Asbestos testing kits --Do I need one?

Photo by Tneil Abt on Unsplash

It is no secret about the potential danger that could be lurking in your home. Asbestos is, luckily, no longer used in construction. However, many people wrongly assume that when those regulations changed, they no longer had to worry about asbestos.

Unfortunately, there are many homes that still have asbestos. Knowing the dangers of asbestos, often leads to the question - do I need an asbestos testing kit? It might seem like an unnecessary item. But if your home was built more than 10 years ago, you might consider it a requirement.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is actually a blanket term that covers 6 different substances that are naturally occurring. They are resistant to electricity and fire. Which is why it was so popular for such a long time. Asbestos was ideal where fire retardation was essential. As asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre, they are plentiful which was ideal for the construction trade.

Not only that, but they could be moulded and woven into a range of different items and materials. It is estimated that asbestos has been used for somewhere in the region of 4,500 years, and it wasn’t until 1960 and beyond the links between asbestos and a range of diseases and illnesses were accepted.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Mesothelioma. Asbestos causes a rare and deadly cancer that develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is what protects your internal organs.

When breathing in the small airborne particles of asbestos, it will almost always result in cancer, and it is almost always deadly.

Asbestos has also been linked to a lung cancer disorder called asbestosis. This rare disorder attacks the respiratory system by forming scar tissue on the lungs and the surface of the lung’s lining, making it difficult to breathe. This may or may not be a precursor to mesothelioma. This is why an asbestos testing kit is essential for any home that isn’t a new build, that was erected in the last 15-20 years.

When You Need And Asbestos Testing Kit

Asbestos was used in many building materials for a long time. It was included in textures for ceilings and walls, and in insulation. When the regulations about asbestos being used in the building industry came into force, it was no longer used for new homes. However, that means there are thousands of homes that will have asbestos. In general, it will remain dormant until it is disturbed, but as soon as home renovations start taking place, exposure happens. Tiny airborne particles are released and can lead to a range of health issues. These include respiratory disorders and lung cancer.

So if your home is a certain age, then it is best for you to make sure you have an asbestos testing kit available. This will mean you can have the safest possible environment to complete your home renovations.
Where Can I Find Asbestos?
Within the construction industry, you will find asbestos-containing material in some of the following areas:

• Insulation
• Popcorn ceilings
• Pipe insulation
• Vinyl tiles
• Ceiling tiles
• Asbestos tiles
• Some plastics

Many homeowners aren’t aware of the number of products in their homes that could potentially have some level of asbestos. Which is any asbestos testing kits are essential for most homeowners. Unfortunately, it isn’t until a homeowner decides to undertake some renovations when the asbestos is found. 

What Happens In An Asbestos Test?

An asbestos kit only has one use. To detect any level of asbestos within your home. Typically a kit will include a sample bag for each type of material that you would like tested. After you have carefully collected all of the materials and paid a fee, all of the materials will be tested within a lab.

Once you receive the results of your asbestos testing kit, if positive for asbestos, you will need to hire a company specializing in removing asbestos. They will be able to come and clear your home of all traces of asbestos. The cost associated with an asbestos testing kit is minuscule compared to the potential medical bills and deadly impact of leaving your home unchecked. There are occasions where a test might come back as inconclusive, and in this case, it is prudent to continue as if it was positive and use a professional service to take care of it.

A key thing to remember is that a professional company will ensure that your home is totally safe and use a filter to clean the air. You mustn’t attempt to remove any asbestos yourself when you get the results. In summary, if you have a house that is over 15-20 years old, it is wise to invest in an asbestos testing kit.

Things to Do Before You Begin to Move Home

Moving home can be one of the most stressful events you can experience in your life. It is up there with the birth of a new child, sitting an important final exam, or making an important presentation.

via

If you are moving home soon or thinking about it, then there are definitely some things you should know and tips you can use before the big day arrives. With a little bit of preparation and planning, you can take a lot of the stress out of the day, and maybe even enjoy it a little.

Plan Your Change of Address

Once you move, you need all your bills and important mail to follow you there, unfortunately. You should register your move with the postal service to get your mail re-directed, but you should also inform important third parties like your bank, insurance agent, and utility bill companies about the move yourself to make sure there is no delay in communication that can cause you problems later on.

Plan Your Packing, and Make Enough Time for It

Packing up all the contents of your old home is a big job, and without the right approach, you can cause yourself all kinds of unpacking problems in your new home, and potentially lose important boxes and items in the move.

Have a look online about what to do before you start packing, and plan out the best way to pack and unpack everything. You’re going to need plenty of labels and boxes, and you will need to have everything ready on the big day. If you are still packing when you should be moving, you are going to lose time and maybe some possessions.

Make an Announcement on Social Media or Family Group chats

Not only do you need to keep the bank and utility companies up to date on your change of address, but you need to tell your friends and family too.

If you don’t mind showing off a little, you could make a post on Facebook or Instagram to let people know you are moving home, and maybe include some pictures of your new property. Be careful about disclosing your new address in full online though. If you want it to be a part of your post make sure you choose the right privacy setting so only close friends and family have access to that information.

Group chats on apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are a safer place to share your address with trusted friends and family and give you more control over the information.

Plan Some Childcare for the Big Day

If you are moving with children, despite their best efforts to help, they are going to cause extra stress on the day and can easily injure themselves with so many heavy boxes and furniture moving between properties.

Try and organize some childcare for the full day and evening with family or close friends. This frees you up to concentrate on the move, and you can bring them to their new home when the move is finished, and they can start unpacking their possessions and move into their new bedrooms.

Moving home can be less stressful than you think with enough planning and some preparation. Make sure these tips are on your to-do list, and you will take a lot of the stress from your house move.

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors Brings Tranquility with Newest Collection

Back in July of 2009, I was a kitchen and bath designer in St. Petersburg, Florida. I was also a newbie blogger at a time when nobody really knew what a design blog was. I was working on a renovation project and I had to specify some wood floors. Wood floors aren’t very common in Florida, and my client at the time was looking for something out of the ordinary.

I found Carlisle Wide Plank Floors through a combination of a Google search and a recommendation from a colleague from New York. Carlisle Wide Plank Floors was an absolute joy to work with as a supplier and, as a bonus, they were the first real brand who took me seriously as a blogger and who allowed me to use their image library.

