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Buying a Home For the Home Health Home

Property Pest Control: Knowing Why To Act On Early Signs

Many people take pest control for granted, only acting when the external signs become uncontrollably loud. For many of us, pests can come in all forms and species. From ants to rodents and raccoons, they all inflict damage to your property and belongings.

No matter how cute they may look, harboring pests on your property can be disastrous for the safety and wellbeing of the home dwellers, giving rise to many risks like infections.

One way to ensure you don’t have to conduct damage control is to take preventive measures. Call the professionals to pest-proof your home early on. 

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How Pests Can Wreak Havoc on Your Home

Damage to the infrastructure

Hundreds and thousands of pests would have a field day feasting on your property’s materials. Bed bugs, ants, insects, and termites enjoy eroding the woodwork bit by bit, shearing it to scraps. On the other hand, burrowing pests can create holes near your beams and foundations, causing structural damage. You may also have an encounter with rodents that bite electrical wires, cutting your connectivity and supply.

Allergies from Lack of Pest Control

Many people are allergic to certain pests since they leave behind some residue. You know it is time to call the ant exterminator when your child experiences inflamed bite marks as they sleep. Many are also allergic to pest droppings, leading to reactions like breathlessness, asphyxiation, nausea, headaches, and dizzy spells. Ensure your home is free of such notorious elements to create a safe living environment for all those who dwell in it.

Contaminated food and water sources

One problem with pests is how they live and reproduce near water sources. This fact may feel gross to think about, but imagine the water you drink and cook with getting contaminated due to these critters. Not only is it unsanitary, but it is also hazardous for your health and can bring about infections of the skin and body.

Deadly diseases can come from a lack of pest control

If you’ve heard about the infamous Lyme disease, you understand why we are so apprehensive about pests. Most pests are a hub for bacteria and viruses to cohabit and breed on, leaving the homeowners at high risk of coming into contact with such diseases. The treatment of such conditions is expensive and not covered by insurance. Additionally, some of them leave lifelong marks with their after-effects.

Your pets are at risk, too

Your pets are not free from danger when pests arrive, either. These critters may be venomous to dogs, cats, or other pets, resulting in a life-threatening situation if they get bitten or attacked. Since dogs and cats drink water from nearly anywhere, it could be a possibility for them to get sick due to drinking contaminated water.

Decreased Home Value

The biggest blow to homeowners caused by pest infestation is the insurmountable loss to their real-estate value. If your home shows signs of pest problems and damages, it automatically becomes much less desirable in the market, bringing the rates down to a sliver of what you may be expecting. Conduct thorough checks and pest control every year to avoid any breaches.

Early Signs of a Pest Problem

Now that you know everything that’s at stake due to pest attacks at your residence, let’s take a quick look at the common signs of early infestation that needs thorough inspection:

Powdery residue near wooden furniture and frames

If you find any sawdust or fine powder-like residue near your wooden furniture, doors, beams, or frames, get your home inspected by specialists as soon as possible. One of the most common signs that come up with ant, bug, or termite problems is that they leave behind a powder after gorging on your beautiful mahogany desk.

Holes in the drywall

We all know that drywall is delicate compared to concrete or brick walls. It’s this fragility that can encourage bigger rodents and raccoons to break through the drywall and create holes for their nests. If you find any such cracks or holes around the house, make sure to first check inside it and patch it up to avoid more damage.

Crawling or scratching sounds inside surfaces

A telltale sign of something lurking behind the walls is the sound of crawling or scratching. Rats and rodents often slip between your walls or the attic and have a great time at night, creating these sounds.

Droppings single the need for pest control

If you find cockroach, rat, or raccoon droppings around your property, especially near damp areas, call the pest control experts immediately; you don’t need any other sign!

Trails and tracks

Traces and track marks are lines of red-brown tones left all over the floor or walls by pests, especially cockroaches. Even ants may leave their eggs as trail markers at times.

Damaged food items and packets

If you find a few packets of snacks nibbled at from the cabinets, take a closer glance at your home. There may be a hungry pest trying to take a bite out of your meals.

