Category Archives: For Your Information

Mar1

Six Reasons To Buy A Newly Built Home

Posted on by
Standard
Six Reasons To Buy A Newly Built Home

It can be hard to decide whether to buy a newly built home or an existing one. The decision will depend a lot on your personal tastes and needs for amenities, features, and location. If you’re considering a newly built home, here are some of the best reasons to go for it:

1 – It’s brand new:

When you buy a new property from someone like Harvest Curve Rockford Homes, nobody will have lived there before. Nobody will have ever used the appliances or the shower, left stains on the carpets, or made small holes in the walls. There won’t be anything to clean when you move in, as everything is brand new.

It’s also an empty, blank canvas. You can start from scratch when you decide on decorating or choosing where to put your furniture. Nothing will have been left behind that you need to arrange and there’s nobody’s hideous wallpaper left behind for you to cover up. Because everything is new, you can also just choose to do nothing. All you need to do is unpack. Often, quick delivery new homes will have features such as garages, porches, or a sleek kitchen with an island – depending on the build. Buying a quick move-in home is a great way to save time, and is often more affordable than a new construction home.

A newly built home also offers the prospect of a brand new location too. For example, maybe you and your loved ones will build family homes in Houston, TX to accommodate a new job or a change of scenery. The possibilities really are endless!

2 – You can help design the look:

When you work with Southdown Homes, for example, you and the experts design the space together to make a home that is perfect for your family. Some builders will offer bespoke packages for upgrades when you buy a new build, which will allow you to choose some of the fixtures and fittings, such as your kitchen cabinets, your appliances, or the bathroom tiles.

3 – Peace of mind:

Most new builds will come with a standard structural guarantee with a house building insurance company, so if anything does go wrong in your first few years of owning your new build, you can get help to put it right at no cost to you. Check if you have a guarantee before making any decisions.

The latest standards will apply too so your security and fire system will be as up to date as possible, and so will your appliances. This is another source of peace of mind in your new home.

4 – The green choice:

A new build is usually more environmentally friendly than an older property and is often much cheaper to run too. Modern houses like the ones built by SK Builders (or a similar company in your local area) tend to be better insulated and should have more efficient appliances and boilers. There shouldn’t be any drafts around doors and windows yet, and the heating should be easy to use and efficient. This is all good for your wallet and the planet.

5 – Support for buyers:

Schemes to help first time buyers often apply to new builds, so if you’re buying your first home, it’s well worth seeing what help could be available to you if you choose a newly built property.

6 – Designed for modern living:

New homes tend to have more than one bathroom, often have a basement, and open plan layouts, which work much better for families. They’re also built with modern demands in mind, so should have plenty of power points for all those devices you need to keep charged. To view examples of the amenities that a typical modern home offers, enter a search for “new homes in Delaware” or your local area to get started. During this process, remember to keep a list of “must have” and “nice to have” features for your own home!

Living in the modern world means that you deserve a modern home too, which is what you will get with a freshly built property!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb15

6 Home Maintenance Tasks Better Left To Professionals

Posted on by
Standard
6 Home Maintenance Tasks Better Left To Professionals

Some home maintenance tasks are better left to the professionals. This is especially true if you don’t have the time or knowledge to do them correctly. Today, we will discuss six home maintenance tasks that are best handled by a professional. Remember that this is not an exhaustive list – many other tasks could be included here. But these are some of the most common ones that people try to do themselves and regret later:

Roof repairs:

If you have a leaky roof, it should be handled by a professional. Trying to fix the problem yourself could end up causing more damage – and costing you even more money in the long run. An experienced roofer will identify the source of the leak and fix it quickly and efficiently. In addition, if you are considering replacing your roof, it is best to hire a professional contractor. They will be able to give you expert advice on the best type of roof for your home, as well as help with the installation process. Roof repairs are not something that amateurs should attempt and can put your own safety at risk.

