Author: ION

Owning a home is something many of us want, however, it’s something that many of us feel is out of our reach, especially when living in London.

However, since the announcement of the temporary stamp duty holiday, there’s been a mini-boom in home buying. As something many new home buyers don’t factor in when looking to buy a house, the current lack of stamp duty makes now the best time to buy, but, the question is, where to buy?

Below, we’ve made a list of some of the best places to live in London. So, whether you’re looking for somewhere cool, somewhere with excellent transport links to get you to work or help you when travelling to Gatwick for a holiday, to places that sound super fancy and even areas that offer a more out of town feel, we’ve listed them below to help you find your ideal London home.

Belgravia

This place just sounds regal, doesn’t it? And, with a new TV show recently gracing our screens, the area has been positioned as a kind of Downton Abbey in the city. However, don’t let that fool you, it’s a fabulous place to buy and you won’t have to follow Edwardian style customs when it comes to dinner. With great links to areas such as Hyde Park, Victoria and Sloane Square this place looks great, is well connected and offers green spaces in abundance.

Peckham

When you hear Peckham, you probably think of Only Fools and Horses and high-rise tower blocks don’t you? But, don’t let that put you off. Situated in South London this is a place that’s on the rise. Gone are those negative visions of Del Boy and his market trading and in their place, you’ll find places like Rye Lane, a bustling hub of fun and culture alongside a mixture of shops offering everything from African and Kurdish food to a mixture of hair and nail bars and an exciting reggae music backdrop. Act now before urbanisation takes over.

Muswell Hill

Looking for something a little different? If you don’t want to live right in the heart of London, but you don’t want to lose that city feel, this is the rea for you. A village-like suburb with excellent transport links, the Victorian houses and abundance of green spaces make it a great place to live for those who are slightly done with inner-city living. With plenty of shops on your doorstep, you won’t feel secluded and for those looking to start a family, the schools are excellent.

Isle of Dogs

An ideal spot for those that work in the city, this is an area surrounded by three sides of the river and offers a stunning, yet dramatic cityscape backdrop. From your windows, you’ll most likely see the looming towers of Canary Wharf, which is a fabulous sight even if you don’t work inside. Aside from this, the area’s character is quite distinct, offering a mixture of urban city life and tight-knit community that’s hard to find in London.

So, regardless of where you want to live, London has everything from high end and up and coming areas to little suburbs and dramatic cityscapes just waiting to be bought up in this post-lockdown boom.

This summer is unlike any other. We can’t go for a vacation or hit the beach. So why don’t we make the most out of our outdoor space?

Nothing says vacation more than crisp summer air and juicy grilled food. So, what are you waiting for? Set up a grilling station at your home to organize exclusive barbecue evenings.

We have the 9 best ideas for you to upgrade your grill area elegantly and materialize holiday spirits.

1. Set The Mood With Lighting

Evening barbecue gatherings require sufficient lighting, and not just for the chef in charge. The right kind of lighting brightens and sets the mood of the entire area.

To effectively brighten up the outdoor grill area, layer your lighting. Use a combination of overhead and landscape lighting.

Another quick lighting solution is string lights. They are aesthetically appealing plus they set a warm ambience.

2. Shade The Grill With A Roof

Sudden downpour is a bummer when you’re in the middle of a fantastic grilling session. But there’s a solution for that as well.

Attach a roof over the grill area and barbecue with no weather hindrances. You can also shelter the dining area with a canopy to enjoy your food while it rains.

3. Get Creative With Furniture

Your grill area furniture doesn’t need to be similar to your indoor furniture. Create a distinct style and theme with outdoor furniture.

For instance, lounge chairs along with free-standing umbrellas create a relaxed ambience. Similarly, pull up a few stools and benches for a pleasant bistro seating area.

4. Stay Cool With A Mini Fridge

Barbecuing for long hours can make you thirsty and sweaty. Thus, upgrade your grill area with a mini-fridge.

