PLANNING TO OPEN A PLUMBING SUPPLIES BUSINESS? HERE’S HOW TO START

Do you want to start your own plumbing supplies business? If yes, then it is essential that you know and plan exactly what needs to be done. Of course, opening a company requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but it can also be extremely rewarding. Here are some items you should keep in mind when planning for this venture.

PLAN YOUR BUSINESS SPACE  

There are a few things to consider when you choose where to set up shop, such as location and fit with the type of product or service you offer. Think about what would make your plumbing supply business more convenient for customers—is there a specific area that’s home to a lot of new construction? Maybe it makes sense to position yourself near a busy highway intersection. Or maybe it’d be best to open an on-site showroom because your product is unique and customers want to see the quality before they buy. In any case, don’t underestimate the importance of foot traffic and sufficient lighting — it’s hard enough getting people through your door as is — so choosing a spot with high visibility and installing lights that are the best on the market will boost sales from day one. If this isn’t possible due to financial limitations or other reasons, consider using an online presence such as a website and/or social media sites to get the word out. The point here is to present your shop as organized and versatile in meeting the needs of customers.

RESEARCH YOUR COMPETITION

You want to know who is already working in the field of plumbing supplies to determine whether or not opening up a new company in that area would be beneficial for you in the long run. It is important to go over all of their social media pages and look at their prices compared to yours because this will give you an idea of what items people are more willing to pay for and which ones they prefer to buy cheaper.

INVEST IN THE APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

You’ll also need to invest in the appropriate equipment and tools. For example, if you plan on working with plastic pipes, you’ll need a high-capacity extrusion machine as well as a CNC router for cutting those materials into the shapes you need. This means buying machines as well as hiring workers who know how to operate them. It’s important not to underestimate how much it will cost to open your business – even if you don’t have any inventory yet! Make sure that you have enough money or financing lined up before opening your doors or starting production. Otherwise, your business may fail due to a lack of capital before it even has a chance to succeed. Plan accordingly, and be sure to keep an eye out for opportunities where you can save money.

KNOW WHAT LICENSE AND PERMITS YOU’LL NEED

Be aware that there are many different licenses, certifications, and permits that your business may need before it even opens its doors. Local regulations will determine if you’ll need a plumbing license or certificate of registration from the government to sell plumbing products. You may also have to get a building permit depending on how much space your company takes up, as well as a federal identification number from the IRS if your company becomes profitable. Make sure you’re ready with these documents before opening a supply shop of any kind. Otherwise, you could get fined or shut down by local authorities until they get filed properly!

You’ll also want to make sure you know what kind of business structure your company is going to have. You can either try to keep it simple and register as a limited liability company (LLC) or take more complex steps towards opening a corporation. Either way, make sure you fully understand all of the implications that come along with each one, especially if they will affect how much money comes into or goes out of your business. Consult with an expert if you’re unsure about anything at this stage! They offer free consultations, which means there’s no risk in reaching out for help at this point.

PLAN FOR PRODUCT STORAGE

Finally, determine where everything is going to be stored and how your company is going to get deliveries. If you run a plumbing shop, you’ll need ample space for storing and organizing your goods while making them conveniently accessible for customers to browse at any time. You will also want to make sure that the people working in this area are familiar with the proper techniques of inventory management so they don’t lose anything or cause damage to products when moving them around! 

The delivery process can also be difficult if you’re not used to it. How will suppliers deliver everything from raw materials to finished products? Will you have a designated driver, or do something different? Make sure everyone knows what needs doing so there’s no confusion later on down the line.

