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3 Important Developments In The Property Sector This Year
The housing market will experience moderate growth rates and sustained low mortgage rates this year. However, the housing inventory is low, and there are not enough new homes that are being built to meet the demand. This brings builder confidence higher than it has been in two decades, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). For builders and developers that are planning to expand their inventory, whether building to rent or sell, here are important developments in the real estate sector to expect this year.
From Downtown To The Suburbs
The majority of home buyers are millennials at 38%, and as they become parents of kids who are soon going to school, there is a high demand for family homes. As real estate prices rise, developers are pushing to build new structures outside of big cities or in the suburbs to accommodate demand and offer affordable homes. These communities of residences are also connected to transport systems and the presence of retail shops, and recreation areas make the suburbs attractive to buyers without the feeling of isolation. For example, Bayberry Homes prioritize community values in their homes in Middletown, Delaware, a suburban location with ample shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in addition to schools.
Housing For Seniors
As life expectancy increases, more people are going to enter their retirement years. Statistics from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies indicate that the number of Americans over 80 years will increase from 6 to 12 million in the next two decades. Moreover, the same report also predicts that by 2035, one in three US households will be headed by a person 65 years or older. Consequently, property developers will be building a variety of housing options for seniors, from upscale apartments in cities to independent living communities. For older people who want to age in place, renovations and modifications of existing homes will focus on making them accessible and comfortable for the elderly. House sharing is another option in new builds, with subsidized housing helping to stabilize the rents of seniors.
Life plan communities may not be the solution for seniors who do not have the means to pay the initial high entrance fee, but in the long run, it may be the cheaper option. Seniors who might need skilled nursing care in the future can opt for this combination type of living arrangement in a single complex or campus, allowing residents to move from independent to assisted living, and from there to skilled nursing care, if necessary. Ventana by Buckner, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is an example of a high rise senior housing with upscale amenities.
Adoption Of Technology
Real estate has not adopted or embraced technology that quickly, but it is gaining ground. Smart home adoption is expected to increase, especially in using digital assistants and security cams, as well as fitting intelligent appliances that will make living and maintaining a home a breeze. Property companies are also developing new products that will revive the multi-family sector. Services that will simplify the operations and maintenance of apartment dwellers are going to be offered, from package delivery to digital concierge assistance.
Considering that around 4.6 million units need to be added by 2030 to keep up with the demand for apartment living, the building industry is anticipating the development of units that are more personalized and adaptable to changing lifestyles, according to a report by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC). The best way to differentiate a developer or builder is to use better technology and more technology to give the residence a distinct character. Hence, expect to see dedicated lockers that can hold packages and even refrigerate grocery deliveries, smart locks that are app-centric, and ground-up applications that residents can use to communicate and meet, and hopefully form a community.
The housing market in 2020 is stable. Emerging trends such as the revival of the suburbs, senior housing, and aggressive adoption of technology in making smart and connected homes are some important developments in the property sector this year.
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Plumbing Checklist for Your New Home
Are you planning to buy a new home in Miami? Before you even try to think about doing interior design, you should first consider whether there are any home repairs that you must address and factor them into the purchase cost. Sometimes a home can be sold below the market price because there are many hidden construction issues. Note that some home warranties do not cover long-standing issues. In the end, these repairs can cause you to shell out more money than intended. One of the main things that you have to look at closely is the plumbing system. Next time you go to a showing, bring this checklist with you so you can have an idea of what plumbing issues you should take note of.
Inspect the Fixtures
As you go around the house, it is okay to turn on the faucets to see if they are working correctly. Take note if there are any signs of leaks. See if the taps and showers have the right water pressure. Also, don’t forget to check the drains. If there is a water heater, check that it does not have any issues.
When you head to the bathroom, flush the toilet, and see if any of them have any clogs. Take note if there is any smell after flushing. An unpleasant odor could mean that a part of the toilet system has issues such as the p-trap or air trap.
