Home Maintenance | The Monkshood Nursery

2020-10-122022-06-02

Top Home Automation Tips

For the longest period, home automation has been perceived to belong to the rich entirely. But with the improved technology, most of the homeowners can now afford to automate their houses.

The concept of home automation has made the automation of equipment and systems possible ranging from thermostats to home security. It is offering convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind to most homeowners. Since the controlling center is your smartphone, you can unlock and lock your doors, turn off the water when the leak occurs and even turn off the lights from anywhere.

Even with a lot of homesteads embracing this technology, still the concern of security not entirely cupped. There are several things you should consider. Life on AI provides the latest home automation tips. The following are the essential tips proven by the expertise you need to consider.

Keep It Simple

It would be important if you did not put it obvious for everybody to notice that you have home automation. Let everything normally work for your visitors. Also, do not let your babysitter access the app.

Secure Your Router

It is surprising how most people do not change the initial password provided by the manufacturers for their routers. Keeping your network safe from hackers and intruders would be achieved if your security features differed from the manufacturer. For that reason, you need to carefully examine every smart device before incorporating it with your home network.

Hard wired gadgets are conceived to be more reliable compared to those connected with Wi-Fi. Never forget to activate the security features of your Wi-Fi to keep it safe. Note that strong passwords act as a defense tool.

Constant Update

Most home automation manufacturers constantly issue patches or updates to help you fix your device from any associated vulnerability. Ensure to install these updates whenever they are released. If you correctly carry out this process, I am sure that the hackers’ exploitation will be a non-issue.

Installation

It would be best if you always allowed professionals to install your device. With them, you can be assured professionalism. They can also handle any needed wiring and have all the answers that might be bothering you about the integrated security measures.

Stick with Reputable Brands

Before purchasing any of the automation devices, it would be best to research with different manufacturers. It would be a big disappointment if you ended up buying your products from a less reputable manufacturer. Mostly, these companies fail to invest the required resources, making you an easy target for hackers.…

Home Home Maintenance

2020-05-192021-12-28

Effects of Water Damage to Your Home

Posted By: Ruth Miller water damage

Water damage is one of the problems homeowners dread of happening to them. Water damage to your home can be a real pain, as not only will it cause a lot of damage to your home, furniture, appliances, etc. It also poses several health risks. That’s why if you are experiencing any water damage, it is best to have it fixed. Hiring a water damage restoration company would be the best course of action. Several factors can cause water damage: It can come from leaks from plumbing fixtures, broken toilets, and from flood or sewage damage. If you don’t have this problem fixed right away, here are the worst possible effects:

Mold Growth

While there are many types of molds, some can be harmless, but some can be toxic and can pose a great threat to you and your family’s health. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to start growing after a flood. Some of the minor symptoms you might experience from molds are sinus congestion, shortness of breath, headaches, chronic coughing, etc. Molds will also damage your property, such as the structure of your house, clothing, and furniture.

Black Water Contamination

If your water damage came from flooding from heavy rains, it could contain human and animal waste that has pathogens that could make you seriously ill if ingested. It is difficult to recover from black water contamination as you will probably need to renovate your home and replace all your furnishings.

Damaged on Wiring, Appliances as Gas Line

If you are experiencing any water damage that’s causing flooding, make sure to turn off gas and electricity lines to avoid electric shock and explosions from a gas leak. Rewiring and re-installing the gas line might be necessary, depending on the damage. Depending on how severe the water damage is, it could also ruin your appliances beyond repair.

You Might Have to Relocate

Another instance of water damage is that your home might be completely submerged from floodwater and that repairing would cost more than choosing to move home. Water could heavily damage the structure of your home that it would become hazardous for you’re and your family. Walls and roofs could fall off or collapse anytime, as the foundations of your home were weakened and damaged by the water.

Water damages can be destructive, emotionally, and financially, especially when you leave it unrepaired. It is important to act fast and ask the services of professionals that could help you before things get worst, that your home will be beyond repair.…

Home Maintenance

2019-08-102020-01-30

Right Flooring For Your New Home

Posted By: Emmitt Cantu flooring, floors, home, tiles

The type of flooring you choose for your home makes a big difference in terms of design, texture, and quality. Consider your budget first, then decide on what flooring you would like to use based on your personality and preference. It is also essential to choose the most suitable for wear and tear.

