Category: House and Home

Are you thinking about getting smart blinds in your home?

Smart technology is transforming homes across the nation. Smart homes are energy efficient, convenient, and even cost effective!

You don’t have to give your home a complete makeover if you want to go smart. You can start out by bringing in just a handful of smart capabilities, such as automated blinds.

Smart blinds can make your life easier in a variety of ways. Read on to learn how!

1. Invite in The Morning Without Getting Out of Bed

Electric blinds first and foremost reduce basic labor in your home. This means that you can open and close the blinds in any room while you’re sitting comfortably in that armchair or still lounging in bed.

No more mornings of having to slip on a robe and slippers and shuffle over to the window. Automated blinds are synced with your phone, iPad, or a convenient remote so all you have to do is press a button to invite in the sunshine or keep it out.

Some blinds are voice-automated!

2. Boost Your Home Security

Every homeowner uses blinds at some point to help with home security. Certain blinds are built with safety features in place, while homeowners will leave blinds open during the day when they are at work to give the appearance of people at home.

You can open and close blinds even when you aren’t at home, with the touch of a button. Forgo the home security alarms. You can give potential thieves the image of an occupied home in seconds.

3. Smart Blinds are Cost-Effective

When people think of electric blinds, they assume that only very wealthy people or businesses can afford them.

But actually, automated blinds are cost-effective because they replace manual blinds that may break often or need to be reserviced in their lifetime. Electric blinds rarely need to be replaced, and you don’t have to worry about them splintering, breaking, or warping.

4. Choose Energy Efficiency with One Tap

Electric blinds are designed with efficiency in mind. This means that you don’t have to spend time or effort implementing energy saving methods or devices in every room. Simply install your automated blinds and open and close them depending on the temperature.

Close your blinds with a tap of a finger to keep cool air in and heat out, or vice versa.

5. Enjoy Options

If you are thinking about bringing automated blinds into your home, you’ll have the luxury of choosing from a variety of options.

You can get blinds for literally any shape of window, in any fabric and style. You can even get sample fabric swatches from providers. Homeowners can opt for different types of operation control via apps, remotes, or voice.

How Automated Blinds Make Your Life Easier

Automated blinds are an amazing form of smart home technology that can triple the convenience of your home.

You can open and close blinds with the touch of an app to save labor and keep out intruders. Electric blinds improve your home’s energy efficiency and can even save you money in the long run.

Have experience using smart blinds in your home? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What pops into your head when you hear ‘chimney sweep’? Tiny British children covered in soot?

It’s okay, you’re not alone. That image is almost impossible to escape when hearing the term.

Charles Dickens and Dick Van Dyke share some of the blame for perpetuating this image. However, the real-life fear of scammers does nothing to dispel the notion.

Don’t be fooled by this combination of soot-covered jackanapes and mustache-twirling brigands. Despite all of this lingering imagery, chimney sweeps serve an essential purpose and provide a necessary service.

To avoid getting burned by a scam, or out in the cold with heating issues, follow these 9 important tips to hire a chimney sweep.

The Chimney Sweep Calling

Even though some unreputable contractors and would-be service personnel offer something they don’t provide, chimney cleaning serves a purpose.

Chimneys attached to wood burning stoves, gas fireplaces, or pellet and coal furnaces all work to keep the flow of air and heat stable.

Dirty and crumbling chimneys present real dangers of fire backing up into the home. They also can leak smoke and carbon monoxide. The reality of these fears emboldens scammers to push their agenda.

The reality of these fears also pushes the professional chimney sweep service people. These hard-working service personnel want to protect homes and families. More so, they are ready to get dirty doing it.

Follow these 9 tips to secure good service and understand what good service will entail.

1. Avoid Solicitation

Because homes require chimney cleaning and repair periodically, a real chimney sweep won’t call or drop by out of nowhere. Like any other service industry, they advertise deals and make their name known.

