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Display Home Strategy: 6 Tips for Making the Most of Display Home Visits
If you’re in the market for a house, it’s best to visit a few beforehand. Whether it’s walking through the best display homes Torquay has to offer or taking a quick peek at apartments in Thailand, it helps to get a real-world feel for what your dream home might look like. Before making that visit, however, it’s best to prepare yourself.
Below are six tips for doing so:
1. Know your budget
Before heading over to the display home, know what you can and can’t afford, and keep that range in focus. This will allow you to confidently explore the property and all its features while knowing it’s the right financial fit.
To get a handle on your budget, talk to a few banks and lenders to get a rough estimate of what’s a reasonable price for you. Even if the first bank you visit is ideal, shop around a bit so you can compare different offers and make the most informed decision possible.
2. Know your needs
Needs and budgets differ from person to person. What essentials do you require in your home right now and in the future? If you’re starting a family or already have one, that may mean extra room and storage space. If you’re big on barbeques and regular gatherings, then plenty of indoor and outdoor seating may be required, as will an attractive garden and spacious yard.
Alongside your essentials, it’s important to consider where you’re willing to compromise. In other words, distinguish what you need from what’s nice to have. Identifying these beforehand will clarify your goals and ensure your home fits your needs.
3. Research the builders
Just as you would research a brand before buying expensive electronics, you must research the builders behind any display homes you visit. Ideally, the company has a sterling reputation and is known for its build quality, customer service, and warranties.
You can find that information online by searching through forums. In addition, you can tap into your friend and family networks to get personal recommendations based on their experiences.
4. Take your time
Take a few deep breaths, walk around the place, and take it all in. Don’t rush your visit. Instead, get a feel for what it would be like to live there. As you walk around the kitchen, living room, and bedroom, imagine how you would arrange each room. Is there enough space for a comfy sofa in the living room, or is it a bit cramped? Pay attention to details like this to ensure everything meets your standards.
5. Walk around the outside
In addition to a thorough inspection of the display home’s interior, it’s essential to walk around the outside as well. This is another way to get a feel for the builders in charge of making your dream home. Is the site well-managed and tidy, or is it a mess? Furthermore, keep an eye out for any awards that show their build quality has been recognized by the industry.
6. Learn about the wider community
After you’ve checked the inside and outside of the display home, learn about the wider community. If you have young ones, you may want to know about parks, playgrounds, and open spaces alongside schools. Furthermore, are shops, doctors, and other essential services nearby? These answers can help you decide whether the community is a good fit for you.
Visiting a display home is an exciting part of the house-buying journey. Keep the six tips above in mind to make the most of it.
Clean Throughout the Week and Leave the Weekend Free
You work hard all week and you want to look forward to some rest. By the time the weekend comes, you are ready for some relaxation. You do not want to spend your weekend cleaning your custom pocket doors and tile floors and doing other chores that will take up all your time. If you spend your time wisely during the week, you should be able to look forward to your weekend and really enjoy it.
Keeping a house clean is a task that requires dedication and consistency. With the right cleaning steps during the week, it is possible to maintain a tidy and organized home without spending hours on end cleaning. Here are some tips for a weekly cleaning routine that will help you keep your home in top condition.
Monday: Tackle the Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it is also one of the most challenging areas to keep clean. Therefore, start your week by giving your kitchen a thorough clean. Begin by decluttering the countertops and cleaning any dirty dishes. Wipe down the stove, microwave, and refrigerator, and sanitize the sink area. Use a microfiber cloth to dust off the cabinets and sweep the floor. By starting the week with a clean kitchen, you will feel motivated to keep the rest of the house tidy.
Tuesday: Focus on the Bedrooms
Bedrooms should be a haven for relaxation, but it is challenging to unwind in a cluttered and messy room. Dedicate Tuesdays to cleaning the bedrooms. Begin by changing the bed sheets and pillowcases. Then, declutter the surfaces and put away any misplaced items. Dust the furniture, clean the mirrors and vacuum the floors. A clean and organized bedroom promotes better sleep, which is essential for overall health and well-being.
