Roof Cleaning Tips Every Homeowner Needs

Maintenance of the roof is an integral element of being a homeowner. Roof repairs or replacements are among the most expensive and essential home maintenance tasks. Location and roofing material both affect how long a roof will last. While some homeowners choose to replace their roofs as they reach the end of their estimated lifespan, others prefer to fix them after severe storm damage. There are, however, steps you can take to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible without being replaced. Do all in your power to keep your roof in good condition for as long as possible. In this blog, we'll be going over roof cleaning tips every homeowner needs.

Take the time to check your roof shingles regularly 

Shingles are responsible for keeping water out of your home, but they can easily be blown off by strong winds or blown away in a hailstorm. Even though it might not appear serious initially, a missing shingle can lead to severe problems if not addressed. There's no need to climb a ladder to check the condition of your roof. You only need a good set of binoculars to spot any potential problems. Keep an eye out for missing or cracked shingles, granules, and peeling flashing for your roof inspection. According to professionals from Peak Services Las Vegas, any of the following signs of deterioration should prompt an immediate inspection, preferably by a qualified roofing contractor who can make the necessary repairs in a risk-free manner.

Roof shingles need regular checking to keep water from infiltrating your home.

Remove any tree litter

To keep your roof in good shape, you should routinely clear it of leaves and other tree debris. Dead sticks, twigs, branches, and rotten leaves that have found their way into crevices, must be removed. Leaving it there might degrade the shingles over time.

Most lawns have a tree of some description. Beautiful trees might cause damage to your roof if they are too close to your house. If possible, it's best to keep tree branches from growing into the house, although this isn't always possible. It would be best if you trimmed the tree limbs, so they do not touch the house.

Keeping your roof clear of leaves and other tree debris saves your roof from damage. Instead of climbing a ladder and taking the risk of falling, we recommend getting a roof rake and brush combination. They're efficient, and you can use them to clean your roof while standing safely on the ground. They cost about $35,and you can buy them on Amazon. The best rakes are rubber varieties that resemble push brooms.

Trimming branches and cleaning the leaves are roof cleaning tips every homeowner needs.

Do not attempt to pressure wash your roof unless you are an expert

One of the roof cleaning tips we can give you is not to pressure wash it yourself. A series of individual tiles or shingles that are held together by a sophisticated system ensures your roof's integrity. That's why installing a new roof takes so long and costs so much.

Roofers need to take their time and conduct a thorough job to ensure that your roof is secure and does not leak or develop any weak spots. If you use a power washer, you risk breaking your tiles. High-pressure water may harm the shingles or tiles on your roof, and remove any protective coatings that prevent the shingles from doing their job.

When a home relies on solar panels as a source of electricity, pressure washing the roof may be a significant hassle. If you want to avoid problems with installation or cleaning, your best bet is to have experts take care of your problems. 

There are several reasons why it's advisable to hire roof pressure washing professionals for the task. Roof pressure washing involves working at heights, which can be dangerous if not performed by trained professionals. Roofing professionals are experienced in working on rooftops and have the necessary safety equipment to ensure their well-being. They are trained to navigate steep angles, slippery surfaces, and potential hazards, minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries.

Roof pressure washing requires specialized equipment, including high-pressure washers, extension wands, and cleaning solutions. Professional roof pressure washing companies have access to these tools and know how to use them effectively and safely. They understand the appropriate pressure levels and techniques to clean different roofing materials without causing damage.

Clean the gutters at least twice a year

To talk about roof maintenance without also talking about gutter maintenance is to talk about two things that are inextricably linked. Though it's preferable to do nothing, most people only clean their gutters once a year. If you've ever done this, you know how quickly the gutters can fill up.

Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing efficiently through the gutters and into the downspouts. In its place, water may pool, soak through the leaves, leading to rot and fungus, and even impede the gutters, causing water to flow over the edge onto the roof and the side of your property. Maintain proper operation by cleaning your gutters regularly. It's best to visit once every few months and twice in the fall when they're busiest.

Gutters need cleaning a couple of times each year.

