Brain Wave – Page 46 – Sasha Says…

Residential Roof Inspection Checklist For Your Colorado Home

November 29, 2018 No Comments

The roof plays an important role in your home. It provides safety to you, your family and your valuables while keeping all of the elements out from your home. It protects your entire household from harsh weather conditions and warrant comfort. This is one of the reasons why whenever you’re buying a new home or renovating an old one, a residential roof inspection checklist should be in place. This can help you determine what details to look for in a roof. After all, you want a roof which meets all of your expectations, right? Aside from using the information from klausroofingcolorado.com, this article can also help you come up with a residential roof inspection checklist for your use.

Your roof is comprised of a lot of things. For a first-time homeowner, paying attention to all of these details can be too overwhelming and time-consuming. If you’re not well-guided, you’ll likely end up with a roof which doesn’t give value to your money, ruins the overall theme of your home, puts your family and valuables in danger, or all of the above. Steer away from this direction by including the following in your roof inspection checklist:

1. You should always cover the basics.

Fortunately, you don’t need to take years of training before you can assess the state of your roof. There are many visible signs which can tell you if your roof is in working condition or needs repairs or replacements. If you’re scared of heights, grab a pair of binoculars and inspect your roof from the ground. This option will allow you to see any missing shingles on the roof or any metal flashing in your chimney.

But if height is not an issue to you, go ahead and climb your roof using a sturdy piece of ladder. This option will provide you with a better view of your roof since you’re already up close and personal. Be wary of the following whenever you’re checking your roof:

Damaged or missing chimney caps;
Granules of shingles in the gutters;
Growth of moss and algae; and
Missing, curling or blistering shingles.

2. Become your own handyman.

Once you see any of the signs listed above, don’t wait for another sign to pop up. Usually, when the second sign is already present, your roofing problem has gotten worse, and you might need to pay for expensive repair and replacement costs. One way of saving yourself from this kind of situation is by being your own handyman. While hiring roofing contractors might be the most obvious choice, minor roofing problems can be fixed on your own.

For starters, any missing or damaged shingles can be replaced right away. You can use the extra shingles you had from your latest renovation project or opt to buy new ones from your local home depot store. Fixing minor roof problems doesn’t only cost less, but you’ll also save a lot of time, too. You don’t have to check and wait for the roofing contractor’s availability just to get the job done.

3. Be careful in choosing a roofing contractor to hire.

Knowing how to fix your roof on your own is always a good thing. However, there will be instances when your skills are no longer enough – that you already have to hire professionals to do the job for you. For bigger roofing problems such as a sagging roof or roof replacement, have the professionals take the wheel. Attempting to repair these kinds of problems can only lead to more significant issues in the long run.

However, when hiring roofing contractors, always consider at least three options. Never hire the first one you see around the neighborhood or the one offering the cheapest or most expensive products and services. Solely looking into these factors will not guarantee any positive results. Instead, scout for many roofing contractors, reach out to them to inquire about their products and services and hire one who fits your budget without compromising quality service. As a paying customer, you should always get your money’s worth.

4. Clear your roof of any moss and algae.

Seeing plants in your lawn can make your property stand out, but it’s never the same thing once moss and algae are starting to take over your roof. Seeing these on your roof actually means bad news because moss and algae need water to grow. And if they’re able to do this on your roof, it can be a telltale sign that moisture is already present in your roof and its materials are no longer durable. Continuing to use this kind of roof can cause injuries and bigger roofing problems in the future.

Depending on when you’re planning to clean your roof, you can opt to use a broom in the spring. Pour a moss killer along the ridges of your roof and any areas with green patches. Leave the solution for at least three hours, sweep the roof and gutters and finish off by applying the granules. If your schedule allows, you should regularly clean your roof so moss and algae will not build up.

5. Find early signs of a roof leak.

Giving your roof an annual overall checkup should be a necessity. This is one way of assessing the condition of your home before bigger problems start to become visible. But since leaks are one of the most common roofing problems any homeowner can experience, it’s important that you know how to detect its earliest signs. Fixing leaking roof as early as possible can save you a lot of time and money.

