Obtain A Loan To Home Builder Your Own Home

Home Improvement

The Process

Choose your Home Design

Browse through our product range on our website to find a home that suits your lifestyle and budget. Use the home finder on our website to filter our range with your requirements. Another way you can explore our home designs is to take a virtual tour of our many display homes online.

Explore our Display Homes

to find inspiration for your home and to discuss your requirements with one of our New Home Consultants. We maintain a great range of single storey and two storey homes on display to suit a range of lot sizes, all of which are conveniently located in leading land estates and prime locations

TIP: If you’re considering buying a block of land, why not ask one of our new home consultants for a free assessment of your block before you purchase it?

Looking for Land?

Take the stress out of finding a block of land and a home to match with a fixed price home and land package. We have made finding your new home easy by partnering with some of the leading developments

Do you own a block of land?

If you already own a block of land, we’ll provide advice on all aspects of choosing a floor plan that fits your block size and suits your requirements, facade options available to give your new home additional street appeal, and what inclusions you would like for your new home. We can also provide you with a fixed price for your new home with zero to pay up front

 

CRUCIAL TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST-TIME HOME BUILD

Building a home will likely be one of the largest projects you ever take on. It can be emotionally and physically DRAINING. I know this from first-hand experience, and I’m making it easier for you by sharing my CRUCIAL tips for your first-time home build below.

HAVE AS MANY FINISHES PICKED OUT AS POSSIBLE BEFORE YOU BREAK GROUND

Choosing finishes (e.g. home exterior materials or flooring) early will keep your build process on time and running smoothly. You will find that some finishes are on backorder or have a long ship time. Other finishes may no longer be available, so this allows you time to go back to the drawing board and make a different selection.

Picking out items early allows for the products to be in your builder’s possession as soon as the subcontractors are ready to install. Believe me … you want things ready to go when your subs are ready to work on your home. Otherwise, you might wait a long time while they complete another project.

BE PREPARED TO GO OVER BUDGET (BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A LOT)

Everyone says ‘YOU’LL GO OVER BUDGET’ … and I agree to some extent. HOWEVER, I was able to stay VERY close to budget because I was extremely clear with my builder about the caliber of finishes I wanted BEFORE he priced our custom home.

IF YOUR BUDGET IS TIGHT, LET YOUR TOP PRIORITY BE YOUR GUIDE

If you have a tight budget, focus on elements of your future home that are most important to you. If you are more interested in fancy custom details in your home (e.g. window seats, crown molding, high-end appliances, custom cabinets, etc.), then focus your budget on the finishes rather than square footage.

 

TIPS FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME

If you have been dreaming about building your dream home, it is time to make them into reality. Building a custom home can be a daunting yet exciting experience. Realizing a dream comes with many challenges. However, all of these can be addressed by one simple thing — careful planning. So, if you’re ready to make your dream home a reality,

Choose the Right Builder For You

Choosing the best is not enough. Sometimes, it is about choosing the right one for your needs. A builder may be the best in building regular custom homes, or they can be better for building a green and sustainable home. In some cases, you can find a local builder that’s both. That’s why you should look for the right contractor who will help you achieve a sustainable home. Looking for builders specializing in green homes is not hard, you just have to look at the right places. Still, you have to make sure that your builder is trustworthy and reliable before signing on the dotted line.

If you have several home builders bidding for your home project, don’t always go for the lowest bidder. You have to take into consideration that sometimes, builders will lower their costs just to win the bid. This means you wind up getting what you pay for, and your dream home will suffer from lower quality materials and workmanship. Some builders will give you a lower bid but charge you later on with add-ons.

Work with a Lawyer

When you build a custom home, you are going to invest good money in it. You have to make sure that all your hard work will produce results. Aside from working with the right contractor, you also have to hire a trustworthy lawyer to take a look-see at your construction contract. Make sure all your bases are covered. Sometimes paying a small attorney fee is enough to save you thousands of dollars if anything goes south during the construction

Check the Lot

Before deciding to buy land, don’t forget to investigate the community. Knowing the crime rate and local amenities is an excellent way to start your investment before you purchase land. It also helps to know the history of the area in case there is a red flag you would want to know about. Choose an area that has easy accessibility to schools, commercial districts, and restaurants.

 

Guide To Buying A New Construction Home

What You Should Know About Buying A New Construction Home

Most of the tips for buying a home are directed to people who are purchasing an existing home. However, some buyers do not want to live in a pre-owned home, and they would much rather have a brand new property. This type of purchase comes with its own set of challenges, and the rules that apply to pre-lived homes are not necessarily the same for new construction. If the thought of buying a new construction home intrigues you, read on for more details.

If you are planning to purchase a house that is just built or are building a custom home, there are some steps you need to take to ensure the property you buy works for you and your family. Follow these tips for buying a new construction home to not only make the process as easy as possible but also to ensure you find a quality builder to create your dream home.

How to Identify a Good New Construction Home Builder

Finding a good builder can be a long and drawn-out process, with plenty of scars to bear if not done correctly. Your home is your everything, so you need to be sure that only qualified and professional builders come into contact with it. There are phone books, cork boards and an internet full of builder names, but how do you know if any of them are the right ones for your build?

Get Recommendations

There is nothing quite as effective as recommendations from trusted colleagues, friends, or family when you are looking at buying a new construction home. Ask around and the put word out that you are actively looking for local builders. Within a short amount of time you should have some reliable referrals from your sphere of influence.

Builder Websites

When you are looking for your next builder, unification sites can be very helpful. There are two market-leading websites that offer a database of builders alongside recommendations. One of them, MyBuilder, relies on clients to provide searchable feedback about their builder and the workmanship once the project has been completed. Each builder’s rating is determined by how positive their feedback is.

 

First-Time Building Mistakes to Avoid

Building a new home is a dream for many people. Getting exactly what you want in your house is the end result — you hope. But challenges will face you through many of the steps. Mistakes, delays and Mother Nature happen, and sometimes your patience or checking account runs low.

To avoid some pitfalls of building a new home so you come out on the other end with all smiles,  two home building experts talk about what to avoid and what to watch for during the entire process.

Production builder

This is someone building from a pretty predetermined plan and options. You don’t get to change anything. The good thing with production home is that you get to walk through a model home, and you get a quick delivery. You can visualize what you will get. It’s usually cheaper, and they are usually national builders and building a mass quantity of homes.

Semi-custom builder

This is typically a local or regional builder. You start from a plan. You can make edits and customizations. You can walk through a model getting the benefit of seeing what it could look like. It’s a little more expensive than a production builder house and it might take a little more time.

Custom builder

The biggest difference from the other two is the builder designs around your lifestyle. The other is you designing your life around the home, says. Custom homes start from a blank slate. The disadvantage is you can’t see the house. You can look at plans and see a 3-D plan to get an idea, but you can’t walk through the house. This doesn’t necessarily make it more expensive, though. If you have a good building partner and you have a budget, the builder will help you craft the home and not go over your budget.

There Are Many Benefits To Plastic Residential Roofing Sheets

Roofing

RESIDENTIAL ROOFING

WHAT WE DO

INSTALLATIONS, REPAIRS, REMODELS, & CUSTOM DESIGN OPTIONS AVAILABLE. ARE PROUD MANUFACTURERS OF MOST OF PRODUCT OFFERINGS.

Roofing & Construction has extensive experience in residential settings, luxury projects, commercial and industrial applications, and specialty work. No matter what the project, Roofing is dedicated to providing quality roofing to their customers. Their experienced team provides a superior roof product no matter what the setting or application.

It is important to make sure that your residential building has the best roof as it is among the vital parts of any home. A new roof means a lot for every homeowner. Installation of a new residential roof is done either during the construction of the residential building or even during the replacement of an old roof with a new one. It is, however, important to understand that residential roofing does not only benefit the homeowners but also the home sellers. Some of the top reasons why residential roofing is very important to both the homeowners and the home sellers are discussed below

One of the significant benefits that make many people go for good residential roofing services is because of the high level of attractiveness the services bring to the whole place. Good residential roofing services therefore greatly help to promote first impressions to the various friends that come to visit you. To the home sellers, residential roofing is very important as through a good curb appeal it promotes the fast sale of the property. By installing a new roof to your residential building you also increase its value.

