The Importance of Lighting in the Home

You may not realise it, but light is one of the most important features in our home. Not only for the purpose of functionality, but the element of light can have drastic effects in terms of the interior design of a property, our perceptions of reality (through the use of illuminating spaces) and can help to create sensations that can change our overall experiences. As the industry of interior lighting changes, there are many reasons as to why we should always be on the lookout to upgrade the lighting features in our home. Whether it's due to the element of interior design, health reasons, or if you are looking to improve the lighting in your home so you can add value to the property before a sale, light is an important element of any home. Here at We Buy Any House, we are going to provide some insight into the world of home lighting, its importance, and how you can hopefully have a light bulb moment (See what we did there?) when it comes to your own home!

Why You Should Take Care of Your Lighting Choices in the Home:

Because Mother Nature Can't Do Everything:

To put it simply, Mother Nature can’t do everything! As much has lighting has an effect on the aesthetic of your home, the originating purpose is for functionality reasons. When the sun goes down and there is no more natural light beaming in, it's important to still illuminate your home.

Health Reasons:

Not all lights are great for your health. Excessive exposure to bright lights can be damaging to not only bills and the environment, but also to your health. If you are consistently exposing yourself to bright lights, the retina’s light-sensing cells in the eyes can become overstimulated- which over time can injure the back of the eye. Therefore, it's important to make sure that in addition to your lights being functional and stylish, that they are good for your health.

Lighting Can Improve the Mood in Any Given Space:

The general types of lighting you have throughout your home, which is also known as ambient lighting, includes things such as chandeliers, lamps and LED lights. Basically, it's anything that helps illuminate the rooms in your house. The reason why ambient lighting is so important is that the choices you make in terms of what kind of lighting you have throughout your home can massively affect the mood throughout your house. The overall aim is to always try and achieve a warm and soft glow in the house, rather than a space that is dull and unattractive. If you have insufficient lighting in the home, now is the time to invest in LED lights as your house may not feel all that welcoming to guests or even prospective buyers.

How to Improve the Lighting in My Home:

Illuminate the Best Parts:

Just because you need light in your home doesn’t mean you should light up everywhere. The best part of picking the lighting for your home is that you have the freedom to use lighting to enhance an already existing space. A great way to do this is by including accent lighting. By highlighting specific features of the interior, for example, an appliance of a piece of furniture, you can give a room personality and illuminate showcasing elements. 

Make the Most of Natural Lighting:

If you want to reduce the cost of your electricity bills, contribute towards a better environment and make your home look effortlessly glowing and chic, then make the most of natural light. Going beyond functional and aesthetic reasons, natural light is a free and easy way to illuminate your house- and gives off perhaps one of the best warm aesthetics.

Invest in Property Lighting:

The term ‘proper lighting’ has varying meaning. Not only is it a suggestion to move towards more environmentally friendly lighting such as LED bulbs that are better for your health and the environment, but also the way in which you illuminate your home. Now is the perfect time to play around with light as a concept, from desk lamps, floor lamps, strip lighting, spotlights and even outdoor lighting- the list is endless! Find something that works for you in your home interior, and that way you will be able to use light to highlight and showcase your home the best way possible and achieve your dream property!

This article was written by a quick house sale company We Buy Any House. If you’re wondering “how can I sell my house fast?”, head to the We Buy Any Home reviews page for more information relating to all property related enquiries.  

4 Types of House Repairs You Should Never Neglect

A home is a place that should be comfortable and inviting, but there are some repairs that homeowners often neglect. It is very important that you maintain your home, by doing so you can save money in the long run and this could also raise the value of your property if you plan on selling it. Although you may not realize it, these four things can lead to bigger problems if they aren't attended to in a timely manner. This is why you should never neglect these four types of house repairs.

Electrical Repairs 

Many homeowners will notice random outlets that don't work, flickering lights, and other problems. When these things happen it is important that you have an electrician come out to take a look at your wiring to ensure that nothing has gone wrong. Even if you are able to look at it and see that nothing is wrong, the problem could be a wire behind the wall. You should do your research and see more information about electricians before hiring them. This is important as it can save you time and money. These issues might not look like much, but some of them could be fire hazards.