If you suspect your roof is leaking, look for the following signs:

Certain areas of your ceiling look darker than others;
Paint in the overhangs of your roof starts to peel;
There are damp spots near your fireplace;
Water stains are visible on the pipes venting the furnace or water heater.

If you’re having a hard time determining any of these signs, call professionals for their help. Most often than not, roofing contractors will use specialized techniques in checking your roof. With their tools and experience, they can surely provide a reliable assessment.

6. Determine when and how you’re going to replace your roof.

Everyone likes to save – that’s why most homeowners would only replace their roof if and if their roof is no longer usable. When the leaks are no longer repairable, or the roof doesn’t serve its purpose anymore, that’s the only time when they will call for a replacement. This kind of practice has its own set of pros and cons. Its biggest cons would probably be the delay when you’re not able to find a roofing contractor the moment you need one. Since you’re already desperate for their help (how else can you live in a home without a roof, right?), you likely hire someone who is either overpriced or provides low-quality products and services.

As a general rule, you should have a new roof once the old one already turned 25 years old. Regardless if your roof is still functional even with its lifespan, it’s best if you replace this before any problem occurs. This is the reason why you should always secure copies of your home renovation documents. Doing this can help you avoid experiencing any stressful situations concerning your roof.

7. Watch out for those trees.

As mentioned, having any plants within or new your property is always a good thing. Maintaining greeneries is like hitting two birds with one stone – you’re taking care of the environment while improving how your property looks. Every homeowner would love to experience these! However, when the branches of these trees start to make contact with your roof, be warned. Branches which are too big can cause damage to your home and injuries to you and your family. In worse cases, this can even become the reason why electrocution can happen.

Fortunately, there are several solutions to this problem. The oldest trick in the book would probably be about trimming all of your trees regularly. You can do this on your own or with the help of professionals. If you’re eyeing to take the latter option, just make sure that you also scout for options and inquire about their costs and services beforehand. If you don’t have the time and resources to maintain your trees, opt to plant ones which don’t grow too high. There are many kinds of trees or plants to choose so make sure you pick ones which fit your style and schedule.

Slow And Steady Wins The Race

Since a roof will require you to pay a large amount of money, you should exert time and effort to come up with a sound decision. You shouldn’t think hastily as this can only do more than good. Remember that your roof shouldn’t only look good, it should also function well. It should keep everyone inside your home safe, not inflict danger. Use this article to be your guide so you can finally accomplish this goal in your new roof!

Brain Wave, Life Hacks & Tips and Tricks, Travel and Attractions

9 Essential Tips When Flying with Children

November 14, 2018 No Comments

You’ve probably heard about or had to live through the horror of getting stuck beside a screaming baby on a long-haul flight. Bored and angry toddlers can easily create havoc for parents and surrounding passengers alike. That is aside from the problems that parents have trying to keep up with their kids on top of all the logistics of flying. However, with the proper preparation, there are some things you and your family can do to make sure that your traveling experience goes as smoothly as possible. Here are nine essential tips for when flying with children.

Plan on Providing Entertainment for Your Children

Don’t expect your kids to sleep on the flight. You can ask for the kids to visit the cockpit, but you may not be allowed to do so. So for your own sanity and that of everyone else around you, bring multiple activities for your children. You can bring a tablet or eBook reader, but realize that they may get bored with it, break it, or the batteries may run out at some point. For that reason, you should bring backup entertainment options like coloring books and crayons, sticker books, story books, cards and stuffed animals. For younger children, bring at least one favorite blanket for them to hold on to.

Bring Snacks for Your Children

Let’s be honest – your kid may not be able or willing to eat the fancy lunch they’re serving on the flight. You might not want to trust them with the roast beef and green beans, or they may be allergic to the main course. Bringing snacks that they like ensures they won’t go hungry. They may not be happy when told dinner won’t be served for another hour or all of the sandwiches that they like may have been eaten by the time the stewardess gets to you, so having food they like ensures they won’t melt down because they’re hungry.

