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Switching homes in 2017? Move your stuff the smart way…

December 25, 2016

Switching homes in 2017? Make this move much better than others in the past — Photo by CC user Nicolas Huk on Flickr

New year, new home. After spending several years in your starter place, you have finally managed to upgrade to the house of your dreams.

Congratulations!

As you are aware from previous experiences, however, moving is often about as pleasant as taking a trip to the dentist. Sorting through your things, getting them on a truck, and ensuring that no fragile items break is tough enough.

However, the toughest part of this process involves combing through various removal companies in an effort to find one that is worthy of your trust.

This was a hit-or-miss effort as recently as several years ago, but thanks to the debut of a service known as Shiply (http://www.shiply.com), this chore has now been made much simpler.

How have they made one of modern life’s most stressful experiences easier to stomach? Below, we will take you through the steps of using this service.

1) Get a quote

Before one of Shiply’s 102,000 registered providers can help you move all of your possessions to your new pad, start by supplying the details of your task via their simple job order form.

Once these companies know exactly what they are dealing with, they will be able to provide you with a quote.

2) Review the results

Shortly after submitting your information to Shiply’s servers, you will be sent a quote from every removal company that is willing to compete for your business.

You won’t have to make inferences based on the price they charge you, as each contending company will have a list of customer reviews that you will be able to peruse.

Based on this evidence, you can then contrast it against the quotes provided in order to pick the company that is right for your needs.

3) Await their arrival

After accepting the quote that you liked the best, all you have to do is ensure that you are prepared for their arrival.

After they have moved your stuff to your new abode, submit your review to Shiply, and the system will be further improved for those that use this service after you.

Eight years, 3.1 million successful deliveries

The information revolution has transformed so many aspects of our lives. With moving being such a difficult task to execute, why not let the internet make this process simpler for you?

With savings of up to 75% off standard rates being reported by past users, and a rigorous vetting process that screens out fraudulent operators, you owe it to yourself to make this next move much less stressful than others have been in the past.

6 Quick Checks for Water Leaks Before They Cause More Damage

Home Repair

December 21, 2016

A water leak at home is not something that anyone wants, but if the worst happens, it is imperative to get it repaired as soon as possible. That might not be as easy as it sounds, with most water leaks having no visible clues as to their location, and if this is something you know little about, here are some important things you can do to localise the damage caused by leaking pipes.

A Visual Inspection – Check along ceiling and floor lines for damp patches, as this is a sign of a water leak behind the wall. Other places to look are under kitchen and bathroom sinks, which are usually housed in a small compartment. Aside from the visual inspection, you might want to find out if you have any leaks, and if you are in Western Australia, there will be a plumber in Perth offering leak detection services, and with a round the clock emergency service, they can quickly evaluate your plumbing system.

Damp Areas Outside – If you have puddles in the garden, this could be a sign of a water leak. Rather than digging holes where you think it might be, there are modern leak detection services that can source any leak without causing damage.

Check All Faucets – Leaking taps can cause damage to ceramic and stainless steel links, not to mention the water that is being wasted. Corrosion is a major factor and if any surface is constantly wet, there will be some discolouration at the very least.

Guttering – Although this is not technically part of the plumbing, it does channel away excess rainwater, and if the guttering is blocked for any reason, whenever it rains heavily, lots of water will be running down your walls, and this can cause a lot of damage.

Check the Water Meter – This is a very accurate way to know if you have a water leak, and the process is as follows. First make sure all of the taps are off, and any appliances that draw water are turned off, then take meter reading, and wait for one hour, and read the meter one more time. If the reading is different, you have a leak somewhere.

Call in a Plumber – Whether you can find the source of the leak or not, you should call a plumber, who would have the latest technology in leak detection, and once the leak has been sourced, they can quickly repair it. Leaking water can cause a lot more damage if the problem is not immediately addressed, and by using the services of a reliable local tradesperson, your plumbing problems will be a thing of the past.

Leaking pipes cause damage, and if you are vigilant and know what to look for, you can reduce the chances of having to make an emergency call to a plumber. In the event this cannot be avoided, make sure it is a reputable company that is local.

