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Tips For Choosing The Right Granite Countertop

Installing granite countertops is a worthy investment when remodelling your kitchen. They transform the appearance of your kitchen and maintain that prestigious appeal for a very long time. Qualities such as the ability to resist scratches and stains make this material very popular.

Even so, choosing the right colour and design for your project can prove to be difficult. This is because these worktops have a wide variety of natural and breathtaking colours. They are cut into different sizes and shapes so as to address a variety of needs. Below are tips that can assist you in choosing the right granite worktop in London.

The size of granite countertops needed

Granite pieces differ depending on the size. The bigger the piece the more expensive it is. Also, consider the thickness of the slabs. Thicker slabs are stronger and more costly compared to the thinner ones. These countertops have differently designed edges that have a visible effect on the final look of your kitchen.

The size of your kitchen

Light coloured countertops are preferred when remodelling a small kitchen. They make the kitchen seem bigger. A spacious kitchen gives room for more creativity and can use more and larger granite slabs.

Location

Do comprehensive research on the professional fabricators operating within your geographic area. Check for positive reviews and recommended specialists and choose the company that impresses you the most. Contacting a company close to your home will enable you to save on transportation costs and that money can be used to purchase even better-quality granite countertops.

Sample matching

It is important to compare many samples before deciding on the best countertop to use. Choose two or three different patterns that you like and compare how each one blends with the decor in your kitchen. The pattern that coordinates well with the colours of your kitchen cabinets and the floor is the best choice. When purchasing online ensure you buy from licensed and credited dealers. This gives you the guarantee that what you select online is what will be delivered and installed.

The desired effects

Colours communicate more than just beauty. For example, dark colours like black and blue portray elegance. Neutral colours like brown create a homely feeling. Bright colours create an exciting feeling. It is wise to contract a designer for assistance if you are not very sure about colours.

Confirm its quality

It is good to test the quality of the samples provided before transacting any business. You can try cleaning them with some water or spill oil on them to see how the samples manage. Good quality granite is stain resistant and easy to clean.

Lastly, have a budget. This will help you sample only those worktops that fall within your budget. You will also be able to avoid overspending. With these tips, nothing will hinder you from attaining that classy and functional kitchen you dream about.

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10 Tips For Childproofing Your Home

When little people are in the home, it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings. There are so many hidden dangers that you can’t possibly think of all of them, can you? Actually, it isn’t hard now that we have the internet, and if you are soon to be a mum, here are some really great ideas gathered from around the Web.

1. Install Anti-Scald Devices on Taps and Showerheads

Toddlers soon learn how to twist handles and knobs, and this can present a real danger if you don’t keep the water heater set low enough so as not to be scalding. However, if you set it too low, you can’t adequately wash and rinse dishes. Why not install anti-scald devices on all taps and showerheads? Now you can have hot water and scalding precautions.

2. Keep All Medications out of Reach or Locked

If you don’t have a cupboard or cabinet high enough where baby can’t reach, at least invest in a lock box so that your precious little one can’t accidentally get into those dangerous medicines. Many are quite colourful and can easily be mistaken for candy. Keep them locked away at all times.

3. Replace Floor Radiators with Wall Mounted Varieties

Many older homes have floor mounted radiators. Since they are meant to heat the room, radiators can be quite hot. Instead, look at your options in a wall mounted Reina radiator that will serve well to keep your little one from getting burned.

4. Observe Safe Cooking Habits

If at all possible, use baby gates to keep children out of kitchens whilst cooking. However, in today’s open-space home designs, that isn’t always realistic. Observe safe cooking habits such as keeping all foods on unreachable back burners and keep handles on pots turned back and away from the front where they can’t be reached.

5. Install Toilet Seat and Cover Locks

Toddlers are fascinated by water. Always keep your toilet seat and cover locked down with latches easily purchased online to avoid accidental drowning and to keep those little fingers clean from contaminants.

6. Never Use Bumpers and Pillows in Baby’s Crib

While cute and cosy looking, those crib bumpers and pillows have been known to suffocate babies when they roll over. Too little to understand how to roll back, they suffocate.

