The Essence of Industrial Water Treatment

 

1Water is important for every society. As a result, it should not be lacking. We also need to make sure the kind we have access to is good enough.

This is especially seeing how health disasters and complications can arise as a result of non-portable source. For example, there are myriads of waterborne diseases which include:

  • Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium)
  • Giardiasis (Giardia)
  • Legionellosis (Legionella)
  • Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
  • Cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora spp.)
  • Hot Tub Rash (Pseudomonas Dermatitis also known as Folliculitis)

These are just a few of the waterborne diseases that using contaminated water exposes us to. For more on this subject, you can visit: https://www.health.state.mn.us/

The solution lies in industrial treatment of the highest quality. There are so many reasons we need to take this very seriously. Some of the reasons will be discussed here in this article and you would do well to be aware of them.

Reasons for Industrial Water Treatment

Many companies are now in the business of treating water and they have clients across industries that patronize them. However, it is still fair to say that we have a long way to go in appreciating and taking advantage of the services of these companies.

Well, it starts by understanding the benefits involved. On that note, listed and explained below are some of the reasons this sort of treatment is of the essence:

Purification of Water

You might have heard the term clean water used at a certain point in time. Its importance is taught in schools; media outlets talk about its need, and so on.

2

It might surprise you to know that some people do not truly understand what it means. For such people, it is the kind that looks clean.

Well, looks can be deceiving. To truly know the one that fits the description of clean, it has to be properly tested and this is one of the processes involved. One that is clean will have:

  • The right pH level
  • The right taste
  • No toxic properties like fluoride; chlorine; heavy metals –lead, mercury, bromide, arsenic
  • No Pathogens such as E. coli

These are some of the expected features. For more on this subject, you can check here.

Protection of the Environment

In many cases, the industrial use of water ends up making it unsafe. This is as some heavy metals and other contaminants will be introduced at some point in time.

The problem is that disposal of such is bad for the environment at large. This is because the contaminants in it will mix up with the soil and affect plants, sewage systems, and channels at large.

More harm can even be done. In light of this, it is only ideal that industrial treatment happens in the environment’s best interest.

Conservation

Some people steer clear of this sort of industrial treatment procedure. For some of them, this is because they consider this move as an addition to their expenses.

Well, you should know that there are economic benefits when you make this move. For example, those that use it for industrial purposes can conserve it this way.

This is considering how it can be used all over again for the industrial processes that require its use. So, this is one major reason industrial water treatment has to be taken seriously, especially by those that use it for industrial purposes.

Health Benefits

Just as mentioned in the early part of this article, there is such a thing as waterborne disease. These are adverse health conditions that can set in when people consume or get exposed to unclean water. To avoid the outbreak of any or many of a long list of these waterborne diseases, industrial treatment is of utmost importance.

This also explains why regulatory standards have been set up across territories to help in this regard. We have regulatory standards as set by bodies such as:

  • EDWD (European Drinking Water Directive)
  • EPA (The United States Environmental Protection Agency)
  • WHO (World Health Organization)

While it is true that some of these organizations are involved in other matters, they pay serious attention to industrial treatment. This is to say that industrial treatment is not a subject that should be taken for granted in any place.

Protection of Water Features

Water would usually travel through certain channels. These channels need to remain intact to hold and supply when needed. For example, pipes are used in a lot of applications.

Bad water can damage the interior of pipes. This is because of the toxic properties involved. So, industrial treatment will also go a long way in ensuring that these vessels used for holding and transporting it remains intact.

Conclusion

We all stand to gain a lot if we take industrial water treatment seriously. We have gone through how this is the case here.

In light of the benefits discussed here, you are advised to take steps in the right direction. You should also know that effective treatment would require the services of an industrial water treatment company.

 

I Just Bought My First Home, Do I Really Need an Estate Planner?

 

Owning your own home has always been a core part of the American dream. That’s why the purchase of your first home is always a major milestone in your life. But beyond that, it’s also the beginning of some major new responsibilities you may not have considered.

The most obvious responsibilities are that you’ll need to pay a monthly mortgage bill and spend whatever’s necessary to maintain your new home. And that’s not all. You also need to start thinking about what would happen to your home if you became disabled or unexpectedly passed away.

And to plan for unexpected events like that – you need an estate planner. Hiring one is something many first-time homeowners neglect to do, and it’s a mistake that can have dire consequences. Here’s why, and how an estate planner can help you protect both your home and your family from the unexpected.

Why You Should Hire an Estate Planner When You Buy a Home

For most people, their primary home is their biggest and most valuable asset. For that reason, most first-time homeowners have the majority of their money tied up in the purchase of their homes. And as you make payments on your mortgage, you’re building equity in your home that contributes to your overall wealth.

But there’s a catch. First, it’s that you don’t own your home until its mortgage is fully paid. The bank does. And second, if the mortgage is in your name, your home – and the equity in it – won’t automatically transfer to your next of kin if something were to happen to you. And that’s why you need an estate planner. They can map out a strategy for you to protect your home equity and make sure that your family has the rights you want them to have.

Navigating the Probate Process

An estate planner will be familiar with the probate laws in your area and will help map out a plan to protect your assets in the event of your death. In the case of your home, that’s a big deal. In California, for example, any asset worth more than $166,250 won’t automatically pass to your next of kin, and will instead end up in probate court. It’s important to note that the law deals with the value of your assets – not the equity you have in them.

