Summer Home Improvements that Add Value

Are you considering making home improvements this summer to your home? The best home improvement projects will not only add value to the property, but will also make it more enjoyable for you and your family. However, not all improvements will add value. For example, spending on painting the walls is one area which many believe adds value, while in fact owners will see less than 50% of a return, if any. Consider these options instead when you are considering where to make improvements to your home that add personality and value.

Fix it up - Sounds simple enough, but people really don't consider fixing the items in the summer home as an improvement. If deck wood is rotting or if your faucets are leaking, simply repairing and replacing these things will help add value to your summer home. No matter which areas of the home need fixing, it is better to repair these first before you hire contractors to begin new constructions. If you plan on selling the home, buyers will want things to work and look good. And, if you plan on keeping the property, you want to know everything is in working condition. For a reasonable price, you can hire a great handyman to perform all repairs for you.

The lawn - Curb appeal is what draws people to a home. You don't have to spend a ton on fancy landscaping ideas, but nice floral arrangements or a new tree in the front lawn is inviting. Maintaining your lawn will definitely add to the home's value. It is more aesthetically pleasing, and it will also bring you joy to see how great your summer home looks when the lawn and garden are properly maintained.

Consider new lighting - New outdoor lighting will also help increase your summer home's value, plus it doesn't have to be that costly of a project to take on. Run some lights up and down the driveway, or add a new light post to the front porch. Having a nicely lit path is not only easier to get from the front driveway to the door, but it also looks better from a distance.

Shutters - New shutters—especially in areas where adverse weather conditions are a problem—will also add value to your summer home. If it is a hurricane or heavy storm area, shutters will protect the windows and glass along the home's front. Adding new shutters will also dress up the front of the home, as they come in numerous colors, shapes, and design options. Adding curb appeal, adding protection, and adding value for a fairly low cost makes adding shutters to your summer home a wise investment option.

There are a number of projects you can perform when it comes to increasing your summer home's value. These are some of the least costly options, and they won't take too much time to complete. Plus, most homeowners can even do themselves. At a low cost and high return value these are some projects to take on if you wish to increase your home's value this summer.

Creating a Home Office

These days, millions of people work from home thanks to innovative technology. In fact, over 20 million Americans telecommute for work at least part-time. This number is only expected to grow as technology advances. While there are pros and cons to everything, working from home presents more advantages than disadvantages. That explains why so many employees prefer telecommuting over hopping in their car and driving to an office.

Many residential architects are building home offices in new homes and in remodeling projects. A home office is a great way to add value to your home as well as functionality. If you’re thinking of creating your own home office, here are some things that you should consider:

One of the most difficult decisions is where to put the home office. Finding the right spot for your office can be a challenge. Some homeowners like to put their home office in the kitchen—the center hub of the house. Others prefer to create an office in a spare bedroom or the basement. If you choose the basement as the location, you need to make sure the space is absolutely dry. Also consider a private entrance for your home office for extra privacy.

Make technology available in the office. The whole point of working from home instead of the office is to be able to replicate what is available at the headquarters. This means that you need the correct wiring for voice communication, wireless setup, etc. Most homes that were built in the last few years have advanced wiring known as Category 5.

Make use of all available space. There will probably be plenty of wall space in your home office, and don’t be intimidated to use it. You can have bookcases and shelves from the floor to the ceiling if you choose. Don’t worry so much about aesthetics if you need lots and lots of storage space.

Be sure the electrical system is up to par. If you live in an older home with older wiring, there is the potential for power surges that can result in fires. If you need to upgrade the wiring, don’t put it off. Hire an electrician to make certain the system can handle the demands of your home office.

Paint the walls a motivating color. For some, yellow or red gets them motivated to work. Others perform better surrounded by calm blue walls. Choose a color that you love and that will motivate you. And don’t worry about what others think—it’s YOUR home office!

How Often Should You Replace Major Appliances?

 

Every year, thousands of households invest thousands of dollars on high quality home appliances. While these appliances play a key role in their homes such as making work easier, sooner or later they become inefficient and ineffective. It’s at this point that one has to answer that simple question, should I have them repaired, or should they be replaced?

