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If you want to lower your household expenses, take a look at your water bill. Does it seem high? Do you feel like you’re spending too much money on something so basic?

Here are some of the best ways we’ve found to save money on your monthly water bill.

Install a low-flow showerhead

If you haven’t replaced your showerhead since 1992, you’re literally washing money down the drain. Since the federal Energy Policy Act of 1992, showerheads are required to have a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute or less. If your current model was made before that year, it’s using at least twice the amount. When you switch, you’ll save up to a hundred gallons of water or more per shower.

Use your dishwasher

It may seem counter-intuitive, but washing dishes by hand actually uses more water than the dishwasher – up to six times more. To save even more water, only run the dishwasher when it’s full. If you don’t have a dishwasher, plug the sink and fill it with water to wash your dishes instead of letting the water run.

Replace older appliances

If your washers are more than a few years old, they could be guzzling much more water than needed. Now is a great time to invest in more energy-efficient models. Look for appliances that carry the Energy Star or WaterSense seal. These often use up to 50 percent less water and energy per load. You might also consider buying a front-loading washing machine, which by design uses much less water than top-loaders.

Repair leaky faucets and water line

Did you know you can waste up to 2000 gallons of water a year because of a leaky faucet? Not convinced? Check out this online drip calculator that will show you exactly how those individual drips add up. Leaky faucets are fairly easy to repair yourself. Head to the hardware store and pick up a repair kit that walks you through the process. You may also check if you need a water line repair. If you don’t have the time to do the repairs yourself, remember that you can always contact professional plumbers to do the plumbing work for you. If you need immediate plumber services, then you may need to contact an emergency plumber.

Water at the correct time

When you water your lawn, you can lose a significant amount to evaporation if you water in the middle of the day when it’s hottest. Instead, water first thing in the morning or at dusk to cut back on water wasted to evaporation.

Install rain barrels

In addition to watering at the correct time, install rain barrels to capture rainwater. These containers allow you to gather runoff from roofs and gutters and store it for later use. Most of these containers come with an attachment that allows you to hook up a hose, making watering a breeze.

Use a compost bin

Finally, have you ever considered how much water you are wasting by using your garbage disposal? They require a vast amount of water in order to properly function. Instead, start a compost pile. Those kitchen scraps you might normally send down the drain can be saved and composted. A few months later, you’ll have rich compost that can be used in your yard. Not only is this a way to save on your water bill, but it will also give a healthy boost to your garden.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or investing in a property to flip, it’s important to be smart about home design and renovations. While certain projects can definitely increase the value of the property you want to sell, there are some challenges to consider. Here’s a rundown of the mistakes you should avoid on your rehab project.

Underestimating costs

There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through your rehab project only to run out of money. A smart rule of thumb of when estimating costs is that everything will always cost more than you think it will. Be sure to allocate enough funds to each step of the process, and have about ten percent extra saved, just in case.

Choosing the wrong contractor

Before hiring any contractor, get recommendations from family and friends. Collect quotes from several contractors and research them online. Don’t just go with the first contractor you meet. The wrong contractor can make or break a project. Be sure to thoroughly vet general contractor services before signing on the dotted line. Seko Construction is the best general contractor for construction in Calgary so make sure to check them out.

Not having a plan

You may be ready to attack the walls with the sledgehammer, but don’t do it before you have a plan. Find out if there are any structural issues that need to be addressed before beginning anything cosmetic. You don’t want to have to tear out that new drywall you just installed in order to fix an issue with the pipe behind it.

Not getting permits

If your rehab involves more than just a few minor repairs, you need to check if any permits are required. Failing to get permits can net you steep fines, and cause problems down the line with your sale.

Using cheap materials

It can be tempting to always choose the least expensive materials, but your rehab project will suffer. Remember – you get what you pay for. If you want a quality job, spring for quality materials that will last.

