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REAL ESTATE

5 Ways to Find the Ideal First Home

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Buying your first home is a daunting, and often confusing task. There is so much to know and for the inexperienced, it can seem like navigating a treacherous minefield. But fear not, we are putting together this concise guide on what to do and what to look out for. Here are our five ways to find the ideal first home.

Needs for your First Home

The first thing to know is what do you need from a home? If you have four kids and a dog, then your requirements are going to be different than if you are just a single person. Do you drive? The answer to this question may influence your choice. Does the property have adequate parking if you do? If not, what is the public transport provision like? You should be able to search for properties with minimum square footage and a number of rooms.

Location

Are you tied down to a particular area? Reasons for this may be that you have caring commitments for family, perhaps an elderly parent? You may want to be mindful of how far your commute to work is. Even if most of us are working from home these days, this trend may not last. If you are looking for homes for sale in Utah then make sure you are strict with your distances and not to leave yourself with too far of a regular trip.

Amenities

There are a lot of new housing developments popping up around the country, which is great, but the downside of this is that often the distance from local amenities can be considerable. It might not be an apparent issue, but if you wind up with a twenty-minute drive each way to get groceries it will become tiresome very quickly. It’s as easy as looking up Google maps and typing in the types of amenities you are interested in and then get directions.

Type of Property

We’ve talked about what size of the property we might be looking for, but this tells us nothing of property type. A detached house would be many people’s preferred choice, you get the most space, the fact that you are not attached to a neighbor and won’t get noise harassment or need to install soundproofing. You also have the advantage of a yard with a house; however, this does bring a degree of maintenance with it. If you go for an apartment then you will inevitably have the smaller square footage, but the cost will be lower, and the property will be easier to keep.

Work Needing Done

One aspect of buying a property that is crucial is to be aware of the condition of a property before making an offer. There is nothing inherently wrong with taking on a property that requires fixing up, but you should be going into the situation fully aware so that you do not end up overpaying. You can then factor in the cost of anything needing doing, from installing an air conditioning unit to fully rewiring the entire property.

SHOP HOME DECOR + HOME UPDATES…

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REAL ESTATE

5 First Home buying mistakes to avoid

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Homeownership is still a significant dream for many people, but there are numerous issues buyers need to be aware of when shopping for a home. Rather than being a dream come true, buying a home can quickly become a nightmare if a purchase is rushed. Here are five mistakes to avoid when purchasing a home.


Missing Legal Issues


Purchasing a home requires signing a variety of legal documents. It’s a good idea to have an attorney review all documents prior to signing them. Those documents range from an agent representation agreement to closing documents. Even a minor error in a document can prove to be costly later, so hire a lawyer to go over every document.


Ignoring Budget Realities


Real estate industry experts all agree that anyone shopping for a home should visit a lender and be prequalified or preapproved for a mortgage before contacting a real estate agent to look at properties. Many agents will also insist that prospective buyers be preapproved before shopping for a home. It’s vitally important to know what you can afford to spend when browsing the area’s homes for sale. It’s also a good idea to avoid spending more than you’re pre qualified for with the idea you’ll be making more money in the future. In some cases, that will be true, but taking any risks is not a good idea when the economy is as unsettled as it is today. Evaluate your real home needs as well all financial commitments prior to making an offer to purchase a home.


Accepting the Wrong Type of Mortgage


Virtually every home can be financed by more than one type of mortgage.The long-term costs of mortgages will vary significantly, so don’t accept the first proposal from a lender without exploring all the available options. VA, FHA, and conventional mortgages have different closing costs and interest rates, so shop carefully when looking for a mortgage.


Overlooking Faults


A home may be in an ideal neighborhood and be the style you’re looking for, but if there are substantial issues present, making an offer isn’t a good idea. Even if the issues with a home appear to be relatively minor, the repair costs can be devastating. Underlying issues can easily cost far more to fix than a buyer can comfortably afford. Even when a home looks good, a home inspection often uncovers major issues. Rewiring a home or making expensive upgrades to the home’s heating and cooling system frequently add costs that push the home’s real price out of reach. If major issues are discovered during an inspection, and the seller won’t make the repairs, look for a different house.