Take a Close Look at the Pipes
Don’t forget to check the pipes used to supply water to the home, since this can factor in the overall functionality of your plumbing system to see if they are working fine. See if the pipes have any leaks or corrosion. Sometimes tugging at it can already clue you in on its durability. If you find one that’s of poor quality, it is safe to assume that most of the plumbing works in the home are something that should worry you. If you have already bought the house, you can use inflatable pipe plugs to have a better look at the pipes.
Examine the Heaters
In new homes, hot water delivery is through the use of a boiler. If your area has cold winters, a properly working boiler is a must. Ask about the age of the boilers. Know that the average lifespan of a water heater is ten years. If the one in your house is older than that, it may be more prone to leaks. If you haven’t agreed to a purchase price yet, see if the seller can have the boilers replaced before finalizing the sale.
Scan for Water Damage
Most homes for sale are staged before any showing. It is to make sure that the house would sell fast. As a potential buyer, make sure to scrutinize every nook and cranny. See if there are any signs of water damage on the walls and ceilings. Are there brown spots that may indicate a sign of water damage? Does the ceiling have warping? Do this check in the bathrooms and kitchen as well. Make sure that you cover all the water sources in the home.
Check Exterior Plumbing
Once you have a complete run-through of the interior plumbing, don’t forget about the exterior plumbing. One of the signs that you should look for is if there is a specific area that has wet soil. It can be a sign that the house has a plumbing issue.
Buying a home is a tedious process. You have to make sure that everything in your checklist is ticked off. You have to be patient to go through this process for your peace of mind. Sometimes, the repair issues are apparent, but there can also be times when you have to scrutinize every room in the house to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.
Read MoreSiding Upgrade Ideas
A worn-out exterior not only has a negative impact on a home’s market value but makes it look shabby as well. If your home is due for an exterior update or you need a change, there are plenty of options to consider for siding replacement.
Siding, available in a wide range of colors, styles, budgets, and materials carries a good return in the renovation. The Remodeling magazine 2018 Cost vs. Value Report reveals that the ROI is approximately 76 per cent.
See below house siding ideas that will breathe new life into a tired exterior.
Siding Ideas for Home Exterior Makeovers
Vinyl Siding
Manufacturers offer many styles and color options of vinyl siding, and it is one of the low-cost types on the market.
Pros of vinyl siding:
- Provided the original layer is in good condition, vinyl siding can be installed over the existing one, making it an excellent choice for retrofitting.
- Once dirty, you can use a hose to wash off vinyl siding, while others require periodic maintenance, hence easy to maintain.
- New vinyl products maintain their original color even after years of exposure to the sun.
Cons of vinyl siding:
- When installed, the product may result in seams since the standard siding planks are 12 feet long. To avoid this, you will need extra-long planks.
- It is challenging to refresh or change the color of vinyl siding in the future. Some latex paints work on vinyl, but to get the best results, hire a professional painter.
Wood Siding
Cedar or redwood makes beautiful wood sliding for updating your house. Though it requires more maintenance than other options, when well looked after, wood siding is incredibly durable.
Pros of wood siding:
- Redwood and cedar resists insect infestation and decay naturally.
- It is easy to replace cracked or damaged planks and shakes.
- Based on your preferences, wood siding is easy to stain, seal, or paint.
Cons of wood siding:
- Compared to synthetic siding products, wood siding is more flammable. Look for flame retardant treated options.
- To protect the siding, you have to stain or paint a wood-clad house every three to five years.
Fibre-cement Siding
Due to its positive impact on home value and long life span, fibre-cement siding is popular among today’s homeowners.
Pros of fibre-cement siding:
- Fibre-cement siding is virtually maintenance-free, resists insect infestation and sturdy.
- Planks can be made to resemble different textures like stones or concrete.
- The fibre-cement products are ready for a custom paint color and pre-finished in a range of colors. You can paint the siding to the color of your choice in the future.
Cons of fibre-cement siding:
- Fibre-cement costs more than other products in the market.
