Top 10 kitchen remodeling errors to avoid

Kitchen renovation is an exciting prospect, as it can make the space more functional and visually appealing. The project could involve major changes like knocking down walls, changing countertops, and adding other elements like a breakfast bar and more cabinets. One may also consider changing the backsplash, flooring, and appliances. So, remodeling the kitchen can be a huge undertaking. To ensure it goes as smoothly as possible, here are a few mistakes to avoid:

1. Skipping planning
Proper planning is one of the most overlooked aspects of a home improvement project. But, for a successful renovation, one needs to have a vision and a definite end goal, preferably on paper. The vision needs to go beyond just how the space would look and take into account how the new kitchen will serve the inhabitants. Would the kitchen be only used for cooking, or will it also serve as a hangout spot and a breakfast or dining nook? One should assess their requirements and list them, set a budget, and list goals before purchasing materials, hiring contractors, and knocking down the existing structure.

2. Underestimating costs
Another huge mistake is setting the wrong budget. One doesn’t need to know the exact expenses beforehand, but they should have an estimate of the cost and leave a little room for the budget to stretch. The wiggle room will ensure that the project is not left unfinished in case of unexpected expenses. This is because, more often than not, one may end up spending more than their initial renovation budget. So, one should set a budget only after checking the prices of countertops, cabinets, flooring, appliances, and other necessities.

3. Selecting appliances after cabinets
One may put off choosing appliances for the kitchen until after they get the kitchen cabinets installed. This is a problem. The choice of appliances, especially big-ticket ones such as refrigerators and dishwashers, is crucial. So, after getting the cabinets installed, if one wants a specific appliance that does not fit into the allocated space, it would be disappointing. So, a better move is to choose the appliances, get their exact measurements, and then get the cabinets and shelves built accordingly. This way, the cabinet construction and appliance installation can go hand-in-hand.

4. Messing up the flooring order
When remodeling a kitchen, the order of each step plays a crucial role in determining the end product. For example, professionals suggest installing or replacing the tile and wooden flooring before fixing the cabinetry in the designated spaces. Doing the opposite could mean if the floors peak or are damaged, they would be harder to extract and may damage the new cabinets.

5. Choosing the wrong floors
Selecting the wrong flooring materials is a key mistake to avoid. The decision should be based on the kind of texture one likes, ease of cleanup and maintenance, and budget. For instance, if one has kids, one may want to avoid excessively smooth and slippery floors.

6. Improper wiring
Wiring mistakes can not only make daily lives difficult but also become a safety hazard in the long run. Kitchens need to have about a few accessible outlets of 20 amp. Further, the wiring is sealed and protected with a circuit protector to eliminate the risk of accidents and electrical fires. DIY can seem to be cost-effective, but when dealing with wiring setups for the first time, one should engage the services of an electrician to minimize the danger.

7. Buying the wrong items
Who wouldn’t want to grab deals? However, when buying critical items like plumbing equipment, electricals, and appliances online, one might want to avoid letting price govern the purchase decision. It is important to choose the right vendor and reliable products so as to avoid getting a damaged or sub-par product for their home. One may also want to consult their contractor before buying products online.

8. Not planning deliveries properly
When the material and products are being ordered from different vendors, one needs to check the delivery time before placing the order. One needs to have a delivery timeline in place for all the purchases. For instance, one does not want to end up with huge gaps in the delivery of countertops, appliances, and cabinetry, as that would delay the project.

9. Taking shortcuts
One should carefully evaluate if painting the cabinets is all they need to make them align with the rest of the renovations. Painting might be a great shortcut to give surfaces a new look. But it does not enhance their functionality. Further, one needs to consider if the cabinet materials are paintable. Then, they should also assess if replacing the cabinet shutters and kitchen doors is a better idea to make them easier to use and match the new kitchen design. Compromising on functionality in favor of cost might be an unwise decision in the long run.

10. Underestimating storage
Storage is a key aspect of any living space. While renovating, one might want to add to the storage space to ease organization. So, one should take into consideration the cookware, serve ware, and dinnerware required to store in the kitchen. In addition, one should account for the space needed to store appliances like blenders, coffee makers, food processors, air fryers, and more.

