SkyFive Properties Blog

Interior design ideas come in a wide range of formulas and formats, sometimes with subtle
differences and times utterly distinct. Yet each type presents its own experience, flavor, and
finish that render your living space in outstanding chapters of history, inspiration, and creative
endeavor.

Take curtains, for example, each variation has a distinct taste and influence over the
room is attached. Step it up a bit, you can play with the quality of the fabric, and you’ll be
surprised at how much it can change the ambiance. One of the excellent choices for you to
consider is linen curtains. Be sure to find the right color and style to fit it nicely.

Here are a few stylish home design options worth trying out:

Basic housekeeping – a clean, organized living space is a must

Believe it or not, the most affordable way to keep your home looking elegant is to actually
declutter it. Remove all unnecessary items and maintain a strict weekly vacuuming and dusting
routine. Cleaning lets you spot and removes stains on area rugs and carpets more quickly,
helping keep them free from damages and a shabby look. The same applies to furniture. Clean
your curtains and windows, too—they permit natural light to flow into the room and make it look
bright and welcoming.

Accessories – gold-legged tables, fine cotton, silk, and stuff

Most average living spaces lack the basic accessories to really turn them into elegant spaces.
Many of us may claim that accessorizing can stretch the budget, but the opposite is true. You
will be surprised with the range of affordable routes to accessorize your living space while
staying within the margins of your budget, more so if you think silver and gold. Gold, for
example, is associated with riches and wealth, and can instantly evoke an elegant feeling,
provided you flood the space with a lot of it. So go ahead and accessorize with gold mirrors,
gold picture frames, or gold-legged tables. Add some fine silk and premium cotton stuff.
Hardware finishes – choose the most unique of all.
It is not uncommon to walk into any home improvement store, head to a section, and find a
whole wall of drawer/cabinet knobs and pulls. However, that’s the exact moment you should
turn back and walk out of the store. These bulk household hardware pieces are cheap most of
the time, but they are never good quality. They tend to look cheap – cheap items with cheap
appearances!

For just a few more bucks – although not significant enough to rob a bank – you
can acquire elegant, expensive-looking, and quality pieces elsewhere. Antique shops, smaller
hardware stores, and flea markets are some of the best establishments to look at. You will find
heavy-duty and expensive-looking drawer pulls and knobs with a more affordable price tag,
giving your living space the elegant and unique appearance you desire.

Hardwood over carpet

Hardwood is more preferable to carpet. It is just a fact that even the average wall-to-wall carpet
in a living space makes the place feel soft and warm, but it doesn’t come with the solid elegance
factor that a gleaming hardwood floor provides. Hardwood offers an elegant and classic
appearance at an affordable price. Buying hardwood for your living space can be seen as a
worthwhile investment, although it might not be a wise one in some cases. Hardwood comes
with the durability any homeowner would cherish and provides an impressive return on
investment, more so if you plan to resell your home. Those who don’t regard hardwood so highly tend to opt for laminate which is a great option as well.

However, be certain to purchase the best laminate sheets you could find on the market so that you end with something of quality.
In fact, if you were to find yourself divided between lush carpeting or laminate, we’d recommend
the plush carpet in a second. To get the value of your money, look at a range of many different
kinds of wood because some are costlier than others without necessarily being the most quality
in the pack. For example, oak and birch are usually less costly than cherry. Also, choose a dark
color if you want a more luxurious look, but be certain to add an area rug (several of them,
actually) to tie the general design of your living space together from ceiling to floor.

Linen throw pillows for your couch

Nothing beats linen. We could mention everything important you need for stylish home design,
but without linen, the list would be naught. Linen pillows, very much like cotton pillows, are quite
low maintenance because the fiber is normally blended with more durable fabrics like polyester
or cotton. Use linen to set up a light and breezy vibe for this summer. The best thing about linen
in general – regardless of the product you choose to buy – is that it is a natural fiber with a low
environmental impact compared to cotton. Also, it is highly absorbent and breathable.

