Tag Archives: professionals

Jan2

8 DIY Projects That Should Always Be Left To The Pros

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8 DIY Projects That Should Always Be Left To The Pros

DIY projects can be a great way to save money and get hands-on with home renovations. However, some DIY projects should only be attempted by the average homeowner with professional help. The projects below take a lot of skill and knowledge to be completed safely so leave these to the professionals in your area:

Electrical Wiring:

Amateur electrical work is not only dangerous, but it can also lead to costly mistakes down the line if done incorrectly. It is important to leave any wiring issues in your home to an electrician certified by your local government or corresponding trade association who knows exactly how to address your issue correctly and safely.

Plumbing Work:

Home plumbing repairs can quickly become complicated and expensive when done wrong, so it’s best not to meddle with them yourself. Instead, to avoid costly mistakes, always hire a certified plumber to handle any plumbing repairs in your home.

Foundation Repairs:

While minor foundation issues can be fixed on a DIY basis using kits available at most hardware stores, more serious damage should never be attempted without qualified help. Always contact a professional contractor specializing in foundation repair if you suspect your home suffers from significant structural damage.

Roofing Work:

The simple fact is that roofing work is dangerous. Leaving it to the pros will ensure the safety of anyone attempting to do repairs or maintenance on their roof. Professionals are also better equipped to assess potential problems and provide lasting solutions.

Installing Floors:

Installing floors can be a difficult and tedious task, requiring special tools and skills to do it properly. Can you imagine almost finishing a hardwood project to realize you didn’t line things up as well as you thought? Yikes!

Installing Siding or Windows:

Installing siding or windows is a precise and intricate process. Attempting to take on this task yourself will almost certainly result in costly mistakes that could cause major damage to your home. Always leave this job to professionals who have the necessary tools and know-how to get the job done right and safely.

Installing Insulation:

Improperly installed insulation can lead to energy loss and higher utility bills, not to mention a risk of fire. Hire an experienced contractor specializing in installing insulation to ensure your home is properly insulated and safe from potential hazards.

Gas Line Repairs:

Gas lines should never be worked on by a DIYer. Even the slightest mistake could cause a catastrophic accident that would be far more expensive than just hiring an expert in the first place. Leave gas line repairs to certified professionals who know exactly how to safely and correctly handle any problems with your gas line.

For any DIY project you’re considering, make sure you weigh the risks of attempting it yourself versus hiring a professional. Professional contractors have the training and expertise needed to handle complex home improvement tasks correctly and safely, so the extra cost will be well worth the peace of mind.

Featured Image By: Annie Gray on Unsplash

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Oct13

Repairs That Can’t Wait

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Repairs That Can’t Wait

If you look around your home, there are sure to be some issues that could use a little attention. Squeaky doors, threadbare carpets, or an unsteady shelf are annoyances but not necessarily things that need an immediate solution. On the other hand, there are some problems that you shouldn’t wait to fix. We’re talking appliances and fixtures in the home that can prevent you from living your normal life. Let’s discuss further:

Appliances:

Broken appliances are the first thing that comes to mind when you think of things that could alter your normal routine. A washer or dryer on the fritz means a trip to the laundromat. Broken refrigerator? Say goodbye to all of your perishable food. And, of course, a nonfunctional oven means spending additional money on takeout. These are all issues that need to be repaired ASAP as the longer you hold off could lead to even more costly repairs or become a safety hazard.

In the instance of a broken appliance, it is so important to call in the professionals. You also want someone who specializes specifically in your problem, say for common stove issues and solutions. If you have a newer appliance that is malfunctioning, the repairs might be covered under a warranty if you purchased one so do check on that to help save money.

Weather Related Issues:

It is never a good thing when the weather outside is coming into your home. This means drafty doors, cracks in the walls, or leaks and breakages in the roof. Not only can this invite pests into your home but it can also be a major health and safety hazard for you and your family. An out of shape roof or leaks can cause mold and damp, which can exacerbate issues like asthma. Drafts and cracks can also make for bitter temperatures inside your home come winter. These are all problems that should be prioritized for everyone’s well being.