It keeps you and your guests cool by serving chilled refreshments. Apart from that, it’s perfect for storing meat and other ingredients at hand.

6. Design Alfresco Dining Spot

If you have plenty of outdoor space, you can design an elegant alfresco dining spot. Set up the dining area with string lights, gazebo curtains, oversized umbrellas, and a patio heater.

An outdoor dining area elevates the grilling experience unlike any other.

7. Use Different Materials

By using different materials in your outdoor area, you can create a striking accent view. Wood and brick give a rustic yet stylish vibe.

To further enhance this vibe, add a gravel flooring. Whereas for a modern and sleek appearance go with stainless steel or marble grill counters.

Lastly, to highlight the dining area you can choose from a myriad of distinct tiles and color patterns.

8. Include A Chef’s Corner

To separate the cooking area from the dining spot, design a chef’s corner – this gives privacy to the cook as well.

You can also install cabinets and under-counter shelves for storage space. Apart from storing cooking essentials, it offers a space to discard all the trash securely.

Don’t forget to install lighting in the chef’s corner for efficient night-time cooking.

9. Experiment With Fire Pit

If your style is to go rough, then ditch your grill for an exquisite stone fire pit. Attach grills on the fire pit and show off your grilling skills like a pro.

Apart from that, when the cooking sessions are over, the fire pit serves as a heater in cold barbecue nights. However, watch out for the kids when lighting up the fire.

10. Accessorize The Area

Decorate the outdoor grill area with all things pretty and fancy. Gather everything that may refine your outdoor theme and incorporate it uniformly.

For instance, you can set planters with different herbs near the grill station and other potted plants. The planters act as an accessory and the herbs are handy for the chef.

So, if these ideas have tickled your creative senses, you better get to work. With a distinct style and fancy upgrades, make your grilling and dining experience exceptional.

Shower enclosures come in various styles and sizes, so you will find several that are suitable. However, some are more ideal for your shower than others. As you check out these walk-in shower enclosures, you need to consider several things to ensure that you make the right choice. 

The space you can spare for the shower enclosure

When buying a shower enclosure, you need to consider the size of your bathroom. What size of shower enclosure will still leave you with enough room to comfortably move around? While it is important to choose a shower enclosure that suits your style, the shower enclosure also has to be practical. 

The size of your bathroom will greatly influence the shower enclosure you buy. Undoubtedly, you have greater flexibility when choosing an enclosure for a large bathroom. However, you can also maximize the space in a small bathroom by looking at different possibilities of the various shower enclosures in the market. 

As you consider the space available, it is also important to look at the shower enclosure’s best location. You may not have much choice when fitting a shower cubicle in an existing bathroom. However, if you are designing a bathroom for your home, you need to ensure the shower enclosure does not interfere with your access to the rest of the room. 

Maximize the use of the space you have available by choosing a shape that will make your bathroom functional and attractive. When shopping for an enclosure, you will discover square, rectangular, curved, and quadrant enclosures. The curved and quadrant enclosures are usually excellent for small spaces. 

What is your budget?

Before going out to buy a shower enclosure, you need to have an idea of the cost, and what influences the price of the different types of enclosure. This will help you to come up with a budget and narrow your search to affordable shower enclosures. 

Several factors influence the shower enclosure price, including the glass thickness, the type of glass, and the size of the cubicle. The price of some of the shower enclosures in the market can be prohibitive. However, you shouldn’t be discouraged.

Explore the various stores selling shower enclosures to compare prices. You might discover one offering discounted rates. Some stores also offer a payment plan, so you might find one that will allow you to take the type of shower enclosure you like irrespective of the asking price, especially if the payment structure is reasonable. 

The design of the shower enclosure

While your bathroom will influence the size and style of the shower enclosure you choose, you may encounter different designs that will work for your home. Shower cubicles can improve your home’s value, so you need to pick a design that will make your bathroom attractive.

