SkyFive Properties Blog

Hosting a dinner party with your nearest and dearest in the comfort of your home is one of the best things about owning a property, but failing to impress with your dining room decor can seriously bring the mood down and even discourage guests from accepting your invitations.

Figuring out how to create the perfect dining space for entertaining needn’t be as difficult as you might think, as there are a few key areas in which you can focus your efforts to turn your dreams into a reality. If you want to design a dining room that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, then read on to uncover some of the best tips and tricks that you can utilize today!

Identify The Ideal Colour Palette

The colour palette that you adopt for your dining space has such a dramatic impact on the overall atmosphere of the room, as certain shades work far better than others in creating a relaxing environment that’s perfect for long comfortable evenings with friends and family.

It’s said that blue and green are the most balancing of all colours, encouraging those viewing to feel calm and content, whilst more vibrant shades like red are too overpowering and eye-catching to allow for full focus.

Natural and dusty shades are the latest trend, as they can create an earthy feel through browns and beiges, subtle purples, and khaki green. If you want to achieve a more minimalist modern look, don’t be afraid to opt for a simple grey – avoid bright white walls where possible, as this can give off the air of a doctor’s surgery rather than a space made for entertaining.

Choose Your Furniture

The biggest and most important feature of your dining room is the table, as it’s the centerpiece of the space and it’s always going to be a focal point. Choosing a low-quality fold-out dining set that isn’t big enough for more than 4 people is the worst mistake that you could make, as not only will this be rather unsightly, it’s far better to have too much space rather than too little.

A dining table should always accommodate a minimum of 6 people, with extra room for serving bowls, wine bottles, and vases or candelabras too. The chairs that you choose should be as comfortable as possible, as there’s no chance your guests will want to spend the evening sitting on a hard wooden seat that provides no support whatsoever.

If you want something a little more unique, why not invest in a set of matching benches that you can use for seating instead? This can give a lovely feeling of togetherness, encouraging guests to stay close and enjoy one another’s company rather than sitting at the far ends of the table.

Finishing Touches

There are a few finishing touches that can really bring your dining space together, and these details are just as important as any other feature. First of all, investing in an eye-catching light fitting such as a Murano glass chandelier that can hang gracefully above the center of your table will set the mood perfectly.

In addition, an ornate vase containing a bouquet of fresh flowers will add a refreshing scent to your dining space and show that you’re willing to go the extra mile whenever dinner guests are around.

In the past, people used to hide kitchens in the back because they considered them places for washing dirty dishes and cooking food. However, kitchens play a bigger role than that in 2018. The kitchen is a room that brings the whole family together at the start of the day or after a long day away from each other.

With advice from kitchen experts like the one who do full kitchen remodeling in Los Angeles for instance, here are the top trends in remodeling:

Streamlined Textures, Designs, and Materials

Although styles such as mid-century modern and farmhouse are still popular, people are opting for textures, designs, and materials that are more streamlined. Because homeowners like to come home to stress-free environments, they want simplicity to drown out the daily stresses of life.

You can make your kitchen look brighter and bigger by uninstalling the upper wall cabinets. Doing so allows you to use your countertop in a more productive manner. Moreover, most people are not able to reach the top cabinets, making them inconvenient.

When streamlining your kitchen, you should consider texture and material to make your space less boring. For instance, if you are installing open shelves, you can opt for materials such as metal tubing if you want an industrial feel or rough wood for a natural look. To create the perfect focal point, you should consider stacked, beveled, or sculpted natural stone tiles.

Smart Kitchen

Kitchen technology has come a long way – not just in the form of appliances and fancy gadgets. Nowadays, you can integrate technology into every aspect of the kitchen: from the lighting to the faucets. You can build a smart kitchen from the ground up or just integrate smart devices into your apartment for a smart look.

You can install motion-sensing faucets that will detect the presence of hands beneath and turn on automatically. You can also buy a smart fridge that will alert you when you are running low on groceries. There is a gadget that will monitor your eggs and let you know the ones that are almost going bad. Do not forget to update your lights if you want to be able to control them from your tablet or smartphone.

