How to Reduce the Clutter in Your Home

Clutter often makes things much more complicated than they need to be. Clutter makes it so that you don’t know what you have and struggle to find things you need. By decluttering your house, you can save a lot of time and effort when looking for things.

Create More Kitchen Storage

The kitchen often gets cluttered very quickly because it is used so often. Throughout the day, you are constantly cooking, pulling out dishes and utensils, grabbing snacks, and doing other things in the kitchen. To reduce clutter in the kitchen, you can be more mindful about storing things back where they belong after using them. If you find yourself running out of storage space, you can actually create more with minimal changes. For example, you can install hooks on the insides of your cabinets. These hooks can hold everything from pans and mugs to potholders, freeing up space in other cabinets or drawers.

Organize Your Garage

Garages also tend to be quite cluttered since they often hold a lot of miscellaneous items that don’t get used very often. Organization helps prevent tools and important safety equipment like fire extinguisters and saftey glasses from getting lost in your garage. Adding heavy-duty hooks and shelves to the walls can help you organize your longer and shorter tools by size and use. Additionally, you could even make labels for which tool goes where to keep things really organized.

Get Rid of Things You Don’t Need

One of the most effective ways to reduce clutter is to reduce the number of things that you have. An extremely cluttered house may indicate to you that you simply have more stuff than you need. There are many ways to get rid of things you don’t need, including having a yard sale and giving them to other family or friends. Another way to declutter is by donating some of your belongings to charities and thrift stores. Many charities and thrift stores have proceeds that go to specific causes or people. You can choose to donate to one that uses its proceeds in ways that you approve of, meaning that you are doing good while also getting rid of things you don’t need in your home.

 

Decluttering your home will make your living space much more functional. Additionally, living in that space will be less stressful as well. You will find that you enjoy living in your home more when it is properly decluttered.

Check out this article on how to keep your home sealed from outside elements!

What to Do Before Starting Renovations on Your Business

Renovations can be a bit of a pain – but they’re undeniably important. As critical as it is to complete renovations or repairs on your personal property, it’s even more essential to stay on top of it with your business. Here are some of the first things you will need to do.

Create a Plan

Planning is key. By planning, you’ll have an idea beforehand of what exactly this renovation is going to take. That includes both the financial and the logistical side of the project. First, determine one or more possible outcomes of your renovations. In a certain sense, you should have a vision for the completed project – both in how it looks and how it changes the dynamic of your day-to-day business. Then calculate exactly what each step of the renovation will need in terms of both money and labor. If there are variations of the plan, compare the difference in costs, time, and manpower that they will need to decide which to go with.

Find the Money in Your Budget

This step will look different for everybody depending on the current circumstances of your business. If you have a budget surplus, a healthy renovation is a great way to put it back into the company. Otherwise, you can either shuffle the budget around, assigning money to the renovations over another less-important aspect–or you can cut into your profits. If neither of those options are viable, but you must complete the project, you might have to get even more flexible. You’ll get hit with high-interest rates if you keep debt on a credit card, according to Franchise Gator. However, you can always resort to that if there is no other option.

Decide How to Carry Out the Plan

Once you have the money and the outline of the renovations in place, you need to figure out how to move forward. According to Dream Homes Exteriors, you have two basic options: you do the renovations yourself or you hire a professional team to take care of it. With your personal projects at home, it might be more of a question of money and time – but with your business, it’s about professionalism. That’s why you’re going to want to hire experienced workers in the vast majority of cases.

 

It’s not that you can’t do the renovations, but you should only really consider it if you have some degree of professional experience yourself. Rushing into complete renovations without planning can mean lots of wasted money, time, and effort. Don’t fall into that trap.

Check out this article on what you need to pull off successful DIY products!

Major Issues to Fix Before Starting a Home Improvement Project

If there is one thing that is true about homeownership, it is that there is always another improvement project that could be done to further improve the space. It feels like as soon as you complete one project, you can’t stop thinking about the next one, and the one after that, and so on. But sometimes, there are priorities that need to come before new projects like repairs and maintenance, which if left unattended, can become worse and eventually disastrous. Here are major issues to fix before starting a home improvement project at your home.