Damage to plants and the garden

Pests like mites and ants can graze through plans and gardens in a matter of hours. If you begin to find holes in leaves, bitten grass blades, or eggs underneath the leaves, conduct thorough extermination.

Property Pest Control

These were our top markers and signs that you need to look out for. Do you think your home has any of these problems? If yes, it’s probably time to get it checked to be on the safer side!

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Buying a Home For the Home Home

Think About These Options When You Are Moving to a New Home

If you are in the process of moving to a new home, you will no doubt be thinking about the different options you have available. Moving can be stressful, but this guide can make it as stress-free as you possibly. 

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Consider These Options When You Are Moving to a New Home

Rent Or Buy

The first thing you need to consider is whether you want to buy or rent your new house. You may not be financially prepared to buy a home, so renting is the only option for now. There are pros and cons to both these options. It can be more expensive in the long term to rent, and you will also have nothing to show for it at the end of the lease. Whereas if you buy a house, your mortgage payments will mean you get to own the house at the end. However, owning a home is far more rigid, while renting gives you the flexibility to move around whenever you want.

Budget 

Before you move to a new home, you need to work out the type of budget you have available to spend on the monthly repayments. You will need to work out your incomings and outgoings and ensure your credit rating is okay before committing to anything. If you buy a house, you need to determine how much deposit you will need to put down for your mortgage application. If you are renting, you need to ensure that you have the advance payment ready when you sign the lease. 

Different Areas 

Now you need to think about the area you want to live in. You may already have a few ideas in mind about where you want to live. You may not be moving very far and staying in the area. The benefit of this is that you already know the local area and whether or not it is nice to live in.

When looking at different areas, you need to consider a few things. What is the crime rate like? You don’t want to live in a dangerous location, especially when raising kids there. Additionally, think about local amenities you may need, such as schools, shops, and doctors. You don’t want to move to an area that doesn’t have access to these if you don’t want to travel to get to them.

Type Of Home

Finally, think about the type of home you want to rent or buy. You have many options, including houses and apartments. It is up to you to decide which is better for you. A house includes more space and privacy, but the downside is more maintenance. Apartments come with added security and other amenities. However, the downside to an apartment is that they lack space, a yard, and can become noisy. If you choose an apartment, you can make the balcony the perfect space to relax, though.

Moving to a New Home

There are many things to consider when moving to a new home. Don’t decide without thinking it through because you want to do what’s best for you and your family.

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For the Home Home

5 Early Signs Your Home Has Serious Plumbing Issues to Take Care of Immediately

plumbing issues

Taking care of your home is one of the most vital parts of your life as a homeowner. You decorate your living space with the best furniture and accessories and invest in periodic makeovers. In the same way, it is crucial to take care of even the smallest elements in your home. Imagine the irritating dripping sounds of taps at night or the appearance of damp spots on the walls. You must be vigilant about the signs of plumbing issues, no matter how trivial they seem. Here are a few signs that show you need to call an expert sooner rather than later.

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Signs Your Home Has Plumbing Issues

Sewer Smells

Sewer smells in your living space are an indication of severe problems. It could mean that the sewer line is clogged, and you must act at the earliest to prevent backing up. The worst part is that the foul smell can affect your health and lifestyle. You may feel tempted to work on unclogging the drains, but ditch DIY and call experts. It is the best option to resolve the concern.

Discolored Pipes

Examine the pipes in the kitchen and bathrooms once in a while. You may find them discolored and rusty. The discoloration can be due to a dripping drain line or a slow leak in the main supply. If a leak exists in the supply line, get it repaired soon because it can cause complications. An expert can fix the problem by connecting the supply and waste line fittings.

Weak Water Flows

Water pressure at only one spot indicates issues in the distribution. It can be a serious problem if you see weak water flows in multiple taps and showerheads. You can install a water pressure booster at the water meter to get rapid results. However, it is better to call a plumber to find the root cause. You can save a fortune by addressing a clog sooner than later.

Slow Drain is a Sign of Plumbing Issues

A slow drain is another sign of a deep-seated problem in plumbing. You may consider clearing the obstruction on your own. Cleaning a simple clog is easy, but slow drains indicate a major problem, such as tree roots in the sewer lines. Calling an expert right away is the best thing to do. They can detect and address the root cause and ensure running drains within a few hours.

