SkyFive Properties Blog

Homes are incredible pieces of architecture, and they don’t build themselves. They require a client who knows what they want and a dedicated, experienced civil engineer.

If you’re considering building or remodeling your home, you must understand the process. And it’s best to hire a professional engineer, who is trained in the planning and design of a building.

Whether you’re remodeling, adding to an existing floor plan, or building from the ground up, an engineer will guide you. And since an engineer is a pro at structural and technical elements of building a home, it will stay standing.

There are multiple stages of building a home, which is why your engineer will save you time and money. Read to discover the benefits of hiring an engineer for your home building.

What does a structural engineer do?

A civil engineer ensures that your construction project, renovation, or addition will be built to last. They will visit the building site, review it, create drawings to show problem areas of construction, and recommend adjustments.

The best engineers consider relevant geological data to avoid environmental threats like wind damage and leaking foundations. Additionally, they will identify and solve structural problems like sloping floors, termite damage, and wall/ceiling cracks as they arise.

Ultimately, an engineer will help make your home building come to life. There are infinite benefits to picking one who knows what they are doing.

A smoother design phase

The design phase represents an opportunity to thoughtfully decide what will be built. It’s also when the engineer can spend the most valuable time with you.

You can express your wants and needs, and they can inform you what’s attainable. Together, you will make your dream a reality, based on space and code requirements.

Discuss the number of bedrooms, functional and innovative layouts, and how you wish to utilize each room. This will give your engineer a better idea of how they can realistically and imaginatively approach the design.

What’s more, during this time you will discuss the budget and timeframe. Once you both agree on the floor-plan, rough sketches or computerized models will be made – called the schematic design.

If you don’t have a contractor, the engineer can help find one for the best price, with the best experience and quality. The engineer will oversee the contractor’s construction process daily and ensure the builder is interpreting the design properly.

Problem-solving any complications

Errors and complications are normal. It’s better to deal with anything unexpected during the building phase as opposed to after the house is supposedly finished.

However, those errors are more likely to occur when your engineer isn’t as experienced or professional. That’s why it’s so important to take your time before choosing an engineer.

And it’s why you must work with a licensed engineer, who will work preventively. They can use their professional knowledge of design and construction to offer solutions and creative input you’d otherwise lack.

Plus, only a professional engineer could properly handle building codes, zoning laws, and design options – sometimes it’s even lawfully required. So, it’s not just a question of being beneficial, but rather it’s integral to the construction process.

And the better your engineer is, the better they will be able to communicate with the contractors hired. This will better ensure your budget and that building goes according to schedule, as much as possible.

Cost-effectiveness 

One may think that DIY home building is a better, more cost-effective route, and skip hiring an engineer. But this is not a garden– this is your home, where you will hopefully be living for a long time.

Indeed, hiring an engineer is a more cost-effective way to get your home done properly. With an expert, errors get handled during the design phase as opposed to the building process, saving time and money.

Additionally, the engineer will help you iron out the budget, selecting the appropriate materials and builders according to that budget. And in the end, your home will have a higher resale value if it’s well designed.

While each professional charges differently, remember there are no set costs when it comes to building a home. Some projects will work by an hourly rate, while others you work with will charge a flat fee for construction.

So, make sure you ask your engineer (before hiring them) how the rate of your project will be determined. If it fits your budget, then you will both sign a finalized contract, detailing services, schedule, and compensation.

Teamwork 

A trained engineer will take the time to understand what you want and need throughout the process. From the design phase to the building phase, you want an engineer who has your best interests in mind.

The engineer also provides a creative outlook that can, in turn, develop the space according to your lifestyle and vision. They bring their talents in a collaborative effort that will make their job easier and make you a happy client.

The engineer will frequently guide you during this process, so you want to be able to trust them. However, you are ultimately the boss when it comes to selecting the options presented and deciding which route to take.

To find your perfect teammate, you must interview many engineers to guarantee your dream home will become a reality. Here, you can gain a sense of whether their professional experience and creative personality will work well alongside you.

This is going to be your partner for a long and complicated process, so it’s essential you chose wisely. But if you take your engineer search seriously, you will find a great teammate to help you build your home.

The big picture

Without an experienced civil engineer, your vision may not come to life, and you will likely deal with never-ending complications. But by finding the right engineer, your new home or home addition will materialize smoothly and beyond your wildest dreams.