Plumbing repairs:

Plumbing repairs can be tricky and if they are not done correctly, you could end up with even more problems. A professional plumbing company like Cathedral Plumbing will have the knowledge and experience to fix your plumbing issues. They will also help you prevent future plumbing problems by installing proper drainage systems and fixing leaks. If you are noticing an issue with your plumbing, it is much better to call in a professional now before the problem worsens. It can happen far more quickly than you think. A plumbing emergency repair can be costly and highly inconvenient to the household so don’t wait to make an appointment.

As a home owner, it is a good idea to make a list of repair specialists that you can call should you need them. This is especially important if an emergency plumber is needed ASAP. Seek reviews from friends and family if you can. Or, simply enter a search for “Plumber Boynton Beach” (or your local area) to find recommendations online.

Electrical work:

Electrical work can be dangerous if it is not done properly. A professional electrician will know how to install or repair electrical wiring in your home safely. They will also advise you on the best way to use electricity in your home and help you avoid potential electrical hazards. If you are considering doing any electrical work yourself, it is essential to remember that this is a job for professionals. Electrical work should never be attempted by individuals not certified to do so.

Painting/wallpaper removal:

Painting and wallpaper removal can be a daunting task, especially if you do it for the first time. A professional painter or wallpaper remover will have the experience and knowledge to get the job done. They will also be able to advise you on the best paint or wallpaper to use for your home so that everything looks perfect the first time around. If you are not interested in DIYing this task, simply enter a search for “painter in Hacienda Heights, CA” (or your local area). You will surely be able to find an expert to take the project off your hands!

HVAC maintenance:

HVAC systems are complicated and dangerous if they are not appropriately maintained. An experienced HVAC technician like those from Aquidneck Services will have the experience and knowledge to get your system running smoothly while also helping you avoid potential hazards. Have your HVAC system checked by a professional on an annual basis, as this will help ensure that everything is running safely. These systems can last a long time when all of the heating and cooling parts are working well so don’t skip on your annual check ups.

Pest Control:

If you are experiencing a pest problem, it is best to call a professional exterminator rather than solve the problem yourself. They will be able to give you humane and eco friendly solutions to your problems to keep you and your family safe. Time is of the essence with pest issues so you will want a professional to take a look right away.

Even though these jobs may seem easy on paper, they can turn into major headaches if done incorrectly. Experienced contractors know what they’re doing for home maintenance tasks, so leave it to them!

Featured Image By: Curtis Adams from Pexels

Feb10

Common Issues You Might Come Across In Your Garden

Posted on by
Standard
Common Issues You Might Come Across In Your Garden

For many, the garden is their sanctuary, so you want to enjoy it all year around. But, there may be times when you encounter problems in your garden that prevent you from enjoying it as much. Most of the time there will be a quick fix available. Take a look at the list below for some common problems you may come across.

Diseased Trees:

If you have trees in your garden, then you must look after these the best you can. If you don’t take care of them, then they may become diseased and you will have to get rid of them. If you suspect you have a diseased tree, your first instinct may be to chop it down. However, you could make it into a fantastic piece of art and keep it in your garden to admire forever.

Pests:

In the height of summer, this one may become a problem, winter not so much. Pests in your garden can really ruin the mood for you. You might be having a family barbecue and then a swarm of wasps suddenly appears to ruin your fun. Mosquitoes may also pose a risk especially if you are allergic to their bites. These tend to come out at night so if you are trying to enjoy the evening sun, then there could be issues.

Fear not, as there are always solutions to your pest problems and here are some recommendations: You can deter these types of pests by using scents they dislike such as citronella for mosquitoes and peppermint for wasps. If you have plants and flowers that smell like this, then it will help to keep them away. Alternatively, you can buy some scented candles to deter them from ruining your meal.

Water Problems:

If you live in a place with very little natural rainfall, you may need to use artificial water from a hose to water your garden. You might find your grass looking scorched due to the dry climate. This is nothing to worry about and will rectify itself if you keep watering it regularly. If you use a sprinkler system in your garden this can be turned onto automatic so your lawn is watered on a timer. This is an excellent option to consider if you would like to achieve lush, green grass. To get started, simply enter a search for “lawn sprinkler system contractor in Dallas, TX” (or your local area) to find a well reviewed professional to take on the job. Just make sure you aren’t out there when they come on as you may get an unexpected shower!