Rising Water Bills

A sudden jump in your water bills can be disturbing. It can be due to a problem in the plumbing system. On the contrary, people do not realize how much water a toilet uses. Ignorance can also lead to such issues, specifically when overlooking leaks and minor issues. You may end up paying big bills and increasing your carbon footprint in the long run. Get professional help to save water and your money.

If Your Home Has Plumbing Issues

Now that you know some crucial signs of major plumbing issues at home, it is easy to get help. The best advice is to be quick and get a resolution to restrict the problem immediately. You may have to pay for a professional service, but you will end up saving a lot.

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Decor For the Home Home

4 Easy Ways to Turn Your Bathroom into Your Sanctuary

Your home is a space where we can relax and destress after a long day. If your bathroom is in dire need of a little TLC, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! This post discusses four ways to turn your bathroom into your sanctuary. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired to create a luxurious space.

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

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How to Turn Your Bathroom Into Your Sanctuary

Consider Some Renovations

If your bathroom is outdated or in need of some serious TLC, it may be time for an upgrade. Consider updating the flooring with a new tile pattern or replacing those old vinyl tiles with something more modern like ceramic or porcelain. You can also replace fixtures such as sinks and toilets to give them a fresh look! Also, don’t forget about lighting – consider adding in skylights if you don’t already have any natural light sources coming through windows nearby. These ideas help transform your space into one where you can relax after a long day’s work.

Add Plants and Greenery to Your Sanctuary.

Plants are a great way to add color and life to your bathroom. They also help purify the air, which can be beneficial if you suffer from allergies or asthma! Plants have many other benefits as well, including making us feel more relaxed, decreasing stress levels, reducing noise pollution in urban areas, improving moods (primarily when used with aromatherapy), helping people sleep better at night by absorbing carbon dioxide during daylight hours, and releasing oxygen back out again after dark. With all of these benefits, you’ll want to add some plants to your bathroom right away. 

Remember Bathrobes and Slippers

Another way to make your bathroom feel more like a sanctuary is by adding luxurious personalized bathrobes and soft slippers. These additions will help you relax as soon as you walk in the door and realize that this is your time to destress. Not sure where to find robes and slippers? Check out your favorite home goods store or even online retailers! There’s no need to spend a fortune on these items, but they can add an extra touch of luxury if that’s what you’re looking for.

Add Some Candles

Adding candles to your bathroom is another simple way to make it feel more like a sanctuary. Candles can help create an ambiance that allows you to relax and unwind after a long day. Remember to be safe, so never leave candles unattended near flammable materials such as towels or washcloths.

Turn Your Bathroom Into Your Sanctuary

These are just a few ways to turn your bathroom into your very own sanctuary. Do you have any other tips to help inspire a space to relax and destress after a long day? Leave a comment and let us know.

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Decor For the Home Home

5 of the Top Trending Home Renovation Ideas to Try This Year

The biggest part of home renovation is replacing the outdated, broken, and damaged structure with something more functional and aesthetic. You’ll want to choose home renovation ideas that can add value to the property and are budget-friendly.

There are many factors to consider before planning your remodeling. These factors include the cost, finding someone who can turn your idea into reality, and deciding which renovation idea will work best for your space.

If you are looking for a way to revamp your home space and make it look more elegant and aesthetically pleasing, this article will guide you through it. We will walk you through some of the best home renovation ideas, which will help you make the most of the space. 

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Living room

One trending home renovation idea is to create an elegant and aesthetic living room using focal light and open shelves. These changes give the homeowners an intimate feeling while they spend their leisure time in the living room. While choosing your focal lights, go for spotlights or low-hanging pendant lights. Use your open shelves to display antiques to add an extra visual layer to your living room.

Epoxy flooring 

Epoxy flooring is a flooring surface that accommodates various layers of epoxy. Epoxy layers are applied over a concrete floor to provide durability, a smooth surface, and high performance. Epoxy flooring creates a high-gloss finish which brightens the interiors. These wear-resistant surfaces are quick to install and easy to maintain. Epoxy can be combined with colors and paints and can be applied in patterns. Epoxy flooring can change the entire vibe of the home and add new gravity to the space. 