Roof Repairs

If you have an older roof, you are likely to notice that it is starting to leak when it rains or snows. It is recommended to keep an eye on your shingles and roof in general. If the nails begin to show through or if there are cracks present, then it may be time to make a few repairs. 

If you ignore the small repair, bigger problems could occur such as leaks and bigger issues within your ceiling. If your roof is leaking this could lead to water damage and mold throughout your home. Taking care of these smaller problems now will save you from having to pay for a larger, more expensive repair down the road. Some of these issues could even be health hazards, so these problems should be resolved as quickly as possible.

Plumbing Repairs

In a home, plumbing is usually one of the most neglected areas, but this could lead to serious issues. Some of the common issues include flooding in your home and sewage backup. These things are not only dangerous but can lead to massive damage to your walls, flooring, and even the foundation of your home. If this happens it can be costly to repair and usually requires a complete renovation. 

The best thing you can do for your plumbing is to have routine checks done on them by a professional plumber so that any problems or leaks are fixed before they become larger ones!

HVAC Repairs

Most people install an HVAC system and think that the job is done. This is not the case, having the HVAC system of your home inspected twice a year is recommended. This ensures that all parts are working correctly, and any issues can be found early. These checks should be done before the temperatures begin to rise and fall as this is when most repairs are necessary. Some of these things could include a broken thermostat, a fan belt that needs to be replaced, or even a motor that isn't working correctly! You should replace the air filters when you have your technicians come out to inspect your HVAC system. You should also ensure that they clean the air handler coils, which are located in the outdoor portion of the HVAC unit. This helps with airflow throughout your home and ensures that nothing is blocking it.

By having your HVAC system checked you can avoid these bigger problems from occurring and ensure that you aren't overspending on your energy bill. If the HVAC system malfunctions it can be dangerous, but if they are not properly maintained, this could lead to serious health issues for your family.

Neglecting any of these four issues with your home can lead to serious problems with the structure of your property, which in turn will generate even more repairs down the road. So make sure that you take care of your home as soon as you notice a problem. It might not seem like a big problem at first but the sooner you do the easier and less expensive it will be. Taking care of these issues will prevent your home from losing value, and prevent them from turning into serious health hazards for your family and pets. We hope you will find some useful information in this article! Take care of your home and it will take care of you!

How to Renovate Your House Without Producing Too Much Residue and Damage?

Renovating a house can be a great way to improve the look and feel of your home. However, it's important to do so in a way that doesn't produce too much residue or damage. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to renovate your house without causing too many problems!

Insulate Without Taking The Walls Apart 

You should know that there's a way to insulate your home without doing too much damage. A huge way to ensure Home comfort is not to remove drywall and insulation in order to install new insulation. It's messy, and it can create a lot of dust and residue.

There are insulating blankets that you can buy which will fit snugly around your home without having to remove any panels or drywall. These insulating blankets have an R-value of up to 22, which is really good when compared to the standard R-values of other types of insulation. If you're looking for a way to make your home more comfortable this winter, then this may be the best option for you! Not only will you avoid creating a mess, but your home will also be more energy-efficient.

Use Wraps 

Put plastic wraps on every single place you want to protect. Whenever you're renovating, you should do this with the following: 

• walls

• floors

• furniture

• ceilings

• countertops 

• kitchen appliances 

• sinks 

• bathtubs 

• toilet 

• washing machines 

• water heaters 

It is a good way to avoid excess paint or plaster getting on surfaces that don't need it. If you're using any kind of chemical products as part of your renovation project, using wraps will also help keep the smell contained.

When everything's all wrapped up, take a step back and admire your handiwork. You've just renovated your house without creating too much mess and damage! Well done!

If you are looking to renovate your home without producing too much residue and damage, using wraps is definitely the way to go! Plastic wrap can be placed over anything you need and it will make your life much easier. 

Make Threshold Shields

It's essential that you protect your thresholds when renovating your house. You don't want to produce too much residue and damage the floors and walls. One way to do this is by making threshold shields.

To make a threshold shield, you'll need plywood, a ruler or tape measure, a circular saw, high-grit sandpaper, and stain or sealant (optional).