Heating/Air Conditioning:

A too hot or too cold home is just downright unpleasant and could mean that something is wrong with your HVAC system. The solution might be as simple as a tune up or a few replacement parts or it could be a complete overhaul of your system entirely. Remember, it is best to have a professional check on this annually for the comfort and safety it provides. Stifling temps indoors in the summer can lead to someone overheating while too cold in the winter can cause flooding and frozen pipes. A freshly repaired HVAC system will keep your home just right all year round.

When you are considering repairs, priority number one should always be if the problem is effecting your family’s comfort and safety. If it is, then it is time to call a professional!

Sep9

Important Steps When Updating An Old Property

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Important Steps When Updating An Old Property

When you’re faced with an older property to renovate, the challenges presented can put a lot of homeowners off from purchasing it in the first place. However, there are some of us out there that love a challenge, and an old property certainly gives you it in abundance.

An older property should be approached carefully and will often be more costly than the average renovation. Whether you’re updating one room or multiple, there’s a right way to go about it in order to get the most out of your investment. Let’s look at the important steps you need to take in order to update an old property successfully:

How much is typically spent on renovating a property?

According to Rocket Mortgage, the average house renovation can cost anywhere between $15,000 to a whopping $200,000. Of course, not everyone has this type of cash just sitting in their bank account, which means you often need to be realistic about what you can afford.

Depending on the skills you possess, there are some jobs that you can likely do yourself, whilst others will require a professional hand. Before you start hammering down walls or stripping fixtures away from ceilings, it’s important to have planned and prepared the project properly. How much are you thinking of spending on the project and what’s required from the renovation?

Let’s look at some of the most crucial steps for updating an older property:

Install new windows:

To brighten up the appearance when it comes to your home’s exterior, new windows are a great way to update its look. There are plenty of companies out there who will be more than willing to help knock out the old windows and replace them with eco-efficient, high-performance alternatives including this one here.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

Typically, you’d expect to pay around $600 for a window but this can vary from $200-$1,200.

Assess any other structural work that needs doing:

Structural work is something that should be undertaken before you make any cosmetic changes to your property. There may be certain issues within the walls, floors, and ceilings of the property that need fixing. Wouldn’t it be frustrating to spend all that money and do all that work only to find that there’s a serious structural issue that means you need to rip everything out and start again? By doing the assessments and getting the professionals in to take a closer look at the integrity of the property, the more problems you can avoid further down the line.

Focus your attention room by room:

When it comes to your focus, make sure it’s spent on tackling each room individually, rather than all at once. Unless you can afford to move out of the property and spend the money to do everything at once, it’s both a more pleasurable experience and a less stressful one to do it in separate chunks. Not only that but it means your attention isn’t spread too thinly, which ultimately helps avoid mistakes.

Replace outdated fixtures and fittings:

With your fixtures and fittings, it’s important to replace these in order to provide your home with a blank canvas. For example, the lighting found in most old homes is likely very outdated and unless you want to refurbish some of them due to their vintage appearance, it’s good to replace them.

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^^^ Unsplash Image

Upgrade your heating system:

Upgrading your heating system is a must, especially as a lot of the old properties back in the day would run on the most basic of heating systems. There has been a considerable amount of development in central heating systems. This can be a costly expense, but it’s something you should definitely consider, along with air conditioning units.

Do a check of the roof and guttering:

Your roofing and guttering protect your home from water damage so any compromises in these structures can cause a lot of costly damage. With that said, get the professionals in to do a check of the roof and guttering when possible.

Upgrading old properties can be extremely gratifying, so with this in mind, enjoy the process of creating your dream home!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Aug22

4 Ways To Fortify Your Home From The Elements

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4 Ways To Fortify Your Home From The Elements

There are plenty of fun and unique ways to make your home more comfortable and match your style. However, you also need to think about protecting your home. While this may not make it comfortable in the traditional sense, it’s still a vital component of maintaining your home, especially from all types of extreme weather. Whether you own your home or are renting the property, here is some advice to keep you as safe as you are comfortable all year round:

Keep Out the Storms:

If you live somewhere that gets more rain than you’d ever thought possible, you need to make sure you keep your house secure from the water pounding at your door like a particularly aggressive salesperson. Storms can often cause much more damage than you expect, which is why plantation shutters and robust guttering are essential. The shutters offer a sophisticated yet protective barrier, while guttering will direct heavy rainfall away from your home to prevent flooding in the basement.

