Category: For the Home

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For the Home Home

6 Essential Tasks for the Ultimate Homeowner’s Upgrade List in 2022

With 2022 fast approaching, millions of homeowners are now thinking about how they can improve their properties over the months to come. Whether you plan to start the work right away or once the new year arrives, now is the time to plot your moves. The harsh reality is that most homeowners will have a long list of projects to complete. Therefore, prioritizing your list is essential. Here are six essential tasks for the ultimate homeowner’s upgrade list.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Homeowner’s Upgrade List
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Homeowner’s Upgrade List

Home Efficiency Upgrades

If the home isn’t as energy-efficient as it could be, it requires instant attention. Aside from causing added damage to the environment through carbon emissions, it wastes your money due to excessive bills.

Home upgrades can include roof insulation and water-saving appliances. Renewal by Andersen window replacement services is another popular choice that can aid the look of the home and its energy use. Adding Smart thermostats is another choice, which can be done yourself or by a professional HVAC company.

You will need to follow these upgrades with habitual updates, like turning appliances off at night. When you do, your property will be better than ever. 

Home Security Updates

There is nothing worse than feeling vulnerable inside your own home. Sadly, this will be the case when your security features are not at the desired levels, even if you live in a safe neighborhood where crime rates are low.

Improving your home security features can be achieved with several simple steps. Security cameras are the natural starting point. However, it is also essential that you consider the windows and doors. Meanwhile, a yard landscape with good visibility is also vital.

You can aid the situation further by joining a Neighborhood Watch program. Nonetheless, taking control of your home security should always be the priority.

Homeowner’s Upgrade List
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Personal Touches 

Personalization is a key ingredient in the recipe for success. Whether you’ve recently moved into a new home or haven’t updated your property for a long time, adding character is vital. For starters, add family photos or decorate using memorabilia and souvenirs.

Personal touches can be made by moving away from general trends and closer to what adds value to your life. If you prefer a home basketball court over a swimming pool, go for it. Likewise, adapting the garage into your recreational space can work well.

Unless you are planning to sell soon, your happiness must take priority over ROIs. Enjoying life to the max is the most valuable reward by far.

Reduced Clutter 

A cluttered home is hard to enjoy. After all, living spaces should be for living. While opting for a minimalist design isn’t for everyone, you can certainly borrow some ideas from it. Borrowing ideas from the minimalist design is helpful, especially if you have a small space to work with.

Embracing paperless technology can be a great option. From paperless billing to digital streaming, the reduced need for physical products will save space. You can also look for ways to make your storage spaces work better. Many steps are simple DIY tasks.

When combined with a regular cleaning strategy, you will find that the home looks and feels bigger and better than ever.

Updates For Sleep

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Getting a better night’s sleep will improve your life. Underestimating the impact of home upgrades designed with sleep habits in mind is a big mistake. Naturally, the bedroom is where you must begin the process.

Finding a Tempur mattress with the right firmness level for your needs is a great starting point. New sheets and pillows will further improve the situation. Upgrading the HVAC is another step that can lead to a better night’s rest and better quality of life.

Outside of the bedroom, improved bathroom experiences can help your body and mind prepare for sleep, too.

External Improvements for the Homeowner’s Upgrade List

When thinking about exterior home improvements, it’s natural that you will focus on energy efficiency and security. However, don’t overlook other factors that influence safety and looks. Flood barriers and other tools to prevent weather damage are key.

Meanwhile, driveway repair services from experts like Newnan are ideal. Aside from adding curb appeal, it’s a great way to stop puddling water. Similarly, it will help protect your car tires and prevent the risk of family members encountering trips and falls.

Some yard improvements have already been mentioned, but a deck can be useful too because spending more time outside is great. 

Essential Tasks For the Homeowner’s Upgrade List

Of course, if you have any issues like leaks, you must fix those, too. When combined with the improvements mentioned above, the home will suit you and your family better for 2022 and beyond.

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For the Home Home

House Flipping: 4 Mistakes That Can Make Your Investment Fall Flat

Real estate is a very safe investment and can provide handsome returns. If you want to start investing in real estate, there are many ways you can begin. One of the many ways you can invest in real estate is house flipping. However, you must do your research first and avoid common house flipping mistakes.

Investing in house flipping is a smart way to gain control over your finances and build up a steady passive income. One of the biggest advantages of house flipping is that it allows you to work with your hands. Working with your hands helps you learn how to renovate, helping you get more comfortable with your creative skills.