WHAT WILL A NEW ROOF SYSTEM COST?

The price of a new roof system varies widely, depending on such things as the materials selected, contractor doing the work, home or building, location of the home or building, local labor rates and time of year. To get a good idea of price for your roof system, get three or four proposals from reputable contractors in your area. Keep in mind that price is only one factor, and it must be balanced with the quality of the materials and workmanship.

 

Roof Types & Styles: The Best Roofing Materials

If you’re planning a new roofing project for your home, you may be wondering which roof types and styles are best. In this article, going to take a deep-dive into your options, eliminating confusion and helping you to choose the roof that’s right for you.

WHICH ROOF TYPES AND STYLES ARE BEST?

No single roof type is best in all conditions. The roof you choose depends very much on your circumstances

A couple of things to consider before selecting a roof product:

What type of product is currently on your roof?

If you have an asphalt shingle roof or a wood shake roof, you will need to install a product that is less than 6 lbs per sq. ft.  If you have a standard weight tile, you can install almost any product because the structure was designed to handle the load of 10 lbs per sq ft.

What type of product is in your neighborhood?

Your neighborhood will tell you a lot about the type of roof you can install.  For example, if you live in a homeowners association and you have a tile roof, you will most likely have to stick with tile.  If you live in a predominately asphalt shingle neighborhood, asphalt shingle would make the most sense.  If you notice a good mix, then it really is your call.

Another question to consider is how much of your roof do you see?

The look of your roof can have a tremendous impact on the curb appeal and thus, the value of your home.  If much of the roof is seen from the ground, it makes sense to lean towards a higher-end product.  If, however, you have a gable roof and can hardly see your roof, there is no real need to spend extra money on a luxury product you can’t see.

Asphalt shingles

Figures indicate that more than 70% of US homes use asphalt shingles. It is a common roofing material, and for good reasons. Asphalt is not only highly affordable, but it does a great job protecting your home from the elements.

What’s more, it looks good too, and with modern additives, you can customize the color to match the rest of the exterior of your home.

 

Metal Roofing

Benefits of Metal Roofing

Residential metal roofing is one of the fastest growing segments of home improvement – more than quadrupling its market share over the past decade. The benefits offered by today’s metal roofs allow homeowners to upgrade their homes with products of lasting value

Metal Roofing Pros and Cons

Identifying the pros and cons of metal roofing for your specific application will, of course, include special challenges and considerations, unique to your home or building project. As a place to start

Environmentally Friendly Roof: The Classic Solution

Let’s take a look at a few reasons why a Classic Metal Roof the most environmentally friendly roof you can buy.

Energy Savings from a Cool Metal Roof

Review a study presented by a homeowner in Indiana after his new energy-efficient cool metal roof was installed in early 2011

A Metal Roof is a Fire Resistant Roof

Metal is a safe and environmentally responsible choice for a fire resistant roof. Classic Metal Roofing Systems is the leader in producing fire safe roofing for residential applications.

 

Roofing Company

Roofing & Repairs

roofing contractor specializing in residential roof replacement & repair. In addition to replacing your entire roof, also repair leaking roofs and broken shingles offer complete roof packages including new fascia, and soffits

Roofing commitment is based on integrity, communication and professionalism. are fully licensed and carry up-to-date WCB, liability insurance. are certified to work with both GAF and architectural-laminate shingles.

Roofing & Repairs believes in providing and area roofing clients with an industry leading quality experience from start to finish. Unlike many roofing contractors, don’t load material onto your roof several weeks before commencing a job; process is much different

Usually, within a few days of deciding on the colour of your shingles, load your roof with the appropriate roofing material, set up dump trailer, then team shows up the next day (sometimes even same day) to install the shingles.

Once your shingles are completely removed from the roof, we install galvanized drip edge all around the roof perimeter. This not only protects the deck edge from rot, but also helps water come off your roof into the eavestrough drain system.

 

THINGS TO EXPECT WHEN YOU CALL ROOFING

Roofing is one of the leading companies in central specializing in commercial and residential roofing services. Providing top-quality roofing services while meeting the needs of each customer is a top priority at Roofing.

PROFESSIONAL & COURTEOUS CARE

Building a brand on honesty, integrity, and outstanding roofing services is always the primary goal at Roofing. Offering professional and courteous care from your first phone call to the completion of the project is a core trait of working with each employee at Roofing

EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE & HISTORY

Roofing is a family-owned and operated company with over twenty-five years of experience in helping homeowners across central. believe in the importance of honesty, integrity, and quality service.

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP

Always providing top-quality workmanship is one of the highest concerns at Roofing. Besides residential and commercial roofing, also specialize in siding, gutters, and insulation for customers in central.

Take Advantage Of Your Home Builder Experience And Expertise When Designing Your Dream Home

Home Improvement

How do I start my own home builder business?

Construction is one of the top industries for startups; however, it also has one of the highest rates of failure. 63.6% of construction companies close within the first five years, whether due to a lack of business knowledge and experience, lack of finances or lack of planning.1 You don’t have to be one of them.

Researching your market, drafting a concrete plan for how you’ll run your business and getting help can ensure that you have a strong foundation to grow your business on. It can also help you avoid the pitfalls that so many new construction companies run into. So where do you start?

Research your local market

Your first question should be whether a construction company is even a viable option in your area. After all, if the construction market is already oversaturated and customers are happy with the current local companies, it might be hard to get a foothold in the industry, let alone create a successful business.

So start with market research. You’ll want to know how many local construction companies are already operating in your area, what they specialize in, how much they charge, and what their reputation is. Coupled with this, you should also have a similar understanding of your potential customer base — how many of them are there, their median age and status, their interests, etc. Knowing these things can help you develop a better business plan and give you a competitive edge for when you finally step out onto the playing field.

Write your business plan

After you feel you have a good understanding of your local market, you can begin drafting a business plan. This is one of the most important documents you’ll create when first starting out as it can help you keep your business on track and increase your likelihood of success. This plan is also what you’ll give to lenders to help source funding, which means it’s incredibly important to be detailed and put all that market research to good use.

Putting Together a Construction Business Plan

Standard business plans will include the following:

  • How you’ll structure and manage the business
  • What kind of services you’ll provide
  • What types of jobs you’ll bid on
  • Who your target market is
  • The number of employees you’ll have starting out

Register your business

Once you have your business plan together, it’s important to register your business to make it a legal entity, which can provide personal liability protection, legal benefits, and tax benefits. Registering your business is usually as simple as registering the name of your company with state and local governments. However, as not every state may provide them automatically, you should also take the extra step to register your business on the federal level to get your federal tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN). This will also allow you to trademark your business name and logo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

 

Find the right licenses & permits

After you’ve registered your business, it’s time to get your licenses and permits in order. Depending on your state, the location of your business, the size of your company, and even the type of construction you plan to do, you’re likely going to need some type of license or permit to operate legally — on both the federal and state level.

Federal law requires permits for certain business practices, from transportation to drilling and mining. For example, there are special permits required for oversize/overweight vehicles. That means that if you’ll be transporting building materials, prefabricated walls, or equipment you could need a permit. For federal permits and licenses you can simply select your business activity on the federal licenses and permits page on the SBA website.

Secure insurance & liabilities

While you’re considering licenses and permits, you should also start thinking about insurance for you and your employees. Given the dangerous nature of many construction jobs, making sure you’re covered in case of an injury is vital. Accidents happen, and it’s important for any construction business owner to make sure they fully understand all the possible liabilities involved. Even if you aren’t ready to commit to a complete contingency plan at the start, you should at least have a realistic idea of what it would look like for your company if something were to happen.

At the very least, most states and construction contracts will require you to carry valid workers’ compensation insurance. But you may find you need general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, auto insurance, and builder’s risk insurance as well. So the sooner you start planning, the better it will be for you.

 

Promote Your Home-Building Services

Once your company is registered and licensed, you can build a team and start marketing your services. Partner with real estate agents, interior designers, architects and other business professionals. For example, you can join forces with a real estate agent who sells land and engage in cross-promotion. Don’t hesitate to take on smaller projects in the beginning because this will make it easier to build a strong portfolio and establish your reputation.

