What to Be Mindful of When Painting a Room

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Adding a fresh coat of paint to your walls is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your home look. However, if you’ve never painted your own house before, you should be careful so you can be happy with your outcome. Here are a few things to be mindful of when painting a room. 

Prepping Makes Painting Easier

First, prepping your walls before painting them actually makes the painting process a lot easier. If your walls are dirty and dusty, the fresh paint won’t adhere as it should and you won’t get a smooth, professional-looking finish. So, as you’re prepping your walls, make sure that you dust them, removing any cobwebs. Then, clean the walls with a mixture of water and soap to remove any grime or residue that might have built up over the years. Then you can fill in any holes or dents, as well as sand down any unwanted texture. A coat of primer can also help your paint to go down smoothly.

How Different Colors Affect the Outcome

Once you’ve prepped your walls, don’t get painting impulsively right away. First, take some time to consider how different colors will affect the outcome of your room. This doesn’t only refer to trendy colors that will go out of style in a few months. Your choice of paint color can actually affect the mood and perceived size of the room. Light shades will make the room look bigger while dark colors make it look smaller. So, choose a color that will be functional and aid the purpose of the room while still being stylish and aesthetically pleasing. 

How to Protect Your Flooring and Furniture

Now that you’ve prepped your walls and chosen the paint color of your dreams, just make sure your flooring and furniture are protected before you get started painting. It can be helpful to pull any furniture away from the walls into the middle of the room. You can even cover your furniture with plastic or a spare sheet to protect them. Protect the edges of your flooring and ceiling with tape for a fresh paint line finish. If you’re worried about dripping paint, you can also cover the edges of the floor where you’ll be working with plastic or butcher paper. You could even use a spare newspaper or a canvas drop cloth to protect your flooring.

 

So, if you’re getting started on painting a room in your house a new color, remember these tips. Make sure that you prep your walls, choose a good color for your space, and protect your flooring and furniture. This will help you to get the most professional, pristine finish possible when DIYing your paint job.

Check out this article on how to improve your home where it really counts!

What You Need to Feel Secure In Your Home

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Your home is a sanctuary from the world around you. It’s a place where you should feel peaceful and happy. Of course, it’s also a place where you should feel physically safe. Improving the security of your home can help you to feel safer.

A Home Security System 

The first step in creating a safe home is often installing a security system. Your security system can include cameras, automated locks, alarms, and more. This system can keep you safe in a variety of ways. First, it can protect your home from break-ins. You can use cameras to monitor your home even when you aren’t there and the alarm system will notify the police if there is an issue. Additionally, the simple act of having a security system can deter criminals. Your security system can also protect you from fires or other disasters by using smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. Lastly, you can use your security system to keep an eye on your home and anyone in it while you’re out. 

A Fence 

Another way to make your home safer is to have a fence as a border around your home. This fence can keep people out of your yard and off your property. Additionally, it can protect you and your loved ones while you’re at home. For example, if you have small children you can feel safer letting them play outside if they are fenced in. When installing a fence, you should make sure it is the appropriate height. This will allow for more privacy and make it more difficult for people to come into your yard. For added privacy, you also want to make sure you use the right materials and design. While a fence is primarily good for security, it can also add a lot to your home. A gate or fence around your property can help increase curb appeal. 

Know Your Neighbors 

While it’s good to feel safe in your home, you should also feel safe in your neighborhood. This helps you feel more secure and reassured while in your home. Get to know your neighbors. When you know your neighbors, you have a better understanding of what’s going on around you. Having good relationships with neighbors gives you someone to call on to watch your house while you’re away. You can trust others will let you know if something is wrong. Knowing your neighbors also makes you feel more comfortable at home. Knock on your neighbor’s door and have a chat. Host a barbecue or a dinner. Find ways to introduce yourself and get to know the people living around you. 

 

It’s important to feel safe in your own home. The actions you take can help you to feel more secure and to know that your home is a safe place to be. Begin creating a safer environment in and around your home. 

Check out this article on how to do interesting things with paint in your home!

Issues That Can Cause Expensive Home Repairs

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No one wants to deal with expensive home repairs, but they are sometimes unavoidable. If you want to keep your home in top condition, it’s important to be aware of the issues that can cause the most expensive repairs. Take a look at these most common problems that can lead to costly repairs and tips on how to manage them.

Pest Infestations

Pest infestations are one of the leading causes of expensive home repairs. These unwanted visitors can cause extensive damage to your property, and in some cases, pose a serious health risk to you and your family. Rodent infestations are particularly troublesome, as they can gnaw through wiring, insulation, and even concrete. If left unchecked, rodents can cause significant damage to your home’s structure. In addition to causing physical damage, rodents can also spread disease. 

