purifiers to consider for your home: Blue Pure 211+ by Blueair Blueair air purifiers are reliable, and the Blue Pure 211+ can remove a wide range of pollutants and particles trapped in your home. This device has a fabric filter for dust and larger particles and a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter for smaller particles like mold and bacteria. Another filter is activated by carbon that can remove other dust and odors. Blue Pure 211+ is a compact machine that has proven effective for removing airborne pollutants across 540 sq. ft., and replacements will cost around $70. Airmega AP-1512HH by Coway Coway has been leading the air purifier market for quite some time. The Airmega AP-1512HH is effective for a 361 sq. ft room size and has four filters: HEPA, washable, odor, and bipolar ion. This air purifier is the only one with ionizing functions, along with a programmable timer, four fan speeds, and a filter indicator light. It is a compact machine and one of the market's most highly rated and reviewed air purifiers. Replacement costs are also low. The company runs out of stock frequently; if you are keen on this, track its availability. Macro Pro True HEPA Air Purifier by DREO DREO's Macro Pro is an ideal low-cost air purifier with ultra-fine, HEPA, and pelletized activated carbon filters that can remove odors caused by dogs and a lot of dust. The device has three fan speeds and three additional and separate modes for sleep, turbo, and auto. DREO is fitted with sensors that can adjust the mode and speed settings based on the current air quality in the room. The replacements cost around $30. Core 400S by Levoit Levoit's Core 400S has three filtration stages: nylon, an H13 True HEPA, and activated carbon. The maximum effective room size for this air purifier is 403 sq. ft. You may have to replace the filter every six months for one year at about $50. Levoit claims the Levoit Core 4005 can capture about 99.97% of airborne particles and close to 99.99% of viruses and bacteria. This device can also capture smoke, fumes, pet odors, and cooking smells. HM400 HealthMate® by Austin Air If you want an air purifier that works in larger room sizes and is durable, you can consider the Austin Air HM 400 Healthmate. This device can remove pet dander and chemical and gaseous pollutants for a large room size of 938 sq. ft. The Austin Air HM 400 Healthmate has already been tested and proved to remove volatile organic compounds. While this air purifier is slightly higher on the cost side, it is a durable machine. Pure Cool™ Purifying Tower Fan and TP04 Air Purifier by Dyson It is a standing purifying tower fan that detects air quality in real-time. The activated carbon filter removes odors and gases, and a Glass HEPA filter captures minute allergens and pollutants. This smart machine delivers pure air throughout the room at 77 gallons per second, and it can be operated through a voice-enabled app. Dyson's combination of purification and powerful fan speed makes this product a must-buy. You can set it to nighttime mode, which functions in quiet settings with a dimmed display. HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover by Honeywell Honeywell's HPA 300 can purify an area of 465 sq. ft. with a disposable pre-filter and a true HEPA filter. This portable device is easy to use, has four-speed settings, and works almost silently, even in high fan speed settings. Allergens trapped in the house are effectively removed thanks to this durable product. The Honeywell HPA has one of the highest ratings for removing dust, pollen, and smoke. However, the device may need a good amount of maintenance, and replacements are expensive. The need for air purifiers The Environmental Protection Agency says that immediate exposure to household pollutants can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat. While treatment can cure them, the symptoms may relapse when they come back home. The impact of air quality on people with allergies and sensitivities could be more than cold-like symptoms. Prolonged and continuous exposure to household pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and cancer. Hence using an air purifier reduces the risk of such diseases. In addition, it can also remove microorganisms and protect you from viral and bacterial infections. Other methods to improve air quality Apart from using an air purifier to remove existing pollutants, pay attention to the household things and remove potential pollutants. Keep the house well ventilated. Check pipes, tanks, and water supply channels for any water leaks that may cause molds. Use professional cleaners to clean your home thoroughly.

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7 common mistakes to avoid while buying furniture