Decorating with the Pantone 2017 Color Predictions

DIY / Home Improvement

December 21, 2016

Whether you’re decorating a new home for the first time or reinventing the familiar spaces you’ve come to know well, you’ve no doubt discovered the importance of color when it comes to starting proceedings. The colors we choose to surround ourselves with can have a profound effect on our lives and the emotions we experience while we’re at home, as well as adding value to properties soon to go on the market, and refreshing spaces we may have become tired of. Inspiration for such big changes can be found everywhere, including magazines, social platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest, and via mood boards created online. However, there’s only one authority when it comes to the colors you should be using next year, and that’s Pantone…

Introducing Pantone’s 2017 color predictions

Pantone is the world number one authority when it comes to color. An organization that effortlessly speaks the language of color, and advises and inspires those hoping to use color to communicate a particular message or promote a brand, Pantone is also a hugely popular source of inspiration for designers, interior designers and artists, and for anyone looking to inject the latest trends into their home or wardrobe. Decorating your home will become an adventure under the guidance of Pantone – particularly when you see 2017’s predictions.

Pantone’s color predictions for 2017 include an array of shades inspired by nature, a collection of colors that will evoke happy memories of warm, spring days, and a hotpot of hues that are bold and dramatic. Sunshine Primrose Yellow, pale blue Island Paradise and tangy Greenery will inspire homeowners and interior designers to play around with colors and accessories, while creating spaces that are warm, inviting, and fun. The earthier tones of Kale green, Niagara blue, Pale Dogwood and Hazelnut, meanwhile, will calm and soothe, instantly transporting the outside in, and inspiring us to head back to nature. Finally, Pantone introduces the bold and seductive colors of Flame, Lapis blue and Pink Yarrow, which will create a statement, anchor any room you choose, and allow your personality to shine.

Exploring color in your home’s decor

There are numerous ways to include a little color in your home, and not all of them will involve an all-out war on the senses. Subtlety is often key when it comes to using color to your home’s advantage, although spreading a little cheer via shades and hues can also be fun.

Light and bright

The light and bright colors predicted by Pantone include Primrose Yellow, Island Paradise and Greenery; three shades set to welcome you home next year. Whether used on your walls, throughout your furniture or as accessories that adorn each room, naturally happy colors such as these will introduce feelings of fun and friendship into your home. One thing that many interior predictions seem to agree on is that 2017 will be the year of escapism; a time where we seek out the corners of our homes that will serve as reading nooks or retreats from technology and work. Primrose and Island Paradise would make excellent choices for such a space, and Greenery will instantly transport exhausted workers into a more refreshing headspace.

Bold and mysterious

These bold and mysterious colors are destined to introduce drama into your home – a little theatricality that will speak to you each and every day. Such colors are often best presented by way of a feature wall, although the brave among you will no doubt enjoy creating a statement with lashings of Flame Orange or Pink Yarrow – or perhaps a little of each. Pantone’s predictions for such dominating colors prove that homeowners and interior designers are still looking for ways to anchor spaces and draw themes together, and you’ll no doubt enjoy exploring the different ways that such tones can be used together. It’s time to play with accessories; decorative shutters in shades of orange or Lapis Blue will look fantastic against next year’s trend for terracotta and exposed brickwork, while upholstered bedheads and soft furnishings allow the faint of heart to introduce colors gradually, and with gathering confidence.

Down to earth

Bringing the outdoors in, and described by Pantone’s Executive Director, Leatrice Eiseman, as “oxygenating”, colors such as Kale, Niagara Blue, Pale Dogwood and Hazelnut will encourage homeowners to breathe a little more deeply and to take stock of the things that are important. Shades of Hazelnut and Pale Dogwood will work well on your walls, evoking feelings of quiet contemplation and calm. The darker hues of Niagara Blue and Kale, meanwhile, are designed to make more of a statement. Used in your furniture, accessories and artwork, Kale in particular conjures a passion for the great outdoors, and would look fantastic when used for a feature wall. These colors are immersed in nature, centering and grounding us. Why not introduce earthy accessories, soft furnishings or artwork into your bedroom to create a soothing space you’ll long to retreat to?

When it comes to interior design and refreshing the rooms of your home, there are no right or wrong answers. Choosing colors for your walls, furniture, soft furnishings and accessories should be a personal choice based on the shades you’re passionate about, the theme you’d like to evoke, and the way you want to feel upon entering that space. Pantone is an organization that really knows its stuff when it comes to color, and we hope you’ve been inspired to create the home of your dreams during 2017.

