Author: TaiteFloor

That slow-draining shower or gurgling kitchen sink might seem like a minor annoyance, but what you’re hearing is the sound of a looming problem. A blockage in your drain isn’t just an inconvenience; it can lead to hidden costs that are a pain to fix and a drain on your wallet. We want to empower you with a savvy approach to home maintenance. Understanding the true cost of a clogged drain is the first step towards a better solution: prevention. Instead of waiting for a problem to happen, let’s talk about a proactive approach to drain maintenance that can save…

There’s nothing quite like the charm and character of an old house. The high ceilings, the original features, the story in every brick—it’s a truly special experience. But with that period charm often comes the hidden reality of ageing infrastructure, and nowhere is this more true than with a home’s plumbing. Tackling the plumbing in a period property requires a special kind of patience. It’s not about being a killjoy; it’s about being savvy and realistic. By understanding the common old house plumbing problems from the start, you can plan your renovation with confidence and ensure your beautiful old home…

Being a landlord is a rewarding venture, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. A safe, well-maintained property is key to a positive relationship with your tenants and the long-term health of your investment. When it comes to plumbing and heating, understanding your obligations is not just savvy—it’s legally essential. This guide will give you a breakdown of your landlord plumbing responsibilities to help you stay compliant and build a great reputation. The legal side: Your core responsibilities Under the Housing Act 2004 and other related legislation, landlords have a clear duty to ensure the property is in a…

Our kids are very much into the traditional Jack-O-Lantern-style pumpkin carving, often trying to make a scarier, grosser, or goofier face than last Halloween. But we still remember a time when toddler-friendly (even baby-friendly!) pumpkin “carving” was the name of the game over here. So we wanted to highlight six simple, fun, but unconventional pumpkin decorating ideas for kids that we’ve used in the past. Including a “romantic” one we made pre-kids (yes, I’ll pause while you ponder what exactly can be romantic about a pumpkin…). We’ve included a brief description of each below, but you can also follow the…

Anyone who knows me is typically shocked when they learn that I now have – and sleep next to! – an actual real-life cat. Even I can’t believe it. Because I definitely have had a lifelong cat allergy that is not mild. I’d actually describe it as “pretty severe” (once, while pregnant, it almost sent me to the emergency room). But if you follow me on Instagram, you know that we now have an indoor cat. And due to trying a whole slew of natural remedies and thanks to some cutting edge science, I no longer have any allergy symptoms…

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to close a door that just won’t shut properly. Or, even worse, when your key won’t turn because the door bolt is not aligning with the strike plate. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a security risk. The good news is that a door lock not working is often a simple problem caused by a door lock misaligned with the door frame. This can happen due to seasonal changes in humidity, a house settling, or simply loose hinges. The problem: Door lock misaligned When a door shifts in its frame, even by a millimetre or…

Heather Barta of Simplified Family Home is known for her intentional, simplified approach to living. With three boys and a busy household, she has transformed her home into a calm, organized space. For her recent build, she selected Villa Caprisi Carrara, 9.5” wide European oak, and her stunning home demonstrates just how wide plank flooring can elevate both style and everyday living. Why Wide Plank Taite Floor Works Wide plank hardwood has become a defining trend in modern interiors. The longer boards create a seamless, open look that visually enlarges rooms while showcasing natural wood grain. With fewer seams between…

We love having friends over to our backyard fire pit, which means we eat A LOT of s’mores. It also means we have A LOT of opportunities to try unique twists on the traditional recipe. There’s nothing wrong with a tried-and-true s’more, but test-testing new ingredients and combos keeps things fun – and we’ve definitely hit on some combos that we think are even more delicious than the original! So here are 5 of our favorite “upgraded” s’more ideas for your next backyard fire pit gathering (or beach bonfire!). All of these are simple to execute and still involve the…

We got lots of questions about the “miracle” cloning paste we showed on Instagram recently. What is it? What does it do? And why the heck is it called “keiki“? Short answer: keiki paste is an easy-to-apply growth hormone for your houseplants that can help fill out bare spots on pothos, orchids, and more. It’s a smart solution for any plant parent, but we’ll tell you what it can and can’t do, so your expectations match the result that you’re likely to get. This is not a sponsored post, by the way. We first learned of keiki paste from a…

A house typically needs to be rewired every 25-30 years. You should consider a rewire if you notice signs of old wiring, such as flickering lights, frequently blown fuses, or scorched outlets. Signs you need to rewire your house Flickering or Dimming Lights: This can indicate an overloaded or faulty circuit. Frequently Blown Fuses: An outdated fuse box that trips often is a clear sign of an inadequate electrical system. Discoloured or Scorched Outlets: This is a serious fire hazard and a key sign of an issue with your home’s wiring. Old Wiring: If your home’s wiring is more than…