Easy Ways to Cozy Up Your Home

Easy Ways to Cozy Up Your Home

What is it that you love about your home? Some will talk about location, some about the size, and others about functionality. But what all of us have in common is that we love that feeling of joy and relief as we step into our homes after a long journey or a tough day at work. That doesn’t come from the location or the amount of money you’ve invested in sprucing the place up. It comes from all the little personal touches that you and the ones you love have put into every corner of your home. And if you seem to lack that heart-warming feeling, here are some ways for you to make your home cozier and more welcoming for you, your family and anybody else who decides to visit.

Add some warmth to your sofa

The living-room sofa is usually the place where most families gather to watch films, play board games together or share a pot of hot tea while talking about how everybody’s day went. That’s why you should start there. Add a throw blanket to your sofa and your armchair, and don’t be shy with cushions either. Make sure you choose soft, warm and fluffy fabric in various colors and patterns. As long as you’re making the place more comfortable, why not add some style to it as well?

Step on clouds

When the temperatures outside drop, there’s nothing worse than stepping on cold floor with your bare feet. So, if you don’t have wall-to-wall carpets, you can always get some area rugs. Opt for natural materials, like cotton, wool or jute, and don’t hesitate to layer them for extra coziness. Furthermore, if you have a pair of nice, comfy slippers next to your front door, you can put them on as soon as you enter your home and have them thaw your feet from the freezing cold outside.

Create a perfect reading spot

There’s nothing more inviting than a nice reading nook, some hot tea and the characters from your favorite book just waiting for you to join them in their next adventure. First, find a place near a big window, so that you get plenty of natural light. Second, invest in a lovely egg chair and perhaps even an ottoman for your feet, both in premium fabrics and a color of your preference. Finally, put a small table next to your chair, so that you have a place to put down your book and your tea cup or a coffee mug. What more could a person want?

Dress your windows up

Bare windows or short, light-colored and translucent curtains are modern and cute, but if you want to add warmth to your living space, you should consider some other options. For example, thick and heavy pattern drapes that fall down to the floor will definitely do the trick. Not only will they visually make the room more pleasant, but they’ll also help insulate your home by preventing cold from leaking through your windows.

Let your home show what you love

Displaying things like your family photos, your kids’ drawings or holiday cards from your closest friends and family will add some personal charm to any space. You can also print and frame some inspirational quotes and messages to reflect your beliefs and temperament. And why stop with the visual? If there’s anything that turns a house into a home it’s the smell of freshly-baked cookies. So, either bake your favorite cookies, or at least get a few scented candles for each of your rooms.

Don’t forget the bathroom

First thing’s first. Get a reliable plumber to check all your pipes for leaks. Once you know you’re on the safe side, you can relax and start adding some bath mats, shower and window curtains, as well as some plush towels. If the size of your bathroom allows it, consider replacing your shower with a beautiful bathtub, where you can take long, hot bubble baths whenever you feel like it. Throw in some string lights for ambient lighting and a house plant or two in the name of eco-friendliness and your bathroom will become as warm and as welcoming as the rest of your home.

These tips are just a small part of what you can do to add some allure to your home. And while there are many more wonderful ideas out there, these are a great starting point for turning your home into an oasis of comfort and warmth.

Guest Contributor, Cooper Klein

5 Sustainable Storage Solutions Ideas For Your Home

5 Sustainable Storage Solutions Ideas for Your Home

Making your home green and sustainable doesn’t sound like the easiest job in the world, but it’s still not as hard as it seems. This is particularly true when we’re talking about storage solutions that give everyone a headache no matter how much space they have. But, all you need are a couple of ideas that could boost your sustainability level and solve your storage issues, and you’ll realize how amazing this entire process is sooner than you’ve imagined. So, if you too are trying to find sustainable storage solutions for your home as well, here’s what you need to do. 