Mixed Feelings on Living in Mixed-use Developments

Business DIY / Home Improvement

December 18, 2016

In the traditional sense, a house is a shelter that provides a roof above your head. However, as time passes, what once existed and accepted is now being changed for the better. The increase in population and lack of land area for living have pushed engineers to think beyond the box – vertically, in fact. Instead of the traditional patterns of houses arranged neatly in rows, modern buildings are being developed to new heights – literally. Apart from the residential feature, homeowners can now enjoy retail and commercial aspects with just a few floors in between.

We’ve become accustomed to single-use developments, but with an increasingly urbanized population living in a fast-paced society, a new kind of development has taken reins in big cities.

The introduction of mixed-use developments is inevitable. As new generations surge forth, standards of living have also leveled up.

Is that such a bad thing?

Living in mixed-use developments has many benefits. It’s all about the context. In an urban setting, a mixed-use structure can offer both convenience and leisure under the same roof. The upsides of living in a mixed-use development are many and varied.

Firstly, the convenience makes it easier for homeowners to get things done, like shopping for groceries or joining a yoga class. A mixed-use development means that amenities are just around the corner, rather than half an hour away. Handy when you’re missing that vital ingredient when making dinner. This convenience can extend to reduced costs for fuel and more free time instead of being stuck in traffic.

If you are into the idea of close community ties, then mixed-use developments will surely tickle your fancy, especially the ones in Philippine real estate. It will be a far cry from the suburbs atmosphere, though, because even if you see the same faces regularly, you won’t be pushed to do small talk just to past time. There will be a lot to do with anyone, like grilling barbecues in the outdoor balcony or taking a dip in the pool, making the living experience better.

It can’t all be upside
There are some aspects of it that you may want to consider before opting for a home in a mixed-use structure. These are, of necessity, areas of high population density. If you’re not a people person, it can all be a bit too much.

The knock-on effect of this is that they’re lively places to live, which isn’t to everyone’s taste. With so much happening, noise can be an issue. If you’re looking for a quiet life, a mixed use development may not be the best option for you.

Finally, a unit in a structure of high demand can be expensive. As these properties are desirable to a higher-earning workforce, the effect of that is to drive up prices. However, online marketplaces can help you sort through properties for the best real estate deal. Zipmatch has great property selection of condos for sale or for rent that won’t break the bank.

Ultimately it comes down to what you value most in life. It could well be that what you’re looking for could be found in a mixed-use development.

10 Things You Ought to Know Before Getting Yourself a Mortgage

Money

November 23, 2016

Before you start to approach local banks and other financial institutions with the aim of obtaining a mortgage to buy a new home, there are a few facts that you need to know. Borrowing such a large sum of money without doing some research first is not a good idea as you will be entering into a binding contract that lasts for many years. With this in mind, below is a list of 10 things you really ought to know before you apply for your first mortgage, which should stand you in good stead when you get in touch with local lenders.

10 Things You Should Know Before Applying for a Home Loan

Make a note of the following ten points, or bookmark this page so that you can refer to it whenever you want.

1. Your Credit Score – Your credit score and history will dictate the rate of interest you are likely to be charged on a mortgage so the first thing you need it know is what kind of score you currently have.

2. Your Budget – What a bank or mortgage broker thinks you can afford and what you can really afford are often two completely different things. Go through your budget carefully to make sure you do not overextend yourself.

3. Your Partner – This may sound like an odd one but if you are getting a joint mortgage, you need to be absolutely sure that your partner is 100% reliable.

4. Your Building Company – If you are paying a Perth builder to create a beautiful new home for you, take the time to get to know how they work before you sign on the dotted line. If you click here, you can get a good idea of what reputable firms have to offer.

5. Possible Benefits – Depending on where you are in the country and the current regulations, there may well be certain government schemes for which you are eligible, which could help to defray the cost of your new home.

6. Your Location – The location of your new home will have a major influence on its future value so research this particular factor very thoroughly.

7. Your Future Plans – Given the long-term nature of mortgages and the fact it may take some time before you can sell your new home for a profit, you need to consider your future plans carefully.