Plan Toilet Stops

Plan to make regular toilet stops, and then make extra stops when you’re going to be in line. This means you should go to the toilet right before boarding the plane. Give your kids limited liquids while on the flight so they don’t have to go to the toilet every five minutes.

Go for Early Boarding

Take advantage of early boarding if you can. It is easier to get your children and your luggage in place when there are fewer people in the aisle. This is the time you’ll be able to get assistance, if you need it. You may not even have to pay extra for the privilege. If the airline asks whether those with small children or otherwise need assistance boarding, speak up. Then see if you can get someone else to get the stroller and three carry-on bags in the overhead bin.

Invest in Rolling Car Seats

One of the simplest ways to save your sanity when traveling with young children is investing in an airline-approved car seat that rolls. Now you don’t have to juggle several suitcases and car seats. The ideal model will let a sleeping or busy toddler sleep in the car seat as you pull them along.

Connect with Other Parents

Whenever possible, connect with other parents on the flight. You could strike up conversations with them about their kids and yours, and your kids could entertain themselves by talking to their new best friends. It certainly doesn’t hurt if you can get spare diapers or tips from another parent. However, this doesn’t get you out of your responsibility to pack enough wet wipes, pull ups and diapers for your children.

Be Ready to Talk to a Flight Attendant

If you have a child under two, you should be ready to talk to a flight attendant when you board. They need to know if you’re going to have the child sitting in your lap during the flight. Knowing the rules on asking for a bottled to be warmed or how to handle diapers in advance helps you avoid potential disasters, because you cannot put them in the toilet. Don’t forget to ask how to hold the baby during takeoff and landing.

Prepare Them for Pressure Changes

Children will complain about their ears popping when you’re on a flight. Discuss this in advance, and know how they can alleviate it. Hint – that’s by yawning or chewing gum. If the children are old enough, bring gum on the flight so you have it on hand. For babies and toddlers, give them pacifiers or a bottle to have the same effect.

Know Your Rights

There is a chance that your flight will get cancelled. Make sure that you know your rights regarding flight cancellation compensation before you leave so you’ll know the procedure in case something happens. Services like AirHelp can get you several hundred dollars back that you could otherwise leave on the table. You should also know about the travel perks that may come with your credit card or travel rewards program, such as immediate cash payment if they lose your luggage for instance.

Follow these tips, and you’ll avoid many of the mistakes that make others regret traveling with their children. Furthermore, you will all be in a better mood when you reach your destination, ready to enjoy whatever awaits.

Brain Wave, Family and Home living

How to Make Your Rental Property Feel Like Home

November 12, 2018 No Comments

There are more renters in the UK than ever before and there are also more options available to tenants who want to make their property feel like home. For both landlords and tenants, it is important that a rental property feels cosy, well-designed and homely. With the rise of generation rent, there are more and more alternatives to traditional decorating and these simple steps should help make your property feel like home. It is also essential that you and your landlord agree on the rules of the property before you start decorating. Your contract should detail what is allowed in the property, and if there are any queries, it is better to ask first.

Look at Temporary Decorations

Removable wallpaper – also known as peel and stick wallpaper – is a great option for adding some bright patterns to your rental home. This is designed with renters in mind and will leave no damage to the wall once you move. It is also a lot easier than wallpapering. Other options for decorating without damage include washi tape, removable chalkboard wallpaper, self-adhesive tiles and wall hangings. Command hooks are also a great way to hang things up in your rental property, without using nails or screws. You can also use these to hang display shelves, rails and caging, giving you extra storage space.

Find Key Pieces You Love

Though many rental properties are furnished, you can still add some furniture of your own. If space is limited it is worth looking for a few key pieces full of personality that you can take with you when your tenancy is up. Just make sure you keep hold of any fittings that came with the property, so you can return it to how it was when you leave. Interior designer Annabelle Holland told The Independent “Don’t be put off buying key pieces like art or furniture just because you’re renting. You can take these to a future home but do choose versatile items. If you’re currently renting a big loft space and want a big sofa, think about a modular sofa that can be broken up and fit into smaller spaces in your next home. Invest in lamps, or even just funky lampshades to place over the landlord’s lamps to brighten up your space”. From a bold armchair to a glitzy chandelier, you can find unique home pieces that will add loads of character to the room.