It’s hard to imagine that there was a time when bloggers had to beg for content, but Carlisle Wide Plank Floors was different. They saw the potential in this new medium and were only too glad to help. I have always had a great deal of admiration and respect (my feelings toward them border on affection, to be honest) for Carlisle Wide Plank Floors. Fast forward 11 years and here I sit on the other side of the country from that long-ago project in Florida. Due to an unfortunately placed and now damaged waste line that has to be fixed, Frank and I have to replace the wood floors in the first floor of our home this year. Thanks to my great first-hand experience with Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, guess whose floors are going into our home?

I’d already selected the finish for our project, but I may have to rethink my decision because Carlisle Wide Plank Floors just unveiled their new Tranquil Collection. This new collection was created to meet the growing demand for smooth face flooring in a low matte, layered finish in warmer tones. Honestly, check out the finishes in this collection. I am over the moon for Eden.

Originally, I selected Hideaway from their Retreat Collection because it worked so well with the other floor finishes we have in the house, but as soon as I saw Eden, it felt as if the decision had been made for me.

Anyhow, the Tranquil Collection is available in eight-inch wide Signature Grade planks, each carefully hand selected by Carlisle artisans. The collection includes six gorgeous colors: Eden, Haven, Harbor, Oasis, Preserve and Sanctuary. Those finishes range from a subtly weathered taupe to a deep warm gray to a richly saturated brown, and all of the collection’s inviting hues whisper a feeling of comfort and calm. The organic character of the timber is maintained, instilling a sense of elegance and an instinctual connection with nature.

Most wood flooring products with layered color use a hard wax oil to create the finish, requiring both daily maintenance and periodic re-oiling to prevent the finish from drying out over time. Carlisle’s Tranquil Collection utilizes a UV-cured oil that doesn’t require specialty cleaning products or frequent reapplications of finish.

The Tranquil Collection comes in ¾” plank thickness and in two- to 12-foot lengths, with a choice of engineered or solid construction. Planks are end matched for ease of installation. The collection can be ordered through Carlisle showrooms and design consultants.

In all candor and with all hyperbole aside, Carlisle Wide Plank Floors are an industry leader for a reason. No one else in their industry approaches wood floors with the level of thought and precision these guys do. If you’re looking for wood floors, start your search with Carlisle Wide Plank Floors.

Back in (Matte) Black

In early February of this year, the International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas was a showcase of trends and new products put on by an industry buoyed by the outlook that 2020 was going to be a banner year by all counts. Well, nobody could have seen what was coming and continues to unfold today. Despite what feels like a global pause, builders are still building and designers are still designing.

Construction and renovation lead the way to revitalized economies, and there can be no doubt that these industries will become even more important as the global economy comes roaring back to life in the coming months.

Some of what we were seeing at IBS a few months ago is still very much relevant, and an overriding color trend that will continue to grow in popularity is the generous use of matte back in the home. While black has always had an allure and a sophistication, designers tended not to use it as a focus in home decor. However, the availability of matte black as opposed to more glossy finishes is opening a door to integrating more black into interior spaces. Matte black is subtle and luxurious at the same time. It invites touch but – unlike a lot of shinier finishes – it’s easy to live with and keep looking clean.

Two real standouts when it comes to matte black offerings are appliances from Elmira Stove Works and heated towel racks from Amba.

Elmira Stove Works’ retro-inspired Northstar refrigerators in textured black take what’s already a statement-making appliance and ratchet up the cool factor even further. Even more amazing, you can order your Northstar fridge with a factory-installed BrewMaster draft system that includes a through-the-door tap dispenser, coupler, connections, CO2 cylinder, retro-flame splash plate and drip tray. Add a keg of your favorite brew, pull the tap, sit back and chill. And, of course, the keg and fittings can be removed to utilize full fridge functionality.

In addition to fridges, Elmira also offers its ranges, dishwasher and microwave in textured black. These high-performance cooking appliances include sleek chrome accents and classic retro styling for a nostalgic look with modern functionality.



Wildly popular in Europe and now catching on in North America, heated towel racks are a great addition to any bath renovation you’re considering. An Amba heated towel rack isn’t just luxury for the sake of luxury, however. Heated towel racks not only do an amazing job of warming up drafty winter bathrooms and, drying damp towels and clothes, but they can also prevent mildew growth.

A pre-warmed towel and bathrobe can take the edge off of a chilly morning – that’s a given. Beyond that, the sculptural beauty of an Amba heated towel rack can become a bathroom design focal point. The fact that Amba offers their towel racks in a matte black finish makes them a bit of attainable luxury that’s on trend.

Appliances from Elmira Stove Works and Amba Heated Towel Racks stand ready to help you make your design visions a reality as we pick and move toward a “new” 2020.

Choosing Appliances for Your Home: Décor, Priorities and More

Whether you have just bought a home, or you’ve finally got around to starting the kitchen renovation project that you’ve been putting off for a while, choosing appliances with care is crucial. Décor is certainly a factor, and we are going to discuss it, but it shouldn’t be the only, or even the first, thing you consider about a home appliance.

via

What Do You Need?

This is one of the most underrated questions of all time in this department, because people often start looking with a vague idea, rather than a definite one. Don’t make that mistake; list down the following first:

• Which appliances do you need? Not every home really needs a dishwasher, for example.
• Decide on the size/capacity of each appliance, as would be appropriate for your home’s needs.
• Some features are gimmicks, while others are quite helpful. Do your research to determine which are essential.

By the time you have this list, you will be able to save money and select the best appliance for each category.

Prioritize the Essentials

You can perhaps do without a microwave, but having a water filtration system is critical to everyone’s health at home. Visit the Discount Filter Store and check out the excellent whole house water filtration systems they have from international names such as Tier1 and Culligan. Safe drinking water in all rooms, at all times, is a must for big houses, but they also have smaller portable water filters for the kitchen that are ideal for small apartments.

Consider the Climatic Conditions

Speaking of essential appliances, don’t forget about the HVAC system. Decide on the model only after taking into account the climatic conditions first. A house in Fort Myers is going to need a lot of cooling, for example, while one in Aberdeen is going to need a large heat capacity. The more climate appropriate your heating and cooling solution turns out to be, the more you will save on energy bills. Also, you may want to look for a HVAC model that comes with a smart thermostat to further shrink the bills without affecting indoor comfort.

Décor is Easier to Manage than You Think

Try to buy only the most essential and necessary appliances for your new/newly decorated home first, before expanding from there on, following the as-needed rule. This strategy can do wonders for your internal décor because the less appliances you have, the less you will need to worry about them fitting in with the décor. Below are some décor tips to keep in mind:

• Concealed ovens and washers come in all sizes and they disappear without a trace when not in use
• If you feel that the fridge won’t look good as a standalone, opt for an integrated solution during the renovation

Keep a minimalist approach with a focus on the essential appliances first, and you’re all set. You may still need to repaint a wall or add new tiles if you cannot find space for concealment, but that can actually work in your room’s favor.