Is the shower enclosure for the master bath, or are you purchasing one for the shared bathroom? There are different types of shower enclosure doors. Some can withstand frequent opening and closing and are suitable for homes where shared bathroom facilities are used frequently. You should pick a design that will last, depending on usage. 

Some designs are also more stylish than others. For example, walk-in shower enclosures create an ultra-modern look. However, this design will look great if you have a spacious showering area. The shower enclosure you choose should also fit the style you have opted for your bathroom. Whether you have a contemporary, minimalist, classic, or vintage bathroom, you’ll find the right shower cubicle to compliment the room. 

The type of glass 

Most, if not all, shower cubicles are made of toughened glass. The thickness of the glass varies. Thicker glass is more durable and costly. Frameless shower enclosures often have very thick glass enclosures because they have greater structural integrity. 

Most shower enclosures have a thickness of between 4mm and 8mm. The 4mm shower enclosure is affordable but is not as sturdy as the 6mm and 8mm enclosures. So, it is important to see the relationship between the cost of the cubicle, against the durability of the glass. 

Additionally, some glass enclosures are easier to clean. This usually depends on the manufacturer and the features added to keep limescale, streaks, stains, oil, and dirt from ruining the shower cubicle’s appearance. This helps the enclosure to look new for longer. 

Shopping for a shower enclosure involves more than just picking the one you like based on looks alone. The choice also needs to be practical, not just based on where it will be placed but also on the number of people most likely to use the shower. Knowing what to look for in a shower enclosure will help you to narrow your search for a new one that will meet the needs of your family.

Most people forget about their HVAC air filters until it’s too late. Air purifier filters are by far the most important aspect of ensuring the highest quality indoor air. Unclean or clogged air filters can cause numerous health problems, including allergies. According to CNN, air pollution results in the death of one in nine people.

Most people don’t understand how to determine if it’s time for filter change. This causes them to wait until they see actual black dust blowing from the vents, which is a few months too late. These are a few signs that mean it’s time to change your air purifier filters:

White Sheet Test  

A great way to identify whether your filters need changing is by hanging a white sheet in front of one of the vents. Place it a few inches away from the vent and leave it up for at least an hour. Change the settings to blow maximum air in the meantime, if you can. If the white sheet turns gray, black or has spots, it is time to change the air filters.

Spike in Electricity Bill

Another sign your air purifier filters need replacing is if there is a sudden inexplicable spike in your power or electricity bills. Air filters are one of the major factors in energy efficiency. Your HVAC system is required to force air through the air vents, which takes more power, when your air filters are clogged.

Allergies or Breathing Problems

Allergies and breathing problems are usually because of clogged air filters. A sudden increase in respiratory illnesses and allergies could indicate that it’s time to change the air filters. Sometimes, the air filters can get so choked that they are unable to remove irritating and aggravating particulates from the air. Air quality tends to deteriorate as well because of clogged filters reducing airflow. 

Pet Dander 

If you have pets and see pet dander on your furniture, clothes, and surfaces, it could be a major sign that you need to replace the air purifier filters. People that have shaggy dogs or cats are recommended to change their filters once every month. Pet dander is known to be air borne and circulate throughout the ventilation system. This can lead to respiratory problems and allergies, typical to household dust.

Eye Test  

An easy way to identify whether air filters are clogged is by inspecting them. You need to make sure that you keep your eyes open for dust and dirt. You should also look for signs of damages. You may need to replace the filters if they are damp, damaged, or bent in any way. This can reduce the efficiency of the air filter by a significant amount.

Other Things to Consider

It’s crucial to understand that filters that are operating at high efficiency require more frequent changes than others. This is because they trap more particulates and air pollutants as compared to regular filters. You may also need to inspect the filters more frequently and change them as and when the need arises. 

At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is on everyone’s mind, more households are on the lookout for alternative ways to keep their homes safe from harmful viruses, bacteria, and harmful chemicals. It’s not just about washing our hands, following social distancing rules, wearing face coverings, and sanitizing surfaces. There’s more focus on permanent house solutions, like antimicrobial flooring. 