If you find yourself having problems with your sprinkler system, then contact your local irrigation system repair company to help sort this out as quickly as possible.

Moles:

One final problem that you may encounter in your garden is moles. If you don’t have this problem, thank your lucky stars as they are a nightmare! Once they are there they don’t seem to want to leave. Moles will burrow upwards and, unfortunately, leave quite a mess in their path. You will find your garden full of little brown mounds called molehills. In order to deter moles, you can get vibration devices that you stick in the ground and the moles steer clear of the movement.

Gardens are an amazing addition to any home but the problems above can prevent you from getting the full effect. As with any problem you are unsure of, it’s best to contact local experts so your summertime parties can be a huge success!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb9

Efficiently Renovating Your Home

Posted on by
Standard
Efficiently Renovating Your Home

The winter is an ideal time to work on home renovations because, chances are, you’re going to be home a lot more often as opposed to when the weather is nice. Despite seemingly endless time until the temperatures warm up in the spring, it’s important to work efficiently on your projects to make the space functional for you and your family. Let’s look at some ways that you can make your renovation process smoother:

Make Your Plan:

Before you can begin any type of project, you must plan accordingly. Making and changing decisions once the project is underway will only slow you down so having a game plan is essential. What do you want accomplished? Are you going to complete the project yourself or hire someone? What supplies do you need? Will the renovation work with your budget? Once you have answers to all of these questions and then some is when you can actually begin the work.

Should you be hiring a team to complete your renovations, it’s important to do your research first. To get started simply enter a search for “home renovation westminster” (or your local area). You will want to find a team that you are comfortable having in your space as well as brainstorming ideas with. Be sure to read plenty of customer testimonials to ensure that your renovations will be completed properly and efficiently.

One Stop Shopping:

Time is of the essence with renovations and you don’t want to spend several days at a million different stores to get everything you need. Choosing the Marshalltown building supplies is a good idea. Or any other home supply store in your area. Have a list at the ready so you can get in and out. Although you might not get absolutely everything in just one store, it can be a great first start to get the initial process going.

Create A Schedule:

Once you have workers on board or your supplies ready, create a schedule and try to stick to it as strictly as possible. Even if you are doing the renovation by yourself, it’s still a job and should be treated as such. Have an end date to complete everything by in mind and plan your days accordingly to achieve it. Taking lots of breaks is all well and good until you get stuck on a tedious part and your end date gets pushed back.

Know Your Limits:

DIY is awesome and there are tasks that almost anyone can complete like painting the room or assembling furniture. However, people without all of the proper know how will find themselves in trouble pretty quickly when it comes to more skill based work like plumbing and electrics. A home renovation project is not the time to just “give it a try” it’s a time to do, so know your limitations. Saving money with things that you can do is great but a DIY gone wrong will end up costing you way more in the long run.

With the pandemic and cold winter weather, we are all at home a lot right now. Renovating your space efficiently with the tips above will turn your home into an even better place to be!

Jan13

4 Tips For Creating An Eco-Friendly Household   

Posted on by
Standard
4 Tips For Creating An Eco-Friendly Household   

With increasing concerns about the environment, many are finding ways to take action so they can help save mother Earth. This includes looking into ways to be more aware of how they can help, what companies are doing, how to buy, how to better recycle, and being energy-efficient at home. The smallest of changes can make a massive difference if it’s all combined!