Don't pile too much on your roof

One of the roof cleaning tips is not to overburden the roof. Like any other part of your home, your roof should not be overloaded with unnecessary items. It might cave in, needing costly repairs or perhaps replacement. Also, the unnecessary stuff will just get in your way when cleaning. You shouldn't put too much weight on your roof by putting items like plants and decorations up there. Don't climb up onto your roof, either. However, before cleaning your roof, make sure to declutter it first. You should know how a clean roof can impress potential buyers and boosts home value. The fact that it can hold your weight doesn't mean you shouldn't worry about causing harm and requiring costly repairs down the road.

Clear out the downspout using a snake or the handle of a broom

Leaves, dirt, and other debris can build up in downspouts and cause them to get blocked. Your roof's downspout is a crucial part of your water management system, and you need rainwater to drain safely into the concrete "catch" you've installed. If your downspout is clogged and you have tried knocking on it without success, a plumber's snake is the tool you need. Without a plumber's snake, you may use the end of a broom handle to latch onto the drain and push debris up from the bottom.

Avoid cleaning your roof during scorching weather

One of the best roof cleaning tips we can give you is to avoid washing your room when it’s hot. When cleaning on a bright day, the cleaning solution may evaporate too quickly, causing the cleaning to be less effective. Roof cleaning solutions tend to accumulate and dry out if the job is attempted while the temperature is too high or the sun is too intense. Do not attempt to clean your roof if the weather conditions are less than ideal; wait until the best time to do so has presented itself.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

Preventative Plumbing Tips For Winter

The snowstorm and low temperatures are on their way just in time for Christmas! We wouldn’t want you to have to deal with a plumbing emergency during the holidays. Make sure your pipes are working properly and take those precautionary measures to prevent any issues!

What do I Need to Know About Commercial Dumpster Rentals Near me?

Many companies looking to dispose of their regular garbage and waste do not really know what they are looking for or what kind of dumpster rental they should get. Therefore, to keep you well informed so that you can get your trash taken away easily and efficiently on a regular basis we are going to give you all the information you need regarding commercial dumpster rentals near you.

Is a commercial dumpster a regular dumpster?

Some companies may choose to hire what is frequently known as a residential dumpster for their trash depending on the facility's access and the amount and regularity of trash that they need to dispose of. However, the commercial application for dumpsters works slightly differently.

Commercial roll-off dumpsters

Roll-off dumpsters are often very large and lockable forms of containers that can be used for large waste disposals. These are only really used for companies or factories that regularly have a lot of trash waste to get rid of. When a standard dumpster just won't cut it, then you may need to look into this heavy-duty upgrade.

These types of trash containers can sometimes hold up to eight times more than their standard counterparts making them an indispensable tool for businesses with a lot of debris or waste to dump.

General commercial dumpsters

Commercial dumpsters generally have more features than residential types and may have easier mobility, lockability, and better durability. In fact, since commercial waste is usually bulkier and heavier than residential waste, these dumpsters are created to have higher carry limits so that they can endure whatever task and whatever type of waste they are sent to hold.

What kinds of businesses need dumpsters?

Almost every company or brand generates its fair share of waste. However, certain professions and services generate more waste than others, not due to any fault of theirs but simply due to the nature of the profession. For example, restaurants, retail stores, and car repair shops are notorious for regular trash accumulation.

Explore tailored solutions for commercial waste to optimize your waste management strategy and discover the benefits of efficient and convenient dumpster rentals near you.

By selecting a commercial dumpster rental for your business you can keep your working area clean, safe, and more profitable in the long run. After all, keeping a clean space keeps your employees healthier, and your working environment more enjoyable and it shows any clients or customers that you are true professionals who know how to operate effectively.

Author Bio-

Ashley Rodriguez is an administrative analyst and customer service expert at Bins 4 Less, Inc. She has over two years of direct experience in the waste hauling industry and a lifetime of knowledge from her family's business. She has refined the customer service experience and helped hundreds of customers find the right dumpster for their projects.

DIY Winter Home Improvement Projects

When winter hits, your home needs to be ready to protect you and your family from the elements. Getting a home ready for winter will ideally start in the fall or even the summer, and real estate agents’ insights about home maintenance show that thinking ahead has a big payoff. Whether you are trying to get your home ready in winter or are planning ahead, these are the home improvement projects to consider outside your home. Focusing on a few projects before storms hit can ensure that your home will be ready for any weather situation. 

