Christmas is right around the corner, and the lights and trees are starting to be set up in homes. While these traditions are annual staples, people still make inevitable mistakes while setting up their trees, leading to easily preventable accidents that can turn serious. So, to remain safe while celebrating this holiday season, here are some errors to note. Knowing these can help one avoid mistakes that can cause the Christmas trees to burn. Common mistakes made that can cause Christmas trees to go up in flames Here are some errors to note that can cause a fire in the house due to the Christmas tree and some solutions one should follow instead. Not getting a fresh tree Experts suggest that getting a tree that is fresh with green needles is the one to buy. The fire department, in fact, suggests this tip to ensure that the tree is not too dry so that it can avoid catching fire easily. The green needles should be so fresh that they remain intact when touched and do not fall on the ground immediately. A quick tip to check this is to just run the hand through the tree and notice if any of the needles are falling off. If yes, this means that the tree is starting to dry out, and it is at a higher risk of catching flames if kept in an unsafe environment. Not recutting the base Cut around two inches off the bottom of the tree when putting it in the tree stand at home for Christmas. This is another hack that can help prevent the tree from catching fire. When the tree is cut from its roots, the resin in the trunk can start to clog up the water-conducting tissues in the trunk. This is the reason the tree limits water intake after being cut.

A need for enhanced home comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetics often drives the decision to replace windows. It helps create a more pleasant living space and potentially saves on energy costs for the homeowners. The benefits extend beyond mere visual upgrades. Energy-efficient windows can contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective home. When considering window replacement, choosing the right kind is crucial. Factors such as material durability and alignment with the home’s design play pivotal roles. Here are a few common window replacement mistakes to avoid: 1. Ignoring energy efficiency ratings The significance of energy efficiency ratings cannot be overstated. The U-factor gauges how well a window insulates, while the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures its ability to block heat from the sun. Overlooking these metrics might lead to discomfort and higher energy bills. 2. Neglecting proper measurements Accurate measurements are essential to ensure accuracy during the window replacement process. Homeowners often make the mistake of measuring only the width and height, neglecting the equally crucial depth of the window openings: ill-fitted windows compromise aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency. 3. Opting for the wrong window style The allure of trendy window styles sometimes overshadows practical considerations. Choosing a style that doesn’t harmonize with the home’s overall aesthetic can disrupt its visual flow. Moreover, the wrong style might hinder ventilation and natural light, undermining the functionality of the space. 4. Refusing to seek the services of a company While the DIY spirit is commendable, window replacement demands specialized skills. Improper installation can result in air leaks, water infiltration, and compromised security. Homeowners may save money in the short term but risk long-term issues that could outweigh the initial savings. 5. Sacrificing quality for price Budget constraints can often lead to compromises on window quality. While high-quality windows may demand a slightly larger investment, the long-term energy efficiency and durability benefits far outweigh the initial cost.

Trash cans or bags are essential for keeping the house and neighborhood clean. However, sometimes, a trash bag may cave in due to the weight of the waste it is holding and end up making a mess of the bin, or it may tear, letting liquid seep through. Fortunately, there are some neat hacks to make trash bags stay put and ensure the cans and bags are functional and smell-free. The article also lists a few tricks to make trash day hassle-free: 1. DIY a garbage bag holder This is a neat trick that anyone can try. Garbage bags often collapse due to the weight of the waste, making them difficult to use. Those who are struggling with keeping the garbage bags in place can line the bin with a garbage bag as usual, cut out a gaping hole in the trash can lid, place it on top of the bin, and throw the trash through the hole at the top. This way, the lid’s rim secures the bag, preventing it from slipping. This way, one can easily throw trash into the bag without worrying. That said, this only works for dry waste, as wet waste can rot and cause the place to smell if it is not adequately covered. 2. Use a bungee cord Another way to make sure the trash bag remains in place is to hold it in place with a bungee cord. Simply line the trash can with a bag and secure it with a bungee cord placed tightly around the rim. One can also buy trash can bans instead of using a thick order. In fact, one can also use a bungee cord to hold together multiple empty bins so that strong winds do not propel them. 3. Use newspapers A bag may tear, and liquid may spill through, causing a mess.

Basements can be heavily underutilized, especially when used to store all the extra stuff in the house. Sometimes, the basement is also a makeshift laundry room, gym, playroom, or all rolled into one. However, if planned well, it can become a valuable living space. The right upgrades in this space can also enhance the resale value of the house. So, if one is planning to renovate the basement, they should avoid the following mistakes:  1. Not obtaining the right permits It is mandatory to get a permit for basement renovation. Not getting a permit is not only illegal but can also prove to be dangerous. This is because the permit ensures that the renovation job is done according to the safety laws and code of the city. One can get a permit by calling the local municipality office and informing them about the type of work one is planning to undertake in the basement. Then, board inspectors will visit and periodically monitor the work to ensure all rules and regulations are followed. 2. Skipping inspection As a basement is right underneath a house, it is prone to structural issues that can develop over the long run. Further, for one moving into the existing house, a professional inspection can help them detect all issues, from water seepage to pest infestation, that can cause potential damage. If these problems are discovered after the renovation, it will mean re-doing everything and incurring huge expenses in the process. So, it is crucial to get the basement inspected before going through with any modification or renovation. This step will help one plan better and prevent issues.  3. DIY renovation without experience DIY renovation can seem easy on videos online. Also, taking on a project solo may seem tempting from the cost perspective. But if one does not have the necessary skills or expertise, DIY renovation can be a mistake.