Since no appliance is designed to last forever, it's important to be knowledgeable about the appliance's lifespan. Failure to do so may lead you to unexpectedly find that the fridge no long works, or that the boiler has gone cold. But since one appliance's lifespan varies from the other, it's wise that you keep a log of each one of them so as to prevent incidences of your family's life being inconvenienced.

 In essence, it's hard to give an exact date of when your appliance will become ineffective. And although some major publications such as Appliance Magazine publishes an annual report showing how long people keep their household appliances, it's worth noting that in most cases, families choose to replace their appliances when they are remodeling rather than when the appliance's lifespan is about to be exceeded.

 How then can one know that it's time to replace their appliance?

 The most reliable way of doing so is by making an approximation or in other words, calculating the appliance's average lifespan. Usually, this is highly determined by the appliance's durability, manufacturing quality, frequency of use, levels of maintenance, the weather, and  how well or how poorly they have been installed.

While a central air conditioning system is designed to last for 15 to 20 years, if you live within the coastal areas, it can end up lasting far less than a decade. In terms of durability and frequency of use, a window air conditioner is more likely to become inefficient a whole lot faster than a freezer. That aside, here's a breakdown on the average number of years some of the major household appliances are likely to last:

Since window air conditioners, washing machines and microwaves are among the most used within the house, they tend to have a lifespan of less than 10 years. To be specific, their approximated lifespan is 5-7, 5-15, and 9 years respectively.

Refrigerators are likely to last for 9-13 years, gas ovens 10-18 years, freezers 10-18 years, kitchen disposals 12 years, dryers 13 years, boilers 13-21 years, and wall ovens 15 years or more.

It’s always important to keep track of your appliance's age. Alternatively, you can pay close attention to the performance of the appliance. Small issues like emitting funny noises and/or frequent malfunctions should be taken as warning signs that the appliance should be replaced.

Should You Get Your Roof Repaired in the Winter?

If the roof of your home is not in very good condition, you might be wondering whether roof repairs and even replacements can be done in winter or not. You may be under the impression that the answer is no, given the tough weather conditions the residents of most areas experience at this time of year which make the task not only unpleasant, but also possibly unsafe to perform. 

Winter roofing repairs can be done- at a price.

While roofing in the wintertime is harder to do and can be unsafe for everyone involved – roofers, homeowners and inhabitants and ever passersby who– the truth is, it can be done if the necessary precautions are taken. This is primarily in the case of an emergency, which is why professional roofers still work during winter if only on a minimum capacity, and usually for a higher fee.

What about a total roof replacement?

So, should you have your roof totally replaced in the winter? Probably not, unless there is a dire emergency. Aside from the fact that it is unsafe and unpleasant, the conditions for roofing aren’t exactly fantastic during winter. Also, failing to respect the need for good weather while fixing or placing a new roof generally tends to result in a less than desirable final product, which will likely not be any safer or less prone to leaking than your current roof.

There are products available that facilitate and make winter roofing possible, allowing for those urgent leak repairs to be done in the colder month. But the fact is that traditional materials don’t dry properly in the freezing cold – or snow – and they don’t dry well with humidity either. This means that the roofing structure will not be fixed properly, and might even become defective and more fragile. Another fact you should keep in mind is that the leaks are harder to find during winter, and looking for them then isn’t the best idea, particularly if you are not experienced and have no idea of what you are doing.

What if you notice a leak in your roof during the winter months?

If you have noticed a leak in the roofing structure of your home during winter, your best bets are: covering the roof with a tarp and waiting for at least a few days of decent weather to appear. Or, take note of any existing problems with your roof, even adding in some photos if possible, and get in touch with a professional roofer to plan for the roof repairs or replacement to take place as soon as possible when the weather becomes more suitable roofing work. 

Get Your Home Ready for Fall

The crispness of fall is already detectable in some parts of the country. Now that the cooler weather is approaching, it’s the perfect time to get the fall checklist together for your home. There are some things that you should do as a homeowner to get your house ready for the fall season, including weatherization and maintenance. You may choose to some of the tasks yourself or you can hire a professional if needed. Here’s a rundown of some things you should add to your fall home checklist:

Check for peeling paint. Look for signs of blistering or peeling on the paint of the exterior of your home. If you don’t correct the peeling paint, the siding is not being protected and could deteriorate.