Declutter everything first

This is the first step toward more sustainable living and more effective storage solutions. We all own too many things we don’t even use, so getting rid of them is the way to go. Start decluttering your home room by room, especially the bathroom, and you’ll get a ton of new storage space you never knew existed, and organizing everything else should be much easier now that you have fewer possessions and more space.

Find sustainable materials

Sustainable storage should be based on having sustainable materials you can use when storing and organizing your stuff. That’s why plastic containers aren’t the best ideas in the world, although they can seem like the most practical and efficient solutions, especially for our food. Instead, use glass containers and mason jars that are just as useful, but much more sustainable.

Rely on big solutions

If your home is still full of stuff after a thorough decluttering process, and you want to keep all of these things around you at all times, think about bigger storage solutions that can solve all of your problems at once. Sustainable wall-to-wall shelving units and other reliable storage solutions that will protect all your possessions and keep them safe might be the things you were looking for, so explore these ideas and find a way to incorporate them into your home.

Explore hidden storage space

If your furniture is made from reclaimed and natural materials, you already know how amazing and comfortable it can be. But, if you find new furniture that’s just as natural, but has some hidden storage space as well, you could get the best of both worlds. Everything from sofas and sectionals to benches and coffee tables can be used as an additional storage solution, as long as it’s eco-friendly.

Get a rattan bar cart

This isn’t just about making your home more sustainable, but also adding a dose of elegance into your indoor and outdoor space as well. Rattan bar carts are amazing for serving your drinks, storing your newspapers and magazines, as well as presenting healthy fruits and tasty desserts to your guests. There are lots of models you can choose from, so pick whichever you like, but keep in mind that rattan is one of the most sustainable materials out there and you definitely won’t make a mistake by introducing it into your home.

From tiny glass jars to enormous shelves, sustainable storage ideas are everywhere around us, and it’s our job to define what we need and turn our dreams into reality. As long as we’re trying to introduce sustainability into every aspect of our life, including home design and storage ideas, we can be sure we’re doing something good for our planet and preserving it for future generations.

Guest Contributors, Amelia Atkins

Couple Finds Thousands While Renovating Their Home

If you ever needed an excuse to remodel your home, here’s one: couple found thousands of dollars in the floorboards while renovating a home. They have been remodeling houses for 13 years. Their company, Accessible Homes, remodels homes for people with disabilities. I couldn’t have happened to a better company.

“We looked through it,” Rasmussen said of finding the money while renovating an accessible home for a nonprofit Thursday. “It’s $20s and $50s, I’d say $30,000. Maybe more.”

“When we opened up the floor there’s a heat duct that was run under the floor,” Rasmussen said. “And so someone previously must have gone into the utility room and thrown the money up on top of that duct. Pretty crazy.”

“It’s hard to process that amount of cash just laying around, and no one knew existed,” he added. “Well, someone knew, but forgot about.”

The house is owned by Bethesda, a non for profit that provides housing and services for people developmental disabilities. The money is going to help their organization make a difference in people’s lives.

source: http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/couple-finds-thousands-in-cash-under-the-floorboards-during-home-renovation

Make a DifferencE, change the roll

Everyone Wants to Change the World

“Changing the toilet paper roll won’t make a difference to the world, but changing the toilet paper roll will make a difference to one person.”

Make a Difference, Change the Roll.

Tips to Avoid Common Heating Problems This Winter

Tips to Avoid Common Heating Problems This Winter 

They say winter is the most magical time of the year, but is that still so if your heater breaks down? There’s nothing more troublesome than going through the cold months with a faulty heating system. Sure, it’s nice to watch the snow falling and feel the cold breeze once in a while, but it’s a different story when you’re looking forward to a cozy night at home only to find your heater fail you.

Keeping your home warm over the winter months is not only essential to your comfort but your health as well. The drop in temperature can affect your immune system and make your body more vulnerable to sickness and infections. That said, it is imperative that you take the time to make sure that your heater works well before the colder days hit.