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Home renovation is expensive, and costs can quickly build up. Rising material prices, labor shortage, and a costly housing market encourage many homeowners to renovate instead of moving. While few homeowners are willing to spend on projects that enhance their home values, many take DIY approaches for their home remodeling. However, a lot can go wrong if you attempt a job beyond your skill-set and capacity. As such, it’s best to plan and stick to this professional guide to renovate your home.

• You don’t have to complete everything

You don’t have to handle each part of a redesign or even redecorating jobs all by yourself. Many people have spent more after attempting a DIY since they have to engage a professional to fix their mistakes. It’s, therefore, practical to be realistic with what you can and can’t do. There may be some instances where it’s better to engage professional services to get the job done, for example, if you need your roof done then getting someone with superior roofing services will make sure there are no mistakes. Meanwhile, ensure you check the license or permit status of every contractor you may engage since some could be riding on others’ licensing.

• Do your research

Before undertaking any home renovation, spend some time chatting with your companions, family, and neighbors about your plan. Get them to talk about the remodel work they’ve completed and their difficulties throughout the process. This offers you a good insight into the cost and risks involved. It also determines whether you can do some tasks yourself, especially when you’re undertaking kitchen remodeling. The kitchen remains one of the most functional areas in the home, so it’s best to sit this one out and consider engaging a professional.

• Never assume all will go according to plan

DIY experts recommend that you prepare yourself for the unexpected if you do things on your own. You’ll regularly have to go over your spending plan and may require some more investment than you expect. Keep that in mind and get ready for it. In any case, that doesn’t mean it’s alright to be a taskmaster. Avoid interfering with individuals on the job. Instead, structure a good work plan with the contractor and consistently review it every day to ensure you’re on track for time and budget.

• Think through your routine

For an experienced DIYer, chances are you’re familiar with working around home renovation disruption. Yet, if you’ve engaged a professional or contractor for some tasks, consider your daily schedules and work side-by-side with the contractor. It helps to determine the start and close times that ensure minimal family life interruption. Nobody would be comfortable walking around in their bathrobe while you have outsiders in the home.

Your home is potentially your most significant and prominent investment. Whether you’re renovating for personal reasons or preparing your home to sell, the slightest change can significantly improve your resale value. There’s no excuse not to take the DIY approach if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves. The points listed above should get you started on the right way to renovate your home.

There’s no doubt that real estate is one of the absolute best investments that you can make. It’s not only the investment opportunity with one of the highest probabilities of returns but it’s also a safe and secure investment. After all, people will always need to use properties for all kinds of reasons. The mistake that a lot of people make is in assuming that real estate investment is always going to be easy. As though you can just buy a property and then let the money come rolling in. And sure, real estate investment is, technically speaking, a passive income, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a whole lot of time, hard work, and commitment that goes into it. At least, that’s if you want to be able to earn a profit from it. The reality is that real estate investment is not something that you can just do carelessly without a lot of careful planning and your willingness to put your all into it. One of the simplest, and yet most important decisions that you can make as a real estate investor is how you choose the property, or properties, that you invest in. With that in mind, here are some ways that you can choose the perfect real estate investment.

Location

Source

This is something that a lot of potential real estate investors don’t actually put all that much thought into. At first glance, it seems like something that’s not going to be all that important. However, the truth is that the location of the properties that you invest in can make all the difference in the world. For one thing, different locations have all kinds of variations in the property market. This means that how much you actually have available to invest is often going to dictate where you can invest. It’s also worth thinking about the future. If there are areas that are undergoing renewal then you may be able to find properties at an incredibly competitive price that will end up rising in value dramatically within a few years. Likewise, you need to think about what you want out of your properties and whether there’s actually a market for it in any given location. If you’re going to find the right property to invest in, considering the location of that property should be right at the top of your list of priorities.

The mortgage rate

If you’re not in a position to directly invest the money for a property, something not all of us is lucky enough to be able to do. Then you’re likely going to have to take out a mortgage. Obviously, a mortgage is a large financial responsibility and something that you will have to consider very carefully when you’re thinking about investing in any property. However, there are things that you do to make sure that you’re putting yourself in the best possible financial position. For one thing, there are a dedicated investment or buy-to-let mortgages that you may want to look into. That way you can be sure that your mortgage is tailored to your needs. Likewise, you can use resources online to find the best possible house loan rate. That way, you can be sure that the money that you invest in your property in the long term isn’t going to end up outweighing the potential returns that you can on your investment.