Inspect the roof. Leaking roofs can be a big pain when there is a lot of snow and ice. If you don’t nip roof problems in the bud now, they could turn into bigger issues later on in the season. Inspect your roof thoroughly from top to bottom, checking for cracks in the shingles and curled shingles.

Clean the gutters. It’s important to clean out leaves and tree debris from gutters and downspouts in order to avoid clogged gutters. Make sure they are flowing freely and replace old gutters with ones that have leaf guards.

Get a furnace inspection. You should have your furnace and heating system checked annually for best results. It’s best to inspect the furnace before the heating season begins. Check the furnace filter and make sure it’s clean. Also, get your fireplace in working order.

Caulk the windows. In order to prevent heat from escaping your home during the colder months, it’s a good idea to caulk around your windows and doorframes. This avoids moisture getting in and freezing, which leads to cracks.

Take care of cracks in the driveway. If your driveway is damaged, it can be extra dangerous when icy conditions are present. It’s a good idea to inspect for cracks in the fall in order to avoid bigger problems later on. This goes for your walkways, too.

Remove air conditioners. If you leave them in the window, they can allow cold air to seep in. If the air conditioner is sealed properly in the window, at least cover it for the winter to prevent rusting.

Check fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. You should inspect your home’s safety features at least once per year, but every season is better. Make sure they are in working order, including CO detectors.

Winter will be before you know it, so get your home ready for the fall months. This way, you’ll be prepared for any type of weather and your home will remain comfortable and warm.

Most Popular Flooring Options

When you walk into a home, perhaps the first thing that catches your attention is the flooring. The right kind of flooring will enhance the finishing and appearance of your home. Also, flooring that looks attractive will increase your home’s value. Good flooring will also recoup its cost if you ever decide to sell your house at some point.

 

Let's take a look at the most common flooring options available:

 

Hardwood Flooring

 

Hardwood flooring is not only beautiful but also durable. Wooden flooring is available in beech, maple,  oak, walnut, birch, cherry, and many more. Some kinds of hardwood flooring are prone to expanding and shrinking. This may lead to gaps in the floor. Some wooden flooring may also darken with age.

 

Ceramic Tiles

 

Ceramic tiles are the best solution if you are looking for a flooring type that needs waterproofing. Ceramic tile can serve several purposes. You can use them as counter tops or floor tiles. Ceramic tiles sporting a high gloss finish may scratch over time. Unglazed ceramic tiles are ideal for outdoor flooring mainly because they can withstand exposure to water. Ceramic tiles are available in glazed, matte, embossed or textured finishes.

 

Porcelain based ceramic tiles are good at hiding scratches and damages. There is one problem, though. Cleaning grout lines can be quite difficult. Also, if the tiles are of low quality, they may chip.

 

Bamboo Flooring

 

Bamboo flooring is a relatively new type of flooring. This is also a greener option. Bamboo flooring is available in a range of colors. It is elegant and durable and creates a strong and clean surface. However, exposure to sunlight can darken bamboo flooring. In addition, if you install bamboo flooring, you need to ensure that it remains dry all the time.

 

Marble Flooring

 

In terms of durability and versatility, nothing can beat marble tiles. You can install them on the floors and the walls. They can also be used for hallway columns. Marble tiles don't require much maintenance. They can also be cleaned easily. Better still, marble tiles can be engraved with stylish designs that reflect your tastes.

 

Marble tiles are available in different colors. People have been using marble as a construction material for several thousands of years. However, their most popular use is in flooring. Marble tiles are available in different sizes. If you are really handy, you can install them yourself.

 

Laminate Flooring

 

Much of the popularity of laminate flooring can be attributed to the fact that it is quite cheap. Laminate flooring also requires very little maintenance. It is strong and durable. It can also withstand burns, chipping and scratches. Laminate flooring is ideal for areas where you expect high traffic. They look like natural materials and they are also available in a range of designs and colors.

 

Before installing laminate flooring, however, you should remember that they cannot be refinished. Also, they can be scratched very easily. If you are planning to install laminate flooring in areas where it will get exposed to moisture, you should choose laminates suitable for this use. Installing and maintaining laminate flooring is quite easy.

Creative Ways to Use Your Basement

A full basement foundation may be quite expensive, but it is well-worth the money you spend on it. Unlike a crawlspace alternative, a full basement provides great returns on your investment. In fact, a well-built basement can actually increase the value of your home when it is time to sell.