Remember to take your time in choosing the right engineer, and to stay communicative during the process. If you choose wisely, you will be in for a far smoother ride and a superior result.

Every home built after 1920 — and plenty of homes built before then but renovated since — has drywall. Drywall, which is also called sheet rock, plasterboard, gypsum panel and a number of similar names, was created to replace the expensive and laborious practice of hand plastering walls; instead of wasting days smoothing out an interior wall, builders can instead erect a wall in a matter of minutes, given the right tools and know-how.

Drywall serves a number of purposes in your home: It insulates against wind, precipitation and temperature; it insulates against sound; it serves as a fire barrier; and it provides a smooth, level surface for paint and décor. Yet, drywall isn’t invulnerable.

In places with high humidity, like Florida and Washington, drywall repair due to water damage is a common occurrence, and any home anywhere can succumb to drywall cracks and holes thanks to improper installation, foundation issues, teenage rage and more. If you own a home, it’s a good idea to have the number of a trustworthy drywall repair service, so you have someone to call when a drywall issue emerges.

In recent years, one of the most concerning drywall issues has been Chinese drywall. A vague name for a serious problem, Chinese drywall is exceedingly toxic — and it affects more than 100,000 homes across the U.S. It’s important that current and prospective homeowners understand what Chinese drywall is, why crisis occurred, who is at risk and what solutions are available.

The Chinese Drywall Crisis: The Beginnings

Calling this issue “Chinese drywall” is a bit misleading. In truth, most drywall is Chinese; one estimate suggests that 550 million pounds of drywall has been imported from China since 2006. It’s important to note up front that not all drywall from China is dangerous, only a specific batch sent to America during a certain period of time.

The housing boom in the mid-2000s — as well as the widespread damage in the South after Hurricane Katrina — led to a shortage of American-made drywall, pushing construction firms, home improvement stores and others to look elsewhere for drywall.

China offers low-cost materials almost across the board, so it became a natural recourse for builders across America. Chinese drywall manufacturers were then pressed to produce more and more drywall given the immense American demand, and it’s likely then that they started cutting corners.

The first hints that Chinese drywall might be a problem occurred in 2009, when reports started coming to light of horribly corroded plumbing and electrical wiring within new homes. Alongside these were stories of pungent smells and homeowners with health concerns, like headaches, difficulty breathing and more. Upon investigation, researchers the only unifying factor in all cases was the drywall, imported from China.

Drywall contains a number of standard ingredients, such as gypsum and cellulose, but different manufacturers add different quantities of trace materials for stability, color, smell and more. These additives might include things like mica, starch, crystalline silica and wax.

Chinese drywall manufacturers added in a substantial amount of fly ash, a product of coal combustion that includes all sorts of elements and compounds, such as arsenic, lead, mercury and sulfur.

Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem; American drywall manufacturers have used fly ash in the past. However, it seems that Chinese drywall contains an unrefined type of fly ash that degrades in the presence of heat and moisture, releasing toxins. Additionally, studies have found that Chinese drywall contains a significantly higher amount of pyrite. As pyrite oxidizes, it releases sulfur compounds, which are also toxic.

Health Risks Associated With Chinese Drywall

Initially, the reports of homeowner ill-health were vague, but after studying the drywall, scientists and doctors have a clearer idea of what Chinese drywall can do to the human body.

The primary concern is sulfur gases, which emit from the drywall. Sulfur gases have long been known to cause near-immediate and lasting damage to the body — specifically the respiratory system because the gas enters the body through the act of breathing.

In the short term, homeowners noticed sensations like burning throat, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain, which is consistent with sulfur dioxide poisoning. If they didn’t immediately address the drywall issue, homeowners began to experience more troubling symptoms, such as insomnia, dizziness, headaches and memory loss. Eventually, exposure to the drywall could result in serious respiratory and neurological issues.

