10 Must-Have Tools for Homeowners

by hppadmin | Jul 21, 2021 | Homeowners

10 Must-Have Tools for Homeowners

One of the things homeowners forget about when they move into their first home is to purchase a good set of tools. In between all the excitement and redecorating, it can completely slip your mind – until you need a hammer or a screwdriver to fix something that broke. If you have bought tools before, it can be intimidating. Where do you start with such a wide range of products? There are a few necessities that you can narrow it down to. Here are 10 must-have tools for homeowners.

1. Cordless drill

A cordless drill will probably be the tool you use the most in your toolbox. It will come in handy when you are driving bolts into the wall to mount your TV or tightening hinges on doors and gates. A cordless drill is convenient because you never have to worry about finding an outlet or a cord for it to work.

2. Claw hammer

You probably know what these are without realizing what they are called. A claw hammer has a flat head for hammering and a v-shaped notch at the back for pulling out nails without damaging the surfaces. This is a must-have if you are renovating or removing fixtures and you don’t want to break things apart. When buying a claw hammer, make sure it is durable and that it won’t break in half when you use it.

3. Level

You can simply not build or hang anything without a level. Unless you want your artworks, mirrors, and other fixtures at an angle, then you cannot go without one of these. You can choose to opt for a water level or a laser level if your budget allows you to. Both work equally well.

4. Manual screwdriver set

A screwdriver is one of the most used tools in a house. It is necessary for assembly furniture removing light switch covers and tightening knobs. You’ll find that not all screwdrivers are the same size which is why a manual screwdriver set is a necessity. Different sizes and heads will make sure that you get the job done.

5. Putty knife

A putty knife is useful for when you are filling cracks or scraping away excess paint. It gives a smooth and neat finish to whatever project you are working on.

6. Needle-nose and tongue-and-groove pliers

When you buy pliers make sure that you buy both of these for your toolbox. Needle-nose pliers are perfect for bending and gripping nails where bulkier tools can’t reach. Tongue-and-groove pliers are useful for fastening and crimping things effectively.

7. Staple gun

It might not seem necessary, but a staple gun will come in handy. It is great for reupholstering the furniture or stapling loose edges of carpets into place. Manual staple guns are perfect for if you are on a budget and they are easier to use than pneumatic staple guns.

8. Allen wrench set

An Allen wrench is also known as a hex key and it is a small, L-shaped wrench used for driving bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets. It is often included in DIY furniture that you have to assemble at home but it is always useful to have a set of your own that you can fall back on in the event of an emergency.

9. Digital tape measure

You might have a tape measure at home but a digital tape measure changes the game completely. It makes it easier and quicker to record measurements, and you can convert it on the spot without having to leave your project to get your phone and do manual conversions. Some digital tape measures also have memory storage options that are useful for when you don’t have pen and paper at hand. They are generally a bit more expensive than manual tape measures but this is one thing you are going to want to splurge on.

10. Handsaw

Last but not least, your toolbox is incomplete without a handsaw. It is useful for making quick cuts in wood and it is simple to use than a power saw. This is a must-have if you like building your own furniture or doing your own repairs around the house.

A toolbox is one of the most important things to have around the house. It saves you money because you don’t always have to phone the handyman to have something fixed and you don’t have to borrow tools from anyone else either. When buying your tools, make sure that you buy from established brands that provide quality equipment.

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What is a Sprinkler Blowout?

by hppadmin | Jul 20, 2021 | Sprinkler

What is a Sprinkler Blowout?

In many areas of the country, the first signs of frost bring about the change in season. This is usually the time when businesses and homeowners start with their sprinkler “blowout” or “winterizing irrigation systems”. This is a process that is essential in areas where the frost level extends below the depth of the installed piping. It is essential for winterizing to occur so that the irrigation systems are maintained and kept intact for the next summer. You don’t want to have a frozen sprinkler system when the temperatures start increasing again.