Redecorating the home with new furniture is always exciting. It gives one the chance to redesign the space based on their current needs and preferences. Exciting as it is, this process may often also feel tedious. As a result, many people end up rushing the process, purchasing furniture pieces they regret in the future. Here is a list of seven common mistakes people make when buying furniture and how to avoid them. Looking for the cheapest options Many people look for the cheapest options when buying furniture. However, this could end up costing them more in the long run. While it may be an immediate money-saver, the furniture pieces may need to be replaced sooner. When buying furniture, consider the frequency of its use, along with its material and build quality to pick pieces that will last long. Eyeballing measurements One must always carefully measure the furniture being purchased. Additionally, it is important to measure the dimensions of the room it will be placed in and the size of the doorways and hallways. Eyeballing these measurements is a common mistake to avoid as it may mean the furniture cannot be brought into the room, or does not fit in its intended space, which may cause one to return the piece and/or lose their deposit. Ignoring scale and space In addition to the size of the piece, one must also consider the space around it. Big furniture pieces that look good in the store may end up blocking space around the home. To find a better estimate of how big a certain furniture piece may look inside the house, mark the size of the item in the room using masking tape. For easy access in and around the room, leave at least 18 inches (45 cm) of space between the coffee table and the sofa, 32-36 inches (81-91 cm) between pieces of furniture, and 48 inches (121 cm) for chairs around the dining table. Working with this margin in mind will help one find furniture that can be moved and accessed comfortably. Not considering one's lifestyle People often turn to lifestyle magazines and catalogs for style inspiration. While these may be a good place to start shortlisting, one needs to consider their lifestyle seriously when making decisions about furniture. It is important to find pieces that fit well with one’s needs. For instance, those who are considering growing their family may want to opt for furniture pieces with rounded edges and softer corners, instead of sharp sides or glass tops. Similarly, for households with older people, it may be advisable to opt for firmer and higher chairs and beds for ease of movement. Impulse buying When shopping, it is easy to fall in love with a certain piece of furniture or an accessory. Most often, impulse purchases turn into costly mistakes. So, before finalizing the purchase, one must take a moment to consider how it would fit in with the rest of the room. Think about its style, colors, functionality, and size. Buying too soon (or all at once) As one plans a renovation, the goal is to get everything done as soon as possible. This sometimes means booking furniture pieces before the space is ready. However, this may prove costly, so one must wait until the room is ready. This will give one a better idea of the space, allowing one to find the right pieces for the room. Additionally, one may feel tempted to buy all the furniture at once, which can lead to overspending. Take time to plan and develop a theme that fits well with one’s lifestyle and budget. Use this as inspiration when decorating the room to create a coherent space that aligns with one's needs. Opting for looks over comfort While style guides can be useful when designing spaces, one must always prioritize comfort over trends. For instance, when coming back home after a long day of work or school, one is likely to want a bed or a sofa that is comfortable to fall into, and not just one that looks stylish. Similarly, it is important to build an ample closet and storage space, instead of relying on a few stylishly arranged racks. Although time-consuming, buying furniture can be a fun process. Work with a budget, test the pieces when possible, and visualize the space to create a space that is pleasing to the eye and comfortable to live in.

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Cats are strict carnivores by nature, and their bodies cannot digest a carbohydrate-rich diet. And pet parents must feed them a nutritionally balanced diet matching their weight, age, lifestyle, and current health condition. Look for food with animal protein as the prime ingredient and has fatty acids, essential amino acids, and minerals. If you are unsure of what food to choose, you can consider the following vet-recommended food for your cats: Human-Grade Fresh, Wet Cat Food by Smalls Smalls is an ultra-high protein USDA-certified cat food subscription service that uses humanely harvested and human-grade ingredients. Trained chefs prepare the food avoiding cheaper fillers like carbs and grains that add volume and reduce cost. The food does not contain any preservatives. You can choose from chicken, a combination of chicken and turkey, beef, or fish for fresh food. Freeze-dried raw cat food is available in turkey, duck, and chicken flavors. While fresh meals can go to the freezer, freeze-dried raw food can be in the pantry. One package may last five meals, and you must read the instructions to store the leftover package properly to avoid contamination. The approximate cost of Smalls cat food is $2.50 to $3.50 daily. Pro Plan® Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food by Purina® Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food is available without a prescription and is a less expensive alternative for weight loss diets.
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Top 5 luxury watches to check out

Owning a luxury watch is not always a symbol of wealth or power. A handcrafted watch is a work of art, craftsmanship, and precision mechanics. It can be a statement or serve as a family heirloom. Owning a luxury watch is every horologist’s dream. When taken good care of, these watches last incredibly long. If you want to invest in one, you can choose from the world’s leading luxury watch brands like: Patek Phillipe Geneva invented the world’s first wristwatch. Patek Phillipe continues to make the most luxurious watches liked by famous, high-profile men and women. Their expertise lies in making watches with various mechanisms that sometimes may take multiple years to complete. Apart from common complications like date and time zones, some outstanding features include minute repeaters, tourbillons, and split-second chronographs. Their watches contain top-class material for the base and inner mechanics, delicately set precious stones, enamel painting, and engraving. Every watch is sleek, classy, and luxurious. Patek Phillipe does not sell directly but through 78 authorized dealers across the country. Some of the timeless luxury watches from Patek Phillipe include: Nautilus Aquanaut Calatrava Complications Grand Complications Golden Ellipse Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin, based in Switzerland, is the oldest watchmaker and has been in the business since 1755.
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Top 3 types of mattresses to relieve back pain