Wednesday: Clean the Bathrooms
The bathrooms are another area that requires consistent cleaning. Spend Wednesday tackling the toilets, sinks, and showers. Scrub the toilets with a disinfectant cleaner and wipe down the sinks and countertops. Clean the shower or bathtub with a mildew remover and replace the towels. Sweep and mop the floors and use an air freshener to keep the space smelling fresh.
Thursday: Tidy up the Living Room
The living room is often where families spend the most time, and it can quickly become cluttered with toys, books, and other items. Take Thursdays to tidy up the living room. Begin by decluttering the space, putting away any misplaced items, and dusting the surfaces. Vacuum or sweep the floors, and fluff up the cushions and pillows. A tidy living room makes the space more inviting and conducive to relaxation.
Friday: Do a Deep Clean
Friday is the perfect day to do a deep clean in the areas that require extra attention. For instance, take this day to scrub the floors, dust the blinds, and clean the windows. Wipe down the baseboards, clean the inside of the cabinets, and sanitize the doorknobs and light switches. By doing a deep clean every Friday, you will prevent dirt and grime from accumulating over time.
Saturday: Tackle the Outdoors
If you have a garden or outdoor space, spend Saturdays taking care of it. Mow the lawn, water the plants, and weed the garden. Sweep the patio or deck, and clean the outdoor furniture. By maintaining your outdoor space, you will improve the curb appeal of your home and create an enjoyable space to relax and entertain.
Sunday: Rest and Relax
After a week of consistent cleaning, take Sundays to rest and relax. Spend time with your family, pursue hobbies, and recharge your batteries. You deserve a break after a week of hard work, and taking a day off will help you maintain your motivation and energy levels.
In conclusion, cleaning steps during the week can make a significant difference in keeping your home tidy and organized. By breaking down the cleaning tasks into smaller daily and weekly goals, you can prevent dirt and grime from accumulating and enjoy a clean and inviting home. Consistency is key, so make sure to stick to your cleaning routine, and you will be rewarded with a clean, stress-free home.
How to Decorate Your Dining Room for Christmas
Christmas is the perfect time to get your home dressed up and looking great, and the dining room is arguably one of the most important rooms of the home on the big day. It is the room where most households get together to share a hearty Christmas meal. Here are a few top tips to help you decorate your dining room for Christmas.
Create a Festive Table Display
When the big day arrives, and everyone gathers around the table, you want to make sure your table is Christmas-ready. Master the art of tablescaping this Christmas, and decorate the full length of your table. Themed dinnerware, such as matching festive plates and bowls, can make your table look elegant and inviting. Add quality glassware, classy cutlery, and napkins to set off the look. The theme should center on Christmas, but you can achieve a sophisticated aesthetic by sticking with a traditional color palette, such as deep reds with gold accents. You can add to the table décor with pretty candles, leafy garlands, and rustic wooden table decorations.
Top it Off with a Beautiful Centerpiece
Top your table display off with an eye-catching Christmas table centerpiece. Whether bold and beautiful is your thing or you’re more au natural, pick a centerpiece that speaks to your style and complements the rest of your table display. A simple flower display in seasonal colors is a classic way to set off your table, while large cloches filled with Christmas decorations and grand candelabras can add height to your display.
Keep Your Dining Room Tidy with a Sideboard
When it comes to festive décor, some people shy away from it all because of the aftermath. Yes, a beatifically presented table and a stunning centerpiece are all good and well during the festive season, but where will it all go the rest of the year? That’s where sideboards step in. Sideboards are the perfect piece of furniture for people who need extra storage space and an extra surface too. You can keep seasonal tableware on a sideboard, and you can use the surface as a space to serve food too. Ligne Roset Furniture Bromley has a contemporary selection of sideboards to choose from. They are an established name in interior design, and their pieces will look great in the home all year round.
Make the Most of Your Windows
Besides a festive table display, there are other areas of the dining room that can be dolled up too. Windows are sometimes a neglected part of the room, but they are a great place for hanging up lights. A lit-up star with soft light can offer soft illumination to the dining room as well as to the outside of your home.
Add a Festive Glow
Besides hanging up lights on the windows, you can add a festive glow to the room with light displays on the surfaces. Twinkling string lights can also look sweet and atmospheric when draped on the walls. Lights are an excellent way to spread festive cheer in the home.
