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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.

 

How Can You Raise the Value of Your Property Through Home Staging

How Can You Raise the Value of Your Property Through Home Staging

How Can You Raise the Value of Your Property Through Home Staging

 

Staging, according to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) is the preparation of residential or commercial properties for sale in the real estate marketplace. It’s bringing the property up to a level that will appeal to a larger number of potential buyers for the highest price possible. Contrary to general belief, home staging differs from decorating in the sense that decorating a home reflects your personal style, while staging is a way to show your home’s assets and promote it to a larger pool of buyers.  

 

Especially with the pandemic, having photos, videos, and virtual tours of homes has become more important since these have helped buyers plan their in-person tours and potential purchases. A 2020 survey from RESA has shown that 85% of staged homes were sold for 5-23% over listing price and sell faster, with an average of 23 days on the market. With a significant financial transaction such as selling your home, you wouldn’t want to settle for a lower selling price and a longer selling period. Here are a few ways of how you can raise the value of your home through home staging.

 

Clean and declutter

If your appliances or furniture aren’t new, make sure everything is spotless. Clean tables and countertops, dust visible surfaces and straighten up linens. The goal is to make the home appear brand new. Declutter, put away things not used daily and other seasonal items or decorations, and dispose of things not needed, the more empty space, the better.

 

Remove personal touches

To make your home appeal to others more, keep picture frames, personalized items like monogrammed pillows and towels away. Put away clothes hanging on chairs, drawings and notes posted on the refrigerator, certificates or diplomas hanging on walls. Make your home feel like anyone can settle in it versus show who currently lives in it.

 

Freshen everything up

Your current wallpaper and paint-color choices may not appeal to everyone. It’s best to strip old wallpaper and old paint jobs and use warm neutral colors to make it easier for potential buyers to envision how they would decorate the space in the future. Remove old and soiled carpets and opt for lower maintenance options like hardwood floors, ceramic tiles, or high-quality vinyl tiles that mimic these materials, which could also appeal to people with allergies. Maximize your home’s natural light, have curtains and blinds, and have all the lights on when staging your house. Brightening your home when staging can make the place appear bigger and is more appealing to the eye.

 

Define rooms

Your entire house need not be staged, but clearly defining the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, dining room, and bathroom can help potential buyers envision themselves living in the space better.

 

Address any repairs

Selling a home in need of repairs may not be as easy as selling one with little to no repairs needed. Before staging your home, ensure to check for molds and damp spots around the house, look for light fixtures that may need repair or replacement, and look for cracks in walls and ceilings and other foundation problems. You could alert potential buyers about these problems, but getting these fixed will be better to get the house sold quicker and at a better price too.

 

Curb appeal

Once you’ve taken care of the interior of your home, don’t forget about the exterior. The exterior of a home can impact a potential buyer’s first impression of a home since this is the first thing they will see when they make their visit. Get rid of weeds, mow your lawn, make sure shrubs, bushes, and other plants are pruned. Make sure that your windows are clean as well, and if you’re unable to repaint the exterior of your home, you can opt to power wash it to give your home a fresher, newer look. You can also replace doormats and clean up lawn tables and chairs you have outside.

 

Finishing touches

When opening your home for showing, adding a few finishing touches can help pique potential buyers’ interest in your home. Give your living room a fresh look by adding some indoor plants or flowers in vases, light subtle smelling candles in the bathroom and bedroom, and have clean linens in every room.

 

Staging a home doesn’t have to cost much, but make sure the home’s best features are highlighted when you do so. Stage your home to appeal to a wide market but also consider what would make the home usable to potential buyers. Staging your home to appeal to a wider market will get you more offers, in turn, increasing the value of your home as well.

Managing Tenant Feedback in the Most Efficient Way

Managing Tenant Feedback in the Most Efficient Way

Managing Tenant Feedback in the Most Efficient Way

 

Being in the business of providing a safe and secure place for other people to call home, may it be temporary or permanent is what a landlord offers. Not being able to do the job right is simply risking high turnover, no rent, legal issues, and worst bankruptcy.

When is the right time to know if you’re falling behind revenue? Your tenants will be the answer and will inform you right away. If you’re lucky, they may not care about minor lapses until the frustration triggers them to action.

Employing the right method and monitoring how your renters feel will make you prepared and capable of making proactive decisions, thus raising tenant satisfaction and avoiding circumstantial fall out. Read on for  efficient ways in managing your tenant’s feedback.

Responding to requests.

For whatever reason or mode of notification your renters chose, make sure to answer all requests in a timely manner and  provide a time frame when they can expect their request to be granted. If it is an issue and you need more time to investigate, inform them right away and call in for back up. Do a follow up with the tenants after a few days and confirm that the issue has been resolved to their advantage. This may deem unnecessary but it shows you actually care about the renter’s comfort and well-being and are not only after their payments.

 

Communicate regularly.