The cause of a flooded basement may be varied, from seepage problems to foundation issues, but cleaning it up afterward is a borderline nightmare. In the worst cases, one may lose cherished items like books, frames, or even furniture and flooring. Cleaning up a flooded basement requires safety, patience, hard work, and sometimes professional help. Here are some immediate steps one can take to deal with the dread. Knowing these steps beforehand can help save one’s property and reduce stress. Ensure safety The first thing to do in case of a flooded basement is to ensure one’s safety. The water collected in the basement often disturbs electric wiring, which can be fatal if tampered with bare hands. Turn off any electrical supplies, appliances, as well as gas supply. Find the source of leak Try to find the source of the leak and close it off to avoid further damage. Some common types of leaked sources include running tap water, overflowing bathtubs, blocked toilets, and broken water heaters. In case of natural causes like heavy rain, one might have to wait until it has passed to get down to the cleanup. Dry out the place Leaving a flooded basement even for a day can lead to the formation of mold on dampened fabric, which can cause irreparable damage to the furniture and give out a musty smell. So drying out the place as soon as possible is a must. Here are some ways to do this: Open windows and doors to boost ventilation. Using fans, heaters, and dehumidifiers can also help in the process. Invest in products like moisture meters, highly absorbent towels, and SOPs to be prepared for such times. Use a gas-powered water pump, pool pump, or wet vacuum. It is then necessary to dehumidify the enclosed area to avoid mold growth.

There are numerous pest control services available nowadays. Homeowners looking for a service provider are likely to come across at least a couple options that offer the same service. However, choosing a pest control service that suits their needs is a difficult task. It is important to consider certain attributes of any given service before investing money in it. Here are some valuable tips for finding and selecting the best pest control services: Checking documentation Proper documentation separates the genuine service providers from the novices and fraudulent ones. Initially, when customers ask service providers to show their documentation, they will take time to provide them with the paperwork. Nevertheless, it is worth waiting before putting one’s hard-earned money on a service provider. Service providers that delay showcasing their documentation even after repeated reminders need to be avoided. There are mainly two kinds of documentation one should look for when hiring a pest control service provider. Firstly, the registration information is necessary to check whether a company is registered with the homeowner’s state’s Pest Control Regulatory Agency. This helps ensure that the service provider is legitimate and operates within the law. Secondly, it is vital to check for a document that confirms the presence of a licensed and certified applicator on staff. This information indicates that the service provider has adequate expertise and support to deal with pest-related issues. A licensed applicator can also provide training to train employees, which ensures that they are knowledgeable and capable of handling pest control procedures. Looking into the service provider’s credentials Individuals can check online details, and information about a given service provider on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the state’s Attorney General’s office, the state’s department of agriculture, and the state’s pesticide regulatory office to evaluate the service provider, check their customer record and grievance redressal.  Checking the company’s experience and longevity Newer players on the block may offer economical prices and flashier features, but one must strictly consider the experience and longevity of a given service provider.

Most residents have access to clean and safe drinking tap water. The water supply chains receive regular checks and maintenance so people do not have to face inconvenience. However, since it is a huge supply body, it is difficult to control the contaminants with which the water comes in contact. Sometimes, even some minor corrosion can have a huge impact on people’s health. It is, therefore, essential to have an effective water purifier at home. Water quality The first step to selecting the right water filter for your home is to identify its need. Individuals can test their water quality with available water testing kits or contact the local facilities or water supply offices for water quality analysis. This step will help them identify the contaminants present in the water. Generally, heavy metals like arsenic, lead, chloride, pesticides, microbes like bacteria, viruses, and other parasites are the contaminants found in water. One might not necessarily find all of these contaminants and impurities. However, understanding the pollutants will help them determine the right kind of purifier required for home water purification. Remember to choose the right purification system based on the contaminants rather than high-performing technology ratings. Purification technology The next step is to research the different water purification technologies and their effectiveness. The time spent on this step will help determine whether or not the individual ends up making the right choice. Reverse Osmosis or RO purification system is one of the most commonly available technologies in the market. It is used in water purifiers to help effectively purify water against heavy metals and dissolved solids. Ultraviolet (UV), on the other hand, helps eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and other parasites that can lead to health concerns. Activated carbon filtration systems provide devices for heavy metals like chlorine and lead, harmful organic compounds, and pesticides.

Maintaining a house can be tiring. Luckily, no one needs to do it alone! Plenty of handyman services are available on hire to help people take care of their homes professionally. A handyman is an experienced person with lots of knowledge and skills to tackle home improvement tasks. They charge a fee depending on the kind of work undertaken. Below are the 12 most common services for which people contact a handyman. Stopping plumbing leaks Leaking fixtures can quickly rack up water bills and raise the risk of mold or mildew growth, leading to health issues. Thus, it is crucial to fix them promptly. One may spot leaks under the sink, showers, toilets, washing machines, or even refrigerators. However, finding the main cause or source of the leak can be difficult. For small fixes, one can quickly call up their local handyman service instead of waiting for a plumber. Keeping the exteriors in check Many tiny fixtures outside the house must also be maintained frequently to ensure they work well. These include the siding, roofing shingles, gutters, light fixtures, doors, etc. Since people rarely come in contact with these things, their upkeep is overlooked. Hiring a handyman to check the fixtures outside the house twice a year can help keep them in good shape. Assembling furniture Setting up flat-packed furniture is challenging for a lot of people. While it is a great bonding exercise, it can quickly become frustrating. Calling a handyman service can help take this task off one’s shoulders. The expert can help one set up just about anything, like beds, bookshelves, tables, desks, cabinet boxes, and wardrobes. They may even move this furniture where needed, so the homeowner does not have to stress about it later. Repairing drywall Drywall bruises can make the house look shabby. While repairing it is not that hard, making it look seamless and as good as new can take a lot of time and patience.