- Compared to other products, this siding is heftier and can crack if dropped.
Metal Siding
Metal siding is not as popular today due to advancements in vinyl siding technology, but still an option if you are looking for low maintenance products that are durable.
Pros of metal siding:
- Aluminum siding is easy to install and lightweight.
- Since the pigment is applied and baked on during the manufacturing process, the products come in plenty of color options.
- Steel and aluminum siding are difficult to scratch or dent.
- The long lifespan of metal siding will last the life of your home.
Cons of metal siding:
- It is almost impossible to remove any dent in metal siding.
- When metal siding gets scratches, you need to cover them immediately with exterior paint to protect the metal as it will rust.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding is a lower-cost alternative to traditional redwood or cedar siding, made of binding agents and wood fibers.
Pros of engineered wood siding:
- This wood siding is eco-friendly.
- Engineered wood sliding are ready to paint and primed or finished in a variety of colors.
- These siding planks are resistant to insect infestations due to the binding agents used in the manufacturing process.
Cons of engineered wood siding:
- To protect engineered wood sliding from elements, you will need to repaint it every five to ten years.
- Damage or cracks of the siding cracks will cause it to warp and deteriorate quickly.
Brick Veneer
A brick veneer will offer an excellent option for a sophisticated look if your house is not constructed with solid bricks. Though sometimes described as a thin layer of brick, brick veneer is a single layer of standard brick built onto a wooden frame, then mounted to the home exterior.
Pros of brick veneer:
- Compared to a solid brick exterior, brick veneer is much less expensive but looks just as lovely.
- This veneer has unparalleled resistance to fire and termites. It is also maintenance-free.
- Brick veneer is an eco-friendly cladding option due to its construction with salvaged brick.
Cons of brick veneer:
- Improperly installed or clogged weep drains can lead to moisture problems in a home.
- Soil level shifts can also cause cracks on the mortar.
Comparing Bids and Hiring a Siding Contractor
Leave all siding replacement and repair jobs to professionals as they have both the experience and tools for efficient, correct and safe execution of the tasks.
Take your time in hiring the right company to handle your home exterior work as it represents a significant financial investment. Listen to your intuition, if something does not feel or sound right, heed to the internal warning.
How to Compare Bids
Get bids from several companies and compare them equally.
Insist on detailed written bids to make comparison easier. Be wary of extremely low or extremely high prices. A job incorrectly done will cost more in the long run.
How to Hire the Right Siding Contractor
Best Pick Reports makes it easy for you to get the right contractor by the annual vetting of siding companies for verification of insurance coverage and high-quality work.
If you are out of the coverage areas, here are tips to make your search as smooth as possible.
Ask friends, neighbors and family members for referrals.
Look out for companies with active policies on workers’ compensation insurance coverage and general liability.
Consider the company’s experience and if they are members of any relevant industry organizations.
Check online reviews of the company and note the negative concerns and problems highlighted.
Once you choose the company to hire, insist on written details of the work. Any adjustments in the future should be made in writing as well. Do not pay for the job upfront, only a deposit to finalize the contract.
The Bottom Line
Home exterior upgrades are vital. When you are planning for a siding replacement to improve its energy use or update the look, take time and consider all your options.
Check reliable sources for tips and resources on your preferred siding type. Good contractors will address all your questions and concerns promptly.
The right product and contractor will give you great results once the installation of the siding is complete.
Read More4 Possible Upgrades to Make Before Putting Your Home on the Market
When you’re planning to put your home on the market, it’s important to be realistic about both its value and what upgrades might be required. While it’s usually viable to have your home listed as is, the greater number of problems that you must disclose, the more reasons buyers have to either discount their offer or not give one at all.
Other types of upgrades might be to modernize or replace something unsightly to increase the attractiveness when having an open house. In which case, you’re really betting that the cost of the changes will prevent your home staying on the market too long and avoid low-ball offers.
Here are 4 possible upgrades or changes to make before putting your home on the market.