Not only are these changes great for the environment, but it’s also good for your wallet too. There is this idea that you need to be rich in order to be sustainable but that’s far from the case. Living a sustainable lifestyle can not only be incredibly cheap, but it can save you a lot of money each year. These are some ways that you can create a more eco-friendly space right at home:

Check to see if there are any cracks that need to be sealed:

You want to make sure that your home is well insulated, especially during the colder months. Right before fall or winter hits, you’ll want to do a thorough inspection at home to see if there are any cracks that need to be sealed up in your doorways, window seals, vents. It’s also best to take a look at your doors and windows to see how energy efficient they are. Something such as a bend window is known for being majorly energy-efficient and those can save you a lot of money each year in electricity. Sealing up your cracks and changing out the doors and windows are also great for boosting your property value as well.

Take a look at energy-efficient swaps at home:

There are plenty of appliances that can be swapped out for something more efficient. This can include checking out bathroom appliances such as low-flow toilets, showers, and sinks but it can go far beyond that as well. Did you know that your light bulbs could save you money? There are plenty of energy-efficient light bulbs on the market that can help you out. Even looking into Star Energy appliances for your kitchen or laundry room can make a massive impact.

Buy secondhand:

One way to avoid getting things thrown into a landfill would be to check the secondhand market first such as visiting flea markets, thrift shops, and going on websites such as Craigslist, eBay, or even Facebook Marketplace. If you’re unable to find a secondhand version of the product you’re looking for, then you can buy it brand new. We all know that the secondhand option will be much cheaper!

Start a garden:

Even modern apartments will have a space to do some gardening. Gardening is not only a way to save on groceries, but improving that green thumb of yours can help offset your carbon footprint. Having a garden is wonderful for bees and other pollinators such as butterflies too. There are so many perks to having a garden, that it can even boost the curb appeal of your property.

But what if you don’t have space for a garden? What if you don’t have a lawn? Even if you don’t have adequate spacing, you can make room for growing some produce or flowers. Many apartments will have balconies or a large table will do too. Your plants don’t necessarily need to be outside in order to thrive. If you have some space next to a window, that will be just as adequate.

Helping the environment and saving some money is the ultimate win/win and there is no better time than the present to get started!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan7

The Most Common Damages You’ll Find In A Fixer Upper   

Posted on by
Standard
The Most Common Damages You’ll Find In A Fixer Upper   

Have you just bought your first property? Or maybe you’re about to begin your own house flipping business? Well, there’s a very good chance that you’re going to start with a ‘fixer upper’ in either of these scenarios. You offset the price discount of the property with the amount of work it needs, and you can even get specialized mortgages to help with the repair work – what could be better for your budget?

However, it’s important to note that fixer upper properties often need more work than you realize. All sorts of damage can be found within these structures and knowing what you’re looking at is crucial. This post is here to help you identify some of these issues:

Problems with the Wiring:

Wiring problems are very common in fixer uppers. Wires may be chewed through and potentially even sparking without your knowledge. If you can smell a musty and/or ‘fishy’ smell within the property, it could be a sign. You’re going to need to rip them out to be sure it’s safe, so your best bet is to simply replace as much of the electricals as you can.

Signs of Water Damage:

Because the house has likely sat for a long time completely unprotected, water is sure to have made its way in, whether from a burst pipe nearby or the weather. The signs of water damage could be extensive, and you may have to call in a professional Water Damage Restoration team to take care of the problem for you. Signs of water damage tend to include dark spots, flaking or bubbling paint/wallpaper, and random puddles throughout the property.

Holes in the Roof:

Roofing on a fixer upper is usually touch and go. As such, you should think about getting a proper, stabilized ladder out and checking what’s going on up there. Similarly, if there’s an attic space within the house, be sure to investigate it as well. If you can see right through to the outside, there’s clearly an issue! You may also feel very cold when you’re in the house, hear tiles slipping during your renovation efforts, and even notice leaks coming from the upstairs ceiling.

Faulty Plumbing:

Finally, the amount of burst and broken pipes to be found in a fixer upper can be shocking! Make sure you go around each room, specifically the kitchen and bathroom(s) and pay special attention to how the pipes are laid out. If they’re just rusting, you can save the pipe itself just fine. However, you may have to pull out cupboards, sinks, and the toilet to be double sure about the state of the plumbing in total.

