Home Improvement
5 Essentials Of A Functional Home
A functional home features well-maximized living spaces, allowing each family member to move around freely and carry out typical household chores without hitches. And it all starts with design. When constructing a house, you must analyze your current lifestyle and possible future changes so you can decide on the ideal room sizes and fixtures to install.
You can design your house from scratch or browse some beautiful custom home designs to borrow ideas. Besides the design, utilities like electricity, water, and sewage systems help in the daily operations of your home. So, it’s crucial to consider these too. You’d want to ensure their capacity optimally meets your family’s needs.
Having said that, here are the five essentials of a functional home:
- Adequate Lighting
Proper and adequate lighting is one of the essential factors for a functional home. Daily household chores such as cooking, washing, and cleaning require lighting. It’d be best to install large enough windows and skylights to let in enough natural light for daytime use. It significantly saves you money on energy bills and makes the interiors relaxing, given the amount of natural light coming in from the outdoor environment. An open layout design further enhances the penetration of natural light into the inner rooms, making them bright, airy, and open.
Further, adequate natural lighting can bring warmth to your home, especially with access to sunlight. That’s especially vital during winter when it gets chilly. A thermal-rated window can let in the sun’s warmth and trap it indoors for optimum thermal comfort.
Besides natural lighting, you’d want enough artificial fixtures for the nights. Multi-bulb chandeliers would be best for adequately illuminating your interiors. They’re also a vital decorative element, adding classiness to your spaces. Alternatively, you can install downlights in distinct patterns across the ceiling to light up every corner. They bring a modern feel to your home.
- Sufficient Storage
Your home needs enough storage space to be functional and organized. The amount of storage you’ll need depends on how many people live in your home and their belongings. For example, consider including bookshelves and extra storage boxes for toys if you have children. You can also install an external storage area for garden tools and equipment, such as lawnmowers.
Additionally, you can create extra storage by utilizing vertical spaces to fit in shelves or cabinets. It helps save space when your floor area isn’t extensive. You can use this space as a bookshelf or store extra materials like boxes. Vertical storage helps minimize clutter around the house, a crucial component of making the home more space-efficient.
- Energy Efficiency
Energy is a must-have essential for a functional home. But it’d help to find a way to create an energy-efficient home to decrease energy bills and encourage sustainability. You can do this by considering double-pane windows, insulation, and energy-saving appliances.
Ensuring that you have proper insulation is critical to the energy sufficiency of your home. It helps prevent heat loss during winter and heat gain in summer. Such heat control can help keep your home comfortable while reducing energy consumption.
You can also install a programmable thermostat to control the temperature in your home. This device allows you to set an ideal temperature for your home, depending on your needs. For example, when it’s hot, you can lower the temperature to a reasonable level to avoid making the interiors stuffy.
- Comfortable Furniture
Another essential inclusion for a home is a comfortable and functional furniture. Purchase solid, comfortable furniture that offers enough support. The needs of your family are also crucial in determining the best furniture.
For example, if some family members have back problems, you can consider ergonomic chairs for working desks. These are seats designed for comfort and efficiency, especially if you’re spending a lot of time seated.
You can also consider the arrangement of furniture when creating a functional space. The layout should maximize space and enhance interaction. For example, you can arrange the furniture in the living room to face the television with a coffee table in the middle as a centerpiece.
- Accessible Bathrooms
You need to ensure the bathrooms in your home are accessible to every occupant. This is essential, especially if you have older or disabled relatives living with you. The accessibility of the bathrooms can be promoted by placing ramps instead of stairs if they are on a different level. Wheelchairs can easily ride on ramps, unlike staircases. You can also have the bathrooms on the lower house level to eliminate the need to climb the stairs to access them.
Other features that can help make bathrooms more accessible include grab bars, non-slip surfaces, and low-threshold showers. These features can help prevent slips and falls when using the bathroom, making it safer.
Conclusion
It’d help if you considered your needs and those of family members when designing your home to be functional. Your design, layout, and materials should be customized to your household needs. Further, making your home functional requires considering comfort for every occupant.
