Each month, we publish a series of articles of interest to homeowners -- money-saving tips, household safety checklists, home improvement advice, real estate insider secrets, etc. Whether you currently are in the market for a new home, or not, we hope that this information is of value to you. Please feel free to pass these articles on to your family and friends.
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Your home is more than just a space; it's a canvas of possibilities. Whether you've recently moved into your dream house or have been settled for years, there's always room for improvement. With thoughtful planning, you can transform your home into the perfect sanctuary you've always envisioned.
Unlock the Potential of Your Home with These Valuable Improvement TipsYour home is more than just a space; it's a canvas of possibilities. Whether you've recently moved into your dream house or have been settled for years, there's always room for improvement. With thoughtful planning, you can transform your home into the perfect sanctuary you've always envisioned. Why Redesign Your Space?Most home improvement journeys begin with the thought, "Wouldn't it be nice...?" Maybe it's a sleeker kitchen or an extra room for your growing family. But how do you turn those dreams into reality? To get started, you'll want to evaluate your reasons for embarking on a home improvement project:
Improving to Move or Improving to StayWhen you're enhancing your home for a potential sale, it's essential to strike the right balance. Overinvesting can deter buyers, so aim for simplicity in your upgrades. Remember, your personal taste may not align with that of potential buyers. Focus on improvements that have broad appeal, such as:
For those who plan to stay in their home, avoid over-improving. While you want your home to shine, you should also consider the value of other homes in your neighborhood. Keep your property's value within 20% of the neighborhood average. Prioritize functional upgrades over extravagant ones, like a new kitchen over a hot tub, which may not be in high demand in your area. Home Maintenance: Preventing Problems
Home improvement isn't always about grand transformations. Regular maintenance plays a significant role in keeping your home in top condition. A leaky faucet may lead to a complete bathroom overhaul, but addressing issues promptly can prevent larger, costlier projects down the line. Remember that maintenance doesn't add value to your home, but it's essential for its upkeep.
Getting Professional Help
Home improvement projects can be expensive and time-consuming, but they're worth it when done right. While smaller projects might be DIY-friendly, it's often best to leave extensive renovations to professionals. They have the expertise and can save you both time and money.
Start by seeking recommendations from friends, associates, and neighbors. Check references, and verify certifications and licenses. Insist on insurance coverage and bonded contractors. Ensure permits are in order before work begins. Professional guidance ensures that the job is done correctly the first time and adds lasting value to your home.
Your Team of Pros
Throughout your home improvement journey, you might work with various professionals:
Financing Your Home Improvements
For more substantial home improvement projects, funding is a crucial consideration. Small projects can often be managed within your household budget, but larger undertakings may require financing. Here are some options:
Be House Smart
To achieve your dream home, careful planning and research are essential. Armed with the right information and a clear vision, you can bring your home one step closer to perfection. Explore the possibilities and unlock the full potential of your living space.
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11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection
Homebuyers Want to Know Your Home Inside and OutWhile homebuyers are as individual as the homes they plan on purchasing, one thing they share is a desire to ensure that the home they will call their own is as good beneath the surface as it appears to be. Will the roof end up leaking? Is the wiring safe? What about the plumbing? These, and others, are the questions that the buyers looking at your home will seek professional help to answer. According to industry experts, there are at least 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection. We've identified the 11 most common of these and, if not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you're looking for. And knowing what you're looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones. 11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection1. Defective PlumbingDefective plumbing can manifest itself in two different ways: leaking, and clogging. A visual inspection can detect leaking, and an inspector will gauge water pressure by turning on all faucets in the highest bathroom and then flushing the toilet. If you hear the sound of running water, it indicates that the pipes are undersized. If the water appears dirty when first turned on at the faucet, this is a good indication that the pipes are rusting, which can result in severe water quality problems. 