For a painting contractor to stand out, all the elements of the company, from its philosophy to the quality of service, its experience, professionalism and ability to communicate come into play.

Here’s what makes the best painting contractors.

A Deep Commitment to Excellence

Great companies should have the capacity deliver a wide range of jobs that professional painting contractors are expected to. They should be able to help clients figure out the best colors for repainting the interiors, sort out the installation and repainting of baseboards and trims, fix minor structural blemishes as well as deliver sterling results on exteriors.

But, it’s not just about getting the job done. An excellent painting contractor must have a deep commitment to excellence. You can tell that by checking out their handiwork, especially when prepping. Also, they’ll have sterling online reviews and “bankable” referees.

Outstanding Quality of Service

Having a contractor at your home is an inconvenience. You may have to put up with the awkwardness of crashing at a friends’ place or with a relative for a few nights. It’s obvious that no one wants to extend the awkward situation any longer that it is necessary.

Unfortunately, contractors are infamous not being courteous, not giving updates and for pushing deadlines.

On the contrary, the best painting contractors must have outstanding punctuality, courtesy and giving regular updates. Whenever there’s a need to extend the timelines, they’ll discuss it with their client and are polite and pleasant about it.

The Right Knowledge and Experience

A painter who doesn’t have the right knowledge or cannot respond to basic questions about painting should not have the opportunity to mess up any home. Knowledgeable contractors, on the other hand, are confident as they respond and will often mention references.

Don’t just rely on what a contractor has on their website. Ask questions and pay attention to the painter’s response.

Also, ask the contractor about how long they have been in business as a licensed painting contractor. Although the duration a contractor has been in operation does not guarantee an excellent contractor, it’s a good indicator that there’s a track record which can be assessed.

Lastly, the Company’s Communication and Professionalism Should be Exquisite     

Professional painting contractors will go out of their way to present comprehensive proposals, explain the different aspects, and do all that is in their power to include your ideas and turn them into reality.

Also, the great contractors will not hesitate to volunteer or show you their credentials including the state’s license and insurance details (both workers compensation and general liability covers). They will also offer guarantees or warranties backed by the paint manufacturer and often go out of their way to handle any minor additional issues without causing a fuss.

Veeto Painting

About Veeto Painting: Established in 2004, Veeto Painting has been wowing its customers across Orange County for the last twelve years. In that time we’ve successfully complete hundreds of individual painting, remodeling and renovation projects for clients from all walks of life.

Painting isn’t just what “we do”, it’s what we love doing, and it shows in all of our projects. Instead of advertising, we prefer to just let our results speak for themselves.

Some example of our work.

Your color scheme plays a large part in staging. The color of your walls is particularly important. Luckily, painting walls is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to update your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. So what colors should you choose?

Colors to avoid

There are a number of colors to avoid when it comes to selling your home. Dark colors make rooms look smaller and closed in. Some colors, such as reds and burgundy’s tend to evoke specific reactions that can be off putting. Bright, saturated colors, such as orange and bright yellows look cheap and can be overpowering. Many different colors make homes look smaller and cluttered.

Feminine colors such as pinks and lavenders, and warm colors such as pale yellow and those with orange undertones should also be avoided. Off white colors with yellow undertones are now seen as dated. Linen white should be especially avoided as it’s used in many rental apartments, and is seen as cheap.

Although light, neutral colors are recommended, perhaps surprisingly, white should be avoided when staging your home unless it’s extremely modern. White can look cold, sterile and uninviting.

The best colors for selling your home

Having avoided white, it can be tempting to opt for beige. This is another no-no. Beige is a warm color, and the current preference is for cool colors, such as gray. Gray in particular has become one of the most popular colors for house buyers.

There are many variations of the color gray, and choosing the right one for your space is important. Grays can come with undertones of blue, taupe, or green. Or, for a slightly warmer look that is still cool in tone, there is greige – a beige-based gray that can be particularly appealing.  

For bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, light or pale blue is another popular option that works well, particularly with white units or dark, hardwood flooring.

Choosing a color

All colors come in a range of shades. And what works in one room may not work in another one. The best way to judge which colors work in your home is to get testers from your local store and try the different shades on your walls. You may need to try them in different areas of your room, as lighting will affect how they look even in the same room.