Plumbing supply businesses come in many shapes and sizes; no matter why you want to start one or if your only goal is to be able to provide parts and equipment for yourself, your family, friends, or clients who might need them someday, there are plenty of ways that you can begin your venture without having to go into massive amounts of debt or take on the riskier aspects of owning a corporation.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE PERFECT PAINT COLORS

Decorating our home is certainly a challenging task but also a fun one. Our house or flat should be our oasis and a place where we feel completely comfortable. While a piece of furniture that you bought a while ago can be returned if you feel like it doesn’t belong in your home anymore, the same doesn’t apply to wall colors. Everyone knows that it is a tedious task to move all the furniture and carpets in order to have the house painted, so you don’t want to do that quite often. As a consequence, you should pay extra attention when choosing the paint colors of your home. We bring you useful advice on how to find the best tones for any room in your house.

HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES THE ROOM GET?

Although this is quite obvious, the amount of natural light a room gets can often be neglected when choosing the wall color. For instance, a living room in a lovely house in the south of Australia will be covered in sunlight for most of the day and year, as there is quite a lot of sunshine in this area. On the other hand, in Scandinavia, winters are longer and days are shorter, so naturally, there is less light. Thus, the conclusion would be to opt for cool colors in a room that is covered in sun (mint green or shades of white) and go for warm colors in a space that scarcely has sunlight (honey yellow or gold-orange). That way, you will make sure that your home feels cozy all year round.

TRY TESTERS BEFORE YOU COMMIT TO A COLOR

Paint a few areas on a few different walls in sample colors and see how you like each of them. Take some time, at least 24 hours, to see how the paint looks in a certain space, during different parts of the day. In case you don’t want to spend time in the store and don’t want to get messy while painting, consult professionals. There are some great companies that offer these kinds of services in Australia, so you can easily find reliable house painters in Central Coast area. Skillful professionals will help you find the best quality paints and testers, and will also consult on color selection. Not to mention that the sole task of painting the house will be done way faster and be less messy than if you were to paint it yourself.  

CONSIDER THE SIZE OF THE ROOM

Painting a small living room in a dark blue or green color may make the space seem tiny and even claustrophobic. Thus, a general tendency is to go for lighter colors in smaller rooms, in order to make them feel more spacious and open. So, various shades of grey, white, or even pink will make your living room a lovely and comfortable space for the whole family to enjoy. On the contrary, a very large living room may seem too cold and uninviting if painted in these colors. You would want warmer tones, such as yellow, peach, or rustic red and green ones. They will keep the openness of the room but will make it feel cozy and welcoming. Additionally, you can always contrast the colors of the walls and the furniture, to keep the space looking vibrant. Opt for dark brown or green sofa and armchairs in a living room with cool tones, and go for off-white sofas and coffee table in a room with warmer walls. The same applies to all other parts of the house, bedrooms, kitchen, and even bathroom.

To conclude, there are a few crucial factors when choosing the perfect paint colors for your home. Consider the abovementioned ones but also consult with professionals. You will certainly get a gorgeous space that you will enjoy spending time in.

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

LOOKING FOR COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION SERVICES? HERE ARE SOME USEFUL TIPS

When it comes to running a business, having good refrigeration is an incredibly important aspect. Whether you own a hotel, a supermarket, or a winery, without maintaining the right refrigerator conditions for your products, both current and potential clients are likely to seek out alternatives elsewhere. Thus, when looking for commercial refrigeration services, there are some useful tips you should keep in mind.

1. EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Much like with any other job, experience is important here as well. In fact, one of the most important things that you should look at is how long an individual or business has been offering commercial refrigeration for businesses, and for what kind of businesses at that. Aside from experience, another thing you should consider is whether or not the company has any credentials. This includes all kinds of various certifications that give an unbiased confirmation as to their skills and knowledge, such as HACCP Certification, NSF Certification, Quality Management System Certification, and many more. The better certified a company is, the more likely they are to be able to offer you only the best service.

2. SIZE OF THE FLEET AND NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

Another important aspect that one should keep in mind when looking for commercial refrigeration services, is how many vehicles and employees a particular company has under its belt. This is because the number of resources that are at their disposal can be a good indicator as to how well they can serve you. For instance, if they have more employees and vehicles, they are likely able to provide faster service with better equipment. How many clients they’re currently serving and what their reputation is like, can also be rather telling. A good refrigeration service business can expect to receive new clients fairly regularly, and you should only work with such a company if they’re able to maintain their current workload.