Cut a piece of plywood that's big enough to cover the entire threshold. Then, use a ruler or tape measure to mark out where the door will hit the shield. Use a circular saw to cut out that section of the plywood. If you're using stain or sealant, now is the time to apply it.

Finally, use high-grit sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the shield. You don't want anyone getting cut on them! Place the shield over the threshold and you're good to go. 

Seal Off Rooms 

Temporary walls can be created by sealing off rooms with plastic sheeting and duct tape. This will help to contain the mess and fumes from the renovation project. It is important to make sure that all cracks and openings are sealed so that no dust or debris can escape. Leave a small opening in the sheeting so that you can get in and out of the room easily. Make sure to have plenty of ventilation in the other rooms of the house, as well as in the sealed-off room, to keep air circulating.

Create Protected Pathways

You have to protect your floors as well as you can. Wear old clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Try not to track the residue all through your house. 

Cover doorways with plastic sheeting taped to the molding so that it doesn't get on the floor. Protect any woodwork or floors with drop cloths. Make sure there is a path for you to walk without creating new messes. If possible, try to work in one area at a time and clean as you go.

When you're finished for the day, carefully collect your materials and put them away so you're ready to start again the next day. Sweep up any residue that may have landed.

Drive Dust Out 

You have to keep dust under control when renovating your house. It is not only annoying, it can also be harmful to your health. One way to reduce the amount of dust produced during a renovation project is to drive it out before you start. This means getting rid of all the dirt and debris that may be inside and outside the building.

Use a leaf blower or a fan to blow the dust away from the building. Make sure you cover your nose and mouth when doing this. You can also sweep or hose down the area around the building before starting work.

Renovation is a long and hard process so making it easier by producing less residue and damage is important. Don't remove drywall when insulating and use wraps around everything and make threshold shields. Create temporary walls to seal off rooms and make protected pathways. Finally, make sure that dust doesn't stay inside. You'll finish the job much faster!

Wondering How to Improve Your Interior Design? Here Are 4 Things You Can Do

Every homeowner desires a nice, visually attractive house. Many people pay hundreds of dollars, if not thousands, to have a professional interior designer freshen up their homes. While some people can afford this, the majority of the population cannot. When it comes to improving the appearance of your house, go with what you like. It's your home, so decorate it with whatever makes you happy. To assist you with your selections, here are four vital recommendations for improving the interior decor of your home.

Think About the Floor

Flooring is an important aspect of any home, it can establish the tone of the area, infuse individuality, and offer comfort. Flooring has come a long way from merely choosing between carpet and floors when it comes to flooring options. There are now a plethora of gorgeous and long-lasting materials available to offer the wow factor while also providing comfort. You can even experiment with concrete floors, using a dye or pigment that modifies the color of concrete, which will give you a great unusual look. Vinyl is quickly displacing linoleum as a popular and practical flooring option. Vinyl flooring is also slip-resistant and feels warmer underfoot than stone or ceramic tile. If you don't want to go with wooden floors, there are ceramic tiles that look like wooden boards and come in a variety of colors to give your interior some personality.

1. Declutter Your Home

We all have stuff in our homes that take up a lot of room yet don't seem to be used. It would be useless to discard them since these goods will almost certainly have financial or sentimental significance. Things you toss away may come in use in the future, so throwing them away would imply purchasing another pair in the future, which is like pouring money down the drain.

Perhaps our keepsakes, such as picture albums and childhood toys, fall into this category. These items may not be valuable, but the feelings attached to them make them worthwhile to retain. Rather than tossing your belongings away, you may invest in a storage facility that will keep your things safe until you need them again. Store any extra things and furnishings in a storage facility so you may clear your home without losing any valuable pieces.

2. Give It an Antique Look

Bringing some historical character into your home by purchasing antique pieces is arguably the most obvious choice. If you don't want to spend the money on genuine antiques, there are a plethora of imitation options available online. Natural materials such as sturdy woods and metals with an organic feel, as well as high-quality linens and wools, are fantastic options if you want to move away from the modern style. Replace brushed nickel hardware with natural-finished classic pulls and knobs. You may also purchase some brightly colored rugs to give your property a distinctive appearance. In terms of style, there are a plethora of choices available on the internet. 