Clear gutters

Your home’s gutters have an important job to protect it from storms. By collecting rainwater they divert it away from your roof and your home’s foundation to prevent water damage. When gutters get clogged they can’t do their job and this can lead to a major repair job. With water damage as one of the biggest issues that can hinder your home sale, it’s one to pay attention to. Cleaning gutters after fall leaf drop and after a major storm can keep rainwater draining easily. 

Refresh insulation and weather stripping

A warm home is a comfortable home in winter, and aside from ensuring your HVAC system is working well, checking your home’s insulation can help keep the heat in. Exterior doors and windows are the key areas to check for adequate insulation. If you feel a draft or notice weather-stripping areas that are cracked, or missing, head to your nearest home improvement store to replace this insulation.  

Remove window screens and clean your windows

If you live in a part of the country where snow is on the winter forecast, then removing screens can further prepare your home’s windows to face winter. The next step is to clean your windows to maximize lighting and to eliminate mold or other dirt and debris. Cleaning windows at the start of winter and in the spring can maximize their lifespan and make your home more presentable if you are thinking about putting it on the market. 

Insulate pipes

When the temperature dips, your home’s pipes may freeze if they aren’t insulated. Outdoor pipes — such as those connected to your garden hose — are the most susceptible to freezing as are pipes by windows, doors, or in areas of your home which may be colder — such as your garage. One frozen pipe can damage your entire home’s plumbing system, and insulating pipes can prevent this problem. For garden hoses, drain them, and then remove them from the spigot. Then turning off the water supply to outdoor faucets that you won’t be using in winter is another easy fix. For indoor pipes, there are many options for insulating them, such as tubular foam or pipe wrap. An added benefit of insulating your pipes is that you could also reduce your energy bill.   

Getting your home winter-ready requires some planning, but the payoff is a warm home and lower expenses.

How to Properly Take Care of Wood Floors

Wooden floors are a classic and timeless addition to any home. They add an elegant, natural beauty that no other flooring can match. However, if not properly taken care of, wooden floors can become dull and damaged over time. To keep your wooden floors looking their best for years to come, it’s important to understand how to take care of them the right way. In this article, we will cover the basics of cleaning and maintaining wooden floors so you can enjoy them for many years to come!

Hardwood Or Softwood Floors?

Before we dive into how to take care of wooden floors, it’s important to understand the difference between hardwood and softwood floors. Hardwood floors are made from planks of hardwoods such as oak and cherry. These types of wood are more likely to last longer than softwoods, but they do require more maintenance. Softwood floors, on the other hand, are made from softer woods such as pine or cedar. They tend to be cheaper and easier to install but require more frequent cleaning and maintenance. You can learn more about the differences here or by doing some research. It’s important to make sure you know which type of wood flooring you have in order to properly take care of it.

Cleaning Wooden Floors

When it comes to cleaning wooden floors, it’s important to use the right products and techniques. Start by vacuuming or sweeping the floor to remove any dirt and debris. Then, use a damp mop to gently clean the surface. Avoid using harsh soaps or detergents as these can damage the wood over time. If needed, you can use a mild cleaning solution designed specifically for wooden floors. For tougher stains, you may need to hire a professional to help.

Maintenance And Protection 

It’s also important to understand the importance of maintenance and protection when it comes to wooden floors. To keep your wood looking beautiful, you should add a protective layer of wax or polyurethane to the surface. This will help protect the floor from scratches and wear and tear.

Without a protective layer, even regular wear and tear can take its toll on your wooden floors. In addition to a protective coating, you should also make sure to clean your wood floor regularly. For best results, use only cleaning products that have been approved for use on wood surfaces. This will help prevent any damage that could be caused by harsh chemicals.

To protect your wooden floors from scratches and stains, you should also invest in some floor mats and rugs. These can help protect the surface of your wood from dirt and debris that could cause damage to the finish. Additionally, these mats and rugs will help reduce the noise level since they act as a barrier between your feet and the wood surface.

Finally, it’s also important to avoid making any drastic changes to your wooden floor without consulting a professional. For example, if you want to stain or refinish your wood floor, make sure that you contact a qualified contractor before attempting the job yourself as this can potentially damage the surface of your wood.

Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Wooden Floors

Cleaning wooden floors the right way requires knowledge and carefulness in order to maintain their beauty and durability. However, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to damage. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your wooden floor: 

• Using Too Much Water: Excessive moisture can cause wooden floors to warp, crack and expand. When cleaning your floor, use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one. 

• Using the Wrong Cleaning Products: Many store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can strip off your floor’s protective coating or dull its finish. Use a gentle cleaner specifically designed for wood floors and avoid any cleaner that contains ammonia or alcohol. 

• Scrubbing Too Hard: Scrubbing your floor with a stiff brush can wear away the finish and cause scratches. Use a soft sponge mop instead and make sure to move it in circular motions to pick up dirt without scratching the surface.

• Using Steel Wool or Abrasive Pads: Steel wool and other abrasive pads can damage your wood floor’s finish. Use a soft cloth with a gentle cleaning solution instead for the best results.

In conclusion, taking care of your wooden floor is an important part of maintaining its beauty and durability. Make sure you know which type of wood flooring you have and use the correct cleaning products and techniques to keep it looking its best. Finally, avoid any drastic changes to your wood floor without consulting a professional as this can result in irreparable damage.

How Are Drones Used to Inspect Power Lines

Drones have been around for quite some time now. They have many uses apart from aerial imaging and videography, for which they are well known.

Using drone services for aerial inspection and surveillance has many benefits.

Routine power line inspections are quite an expensive affair. The cost of machinery and labor makes it quite costly. Apart from this, power line inspections run a severe risk of injury for the laborers and technicians, given the height of the lines. Drones are the perfect way to reduce these risks and make the process safer and more efficient.

In this article, we will discuss how drones inspect power lines and help with aerial surveillance.

Prevention of Faults

Power lines are a piece of very sophisticated equipment. They require regular maintenance and checks to prevent them from developing faults.

Daily checkups and surveys pose a lot of risk for the staff, which is involved due to the height of the transmission lines. Engineers have been using drone construction services to survey the site before construction to visualize their project needs and requirements, which further helps them avoid risks.

This is where drones can be your go-to solution, making it effortlessly easy to survey transmission lines for real-time fault detection. These risk-reduction benefits of drones make them an amazing accessory in preventing faults by power line surveying.

You may need a professional team to survey the area and locate any obstacles which might pose a risk later. Such services can help you detect faults, avoid possible issues, and do damage control as well. Progress monitoring is another thing for which professional services come handy. 

In this regard, many businesses recommend to avail drone services that provide a professional drone team not only for power line inspections, but for many other tasks. 

These may include:   

• Surveillance 

• Aerial imagery and videography services

• Real estate risk assessment

• Videography marketing, etc.

Better Results and Data Accuracy

Drones these days are highly efficient and easy to use. You do not need to be a professional to operate these drones. It is wise to choose drone services for inspections in order to conduct inspections in a more efficient manner.

Modern drones have multiple sensors and cameras to detect abnormalities better and offer different kinds of data to the controller. Drones for transmission lines are often fitted with thermal cameras to pick heat loss, which could mean a possible fault. Moreover, the cameras are also susceptible, which helps them pick up any minor irregularities on the wires.

RBG imagery is also present on modern-day drones. There are many more sensors attached to these drones, which can send useful informatics back to the controller.

A good quality drone with an average battery pack can cover several miles of transmission lines in a single flight while conveying valuable aerial footage, heat signatures, and other data back to the controller. The controller can relay this data back to the command center or the site inspector, who can decide accordingly if the data has any abnormality.

Hence, these latest generation drones can help with data accuracy and improved results, making them efficient compared to other power line inspection methods.

Some of essential pieces of equipment fitted to drones for inspection are:

• Advanced camera kit for HD pictures

• Heat sensors to detect thermal signatures

• RBG lens

• Lightweight body for more battery backup

• Night vision cameras for night-time inspections

• Cost efficient

More Efficient than Helicopters

There are other methods of inspecting power lines and getting aerial shots. Helicopters were once used for inspection purposes but very rarely. Given that helicopters could carry the site engineer’s site in charge and were fast, they also had a lot of issues.

Helicopters are very noisy and can be very disturbing as well. Moreover, helicopters are not at all cheap. They burn through hundreds of dollars worth of fuel within minutes of flying and hence are not a viable option when you make a cost-benefit analysis of it.

