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5 home appliance improvement projects with the highest ROI

5 home appliance improvement projects with the highest ROI
When discussing home improvement projects that ensure higher returns, the focus often drifts to major changes like patio building, back grade upgrading, bathroom upscaling, renovations, decor, or structural improvements. However, enhancing appliances is another salient feature that can hike the property price. Home appliances are some of the most used items in a house, and ensuring they are modern, efficient, highly functional, and up-to-date can fetch a higher return on investment (ROI). Home appliance improvement projects that offer higher ROI Energy-efficient appliances Energy efficiency is a must in today’s world. Most home buyers are environmentally conscious and aware of their energy consumption. Data shows that electrical appliances, on average, consume around 14% of the total energy usage of a house. This includes stoves, ovens, refrigerators, dryers, and water heaters. Appliances that use energy efficiency also reduce utility bills and overall carbon footprint. These can include refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers. The easiest way to recognize an energy-efficient appliance is to look for the ENERGY STAR label. Choosing these certified appliances can be an attractive feature for eco-conscious homeowners. Smart thermostats Smart thermostats are intelligent temperature control systems where the thermostat recognizes homeowners’ overall heating and cooling preferences and adjusts the temperature accordingly.

Top 10 reasons to get a home alarm system

Top 10 reasons to get a home alarm system
Enhancing the security of a home is essential for preventing theft, intrusions, and damage. An alarm system can help here. From deterring intruders to alerting the authorities, an alarm system can protect the home and its occupants, giving them some peace of mind and a sense of security whether they are at or away from home. Also, today one can choose from different kinds of security systems and get additional features like video surveillance. 1. Deter intruders Alarm systems can deter intruders. Upon noticing a security system, burglars and other intruders may avoid targeting a home. The mere sight of security cameras or alarm sensors can make intruders think twice before attempting to break into a home, as such tools can capture the home invasion and alert the authorities as well as home occupants, leading to the intruders’ arrests. So, a security system can reduce the risk of burglary and property damage. 2. Get immediate alerts Modern alarm systems are equipped with advanced sensors and monitoring technology that can detect unauthorized entry or suspicious activity in real time. Then, the systems can promptly alert home occupants and authorities, allowing for swift response and intervention. The immediate notification ensures that one can take appropriate action to address the situation, whether it involves contacting law enforcement agencies or strengthening the security of their property.

9 reasons a home warranty claim might be denied

9 reasons a home warranty claim might be denied
A home warranty is beneficial because it covers the damages to various home appliances and systems for a monthly premium. But it is worth noting that the plan is only valid if customers abide by its terms and conditions. Insurance providers may refuse a claim if someone overlooks their rules and guidelines. Knowing why a home warranty claim could be denied can help one be more careful and avoid losses. Cosmetic damage A home warranty might cover only those damages to a particular system or appliance that prevent it from functioning. The damage should be such that it renders the product inefficient. For instance, dents and scratches to the casing of an appliance are considered cosmetic damages that do not affect its working. Even blemishes on knobs, shelves, dials, and other accessories fall under this category. Individuals who want to repair cosmetic damages will have to bear the expenses themselves. Lack of maintenance Appliances and systems only qualify for home warranty coverage if serviced regularly. The lack of proper maintenance might void the warranty, even if the product is covered in the contract, and one’s claim will be denied. If an individual has maintenance records to show following a denial, they could file an appeal.

8 common senior care mistakes to avoid

8 common senior care mistakes to avoid
As individuals age, they may require additional care and support in their daily lives, including getting to doctor appointments, running errands, and cooking meals. In such cases, family members may take on the responsibility of providing the necessary care for their elders when required. However, if one is new to senior care, one may make a few mistakes when handling the needs of an elder. Here are 8 mistakes one should avoid when caring for seniors. Assuming one can do it all One of the most common caregiving mistakes family members make is assuming they can do it all. However, it is important to note that caring for seniors involves various responsibilities, such as preparing meals, scheduling healthcare appointments, ensuring timely prescriptions, and maintaining good hygiene. This might also be a 24-hour schedule, which might be difficult for family members to handle by themselves. One should speak to the senior members and understand their needs. For instance, some seniors might want to do some daily tasks by themselves and leave the rest to a professional caregiver. It is always a good idea to outsource senior care, especially if family members have other responsibilities, such as work. Lack of rest When providing care to seniors, one must ensure that one gets ample rest.