That means if you’ve purchased a million-dollar home, and have $800,000 outstanding on your mortgage, the probate court will still value the home at a million dollars. It doesn’t matter that you only have $200,000 in equity in the home. And that’s what makes California estate planning so critical. A proper estate plan will make sure that your family doesn’t end up in a protracted fight in probate court over your biggest asset.

How an Estate Planner Can Help

There are a few ways that an estate planner might help you. They may advise you to take out an insurance policy worth enough to pay off the mortgage on your home. That way, your family won’t get stuck with payments they may not be able to afford. Then, they’ll advise you to place your home into what’s known as a revocable trust. That will allow you to name a beneficiary who will assume your mortgage almost immediately upon your death. Having one in place will speed up the probate process since there won’t be any questions about the rights to the home.

They’ll also know how to deal with the bank that holds the mortgage on your home. Many lenders try to prevent homeowners from placing their homes into trusts. This is because many mortgages have what’s known as a “due on sale” clause. And although you might not know it, they define any event that terminates your ownership of the home as a sale.

In other words, the death of the mortgage holder would trigger the clause, allowing the bank to demand full repayment of the loan immediately. This would mean that your family has to either come up with the necessary money in a hurry, or they’d need to sell the home under duress. And even if you have an insurance policy to cover the costs of the mortgage, it may not pay out fast enough to satisfy the bank.

Plan Ahead to Avoid any Problems

The bottom line here is that buying your first home gives you plenty of reasons to contact an estate planner. It’s a necessary part of the process that you wouldn’t want to leave to chance. And having a proper plan in place will help give you peace of mind and the knowledge that the biggest investment of your life will end up safely in your family’s hands if something unexpected should happen. And in that way, you can protect your family’s slice of the American dream – no matter what the future brings.

 

Moving Mayhem: Should I DIY my Move or Hire Pros?

 

Moving is among the most challenging tasks you will ever have to do, merely because of the number of separate tasks that must be completed. A common decision you’ll need to make is whether to move yourself or hire professionals. Both options have pros and cons, and it is important to look at all your options before making a decision. This guide will help you evaluate which path is best for you.

 

DIY Move

 

Pros

 

Save Money

Relocating on your own will cost you only the cost of packing supplies and maybe renting a truck. Relocating containers are another excellent cost-cutting alternative.

You Set the Schedule

When you move yourself, you can set the schedule on your own time. When something pops up that causes a change in your plans, there will be no cancellation costs for changing your relocation date.

You Have Greater Control

If you are in charge of the relocation, you have complete influence over how your belongings are treated, how the moving vehicle is loaded, and when the relocation occurs. You make all the decisions regarding the entire moving process.

You Can Avoid Being a Victim of a Scam

While the majority of moving firms are trustworthy and dependable, others are out to con you your money. Moving oneself reduces the likelihood of this happening.

 

Cons

 

Great Deal of Hard Work

Moving is hard, which is why so many people employ professional movers. Not only must you carefully pack all of your things in wraps and boxes, but you must also make sure they make it onto and off of the truck without being damaged. If either of your homes have stairs, you’re in for a long day.

Physically Exhausting

Without using the proper form, lifting heavy boxes and furniture can seriously injure your back. Even if you recruit the assistance of some muscular pals, you are still vulnerable to serious injury.

Inadequate Experience

If you aren’t in the moving profession, odds are you don’t recognize how to move heavy objects, safeguard your furniture, or pack or drive a moving truck. Lack of experience puts you in danger of damaging your belongings or injuring yourself.

You Might Take More Days Off Work Than Expected

Moving yourself would almost certainly necessitate more time away from work. You may save money up front by moving yourself, but if this comes at the cost of taking off work, it may no-longer be cost effective.

 

Hiring Professional Movers

 

Pros

 

You’ll Have Much More Time to Concentrate on Other Activities

With a moving company loading, transporting, and sometimes even packing your possessions, you will have more time to concentrate on the many other things that need your attention—looking after your kids and pets, setting up utilities in your new home, and updating your postal address.

Less Responsibility

Hiring movers allows you to delegate responsibilities and reduce some of the stress of relocating. That way, they can keep an eye on everything, and you won’t have to worry about the minor (or major) details.

They Handle the Heavy Lifting

Leave the hard lifting to the experts. After all, these professional movers were engaged for a specific reason. They have the skills, tools, and physical ability to move your furniture and belongings safely and efficiently.

They are Experienced and Efficient

Most movers are experts who know how to protect your furniture throughout the move, how to safeguard your home’s walls, floors, and entryways, and how to position your possessions on the moving vehicle in the most effective way to preserve space and avoid a disaster. Hiring movers increases the probability that your relocation will go ahead smoothly.

Cons

 

It Could Be Costly

Hiring professionals can be expensive based on the size and distance of the relocation. A local household’s average relocation expense is about $2,300! What a splurge! Even if you’re only relocating down the block, hiring a mover will set you back quite a bit of money.

Less Flexible

When you hire professional movers, you lose quite a bit of control over your relocation. Life is unpredictable, and if an emergency stops you from relocating the day you scheduled your movers, you might be levied a cancellation fee to compensate for the inconvenience.

Impersonal

You probably don’t know the movers personally. Most people would agree, entrusting your personal belongings and valuables to strangers can be nerve-racking. That is why it is critical to conduct your research, read reviews, and compare ratings before hiring a mover to assist you with the relocation.