3. Invest in High-Quality Furniture

You should make a significant investment in high-quality furnishings. They will not only survive for years, but they will also improve the appearance of your home. Imagine having furniture that is minimally damaged and does not appear worn out years from now. 

If you're looking for high-quality furniture for your house, make sure you do your research beforehand. It's better if you look at at least three possibilities so you can figure out which one has the best prices. It'll assist if you think about where you'll put the furniture–whether indoors or out–and choose something that fits the space. 

Speaking about your living room, luxurious, high-quality textiles are more comfortable and tend to endure longer than less expensive fabrics. Stain-resistant materials are especially handy if you have small children, but they're also a smart idea if you simply plan to use the room for visitors because spills and stains may happen anytime. Though white and beige may appear to be uninteresting, they are lifesavers when it comes to bringing a place together. To avoid clashes with any furniture you want to bring in, stick to light, neutral hues. Try painting the walls in base tones and then adding colorful elements to liven up the space.

When you think about the design of your home the most important thing is how your items synergize with each other. Everyone has their unique style and you need to find what you want and like. Design the home to your liking, do not put the taste of others as your priority, after all, it is your home. Hopefully, these tips made you at least consider some other ways to improve the design of your home.

Pros and Cons of Point-of-Use Water Filters

PROS AND CONS OF POINT-OF-USE WATER FILTERS (COPY)

January 21, 2022RH Business Marketing Solutions

When searching to implement any kind of water filtration system many consumers will opt for a point-of-use (POU) filter. These types of water filters are the most customizable variations for multiple different outlets in a home. 

Some POU water filters even supply alkaline components directly to a tap outlet, depending on what the consumer may want.

As with any kind of product, the different point-of-use filters each has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

TYPES OF POINT-OF-USE WATER FILTERS

There are several different types of point-of-use water filters out there, some more efficient than others. Deciding on which of these is a fit may come down to what advantages can be gleaned from them.

WATER FILTER PITCHERS AND COVER COUNTERTOP

Maybe the most recognizable water filter out there is the tabletop pitcher. It’s a point-of-use water filter that relies on gravity to guide the water through a filtering media usually in the form of activated carbon.

Cover countertop filters are similar to pitcher filters but may come with a few extra features. There are versions of cover countertops that use ceramic filtering media which are very efficient at cleaning many contaminants out of water. Filters such as these are highly portable and very easy to maintain and use with not much installation needed to get them started. 

The disadvantage of pitchers as filters is that they don’t purify water as effectively as some larger filtration systems. Some might find both pitchers and countertop cover filters as aesthetically unpleasing, and may want a filter that is not visible. The issue of manually changing filter cartridges for pitchers or cleaning out the ceramic medium, might also be undesirable. 

UNDER SINK WATER FILTERS

As the name implies, these water filters are to be installed under the sink. It’s not restricted to the kitchen sink even, as any sink can have a filter like this, provided there is enough room. What is highly advantageous about an under-the-sink filter is that it can clean out much more contaminants, like heavy metals and chlorine. 

The size of an under-the-sink water filter permits it to hold multiple layers of filtering media, like a sediment filter, activated carbon, and reverse-osmosis all in line with each other. It’s extremely convenient to have a water filter so powerful, all while it stays out of view. The cartridges or medium only require maintenance once a year, says BOS, so there is less hassle with replacing them. 

However useful an under-the-sink filter might be, it does come with some disadvantages of its own. For one, installation is a far trickier endeavor than with a simple countertop, and professional plumbing work may be needed. There is also the issue of space, as an under the sink filter will require some extra room. The last con to be stacked against a filter like this, is price, as it can be quite costly of an investment. 

FAUCET, SHOWER, AND FRIDGE FILTERS

Other point-of-use filtration systems are ones that can be mounted directly on the water outlet. The flexibility of these types of filters is very well seen in the many forms that they come, to fit any kind of outlet, from faucets, showerheads to fridge dispensers. 

Outlet mounted water filters typically use activated charcoal as a filtering medium, and can take out unpleasant tastes and odors caused by chlorine. This kind of filter is highly affordable, even more so than countertop filters. Even though some installation is required to get them working, it is surprisingly easy to mount them on their respective outlets. 