Plumbing Issues

The first major issue that you need to fix before starting a home improvement project is to correct your plumbing issues. The plumbing system of your home is like the veins and arteries of your home, it helps keep everything connected, and flush waste and other things from your home. If your plumbing has issues, you are just stone’s throw away from having major water damage issues, and perhaps even inhabitability issues. If your plumbing system is not in perfect condition, it would behoove you to fix that before undertaking a new home improvement project.

Mold

The next major issue that you need to fix before starting a home improvement project is mold. Mold growth in your home is always an issue. Mold is usually a sign that there is unchecked moisture somewhere in your home that needs fixed. Mold in your home can be incredibly dangerous to the health and safety of the inhabitants, potentially even fatal. You are going to need a mold inspection to see if there are mold issues. A normal home inspection probably won’t catch mold. If you have any sort of mold issue going on, you need to fix it before you have a bigger issue on your hands.

Roof Damage

The final major issue that you need to fix before starting a home improvement project is roof damage. Your roof is the prime line of defense for your home against the elements like rain, wind, and snow. With a hole in your roof, you are inviting the outdoors in, and this can lead to all sorts of issues down the line. Make sure that your roof is perfect before you move on to home improvement.

It can be tempting to move constantly from home improvement project to home improvement project. But sometimes, repairs are more important than home improvement. Make sure that you have fixed any of these problems in your home.

Read this next: How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Next Remodeling Project

What to Do After Renovating Your New Fixer-Upper

Your home is an extension of who you are. A safe haven and expression of personality. A home is also an investment that will impact you for the rest of your life. Some homes have history, culture, and memories that want to live forever. Occasionally, these homes need a little TLC to preserve their history and make them enjoyable for the current occupants. Whether you are doing a major remodel on your own home, or purchasing a fixer-upper, there are steps that must be completed after the renovation is finished. This article will discuss what to do after renovating your new fixer-upper. 

Do a Final Walk-Through 

A final walkthrough of your home gives you an opportunity to scrutinize every detail of the project. This is an essential step in your customer satisfaction. If you find things out of place that need a finishing touch, your contractor should be happy to complete it for you. 

Things to look for include dents or chips in the flooring and walls. Make sure every light switch and electrical outlet works. Make sure all smoke detectors and alarm systems are running. Check to see that water, water pressure, and your HVAC system is running properly. Your final walkthrough should be detailed. Don’t settle for anything less than perfect. 

Get an Inspection 

Every home should have an inspection done before you move in. Even if it is a new home or newly remodeled home. The seller may provide inspection results of their own, but you are entitled to ask for your own independent party inspection. An inspector will compile a list of all potential and current problems. These issues should be brought up with your contractor who will either fix or discount the cost of the renovation. An inspector can also give you a repair timeline to help you anticipate future costs. 

Update Your Homeowners Insurance 

A home renovation is a great way to build value in your home. Once your home renovations are completed, it is important to update your insurance policy. Whether you need to increase your insurance after renovating depends on the coverage you already have in place and the value of your renovation. Insurance rate is determined by the home’s square footage and the cost required to rebuild or fix it. An increase in home value will increase the cost of your home insurance. While the initial cost may seem pointless, the coverage will be much more secure if anything unfortunate does happen. 

Plan a Housewarming Party 

Moving into a home can be a stressful experience. Packing, moving, and unpacking is a lot of work! It is likely that friends, family, and neighbors have all lent a hand in your moving process. Celebrate your new home by inviting people close to you to a housewarming party. At your party you can serve simple finger foods. Bamboo skewers enhance the presentation of your food and can impress guests. Food and drinks will go a long way in helping you and your guests have a good time. 

Do a Deep Clean 

Even when your home has a fresh remodel, there is a lot of debris that can be left behind. Before you get your furniture and decorations put in place, it is important to do a deep clean. This is one of the few times where you will be able to reach every nook and cranny. Clean ceilings, baseboards, appliances, flooring, and anything else you can reach. Hire a professional or take the time to do it yourself. Cleaning every space will sanitize your home, get rid of left-over allergens, and prepare the space for your future life. 