The option of whether to relocate yourself or employ experts is particular to your personality, requirements, and the details of your relocation. A DIY relocation will be considerably more challenging if you are relocating long distances or have a large property. In addition, if you have kids and other obligations to attend to, hiring a moving company will make the procedure much smoother and less stressful. Nevertheless, if you are unmarried, on a tight budget, have a tiny house, and have little furniture to move, a do-it-yourself relocation may be a better option for you.

Before making a choice, examine your situation: what’s most vital to you—control, safety, timing, simplicity of use, and price are all essential aspects to consider when determining whether a DIY move or hiring professionals is the right move for you.

 

Mixing Metals: Finishing Your Kitchen’s Look

 

There is no unwritten rule that the metals in your kitchen must match, they are not like your outfit. In order to create a more collected and contemporary many designers are saying that mixed metals are required. Using more than one metal and pull additional styles into your space and create a timeless and trendy look. However, you cannot add these finishes randomly and expect a designer look. Placing these metals intentionally is key to achieving the perfect look.

One tip for creating a timeless look is to mix cool and warm metals. Cool toned metals such as stainless steel can accent well with warm toned copper, gold, or brass. Mixing tones can create a stimulating pop of color within your design. To learn more tips about how to mix metals, check out the below infographic.

Infographic created by Gerber.

How To Keep Dust Out of Your Closets

Store Clothes In Your Closet, Not Dust

Household dust is made up of small elements that may look harmless. These particles can contribute to bigger problems as they contain nasty components like dust mites, pollen, toxic chemicals, and dust mite excrement. This material can cause major discomfort by triggering allergies or potentially worsen serious illnesses.

The first step to a clean closet is to declutter and organize your space. For example, if you live somewhere with changing seasons storing out of seasons clothes in airtight totes can help prevent a dust infestation. Keeping shoes off the floor with a shoe rack and putting shirts in a box or drawer rather than stacked up on a shelf can also help decrease dust.

Unfortunately, there is no escaping dust and no extent of cleaning and organizing can get rid of it. But it is important to do your best to wipe down closet surfaces completely and routinely to reduce the amount of sitting dust on your belongings. A clean closet is a major contributor towards a better bill of health. For additional information, please review the below infographic.

 

Graphic created by Closets.com.

 

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Family Home

 

Buying a family home is the dream of a lifetime for many, and it comes with a lot of excitement and stress. You want to make sure that you pick a house that you and your family will enjoy for years. You also want to make sure that it won’t turn into a money pit and that you’ll be able to get value for it if you decide to sell it at a certain point in time.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Family Home

You can’t let emotions dictate your decision and pick a home just because you feel it’s the one. You need to make sure that you know what you’re getting into and what to look for. Let’s take a look at some mistakes to avoid when buying your first family home.

Working with the Wrong Agents

Not all real estate agents are the same. Some people deal with luxury units principally. While they may be able to find a great family home for you, you might not be their priority and you can’t expect them to work as hard for you as they do for their multi-million clients. You want to consider the portfolio of the people you’re going to deal with and make sure that you’re on the same page.

People like kerbyandcristina.com are a great choice if you’re looking for a family home. They know these types of properties in and out and have served thousands of families over the years. You want a team with a solid track record for working with people like you if you want to get the best deal possible.

Only Looking at Single Family Units

When most people think of a family home, they usually think about a single-family home. While it’s all fine and good, buying this kind of property as your first is not always the best idea. The thing is that you could have a property that generates revenue if you are ready to spend a little more. Some even decide to buy an empty lot and build a multi-unit property. This way, you’ll have somewhere to stay and have the rest of the tenants can help pay the mortgage on the property. Once you have enough equity, you could leverage it to buy the single-family home you always wanted and have one extra free unit to rent.

Wanting Everything to be Perfect

Maybe you had this image of the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood at the perfect price in your mind. However, we’re here to tell you that this place probably only exists in your dreams. If you’re going to buy a house, you’re going to have to make some compromises.

You might not get the view you wanted, or be closer to the main road than what you had in mind. Maybe the exterior architecture isn’t exactly what you were looking for, but the price is right and you love how the interior is configured. In these cases, it might be a better idea to go for the best deal and learn to love the house’s little kinks.

These are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when buying a family home. Make sure that you have the right people by your side, and don’t rush the process if you don’t want to end up with regrets.

 

Some of the Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

Some of the Most Common Plumbing Emergencies

As a smart homeowner, you need to know about some of the most common plumbing breakdowns that create emergencies around the house. It will help you be mentally and technically prepared to face the situation and not panic if you suspect a particular plumbing issue.

Let us look at the most common ones:

            1.   Faucet Leaks

The dripping sound of the faucet can be irritating and can take away your sleep. Faucet leaks are the most common plumbing problems, especially once the plumbing system or the fixtures age. Though they may not seem like an emergency at first, however, a leaky faucet can waste gallons of precious water as well as damage your home.

            2.   A Clogged Sink or Shower Drain

Clogged drains in the bathroom or kitchen can be distressing when the water collects or floods the rooms. It can be a big emergency for the family. As soon as you notice the water is draining slowly, take it as a warning sign not to be ignored if clogged drains are to be avoided by all means.

