Posts for Syndication

Feeling the need to get away from your home for a while? Perhaps the winters are too harsh or you have a child in college a few states away. Maybe you just want to get a head start on retirement plans. If either of these scenarios sound like your situation, it may be a great time to consider Marriott Vacation Timeshares or buying and owning a second home. This is a great time to buy, as mortgage interest rates are currently very low. There are many other advantages to keeping your home and purchasing a second one. You may also consider building a custom home or cabin that you can use as a vacation property. Look for a supplier of Log home materials if you decide to build a log cabin.

If you choose a popular destination such as the Cayman Islands, vacation homes usually do a great job of retaining their value. You also get all of the tax benefits of home ownership and have the possibility of accruing rental income if you choose to rent out your home when you are not using it, making a vacation home very convenient.

If there is a vacation spot you are sure to come back to time and time again, like a beach or ski resort why not have a spot to call your own? Personally, after going on an iceland vacation recently, I really liked and am considering getting a vacation home there. Your second home can also be great for family gatherings and reunions. You may want to consider fractional ownership where you go in on a vacation home with a few other couples and share it throughout the year. Your local realtor can help you begin the search for a fun and exciting second home.

Updating the windows in your home can be a big investment. However, it can be a great way to improve your energy efficiency, especially as cold weather approaches. Here are a few things to consider as you weigh updating the windows in your home.

If your home is older and you have wooden windows, you probably spend a lot of time and money keeping them up. Wood can rot and also needs to be painted on a regular basis. If you haven’t been able to keep up with the maintenance requirements of wood windows, the exterior of your home may look rather shabby. Cheap windows installed in some newer homes can also start looking worn in a short time, as well. Therefore, you can replace your windows through a residential window replacement company.

In either case, updating the windows in your home can give the exterior a fresher and more attractive look. Often older or low quality windows are not very energy efficient. If you are losing heat or cool air through gaps in the window frames, new windows can really help. Modern windows have better insulation to keep out the weather and better regulate the temperature of your home. They’re also better able to keep out noise.

Another important consideration when updating the windows in your home is security. Old windows are often hard to lock and easy to break. Newer windows have better security latches that are likely more durable and harder to break. However, regardless of security, strength and functionality, the look of the window may be your biggest concern, so make sure you choose one you like!

There’s definitely a chill in the air, and we are even starting to experience the first storms of the season. Now is a great time to clear away any debris from the exterior of your home. If you have spider webs, your home might be well on its way to resembling a haunted house and it’s still a little early for that!

If you have spider webs on any outdoor furniture or fixtures that need gentle care or that can’t get wet, use this little trick from the Middletown pest control. Tie an old flannel pillowcase securely around a broom. Use it to gently remove spider webs around light fixtures or other delicate items. It’s great for use inside your home, too.

A good sweep with a stiff outdoor broom should take care of most of the debris and cobwebs outside your home. A leaf blower will do a good job, too, though they can be rather loud. Wear ear protection when using one. If there’s any mess left after you’ve swept, spray the outside of your home down with a hose with the water pressure turned up.

Sometimes spider webs really get out of hand, and you need to take preventive measures. You can call in a Hubert Moore Exterminator to take care of the spiders around your home. You can also try a bug spray. A visit to the local garden store should put you on to a good one. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully and make sure to keep all poisons locked away from children

Autumn is in full swing, which means it’s a good time to start winterizing your home. Start off the season by getting an idea of how much a furnace repair cost so you can have your furnace inspected and cleaned by professionals if necessary. It’s wise to change the filters on your furnace every month, for better energy efficiency. You may also want to consider getting a programmable thermostat if you do not have one.

Your residential or commercial water heaters also need to be inspected. Fixing any issues or getting a replacement now is better than having to deal with it during the winter season. It is recommend to hire a heater repair guy for a yearly tune up of your tankless water heater.

The fireplace in your home may need attention, too. Keep out pests by putting a cap or screen at the top of the chimney and consider hiring a chimney sweep if it’s been a while since the chimney was cleaned. Get your firewood ready, and store it in a dry place, away from the exterior of your home and make sure the damper opens and closes properly.

Now it’s time to begin winterizing your home outside. Check the doors and windows of your home. Put weatherstripping around doors and caulk windows to keep cold air out. Seal any exterior cracks. Put up winter screens or storm windows, if you have them.

Some other things you want to do are conducting roof repair and cleaning out the rain gutters around your home. Clean out debris with a hose. It’s a good idea to put leaf guards on the gutters and extensions on downspouts to keep water away from your home, as well. Check your foundation for any entry points small animals could squeeze through and seal them up. The last thing you need when it’s cold is a rodent problem.

Winterizing your home also includes preparing your garden tools. Drain gasoline from your lawnmower and check to make sure your snowblower is in working order. If your rakes or snow shovels are getting worn out, it may be time to replace them. After cleaning and drying, store summer gardening tools so they will stay in good shape over the changing seasons.