Not Considering All Homeownership Expenses


When purchasing a home, the mortgage will generally be the single largest
expense, but there are other costs to consider. According to national statistics, normal annual maintenance expenses are roughly one to four percent of a home’s value. On a $200,000 home, that means buyers should expect to spend between $2,000 and $8,000 per year for normal maintenance. Replacing appliances, repairing storm damage, and even having a tree removed are all issues property owners routinely experience. Make sure enough money is held in reserve to deal with those types of expenses.


Ready to Shop for your first home?


If you’re ready to start looking for your first home, start by putting a team of experts together to provide the help you’ll need. An attorney, a lender, and a real estate agent should all be parts of that team.

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REAL ESTATE

Drones: How are they used for real estate?

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For various industries, drones have been used for other roles, especially when working that humans can’t typically do. In the shipping industry, drones are used for traversing through demanding terrain while delivering packages to clients. Drones have also been used by different security forces worldwide for surveillance and even warfare. Since drones have been used to help ease up on labor in various industries, it’s also logical that the real estate industry would also follow suit.

Since drones are the craze these days, it’s one of the industry’s newest trends. Taking breath-taking aerial views and images has been a tried and tested way of getting the public’s attention. Most wedding and event photographers know this and have incorporated drones in capturing landscape images. In addition to getting a better lay of the land, it’s easier to get shots on places that people won’t usually see, which can come in handy if there are potential buyers.

But does how do these real estate drones help real estate agents? How does this help attract more potential buyers into the scene? Here’s what you’ll need to know.

How Do Drones Help with the Industry?

Before anything else, we have to first look at how drones help real estate agents and most industry workers.There are essentially two types of drones that are incorporated in the industry:

Residential drones – These types of drones are used by property clients (real estate agents) looking for aerial shots. Compared to the commercial drone, these shots won’t necessarily include the land around the property. Most expert photographers and drone operators would say that an altitude of 30 to 70 feet high while the drone is fixated on the main structure is known for captivating most potential buyers.

Commercial drones -On the other end, commercial drones are used by real estate investors and land development companies to sell the land in the area usually. That will typically have a larger site.

If you’re looking for real estate agents that can effectively market and take breath-taking snapshots of your home with or without drones, you must take a step back and take some time on whom you’re planning on hiring for the business process. Most real estate agents, such as real estate agents, are known for using key marketing strategies in selling homes.

Accuracy of Shots

As most of us know, aerial shots are quite different from images on the ground. There’s no problem when most real estate firms upload photos of homes and properties on social media platforms and sites but will often use traditional

cameras. However, it might “dupe” sellers into coming to the property with their expectations not being met.

While traditional shots still do work, it’s going to be a challenge in getting to different areas that most people can’t go to. Drone shots are a great way of getting a more “realistic” feel of the property and the land.

Storytelling

A part of marketing a home is looking into the rich history of a particular home. Most buyers want to know the type of hole that they’re getting into. Being able to tell a compelling story is a determining factor that can usually win listings.

Most websites that sell properties that have aerial views can easily attract a technologically savvy clientele while also bringing an edge over the sites of other competitors.

Commercial Licensing and Exams

We understand that most people are excited to fly their own drones, but it’s crucial to remember that most will need a commercial license when flying drones. When you’re getting your license, this will involve exams that will cover different aviation and airspace regulations. These exams will also cover various aviation restrictions and the capabilities of drones in terms of physical characteristics.

Drone operators will also have to remember that local restrictions can stop individuals and commercial users from flying drones in a particular area, especially in state parks and close to public infrastructure. Most of the time, regulations will come to vary from one city to another.

Some drones are also programmed to not fly over restricted and unsafe areas through geofencing.

Some firms also specialize in providing insurance requirements for drones that are used in real estate. Most of the time, general liabilities will be extended to include drone accidents. Still, most real estate firms should consider investing in this type of insurance, especially when drones are prone to accidents.

In summary, using drones can give real estate agents an advantage in marketing by showing realistic images of different aspects of the home. Most real estate buyers love knowing the geography and topography of the land. Drones are the best way of giving an in-depth view of the property.

Besides, who wouldn’t want a drone, anyway? They’re easy to operate, can be used in various activities, and can be practical for a variety of different events and industries. Still, it’s important to note that real estate agents don’t necessarily need a drone to sell their home. However, having these types of drones can efficiently expedite the process, especially when aerial shots easily lure people in.