            3.   Clogged Toilets

Toilet clogs can create serious issues around the homes and are again a very common problem. Since the toilet fixtures are used more than the other plumbing fixtures, they often wear out. You can handle minor clogs with a plunger but if the problem recurs often, or refuses to settle, call for professional help.

            4.   Water Heater Issues

Another problem that comes up often is the shock of cold water when you turn on the shower expecting hot water. The problem can occur mainly due to some electrical fault, heater issue, or cracks or pipe burst. You will need to get in touch with your utility company at the earliest and resolve the hot water issue.

Water heater leak is another most common plumbing emergency that occurs, especially after years of use. The drips from the heater or the pipe joints can be seen as a puddle below the leaking point on the pipe. The water heater leaks, apart from creating a messy and wet floor, also unnecessarily increase your water bills due to the wasted water. So before the problem increases, it is smart to get the same inspected and repaired. It may range from replacing a valve, pipe to the entire heater.

            5.   Frozen or Burst Pipes

Frozen pipes are very frequent problems during winter. If your water supply stops suddenly during winters, the issue likely is that of frozen pipes. You will need to locate the section and try to resolve it by applying a hot towel or with the help of the hairdryer. You must remember that you do not use any flame for heating the frozen section since the pipes can burst. Pipes can also develop cracks or burst due to when the water expands or freezes rapidly. A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency that needs to be handled immediately by a denver plumbing contractor.

            6.   Faulty Toilet Flush

The valve of the flush button can stop functioning, creating constant running water in your toilet. It can waste a large amount of water as well as increase your water bills manifold. It ]needs to be inspected and repaired soon, to stop the dripping noise and the water wastage.

            7.   Washing Machine Hose Leaks

It is again a common problem that can arise at any time as the washing machine hose tends to crack or develop leaks over the years. You should inspect it for mold and dust too. 

            8.   Garbage Disposal Block

The device helps to keep the kitchen sink unclogged. However, it can get clogged and stop functioning and will need to be repaired asap.

            9.   Sewer System Malfunctioning

Sewer malfunctioning can be quite a nightmare as the system can throw the sewer back into the home and will need to be repaired immediately to stop your home from turning into a garbage dump.

            10.   Gas Pipe Leak

This also is a common household problem that needs immediate attention as it can be very dangerous if not resolved at the earliest. You should call for professional help without losing any time and get the gas pipe repaired.

 

7 Things You Should Always Consider When You’re Looking for a Moving Company

 

If you have ever moved houses, then you know that it’s not the most pleasant experience. After all, you need to think about hundreds of things at once – you have to pack everything, put it in the right boxes, so you know what is where, organize a truck to transport it and load it with your things, and once that is done, you need to unload it and unpack everything. Sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? In most cases, it is.

However, there are some ways in which you can make the whole process a lot easier on yourself – one of them being hiring a moving company. You might be wondering – why would I do that? Well, hiring someone to help you move will prevent you from having to do part of the steps we mentioned above by yourself.

As experts from highestcashoffer.com rightfully notice, “a moving company already has trucks of all sizes to transport your belongings safely, and, if necessary, can safeguard your belongings in a private storage facility.” What’s more, the movers will load and unload the truck, thus saving you the hassle of taking care of it yourself.

Before you can let them do that, however, you need to make a very important decision, which can be quite challenging – especially if it’s your first time doing something like this. You need to choose the moving company to hire. Since we understand the hassle, we prepared a short list of seven things you should take into consideration when looking for one. Want to find out more about it? Well, you will just have to keep reading then.

Recommendations from People You Know and Trust

It’s common knowledge that Google is not the best place to start your research. While it might help you organize your move better, by, for example, giving you examples of a moving checklist, so you’ll know what to do, it is not the right first choice when it comes to looking for moving services.

Instead of searching it up, try asking your family members or friends. Perhaps someone was in the same situation not so long ago and can share their opinion on the company they hired.

Now, you might be wondering – why not google it first? Well, it is not uncommon for people to have a bad experience with a company that has only good reviews. On the other hand, there might be some companies that are still new, and thus not have an established web presence. By asking your loved ones, you might gain some information you wouldn’t if you started from online research.

Good Reviews

Now, don’t be mistaken – we are all for looking for opinions online. However, as we said, it shouldn’t be your first choice, as there are a lot of things you might miss out on. Now that you have probably gathered a few company names from your loved ones, you can use online reviews to learn more about them and their practices.

Keep in mind that, usually, people write a review either when they had a very good experience with the company or a terrible one. However, both of them are important, as they can help you understand what you might be getting yourself into when choosing that particular company.

It’s like when you want to sell your house – you don’t just randomly select a company to help you with that. Instead, you are doing your research, to make sure you are making the right decision.

Successful Track Record

If left to choose between a company that has been around for years or a new company that is just getting started, people would most likely choose the former – unless they know people that can really recommend choosing the latter option.

Thanks to the information you can find online, it shouldn’t be hard to discern a general idea about their practices, and their record with clients. Look at things such as being on time, maintaining the condition of possessions and keeping the rates fair.

License and Insurance

This might sound like a no-brainer but never go for a company that isn’t insured or licensed. While everyone can buy a moving truck and consider themselves a moving company, according to the law, only the licensed and insured ones have the obligation of protecting your property.

When it comes to interstate moves, the moving company has to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation, after which they receive a unique USDOT number. You can easily check if the company’s DOT number is valid by searching a database provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The best thing you can do is to look at what licensing laws are present in your state, and whether the company you are planning on choosing abides by them.