It’s not just about long term financial gains. Your basement will pay you back in several other ways as well.

Climate

Basements tend to be cool during the hot summer months and warm during the winter months. Since the basement is naturally insulated from heat and cold, you will not have to spend much money on cooling and heating. Because of its temperate climate, the basement is a great place to spend the day when it gets too hot or cold.

Peace and Quiet

Need some peace and quiet? The basement is a great place to escape into. Alternatively, you can move the exercise room or your children's playroom into the basement. This will make the upstairs quieter.

More Space

The basement is also a great place to accommodate your home office. Since many homes are now built on smaller lots, expanding down is better than expanding out.

Basements are no longer dark and dreary. While they are still prone to moisture and flooding problems, latest moisture prevention technologies have made them more livable. In addition, effective basement water barrier products are available nowadays. They can be installed fast and allows people to enjoy a dry and ready-to-use basement.

Because of these waterproofing techniques, your basement can be used in almost endless ways. Here are some ideas for using your basement.

The basement is perfectly suitable for housing certain kinds of rooms.

Media room

You can create an entertainment room in the basement because it is a secluded place. A dark basement is particularly suitable for housing a media room.

Activity room

Your basement can house a children's playroom or a home workshop. It can even house your private gym. The basement is easily accessible; still it is out of the way. By using the basement in innovative ways, you can free up valuable space upstairs.

Wine cellar

The temperate climate inside the basement makes it ideal for storing wine. So include a wine cellar in your basement plans if you are a wine connoisseur.

Laundry room

Consumers now demand more out of the laundry room. Since the basement has easy access to water and drainage, it is a great place for housing your laundry room.

Recreation room

Homeowners often don't mind experimenting with colors and other design elements in their basements. You can build a fully outfitted recreation room in the basement. You should also consider adding a pool table and other fun accessories. If the basement opens to the patio or the backyard, it can also be suitable for entertaining guests on a warm summer day.

Home spa

This might sound a bit unconventional, but the quiet and the peace of the basement make it a great place to accommodate a sauna.

Several homeowners are including a full basement in their house plan because of the many benefits of having one. Gone are the days when basements were synonymous with flooding. Now they have become an integral part of the family living space.

Refinance and Remodel Your Home

Stuck between the options to go for a refinance or to hold back until home improvements are done? You might possibly be considering a construction loan as well to complete your addition, and then later refinance your mortgage. But there once again, you may feel stuck; should the value of your new addition exceed your appraised value? So, the bottom line is to go for improvement or refinancing? How about if we tell you that you could go for both!

Earlier, there were two distinct ways which people would opt for when they wanted to utilize the equity of their houses for house improvements. Based on their current appraised value, they’d obtain an equity loan. Or put some construction plans and specifications together, include some contractor’s bid and acquire a construction loan.

If you look at it, both the ways fall under second mortgage loans.

The amount for equity loans are based upon the ongoing market value of the home, and the construction loans are mostly set according to the “as finished” value of the home. In simpler terms, that’s the value of the home after the improvement work is done. We all know that while doing a major remodeling of a house, often the construction costs surpass the property’s current value. And when that happens, due to the absence of any equity in the home, lenders are not the party to offer their best programs.

Rates on second mortgages are often higher than the rates on a first mortgage. Also, in the instance of a line of credit or an equity loan, the interest rate is never stable. Initially, it’s lower but later it starts climbing higher. Problematic!

Then, if you were to acquire a construction loan or equity loan, the rates would be mostly higher than your current first mortgage finance. And if the construction phase goes on for two to three months, you can’t count on the interest rate to stay where it was earlier.

Problems, problems, problems… But not anymore.

There are lenders who offer a mortgage finance, which takes care of both the issues. You can now not only refinance a current first mortgage into a lower rate, but also simultaneously borrow more for home improvement. All at today’s lower rates, avoiding higher rates and variable construction loan terms. Fascinating!  

So, let’s say, you are looking forward to add an extra bedroom or an extra floor as an improvement to your home. For example, your current mortgage is somewhere $180,000 while the appraise amount for your house is at Rs. $200,000. Not much scope for equity loan here. The improvement you have in mind will cost $100,000. So after the completion of construction work your new value will be somewhere close to $300,000. Now, thanks to the new mortgage programs, you can borrow funds for your dream home improvements using the “future” appraised value of your renovated home, along with all the equity that follows with it. Plus, the refinance will be available at competitive rates. Exciting, huh?