What they don’t do is go door to door.

Most times a person works to sell you on something, it’s something you don’t need.

Though it may have been a few years, homeowners insurance and fire insurance policies will specify terms for the upkeep of chimneys and fireplaces. Follow those guidelines and get regular inspections.

2. Check for Professional Organization Credentials

If now is the time to get a chimney serviced, checking the credentials of the business you hire is just solid sense.

Even though no government regulation exists for the chimney sweep industry, professionals form guilds and agencies to monitor quality and protect consumers.

Organizations such as NFI (National Fireplace Institute) and the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) show an ongoing relationship with the technology and industry behind chimney sweeping.

The Chimney Sweep Institute of America (CSIA) provides certifications for privately owned and operated companies. They set guidelines and best practices.

3. Verify References

Ask for references and testimonials from local work. Professional service people like to show off their work. This provides an opportunity for them to ensure their quality, and you to see samples of the work.

It isn’t uncommon to ask a house painter to see photos of their previous work. It’s no different with a chimney sweep.

4. Bonded and Insured

Going back to homeowners insurance, professionally licensed repair and service companies provide guarantees of work.

This helps homeowners in two ways.

• Replacement and repair
• Insurance claims

Solid work only needs to be done once. In the case of unforeseen consequences, companies offer warranties for replacement and repair. A company that offers nothing on this front establishes a lack of trust.

Insurance claims for damage to a house don’t go over well when repairs and necessary upkeep are not kept. Know your policies and ask for verifications for these purposes from any service and repair company.

5. The Question of Chimney Liners

Chimney liners add safety and value to a home. They protect against issues of creosote permeating joints. They also help to insulate and provide fuel and heat efficiency.

Made from clay, chimney liners also seal gaps that mortar joints alone can miss. This prevents exhaust from leaking into the home. Ask if a Chimney Liner Pro chimney liner would work for your needs.

Older chimneys tend to not have these useful additions. A rustic stove-pipe style fireplace will not have one.

6. Firm Work Windows

A professional company serves the public. A company that you trust with your home and family can also be trusted to keep an appointment.

A company that gives vague windows for the start and duration of work sends up red flags. A firm timetable and a solid window for the work to begin shows dedication.

A wide, non-commital work window screams scam.

7. Professional Accoutrement

Professional service and craftspeople wear professional attire. They arrive in vehicles with logos and often sport uniforms with the same branding.

These professional accouterments show that your chimney sweep believes in what they do. They also hope you will spread their name around and provide word-of-mouth advertising to friends and neighbors.

Someone hoping you won’t remember them will be dressed to forget. Someone promoting a business will show their intent in the dress and manner.

Why Don’t I Just Do It Myself?

8. Avoid the DIY Mess

Think back to the beginning of this post, that imagery of children covered in soot comes from a real place.

Chimneys get dirty. They get covered in substances so black that a whole series of art supplies get made from whats left. Supplies used to make black and white drawings.

If you have ever cleared the ash from a fireplace you know how quickly things can get out of hand. A professional chimney sweep also comes equipped with professional cleaning equipment.

Don’t be too in a rush to DIY or you might also get to do yourself some new carpeting, curtains, and/or dining room fixtures. Soot gets places, and it tends to stick where it lands.

9. Safety is a Must

Before you decide to get up there and check things out for yourself, remember falls from roofs count for nearly 1/3 of all construction fatalities.

Professional chimney sweep services have specialized equipment and know-how for working on roofs.

Read More

If you learned something from this, consider checking out other helpful hints and tips for your home at our blogs.

Light is the source of life. The sun helps plants grow, keeps us warm, and illuminates the world around us.

But when you step inside your home, it’s up to you to make sure things don’t go dark.

Keeping a house well-lit can be expensive. There’s the stylish fixtures, the light bulbs, and of course the electric bill.

But you don’t need a fancy chandelier to help you read those way-too-high bills. Affordable lighting is achievable with a few simple steps.