Choose a Property That Matches Your Style

This might have been difficult a few decades ago, but the demands of renters have changed the market, with rental properties now offering beautiful design and luxurious interiors. High end new developments by property companies like RW Invest feature stunning décor and designer furniture packs which make rental properties feel coordinated and stylish. There are far more types of rental property available, so it is worth looking around for one with a style you feel comfortable in.

Embrace Fabric

Fabric can be a life saver in a rental apartment, from quirky cushions to bold statement rugs. Soft furnishings are a great way to add colour and personality to a space, no matter how plain it might be. Often carpets can be an issue in rental properties so choose some bright and colourful rugs to protect the carpet or cover up previous tenants’ mistakes. Hanging curtains to divide spaces in studio apartments is another great way to make your rental apartment seem like home. You can also easily replace the curtains in a rental property.

Brain Wave, Family and Home living, Travel and Attractions

5 Family Vacation Ideas That Work with Your Budget

November 12, 2018 No Comments

Everybody enjoys a good vacation, but planning one can be quite the headache—and an expensive one at that. Not everyone can afford to fly out together to an exotic getaway, but just because you’re on a tight budget doesn’t mean you need to skip out on vacations altogether. Being smart with your money, as well as doing the right research, will help you get the most out of your budget as possible. At the end of the day, all you want is for the whole family to bond, have fun, and come home with happy memories.

Here are some budget-friendly ideas that you can use when planning your next vacation:

1. Plan a Hotel Staycation

Staycations are all the rage these days since it has all the components of what makes a great vacation, without having to travel so far away. But instead of staying in one place all day, why not switch it up a bit and use the time to explore? Choose a hotel with a strategic location, where you can experience the secrets of the metro without having to rush. Family-friendly hotels like Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay, for example, is centrally located near many historical sites and entertainment centers.

2. Go on a Road Trip

Why book a plane ticket when you can simply drive there? Packing the family into a car and setting off on an adventure is a favored vacation activity for many. You can plan a driving route that stops over in as many tourist spots as possible, pack your meals to ease up on the budget, and simply take photos as souvenirs. Another road trip option includes visiting a relative who lives far away and taking your time to get there to get the most out of your road trip.

3. Get into Sporty Activities

Shake things up and get active on your next family adventure. Go to a park or a nature reserve (you don’t even have to go far: UP Diliman has an open field to play in and the La Mesa Eco-Park has many fun activities the whole family can participate in), or you can also visit a bicycle park and rent bikes for everyone. Other activities you might want to try include hiking, swimming, kite-flying, rafting, obstacle courses, camping, rock climbing, and more. Many beach resorts even offer water sports, easily allowing you a way to spice up a regular beach trip.

4. Go on a Cultural Trip

Sometimes you don’t even need to go far to have fun. Going on a culture trip in Old Manila provides a jam-packed day of adventure on its own already: go museum hopping in the museum complex, bike through the historic walled city of Intramuros, walk through Luneta Park, catch a glorious sunset along Roxas Boulevard, then end the day on a ride at Star City. The beauty of Old Manila is that the attractions are located close to each other so you merely need to walk to each spot or hop on a jeepney to get there.

5. Go Home-Swapping

Renting an Airbnb is a perfect example of home-swapping. Budget-conscious families can go on a vacation in another region and experience life as it is lived there, as well as visit whatever attractions are nearby. This is best for families looking to go on a trip but can’t afford a fancy hotel. Home-swapping is also great since it provides a homey environment—almost replicating the thrill of just moving into a new home while providing all the comfort that home offers.

You don’t need a lot of money to have fun and make new memories with your family. With just a little creativity, as well as a dash of resourcefulness, you can go places—literally!