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home renovation, REAL ESTATE

5 Investments To Increase Your Home’s Value

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The right investments are key to improving your home’s value. If you are considering selling your home like millions of Americans do each and every year, you likely want to get the most money possible for it. However, if you simply attach a high asking price for the home without warrant, you will struggle to sell. The home will likely sit on the market far longer than the average amount of time and you will see few interested buyers.

In order to get more money for your home, you need to improve it. There are several renovations and other changes that you can do to take your home to the next level. But which of these are truly worth the investment of both time and money?  With that in mind, this guide is going to look at a few investments that can help to increase the value of your home.

Add a Security System

When people are buying a home, they want a place that they can feel safe and comfortable in. As a result, adding a security system to your home is a worthy investment that can help make your home more valuable. These systems secure the home and everything inside of it. Some include cameras and most can instantly contact the authorities once set off. These systems aim to prevent burglaries and other types of crime, and also minimize the damages if they do occur.

Many security systems also have smart home capabilities. They can control things like the lights and temperature throughout your home. Of course, be sure to know how the system works so you can use it yourself and tell interested buyers about it and the many benefits it has. The internet is full of resources to help, such as this informative article that explains all you need to know about alarm codes for these systems.

Boost The Energy Efficiency of the Home

Another way to make your home more valuable is to make it more energy efficient. Not only does making your home more efficient save the planet and appeal to the millennial audience, but a more efficient home can also be more affordable in terms of monthly utilities.

There are a few different things you can do to boost the energy efficiency of your home. This includes using LED light bulbs, getting new and efficient appliances, reducing your usage, and upgrading your windows. Sure, there are some costs associated with making the switch, but these will often pay for themselves quicker than you think.

Give the Bathroom a Small Makeover

The bathroom is without a doubt one of the most used rooms in most homes. Whether we are showering, getting ready or doing a range of other things, the bathroom is a place we will visit more than a couple times a day. As a result, updating it can increase the value of your home and make it more desirable.

While some people will go out and spend a fortune upgrading every single part of their bathroom, this often isn’t needed. A few small changes such as new floor tile, a new light fixture and a new vanity top can often be enough to give the room a whole new look. Going with fairly neutral colors is often a good idea, as people can add their own touches with things like art and the shower curtain they choose.

Redesign the Kitchen

Another room that sees a lot of traffic on any given day is the kitchen. Not only is it the place where we eat and prepare food, but the kitchen is often a place of gathering, where families spend time together. Many call it the heart of a home, and we would have to agree. In many cases, kitchen redesigns or renovations are quite expensive.

A lot can be changed, and the bill can be run up quickly. Thankfully, an updated kitchen can dramatically increase the value of your home, so the higher costs of this renovation compared to other rooms can often be worth it. However, there are still ways to save. These range from handling the demolition yourself, to using recycled materials, to shopping around for the right contractor.

Don’t Forget About the Yard

While focusing on the inside of the home is a good idea, it is important not to disregard the outside. Many home buyers love outdoor space and a nice yard can often be enough to convince people to buy your home. Not only that, many people are willing to pay more for a home with a well-kept and landscaped yard.

This is especially true in warmer areas of the country, where the outdoor space can be enjoyed all year round. There are many ways to easily and relatively affordably upgrade your yard to boost the value of your home. This could be adding a deck, ensuring your fences are in good shape, adding a garden, and keeping the grass and foliage in check.

In conclusion, any of the investments mentioned can have a positive impact on the value of your home. This will help you fetch the most money possible when it eventually becomes time to sell.

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6 Home Improvements to Increase Your House’s Value

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Home improvements are necessary. Whether you’re thinking of selling your home or just looking to clean it up, completing some basic home improvements can significantly increase its value. Not only will you be able to make a better sale, but you can take pride in all of your accomplishments. In this article, we’ll look at six home improvements that you can make to increase your house’s value. Sound interesting? Then keep on reading! 

Follow these 6 Home Improvements to increase your home’s value…

Paint, paint and more paint…

Yep, you guessed it! One of the easiest ways to maximize your house’s value is to give everything a fresh coat of paint. From the doors and walls to your front porch, it really can make a huge difference. Try and stick with neutral colors, as it gives any potential buyers freedom to make changes. It’s also best to hire a professional if you want everything done correctly, as they can make sure the right paint and techniques are used. Check out these exterior house paint color ideas for some inspiration! 

