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These long summer days lend themselves well to swimming, barbecuing and having fun with family and friends. We can certainly understand why you may not be inclined to take extra time out for home projects right now. While maybe it isn’t the best time to replace your driveway or finally build that front porch you’ve dreamed of, there are plenty of quick and easy projects to amp up your curb appeal without stealing much of your precious summertime fun.

These projects can all produce big results in a short amount of time on a very limited budget. Which ones will you try?

Make your windows appear larger

Small windows got you down? If you want to make your windows look bigger without actually replacing them, there are a couple of tricks you can try. The first is to install shutters. Not only do shutters add visual interest, but they also make the windows look twice their size. The second is to add window boxes and plant colorful flowers. Not only will they look larger and prettier, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor from the inside, too.

Add drama with solar lights

Does your beautiful landscaping disappear as soon as the sun goes down? Not to worry – you can add nighttime curb appeal by strategically placing solar spotlights around your yard. You’ll save time and money by not having to run electricity out to the yard and you’ll still enjoy the drama of lighting up trees and other unique landscaping features.

Gussy up the front door

Your front door is the first thing to greet visitors, so make it a hearty hello! Give your front door a fresh coat of paint in a bold color and place a few pots of plants and flowers on each side. You’ll be amazed how such a small change can have such a huge impact.

Wash it off

If the outside of your home is looking a little dirty or tired, give it a good washing. You can use a garden hose turned to its strongest setting to clean off driveways, sidewalks and porches as well as the siding of your house. If you have stubborn dirt, you can spend a little money to rent a pressure washer – just be sure not to use it on windows or get water under siding.

Spruce up the mailbox

A simple way to update the front of your home is to install a new, colorful mailbox. Choose a style that matches your home and grabs a little attention. You may also put mailbox name plates to ensure that you only receive mail for the household.

Clean it up

One of the best ways to spruce up your curb appeal is to give your front yard a thorough cleaning. This includes edging the grass, cleaning out the flowerbeds, weeding, trimming trees and bushes, having a tree removal service, and raking up debris like dead leaves and grass. The best part is this doesn’t cost you a thing and can be completed in an afternoon. However, task like tree removal should be handled by professionals to avoid costly damage.

Don’t let summer fun get in the way of making the outside of your home look great. With just a small investment of time and money your home will look refreshed and you can get back to enjoying all the perks of the season.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Spiders and roaches and flies, oh my! If bugs give you the heebie jeebies, you definitely don’t want them in your home. Not only can they be unsanitary, some pests can actually cause real damage. And then there are the insects that sting and bite, like wasps or scorpions. Obviously they’re not welcome, and contacting a pest control professional is a must!

While it may feel like bug proofing your home is a battle you’ll never win, there are some things you can do to stem the flow. Here are the pest control: do’s and don’ts for keeping pests at bay.

Keep spiders out of the basement

If spiders are a problem in your basement, you can seriously reduce their population by using a dehumidifier. Maintain a humidity level of 40 percent and regularly clean out the cobwebs from the ceiling and windows. In just a few weeks you’ll see a noticeable reduction in your eight-legged friends, if not you will like to hire someone at Bed Bug Exterminator Toronto | BBET.

Starve the roaches

There’s nothing worse than flipping on your kitchen lights at night and seeing roaches skitter under the cabinets. The best way to banish them forever is to starve them out. Be vigilant about cleaning up every crumb of food from floors, countertops and inside cabinets. You must also remove their access to water, so fix leaky faucets and keep pet water dishes elevated. There are also a variety of roach killers on the market to help you tackle this particular problem.

Seal doors and windows

Gaps around doors and windows make it easy for tiny pests to enter your home. Install a threshold under each door to the outside and add weatherstripping around doorframes and windows. Make sure all windows have screens and patch any holes no matter how small they seem. The bonus? You’ll also save on energy costs.

Plug gaps and cracks

Check the exterior of your home for any gaps or cracks that insects and pests can climb through. This includes cracks in the foundation, holes in grates and missing shingles on the roof. Seal openings with wire mesh, sheet metal, mortar or even steel wool.