Hardwood Floors and Ceramic Tiles

Hardwood floors are still the most popular choice for kitchens. However, ceramic tiles are the second most popular choice for kitchens. Thanks to the advancement in technology, ceramic tiles now come in a variety of sizes and styles.

If you prefer hardwood floors, you can buy ceramic tiles that look just like hardwood flooring. This allows you to keep the hardwood look with a material that is easier to clean and maintain. You can also choose ceramic tiles that mimic stone depending on the look that you want. The surface texture of ceramic tiles can also mimic most flooring materials.

When it comes to size, you do not have to choose traditional sizes. You also have more choices thanks to the wide variety of large format tiles. For instance, you can opt for single plank tiles that will look just like hardwood floor planks.

White, Gray, and Dark-colored Cabinets

Although white is the clear frontrunner when it comes to cabinet colors, gray and dark are not far behind. People prefer the color white because it has a clean look that declutters any space. To break up the all-white cabinet look, you can choose wood stains and different colors for your island.

Gray is a great color for cabinets because it offers versatility. It also pairs well with natural elements as well as glamour accents. Emerald green, navy, black, and plum colors are slowly making their way into the kitchen. Dark kitchen cabinets can work well to enhance the luxurious feel of a kitchen because they represent full-on elegance.

Quartz is King

Quartz is still king when it comes to countertops. Whether you live in your own home or apartments such as The Urban Avenue, chances are that you have quartz countertops. When this material first came into the market, the main worry was lack of variety. However, thanks to technology, manufacturers are now making realistic stone patterns and offering more colors.

People are opting for neutral and softer colors such as cream, white, taupe, and gray. When it comes to pattern preferences, homeowners prefer veining to particulates.

Veining goes well with the clean, simple look that most homeowners like.

Composite sinks are also quite popular because they share the same material with the countertop. Such sinks allow for a uniform look that is much cleaner.

Appliances

The biggest trend for 2018 is gray-colored appliances that come with a dark-brushed metal finish. Because stainless steel appliances have been dominating the market for a while, this different finish is a welcome change. You can also opt for different colors such as red and blue when choosing appliances.

Homeowners are more willing than ever to experiment with different tones in the kitchen. The must-have kitchen appliances are also changing with most people opting for induction stoves and separate wall ovens to save space. However, this trend can be more expensive compared to the typical standalone cooker that takes up more space.

In the oven world, there are some changes happening too. More homeowners are opting for steam ovens, which cook faster and retain the flavor of food better than normal ovens. Do you have space limitations? You can opt for French Door wall ovens that allow you to save on space, come with Bluetooth, and add style to your kitchen.

Bluetooth can help you to control the functions of your oven remotely from your tablet or smartphone.

Conclusion

These are the latest trends in kitchen remodeling. The above ideas will help you to combine aesthetics and functionality in your kitchen for the ultimate space. If you do not know where to begin with these renovations, you should start with the cheapest and simplest ones first. Once you do that, you will know the next step to take to make your kitchen look better than ever.

Did you know that a comfortable mattress can be extremely beneficial to your health, sleep quality, and the interior design of your bedroom? It’s true! The best mattresses can simultaneously look stylish and provide you with back support and pressure relief, which is crucial for getting a good night’s sleep.

However, finding the mattress that best fits your needs can be quite difficult, especially if you suffer from chronic back pain. After all, there are so many mattress types that you can choose from, and they all differ when it comes to their prices, firmness levels, edge support, lifespans, and styles.

To make the right choice, check out a few mattress reviews, such as this purple mattress review, before buying one! Websites that specialize in publishing comprehensive reviews employ expert reviewers to provide you with a detailed analysis and rating of every mattress you can think of!

Anyway, there are many mattresses out there, and every single one of them has its unique set of qualities that you might want to take into consideration before making a purchase. To make it easier for you, we made a list of the most popular mattress types on the market and their characteristics. Take a look!