Change up the landscape 

Your garden and landscape are just as important as your home itself, so it’s a good idea to hire a professional to help clean things up. A Home Improvement Contractor can ensure that everything looks its best, and you don’t have to worry about the stress of doing it yourself. Try and keep things looking clean and tidy, but don’t be afraid to add in some gorgeous greenery. It really can make a difference!  

Install extra storage 

Nobody can ever get enough storage, so if you’re looking for another way to upgrade your home’s value, see where you can add in some extra cupboards. Even something as simple as installing a coat rack or kitchen hanger rack could make buyers even more interested. Have a look at these indoor storage ideas to help get you started.  

Replace your heating and cooling systems 

If your house was built more than a few years ago, chances are the heating and cooling systems has seen better days. Replacing it can significantly increase your home’s value, and you’ll quickly earn it back when your sale goes through. Try getting a reverse cycle air-conditioner so that everything is in the one unit. They are easy to use, efficient, and can also save you money on power. 

Fix the little things 

Do you have small odd jobs around the home that you never got around to? It could be a paint chip in your bedroom wall or a brick that needs replacing? Fixing all the little things plays an important part in selling your home. Potential buyers always look at what needs fixing, and the less there is, the more interested they will be. There are many DIY fixes for things around the house online; you just need to do some research.  

Go green 

Lastly, one of the best ways to increase your home’s value is to go green and make your home more eco-friendly. For example, installing solar power panels reduces your energy bill, and you can even put power back into the grid. You could also consider installing low flow faucets to save water. The options are endless, and while it might cost a little to set everything up, it will undoubtedly be worth it. 

And that’s it! Even by just completing a few of these improvements, you’ll be able to get a better price offer on your home. Just remember always to hire professionals for any difficult job, and try and think about your home from a buyer’s point of view. Trust us when we say it can really help! Good luck. 

SHOP HOME DECOR ACCESSORIES…

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Looking to move? 8 guidelines to follow

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When you decide it is time to move down the street or across the country, it is important to choose a place to live carefully. If you want to move to a new state or town, you need to make sure that area has the amenities you need, such as job opportunities, good schools, medical services, and pleasant neighborhoods to live in.

Choose the Location To Move to

The first step in any journey to find a new home is to choose the town, the neighborhood, and the development to look for a house in. By contacting www.homesinchapinsc.com/ in the Lake Murray SC area, you can find the best places to consider living in. Searching for a new home in this area is easy with the expert real estate professionals available to help with the search. There are home lots, homes with acreage, homes on city lots for sale, and homes in planned developments.

Choose a real estate agent to help you decide which housing choices best meet your needs. There will be homes in many different price ranges to consider, so decide on a budget and get pre-approved for a home loan before starting the shopping process.

8 Guidelines To Finding The Right House

Here are 8 guidelines to follow in that new home search:

1. Decide what you and all the members of your family want in a home. Does the family want a new or existing home? should it be one story or multi-story? Will the family consider a fixer-upper house to save money?

2. Decide which features are necessities in a home and which things would be nice. Then, do some searching online with real estate listing services to narrow down the neighborhoods and houses to visit. Check out crime rates, commute time to a job, schools, shopping, and recreational activities.

Get Finances in Order

3. Don’t start touring homes until the finances to purchase a home are in place. Meet with local lenders to find the best home mortgage terms and determine how much you qualify to borrow. Then, get a pre-qualification letter to present to the agent and seller of any house you want to purchase.

4. Decide on a moving timeline. Is your present home sold, and when is that closing? Do you need time to clean up your credit rating to qualify for a home loan? Do you want to wait until school is out to move or be moved before the school year begins? Is there a lease that has a couple of months left on it?

5. Find and work with a good Realtor in the area you want to move to. They can be a valuable tool.

6. Think long-term on what you want in life and a house. This could be a starter home that you plan on living in for a few years and then upgrade to a better home. Or, this might be the home you want to raise a family in for the long term. This may be a down-sized home for your retirement years. The home for each of these needs will be different.