Repair Your Insulation and Ventilation:

You should also focus on improving insulation and ventilation within the house. This is beneficial throughout the year, helping your home remain warm during the winter while allowing it to breathe during the blistering summer months. This is especially important if you live in an older property, as the existing features may have worn down or are unsuitable for the current climate. An inspector can check your house and provide advice to give you an idea of what you need to do to make the house more livable.

Check Your Pipes:

The drastic temperature drop during winter means there’s a chance that frozen water occurs within your pipes if they have not drained correctly. This can cause severe problems if you are not aware of it, and your home may flood if you don’t get ahead of the issue. You can use foam insulation strips to cover the pipes and keep the water from freezing. Draining the pipes regularly will also reduce the chances of ice forming. Again, it may be worth getting the pipes inspected to check that they have not rusted or disintegrated.

Invest In Dehumidifiers:

Many people think a dehumidifier is only necessary if you live in a humid part of the country, but this is not the case. Dehumidifiers can reduce the risk of mold in your home no matter where you are. This improves the air quality and prevents respiratory problems that could lead to even worse issues. Identify the dampest parts of your house (typically the basement or laundry room) and install the dehumidifier. By doing this, you should keep damp from spreading throughout the house and make it easier to breathe, especially during rainy seasons.

You don’t need to raise the battlements and invest in a moat (although that would be cool). Instead, these tips can help you keep your home safe from the elements all year!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jul27

How To Make Rural Life Easier

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How To Make Rural Life Easier

Living in a rural area is never an easy task, especially if you don’t have much experience with being far away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Fortunately, figuring out how to thrive despite leading a rural lifestyle doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might imagine. This guide contains some of the most effective ideas that you can make the most of today so you can start to thrive in no time:

Have Home Experts On Speed Dial:

It is so important to have a range of experts on speed dial so you can call a professional if you find yourself in a tricky situation. For example, a number of rural homes which are not directly linked to utility services have their own septic tank, meaning you should certainly add an emergency septic company service to your contact list.

To add to this, you’ll also likely benefit from sourcing a trusted plumber, as well as a registered electrician. Making the mistake of not building relationships with such people could leave you in a terrible situation without access to electricity or hot water, or even stop you from using your toilet. Always take the time to read reviews beforehand so that you can locate the most trustworthy and reputable providers, as you need to be able to put your faith in whoever you call.

Always Stock Up:

When you’re far away from the grocery store, it’s always best to stock up rather than being left without the ingredients or items that you need. There are bound to be many items that you can stock up on to begin your journey to a constantly full pantry, starting off with dried foods. It’s likely that you and your family will eat things like pasta or rice at least once a week, so you can purchase these items in bulk to ensure you have enough for the next few months!

Dried foods generally have a really long shelf life and can be left in storage for many months or even years without degrading in any way. Canned foods are great to stock up on too, as canned tomatoes, beans, vegetables and more can also stand the test of time without going off very easily. When you can stock up properly, cooking becomes an easy task that you can genuinely enjoy, rather than a chore that leaves you worrying about your next restock.

Success in a rural setting means lots of planning ahead and having trustworthy people to help you when you’re in a bind. Use these tips to get started today!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr13

3 Top Tips For Rebuilding Your Home

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3 Top Tips For Rebuilding Your Home

If you’ve been a homeowner for more than five years, you probably had to consider making improvements around your home, especially if there are certain restrictions or risks to your current home. Should you renovate or should you rebuild? Demolishing and rebuilding your home might seem extreme. However, when done right, it is rewarding. With nearly 80% of homes in the US about 20 years old, it’s safe to say that most homes are in dire need of remodeling and improvements. Here are a few tips to help you on your home rebuilding journey:

Set a solid budget:

Rebuilding your home can be a hectic endeavor and frequently unpredictable, especially when fixing a budget. However, a budget is something you cannot do without. While it might be difficult to have a precise budget, it helps to have it as accurate as possible. You might only have issues with budgeting if you continue to add on during the rebuilding process.

