Choose quality appliances: Do your research prior to purchasing appliances and choose brands/models that don’t just look good but that also have a good track record. Choose durable surfaces: You may need to spend more, but using surfaces that stand up to the test of time are worth it in the
Continue readingMonth: July 2016
$500 In Energy Savings In 5 Rooms
Herald News $215 in the living room: Replace the 5 most frequently used incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs to save $65 a year. Also, installing an Energy Star qualified programmable thermostat can assist homeowners in controlling the temperature when they are away from home and sleeping at night
Continue readingQuick Fixes For Annoying Renovation Problems
Wallpaper adhesive that won’t come off the wall: Mix a solution of hot water and vinegar (80/20) and use a wet sponge to apply it to the wall in circular motions. Leave the solution on the wall for 15 minutes and then use a putty knife to gently scrape off
Continue readingChildproofing Your Home
Outlet covers: It’s important to cover up any outlets to ensure that little ones can’t stick their hands or toys in them. It’s also a good idea to put covers on power strips even if you think they are well hidden. Stove knob covers: These covers can be easily removed when
Continue readingTips To Win A Bidding War
Speak with a lender beforehand: Many homebuyers speak with a lender while they begin their home search. Instead of doing these things simultaneously, it’s best to meet with a lender, choose a loan, and obtain a pre-approval letter before looking at homes so that when you find your dream home,
Continue readingThe Best Ways To Add Value To Your Home
House Logic Steel entry door: A new steel entry door boots both energy efficiency as well as curb appeal. Steel doors come in many different colors and they can also be painted. The average cost is $1,230 and the average ROI is 101.8%. Wood deck: These cost about $30 per square
Continue readingWays To Quickly Raise Your Credit Score
The first step to improving your credit score is to know what your score is. The three major credit bureaus are required to provide a free copy of your report every year, so go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com to request a free report every 4 months. Correct errors: Go over your report and
Continue readingKitchens For All Budgets
Around 1.5 million homeowners will redo their kitchen this year; here is a quick look at what various remodel budgets will get you: Do it yourself: Costs around $5,000 and takes around 1 month to complete. This would mainly include painting the cabinets and walls yourself, installing a vinyl floor,
Continue readingHow To Choose A Contractor
Don’t completely rely on reviews: Not all online reviews are impartial so you need to be careful about not just going off reviews. Ask for referrals from people that you know and trust. Use word of mouth: It’s always a good idea to get recommendations from people that you
Continue readingMaking Your New House Feel Like Home
Steam clean: Carpets can accumulate a lot of dirt and dust so steam cleaning any carpets in your new home will help to allow you to create a fresh start in the space. Personal touches: Make your new home a place familiar to you; put your favorite flowers in
Continue reading