Tag Archives: house

Jan7

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

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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

Jan3

How Your Location Affects Your Home Design   

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How Your Location Affects Your Home Design   

Many things can influence your design choices when you decorate your home, or even when you renovate or build a home from scratch. One of the things that might affect your home design is your location, which can have an impact on your choices for both practical and aesthetic reasons. You may need to consider the local environment and weather when designing your home, among other things. Your location can affect your home design in several ways, whether consciously or through having a less direct impact on your choices.

If you’re thinking about how to build, renovate, or decorate your home, you might want to consider some of these things:

Design in Keeping with Local Style:

Designing your home so that it’s in keeping with other homes in the area is something that may or may not concern you. For some people, it’s an essential thing to think about, especially if there are any local ordinances or you’re part of a homeowners association that might set rules for what your home should look like. Others might not be so concerned with fitting in and making their home look like others in the neighborhood. But the preferred local style can help to inspire you.

Of course, if you are considering new construction homes in Las Cruces (or your local area), the appearance of your home’s exterior is predetermined. This isn’t a bad thing, though, because you can add your own style into the popular local appearance. That is part of the fun of being a homeowner! Grow gorgeous rose bushes for a pop of color. Have your kiddos paint flower pots and planters. Perhaps you will add twinkling fairy lights on your front porch. Don’t think of homes like this as lacking style, but an opportunity to make it your own.

Being Prepared for Weather Events and Natural Disasters:

Your home’s location can influence design in very practical ways too. If you live in an area that experiences storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, or flooding, it’s important that your home is protected. This can lead to you searching for hurricane windows near me, hurricane shutters, pumps for your basement, strong guttering systems, and other essentials to protect you and your home. Of course, these things can affect what your home looks like and how it’s constructed. However, they don’t have to prevent you from making stylish choices.

design1

^^^ Pixabay Image

Be Influenced By the Environment:

The environment surrounding your home might influence your design choices, whether consciously or not. You can use the colors and textures of the world that surrounds you when making decisions for the design of your home. You can also find that the local environment affects your home design in terms of what natural resources are available or which plants grow best in the local soil and climate. If you want to use your local environment for inspiration, it could help you to choose the right color scheme for your decor.

Using Locally Produced Goods:

Using locally produced goods for your home can be a great way to incorporate elements of your location into your home design. For example, you can look for furniture that has been crafted in the local area or choose art and home accessories that have been created by local artists. This will not only give your home more of a local flavor and connect it to the region, but it will also mean that you are supporting local businesses and your local economy.

Let your home’s location influence and help inspire your design for the best looking home on the block!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan2

Awesome Apartment Ideas To Improve Your Space

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Awesome Apartment Ideas To Improve Your Space

It can be challenging to find time for yourself between work, school, and trying to keep up with friends and family. And when you finally find some free time, there is always something else that needs attention at home! Today, we are going to look at some quick and simple fixes to improve your apartment space so you can spend your free time on you and you alone. Let’s get to it:

Upgrade Your Furniture:

One of the easiest ways to make your apartment feel new is upgrading your furniture. This can be as simple as buying a new couch or bed or it can be more complex, like installing built-in shelving or cabinets. By upgrading your furniture, you’ll not only make your home look nicer, but you’ll also have added storage and seating options.

Create a Functional Space:

If you’re short on living space, you can create a functional space. This could be anything from setting up a home office to creating an extra storage area. By utilizing every square foot of your apartment, you’ll be able to keep your home more organized and make it feel larger.

Decorate Your Exterior:

The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. One way to spruce up your apartment is by adding a new mailbox, painting the front door a bright color if you’re allowed, and planting flowers in planters on either side of the entrance. Adding these components to the exterior will provide curb appeal and make your apartment feel brighter with homey touches.

Don’t forget functional ways to improve your exterior space too. This could be adding fairy lights to brighten up the porch at night, creating a wildlife window, or some fun doormats. If opting for the latter, you will want to look for waterproof doormats for the outdoors that will provide a pop of color as well as somewhere to clean off dirty shoes before coming inside.