7. Be open-minded about the housing options you will consider. Budgets have a lot to do with determining the size and amenities that a family can realistically expect. Stay true to that list of family necessities you listed. With each house, you must weigh the advantages and good points with the disadvantages, such as neighborhood, street noise, and some home imperfections.

8. Make sure you can afford the home you are interested in when considering the closing costs and other expenses that must be added to the purchase price. If the home meets your needs and budget, don’t take days to decide on making an offer. There is nothing worse than losing out on the perfect home by a day.

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4 Ways to Reduce Energy Usage in Your Home

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Reducing home energy use or making a home more efficient should be the goal of any homeowner. Cutting down on a home’s energy use can help you save on utility costs and help reduce your home’s carbon footprint. It is the goal of many communities and utility companies to aid people in reducing their carbon footprints since sources of fuel are becoming more restricted. In addition, reducing your carbon footprint can benefit the environment.

Use Renewable Sources

Even though you can significantly reduce electricity and utility use by upgrading the major components of your home and by changing your habits, converting to renewable sources is ideal. You may be able to receive energy credits and rebates for installing solar panels or tankless hot water heaters. Switching to renewable sources means you’ll be able to convert natural resources like the sun into electricity and heat sources for your home, reducing your home’s dependence on utility companies and fossil fuels.

Upgrade All Major Appliances

The majority of a home’s energy use comes from its heating and cooling equipment, followed by other major kitchen appliances and the hot water heater. Having and operating gas fireplaces can also contribute to a portion of the home’s energy use. Besides programming the thermostat for different temperatures while you’re away from home, upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner and furnace can significantly reduce a home’s usage.

Updating kitchen appliances, as well as washer and dryers for versions that carry the energy star rating, can also help reduce a home’s overall consumption. Appliances with the ENERGY STAR rating are manufactured to use less electricity and water. While some of these models can cost more, the savings in energy consumption over time outweighs the extra initial costs. You may even be able to receive energy rebates from utility companies or tax credit for upgrading.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Insulation

Another large source of energy loss in a home is through windows, cracks, and crevices. Replacing older windows with energy-efficient ones can also significantly cut back on how much heating and air conditioning is lost. This reduces the wear and tear on the appliances and helps save the homeowner money over time. Upgrading can also result in one-time tax credits or rebates.

Insulating windows on the interior and exterior can go a long way towards reducing costs. Caulking and sealing gaps around the edges of windows, doors, and other openings can prevent air from escaping. This means the hot and cool air produced by the homes HVAC equipment won’t be wasted.

General Maintenance and Upkeep

A home’s energy use can also be reduced through general maintenance and upkeep, such as changing the HVAC filter each month. A person can also use common sense techniques such as supplementing an air conditioner with ceiling fans, only running full loads in the dishwasher, and air drying clothes if feasible. Cleaning air ducts and using blinds to block the sun during summer can also help.

Reducing a home’s energy use requires a combination of investing in new and upgraded technologies and common-sense maintenance. Setting the thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature in the summer and the lowest comfortable temperature in the winter will go a long way towards reducing consumption. However, upgrading major appliances to energy-efficient versions, replacing windows, and converting to renewable energy sources will make the biggest impacts.

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Timber Garage : 7 Things to Keep in Mind

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Homeowners explore several installations that help them maximize protection for their automobiles. A garage is a convenient and strong option for keeping automobiles safer and lowering the potential for auto theft. The type of garage defines how much protection the property owner has and what other benefits they receive from the installation. Reviewing the 7 things to keep in mind about timber garages shows property owners why beneficial these installations are and why they are a great choice for protecting automobiles.

1. Provides Natural Insulation for the Garage

Providing natural insulation for the garage improves its energy efficiency and prevents temperature changes that could damage items inside the garage including the automobile and seasonal items. The insulation can prevent temperature changes that could affect the temperature inside the property and cause higher energy consumption. Installing a garage that has the natural insulation can help the property owner save hundreds of dollars a year on their heating and cooling costs. Property owners who want to review how beneficial natural insulation is learn more about timber garages now.

Photo credit : Unknown

2. Homeowners Can Customize Their Garage

Customizing the garage can give homeowners a more versatile installation that matches their home design and makes it look amazing. Since the garages are constructed of timber, the contractors can create any size and shape the homeowner prefers. Reviewing design could help the property owner find a better choice for housing their automobiles. The garage designs can look like a barn or any structure the property owner wants. Contractors can get creative with these designs and give the property owner literally anything they want.