Also, helicopters can pose a more serious risk to the overall plant and grid system if it malfunctions and develops a fault. The ensuing cleanup operation and cost of damages would far outweigh the rewards. Hence, drones are much more cost-effective and efficient regarding aerial footage recording and inspecting transmission lines.

Moreover, drones do not have an extensive protocol, unlike helicopter inspections, whereby sometimes a whole plant has to be shut down, leading to delays and losses.

Drones are cheaper to operate and easier to use. A quality drone is a good investment, after all. Drones are also eco-friendly and time-saving pieces of equipment for efficient inspection.

Reduced Risk

The biggest benefit of using a drone compared to manual inspection is its safety shield. Manual labor on a power line is very demanding and dangerous.

There is no room for error; one small mistake can lead to tragic consequences. 

Hence, drones can help to reduce this risk by taking care of the minute and regular inspections of power lines. For more detailed ones, manual labor can be used. Drones also provide a better angle of view through their advanced camera angles.

With the ability to record, observe and relay data simultaneously, drones are a far better alternative than workers climbing up these power lines.

Imagine if a worker was trying to record, fix and analyze an issue on a power line tens of feet up in the air, it would increase the chances of error, and hence risk would increase.

Responsiveness

So far, we have discussed how drones are beneficial in preventive measures and surveillance work. However, drones are equally, if not more, important in disaster management as well.

Drones are easy to operate and can be prepped for a flight in minutes. This means that the disaster control team can use drones to assess the damage and respond quickly in an appropriate way.

Modern-day drones are made from robust materials and can fly through rain and other hindrances during damage control work.

Conclusion

Drones are vital when it comes to the inspection of power lines due to the several benefits they provide over other methods of inspection. The role of drones in preventive measures is their most significant selling point.

Drones reduce the risk of accidents and loss of human life due to their challenging tasks. Furthermore, drones are cost-efficient compared to manual labor and other forms of aerial surveillance.

Modern drones pack advanced camera units and tools to relay technical data and footage back to the controller. This information can infer important information about the power lines and helps the site engineers to make decisions.

5 Amazing Garage Conversion Ideas

Sometimes, we outgrow the space available inside our homes, but when moving isn’t an option, it’s time to get creative. One of the best ways to extend the living space and ensure no square foot gets wasted is to convert your garage into the room that you need the most.

For some people, it may be a playroom where their children can spend hours upon hours having fun and simply being kids. Others may need an extra office that will allow them to work from home or a craft room that will fit all their supplies as well as multiple workstations.

As you can see, there are a lot of different choices you can make when considering converting your garage. If you need more inspiration, continue reading the article below and see what else you can do with a bit of time, effort, and money.

Indoor Greenhouse

An indoor greenhouse is a great option for those who live in areas where winter comes early and lasts for months on end. By building an indoor greenhouse inside your garage, you will be able to grow plants all year long and harvest them whenever needed instead of waiting for spring to come back around again.

However, bear in mind that, according to the experts from A1 Garage, insulating your garage helps protect it from rain, dust, and invading pests and rodents. This can be especially important if you plan to keep your precious plants there, as some of them may be really sensitive to cold and drafts.

Home Gym

For those who love to stay fit, a home gym is a great way to turn the garage into a private exercise space. You can transform it into a fully-equipped gym with all the necessary equipment, such as exercise machines, weights, and other fitness-related items.

If you’re feeling extra creative, you can build your own equipment or even add a TV on the wall to keep you entertained during more mundane exercises such as running on a treadmill - or you could call an expert to help you. Make sure to create a layout that will allow you to move freely from one machine to another, and don’t forget about installing heating and cooling options.

Craft Room

If you’re an avid crafter and love to DIY, a craft room can be a great addition to your home. A converted garage can be a perfect place to set up a creative space for projects, but you have to make sure it’s well-ventilated, especially if you work with paint or resin.

You’ll also need to install enough lights so you never have to struggle to see what you’re doing and can complete all your craft projects with great precision. Adding a fan and a heater or other heating and cooling solutions will also prove useful.

