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Avoid these 6 mistakes while installing a deck railing system

The deck serves as an extension of one’s home, usually featuring a stylish railing system. Railing guarantees safety and prevents potential accidents, and despite it being a significant investment, many homeowners often overlook the construction of a railing system. Ignoring this can result in damage to life and property. Therefore, to avoid this and to ensure a safe and aesthetically pleasing deck, steer clear of some common mistakes while installing a deck railing system.

Not following instructions- Many railing systems today are sold in kits. These come with instructions regarding installation, from specifications on how to measure and fasten railings to the right fasteners, brackets, and tools to use. Since every deck railing system is different, one must familiarize themselves with these instructions before starting the project. Overlooking these could result in a considerable risk to property and life.
Getting the wrong measurements- When working on a deck railing project, one must also spend some time to understand the measurements since they are not written the same way. Some items have nominal measurements, while others may be measured by actual size. Similarly, there are significant differences in how one measures the deck—from center post to center post or from balusters. Attention to these details can help build a sturdy deck railing system in a shorter time frame. Keep note of these-

When measuring, installers must also account for the sweep, the bottom rail, the balusters, the top rail, and the rail cap. According to most code requirements, these should add up to 36 inches for residential spaces and 42 inches for commercial areas. Ignoring this may result in a railing system that doesn’t meet safety standards.
All post caps do not fit the 4×4 size range. One must always measure the outside diameter of the post cap before choosing and/or installing it. Mismatched or ill-fitting components can compromise the aesthetics and stability of the railing system.
Note the structural capacity of the posts and post sleeves, and check whether they need to be mounted over 2x or 4x wood posts. Ignoring this may lead to structural weaknesses and safety issues over time.

Blocking access or egress- The deck railing system must be designed and built carefully so that it does not block or interrupt access to the property. Ignoring this can lead to serious problems during emergencies.
Ignoring the local construction code- While this may not sound like a big issue, one must check the local construction code before taking on any deck railing construction. Not only will this help ensure that safety standards are met, but it will also avoid the risk of legal and financial penalties in the future.
Using low-quality products- The deck’s safety is governed by its design, the quality of the materials used, and the construction method. Handrails and guardrails are mandatory safety features for any deck surface that is two feet or higher from the ground. One must refrain from using low-quality products, which may increase the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and renovations. Instead of nails, rely on approved fasteners or special hold-down anchors to build strong connections throughout the railing system.
Leaving debris- Once the construction work is complete, one must methodically clear away any debris, such as wood or metal shavings. Leaving this lying around may ruin the aesthetic appearance of the deck.

5 easy home improvement hacks to try today

Home improvement projects are exhausting but can be extremely fun if they are thought through and well-researched. If you want to do some renovation or add a new touch to your home, we recommend starting with something small and seeing how far your DIY skills and ambition take you. Of course, the skyâs the limit but letâs start with your door for now. Here are some easy home improvement hacks that you can try. Statement doors This is the first thing anyone notices about your home, so wouldnât it make sense to work your DIY magic here? Statement doors are a rage right now, and the beauty of it is that while itâs in style, you donât have to follow any particular style or design. Just go with what resonates with your home decor style. Color it bright, add an expensive door knob, make it look vintage - endless choices to make a statement in your home. Lighting This is very important. Make sure you invest time, money, and energy into adding warmth and ambiance to your home with just the right lighting. The lamps are great; hanging lights are super, too - ensure you can create a comforting and homely vibe. Wouldnât it be lovely if your guests felt right at home when they visited? Paint color and texture This doesnât have to be too much. Unless, of course, you are looking to follow any particular theme, a well-painted home does combine everything. If youâre not a fan of any textured walls, pick a pastel, calming color that you can add to your wall. Accessorize the wall with the right paintings, wall hangings, and shelves, and you have an elegant setup. Flooring Youâd be surprised at how much character this adds to your home. You can choose several options like wooden, marble, or tiles and decide what theme you would like to go for. Of course, you also must consider factors like budget, cleanliness, accessibility, and such. The marble looks great but costs a fortune! Wood adds a beautiful rustic feel, but it can be prone to termites, or if you live in a humid region, it may spoil the wood. So, pick wisely. Window treatments This is a great idea to add some pop of color to otherwise plain wall paint. You can try out just using bright, bold colors or even look at painting the windows with some design.Â

Avoid hiding jewelry in these 5 common places

Jewelry holds great value for many people, monetarily and sentimentally, often being family heirlooms passed down through generations. As a result, it is crucial to safeguard these precious items, and finding suitable hiding spots is key. While hiding jewelry in inconspicuous places around the house may seem sensible, specific locations must be avoided due to security concerns. They may appear convenient but are risky. Therefore, knowing the places to avoid when hiding jewelry or valuables is essential. Freezer One of the common places where people keep their jewelry is the freezer. The idea behind choosing this spot is that no one would come looking for valuable stuff in a place where food is generally stored. Many wrap their precious jewels in cling film, foil, or plastic boxes. However, the freezer or the refrigerator has now become one of the most apparent places anyone who breaks into the house will first look into. This is mainly because a refrigerator is one of the most easily accessible and visible things in the house. Under the mattress or bed It is a common practice among people to hide jewelry under the mattress or bed, thinking it is a safe spot. However, this is not a good idea at all. Even keeping the jewelry in a box and sliding it under the bed, assuming that it is not visible, can be risky. These places are prominent hiding spots, and any intruder can easily lift the mattress or crouch down to look under the bed, putting the valuables at risk. Therefore, it is best to avoid keeping jewelry in such spots, as it is entirely unsafe. Toilet water tank Hiding jewelry inside a toilet water tank may seem like a clever choice. After all, it is quite unlikely that anyone would consider checking the tank for valuables. However, this is no longer the case. Hiding jewelry inside a toilet tank has become commonplace, and intruders are aware of this hiding spot. Moreover, it only takes a few minutes to lift the lid and inspect the contents of the tank. Therefore, it is best to avoid keeping precious items in the toilet tank. Additionally, there is the risk of moisture seeping in through the protective covering and causing damage to the jewelry. Vases and pots Many people believe that vases, flower pots, and other decorative items can serve as discreet hiding spots for jewelry in a house. They assume that these items blend well with the overall ambiance of the house and, hence, are inconspicuous. However, what they don't realize is that even though these spots may seem less obvious, they still attract some attention from intruders. An intruder can tip the pot or the vase upside down to check whether there is anything valuable hidden inside. Therefore, it's important to remember that these spots are not as safe as they seem. Jewelry boxes Jewelry boxes are a common choice for storage to protect precious baubles. However, it's important to note that they are not completely foolproof when it comes to preventing theft. Burglars can easily check these boxes for valuables, and even if the boxes have robust locking mechanisms, they can still be broken into using tools. Therefore, it's not advisable to rely solely on jewelry boxes.