Common Types Of Flooring

Wooden or Bamboo. Hardwood is the widely used flooring considering its versatility and cost. It is suitable for areas in your home which are not susceptible to getting wet. Bamboo flooring is similar to the performance, price, and maintenance of wooden floors. The main drawbacks of hardwood are cost and maintenance. All hardwood must be coated or finished with polyurethane or clear-coat. These finishes are prone to scratching if the floor isn’t kept clean or if you own pets. For the said reasons, it is not advisable to use for rental properties.

Tiles. You can never go wrong with attractive tile flooring. There are more extensive options to choose from, depending on your personality. Tiles have long been the most suitable option for bathrooms, but it is also loved in dining areas, kitchen, laundry area, and even hallways. Aside from different patterns and colors to choose from, there are also different sized of tiles; from tiny mosaics to large format floors. There are even tiles that look like wooden floors, but with the durability of ceramic. Tiles require very little maintenance. Grout should be sealed periodically to prevent staining. One problem with tiles is when something hard and heavy lands on it, it can be shattered or broken. There are also non-slip tiles to choose from that is suitable for outdoor use, especially in the balcony.

Laminate. Laminate flooring is a compressed fibreboard plank covered with materials such as stone, tiles, or timber to serve as a protective coating. This is the best type of floor for people who aspires the aesthetics of a natural floor but at a lower price. It is also easily installed and maintained. Excellent quality laminates can last for years as long as you keep it properly. You can use cleaners such as laminate floor vacuum to lengthen the durability of your floor. You can check for laminate floor vacuum reviews in order to explore your options.

Vinyl and Linoleum. These are great options for high-traffic areas like kitchen, laundry rooms, basements, and bathrooms. They are resistant to moisture and highly durable. The difference between these two is the materials used. Vinyl is plastic while linoleum is made from natural materials like cork, jute, and linseed oil. Vinyl comes in a wider price range while linoleum comes in mid to high-end qualities.

Carpet. Carpet is made up of an upper layer of pile attached to a backing. There are many varieties of texture, style, and color to choose from. Generally, the carpet is both durable and easy to maintain. The only downside is it can easily be damaged by water, and it may be difficult to remove stains.

There are a variety of floorings to choose from. It is smart to choose the right flooring to prevent natural wear and tear. You don’t want to replace your flooring every now and then, do you? While searching for the right flooring for you, it’s essential to learn how to maintain it as well.

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Home Maintenance

2019-05-232023-11-29

Things to Consider Before Hiring a Cleaning Company

Posted By: Emmitt Cantu home, maintenance, service

It has been a general truth that choosing one among the many available options is never an easy task. Hiring a cleaning company to take care of the clients’ house is not an exception. The truth is that it is one of the fastest-growing home-related industries with many clients, making it a common thing to see hundreds of different companies have been established during the last five years. With different lists of services, selecting the one that meets certain standards is vital, and a better view is one example of a professional service provider that ensures client satisfaction.

Several aspects need to be taken into account before one decides to hire the service. Fortunately, the presence of the Internet, along with hundreds of different online references, has made it possible to make further inquiries without having to come to the company’s headquarter. However, in many cases, these options will instead lead to quite a confusion as many of the people are not aware of what they can expect from such companies. This article presents information about things that you need to consider before deciding to hire a cleaning company.

Accessibility

The first thing that you need to check is their accessibility. It means that clients can easily find and contact the company through various platforms, such as email, social media, website, or even blog. Today’s advanced technology has brought radical changes to the way how people do things, and marketing strategy is one example. Companies that take part in the current development are the ones that are serious about further developing the companies. These companies are more likely to offer the best services for the clients. In short, their accessibility should be the first consideration since it indicates their service quality.

Experience

Finding a company with experience is also a crucial consideration. You can easily inquire about this matter by accessing their website or profile. Make sure to scroll through all the comments and testimonials to know what other clients think about the service. An experienced company will deliberately put this section online as a sign that they are not running a fishy business.

License and Insurance

Another thing to check is license and insurance. These two aspects are also crucial for companies that offer services. The permit indicates that the company has gone through a series of assessment and passed, further showing that they can meet certain standards. The insurance is also vital since it will cover expenses just in case property damages occur. This way, the clients will not end up being the one paying.…