What are you using it for?

If you’re trying to find the perfect property for your real estate investment then one of the most important things that you need to consider is the fact that not all investment properties are going to be used for the same thing. The most common use for an investment property is renting it out. But even that is something that can be incredibly varied. After all, you may wish to become a residential landlord. In which case you will have to consider things like the kinds of tenants that you want, how active you want to be with the upkeep of the property, and many others. Or you might invest in a commercial property. These kinds of properties can often come with higher costs but make much more stable long-term investments compared to residential properties. On the other hand, you may be looking to develop a property and sell it for a profit. In which case your criteria for a property are going to be very different than if you were buying a property that would require people to be able to use it right away. These are all things that you have to consider very early in the process.

Maintenance

As nice as it would be to just be able to invest in a property and then leave it to its own devices, that’s just not how things work. Instead, you’re going to have to make sure that you’re willing to put in the time and effort to maintain your properties. Whether that’s making repairs at the request of tenants, keeping the building up to all necessary codes, or simply ensuring that the areas around the property are kept clean and tidy. The truth is that any property is a responsibility and you have to be willing to take that seriously.

While any form of investment is a great way to supplement your income without having to take on a whole new job, you should remember that there are always going to be commitments involved. Whether you’re taking on the role of a landlord or simply flipping properties to sell on for a profit, there is going to be work involved and you shouldn’t take on a large investment like a property without carefully considering whether or not you actually have the time, the resources, or the ability to take on that level of work. Otherwise, you could well end up with a serious money pit on your hands that you’re unable to do anything with or profit from even the slightest bit. Investment is hard work and if you’re not willing to treat it as such, you should definitely think twice before diving in.

While there are several guides specifying the details of investing in real estate and how you can go about it, there are not as many guides on how to maintain a property after, especially if you plan on renting it out in the future. Maintenance of the rental property is extremely important, as it will determine the type of returns and tenants you receive. The better the condition of a property, the better your position will be to market it for a higher price to potential tenants. Here are some tips to maintain your real estate rental investment.

Inspection

You can begin the maintenance process by properly inspecting both the exterior and interior of your property. This will help you prevent sudden costs related to significant damages caused by negligence. For the exterior, inspect your roof for any mold or moss or missing shingles, the sealing of your windows, exterior painting, and landscape for any broken trees or branches. For the interior, you can check your water heater, smoke detectors, heating, and cooling systems, and paint. You should get any damages or inefficiencies such as with the heating and cooling repaired by professionals like 888 Heating.

Extermination

Regular extermination should be at the top of your maintenance list. You should ideally exterminate every month or at least every other month even if there are no signs of rodents on the property. Prevention is better in this case. You can do the extermination yourself but it is recommended you hire a professional for a thorough job.

Caulking and grout between tiles

Caulking and grout between tiles are often ignored, but it is an important element to be aware of, as they can crack over time and you will no longer have a waterproof seal. This can lead to water leaks and also damage the surrounding walls and floor. It’s best if you replace the caulking or grout as soon as you notice any cracks or holes.

Gutter cleaning

Gutters need to be cleaned regularly. Gutters can easily get clogged with leaves and other debris which can cause leaks around your property. You can also get gutter guards for your property that sit on top of the gutters and only let the water pass through via its small holes, preventing the accumulation of debris.

Hire a property manager

Maintaining a property can be a tedious time-consuming job, especially if you work full time. Regular checkups are a must even when there’s no one staying at the property. If you feel like it’s too much work, you can hire a property manager to take care of it all. A property manager can not only overlook the maintenance of your property but can also completely take over the work of finding the right tenants for you and the monthly rent collection.

Real estate investment includes many ongoing costs and you should be aware of them before you make the big decision. The tips provided are just a few from a long list of things that can make your rental property attractive to the tenants and also keep the existing tenants happy.