It also gives you a chance to make a lot of money if done correctly. Many house flippers make around eighty thousand dollars on their first deal. Plus, they make lots of money from future sales. However, some mistakes can cause issues for your investment, making it fall flat.

House Flipping
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House Flipping Mistakes

Not Doing Your Research 

When house flipping, you must do your research to ensure you do everything efficiently. Not doing research could be a bad idea for two reasons.

First, there are many hidden costs involved. Make sure that you have the finances available to cover the cost of renovations, taxes on profit, etc. Second, there is no guarantee that houses will sell quickly – some might not sell at all!

Not Putting In Enough Money

Putting in enough money is essential for house-flipping projects. If you don’t put enough money in, the project will not be successful, and you will not profit.

Estimate how much time and money it will take to complete the project. If you estimate that it will cost $15,000 and take 18 months to complete the project, you’ll be prepared for the process. You can’t spend too much or too little on your house flipping projects because it will not be successful if the money invested is off.

Not Getting People With the Right Skills 

It is not easy for house flippers to find the right person with the right skills. Not everyone wants to work on flipping houses. House flipping can be very profitable, but it requires a commitment, which some people are unwilling to make.

As a result, we have often seen people who are not qualified for house flipping trying to fix parts of the house instead of reaching out for a professional like an air conditioning repair service, or an electrician, to save money. But if you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll make things worse.

Unrealistic Expectations 

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not giving yourself enough time to work on the house. To invest in house flipping, you must be realistic about what the house will sell for when you finish. Look at how much you have to do to fix up the property and how much time you are willing to put into the house. Additionally, consider how much you will sell it for.

If your final price point is lower than what you can get for a similar-looking property in the same area, then it’s probably not worthwhile. Consider the amount of work you have to put into it when deciding which properties are worth the investment. Before beginning, you’ll want to make sure that you have realistic expectations and make sure that you can handle it.

House Flipping Mistakes That Can Make Your Investment Fall Flat

These house flipping mistakes can make all the difference in a successful flip or one that doesn’t make a profit. Have you ever flipped a home? What are some tips that you have? Leave a comment and let us know.

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For the Home Home

5 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Exterior for a Professional Look for Viewings

Getting a property ready for viewings can be a surprisingly tricky thing to do right, but it is also one of the most important things to consider doing. After all, the more work you put into it, the higher the chance to impress potential buyers. Focus on the exterior of your home, which is one of the essential aspects. If you improve your home’s exterior, you will have much more chance of success.

Improve Your Home's Exterior
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How to Improve Your Home’s Exterior

1. Consider An Extension

Although it is not always possible or necessary, you might think about adding an extension to your home. An extension is a way to improve and expand upon its exterior. There are many different kinds of extensions you might want to consider.

For instance, adding a bathroom or kitchen expansion will add considerable value to a property. Alternatively, you might want to add to an existing living area or build a sunroom. Whatever you do, an extension always goes down well, and it improves the look of the home considerably.

2. Give It A Paint Job

Repainting the exterior of your home is something else that can make a surprising difference in how professional it looks. It doesn’t have to be a new color or anything, but it can often have an interesting feel about it. Either way, it will help make the building look a little fresher, which can only ever be a good thing. Consider keeping the colors neutral to ensure that it is more attractive to a higher number of people.

Improve Your Home's Exterior, improve your home
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3. Use Lighting to Improve Your Home’s Exterior

If you have not thought about your exterior lighting, it is essential to consider it. After all, the better the lighting is, the more likely it is to look great during the first impression. If you want to make the first impression as good as possible, the best way is to get in touch with a team like NightScenes Landscape Lighting Professionals, who are able to rig up entire professional lighting sets for your exterior, so that your home looks movie-ready and amazing to the naked eye. The lighting can drastically improve what people think of the building right away.

4. Keep It Clean

One way to immediately remove any sense of professionalism from the exterior of your home is to allow it to become dirty or messy. You’ll want to put the necessary work into keeping the place clean to make it as attractive as possible. Keeping it clean is usually a simple task, but it requires putting in the necessary effort. Your effort will make a huge difference to how many people like the look of your home.

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5. Get The Lawn Manicured

Finally, make sure that the lawn itself looks great. Taking care of the yard is one of the most important things for people looking for a new home. You’ll find that you garner much more interest, which is likely to translate into a sale. 