Another thing you can do is to use your compliance as a selling point. Many home-building companies are not fully licensed. If yours complies with the law, you have a competitive advantage. Mention this fact in marketing materials and when bidding on projects.

If you’re targeting local homebuyers, advertise your service on the radio, on TV and in newspapers. Set up advertising campaigns on Facebook and Google to reach local prospects. As your custom house-building company grows, add customer case studies and photo galleries to your portfolio and share it on your website and social media pages. Put your logo on the company’s cars, create architectural 3D renderings and virtual tours and use your website as a communication tool to inform and attract potential clients.

 

How do professional builders make money?

This probably won’t come as a surprise to you… contractors are in business to make money.  They have employees, tools, vehicles, insurance, and advertising to pay for and on top of that, they must support their families.  So, how do professional builders make money and what are the typical margins?

The new car you bought probably had a 50-100% markup over the cost to make it.  In fact, most of the products you purchase have a similar markup over cost.  But for some reason, we don’t like to pay those margins for a new home.

Base House

So, let’s look at the different ways a professional home builder makes money.  First, they make money on the basic cost to build the project.  If we are talking about building a home, we call this base house cost.  This is basically the cost for building the basic home before the customer adds all of their personal touches.  A typical builder gross margin for this is 15%.  When you think about the risk, cost, and time involved in most projects, this is actually a fair deal.

Standard Options

The second way contractors make money are on the items you decide to change during the pre-planning stage that are typical in nature.  A few examples would be adding a recessed can light or an additional hose bib.  These require nothing special to price out and install as long as you choose them prior to pulling a permit.  The markup on these typically range from 30-50%.  For example, if a recessed can light costs the builder $50 for the electrician to supply and install, the cost to you will typically be somewhere between $65 and $75.

 

Custom Changes

The next type of option that builders make money on are what we call non-standard options, or special options.  These are custom options that involve drawing a plan, estimating quantities, bidding, and sometimes include hard to find, expensive products.  These changes can be very time consuming, can be difficult to estimate accurately, and they can involve products that may be hard to get and are easily damaged or stolen.  These special custom options typically come with a 75-100% markup.

Late Changes

The last type of change is the one no contractor wants to deal with.  These are the late change orders that come after construction has begun.  These involve plan changes, bidding, permit changes, tear outs, on-site management, product order changes, and delays.  The true cost of this type of change can be analyzed by breaking down the overhead costs from delays, the additional management time to implement, communicate and supervise the change, and the additional labor and material to do the actual work.  The late change should be avoided at all costs as you won’t be happy with the price you pay in both time and money.

Overall Builder’s Fee

So, what is a fair price to pay your contractor to take on the responsibility of completing your new home on time, per your budget and specifications, and in a quality fashion?  An overall gross margin for the professional home builder of 15-20% is typically a fair price.  If this seems high to you, you may want to explore options where you actually take on some of the responsibility for the success of the project.  If you build your own home, you can do some of the actual labor yourself to save even more money.

Important Tips For New Hardwood Flooring

Flooring

How to keep your hardwood floors looking fantastic

New hardwood floors — or restored old ones — can be a beautiful addition to your home. But they’re also a huge investment. You can make that investment last longer with some simple care tips. Here’s how to keep your hardwood floors looking great, long after the installation or renovation

Start with a clean sweep

You need to sweep hardwood once a day, but your typical broom isn’t going to cut it. Invest in a dust mop such as the O-Cedar Dual-Action Microfiber Sweeper (which is what I use) or something similar. These mops have wide heads that trap dust without making micro scratches in the floor’s finish.

Be sure to push the mop in one direction and swivel to turn. Don’t lift the head of the mop off the floor until you’re done. If you lift the mop prematurely, dust and lint will be released into the air and you’ll need to re-mop the area you just finished.  I learned this trick when I was a school janitor cleaning gymnasium floors way back in the day.

Keep it dry

This may be counter to what you’ve learned about housekeeping, but don’t use wet mops or steam mops on your wood floors. The moisture can damage the finish and may even harm the wood after a while, according to the National Wood Flooring Association.

Instead, use a cleaner that’s made for wood floors. Many of these products are formulated to work with the type of finish you have on your floors, so make sure you read the labels before you make a purchase.

 

Hardwood Floors: The Good, the Bad, and the Conclusion

They say that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Although we are strictly optimists, here at Trinity Surfaces, we also respect facts. And, the fact of the hardwood floors matter is: there are pros, cons, and horror stories to boot.

The upside of hardwood floors

Obviously, the beauty and allure of hardwood floors are the first things that come to mind. If hardwood is your thing, isn’t it difficult to imagine your taste being swayed in another direction? Even a vast list of cons doesn’t hold water when you see results like

Whether you’re a type-a, tidy person or someone who suffers from allergies, sticking with hardwood flooring allows for a cleaner space. Carpet is proven to harbor bacteria, dust, and other unwanted flooring stowaways.

The risks of hardwood floors

If you live somewhere with rough winters, hardwood flooring can be something you love six months out of the year but loathe the other half of the time. These types of floors can get extremely cold, and oftentimes, their beauty gets covered up with furniture or an area rug to prevent frostbitten feet!

Overall, hardwood floors = worth it

We put it to a vote, and sides with hardwood! When you weigh the pros and cons, there is a lot more to benefit from [than not] by having beauties

 

HARDWOOD FLOOR COLOR TRENDS THAT TOP DESIGNERS ARE LOVING

If you’re a commitment-phobic shopper, choosing interior flooring can feel like a never-ending process. While trends like linoleum and shag carpet (eek) went out of style as quickly as they came into it, hardwood flooring has—for centuries—been a failsafe choice for any and every aesthetic.

EUROPEAN WHITE OAK

“I love warm lighter woods for the floor. I think this has been and continues to be a big trend in home design. My favorite wood species is a European White Oak; in a wide plank (above 9’’). It adds the perfect balance of organic texture and modern warmth to any space.

DARK CHARCOAL

“We love a dark charcoal wide plank wood floor to ground a space and keep it looking rich. We custom blended three Minwax stains to get our favorite shade of charcoal without any red or orange hue’s coming through. The combo was Ebony and Dark Walnut with a touch of Country White.”

COOL BROWN WALNUT & YELLOW OAK

“I’ve watched clients and showrooms shift away from the cool gray finishes that were so popular for a couple years, and move towards wood tones that seem closer to their natural state. Personally and professionally, I’m also gravitating towards white oaks with yellow undertones, walnuts in a cool brown, and distressing only if authentic. Less is more. Except for chevron and herringbone…then the more the better.”

BRIGHT PAINTED HARDWOOD

“Bright painted hardwood floors are warm, soft, and forgiving when you drop something, and you can repaint them whenever you feel like it! I personally don’t have a favorite color because I paint my hardwood floors at home every 2-3 years to experiment and keep things fresh. I prefer colored hardwood floors especially in the kitchen as they generally have large amounts of tile and stone in them already (backsplashes and counters) and metal materials (appliances, pots and pans). This is a great solution when you may be looking for a material to soften a utilitarian space that most people spend the majority of their time in.”

 

Should You Use Hardwood Floors in Kitchens and Bathrooms?

Hardwood floors offer a number of benefits. They are both incredibly beautiful, and incredibly easy to clean. They are a great option for allergy sufferers as carpets can aggravate symptoms. Even homeowners without allergies can enjoy the seamless look of hardwood flooring.However, water can easily damage or warp these types of materials. So, is it a good idea to install hardwood floors in kitchens and bathrooms? Freshome asked several experts, including designers, realtors and water damage restoration experts to weigh in on this topic.

Pros of hardwood floors

believes that hardwood floors make an excellent choice in the kitchen. “Hardwood flooring is stylish and sustainable, comes in a variety of natural colors, and doesn’t absorb dust or debris, making it easy to clean and maintain,” he says

“Wood also adds a comfortable, livable feel to a space due to its warmer color palettes and natural essence.”She admits that liquids are the enemy of wood floors.  “If left too long, the wood can swell or stain so it is important that spills are cleaned up quickly.”