Some tenants are attention seekers. None of them likes to deal with a  landlord who is always missing in action, voicemail only activated and  never answers to any email. Good renters are gems and rare to find so you are giving them a free will to move out of your place and look for another landlord who will communicate with them on a regular basis.

 

Accept negative feedback.

It is inevitable that your tenants may have negative things about your properties or even you as a landlord. Criticisms are actually more valuable than positive feedback when improving character and services. Property management tips prioritizes improving tenant and landlord relationships so don’t ever take negativities personally, don’t be offended and don’t act defensively.

 

Honesty is the best policy.

Be honest when you lay down your cards about the rules and regulations regarding the lease. How much is the rent, when is the due date, will there be late fees, what if there are some damages are just a few of the items that you should truthfully discuss with them regarding your property. Always make sure that the tenant knows their rights and privileges before they sign any contract. Enumerate and vividly explain each aspect of the contract to avoid confusion and further error.

 

Show professionalism at all times.

Never allow your emotions to cloud your judgment. You are the owner of your business so you have to always act in a professional manner. 

Never be irate to a shouting tenant. Avoid cursing and threatening your tenants that will push them to do legal actions. Keep your cool at all times and don’t retaliate. 

 

Consider the individuality of every tenant.

It is always important to deal with each and every renter’s personality appropriately and with utmost care. Each person is unique and has its own set of characters so you have to tailor fit to their moods and attitudes all the time. Adjust when you can but set boundaries of respect.

 

Respect tenant inputs and ideas.

Make way for tenant input and encourage them to post online reviews. This will help determine the areas the tenants are satisfied with or if there are any unresolved issues that need immediate attention.

A Property Manager or a landlord as what they say is much more challenging and time constraint than what you can imagine. They have a lot on their plate and have to be psychologically inclined since every tenant possesses unique characters. It is a tough job and even if you have outstanding communication skills will not be a guarantee that your career goes well as planned. 

Taking  the time to establish open and honest communication with tenants will result in fewer issues with rental properties. Managing tenant feedback efficiently is close to gaining more revenue and less chances of turnover or property vacancies. Renter’s feedback actually helps in alerting something you don’t know was an issue regarding your property. A landlord’s job is a never ending job. Part of that is being responsible and  always looking for techniques to improve the tenant’s and owner’s relationship. Tenant satisfaction and tenant retention often go hand in hand so as a landlord, checking in with good renters and asking  them about their stay is critical. Managing how they feel about you as a landlord and the place where they stay gives them comfort and inability to look for another one because they already found their perfect fit.

Tips for Increasing Counter Space in Your Kitchen

Tips for Increasing Counter Space in Your Kitchen

Tips for Increasing Counter Space in Your Kitchen

 

In the kitchen, you need a lot of space to spread out. But what if your home just isn’t built with that luxury? Don’t worry; all is not lost if you can’t afford to remodel! Inexpensively create some extra room using these tips for increasing counter space in your kitchen.

Add Some Extra Shelving

Are you looking for some extra storage space on your counters? Why not add a level or two to them? Install some extra shelving on the walls behind your counter and store items there to clear up some counter space. You can also invest in shelf risers that sit on your counter. Although they’ll take up some precious counter space, they’ll also create extra storage areas by offering a tiered set of surfaces.

Hang Your Utensils

If your utensils take up a lot of room on your counter, try hanging them up to keep them out of the way. You can easily install a small rail or some hanging hooks on your backsplash on which to store them. As a bonus, hanging utensils can add a nice decorative flair to your kitchen!

Try a Kitchen Island

Provided that you have the floor space to do so, adding a kitchen island is one of the best solutions to insufficient counter space. Even if your kitchen isn’t huge, a small island or rolling cart can make all the difference. Before purchasing anything, though, be sure to evaluate the size of your kitchen so that you can choose the right size island. The last thing you want is for the island to become just another obstacle in your kitchen.

Utilize Your Stovetop and Sink

Those who just don’t have room for an island can utilize their stovetops and sinks to create that extra space they need. This method is one of the easiest to pull off. All you need to do is find a cutting board that fits over your sink or the burners of your stove. You can also buy specially made burner covers for this purpose.

These tips for increasing counter space in your kitchen are certainly lifesavers for anyone with a small kitchen. Why not give one of these methods a try next time you cook? It will make your time in the kitchen far more comfortable.

 

How Landscaping Can Improve Your Home’s Value

How Landscaping Can Improve Your Home’s Value

How Landscaping Can Improve Your Home’s Value

 

 

When spring rolls around, so does the urge to clean up, declutter, and revamp your home. Projects you’ve put off during winter months have accumulated, and your home likely needs a little TLC, oftentimes in the form of DIY and home improvement projects. However, before you get ahead of yourself and start any type of project, know that not all home improvements make sense financially. Certain updates add significant monetary value to your home, like additions, kitchen renovations, and most importantly, exterior improvements.