Probably the biggest disadvantage many cite in regards to faucet and shower filters is their appearance. Some indeed look a little chunky on the water tap, or on the showerhead. When it comes to functionality, there are bigger more efficient water filters that are capable of cleaning more unwanted pollutants from water. 

IT COMES DOWN TO YOUR WATER QUALITY…

Most of the time, the choice between which type of point-of-use water filter to implement in a home comes down to the water quality available in a specific area, and budgetary constraints. Some regions will have higher quantities of contaminants in the water that must be cleaned away before it can be used. Other times it’s more an issue of taste and smell that may require filtration.

Author Bio:
Dur-e-Sabih provides ghostwriting and copywriting services. Her educational background in Accountancy helps her in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development, finance, and digital marketing.

How to Create a Suitable Home Office in a Small House or Apartment

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live and work and in respect of social distancing guidelines, many employers are sending their staff home to work remotely. While this is good in the short-term, many people believe that they don’t have space in their small house or apartment to set up a proper office. We are here to tell you that where there is a will, there is a way. Here at Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing, we know how important it is for you to have a suitable home and workspace, so we have some tips for how you can set up shop in any space.

You Don’t Need a Traditional Office

You may be initially dismayed if you live in an apartment or a home with limited rooms, but it is important to keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need a separate room in order to set up an office. Many people have become very creative over the last year and found suitable places for their desks. For instance, if you have space in your bedroom, you could fit it there. Many people also have space under their staircase and that could be a private place where you can set up shop. You could also have Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing over to remodel your kitchen and create a workspace there.

If you live in a state with an agreeable climate, then you might even consider setting up your office outside on a covered patio. That is a great place to get the privacy you need and being outdoors in the fresh air can even bolster your creativity, which could be exactly what you need. If you can only set up shop indoors then try to put your office near a window, which provides many benefits. In addition to the mental health benefits that sunlight can provide, you will also be able to see your work and spend less money on lighting and electricity.

A Discounted Office

When told they will need to work remotely from home, many people also worry that they will not have the money to set up an office, but with proper budgeting and smart planning, you can get what you need on the cheap. For instance, when it comes to your desk, you don’t necessarily need the newest model. Instead, you can shop at thrift stores or garage sales for perfectly suitable desks. 

You don’t necessarily need to buy a brand new office chair either. If you have a comfortable chair in the living room then you can use that as your computer chair while you are at work. As far as equipment, think about what you don’t need. You can eliminate the need for a printer by going paperless and emailing instead of printing. As far as other office supplies, contact your company and ask that they send you some from the office. 

Personalize Your Space

If you want to feel more comfortable in your home office space, then consider sourcing it up with decorative items and family pictures. Hang up certifications you received from work and pictures your kids made for you. You could also hang a poster that says your favorite motivational quote.

You can also consider putting objects on your desk that could be conversation starters in the case that you have clients over to your home. While that can be as simple as a cool letter opener or paperweight, a lot of people are placing colorful geodes on their desks. Geodes are awesome because they look like a typical rock on the outside, but inside they are loaded with colorful crystals and minerals. They are quite striking. Click here for a selection of geodes.

As you can see, there are many tricks that you can use to set up a suitable home office in even the smallest space. Try these tips and see what works for you. Here at Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing, we offer a bevy of services, from drain cleaning to water heater installation. Contact us at 708-845-7922 to learn more.

Guest Contributor: Kelli Brewer

Awesome DIY Home Improvement Ideas

Do-it-yourself is a phrase that has been in existence for a long time. The term was brought about to easily explain what people can do with things around them, without having to pay someone else to help. In the world of home improvement, there are tons of things you can do yourself. This article will give you some helpful ideas on how you can improve your home, without having to spend too much money.

Painting

Painting is one of the easiest DIY projects that can be done in a weekend. While most homeowners have an idea of what color they want their house painted in, sometimes it takes a while to find just the right color. As many people know, paint samples can be costly and the main reason why it takes so long for some homeowners to find just the right color. However, there is a way that you can buy as much or as little paint as you would like and it will only cost about $12.

Take a look at your local hardware store and you will see an aisle that usually has a variety of different paint colors. These paint swatches are usually either free or for a very cheap price and they can be taken home and used as needed.