She agrees with Davis that you should wipe up spills as soon as you notice them. “Small spills, noticed later, will not damage a wood floor; however larger spills, such as a leaking icemaker in a refrigerator, or leaking dishwasher, most likely will damage the floor, especially since leaks often appear under the appliance,”

Wood and water do not mix, so wood flooring cannot be 100% sealed –  it expands and contracts with heat, humidity and moisture.”As a general rule, she says, hardwood floors in the kitchen or bathroom only face problems from leaks. “If you live in a house with a wood frame, you would have a problem regardless of the damage to the floors in an situation like this,”

 

HARDWOOD FLOORS & FLOORING

Whether its hardwood flooring, composite wood flooring, tile, or linoleum, your floors are more than just somewhere to put your feet. Check out these articles to see how to protect, maintain, restore, repair, and appreciate this beautiful and valuable part of your home.

Nobody would disagree: Cleaning aged or dirty surfaces isn’t a homeowner favorite. But with these floor cleaning tips, you can take an unpleasant but necessary task and turn it into a job well done.

MAKE THE JOB EASY.

If you have hardwood floors throughout the home but tile or laminate in the bathroom and kitchen, choose a cleaner that works as a maintenance solution for all of them. A mix of warm water and detergent does a good job of removing dirt on many kinds of flooring.

USE THE RIGHT TOOLS.

Some appliances do more harm than good. A soft mop won’t damage the floor, but abrasive tools like a non-hard-surface vacuum can

DO THE JOB AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE.

Cleaning your floors regularly helps to avoid damage from the dirt and debris that accumulates from dirty shoes and other everyday activities.

What To Remember About Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Health

Preparing for Your Surgery

Any surgery, including elective plastic and cosmetic surgery, has risks and the potential for complications. If you are healthy to begin with, it will improve your overall experience. Here are tips for you to consider if you are thinking about having a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.

Mental Preparation And Peace Of Mind Before Plastic Surgery​

Having a good mental attitude, realistic expectations, and patience makes a world of difference both before and after surgery. When you approach your surgery with the proper mindset, the procedure and your recovery go much smoother.​

  • Your mental health needs to be at its best. Patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental issues could experience an exacerbation of their symptoms from medications and the stress associated with surgery. Stress and pain can trigger mental issues. Surgery is not recommended during times of high stress, such as divorce, death, and when dealing with other stressful social and psychological issues.
  • Keep a calm perspective. This is elective surgery and you are healthy. We are dealing with skin and tissue movement – this is not open-heart surgery. Millions of people undergo plastic surgery every day with easy recoveries and excellent results. It is not helpful to spend hours online researching potential plastic surgery complications and bad outcomes.
  • Do your homework. Make sure your plastic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and view many (not one or two) before-and-after pictures of his or her work so you know your doctor can deliver results you admire. Bargain shopping when it comes to your health and body is not OK in this situation.

Your overall health

Good candidates for cosmetic surgery are women and men who are:

  • physically healthy and at a stable weight
  • interested in improving their physical appearance
  • have realistic expectations
  • non-smokers.

If you are working on losing a substantial amount of weight or planning a pregnancy, consider postponing your cosmetic surgery until you have reached your goals. Significant fluctuations in weight after surgery will diminish your aesthetic improvements. Losing weight before surgery will also reduce your risk of complications.

 

Dietary Considerations When Preparing For Plastic Surgery​

Food and liquid consumption can impact your ability to undergo a safe, effective surgical procedure. When preparing for plastic surgery, be mindful of certain dietary restrictions and considerations, such as:

  • NPO: This means Nothing Per Oral – no water or food, usually after midnight before your surgery. Food or water in your belly risks aspiration from anesthesia. Your surgery will be cancelled if you stop at Starbucks on the way to the surgery center and have a pumpkin spice latte.
  • Meals: Follow a soft diet and avoid heavy meals for a few days preceding the surgery. Have soups and soft mild foods available for after surgery.
  • Hydration: Stay well-hydrated before and after surgery. Electrolyte solutions like Gatorade are best.
  • Caffeine use: If you are regular caffeine or coffee drinker, continue to drink black coffee or soda after surgery. This will decrease symptoms or a headache that can occur from caffeine withdrawal.
  • Medications: Prescribed medications such as blood pressure medicine, heart medication, or Valium can be taken the morning of surgery with saliva in your mouth. It is fine to take your normal migraine or tension headache medicine if approved by Dr. Brown. Again, no aspirin, Motrin, or ibuprofen.

 

Vitamins to take before your plastic surgery

  • There are several vitamins to talk to your surgeon about taking prior to your surgery. Please take a look at the below information:
  • Vitamin A – taken in too large of a dose, this can cause several maladies you’d rather not deal with right now. Be sure to get a recommendation from your surgeon or patient representative for this. Vitamin A is important to the healing process as it plays an important role in collagen production and formation as well as aiding in protection against bacterial and viral infections.
  • Vitamin C – you’ll want to take this prior to your surgery as the surgery itself will deplete your body’s vitamin C stores. Taking it before and after the surgery significantly reduces your healing time. Also, Vitamin C is a is an essential element in collagen production which is important for healing wounds of any type as well as a means to boost your immune system.

 

Do Not:

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the morning of your surgery.
  • Do not wear makeup, lotions or perfume to surgery.
  • Do not wear fingernail polish to surgery.
  • Do not plan to drive yourself to or from the procedure.
  • Do not wear jewelry.
  • Do not bring valuables.

Do:

  • Do wash with an antibacterial soap the night prior to or the morning of your surgery.
  • Do arrive at the surgical facility on time.
  • Do arrange for transportation to and from the procedure.
  • Do wear loose fitting clothes that you do not need to pull over your head in order to put on or take off.
  • Do have a parent or guardian accompany you if you are under the age of 18.
  • Do leave your valuables at home, but bring your ID and method of payment.
  • If you wear artificial fingernails, please do remove the fingernail on the index finger of your right hand so that we may attach the monitoring equipment properly.

 

Why should i stop drinking before my plastic surgery

There are a couple of reasons, one is very obvious but others are less so.

  • Alcohol thins your blood – we all know this. During surgery and the recovery process, it’s important that your blood is as close to normal as possible. The process itself, of course, involves cutting and moving skin, tissue, and sometimes muscle – this all results in bleeding. If your blood is thinner than normal, or thinner than expected, the surgeon may have a harder time stopping unexpected bleeding. For this reason alone, most surgeons will simply refuse to work on a patient who has not followed their instructions in this matter.
  • Alcohol also causes your skin to dry out and this is an obvious problem for plastic surgery as well as the recovery period. Dry skin is harder for the surgeon to work on, harder to staple, harder to stitch and more likely to form visible scars. The recovery process is also compromised as the dry skin just won’t heal as well.
  • There are many other reasons to stop drinking before and after your Plastic Surgery in accordance with your surgeon’s directions – your surgeon will, I’m sure, explain these in detail if you ask.

How Important Is A Reputable Dog BiteLawyer

Legal

What kind of lawyer handles dog bites?

Most personal injury lawyers should be able to handle a dog bite injury case, and you typically don’t need to worry about finding an attorney who specializes in “dog bite defense” cases as opposed to one who handles work on the plaintiff’s side.

Familiarity with general fault concepts like negligence and with the specific rules that might govern dog bite cases in your state should be sufficient, and most qualified injury attorneys should have that, at a minimum.

You may be wondering how a personal injury attorney might be compensated if you decide to hire one to defend against a dog bite lawsuit. In many situations, your homeowners’ insurance policy will kick in to cover the costs of defending a lawsuit over a dog bite, especially when it occurred on your property. So the insurance carrier should pay your legal costs, and the insurer may even choose a lawyer to defend against the claim.  (Learn more about personal injury cases and homeowners’ insurance.)

There may be a few valid arguments you (and your attorney) can raise in response to a claim that your dog bit and injured someone. In states that follow a “one bite rule,” you may be able to argue that you did not know (and could not have reasonably been expected to know) that your dog might end up biting someone. You might also be able to defend against the injury claim by showing that the person who was bitten was actually provoking your dog, or that the person was trespassing on your property at the time the bite occurred. Learn more about defense strategies in dog bite cases.

 

Getting a lawyer is not the same thing as suing.

A good attorney knows how to present a case to an insurance company so that the claim gets resolved without it going to court.

