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Home Improvement Projects You Can Do With Your Kids

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It’s always a good idea to teach your children valuable new skills. Sometimes when you have some projects around the house that need doing, it’s a good idea to involve your kids. Of course, several projects that require heavy equipment or sharp instruments may not be the best place to start, but here are some home improvement projects that you can do with your kids to get them started.

Installing a New Doorknob

Whether you’re remodeling, upgrading, or just replacing a knob that’s giving you trouble, installing a new doorknob is a great DIY project for younger kids to gauge their interest. Typically, the only tools you need are screwdrivers that match the necessary screws and a little patience. This is an excellent project because it’s relatively low risk, and if your child makes a mistake, it’s easy to take the screws out and try again.

Measuring Home Skirting

If you live in a mobile home, your house probably has skirting to protect your pipes from external damage related to weather or temperature. Unfortunately, weather can beat up the skirting, and it eventually needs replacing. The full replacement may be a bit too much for small builders, but one way your kids can help with this project is in the preparation.

Many kids love playing with the tape measure. Before replacing your skirting, it’s a good idea to measure the length and width of the exterior of your home and put it into an online skirting calculator. Have your kid grab the tape measure and run it to the other side of the house, allowing you to get the correct numbers. The kids feel involved, and you save a bit of running.

Lawn Care

Maintaining a proper lawn or garden is a valuable step in home care. Depending on your kids’ age, you could show them how to use a lawnmower or focus on watering the grass to keep your yard looking fresh and clean. Learning how to care for a lawn or garden is a great home improvement project for your kids and gets them outside now and then. If you use a sprinkler to water the lawn, offering a bit of summertime fun running through it is a great motivator.

Bedtime: 4 Tips for Keeping Your Newborn Cozy Each Night

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Every parent searches out the best ways to keep their little one bundled up and feeling cozy throughout the day. Feeling comfy makes naptime easier but gives them the sense of security they need at such a tender age. Get tips for keeping your newborn cozy each night from some seasoned parents to keep your child happy.

Swaddle Your Baby

On a chilly night, putting those cold-weather PJs on your baby isn’t enough to keep them comfortable, and you can’t rely on a blanket for that extra warmth since they can easily kick it off in the middle of the night. Keep your baby nice and toasty by swaddling them before bed; it should be tight enough that it doesn’t come undone but not so tight that it squeezes them.

Pro Tip

Some parents purchase a baby sleep sack or sleeping bag for their baby. With one of these, you won’t have to worry about swaddling, and you’ll get a great night’s sleep knowing your little cutie feels as comfortable as you do.

Buy the Right Baby Clothes

Your baby should wear PJs according to the season and how it feels inside your home. For example, if you crank up the heat on those cold winter nights, thick pajamas paired with layers of blankets is excessive. Instead of doing this, dress your baby in thin layers.

Don’t put your baby to bed in thick wool or clothing suited for the outdoors since this is uncomfortable and traps in heat. Rather, shop for quality baby blankets and clothes, such as outfits with climate control. These clothes will keep your baby warm on a cold day and cool on a hot day.

Have a Quality Mattress

Most parents recommend having a firm crib mattress. This keeps your baby comfortable and lessens the risk of serious injury if they roll over on the bed. Some little ones toss and turn in their sleep, and if they roll onto their tummy and can’t flip over, it could be catastrophic.  

Prevent Overheating

Many of these tips for keeping your newborn cozy each night have covered dressing your baby in layers to keep them toasty, but you never want to overdo this. Overheating is dangerous at any age, and a baby can’t remove layers as we would. While you should dress your little one in layers, keep in mind that they only need one more than you do.

Remain aware of the signs of overheating, such as redness, rapid breathing, and sweating. If you must dress your baby in thicker clothes, then make sure to check your baby by feeling their belly or back and remove layers if they feel hot. Sleeping becomes easier for the baby when they feel comfortable.

Things To Consider When Childproofing Your Home

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It is stressful enough to continuously make sure your kids are doing fine outside of the house; however, to help ease your burden when everyone is kicking back and relaxing, these are some things to consider when childproofing your home, so your afterhours are that much more stress-free.

Keep the Air Clean

For those with children who have compromised breathing, providing them with the best living conditions when they sleep is necessary to prevent them from inhaling excess particles at night. By using an air purifier, you are able better to control the quality of the air in their room. These machines also help reduce asthma symptoms while improving sleep and eliminating any harmful pollutants in the air. For those who worry when their child struggles to breathe sometimes, this is a great way to help soothe those symptoms.