Once you convert your garage into a craft room, you’ll finally have enough space to store all the supplies you need in the shelves or cupboards you install in there. You’ll no longer have to argue with your family about your supplies taking up too much space inside the home and have an opportunity to organize them according to your needs.

Home Office

A garage conversion could be the perfect solution if you’re working from home daily or just need a quiet and comfortable space to work on extra projects. A home office can be much more than just a desk and a chair – you can make it as cozy and comfortable as you want.

Plenty of warm lighting and some cozy furniture pieces can really turn your garage into a pleasant place to work from. You can also install shelves and add some file cabinets to keep all your important documents in order and at hand. 

And if you add a mini-fridge with snacks and beverages, you won’t have to worry about having to abandon your work once you feel hungry and go to the kitchen inside your house.

Playroom

If you are looking for a way to keep your kids entertained and distracted from their phones and tablets, converting your garage into a playroom is the best way to go. You can paint the walls in bright colors and add some nice soft furniture pieces. Then, move your kids’ toys into the playroom, and you’ll never have to worry about little cars or teddy bears lying all over your living room.

Bear in mind that you should always supervise your children when they’re playing in the garage converted into a playroom. Make sure they can’t lock themselves from the inside, and remove any leftover tools, sharp objects, or boxes with things you should’ve gotten rid of a long time ago.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are countless ideas for converting your garage. From an indoor greenhouse to a playroom or even a home office, the choices are virtually limitless. All you need to do is think of what you need the most and start planning accordingly.

Moreover, don’t forget to take safety precautions and make sure that your garage is properly insulated. This way, you will be able to enjoy your new space for years to come with no worries. Proper cooling and heating system will also come in handy all year round.

Thanks to converting your garage, you won’t be wasting precious space in your house and will have your own little corner where you can focus on your hobbies or give your children an opportunity to be loud and make as much mess as they want.

7 Exterior Renovations Projects to Complete in the New Year

The exterior of our properties is all 99% of people will see of them: so it's vital that we put our all into making them stand out. Whether you're a new homeowner or you're eager to dress up an older property, it's important to take your time and create an exterior that will dazzle. 

These are the top renovations anyone should complete on their house before the new year hits.

1. Let Your Siding Give Your Home a New Look

Siding can change everything about a property. Not only the style but the color, material, and installation of it can vary how your property looks and the way people refer to it. 

It's a good idea to go with a trustworthy company that knows the importance of your siding having good insulation and awesome hidden ventilation that will give your property a seamless look. 

Updating your siding before the coldest months of the new year will help keep your heating bills low and will allow your home to stay as comfortable as possible. 

2. Create The Outdoor Kitchen of Your Dreams

Everyone wants to make their lawn feel like an extension of their home, and what better way is there to do that than by adding an outdoor kitchen? To give this space legitimacy, good counters and manufactured stone veneer siding are great ways to make the space feel valuable and impressive. 

Although you won't fully get to use this outdoor kitchen until the late spring to early summer, building it now is cheaper and will ensure you can use it the moment warmer weather settles in. There are also shorter lines for construction in the winter since most people focus their energy on updating these portions of their homes in the warmer months. 

This will let you get the most out of your outdoors when it really matters.

3. Design Incredible Walkways

Walkways are incredibly important in the winter. Although you may think it's just another space you'll have to shovel snow, they're safer and more predictable than just walking on snow-covered grass that can quickly turn to ice. 

Create walking paths that will give you easy access to your driveway, mailbox, garage, and any other part of your property that matters. 

4. Give Your Curb Appeal a Boost

If you're ready to change things up, it's time to update the front of your home! Your porch is one of the first points of contact anyone will have with your property, so it's a good idea to consider the new decor and porch ceiling ideas.

Minor amounts of gardening can be achieved in the winter, like aerating soil, planting bulbs, and pulling any dead trees. Beyond this, consider painting your porch or windows and even pressure washing any brick or stone on the exterior of your home. These small changes will add up in a big way.

5. Update Your Windows and Doors

Windows are a big deal, especially if your heating bill has been out of control. Regardless of what kind of windows your home has, it's a smart idea to do the candle test. Light a candle, carry it from window to door, ensuring they're closed, and watch the flame. If it flickers strongly towards or away from either of these openings, there's an air leak.