8. Your Lender – Although it is tempting to make all the arrangements online, you should visit the bank from which you are going to borrow, to make sure you are happy with their terms and conditions.

9. The Fees – Virtually all Mortgage Providers charge application fees, and there may be other costs involved in dealing with them too. Make sure you are aware of them all up front.

10. The Real Value – Pay for an independent valuation of the house you wish to buy.

There are other things you should know but the list above will get you off to a great start when applying for home loans in Western Australia and elsewhere.

Five ways to save space in your bathroom

DIY / Home Improvement

November 9, 2016

Looking for ways to save space in your bathroom? — Photo by CC user Zceittf on Wikimedia Commons

One of the most difficult rooms in the house to design is the bathroom. Why? Because it’s usually the smallest. Most people find it difficult to add the fixtures and fittings they want in tighter spaces, and sometimes it’s near impossible to include a bath. Of course, for families, the priority is often storage too. It’s a constant battle between style and practicality, but hopefully these next few tips will help you to win it. They should be able to give you a few tricks that mean you don’t always have to compromise on design for space.

Fill every corner

If you’ve always wanted a bath, but on measuring up you think you simply can’t accommodate one, look into corner suites instead. There are some beautifully sleek, modern designs on the market now, which will mean you can have that little touch of luxury every evening, but on a slightly smaller scale. From sunken styles to Jacuzzis, this can free up more floor space to give a far more spacious feel.

Why not walk in?

Walk-in wardrobes might be every girl’s dream, but every interior designer’s dream is the walk-in shower. As there’s just an opening rather than a hinged door, it’s perfect for tight spaces, but the walk-in shower enclosures can also be very discreet. Opt for a shallow base with a light-coloured tiled floor and you’ll get the practicality you need, but with the visual illusion of a much larger area.

Be creative

The tighter the space, the more you need to try and think outside of the box. For example, you may have some recesses in the walls that you would otherwise see as annoying features, but can you turn it into some added storage space, by adding shelves, draws or a full unit? Think about the things you need to have in your bathroom, and be creative with how you can include them. Why not add pockets to your shower curtain for razors, soaps, facial washes and other things you use regularly? It will save on the clutter, keep things in order and give the appearance of more space.

Think vertical

Speaking of storage, how do you use your walls? Are they covered with mirrors and themed artwork? If you’re short on space, try using them as a tool instead; whether it’s a series of hanging baskets in disused corners, or long and tall radiators to avoid towels being discarded everywhere, you need to make use of areas that would otherwise be empty.

Don’t rule out wet-rooms

These can be ideal solutions for ensuites in particular. Many renovators and property developers use these as a way of getting an extra bathroom into a home when a much larger master bedroom is available, and they can steal a chunk of space away from it. They’re easy to keep clean and maintain, and they can look incredibly stylish with the right finish.

Do you have any more space-saving ideas for the bathroom?

When To Use A Skip Bin And How To Utilise It Properly

DIY / Home Improvement

October 26, 2016

A skip is a vital piece of equipment when it is time to move rubbish out of the house. Bins come in a variety of different sizes, so every job can be tackled properly. Skip bin hire in Perth gives people a range of options, so make sure to compare several different sizes before making a final choice.

Read this helpful guide so you’ll know when to use a skip bin, and how to use it as intended.

Renovating The House

Renovating the house is an exciting step for many homeowners. Ripping out the old kitchen, getting rid of the old furniture and saying goodbye to the tired old carpets throughout the house can create lots of waste which need to be dealt with efficiently. Choose a skip which is large enough to deal with the amount of waste, as well as robust enough to handle heavy material such as plaster, wood and metal.

These jobs often require the largest skips, so make sure that access to the road outside your house is kept clear. This will allow motorists to pass safely with enough room, whilst children won’t have to swerve around the skip if they are riding along on their bikes.

The skip should be partially emptied if it looks like there won’t be enough room to complete the job. The waste disposal company will be able to take any rubbish away if the original skip is overflowing. Choose skip bin hire in Perth and the surrounding suburbs by West Bin.

Clearing The Attic

People often use the attic as a dumping ground for unwanted items such as old televisions or children’s toys. Instead of leaving everything up there to gather dust, why not hire a skip and have a proper clear-out? Sort all the items into those that can be thrown away into the skip, and those that can be sold at a yard sale. It might even be a good idea to take some of the unwanted items down to a charity shop.