A blowout is when the leftover water in your sprinkler lines is blown out to prevent it from freezing during the winter. Even if you have drained all the water, there might still be traces of water leftover and when it freezes, it expands and can crack the PVC piping. This means that you will have to install a brand-new irrigation system. It is not necessarily a complicated process but if you don’t do it correctly, it can lead to damage. It is always better to have professionals come out and do the winterizing for you. If you are confident enough in doing it yourself, always make sure that you use the necessary safety equipment and that you are doing it correctly.

Is a sprinkler blowout really necessary?

If you live in areas where it gets very cold and where there is frost or snow expected, then yes, a sprinkler blowout is really necessary. As stated above, water freezes inside the pipes and it can cause damage. An added concern is that the pipes are underground, which means that the added pressure can cause it to burst. This can cost a lot of money to repair and it becomes an eyesore once it is damaged. Sprinkler blowouts are inexpensive compared to replacing your irrigation system which is why it is recommended.

How to complete a sprinkler blowout

A sprinkler blowout is a fairly simple process and even if you are not planning on doing it yourself, it is always useful to know how the professionals do it:

Shut off the main water: The first thing you do is you shut off the water running to your sprinkler system. There is no need to shut off the water to your entire house. In your house, there will be a main shutoff and a second shutoff with an air compressor hookup attached to it.
Attach the air compressor hose: Secondly, you attached the air compressor to the hookup situated beneath the sprinkler system water switch. Make sure that you have all the converter pieces you need to get the hookup linked to the compressor itself. Then you turn on the air.
Set up the system’s running duration: Next you are going to set up the system so that it runs for 4-5 minutes in each zone. Every system is different so it is important to refer to your manual if you need any help.
Once you have followed these steps, you will see the sprinkler system outside shoot out any remaining water in short bursts. Let this continue until you hear is air coming out of the sprinkler system. This is how you know that the water has been removed and the sprinkler system is ready for winter. You can then remove the air compressor and release any additional air pressure that may be present.

The do-nots of sprinkler blowouts

There are a few things that can go wrong during this process, even though it seems quite simple. It cannot be stressed enough that you wear eye protection. Unexpected debris might flow out of the sprinkler head and straight into your eyes. Here are a few things to avoid when you commence with your sprinkler blowout:

Do not allow the air pressure to exceed the recommended PSI. The recommended PSI for PVC piping is 80 PSI and 50 PSI for polyethylene piping systems.
Do not stand over parts while the system is pressurized with air. This can cause damage to the system and components.
Do not leave the process to run independently. You need to be present at all times and it cannot be left unattended.
Do not blow the system out through a backflow pump. You should first blow out the system and then drain the pump.
Do not leave manual drain valves open after the blowout. Do a final check to make sure everything has been shut and closed.

Sprinkler blowouts is a vital part of winter preparation and it is very beneficial to the longevity of your irrigation system.

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Landscaping Tips from the Pros

by hppadmin | Jul 20, 2021 | Landscaping

Landscaping Tips from the Pros

Your garden is a reflection of your home. It is the first thing people see when they pull up on the sidewalk so it is important to let it make a good impression. Whilst gardening can be a fun hobby, it goes further than simply pulling a few weeds and trimming one or two overgrown shrubs. There are many things that you can do to turn your garden into a luscious landscaping dream. If you are not sure where to start, here are a few landscaping tips from the pros to help you on the way.

Plan for the year ahead

Gardens are not reserved for summers. Many homeowners are starting to embrace their flora during the chilly winter months. Don’t allow Mother Nature to steal the thunder by stripping your trees bare; invest in evergreen plants. They retain their leaves year-round which means that you will always have a breathtaking garden. Evergreen plants work best when planted in front of corners and it can give an inviting feel to guests. This way you have curb appeal throughout the entire year which is a bonus if you are thinking of selling your house.

Connect highlights of the garden with a walkway

Walkways will never go out of style and your garden is all the better for it. Instead of walking that same trampled-down pathway between the patio and the garden, why not turn it into a beautiful walkway? Walkways are easy to construct and you can use any material you want: concrete stepping stone, flagstone, decorative brick, or crushed stone. It is a good idea to use a material that is similar to the exterior of the house. This way it ties the outdoor elements together, giving it a unified look.

