3 Tips When Moving to Another Home

3 Tips When Moving to Another Home

If you are close to moving to another home, odds are you a little anxious and excited at the same time.

That said you want such a move to come off as smoothly as possible.

So, how confident are you that the move is going to be low on stress and high on excitement?

Be as Prepared as Possible for the Move

As you look to move into another home, here are three tips to help make things easier on you:

  1. Plan as much out as possible – Given most do not move on the spur of the moment unless forced to, you should have time to plan. This should also make for a smoother move. By having time to get your place packed up and have the other home ready for moving in, you can decrease a lot of the stress. As for your current place, will you use professional movers or having family and friends help? Doing the latter can save you some money. In looking at your home-to-be, is it going to be in good condition to move into right away? While there may be some work to do on it, you do not want major renovations needed while you try and stay there. Being a good planner goes a long way.
  2. Have a sense of changes you want done – In going into another home, there may be some specific changes you’d like done. The question then becomes, do you go forward with the changes ahead of time or wait until after settled in the home? If the first option presents itself, it may be best to go that route. That way you can get your next home set up the way you want it before officially moving in. Such changes can include floors, cabinetry, adding on or redoing a room, changing one or more doors and so on. When it comes to door changes, know that you have your options. The key in finding the right doors is to go with something to provide a good look, security, nice outside views and so on. From bifold doors to other such options, take the time to see what type of door most interests you. While doors may not be your first thought when it comes to another home, they can be one of the most important ones.
  3. Get to know the lay of the land – Last, it is also wise to get to know the area where you will be living. Not only know the home itself, but also the neighborhood and the services that will be available. If you are moving a short distance from where you live now, chances are you have some sense of where you are going. If doing a bigger move to a new area or one you have not been to in many years, take the time to get to know it. From medical care to shopping, schools if you have young children and more, get acquainted.

When the time comes for you to move to another home, will you be ready to roll?

What Would You Change About Your Home?

What Would You Change About Your Home?

Whether you’ve owned your home for many years or are rather new to it, any changes you are contemplating making?

Being a homeowner is a great feeling for many people.

Even with that in mind, there is a fair amount of responsibility that comes with being the owner of a home.

So, is time you made some changes under your roof or even outside the home?

Where to Start with Renovations?

If thinking renovations are the way to go, where would you like to start first?

Many homeowners doing renovations tend to begin where the work is most needed.

So, if you have a child on the way, you may look to transform a current room into a nursery area. The way the room is set up now may not be conducive to a nursery. Hence, you might need to do an entire renovation of the room to get it prepared for the little one coming.

If you love to cook and eat in your kitchen area, is the space you have available now right for such things?

In the event things are cramped or even dull, renovating the kitchen may take top spot on your priority list. Bathroom renovations can be daunting — but with the help of professionals at victoriaplum.com, you can get any bathroom fixture you want and get installation services too.

If you have been looking to put together an entertainment center, do you have the spacing available to do so? In the event space is an issue, it may come down to completely redoing a room or adding something on if doable.

The bottom line is to take the time to review your home and see where changes are most feasible at the end of the day.

Don’t Neglect Doors and Windows

Given all homes have at least one door and a window; you have to be happy with what you have.

That said odds are you have several doors and windows throughout your place. As such, would you like to change any of them, add some more if you can?

If thinking adding on or changing one or more doors, how about going the route of exterior sliding doors?

Such doors can make a welcome addition to your home for a variety of reasons.

Along with better views to what is outside, an exterior sliding door also offers security. If you have young children at home, you want to be sure they are secured both going in and out of doors.

The exterior sliding door or doors in your home can also help you with temperature controls. Don’t worry any longer about it being too hot or cold in your home and the door is an issue. These doors will help you keep the right temp at all times.

When it comes to windows, you may want to add one or more to the current layout of your home.

As an example, if you have young children at home and they like to play outside, make sure you can keep an eye on them. Having windows in the right spots of your home can help you do this.

No matter the types of changes you are thinking at home, take the time to think them over.

When you do, odds are you will get the changes you want right the first time around.

Protect Your Home: 5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Safe and In Good Shape

Protect Your Home: 5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Safe and In Good Shape

Did you know that Americans claimed 7.2 million property crimes in 2018? If you want to learn how to keep your home maintained and protected, we can help.

In this guide, we’ll go over ways to protect your home and keep it in good shape.

Want to learn more? Keep reading.