Read on to learn how to light up your house without lighting your wallet on fire.

Keep Things Functional

Getting down to basics, the purpose of lighting your house is so that you can see.

To save money on lighting, you can adopt a functionality-over-everything mentality. You don’t need to buy expensive light fixtures to illuminate your home.

You may not get to have the fancy decor you might want. But for those on a tight budget, being practical with your lighting should take priority.

Lighting Where You Need It

Not every corner in every nook of your home needs to be fully lit up.

If you want affordable lighting, sticking to key spots is a great way to save money on both equipment and electricity.

Where do you usually work? You’ll want good light on places like your kitchen countertop and office desk.

If you have a comfy chair that you like to read in, a bright lamp that helps you see the pages would be a good idea.

Other areas simply don’t need as much light. If that reading chair is in a den, you don’t need to light up the whole den. Only the area that you read in needs great coverage.

Your bedroom is meant to be a place to sleep. You sleep with the lights off, after all. Why install light fixtures that cover 100% of the room when you might only need a small bedside lamp?

Even some high-traffic areas like a hallway don’t need to be entirely lit up. You should be able to see where you’re going. But odds are you aren’t going to be reading a book while standing in the middle of that hallway.

By being strategic with your light placement, you can optimize functionality and save money thanks to your more affordable lighting.

Mobility and Flexibility

Sometimes areas of your house need more light at certain times, but not permanently.

Having a collection of portable, affordable lighting options gives you the versatility to temporarily light your house according to your needs.

Tap Lights

These are the battery powered portable lights that turn on when you press down on the top.

These are small, easy to carry, and are often sold in bundles of 3 or 4 for less than $20. You can lay them down around the house, or you can mount them on walls or even ceilings with peel-and-stick adhesive.

Clamp Lights

These lights often come with adjustable necks and stay in place by clamping down on the edge of a table or other surface.

The clamp makes them very secure, so they can almost act as a mounted permanent fixture. But moving or repurposing them is as easy as unclamping.

LED Rope Lighting

A LED rope light comes as a spool of rope would. Unroll and use as needed.

Rope lights are thin and unobtrusive. They’re very flexible and you can cut them to size. Use them as trim along your ceiling or floor, wrap them around an object, or utilize them in any number of other applications.

Be Energy Efficient

Affordable lighting for your home isn’t just about the light fixtures. You can save a lot of money on home lighting by being energy efficient.

Turn out the Lights

The obvious first step is to turn off lights that aren’t needed.

During the day, turn off all the lights in your home and open the windows. Your home will be plenty bright enough for most tasks. Plus you’ll get the benefits of natural sunlight, such as improved productivity and mood.

At night, only keep on what you need. If a room isn’t being used, turn off the light.

Do a walk-through before you leave the house or before you sleep. Make sure you leave nothing on.

Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

The types of light bulbs you have play a huge role in how much energy you use.

Incandescent bulbs have long been the most commonly used light bulb, and often they’re the least expensive. But they’re very energy inefficient.

In fact, incandescent bulbs are being phased out, thanks to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Outside of some specialty bulbs, incandescent lights will no longer be produced and will be unavailable when the last supplies sell out.

Although the up-front cost of incandescent bulbs is cheaper, people end up paying more in the long run. They need more watts, and they only last around one year. The cost comes across on your electric bill and in frequent replacements.

Although you will soon not have much choice, making the switch now to more efficient light bulbs can help make your lighting more affordable.

One option is compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). CFLs can offer an annual energy savings of 75%, and they last up to 9 years. These bulbs contain a small amount of harmful mercury, so they need to be handled with care and recycled after they stop working.

An even more efficient option are light emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs can offer up to 86% in annual energy savings and can last more than 20 years. They’re also safer, as they contain no mercury.

CFLs are cheaper than LEDs. That said, the once very expensive LED lights have dramatically dropped in price in recent years, making them even more practical.