The Roofing
The roof is likely to be inspected by a potential buyer’s team to verify that there are no serious issues. Having a bad roof can keep your home stuck on the market for months and months.
Missing hip and ridge shingles at the highest point of the roof, or missing shingles elsewhere on the surface lets water in below to the felt underlayment. While there is probably a water and ice barrier under the felt, it might have far outstretched its usefulness or viability if too much moisture has already found its way below the surface.
It’s useful to get an inspection from a company like Semper Solaris to verify the state of the roof. They can properly determine if a roofing repair is necessary and what will be required to complete it. Also, in a situation where the roof is ancient and the subject of roofing replacements has been on your mind for some time, then likely the home won’t sell as it is. In which case, it’s probably recommended to replace the decrepit roof with something that’ll be a selling point on the listing.
The Paintwork
The paintwork is one upgrade that returns well on time and money invested. It’s not a costly change to make, but it sure is noticeable for people on a viewing appointment.
Exterior
The exterior of the home – especially the front – is what prospective buyers see first when they pull up. The outside walls take the brunt of the daily weather patterns and are likely to fade the soonest. They will also pick up any pollutants in the air and gradually look darker and less clean.
Putting in work to repaint the home’s exterior is well worth it. It can be completed with a ladder, a pair of paint rollers and the paint that you’ve chosen. Pick a color that will hold broad appeal and contrast the surrounding front lawn or pathway well.
Interior
With the interior, we typically fail to notice when it’s long overdue for a couple of new coats of paint. If you’ve got little children, then they may have secretly doodled drawings on the walls. Handprints from grubby hands from playing outside may have happened too. Have a good look around to see which rooms need to be repainted.
Take the opportunity to add a lighter hue if it feels too dark in a few rooms. While adding a mirror to some walls to reflect light and make the room appear larger is never a bad idea, lighter-colored paint helps light dance off the walls automatically adding luminance.
The Flooring
Choosing whether to replace the flooring is dependent on how much of an issue it is. Certainly, wooden flooring has become more popular in parts of the country than carpeting. However, carpets are less expensive to purchase and have installed.
When there’s a carpet that’s too old and should be replaced, it’s a personal choice whether to replace it with a new carpet or switch to hardwood floors. The return of hardwood flooring upon home resale may not be there compared to adding a decent carpet.
The Quick Fixes
What are the things that people will notice when on a walkaround that you know about but just haven’t gotten around to fixing yet? Do you have scuffed flooring where a table was dragged across it? An untidy back yard? You probably know what they are already.
Now is the time to make a To-Do List of those items in a handy app and get busy knocking off those tasks one by one. Be sure to not start more than one at a time, so you can get some positive momentum.
While you cannot get everything perfect – people are always going to find something they don’t like – once you get most of the issues out the way, it gets easier from there. If you’re unsure which improvements to make, then you can always talk to a listing agent to get their take on it. That way, you won’t waste money on upgrades that could lose you money because potential buyers wouldn’t have cared either way.
Read MoreHow To Find The Best Real Estate Agent For You
When you need to choose a real estate agent, it can be overwhelming. Deciding the best one for you is vital for a firm sale and a stress-free experience. There are a few things that you need to take note of to ensure the deal goes smoothly.
Locating estate agents.
For the best to get Leads For Real Estate Agents is through online, local papers, and social media platforms. This ensures the information is up to date, and you can see what sort of coverage they give for the houses for sale. You will get the best possible audience this way. The more coverage you have means you will have better chance of a quick sale.
In-store and online.
It is always good to find a local real estate agent as they will know the surrounding areas and know the best prices for what the property includes. It’s still nice to be ready to visit the agents you choose so you can see the agents who will be helping you along with researching their website.
Also, using a local estate agent means that someone who calls at short notice can sometimes get viewing as there’s not much traveling for the estate agent to get to the property quickly. If you notice an agent has a professional website with lots of photos and knowledge, they are passionate.