Declutter your home

If you are planning to renovate your house or just simply want to improve the look of it, doing it yourself is not for the faint-hearted because you have to work with your hands making sure that everything goes according to plan. You have no time for second chances if errors are made so being extra careful is a must. You can get bins like cairns skip bin hire solutions to help you move your dirt and garbage quickly and effectively. You can also use leftover paint and decorate your home. 

If you have extra pavers and borders, plant some flowers and create a pathway leading to your door or patio. You can also improve the look of your house by adding these very simple things like putting some potted plants or garden flowers by your windows, using hangers to make storage racks for your bikes, hoes and other gardening tools which you can place under the stairway beside the entrance if there is enough space.

Freshen up the walls to improve your home

Your walls are a huge part of making a first impression on visitors, and freshening it up can make a big difference. If you think about it, why would you ever want to leave your walls bare? There's no reason that the white or beige/neutral color that they come with should stay that way forever.

Paint is a great way of adding 'new life' to bare walls, and it's actually super easy to do. The most modern thing you can do with an empty wall is to paint it black. It's the biggest and boldest color out there and is a great way to make a statement. However, you can't go wrong with painting your walls whatever color you want them to be; as long as you love the color, why shouldn't it work?

Restore Your Front Door

Before you enter your home, you see the front door. When it's scuffed up and worn looking, house guests may not feel welcome. Plus, you don't feel like people are getting their money's worth when they visit your place. Don't put off giving your front door a makeover until tomorrow or the weekend when you have more time. In just a couple of hours, it'll look brand new.

Today's front doors are made from different varieties of wood and stains. Some have glass panel inserts while others have decorative panels or long strips of glass allowing you to peek in on who is at your door without having the invite them in. The hinges and locks need to be repaired and replaced regularly. It's a simple job that will make your home look new again.

Landscape the Lawn

When people are home, they are most likely to be found on the front lawn. As such, this area of our homes is generally the first impression that others have of us. The way in which it looks can say a lot about who we are as individuals and how much pride we put into our homes.

It may seem like a big job to take on, but landscaping the lawn is an easy way to makeover your outside space. Not only can it be inexpensive, but you will also find that there are plenty of DIY home improvement ideas out there to help make this project even more unique and personalized.

Home improvement is fun but it can be frustrating if you don't have the right tools or skills. You might even go broke buying all of the necessary items before you get started. The tips in this article provide great ideas for saving money and getting rid of unnecessary clutter, too. Hopefully, your home improvement projects will move along more smoothly from here on out.

Top Common Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can be a huge headache. It can cause extensive damage to your home or business and can be very costly to repair. There are several common causes of water damage, and knowing what they are can help you take steps to prevent these from happening.

Burst Pipes

This is probably the most common cause of water damage. If your pipes are old, they may corrode over time, leading to small leaks that can quickly become big problems. Even if there aren't any signs of corrosion (e.g., rust), your pipes might still burst if the strain on them is too high or if they've been poorly installed. If you have a burst pipe, shut off the water right away and contact your local plumber for assistance or your local water restoration specialists. When a pipe bursts, it typically means there is a crack in the pipe that has allowed water to escape quickly from inside the pipe. The pressure from the water escaping often results in a loud noise, and depending on where your plumbing is located it may cause serious damage to surrounding areas.

Faulty Appliances

Your appliances might be operated by electricity or gas, but either way, they use up an enormous amount of water. Appliances that use up lots of water include hot water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets. Each appliance has the potential to act as a bottleneck for your plumbing system. If you have faulty appliances, it can result in poor circulation of water through your pipes which can lead to leaks or damage.

Storms and Bad Weather

If you live in an area that is prone to storms, make sure you are prepared. If you know your home is at risk for storm damage, install guttering and downspouts around the perimeter of your home to protect your roof from heavy rain. You should also consider investing in water-resistant building materials if you are concerned about flooding or heavy rains. Poorly draining areas of your yard should also be fixed to prevent flooding. For example, if water has trouble draining out of your lawn, you might consider installing drainage systems underneath the grass or hiring a landscaper who can install elevation systems that will help water move away from where it may cause damage.

