Your home is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, so home insurance is absolutely necessary. Coverage can protect both your home and belongings from various dangers, and it will give you immense peace of mind. Standard policies protect against theft, fire, wind, hail, and more, depending on your provider. About one in every fifteen insured homes files a claim each year. Here are the five most common claims. 1. Wind and hail Claims include hailstorms and windstorms, such as hurricanes and tornados. These perils are normally covered by home insurance, but you might have to purchase a separate […]
Prepare for the Best Staycation Ever!
A proper staycation doesn’t have to involve a fancy hotel and a large cash flow. Believe it or not, you can stay in your own home and have a fabulous week of relaxation! With a few days of planning and meal prep, you can easily turn your humble abode into a cozy, peaceful resort. Here are four ways to accomplish that task. 1. Complete chores early. Figure out which chores you want to complete before the beginning of your staycation. Cover the basics like vacuuming, dusting, and washing clothes and linens. For a chore-free staycation, consider paying a housecleaning service […]
8 Chores to Accomplish Before Fall Arrives
School is about to begin, there’s a cool undertone in the air, and the sun is setting earlier. Fall will be here before you know it. Is your home and yard ready for the crisp days ahead? Here are eight chores you should accomplish to get your home warm and cozy for fall. EXTERIOR 1. Fix cracks in the concrete. If you have any driveway or sidewalk cracks to repair, do so while it’s still warm and sunny outside. 2. Clean the gutters. This job can be a hassle, but it needs to be done every year. While you’re up […]
5 Ways to Create a Beautiful, Functional Outdoor Kitchen
With summer in full swing and the heat and humidity rising, nobody is rushing to cook over a hot stove in a warm kitchen. With an outdoor kitchen, you can enjoy cool, beautiful nights with friends and family. Whether you possess a big or small budget, here’s how you can create your own outdoor kitchen and reap the fantastic benefits. 1. Get a new grill. An old, rusty grill won’t inspire festive outdoor evenings. Snag a good deal on a brand new grill (maybe on Memorial Day, or the 4th of July?), and don’t forget to take care of it […]
8 Ways to Get Your Home Ready for an Appraisal
Getting your home appraised is often a stressful experience. Your property is on full display to be judged and valued so you can continue on the path towards selling your home. However, it doesn’t have to be nerve-racking! With the right tools and tricks, the appraisal can help you make a huge financial leap towards your new home. 1. Do your research. Do your homework and find out the appraiser’s market knowledge of the area. Ideally, your appraiser will be a local who knows the area well. Don’t forget to make sure they’re state certified. 2. Check your maintenance. Whether it’s dirty […]
4 Tips for Making Your Space Seem Bigger Than It Really Is
Plenty of people live in small homes. Whatever your reason for living in cramped quarters, you’ll likely have to make some decorative compromises. To live efficiently and happily in a smaller house, you’ll have to be strategic. With furniture placement, interesting lighting, and color choices, you can make your home feel spacious and bright. 1. Extend your square footage outside. If you have large windows that expose your back deck and outdoor space, add those colors to your room. With the unique patterns and beautiful colors that outdoor fabrics offer, there’s no reason to skimp on them. Coordinating outdoor drapes, […]
5 Wonderful Features For Every Small Space
Tiny homes appeal to many people…and if you’re a physician who spends the majority of your time at a hospital, a small space might be perfect for you. But how exactly do you make 400 square feet or less work? Here are five features that help make small spaces functional. 1. Put your bed on the ground floor. Most tiny homes have a loft bed, but it’s smart to have your bed on the main level. You can easily do this by purchasing a comfortable sofa bed. 2. Embrace natural light. The more natural light, the better. Using windows and […]
3 Ways To Revitalize Your Home After Winter
Spring is a beautiful, rejuvenating time of year. Sunshine, colorful flowers, and green grass are refreshing to witness after a long, dreary winter. However, don’t let the warm weather distract you from the necessary task of cleaning winter’s harsh elements from your home. Here are a few spring cleaning ideas for the exterior of your space. 1. Wash the exterior. Use a pressure washer to clean the outside of your home. This eliminates the hard work of scrubbing, and it gives your home an extremely thorough clean. Afterwards, check the gutters for debris. Wash your windows and screens, too. 2. […]
4 Tips for Sustainable Apartment Living
With the days becoming warmer and flowers beginning to blossom, spring is the perfect time to go green! Here are four wonderful tips for living a sustainable lifestyle. 1. Find an eco-friendly apartment complex. This might sound difficult, but fortunately, it’s not! Many newer complexes boast about energy efficient utilities and sustainable features. Numerous apartment buildings include car-charging stations, eco-friendly appliances, and even greenhouses. If you do a little digging, you should be able to find a great option. 2. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. To get started, keep an attractive bin somewhere visible as a reminder to sort trash before you […]
8 Great Tips for Developing Your Kitchen Remodeling Budget
If you’re considering a full-scale kitchen remodel, you probably know it’s an extremely expensive project to tackle. The nationwide average hovers around $60,000. A modest kitchen remodel, in which the cabinets are left in place, still costs around $20,000, which doesn’t factor in issues and delays. Fortunately, there are ways to keep costs down. Here are eight great tips for developing your kitchen remodeling budget. 1. How long will you be in the home? Do you plan to be there two to three years? Or do you plan to be there five to ten years? The number matters. If selling […]