For more affordable lighting, it’s time to switch to better bulbs.

Smart Lighting

New technology has brought about the age of “smart lighting,” another means to boost energy efficiency.

Smart lighting uses automation and wireless control to optimize the use of lights in your home.

One example of smart lighting is using natural light sensors to automatically adjust the dim for your indoor lighting. If it’s bright outside, the lights turn off. If it’s cloudy or the sun is setting, the lights brighten to compensate.

Motion sensor lighting is another part of smart lighting. If someone enters a room, the light turns on. When they leave, it turns off.

Smart lighting also integrates your home lighting with other devices. You can sync your lights with voice-activated technology like the Amazon Echo to adjust your lights with verbal commands.

Mobile apps can also let you use your phone as a remote control. You can adjust the lights from your couch, or turn them off if you leave the house and forget to flick the switch before you walked out the door.

Fancy equipment like this may not sound like affordable lighting. But there are several budget-friendly options to choose from, and more will come as the technology improves and becomes more common. Plus, you’ll save on your electric bill.

Ikea offers the TRADFRI Gateway kit for under $80. Cree also sells individual smart LED bulbs for less than $15.

If you’re forgetful or just a bit lazy, investing in smart lighting can be a good long-term affordable lighting option.

Get Your DIY On

You’ve got your functional lights with energy-efficient technology. But your affordable lighting isn’t stylish, and the HGTV star in you is itching to improve your home decor.

It never hurts to get your DIY on. There’s near unlimited possibilities to what you can do to customize your light fixtures.

You can buy a cheap brass fixture from a thrift store and spray paint it to any color you like. You can paint it black or silver to give it a more neutral, modern feel. Or you can make it colorful to match your personality.

You can turn a $10 hanging pendant light into a homemade chandelier with little more than some pieces of cardboard or plastic spoons.

Your own creativity doesn’t cost a penny. Sometimes the path to affordable lighting in your home goes right through your own head.

Watch for Sales

As always, sometimes the cheapest way to get something is to wait for some hot deals to pop up.

If there’s a particular type of light fixture you want for your home, and a DIY project just wouldn’t do it justice, be patient. See if it goes on sale.

The holidays are always a great time for sales, and the new year sometimes brings in new styles and fixtures. The thing you’ve got an eye on may get marked down to make room.

Check the local news, too. If a home furnishing store is going out of business, you could snag a great deal in an “everything must go” sale.

Affordable Lighting Is Just the Start

Saving money and living well isn’t easy. Trying to keep cash in your wallet is almost like its own full-time job.

Luckily, Thrifty Momma is here to help. Keep an eye on our Frugal Living blog for more tips on how to make your family happy and your house look amazing on a budget.

Being a housewife or a working woman doesn’t need to have “handyman” as part of the job description.

However, sometimes home projects come up that you can’t ignore.

One day it’s a faulty appliance, the next it might be changing the look of your child’s bedroom.

What happens when you need to fix or replace your windows, though?

You don’t need to take this task on solo. Instead, find a window replacement company you can trust to get the job done.

Not sure if you need to pick up the phone just yet?

Here are some signs your windows need a change and how to make it happen.

Signs You Need to Find a Window Replacement Company

1. Wear and Tear

Shattered glass isn’t the only sign of a damaged window.

Some windows build up scratches over time or get foggy. They can come loose from their frames, too.

It’s not something you need to pay close attention to all the time, but you should check your window quality every once in a while.

Being proactive about this can save you lots of time and energy in the long run.

2. Insulation

Your windows play a big role in how energy flows throughout the house.

Sometimes, windows look great even if they aren’t working well.

Proper insulation means the air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard. This keeps everyone comfortable and plays into your monthly energy bill.

If the glass looks crystal clear but your bill is on the rise, you may need to call a window replacement company.

You can double check before making a call by looking closely at the frame.

