If your neighbor builds over your boundary line what should you do?

This article is provided by Jesse Hughs.

Most people tend to get on with their neighbors, but from time to time there can be differences of opinion. One of the problems you can have with a neighbor is if they encroach on your property by building over the boundary line. The problem with this is that it can be difficult to establish exactly where the boundary line is. The only way to legally establish where the boundary is, is to hire a building or land surveyor. Once the boundary has been marked then it is illegal to build over it. 

You can see why it is so important to hire a professional to establish the boundary between two properties. If you do not establish where this boundary is then it is not possible for you to take action against a neighbor for encroaching onto your property. We are going to examine why establishing the property boundary is so important and what happens if the boundary has been crossed. 

Why do you need to know where the property boundary is?

If you think that your neighbor has built across the boundary of your two properties then you are obviously going to want to do something about it. If you want to take any sort of action you need to be able to prove that the boundary has been crossed. It follows that you can only do this if the boundary has been legally established. This is why you need to hire a qualified professional to do the work. Once the boundary has been established it is not legal for your neighbor to build across it.

What happens if the boundary is built across?

If your neighbor does build across an established boundary line you can take the matter to court, if no amicable solution can be found. It is possible for the court to make several different findings. It may state that any structure which has been built should be removed, it may make an award of compensation in relation to the encroachment or it may make an order for the land involved to be transferee or leased to the person who has encroached. It is not possible to say what decision will be made if you have a problem with a neighbor building over the boundary line; every case is different. 

If you want to try and avoid boundary disputes with neighbors it is usually a good idea to get boundaries legally clarified when you first move in. This may sound a little harsh and formal but it can help to prevent problems down the line. Of course there is no guarantee that your neighbor will not encroach on your property anyway, but at least you will know where you both stand should this ever happen. If it does then hopefully you will find the information we have provided useful in bringing the problem to a successful conclusion. 

Bring bathroom to a shine with a LED illuminated mirror!

This article is provided by Edwin Jackson.

As sunlight gives us energy, similarly, light bulbs work, that emits blue light waves and produces serotonin, which helps us to be focused, alert and awake. On the other hand, our brain produce melatonin when bulbs do not emit blue light waves, which makes us drowsy, relaxed and ready for a (good) sound sleep at night. So choosing the best LED illuminated mirror in your bathroom is more important than ever.

Why LED white bulbs are the best to use:

LED white bulbs in a bathroom save energy and money in the long run. It could be placed on the smaller base, on a surface or could be adjusted one that takes up less space. 

A dimmable light mirror is good to see your makeup in various settings. It is portable and could be asserted as handheld travel vanity mirrors. Before going out, you get ready by looking at yourself in the bathroom mirror with lights focusing on your face and body. The ceiling light is not an appropriate one and lighting should be emitted from around the mirror. Bright lights always ensure that you do not mess up your make-up or miss spot shaving. Use the larger globe bulbs with a style that illuminates the fixture placed above or around the mirror.

The total brightness level should be: 4,000 to 8,000 Lumens

The total color temperature should be: 3000-6000K

Clever and smart use of the backlit mirror creates the illusion of being more spacious than it really is. Illuminated mirrors include stemming free heated pad, an infrared sensor, ambient lighting with a shaver socket. So save some money to get the standard mirrors that comes with good features:

LED mirrors: We all know that lighted vanity mirrors are energy saving and waterproof. They are stylish and environmentally friendly, a great addition to a bathroom. Their long running time also makes them cost effective. What is more, this type of mirror can light up your bathroom with its lights.

Fluorescent backlit mirror is one of the popular mirrors where there is a use of fluorescent light tubes that are fitted behind the mirror teamed with glass etch so that it may allow the light to be emitted through. The backlit mirror gives a sufficient light that makes it easier to apply makeup or shave.

Infinity mirrors: It came up a few years back, where angled LED lights create an effect of never-ending series light with an impressive, stylish and modern look. The reflected view is not clear so before you get one, please keep this in mind.