Add a rock to a monotonous yard

Sometimes there is a thing such as too much grass. It can become very boring and it doesn’t add enough depth to a garden – especially if there aren’t any flowers to complement it. An easy solution is to add a big rock to the yard. Having a huge rock or two in your yard can create a sculpture-type effect without compromising the natural atmosphere of your yard. Before you go rock hunting, however, it is important to take measurements of the yard first. You don’t want to end up with a rock that blocks the entire house.

Spruce up a corner with a berm

A tried and tested way to add a touch of pizzazz to a garden is to add a berm to a corner. A berm is created by building a mound and covering it with rocks or flowers. It adds color and texture to an otherwise flat yard. The great thing about building a berm is that you can build it as high as you want and modify it in any way you think is going to complement the house. They work particularly well in corners because corners are mostly unused spaces in a yard.

Make a water feature look natural

A water feature, like a fountain, can make a garden look incredibly elegant but it can also stand out like a sore thumb if it is not incorporated properly. If you want to add a water feature, you have to let it blend in with the rest of the garden to make it look more natural. Use a natural stone or material, like the types that are used on the house, to build it up. Don’t use too many materials because this can also backfire. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than three elements per area.

Add outdoor seating

We often feel the need to escape so instead of spending money on a quiet, secluded holiday place, create a serene space in your garden. Install a patio or a single outdoor seat in an area of your garden that is away from the house. Add a few tall trees and flowers, and you have the perfect private place designed just for you. Get chairs and benches that are durable but comfortable so that you can sit or lie down to enjoy a fresh breeze whilst unwinding. A nap in the garden might just be the best thing to do in your own backyard.

There are so many things that you can do when you landscape that you might find you are overwhelmed with options. If you are unsure, the best thing to do is to remember to keep it simple. You can always add more elements but you can’t always remove what you have already installed.

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Color Consultations

by hppadmin | Jul 15, 2021 | Color

Color Consultations

The most difficult part of redecorating is choosing the right colors for your home. You might have the perfect furniture and styles in mind but you have no idea which shades should go with it. This is why color consultation is the perfect solution. A color consultant not only matches colors to the décor you have already bought but they use color psychology to match colors to the functions of the room. A bedroom calls for relaxing colors whilst a living room might demand something more vibrant. Here are more benefits to having a color consultant help with redecorating your home.

They save you time

Just because you are redecorating your home does not mean that you forfeit your other responsibilities. In fact, most of the time you are squeezing redecorating in between work and family life. A color consultant will eliminate any need for extra research because they have already done it for you. You won’t have to worry about scrolling the internet to decide which shade of grey will be best suited for your bathroom; a color consultant would have already laid out a few options for you. A task that would usually take you several hours (or days if you are indecisive) will be completed in two or three meetings.

They save you money

Imagine you decide on a certain color, you start painting the walls, and looks nothing like it did in your head. Now you need to redo everything and this costs money! Even if you didn’t get as far as painting the room, you might still be buying paint and fabric samples that you sort through for a few weeks. A color consultant will help you stretch your budget by providing ideas and samples of their own, and this leaves you with more money for furniture and other decorative items.

They can help you with financial decisions

If you are on a tight budget, you can’t afford to waste money. There is bound to be a time where you don’t know what to spend your money on. Should you buy a more expensive paint or should you buy a designer couch that you have had your eye on for the past few weeks? A color consultant can help you in making the right decision so that you don’t compromise your wants or your budget. They will tell you what the best financial decision will be to make your home look amazing.

They keep up to date with the latest trends

Redecorating your home probably means that you want to get rid of the old and say hello to the new. A color consultant will know the latest trends and how to incorporate them into your home even if it is a bit older. You might not be thinking of it now, but when you want to sell your house, buyers look for homes that are modern and trendy. A color consultant will know how to make your house look attractive and this will boost the resale value of your home.

They are an objective third party

If you are redecorating with a partner, you might find that your styles and tastes clash quite a bit. You might want soft tones in the kitchen and they might want red tiles from floor to ceiling! A color consultant can act as a mediator if you are at your wits’ end with choosing a color or style. They can advise you as to what would work best in a room and explain why certain styles won’t match with the function of the room. However, you should be prepared to tell them why certain colors mean something to you and they will find the best way to incorporate it into a room.

