Why Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than They Should Be

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Homeownership can get expensive, and some of the most frustrating expenses are the utility bills that can sneak up on you. Sometimes even when you feel like you are doing everything you can to keep your energy costs low you can receive a high utility bill. Understanding what causes those spikes in cost can go a long way towards helping you to keep costs low and run your home more efficiently.

Unclean Energy

While a lot of focus is put on renewable energy sources, some of those sources can seem unattainable for regular homeowners. However, energy supplies that come from fossil fuels or general electric plants can be more expensive than their cleaner alternatives. If you do have a home that relies on unclean energy sources, it may be worthwhile to look into upgrading your energy sources so you can get off the grid and live more affordably. Installing solar panels can be expensive upfront, but it can also save you money in the long run and even help you to earn money from your community.

Lack of Insulation

Even if you have a great ventilation system and are using reliable and clean energy sources, you can lose a lot of energy if your home isn’t properly insulated. Insulation can save you up to $1,500 in energy bills every year. Old windows, doors with gaps, and uninsulated attics can all help you to lose energy and end up spending more on your energy bill each year. By upgrading your windows, doors, and insulation, you can keep the heat in your home in the winter and the cool inside during the summer. It will also decrease your costs as you will no longer be paying to heat the air outside your home as well as in.

Constant Drains

One of the things that can lead to higher energy bills is small appliances that are constantly plugged in. Though things like stand mixers, toasters, and lamps may not waste a lot of energy on their own, the energy they lose together can add up. It is a good idea to unplug small appliances when they aren’t in use so that you don’t lose energy and pay for energy that is wasted. Figuring out where energy is being wasted in your home can help you to manage costs more effectively and cut down on waste.

Having high energy bills can be a stress on your wallet and on the environment. Staying on top of your energy costs and cutting down on waste can help your budget and the environment, so you might as well get started.

Read this next: How to Avoid the Pitfalls of DIY Home Improvement

Simple Home Fixes You Didn’t Know You Needed

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With all the extra time you’ve been spending at home, you’ve likely had one or two things brought to your attention that needed fixing. And, since you probably had a lot more time on your hands at home than normal, those projects may have even gotten done. Still, the list of home fixes that need doing is virtually never-ending. Some of them are incredibly simple, yet may very well have been things you didn’t even know you needed to do.

Concrete Patches

If you’ve lived in your house for a long time, or if the house has just been around for a while, you may have noticed that the concrete surfaces of your driveway and sidewalks have become cracked. The issue with cracks in concrete is that they tend to grow, especially during winter conditions. Florida isn’t prone to getting snow or freezing conditions, which is what can really accelerate cracks in concrete, but getting water in them can still cause them to grow larger. You can address cracks in your concrete by using concrete patches to fill them. If you catch the cracks before they grow too big, using concrete patches to repair your concrete surfaces is something you can handle on your own.

Window Tinting

Have you ever walked into a brightly lit living room and found yourself squinting because of the natural sunlight pouring in? It’s not comfortable, but of greater concern is the damage that the sun could also be doing to your furniture and carpets. Sun tends to have a bleaching effect on a variety of surfaces, including those in your home. Window tinting can protect your furniture and carpets from fading. It works by absorbing and reflecting the sun’s UV rays. In addition to protecting your belongings from fading, window tinting can also give you a boost in energy savings by helping you regulate your indoor temperature better. It’s pretty simple to install yourself as well. Make sure the glass surface where you’re applying the film is clean. Cut it so it is the right size for your window and remove the adhesive backing. Apply it to the window starting from the top and working your way down. Remove trapped air bubbles as you go and let the film cure. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions for curing and installation for best results.

Spackling

Your home is bound to accumulate a collection of holes, dents, and scrapes over time. Whether you bump into the wall a little too hard with something a couple of times or have rambunctious kids running around, it’s kind of inevitable. While perfectly normal, those blemishes can cause problems if you decide you want to paint your walls. Painting works best on clean, smooth surfaces, so it’s important to address them before you get going. Fortunately, spackling can be an effective method of repair. Spackle is a putty that is designed to repair holes, small cracks, and other minor defects in the wood, drywall, and plaster surfaces. Spackling walls is fairly simple and leaves you with a surface that will be better for painting by the end of it.

Door Curtain

If you have glass on your doors, you’ve probably enjoyed the benefits of the extra natural light they let in, but may not be so keen on the lack of privacy or the drafts they can let in from time to time. Try adding curtains to your door to solve both those problems. If you still want to allow natural light in, choose curtains that are light and maybe even slightly transparent. They will still allow natural light to come through but will make it much more difficult for people to see into your home.