Antimicrobial Concrete Flooring –  Unsplash 

What is antimicrobial flooring, and how can it protect your home? Here’s what you should know and why this type of flooring would be a worthwhile investment:

What is Antimicrobial Flooring?

Antimicrobial flooring is designed with advanced technology to make sure that the flooring can combat microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, mildew, yeast, and mold from growing and spreading. Antimicrobial concrete floors use a slow-release effect to provide long-term protection for years to come. While these types of floors are widely used on surfaces in various commercial, industrial, and medical facilities, they’re becoming increasingly popular in homes.

The introduction of antimicrobial sealants has made it easy for homeowners to enjoy cleaner spaces free of contaminants. If you have concrete floors in your home and want to ensure a safer and cleaner home for your family, all you need is to have your floors patched well, ground smooth, and sealed with a quality antimicrobial sealant.

Why Consider Antimicrobial Concrete Flooring?

• Two-in-One Protection

One of the biggest benefits of antimicrobial concrete flooring is that it creates a seamless and smoother surface. Applying the sealant on new or existing concrete slab helps create a waterproof and beautiful surface that is not only easier to clean using standard cleaning products, but also hostile to bacteria and other contaminants. This helps prevent microbial growth. 

For homeowners, this two-in-one level of protection makes antimicrobial flooring a perfect solution for ensuring a cleaner environment. It’s especially valuable at a time when contaminated surfaces are a known risk factor for contracting the on-going COVID-19 coronavirus. 

• Keep Your Loved Ones Safe and Healthy

The number one concern for most families today is to ensure that everyone is staying safe and healthy amid the current pandemic. Apart from frequent cleaning and sanitizing home surfaces, there’s a growing need for longer-lasting solutions that will ensure the safety and health of the entire family, even after the pandemic is over. 

The good news is, solutions like antimicrobial flooring, offer one among many options that homeowners can choose to keep their loved ones safe and healthy. By inhibiting the growth of harmful microbes that may cause infections and disease, the antimicrobial protection on your floors puts your mind at ease by reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

• Easy to Install and Long Lasting

Whether your concrete floors are new or old, antimicrobial sealants are easy and quick to install. By hiring experienced experts, you can expect a new and long-lasting finish on your floors. Antimicrobial flooring offers deep-sealing action, which ensures a seamless and non-porous surface for permanent waterproofing, better concrete strengthening, odorless application, and toxicologically harmless floors. 

This type of flooring solution leaves no residue on your concrete floor and doesn’t cause any discoloration. It simply becomes part of your existing floor, adding to the overall aesthetic of your interior space while making it more hygienic and inherently cleaner. Even on damaged floors, patching up can be done before the sealant is applied.

Conclusion

Concrete is a versatile flooring option for many homes. But if it’s not maintained or sealed properly, it can encourage the growth of harmful organisms like bacteria and mold, putting you and your family at risk of infections. To ensure safer and cleaner floors, more homeowners are opting for antimicrobial sealants to protect their floors for years to come. 

The drill press is a very accurate power tool for drilling when woodworking or metalworking, it is commonly found in manufacturing factories and woodworking and metal fabrication workshops.

Also referred to as the pillar drill by many.

It is also used by a large number of people who like to work with metal and wood on their home and engineering projects also have them in their home workshops.

The drill press comes in 3 main designs

1, benchtop drill press

This is the most common of the 3 types of designs because it can be mounted on any workbench or even solid table easily with just a few screws or bolts to secure it to the surface, there is a great artcile on Tool Inspector best drill press reviews that goes into more detail and is very good to use as a buyers guide if you are looking to get one for your drilling tasks.

This is the design with the most selection to choose from when you are looking to buy a pillar drill with many manufacturers selling them.

2, Freestanding drill press

This is the most expensive of the 3 designs because it comes as an all in one unit with a frame and freestanding design.

This is the type that you will find in many professional woodworking and metal fabrication workshops, this model comes in all grades from hobby use to industrial use.