Under the stairs area

If your home interiors include a staircase, do not leave that area untouched. You can use that area to make a small library or use it to display your wine or music collection. This enhanced small area will transform the entire look of your interiors and will create a cozy corner for you.

More usable space

One of the best tips you can keep in mind while remodeling your house is creating more usable space. Create multipurpose furniture designs. For example, rather than using a built-in cabinet, create a pull-out cabinet. A pull-out cabinet will make your room look unique, and at the same time, you will have extra storage space. It is a budget-friendly home renovation idea and will make your area look more spacious.

Use colors

Colors play a crucial role in deciding the vibe of the home. While choosing the paint color combinations, choose a color palette that reflects your personality. If your desired aesthetics has a dramatic feel, go for vibrant and bright colors. If you are looking for something subtle and minimal, choose a white palette.

Home Renovation Ideas

While working on home renovation, you can work with lighting, experiment with space, upgrade the kitchen design, and work with the exterior. Home renovation or remodeling can be expensive and time-consuming. At the same time, it can increase the comfort and elegance of the home. It can improve the value of the property and fix the safety issues of the house. While remodeling the home, aim to upgrade the home function and improve the value.

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Buying a Home For the Home Home How To

6 Tips to Sell Your Mobile Home Quickly

Your mobile home has offered you a cozy abode away from the icy winters and the scorching summer heat. As loyal as it may have been, the time might have come to seek new owners for it. You may be wondering how to sell your mobile home quickly. The tips below will help increase the chances of a quick, successful sale:

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How to Sell Your Mobile Home Quickly

Schedule a Pre-listing appraisal

A pre-listing appraisal will help you figure out the value of your mobile home by assessing the standards of your mobile home. They should analyze the installation standards and other legal requirements for ductwork, plumbing, drainage systems, and HVAC. With an appraisal, you will know the realistic value of your home so that you know what the potential buyers may be willing to part with for the home. An appraisal may also highlight maintenance issues that need attention.

Fix maintenance issues and declutter

Your mobile home will be more likely to get off the market quickly when it is in good shape. Potential buyers do not care for a house with leaky pipes or missing windows. Fixing the repairs will make it easier to sell. Fix any holes and repaint where necessary. Take care of any cracks and upgrade any old appliances. Removing clutter will also make the home more appealing to buyers.

Pick the best season

Most buyers prefer to purchase a mobile home in spring and summer. It is best to put your mobile home on sale during the months when many prospective buyers are willing to buy. Selling when the market is ripe with buyers will have the house off your hands in no time. Also, you get to price it reasonably enough to attract buyers.

Sell at a realistic price

You cannot come up with an arbitrary figure and decide how much your mobile home is worth. You may end up having your home in the market forever. The pre-listing appraisal should help you arrive at a more realistic figure that will attract buyers.

Seek professional help to sell your mobile home quickly

If someone could do a better job selling your home, it has to be a professional specializing in selling mobile homes. A professional will know the state of the market. They will also do a better job negotiating for the best price for your home. Consider seeking the help of a mobile home park buyer. The professionals will ensure you sell your house fast and at a great deal.

Prioritize value addition

Another effective way to sell your home fast is by increasing its value. Upgrade the house interior by getting better appliances, installing hardwood cabinetry, getting new light fixtures and six-panel doors. You could even construct a porch to make the mobile home more attractive. Consider adding a fresh layer of paint if the finishing is chipping.

Sell Your Mobile Home Quickly

Try out one or a combination of the tips above. They will help get your mobile home off the market as soon as possible. Ensure you hire professionals if you want to sell your mobile parker faster.

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Decor For the Home Home How To Spring

Use These 6 Affordable Tips to Spruce Up Your Living Room This Spring

If you’re like me, you often get the urge to rearrange and redecorate your living room. However, it’s not possible to always spend a ton of money to make huge changes. If your home is looking a little drab and in major need of a refurb this year, it can be a great idea to find affordable ways to spruce up your living room.