At least 98% of bodily injury cases settle out of court, without a trial. Therefore a person who retains an attorney is not making matters worse, but actually is probably ensuring that the claim will be handled more quickly and efficiently.

An attorney is the only person who can evaluate a claim on behalf of a victim. People do not publish photos of their injuries accompanied with the dollar amounts of their settlements. Therefore an injured person will not be able to find a free and reliable source of information as to how much money he deserves. Attorneys without experience have a rough time settling cases; victims who are not lawyers must simply guess.

Adults frequently lose time from work when they recover from an accident. A claim for lost income requires proof from the victim’s employer. It is better for a lawyer to get it because it must contain not only the basic information about the number of hours or days lost, but also some important evidence on related points such as causation, fringe benefits, and work reviews.

A victim who is disfigured may have a very, very substantial claim for loss of future earning capacity, based on sociological and psychological research. Proving an earning capacity loss is considered to be a specialize topic even among lawyers, and is completely beyond the ability of an accident victim. Since this can be the largest portion of the loss over the years, it is essential that an experienced attorney handle this for the victim.

A lawyer uses his own money to get official, reliable copies of medical evidence and billings, engage a photographer to take photos of the victim, hire a private investigator to learn the history of the attacking dog, and retain a nurse consultant to review and summarize all of the medical evidence. This usually costs between $1000 and $2000 for every claim. Clients are not asked to pay for any of these expenditures until money is received on the claim (except in several states that do not allow lawyers to do this on a contingency basis). There is no reason for injured people to use their own money for this purpose, especially because they frequently have already lost time from work because of the accident.

 

How Do I File a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

Dog bite cases are relatively straightforward as compared to other personal injury lawsuits. To understand how dog bite lawsuits work.To file a claim against a dog owner, use the information above to establish that the owner can be held liable for the incident. The injuries that you endure must be the direct result of the dog bite.

Damages

After establishing a liable party, make a list of all current and future costs resulting from the injury. These costs may include:

  • Medical Bills
  • Expected Future Medical Costs
  • Lost Wages
  • Permanent Scarring
  • Rehabilitation
  • Permanent Disability

 

Choosing a Strategy

If your state doesn’t have a dog-bite statute, or if it doesn’t apply in your situation, you may be able to sue under the common law rule or a negligence theory, discussed above.

To win under a common law (one free bite) rule, you must prove that the owner knew (or should have known) that the dog was likely to cause the kind of injury suffered.

The third option, trying to prove a dog owner was negligent, is usually desirable only if there’s no dog-bite statute to sue under, and it doesn’t look possible to prove, on a common law theory, that the dog’s owner knew the dog was dangerous.

In some states, time limits on filing lawsuits may differ depending on the theory of the lawsuit. For example, in Arizona, lawsuits under the dog-bite statute must be filed within one year of the incident. But an injured person who sues under a common law theory has two years to file a case.

 

Potential Effects Of Dog Bites

Dog bites can inflict serious injuries. Even if these wounds fully heal, they may leave scars and require weeks or months of rehabilitation.

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog or attacked by another animal, you may be eligible to seek compensation for:

  • Medical
  • Bills
  • ScarringDisfigurement
  • Lost Wages
  • Pain and suffering

Finally, dog injury cases do not solely include animal bites. For example, incidents of being knocked down or an injury  from having to run from a charging dog may place liability on an owner.

How To Choose A Wedding Videographer

Events

Do I really need a videographer for my wedding?

We all learn from mistakes, but you probably don’t want to test that theory on your wedding day. After all, you want your wedding day to go off without a hitch. So, to ensure everything goes just as you envisioned it, we asked real brides to reveal their biggest wedding planning regret. From not speaking up to skimping on their cake budget, take a tip or two (or seven!) from these fellow ladies who have already walked down the aisle and said “I do.”

Not Specifying Who’s Invited on the RSVP Card

“Although it was written on the envelope, we had numerous people add on significant others we didn’t even know existed and children that we’ve never met before. My parents wouldn’t let us un-invite them because they thought this was rude.”

Doing Without a Wedding Planner

“My biggest regret is not listening to my instincts to hire a wedding planner. Don’t get me wrong, my wedding was beautiful, but being a perfectionist, there were minor details that were missing. For example, the music I walked down the aisle to wasn’t cued on time. I would encourage brides to a least get a day-of planner who can make sure last minute things are handled properly.”

Letting the Wedding Planner Do It All

“I hired a wedding planner, who was wonderful, but I just let her do most of it and didn’t keep track and it ended up that certain things weren’t the way I wanted them. I think it’s crucial to hire a planner if you have time constraints. However, if the event side of your wedding matters to you, you also have to make sure that the lines of communication are open and that your hands are in that pie. If you don’t get involved and check in on things that are important to you, you could end up disappointed.”

Trying to Please Everyone Else

“I was so worried about doing things the way our parents wanted them done that I didn’t speak up and really explain the things that were important to me. I ended up with a beautiful wedding that didn’t feel authentic to me. Looking back, I wish our wedding reflected mine and my husband’s personalities and not our parents’.”

Not Hiring a Videographer

“We splurged on a top-notch photographer and opted not to hire a videographer for budget concerns. After the once in a lifetime night was over though, I was so sad to know that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to relive any of those special moments again. I now recommend to everyone I know to make sure they somehow capture some of the event via video.”

 

The Phenomenon of Wedding Haze – You’re Going To Forget Your Wedding

Even though your wedding day is all about you, it is also about planning a large, complicated event for a huge amount of people. In many cases it can quickly become overwhelming as you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the moment.

Your big day is full of hundreds of tiny decisions, setbacks, and new challenges that essentially have to be managed by the wedding planner, the maid of honor and best man, and the groom and bride-to-be. This means that there is an immense amount of pressure for everything to be running smoothly.

On your wedding day, you wear many hats, and sometimes the event planner hat ends up getting worn even more than the bride or groom hat. Because of this, many couples years down the line admit they never really got the chance to really sit down and appreciate all the beautiful moments that were occurring throughout the ceremony and reception.

This is when hiring a wedding videographer really comes in handy. Being able to cozy up with your new spouse on the living room couch and look over the wedding footage, beautifully edited together by professionals, allows you both to look back on the beautiful ceremony, embarrassing toasts, and happy memories with family and friends.

 

What You Should Know Before You Book Your Videographer

Find the right videographer to get that critically acclaimed, action-packed, tearjerker wedding video.

A videographer combines the skills of a documentary filmmaker with the eyes of a movie director, and when it comes to capturing the spirit or shaping the story of your wedding day and consider these things before you book.

Viewing Vibe

The first question you have to ask yourselves is how do you want the video to feel? Would you prefer it to be more cinematic—a movie telling the story of your wedding day—or more like a documentary? This choice between a cinematic and documentary style will be the filter through which you make all other decisions, from whom you hire to how the day is filmed and the footage edited. But don’t feel like you have to commit to one or the other—many videographers these days use a combination of both styles in the finished product.

Camera Cues

Two types of cameras can be used when shooting video: DV (digital video) and analog (non-digital). Analog was standard until DV technology became more affordable—DV is now much more widely used, and the advantages are clear. Digital produces crisp, pristine images where the color and skin tone rendition is flawless. Better yet: The cameras are significantly smaller than analog, can be handheld and are twice as sensitive to light as analog, meaning that free-standing, blinding room lights are a thing of the past. (On-camera lights are still required to illuminate faces, however, and smaller, handheld off-camera lights are used when staging a specific shot—backlighting a veil, for example.)

Tag Team

You may see ads for companies that offer both photography and videography services. Besides a cohesive look to the final products, there are other advantages to this approach. For example, two people with different agendas may jockey for position or get in each other’s way, whereas two people who work as a team can look out for each other and keep in touch about what’s happening. And with one less vendor to worry about, it’s also easier on you. Another plus is that still images taken by the photographer can quickly and easily be added to the video. You may even get a discount if you book both with the same company. If not, ask about getting free extra copies of your video for family and friends.