Add Greenery:

Adding greenery to your home is a great way to improve the air quality and reduce stress levels. Not only that, but plants can also get used to decorate your house. Some easy to maintain plants perfect for apartments include spider plants, aloe vera, and bamboo palms.

Hang Up More Mirrors:

Mirrors have a way of making any space feel larger. So by hanging up more mirrors in your apartment, you’ll be able to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Not only will this make your home look nicer, but it will also help to brighten up any dark corners.

Install Track Lighting:

If you’re looking for a way to instantly improve the look of your apartment, installing track lighting is equally a great option. Track lighting can be used to highlight specific areas in your home or to provide general illumination. Plus, it’s a relatively easy DIY project that you can do with minimal tools and skills.

Refresh Your Decor:

One of the easiest ways to give your apartment a fresh look is by changing your decor. This can be as simple as repainting a wall or adding new throw pillows. By changing your decor regularly, you’ll be able to keep your home looking new and stylish. Updated art installations are also a great way to change things up. Perhaps with these cool High-Quality Metal Prints- Expertly Crafted, a smart canvas display, or photography wall to showcase your favorite memories.

When you implement these awesome apartment ideas, you’ll be able to quickly refresh your space for a more relaxing and enjoyable home experience.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec31

What To Consider When Installing A Water Fountain In Your Yard

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What To Consider When Installing A Water Fountain In Your Yard

When looking for ways to make the front yard more beautiful, many people might consider adding a water fountain. Usually made of stone or metal, these fountains are available in different shapes and sizes. Not only will they add something nice to look at to your yard, but they have several benefits that will help you in the long run.

Although the costs of installing a fountain can be steep upfront, it is generally affordable afterwards. The only costs will be in the initial fountain purchase and in water expenses over time to maintain it, which in most cases, is extremely minimal.

Of course, there are considerations to take into account before spending your hard-earned money. For one, you’ll want to make sure there is an electrical outlet nearby or that you can put one in. You also want to make sure the area surrounding the fountain is level and free of any rocks, plants, or hard materials. Here are some things that you should consider when purchasing a fountain for your front yard:

What are the benefits of having a water fountain?

One of the benefits of a fountain is that it can help keep mosquitoes and other pests away. Mosquitoes breed in moist areas, such as ponds or streams. If you fill your water fountain with mosquito-repelling plants, then you’ll help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your yard without having to use any harmful chemicals.

Another benefit to a water fountain is that it will contribute to the beauty of your front yard. Adding a water fountain to your yard can be as simple as finding one that fits in with the natural landscape and features of your yard. But you could also go all out and have a custom-made fountain designed for your yard specifically.

Where should you put the water fountain?

Now that you know why a water fountain might be a good idea for your front yard, you should consider where to put it. You want to make sure that it’s properly situated against your home or another object to avoid having the water spray right onto the side of your house or into someone’s yard. You also want a spot with good visibility so everyone can enjoy it.

If there isn’t a space for your fountain that inspires you, you can always create one. Hardscaping with paving can form a spot that will tie the aesthetic together rather than the fountain looking randomly placed. Professionals like sanantoniopavers.com or an expert in your local area can help you realize this vision to make your backyard the place to be.

How much does it cost to install a water fountain?

Depending on the size and style of the fountain, you might pay anywhere from $100 to $5,000 for it. Keep in mind that if you want something custom made or made of rare materials, then you’ll probably end up paying more than you would if you went with something more generic.

You’ll also have to pay for labor unless you’re installing it yourself. Aside from the people you’ll be paying to install the fountain, you might want to hire paving contractors to install pavers around the area. This way, your fountain won’t scratch up the lawn, and you’ll also be able to add a nice touch by having lights added underneath.

How long will it take to install a water fountain?

The installation time for a water fountain can vary depending on what kind you get and whether you have it installed professionally or by yourself. If you have hired professionals, they’ll usually be able to install your fountain in one day. However, if you’re installing it yourself, it will probably take several days to complete the installation process.

There are many benefits to adding a water fountain in your front yard. Not only do they look beautiful and keep pests away, but they also make soothing sounds to replace the noise of cars and kids playing. What a wonderful way to relax!

