Category: Guest Author

Let the Lights Guide you Home – Attracting Potential Buyers with Dynamic Outdoor Lighting

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Any small advantage that can gain your home or rental property those few extra views should be viewed not with caution but with wide-eyed enthusiasm. Even small things such as making sure the house has a fresh coat of paint, making sure the windows are all clean or the floors are all recently vacuumed, should not be looked down upon.

One area that most of us overlook is outdoor lighting. It’s said that you can’t change the first impression, so why are we spending so little effort in making sure that the first impression is a keeper? Subtle, strategically placed outdoor lighting can be used to make your home appear bigger, more attractive, and more sellable. You have no doubt spent a significant amount of time and effort making sure that your indoor lighting is up to scratch, so why not spend just a fraction of that time and effort making sure your outdoor lighting is just as impressive?

Safety First

Outdoor lighting is not just aesthetically pleasing but it also makes your home safer. Not only does it dissuade potential robbers from breaking into your home due to the extra exposure they would receive, but it also means you and any potential buyers are less likely to take a nasty tumble between the car and the front door.

Lit Up

Think about it, what’s the first thing a potential buyer or renter will do before they make the decision whether or not to book a viewing? They’ll have a drive past the house of course. If they are driving past at night in the dark, they won’t be able to see anything if there are no external lights and you could have just missed out on viewing.

Adding Value

It might sound too good to be true but if it’s implemented in the right way, outdoor lighting can actually increase your property value. This is especially true if your front garden is particularly attractive or there are features at the front of your house (a nice tree, a perfectly maintained flower bed or a generous space for parking perhaps) that might look quite desirable when they are illuminated.

Standing Out

Not only will an unlit home look dark and uninviting, but it will simply merge into the background. With strategically placed outdoor lighting giving your home a warm, comforting and inviting glow it will stand head and shoulders above the competition.

LED

Whilst you might (understandably) wrongly believe that outdoor lighting is an expensive pursuit, the prevalence of more energy efficient, LED lighting has meant expensive electricity bills could be a thing of the past. There are no bulbs to change, the energy efficiency is literally 10 times better than halogen bulbs and they are far more durable, meaning they are far better suited for outdoor usage. LED lights might be more of an initial investment, but their dynamism, reliability and energy efficiency will save you potential hundreds in the long run. Solar-powered outdoor LED lights are also an option.

Placement Tips

  • Outdoor lights will always appear larger in the shop than they will once they are installed so be sure to take this into account when you’re shopping around.
  • Place the exterior lighting in areas that can be seen from inside your home, it will add a deceptively bold extra layer to your overall lighting that will really help sell your property.
  • Use different types and levels of light together to give your home a three-dimensional sense of depth. Experiment with different positions and levels until you achieve the desired effect.
  • By lighting surrounding trees and bushes you can achieve a pleasant ‘spill’ effect. Also, try decorating the foliage with fairy lights, especially in winter when you can get away with it.
  • Don’t go overboard. You don’t want your home to be lit up like a fairground attraction. You simply want to give the impression that it’s a comfortable place in which someone would be happy to spend the rest of their lives! So no pressure!

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5 Ways to Determine When You Need a New Roof

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Your roof is a primary factor in your home. It provides essential protection and shelter for your home. As the years go by, your roof endures many different things, such as weather and normal wear and tear. Many homes have asphalt shingle roofs. These roofs have an average life of 8 to 10 years.

You should make necessary repairs to your roof as you notice them. Prolonging repairs could cause extensive, permanent damage to your roof. Unless you have been trained to repair a roof, it will in your best interest to hire a professional roofing company. Here are 5 signs that you need to look into getting a new roof for your home.

1. Visible Damages

Visible damages are the most common way to determine whether or not your roof needs to be replaced. If you can see shingles out of alignment or with large tears, you know that the problem needs to be addressed. When shingles need to be replaced, they will be weak and become brittle. These shingles often break or split, and should be replaced immediately to avoid expensive damages.

2. Dark Patching

Dark patching on your roof is yet another indication that you need a new roof. Shingles that frequently face sunlight will usually have dark patches on the surface. Shingles obtain stone granules that keep the asphalt from being exposed to sunlight. When the layer of stone granules begins to wear away, asphalt is exposed, causing black patches. Dark streaks can also be due to algae starting to grow on them. This should be treated by spraying a special solution to kill the growth. An expert can help you determine the problem and solution needed as necessary.