 Landscaping, specifically, comes across as a chore to most homeowners; however, it can actually be worthwhile despite the hours of heat, hard work, and exhaustion. Besides the fact that it can enhance the aesthetics of your house, landscaping can also add up to 15% to your home’s value. So, if you’re looking to spruce up your exterior this spring, determine the current value of your home and then learn about how you can raise that value through landscaping projects.

Adds monetary value

While making improvements to your landscape will inevitably rack up a bill, that money can be redeemed by increasing your home’s value, which reaps unique benefits of its own. In order to get a firm grasp on how you can progress, determine your home’s current worth via an online home value estimator to accurately compare results pre- and post-improvements. Then, research some of the most profitable landscaping updates and compare them to which areas your exterior lacks. It’s important to research which landscaping updates generate the highest return on investment – here are some quick facts:

  •  Hiring a professional landscaping service yields an ROI of 267%.
  • Simple maintenance of a well kept lawn earns back 100% of your investment.
  • Tall trees alone have improved neighborhood property values by 3-15%.
  • You can earn 126% of your investment by adding fresh mulch.
  • An impressive outdoor space can add 10-15% to a home’s value

Increases chances of selling

Did you know that homes with tidy, maintained lawns sell for 7% more than homes that lack professional landscaping? The buzz around curb appeal is warranted – not only can it help a home sell quickly and for more money, but it can also reel in more prospective buyers. How the home looks on the outside is the first impression buyers get of the house, whether in photos or in person. That said, a well-kept lawn, groomed shrubs and trees, and clean edges can not only spark initial interest, but also appear to potential buyers as one less project to take on if they purchase the property.

Appeals to buyers’ needs

Since the beginning of the global pandemic, the home buying process has changed, along with it the needs and wants of those looking to buy a home. As more people start to work and spend more time at home, the demand for more square footage and extra bedrooms increases. More importantly, more time at home has people seeking ample outdoor space. That means pools in good condition, sturdy decks or patios, and even outdoor furniture.

 Some even recommend more involved and expensive renovations, like an outdoor kitchen or all-season deck, which can earn back as much as 83% of your investment. While it may not be completely profitable, it may be the catalyst that gets your home to sell fast and for a good price.

 When it comes to landscaping, don’t let the amount of elbow grease deter you from making necessary updates. And don’t be afraid to hire a professional due to cost. When executed correctly, you can add home value, sell your home quickly, and make your money back.

3 Tips for Successful Downsizing

3 Tips for Successful Downsizing

3 Tips for Successful Downsizing

 

Moving into a smaller space can have a host of financial perks, such as cheaper rent and lower utility bills. Moving into a smaller abode doesn’t come without considerations, however. If not done carefully, this transition can get quite messy for the average homeowner. Explore our three tips for successful downsizing to diminish your stress throughout the moving experience.

Try To Redeem Value for Your Items

When sifting through all your home’s items, you’re bound to find materials that have value. The saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” still rings true—any garage sale can prove it!

If you’re not up for organizing a garage sale on your lawn—or you’re still very COVID-cautious—don’t fret. There are additional ways to redeem value for your valued items, such as consignment shops. Take your gently used or worn goods into your local consignment shop to score some cash for the things that won’t make it into your new home.

Use Downsizing as an Opportunity To Give Back

A lot of household items, clothing, and furniture get tossed throughout the downsizing process, resulting in unfortunate waste. You can utilize your moving experience as an opportunity to give back and donate your gently used goods.

One reason many moving homeowners trash items that still have value is a lack of time. Plan your donation process ahead to assure you can give those quality products a second life.

Review the websites of your local thrift stores or shelters to see if they’ll accept your items. If you need advice for sorting through all your stuff, check out this advice for organizing your donations.

Double Check the New Dimensions Before Making a Purchase

Topping off the three tips for successful downsizing is verifying your new home’s dimensions. Nothing’s worse than the excitement of a new couch arrival getting trumped by the fact it doesn’t fit in your new front room.

Double (why not triple?) check the measurements for every room in the house before moving in or purchasing new furnishing. This precaution will save you from a whole lot of interior design heartache.

 

13 advantages of implementing natural materials in your home design

13 advantages of implementing natural materials in your home design

13 advantages of implementing natural materials in your home design

 

Having a well-designed home is a dream come true for many homeowners. However, many people struggle when they have to decide what kind of materials should they use. Would you rather go for cheap ones, or pick high-quality stylish materials? Instead of picking synthetic materials such as plastic, consider using natural ones in your home design.

Why should you use natural materials? There are many benefits natural materials provide you with. So, if you want to have a stylish home with a sustainable and durable design, bring some nature inside and decorate your home!

1. They never go out of style

Have you ever seen a modern and beautiful house without a single natural material? It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of new-age or rustic styles, you can’t create a comprehensive and beautiful home design without the use of natural materials!

Even though wood, clay, metal, etc have been in use for centuries, they always refine your space and add style to it. On top of that, there are million conventional and nonconventional ways in which you can use natural materials to create a stylish environment in your home! Whether you’d use it as a decoration or in basic furniture, you won’t make a mistake by choosing natural!