Improve Your Home’s Exterior

Before you sell your home, you’ll want to improve your home’s exterior. These tips will help make a difference in the look of your home. If you have any other suggestions, leave a comment and let us know.

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For the Home Home

4 Simple Tips To Improve Your Home Security In Winter

When you think about winterizing your home, reviewing your security might not be the first thought you have. It’s true that home security matters all year round. It does, however, arguably matter more in winter because nights are longer, people go out more, and there are new Christmas presents in homes. With that in mind, here are four tips to improve your home security.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Improve Your Home Security
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Improve Your Home Security In Winter

Check Your Doors and Windows

You should be checking your doors and windows all year round, but it’s particularly essential in fall and winter. It’s more important because any damage to your doors and windows will usually impact your insulation as well as your security. For example, if the glass is loose in the frame, it’s easier for cold wind to get in and usually easier for a criminal to break or cut.

In general, you can usually work around minor damage for the course of the fall and winter. Then you can get your doors or windows replaced in the warmer months when it’s less disruptive. (Bremerton Window has some great options for replacement windows). However, severe damage will need to be dealt with no matter the season.

If your door doesn’t have any security features on it, then now is the time to install some. Smart doorbells can enhance your security, but it’s risky to rely on them. They need both power and internet connectivity to work. Both of these can be vulnerable in winter. A plain, old-fashioned door-chain and viewing glass always work no matter what.

Make Sure You Have Plenty of Light

Light serves two purposes. First, it allows visitors to find their way to your door. Second, it makes it easier to see unusual or unexpected visitors. These visitors may be legitimate as winter tends to be the time of year when people get a lot of home deliveries. Then again, they may not be safe visitors.

Because people get so many deliveries in winter, it can be a cover for criminals. These days, many packages are delivered by freelance delivery drivers. The companies behind them may encourage them to wear branded clothing, but it can be legally challenging to make it obligatory. What’s more, branded clothing doesn’t guarantee that somebody works for a company.

Ideally, you want to use motion-sensitive lighting. It’s the most economical (and environmentally-friendly) form of light. Plus, it can act as a form of alarm. Seeing a light suddenly come on will often draw your attention to somebody approaching your home. Criminals are well aware of this.

Protect Your Driveway

The closer a criminal can park to your door, the easier it is for them to move your property into their vehicle. This may sound far-fetched but remember, winter has long hours of darkness, bad weather, and many tradespeople doing legitimate business. All of this provides perfect cover for criminals. Fortunately, it’s now easy to protect your driveway.

If you already have or can install a fence or wall, you can add an electric gate. These essentially work in a similar way to automatic garage doors. In other words, you can open them without getting out of your car. Plus, you can get them in swing and slide versions, so you should be able to get something to suit your space.

If you can’t have a fence or wall, you can use smart parking barriers. These are basically rise-and-fall barriers you can operate from your phone without getting out of your car. They are easy to install and do a great job of protecting your driveway without sacrificing convenience.

Remember Out of Sight is Out of Mind

Technically, this isn’t strictly true. Criminals know that people will have presents in the house around Christmas time. They also know that people tend to go out more around Christmas time. You do not, however, need to make life easy for them.  

Keep your valuables out of sight and out of mind. If you put presents under the tree, keep the tree out of sight of the window or use fake gifts. It’s best to do both. The sight of fake presents might be enough to tempt a criminal to attack your home. Once they’re in, they may take a lot more than your fake gifts.

Similarly, be careful what you post on social media. Even if you think it’s private, it’s impossible to stop information from being shared, often with entirely innocent intentions. Keep information about your gifts and plans for people who need to know and encourage them to keep it private.

Tips To Improve Your Home Security In Winter

Protecting your home in the winter can be easy if you know what to do. These tips to improve your home security can make all the difference. Do you have any other tips to share? Leave a comment and let us know!

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For the Home Home How To

5 Ways to Give Your Home Some Vintage Charm

If you feel that your home lacks something essential and doesn’t quite offer the charm and character you’re looking for, now is the time to do something about it. Updating your space can be daunting if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, there are many ways to add more vintage charm and style to your home.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Vintage Charm
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How to Give Your Home Some Vintage Charm

Choose Vintage Artwork

One of the best and easiest ways to deliver more vintage charm inside your home is by hanging vintage artwork. Landscape paintings and things like that can help. However, it’s up to you what you choose and how you interpret the word vintage within the context of the art. There are not any right or wrong answers here.