Photo by Luke van Zyl on Unsplash

Liability insurance is a policy that offers protection against bodily harm, negligence, damage of properties, loss of limbs, or death. This is a kind of blanket that includes the “product” or “public” liability. This just means that the coverage can be extended to the direct or indirect actions of the insured person.

If the accident results in damages or loss, including the damages in structures of a property or manufactured products, it can be covered. A fault in a product or medical malpractice can also be covered in these types but they are fairly common in construction companies and independent contractors.

The Costs

General prices are assigned based on the projected amount of the project. You can check the website http://www.contractorbond.org/california-contractors-general-liability-insurance for more information about the expenses and costs you need to prepare before getting the complete package. Its coverage can also include advertising injury and consumer accidents with protection from lawsuits. Construction firms that usually have this are better qualified and more likely to land a project because it’s a requirement for many public and private sectors.

Why Is There a Need for General Liability?

If you’re the owner of a project, you need your contractors to have general liability because you may be sued, or there may be a need to shoulder the costs when they land in the hospital for doing your project. The essentials may include the following:

Protection of the Business

The independent contractors have several legal obligations as the larger companies. However, they are more prone to exposure when it comes to liabilities because they often work alone. Some may ask subcontractors, but this can be a disaster when everyone is not fully insured.

Another thing why insurance is necessary is that there’s the presence of a lawsuit in case the clients’ property got damaged. There are also advertising injuries or bodily harms that can be thrown into the mix. The damages and legal fees can be covered with a secured policy that has resulted from a lawsuit.

Clients Need Contractors to Have It

For some project owners, contractors who will work on their house should carry general liability insurance before starting the job. Without these essential documents, the owners will be responsible in case of accidents and wrongdoings caused by poor performance and work.

The Law Requires This

In some states, many construction firms must carry insurance before they can get their licenses and be allowed to operate in a given area. The general liability coverage can benefit both the contractors and the clients, which is a must nowadays.

Independent Contractors to be Held Liable?

It’s important to know that even independent contractors are not immune to damages and lawsuits. It’s not just the big firms that receive these kinds of notices regularly. Like any other business owners, many have paid from their own pockets to defend themselves in the courts and pay the lawyers’ fees simultaneously. With insurance in place, these expenses are usually covered.

Different industries offer various risks. For example, a 1099 worker hired for a photoshoot may be faced with a different issue than a kitchen designer. The photographers may get accusations that they were infringing copyright, and the designers may risk getting lawsuits from homeowners who got injured with the new models. These are the problems that the coverage often addresses.

Some companies are operating in this industry for decades, and they are the right places where you can get the right insurance policy. You can get certificates to show that the team is covered, and clients love this because this is usually cost-effective.

General liability has become vital because clients are protected during the duration of the job. Overall, the homeowners or small businesses may add multiple contractors as long as the policy covers them.

It’s typically a more expensive move for clients to include contractors into their policy, but this still depends on specific conditions and situations. Costs can vary, and you may want to fill up some forms and make applications online to know more about the coverage and the policy if you are the contractor.

An increasing number of American adults choose to share their homes with roommates. For tenants or even homeowners, cohabitating is a necessity. According to the Pew Research Center analysis of census data for 2017, almost one-third of US adults share a household. The combination of rising housing costs, student loan debt, and delayed marriage encourage the rise of roommate households. In expensive cities, such as Los Angeles, almost half of the adult population share their home with a roommate. By definition, a roommate is not a partner or a relative. The pandemic has increased the need for shared households, both for financial and emotional purposes. Cost-share, companionship, and belonging to a community are some of the most frequently mentioned reasons for cohabitation. How does the cohabitation culture influence the real estate market?

33% US adult population shares households

By definition, shared households tend to bring together individuals who are unmarried and not living with their partners. Both landlords and homeowners can promote cohabitation. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to lessen the burden of a mortgage by seeking a roommate. For a landlord, encouraging co-shared households can make the property more appealing to tenants. Co-shared properties typically range from a 2 bedroom apartment to a 4 bedroom house. However, most tenants prefer smaller constellations, such as sharing with one or two roommates at most.

