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Taking your drab, outdated bathroom and making it into a stylish one doesn’t have to cost a fortune.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 Switch out your outdated lighting fixtures for new ones!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.

Summer, it’s the perfect time to revamp your outdoor spaces. Here are some simple and cheap tips to make the best of your patio, yard, or garden.

Have a Seat!

Recreate your patio by creating a comfy place to relax. Got some old furniture in the garage? Sand, refinish or paint it to create a shabby chic space in which to entertain or just lounge around in on a beautiful day.

Sweep Season

Whenever you go through your regular indoor cleaning checklist, add outdoor areas to the list. Sweeping your outdoor patios, porches, and entranceways will not only make your outdoor spaces look great, it’ll keep your indoor spaces cleaner reducing the amount of debris and dirt you track in from outside.

Fire it Up!

Everyone loves a fire pit, and you can set one up without spending a ton of money. There are lots of ready-made options available at furniture and/or hardware stores. If you’re more of a DIY-er, you can create a fire pit from old bricks, cinder blocks, or stones.

Repair Old Concrete

Older homes often have patios and walkways made of concrete slabs. Bringing new life to old concrete surfaces is the perfect way to spruce up your outdoor spaces. Fill in cracks, repair minor problems and seal the concrete.  Then you can choose your colors and paint the walkways and outdoor spaces to give them new life.

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, Spring is a great time to get yourself some fresh air while tackling some routine home maintenance projects. Here are some useful things to attend to this spring.

The Lawn

Now is a great time to plant your perennials. Later on in the spring, when your grass starts to really grow, you can fertilize your lawn as needed.

Windows and Screen Doors

Window screens keep bugs outside while letting the cool breeze in. Make sure to inspect each screen thoroughly, fixing any cracks or tears you notice.

You can find screen repair kits at your local hardware store.

Inspect the Roof

Winter weather and snow storms can really do a number on your roof. Do a quick visual inspection. You don’t have to have a ladder, or even go on the roof to do your inspection. In fact, we don’t recommend getting on your roof yourself. It could be quite dangerous! You can inspect it from the safety of your lawn with the help of a pair of binoculars.

If anything looks suspect, call a licensed roofer to inspect it.

Ground Inspection

Make sure all your walkways and the driveway are in good condition, and fix any small problems you see. Patching the asphalt and filling cracks in the concrete can save you a lot of hassle—and money—later.

As a homeowner, you want to take care of small issues as they arise. Sensible precautionary maintenance will save you a lot of money long-term!

Spring is a great time to get outdoors and take care of some of your home projects. Now that winter storms are no longer a threat, you can make any needed repairs. Below are some tips on what to look out for this spring.

Walkthrough

A lot goes on in the months between winter and spring, and visual inspections are your best bet for taking care of small problems before they become big ones.

The first go-around, look for things like siding damage, cracked or chipped paint, holes, cracks, missing roof shingles, and places where water is pooling.

Crawl Space

Yeah, you’re probably not going to like this one. But here’s the truth: just because it’s not fun to investigate, doesn’t mean problems can’t develop there during the winter. Pests can infiltrate your foundation, pipes can freeze or burst, and moisture can lead to mold.

Inspect the Roof

Winter storms can really do some damage up there. When spring rolls around, it’s time to visually inspect your roof. You don’t even need a ladder. Use binoculars if you have some lying around. Look for things like missing shingles, damaged pipes—anything that looks “off”. If you notice a problem, call a licensed roofer.

Schedule Air-Conditioning Service.

Home inspectors often find air-conditioning systems that aren’t very well taken care of. To get the longest possible life out of your HVAC system, make sure you always change the filters at least once a season (and sometimes once a month, depending on your home’s specific needs) and make certain you hire a licensed HVAC professional like MaintenX to service your air conditioning system.

 

These steps aren’t just a matter of routine; they will measurably improve the lifespan of your house as well as its appearance.