1. Check Your Alarms

To protect your home, you’ll want to make sure you have working carbon monoxide and fire alarms. Install smoke detectors throughout your home, especially if you have multiple floors.

You should also install a security system. A security system can safeguard your home from burglars or intruders. Check on your alarm systems often to make sure they are all working.

2. Inspect the Outside of Your Home

Homeowners should clean out their drainage systems every year. If the water flow from rain begins to move towards your home, you could have a problem. The water could creep into your home’s foundation.

3. Don’t Forget to Change the HVAC Filters

Your maintenance list should include inspecting and changing your HVAC filters. Aim to change the filters once a month.

Some people might only change their filters every three months. Yet, if you have many pets and a big family, you should change them once a month. Look at the filter and if it’s dirty, replace it right away.

Keeping the air quality in your home will help your health but also protect your furniture and walls.

You can also prevent your home’s cooling system from burning out. If a filter has a lot of gunk, the system will have to work harder.

4. Don’t Forget About Your Roof

On a seasonal basis, you should check your downspouts and gutters. Make sure these roofing mechanisms aren’t full of debris. You’ll also want to look for any damage.

Your roof can get damaged over time and cause a leak in your home. Make sure you prevent any major problems by completing frequent check-ups. This way, you can protect your roof’s structure.

5. Get Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance will protect you if something happens to your home. The insurance policy will cover the hotel stay, repairs, personal belongings, and more.

Homeowners insurance isn’t a requirement, like auto insurance. Yet, most mortgage lenders want you to have insurance. Have peace of mind with an insurance policy for your home.

If damage occurs to your house and you don’t have insurance, you’d have to pay out of pocket for the repairs. In a terrible situation, some people lose their entire home from a fire.

Keep your homeowner’s insurance in good standing. This way, you can cover repair costs.

Search for a reputable insurance group. Learn more about the Hertvik Insurance Group.

Now You Know How to Protect Your Home

We hope this guide on protecting your home was helpful. Make sure you complete frequent maintenance tasks. Protect your home by inspecting your security and safety alarms throughout your house.

Keep browsing our other helpful resources on finance, education, and more.

How to Protect Your Family from Radon When Buying a Newly Built Home

How to Protect Your Family from Radon When Buying a Newly Built Home

There are a large number of things that you will need to consider when you are building a newly built home for making sure that you will have a safe and comfortable stay. But among other things, you will need to ensure that there is no radon present in the home that you have. You can call a radon mitigation Colorado Springs company to check the level of radon.

Taking care of the environmental issues is of utmost importance because it will help you get protection from the adverse effects of radon exposure.

This is especially important because radon is considered as one of the most common cause for lung cancer after smoking.

Therefore, it is very important that you take steps for making sure that you will not have to face the risk of developing the cancer of the lungs.

Additionally, before you buy a newly built home, you should get it tested because radon in new homes are very common and you will need to make sure that you and your family will not have to suffer from high radon exposure.

Radon is the most dangerous gas that is present in earth which is colorless, odorless and tasteless which makes it very difficult to find whether you are exposed to this gas or not.

This radioactive gas is found in varying concentrations but it is highly found in properties that are newly built or which have less amount of ventilation.

Therefore, you should hire professionals who will help you to find the level of radon in the atmosphere. Therefore, after buying a home, you should get it tested for radon for making sure that you are not exposed to this harmful gas.

You also need to take steps for reducing the risk of radon exposure so that it will not become a health hazards for you and your family.

When the home is being built, you will need to make sure that it is built with radon resistant features so that it will reduce the risk of the gas contamination in your property. New homes have higher risk of the radon presence and when the home are energy efficient or tightly sealed with little or no ventilation then it is at a higher risk of high level of radon.

Therefore, you need to get the home tested for radon so that you will not have to worry about being affected adversely because of the radon in the environment.

Testing will help you know whether your family is at risk of radon exposure and you will need to ensure that you will get radon removed from the home.

This is especially very important because this radioactive gas is the main cause of cancer and you should take steps for reducing the risk of lung cancer.

The presence of radon becomes extremely difficult to find out because it cannot be seen but professionals will make use of equipments that will help you know whether your home has high level of radon.

Since, this gas seeps into the home due to cracks, holes and other openings; you will need to take steps for sealing these openings. This will protect your home from the risk of radon exposure so that you will be able to eliminate this risk successfully.