Essential criteria in a shared household

Bathroom improvements typically add value to your property. But in a co-shared household, the addition of an en-suite can reduce bathroom delays and stress. Ideally, roommates expect to find at least one bathroom for two bedrooms. Shared bathrooms can lead to conflicts and frustration, which is why cohabitation properties need to provide manageable solutions. The introduction of cohabitation rules can help keep the bathroom clean and organized. It can be essential to design a space that is easy to share. For instance, a single bathroom with two sinks and mirrors makes the roommate household more usable.

What do tenants want?

Roommates are not willing to compromise on location and amenities with a shared household. Indeed, sharing costs means they can select more favorable locations, with proximity to offices and shops. Additionally, roommates will expect basic services to be accessible within the building or within walking distance of the property. Essentials will include a washing machine or an on-site laundrette, accessible parking spaces, garden, or common roof area. If they are moving in with the homeowner, Internet access is a given.

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Is a managed property worth the hype?

Contrary to common belief, co-shared rentals can also focus on short-term stays. This can make the property appealing to contractors and consultants, as many stay with an employee for a limited period. Therefore, the introduction of concierge and cleaning services to a roommate household rental can fulfill a specialist demand. Co-shared rentals for contractors should provide a no-hassle get-out clause, in case their contract finishes unexpectedly. Tenants should also be able to renew easily for similar reasons. These short-term tenants will expect Wifi and electricity services to be sorted and included in their rental fees. They will also value a breakfast buffet or cooked breakfast delivery.

Roommate households are a necessary addition to the real estate market. Cohabitation offers access to a variety of services that tenants couldn’t afford otherwise. But co-shared rentals have to be prepared with cohabitation challenges in mind. From designing a space that prevents conflicts to offering life-enhancing services, co-sharing is synonymous with smart features.

Getting your home to look luxurious can be difficult, especially if you are on a strict budget. Luckily, there are many ways to decorate your home, even on a budget. Pulling a room together and changing the features to make your home functional and yet stylish is not an easy task, even if you have the budget. Things can get a little bit complicated, from choosing the paint to complement your rooms to the lighting options. However, below are some of the proven ways to make your house a home:

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Decorate with Big Plants

There are many reasons to include plants in your home. Besides adding some aesthetic value to your house, green plants can reduce the toxins in the atmosphere through absorption, hence improving your home’s air quality. Other benefits include helping lower blood pressure levels and boosting your mood by energizing your mind. Plants can also help you get better sleep.

Using plants is an excellent way to make your home unique both from the outside and the inside.  To make your home look good, try decorating using large plants. Place the plants in the lobby or even the living room. Plants are affordable, and they make an excellent addition to your home when you are looking to upraise the interior design on a budget.

Hang your Curtains High

The curtains in your house are like the best blazer when it comes to complimenting a suit. Your rooms will feel incomplete without a curtain, and besides their decorative benefits, curtains add some practicalities to your home. You can get some privacy by using the right length and appropriate mounting practices for your window curtains. But you can’t decorate broken windows. Try to get new windows for a house to compliment the curtains.

When choosing curtains for your windows, consider going for deluxe fabrics like velvet to generate a lavish frame for your windows. One big mistake you can make when hanging curtains is hanging them too high, just above the top of your window frame. Doing that will make the rooms and windows feel short. Therefore, hang the curtains high to make a grand imprint and make the room feel taller.

Color Matters

Picking the right paint color is one of the hardest decisions to make when decorating a room. This is especially true if the rest of the decor will depend on the color pallet. However, if you are looking to add some sophistication to your rooms, go for colors that add instant charm to your home. You can pick to go for bold and dramatic hues or even soft ones. Whichever type you choose should be able to add instant appeal to your home.

Alternatively, you can paint your inner doors black to create a luxurious feeling without necessarily breaking the bank automatically. However, if you decide to paint the doors black, ensure that you incorporate some black fixtures to your home to compliment the black door.

