Author: MaintenX

Just like landscaping, outdoor lighting at your facility can create a welcoming environment and a positive first impression of your business for potential customers. Lighting offers aesthetic appeal as well as enhanced security. Whether you have an intimate outdoor space or a sprawling parking lot, there are several factors to consider when planning your lighting install or upgrade.

 

The first thing you need to do is to survey the area and mark out what and where you need to illuminate. This could be landscaping you want highlighted, entryways you want clearly marked, or a parking lot you want to keep secure. Take into consideration any common areas you have that staff may use during dark hours. You want to create an inviting feel for anyone on site.

 

Once you have a layout of where you need light, it’s time to figure out what type of light. Outdoor lighting includes flood, spotlight, pathway, lamppost, and other varieties, each of which fits different settings and needs. Once you have selected the type of lighting, you need to choose how to power and control it. While solar is an inexpensive option for powering outdoor lights, it is usually a better solution to have them hardwired into your building’s power source. It is also recommended to invest in programmable technologies, which save money and power.

 

Once your locations and lighting types are planned out, it’s time to engage a professional for installation. This is not something you want to take on yourself. There are many factors to consider, including proper voltages and safely running connection wires. When dealing with electricity, you don’t want to run any risks to yourself or your building. For more information on the best outdoor lighting strategy for your facility, or to schedule a consultation for installation, contact your local MaintenX office today and speak with an expert.

Everyone is on the lookout for the latest “life hack,” quick tips and tricks to make something easier or better. A lot of time these hacks relate to the kitchen or home, but why not your office? Good lighting is vital to a healthy office; here are a few ideas to help you implement it more effectively.

 

The best way to improve your lighting is to use overhead lights. Overhead light sources reduce shadows. This makes a room brighter because there is less to obstruct the light sources. Also, try to use natural light style bulbs rather than traditional incandescent bulbs. These will produce a purer light more akin to natural light, without that yellowish hue.

 

If you have windows on the south side of your building, make sure you use them. In the northern hemisphere, the south side of a building will always get the most natural sunlight during the day. Make sure that windows along the south wall are not obstructed so your space can soak in as much natural light as possible. It will brighten up your office literally and metaphorically; your staff will appreciate the extra Vitamin D, which elevates mood.

 

Another easy way to push light around your office is to strategically place mirrors inside. Not only can mirrors be used as a quick and simple decor item, they can also help light travel deeper into a building and around corners.

 

There are many easy ways to get more light into your office. Remember, lighting is an important part of your building, in service of both aesthetics and wellness. If you need more lighting tips or have general questions about your existing light fixtures, contact MaintenX today.

Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a little time and ingenuity, you can change the entire look of your kitchen without spending a lot of money. Here are some cost-saving tips to get you started:

Paint Refresher

A fresh coat of paint is one of the best—and cheapest—ways to completely change the look of your kitchen. Muted tones work best as a backdrop, and you can add flourishes of color with accent walls, shelving, and accessories. That way, if you want a new look in the future, you’ll just have to paint a small area instead of the whole room!

Fabric

Fabric is an oft-overlooked addition that can drastically change the look of a kitchen. Most fabric stores have a clearance table, and you might be surprised at what you find!

Here’s a secret: you can use sheets as curtains! Find some colorful or patterned sheets at a thrift store, and with a little cutting and sewing, you’ll have curtains that’ll give your kitchen new life.

Hardware

Replacing knobs, pulls, and hinges is an inexpensive way to give your kitchen a more modern, stylish look. When updating your hardware, make sure the fittings and screws match the dimensions of the existing fixtures.

Backsplash

If replacing the countertops is too expensive, you can add a backsplash to give dimension and add a touch of sophistication.

Some great options include:

• Laminates
• Glass Tile
• Metal Ceiling Squares

Rope Lighting

The kickplate can complete your kitchen makeover.

Run rope lights along the base of your cabinets to create an elegant mood for dinner parties.  Bonus: you can use them as nightlights! That way you won’t stub your toe when you go to the kitchen at night for a glass of water or midnight snack.

Taking your drab, outdated bathroom and making it into a stylish one doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Give your bathroom a new look without breaking the bank buy using these moneysaving tips.

Granite

Granite countertops used to be only for big spenders. Luckily, that’s not the case anymore. Nowadays, you can get a beautiful granite countertop for under $100, with lots of options for color and finish to turn your old vanity into a beautiful centerpiece!