3 Tips For Learning About Interior Design For The First Time
If you’re ready to try your hand at interior design, be it as a way to design your own home or as a potential career that you might be interested in, there are a few things that you should learn as you’re starting out. Luckily, these things are very basic and can help you have a solid foundation to further build your experience at interior design.
To show you just what these things are, here are three tips for learning about interior design for the first time.
Start With The Basics
As you’re getting ready to learn more about interior design, the best place to start is with the basics.
Some of the basic principles of interior design include finding a style, choosing a focal point, and creating balance. To give yourself a jumping off point for all of these things, you might want to spend some time reading interior design articles that can give you some information about them and how to implement them into your own designs.
Until you really get some practice using all of these basic principles of design, you might have a hard time really seeing how they work together as the fundamentals of interior design. But once you’re able to incorporate the principles of style, focal point, and balance into the decisions that you make when designing a space, you’ll start to really get a handle on interior design.
Work From A Mood Board
For most people just starting off with interior design, there’s going to be a lot more time that goes into the planning aspects than they might expect.
To help you with this planning, you should consider creating mood boards that you’re able to work from. For every space that you’re going to be designing, put together a board full of your inspiration and the design elements that you want to incorporate into this space. Then, as you seek to find the actual pieces that you’ll be using, you can refer back to your mood board to determine if everything fits together as you’d imagined.
Embrace An Eclectic Style
One thing that many amateur interior designers tend to lean too hard on is matching. While it can be good to have certain parts of your design match or be complementary, having too many things that are matchy-matchy is a sure sign of an interior designer who doesn’t trust themselves.
To fight against this desire to match, you should try to embrace a more eclectic style. Look for elements that you like that also fit well on your mood boards. Try not to use many things that come in sets to really push yourself and your design eye to find what works for you and your specific space.
If you’re ready to start learning about interior design for the first time, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you see where to begin.
3 Things You Can Do To Help Reduce Moisture And Humidity In Your Home
Unless you need moisture and humidity to accomplish the task set before you, it’s best not to have more moisture or humidity than is necessary. Both in residential and commercial capacities, having moisture in your home or in things like compressed air lines can cause a lot of damage. But luckily, there are things you can do to help cut down on the amount of moisture that your home or equipment is exposed to.
To help you see how this can be done, here are three things you can do to help reduce moisture and humidity in your home.
Start From The Ground Up
If you’ve noticed that there is more moisture in your home than you would like, you should start addressing this problem from the ground up.
In many places where the atmosphere and environment holds more moisture than you’d like it to, that moisture can get into your home both from the air and from the ground. So if you have any exposed ground under or around your home, the moisture coming up from these areas can cause your home to hold more moisture, too.
If this is the case for your home, try putting plastic covers over any exposed earth, like in the crawlspace of your home. This will help to put a barrier between the moisture of the ground and the bottom of your home. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that there is good ventilation in these areas as well.
Set Up A Smart Thermostat
For homes with a smart thermostat, you can set the device to check the amount of humidity in your home and then turn on your air conditioner to make sure the humidity is set at the level that you want. When the cold air of your air conditioner turns on, it can help to reduce the humidity. And when you set this through your smart thermostat, you won’t have to worry about making any adjustments on your own anymore.
If you don’t already have a smart thermostat and are experiencing issues with humidity in your home, you might want to consider investing in one of these devices to help you with your problem.
Use All Of Your Fans
Getting any kind of air movement going through your home can also help when humidity levels get high.
Not only can putting in ceiling fans or things like box fans or oscillating fans help, but turning on any exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom can help to bring down the levels of humidity in your house as well.
If you live in a humid area and often find this humidity penetrating into your home, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you learn how you can reduce the humidity within your house.
5 Best Ways to Get Rid of Rats and Mice in Your House
Do you have little ones at home? Do you spend most of your time indoors? If so, then your home is probably home to plenty of rats and mice. You might even see these little guys around your house from time to sit. Even if they aren’t causing you any harm, there are some pesky little critters that will quickly make their way inside if given the chance. Along with bringing in unwanted pests and making it a more unpleasant place to be, they can also spread disease and leave you feeling anxious as well as vulnerable. And since their presence might also mean that other animals like raccoons are coming around as well, then this means that you’ll need to take steps to get rid of them as well. Here are the best ways to get rid of rats and mice from your house.