If you own a fixer upper, be prepared for a lot of work in your future to get your house to livable standards!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan5

4 Tips For Finding A New Apartment Fast   

Posted on by
Standard
4 Tips For Finding A New Apartment Fast   

If you need to find a new place to live as soon as possible, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Perhaps your lease has been suddenly terminated or your living conditions were not sustainable. Maybe you’ve just left it until the last minute to start looking and now the clock is ticking.

Whatever your reasons, it’s important not to panic. If you are committed to finding a new apartment and put the time in, then you could be sitting happily in your new living space in no time at all. To help you find your new home right away, here are four tips for rapid apartment hunting:

Set your budget:

How much can you realistically afford to spend on your rent? Work out your maximum weekly and monthly expenditure, taking into account additional costs like bills and groceries, and you’ll have a clear idea of your budget. This way, when you are looking for apartments you can avoid wasting time by quickly ruling out those that are too expensive (or indeed way too cheap). Usually you can negotiate with the real estate agent to knock the price down, but if you are in a hurry then don’t bank on being able to do this successfully.

Your budget must also include cost of travel and shipping especially if you are planning on moving across states or abroad. A job opportunity might have you searching for “apartments for sale in dubai” or a loft in London. Maybe you just want to make a major change. Whatever the reason, plan your budget as exactly as you can with wiggle room to spare. A poorly planned budget can have a very negative effect like not being able to pay bills on time or have cash to spare for food and necessities.

Use your free time:

If you work all week, it can be hard to find the time in your busy schedule to look for apartments and visit them in person so you need to use your time wisely. Get up earlier and Google “apartments near me” before work, and try to schedule viewings during your lunch break or straight after work. It may be energy draining and stressful but cramming your schedule to the brim will maximize your chances of finding something soon.

Get your documents in order:

Once you have found an apartment and made an offer, you still have to wait until all of your documentation has been processed. Your new landlord is likely to require references so don’t wait until the last minute to get in touch. Contact your people immediately and ask them to write you a reference in advance. You will probably also need to show your landlord identification, bank statements, or letters of employment so bring copies of everything with you to the viewing so your landlord can get them processed quicker.

Take a short term view:

If you are getting really desperate to find somewhere and time is running out, you may just need to settle for the best option currently available. This might mean you end up with a lengthy commute, a rundown apartment, or a rent beyond your budget but this doesn’t have to be permanent. Plenty of places offer short term lets of three months or potentially less, so this could be a good option to keep you going and give you more time to search for something that meets your requirements.

You might have to spend a lot of time and energy looking for your new apartment, but this hard work will pay off. Just be patient and prepared and before long you’ll be feeling right at home!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec27

5 Ways To Make Moving Day A Breeze 

Posted on by
Standard
5 Ways To Make Moving Day A Breeze 

Moving is exciting. After patiently waiting for the inspections and paperwork to be completed, you’ll probably want to settle in as soon as possible. It’s important to take your time and make sure everything is in order before you move in. To help with that, here are five things you should do before you move into your new house:

Complete the checks:

When you buy or rent a new house, you need to make sure that the necessary checks are completed. You do not want to live in a home that does not provide safety and security. You could find yourself in danger or facing a hefty financial burden.

This includes ensuring that your electrical systems are safe and functioning properly. You can get an EICR on the internet from reputable providers. Before agreeing to the deal, you can request a demonstration and inquire about price on the website. Make certain that you have an EICR so that you can be confident that your electrics are safe and in proper functioning order.

Keep your documents safe:

Before you move, you’ll need to fill out lots of paperwork. Those signed documents must be preserved and stored in a secure location. Moving includes a lot of pacing, which may cause you to lose track of your belongings in the process. Make sure to keep your documents in a safe location before dealing with your personal things. You may want to look at DFW safes for sale to keep everything safe in your new home. Your signed paperwork is far more significant than your washroom towels, so keep an eye on it.