3. More Affordable Than Metal Garages

A timber garage presents the homeowner with a more affordable solution than a metal garage. The materials used for the garage construction cost far less than steel or tin. The contractors can plan out a beautiful design for the garage that won’t present a dent in the homeowner’s wallet and will stay within their budget. Since the timber is set up in panels, the contractor won’t need as much timber to construct the garage and will save the homeowner a lot of money.

Photo credit: Oakwrights

4. Completely Recyclable Materials

The garages are environmentally friendly and won’t present a risk to the environment if the homeowner decides they want a different garage later on. Since it is constructed of timber, the entire garage is completely recyclable and won’t end up in a landfill. When the garage is no longer viable, the homeowner can have the entire garage sent to a recycling center to be transformed into new products. The wood is used for a variety of products and keep costs for manufacturers lower. This, in turn, presents consumers with lower costs on new products. The garages are a great choice for anyone who wants to go green and use natural products for their garage and their home designs.

5. Easy Maintenance for Homeowners

Homeowners won’t face higher than average maintenance costs for their garage. Since it is constructed of timber, the homeowner can use sealants to protect the wood and prevent it from becoming damaged or rotten. If any of the logs become damaged, the homeowner can replace it at a lower cost and won’t have to worry about major expenses that present a financial hardship. The garages don’t cost a lot upfront and stay within the homeowner’s budget. Wooden garages don’t require extensive maintenance or complex fixes. The property owner can keep their costs lower by choosing the timber garage. Sealants can increase protection for the garage and can be reapplied each year to maximize protection for the garage design.

Photo credit: Shiresoak

6. Staining or Paint

The owner can stain or paint their garage any color or shade they prefer. The installation is more versatile when it comes to style since it is all-natural and customizable. Property owners can choose any stain or paint color for their garage and change it at any time they want without any issues. If the homeowner wants to keep the garage more natural-looking, they can use a sealant to protect the wood from moisture damage and other elemental effects.

It’s a great choice since the homeowner can choose a color or stain that matches their home, and the garage will coordinate well with their existing home design. However, if they install the garage separately from their home, a natural stain can make the garage looking appealing around a garden or landscaping. This could increase the curb appeal for the property and give the homeowner more value. Reviewing their options for the new garage gives the property owner better insight to how appealing these designs are and helps them choose the best installation for protecting their automobiles.

7. Take Less Time to Install

The garages are easy to install, and the contractors can have them installed on the property within one day. The wooden designs are constructed in panels and connected securely. Customized garages are constructed according to the homeowner’s choices. They choose the exact dimensions, shape, and size of the garage. Contractors can get more creative with wooden designs and create them to look like barns and create intriguing doors that match the home design. It’s a great choice for homeowners who love rustic concepts and want to carry their designs over to other fixtures on their property including their garage. Coordinating the designs help the homeowner improves the way their overall property looks.

Homeowners explore several options when they design to install a garage. Instead of choosing a more traditional metal garage, the property owners can choose an alternative that is a more environmentally-friendly choice. Wooden garages are a great choice for anyone who wants a recyclable choice for their installation. The timber garage is a more cost-effective choice for homeowners and won’t take a long time to install on the property. The installations are easy to maintain and won’t present a higher cost to repair. Since it is wood, the homeowner can stain or paint the garage in any way they want and keep it looking beautiful. Reviewing timber garages and their benefits shows property owners why these selections are great choices for their home.

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Preparing Your Home for Lockdown: A Guide

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Getting your home ready for lockdown – a period, remember, in which you’re going to spend nearly every waking minute inside – is actually a rather complicated task. You need to consider how you can make your space more comfortable for you and your family to enjoy together, while also repurposing space to make it appropriate for working, playing, and relaxing across the days and weeks ahead. Read on to learn how you can best make changes to your house to improve its lockdown capabilities in this strange, unprecedented time.

Home Working

There’s no doubt that your number one priority, as someone working from home, is to be able to get your head down during the day to put in a shift for your company, and to be able to take and place calls from a quiet and professional place. Even if you’re not working, you need a quiet place to work on job applications, guided by the balancecareers advice, in order to get back into work for the period after the lockdown. Prepare as best you can for a home-working place in your home so your lockdown responsibilities can be fulfilled. 