On a sunny day, the light will be cracking through the seam where it meets the wall. During rainy days, you can run your finger along the seam and feel for moisture.

3. Remodeling

Thankfully, finding a window replacement company doesn’t always have to be about fixing what’s broken.

If you’re changing the design of your living room or getting new window trimmings in the kitchen, explore all your options.

Adding a window replacement to the project can cross off multiple things at once. It keeps your windows in great condition so you don’t have to worry about the issues above.

While your reasons for new windows may vary, there are some rules that remain constant when looking for a window replacement company.

Keep reading for a detailed guide of what to do.

How to Make the Right Choice

1. Ask Around

The best way to start your search is asking friends and family.

You may be surprised to find out how many people have recently gotten a window replacement or new windows altogether.

Your mom might have recently fixed a broken window. Your friends could be in the middle of adding an extension to their home.

If you can’t think of anyone to reach out to, ask your coworkers.

Someone in your network is bound to point you in the right direction.

This is especially helpful if you live in a big city! Can you imagine looking for a San Diego replacement window company on your own?

2. Read Reviews

Once you get a list going of companies to consider, get online.

Look at each option’s website and make it a point to read their reviews. This is your inside look at the way a window replacement company works.

Reviews tell you what you can expect from start to finish. This includes how long a project can take to how well the results come out. Also, read for levels of professionalism and pricing.

Understand not every experience will be the same, but there should be a common theme to what reviews are saying.

As you read, pay attention to any bias that may be included.

Use your discretion to weed out the good companies from the bad.

If you really want to know every detail, check out what people are saying on community pages or social media. This is an important extra step because only the best testimonials go on a company website.

But, a little digging can help you paint the full picture.

3. Know the Look You Want

Speaking of painting the picture, do you already have a vision of what your new windows will look like?

Hiring a window replacement company is the perfect chance to switch things up. There are many aesthetics to choose from, but below are some of our favorites.

Double Hung Windows

Double hung windows are technically two sets of glass.

The outer layer works to protect against moisture from the outside. The inner layer is the first defense against insulation leaving the house.

The double layer is a great option for families with kids.

It lets you have the look of an open window without worrying about your little one poking their head out.

Fixed Glass Windows

If you can do without opening your windows, go for a fixed option.

Fixed windows are locked in place and don’t budge. They are often on home doors or small openings close to the ceiling.

This option allows you to incorporate colors or stained glass for added aesthetics.

Awning Windows

Awning windows open from the bottom. Instead of sliding up and down, they tilt out at an angle.

This is a beautiful choice above the kitchen sink or in your master bathroom.

The window allows for natural air to flow in and out in a unique way.

This helps to clear the room after a steamy shower. Or, you can open an awning window to enjoy the sound of rain on a stormy day.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows move horizontally along a plastic or metal track.

These come in single as well as double hung options.

A single sliding window will only move in one direction. Double hung options can be opened from the left or right, kind of like sliding doors on a closet.

These are another great option for moments you want a little bit of airflow in and out without opening the whole window. Be cautious of insulation and moisture getting trapped in the glass.

Whatever window style you choose, think of added options like trims and curtains.

This will help you get a better idea of how the whole room will look.

You might opt for a double hung with stylish panels. Or, get curtains to close a fixed window when it’s letting in too much light.

Check the Materials

When you have your ideal window choice in mind, check which of your window replacement company options can deliver.

Some businesses will specialize in certain styles. Others will have a wider range of services.

The best way to find out who can make your dreams reality is looking at the materials each company uses. Always check for energy efficient glass.

Explore different frame and installation options. The most popular materials are vinyl, wood, and aluminum.

Vinyl

Vinyl is the standard framing option.

It is low maintenance and high quality for a fair price. You can trust this material to do the job without breaking the bank.

Vinyl frames also come in many colors and finishes to bring the whole room together.

Wood

For a cozy country home or an elegant rustic look, consider a wood window.