Shaving socket mirror: This kind of mirror is meant for a modern day gent. It typically offers a perfect lighting option   with LED or fluorescent, teamed with shaving socket mirrors and having the facility of charging or operation of an electric   shaver. Also used for an electric toothbrush.

Heated demister mirrors: To avoid the swirling cloud of steam after a bath or a shower, this heated  demister steam has a thin pad that gets heated up, which is placed behind the mirrors and it has the tendency to stop the steam and condensation building up. 

None illuminated mirrors: Tile to half height behind the bathroom, install by adding a large mirror on the top half. If the whole wall is covered in a small bathroom then it looks bigger and better.

Vanity bathroom mirrors: It  comes in different varying   degrees of magnification, and is usually in the form of extendable ‘scissor’ arm that guides and makes it easy to give an exact position where required. It is also good for a close up view whenever you need.

Mirror cabinets: For extra storage these mirror cabinets are the best and worth, includes LED, shaver socket and fluorescent with a grand array of sizes and shapes. The mirror cabinets are the double sided mirror door, manufactured from aluminum and has movable internal glass shelves. These mirror cabinets are the infrared sensor that turns off and on.

Properties to be considered: Always check the mirror magnification option and 5x magnifications are the right one while you can select the higher, depends on the preference. Make sure you select a good size, especially when you buy a swivel mirror. 

Ensure the correct dimensions that fit in your   bathroom and always check how tall the base is and know whether it will fit in the space with a limited height.

5 Ways to Improve Natural Light in Your Home!

This article is provided by Izzie Shaw.

With the sun out in full bloom we tend to have the windows and curtains open, blinds up, and as much sunlight entering the house as possible. Truth is, you really can not beat natural light. How much natural light you get will depend on how big your windows and doors are, where they are facing and what is around you. If you feel like you can not quite get enough of the outdoor sunshine in your house, here are a few things you can do to try and help. 

1. Use mirrors carefully.

Mirrors are great, they can make rooms feel bigger and help you to bounce some of the natural light you are getting around the room. Try to place them on a wall adjacent to a window, this will give the illusion of actually having another window and reflect the light across your space. Plus, you will get the same great views. 

2. Get patio or french doors.

This option is a little more expensive (and only really works downstairs) but can hugely increase the light you will get, especially if your garden is south facing. Companies like Oakwood Doors have an extensive range to choose from, some of which will completely transform the room. Choosing something which is majoritively glass will obviously have the best results. You could also replace any interior doors for doors with glass panels, allowing the natural light to spread from room to room. 

3. Choose the right colors for your walls and ceiling.

If you have white or off white walls, you will have to go for a flat white ceiling. If your walls are darker or more rich shades then try to have your ceiling a little lighter or a nice off white. Glossy paints can help to spread light, but quite often people do not want what appear to be shiny walls, so go for something with a nice matte finish. This would not necessarily be reflective but can help reflect light. 

4. Let the light in! 

This may seem a little obvious, but you really need to let as much of the light in as possible. Keep windows which get a lot of natural light to them free of any plants or picture frames. Also, try to make sure your curtains are hung wider than the window frame, so no material covers the window. 

5. Move your furniture around. 

Most of us focus on making the most of the space within a room, so push all out furniture flat against the walls. When you have furniture next to any kind of window or glass door it is going to limit the amount of light which can spread past it. Try to keep everything a foot or two away if possible, or rearrange the room to maximize the light that can enter. 

Nine Outdoor Living Tips for Your Home!

Flow

An emerging trend we are seeing is the natural flow from your home to your outdoor space. To achieve this, it is essential to align your outdoor area with the architectural style of your home. Consider all the elements here, like your selection of outdoor furniture pieces, surface colors, and other accessories such as plants and rugs. The styles and materials in general should complement each other and not conflict.

Consistency

Consistency is key when setting the right mood for your outdoor area. Try to avoid mixing and matching too much as this will hinder your ability to create a theme. It is really important to keep in mind what you are trying to achieve here to avoid confusion when selecting the right outdoor furniture and accessories. 