3. PRODUCT RANGE AND CUSTOMIZATION

As one of the most important aspects when it comes to commercial refrigeration services, the product range that a particular company offers is also something you should look out for. It’s best if they can offer products from well-known manufacturers in the field, which are known for providing high-quality equipment. If the business whose services you’re considering are truly experts, they’ll not only have a wide range of options, but they will also be able to advise you on which products are best for your business, budget, and needs. Another important consideration is whether or not there’s customization available, depending on your requirements. This can be especially important if you run a smaller company.

4. COMPETITIVE PRICING

Lastly, you should also try to determine whether the price that a company offers for its services is competitive or not. This can be done by carefully evaluating each offer presented to you and then comparing it to the businesses which have previously handled similar jobs. They may be able to provide a lower quote because they employ less experienced employees, but the difference in quality might not be worth it. Alternatively, you should consider asking them to sign a performance agreement that states they’ll reduce their prices should there be any problems in the future. This way, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.

With the above mentioned in mind, it should be easier for you to discern which commercial refrigeration service is right for your particular business. Having good refrigeration services is an incredibly important aspect of running a successful business, and this guide can help you get the best product for your needs from a reputable company that delivers high-quality results.

3 TYPES OF ITEMS YOU SHOULD BUY TO SUCCESSFULLY REMODEL A BATHROOM

Before you jump into any renovation project, however,  you need to prepare yourself. The more you have planned out in advance, the better off you will be. Even though it might sound simple at first, there are many things to consider before you even start shopping for bathroom remodeling ideas. To help you get started with your project, here’s a useful list of the essential types of items you should buy to successfully remodel your bathroom:

FAUCETS AND FIXTURES

One of the most important items you’ll need to purchase is new faucets and fixtures. If your bathroom comes with old, unattractive appliances and accessories, they will detract from the entire look of your renovation. There are plenty of stylish options out there that you can even install yourself without any problems. Another thing you’ll need to consider when shopping for bathroom faucets is what type would work best in your specific space. If your sink is located far away from a tub or a sink, then laundry taps could be a much better option for you. Most laundry taps have long hoses that reach up to 45 inches in length, which means they can easily connect to any tub or sink.

TILES AND FLOORING

Since the bathroom is a place where most people spend at least a little time each week, it’s also one of the rooms in your home that gets worn out easily. The floor will get wet and slippery when you take showers or baths, so it needs tiles that won’t turn into an ice skating rink whenever they get wet. If you prefer to use ceramic tile flooring, then make sure they’re slip-resistant and don’t have too much glaze on them. If water resistance isn’t really important for you, there are plenty of other options available, too. You can choose from vinyl, laminate, or rubber mats that are comfortable and easy to clean. Whichever you decide on, make sure it matches the rest of your new decorative scheme.

NEW WALL DECOR

New tiles and flooring aren’t the only things that will contribute to your bathroom’s new look. If you plan on replacing any fixtures or cabinets, then you’ll need some wallpaper and paint. This is especially important if there are any cracks, marks, or visible water damage on the walls. Besides covering up those blemishes, however, wallpaper can also help you bring a completely new aesthetic style into your space. You can choose from various patterns and textures as well as different colors to coordinate with the rest of your home decorating scheme. Just make sure they match all of your other newly installed items such as countertops, shelves, etc.

Remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming if you just plan everything out in advance. The key is to stay organized and know exactly what you want before you head off to the local hardware store. By making a list of all the essential items you need and doing your research first, it will be much easier to pick out the best options. So keep these four things in mind before you head off to the store and your bathroom renovation will be a success.