7. Baby Monitors Are a Must

Video monitors are arguably the best, but if you can’t afford them, audio monitors at least enable you to hear what is going on in your baby’s room. If they are crying or struggling to catch their breath, you can quickly get there in time to react.

8. Re-think Plastic Outlet Plugs

While those plastic outlet plugs can keep baby from getting electrocuted, they are small enough to be a choking hazard. Instead, consider buying sliding covers available at any home improvement store, or learn other ways to baby-proof sockets in the home.

9. Install Cabinet and Drawer Latches

No matter what you have in cupboards and cabinets, something is bound to be a danger to toddlers. Install those baby latches to keep little ones from getting to chemicals, knives, and anything which can harm them.

10. Cushion All Sharp Edges on Furniture

When learning to crawl, walk and run, the one thing you can be sure of is that all little people are clumsy in each of these stages of development. Protect them from sharp edges on furniture, especially coffee tables, by adding cushioning or bumpers. These can be found online or in baby shops if you prefer.

There you have 10 easy-to-use childproofing tips, that will help ensure safety of your child as you spend quality time together and in every day life. Now it’s your turn to Google some more!

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Which Is The Best Waterproof Floor Type For Your Bathroom?

Choosing a floor type for your home may be a challenge. This is mainly because there are different types of quality flooring options. The tricky part, however, is choosing a floor type for your bathroom. The bathroom is one of the most-visited rooms in any home. Unlike the other rooms, the flooring frequently comes into contact with water. If you don’t choose the right floor, your bathroom may always be wet, slippery or waterlogged.

There is a lot of water in the bathroom. It is, therefore, advisable to consider waterproof flooring options. There are different types of floors that are waterproof. They include ceramic tiles, hardwood floors, laminate, solid wood, and vinyl floors. Here are some of the factors that may help you settle on the best waterproof floor.

Durability

The durability of the floor should be a key factor. Which material is the floor made of? Is the material durable? The durability of flooring materials varies. Although some of these materials have a longer lifespan than others, the durability also depends on the level of maintenance.

Maintenance

Choose a floor you can easily maintain. Some of the flooring options on the market are durable and stylish. However, the floor may be very expensive to maintain. The least expensive floors to maintain are vinyl wood floors as you can do it on your own. For tile floors, you may need special equipment and a specialist to clean and maintain it.

Cost

Do you have a floor budget? How large is your bathroom? Choose a waterproof floor that is within your budget. Some of the floor options are unreasonably expensive. Among the affordable flooring options are hardwood, solid wood, laminate, and vinyl floors.

Style and design

Homeowners invest a lot in remodelling their bathrooms. Today’s bathrooms are more than bathing rooms. The room should look clean, stylish and unique. This can be achieved by installing the best flooring options and shower enclosures. A few years ago, ceramic tiles were the only floors with a wide variety of styles and designs. Today, we have stylish engineered wood floors, vinyl laminate floors, and stone floors, all in different styles, sizes, and shapes. You can find a perfect floor style and design for your bathroom.

From the ideas above, it’s evident that you can find a waterproof floor at an affordable price. Floor options such as hardwood and solid wood have a veneer layer that is water resistant. Remodel your bathroom with a durable, dustproof and stylish floor by comparing several flooring options. You can read reviews or ask friends about the best bathroom flooring options. If you are in the UK, you can look for the best suppliers in your area.

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The Top Three Aspects To Think About If You Want A Shower Enclosure For Your Bathroom

Nowadays, shower enclosures and cabins come in a variety of sizes and shapes. So if you’re hoping to save money on a makeover for the bathroom, you surely have a lot of choices if you are looking for a shower enclosure upgrade. But this range of choices can make it even more difficult to make a decision, especially if you don’t know much about what the different types of showers can really offer. Are you planning to have a shower enclosure installed in your bathroom? Here are the top three aspects to think about.

1. Space considerations

The number one aspect you should think about is the space. Your bathroom’s space considerations will affect whether you can get a regular or standard shower cabin, a walk-in shower enclosure, a shower/bath combination, or even a wet room. How much room do you have to work with? Think about the height as well. For example, if you want to install a shower in an awkward space such as a loft or a recess, it’s better to choose a smaller-sized shower enclosure with a folding or pivot door. Also, think about the kind of bathroom where the shower will be placed. Is it a master bathroom or a bathroom for the entire household? If it’s for a master suite, you can probably enhance it with certain features to help you relax, such as water jets. If it’s a shower for the entire household, you should consider the needs of all the members of the family.