PH Painting Company

If you’re thinking of moving home, for house painting Orange in County, PH Painting is the obvious choice. Established in 2006, PH Painting provides outstanding, comprehensive services which include residential, commercial and industrial interior and exterior services, as well as epoxy garage floors. In addition to Orange County, we also cover San Diego County and the greater Los Angeles area. Our commitment to customer satisfaction underpins all we do, as our five star reviews demonstrate.

Here are seven less painful and easy weight loss tips that can help you get rid of that extra weight:

1.  Don’t deny yourself of food.

Instead of denying yourself of food, why not add more food to your diet plan? That means, you add more healthy goodies to your meals and snacks instead of eating your usual treats. You could add grapes, cherries and other high fiber fruits and vegetables that are proven to help in weight loss. By doing so, it will lessen your cravings for high calorie treats you usually eat. Additionally, for more variations on what you are eating, you could do further research on the foods that are suitable for people on a weight loss program and incorporate them to what you eat.

2. Move your body, but don’t call it exercise.

Some people have so many reasons why they could not workout or exercise. The best way to go around this is to incorporate physical activities in your regimen, but don’t call them as workouts. Instead of going to the gym, you can sweat it out by playing chase with your dog or by biking, brisk walking, hiking, playing your favorites sports and others. There are a lot of enjoyable alternatives to going to the gym. It can even be more enjoyable if you do these activities with friends or family.

3. Walk when you can.

Walking is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself fit and burn a few more calories, depending on how long you walk. When the weather permits, walk a couple more steps than you usually do. For instance, park your car several blocks from your destination and walk from there. And instead of taking the elevator all the way, climb a few levels using the stairway. At home, if you have a power mower, perhaps it is time to switch to the push version. Do at least 20 minutes of walking every day to burn those extra calories.

4. Drink more water.

Keep yourself hydrated all the time and it will make you feel less hungry. If you drink water before a meal, it will make you feel less famished, allowing you to watch out on what you eat and avoid being an aggressive eater. For frequent snackers, one effective trick is to keep healthy and low calorie beverages at hand so that when you feel the urge to snack on junk foods or other sweet temptations, you have something to make your mouth busy.

5. Share.

Most restaurants in the US serve massive high calorie meals such that it is easy to add more calories just in one meal. If you have to dine out, aside from choosing healthy options, make it a habit to share your food with someone else. This especially applies to desserts and other treats you might order after a meal. Share it with your spouse, with a friend or with a child. It will not only save you money, but it will also save you from getting more unwanted fats.

6. Use smaller wares.

Eating at home is the best option if you like to avoid the calorie-laden foods served in many restaurants. When eating at home, using smaller bowls and plates also makes a big difference in the amount of food you can eat. A smaller plate full of food can make you feel more satisfied than having the same amount of food on a larger plate.

7. Don’t rush it.

Although losing more pounds in a short period of time works on some people, generally, it is easier to lose weight if you are not rushing it. For instance, if your target is to lose 30 pounds in a few months, that will require more effort on your part, which can be painful than if you set that goal for a year. The easier your efforts are, the more achievable they will be.

If you have been attempting to undergo a weight loss program but constantly fail because it feels wearisome or painful to do, try the above easy weight loss tips. They may be more effective for you.

1. Roof Check

Annual roof inspection is necessary to ensure that your roof is in good condition especially with the coming rainy or winter season. Small holes in the roof can easily become large, causing leaks that can be hard to repair at any other time of the year. Part of inspection is also to ensure that your roof is free from accumulated leaves which are one of the major causes of roof damage.

2. Gutter Cleaning

Clogged gutters can cause unnecessary leaks. It is important that your gutters must be kept clean from leaves and other debris. Ideally, gutters should be cleaned twice a year, once after all the leaves have fallen during the late fall and once in the summer.

3. Window Check

Keeping your windows in good condition will not only make your home looking good but also feeling good especially that windows are important for ventilation. One important routine in window maintenance is to check the sealants and ensure that both the inside and outside parts are secured. Aside from that, summer is also a good time for routine window cleaning.

4. Exterior Cleaning

There are a lot of benefits when you clean the exterior of your house. First, it can make your house look good and even increase the value of your property. It can also help prevent molds and mildew from taking over which can badly damage the exterior materials of your house. Lastly, it feels good every time you see your exterior looking good as new because it is clean. The easiest way to do exterior cleaning is with the use of a pressure washer. This helpful equipment can remove stains, mildew and dirt on the surface with ease. Ensure though that all electrical outlets, windows and nearby plants are properly covered before washing to avoid any mishap.