AN EASY GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING HOW PROCESS PUMPS WORK

Process pumps are an important piece of equipment in oil refineries and the petrochemical industry. They are used to move chemicals around the facility, including through piping systems and across vessels that allow for safe disposal or recycling. For this reason, it is very important that you know what they do and the way they work so then you can make informed decisions about how best to use them and know what kind of problems can arise and what you should do when they arise.

1. PROCESS PUMP TYPES

There are two types of process pumps that you will likely encounter in oil refineries and the petrochemical industry. As the experts from Eddy Pump showcase, knowing the types of pumps out there will ensure that you choose the one that will be the most efficient for your business. The first type is a general duty pump, which can handle different flow rates at different pressures. For example, it might be able to move 50 gallons per minute (GPM) at 100 psi but also 10 GPM at 250 psi. The second type of pump is a specialty duty pump that can handle only one specific flow rate at either low or high pressure. For example, the pump might be able to move 100 GPM at 500 psi but also 500 GPM at 10 psi. Some of them can pump solids, while other special duty pumps, like chemical metering pumps, can handle chemical reactants. The special pumps are preferred over the general duty ones because they require less maintenance and are more efficient. The capacity of each type of process pump is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) but the pressure must also be given unless it’s a specialty duty pump that can only handle low or high pressure.

2. HOW ARE PROCESS PUMPS USED?

In chemical plants, they are used to transport chemicals from one location to another, including within plants and across large distances. They move the chemicals through piping systems from one vessel to the next and from one storage location to another. They can be used to provide chemical dilution, which is when a small amount of a chemical is added in with a large amount of another chemical so they can react more easily. Sometimes, they are used in processes where gases need to be turned into liquids or vice versa. It is also very common for them to be used in refineries to transport crude oil from the storage tanks where it’s pumped into large vessels that act as holding tanks. The vessels are connected to the facility via large piping systems that span across the entire length of the refinery. Each vessel has its own process pump, which is used to move the oil through the facility. They also transport products between different tanks and even heat them up in furnaces before they’re sent off for further processing.

3. HANDLING PROCESS PUMPS

As with any piece of equipment, there are some special things you need to know about process pumps before you start using them in your chemical facility. To begin with, most process pumps are designed for continuous duty, which means that they run all the time until they need to be serviced or replaced. They are made of heavy metal parts inside a cast iron frame and rotating shafts attached to long impellers that are connected to the motor. These are usually electric motors and they don’t need to be turned on and off as often as other types of equipment because they’re always being used. However, if a pump runs dry, it can cause serious damage so you have to pay attention to the flow indicators that monitor how full a tank or vessel is getting at all times. You should also know that impellers are usually made of carbon or stainless steel, which has the advantage of being strong but not too heavy. They can be altered if necessary because they’re attached to the rotating shaft by keyed couplings, which are expensive to replace so you want to avoid doing that whenever possible.

4. FEATURES TO LOOK FOR

Not all process pumps are created equally. As already mentioned, there are different types of process pumps out there. However, regardless of the type, there are still some things to look for when you’re making your purchasing decision. For example, all of them should be designed with materials that are strong enough to handle the chemicals they will be transporting without corroding. They also need to have corrosion-resistant features like double mechanical seal protection and even special coatings on impellers so they don’t get eaten away by the chemicals in use. The best type of impeller material is stainless steel because it’s not too heavy and doesn’t corrode easily, but if you have to go with carbon, that’s alright because it has all the same features as stainless steel. Another important feature is having a shaft made of tempered alloy for added strength. It should also have a keyed coupling so the impeller can’t fly off during operation.

Knowing what process pumps are used for and the key things to look out for when making your decision about which pumps you want to buy is important. However, having a general idea of how they work so if you ever get stuck trying to troubleshoot one, means that you’ll have an easier time because now you know what they’re capable of and what you can do to fix them if they malfunction. As long as you keep these 4 things in mind, you will be fully equipped with the knowledge you need to make a decision that is right for your process and facility.