However, the ratio of these lenders is low. You might have to check with a lot of lenders to come across the ones with the new programs. But to get a construction loan along with a regular finance is worth the effort. So don’t let old experiences stop you anymore from transforming your house into your dream house.

5 Reasons to Hire an Interior Designer

While it is true that you can do design your home on your own, you can make the task easier and less stressful by hiring an experienced interior designer. Even if you are a creative person, redesigning your interiors may not be something that you are familiar with.

Renovating a home can be tiring and exciting. You might have great ideas, but you may lack the experience or creativity necessary to implement those ideas correctly. If you feel that you lack the required skills, a practical solution is to hire an interior designer. An experienced designer can suggest unique solutions to make your home look and feel better.

Here are a few things to consider before hiring a professional interior designer:

You get to save money

Interior designers work with contractors and local dealers all the time. As a result, they can buy materials for the best price. If you walk into the store and buy stuff you will probably have to pay a higher price. You may also end up buying too much.

On the other hand, a designer knows exactly how much paint you need for your walls or how many tiles you need for the kitchen or the bathroom. This eliminates wastage. Better still; a professional designer knows how to stick to a pre-determined budget.

You get to save time

Interior designing might require some research. Unfortunately, very few homeowners can spend several hours searching for the right dealers, supplies, materials and manufacturers. When you hire an interior designer, they will do all the research. Consequently, you don't have to flip through the pages of a design magazine to find the best designs and brands. As we have already said, designers know the best possible deals in town. This totally eliminates the need to compare prices.

 

Contacts

An interior designer has established relationships with vendors and suppliers and this gives them access to the best deals. By taking advantage of these contacts, they can maximize their options and create unique spaces.

An eye to detail

You probably want to do away with the old elements in your décor and embrace the new. However, if you are working with an experienced designer, they will be able to use both new and old elements. This saves money. It also helps conserve resources and create a unique look. Since these people have an eye to design, they will be able to suggest new wall art or repaints to highlight the best features of your living space. Repurposing saves money and is crucial to a successful design.

A professional designer can suggest the right creative solutions that will make your space more attractive and inviting.

Selling the house

Professional interior designers know how to stage your home well. So if you are planning to sell your home, you should definitely consider hiring a designer to help you showcase your space at its best.

The way your home appears often determines its sales price. In fact, homes that look attractive get sold quickly and for the best possible price. A designer can suggest ways to get your property ready to sell.

Why Wooden Flooring is a Good Investment for Your Home

Wooden floors bring nature inside and that is their biggest charm. Hardwood flooring is particularly popular in open floor house plans.

Though more expensive, wooden flooring tends to last a lifetime and that makes it cost effective. Ceramic tiles are still the most popular flooring materials for homes. Hardwood flooring is also gaining popularity. In fact, the number of homeowners who get wooden flooring has consistently increased over the last few years.

The impact of great flooring

When you walk into a home, the first element that catches your attention is indeed the flooring. Flooring creates the ambience and binds the different parts of the home together. The flooring used in kitchens and large rooms is particularly important.

When you run wooden planks of the same color and the same species along the length of a room, the result is simply spectacular. For an open floor plan, it creates a seamless look.

Hardwood is still less popular than ceramic tiles because it is more expensive. However, its popularity is steadily increasing. Hardwood flooring is more common in high-end, luxury homes. Entry level homes, too, have started using hardwood flooring.

Why wooden flooring is better

Wooden floors last forever. That is the main reason people get them. If you install flooring that doesn't last for a long time, you will have to take it out at some time. This is a major disruption and it will cost you dearly. On the other hand, when you install wooden flooring, you can rest assured that the floor will outlast your home.

The housing market in the US is showing signs of recovery. The value of homes, too, has appreciated over the last few years. Many people now have considerable equity in their homes. And they are eager to further increase the value of their homes. As a result, they opt for materials that last a long time and have good resale value. Wooden flooring provides good return on investment. Appraisers too have started recognizing its value. This also makes it more popular as a flooring solution.