Get Rid of the Source:
If you want to get rid of rats and mice from your home, you’ll need to get rid of the source. The fact is that these pests are attracted to food and water sources, so if you have a food or water source that you’re able to seal off, then you’ll be able to significantly reduce the chance of them making their way into your home. If you’re able to do this, you’ll need to focus on keeping these items in a secure location, like a locked cupboard. By doing this, you’ll be able to stop rats and mice from finding easy access to them. Additionally, you’ll also want to be sure that you clean any surfaces that you store foods and drinks on regularly. This is important, because if you’re able to get rid of the source of rats and mice, then they won’t have anywhere to go. And while they might not be inside your home, they can still be outside.
Seal All Entry Points
If you’ve got rats and mice getting inside your home, then you’ll want to make sure that you seal off the entry points. This will mean that they’ll have to dig through your walls in order to find a way inside. This is a far less likely scenario, as they’ll likely be deterred by the lack of easy access to food and water. Keep all your pipes, drains, and windows closed. Make sure that you don’t leave any gaps in your walls, and that you make sure that any gaps under your doors are kept tight. This will help to keep out pesky rodents, and keep them from finding a way inside. You’ll also want to make sure that you clean and sanitize all areas that you use regularly. And, like with sealing access points, you’ll also want to make sure that your cleaning products are out where rodents can’t get to them.
Vacuum Regularly
When you have pests like rats and mice running around your home, you’ll want to make sure that you regularly clean out any areas that they might be able to get into. This means that you’ll want to make sure that you vacuum regularly, and that you clean out any areas that you regularly use. You’ll want to make sure that you clean out your vacuum regularly, and that you keep all of your cord lengths and outlets covered. This will help to keep rodents out of your home, and will also help to keep them out of your vacuum cleaner. You’ll also want to make sure that you clean all areas that you regularly use. This means that you’ll want to make sure that you clean out your sinks, toilets and other places where rodents might be able to hide. This is an important step, because if you’re able to keep regular areas clean, and keep your vacuum and cleaning tools away from rodents, you’ll be able to keep them out of your house.
Set Out Freezing Mats and Screeches
One of the best ways to get rid of rats and mice from your home is to set up a freezing mat. These allow you to catch any critters that you might have running around, and you’ll be able to do this without worrying about harming them. All you have to do is set one of these out on a sturdy surface, like the floor, and leave it there for a few days. This will allow it to get very cold; too cold for most rodents to survive in. Another great way to get rid of rats and mice, especially from areas like your deck or patio, is to use a screech. These are great for outdoor areas, as they emit a piercing sound that you’ll be able to hear from anywhere in your house. This means that you’ll be able to quickly locate rodents, and will help to ensure that they aren’t getting into your home either. Both of these methods will help to keep critters like rats and mice out of your home, and will allow you to keep them out of your yard. This is a great way to ensure that you can keep your family safe, and safe from these pests.
Final Words
Rats and mice can be a nuisance in your home, but they can also trigger disease. And, if they are allowed to nest in your home, they can damage your property and eat your food. They are crafty and adaptable little creatures that can easily find a way inside your home, and if they make it inside, they can cause major damage. If you have a problem with rats and mice getting into your home, then you’ll want to make sure that you do whatever you can to get rid of them as quickly as possible. And, by following these steps, you can quickly get rid of these pests from your home without causing any damage.
How to Get Rid of Pesky Lawn Mosquitoes
Summer is here, and after a long hard day at the office, you are ready to sip on some ice-cold lemonade in the backyard. You settle into your hammock, unaware of the lurking danger that is about to strike when you feel it, an itching sensation on your legs.
You swat at the air, but there are too many, and you realize your summer is now ruined by the horrors of those pesky mosquitoes, the deadliest creature in the world!
Mosquitoes are the cause of over 1 million deaths each year so continue reading, and we’ll show you how to get rid of mosquitoes in the yard to make it a safe haven once more.
Cut Off Their Water Supply
If you think you might have a mosquito infestation, the first thing you should do is look for standing water in your yard. Mosquitos lay about 100-200 eggs and need stagnant water for the larvae to hatch.