3, Portable drill press

The portable model is built for convenience so it can be taken out on jobs no matter where they may be, this is very handy for contractors who have to go out on-site or to people’s homes to carry out building and renovation work.

It comes with clamps to fix it to a solid work surface so you still need a good quality table or a workbench to operate it. This model also comes at a slightly higher price than a standard model. 

The 5 main advantages of installing a drill press in a home workshop or garage

1, Accuracy: You just can’t beat the accuracy of a pillar, sure a standard type drill can be accurate but it relies on the user, the environment you are working in and a tiny bit of luck to be accurate whereas the drill press relies only on the user set it up right and once that is done correctly your drill holes will be bang on the money time after time.

The machine operator can also line up the drill bit with the mark on the workpiece and be sure it won’t move at all.

2, Repetitive drilling: If you are working on a project that requires you to drill repeated holes at the same depth then the pillar drill can be set to a fixed depth making it a doddle to keep your holes uniform and exactly the same.

This really saves a lot of time and takes some of the work off your hands when you have this type of work.

3, Power: If you are working with tough materials like thick metal or hardwood then you can find it a struggle to get through with a standard power drill.

With the pillar drill, you can use the spindle to lower the drill bit at a healthy rate where you are letting the drill bit do the work, many times with a normal drill you will see users pushing their full weight onto the drill to try to force it to get through tough materials quicker but this doesn’t help and only damages the drill and makes the drill bit dull and ineffective.

Another added advantage is you can add cutting oils easily whilst operating it and that can make all the difference when you are up against thick or hard materials.

4, Comfort whilst working: The stress on the body is reduced because it is set at a good height for the user to work at. This is a big advantage if you are constantly drilling or if you have any problems with your health that limit you. The most common injury is back problems and this will help reduce the stress on your body whilst working.

Drill presses very rarely have the problem off the drill bit locking in the hole whilst drilling.

5, Improved work rate: Making it easier to drill holes in large numbers it also increases the amount of drilling work you can get done which in a professional setting means it will pay for itself many times over in saved work hours. This is obviously good news for the hobby user as it will also save them a good amount of time.

Drill v drill press

Both tools have their own advantages and cannot really be compared on many levels because they really have their own jobs to do.

The pillar drill is better for repetitive drilling and to improve your working conditions and the standard power drill is 

much better in limited spaces or mobile work.

Drill press safety

Always take your safety seriously when working with a pillar drill because they are powerful machines that are unforgiving on fingers and body parts when there is an accident.

Always wear a dust mask as the small metal and wood particles are thrown into the air are very bad for your health and your lungs in particular.

Same for goggles, always protect your eyes because one particle projected into your eye can ruin your eyesight.

Always use the safety guard that comes with the machine this is another layer of safety for you the user so take advantage and use it.

Always make sure there is a safety cut off button within reach so if you ever get tangled you can quickly reach out and shut it off.

Conclusion

It is certainly going to be a good addition to your home or garage workshop. You don’t need to spend a small fortune as you can get them in all budgets to suit your needs, from as low as $100 for a hobby-grade model but expect to pay more for a freestanding or commercial grade machine.

All kinds of swimming pools have their fair share of complications or problems. Fiberglass has size limitations, vinyl liners don’t last very long, and concrete has many drawbacks, too. Here are the most common issues you might encounter with concrete swimming pool construction:

Excessively Rough Surface 

Concrete pools have bumps and irregularities on their surface. This roughness is caused by rising pH levels, excessive crazing, delamination, and other environmental hazards. The older the material gets, the harsher it becomes, so many users experience injuries when swimming. If you have children, you should make them wear water shoes and rash guards to protect their skin from being grazed. 

Usually, this problem can be resolved through sanding, shaving, or acid washing. But, you might need to re-plaster the surface if the roughness is recurring. 