2. Add a modern yet sleek touch

You know what they say, dress to impress! So, if you want to impress your family and friends with your home, you need to decorate it until you reach pure perfection. How can you know you’ve reached your goal?

You’re probably aware that natural materials feel the purest. When you incorporate them into your home design, you’ll notice how well they match every style! They are modern yet sleek, which increases the decorative value of your home. Create a dazzling interior design by implementing décor made out of natural materials that will leave everyone in awe.

3. High-quality but affordable

Commercial furniture can get worn out pretty quickly. Even though it may be cheaper, you’ll have to replace them quite often, which adds to the cost in the long run. Instead of replacing them every other year, opt for the furniture made out of natural materials and make a once in a lifetime investment.

What if you get tired of your old furniture? Instead of purchasing the new one, you can makeover your furniture out of natural materials and give them a new shine! You can always paint and refurbish them using more naturals from thrift stores and flea markets.

4. They make you feel at peace

Most people feel peaceful and content in nature. Even though chances of living in a cabin in the woods are slim, you can always bring nature to you, and feel peaceful at all times! One of the first steps of creating a peaceful environment is, you’ve guessed it, bringing natural materials inside!

What are the materials and colours that you connect with the most? Use them as a base, and build other materials around it. Whether you prefer wood, leather, clay, cotton or something else, you can always find inspiration and peace in natural materials by introducing them to your home design.

5. Synthetic materials are unsafe

Did you know that most synthetic materials, such as plastic and other synthetic polymers, degrade over time? You’ve surely noticed how they lose quality and colour when exposed to the sun. However, they can also be quite harmful to your home and health!

To a certain extent, toxic chemicals are present in synthetic materials. Those chemicals are released into the air and atmosphere simply by sitting in your home! Those toxins produced by non-organic fabrics are extremely difficult to deal with and can be harmful to the health of your entire family. Even though you can’t always see or smell them, they enter your bodies through skin and inhalation, causing series of health problems.

6. Maintain your health

Did you know that natural materials can maintain your physical and mental health? Unlike synthetic materials, organic fabrics don’t emit toxic gasses that can harm your health. On top of that natural materials are better for your overall health, providing you with a peaceful environment that resembles nature.

A couple of decades ago, man constructors used materials that contained lead or asbestos. Even though those days are behind us, artificial and man-made materials are still harmful to our health.

7. You can find them all around you

No matter where you go, you’ll always come across natural things and elements you can use in your home décor. Just look outside the window and see the fallen tree branches, pebbles on the road and gorgeous flowers you can implement in your design. But what can you do with raw materials?

Even though raw elements aren’t as appealing, you can fix them up, sandpaper them and create something unique! On the other hand, if you’d like to have an accent piece in your home, raw natural materials are always a good idea!

8. Long-lasting materials

Compared to the furniture that is commercially manufactured, furniture and décor made out of natural materials are sturdy and durable. It can endure high-traffic areas without getting damaged and worn out. On top of that, it can be refurbished and redesigned to fit your new style!

Wooden elements are perfect for areas such as the living room and kitchen, as they endure heavy wear and tear all the time. Similarly, porcelain tiles can be used in wet areas, floors, bathrooms, and kitchens to maintain a clean and tidy look. So, choose the elements cautiously as they will last for a long time!

9. Easy to clean

Many people think that natural materials are complicated to maintain. However, if you know all the tips and tricks, they are quite easy to clean! But if you don’t maintain them properly, they are at risk of getting damaged or chipped, which will ruin the charm. So, how can you maintain them?

It all depends on the type of material. Wooden floor and elements require special chemicals that bring out their shine. On the other hand, cloths such as cotton and wool need to be carefully washed by hand or in a machine. Nothing too complicated that will take up too much time or effort!

10. You can DIY!

Do you have a tight budget but want to make your home interior design count? Even though purchasing pre-made furniture and décor made out of organic fabrics will be challenging, you can still decorate your home with beautiful natural elements that add life and style to your space! How is that possible?

Organic materials are one of the easiest materials you can process yourself. Whether you decide to make a wooden deck or a knitted blanket, you need to properly prepare the materials before use. So, sand the planks and ensure you’re using washable wool for your blankets before you start the process!

11. Sustainability and eco-friendliness

Do you care about the environment? You should, because there is no planet B! So, if you want to preserve the ecosystem and maintain our planet, use natural materials in your home. How can they help?

Besides being long-lasting, natural matters are sustainable and bio-degradable, which is a big plus for our environment. Most of them can be harvested locally, which minimises the carbon footprint on the environment. Locally harvested organic materials don’t require transportation, the manufacturing process is less intensive and doesn’t include toxic chemicals.

12. They match every style

Do you have a proffered style you’d like to use for your home? No matter what style you’ve chosen, your home won’t be complete without natural materials! Luckily, natural materials such as wood, porcelain and metal vibe with every style possible- from chic and rustic to modern industrial!