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY PROTECT YOUR WINDOWS WHEN REMODELING A HOUSE

We all know that home remodeling projects are more than just fun for the homeowner. They can be messy, time-consuming, and frustrating. But one thing they shouldn’t be is dangerous–which is why you should take extra precautions. Protect your windows by using these simple tips:   

-Make sure to remove any furniture or objects near the window so the installer has enough space to work in.  

-Use window film.

-Ensure a safe step ladder is present in case he needs it to reach high up onto the wall.  

-Cover any carpets with a plastic or tarp to protect them from any messes.

REMOVE OBJECTS NEAR THE WINDOW

It isn’t just your windows that are in danger of getting broken–it’s also your furniture. If you have any furniture near the windows, move it away before the installers show up. It’s one thing if a window installer has to break a small hole in your wall so he can easily replace or repair something… but it’s another thing entirely if he has to break a hole in your wall while trying to avoid breaking your furniture. 

Additionally, you should remove any objects near the window that might be dangerous for the installer–such as ceiling fans or lamps. It can be frustrating when they have to deal with these things too, but it’ll be much more frustrating if they have to deal with them–and break or damage them in the process.

USE WINDOW FILM

You can use window film that is designed to be installed on the outside of your home’s glass windows. These films are durable and strong, which means they can take more than one hit without breaking. You can buy 3m window film for your home or business, or any other length, depending on your needs. Plus, their UV blocking abilities make it so that your furniture and floors will be protected from the sun’s harmful rays.

ENSURE A SAFE STEP LADDER IS PRESENT

I know–it can be annoying having to put away your step ladder after using it. But you should do so anyway, and make sure it’s in perfect condition before the professionals arrive to install your new windows. There are way too many accidents that happen because of poorly made step ladders. If it falls while your window installer is on it, you don’t want him to get hurt–because the only thing worse than having to fix a cracked window is having to fix a broken worker.

COVER CARPETS WITH PLASTIC OR TARP

Carpeting is fun–unless you have to constantly think about where you walk. Then it can be a little annoying. But the truth is, a lot of damage happens because somebody accidentally walks on a carpet once–and doesn’t realize his/her mistake until they’ve done more damage than anticipated. To avoid this horrible situation from occurring, try covering your carpets with a plastic or tarp. You can also try removing them from the room… but that means you have to break out the vacuum again when it’s time to put your carpet back in place.

LOCKED OUT? CONSIDER THESE THINGS BEFORE CALLING A LOCKSMITH

Locking yourself out of your car or house is very annoying. You might feel like this can only happen to you,  or that it will never happen to you. The truth is, as careful as we might be, these kinds of things happen more than we’d like to admit. A locksmith service can help you out of this predicament and get you back inside your home or car quickly and easily. However, there are a few things you should consider before calling a locksmith.

IS IT AN EMERGENCY?

Before you call a locksmith you need to ask yourself one important question – is this an emergency? If it’s after business hours, then yes, hiring a professional locksmith service makes sense. However, if it’s during business hours and you find yourself locked out of your car or home, it might be best to wait for a while. Chances are the person who has the keys is on their way home to let you back in.

If this is not an option for whatever reason, then hiring a locksmith would be appropriate. According to professionals from Brandon Lock and Key, a professional locksmith can have you back into your home within 30 minutes. A car will take a bit longer because of the location of the lock, but it should only take about an hour at most for a trained technician to make it happen. However, since companies often charge a premium for calls made during off-hours, even if they are relatively close to the site, if it’s not an emergency,  you should try to wait until the morning.

WHAT TYPE OF SERVICE DO YOU NEED?

One of the things that make locksmiths so useful is their versatility. They can be called out for any type of service – opening doors, replacing a lock or a key, and even installing a new one. There are many times when you might find yourself locked out of your house or car. If this happens several times, you should consider having a locksmith install a deadbolt or another sturdy lock that will make it much more difficult for you to get locked out again.

