Home Decorator's Checklist: Top 5 Things You Need When Renovating

"I work on adrenaline. I find it exciting to work fast. I lose inspiration and interest if it takes too long. I can't imagine ever being one of those decorators who takes years and years to finish a house." - Muriel Brandolini

Undoubtedly, you cannot decorate your home when you do not have any materials to use. Right? When you decorate, you often need tools for you to get started. And for one to achieve the desired outcome, a homeowner should have a good toolkit – but of course, you do not need to buy a kit all at once lavishly. However, if you want to have a better result, it is best for you to invest in well-made items that will last a lifetime. Even if you are still planning to invest in property such as Makati condo for rent, a home decorator must have their own toolkit.

Perhaps, it may be understandable that most homeowners cannot have the right tools since they do not have enough budget for it. But if you do not have any of these necessary tools mentioned below, then you cannot achieve the result you want to have for your home.

1. Measuring tape

One reason why the decorations are not correctly installed is that it is not properly regulated on where and what spot should you put the things you want to display. Perhaps, for some, "eyeballing" may be useful. However, that may not always be the case. You need to have a measuring tape for you to make sure that you will have the right measurement for each corner or space for you to have a better result.

2. Drill or screwdriver

Drill or screwdriver is necessary tools especially when you want to hang something on your wall. Of course, this would help you hold whatever things you want to display. Moreover, screws are great when you need to tighten up some things to make it more durable enough on the wall or any corner of your home.

3. Hammer

Hammer is one of essential tools you need to have at home. Of course, you do not want to make the work difficult for you, right? That is why you need to have a hammer included in your toolkit to make sure that you can use it anytime whenever you want to do some renovations at home. And if you are still planning to buy a hammer, you have to make sure that the handle of the hammer is comfy enough for you to use.

4. Pliers

Aside from the fact that pliers are one of the most essential tools you need to have at home, pliers are also good for cables and other things that you need to do. There are different kinds of pliers, for crosscutting electrical cable, you need to have the side-cutting electrician pliers. For reaching into electrical boxes to trim away the cable's sheath and paper, you need to have the diagonal pliers. And for cutting old rusty nails, screws, staples and clips, you need the ironworker's pliers for it. This only means, you need to make sure that you know which pliers are best for you to make sure that you will have a better outcome of the decorations at home.

5. Ladders

If you think ladders are not important when it comes to home renovations, then you better think again. Of course, there will be times that you need the ladder especially when you need to reach for your ceiling. Ladders are also important when cleaning your ceiling. There are just cobwebs that are stubborn enough for you to get. That is why you need to have ladders to make sure that everything will be included in the cleaning.

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Quick Guide: How to Prep Your Home in a Minute

"The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment." – Marie Kondo

Here's a typical scenario. Your friend called you unexpectedly; they need to stay in your home for a night. And yet, you do not have any time for a cleanup. What to do? Let's just face it; we sometimes find cleaning our home a hassle. Especially when you have so many things to do, cleaning is the least we can think of. Some of you here probably have so little time considering the hectic schedules you have, but whether you're living in a High Park condominium or any real estate property in the Philippines, there is no reason for you not to clean your home especially when you have guests coming.

If you are worried about having no time to clean at all, or you just simply not in the mood to clean, then fret not! There are ways on how to clean your home in just a minute. Here's how.

Tidy up

Before you can add some decorations on your home, one of the must do things for you to do to tidy up first. Of course, you cannot move on to the next step when your home is still messy. Of course, you definitely don't want to hear some bad impressions from your guests, right? And mind you, when you don't know how to tidy up your room, it will also reflect on who and what you are. Tidy up your home is not that hard as you think it is. All you have to do is place the things back to its proper place for as not to look messy around your home. And if you have some trash or dirt, then it is also your duty to clean it up. It's definitely a simple cleaning.

Clean and restock the bathroom

One of the important rooms in our home is the bathroom. Agree? Well for some homeowners, it is definitely a no-no. Of course, it is where we make ourselves clean. That is why our bathroom should also be clean. And mind you, some guests make the cleanliness of a bathroom a big deal. That is also why you should be keen when it comes to cleaning and changing the things and other toiletries in the bathroom.