Soft Closing Cabinet Hinges

You’ve probably found yourself rushing around the kitchen at some point trying to get a meal prepped in time. Most often, all that rushing around is punctuated by the sound of slamming cabinet doors. If you’ve ever gotten tired of that sound, there is a solution. Soft closing cabinet hinges have hydraulics built into the hinge so that instead of banging closed, they close with a soft “thump” noise. Many of these are even self-closing, so they require very little work on your part. Installing soft closing cabinet hinges is easy enough to do yourself, given time, the materials, and simple tools. You may find yourself opening and closing the cabinets just to enjoy the lack of noise that comes with them.

Graphite on Your Locks

Locks and keys play an integral role in the safety and security of your home. When they are new, they usually work quite well in conjunction with one another, with the key sliding smoothly in and out of the keyhole. Over time, though, your lock or key may become worn and damaged to the point where you find them sticking from time to time instead. The solution for this is incredibly simple and a lot closer to hand than you might think. Graphite powder works quite well as a lubricant, thanks to the weak covalent bonds that allow the layers to slide past one another. If dust and dirt are the problem, graphite can be a good solution. Go over your lock with the graphite of a sharp pencil to help your key slide easily in and out of your lock again.

Ironing Your Hardwood

Hardwood has become a popular flooring option thanks to its ability to raise the value of a home. It looks nice and is relatively easy to keep clean. Unfortunately, it is also susceptible to dings and dents, just like your walls. You may think that you’ll have to resign yourself to either dealing with it or replacing the floorboard, but you’d be mistaken. As it turns out, ironing isn’t just for your clothes. It can fix small dents in your hardwood floors too. Wet the dent, place a damp towel over it, and iron over the blemish in a circular motion. You shouldn’t have a dent left by the time you’re done.

 

Some of the simple home fixes that your home could use may be things you’ve never thought of before. It’s easy to accept things as they currently are, especially if you don’t know any different. Now that you do though, you may find yourself wondering what else can be improved. Look at your home with a new perspective of home improvement projects and see what other things you can do to improve your experience living in your home.

Getting your house painted is a simple fix that can make a big difference in your home’s aesthetic. Let us take care of that for you! Contact us to get a free estimate!

How to Avoid the Pitfalls of DIY Home Improvement

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Home improvement projects are a popular way to build equity in a home and increase the amount of enjoyment you get from living there. Of course, the associated price tag can give you a bad case of sticker shock. One of the ways homeowners often try to reduce the cost of home improvement projects is to tackle them themselves. While this can work, you’ll need to take steps to avoid the pitfalls associated with this approach.

Do Your Research Carefully

Most homeowners don’t spend their time learning all about the ins and outs of different home improvement projects. There isn’t anything wrong with that, but it can make things more difficult if you decide to handle those projects yourself. If you don’t know what you’re getting into, you could easily end up seriously injured and with a bigger problem than you started out with. Make sure you understand the risks associated with home improvement projects so you can take the necessary steps to mitigate them.

Know Your Limits

Part of what should go into your research is what your own limits are. Some projects require greater skill, strength, and knowledge than others. It’s one thing to push yourself a little to learn and grow. It’s an entirely other thing to charge ahead without thought for what happens when you hit a figurative wall in your capacity. There is no shame in calling a professional to handle a job for you when needed. Professionals can often get a job done without doing damage to your home. At the end of the day, the point is to have the project done properly and safely. Who does the work matters far less.

Use the Right Tools For the Job

Having the right tools for the job at hand is critical to the successful completion of home improvement projects. You probably have basic tools such as hammers, wrenches, tape measures, and even a level. Other tools may be harder to come by. If you want to do a quality job though, you need to have the right ones. It’s also important to keep tools in good condition. If you have the right tool but it’s not in good shape, you run the risk of injuring yourself if you use it.

If you want your home improvement project to be a success, you need to take measure to avoid the pitfalls that often come with taking a DIY approach. Make sure you do your research very carefully before getting started. Know what your limits are. Make sure you have the right tools to get the job done. Doing so will help you have a successful experience with your home improvement projects.

Read this next: Simple Kitchen Improvements That Make the Biggest Difference

Smart Home Investments That Can Pay Off When You Sell

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Unless your home is already in amazing condition, there are probably plenty of projects that should be done in order to get it ready to be sold. Even if it’s already pristine, there are still additional features you can add to increase your home’s value. If you want to get the best price for your house, it’s important to make smart investments in your home that can pay off when it comes time to sell.