Brain Wave, Money matters, Shopping and Merchandise

4 Christmas Expenses That You’ve Probably Forgotten

November 12, 2018 No Comments

Christmas is a time for making great memories with your friends and family but, unfortunately, it’s also a time for spending a lot of money. There are so many things you need to buy like presents and food and if you aren’t careful, you could end up landing yourself in a sticky financial situation if you overspend. The key to keeping the Christmas budget down is preparation. If you start early and make sure that you plan ahead for those expenses, you can pay for them without too much trouble. But there are so many things to buy that you’ll inevitably forget some. These are the Christmas expenses that you probably didn’t plan for.

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Hosting Guests

Hopefully, your guests have given you some notice and they’re not going to just turn up on your doorstep unannounced. But that doesn’t mean you’ve considered the financial implications of having guests over for Christmas. There are all sorts of things you need to do to prepare your home. If the spare room is a bit of state then you might need to decorate it which is going to cost you. Even if the spare room doesn’t need decorating, you still need to provide extra food for them and your utility bills will be higher if you’ve got extra people in the house. It’s important to start setting the house up for guests ahead of time so you don’t end up spending loads of money last minute.

Christmas Lights

Most people that put Christmas lights up massively underestimate the cost of it. It’s a great way to bring some Christmas cheer to your neighbors but you’re going to have to spend a lot of money on it. There’s the cost of the lights themselves and if you’re putting them all over the outside of the house, you might have to pay for Christmas light installation. It’s dangerous to get up there on a ladder on your own and start messing around with the electrics so it’s best left to the experts. Once the lights are up, you’ve also got to consider the cost of the electricity bill which is probably going to be pretty substantial if you’ve got a lot of lights up.

Batteries

Batteries are probably the most forgotten Christmas item in the entire world. Toys never come with batteries and the kids are going to be disappointed if they can’t play with their new toys. That means you’re going to need to stock up on a load of batteries and that’ll cost you more than you think.

Extra Food

For some reason, everybody seems to have an endless appetite on Christmas day. No doubt you’ve planned out what you’re going to make for the Christmas dinner but that’s only the start. People are going to want cheese and biscuits and chocolates to snack on for the rest of the night. If you get all of those little extras last minute, the cost will really add up.

Make sure that you plan ahead for these Christmas expenses so you can afford everything easily.

Brain Wave, Life Hacks & Tips and Tricks, Travel and Attractions

Dealing With Disaster on a Vacation

November 6, 2018 No Comments

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When you head away on vacation, you expect to let your hair down and relax for a week or two in some desirable destination overseas. You choose a convenient flight, arrange comfortable accommodation, and pack your case with swimsuits, towels, and other bits and bobs that will tide you over during the warm weather and allow you to splash about in the pool and sea or kick back on a lounger on the beach. However, it’s important to bear in mind that while the majority of vacations go swimmingly, some don’t always stick to plan. There are various things that can go wrong along the way and it’s important that you know what to do should things take a turn for the worse. Here are a few problems that you might experience while on vacation along with some advice regarding how to best deal with the situations.

Accidents

Accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime. So, it’s important that you are aware that you could experience an accident while on vacation. This is something that you should keep in the forefront of your mind when you head to countries that have less stringent health and safety laws, rules, and regulations in particular. In advance of your trip, you should take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Generally speaking, people tend to associate travel insurance with something that covers the cost of lost or damaged belongings while you are away. Sure, your policy should cover this. But instead, prioritise the ways in which your policy protects you individually. Travel insurance should have a high limit on the amount of money you can claim back for healthcare costs. This means that if you have to make use of medical assistance while you are away, you won’t have to worry about being in major debt once you return. Travel insurance should also cover transporting you back home should needs be. Once you are home, you should contact Robinette Legal Group’s legal services. Reliable lawyers will be able to create a case on your behalf against the individual or company who has caused your accident. You may be able to claim compensation, which will go towards any uncovered medical costs and which can replace lost earnings while you recover.