Hang Some Artwork

Artwork is usually disregarded as being expensive, perky, and exclusive. However, since the early days, people have been using artwork to decorate their homes, from family photographs, panting, and sculptures to things found in nature like pinecones and shells. Artwork adds an element to your home that makes it distinct to you and your family.

Some people might find a blank wall to be very calming; however, they find any artwork, especially those special to them, to add meaning to their homes. If you want to make your house feel more of a home, make a list of the things you love and want to see on your wall every day. The list can include a family portrait or a collection of books that you love to display creatively.

And when hanging artwork in your house, make sure that you do so at eye level.

Let Natural Light In

If you are like most people out there, you possibly spend most of your time outdoors. However, human beings evolved in the outdoors. So, what happens when you spend most of your time indoors? You tend to get less fresh air and less time in nature. Letting in some natural light can help you save energy and increase the focus in your home. There are other numerous benefits of natural light, from reducing stress and anxiety to reducing blood pressure.

You don’t need blackout shades, well, unless you are designing your bedroom. To let more natural light in your house, try to use sheer materials to create a natural and windy look. And when you want some privacy, try using some heavier yet luxurious fabrics like velvet. You can also combine sheers and velvet to get both choices in your living space.

Go for Unique Hardware Options

Sometimes, you can walk into a makeover store and be faced with myriads of finishes; you might feel lucky, but this is the best time to turn back and walk out of the door. Those bulk finishes might be inexpensive and also be of poor quality. However, the good news is that for a small amount of money, you can get elegant and expensive-looking finishes for your house. Places like the flea market, antique shops, and small hardware stores are usually the best place to look. Here, you can find expensive-looking and heavy-duty finishes at an even much affordable price.

Opt for Hardwood Flooring

Carpeting your home from wall to wall can be a good way of adding warmth. However, it is not the same style element that is offered by solid and glossy hardwood floors. Hardwood floors tend to give a classic and stylish look at an affordable price. Make a wise decision by buying a hardwood floor for your room. It can be an expensive decision; however, it will be worth it.

Conclusion

When decorating your home, you should aim to balance luxury and simplicity. Avoid going for irrelevant and complicated features. Choose the right paint color, avoid low-priced, poor quality items and shop wisely for all your decorating items. Take your time to create a budget for all the rooms in your home and think about the things you can do to save money, for instance, do your shopping at the flea market, small hardware store, and second-hand shops.

Are you looking to buy a house? Do you want to sell your house?

Whatever the case may be, there is a great way you can buy or sell a house. A real estate auction is a good option.

How does a real estate auction work, you ask? Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about this type of auction.

How to Buy a House at Auction

Buying real estate is now easy to do thanks to real estate auctions. Before you buy a house through a real estate auction, you must know what type of auction you’ll attend. Is it a confirmation-style or an absolute auction?

In an absolute auction, the buyer with the highest bid wins. In a confirmation-style auction, the seller sets a reserve price. This is the least the seller will take as an offer.

One of the issues that buyers take with this type of auction is that the reserve price is not disclosed. Buyers have no way of knowing if their bid will be the one that wins.

Do go prepare for the auction. Make sure to check out the house if you so you know what it’s like. Have your form of payment ready on the day of the auction so you can pay if your bid wins.

If you win, the house isn’t yours until you have the certificate of title in your hands.

A major benefit of buying a house in a real estate auction is the potential of getting a deep discount on a house. It’s a fast process as you don’t have to spend weeks dealing with the whole buying process.

How to Sell a House at Auction

If you’re looking to sell your home consider selling it in an auction. The good thing about this method is that you won’t have to deal with the conventional way of selling a house.

Look for a real estate auction company that meets your needs. You want to know how the company will plan to market the auction. Ask what type of auction is going to be conducted.

Do ask if there is a no-sale fee if the house doesn’t attract bidders. This is the fee the company will charge for their service.

One of the benefits you will get from selling real estate in an auction is that you don’t have to schedule an open house. You don’t have to negotiate with buyers on repairs.

How Does a Real Estate Auction Work for Clients?

If you’re looking to buy or sell a house, you can do so through a real estate auction.