Your living room is the gathering place in your family home and likely where you spend the most time, so making some much-needed upgrades is necessary sometimes. Luckily, there are ways you can spruce up your living room without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best ways to freshen up the room without spending too much money.

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

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Tips to Spruce Up Your Living Room

Rearrange Your Room

When planning a decorating project, the first thing you will likely do is head to a furniture store. However, there might not be any need to buy new items because your current furniture can make a room feel refreshed when moved. Take a look around your house.

There might be chairs, cushions, blankets, artwork, and plants that you can bring into the living room to brighten it up. Think of how you can move furniture around in the room to change your viewpoint.

It can create a whole new look without spending a penny. But, if rearranging your furniture doesn’t work, try looking for new pieces at local furniture stores. If you’re in Sydney, you can find affordable couches to finish off your newly redecorated living room look. But do your research and find couches for sale sydney if you want to save money without sacrificing style.

Paint a Feature Wall

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on your project paint one wall. A feature wall is a common way of adding some fun to a room, and it can change the whole design. Choose a bright color and paint a wall you will often face, and enjoy the new lease of life it brings.

You can also choose a wallpaper for your feature wall. There are many styles and designs to choose from, so you can create whatever aesthetic you want.

Install New Windows 

One of the features in a living room that can often get overlooked is the windows. They don’t take up space in the room, so you may not notice your windows until they get dirty. However, consider installing new windows from Wilmington Window this year to help you breathe new life back into your living room. There will be a cost here, but once you have installed new windows, you won’t have to change them again. 

Once the windows are in, consider getting some new roller blinds that will not overtake the window space and make it look cramped. Opening up your living room this way is a great way to let natural light in, as well as make it look fresh.

Update Your Soft Furnishings

The concept of minimalist design might not be for everyone. But, there are many merits to having a home painted in neutral colors. If you have a neutral living room, it is easy to change your design without painting the walls. All you need to do is update your soft furnishings, including blankets and cushions. As soon as you add new cushions to the sofa, you’ll create a color scheme. The beauty is that you can change it throughout the year to suit the season.

Add Artwork to Spruce Up Your Living Room

One of the best ways to upgrade a room without spending too much money is to hang art on the wall. If you have plain walls in the living room, colorful art can change the dynamic in no time. Whether you decide to go for a stunning landscape photograph, a trio of watercolor paintings, or your favorite movie posters – this change will breathe life and personality into your living room. Choose a fun piece or multiple pieces, and rotate them now and again to refresh the space.

Add Some Greenery

Sometimes all a room needs is a touch of green. If your home is decorated in a plain color scheme, the addition of green and red can be amazing. Adding a connection to nature is good to bring some vibrance into the room and help your stress levels. Plants such as begonias, aloe veras, and herbs can add color and depth to the living room design without costing much money.

Recap: Spruce Up Your Living Room

 Use some of these simple tips and tricks to help you to spruce up your living room this year.

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Family Activities Home Our Family Parenting

The 6 Great Benefits of Removing the TV From Your Home

Have you ever thought about getting rid of the TV? It might have crossed your mind, especially if you’ve got kids fighting over the remote. If you are trying to make your household a better one, is removing the television a solution to try? While TV isn’t the root of all evil, there are many benefits to actually removing the television.

Benefits of Removing the TV

You Will Spend More Time Together

When you don’t congregate around the television, the living room serves a different purpose. It becomes a space where you spend time focusing on one another. You can play games, talk, and enjoy each other’s company. There will be times when you want to watch something, but you can always go out to the movies. If money is tight and you’ve got a Mac, there are many ways that you can start adding movies to iTunes for a treat. Instead of having the TV as your visual and emotional focus, removing it and using movies as a treat can make a big difference. 

Your Kids’ Education Will Improve

A better education is one of the best things about removing the TV. Whether your child is attending a traditional school, a cyber charter school, or you are homeschooling them, it’s something that they will put more effort into if you ensure that there is no TV in the house. You’ll likely notice results quickly.

You Can Start Your Day Without Kids TV

Removing the television can shock the system, especially if your kids want to watch their favorite shows. You probably also have an iPad or a phone where you could give your children the opportunity to watch things. Plus, you’ll have times you want to give in because you’re tired. However, what you can do here is gradually ease off over time.