Keep a lid on it

Trash and recycling cans can be a huge magnet for pests of all kinds. Make sure your cans have tight fitting lids and clean them regularly.

Maintain your yard

Remove debris from your yard and patios and get rid of standing water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitos. Keep your gutters clean so then can work effectively. If you have a pool, make sure it stays clean and chlorinated. Regularly clean and refill birdbaths to keep mosquito eggs from hatching in them. You can also call mosquito control experts to get rid of them.

Keep drains clear

Drains in sinks and showers can accumulate some pretty serious gunk, which is attractive to many pests and gives them the perfect place to breed. According To Sustainable Pest Systems, regularly clean all sink and floor drains, especially in the basement or laundry room.

By tackling the conditions that invite pests into your yard and home, you’ll be well on your way to reducing their populations and preventing a simple nuisance from becoming a real problem. If you are still having problems with those pests, then it is time to call for pest control services to help you.

A home inspection conducted by a professional is a typical part of the process of buying a home. It’s an opportunity to evaluate the property and understand any issues that may need to be addressed. Sometimes the inspection uncovers problems that can be repaired. But how do you know which problems are minor issues and which ones are deal breakers?

If you uncover any of these flaws, they could be potential red flags that may make you reconsider your purchase.

Electrical problems

If your inspector alerts you to some electrical problems in the house, you should pay attention. Faulty wiring is a common cause for residential fires. While some issues, like reverse polarity, are relatively easy to fix, some may not be. How many electrical outlets are there? Is the wiring up to code? Do you need to install and buy circuit breakers? Find out if the issues you’ve encountered will be costly to repair or dangerous if left as-is.

Roof

During the inspection ask how old the roofing is and whether or not there are any known issues like needing residential roof repairs. It can cost thousands of dollars to replace a roof, so it’s important to know if this is a cost you’ll likely incur in the near future. You can visit the webpage of Colorbond roofing in Sydney for roofing consultations.

Lead paint

If you’re buying an older home, it could contain lead paint. This can be especially concerning for families with young children as lead paint can cause serious developmental problems if ingested. It can also be expensive to have lead paint removed.

Asbestos

Along with lead paint, if the home was built before 1989 it may contain asbestos. Asbestos must be removed by a professional and can also be a costly repair.

Oil tank

If you are buying a home that is heated with gas, you’ll want to find out if there is an old oil tank on the property (in some cases there may even be more than one). If you do find one, it will either be filled in with sand and gravel or empty. Depending on where the home is located, any oil tanks left on the property may need to be removed. You’ll also want to check to see if the tank has leaked, which could be an expensive clean up.

Old HVAC system

A standard part of the home inspection process will include the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. The inspector should be able to tell you how long the condenser should last based on the serial number. Most condensers last up to 15 years. Anything older than that will require replacement in the near future. If you are the seller, you may consider looking for a team of experts like the ones on Comfort Solutions HVAC company to fix this kind of red flag.

Water damage

Be sure you get information from the inspector about any water damage found on the property and find out what the potential causes may be. Is it possible the basement could flood, or are there rusty pipes that need to be replaced? Is the surrounding land properly graded so that water flows away from the house and not to it? Any water pooling near the foundation can cause cracks over time, which could lead to expensive repairs.

If you’re in the process of buying a home, be sure to carefully consider any issues that come up during the inspection. If you encounter any of the red flags listed above, you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to take on the headache and expense of what could turn into costly repairs down the line.

Compliments of Virtual Results

You’ve finally cleared your house of all the clutter, but now what do you do with all that stuff? Have you thought about hosting your own yard sale? Yard sales are a great way to make some extra money while also reclaiming precious space in your home. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your yard sale.

Advertise

You can’t unload all that great stuff if people don’t know you’re having a sale, so the first thing you should do is get the word out. There are all kinds of resources available for advertising your yard sale – from ads in the local paper to the “Garage Sale” section on Craigslist. Place signs at major intersections in your neighborhood the morning of the sale, but be sure to check city guidelines first, as some municipalities don’t allow or restrict the number and kind of signs you can post.