There are many great things about owning your home, but dealing with plumbing problems like sewer line repair, clogged drain, etc. is not one of them, especially as holidays approach. It’s in this time of the year where plumbers receive the majority of requests to fix problems at home. If you live in Kent, United Kingdom, you will know how hard it is to find great plumbers in Gillingham. Be sure to do extensive research into each plumbing contractor you decide to work with. If you need a plumbing repair in Berkeley County, the Smoak’s team is a highly recommended experts to call.

The good news is that there are several simple and inexpensive steps you can take to keep plumbing problems — start by scheduling an appointment with an expert who will not overcharge you, for that contact Sarkinen Plumbing using the link.

A sprayer hose in your home kitchen sink makes cleaning so much easier. But only if it’s not constantly catching on the shutoff valves. Keep it running smoothly by slipping 1/2 inch foam pipe insulation around the pipes and shutoff handles. In case you need some expert assistance, this hydraulic pipe bender contractor can come handy.

If you have a double stainless steel sink, you may experience the ‘gong effect’ when you wash dishes. Quiet it by spraying expanding foam between the sink basins. This is easiest to do before insulation, but you can still try with the sinks in place. Once the foam is hard, trim off the excess. You may also want to check your drain and clean it from time to time and to make sure everything is in order you can get some Camera Leak Detection done.

If one of the kids dropped a toy in the toilet, or someone’s toothbrush fell in and got flushed, don’t use a plunger to unclog the toilet. That could just wedge the hard object in more tightly. Instead, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck out the water and the object. It’s so important to choose the correct contractor for your home renovation, the plumbing services from redditchprestigeplumbers.co.uk are generally considered to be the best in the west midlands, UK.

Here’s one last tip that will help when managing plumbing repairs (find out more here) in your home. If you ever need to shut off the water to do a plumbing project in your home, fill several two-gallon buckets with water first. The toilet will then be able to be flushed and tested during the work. Get More Info here.

You can always contact a professional like Make It Drain Plumbing & Rooter to inspect your plumbing fixtures and let you know what needs to be repaired.

Labor Day has passed, which means it’s time to get ready for fall. An important task is to prepare the landscaping around your home for the cooler months. You don’t want spring to roll around and discover that your once-lovely landscaping has been ruined.

Be sure to rake up any leaves that fall on your lawn. The changing colors of autumn leaves are beautiful. However, if you let the leaves pile up on your lawn, it can get damaged as clumps of old leaves may prevent the grass from getting sufficient oxygen.

If you have decorative bushes or roses planted around your home, now is the time to stop pruning them. Pruning encourages new growth and since you don’t want to risk your plants with a growth spurt in the winter, it’s time to let them begin to wind down. The exception to the no-pruning rule is dead wood, which needs to be removed to prevent bugs from nesting.

While pruning should be stopped, feeding must continue. Be sure your plants are adequately nourished for the lean winter months. Add fertilizer and compost to the soil and thoroughly weed your garden beds as well. Weeds should be easier to pull as the weather cools and the plants start to wither and dry up. If you have trees that need to be removed, make sure to contact a hazardous tree removal service.

Now is also a great time to plant perennials in many places. Bulbs especially will get a head start on growing a strong root system during the cooler months so that your home can be filled with beautiful blossoms come spring.

Additionally, you may also consider adding landscape stone and other decorative items to improve the look of your backyard. Moreover, you may also take the time to address issues with your asphalt driveway and make necessary asphalt repairs.

Taking the time now to clean up, clear out, and prepare will have you enjoying your landscaping and your home throughout the coming seasons.

How beautiful is the landscaping of your home?

Does it flow with the lines of your house and blend well with your neighborhood?

Have you noticed others making upgrades over the summer like for instance adding a retaining wall, having a tree removal and trimming service, or installing some cable railings, and dreamed a bit about making some improvements yourself?

If you have been thinking about a new look for your home and backyard, you’ll be interested in hearing about some of the latest methods of landscaping.

Especially in areas where drought is a concern, sustainability is a big focus these days. Both native plants which are more drought tolerant and low maintenance and edible plants create useful and sustainable landscaping. Herbs, lettuces and other vegetables also contribute to a feeling of self-sufficiency and can be fun to use when preparing meals, especially if young children reside in or visit your home.

Landscaping Your Home Can Be Sustainable, Fun & Relaxing

As the economy improves, homeowners also seem to be making material choices involving natural wood, fabric and stone materials, further adhering to the sustainability trend. Many homeowners are creating more living space in their homes by finishing and equipping patios and decks as outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas. Of course, you’ll continue to see water features and fountains of all sorts in landscape design, created from both luxury and “found” materials, as there’s nothing quite like the sound of water cascading softly when creating a personal retreat.

