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Taking A Closer Look At Home Improvement In 2020

October 15, 2020 by James Scott

Taking A Closer Look At Home Improvement In 2020 When it comes to home improvement in 2020, many people are spending more time in their homes than they ever have in the past. With kids attending school from home and people working from home, many homeowners are looking at ways to potentially improve the qualities of their homes through home improvement projects.

With fall right around the corner, it is a great idea to take a closer look at some projects that can help homeowners stay safe while also saving money this winter.

Do Not Neglect The HVAC System

One of the most important points that all homeowners need to keep in mind involves the HVAC system. The HVAC system is one of the most important systems in the home, particularly during the winter when it will supply heat. If the heater hasn’t been turned on in a while, then it needs to be inspected. Routine maintenance will not only extend the longevity of the HVAC unit but will also help it run more efficiently. This could help homeowners save a lot of money on their utility bills.

Think About The Insulation In The Home

Homeowners who are looking for ways to reduce their utility bills should also think about the insulation in their homes. There are a few common locations in which heat might leave the home, driving up utility bills. This commonly includes the windows and doors. Therefore, homeowners should think about re-sealing their windows or doors in an effort to keep heat from leaving through these portals. This can reduce the stress on the HVAC system and save people money.

The Roof Is A Common Problem

Finally, homeowners should also think about their roofs as well. During the fall, it is common for leaves to land on the roof and start to clog the gutters. This can cause liquid to back up into the gutters and damage the roof. With this in mind, homeowners need to think carefully about the roof and make sure that this is included in a home improvement project. Roof leaks can lead to major repair bills quickly and addressing this problem early can save money.

These are a few of the top home improvement projects that all homeowners should consider in 2020.

Shopping For Home Improvement Supplies Safely

September 22, 2020 by James Scott

Shopping For Home Improvement Supplies Safely The coronavirus pandemic has impacted everyone and everyone is trying to go about their lives in a safe manner. With so many people spending time at home, now is the perfect time to conduct home improvement projects. At the same time, carrying out a home improvement project is going to require supplies.

While many people are trying to avoid going to the store to buy supplies right now, there are also no contact ways to shop for home improvement supplies. Take a look at the tips below and collect supplies for the home improvement project in a safe way.

Invest In Curbside Pickup

There are lots of home improvement stores that have curbside pickup options available. Even some of the biggest department stores in the country are offering the service. Therefore, take a look at the website of some of the local stores. Then, see if they do curbside pickup. If they do, then it might be possible to place an entire order online. Then, simply pull up to the curb and have it loaded into the trunk.

Have The Supplies Delivered

In some cases, it might even be possible to have these supplies delivered to the home. Even though this is going to come with an extra cost, there are some home improvement projects that are large enough to make this option worth it. That way, not only is this a no-contact way of shopping but it also prevents the supplies from being damaged on the way to the house.

Hire A Personal Shopper

There are lots of people who are looking for ways to avoid going to any store right now. This includes not only grocery stores but home improvement stores as well. Therefore, it might be possible to use an app to hire a personal shopper to do all of the shopping. This is a great way to not only have the supplies delivered to the home but also a boy having to take a trip to the store.

Shop For Home Improvement Supplies Safely

These are a few of the most important tips to keep in mind when it comes to shopping for home improvement supplies during the coronavirus pandemic. These no contact tips can help people pull off home improvement projects safely without having to set foot in a store.

Three Do-It-Yourself Seasonal Home Improvement Projects

September 18, 2020 by James Scott

Three Do-It-Yourself Seasonal Home Improvement Projects Owning a home comes with a lot of joy and responsibility. Many homeowners are looking for improvement projects that they can do themselves. There are a few options that rise to the surface. Take a look at some of the fun projects that most homeowners can do at home!

Perform Routine Maintenance on the HVAC System

One of the top projects that homeowners can perform involves routine HVAC maintenance. In order to make sure the HVAC system is running appropriately, it is important to service it regularly. Even though there are a few tasks that have to be left to those with the right training, there are other tasks that the homeowners can do themselves. This includes wiping off the breaker, cleaning the exterior, and even cleaning the blower with a vacuum.