2. The position of the shower

The position of the shower is the second aspect to consider – are you planning to place it in a corner, in another enclosed space, or in the middle of a wall? This will influence the kind of shape you can use, and the type of door that comes with the shower. A D-shaped shower is ideal when positioned in the middle of the wall, whilst quadrant-shaped shower enclosures are ideal for corners.

3. The glass and the frame

Ideally, you should go for 4mm to 8mm thickened safety glass, which is strong and durable and less susceptible to breakage. Remember, however, that if you choose glass which is thicker, more support may be needed. The frame should also serve as ample protection for the glass since glass which isn’t framed can get broken or chipped. If you can, look for a shower cabin which comes with durable aluminium frames.

There’s one more thing you should know: modular shower cabin units can provide you with the best shower experience of your life, and they already come with all the features and elements you may need. These units are often moulded using acrylic and come in different sizes, shapes, and even with extras such as adjustable hydro jets, seats, and even chromatherapy lighting.

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4 Steps For Clearing Your Property Of Clutter

Your home should be a space that you take pride in. It should be somewhere that you go to whenever you want to escape the demands of daily life and take control of your stress levels. That is why it is so important that your property is free from clutter. Failing to achieve this will make it impossible for you to unlock the full potential of your home. Instead, you will constantly find yourself tripping up over rogue possessions, struggling to close your cupboard doors, and panicking at the very thought of unexpected visitors. If you are not yet happy with the state of your home, now is the time to take control! Below are four steps that will guide you through this process.

Write shopping lists

Before you make any purchases, it is important that you get into the habit of writing lists. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to evaluate whether or not you really need to buy something. Instead of throwing everything into your shopping cart, a clear list will force you to hold yourself accountable. Planning ahead could even help you to save money on essential purchases such as your weekly shop. You can simply go online and explore frugal fabulous finds.

Clean your home on a regular basis

The next step is to clean your home on a regular basis. As you carry out this task, you will need to look out for areas that are especially hard to tidy. Perhaps you have a chest of drawers that is filled to bursting. Maybe you have a surface top that is completely covered with random bits and pieces. Whatever the case, it is vital that you resolve the situation and streamline your possessions. Once you have done this, you will find that it is much easier for you to maintain your property.

Plan a yard sale

If you are struggling with the idea of throwing your old possessions into the trash, you can get round this by holding a yard sale. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to provide your items with a new owner and a new home. It could even help you to bring in some extra cash. Or, you could enjoy a feel good moment and donate your earnings to a worthy cause. Just remember to do your research before you hold your sale. You need to make sure that you understand the true value of everything you are passing on. This will save you from losing money on underpriced items or driving people away with unrealistic expectations.

Get your life in order

Finally, you need to get your life in order. If you want to improve your happiness, getting your life in order is the best chance of ensuring your property never returns to a space of clutter and chaos. Why not invest in organization tools that will provide all of your possessions with a set place? You could also splash out on a handy label maker and plenty of storage boxes. Taking these steps will make it easier for you to find things when you are in a rush. It will also make it obvious the moment that your household starts to get out of control.

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Nectar Bed Reviews the Impact of Lack of Sleep on Children

There is nothing quite like having a wonderful, comfortable night’s sleep, regardless of how old you are. However, it is particularly important for children to have proper rest, as this is when their brain and body develops and grows. Without sleep, children cannot stay energetic, happy, and healthy. This is why Nectar Bed reviews the impact of lack of sleep on children.

