Sunday, 31 December 2017

4 Exterior Home Improvements That Will Sell Your Home

Update/repair roof and improve home’s exterior

The exterior of the home is the first impression you will give to potential buyers. When you clean a home, you clean it top to bottom and when you improve your exterior, you do the same. The roof is going to draw the eye first, especially if it has some sores. If it’s obvious some places within the roof need repairing, patch them. And if the roof has dark spots that you can either pressure-wash or repair, do that. If you can’t avoid the roof problem inexpensively, consider investing in and advertising the “brand new roof”.

Landscaping and curb appeal

Make sightly repairs to the front of the home and frame the walk way and porch with attractive and low maintenance plants, surrounded by an attractive, contrasting mulch. It’s been proven that potential buyers sometimes drive by in the evening or night, so replace and consider adding new lights that will showcase your home nicely. A popular trend that has charmed home buyers has been to paint the door a bright color and change its fixtures to be more charming.

Add a deck

Adding an extra place for a family to gather and make memories, such as a deck, serves all the new residents, no matter their age or interests. For you, it can be an investment that ALMOST pays for itself but may be the element that turns a buyer’s maybe into a resounding ‘yes!’. In the West, you can expect the investment to pay for itself 100%, but in the South, about 90% of the investment is returned upon resale.

Replace windows

If you live in a large city, it’s said that replacing the windows will more than be returned on your investment in the end. Otherwise, the investment typically returns 90% back, however, replacing windows if you live in hot climates does not return as much (62% in the Las Vegas area).

It’s apparent that researching which investments to make is wise. Ask your listing agent for recommendations on repairs and replacements, and do your own online research before making any decisions. If you are on a limited budget for making your home as appealing as possible to buyers, always make the necessary repairs first; leaks, broken windows, structural integrity issues, etc. Home buyers will much more appreciate a structurally sound home than an attractive one!

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Friday, 8 December 2017

Christmas Light Hanging Safety

1. The Safest Supplies

The first step in outdoor holiday decorating is choosing the lights you’ll use. There are traditional string lights, lit-up figures, net lights for trees and shrubs, and large ornaments for hanging from trees. ALWAYS purchase outdoor grade lights. These will be waterproof or resistant and have a tag marked underwriters laboratories (UL) which means that they meet national industry standards. This rule also applies for the extension cords you’ll need. Always get outdoor grade/water-resistant cords and materials labeled for outdoor use. If hanging lights, you’ll need a plastic hook product to wrap them around or hang them on, rather than severing and exposing electrical cords with nails. In point 2, we discuss using the proper outlet for the job. If you don’t already have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet, you can pay an electrician to install one or purchase a portable unit from the local hardware store for 20 dollars or less.

2. A Grounded Outlet

Essentially, a GFCI outlet is a grounded outlet with the capability of shutting off when its overloaded which can easily happen when our family goes holiday-decor-happy. The GFCI should ideally have its own fuse. Having this outlet in place may be the most important element of your holiday decorating safety regimen because in case of an overcurrent, it can prevent your home’s lights from turning off and in the worst circumstances, can prevent a fire.

3. Placement of Extension Cords

Again, make sure you are using outdoor grade extension cords. A lot of these precautions are especially for those who live in extreme cold climates with rain, ice, or snow. When placing extension cords, you want to make sure that they are secured above any ground, water, or snow. This might seem common-sensical, but be sure to avoid high traffic areas where people may be walking. Tape them as necessary to keep them out of the way of anyone’s feet or hands

4. Ladder Safety

The best ladders have a wider spread between the legs, rust-proof hardware, heavy side rails, and a firm stance when opened. If your current ladder doesn’t reach the areas and capabilities you’d dreamed of, you should purchase a ladder that does or alter your vision. When using a ladder, make sure it is locked in place, don’t climb too high (above 2nd step from the top), always be facing the ladder, and don’t place it near doors.

Be safe this and every winter with these safety tips, and have a very merry holiday season from our families to yours!

 

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source https://beneficialroofing.com/christmas-light-hanging-safety/