storage units

Storage Units & their benefits

Storage units are a popular solution for people who need extra space to store their belongings. Whether you are moving to a new house, downsizing, or simply need some extra space, storage units can be a great option. In this blog post, we will discuss what storage units are, how they work, and the benefits of using them. Our funeral director is a big believer in keeping things organised and storage units can be a great way to clear clutter & store things you don’t oftern use.

What are Storage Units?

Storage units are secure facilities that provide individuals and businesses with a safe place to store their belongings. These facilities come in a variety of sizes, from small lockers to large rooms, and are often rented on a monthly basis. Most storage units are climate-controlled, which means that they maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level to protect your belongings from damage. I have heard stories of people renting storage units and then living in them. But that is not allowed.

How Do Storage Units Work?

Renting a storage unit is a straightforward process. First, you will need to decide on the size of the unit you need. This will depend on how much you need to store and how much space you have available. Once you have chosen a unit, you will need to sign a rental agreement and pay a deposit. You will then be given a key or access code to enter the facility.

Inside the storage unit, you can store your belongings in any way you like. Some people choose to stack boxes, while others use shelves or hanging racks. It is important to ensure that your belongings are packed securely to prevent damage. You should also label your boxes clearly so that you can easily find what you are looking for.

Benefits of Using Storage Units

There are many benefits to using storage units, including:

  1. Extra Space: Storage units provide you with extra space to store your belongings, which can be especially useful if you are moving to a smaller home or need to clear out clutter.
  2. Security: Most storage units are equipped with security features such as video surveillance, gated access, and individual unit alarms. This ensures that your belongings are safe and secure.
  3. Convenience: Storage units are located in convenient locations and are accessible 24/7. This means that you can access your belongings whenever you need them.
  4. Climate Control: Many storage units are climate-controlled, which means that they maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. This is especially important if you are storing delicate items such as artwork or electronics.
  5. Cost-Effective: Renting a storage unit is often a more cost-effective solution than renting a larger home or office space. You only pay for the space you need, and you can choose to rent the unit for as long as you need it.

Conclusion

Storage units are a convenient and cost-effective solution for anyone who needs extra space to store their belongings. They provide security, climate control, and easy access to your belongings whenever you need them. If you are considering renting a storage unit, be sure to choose a reputable facility that meets your needs and budget.

remove a fireplace

Removing a Fireplace: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fireplaces can be charming and cozy additions to a home, but there are times when you might need to remove one due to renovation plans or safety concerns. Removing a fireplace is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of safely and efficiently removing a fireplace.

Step 1: Safety Precautions
Safety should be your top priority when removing a fireplace. Take these precautions:
1. Turn off utilities: Shut off the gas or electricity supply to the fireplace, if applicable. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, ensure the fire is completely extinguished.
2. Protective gear: Wear safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask to protect yourself from debris and dust.
3. Adequate ventilation: Keep the room well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of fumes or dust.

Step 2: Clear the Area
Before you start the removal process, clear the area around the fireplace:
1. Remove furniture and decor: Take out any furniture, decorations, and items near the fireplace to create a safe and clutter-free work environment.
2. Cover flooring: Use drop cloths to protect the floor from debris and potential damage during the removal process.

Step 3: Dismantling the Fireplace
Depending on the type of fireplace, the dismantling process will vary:
For a Wood-Burning Fireplace:
1. Remove the mantel: Carefully detach the mantel from the wall, typically by removing screws or nails that secure it in place.
2. Remove the surround: Take off the tiles, bricks, or other decorative materials that make up the surround. Be cautious not to damage the wall during this process.
3. Extract the hearth: If there is a hearth in front of the fireplace, dismantle it and remove any debris.
4. Break down the firebox: The most challenging part is usually the firebox. Use a sledgehammer to carefully break the bricks or stones. Remove the debris as you go to maintain a clear workspace.

For a Gas or Electric Fireplace:
1. Turn off the gas or electricity: If you’re dealing with a gas or electric fireplace, it’s crucial to disconnect and cap off the gas line or electricity supply before removal.
2. Remove the surrounding materials: As with a wood-burning fireplace, dismantle the mantel and any surround materials.
3. Disconnect and remove the firebox: Carefully disconnect the gas or electrical connections, then remove the firebox, ensuring it’s done safely and according to manufacturer guidelines.

Step 4: Patching and Finishing
Once the fireplace structure is removed, it’s time to repair and finish the area:
1. Patch the opening: Use drywall or other appropriate materials to close up the opening left by the fireplace. Ensure it’s securely attached to the surrounding wall.
2. Finish the wall: Repair any damage to the wall and make it ready for painting or other finishing treatments to match the room’s decor.
3. Replace flooring: If the fireplace had a hearth, replace the flooring in that area to match the rest of the room.
4. Paint or finish: After the patches are dry, paint or finish the wall to seamlessly blend with the rest of the room.

Removing a fireplace is a challenging but doable DIY project if you approach it with care and follow the necessary safety precautions. Whether you’re renovating your space, addressing safety concerns, or simply changing the look of your home, this guide should help you navigate the fireplace removal process successfully. Remember, if you’re unsure about any step, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional for guidance and assistance.

Home

10 Expert Home Services Tips You Need To Know

Home services come in many forms, from plumbing and electrical work to exterior landscaping jobs. No matter what kind of home service you need done, there are a few tips you should know to ensure that the job is done right. Here are 10 expert home services tips you need to know:

1. Find the right contractor—Some home services require a specialized contractor, like an electrician or HVAC technician. Make sure you do your research to find a reputable contractor who will provide quality work and customer service. Ask for references and check online reviews before hiring someone.

2. Get a written estimate—It’s important to get a written estimate from any contractor you hire, outlining the work they’ll be doing and the total cost of the project. This can help prevent any misunderstandings down the line and make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to pricing.

3. Take safety precautions—Depending on the type of home services being performed, safety precautions may need to be taken before starting a job. For instance, if your electrician is working on wiring inside your walls, turn off power to that area first so they’re not at risk of getting shocked or injured while doing their job.

4. Ask questions—If something doesn’t make sense or isn’t clear in their written estimate, don’t be afraid to ask questions! A good contractor will be happy to answer all your questions so that you feel comfortable with the project moving forward.

5. Don’t skimp on materials—Cheap materials may save money up-front but could lead to costly repairs down the line if not properly installed or maintained correctly over time. Spend more in order to get good-quality parts that will last longer and provide better performance overall with minimal maintenance costs over time.

6. Understand warranties—Some contractors will offer warranties on their materials or labor either for a certain amount of time or for specific issues that might arise after installation (like leaking pipes). Make sure any warranties are clearly spelled out and included in your contract before signing anything!

7. Shop around—Don’t settle for just one quote – shop around and compare prices between various contractors so that you can find the best deal possible without sacrificing quality of craftsmanship or customer service along the way!

8. Don’t rush things–Home services projects can often take longer than expected due to unforeseen issues arising during installation or delays caused by weather conditions outside of anyone’s control – try not to rush things as this could result in subpar results in terms of both craftsmanship and longevity for completed projects!

9 . Preparing for disruption–Depending on what type of home service you’re having done, it’s likely that there will be some disruption around your house while work is being completed (noise levels may increase, furniture moved around etc). It’s always best practice to prepare for this beforehand by putting away breakables/valuables from affected areas before crews start working – this will help protect against any potential damages should something go awry!

10 . Know when it’s time for professional help–As handy as it might be trying repair some minor household problems yourself , there might come a point where it makes more sense economically & physically speaking ,to bring in professionals like plumbers/electricians instead – understand when it’s time do so & save yourself energy & money by delegating tasks !