How to Tell If Your Home Is Affected

It’s estimated that more than 100,000 homes across the country have been impacted by Chinese drywall. However, that’s not even close to the number of homes built every year across America, so most homeowners don’t need to be concerned about the quality of their drywall. Still, homeowners who are experiencing certain health symptoms might be interested to learn how to verify that their drywall is safe. Here are some ways to check:

• Know where Chinese drywall is. The vast majority of complaints about Chinese drywall have come from Florida, where the humid air exacerbates the problem. Other states have been affected, but not all of them, so homeowners should investigate before assuming.
• Pay attention to the odors in the home. Chinese drywall emits sulfur gases, which have a characteristic smell — like rotten eggs. This isn’t the only indication of Chinese drywall, but it is a good place to start.
• Know the history of the property. If the home was built between 2001 and 2007, it could contain Chinese drywall. However, even if it was built before then, a remodel scheduled during that period could also have relied on Chinese drywall.
• Get a plumbing and electrical inspection. If this reveals blackening or disintegration of copper wiring, pipes or AC evaporator coils, Chinese drywall is likely present.
• Look for Chinese markings on the drywall. This isn’t always possible; many homeowners paint over drywall. However, if there is an unpainted drywall surface, homeowners should look for Chinese symbols and words like “Knauf,” or “Tianjin.”

Quick Fix for Homes With Chinese Drywall

Because the source of both health and household problems stem directly from the drywall, it is necessary to remove all toxic drywall and replace it with a non-toxic substitute. Even if only a small portion of the home contains Chinese drywall, this can be a major project; it requires tearing down existing walls and rebuilding them.

Homeowners should strongly consider hiring a drywall expert for this chore, to ensure the drywall is hung properly and no traces of Chinese drywall remain.

Chinese drywall made headlines nearly a decade ago when news of its existence was first discovered — but it’s likely that all traces of Chinese drywall have not been eradicated across America. Homeowners should know about the risks of Chinese drywall, as well as its symptoms, to stay safe at home.

Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland and Australia’s River City, sits almost halfway up the country’s east coast. With a population of 2.5 million, Brisbane is the third-most-populated city in Australia after Sydney and Melbourne. It is also one of the country’s major business hubs. With blue skies, a warm climate, and a laid-back attitude, Brisbane is fast becoming the spot to buy a home for many. If you are planning to buy a home in Brisbane, there are many things you need to consider, such as the location, cost, and features you want to see in your home. It also helps to discuss your preferences with a buyers agent in Brisbane to help you get the best deals out of your budget.

Here are 8 things to consider when buying homes in Brisbane:

Location

Like most buyers, you might want to buy a home in a location with close proximity to the places you frequent the most, such as work, school, shopping and dining centers, recreation areas, and place of worship. Is traffic a frequent problem in the area? Are the main roads easy to access? Check this out before committing to a property to save yourself from future hassles getting out of the neighborhood or from an unnecessarily long commute. Most people look for cul-de-sacs since they provide privacy and limit the noise from traffic while still remaining a part of the larger suburban community.

Size of the Lot

While most people give little thought to the size of the lot the house sits on, some spacious valuable lots since bigger lots show more possibilities. The shape also matters for others; some are pie-shaped, rectangular, while some are irregular in shape. If you find a house that includes two lots, you can consider building an extra garage, workshop, apartment to rent out, or even sell the lot as is.

Features of the House

How many bedrooms do you want? How many bathrooms do you need? How large should the kitchen be? Is the house well-ventilated?

For the bedroom, most people want at least two, depending on the size of their family. While some like their kids to share bedrooms, others like separate bedrooms for each to accommodate different day to day routines. You may also consider adding an extra bedroom where family or friends can stay during their visit. Some also utilize the extra bedroom as an office, den, kids’ playroom, or gym.

Some people prefer a bathroom for each bedroom when it comes to bathrooms, while others are fine with a common bathroom shared by two or more bedrooms. Aside from that, a powder room is also a necessity.

In terms of deciding whether you want a large or a modest kitchen, be clear on your preference, whether you require lots of counter space, sinks, a pantry, etc.

Age of the House

Depending on your price range, you may find a brand new house or some homes from several decades. Sure, older homes do have a character that may attract you and consider the repairs and upgrades. If you are willing to commit, make sure you have the time and budget to enjoy managing these projects.

Aside from that, make sure your home adheres to the city’s building codes. Talk to your real property agent to know more about this.

Flight Paths

In mid-2020, Brisbane opened a new runway. This also means changes in flight paths over the city. Based on history, aircraft noise around the country affects the rise and fall of property prices. Although noise is subjective from one person to another, consider paying a visit to different properties near the runway and determine whether the flight path is a concern for you or not.