Can you imagine your bathroom without perfect tiles or a kitchen with a gorgeous stone floor? Any of that wouldn’t be possible without high-quality natural materials you can find at places such as Stone & Tile Projects. Guaranteed quality and fascinating style add personality and life to your home.

13. Add more personality to your home

Have you ever thought that your home looks bland? The main point in creating a cosy and homey environment is adding a sprinkle of your personality to it. So, if you’re a fan of nature and its elements, you should definitely display your personality through décor made out of natural materials.

By implementing natural materials in your home, you’re adding more life to it. Wooden picture frames, woollen carpets and cotton duvet throws will complete any kind of space. On top of that, natural materials may come in different colours, so you don’t have to be afraid your home will be dull and bland.

Conclusion

As you can see, natural materials bring many benefits to your home. From beautiful and long-lasting design, over endless design possibilities to improved physical and mental health, organic fabrics will increase the overall value of your life. So, if you’d like to have a gorgeous, high-quality interior, implement natural materials in your design and spiritually connect with nature.

How To Create a More Minimalist Home

How To Create a More Minimalist Home

How To Create a More Minimalist Home

 

There’s something to be said for the clean, even lines of a minimalist home. A cramped and cluttered space tends to set your mind off on tangents you don’t want to deal with. Minimalism has gained a lot of traction because of its relaxing and healing effect on the mind. If you ever wanted to come home to a place that relaxes you instead of stressing you out, minimalism might be for you. Here are a few tips on how to create a more minimalist home.

Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

Minimalism is all about using the space you have efficiently. Having more things won’t make you happy—it’s all about the meaning behind the things that matter most. Instead of cluttering up your house with a bunch of knickknacks you don’t really care about, stick to one or two decorative items that really mean something to you.

Declutter Often

Creating a more minimalist house means keeping up that minimalism over time. We inevitably bring in more things than we actually want, but how long we keep those things affects the clutter level in our homes. Be aware of what you bring into your house. Is it something that stirs you, or is it another piece of junk? Keep junk items from entering your house, and do a quick look around every week or so for extraneous items you don’t need.

Reduce Unneeded Furniture

Minimalism is all about the phrase “less is more.” Your furniture will always take up the bulk of your floor space, but you can prevent overcrowding by considering what you really use and what’s just decoration. Too many decorative items like furniture can clog up a space and make it feel claustrophobic. Don’t bother with the extra chairs, and you’ll have much more space to move around.

Take It One Room at a Time

When it comes to transitioning from the norm to a minimalist mindset, trying to tackle everything at once can be quite overwhelming. You don’t have to go from where you are to ultra-minimalist overnight. Take your decluttering and rearranging one room at a time. That way, you can plan out your new minimalist design choices.

Embrace Storage Solutions

Getting rid of every unneeded or sentimental thing can be a scary thought. If you still want the look of a minimalist house but don’t want to give up all your worldly possessions, you’ll need to get into storage solutions. Hollow ottomans for blankets and pillows, coffee tables with built-in drawers, short storage bins to fit under the couch—all of these can let you hang onto more items without taking up any extra space that you could otherwise use.

 

Signs That You Need To Replace Your Floor

Signs That You Need To Replace Your Floor

Signs That You Need To Replace Your Floor

 

Sometimes, the signs that you need to replace your floor can be readily apparent, but other times, the clues can be less noticeable. You need to be aware of these signs and be ready to have your floor repaired when the time comes. Neglecting to do so can lead to further damage to your home, and sometimes it may even lead to health risks for you and your family.

Clearly Visible Cracks

Usually forming in tiled floors and some hardwood, cracks are a clear sign of age and mean nothing good. The early indications of a cracked floor largely go unnoticed, until the crack becomes deep or several more cracks form as a result. While it may initially not seem like such a problem, cracks can serve as breeding grounds for small insects, causing them to infest your home.

Increasingly Problematic

Having your entire floor replaced because of one small crack may seem extreme—and in many cases, it is. But you do still need to pay attention to it to make sure that the fissure doesn’t spread. And if it does, then you need to take measures to fix it before it gets any worse.

Major Water Damage

For any kind of flooring, water damage is a huge issue and can prove to need replacing immediately. Whether it is due to flooding as a result of rainwater, a burst pipe, or a continuous exposure to a minor source of water, some of the most common destroyers of flooring are water damage.

Telltale Signs

Look at your flooring to see if it is discolored in any way; that can usually be all it takes to determine whether a floor is water damaged. Also, look to see if there is visible mold growth, or if the floor itself has become warped and misshapen. You need to act fast because if the problem is sustained, then it can reach the subflooring, resulting in far more costly repairs.

Damage From Pets

Although lovable family companions, pets can wreak havoc on floors. Without being properly housebroken, pets can leave stains in your carpeting that cannot be removed. Odor is also another huge factor and something that cannot be easily removed in certain cases. And finally, pets, especially dogs, have a habit of clawing at the ground to try and make holes. Unfortunately, they can be successful at making these holes in your carpet.

