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5 home appliance improvement projects with the highest ROI
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5 home appliance improvement projects with the highest ROI

When discussing home improvement projects that ensure higher returns, the focus often drifts to major changes like patio building, back grade upgrading, bathroom upscaling, renovations, decor, or structural improvements. However, enhancing appliances is another salient feature that can hike the property price. Home appliances are some of the most used items in a house, and ensuring they are modern, efficient, highly functional, and up-to-date can fetch a higher return on investment (ROI). Home appliance improvement projects that offer higher ROI Energy-efficient appliances Energy efficiency is a must in today’s world. Most home buyers are environmentally conscious and aware of their energy consumption. Data shows that electrical appliances, on average, consume around 14% of the total energy usage of a house. This includes stoves, ovens, refrigerators, dryers, and water heaters. Appliances that use energy efficiency also reduce utility bills and overall carbon footprint. These can include refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers. The easiest way to recognize an energy-efficient appliance is to look for the ENERGY STAR label. Choosing these certified appliances can be an attractive feature for eco-conscious homeowners. Smart thermostats Smart thermostats are intelligent temperature control systems where the thermostat recognizes homeowners’ overall heating and cooling preferences and adjusts the temperature accordingly.
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Guide to easy-access walk-in showers for seniors and people with disabilities
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Guide to easy-access walk-in showers for seniors and people with disabilities

Although showers are meant for relaxation, they can become safety hazards for seniors and people with disabilities. Traditional showers usually have raised edges and are enclosed with glass panels, making them difficult to use. Thankfully, innovative solutions exist! Easy-access walk-in showers eliminate the hurdles of traditional showers, making them suitable for seniors and those with disabilities. These showers increase independence and confidence and also improve the bathroom’s appearance to a great extent. Features of easy-access walk-in showers Several key features contribute to the functionality and safety of easy-access walk-in showers. Low-profile threshold or level entry As mentioned, easy-access walk-in showers have a low threshold or a completely level entry point. Unlike traditional showers, one does not have to climb over a raised edge, which minimizes the risk of falls and ensures a smooth transition into the bathing area. Slip-resistant flooring Textured or slip-resistant flooring helps one take secure steps within the shower, reducing the chance of slipping while bathing. It is an essential safety feature in easy-access walk-in showers, which makes them stand out. Grab bars Strategically placed grab bars offer additional support when entering, exiting, or maneuvering within the shower. They are securely mounted at appropriate heights to ensure one can use them whenever needed.
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Guide to moving – Top 10 tips for a smooth move
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Guide to moving – Top 10 tips for a smooth move

Moving homes can be an overwhelming task, especially for a family when there are so many belongings that need to be moved around safely. There are several things to check before this process, and there are some ways that can make this procedure a little less stressful. One should ensure hiring a trusted company for a seamless customer experience. On that note, here are some tips that can help with a smooth moving experience: 1. Make lists and label belongings Lists are a big part of the moving process. This involves creating an inventory of things that have been put into boxes and also determining which boxes must be placed in which room. This can make placing them in the new place much more accessible. An inventory will also help in knowing if all the boxes have safely arrived at the new location, and if anything is missing, it can easily be pointed out. Labeling helps understand which boxes contain what items. One can also assign specific color-coded labels to boxes that belong to the same category; for example, books can be inside boxes with blue sticky notes. 2. Plan early Since packing and moving is an enormous task, it is usually recommended to start planning for it as early as possible.
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8 ways to find water leaks at home
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8 ways to find water leaks at home

Households rely on running water to carry out all kinds of tasks, from drinking and bathing to watering plants. This supply can stay uninterrupted as long as the water is safely contained in pipes. The problem arises when water finds gaps and leaks, potentially damaging the home’s structure. One way to prevent such damage is to check for leaks around the home. So, here are a few ways to find hidden water leaks: 1. Monitoring the water bill Over time, one tends to have a clear idea about the average water bill they can expect each month. Sometimes, one may use excess water, which could drive up water usage. However, sometimes, one can get a high water bill even without excessive usage. Such unexpected charges should be monitored as they could be signs of leakage in the house. Even tiny leaks, such as a faucet with a steady drip, may waste as much as 10,000 gallons of water per year. So, tracking the bill each month is the best way to identify and fix a water leakage at the earliest to prevent spikes in bills. 2. Checking meter readings Monitoring the water meter is another method of tracking a leak before it worsens.
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Top 6 places to avoid hiding jewelry
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Top 6 places to avoid hiding jewelry

Jewelry and other important possessions not only hold economic value but also emotional value for a lot of people. So, it is only natural to think of ways to protect them and prevent them from being stolen. Many places at home may be safe to hide these valuable items, but there are also some obvious and not-so-safe options where jewelry should not be hidden or kept. Here are some common places to avoid hiding your jewelry: 1. Fridge Hiding valuables and jewelry in a fridge has become quite popular, thanks to certain movies and shows in which people freeze cash and other valuables in the freezer. While it may seem like a good idea, it has now become a known place to hide valuables, so at the time of the break-in, the robbers may also check the fridge contents. 2. Drawers This is another common place where homeowners usually hide their jewelry, hoping robbers will not find it. However, many robbers already expect this to be a good hiding place for homeowners and go straight to the closet. While people assume that the jewelry will be safely covered under the clothes, the robbers will simply toss everything aside and search relentlessly.
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11 ways to safeguard oneself from home title theft
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11 ways to safeguard oneself from home title theft