However, if this is the first time you are locked out of your apartment, then you should consider changing all the locks on the door – front door, bedroom doors, sliding glass door – especially if they are old and flimsy. Getting new high-security keys created is usually cheaper than changing an entire lock because of how expensive those can be. The same goes for cars; if it’s an older model that doesn’t have a sophisticated security system, then it would be cheaper to have the locks changed than to install a brand new one.

THE REPUTATION OF THE LOCKSMITH

If this is the first time you are hiring a locksmith service, then it would be best to check their reputation before making a decision about which one to choose. Chances are good that if they have been in business for a while, people will talk and leave reviews on websites like Google and Yelp. You can also ask your friends and family which company they use and how they liked them. This will help you make an informed decision when you call up a locksmith service after being locked out of your car or home.

Since you are locked out, you probably cannot call your insurance company to see if they provide discounts for using a locksmith service. However, it never hurts to ask when you are on the phone with them. You might be surprised by their answer!

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This is one of the most important questions you will ask before hiring a locksmith service. However, since they offer their services at different rates, it can be hard to find an answer that applies to your situation. Most companies charge by the hour or have tiered pricing – if you are locked out of your car then it’s cheaper than if you are locked out of your home. Some companies might also give discounts for cash payments – these could easily save you 10% or more!

You should make sure you know what type of payment they accept before calling them because many do not accept credit cards. You don’t want to waste time driving around looking for an ATM just to pay for something that would have cost a lot less if you had just used a debit or credit card. Make sure to ask this question as soon as the locksmith service answers your call, and write it down on a piece of paper so you can refer back to it later.

Locksmiths can save the day when these kinds of things happen. However, some things are best kept in mind before you have them show up at your doorstep to help you out of this sticky situation. By following these tips, you will be able to find the right locksmith service for your needs and budget so that you can save yourself a headache.

6 TIPS TO AVOID WATER DAMAGE TO YOUR HOUSE

Home maintenance can be a daunting task, especially when you have to deal with plumbing fixtures. Even a small leak can lead to a lot of damage and money spent on expensive repairs, so it is good to learn how to avoid it. Water damage often has no visible signs at first but continues below the surface or behind walls. This makes it very hard to predict. However, there are many things you can do without calling professionals to protect your house against all kinds of water-related disasters. Here are six useful tips that will help you avoid water damage in your home:

DO NOT IGNORE THE WARNING SIGNS OF WATER DAMAGE

Water damage is a serious problem that can lead to mold growth, structural damages, and health issues. If you notice any warning signs of water damage in your house, it is best to call a professional restoration company as soon as possible. Water infiltration can be noticed from early signs such as warped wood floors or buckling walls. Other signs include musty odors or visible signs of water penetration. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call professionals to inspect your house and find the source of the problem. They will provide you with a quote for their work beforehand so that you won’t have any nasty surprises after they leave. You might even be able to take some money off the final bill if you manage to fix the problem before they arrive.

CHECK THE FOUNDATION REGULARLY

Water seeping into the basement or foundation of your house can cause major problems. Mold growth, structural damages, and health issues are just some examples of what may happen if there is water penetration in the foundation of your house. Do not delay a check-up or inspection of your foundation. You can do a simple test by taking a broom straw and putting it into the crack in the foundation, then putting some water on top of this area. If the straw is wet when you remove it, there is an issue with your house’s foundation that needs to be resolved immediately.

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR ROOF IS IN GOOD CONDITION

If you are experiencing missing or damaged shingles, it is time to make roof repairs. If you ignore these problems, there is a high chance of leakage which can lead to water damage in your house. Once the first drop of water gets into the system, it will cause more and more damage if not addressed immediately. Call professionals to inspect your roof and make the necessary changes. Sometimes, it is better to replace old roofs than to try and fix them. Even if you aren’t experiencing any problems, you should still inspect your roof and gutters regularly. Regular roof maintenance will keep your house healthy and avoid major problems in the future.