Assess Problem Areas

It is always a good idea to replace old and worn-out flooring; it not only looks better, but some flooring can also add value to your home when you put it on the market. But replacing your floor will not help if there are overarching problems. You may need to hold off on remodeling until you identify what ruined your carpet and make plans to fix the issue. Otherwise, you will see more signs to replace your flooring in your newly renovated home.

 

Comparing Kitchen Cabinets To Find The Best For Your Home

Comparing Kitchen Cabinets To Find The Best For Your Home

If you’re in the market for kitchen cabinets there was probably a time when you were confused about what to choose. Kitchen cabinets aren’t just an important part of the interior that may tie your whole kitchen’s look together- they’re an important, functional part of the cooking area.

 

Comparing Kitchen Cabinets To Find The Best For Your Home

https://www.pexels.com/photo/kitchen-and-dining-area-1080721

 

According to RTA Cabinets Reviews, no two kitchen cabinets are the same, even if they fall under a similar price tag. In their own words, “…it is completely possible for three cabinets that are similar won’t have the same quality.” Because of this, you need to know what to look for and the features to consider when you get new kitchen cabinets.

 

 Tips For Beginners

Before we dive deeper into different kinds of cabinets, here are some tips for you to keep in mind.

  •  There are three kinds of cabinets; stock cabinets, semi-custom, and custom cabinets. Stock cabinets are the cheaper option while custom cabinets are the most expensive.
  • Framed or Frameless design? Frameless cabinets look more elegant and European, but framed cabinets offer the kind of support and rigidity that frameless cabinets don’t.
  • Consider what features you want. A pullout trash can or a liftable cabinet with a spring-loaded shelf can make your life easier!

 

Stock Cabinets

Now, let’s talk about what kind of cabinets you’ll get from furniture stores like IKEA. Stock cabinets are usually a good option for anyone who’s low on money or isn’t too picky about the style.

Comparing Kitchen Cabinets To Find The Best For Your Home

https://www.pexels.com/photo/ikea-building-1797405

 

If you take the time to really look for your cabinets, you’ll find that some brands offer cabinet quality that only high-end stores used to offer, and some cabinets last even longer than custom-made ones.

But like we said before, the style options for this kind of cabinet are limited, and they may be made of veneer instead of plywood.

 

Semi-custom Cabinets

The most popular option for homes is semi-custom cabinets. They’re not as expensive as fully custom-made ones, and they’re not as cheap or low quality as the stock cabinet options either.

Many brands offer a range of options when it comes to design, materials, extra features, and size. These cabinets can be ordered to fit the aesthetic of your kitchen interior exactly while allowing you to try to include as many features into them as you want.

These cabinets vary greatly in quality and features depending on what you choose, but making the right choice requires lots of research. Before you decide on what specifications you want, look into it in detail so you can’t be misled into making the wrong, expensive choices.

 

Custom Cabinets

The most expensive option for a kitchen is to get cabinets custom made for it. They offer the most style and feature options, and you can order pretty much anything you want.

You might have to compromise on one thing or the other to find the appropriate fit if you’re shopping stock or semi-custom, but if you choose to work with custom cabinets you’ll have full control over all things cabinet-related.

You can choose what kind of cabinet doors you want, the materials, and even the materials. The base cabinets that go under your countertops add support and some basic storage, but it’s the wall cabinets that you need to focus on in terms of design. You have the option of adding cabinet drawers and other kinds of cabinets to your kitchen as you see fit, and even go creative with the design.

If you want to go for a more unconventional interior, you can even choose to make the base cabinets and the wall cabinets different colors that complement each other or choose high-quality joints and facades for your kitchen.

Overall, when you’re choosing the right kitchen cabinets for your needs, you need to consider what price you’re willing to pay for what kinds of features. If you’re picky about design and make, you might want to go custom, but if you value a sturdy cabinet that lasts long there might be a good stock cabinet option waiting for you out there somewhere

Top 6 Maintenance Tasks You Should Do Every Spring

Top 6 Maintenance Tasks You Should Do Every Spring

Top 6 Maintenance Tasks You Should Do Every Spring

  

Each year as the final frost melts and greenery begins to appear, homeowners prepare to start spring maintenance. Changing seasons can wreak havoc on your property, so you’ll need to pay special attention to both inside and outdoor features. Things may look like a muddy mess right now, but soon, summer will be in full swing. You’ll want to start all the essential tasks before things heat up so you can enjoy the beautiful weather and not be toiling under the sun.

 

Here are six of the top maintenance tasks you should do every spring.

1. Fertilize the Lawn

 Snow, ice and road salt can give your yard a beating during the wintertime. If you want luscious green grass for the summer, you’ll need to begin fertilizing in the spring. Similarly, you should think of landscaping goals you may want to start before summer arrives. Spring is an excellent time to pull weeds and trim away brush since most plants are dead or in hibernation. You can also weed and fertilize shrubs and trees.