Clean out gutters, to ensure water is not trapped and is flowing properly. Check for puddles or anywhere a pool of water might be hiding, such as under a debris pile, or inside kids’ outdoor play sets. Treat ponds so that larvae do not survive.
Mosquitos need very little water to lay their eggs in, but by doing a weekly check of your yard, you can cut back on the mosquito population by up to 70 percent. If at any time you are uncertain of where mosquitos might be lurking, then calling a pest control service, such as Holmes Lawn & Pest, can help you determine the source of their breeding grounds.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in the Yard Without Chemicals
If you are looking for ways to treat your yard without using harsh chemicals, essential oils are the way to go. Some of the oils that are known to repel mosquitos are:
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Lemongrass
You may already know that citronella candles are effective at keeping mosquitos away, but did you know they can also help reduce stress? Studies show that citronella oil can significantly reduce blood pressure and lower heart rate, and after a long day at work, who doesn’t want that?
Do Bug Zappers Work?
We are all familiar with the infamous zapping sound that is made when a bug is being electrocuted, but how effective are they when it comes to mosquito control?
The answer may surprise you. According to the Colorado State University Extension, there is no research to show that bug zapping devices reduce the outdoor biting ratio. Research shows that they actually do more harm than good, since they tend to attract the wrong bugs.
Moths are more than happy to fly into anything that glows but moths play an important role at night just as bees do during the day. A study done by the U.S. Forest Service shows that moths help to pollinate a large variety of plants and crops. Moths can carry the pollen over greater distances, so stay clear of the zappers and stick with repellents and yard cleanup to help get rid of mosquitos in the yard.
Call a Professional
When all else fails and you are still unsure of how to get rid of mosquitoes in the yard, seek outside help. Professionals are well equipped and will be able to better assist you in finding the right methods for mosquito control, so fight back, and don’t let your backyard become a horror movie this summer!
If you enjoyed this article, check out the rest of our site to read all the great lifestyle-oriented content we have to offer.
4 Ways to Save Electricity in Your Home
Is there anything that can ruin a day faster than seeing your monthly electricity bill in your mailbox? You may even feel the need to brace yourself as you open the letter.
Instead of cringing when you see the number, you’ll find that reducing how much you rely on electricity can help save you money. However, you may be wondering what you can do to cut back.
If you want to save electricity around your home but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading for some of the best tips to cut costs and reduce environmental strains.
1. Unplug
One of the most obvious ways to reduce your dependency on electricity is to turn off your appliances when they’re not in use. However, you may not know that unplugging them is just as important!
Even when lights had appliances are switched off, they can still consume energy when left plugged in. Unplugging small appliances like blenders, hairdryers, and space heaters can help reduce your energy bill.
2. Go Solar
If you want to make a drastic change, you can install solar panels on your property!
Instead of connecting your home to a local grid and using fossil fuels to power your home, solar panels transform the sun’s energy into power for your home.
Though the initial cost of solar installation may leave you wondering if the system is worth it, the drastic reduction will pay itself off. Plus, there are state solar incentives to help make the system all the more worth it.
3. Watch How You Wash
Even if you have energy-efficient appliances, they still consume large amounts of power.
One of the best ways to combat this is to save your dryer for emergencies! Instead of running your dryer for every load, take advantage of mother nature – let the air dry your clothing.
You may also want to wash the bulk of your clothes in cold water to impact your energy savings. Though you may find that some clothes should be washed in warm water, most articles can withstand the cold water.
4. Get Outside!
Finally, one of the best ways to save energy and reduce how much electricity you consume is to get out of the house! When you spend hours in front of the television, your bill will reflect this.
Instead, turning off the television and heading out can reduce your monthly bill. This is a great way to save the environment while exploring it! Whether you take a hike or pack a picnic, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities.
Save Electricity (And Money!) With These Tips
There are so many benefits to going green. Not only will you help save the environment, but you can help save another kind of green – cash!
You’ll notice a significant change in your energy bill when makes these easy changes to your daily routine.
If these tips to help you save electricity inspired you to rethink your habits, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. There, you’ll find more great home tips and tricks.
4 Tips to Save on Your Home Renovation
Whether you’re working with a small or big budget, home renovation costs can quickly get out of hand if you don’t have a tight grip on your finances. After all, these types of projects aren’t cheap—beyond the equipment, material, and labor costs, there’s also a chance that you’ll encounter unexpected expenses as you make the desired adjustments and changes to your humble abode. So follow these tips to ensure that you achieve the intended outcome without breaking the bank in the process.
