BILL JOHNSONS AUTHOR: JONAS MORTON 21 FEB BY JONAS MORTON / HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS FOR CHOOSING SOLAR POOL HEATERS Jumping into your swimming pool may not always be a great experience. That is the case particularly during spring and fall season when the colder winds begin blowing. Most pool owners have gas pool heaters that are designed to increase the temperature of the swimming pool water. Unfortunately, paying gas bills because of the additional consumption of gas can be quite undesired and expensive. Moreover, electric heaters are also associated with huge costs. Fortunately, there is an eco-friendly and economical solution that involves installing solar pool heaters. There are various top brands that include Smartpool, Sungrabber, Sun2Solar, and FAFCO. The following are some tips to help you choose the perfect solar heater for your swimming pool. SQUARE FOOTAGE COVERAGE Square footage coverage is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a solar panel system. That is quite important for various reasons. For instance, you ought to determine the surface area that is required. Typical sizes vary between 35 to 85 square feet. However, that is dependent on the number of solar panels you may have. Pool heaters are also ideal for installations on the roof. That is because solar panel heaters are lightweight and flexible in design. TEMPERATURE RISE This is another important thing to take into account. You have to consider the estimated temperature rise that a solar pool heater provides. Ideally, solar heaters are designed to offer an increase in the pool temperature with the solar heating system. When there is proper sizing, the dimensions of the pool change depending on the solar panel. Nowadays, most manufacturers recommend the number of solar collectors required for any particular size of the pool. MOUNTING TYPE Solar pool heaters have a wide range of mounting options. Usually, manufacturers can provide a product that is adjusted for multiple mounting types. You should note that there are three major types of mountings for solar pool heaters. The first one is flat, meaning it is like a solar heater mat. That means you can roll the heater and place it next to your swimming pool. Since the tilt angle is zero, it means that you cannot get the maximum efficiency of the solar pool heater. Another option you have is a racking system. When you place the system on a mounting racking, the tilt angle can be adjusted accordingly to help you achieve the level of heat transfer and efficiency you need.… 21 SEP BY JONAS MORTON / PLUMBING COMMON PLUMBING SERVICES HANDLED BY PROFESSIONAL PLUMBERS Plumbing is the work of installing and maintaining a plumbing system. This work is done by a professional called a plumber who fits and repairs the pipes, fittings and water supply apparatus, sanitation, or heating systems. Getting a plumber that one can rely on to take care of all your plumbing needs is an essential part of any individual with a home. The following are some of the services that one can request from a professional plumbing company; WATER HEATERS This is an essential part of a home for the simple reason of giving access to hot water. Hot water is mainly needed for sanitation purposes such as cleaning dishes, clothes and for showering. Plumbers are always available to perform repairs on any issues a water heater may be having. PLUMBING REPAIRS Most homes always into a wide range of repair needs in regards to plumbing. It is essential to take care of these problems as soon as they arise to prevent further damage and huge losses. Plumbing companies can assess and quote a price that is reasonable before addressing the issue. TOILETS AND FIXTURES This service is provided to make sure that the toilet and its fixtures are correctly installed and working. Everything in the bathroom is taken care of and correctly to ensure long term performance. BATHTUBS AND SHOWERS In this type of service, the plumbing company guides one to choosing the right model and help in properly installing it. This helps in preventing costly repairs. DRAIN CLEANING This is one of the common problems that affect homes. The plumbers usually provide a quick and efficient solution to this problem which prevents bigger issues such as flooding. PIPE REPAIRS When water pressure becomes low, or the water bill increases surprisingly, that’s a sign that your water pipes need repair. It is advisable to call a plumbing company and request this service immediately. PIPE INSULATION This service involves protecting pipes from colder temperatures by insulating them. Plumbing companies usually perform this kind of service to protect the plumbing system from the effects of low temperatures that affect the pipes negatively. GAS LINES Natural gas to homes is essential. However, it must be treated with care to avoid great loss at your home. It is essential to get professionals to do the installation or repairs as well as regular inspection. Plumbing is an essential part of a home that needs to be done with great care. Therefore, it is essential to engage the services of a reputable plumbing company.