3. Gutter Granules

If you have shingles that are dark in color, it will be difficult to tell when the granules are starting to wear away. One way to determine when granules are wearing off of your shingles is to check your gutters, downspouts, and valleys for granule debris. If you find a lot of granules in these areas, it’s a pretty clear sign that a replacement roof will be needed soon.

4. Curling Shingles

Many people do not realize how important attic ventilation is. Temperatures within an attic are known to be high. If proper ventilation is an issue, the heat will try to find other means of ventilation. This is the primary reason singles curl at the edges or begin to form a cup formation. If this problem occurs, you may be able to replace just the curling shingles for a while, but it is also a sign a new roof would be a good idea soon.

5. Seepage

Due to the weather, flashings, and sealants have to fight a war throughout the year. Severe weather can cause rusted flashing, sealants that are cracked, and membranes that are peeling. For this reason, these instances need to be checked frequently. If you see these signs, plan on getting a roofer to do a replacement soon.

Replacing a roof can be a complex task to complete if you do not know what to look for or how to install the required materials. If you’re looking for a roofing company in Vancouver or whatever your local area may be, there will most likely be a number of solid options that you can choose from. Check review sites like AngiesList to make sure they have received good reviews. Using a professional roofing company can save you time and money in the end. If your roof hasn’t been replaced for 7-10 years, look for the 5 signs listed above to know when it the time has come to contact a good roofer.

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Five Common Household Dilemmas And How To Deal With Them

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Whether you own or rent a home, it can be an adventure to deal with the myriad of fun issues and problems that can pop up with maintaining and caring for a house. While most of us can hang a picture, replace burnt out light bulbs, and take care of a wobbly table, many of us probably aren’t sure what to do with a few of the other bigger problems that can arise. Learn below about a few of the most common problems that plague home dwellers and how you can solve them.

Refrigerator Is Too Warm

You love opening the refrigerator door to grab a cold drink, but you probably don’t love opening the door and finding your food is sitting in there at room temperature. Before you toss the appliance, get behind the refrigerator and look at the coils. Debris, including dust and trash, can settle in the coils and cause the components to overheat. If you have animals around the house, you might find fur trapped back there. Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to gently brush away the debris. Granted there may be other issues, but this can often do the trick.

Dryer Doesn’t Heat

If it takes longer to dry your clothes than it did before, your filter might be the culprit. Even if you can’t see lint or dust trapped on the filter, a closer look might reveal a thin film of fabric softener left behind. Take the time to check the vent as well. Anything blocking the vent can stop the dryer from working properly. Cleaning the filter vent and reinstalling it should help.

Leaking Pipes and Appliances

When your pipes leak or your air conditioner releases a large amount of condensation, you can have a serious problem on your hands. As the water runs down the walls and settles under the floor, you can develop water damage. An expert in water damage restoration San Juan residents can call has suggested that water damage isn’t always easy to spot. Look for areas of discoloration or sagging in wall or ceiling materials. Even if you already know how to repair the damage or take care of the leaks, you can find more help at Orlando Service Help dot com.

Blocked Shower Head

A blocked shower head reduces your water pressure and can leave you feeling dirty after a shower. Here’s one you’ve probably never heard: one of the simplest solutions is using foaming denture tablets. Take the head out of the shower, place it in a large bucket of water, drop two tablets in the bottom and add enough water to cover the head. Rinse off the head before using it after the tablets do the hard work.

Pesky Insects

You may be able to take care of insects taking over your home with a few bay leaves. Bay has a naturally strong scent that repels ants and other bugs. Drop a few leaves in any jars or open containers that you use around the kitchen, and tuck a few leaves near any entrance to your home.

It’s generally not too long before some issue will arise with a home. Following these simple tips will help you conquer at least a few of the common household problems you might face.

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DIY Bathroom Remodel: Five Essential Tips to Keep in Mind

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Whether you’re looking to renovate your bathroom to improve your home’s resale value or to simply improve your comfort level, taking the do-it-yourself approach can prove to be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind before getting started.

Tip 1 – Start with a Good Thorough Cleaning

Starting your renovation project with a thorough cleaning can offer you a few benefits. First, many projects, such as painting, will require you to have a clean work area free of clutter and obstructions. Second, it will help you discover any areas that may need repair. Third, after cleaning some items in your bathroom, such as sinks, mirrors, bathtubs, and so on, you may discover that they don’t need to be replaced after all. This cleaning and evaluation process with help you to better determine the necessary scope of your project.