Consult an Interior Designer 

A major part of enjoying the efforts of your fixer-upper is the design process. Turning a neglected home into a modern beauty is an accomplishment. Your house decorations and furniture should reflect the home’s new style. Ask a professional interior designer to help you pick the interior styling of your home. Avoid trendy pieces that could look outdated next season. Try mixing old and new pieces together for a seamless transition and budget friendly design. Interior design in every space will complete your picturesque remodel. Express yourself through the craftsmanship and design perspective in your home. 

Get an Updated Quote 

Homes deteriorate overtime and their value decreases accordingly. A fixer-upper is renovated with the intent of increasing the home’s livability and value. The ultimate reason for any remodeling project is to enjoy living in an updated home. Remodeling projects often have a return on investment that the owner can expect. These payback estimates are based on the residential real estate market at the time and the average cost of construction. 

Following completion, hire a professional appraiser to determine the updated value of your home. Knowing the home’s value will help you evaluate what you can afford. A quote will help in determining insurance premiums. It will also assist you in determining the right listing price if you decide to sell. 

Perform Regular Maintenance 

Every home, new or old, needs maintenance. Part of being a good homeowner is performing regular maintenance. Maintenance includes necessary repairs, cleanings, and checks to make sure everything is functioning properly. When you are diligent with making repairs, you prolong the life and value of your home. The cost of repairs will be much less than letting a problem fester and cause major problems down the road. Depending on the agreement with your contractor, there may be some repairs that they cover the first few years following renovation. Put money back into your investment by staying consistent with maintenance. This will enhance the life and durability of your renovation. 

Every home should be unique to the owner. A fixer-upper plays with combining history and modern lifestyles. Once you’ve completed the renovations, make it truly unique. Take ownership of your new space, get the proper protections, and break in your home with a housewarming party. Following these steps after a renovation will make the transition seamless.

Read this next: How to Prevent Major Issues From Surfacing in Your Home

How to Be a Successful Property Manager

Being a property manager requires many skills and you will likely need to take on several responsibilities. The better you are at managing these responsibilities, the more likely you are to create a positive reputation that will bring in more business. This can help you find success as a property manager.

 

Develop Good DIY Skills

As a property manager, you will be responsible for handling much of the maintenance work on your property. While you can call in others to handle repairs and other requests, it can be beneficial for you to learn how to do things yourself. The best thing you can do is make yourself aware of the most common problems experienced in rental properties. For example, many people might have plumbing or electrical problems. It would be a good idea to learn some basic skills in several areas so you can fix common issues around your property. Being good at handling repairs and taking action quickly can help you be a more successful property manager.

 

Learn How to Find Contractors

When you have bigger issues on your property, you will most likely need to call in someone else to do the work for you. Bringing in contractors will help you take care of repairs, maintenance work, and updates quickly and correctly. Of course, your responsibility will be finding contractors to come in. There are many resources you can use to help you find contractors. Angie’s List has more than 5 million members and lists home service professionals of all kinds. This site vets their contractors and they include reviews from real clients so you can get an accurate idea of the type of work they do.

 

Improve Communication Skills

One of your responsibilities while being a property manager will be communicating with your residents. You need to learn how to work through complaints, inform them of any policies, and be open about anything related to the property. Poor communication can lead to poor reviews of you and your property. Make sure you make an effort to listen to what your residents have to say. Additionally, you need to be proactive about your communication. Provide residents with advance notice of any changes, maintenance work, etc. and make sure you also send them reminders.

 

There are a lot of things you will need to juggle as a property manager. You should make sure you take the time to acquire all the necessary skills. Doing so will help you to be a more successful property manager.


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How to Ensure the Safety of Your Commercial Property

Having a property that is safe and secure in the case of a host of emergencies can save you a lot of mental energy and a lot of money. In addition to getting the right security and ensuring you follow OSHA guidelines for your employees’ safety, you need to make sure your building is up to standard as well. Thankfully, having a safe building can typically be achieved with consistency and diligence.

Maintain the Building

Maintaining your building is one of the most important and most obvious ways you can protect yourself, your employees, and your property from hazards. Perform regular cleanings every week and every month. But in addition to this regular maintenance, make sure you perform routine inspections of your building in the spring and the fall.

Make sure you clean the gutters, check the roofing, check the HVAC system, and ensure the electrical looks good.