… 06 JUL BY JONAS MORTON / DRIVEWAY WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE INSTALLING A DRIVEWAY Driveways come in various designs and aesthetics. The common ones include aggregate, asphalt, paving stone, and concrete. When installing a driveway, you need to consider things such as durability, DIY potential, overall suitability, cost, and maintenance requirements. These are the factors you ought to consider before you choose driveway installers to start the project. AESTHETICS Is curb appeal vital for you? If you want your driveway to stand out, you have to make the right choices. In world-class urban neighborhoods and rural areas, gravel is the ideal material. In middle-class areas, concrete and asphalt outrank stone and gravel. If your aim is to increase the curb appeal, then you should consider stone or brick. On the other hand, if the utility is your top priority, then concrete or gravel can do. BUDGET As you know, budget considerations can easily make or break a home improvement project. Driveway installation or even resurfacing costs are influenced by driveway dimensions, drainage features, adjacent landscaping, paving material, and design elements. Gravel is the least expensive. It is followed by concrete, asphalt, and paving stones. Thus, if you are on a budget, gravel is a perfect choice. SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS If you start your driveway from scratch, you have to plan its course and shape. You should note that most driveways are straightforward and situated behind their houses. In rural and suburban areas, you have a lot of freedom. You need to determine the dimensions and mark the exact boundaries and route before you start the project. Ensure it is wide enough for a normal passenger vehicle, with some room to spare. LOCAL REGULATIONS Before spending money on a new driveway, you have to ensure that you are permitted to build one. Some municipalities regulate property improvements with a lot of control. Moreover, most homeowner’s associations are less forgiving. For instance, they can ban certain colors or materials altogether. DIY POTENTIAL Do you want a project that you can execute and manage on your own from beginning to the end, or do you like leaving it to the professionals? In this case, your financial reserves will come to your rescue. The truth is that homeowners themselves can do DIY gravel driveway installation. Concrete, paving stones, and asphalt are trickier to do by yourself. MAINTENANCE How much money, effort, and time do you want to invest in the maintenance of your driveway? You should note that the cost of upkeep varies by the material. For instance, gravel is cheap and easy to maintain.… 11 JUN BY JONAS MORTON / SECURITY BUYING OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS Outdoor security cameras are essential to every home. They might not prevent thieves from breaking into your house, but they allow you to monitor your home. We have different types of security cameras, depending on how you are planning to use them. You need to make sure that you get cameras with all the features that you need. With the growth of technology, cctvs are now packed with features that were not available before. Here is a guide on buying outdoor security cameras: ALL-WEATHER FEATURES When buying outdoor security cameras, make sure that you consider the exterior of the camera. A good camera should have a strong solid exterior. With a strong solid exterior, you can be sure that the camera will not allow water inside. For outdoor cameras, water damage is a big issue. The exterior should be well-sealed so that no water can get inside the camera. It is also important for the exterior to have excellent quality material to avoid damage by the sun. SMARTPHONE COMPATIBILITY It is advisable to buy security cameras that are compatible with your smartphone. You need to know what is happening at your front door just by checking the smartphone. You can watch live footage even when you are at work. You will be able to know when someone is at your door and open it through your phone. Since you might not be able to access the computer all the time, smartphone compatibility is the most important thing. TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION If you are planning to install a security camera on your front door, two-way communication is essential. With two-way communication, the security camera can capture images as well as sound. With this feature, it is possible to communicate with people on your front door without even opening the door. This is an excellent way to enhance security so that you do not feel the need to allow strangers inside your home. WORK IN LOW LIGHT In case you do not have proper security lights outside your building, there are chances that the quality of images will be distorted. In cases when you do not have security lights, make sure that you to consider security cameras that come with their light. Right now, we have security lights that come with infrared to enhance visibility.