Yes, your rebuilding project must have a flexible budget that caters to unexpected expenses. But you must ensure that you factor in any rising cost changes when you want to change your building plan or make additions. For better results when budgeting, experts recommend setting aside ten percent of your budget to cover any unexpected costs. That way, you won’t overspend and you could make changes throughout the process.

Demolish your home if necessary:

There are different levels to rebuilding your home. Some rebuilding projects might be limited to various aspects of the house, while others are meant to give your home a total design overhaul. Demolishing your home might seem extreme but, in some instances, it is the best option, especially if you want to give your home a new look.

One of the biggest factors that account for home demolitions is having faulty foundations or structural issues beyond normal repairs. These issues could put you and your family at risk if left unchecked. You might also want to demolish your home if doing several renovations will cost more than rebuilding.

Speak to a contractor for more advice before embarking on a demolition project. There are various types of demolition contractors to use. For example, you would have to hire a concrete demolition contractor if your home is made out of concrete.

Find credible builders:

A good construction team is the key to success in your rebuilding project. An unreliable team can set your project back and cause delays that might affect you financially. Work with a credible team that is willing and ready to work on the agreed terms and would not want to unfairly change your contract.

Before embarking on this project, run an extensive background check on your builders and check out their previous projects. That way, you can rest assured that you have an excellent team.

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Pixabay Image

Rebuilding your home is a long process that involves a lot of planning. However, if your home needs extensive structural repairs, it might be the best way to go to keep your family safe.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Apr11

Home Improvement Ideas To Try Next

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Home Improvement Ideas To Try Next

The use of social media DIY accounts is addictive, and many of us have wished to begin DIY home improvement tasks. Some DIY projects are successful, while others are not. However, enhancing your home is something we should all focus on at some time in our lives because it is our foundation; elements like security and decor should be updated on a regular basis. Here are a few suggestions to add to your next project to do list to make your home look even better:

Wall Paneling:

Wall paneling is a cost-effective technique to add luxury to a room. This is something that you can accomplish yourself pretty easily, but it is also something that skilled decorators can achieve in no time. It’s a small thing, but it makes a great difference. Providing paneling to your walls before painting them offers an air of sophistication to the space while also adding a lot of character. It’s not expensive because it’s only a few pieces of wood that you adhere to the wall and then paint over. It gives the room personality and serves as a wonderful conversation starter when visitors arrive.

Roof Renovations:

The most crucial element of your home is the roof, yet many homeowners are unsure how to pay for it. Fortunately, there are credit options available for many types of roofs and budgets. Roof financing is a great way to make sure your roof is doing what it needs to if you are on a budget. It’s critical that it looks amazing while still performing its functions, like insulating the home to keep heat from escaping during the colder months.

Having a beautiful roof not only looks fantastic, but also prevents problems that might occur from not having a decent roof in place. If you don’t have a proper roof, it might lead to leaks and mold growth, which can be hazardous to human health.

A Surprise Room:

Let’s face it, we’re all a little envious when a secret room comes out of nowhere in a movie. It’s not difficult to incorporate into your home if you have a good handyman or professional on hand. Make a secret hideaway room or a Narnia style playroom for your kids if you have a spare room that isn’t used often or is only being used for storage. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is to replace the door with a disguised hinged bookcase. As a result, it will open like a door, but when shut, it will resemble a bookshelf, and no one will have a clue. How cool is that?!

Whenever you’re planning your next home renovation projects, consider these ideas to make your house the ultimate place to be!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr11

Make Moving Easier With These Tips

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Make Moving Easier With These Tips

Are you moving house soon? If so, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to manage it! Moving can seem like a daunting task, but it can be a lot easier with a bit of organization and preparation than you think. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on making your move as smooth and stress free as possible. Let’s get started:

Organize and Declutter:

One of the first things you should do when preparing to move is to have a good declutter. This will make packing easier, but it will also save you money on moving costs. If you don’t need it, get rid of it! Have a garage sale, donate items to charity, or sell them online. This will also allow you to get rid of any unwanted furniture or appliances that you don’t want to take with you.