Sound Bites

The person who wears the wireless microphone varies. During a church ceremony, a wireless mic is usually attached to the groom behind his boutonniere—the bride’s dress prohibits this—and if the church is large and full of echoes or there are readings, a mic on the podium is advised. What if your ceremony is outdoors? Everyone will have to have microphones, including the groom, readers and musicians. Luckily, some cameras can receive sounds from up to eight different mics at once.

 

Reasons Not To Have A Wedding Videographer

The videographer uses annoying lights!

All videographers use light on their camera or set up room light at the wedding reception. Have you ever been to a wedding where the mood was set, candles were beautifully lit and all of a sudden…BAM! room lights go on and the ballroom is bright or there is a harsh light staring you in the face? With the technological advances and DSLR cameras such as Canon, Sony, Panasonic and Nikon the need for massive amounts of light is unnecessary. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when you must have light to enhance the details of the film, but not to the extent that the guests have to wear sunglasses in the ballroom!!

SOLUTION: Find out how they use lighting throughout the day. If it doesn’t match your expectations, see if the videographer can make adjustments to meet your needs. Let’s say you love the videographers work, but don’t like extra lighting. Keep and open and honest line of communication with your videographer for the entire wedding process.

I HATE those video interviews at the reception!!

There are companies that incorporate video interviews when creating a film and they are wonderful! You are hiring that company in order for them to weave the interviews into your video and that’s awesome! I’m referring to the videographer who goes from one table to the next at the reception and asks people to “say something on the microphone”. Unless you request interviews make sure the videographer doesn’t do them. People are attending the reception to have a good time, relax and unwind. The last thing they want is for some videographer to stick a microphone in their faces. Many people are uncomfortable on camera and don’t like to speak, not to mention the added pressure of having the entire table watching as you speak! Let’s not get into the drunk friend who I’m sure will have some great things to say on camera.

SOLUTION: Make sure you speak to your videographer and are aware of the interviews before your wedding day. Ask him or her if they interview the guests. If they don’t interview your friends and you want that included just express that as well.

 

The videographer is Always in the Way!!!

I’ve spoken to brides on many ocassions who were “on the fence” about a videographer because they attended a wedding and the videographer was, as they put it, “in the aisle for the entire ceremony” OR “a distraction all day”. The videographer who stands in the middle of the aisle for the entire ceremony or stands on top of you (five feet away) during the toasts, first dance, ceremony, etc… Again, there are instances where this can happen, but, the videographer can always zoom in and not have to get in your face all the time.

SOLUTION: Talk to your videographer when you hire them and find out if their approach is the right for you. If you want a Ninja Cinematographer like me, then make sure you get that. Remember, there has to be a good fit between you and your videographer.

My Photographer doesn’t like working with most videographers!!

There are some fantastic videographers who will take some alone time with the couple to create the film the bride and groom expect from them. That’s great if it’s planned before the wedding day. I’m referring to the videographer that starts to pose their shots of the bride all day and before the photographer has finished taking pictures!! Many photographers offer their own video services because they don’t want to work with other videographers that are annoying. Many photographers I’ve worked with have told me that they’ve had bad experiences with videographers on the wedding day.

SOLUTION: Have the photographer and videographer speak before the wedding day so there is a clear understanding and expectations. Have them talk to each other or add yourself to the conversation, so everyone is prepared for the event

Sewer Inspection Saves The Pocket

Plumbing

Necessity of Sewer Line Inspection and Its Procedures

As homeowners, we’re all familiar with routine inspections and maintenance on various systems within the household. Routine maintenance for a plumbing system is especially crucial. And one residential system, the sewage line, must definitely be carefully inspected and maintained by a professional. You may know that the sewer line can be the costliest of home repair jobs. Well, that’s partially true. And you cannot rely on municipal services – the city won’t cover the expense. Sewer line inspection could save both your home and wallet.

Sewer Line Risks

The most significant risk to your sewer line is tree roots. Over time, trees and shrubbery may grow around sewer pipes or through the pipe walls, causing damage, rust, breakage or significant leaks. In doing this, the roots cause serious debris backup, sending sewage into your home or bursting the pipe outright.

These scenarios are problematic. The moment you notice the telltale signs of a tree root intrusion or sewer line backup, you’ll want to schedule a sewer line inspection. Using innovative technology, a professional plumber can locate the blockage or leak – and begin planning a solution.

Camera Inspections

The latest advancement in sewer line inspection comes in the form of camera inspections. A sewer line camera inspection is non-destructive. A camera inspection will gauge the overall health and strength of your pipes – without risking any further damage. Once a plumber locates the problem area, a proper plan for effective repairs may be formulated.

 

What a Sewer Camera Inspection Can Do

While a sewer camera cannot find leaks, there are certain situations where the camera alone is effective.

Locate Lines

Sewer cameras have location devices that send out a signal. Using a special signal receiver above ground, our plumbers pinpoint where the camera is underground.

Drainage or Stoppage Issues

We call this your “sewer is not working as it is designed to work.” Sewer pipes work using the power of gravity. The pipes flow downhill so when something goes into the pipe—waste, debris, water—it flows or drains down through your piping system and ultimately ends up at your city’s waste treatment center or septic tank, depending on your particular situation. However, if something is causing your system to not work properly, in most cases we can use a sewer camera to determine what is causing it. Often in cases like these we find stoppages, blockages, roots, mud, broken pipe, etc.

PVC or Cast Iron Pipe

We determine what type of system you have by running a sewer camera inside the pipes.

 

Video Inspections Are The Best Guarantee!

A plumbing professional can provide a video inspection of your drains,

in addition to clearing any blockages. Should your drain unfortunately

be in need of additional repair, other options include

hydro jetting, relining or replacing the sewer.

Hydro jetting involves using high-pressure spray (up to 4,000 PSI) to remove

debris and other obstructions that may be causing the line to slow.

If relining the sewer is required, one advantage to this option is that

it doesn’t involve digging. The resin-soaked liner attaches to the

inside of the sewer as it hardens; resulting in a solid piece that won’t

shift or crack over time.

Although older style sewer pipes were cast iron or clay, modern sewer replacements

and repairs are PVC. Once the pipe is installed, the trench is re-filled,

and the lawn is seeded and covered with straw. Most of the time the end

result is better than the yard was in the beginning.

An Inspection Identifies Problems Before It Becomes An Expensive Fix

Dealing with sewers is something no one likes to think about until they

have a problem that can’t be ignored: a clogged bathroom or kitchen

drain, a child’s toy that is flushed down the toilet, or tree roots.

Having a plumber service perform a video inspection today will identify

any potential problems before they become emergencies and provide homeowners

with peace of mind.

 

The Various Methods Used in Pipe Inspection

When was the last time you physically examined your drain or sewer pipes? Probably not any time recently, right? Most people don’t make a habit of digging up their sewer system to make sure that it’s in good condition. That’s why pipe inspection is used. Pipe inspection is a vital part of keeping your drain and sewer system in good condition, because it allows you to identify problems with your pipes. Without it, your only feasible option for repairing issues would be to wait for them to manifest obvious symptoms before taking action. That would give the problems much more time to develop, which would mean more repair costs.

There are a wide range of different pipe inspection methods used across the country today, each of which is useful in a different set of circumstances. Which method is used is up to the plumber handling your system, of course, but it’s still a good idea to know a bit about how they work.

Pushcam Inspections

A pushcam inspection is the simplest, and most popular method for conducting a pipe inspection. The system consists of a camera attached to a long cord. The camera is pushed through the pipe that requires inspection, sending a live video feed back down the cord to the plumber operating it. This is a quick and easy way to get a good look at what’s going on in the pipe, though it’s not the best for every situation. Pushcams have no real way to maneuver in the pipe, so if there is a branch line that needs examination this method would not work.

Lateral Launch Cameras

A lateral launch camera is used when a problem is suspected in a branch line, or when the system needs to be more thoroughly inspected than by just viewing the mainline. A lateral launch camera is pushed through the main line, just like a pushcam, until it reaches the branch that needs inspecting. The system can then launch a second camera into the branch line in order to continue the inspection. This is a popular method for getting a clearer picture of the overall health of the pipe.