Follow Safety Regulations

Maintaining your building is great but it’s not enough if your building isn’t up to code. Safety regulations vary by building, but making sure your building follows safety regulations is important. If you are taking possession of an older building, you should do your homework. Perform thorough inspections to find any damage that needs to be repaired.

Then, in addition to these inspections, you should contact relevant authorities to get more information on the building and what it needs to have added to be up to code. The authority having jurisdiction over building safety is typically the state fire marshal.

Run Safety Drills

You should also ensure that your employees feel comfortable and understand how to act in an emergency. This is especially important if your commercial property is built to draw a large number of customers (i.e. a shopping mall or large grocery store property).

In emergencies, customers will likely be scared. Having employees who can stay calm under stress and who understand emergency protocol is one of your best precautions.  

As you’re thinking about making your building safer, make sure to think beyond the actual building requirements. You want your building to not only be physically safe but to also feel safe. Doing your best to have nice curb appeal can help customers and employees feel like it’s a nice safe environment.

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10 Home Improvement Projects You Shouldn’t Attempt Yourself

Contractors and emergency room nurses agree — professionals should only do some home improvement projects. From pouring concrete to rewiring the bathroom, here are the top 10 jobs you should think about twice before doing them yourself.

Building an Addition

Additions are ideal solutions to cramped spaces, but beyond the expertise it takes to make major structural changes to your home safely, adding square footage alters the floor plan, requiring permits and strict adherence to local building codes. Whether it’s to save money or just because you didn’t know, failing to ensure your addition meets zoning and safety requirements can result in a failed home inspection at sale time or worse — to tear down your mother-in-law’s new suite.

Pouring Concrete

DIY videos make pouring concrete look easy — just follow the recipe, right?. But any good cook will tell you it takes practice to do it well. From understanding how to best reinforce a concrete foundation to making sure a floor is laid smoothly, hiring an experienced professional is your best bet for completing a concrete project that holds up over time and looks like Michelangelo the artist, not the Ninja Turtle, did it. If you want to try working with concrete, stick to small projects like reinforcing a mailbox post or building a birdbath. In a pinch, you can use ready-mixed concrete to simplify the process. It is inexpensive and easy to use.

Dishwasher Installation

The best deals on dishwashers usually don’t come with installation, but paying a professional to do the job can be a bargain. Appliances that use water require painstaking setup to avoid leaks that could cause thousands in damage. From troubleshooting irregular piping schemes to ensuring your new kitchen helper works as efficiently as possible, a licensed plumber has the best tools and expertise for the job.

Tree Removal

The Tree Care Industry Association looked at 42 tree-related accidents involving homeowners in 2017, 24 of which were fatal. Not surprisingly, most of these were the result of human error. Chainsaw injuries, falling limbs, and electrical shocks due to trees hitting power lines were among the top issues, and most were directly attributable to a lack of training or improper equipment. Experts point out that trees, especially if they are damaged, can behave unexpectedly, creating hazards inexperienced homeowners may not recognize. Licensed tree care professionals are trained to evaluate hazardous sites and mitigate the potential danger to both people and the surrounding structures.

Mold Remediation

Mold is more than a nuisance; it can impact your health and damage your home’s structure. Certain strains are toxic and can cause severe respiratory illness while quietly ruining wood, drywall, and flooring. Do-it-yourself remediation kits, including chemicals and personal protective equipment, are available, but mold can be sneaky, often hiding in places where homeowners don’t think to look, like heating and air conditioning ducts that can spread spores throughout the home. Mold removal professionals not only have the equipment to remove mold safely and efficiently, but they know where to look for it and how to keep it from coming back.

Electrical Work

Hiring an electrician can be costly, but it is not worth your safety to play with wires yourself. Projects that were simple a decade ago, like replacing an outlet, are more complicated today due to both local codes and changes in technology. One wrong move could cause an electrical injury or create conditions that lead to a house fire. A qualified electrician will obtain the proper permits and ensure your home’s wiring meets the most advanced safety standards. Electricity can kill, so don’t cut corners.