Making the wrong renovations

If you’re rehabbing for an upcoming sale, you’ll want to consider what kind of return you’ll get on the investment. Some renovations can add sale value to your home, for instance, an ADA accessible bathroom remodeling project, while others don’t. In general, upgrades to the kitchen, bathroom and curb appeal add value to potential buyers. However, spending on basements or pools isn’t always a great idea. When in doubt, check with your real estate agent.

Making too many renovations

In addition to making the wrong renovations, you don’t want to make too many renovations. Having the nicest home on the block isn’t necessarily great for your resale value. Depending on the comps in your area, you may not get the return you’re hoping for, even if your upgrades are fantastic.

Overestimating value

Lastly, when it comes time to sell, don’t overestimate the value of your renovations. We understand that you may have put quite a bit of time and energy into the upgrades you’ve made. You may be tempted to compensate by listing for higher than the comps in your area. Unfortunately, listing too high could make your home languish on the market and eventually you’ll be forced to reduce the price. Take advantage of the momentum you have at the beginning and list at the correct price. A professional real estate agent who is an expert in your market will be your best ally when it comes to determining just the right price.

Compliments of Virtual Results

You’re at a crossroads. You know your house doesn’t quite suite your needs anymore. But should you find a new home, or renovate the one you’ve got? While there’s no obvious answer to this question, here’s what you should consider when making your decision.

How much will it cost?

When trying to decide whether it’s better to remodel or move, affordability is a key issue. Do you have enough resources to make the needed residential additions or renovations? Get estimates from contractors on what your renovations might cost. You might want to hire builders and contractors who can provide complete construction tools, heavy equipment transportation, as well as proper work zone equipment. Conversely, if you do decide to sell, will you need to make any repairs or upgrades before listing? It could be worthwhile to hire a home inspector to find out just what issues will need to be addressed. Once you have all the data, you can crunch the numbers to see which scenario makes the most financial sense.

How long will renovating take?

If you haven’t done any serious renovations lately, you may have forgotten just how long they can take. And if you’re remodeling a central room like a kitchen, it can seriously cramp your style for weeks or months on end. Do you have the patience to live in your home while it’s being remodeled? If not, can you afford to relocate while the renovations are taking place?

Do you like your neighborhood?

Even if your home isn’t exactly what you need, how do you like your neighborhood? Being in a great location has a huge effect on your well being. Do you have great neighbors or live in an excellent school district? Are you willing to take a gamble on those things in a new house? If you really love your corner of the world, it could make sense to renovate your current home instead of looking for a new one.

Can you use your current home in a new way?

Sometimes it just takes a little imagination to make your current home suite your needs. Have you let clutter pile up over the years? If you do a major cleaning, you may discover that you have more room than you thought. Can you turn that guest bedroom into a much-needed office space? Or maybe you can invest in some new furniture that fits the space better and doesn’t make it feel so cramped? Sometimes, all you need to do is look at your home with a new set of eyes to see the possibilities.

Will renovations add value?

Lastly, it’s smart to consider whether or not those renovations will actually add value to your home. Sometimes your home is perfect as it is, even if it isn’t exactly what you want. If you find that your renovations will suddenly make your home the biggest and best on the block, that isn’t always a good thing. You can over-improve your house to the point where it may be difficult to sell down the line.

Ultimately, you will need to take into consideration both financial and emotional factors when deciding whether or not to sell or renovate. Asking yourself the above questions should help to provide you with some clarity.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Finding the right home can make you feel a little like Goldilocks. This house is too small, that house is too big – where is the house that’s just right? Here are some questions you should ask yourself when determining what size house is best for you.

Do you need all that space?

The average size of a newly built home in the United States is 2,687 square feet – the largest it’s ever been. Americans seem to have a hunger for larger and larger homes. But do you really need all that space? Take into consideration how many people will be living in the home, both now and in the future. Although it’s nice to have a spare bedroom for guests, do you really need more than one? And will you really use a formal dining room if you have a large eat-in kitchen?

How much space can you afford?