Give the Earth a place in your home

Nothing feels better than dressing with the season or decorating your home to accommodate the change in weather and daylight hours. Not only does wood signify the change of seasons, but if you use it for your flooring, it can signify a change in mood or atmosphere. If this is what you want then there is no better way than with luxury vinyl wooden flooring. Here’s why…

Embrace your dark side

Wooden flooring gives you the ability to make a house a home, with luscious dark and golden tones, you can add ambiance and warmth without having to light a single candle. Dark shades can be accessorized to match any season. Surround yourself with faux fur rugs and potpourri for the perfect winter setting.

Lighten up your day

If your home is hectic and you feel the need to introduce an element of calm, look on the bright side with light wooden flooring. Light beige, golden and even white flooring can all add an element of zen to a room. Expand natural elements with exotic plants and wicker baskets to enhance the earthy tone.

Wood is all-round wonderful

Knowing that the flooring you choose will remain in your home for the foreseeable future adds pressure making the right decision. This is why natural woods are currently on-trend and is here to stay. All wooden-based flooring can be accentuated, and the design patterns are endless. Wood gives your furnishings a neutral backdrop, making them pop!

Less is more

If you’re choosing a patterned flooring style such as Herringbone or Parquet, then it would be wise to choose a painted wall. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a bold colour. Try light golden oak wood strips with a burgundy matte paint for a contrasting theme. This works well with dark wood furnishings, woolly blankets and pendant lighting.

The perfect Luxury Vinyl flooring is waiting for you

Choices are all around you but knowing where to start looking can be the hard part. Amtico offers quality luxury vinyl flooring, with Décor, Signature and Click Smart ranges, both fitting and designing your look is hassle-free. For a design with more grandeur and detail, Luvanto Click and Herringbone will have you designing in your dreams.

6 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home in 2020

Your home is likely the most valuable asset in your possession. It’s where you eat, sleep, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. For most people, that alone is enough reason to continue investing in value-adding changes and improvements, be it a fresh coat of paint, some additional furniture or a full-fledged remodel.

Via

But investing in your home doesn’t just make it a more pleasant place to live. It also makes a reliable contribution to your long-term financial wellbeing. History has proven that real estate is a wise investment. It’s more dependable and lucrative than stocks, as well as offering a range of tax benefits.

Make the right improvements and you’ll reap the rewards come the day you decide to sell. Read on to discover six tried-and-tested ways to increase the value of your home in 2020.

Landscaping

Attractive, low-maintenance gardens are a major selling point. This is especially true for the front yard, as buyers value properties with high curb appeal. Tidying up your exterior can make a world of a difference. An affordable and reputable landscaping company such as ALD, Inc can work with you to make the right improvements.

Energy Efficiency

There are many reasons to identify how you can use less power. The most immediate benefit is a lower utility bill. Additionally, you can leverage an energy-efficient mortgage to reduce your rates. The value of your property will also increase, especially if it’s located in a particularly hot or cold region.
Start by switching out old light bulbs for LED units. Double-paned windows and enhanced insulation are also great investments. A programmable thermostat will significantly reduce heating and cooling expenses. While pricey upfront, solar panels are a reliable value-booster. A free energy audit can help you find more solutions.

Visual Space

Increasing physical square footage is usually a costly endeavor. Instead, increase the visual space in your home by making a few clever adjustments. This includes adding mirrors, reducing clutter, and replacing heavy draperies with vertical blinds or shutters. You can also install a few shelving units to clean up and organize busy spaces.

Air Quality

An often-overlooked factor, improving the air quality of your home can make a noticeable difference to its value. The best way to do this is by replacing carpeted floors with tiles or laminate, thus reducing the presence of allergens and contaminants. Hard surfaces are also more visually appealing and easier to maintain.

Ceilings

For added value and architectural interest, consider refreshing your ceilings. This can include removing popcorn ceilings, installing faux beams, adding a new coat of paint, and using beadboard panels to cover unattractive areas.

Bathroom Improvements

Upgrading your bathroom is always a smart move. You can anchor a towel bar, pick up a frameless shower door, retile the floor, replace old wallpaper, prop up a cabinet or install a ventilation fan. Anything that cleans up and modernizes your bathroom is bound to make a difference.

Conclusion

The possibilities are endless here. Take a look around your home and see where you can make an improvement.

Neat Interior Life Hacks - How to Avoid Mess

Image by Photographee.eu

I’m pretty sure most of us wonder why everything looks so beautiful in the photo from the net. But when you look around - it seems that there’s just a mess. Therefore, I’m going to write about how interior little stuff could affect our evaluation of ‘neat - not neat’.

So let’s talk about the mess, its components and how to minimize it at home. And I’ve got some pictures from the net, magazines and movie screenshots to illustrate my thoughts. The main enemy of order is clutter. And here we’re faced with the first paradox: the larger space, the easier is to maintain it! Yes, a big house gets dirtier than an apartment. It’s more difficult to get rid of it. But in case of a mess, it’s much easier because mostly it’s not difficult to find a place for all the stuff in a large room. Here, of course, it would be great to add a piece of advice like this: ‘That’s why you have to sell out your one-room apartment and buy a three-story house in the country.’ OK, but now let's look around and evaluate our space, how big it is and what it’s filled with.

The smaller your living place, the stricter you should be with the number of items that are in sight. Let's start with the first eye-catching spot - the hall. What is usually in the hallway: hat and coat hooks and shoes. The smaller the hall, the fewer clothes should be on the hooks. The clothing - all these jackets and coats - hanging on top of the other seems like cluttering up space. So there must be a minimal amount of stuff. And everything else - put in a closed wardrobe. The exact same rule works with shoes. It’s better to put all the shoes in a cupboard. It gets you very disciplined: get changed, clean and put away. Well, if you don’t have time for all of that, do it at least till the evening then, put it in the cupboard so that it doesn’t pile up.

Another trouble of the anteroom is the small racks where all unnecessary stuff is stored -  notes with phone numbers, keys, cards, ads, and many others you don’t even remember and need. I’ve got a large entrance hall but there’s not a single horizontal surface in it, with the exception of the windowsill where I could put on some things. This immediately makes you not to leave a bag in the hallway (and women tend to use more than one bag), but take it to its place and unpack it right away.

I totally understand that in cases of lack of space this seems like "getting juice from a stone," But I think it might be helpful to take into account for those who just started renovating and furnishing the housing.