How does a real estate auction work best for you? If you’re looking to sell your house fast this is a great option. If you want to buy a house for cheap go with this route.

Explore the rest of our website for more tips and advice.

Are you a homeowner? Are you wondering, “how often do windows need to be replaced?”

New windows can do so much more than improve the look of your home. They are key to comfort, safety, and security. A new set of windows can also improve your home’s value and energy efficiency.

If you’re wondering how often to replace windows in your home, you’ll need to do a little homework. And you’ll need to know what signs to be looking for.

Here are some telltale signs you should replace your windows.

Warping or Breaking

Window problems can sometimes be minor. If you have a crack in the glass or damaged weatherstripping, you can probably simply replace the part that’s broken.

However, a warped or damaged window sash is a sign that you may need an entirely new window. These can really cost you money on your heating and air conditioning bills since your house will be poorly insulated. It’s also an easy way for insects and other unwelcome critters to get inside.

Drafts

When you walk past your window, you may notice a little burst of cold air. Or your curtains may move slightly on a particularly windy night even if the windows are closed. Windows with cracks and gaps can really make your heating system work overtime.

You’re Energy Bills Are Skyrocketing

If you’re losing a lot of energy through your windows, you’ll notice high bills during the winter and summer especially. Much of what you’re spending on heating and cooling is literally flying out the window.

The average U.S. home can save anywhere from $126 to $465 each year through window replacement. If you’re looking to make your home more energy-efficient, new windows are a must.

Foggy Windows

If your windows have more than one pane, you may notice a foggy appearance. This happens when condensation gets trapped between the panes due to a crack or small opening. It can also be due to a broken window seal.

You’ll notice foggy windows when it’s colder outside than it is inside. You may even see actual moisture between your window panes. If your windows are older, it’s an indication that it’s time to invest in a quality Renewal by Andersen Window replacement.

You Still Have Single Panes

Single pane windows are no longer common in residential buildings. However, you may still have them if your home is older.

Single-pane windows don’t provide very good insulation. You’ll notice them becoming quite cold to the touch in the winter and very hot in the summer. Single pane windows will also fail to protect you against loud noise.

It pays to invest in modern double or even triple-pane windows. These can save you money on energy bills and even raise your home value.

Difficulty Operating

If your windows are older, you won’t have an easy time opening or closing them. Sometimes, you’ll need to add a bit of force or pressure. If your panes are wood, they can also get painted or swollen shut.

It’s even possible to sustain an injury while opening or closing old windows. Replacing your windows can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

How Often to Replace Windows

Generally speaking, windows should get replaced every fifteen to twenty years. Some window companies will offer a warranty of twenty years for glass and five to ten years for other components. Make sure to find out about warranty options during your original purchase.

Your window quality and type of materials used will have a big influence on the lifespan of your windows. Wood windows, for example, are more expensive but known to last longer.

Your climate will also impact the life of your windows. For example, if your area is subject to extreme heat or cold, your windows will warp faster. This is also true if your location experiences a lot of moisture or direct sunlight.

Windows that are heavily used, or those that were poorly installed, can also shorten the lifespan of a window. If you want yours to last long, make sure you invest in quality installation and properly maintain them.

Benefits of New Windows

The money you’ll save on energy costs is just one of the benefits of having your windows replaced. They’ll be easier to clean because you won’t need to worry about rot and mold. You also won’t need to worry about scraping and painting because your windows won’t require that type of maintenance.

New windows can also better protect you against dangers such as break-ins and intruders. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies, it can also protect you against outdoor dust and pollen.

Homes with new windows are more comfortable for those living inside. They can help prevent air leaks and reduce the number of UV rays that get inside.

A fresh set of windows will also make your home appear more attractive to those walking by. Your neighbors will thank you!

New windows can also help to improve your home value. In fact, it can boost your value anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500. If you’re considering selling in the near future, fresh windows can help you get a great return on your investment.

Looking On

New windows can bring untold value to your home. If you’re wondering how often to replace your windows, start by looking for telltale signs that they’re wearing out. Once you replace them, your home will thank you in the form of comfort, safety, and value.