A home title is the most important legal document for owning a house. It is physical evidence of ownership of land, apartment, house, or other real estate. A title document includes information about the property, from boundaries to ownership history. One has to produce this document to rent out, issue a mortgage loan, or sell the property. But title theft is a real concern, and here are some ways to protect oneself from it. Can a home title be stolen? Yes, a title document can be stolen and misused. Home title theft may not always involve the physical theft of a paper document, but it can involve fraudulent actions that result in a theft of one’s rights related to the said property. Some common ways this is done include impersonating legal entities, breaching data, intercepting personal emails, hacking records and public Wi-Fi, and more. How can a home title be misused? The title deed is recorded in the local government’s land records or registrar’s office. A scammer may manipulate the record and use it to undertake property-related transactions. These transactions include registering a fake deed, selling or renting the property without the owner’s consent or knowledge, or obtaining mortgages. If left unreported or ignored, the valid property owner may face financial losses and be stuck with the burden of proving their ownership, which can quickly become a lengthy and costly legal process.
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7 mistakes to avoid when repairing the house’s crawl space
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7 mistakes to avoid when repairing the house’s crawl space

The crawl space often ends up being one of the most neglected areas of a home. Since damp, moist air easily gets trapped in this space, there is a high risk of mold breeding here, affecting the foundation. Besides, musty smells, pests, and bugs can quickly find their way indoors, posing a risk to everyone’s health. Because of these issues, ensuring the crawl space is repaired well without any mistakes is important. Not hiring a professional to do the job Since the crawl space is a hidden area of the house, a homeowner may be tempted to save money by not hiring a professional. This can be a serious mistake with expensive consequences, especially if one does not have the necessary skills to do the work themselves. Instead of doing it alone, hiring a professional contractor can save a lot of time. Besides this, there will be less chance of the work being faulty. There will be a low risk of causing further damage to the crawl space, which otherwise will incur more expenses to repair it. Starting a the repair work before the crawl space is dry A common mistake homeowners make is installing the insulation or moisture barrier for the flooring too soon.
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7 mistakes to avoid when selecting a front door
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7 mistakes to avoid when selecting a front door

Making the right choice on the first go can be challenging. Extensive research and consideration must be given to ensure one is choosing correctly. This applies when one is choosing a front door for their property. People  do not just need to think about the property’s budget and esthetics.  To avoid making the wrong decision , individuals need to consider certain commonly made mistakes and learn from other people’s mistakes. Mistakes to avoid Here are a few mistakes people make when selecting a front door: 1. Overlooking security features A commonly made mistake people need to stop when selecting front doors is not taking in the importance of security. While trying to find a door that fits the house entrance, look for one that provides the right kind of security. There is no point in finding a front door if it does not have any security benefits to add. Overlooking this important detail can put the property and the people living in it at a higher risk of break-ins, thefts, and other criminal activity. Multi-point locking system doors are a great choice for any  kind of  property.  Homeowners can also consider installing added locks or reinforced metal door frames to improve their security prospects.
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9 common mistakes to avoid while using trash bags at home
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9 common mistakes to avoid while using trash bags at home

Trash bags are essential for collecting garbage and keeping it contained. They prevent waste from stinking up a place and causing health risks due to the accumulation of bacteria. That said, for trash bags to contain waste and keep it from spilling and leaking through, they must be of the proper size and correctly line the garbage bin. Here are a few mistakes to avoid that can cause trash bags to cave in and cause seepage: 1. Using flimsy trash bags Buying flimsy garbage bags is one of the most common mistakes people make. While these might be more affordable, they can tear at the slightest pressure. If this happens, one will be left with a big mess at the bottom of the bin that they will have to clean up. Instead, one should use heavy-duty alternatives, like thick outdoor trash bags. They can hold more weight, are durable, and will not tear easily. 2. Using small bags Many individuals use small garbage bags that just about fit a trash can. While this ensures a snug fit, the trash bag may not be sufficient to handle all the waste one needs to dispose of. Furthermore, it might be difficult for one to seal the bag when it needs to be disposed of.
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Top 10 kitchen remodeling errors to avoid
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Top 10 kitchen remodeling errors to avoid

Kitchen renovation is an exciting prospect, as it can make the space more functional and visually appealing. The project could involve major changes like knocking down walls, changing countertops, and adding other elements like a breakfast bar and more cabinets. One may also consider changing the backsplash, flooring, and appliances. So, remodeling the kitchen can be a huge undertaking. To ensure it goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few mistakes to avoid: 1. Skipping planning Proper planning is one of the most overlooked aspects of a home improvement project. But, for a successful renovation, one needs to have a vision and a definite end goal, preferably on paper. The vision needs to go beyond just how the space would look and take into account how the new kitchen will serve the inhabitants. Would the kitchen be only used for cooking, or will it also serve as a hangout spot and a breakfast or dining nook? One should assess their requirements and list them, set a budget, and list goals before purchasing materials, hiring contractors, and knocking down the existing structure. 2. Underestimating costs Another huge mistake is setting the wrong budget. One doesn’t need to know the exact expenses beforehand, but they should have an estimate of the cost and leave a little room for the budget to stretch.
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A Look at the 5 Models of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Series
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A Look at the 5 Models of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Series