Make Use of the Original Features

If you live in an old home that has seen many changes and renovations over the years and decades, you might want to think about stripping things back a bit. Using the home’s original features, you can deliver on that authenticity factor and utilize the home’s underlying vintage charm.

Go Back to Basics

Going back to basics and not worrying too much about small details can be a big help. Focus on the things that truly matter and strip back the layers. By doing so, you create a home interior that feels classy and charming. It’s a strategy you might want to consider if you’re looking to keep things clean and simple.

Choose Furniture with a Vintage Spin

Pick out a couple of new vintage-inspired furniture pieces for your home to add vintage charm. At independent retailers like A Cottage in the City, you can find a wide range of furniture pieces that are heavily influenced by vintage aesthetics. 

Go Antique Hunting

If you don’t want to buy new furniture with a vintage spin, look for original pieces instead. You can find pieces from the design period of your choice. There are so many great antique stores and websites out there that you can browse and search through to find the ideal pieces for your home.

Give Your Home Some Vintage Charm

There’s no shortage of ways to bring some of that warmth and vintage charm into your home. If you’re unsure where to start, make the most of these ideas. Just make sure you put a personal twist on the tips you implement.

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For the Home Home

What To Do When Your Home Offer Is Rejected

Setting out on the adventure of buying a home is exciting but also nerve-racking. Then comes the time to put in the offer, sit back, and wait to hear from the owner. What do you do when the offer is rejected?

Offer Is Rejected, Home Offer Is Rejected

First, don’t be too hard on yourself.

There are plenty of reasons for rejection, and even seemingly perfect offers can end up getting pitched. Here is a quick rundown of why some offers are rejected and steps to take afterward.

For starters, we’re in a hot market — as you probably already know. Generally, in a hot market with rapid sales, a buyer has an increased probability of seeing his or her offer rejected as sellers see an increased number of bids. Receiving a negative response to your offer can stem from many issues. Was the amount of earnest money or the bid too low? Was there a competing offer with a higher down payment or even a cash offer?

All these financial issues and more could have factored into the seller’s decision. It could also be something so simple as the owners decided to remain in the house for personal reasons or you asked for too many contingencies. Having such conditions is good because it shows seriousness. However, having too many contingencies may put more responsibility on the seller than he or she is willing to accept.

The first course of action is to understand why the offer was declined.

Follow up with the real estate agents involved or ask an expert to review the bid.

Next, draft a counteroffer if one was not provided with the rejection.

If the sale was not made contingent with another offer, you can possibly seal the deal with a counter. It’s advised to seek the help of an agent for this part of the process, as well. Be sure to work with an agent who understands seller interests and is going to have your back. Aside from counteroffering, there are a few other steps.

Ensure your finances are in top shape to better compete with other offers. You can also seek new construction.

While the price may be higher than pre-existing homes, the process for buying new construction can be simpler and you might not have to face rejection after rejection. As you continue your journey, remember to keep in touch with an agent, stay informed, and don’t compromise too much. It’s better to miss out on a home than to agree to terms with which you are not comfortable, or pay more than you can reasonably afford.

While the market is currently wild, finding a place to call home is not impossible. It’s important to stay positive and to keep looking. If you can’t seem to find any luck, there are experts available to help get you on the right path. For further information on what to do when an offer is rejected, please see the accompanying resource.


Infographic Provided by Marketplace Homes

Author Bio: Ian Hall is Vice President of Marketing for Marketplace Homes, a national brokerage and property management company. He specializes in real estate functions, such as buying and selling homes, with a particular interest in new construction homes and SFR investments.

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For the Home Home Outside Fun

Should You Install a Pool – or Buy a Hot Tub Instead? Pros and Cons

Swimming pools and hot tubs can both bring a sense of luxury to a home. They’re both great for having a soak in the summer, but which one is worth installing? Ultimately, it depends on your goals and the available space, but whether you should install a pool or hot tub also depends on a few other factors. This post explains the reasons for considering each one.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

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Why install a pool?

Pools are ideal for avid swimmers – you can stay fit by practicing your lengths at home. On a hot summer’s day, they’re also great for lounging around in, and they can make a great party piece.

Kids love swimming pools, and while some parents worry about safety concerns, there are various measures you can take to make a pool safer when not in use.