Moving House

Moving house is a fantastic excuse to get rid of some of the unwanted clutter that is taking up space in the old house. Too many people hang onto unwanted items simply because they hope that they will use them in the future. However, this leads to lots of clutter being needlessly moved to the new house.

Make a checklist of all the vital items which are definitely needed for the move. Then select items which are used occasionally, but are still important. Then, make a decision as to which items are definitely not needed anymore so that they can be thrown in the skip and be gotten rid of.

Getting Rid Of Large Amounts Of Recyclable Goods

Skips which are used for recyclable goods are becoming increasingly popular with people who don’t want to create lots of unnecessary waste. Periodically go around the house and collect plastic, glass and paper so that it can be stored in a recycling skip until the skip can be taken off and emptied at the recycling plant.

Use this guide to decide when to use a skip.

How to Have Home Renovations Running Without Affecting Your Daily Life

DIY / Home Improvement

October 20, 2016

Home Renovations can go on without severely disrupting your daily life — Photo by CC user 99781513@N04 on Flickr

First of all, let all the neighbours know well in advance of any renovation plans. Let’s be honest, neighbours are neighbours, and we all like to have great, or at least friendly neighbours, right? The same goes for moving into a home which is undergoing renovations, there’s absolutely no need to get on the wrong side of the good folk already living there. Just be so kind as to let them know about the project, the expected time frame, and even contact information, just in case they have any problems and need to make a call. And how about throwing a party after the job is finished and inviting them, to show appreciation of their understanding? Great idea!

Other ideas on how to cope with home renovations…

If possible, move away during the renovation. Maybe it would be possible to stay with relatives, friends or rent a place nearby.
It may also be a good time to take a short holiday or send children to camp. If that’s out of the question, try camping down in a room with some free space.
If one is hardy enough, how about staying in a tent in the garden!
If having a new kitchen fitted, what can be done? Yeah, it is easy to order food and go out dining every night, but that will inevitably eat away at the renovation budget! Plus, there are some good folk who will need somewhere to make that early cup of tea or coffee, and in some cases prepare some food.
Try setting up a temporary kitchen with a hot plate, small portable oven and fridge, somewhere out of the way. (Got a camping stove? Use it or better still, borrow one from a friend).
Start cutting out restaurant and takeaway coupons before the renovation begins. Every little bit saved helps put a smile on the face.
Try offering a friend home-cooked meals in exchange for using their kitchen. If taking the food and the fixings, they will probably be charmed.
Plan on picnicking, even if the weather isn’t the best. Spread a plastic tablecloth on the floor of a room where there is some space. If somebody is looking for building renovations in Perth, select the very best. The good thing about indoor picnics is that there are no insects.
Try getting the renovation to take place in warmer weather during barbecue season.
Put breakables and valuables away somewhere in other rooms where they will be safe and not suffer damage during construction, or when work teams are moving equipment in and out.
Map out the path the contractors will be walking from the entrance door to where the work will be taking place, and protect those floors by laying down old mats or strong plastic sheeting. If a person happens to live in W. Australia, visit us to get the best professional and qualified renovation services.
If there are any pets around, keep them out of the way of the work crew. They could disrupt work, or even worse, end up getting hurt.
Make a check-list of all the jobs to be done and then tick them off day by day. That will help the time pass by, and help to get everybody ready to move back in when the job is completed.

Make an Adult Decision on Apartment Rentals

Freedom Channel

October 4, 2016

Renting an apartment is one of the more important decisions adults make during their lives.

Whether it is renting one apartment that they will live in for many years to come or renting apartments in what seemingly feels like every other year, it is imperative that one does their research before signing on the dotted line.

That said finding the right apartment doesn’t need to seem like pulling teeth, though the more time and effort you put into getting the right living arrangement the first time around, the less stress and headaches you will have moving forward.

So, are you ready to make an adult decision when it comes to apartment rentals?