Memory Foam – the Best for Side Sleepers!

If you are a side sleeper who values hip and shoulder support, it would be best if you looked into buying a memory foam mattress! This particular mattress type consists of numerous layers of foam sensitive to your body heat. Consequently, it will gradually adapt to your body as you sleep and provide you with maximum comfort!

Additionally, a foam mattress can provide you with excellent pressure relief, no matter your favorite sleeping position. On top of that, the best memory foam mattresses are extremely long-lasting. As a result, mattress ratings for those particular mattresses are usually pretty great!

Firmness Level – Is it Important?

Mattress brands produce mattresses that can differ greatly when it comes to foam firmness. You can generally choose between two different kinds of mattresses – a firm mattress and a medium-firm mattress.

If you want your new mattress to provide you with a stable and even sleeping surface, you should go for a mattress that’s firm. The best firm mattress can provide both a stomach sleeper and a back sleeper with the support and comfort they need to reduce back pain.

On the other hand, a softer medium-firm mattress is characterized by a balance of firmness and softness. It’s suitable for most sleeping positions, so if you and your partner have different sleep preferences, it’s definitely a perfect choice!

Is a Hybrid Mattress the Best Mattress?

Hybrid mattresses consist of many layers of memory foam and either latex or gel. On top of that, they have an innerspring system, which makes them feel more sturdy. A small number of hybrids has an additional pillow top layer, which can provide you with additional cushioning.

A hybrid mattress is the type of mattress with both the characteristics of a memory foam mattress and a traditional spring mattress. Thanks to that, it’s among one of the top-rated kinds of mattresses that mattress companies can offer their potential buyers!

What About a Good Budget Mattress?

Even if you are on a tight budget, you’re still very likely to find a good mattress! For example, you might want to consider looking out for sales, which are relatively easy to find once you know where to look.

If you aren’t necessarily interested in a brand new mattress, you should check out Amazon and your local Facebook groups. The prices there can be extremely low, and if you’re lucky, you might come across some people who are willing to give their mattresses away for free!

Conclusion

All in all, as long as you have a clear image of your mattress-related needs and a well-defined budget, you should be able to find the best mattress for your home with relative ease. Some companies offer a special sleep trial, so even if you make the wrong call and end up feeling unsatisfied, you can return the mattress free of charge.

If you aren’t really sure about what you need from your new mattress, consider contacting the customer service of any shop specialized in selling mattresses. The employees will be eager to give you a helping hand and answer all of the questions you might have.

To sum up, thanks to its numerous benefits related to your general wellbeing, a high-quality mattress is a long-term investment that you definitely won’t regret. On top of making your bedroom look great, it will make you feel more energized and well-rested, and you won’t have to deal with back pain ever again!

Foreclosure is a reality for thousands of Americans each year. It’s a scary process, but most lenders are willing to work with you so that you don’t lose your home. Here are some necessary information about the process and what you can do to turn your circumstance around.

1. Foreclosure doesn’t happen overnight.

Foreclosure is a six-step process in which the lender takes the property’s collateral to account for the missed payments. During this process, it is possible to overturn an eviction and take back your property by getting back on track with your mortgage.

The six steps are:

1. Payment Default
2. Notice of Default
3. Notice of Trustee’s Sale
4. Real Estate Owned
5. Eviction
6. The Bottom Line

2. The mortgage lender does not like to initiate foreclosures

While it may seem like the bank or lender is eager to regain the property, the legal legwork is so astounding that most of the time, it’s not worth the investment. It’s much easier for a lender to work out payment issues with you than try to reclaim something they let be borrowed. Talk with your lender directly and look for people in the agency that are willing to help. If you get a closed-door, keep pushing forward, and you’ll find that most are eager to come to an agreement that prevents eviction.