Tip 2 – Assess Your Desired Changes – and Your Budget

Unfortunately, many projects revolve around one’s budget. That, however, doesn’t mean you can’t move forward with your renovation plans. It only means that you may have to take on your project from a different angle. Sit down and make a list of everything you would like to change. Start off with the little things that are affordable. You’ll be surprised how far a little bit of time and money can go.

When your budget is able to afford it, you may want to go for a more in-depth remodel project. Even when your projects are large, you won’t want to overspend. For large projects that involve removing many of the original fixtures, you’ll want to plan in expenses for items like an affordable dumpster rental in Indianapolis.  You can then more effectively shop for providers that could fit your needs and budget.

Tip 3 – Assess Your DIY Capabilities

Before you get started, make sure that you are completely honest with yourself about what you can, and can’t, do by yourself. Trying to save a couple of bucks is a great idea, but not if you get in over your head and have to call a professional contractor. If you’re not absolutely sure, don’t risk it. Make sure that you really know what you are doing-especially when it comes to projects like replacing fixtures as doing it improperly will only give you further headaches down the road.

Tip 4 – Cheap Repairs in Proper Order

Once you have a list of things you’d like to change in your bathroom, it’s best to start by performing any repairs that are needed. It’s pointless to replace your flooring, only to have it ruined again by a leaking toilet, for example. Also, some repairs such as re-caulking your bathtub can prove to be relatively inexpensive and fairly simple projects, and as a bonus, fixing loose caulk can save you money down the line by protecting your walls from water damage.

Tip 5 – Cheap Upgrades

While you’re at it, don’t forget about the variety of cheap upgrades that you have at your disposal. Upgrading your shower heads, getting new shower curtains, getting brighter light bulbs, and putting on a new coat of paint are great inexpensive and easy ways to improve your bathroom experience. The ways you can improve the look and feel of your bathroom are only limited by your imagination.

As you can see, renovating your bathroom doesn’t have to be an expensive, complicated disaster. By keeping these simple tips in mind, your do-it-yourself project can be a fun, hassle-free experience — all without breaking the bank!

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Five Great Tips For Keeping Your Home Safe This Season

Posted on by Jenny Zamora

Winter is here, and along with it comes plenty of holiday travel and visiting friends and family. With Christmas approaching, have you taken the proper measures to make sure your home is protected when you go visiting? Below are five tips for keeping your home safe this season.

1. Using Timers

Using automated light switch timers is an excellent way to deter thieves. You can program your timer to turn the lights on inside your home around four or five in the afternoon and have them programmed to cut off around ten or eleven at night. To make it even more convincing, program the lights in each room for different times. For example, have the lights on in your kitchen from five to seven, the living room lights on from six to ten, and bedroom lights on from eight to eleven. The lights outside your home should be programmed to stay on from six in the evening until seven in the morning. When a home is consistently dark, it’s a magnet for thieves. Programming your lights with home automation equipment is a great deterrent for potential intruders.

2. Turn Your Thermostat Down

Instead of turning your thermostat off when traveling, turn it down instead. This will help you save money and keep your home safe from potential hazards. When you turn your thermostat off, you run the risk of freezing pipes in your home. Frozen pipes are extremely dangerous and might lead to water damage inside your home and some expensive repairs. Before you leave for holiday travels, turn your thermostat down so that your home is warm enough to prevent the pipes from freezing.

3. Inform a Close Neighbor

Let a neighbor you trust know about your upcoming travel plans. Tell them when your family is going out of town and when you’re returning. Ask them to take care of any pets and plants you have in the house. If someone you trust is keeping a good eye on your home, they can alert local authorities if they notice someone lingering around your home or if a problem occurs.

4. Always Check Locks

Before you go away for a holiday traveling, check all the locks on any exterior doors. You might find that some of them are weak. If you don’t have deadbolts on exterior doors, install them. That includes the garage door as well.

5. Alarm System

Alarm systems are great to have for several reasons. First, they offer homeowners on vacation peace of mind, and they are a deterrent for thieves. Oftentimes, just placing a security sign in your front yard is enough to deter an amateur thief. If you don’t have an alarm system in your home, contact a local home security company and have one installed today to protect your family and your investments.

No matter what time of year, protecting your home while you’re away is important. Make sure you have good measures in place to keep criminals away. Your holiday plans with family are a lot more enjoyable when you know you’re safe.

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