Get Inspired

If you are stuck for ideas or feeling a little overwhelmed, take a break, make yourself a coffee, jump on the computer and start searching to get inspired. There are a myriad of blogs and other design websites that have ideas and resources which have been created to help you. If you are still a little uncertain, then you may need to contact a design consultant to help out. 

Patterns

When planning for paved areas, it is important to work the patterns out to scale, to see if there are any obstructions or obstacles. If you decide to use brick, then a simple weave pattern will blend in quite nicely. The slightly more detailed herringbone pattern is also a great choice for many outdoor spaces.

Native Flora

As a general rule of thumb, native plants to your region will thrive as opposed to exotic plants. They also tend to attract local fauna such as birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. In addition to this, most native flora has already become accustomed to growing in your region, meaning less irrigation and general upkeep. 

Reflecting Elements

Water features are a great way to enhance your outdoor living area. Bringing this element to your existing space can add powerful effects and enhance the overall mood of your setting. Water movement is both calming and intriguing, depending on whether you are relaxing or socializing. On sunny days it can also act as a natural mirror, reflecting the beautiful blue sky as well as other beautiful aspects of your garden.

Sensory Experience

When planning your outdoor space consider all five of your senses. Our sense of vision is for obvious reasons the most powerful, however, by adding other little nuances to trigger our other senses (sound, touch, taste and smell) you will enhance your overall experience when relaxing or entertaining guests. 

Be Yourself

Probably the most important step is staying true to yourself. Your outdoor living area should evoke a sense of belonging. When planning to create this homely getaway, be sure to incorporate the natural landscape of the region. This will create a certain style that reflects a sense of place. It is highly important to incorporate our personality and what we love into the overall design and planning to maintain that personal touch. And last but not least, remember to have fun with it! 

How to Keep a Space Safe Without Compromising Design!

Even so-called “cozy” interior design plans are going to want to take advantage of space, light, and access. These elements are at the core of any room’s charm and aesthetic.

Space, light, and access do not easily mix with safety, security, and privacy of a home. Curtains, doors, partitions, and multiple locks on the outer entrances are needed but prohibit the flow of a living space. 

Fortunately, folks looking to redesign a room or multiple rooms do not have to compromise on an acceptable level of home security in the suburban or urban setting. It is possible to eat your cake and have it too by utilizing the following approaches for keeping a space safe without worrying about the interior design limitations:

Outdoor Lighting

Depending on the view, you like to have your curtains left pushed to the side late into the evening. There is nothing quite like a nocturnal landscape or cityscape to accentuate the style of a particular living space at night.

However, we all know how vulnerable this situation can make us feel; anyone outside can easily see into the room, but people inside have a hard time seeing outward into the dark.

The solution is to install outward and downward facing floodlights. These serve to illuminate the ground and discourage prowlers from hanging around. If the position of the lights still causes obnoxious glare, opt for motion sensing models.

Subtle Security Cameras

When people think of security cameras in their home, many wince at the interior design implications. Nothing spoils the style and mood of a room like the glowing red light of a big camera quietly watching everyone from the corner.

Fortunately, the world’s leading home security experts have made great strides in providing subtle security camera installation options. The ADT price base for systems featuring smartphone and tablet accessible video feeds is inexpensive compared to alternative options. These systems involve very small cameras, which are barely noticeable but cover wide swaths of space.

The result is an ability to constantly monitor your home wherever you are, without having to come home to what looks like a police station.

Good Habits

Feel free to take advantage of open doors and windows when the weather is good. Just make sure to lock them all up when you leave!

Make weekly rounds of the exterior of the house. Check for broken basement windows and other signs of mischief. Crooks tend to prepare for break ins by setting the stage for later.

If you have gotten a security system, then use it! Many homes get alarms installed in the aftermath of a rash of break ins around the neighborhood, but after weeks and months of no new crimes they stop using them. Small yard signs indicating an alarm system are good deterrents, but a motivated enough of a thief will easily determine it is not being regularly activated.