When your child doesn’t need to watch something first thing in the morning, they naturally start gravitating towards their toys. It allows for a more creative way to start the day. If they can play in their room while you relax in the living room with your cup of coffee, it’s a win-win! 

Your Child Will Play With More Toys

Most children have too much stuff. When your child doesn’t play with any of their toys, not only is this a massive waste of money, but it could be that they’re spending all their time watching TV. If your child only plays with these toys for a few minutes, removing the TV could mean your child starts playing again. Additionally, this could spark their imaginations even more. It is an amazing way to start filling in the gaps in their mind. This means that rather than sitting down and watching TV that force-feeds all sorts of information, they are now using their brains in different ways. 

You Will Have More Time for Other Things

The benefits are not just for the kids! Without a TV for distraction, you’ll have more time to do other things. You could play with your kids, start reading more, and spend time developing yourself. Spending more time with them will strengthen the bond while taking time for yourself can help you achieve more with your life.

You Will Have More Time With Your Significant Other

Sure, you may still feel tempted to watch Netflix in bed, but if you’re trying to practice what you preach as a parent, you can spend more time with your partner talking and getting quality one-on-one time.

While quality time is one of those important things in life, you may not like the idea of canceling your Netflix subscription. But the thing to remember is that TV doesn’t have to dominate your life. You can take the opportunity to do other things that benefit you both as a couple. Everybody has been there; they’ve had such a terrible day that they need to relax and focus on something mindless. However, having quality time with the other person and possibly venting will be more productive in the long run.

You’ll Think About the Quality of the TV You Watch

When you watch shows as a distraction, removing the TV gets you thinking about the quality of what you watch. If there’s an upcoming event you want to watch, you can make a plan for watching it ahead of time. Reaching for the remote is such an easy option, but without a TV, you’ll have to decide what’s worth making a plan for.

Recap: Benefits of Removing the TV

If you are trying to make a home more suitable for your children, you may think that getting rid of the TV is a very extreme response. However, if you spend a lot of your time in front of devices, it might be worth it. You never know — you might be surprised how your lives change!

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For the Home Home

Spring Approaches: 10 Spring Cleaning Chores You Need to Get Done Right Away

It’s almost time to start spring cleaning the house and getting it ready for the warmer, prettier weather ahead. You need to shed and pack the heavy winter clothes, wrap and vac-bag the heavier duvets, and look at how you bring a little light and color into the space to make it feel lighter and warmer – just like the weather outside.

There are chores that you need to do to get your house ready, and while you may hate them, they’re generally the chores that you need to do at least twice a year to keep your home in working order. From calling in America’s Choice to get your roof done to painting the shutters and freshening them up, you have things to get done to keep your house in order as the weather warms up. Below, we’ve got a list of the spring cleaning chores that you need to get done as early as possible. Remember to start inside and work your way out.

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Essential Spring Cleaning Chores

1. Change Your Batteries

The springtime is a great time to get the batteries in all of your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and house alarms changed. You will never forget to change them if you make it part of your spring and fall cleaning each year. A fire can be devastating to your home and family, but you can avoid it with batteries.

2. Get the HVAC team out

When was the last time you changed your HVAC filters? Most people aren’t aware that they need to change these filters at least twice a year. Given that you’ve spent the past six months with the furnace on, there will be plenty of dust and dirt build-up. A good clean before the spring months roll in will help reduce wear and tear and prevent any issues when you want to cool down. Cleaning the filters will also improve your air quality, resulting in better health.

3. Move the furniture During Your Spring Cleaning

When you regularly clean your home, you might be skipping out on pulling the refrigerator forward and getting under the furniture properly. It’s easy to miss those hard-to-reach spots, but as it’s a new season, you may as well pull everything forward and push the vacuum cleaner underneath.

4. Perform an Inspection of Your Washer

You can bring out the experts for this one if you want to, but your washing machine must get cleaned. Cleaning it properly means that all of the hoses, the drum, and other parts need cleaning. You can check for any minor leaks that can become big problems, and you can end up saving yourself hundreds of dollars just because you cleaned.