6. Add a Deck and Fencing to Boost Comfort

The cream of the crop for updated outdoor spaces is to add a gorgeous deck or fence. When paired with hog wire deck railing, your deck can be the main eye-catcher of your lawn. A well-cared-for and stained fence can do the same job.

The reason these are in the same category is that their care matters above all else, and the natural wood look will be incredibly popular in early 2023. Remember to seal these surfaces well and keep them maintained.

7. Check the Health of Your Roof

How old is your roof? The older it is, the more likely it needs to be replaced or repaired. Repairs can only get you so far, and if you put off a full replacement for too long, you could face major leaks and issues once your home goes through the freeze-and-thaw cycles of winter. 

Updating Your Home is a Winning Plan

Taking the time to renovate your home's exterior boosts its financial value, as well as its perceived importance, and will leave you the envy of the entire street. Take the time to do it right, and make your property stand out.

Consider contacting Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing for renovations, and their professionals will walk you through what materials are best for your property. 

Haley Reynolds is a freelance writer that loves sharing her knowledge and expertise on home and commercial remodeling. She lives in her hometown of El Paso, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and crafting with her little girls. Haley’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource launching in 2023.

5 Water-Saving Tips to Help Reduce Your Water Bills and Conserve This Precious Resource

If water is available to you around the clock, and you don’t really think about saving it while watering your lawn or having yet another one-man concert in the shower, perhaps it’s time to reconsider how you treat this valuable resource.

The first thing you can do is be more mindful about how you spend water in your household. Developing strategies to prevent wasting water in your home should be your priority. That way, not only will you contribute to preserving the environment, but also lower your water bills in the process.

In case you don’t have any good ideas on how to do this, here are some steps you can take to cut down on water consumption, starting today.

Don’t leave the tap on

This may seem implied and logical, but it still happens that you leave the water running while brushing your teeth, shaving or shampooing your hair. This usually happens because people don’t think that it would make much difference, or because they simply forget to turn the tap off.

Still, don’t forget that you shower, shave and brush your teeth quite often and that the amount of water wasted each time you do accumulates to more than you might want to admit. So, don’t forget to turn off your tap or your shower if you’re not actually using them and, even better, try to control water usage further by using a cup of it to brush your teeth, instead of letting it run for too long.

Load up your washing machine and dishwasher

In order to keep your house in good condition, you may find it acceptable to load your dishwasher halfway and turn it on, just because you want to get it over with the cleaning for the day. Even worse, sometimes you only wash a few pieces of clothes in your washing machine, because you really want to wear those jeans tomorrow.

These are some of the most common mistakes people make, which use up far too much water and raise your bills for inadequate reasons. To prevent this, it’s essential that both your washing machine and your dishwasher are fully loaded when you turn them on, as that way they’ll use the water and the electric power most efficiently.

After all, with the new generation of smart appliances, it takes more water and even electric energy to wash your dishes by hand than it does with a quality dishwasher, so keep that in mind if your budget permits you to invest in new appliances.

Clear your drains

One of the issues that people don’t always solve right away are clogged drains, which can also have a negative impact on water preservation. Namely, when this problem goes unnoticed for a while, the stagnant water in your bathroom or kitchen can cause bacteria growth and water contamination, attracting pests and affecting your health.

Furthermore, it can lead to water contamination. So, if the water drainage is slower than usual, there is mold developing around your drains, or there are unpleasant smells coming from them, perhaps it’s time to take care of your blocked drains before you put your own health, or anybody else’s in danger. Plus, if you don’t resolve this problem in time, it can escalate and cause more damage as the time goes by, which is why it’s wise to hire reliable professional plumbers to help you.

Change your faucets and showerheads

If you still have the regular faucets and showerheads in your household, it’s likely you’re letting too much water go to waste on a daily level, since these enable a higher flow than any of us truly need. In addition, you’re boosting your water bill, which is another downside of the wrong choice of tapware.

Doing something as uncomplicated as replacing your existing fixtures with low-flow ones will decrease your water bill and limit your water usage. It’s important to know that, although these use a smaller amount of water, they won’t take a toll on your comfort, as the water pressure will still be high enough. In fact, you probably won’t even notice the difference until you get your next water bill.