Do these things, and there is really little to no reason why windows need to be barred, curtains drawn, and doors constantly dead bolted. These interior design inhibiting elements of home security can be avoided with due diligence, simple as that.

What to Know When Refurbishing Your Office!

When you choose to refurbish your office, the possibilities are exciting as you consider what you can do to increase productivity and employee satisfaction. However, there are certain considerations you should keep in mind as you are pondering what changes to make.

Employee Opinion

Knowing what your employees are expecting from their office space can help you plan the best design possible. Perhaps you have some great ideas in mind, but your employees will not appreciate them. Change can be difficult for everyone, and it may not benefit your employees if they are staunchly against the changes you want to make. One way that you can guarantee employee happiness is through conducting an office-wide survey. Have them submit their opinions in a clean, neat way so that you can see if there is an overwhelming desire for you to design the office in a certain way. Because the employees know that you are thinking of them in the redesigning process, they will be more pleased with the result, even if you did not take all their suggestions.

Timing

You want to consider when you will do the refurbishment and how long it will take. If your office is affected by seasonal business, such as more business around Christmas, for example, office refurbishment will be frustrating at that time for your employees. They will be trying to work extra hard to compensate for the extra business, and they will need to be kicked out of their normal work space for the refurbishment. Try to schedule the refurbishing around a non-busy time period for your office. See if the refurbishing team can break the project into phases. They can work on one side of the office for one month and the other side in the other month. This will be much less troublesome for your employees than making them all unable to work in their spaces for a longer period.

Budget

Refurbishing your office means that you will need to consider the cost. Many refurbishing companies will give you a quote that you can use for presentations to the board. Here are two ways you can keep costs down.

1. Sell your old furniture: By selling your old furniture, you will at least get a small amount of money back, which can help you with the cost of the new design.

2. Negotiate with your landlord: If you are renting the building and the refurbishers want to update or re-do the air conditioning or electricity units, you can negotiate with your landlords to see if they will pay for part or the whole of such changes.

Design

Looking through the works of different designers and their previous designs can give you a good idea of what styles they have. Make sure you choose someone who has a style that matches what you have in mind. If you do not, you may end up with a design very unlike that which you were imagining.

When refurbishing your office, consider your employees' opinions, the timing, budget, and design.

Crafting The Quintessential Men’s Den!

The term “man cave” is archaic and tired, and our new take on the men’s den takes both the “man” and his family into the equation, focusing on crafting a comfortable space for today’s modern dude to kick up his feet, partake in his favorite hobbies, and spend time with his family. If you are looking to create an updated men’s den in your home, check out these design tips.

When It Comes to Comfort

Since the men’s den is a place to relax after a long work week and a haven where sports talk and poker games are the norm, the top priority when it comes to furniture should be comfort. Being comfortable should not mean sacrificing aesthetic however, and when it comes to masculine rooms, you can not go wrong with leather furniture. Easy to pair with a variety of design elements, simple to keep clean, and rugged enough to withstand roughhousing and spilled snacks when the final touchdown is scored, leather furniture is your best bet. Check out the online offerings from a store like Leather Furniture USA to find items that can be directly delivered to your house to make life a whole lot easier. 

Natural Elements

Looking to create some rugged appeal? Bring in natural elements. That might mean wood accoutrements like side tables, or paneling your walls with the amazing products from Stikwood. This awesome company has turned reclaimed wood into decals that DIY-ers can apply directly to their own walls with almost zero effort. This means having a professional looking wooden backsplash of sorts wherever you deem fit- an awesome option for the outdoors-loving fellow. If you are looking to incorporate more natural features, consider a regal bonsai tree or modern terrarium to add more vegetation to the space without creating a ton of extra upkeep. 