Art

Tired of looking at the same old walls in your bathroom? You can add a lot of character by simply adding art prints to your bathroom design. This is also a great way to express your own personal style and show off the art you admire. Chances are you can’t afford a Monet original, but that’s why they make prints! It’s the perfect way to change the feel of your space without much work or money.

Frame your Mirror

A tile or wood frame can make your old, plain mirror into a work of art. Any tile you like will work just fine, and it’s not as labor-intensive as it may seem! Simply tape off your mirror and use an unsanded grout so you don’t scratch the mirror’s surface. Not really the Do-It-Yourself type? Not to worry! You can also purchase premade mirror frames from the hardware store. Just cut them to the size you need, install them on the wall using a hammer and some nails, and your bathroom mirror will have a whole new look.

Paint

Give your old cabinets new life by painting or staining them. If they’ve already been previously stained, just sand off the old finish and apply a new one that captures the look you want. Then, just finish with a top coat of polyurethane to seal it.

See Things in a New Light

Want a drastically new look with a tiny amount of work? Switch out your outdated lighting fixtures for new ones! It’s easier than you might think; just make sure you turn the power off in the relevant rooms before you start. Safety first!

By using these simple and economical tips, you’ll have your old bathroom looking chic in no time.

Whether you’re a 9-to-5-er or a freelancer, chances are you probably spend a lot of time at a desk. Unfortunately, our spines aren’t very well designed to sit at desks for hours on end. An ergonomic desk chair is not only more comfortable, it’s also an important investment in your long-term health and general well-being. Here are some of the best ergonomic seating options on the market:

Argomax Mesh Ergonomic Office Chair

Argomax comes with an elastic lumbar pillow, and its strong legs are great for both stability and long-term durability.

One standout feature of the Argomax is its breathability, owing to its nylon and glass fiber components.

Steelcase Gesture Chair

This award-winning chair is one of one of the best-designed, premium ergonomic chairs money can buy. It’s specifically designed to accommodate a wide range of body shapes and sizes, all in a sleek design that wards off back and neck strain.

Embody Chair by Herman Miller

If you’re in the market for the best of the best in ergonomics, the Embody Chair by Herman Miller might be the perfect option for you. It was designed by the creators of the original Aeron chair with the sole objective of encouraging blood flow while making sitting for hours and hours less harmful on the spin, neck, and muscles.

 

Regardless of your budget, if you routinely work on a computer you should seriously consider investing in an ergonomic chair. There are many options and price points to choose from, but such chairs will more than pay for themselves in health and productivity gains.

If you decide to make changes to your home, you might worry about whether you need any permits. While regulations can vary among regions, counties, and states, these are some things to keep in mind.

Fences

Not all fences require a permit, but municipalities frequently have specific height restrictions. A city might have an ordinance forbidding fences higher than six feet within city limits, while the surrounding area has no such restriction. Check with local building authorities to make sure before you start construction.

Windows and Doors

In most cases, replacing an old window or door doesn’t require a permit, but cutting a hole in your home to make room for a new one does. This also includes structures like skylights.

Plumbing and Electrical Work

When connecting or replacing plumbing and drainage systems, it’s a safe bet that you’ll need a permit. The same rule applies for rewiring and major electrical work on your home. Smaller-scale projects like replacing a light fixture don’t require permits.

Roofing

Re-roofing your home involves structural components, so make sure that you hire a professionally licensed roofing contractor to handle the task. Under no circumstances should you attempt to handle this yourself if you aren’t a licensed expert.

HVAC Maintenance

Most, if not all, air conditioning work requires a permit. Make sure you hire a licensed HVAC company to handle such projects. MaintenX only works with certified, licensed contractors who know local and state regulations. Also, we’ll always handle the permitting process for you!

Ask a Professional

When in doubt, make a call! Your local permitting office will be able to tell you if you need a permit. Never start building until you are absolutely sure it complies with local and state regulations.

Whether you’re a novice gardener or a greenery maestro, seeing your plants dying in the garden isn’t pleasant for anyone. That’s why we’ve put together this list of hardy, no-fuss plants that’ll keep your garden looking beautiful. A note: some of these plants are climate-dependent, so make sure you check to see if your desired growth is right for your region.

 

Impatiens

Gardening snobs may turn their noses at flowers like impatiens, but there’s a reason they’re so popular: they’re great for adding low-maintenance color to your garden. Just don’t put them in an area with a lot of direct sun, or they’ll burn up!