Another question to ask yourself is how much space you can realistically afford. Remember – you’re not only paying a mortgage on the house, but also the utility bills. How much extra per month will it cost to heat those large, open spaces in colder months? Will that extra expense make it tough for you to save money or splurge on dinners out or a yearly vacation? How much are you willing to sacrifice in order to have a larger home? The added stress of making those payments may not be worth it.

Do you have time for maintenance?

Perhaps you love the idea of being able to entertain at your home, or let your kids have massive birthday parties. While it’s nice to have the extra space for these kinds of activities, you’ll be living in your home every day. And larger homes require more time for maintenance. How much extra time are you really willing to put into chores? If vacuuming and dusting isn’t your thing, you might want to think twice about a larger home.

What kind of layout is right for you?

Right now, open floor plans are very popular among homebuyers. Some people prefer larger homes with open spaces that allow everyone to be together. However, some people prefer a more traditional layout, with smaller rooms that are separate from each other. When shopping for a new home, take the layout into consideration.

Do you need storage?

Are you a collector? If you have a collection of large items, like antique cars or Midcentury Modern furniture, you may need a larger house that has more storage. When you look at homes, find out how much square footage is allotted to storage, like the attic, basement and closets. Will it be enough to house your collection, or would you need to downsize your belongings?

What feels right?

In the end, how much space is needed is often dictated by what feels good for you. Do you need room to spread out? Or do you prefer quiet, cozy spaces? Take some time to define your priorities before you begin your house search to find the home that’s just the right size for you.

Compliments of Virtual Results

After weeks or even months of searching you’ve found the home you love. The trouble is – it’s located next to or near a school, and you’re wondering what that might mean down the line. Is buying near a school a good idea, or could it be inviting trouble? Here are the pros and cons you should weigh when deciding whether or not to buy a home near a school.

Pros of buying near a school

One of the biggest perks of buying near a school is the boost to your property value. But be aware that in order to get that extra value, it needs to be a high-performing school. Other advantages of living in close proximity to a school include:

• Being within walking distance: If you have kids in school, it can be a huge plus if they live close enough to the school to walk. It’s comforting to know that they are close by, and it can make mornings less hectic knowing you don’t have to battle traffic to get there. Additionally, having a primary school playground equipment nearby can provide them with opportunities to play and learn, making the whole school experience more enjoyable for them.
• Having access to school amenities: Do you like to run or play sports? Buy tickets to watch Chelsea as a family at Football Ticket Pad. Living near a school often means having access to running tracks or sports fields. Many schools allow members of the community to use these facilities before and after school.
• Living in a safer neighborhood: In general, the areas around schools tend to be safer. They are more likely to have regular police patrols and crossing guards for busy streets.

Cons of buying near a school

When considering the disadvantages of living near a school, the type of school matters. An elementary school generally causes less of a disturbance than a middle or high school. Older students are more likely to cause trouble, vandalize property or loiter. Other cons to think about include:

• Traffic: The number of cars and busses passing through the neighborhood at the beginning and end of the school day can increase dramatically. More traffic can also cause more traffic noise, like the sound of idling cars and busses.
• Parking: More traffic means more parking-related issues. Once the school parking lot is full, parents will be parking on the street, which could impact the parking situation in front of your home.
• Limited number of potential buyers: When it comes time to sell your home, you may find that there are fewer buyers interested in purchasing a home near a school.
• Noise: In addition to increased traffic noise, you will likely also hear other noises from the school. This could include school bells, football games and even band practice.

The bottom line

Ultimately, the choice is yours when it comes to buying next to or near a school. To get a clear picture of how the school might affect your daily life, you should visit at different times of day. Notice what it’s like on a Monday morning compared to a Friday afternoon. Research crime statistics and see if more acts of vandalism are reported during the school year. Talk to neighbors to get their thoughts about living near a school. In the end, you can feel good about your decision once you know all the important information.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you ready for some fresh air? We are, too! Spring is here, and it’s time to open the windows and get a fresh start after a long winter. If you’re as eager as we are to welcome spring, here’s what you can do to get your home ready.

