Cobbs Site: Home improvement, Money matters and other random stuff — A site for me to share, a site to inspire others

Helpful sites and numbers in Singapore

September 22, 2014 by cobbs2

I realize that one of the bad thing about the internet is that there is too much information yet too little organization. What do i mean by that?

Well u can probably find just about any information you would need using google search but when you need to contact several related say government agencies regarding an issue, you would need to do several searches in order to get it done. This is why i am compiling this page which hopefully i can update every once in awhile when i am free.

Listed below are my list of helpful sites that you might just need one of this days. Basically they are some of the major banks here and other services which you will probably need to get hold of one of this days.

Money Related:
1. Singapore Credit Bureau
2. DBS
3. UOB
4. Monetary Authority of Singapore
5. CPF

Home Related issues:

1. singapore.craigslist.com.sg/hss/
2. http://singapore.gumtree.sg/
3. www.singaporeexpats.com
4. locksmithsingapore24hour.com
5. www.24hrsingaporeplumber.com
6. http://sg.theasianparent.com/useful_singapore_emergency_numbers/

Child cares:

1. www.etonhouse.com.sg
2. https://www.childcarelink.gov.sg/

How to Clean a Bathroom Faster and Better

September 23, 2017 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

We all hate cleaning the bathroom. But it’s necessary since it’s the most frequently used room in the house. If you need information on how to clean a bathroom faster and better, read this article for some fantastic tips.

Polish with a Microfiber Cloth

Microfiber cloths excel at putting the finishing touches on mirrors, countertops, and even tile and fixtures. After cleaning surfaces with your favorite cleaning solution and drying them off with a terry cloth rag or a separate microfiber cloth, polish them to a mirror finish with a dry microfiber cloth.

Microfiber cloths are perfect for this because they pick up dust, wipe off smudges and don’t shed any fibers. You’ll find microfiber cloths wherever cleaning supplies are sold. You can also buy them in bulk at wholesale clubs and use them throughout your house for all kinds of other cleaning chores.

Vacuum First, Then Scrub

Do you ever find yourself chasing strands of wet hair or running into dust balls in the corners with your sponge or cleaning rag? You can eliminate this nuisance by vacuuming the bathroom before you get out your cleaning solutions.

For a really thorough cleaning, start at the top, vacuuming the dust from light fixtures and the top of window casings. Then work your way down. And finally, vacuum the floor methodically so you cover every inch. You don’t want to leave any stray hair or dust bunnies to muck up your cleaning water. A soft-bristle upholstery brush works best for this type of vacuuming. Figure out what vacuum to use here.

5 Ways To Protect Your Gutter From Clogging

September 19, 2017 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

You’ve probably heard the term if you wish to get a bad person you have to get right in the gutter with them. With leaves in your house’s gutters it’s the same thing. You can find gutter covers, screens, helmets, guards etc. but whilst you might imagine you are finished you have to look at your gutters. Take these proactive steps to stop clogging in rain gutters, or to cope with clogs once they occur.

1. Regardless of what, never ditch cleaning!
Overlooking the gutters to this type of degree where the downspouts have been entirely clogged just reveals your procrastination towards cleaning. So, first thing’s first – don’t ever ditch gutter cleaning. Select a specific day to clean the gutters at your place and prevent coping with the nightmare of water damaging your entire house as a result of clogged gutters. Only when you allow a few minutes to clean the gutters, at least once in a month, it is possible to get the much-needed rescue from clogged gutters. A rake or shovel can help you get rid of those leaves, twigs, along with other debris from the drains, and when done – you’re ready to go!

2. Don’t delay fixing
Over time you will discover your gutters wear out and holes develop. More often than not you can just replace pieces of the gutters if the other parts of the gutter is in fine shape. If water is dripping through a crack or a disconnected joint in your guttering, this problem should be rectified immediately.

3. Get rid of leaves and debris, not just from the inside!
Leaves, small sticks as well as other tree debris, dirt, items of mortar from the tile roof or nails or screws that have come loose from a tin roof, tennis balls, cricket balls, bird’s nests, stones, children’s toys, you name it. Be sure that you just don’t clean the inside but the outer surrounding of the gutter. You can do this by hand, just take out the debris when you see them.