Top 11 mistakes to avoid while getting a home loan

Top 11 mistakes to avoid while getting a home loan
Perhaps nothing is more comforting than having one’s home to return to at the end of a tiring day and to relax with loved ones. However, buying a home in the face of inflation and economic instability is no less than a mirage for most. On the bright side, taking home loans from reliable sources can help fulfill this dream. Here are some common mistakes home buyers should avoid while availing themselves of home loans: Not checking or improving credit score One’s credit score determines any moneylender’s ability to sanction a loan. An individual’s credit score is calculated considering various criteria, including one’s payment history, credit mix, and the total amount one owes. Therefore, it is important to check one’s credit score; if the scores are low, one should take the necessary steps to enhance this score, such as paying credit card debts on time, before applying for a home loan. Not understanding one’s capability to repay the loan Often, individuals cannot return the borrowed amount because they have overestimated their capability to repay their home loan. Such challenges typically stem from miscalculating the amount payable, including the interest rates applied to the principal amount. While applying for a home loan, one should check out one’s repayment capability vis-a-vis the aggregate amount repayable and the time it would take to repay it.

9 common mistakes to avoid while buying new appliances

9 common mistakes to avoid while buying new appliances
Buying new home appliances can be a challenging task. Whether one is upgrading their kitchen with a new refrigerator, purchasing a high-efficiency washer and dryer, or seeking the latest in smart home technology, they may feel slightly overwhelmed due to the wide array of choices. As a result, one may make certain mistakes during the purchase, which can lead to regrets. Here are some common mistakes that one must avoid when buying new appliances: 1. Forgetting to measure the space One of the most common mistakes individuals can make, which may cost them dearly, is not measuring their space before purchasing an appliance. Whether one is purchasing a new refrigerator, an oven, or a washer, it is absolutely important to take accurate measurements of the space they are planning to place the appliance in and purchase the appliance of a size that fits there. Failing to take these measurements can lead to purchasing appliances that do not fit in the space or obstruct other room elements. Hence, before browsing different options, it is important to measure the available space, including the height, width, and depth, to ensure a perfect fit. 2. Neglecting research Shopping around and doing research is an important step that one must not neglect when purchasing home appliances.

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6 mistakes to avoid while booking a hotel

Various online platforms have made booking accommodations a breeze. Whether you are traveling within the country or abroad, you need to make sure that you have chosen the right place to say and made the bookings correctly, so there’s no issue when checking in. However, certain common mistakes people tend to make when booking hotels can put a hitch in their trip. Here’s a list of six such booking mistakes that you should avoid: Not clarifying the different elements of the rate Many a time when making a booking, people just see the room rate. They forget to check out other additional components of the room rate. For example, many forget to find out about taxes. If you are booking online, there are resort fees that you may not see immediately and forget to check about. The resort fee is an amount charged for certain amenities at the property and is mostly not part of the basic room rate. You may realize the extra amount to be paid only when you arrive at the hotel, and at that time, it is too late to cancel your booking without paying a hefty fee. Therefore, it is best to gather all information before you make the booking. This way you will not end up being in a sorry state spending more than budgeted for the trip. Choosing non-refundable rates to book the room This could be another big blunder. Non-refundable rates usually are lower rates than the normal rates, that’s why these are so attractive. Sometimes, the non-refundable tag are prominently displayed but at times it can be mentioned in tiny fonts somewhere below that is easy to miss. Unfortunately, situations can change anytime and what was once a confirmed trip, you may need to cancel the booking eventually. There could be an emergency at the home, or office, or you may need to change the dates, etc.

7 things to avoid doing when staying in a hotel

Staying in a luxurious hotel can be exciting. You can enjoy several amenities, personalized services, and complimentary benefits. But you should be cautious. Experts and travel enthusiasts have devised several dos and don’ts to follow when in a hotel to avoid confusion and make the trip more memorable. Special focus should be on the don’ts as these can risk your safety in a new place. Here are seven things to avoid doing in hotels: Opening the door instantly Many instantly reach out for the doorknob on hearing the doorbell or a knock. This is a big mistake. While it is okay to assume that the person on the other side would be a housekeeping staff or an F&B person, it is best never to take a chance. This is especially applicable if you are in another country, traveling for the first time to a place, or staying at the location as a first-time guest. Verify the visitor’s identity before opening the door. You can do so by looking through the peephole or glancing outside through an adjacent window. Letting strangers inside can be costly if they turn out to be someone with the wrong intent. Packing the hotel’s bathrobes in your suitcase This is nothing short of stealing; you could be in big trouble if caught. Besides the legal hassles, pilfering the hotel’s properties speaks poorly about your manners. Taking a small bottle of shampoo, conditioner, or body lotion may be okay because these usually end up in the trash. But not bathrobes for sure. Similarly, do not just pick other linen pieces, small electronic items, or any artwork from the room. Hotels conduct a thorough inspection after you leave and could impose legal charges if the offense is serious. Using throw pillows In luxury hotels, you may see throw pillows lying on sofas, chairs, and other sitting areas.