3. You Can Sell Your Home

This isn’t the most painless process but can certainly help you in the long run and save your credit and stop the process of foreclosure. Being proactive and hiring a realtor to help you sell your home can be beneficial for both you and the lender. Basically, you have to make enough net income from the sale to pay off your debts as well as any legal fees. Although you won’t own your property any longer, you’ll be able to start fresh. It gets you out of a tough spot and helps the bank create a new contract with someone who can pay the mortgage.

4. The whole process can take six months to a year to complete. 

We all know that there are so many things that can occur during a calendar year that can put you in a better position to save your home. If you’re serious about getting back on track, look at ways to earn new income. This can be by taking up a second job, selling heirlooms, or borrowing money from a family member. Whatever it takes, keep in mind the result is getting out of the foreclosure process and away from the anxiety that comes with it.
Foreclosure happens to property, not people. Losing a home is a sad reality that can happen to anyone, especially in today’s current climate. With rising unemployment and hefty health costs, many find themselves unable to make their payments. It’s important to know that just because you’re in foreclosure, it doesn’t mean you’re a terrible person. You’re still a valuable member of society, and there are many resources out there that may be able to help. In some situations, sellers can seek out a cash home buyer to sell their property quickly to save their credit. Look at the steps on this list and take action. Even a simple phone call can put you in a better position to keep your home.

When you find your dream home, it can be overwhelming. All sorts of thoughts and feelings can fill your brain: anxiety, excitement, fear, happiness.

One main concern that many people share is that they will not be able to cope with the property’s upkeep and that this could lead to depreciation in terms of its value. Continue reading for four ways in which you can help to maintain the value of your property.

1. Ventilation

One of the costliest problems when buying a new home can be sorting out damp problems. The likelihood of encountering such things is significantly lowered if you ensure you have sufficient ventilation. The vents on the top of many windows and doors often get closed to avoid a small draught.

Although this might be frustrating to feel a little cold air now and then, these vents actually help to keep your home well-ventilated and, therefore, should remain open as often as possible.

After having a bath or shower, be sure to leave the extractor fan on for a slightly more extended period to allow the condensation to be removed from the room, reducing the humidity. The same goes for cooking in your kitchen; the extractor hood should be utilized to avoid steam damaging the walls and possibly even your kitchen units.

Furthermore, during the colder months, it is more likely that you will be drying your clothes indoors. As soon as you face a sunny day with no chance of rain, stick the garments outside to dry rather than relying on your central heating. Using clothes airers within your property increases the humidity level within rooms.

This can lead to mold, which looks unsightly and can lead to health problems, particularly for those with breathing difficulties, such as asthma. Of course, some properties do not have the luxury of outside spaces, and sometimes, you could be waiting weeks before a fine day to dry your washing.

Investing in a dehumidifier could help as it will draw out the excess moisture from the air, meaning you are less likely to face problems with dampness and mold, which would both instantly decrease the value of your home.

2. Timely repairs

There is often a temptation to leave things that need repairing, such as a garage door or a window seal, especially if money is a concern. However, this can often lead to things deteriorating rather quickly, and inevitably, a more considerable financial sum is needed to sort them out.

Of course, an insurance policy may cover you for specific issues, but it is not always possible to use it for natural disasters, such as damage caused by flooding. Nevertheless, it is imperative that you pay for repairs to be carried out, ensuring that the company chosen is reputable and experienced. Not bothering to fix things straight away can certainly have a significant impact on the value of your property when it comes to either re-mortgaging or selling your home. Be sure to deal with repairs as soon as they crop up.

3. Redecorate when necessary

This is largely an aesthetic consideration. However, people will generally pay more for a house with fresh, crisp paintwork. Therefore, it is advisable to keep on top of your decorating schedule. Although you may be happy to live with scuffs and scrapes on the walls and woodwork, the chances are that they look unsightly and could be off-putting to potential buyers.

If you have wallpaper covering any of your walls, any patches that are peeling will also look ugly. Try to stick them down again with a bit of paste. If that fails or the damage is too great, consider removing the wallpaper and painting instead.