Plumbing Repair

In most cases, homeowners can capably tackle simple plumbing projects like installing a new faucet, but for larger issues, hiring a professional plumber has perks. Your home’s plumbing includes several systems that work together and independently, requiring extensive knowledge of electrical, heating, and cooling applications as well as high- and low-pressure water issues. Professional plumbers have the right skills to troubleshoot the entire system, not just an isolated problem, and they get the job done quickly so that your family isn’t without water for long.

Demolition

Saving money on home improvement projects with DIY demolition is a bad idea. What could go wrong? Plenty! From ripping out wires that could cost thousands to replace to tearing down a load-bearing wall that supports the roof, breaking out the sledgehammers to get the open concept living room you always wanted might send you to the poor house — or the emergency room — instead. Before taking out your frustrations on the purple tile you hate, call a contractor. Chances are professional demolition is only a fraction of the cost you expect.

Roof Repairs

Repairing or replacing a roof is not complicated, but it takes the right equipment to do safely, and in most cases, a professional roofer can get it done more cost-effectively. How? It is true that most of the cost of a new roof comes down to labor, not materials, but the cost of doing it yourself can be surprisingly high when you factor in the cost of renting equipment like scaffolding and hauling away hundreds of pounds of old shingles.

Restoring Kitchen Cabinets

Trying to restore your kitchen cabinets is not as easy as putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Without the right know-how, the results can be heartbreaking. Kitchen cabinets live in a unique environment with grease and moisture. They may appear clean but have more surface imperfections than drywall, and that means paint or stain that is not correctly applied can run, leaving drips that spoil their look. From proper surface preparation to using tools designed just for smooth surfaces, paint professionals have the right skills and equipment to give your expensive cabinetry a factory finish.

Saving money on home improvements by doing them yourself is tempting, but only when it is cost-effective and safe. If it is not going to improve your bottom line or give you the expert results you want, then stay safe and hire a professional.

How to Keep Your DIY Tools Tidy

During a DIY project, you’ll complete various tasks quicker if all of your tools are properly organized. If your supplies are currently scattered or disorganized, you can organize everything and maintain a tidy work space by following a few simple steps.

Painting Tools

In order to organize your painting tools neatly, you’ll need to take proper steps to clean everything effectively. Paint brushes must be washed immediately following each painting project. You should never soak a paint brush in a bucket of water because the moisture will damage the bristles. Instead, cleanse your brushes with a product that’s designed to dissolve water-based or oil-based paint. These cleansers can also eliminate paints that have dried on rollers, trays, and other painting tools.

Because all paint supplies are different shapes and sizes, certain items will take up less space in specific locations. Paint brushes need to fully dry after they’re washed, so you should store them on the wall. You can hang various brushes on a wall by securing nails on a sheet of paneling. Your paint rollers can air dry inside a tray, and you should store these items in a corner. Since paint cans can spill, keep all opened cans on a high shelf that’s firmly secured against the wall. If you position the cans so that the labels are visible, you’ll spend less time hunting for specific shades on paint.

Hardware

The best tool organizer is the one you customize yourself, which is why foam organizers are invaluable. A foam organizer is an ideal product because it has customized slots for specific tools. Because the crevices are deep, tools stay totally secured while they’re docked in place. This accessory can hold wrenches, drills, screwdrivers, hammers, and more.

Screws and nails are very small and compact, so you’ll need containers with dividers for these items. In order to organize everything strategically, place labels on the side of each container. Labels can help you find flat head screws, Phillips screws, short nails, long nails, and more.

Craft Supplies

Craft supplies are easy to misplace, which is why you should organize all crafting items in a cabinet with multiple drawers. Each bin should have a clear housing because the transparent housing will make the process of managing inventory easier. Label each drawer and shelf clearly, and group things together by category.

These solutions can help you keep your project areas neat and tidy. If you need to rid of dirt and debris on floors in a project zone, invest in a powerful shop vac.

Need help with a DIY project that you never quite finished? We do interior painting, exterior painting, and cabinet refinishing to your satisfaction.

3 Things to Consider Before Painting Your New Home

Nothing is more exciting than a long-awaited move, but with the anticipation also comes the stress of how to make a new space uniquely your own. The good news is that a simple coat of paint can transform a room from dull to daring in as little as a few days. Before you break out the brushes, here are three essential things to consider.