Make the guest bed with fresh sheets

When your guests decide to stay for a night, you have to make sure that all of the bed sheets, pillow cases, and blankets are all clean and fresh. You also have to make sure that you also tidy up things in the guest room, and remove things that are not that necessary for their use. Moreover, creating enough space for them to move around the guest room is also one of the things you should consider. When you have a clean room for them, they will most likely have a good rest.

Check lighting and privacy

Even if they are your guests, they also deserve to have some privacy. Before you let them get into their room, you have to check first their door knob whether if it's broken or not. If it is, then you better change it immediately. Moreover, if you think that the light of their room is not that good, then you also have to change the lightbulbs. Of course, you should also not forget about the window; there should be coverings to secure their privacy.

Stock up on morning essentials

Bread, coffee, tea, fruits, cereals, or a breakfast meal, should all be found in the kitchen. Of course, you definitely don't want to make your guests starve early in the morning, right? Moreover, labeling the things in the kitchen will make a convenient stay. And as much as possible, you should also stock some other food that they want to choose to eat.

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Basic Condo Maintenance Hacks You Can do by Yourself

Home maintenance is an essential responsibility of everyone. Whether we own a place or just renting for a particular period, being able to keep the home's cleanliness and comfort level is a must.

While it's now easier to ask professional support for repairs, there are minor issues that we can personally address without having to spend. Below are some essential maintenance hacks you can do once in a while to keep your unit clean and conducive for living.

De-clog your drain

Drains get clogged over time as a result of all the debris, hair strands, and other items flushed through it on a regular basis. When not maintained, this debris could accumulate and eventually block the passage of water down the pipe. As a rule of thumb, it's advisable to conduct a regular check on your drain to make sure that its clean and free of debris that may clog the passageway.

Remove the drain cover and collect the debris that has accumulated. After taking them off, pour baking soda or hot water with vinegar into the sink to flush down all the remaining debris.

Patch cracked wall

Living in properties like the Solstice condominium means that you also have to deal with other tenants in the building. The room you occupy may be connected to another room occupied by a different tenant so there is a chance that the shared wall connecting your units can exhibit initial signs of cracks. As a preemption method, take the time to patch those cracks before it affects a bigger part of the wall.

An effective suggestion is to use a drywall mesh tape on top of the crack. You can then top it up with a drywall mud. To achieve an even surface, you may then repaint the entire wall as soon as the drywall mud dries up.

Cover up damaged furniture

No matter how good the quality of furniture is, there will come a time when it would wear out as a result of frequent usage. Instead of instantly deciding to throw the broken material, explore your options and patch them up.

Broken furniture destroys the overall appearance of your condo interior so you either take them off or do something to remedy the damage. For cracked glass tables, for instance, you may decide to cover them up using creative tablecloth fit for your interior's theme.

Put powder to remedy squeaky floors

This is an old trick found useful by a lot of homeowners who have issues with squeaking floors. Talcum powder is the most popular option used by many owners. Just lather the floor edges with the powder using a paintbrush.

Freshen up the atmosphere using citrus fruits

The bad smell is a real turn off in any home setup. Apart from its negative impact on convenience, it can also be a health hazard especially if you let the smell stay for long. The cause of the smell may be from a rotten food that can carry airborne bacteria. A recommended home remedy is to gather empty jars, preferably those made of glass and put in some citrus fruits.

Try slicing orange or lemon and place them inside the jar. You can also add water to lengthen its lifespan. The natural smell of these citrus fruits is efficient in driving off the bad smell and providing a fresher, healthier scent to your place.

Be more responsible in taking good care of your private quarters and make sure all things are functioning well. Be mindful of the initial signs of damage and address it as early as possible. The earlier damages are repaired, the smaller the problem. Don't wait for the issue to escalate where you will need to pay high. Provide the necessary solution ASAP.