Storms can cause flooding if the volume of rainfall is high enough, or if the drains can't handle the volume of water coming down from the sky. Even if you aren't in a flood zone, too much rainfall over a short period can cause problems.

Flooding

Flooding is perhaps one of the most obvious causes of water damage. Floods typically occur due to heavy rains, broken dams or levees, or tsunamis. If your home is located in a flood zone, it's important to be aware of this potential cause of water damage and take necessary preventive measures.

On the other hand, you might also experience flooding due to broken pipes inside your home which can be extremely dangerous. If you suspect that there is a burst pipe, shut off the water right away and contact your local plumber or restoration specialists for help.

Overflows

If you keep filling up a tub and forget you're doing it, it's easy to imagine the overflow that may occur. Leaky toilets can also contribute to overflows; sometimes the water fills up the tank of your toilet and finds its way out of small cracks on the base, on top of the toilet, through the flush handle, or the seat. Toilet overflows can quickly lead to extensive water damage, so it's important to stay on top of this potential cause by paying attention to any signs of moisture or unusual sounds coming from the toilet.

Dripping Faucets and Leaks

Dripping faucets are typically easy to ignore, but they can account for a lot of wasted water over time. Dripping faucets may also indicate that there is an underlying issue with your plumbing system, which could result in more serious problems if not dealt with immediately. Some drips only waste a few drops of water at a time, but others drip more constantly.

Dripping faucets are very common in homes where hot water is used constantly (e.g., in a household with several members who enjoy long showers). The constant flow of hot water wears down the washers in your faucets and causes them to leak. If you notice any leaking, you should fix the problem immediately before it leads to further damage.

To prevent some types of water damage, be sure to regularly check for any signs of moisture or issues with your appliances. Rainstorms, floods, burst pipes, and overflowing toilets can cause serious damage if they go unnoticed for too long. The best thing to do if you suspect a problem is to call a trusted plumber or emergency restoration company.

How Hiring Senior Movers Can Ease Your Loved One’s Transition to a New Home

Once you begin preparing for a move, one thing is sure: This won’t be an easy period. And that’s true regardless of your age. However, organizing the complex logistics of a household move can be more stressful for seniors or for someone who’s helping their elderly loved ones transition to a new home. 

Luckily, plenty of experienced professionals can assist — most notably, moving companies that offer senior moving services and specifically cater to the elderly. Here’s how to make this transition an easier one.

Dealing With Stress

Moving to a new home is an emotionally difficult process, especially for older individuals that are not fond of huge changes in their lives. With this in mind, easing the transition is important, especially if you’re an elderly person moving into a smaller home. 

Hiring the right movers will go a long way towards dissipating stress — a senior moving company can help with every aspect of the relocation, from the planning and logistics to the physical work. 

There are, of course, other services that can contribute to dispelling downsizing and moving stress. These include contractors to make improvements to your home to support any mobility problems and clear it of fall hazards. 

Help With Downsizing

Downsizing is a frequent part of moving as a senior citizen — people in their golden years tend to look for quality-of-life features in their communities rather than an abundance of space. However, that doesn’t mean that moving from a larger home into a smaller one is easy. 

Adjusting to “less” of anything is not pleasant, and that includes living space. For instance, you need to find enough room for all of the household possessions you kept in your larger home. Don’t worry, though. Experienced senior movers know how to deal with downsizing. Plenty of moving companies also manage storage facilities, and movers specializing in senior relocations are no different. You can employ their services in that regard and keep any extra items in a rented storage unit until you find room for them elsewhere.

Assisted Packing

Completing any kind of move requires handling all kinds of menial chores. However, there’s one task that’s particularly demanding: packing. It tends to take more time than people plan for, and you need to do a lot of preparation beforehand — finding all of the packing materials that you need can be tiresome.

As a senior citizen looking to relocate to a new community, this isn’t something you want to deal with on your own. Even if you buy all of the cardboard boxes, packing tape, and box filler yourself, you’ll still need to spend endless hours carefully arranging and packing all of your stuff. 

For someone who tires easily, this can be just too demanding. Luckily, senior movers can help you with that, as well. A moving company can buy all of the necessary materials for you, bring them to your home, and pack everything without you lifting a finger. Also, once they move everything into your new home, the movers can unpack all of your possessions and arrange them however you like. 

