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Are Home Warranty Plans Worth the Cost?

Are Home Warranty Plans Worth the Cost?

Are Home Warranty Plans Worth the Cost?

 

There are a lot of costs associated with homeownership, along with plenty of strategies that can help you keep those costs low. One of those strategies is getting a home warranty.

 Many people wonder whether home warranty plans are worth the cost. The short answer is that these plans typically are, as long as you choose one of the best home warranty companies. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind.

 

  1. Take a closer look at the costs.

 To decide if a home warranty plan is worth the cost, you need to study those costs more closely. The exact premium you pay will depend on the plan you choose, but most have monthly fees of under $100, with most being closer to $25 to $50. You will also typically have to pay service call fees or service fees of about $50 to $100, depending on your plan.

While you have those costs, you save money on potentially expensive repairs or replacements for appliances. Having appliances repaired can set you back at least $100 to $200. More serious repairs can easily be more expensive.

A home warranty plan also helps you save money when dealing with significantly damaged appliances that require replacement. After all, most home appliances easily cost over $1,000 brand new. Larger appliances, like a gas furnace or central air conditioner, can have price tags of over $10,000.

Of course, you need to read the fine print on your chosen home warranty. Most are designed to pay for repairs, not replacements. Pay attention to the language regarding replacements as well as coverage caps.

Most policies will let the coverage caps handle the replacement issue. This means if you need to replace your fridge and your home warranty plan covers up to $1,300 for it, the insurance company will pay $1,300 towards the cost of a new fridge, and you will pay the difference.

 

  1. There’s no guarantee you can take full advantage of a home warranty plan.

 One important thing to remember is that there is no guarantee that you will ever have to use your home warranty plan. If your appliances never have any issues, you will end up spending more on the plan than you would potentially save.

 That being said, most people will experience at least some issues with their appliances. This is especially true if you have some older appliances at home.

 

  1. You also need to pay attention to the fine print.

 Another caveat is that many home warranty plans have clauses or conditions that may be unclear or difficult to understand. For instance, many of these plans require regular maintenance for various appliances. If you file a claim, expect to provide proof that you met the appliance’s maintenance requirements. The company may deny the claim if you fail to meet these requirements.

 Aside from these considerations, there are also some upsides to having a home warranty plan in place. Consider these benefits so you can make a more informed decision:

 

Time is money.

 This is another factor that makes home warranties worth the cost. Without one of these plans, you would have to take the time to look for technicians to work on each of your appliances. This can be incredibly time-consuming.

 Insurance companies already have a network of technicians. These professionals have been vetted, so you can just choose a technician from your insurance company’s network. This saves you the time you would have spent searching for the right repair company.

 

Avoid scams or low-quality repairs.

 The fact that home warranty plan providers have a network of trusted technicians means that you don’t have to worry about low-quality repairs or potential scams. These could cost you a significant amount of money.

 While scams directly take money out of your pocket, low-quality repairs will end up costing more in the long run. These would also take up more of your time, as you have to deal with a technician each time the appliance needs to be repaired.

 

The Bottom Line: Home warranties are usually worth it with used appliances.

 While there is no guarantee that a home warranty will be useful to you, it is likely to be worth the investment if your appliances are not all brand-new. If your appliances are all fresh from the store, you can probably skip the warranty.

 However, if you have a collection of secondhand or used appliances, you should consider getting a home warranty plan to save money on repair and replacement.

 

5 DIY Upgrades To Make to Your Yard To Increase Home Value

5 DIY Upgrades To Make to Your Yard To Increase Home Value

5 DIY Upgrades To Make to Your Yard To Increase Home Value

 

Arizona is nice and warm every day, but perhaps it’s a little too warm for you! If you’re considering moving away from the Grand Canyon State, don’t worry—your house will sell like hotcakes. Lots of families are trekking across the country to live in Arizona, which means a little effort in your home’s appearance can go a long way.

Psst! When your home is worth more, that means more money in your pocket! Here are five DIY upgrades to make to your yard to increase home value.

Power Wash Exterior

Our homes can get pretty dirty over time as they gather mold, algae, and gunk, but cleaning the siding can quickly end up on the bottom of our priority lists. Still, if a house looks dirty on the outside, potential homebuyers might not want to step foot in the place, delaying the process of finding a buyer.

Power washing your home can remove bacteria and dirt from your exterior, leaving the surface looking fresh and new. You can do this yourself by renting or purchasing a power washer and slowly but thoroughly going over the siding to remove the grime from your home!

Improve Landscaping

Beautify your home’s exterior by improving your landscaping. This process might mean planting flowers, trimming your lawn and bushes, or applying a treatment for your grass to keep it nice and green. That way, the grass will never be greener than the other side.

Build a Firepit

You can instantly increase the value of your home by building a DIY firepit in your backyard. Potential homebuyers will be able to see themselves hosting get-togethers and living in the house, which will bump up the selling price.

But you don’t have to spend a fortune to build a fire pit. All you need is a shovel, pavers, and construction adhesive. You can choose to make the fire pit any size, but if you go with a larger size to fit more people, you’ll only add to your home’s value.

Add More Lighting

Both your front and back yard should have adequate lighting. But make sure to opt for lighting that will accentuate your home’s features rather than drowning them out.

For example, place step lights on your deck stairs or even around the yard to guide your steps as you walk through. String lights are also a popular option for people looking for a cozy feel in their yards.

Update Your Deck

After years of BBQs on those hot summer days, your deck may look a bit worn. The sun can strip your deck’s paint over time, leaving the space with an outdated appearance.