Top DIY tips for new homeowners

Top DIY tips for new homeowners

If you are in the process of buying your first home it is an exciting time. Moving out to your own place is the first step to real independence and getting on the property ladder is always a wise investment. However, it is also a big undertaking as the maintenance of the property is something you always need to bear in mind. Keeping on top of DIY jobs around the new home is vital to help it maintain its value and also to be safe to live in. Of course, keeping your new home well maintained also ensures it is a pleasant environment in which to live.

But what are the best DIY tips for those looking to buy their first home?

Get a home inspection first

Okay, this is not strictly a DIY tip as a home inspection needs to be carried out by a professional, however, it is an important step to take in terms of buying a home that it merits a mention. This is something you do need to have carried out before you buy a property. The inspection will flag up any problems with the property such as damp so you can either renegotiate the price or give it a miss altogether. Although there are some costs involved in a home inspection it is definitely worth it as the home inspection cost will be a lot less than having to fix a serious hidden problem with the property after purchase.

Don’t overstretch yourself

As Dirty Harry once said: “A man’s got to know his limitations.” It is easy to feel under pressure as a new homeowner to fix all the various repair jobs that may crop up. However, first take a minute to look at what is involved and decide if you think you can do a good job without injuring yourself. If the answer is ‘No’, then you need to call in professional help. This is essential if you have problems with things like your electrical wiring or fittings, or a gas heating system. Don’t tamper with either!

Consider all DIY products

There are a lot of things you can consider doing yourself. Painting the walls, updating furniture and decor. A ‘fresh’ makeover will do wonders. As with painting you can save a lot by learning how to do that yourself. Updating furniture can also be thrifty, consider purchasing second hand pieces and showing them a bit of love. Refurbish, and Reuse. If you must buy new, consider buying online as you will often save a fortune over brick and mortar stores. Moving into a new home often means brand new window coverings, those are items that you usually cannot reuse or refresh. If your window furnishings are past their use by date, consider DIY blinds, these are purchased online, and measured & installed by yourself! It’s the new way to purchase blinds.

Get a basic toolkit together

There is nothing worse than starting to undertake a standard DIY job in your new home and discovering that you don’t have the necessary tools. It could something as simple as not having a hammer to put a picture hook up or not having filler to plug gaps in walls. To save time having to head to the DIY store each time a job comes up, invest in a basic toolkit when you move in. This will make DIY less frustrating and mean you always have the right tool at hand. Common items to include are a hammer, pliers, Stanley knife, a screwdriver set, and a tape measure.

Get ready for DIY nirvana

Although you may not do much home improvement work if you move into a newly built home you will always have little jobs to carry out. As long as you work safely with the right tools and only do tasks you feel able to complete, you will be fine. Home inspections will also help as they will ensure if you buy an older house that there is no major work required to bring it to an acceptable modern standard.

The Most Iconic Buildings In Los Angeles

The Most Iconic Buildings In Los Angeles

There’s no doubt that Los Angeles is one of the most beautifully designed cities in the United States. Here are some of the more stunning pieces of architecture that can be found in the City of Angels.

The Theme Building, LAX

Many travelers get an eye full of Los Angeles’ unique brand of architecture upon landing at the biggest airport in the area. The Theme Building is a testament to space-age ideology, accentuating sweeping lines with brilliant colors and incredible heights.

 

Designed by Paul Williams in 1961, it has until recently been home-base for The Encounter Restaurant. Though the food is no longer available, visitors can still enjoy the observation deck on the weekends.

Grauman’s Chinese Theater

If you’re looking for condos for sale in Los Angeles because you love the film and entertainment industry, then paying a visit to the Chinese Theater should be at the top of your list. Arguably the most famous landmark in LA, its distinctive red columns and Asian style grabs attention like no other building.

Now renamed the TCL Chinese Theater, this architectural masterpiece was designed by Raymond M. Kennedy in 1927 and maintains its allure to this day. Stop in for a tour and you won’t be disappointed.

Bullocks Wilshire

Only in 1929 Los Angeles could you have a department store crafted in loving art-deco style like Bullocks Wilshire. With a front tower crowned in tarnished copper, there are few sights that brink back days long gone better than this gem.

The interior was designed by Eleanor Lemaire and Jock Peters of the Feil & Paradise Company, while the exterior was crafted by John and Donald Parkinson. It’s currently owned by the neighboring school but has since been the local for numerous film scenes.