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9 common mistakes to avoid while using trash bags at home

Trash bags are essential for collecting garbage and keeping it contained. They prevent waste from stinking up a place and causing health risks due to the accumulation of bacteria. That said, for trash bags to contain waste and keep it from spilling and leaking through, they must be of the proper size and correctly line the garbage bin. Here are a few mistakes to avoid that can cause trash bags to cave in and cause seepage: 1. Using flimsy trash bags Buying flimsy garbage bags is one of the most common mistakes people make. While these might be more affordable, they can tear at the slightest pressure. If this happens, one will be left with a big mess at the bottom of the bin that they will have to clean up. Instead, one should use heavy-duty alternatives, like thick outdoor trash bags. They can hold more weight, are durable, and will not tear easily. 2. Using small bags Many individuals use small garbage bags that just about fit a trash can. While this ensures a snug fit, the trash bag may not be sufficient to handle all the waste one needs to dispose of. Furthermore, it might be difficult for one to seal the bag when it needs to be disposed of. As a workaround, one must use large or extra-large garbage bags, even if they have a smaller trash can. Apart from ensuring more waste is secured in the bags, closing them will also be easier. Moreover, buying larger bags could help cut costs, as one can use disposable products for longer. 3. Picking non-tie options In an attempt to save money, homeowners may buy garbage bags that have no ties. While this could save them a few dollars, the lack of a tie will make it much harder to seal the bag after dumping trash into it. One could spend a little more on garbage bags that come with ties. This will ensure the waste is more secure and does not spill when they move it outdoors or in the garbage disposal truck. 4. Storing extra bags in another room While individuals may use only one garbage bag at a time, they should consider placing a roll in the room or corner where they keep their waste bin. This way, they do not have to go around the house looking for a new trash bag after they remove one. Storing trash bags in the same room as the bins allows one to quickly line an empty bin with a bag and throw away waste. 5. Not using bungee cords One might use the largest trash bag available but still struggle to keep it from slipping into the bin. A feasible workaround involves using a bungee cord to keep the bag secured. One should allow the garbage bag to overhang and secure the bungee cord over the rim of the waste bin. If one isn't enough, one could use two bungee cords to get the job done, especially if the bags hold electronic or building material waste, as these can be quite heavy. 6. Leaving the garbage lid unsecured As important as it is to secure a waste bag, it is equally important to secure the lid of a waste bin, especially if one uses big bins that are placed outside the house on the curb to dispose of waste. Leaving lids unsecured can cause them to fly off on a windy day. An easy solution is to secure the lid with a bungee cord or lock. 7. Placing sharp or breakable objects in the bag One might purchase the highest-quality trash bag but still find it torn. This is because the bag is made of plastic and has limitations. To prevent this from happening, one should avoid dumping sharp objects or anything fragile and breakable, like glass, inside the garbage bag. These items could snag the bag and compromise its structure. This could cause trash and liquid waste to spill all over the floor. The sharp objects could also be a safety issue for those who handle the garbage. One way to deal with this is to place broken glass or sharp objects in a container and dispose of them. 8. Not placing newspapers in the can Most people simply line the bin with a trash bag before throwing wet waste into it. While a garbage bag may keep liquids secured inside, there's always the chance of a tear that results in leaks. This could be quite messy and cause the liquids to accumulate at the bottom of the trash can. Therefore, placing newspapers at the bottom can help absorb the liquids and make it easier to clean up. This way, one also avoids bacterial and mold growth. 9. Placing the bag close to hot surfaces While a trash can and bag are usually placed in the kitchen, one must avoid placing them near hot surfaces like an oven or the side of a fridge. The heat from these regions might compromise the bag's structure, causing waste to seep out. Worse, it may accidentally be set on fire, especially if placed near the oven or stove, which could prove dangerous. Many people who like to compost waste put away a day's worth of wet waste in small containers or bins placed on the countertops before throwing it into a compost bin. To avoid fires, one must place the bin away from the countertop.