Think Long Term

Paint is an inexpensive way to customize a space, but it’s not without effort. Additionally, looking ahead may prevent remodeler’s remorse. When you head to the paint store, think long term. Choose a fade-resistant product that covers well in few coats and stands up to regular cleaning. Washable paint can also be good for getting rid of marks on the walls; instead of needing to repaint, you could simply wash the offending area with soap and water.

Source: https://rainonatinroof.com/

For color, a trendy shade that makes a bold statement may be tempting, but think twice. Today’s hot hues can look dated in a matter of months, while classic colors look good for decades and flow well with changes in furniture and wall art. If you’re on the fence between a light and dark shade, opt for light. An accent wall in a deep shade can add richness to a room, but it also makes a space look smaller. When it’s time for an update, painting over dark colors with lighter shades is tough.

Source: https://www.bobvila.com/

Let Your Children Have Input

Moving can be difficult for children, so letting them have some input on their new home can help ease the transition. Allowing your children to select their bedroom colors can give them a sense of control and help them feel involved in your new move. Beware, however, that colors affect mood, and glaring brights may not be the best option for a restful night’s sleep. Offer them the choice of color, but use your judgment and bargain down to a personal but soothing shade.

Source: https://www.movingcompanyreviews.com/

Decide: DIY or Hire a Pro?

When budget matters, do-it-yourself painting is a bargain. It’s easy and, for some families, it can be a bonding opportunity. For others, however, the time it takes to get professional-level results takes its toll on family life, and an experienced painting contractor can get it done in a fraction of the time. This is especially true if walls need crack repairs or a specialty finish.

New paint makes any space look fresh, and a splash of your favorite color lets your personality show. Gather the family and some paint samples and get ready to make your new house a home.

4 Ways to Maximize Profits When Selling Your Home

Savvy homeowners understand how to negotiate more for their homes and walk away with a maximum profit. The key factor in getting the most out of your home investment is to choose to focus on the steps that will yield the most significant benefit in comparison to the cost. Here are four ways to maximize profits when selling your home:

Be Smart About Renovation

It is a well-documented fact in real estate circles that a kitchen renovation will yield the best results when leveraging your home for maximum profit. Focusing your home renovation efforts on the kitchen will draw buyers in and make your home more appealing. It’s important not to overdo it with your renovation. Keep to your budget and make wise investments so that you don’t get into unnecessary debt. Remember that your overall objective is to sell your home.

Reference: Rules of Renovation

Look to the Walls

The rigors of everyday living can lead to a number of knicks and scuffs on any wall. One of the easiest ways to improve the aesthetic value of your home is to repaint the walls. A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to spruce up the home. For the larger divots, purchase a small can of drywall compound. Smooth a small amount into the divot and, once dry, sand the patch down until flush with the wall. Make sure to patch any holes before painting.

Think Outside the Box for Realtors

Costly realtor fees can take a big chunk out of the profit of any home sale. Thinking outside of the box of corporate real estate companies and looking toward discount real estate agents as an option can save home sellers thousands of dollars in costs. This savings translates to direct money into your pocket at the closing. Making the effort to trim off of the realtor fees is the single most effective way to walk away from your closing with a bigger profit.

Reference: Clever Real Estate

Stage Your Home for Buyers

Do not discount the importance of a first impression. You want buyers to walk into your home and be able to immediately picture living in that space. This added effort is what will ultimately sell your home. When you stage your home, it’s all about removing clutter and personal items. Clean your home and remove clutter that will detract from the home viewing experience. Then, remove items like family pictures and trophies that will stop potential buyers from picturing themselves in the home. 

Reference: All Storage Online

Selling your home can be a stressful time as you seek to earn the greatest return on your investment. However, with a little preparation and research, you can ensure that you get the most out of your home sale and walk away with the maximum profit.

It’s not about rolling some paint on the walls and calling it a day. Painting is our passion, and as with any passion we only settle for perfection. Attention to detail, quality craftsmanship, meaningful design consultations—this is what we offer. Sure, anyone can call themselves a “painter,” but with the Jaworski team you get so much more—true professionals, we will make your home our next masterpiece!