Structural Cracks 

This issue happens when the pool’s surface and shell cracks due to incorrect design or construction. It can cost thousands of dollars to repair. The only way to resolve this is by re-engineering the water fixture in a way that it’ll withstand unstable or expansive soil. If this isn’t done properly, leakage will happen. 

Calcium Scaling

If you see any unsightly white or grayish stains on the sides of your pool, you’re dealing with calcium scaling. This problem is triggered by alkalinity and calcium in the water. But, it also happens when moisture from the back of the tile walls seeps through the surface and becomes efflorescence.

Although this issue can be difficult to deal with, you can avoid it by brushing the walls of your pool regularly. Some people use toothpaste, borax, or baking soda mixtures. But, it’s more effective to utilize a pumice stone, stain eraser, or scale remover. Another option you have is a solution made of vinegar, mild acid, and water. 

Sinking, Shifting or Popping Off the Ground

As concrete deteriorates, it becomes highly susceptible to shifting or sinking. This usually happens when the swimming pool is positioned in a way that sticks out of the ground. When it pops off the surface, you’ll need a total excavation, which is very expensive. You can prevent this by building a retaining wall instead of using dirt as the base of the structure. 

These are the most common problems you might face if you use concrete for your water structure. If you want to learn more about this material, talk to swimming pool contractors in Atlanta, and ask them for tips regarding your project. 

Keeping your home in shape isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about taking care of the building itself.

A lot of houses suffer from damage caused by extreme weather conditions, or natural disasters is unavoidable. However, it’s much more likely that structural damage will plague your property if you’re not careful.

Below are a few good tips for making sure your home remains in the best possible shape.

1) Address Any Problems Directly

If you discover that your home has been damaged by fire, water, or mold, don’t wait to hire a restoration company. The damage will get worse; damage breeds damage. The first thing to do upon identifying a problem is to contact local professionals who can restore your home to health.

Finding a local expert is the best bet, as they will specialize in the kind of problems that are typical in your area. Many structural issues are caused by the local climate (humid areas are prone to mold, for example).

Find a local specialist to deal with your problems and provide solutions that restore peace of mind.

2) Be Prepared

Having basic equipment like a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket on-site will extinguish the flames much faster than waiting for the firetrucks to arrive.

Beyond this, it’s worth making sure you know what you’re using. Familiarize yourself with the different kinds of fire extinguishers and what you would use them for. If possible, don’t just keep one kind in your home! Making sure that everyone in your household knows how to use a fire extinguisher is a great safeguard against small fires that could grow and cause catastrophic damage.

3) Keep Rooms Well-Aired

One of the best ways to prevent mold is to keep the air in your home fresh and moving. Mold loves to grow in rooms where moisture builds up, such as the bathroom or a laundry room. So, if you like long, hot showers, keep the window open and make sure the whole room airs properly afterwards.

Again, if you notice mold in your home, contact a professional as soon as possible. The damage can be much more extensive inside the walls than it appears on the surface, so remain vigilant.

4) Avoid Build-ups of Grease

This seems obvious, but for those who like to cook a lot, grease is a hazard. Grill pans that sit under a broiler are particularly volatile – if you grill sausages or bacon like this regularly, the fat that collects in the pan underneath can easily spit up and ignite on the broiler. Likewise, if you have a gas hob, any fat or oil that spills on the hob can catch very quickly.

Grill pans are no fun to clean, but it’s better to be careful. Keeping a clean oven all-round is a must.

5) Take Water Marks Seriously

Strange discolorations on walls can be an early sign of a leaking pipe. Don’t look at it and wonder – get it checked out. Find someone who can diagnose the problem accurately and fix it for you.

Remember, walls don’t tend to start getting blotchy for no reason. Water damage can cause huge problems if left unchecked, so save yourself a lot of stress and a lot of money by seeing to it straight away.

Bottom Line

By bearing just a few things in mind, you can avoid so much potential damage to your home. Staying alert and knowing how to tackle minor issues is a real-life skill that will help you maintain perfect peace of mind in your home.