What is your favorite trend in landscaping? Have you recently made any additions to the exterior of your home that you suspect have either increased its sales value or have elevated its value to you personally? Would you consider your landscaping to be sustainable?

Maybe when you bought your home, you dreamed of growing old there. You envisioned future generations coming to visit and saw yourself establishing lifelong neighborhood friends.

However, as much as you still love it, over time, your home may have gotten a little worn in areas. Perhaps you’ve just noticed changes in styles and decorating trends or watched the remodel of a nearby house. Either way, at some point everyone feels the need to make changes, and your home is a great place to start.

If you look through home improvement magazines or spend a lot of time on Pinterest, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of time and money others say you have to spend to update your home. In reality, with a little ingenuity, you can easily update the feel of your home in a weekend.

Your front door is a good place to start if you’re looking for an easy update. If replacing the door is out of your budget, think about painting it a new color. Changing the house numbers or outdoor lighting are other easy and inexpensive fixes that your guests and neighbors will notice.

The kitchen is the heart of your home, so if it feels outdated or dark, you can change it up pretty easily by planning a new kitchen design and having kitchen remodels. Installing a new backsplash is a great weekend project that can really lighten up a room. Ceiling tiles, wallpaper, or a chalkboard are all inexpensive additions, too. Replacing an old faucet is one more easy change, as is replacing the hardware on the cabinets in your home. If you have more time to commit, you might even think about painting your cabinets. It’s an inexpensive way to get a more modern look.

The master bedroom is another often neglected room in your home. If yours lacks flair, consider reviving the furniture in your room or making yourself a headboard. Anything from off the shelf units to old doors or window shutters can be converted into a headboard. Collage techniques involving family photographs or postcards from trips you’ve taken can create a very individual look. And to make your master bedroom even more relaxing, consider having an air conditioning installation.

Have fun with your updates and don’t get discouraged by glossy magazines and big budgets! Your home can be beautiful and stylish, even on a budget.

Are you thinking about selling your home? According to the National Housing Survey conducted by Fannie Mae, 74% of those surveyed feel that now is a good time to buy a house while 40% believe that now is a good time to sell. If, however, you find yourself deciding that staying in your home is the best choice, you might be thinking about updating your property.

Included below are a few ideas that raise the value of your home but don’t cost an arm and a leg.

Talk to a professional. Interior designers and other real estate professionals (me included) can give you lots of ideas for improvements, like for instance a new roof or siding installation. Easy changes like moving furniture or adding a new paint color can really jazz up your home and add value.

Get a home inspection. A professional inspector can find even the smallest of problems, like a water leak and it’s always easier and less expensive to fix small problems.

Paint your home. Newly painted rooms look clean and modern. Neutral colors are a good choice, especially if you’re thinking of selling. Neutrals appeal to most people.

Landscaping matters. Plant shade trees. They are beautiful and over time will save you money on your air conditioning bill. Plant low maintenance, drought-tolerant plants. They look very nice, improving the curb appeal of your home and making your yard more enjoyable.

Update the bathroom and kitchen. Small changes can really make these rooms shine, like for instance having a kitchen stove repair or adding some plumbing fixtures. A new sink or new light fixture will make either room more modern and appealing. You may also consider getting plumbing repairs and maintenance done like main sewer line cleaning, septic pumping, etc.

These inexpensive updates can make your home more enjoyable for you while you live there. They will also increase your home’s value and appeal to buyers should you choose to sell.

Has the recent birth of the Prince of Cambridge inspired any decor changes in your home? Apparently, many parents-to-be are anxious to follow the example of the Duchess of Cambridge in choosing muted tones and elegant styling for their homes, and particularly in their nurseries.

Speculation from a variety of news organizations has the royal nursery fitted with a creamy white wicker Moses basket from Blue Almonds, a London boutique, with the chosen nursery colors described as earth tones, with a mix of sage and browns. Located in a twenty room apartment at Kensington Palace, the recently upgraded home and nursery is reported to have the latest security features, as well as a private garden which the Duke and Duchess and young Prince can enjoy by stroller, when not occupying the royal nursery.

Costs of outfitting the royal nursery (and pictures of the room itself) have not yet been disclosed, however considering the significance of its occupant, are likely to be high. In the United States, the average bedroom remodel, which would include a nursery, costs between $2,978 and $13,659 depending on the location of your home, according to the Houzz Real Remodeling Costs Guide.  These numbers are based on the average room and nursery, such as one you might find in your home, rather than one created for royalty, so don’t expect the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to keep in that dollar range.

When remodeling a room in your home, do you outline a budget and track projected costs? What percentage of your budget do you use towards material costs such as paint and flooring versus the amount set aside for furnishings? Have you recently remodeled a nursery in your home? If so, what inspired your decor and what would you do differently were you to do it again?