Be sure to add a fresh coat of paint and decorate your deck to match your home’s exterior. You may also consider replacing your deck railing to increase safety and style. Be sure you know how to properly space deck railing posts before you start the project!

Complete these five DIY upgrades in your yard to increase home value. You may enjoy working with your hands and discover the unique charm your house offers to potential homebuyers!

 

Why Golf in Scottsdale Is The Perfect Sport To Take You Outdoors 

Why Golf in Scottsdale Is The Perfect Sport To Take You Outdoors 

Photo by Tyrel Johnson on Unsplash 

Why Golf in Scottsdale Is The Perfect Sport To Take You Outdoors 

 

Scottsdale, Arizona is famous for desert-style resorts, its art scene, and luxurious boutiques, but the golf courses are one of the biggest draws in the city. 

When you are considering the stunning weather that seems to stick around all year, what better way to get outdoors and get some exercise in? 

Here’s why golf in Scottsdale is the perfect sport to take you outdoors, whether you live in the area or you’re here on vacation. 

The Golf Courses Are Amazing 

Scottsdale is home to a collection of top-quality, championship golf courses. It’s known as a golf and resort destination, so what better way to get outdoors for a few hours? 

Troon North Golf Club is widely regarded as the best public club in the Scottsdale area. It’s desert golf at its very best, featuring two full 18-hole golf courses that weave through the beautiful natural landscape. 

Golfers will find themselves playing around granite boulders, like “the Monument”, a huge boulder in the middle of the fairway on the par-5 3rd hole. Immediately after the boulder, the hole has a sharp right dogleg, making it a challenge for golfers of all levels. 

If you want to walk where the pros have walked before, play a round at TPC Scottsdale. The course hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open in February, which attracts pro golfers, but it’s open to the public for the rest of the year. 

The Stadium Course’s signature 16th hole, a par-3 of 163 yards, is surrounded by grandstands, which come alive during competition. Play it alone, and it feels eerily like standing in an empty stadium. 

It’s Easy to Stay Socially Distanced 

One of the greatest things about golf as a sport is that it’s easy to remain socially distanced. Although the pandemic panic has died down somewhat, there’s nothing wrong with taking precaution. 

If you’re looking for a way to get outdoors that doesn’t have you interacting closely with others, playing a round of golf is the ideal way to do that. 

There are never crowds on golf courses. It’s just you, your clubs, and perhaps a friend or two. Even if you do run into a group of golfers ahead of you, it’s easy to stay at a respectful distance and enjoy your round without feeling worried or crowded. 

It’s a Great Workout 

Golf may seem like a more relaxed sport than many others, but the truth is that it’s an excellent exercise. Not only do you get an excellent cardiovascular workout walking from hole to hole (if you choose to forgo the golf cart), but your muscles will get a workout too. 

Your backswing works your erector spinae muscles, your obliques, and your biceps. The forward swing also works the obliques and biceps, as well as the gluteus maximus. Various other small muscles in the trunk also get activated, and you should keep your core tight while going through your golf swing as well. 

The Weather Is Always Good 

Scottsdale has exceptional weather, a typical arid desert climate. Spring and summer can get extremely hot, so don’t forget to wear your best golf hat to protect you from the sun if you’re on the course. 

Golf is always best played in clear, warm weather. You can see for miles and appreciate the beautifully landscaped surrounding nature. 

Conclusion 

It’s easy to see why golf in Scottsdale is the perfect sport to take you outdoors and keep you fit, healthy, and happy. You’re surrounded by spectacular natural scenery, you’re breathing in the fresh, clean, desert air, and you’re getting the body moving. 

With the huge assortment of courses in the area, there’s truly something for every level of golfer. Go as a family, with friends, or alone – the golf is amazing no matter what! 

 

About the Author

Jordan Fuller is a golfer and entrepreneur. He’s played on golf courses around the country and internationally, and currently shares his golfing knowledge, tips, tricks, and reviews on his website, Golf Influence.

What To Expect After Installing Solar Panels

What To Expect After Installing Solar Panels

What To Expect After Installing Solar Panels

 

Reduced Energy Bills

Reduced energy bills are the main reason most homeowners take the plunge into solar power in the first place, and when you see the total, you won’t wonder why. Depending on your usage, you could see a complete negation of your bills (although, in most cases, you’re more likely to notice a 70 percent drop).

Lower Carbon Footprint

Switching to solar power also means a significant drop in your carbon footprint. Households without solar energy require carbon dioxide to power their electrical use, so you can rest easy knowing you’re doing your part for Mother Earth. In fact, the solar industry offsets so much carbon dioxide that it’s the equivalent of planting over 900 million trees!

Maintenance Requirements

One of the best aspects of installing solar panels is that they require relatively little maintenance. Every once in a while, if you notice your panels looking dingy or dusty, give them a thorough rinse (potentially with a hose from the ground). If it seems like the panels need a more hands-on approach, use a soft brush without much soap, and make sure you get all the soap off when you’ve finished washing.

Don’t Expect Too Much Too Soon

Even in a sunny state like Arizona or Florida, remember that solar panels are a long-term investment. It makes sense that you want massive savings all at once after such a sizable purchase, but this mentality will only bring disappointment. Solar panels save homeowners tons of money, but over a period of years, not weeks or months. Our best advice: focus on the big picture, not day-to-day benefits.

Now that you know what to expect after installing solar panels, enjoy your reduced bills, and get ready for years of savings!