Wood frames are more expensive and require routine maintenance. Many homeowners say the natural beauty is well worth it.

You can balance the total cost of wood with choosing vinyl for the exterior. This will last longer against the elements and lower your maintenance.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the strongest of all frame materials.

This choice is most common for business buildings and public establishments.

You can purchase them for your home as well.

Aluminum will also be on the pricer side. It pays for itself with its strong thermal conductivity and durability.

Try to Stay in Your Budget

Don’t fall in love with a window replacement company without getting a quote.

Consider your budget as you choose between window styles and frames. Think of the other projects you need to do in the house, and make a list of priorities.

Would you rather pay more up front and save on energy bills and future replacements? Or, do you prefer to take window treatments one step at a time?

Think with your wallet as well as your design eye.

Meet in Person

When you reach out to your top window replacement company options, set up a meeting.

It’s much better to talk pricing in person. Not only does this make your quote more accurate, but it gives you a chance to feel out the people working on your home.

Look for a professional who is straightforward with you.

He or she will provide details on what a window replacement looks like and estimate a time frame.

This person should communicate well and answer all your questions.

Make a Decision

Ready to get an easy repair or make your remodeling dreams come true?

Once you’ve followed the steps above, it’s time to make your pick!

Finding a window replacement company isn’t necessarily a walk in the park. But it doesn’t have to be a headache.

Trust the process and watch your interior design dreams come true.

If you’re looking to replace your kitchen windows, check out these tips to tie the whole room together.

When you need to find great retro furniture pieces for your home, you need to shop for great deals and explore your options.

You’re in luck because there are numerous opportunities available for you to find the perfect pieces.

With this in mind, you can use these tips to not only find the best retro pieces on a budget but also care for them on your terms.

Let’s start with the following tips.

#1: Hit Thrift Stores For Retro Furniture Deals

Thrift stores are a great bet when you need to decorate your home on a budget.

You’ll be able to find retro furniture at rock bottom prices and can even have delivery arranged. When buying thrift store pieces, make sure to consider the layout of your home.

You’ll need to not only buy furniture that is aesthetically pleasing but also make space in your home for relaxation and flow of traffic.

#2: Look Into Estate Sales

Estate sales are an excellent way to find retro furniture since you can catch tremendous deals.

With an estate sale, you’re buying furniture that people may have accumulated over a lifetime. This typically includes styles of furniture that are no longer produced, letting you play around with some different styles.

#3: Find Beautiful Collections At A Furniture Store

Now that you know you’re in the market for some beautiful retro pieces, find a furniture store that can show you their inventory.

You’ll be able to shop for tables, chairs, couches, bedroom sets and other furniture pieces that have a retro flair. Make sure that the furniture shop you turn to is skilled so that you get the most out of your time and money spent.

Whether you’re looking to buy your furniture pieces online or in person, make sure to speak to a reputable shop. For instance, Kernow Furniture can provide more information about dressing tables, bedroom sets, dining sets, and other pieces.

#4: Take Great Care Of Your Pieces

One of the best home improvement projects you can tackle is to care for your furniture.

You can care for your pieces by getting them reupholstered, adding new finish and touching base with a furniture shop that can do heavy duty repairs.

It’s important that you keep your older furniture as clean as possible. Because retro pieces are aged and require some upkeep, it’s important to find cleaning solutions that won’t strip away the natural material.

Make sure that you reach out to a company that can assist you with regular upkeep so that your pieces stay valuable.

When moving from one home to another, be certain that you get insurance on your most valuable pieces.

#5: Find The Right Price

Since you’re in the market for the best retro pieces, you’ll need to have a budget and shop for great prices.

You can get a lot of bang for your buck while decorating your home to the fullest.

Be sure to stick to your budget and ask the various furniture sales companies if they’re willing to negotiate on price.

Do you have any advice on finding the best retro furniture? Leave us a comment below!