How To Keep Your Heater Working Smoothly 

Schedule regular heater maintenance

Nobody will ever do it better than the pros. Make it a point to schedule a heater tune-up before winter starts and another when it’s over. Having your heater cleaned and checked by professionals will extend its life and give you peace of mind throughout the season.

Make sure the pilot light is on

Checking if the pilot light on your furnace is lit should be one of the first things on your list when preparing for the cold days ahead. This is a fairly simple task, and the steps on how to do it should be on your user's manual.

Clean your heater and perform a visual inspection

Wipe the dust off your heater and clean or replace dirty filters. Also, give your heater a visual once-over to ensure that all parts are intact. Check the wires closely for any signs of damage or fraying. If you see something wrong with the wirings, get in touch with an electrician as soon as possible.

Watch out for weird noises

As you clean your heater, turn it on and listen for any odd noises. Any weird or gurgling sounds could mean that there's a leak, a crack, or some other problem within. Holes in the heater can be dangerous and should be addressed by an HVAC professional immediately.

Give your heater a trial run

Lastly, do a trial run. Turn your heater on for about 10 to 20 minutes to make sure that the system is generating the expected level of heat. This will assure you that your heater is in prime condition and will work like new when you need it to.

Guest Contributor, Michelle West

How to Install a Ventilation Fan in Your Bathroom

How to Install a Ventilation Fan in Your Bathroom

Your bathroom is the one room in your home that is constantly under assault from a variety of sources. Harsh chemical cleaners, steamy showers and the remnants of last night’s Mexican entrees all need a way out and vent fans can do just that.

While the odor of a recently used restroom is definitely something we want to get rid of, the more important factor in installing a ventilation fan is evacuating the steam and water vapor created from baths and showers. 

This moisture, if left unaddressed can cause floors to bow, caulking to degrade, and mold to grow in our bathrooms, leaving us with costly repairs and unsightly walls, floors and ceilings. 

When you’re ready to start keeping your bathroom dry, here’s how to do it. 

Selecting a Ventilation Fan

Finding the right fan for your bathroom is an easy process, but an important one. When considering which fan fits your needs, consider the following. 

● Square footage. Fans are designated by the CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air that they move. You’ll want a fan that has at least one CFM for every square foot of your bathroom. Find square footage by multiplying the length of a room by its width. 

● Features. It may sound silly, but this is the 21st century, even our ventilation fans come with features and options now. Modern fans can commonly be equipped with a built in light, a heater, humidity sensor, motion detector, night light and even Bluetooth speakers. 

● Install options. Vent fans can be installed with or without attic access, on the ceiling or walls, and with or without cutting into the wall material. Figure out which option suits you best and pick a fan to match. 

The Tools

Installing a vent fan is a diy task that most homeowners can take on. However, you will need a few tools. 

● A drill with bits and drivers

● Screws

● Flathead and phillips screwdrivers

● Utility knife

● Jigsaw or drywall saw

● Respirator and eye protection

● Duct tape

● Wire cutters and crimpers

● Assorted electrical connectors (may be included with fan)

Time to Get Started

Once you’ve selected the right fan and have assembled the tools, you’re ready to get going. First, determine where your fan will be installed and gain access to that area. If you’ll be venting the fan through the ceiling, you’ll need to be able to get into the attic. 

Drill a Reference Hole

Find a suitable position on the ceiling, ideally between the shower and the toilet, and drill a reference hole through to the attic. A 3/8” bit is big enough for this. 

Measure the vent fan housing and note it on a piece of paper, you’ll need this next. 

Now, climb into the attic and locate your reference hole. Clear away any debris, insulation, or stored objects from the area. Using the measurement you just took, locate the final position of the fan between two joists nearest your hole. 

Note that position in relation to your reference hole so you can transfer that to the ceiling back in the bathroom. 

Mark the Layout in the Bathroom

Back in the bathroom, measure the inside dimension of the fan’s intake. 

Using your reference hole and the notes you made in the attic, transfer the measurements from the attic to the ceiling and use a square to mark out the intake port on the ceiling. 

