Cold weather can wreak havoc on your home. According to the Insurance Information Institute, losses from winter weather average around $1.2 billion a year in the U.S. The best way to avoid problems caused by winter weather and precipitation is to prevent them before they happen. Here are five common problems that occur and some tips on how to prevent them: Continue reading
Category Archives: Homeowners
How to maintain your appliances without voiding your home warranty (Infographic)
For many home buyers, purchasing a basic home warranty for around $350-500 annually is a cost they are willing to incur in order to protect themselves from expensive repairs or appliance replacements. First-time home buyers in particular should not overlook the advantages of investing in a basic or upgraded home warranty, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
Whether you are considering your home warranty options now or are already covered, you can take simple steps to fend off appliance breakdown. While “DIY” major repair attempts can actually void your warranty, keeping up a regular maintenance schedule will extend the life of your appliances and improve performance.
Check out these recommendations from the experts at Reviews.com:
The Homeowner’s Guide to Home Insurance
With so many insurance companies vying for your business, it can be difficult to feel confident with any one provider. Doing your research and getting quotes from a variety of companies is the best way to ensure that you not only pay reasonable rates but are adequately covered in the event of a loss.
Remodeling 101: Understanding the Kitchen Work Triangle
When you’re about to embark on a kitchen remodel, it helps to understand the inner workings of the space, particularly “the kitchen work triangle.” The kitchen triangle is the space between the sink, the range and the refrigerator. By knowing the tips and tricks designers use to enhance the functionality of the kitchen triangle, you can create your ideal kitchen without limiting its visual allure or practicality.
Here are five key concepts to consider when planning your space and keeping the kitchen work triangle top of mind.
Room-to-Room Remodeling: Popular Ideas that Will Transform Your Home
Home remodeling allows homeowners to be creative and show off their design aesthetic. Give your home a one-of-a-kind appeal by building your ideas around these popular remodeling trends and ideas:
10 Common deck defects and how to solve them
Summer is upon us and the outdoor living season is in full bloom. In neighborhoods all across the country, people are using their backyard decks for grilling, sunbathing and entertaining, day and night.
However, it’s important to make sure your deck is safe and structurally sound before using it. Start by conducting an annual visual inspection of the entire deck. You don’t have to be a professional builder or home inspector to spot trouble; you just have to know where to look. Listed below are 10 common defects that can cause a deck to fail.
HELPING KIDS ADJUST TO A NEW HOME
Moving into a new house can be a stressful life event for the whole family, particularly young children who rely on predictability and find comfort in familiar routines. Other than talking to them about the move and including them in the decision-making process, what can you do to make the experience positive and as stress-free as possible?
6 Renovations That Can Add Value to Your Home
A lot of people get excited at the idea of a home renovation. They have grand ideas of how they want their home to look. But one thing to keep in mind is how those ideas will affect your home’s value once it comes time to sell after a tenure of nine years, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
4 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Safety to Make It More Marketable
Homeowners know the value of reinforced doors with deadbolts or a comprehensive home security system. But there are many less obvious fixes to ensure your home is attractive to safety-conscious buyers in the future.
4 Features of an Energy Efficient Home
When shopping for a new home, the importance of finding energy efficient digs might be high on the list. Energy efficiency helps reduce the amount of energy you use in your home and in turn can reduce your energy bills as well as your home’s environmental impact. But there are options for energy efficiency beyond a roof covered in solar panels — and could lead to a higher resale value, too.