Nectar Bed Reviews Poor Quality Sleep in the Young

Sleep deprivation, be that full insomnia, insufficient sleep, or poor quality sleep, has a serious impact on the way your child’s body functions. Parents often notice quite quickly that their child is cranky or moody and instantly know that they didn’t sleep properly. However, there are some changes that are not behavioral and more difficult to spot as well. Some of those can be very serious, particularly in the long run. For instance:

• Lack of sleep cam lead to behavior, learning, memory, and attention problems.
• Children younger than 41 months can become more impulsive and hyperactive.
• Children who sleep poorly often have poorer cognitive performance.
• Metabolism is affected by lack of sleep, meaning children are more likely to become overweight or obese, with all the potential dangers associated with that (heart disease, diabetes, and so on).
• Lack of sleep leads to energy imbalance. It affects a range of hormones, including human growth hormone, insulin, leptin, ghrelin, and cortisol.
• It is not unheard of for children to develop attention problems as a result.
• Adolescents with poor sleep habits are more likely to become suicidal, to be drowsy while driving, and to engage in risk-taking behavior, particularly drug abuse.

How Do You Recognize Your Child Doesn’t Sleep Enough?

• They want to nap more often than normal.
• They are often yawning.
• They find it difficult to wake up on the morning.
• Your child isn’t motivated anymore, loses interest in the things they enjoy, struggle to pay attention, and can’t focus.
• They want to go back to bed for quite a while after having been woken up.
• They prefer to lie down than to spend time with their friends or members of the family.
• Teachers start to complain about the child yawning or appearing drowsy, or about sudden behavioral changes.

They Must Sleep Properly

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is that children, whether newborn babies or young adults, get as much sleep as they need, and that this is consistent. For small babies, this includes having enough naps. It is very important that families take the time to make sleep a priority for every member of the family. The benefits of doing this are truly countless. It ensures the entire family feels relaxed, active, and alert. It has a direct impact on social behavior, learning, personality, and temperament. Having a night time routine in place is comforting and good for the whole family, not just your child. Making sure that bed time is an enjoyable time and that it is for sleeping from an early age, sets your child up for good habits for the rest of their life.

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The Benefits of a Patio Cover with West Coast Better Homes

If your home boasts a patio area which you frequently use to entertain guests or spend quality time in your back yard with your family members, simply continue reading to discover some of the various benefits of purchasing an affordable patio cover with West Coast Better Homes.

1. Patio covers provide well needed protection from the elements

Not only will a quality patio cover protect you from inclement rain but investing in a patio cover will also protect your friends and family members from the sun’s harsh UV rays. As an example, if your children enjoy spending time playing outside on your patio, by installing a full patio cover, you can ensure that your children are able to get some fresh air without getting burnt by the hot afternoon sun. If you’ve worked hard on your patio home decor, you don’t want it getting ruined by one storm. 

If you enjoy spending time in your yard during winter, you’ll also enjoy being able to enjoy a bit of cool, refreshing air without being completely exposed to the elements!

2. Patio covers tend to be made from heavy duty materials such as aluminium

If you’re worried about a patio cover being ripped in strong gusts or storms, think again as West Coast Better Homes’ high quality patio covers are made out of sturdy aluminium and will be able to take a beating from the wind, rain and sleet, without getting torn up. So if you’re looking for a patio shade which will last a decade of abuse, it’s well worth purchasing a genuine, heavy duty, aluminium patio cover.

3. Patio covers can add a touch of style to your patio area

Did you know that you can opt for a patio cover which features a stylish wood grain, which will be sure to catch the attention of all of your guests?

4. Patio covers are incredibly easy to maintain

All you have to do to clean your patio cover is to rinse your patio cover on a semi-regular basis. Which is great news if you find it hard to keep on track of all of your current household chores and tasks.

5. Patio covers boast a wide array of innovative, creative uses

Some of the possible uses for a patio cover may surprise you. As an example, you can use a patio cover to cover a sand pit, a paddling pool, a garden, a portable spa pool or a picnic table. Alternatively, you can also use a patio cover to provide adequate shade for your pet such as a dog, rabbit or guinea pig.

6. All of West Coast Better Homes’ sturdy, high-quality patio covers come with a lifetime guarantee

Once you invest in a high quality patio cover from West Coast Better Homes, you’ll never have to worry about replacing your new patio cover as each patio cover comes with a free lifetime guarantee. Having a patio can boost the cost of your home, so it needs to be protected. Which will make replacing your patio cover in a decade or two a breeze. Which may come in handy one day.

If you’re tempted, there’s no better time to invest in a highly rated patio cover from West Coast Better Homes!