When sourcing a company online, look into the quality of pictures they take home to make them sell. Often people forget to look at reviews when they are online, but this can tell you what their service is really like. These are from real people, so they can show you how they did. When you see a company that thrives in what it are doing, it can be a massive factor.
Research their fees.
When it comes to agent fees, this can vary over many estate agents. Sometimes it is not always best to pick the cheapest as you will often get what you pay for. You can get more commitment from a team if they have time and the experience to present to you.
Having more knowledge will show your property to its full potential. Getting quotes and talking to a couple of companies could help you decide on the best company to get you the best sale. Check if they provide a percentage commission or a fixed fee for selling your house.
Hopefully, with this guide, you will be able to have piece of mind that you are finding the best estate agent for you. Looking at their website will take the weight off your shoulders as you can get a feel for what they are like. Social media is a big part of seeing what estate agents are up to.
Following this regularly can take the weight off your shoulders that you know what you are dealing with. Often when it comes to this industry, the cheapest option is not always the best option. After researching their background, it can be easier to decide and opt for a company that will give you the best result.
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Selling a Home With a Faulty Foundation
Selling a home is an expensive endeavor on its own. If you have to fix a leaking foundation, you may find yourself wondering: are you going to get value back for all of your hard work?
While it’s not impossible to sell a home with a leaking foundation, it is always more financially sound to reach out to a local foundation repair contractor yourself. These professionals will be able to guide you through the process of repairing your foundation and give you back your home – and all of its market value.
The Causes of Foundation Leaks
Foundations don’t start leaking out of nowhere. You’ll want to keep an eye on your surroundings and on the condition of your home if you want to anticipate a leak. There are some clear signs that can let you know whether or not damage may be imminent. These include but are not limited to:
- Heavy rain
- Shifting soil
- Your foundation’s response to the weather
- Your foundation materials
- The nearby expansion of tree roots
As you can see, foundations most often leak as a result of an environmental change or hazard. If you notice the weather in your area shifting rapidly or the trees in your yard suffering from ill health, it may be time to check out the state of your foundation.
Signs to Look Out For
There are clearer symptoms to keep an eye out for, however, that’ll tell you right away whether or not your foundation is in one piece. The symptoms you’ll find inside of your home include:
- Bowing walls
- Shifting floors
- Gaps at the joints of your foundation
- Sticking doors
- Foggy windows
- Water-damaged belongings or furniture
- Mold
Unfortunately, many homeowners are so stressed by the thought of paying for home foundation repairs that they let cracks grow unattended. If you leave a crack too long, the leak in your foundation will start to impact the outside of your home. Exterior signs of a severe foundation leak include:
- Vertical cracks in your walls
- A cracked chimney
- Cracks running horizontally across your foundation
- Sinking
What to Do If Your Foundation is Leaking
It’s tempting, when you first notice the signs of a leak, to wait and hope that the leak patches itself up or that the weather in your area improves. On one hand, this course of action is understandable. After all, you can sell a home with a leaking foundation. On the other hand, you’ll have to note that the foundation has gone untreated in your listing. In doing so, you risk losing up to 30 percent of your home’s market value.
It’s often the most financially-sound decision to try and treat your home before a leak can worsen. There are a number of ways you can do so, including:
- Piering
- Underpinning
- Leveling and slabjacking
- Sealing
- Subfloor drainage
Depending on the severity of your leak, these treatments can cost anywhere between $500 and $6,000. You won’t be able to choose a solution at random, though. You’re going to need to get in touch with a local contractor if you want to choose the best solution for your home and unique situation.
The good news is that if you’re worried about saving money, most foundation repair contractors provide you with an initial inspection free of charge. After this inspection, you’ll have a better idea of your leak’s cause and what the contractor can do to dry out your home.
Calling for Back-up
In this era of DIY and renovation, it’s tempting to try and take on the challenge of filling a leak on your own. This is never something you should do, though, unless you have the proper certifications. If you try to fill a foundation leak without professional guidance, you risk making the leak worse and further devaluing your home.