Don’t stop getting smart about home improvement now. For more great advice, read our blog today.

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Having your AC or furnace break down when you need it most is a huge pain. Unfortunately, such appliances are bound to develop faults sooner or later. When this happens, everyone’s first action is to call an HVAC technician.

However, in this article, we’ll be giving you some simple tips on how to troubleshoot your air conditioner or furnace. With that being said, let’s begin.

Troubleshooting Furnace Problems

Furnaces and heaters are very important for your comfort (and survival) during cold weather. Let’s think about it for a minute; we’d probably still be using wood fires.

Unfortunately, unlike wood fires, furnaces and heaters develop problems from time to time, even if you service them regularly. If your heater isn’t working properly, here are some simple things you can check before calling any HVAC technicians.

Check Thermostat For Problems

This is one of the most common causes of temperature problems in the house. You need to ensure that your heater’s thermostat is in the right mode. In most thermostats, it should be set on “heat”. Also, try increasing the temperature by about 5 degrees. Your thermostat might also need a new set of batteries.

Dirty Furnace Filter

Before doing any major repairs on your heater, be sure to check the filter. Over time, heater filters gather dirt and become grimy. This dirt often interferes with the performance of the system.

If your furnace isn’t heating properly, try cleaning or replacing the filter first. Turn the heater off before doing any work on it. Always remember to clean the filter at least once a month. This will prevent the buildup of dust and grime.

Gas Valve

Sometimes the heater’s flame goes off. When this happens, you can consult your user’s manual to learn how to restart it. However, you must remember to check the gas valve first. Do not attempt to light the heater if you smell any gas. This could indicate a leak. Evacuate your house as soon as possible and get professional assistance.

Troubleshooting Air Conditioner Problems

Here are some of the most common air conditioner problems and how you can try to fix them:

Air Conditioner Not Turning On

This is by far the most common ac problem people face. If your air conditioning unit isn’t coming on, this could be a result of having no power. Try checking for things like tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. Replacing these components should solve the problem. If this doesn’t work for you, try checking the unit for damaged wiring.

Low Refrigerant

An AC’s refrigerant can be compared to oil in a car. You need to top it up once in a while. If your unit runs out of refrigerant, it will greatly affect the system’s capability to cool the air. Refrigerant is needed to remove humidity and heat. Click here to learn more about what a refrigerant is.

Depending on how old your unit is, low refrigerant might be a sign of leakage. A leak can be fixed easily by HVAC technicians. However, if the unit has leaks in multiple places, it may be time to replace it.

Glitching Thermostat

As we mentioned previously in this guide, a faulty thermostat can greatly affect the performance of your heater or air conditioner. In most cases, the unit doesn’t cool because it wasn’t properly calibrated. Ensure that you set the temperature as low as possible. If this fails, the thermostat may be defective and needs replacement. Be sure to call a technician to do this.

Drainage Problems

The moisture extracted by the AC unit is turned to water. This water is then transferred through a hose into a drain. If there is a clog in the hose or drain, the water will continue to build up.

If left long enough, this water will eventually damage your air conditioner and even your house. Never overlook this part when troubleshooting your AC.

Defective Condenser Coils

Condenser coils are very important in an AC unit. These coils are responsible for expelling absorbed heat out of a building. These coils are found in the outdoor unit; this means that they are exposed to soot and dirt. Over time, the coils become grimy.

This dirt makes it harder for the coils to transfer heat efficiently. This leads to the overworking of the air conditioner. This in turn, could lead to complete system failure.

Hiring a Technician

DIY can be pretty great. However, there are some things that you just cannot fix by yourself. This is why you need to get professional assistance. Hiring a HVAC technician will benefit both you and your HVAC systems. There are a lot of good sources of information on the web like this site https://www.ssmechanical.co/ if you want to know more.

Conclusion

Every appliance develops faults every now and then. It might not be convenient at that moment for some people to call a technician. The good news is that there are some problems that can be fixed easily. However, you need to keep in mind that there are also problems that require professional handling.

Photo by Dan LeFebvre on Unsplash