Completing Unfinished Areas

Unfinished areas of a home may appeal to those who want a fixer-upper home or who intend to flip the house for a profit, but that’s a fairly specific segment of buyers. Putting an unfinished home means settling for a price that’s less than what you could expect if the home was complete. In order to make your home appeal to a wider variety of buyers and to get the best price for it, take the time to complete any unfinished areas. You may be able to complete some projects yourself, while other projects should be left to professionals.

Solar Power

Solar power has become an increasingly popular source of renewable energy for powering homes. Many homeowners find it helps offset the cost of their energy bills and enjoy the benefit of reducing their impact on the environment. Switching to 100% can eliminate up to 4 tons of carbon emissions every year. That adds up when you think about how long solar systems can last and how many people are switching to solar. And since Florida has sunny weather all year long, your home is likely to be a good candidate based on the local weather conditions.

Landscaping Your Property

Curb appeal is an absolute essential when it comes to selling a house. Landscaping is just one of the ways you can boost curb appeal. It’s pretty effective, too. When done well, landscaping can greatly enhance the appearance of your home. It gives it a fresh, well maintained appearance that can be hard to beat. For added impact, take special care of the plant life you’ve selected for your yards to give your home a more inviting atmosphere.

Make the best use of your time and money by choosing projects that will build value in your home when preparing it for sale. If your home has any unfinished areas, make sure you complete them. Consider adding solar power and landscaping your property. This can make your home more appealing and more valuable when it’s placed on the market.

Painting your home can be a great way to attract buyers when you’re ready to sell. Contact us to get an estimate today!

How to Bring Down Your Utility Bills

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Utility bills can become very costly, creating a burden on your finances. However, these costs don’t need to be so high. There are many ways you can change the energy usage in your home in order to use it more efficiently and lower your utility bills.

Move to Cleaner Energy

One way to lower your bills is to increase energy efficiency in your home. You can do this by changing out appliances. Older models aren’t always efficient and can be costing you more money. Another option is to change out your light bulbs for energy efficient ones. These lightbulbs last longer, produce less heat, and require less energy. If you’re looking for a more extreme measure, you can change your energy source to cleaner, renewable energy. A smart option would be adding solar panels to your home. They can save you anything from $10,000 to $30,000. They also qualify you for a tax break which saves you even more money.

Reduce Water Waste

Probably one of the largest sources of waste in the home is wasted water. In many cases, people take water for granted and therefore aren’t particularly mindful when using it. To decrease water waste in your home, is to change up appliances and fixtures. For example, low flow faucets and showerheads are a simple and cost-effective choice. These fixtures use less water, but aerate the water so it maintains the pressure you’re used to. You can also get a dual flush toilet or even a dual flush toilet kit. A dual flush system allows you to use different amounts of water for solid and liquid waste. You can also invest in larger appliances. A tankless water heater is a more efficient option than a conventional heater. Instead of having a large tank of water, tankless heaters heat the water as it passes through the device. That way you aren’t wasting as much water.

Insulate Your Home

Energy loss is a common, but often unseen problem. Energy loss occurs when heat escapes your home or cold air gets in. This is particularly common around windows and doors as well as in attics and garages. To prevent this energy loss, and prevent higher bills, you should insulate your home. You can do this by replacing doors and windows with more efficient options. You should also insulate any areas of your home where energy may leak out.

Utility bills are a necessity in any home, but they don’t need to be so expensive. Your bill is dependent on your behavior. Making changes around your home can help you use energy more efficiently and save money

Read this next: Simple Improvements That Can Improve Utility Performance

How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Home Improvement

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Building equity in a home is a strategy many homeowners employ when they are preparing to sell their home. Various home improvement projects can do great things to improve the value of a home and make it more comfortable. Unfortunately, these types of projects have the potential to negatively impact the environment. So what can homeowners do to reduce the environmental impact of home improvement projects?

Manage Waste

There’s always some amount of waste produced during a home improvement project. Part of this is because you might have more materials than you need to complete the project. This helps you to account for mistakes. Another factor is that your project may not inherently work well with the standard size your materials come in. To the best of your ability, plan your project around those standard sizes to reduce the need to use partials. Instead of hauling everything left over from your project to the dump, find more environmentally friendly ways to dispose of it. Some materials are recyclable, while others can be donated for use in other projects.