Selling your property is stressful enough on its own time. Don’t rely on luck to regain your home’s value. Instead, reach out to a local contractor as soon as you suspect a leak. If you work quickly, you’ll be able to repair your foundation for lower costs and retain your home’s market value.
Read MoreHow To Spruce Up Your Garden Before Selling Or Renting
Spending less than $300 in lawn care alone can yield a 352% return on investment, according to research from HomeLight. An overgrown, poorly landscaped garden can put a lot of people off, whether you’re trying to sell or rent your property. This can mean that you have to lower your price to get anyone seriously interested. Spending a bit of time and money on your garden before putting your property on the market is often the better option, as it pays off in the long run.
Maintain trees and remove any problematic ones
Trees can be a great asset for gardens, especially in big spaces, but they need to be healthy and well-positioned. A tree that’s near the home and is leaning over, or has lots of branches that look like they could break soon, is a big put off as there’s a risk of damage to the property. Sorting this out can add value to your property. It’s also worth inspecting trees that may have decay or root problems, as these look bad and can lead to structural problems on your property. Dealing with tree problems is vital if you’re selling your home, and it will give renters peace of mind. Remember, don’t remove all trees: many people appreciate trees for some shade in the hot Miami sun.
Good looking lawns
A lawn seems like a simple thing, but if it hasn’t been maintained, it can look like a big problem. In most cases, lawns can easily be rescued, which is an inexpensive job. Raking over your lawn can help to remove any moss and weeds. You can then sprinkle grass seeds in areas that need a little boost. Installing a sprinkler can be a good idea to help keep the grass green and healthy, as well as give new seeds the chance to grow. Going around lawn borders to neaten them up will give the garden a cleaner look overall and shows potential buyers or renters that you’ve maintained the garden.
Show what the space has to offer
Estate agents often recommend staging a home to show people how it can work for them, as well as making it looks its best. Doing the same in the garden is important too, especially in large gardens where the weather entices people to spend a lot of time outdoors. Having a table and chairs next to a barbecue on a patio area helps people to imagine themselves enjoying the space with friends and family, which is a great association for your property to have when they think back on it. If you have a pool, have pool loungers out, make sure the pool is clean, and you could even offer some drinks for people looking around. Again, this helps them to picture themselves living there.
You don’t usually need to spend a lot of money to make your property’s garden look good, and a lot of jobs are easy to do yourself. A good garden helps to add value to your property and entices people to come and have a look.
Read MoreWhy should you refinish your floors?
Floors can normally last for years with proper care. However, that doesn’t mean that they will not suffer from wear and tear at some point. Thankfully, a hardwood floor that seems worn and quite old should not necessarily need to be replaced. In fact, it can be refinished and look new and fresh in a matter of some hours. So, why is floor refinishing worth your attention?
It can cover scratches
A floor with lots of scratches is usually in need of some immediate refinishing. Those scratches have probably worn through the stain and particularly when the stain is by itself quite dark, the problem gets worse. In most cases, those scratches are topical and therefore, you can easily remove them with a simple sand and refinish. However, over time, some spots on the floor may appear really damaged. For example, you may notice spots where the wood has been deeply cut. That situation is not so common, and when it appears, you may consider replacing part of your floor.
It can refine the color of the floor
Floor refinishing can really make your floor look shiny and new again. When your floor suddenly turns grey, it is probably time for you to intervene. Why does the floor change its color? Well, when the polyurethane wears off, it is normal that the wood absorbs water. Water can actually be produced by several sources, including the rain, snow, spilled drink or even your pet’s paws. The wood absorbs a certain amount of water, oxidizes and turns gray. If you don’t refinish your floors at that point, then the situation will only get worse and in the end, the color of your floor will look black.
It can save your floor from fading
Floor refinishing is just what your floor needs if it has been damaged by the sun. The UV rays can discolor your floors or make them look faded and old. Particularly during the day, when the light comes in ample quantities from the windows, the difference will be quite noticeable and irritating, as well. Sanding and refinishing is the only effective way in dealing with this issue, as they enable to remove the top floor layer and apply a new stain afterward.