Enlist the neighbors

Along with advertising, let your friends and neighbors know you’re planning on having a sale, and invite them to come by. Better yet, see if any of your neighbors are willing to host their own sales on the same day, and advertise that there will be multiple homes in your neighborhood having sales. Shoppers are more willing to come by if they know there will be plenty of items to look through.

Prepare and price items

Once you’ve gathered your items, take time to make sure everything is clean and in working order. If possible, have outlets available so that shoppers can test out electronic items to make sure they work. Once everything is ready to go, take time to price your items before the sale. There are many schools of thought as to how to best price items – if you love to negotiate then you may opt to not price items and see what shoppers offer. However, if you don’t want the hassle of negotiating, price each item individually or group items together, such as pricing all soft cover books for $1.

Consider layout and ambiance

Yard sales begin early, so if you have the space try to set up as much as possible the night before. Group like items together and display them in an attractive fashion. You can use Showplace exhibition stands to highlight special items. Hang clothes on garment racks or clotheslines and place especially desirable items towards the street so they catch the eye of people passing by. Put on some nice background music, sell lemonade and snacks and make the whole environment as pleasant to linger in as possible.

Have change and keep it accessible

Instead of having one checkout area, more than one person can wear an apron that has change readily accessible so that the process is quick and painless for shoppers. Keep a supply of newspapers and shopping bags to wrap up items and make them easily transportable.

Include free items and slash prices

If you have some items that people might find useful but you don’t think you’d make much money on, have a bin of free items for shoppers to choose from. At the end of the day, consider offering everything for half off.

Donate the leftovers

At the end of the day, pack up and donate whatever doesn’t sell. Check online to see if there are any charities in your neighborhood that will pick up your items and save yourself a trip.

With a little effort and a free weekend, you can turn all your unwanted stuff into some extra spending cash. Just follow the tips outlined above to host your own successful yard sale.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Summer has just begun, but temperatures are already rising! Are you ready for a heat wave? If you don’t have an hvac, it would be a good idea to call ac installation services and get that scheduled as soon as possible. As you can probably imagine, they are bound to become busier as the summer goes on. That is but one example that might help you, and in this article be ready to read about many more. Take advantage of these tips to keep it cool at home during these hot summer days.

Shut the shades

While you may be tempted to let the sun shine in on pretty summer days, you’ll keep your home cooler and save on energy costs by keeping the blinds and curtains closed. Nearly 30 percent of the heat inside your home comes from the windows, so you may be surprised at how effective this can be. Don’t want to close them all and sit in the dark? Focus on the west and south facing windows.

Utilize fans

Ceiling fans can be used strategically to help keep you cool on warm days. In the summer flip the switch so the blades turn counter-clockwise. This blows a cooling air down onto you. You can also place box fans inside your windows facing out to draw hot air outside the house.

Change the sheets

Be sure to swap those cozy flannel sheets you love in the winter for something a little lighter during the summer. Cotton is the best choice this time of year. Want to take it a step further on those really warm nights? Pop them in the freezer for a few minutes before going to bed. Just be sure to put them in a plastic bag first so they don’t smell like frozen broccoli.

Limit appliance use

Ovens, dishwashers and clothes dryer can generate more heat than you may realize. Wait until evening hours to run heat-generating appliances. If you haven’t already, make the switch to LED lights around your home, as they don’t kick out heat the way incandescent lights do.

Cool body heat

Nothing beats the heat like a nice cold shower, which is especially refreshing right before bed. Sip cool drinks throughout the day to keep your internal temperature low and don’t be afraid to slip an ice pack under the sheets at night.

Plant shade trees

While it’s not immediately helpful, planting shade trees around your home will keep it cool in the long term. Choose varieties that lose their leaves in the winter, so that your home can soak up the sun’s ray during the cold months.

Close off unused rooms

Have a room or two in your home that isn’t regularly used? Shut the vents and close the door to that room. No need to cool it if nobody will be inside it.

Clean A/C filters

Your air conditioner works hard in the summer months so you should consider scheduling air conditioning maintenance services beforehand. You can also make it easier for it to get the job done by having Dr duct cleaning in OC keep the vents and ducts clean and changing the filters frequently. Save money on your cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat and turn the temperature up during those times when you’re out of the house. If you’re thinking about getting a new unit, you can get ac installation here. Just remember to keep it cool enough for pets that may be home during that time. In addition, if you want to replace your old air conditioning unit, you may contact professional air conditioning services for expert ac installation services.