CHECK ALL GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS REGULARLY

A lot of water can accumulate near your house, especially during spring and summer. All that extra water needs to be drained properly to avoid major problems. Check gutters regularly to make sure they are not clogged with fallen leaves or other debris. It is better to clean them weekly instead of waiting for the problem to get worse. The gutter should be strong enough to carry water away from your house and toward the drain pipes. This will prevent any seepage into your foundation or basement. If you notice any problems with gutters, fix them immediately before it gets too late.

INVEST IN A SUMP PUMP FOR YOUR BASEMENT

A sump pump is a great way to protect your basement from groundwater or flooding, which can cause even more serious problems such as mold growth or structural damage. Even if you don’t have any problems with your basement, it is still a great investment. You can avoid unnecessary costs and keep your house protected at all times by installing sump pumps in the lowest part of your house. The pump will drain any water that accumulates there so that it won’t cause damage to the foundation or the structure of your home.

CHECK YOUR SINK PIPES OFTEN

It might seem like an easy thing to remember, but many people simply forget about checking their sink pipes for leakage until it’s too late. This is especially true if there aren’t any obvious signs of flood damage inside or outside the house. Remember to inspect all sink pipes for leakage or damage regularly. You can use the same test you did with the foundation crack by putting a thin broom straw into the drain and checking it later, just make sure there is some water on top of it this time! If you notice any leaks or problems with your sink pipes, it is best to call a plumber immediately.

Water damage is a serious problem that needs to be addressed right away, especially if there are some signs of water infiltration. The earlier you address the problem, the less expensive it will be for you in the long run. So make sure to keep these tips in mind and inspect your house regularly so you can have peace of mind knowing that your house is safe and secure.

THE COST OF VITAL HOUSE RENOVATIONS FOR A BETTER ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONALITY

There are many essential aspects of a house that homeowners should be aware of to maintain the value of their property. One of the most important yet often neglected is regular home renovations. Not only do they keep your home looking and functioning at its best, but they can also save you money in the long run by preventing more costly repairs later on.

A few simple steps can considerably reduce the cost of renovations, depending on what one is looking to achieve. To help you plan your budget, here are some common renovation costs for a typical house structure to get you started on how much it will cost to renovate your home according to its intended purpose.

FLOORING

Replacing the flooring for existing rooms can also cost around 2,000 to 10,000 dollars. Flooring is easily one of the first things people think about doing when renovating their homes because they are constantly getting damaged by dirt and other external elements that could pose a hazard over time. 

The material used would determine how much you are willing to spend depending on what you are looking for. When shopping around for floorboards, you may want to refer to the cost guide replacing floorboards to ensure you get a good deal. Comparing prices makes it possible to make even small savings that can add up over time. The cost of wooden floors or tiles usually only varies according to size. For example, a specific type of tile may cost more per square meter than another. 

ROOFING 

The cost of building the roof ranges from 1,000 – 6,000 dollars. This is due to different factors such as which part of the country are you are in and the materials being used. Roofing can use up more money depending on what type of shingle or tiles are being used. It offers better protection against any weather elements that might cause damages over time. Some materials can also be challenging to install, which significantly affects labor costs, leaving you with a hefty price tag at the end of the day.

BATHROOM

The bathroom renovation costs can also cost a small fortune as you will be taking a closer look at the plumbing fixtures and the tiles being used. Upgrading to new models of toilets and sinks could have an average price tag from 1,000 – 4,000 dollars depending on the features that come with it. According to construction experts, installing new bathtubs or showers would cost around 10,000 dollars, but moving walls inside bathrooms could increase your prices by 8%.

LIGHTING FIXTURES

Installing lighting fixtures inside a house can also cost an arm and a leg if you purchase new ones entirely, so it might be better to get refurbished models instead, which still provides excellent results at half the price. The average price range would cost somewhere from 300 to 3,000 dollars for different lamps and chandeliers. If you intend to install new electrical wiring within your home, that will take around 200-300 dollars each time, depending on the length of wire that needs to be laid.