 

Why You Should Consider Moving Into a Tiny Home

Why You Should Consider Moving Into a Tiny Home

Why You Should Consider Moving Into a Tiny Home

 

If you’re looking for a new house or a change in your lifestyle, a good place to start is with the ever-growing tiny house movement. Tiny homes bring to the table various benefits with which traditional homes can’t compete. They may be the perfect options for people who are looking for smaller and quieter existences or who need time to build experience as homeowners. Here’s why you should consider moving into a tiny home.

Financial Benefits

Everything about tiny homes, from their construction to the utilities, is much cheaper than what you expect from any traditional home. In Phoenix, Arizona alone, the housing market has a median price of $385,000, which is 13% higher than the national median. To solve this, tiny homes are prefabricated into modular pieces that are constructed beforehand and then simply shipped to the construction site to be pieced together. This modular design makes them incredibly quick to build and thus much cheaper due to the need for less time and manpower.

As for utilities, tiny homes require far fewer resources to operate. With fewer lights and a smaller space in which to control the climate, a tiny home cuts back tremendously on the amount of electricity one uses on a daily basis, especially during those scorching hot Arizona summers.

Environmental Benefits

One of the best reasons why you should consider moving into a tiny home is because it will have a far less profound effect on the environment. It not only takes up less space but also tremendously reduces your carbon footprint. Just as the use of fewer resources cuts back on costs, so, too, does it benefit the environment.

With minimal space, you’ll also find yourself with far less stuff in general that would otherwise end up becoming waste and contributing to landfills. With a tiny home, you only have space for your essentials and the things you truly care about.

Maintenance Benefits

Traditional homes can be overwhelming in regard to the care they need, especially for new homeowners. The small size of tiny homes makes maintenance a lot more manageable; inspecting the home is a much quicker process, making it easier for you to catch any budding problems before they turn into something more costly. If something does go wrong, repairs won’t be as costly, and they’ll typically be much easier to fix than in traditional homes.

 

5 Home Remodeling Projects That Increases a Home’s Value

5 Home Remodeling Projects That Increases a Home’s Value

When remodeling your home, you should be doing projects that increase your home value, especially if you want to sell in the future. Get the most out of your investment by choosing home remodeling projects that will add value to your home. Need some ideas? We have you covered. Take a look at these simple, but effective home remodeling projects that increase a home’s value. 

1. Minor Kitchen Remodeling

5 Home Remodeling Projects That Increases a Home's Value

To maximize your investment in a kitchen remodeling project, it is important to update the right things. If you go too over the top with the kitchen, you’ll end up spending more than the value you will get when you sell. Here are a few minor changes that will get you a good return on your investment. 

Replacing the Countertops

Replacing the countertops can go a long way in a kitchen remodeling project. As a home remodeler, you will want to consider which countertop would be the best for your kitchen. Some options include concrete, granite, solid surface, and quartz. 

Though they each provide their own look and benefits, our favorite is a quartz countertop or a solid surface countertop like Corian. Each of these is easy to clean and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Ensure that no matter what you choose, that the countertops look seamless in the space. After all, it is one of the first aspects in the kitchen buyers will see when you sell your home. 

Addressing the Cabinets

If your cabinets are quite old and damaged, it might be worth it to replace them. However, if you didn’t include that in your budget, there are some other things you can do to increase value without spending as much. For instance, refinishing and repainting or restaining the cabinets when done correctly will look like you completely replaced them. Go one step further and replace the hardware. The hardware you choose can transform your kitchen from traditional to modern to eclectic, etc. 

Updating Appliances

One of the most valuable things you can do when undergoing kitchen remodeling is updating the appliances. You’ll get almost all of the money back that you put into it. Go with matching appliances, and if you don’t have a dishwasher, installing one can be a big pro when you go to sell. Stainless steel is a popular choice but can be hard to keep clean, so another good option is solid black. 

2. Small Bathroom Renovations

5 Home Remodeling Projects That Increases a Home's Value

Like the kitchen, to keep the most return on investment in a bathroom renovation, you’ll want to pick and choose what you update. Small bathroom renovations can increase your home’s value without investing a lot of money. 

Refinishing

One place to start is by redoing the caulking in the bathtub or shower and around the sinks. Additionally, refinishing the bathtub or shower will make it look brand new. 

Upgrades

Also, if you currently have a bathtub, installing a walk-in shower is a good renovation project because it is a positive for future buyers. Changing other things like putting in a double vanity if you have the room is another thing that can add value when you are ready to sell. 

3. Upgrade the Flooring

Flooring is one of the first things that buyers will notice about your home. As a home remodeler, if you still have carpet or your floors are damaged, consider upgrading your flooring. 

Install New Flooring

Not only will buyers pay more for a home with new flooring because it looks great, but they will also pay more just to not have to do it before they move in. The most popular choices are vinyl, tile, and hardwood, but you could also choose an alternative material like bamboo or cork. 

Radiant Floor Heating 

If you want to add even more value when upgrading the flooring, install radiant floor heating. Not only will you love it until you move, but buyers will love it because they won’t have to ever walk on cold floors, especially during the winter months. 

4. Make a Statement with the Front Door

Sell your house from the moment that buyers walk to the front door. Replace your front door with one that makes a statement. It will draw attention and increase your curb appeal. Buyers sometimes write off homes just from the outside so invite them to see what your home has to offer with a statement-making front door. Go with steel or fiberglass for durability and choose a brighter, elegant color like a unique blue or wine color. 

5. Walls and Lighting

The walls and lighting throughout the entire home should be a top priority for home remodelers. Besides your furniture, the walls and lighting fixtures are what give your home its style. 