People now use wooden floors of all kinds. They mix raw finishes with polished one and dark hues with light hues. The black and brown shades are now giving way to lighter ones. That said, the grays aren't going away.

As far as the finishing is concerned, more and more people are getting matte finishes probably because they are better at hiding imperfections. When you use matte finish, you do not have to worry about the scratches on the surface of the wood.

Interestingly, the planks aren't just getting lighter; they are also getting wider. However, before installing a wide plank, you need to examine the quality of the wood.

Solid or engineered?

Solid hardwood tends to be more popular than engineered hardwood. Nearly two-thirds of homes that have wooden flooring use solid hardwood. One-third uses engineered hardwood. Laminates and vinyl sheets can also provide the wooden look. Bamboo and cork are also good alternatives. However, when it comes to wooden flooring, the challenge is to produce the effect that attracts the homeowner to hardwood. Wood exudes comfort and warmth. It brings the nature inside and that is its biggest plus point. Look-alikes can't beat its charm.

Laminate Flooring: Pros and Cons

If you are a looking to replace flooring in your home and don’t know which material to use, consider laminate flooring. It is one of the most popular flooring types right now, and its pros could make laminate flooring a winning choice for your home. Its price, look, and easy installation are just some of the reasons why homeowners choose laminate flooring.

Just like any material, laminate flooring does not come without a few cons. Consider the following pros and cons of laminate flooring in your final decision:

Here are some pros of laminate flooring:

·         Price- Compared to hardwood floors, laminate flooring costs less. It can be installed on top of practically any existing floor. It is extremely friendly on your budget.

·         Durability- Laminate flooring is extremely tough, and it handles high-traffic beautifully. It’s perfect if you have pets and children in your home. Laminate flooring is also scratch-resistant.

·         Ease of installation- You don’t need any nails or glue to install laminate flooring. Some planks interlock with each other using dried glue that is already present on them.

·         Stain-resistance- Resistant to most stains, laminate flooring is easy to clean. You don’t have to wax them, and they are also water-resistant when spills are taken care of quickly.

·         Availability- Laminate flooring comes in tile and hardwood designs, and there is sure to be one that fits your home’s style.

Here are some cons of laminate flooring:

·         Moisture damage- Laminate flooring can be prone to moisture damage if it is exposed to standing water. Warping can occur if the flooring is exposed to continuous high moisture levels.

·         Difficult to repair- Because it can’t be sanded and refinished, laminate flooring involves removal and replacement of all damaged planks.

·         Noise- Laminate flooring can sound hollow when walked on, and it can also creak and clack.

Laminate flooring is a great choice because it looks great and gives your home a polished look. Best of all, it’s inexpensive and can add value to your home!

When You Should Replace Your Carpeting?

As a homeowner, you want to make the best investment decisions when it comes to improvements and upgrades. Not only should you be concerned with home value, you probably want your home to have an attractive style. Carpeting is a great addition to complement your home’s décor and look, but you probably already know that it doesn’t last forever. The life span of carpet depends on the use, but regardless, it will have to be replaced sooner or later.

So how do you know when it’s time to replace your carpeting? Consider the following signs:

Your carpet has rips and/or tears in it. This is a sign that your carpet should be replaced. While some carpeting can be repaired, this usually depends on the severity of the damage. Big tears are usually a sign that you need a total carpet replacement.

Your allergies are triggered. If you have older carpet in your home, there is a possibility that it is retaining allergens that are triggering your allergies

There are lingering odors. Pet odors and smoke can penetrate deep into the fibers of the carpet. There may be even some mildew growth if it the carpet hasn’t been properly cleaned for some time.

It’s worn bare. This may be another obvious reason to replace your carpet. If it no longer has that soft, plush feeling, it’s more than likely worn to the point of needing replacement.

The carpet is older than twenty years. According to experts, you should replace your carpet at least every 20 years in order to maintain good indoor air quality.

 

 

Monthly Maintenance for Your Home

If you keep up with your home's monthly maintenance, you will be able to reduce repair costs.

Most homeowners understand that repair costs can be very high if things go wrong unexpectedly. Still they forget to perform monthly maintenance. By conducting a routine inspection every month, you can keep tabs on things that are wearing quickly. Quite a few things in your house need monthly attention. When you take care of them properly, you will be able to avoid many big headaches and huge repair bills.