Replace Your Doorbell

Not talking to strangers has always been an important rule for kids to follow. By installing a smart doorbell by your front door, you are able to more actively monitor each visitor to your home and speak to them without having to open up the entrance of your house at all. This is excellent for those who prefer to keep their children away from solicitors or unexpected guests.

Secure Loose Carpets

It is only expected that there is going to be a lot of activity at home, especially on the weekends. When everyone is running around the house, you’ll want to minimize the chance of accidents in playrooms or dining rooms. By taking advantage of different ways to prevent your carpets from moving around, you lower the risk of your kids slipping and falling on the floor or, worse, causing something to fall on them. The same is true for any furniture or other installations that have the potential to move.

Upgrade Indoor Security

Installing smart locks by any doors or windows in your home is a good way to be made aware of any unintended breaches. These locks are easy to install and provide a hands-free call to emergency services if you are not able to deactivate them for any reason. These locks normally come with a code typed into either an app or the main device installed elsewhere. By keeping this code between your family members, deactivation and activation are reserved only for your intended selection.

Keeping you and your family safe is always a top priority. For those who are vigilant or who worry over the what-ifs when it comes to your kids, these things to consider when childproofing your home are sure to help you ensure nothing goes wrong under your watch.

Home Improvement Projects That You Should Never DIY

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Dads often have big to-do lists for projects around their home, ranging from replacing a doorknob to replacing screening on a porch. Some projects are easy, and some are more complicated. Complex projects aren’t inherently dangerous and can often prove rewarding to complete. However, there are some home improvement projects that you should never DIY due to safety concerns.

Paint Removal

Many people think that painting is one of the easiest projects to DIY since it just involves some paint cans and brushes. However, before you can get to that fresh coat of paint, you may have to remove the old one. Most old paint is lead-based, and even after some remodels, forgotten areas like baseboards could still contain this poisonous product. Instead of removing old paint yourself, call a professional.

Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms are one of the most used spaces in a house, so it makes sense that you want to make the area look better. Though it may seem like no big deal to change a light fixture or update a sink, doing so is sometimes dangerous. Plumbing and electricity are often very close together in bathrooms, so working on either by yourself can lead to flooding or even electrocution. It’s safer to leave the nitty-gritty of bathroom remodels to the professionals.

Insulation Removal

The right insulation can save you money on energy and keep your house more comfortable, so replacing it is just common sense. However, old insulation can contain asbestos, which may cause cancer when it’s re-exposed to air. Always call a professional to remove old insulation and keep them around for the new installation as well. While there are some differences between fiberglass and spray foam, both insulation options are great because they never require replacement when installed correctly. Let the professional finish their job so you never have to worry about it again.

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

You probably already know that you can’t tackle a whole kitchen remodel by yourself, but a paint job sounds easy. Redoing kitchen cabinets, though, isn’t just a paint job. Grease from cooking and the oil on our skin builds up on kitchen surfaces, including cabinets. Instead of just putting a new coat of paint on top of the existing grime, you’ll have to use a de-greaser and spray on an oil-based paint. For better, safer results, leave this job for the professionals too.

There can be a lot of pressure on dads to handle home improvement projects like painting, remodeling, and installing. However, there are some home improvement projects that you should never DIY. Instead, commit to projects that you know you can safely accomplish and call the professionals for everything else.

Easy Ways To Make Your Home More Private

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Making your family’s home more private doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many straightforward ways to make your home more secure from the public eye. These easy ways to make your home more private won’t make you spend much money or time. If you’re looking for some simple tips to keep your privacy intact, read on!

Add Plants

One of the easiest ways to make your home more private is by adding plants. Plants can help to obscure views into your home from the outside. You can place bushes in front of windows or plant along your fence line to create a visual border. Putting trees along your property line can also help muffle sounds from roads or local businesses, as trees reduce noise pollution. If you’re looking for a privacy solution that barely requires any effort on your part, adding plants is a great option.

Install Curtains

Another uncomplicated way to make your home more private is by installing curtains. Curtains can help obscure the view into your home from the outside. Curtains are a must-have for families with visual valuables, frequent package deliveries, or curious neighbors.