Walls

To be attractive for buyers, you’ll want to ensure that you remove any ugly wallpaper. Some wallpaper can make a great statement wall as long as it is in good condition. The wallpaper you’ll want to change out is patterns that look like your great-grandma hung them. Modern designs are great but outdated wallpaper can be a big turn-off for buyers. Additionally, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Go with more neutral colors like shades of gray, beige, or white to be attractive to more buyers in the future.

Lighting

Updating lighting fixtures throughout your home can change the space completely. You can go modern, traditional, unique, or luxury, though the trend right now is modern minimalist fixtures. You’ll also want to ensure that you have bright lighting in every room whether you add additional sources of light or allow the natural light to come through. 

An easy way to change out all of the lighting when it seems overwhelming is to take it room by room. When you are doing a kitchen remodeling project, replace the lighting while you are there, and then when you move onto your bathroom renovations, then replace the lighting fixtures there and so on. 

The Big Things

Of course, the things that increase a home value the most, are also the things that make the most investment. However, these big things pay off in the future when you sell. What are the big things? The big home renovations that home remodelers should consider include replacing the roof, windows, home siding, and HVAC system. When these have been updated in home remodel, your home value increases dramatically and buyers will flock to your house when you’re ready to sell. 

Get to Remodeling, Then Sell 

What are you waiting for? Get started with your home remodeling projects, increase your home’s value, and then list it! When you are ready to list, contact The Holm Group, which has been helping people buy and sell for more than 20 years.

Renovating Your Home: 4 Ways To Prepare It For The Market

Renovating Your Home: 4 Ways To Prepare It For The Market

Renovating Your Home: 4 Ways To Prepare It For The Market

 

Are you looking to put your house on the market? There are plenty of tasks ahead of you. Before you look into selling your home, you’ll want to ensure that you make several all-important home restorations. If you’re not a seasoned renovation expert, or you’ve never sold a property before, you might not know which restorations to focus on.

 If the thought of renovating your home fills you with concern because you’re not sure which ones to prioritise, this is the post for you. The following is a list of the top property renovations you can implement to make a significant profit and increase what your home is worth. 

Renovate your bathroom to add value

We’ll start by saying that, yes, some renovations are more costly than others. Renovating or adding a second bathroom can be one of the costly ones. But, when you take those all-important photos that present your bathrooms in the best light after the stunning contemporary changes and tilework that you’ve made, you’re not only increasing the value of the sale price but you’re also likely to increase the number of potential buyers who will be interested in your home.

More potential buyers can lead to an increased chance of you selling your home. So, if your bathroom is older in style, or you can see that it needs a few changes, it’s perhaps time to begin those renovations to increase the value of your property. 

Consider replacing old windows and carpets

Have you noticed any drafts coming through your windows? You’ll want to consider replacing them before putting your property on the market to make the best profit and get the best value. Which windows should you replace them with to add the greatest value to your property? 

One factor might help you – namely, the level of maintenance required. Keep in mind, for instance, that you may need to repaint wooden window frames from time to time, while vinyl frames require less maintenance. Add to this the fact that when you choose vinyl windows, you’re likely to save money on the renovation (as they are 18% cheaper than wood), and you can see how replacing old windows can add to your property value. 

Once you’ve replaced the windows, you might want to go a step further and replace the carpets while you’re at it. You have options for this. You might choose to replace them with new ones, but you could also install wooden flooring once you’ve ripped the carpets up. If you are looking for the most cost-effective approach, getting the carpets cleaned is a simpler solution too.

Insulate with fibreglass

This is an important one – insulating. Though this can be another costly home renovation and might set you back $2,500 to $4,500 for ceilings and floors it can make a significant difference to the value of your home’s value. The realtors at Northern Virginia Home Pro state that it’s worth upgrading your insulation while you’re still living in the property, as the work will pay for itself in a few years as a result of reduced heating and cooling costs. Not only that, but buyers will be more interested in your home if it has been insulated with fibreglass – the most common type used.

Remodel and enhance your kitchen 

Our final home renovation recommendation before you put your home on the market is to focus on the kitchen. The kitchen is a critical area and space, just as the bathroom is. As it’s a vital area, renovating it is important. We recognise that kitchen renovations can be major expenses. But, there’s no need to go overboard with your kitchen renovation – there are a few workarounds that might make the job less expensive and much simpler. One solution you might take is to simply repaint your kitchen and replace the worktops. This can add to the value of your home while ensuring that you avoid spending excessive amounts on renovations. 

Get renovating

Renovating a home before putting it on the market needn’t be a stressful experience. Though the most stressful part might involve not knowing where to begin, don’t panic. To recap, the top zones you need to focus on are replacing anything that’s old and worn, insulating with fibreglass, renovating the bathroom and making it more modern, and renovating the kitchen with a few minor and inexpensive changes.

Start renovating these key areas and watch the value of your property increase, instantly.