2. Clean the Roof and Gutters

 After the winter snow melts, you’ll need to get on the roof to inspect and clean the shingles and gutters. Make sure drains are in working order before spring showers begin to fall. If you haven’t already, you may want to install guards to reduce debris infiltration.

 You should also repair any damage and clean off algae that have begun to grow. Moss and fungus growth can lead to roof rot and deterioration if not properly treated, so contact a professional if you need additional support.

3. Inspect Your Windows

 The pesky cracks and gaps that allowed cold air to infiltrate your home in the winter will cause hot air to find its way indoors in the spring and summer. Besides looking at the frame, you should examine the window itself for fog between the panes, as this may indicate it’s not adequately sealed. If you notice these signs of damage and deterioration, it may be time to replace or repair your windows.

 Major issues like broken panes will likely warrant a replacement, while you can typically fix air drafts with a minor repair. If you’re uncertain of what your window needs, it’s best to speak with a professional. While replacing your window may seem like a hassle, it can increase your home’s energy efficiency and save you money in heating and cooling costs each year.

4. Service the AC Unit

 With warm weather coming soon, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioning (AC) unit is in working order. It won’t hurt to have a specialist take a look at your entire heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, but at a minimum, you should clean and inspect your AC early in the season. It’s also worthwhile to check your thermostat and adjust your internal temperature.

 To reduce your property’s energy usage, you can program the temperature to be lower during the day while everyone is away at work or school.

5. Check the Fire Alarms

 Every season you should test your fire alarms and replace batteries if needed. Most come with a testing button, making this spring maintenance task simple. If you have a carbon monoxide alarm, you should inspect to see if it’s in working order. While you may hope to never use these items, it’s always better to know everything is operating correctly.

6. Spray for Pests

 Bugs will begin making an appearance as the ground thaws and warmer weather becomes more frequent. Therefore you’ll want to spray for pests to reduce the likelihood of infestations. You’ll also want to plug any holes and seal cracks that might offer them access to your property. Cleaning and removing food waste will also keep insects away from your property.

Make a List

 Now that you know the top six maintenance tasks to do this spring, you’ll want to make a list and begin checking off the work. The sooner you prepare for the changing seasons and complete the repairs, the earlier you’ll be able to enjoy the warm weather. If you notice any significant problems, consult a professional for specialized advice on how to proceed. The peace of mind will be well worth it.

How To Take Advantage of Vertical Space in the Home

How To Take Advantage of Vertical Space in the Home

How To Take Advantage of Vertical Space in the Home

 

Whether you realize it or not, you have vertical space all over your home. Maybe it’s the corner of your bedroom, that awkward wall in the kitchen, or your entire bathroom. Regardless of where you might have  empty space, you’re probably wondering how to take advantage of vertical space in the home. Find something to do with some of those empty corners and blank walls.

Use Vertical Space for Storage

Often, the best thing you can do with a small, empty space is use it for storage. You can choose from all sorts of storage solutions, depending on your needs and the size of your space. Choose modular storage if you have an entire wall to fill (and the budget.) Otherwise, you can install a set of shelves. Furniture that works well in vertical spaces include:

  • bookshelves
  • wardrobes
  • armoires
  • coat racks

Use Stackables

If your whole house or apartment is small, you may have to think vertical the entire time you’re decorating. Stackable options are an excellent solution when you’re trying to figure out how to take advantage of vertical space in your home. You can use everything from bunk beds to stackable washer and dryer sets to take up less space. If you can’t fit an entire sectional or even a couch into your home, you can still find ways to coordinate your furniture with chairs and other individual pieces.

Hang Art in Vertical Spaces

Sometimes there isn’t anything else to do with your vertical space other than to make it look pleasing to the eye. You can hang artwork in an empty vertical space to make the area more striking. Typically, artwork is hung at eye-level, but if you want to bring even more attention to a space, you can hang art in unique ways. Try hanging pieces all the way up to the ceiling or leaning them against walls or door frames. You could also enhance a vertical space by suspending a piece of art from the ceiling.

Light up Vertical Spaces

You can bring the illusion of more space to any room using a trick of the lights. For vertical spaces, use fewer table lamps and more dome or track lights. Track lights let you customize the amount of light in a chosen room. The light can create an illusion, making the room feel taller and larger.

Whether you have the advantage of natural light or must use artificial light, illuminating your space may draw attention to areas that look empty. Remember to embrace negative space when taking advantage of vertical areas in the home. While you don’t have to fill every space, these tips will help you organize and decorate the areas that need attention.

 

Home Improvement Projects To Leave To the Professionals

Home Improvement Projects To Leave To the Professionals

Home Improvement Projects To Leave To the Professionals

 

Sure, taking on a home improvement project on your own can save you some money. However, it can also leave you with damaged property, a botched renovation, and even a few injuries if you aren’t cut out for the job. While some home improvement projects can be done on your own, others require professional experience. Unless you want to risk your safety and the well-being of your property, here are some of the home improvement projects to leave to the professionals.