Dec27

5 Ways To Make Moving Day A Breeze 

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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

Dec23

Preparing Your Backyard For Parties

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Preparing Your Backyard For Parties

After being tucked away from the cold this winter, it’s only natural to be daydreaming about warm weather, outdoor activities, and parties hosted from your own backyard. Not only are outdoor get togethers a lot of fun but they are much safer from a COVID perspective too. If you have hosting an outdoor gathering on the mind, think about the following as you make your preparations:

Set The Space:

If you don’t already have a patio in the backyard for lawn furniture, this could be a great project to undertake. Stone or terracotta tiles set in a pleasing arrangement can provide the perfect space to set up an outdoor dining arrangement for your cookouts. If you’re not keen on doing this yourself, there are sure to be lots of local professionals who can make this happen. Getting the driveway interlocking services will greatly elevate the curb appeal. It’s a win/win situation!

Outdoor Activities:

Enjoying the great outdoors with your friends is a good way to get active so take advantage of it! Badminton, volleyball, cornhole, croquet, and bocce ball are all sure to be a hit. Hosting tournaments for some friendly competition will definitely get you moving! If you and your guests have green thumbs, you could have a literal garden party and plant flowers or veggies together. Don’t forget the lemonade and finger food to snack on.

Add A Fire Pit:

Your new patio will also be a nice space to set up a fire pit for an evening get together. Roasting marshmallows and hot dogs while the sun sets is always fun and will provide a touch of warmth during those chilly summer nights. A fire pit can also serve you well in the wintertime too to sip hot chocolate and munch gingerbread cookies around.

Keep Pests At Bay:

There is nothing worse than getting bit up by mosquitos during an outdoor gathering so a supply of citronella candles will go a long way. You also might want to consider calling in local experts if you have a lot of burrow holes on your lawn. You don’t want anyone tripping and spraining an ankle during your volleyball tournament!

Spring and summer activities are not as far off as we might think! Put your daydreaming of fun in the sun to good use by preparing your backyard soon.

Dec23

Safe & Sound – Let’s Talk Home Security

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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.

Dec23

Don’t Wait To Fix These Home Problems

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Don’t Wait To Fix These Home Problems

There are some problems in the home that are things you can hold off on like installing new flooring, replacing old furniture, and the like. While remodeling is fun, it’s something that you can postpone until a more appropriate time or a bigger budget. However, there are some problems that can happen in your home that shouldn’t wait to be fixed, like these examples:

Pest Issues:

Problems with pests both inside and out should always be tended to immediately because quick action will prevent the problem from getting worse. And, holding off can cause the situation to spiral out of control rapidly from a health and safety perspective for you and your family. If you’re having an issue with bugs, mice, or other critters call in a local expert to help deal with the infestation in the most humane way possible.

Leaks:

Similarly to pest problems, a leak in the roof or a pipe is something that can get out of hand quickly. It is a money drainer considering the heat, cold, or water that the house is losing, not to mention the cost of fixing the water damaged areas. Unless you are handy, this is also something that should be dealt with by local experts for a fast and effective way to fix the problem.

Appliance Repair:

Appliances are something that we all take for granted until they stop working. We never truly know how lucky we are for a dishwasher or a washer and dryer until you’re spending evenings washing dishes by hand or at the laundromat. It is important to schedule timely dishwasher repair services before it disrupts life routine. If any of your appliances appear to be on the fritz, schedule a repair appointment today to continue on with convenience and safety.

Windows & Doors:

If your windows or doors leave your home feeling drafty, it’s time to look at an upgrade. Can you imagine your savings in heating and air conditioning once these fixtures are more secure? It can also help prevent illness from the weather being let in. Not only will it keep the cold and warmth inside more effectively, but it will also double as a way to boost your home security, making it a win/win situation.

If you are having any issues with the problems above, it’s important to get on top of them before they cause even more headache. And, as always, if you are unsure of anything, then leave it to the professionals!

Dec22

Welcome, Friends! Improving Your Entryway

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Welcome, Friends! Improving Your Entryway

In a previous post, we have touched on the importance of the entryway of your home. Today, we are going to delve further into this with some tips to make your place appear even more welcoming to your guests and friends this holiday season. Let’s get started:

The Front Door:

Your entryway, of course, begins at your front door so you will want it looking its best.
It is an essential investment to get energy efficient entry doors. Not only will it boost the appearance but it will help keep the cold air out and the warmth in. So important in the wintertime! Think carefully about the color you choose, too. A bright yellow or blue offers a playful vibe while a deep red or chocolate adds a touch of sophistication.

