13 Tips to Make a Low-Vision Friendly Home
Home and Garden

13 Tips to Make a Low-Vision Friendly Home

If you are one of the millions affected by macular degeneration, you must know that this degenerative eye disease can make everyday activities difficult. Even something as simple as reading a book or watching TV can be challenging. For example, you can do a few things to stay comfortably at home with low vision. In this article, we will share 13 tips on making a low-vision-friendly home to make everyday living easier. What is macular degeneration? It is a condition that impacts the macula, which is the central part of the retina, and occurs when the macula deteriorates or breaks down. Macular degeneration symptoms Symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or seeing fine details, and a change in color perception. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see an eye doctor for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Why does a low-vision-friendly home play a crucial part in patients with macular degeneration? A low-vision-friendly home design helps people with macular degeneration live as independently as possible while still enjoying their surroundings. In addition, it can provide them with a safe and functional environment to improve their contrast and visibility. Helpful tips for a low-vision friendly home Use bright and contrasting colors Using bright colors can help make objects more visible and easier to see.
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10 common bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid

10 common bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid

Bathrooms undergo constant usage that leads to wear and tear, unpleasant odors, worn-out floors and fittings, and plumbing problems. So renovation can help address these issues and give the bathroom a facelift. It can also add value to the house, ensure safety, and improve energy efficiency. But oftentimes, people make certain mistakes that may hinder the renovation work and cost dearly in the long run. Here are some of those mistakes and ways to avoid them: Not planning in detail Remodeling a bathroom requires meticulous planning of various aspects. It doesn’t just end with the layout or the overall look and feel of the space. One must factor in plumbing, electrical work, flooring, surface materials, ventilation, and storage. Whether it is a commercial or residential bathroom renovation, one should also try to find alternative arrangements. Failing to plan and chalk out a detailed layout can end up causing delays in completing the project, budget overruns, and dissatisfaction with the final result. Using unsuitable material Each material serves a different purpose and requires special care. Not understanding these factors can cause damage. For example, texturing the floor tiles can lead to limescale building up. Therefore, one should be mindful of the materials used in the process.
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Key household appliances and tips for buying them

Key household appliances and tips for buying them

Household appliances make daily chores so much easier, quicker, and less repetitive. So, one can rely on appliances to take care of food prep, cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning instead of doing it all manually. This leaves one more time to spend on other tasks. So, if one is considering bringing home appliances that have now become essential, here is a brief guide to help one make the right choice as per their needs: 1. Coffee maker Those who enjoy starting the day with coffee would consider this appliance indispensable. After all, it is hard to pass the opportunity of having coffee at home the minute one gets out of bed. One can find various types of machines, like capsule coffee makers, espresso machines, and all-in-one coffee makers. One can choose the one that best aligns with their taste. Like workplaces and hotel rooms, one can build their own coffee station at home. 2. Toaster Aside from the coffee maker, a toaster can be a great solution for a quick breakfast. Even if one is running late, a toaster will take a couple of minutes to give on a perfectly golden-brown bread—whether it is a slice of regular white bread, bagels, or even waffles.
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7 mistakes to avoid while choosing a front door

7 mistakes to avoid while choosing a front door

People can gauge the aesthetics of a house right from the moment they enter it. In terms of first impressions, there are few things that stick in the mind, like the front door of a residence. Besides, the main door of one’s home is critical from a safety and privacy perspective as well. For all these reasons, people need to be wary of certain mistakes when they sift through various front door options. Not paying attention to research Often, people make a critical lapse in judgment when they impulsively go about selecting doors for their houses. The phrase “it’s just a door” is commonly thrown about during the selection process. Ideally, the doors of a house must be given the same importance one gives to any furniture, interior design scheme, or external visual element. Research is key to choosing the perfect main door for a house. Research helps people find the right option between materials used to build the door, the look of each panel holding the door, and specific decorative elements on it. When homeowners do their research, they will find doors that not only shut out the various weather elements, but also sit right with the design language of the rest of their house.
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10 common window and door maintenance mistakes to avoid