Fire safety devices

Your fire safety devices need monthly maintenance. As you probably know, even a small fire can cause extensive damage. That is why you need to keep these devices in good shape. A fire mishap not only damages your home and belongings but also risks the safety of your family.

Fire extinguisher

You have to ensure that your fire extinguisher is fully charged. Recharge it if it was used recently. Make sure that you have a sufficient number of them in your kitchen, basement, and garage. The placement of your fire extinguisher is equally important. It must be easily reachable. If you place it in a spot where you can't find it easily, it is unlikely to be helpful when you need it.

Smoke detector

The smoke detector is another important device. People often forget how important a device it is until there is an emergency. Test the battery periodically and replace it if necessary. Remember that the battery may drain even if you do not use it.

Maintenance for your bathroom and kitchen

People often forget to notice their shower drains and sink until a problem surface. However, by taking some simple steps every month, you can keep your bathroom drains and kitchen sinks in good shape.

Tub stoppers and sink

You need to flush your tub stoppers and sink with a solution of baking soda and hot water.

Garbage disposal

Check the safety valve and the steam pressure gauge of your garbage disposal system. If you detect problems, replace them. You also need to inspect water level gauge. Add water if necessary.

Heating and cooling

Your cooling and heating systems play a significant role in making your home comfortable. When these systems work properly, you probably won't realize their importance. But if things go wrong, these systems can be quite costly to repair. Make sure that your home maintenance checklist includes a quick monthly inspection of your cooling and heating systems.

Forced-air heating system

You have to check the blankets and replace them if necessary. Check air flow and clean unit.

Steam heating system

Check relief valve and if it is faulty replace it. You also need to check pressure gauge. The expansion tank may need to be drained.

Evaporative air conditioner maintenance

Clean air filter and replace it if it is faulty. Clean evaporator coils and condenser and condensate drain. You also need to remove snow and debris from the outdoor portion of the unit.

 

Heat pump maintenance

Clean filter, evaporator coils, condenser and condensate drain.

If you overlook the need for monthly maintenance, your home will be much less efficient. Worse still, you will have to deal with safety issues and huge service bills. If you take care of these important things at least once a month, you will be able to run your home more smoothly and efficiently

Don’t Try Doing These Home Repairs Yourself

 

Some years ago I was a bold do-it-yourselfer when it came to home repairs. I thought going online, reading stuff, and watching videos would be enough for me to handle everything myself.  I learned an important mantra that it’s best to leave the expert stuff to the experts. In my attempts to save some cash, I landed up with greater expenses and more headaches.

 

Sure, there are some jobs that can be tackled if you have modest experience. But it’s best to stay away from doing repairs that can prove really dangerous to you and your house if they’re not done right.

The following jobs are best handled by professionals and you’d be better off paying rather for than doing yourself:

Plumbing repairs

It’s a well-known fact that water will find its way out through the smallest crack. A tiny leak can cause damage to the tune of thousands of dollars if it's not attended to in time. It’s ok to change a faucet or shower head if you’re knowledgeable about it. But you can land up into lots of trouble if you attempt major modifications to your plumbing system -something like extension of hot water lines or sewer pipes re-routing.

While plumbing jobs aren’t as dangerous as electric ones, plumbing issues can quickly get out of hand and then you’re in for a wet and expensive future.

Electrical repairs

Anything to do with electricity requires a very cautious approach. If you’re not sure about what you’re doing, wires can prove incredibly hazardous.

As with plumbing, you might manage minor electrical repairs such as installing a fan or replacing a light switch - so long as you’re careful that the power is off before you begin. Replacing or extending circuits can be dangerous work. When repairs go beyond simple fixtures, it makes good sense to get a professional electrician in.

Remember: A single error can cause your entire house to catch fire and shocks can result in serious injuries and even death.

Asbestos removal

Asbestos has insulating properties, is electricity and heat resistant and provides a good acoustic barrier. Because of this, it was used on a large scale in the past and you’ll find a lot of it in older constructions. Later, its use was banned in many fields after it was found toxic.

Often special teams are hired to rid properties of toxic asbestos insulation. It is possible to perform a do-it-yourself asbestos removal, but definitely not recommended. Other than toxicity dangers, there are certain laws governing asbestos removal because it’s likely to detrimentally affect people in the close vicinity. So think twice or thrice before doing it yourself.