Flood Zones

To save yourself and your family from future disasters, check if the area you have chosen is flood-prone or if you need to buy homeowners’ insurance.

Maintenance

If you’re buying a newly constructed home, make it a priority to create a written or mental list of all the things that could use a little help in the future, whether they are repairs, large or small, replacements or additions that would make the house a safe and comfortable space to live in. While some items are mainly cosmetic, others might take a lot of time and investment to complete. Make sure it is a reasonable list. Otherwise, it would present a financial crunch or disrupt your family life.

Cost

Buying a home requires a huge investment, and there’s always more to it than just the purchase price. Admittedly, this is not the most fun factor to think about, especially when considering upgrades and aesthetics. If cost is not considered, your dream home could end up becoming more of a nuisance than a sanctuary.

Before even looking, determine your price range and consider getting pre-approved for a loan. Try not to stretch yourselves to the furthest reaches of your budget. Bear in mind, there are more costs to consider than just the monthly mortgage payment. There are local taxes, monthly utility costs, and association fees you have to pay regularly. Ask yourself how these costs will affect your finances. More importantly, stick to your decision on price range and mortgage payment. Once you submit an offer on your chosen home, have your agent get in touch with the sellers so he or she can discuss with them how much is their average monthly and yearly payments.

Additionally, remember that these expenses will stay consistent over time. Regardless of the changes in your circumstances, such as retirement or unexpected layoff, you still need to accomplish them. So make sure to live within your means so that you’ll still enjoy living in your home in the years to come.

The Bottom Line

Like any other place, living in Brisbane comes with its perks and drawbacks. With the right amount of research, you will enjoy the advantages of living in the river city. We hope this list helps you decide what to look for in your future home.

What are you waiting for? Talk to a buyer’s agent in Brisbane today.

New York is one of the world’s fastest and most vibrant cities that is also a global hub for fashion, business, and food. As a cosmopolitan city, NYC is a melting pot of diversity and culture and a great testing ground for brands that are ready to expand by tapping into the opportunity presented by commercial spaces. If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere in the world. This is true given the number of international brands that registered their big break here.

These cities are interconnected through a superb transportation network. The presence of a series of subway routes connecting to this city makes it very accessible hence a great place to hire a commercial.

Commercial spaces, pop-up stores and contemporary retail stores have been on the rise in this city for years with a notable exponential increase over time. Brands from elsewhere in the world have been launched on this stage that also serves as a testing ground for ideas on a forward-thinking and highly reactive customer base.

How to Find the Perfect Commercial Space

How then do you find the perfect commercial spaces in NYC? When looking for a commercial space to rent in New York, you need to determine the amount of space that is enough, the kind of lighting you prefer, and ease of access, all that fit into your budget. The most important thing you must keep in mind is that whether you’re showcasing lingerie, apparel, home furnishings, accessories or something else, the kind of space you choose will largely determine how your product and brand will be perceived. This means you only have one chance to get it right.

One of the best ways of making sure you get the best commercial space that will help you meet your goals is to focus your search on event space rental marketplaces. These are independent of the influence of the leasing agent or landlord and offer a wide variety of spaces for a wide range of rates. It is likely that most of these marketplaces already have a database and listing of commercial spaces that are available for rent in NYC.

The majority of commercial rental spaces have characteristic high ceilings as well as large open areas that infuse a fresh twist to the displays. Commercial spaces come with different features. Some have extra room at the back that can serve as storage for additional inventory. This makes it easy to restock whenever the need arises. Yet others have an adjacent office space that marketing staff and other brand executives can access for the convenience of planning and coordination of the activities going on in the commercial spaces.

Where to find commercial spaces?

Location is critical to your search for commercial spaces in NYC, you need to be at the heart of the shopping district. The location you choose will determine just how successful your showcase will be. This is because different neighborhoods in this city cater to particular needs and industries. For instance, Murray Hill and Midtown East are a designer and decorator’s paradise while the Garment District is popular for clothing/apparel for commercial spaces. New York has just about a neighborhood for every industry that needs to showcase. Whether you’re an art dealer, rug dealer, jewelry retailer or interior designer, you can be sure to find and rent a commercial NYC space you need. The options are endless.

How Much for Commercial Space in NYC?