Cut the Hole

Using the saw you have on hand, cut along the lines you just drew for you intake port. Be sure to wear your airway and eye protection and support the cut-out piece so that it doesn’t rip drywall paper from the ceiling as you finish the cut. 

Drop in Your Fan

Now, head back into the attic with your vent fan. Attach a 90-degree elbow to the outlet port of the fan and secure it with duct tape (preferably foil duct tape).

Remove the knock out panel and attach applicable wiring (you may need an electrician for this portion).

Attach the metal brackets to the fan at the designated points. 

Drop the fan into position, through your ceiling hole 

Secure the Fan

Using the drill and 1 ½” drywall screws, secure the brackets to the joists. 

Slide the flexible ducting over the elbow you installed and secure in place with foil tape. 

Cut Your Vent Hole

All exhaust fans need to be vented to the outdoors. Never allow a fan to blow into the attic or other space, this will cause mold and water damage as the steam condenses into water. 

Locate a spot on the inside of the roof close to your vent fan. Using a hole saw sized to the cap kit, cut a hole through the roof to the outside. 

Connect Your Flexible Hose

Once you’ve cut your hole, make your way onto the roof and locate the opening. Using the cap or vent kit, place the cap in position and secure it according to the instructions provided.

The SheltonRoofing.com information guide says that while you’re up there, check out the condition of your roof. Aging and disheveled roofs cause homeowners a multitude of problems and can be extremely costly if they fail.

Back in the attic, connect the other end of your flexible hose to the cap or vent kit and secure it with foil tape. You may also need to fill any gaps around your ceiling hole with spray foam or caulking. 

Give it Power

Ensure that power to the wiring you’ll be using is disconnected. 

In the bathroom, expose the blower motor and its wiring. 

Make the applicable connections using the wiring diagram provided in the fan kit. If you’re uncomfortable with home wiring, consider hiring an electrician. 

Secure all wiring and attach the ground. Cover the blower motor and turn on power to the fan. If it comes on, you’re good to go. 

Finishing Up

Replace the cover to the vent fan and secure it in place. Caulk or silicone any gaps between the fan and ceiling. 

Retest the operation and that’s it, you’re in the venting business.

An exhaust fan makes an excellent addition to any bathroom and removes the water and odor vapors that can cause you bathroom headaches for years to come. With this guide, we hope you can get a new vent fan installed in no time!

Guest Contributor, Tom Masters  

Transform Your Bathroom into a Luxurious Spa Experience

Transform Your Bathroom into a Luxurious Spa Experience

Can you imagine just how perfect it would be if you could enjoy a relaxing spa experience every day? Well, if you want it, you don’t have to dream it. You just need to go for it. And if this is something that feels like it would better your life considerably, investing your time, money and energy into creating a perfect bathroom spa experience in your own home is well worth it. Even more so if you live in a tropical climate such as Australia where taking the time for a shower or bath is true bliss. But, regardless of where you are in the world, bathroom time is your quality “alone” time and you deserve to make it truly special. So, what’s the secret to your own bathroom spa? Keep on reading to find out.

1. Take care of the colors

First things first: you need to create a relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom. This is one of the simple tricks that you can use even when you’re not ready to invest in your plumbing. In general, spa colors involve soothing neutral colors such as white and beige. You can’t go wrong with these. But before you decide to go in this direction, take the time to think about the colors that soothe you the most. While you should always go with gentle pastel hues, you may find that green, pink, yellow or blue work better for you.

2. Incorporate natural elements

This is where things can get more complicated. But, if you want a perfect bathroom spa in your own home, wood and stone should be a part of it. Wooden elements and stone countertops don’t have to be too challenging if you know what kind of a layout you want. In recent years, Zen-inspired bathrooms have been all the rage in Australia, which is why it’s not that difficult to imagine the best ways to incorporate these elements into your bathroom. In the end, waterproof vinyl wallpaper that imitates wood and stone can be your budget-friendly option. Also, let your creativity run wild. It’s not just about the countertops and shelves. A wooden bench or a similar seating arrangement inside a bathroom is definitely spa-like.