Pools come in all shapes and sizes. You can work with pool installation companies to find the right shape for your backyard. One surprising aspect is that you can even build an indoor pool by converting your basement.

You may not get as much use out of an outdoor pool if you live in a cooler climate unless you’re willing to spend extra on a heated pool. Of course, indoor pools can also solve this issue but can be more expensive to build if you need to make other structural changes.

One important thing to remember: if you move to a new home, you can’t take your pool with you. A pool is generally only worth investing in if you plan on staying in your home long-term. However, it could add value to your home. Inflatable pools are an exception to this, and they’re also a great budget option.

Install a Pool, install a pool or hot tub, install a hot tub
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Why buy a hot tub?

You cannot swim in a hot tub, but you can spend plenty of time relaxing. These water features are built specifically for lounging in, so bear this in mind. Like a pool, they can be great party pieces. Or you can use them to relax alone after a hard day’s work.

Hot tubs are smaller than pools, and you may find that they’re better suited for a smaller space. You can also take a hot tub with you if you move to a new home.

While you can get a hot tub installed as a permanent feature, portable hot tubs are more popular. You should still note that transporting them may not always be easy, especially if it’s a large hot tub.

There are various models to explore. While you can invest in some large and expensive hot tubs, there are also cheaper inflatable options if you’re on a tight budget. 

Both – or neither?

If you’ve got the money, there’s nothing to stop you from buying both. You could even build a swim spa, which is a combination of the two. It’s important to note that a swim spa can be expensive, of course.

Of course, there are instances where you may want to avoid both. Pools and hot tubs both require a lot of maintenance – even the cheaper inflatable options. Make sure that the usage you get out of them is worth the upkeep and maintenance.

While many people like the idea of a pool or hot tub, some people soon regret these purchases. The regret sets in when they realize the amount of work needed to keep them safe and hygienic. Make sure you’re prepared to keep them maintained and consider everything before you install a pool or hot tub. 

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For the Home Home Parenting

4 of the Best Reasons You Should Consider a Changing Table For Your Baby’s Nursery

Before my oldest was born, everyone told me I wouldn’t need a changing table. People said I’d never use it, and I’d change his diaper wherever I was in the house. Because of this, I didn’t plan to get one. I needed a dresser, though, and my cousin told me she knew someone giving one away for free. The dresser was perfect for the theme of my son’s nursery, and it had a changing table on top. Since the changing table was already there, I bought a changing pad and a cover for it, and it ended up being the best decision for my baby’s nursery.

The changing table quickly became a place of high use. I took Sylas there for every diaper change because it was easier than having diapers and wipes lying around the house. Plus, if I needed to change his clothes, they were all right there.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Changing Table For Your Baby's Nursery

Why You Should Consider a Changing Table For Your Baby’s Nursery

You Can Focus On Your Baby More

The best part about the changing table was all of the other time we spent there. After bathtime, I’d lay my son down, lotion him up, get him dressed, and do anything else we needed to do. I found that using the changing table helped me focus on him more. I took my time getting him ready, enjoying the baby scents and the time spent caring for my perfect little man.

We’d spend time playing together as he lay there looking up at me. I’d tickle him, talk to him, point out some of the things around his nursery. He’d smile, coo, giggle, and look around, taking in his nursery. It was also one of my favorite places to take pictures of him because I could always get him to smile.

While you can get by without a changing table, these memories were some of my favorite ones from when my son was a baby. I loved that time because it gave me a chance to have no distractions as I cared for him. He could lay out comfortably while I got him ready and talked to him. Plus, we had everything we needed within reach, from diapers and wipes to lotion, fingernail clippers, and other necessities.

You Don’t Have to Bend Over or Sit on the Floor

When you have a newborn, you’ll change diapers at least every two hours. Constantly bending over or sitting on the floor to change the diaper can take a toll on your back. Even if you aren’t worried about back pain, it’s still easier to do things efficiently when they are at your height.

You Can Use it For Storage

Babies require many products for their care, and you don’t want them all over the house. When diapers, wipes, lotions, creams, and other products get strewn around, it’s hard to use them during diaper changes. You’ll have to keep stopping to find the next thing you need, leaving your baby waiting.

If you have a changing table, you can keep all baby care items in one place. Some changing tables are attached to dressers, while others have shelving underneath. Determine which items you need to store and choose your changing table based on your needs.