If you’re looking to grow your business by setting up commercial space in NYC, you can be sure to increase brand visibility and grow your customer base. You can easily find commercial space in NYC starting from $25 per square foot. You can take advantage of this pricing to rent space on a short term basis to create a high brand affinity for a low investment. You don’t have to take the risk of opening a new store by investing so much money when you can experiment with a commercial space. You can take advantage of the commercial space to set up a pop-up store that will run for a few days to a couple of weeks.

If you can find a commercial space rental nyc, a strategic location within a shopping center or mall then you’re guaranteed a high volume of shoppers. This means you will be able to make incredible sales at a fraction of the cost of renting a brick and mortar store. Your commercial space will be profitable as you grow your brand and sell.

People tend to spend more time outdoors because of the warm weather. More homeowners are putting in the time and effort for designing the exterior and perimeters of their homes, especially the patio area.

Experiencing the summer season means more outdoor activities such as having a cookout with family and friends as you enjoy the fresh air, but it would be best if you had your patio to be presentable and functions properly for your needs. Here are some patio design ideas if you are building a new one or upgrading to a more adaptable area of your home.

1. A Private Patio

LED lighting can improve both interior and exterior designs. You may incorporate string lights for a modern patio with a high privacy fence that will provide a sense of privacy. Installing higher fences is a good option, especially when people can see your patio from the outside.

2. Fabulous Entry

A staircase always catches the attention of your visitors, as it divides your patio into two areas. The elevated level can be your dining, while the lower end could be an ideal space for your patio furniture, that can be invited to have a relaxing time.

3. An Adjustable Patio

Changing the layout of your patio can take a lot of hard work, but some decors can quickly adapt to their surroundings. You may choose to have modular sectional sofas, which you can easily pull apart and create your patio design by moving them around. You can position your sofas if you have an intimate dinner with your special someone, or if you are hosting a party.

4. Outdoor Art and Dining

If you have art pieces inside your home, you may try displaying them in your patio. Art pieces can add outdoor scene features that can make some furniture the focal point of the area.

5. Outdoor Space Layers

Your outdoor space can be a very interesting place, especially if you have a compact space and a rolling lot. You may want to consider multiple layers of patios for your backyard: a tiered seating area, a fire pit, and custom benches on the lower patio level.

6. Bungalow Home Exterior

Some bungalow houses can provide an indoor-outdoor concept that has large patio tiles, connecting the patio to the perimeters of the house.

7. Pergola

A pergola with an open roof provides full ventilation as it lets cool breezes pass through during the summer season. It would add more coziness if you place some chairs and a sofa for comfortable seating.

8. Modern Rooftop Patio

A rooftop patio can be an excellent place for dining alfresco. It would be great if you have potted plants that provide life to the city space. You may also decorate your patio with fairy lights to give a magical feel at night, with the city’s skyline as your beautiful backdrop.

9. A Patio With A Vertical Garden

You may incorporate a luscious vertical garden as a backdrop for your patio. Consider using a smaller scale of furniture to match a small space. It can also act as a vertical fence that still provides a great view but gives a sense of personal space.

10. Multiplex

You may transform your patio into an outdoor movie venue with a DIY movie screen, a projector, and a good sound system. Throw in a few pillows and a nice carpet for your movie watchers.

Creating your patio requires good planning and research. Make sure you are talking to the right people such as the City Seamless Patio Covers, which can provide you with professional services for your patio covers. Your patio will not only give you satisfaction, but it will also add value to your property.

It doesn’t take long to fall in love with a house you see for sale. You might adore the color scheme, the gardens, or the kitchen, but before you sign on that dotted line, it’s crucial to do your due diligence. Part of this process involves making sure those easy-to-miss features are thoroughly investigated. Otherwise, you might end up spending more than you bargained for.

Home Heating

Something as simple as being able to buy furnace filters online can make a world of difference to your confidence in purchasing a home. Outdated HVAC systems or those that have fallen into a state of disrepair can be a significant cost you weren’t expecting.

While you might find that the house you’re eyeing has appropriate heating, it’s worth digging deeper to find out more. How old is it? When was it installed? Can you still buy replacement parts, filters, and other components for it? When was the last time it was professionally maintained? It might not seem important, but it can be additional stress on top of what can already be quite a taxing time.