Take it easy

As tempting as it may be to get some home improvement projects completed over the summer months, don’t overdo it. Pay attention to weather reports and plan to take it easy when a heat wave hits. It’s summertime – give yourself permission to slow down, take a break and sip a glass of ice-cold lemonade on the porch.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Summer is here, which brings with it warm weather, long days and nights spent outside under the stars. It’s time for barbecues, summer picnics and, of course – pool parties. If you don’t have a pool at home, you might be thinking that you’re ready to install one. But is it the right choice for you and your family? Here’s what you should consider before taking the plunge.

How much does a pool cost?

Obviously, one of the first considerations is determining how much a pool is going to cost you and whether or not you can afford it. Not only do you need to think about what kind and size of pool you’d like, but also what other renovations you may need in the process, such as installing a pool fence.

Of course, you also need to prepare for the ongoing maintenance costs associated with a pool as well as the appropriate insurance coverage you’ll need as a homeowner. Most insurers will require that you purchase additional liability coverage of at least $100,000 – but some experts recommend even more.

Will it increase the value of your home?

In terms of upgrades that you can make to your home that add to its resale value, installing a pool generally falls pretty low on the list. While many factors can play into this determination, including the area in which you live and whether or not most of the other homes have pools, installing a pool will probably even out in terms of cost vs. value. If you’re thinking about installing a pool to increase value, you’re probably better off making different renovations, like upgrading kitchens or bathrooms.

Does it offer long-term enjoyment?

If you have young children at home, having a pool can be an exciting addition to home life. But as children get older and leave home for college, how often do you anticipate using the pool? If the pool is only going to be for the children, the money you would put towards installation may be better used with a membership to a community pool or a fun summer vacation at the beach.

How often will you use a pool?

Homes in warm climates are great places for a pool construction because they can practically be used year round – especially if they are heated. But in northern climates with snowy winters, the number of months that a pool can be enjoyed starts to dwindle. Take into consideration how much time each year will be spent actually utilizing the pool, and whether or not you’ll be interested in maintaining it throughout the year, even if it is unused. You will also need to hire an electrician like this electrician in Brentwood if you want an inground pool.

What’s your personal preference?

Ultimately, deciding to install a pool is a personal preference. If you’re on the fence, then the cost and associated maintenance, as well a liability issues, may be enough of a deterrent to decide against it. But if you know all the costs and risks and you still fantasize about diving into the deep end on a hot summer’s day? Then go for it! Your biggest regret may be not doing what your heart truly desires. If you are decided to install a fiberglass pool in your home, then you should hire the best fiberglass pool builder around for expert services.

If you’re gearing up to buy a house, one of the most important things you can do to prepare is to check your credit score. That number is going to help determine how much interest you’ll pay on your mortgage – or whether you’ll qualify at all. By checking early, you’ll have more time to repair your score and save yourself money in the long run.

Know what credit score you need

While there is no hard and fast rule about what the minimum credit score is to qualify for a mortgage, higher is always better. As the market changes, so do minimum requirements for lenders. It also depends on the type of loan you are applying for. FHA loans, for example, have a minimum requirement of 580, while conventional loans backed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae require a score of at least 620.

Fix mistakes on your credit report

Take a good look at your credit report. If there are any mistakes or inaccuracies on it, you’ll need time to fix them. As many as 25% of consumers have errors on their reports – don’t be part of that statistic. If you do find a mistake file a claim on a credit bureau website. Keep copies of the documents you file. You should expect a response in one to two months.

Pay on time

Late payments not only affect interest rates on credit cards, they can also lower your credit score. If you’re planning to buy a house, make sure you keep current on all your bills.

Pay down balances

One of the best ways to improve your credit score is to keep your balance below 50% of your available credit. If possible, make more than the minimum payments on your debts over the coming months and work to pay down your balance. A history of only paying the minimum payment each month does not inspire confidence in lenders, so pay more than the minimum, even if it’s just a small amount.