7 easy ways to accessorize any outfit

Accessories tend to not only enhance your attire but also make you appear vibrant. Be it a casual chic look or an utter formal attire, adding some flash and bling just infuses life into your overall appearance. However, your accessories can perform their assigned role correctly only if perfectly styled. Here are some easy techniques and tips you can apply to up your fashion game and bring the best out of your outfit: Do not pile up on accessories at a time Most people commit the mistake of donning all the available accessories at once with an outfit. It must be noted that as far as accessories are concerned, less is always more. The purpose of using accessories is to highlight your outfit. However, if you adorn your outfit with several accessories like a watch, scarf, jewelry, sunglasses, hat, etc., all at once, none of them will stand out, making your outfit look cluttered and even awful. Highlight neutral clothes with bold accessories While neutral-colored clothes can look dull and understated, they are also the most perfect ones to be used as a field for experiments. If your wardrobe is filled with neutral colors like olive, navy, beige, white, or black, now is the time to boost them by pairing them up with some bold-colored accessories. Here are a few methods to do that: Pair a navy or black dress with a thin hot pink or red belt. Highlight your dull olive or khaki clothes using a flashy yellow or orange scarf. Add some hue to your colorless white blouse by pairing it with big drop earrings or a multicolored statement necklace. Don’t be too matchy While it could be tempting to pair up the blue polka dots of your dress with some matching blue shoes, a blue necklace, and blue earrings, it would make the outfit too predictable, boring, and even childish.

8 must-have accessories for men

Accessories tend to constitute a crucial part of outfits. They are those magical wands that have the power to infuse life into the dullest of clothes. However, they can be equally intimidating if one is unaware of the basic rules of accessorizing and invests in the wrong pieces. So, here is a list of men’s accessories that never go out of style and, therefore, are a must-have in one’s wardrobe. Sunglasses When it comes to accessories, nothing comes close to a pair of sunglasses. They are practical, flattering, and the perfect solution for hiding the shadows under your eyes. Not to forget, they play a vital role in protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Besides that, they are here to stay for a long time unless broken due to a mishap. Make sure you keep the style classic and subtle with tortoiseshell or black frames and dark green, black, or brown lenses. Wallets While paying for your necessities is now as simple as swiping a card or transferring through a smartphone, the charm of billfold wallets doesn’t seem to subside. And why not? They are practical, strong, yet flexible enough to accommodate their contents effortlessly, and, most importantly, they are durable too. They come in various prints, colors, and designs to suit every personality. One can also get them customized with initials or personal charms. Stainless steel watches These are the practical, no-nonsense cousins of the gold watches with a long lifespan. Besides that, they are extremely versatile. A classy watch can instantly amp up any outfit – be it a formal suit or a casual T-shirt and jeans. One can never go wrong with this men’s accessory. Durable belts Belts are not merely for holding your trousers in place; they also add to your overall look.

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5 styling ideas for women over 60

5 styling ideas for women over 60

Age is a number when setting a true style statement. Regardless of anyone’s perception, just because you are reaching the 60s doesn’t imply to stop working on your appearance and renounce your desires to look fabulous. Fashion is not just merely about trends; it is about how you express yourself through clothes as the myths of age must not limit your expression. So, here are a few best styling ideas for women over 60: Embrace your age One of the most typical fashion mistakes people make is choosing outfits that are supposed to make them appear younger than their actual age. The problem with such a choice is that you are paradoxically accentuating your age when you try to look younger by wearing an outfit that will be more appropriate for youngsters. For example, if you don high heels, short skirts, or flashy fashions that might be more appropriate for a person half your age, you are indirectly making yourself appear “older.” Instead, you can opt for clothes that are specially tailored for women your age. Sporting “age-appropriate” dresses will conceal your age and make others appreciate your other features like glowing skin or your build. And consequently, you will appear much younger than your actual age.
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5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis

5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory disease that triggers inflammation and ulcers in the digestive system. It impacts the colon and rectum’s innermost lining. The symptoms are typically produced over a period rather than unexpectedly. According to the latest studies, about 1 million people have ulcerative colitis, and if left untreated, it can be crippling and cause life-threatening conditions. So, here are 5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis: Get on with the treatment plan immediately Even though there is no concrete cure for ulcerative colitis, proper treatment can help ease the symptoms and signs of the condition and eventually provide long-term remission. If a patient feels that their bowel habits are consistently changing or if they experience any of the following symptoms and signs, they should immediately consult a doctor: Blood in stool Ongoing diarrhea that is not getting cured by any other types of treatments An unknown fever going on for more than a day or two Abdominal pain Diarrhea that wakes up the patient from sleep The treatments prescribed by the doctor will typically include a combination of oral therapy or surgery. As far as oral treatments are concerned, the doctor may prescribe any of the following types of therapies, depending on the patient’s existing condition:
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