 

They can contaminate food sources and surfaces with their feces, and their constant scratching can allow dangerous bacteria and viruses to enter your home. 

Pest infestations can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. If you suspect that you have a pest problem, it is important to contact a professional exterminator immediately. With their help, you can get rid of pests before they cause serious damage to your home or health.

Water Damage

One of the most expensive home repairs can be water damage. Signs of water damage include peeling paint, swelling floors, and warped walls. Water damage can be caused by several different issues, such as a faulty plumbing system, leaks in the roof, or poor drainage around the foundation of the house. In some cases, water damage can be prevented by taking some simple precautions. 

Adding durable waterproofing to your deck can serve as a selling point for your home. Checking your gutters and downspouts regularly to make sure they are not clogged can also help to prevent water damage. By being proactive, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

Storms

One issue that can cause expensive home repairs is storms. High winds can damage roofs, and heavy rains can cause flooding and leaks. Storms can also knock down trees, which can damage houses and cars. In addition, storms can cause power outages, which can lead to food spoilage and other problems. As a result, it is important to be prepared for storms by having a stock of supplies on hand and by making sure that your house is in good repair. By taking these steps, you can minimize the damage that storms can cause and save yourself money in the long run.

 

By being aware of the issues that can cause expensive home repairs, you can be proactive and save yourself a lot of money in the long run. If you take some simple precautions, such as adding durable waterproofing to your deck and checking your gutters regularly, you can prevent water damage. A preventative approach is always best. 

 

Did you enjoy this article? Here’s more to read: What You Need to Do Before You Begin Painting Your Exterior

How to Make a Paint Job Turn Out Well

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Painting a home is not for the faint of heart. It is a big job that you want to get right the first time. Thankfully, your paint job can last a decade or more if you do it right. Here are three steps to the perfect paint job. 

Choose the Right Paint

You might be thinking that you can save a few bucks with cheap paint; however, the type of paint you choose matters. In most cases, skimping on paint is a classic case of false economy. You will end up spending more money in the long run with a paint job that simply doesn’t wear well. For areas exposed to high humidity such as in the bathroom, your best bet is semi-gloss or glossy. A higher sheen will hold up much better to the constant condensation caused by steamy showers. The best types of paint for living areas are either a satin or an eggshell finish, especially if you have kids. Flat paint is hard to clean and won’t wear well. For the outside, go with a premium, high-quality exterior paint. 

Prep the Surface

One of the biggest mistakes people make when painting their home is failing to prep the surfaces. The prep required depends on the job. In general, an indoor wall will need to be primed if it has been patched or if you are going from a dark to a light color. Walls should also be free of dust, cobwebs, or other debris. For the outside additional prepping is required. Power washing your home is the first step to adding a new coat of exterior paint. This should remove any caked-on dirt, moss, mildew, mold, lichen, or algae. If that doesn’t do it, you might have to spray it with a commercial siding cleaner. 

Paint in the Correct Order

Many people don’t know the proper order of painting. First, paint the ceiling. Next, paint the trim and baseboards. Once those areas have dried completely, tape around the trim and ceilings and remove all of the electrical, cable, and phone panels. Next, cut in your edges with a high-quality brush. When your edges are dry, you can use a roller to paint the rest of the surface. Be sure to allow the first layer of paint to dry completely before adding a second coat. 

 

You can get a professional-looking paint job that will last for years if you do it right. Simply follow the three-step process from above. Choose the best type of paint for your project, prep the surface correctly, and follow the right order as you paint. 

Check out this article on must-have home improvements for families of any size!

Natural Forces That Can Cause Serious Damage to Your Home

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Nobody wants to think about the ways their home can be damaged, but it is still important to do so. When you know what your home might be up against, it is easier for you to make sure that your house can withstand any potential damage. The area you live in will additionally impact the kinds of natural forces that your home has to reckon with in order to make sure that you are safe and comfortable.

Water

Water can significantly damage your home, even while it is still important to keep you alive and well. When water comes in increased amounts, it can lead to flooding and other potential issues that make it difficult to keep your home safe. It is important to use ample protection against water damage in your home. 

You should also make it a point to inspect your house regularly. This will allow you to catch water damage early and repair it before it leads to more significant issues like mold or leakage.

Pests

You also have to be aware of the ways in which pests can cause damage to your home. If you have pests of any kind, they can make your home more dangerous and less stable for you and your family. Some pests are as small as insects while others are larger. Either kind of pest can cause serious damage if they are allowed to remain on your property. 

Being aware of potential pest issues can make it much easier for you to manage them. If termites are common in your area, you should have your home inspected every 1 to 2 years.