4. Guard them right!
It’s wise to utilize guards, which could efficiently prevent leaves and other debris from getting into the gutter, and only enable the flow of clean water into it. Gutter guards are obtainable in a variety of styles like polyurethane foam guards, surface area tension systems and cross systems. Get a top quality gutter guards or covers for your household.

5. Choose quality over money
An additional way to stop your home from being flooded because of poor gutters is by making sure your gutters are constructed with high-quality materials. A rusted or corroded gutter, often times, result in flooding. So to be certain that you’re able to avoid that, just use gutters made of high-quality materials. Ensure that you do not sacrifice quality over some small savings.

Create a Shabby Chic Style for Your Home

September 19, 2017 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

Shabby chic is an interior design style that incorporates used, antique furniture and vintage accessories to create a design that’s both stylish and popular.

If you are on a limited decorating budget and want to make a look that’s unpretentious yet elegant, Shabby Chic could be the style for you. Here are some of the basic components that make up a Shabby Chic look that you may want to try in the home.

Slip Covers: Slip covered furniture is the cornerstone of a Shabby Chic interior. Furthermore slip covering furniture provide an old item a new look, the cost is fairly inexpensive and slip covering allows you to easily obtain used furniture. The Shabby Chic style often makes use of lots of simple white slip covers that are fresh and clean and are really reasonably priced.

Printed Fabrics: Shabby chic depends heavily on fabric to give the opulent look. Items seem like they have been overdone in fabric but in a neat way, The fabrics mainly used are cotton, linen and denim. They are either plain solid color and have a unique print or design. A ruffled, rumpled elegance is characteristic of this timeless style of decorating.

Unique Furniture: It follows a number of vintage trends. Most of them have Victorian patterns, which would entice art lovers and those who love antiques. Others bear sleek contours which add intricacy to a wood-based environment. A number of pieces even step away from the oft minimalistic approach, and exude vintage style, as displayed by shabby chic chandeliers.

Flowers: Flowers and greenery are staples in shabby chic decor. Obtain a few fresh flowers at the market or pick some of your own if you have them. Throw them in an old looking vase, but do not try to arrange them perfectly – you would like them to look a little thrown together. That is the beauty of shabby chic; the appearance is elegant and relaxed, yet not too perfect.

Unique Lighting: Lighting is another area where one can be a little creative. Antique looking chandeliers and candle holders are great in this decor. Lamp shades are frequently decorated with glass or crystal beads that add to the antique look. Painted shades are great too. Anything that looks as if it came from another era is just what you’re going after.

If you prefer a style of your own that will not break your bank account, shabby chic is it. Make a look that is light, open, airy, relaxed, romantic, elegant and feminine, all in one! It’s a look that is original, and one you can enjoy with total comfort and ease.

Maintaining Your Microwave Oven

September 16, 2017 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

Microwave ovens are fantastic time saving tools, for warming food, cooking, and for even rewarming coffee. They often get a little dirty inside, particularly if you have children who have just gotten old enough to utilize them as well as a untidy spouse. Gross and disgusting may be better words for it, with food that popped and sputtered during microwaving littering the inside surfaces. Cleaning them could be a big chorein case you do not know how. Just how do you easily clean a microwave?

Most people often disregard the need for a cover top for their cooking subject. A food cover will prevent oil and fluid splatters from staining the interior of your oven. Without a food cover, these stains may critically damage the inner structure of your microwave. On top of that, cleaning any stains within your oven would be a chore. Should any food splatters reach the interiors, it’s always recommended to clean them up right away before they leave a permanent stain. Use a damp dish rag or table cloth to eliminate food stains and use a dry cloth to wipe every little thing up. Refrain from utilizing abrasive materials when cleaning because they might leave unwanted scars and dents on your otherwise perfect microwave. Make sure it is dry in your microwave as moisture may have serious repercussions on the internal structure.