5. Pool maintenance

Pool maintenance is something that should be done early summer so that it can be ready for the swimming season. However, it is never too late or too much to clean again your pool before summer ends especially if your pool has been overly used. Part of pool maintenance is to drain the water and thoroughly clean the pool and to also check the pumps if they are in good working order.

6. Garage Upkeep

Yearly garage upkeep is best done at any time during summer. This is the time when you can inspect your garage for expired supplies and materials such as solvents, paints and others, and dispose of them. You might also consider organizing your tools and other supplies in the garage so that you can easily find them when needed. Be sure that all toxic chemicals and tools are kept in locked cabinets to ensure that your children will not have access to them.

7.  Driveways and Walkways Maintenance

The maintenance of driveways and walkways can go a long way in preventing accidents such as tripping and slipping on the pavement. Check for any holes and cracks and have them repaired if necessary. Summer is also the best time to do any masonry work because the weather allows for quick drying of cement.

8. Paint Job

During your general home checkup, you may also notice some surfaces needing paint job. If you have to do the painting yourself, summer is the best time when the paint can quickly and properly dry and when you can open your windows for proper ventilation.

When your house looks good, it makes your entire property look better. So every summer, rent a power washer and use a mild detergent to clean your house’s exterior. With just a little work (that’s actually pretty fun), you can get rid of dirt, dust, bird droppings, tree saps, and more. It also provides a good opportunity for you to inspect your house and make sure that everything is still in good order.

Furthermore, the start of summer is the best time to do any maintenance work on your air-conditioning unit and dryer vents. Be sure to contact professionals to do the job right unless you know just what to do.

You have the option to do these summer home fixes on your own or by a professional service provider. Be sure to have them done before summer ends.

1. Sunburn

Hours of exposure to the strong heat of the sun can result to sunburn especially if your skin is unprotected. Using sunscreen and minimizing exposure to the sun from 10 am to 4 am can reduce that risk. However, if you already have sunburn, you can alleviate the pain and lessen the inflammation by applying a vinegar solution. Prepare equal parts sugar and cool water and soak a clean cloth in the solution then apply it to the affected area for about 15 minutes for three times a day.

2. Mosquito bite

Mosquitoes and other insect bites (stings) are also common during summer. One way to reduce the itchiness and inflammation is to hold an ice cube on the affected area for several minutes. Another natural remedy is to apply aloe vera gel which has anti-inflammatory properties that can also help reduce the itchiness.

3. Skin chafing

Some people are also prone to skin chaffing, a condition when the skin suffers from micro tears as a result of skin rubbing or wearing certain synthetic fabrics. To avoid this, apply cornstarch powder on your arms and thighs and other parts of your body prone to chaffing before setting out.

4. Excessive sweating

The warm and humid temperature outside can cause excessive sweating for some people. You cannot really stop sweating, but choosing the right clothes can make a big difference. Choose lighter and breathable clothes every time you have to go outdoors. Also keep yourself hydrated by drinking water from time to time.

5. Heat rash

Heat rash occurs when your perspiration is trapped under the skin. It is characterized by having bumpy and itchy tiny blisters which more often appear on the skin fords or where your clothes cause friction. This condition will just go away on its own after several days. However, it also causes much discomfort because of the itchiness and the burning sensation especially during sleep.

Wearing lightweight, soft and loose-fitting clothes can help stop the irritation on the skin. To soothe the discomfort, you could also apply an ice pack on the affected area and let it stay for several minutes. You may do it for several times a day.

6. Athlete’s foot

This fungal infection can strike anytime of the year but this is more prevalent during summer. Its symptoms include having peeling and flaking skin on the foot that normally comes with crusting and oozing blisters. There are several over-the-counter anti-fungal creams that can treat this condition, including Lotrimin and Lamisil. Follow the directions on the package when applying the cream.

7. Hives

Hives normally occur as a reaction to various types of allergens such as insect bites, animal dander, pollen and even some types of food. They may also occur during extreme heat or cold, or when a person sweats excessively. Hives appear as red-raised welts anywhere on the body. Mild cases of hives can go away on their own after a few hours. If itching occurs, you can alleviate the itchiness by applying an antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Benadryl. Also avoid wearing tight clothing as it can worsen the symptoms.