Wall Decorations

The walls are where the personality of the room (and its occupants) can really shine through. Is the men’s den meant to be a sports retreat, rife with the sounds of happy cheers and angry boos during the baseball season, or is it intended as an oasis meant to calm and soothe? Perhaps it is intended to become a poker mecca. Take into consideration the utility of the room, and select your wall décor on this basis. For a sports room, framed jerseys, photos of legendary players, and team photos of your child on his or her team can do the trick. If calm is your aim, stick to clean, modern décor, with a statement art piece or two. If you are a card player, channel the bright lights of gambling mecca Vegas with neon signs from NeonSignsUSA.com.

Some Recreational Pieces

Make room for fun in the men’s den and consider what type of recreational additions you want to include in your design. Perhaps you will work your motif around your pride and joy pool table. Maybe darts is more your game- a special, custom dartboard from Dart-Art.com will add the perfect personal touch to your space. This space is about paying homage to favorite hobbies, so make sure you take part in said activities as much as possible. 

An At-Home Bar

One of the chicest, most practical aspects to add into the men’s den is a wet bar. If you do not have access to plumbing in the room, or there is not quite enough space in the budget to add one, you can always turn a bar cart into an impromptu and movable bar. You can find bar carts at almost every home goods store these days, or you can rework an old work cart you have into a piece that holds all of your favorite libation ingredients. Make sure you find something with wheels that you can cart around and add a bit of versatility to your room décor. 

Whether you are looking to create your own personal hobby space or you are designing a room for your husband and family to enjoy, these décor tips will help you craft the quintessential men’s den. 

Top bathroom remodeling trends for 2016!

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

It may surprise you to learn that bathroom remodeling comes at the top of changes in the home, even above having a new kitchen fitted. The bathroom is a major focal point of any home and there are plenty of ways you can make your bathroom stand out from the crowd. Bathroom remodeling takes different forms; you may want to just change one or more fixtures or you may want to just remove everything and start completely from scratch. 

If you want to replace your existing fixtures then you may be looking for the best flushing toilets that look good too; you can check out some examples here. Of course, you may also want to swap your shower or tub for something new and eye catching. We are going to take a look at some of the remodeling trends which are hot in 2016. 

Create a focal point in the room

One of the biggest trends of this year is to create a real focal point in your bathroom; something that really catches the eye and holds the attention. One of the best features for enabling you to do this is a free standing tub. Placing a tub in the center of a bathroom means that anyone who enters the room immediately has their attention drawn to it. Another popular addition to a bathroom that can be an eye catching feature is a walk in shower. Whatever feature you decide on, the idea is to make it something that people will remember and talk about, after visiting your bathroom. 

Heat your bathroom floor

If you are thinking of selling your home on at some point then having a heated floor in your bathroom can be a real listings winner; it is certainly a feature that can catch the eye of those looking to buy a property. Even if you are not looking to sell your home, installing a heated floor is still a good idea. You can keep your bathroom floor warm without having to keep the heating on in the entire room. This can be cost effective, although it has to be said that having a heated floor fitted in the first place is not cheap; you can end up paying several hundred dollars. 

Go classic with white

White is not exactly just a trend for 2016, but it remains as popular as ever. If you want to go for a really trendy look then white subway tiles are a good option. They are the perfect match for an industrial look or classic look which is also very popular for 2016. Either of these looks is perfectly complemented by white tiling. 

All three of these remodels are on trend for 2016. What type of remodel you choose is often going to be dictated by the budget you have. You may choose to just replace your current tiling with a pristine white look, or you may opt for a heated floor. Hopefully we have given you some inspiration; the rest is up to you. 

No fuss DIYs to boost your bathroom!

Bathrooms are one of the most frequently used rooms in any property, and as such may soon start to exhibit signs of wear. While extensive contractor renovation and refurbishment can be a costly business, in many ways, it could also be an unnecessary one, for there are many no fuss DIYs that you can do to boost your tired bathroom.