… 10 APR BY JONAS MORTON / UNCATEGORIZED UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COOKING POTS Cooking pots come in a variety of materials. Making sure that you know the different materials available is essential. When looking for cooking pots, you need to consider the type of meals that you like to cook. The source of heat is also necessary and can be a useful guide when choosing cookware material. We have different types of cookware based on durability and also the appearance. Always choose cookware based on your lifestyle and other factors. Here are some of the most common type of cookware that we have today: CAST IRON Cast iron is a heavy-duty material for cookware. If you are looking for a material that can withstand high heat, cast iron is the right choice. It takes a long time to heat cast iron, but it is a good choice. With cast iron cookware, you might be required to treat them regularly. However, this is an excellent choice for cooking using high heat. These materials are used for Dutch ovens and other types of cookware that require high heat. Cast iron is also one of the most durable materials for cookware. CLAY AND STONEWARE Clay and stoneware cookware have been used since time in memorial. This type of cookware is the best choice when looking for a traditional method of cleaning. With this type of cookware, you can cook different kinds of meals. Clay and stoneware cookware can be heavy and bulky. Remember to handle them with care to avoid any breakage. With proper handling, this cookware can last you for a long time without the need to replace. COPPER Copper is an excellent cooking material despite the high cost. It is preferred by most of the chefs around the world due to efficiency. With copper, it is possible to cook sensate foods without worrying about burning the foods. This material allows even distribution of heat in different parts of the pan. You will also love copper due to its durability. You can use copper material for a long time even with high heat. Copper is also a suitable material because it is aesthetically pleasing. ALUMINUM Aluminum cookware is the most common type of cookware that we have today. If you cannot afford copper, this s a good choice to consider. Aluminum is easy to clean, and it also heats up quickly. This material can be used for all types of cookware. It is affordable and easy to clean.… 31 MAR BY JONAS MORTON / HOME FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN GETTING INTO REAL ESTATE The real estate business has been known to have many sides that we must familiarize ourselves with. It has been in the spotlight for quite some time, and we know better than to take things lightly. The best part is that there are credible sources from where we can get all the information that we need. To be on the safe side, you need to do plenty of research first. This way, you will know just where to start rather than get stuck. This has to be taken even more seriously when buying a house of your own is among your plans for this year. Get your facts right, and the rest will fall in place. AMPLE SPACE No one is comfortable having to live in a place that is a bit too squeezed. We love to be free and have fresh air flowing as freely as it should. Ventilation is one of the factors that must be considered when looking for a spacious abode. With ample space, you are assured of getting everything that you have been looking for. This factor is most especially vital for those who are considering the size of their families. Everyone needs to feel comfortable, and this is one way of doing this. Though there are plenty of options for you to choose from, you may want first to ask around. You wouldn’t want to make a mistake that will see you regretting for the rest of your life. AFFORDABLE HOUSING The worst you can ever do is to settle for real estate options that you clearly can’t afford. The issue of finances should never hinder you from fulfilling your real estate ambitions. On the bright side, there are plenty of affordable housing options that should steer you to the next level. You don’t need to have millions in your account for your dreams to be realized. The likes of Puerto Vallarta condos should be considered. This has come as music to most of our ears since we have come to perceive housing as security. FLEXIBLE DEALS Signing a real estate deal should never be taken lightly. On the contrary, both parties have to be in their sober state of mind. Failure to which will see everything plunge into a ditch. Flexibility is a factor that we can’t afford to ignore. At least you can stretch as far as is comfortable to you. When things seem to be taking a toll for the worst, you are assured of having a safer place to fall back on. You can learn about plenty of other ways in which you can achieve flexibility. Not to mention just how much you can gain when you keep your eyes open for the best deals available on the market. CREDIBLE SITES While you get to the best and juiciest part of real estate, you should be well informed. Get your most credible sources together, and you are assured of the most credible and latest news. The internet is full of such and must be carefully selected. The last thing that you would want is to be misguided especially regarding the real estate business.… 22 MAR BY JONAS MORTON / UNCATEGORIZED FURNITURE FOR WINE LOVERS Wine is known as a luxury beverage that needs time and experience to enjoy. To enjoy a glass of wine means to enjoy the aroma, the taste, and the after taste of the wine. Any wine collector will agree that the right atmosphere will build the best experience of wine sipping. To furthermore enhance the goodness of sipping a glass of wine, here we have compiled our ultimate list of best furniture for wine lovers. WINE RACK We are starting our list with a wine rack. A wine rack is a must-have item for any wine lover. Storing your wine collection with a wine rack will keep them protected and appropriately showcased. Not only it will save and organize your wine collection, but it can also beautify the aesthetic of your home interior. There is a lot of model of whiskey barrel furniture. Therefore you can choose the one that matches your home interior the best. WINE CELLAR For avid wine lovers, having