4. Clean regularly

It may seem, as with redecorating, that it has little to do with the property price. However, this is actually untrue. A clean house will have a higher value than a grubby one. When looking around a potential future home, people do not want to see how much work they have to do to make it livable.

In fact, keeping on top of the cleaning within your property will not only help with the aesthetic appeal, but it will also help you to discover if there are any unwanted pests within your property. Leave these alone, and you may face huge bills in the future as they can cause significant damage.

Cleaning behind furniture on a regular basis often leads to the discovery of animal droppings, of which you were previously unaware, and therefore, you can tackle the pest problem immediately.

Having a mother in law suite in your home can be an attractive quality for buyers, but how much value does it really add? Real estate market trends are constantly changing, including the features that buyers crave most.

Having a mother in law suite can be appealing for buyers that need one, but the upkeep and potential ongoing costs of it can be turnoffs to others. Let’s explore the pros and cons of a mother in law suite on your property to see if this investment will be profitable in the long run.

What Constitutes a True Mother in Law Suite?

Mother in law suites come in a variety of forms, but what makes it a true suite versus an extra room in your home? There are a few features that set them apart:

First, a MIL suite is roomier than a guest bedroom, offering more space for daily activities. In essence, it’s a scaled-down version of a regular home. MIL suites generally have a full kitchen, full bathroom, living room, and bedroom. Upscale versions may include other amenities, like a fireplace, bar, or laundry hookups.

Ideally, in-law suites will have their own private entrance that’s separate from the main entrance. This gives guests the freedom to come and go without disturbing others in the main house. As long as they have the basic items of any house or apartment, you can consider it a mother-in-law suite.

These Suites Add More Than Monetary Value

One of the biggest questions homeowners ask before building a mother in law suite is how it impacts resale value. In some markets, this feature is highly sought after, especially given the fact that baby boomers are reaching retirement age. In fact, a survey from the National Association of Realtors found that 20% of buyers would be likely to pay more for a home if it had a mother-in-law suite.

But before you consider how much of your investment you can recoup, first consider the additional benefits a MIL suite will bring you. If you have aging parents, you may one day face the choice of placing them in a retirement home or investing in in-home care. Having an in-law suite in your home allows your relatives to enjoy in-home comforts and privacy, plus it can be more cost-effective.

If you don’t have relatives that may need to come live with you, consider investing in a suite for extra income. Though touted as being living spaces for in-laws, these suites can be used for any type of guest. Many people are listing their suites on short-term rental websites like Airbnb for extra cash. Other homeowners may see an in-law suite as office space or extra storage when no one is staying in it. This can help you save on expensive office or expensive storage unit rentals, though the ROI may never be met.

The Cost Can Outweigh the Value, Though

In short, MIL suites offer far more than a chance to boost your home’s resale value. But the staggering cost should make any homeowner think twice. Typical in-law suites can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $100,000. It depends on your current home’s layout and room availability, construction costs in your area, and the features you want to include. A bathroom alone can easily reach $25,000. The more intense your addition, the harder it will be to see an ROI when you sell your home.

Before you build, consider the value of the overall benefit this extra space will bring to your home. Even if you don’t get your money back on the resale, having your family close by or having an extra revenue stream might be more valuable.

Exact Value Depends on Your Unique Market

There is no hard figure on how much value a mother in law suite adds to your home because every real estate market is different. Buyers are looking for different features at different times, though an extra suite is likely to stand out for many reasons.

If you want to calculate the value of your suite, determine what it’s really worth. If you used it to save money on in-home caregiving or retirement homes, what would you have spent on these things if you didn’t have the suite?

If you made money through short-term rentals, what did that income amount to? Also, think about what it would cost to add an in-law suite in the future. These things can all translate extra value to the right buyer.

Alternatives to Building a Mother in Law Suite

Mother in law suites don’t have to be connected to your home. Garden cabins, like the ones this company makes, are increasingly popular options. They offer an adequate amount of space to make your guests comfortable. Plus, they provide more privacy for you and your in-laws.