The Home’s Orientation

There are plenty of home improvements you can make to a property that has a good foundation, but one thing that’s a lot harder to change is your property’s orientation. Orientation refers to the direction your house is facing. This is important because it dictates which parts of your slice of paradise will receive sunlight and when.

A property positioned on the south side with a north face will receive plenty of sun in their backyard in the summer. If you live somewhere that experiences scorching hot summers, you may prefer a north side property with a south-facing home. That way, you can enjoy shade in your yard during the hottest parts of the day. A property’s orientation is a personal preference, but it’s well worth thinking about before putting up that ‘sold’ sign.

Evidence of Termite Treatment

Whether you’re buying an entry-level property or a luxury one, termites don’t discriminate. Always be on the lookout for signs that termite treatment has taken place. Sometimes, this will show itself as evenly-spaced filled-in holes in concrete areas surrounding your property.

Without this sign, it’s still worth asking the seller or agent about whether there have been any infestations. If so, a structural engineer may be required to check the home’s structure.

The Neighborhood

When you’re so busy looking at the house and its many features, you may not spare a thought for the neighborhood and its practicality for your lifestyle. Sometimes, though, the community can be just as important as the house.

Is it within proximity to all life’s necessities? Is it safe for families? Are there any upcoming developments that could impact your comfort and way of life? Visit the neighborhood at night and during the day. Walk the streets, and view it from a real homeowner’s point of view.

When you put the deposit down on your first home, you’ll likely be feeling very excited and ready for the newest chapter of your life. There’s a lot of extra information you have to learn as a new homeowner, so it’s essential to ask these questions before purchasing a home. One thing that new homeowners tend to forget to research is how your tax return changes once you’ve got the keys to your new place.

You can potentially deduct your mortgage interest

If your mortgage is under $750,000, the interest that you pay is considered a tax deduction. The deductible interest makes a significant impact when it comes to tax time. Before 2017, the limit was $1,000,000, but since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act came into play, it has lowered the limit. These tax deductions can be a significant deciding factor in the argument for renting a property versus buying a house.

Property taxes are deductible

$10,000 of your property taxes are deductible under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Depending on where you pay your taxes, you may have the amount automatically added to your IRS forms, or you may require proof of payment to claim them.

Home renovations are deductible

Many homebuyers choose older homes with plans to upgrade and renovate them to look like the dream home they envision. Remodelling your kitchen or adding a mother-in-law suite is be considered deductible. Save all your receipts for any renovations, HVAC fixes, upgrades, landscaping, and other improvements. When it comes time to sell your home, you can add up the extra value you’ve added to the house, and any profits you make on the sale is tax-free. Energy-efficient upgrades are also beneficial when tax time comes. Not only are these upgrades useful for your wallet, but they’re also great for your home and the environment. Solar energy equipment is deductible until 2021. If you’ve already had equipment installed between 2017 and December 2021, you may be eligible for between 30% and 22% of the cost.

Your home office is deductible

Many of us have moved to remote workplaces, and it’s likely going to be more common in the future. For those who work part-time side hustles or have a full-time remote position, the space in your home used for your office and expenses related to it can be deductible. You will receive a dollar amount per square foot, up to 300 square feet. The maximum deduction for a home office is $1,500. There are strict guidelines for claiming this, so working with a professional tax expert is recommended.

Other deductions

Other deductions related to homeownership include locational, points, insurance, and ageing in place. Locational tax breaks are dependant on the state you reside in and can be up to $10,000, so it’s worth asking your accountant if you qualify. Points are when you pay a designated percentage of your total mortgage to your lender to reduce the amount of interest on the loan, and these may be deductible. Insurance is required when you purchase a home, and these payments may be tax-deductible, depending on your gross income. Aging in place means that homeowners stay in their homes until they require long-term care or assistance. In some cases, the cost of care, additional home upgrades to make life easier, or renovations can be deductible.

There’s so much to know about taxes, and many benefits often go unused because new homeowners are often unaware. Hiring a professional accountant or tax expert is a beneficial choice, especially your first year as a homeowner.

Every property owner understands the importance of curb appeal. Whether it’s making your home more marketable to interested buyers or boosting the listing value, the number of properties undergoing facelifts is growing year by year. However, deciding that you need to spruce up the exterior and deciding what and where to do it are two different things. As always, there’s a broad range of choice for homeowners, and picking can be the most challenging part. Thankfully, a simple tactic is to follow the hottest curb appeal trends for this year as they are proven to work. So, without further ado, here are four of the best!

