Air conditioners, like any other machine, need some basic maintenance to run smoothly and maximize their efficiency. One of the simplest things that you, as the consumer, can do to keep your air conditioner chugging along is change or clean the air filter on a regular basis. But if you’re like many homeowners, it never occurs to you to perform this simple maintenance chore.

The air filter in your air conditioning unit traps dust, pet fur, and other pollutants in the air, so that they don’t travel into your machine and clog up its inner workings. Air filters may simply protect your air conditioner, or they may even improve the air quality inside your home. Some units have reusable air filters that just need to be washed off. Others use disposable filters that need to be entirely replaced. [Read more…]

One thing you don’t want to encounter is a termite colony; one of them can systematically destroy your home, and where there is one colony there are often more. It can be daunting trying to protect your home from these highly destructive pests. Knowing what action to take is part of the battle, but it doesn’t always work.

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Furnishing a bedroom can be hard work, especially when trying to meet the needs and wants of a picky child! It can be difficult to choose the right options as we all know, kids grow up quick.  From cots to cribs, singles to doubles there are many different types of bed frames and furniture options available to give kids a great night’s sleep.

Growing room

The bed is the heart of the bedroom and for your kids it’s vital you buy the right frame and mattress to ensure they get that all-important shut eye. There are many different types of bed frames to choose from that vary greatly in cost, so it’s important to consider which type of bed frame will most suit your child’s needs. If you are looking to make a worthwhile investment it may be prevalent to consider buying a frame which is slightly bigger than the one you need. This will leave space for your growing child and could last them for several year.

Super Storage

It’s also worthwhile thinking about what storage requirements you have. If you’re decorating a smaller bedroom it could be an idea to get a raised bed which could provide you with ample space to fit additional storage underneath – there are even frames available with pre-fitted storage. Alternatively you could go for a single bunk bed, with many available that will provide you with space for a desk, sofa or even clothes hanging space. It’s wise to not get one of these beds too early however as your child should feel confident and safe scaling the ladder up to bed.

Look around

Spend some time planning your bedroom refurbishment, look online for the best deals or consider buying a complete bedroom set to lower the overall cost and achieve that effortless yet consistent look.

Try to think a few years ahead when planning to see if your child will grow out of their chosen style too quickly. If possible, opt for neutral colors and styles over the newest fad to provide longevity to your refurbishment, providing you better value for money in the long-term.

Are you giving your kitchen a makeover this year? Maybe you already considered luxurious sinks and are ready to tackle a variety of other upgrade options.

Frameless Cabinets vs. Framed Cabinets

There are two standard types of kitchen cabinet constructions, frameless or framed.

Framed Cabinets

These cabinets have face frames. The doors attach to the frame. The face frame will have vertical styles and horizontal rails. Three variations make up this form of cabinetry. There’s traditional overlay, inset and full overlay. The difference between these categories is the face frame.

Frameless Cabinets

Frameless, or European, cabinets don’t have a face frame. Hinges are fastened to the interior of the cabinet. The door overlays the cabinet box so when the door is closed space is minimized. Maximizing drawer width and interior storage space, this construction offers a symmetrical look between door and drawer lines and easier access to the interior. Cabinet lines can vary with the door tightly hinged to the side panel. Frameless bottom cabinets may have legs.

Frameless Cabinets vs. Framed Cabinets

Framed are more common. The biggest disadvantage to utilizing this construction is that the trim boards tend to block access. That makes it a little difficult to fit large sized containers in them. You also won’t be able to install cabinet width pull out drawers.

Frameless cabinets will require greater stability. That’s because of the lack of trim boards that are standard in framed construction. Frameless cabinets will have thicker side panels. They also offer better accessibility to any contents.

Many contractors prefer frameless construction. For the eco-conscious, it’s considered green as it reduces the number of trees harvested for construction. The standard framed cabinetry project can use up to 30 board feet of wood. That’s about one-third of a tree. As the frameless doesn’t require that installation, it reduces the impact on forests and our carbon footprint.

On the other hand, with the three styles that framed cabinets offer there are more options for a unique look. You can choose overlay, full overlay or inset and then pick one of the many different styles and details to enhance the look. While frameless may have the same detail availability, they all come with the standard overlay look. Yet, it can still have a variety of appearances that include contemporary, country and traditional.

Ultimately, if it is frameless cabinets vs. framed cabinets, the bottom line is going to have to be personal preference and budget. Neither is particularly less costly than the other and both come with durability and quality. It’s simply two forms of construction that will look different.