Wind

It seems like such a small thing, but wind can cause major damage to your home, even though it itself is invisible. When winds get heavy, it can lead to branches breaking and being thrown across the sky. This can lead to damage to your home and may even make it more difficult for you to keep your home secure. You can cut down on potential damage from wind by keeping your trees trimmed and repairing small damage to the exterior of your home so it isn’t vulnerable to becoming worse through wind damage.

 

When your home is on the line, you want to make sure that you take every effort to protect it. Some kinds of damage are made worse by inactivity, so make sure that you are inspecting and fixing damage quickly. The more you do to prepare in advance, the easier it is for you to keep your home safe.

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How to Get Creative with Paint in Your Home

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Does your home need something to make it a little more special? Would you enjoy being there more if it had some fresh life breathed into it? There are a ton of ways you can make your home more interesting to look at. Have you considered painting it? Don’t just settle for a normal paint job though. Get creative with it!

Paint an Accent Wall

Accent walls may not be quite as common as they used to be, but they are still quite popular in decorating. What matters most is how you feel about them, anyway. If you like the look of an accent wall, consider painting one for your house. 

Choose the room and wall with care. Accent windows work best in rooms that don’t have architectural features. Don’t be afraid to choose bold colors for accent walls. The wall is supposed to stand out.

Paint a Mural

You hang art in your home. Have you ever thought about painting it on your walls? Your walls are a perfect canvas for a mural. You could do this in any room you want, but some rooms are naturally more suited to murals than others. 

A mural is a perfect addition to your child’s bedroom. A playroom is another great choice. You could even paint a mural in your master bedroom. Just think about what themes and images fit the space best and go from there.

Paint Some Patterns

Patterned walls aren’t just for walls with wallpaper. You could paint patterns on the wall too. Use a patterned roller, which is much easier to work with than stencils, or mark your pattern out with painter’s tape. Whether you use a patterned roller or create your own pattern with painter’s tape, take care to line everything up cleanly so your finished result is even and matches up nicely. Painting patterns takes time, patience, and attention to detail, so make sure you’re willing to put in the effort if you want to do this yourself.

 

Getting creative with paint in your home is a great way to add some spice and make things a little more interesting visually. Go with something simple, like a solid accent wall, or get more detailed with a mural or painting patterns on your wall. Choose your colors wisely so you’ll be happy with the result. That way you’ll feel good about all the work you put into your project.

Here’s more to read: Why You Should Give Your Home a Fresh Coat of Paint

Why Rental Property Maintenance is Essential

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When you get to the point where you can rent out your extra property, your responsibilities will be very specific. Basically, you will need to do only two tasks every month: pay the mortgage and repair the home. Good maintenance is not only part of the contract, but also advantageous for you.

Improve Safety

There are many reasons that it’s important to keep a house in good condition. At a very basic level, it’s about safety. You want your property to be a place that you or your tenants can feel safe living in. That means that all parts of the interior and exterior should be up to code. They should also have potentially dangerous or hazardous issues taken care of as soon as possible. That’s the thing with maintenance – even if a problem seems small, it can grow into an exponentially larger issue if neglected. It’s always best to take care of everything as soon as possible. That way, there is minimal risk that somebody gets hurt.

Create a Better Relationship With Tenants

The key to having a good experience as a landlord is good tenants. A big part of having good tenants is having a good relationship with them. Your tenants are human beings with real problems. Both of you have signed a contract that legally requires you to maintain the property. It’s a show of good faith when you act swiftly and diligently to repair whatever problems may come up. On the other hand, tenants who you have a good relationship with will want to pay rent on time. Satisfied tenants tend to stay in your properties longer as well.

Keep Up the Value of the Property

The condition of your property has a big effect on the value. By keeping it good, you will be saving yourself money in the long run. Applicants who are looking for a place to live will either turn away from a dilapidated property entirely or they will want a lower price. When the property is nicer and better kept, you will be able to ask more from those who rent from you. It will also be more attractive to potential renters. Repairs are always going to be a good investment for you.

 

Maintenance is undoubtedly a pain. It always seems to come up at the most inopportune moments. But as annoying as it can be, it’s essential that you organize and motivate yourself to get it taken care of. If you don’t, you just might regret the outcome.

Check out this article on maintenance that can help fortify your home against the elements!

How to Clean Up Your Home Exterior

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When it comes to making sure that your home is in good condition, many people tend to focus on the interior. But taking care of the exterior of your house is one of the most important parts of home maintenance. 

When you can make sure that your home is clean and inviting on the outside, you can improve your curb appeal and get more enjoyment out of the home you love.

Power Wash Your Home

Since the exterior of your home is exposed to the elements at all times, it tends to get dirty. And as dirt is made wet by rain and dries once again, it can really adhere to the surface of your home’s exterior. Power washing is a great option that makes it easier for you to ensure that your home is looking great all throughout the year. 