CARPET

The average cost for installing carpets is usually around 2k-3k per room, which takes about 1 week for four people working 8 hours a day. This price also includes materials and labor, so factor in another 500 dollars if you purchase carpet yourself instead of getting contractors to do it. Lastly, installation costs could range from 500 dollars to several thousand depending on how complex it is or what type of flooring you are covering up with carpet.

FURNISHINGS

Furnishing your house after renovation could cost around 1,000 to 8,000 dollars depending on what you need, including drapes/curtains, chairs, tables, and cabinets. For drapes alone, you can expect to spend about 50-100 dollars each depending on its material. At the same time, curtains can fall under the same price range, but this relies too much on their intricacy, so it is best to consult your contractor beforehand.

EXTERIOR AREAS

When renovating any exterior areas, such as the facade, it will have a price range from 5,00 -30,000 dollars depending on what material you are using and how they would be installed. Some types of cladding installation require more precise work, leading to higher costs for labor due to safety reasons. 


Facade replacement can also cost around 10,000 per linear meter, with painting around 2-3k per square meter. Adding an extension or building a garage could cost anywhere from 50,000 – 200,000 dollars depending on its size and the additional structural materials used. It only includes the construction fees with no extra charges included.

These are just some rough estimates based on different renovation projects, not including any other charges that might crop up during the process. You could also get discounts and other offers depending on who your contractor is, so it would be advisable to shop around for one that’s giving you a bang for your buck to get the best deals. Renovating is an experience that requires patience, so do not rush into anything without doing your research first, as this could lead to more trouble in the long run.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PARCEL BOXES AND HOW TO CHOOSE

People constantly praise technology and various latest inventions, which is completely understandable, of course, however, most of us frequently forget how essential and useful parcel boxes are.

They are literally the foundation of the packaging industry and without them, practically no company or person would ever be able to send or receive anything. There are numerous types of parcel boxes and today we’ll talk a little bit more about it.

THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF SHIPPING BOXES

ANTI-THEFT PACKAGE BOX

A majority of people nowadays turn to online shopping, whether it’s because they do not have enough free time on their hands to pick it up, or it’s because the place they are ordering from is too far. 

And this is a great option because, with just one click, you can get exactly what you want. Now, what are you going to do if someone has sent you a package, yet you are not at home because there’s a chance somebody may steal your package?

If you want to prevent that, then you should opt for an anti-theft package delivery box. There are so many different options when it comes to this, however, if you want to get the best one, then just find a list of the best reviewed anti theft package boxes to obtain the one that’s most secure. After that, you will no longer worry about losing your items.

CORRUGATED & CARDBOARD BOXES

Corrugated are made out of three sheets of sturdy paperboard, which is not the case with cardboard boxes. Namely, these are perfect for moving or shipping because they are very resilient and can withstand different things during transport.

Another great thing about them is the fact that they can also be recycled and reused thanks to this thick material. When it comes to cardboard boxes, they are made out of thick paper and are not often utilized for shipping. They are mostly used for greeting cards and food packaging.

WHAT ELSE DO WE HAVE?

RIGID BOXES

These are also known as set-up boxes and are actually very sturdy and thick and do not fold like some other types of boxes. Frequently, they are employed for more expensive items where it’s crucial that no part is damaged during transport.

Furthermore, rigid boxes are also utilized when the item within is too heavy and requires additional support. The best example of a rigid box is for sure the one used to place an iPhone. 

WOODEN BOXES

A lot of business owners and companies employ wooden boxes when they are having bigger shipments, like freights because these things always require huge storage space. The good thing about these types of boxes is the fact that they are very robust and resilient and can frequently be found in bigger sizes which is not the case with other types. 

And just like the corrugated boxes that were previously mentioned, these can also be reused and recycled.


The world of packaging can sometimes be very confusing since it offers so many different types of boxes, which is why it can be hard to determine when to use what. That’s why we talked about them today, so you can easily figure out which one is currently most suitable for you.