If you’re wondering “are there LA realtors near me,” so you can get a good look at these sights, check out agents in the Los Angeles area. Don’t hesitate to find the perfect home and really take in these sights!

3 Keys to Saving Dollars When Outside Your Home

3 Keys to Saving Dollars When Outside Your Home

As much as you may love your home, you can’t afford for your own sanity to be in it 24/7.

That said what kinds of things do you like to do that involve getting outside of your home?

From trips across the country or even further to doing things not far from home, there are options for you to enjoy.

With this in mind, how can you go out and have fun and still save some money in the process?

Be on the Lookout for Deals

When it comes to saving money when you are away from home, keep these keys in mind:

1. Finding deals before you head out – One of your best ways to save money when out of home is finding deals ahead of time. So, you might be thinking about going to Disneyland, one of America’s greatest theme parks. If so, you can go on the Internet and search for discount Disneyland tickets. By securing those tickets ahead of time, you will often save and not have to worry about buying at a ticket window. No matter the business you want to work with in saving money, also know you may have other options. You might find tickets to an event or locale you want by getting them from an approved ticket reseller. No matter the choices you have, save money and make your experiences even more enjoyable.

2. Getting more social – If you use social media, you have taken an important step on the road to trying to save more. It is not uncommon for consumers to talk about their spending on sites such as Facebook and others. As a result, you could win when viewing or even taking part in such conversations. Whether you know the people chatting online or not, see what they have to say. Often, you can pick up some tips from others on how to go about saving money when away from home.

3. Knowing what kind of budget you have – It is also a good idea to know what kind of budget you may have when you plan to go out. This can be everything from a trip to a theme park or taking a vacation to a routine visit to your local store. By knowing what you can and can’t afford, you are less likely to run into financial predicaments. If money has been tight for you for a long time or in more recent times, have you done any budgeting along the way? By coming up with a budget, you are less likely to spend more money than you need to. As an example, grocery shopping can add up rather fast if one is not careful. That said have a list of what you absolutely need when you go to the store. Try your best to stick to that list. Also, avoid if you can going to the grocery store when on an empty stomach. Going when you are quite hungry can lead you to buying and of course spending more.

By trying your best to save dollars when outside the home, you can relax more once you do in fact get home.

5 Tips to Improve Your Lighting at Home

5 Tips to Improve Your Lighting at Home

One of the most important things about feeling comfortable at home is having good lighting. That’s one of the main reasons why lighting design is such a hot topic recently. Nobody brings out the best features of any room better than good lights. There are a lot of ways to improve your lighting at home or at work, and it really does make a difference.

Keep scale in mind

One of the first and foremost rules of lighting is that there is no one-size-fits-all light. That means you can’t use the same type and strength of light in all rooms. Sometimes, you just want smaller table lamps; other times, you need a large chandelier. Smaller rooms go much better with smaller, yet tactically placed sources of light, while large rooms generally require a centerpiece. Keep that in mind when you’re figuring out how to improve the light quality at home.

Dimmers work wonders

Having a dimmer to change the mood and tone of the room makes an enormous difference. What was before a vibrant and bright living room can easily become a moody room that exudes ambiance. Besides, if you spend plenty of time in a single room, you won’t want the lighting to be constant. It should adapt to the time of day, and dimmers are a great way to achieve that.

Pick the right shade

Window shades play an important role in how people perceive the mood of your room. If your room has a lot sunlight during the day, consider using different colored shades. White shades are great if you want to have more light in, but they can sometimes add a cold feeling to your room. To contrast that, colored shades will tint the light, and they will slightly darken the room, but add a warmer and creamier feel to the room.

Light dark corners

Small utility lights are often underutilized in the home. Most homes have a lot of corners that aren’t properly lit, which is why a lot of rooms might feel cramped and smaller than they actually are. Lighting these dark spots will often make the room feel bigger and add even more beauty to the space around the lights. This goes for different parts of the home as well, like closets, kitchen counters, cupboards, and shelves.

Replace old lights

If you live in an older home, chances are you have a lot of old fixtures. Truth is, just a couple of decades ago, thinking about light as a natural part of design just wasn’t part of the equation. So a lot of these old fixtures might be functional, in a way, but don’t really bring out the best of the room. Consider replacing them, and you’ll immediately notice just how beautiful a room can be.

Light is one of the most important parts of the home. Without good lighting, you won’t feel comfortable, productive, or simply at home. Good lighting really does work wonders, and it’s something every home should have.