Transparent Rates

The price that moving companies give you when you book service is usually just a base rate, concerning how many hours it will take them, and how many movers you will need from them. However, it doesn’t include things like additional packing materials, or additional fees for moving large and heavy objects.

Keep in mind that, generally, the price you are given when booking services of a moving company, is just to provide you with a general idea of how much you will be spending. That’s why it’s important that you ask about any additional fees that might apply, and what are the reasons behind them. If the company is not willing to share that information, it might be best to just choose another one.

Fitting for Individual Needs

Remember – every move is different. Moving a studio apartment will be different than moving a two-story house. However, no matter how big or small, you need to find a company that will be able to accommodate all of your things and meet your needs. Some of the questions worth asking yourself are:

  • Does the company have a moving truck of the right size, that will be able to fit all my boxes and furniture?
  • Is the company able to provide additional packaging materials, such as bubble wrap or moving blankets?
  • Is the company available during the time period convenient for you?

Beware of Fraud

While millions of people move every year, all over the world, there is a chance of being scammed if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Check whether the company has a valid DOT number, active license, or look for an opinion about them online. Be cautious about movers that ask for a deposit – especially if the amount is higher than 20%. If you want to find out more information about how to make sure you are hiring a legitimate company, you can always check the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The Bottom Line

There’s no denying that competition between moving companies is high. There are so many of them that at one point it can become overwhelming – however, that’s also one of the reasons why you should always do your research before hiring one. You probably want to make sure that you are making the right decision, don’t you?

In general look for companies that offer high-quality services, have a proven history of safety, and are reliable. Keep in mind the things that we listed above, and you should be just fine.

 

5 DIY Projects that Increase the Value of Your Home

Home improvement is the best thing to do if you want to upgrade your home. DIY projects can provide more appeal and value to your real estate, including houses for sale in North Vancouver. Having some home projects and home decorating can also ease your mind to make sure that the value of your home will not deteriorate. Home improvement projects can also allow you to Feng shui your home to get more positive energy to come in. IF you want to have a DIY home, you can just choose some easy DIY project to make the DIY home improvement to be fun and rewarding.

1. Renew Your Landscape and Curb Appeal

If you want your real estate looking polish, you need to go ahead and do some DIY outdoor to add more curb appeal to your surroundings. You can redecorate your front porch as well as your front door. Try to use chalk paint and get some designer tips online to transform your real estate facade. That will add more appeal to your home, and you don’t even have to hire anyone to get things done. You can always find more exterior designs online and go for DIY home improvement.

Another great idea to improve your landscape is to have a herb garden. You can have a modern house number planter using some pieces of wood from your barn. While you’re at it, redesign your barn door as well and make it look prettier. You can paint it with tree stumps design so that it will blend in perfectly to your garden.

2) Replace Carpet with Laminate Floors

Another essential thing to do when it comes to doing some DIY home projects is to replace your carpet floors with the laminated floors. It will change the overall look of your house, and it will surely look brand new. You don’t have to worry about reinstalling laminated floors by yourself. There are many video tutorials from YouTube that you can watch so that you will learn how it’s done. It will save you a lot of money by doing that.

After changing your floors, it’s about time also to repair essential items in the house. You can check your air conditioner to see if it needed service and repairs. You can also try to check your electric wires that may need more attention and have some electrical repair already. The last but not the least is your plumbing that may also need some plumbing repair to ensure that everything is running well within your real estate.

3) Add an Outdoor Space

A DIY patio is a great addition to make your real estate more sophisticated and cozy. Just add a patio umbrella and outdoor table to have your very own outdoor space. It’s great for your mental health as well as you’re family members because it can be the place for you to hang out with each other or just relax by yourself. You can also add a porch swing if you have kids so that they can also have their playground without the need to leave the real estate.

Having an outdoor space will add more appeal to your home. You don’t always have to stay indoors since you can still sit back and relax in your DIY patio. It will also be picture-perfect in case you’re planning to sell your real estate soon. The buyers will be enticed to seal the deal right away because it’s an ideal home. But you can also just keep it for your enjoyment.

4) Make a Home office

A home office is a good idea, especially because of Covid 19, people need home offices. It’s a perfect DIY home project so that you can have your workspace from your real estate. It will ensure productivity since you will get the feel of working from your own office. There are many design ideas that you can check online or just go for your design and avoid hiring interior designers.

You will need to decide about the coat of paint that you want to use for your DIY home office. It can be a simple task that you can tackle this weekend. Make sure to add storage space for relevant documents that you need for your home office. Have your contact paper and picture frame as well so that you will be comfortable in your workspace once it’s done.

5) Renovate Your Kitchen Cabinets

The kitchen cabinets are often neglected since it’s being used as food storage or just to keep some kitchen utensils for cooking. But it’s best if you will also spice up your kitchen by using some faux marble that will guarantee to spruce up your space in no time. Just decide what will be the new theme of your kitchen and align it with the cabinets to make your kitchen better looking.

Of course, saving money should also be prioritized when doing a DIY home project. That’s why you’re doing it yourself. You can check some IKEA hack, Lowes, or home depot so that you can compare the prices of the materials. Then you choose the most affordable yet with excellent quality materials so that you can make sure that your kitchen will look great for a long time.