It can save you a lot of money
As we can all understand, floor refinishing is a lot more inexpensive compared to floor replacement. A damaged floor requires your immediate attention in order to avoid deterioration of the existing situation. Professional refinishing is the most appropriate and cost-friendly type of action you can take when you notice that your floor is calling for your help.
It can improve your house’s value and appearance
Every time someone looks at your house, there is no chance he will miss taking a good look at the floors. Whether you are on the lookout for a possible buyer or you just wish to entertain some friends, a well-preserved floor can make all the difference. Floor refinishing can really increase the value of your house and make it all the more appealing to outsiders. Apart from that, you are going to feel more relaxed and happy if you live in a well-cared property. After all, you and your family or beloved persons are the ones who are really affected by the look of your house on a daily basis.
It can increase your safety
Apart from the whole effect a well-preserved floor has on the beauty and appearance of your house, it is also, highly associated with the owner’s safety. For example, a floor that’s splintering could possibly cause someone’s foot to be seriously injured. Refinishing damaged floors before they get even worse, can really help owners live more safely and avoid getting involved in unfortunate accidents that could be prevented.
It is true that floors can normally live for centuries without getting damaged. However, even if we constantly cover them with rugs and clean them on a regular basis, it is quite normal for them to wear off after some while. After all, a typical owner will usually step on the floors several times a day. Floor refinishing is among the first steps homeowners should have in mind when they find that their floors are damaged one way or another. It is a method that’s quite inexpensive compared to floor replacement and it can give your house a brand new and fresh look.
Bathroom VS Kitchen Remodel: Which Should You Do First?
Remodeling something in your home is a great way to enhance any room. The question is should you choose the bathroom or the kitchen? Both are important in the house so how do you choose which one to do first?
Can I find a bathroom remodel near me? Are there any constraints when remodeling both rooms? Is it possible to remodel them both at the same time?
These are some of the questions that might flood your mind. It can be hard to choose especially when you’re on a tight budget. The key is understanding the impact of working on each room.
How to Decide on What to Remodel First
You can find a lot of room additions Los Angeles companies that can help you decide what to remodel. But you also have to think about if there is a kitchen or bathroom remodel near me? Some homeowners love their kitchens more than their bathrooms. While some will choose vice versa.
Reasons why you might choose kitchen remodeling:
- Ask yourself where you spend more time. It would be the kitchen.
- The kitchen can also bring you pleasure as this is also used as a family area.
- Guests will often see the kitchen more than the bathroom.
- Homebuyers look into the kitchen first compared to the bathroom.
Reasons why you would want to remodel your bathroom first:
- You love taking long baths.
- You don’t cook much.
- You often use your kitchen area as storage.
Will Remodeling Cost You a Lot?
There are bathroom and kitchen remodeler Los Angeles companies that offer various rates. It would depend on the size of the bathroom or kitchen that needs work. The amount you spend also depends on how much budget you’re willing to shell out.
Mid-range kitchen remodels will run $19,000. While the major ones would go for $57,000. Mid-range bathroom remodels are about $17,000. While the major remodels are at $40,000 for 48 sq. feet.
So Which Is Which? Is it the Bathroom or the Kitchen?
The decision lies on you and what you deem important. One thing to note is that kitchen remodeling can be invasive and can cost a lot more. Bathrooms have smaller space so they tend to be cheaper. The important thing is you choose a remodeler that can work with the budget that you have.
The satisfaction rate is important and so is the quality of the remodeling. Choose your remodelers well. Make sure they have the skills, knowledge, and experience in working on the field.
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How To Set Up a Small Garage Woodworking Workshop on Budget
Even the idea of having your own wood workshop is enough to make a person feel amazed. The joy of crafting the joinery yourself for different projects is always appealing. However, when we think of having our own wood workshop, space and tools come as two major concerns.