Use a Fence or Wall

A more permanent way to make your home more private is to install a fence or wall. A fence provides a physical and visual boundary for your property. There are many styles of fencing and walls to choose from, so you can still maintain your property’s aesthetic and home value while adding this touch of privacy.

Install Blinds or Shades

Much like curtains, blinds or shades allow you to make your home more private without spending a lot of money or time. Blinds and shades both allow you to decide how much sunlight or visibility, you allow into your home at a given moment. Different styles of blinds and shades also let homeowners achieve fantastic interior design as they work to increase their home’s privacy. You can also find stringless blinds that help you keep your kids safe!

Strategic Placement of Furniture

If you’re looking for a more creative way to make your home more private, consider the strategic placement of furniture. While you may not want to block off windows and limit your home’s natural light, you can place valuables like mounted TVs in locations that aren’t visible from outside your home. You can also use bookcases to restructure a room’s layout and keep your family’s activities away from windows.

Use any of these easy ways to make your home more private to protect your family and possessions. Whether you’re looking for a permanent or temporary solution, there are plenty of options to choose from. Your home’s privacy is worth taking seriously, but achieving it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

Tips for Picking the Right Mold Remediation Company

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Mold is nearly inevitable for homeowners. When mold does grow in your home, it’s easiest to call in a remediation team to help. However, not every company comes with the personality, pacing, or plan you’re looking for. Here are three tips for picking the right mold remediation company for your home.

Look for a License Number

Many states or provinces require a mold remediation contractor license. If you’re looking for services, first look for a license number on their site. In regions without contractor license requirements for mold businesses, look for certifications instead. These certifications aren’t the be-all and end-all of a great mold remediation company, but they can communicate the dedication and knowledge of the team.

Seek Out Reviews, Good and Bad

Customer testimonials are an invaluable tool for families looking to hire any kind of home repair service. While you can start with the reviews on the company’s website, these only give you an idea of the company’s best side. Seek out good and bad reviews on review sites to get a more well-rounded idea of how the company operates. Often, the most valuable aspect of these reviews is the company’s responses to them.

Remember to consider the date of each positive or negative review, as some companies grow and adapt over time to improve their service.

Call Ahead To Start the Conversation

It’s always a good idea to call any service company you’re interested in hiring ahead of time. Willingness to answer initial questions over the phone or via email tells you more about how responsive and communicative their team is in person. Calling ahead also gives you an idea of their customer interaction style. As these people enter your home and interact with your family, it’s important to know that they speak to you in a way you appreciate.

These tips for finding the right mold remediation company should help you find a team you trust to get the job done right. Once you find a company you want to work with, remember to prep your home for mold remediation. In the same way that you expect a positive, professional team to arrive, your mold remediation crew wants to work with a friendly and cooperative client!

Ways To Make Your Home Handicap Accessible

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Many people need handicap-accessible homes for themselves or their loved ones, whether that’s an aging parent or a child with a disability. You might need to change your current home to accommodate someone after an illness or accident, or a person with a disability might be moving into a new home and need modifications to live independently.

Explore the ways to make your home handicap accessible.

Assessments

Before you begin renovating your house or apartment, it can be helpful to have an occupational therapist assess your home and make specific recommendations. These professionals have a checklist that covers all the rooms of a home and the criteria each room should meet. From there, the clinician will make suggestions for modifications.

Eliminate Entryway Steps

The biggest hurdle for people with disabilities is often getting inside the home. If your front door has steps or stairs, you’ll have to outfit the entryway with a ramp.

Bathroom Access

For homes that are more than one story, you’ll need to ensure the person with the disability can access a bathroom. If not, you’ll have a few options for solving that. You could install a lift to carry them up the stairs, you could add a bathroom to the main floor, or you could simply move into a one-story home. The best option for you will depend on your budget and how temporary or permanent the mobility issue will be.

Regardless of the location of the bathroom, you’ll need to retrofit the room with grab bars and roll-in shower tubs.

Wider Doorways and Hallways

You might also need to widen interior doorways and hallways to make room for a wheelchair, walker, or other transportation aides. Also, you’ll have to check for uneven flooring or area rugs that could snag onto wheelchairs or braces.

Other Hurdles

You’ll need to upgrade poor lighting and remove other obstacles that could impede movement. If you need financial assistance to implement any of the ways to make your home handicap accessible, grants are available. You can search online for grants geared toward specific groups, like veterans or single parents, or see if your community offers any stipends.