3. The real deal – plumbing

If you’re set on transforming your bathroom into a spa oasis completely, you’ll definitely need to invest more time and money into this project. Essentially, plumbing will be your biggest concern. But, as mentioned, the whole country of Oz fell in love with Zen-inspired bathrooms years ago, which is why you can have a professional service for plumbing in Gold Coast get this done for you. You may want to transform your shower area by making it bigger with proper seating and side table, or you may want to have a whole new spa tub installed. Just make sure to consult with your contractors in order to find the best possible option for your space. 

4. Get rid of the clutter in favor of plants and candles

It’s important to know what your bathroom spa essentials are. You can’t possibly relax properly if there’s clutter everywhere, and especially half-empty bath products you never use. It’s time for a thorough declutter. Get rid of everything you don’t use. The whole point is to keep only those products that you love and that make you happy when you use them. Also, organize them so that you can keep them on display and easily reachable. On the other hand, don’t hesitate to enrich this space with real greenery. There are plenty of plants that thrive in bathrooms. Of course, don’t forget a scented candle here and there.

5. Play with the details

Details are very important for the perfect bathroom spa experience. Just like plants and candles, these can make or break the whole project. In that respect, embrace natural light and openness and ditch the curtains altogether. You want to achieve that warm, relaxing look of a spa with the mentioned natural elements but opting for warm (perhaps bronze or rose gold) pipe and plumbing finishes can look absolutely amazing. Furthermore, a bathroom mat that matches the overall style will add much-needed texture to this room. And if you want, you can add more personality with the use of patterned vinyl wallpaper in strategic places or with an interesting mirror frame. 

While there are some general guidelines for creating a home bathroom spa, the important thing is to always follow your intuition and stick with the theme that helps you relax the most. The concept of self-care is very important in Australia, and it’s time for you to embrace it wholeheartedly. 

Guest Contributor, Diana Smith

Important Plumbing Tips In The Winter

Important Plumbing Tips in the Winter

With winter just around the corner you are probably starting to think of some of the serious plumbing issues that you will likely have to deal with in due time. Snow will start to pile up near your home and the roads will become icier. Of course, the weather will also become much colder as temperatures drop well below freezing. The good news is you can plan ahead by being proactive. In other words, you can nip the problem in the bud by following some of the important plumbing tips in the winter that we’ve provided below. By planning ahead you will save yourself hundreds, if not thousands of dollars over the winter season, and save yourself a lot of stress while you’re at it.

Common Plumbing Problems

Frozen pipes are a big issue that many Canadians will have to deal with now that winter is around the corner. To prevent your pipes from freezing in the first place there are a few things you can do. For instance, you can leave a steady drip of water running before you head out. Furthermore, your pipes can take advantage of heat ventilation by keeping your cabinet doors open. Your outdoor irrigation systems should also be sheathed with insulated coverings and you should also unhook your water hoses during the winter. Your plumbing also be at risk when the temperature drops to below zero on a consistent basis. Now, you may be asking what you can do in the event that your pipes have already frozen over.

If they have already frozen over then turn off your main water supply as soon as possible. By doing so the pressure on the pipes will be significantly lowered, which will reduce the risk of the pipe bursting. However, the chance of serious internal damage to your pipes is very high after the pipes have frozen, so you will likely need professional plumbing maintenance services in Toronto.

Poor heating is another issue that you may have to deal with during the winter. Furnaces are prone to breakdowns during the winter as they are usually kept inactive all summer long. Then, when winter hits they are set into overdrive, which puts a great strain on them. If your home still feels cold after you turn the thermostat all the way up then check your furnace to make sure it is providing adequate heat. If it is not working properly then it is time to call a skilled plumber or technician.