The Benefits of Buying Homes via Short Sales

The Benefits of Buying Homes via Short Sales Description : If you’re looking for the best methods for purchasing an affordable new home, learn the benefits of short sales and how new homeowners can save money this way. Content : Buying a home is no simple task, regardless of location or price. Finding one that meets expectations or family needs is half the battle. The next most challenging part is working through the red tape of paperwork and financing. The benefits of buying homes via short sales help buyers better navigate the complexity of the matter and save money at the same time. As such, there’s no reason anyone looking for a home shouldn’t learn about and consider short sales as an option. What Is a Short Sale? People confuse the terms “short sale” versus “foreclosure.” Both types of sales arise from a situation in which the previous owner is dealing with financial difficulties. Short sales allow individuals to sell their homes for less than the remaining mortgage. The difference is often forgiven, depending on state laws. Unlike foreclosures, this releases the individual from the financial burden of the home with much fewer fiscal repercussions than a foreclosure typically results in. How Short Sales Work Essentially, a home is listed as a short sale, making it an excellent buying point for homeowners looking to save money or for home flippers looking to secure a profit. However, the originating lender of the mortgage must first approve the short sale before it can go through. Usually, documentation explaining why a short sale is advantageous is required, as the lender stands to potentially lose money. For this reason, a realtor or third-party negotiator is helpful to speed up the process and simplify the red tape of requirements. Why Choose Short-Sale Homes One of the benefits of buying homes via short sales is the fantastic value they often confer to the buyer. Short sales are excellent ways for investors to find and refurbish homes, bringing the homes’ values back up after the houses have potentially fallen into disarray. It also helps lenders put houses back into the hands of individuals capable of carrying the new mortgages. Besides this, short sales can also help individuals who have fallen on hard times turn around a significant mortgage debt and still walk away with something.

The Benefits of Buying Homes via Short Sales

 

Buying a home is no simple task, regardless of location or price. Finding one that meets expectations or family needs is half the battle. The next most challenging part is working through the red tape of paperwork and financing. The benefits of buying homes via short sales help buyers better navigate the complexity of the matter and save money at the same time. As such, there’s no reason anyone looking for a home shouldn’t learn about and consider short sales as an option.

What Is a Short Sale?

People confuse the terms “short sale” versus “foreclosure.” Both types of sales arise from a situation in which the previous owner is dealing with financial difficulties. Short sales allow individuals to sell their homes for less than the remaining mortgage. The difference is often forgiven, depending on state laws. Unlike foreclosures, this releases the individual from the financial burden of the home with much fewer fiscal repercussions than a foreclosure typically results in.

How Short Sales Work

Essentially, a home is listed as a short sale, making it an excellent buying point for homeowners looking to save money or for home flippers looking to secure a profit. However, the originating lender of the mortgage must first approve the short sale before it can go through. Usually, documentation explaining why a short sale is advantageous is required, as the lender stands to potentially lose money. For this reason, a realtor or third-party negotiator is helpful to speed up the process and simplify the red tape of requirements.

Why Choose Short-Sale Homes

One of the benefits of buying homes via short sales is the fantastic value they often confer to the buyer. Short sales are excellent ways for investors to find and refurbish homes, bringing the homes’ values back up after the houses have potentially fallen into disarray. It also helps lenders put houses back into the hands of individuals capable of carrying the new mortgages. Besides this, short sales can also help individuals who have fallen on hard times turn around a significant mortgage debt and still walk away with something.

 

Various plumbing services offered by a professional plumber

Various plumbing services offered by a professional plumber

Various plumbing services offered by a professional plumber

Plumbing issues can crop up to be big ones if ignored need immediate repairing. Take, for example, a leaky tap or a pipe or a blocked sewage pipe that is causing a stinky smell all-around your house. If you do not use the best plumbers and plumbing services immediately to find a solution to the problem, it can become a nightmare. Hence, you must call a plumber as soon as you can.

The role of a plumber is not limited to just repairing the leakage, but they have a more important role to play in the plumbing work. Here we will have a look at some of the services offered by plumbers. So, let’s get right into it.

Repairing leakages

Whether it is a leaky tap or a faucet or a water supply pipe, or a drainage pipe, we are sure that you have face one time or another in your house. Leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, most commonly being wear and tear. When it is a problem with a bathroom tap or water supply pipe, your water is essentially going to waste. And when the sewage or drainage pipes have leaked up in your house, then beware of facing some complaints from your neighbours too due to the fishy smell all around.

Clogged pipes

Clogged pipes are another commonly known plumbing service for which you will most certainly call in a plumber. Clogged pipes can sometimes result from leakages, but most of them will result in an overflowing faucet or water flowing over your washing basin.

There can be various types of clogging, such as mineral and deposit clogging within metal pipes, and food substances can also jam up your pipe resulting in clogging of water.

Your external drainage pipes and sewage pipes can get clogged up as a result of fallen twigs, leaves, and branches too.

Water heater malfunctioning

Water heater malfunctions are another most common type of problem for which you need plumbing services providing agencies to come to your home. There can be various problems with the water heaters, especially during the cold season this can be a cause of real concern.  Water heater malfunctions can result from copper coils not heating up, internal wiring problems, etc.

Call experienced plumbers to check out what is the problem and find the solution right away.

Maintenance for your sewage pipes

General maintenance and servicing can also be one of the probable reasons for plumbing services calls. Find out which plumbers and plumbing agencies will provide maintenance services for your sewage pipes. Also, an important thing to quote here is that if you go for regular maintenance once every few months or at least once every year, then the other problems, as mentioned above, will not crop up.

You can go for the general servicing and repairing of your sewage pipes only or the entire water systems in your house.

Why do you need to call in the plumbing agencies?

There are a couple of reasons for which you will need to call the plumbing services. It’s better to hand over the job to them because of the following reasons-

Experienced

Professional plumbing agencies are highly experienced to deal with all types of plumbing services, whether it’s just a leaky tap that they have to repair or a drainage or sewage pipe they have to clean.

Professional assistance

You get professional assistance with the help of tools and devices that can solve the issues with your clogged pipes immediately.

Durable and cost-effective solutions

With the best plumbing agencies, you can get cost-effective solutions that are highly durable. Find out the most experienced and cost-effective plumbers in your town and find quotes from them.