Get rid of the clutter:

It is important to clear all of the clutter from your new home in order to guarantee that the area is ready to be occupied. Rather than relocating your belongings and juggling two activities at once, you can begin unpacking immediately. Managing and completing tasks will be considerably simpler if the environment is clean. You’ll be able to put your stamp on the new house and turn it into a home much more quickly.

Decide when to move:

You’ll need a definite moving date so you’ll know exactly when you can take possession of the property. You could not have a place to dwell if you don’t have a specific date. Making a mutually agreed upon moving date with the sellers will guarantee that you sell and load up your old property at the same time as you move into your new one. You won’t want to have to deal with two properties at the same time and you won’t want to be without a place to live, either. As soon as you have a for sure move in date, do not wait to schedule with a moving company. Start your research now for a well reviewed team of professionals by entering a search for “Charlotte movers” (or your local area). Then, you will already have a company or two in mind when you have a concrete move in date.

Create a first-night kit:

You will most likely be surrounded by boxes when you move into your new house. There is a chance that you will finish moving late and not have the energy to go through all of the boxes to find new clothes and toothbrushes. To help with this, putting together a first-night kit will ensure that you have everything you need for your first night in your new home and that you will not have to worry about unpacking boxes.

Moving will always be stressful but you can make it simpler with the tips above. Good luck!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Dec27

All For The Gram

Posted on by
Standard
All For The Gram

Hello! Lil Red is truly skyrocketing into the twenty-first century with my new(ish) smartphone. I have so enjoyed using it to take OOTD pictures for lifewithlilred and *gasp* I have made an Instagram! For the longest time, I avoided making any new social media accounts because between my blog, Facebook (Sarah Mushenheim), and job I have my hands full enough as is.

However, during my little holiday break, I figured that there was no better time than the present to give Instagram a try. I will admit that it is not my favorite form of social media because I am, first and foremost, a word girl. But, if you are interested in exclusive content from yours truly that doesn’t make it onto lifewithlilred or my Facebook page, give me a follow at @lifewithlilred94 . You can also see my Insta posts on the side bar of my blog too!

I would love to have some more followers on THE GRAM and, of course, I’ll follow you back. And, eventually, you will be able to shop my OOTD styles on there so do keep it posted! ❤

What is your favorite social media platform? What is your favorite thing to post pictures of? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec23

Safe & Sound – Let’s Talk Home Security

Posted on by
Standard
Safe & Sound – Let’s Talk Home Security

The safety and security of your home should always be at the forefront of your mind for yourselves, family, and pets. With so many amazing options out there, it never hurts to shop around for ways to better improve your home security. You can start with some of the following:

Doors & Windows:

The doors and windows of your home are an excellent place to start, especially if they are a bit worse for the wear. A flimsy front door or obviously broken windows are as good as inviting unwanted guests into your home. Steel doors are sturdy and affordable for homeowners. Not to mention that new and improved doors and windows will give an instant makeover to your home’s exterior to boost its curb appeal significantly.

Get To Know Your Neighbors:

Having neighbors is, of course, great for friendship, cookouts, and get togethers. It’s also nice to have an extra set of eyes on your home if you’re not there. Let your neighbors know if you are going on vacation or a weekend getaway so they can check in on your place while you’re gone. And, as always, you will want to post on social media about your adventures but that puts a big neon sign on your house saying that you’re not home.

Lighting/Landscaping:

A poorly lit home exterior as well as lots of shrubbery or trees on your property are all things that potential burglars look for when scouting houses. To remedy this, consider motion activated lights around your property. If you like the privacy that your current landscaping brings, you could think about getting a fence or gate installed for an added layer of protection.

Security Systems:

You can’t talk about boosting your home security without mentioning security systems, of course. From cameras for your doorbell or by the front door to security alarms, they are all worth discussing with a local security company. A lot of these systems can be accessed and controlled by your smartphone too making it much more convenient.

With the holiday season upon us, we will all be out and about more. Consider your home security so you can celebrate with family and friends worry free.