Another option is to convert an attic or garage into an in-law suite and create an entrance directly to the outside. This gives your guests a more private experience. In addition, it might make it easier for you to separate the utilities.

In some cases, building a partial suite makes more sense than a stand-alone living space. Not everyone will need their own bathroom or kitchen. Others might value their privacy and require both. Consider what your in-laws or guests would truly need for their own.

Is a Mother in Law Suite the Right Move for Your Home?

Given the cost of building a mother in law suite, it doesn’t always pay for itself during the resale. However, consider the value it will add to your own lives if you’re not planning on selling your home anytime soon. It could help you save on storage or caregiving costs, or provide additional income as a rental property.

In-law suites are highly sought after elements, even if you don’t see a full ROI on the resale. And if you’re trying to sell your home, anything to make your property more desirable can tip the scales in your favor. For more tips and tricks on Florida real estate, check out our blog.

Homeowners cannot expect a quick win right now. The housing market looks to be slowing down and homeowners need to make sure that they are showing off their properties in the best possible light. If you want to make the most out of your home sale or if you are thinking about putting your home on the market in the upcoming months then this guide will tell you everything you need to know, without you having to worry about a thing.

Brighten your Garden

The first thing that you need to do is take the time to brighten your garden up. At the end of the day, first impressions really do count the most when it comes to your viewing. Your driveway and your front garden is the first thing that people are going to see, so you have to make sure that your impression is solid from the start. 9 out of 10 buyers make their mind up within 5 minutes of arriving at a property, so, therefore, you have to make sure that everything looks perfect, including your front lawn and your garden. As viewers leave, you don’t want to give them an excuse for lessening the interest they have in the property. Full flowerbeds painted windows, maintained facades, and even raked gravel will all help you out, far more than you realize. Want to sell your home quickly without doing any of this? Why not check out WeBuyHouse.com.

Boundaries

Another thing that you need to do is look outside the boundaries of your property. If you see dumped furniture on your street, even if it’s a bit away from your property, you have to make sure that you get it cleared. It’s also worth trying to tell your gardener to clean up any weeds around the cobbled area, or any rubbish that might have been blown away from the neighbor’s garden.

Tidy the Hallway

Quite often, hallways are overlooked but it’s vital to know that this is the first part of the house that your buyer is going to see. Ensure that your lobby or even your entrance hall is completely decluttered. Put the coats that you wear once a year into a storage box or even have a coat purge. This will help you to make sure that you are not just keeping hold of things that you don’t need.

Deep Clean

Giving your house a nice spring clean before you allow visitors might be an obvious choice, but it can make a huge difference if you are trying to sell your home. Cleaning your home both inside and out can help you with the overall presentation when it comes to you having visitors and it may even help you to make a huge difference for a relatively small cost.

Don’t Do anything Drastic

Now is not a good time for you to be redoing your bathroom or your kitchen. You should not be willing to completely redo your bathroom or even your kitchen, because there’s a high chance that buyers will want to make their own taste so that they can make the property feel like theirs.

Make the Small Changes

You have to make sure that your entire home is up to scratch when it comes to making your sale. You need to make sure that you tidy up any tired paint and you also need to do a few DIY jobs as well. If you are able to do this then you can help your buyer to visualize the property as being their own. Clear storage spaces will also help your buyers as it means that they are never going to be met with jam-packed cupboards. The main thing that you have to remember here is that space is an incredibly valuable commodity for buyers in this day and age. If you want to take advantage of this then you need to try and declutter. You also need to try and repaint the front door and invest in a doormat if possible. The great thing about doing this is that you can do it over the weekend, and you can also make your property stand out far more than you realize.

Clean your Windows

Believe it or not, giving your windows and your mirrors a good wipe down is good too. You need to show your buyers around your home and if it is a sunny day then the smudges will almost definitely show up. Washing the windows is yet another simple yet very effective task that essentially shows the buyers how to enjoy the landscape.

