WHEN it comes to our homes, there are some things we just don't question.
For example, have you ever wondered why is the kitchen window almost always above the sink?
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And, although we have just spent more time than ever before in our homes with numerous lockdowns, there are many things about our properties which we just accept as being 'normal'.
Here, We Buy Any House have compiled some of the most surprising home-related facts, from what really causes those mysterious creaks to why the colour of your front door is actually more important than you might think...
Bump in the night
Most people believe if your home creaks due to the property being old.
However, this is actually a myth.
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FABULOUS HOME
The creaks we hear in our property often aren't down to the building's age.
Humidity and changes in temperature throughout your home is actually what tends to cause the eerie, mysterious creaks in your home.
For example, research by foundation experts has found that wood flooring is porous, and therefore tends to expand and contract depending on the weather and levels of humidity.
First impressions are everything
You may think it’s an insignificant choice that comes down to personal taste and preference.
However next time you’re renovating the exterior of your home, don’t overlook the colour of your front door- especially if your property is on the market.
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Property realtor experts have suggested that properties which have black or grey front doors actually reap huge financial benefits.
Those properties reportedly set themselves up to rake in an extra £4,000 on the price of their house during a sale.
So if you're looking to sell your house any time soon, perhaps it's time to 'brush up' on your painting skills?
Benefits of brass
Choosing small details like doorknobs may seem insignificant, but it can actually have a big impact on the finish of your home.
And some materials actually come with hidden health benefits it turns out.
For example, a fact which is unlikely to be known is that brass doorknobs are good for your health.
Not only do they look elegant and stylish to have as an accessory throughout your home, but brass doorknobs are also able to disinfect themselves in around eight hours.
This happens because the metal ions that exist in brass and copper are in fact toxic toward viruses, living things and mould.
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Burning desire
When moving into your new home, most of us may consider having a housewarming.
But have you ever considered where the phrase came from?
When mortgages were first available, the interest rates were exceptionally high- sometimes reaching between 15 and 20 per cent.
These loans would often create what is known as a “balloon payment”- which is similar to today's down payment.
Because of this, paying off a mortgage became a highly anticipated event.
Consequently, when this momentous day came, new homeowners would celebrate by burning their mortgage documents, thus creating a warmer house and the notion of a ‘housewarming’.
Bad blade omen
If you’re going to a housewarming, then remind yourself to take anything other than a knife as a gift.
Read More on The Sun
Why? Well, it is commonly believed in superstition that knives are a bad housewarming gift and symbolise the end of a friendship.
Read More on The US Sun
If you do insist on giving a knife as a housewarming present, then tape a penny to the blade.
Once the person receives this gift, they have to give you the penny back so technically they’ve paid for it.
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