Here’s an example of a failed anteroom - a lot of open space but there’s nowhere to put things away. As a result, all stuff will be hanged on the hooks and small garbage - on the shelves, and the hallway will end up with an untidy look.

Image by Photographee.eu

A very important element of order in the house is visual cleanliness. I’m into minimalism in everyday life. The most efficient fighter of the mess is an empty horizontal surface :) For instance: there are always lots of bottles, tubes and other unnecessary stuff collecting on the washbasin and on the bathtub. I have only a piece of soap on the basin.

And all other cosmetics I keep in a basket putting it in the cabinet, taking it out only at the moment when I need it.

This rule works not only in the bathroom. Here’s a kitchen for example. Ideally, the working surface in the kitchen should be completely empty. When there is not enough space or it isn’t thought over, lots of household appliances, knives, jars, cups, pots, and others are getting to pile up on the working surface.

Look at this picture. It’s already over packed, and it seems to be in order and neat. And if you suddenly need to take a pan in sight, or get your fruits dried, or put a pile of magazines with recipes on, throwing a potholder or a towel in a hurry on the table ... in sort words - as soon as any other item appears above this order, the general view turns into a mess.

Well, I believe that household appliances should also be hidden, and have to be taken out of the box only when you need it. All these food makers and blenders that are in sight - it seems to an overall feeling of disorder.

In living rooms, empty horizontal surfaces are also important.

Parquet with no carpet, long podiums, a reclining chair, a table where nothing is set, a bedside table or a chest of drawers where things are only inside but not outside. All this makes a feeling of cleanliness and neatness, even in small rooms.

In general, the less free space you have, the less small details should be in the interior. All sorts of figurines, vases and more - all this looks good in large spaces. Here is a good example: a coffee table with a shelf, but the top is still an empty horizontal surface.

An interior with lots of details in a small room works only if you are as hung up on cleanliness, as Sheldon Cooper. And even in this case, there’s too much ‘visual noise’ that seems like a mess.

Image by Spotern.com

And here’s the interior that for most people may seem boring.

Image by Jamie Hooper

But don’t forget that we don’t live in the picture. Any home decor will be surrounded by details of our real life. Here’s a magazine or an unread book. There’s a fruit basket. The sweatshirt was left on a chair. And if you have kids, then the various lego details, baby crayons, kid's bedtime storybooks are everywhere, as well as other pleasant little stuff would become vibrant colorful memories in your life. And if your interior is full of small details, then all these little things will seem like a mess right away. But a laconic and "boring" interior would easily endure such an "overload."

6 Home Improvements That Can’t Wait Until Spring

Waiting to do home improvements in the warmer weather makes it easier for you to take the family dog outside so they won’t be underfoot. There are also more options for family outings so that you won’t be in the way. Although these are good reasons to wait, several home improvements should be addressed as soon as possible.

1. Fix Your Roof

Your entire home may be compromised if you have a leaking roof. Leaks can damage your drywall and electrical systems. Wood that is exposed to water may rot. Left unchecked, water from a damaged roof can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can lead to structural damage. They also cause serious health issues for people who are exposed to them. Removing mold from a home can cost thousands of dollars. Turn to the roofing experts at RenoRoofRepair to have your roof repaired before leaks cause internal damage in your home.

2. Handle Plumbing Issues

via Unsplash

The type of plumbing pipe in your home may be an issue. Clay pipes were used in the 1800s and early 1900s. Clay breaks down over time. Roots can break through these pipes and cause blockages. Plumbers can use sewer cameras to visually inspect pipes to determine their condition and locate obstructions. Sometimes repairs can be limited to a section of pipe instead of replacing an entire line. A sewer backup can damage your home’s structure and lead to health problems for residents, so you should bring in the plumbers as soon as possible.

3. Foundation Repairs

Water can seep up through cracks in a bad foundation. This can cause damage to your flooring and any belongings that come in contact with the water. Mold may grow and damage your home’s structure and put your family’s health at risk. The foundation can shift, which may affect your floors, ceilings, windows, and doors. Windows and doors may not close properly, which can cause drafts and heat loss in the winter months. Foundation issues may also cause cracks in the walls. There are advantages to inspecting and fixing foundation problems in the winter. You’ll also prevent more damage to your home.

4. Upgrade Your Electrical Circuits

via Unsplash

In extreme situations, electrical problems can lead to an electrical fire. Serious electrical problems can also cause high electric bills. The cold winter months cause increased use because there are fewer daylight hours and people spend more time inside. The high demand for electrical systems can cause other issues, such as flickering lights or tripped circuits. If you have noticed these issues in previous years, it is a good idea to bring an electrician in and upgrade your electrical before the cold weather starts. This is why it is important to address electrical issues as soon as possible.

5. Doors and Windows

Replacing your doors and windows will help keep the bitter winter winds out and your heat in.Old doors and windows let in cold air. This can cost you hundreds of dollars in inflated heating costs each winter. Old doors and windows also cause increased strain on your electrical system, which can result in expensive electrical repairs. Water, frost, and snow can all get in through cracks and gaps around doors and windows. Over time, this can cause exposed wood to rot and prompt mold growth.

6. Home Heating

via Unsplash

Your furnace is one of the most important features in your home during the winter months. It needs to effectively produce and distribute heat throughout the entire house. Has your furnace serviced before winter starts? Replace filters to ensure that the air from your furnace is clean. If you notice that part of the house doesn’t seem to be warming up properly you will want to have the vents checked to make sure they aren’t blocked. If your furnace goes out, call for repairs immediately. Without heat, your pipes can freeze, which can lead to expensive plumbing repairs.

How to Shop for a Hard-Top Gazebo

Photo by Andreea Tache on Unsplash

Imagine stepping out of your spa to relax on your chaise in your backyard. All of the sudden, you realize that not only is it blisteringly hot, but it looks like there are rain clouds forming in the distance. What should you do? No worries, because you have a hard-top gazebo, which means you are protected from the heat and the rain. If you are looking for a hard-top gazebo, you will need to make sure that you get the best gazebo for your money. Unlike a temporary canopy, hard-top gazebos are meant to be a more permanent structure, so you need to make sure that the gazebo you choose is exactly what you want. How do you go about picking the best gazebo for your needs? Here are our tips for finding a good hard-top gazebo.