The Dos and Don’ts of Plumbing

To prevent damage turn the heat up. While it may be tempting to lower the heat and wear a sweater to reduce costs, insufficient heat will lead to problems down the line that will actually increase costs in the form of repairs. Also, make sure that your pipes are properly insulated. Insulated pipes will prevent water from freezing when the temperature drops markedly. Insulated pipes will also reduce heat loss.

You should also keep your cabinet doors as well as your bathroom doors open. This will allow heat to get in. That is, if your home has rooms where the pipes are placed in the cold zones-such as on the outside walls-then keeping doors open around the house will allow heat to enter. You should also not keep your water running. Imagine you leave your water running and then fall asleep. Then, the drain could backup for some unforeseen reason, causing your sink to overflow. You may then wake up to an icy cold flood and severe damage to your floor and appliances.

Winterizing Tips

The winter season is often filled with parties and holidays, which can place great pressure on your drains. The extra wear and tear will quickly clog your pipes will all sort of substances that you definitely don’t want clogging up your pipes. A BioSmart drain cleaner, however, can take care of an icky situation licekty split. The reason why we would recommend this product is because it is not harsh and dangerous like many of the abrasive chemical cleaners being sold today. It should be a part of your plumbing maintenance routine, as it is not only environmentally friendly but also very effective at unclogging drains quickly.

You should also check your sump pump as often as possible. Your sump pump is actually your primary defense against costly damage and a very soggy basement.  As flooding is a serious issue that affects hundreds of thousands of Canadians, such as the flood that hit Calgary in 2013, the spring in particular is a susceptible season to flooding. As such the winter is the ideal time to clean up your sump pump kit so that it is working as it should. Also, keep a lookout for any ice pieces that may block the discharge pipe.

In sum, with winter around the corner it is very important to ensure that your home is secure from potential winter issues that can quickly become a nightmare if left untreated. At the very least, you should call a licensed and bonded plumbing expert to perform a thorough inspection of your home before winter hits.

Guest Contributor, Rebecca Hill

About: Rebecca Hill was community manager at HMS Plumbing and Mechanical, who provide wide range of services including repairs, installations, leak management, and replacements for both residential and commercial customers.

Bathroom Renovation Ideas To Rejuvenate Your Space

Photo From: LED WORLD

Bathroom Renovation Ideas To Rejuvenate Your Space

The days when bathrooms were just places where you’d go to take care of your personal hygiene are long gone. Nowadays, bathrooms receive an equal amount of attention like any other room in our homes when design and style are in question. It’s no longer enough to have a functional bathroom; however, functionality still does play a crucial role in any bathroom design.

So, if you feel like your bathroom could use some renovation and remodeling, but you don’t know what exactly you should do or where to start, here are some ideas to keep in mind.

Change The Tiles

Depending on the extent of the renovation project you wish to undertake, you can choose to replace some or all of the tiles in your bathroom. If, for example, you have simple white wall tiles, you can leave them where they are and choose to replace only your floor tiles. The floor tiles should fit in well with your new design, so it would be wise to have a clear concept in mind before you actually start renovating.

Play With Color

Depending on the style you’re going for, you should consider repainting your bathroom as well. Keep in mind that neutral colors will hardly ever go out of style and that a monochromatic look is simply the most suitable choice if you wish to create an elegant, sleek bathroom. On the other hand, you can opt for a slightly bolder approach and paint the bare parts of your walls in hues such as moody blue, charcoal gray or even dusty pink.

Rethink The Layout

Next, you should really rethink the current layout of your bathroom, as now is the perfect time to change anything you’re not currently satisfied with. If you don’t like the current position of your sink or bathtub, simply move it somewhere else. It’s important to mention, however, that such structural changes can sometimes be very pricey, so that’s definitely something you need to keep in mind.

Change Your Vanity

Vanities are one of the key elements in any bathroom, and if they are not particularly stylish, pretty much all of your previous efforts to add some pizzazz to the space will be in vain. Therefore, you should definitely replace your old, worn-out vanity with some fresh, modern alternative. Furthermore, to free up some floor space and add more visual interest to your bathroom, consider mounting your vanity on the wall instead of the floor. Not only will this look extra in every sense, but it will also make cleaning your bathroom significantly easier.