You should power wash relatively frequently, with annually as a good baseline. Then make sure you are paying extra attention to any areas that are exposed to even more dirt, wind, and water.

Remove Pests From the Property

Having pests on your property is a big problem that can lead to aesthetic and structural issues for your home. If you want your house to be a comfortable, safe, and beautiful place, you have to get rid of pests. Some pests are small, like bugs, while others are larger and more difficult to get rid of. 

Some pests, such as wasps, can be dangerous to have near your home. Make sure that you have a safe method of getting rid of pests when they show up so you can keep your home clean and safe.

Clean Your Gutters

While they may not make much of an aesthetic difference to your home, having clean gutters is going to be essential to making your house safe and clean. When gutters get full, they can lead to problems with your roof, damming, and even flooding in some areas of your house. So make sure that you put gutter cleaning on your annual maintenance list. It is also a good idea to make sure that you clean your gutters any time there is a big storm in your area. Keeping your gutters clean can help your home to be safer and more beautiful.

 

Home maintenance is essential, and you want to make sure that you don’t forget about the outside of your home. When your house is clean on the outside, it welcomes you in. that can help you to feel less stressed and more relaxed whenever you are at home.

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Items in Your Home That May Need Replacing

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When you are living in a home for a while, you start to accumulate things, and some of those items get worn out and become nonfunctional. If you want to keep your home working in the best way possible, you have to make sure that you are on top of maintenance and get rid of items that need to be replaced. 

This gives you the chance to ensure that your home is in great condition and can help you to get more out of your home.

Appliances

While most appliances can continue to work for a decade or more, it is important to replace them when they start to function poorly. Many older appliances are inefficient, so they can cost you money and waste energy. Getting energy star appliances can help you to save money and to be sure that your home is working well for your family. 

It’s a good idea to start thinking about getting new devices after about seven years of ownership. At that point, you can usually find an appliance that will work better and more efficiently.

Your Carpets

Old carpets can hold a lot of dirt and bacteria, and they tend to take a lot of wear. You don’t want to replace your carpets unnecessarily, but if you know your carpets are in rough shape, it’s important to get them replaced. Regularly cleaning the carpets in your home helps them last longer.

Make sure that you are staying on top of vacuuming your carpets and that you clean up spills immediately. Anything you can do to make your carpets last longer will save you money and help you to maximize your home.

Safety Features

It is important to make sure that your home is a safe place for you and your family. Most people tend to set up their safety features once and then forget about them. This method is not a great course of action because features like smoke detectors can get old and become less effective over time. When you replace your safety items regularly, you can know that you and your family will be as safe as possible. Make sure you check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly, so you know they are working.

 

Part of home maintenance is making replacements when you need to. As you use and enjoy all the items in your home, you can start to leave a lot of wear on them. But by replacing old items, you can make your home more comfortable and inviting for everyone who visits.

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What Renovations Will Make the Most Lasting Impact?

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Choosing to renovate your home is a big decision that can come with an even bigger expense. So you want to make sure that the renovations you choose are meaningful and will have a lasting impact on your home. When you can focus your budget on the most impactful renovations, you get more for your money and will love your home even more.

Kitchen Redesigns

For most people, the kitchen is the space where they and their family spend the most time, working together and getting things done. And because of the kitchen’s position as the heart of the home, it has a huge impact on how you can use your entire house. Changing a dated kitchen into a modern space can help your home to feel fresh and new for years into the future. Focus your kitchen redesign on making sure that the space works effectively for you, so you can enjoy your kitchen space even more.

Backyard Upgrades

When you can extend your entertaining space into the backyard, you make your home more comfortable and welcoming. A poorly designed backyard can be difficult to use, but with a redesign, your backyard can turn into an amazing space that you love to spend time in. If you get a deck, you need to have it waterproofed to protect the surface from damage. That way you can ensure that your backyard will continue to look as beautiful as possible while remaining a highly functional space. A fire pit or an outdoor kitchen can help your backyard to be even more functional for parties or just hanging out at home.

Modernizing Your Bathrooms

The bathroom is one of the most important spaces in any home. And an old and dated bathroom can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Since bathrooms are a highly humid environment, they are a big place for mold to grow. By making sure that your bathroom is renovated, you can avoid challenges with mold and keep your family safe. Even affordable modern finishes can make a big difference in how great your bathroom looks and feels.

As you work to make your home an amazing place to be, renovations may be in order. Set your priorities so you can get more out of every dollar of your budget you spend. Being careful with your renovations can help you to end up with an impactful home that you love to share with your family and guests alike.

Check out this article on home improvements that are more than just aesthetic!