Durability

More than other types of structures meant for outdoor use, a hard-top gazebo needs to be durable. You want the frame to be rustproof, and you also want the roof of your gazebo to be rustproof as well. Many hard-top gazebos are made of galvanized steel that is powder coated to resist rusting. You also want to make sure that the materials used in your hard-top gazebo can withstand the elements. For example, if you live in an area that gets heavy snow, you need to make sure that the gazebo you are looking at is able to withstand snow cover. Some gazebos also come with poles in case of heavy snow.

Purpose

Because your hard-top gazebo is a fairly permanent structure, you need to get a gazebo that suits your purpose. If you love to barbeque, you need to make sure that your gazebo has vents that will allow you to barbecue underneath it, because the smoke can vent out the top. If you are using the gazebo as a place to sit out and visit with friends on a summer evening, you may want to pick a gazebo with optional mosquito netting to guard against those pesky critters. You can also get an optional curtain for those backyard camping nights.

Take some time to think about what you want to use the gazebo for, so that when you go looking for your hard-top gazebo, you will know what to look for.

Price

When you are looking for a hard-top gazebo, you want to get the best gazebo for your money. Take some time and look around at different hard-top gazebos and read the manufacturer’s warranties to make sure you get exactly the gazebo you want. Also, you may want to read the reviews of your top five gazebo picks, so that you can narrow your choices down. Once you have some idea what you want, go and look at each gazebo. It may be that you find one gazebo that you really like more than your other choices, you’re in luck--we wish all of life’s decisions were that simple. Good luck, and happy shopping!

Can you skip property valuation before buying a new home?

Photo by Brian Babb on Unsplash

Property valuation before buying a new home is necessary for various endeavors, including taxation, property insurance, investment analysis, sales listing, and financing. Lenders usually need an appraisal before finalizing a loan to the buyer after they have accepted an offer, so property valuation is not a typical approach before buying a home. However, getting a property valuation before making an offer can put you in a better position to negotiate since you understand the market value of the property.

Factors to Consider When Conducting Property Valuation

A valuer conducts a written estimate of the market value of the property by considering various factors about the property and the selling prices of other homes in the neighborhood. The property valuation is based partly on its condition, the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, architectural features, and square footage. And then provides with the best house valuation reports in Perth.

Reasons for Property Valuation

Property valuation assists in protecting the lender by ensuring that the value of the loan given to the buyer is not more than the property value; an independent property valuation safeguards your financial interests. Getting a property valuation before you offer your bid enables you to know the value of the property before contracting a legally liaising offer. It can assist you in saving a lot of money if you reduce your offer concerning the property valuation.

Basic Property Valuation Concepts

An accurate property valuation depends on systematic data collection. Precise information, including details about the specific property, and general information about the neighborhood, city, region, and country where the home is located, are gathered and examined to determine a value. Property valuation utilizes three basic concepts to establish the value of a property.

Approach 1: Income Capitalization Concept

It is usually known as the income approach and is grounded on the net income that your home generates and the needed rate of return by the investor. It is utilized to evaluate the value of properties that generate income like shopping centers, office buildings, and apartment complexes. Vautilizing the income approach can be quite honest when the home at hand is anticipated to generate income in the future, and when its costs are steady and predictable.

I consulted property valuers when buying a new home, and they performed the following steps to estimate the value of a home for me:

• Estimated the potential yearly income of the home
• Considered the rent collection losses and vacancy to estimate the right gross income.
• Deducted the annual expenses of operation to determine the yearly net income.
• Estimated the cost that an investor would offer for the income generated by the specific class and type of home, that was achieved through estimating the rate of capitalization, or rate of return.
• Used the rate of investment to the yearly net operating income of the property to get an estimate of the value of the property.

Approach 2: Cost Concept

This approach can be utilized to determine the value of a property that has been improved by another or other buildings. The method involves various estimates of value for the subject property, including the land, while considering depreciation. These estimates are summed up to determine the value of the whole improved property. The approach assumes that an ideal buyer will not pay more for an enhanced home than the cost of purchasing an equivalent property or build a comparable building. This concept is helpful when the home being valued is a type that does not commonly sell and does not produce income. Examples of such properties are government buildings, hospitals, and schools.

The cost of building can be estimated in various ways including the quantity survey approach that determines the price and quantity of raw materials required to improve the property and the cost of installation; the unit-in-place approach that estimates costs based on the cost of construction per unit measure of the specific components of building; and the square-foot approach which estimates the cost per square feet and then multiplied by the total square feet of the building.

Approach 3: Sales Comparison Concept

This method is mostly utilized to estimate the value of single-family land and property. The property valuation is based on comparing the subject property with other comparable properties that have been sold recently. To get a valid comparison, the sold property must:

• Have been sold under comparable market conditions
• Have been sold within a year in a competitive and open market
• Be similar to the property at hand as much as possible

The valuer should use at least four comparable properties in the property valuation to get the right estimate.

Conclusion

Accurate property valuation is crucial to sellers, buyers, insurers, investors, and sellers of real estate property. While property valuation is mainly conducted by experienced professionals, anybody involved in property transactions can benefit from getting a general understanding of the various property valuation methods.

5 Common Mistakes That First-Time Home Buyers Make

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

The complexities of buying and selling a property can sometimes lead to most people, making a lot of mistakes that could have been easily avoided. The situation is even more frequent when you are a first-time homebuyer and do not seek professional insight. With the current uncertainties in the property market, it is not uncommon to see a lot of the same mistakes being repeated over and over by the same first-time buyers.

1. Not using an agent

This is, by far, one of the worst and most common mistakes for first-time buyers on the market. There are more advantages to having a real estate agent brokering your property deal than doing it yourself, no matter how confident you may feel during the whole process.

The good thing about agents is that they will help you to at least be objective in your choice as their experience in the business gives them a unique insight on what is quality and what is just a waste of your money in the long run. Commercial property valuers in Adelaide are also bound to ethical standards that cater for both you as a buyer and the seller’s interests.

2. Rushing to put in an offer

This is another mistake that if you are a first-time buyer might find yourself falling into. Rushing your purchase could end up costing you more in the future in case the property you bought had hidden extra costs of repair and renovations that you are likely to miss at first glance easily.

If you want to have the best that your money can get, then you need to let the whole process go as planned; everything from inspection to opinion from experienced professionals that will allow you to make an informed decision.

3. Not applying for a mortgage

About the worst thing, you can do when buying a house for the first time is not looking at what you are able to borrow from the banks. It is always advisable that you talk to a mortgage professional since what you can afford and what your bank says you can afford are not usually the same. It is, therefore, imperative that you get a pre-approved loan before you even go for house hunting.