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Water purifiers – Their importance and benefits

Increasing water pollution levels is a growing concern, especially since it has now hit home for many people. The availability of clean and safe drinking water is a rare privilege. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the drinking water at home is always free of harmful substances. Otherwise, it can lead to several health problems, such as water-borne diseases and infection. A solution to avoid this is to have a water purifier at home. Water purifier - What it is A water purifier works nearly the same as water filters but has some added advantages. Regarding similarities, water purifiers and filters remove impurities from drinking water. Besides this, a water purifier goes a few more steps ahead by removing harmful minerals from water and killing off all biological impurities. Most water purifiers do this using two methods: Reverse osmosis This method works similarly to the normal filtration process. However, it does not use a device to capture all the impurities and pollutants. Instead, the RO process involves using a small, semi-permeable layer through which water is forced to go. Because of the high pressure of the force, particulate matter, impurities, and contaminants present in the water are captured in the membrane. Distillation This process involves heating water to a boiling point. The steam that is released is then collected and purified. This water is then finally moved through UV filtration, in which ultraviolet light kills the living organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, that might be present in the water. Benefits of a water purifier Here are a few benefits of using a water purifier: 1. Is affordable Using a water purifier makes sense from the perspective of household budgets. This is especially true if one has chosen to purchase bottled water so that their family can have clean and purified drinking water every day. While it's easy to purchase bottled water in bulk from the local supermarket or online stores, the costs can quickly go up. On the contrary, buying a water purifier is like a single-time investment. One just needs to buy it, and getting clean and safe drinking water for several years is sorted. The only recurring expense that may occur with a water purifier is when the filters have to be replaced. Despite this, the overall cost would be quite less than buying bottled water. 2. Is eco-friendly Another benefit of opting for a water purifier instead of bottled water is that it is a much more environmentally sound decision than buying bottled water. For obvious reasons, bottled water usage leads to more waste production. Although many bottled water manufacturers claim to recycle and reuse their containers and bottles, it is not always 100% effective. On the other hand, a water purifier can help a household boost their energy efficiency without contributing to environmental waste. 3. Is a good source of drinking water With a water purifier installed at home, one’s family can have uninterrupted access to clean and safe drinking water. There is no need to depend on purchasing bottled water or carrying heavy containers of water from the store. Whether the household needs clean water for cooking, drinking, or other essential household tasks, a water purifier makes things quite convenient and easy. 4. Is a better way to drink contaminant-free water Even if a household chooses to drink tap water instead of bottled water, the water purifier still has many advantages. For starters, the quality of water is enhanced by a manifold. This is because most water purifiers replenish the essential minerals and vitamins present in the water. Moreover, the taste and odor of the water improve compared to tap water. Often, the presence of chlorine and other chemicals in tap water gives it a different taste and smell. But, with a water purifier, all these chemicals are removed to give high-quality, clean, and safe drinking water. 5. Lowers the risk of infections Generally, untreated freshwater contains a substantial percentage of microbes, germs, and viruses. While some microorganisms do no harm, many are often the culprits of water-borne diseases. These often affect the digestive system and cause health disorders such as diarrhea, stomach flu, gastroenteritis, and worm infections. However, it is possible to safeguard the health of one’s family by installing a water purifier. It will get rid of all the harmful microorganisms, lowering the risk of water-borne diseases and infections related to the digestive system. 6. Makes the immune system stronger The immune system works as the body’s natural defense system. It helps to combat diseases and infections. Therefore, when the immune system is functioning at its optimal capacity, the chances of falling sick are quite low. One of the ways to strengthen the immune system of all members of one's family is through clean, safe, filtered drinking water. The water obtained through a water purifier flushes out impurities and toxins, thereby helping to boost the health of the immune system. This improves the function of the immune system, making it more responsive to pathogens that cause diseases and illnesses. 7. Reduces the risk of skin disorders Often, the presence of certain chemicals, such as fluoride, in water can trigger skin problems. It can cause hyperpigmentation, acne, rashes, and dryness. This can be prevented by using an alkaline water purifier at home that treats and removes these harmful chemicals from water.