Not to worry though as we bring you here this article. Learn how you can set up a small workshop in a garage, and that means it is going to be a budget-friendly deal.
Get Ready with Space
You should first determine which space you are going to use as a setup. It can be a space in your home that you haven’t used, or it can be an area from that garage. Be creative with space and carve a blueprint before going with the real storage.
A basement can be a good option too that you can décor as your DIY woodshop. You would need tools like power tools and saws as major belongings along with the minor ones, be prepared with the dimensions or the calculations. If you are dubious about the process, have some small garage workshop ideas from the Internet.
Get Enlightened about the Tools
The next important thing is the equipment. Tools are what makes crafting possible. It is important to have the right tools that would let you do all the joinery work you expect. For example, there are so many types of table saws you can buy such as portable, beginner or for your small shop as a cost-effective solution.
You can also buy a handsaw that is pretty cheap. Do purchase the hand tools or power tools as you prefer. You will also need a pencil and measuring tape for the purpose. Get a power drill, a sander, and basic safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and ear protection.
Organize Your Tools
When you have a whole shop to handle, it is advised to have everything organized. A messy space is always disappointing and leads to frustration, unnecessarily. If you want to see everything in order and well-maintained, organize every tool in the same place.
Also, the organization makes your woodshop a safe place to be so you don’t accidentally harm yourself. To do it more effectively, Google some woodworking workshop designs. Moreover, you can find pegboards for hanging those tools. Similarly, you can have ceiling-mounted hangers that are useful for electrical cords. A tool bag would be useful to keep all the tools handy.
Try to Buy Portable Equipment
This is the technological age where everything is portable. Portability saves space, money, and yet provides more efficiency in every aspect. So instead of owning giant machinery, research properly and find compact tools that are fair in size and still do the job.
Such as there are hybrid table saws that are rich in functioning without occupying much space. Foldable tables are another great example of space-saving. Be creative, do research, and explore all your options to choose the best of them.
Don’t Forget Temperature and Ventilation
Unless you are living in a place where the weather is not too harsh, you should have a proper setup for temperature regulation and ventilation. If there are hot summers and freezing winters, create a cozy environment inside. This would allow you for concentrated joinery and your valuable equipment won’t also be affected.
Proper airflow will keep humidity at bay and this will also keep the wood safe. All in all, by ensuring ventilation, you are safe against any possible misfortune.
Have a Reliable Power Source
If you even have a few machines, you will need enough power supply. So unless the shop is only about handheld tools, make sure the power supply is reliable. All those electric saws, power tools like drills will need the power to keep the work going on.
Do check the outlets for their voltage requirements such as 110 volts or 220. Buy the outlets accordingly and operate as per the instructions. Place all these things away from water so there is no possibility of getting electrocuted.
Proper Lighting is a Must
When you are in a closed space, let it be the basement or garage where you have set up the shop, light is going to be your ultimate companion. Proper illumination is a must since it not only helps you with crafting but keeps you safe from any accidents that may happen due to poor visibility.
Always have a good amount of lighting while working those saws, tools, or anything that needs proper focus. Keep the bulb in a specific area to have desired finishing in your projects; do not compromise the clarity just because of poor light. You can have an idea about small woodworking shop layout plans and see how and where you should install the illumination sources such as LED lights.
Outsourcing is Wise
Well, you can outsource a job that is not interesting enough or you think you would need extra machinery. Sometimes, buying a machine or equipment for a single-time use is not enough. And if the case is a similar one, outsource the specific task, and use the time for something more productive in your workshop.
Whether you are a professional or a DIYer, outsourcing never hurts, in fact, it can be a great time-saver.
Wrapping Up
Keep it fun and enjoy every moment of converting your space into a wood workshop. Learn about all the basic equipment, the layout plans as per the space available, and modify the shop for something amazing.
If you are a beginner, don’t indulge with too many technical pieces of machinery, you can start with some small compact tools and take one project at a time. So, this was all about setting a complete shop on a budget that if you stay mindful about, the results would be satisfying.
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