- Establish your budget
You’ll be surprised at how many homeowners renovating their properties fail to set a budget for the first time. And the reason why this is so important is that you’ll have a better idea of how much you can comfortably spend on the project. Thus, you’ll know what your limits are. If you don’t, you could end up paying more than you can afford and delay its completion due to a lack of funds.
For this reason, you must establish a budget first before you begin making any design choices. Then, once you have a number, allot an additional twenty percent for flexibility so you can deal with any unforeseen costs.
- Sell unused materials
During the renovation process, you’ll likely end up with a lot of materials you’ll no longer need. Instead of just throwing them away, try looking for recycling facilities that can take them from you. For example, some companies partner with aluminum can recycling Kansas City companies to take care of their scrap metals. Apart from being a more environmentally-friendly approach, you could also earn a little money by selling the material.
- Don’t rush the process
It’s not always a bad thing to wait when it comes to renovating. After all, rushing the process will only make you more susceptible to potentially costly mistakes. Moreover, having some patience and waiting for the money to come before you commit will ensure that you have the funds to support the project instead of putting up with multiple delays because of a lack of cash.
- Always pay with cash
It might be tempting to use your credit card to pay for the equipment or services you require, but the fact of the matter is that it’ll give you a false sense of financial security. In other words, you’ll be tempted to keep on using it even if you can no longer afford it, raking up a pretty sizable debt as a result. Fortunately, it’s an easy mistake to avoid. All you need to do is to pay with cash only. In this way, you’ll only be paying with the money you have on hand.
Conclusion
Home renovations can be exciting. However, they can also be substantial money pits. If you don’t want to break your budget before completing your project, make sure that you follow these tips. Doing so will allow you to keep your costs at a reasonable level and ensure that you’re able to finance your renovation with ease.
Tips For Building An Upcycled Bathroom
Many people assume that renovating your bathroom is one of the more expensive home projects you can undertake; after all, not only will you spend money on home interior design but also on technical fixtures and fittings too. While bathroom renovation can be both costly and time-consuming, it does not have to be. Building an upcycled bathroom is a great way to get a beautiful, renovated space without the cost of buying everything from new.
If you are interested in building an upcycled bathroom, then this guide is here to help you learn everything you need to know.
1. Think Outside The Box
Adopting the right mindset is critical when it comes to building an upcycled bathroom. Thinking outside the box is a great way to discover some new, fun, and innovative ways to upcycle items and furniture that would not traditionally be seen in the bathroom context. There are so many possibilities when it comes to building an upcycled bathroom if you are thinking outside the box. For example, you could use a vintage ladder as an industrial-looking shelving unit or pebbles you have collected from the beach to make a statement shower wall.
2. Look For Inspiration
If you do not have a vision for how you want your upcycled bathroom to look, then it can be difficult to identify the possibilities in objects or items that you could upcycle. Before you start your project, it is a good idea to spend some time looking for inspiration. There are so many places online where you can look for interior design inspiration for your bathroom renovation. For example, you can look on Pinterest or Instagram for some helpful ideas you can take inspiration from.
3. Hire a Professional
When you are building an upcycled bathroom, it is likely that you will be looking to do quite a lot of the work yourself. While it is a good idea to do some jobs yourself, there are others that will require professional expertise. As gjsplumbingandheating.co.uk explains, the effects of having poorly fitted bathroom features might not be noticeable at first but can have devastating effects over time. Making sure that you hire an experienced professional to assist with the technical jobs is vital to help you ensure you are not at risk of experiencing serious, time-consuming, and expensive problems in the future.
4. Pick The Right Paint
Paint is one of the most useful tools when it comes to upcycling; choosing the right paint can breathe new life into a new object and completely change the personality of a piece. When it comes to building an upcycled bathroom, it is important that you choose the right paint. You should spend some time choosing the right color scheme for the space. Once you have found the right colors for the space, you should then consider what type of paint you are going to use. It is particularly important when you are choosing paint for a bathroom that you opt for paint that is long-lasting in hot, moist environments.