Choose eco-friendly toilets

Flushing the toilet after you’ve used it is something you do automatically, without giving it any additional thought, which could be costing you and the planet a lot. Fortunately, when it comes to toilets, there are some amazing green alternatives to opt for. One phenomenal example are dual-function toilets, which allow you to select if you’ll use more or less water when you flush, which depends on your requirements in any specific situation.

Moreover, you can now find low-flow toilets, which are environmentally friendly, since they need as little as a third of the amount of water you normally use to flush. Last but not least, perhaps you can even invest in a multi-functional toilet, which has tanks that double up as sinks, meaning that the water you use for washing your face or your hands gets reused for flushing.

Wrapping up

Saving water truly isn’t a demanding task, nor will it disturb your day-to-day life in any way. If you’re environmentally conscious and merely make some slight adjustments to your habits, you can do a lot for your budget and the planet at the same time. 

By Mike Johnston

Tips for Someone Looking to Sell Their House Quickly

Selling a house can be both time-consuming and tedious. It is important to know the best tips and tricks for selling your house quickly so you can get it off your hands as soon as possible. There are several important things that you should consider before putting your house on the market.

1. Hire a Real Estate Agent

Hiring a real estate agent can be one of the best things a seller can do to guarantee their house will sell quickly. This is because agents have a wide range of strategies for getting people through the door quickly and negotiating with buyers so that everyone gets the best deal possible. Not only can they help spread the word through networking and list your house on multiple sales platforms, but they will also help set up showings, answer important questions from potential buyers, and ensure that all paperwork is in order. A professional agent's experience, tools, and know-how are invaluable resources for selling houses quickly.

2. Set a Competitive Price

The price point you set for your house is a key factor in how quickly you can get it off the market. If your price is too high, prospective buyers may be intimidated and stay away, but if it's too low, they may think there must be something wrong with the property. Research prices in your area by looking at recent sales information and seeing what competing properties on the market are asking. This will give you an idea of a realistic and competitive number to attract interested buyers without leaving money on the table.

3. Prepare Your Home for Showings

Taking the time to spruce up your home before showings can make all the difference in how appealing and attractive it looks to potential buyers. Fix whatever you can yourself, and consider hiring professionals for anything that needs more serious attention. Ensure all dusting and vacuuming have been done, shovel and outdoor salt walkways when necessary, and any unpleasant odors are addressed. Thoroughly staged homes stand out from the competition and can help you maximize value and attract a potential house buyer in San Antonio. For best results, try to leave the staging to a professional who knows exactly how crucial the presentation can be for prospective buyers.

4. Promote Your Listing Online

Once you have great photos of your home, it is important to promote your listing online. Advertising on websites, such as real estate and classifieds sites, provides potential buyers with a more convenient way of accessing your property description instantly. Utilizing social media by sharing your listing on platforms can also build interest in a short amount of time. Additionally, promoting online helps you reach a larger pool of buyers who may have yet to see your listing.

5. Use Professional Photography

Potential buyers will search for a new home online in today's digital world. Potential buyers are more likely to express interest and schedule viewings by having high-quality images of your property. Professional photographs will give buyers a full sense of what your house offers by highlighting its best features. Additionally, professional photography portrays an overall level of care that buyers appreciate and can make all the difference when trying to get their attention. Professional photography helps create interactive visuals and gives prospective buyers a better understanding of what they are purchasing regardless of the condition, size, or other factors associated with your home.

6. Be Prepared To Negotiate

Selling a house can be tricky, so if you are looking to move on quickly, it is important to be prepared for the negotiation process. You should research the market in your area ahead of time so that you know what comparable houses have sold recently. Preparing a list of desirable selling points before putting your house up for sale can help you discuss prices with potential buyers. Being honest and realistic regarding how much money you are asking for is also essential – transparency and knowledge of the market will help make the negotiation process smoother. Ultimately, being flexible and open to differing opinions is key to helping you find a buyer and close the deal swiftly.

Conclusion

Selling a house is a challenging process and can be very overwhelming. A clear plan will help ensure you get the best price in the timeline you want. Embrace technology and use it to market and show your home, research neighborhood trends and changes and be willing to negotiate to secure an offer. All these steps should give any individual looking to sell their house quickly the edge they need in the competitive market.

Guest Contributor: Hannah Boothe