Are you searching for your dream home on the market? If so, you should consider building one instead. The reality is that your dream home probably doesn’t exist. Even if you find one in your area, it won’t have all the key features you want. Build your home and you can get all the specific features that you need down to the smallest detail. That said, there are some key points to consider before you settle on this choice.

The Cost

First, think about the cost of building your home. People tend to think that building is going to be more expensive than buying. That’s not always the case. In the past build was more expensive but things have changed. You can now build a home within a set budget. To do this, you need to find the right contractor. A skilled contractor will work within your budget. They will ensure everything you want is included in the new home. They may also recommend ways to cut costs like choosing different materials.

Does Location Matter?

You should definitely think about location carefully when you are building your home. Certain factors relating to the location could cause issues. For instance, you must avoid building somewhere like a flood plain. This will put your investment in jeopardy from day one. You should also check the area has a solid infrastructure. Without the right infrastructure, you will encounter two issues. First, you’ll find the build becomes more expensive as you will have to complete the groundwork here. Second, it becomes more difficult to sell because it doesn’t have the support buyers need.

Can You Profit?

You can profit when you build your own home. You could build a property specifically to rent it out. Specialists such as A1 Home Builders provide this option and will ensure that you get the benefits you need. You just need to make sure the home is built to the right level of quality. This includes everything from the exterior to the interior of the home. It should all match what buyers would expect when looking at a new build. You can sell the property as soon as you build. Or, you can continue to make changes.

How Long Will It Take?

The answer to this question depends on a few key points. First, you need to think about whether you are taking on help. Some people will build their homes without any support. If that’s the case, it could take several years. You may also struggle to get the planning permission. That will always slow down the process. That said, with the right team, it’s possible to get a property built and liveable within about a year. As such, you won’t be waiting long until you can move into your new home.

Using this guide you should now know whether building a home is the right choice for you. There’s a lot of factors to consider here before you make a final decision. It goes beyond budget considerations.

When selecting a finish for your hardwood floors, there are two main options that you’ll want to consider: water or oil polyurethane. Both of these finishes offer advantages and disadvantages, which is why you’ll want to evaluate your options closely before making a decision.

The Benefits of Water-Based Polyurethane

A water-based finish will dry quickly and will be completely clear. It doesn’t have much of an odor, and it is possible to apply multiple coatings in one day. It can give your floors an appealing natural appearance.

Because this finish doesn’t have any sort of tint, it’s an excellent way to highlight the character of your wood floors. Floors that are coated with this type of finish can be cleaned with water, which makes it a practical choice as well. Experts recommend applying four coats of a water-based finish to floors.

The Drawbacks of Water-Based Polyurethane

One of the biggest disadvantages of choosing a water-based finish is its price point. It will cost you nearly twice as much as an oil-based finish would. Because it’s clear, it also won’t give wood a glow or enhance it in any other way.

While a water-based finish can protect your floors, it’s likely that you’ll need to apply new coats every few years for the best results. As mentioned above, you’ll need to apply at least four coats each time in order to fully protect your floors. More coats are necessary because water-based polyurethane contains fewer solids than oil-based polyurethane.

The Benefits of Oil Polyurethane

One of the main reasons people choose this, https://woodwhiz.com/oil-based-polyurethanes-for-hardwood-floors finish is its affordability. It’s significantly less expensive than water-based polyurethane, especially when you consider that you can apply fewer coats and get the same results. Once it’s applied, it requires very little maintenance.

Another advantage of this coating is the way that it changes the appearance of wood floors. It has a slight tint to it and can leave floors with a beautiful amber glow. If you’re not a fan of the natural appearance of your floorboards, you may find that an oil finish is your best option.

The Drawbacks of Oil Polyurethane

It can take a long time to apply this finish to your floors. You’ll have to wait for five hours between coats so that each coat has a chance to fully dry. When the last coat is applied, it will need to dry for a full 12 hours.