Changing Tables Tie the Nursery Together

Sometimes your baby’s nursery needs a little something more to pull it all together. You can often find a changing table that matches your baby’s crib and other furniture. Some cribs come with a changing table attached, helping save space and help with functionality.

Consider a Changing Table For Your Baby’s Nursery

If you don’t have a changing table or don’t know if you need one, consider the little moments when making your decisions. Not everyone uses them, but they can be an opportunity for bonding with your new baby.

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For the Home Home How To

4 Easy Ways To Make Your Driveway More Welcoming

When it comes to having people visit your home, the first thing they see is the front of your house. The front of your home says a lot about who you are and the way you live. It gives your guests an instant first impression of you, which is why it’s essential to make your driveway more welcoming. There are several small things you can do to improve your driveaway, as well as some more expensive options.

Make Your Driveway More Welcoming
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How to Make Your Driveway More Welcoming

Add Plants

Plants are a great way to add some character to the front of your house. They can be affordable and make an instant difference. Depending on the type of plants you buy, they can add color and give your home some personality. Consider what plants your neighbors use and try matching or adding something similar that will enhance the look of both your properties. For some inspiration, Pinterest can be a great place to browse as well as Instagram.

Spray The Moss Off Your Brickwork 

Over the winter months, you will be amazed at how much dirt your driveway can accumulate. You can remove all the dirt and make your driveway look pristine by using a pressure washer. Take a before and after photo, as you will be surprised at the difference a pressure washer will make. When cleaning the bricks, try to scrub the crevices to eliminate buildup. If you notice your driveway has damage, it could be worth considering a concrete driveway repair to make your home as appealing as possible.

Add Some Lighting To Your Driveway 

Lighting is essential whenever you want to enhance your home, whether it be your bedroom, bathroom, yard, or driveway. By adding lighting or being creative with the lighting options you already have, you can add dimension to your driveway. By using solar lighting, you can light up a pathway to your front door, or you could use spotlighting to help people when they are at your front door – plus spotlighting is a useful burglar deterrent.  

Clean Up Your Borders 

If you have greenery in your front garden, make sure it’s landscaped and trimmed down. If you aren’t regularly cutting it down, it can become overgrown and look very messy. When trimming your borders, this could be a great chance to add new plants or remove any old plants that have died over the winter months. You can clean up your borders yourself, but if don’t have time, or you have a big front yard, you can always hire a gardener to do it for you. 

Make Your Driveway More Welcoming

What tips do you have to make your driveway more welcoming? Will you be following any of the tips above? Leave a comment and let us know.

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Adulting For the Home Home How To Winter

Winterize Your Home with These 3 Easy Steps

It’s that time of year again! The leaves are falling, and the air is getting colder. Some people don’t bother to care for their home during the wintertime, but it makes a difference if you do some preparation now. Learning how to winterize your home ensures that you’re not caught off guard when those first few snowflakes start to fall.

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How to Winterize Your Home

1. Make Insulation a Priority

The first step to getting your home ready for the winter is ensuring you have insulation. If you don’t have any or want it replaced, get in touch with a professional who can assess the situation. They can give you all the details on how much this will cost and when they can do it. Additionally, check for drafts around windows and doors so that cold air doesn’t seep through them during those colder months.

You might also want to look at items such as baseboards which may need replacing if there’s damage from water leakage. Not sure where these spots are? No problem – experts recommend hiring an energy auditor to take care of things like this once a year because not only would they know where to look, they’d also know how much the temperature change would affect your bill.

2. Have your Furnace Inspected

An essential part of getting your home ready for the winter is ensuring your furnace won’t give out on you. Since this system works hard all year long and has a high chance of malfunctioning when it’s least expected (like during the winter), make sure to get an inspection.

You don’t want to be stuck in freezing temperatures with no heat because your furnace won’t start, then you will need new insulation and a whole new heating unit altogether. Both can cost quite a bit and might leave you wondering what happened to your cash. But, of course, it doesn’t hurt either way so take care of these things now instead of later.

3. Clean the Gutters

One of the most common issues during wintertime is ice forming in your gutters. When ice forms, two things can happen. Either they break completely, or their shape gets warped from all the weight. In any case, both situations aren’t great for your home so do yourself a favor by checking up on those gutters.

Winterize Your Home

Getting your home ready for the winter isn’t just a good idea; it’s also something that can save you quite a bit of money. Follow these three steps now to winterize your home.