Don’t close paid off accounts

While experts disagree on this tactic, it’s probably a good idea to keep that paid off credit card open, at least until you secure your mortgage. Closing the account will affect the ratio of your existing balance and available credit. Just don’t be tempted to suddenly use all that available credit to make a big purchase.

Don’t open a new line of credit

If you’re planning to buy a home, now is not the time to incur other debt. Do not take out a car loan or open any new credit cards. It’s also smart to wait on any big purchases on existing cards, like a vacation. Sudden big changes to your credit history can be potential red flags to lenders, so avoid them if at all possible.

Give yourself plenty of time

Before you even begin to look for a home in earnest, take time to get your financial life in order first. It can take time to remove inaccuracies from your report and repair a low credit score. When it finally comes time to buy a home, you’ll be glad you did.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re thinking about selling your home, now is a great time! It’s estimated that 50 percent of homes are sold in the summer, making this the best season to get your house on the market. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your summer listing.

Make all the needed repairs

If your home needs some obvious repairs, be sure to tackle them before you list. There’s no need to slow up the closing process by haggling with potential buyers over the cost of repairs. And since summer will give you the best weather in which to work, there’s really no reason to put those fixes off.

Focus on the outside

Everyone tends to spend more time outdoors in the summer, so be sure to spend some time getting the outside areas of your house ready for showing. Keep your lawn fertilized, watered and trimmed and add colorful annual blooms to beds and containers. Add cozy seating areas to decks and porches and set up a grilling station with a barbecue and tools. Make sure your pool is clean and ready for use and add some pretty rolled up beach towels to lounge chairs around the perimeter. You want your outdoor spaces to look as inviting as possible and serve as extensions of the indoor living space.

Cool it off

Once the dog days of summer hit, don’t forget to keep it cool inside. Have the air conditioning serviced and turn it on before any potential buyers visit. You should consider keeping the thermostat a little lower than usual, since people will be opening and closing doors and windows. Set out pitchers of ice water or lemonade and keep the fridge stocked with other cold drinks. Offer some light snacks that will encourage buyers to linger a little longer.

Keep it light

When you’re showing your home, you want to have as much light inside as possible. Remove heavy drapes from windows and open all the blinds. Tie back lighter curtains and turn on inside lights. Make sure the windows are clean, especially when there’s a nice view on the outside. If you’re showing your home in the evening, be sure all the outdoors areas are well lit. You can easily add some inexpensive solar lights along the walk to the front door or some romantic string lights on your back deck.

Get the air moving

Nothing is worse than a stuffy house, and in the summer the air can get a little stagnant when the windows remain closed. If you have ceiling fans, be sure to give them a good cleaning and then turn them on to provide some cool circulation.

Bring the outdoors in

Just like taking your indoor areas out by adding furniture on decks and patios, bring the outside in with plants and flowers. Nothing beats a beautiful vase of colorful roses, which will also add a lovely light fragrance to the room.

If selling your home is in your future, why not give yourself the best possible chance by putting your house on the market during the hottest season of the year? There’s no time like the present!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Think that throw rug is only for the floor? Think again! There are so many ways to use beautifully designed rugs around the home, it’s a shame to let them languish on the floor. Here are some of the most inspired ways we’ve found to use your favorite rugs.

1. Soften stairs with a runner

Runners don’t have to be saved for hallways. They’re a perfect solution to soften a staircase. Take it a step further by choosing a strong geometrical pattern that’ll amp up your style.

2. Make a stylish pillow

Small rugs are the perfect size to transform into statement-piece pillows for your couch or bed. Simply fold in half, insert a pillow and stitch it shut. Don’t have sewing skills? You can glue them together with fabric glue. Done!

3. Instant wall art

If you’ve got a big, blank wall staring you in the face, why not ditch several small, framed pieces for one large bold piece? So many rugs are designed with beautiful colors and patterns it’s a shame not to treat them like the art they really are. Go ahead and fill a wall with a graphic rug you really love.