Seal Home Areas Contributing To A Draft

Another key project to consider involving sealing areas that might be leading to drafts. Some of the most common drafts come from the doors and windows. If there is a draft coming into the home, then this could lead to higher utility bills. Applying foam to fill in areas around the frames of windows and doors to prevent heat and air from escaping to the outdoors. This could help homeowners save a large amount of money on their electric bills.

Eliminate Entry Areas For Certain Pests

Some of the most common pests that homeowners have to deal with include ants, cockroaches, and termites. By taking the time to look for entry points under the cabinets, floorboards, and doors, homeowners can make sure these nuisances are problems of the past. Foam and steel wool works well for deterring the invasive natures of these insects. Make sure to remove dust and debris from the area to ensure that all gaps are filled.

Improve The Home During The Offseason

These are just a few of the top home improvement projects that homeowners might want to consider during the offseason. It is a smart idea to try to tackle these projects before the weather gets too cold. That way, homeowners will be prepared for the temperature to drop and can run their heaters without having to worry about their utility bills rising too much.

Restoring A Patio On A Budget: 3 Simple Tips

September 3, 2020 by James Scott

Restoring A Patio On A Budget: 3 Simple Tips There are lots of homeowners who are looking at their patio and are not satisfied with what they see. This is where it is important to think about ways to bring that patio back to life. Whether this means entertaining friends or simply relaxing with a cocktail and a book, there are a few easy ways to bring a patio back to life.

1. Target The Pests

There are lots of pests that like to make their homes in the patio. This might include debris that is brought in by the wind, critters that like to dig underneath the patio, or even kids’ toys. There are ways to prevent critters from making their homes in the patio. Simply place pine cones in the nearby area. This is far easier than using mulch. As for the kids’ toys, that sounds more like a parenting issue!

2. Add A Splash Of Color

One of the easiest tips that can bring a patio back to life is adding a splash of color. Instead of going with the boring brown patio, add some plants to bring some green to the porch. Then, throw in some colored furniture. Finish it off with a colorful umbrella and the patio will look like new!

3. Build A Fire Pit

Finally, those who want to host a party need to have a fire pit. A fire pit is one of the best ways to draw attention away from the patio itself. A mini fire pit acts as the focal point of the room while adding a bit more fun (and function) to the patio itself. This is a great place to roast a few hot dogs, make some smores, and host a party! Adding a fire pit to the patio is one of the top ways to take a sad patio and bring it back to life once again.

Restore An Old Patio With These Tips

A patio is meant to be a place where family members and friends come together to enjoy each other’s company. In order to bring a patio back to life, think about putting these tips to use. This will make the patio functional once again, making the porch the place to be.

Home Renovations Are On The Rise

July 21, 2020 by James Scott

Home Renovations Are On The Rise Millennials are among the most common demographic buying homes today. According to numerous reports that have been published, many homeowners are planning on conducting a home improvement project this year. In large part, this is due to millennials wanting to improve their homes.

Furthermore, home improvement projects may have bigger budgets this year when compared to prior years. It will be interesting to see what kind of home improvement projects unfold this coming year.

Types Of Home Improvement Projects

There are numerous renovation projects that homeowners are going to undertake this year. The most common are outdoor remodels. Many homeowners want to produce encompassing decks, providing a larger space for people to get together and hang out.

In addition to decks, people are looking to add patios as well. Patios can be made from a variety of materials; however, stone is becoming more popular. Homeowners are thinking about adding outdoor kitchens as well.

The most popular indoor renovation project involves the bathroom. People are starting to realize just how much time they spend in the bathroom. With new trends unfolding in terms of baths, showers, and toilets, many homeowners are looking to make an upgrade.

Finally, kitchen renovations are going to be popular as well. This comes as part of a push to generate an open concept among the kitchen, living, and dining areas. With new appliances coming out, there are plenty of opportunities for kitchen upgrades as well.

Reasons For Home Improvement Projects

Many experts are wondering why these home improvement projects are taking place now. The biggest reason is that homeowners are worried about the impression their house would make on their guests. Many homeowners are indicating that they have been planning these projects for a while; however, they haven’t had the time or money to carry out this project until now.

