WHITE BIRCH PROPERTIES
Realty Executives of Kansas City
Your roof is a critical part of your home. Protecting you from the elements all year round, your roof takes the brunt of any weather that comes through your town. That exposure every single day can lead to wear and tear, and sometimes that can lead to issues that need repaired. It isn’t always obvious when your roof needs a fix, but here are some indicators that it may be time to call a roofer!
1. It Looks Worn
It might seem obvious, but if your roof looks bad, that might indicate it needs a repair. When your shingles appear damp and worn, it means they’re holding moisture and no longer fully able to do their job. If the shingles are cracked or curling up at the corners, they are at a point that they may fall out and will need fixed or replaced.
2. You Have A Leak
Do you have any ceiling wet stains? Though you may not notice them at first, wet spots can be the first indicator that precipitation is leaking through your roof and into your ceiling. You will want to get this fixed as soon as you notice it to prevent further water damage to your house interior.
3. The Roof Is Sagging
If you roof isn’t in a straight line, it is sagging. This means it is definitely time to call a roofing company because serious structural damage can occur if sagging is not remedied.
4. You Can See The Light
This is the one time you don’t want to see the light - and that is when you are looking up at your roof. If light can penetrate your roof, so can plenty of other things. If you ever have any light leaks, get the crack filled as soon as possible.
Though millions of households at the beginning of the year already had their own gardens started, there should be no surprise that the numbers are on the rise. With everything going on in the world, the idea of not having to leave the comfort of your home for sustenance is quite appealing. Not only is gardening a great way to source your own food, but it is also an excellent way to pass the time if you feel like you have a bit extra on your hands at the moment. If you have never gardened before, doing a little research ahead of time can make all the difference in how well your garden succeeds. Here are a few tips to help you get started!
Start Inside
Though temperatures are on the rise, evenings may still be chilly depending on where you live. Starting your vegetable growth indoors will protect them from any potential freezing. Growing your seedlings indoors also gives them the opportunity to get a little stronger before facing the harsh conditions that can arise outside.
Choose The Best Location
Before preparing your garden, you will want to find out what spot of your yard is best for your beds. You will likely want a spot where there is direct sun for at least 8 hours a day, as this is the norm for many vegetables.
Install Raised Beds
Once you’ve found the best location and your seedlings are growing, you will want to prepare your garden for transfer. Using raised beds allows for a deep soil stack for further root growth and can just making planting easier. It can even prevent unwanted critters from stealing your vegetables!
Add Pollinating Attractions & Bug Repellant
Bugs aren’t always bad. Having those around who will pollinate your flowering veggies can be extremely beneficial, so it is always helpful to plant flowers that attract pollinators. At the same time, planting herbs like mint and lavender will repel bad bugs and even rabbits and other animals.
Consider An Irrigation System
Properly watering is a key part of having a plentiful garden. While you may be home now for those morning and evening waterings, it might be a little hard to keep up with once you are back at work if you have to leave during the day. Investing in a drip irrigation system can save you time and money, as it slowly soaks your plants without over-watering them.
If you are looking to install wood flooring , you will likely be looking at a several thousand dollar investment. When making an investment that large, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of flooring options so you can choose what is best for you and your family. Here are some things to consider when choosing between laminate and hardwood:
Pros of Laminate Flooring
Easy Installation
Easy Maintenance
Cost-Effective (Usually 1/2 the $$$ of hardwood)
Cons of Laminate Flooring
Appearance (Not authentic)
Potentially Dangerous (Slippery)
Pros of Hardwood
Boost Home Value
Visually Appealing
Easy to Refinish
Very Durable
Environmentally-Friendly
Cons of Hardwood
Expensive
Prone to Moisture Issues
High Maintenance
Exercise is a key part of staying healthy. Every aspect of our lives are impacted by our health, so doing the little things to ensure you stay in shape aids in your overall health. While exercise is important, many of us lead busy lives. Having your own workout space in your home can help you stay active without sacrificing your time. Here are a few benefits to turning that extra room or extra space in the garage into a home gym:
No Commute Necessary
If you work outside the home, the last thing you may want to do is add more time to your daily commute with a trip to the gym. Instead of spending 2 hours of your time to get an hour long workout, you can enjoy a quick outfit change at home and a 30-second walk to your home gym.
No Closed Signs
Maybe you work late some nights. Maybe you are a morning person and prefer to workout before the sun rises. With a home gym, you no longer have to worry about restrictive gym hours. This is also helpful in creating a routine that you are able to stick to!
No Lines, No Strangers
While many gyms do their best to keep their exercise equipment clean, others leave it up to their clients to wipe down machines after use. If you aren’t a big fan of using sweaty equipment that may or may not be cleaned regularly, a home gym might be just what you need. The best part is, you will never have to wait in line to use a sweaty squat rack again!
No Limits
Do you love cardio machines? Maybe you prefer to run outdoors but love lifting? If you prefer to be able to customize your gym, a home gym allows you that freedom. You won’t need to buy any more than you will use, which makes your home gym a great investment.
In countless homes across the country and the world, there has been a major shift to working from home - even for students. If you are working from home and trying to manage your children being home and doing school work, you may be at a loss when it comes to ensuring productivity. With a television across the room and no boss or teacher hovering, distraction comes easily. Here are some tips to create a space that enables productivity!
1. Light up your space!
Letting in as much natural light as possible to your at-home work space is the first step to making a better place to get things done. Your body works best with natural light because of circadian rhythms, which tell your brain to be awake and productive when natural light is around you. Natural light will help you feel alert and the vitamin D you will get from opening those windows will help boost your immune system.
2. Add minimalist decor!
You don’t want to crowd your work space, but it is important to decorate your space in a way that you will enjoy. Having a clean, organized space with a few quirks that will make you smile - like a favorite photo. Make sure any items you will need, like pens and highlighters, are within reach, so you are more motivated to stay put!
3. Make your work space only a work space.
It is important to train your brain to differentiate when it is time to work and when it is not. When we drive to work or school, it is natural for us to switch into ‘working’ mode, but when we work from home, it is hard to get into that mode. By only sitting in your work space when it is time to get things done, you will train your brain to be more productive when you are in that space.
4. Manage your cell phone use.
While you may need your phone to make work calls or check in with your teacher, it is important to set boundaries and stick to them. If you find yourself constantly wanting to scroll through social media instead of getting work done, try download an app that will limit your social media access each hour. If you don’t need your phone for work or school, try keeping it in a box across the room.