8. Ingrown hairs

Ingrown hair occurs when dead skin clogs the follicles and block the hairs’ exit, causing the hairs to curl under the skin surface. This in turn will result to itchy and red line bumps or ingrown hair. To solve this problem, you can exfoliate your skin with a gentle scrub during shower for several times a day. This can unclog the follicles, allowing the hair to grow normally.

9. Shiny skin

When the temperature is warm and humid, your oil glands might start to produce more oil, resulting to a shiny skin especially on the face. To solve this problem, use skin care products with oil-absorbing capabilities such as those that contain clay, mild AHA or phytic acid.

10. Yeast infection

A warm temperature and moist condition are significant factors that contribute to yeast infection which normally occurs in private parts of the body and even in the armpit. Symptoms include swelling, redness, irritation and itchiness. If you have yeast infection, see your doctor for advice on its appropriate treatment.

Now that you know the quick remedies for some of the most common summer skin problems, you would be able to better prepare yourself before going outdoors.

1. Get down to their level, literally.

Getting down on your hands and knees allows you to see things from your pet’s perspective. You may be able to see dangling wires under furniture, game pieces under the sofa, exposed electrical cords and other things that may pose a danger to your pet. Give special attention on small openings and spaces where your pet might possibly squeeze in and strangle or suffocate itself. Block those areas with a strong board.

2. Add child-proof locks to cabinets.

Some agile cats and dogs may be able to lock themselves inside your cabinets, causing suffocation and eventually death. To avoid this, installing child-proof locks can prevent your pet from getting inside. Additionally, check carefully your cabinets and any enclosure before closing them. Your cat or dog may have sneaked in when you were not looking and could be locked inside without you knowing it.

3. Keep things out of your pet’s reach.

Dogs have a tendency to chew on things from shoes, toys, furniture and other things that are within their reach. You can avoid this menace by making sure that all things are secured inside a drawer or cabinet. Moreover, if your dog has a favorite spot in your furniture to chew on, spray or wipe it with lemon juice, since most dogs don’t like its taste. You could also give your pet a chewable toy to keep itself busy.

4. Use safety gates for stubborn pets.

Many younger dogs easily get bored indoors and are therefore more prone to getting into trouble. This is especially true for untrained puppies that are always looking for something to do or chew on. To keep them in a place where you can easily keep an eye on, a child-safety gate may be helpful for you.

5. Don’t leave foods on top of tables or countertops unattended.

Leaving foods anywhere in the kitchen uncovered and unattended may attract the attention of your dog or cat, causing it to reach them. You can prevent this from happening by putting foods in secured containers and somewhere your pet will not be able to reach them.

6. Use clear tape strips on upholstery where your pet normally sits.

While some owners allow their pet to sit or sleep on couches, sofa and other upholstery, some consider it as a no-no. To discourage them from going to these places, you could make use of clear tape strips for places where your pet may want to hang out but are not supposed to.

If you consider it okay for your pet to hang out on these places, you can protect your priced sofa or couch from their nail scratches by using a thick throw blanket. It would also be good to invest in a slipcover or cushion that you can easily remove and wash when needed.

7. Keep toxic products inside locked cabinets.

Toxic chemical can be fatal to animals, causing them to suffer from serious conditions and eventually death. Prevent pet exposure to these chemicals by keeping your cleaning agents, pesticide, herbicide and other products containing toxic chemicals inside locked cabinets or drawers.

8. Always close your bathroom doors after use.

Toilet and water-filled bathtubs look attractive by cats and dogs as they see these facilities as a thirst-quenching bowl. But they are dangerous places to drink water from because pets can drown or feel ill if the water is contaminated with cleaning or bathing products. Be sure to keep your bathroom doors closed to prevent your pets from going in.

9. Create a designated area for eating, drinking and littering.

Don’t allow your pet to eat, drink water, and litter anywhere. There should be designated places for these activities to avoid clutter. As a pet owner, it is important to provide a food and water bowl as well as a litter box that your pet can use.

10. Train your pet.

Pets can be trained to be sociable and well-behaved. Start training your pet at an early age. Aside from tricks, it is important to teach your pet some basic things such as eating and littering only in designated areas, not to chew on furniture and other things, and to behave properly especially when around other people. Training is very important to bring out the best behavior and temperament of your pet.

if you are planning to own a pet, these pet proofing tips can help you get started.