4. Upholster a chair or headboard

Decorative rugs are the perfect weight to use as upholstery fabric, so why not turn a chair or ottoman into a statement piece? The same goes for headboards. Fabric headboards have become hugely popular, so use a pretty rug to make it both soft and beautiful.

5. Use it as a throw

Lightweight rugs can be just the perfect size to use as a throw on your bed or couch.

6. Trade up your yoga mat

Who wants a plain old spongy yoga mat when you can have a more comfortable and stylish one? Be the envy of your class by using a soft runner with a rubber back for your next yoga session.

7. Dress up a table

Pretty blankets have become a popular alternative to tablecloths. Why can’t rugs be, too? A lightweight rug makes the perfect topper for your next dinner party. If you have smaller area rugs, you can also turn them into placemats.

8. Soundproof doors

Why settle for plain white interior doors? Go a step further and dress them up with a decorative rug. As a bonus, it’s the perfect way to add extra soundproofing to a bedroom or office.

9. Make a pet bed

Don’t limit the fun to just the humans. If you’ve got a rug you love that has seen better days, why not turn it into a pet bed for your dog or cat? Rugs can stand up to the abuse a pet can dish out. Simple fold your rug in half, fill with stuffing and stitch, or stitch two complementary rugs together to add variety.

10. Turn your world upside down

Ever feel like dancing on the ceiling? Think how much easier it will be if you attach a rug! Seriously, though, ceilings can be so boring, wouldn’t it be fun to attach one of your favorite rugs? This can work especially well over a bed, so you’re always sure to enjoy it. It can also add soundproofing should there be another room over yours.

Don’t be afraid to step outside the box when it comes to your favorite rugs! Whether you use them as upholstery, art or something else, let your imagination be your guide. And if you have antique rugs that you wish to restore, then you may consider getting help from antique rug restoration services.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Have you put off growing your own vegetables at home because you think it will be too difficult, time consuming or messy? Do you worry that you don’t have enough space? Do you think you have a black thumb and nothing will grow?

Starting your own home garden is easy, even if you have no experience and are short on space. If you love the idea of eating more vegetables, especially ones you’ve grown yourself, this is what you’ll need to know to get started.

Start small

You may have visions of turning your entire backyard into an edible paradise, but if you’re just starting out you may be biting off more than you can chew. Start small and get the hang of it; you can always add more later. You can save even more room by using trellises to grow vining vegetables like cucumbers and squash.

Choose the best location

If you have several places in your yard where you could conceivably put a vegetable garden, choose the location that gets the most sun. This will give you the opportunity to grow the greatest variety of vegetables. But don’t worry if you lack a sunny spot – there are plenty of vegetables that can thrive in the shade.

Build your beds

By far the easiest way to get started with home vegetable gardening is to build or install raised beds. Yes, you can dig up your backyard, but it can be back breaking work. You’ll also need to amend the soil and you’ll likely be battling weeds for a long time to come. By using raised beds, you start with the best possible soil that is free of weeds. If you’re handy with power tools, you can build your own raised beds, or simply use containers you find like washing tubs or pots. This means you can have a veggie garden even if you don’t have a yard – most patios or balconies have enough room for even a few, which is enough to grow tomatoes and a variety of herbs.

Provide enough water

You’ll want to ensure that your new garden gets plenty of water, and a good rule of thumb is about one inch of moisture per week. You may want to consider installing a drip irrigation system, which automates the watering process and delivers maximum water with minimum evaporation or run-off.

Choose vegetables that are easy to grow

If you’re just getting started with vegetable gardening, do yourself a favor and start by growing vegetables that are practically foolproof. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the literal fruits of your labor, and these vegetables grow well even in less than ideal circumstances:

• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Sugar snap peas
• Summer squash
• Radishes
• Beans
• Rhubarb
• Cucumbers
• Beets
• Swiss chard
• Carrots
• Herbs like chives, basil, thyme, rosemary, dill, cilantro and oregano

Check each vegetable and herb that you are planting to see what kind of temperatures they need and how much sun they can handle to find out what will thrive in your location.

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own vegetable garden, now is a great time! Just think how wonderful it will be to bite into your own vine-ripened tomato, just picked and warm from the sun.

Compliments of Virtual Results