 

Concluding thoughts

The above discussion highlights the common plumbing issues for which you need to hire qualified and skilled plumbers. Make sure that you choose only a licensed service provider.

How To Achieve Cohesive Interior Design

How To Achieve Cohesive Interior Design

How To Achieve Cohesive Interior Design

 

The German language always seems to have the right word when English doesn’t. One example is gestalt: the whole of a sum of parts. In art and design, you can have disparate elements that are each appealing in and of themselves, but together, the gestalt is all wrong. It can happen in the home as well. Furniture, flooring, and wall color can be individually lovely but poor matches for one another. Likewise, a living room and dining room can both be well-designed but without a good flow between them. If you want a better sense of gestalt at home, take these tips for how to achieve cohesive interior design throughout your house.

Think More Deeply About Color

There’s an easy cop-out to cohesive color that we don’t recommend—namely, painting the whole interior of your house in white. That certainly ties everything together, but in the same sense that fishing line could tie a birthday gift together when you really want a ribbon and bow. What you want is a color palette with enough variation to please the eye but not so much as to clash. The key is to think about saturation, the depth of a color. If you favor a very faded pastel palette, you have room to work with complementary colors; what you shouldn’t do is vary in saturation. For instance, if you paint your family room in a pale yellow—one that’s much closer to white than to a true yellow—you can work with a similarly saturated beige, tan, or warm grey paint in other rooms rather than a contrasting shade of yellow.F

Match Furniture Fabrics

Deep discounts and hand-me-downs can make for comfortable and affordable seating in a room, but the visual effect may be that of a yard sale that moved indoors. Coordinating your furniture with the room goes a long way in creating cohesion. Try to achieve a similar style among pieces, refraining from mixing a classically upholstered chair with a modern pleather recliner. If you opt for a tastefully muted greyish blue in your living room, you’ll want similar restraint in the upholstery.

Fixtures and Accents: Stay Complementary

Staying true to the principle of complementary color is a key part of how to achieve cohesive interior design across the principal rooms of your house. If you fear a level of monochromaticity in your home, metal accents and fixtures are a perfect spot to add contrast. If your walls and furniture tend to be in warmer tones like beige and taupe, cool-colored silver accents will stand out and break up the warmth with just enough variation to be effective. Conversely, a cooler design calls for brass and copper. Remember, to be cohesive, apply this principle across the house.

 

How To Simply Add Value to Your Property on a Small Budget?

How To Simply Add Value to Your Property on a Small Budget?

How To Simply Add Value to Your Property on a Small Budget?

 

Adding value to your property is one of the smartest investments you can make. But how do you go through a home renovation project if you’re working on a tight budget? Surprisingly, there are quite a few changes you can make that won’t break the bank but will add extra charm and value to your home. Here are a few examples to help you get started with this endeavour.

Redo the paint job

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but properties aren’t books. A good look can go a long way when it comes to increasing a home’s resale value.

There’s no better way to revamp your home’s exterior than with a fresh coat of paint. After a while, your home’s façade might fade or crack in certain places, which can give it a rundown look. To remedy this, you can always go for a paint job. It’s a quick and inexpensive way to freshen up the exterior and give it some extra flair.

One of the best parts about an exterior paint job is that you can choose some new colours to switch things up. Don’t go for anything too tacky or out there, as you don’t want your home to stick out too much. Your best bet would be to choose two complementary colours to add some depth to the view.

Add bathroom touches

The bathroom is arguably one of the most important rooms in your home. When it comes to renovations, it’s also one of the most expensive ones. Redoing things like tiles and large fixtures can be a costly endeavour, but these aren’t the only changes you can make to up the value. Some minor adjustments can add to the luxury factor of your bathroom quite a bit—you just need to know where to look.

Starting small gets you a lot more bank for your buck. Choosing standout fixtures like faucets can make for a gorgeous design, which is why bronze details have become so popular in recent years. New cabinetry and handles can make your doors look fresh as new, while also making them stand out more. Introduce a bit of greenery to add more charm. There are plenty of plants that thrive in the hot and humid atmosphere of a bathroom, and their colour and texture make for gorgeous details.

Keep things cozy

People like homes that have a cozy atmosphere. Comfort is a big part of a house’s value, especially if buyers intend to keep things like furniture and accessories. If you’re aiming for a cheap overhaul, adding some coziness can go a long way.

Rugs and carpets are great options for floor accessories, and carpeting can even be used as a cheap alternative for regular flooring options. Consider adding large and conspicuous curtains to windows. They help add a dark and cozy atmosphere to spaces, which can be great for areas like the bedroom or living room.

Furniture should also be as comfortable as possible. Adding a large sofa and armchair in the living room makes for a gorgeous sight and provides great seating for entertainment systems. Bean bags have become especially popular in recent years. Not only are they cozy and lightweight, but people can adapt them to just about any room. A simple bean bag sofa can up the coziness factor of a room significantly without incurring a high price. Consider placing a few around the living areas as well as a few in the bedroom.

Groom the garden

Speaking of plants, the backyard and garden can have an enormous impact on your home’s value. They’re some of the first things prospective homebuyers will see, which is why you have to maintain them properly.

Adding new elements to your outdoor area is much cheaper than you might think. A simple gravel path that leads to the front door or garden doesn’t take a lot of work, but it adds quite a bit of value. Lighting is another great option to consider for the outdoor area. You can place LED lights on small poles or integrate them into the ground to illuminate a path or part of your backyard. These lights are pretty durable, so you wouldn’t have to worry about them failing due to weather. Plus, they can last you a while without needing to be replaced.

