Businesses that wish to experience continual growth rely on the foundational members of their teams to carry out their tasks and meet expectations. The best way to achieve this end goal is to create a team that is both fluid and efficient with its tasks. When your workers are too independent, members of your team become more likely to stumble over each other. These are some strategies to improve communication in the workplace.

End of the Week Meet-Ups

A team with members who are comfortable with each other and know one another on a more personal level is more likely to operate with success. While it is important to focus on business goals and quotas, it’s also important to remember that your workers are still human at the end of the day. By setting up regular end-of-the-week meetings for a casual break from the rest of the day, you’ll help your employees gradually become more comfortable.

Efficient Communication Channels

It is not enough to have a team that is comfortable with each other; members should also be capable of efficiently transferring information to one another. While emails and office programs are great, more active jobsites are not able to rely on those methods. This is especially true for dangerous situations. It’s wise to train your employees to use a two-way radio in an emergency on the off chance that something goes wrong.

One-on-One Chats

Sometimes, people do not work well in group settings. This is not the end of the world for that employee. Team leads who routinely communicate with members individually are better able to act as professional social anchors for those members. So long as the worker is comfortable enough with one person, they can contribute in their way while being kept up to date on the progress of their peers.

Managing a workplace is tough, but luckily, you’re not doing it alone. Having naturally sociable members and understanding leaders creates a comfortable work environment where people can flourish. These strategies to improve communication in the workplace are a great place to start for newer businesses working to create a steady foundation for interpersonal communication.

Want the look of a nice bathroom without the high price tag? Bathroom remodels can cost anywhere from 6,000–15,000 dollars. While you can cut these prices down quite a bit by doing most of the work yourself, some materials and renovations cost a lot of money. Here are some budget-friendly ideas for your next bathroom remodel.

Look Into Alternative Flooring Options

Tile is expensive and labor intensive, so consider other options. If you love the look of hardwood, consider engineered wood; it looks like hardwood, but it’s much less expensive. It’s also better suited for the bathroom than hardwood—engineered wood is water-resistant, while hardwood isn’t. Plus, you can install it with gorilla glue or a nail gun.

Do you have your heart set on tile? Consider peel and stick tile. You’ll get the look of tile without the price, and it’s also much less labor intensive and easier to remove.

Laminate flooring is the least labor-intensive option of these three. That’s because it snaps into place over your existing floor. You’ll also size it to your room, so measure your bathroom’s dimensions before purchasing it.

Replace the Vanity, Keep the Counter

While it’s more expensive than repainting, replacing your vanity base is another budget-friendly idea for your next bathroom remodel. If you love the look of your countertop or replacing it is over budget, this is the DIY project for you.

Buy a topless bathroom vanity and confirm that it’s the right size for your current countertop. If your countertop isn’t cutting it, choose a vinyl film or laminate countertop to lay over the existing surface.

Recalibrate Your Space

One of the best ways to get an airier bathroom is to clean up excess clutter. And better yet, this step is free! Once you’ve pared down your lotion collection, put an organization system in place to help keep it clutter-free. Add baskets to cabinets or the back of the toilet, install shelving and drawer dividers, and place hardware on the back of your door for easy hanging.

Swapping out small details can also make a big impact. Replace your towels or shower curtain to change the feel of the space. Paint or reframe your mirror to refresh it without replacing it entirely. You can thrift many small items like these, or you may find them at garage sales; baskets, bins, décor, and glassware are all great items to buy at thrift stores.

No matter your style, the art you choose to hang on your wall should reflect your lifestyle, interests, and décor. A frame for your piece is just as important. The time you spend searching for the perfect artwork is as important as the time you spend searching for the frame. With these considerations, you’ll know how to choose the perfect frame for your artwork to show off your pieces.

Where Will You Place Your Artwork?

When choosing a frame, you’ll want to know how the artwork will look once you place it on the wall. It also helps to know where your piece will hang before frame shopping. Selecting the best frame is easier when you know how your artwork works with other items already on the wall. When placing fine art on your wall, you’ll want a more specific approach to hanging your piece and choosing a frame. Fine art pieces require special care to ensure proper hanging.

What Size Is the Piece You Will Frame?

Many frames come in standard sizes. Measure your piece to determine if it aligns with the opening of the frame. If your piece isn’t a standard size, you might consider a frame you can build yourself or a specialty frame. A frame mat could be a good option if you want a larger frame to fit a particular space.

What Colors Do You Notice?

A frame that complements and highlights the overall color palette of the piece makes a good choice. When an artwork’s colors and matting blend well with the frame, the piece becomes one cohesive work of art. Take note of the wall color of the room that will display the art. When deciding how to choose the perfect frame for your artwork and its colors, choosing a frame that neither clashes nor matches the wall color helps the piece look natural.

What Style Do You Like?