Activities 

You and your family are going to be forced to live your lives in close proximity to one another. This means that, when you would usually take your children out to the park to play, you now have to find indoor activities to stimulate them and to keep them amused during a period of isolation. As such, you should ensure that your interiors are prepared for this requirement for activities to keep everyone in your household amused – whether that’s a painting station, an area to do exercise, or a place to sit cozily together to watch films is up to you. 

Ergonomic Interiors

More than ever, it’s important that your interior is arranged so as to get the most out of your spaces in your home and to ensure that your family are able to live comfortable while in lockdown. This might include:

  • Purchasing comfy seats to rest on and enjoy movies from
  • Getting yourself a great desk chair to use while working from home
  • Buying decorating materials to help you make your home feel more comfortable
  • Ensuring that your kitchen is well-supplied and well-stocked with appliances

You should feel free to take out a loan to afford the above options: if you want to update your interiors and need money fast, you can find an instant loan company to help you get the cash together to prepare for lockdown.

Air and Freshness

Possibly one of the most important elements to having your home ready for lockdown is to ensure that it’s fresh and regularly aired. Your home isn’t used to having all your family’s souls in it all of the time, and as such it’s important that you go out of your way to open windows and to ensure that each room is smelling and feeling fresh and lovely for the duration of your lockdown period. 

Use the tips outlined here to make your home truly ready for a period of lockdown in the weeks and months ahead. 

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REAL ESTATE

How to Make a Building ADA Compliant in 5 Easy Steps

ada-building-compliance-5-easy-steps

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1992 to ensure public spaces in the United States are accessible to the mobility-impaired. It applies not just to new construction, but also to businesses, offices, stores, and other public facilities. Unfortunately, there are some exceptions to the rule that have led building owners to neglect important aspects of ADA compliance, which can leave buyers in a difficult position.

Have you recently purchased a commercial or public building and want to make sure it’s accessible to everyone? Don’t assume the last owner has already done all the work. Read on to find out about five steps every business or property owner should take to ensure compliance.

Create Accessible Parking

Accessible parking spaces, designated with the international symbol of accessibility, are intended for those who can’t traverse moderate distances through the lot. Every commercial or public building needs to have at least one, but the ADA further stipulates that business owners need to have at least one accessible parking spot for every 25 regular spaces.

The accessible spaces need to be located as close as possible to the entrance and bordered by marked access aisles so people have plenty of room to exit their vehicles. Leave five feet of space for normal, accessible parking spots and eight feet for van-accessible spaces.

Ensure Access to Entrances and Routes

The most obvious problem for most property owners is entryways that are accessible only by stairs, but the route into the building isn’t the only one they should pay attention to. Customers, clients, or employees who use wheelchairs or scooters should also be able to move around the building easily. Office owners can learn more at klein-usa.com about one great solution for ADA-compliant interior doors.

Update the Restrooms

Public restrooms are one of the most difficult areas of the building to renovate because there are so many stipulations. It’s not just about adding an accessible stall. Read through the ADA checklist to see what needs to be changed, and find a contractor with specialized experience retrofitting old buildings for ADA compliance.

Add Cord Covers and Ramps

Ramps aren’t just for building entrances. They may also be needed to help wheelchair-bound employees, customers, or clients safely traverse halls and rooms. If there are areas where electrical wiring or hoses cross the floor, those potential obstructions need to be covered by a ramp.

Low-profile cord protectors offer a perfect solution for covering extension cords and data cables. For hoses, a heavy-duty polyurethane cord protector may be a better fit.

Remove Accidental Barriers

Even buildings that have already been retrofitted to ensure ADA compliance may need to be updated if the previous building owner did not prioritize maintenance. If the paint in the parking lot has faded, a previously pressurized door has stopped working properly, or objects have been left in narrow halls during or after a maintenance job, these issues can all cause problems for new business owners. New property owners are responsible for bringing the building back into compliance, so fix these problems as soon as possible.

The Bottom Line

Ensuring ADA compliance won’t just help property owners avoid legal issues. It will also allow a more diverse group of people to work in and patronize their businesses. Take the time to ensure compliance now before lack of accessibility becomes a problem for a potential employee, guest, customer, or client.

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