Illness

Like accidents, illness can affect you at any time without any given warning. Now, when you are heading overseas, you may find yourself exposed to all sorts of germs and bacteria that your body isn’t used to, as they may not be present or prevalent back home. This is why it’s extremely important that you have relevant immunisations and vaccinations before heading away. Generally speaking, you will be able to consult your doctor and they will be able to advise what injections you will need and how long you will have to have them before you go on vacation. You will usually need more immunisations if you will be spending time in rural areas rather than major cities. You should also ensure that you have malaria tablets and mosquito spray if you are heading to a location where malaria is a threat. Another way that you can prevent illness while away is to be particularly vigilant in regards to what food and drink you consume. Determine whether tap water is safe in your chosen destination. If not, always drink bottled water and make sure that the bottle is sealed (so you can be sure that the water is fresh and hasn’t been opened and refilled with tap water). When eating out, check whether water used in ice cubes or to wash salads is clean too. It’s always a good idea to take basic medication with you to alleviate any symptoms that you may experience.

Sunburn

Another factor that commonly causes issues for individuals on vacation is sunburn. But this can be so easily prevented! Make sure to take a high factor sunscreen with you and to apply it regularly throughout the day. Sit in the shade during particularly hot periods and wear a sunhat and sunglasses. You may also want to use cooling and calming aftersun products once you retreat to your room. If you do develop sunburn, stay out of the sun until you have recovered and consider using aloe vera gel, which can soothe the burn.

Hopefully, your vacation will go well and you won’t have to even consider disaster. Following the above steps, however, will help to prevent certain incidents from occurring in the first place and will help you to deal with any incidents that do occur as efficiently as possible!

Brain Wave, Careers, Freelancing and Self-Employment, Work at Home

How To Work From Home And Manage Your Personal Life

November 5, 2018 No Comments

The internet, which is now a necessity for a lot of individuals and businesses, has changed the way many people earn their income. Many popular businesses allow their workers to commute part or full-time. Working from home is becoming very popular. However, the best way to get the most out of working remotely is by being dedicated to your position. In fact, the Bureau Of Labor Statistics reported that working from home has increased by 35 percent in the last year. Many people want to know if working from home is a good idea. The answer is yes.

How To Start Working From Home

Many people looking for a work from home opportunity have ran into scams or high fees for work from home leads. However, there are many legitimate work-from-home opportunities. Sites like westernshamrock.com offer great options to fund your home-based work goals. You can start your own business with resources that will help you get the most out of each workday. You can get all of the office equipment you need to meet the demands of any online job position. Choose from software, furniture, equipment and more that will successfully allow you to work from home.

How To Successfully Manage Working From Home

You can manage your personal life and work from home. To work from home, you must be able to motivate yourself. Besides, you’re the boss which comes with a few drawbacks. For example, you may work part-time, but are you willing to put in the hours? You’re working from home, but you have to commit yourself to your work-from-home position. Decide what time you’re going to work and show up on time like you would for your land-based employer. Your diligence will determine how much you earn.

It’s very important to adjust to your new work position. You should always get dressed for work and report to your home office. Your home office should not be cluttered and be a place where you can make the most of each workday. Create a home office that will have everything you need centralized in a convenient area. For example, you should have high-speed internet, office phone (never your personal device), and a highly operational PC available in your home office. More importantly, avoid distractions that can come with working from home.

How To Avoid Work From Home Distractions

Distractions are the easiest way to lose focus while working from home. If you have small children, ask to not be disturbed unless it’s an emergency. Give them an opportunity to be near your office, but not in your workspace. Plus, during your self-directed breaks, give your child an opportunity to eat lunch with you or designate time for your child to take a nap.

How To Find A Legitimate Work From Home Position

Finding a work from home position is not as hard as people think. You have the opportunity to choose from many remote working positions from your current employer. Ask your current company if they have a commute work opportunity available. Some employers have part-time work from home positions. However, your job may be glad to allow you to work from home to save money. Plus, there are many job positions that are also available online. You can search from actual positions that fit your job qualifications from many work-from-home listings.

Working from is a disciplined career position. You have to motivate yourself each day. In fact, some work-from-home positions allow you to create your own schedule. However, a few positions will give you set hours like a land-based position. If you start your own online business, you can end up working from home to save money. Working from home provides convenience for thousands of workers, but it’s not an opportunity to skimp through your work responsibilities. More importantly, you should be satisfied with your job position. Many work-from-home positions have allowed employees to gain much longer work experience.

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