1. Red Beans

Beans are famous for their many health benefits. In particular, red beans are high in antioxidants as they contain eight flavonoids which act as antioxidants that help protect a person from heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Boost your health by including red beans in your diet at least twice a week. They are best served as a side dish or combined with other vegetables such as tomatoes which are also high in nutritional value.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are among the fruits that are rich in health-boosting benefits. They contain more antioxidants than 40 other common vegetables and fruits. In fact, half a cup of blueberries provides between 9,000 and 13,000 antioxidants, which is ten times what the USDA recommends. In addition, the fruit’s bluish color is due to the presence of a pigment called anthocyanins which proves to be beneficial in preventing heart disease. Researchers also saw the potential benefits of blueberries in lowering the sugar level of the blood and in improving one’s night vision.

3. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans which include black, red, white and navy kidney beans are high in antioxidants as well as dietary fiber, protein, folic acid, iron and potassium among others. They are also low in fat and contain no cholesterol, trans fats and saturated fats. Because of their nutritional contents, kidney beans are found to be helpful in preventing certain types of cancers and in managing diabetes. Kidney beans are also helpful in the prevention of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

4. Cranberries

For many years now, scientists have proved that cranberries can help avert infection in the urinary tract by preventing harmful bacteria from attaching to the walls. These berries are also rich in ellagic acid, a type of antioxidant that helps the body fight cancerous cells. In addition, researchers have found out that cranberries are rich in antioxidants as well as phytonutrients which are essential in preventing memory loss, heart disease and other conditions.

5. Artichokes

Artichokes are also great health-boosting foods as they are high in dietary fiber, vitamin C and folate, but are low in sodium and calories.

6. Nuts

Considered to be one of the most balanced foods, nuts offer a great dose of healthy fats as well as protein. There is a wide range of nuts available and each offers a distinct type of phytochemicals such as plant sterols and resveratrol, minerals, and fat. For instance, among nuts, walnuts have the highest omega-3 content.

7. Broccoli

This cruciferous vegetable is considered to be one of the most nutritious vegetables, as broccoli is richer in vitamin C more than oranges and has more calcium than milk. It is also rich in phytonutrients, particularly sulforaphane which has been found by researchers to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancers.

8. Prunes

Recognized for their high dietary content, prunes also have another plus factor: their antioxidant properties which are recognized to help in slowing down the progress of age-related physical and mental health conditions such as memory loss.

9. Brussels Sprouts

The compound isothiocyanates and the bitter sulforaphane present in Brussel sprouts are notorious for detoxifying the body of cancer-causing substances. From a Dutch study, a respondent who eats this vegetable daily within three weeks will show a 28-percent reduced risk of genetic damage which is the main cause of cancer.

10. Cherries

Cherries are packed with antioxidants called melatonin which protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Researchers have also discovered that this sweet fruit also stimulates the growth of skin cells. Aside from that, cherries are also a good source of vitamin C which helps maintain healthy skin.

There are many other vegetable and fruits aside from those listed above that may also contain antioxidants. Including these foods in your daily diet can help keep maintain your body’s physical and mental health.

1. Initial Planning

During the planning stage, it would be helpful if you already have a general idea on the type of kitchen you like. This includes some details such as the layout, flooring and countertops used, cabinetry and fixtures needed, and anything else that you might consider to be relevant. If you will be hiring a general contractor, schedule a consultation and initial inspection before coming up with a more detailed and itemized plan.

2. Detailed Plan

Contact a general contractor to help you with the detailed plan based on the general works involved in kitchen remodeling:

• Clearing up work area by removing or dismantling all appliances, crockery, utensils, cabinetry, light fittings, benchtops, taps, sinks, finishes, and anything that is removable.
• Securing plastic sheeting on doorways to serve as walkways and to block dust from entering other areas in your home.
• Contacting an expert for structural alterations
• Configuring the plumbing system
• Configuring the electrical system
• Installation of cabinetry, benchtops and other fixtures
• Fitting appliances
• Adding floor coverings if there are any
• Sealing and painting job
• Finishing touches and cleaning

3. Materials Needed

Once your general contractor has identified the measurements and quantities needed for key materials such as splashbacks, benchtops, hardwood and natural stones, it is best to order them in advance to ensure that you have the right materials when you need them.

4. Structural Alterations

If structural alterations are needed in your kitchen such as opening a wall for a window or bigger space, it is best to talk with your contractor in advance to ensure that such alterations are legal and feasible, and to avoid costly mistakes. This kind of work can be messy and noisy, so it would also be good to notify your neighbors in advance. You could also put a plastic screen on the work area to avoid dust from scattering all over the place.