Start Packing Early:

Don’t leave packing until the last minute! Instead, start packing up non-essential items a few weeks in advance. This will make the process a lot less daunting and will help to keep you organized. Make sure to label all of your boxes to know where everything is going.

Hire a Professional Moving Company:

If you want to make your move as easy as possible, hire a professional moving company. They will handle all of the heavy lifting and transport your belongings safely to your new home. This will take a lot of the stress out of moving.

Use a Portable Moving Container:

If you’re not hiring a professional moving company, you may consider using a portable moving container. This is an excellent option if you’re on a budget or have a lot of belongings. You can pack up your container at your own pace and then deliver it to your new home.

Pack Your Essentials Separately:

When you’re packing for your move, pack a separate bag or box of essential items that you will need on the first day in your new home. This should include toiletries, clothes, bedding, and kitchen supplies. This will make it easier to find everything you need when you first arrive at your new house.

Notify Important Contacts Of Your Move In Advance:

Notify your bank, doctor, and other important contacts of your move in advance. This will ensure that you don’t have any disruptions to your service.

Change Your Address:

Don’t forget to change your address at the post office! You can do this online or in person so you can continue to receive your mail at your new address.

Packing Hacks:

  • Use old newspapers or bubble wrap to protect your belongings when packing.
  • Put heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.
  • Fill up any empty spaces in your boxes with clothes or towels to prevent them from moving around during transport.

Following these tips will help to make your move as easy and painless as possible. Moving house doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With a bit of planning and preparation, it can be a breeze! Happy moving!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb15

Home Renovations: 3 Things You’ll Need To Consider

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Home Renovations: 3 Things You’ll Need To Consider

When you’re a homeowner, it’s tempting to do up parts of your property every once in a while. These home renovations can not only make your home look better, but also function better. You shouldn’t dive straight in, however. Home renovations can be more complicated than you’d think whether big or small. You’ll need to consider multiple factors before starting your project. While there could be quite a few things to focus on, some are more important than others:

The Available Space:

Before you start any home renovations, you’ll need to ensure that you have enough space for it. It’s easy to have grand ideas for a project but if you don’t have the space, then it isn’t going to work. Basing your designs on the space you have available is essential.

While you wouldn’t need to worry too much with extensions, you’ll need to factor this in for any other home renovation project. It’ll save you from needing to adapt or change part way through the project. For instance, it is essential to consider your available space if you want to add a minibar. A home bar setup wouldn’t necessarily take up a lot of space, yet it is best to plan it for comfort and functionality. You may choose a small bar cart or a larger freestanding bar depending on your available space. Planning the bar’s layout is key to ensuring that it doesn’t feel cramped or cluttered, as this can detract from the overall enjoyment of the space.

DIY Or Professional?

Residential construction is more complicated than many people assume. While there are some tasks that you can do yourself, it’s often worth hiring a professional.

There are more than a few reasons to consider this. Some of the more notable include:

  • Work will be done to a high standard.
  • It’ll typically be more affordable than you’d think.
  • Protecting yourself from possible injury.

Although hiring a professional for your home renovations is an extra cost, you can rest assured that the work should last a lifetime. It’ll be more than worth the investment.

Time Of Year:

Many people don’t realize that the time of the year can have a significant impact on home renovations. While that might not be the case for indoor renovations, it certainly will be for any exterior ones. If you’re planning a deck or patio, for example, you’ll need to plan it for when there’s appropriate weather. Having this renovated or installed during the winter wouldn’t be recommended.

You should also think about when the more popular times to get work done around your area is. These can often be the more expensive times to have any renovations done. Avoiding these periods and choosing a less busy time could end up saving you money.

When you’re considering any home renovations, have a budget in mind, what you can achieve with it, and a time frame. Good planning will save you a lot of stress when it comes to your project!

Featured Image By: Ottawagraphics from Pixabay

Feb15

6 Home Maintenance Tasks Better Left To Professionals

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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.

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.

HVAC maintenance:

HVAC systems are complicated and dangerous if they are not appropriately maintained. An experienced HVAC technician 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