Whether the artwork is classic and clean or ornate and opulent, the style of the piece and frame should match. Consider the style of the room where the artwork will hang. You might want your frame to mirror a simpler style for a more casual space. Decide how your frame will work with the ones already displayed. Frames come in a myriad of types, so hunting for the right frame style can be an exciting adventure.

The frame you choose makes a difference since it showcases your artwork. Like a lovely vase enhances a flower bouquet, the frame you select enhances the beauty of your piece.

Decorating your fireplace is a fantastic way to enhance your interior space and get your home ready for the autumn season. There are several tips and tricks for achieving the fall-inspired fireplace of your dreams. Here are a few fun ways to decorate your fireplace for fall.

Spice Up Your Mantel

The first way to decorate your fireplace for fall is to spice up your mantel. If you don’t already have a mantel but would like one, you can find a guide to installing a fireplace mantel to help you get started. The mantel is a major feature of a fireplace that allows you to showcase your personal belongings. So spice it up a bit with some fun fall decorations. You can take a fall family portrait, frame it, and display it on the mantel, along with some other fun items. For example, include fall-inspired figurines, cornucopias, pinecones, little scarecrows, fall leaves, and more.

Include Fall Candles

Including fall candles is another creative way to decorate your fireplace for the upcoming season. Fall scents are popular, and including them as you decorate your fireplace is a wonderful way to fully achieve that autumn ambience we all know and love. You can add fall candles to your mantel décor, or you can even add a beautiful display of candles inside your fireplace. However, you’ll want to be sure to remove the candles if you decide to turn your fireplace on. Candlelight adds a cozy, warm charm to any interior space and helps to ring in the fall season.

Add Holiday Décor

The third fireplace decorating tip for this fall is adding seasonal holiday décor. The major holidays that occur during the autumn months are Halloween and Thanksgiving, so you can use these occasions as inspiration for your décor. If you have a family with children, the kids will adore some fun and spooky Halloween decorations around the fireplace, like ghosts, bats, witches, brooms, mummies, and the like. Pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns are also a lovely touch for the season. You can carve some pumpkins with the kids, or you can opt for artificial ones if you want to avoid the mess of pumpkin seeds getting everywhere.

Now that you know some fun fireplace decorating ideas for the fall, you can use these tips and tricks to turn your home into an autumn-inspired haven. Get creative with your choices and have some fun with the process, then you’ll be ready for all the exciting fall festivities.

Being a homeowner has its own set of challenges. Some of them you can see and feel, such as basic repairs or upkeep. However, not every issue is identifiable, especially to the untrained eye. Check out these most common hidden dangers in a home to stay safe.

Lead

If you live in an older home, it may very well have lead paint on its walls. Before the 1970s and 1980s, it was typical to use lead paint in homes. However, it was soon found to be extremely toxic to humans and was subsequently banned. Anyone living in older homes can purchase a lead paint sample test to detect its presence. Call a professional to remove any lead paint if you find any.

Mold

Mold is another often hidden peril. Lurking in bathrooms, basements, and other moist areas, mold is hazardous to your health. It causes respiratory issues and allergy symptoms and weakens the home’s foundation. Fortunately, there are many ways to detect mold growth in your home. Most often, you can smell it. However, you’ll want to check under rugs, bathroom corners, closets, and other areas with high moisture content.

Asbestos

Asbestos is another one of the most common dangers in a home. Asbestos, like lead, is often found in older homes built before the 1980s. Originally used as a flame-retardant insulation material, the EPA banned its use in 1989. Still, asbestos has been found to cause a variety of respiratory ailments. Exposure can lead to asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer. It has also been shown to lead to cancer in the stomach, ovaries, and larynx.

Pests

Finally, look out for pests. Mice and cockroaches are nocturnal creatures. As you sleep, they wreak havoc on your home. Not only are pests annoying to deal with, but they also carry their own set of health-related concerns. Mice, for instance, carry various diseases. Meanwhile, t Do yourself a favor and call pest control if you feel you’re under invasion from unwanted critters.

Congratulations! Your business is so successful that you’re reoptimizing your workplace! However, remodeling your office is no easy task. Many people struggle to plan an efficient commercial improvement project.

Preparing a successful office renovation takes innovation and organization. With these tips, you’ll be back to smashing goals in your reimagined workspace in no time!

Declutter Your Space

For an efficient remodel, there’s no time to waste! Getting rid of unnecessary items is your very first step. Take time to declutter your space so that obsolete items don’t slow you down.

Remove any damaged equipment and furniture. Go through documents and shred anything old or irrelevant. Anything that will get in your way needs to go; once your renovation is complete, you’ll have a fresh environment to work in.

Identify Productivity Obstructions

Office remodels are supposed to work for you. Identify productivity obstructions and address them during your renovation. Most common problems have simple solutions, like:

Recognize Helpful Existing Features

While you’re looking for issues that disrupt productivity, find areas that work well. Recognize helpful existing features and keep them in your new office design. Knowing these strengths will help you prioritize areas of improvement.