5. First Part of Plumbing Works

Early in the planning phase, you should begin talking with a plumber to discuss your plumbing options before finalizing your plans. Later on in the work phase, you can then schedule the plumber to reposition or install the drains, pipes, water heating and other plumbing fixtures.

6. Electrical Works

Contacting an electrician during the planning phase is also important to ensure that any new connections needed are feasible, given your existing configurations. Wiring should be installed before cabinetry, flooring and tiling jobs.

7. Flooring

Choosing the right flooring is one of the important decisions you have to make when remodeling a kitchen. The kitchen is one of the most heavily trafficked areas in your home and its flooring should be able to handle the load. Floorings that are hardwearing such as natural stones, rendered concrete, tiles, treated hardwood, or a new generation linoleum are among the most suitable for your kitchen. Depending on your desired flooring, it may require substantial preparation, excavation or repeated sealing. Talk with your general contractor to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of your desired material as well as the preparations needed.

8. Carpentry and Cabinetry Works

Carpentry and cabinetry works are an important component in every kitchen. Custom-built cabinetry should be ordered in advance to avoid delays once the actual work begins. Any carpentry work should be scheduled after electrical, plumbing and flooring works have been completed. Carpentry work is needed to install shelves and cabinetry, wood benchtops, benches and other woodworks.

9. Second Part of Plumbing Works

Once carpentry work is complete, it is time for the second visit of the plumber to install the sinks, garbage disposals, tapware, appliances and fittings. During the second visit, your plumber should also test if all the plumbing initially installed works.

10. Finishing Touches

When everything is in place, finishing touches including sealing and painting jobs can already be started. This is normally the easiest part of kitchen remodeling and something you could do yourself. Before starting this job, be sure to prepare the surface by cleaning and drying it before applying varnish or paint.

Understanding the different phases of kitchen remodeling can help you plan everything in advance and can help you get involved in the actual work processes. With proper planning and personal involvement, you can have greater assurance that the outcome of your kitchen remodeling project will be according to your specification and liking.

1. Deep Clean Before You Begin

Whatever the current condition of your kitchen is, you need to deep clean it before you begin making any changes. Clean everything from walls, cabinets, hidden corners and all surfaces. Scrub everything clean inside and out. Dismantle all lighting fixtures and fans as well to clean them. You might be surprised to see how different your kitchen looks after deep cleaning.

2. Experiment With Paint

Repainting your kitchen is one of the cheapest ways to create a new look. By experimenting with different colors, you can make your kitchen look bigger and brighter and even create a different mood. Don’t just use white, but try every shade of color imaginable including the popular green, blue, red, yellow and neutrals. If you are not sure on what colors to use, you could start with your favorite hues.

3. Make It Look Bright With Lights

Don’t underestimate the effects of different types of lighting for your kitchen. Lighting will not only make your kitchen look brighter, but it will also help you work more efficiently. Task and ambient lightings are basic in most kitchens. You can install task lighting under the cabinets or in your work stations for brighter and shadow-free illumination. For overall illumination in the kitchen, install ambient lightings such as wall sconces, flush-mounted fixtures in the ceiling and track lighting. It is also best to include dimmer switches so that you can control the intensity of the lights.

4. Makeover Countertops

Buying a new countertop can be expensive. Why buy a new one when you can still make do with what you have? One simple way for a countertop makeover is to lay a stone or ceramic tile on top of your old countertop. This should cost you less than buying a new one. You could also cover your old countertop with spray-on coating that would resemble a natural stone such as granite.

5. Add Storage

For small or large kitchens, additional storage can make a lot of difference. When it comes to storage spaces, accessibility and ease of use are an important consideration. Use every idle space in your kitchen for storage by adding shelves or cabinetry. You could also install overhead cabinets that go up to the ceiling to store appliances and tools that are not used frequently. Moreover, you could also incorporate racks, hooks, containers and dividers in strategic areas in your kitchen for more storage space.

6. Get Rid of Your Old Faucet

If you have been using the same faucet for years, you might be amazed at the difference a new faucet would make. A wide range of designs and features is available including those that incorporate water-saving features, sprayers and other functions.