10 common window and door maintenance mistakes to avoid

Doors and windows are important components of the house that shield and insulate one’s home and keep it cozy. But just like anything else, they need maintenance to remain in top shape. For example, any cracks or damage to the frame or hinges can expose them to weather damage and security risks. But it’s easy to miss these issues or accidentally make matters worse when trying to fix them. These mistakes can cause more harm than good. Ignoring or postponing repairs Ignoring or delaying repairs for doors and windows can cause serious problems. Small issues like cracks or damaged hinges can lead to bigger problems like drafts, moisture damage, and security risks. It’s important to fix these problems immediately to avoid costly repairs later. Regular maintenance helps ensure doors and windows stay functional and safe. Not cleaning and maintaining them regularly There are several types of materials used in windows and doors, each serving different functions and purposes. Fiberglass, known for durability and energy efficiency, may not warp or expand but is susceptible to paint scratches and color change. On the other hand, wood won’t lose its color or shine but is more prone to rotting or warping over time.
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Top 7 gutter guard systems for homes

Top 7 gutter guard systems for homes

A home renovation may include changing a range of things inside and out, such as lighting, plumbing, furniture, appliances, and paint. However, with the ideal gutter guard, a home and the elements inside will be better protected. The system plays a crucial role in the structural integrity of a home by letting in the right amount of rainwater into the drains and preventing leaves, debris, and pests from entering the gutters. Those who wish to install a gutter guard system in their home could explore these seven popular options. LeafTek DIY Gutter Guards As the name suggests, this gutter guard from LeafTek is best suited for those who want to take on a DIY installation. As for its features, the system has a unique raised ridge design that promotes air circulation through the gutter system. This helps dry out standing leaves or debris, which get blown off with a mild breeze. Additionally, the LeafTek design lets rainwater from the heaviest storms pass through into the gutters, stopping leaves or other debris from clogging the system. The DIY system features an enamel finish, which carries lengthy durability, with a warranty of up to 35 years. It also features a USA .019 gauge aluminum build that does not deteriorate or rust.
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7 common roofing mistakes to avoid

7 common roofing mistakes to avoid

Taking on a roofing project can be expensive, which is why it is essential to plan ahead so that one does not end up spending more than expected. For this, it is important to avoid some of the common roofing mistakes that many homeowners make. This way, one can ensure there are minimal hassles and hurdles during the various processes of the roofing project. Here are some of the common roofing mistakes one should avoid. Not applying for a roofing permit Permits are required for all renovation and construction projects, including roofing. However, many homeowners fail to consider this requirement and forget to apply for a roofing permit. This usually happens when homeowners decide to undertake the project themselves. Since they are used to contractors applying for permits most of the time, homeowners may forget to apply for one before starting the project. Sometimes, homeowners or contractors want to cut costs and decide to skip the permitting process. However, this can lead to significant problems later, such as heavy fines, removal of the freshly installed roof, and even loss of home insurance coverage. Not removing the old shingles When it comes to asphalt roofing, many people make the mistake of applying a new layer over the older one.
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7 common mistakes to avoid while buying a dream home

7 common mistakes to avoid while buying a dream home

In today’s housing market, finding an affordable home, let alone a dream house, has become difficult. If you come across a property that seems a perfect fit, it can be tempting to jump at the opportunity and finalize the purchase. However, making a hasty decision can cost a dime. It’s essential to consider certain factors before making such a significant investment. The following article explores common mistakes you should avoid when buying a dream home. Not getting a pre-approved loan Before looking for housing options, it’s important to obtain a loan pre-approval from the bank if you opt for financing aid. There are two reasons why it is a crucial step. For starters, a pre-approval lets you know the loan amount that you qualify for, and based on that, you can set a realistic budget and make a wise financial decision. Secondly, the home seller and the agent are more likely to trust the credibility of the buyer’s deal if one has a pre-approved loan. Without it, there is a high chance that the seller may not take the deal too seriously and decline the offer, making you lose out on the option. Not checking the credit score Before approaching the bank for a loan pre-approval, check the credit score.
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7 mistakes to avoid when selecting home warranty plans

7 mistakes to avoid when selecting home warranty plans

Every appliance and system in a house undergoes normal wear and tear, requiring repairs at some point. These repairs can be quite expensive, which can be concerning for homeowners. Fortunately, purchasing a home warranty plan can help save money on these repairs. However, purchasing a plan can be challenging, as one needs to consider many factors. So, homeowners must exercise caution and avoid certain mistakes to prevent any unwanted surprises later on. Not assessing the requirements Before purchasing a home warranty plan, homeowners must first identify their needs. This implies researching which appliances and systems are typically covered by home warranties and under what terms. Based on this information, they can then determine which of these systems and appliances in their home require financial coverage against repairs. For instance, home warranty plans do not cover appliances that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. So, if a homeowner has any such appliances, they must note that those won’t be covered until their manufacturer warranty expires. Additionally , home warranty plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. This means that any appliance or system with existing issues that can lead to future damage will not be covered by the home warranty plan .
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