Apple Trees

Don’t be intimidated! You don’t have to be an arborist to grow fruit trees. Apple trees are easy to grow, and some species can bear fruit in just a few years.

An important note: make sure you buy a self-pollinating tree. Otherwise, you might not ever see apples. When in doubt, talk to an employee at your local gardening center to make sure you get the right one.

Honeysuckle

If you don’t have experience growing climbing plants, Honeysuckle is a great one to start with! Honeysuckle flourishes in full-sun and low-sun environments, is semi-evergreen, and grows in almost any soil type.

Herbs

Is there anything better than plucking fresh herbs from your own garden? They’re easy to grow in almost any environment—including your kitchen counter. All they need is a little sun and occasional watering.

Rosemary, in particular, is quite hardy and can go long stretches without watering. Sage and mint are also great candidates, but they tend to overgrow, so keep them in a pot if you don’t want a garden full of them.

Who doesn’t love seeing the first flowers of spring burst into bloom? This list of flowers, plants, and veggies will give you some great ideas to “spring” your garden into action!

Stars and Stripes

‘Stars and Stripes’ are known for drawing butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. They can’t seem to resist their crimson flowers and rosy centers. Multi Colored greenery can add some nice contrast to your garden.

Handles the Heat

Looking for a plant that can really take the heat of summer? Think about putting ‘Azure Skies’ in your garden portfolio. It’s a surprisingly hardy, American-native flower you can safely place in full-sun areas.

Veg Out!

Herb and vegetable gardens are great candidates for spring planting. And, by the time summer rolls around, you can skip the grocery store and pluck your homegrown beauties right from the garden!

Some of the best options to plant in spring:

• Peas
• Beans
• Radishes
• Carrots
• Lettuce
• Swiss Chard

All these grow easily, are hardy, and require little upkeep to keep them in great shape.

Year After Year

A lot of herbs, like mint, oregano, and parsley keep growing in your garden, year after year. Make sure you choose varieties that work best in your region of the country and that overwinter well.

Get the Right Seeds

Sure, you’ll find a large variety of seeds at the store, but you’ll find even more online. Amazon, for example, has a huge number of seeds available for every climate and soil type.

Also, seeds are less expensive than plants. But know that if you don’t have a green thumb, seeds can be a bit tough to get started.

Whether you want beauty or a bounty of vegetables, any one of these plants is great candidate for your early spring garden!

 

Is your pool area starting to look a little too retro? Or have you let it slip into disrepair? Don’t worry! Think of this as your chance to remake your pool into an attractive place for fun and relaxation.

Update the Tile

Just adding tile to a pool can make it look new again. Try alternating tile color to add contrast and visual “Pop!”

A Space for Relaxing

Want an easy way to breathe new life into your pool area? Think about adding a hammock. You’ve got tons of fabric and color options. Add a throw pillow or blanket for even more pizazz!

Add Life with Plants

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on exotic plants and ornate pots to make your pool area look great. If you’re feeling crafty, you can decorate your drab old pots with paint, tile, jewels, and anything else you can glue down! Not the DIY-er type? You can add personality to a pot by simply painting an accent stripe on the middle of it. Or attract attention by painting a single pot a bold, bright color.

Cut a Rug

Accent rugs are one of the easiest ways to liven up outdoor spaces. Weatherproof options abound, and you can pick one up for less than $100. Throw it on the patio and you’re done!

With a little time, imagination, and creativity, you can make your pool area into your own personal backyard paradise.

Turning your patio space into a beautiful, functional area of relaxation and entertainment doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little elbow grease and a dash of creativity, you can create a gorgeous outdoor space your guests will love.

Below are a few ideas to get you on the right path to your dream patio:

Freshen Up

Is your patio area made of concrete? Why not give it a little personality by adding some color? There are lots of concrete paint options that can completely change your patio into a space your neighbors will certainly envy.

Set the Mood

Once you’ve gotten the hard work of repainting your patio done, you can really let your creative side shine. Add accent pieces like small sculptures, potted plants, and tiki torches that’ll keep the bugs at bay while creating a warm ambience for your next cookout.

Wood

Wood can bring life and warmth to an otherwise drab patio. Don’t want to put in the time or money it takes to build a deck? No problem! Add some wooden patio furniture or a wooden accent wall to really make your outdoor space pop.

The best part of all these easy, affordable home improvement projects? You’ll see a big difference from such a small amount of money and work. The sense of accomplishment will also feel quite nice. It doesn’t take a fortune and a ton of work to make your patio into a stylish and cozy outdoor getaway.