7. Dress Up Cabinets with New Knobs and Pulls

You can add a fresh look to your cabinets by embellishing them with new knobs and pulls. Try to shop for designs that reflect your personality and style.

8. Repaint Cabinets

If what you have in your kitchen are standard white cabinets or cabinets with a dated finish, consider adding color. Repaint your cabinets with versatile colors such as shades of green, blue, brown or other colors to add to your personal touch and make your cabinets look new.

9. Redesign Cabinet Doors

Sometimes, there is really no need to repaint or change the entire cabinet just to achieve a different look. Consider giving your cabinet doors a facelift. The ideas are endless. You could add wallpapers to certain portions of the doors, use a specialty finish such as magnetic paint and chalkboard, or add a metal or wire mesh. You could also experiment with removing a few doors to create an open storage to show off your priced dishes.

10. Accessorize and Decorate

Even simple kitchen accessories and decors can improve the appearance of your kitchen. Valance and wall paintings are popular kitchen decors that you could use. You could also use pretty packaging for some pantry items and display them in your countertop. However, it is important not to overdo with decorating and accessorizing because your kitchen might end up with a cluttered look.

Giving your kitchen a fresh new look does not have to be expensive. Even when every penny counts, there are simple ways on how you can make your kitchen your dream kitchen.

Below is a list of dos and don’ts with using vinegar as a cleaning agent. You may want to check it out first before starting your home cleaning.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t use vinegar in natural stones such as marble and granite countertops. According to Carolyn Forte, director at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute’s Home Appliances and Cleaning Products lab, vinegar is acidic and it causes etching in natural stones. Instead of using vinegar, warm water and mild liquid dish detergent work best for these types of surfaces.

2. Don’t use vinegar in stone floor tiles. This type of tiles which are commonly used in bathrooms may not be able to take the acid in vinegar. Stick to water, stone soap and dish detergent instead to avoid damaging the tiles.

3. Don’t use vinegar to clean egg spills or stains. So if you have accidentally dropped an egg on your counter top or on the floor, don’t clean the mess with vinegar. The acidity of vinegar will cause the egg to coagulate, making it more difficult to clean.

4. Don’t use vinegar to clean hardwood floors. There is a mixed opinion as to the use of vinegar solutions for cleaning hardwood floors. While there are people who can attest to the usefulness of vinegar in cleaning their sealed hardwood floors, there have been also reports of damage caused on other hardwood floors. If you have not used vinegar before to clean your hardwood floor, you could test its effect in an inconspicuous area by trying diluted vinegar before using it to clean the entire area.

5. Don’t use vinegar for cleaning upholstery without testing it first in a less conspicuous area.

6. Don’t mix vinegar with bleach since the combination creates a toxic chlorine vapor.

Dos:

1. Use white distilled vinegar for cleaning since it is considered to be most effective in killing germs, bacteria and molds because of its high acidity level. It will also not leave stains on your surface or clothing.

2. Prepare a solution composed of equal parts water and vinegar and put it in a spray bottle. You could use it as your handy all-purpose cleaner.

3. Use a vinegar solution composed of equal parts vinegar and water for cleaning windows and mirrors. This solution is effective in removing streaks and hard water stains.

4. Do substitute your commercial fabric softener with vinegar. Vinegar is not only an effective fabric softener but is also an effective deodorizer for your clothes. You could add it during the rinse cycle.

5. Clean your bathroom with vinegar. It can remove molds, water stains and unwanted odors. You could use undiluted white vinegar to make your toilet bowl shinier.

6. Get rid of stinking garbage disposal by running vinegar through it.

7. Use undiluted white vinegar to get rid of grime on top of your refrigerator and other kitchen appliances.

8. Use one part vinegar and two parts water to clean your microwave. Bring this mixture to a boil inside the microwave and you would be able to easily remove undesirable odors and stuck on food.

9. Remove decals and stickers with vinegar. This might be new to you, but yes, vinegar can be effective for this type of job. Simply spray on undiluted white vinegar on the sticker. Let it sit for a few minutes and then peel it off.

10. Clean shower heads and faucet buildups with vinegar. Simple soak a cloth in undiluted white vinegar and then wrap it around the faucet or shower head overnight.

11. Use undiluted white vinegar to polish your utensils and cutleries.

There are literally hundreds of uses of vinegar at home aside from being a cleaning agent. But don’t use it on some surfaces where it might cause damage. Our list of dos and don’ts could be useful for your home cleaning guide.