Upgrading Your Roof

Investing in a new roof can help boost your home’s resale value and improve its appearance—if the job is done right. Installing a new roof or updating an existing roof is a highly complex process. A roof consists of several layers that must be installed correctly in order to properly protect your home from the elements. If you make a mistake throughout the process, you may have to deal with leaks, mold outbreaks, and potential cave-ins, which can significantly damage your home. Plus, working on top of a tall roof is dangerous without the proper equipment and experience. To avoid joining the thousands of people who die from falls each year, leave roof upgrades to the professionals.

Installing Insulation

Another home improvement project to leave to the professionals is installing insulation. Often, people who attempt to install insulation on their own end up missing small nooks and crannies and leaving multiple gaps. Because insulation is meant to create an air-tight seal to prevent the flow of heat, such gaps render their project extremely ineffective.

In addition, another common mistake people make when installing insulation is accidentally covering up vents. This faux pas can result in increased humidity and a greater risk of mold outbreaks. To ensure your insulation is effective and to avoid damaging your home, you should probably leave this project to the pros.

Tearing Down Walls

If you’re interested in creating an open floor plan, think twice about tearing down your home’s walls on your own. While demolishing a wall may not seem all that difficult, doing so isn’t always as easy as it looks. Often, walls may have electrical wiring or plumbing running through them. Trying to tear out such a wall could cause your home to flood or result in you getting electrocuted. In addition, the wall you want to remove could support another area of the house, which means taking it down could reduce the structural integrity of your home. To prevent such dangerous and destructive events from occurring, we suggest hiring a professional to tear down any walls you want to remove.

 

5 Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Best ROI in 2021

5 Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Best ROI in 2021

5 Kitchen Remodeling Tips for the Best ROI in 2021

 

The kitchen is probably the busiest place in any home nowadays, and as such, it deserves love and attention. Whether you are looking to make your home more attractive to buyers or if you’re dreaming of a more functional kitchen for your family, remodeling is one of the best ways to achieve your goals.

Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to bring a more beautiful and functional kitchen space to life, and you don’t need to break the bank to create the kitchen of your dreams. With a few minor improvements that make a big impact, along with a couple of key additions to the room, your kitchen will become the most beloved room in your home, and it will elevate the value of the property. Here’s what you should do.

Start with the countertops

The countertops serve an aesthetic and a functional purpose, so it’s important to either invest in new countertops or bring the existing ones to the former shine. If you have good old granite countertops, then you probably don’t need to replace them because granite is highly durable, and it comes in various beautiful designs to complement the look and feel of your kitchen.

That said, you might want to update them and fix any little imperfections that appeared over the years. On the other hand, if the countertop is really old and worn down, then you should invest in new countertops made of the best materials around, including soapstone, quartz, marble, and granite. Even though materials like ceramic tile, wood, or concrete offer a unique look and feel, keep in mind that they are fairly difficult to maintain and are prone to damage, so stick with the most durable materials.

Upgrade and update the cabinetry

Next on your remodeling checklist you should have the cabinets. Now, there are many ways you can rejuvenate the cabinetry in your kitchen, ranging from a simple spruce to a completely new set of cabinets. If you have top quality cabinetry and would like to preserve their old flair, then consider updating the paintwork and perhaps changing out the hardware.

You can also change the cabinet doors from a solid model to the French models with glass, which is a small but impactful way to rejuvenate the cabinetry and the entire kitchen. If you’re replacing the cabinetry, then make the kitchen work for you by choosing modern cabinets with added features like smart storage, more durable materials, and the like. Alternatively, remove the cabinet doors completely to create a more open look.

Improve efficiency with the right appliances

Of course, one of the most important changes you can make in the kitchen is to invest in better appliances. Choosing the right appliances will not only improve the look and feel of the space, but it will also help conserve energy and water in the kitchen.

With that in mind, it’s important to choose the electrical appliances that fit into the overarching theme of the room, but also have various features that help scale and optimize your energy use. Choose appliances that complement the design of the room, using materials and colors to create contrasts, like a black cooktop or a matte refrigerator.

Choose efficient and durable flooring

Flooring is one of those elements of kitchen design that homeowners tend to overlook, but the interior designers focus on every time. It’s important to follow the top flooring trends and make your kitchen floors more durable, reliable, and functional than ever before. You also want to make the floors serve an aesthetic purpose as well.

There are many wonderful options to choose from, ranging from hardwood to tile and vinyl, all the way to durable stone that comes in various designs and color options. You should choose your flooring carefully, though, because you want a material that not only looks good, but requires minimal maintenance and looks great to boot.

Invest in a beautiful backsplash

Lastly, don’t finish your remodel without a new backsplash. The backsplash can serve as the focal point of the entire room, and you can use it to create a beautiful contrast that will capture the eye of the observer. This is your chance to get creative.

Wrapping up

Remodeling the kitchen is one of the top ways to elevate the value of your home. Use these tips to rejuvenate your kitchen and create a functional space the whole family will love.