Start with a deep clean

There’s a reason everyone calls it “spring cleaning.” There’s no better time than spring to deep clean the house after it’s been shut tight for months. Vacuum rugs and upholstery, dust surfaces and clean windows. According to ultra-tek.net, you should give the kitchen and bathroom a thorough cleaning, dust ceiling fans and clean curtains and drapes. On a warm day, open the windows and let the house air out.

Refresh your décor

Time to put those heavy blankets and velvet pillows away. A great way to get a dose of spring in your home is to update your couch and bed with lightweight pillows in cheerful colors. Swap out your winter bedspread for something lighter and brighter. Add in some color with accents like wall art and pretty vases, which you can fill with spring flowers you pick up at the market. Choose some new scented candles with light fragrances like lilac or gardenia to make your home smell fresh and of the season.

Clean gutters

Cleaning the gutters isn’t anybody’s favorite job, but it must be done. Spring is a great time to tackle this chore and remove the debris that has accumulated during fall and winter. Remove as much as you can with your hands (be sure to wear gloves) and then rinse with the garden hose. Make sure all the downspouts are free of obstructions so they can handle the spring rain that is on its way.

Organize the garage

The garage can take a beating during winter months. Open it up to let it air out and sweep out the garage floor. Throw away any junk that has accumulated and organize seasonal decorations if you haven’t already done so. Get bikes and sporting equipment ready for spring and while you’re at it, clean and wash the car. UK Electric Bike brand Wisper has released a new range for 2023 called the Tailwind. It’s become so easy to get cash for junk car in Miami.

Revamp outdoor spaces

It’s time to get those decks and patios ready for barbecue season wit the team at https://rkcconstruction.com/services/patio-covers/. Power wash decks, patios and walkways. You may hire patio enclosure builders to spruce up your patio. Clean outdoor furniture and refresh them with a coat of paint. Clean or replace cushions. Prune perennials, shrubs and trees and mulch garden beds. Consider adding window boxes to your home or garage and fill them with pretty spring flowers. Hang a seasonal wreath on the front door and put out a new doormat.

Add plants and flowers

Nothing feels more like spring than newly blooming plants and flowers. Adding them to both the inside and outside of your house can really make it feel fresh and fun. Plant spring annuals in garden beds and add some in pots around the front door. Choose some new houseplants for the living room, bedrooms and even the bathroom. Interior plants not only make the house look pretty, but they also filter pollutants from the air and help keep it clean.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Do your plans for Spring Break include looking for a new home? Well, you’re in luck! Spring is an excellent time to buy a home. This is the season that the real estate market starts to heat up, and you’ll find more homes for sale then you did just a month or two ago. In order to maximize your house hunting over Spring Break, this is what you need to know.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

It always bears repeating – before you begin your home search in earnest, you should get pre-approved for a mortgage. Now that the real estate market is gaining steam, there will be more buyers competing for the same homes. When you get pre-approved for a mortgage, you signal to a seller that you are serious about buying. Not only does it help you get all your financial ducks in a row, it gives you a leg up over the competition.

Check out the neighborhood

There’s nothing like seeing a neighborhood in person, which is why it’s so great to use your time off over Spring Break to search for a home. But keep in mind you won’t have unlimited time, and you’ll want to use it wisely. Gather as much information as you can online before visiting a potential new neighborhood. You can find out so much valuable data, such as crime rates, school reviews, and distance to public transportation, shopping and other amenities. When you do this research before you arrive, you’ll be able to narrow down which homes are real contenders, and which ones you can mark off your list.

Make your wish list

Another way to make the best use of your time is to decide what you’re looking for in a home before you see them in person. Sit down and make a list of what you need, what you want, and what you wish for. Understand your priorities and make an agreement with your spouse or significant other about what aspects of a home are most important to you. How many bedrooms do you need? Do you want to be in the city or suburbs? Is a pool a must-have or a would-be-nice-to-have item?