4. Not looking for more options

One of the absolute worst mistakes for a first-time homebuyer is not going shopping for houses and comparing the prices but instead, settle on the first house they meet. Not saying compromising is a bad thing, but it is always better to have more options at your disposal in order to score the best deal. This will not only cut on your spending costs but also ensure you get the best house on the market.

The opposite is also true in the case of a first-time buyer skipping on every house they find suited to their needs and instead wait for the perfect home. While perfection can be a good thing when it counts, it is not always a realistic goal.

This will inadvertently end up costing you more as it will not only take you much longer to get your perfect home, but you will also end up overpaying for what you may consider as the ideal home in case you find one. The best solution is always keeping an open mind and be realistic about the home you want.

5. Overlooking your budget and overspending

Lastly, but still serious mistake first-time buyers make spending more than they can afford. This is a very common mistake especially when you as a buyer find a particular home too good to pass up. This will end up with you taking a loan larger than you can afford just to close the deal because some lenders can sometimes approve for larger loans.

While a common mistake, this can easily be avoided by creating a budget and sticking with it until you get your home. Not only will you get home, but paying back the loan will not be a burden to your finances.

As a first-time buyer, you are usually the most vulnerable to common but easily avoidable mistakes when you buy your first home. Whether it's rushing to purchasing a house, skipping inspections, or just spending extra to get the perfect dream home, any of the mistakes will end up having far-reaching consequences later on. As such, it is vital to gain as much information about buying your first home before you go to look for one. With the right information, all the common mistakes can easily be avoided.

The Ultimate Guide to Shower Heads --Which Type is Right For You?

A shower head is a thing of daily use. It is probably one of the first things you use before you even start your day. The commonly heard term ' shower system' not only includes the shower head. But, it is a three-piece system including a valve, a head, and a faucet. The faucet is used to control the temperature and speed of showers.

Shower heads are of various types which are used by people according to their preferences and needs. Nowadays, they have become an important part of the bathroom. The various kinds of shower head extension are as follows-

Type 1: Hand- Held shower heads

These are considered best for body pain and massage of sore muscles. They are very easy to clean and very easy to install. They have a wide variety of spray settings. For best results, you must put the shower head at the place where you need treatment or massage.

These are best suitable for people who are eco-friendly and eco-conscious as they do not waste water and conserve energy. These are also considered best for handicapped people or those who have a problem with muscle movement due to injury or illness. These are also suitable for children and small babies.

Type 2: Fixed Shower Heads

As the name indicates, these shower heads are fixed permanently on the wall. These are mostly preferred by people. These are constructed in such a manner so that people can adjust them according to their height. This enables both tall and short people to use the same shower.

These shower heads come in single, double and triple handed. They are suitable for big families where a large number of people with varied heights live. A wide variety of spray options are available in this shower head.

Type 3: High-pressure shower heads

These shower heads can give you a better bath than any of their competitors available in the market. They give you a very enjoyable experience. These help to conserve water by quickly rinsing you off without using much water. These are made by combining various water patterns which can provide a wide range of benefits to your body.

These help you to get all the dirt out from your body due to the high water pressure. People usually go for these as they are economical and easy to install. These shower heads are best for people who want to enjoy a clean and peaceful shower.

Type 4: Rain shower heads

These shower heads are fixed on the wall and are very large. As the name indicates, they give you a rainwater experience. These have anti-clog nozzles which make them easy to clean. You can install them on your own. You do not require any plumber. These have a large number of spray settings.

They provide you with a drenching experience and have good water pressure and flow. They have a large shower face due to which they have a great flow of water and your whole body gets rinsed off. They can be adjusted according to your needs. These are usually suitable for people who would like to have rainwater experience and have large bathrooms.

Type 5: Low flow shower heads

These shower heads have low water flow and pressure and are used to conserve the water that may be wasted. These reduce the amount of flow of water and also save heat energy. These help to reduce the flow of water which in turn also helps to save the energy that may be wasted in heating the water.

These are suitable for those people who believe in the concept of water conservation. If you are concerned about the environment, this shower head is for you.

Type 6: LED shower heads

These shower heads have a special feature of temperature control. When the temperature of the water changes, the shower head displays different colors to indicate this change. When the temperature of the water is not ideal for taking a bath, then it will show a blue light whereas when the temperature is ideal for bathing, then the color changes to light green.

And when the temperature goes too high and is not ideal for bathing, then the color of the light turns red. This feature enables you to experience a comfortable bath. These are suitable for those individuals who have sensory difficulties so they can know the ideal temperature by seeing the color of the light.

Type 7: Dual shower heads

These have two shower systems together. Both shower systems differ in function and size like a fixed shower head and a handheld shower head. Both of the shower systems offer a wide range of spray settings individually and adds the benefits of both the system together, thus giving you a wonderful shower experience.

The water flowing in these shower heads can be controlled by a diverter valve. These are suitable for those individuals who have some disabilities.

Type 8: Handheld shower head with an on and off switch

These have a special feature of on and off switch. You can shut the water off when you are soaping and turn it on to rinse your body. You can just switch on and off making your work easier. They are made up of plastic and perform better at low temperatures.

These shower heads are suitable for pets, babies, disabled people, adults, etc. Moreover, because you are holding these in your hand, you can apply the water pressure on any part of the body as per your needs.

Type 9: Brushed Nickel Rain Shower Head with Handheld

These shower heads have the latest technology of providing the perfect water flow to prevent water wastage. These are available in various designs and the water flow can be controlled by adjusting the nozzles.

They have the best quality and performance. They can provide you with a rainwater experience and a massage with high pressure. With these, you can get a flexible and comfortable bath. They are suitable for most people due to their extraordinary features.

Endnote

There is a wide range of options available for you among which you can select the shower head which is most suitable as per your need. Each kind has its special features and you can go for the one according to your preferences and needs.

Various kinds of showers are mentioned above along with the person who could find the best type for daily use. I hope that this article surely helped you clear your doubts and select the best shower head extension which suits you.

The Business of Property Valuation - All You Need to Know

Photo by Gustavo Zambelli on Unsplash

When you want to buy property, it is advisable to seek the professional opinion of a valuer regardless of whether it is your first time as a buyer or seller. The certified valuer will give you a reliable estimate of the value of the property you are interested in buying or selling. Property valuation in the world of real estate today has a lot of benefits for various reasons ranging from sales listing, taxation, financing to property insurance, and investment analysis.

Whether it is commercial real estate or residential properties, there is a process that is implemented to ensure all properties meet the market value so that you, as either the buyer or the seller, get your money's worth.