Do Some Research to Get It Right

In order for you to make the right apartment search on your first go-around, remember a few important tidbits:

Research – For starters, do more than just drive around your community or one you are thinking of and/or planning to move to. Doing a drive-by is not going to allow you to have background information on an apartment community before ever stepping foot in the leasing office. By doing some research on the Internet (see more below) and/or talking to people you know live in certain apartment communities (family, friends, co-workers etc.), you will be better prepared;
Worldwide web – The Internet is a great place for you to learn various things about various apartment communities, so don’t pass it up. Whether looking at Lewis Apartments out west or others around the country, keep in mind that the majority of apartment communities have websites in today’s digital age. As a result, they can offer you myriad of information, information that will make it easier to decide if this community is truly right for you. Along with such information, you will find images of the different layouts available, not to mention the different amenities onsite. Lastly, turn to social media, a resource that also can provide you with valuable details. Whether they are current or former residents, it isn’t uncommon these days to see individuals talking about their apartment experiences on social networking sites. If you come across some bad reviews of a particular community, remember to take it with a grain of salt, though it is some information you shouldn’t simply gloss over. A rental company’s online reputation is one of its most important assets, so most will go out of their way to maintain a positive one. Lastly, use social media to communicate with other apartment residents as to what they think of the area neighborhoods where you might be considering taking on a rental. Locals (especially if you’re not familiar with the community) can provide you with valuable information as to any crime issues, how the schools are, what amenities are at the apartment community and nearby etc. Any added information you can have before going to visit an apartment community is a plus for you;
Newspapers and magazines – Although the Internet has grown tremendously over the years, there are a fair number of apartment communities still advertising their offerings in both local newspapers and property rental magazines. As a result, it would behoove you to pick up copies of such periodicals (especially the local Sunday newspaper for its apartment rental section). You should also keep an eye out for television commercials featuring area apartment communities. These give you a good view and insight into what they have to offer;
Paperwork – Finally, make sure you understand any and all paperwork prior to signing on the dotted line. The last thing you want (or need) is to get tied into an apartment rental arrangement that is not in your best interests over time. Most apartment communities are on the up-and-up, but still do all that is necessary to cover yourself. Make sure you get a copy of all paperwork (including those items with your signature on them). Also clearly understand the rules about if you want to break your lease early. Doing so will allow you to avoid early penalties etc.

No matter what your age may be, apartment rentals can be the right solution at the right time for you.

That is even truer when you do your research from day one.

Think Outside the Box for Interior Design Ideas

DIY / Home Improvement

October 2, 2016

There are tons of Interior Design Ideas out there — Photo by CC user 829264 on Pixabay.

Whether you want to give your whole home a new look, or just makeover one room, this post is for you. Here we give you some ideas to help you to get the inspiration you need to make your home look its best.

Traditional sources for home decor ideas

We know from your comments that most of you love home design magazines. Despite the fact they are not cheap a lot of you clearly subscribe to them. They are a real joy to flick through. However, there is a problem, many of the ideas you find in those magazines just do not translate. Most of the homes in the articles are massive, so some of the features you fall in love with would look ridiculous if you tried to replicate them in your own home.

Other sources of inspiration

Fortunately, there are other places you can turn to for inspiration. For example, the web is full of websites like ours that feature posts that are designed to help you with home decor ideas.

Foreign home design websites

If you are looking for something a bit different, browsing foreign-based DIY websites is a great idea. Most include good quality photos, and if there is any text that you need translated, all you have to do is to copy and paste it into a translation programme like this one.

Showhomes

Show home interior design is usually ahead of the trend. For this reason, visiting local housing developments is a great way to get ideas for your own home. The fact that the properties you are looking at will have similar size rooms to those you have means that most of the ideas you see will work well in your rooms.

Another source of inspiration many people forget is films and TV shows. If you like modern homes, the latest episode of soaps, and sit-coms are great for giving you home decor ideas.

For those who want a period look, watching films from that era can be a fantastic way to get ideas. If you see something that you like all you need to do is to go online and do an image search for that film. Often you will be able to find a photo of the room you like, and be able to print it off and add it to your stylebook.

Of course, DIY and home makeover shows are also a good place to get decorating ideas. If you are considering making over your kitchen try watching a few of the latest cooking shows as well.

Your friend’s homes

If a friend of yours has a room in their house decorated, and offers to show you it. Take him or her up on the offer. Often you will be surprised by what they have done, and get some ideas that are likely to work well in your home too.

Next time you are ready to decorate your home, take the time to do some research, and use the resources above to get some great interior design ideas.

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Do Some Research to Get It Right