It’s not unusual for this to turn into a multi-day project. This finish also has a strong odor, which can be difficult to deal with. If you’re applying a coating to the floors of a home you live in, this finish could wind up being a source of stress for you.

What Coating Should You Choose?

When you’re deciding on the finish you want for your floors, you’ll want to take a number of factors into consideration. You’ll want to think about your needs and your budget. You’ll also want to think about the impact each type of finish will have on the appearance of your floors.

You may want to look at examples of floors that have been coated with both a water and oil-based finish so that you can get a better idea of what you should expect. Focus on the short and long-term so that you can make the best decision about how to proceed.

Both water and oil polyurethane coatings can deliver excellent results. No matter what type of finish you choose, it’s likely that you’ll be satisfied with your floors. Learn more about your options and find the finish that will give you the look you’re after.

In today’s day and age, several tasks have been automated successfully. Many vacation rental automation tools have been created specifically to help hosts and property managers. From smart thermostats to smart home devices, there is practically a tool for every task.

Hosts need to have their work cut out for them if they want to stand out among the millions of listings, and with vacation rental automation it is much easier. By investing in software, you can save money, time, and workforce that you can then reinvest into your vacation rental property again. It will also help you to deliver an enhanced guest experience and offer better value to your guests. Here are some of the main tasks that you can automate:

Automate Messaging to Improve Guest Experience

When it comes to guest communication, your response time can be the difference between securing a booking or not. Ideally, hosts must reply within a few minutes (even replying within the hour can be too long). Needless to say, this is not humanly possible to do 24/7, but with the right tool, you can. Most vacation rental automation software solutions have triggered messaging and templates that you can personalize to help you reply faster.

Synchronize Direct Bookings and Reservations Across Multiple Vacation Rental Sites

Channel managers enable you to manage your property’s availability and update reservations across multiple vacation rental websites (such as Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). Many vacation rental automation software also has this channel manager feature. Though, they are a better investment as they also have direct bookings management and a multi-calendar dashboard that you can use to manage your calendars via a single place. It is easier and faster as you will no longer have to log off and into different accounts. Also, as you will be able to see all the information immediately, planning all the tasks linked to the different reservations is simple.

Automate Your Check-in/Checkout Process

Guests appreciate efficiency, especially during the check-in and checkout process. A smart lock is pretty convenient as it enables you to provide self-check-in. In addition, it is also more secure than keys or electronic locks for that matter and can help you and your guests feel safer and more rest assured.

If keyless entry is too foreign, but you still want to offer self-check-in, you can use a service such as Keycafe. In short, Keycafe uses nearby cafes as storage locations for keys where guests or cleaners can pick them up during the trading hours of the specific location.

Automate Cleaning, Team Management, and Maintenance

Cleanliness has always been important in the vacation rental industry. However, in 2020 it has become even more crucial and challenging to manage with the special requirements that have been in place for the pandemic. A vacation rental automation tool lets you create cleaning and maintenance tasks and automatically notifies cleaners and other team members on your behalf. It greatly reduces human error!

Control Your Earnings by Automated Financial Reporting

The guests have checked out and the cleaning task has been assigned to a cleaner, but there are still tasks on your to-do list, such as financial reporting. With the right management software solution, you can access comprehensive financial reports. It will give you much more insight than an Excel spreadsheet, which makes staying on top of your financials (and within budget) simple, even without a financial background.

Use an All-in-one Solution for all Your Vacation Rental Management Tasks

As you can see, there is actually a long list of tasks that you can automate in the vacation rental industry. If you were to use a different tool for each of these tasks, it will defy the purpose. In fact, you might even end up spending more time.

So, the real solution is to invest in an all-in-one solution, such as iGMS. It offers all these features (and more) to help you stay in control of your business and steer it to success. Even if you do not use all the features from day one, it has everything you need to grow your business when the need arises.

All things considered, vacation rental automation is for everyone. For minimal upfront investment, you get the tools you need to use your time and workforce optimally. With this information, you are empowered to take (back) control of your short-term rentals.