For every valuation of the property done, the certified valuer will look at four critical elements of the property in question:

• Demand
• Scarcity
• Transferability
• Utility

Demand; you have to have a need for the property in question and the financial capability to acquire the said property.

Scarcity; you need to know how many properties of the same value are in circulation in the market. This will help determine how finite the supply is, which in turn affects your property's value.

Transferability; an equally important aspect of commercial property valuations Brisbane falls under the ability of the ownership rights between the seller to the buyer. The smoother the transference of the property, the better the value of the property.

Utility; when you buy or sell a property, you want to ensure you, as a buyer or a seller, give something worth its value and will satisfy the buyer's needs.

The relationship between value and cost

The cost of the property refers to the expenditure on things like labor and materials. Price, on the other hand, is the amount in total that you will pay for a property.

During the valuation of your property, two types of valuation will be used:

Appraisals

This is the market information that you will need to guide you through pricing and other information you may need on the property.

Formal valuation

The formal evaluation is more accurate in approximating the value of the property you are interested in buying or selling. Under formal evaluations, things like features of the property, local Council zoning, location, the building’s structure and condition/faults, recent sales, etc. will matter. A market valuation is heavily dependent on your buyer's emotions.

Property valuation and market valuation

Property valuation should also not be confused with market valuation as the two have a clear distinction. With market value, you will be looking for the best price that a buyer will be willing to offer for the property in a competitive market. Property valuation, on the other hand, is carried out by a third party, usually a bank, agent, or lender and relies on data rather than human subjectivisms.

The importance of property valuation

There are two benefits associated with carrying out a property valuation of your property. The first benefit is that it gives you a definitive price of your property, which will be based on the current value of your home.

Knowing the asking price of your property also allows you to be able to plan ahead by going over your budget. This will give you an estimate of what you will be able to move as well as afford it during your move. This is important, especially if you are looking to buy another property.

So, what happens during property evaluation?

The first thing you will do is meet with a certified agent who will conduct the valuation for you. You can set up a meeting between you and the agent and give your agent the opportunity and enough time to assess the property you wish to sell.

Your interaction with the agent responsible for valuing your property, you need to do the following:

Be truthful; property valuation is all about facts and needs to be as objective as possible to get the best outcome.

Be open with your information; everything relevant to the property you want to be evaluated should be given upfront to the agent to make their work easier and speedier instead of them having to look for it themselves.

Prepare the paperwork; this is crucial as it gets your agent up to speed on what they need to do for you.

Ask questions; it is better as a property owner to ask as many questions and request clarifications in case of doubt over the valuation process. This will allow you to have all the information you need to make you better prepared to sell your property. This especially so when you feel like the valuation of your property is incorrect.

You should also take note that the whole process of property valuation consumes time and, as such, needs to be done as earliest as possible to meet any deadlines you might have.

The business of property valuation is a crucial part when it comes to buying and selling property, both commercial and residential. Knowing the right agents to approach and the process itself will allow you to not only save time but get your property's worth on the open market.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Driveway Maintained

As one of the most used areas of a property, driveways unfortunately tend to be overlooked when it comes to home maintenance, that is until they crack or stain. To prevent problems further down the line, it’s important that you give attention to your driveway, and ensure that any repairs are made quickly.

via

Caring for your driveway can not only extend its life, but help make sure it looks attractive to visitors and potential homebuyers. Whether you’ve recently moved into a new home, or you’re looking to sell your current property, here are a few key tips on how to maintain your driveway.

Prevent Cracks

Cracks in a driveway can become a real nuisance, so taking preventive measures can help stop cracks from forming in the first place. Sealing concrete on an annual basis - and asphalt every couple of years - can help stop water from penetrating, cracking, and freezing. Shrub and tree roots can also produce cracks by pressing up from underneath the surface. To rectify this, you will need to get rid of trees that are near drives.

Fill Cracks

If you notice holes or cracks in your driveway, it’s important that you patch them straight away. Make sure that you have a masonry chisel on hand, which will clear away loose materials. After you have done this, you can apply your crack filler and patching compound. Once the compound has dried, make sure that you seal the driveway entirely. Having a driveway that is level and smooth will also minimize the risk of any tripping accidents when visitors come to your property.

Minimize Water

If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, winter storms, and hurricanes, the last thing you want is for water and snow to penetrate your driveway. To reduce the risk of slips and falls, clearing a 2 to 3-inch strip around your driveway’s edges will give a runoff area for water and snow.

Plow Carefully

When snow hits your driveway, the last thing you want is for it to cause lasting damage to your driveway. When using a snowplow, make sure that you raise the blade enough to make sure that it does not scrape and cause damage to your driveway’s surface. If you choose to shovel, it’s advised to opt for a plastic shovel which can be used on uneven surfaces, as this will reduce the risk of it catching on your driveway.

Install a New Driveway

If your driveway is beyond repair and you want to start afresh, it may be time to install a new one. Companies like Richfield Blacktop are specialists when it comes to laying down asphalt and concrete driveways, as well as commercial paving. For those who are looking to move, investing in a new driveway can help make the exterior of your home stand out for all the right reasons.

How your driveway looks can be the make or break when it comes to selling a property. The last thing you want is for cracks and stains to damage your driveway. Making use of all the tips listed can help ensure your driveway is well maintained. 

What Data Points Property Valuers Use to Prepare Appraisals

Photo by Breno Assis on Unsplash

When it comes to appraisal of the property, the opinion of property valuers can be crucial, especially with the uncertainty and asymmetries of the property market. If you are looking to venture into real estate or just buying a property (either land or house), then you would need the expertise of a licensed valuer. The worst mistake you can do when looking for a property is assuming you know everything and can be able to handle everything thrown your way.

Property valuers are your go-to people, whether it is your first time or you are a more experienced real estate agent. There are specific data points that property valuers use to prepare their appraisals. The property appraisers will be able to gather, analyze, interpret, and assess the various kinds of essential data that will work towards estimating the value of a particular property. One of the best property valuers agencies is Brisbane Property Valuers of  www.valsqld.com.au given in the details you will find more information.

Considering the uncertainty nature of the property markets, in order for the value approximation to be possible, the property valuers use certain data points. These data points include:

•  market value
•  investment value
•  insurable value
•  liquidation value
•  value in use

a) Market value
This data is usually determined by an estimate of the amount by which a buyer and seller are willing to agree upon. The market value is aimed at achieving a fair sale that would be acceptable on the open market. With market value, whether you are the buyer or the seller, you both act with informed decisions and decide on the final price that you are comfortable with without being coerced or compelled.

How it is assessed

The market value can be evaluated using three different approaches; income approach cost approach and sales comparison approach.