Plan time for fun

If the kids will be joining you on your house hunting adventure, make sure to plan some down time to have fun! Find out what some of the great places are in town, and set aside an afternoon to check them out. Visit the local park, grab lunch at a popular restaurant, or play a round of miniature golf. Give the kids a reason to get excited about their new home.

Connect with a trusted agent

Lastly, make the most of your home search by working with a trusted agent who is an expert in the local real estate market. Put out the word on social media to find referrals in the area, search online reviews and make some calls. Choose an agent with whom you have a good report, and have them begin scheduling appointments for you.

Compliments of Virtual Results

You may look at your small home and think – am I going to find a buyer? But don’t count your small house out just yet! There are many great ways to position your small house in the marketplace. All it takes is looking at your home’s features from a different point of view. Check out our best tips for selling your small home.

Know your target market

We get that a small home isn’t for everybody. But it’s certainly for somebody. Your job is to figure out what buyers may be in the market for a smaller home. These could include first-time homebuyers who are on a budget, retirees who are ready to downsize, or those who want a more eco-friendly home. Once you’ve discovered the type of buyer that would be attracted to your home, you can make smarter decisions about how you market it.

Sell the benefits

There are so many reasons why buying a smaller home is a great idea. These are some of the benefits you should be highlighting when selling your small house:

• Lower costs – Who wants to spend more money on utilities and taxes? With a small house, you get big savings on heating, cooling and electricity. And if the house is on a small lot, you’ll also save on property taxes.
• Easier to maintain – Some people don’t want to spend much time on maintenance and repair, and a small home offers that possibility. With a small home, you’ll spend less time mowing the lawn, less time cleaning, and less time making fixes.
• More eco-friendly – Although open-concept homes with vaulted ceilings and chef’s kitchens are popular they aren’t always eco-friendly. Smaller houses don’t require as much energy to heat and cool, and can be made even greener with energy-efficient upgrades.
• Great location – Your home may be small, but is it in a great neighborhood? That’s a huge selling point. Location is one of the most important features of a home, and if yours is in a desirable neighborhood, make sure buyers know it. If you’re in a great school district or close to public transportation and shopping, tout it.

Stage for success

A key part of selling a small home is staging it properly. The first thing you must do before you begin showing the house is to declutter. It is essential that you remove items that aren’t needed, bulky furniture and anything else that is eating up space.

Consider painting the entire interior of the house one neutral color, to make it feel more open and cohesive. Take interior doors off their hinges, such as those that separate a dining room and kitchen. Remove heavy curtains and replace them with something that feels airy and lets in the light. While you’re at it, move the curtain rods as high as you can to make the ceiling feel higher.

Arrange the furniture for maximum ease of moment from one area to another. Opt for tables with glass tops, couches with legs and mirrors that reflect light and make the space feel bigger. Replace low-wattage light bulbs with the highest wattage rated for that lamp, and keep the lights on during a showing.

If you’re worried about selling your small home, don’t! By understanding your buyers’ needs and looking at your home through a new lens, you can position your house for a quick sale!

Compliments of Virtual Results

It’s time to spring forward on March 11. Are you ready? Daylight Saving Time is a great opportunity to catch up on maintenance around your home. Since it happens regularly each year, you can schedule certain tasks to coincide so that you never forget to take care of them. Here’s a checklist to get you started.

Change the clocks

This one is a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget. Before you go to bed on Saturday, move your clocks forward one hour. This way, you’ll eliminate confusion in the morning. Fortunately, many devices such as smartphones will automatically adjust to the new time, saving you the trouble.

Change batteries

One task that you should always perform during Daylight Saving Time is to change the batteries on your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Experts recommend changing the batteries in these devices twice a year, so having it coincide with changing the clocks makes it easy to remember. This is true even if you use batteries that are rated for much longer use.

Change light bulbs

Since you’ll likely have a ladder out to reach detectors and change clocks, you may as well change the light bulbs while you’re at it. Replace any bulbs that have burnt out. Now is also a great time to switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs.