Use Sustainable Materials

Using sustainable materials helps protect the environment by using materials that generate less waste to manufacture. There are a variety of sustainable materials that you can use in various home improvement projects. Reclaimed wood is a popular option that lends a unique appearance to any project it’s used in. Bamboo and cork are both fast-growing options that can be used in a variety of projects. If you’re planning to redo your driveway, consider using recycled asphalt. Recycled asphalt has a lower environmental cost compared to other materials.

Deconstruction vs Demolition

Often, home improvement projects require some degree of deconstruction or demolition work before getting started on the improvement part of the project. You can reduce landfill waste generated by your project by opting to deconstruct instead of demolish. This helps preserve the condition of the existing materials, which can then be sold or donated for use in other projects. It takes more time and may cost more, but it’s a more environmentally responsible approach.

There are multiple things homeowners can do to mitigate the environmental damage of home improvement projects. They can take steps to manage waste, use sustainable materials in their projects, and reuse existing materials instead of demolishing them. This can help them perform home improvement projects in environmentally responsible ways.

Read this next: How to Avoid Expensive Winter Home Repairs

How to Prevent Serious Plumbing Issues in Your Home

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The plumbing in your home is an important system to monitor. Plumbing issues can be very costly to replace and they can also cause extensive damage to your home. In order to avoid this, it’s important that you take preventive measures.

Have Your Plumbing Inspected

When it comes to plumbing, a lot of issues start out small and develop over time. This is why it is important to have your plumbing inspected. First of all, a plumber can catch problems early. They can see if the pipes are clogging, if there’s wear and tear on your plumbing, or if anything is working improperly. Having these inspections can save you a great deal of time and money. You won’t need to handle any future damage as well as the accompanying costs.

Watch What You Put Down the Drain

One way to prevent issues is to be mindful of what is going on in your plumbing. Specifically, you should watch what you put down the drain. Things can build up over time and eventually clog your pipes. If your drain does become clogged, there are several home remedies to try. You can start with something as simple as flushing your drain with boiling water. For more difficult clogs, use baking soda. You can combine baking soda with vinegar or even salt. Let them sit in the drain for a while before flushing with hot water. If baking soda doesn’t do the trick, you might have to resort to tougher methods like caustic soda. This is a stronger solution that can help remove the clog.

Maintain Your Plumbing

The best way to prevent future issues is to take care of the plumbing you have. Part of this maintenance is regularly checking your plumbing. You should always be on the lookout for leaky pipes, water damage, and moisture in general. The places you want to check for leaks include faucets, valves, shower heads, toilet flappers, and anywhere else water is likely to seep through. If leaks occur, fix them immediately. Waiting will only make the problem and the expenses bigger. As you focus on maintenance, don’t forget the larger items like your water heater and sump pump. These appliances can get worn out over time, so it’s important to monitor their state.

Owning a home can be expensive, and plumbing costs can be a huge contributor. The best way to prevent serious plumbing issues in the future is to invest in keeping your plumbing system maintained. Simple preventative measures can protect you from extensive damages in the future.

Read this next: How to Avoid Expensive Winter Home Repairs

Simple Changes That Can Transform Your Kitchen

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The kitchen can be a make it or break it room for your house. People tend to spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing food, eating, or just socializing. Sometimes a kitchen needs a little extra help to be its best. Fortunately, there are some simple changes you can make that can make a real difference for your kitchen.

Paint it a New Color

If your walls are looking a little sad or you have outdated wallpaper adorning your kitchen walls, it may be time to consider repainting it. You could go with more of the same, but this is a great opportunity to breathe some fresh life into your kitchen by choosing a new color. Different colors evoke different emotions, so consider what feelings you want to create within your kitchen. Consider the color and tone of your cabinets and appliances too. You want to create a cohesive appearance throughout your kitchen, so you’ll need to take everything into account when choosing a new color.

Add Lighting

Adequate lighting is an absolutely critical feature to have in a kitchen. Consider all the activities that take place in the kitchen just in terms of preparing food. You need to cut and chop groceries and will likely be using high heat on a regular basis. These things can be dangerous to do if you aren’t able to clearly see what you are doing. Relying on a single light in your kitchen can cause frustrating shadows. If you don’t have enough lighting, add some more. You may find adding multiple recessed light bulbs a great way to illuminate your kitchen more thoroughly. It’s safer too, since you won’t have to worry about navigating around dangling lights while handling hot or sharp things.

New Hardware

Perhaps one of the easiest kitchen changes, switching out your kitchen hardware is a small task that can have a big impact. Choosing different cabinet hardware can give a completely new feeling to your kitchen. It might be the quickest way to update your kitchen to a more contemporary look. Beyond the finish itself, you can choose from a variety of styles of cabinet handles and pulls that can also lend a different vibe to your kitchen.