Around five years ago, Samsung launched its first foldable smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. Over time, the Fold Series has expanded to include four more devices, the latest being the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, launched earlier this year. These foldable phones have pushed the boundaries of technology and design and are considered the future of smartphones. Here’s a quick look at the different Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Series models. 1. Galaxy Z Fold Launched in 2019, Samsung’s first foldable phone was the tablet-sized Galaxy Fold. This device did not have an ideal beginning, as the initial batch sent to reviewers malfunctioned within days of use. Consequently, the brand recalled them, delaying the product’s official launch. In September that year, the Galaxy Z Fold was finally launched for $1,980. The 7.3-inch inner AMOLED display of the Galaxy Fold can be folded in a book style. It features a 4.6-inch secondary display, Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 855 processor, three rear cameras (12 MP wide-angle, 12 MP telephoto, and 16 MP ultra-wide), and two front cameras (10 MP selfie and 8 MP depth). The Galaxy Z Fold has 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. 2. Galaxy Z Fold2 In September 2020, Samsung upgraded the series with the Galaxy Z Fold2, which was more robust and had a refined design. The device has a larger 7.6-inch foldable screen, a bezel-less 6.2-inch cover panel, a higher refresh rate of 120 Hz, a new Snapdragon 865 processor, a 4400 mAh battery, and improved cameras compared to the original Fold. Flex Mode is a talking point of the Fold2, which provides better functionality and serves as a tripod for hands-free selfies or video calls. Samsung also adopted a UWB chip for the first time in this foldable smartphone. 3. Galaxy Z Fold3 The Galaxy Z Fold3 was unveiled in August 2021 as the third generation of Samsung’s folding phones.
6 exciting offers on the iPhone 14 Pro series
smartphones

6 exciting offers on the iPhone 14 Pro series

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are Apple’s most technologically advanced Pro lineup. These phones have been launched with exciting new features like Dynamic Island and an Always-On display, which create an immersive user experience. They are powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which is the fastest chip available on the market. Additionally, the phones have cutting-edge features that are perfect for managing everyday tasks and creative projects. These Apple models come in different storage options and color variants. The prices of the phones depend on the storage option chosen.  Let’s explore the various offers provided by different service providers. Pricing and availability The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are available in different storage options. The starting price for the iPhone 14 Pro is $999, which includes 128GB of storage. The starting price for the iPhone 14 Pro Max is $1,099, also with 128GB of storage. The price increases as one chooses higher storage options. One can purchase these models from the online Apple Store, offline stores, and third-party sellers. Deals on the iPhone 14 Pro 1. AT&T Limitless Plan AT&T is also providing the best trade-in savings of up to $1,000, which matches the carrier’s best deal to date. Even though this specific deal doesn’t include any bonuses or extras, customers will find one of the greatest offers at AT&T. The trade-in rebate for the basic iPhone 14 is set at a maximum save of $700, so if AT&T is the preferred carrier, we strongly advise getting the Pro model. 2. Walmart (with $100 off carrier devices) Walmart is providing a great deal on carrier smartphones. A $100 price reduction for monthly payments over 36 months is accessible for AT&T and Verizon users. This could be an attractive option for those who don’t want to trade in a previous model for a lower price at one of the leading carriers.  3.
Top 8 Features of the iPhone 15
Shopping

Top 8 Features of the iPhone 15

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 15 and its equally terrific counterparts – the iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. By now, users must have played around with several new features, especially those on iOS 17, such as the Standby Mode or NameDrop. But other exciting features and specifications added this year need a mention. Here are some specifications to get the most out of the iPhone 15’s brilliance. Performance The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are powered by the same A16 Bionic processor found in the iPhone 14 Pro series. One can witness a similar level of performance as last year’s high-end phones. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max come with Apple’s latest A17 Pro processor. According to Apple, this new processor is “10 percent faster” in terms of CPU and “20 percent faster” in terms of GPU (graphics) compared to the A16 Bionic processor. Apple has emphasized the smoother graphics and gaming performance of the iPhone 15 Pro models, thanks to the A17 Pro processor’s hardware-accelerated ray tracing. This technology allows for impressive lighting effects in games. Design All iPhone 15 models have received the latest design that features softer contoured edges compared to the sharper one on the iPhone 14. There is a titanium frame with brushed metal that looks shiny and polished on the Pro and Pro Max variants. Moreover, these models also feature thinner bezels, giving a premium look. Colors The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come in five color options, including blue, pink, yellow, green, and black. Another key feature to look out for is Apple’s new color-infused back glass with a frosted matte texture. Camera Apple has significantly upgraded the cameras on its latest iPhone 15 lineup. The primary cameras on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have been increased from 12 megapixels (MP) to 48MP.