When it comes to plants, the sky’s the limit. You should add pots to any bare walls that don’t have any interesting elements. Ivies and similar plants can cover a lot of surface without needing a lot of ground, so you should consider them for any walls or pergola pillars.

Conclusion

Adding value to your home can seem like a difficult task if you’re on a budget, but it’s perfectly doable with the right changes. Even small-picture adjustments can make your home look much more appealing. It always helps to think about areas that need the most improvement first. When you come up with a plan, make sure to take it a step at a time. Some changes may be a bit more expensive than you expect, while others could turn out to be cheaper than expected. Start with some of the elements we’ve covered and you’ll be more than satisfied with your home’s appeal.

Additions That Will Increase Your Home Resale Value

Additions That Will Increase Your Home Resale Value

Additions That Will Increase Your Home Resale Value

 

Getting to make your home exactly how you want it is one of the best parts of homeownership. However, you also need to keep your home’s resale value in mind as it ages. Most people don’t live in the same house their entire lives, so it’s worth the effort to make your home attractive to potential future buyers. In this article, we’ll go over a few additions that will increase your home resale value to help you decide on what might be worth your time, effort, and money.

Energy-Efficient Installations

Energy efficiency and conservation are on a lot of people’s minds nowadays. A lot of smart technology—smart thermostats, for example—have the specific intent of conserving energy, and many buyers love these additions to a house. If you plan to live in your house for a while longer but still want a worthy investment, installing solar panels can improve your home’s energy efficiency while still increasing its attractiveness to buyers in the future.

Landscaping

The outside of your home is the first thing a potential buyer will see when it comes time to sell. That’s why good landscaping goes a long way. Putting in more greenery, adding on a deck or patio, or even installing a water feature can transform your home’s exterior to attract more attention. Just consider the maintenance work involved when you want to add these kinds of additions.

Finish the Basement

Many homes have unfinished basements, even though leaving them that way wastes perfectly good floor space. Having a useful basement instead of just a sparse underground area can pay off a lot when it comes time to sell your house. This is true of your attic as well; if you have the space available to you, you might as well utilize it to its fullest potential.

Increase Floor Space

Perhaps the biggest expense in terms of additions would involve adding onto the entire home itself by expanding the floor plan. Adding on more rooms or knocking out walls that create unnecessary barriers increases the amount of usable floor space, which translates directly into more money when you want to sell your home.

Home Office

One of the most recently relevant additions that will increase your home resale value is creating space for a home office. Working from home is much more common right now, but not everyone enjoys working from their couch or kitchen table. Having an extra space just for work is a big plus for many people who work from home.

 

How to Create Your Own Safe Space at Home

How to Create Your Own Safe Space at Home

How to Create Your Own Safe Space at Home

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/duuX5iVcBiw

 

The modern world never stops. We’re constantly exposed to all kinds of stimuli, from the news to social media, and of course, our own thoughts.

 To get away from it all, look into creating a safe space in your home. Essentially, this should be a space where you can completely relax and recharge. It can also signify a space where only kindness and honesty are allowed to enter.

 Let’s take a look at the best way to create your safe space in the home.

Define the Boundaries

If you live with someone, you first need to talk to them and choose a space that will suit all of you. You don’t want it to be a highly frequented area, and you want to lay some ground rules. That should include no arguing or raised voices, no barging in uninvited, and only positive vibes.

Consider the Furniture You Need

Practically any space can be your safe space, as long as you feel absolutely comfortable there. For example, it can be your bed. You can choose a mattress size that fits your room and decorate the surrounding area to promote relaxation. You can also choose your favorite armchair or create a new nook in the bedroom or living room.

Decorate in Soothing Tones

Once you’ve selected the space, you can redecorate it a bit. Choose neutral or soothing colors for the walls, furniture, and decor. Any color will do, as long as it makes you feel safe and rested. Vibrant hues of any color are not a good choice here. Earthy and muted variations usually work best.

Banish All Electronics

Since the purpose of this space is to make you feel your best, you need to make sure you kick out all connection to the outside world. For starters, this means no TV, no computer, and especially no phone. Don’t even bring it with you. Leave it in another room and use your time spent in this oasis to forget you even own one.

Add a Layer of Scent  

To add another dimension to your soothing corner, choose a special scent you will only use in that area. You can burn a scented candle or a scented stick or even use a room spray. You can go for anything from lavender to apple pie, as long as you find it relaxing.

Add a Touch of Nature

In our modern life, humans have become incredibly disconnected from nature. Nevertheless, as a species, we still feel most comfortable when we can bask in it. One of the ways to add a touch of the outdoors to your safe space is to decorate it with fresh flowers or have some potted plants decorating the area. The greenery will have a positive impact on your mind.

Consider Your Own Actions

What you choose to do in your safe space is what will ultimately define it, so make sure you don’t come there to brood or to exhibit any negative behaviors. You may enter harboring negative thoughts, but your goal should be to let them go and refocus your energies on something neutral or positive. If you start to associate the space with negativity, you will be defeating its purpose.

To Sum It Up

With just a bit of careful planning and organization, anyone can create a safe and relaxing space in their home. Make sure to carefully consider the layout of your own space and where you could best fit a safe space. Tailor it to your own needs and desires, and start making the most of it. After all, this is the one place in the world where you can be unapologetically yourself.

5 Things To Look For When Buying Your First Home

5 Things To Look For When Buying Your First Home

5 Things To Look For When Buying Your First Home

 

Buying your first home is an exciting experience. You are entirely in control of what you purchase, so you should make sure that you are making the choices that best suit you. You will have a specific price point for your purchase. You may also have a preferred neighborhood or area.