Conclusion

These DIY projects will increase the value of your home without the need to spend too much. Since you can just buy the materials from a place that you can get it the cheapest, you no longer have to pay for the labor of doing the project. You’re real estate will surely increase the value since it will look as if it’s newly built as well as well maintained. It’s best to just research the materials that you will need and compare the prices from each store so that you will not end up paying more. Once you have everything that you need for your DIY project, you can go ahead and start working so that you can already see the results. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and feel proud about doing the DIY project that looks like a PRO made it.

 

5 Ways to Prepare for Home Damage and Disasters

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One of the worries every homeowner has to deal with is suffering from a natural disaster or home damage. Storms, floods, fires, or other events beyond your control can damage your house, leaving behind extensive and costly repairs. But instead of sitting around worrying and waiting for something that seem inevitable, there are things you can do to set yourself up to be prepared for these scenarios.

Here are five ways to prepare for any type of home damage or disaster.

 

1 – Get Home Insurance 

The purpose of homeowner’s insurance is to safeguard your home from the very disasters that could damage it. Every insurance company covers different items and has varying deductibles, but they should all cover hazards like:

  • Fire damage
  • Water damage
  • Wind damage
  • Vandalism

Some places require homeowner’s insurance, but even if they don’t, you can only benefit from having it. It’s an extra annual expense, but it’s worth easing your worries about potential damage.

 

2 – Have Contact Information for Repair/Restoration Services

Even when you prepare, things can still happen. Your goal should be to minimize the possibility of damage, but if anything occurs, you should know local companies to call.

Some states have more options for specific types of damage restoration than others. For example, fire damage repair Florida companies are less frequent than states like California, where forest fires are more frequent. Meanwhile, states in the Midwest might have more tornado-based repair services.

Do a little research and have some phone numbers, just in case! Read reviews on sites like Google and Yelp, and ask a neighbor if they’ve ever had to call a restoration service.

 

3 – Take Stock of What You Own

If anything should happen, you will want to know the value of what you own if you decide to file an insurance claim. If you lose items, having a “database” of sorts can help you out immensely and save you a lot of time and money in the future.

Take photographs of rooms and do your best to estimate the value of each item. Keep prized possessions in one safe container, in case you need to save these items from a disaster quickly.

It’s better to prepare for the worst than do nothing at all. Some insurance companies even have online tools to help you do this.

 

4 – Know Your Area

Every state is more likely to face certain events than others. Florida is hurricane-prone, California sees wildfires often, the Midwest has tornadoes, etc.

If you know what you’re most likely to face, then you will have a better idea of how best to prepare.

Whether that means boarding up your windows, trimming tree branches, or installing dual pane tempered glass, these are ways to better equip your home to handle inclement weather and disasters.

 

5 – Have Plans in Place

You can do many things to prepare your home for the worst, but you should also prioritize your personal safety. Have non-perishable food stocked up and a bag ready to go in case you need to leave. If you hear a storm is coming your way, consider making snack bags that you can take with you to a shelter if necessary.

 

Conclusion

Things happen, and your home could suffer hard from damage despite your best efforts. However, it’s always better to set yourself up for success as opposed to doing nothing at all:

  • Research your area and find out what storms are most common
  • Invest in homeowner’s insurance and, if necessary, pay for extra coverage for earthquakes, wind, flooding, etc.
  • Have restoration companies saved in your contacts so you’re ready to call right away
  • Take weather warnings seriously and stock up on supplies like snack bags and non-perishable foods
  • Make sure you have an exit plan in place and your whole family is aware of what to do in the event of a storm

 

The Homeowner’s Guide to Shed Insurance

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With the average price for materials ranging between $17-$24sqft, it can cost homeowners about $2,500 to build a typical 10’x12′ DIY shed. Depending on the size, style, siding, roofing, and extra features such as plumbing, electrical, overhead doors, or solar panels, the cost can soar upwards of $10,000 or more. Then, if you consider what’s being stored inside of your shed? The total value of the structure and its contents can undoubtedly raise a few eyebrows and questions, especially when it comes to being vandalized or totally lost due to a natural disaster or fire.

There are several reasons why homeowners might have a shed on their property. In most cases, these structures are covered by their homeowner’s insurance policy; however, there are also cases where they are not. The biggest mistake that some homeowners make is failing to call their insurance company to see if the new shed and its contents will be covered under their current policy. This guide is designed to help the average homeowner understand how it works with some tips along the way, and without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about shed insurance.

 

What’s Other Structures Protection?

 

Whether you have a shed, detached garage, gazebo, chicken coop, fence, or in-ground swimming pool located on your property? In the world of insurance companies, this type of homeowner’s insurance policy is known as other structures protection. In general, the standard coverage is about 10% of your entire home’s insurance policy. For example, if your home is insured for $150,000? Under the other structures protection policy, your shed and other outbuildings would be insured for $15,000.

It’s essential to call your insurance company or read the fine print in your homeowner’s insurance policy to know what the number of your coverage limits are. The next thing you need to know is the value that your new shed brings to your home? If your new shed has an amount more than what your current coverage limits are, it’s a good idea to have your insurance agent raise and adjust your coverage limits to protect your investment.

 

What’s the Value of Your Shed?

 

DIY sheds generally include just the cost of materials to build it and perhaps a good shed plans from Shedplans.org to work from, but you still need to know what it’s worth before you talk to your insurance company about raising your rates. A simple way to get a rough estimate of your shed’s value is by taking the cost of materials and tripling it. Most professional contractors charge about two thirds above the cost of materials for their labor.