Hiring the Right Movers

While you choose the best professionals for your senior moving services, make sure to ask them a series of questionsto determine their competence:

●      Do you have any references from previous clients?

●      What rates do you offer?

●      Are they provided in writing?

●      Do you have all the necessary insurance and licenses?

●      What are your credentials?

●      How much experience do you have with senior moving?

Planning a move for your loved one can be a complicated process. By hiring senior movers, you can ease their transition. 

When you’re ready to sell your senior loved one’s home, connect with the dedicated real estate professionals at Schwab Realty. Call 360-683-4015 to set up an appointment!

Guest Contributor: Rhonda Underhill

How to Ensure That Water Papers Operate Properly Before Purchasing a Property?

When you're in the market for a new property, one of the most important things to do is have the water turned on and papers checked to ensure that everything is in order.

Here are some tips to follow to help make sure that everything goes smoothly when purchasing a property in Knoxville, TN.

Already Connected to Water and Sewage

Previous owners may have paid for the cost of these necessities, or they might have been built into the price of the house, but if that's not the case then you will need to pay yourself before doing anything with the property. This way, if something goes wrong with either your pipes or the municipality's pipes, you are not taking on debt before moving in.

On the other hand, if you're already looking for the property, make sure to check beforehand whether the water and sewage run through the property. The property in Knoxville TN should have a list of related papers and you can take a look at the same before buying anything. Make sure to check with real estate agents and with the municipality to confirm that everything is in order and that no one's pipes are in danger of bursting.

So, if previous owners haven't paid for water and sewage, make sure they've updated the plumbing of the house with newer pipes and fixtures. You want to make sure that everything is up-to-date so that you don't have to fix it immediately after moving in.

Check with the Neighbors or Get a Survey Done

If you have friends who live in the area, ask them about how the water company runs its services. Ask them whether the area had any problems with their water company in the past, and make sure to ask about what's happening with the water company right now.

If you don't have friends in the area, try to seek out local forums online where people talk about the community. If they've had problems with their services in the past, or if there are ongoing issues with things like leaking pipes, make sure to mention them when you go house hunting.

The more you know about your local water company, the more you'll enjoy the property when you eventually buy it.

Hire an Inspector

Make sure to hire a surveyor if you don't feel like you can trust yourself or anyone else's judgment of whether pipes are new enough for your liking. A surveyor will come in and check the pipes to make sure they are up-to-date, running properly, and won't leak or burst any time soon.

When you hire a surveyor you want to make sure that it's certified by the water company itself. This way when they say that something needs to be done you can ask for a second opinion from an independent surveyor and you'll be better off as a result.

Do a General Water Check

Before buying a property, it's important to have water running, freshwater in all bathrooms, and clean drinking water for use. You also want to make sure that there aren't any burst pipes, but if the property is older than ten years you might need to get your water tested before turning it on just in case.

While this all may sound like common sense, knowing the signs of aging sewage can help you avoid further problems down the line. If you see black water coming from any of the fixtures, or if the smell is overwhelmingly foul and starts to make you feel nauseous, cut off the water and contact a plumber immediately.

Inspect the Faucets, Sinks, Showers, and Toilets

If you see any cracks anywhere in the faucets or sinks of the house, get a plumber to come out and take a look. You don't want to be stuck with a huge bill for repairs immediately after buying your new place!

Additionally, if there is mold around any of the faucets or sinks, this is a huge sign that previous owners haven't been taking care of their sewage. If you have mold around any pipes or plumbing fixtures, if you notice leakage under any toilets or showers, these can become full of mold and stagnant water if you're not careful.

Also, if there are any cracks in your tiles or if the grouting is stained brown or black, this could be an indicator of problems with the sewage.

The property market in Knoxville TN should have a list of related papers and you can take a look at the same before buying anything. Make sure to check with real estate agents and with the municipality to confirm that everything is in order and that no one's pipes are in danger of bursting. Therefore, if previous owners haven't paid for water & sewage, make sure they've updated the plumbing of the house with newer pipes & fixtures. You want to make sure that everything is up-to-date so you don’t need to fix it immediately after moving in.