Solo Robot Cameras

The most recent method for conducting pipe inspections is solo robots. These machines are not physically manipulated by the operator during the inspection procedure. Instead, they are programmed with the desired parameters for the pipe they’re going to be used in, and then deployed to act out their orders on their own. Solo robots continually send video and other information back to the plumber, but the plumber doesn’t need to actively give it instructions for the duration of the inspection. Once the pipe inspection is complete, the robot wheels itself to the nearest location where it can be retrieved.

 

During the Sewer Camera Inspection

Upon arrival, the technician will have to look around to locate plumbing lines and access points so we ask that any pets on the property be restrained.

If any of the interested parties are present, they are welcome to view the video while in process. While making the sewer lateral inspection video, the technician will discuss what they are seeing in the line and if it is open and in serviceable condition.

There are times when the technician may not be able to see the entire sewer lateral due to a blockage or damage. Therefore, the sewer camera inspection will need to be rescheduled after the proper corrections, such as cabling or access to the stack, have been made.

Tape and flags may be placed on the ground surface to mark the location of damage or blockage found in the line. Please do not move these markers.

Simple Touch Up Solutions For Your Damaged Interior Painting

Painter

How to Increase Property Value by Using Paint

For most homeowners, making improvements is an important part of owning their own place. Not only will this make the house more comfortable to live in, but for most, it will also increase the overall value. While many changes can be made, some can be quite expensive and require weeks to months of labor by professionals. If you’re looking for an easy update, then try painting your home. This is an easy and affordable way to increase the overall value while improving the beauty of your residence.

To increase property value using paint, the tips below can help. You might be surprised that it’s one of the easiest ways to truly improve your home and make it better than ever. Even if you don’t plan on selling right away, fresh paint can make all the difference with your love for your home.

Start with the Outside

Curb appeal is one of the most important factors in selling a home and making it look desirable to potential buyers. If your paint is chipped, faded, or a bright color, then you’ll want to have it painted right away. In most areas, neutral colors with coordinating trim are by far the most attractive. This can include gray, beige, brown, white, navy blue, and white.

While it can be tempting to try to save money and paint on your own, this is not recommended. Instead, it’s best to hire professional Painters to ensure the painting is done the right way. With our expertise, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the paint will look beautiful once it’s done. Better yet, having professionals is a much safer choice because they come equipped with experience and safety equipment.

Try New Colors

The interior paint colors in your home don’t have to be boring stark white. In fact, many buyers don’t want plain white walls when they look at homes to purchase. While neutral colors are the most aesthetically pleasing, you can have Painters add in accent walls with bold colors for a more customized look. Some of the best colors to use are soft blues, gray, beige, or off-white. Beautiful complimentary paint colors will immediately make the look of your home more modern, welcoming and can even increase resale value if you’re looking to sell.

 

Paint the Trim

If the paint on your home’s trim doesn’t look nice, it can take away from the overall look of your newly painted walls. To avoid this, have the trim carefully painted by a professional with attention to detail. This should be done on the exterior trim around the windows and interior baseboards on the walls throughout the home. Although this can be painstaking work, it’s well worth it for the improved look it can offer.

Update the Bathroom

Over time, the paint inside of your bathroom can become discolored with water, soap, and toothpaste stains. Fortunately, you can cover these up by applying a fresh coat of paint within the space. Bathrooms should generally be painted white, creamy white, light blue, or any other light color that will make space look bigger and brighter. However, charcoal or brown can be used if there are a lot of white accents, such as white-trimmed mirrors and a white vanity.

 

Paint the Shutters

Installing new shutters in your home can cost thousands of dollars, which is easily out of budget for many homeowners. Fortunately, you can transform the look of older shutters by having them painted by a professional. This will make them look fresh and brand new so your entire space looks lighter and brighter. In most homes, white is the best color to go with when it comes to these window coverings. It will match any paint color on the walls and look great from the outside as well.

Update the Front Door

Your front door can be a welcoming accent piece that adds a unique and fun touch to the look of your home. Try going with a color that pairs well with the exterior paint colors used in your home. This can include blue, red, or even black. Although this may seem bold, it can improve your home’s appearance and give it a more customized look.

 

Professional house painting can increase your property value

Your home is your most prized possession and it is likely to be your biggest investment. Increasing the value of your home is an obvious choice for many people. Instead of making costly renovations (such as remodelling, building a new garage or building a pool in your backyard), why not opt for a less expensive, yet equally appealing upgrade – such as professional house painting? Whether you are planning to sell your home in the near future or stay in it for another few years, a professional paint job will increase the value of your home.

What is the condition of your paint?

The look and feel of a residence is widely influenced by the paint job. Is the paint fresh, vibrant and new? Or is the paint old and cracking? Your home’s paint will deteriorate over time due to weather, smudges and everyday use. Not only will a fresh coat of paint affect the perceptions of outside visitors (such as valuators and potential buyers), but it will also influence how you and your family feel when entering your home. Some of the benefits of hiring a professional painter include the following:

You can live in your home while it is being painted. If you are working a full-time job, you will probably have to stretch the paint job over a few weekends in order to get the job done. Hiring a professional painter relieves you of these duties, as they can take care of the painting while you are at work and get the job done in the minimum amount of time.

Eliminate errors. Not every person has all the correct tools and equipment needed to pull off a professional paint job. Reduce the amount of inconsistencies and errors by hiring a team of professionals that do professional house painting on a daily basis.

 

Proven Ways to Increase Home Value

Making your house more efficient, adding square footage, upgrading the kitchen or bath and installing smart-home technology can help increase its value.

Make it more attractive

Curb appeal — how your home looks from the street — is your first chance to make a good impression, A home’s exterior needs to make a prospective buyer want to walk through the front door.

Make sure existing landscaping is well-maintained. If your yard seems dull in comparison with your neighbors, consider planting flowers or repainting the front door.

Once the exterior looks good, focus on the kitchen and bathroom. When these two rooms are outdated, they can keep a property from reaching its highest valuation, And you don’t have to spring for heated towel racks or marble floors, either. A minor kitchen remodel recoups 81% of its cost in added value on average, versus 53% for an upscale kitchen remodel with stone countertops, custom cabinets and commercial-grade appliances, according to Remodeling magazine’s “2018 Cost vs. Value Report.”

The same is true for bathrooms; a midrange remodel — new flooring and a few updated fixtures — delivers a 70% return on investment, while an upscale bathroom remodel — heated flooring, custom cabinets and designer fixtures — sees 56% on average.

Make it low-maintenance

Since many home buyers worry about buying a home that will need constant maintenance, replacing a major component before putting it up for sale — like the furnace, water heater or even the roof — may calm fears of an emergency repair in the near future and help get you a higher price.

Improvements that make things easy to clean and maintain may also increase home value. Consider replacing easily stained carpet with hardwood floors or replace high-maintenance wood siding with vinyl siding.

Make it low-maintenance

Since many home buyers worry about buying a home that will need constant maintenance, replacing a major component before putting it up for sale — like the furnace, water heater or even the roof — may calm fears of an emergency repair in the near future and help get you a higher price.

Improvements that make things easy to clean and maintain may also increase home value. Consider replacing easily stained carpet with hardwood floors or replace high-maintenance wood siding with vinyl siding.

Make it bigger

“Square footage has a huge impact on value,” Price per square foot is one way she helps clients compare homes that are similar in style and upgrades.

Bigger homes often command higher values, and even if an appraiser doesn’t officially acknowledge the full value of added space, a buyer will likely notice.

Adding a room is the obvious way to make your house bigger, but you can also create additional living space by finishing the basement or building a deck.

How Mold Remediation Works

Home Inspection

Protecting Your Home from Mold Damage

Mold can be difficult to see and even more challenging to get rid of. That is why it is a good idea to do all you can to stay on top of home maintenance to do everything possible to prevent mold damage from happening in your home. Here are some mold prevention tips for managing risk factors associated with the most common causes of mold.

Maintain plumbing in your home

Leaky or broken pipes are among the most common causes of mold in homes. The owner of a property should be aware of the age and condition of plumbing and stay on top of maintenance to prevent issues. An annual inspection by a licensed plumber is recommended, regardless of the age of your home. If your home is vacant during the summer months, especially during monsoons, it is a good idea to have someone check on the property to ensure you are not developing any issues.

Regularly inspect your home’s roof

Roof leaks are another common culprit for moisture that causes mold. Damage may occur at any time due to severe weather or falling tree limbs, but homes are especially susceptible during monsoons. If you suspect any damage after a strong storm, arrange for inspections by a roofing service as quickly as possible. Identifying damage sooner rather than later may reduce the risk of a leak damaging the roof, insulation, or interior of a residence. It is also a good idea to have a simple inspection done once a year, preferably before storm season.

Address water damage quickly

Cleaning and restoring damage caused by water as quickly as possible is the most critical mold prevention measure as standing water is the ideal environment for mold growth. Mold growth can begin within just 24 to 48 hours after damage occurs, so it is essential to act quickly. Restoration specialists will extract water, clean, and dry the affected area to reduce the risk of secondary damage. While you might be able to sop up small water issues, larger flood and storm damage needs a pro to address

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as mold removal

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors, and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible, so do not believe a cleaning service that promises to remove all mold spores from your home

 

MOLD REMEDIATION

What is the mold?

Mold is very common in buildings. There are many different types of mold, and they can occur both indoors and outdoors. Mold grows in places with a lot of moisture, and everywhere that food is provided for them, such as your walls, carpet, floors, appliances, or furniture. Also in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and crawl spaces.

Types of mold

Rhizopus stolonifer is one of the more common types because it is found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Alternaria is another type of mold and it causes allergies in humans. Alternaria grows indoors and it also causes hay fever or hypersensitivity reactions that sometimes lead to asthma.

Aspergillus is found indoors, powdery food items, and building materials such as drywall and parquet

Penicillium can be found in a variety of places, including water-damaged structures as well as various foods.

Cladosporium is another type of mold that can grow in either warm or cool areas.

How to prevent it

Dry things thoroughly before storing them for a long time.

After showering always open the bathroom window

Use aspiration whenever you cook

Ventilating house every day by opening doors and windows

Ensure to keep moisture in control because it’s level should be under 60 percent.

How to get rid of mold

If mold is spread in lesser areas than 10 sq. feet follow these steps:

Wear proper gear when cleaning.

Try a mixture of bleach and warm water.

Use vinegar.

Use a borax solution to kill and inhibit mold growth.

Try using baking soda, either in a paste or by itself.

Hire the best team to do it

If the mold covers 10 or more square feet you should call a professional team to deal with. Using professional mold removal services is the best way to get rid of mold because the process will be quick and efficient and the living environment in your home will be fresh again.

 

HOW TO DEAL WITH BLACK MOLD AND RECOVER FROM MOLD POISONING

TEST FOR BLACK MOLD AND MYCOTOXINS

Mold can grow in your home for a variety of reasons. If you notice any of these things

you may want to test for mold:

Musty smell

Water damage, soft/wet walls, bubbling paint

Leaking pipes

Discolored wood or walls

Unexplained fatigue

Trouble concentrating

Sudden mood swings

THE DIFFERENT BLACK MOLD TESTS

The first thing to do is verify that you have black mold. Symptoms of mold exposure are almost identical to other fatigue issues, like Lyme disease and chronic fatigue syndrome. And because mold can grow behind walls as a result of burst pipes or water damage, it’s often hard to pinpoint where mold is in your home.

Otherwise, you have a few different options when it comes to testing for mold in your home:

Mold culture test. This test includes a petri dish with a swab. You expose the petri dish to either the air or, through the swab, a specific area in your home, and then you cover it and let it sit for 48 hours. If you get lots of growth in the petri dish (particularly black growth), you have a mold problem. If you get little to no growth, you’re okay. Mold culture tests are fast and cheap (under $10, plus a little extra if you want to send the culture to a lab for analysis). A mold culture test is a good option if you suspect mold in your workplace or school. The downside is that the test won’t tell you where mold is — only if mold is present. Here’s a good mold culture test.

ERMI test. Environmental relative moldiness index (ERMI) testing will tell you with much more specificity what mold is in your home and how big of a problem it is. ERMI tests will run you $200-$300.

CLEAN BLACK MOLD AND GET RID OF IT FOR GOOD

Once you know how bad your mold problem is (both in your environment and in your body), it’s time to get rid of the problem.

Clean mold yourself. If your mold problem is small and visible, like caulking around your bathtub, you can get rid of it yourself. You just want to make sure you use the right cleaning solution. Bleach won’t kill mold entirely, and as the chlorine in bleach dissipates, the bleach turns into water, which creates the perfect environment for new mold to grow. Cleaning vinegar (stronger than kitchen vinegar) will kill mold, as will industrial chemicals like Moldex. Always wear a P100 respirator so you don’t inhale mold spores while you clean. Goggles are a good idea too, and a full body suit for larger mold infestations.

Get rid of mold-contaminated items. Clothing, carpet, drapes, caulking, and paper goods like books and files will all absorb mold spores and can cause new mold growth. If they’ve been in an area with black mold, get rid of them, or in the case of cloth goods, get them professionally dry-cleaned. Throwing out belongings is a bummer, but it’s better to be safe than to have to deal with a new mold problem all over again.

Professional mold remediation. If you have water damage or major mold contamination in hard-to-reach places, hiring a professional is your best bet. Mold remediation can be expensive, but professionals have the tools to find and eliminate all the mold in your entire home.

 

I Found My Dream Home And It Has Attic Mold, Now What? Don’t Panic.

Mold spores are floating in the air all around us. They don’t “grow” until they can attach themselves to a moist surface. Attic mold tends to go undetected because the attic’s not a place a homeowner spends much time hanging around in – so when attic mold turns up on a home inspection, it’s often a surprise to both buyer and seller.

If you find mold in the attic, first, take a breath. Mold in these areas isn’t a significant factor in indoor air quality, and truthfully, most molds are relatively harmless to humans. Visible mold is ready to be remedied and doesn’t require costly testing. What you don’t want to do is leave mold untreated, because the materials the mold has attached to can cause issues with timber and framing integrity. In the attic, mold can degrade drywall, spread to the ceiling below, and even cause problems with your roof’s life expectancy.

Causes of attic mold

Attic mold occurs in the attic primarily due to the accumulation of moisture from condensation in the gap your attic fills between your warm house and the cold air outside your roof. Improper ventilation in the attic is actually worse in newer homes.

Eradicating mold for good is a two-part process

Now that you know the mold in your dream home’s attic is caused by a moisture issue, you might want to thank the mold. Why? Because it has helped you identify the more serious problem of water intrusion. Cleaning up the mold and making sure it doesn’t have the right environment to grow will be the key to a healthy, structurally sound home.

First, clean it up

A professional mold removal company will do just that – remove the mold. According to the EPA, the purpose of mold remediation is to remove the mold to prevent human exposure and damage to building materials and furnishings. This means all visible mold staining and the root structure “hyphae” of the mold must be removed. Unfortunately, even dormant mold can act as an allergen. Encapsulation or painting over the mold is not a recognized method of mold remediation by the EPA.  Protective barriers or anti-microbial paints have a limited shelf life and fail over time if the moisture source has not been appropriately addressed.

 

What I Should Know Before Hiring Mold Removal Help

If you have mold in your home, it’s essential that you take steps to remove it as soon as possible. Just like a bee sting is dangerous to some, mold can also be hazardous for specific individuals, and it isn’t healthy for your property either.

Everyone knows that mold removal can be a daunting task to take on. It’s hard to know where to start or how to get mold remediation done without spending a significant sum of money, right?

Should you test for mold?

In most cases, pre-testing will not be necessary. Mold is a pretty simple thing, generally speaking, and if you can see it, you don’t need to waste time and money in having it tested. You need to focus on having it removed and bringing indoor air quality back to a “normal” condition.

Mold of any type has no place being in your home if you want your home to be a healthy indoor environment. Having pre-testing done to determine the species and type when it is always going to be recommended to be removed regardless of the type is, in our opinion, a waste of time and money. Now there are certain circumstances where we do believe testing is very beneficial

What can I expect to pay for mold remediation?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. How much you can expect to pay for mold remediation depends on how much removal is necessary, what needs to be removed, the size of the area needing to be contained off, and the difficulty of building the containment chamber. Essentially the more mold, the more work and the higher the price, although it is fair to say that many jobs can cost $1000 or more.