A complete kitchen overhaul can be an expensive, messy process, well beyond what you may want to tackle. It also may be entirely unnecessary. Simple changes like painting your kitchen a new color, adding lighting, or changing out the hardware can be enough to transform your kitchen and give it an entirely new look. Best of all, they can do so without breaking the bank.

Read this next: Simple Kitchen Improvements That Make the Biggest Difference

Simple Kitchen Improvements That Make the Biggest Difference

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A kitchen remodel can sound like a huge endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. You can revamp the look and utility of your kitchen by taking a few simple steps. Although there will be an upfront cost, you may find that some of these can save you money in the long run.

Replace Appliances

Old, dirty, and/or mismatched appliances can give your kitchen a rundown feel. Investing in new appliances can give your kitchen a much more modern look. You will also enjoy the added benefits of improved functionality. Kitchen appliances have come a long way in the past several years. Some kitchen appliances even have smart home capabilities that will allow you to control them remotely from your phone. Imagine how convenient it could be to start your crockpot from work and come home to a delicious hot meal all ready and waiting. Newer appliances are also more energy efficient which will help cut down on your utility bills.

Change the Color

Color has a surprising effect on our mood. Changing up the color scheme can bring a whole new atmosphere to your kitchen. You can repaint the walls or put up some wallpaper. Cabinets can be painted or stained a different shade. Countertops usually have the widest variety of options available. You can choose from several different colors and materials. If you are considering replacing them, you may want to consider upgrading to a hardier material. Granite, marble, or stone countertops can easily withstand heat and won’t easily be marked by hot pans and pots.

Adjust Shelves

One of the big drives for remodeling a kitchen can be the lack of space. If your kitchen is feeling cramped, try adjusting the shelves before you replace the cabinets. Most shelves can be easily lowered or raised to accommodate the types of items that you are storing. For example, you don’t need a large shelf space to store spices. You can lower the shelf sitting above your spices to give yourself more room for larger pots and pans. Another great way to change up your shelves is to add risers. By putting some risers into your shelves, you can easily see the items that are sitting in the back of the shelf. This can help you find ingredients more quickly and can prevent you from buying items that you already have.

If your kitchen space isn’t working for you, don’t settle for what you currently have. By employing these tips and maybe a few others, you can really turn the space around. The kitchen is the center of your home. Make it a place that you enjoy being.

Want to spruce it up even more? Check out our painting services!

How to Avoid Expensive Winter Home Repairs

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Wintertime can be unpredictable as far as weather. The low temperatures and increased chance of heavy snow and ice put your home at risk for potential damage. However, you can prepare your house now in order to avoid fixing an excessive amount of damage after winter has passed.

Fix Exterior Damage

A lot of issues that arise on the interior of your home are the result of exterior damage. It’s important that you address any exterior damage in preparation for winter, especially if you live somewhere where it snows. You should address any areas where there may be leaks. Seal your windows and doors and make sure they are well insulated. To protect your roof from snow and ice, repair any loose shingles and remove icicles immediately. Clearing out your gutters before winter weather can help to prevent ice dams from forming. Melting snow can also leak into your basement, so make sure your sump pump is properly working.

Keep Your Home Dry

With all the inclement weather, there is an increased chance for water damage. You should always be on the lookout for signs of water damage in your home. Some of these signs include stains, bubbling or crackling, dark/wet spots, peeling/cracking paint, odors, mold, and an increase in your utility bill. One source of water damage can be burst pipes. Make sure you insulate your pipes and regularly check them. You should also check your water heater, especially if you have had it for a long time. Overall, keeping your house dry is important. In the bathroom, use a fan and mop up any water after showers. Make sure air is circulating throughout your house and that all moisture is vented outside and not into your attic.

Keep Out Pests

Once it gets colder, animals will try to burrow into your house to stay warm. Often, they will further damage the materials of your home or even eat it. You want to protect your home and make sure it is well sealed. Check around your foundation to make sure there aren’t any holes animals can crawl through. If you have a crawl space, make sure it doesn’t have any openings exposed to animals. Of course, you should make sure your doors and windows are closed so pests don’t have an easy entrance.

The cold weather and extreme precipitation can wreak havoc on your house and it can lead to the residency of some nasty pests. Instead of waiting until spring to assess the damage, prepare your home now. There is plenty you can do to protect your home from expensive damage.

Looking to touch up your painting job? Let us help!