On the other hand, you can expect that most insurance companies will want proof of the structure’s existence and paperwork backing its value, especially if they’re going to write you a check to repair or replace your shed. In cases such as this, it’s always best to have a home appraisal conducted. You can easily find a professional with any appraisal management company. These experts are certified and licensed in their perspective states or countries to determine the value of a structure objectively, fairly, and without bias opinions.

 

Does a Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover the Shed Contents?

 

Most homeowner’s insurance policies will have a set amount of protection for personal property. This also includes the contents stored inside of your shed or other outbuildings. The amount of protection is typically determined by the amount of insurance outlined in your home’s insurance policy. While insurance companies cover certain items stored in outbuildings such as ATVs, lawnmowers, power equipment, garden tools, there may be a limit to what your insurance company is willing to fork over.

On the flip side of the coin, items subject to damage from moisture and humidity like clothing, photographs, and other personal effects, in most cases, wouldn’t be covered by your insurance company. Therefore, these types of personal items should be kept safe in your house to qualify as being insurable under your insurance policy’s protection for private property.

 

Are There Any Limits on Shed Insurance?

 

In the real world, although your shed and its contents are covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy, it’s wise to talk to your agent about your policy’s stated coverage limits. This allows you to make a few different decisions based on what best fits your needs.

For example, let’s say your shed’s finished value is $5,000, and you’re basically using it for storing lawn and garden tools and supplies with a riding lawnmower that’s valued on the lower end of the scale? In most cases, this will not affect the limits on your homeowner’s insurance policy, which also includes the other structures protection plan. Meaning, your current coverage rates, and limits will not be affected.

 

When Does a Shed Limit Apply?

 

When you have specific items stored in a shed or outbuilding, limits will apply. As an illustration, if you have a $10,000 side-by-side ATV in your shed and a natural disaster or fire occurs? There may be a limit of $2,500 on the entire contents of the shed, including your expensive toy. Other items where restrictions may apply include but are not limited to:

  • Motorcycles
  • Snowmobiles
  • Vehicles
  • ATVs
  • Guns & Hunting Bows
  • Woodworking equipment
  • Expensive power tools
  • Small farm machinery
  • Zero-Turn riding lawn mowers

Pro Tip: To protect expensive items that are stored in your shed, talk to your agent about additional coverage for these specific items. You may discover that it’s best to insure them separately as opposed to raising the coverage and rates on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

 

Is There Anything Else That I Should Know About Shed Insurance?

 

One key component to shed insurance for theft claims is to make sure that you have either a keyed lock or a paddle lock installed on the doors of your shed. Contrary to what you may believe, some insurance companies will not give you a dime if you don’t have a lock on your shed, and theft occurs.

Anytime that you have a question about what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers, contact them and get it to explain to you because the information you need to know is usually contained in the small print that every homeowner hates to read. And lastly, you can certainly benefit from building a new shed yourself, but make sure you are covered.

 

Mortgage Insurance: What You Are Paying For

 

As contract attorneys who provide a range of realty and mortgage associated legal services, including genuine estate closings and dealing with estate conflicts, we at Mcgrath Spielberger, PLLC know that most customers actually don’t comprehend private mortgage insurance. Referred to as PMI, private mortgage insurance is to benefit the lending institution, not the debtor.

PMI is generally required if the circumstances consist of a private mortgage loan in which less than 20% of the list prices/ appraised worth is put down in advance. From the lender viewpoint, PMI is an extremely good thing as the debtor needs to pay for an insurance coverage which names the lending institution as the recipient, with the lending institution (or whomever winds up owning the loan) possibly having the ability to make a claim on the policy if the debtor defaults on the loan as default leads to the loan provider not being paid back completely.

In many situations, according to the professional advise of https://mcgrathspielberger.com,  the premium payments the borrower needs to produce personal mortgage insurance are rolled into the debtor’s regular monthly “mortgage payment”. The details regarding the original PMI arrangement, including the payment amount, are understood in advance of the realty closing. Borrowers/purchasers ought to be asking concerns about PMI prior to closing as compared to after (although much better to ask later on and know than to not ask at all).

It’s likewise very crucial to understand when you may be able to cancel your PMI– and the associated payments, thus reducing your month-to-month payment. Make sure to get into the details of your contract with a local real estate contract attorney in charlotte nc areas to learn more about your specific situation.

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How to Improve Your Neighborhood (and Raise Your Property Value)

 

1No matter what kind of money you pump into your home — whether you dig a swimming pool, design a state-of-the-art kitchen or even build an addition that doubles your square footage — your property will only ever be worth so much. That’s because real estate agents and buyers use home values in your neighborhood to determine the best price for your home; the improvements you make to your lot have a relatively minor effect on your home’s value.

It follows, then, that to boost your property value, you need to be sure your neighborhood is increasing in quality alongside your own home. Here are a few tips to help you (and your neighbors) improve your neighborhood, so everyone can enjoy higher property values.

Develop Community Pride

If you aren’t happy to live where you live — indeed, proud of your surroundings and the people around you — your efforts to improve your neighborhood won’t have much of an impact. However, it is important that you not only enhance your own feelings toward your community but strive to grow pride all other community members, as well. In areas with high levels of community pride, residents are more likely to voluntarily keep their properties nice and comply with governing documents like HOA regulations. You can foster community pride through frequent, positive communication with your neighbors.