Decorate

Yes, bathrooms should also be filled with decorative items, but here, it’s best if those items have an additional purpose as well. So, for example, put all of your soap bars in a big mason jar and make them work as a decor piece, aside from being the necessity. Additionally, find a way to make your hand towels work as decor as well, by rolling them up in some creative way and putting them on display. Next, incorporate some beautiful candle jars in your decor as well that will not only work as a beautiful eye-catching detail but also make the entire room smell amazing.  

Declutter

While most of the things people have in their bathrooms are not actually clutter per se, those things – such as shampoo bottles, personal hygiene products and other bathroom essentials – do tend to create a strong visual mess. That’s why you should definitely try to, at least, hide them from sight. For example, store all the products you are not using on daily basis in your vanity and get stylish new containers for the ones you do. Yes, replacing all the shampoo, body wash, hand soap, etc. containers may sound somewhat like a waste of time but, in the end, it will leave your bathroom looking super stylish.

Make a Statement

Finally, add a statement piece in your bathroom. Any well-decorated room features a statement piece and your new bathroom shouldn’t be any different. This could be an elaborate chandelier, an over sized statement mirror in a beautiful frame or even an interesting backsplash. It can be literally anything, as long as it makes a statement and reflects your personal style.

And there you have it. These were just some of the ideas you can try out if you wish to create a truly amazing bathroom. Of course, you can take each of these ideas and give them your own personal touch and create a space worthy of interior design magazine cover.

Guest Contributor, Cooper Klein

Why You Should Build a Duplex

Why You Should Build a Duplex

Building your first home is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it should be something you put a lot of thought into. There are usually three main ways to go: you can build a condo, a town house or a single family house.

However, there’s also an option of building a duplex, which often gets overlooked. It’s a mistake to do so. There are many advantages of investing in a duplex and you could find it worth your while later on, both in terms of money and comfort.

Mortgage Benefits

When you borrow money to build a home, there’s a difference if you’re building it to live in or to rent, sell or just keep it vacant. Homes that are built to be lived in get better rates since banks want to help people with purchasing their first property.

A duplex is, obviously, two properties in one, which means you can both live in it and rent it out without any inconvenience. When it comes to the bank, a duplex is seen as one property, which means that you get all the perks of building a home to live in, with the ability to also rent it.

Family Living

Building a home should be something that you do with your future family plans in mind. For instance, many decide to invite their parents to live with them as they grow older and require additional care. Young adults might also need a place of their own as time goes by.

Duplexes such as the ones designed by Meadan Homes allow you to do so without jeopardizing your privacy and remaining comfortable and independent in the process. This is something to be considered long before there’s an actual need for it.

Airbnb

For most people, Airbnb isn’t a regular source of income but something they could use when their home is vacant for a while. When you have a duplex, you could keep a unit open for guests at all times. This turns Airbnb into a full-time job and you need to dedicate more time and resources to keeping the unit presentable.

Even though a duplex could be rented for a while, it’s better to rely on Airbnb. While renting the room out for a while means more income, Airbnb gives more freedom if your circumstances change unexpectedly.

Taxes

There are different types of write-offs that you can get when building a home. One type of write-off is used when you’re purchasing a home to live in. In those cases, you can basically deduct your mortgage. When you’re renting a home, the write-offs are used to cover the costs of refurnishing and repairing things for new occupants.

With a duplex, you get to use both of these write-offs, which really comes in handy for a young family. However, you can’t easily switch which unit is yours and which one you get to rent out, but that’s not that much of a problem for most homes.

Building a duplex is a good investment because it gives you more freedom in the way you live and use your home. A duplex could be rented without inconvenience and you can also change it into a granny flat. There are also tax and mortgage benefits to think about.

Guest Contributor, Amelia Atkins