Khalil ur Rehman is a proud born and raised in Abbottabad. Khalil has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and The Verge. As a journalist for The Hear Up, Khalil covers climate and science news. [email protected]
If you’re a homeowner in Australia, you’re likely looking for ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable all year round. One way to achieve all of these goals is by installing double glazing.
Double glazing refers to the use of two panes of glass with a gap between them, which helps to insulate your home better than single glazed windows. However, many homeowners are put off by the perceived cost of double glazing.
The good news is that there are many affordable double glazing options available for Australian homeowners. We’ll explore the different types of double glazing, their costs and the installation process, so you can make an informed decision about whether double glazing is right for your home.
What to Consider When Choosing Double Glazing
When selecting the right double glazing option for your home, consider the following factors:
1. Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on double glazing.
2. Window type: Consider the style and functionality of your existing windows.
3. Climate: Choose a double glazing option that suits the local climate and temperature variations.
4. Energy efficiency: Look for options that offer maximum energy savings.
Types of Double Glazing
There are two main types of double glazing available: uPVC and aluminium.
uPVC Double Glazing
uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) is a popular choice for double glazing due to its durability, low maintenance and thermal efficiency. uPVC windows and doors are available in a range of styles and colours to suit your home’s aesthetic.
Pros:
· Low maintenance
· Energy efficient
· Durable
Cons:
· Not suitable for extreme temperatures
· Can discolour over time
Aluminium Double Glazing:
Aluminium double glazing is another popular option for homeowners due to its strength, durability and slimline profile. Aluminium frames are available in a range of colours and finishes to suit your home.
Pros:
· Durable and strong
· Slimline profile
· Easy to maintain
Cons:
· Can conduct heat and cold
· Can be more expensive than uPVC
Affordable Double Glazing Options
1. Secondary Glazing
Secondary glazing is an affordable alternative to full double glazing. This involves installing an additional pane of glass or acrylic on the inside of your existing single-glazed windows. Secondary glazing offers improved insulation and noise reduction, while also being more cost-effective than full double glazing.
2. DIY Double Glazing Kits
DIY double glazing kits provide homeowners with a cost-effective solution to upgrading their windows. These kits typically include all necessary materials and instructions for installation. While DIY double glazing may not offer the same level of performance as professionally installed options, it can still provide significant energy savings and improved comfort.
3. Double Glazed Window Inserts
Double glazed window inserts are an affordable option for homeowners who want to upgrade their existing windows without replacing them entirely. These inserts consist of a double glazed unit that fits within the existing window frame, providing improved insulation and noise reduction. This option is particularly suitable for heritage homes or properties with unique window styles that cannot be easily replaced.
4. Low-E Glass
Low-E (low emissivity) glass is a type of double glazing that features a thin, transparent coating designed to reduce heat transfer. Low-E glass can be more affordable than other double glazing options, while still providing improved energy efficiency and noise reduction. This option is ideal for homeowners looking to balance cost and performance.
How to Choose the Right Double Glazing Installer
When not going down the DYI route, and selecting a double glazing installer, consider the following factors when picking an appropriate installer:
1. Experience: Look for a company with a proven track record and expertise in double glazing installation.
2. Quality of materials: Ensure the installer uses high-quality materials that meet Australian standards.
3. Warranties: Choose an installer that offers a comprehensive warranty on both materials and workmanship.
4. Customer reviews: Research customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality of the installer’s work.
Maximising the Benefits of Double Glazing
To fully enjoy the benefits of double glazing, consider the following tips:
1. Seal gaps and cracks: Ensure your home is well-sealed to prevent drafts and improve overall insulation.
2. Install window coverings: Use curtains or blinds to provide additional insulation and reduce heat transfer.
3. Regular maintenance: Clean and maintain your double glazed windows to ensure they remain in optimal condition.
Final Thoughts
By considering the various affordable double glazing options available, Australian homeowners can improve the energy efficiency, comfort, and security of their homes without breaking the bank. From secondary glazing to low-E glass, there are options to suit a range of budgets and needs. By selecting the right double glazing option and installer, homeowners can enjoy the numerous benefits of double glazed windows, including reduced energy bills, improved comfort, and increased property value.
Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.
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