2. Damp or Wet BasementAn inspector will check your walls for a powdery white mineral deposit a few inches off the floor, and will look to see if you feel secure enough to store things right on your basement floor. A mildew odor is almost impossible to eliminate, and an inspector will certainly be conscious of it. It could cost you $200-$1,000 to seal a crack in or around your basement foundation depending on severity and location. Adding a sump pump and pit could run you around $750 - $1,000, and complete waterproofing (of an average 3 bedroom home) could amount to $5,000-$15,000. You will have to weigh these figures into the calculation of what price you want to net on your home. 3. Inadequate Wiring & ElectricalYour home should have a minimum of 100 amps service, and this should be clearly marked. Wire should be copper or aluminum. Home inspectors will look at octopus plugs as indicative of inadequate circuits and a potential fire hazard. 4. Poor Heating & Cooling SystemsInsufficient insulation, and an inadequate or a poorly functioning heating system, are the most common causes of poor heating. While an adequately clean furnace, without rust on the heat exchanger, usually has life left in it, an inspector will be asking and checking to see if your furnace is over its typical life span of 15-25 yrs. For a forced air gas system, a heat exchanger will come under particular scrutiny since one that is cracked can emit deadly carbon monoxide into the home. These heat exchangers must be replaced if damaged -they cannot be repaired. 5. Roofing ProblemsWater leakage through the roof can occur for a variety of reasons such as physical deterioration of the asphalt shingles (e.g. curling or splitting), or mechanical damage from a wind storm. When gutters leak and downspouts allow water to run down and through the exterior walls, this external problem becomes a major internal one. 6. Damp Attic SpacesAside from basement dampness, problems with ventilation, insulation and vapor barriers can cause water, moisture, mould and mildew to form in the attic. This can lead to premature wear of the roof, structure and building materials. The cost to fix this damage could easily run over $2,500. 7. Rotting WoodThis can occur in many places (door or window frames, trim, siding, decks and fences). The building inspector will sometimes probe the wood to see if this is present - especially when wood has been freshly painted. 8. Masonry WorkRe-bricking can be costly, but, left unattended, these repairs can cause problems with water and moisture penetration into the home which in turn could lead to a chimney being clogged by fallen bricks or even a chimney which falls onto the roof. It can be costly to rebuild a chimney or to have it repainted. 9. Unsafe or Over-fused Electrical CircuitA fire hazard is created when more amperage is drawn on the circuit than was intended. 15 amp circuits are the most common in a typical home, with larger service for large appliances such as stoves and dryers. It can cost several hundred dollars to replace your fuse panel with a circuit panel. 10. Adequate Security FeaturesMore than a purchased security system, an inspector will look for the basic safety features that will protect your home such as proper locks on windows and patio doors, dead bolts on the doors, smoke and even carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom and on every level. Even though pricing will vary, these components will add to your costs. Before purchasing or installing, you should check with your local experts. 11. Structural/Foundation ProblemsAn inspector will certainly investigate the underlying footing and foundation of your home as structural integrity is fundamental to your home. When you put your home on the market, you don't want any unpleasant surprises that could cost you the sale of your home. By having an understanding of these 11 problem areas as you walk through your home, you'll be arming yourself against future disappointment.
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Securing Your Home While You're Away: Tips to Ensure Peace of MindIn an era marked by an increasing concern over home safety due to rising crime rates, safeguarding your residence has become a paramount priority. Whether you're heading out for a quick errand or an extended vacation, following these guidelines can make a substantial difference in protecting your property. Running Quick Errands or Dining Out? A home that gives off the impression of being "lived-in" acts as a powerful deterrent to potential burglars. Avoid leaving any notes that could inadvertently signal your absence. Prior to leaving, double-check that all doors and windows are securely closed and locked. An open garage is essentially an invitation to intruders, so ensure it's closed as well. When you're heading out for the evening, consider leaving one or more interior lights illuminated, and perhaps have a radio playing. (Avoid leaving the television unattended.) You can invest in timers that will automatically switch lights on and off, creating the illusion of activity within your home. Avoid storing spare keys in the typical hiding spots like under flower pots, doormats, or inside unlocked mailboxes. Similarly, keeping keys above the doorway or in any other conspicuous locations should be avoided. Planning Extended Absences or Vacations? If you're leaving for an extended period, some additional precautions are in order:
In Case of Break-Ins: If, upon your return, you discover that a door or window has been tampered with or forced open, do not enter your home. The intruder might still be inside. Instead, use a neighbor's phone to immediately call the police. Do not touch or clean up anything if a crime has occurred; leave the scene as is until law enforcement inspects it for evidence. Key Takeaways: Always keep these essential tips in mind to ensure your home remains secure:
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