When you are working with a Realtor, you can make a wish list of features that you want. They can help you to narrow your choices down. Once you have the shortlist, you can move forward with trying to determine which one you will make an offer on. To do this, you need to look at several points. Consider these five to get you started.

 

#1: Check the layout of the home

The design of the home determines how your family will move around the house. Some people prefer large open spaces like great rooms so they can completely customize the area. Others want individual rooms that serve specific purposes.

If you entertain a lot, you might want all the common rooms in one area with the bedrooms separated. Having a bathroom in each area is probably a priority.

You might want a home that has bedrooms that are spread out. Some parents prefer this if they are moving with older children so that the kids have their own area of the house and the parents have theirs.

 

#2: Inspect the ductwork and piping

The ductwork and piping give you a good idea of how the home was maintained. Most people won’t think to check for things like duct cleaning that can lengthen the life of the HVAC unit. If you take the time to do this inspection, you could save yourself a lot of hassle. Leaky ductwork can put a strain on the HVAC and might mean that you don’t ever have comfortable rooms.

When it comes to the piping in the home, you need to look at the type of pipes and the age. This is especially important if the house is older because galvanized piping might have interior pits that could impact the quality of the water. You might even have to be concerned about lead in the pipes if the house is older.

 

#3: Verify the structural integrity

The structural integrity of the home is one of the crucial considerations when you are trying to decide whether to make the purchase or not. Some homes, such as those using sustainable construction methods, are more likely to still be in good condition. Insulated concrete forms are one building material that can provide long-term stability for a home.

A home that has a wood frame construction is likely going to be weaker than one made with ICF because wood can weaken and warp over time and with the changing weather. ICF isn’t likely to do this because the forms, which fit together like interlocking blocks, are durable and sturdy.

You can have the inspector try to determine the structural integrity of the home, but you can also look for signs that something is amiss. Open a few windows to see how easily they go up. If there is a problem with the “bones” of the house, the windows might stick. The same is true for doors. Bring a marble with you and put it on the floor. It might move a bit, but if it rolls quickly toward an area, it can mean that the floors are uneven due to settling.

 

#4: Look into the security features

The security features of the home can make or break the deal. You don’t want any that are worn out. Check to see if there is a camera system in place and find out if you will be able to transfer the service. Look at other security features like lighting around the outdoors or a window and door alarm system. If the home has a pool, verify that the fence surrounding it has a gate that closes automatically.

While you are looking at the security features, you should check out the crime rate in the area. This gives you an idea of what types of security items you will need to add or that you can do away with if you purchase the home.

 

#5: Review the smaller details

“All homes have their quirks. Look around to see if you can spot them at the home. While you are doing this, you can also find out what special features the home has. Look at the condition of anything that is touted as a feature. Also, check the integrity of the other parts of the home that are difficult to inspect at first glance like the roof, the quality of roofing material and integrity of the home siding.” – Jeff Guthrie, Phoenix Roofing Contractor and Roof Repair Expert

On the outside of the home, you can look for things like edging around the yard or additional lights near the outdoor living space. On the inside, think about features like linen closets, large windows and breakfast nooks.

You will know when you find the house that you should place an offer on. By doing your due diligence before you make the offer, you can reduce the stress and increase the excitement that comes with purchasing a new home. 

6 Items in Your Home You Should Repair Rather Than Replace

6 Items in Your Home You Should Repair Rather Than Replace

6 Items in Your Home You Should Repair Rather Than Replace

 

Who among us hasn’t spent exorbitant amounts of money replacing something we just didn’t feel like fixing? It might save you some time, but the cost of always replacing things can put a real dent in your wallet. There are some items in your home you should repair rather than replace based purely on the cost-effectiveness. We’ll go through a few of them so that you can decide if making those repairs is worth it.

Upholstered Furniture

A big rip in your favorite chair or couch is always going to be a headache to deal with. Considering how much you probably paid for that chair or couch, fixing it rather than getting an entire new piece of furniture is definitely worth it. You can fix upholstery yourself if you want to, but even having it repaired professionally will cost you less than a replacement.

Luggage

Quality luggage bags are hard to come by, and they don’t come cheap. If you stuffed your bag a little too full the last time you traveled and broke a zipper, don’t waste your money on a new bag. Plenty of places, such as dry cleaners and tailors, can fix broken zippers for far less money than a new bag would cost you.

Carpets & Rugs

One item you want to repair instead of replacing is your nice carpet or rug. For how little space they take up in a room, carpets and rugs are quite expensive. If you have one you really enjoy and want to keep for a while, you can get it patched up properly without ruining its look. You can actually restore rugs in surprisingly bad condition if you have the right help.

Shoes

Some people enjoy collecting new shoes as a hobby, but not everyone needs to spend that kind of money. If you have a pair of shoes that are worn in, a good cobbler can resole them for you for a fraction of the cost of getting a new pair. If the tops of the shoes are still good, a new sole can breathe a lot of extra life into them.

Televisions

If you want a little more of a challenge, you can save a lot of money by repairing your television instead of buying a whole new one. This requires a little technical know-how and the right replacement components, but those components won’t break your bank like a new television set would. You can also order the parts yourself and pay someone else to install them if you’re sheepish about the process.

Jewelry & Watches

Accessories for which people have to save up shouldn’t need replacements because of one small setback. A broken clasp or watch needle doesn’t mean that piece is now useless. Any jeweler worth their salt can repair a necklace or bracelet. You can even bring complex watches back to life with a few spare parts.