More Home Improvement Projects Are Coming This Year

With more people looking to carry out home improvement projects, expect to see a major jump in home values. Many homeowners enjoy a significant return on the investment they make in home improvement projects. This means that the value of their house may see a jump once the project is finished.

Home Renovations Are On The Rise

July 21, 2020 by James Scott

Furthermore, home improvement projects may have bigger budgets this year when compared to prior years. It will be interesting to see what kind of home improvement projects unfold this coming year.

Types Of Home Improvement Projects

Reasons For Home Improvement Projects

More Home Improvement Projects Are Coming This Year

The Renovations That Provide The Best Return On Your Investment

July 3, 2020 by James Scott

The Renovations That Provide The Best Return On Your Investment Renovating a home is not only a way to increase the family’s standard of living but it can also be seen as an investment. There are multiple ways for someone to increase the value of their home and renovations are one of the most straightforward. At the same time, some investments offer a better return than others.

Those who are thinking about selling their home in the future should strive to get every dollar possible. Renovations can make this happen.

Garage Door Replacement

When people think about renovations, they don’t often think about the garage. Some people don’t even include their garage in their square footage because it might not be heated; however, replacing the garage door can provide a major investment return.

In some cases, the value of the garage door itself may double with a simple replacement. While some people dread the prospect of replacing a damaged garage door, even upgrading a working one can lead to a significant return!

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Stone is a popular building material because it provides a sleek look in addition to being versatile. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that a stone veneer will also provide a major investment return. For those who spend around ten thousand dollars on a stone veneer, the value of this investment may nearly double. This provides a great way to not only upgrade the home but also increase its resale value.

Entry Door Replacement

A home’s doors are incredibly important because not only do they a measure of security but also they also draw someone’s eyes. Replacing an entry door may provide an investment return of close to 90 percent. Because this job can be handled quickly by a trained professional, this can be a quick upgrade for those looking to boost the value of their home before selling it.

Plan for Warm Weather Renovations

With the weather starting to heat up, many individuals and families are looking to plan their renovation projects for the summer. Think about the projects wisely as they can have a significant impact on the value of a home. Renovations should be viewed as investments as well as upgrades for the family’s standard of living.

The Pros And Cons Of Remodeling During The COVID-19 Pandemic

June 2, 2020 by James Scott

The Pros And Cons Of Remodeling During COVID-19 Pandemic Nearly everyone has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in some way. While many people are getting tired of being cooped up in their homes, the home improvement industry has actually been able to stay afloat. Furthermore, it is actually thriving. Because many people are trapped in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are thinking about carrying out a home remodeling project. For those who are wondering about the prospects of such an undertaking, it is important to weigh the pros and cons.

The Pros Of Home Remodeling During The COVID-19 Pandemic

There are a few benefits that people should note about remodeling during this time. They include:

There is more time to plan out the project. With extra time, people can compare costs, take virtual tours of showrooms, and even check out some of the latest designs.
There are even some brick and mortar showrooms that are still open. While many people are nervous about venturing out during the COVID-19 pandemic, these showrooms are still maintaining proper social distancing measures to keep their staff and customers safe.
Finally, there are also a handful of discounts available to those who are remodeling during this time. Because they are eager for business, they are often wiling to slash the prices to help someone get their project done.

These are some of the biggest benefits for people to note; however, there are also a few drawbacks as well.

The Cons Of Home Remodeling During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Some of the disadvantages of trying to start a home remodeling project during this time include:

There might be a shortage of materials available to carry out the project. It might take time for companies to restock their inventory, delaying the start of the project.
While some items are cheaper, others are more expensive because the supply has dried up.
For those who might being a challenging financial situation during the pandemic, there is a risk of spending too much money as the project gets going.

For these reasons, it is important for everyone to carefully weigh the pros and cons of starting a home remodeling project during this time. While there are some attractive offers, everyone’s individual situation is different. People need to think about what is right for them.