Under the sales comparison approach, the value of the property in question is based on what other similar properties had sold for in the same market. It is through comparing similar properties using comparable features such as location, age, square footage, number of rooms, lot size, etc. that you will be able to find a benchmark price.

The income approach, on the other hand, is for leased buildings. This uses the rental income of the building to determine market value. Examples are apartment buildings, duplexes, etc.

Finally cost approach calculates the amount it would take for the rebuilding of the property with exact features using modern construction materials. After that, the property valuer subtracts the total amount accumulated depreciation of the property value due to wear and tear.

b) Investment value

Investment values are in the case of an investor who is willing to pay a given amount of money regardless of the market value of the property. As an investor, you may have your investment value metric that you want to use to invest in a particular property (This could end up being higher or lower than the market value).

This will allow you to compare the price of investment and the rate of return you may look forward to getting.  The value of the property ends up being unique to your objectives.

c) Insurable value

Any property you may look into needs to be insured with standard insurance policies for any indemnity cover. Your property valuer will check whether the insurable value is lower than the market value of the property.

The insurance can cover a wide range of things from the cost of building improvements, replacement costs, or even site improvements. You should be cautious with your insurance cover as some companies have different policies.

d) Liquidation value

This may include the total worth of the physical assets in case of a business failing and going bankrupt. The selling of assets becomes necessary. In the case of a company, this will include fixtures, real estate, equipment, and inventory.
You should note that liquidation value does not in any way include intangible assets, which include brand recognition or intellectual property. You can get assets at a lower price since they are usually sold at a loss due to the urgency of the seller.

e) Value in use

The value in use applies to current cash flows and other benefits that are generated by a specific asset belonging to an owner. Sometimes the value of the asset in use may be higher than the market value of the property you want to acquire.

Whether you are an investor, looking to get into real estate, or you want to buy land/building for other uses, you will need the help of a property valuer. The property valuers will be able to use data points to be able to come up with the best estimate of what your property or the property you want to buy will cost.

Bathroom Design for Teens

Your teenagers probably spend more time in the bathroom than you do. So it’s not a bad idea to dedicate a bathroom just to them. But how do you transform a bathroom from a young kid’s to a teenager’s? Here are a few tips to get you started.

Go from a Shower Curtain to a Showersreen

There’s a fair chance you’ve still got your old shower curtain up from when your children used to play in the tub. However, they’re teenagers now. Get rid of the Winnie the Pooh and superhero shower curtains and put in something more mature. Consider a frameless showerscreen. Make sure it's easy to clean and durable. Consider a semi frameless showerscreen with color accents to give the bathroom a touch of personality. 

Install Natural Materials 

Replace linoleum with stone tile or wood paneling. Note that engineered wood will handle the moisture far better than traditional wood floors. Replace knit bathmats with wool rugs and other natural materials. This isn’t just a move toward more mature décor, but it follows the trend toward more natural materials.

Give them the Storage they Need 

Don’t yell at your kids for covering the bathroom counter with stuff. Install extra storage. This may require hanging storage baskets above the toilet or rearranging the shelves under the sink. Perhaps you could get rid of the stack of hand towels in the linen closet, so your kids have more space for their own beauty items. Note that if things always seem to be a mess, it may be because the trash bin is too small. Put a larger trash bin in the bathroom, and you may not find tissues or makeup pads on the floor as often. Since your kids are getting bigger, there’s a fair chance they’ll need a larger laundry hamper too.

Improve the Lighting 

Consider upgrading the lighting. Replace overhead lights with recessed lights and put in a makeup or shaving mirror. This will show your teenagers that you understand their needs. Extending the mirrors from the top of the sink to the ceiling will reflect more light in the limited space while making it easier for a growing teen to see what they’re doing no matter how tall they are.

3 Ways to Know If Your Potential New Home’s Neighborhood Is Safe

What are the first things you look for when moving into a new neighborhood?

Comfort, low noise, amenities, and accessibility are a few of the most common winning features of a nice, stress-free neighborhood. Though those attributes are worth looking for, safety should be the first priority whenever moving to a new place. Being able to walk freely and get a good night’s sleep depends on how safe you feel in your own house, after all.

You might have found the perfect new home for yourself and your family, but is the vicinity safe? Here are some easy ways to find out.

Get To Know Your Neighbors

The moment you move into a new city/neighborhood/home, it’s important that you get to know who you’ll be living next door to. That’s not only a matter of friendliness, but it’s also a security measure for all those involved.

Being friends with neighbors is a win-win situation because it ensures you’re all reliable people when it comes to everyone’s safety. Let’s see an example:

You’ve planned a trip, but you don’t feel safe being away for too long. In this case, a trusted neighbor could keep one of your house keys so you don’t lose it, and they could also keep an eye out for suspicious activity near your house. If there’s something wrong, they’ll contact you immediately, and vice versa.

It’s important, however, that you know more than just your neighbors’ names before handing anything of value to them. This might involve a background check that you can perform by doing quick research. An easy way to do it is to search mugshots on GoLookUp, which will show potential criminal records of whoever you’re looking for. It’s all 100 percent confidential, and it’ll spot from burglars to sex offenders.

Try not to skip this step. What makes a neighborhood safe is, essentially, who lives in it.

Make Sure There Are No Pest Infestations Around

The only thing worse than having pests in your home is when they’re coming from outside. Mice, roaches, mosquitoes...whatever they are, they’re even more bothersome when the issue isn’t your fault. What should you do in this situation?

If pests from your neighbor’s house are filing into your home, your family members could be at risk for health issues such as bacterial illnesses and respiratory infections. But before you call anyone out, call residential pest control to be sure your home isn’t the problem. If it’s not, you might want to approach your neighbor to discuss the problem politely, and even offer quality pest control services you might know about. Again, this will be easier if you get to know your neighbors on a personal level first.

Be Informed About Local Crime Statistics

Is there a lot of criminal activity in your potential neighborhood? You could be living close to a high violent crime rate neighborhood and not even realize it. Doing the proper research before you move will spare you from having to relocate or deal with risk.

To avoid this kind of threat, there are available tools that’ll help you find out exactly what goes on around the block. Online tools like CrimeReports and SpotCrime are crime databases that’ll give you information about criminal activity in a specific area, including yours. This early research, combined with the previous tips, will help you choose an ideal home in all important aspects.

Keeping your home’s interior safe with security cameras and alarm systems is highly recommended, but you’ll be even safer if there’s less danger outside. That’s why you must scan a prospective neighborhood for bad guys, be them human or nasty pests.