5. Clear Out the Vents

From the dryer vents to the bathroom vents, every single ventilation chamber in your house needs clearing. Lint filters in the dryer can cause a fire, but you can avoid it and protect your family and home. With lint filters and vents cleaned, you can prevent fires.

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6. Clean Your Hot Water Tanks

The sediment in the water heater in your house poses a problem. Think about having someone come and clean out the water heater properly so that it doesn’t cause bigger issues. Cleaning out the water heater must be done by a professional, though, to ensure it gets completed correctly. 

7. Clean Out the Closets

The winter blankets, winter clothing, and more in the house that keeps you comfortable and warm all needs to be put away. The summer layers need to come out, and it is the perfect time for all of that to happen. The more you get put away now, the less you have to do later.

8. Call in Pest Control

Have you looked in the attic lately? Animals may have got themselves into your attic and made themselves at home, but that doesn’t mean that they have to stay there. When you call in the pest control companies, you can get the critters that have set up their new home in your roofing space out of there and set traps for any others. 

9. Bring in the Window Cleaners

We talked about repainting the shutters, but for months the weather has taken a toll on your windows. Cleaning the windows and adding window treatments for the summer and spring months will help freshen up your house. Your windows need cleaning so that they are ready for the season, and professional cleaning can feel like a treat when you’ve been doing it yourself for months.

10. Clean the Gutters during Your Spring Cleaning

In the fall and winter, gutters are susceptible to freezing water, cracking pipes, and gunk build-up with sticks and leaves. Your gutters need some attention before summer gets here. You don’t have to shimmy your way up a ladder and clean the gutters out by hand. Instead, you can hire someone else to do it. The gutters need to be cleared out properly so that you can allow those spring showers to flow without damaging your home. 

Get Ready for Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning takes a little time, but that’s why we start early. Get going now, and by the time the long nights come in, your house will be more than ready.

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For the Home Home Outside Fun

Installing A Swimming Pool Is So Much More Than The Main Event

Few things have as large of an impact on your home’s curb appeal as installing a swimming pool. The trouble is that, with the average swimming pool costing somewhere around the $35,000 mark, this isn’t exactly a home improvement you’ll want to jump into without thought.

Yet, no matter how much planning you do for your pool itself, installing a pool is about way more than just the main event. Whether you want some peaceful dusk-based swims or your kids have been begging you for a swimming pool for years, you need to consider the following before you make a decision here. 

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

Installing A Swimming Pool
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Things to Think About When Installing A Swimming Pool

1. Where are you going to put pool supplies?

It’s one thing making room for your pool, but it’s another to ensure that you have somewhere practical for your inevitably long list of pool supplies. After all, going back and forth from the house every time you need to do something isn’t fun or practical. 

Instead, supplies like a pool skimmer, vacuum, net, test kit, and plenty more, need somewhere, preferably a small shed or pool house, in the vicinity of your poolside. Fail to factor for this at the planning stages, and you will likely regret it later.

2. What about safety measures?

If you’re installing a pool to keep your kids happy, then safety measures must be a top priority. Forget that slide and funky design your youngsters have been bugging you about. Instead, factor in things like fencing, dead-bolt locks, pool covers, and waterproofing supplies for your around-pool flooring. These are extra expenses to factor in, but they’re also essential to the success of your pool. Making sure safety measures are in place before you let your kids loose could save lives and prevent you from pulling your hair out. 

3. Who’s taking care of the finishing touches?

It’s easy to fixate on the technicalities of building your pool, but an untouched expanse of pool in place of what used to be lawn or flowers can quickly feel like a mistake if you don’t also focus on finishing touches. Fence planters for flowers, palm trees dotted around your pool area, or even a wooden structure that frames the whole thing are just a few examples of what you could do to change this. Even something as simple as installing a few fairy lights could help. Either way, you’ll want to add finishing touches if you want everyone to fall in love with this pool. 

Installing A Swimming Pool

Installing a pool can be stressful. However, it’ll become even more so if you forget that these additions are what make your swimming pool something great. Do you have any other tips to add? Leave a comment and let us know.