Check the fire extinguisher

Experts recommend performing monthly checks on your home fire extinguisher, so Daylight Saving Time is an easy chance to get this task done. Make sure your fire extinguisher is easy to access and inspect the seals. Check the pressure gauge and look for any visible signs of damage.

Check the HVAC

Since you will be up and around during longer daylight hours, the house will probably be a bit warmer than at night. Call in the pros and make sure your hvac system is in proper working conditions. They can perform regular maintenance or address any concerns they might identify. This will lead to a system that lasts longer, as well runs colder and more efficiently.

Check the first aid kit

Summer is just around the corner. And with more time spent outside, it’s easier to find yourself dealing with scrapes, bruises and bug bites. Inspect your first aid kit to make sure you have all the necessary supplies.

Review your homeowners insurance

It’s easy to set yourself on autopilot when it comes to your homeowners insurance. But it’s important to regularly review your policy to make sure you’re adequately covered. Has your deductible changed? What about your premium? Just as important is to confirm is major repairs and overhauls like a roofing replacement or a residential roof installation are still covered, especially if they were previously. Compare these figures to your documents from last year. If they’ve gone up more than five percent, give your agent a call to discuss why.

Flip mattresses

Flipping or turning your mattress can extend its life. It can also give you a better night’s sleep. Sprinkle some baking soda on the mattress and let it sit for a couple of hours to deodorize it. Daylight Saving Time is the perfect time to take care of this mundane task. Especially since you’ll likely be operating on one less hour of sleep.

Review your emergency plan

It certainly isn’t everyone’s favorite task, but you should definitely review your family’s emergency plan. Nobody thinks an emergency will happen – until it does. Have a family meeting and decide what to do and where you’ll meet in the event of an emergency. Review information for emergency contacts and update as needed. Make sure important numbers are listed near the phone.

Buying a home is a big decision, and can often cause lots of stress. This is doubly so if you and your partner have differences of opinion when it comes to choosing a home. While it can be frustrating to figure out a solution, it’s not impossible. Here’s what you can do to find common ground and keep the home buying process from ruining your relationship.

Make your own wish list

When you’re hunting for the perfect home, it’s essential to create a wish list. This is a list that includes not only your must-haves, but also those things that it would be nice to have. To start, each person should create a separate list. Ask yourself some simple questions. Do I want to live in the city or the suburbs? How many bedrooms do we need? Would I like to have a big backyard, or something that requires less maintenance? Come up with at least 20 items for each list.

Compare lists

Next, compare lists. What do you and your partner have in common? Maybe you agree on how many bedrooms you need, or that you’d both like to live in a quiet neighborhood. Find at least five things on which you can agree. This will give the foundation you need to begin your home search.

Be realistic about your budget

One of the biggest areas of conflict when it comes to house hunting is how much you can afford to spend. Perhaps one of you wants to save money, while the other wants to spend whatever is necessary to get a dream home. The best piece of advice when it comes to determining your budget is to take emotion out of the equation and focus on the facts. Use an online calculator to find out how much home you can reasonably afford. Remember – your monthly mortgage payment won’t be your only expense. You also need to think about utilities, taxes, insurance, repairs and ongoing maintenance. Nothing creates stress and conflict like not being able to afford your monthly payments.

Take a break when needed

If you’re finding that you and your partner cannot come to a basic agreement on what kind of house to look for, it may be wise to take a temporary break. There will always be new homes for sale. There’s no sense in continuing your search until you’re able to get on the same page. Taking a break for a couple of weeks will give each of you some perspective. You can then regroup and reevaluate your needs.

Work with a professional agent

When you work with a professional real estate agent, you’ll get help with every part of the home buying process. This includes helping to mediate the discussions about finding the right home. A good agent can give you advice about the market, offer sound advice and help to ease tensions when you’re having trouble reaching an agreement. It’s much easier for an agent to maintain a healthy emotional detachment from the process, which may be more difficult for those buying the home. Let your agent help you and your partner find common ground when decisions need to be made.

Compliments of Virtual Results