Fixtures and fittings

The first element of your bathroom that you should think about tackling is the fixtures and fittings, especially the faucets. Water causes limescale to form on faucets, which is not only ugly to look at but can also cause small injuries if your fingers catch on the sharp mounds. You can buy limescale removers, but you could also try using ordinary vinegar to remove it. Also, use vinegar on old toothbrushes to remove layers of dirt on the faucets to bring them up clean and shiny.

Next, look at the handles in your bathroom. Handles have a habit of dating quite quickly, so if you want to change the look of your bathroom with very little effort, consider replacing your old-fashioned handles with something brighter, sleeker, and more contemporary.

Cabinetry

Just as handles date, so do cabinets in bathrooms. However, before you consider replacing them, review whether the cabinets are in good shape. If they are, all that may be needed is a makeover. You can buy bathroom kits that include primer and paint to freshen up the external sides and doors, or you can simply employ a little more effort and use any paint that you may already have. Just remember to sand down the frames before applying, and use rollers to achieve a smooth finish.

Windows

The bathroom window is often a major feature of the room, so changing what hangs at the window is a great way to freshen up the space. Aim for minimalism at your window, for both aesthetic and practical reasons. The best choice for a bathroom window is shutters. To measure and fit window shutters, simply use a tape to determine the width and height of the window. This will give you the size of the shutter that you need.

Tiles

Bathrooms often feature tiling, but one of the drawbacks of this is that individual tiles are often cracked and show signs of damage. Replacing the entire wall of tiles is not only a daunting job but is also often unnecessary, as a tile can be removed. Protect the area surrounding the damaged tile, and then use a hammer to break up the tile, removing the pieces, and then re-tiling. Tiles often develop mold in their grouting, so clean them with a directional nozzle on a steam cleaner or a homemade mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide on an old toothbrush.

You do not need to spend a lot of money to freshen up your tired bathroom. The simple application of a little elbow grease and some clever choices about its changeable elements can quickly turn a dingy bathroom into a gorgeous sanctuary.

3 Tips For Setting The Mood With Lighting!

This article is provided by Debra Lewis.

Overhead lighting in the home is a staple, but after a while, it can get boring. White light, a wonderful invention that extends our ability to do things, does not always add to the ambiance of a room. Step into a whole new world of color and texture by using colors, fairy lights, and paper lanterns to set the mood in any given room. It does not take a lot of effort to completely change the feel of a room with the strategic placement of colored fairy lights or a cutout lampshade over an existing light.

Using a Lampshade With Cutouts or Facets

Texture is often overlooked as a way of adding mood lighting to a room. It is possible to achieve the effect by using a lampshade with a pattern cut into its fabric and a high-or low-wattage light bulb. A bright bulb creates sharper edges in the pattern, whereas a low-watt bulb softens the texture.

If a table lamp is not an option but an overhead light is, go with a faceted glass globe or, once again, a patterned shade. A faceted globe throws the light around the room and creates interesting geometric patterns, whereas a patterned shade does one of two things: throws the exact pattern onto the floor or wall or distorts it over distance.

Use a sharper pattern for a room when you want to keep people's attention, such as during a party, and go soft for a more romantic, relaxed setting.

Softening the Room With Highlights

Sometimes a room is best with soft lighting and accents. It makes for a cozy feel and in some cases, a romantic one. Turn off the overheads and use items such as LED candles and a string of fairy lights. They will provide enough light to find your way around the room, but their soft glow makes the space much more appealing. Lighted decorations and Christmas lights from Christmas Lights Etc are quick to put up, simple to arrange, and easy to use as desired.

Use String Lights to Draw Attention

String lights make quick work of decorating a room to set the mood. They are flexible, resilient, and cover as large an area as you need. For a party atmosphere, get string lights that flash in a pattern and change color. Or use a string of soft white lights to highlight part of the room- they would not put out enough light to completely light up the space, but they can create a relaxing or exciting feeling depending on which mood you want to set.

When decorating to set the mood, think of the phrase "painting with light". Light is more than something that helps us see in a space. It accents, punctuates, and raises the feeling in or softens the mood of a room. Let your creative side out and push the boundaries of lighting to set the perfect tone.