a wine cellar is a necessity. Different than a wine rack, a wine cellar can hold much more bottles of your wine collection. A wine cellar can also be equipped with a cooling system, enabling you to keep your wine at the best condition. Because it is usually custom made, you can design the wine cellar according to the specification of your budget and space. Some wine cellar maker also offers a service to personalize your wine cellar making it more special to you. WINE BAR A wine bar is a good furniture not only to store and display your wine but also to store and display your glassware. A wine enthusiast must know that there are several types of glass to enjoy most of the wine. Therefore a wine enthusiast might already have a collection of beautiful glassware that has to be stored and displayed well. A wine bar can also be a beautiful center of decoration at your home. LOUNGE CHAIR What can be better than sipping your favorite wine while sitting on the most comfortable yet stylish chair? Different than drinking your wine on the restaurant where you sit on a dining chair, having your wine at your home will give you more time to soak and enjoy the aroma and taste of your wine. A lounge chair will not only make you feel comfortable to sit for a longer time, but it will also look stylish in your home. Choose a lounge chair with a matching style with your wine room.… 29 JAN BY JONAS MORTON / HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING AN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM Selecting the right cooling and heating system can be difficult especially when it is a long-term investment for your home. Ensuring you tick off all your needs and wants against a long list of desired functions and features can be tricky. However, it can be the determining factor between a cool solution and a costly lesson. Below are factors that you should consider to help you make a wise choice when selecting an air conditioning system. COST AND EFFICIENCY One of the most crucial things to remember when buying an AC system is that it is an investment for your home. Therefore, although you may be tempted to go for cheaper options, remember it is the less expensive systems which will cost you more in the long run through increased running and maintenance costs. Higher quality systems have higher efficiencies than their cheaper counterparts. This makes them less expensive to operate and are more likely to pay for themselves over time. PRACTICALITY AND COMFORT The big question when selecting an air conditioning system is what kind of system you want. It is vital to understand some the various types of air conditioning systems to ensure you are shopping for a system that ticks all the boxes on your checklist. After choosing the appropriate system for your lifestyle and home, some other vital features to consider are fan speed settings, power consumption, sleep mode, and noise. This way, you can ensure the right system with a total package. TAKING CONTROL OF THE SYSTEM With the bounds and leaps in technology in the recent past, especially for the home, there is a wide range of possibilities available for homeowners. One of the options is the opportunity to take control of home products thanks to the introduction of smart devices. When it comes to selecting and air conditioning system, ensure you keep in mind the functions that matter most to you. RELIABILITY The other key consideration when selecting an air conditioning system which will serve your home for long is reliability. As far as picking a pricier model is concerned, it pays to stick with reputable companies with extensive experience and great after-sales services. At Aircon Sunshine Coast you will get the best system at a good price. Choosing an air conditioning system can be made simple by taking these factors into account. This will help you get the best system that will serve your home for a long time.… 25 OCT BY JONAS MORTON / UNCATEGORIZED TIPS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN Kitchen remodeling is one of the most important projects that you need to do for your home. As much as you need to have a perfect kitchen, you need to be willing to make it a significant investment that will give you a happy lifestyle. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you need to do the remodeling process easier, less expensive and convenient so that you achieve what your dreams. You can choose to do the remodeling on your own if you are an expert; otherwise, you need to hire a remodeling company to give ideas of how you would make the kitchen better. The following are the best tips to remodel your kitchen. SET YOUR BUDGET FIRST You need to have a budget when you plan to remodel your kitchen. The budget will let you highlight the things you can afford for the kitchen. You will possibly choose the necessary equipment depending on the amount you want to spend. You need to research the things you need and their prices. The budget should also help you to prepare for the unexpected. Additional costs might arise as you remodel the kitchen and you will not want to quit the project before it is successful. Ensure that you are realistic of what you can afford for your kitchen to make it amazing for everyone. THINK ABOUT THE LAYOUT People have different types of layouts for their kitchen. It is important to consider the best layout so that you do not have a plan that might not work at all. You need to ensure that the kitchen is practical and