They help pull everything together

You might already have the right color scheme but as soon as you start working, it just doesn’t seem to match what you have in the room. A color consultant can cast a fresh eye on the styles and colors you have chosen and pick up on something that you might have missed. It might be something simple like rearranging the furniture a certain way to let natural light come in or you just had to add the perfect accent piece to bring everything together again.

Color consultants might seem like a frivolity when it comes to home decorations but they can be a vital part of the process. They might cost you a bit more than you bargained for but they will help you make the right decisions from the start and save you money in the long run.

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6 Tips to Keep Pests Away

by hppadmin | Jul 15, 2021 | Pests, Tips

6 Tips to Keep Pests Away

Cockroaches. Termites. Spiders. Ants.

Don’t you just get the creeps when you see these words?

Pests are a tiresome problem for many homeowners and they are persistent. Not only can they cause damage to your property but they can also spread infections and other diseases. The best way to get rid of pests is to call pest control but this does not always fit everyone’s budget. Before you look for a cure, it is better to prevent. Here are a few things that you can do to prevent bugs and pests from infiltrating your home.

1. Keep the kitchen clean

Pests love dirty surroundings so it is always a good idea to keep the kitchen clean. Even though you might think it is clean under normal circumstances, there are small things that you might overlook. Keep the kitchen counters clean and disinfect it as often as possible. Make sure to clean up properly after you have prepared food. Food particles are an open invitation for pests to enter your home. It might not ensure that you won’t ever have pests in your home but it does reduce the chances of an infestation.

2. Keep the bathroom clean

The bathroom might not be an obvious location for pest infestations because it is usually kept as clean as possible. But there is always a chance that something unwanted can live inside the bathroom. Bathrooms should be kept clean and dry at all time. Clean the toilet bowl every day using a toilet cleaner and make sure that you clean the toilet cleaner regularly, too. Wash the sink at least once a week with a heavy-duty cleaner and make sure that the drains are not clogged. The shower curtain must be dry and free of moss and replaced now and then with a fresh one.

3. Get rid of stagnant water

Mosquitos love stagnant water which is why it is important to get rid of it as soon as possible. Ensure that the area around your house is clean and that there isn’t a build-up of water anywhere. Clean the drains running outside your house and make sure that they are in working order. If you have an air conditioner, avoid catching the excess water in a bucket. Rather connect a pipe that can carry it off into the garden. As soon as water stands, it becomes a breeding zone for pests that carry malaria and dengue.

4. Dispose of garbage regularly

This should be a no-brainer but sometimes we get busy and we let the garbage disposal build up quite a bit. Garbage should be disposed of every single day because if it increases it attracts rats, rodents, and cockroaches. This gets even worse if rotten food particles are lying around the house. It becomes dangerous because rats and rodents especially carry diseases that can be harmful to children and pets in the house. And once you have a rat infestation, it gets difficult to get rid of them.

5. Maintain your garden

Of course, bugs don’t only come inside your home – they also live in your garden. Bugs are every gardener’s nightmare because they tend to feast on the plants and flowers you have worked so hard in growing. Make sure that you spray for bugs regularly. Fill up any holes in the ground where water can accumulate and if you have a fountain, make sure that it is cleaned regularly. Prune the bushes to eliminate overgrowths and keep the garden neat so that there is limited space for pests and bugs to hide.

6. Get rid of the things you don’t need

Clutter is a perfect place for pests to breed because no one uses the things they decide to live in. So they are having the best time, unbothered by anyone, infiltrating your home. Decluttering is the best way to prevent pests and germs from building up. Sell, donate or throw away old items, especially toys if your children are grown up. If you find it difficult throwing something out ask yourself whether you will use it in the next three months. If the answer is no, it has to go!

The first signs of bugs and pests could mean that you already have an infestation. If you have followed all of the above tips and you still have a problem with them, it is time to phone the professionals. Pest control companies will ensure that they take care of pests and bugs the hard way and give you peace of mind.

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