An extremely soft or firm mattress or one that is worn out can affect sleep quality and make one feel tired the next day. Further, if used for a long period, it can lead to issues with spine alignment and even strain the back muscles. If suffering from back pain, it is important to pick a mattress that helps relieve the ache and provides adequate support to the spine. So here are the best options: Latex Latex is a natural rubber that can be combined with other natural and even synthetic products to create a comfortable and durable mattress. Latex is naturally elastic and buoyant, and in mattresses, it can help support the sleeper’s lower back, weight, shape, and different sleeping positions. It facilitates adequate spine alignment and helps take the pressure off the heavier parts of the body. Latex mattresses bounce back to their original shape pretty quickly, and this factor ensures good support for all sleeping positions, making it ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. What makes this one of the top mattresses for back pain is that its springy nature enables smoother movement, and sleepers can change their positions without difficulty. The mattress can retain its shape for many years.
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5 foods that help improve lung health

Our lungs help us receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide through breathing. The body’s natural defense system protects the lungs from infections, germs, and other pathogens. But you can also improve lung health by making specific lifestyle changes like following an active lifestyle and breathing fresh air. Further, the right nutrition plan is crucial. The following foods have essential nutrients that keep the lungs healthy and lower the risk of diseases: High-fiber foods Inflammation is among the leading causes of lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fiber can help fight inflammation. A molecule in the blood called C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates inflammation in the body. Fiber-rich foods can contain CRP levels and protect the lungs. Fiber can also improve gut health by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids. Some fiber-rich foods that promote healthy lungs are apples, artichokes, beans, berries, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, peas, cereal, and whole-grain bread. Vitamin C-rich foods Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that protects our cells from oxidative stress. It also has properties that protect the lungs from free radicals. Research shows that people who lack vitamin C may have decreased lung function, which may lead to infections.

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6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

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If you want to invest in a pair of good-quality running shoes, choose one from a brand that specializes in making them for professional and casual runners. Look for a manufacturer that offers good arch and pronation support that matches the shape and size of your feet. Generally, a pair of running shoes cost between $110 and $150, while some iconic and popular shoes may cost higher. To help you choose from the top brands, here are the leading running shoe brands that are popular among runners: Brooks Brooks is originally from Canada and operates in the U.S. The brand has been making shoes since 1914 and started making running shoes after the Olympics in 1972. The collaboration of Jerry Turner from Brooks, David Schwaber of a rubber company, and Marty Liquori, a long-distance runner, created a cushiony midsole material from ethylene vinyl acetate. Using this, they introduced the Brooks Villanova in 1975. Their pioneering innovation then became the norm for other brands making sneakers. Some of its other innovations of Brooks include a removable sock line, silicone fluid, GORE-TEX, diagonal rollbar, use of pods on the outsole, and use of flexible material under the ball of the foot. Some of the most well-known running shoes from Brooks include the MOGO series, Green Silence, PureProject, Transcend, and the DNA series.
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Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment’s revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6.
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The sale of plug-in electric vehicles is expected to rise to 20.6 million in 2025, making up 23% of new passenger car sales. Battery, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid are the three main types of electric vehicles currently being rolled out. You can choose one from either of these car types on the basis of your driving requirement and budget. Here are some of the top suggestions for electric cars to consider this year: Kia EV6 The EV6 has a stylish exterior and classy interior with hi-tech features like smart parking and vehicle loading capabilities. This five-seater offers 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space even when the seats are not folded. The car’s engine has a 77.4 kWh all-wheel-drive powertrain, 321 bhp, 605Nm of torque from twin motors through a single-speed automatic transmission, and a range of 310 miles. It is quick to power up as a 350kW charger can charge the car from 10%-80% within 18 minutes. The driver assistance feature includes an augmented reality head-up display and remote smart park assist, which helps you park into a narrow space and pull out again when you are back by pressing a few buttons. Nissan Leaf Nissan’s Leaf is one of the cheapest electric cars in the market, costing under $20,000 after taking the tax credit of $7,500.
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New all-season tires last for about six to seven years with minimal use and about three to five years if you drive about 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that worn-out tires cause 11,000 accidents every year. To ensure your safety and others on the road, you must change your tires as and when required. Before you buy them, keep the following points in mind: Know to read the tire codes Learn about the tire code to know the right tire for your automobile. If you look carefully, you will notice a code with letters and numbers on the sidewall of your tire. Knowing the tire codes is important to buy similar or better tires that fit your wheel. Some of the relevant codes you need to know when you buy a new tire are: Tire type – the first alphabets indicate the tire type P for passenger cars LT for light truck tires ST stands for special trailer tires T for temporary or spare tires Tread width The three-digit number represents the tread width, the distance between sidewall edges in millimeters, followed by a slash and a ratio. Aspect ratio A two-digit number follows the slash and indicates the tire height from bead to tread.
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