If spills do occur, wash the removable plate with mild detergent and rinse well. Wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel until it is dry, just before returning to the microwave. Spatters around the sides and near the door opening could be wiped clean & dry, too. Manage stubborn dirt and odors through a couple of pinches of baking soda in a cupful of warm water to clean. An alternative is a mixture of lemon juice in boiled water. When the mixture has cooled, use this to wipe the inside of the microwave oven.

The exteriors need not be cleaned everyday particularly in dust free places. But a weekly cleaning regimen can keep it looking sparkling and new for years. The panel at the back has holes to let out hot air. It is essential that these aren’t getting grimy or else they’ll get blocked and there will be no outlet for air.

Once your microwave becomes sparkling clean, you’ll feel much lighter and healthier, psychologically, and will have a new zest and zeal to cook fantastically tasty microwave recipes and can’t stop patting yourself on your achievement.

Types of Sidings for Houses

September 15, 2017 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

Putting in or replacing your home siding is an easy approach to boost the value of your home along with improve its looks and appeal. There are many different kinds of home siding to choose from, each with its own benefits, troubles, and distinctions.

Metal Siding

Metal siding is gaining lot of popularity, thanks to its utility and sturdiness. The sidings can be sturdy and strong and stand tough, even in harsh climatic conditions.

Siding made of metal holds up against the weather a lot better than nearly any siding product on the market. The reason behind this is that metal does not breakdown and deteriorate like many other siding products. You don’t have to be concerned about dry rot with siding metallic either. Furthermore, Siding made of metal is essentially pest resistant. This doesn’t entice insects the way that wood siding does, and when it is set up correctly it can make it very tough for the insects to get inside the substructure.

Engineered Wood Siding

It is a type of home siding created from sawdust and bonding agents. It is very light, stronger and cheaper than real wood. Engineered wood siding should be painted in order to stand up to the challenges of the environment. However, factory-applied finishes can also be found. The life expectancy of properly set up and well-maintained engineered wood siding is 20- 30 years.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is a low-maintenance option. It doesn’t need to be painted, stained or caulked. There was once a problem with fading and chalking, however vinyl or plastic coatings are now available, at a higher cost. It is fire and water resistant, will not rot and is not prone to insect damage, is lightweight and durable, and insulates more effectively than vinyl and wood. Drawbacks to aluminum siding include denting, noise and the fact that it can’t be as delicately detailed. Currently there is almost a limiteless type of aluminum siding, which includes vertical, horizontal, and wood shingle simulated. The better looking the product, the higher the cost.

Cement Fiber Siding

Cement fiber siding is regarded as the modern type of home siding available. Not only is cement fiber sturdy, low maintenance, and desirable, but it is also created from recycled materials. It may be made to resemble wood siding, but it is not at risk of rot, insect damage, or weather damage. Cement fiber siding, however, may be on the expensive side. But, since it needs no maintenance, it could be considered an investment.

5 Signs You’re About to Buy a Home You Can’t Afford

September 14, 2017 by cobbs2 Leave a Comment

When it comes time to find a new home or your very first home the very first thing you need to do is find out how much home you can really afford. Unfortunately there are many home buyers out there that don’t have a realistic picture of how much they can actually afford to spend on a home.

Purchasing a home is a tumultuous process — one that can be exciting and hopeful at times, frustrating and disappointing at others. Those ups and downs can wear you out and cloud your judgment, to the point where you make impactful decisions you may later come to regret. One such decision that prospective homebuyers often make is purchasing a home they cannot afford.

While banking requirements to get a mortgage today are tighter than they were before the 2007 housing crisis, homebuyers can still easily find themselves biting off more than they can chew — and may not realize it until after the purchase is complete.

Here are five signs you are buying a home you cannot afford.

1. Creative Mortgage Terms

If the conditions of your financing look like a trail mix of mortgages (e.g., first mortgage, second mortgage, interest only, adjustable rate, extended term, and a balloon payment), that is a significant indicator that you cannot afford the home you are looking to buy.

Likewise, if your broker encourages you to accept mortgage terms that are less than ideal with a plan to refinance somewhere down the road, that in itself is a red flag, as there is no guarantee you will be able to refinance into better terms.