functional by considering the layout. Think about the things you want to purchase and the way they are going to fit your kitchen. The positioning of the kitchen facilities is important; ensure that you can access the households without interfering with any equipment in the kitchen. Arrange the equipment that you frequently use in a position that is easily accessible so that you do not have to struggle. KITCHEN SPACE PLANNING The last thing you will want for your kitchen is to waste the space. You need to have a clear plan on how you will utilize the space to make a perfect kitchen. When you are installing the cabinets and counters, you need to ensure there is enough space for future expansion or other big equipment such as a refrigerator. On the other hand, you need to ensure that your spacing plan maintains safety while in the kitchen. The appliances should be spacious so that they do not interfere with each other’s operation. Leave enough space for walkways so that you do not have to displace one appliance to access the other. THINK ABOUT THE SINKS If you need your kitchen to be amazing, you need to think about the best sinks and faucets you need. The numbers of sinks and faucets will depend on the activities that you intend to have in the kitchen. Ensure that the number of sinks is enough for a convenient and functional kitchen. Also, check on the quality of the equipment used to design the sinks and faucets.… 25 OCT BY JONAS MORTON / HOME WHAT WOULD YOU PREFER: A HOUSE OR AN APARTMENT? In society, there are those who are living in apartments while others in individual houses. There is no formula or predetermined method of gauging why people prefer one over the other. The choice between the two relies on personal preferences, convenience, economic condition, status, among other factors. This article opens up the debate: Which one is better, living in a house or apartment? PROS AND CONS OF LIVING IN APARTMENTS Despite their huge popularity, apartments are considerably smaller when compared to houses. This should not be an instant deal breaker. You can always utilize the given space in a way that meets all your needs. You can save on the floor space by installing wall-mounted furniture. This gives the room a bigger feel when contrasted against suitable materials and colors. GREAT LOCATIONS It is no secret that apartments stand in the best locations. That’s many overlook the room-size factor. Those who prefer residing in apartments consider themselves to be lucky given their proximity to the workplace. On the downside when residing in an apartment, you will be surrounded by unfriendly neighbors. If you are the individual who prefers peace and serenity, an apartment is not what you are looking for. A smart way of tackling this concern is by developing a warm relationship with your immediate neighbors. That way everyone will do their best to respect the sensitivities of the other. SAFETY When tackling security, apartments stand out as the top picks. Most apartment buildings boast of security guards. Most have modern security features that can only be opened using a card or code. Alternatively, the concept of collective security is strong when residing in an apartment. If a neighbor notices anything unusual, they can immediately contact security or give you a call. PET CONCERNS Pet lovers find living in apartments difficult. Animals like dogs thrive best when they spend a sheer amount of time outdoors. This will not be possible when residing high up an apartment. Surprisingly, this problem is not an issue when referring to cats. PROS AND CONS OF LIVING IN HOUSES Houses are great for those who party regularly. Entertaining your colleagues during festivities is pleasant for those with backyards. Couples can enjoy the large bedrooms and endless space synonymous with houses. Residing in a bigger domicile requires additional maintenance. Picture the large windows, extensive floor room, and vacuum effort. Let us not forget taking care of the outdoor environment such as the lawn or yard. SPACIOUS Most houses have a garage or parking space. Finding parking spaces when residing in a crowded apartment is exceedingly difficult. This is only available for those living in luxury condos. COST OF FREEDOM The freedom from living on your own house is priceless. You do not have to contain your impulses or activities to neighbor concerns. Besides, there will be no curious eyes spying on your home from across the road. TEMPERATURE When compared to apartments, living in a house is way cooler. Homes, where trees and other green vegetation are plentiful, experience a cool climate. Just like an air conditioner, it helps in temperature regulation during summer.… RECENT POSTS Benefits Of Hiring An Aircon Service Company Four Reasons Why You Need Security Cameras At Home Top Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Buyer’S Advocate Tips For Choosing Solar Pool Heaters Five Steps To Finding A Custom House Builder Online Benefits Of Installing Blinds Common Plumbing Services Handled By Professional Plumbers The Criteria To Use When Choosing A Carport Builder PAGES Benefits Of Buying An Electric Dishwasher Our People Say Hello TAGS aircarportchairsconditioningcostdrivewaydriveway installationfurnituregravelhomeinteriorlocationoutdoor securityplumbingsafetysecurity camerasspacesystemwindowwine CATEGORIES Custom Home Driveway Heating And Air Conditioning Home Home Improvement Plumbing Real Estate Security Uncategorized Follow Us