Roofing repairs

The main reason that roof r­epairing on your own is not advisable is because there’s a good chance of falling off. Though repairing a couple of roof shingles isn't the world’s toughest job, the procedure of going up, getting down, and carrying tools with you can prove potentially dangerous. This work is also extremely tiring and more mistakes happen when you’re tired. A simple slip can take you right over the edge.

 

If you have a roof low enough to be repaired using a ladder, it can still be dangerous. Try to have someone around so that if something goes wrong, help is at hand. Apart from the danger aspect, experience is required to get roofing work just right. If you’re trying to do a job that’s beyond your capability, you might land up with a leaky roof and related water damage expenses.

The Home Loan Advisor is a tool that was built to provide homeowners with insight into opportunities available in the current market, without having to shuffle through all of the clutter on the Internet. Not only does the Home Loan Advisor analyze your property, current market conditions, local market comps, and other variables in our proprietary algorithm, but we match you with potential lenders who have products that may help you and provide you with a sense of stability.

As a homeowner, you should know the value of your home. You can get a free home valuation report from Neighborhood IQ to find out your home’s worth to help you decide if you should refinance now.

 

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

January brings cold weather, and with it comes a lot of tasks that you need to complete to keep your home comfortable and secure. It is also the right time to prepare your home improvement plans for the coming year.

The first big snowfall of the season usually hits this time of year in many parts of the country. This annual ritual also gives you an opportunity to learn a few things about your home.

Is snow melting fast from your roof? This could suggest that heat from the house is escaping through the roof. Add some attic insulation to prevent this heat loss. Inspect the insulation on the attic floor; and if you discover any gaps, you need to fix them. The attic insulation should be of uniform thickness. Also it has to be dry.

There are quite a few things that you need to do after a snowfall:

You need to clear the walkways. Sprinkle some salt or sand on the snow and use a shovel to remove it. Check your roof to see if there is any ice buildup. If you discover an ice dam, you need to break it up. If you let the ice accumulate along the eaves, melted snow may leak through your roof. Tree branches may break if you do not knock snow from them.

To prevent your pipes from breaking, you should consider blocking all crawl space vents on the north-side with pieces of plywood. You may let the bathtub and sink faucets trickle slowly. This will prevent the pipes from freezing especially on those days when you turn your heating system off because you are away.

If you use an oil burner, you can save money and fuel by cleaning parts of the burner yourself. Cut off the power supply to the system and remove the blower cover. Now you have to dust the blower blades. Pour some oil to lubricate the motor. If you are really handy, you can also replace the filter and clean the strainer.

If you have a forced air distribution system, you should inspect the ducts routinely to check for leaks. If you discover leaks, you need to seal them with duct tape. You also need to dust the duct grilles periodically, and get the entire system cleaned annually.

Be tough with rats or mice that invade your home. They may chew your house's wires and cause a short circuit which can even burn your home down. Buy traps of appropriate sizes to catch the rodents.

Make sure that your emergency kit is well-equipped. You must have blankets, first-aid kits, gallons of potable water, a radio (battery-powered), candles, matches, flashlights and handy tools for turning off water and gas lines. If the winters in your area are extremely cold, you should have a backup heating system. It could be a backup generator or a wood stove.

If your house is in an area prone to experiencing strong hurricanes, you should keep sheets of plywood to protect your windows. People living in earthquake-vulnerable areas must have food and water to last a week. Campers should keep their camping supplies near their emergency stash.

Winter is the right time to create a list of things you would like to change in your home. If you just moved into your home, you should live in it for at least one year before undertaking any major remodel. Watch how your house interacts with your surroundings through the four seasons. This will give you a better understanding of what you really need to change.

The Home Loan Advisor is a tool that was built to provide homeowners with insight into opportunities available in the current market, without having to shuffle through all of the clutter on the Internet. Not only does the Home Loan Advisor analyze your property, current market conditions, local market comps, and other variables in our proprietary algorithm, but we match you with potential lenders who have products that may help you and provide you with a sense of stability.

As a homeowner, you should know the value of your home. You can get a free home valuation report from Neighborhood IQ to find out your home’s worth to help you decide if you should refinance now.