Outdoor Lighting:

When considering your front door, you must also think about the lighting going on outside. From an aesthetic and safety perspective you will certainly want some type of lighting installed if you don’t already have it. Especially if you have stairs that lead to your front door – you don’t want anyone tripping. A glowing light by your door will also turn into a beacon when you have guests over and they are having difficulty finding your house!

Accessories:

Both indoors and out, accessories are important. A wreath on the door and welcome mats are a great place to start. Welcome mats are also a fun way to let people know that you have dogs! My personal favorite being “knock and let me sing you the song of my people”. Ha! You will also want an indoor mat for guests to wipe off their shoes before treading mud into the home.

For your indoor entryway, consider a coat and shoe rack, a key or purse holder on the wall, and a basket with extra phone chargers for the ultimate welcome into your place.

Clean Regularly:

For your outdoor entryway, make sure you sweep around it regularly. Leaves and debris can cause a safety hazard. Don’t forget to salt it during the winter months to help prevent delivery people and guests from slipping. For your indoor entryway, contain the clutter not just in the actual space but rooms that are visible when walking into the door. It’s a little thing but it makes a big difference.

Roll out the welcome wagon with the tips above as you prepare your house for guests this holiday season!

Dec21

Home Renovations That Make A Big Difference

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Home Renovations That Make A Big Difference

Boosting your home’s value is something that should be on any home owner’s mind. When it eventually comes time to sell your property, of course you will want to get more than what you originally paid for it! This doesn’t mean to completely gut your home with costly renovations. Rather, just selecting a new project to work on every year or two to boost your home’s value. Like the following:

Start Outside:

When it comes to your home, the first thing people will notice is its exterior. This gives neighbors, strangers, and potential buyers a first impression before even stepping foot into a beautifully decorated home. Let’s make it a good one!

Cracked driveway pavement will simply not do as well as a poorly maintained lawn, and chipping paint. Start with projects like these and work your way inside because nothing is more important than a first impression. You do not want people looking at your home’s exterior and already thinking that they will have a lot of projects to undertake.

Entryway Impressions:

Think about the immediate areas that people will see when they enter your home through the front door or a door that leads inside from the garage. These should be welcoming spaces full of warmth so what can you do to make that happen? Soft rugs, wall art, and warm lighting are great places to start. Speaking of wall art, farmhouse welcome signs are insanely popular. With so many options to choose from and customize to your liking, you will have an easy time finding the perfect one for your home.

Have a durable shoe rack handy in the closet for guests as well as space cleared out for their jackets. What looks better – a pile of dirty shoes in the corner or having them neatly tucked away? These are all small but effective ways in creating the perfect entryway.

Flooring:

One of the best things that my parents did in their home was get rid of the old carpet in the living room and stairway and replace it with laminate flooring. If your carpets are looking threadbare and well trodden on, you might want to consider this renovation. Finding a local flooring store in Ottawa is important for homeowners. Replacing old carpeting can turn a dowdy space into the chicest in a matter of days and will surely boost your property value.

When considering new flooring, the most important thing is to think about your lifestyle. If your home is pet or child free, hardwood or funky tiles could be the way to go. However, if you have a full house, lifeproof laminate flooring is a great option as it is easy to maintain and can withstand tiny feet and paws running about.

Work With What You Have:

It is not possible to make a smaller room bigger without an expensive expansion but you can use some simple tricks to give the illusion of more space. To fake a more spacious area, you will want to start with the color palette. Bright whites and creams on the walls and furniture will help bounce the light to help make a room look bigger.

And, speaking of lighting – the brighter the better. Making use of natural light is the best way to go so drape your windows in something gauzy and sheer to let the light in. If your room has no windows, go with hanging fixtures and well placed tall lamps to bounce around the space. Don’t forget that mirrors can also make a room look more spacious too!

Boost your curb appeal and property value with well timed projects like the ones above to make a big difference for your property.