Keep Everything Clean

Trash blows out of garbage cans and is littered by inconsiderate passers-by, even in the most expensive neighborhoods. However, if you and your neighbors don’t commit to picking it up, no one else will. That means fast food wrappers, plastic grocery bags and other unsightly bits of debris could float around your neighborhood, catching the eye of visitors and potential buyers. Whenever you see a bit of trash, you should grab it and dispose of it properly to create a clean neighborhood for everyone.

Focus on Landscaping

Visitors to your neighborhood can’t see inside your home, so they won’t know about your expensive and impeccable interior design. Instead, they will judge neighborhood value based on exterior style, which means you need to focus much of your home improvement efforts on your landscaping. Most importantly, you should avoid allowing your flora to fall into disrepair. If you lack the tools and knowledge to keep your trees and grass in perfect health, you can hire a yard and lawn care service to maintain your outside spaces and increase the value of your home.

2Push for Infrastructure

If your neighborhood is riddled with potholes and cracked sidewalks, you need to ensure those get fixed. You might also want to add features like bike paths or a dog park. If you can get a number of neighbors together to lobby the city council for street repair in your area, you can get the funding for infrastructure maintenance you need to boost your neighborhood’s value. You might need to practice persistence as nothing in the government moves fast.

Get Involved in Schools

For one reason or another, neighborhoods with good schools are also those with high-priced houses. That means you need to invest in your area’s schools if you want to attract buyers with deep pockets. Even if you don’t yet have school-aged children, you can take an interest in the upkeep, progress and politics of nearby schools. For instance, you can attend school board meetings, donate your money and volunteer at events and generally help the school earn more funding for better programs. Then, whether or not you have kids who use those schools, buyers will be attracted to the district’s reputation.

Contact Real Estate Agents

To improve your neighborhood value, you need the right kind of neighbors. Generally, renters are bad for home prices; because they have little concern for property values, they’ll do the minimum with regards to upkeep and improvements. That’s why you want real estate agents in your area to focus on pushing properties onto owners instead of investors. If you and your neighbors are on the same page, those who sell their homes might be willing to tell their agents that they’ll only entertain offers from potential owners. While many agents usually try to sell properties to the highest bidder, regardless of who that entity might be, agents will honor a direct request from a client.

Work Together

No matter how spirited you are about improving your neighborhood’s value, you can’t do it alone. You need the help of your neighbors to make real change in your area, and that means you need to be willing to not just meet your neighbors but foster relationships with them.

Fortunately, you will likely find most of your neighbors amenable to positive change. When you work together, you will see property prices rise en masse, and you’ll all reap the rewards of a more valuable neighborhood as a group.

 

A Home Buyers Checklist: What You Need To Know

 

Buying a house can feel very overwhelming. If you break down the basic steps, though, you can get through the process without losing track of your goals. Below are the basic things you need to keep in mind when buying a house. If you can check them all off of your list, you will know that you’ve covered all your bases.

Get A Good Realtor

Having a solid real estate agent is the first thing you’ll need when buying a house. While your realtor is going to get paid for helping you buy a house, it’s always in his or her best interest to make sure that you are protected during the process. A good realtor will show you the right houses for your needs and help to walk you through the buying process.

Know Your Limits

It’s important to know what you can afford. When you go to a mortgage lender, they’re going to tell you much you can borrow – but that might be more than you want to spend on a house. Instead, do some research to figure out what kind of payments you can comfortably make while living the lifestyle that’s most important to you and to your family.

Get a Pre-Approved and Ready for a Mortgage

The last thing you want is to lose out on a great house because you couldn’t pull funding together at the last minute. Go ahead and start talking to lenders before you’ve bought a home to get pre-approved for a mortgage. While there will still be paperwork to do after you sign a contract, you’ll be able to avoid some worst-case scenarios with pre-approval. Don’t forget to get your down payment together during this step, as this significant amount of cash will be vital to the process of securing your loan.

Research Moving Companies

It’s a good idea to know what it’s going to cost you to move ahead of time. This is an easy cost to forget, so go ahead and take care of it ahead of time. You should also figure out whether or not you can actually reach your new home by truck, or if you’ll have to take a more exotic route to get your things to your home. Plus, some companies will give you a discount if you reserve a truck early enough, or if you bundle multiple services together (Suddath movers and a few others will do this).

Check Out the Neighborhood

Don’t forget to check out the neighborhood at different times of the day and night. You’ll get an idea of what life is like in the area, what your neighbors are like, and even what kind of traffic you should expect on your way home from work. These are the little things that have a huge impact on your quality of life in your new home.

Get an Inspection

Never move into a home without an inspection. Even if you’re buying a house as-is, you need to know what kind of flaws you’re going to be working with even if you know you have to do some renovations. Always make sure to work with an independent inspector even if the buyer offers to have an inspection done for you. This goes for pest control too. Make sure you’re not about to move into an infestation before you sign anything. Just make sure you go with pros, like our friends at Turner Pest, it’s easy to miss the early signs of an infestation. And missing the early signs could cost you thousands down the road.

 

All-in-all, it’s not rocket science. Be prepared, do your homework, and don’t cut corners. The more time you spend up front, the more at ease you’ll be throughout the entire process. So, get out there out start house hunting!