Home Maintenance Projects That Could Save You Thousands On Repairs

May 19, 2020 by James Scott

Home Maintenance Projects That Could Save You Thousands On Repairs Owning a house comes with major responsibilities and one of the most important is routine maintenance. While many people like to skip routine maintenance in an effort to save money, the reality is that these routine maintenance is going to save people down the road. The reality is that maintenance is a homeowner’s first line of defense when it comes to protecting their most valuable investment, which is their home.

There are a few projects that may save homeowners thousands of dollars down the road.

Inspect The Plumbing Connections

It is easy to forget about the plumbing system because many people don’t even see their pipes until problems arise. The idea behind expecting the plumbing system is that problems can be spotted before they cause a house to flood. Some of the appliances that people need to think about include refrigerators, faucets, dishwashers, and washing machines. All of these devices have hoses that connect to the water supply.

If these hoses tart to crack, leaks can develop slowly. Eventually, this water is going to get behind the walls, causing mold to grow, and it may also get underneath the floors, causing them to warp. It is important for people to take a look at these pipes from time to time. If leaks are identified, they can be repaired.

Clean The Dryer Ducts And Vents

Many homeowners overlook their ductwork; however, people need to take the time open up their dryers and change their filters between every load. The vents that people use to remove lint from their clothes will clog up quickly. If the dryer is unable to suck air through this vent, it is going to have to work harder to dry the clothes. This is going to cause the dryer to overheat. It might even lead to a housefire. In order to prevent this from happening, homeowners should change their dryer lint filters after every load.

Routine Maintenance Is Critical

These are a few of the most important points that homeowners need to remember when it comes to routine maintenance. Homeowners need to have a regular schedule that they follow to ensure that none of these tasks are overlooked. It can prevent disaster from happening.

Low Maintenance Landscaping To Improve Curb Appeal

May 14, 2020 by James Scott

Low Maintenance Landscaping To Improve Curb Appeal Attractive landscaping is one of the first things that potential home buyers notice. They may see the landscaping in the photos of a home for sale or may even do a physical drive-by. The view of the property from the street is called “curb appeal.” It is important to make this be as nice as possible.

In many parts of the country, there are pressures on the water supply that make having a lush-green, living lawn very costly or even prohibited by the local regulations. Innovative technology and the use of natural ground covers, such as stone and rocks are replacing the green lawns that most people think of when considering landscaping a home properly.

Here is a guide to some landscaping that is attractive and worth considering to make a home look spectacular and require little maintenance:

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf has improved dramatically over the past few years. There is no longer the need to use the obvious green plastic covering of cheap fake grass. The newest artificial turf products look so much like real grass that it is nearly impossible to tell that they are not real. They can be installed over drainage rock and washed down with water like real grass.

Decorative Concrete

Molded concrete is now available in so many surface treatments, textures, and colors that it can represent almost any popular covering. For example, a nice European-style, cobbled-stone, street look is a popular choice for driveways and walkways. It is made out of molded, colored concrete, not stone, and installs easily.

Rock And Stone

Replacing areas of grass in the front yard with decorative rock and stone makes a nice look. It is better not to use wide swathes of this ground covering in big blocks. Instead, for a better aesthetic appeal, use natural rock and stone to create unique, eye-catching areas. For example, surrounding a wishing well with a nice circular area of rock pebbles creates a nice look.

Artificial Trees And Bushes

Advancements in the manufacturing of artificial bushes and trees developed very convincing products that are durable enough for exterior installation. Some best looking ones are the evergreen bushes.

They come in perfect heights of various sizes. They never need watering or trimming to make them look attractive. The only maintenance that they need is the occasional spray washing to remove dust and things that might fall on them like leaves from neighbor?s trees.

There are many to choose from. The modest-sized bushes are very inexpensive and usually less than $50 each. At the other end of the spectrum, are the exotic 11-feet tall artificial cheery trees that have built-in LED illumination. These are very dramatic and cost many thousands.

Summary

With these interesting ideas to consider, take a look at landscaping in a new way. Even though artificial landscaping requires an upfront investment, it can last for many years and may reduce overall maintenance costs significantly. If you ever want to sell the home, there will be much less landscaping needed to get it ready for sale.