Swap the Siding

Your home’s cladding plays a significant role in the sale process as it’s a dominant feature. Therefore, it’s an element that people will notice once they roll up on the drive, and it could impact their decision to make an offer or move on to another property. Upgrading to modern materials provides more options. Firstly, fiber cement has a classical aesthetic that takes people back to their childhood. Secondly, it’s resistant to the elements, so it’ll last for longer. That means there’s no reason to upgrade the siding every couple of years, which is a money-saver.

Be Color Creative

The great thing about color is that you can play around with different shades until you get the style you want. What’s even better is that hues can be bright and light, or deep and vivid, making it easy to mix and match for a striking appeal.

And, it doesn’t have to cover a large surface area. Currently, using black and blue on the doors is overtaking the typical red color you would find as it complements the entryway, making it more appealing. You can use color on all the exterior accessories, so don’t be afraid to try something new. If it doesn’t work, you can redo it!

Landscape Over Lawn

A beautifully green lawn is homely and traditional, yet it isn’t the easiest thing to manage. As such, it can encourage messiness and clutter if you’re not up with the maintenance responsibilities. Landscaping, on the other hand, is cleaner and less hassle, which is why landscape contractors are gaining popularity among property owners. With stone and brick, you can create a rugged-yet-smooth outdoor area that looks eye-catching and exciting. Plus, you won’t need to worry about digging up plants or removing weeds.

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Personalized Greenery

For those who do want some greenery in their lives, but can’t be bothered with the hassle, you can use plants to your advantage by creating shapes and personalizing them. For example, at Christmas, you can attach a wreath to the front door. This lets you utilize different textures while getting into the festive spirit. Alternatively, you can forge your initials out of plants and position them on the front door, regardless of the time of year. Then, your property will be original and unique, which is something buyers search for when they are making offers.

Which curb appeal trends will you use to try and increase interest in your home?

If you have a house or property to sell, you want to get the best value for it and sell it as quickly as possible. There are a few excellent ways to achieve this that you can discuss with your real estate agent; however, there are also some good practices you can pursue on your own to ready the property for a quick sale at a high price. Read on to find out more.

Exterior appeal

The exterior of your home gives the first impression to potential buyers; it’s, therefore, important to pay special attention to your home’s exterior in the way you might pay attention to your outfit for a job interview.

Stand outside your home and look at the exterior in comparison to your neighbors. Does your home fit in with the neighborhood or doesn’t it stand out, both impressions have value? Either way, make an effort to enhance the appearance with paint and by mowing the lawn.

Interior Appeal

While it can pay to have a home that looks like a home when people come to view it, clutter can put people off. As with the exterior, you want to give the impression of a homely environment that is set up for someone to walk into but also has enough room for style changes.

Before viewings begin, downsize your home. Now is a great time to throw out unwanted items, give them away to charity, or stack them neatly in a closet. However, you get rid of your clutter, enhance the interior of your home by giving the impression of a lived-in show home.

Stay out of the way

When people come to view your property, they don’t expect you or your family to be around. They expect to walk into a house with an estate agent and look around undisturbed.

They want to be able to freely talk about the home and pass judgment on the style and placement of things, without the awkwardness of the homeowner listening in. Your real estate agents are experienced professionals who have sold many houses before, listen to their advice and leave the sale in their capable hands.

Repair, Restore, Revamp

There’s always a chance you will miss out on the sale of your property because of a tiny detail you didn’t notice while preparing it. It could be a broken light bulb, leaky taps, faulty fixings, or cracks that have yet to be prepared. These small details can have an effect on people.

They tend to see things in terms of the property value and how much work they will have to do for themselves. If you reduce these risks, you also improve your chances of a quick sale.

Use Natural Light Where Possible

People love natural light and often look for it in the properties they buy. If you have a lot of natural light in your home, it’s easy to show it off with well-chosen curtains and opened skylights.

However, if you don’t have that luxury, there are still some ways you can bring extra natural light into your home and improve your chances of selling it. Where you have large windows, take down the curtains altogether. This will give the impression of bright open space. In darker areas of the house install strong bulbs with cold light, use lamps if necessary.