Does your building already have an attractive curb appeal? Are most areas naturally sound-proof? Do your accessibility features function well and adhere to local guidelines? As the saying goes, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!”

Hire Reputable Contractors

Preparing a successful office renovation means assembling the right team. Hire reputable contractors to handle construction, electrical work, plumbing, and waste disposal. These experts have the knowledge and resources necessary to complete your remodeling project efficiently.

Attempting an office remodel on your own is a bad idea. From falling for common misconceptions about hazardous waste to causing serious structural damage, failing to consult with professionals will have dangerous consequences. Talk to references, read reviews, and ask questions before finalizing your team of experts.

Make arrangements so you don’t have to stop working while renovating your space. Your office remodeling project won’t be a massive distraction with the right prep work. Get ready to reach new heights in a building that encourages productivity!

Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 | Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff

Whether your home is new or old, gases can leak into your living space and make it difficult to live comfortably. Dangerous gases inside your house can wreak havoc on your family's health, and it's not always easy to detect their presence. While you may be able to smell some gas leaks, others are nearly impossible to discover. Here's what to know if your house has a gas leak and what you should do about it.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is the most common gas that can leak in homes because appliances like stoves, dryers, water heaters, and furnaces run on it. Natural gas doesn't have an odor, but gas companies add a smell to ensure easy detection. Keep a look out for these signs of a natural gas leak.

Sulfur Smell

Although natural gas doesn't have an odor, the frequently added smell resembles sulfur or rotten eggs. If you smell rotten eggs inside your home, there's a chance you have a natural gas leak from an appliance.

Dying Houseplants

Just as natural gas can be detrimental to your health, it can also ruin your house plants. If you notice browning or dying plants, you may have a gas leak.

Hissing Sounds

If you notice a hissing sound coming from a gas-powered appliance, it's a telltale sign of a gas leak. Hissing sounds indicate a larger leak, which can be extremely unsafe.

Aside from these signs of a leak, you may also experience physical symptoms. Natural gas exposure is a strong possibility if you have a combination of the following symptoms:

Even though natural gas leaks are the most common, they aren't any less dangerous. If you notice these signs and symptoms, evacuate your home immediately and call 911.

Radon Gas

Radon gas is different from other harmful gases in your home because it occurs naturally, meaning it doesn't come from an appliance. Instead, radon comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rocks. Unfortunately, radon gas is undetectable by human senses; therefore, testing is the only way to know if your home has high levels.

The effects of this gas are harmful to your health; the fact that it's a leading cause of lung cancer is just one of the unique things to know about radon gas. Because it's odorless, tasteless, transparent, and causes no immediate symptoms, you should test your home for radon at least every two years and proceed accordingly.

Carbon Monoxide Gas

Carbon monoxide gas is another common type of leak within homes, and it's also impossible to detect with your senses. Fortunately, many smoke detectors are also equipped to detect carbon monoxide. However, you may experience these symptoms as a result of excessive exposure:

After learning what to know if your house has a gas leak, you'll be better prepared to handle the situation. If you think your home has any of these leaks, evacuate first and ask questions later.

Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 | Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff

Bedding doesn’t have to be complicated, but if you want a complete bedding set, it helps to know what you should get. The different parts can make all the difference. So what are the important bedding elements you should know? Read on to find out.

The Fitted Sheet

The fitted sheet is the first part of the bedding we’ll discuss. It’s the closest part to the mattress and provides a “buffer” between you and the bare mattress below it. It has elastic around the edges to secure it around the corners of your mattress. It fits snuggly on the top, and if you have a mattress protector, it goes on top of that. Ensure that you’ve secured it properly around the edges before you move on to working with your flat sheet.

The Flat Sheet

Flat sheets are laid between your main duvet and the fitted sheet. It’s meant to keep you warm, especially on winter nights when you might need a bit of extra insulation. Additionally, it can be useful to take it off entirely. The ability to “layer” has many advantages. Additionally—like the fitted sheet—they come in different textures and materials. This is an excellent way to customize your bed based on what you want. For instance, cotton sheets are a good choice for summer since they’re more breathable and have moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry in the heat.

The Pillowcases

Pillowcases help protect the pillows from wear and tear. You can choose any texture you like. However, we recommend you choose something breathable so your head isn’t too warm throughout the night. Pillowcases are an excellent way to complement the colors of your bed because they come in several different patterns. This is an underrated element of bedding that you shouldn’t forget.

The Bedspread

The bedspread is the part of the bed that goes on top of the fitted and flat sheets. It’s typically heavier, but it can also be light. It’s meant to insulate you against the elements, whether a sweltering summer day or a cold winter evening. It would be wise to get multiple comforters and duvets for your needs, which will change through the seasons.

In short, there are many different elements of bedding. By breaking down the parts, you are better equipped to choose what’s right for you. We hope we have helped you make the right decision for your needs. The right bedding is right around the corner!

Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 | Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff