Home Life

A lot of things automatically become your responsibility when you buy a home. Routine maintenance tasks are high on that ist. They help keep the house running smoothly and can help you avoid costly repairs. Here are five things that every household should do, but that many homeowners overlook.

1. Roof Inspections

Roofs should be inspected at least once every year, no matter what materials they are made with. Be sure to include cleaning the gutters as part of your routine roof maintenance Baton Rouge. That will prevent water from backing up and causing damage.

2. Sealing Outdoor Structures

Wooden structures, such as decks, fences and furniture, needs to be sealed every couple of years to retain their appearance and functionality. There are several ways to waterproof wood, and some of them even give you the option of adding an attractive color at the same time.

3. Replacing Batteries

Chances are there are several important features of your house that rely on batteries. The smoke and CO alarms are prime examples. Make it a habit to replace their batteries about twice a year. That way, if a fire or gas leak were to happen, household members would be alerted to the danger early.

4. Changing Filters

Fitklers remove impurities and keep appliances running more efficiently. In some cases, such as with water or air purification systems, they are the focal point of an appliance. Keeping new filters in place will ensure that things run smoothly and prolong their useful lifespan. A few of the appliances that you should check for a filter include:

• HVAC systems
• Dehumidifiers
• Refrigerators
• Vacuums

5. Cleaning the Dryer Vent

Clothes dryers are one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States. While they aren’t inherently dangerous on their own, vent lines clogged with highly flammable lint can easily catch fire. Either clean or replace the vent pipe at least once per year. A solid, sheet metal vent is less likely to cause problems than the more common expandable type.

Performing proper maintenance including cleaning the gutters, changing batteries and sealing outdoor wooden structures will help your home look better and operate more smoothly.

While it’s easy to neglect your surroundings during the winter months, you’ll notice the results when your property is in dire need of a makeover. That’s why it pays to invest in a professional landscaper who can do the dirty work for you. To help your lawn look fresh after leaving its deep freeze, you’ll want to receive the best landscaping Kent, Washington, has to offer.

Here are a few tips for choosing the right landscape services company to keep your property in tip-top shape throughout the year.

Are They Local?

If you’re looking around for a landscape company, don’t take your search too far. A nearby provider is familiar with your area and knows how to care for the local flora. This knowledge will come in handy if your property features native species that only someone from the region is aware of. Why trust someone outside of your community when you can receive a personalized approach from a local expert?

Are They Prepared?

Anyone can claim the title of a landscaper, but not everyone is equipped with the tools and training to get the job done. A true professional company provides certified individuals who have the latest up-to-date technology. This includes powerful water hoses, green-friendly mowers, and laser-accurate trimmers. Instead of giving your property a touch-up, restore it to its former self with a revitalizing cleanse. Only a company with the best equipment is up for the challenge.

Are They Versatile?

No amount of know-how or innovation can replace the flexibility needed to adapt with the seasons. Perhaps you need to fortify your plants with mulch before winter or prep your flowerbeds for the spring. Whatever the task is, your landscaper should be able to do all this for you. Check to make sure the company offers services for different times of the year. You’ll know you’ve chosen the right landscapers when they prove they can roll with any type of weather.

Toiling away to maintain your property is no fun. Pick the right landscape company, and your property will remain fit every day of every month.

They say that the kitchen and master bathroom can be your favorite rooms in your new home. With the right plumbing and fixtures, that is very true. Here are some guidelines for making good plumbing choices.

Choose Your House Plan

Start with your kitchen layout and make sure you have enough space next to your sink and appliances. Determine the number of bathrooms you want, and if you can fit your laundry room on the main floor — that will save you so many steps!

Construction

It is fun to watch all the progress whenever you visit your construction site. Once the footings and foundation are in place, the walls will quickly start to rise. Even before framing is complete, your contractor will schedule the rough in plumbing and electrical. Once these are in place, take detailed photos of where your pipes and wires are. You will be happy to have these images to reference if you ever need them down the road. Next, the sheetrock will be installed and you will no longer see through the walls into the next room. This is the step when your house really starts to seem real.

Select Fixtures

During the weeks the walls are being framed is a perfect time to choose fixtures. Your plumbing contractor will guide you to the catalogs or online site to find all the selections. Many new homeowners choose to have one finish throughout their home for their fixtures. So if they choose satin nickel in the kitchen, they keep that in the bathrooms. Others choose to have a variety of finishes and styles. They might have antique bronze in the main floor bathrooms and use satin nickel for the basement or second story baths. If you have a farm-house sink in your new kitchen, then you will choose a faucet that will match that style.

Fixture Installation

After the walls are painted, everything will happen so fast. Flooring will be installed, cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms, electrical will be completed with outlet covers and lighting fixtures. Your sinks, tubs and faucets will be installed. Your tile or tub surrounds will be completed. You will be surprised how quickly everything comes together. The biggest choices at this stage are accepting each installation or requesting some changes. Perhaps a different faucet was installed than what you ordered. Now is the time to speak up!

As you plan your new home, it may seem like a dream. Take the time to make educated choices and you will enjoy your home for years to come.

Looking to give your home some irresistible curb appeal prior to placing it on the market? You likely know that curb appeal helps get homes sold, which is why it’s beneficial to get your yard in order before you welcome in any potential buyers. Here are three expert tips to help you turn your yard into an attractive selling feature.

1. Remove Landscaping Debris

When potential buyers tour your home, you don’t want them to think that there are any projects that they have to do themselves. You need to spend some time removing any landscaping debris from your yard, especially some of the major eyesores, including unsightly tree stumps, that can drag down your home’s curb appeal. The experts in stump grinding Palmdale CA take care of this tough job for you, drastically improving the overall appearance of your yard.

2. Create Living Borders

The edges of a yard often receive the least amount of attention when it comes to landscape design. This often makes property lines look unkempt and unsightly. Luckily, you can easily enhance the edges of your yard by planting floral borders. Use a clever combination of herbaceous plants, blooming bulbs and tall grass to create borders with height and texture, impressing all of those potential buyers.

3. Trim and Prune All Greenery

Maintaining your bushes and trees is a major part of keeping your yard tidy. Trim back all plants away from your house, making sure that no branches touch the roof or exterior walls. It’s also helpful to prune all trees, bushes and shrubs to give them a healthy look. It’s an easy way to increase a home’s overall appeal.

Making your home stand out on the market is easier than you might think. Follow these tips and you’ll give your home the curb appeal required to gain buyer interest as soon as you list it.

The winter temperatures in the United States are forecast to be some of the coldest in the past few years. If you are like most homeowners, you work hard to keep the inside of your residence at a comfortable temperature. The only way to avoid the chill of winter is with the help of a functional HVAC unit.

Eventually, you will have to replace your existing HVAC unit. Waiting to replace a unit that is clearly worn-out can cost you a lot of money. The following are some of the reasons why replacing your existing HVAC unit is a great idea.

Avoid Repairs For a While

As a homeowner, you have to get familiar with dealing with repair issues. If you have an old HVAC unit in place, you will have to deal with repair problems quite often. If it feels like you are seeing your HVAC repair man more and more each month, it may be time to trade in your old unit for a modern option. The last thing you want is to waste money on HVAC repairs when you really need a new unit.

If you are tired of dealing with an endless array of heating repair Berlin MD issues, it is time to take action. Working with an HVAC professional is crucial when trying to figure out what type of replacement unit you need. They can help you choose the right unit and get it installed in a hurry.

Save Money On Energy Costs

During the winter months, your energy bill will rise substantially. If you feel like your energy bills are too high, it may be time to think about getting a new HVAC unit. Modern HVAC systems are designed to be more efficient, which can save you money. With the help of professionals, getting a new unit in place will be easy.

There is something so appealing about heading out onto the open road to whatever destination you desire. Here are four reasons why RV travel is growing in popularity.

1. It’s Inexpensive

One great thing about traveling in an RV is that you spend less money. No expensive hotels to pay for, no airfare, and you only eat out if you choose to do so. Staying all night at an RV park will cost you between $35 and $50, whereas staying in a hotel usually costs hundreds. When it’s time to store away your rig, rv parking Lodi has space available.

2. Allows Total Flexibility

Another plus about RV travel is that you are totally in charge of your schedule. If you want to change where you are headed, you have the power to do that. Are you enjoying where you are at and want to spend more time there? No problem. Many RV sites offer extended stay deals that you can take advantage of.

3. Carry Everything You Need

When you are RV traveling, all of the comforts of home are right at your fingertips. The necessities of life are different for each person. Kids may want their video games and favorite snacks. Mom may take her favorite books along and dad his laptop. This is a welcome relief from trying to fit everything you wish you were able to bring along on an airplane.

4. Ideal for Family Bonding

Traveling in an RV is ideal for taking a family vacation. Staying in a campground presents many opportunities for family members to have fun participating in activities together. For example, KOA campgrounds offer playgrounds, pools, bonfires, and volleyball courts for campers to enjoy. You can even bring your furry friends along when you are RV traveling, instead of having to leave them at a boarding kennel.

Final Thought

Traveling in an RV has never made more sense than it does right now, as it is ideal for practicing social distancing. This self-contained form of travel allows you to sleep, cook, shower, and eat in your own space.

Winter is here and with it new weather-related problems. This year, get ahead of the issues by planning ahead and ensuring you have the right tools at hand to save you time and money. Follow this guide for three costly winter-related problems and how to avoid them. 

Electricity Issues 

Losing power due to winter weather is not new news. However, it doesn’t have to be a big problem with the right generator installed. Depending on your area, power outages can go on for days, and this can lead to the risk of frozen pipes and other household damage. These outages are why it is important that you do your research in advance to get your house set up with a generator, so when the lights do go out, they won’t stay out.   

Snow Buildup  

Every winter, the snow comes, and it stays. While it seems harmless at first, snow buildup on your roof can build up to costly damages. As the snow grows, this weight can spell trouble for your roof. This is why you want to install a roof monitor and get a proper roof shovel to help take care of the snow quickly. Without the proper system in place, you are at risk of a cave-in from the weight, costing you thousands. 

Frozen Pipes

You may not worry about frozen pipes, but you should. Whether you have insulation problems or you don’t have the thermostat at the right temperature, pipes freezing can be expensive and time-consuming repairs. Thankfully, with some prep work and awareness, you can avoid frozen pipes this year. Start by looking in vulnerable spaces, such as your attic. Then look for signs such as frost on the pipe as this could indicate a problem. By being vigilant, you can catch the freeze before it is too late. 

Stay safe this winter and don’t forget to be alert.  

 

If you’re a property manager, you may be researching the benefits of energy star products. There is certainly a higher initial cost to installing energy star products and appliances; however, it’s important to remember that these types of products save you money in the long run. Upgrading windows is a common improvement project because of the return on investment. Here are the top four reasons to install energy star windows in your apartment buildings.

1. Added Protection for Valuables

Old or single-pane windows allow harmful ultraviolet in each day. Over time, UV light causes fading and discoloration. As a property manager, it’s important to protect your valuables. Energy star apartment windows Ocean County NJ reduce the damage to your floors, drapes, furniture and paintings by up to 75 percent. With multiple apartment buildings, the savings to your valuables certainly adds up.

2. Increased Comfort

Even though you’re not living in the apartment buildings you manage, you want your renters to enjoy their home so that they will stay longer. Simply put, increased comfort increases the likelihood of your renters staying. Aside from the people inside your home, comfort is a close second priority. Ensure that your renters enjoy a comfortable home by installing energy star windows.

3. Lower Energy Bills

Most apartment buildings require that renters pay for utilities. Energy star windows are proven to lower energy bills by up to 12 percent annually. Even though you may not see these savings, your renters will definitely appreciate this benefit.

4. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions caused by a person. Carbon dioxide emissions are harmful to the environment. Because you likely own several apartment buildings, you can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions by installing energy star windows.  

Energy star windows are beneficial both personally and professionally. Consider installing energy star windows in your next project.

When you want to update the flooring in your house, a natural consideration is a wood floor. They are a popular choice that can enhance the beauty of your home. Once you have decided on a wood floor, you need to pick what kind of floor you want. While there are many options available, none are as unique and spectacular as Jamie Beckwith Flooring. Here are a few things to keep in mind when narrowing down which floor type you’d like to install in the various rooms of your home.

Many flooring collections offer unique patterns. You are no longer limited by strips and planks that are linear. Modern and intricate patterns available today are pushing the boundaries of the typical wood floor you will find. These patterns can be used for all of your flooring or just a section with a rug inserted in it. You can mix any of the patterns or add in color to make it even more unique. Unique flooring patterns can even work on an accent wall if you’re looking to extend the pattern beyond the floors. Interesting patterns to consider are jigsaw, hive, sextant, and many more interesting designs. 

Etched patterns are also growing in popularity. The floor is cut, sanded, stained and then hand finished with a hard oil wax that does not contain VOC. This is a treatment on a wood floor that allows you to add your own style and flair. Some of the options include a pop option, which is curved and circular shapes connected and look different from anything you have seen on a wood floor. There is the option to etch text, symbols, emojis, logos, and hashtags on the floor. This is a great way to bring your wood floor into the digital age.

Have you considered putting wood planks on your walls to give them depth and pattern? Adding unique wood designs to a wall is a creative way to improve the walls of your home instead of sticking to the usual paint and wallpaper. No longer will you be surrounded by boring walls in your house. You can opt for a rustic look and feel that is reminiscent of an old cabin, or you can aim for a sleek, modern look that is clean-cut and fresh. 

No matter what patterns or styles you gravitate towards, installing wood flooring is an excellent choice due to the material’s long-lasting properties. The best thing about wood floors is the many options available so you can customize the look and feel of your home before you even begin selecting furniture and decor pieces. Start with the flooring and walls and you’ll be inspired to pull together complete rooms that suit your style. 

The oil and gas industry is responsible for just over 10 million jobs here in the United States and brings in around eight percent of the country’s gross domestic product. As hundreds of billions of dollars are invested in this industry every year, it is important to protect those working in the field, as well as the equipment, from unexpected loss or damage. Corrosion is a sneaky little element that can be blamed for over 25% of the failures that occur within the oil and gas industry.

The Damage of Corrosion

What you might see as a bit of harmful rust can have a massive, devastating impact on the integrity of the materials and equipment of one of the nation’s largest industries. Whether it is found in the refineries, in production lines, during the drilling process, or riding along with elements of transportation, implications of corrosion estimates to around $1,372 billion a year. Much of this is found in damage to surface pipelines and facilities (around $589 million), with another $320 million relating to capital expenditures to address the impact of corrosion.

The Solution for Corrosion

Although the industry relies on different equipment types (such as an anodizing tank) to protect the integrity of specific contents, there are other factors that can help mitigate the damage that rust and corrosion can do. As new material combinations continue to develop, equipment will need to be upgraded to add additional protections. The impact of the process also contributes to the presence of corrosion, and both protective coatings and inhibitors need to be used together to alter the environment to be more rust-resistant.

Billions of dollars are wasted each year as a result of the damage corrosion does to the oil and gas industry. More extensive research in anti-corrosion operations and materials can help improve both efficiency and financial stability for the industry and those companies dealing with the natural decay of metals.